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Coming off an armful of big Emmy wins earlier this month, Baby Reindeer and Netflix took a big hit today as a federal judge ruled the big bucks defamation case against the dark comedy and the streamer will go forward.

First filed by self-declared real life Martha in June, the $170 million action is still set for a May 6, 2025 trial start, as Netflix came up short on their free speech proclaiming anti-slapp defense of the so-called “true story” saga of a UK comedian stalked by a female Scottish lawyer in London. Citing the much watched and highly acclaimed Baby Reindeer’s creator and star, the streamer has pledged from Day One “to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd‘s right to tell his story.”

To that, Netflix did manage to see off the claims of negligence and right of publicity and get punitive damages stripped from the...

The real-life inspiration behind Baby Reindeer‘s Martha was never convicted of stalking Richard Gadd as depicted in the show, but subject to a court order, a letter from Netflix to the U.K. government has confirmed.

Scotswoman Fiona Harvey was soon uncovered by fans of the smash hit show – which chronicles Gadd‘s years being harassed and stalked by a woman he once pitied while serving her at a pub – on social media, where she had been found to have sent Gadd thousands of tweets, dating back years. “I have no doubt that the character of ‘Martha’ in Baby Reindeer was intended to be a portrayal of me,” Harvey later said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter via her lawyer.

“The problem for Richard Gadd and now for Netflix is that Baby Reindeer is not a true story at all. I am not a ‘convicted stalker.’ I have...

Netflix has admitted that the inspiration for the character of Martha in Baby Reindeer was — despite the show’s “true story” claims — never convicted of stalking the series’ star Richard Gadd, an admission that could have implications in the woman’s $170 million lawsuit against the streaming service.

The revelation came in a response to an inquiry by England’s House of Commons amid the Baby Reindeer craze in May. At the time, Netflix executive Benjamin King told the House of Commons, “Baby Reindeer is obviously a true story of the...

Exclusive: In an admission that could go to the heart of a $170M Baby Reindeer lawsuit, Netflix has conceded that the show’s real-life Martha was not convicted of stalking.

Deadline can reveal that Netflix has acknowledged that Martha — who was identified as Scottish lawyer Fiona Harvey soon after Baby Reindeer premiered — has only been subject to a court order over her interactions with Richard Gadd, creator of the Emmy-nominated series billed as a “true story.”

The admission came in a letter to British Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee after a lawmaker questioned evidence Netflix supplied MPs during a hearing earlier this year. Netflix’s letter has gone unreported until now.

Related: Documentary Producers Weigh The Impact Of ‘Baby Reindeer’ Saga: “It Is A Seminal Moment”

Appearing before the committee in May, Benjamin King, Netflix’s senior UK director of public policy, said Baby Reindeer was a “true...

Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd has agreed to testify in favor of Netflix should he be called as a witness in the $170 million lawsuit filed by Fiona Harvey, the alleged real-life Martha. In a response filed in federal court, Gadd — who stars in the series, but is not named as a defendant — supported Netflix in its pursuit to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Harvey’s suit alleges defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence “arising out of the brutal lies” told in the series. “I am a comedian, writer, and actor.

The woman who was allegedly the basis of the Martha character in the Netflix hit Baby Reindeer has made good on her promise to sue the streaming service.

Fiona Harvey, who has claimed she inspired Martha in the series — while also denying she is the obsessed stalker that Baby Reindeer painted her to be — filed a $50 million lawsuit against Netflix, accusing them of “defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence, and violations of Harvey’s right of publicity, arising out of the brutal lies Defendants told about her in the television series,...

Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning says she has got Richard Gadd’s back amid a backlash against his megahit Netflix series.

Gunning told The Radio Times that she is not engaging with comments made by Fiona Harvey, the woman she played in Baby Reindeer under the name Martha.

Baby Reindeer tells the “true story” of Gadd’s experience with an alleged stalker, but Harvey denies claims made by the series and said she had not been convicted of stalking.

Harvey has told her story to Piers Morgan, The Daily Record, and others. She is now considering legal action against Netflix, Gadd, and producer Clerkenwell Films.

Gunning said she was concerned about the impact Harvey’s interviews might be having on Gadd, whom she described as a “survivor” of sexual assault and stalking.

“I think he was incredibly brave to bare all. He really did put everything in that show, warts and all,...

Baby Reindeer’s real-life Martha has issued an excoriating statement confirming that she is working with a legal team to take action against Netflix.

In a 500-word missive (copied in full below), Fiona Harvey said she was plotting a lawsuit “against all of those who have lied about me and used my image to make large sums of money for themselves.”

Harvey added that Baby Reindeer had “caused untold damage to my health, my reputation, my job prospects” after she was identified within days of Richard Gadd’s megahit series premiering.

Gadd’s drama is billed as a “true story” and portrays Martha as a convicted stalker and perpetrator of sexual abuse and assault. Harvey has denied wrongdoing.

Her statement was issued through Chris Daw, a senior attorney assisting Harvey with her legal plans. The barrister is yet to be formally instructed by Harvey, but told Deadline last week that...

The woman purported to be the “real-life” Martha from the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer reportedly sent the U.K.’s Labour party leader Keir Starmer 276 emails in less than eight months, according to British tabloid The Sun, which published some of what it claims are the emails.

Fiona Harvey, believed to be the real-life woman who allegedly stalked and harassed series creator Richard Gadd across thousands of emails alongside turning up at the pub he worked at and comedy gigs he performed, recently found herself in the hot seat on Piers Morgan Uncensored. She claimed to have never contacted Gadd by phone and alleged that he had asked to sleep with her, which she turned down.

Harvey has also said she will be suing Netflix for what she called the “work of fiction” penned and performed by Gadd, and that she had received death threats since the program that she calls “defamatory” aired.

Exclusive: A British lawmaker has challenged Netflix to provide evidence for the claim that Baby Reindeer’s real-life Martha has a stalking conviction.

John Nicolson, a Scottish National Party MP who sits on UK Parliament’s influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said Netflix had a duty to back up claims made in Richard Gadd’s “true story” hit series after Martha was identified as Fiona Harvey.

In a letter seen by Deadline, Nicolson asked Benjamin King, Netflix’s senior UK director of public policy, to provide evidence of Harvey’s criminal record after he told the committee that Baby Reindeer was a “true story of the horrific abuse” suffered by Gadd “at the hands of a convicted stalker.”

Nicolson wrote: “Journalists have thus far been unable to find a record of the conviction to which you referred. Can you provide me with the evidence for this serious claim which...

Fresh from his bombshell interview with ‘the real Martha,’ Piers Morgan has slammed “high-profile people in the business” who have said they know the identity of Richard Gadd’s abuser portrayed in Baby Reindeer.

Along with the furious guessing game to find Gadd’s female stalker sparked by the controversial Netflix series, the internet has been ablaze with sleuths trying to discover the identity of the comedy producer portrayed in episode 4 who grooms, sexually assaults and rapes Gadd. One director has even taken legal action against those targeting him as ‘the real Darrien’. Darrien is played by Tom Goodman-Hill in the show and returns in later episodes.

Some have revealed they are aware of the real abuser’s identity, including Rest is Entertainment host Richard Osman, who claimed recently that “everyone” in the industry is aware and that Gadd has been “very open to people in the industry” about the person who sexually assaulted him.

Exclusive: Baby Reindeer’s real-life Martha appears to be making good on her promise to sue Netflix, but has yet to hear from the streamer despite being identified against her wishes and claiming to have received death threats and unwanted attention.

Chris Daw Kc, a barrister working with Fiona Harvey to build a lawsuit, told Deadline that Netflix had failed to contact her in any capacity after she was thrust into the media spotlight last month.

He said the series, which has amassed more than 65M views since premiering, raised serious questions about Netflix’s duty of care standards. He called for a “major review” of its compliance procedures.

Daw is assembling a team of lawyers in the UK and U.S. to pursue Netflix, producer Clerkenwell Films, and Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd, but has yet to be formally instructed by Harvey.

He believes that Harvey may have a...

Piers Morgan is reflecting on his interview last week with Baby Reindeer’s real-life Martha, arguing that Fiona Harvey was “failed” by Netflix.

Morgan told ITV’s Lorraine show that Netflix had not done enough to protect Harvey’s identity after she was tracked down by internet sleuths within days of Richard Gadd’s series premiering.

Morgan added that the streaming giant faced legal questions after billing Baby Reindeer as a “true story.” Harvey has said that she is considering suing Netflix.

“They failed in their duty of care to Harvey, there’s no question about that — Netflix in particular,” Morgan said. “The key question is whether they’ve defamed her. If you accuse somebody of being a convicted stalker and they’re not a convicted stalker, that’s a pretty serious mistake to make.”

Morgan has faced questions himself about the decision to interview Harvey on his YouTube channel,...

The spring sun blazed down on London’s Royal Festival Hall for the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday and the conditions were right for Baby Reindeer to bask in its success.

Richard Gadd’s dazzling “true story” of his experience with an alleged stalker won’t be eligible for prizes until next year, but he attended the 2024 awards with co-star Jessica Gunning to hand out the prize for best Limited Drama.

Clerkenwell Films’ somewhat parochial British story has been the biggest show in the world for the past couple of weeks, and there can be little doubt about Gadd’s astonishing creative achievement in taking his trauma and rendering it into a brutal, beguiling work of art.

His BAFTA appearance should have been a moment of celebration for Baby Reindeer, but it was a strangely muted affair as the threat of a lawsuit from the real-life Martha (named as Fiona Harvey...

This article contains spoilers for "Baby Reindeer."

The Netflix series "Baby Reindeer" is based on the award-winning one-man show written and performed by comedian Richard Gadd, who wrote the piece based on his own experiences with having been stalked. Since the show's debut on April 11, 2024, "Baby Reindeer" has stayed on the Netflix most-watched charts, becoming the obsession of viewers across the globe. Gadd stars as Donny Dunn, a fictionalized version of himself, meaning he is re-enacting his trauma for the world to see in every episode. Donny is stalked by a woman named Martha Scott, brought to life in a phenomenal, star-making performance by Jessica Gunning. Gadd's story is very real, but in the interest of protecting Martha's identity, as well as the identities of everyone else featured in the series inspired by real people, names and events were altered with Gadd's creative licensing.

But that hasn't stopped folks from...

Exclusive: The British government has fired a warning shot at Netflix amid the Baby Reindeer safeguarding scandal, saying it will be held to “high standards” under new streaming laws.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms) reminded Netflix that the UK Media Bill will hand regulator Ofcom world-leading powers to police content on streaming services.

Asked if the legislation would empower Ofcom to pursue concerns over Baby Reindeer, a government spokesperson told Deadline: “UK broadcasters are subject to appropriate rules to ensure protections for audiences, contributors and other affected individuals. Our Media Bill will make mainstream video-on-demand services subject to similar high standards.”

Ofcom will draft and enforce a new Video-on-Demand Code, allowing viewers, contributors, and others to complain about accuracy issues and potentially harmful content.

One regulatory expert told Deadline that under the new laws, Richard Gadd’s alleged stalker, Fiona Harvey, would be able to make...

Richard Gadd has said he has been shocked by the success of Baby Reindeer and his new-found fame amid blurring lines between the Netflix series and reality.

In an interview with The Daily Record newspaper, Gadd said he thought Baby Reindeer would just be “a little cult artistic gem” rather than the monster hit it has become.

“It was, like, crazy. I never expected it to sort of blow up like this,” Gadd said. “I believed it would be successful but I didn’t expect overnight, I don’t even like to use this word, fame.”

He added: “I really believed in this show but it really felt like one day it went on the platform and the next day there were people camping in my garden.”

His thinking might explain why Netflix and Clerkenwell Films did not do more to protect the identities of the characters involved in Gadd...

Baby Reindeer‘s real-life Martha has slammed the Netflix series as an “obscene” and “defamatory” work of fiction, claiming that she is instructing lawyers to sue the streamer.

In an interview with Piers Morgan (full video below), Scottish lawyer Fiona Harvey said she had been “forced” into telling her side of the story after Baby Reindeer became an enormous global hit.

Baby Reindeer was billed as a “true story” and provides a searingly raw account of comedian Richard Gadd’s experience with an alleged stalker, known as Martha.

But Harvey told Morgan that it was a “work of hyperbole” and “work of fiction” and claimed that she was prepared to test her argument in a court of law.

Related: ‘Doctor Who’ Writer Russell T Davies Says BBC Would Have Been “Much Stricter” About Disguising ‘Baby Reindeer’ Identities

Netflix stood by Baby Reindeer on Wednesday, maintaining the drama was a “true...

Benjamin King addressed concerns over viewers guessing the real identities behind characters in Baby Reindeer. Netflix aimed to balance protecting identities with upholding the authenticity of Richard Gadd's story. Despite efforts, real-life individuals like Fiona Harvey faced online backlash after being identified in the show.

Since it's debut on April 11, 2024, Baby Reindeer has become a smash hit for Netflix by racking up almost 54 million views, and staying at the top of the streamers charts as their most popular English-language series for three consecutive weeks. Not only have viewers been captivated by the story based on comedian Richard Gadds real-life experiences with a stalker, but internet sleuths have also been trying to figure out the real identities behind the characters. Netflix has said little about whats been happening on social media regarding the guessing game thats been going on, but all that changed recently when policy chief, Benjamin King, stood before the UK Parliament.

Doctor Who mastermind Russell T. Davies is weighing in on the controversy surrounding Netflix‘s smash hit series Baby Reindeer.

The writer said in an interview with The Times that the BBC would have been “much stricter” when it comes to disguising the real-life identities of the characters created by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd. “Compliance and editorial policy drives us mad here but I sleep at night,” Davies said.

His comments follow a whirlwind of scrutiny for Netflix producers, and even fans of the series, who took it upon themselves to try and unveil the real people depicted on the show, including the trans woman Gadd’s character dates, played by Nava Mau, and the TV producer who sexually assaults him, portrayed by Tom Goodman-Hill.

On Thursday, British host Piers Morgan will interview a woman named Fiona Harvey who claims to be the inspiration behind the show’s stalker, Martha.

Russell T Davies is the latest high-profile TV industry figure to criticize Netflix for allowing real-life Baby Reindeer characters to be identified online.

In an interview with The Times, the Doctor Who writer said the BBC would have been “much stricter” with editorial compliance processes had it shown Richard Gadd’s hit stalker series.

Davies, who has extensive experience working with BBC compliance executives on Doctor Who, said: “Compliance and editorial policy drives us mad here but I sleep at night.”

Since Baby Reindeer premiered last month, Gadd’s alleged stalker, known as Martha in the series, has been identified as Fiona Harvey. Others have been wrongly accused amid rampant online speculation.

Benjamin King, Netflix UK’s senior public policy director, said on Wednesday that the streamer and producer Clerkenwell Films took “every reasonable precaution in disguising the real-life identities of the people involved in that story.”

He added: “Ultimately,...

Another day, another series of Baby Reindeer headlines.

The breakout hit limited series from Netflix — created by and starring Scottish comedian Richard Gadd inspired by a traumatic, six-year-long stalking incident — has inspired a flurry of coverage following an April 11 debut as it rocketed to the top of the streamer’s TV viewing charts for three straight weeks. Because Gadd pulled from personal experience to craft the true crime tale, journalists and internet sleuths have attempted to track down the real people behind Baby Reindeer‘s characters.

The focus has fallen on two characters in particular: the stalker Martha, played by Jessica Gunning, and the creative mentor Darrien who drugged and sexually assaulted Gadd, played by Tom Goodman-Hill. The fever burned so hot and inspired so many stories that Gadd took to Instagram to urge fans to stop the speculation because innocent people were getting caught in the mess. “That’s...

For the past month since its premiere, there has been rampant online speculation about who inspired the abusive characters depicted in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer. Now, as the woman identified as the real ‘Martha’ speaks out, the streamer is defending itself over alleged lack of protection of real-life identities. At a UK Parliament hearing, Netflix policy chief Benjamin King said the streamer was satisfied with their attention to the issue of privacy and that they took adequate care to to disguise the identities of the real-life Baby Reindeer characters. King told lawmakers that Netflix and producer Clerkenwell Films had to balance protecting identities with the “veracity and authenticity” of the seven-part series. King assured the committee that the streamer took “every reasonable precaution in disguising the real-life identities of the people involved in that story.” As pointed out by John Nicolson, a Scottish National Party MP on the Culture,...

Baby Reindeer has prompted searches for Richard Gadd's real-life alleged stalker, with various people having now been accused. Netflix stands by the show and the decision to give Gadd the platform to tell his story as he saw fit. Baby Reindeer has been a big hit for Netflix.

Netflix responds to Baby Reindeer prompting searches for the real-life Martha. Created by and starring Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer is based on Gadd's real experiences with a stalker in his past. This stalker in the series is named Martha, and she is played by Jessica Gunning, but the show's popularity has resulted in online sleuths attempting to uncover the identity of the real figure from Gadd's life. While the stalker has now seemingly been identified as Fiona Harvey, who just recently came forward, the search has resulted in others being falsely accused.

As Baby Reindeer remains a hit series on Netflix,...

New off-screen Baby Reindeer drama is poised to get as dicey as what made it into the Netflix hit.

Baby Reindeer concerns the real-life stalking of Richard Gadd, a Scottish writer and actor who also stars in the show as Donny. Jessica Gunning plays Martha, the stalker.

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In the series, the characters’ names are pseudonyms. But since...

Netflix has argued that it took care to disguise the identities of the real-life Baby Reindeer characters after the show’s extraordinary success sparked an internet guessing game.

In some of Netflix’s first comments about the viral circus surrounding Baby Reindeer, policy chief Benjamin King told a UK Parliament hearing that the streamer was satisfied with duty of care standards on the show.

King told lawmakers that Netflix and producer Clerkenwell Films took “every reasonable precaution in disguising the real-life identities of the people involved in that story.”

John Nicolson, a Scottish National Party MP who sits on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, pointed out that this had not prevented the character of Martha from being identified online.

Baby Reindeer was billed as a “true story” and provides a searingly raw account of comedian Richard Gadd’s experience with an alleged stalker.

Gadd plays the lead character Donny,...

Amazon UK MD Chris Bird was among the latest group of industry execs to appear in front of the UK’s British Film & High-End TV Inquiry this afternoon, during which he revealed how much cash the streamer has invested in content from UK broadcasters for the first time.

“We have spent more than $400 million licensing, co-producing, and co-commissioning content from the UK Public Service Broadcasters,” Bird said. “Not only to make bigger and better shows but we’ve also helped produce everything from Steve McQueen’s Small Axe and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag to the recently announced second and third seasons of The Night Manager with the BBC.”

Deadline was first to break news of The Night Manager returning with Tom Hiddleston signed on to star.

Prime Video doesn’t only help produce these hits but also distributes them to territories across the globe, Bird added. “Outside of America, British...

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has updated its classification guidelines, informed by its largest-ever public consultation, meaning its age ratings will change according to changing public opinion, including on the on-screen depiction of violence, sex and drug use.

Throughout 2023, the BBFC spoke to 12,000 people across the U.K. “to explore what matters most to audiences when it comes to classification,” finding that “people are now more concerned about depictions of violence on screen in content across all age ratings.” With audiences expressing concerns about how distressing or disturbing some forms of violence can be, the BBFC said that “a higher rating may be required for violence across all age-rating categories, especially when particularly intense or impactful scenes occur.”

Compared with its previous research study in 2019, the BBFC said on Tuesday, it found some concerns have remained the same, while others have risen in importance for audiences. “Then, as now,...

Netflix won’t have to remove films and TV shows from its platform to stay on the right side of new UK streaming laws, according to the chair of Ofcom.

The UK media regulator is set to be handed new powers under the Media Bill to police content on streaming services and hold them to standards on impartiality and accuracy.

Speaking at a Voice of the Listener & Viewer conference in London on Wednesday, Ofcom chair Michael Grade said the likes of Netflix and Disney+ should have “no fears” about what’s coming.

He argued that the streamers were attempting to “frighten the life out of everybody” by claiming that they will need to purge content from their platforms to avoid falling foul of the new laws.

Netflix has generally welcomed the streaming regulation, but has lobbied against “nebulous” and potentially “onerous” rules on “due impartiality” contained in draft legislation.

In...

The Disney Channel series Liv and Maddie was a TV show that was popular since its first season. It premiered in 2013, and the series continued until its fourth season, which gave a good closure to the story.

The story focuses on Liv, who’s an actress who returned home after starring in a TV show in Hollywood, and Maddie, her twin sister, a basketball player. During the series, there were several things that made the project interesting, such as Dove Cameron playing the titular roles of Liv and Maddie. In addition, the episodes were cut as a documentary or reality show, where the characters talk off-stage about the events of the series.

What Happened in Season 4 of Liv and Maddie?

Season 4 of Liv and Maddie was also called Live and Maddie: Cali Style. It follows the story of the Rooney twins, who moved to California to live in their aunt's...

Netflix’s latest attempt in its quiet campaign to soften the impact of the upcoming UK Media Bill took place this morning with UK and Ireland policy boss Benjamin King raising concerns regulator Ofcom could become “something of a global policeman” if plans are waved through.

Appearing in front of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, King stressed repeatedly that bringing Netflix’s shows within the remit of the regulator will be tricky due to their global nature. Conversely, he raised fears that Ofcom could become a target for “complaint tourism” or “forum shopping” from “foreign actors who want to use a regulator in the UK to seek redress for a title that they cannot succesfully pursue elsewhere.”

The draft Media Bill, which is yet to publish in full detail, will bring so-called Tier 1 streamers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ under Ofcom’s jurisdiction in areas such...

Exclusive: Netflix has threatened to preemptively remove films and TV shows from its UK library to avoid falling foul of new streamer regulations being introduced by the British government.

Ministers in the UK want media regulator Ofcom to police streaming giants in a similar way to traditional broadcasters, meaning the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video could be fined up to £250,000 for carrying harmful content.

In a submission to UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Netflix took a swipe at plans to introduce “due impartiality” rules for streamers under the Media Bill, calling draft legislation “nebulous” and potentially “onerous” for services to enforce.

The Media Bill states that major streamers must consider impartiality in the context of contemporary events, pointing specifically to “current public policy” and matters of “political or industrial controversy.”

Netflix said that staying on the right side of this rule would require it to...

“Freedom of expression” will be front and center of Ofcom’s thinking when the UK regulator draws up the new code governing the streamers, according to chief Melanie Dawes.

The Ofcom boss used her appearance at yesterday’s Deloitte & Enders Media and Telecoms 2023 & Beyond Conference to allay fears that the new code, which is part of the landmark Media Bill currently making its way through parliament, will be overly stringent on the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

One of the Media Bill’s catchier elements has been bringing the streamers in line with broadcasters in areas such as harmful content and impartiality, but Dawes stressed that the code for the streamers will be different to the one that has ruled over the linear broadcasters for decades.

“[The government] will give us a requirement to produce a code for Video on Demand and I think it will differ from the...

Good afternoon Insiders and welcome to this week’s newsletter, Max Goldbart here with my hand on the tiller. Netflix was in London this week and there was plenty else going on for you to digest over lunch. Read on. And sign up and subscribe here.

Netflix Goes Big

London calling: Netflix has been on a major European charm offensive this year and Wednesday night was the UK’s turn to host a no-expense-spared event. Held at the Battersea Power Station – once a giant south London coal-power generator and now a futuristic mall, residential complex and cinema – the Netflix See What’s Next shindig saw presenter Anita Rani host the likes of Blue Story creator Rapman, actor and filmmaker Daniel Kaluuya and Sam McAlister of Prince Andrew interview fame. Sex Education star Alistair Petrie helmed a panel comprising Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, The Witcher’s Joey Batey and The Crown’s Claudia Harrison,...

Canada has brought its Online Streaming Act into law after years of heated debate.

The key impact of Bill C-11 is that streamers such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ will now be regulated by similar laws to those overseeing the country’s networks.

In practice, the streaming services are now required to “contribute to the creation and availability of Canadian stories and music” and “pay their fair share in supporting Canadian artists, just like traditional broadcasters,” as per government bill guidelines issued last year. Canadian networks are compelled to hit certain quotas to fulfil terms of their licenses.

Should streamers fail to comply, local regulator the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (Crtc) can impose fines and other penalties.

The bill passed a final hurdle in the Senate yesterday and received royal assent, meaning it is now Canadian law.

The new law has created passionate supporters and detractors since Justin Trudeau...

The UK government’s move to regulate the streamers in line with broadcasters could “prove unworkable or risk a chilling effect,” according to the SVoD’s UK Head of Policy.

Benjamin King raised concerns that the impartiality requirements contained in media regulator Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, which will soon apply to the streamers via the Media Bill, may impact “our appetite to make documentaries available” in the UK.

Speaking at a Westminster Media Forum (Wmf), King didn’t elaborate on which documentaries he is concerned would break the impartiality code but said “careful thought” is required when Ofcom and the government figure out how to transpose the rules onto the streamers.

“Ofcom has highlighted in the past the potential threats to freedom of expression and we would strongly urge the government to consider this given the obvious potential harm to the status quo,” added King.

The Media Bill, which will...

Focus Features has just released the official trailer for Of An Age, the new film from writer/director Goran Stolevski. The film will be in select theaters on February 10, 2023 and expanding on February 17, 2023.

Hattie Hook (from left) stars as Ebony, Thom Green as Adam, and Elias Anton as Kol in director Goran Stolevski’s “Of An Age,” a Focus Features release. Credit: Ben King / © Of An Age Films Pty Ltd.

Of An Age is set in the summer of 1999 as a 17-year-old Serbian born, Australian amateur ballroom dancer experiences an unexpected and intense 24-hour romance with a friend’s older brother.

About The Film

Genre: Drama Cast: Elias Anton, Thom Green, Hattie Hook Director: Goran Stolevski Screenplay: Goran Stolevski Producer: Kristina Ceyton, Samantha Jennings

Of An Age is in select theaters on Friday, February 10, 2023!

For More Information, Please Visit:

Official Site / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / #OfAnAge

The post Official Trailer Released...

Global streamers are investing heavily in Scotland, with Amazon Prime Video investing £50 million ($65 million) across three series.

The U.K. parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee is conducting a series of evidence sessions exploring the media landscape in Scotland. Amazon and Netflix appeared before the committee on Monday.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve contributed directly over £50 million into the creative industries and that’s across three shows that we’re very proud to have shot and being currently shooting,” Amazon Europe originals chief Georgia Brown told the committee. The shows are “The Rig,” “Anansi Boys” and “Good Omens” season two.

Brown added that within that investment, the streamer has created over 750 jobs, of which 60% have been Scottish, and 60 traineeships were created directly into those productions.

Anne Mensah, who was formerly head of drama at BBC Scotland and is currently VP, original series, at Netflix, said that parts of hit series...

Hello and welcome to International Insider. Tom Grater here bringing you our latest rundown of international news, including some exciting TIFF deal-making action, a key hire in the German TV market, and the winners from the first major film festival to take place in the pandemic era.

Netflix Ignites Toronto

Pre-market nerves: “How will this year’s market play out? Who knows?” Wrote Deadline’s Mike Fleming on the eve of this year’s Toronto Film Festival. You can read our full preview piece here, but the main message of those we spoke to was one of uncertainty towards the business prospects of this year’s virtual event, despite the relative success of Venice’s recent pandemic era edition.

Deal flurry: Step forward Netflix, which got things off to a flyer when it swooped on Bruised, the mixed martial arts drama that marks the directorial debut of Halle Berry, in...

Senior representatives of Netflix’s UK team and broadcaster Sky have told a UK government committee that Public Service Broadcasters (PSBs) remain an important part of the country’s wider entertainment industry.

The ‘future of Public Service Broadcasting’ committee is analysing factors including how the influx of streaming services such as Netflix is impacting the UK’s PSBs, which include the BBC as well as ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and regional stations. It is considering funding models and its recommendations could have an impact on the future of the license fee and in particular the BBC’s finances.

Today, Netflix’s Anne Mensah, Vice President of Original Series, and Benjamin King, Director of Public Policy, UK and Ireland, faced questions over how changes to the Psb ecosystem could impact the streamer’s business on these shores.

Despite firm questioning from the panel, the pair declined to offer their own...

Benjamin King is set for comedy Shriver, which will star Michael Shannon, Kate Hudson, Don Johnson and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The feature from writer-director Michael Maren is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Chris Belden.

The story is set in a small liberal arts college that — desperate to make a splash in the literary world — thinks they have found a famous writer who has been in hiding for 20 years, Shriver, and invites him to their writer's conference. Unfortunately, the person they have located is a different Shriver, a down-on-his-luck handyman who ...

Benjamin King is set for comedy Shriver, which will star Michael Shannon, Kate Hudson, Don Johnson and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The feature from writer-director Michael Maren is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Chris Belden.

The story is set in a small liberal arts college that — desperate to make a splash in the literary world — thinks they have found a famous writer who has been in hiding for 20 years, Shriver, and invites him to their writer's conference. Unfortunately, the person they have located is a different Shriver, a down-on-his-luck handyman who ...

Netflix is going the impact campaign route as it expands its profile in the U.K. and looks to assure local players of its commitment to the domestic ecosystem.

Why spend marketing dollars on impact? Partially because impact drives are a sure-fire way to raise profile. But for Netflix, this level of campaigning is particularly important in a market where both public and commercial broadcasters perceive it as an existential threat.

Outgoing BBC director general Tony Hall has been one of the industry’s most outspoken critics of cash-flush SVODs, and his successor will likely need to do the same. But to their detriment, what some senior industry figures still fail to understand is how Netflix is able to leverage its content in clever ways, particularly around impact.

Just as the streamer rolled out a global social media campaign around its first natural history foray, Silverback Films’ “Our Planet” with David Attenborough,...

The streaming giant has signed a long-term lease to rent the bulk of the Shepperton studio site in Surrey.

Netflix is opening its long-awaited new UK production hub at Shepperton Studios, taking over the facility’s entire 14 sound stages.

The streaming giant has signed a long-term lease, understoood to be for around 10 years, to rent the 14 sound stages, as well as workshops and office space at the site in Surrey, owned by the Pinewood Group, from October this year.

The first Netflix original production to film at Shepperton will be The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Netflix has asserted that it has a “long-term commitment” to producing shows out of the UK and is growing “deep roots” with the British creative community.

Anne Mensah, Vice President of Original Series, Netflix told the House of Lords’ Communications Committee, “I was brought in to essentially work with British talent and to help and support that talent to reach a global stage. I believe my appointment and the appointment of my team in London is an indication of Netflix’s commitment and its long-term commitment to production in the UK.”

The former Sky drama chief said that Netflix wanted to have a mixed model in the UK with original commissions, co-productions with linear broadcasters including the BBC and Channel 4 and co-licensing deals. “It’s about collaboration, not competition,” she said.

She also revealed that Netflix, which now has around 130 employees in the UK, a marked increase over the last twelve months,...

Liv and Maddie are going to California. Entertainment Weekly reports the Disney Channel series has been given a new title for its fourth and final season, Liv and Maddie: Cali Style.The sitcom stars Dove Cameron as the titular twins—one is a former Hollywood actress and the other is a sporty tomboy. The cast also includes Joey Bragg, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Kali Rocha, and Benjamin King.Read More…...

Liv and Maddie (and most of the Rooney clan) are leaving The Badger State for The Golden State.

As such, the Disney Channel series is getting a tweaked title for its fourth and final season — Liv and Maddie: Cali Style.

VideosBunk’D Sneak Peek: [Spoiler] Is Back! Plus, Who’s New for Season 2?

As reported by EW.com, the twin sisters (played by Dove Cameron) are relocating to California, where Liv will (much more easily, one would expect!) pursue her acting career, while Maddie will angle for a college basketball scholarship.

There, they will bunk with their aunt and cousin,...

Disney Channel has renewed their comedy series Liv and Maddie for a third season, reports Variety.

The show stars Dove Cameron in a dual role as identical twin sisters — girly teen actress Liv and tomboy student Maddie. Liv and Maddie also stars Joey Bragg, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Kali Rocha and Benjamin King.

Disney Channel is currently airing the second season of 24 episodes on Sundays. Production of season three will begin in June and the episodes will start airing in the fall.

What do you think? Does anyone in your home like the Liv and Maddie series?

Amazon.com Widgets...

Five years after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Liv and Maddie actor Benjamin King is determined to help others by going public with his health struggle. "This is something that people don't really want to talk about," King, 42, tells People. "And you don't really want to go to the doctor for it, so I'm hoping that I can help erase some of the fear and the embarrassment, especially for kids." And King knows firsthand how tough chronic health issues can be at a young age. At just 15, the actor was diagnosed with proctitus, an inflammation of the lining of the rectum.

Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie is ready to twin-pique your kids’ interest with a second season of sibling revelry — and to mark the occasion, TVLine has an exclusive look at new cast photos.

Related Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World Renewed for Season 2

In the first image, you’ve got Dove Cameron embracing… Dove Cameron, as Maddie and Liv, followed by solos of each sis (click to zoom). The cast photo then adds in Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Kali Rocha, Ben King and Joey Bragg, as the Rooneys get set to put on a show.

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