LOS ANGELES: FOX has placed an eight-episode order for the new unscripted series Kicking & Screaming, which teams ten expert survivalists with pampered partners to face the toughest race of their lives.

LONDON: Sky and CBS Corporation have entered into a long-term licensing agreement that sees Sky Atlantic become the exclusive home of Showtime programming across the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy.

Interviewed by World Screen’s Anna Carugati for the international keynote at NATPE, Endemol Shine Group CEO Sophie Turner Laing discussed the power of the company’s production and distribution network, maintaining “superbrands” like Big Brother and MasterChef and exploring how nonscripted entertainment evolves in the digital age.

LOS ANGELES: Electus International has taken on the worldwide distribution rights, excluding the U.S., for the documentary 9/11, which is executive produced by Ben Silverman.

Andy Fry surveys the latest developments in Canada, from regulatory changes to consolidation in broadcasting, production and distribution.

NEW YORK: DISH Network is among the members of the newly formed Stop Mega Cable Coalition, which was established in response to the proposed merger of Charter Communications, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks.

Preparing for his leading role in the 2013 feature film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Idris Elba found himself immersed in many elements of South African culture, most notably the country’s music. The actor/musician was so inspired, he set out to make—and chronicle the making of—an album, mi Mandela. Along ...

HALIFAX: DHX Brands has secured five additional U.K. consumer products licensees for the Teletubbies reboot, which premiered on CBeebies last year.

According to data from The NPD Group, U.S. toy sales rose by 6.7 percent last year compared to 2014, generating $19.4 billion and driven by the success of Star Wars merchandise, among other factors. Out of the 11 major categories, nine saw gains in 2015.

LONDON: The event thriller series 11.22.63, from executive producers J.J. Abrams, Stephen King and Bridget Carpenter, will begin rolling out in select European territories this spring exclusively on FOX, thanks to a deal between FOX Networks Group Europe and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.