The Journey of “The Studio” and Lionsgate TV’s Vision
When Lionsgate TV’s executive vice president and head of development, Scott Herbst, first received a call from Point Grey Pictures about “The Studio,” James Weaver, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s producing partner, said, “I have the show that you probably did the deal with us for.” This statement marked the beginning of a significant partnership between Lionsgate and Point Grey. Their relationship dates back to 2019 when the production studio signed a multi-platform content deal, which was later extended in March 2024—just as production on “The Studio” began.
Before this, Lionsgate and Point Grey had collaborated on projects like “Paul T. Goldman” for Peacock and “Santa Inc” for HBO Max. These were smaller, niche projects, but Herbst always wondered what the team would create next. When “The Studio” came along, it felt like the natural progression of their collaboration.
“The Studio” is a Hollywood satirical series that follows Matt Remick, played by Rogen, as he struggles to balance the art and business of filmmaking. The show is a nod to industry insiders and resonates with viewers who can relate to the challenges of landing a dream job only to find it different from expectations. Herbst described the setting as a simple conference room with a Cisco telephone, emphasizing that the characters’ work in entertainment is relatable to anyone.
Apple TV+ ordered “The Studio” based on a pitch alone, and it has since received critical acclaim and 23 Emmy nominations, breaking records for most comedy nominations in a single year. Six of these nominations were for guest acting, including Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard, who received their first acting Emmy nods. Guest stars like Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Dave Franco, and Zoë Kravitz also earned recognition.
Herbst recalls that Ron Howard was one of the first to sign on, and Apple TV+ played a key role in bringing in Scorsese, which sparked a wave of celebrity involvement. The cast was described as a dream team, with Herbst expressing hope that Season 2 will be even better.
Building a Successful Show
The writers’ room for Season 2 is already underway, with Sarah Polley joining after her guest appearance in Season 1. Herbst noted that Polley not receiving a guest acting nomination was a major snub for the show. He joked about the goal of being an executive on the show: “How can I get through this notes call without doing something that’s Episode 4 next year?”
Lionsgate TV has a history of creating unique shows that push boundaries, such as “Orange Is the New Black.” Herbst emphasized the importance of identifying projects that stand out. As an independent studio, Lionsgate holds itself to high standards, ensuring that each project is well-thought-out and compelling.
Apple TV+ emerged as the ideal home for “The Studio” because of its ability to handle the show’s unique approach. Herbst mentioned that they pitched the show to several platforms, but only two were suitable due to existing similar content. They received four production offers off a pitch, leveraging Seth Rogen’s previous success with “This is the End” to attract attention.
Exciting Upcoming Projects
Lionsgate has several exciting projects in the pipeline. “Hunting Wives” will debut on Netflix, offering a more dramatic and sensual take than “Desperate Housewives.” John Grisham’s “Rainmaker” will air on USA and Peacock in August, while a “Spartacus” reboot is set for Starz. Additionally, “Robin Hood” for MGM+ and “Midnight Sun” for Netflix, an adult animated version of “Twilight,” are also in the works.
Herbst highlighted the importance of being an independent studio that can supply quality content to various networks. He emphasized that Lionsgate aims to be the best independent supplier outside of a network’s own studios.
Reboots and Spinoffs
Reboots and spinoffs play a role in programming strategy, as they offer a familiar starting point. However, Herbst stressed that the success of a show depends on its content rather than just its title. While some reboots have been successful, others like “Suits L.A.” have not. Herbst believes that while IP can make sales easier, the right show must still present itself.
Industry Trends and Future Advice
Comedy has taken a hit in recent years, making it challenging for creators. However, Lionsgate is fortunate to have shows like “Ghosts” and “The Studio” that continue to succeed. Herbst emphasized the importance of entertainment, noting that audiences want to be entertained rather than subjected to dark themes for the sake of being dark.
For young people entering the industry, Herbst offered two pieces of advice: networking and human connection are crucial, and being aggressive without being annoying is essential. He shared a personal anecdote about how persistence and regular communication led to his first job opportunity.
Through these insights, Herbst highlights the importance of creativity, persistence, and the value of strong relationships in the entertainment industry.
