News

In today’s TV news roundup, Hulu released a teaser for Zoë Kravitz’s “High Fidelity” and ABC News announces a podcast about Jeffrey Epstein.

Casting

Genneya Walton (“The Resident”), Iman Benson (“Suits”), Scarlet Spencer (“Bright”), Justin Clairborne, Ravi Cabot-Conyers and Richard Gardenhire Jr. have been cast n Netflix‘s new comedy “Black Excellence.“ The eight-episode series from Kenya Barris (who executive produces and also stars) explores what it means to be a “new money” Black family. Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation”) also executive produces and stars.

Dates

Netflix‘s three-part documentary series “Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez” premieres Jan. 15, the streamer announced. The series explores the life of former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, who was accused of three murders, but was later acquitted for two of them. Angus Wall, Christina Douglas, Dan Wetzel, Kevin Armstrong, Shawn De Clair, Jon Wertheim and Geno McDermott executive produce.

First Looks...

UTA-backed indie production group Industrial Media has hired veteran TV executive and four-time Emmy-nominee Devon Hammonds as its Senior Vice President, Development & Current Programming – East Coast to lead the company’s New York and Atlanta production hubs.

In her new role, Hammonds will provide day-to-day support for all production companies based at Industrial Media’s New York and Atlanta production hubs, including Matthew Galkin’s Fairhaven Films and Christina Douglas’ Momentum Content. Hammonds will report to Eli Holzman, Industrial Media’s CEO, and Aaron Saidman, the company’s president, who made the announcement Thursday.

“Devon has been our trusted colleague in this industry for years and we are thrilled that she will be joining the team leading our East Coast outposts,” said Holzman and Saidman in a joint statement. “She is an incredibly talented executive and leader with invaluable creative instincts. We are excited to continue our partnership with her in this new capacity.

Former A&e executive Devon Hammonds is joining Industrial Media to oversee the indie studio's East Coast production hubs.

Hammonds will be senior vp development and production, East Coast, the company's most senior executive in the region. She will lead Industrial's hubs in New York and Atlanta and provide support for companies based there, including Fairhaven Films (headed by Matthew Galkin) and Christina Douglas' Momentum Content. She'll report to Industrial Media CEO Eli Holzman and president Aaron Saidman.

Additionally, the company has promoted Matt Zien to dual roles of vp development and creative director for Industrial'...

Unscripted veteran Todd Hurvitz has signed an overall deal with Industrial Media, Variety has learned exclusively.

“Securing the best development and show running talent is critical as we expand to meet the demands of this vibrant marketplace,” said Eli Holzman, CEO of Industrial Media. “Todd has consistently been one of the most creative and well-rounded producers we know. He has a real gift for storytelling and comedy and we are overjoyed to have him on our team.”

Under the deal, Hurvitz develop original series and produce content in various formats. Hurvitz is currently the showrunner on the unscripted Nickelodeon series “The Substitute,” which is produced by Industrial Media’s Intellectual Property Corporation.

“It’s rare to find a multi-faceted producer with such a wide range of skills and formats under his belt,” said Industrial Media president. Aaron Saidman. “He’ll be a welcomed addition.”

Hurvitz’s past credits include shows such as “Punk’D,...

Momentum Content has signed an exclusive overall deal with Industrial Media (American Idol). Under the pact, Christina Douglas, Momentum Content’s CEO and Anna Snead, Momentum’s Head of Development, will work closely with Industrial Media’s CEO Eli Holzman and President Aaron Saidman to create, develop and produce new television content under the Industrial Media umbrella.

“Aaron and I have always been impressed with Christina [Douglas] and Anna’s ability to create compelling ideas and now that they have harnessed that with top-notch producing acumen at Momentum, we are thrilled to be partnering with them,” stated Holzman.

Douglas added, “I’ve been a huge fan of Eli and Aaron for years, and now to be able to work closely with them is truly an honor. They’re dedicated to the craft of making fearless and compelling TV, and have built a working culture grounded in integrity. These are crucial attributes...

Blackfin has signed an overall co-production deal with former Investigation Discovery executive Christina Douglas and Momentum Content, her newly launched production banner specializing in crime formats. Under the deal, Douglas will create, develop and produce unscripted programming to be co-produced with Blackfin in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. Douglas will relocate to Blackfin's Financial District office and work closely with Geno McDermott, Chief…...