Thursday round-up: Latest news, deals & hires

Sphere Abacus lands Full Metal Jacket doc

Bell Media's Sphere Abacus (SA) has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Kubrick’s War: The Making of Full Metal Jacket.

The show has been produced in the UK by NorthSouth Film Company, in association with producers Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff’s US-based production company Cinco Dedos Peliculas and Supercloud Studios.

The 125-minute doc explores the making of the influential war film and features exclusive interviews and unseen archival footage of how director Stanley Kubrick brought his vision to life.

Stephen Rigg (Kubrick’s Universe) directs and writes alongside production head Hank Starrs (RoboDoc).

Mediaset Distribution takes AI courtroom format to Cannes

Italy's Mediaset Distribution is leading its Mipcom format slate with an AI-powered version of long-running courtroom show Forum (Meet Me in Court).

The series is into its 42nd season in Italy, with more than 11,000 episodes produced since launch that explore real-life disputes, social issues and everyday conflicts brought before a judge.

The format has been tweaked for its latest season, with a humanoid robot named Jeeves acting as an on-set assistant. Operated by engineers and powered AI, Jeeves raises questions around trust, usefulness, responsibility and the impact of new tech.

Netflix gobbles up Chef's Table shows

The Chef's Table franchise is expanding is spread at Netflix with two spin-offs.

Chef's Table: Icons uncovers chefs who built culinary institutions that redefined dining, while Chef's Table: Desserts spotlights inventive puddings.

Chef's Table is created by David Gelb, and is a Boardwalk Pictures and David Gelb Films production. Gelb, Andrew Fried, Brian McGinn and Dane Lillegard are executive producers.