Now, this is what we call a pay cheque.  Billionaire turned reality TV star turned politician-to-be Donald Trump has been in the headlines lately, mostly over offensive remarks made in the US immigration debate. The former master of ceremonies on The Apprentice, however, has just published his financial statements, as part of his run for the US presidency. Among the very large numbers is the fact that Trump was paid $US213 million in total for the 14 seasons of The Apprentice he fronted.

The game's afoot again

The highly anticipated Sherlock television special will be fast-tracked in Australia to the streaming service Stan. The deal, between Sherlock's distributor, BBC Worldwide, and the Nine and Fairfax Media-owned Stan, was announced at the annual geekfest, Comic-Con, in San Diego. BBC Worldwide and Stan are also planning to release the episode in cinemas, with a number of "fan screenings" being planned. Sherlock's first three seasons are available for streaming on Stan in high-definition.

LA calling

Applications have opened for the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship, open to an experienced writer, producer, director or creative executive who would benefit from working in a US television series writers' room for six to eight weeks. The scholarship, named after the late Greg Coote, a US-based Australian film and television veteran, was established by Screen Queensland and the LA-based industry group Australians in Film. Applications close on August 3. Details screenqueensland.com.au.

New pay-TV boss

Foxtel has named executive Stephen Baldwin to the post of head of channels and operations for Foxtel Networks. Baldwin has previously held the positions of general manager of television operations at Foxtel and chief operating officer of Ai-Media. He also worked on Foxtel's coverage of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Foxtel's director of television Brian Walsh said Baldwin would "take our channels to greater success".

Allen the key

US streaming service Amazon is proceeding with plans for a television project from filmmaker Woody Allen, though Amazon's chief executive Jeff Bezos has confirmed he wasn't concerned when Allen said publicly he regretted signing up to make a TV show. "If he ever gets optimistic, then I'll be worried," Bezos told US media this week. "As long as he's pessimistic and anxious, I think we're in good shape." Amazon has carved an ambitious space in television with the critically acclaimed series Transparent.

The real deal

Former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright will make a guest appearance in the US drama series Madam Secretary, the network CBS has confirmed. The series focuses on a fictitious secretary of state, Elizabeth McCord, played by Tea Leoni. CBS says Albright will play herself in the episode, and will "advise [Elizabeth] on how to handle a delicate situation". It is not Albright's first TV appearance; she previously guest starred in an episode of Gilmore Girls. The series airs in Australia on Network Ten.