Toby Emmerich and Amanda Krentzman Team Up to Launch Fireside Access TV with Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen
Fireside Access TV Launches Under Toby Emmerich and Amanda Krentzman
Former Warner Bros. Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich has announced the formation of Fireside Access TV, a new venture developed in partnership with Amanda Krentzman, who previously served as Executive Producer on Netflix’s International Originals team. The company is backed by Access Entertainment, a division of Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries, led by former BBC Television Director Danny Cohen. Krentzman will take the helm as president of the new organization.
Fireside Access TV is equipped with an independent co-financing, development, and production fund. It has already initiated scripted series development with HBO Max and NBC and is collaborating with a diverse roster of creative partners, including Noah Pink, Justin Spitzer, Dave Bautista, Judy Greer, and Anthony Anderson. The company has also invested in AKA Charlie Sheen, a PGA Award-nominated documentary chronicling the Two and a Half Men star’s journey through addiction and recovery.
Operating from the Warner Bros. lot, where Emmerich moved following his departure, Fireside Access TV has secured a first-look deal with Warner Bros. and New Line. The company recently completed production on I Play Rocky, a film portraying Sylvester Stallone’s ascent to fame through his iconic role in Rocky. This film, directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly, features Anthony Ippolito as Stallone and Stephan James as Carl Weathers. Amazon MGM Studios has scheduled its release for November 20, following positive early feedback from its preview screening.
In addition, Emmerich and screenwriter Gary Dauberman have developed a feature pitch titled The White House with Screen Gems, described as a fictional narrative centered on a haunted White House.
Reflecting on the new venture, Emmerich shared his longstanding connections with Blavatnik and Cohen, which guided him toward Krentzman as a collaborator. Together, they aim to produce primarily positive narratives for television, leveraging their industry connections to attract talent and secure financing.
“The goal is the famous John Lasseter quote from the movie business: the best strategy is quality,” Emmerich stated. “We aim to create exceptional content that leans toward optimism and offers hope.”
Krentzman emphasized the unique position of having independent non-writing producers who partner effectively with talent, ensuring a positive experience and fostering repeat collaborations. She noted the organization’s commitment to great storytelling, with scripted developments already in place at HBO Max and NBC, alongside plans for additional projects.
Danny Cohen, president of Access Entertainment, highlighted the challenges faced by new ventures in a tightening financial landscape. "The television landscape has changed," he remarked. "Studios are pulling back their financing, just as the demand for premium storytelling continues to grow. Fireside Access TV will fill that gap, pairing world-class creative talent with meaningful financial support and a long-term vision." He expressed enthusiasm about the potential projects that could emerge through this combination of creative and financial expertise.
