Dylan Gossett is well aware that his career has been ridiculously fast-tracked.
In just one year’s time, the 25-year-old Austin, Texas, native went from half-seriously uploading songs to social media to becoming one of country music’s most in-demanded live draws. On the strength of a pair of EPs — including Songs in the Gravel that dropped in March — Gossett has consistently played to capacity crowds in the U.S. and abroad. In March, he performed his first show with a band with a high-profile slot on Rolling Stone’s...
In just one year’s time, the 25-year-old Austin, Texas, native went from half-seriously uploading songs to social media to becoming one of country music’s most in-demanded live draws. On the strength of a pair of EPs — including Songs in the Gravel that dropped in March — Gossett has consistently played to capacity crowds in the U.S. and abroad. In March, he performed his first show with a band with a high-profile slot on Rolling Stone’s...
- 5/2/2024
- by Josh Crutchmer
- Rollingstone.com
Update: [7:45 Pm Et]: Hot Docs announced that the festival’s artistic director Hussein Currimbhoy stepped down from his role on March 20 “due to personal reasons,” the festival told IndieWire in a statement following the mass exodus of programmers on Monday.
The festival said Currimbhoy was “fundamental in programming this year’s Festival” and that Heather Haynes, festival director, will lead the programming department ahead of the festival next month.
The statement said merely, “Regrettably, some members of the programming team have decided not to participate in this year’s Festival. We thank them for their contributions.” It did not mention any of the individuals by name.
“We look forward to celebrating this year’s films with our audiences and bringing them together with filmmakers to share their important stories.”
Currimbhoy, who had stints at Sundance, Sheffield DocFest, the Melbourne Film Festival, and more, was named artistic director in November 2023 shortly after...
The festival said Currimbhoy was “fundamental in programming this year’s Festival” and that Heather Haynes, festival director, will lead the programming department ahead of the festival next month.
The statement said merely, “Regrettably, some members of the programming team have decided not to participate in this year’s Festival. We thank them for their contributions.” It did not mention any of the individuals by name.
“We look forward to celebrating this year’s films with our audiences and bringing them together with filmmakers to share their important stories.”
Currimbhoy, who had stints at Sundance, Sheffield DocFest, the Melbourne Film Festival, and more, was named artistic director in November 2023 shortly after...
- 3/25/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
By any measure, Shane Smith and the Saints are in the midst of the sort of career-altering breakthrough that launches Texas bar bands into amphitheaters, music halls, and the top lines of festival posters.
Start with the tour. This spring, the Saints will play the Grand Ole Opry, headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the second time in a year — with 49 Winchester and Hayes Carll on the bill — and spend a week touring Europe with Tanner Usrey opening.
There’s also the record. Norther hits stores and streaming on March 1. It...
Start with the tour. This spring, the Saints will play the Grand Ole Opry, headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the second time in a year — with 49 Winchester and Hayes Carll on the bill — and spend a week touring Europe with Tanner Usrey opening.
There’s also the record. Norther hits stores and streaming on March 1. It...
- 2/29/2024
- by Josh Crutchmer
- Rollingstone.com
Just weeks after the company he founded entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy last May, Shane Smith jetted to the French Riviera. But this wasn’t a vacation for the 54-year-old flamboyant former Vice CEO to drown his sorrows. Smith landed in Cannes on a mission to save the media company that he had started as a scrappy punk music magazine in Montreal three decades ago from the financial scrap heap.
Smith, the brash face of Vice, had been quietly operating behind the scenes since stepping aside as CEO in 2018. In his new capacity as executive chairman, he worked the phones and hustled for deals as only he knew how. Now, accompanied by his chief of staff, Alon Soran, he was at Cannes Lions, the annual advertising confab that attracts the monied set looking to do business, desperate to ensure the company he had built didn’t disappear into liquidation and irrelevancy.
In...
Smith, the brash face of Vice, had been quietly operating behind the scenes since stepping aside as CEO in 2018. In his new capacity as executive chairman, he worked the phones and hustled for deals as only he knew how. Now, accompanied by his chief of staff, Alon Soran, he was at Cannes Lions, the annual advertising confab that attracts the monied set looking to do business, desperate to ensure the company he had built didn’t disappear into liquidation and irrelevancy.
In...
- 2/28/2024
- by Lachlan Cartwright
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vice has a new Executive Chairman.
The youth-skewing network has named Michael Lang to the position. Lang is a former CEO of Miramax, was part of the team that launched Hulu, where he was a founding board member, and has worked for companies including Disney, Fox, Universal Music and Discovery.
He was most recently CEO of Pixel United, a mobile games business and joins Vice from the role of Operating Partner at Fortress, the company that acquired it out of bankruptcy earlier this year.
It is the latest change in personnel at the company after Co-CEO Hozefa Lokhandwala exited.
In an internal memo to staff, seen by Deadline, Bruce Dixon, who is now sole CEO, said that Lang will “continue the critical restructuring work” and help the “long-term goal of positioning Vice Media for financial stability and future growth”.
In the note, Dixon said that Lang knows co-founder Shane Smith...
The youth-skewing network has named Michael Lang to the position. Lang is a former CEO of Miramax, was part of the team that launched Hulu, where he was a founding board member, and has worked for companies including Disney, Fox, Universal Music and Discovery.
He was most recently CEO of Pixel United, a mobile games business and joins Vice from the role of Operating Partner at Fortress, the company that acquired it out of bankruptcy earlier this year.
It is the latest change in personnel at the company after Co-CEO Hozefa Lokhandwala exited.
In an internal memo to staff, seen by Deadline, Bruce Dixon, who is now sole CEO, said that Lang will “continue the critical restructuring work” and help the “long-term goal of positioning Vice Media for financial stability and future growth”.
In the note, Dixon said that Lang knows co-founder Shane Smith...
- 12/18/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Hussain Currimbhoy is the new Artistic Director at Toronto’s Hot Docs.
The filmmaker takes the helm from Shane Smith, who left in June. Currimbhoy will begin his role immediately. He’ll lead programming for the upcoming 2024 Hot Docs Festival, held between April 25-May 5 in Canada next year.
The job also gives him responsibility for Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Toronto’s Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and Docs for Schools, the organization’s national educational program.
Currimbhoy was born in Toronto and has worked as a film producer, director and film curator since 2002. He was executive producer on feature documentaries such as And, Towards Happy Alleys, Praying For Armageddon, Tomorrow’s Freedom and The Beloved and was the Cmp’s Director of Investment and Global Strategy.
As a film programer he has worked for the likes of Sundance Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest, Melbourne International Film Festival, Nordisk Panorama Film Festival,...
The filmmaker takes the helm from Shane Smith, who left in June. Currimbhoy will begin his role immediately. He’ll lead programming for the upcoming 2024 Hot Docs Festival, held between April 25-May 5 in Canada next year.
The job also gives him responsibility for Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Toronto’s Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and Docs for Schools, the organization’s national educational program.
Currimbhoy was born in Toronto and has worked as a film producer, director and film curator since 2002. He was executive producer on feature documentaries such as And, Towards Happy Alleys, Praying For Armageddon, Tomorrow’s Freedom and The Beloved and was the Cmp’s Director of Investment and Global Strategy.
As a film programer he has worked for the likes of Sundance Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest, Melbourne International Film Festival, Nordisk Panorama Film Festival,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Hussain Currimbhoy has been named as the new artistic director of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, while Heather Haynes is promoted to director of festival programming.
The new executive moves follows former ABC News/Disney exec Marie Nelson being named president of Hot Docs in May 2023, replacing Chris McDonald, who first as executive director and then as president led the Hot Docs festival for 25 years.
Currimbhoy’s appointment follows other succession moves at North America’s largest documentary festival out of Toronto. In mid-2021, executive director Brett Hendrie left Hot Docs after eight years in the post. His successor, Heather Conway, lasted only five months as executive director and co-president of the Canadian documentary festival.
Currimbhoy replaces Shane Smith, who left Hot Docs as artistic director in June 2023 after eight years in the post. “It is an absolute honor to take up this position with one of my favorite film festivals,...
The new executive moves follows former ABC News/Disney exec Marie Nelson being named president of Hot Docs in May 2023, replacing Chris McDonald, who first as executive director and then as president led the Hot Docs festival for 25 years.
Currimbhoy’s appointment follows other succession moves at North America’s largest documentary festival out of Toronto. In mid-2021, executive director Brett Hendrie left Hot Docs after eight years in the post. His successor, Heather Conway, lasted only five months as executive director and co-president of the Canadian documentary festival.
Currimbhoy replaces Shane Smith, who left Hot Docs as artistic director in June 2023 after eight years in the post. “It is an absolute honor to take up this position with one of my favorite film festivals,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Canadian producer Hussain Currimbhoy has been appointed, effective immediately
Canadian producer Hussain Currimbhoy has been appointed artistic director of Toronto’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.
Shane Smith departed from the role in June after eight years and Currimbhoy will assume the position immediately. In the role, he will oversee programming for the film festival in addition to Toronto’s Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and educational programme Docs for Schools.
Currimbhoy is a producer, director and film curator with credits on Praying For Armageddon; And, Towards Happy Alleys; and Venice 2023 premiere Hollywoodgate.
In the festival world, he has worked for Sundance Film Festival,...
Canadian producer Hussain Currimbhoy has been appointed artistic director of Toronto’s Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.
Shane Smith departed from the role in June after eight years and Currimbhoy will assume the position immediately. In the role, he will oversee programming for the film festival in addition to Toronto’s Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and educational programme Docs for Schools.
Currimbhoy is a producer, director and film curator with credits on Praying For Armageddon; And, Towards Happy Alleys; and Venice 2023 premiere Hollywoodgate.
In the festival world, he has worked for Sundance Film Festival,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Toronto’s Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary film festival, has appointed Hussain Currimbhoy as its artistic director. He replaces Shane Smith, who left the organization in June, and will assume his role immediately.
Currimbhoy has worked as a film producer, director and film curator since 2002. He is an executive producer on feature documentaries such as “And, Towards Happy Alleys”, “Praying for Armageddon” (Cph:dox), “Tomorrow’s Freedom” (Sheffield DocFest) and “The Beloved” (Melbourne Film Festival).
He has worked with the Chicago Media Project as their director of investment and global strategy, and lead for the Shifting Voices Film Fund, Cmp’s program designed to elevate and support feature documentary works by marginalized filmmakers.
As a film programmer, Currimbhoy has worked for film and industry events including Sundance Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest, Melbourne Film Festival, Nordisk Panorama Film Festival, Doc 10 and the Red Sea Film Festival. In 2023, he created and launched the Gåsebäck Film Festival,...
Currimbhoy has worked as a film producer, director and film curator since 2002. He is an executive producer on feature documentaries such as “And, Towards Happy Alleys”, “Praying for Armageddon” (Cph:dox), “Tomorrow’s Freedom” (Sheffield DocFest) and “The Beloved” (Melbourne Film Festival).
He has worked with the Chicago Media Project as their director of investment and global strategy, and lead for the Shifting Voices Film Fund, Cmp’s program designed to elevate and support feature documentary works by marginalized filmmakers.
As a film programmer, Currimbhoy has worked for film and industry events including Sundance Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest, Melbourne Film Festival, Nordisk Panorama Film Festival, Doc 10 and the Red Sea Film Festival. In 2023, he created and launched the Gåsebäck Film Festival,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Vice Media is putting bankruptcy, and years of seeking a buyer and fresh cash, behind it, as the edgy digital news and lifestyle brand announces today it’s completed the sale to a consortium of former lenders led by Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital.
The deal was announced in June. The iconic Brooklyn-based company had filed for Chapter 11 in May and opened a bidding process. A number of offers emerged but a bankruptcy court judge in the Southern District of New York agreed that the best one came from the group of lenders.
“We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of Vice and we are excited to build upon the achievements of one of the most iconic brands in news and entertainment,” they said in a joint statement. “We look forward to growing a strong business that is committed to serving audiences, brands and partners with award-winning content.
The deal was announced in June. The iconic Brooklyn-based company had filed for Chapter 11 in May and opened a bidding process. A number of offers emerged but a bankruptcy court judge in the Southern District of New York agreed that the best one came from the group of lenders.
“We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of Vice and we are excited to build upon the achievements of one of the most iconic brands in news and entertainment,” they said in a joint statement. “We look forward to growing a strong business that is committed to serving audiences, brands and partners with award-winning content.
- 7/31/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Since his 2019 Double Down Tour, Eric Church has upended the traditional country music live show, doing away with opening acts and choosing instead to carry the night himself by delivering three-hour concerts split into two sets. But for this year’s Outsiders Revival Tour, he was inspired by his own playlist to curate a diverse group of legends, buzz artists, and up-and-comers to join him on the road.
The result touches on all styles under the country umbrella. There’s the hard-nosed Southern rock of Whiskey Myers, the Celtic-influenced red...
The result touches on all styles under the country umbrella. There’s the hard-nosed Southern rock of Whiskey Myers, the Celtic-influenced red...
- 7/14/2023
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
A group of buyers led by Fortress Investment Group has been designated the winning bidder in the bankruptcy sale of Vice Media, after pledging $225 million, according to court documents filed Thursday.
A court hearing to approve the bid has been scheduled for Friday in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. If approved, the sale is expected to be completed by July 7. The bankruptcy auction, which had been scheduled Thursday morning, was canceled.
Fortress Investment Group was an existing lender of the company and had been expected to be a likely buyer of the company, alongside Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Vice did not receive any other qualified bids before the deadline, according to the court filings.
Vice Group Holding filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15, 2023. At the time, the media company, which includes Vice Studios, Vice TV, Virtue, Vice.com, Refinery29, listed assets...
A court hearing to approve the bid has been scheduled for Friday in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. If approved, the sale is expected to be completed by July 7. The bankruptcy auction, which had been scheduled Thursday morning, was canceled.
Fortress Investment Group was an existing lender of the company and had been expected to be a likely buyer of the company, alongside Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Vice did not receive any other qualified bids before the deadline, according to the court filings.
Vice Group Holding filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15, 2023. At the time, the media company, which includes Vice Studios, Vice TV, Virtue, Vice.com, Refinery29, listed assets...
- 6/22/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A group of Vice Media’s leading lenders will acquire the company out of Chapter 11 after the $225 million bid — led by Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital — was deemed the most qualified.
Bids were due Tuesday, and there were multiple offers. But according to an internal email and court document filed this morning, an auction for Vice set for today was canceled. None of the other offers were deemed superior. The Fortress consortium offer was so-called stalking horse bid from early in the bankruptcy process to set a floor on an an eventual sale. Judge John Mastando III could approve the deal at a hearing set for tomorrow, and the company emere from Chapter 11 in July.
After years of financial struggle, the iconic magazine turned youth-based digital media and news outlet, filed for bankruptcy in May in the Southern District of New York.
A ‘Notice of Designation...
Bids were due Tuesday, and there were multiple offers. But according to an internal email and court document filed this morning, an auction for Vice set for today was canceled. None of the other offers were deemed superior. The Fortress consortium offer was so-called stalking horse bid from early in the bankruptcy process to set a floor on an an eventual sale. Judge John Mastando III could approve the deal at a hearing set for tomorrow, and the company emere from Chapter 11 in July.
After years of financial struggle, the iconic magazine turned youth-based digital media and news outlet, filed for bankruptcy in May in the Southern District of New York.
A ‘Notice of Designation...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
As Vice Media, the brash company that once had ambitions of replacing legacy news giants, files for bankruptcy protection, with $834 million in debt obligations, its finances are coming into focus.
While its largest creditors include Fortress Investment Group (with a $474.6 million claim), there’s several media companies that are listed as top unsecured creditors that aren’t insiders, as outlined in its filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Southern District of New York on Monday. The filing estimates there are more than 5,000 creditors. Given that Vice lists $350 million in assets, many creditors are likely to take a loss during Chapter 11 proceedings.
Among them, CNN Productions is listed as having a $3,798,333 claim, HBO is listed as having a claim of $1,763,157 while A&e Networks is listed as having a claim of $937,500, per the filing. Tech firm Wipro, Amazon Web Services, ad agency Horizon Media, Greek media giant Antenna TV...
While its largest creditors include Fortress Investment Group (with a $474.6 million claim), there’s several media companies that are listed as top unsecured creditors that aren’t insiders, as outlined in its filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Southern District of New York on Monday. The filing estimates there are more than 5,000 creditors. Given that Vice lists $350 million in assets, many creditors are likely to take a loss during Chapter 11 proceedings.
Among them, CNN Productions is listed as having a $3,798,333 claim, HBO is listed as having a claim of $1,763,157 while A&e Networks is listed as having a claim of $937,500, per the filing. Tech firm Wipro, Amazon Web Services, ad agency Horizon Media, Greek media giant Antenna TV...
- 5/15/2023
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trail-blazing youth brand Vice Media has formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The move, filed at the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, is part of a plan to engineer a sale to a group of lenders.
As expected, the company’s biggest creditor, Fortress Investment Group, will make up part of a new ownership. Also including Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital, the lending consortium will invest around $225M as a credit bid for almost all of the company’s assets. The trio will also assume significant liabilities at closing.
A credit bid allows a creditor to swap debt for assets without paying cash.
Vice has listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $500M-$1B. Vice’s brands include Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios, Pulse Films, Virtue, Refinery29 and i-d.
The sale is expected to complete in about two to three months. Day...
The move, filed at the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, is part of a plan to engineer a sale to a group of lenders.
As expected, the company’s biggest creditor, Fortress Investment Group, will make up part of a new ownership. Also including Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital, the lending consortium will invest around $225M as a credit bid for almost all of the company’s assets. The trio will also assume significant liabilities at closing.
A credit bid allows a creditor to swap debt for assets without paying cash.
Vice has listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $500M-$1B. Vice’s brands include Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios, Pulse Films, Virtue, Refinery29 and i-d.
The sale is expected to complete in about two to three months. Day...
- 5/15/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
After weeks of speculation, Vice Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday to smooth a sale of the company.
In a statement, Vice listed both assets and liabilities in the range of more than $500 million to as much as $1 billion in a Chapter 11 petition filed in a New York court. Bloomberg reports that Fortress Credit Corp. ranked among the biggest secured creditors, with claims totaling about $475 million.
The company added that a consortium that includes Fortress, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital has agreed to purchase the group for $225 million, including all assets and taking on all liabilities. Vice expects to complete the sale process in the next two to three months.
In the face of a weak advertising market and a turbulent economy, Vice, like fellow digital media darlings BuzzFeed and Vox Media, has struggled to manage costs and grow revenues.
Filing for bankruptcy is an epic fall from...
In a statement, Vice listed both assets and liabilities in the range of more than $500 million to as much as $1 billion in a Chapter 11 petition filed in a New York court. Bloomberg reports that Fortress Credit Corp. ranked among the biggest secured creditors, with claims totaling about $475 million.
The company added that a consortium that includes Fortress, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital has agreed to purchase the group for $225 million, including all assets and taking on all liabilities. Vice expects to complete the sale process in the next two to three months.
In the face of a weak advertising market and a turbulent economy, Vice, like fellow digital media darlings BuzzFeed and Vox Media, has struggled to manage costs and grow revenues.
Filing for bankruptcy is an epic fall from...
- 5/15/2023
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Killer Mike has shared the artwork and tracklist for his previously announced solo album, Michael, and shared the latest preview, “Motherless,” featuring R&b singer Eryn Allen Kane. To accompany the single, the Atlanta rapper shared a two-part short film tribute to his late mother featuring the music video for the recently released “Don’t Let the Devil” and “Motherless” visual.
Marking Killer Mike’s first solo effort in more than a decade, Michael contains every track he’s released over the past year, including the Young Thug-assisted “Run,” “Talkin Dat Shit!,” and the previously mentioned “Don’t Let the Devil” featuring fellow Run the Jewels member El-p and thankugoodsir. In a previous statement, the album was described as Killer Mike’s “most autobiographical” to date.
To that end, the Davi Peña-directed “Don’t Let the Devil” video is an homage to the “bohemian-artsy-disco infused parties” that Killer...
Marking Killer Mike’s first solo effort in more than a decade, Michael contains every track he’s released over the past year, including the Young Thug-assisted “Run,” “Talkin Dat Shit!,” and the previously mentioned “Don’t Let the Devil” featuring fellow Run the Jewels member El-p and thankugoodsir. In a previous statement, the album was described as Killer Mike’s “most autobiographical” to date.
To that end, the Davi Peña-directed “Don’t Let the Devil” video is an homage to the “bohemian-artsy-disco infused parties” that Killer...
- 5/11/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
Hot Docs has wrapped its 30th anniversary edition, handing out its top cash prize and announcing the audience top picks after an 11-day festival, which presented 214 films from 72 countries at 308 live screenings at venues across Toronto.
Philippe Falardeau’s “Lac-Mégantic—This Is Not an Accident” topped the overall audience poll to win the 2023 Hot Docs Audience Award. The four-part series from the Oscar-nominated director explores the causes of one of Canada’s worst rail disasters and what’s needed to prevent such accidents in the future.
“Someone Lives Here,” by Zack Russell, won the Rogers Audience Awards for Best Canadian Documentary, which comes with Cdn. $50,000 cash, and also claimed the second-highest spot in the overall audience poll. The film also won the inaugural Bill Nemtin Award for Best Social Impact Documentary, a jury-chosen prize, at the main awards ceremony held Saturday.
“Someone Lives Here”
“Someone” tells the story of Toronto carpenter Khaleel Seivwright,...
Philippe Falardeau’s “Lac-Mégantic—This Is Not an Accident” topped the overall audience poll to win the 2023 Hot Docs Audience Award. The four-part series from the Oscar-nominated director explores the causes of one of Canada’s worst rail disasters and what’s needed to prevent such accidents in the future.
“Someone Lives Here,” by Zack Russell, won the Rogers Audience Awards for Best Canadian Documentary, which comes with Cdn. $50,000 cash, and also claimed the second-highest spot in the overall audience poll. The film also won the inaugural Bill Nemtin Award for Best Social Impact Documentary, a jury-chosen prize, at the main awards ceremony held Saturday.
“Someone Lives Here”
“Someone” tells the story of Toronto carpenter Khaleel Seivwright,...
- 5/8/2023
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
Struggling media company Vice Media Group is gearing up to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection — and then sell itself to some of its backers for about $400 million, according to a new report.
The Brooklyn-based company post-bankruptcy arrangement to sell to investors including Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management would value it at $400 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. That would be less than 10% of its once high-flying $5.7 billion valuation back in 2017. The New York Times last week reported that Vice was prepping a bankruptcy filing.
Reps for Vice Media and Soros Fund Management declined to comment. Fortress did not respond to a request for comment.
Cash-strapped Vice Media has been searching for a buyer over the past year, to no avail. In February, Nancy Dubuc announced her exit as CEO after almost five years. The company subsequently appointed longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs.
Under the proposed sale to “senior lenders,...
The Brooklyn-based company post-bankruptcy arrangement to sell to investors including Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management would value it at $400 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. That would be less than 10% of its once high-flying $5.7 billion valuation back in 2017. The New York Times last week reported that Vice was prepping a bankruptcy filing.
Reps for Vice Media and Soros Fund Management declined to comment. Fortress did not respond to a request for comment.
Cash-strapped Vice Media has been searching for a buyer over the past year, to no avail. In February, Nancy Dubuc announced her exit as CEO after almost five years. The company subsequently appointed longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs.
Under the proposed sale to “senior lenders,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Vice Media Group, the swashbuckling, youth-skewing digital media brand, is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
The company, which was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017, is considering the move after struggling to find a buyer, according to reports.
It comes after a tumultuous start to the year for the company, which saw Nancy Dubuc exit after five years, replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, as well as the departure of Global President of News & Entertainment Jesse Angelo to launch his own production company.
Last week, the company underwent the latest in a series of layoffs, streamlining its news division and canceling its signature show in Vice News Tonight.
“Vice Media Group has been engaged in a comprehensive evaluation of strategic alternatives and planning,” Vice said in a statement to the New York Times, which broke the news. “The company, its board and stakeholders continue to be focused on finding the best path for the company.
The company, which was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017, is considering the move after struggling to find a buyer, according to reports.
It comes after a tumultuous start to the year for the company, which saw Nancy Dubuc exit after five years, replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, as well as the departure of Global President of News & Entertainment Jesse Angelo to launch his own production company.
Last week, the company underwent the latest in a series of layoffs, streamlining its news division and canceling its signature show in Vice News Tonight.
“Vice Media Group has been engaged in a comprehensive evaluation of strategic alternatives and planning,” Vice said in a statement to the New York Times, which broke the news. “The company, its board and stakeholders continue to be focused on finding the best path for the company.
- 5/1/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Changing Face of Europe, which is presented by European Film Promotion (Efp) in collaboration with Hot Docs, returns to Toronto with the sixth edition of its festival-within-a-festival program—nine features and one mid-length film—exploring themes around identity, belonging and struggle.
“Over the years, the Changing Face of Europe has become one of the more impactful programs in the lineup, and also an essential component of our festival programming,” Hot Docs artistic director Shane Smith told Variety in advance of the festival.
“Europe has a rich history of and strong connection to the art of documentary filmmaking,” he said. “We are delighted to showcase the powerful work coming out of the continent that sheds light on crucial issues facing Europeans today.”
World-premiering “A Happy Man”, written and directed by anthropologist and filmmaker Soňa G. Lutherova (“Flooded”), tells the story of Marvin, who has moved from the Czech Republic to...
“Over the years, the Changing Face of Europe has become one of the more impactful programs in the lineup, and also an essential component of our festival programming,” Hot Docs artistic director Shane Smith told Variety in advance of the festival.
“Europe has a rich history of and strong connection to the art of documentary filmmaking,” he said. “We are delighted to showcase the powerful work coming out of the continent that sheds light on crucial issues facing Europeans today.”
World-premiering “A Happy Man”, written and directed by anthropologist and filmmaker Soňa G. Lutherova (“Flooded”), tells the story of Marvin, who has moved from the Czech Republic to...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
The growing amount of homeless, independently made documentaries has made film festivals like Hot Docs, arguably more important than ever before. Many docus that premiered at Sundance 2023 but have yet to find distribution are part of the Toronto-based documentary festival’s lineup, which in turn allows those titles to stay on buyers’ radars.
But corporate consolidation, along with streamers’ current mandate for nonfiction content that fits into one of three boxes – celebrity, true crime, or sports – means that many docu filmmakers will eventually have to turn to non-traditional distribution to get their films seen outside the fest circuit.
Tracy Droz Tragos’ docu “Plan C” follows a grassroots organization fighting to expand access to abortion pills across the United States. The timely film premiered at Sundance in January, but despite good reviews, Tragos hasn’t found distribution for “Plan C.”
“We are hearing things from the big buyers like, ‘The subject matter is hugely important,...
But corporate consolidation, along with streamers’ current mandate for nonfiction content that fits into one of three boxes – celebrity, true crime, or sports – means that many docu filmmakers will eventually have to turn to non-traditional distribution to get their films seen outside the fest circuit.
Tracy Droz Tragos’ docu “Plan C” follows a grassroots organization fighting to expand access to abortion pills across the United States. The timely film premiered at Sundance in January, but despite good reviews, Tragos hasn’t found distribution for “Plan C.”
“We are hearing things from the big buyers like, ‘The subject matter is hugely important,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Despite a dismal documentary distribution landscape, hundreds of nonfiction filmmakers are heading to Toronto for the 30th edition of Hot Docs Canadian Intl. Documentary Festival determined to sell their independently made docus.
This year, Hot Docs’ programming director Shane Smith selected 214 films from 2848 submissions to screen in-person and online beginning April 27. The slate of nonfiction films from 72 countries will be spread across 13 programs and will feature 70 world and 33 international premieres.
“Part of our value proposition is really mining all of the corners and shining a light in all of the corners of the documentary landscape,” Smith tells Variety. “Kanopy and Tenk are going to be here as well as the bigger players like Netflix. So, we are looking to be a valuable resource for the entire landscape of documentary. Not every film is one that the streamers are going to acquire, but there’s a home for every doc that we show in the festival.
This year, Hot Docs’ programming director Shane Smith selected 214 films from 2848 submissions to screen in-person and online beginning April 27. The slate of nonfiction films from 72 countries will be spread across 13 programs and will feature 70 world and 33 international premieres.
“Part of our value proposition is really mining all of the corners and shining a light in all of the corners of the documentary landscape,” Smith tells Variety. “Kanopy and Tenk are going to be here as well as the bigger players like Netflix. So, we are looking to be a valuable resource for the entire landscape of documentary. Not every film is one that the streamers are going to acquire, but there’s a home for every doc that we show in the festival.
- 4/27/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
David Choe, the star of Netflix’s new hit series “Beef,” is an artist and an actor. But his performance in the series isn’t what has people talking — it’s an admission he made back in 2014 detailing how he sexually assaulted a masseuse, which he later said he made up and called “bad storytelling.” Critics have labeled him a rapist and have called for a boycott of the show.
Here’s everything to know about David Choe.
Who is David Choe?
Born in Los Angeles on April 21, 1976, Choe spent most of his upbringing raised by his Korean immigrant parents in the Koreatown neighborhood. During his teens, he became a spray paint artist, which ultimately led to his full-scale career as a painter, mural artist and art creative. After a short stint attending California College of the Arts and Crafts in Oakland, he went on to self-publish a graphic novel called “Slow Jams,...
Here’s everything to know about David Choe.
Who is David Choe?
Born in Los Angeles on April 21, 1976, Choe spent most of his upbringing raised by his Korean immigrant parents in the Koreatown neighborhood. During his teens, he became a spray paint artist, which ultimately led to his full-scale career as a painter, mural artist and art creative. After a short stint attending California College of the Arts and Crafts in Oakland, he went on to self-publish a graphic novel called “Slow Jams,...
- 4/22/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Independence Day will be a smoke show in Austin this summer as concertgoers try to separate the weed from the barbecue at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic. Expect extra celebrations as this year’s installment marks the annual event’s 50th anniversary.
The Picnic, which will take place at Austin’s Q2 Stadium, will of course feature a performance by Nelson and his Family Band, as well as Tyler Childers, Dwight Yoakam, Shakey Graves, Shane Smith and the Saints, Sierra Ferrell, Asleep at the Wheel, and Particle Kid.
The Picnic, which will take place at Austin’s Q2 Stadium, will of course feature a performance by Nelson and his Family Band, as well as Tyler Childers, Dwight Yoakam, Shakey Graves, Shane Smith and the Saints, Sierra Ferrell, Asleep at the Wheel, and Particle Kid.
- 4/21/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Danish filmmaker Lin Alluna’s “Twice Colonized” will open the 30th anniversary edition of Hot Docs, which unveiled its full slate of 214 films—including 119 features—from 72 countries on Tuesday.
North America’s largest documentary festival, conference, and market continues its commitment to gender parity with 53% female directors in this year’s official selection. Hot Docs runs April 27 to May 7.
International co-production “Twice Colonized,” which premiered at Sundance and opened Cph:dox, follows Inuk lawyer Aaju Peter, a renowned human-rights defender of the Arctic’s Indigenous peoples, as she works to bring colonizers Canada and Denmark to justice. The film was produced by Emile Hertling Péronard of Greenland-based Ánorâk Film and Canadian producers Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald of Red Marrow Media and EyeSteelFilm’s Bob Moore.
“If there is a theme resonating throughout the festival, it’s this idea of making connections in every sense,” Hot Docs artistic director Shane Smith told Variety,...
North America’s largest documentary festival, conference, and market continues its commitment to gender parity with 53% female directors in this year’s official selection. Hot Docs runs April 27 to May 7.
International co-production “Twice Colonized,” which premiered at Sundance and opened Cph:dox, follows Inuk lawyer Aaju Peter, a renowned human-rights defender of the Arctic’s Indigenous peoples, as she works to bring colonizers Canada and Denmark to justice. The film was produced by Emile Hertling Péronard of Greenland-based Ánorâk Film and Canadian producers Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald of Red Marrow Media and EyeSteelFilm’s Bob Moore.
“If there is a theme resonating throughout the festival, it’s this idea of making connections in every sense,” Hot Docs artistic director Shane Smith told Variety,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
Nancy Dubuc announced in a memo to Vice Media Group staff Friday that she is leaving as CEO of the media company, which has been attempting to find a buyer over the last year.
Dubuc, who was previously CEO of A+E Networks and spent nearly 20 years at the cable programmer, was hired as Vice Media’s chief exec in March 2018. She took over for company co-founder Shane Smith, who shifted into a new role as executive chairman. During her tenure as Vice Media’s CEO, Dubuc has had to contend to with downswings in revenue and related cost-cutting measures as well as the fallout from a sexual-harassment scandal and allegations of gender pay disparity at the Brooklyn-based company.
“It’s been an exhilarating five years since joining you at Vice, and I am incredibly proud of the important and long-lasting accomplishments we have made together,” Dubuc wrote in her farewell email.
Dubuc, who was previously CEO of A+E Networks and spent nearly 20 years at the cable programmer, was hired as Vice Media’s chief exec in March 2018. She took over for company co-founder Shane Smith, who shifted into a new role as executive chairman. During her tenure as Vice Media’s CEO, Dubuc has had to contend to with downswings in revenue and related cost-cutting measures as well as the fallout from a sexual-harassment scandal and allegations of gender pay disparity at the Brooklyn-based company.
“It’s been an exhilarating five years since joining you at Vice, and I am incredibly proud of the important and long-lasting accomplishments we have made together,” Dubuc wrote in her farewell email.
- 2/24/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran media and TV executive Nancy Dubuc will step down as CEO of Vice Media, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Dubuc informed Vice employees of her decision in a memo Friday morning. Dubuc has led Vice since 2018, when she succeeded Vice co-founder Shane Smith in an effort to professionalize and grow the media company.
“I am proud to leave a Vice better than the one I joined,” Dubuc wrote to staff. “Together we racked up incredible wins while tackling unprecedented macroeconomic headwinds caused by the pandemic, the war in the Ukraine, and the economy all which forced us to pivot, refocus and pivot again.”
Of course, since that time (and as Dubuc noted in her memo), the entire digital media industry has faced intense pressure, with the digital darlings of the era seeing their business prospects diminish. BuzzFeed, which now trades publicly, has seen its share price flounder and news division mostly dismantled,...
Dubuc informed Vice employees of her decision in a memo Friday morning. Dubuc has led Vice since 2018, when she succeeded Vice co-founder Shane Smith in an effort to professionalize and grow the media company.
“I am proud to leave a Vice better than the one I joined,” Dubuc wrote to staff. “Together we racked up incredible wins while tackling unprecedented macroeconomic headwinds caused by the pandemic, the war in the Ukraine, and the economy all which forced us to pivot, refocus and pivot again.”
Of course, since that time (and as Dubuc noted in her memo), the entire digital media industry has faced intense pressure, with the digital darlings of the era seeing their business prospects diminish. BuzzFeed, which now trades publicly, has seen its share price flounder and news division mostly dismantled,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Nancy Dubuc is leaving Vice Media Group where she was CEO for the past five years. She just announced her decision to her staff in a memo (you can read it below.) It comes as the board has launched a process to sell — an acquisition of the whole company, a strategic recapitalization, or other transactions involving individual assets — under the oversight of a Special Board Committee. According to sources, Dubuc was at the end of her contract and decided it was time to move on.
“Nancy joined Vice at a pivotal time and put in place an exceptional team that has positioned the company for long-term success,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement. “We thank Nancy for her many contributions and will soon announce new leadership to guide Vice forward into its next stage of growth and transformation.”
Dubuc, who had been on the Vice...
“Nancy joined Vice at a pivotal time and put in place an exceptional team that has positioned the company for long-term success,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement. “We thank Nancy for her many contributions and will soon announce new leadership to guide Vice forward into its next stage of growth and transformation.”
Dubuc, who had been on the Vice...
- 2/24/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Willie Nelson and Family, Spoon, and Ethel Cain lead the lineup for the 2023 Luck Reunion, the annual event at Nelson’s ranch in Spicewood, Texas.
The one-day show will take place Thursday, March 16 (tangentially to South by Southwest, which will be going on in nearby Austin). More than 35 artists will perform, including Sir Woman, Devon Gilfillian, Shane Smith and the Saints, Guster, Pearla, Peter One, Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band,...
Willie Nelson and Family, Spoon, and Ethel Cain lead the lineup for the 2023 Luck Reunion, the annual event at Nelson’s ranch in Spicewood, Texas.
The one-day show will take place Thursday, March 16 (tangentially to South by Southwest, which will be going on in nearby Austin). More than 35 artists will perform, including Sir Woman, Devon Gilfillian, Shane Smith and the Saints, Guster, Pearla, Peter One, Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Spoiler Alert: This contains spoilers from the Season 5 premiere of “Yellowstone,” which premiered Sunday, Nov. 13 on Paramount Network.
“Yellowstone” has returned, and John Dutton (Kevin Costner) won the race for governor. But don’t worry: He totally hates it! The position is completely in service of keeping his family’s land, despite the efforts of Market Equities and all the enemies the Dutton family has made along the way.
Along for the ride are John’s kids: The iconic Beth (Kelly Reilly), who is ride or die for the family; human weasel Jamie (Wes Bentley), who has been neutered due to Beth’s blackmail after he murdered his biological father; and livestock officer Kayce (Luke Grimes).
This season’s epic double-episode opener left us with many burning questions and loose thoughts, which are outlined below in real time.
Episode 1: “One Hundred Years is Nothing”
*Has anyone ever been so...
“Yellowstone” has returned, and John Dutton (Kevin Costner) won the race for governor. But don’t worry: He totally hates it! The position is completely in service of keeping his family’s land, despite the efforts of Market Equities and all the enemies the Dutton family has made along the way.
Along for the ride are John’s kids: The iconic Beth (Kelly Reilly), who is ride or die for the family; human weasel Jamie (Wes Bentley), who has been neutered due to Beth’s blackmail after he murdered his biological father; and livestock officer Kayce (Luke Grimes).
This season’s epic double-episode opener left us with many burning questions and loose thoughts, which are outlined below in real time.
Episode 1: “One Hundred Years is Nothing”
*Has anyone ever been so...
- 11/14/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
The Finnish Film Affair, an annual industry event running parallel to the Helsinki International Film Festival, handed its top prize Thursday night to “Je’vida,” a historical drama about memory, survival and personal growth from director Katja Gauriloff.
“Je’vida” was one of seven fiction feature works in progress that were pitched to an audience of industry guests in Helsinki on Sept. 22, during the Finnish Film Affair’s showcase of local and regional projects. The jury noted that the winning film “is a story that needs to be told, with real potential to become relatable globally. The presentation and cinematography felt personal, beautiful and visually striking.”
Produced by Joonas Berghäll of Oktober Oy, “Je’vida” is the first film ever shot in the Skolt Sámi language. It tells the story of an elderly woman who has abandoned her past under the pressures of assimilation and winds across three different time periods.
“Je’vida” was one of seven fiction feature works in progress that were pitched to an audience of industry guests in Helsinki on Sept. 22, during the Finnish Film Affair’s showcase of local and regional projects. The jury noted that the winning film “is a story that needs to be told, with real potential to become relatable globally. The presentation and cinematography felt personal, beautiful and visually striking.”
Produced by Joonas Berghäll of Oktober Oy, “Je’vida” is the first film ever shot in the Skolt Sámi language. It tells the story of an elderly woman who has abandoned her past under the pressures of assimilation and winds across three different time periods.
- 9/23/2022
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Katja Gauriloff’s Je’vida is the first film to be shot in the Skolt Sami language.
Katja Gauriloff’s Je’vida, the first feature to be made in the Skolt Sami language was awarded the best fiction project award at the Finnish Film Affair (Ffa) in Helsinki this week.
The film is now in post-production and tells a very personal story of a woman forced to assimilate into a culture that is not her own and abandon her own language and culture. Gauriloff, who is of Skolt Sami heritage, said the story is based on the experiences of her mother,...
Katja Gauriloff’s Je’vida, the first feature to be made in the Skolt Sami language was awarded the best fiction project award at the Finnish Film Affair (Ffa) in Helsinki this week.
The film is now in post-production and tells a very personal story of a woman forced to assimilate into a culture that is not her own and abandon her own language and culture. Gauriloff, who is of Skolt Sami heritage, said the story is based on the experiences of her mother,...
- 9/23/2022
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
The Finnish FIlm Affair will showcase 26 Nordic projects in development or production.
Cannes’ film department director Christian Jeune, Curzon’s acquisitions executive Eleonora Pescim and the director for Film Nordics for Netflix, Claire Willats, will comprise the best fiction jury at this month’s Finnish Film Affair (Ffa), September 21-23).
The Ffa is the showcase for new film projects from Finland and the Nordics.
The jury for best documentary will comprise of Pierre-Alexis Chevit, head of Cannes Docs and Marche du Film; Polly McAlister, sales manager at Tvf International; and Shane Smith, artistic director of HotDocs.
The Finnish Film Affair...
Cannes’ film department director Christian Jeune, Curzon’s acquisitions executive Eleonora Pescim and the director for Film Nordics for Netflix, Claire Willats, will comprise the best fiction jury at this month’s Finnish Film Affair (Ffa), September 21-23).
The Ffa is the showcase for new film projects from Finland and the Nordics.
The jury for best documentary will comprise of Pierre-Alexis Chevit, head of Cannes Docs and Marche du Film; Polly McAlister, sales manager at Tvf International; and Shane Smith, artistic director of HotDocs.
The Finnish Film Affair...
- 9/14/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Click here to read the full article.
Emily Maitlis, the award-winning journalist, author, podcaster and broadcaster, who rose to international prominence after her notorious 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew would become a major factor in the royal’s dramatic fall from grace, will deliver the flagship address at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival.
Organizers of the event on Tuesday unveiled that Maitlis — who over 15 years became one of the most recognizable faces on the BBC News team but left the U.K. public broadcaster earlier in 2022 to sign with Global — would give its prestigious James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture as the festival, set to take place Aug. 24-26, returns to an in-person event.
Maitlis’ lecture — which sees her follow in the footsteps of names such as Elisabeth Murdoch, Shane Smith, Michaela Coel and last year’s speaker, Jack Thorne — will reportedly cover the complex world of modern journalism where the...
Emily Maitlis, the award-winning journalist, author, podcaster and broadcaster, who rose to international prominence after her notorious 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew would become a major factor in the royal’s dramatic fall from grace, will deliver the flagship address at this year’s Edinburgh TV Festival.
Organizers of the event on Tuesday unveiled that Maitlis — who over 15 years became one of the most recognizable faces on the BBC News team but left the U.K. public broadcaster earlier in 2022 to sign with Global — would give its prestigious James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture as the festival, set to take place Aug. 24-26, returns to an in-person event.
Maitlis’ lecture — which sees her follow in the footsteps of names such as Elisabeth Murdoch, Shane Smith, Michaela Coel and last year’s speaker, Jack Thorne — will reportedly cover the complex world of modern journalism where the...
- 8/9/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Showtime is continuing its newsmagazine series Vice.
The premium network has renewed the series, which comes from Shane Smith’s youth-focused media company, for a third and fourth season.
The third season will launch on May 1 and will run eight episodes through June 19 with a furth eight episodes airing later this year.
The half-hour series will feature immersive reporting from the frontlines of global conflict and civil uprisings and this season will feature new stories from its team of global correspondents.
Vice has run for two seasons on Showtime, having previously aired six seasons on HBO.
The reporting team includes a diverse group of journalists, including Hind Hassan, Alzo Slade, Seb Walker, Paola Ramos, Gianna Toboni, Ben C. Solomon, David Noriega, and Krishna Andavolu.
Produced by Vice News, Beverly Chase is the executive producer and showrunner for Vice. Craig Thomson is co-executive producer, and Subrata De is the senior executive producer for the series.
The premium network has renewed the series, which comes from Shane Smith’s youth-focused media company, for a third and fourth season.
The third season will launch on May 1 and will run eight episodes through June 19 with a furth eight episodes airing later this year.
The half-hour series will feature immersive reporting from the frontlines of global conflict and civil uprisings and this season will feature new stories from its team of global correspondents.
Vice has run for two seasons on Showtime, having previously aired six seasons on HBO.
The reporting team includes a diverse group of journalists, including Hind Hassan, Alzo Slade, Seb Walker, Paola Ramos, Gianna Toboni, Ben C. Solomon, David Noriega, and Krishna Andavolu.
Produced by Vice News, Beverly Chase is the executive producer and showrunner for Vice. Craig Thomson is co-executive producer, and Subrata De is the senior executive producer for the series.
- 2/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Media’s dreams of going public appear to be on hold for the time being, with the company choosing instead to raise $135 million from some of its existing investors, including James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, Tpg, and Tcv, as well as Sixth Street and Antenna Group.
The cash infusion will be used “to fund its growth initiatives including expanding Vice’s direct-to-consumer offerings, content licensing opportunities, commercial and experiential expansion, as well as M&a,” the company said Thursday.
As part of the new funding round, Vice co-founder Shane Smith will continue to serve as executive chairman. Smith stepped ...
The cash infusion will be used “to fund its growth initiatives including expanding Vice’s direct-to-consumer offerings, content licensing opportunities, commercial and experiential expansion, as well as M&a,” the company said Thursday.
As part of the new funding round, Vice co-founder Shane Smith will continue to serve as executive chairman. Smith stepped ...
Vice Media’s dreams of going public appear to be on hold for the time being, with the company choosing instead to raise $135 million from some of its existing investors, including James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, Tpg and Tcv, as well as Sixth Street and Antenna Group.
The cash infusion will be used “to fund its growth initiatives including expanding Vice’s direct-to-consumer offerings, content licensing opportunities, commercial and experiential expansion, as well as M&a,” the company said Thursday.
As part of the new funding round, Vice co-founder Shane Smith will continue to serve as executive chairman. Smith stepped ...
The cash infusion will be used “to fund its growth initiatives including expanding Vice’s direct-to-consumer offerings, content licensing opportunities, commercial and experiential expansion, as well as M&a,” the company said Thursday.
As part of the new funding round, Vice co-founder Shane Smith will continue to serve as executive chairman. Smith stepped ...
Elliot Page will be honored at the 2021 Outfest LA LGBTQ Film Festival with the Annual Achievement Award.
The festival’s top honor recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Lgbtqia+ stories, arts, and media visibility. Past recipients include Todd Haynes, Bill Condon, John Waters, Kimberly Pierce, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, Angela Robinson, and Nisha Ganatra.
Kieran Medina, the lead programmer of Outfest LA’s Annual Trans & Nonbinary Summit, will present the award to Page at the Orpheum Theatre on August 22nd, as part of the festival’s Closing Night Gala.
“When determining the recipient of our highest honor we look for those that have been a powerful representative for our community, that have soared to the highest levels of recognition for their talent and who have stepped into the shoes themselves as an independent filmmaker and creator. There is no one more poised...
The festival’s top honor recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to Lgbtqia+ stories, arts, and media visibility. Past recipients include Todd Haynes, Bill Condon, John Waters, Kimberly Pierce, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, Angela Robinson, and Nisha Ganatra.
Kieran Medina, the lead programmer of Outfest LA’s Annual Trans & Nonbinary Summit, will present the award to Page at the Orpheum Theatre on August 22nd, as part of the festival’s Closing Night Gala.
“When determining the recipient of our highest honor we look for those that have been a powerful representative for our community, that have soared to the highest levels of recognition for their talent and who have stepped into the shoes themselves as an independent filmmaker and creator. There is no one more poised...
- 8/9/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
BuzzFeed’s buzzy Spac merger last month and pending IPO have turned up the spotlight on Vice Media Group, also known for reaching young audiences with provocative content.
It’s retained that aura even as digital media fortunes rose and fell — and appear to be rising again. Internet content players’ new phase is emboldened by an army of so-called special purpose acquisition companies run by combinations of investor-backers and executives that buy businesses and take them public.
IPOs bring in cash needed to expand, including acquiring smaller competitors. BuzzFeed bought Complex Networks as part of its Spac deal and CEO Jonah Peretti was clear at a press conference that its still on the prowl. Digital Publisher Group Nine Media, owner of PopSugar, TheDodo and Thrillist, has launched its own Spac to roll up other properties.
Barry Lowenthal, CEO of The Media Kitchen, a media planning and buying agency, said a...
It’s retained that aura even as digital media fortunes rose and fell — and appear to be rising again. Internet content players’ new phase is emboldened by an army of so-called special purpose acquisition companies run by combinations of investor-backers and executives that buy businesses and take them public.
IPOs bring in cash needed to expand, including acquiring smaller competitors. BuzzFeed bought Complex Networks as part of its Spac deal and CEO Jonah Peretti was clear at a press conference that its still on the prowl. Digital Publisher Group Nine Media, owner of PopSugar, TheDodo and Thrillist, has launched its own Spac to roll up other properties.
Barry Lowenthal, CEO of The Media Kitchen, a media planning and buying agency, said a...
- 7/13/2021
- by Ted Johnson and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
During the venture capital-funded digital media boom of the 2010s, startup founders often voiced world-conquering ambitions. In 2014, Vice Media co-founder Shane Smith bragged: “We won’t be the next CNN or ESPN or MTV. We’ll be 10 times that size.” A year later, BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti informed staff that they were building “a global, cross-platform network for news and entertainment, … something that has never existed before.” Half a decade later, those grandiose visions are gone as both companies claw to claim a larger share of advertising revenue in a landscape dominated by Facebook and Google.
Their risky gambit? ...
Their risky gambit? ...
- 6/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
During the venture capital-funded digital media boom of the 2010s, startup founders often voiced world-conquering ambitions. In 2014, Vice Media co-founder Shane Smith bragged: “We won’t be the next CNN or ESPN or MTV. We’ll be 10 times that size.” A year later, BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti informed staff that they were building “a global, cross-platform network for news and entertainment, … something that has never existed before.” Half a decade later, those grandiose visions are gone as both companies claw to claim a larger share of advertising revenue in a landscape dominated by Facebook and Google.
Their risky gambit? ...
Their risky gambit? ...
- 6/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Limited in-person audience to be allowed back to AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland.
AFI Docs will take place in hybrid form on the previously announced dates of June 22-27 in a sign of progress after last year’s entirely virtual event.
Festival heads are planning to allow a limited number of festival-goers back for in-person screenings at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The programme will include world premieres and works by master and emerging filmmakers.
Last year, AFI Docs presented an entirely virtual festival with 59 films from 11 countries and was bookended...
AFI Docs will take place in hybrid form on the previously announced dates of June 22-27 in a sign of progress after last year’s entirely virtual event.
Festival heads are planning to allow a limited number of festival-goers back for in-person screenings at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The programme will include world premieres and works by master and emerging filmmakers.
Last year, AFI Docs presented an entirely virtual festival with 59 films from 11 countries and was bookended...
- 5/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Hayes Carll was in the middle of a performance last week when he managed to sum up what many musicians and fans have been feeling for months.
“I tell people for the first four years of my career and for the last 16 months of my career, I’d finish a song and nobody clapped,” the Texas songwriter said, as midnight neared and cool winds blew into the open-air Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater in Key West, Florida. “In between, I had a pretty nice run where people clapped. So, it’s...
“I tell people for the first four years of my career and for the last 16 months of my career, I’d finish a song and nobody clapped,” the Texas songwriter said, as midnight neared and cool winds blew into the open-air Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater in Key West, Florida. “In between, I had a pretty nice run where people clapped. So, it’s...
- 5/3/2021
- by Blake Ells
- Rollingstone.com
Announcement comes as platform prepares to launch across region in June.
HBO Max has lined up a development slate of more than 100 local productions in Latin America over the next two years, 33 of which are already in production.
The announcement on Thursday (April 29) comes as the platform prepares to launch across Latin America and the Caribbean in June.
All programmes will be exclusive to HBO Max platform under the Max Originals brand. Original productions include Mexican comedy Búnker, contemporary family rom-com Amarres; Argentinian youth-oriented musical drama Días De Gallos; and drama series The Missing.
The 2021 slate include four-part Argentinian football documentary series Bilardo,...
HBO Max has lined up a development slate of more than 100 local productions in Latin America over the next two years, 33 of which are already in production.
The announcement on Thursday (April 29) comes as the platform prepares to launch across Latin America and the Caribbean in June.
All programmes will be exclusive to HBO Max platform under the Max Originals brand. Original productions include Mexican comedy Búnker, contemporary family rom-com Amarres; Argentinian youth-oriented musical drama Días De Gallos; and drama series The Missing.
The 2021 slate include four-part Argentinian football documentary series Bilardo,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
When the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping across the globe last year, Canada’s Hot Docs, one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals, was among the first international fests forced to pivot to an online edition. But while the abrupt shift might’ve caught the organizing team off-guard, the result hardly felt like a compromise: along with virtual screenings of more than 200 films, the festival attracted a record number of buyers to its doc market.
One year later, audiences and industry players alike have grown accustomed to a virtual festival experience, and Hot Docs is poised to build on the success of last year’s trial by fire. “We’ve done it once, and the bar keeps getting raised,” says programming director Shane Smith. “We’re constantly looking at what other festivals were doing, how they were doing it, how to engage the audience, but also how to engage the industry and the filmmakers,...
One year later, audiences and industry players alike have grown accustomed to a virtual festival experience, and Hot Docs is poised to build on the success of last year’s trial by fire. “We’ve done it once, and the bar keeps getting raised,” says programming director Shane Smith. “We’re constantly looking at what other festivals were doing, how they were doing it, how to engage the audience, but also how to engage the industry and the filmmakers,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Programming director talks online version, why docs matter more than ever.
Hot Docs returns for its second year as a purely virtual event from April 29-May 9 as Toronto’s stay-at-home order remains in effect during a third lockdown. However programming head Shane Smith is ebullient about an “incredible range of stories and quality of films”.
While the pandemic resulted in some 10% fewer submissions this year, the fact that festivals and markets have been online for more than a year helped programmers track projects and filmmakers.
The result is that 219 films from 66 countries in fact marks an increase on the number of selections from last year,...
Hot Docs returns for its second year as a purely virtual event from April 29-May 9 as Toronto’s stay-at-home order remains in effect during a third lockdown. However programming head Shane Smith is ebullient about an “incredible range of stories and quality of films”.
While the pandemic resulted in some 10% fewer submissions this year, the fact that festivals and markets have been online for more than a year helped programmers track projects and filmmakers.
The result is that 219 films from 66 countries in fact marks an increase on the number of selections from last year,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Programming director talks online version, why docs matter more than ever
Hot Docs returns for its second year as a purely virtual event from April 29-May 9 as Toronto’s stay-at-home order remains in effect during a third lockdown. However programming head Shane Smith is ebullient about an “incredible range of stories and quality of films”.
While the pandemic resulted in some 10% fewer submissions this year, the fact that festivals and markets have been online for more than a year helped programmers track projects and filmmakers.
The result is that 219 films from 66 countries in fact marks an increase on the number of selections from last year,...
Hot Docs returns for its second year as a purely virtual event from April 29-May 9 as Toronto’s stay-at-home order remains in effect during a third lockdown. However programming head Shane Smith is ebullient about an “incredible range of stories and quality of films”.
While the pandemic resulted in some 10% fewer submissions this year, the fact that festivals and markets have been online for more than a year helped programmers track projects and filmmakers.
The result is that 219 films from 66 countries in fact marks an increase on the number of selections from last year,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The unexpected Academy Award run of “My Octopus Teacher,” Netflix’s hit, heartfelt documentary about a filmmaker’s unlikely relationship with an octopus living off the coast of South Africa, marks a rare Oscar nomination for an African documentary. But perhaps it should come as no surprise.
These are widely hailed as boom times for documentary filmmaking, driven in part by streaming platforms’ relentless appetite for content, as the coronavirus pandemic has left millions of homebound viewers across the globe glued to their screens. Despite the hurdles they face, it stands to reason that African filmmakers would also reap some rewards.
For the continent’s documentary filmmakers, however, it’s a movement a long time in the making. Recent years have seen the emergence of grassroots efforts to grow the African documentary community, such as the Nairobi-based DocuBox film fund, the Ouaga Film Lab, in Burkina Faso, and the pan-African DocA initiative.
These are widely hailed as boom times for documentary filmmaking, driven in part by streaming platforms’ relentless appetite for content, as the coronavirus pandemic has left millions of homebound viewers across the globe glued to their screens. Despite the hurdles they face, it stands to reason that African filmmakers would also reap some rewards.
For the continent’s documentary filmmakers, however, it’s a movement a long time in the making. Recent years have seen the emergence of grassroots efforts to grow the African documentary community, such as the Nairobi-based DocuBox film fund, the Ouaga Film Lab, in Burkina Faso, and the pan-African DocA initiative.
- 4/24/2021
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
In 2015, Vice Media mogul Shane Smith and his wife Tamyka paid $23 million to purchase Santa Monica’s Villa Ruchello estate from filmmaker Henry Jaglom and his ex-wife, actress-director Victoria Foyt. Now, the Smiths have officially sold the stunning 3.35-acre spread — featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop and comedy series Entourage — for $48.67 million. And though that’s $2 million less than the eye-popping $50 million price tag the couple placed on the Mediterranean-style compound back in early February, it’s still an all-time record for L.A.’s Westside communities of Santa Monica, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades.
Jaglom and Foyt picked up the compound in 1994 for almost $3.2 million, and first put it up for sale at $29.5 million, around the time of their 2013 divorce. Originally built in 1932, the 14,000-square-foot dwelling had since become somewhat rundown. It underwent a multimillion-dollar, Kerry Joyce-designed revamp during the Smiths’ tenure there, however, with careful attention paid...
Jaglom and Foyt picked up the compound in 1994 for almost $3.2 million, and first put it up for sale at $29.5 million, around the time of their 2013 divorce. Originally built in 1932, the 14,000-square-foot dwelling had since become somewhat rundown. It underwent a multimillion-dollar, Kerry Joyce-designed revamp during the Smiths’ tenure there, however, with careful attention paid...
- 4/21/2021
- by Wendy Bowman, Dirt.com
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.