Media and Entertainment Industry Sees Shakeup with New Deals and Layoffs

The media and entertainment industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with several major players making moves to adapt to the changing landscape. CNBC, the Versant-backed cable network, has laid off a small number of editorial employees as part of a restructuring effort under new editor-in-chief David Cho. According to a person familiar with the matter, managing editor of CNBC's digital-news venues, Jeffrey McCracken, is among those departing.

In a separate development, Verve has signed filmmaker, composer, and music producer Adam Anders for representation. Anders has a diverse career spanning film, television, and music, with credits including Netflix's "The Prom," Fox's "Glee," and "Rock of Ages." His signing with Verve is expected to further boost his career in the entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, indie studio MRC has made two key hires, with Jessica Switch joining as SVP, Film, and Hannah Levy as Director of Development, Film. Switch comes from Picturestart, while Levy joins from Ryan Coogler's Proximity Media. The duo will focus on identifying and developing emerging and established writer and director relationships, as well as sourcing new film projects for MRC.

In film news, Universal Pictures' upcoming romantic comedy "The Catch" is gaining momentum, with Chris Pine in talks to star opposite Emma Stone. The movie, directed by Dave McCary, is based on a script by Patrick Kang and Michael Levin. Universal had no comment on the development.

Lastly, Meta and XRTV have set the main cast for their immersive 3D horror series, based on the hit A24 film "Talk to Me." The series, currently untitled, will feature Aubri Ibrag, Charlotte Maggi, Sofia Hublitz, and Julio Peña as series regulars, with Charlie Hiscock and Raff Law joining in recurring roles. The series is being created exclusively for Meta's immersive VR devices, allowing audiences to experience the terror firsthand.

These developments demonstrate the rapidly changing landscape of the media and entertainment industry, with companies adapting to new technologies, trends, and talent. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these moves impact the future of entertainment.

Sources:

• CNBC Lays Off Small Number of Editorial Employees (CNBC)
• Verve Signs Filmmaker Adam Anders (Verve)
• Jessica Switch Joins MRC As SVP, Film (MRC)
• Chris Pine Circling Lead Opposite Emma Stone In Universal Rom Com 'The Catch' (Deadline)
• 'Talk To Me' Immersive Series From XRTV & Meta Sets Cast (Meta)