The exterior of Fox Studios is pictured, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --
Fox 2000, the specialty unit behind such diverse literary adaptations as "Hidden Figures," ''Love, Simon" and "Life of Pi," is closing shop under the Walt Disney Co.
A person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to speak publicly said Thursday that Disney will complete the films currently in production, but that no more will be made under the label. One under way is "The Woman in the Window" with Amy Adams and Gary Oldman.
Fox 2000 films like "The Fault In Our Stars," ''The Devil Wears Prada" and "Marley & Me" will continue to live in Disney's library.
Thursday came with many layoffs for Fox executives in the wake the Disney acquisition, but it remains unclear what's in store for Fox 2000 president Elizabeth Gabler or her team.
Television producer Mark Burnett, left, looks on as President Donald Trump arrives for the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 2, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to a national television audience with "The Apprentice," is being tapped by the president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his upcoming administration.
"With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role," Trump announced Saturday.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped again make him a household name — though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.
The selection of Burnett continues Trump's trend of filling out his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both — including his choice to be defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, a former co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend," and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump's first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on "The Apprentice" and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a "star."
Almost a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trump's television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first... Read More
