NBC is launching a national talent search for comedy writers.
The initiative dubbed "NBC Comedy Playground" will give up to 10 finalists the chance to create pilots and a formal presentation.
NBC said Tuesday that two winners will be chosen to create half-hour comedies to air on the network in summer 2015.
NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke says the network wants to uncover original comedy minds who want an "express pass" into the TV industry.
The top two ideas will be picked by a celebrity advisory board including Eva Longoria, Sean Hayes, Mindy Kaling and Seth Meyers. Another prize, the chance to create an online comedy, will be decided by a public vote.
Application videos can be submitted online at http://www.nbccomedyplayground.com starting May 1.
Avid completes acquisition of Wolftech
Avidยฎ, known for software solutions for professional media production, has completed the acquisition of Wolftech Broadcast Solutions, a leader in cloud-based multiplatform news planning, production and publishing solutions.
The acquisition enables Avid to combine its digital-first, end-to-end media solution with Wolftechโs expertise in story-centric workflow management. News organizations will be able to increase efficiency and accelerate story delivery through enhanced remote collaboration and multiplatform amplification.
Avid CEO Wellford Dillard stated, โWolftech is unquestionably on the leading edge of where the industry is going, and this acquisition demonstrates Avidโs commitment to transform news, sports, and live production workflows. We are delighted to welcome Wolftech into the Avid family.โ
Wolftech CEO Arne Berven added, โWe were focused on finding a partner that could accelerate the adoption of our platform globally. We explored a number of possibilities, but when we talked to Avid, we knew it was the right match.โ
The closing of the acquisition follows Avidโs announcement on October 7 that the company had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wolftech.
With this acquisition, Avid deepens the integration between the two toolsets while continuing to embrace an open approach in partnering with a wide range of media production tools and newsroom systems. Existing Wolftech customers will benefit from Avidโs global scale for customer support and professional services.
Ian Axton, head of production operations for ITV News, said, โAs a customer of both Avid and Wolftech weโre excited about the benefits this acquisition will bring to our users and our business. Wolftech has transformed... Read More