Small Screen: Australian Soap ‘Neighbors’ Faces Discrimination Accusations; Greyboy: Finding Blackness In A White World Is Being Turned Into A TV Show
Sharon Johal - Sam Tabone
Broadcast: Sharon Johal revealed early this week that she endured racial slurs and discrimination of her heritage on the set of the globally successful Australian Soap Opera Neighbors. Her statement comes after fellow indigenous cast members (Shareena Clanton and Meyne Wyatt) made similar allegations. Johal has recurred on the show as Dipi Rebecchi, one of the leading characters, since April of 2017. She posted on her website revealing the abuse she suffered and outlined the allegations saying “ She was repeatedly referred to as one of ‘you people’ by another cast member in reference to her Indian heritage.” It was also brought to her attention that a cast member consistently referred to her as “the black one” behind her back. The production company behind the show, Fremantle, has issued a statement declaring they do not tolerate behavior that does not adhere to their Anti-Discrimination, Equal Empowerment Opportunity, Harassment and Bullying Policy. It goes further claiming all complaints will be taken very seriously announcing a fair and thorough investigation has been launched in regard to the allegations.
Jason Canela - Leon Bennett / Stringer
Cable: The rights to Cole Brown’s Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World have just been acquired by ABC Signature. The book will be adapted into a Television series by the star of Grown-ish, Yara Shahidi, and her mother/business partner Keri Shahidi. They will both be attached as executive producers with their 7th Sun Productions, a part of Disney Television Studios. The book was published in 2020 as a first-hand account of what it means to be a Black kid growing up in white spaces. Greyboy was included as a part of NBA star Steph Curry's Underrated Book Club in April. The Shahidis said “Every time we picked up Greyboy, Cole’s words have only become more resonant. His essays beautifully, and at times, painfully illuminate the much larger conversations around being ‘tokenized’ while navigating ever-changing white spaces. We are excited to partner with Cole and share the brilliance of Greyboy with a larger audience.”
Jason Canela has been added to ABC’s The Rookie in a recurring role for its upcoming third season. He will be portraying Cesar Madrigal, the impulsive son of criminal royalty who is in line to inherit his father’s empire. His first appearance will be in the upcoming episode “Brave Heart.” The show was created by Alexi Hawley and has Nathan Fillion in the lead role as John Nolan, the oldest rookie at the LAPD. The other actors in the show are Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Titus Makin, Melissa O’Neil, and Eric Winter. The Rookie is produced by Entertainment One (eOne) and ABC Signature. Greyboy:
Itziar Ituno - Patricia J. Garcinuno
Streaming: Three new Spanish dramas are coming to Netflix. The first of the series is Intimidad, from Verónica Fernández and Laura Sarmiento. It is about four women who find themselves the center of a sex scandal that has great political implications. Intimidad stars Itziar Ituno, Patricia López Arnaiz, Verónica Echegui, Ana Wagener, and Emma Suárez. Next on the slate is an action drama, Baruca from Victor Sierra and Xosé Morais. It takes place in a prison and is set during a siege. Last up is Si lo hubiera sabido (If Only). Created by Turkish screenwriter Ece Yörenc, and adapted by Irma Correa, this drama follows protagonist Emma, a 30-year old woman unhappy with her 10-year relationship who gets another shot at life when she is sent back in time into her body from 10 years ago. She will be played by Megan Montaner.
Univision Communications Inc.
Industry: Univision and Televisa have finalized their merger agreement and will be moving forward creating a Spanish-language TV mammoth whose reach will extend through Mexico and the USA. In accordance with the deal, Televisa will contribute its media, content, and production assets along with an assortment of networks to the new powerhouse being called: Televisa-Univision. The former's resources have been valued at $4.8billion. Univision CEO Wade Davis will be helming this project. He said “This transformative combination brings together the leading network serving U.S. Spanish-language audiences with the leading media platform in Mexico powered by the most powerful Spanish-language content engine in the world. Televisa-Univision will emerge as the leading global Spanish-language multi-media company, uniquely positioned to capture the significant market opportunity for Spanish speakers worldwide.”
Clinton Foy has joined UTA as General Partner. Foy is known for being a longtime venture investment executive, an esports investor, and the former COO of Square Enix. His role will be growing and developing the company’s investment platforms, from direct to venture capital investing. UTA chief executive officer Jeremy Zimmer said: “Clinton’s deep background in the venture capital community and proven track record of raising and investing capital for funds and startups across entertainment and tech makes him a strong fit for UTA’s entrepreneurial DNA. UTA has ambitious plans to expand our footprint in the venture capital space, and Clinton will play a big role in taking us to the next level.”
