“Buckle up for the latest scoop from the global media sphere. As the entertainment industry continues to push boundaries and break records, we’re keeping a close eye on the movers and shakers making waves. From Turkey’s Kanal D International expanding its sales team to further penetrate the global market, to the exciting appointments of Film & TV Charity Ambassadors and the prestigious recognition of acclaimed director Raoul Peck at the Visions du Réel festival, this week’s Global Briefs is packed with the most crucial news and announcements shaping the world of media. Meanwhile, Liberi Consulting has partnered with a high-profile team from ITV to launch a groundbreaking new initiative, we dive into the details of these storylines and more, bringing you the inside scoop on what’s driving change in the industry.”
Global Entertainment Industry Briefs
Expansions and Hires
Kanal D International, a leading Turkish distributor, has strengthened its international team with a new hire and a promotion. Duda Rodrigues joins the company to cover sales to the U.S. and Canada, as well as Latin America and Portuguese-speaking territories.
With Turkish drama continuing to sell well internationally, Kanal D has also upped one of its existing sales executives. Selahattin Tosun has been promoted to Head of Drama, Digital Partnerships, and Africa for the Turkish outfit.
The company sells popular titles like Secret of Pearls, which garnered attention at MIPCOM as a Deadline Hot One.
Industry Philanthropy and Support
The UK’s Film & TV Charity (TFTVC) has launched an ambassadors program, featuring prominent industry professionals. David Morrissey, Kit de Waal, Amma Asante, and Marverine Cole will help strengthen the charity’s mission to improve the wellbeing of industry workers.
The four ambassadors will aid in creating an inclusive environment for all industry professionals, a major priority for the charity over the past few years.
Morrissey expressed his passion for making the industry more inclusive, stating, “We have to create an environment that enables that.”
Asante added, “Change takes time, and I’m looking forward to joining the Charity’s team on their journey to a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.”
Film Festivals and Celebrations
Filmmaker Raoul Peck will be the guest of honor at this year’s Visions du Réel film festival in Switzerland. Peck will give a masterclass and preside over a retrospective of his non-fiction work, featuring a festival screening of his latest feature Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.
Peck is known for his Oscar-nominated James Baldwin doc I Am Not Your Negro, and his non-fiction work has made him one of contemporary cinema’s most prominent filmmakers.
Visions du Réel runs from April 4-13.
Business and Investment
Aimeé Norman and Janet Balmforth’s Liberi Consulting have teamed up with former ITV exec Vanessa Chapman’s VJC Media to launch a specialist advice service for companies seeking investment and financing.
The Growth Partners will aid small- to medium-sized film and TV businesses in achieving their goals and business development.
The service will focus on clear objectives, market intelligence, industry position, corporate messaging, and communications coaching.
- The Growth Partners will work with companies to establish clear and concise goals.
- They will provide bespoke objectives, USP evaluation, and market intelligence.
- The service will aid in establishing industry position, corporate messaging, and communications coaching.
Norman and Balmforth have worked in corporate communications for over 25 years, including at DDA Blueprint.
Chapman formed VJC Media to advise IP owners, studios, international media businesses, broadcasters, and investors on developing franchises, investment, and financing.
Previous roles include Controller of Children’s and Youth Programming at ITV and Controller of Programming and Strategy at Lego Media.
Kanal D International Strengthens Sales Team
Kanal D International, a leading Turkish distributor, has appointed Duda Rodrigues to cover sales to the U.S. and Canada, as well as Latin America and Portuguese-speaking territories.
Rodrigues will be responsible for expanding the company’s presence in these regions, building on the success of popular Turkish dramas.
With the appointment of Rodrigues, Kanal D International has further strengthened its international team, with a focus on driving growth and expansion in key markets.
The company’s existing sales executive, Selahattin Tosun, has been promoted to Head of Drama, Digital Partnerships, and Africa, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to its international ambitions.
Tosun’s promotion is a testament to his expertise and dedication to the company, and his new role will see him overseeing the company’s drama sales, digital partnerships, and Africa operations.
The appointment of Rodrigues and the promotion of Tosun will aid in driving Kanal D International’s growth and expansion in key markets, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the international TV market.
UK’s Film & TV Charity Names Ambassadors
The UK’s Film & TV Charity (TFTVC) has launched an ambassadors program, featuring prominent industry professionals. David Morrissey, Kit de Waal, Amma Asante, and Marverine Cole will help strengthen the charity’s mission to improve the wellbeing of industry workers.
The four ambassadors will aid in creating an inclusive environment for all industry professionals, a major priority for the charity over the past few years.
Morrissey expressed his passion for making the industry more inclusive, stating, “We have to create an environment that enables that.”
Asante added, “Change takes time, and I’m looking forward to joining the Charity’s team on their journey to a more supportive and inclusive environment for all.”
The ambassadors will play a crucial role in supporting the charity’s mission, using their influence and expertise to promote positive change within the industry.
The charity’s ambassadors program is a significant step forward in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.
Raoul Peck Honored at Visions du Réel
Filmmaker Raoul Peck will be the guest of honor at this year’s Visions du Réel film festival in Switzerland. Peck will give a masterclass and preside over a retrospective of his non-fiction work, featuring a festival screening of his latest feature Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.
Peck is known for his Oscar-nominated James Baldwin doc I Am Not Your Negro, and his non-fiction work has made him one of contemporary cinema’s most prominent filmmakers.
Visions du Réel runs from April 4-13, and the festival will be a celebration of Peck’s remarkable body of work.
The retrospective will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to experience Peck’s non-fiction work in all its complexity and depth.
We look forward to seeing Peck’s masterclass and the retrospective of his work, and we are excited to celebrate his contributions to contemporary cinema.
Liberi Consulting & Former ITV Exec Team for Investment Initiative
Aimeé Norman and Janet Balmforth’s Liberi Consulting have teamed up with former ITV exec Vanessa Chapman’s VJC Media to launch a specialist advice service for companies seeking investment and financing.
The Growth Partners will aid small- to medium-sized film and TV businesses in achieving their goals and business development.
The service will focus on clear objectives, market intelligence, industry position, corporate messaging, and communications coaching.
- The Growth Partners will work with companies to establish clear and concise goals.
- They will provide bespoke objectives, USP evaluation, and market intelligence.
- The service will aid in establishing industry position, corporate messaging, and communications coaching.
Norman and Balmforth have worked in corporate communications for over 25 years, including at DDA Blueprint.
Chapman formed VJC Media to advise IP owners, studios, international media businesses, broadcasters, and investors on developing franchises, investment, and financing.
Previous roles include Controller of Children’s and Youth Programming at ITV and Controller of Programming and Strategy at Lego Media.
The Growth Partners will play a crucial role in supporting the development of small- to medium-sized film and TV businesses, providing them with the expertise and guidance they need to achieve their goals.
We look forward to seeing the impact of the Growth Partners and the positive difference they will make in the industry.
Conclusion
As we take a step back to assess the recent developments in the global entertainment and media landscape, it’s clear that the past few weeks have been marked by significant moves and milestones. Kanal D International’s expansion of its sales team, the appointment of Film TV Charity Ambassadors, and Raoul Peck’s recognition at the Visions du Réel festival are all testament to the evolving nature of the industry. Meanwhile, Liberi Consulting and a former ITV executive are teaming up to launch a new initiative, underscoring the ongoing quest for innovation and growth.
The significance of these announcements lies in their potential to shape the future of content creation, distribution, and consumption. As the media landscape continues to fragment and global audiences become increasingly diverse, the need for targeted strategies and partnerships has never been more pressing. By bolstering their sales teams and embracing charity initiatives, companies like Kanal D International are signaling a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Meanwhile, the recognition of filmmakers like Raoul Peck serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire and transform. As we look ahead to the coming months and years, it’s clear that the players in this field will be defining the next chapter in the evolution of global entertainment.
In the end, the future of media will be shaped by those who dare to innovate, experiment, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. As we navigate this rapidly changing landscape, it’s clear that the most forward-thinking players will be those that prioritize collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The question is, will you be part of the vanguard, or will you be left behind? The choice is yours, but one thing is certain: the media landscape will never be the same again.