Deadline: Sony Pictures Television Acquires Industrial Media In $300M+ Deal, Restructures Its Unscripted Operations
Sony Pictures Television is expanding its unscripted footprint in a big way. The TV studio has signed an agreement to acquire independent nonfiction production company Industrial Media whose portfolio includes such series as American idol, 90 Day Fiancé, Indian Matchmaking, Selena+Chef and So You Think You Can Dance. Upon closing, Sony Pictures will acquire a majority controlling interest in Industrial Media based […]
USA Today: The most appalling allegations (so far) in A&E’s Hugh Hefner docuseries ‘Secrets of Playboy’
What is the legacy of Hugh Hefner? Infamous libertine and hedonist? Groundbreaking publisher and free-speech warrior? Culture changer, vampire, monster? All of the above? Read more via USA Today.
Chicago Sun Times: ‘Secrets of Playboy’ recalls the ugly side of Hefner’s empire of beauty
On A&E series, the company’s models and staffers describe drug use, exploitation of women and the founder’s controlling tactics. Read more via Chicago Sun Times.
Buzzfeed: The Gruesome Reality Behind the Playboy Myth
For decades, Playboy — and its instantly recognizable bunny logo — symbolized sexual glamour to millions. The magazine’s girl-next-door nudes and upscale lifestyle content catered to a new style of cosmopolitan man: comfortable with fashion, consumerism, and bachelorhood. Read more via Buzzfeed.
CNN Entertainment: ‘Secrets of Playboy’ pulls back the curtain on the dark side of Hugh Hefner’s empire
The Playboy mystique and Hugh Hefner’s legacy receive a serious debunking in “Secrets of Playboy,” a 10-part A&E network docuseries that explores the dark side of the lifestyle Hefner sought to embody. Somewhat bloated in its format, there are plenty of disturbing revelations scattered here for those with the patience to reach them. Read more […]
The Wrap: Don Cheadle and Steven Soderbergh Producing ‘The Other Hamilton’ for HBO Max
Don Cheadle and Steven Soderbergh are executive producing the series “The Other Hamilton” (about Wall Street’s first black millionaire) for HBO Max, according to an individual with knowledge of the project. Read more via The Wrap.
Deadline: ‘American Idol’: ABC Talent Contest Teases Alums To Replace Bobby Bones, Aims For Studio Audience
American Idol isn’t planning to replace mentor Bobby Bones directly and will instead lean on a number of alums of the talent contest. Read more via Deadline.
Realscreen: Sony acquires unscripted prodco Industrial Media
Sony Pictures Television made major inroads into the factual and unscripted space on Thursday (March 3), announcing the acquisition of major non-fiction production company Industrial Media and the establishment of a new SPT game-show production division. Read more via Realscreen.