Buffalo 8 Acquires ‘Beyond the Likes’ at Cannes
Buffalo 8 Distribution made headlines at the **Cannes Film Festival** with their acquisition of the comedy-drama **Beyond the Likes**. This intriguing film is set against the vibrant backdrop of **Chicago** in **2008**, and features an ensemble cast that includes **Matt Rife** from *Wild ‘n Out*, **Don Benjamin** from *Him*, **Terrance J** from *Think Like a Man*, **Stephanie Nur** from *1883*, **Andrew Bach** from *To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before*, and **George Lopez** from *George Lopez*. The narrative centers on five friends who are thrust into the challenges of adulthood while simultaneously discovering how to become the world’s first influencers.
The story takes a unique turn when **Cam**, played by Benjamin, encounters the affluent heiress **Nefertari** portrayed by Nur. Their immediate chemistry sparks a cultural clash that forms the crux of the film. **Rhyan LaMarr** directs this project, and the script comes from **Adam Key**, known for his work on *NCIS: Los Angeles*. The film has been shot in various locations including **Abu Dhabi**, **Chicago**, and **Los Angeles**. With **Elijah Long** and **Qais Qandil** serving as producers, the strategic acquisition was facilitated by **Grady Craig**, President of Buffalo 8, who is also an executive producer. Craig expressed enthusiasm about the film’s potential to resonate with audiences in today’s **social media-driven culture**.
WME Takes on ‘The Six Billion Dollar Man’
Another major development at Cannes is the involvement of WME Independent in **Eugene Jarecki’s** documentary **The Six Billion Dollar Man**. This film focuses on the complex life of **Julian Assange**, the founder of **Wikileaks**, and premiered in the Cannes Special Screenings section. The documentary chronicles Assange’s journey following his release from prison, featuring **Wikileaks** footage, previously unseen evidence, and commentary from notable figures such as **Pamela Anderson**, **Edward Snowden**, and **Naomi Klein**.
Assange’s presence at the festival adds a significant layer to this project. Jarecki expressed excitement, stating, “It’s a tremendous thrill to be here at the Cannes Film Festival, with the support of WME Independent.” He reflected on the transformation of Assange’s circumstances, noting that he went from being a prisoner in a maximum-security facility to walking the red carpet. The film’s production team includes **Kathleen Fournier**, Jarecki himself, and executive producers **Addison O’Dea**, **Dana O’Keefe**, and **Mathilde Bonnefoy**.
BBC Studios Appoints New Audio Chiefs
In a significant move, **BBC Studios Audio** has welcomed new leadership to enhance their content strategy. **Lydia Shamah** has been appointed as the **Creative Director of Drama**, bringing experience from platforms like **Realm** and **Audible**. She will guide the drama content, focusing on new creative partnerships, working on acclaimed projects like *Orphan Black: The Next Chapter*.
**Richard Morris** takes the role of **Creative Director of Comedy and Entertainment**, where he will oversee a range of comedy series in collaboration with BBC Studios’ TV comedy division. Morris has a wealth of experience having held various senior positions at **BBC Radio**, making him well-equipped to shape the station’s comedic output.
**James Cook** is now the **Creative Director of Factual**, focusing on the production and development of factual formats such as *Desert Island Discs* and *You’re Dead to Me*. Other notable appointments include **John Sardelis** as Audio Ad Sales Account Director and **India Opie Meres**, who joins from Buzz16 as Partnerships Lead.
ITV Gives ‘Piglets’ a Second Chance
UK’s major network ITV has decided to renew the police sitcom **Piglets** for a second season. Following a strong debut season that reached an impressive **5.6 million viewers** on the **ITVX** streaming platform, the show will now expand with a **six-part season** currently in production at **Monicker Pictures**. The series follows a quirky mix of aspiring police officers, featuring returning characters such as **Superintendent Julie Spry** played by **Sarah Parish** and **Superintendent Bob Weekes** portrayed by **Mark Heap**.
Joining the cast will be **Colin McFarlane** as Chief Superintendent Cunningham and **Rebecca Humphries** as the Head of Admin, alongside the dynamic group of police trainees. New cast members **Madelyn Smedley** and **Kerr Logan** will further enrich the storyline, ensuring a fresh take on the comedy that captivated its audience. ITV Studios maintains international distribution rights, aiming to reach wider audiences.