SOVIET SAGA
Stockard Channing and Michael Praed will star in the world premiere of “The Gates of Kyiv” at the U.K.’s Theatre Royal Windsor. Written by Ian Kelly and directed by Roxana Silbert, the play tells the story of Soviet piano virtuoso Maria Yudina and her defiance against Stalin’s regime. Channing takes on the role of Yudina, while Praed will portray Shostakovich and serve as narrator.
The production, billed as a combination of storytelling, music and dance, also features Russian pianist Gala Chistiakova and ballet dancer Xander Parish. Channing, known for her Tony Award-winning performance in “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” and her role as Rizzo in “Grease,” has earned a best actress Oscar nomination for “Six Degrees of Separation” and multiple Emmy nominations for her work in “The West Wing” and “The Matthew Shepard Story.” Praed’s credits include starring roles in the TV series “Robin of Sherwood” and “Dynasty,” as well as stage performances in “42nd Street” and “The Sound of Music.”
“The Gates of Kyiv” is set to run from Sept. 4-14, 2024, at Theatre Royal Windsor. The creative team includes Kenneth Tindall (choreography), Ti Green (design), Rick Fisher (lighting), Fred De Faye (sound) and Louis Price (video design).
PARAMOUNT+ PARIS PACT
Paramount+ and Canal+ Group have bolstered their partnership in France, broadening the streaming service’s distribution. Canal+ subscribers can now access Paramount+ content at no extra cost, whatever subscription plan they have.
The deal includes integration of Paramount+ content into myCanal and Canal+ decoders. Canal+ retains distribution rights for Paramount’s pay-TV channels and continues to acquire premium content, including Paramount Pictures films and select Showtime series. The expanded offering features series like “Landman,” “Tulsa King,” and “Star Trek,” alongside films such as “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” and French originals like “Zorro.”
REMAKE RIGHTS
Banijay Asia has secured format rights from Sony Pictures Television to produce Indian remakes of five international scripted series. The deal includes “Drop Dead Diva,” “La Prepago,” “Men At Work,” “Mob Doctor” and “Rosario Tijeras.”
Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India have previously adapted “The Night Manager” and “The Good Wife” adaptation “The Trial.” Their non-scripted portfolio includes “MasterChef,” “Big Boss” and “Into the Wild With Bear Grylls.”
ABC ADIEU
David Anderson has resigned as MD of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the public broadcaster that now spans TV, radio, on-demand products, websites and apps. He will remain in the role until early 2025 in order to ensure a smooth transition. A recruitment process will begin shortly. Anderson, who has worked for the ABC for some 30 years, was director of entertainment until September 2018 when he was made acting MD. In May 2019 he was appointed as MD.
“David Anderson is a loyal, devoted and talented ABC executive. He has served the Corporation in the best tradition of committed public service over a long period,” ABC chair Kim Williams said. “My admiration for him and his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater. He is an exemplary executive in many ways.”
KIWI KUDOS
New Zealand International Film Festival has unveiled its 2024 prize winners. Vea Mafile’o’s “Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue” nabbed the Patrons Award for best film in the New Zealand’s Best category. Awanui Simich-Pene’s “First Horse” scored the Auckland Live Spirit of the Civic Award, while Tom Furniss’ “Rochelle” snagged both the Creative NZ Emerging Talent Award and Panavision Audience Award.
In the Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts category, Tainui Tukiwaho’s “Chatterbox” won the Letterboxd Audience Award. Alex Liu’s “The Red Room” and Veialu Aila-Unsworth’s “Butterfly/Bataplai” shared the Wellington UNESCO City of Film award.
NZIFF’s new Fresh Competition saw Truong Minh Quy’s “Viet and Nam” claim the Main Award, with Tommaso Santambrogio’s “Oceans Are the Real Continents” taking the Audience Award. In the Frames Competition, Ibrahim Nash’at’s “Hollywoodgate” secured the Main Award, while Shiori Ito’s “Black Box Diaries” won both Special Mention and Audience Award.