Independent production company Blink Films is making a move into factual entertainment with the hire of respected producer Jon Lloyd as Creative Director for Popular Factual, TVWise has learned. 
UnReal is changing homes here in the UK. Amazon Prime Video has poached the UK rights to the series, which previously aired on Lifetime UK, in a deal with international distributor A+E Studios International, TVWise has learned. 
The Hot House - the creative incubator set up earlier this year by former ITV exec Remy Blumenfeld and Justin Bodle - has teamed with Malcolm Clark to launch new independent production company Seriously TV, TVWise has learned. 
Prolific producer Frank Spotnitz is getting another series on-air. CBS has given the green-light to Ransom, a thirteen episode thriller series starring Luke Roberts (Game Of Thrones) which hails from Spotnitz, his indie Big Light Production and David Vainola, TVWise has learned. 
UKTV's Dave channel has given the green-light to Zapped!, a three part "fantasy-comedy" series which hails from Dan Gaster, Black Dog Television and Steve Coogan's Baby Cow Productions, TVWise has learned. James Buckley (The Inbetweeners) is attached to star. 
HBO has released the trailer for Vice Principals, their upcoming comedy series starring Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down) and Walton Goggins (Justified), which is set to premiere on Sunday July 17th at 10:30/9:30c. 
Spectre star Monica Bellucci has booked a guest starring role on the upcoming third season of Amazon's drama series Mozart In The Jungle, TVWise has learned. Bellucci will play Alessandra, an iconic opera star who will become Rodrigo's (Gael Garcia Bernal) next great collaborator. She is as famous for her passionate performances as she is for her erratic life off the stage. After years away from the spotlight, she enlists Rodrigo to conduct her grand return performance. 
HBO is adding to their comedy slate. The premium cable network has picked up Barry, their hitman comedy project from Bill Hader, to series with a ten episode order, TVWise has confirmed.