On The Record: September 29th

A new week of On The Record news is here, and this time, there's lots of things to cover. It seems like organizational restructurings are happening at every corner in the entertainment industry, with new shifts taking place in the executive levels of the industry's leaders. 

Another interesting development is the seemingly booming AI presence in the production world. While some defend the use of it, others are not shy from expressing their concern. Let's dive in and read more about the news you might have missed: 

Brian Weiss New EVP, Strategy and Business Development at A+E

Brian Weiss is stepping into a new role as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at A+E Global Media, where he’ll be in charge of driving growth across the company’s linear, digital, and up-and-coming platforms. With more than 20 years in broadcast TV—especially on the streaming and digital side—Weiss knows the space inside and out. Before this, he was VP of Entertainment Programming & Networks at Tegna, the local broadcast group. 

Monster Truck Legend Bigfoot Gears Up for Film and TV With Pure Imagination & Prime Universe

Pure Imagination Studios and Prime Universe have obtained the rights to the iconic monster truck brand Bigfoot—and they’re going big with it. The plan? Build out an entire film and TV universe that spans a live-action feature, animated projects, video games, and even consumer products. Basically, they’re gearing up to reintroduce Bigfoot to a whole new generation of fans. Safe to say Bigfoot will be the star of the show, on and off screen.

New Leadership at Critical Content: Lobl and Yates Step In as Co-Heads

Critical Content, the SK Global-owned production company, has tapped Rob Lobl and Tony Yates as its new co-heads of content, stepping in after Jenny Daly’s exit. Lobl comes from his time as an EP at Peacock, while Yates brings leadership experience as CEO of Zodiak Los Angeles and COO of RDF USA. The hires come at a busy time for Critical Content, which says it currently has more than a dozen shows in development and production worldwide.

Comcast Taps Mike Cavanagh and Brian Roberts as Co-CEOs

Comcast is shaking up its leadership, and it's appointing two CEOs to share the decision-making responsibilities. Mike Cavanagh, who’s been with the company since 2015 as CFO, has been promoted to Co-CEO. He’ll be sharing the top job with Brian Roberts, son of Comcast’s late founder Ralph Roberts. The new leadership structure officially kicks in come January 2026.

Netflix Alumni Take Key Roles at Amazon and Paramount+ Amid Rivalry

Two of Netflix’s biggest former execs are now taking their talents to rival streamers. Cindy Holland, who once ran Original Content for English-language programming at Netflix, has been named Chair of Direct-to-Consumer at Paramount, where she’ll oversee the platform’s post-merger business. Meanwhile, Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s former Head of UCAN Scripted Series, has landed at Amazon MGM Studios as Head of Global TV for Prime Video. The true controversy lies within the fact that both Holland and Friedlander were key players in shaping Netflix’s rise—and now they’re set to help its competitors level up.

Fairground Turns Rogue Matter Comics into AI-Powered Streaming Series

Fairground Entertainment, a newly launched generative AI content studio and distribution venture, has lined up one of its first creative partners and is already moving forward with three fully AI-driven TV series. The projects will tap into Rogue Matter’s comic book IP, turning its titles into episodic series set to drop later this year. Think everything you love about comic books - but now in a digital, TV show format, all done through AI.

Animate Expands Into AI-Powered Filmmaking in Mumbai

Singapore-based Animate is branching out in a big way—launching a brand-new AI film studio in Mumbai. Up until now, the company has mostly been known for running influencer marketing campaigns for heavyweights like McDonald’s, Amazon, and L’Oréal. But founder Anish Mehta sees a bigger future in storytelling. “For two decades, I helped reimagine storytelling through animation. Now, our AI Film Studio is here to push those boundaries further than ever before,” Mehta said, framing the move as the next evolution of the company’s creative vision.

This sums up the latest news you might have missed in the media and production industry. Don't forget to tune back in next week, with a brand new On The Record blog. See you then!