ABC and CBS aren’t running spots for Ali Abbasi’s Donald Trump early-days biopic The Apprentice during the campaign debates, Deadline has confirmed.
Briarcliff Entertainment boss Tom Ortenberg tells Deadline, “The timidity and cowardice of those in the corridors of power in Hollywood never ceases to amaze.
Vance and Briarcliff was informed that the network didn’t feel comfortable advertising the Cannes Film Festival-premiering title during the debate or newscasts.
ABC reportedly also refused to air spots for the movie during the last presidential debate.
Deadline first told you that Briarcliff was handling distribution of The Apprentice.
Deadline has confirmed that during the presidential debates, ABC and CBS will not be airing commercials for Ali Abbasi’s early Donald Trump biopic, The Apprentice.
The head of Briarcliff Entertainment, Tom Ortenberg, says to Deadline, “It never ceases to amaze me how cowardly and timid people in Hollywood’s power corridors can be.”. We are excited to be able to introduce The Apprentice to theaters — and only theaters — on Friday, October 11, despite all the challenges that have been thrown in our path. “.
The vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and J will air tonight on CBS. B. The network told Vance and Briarcliff that they felt uneasy promoting the film that was having its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival during the debate or newscasts. However, it is said that the network is open to airing spots at other times of the day. We are aware that CBS has decided not to air a movie trailer for a presidential candidate alongside their news programs. Briarcliff desired to purchase advertisements for CBS news shows.
Additionally, it has been reported that ABC declined to show commercials for the film during the most recent debate.
The Apprentice stars Sebastian Stan as young real estate tycoon Trump and Jeremy Strong as his mentor, razor-sharp attorney Roy Cohn. Ivana Trump is portrayed by Oscar nominee Maria Bakalova.
After the film’s Cannes premiere earlier this year, Trump’s campaign issued a scathing cease-and-desist letter and threatened to sue the production, but so far, all talk and no action. There is a scene in The Apprentice where Trump moles his ex-wife, Ivana.
Deadline has contacted the networks to request comments. After we hear back, we’ll keep you informed.
The distribution of The Apprentice was being handled by Briarcliff, as Deadline initially reported.
During debates, the networks did not want to air this particular segment:.
