Polygram Entertainment is the film and television unit of Dutch-American music conglomerate Universal Music Group (UMG). Established on 11 February 2017 as the successor to both PolyGram and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment and a revival of the "PolyGram" brand, PolyGram Entertainment co-produces and co-distributes music-inspired and music-themed productions featuring acclaimed UMG personalities, sub-label companies and record labels throughout its history/existence.
Background
Originally defunct since 1999, the "PolyGram" brand was revived as a co-distribution label with StudioCanal on 15 September 2016 for the documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week. Polygram had on its slate as its first production The Story of Motown (a documentary about the record label's cultural and historical effects). Also on its slate was the co-production and financing of Mystify (a biography of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence).[1]
History
UMG had been dabbling in the documentary field, having a hand in producing the 2015 Amy Winehouse documentary, Amy, as well as HBO's Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck. In January 2017, UMG hired David Blackman to head its newly formed film and TV unit, reporting to Universal Music Publishing Group chairman/CEO Jody Gerson and UMG Executive Vice President Michele Anthony.[2]
Republic Records, in working with PolyGram, appointed its first executive vice-president of film & television on 17 July 2017, to oversee film and TV projects and its Federal Films initiative.[3] On 5 June 2018, the company announced the appointment of Daniel Inkeles to the post of Vice President, Scripted Film & Television, who moved over from a sister Vivendi company, StudioCanal, to UMG.[4]
Lionsgate and PolyGram agreed to a multiyear first-look television deal on August 6, 2018, to develop projects for TV from UMG's portfolio of labels, artists and music, with UMG issuing the corresponding soundtracks.[5] Universal Music Group agreed on 17 April 2019, to allow Wondery a license to use the UMG music catalog and develop story podcasts of UMG artists, which would possibly be adapted for TV or film projects. Wondery would work with all UMG labels and with its PolyGram Entertainment film and TV production unit.[6]
Filmography
Films
Television
External links
References
- Universal Music Relaunching Polygram, Announces 'Story of Motown' as First Production billboard.com, retrieved 17 February 2017^
- Cynthia Littleton. Universal Music Group Revives Polygram Label for Film and TV Production Variety, 12 February 2017, retrieved 22 August 2017^
- Shirley Halperin. 'Fifty Shades' Franchise Veteran Dana Sano to Head Film and Television at Republic Records Variety, 17 July 2017, retrieved August 22, 2017^
- Universal Music's Polygram Entertainment Names Daniel Inkeles VP of Scripted Film & TV Variety, 5 June 2018, retrieved 5 October 2018^
- Universal Music Group and Lionsgate Sign Multi-Year TV Deal Variety, 6 August 2018, retrieved 4 October 2018^
- Wendy Lee. Universal Music Group partners with Wondery, which produced 'Dirty John' podcast Los Angeles Times, 17 April 2019, retrieved 22 July 2019^
- Dave McNary. Ron Howard to Direct Luciano Pavarotti Documentary Variety, 1 June 2017, retrieved 22 August 2017^
- Andreas Wiseman. HanWay Films Boards Ron Howard's Pavarotti Movie Ahead Of AFM, Production Under Way Deadline, 12 October 2018, retrieved 12 October 2018^
- Etan Vlessing. Spike Jonze's 'Beastie Boys Story' Lands at Apple TV+ The Hollywood Reporter, 15 January 2020, retrieved 5 March 2020^
- Peter White. Disney Sets Release Date For Peter Jackson's Beatles Documentary Deadline, 11 March 2020, retrieved 14 March 2020^
- Natalie Morin. Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE Will Follow the Making of a Global Girl Group Netflix, August 5, 2024^