08/11/23: WGA and Hollywood Studios meet today

Friday August 11, 2023

Today’s Premieres
Amazon Prime Video: We Are Newcastle United; Red, White & Royal Blue
HGTV: My Lottery Dream Home at 9p
Netflix: Down for Love
Paramount+: PAW Patrol: Moto Pups
Starz: Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham at 9:30p

Today’s Finales
Apple TV+: Swagger
SHOWTIME: Billions

Saturday’s Premieres
A&E: Kings of BBQ at 9p; Hip Hop Treasures at 10p
Netflix: Behind Your Touch

Saturday’s Finales
Weather Channel: Prime Suspect: Earth at 8p

Sunday’s Premieres
HBO: Telemarketers at 10p
SHOWTIME: Billions at 8p

Sunday’s Finales
Weather Channel: Fast: Home Rescue at 10p

IN THE NEWS

WGA meets with Hollywood studios and AMPTP to resume negotiations today. The upcoming talks are the first official conversations since the start of the strike in May. The WGA wrote in a statement to members yesterday, “Our committee returns to the bargaining table ready to make a fair deal, knowing the unified WGA membership stands behind us and buoyed by the ongoing support of our union allies.” Both parties met in an exploratory meeting on August 4, without any resolution.

The 75th Emmy Awards has set a new date – January 15 on FOX. Coinciding with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the ceremony telecast will broadcast live on FOX coast-to-coast from the Peacock Theater at LA Live and will honor the performers, writers, directors and craftspeople whose work has contributed to programming throughout the past year.

SAG-AFTRA and Bethenny Frankel have aligned “to engage in a new path to union coverage.” Working “toward the protection of the reality performers,” the guild said in a statement, “We are tired of studios and production companies trying to circumvent the union in order to exploit the talent that they rely upon to make their product.” Frankel had previously questioned why reality stars weren’t striking, commenting that “reality stars are the stepchildren, the mules, the pack horses, the ones the entertainment industry is going to rely on to do the heavy lifting when real stars are on strike.”

2023 Esports & Gaming Business Summit

It’s giving: Gaming

As more companies, executives, teams and players join the roster for this year’s Esports & Gaming Business Summit, you’re going to want to snag your seat early alongside Twitch, NBA 2K League, Twitter, TikTok, Nintendo and Mountain Dew. Sound like somewhere you’d like to be?

REGISTER NOW

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

OUTtv has commissioned “The G-List,” its first South African original. The LGBTQ+ television and streaming service’s announcement comes after its launch on Openview’s Ultraview service earlier this year. The unscripted series, produced by The Red Pill Productions, is set to start production this month.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

“Women of Wrestling” announced its season two premiere date. The all-female sports entertainment’s sophomore season will premiere the weekend of September 16 in national syndication. Former WOW World Champion The Beast will also make a comeback to the ring, along with a roster of new and returning WOW Superheroes.

“The Swarm” now premieres September 12 on the CW. The eight-episode eco-thriller, executive produced by “Game of Thrones” alum Frank Doelger and based on Frank Schätzing’s novel, has been pushed back a week from its originally scheduled premiere date.

“Cutlers Court” launches this fall. Dana and Keith Cutler preside over the courtroom drama to hear relationship disputes from real litigants. “After almost 35 years together, we not only have an understanding of the law, but also of love and life,” said Judge Dana Cutler in a statement. “Cutler and I are very excited to return to television in this new series to offer our different perspectives on relationships and help people move forward.”

Over at Netflix, “The Fall of the House of Usher” premieres October 12. Mike Flanagan’s eight-episode limited series based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe stars Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, and Mary McDonnell.

The final episode of the first season of “Average Joe” premieres August 17. Deon Cole stars as “Joe Washington,” a blue-collar plumber whose life is turned upside down following the death of his father. Tammy Townsend and Michael Trucco star.

COMING UP

The seventh and final season of “Billions” premieres tonight. Streaming on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME before making its linear debut this Sunday, August 13, at 8p, one episode of the drama series will drop weekly.

A Candace Owens-led true crime series premieres September 8 on DailyWire+. In the newly released trailer for “Convicting a Murderer,” the series investigates Steven Avery, who was previously portrayed in “Making a Murderer” on Netflix. “Netflix made millions of dollars from ‘Making a Murderer,’ but the filmmakers left out very important details,” Owens says in the trailer. “[There are] mountains of evidence that you have not yet seen… I’m not going to make the same mistake that the filmmakers did…”

“Academy of Country Music Honors,” hosted by Carly Pearce, airs September 18 on Fox. The 16th annual, two-hour awards ceremony will feature performances from Keith Urban, Lady A, Brandy Clark, and more. Live event takes place August 23 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

STREAMING

Peacock’s “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” debuts on Bravo next week. The Peacock original series, from the creators of “Queer Eye” and narrated by Amy Poehler, premieres Thursday, August 17, at 10:30p. Based on Margareta Magnusson’s bestselling book, the series follows eight people at different stages of their lives as they’re given the chance to sort out their home, life and relationships before it’s too late.

TECH TALK

X CEO Linda Yaccarino said her role has “autonomy” from owner Elon Musk. In her first interview since joining the social media platform, Yaccarino told CNBC, “Mine and Elon’s roles are very clear.” She continued, “Elon focuses on product design. He leads a team of extraordinary engineers, and focuses on new technology… he is working on accelerating the rebrand and working on the future. I’m responsible for the rest, from partnerships to legal to sales to finance.”

SPORTS

NFL+ added feeds from RedZone and NFL Network. Subscribers of the League-owned streamer now have access to the expanded programming slate, excluding live local and primetime regular and post-season games, which will be available only on mobile.

Pluto TV and DAZN have partnered to bring exclusive sports content to Pluto TV. The free streaming service will air coverage across multiple territories, via five new DAZN channels.

Cynopsis BIG TV Conference

ARE YOU READY?

The 8th annual BIG TV Conference is an event not to be missed. From sustainability to streaming to strike strategies, you’ll hear from experts about how to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Want to be there?

REGISTER NOW

RATINGS

“Celebrity Family Feud” and “The $100,000 Pyramid” reached their biggest audiences of the summer, according to Nielsen. Following a week of delayed viewing, both game shows posted double-digit audience gains. “Celebrity Family Feud” achieved 4.1 million viewers (up 17%), and “The $100,000 Pyramid” brought in 3.6 million total viewers in L+7 (up 13%).

July 31 kicked off the MLB Network’s most-watched week of the year, and its most-watched week since July 4, 2022. Highlights from the week included MLBN’s most-watched out-of-market telecast of 2023 (HOU v. NYY on August 5, averaging 372,000 viewers), plus the “MLB Tonight” Trade Deadline special. The network’s two out-of-market “Showcase” telecasts of the Yankees v. Rays on July 31 and August 2 averaged 275,000 viewers.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Apploff Entertainment appointed Emmy-nominated TV executive Joni Day as EVP of entertainment. At the LA-based production company behind “Beat Shazam” and “Lotería Loca”, Day will conceptualize, develop, sell and produce a range of entertainment formats, reporting to President and CEO Jeff Apploff.

Matt Naber and Robert Breen are the new co-heads of advertising sales and operations at CBS stations. The veteran CBS execs will be responsible for leading local ad revenue, sales strategies and operations across CBS’ 27 local stations, as well as Paramount’s local digital and streaming revenue. They succeed Julio Marenghi, who recently announced his departure from the network as of October 1.

IN MEMORIAM

Johnny Hardwick of “King of the Hill” died at 64. The voice behind Dale Gribble passed away at his home in Austin, Texas, on August 8.

“Two Doors Down” co-creator Simon Carlyle has died. Carlyle’s manager Amanda Davis said in a statement to PA Media, “I am immensely sorry to confirm that Simon Carlyle has died at the age of 48.” The statement continued, “Simon was a wonderful person and a major comedic talent. He was much respected across the industry both for the quality of his writing and for being a kind, funny, supportive and nurturing collaborator. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family, friends and colleagues.”

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM PREMION

This Day in History
1929 – Babe Ruth became the first MLB player to hit 500 home runs (off Willis Hudlin) in a 6-5 loss to the Indians at League Park, Cleveland

Friday Fact:
Earwax is also a kind of a sweat.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which single-season 1960s series was set in an auto workshop? “Straightaway” (1960-61). Kudos to: Evan Williams-Roger Wilco Productions/New Canaan, CT, Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
What is Claire’s middle name on “Modern Family” (2009-2020)? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.)

Cynopsis Team

Lynn Leahey
Editorial Director
@Lynn_Leahey

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Robbie Caploe
VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
John Cox

CynopsisJobs
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »

Job of the day

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FETV
NYC
Represent FETV & FMC to media community via ongoing communications & relationship building. Maintain & develop strong working relationships w/both agencies & internal departments in support of sales efforts. Work w/sales management, pricing & planning to achieve quarterly revenue goals. 5+ yrs media sales exp. preferably in cable TV- agency exp. +. Full info HERE

SENIOR DESIGNER, MOTION GRAPHICS & DIGITAL >>
REELZ/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Strong graphic design foundation including – typography, color, composition & concepts & stays up to date with motion design trends & visual effects. Expert level experience w/After Effects, Photoshop & Illustrator is req. Knowledge of InDesign & 3D design software is a +. Exp. in greenscreen keying, tracking & rotoscoping techniques are also a +. Full info HERE

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Proactively identify, research, and develop new opportunities for our family-friendly programming blocks on ABC, CBS, NBC, The CW, Telemundo, & other media & digital/social outlets. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups that meet our client’s business objectives. 8 + yrs of business dev. exp. Full info HERE

SENIOR MANAGER, AD SALES MARKETING
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC
Manage the pre-sale client facing pitch process and post-sale activation of cross-platform television, streaming, digital & social media integrated marketing programs. Write & create compelling sales presentations, one-sheets & cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. 5+ yrs exp. with ad sales marketing, integrated marketing, brand advertising. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC or LOS ANGELES
Manage messaging, vision and strategy in the marketplace and internally. Responsible for helping to build, execute and enhance ad sales brand reputation and to raise awareness of the organization both internally and externally. 10+ years’ related media experience and experience with an ad sales organization. Full info HERE

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR >>
BIG FISH ENTERTAINMENT/NYC/NJ: Coordinating onboarding for all new hires.
Administering the benefits and payroll changes for employees accurately.
Maintaining an efficient filing system—paper and electronic, for employee and company records related to their job functions. Building a successful bridge between management and employees. 7 yrs entertainment exp. preferred. Full Info HERE

DIRECTOR, MEDIA SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS >>
PBS DISTRIBUTION/ARLINGTON VA, Hybrid: Oversee media systems operations, including daily operations as well as development and implementation of overall media supply chain. Work with external vendors and internal stakeholders on design and implementation of hardware and software solutions for media systems. 7+ yrs of work exp. in the areas of television, media, or consumer products. Full info HERE

TV/VIDEO SPONSORSHIP-PRODUCT INTEGRATION SALES REPRESENTATIVE >>
GAME ON MEDIA SOLUTIONS/Remote: Game On Media Solutions is looking for an independent business development oriented sponsorship sales representative. Focus will be on TV/Streaming project opportunities for brands that include product integration and placement. This is an Independent Contractor performance compensated opening. Attractive fees can be earned for closed deals. Full info HERE

BRAND ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/NYC: Full-service communication, strategy, and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, brand, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, is seeking a Brand Assistant to join the Brand team in our New York office. The Assistant will play an integral role in supporting accounts for a wide variety of Fashion, Beauty, CPG and Lifestyle clients. Full info HERE

TALENT ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/LA: Full-service strategy, communications and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, entertainment and nonprofit sectors. We are looking for a Talent Assistant to a Talent Publicist in Los Angeles. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates who can work in a fast-paced environment, are driven & have strong communication and writing skills. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR NATIONAL POLITICAL SHOW >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC: Develop and oversee the production of a daily or weekly national political show that covers the most important political news and events of the day. Develop and execute strategies to increase the show’s audience and engagement. At least 5 years of experience as an executive producer for a political show or similar program. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC: Oversee all editorial and entertainment content, news production and presentation. Responsible for day-to-day operations of the show: producing, writing, and guiding creative. Develop content for the News @ TEN, plan, assign and create production schedules. 7 years of experience as executive producer or show producer. Network experience preferred. Full info HERE

SR. DIRECTOR, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: P&L responsibility, ownership over all aspects of a project, standalone releases or a licensed library of titles. Works w/production, publicity, creative services, distribution/sales, digital, finance, legal, acquisitions & licensors to best position the project for success. 7+ yrs of exp. in marketing, business development, or product management. Full info HERE

SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: Prepare accurate reports using data from internal & external sources for sales planning & analysis. Communicate w/our distributor on a regular basis with an understanding of their systems & deadlines. Announce release date, pricing confirmation & metadata for staff & distributor. 3+Yrs exp. in Sales Planning & Analysis/Finance Administration. Full info HERE

SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC
Oversee video/creative production team thru ideation, production planning, crew/talent hiring, & budget/project management. Shepherd campaigns from development, pre-production, & production thru editing & delivery. Help w/shoots as well as postproduction team. 5+ yrs exp. spanning editorial, design, advertising agency, film, branded entertainment. Full info HERE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC
Respond to both RFPs and direct-to-client assignments from brands and agencies. Examine client brief and lead ideation or adapt pre-existing creative. Identify innovative storytelling and emerging video formats. Minimum of 7 yrs exp. producing compelling video, television and digital media content across multiple channels and platforms. Full info HERE

AD SALES PLANNER >>
SINCLAIR BROADCASTING GROUP/NYC, Hybrid: Responsible for creating, analyzing & communicating sales proposals to the Sales team for presentation to advertising agencies and/or clients. Collaborate w/all media platforms & departments to create proposals, execute campaigns, manage stewardship & pacing of linear & digital deals. Point of contact post sale & provide excellent client services. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION LIFETIME/LMN MARKETING PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
A+E NETWORKS
Remote
Lead campaign planning & production oversight, ensuring best-in-class creative. Direct Campaign Planning rollouts & ensure production readiness of marketing initiatives. Oversee production on high-end graphics/design/editorial projects. 7+ yrs working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team, with relevant work exp. in production management. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NYC: Determine best news stories for the program and create daily rundown. Work with show host in program preparation and execution. Identify compelling news stories. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to producers, associate producers, and casting producers. 3+ years executive producing experience or overseeing newscast production. Full info HERE

STAGE MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Works with Production management to maintains cast and crew lists and manages local rehearsal and show calendar. Oversee daily technical run-throughs directly prior to shows. Willing and able to work shifts between 12noon to 11pm and occasional Weekends and some longer hours during election and special events. Full info HERE

BROADCAST ENGINEER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance of television broadcast equipment, computers, and broadcast computer networks in a 24x7x365 environment. Serve as E.I.C. during live and taped shows. Electrical Engineering, or other technical degree preferred. 5+ yrs as broadcast engineer, or equivalent knowledge. 5+ yrs in live TV production. Full info HERE

PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NEW YORK: Generate story ideas through research of news reports, social media, websites & contacts. Strong understanding of Newsmax brand & talent. Identify impactful news stories that result in provocative, compelling television. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to associate producers, assignment editors & video editors. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Full info HERE

AD SALES COORDINATOR, DIRECT RESPONSE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote
Work with account executives & sales planners utilizing internal computer system to fulfill sales orders through the execution of client schedules. Serve as the primary point of contact for ad agencies & TV One to resolve discrepancies, confirm schedule changes & distribute post & pre-logs. Bachelor’s degree or 2 yrs of exp. in advertising sales. Full info HERE

MANAGER OF ENTERPRISE CONTENT, WTKR
SCRIPPS NETWORKS
NORFOLK, VA
Collaborates w/other newsroom managers to leverage the Scripps content strategy as the foundation for market-specific local content strategy. Leading a team of people to regularly & reliably produce targeted enterprise & investigative stories of impact & importance to our community. 3 yrs of exp. in digital media, journalism, broadcast preferred. Full info HERE

SR. DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD, NYC, Hybrid Remote
Develop, cultivate, and socialize vision, mission, and strategy for Digital Business, Programming Visibility, Content Creation and Content Partnerships & Data Governance. Lead and facilitate cross-functional and cross-company project teams. 12 yrs in the media & emerging platform landscape with building digital platforms and vMVPD growth strategy. Full info HERE

FRIDAY AUGUST 11
ABC: Will Trent, 20/20
CBS: Secret Celebrity Renovation, Fire Country, Blue Bloods
CW: Family Law, Moonshine
FOX: WWE Friday Night SmackDown
NBC: Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge, Dateline NBC
PBS: Washington Week with The Atlantic, Firing Line with Margaret Hoover, The Great American Recipe
Telemundo: Los 50, Secretos de Sangre
Univision: Eternamente Amándonos, Tierra de Esperanza, Mujer

@{optoutfooterhtml}@