Fiction
Endemol lands new deals with Astro
MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor Endemol has signed new deals with Astro in Asia for ‘The Money Drop’ and ‘Fear Factor’.
Malaysian broadcaster, Astro Ria has ordered a prime time series of ‘Fear Factor’, marking a comeback for the format in Asia. Launching later this year, the 13-part celebrity series will be filmed in Cape Town produced by Endemol Malaysia Entertainment Group in conjunction with Endemol South Africa. The format was last produced in Asia in 2009.
Astro Ria has also ordered a 26 part second series of ‘The Money Drop’, which will air in a prime time spot later this year. The new Malaysian series will once again incorporate the Play Along game, where viewers at home can mirror the white knuckle decisions made by players in the studio. Both this game and the returning Stand Alone were hugely popular during the first series.
Endemol Asia CEO Arjen van Mierlo said, “ ‘Fear Factor’ and ‘The Money Drop’ are among the biggest hits created by Endemol and we’re delighted to have them in peak time slots on a leading regional broadcast such as Astro. I’m especially pleased to sign these deals ahead of MIPCOM, where both shows continue to be among our market highlights.”
‘The Money Drop’ has now been sold in over 40 territories across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, CIS territories, Asia and the South Pacific. The online game has generated over 17 million game plays.
‘Fear Factor’ has sold into over 150 countries with local versions produced in over 30 territories. The format returned to Cannes at MIPTV 2012 following its ratings success on NBC in the US.
Elsewhere in Asia, Endemol has signed new deals in Vietnam, where HTV7 has recommissioned 52 new episodes of Deal or No Deal and VTV3 have reordered a 52 part series of 1 vs. 100.
Other recent commissions in the region include ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar‘, which was sold to Hunan Broadcasting in China. The series launched on the channel in July.
Fiction
Paramount taps Pentwater Capital’s Halbower in push to reshape Warner Bros board
Skydance-backed bid eyes board shake-up to derail Netflix deal and win shareholder support
CALIFORNIA: The battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery has moved beyond takeover talks and into the boardroom, as Paramount Global and Skydance Media reportedly prepare for a proxy fight. At the center of the push is Pentwater Capital founder Matthew Halbower, whose potential nomination to the board could reshape the outcome of the high-stakes standoff.
Paramount is seeking to block Warner Bros. Discovery’s proposed tie-up with Netflix, arguing that its own $108.4 billion all-cash offer represents a stronger alternative for shareholders. By backing a new slate of directors, the Skydance-backed bidder aims to install leadership more receptive to its proposal — and willing to abandon the Netflix agreement.
As the seventh-largest investor in Warner Bros. Discovery, Halbower wields considerable influence. The Pentwater Capital chief has already voiced sharp criticism of the board, accusing it earlier this year of a “breach of fiduciary duty” for rejecting Paramount’s offer without what he described as adequate engagement.
According to Reuters, Halbower has held discussions with Paramount about a potential board role, though no final decision has been confirmed. He reportedly characterized his candidacy as a last resort, suggesting that if the current board meaningfully negotiates with Paramount, his presence would not be required.
In a bid to strengthen its appeal to shareholders, Paramount Global has enhanced its takeover proposal with added financial safeguards. The revised offer includes a delay-protection clause that would grant shareholders an additional $650 million in cash for every quarter the transaction remains incomplete beyond this year. Paramount has also pledged to absorb the $2.8 billion breakup fee that Warner Bros. Discovery would owe Netflix if it terminates its existing agreement, removing a significant financial obstacle to the deal.
Paramount is not alone in challenging the status quo. Hedge fund Ancora Holdings has also accumulated a stake in Warner Bros. Discovery and publicly opposed the Netflix deal.
With reports suggesting Paramount could nominate enough directors to overturn a majority of the company’s 14-member board, Warner Bros. Discovery’s leadership now faces mounting pressure from influential shareholders. The outcome of this proxy battle will determine whether the media giant proceeds with its streaming partnership or pivots toward a massive cash acquisition.
