News Broadcasting
HBO signs stand-up comedian Dane Cook to multi-project deal
MUMBAI: HBO has signed stand-up comedian Dane Cook to a multi-faceted deal that will include series, specials and other projects, it was announced by HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht.
Among the initial projects under the agreement are a feature-length stand-up film, development of a scripted series and a comedy documentary series. In addition, HBO will have exclusive rights to Cook for all nontraditional media platforms.
Cook will executive produce all projects with Barry Katz and Brian Volk-Weiss through his production company, SUperFInger Entertainment, in association with New Wave Entertainment.
“Dane Cook is one of the most exciting comedy stars to emerge on the scene in many years, and his ability to connect with audiences is truly remarkable. HBO will be able to give this gifted performer the broadest, most unrestricted showcase for his talent, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the network,” said Albrecht.
“This is a dream come true. HBO is the highest echelon in the world for a stand-up comedian to attain. Throughout my career I’ve trusted my instincts to lead me down the right path, and I am honored to work together with this network while contributing to the legacy that is HBO,” said Cook.
Cook will shoot his stand-up concert film, directed by Marty Callner (the HBO specials Rolling Stones: Live from Madison Square Garden and Robin Williams: Live on Broadway), at the TD Banknorth Garden in Cook’s hometown of Boston on 15 April.
The first show completely sold out through his website presale in 72 hours, setting a new box-office record; a second show was then added and sold out more quickly than the first, racking up an unprecedented 35,000 tickets in five days with no advertising.
Cook will also star in the comedy documentary series Tourgasm, following Cook and three other comedians (Gary Gulman, Robert Kelly and Jay Davis) last spring on their college tour, which covered 20 shows in 30 days across 28 states. Jay Blumenfield and Anthony Marsh (Family Business) will executive produce along with Cook, Katz and Volk-Weiss.
In addition, Cook and HBO will develop a pilot for a scripted HBO comedy series. Other projects will be announced as they are confirmed.
Cook recently hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live, which was the highest-rated episode of the season. His second comedy album, Retaliation, debuted at number four on the Billboard charts, making him the highest-charting comedian of the last 25 years. Retaliation has also earned platinum status, surpassing the near-gold status of his first release, Harmful If Swallowed.
Earlier this year, Cook started shooting Employee of the Month, with Jessica Simpson, for Lions Gate and will follow that with Disney’s Dan in Real Life, with Steve Carell.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
