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https://nerdist.com/article/hbo-brand-returns-to-streaming-shows-after-max-removed-it/
Okay, so Max isn’t dead, exactly. But HBO has returned from its Max-imposed exile. After unceremoniously removing the iconic three letters from its streamer’s name and turning HBO Max into just Max, Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing the HBO brand back into play. We assume that the company has rightfully assessed that the brand identity associated with HBO will help sell its products. Of course, many could have shared that insight before HBO was cut from the operation. But we’re glad it’s back now.
A new report from Variety reveals that according to HBO and Max content CEO Casey Bloys, there will now be a delineation between “Max Shows” and “HBO Shows,” and unsurprisingly, most of Max’s upcoming IP projects will be termed “HBO shows.” The publication notes this includes the It prequel, Welcome to Derry, the Green Lantern DC series, Lanterns, and the upcoming Harry Potter project will all fall under the banner of “HBO Show.” This is an interesting shift considering the company’s considerable efforts to get everyone to accept the Max brand.
Bloys shares, “We felt like we had to delineate between an HBO show and a Max show. The idea of using Warner Bros. IP as a delineation for Max felt right. At least that gives you a clear lane. But as we started producing those shows, we were using the same methods, the same kind of thinking, as how we would approach HBO shows. In a lot of cases, the same talent that has worked on HBO shows.” And further comments, “What we ended up with is shows at this scope and scale that look great, and great narratives and talent we’ve worked with. The idea of the delineation kind of started to feel unnecessary. Like, why are we doing this? Let’s just call them what they are: HBO shows.”
“Why are you doing this?” is definitely a question many people asked during the initial shift from HBO to Max. But we guess, better late than never. The “HBO Shows” label will officially come into play during 2025. While we can clearly define an “HBO Show,” there’s no exact word yet of what a “Max Show” is if it’s not basically all the projects we were expecting from Max. It seems there is some sort of financial delineation at play, but little else is mentioned with clarity. However, for now, The Penguin and Dune: Prophecy remain under the Max branding as they will release in 2024.
Bloys does seem regretful of this truth, sharing, “We will start in 2025, although ‘The Penguin’ would be an obvious fit as an HBO Original. Unfortunately, the process of licensing it internationally has already started.”
Additionally of note, any series branded as “HBO shows” will now run on linear network TV in addition to streaming on Max. That will likely mean a larger volume of programming in 2025. It sounds like Thursdays and Sundays will be original series nights for the HBO channel.
Bloys sums it up by saying, “For a show that feels big and cinematic, they already are going to make the assumption that it feels like an HBO show… This is just leaning into that.” That’s true, but it begs the question, why did anyone lean out of it in the first place? It will also be interesting to see what this reversion back to HBO will mean for Max as a streamer. Might we even dare to suggest it could one day be called… HBO Max.
The post Long Live HBO! The HBO Brand Returns From Its Max-Imposed Exile appeared first on Nerdist.
Okay, so Max isn’t dead, exactly. But HBO has returned from its Max-imposed exile. After unceremoniously removing the iconic three letters from its streamer’s name and turning HBO Max into just Max, Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing the HBO brand back into play. We assume that the company has rightfully assessed that the brand identity associated with HBO will help sell its products. Of course, many could have shared that insight before HBO was cut from the operation. But we’re glad it’s back now.
A new report from Variety reveals that according to HBO and Max content CEO Casey Bloys, there will now be a delineation between “Max Shows” and “HBO Shows,” and unsurprisingly, most of Max’s upcoming IP projects will be termed “HBO shows.” The publication notes this includes the It prequel, Welcome to Derry, the Green Lantern DC series, Lanterns, and the upcoming Harry Potter project will all fall under the banner of “HBO Show.” This is an interesting shift considering the company’s considerable efforts to get everyone to accept the Max brand.
Bloys shares, “We felt like we had to delineate between an HBO show and a Max show. The idea of using Warner Bros. IP as a delineation for Max felt right. At least that gives you a clear lane. But as we started producing those shows, we were using the same methods, the same kind of thinking, as how we would approach HBO shows. In a lot of cases, the same talent that has worked on HBO shows.” And further comments, “What we ended up with is shows at this scope and scale that look great, and great narratives and talent we’ve worked with. The idea of the delineation kind of started to feel unnecessary. Like, why are we doing this? Let’s just call them what they are: HBO shows.”
“Why are you doing this?” is definitely a question many people asked during the initial shift from HBO to Max. But we guess, better late than never. The “HBO Shows” label will officially come into play during 2025. While we can clearly define an “HBO Show,” there’s no exact word yet of what a “Max Show” is if it’s not basically all the projects we were expecting from Max. It seems there is some sort of financial delineation at play, but little else is mentioned with clarity. However, for now, The Penguin and Dune: Prophecy remain under the Max branding as they will release in 2024.
Bloys does seem regretful of this truth, sharing, “We will start in 2025, although ‘The Penguin’ would be an obvious fit as an HBO Original. Unfortunately, the process of licensing it internationally has already started.”
Additionally of note, any series branded as “HBO shows” will now run on linear network TV in addition to streaming on Max. That will likely mean a larger volume of programming in 2025. It sounds like Thursdays and Sundays will be original series nights for the HBO channel.
Bloys sums it up by saying, “For a show that feels big and cinematic, they already are going to make the assumption that it feels like an HBO show… This is just leaning into that.” That’s true, but it begs the question, why did anyone lean out of it in the first place? It will also be interesting to see what this reversion back to HBO will mean for Max as a streamer. Might we even dare to suggest it could one day be called… HBO Max.
The post Long Live HBO! The HBO Brand Returns From Its Max-Imposed Exile appeared first on Nerdist.
We sadly lost Alex Trebek in late 2020, after a valiant battle with cancer, but his legacy will never be forgotten. Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings has announced that the U.S. Postal Service will issue a Forever stamp honoring beloved former host Alex Trebek, who hosted the show for a whopping 37 seasons. All of this celebrates the remarkable legacy of America’s Favorite Quiz Show, which began airing in 1964. You can check out images of the new Forever stamp right here:
The grid of 20 identical stamps evokes the collection of video monitors that form the world-famous Jeopardy! game board. Written on the stamp is this prompt: “This naturalized U.S. Citizen hosted the quiz show Jeopardy! for 37 seasons.” (Yes, the American TV icon was actually born in Canada). On the bottom of the stamp upside down, it shows the correct response: “Who is Alex Trebek?” On the stamp panel there are relevant category headers at the top of each column of stamps.
The stamp also features a photograph of Alex Trebek with a portion of the iconic Jeopardy! set behind him. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed these commemorative stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. They will issue the Alex Trebek stamp in sets of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to any current First-Class Mail stamp. Outside of Wheel of Fortune and a few others, almost no game show has had the longevity of Jeopardy! So it’s nice to see both show and host honored. Presales for this special Alex Trebek commemorative Jeopardy! Forever stamp are now up at usps.com.
The post New U.S. Forever Stamp Celebrates the Legacy of Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek appeared first on Nerdist.
Lion Forge Entertainment, the studio behind “Iyanu,” the epic superhero animated-series steeped in Nigerian culture and mythology, debuting on Cartoon Network and Max, has set a sponsorship pact with Nigeria’s famed The Voiceover Conference, Africa’s premiere voiceover summit.
Lion Forge will come on board as a leading sponsor for the biggest voiceover event in Africa. The relationship highlights a shared commitment from Lion Forge Entertainment and The Voiceover Conference (TVOC) to amplify and uplift diverse, global voices within the entertainment industry. The 2024 edition of The Voiceover Conference takes place June 25-26 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Lion Forge’s “Iyanu” is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe, and the series is already groundbreaking in that it features an all-African cast.
Okupe and previously announced cast member Serah Johnson, who voices the title role of Iyanu, will be featured in discussions at TVOC. Paula Gammon Wilson, “Iyanu” Casting Director and Voice Director, is also a special guest and will teach a class on the audition process, giving attendees a chance to practice their talents.
TVOC’s founder and seasoned voiceover artist King E. Afemikhe, is among the newest “Iyanu” cast members and is set to voice Abbey. Other new additions include convention co-host Femi “Bakes” Olugbade, who voices Uwa; special guest and award-winning voiceover artist Tolulope Kolade (Everything Voiceovers Podcast) who voices the character Siju; broadcaster turned voice actor Femi Sowoolu as Chancellor Nuro; Lord Frank as The Fallen One; multilingual voice actress Rashidat Fawehinmi Raji as Omolola; and voice actress Iheanetu Edith Chidinma as Teju.
Set to debut on Cartoon Network and Max next year, “Iyanu” is an epic superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. The series follows Iyanu, a teenage heroine who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound powers to save her people from an ancient curse threatening to destroy humanity.
Founded by David Steward II, Lion Forge Entertainment is a mission-driven entertainment company focusing on content that is both authentic and appealing to a broad audience. The company develops and produces animated and live action content targeting the kids & family and young adult audiences.
Steward II stated, “We are thrilled to enter a partnership with The Voiceover Conference, a staple in Africa’s budding voiceover scene helping young artists break into the entertainment industry and thrive. This collaboration is a testament to our mission of amplifying authentic, diverse voices. It’s especially exciting that these talented individuals will now be featured in our upcoming animated series ‘Iyanu,’ bringing fresh and genuine perspectives to our audiences.”
King E. Afemikhe founded TVOC in response to the escalating unemployment rates across Africa. With the intent to empower the continent’s youth and ultimately prepare these African voices for global recognition and success, the annual conference provides a nurturing platform for aspiring voice-over talents to not only succeed but find relevance and employment through the use of voice. TVOC seeks to transform voiceover into a thriving sector that generates profitable business opportunities for young Africans in and outside the continent.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lion Forge as a sponsor for the Voiceover Conference 5.0. Their support is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. Lion Forge’s commitment to our event not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to strive for greater heights. We believe that collaboration is key to growth and progress, and we are grateful for Lion Forge’s partnership in bringing together the pioneer and biggest voiceover conference in Africa,” said King E Afemikhe, Founder, Voiceover Workshop & Media and Convener of The Voiceover Conference.
The 2024 Voiceover Conference takes place virtually on June 25 and as a hybrid event on June 26 at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Nigeria. Register at thevoiceoverconference.com.