Tuesday round-up: Latest news, deals & hires

Prodcos prep ‘fake baby’ doc

Two Rivers Media and Soho Studios have emerged as the indies behind an upcoming documentary about Kira Cousins, the Scottish woman at the centre of the ‘fake baby’ story making headlines in the UK.

Cousins, a 22-year-old from Airdrie, has been the focus of a press and social media storm after it was discovered she had conned friends, family and her boyfriend into believing she was pregnant by wearing a prosthetic baby bump and holding a gender reveal party, before ‘giving birth’ to a baby girl, subsequently found out to be a life-like Reborn doll.

Scottish newspaper The Daily Record revealed last week that Cousins had agreed to appear in a TV documentary about the situation, but did not disclose the production companies. Two Rivers and Soho Studios are seeking a broadcast partner on the doc and are in discussions with several broadcasters and platforms about the project. 

Disney, YouTube dispute continues

Google has rejected Disney’s request to return ABC - and its election coverage - to its YouTube TV service, in the latest development in the companies’ ongoing spat over channel distribution.

Disney channels such as ABC, FX and ESPN have been unavailable via YouTube TV for the past four days after the two sides failed to strike a new carriage agreement.

It means ABC’s coverage of US state and local elections taking place today will not be available to YouTube TV viewers.

YouTube TV has instead suggested that both ABC and ESPN could return to its service, with discussions ongoing.

MGM+ orders Hillside Strangler

MGM+ has greenlit The Hillside Strangler, a four-part true-crime docuseries that explores the infamous murders that gripped LA in the late 1970s and the exhaustive investigation that followed.

The show is from executive producers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for Sony’s Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), alongside Tim Walsh (Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer) and Peter LoGreco.

The latter also directs and serves as showrunner on the docuseries, which will premiere on 18 January.

JoJo & Gran Gran prodco returns to indie roots

Kids animation studio A Productions has returned to 100% independent ownership and reshuffled its senior leadership.

Joint managing directors Katherine McQueen and Mark Taylor have re-acquired the majority stake that was previously held by Cyber Group Studios. The remaining shares were already owned by the pair.

Following the deal, McQueen will assume the role of sole managing director at the end of the year, while Taylor steps back. He will remain an active shareholder and continue to work for the indie in an advisory capacity.

The changes come as the Bristol-based company, responsible for the animation on shows like CBeebies’ JoJo & Gran Gran, turns 40. Read more