Ronan Farrow’s Doc About Sean Williams in The Works at HBO
HBO Documentary Films, World of Wonder and Ronan Production Group are in production on a documentary that follows years of reporting by award-winning journalist Ronan Farrow.
The documentary showcases a string of revelations about Sean Williams, a serial predator in Johnson City, Tenn., chronicling the decades-long evasion of justice and an ensuing scandal over claims of corruption and systemic law enforcement failures. Helmed by filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the film is produced by Ronan Farrow. Bailey and Barbato also serve as producers.
Kat Dahl, the federal prosecutor who was dismissed after investigating the case, will be featured in the documentary alongside other subjects at the center of the story.
“The details of this story at times defy belief,” Farrow said in a statement. “I’m so grateful to the sources in Johnson City who have helped to bring it to light. In the wake of radical reductions to the federal government’s oversight mechanisms for corruption, this community’s questions about police accountability are more urgent than ever.”
The documentary will debut on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The release date has not been announced yet.
EVENTS
Trevor Noah and Kristin Lemkau will be honored at the annual “Comic Relief Live” benefit in New York City on Dec. 10 at Carnegie Hall.
The annual benefit raises money to bring financial relief to kids facing poverty and spread awareness to the critical needs of children and young people in under-resourced communities. It will also celebrate the contributions of Noah and Lemkau for their professional achievements and philanthropic efforts.
Noah will be presented with the Icon Award for his foundation and their efforts to reimagine how youth learn, acquire skills and enable education for underserved communities. Lemkau will receive the Visionary Award for her efforts to combat poverty, expand access to quality education and champion community involvement for social impact.
Funds from the annual “Comic Relief Live” benefit support Comic Relief’s work empowering community-based partners who work to help children in under-resourced communities.
Comic Relief supports nearly 50 pioneering partners and programs across the U.S. and worldwide that have delivered essential services and addressed the immediate and long-term needs of over 50 million children and families.
DATES
“Little Disasters,” a six-part psychological thriller, will debut all episodes on Dec. 11 on Paramount+ in the U.S., Canada, GSA, Italy and Latin America.
Adapted from Sarah Vaughan’s novel of the same name, “Little Disasters” centers on a four-decade-long friendship among four expectant mothers. Starring Diane Kruger, the ensemble cast includes Jo Joyner, Shelley Conn, Emily Taaffe, JJ Feild, Ben Bailey Smith, Patrick Baladi and Stephen Campbell Moore.
The description for the series reads, “When perfect stay-at-home mother Jess takes her baby daughter to the hospital with a head injury that she can’t explain, her close friend and on-duty ER doctor Liz must make the excruciating decision of whether to call social services. With one phone call, Liz sets in motion a chain of events that ripples, fractures and nearly destroys not only their families but their entire friendship group.”
“Little Disasters” was adapted for the screen by Ruth Fowler and Amanda Duke. Ash Atalla, Alex Smith and Marianna Abbotts for Roughcut Television and Vaughan serve as executive producers. Additionally, Simon Judd executive produces for Fremantle, with Eva Sigurðardóttir directing and Myf Hopkins producing. Fremantle handles global sales.
PROMOTIONS
G&B Digital Management has promoted Vanan Nguyen from Senior Talent Manager to Associate Director of Talent.
In the new role, Nguyen will work closely with Director, Talent Management Amanda Acevedo on overall talent strategy, growth and revenue across the company, while also serving as a senior leader for the team in the company’s Los Angeles office.
“At G&B, Vanan has been a driving force in shaping talent into lasting brands — guiding them to secure meaningful partnerships, scale their businesses and navigate the evolving digital landscape with creativity, precision, and care,” said Acevedo. “She’s been a rising star since joining us last year, a passionate advocate for her talent and a sharp negotiator who delivers exceptional results for her clients. I couldn’t be happier to work more closely with her.”
Nguyen represents clients like photographer David Suh, men’s fashion influencer Hunter Vought, beauty and lifestyle influencer Léanne Ansar, beauty and fashion creator Via Li, and others.
