15: Jon Feldman in Talks with ABC on Blood & Oil, the Smithsonian Gets into the Filmmaking Business

August 5, 2015, 12:55 pm

≫ Next: Rep Moves, Film and TV Deals, Tennessee Movie Theater Shooting, Sony Date Movies

≪ Previous: Rep Moves for 8/5/15: Mariah Carey and Kate Walsh Both Depart CAA, Collective Snags Rock Band Boyce Avenue

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Jason Bateman’s Aggregate shingle has extended another two years under his first-look deal at Universal Pictures to run through 2017. Bateman first signed the deal in 2012 and through it produced and directed Bad Words, produced the hit Identity Thief and the upcoming and The Family Fang starring Bateman, Nicole Kidman and Christopher Walken. He has hired as an executive Aaron Schmidt, who was previously a VP at Kevin McCormick’s Warner Bros-based Langley Park.

Smithsonian Enterprises, the media and business division of the Smithsonian Institution, has signed a deal with Bungalow | Storied Media Group to rep the institution and its affiliated brands in the feature film development, finance and distribution community. Digging into the artifacts that the Smithsonian holds, they will develop properties from the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, National Zoo, and nine research centers around the world, as well as from Smithsonian Magazine, Air & Space Magazine and Smithsonian.com.

Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea’s three-year-old production company Pacific Standard has signed a two year, overall deal with ABC Studios exclusive in broadcast. Under the deal overseen by EVP Patrick Moran, Witherspoon and Papandrea plan to hire a TV executive to work alongside creative executive Jeanne Snow. This comes along with news of Pacific Standard’s TV limited series Big Little Lies that received a straight-to-series order at HBO.

Jon Harmon Feldman is in talks to ink an overall deal with ABC Studios and executive produce and be the sole showrunner on the new fall series Blood & Oil. He’d be taking over for helmer Cynthia Cidre who would remain on as an EP. The change comes after the first episode was shot on location in Utah. Feldman was previously the showrunner on Big Shots, Dirty Sexy Money and created No Ordinary Family, all broadcast on ABC.

Sheldon Turner and Jennifer Klein’s Vendetta Productions has renewed their first-look deal with Sony Pictures Television. Their original deal began two years prior. Under the new deal they will produce a drama series adaptation of Walter Kirn’s autobiographical book Blood Will Out: The True Story Of A Murder, A Mystery, And A Masquerade. Kirn and Turner are set to co-write the script which will then be shopped to cable networks through Sony TV’s recently re-launched TriStar Television label.

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Rep Moves, Film and TV Deals, Tennessee Movie Theater Shooting, Sony Date Movies

August 5, 2015, 1:21 pm

≫ Next: Discovery’s Costly Decision, New Line Remaking ‘Nightmare’ Again, Radius Co-Chiefs Heading Out On Their Own, More ‘Passengers’ Hopping On Board

≪ Previous: Film & TV Deals for 8/5/15: Jon Feldman in Talks with ABC on Blood & Oil, the Smithsonian Gets into the Filmmaking Business

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SSN ORIGINALS

Rep Moves for 8/5/15: Mariah Carey and Kate Walsh Both Depart CAA, Collective Snags Rock Band Boyce Avenue

Other rep moves include, Amy Schumer leaving management company Mosaic and Australian comedian Jim Jefferies signing with Brillstein Entertainment. (SSN)

Film & TV Deals for 8/5/15: Jon Feldman in Talks with ABC on Blood & Oil, the Smithsonian Gets into the Filmmaking Business

Other film and TV deal news includes, Jason Bateman's shingle Aggregate extending its first look with Universal and Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea’s company Pacific Standard signing an overall deal with ABC Studios. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Shooter Reported at Tennessee Movie Theater is Dead

A gunman who attacked a movie theater showing Mad Max: Fury Road in suburban Antioch is dead, less than an hour after the incident was reported. (UT)

Sony Sets Course for Future, Dates 16 Movies

Tom Rothman has set the course for the studio's future through 2017, dating no fewer than 16 films. They include the third and fourth installments in the Bad Boys franchises and a Jumanji reboot, which will hit theaters Dec. 25, 2016. Bad Boys 3 will open Feb. 17, 2017, while Bad Boys 4 will open in July 3, 2019. (THR)

Don Cheadle’s ‘Miles Ahead’ Lands At Sony Classics

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to Miles Ahead, the Miles Davis biopic starring Don Cheadle who makes his directorial debut on the movie. (DH)

Colin Farrell Joins 'Harry Potter' Spin-Off 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'

Colin Farrell is the latest to join the cast of the upcoming Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Farrell will play a wizard who encounters Newt Scamander during his journey to study magical creatures in America. (EW)

Joel and Ethan Coen to Write, May Direct Adaptation of Crime Novel ‘Black Money’

Joel and Ethan Coen will write and possibly direct an adaptation of Ross MacDonald’s bestselling novel Black Money for Warner Bros. (VAR)

Universal Pictures Sets Industry Box Office Record

Universal Pictures announced that the studio has grossed $5.53 billion, marking the highest-grossing year ever for a studio in industry history. (CS)

Mariah Carey Will Guest Star on ‘Empire’

Mariah Carey is set to guest on Season 2 of Empire, creator Lee Daniels told a crowd at the singer’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star dedication. (WRAP)

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Discovery’s Costly Decision, New Line Remaking ‘Nightmare’ Again, Radius Co-Chiefs Heading Out On Their Own, More ‘Passengers’ Hopping On Board

August 6, 2015, 8:09 am

≫ Next: Film Development for 8/6/15: 15 Year Old Bailee Madison to Produce First Feature, Coen Brothers to Adapt Black Money & More

≪ Previous: Rep Moves, Film and TV Deals, Tennessee Movie Theater Shooting, Sony Date Movies

Laurence Fishburne

A Very Pricey Decision: Canceling ’19 Kids and Counting’ Cost Discovery $19 Million

Discovery Communications CFO Andy Warren noted the loss on the company’s second-quarter earnings report conference call yesterday, citing a deficit from “higher restructuring and other charges this year of $19 million primarily due to content impairment charges from canceling TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting.” (EW)

Today In Remake News: New Line Is Going To Take Yet Another Crack At a ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’ Reboot

Pans are to scrap the lackluster 2010 reboot and start with a fresh new take. Plot details are kept under lock and key, though fans can safely assume that the red-and-green sweater/fedora wearing Freddy Krueger will once again be up to his old tricks, ready to terrorize a new group of sleep-deprived youngsters. There’s no producer on board yet, but Orphan scribe David Leslie Johnson has been tapped to script. (TB)

Radius Co-Chiefs Leaving TWC To Start Up Their Own Label

Tom Quinn and Jason Janego, who worked together at Magnolia before co-founding Radius, are leaving to start a new company that will utliize a traditional theatrical release model, unlike the day-and-date model of Radius. It is still being worked out when the pair will leave. TWC is in discussions to possibly invest in the new enterprise. (BIZ)

Those Star Struck ‘Passengers’ Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt Might Be Getting More Company

With its renewed momentum, sci-fi project Passengers is coming together properly under the aegis of director Morten Tyldum, who is looking to add Laurence Fishburne to the cast. Story chronicles a ship en route to a distant colony with all of its crew in cryosleep. A malfunction causes one man (Pratt) to be rudely awakened 90 years before anyone else, so he wakes up a female passenger (Lawrence) to keep him company. No word on Fishburne’s role. (EMP)

Fox, Hutch Parker Set ‘Dracula’ Creator Cole Haddon To Adapt Daniel H. Wilson Novella ‘Small Things’

Wilson, who wrote the book Robopocalypse that Steven Spielberg was once hot to direct, wrote Small Things as part of the short-story collection Robot Uprisings. The tale follows a disgraced scientist who is sent to an island that has been overrun by advanced forms of nanotechnology that swirl through the jungle, consuming raw materials. (DH)

It Appears That the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Team Is Working On a Third Outing For Robert Downey Jr.

Producer Lionel Wigram confirmed that the team was hard at work on the script for what would be the third film in the franchise, starring Downey as the legendary detective and Jude Law as Doctor Watson. No word on whether Guy Ritchie, who directed the first two films in the series, is also a part of this one, but he and Wigram have The Man From U.N.C.L.E. coming out next week, so it’s probably a good bet. (CB)

‘The Flash’ Adds a Speedster, Casts a New Series Regular To Play Wally ‘Kid Flash’ West

Kelynan Lonsdale has joined the CW superhero drama in the series-regular role of Wally West. Lonsdale’s character — who will make his debut in the winter — becomes the speedster known as Kid Flash in the comics lore. In assorted DC Comics iterations, Wally has been both the nephew of Iris West and husband to Linda Park (who was played during Season 1 by Malese Jow). (TVL)

Ten Lists To Keep If You Want To Be Successful

Keeping track of crucial elements in your life through list-making is still an unrivaled tactic for counterbalancing feeble recollection. By utilizing constant reminders, we can have significantly greater organization, we won’t be under the impression we have forgotten something, and we will have a clear insight into which task has a stamp of immediacy attached to it. These lists warrant implementation, in order to track achievements and nurture ambition. (LH)

Trailer Buzz: ‘The Leftovers’

HBO has released the first full-length trailer for season two of its popular drama, co-created by Damon Lindelof. Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon lead the cast, which also includes Margaret Qualley, Regina King, Kevin Carroll, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jovan Adepo, Christopher Eccleston, Janel Maloney, Amy Brenneman, Chris Zylka, and Liv Tyler. The new season premieres October 4th. (COL)

Screenwriters: Writers On Breaking In — Renegade Tactics To Launch Your Screenwriting Career

Think outside the box, and throw away the Traditional Hollywood Playbook that’s responsible for the widely held misconception that only agents, managers, and development execs can launch your screenwriting career. Continuing to let traditional or conventional submission strategies dictate your game plan will keep you from doing anything and everything possible to realize your dreams. (SM)

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Film Development for 8/6/15: 15 Year Old Bailee Madison to Produce First Feature, Coen Brothers to Adapt Black Money & More

August 6, 2015, 9:30 am

≫ Next: The Accidental Turitz on Summer Movies, Film Dev, Sony Exec Shuffle, Jake Gyllenhaal Gets Deal

≪ Previous: Discovery’s Costly Decision, New Line Remaking ‘Nightmare’ Again, Radius Co-Chiefs Heading Out On Their Own, More ‘Passengers’ Hopping On Board

at arrivals for INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS Premiere at the 2013 New York Film Festival (NYFF), Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, New York, NY September 28, 2013. Photo By: Gregorio T. Binuya/Everett Collection

NEW ATTACHMENTS

20th Century Women Logline: In 1979 Santa Barbara, three women are teaching a boy about men, women, love and freedom when his mother takes in a boarder, shaking his world view. Production Company(s): Annapurna Pictures, Archer Gray Productions Producer(s): Megan Ellison, Anne Carey, Youree Henley Writer(s): Mike Mills Director(s): Mike Mills Cast: Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning, Billy Crudup SSN Insight: Mike Mills previously directed Beginners. Billy Crudup can next be seen in Spotlight alongside Michael Keaton.

All We Had Logline: A woman and her 13-year-old daughter live on the edge of poverty. Production Company(s): Tribeca Films Producer(s): Jane Rosenthal, Katie Holmes, Berry Welsh Writer(s): Josh Boone Director(s): Katie Holmes Cast: Katie Holmes, Stephania Owen Details: Based on the novel "All We Had: A Novel" by Annie Weatherwax; published by Scribner August 5, 2014. SSN Insight: Marks Katie Holmes’ directorial debut. Holmes optioned the book prior to publication in 2014.

Bone Tomahawk Logline: Four men set out in the Wild West to rescue a group of captives from cannibalistic cave dwellers. Studio/Distributor(s): RLJ Entertainment Production Company(s): Caliber Media, The Fyzz Facility Producer(s): Dallas Sonnier, Jack Heller Writer(s): S Craig Zahler Director(s): S Craig Zahler Cast: Kurt Russell, Richard Jenkins, Matthew Fox, Patrick Wilson, Lili Simmons SSN Insight: Timothy Olyphant was previously attached to star. Peter Sarsgard was previously attached to star. Jennifer Carpenter was previously attached to star. RLJ Entertainment acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to the film ahead of its world premiere as the closing-night film at Fantastic Fest.

Charming (Animated) Logline: Prince Charming woos Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White, but gets into trouble when he makes them all happy. Production Company(s): Cinesite Europe Ltd., Vanguard Animation, 3QU Media Producer(s): John H. Williams Writer(s): Ross Venokur Director(s): Ross Venokur Voice Cast: Avril Lavigne, Ashley Tisdale, G.E.M. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Mirada.

Chloe and Theo Logline: About an Inuit man named Theo who travels to New York as part of an effort to draw attention to the destructive effects of global warming. While there, he meets a young homeless woman with a zest for life and an obsession with Bruce Lee – forming an unlikely friendship, the two join forces to fight climate change. Studio/Distributor(s): ARC Entertainment Production Company(s): Arctica Films Producer(s): Monica Ord Writer(s): Ezna Sands Director(s): Ezna Sands Cast: Dakota Johnson, Theo Ikummaq, Mira Sorvino, Christopher Backus, Larry King SSN Insight: ARC Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights for the global warming-themed drama Chloe And Theo. The film will be released in theaters and VOD simultaneously on September 4, 2015.

Collateral Beauty Logline: A man who works in a New York ad agency finds his life turned upside down when a tragedy sends him into a depression. Production Company(s): Overbrook Entertainment, Anonymous Content, PalmStar Entertainment, Scarlet Fire Entertainment, Likely Story Producer(s): Michael Sugar, Bard Dorros, Will Smith, Allan Loeb Writer(s): Allan Loeb Director(s): Alfonso Gomez-Rejon Cast: Rooney Mara, Jason Segel, Will Smith SSN Insight: Hugh Jackman was previously attached to co-star. Johnny Depp was previously in talks to co-star.

Dungeons & Dragons Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company(s): Sweetpea Entertainment, Vertigo Entertainment, Hasbro, Inc. Producer(s): Roy Lee, Stephen J. Davis, Brian Goldner, Courtney Solomon Writer(s): David Leslie Johnson Details: Based on the fantasy, role-playing game "Dungeons & Dragons" originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. SSN Insight: WB just announced the project after a lawsuit over whether production company Sweetpea Entertainment or toy giant Hasbro held the sequel rights was finally resolved.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Part One) Logline: 70 years before Harry Potter’s birth, Newton Artemis Fido Scamander is commissioned to write a reference guide to magical beasts, which would become a Hogwartâ€™s textbook. Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution Production Company(s): Heyday Films, Wigram Productions, Bronte Film and Television Producer(s): David Heyman, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram, J.K. Rowling Writer(s): J.K. Rowling Director(s): David Yates Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Collin Farrell Details: Based on the novel "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling; published by Arthur A. Levine June 2001 . SSN Insight: Project is the first in a trilogy. Alfonso Cuaron had previously been mentioned to direct.

Incognito Logline: After ruthless super-villain Zack Overkill is caught, he rats out his boss, The Black Death, goes into witness protection, and starts working as a mailman. Production Company(s): Circle of Confusion, Chernin Entertainment Producer(s): Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping Writer(s): Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues Director(s): Fede Alvarez Details: Based on the 6-issue graphic novel "Incognito" written by Ed Brubaker, illustrated by Sean Phillips and published by the Icon Comics imprint of Marvel Comics from December 2008 to September 2009. SSN Insight: Robert Schenkkan wrote a previous draft of the screenplay.

La La Land Logline: Lonely aspiring actress Mia and cocky jazz pianist Sebastian balance their art and love in Los Angeles, the land of the dreamers. Studio/Distributor(s): Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment, LLC Production Company(s): Marc Platt Productions, Gilbert Films, Impostor Pictures Producer(s): Jordan Horowitz, Fred Berger, Marc Platt Writer(s): Damien Chazelle Director(s): Damien Chazelle Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, J.K. Simmons, John Legend, Jessica Rothe, Rosemarie DeWitt SSN Insight: Emma Watson was previously attached to star. Miles Teller was previously attached to star.

Patriots’ Day Logline: Based on the true events of the Boston Marathon Bombing, the story follows the intense five-day search leading up to the infamous siege where Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was pulled from a boat in Watertown. Studio/Distributor(s): CBS Films, No Domestic Theatrical Distributor Available. Production Company(s): Leverage Management, Closest To The Hole Productions, Bluegrass Films Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Dylan Clark, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Michael Radutzky Writer(s): Matt Charman Director(s): Peter Berg (in talks) Cast: Mark Wahlberg Details: Based on the firsthand account of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, whose life rights have been optioned by CBS Films, and on research done and footage shot by "60 Minutes." SSN Insight: Peter Berg is also in talks to direct Mile 22 in preproduction with Mark Wahlberg starring and will direct Deepwater Horizon for Summit in preproduction as well.

Resident Evil 6 Logline: Alice must save humankind from the Red Queen. Studio/Distributor(s): Screen Gems, Screen Gems Production Company(s): Constantin Film Development, Inc., Impact Pictures, Davis Films Producer(s): Robert Kulzer, Jeremy Bolt, Samuel Hadida, Paul W.S. Anderson Writer(s): Paul W.S. Anderson Director(s): Paul W.S. Anderson Cast: Milla Jovovich, Wentworth Miller, Ali Larter Details: Sequel to "Resident Evil (2002),"Resident Evil: Apocalypse" (2004), "Resident Evil: Extinction" (2007), "Resident Evil: Afterlife" (2010) and “Resident Evil: Retribution” (2012). SSN Insight: Anderson has directed the first, second and fifth films in the franchise.

Untitled Bruce Willis Detective Film Logline: When a Los Angeles private investigator’s dog Buddy is stolen by a notorious gang, he has to deal with vicious gang leaders, various goons, and crooked characters to get his dog back. Production Company(s): Voltage Pictures Producer(s): Nicolas Chartier, Zev Foreman, Lauren Ford, Mark Cullen, Robb Cullen Director(s): Mark Cullen, Robb Cullen Cast: Bruce Willis, Jason Momoa, Thomas Middleditch, Famke Janssen, John Goodman, Jessica Gomes SSN Insight: Voltage Pictures launched international sales at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Untitled STX Drama Project Logline: The friendship of two high school girls is disrupted when one girl starts dating the other one's older brother. Studio/Distributor(s): STX Entertainment Production Company(s): Gracie Films Producer(s): James L. Brooks, Richard Sakai, Julie Ansell Writer(s): Kelly Fremon Craig Director(s): Kelly Fremon Craig Cast: Hailee Steinfeld (in talks) SSN Insight: Steinfeld recently appeared in Universal’s Pitch Perfect 2 and has signed on for the third installment in the franchise. Her Sundance drama 10,000 Saints will be distributed later this month.

Untitled Woody Allen 2015 Feature Film Logline: Logline under wraps. Production Company(s): Gravier Productions Producer(s): Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, Edward Walson Writer(s): Woody Allen Director(s): Woody Allen Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Parker Posey, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, Corey Stoll, Ken Stott, Jeannie Berlin, Anna Camp, Stephen Kunken, Sari Lennick, and Paul Schneider SSN Insight: Shooting to being this month in New York and LA.

Untitled STX Entertainment Sci-Fi Project Logline: A boy born to an American astronaut while on a mission to Mars and raised on a space station returns to Earth as a teen and embarks on a US road trip in search of the father he has never met. Studio/Distributor(s): STX Entertainment Production Company(s): Southpaw Entertainment Producer(s): Gabrielle Jerou Writer(s): Peter Chelsom, Tinker Lindsay, Allan Loeb Director(s): Peter Chelsom Cast: Asa Butterfield, Britt Robertson, Gary Oldman, Carla Gugino SSN Insight: Project was previously set up at Relativity Media with Robbie Brenner attached to produce and Ryan Kavanaugh and Tucker Tooley attached as Executive Producers.

War Machine Logline: A satirical fictionalized behind-the-scenes look at the Afghanistan war from the military commanders with their high-stakes decisions and infighting, to the soldiers on patrol. Studio/Distributor(s): Regency Enterprises, Netflix Production Company(s): New Regency Productions, Plan B Entertainment, Ian Bryce Productions, RatPac Entertainment Producer(s): Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ian Bryce Writer(s): David Michodhe Director(s): David Michodhe Cast: Brad Pitt, Emory Cohen Details: Based on the book "The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan," written by Michael Hastings and published by Penguin on January 5, 2012. SSN Insight: When "War Machine" was in preproduction, Netflix acquired distribution rights

What Happened to Monday? Logline: In a world where families are allowed only one child, some resourceful, identical septuplets must avoid governmental execution while investigating the disappearance of one of their own. Production Company(s): Raffaella Productions, Vendome Pictures Producer(s): Raffaella De Laurentiis, Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi Writer(s): Kerry Williamson, Max Botkin Director(s): Tommy Wirkola Cast: Noomi Rapace, Glenn Close, Willem Dafoe, Marwan Kenzari, Christian Rubeck SSN Insight: Morten Tyldum was attached to direct. The lead was originally written for a male actor but was rewritten when Rapace met with Wirkola.

Wrong Move Logline: An elderly man, who survived the Nazi's as a young boy, is scammed by thieves whom he takes revenge on. Production Company(s): Nick Wechsler Productions, Chockstone Pictures, Good Universe Producer(s): Nick Wechsler, Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz Writer(s): Christopher Kyle Details: Based on the novel "Moving Day," written by Jonathan Stone and published by Thomas & Mercer on June 1, 2014. SSN Insight: Good Universe has optioned rights to the thriller and put the project on the fast-track. They are actively looking for a director.

NEW PROJECTS

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life Logline: Rafe must deal with bullies, hormones and a tyrannical principal when he starts a new middle school. Studio/Distributor(s): CBS Films, Lionsgate Production Company(s): James Patterson Entertainment Producer(s): James Patterson, Leopoldo Gout, Bill Robinson Writer(s): Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer Director(s): Steve Carr Cast: Griffin Gluck Details: Based on the book "Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life," written by James Patterson and published by Little, Brown and Company on November 6, 2012. SSN Insight: Steve Carr is also slated to direct films The Wedding Guests and Love on a Bet (remake), both in active development.

My Fight/Your Fight Logline: The true story of UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey is dramatized. Studio/Distributor(s): Paramount Pictures Production Company(s): Disruption Entertainment Producer(s): Ronda Rousey, Mary Parent Writer(s): Mark Bomback Cast: Ronda Rousey Details: Based on the autobiography "My Fight/Your Fight" written by Ronda Rousey with Maria Burns Ortiz and published by Regan Arts in 2015. SSN Insight: Rousey will next be shooting Pete Berg’s Mile 22 in January. She is also attached to star in the all-female commando film The Athena Project.

The Children Logline: A social worker investigating the disappearance of two children discovers her own family might also be in danger. Studio/Distributor(s): New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution Production Company(s): Emile Gladstone Productions Producer(s): Emile Gladstone, Gary Dauberman Writer(s): Mikki Daughtry, Tobias Iaconis SSN Insight: New Line is looking to get it into production early next year. The writers made the 2013 Black List with their spec Elsewhere, and they also adapted the Spanish film Sleep Tight for producers Guy Stodel and Peter Block.

Untitled (Brad Peyton Action-Adventure Project) Logline: Storyline for this military action-adventure film is under wraps. Studio/Distributor(s): Columbia Pictures Production Company(s): Original Film Producer(s): Neal H. Moritz, Ori Marmur Writer(s): Art Marcum, Matt Holloway Director(s): Brad Peyton SSN Insight: Peyton directed San Andreas for Warner Bros, which has grossed more than $461 million and will re-team with San Andreas star Dwayne Johnson for Rampage.

Untitled (Envision Media/Animated Pez Candy Project) Logline: The animated film is based on Pez, 88-year-old tablet-shaped candy that come in dispensers that usually feature iconic pop culture characters. Production Company(s): Hung Entertainment Group, Envision Media Arts Producer(s): Lee Nelson, David Buelow Writer(s): Cameron Fay SSN Insight: PEZ dispensers have been a collectable for over 50 years. Hollywood-based EMA recently finished Henry Joseph Church with Britt Robertson and Eddie Murphy.

Untitled Megan Leavey Project Logline: Megan Leavey, a US Marine who was injured with her dog Rex by an IED while on patrol in Iraq, was awarded the Purple Heart, and years later fought through bureaucratic red tape to adopt and reunite with Rex upon his retirement from duty. Production Company(s): LD Entertainment Producer(s): Mickey Liddell, Jennifer Hilton Monroe, Pete Shilaimon Writer(s): Pamela Gray Cast: Kate Mara Details: Based on a true story. SSN Insight: Kata Mara can next be seen in Fantastic Four and after that Captive.

Untitled (Tina Fey Atlantic City Comedy) Logline: Follows three friends that set off to Atlantic City to make it big after receiving lessons from a card-counting guru. Studio/Distributor(s): Universal Studios Production Company(s): Little Stranger Producer(s): Tina Fey Cast: Tina Fey Details: Based on the Good Housekeeping article You Bet! written by Ruth Palmer. SSN Insight: Fey will next be seen in the Universal film Sisters marking Fey’s second outing with Universal, which also released her 2008 comedy Baby Mama and is behind her Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Stuart Little (Remake) Logline: Hybrid live-action/animation take in the vein of John Hughes, following the escapades of the titular mouse and his adopted family, the Littles. Studio/Distributor(s): Sony Pictures Production Company(s): Red Wagon Entertainment Producer(s): Douglas Wick, Lucy FIsher Details: Based on the classic children’s novel Stuart Little, written by E. B. White in 1945. Serves as a remake of the 1999 Sony adaptation, which featured Geena Davis and Michael J. Fox as Stuart. SSN Insight: The 1999 adaptation was a critical and financial success earning a sequel in 2002 and a fully animated third film in 2005. The success of the franchise led to a short-lived animated series.

Action Movie Kid Logline: Kept under wraps, but pitched in the vein of Night At The Museum, following a youngster who can see and interact with an imaginative world he inhabits, though invisible to the rest of us. Studio/Distributor(s): Fox 2000 Production Company(s): Temple Hill Ent. Producer(s): Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey Details: Based on the hugely successful webseries Action Movie Kid, created by Daniel Hashimoto. SSN Insight: The 2014 Streamy award-winning webseries features Hashimoto’s son James playing in different situations, which Hashimoto then adds lavish visual effects to make it appear as though his son is in a spaceship, fighting giant robots, or saving the world.

Tower of Terror Logline: Kept under wraps, but pitched as a Tim Burton-esque take with supernatural elements about a group of hotel guests disappearing from an elevator. Studio/Distributor(s): Walt Disney Pictures Production Company(s): Whitaker Ent. Producer(s): Jim Whitaker Writer(s): John August (outline) Details: Inspired by the famed Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror attraction. The story was adapted into a TV movie in 1997, starring Kirsten Dunst and shot onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and holds the title for being the first film based on a Disney ride. SSN Insight: Though August isn’t penning the script, his outline will serve as the basis for the feature. There were rumors in 2009 of the project taking shape at Disney but nothing was previously confirmed.

Black Money Logline: Focuses on MacDonald’s private eye protagonist Lew Archer. Hired by a spurned lover to expose the suave Frenchman who has run off with his client’s girlfriend, Archer follows a trail that leads to a deep conspiracy as the mysterious paramour is connected to a seven-year-old suicide and a ton of gambling debts. Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Production Company(s): Silver Pictures Ent. Producer(s): Joel Silver, Steve White (EP) Writer(s): Joel and Ethan Cohen Details: Based on the 1966 crime novel of the same name written by Ross MacDonald SSN Insight: The Coens have recently wrapped Hail Caesar! for Universal with a cast including George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and Jonah Hill.

Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket Logline: After stumbling upon a potential ghost hunting in her family’s Nantucket vacation home, she enlist the help of her older brother Jake and friend Maddi to explore the world of the paranormal in an effort to find the truth behind the Caulfield House’s “White Widow.” Studio/Distributor(s): MarVista Entertainment Producer(s): Bailee Madison, Amy Baker, Kim Dawson Director(s): Paul Serafini Cast: Bailee Madison, Robert Capron SSN Insight: At just 15 years old, this project marks Madison’s first film as a producer. Madison can currently be seen in the Good Witch on Hallmark Channel, set to starting shooting season two late 2015. Shooting for this film is scheduled to start September 10.

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The Accidental Turitz on Summer Movies, Film Dev, Sony Exec Shuffle, Jake Gyllenhaal Gets Deal

August 6, 2015, 2:30 pm

≫ Next: Jerry Lewis’ Lost Movie To See Light Of Day, Josh Trank Blames Studio For ‘Fantastic Four’, ‘Skull Island’ Casting News, James Franco’s Next Show

≪ Previous: Film Development for 8/6/15: 15 Year Old Bailee Madison to Produce First Feature, Coen Brothers to Adapt Black Money & More

sony pictures exterior

SSN ORIGINALS

The Accidental Turitz: The Movie Business’ Fast Recovery from Dying to Never Better Thanks to Universal

Thanks to superheroes, dinosaurs, minions, a cappella singers, emotions, natural disasters and spies, this summer is the second highest grossing ever at the domestic box office. (SSN)

Film Development for 8/6/15: 15 Year Old Bailee Madison to Produce First Feature, Coen Brothers to Adapt Black Money & More

Other film development news includes, Will Smith attaching to Collateral Beauty, Warner Bros. kick starting Dungeons & Dragons and Collin Farrell attaching to Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Tom Rothman Realigns Production: Palak Patel New EVP, David Beaubaire To Columbia EVP; Hannah Minghella To Run TriStar

Tom Rothman brings in Palak Patel, an exec for producer Joe Roth, and David Beaubaire, his Tristar exec, to become exec veeps at Columbia Pictures and Hannah Minghella has moved over to become president of of TriStar Pictures. (DH)

Jake Gyllenhaal Inks First-Look Deal With ‘Nightcrawler’ Producer Bold Films

Following last year’s sleeper hit Nightcrawler, Jake Gyllenhaal has signed a first-look deal with Bold Films. Riva Marker is set as the production executive for Gyllenhaal’s new company. (VAR)

Steven Spielberg's 'Ready Player One' Gets Release Date

Warner Bros., Village Roadshow and DreamWorks’ Ready Player One, the sci-fi action adventure to be directed by Steven Spielberg, is set for release on Dec.15, 2017. (THR)

William Friedkin to Direct Don Winslow’s Bestseller

William Friedkin has signed on to develop and direct an adaptation of Don Winslow’s bestselling 2007 novel, The Winter of Frankie Machine. (COLL)

Fox Nears Deal With Marvel For ‘X-Men’ Live-Action TV Series

According to Fox Television Group chairman and CEO Dana Walden at TCA, Fox is in negotiations with Marvel to greenlight production on a live-action X-Men television series. (SR)

Golden Globes Change Rules, Aiming for Clarity and Credibility

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced some changes to the rules for the Golden Globe Awards, ranging from Best Picture eligibility and song credits to the problem of simultaneous release in theaters and on streaming services. (WRAP)

Trailer Buzz: Rupert Friend's' Hitman: Agent 47' With Friend as the main man, the film also features Zachary Quinto, Ciaran Hinds, Thomas Kretschmann, Emilio Rivera and Dan Bakkedahl. (EMP)

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Jerry Lewis’ Lost Movie To See Light Of Day, Josh Trank Blames Studio For ‘Fantastic Four’, ‘Skull Island’ Casting News, James Franco’s Next Show

August 7, 2015, 6:29 am

≫ Next: On the Set for 8/7/15: Katie Holmes Directs Her First Feature ‘All We Had’, Chloe Grace Moretz Finishes ‘Brain on Fire’

≪ Previous: The Accidental Turitz on Summer Movies, Film Dev, Sony Exec Shuffle, Jake Gyllenhaal Gets Deal

Josh Trank

Jerry Lewis’ Notorious Holocaust Movie, ‘The Day the Clown Cried’, Is Finally Coming To Theaters … In 2025

The legendary Lewis sent the Library of Congress a collection of his work, including this film, but there’s a catch: the Library won’t screen the movie for ten years. For those who don’t know, the 1972 stars Lewis as a failed clown who’s is thrown into a concentration camp for ridiculing Hitler and forced to entertain children. There is reportedly a scene where Lewis’ character, Helmut Doork, leads a group of laughing children into the gas chambers. (COL)

Josh Trank Says Don’t Blame Him For the State Of the ‘Fantastic Four’ Movie

The director suggested yesterday that he wasn’t responsible for the final cut of the film, which has been widely panned by critics prior to its release today. “A year ago I had a fantastic version of this. And it would’ve received great reviews,” he wrote of the 20th Century Fox and Marvel pic. “You’ll probably never see it. That’s reality though.” The tweet was quickly deleted from his account. Fox, of course, had no comment. (VAR)

No Michael Keaton or J. K. Simmons For ‘Kong: Skull Island’? No Problem

Legendary Pictures’ upcoming King Kong prequel lost the acting pair over scheduling issues, but now Samuel L. Jackson is in talks to replace Simmons and John C. Reilly is up for Keaton’s role. Additionally, Tom Wilkinson is circling another role in the project. Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Corey Hawkins are already on board the film, which has Jordan Vogt-Roberts on board to direct. It is scheduled for a March 10th, 2017 release. (CB)

James Franco Has Landed His Latest Big TV Project, Will Play Twins In HBO’s ‘The Deuce’ Pilot

Drama will be set in the New York porn industry in the 1970s and '80s and follow Franco as twin brother mobsters. From The Wire creator David Simon and director Michelle MacLaren, the sow pilot will go into production in October. (HP)

Today In Reboot News: Fox Is Getting Set For a Brand New ‘Prison Break’

Original series stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell are confirmed to return, and Prison Break creator Paul Scheuring has pitched the new, 10-episode season. No word on how the new series will address the straight to video movie Prison Break: The Final Break, in which Michael Scofield (Miller) died breaking out Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies), but he reveals he would’ve died anyway of a brain tumor. (SF)

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Somehow Just Became Even Funnier With This Major Bit Of Casting

Bill Hader has joined the cast to replace Andre Braugher — who has now earned Emmy nominations for each of the show’s first two seasons — whose character was transferred out of the precinct in the season finale. Braugher remains in the cast, and there is no word of how long Hader will actually be around on the show. (TVL)

Husband-Wife Creator Team the Akils Leave BET and Head For Warner Bros. TV

Salim and Mara Brock Akil are effectively saying goodbye to the network, after their series The Game ends its run tonight. The duo have inked a multiple-year overall deal with the WB via their Akil Productions, which will begin in May 2016, which also happens to be when their agreement with with BET ends. Mara Brock Akil will transition from showrunner of BET’s number one program, Being Mary Jane, to "executive consultant" on the series instead. (SAA)

Your Creative Calendar For August: Seventy-Three Things To Do, See and Hear This Month

It's a weird phenomenon of temporal perception that July 4th feels like the mid-point of the year, but then less than a month later August 1st portends Christmas kicking in the door already. In between thoughts of our collective, rapidly encroaching mortality, however, August also brings with it a solid roster of movies, music, TV, and more to help stimulate our brains out of early on-set senility. (FCC)

Trailer Buzz: ‘By the Sea’

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for Angelina Jolie’s next directorial effort, in which she stars with her husband, Brad Pitt. The relationship drama hits theaters in November. (VUL)

Screenwriters: ‘Deliverance’

The 104-page second draft, dated January 11th, 1971, by James Dickey and John Boorman, based on the novel by James Dickey. (DS)

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On the Set for 8/7/15: Katie Holmes Directs Her First Feature ‘All We Had’, Chloe Grace Moretz Finishes ‘Brain on Fire’

August 7, 2015, 9:30 am

≫ Next: Franchise Wars, On the Set, Ben Affleck Films Pushed, The Firm Re-Launching

≪ Previous: Jerry Lewis’ Lost Movie To See Light Of Day, Josh Trank Blames Studio For ‘Fantastic Four’, ‘Skull Island’ Casting News, James Franco’s Next Show

at arrivals for DuJour Cover Party, PHD Rooftop lounge at Dream Hotel Downtown, New York, NY September 16, 2014. Photo By: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection

STARTS

All We Had 8/5/2015 Logline: A woman and her 13-year-old daughter live on the edge of poverty. Production Company(s): Tribeca Films Director(s): Katie Holmes Producer(s): Jane Rosenthal, Katie Holmes, Berry Welsh Cast: Katie Holmes, Stefania Owen Writer(s): Josh Boone Details: Based on the novel "All We Had: A Novel" by Annie Weatherwax; published by Scribner August 5, 2014. SSN Insight: Marks Katie Holmes’ directorial debut. Holmes optioned the book prior to publication in 2014.

Eye Digress 8/3/2015 Logline: An odd, delusional prisoner obsessed with the English World Cup soccer team tracks down a mysterious fellow inmate and discovers not only an opportunity to escape, but also the chance to watch England compete in the World Cup finals -- however, it comes with a high cost. Production Company(s): Rosemilk Productions, Auteur Films Director(s): Stephen Cookson Executive Producer(s): Peter Keegan, Gary Collins Producer(s): Jules Gladys, Stephen Cookson Cast: Timothy Spall Writer(s): Falcon Fields SSN Insight: Timothy Spall is currently in negotiations to be cast in The Journey and has wrapped Away and Eddie The Eagle.

The Late Bloomer 8/5/2015 Logline: A man who missed puberty undergoes hormone therapy in order to get back on track. Production Company(s): Ineffable Pictures, Eclectic Pictures, Coup D’Etat Films, Dignity Film Finance Director(s): Kevin Pollak Executive Producer(s): Raphael Kryszek Producer(s): Heidi Jo Markel, Jesse Israel, Brent Emery Writer(s): Paul A Kaplan, Mark Torgove, Joe Nussbaum Details: Based on the book “Man Made: A Memoir” written by Ken Baker and published in 2001. SSN Insight: Project was originally in development at Circle of Confusion with a screenplay written by Gary Rosen. Alcon optioned the source material and the script by Rosen.

WRAPS

6:42 8/9/2015 Logline: An LAPD detective receives a ransom video of a missing child with a bomb strapped to him, but the kidnapper is killed before the bomb's location is disclosed. The detective has 6 hours and 42 minutes to locate the bomb before it detonates. Studio/Distributor(s): Lionsgate Production Company(s): WWE Studios Director(s): John Stockwell Producer(s): Michael Luisi, Donald Munro Cast: Dolph Ziggler, Kane Writer(s): Michael Finch, Richard Wenk SSN Insight: WWE Studios is the feature film and television division of World Wrestling Entertainment. In May 2014, it was announced that WWE had extended their partnership with Lionsgate Entertainment to release six films together and in November of that year they parterned with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The studio has an agreement with Bank of America Merrill Lynch for a revolving credit facility worth $35 million as of May 2015.

Brain on Fire 8/10/2015 Logline: The film tells the story of a young woman's descent into insanity. Studio/Distributor(s): Broad Green Pictures Production Company(s): Denver & Delilah Films, Foundation Features Director(s): Gerard Barrett Producer(s): Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, Robert Merilees, Lindsay MacAdam Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Thomas Mann, Jenny Slate, Richard Armitage, Carrie-Anne Moss Writer(s): Gerard Barrett Details: Based on the memoir "Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness" written by Susannah Cahalan and published by Free Press in 2012. SSN Insight: Dakota Fanning was previously attached to the role played by Chloe Grace Moretz. Will Poulter was previously attached as a member of the cast.

Rounding Third 8/1/2015 Logline: A man who has been coaching his son’s Little League team with a win-at-all-costs attitude is paired with a new assistant with very different philosophy. Production Company(s): FR Productions Director(s): Robert Deaton, George Flanigen Producer(s): Fred Roos Cast: John C. McGinley, Garret Dillahunt Writer(s): Rick Dresser Details: Based on the play "Rounding Third" written by Richard Dresser and premiered at the Northlight Theatre outside Chicago in 2002. SSN Insight: McGinley co-starred on the TBS comedy Ground Floor through 2015 and was a regular on Scrubs during its nine-year run. He next can be seen in the films Get A Job and the James Gunn scripted The Belko Experiment.

Sleight 8/8/2015 Logline: After his mother’s death, a young street magician turns to dealing drugs at parties to support his little sister. When she kidnapped by his supplier, he uses his sleight of hand and keen intelligence to find her. Production Company(s): Diablo Entertainment Director(s): JD Dillard Producer(s): Eric B. Fleischman, Sean Tabibian Cast: Jacob Latimore, Dule Hill, Tyga, Storm Reid, Seychelle Gabriel Writer(s): JD Dillard, Alex Theurer SSN Insight: Dule Hill is best known for his role on USA’s Psych. He currently has a recurring role on HBO’s Ballers as Larry and was cast in the CBS pilot, Doubt.

Speech & Debate 8/8/2015 Logline: A high school drama queen recruits a set of misfits to join the speech and debate club. Production Company(s): Sycamore Pictures Director(s): Dan Harris Executive Producer(s): Robert Kessel, Tracy Underwood Producer(s): Tom Rice Cast: Liam James, Sarah Steele, Austin Mckenzie, Kal Penn Writer(s): Stephen Karam Details: Based on Stephen Karam's off-Broadway play, "Speech & Debate", which debuted at the Roundabout Underground October, 2007. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Blumhouse Productions with Jason Blum attached to produce. Dan Harris is known more so for a writer, with credits that include X2: X-Men United and Superman Returns in addition to a story by credit on the upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse.

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Franchise Wars, On the Set, Ben Affleck Films Pushed, The Firm Re-Launching

August 7, 2015, 1:39 pm

≫ Next: ‘Mission’ Beats ‘Four’ At the Box Office, Netflix Renews ‘Sense8′, HBO Kills ‘Utopia’, Sony Needs a Director For ’23 Jump Street’, Colbert Names His First Guest

≪ Previous: On the Set for 8/7/15: Katie Holmes Directs Her First Feature ‘All We Had’, Chloe Grace Moretz Finishes ‘Brain on Fire’

0708SPU

SSN ORIGINALS

FRANCHISE WARS: IS SHOOTING WITHOUT A SCRIPT A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? NOT FOR TOM CRUISE & CO.

The latest mission, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation was released on July 31 and grossed $55 million domestically opening weekend. Click here for a debrief for Paramount’s most consistent franchise. (SSN)

ON THE SET FOR 8/7/15: KATIE HOLMES DIRECTS HER FIRST FEATURE ‘ALL WE HAD’, CHLOE GRACE MORETZ FINISHES ‘BRAIN ON FIRE’

Other on the set news includes, Lionsgate and WWE Studios' film 6:42 wrapping production and a Timothy Spall film Eye Digress starting production. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Ben Affleck's 'Accountant' and 'Live By Night' Pushed Back by Warner Bros.

The Accountant is being moved from January of next year to Oct. 7, 2016 and Live by Night, an adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel, that Affleck is set to direct, was moved from an Oct. 2016 release to undated in 2017. (THR)

Jeff Kwatinetz To Relaunch The Firm Management & Production Company

Seven years after the management and production company folded following the exit of CEO Kwatinetz, the brand is back. The Firm, based in Santa Monica, will work in music, film and television, and sports. (DH)

‘Training Day’ TV Series Being Shopped to Networks

Antoine Fuqua and producer Jerry Bruckheimer are putting together a package with Warner Bros. TV. Former LAPD detective Will Beall (Gangster Squad, Castle) is writing the script for the pilot, which Fuqua would likely direct. (SF)

Greta Gerwig To Make Her Solo Directorial Debut With 'Lady Bird'

Gerwig will make her directorial debut with Lady Bird, from a script she also wrote, but she will not star in the movie. (IW)

Weinstein Company Announces Promotions to Replace Departed Executives

Harvey Weinstein announced that he was promoting more than a half-dozen executives at his Weinstein Company, replacing managers who suddenly left the independent film and television studio. (NYT)

Riley, Bond Scribes Set For 'SS-GB'

Sam Riley (Maleficent, Control) is in talks to star in a BBC film adaptation of espionage thriller author Len Deighton's SS-GB which Neil Purvis and Robert Wade are writing. (DAH)

Here’s What to Know About Louis C.K.’s New TV Series, 'Better Things'

FX picked up Louis C.K.’s latest TV project, Better Things, for a full series. C.K. co-created the series with Pamela Adlon, who also stars on Louie. Better Things will be the first series on FX with a solo female lead. (TIME)

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‘Mission’ Beats ‘Four’ At the Box Office, Netflix Renews ‘Sense8′, HBO Kills ‘Utopia’, Sony Needs a Director For ’23 Jump Street’, Colbert Names His First Guest

August 10, 2015, 7:32 am

≫ Next: Exec Shuffle for 8/10/15: Jeff Kwatinetz Resurrects The Firm, Weinstein Company Shifts & AMPAS Elects Board

≪ Previous: Franchise Wars, On the Set, Ben Affleck Films Pushed, The Firm Re-Launching

tom cruise mission impossible

Tom Cruise’s Fifth ‘Mission’ Is Enough To Beat a Not So ‘Fantastic Four’ At the Box Office

Rogue Nation scored $29.4 million in its second weekend to take the top spot, while Fox’s much maligned comic book adaptation bombed with just $26.2 million to finish second. Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut, The Gift, had an impressive $12 million opening for third, while Vacation came in third at $9.15 million and Ant-Man rounded out the top five with $7.8 mil. (BO)

Netflix Makes It Official, Renews the Wachowskis’ ‘Sense8’ For a Second Season

Created and executive produced by Lana and Andy Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski, the series tells the story of eight people connected around the world who, after experiencing a violent vision, are able to see, feel, hear, and talk to each other as if they are in the same place. While they are being hunted by an organization out to do them harm, these eight must quickly adapt to this new ability and to each other. The new season should premiere in 2016. (TVL)

Meanwhile, HBO Decides To Not Move Forward With ‘Utopia’, Kills David Fincher Project

There was no last-minute miracle for show, as the network and the director were not able to reach a compromise on the size of the budget for the conspiracy thriller series. As a result, the cast, which included Rooney Mara, Colm Feore, Eric McCormack, Dallas Roberts, Jason Ritter, Brandon Scott and Agyness Deyn, has been released. They had been rehearsing for a month with Fincher and writer Gillian Flynn while budget negotiations were unraveling. (DH)

Sony Is Going To Have To Find a New Director For ’23 Jump Street’

Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who directed the first two films in the series, will serve as producers for the third film, but will hand off directing duties due to their commitments to an animated Spider-Man film and the standalone Star Wars movie centering on a young Han Solo. Rodney Rothman, who wrote 22 Jump Street, is on board to write the new film, but the studio has also announced a crossover between this franchise and its Men In Black property. (COL)

Stephen Colbert Has Corralled His First ‘Late Show’ Guest, and It Will Not Be Bill Murray

The former Colbert Report host, who will take over for David Letterman on September 8th, has announced that George Clooney will be his very first guest when he debuts on CBS at 11:35 pm that night. Colbert made the announcement about Clooney via Twitter, and asked his followers, “Could one of you let him know?” (HP)

So Much For All Those Anti-‘Ghostbusters’ Theories: Bill Murray Will Appear In Paul Feig’s Reboot

No details on who Murray will play or what we’ll do in the new film, which stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Andy Garcia and Chris Hemsworth, but like original movie co-star Dan Akyroyd, it’ll be probably be a small cameo. Originally scheduled to hit theaters July 22nd, 2016, the movie has now been moved up a week, to the 15th. (TP)

Paramount’s ‘Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters’ Sequel Lands a Director

Commercials helmer Bruno Aveillan will make his feature film debut helming the project, which has a recently completed screenplay from writer-director of the first film, Tommy Wirkola. The new film, which is hoping to find a spot in star Jeremy Renner’s busy schedule, will also co-star Gemma Arterton, who appeared with Renner in the surprise 2013 sleeper hit. (CS)

From the Secret Service To Sherwood Forest, Taron Egerton Takes Lead In Lionsgate’s ‘Robin Hood’ Sweepstakes

Early word has the Kingsman star as the frontrunner for the role in the Robin Hood: Origins project from writer Joby Harold, who also penned next summer’s Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur film for director Guy Ritchie. Otto Bathurst will be directing this incarnation (there are no less than three others in development around town), and negotiations between the studio and Egerton have just started. (EMP)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Westworld’

HBO has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming revamp of the 70s cult classic film. While the original started Yul Brenner, the new series stars Ed Harris and Anthony Hopkins, and will premiere on the cable network in 2016. (VAR)

Screenwriters: Meet the Reader — Random Notes From a Screenwriting Contest Judge

The process of reading for a major screenwriting contest has has sparked a number of thoughts and observations about certain screenwriting-related matters. While none of these items are involved enough to fill an entire column by itself, they’re still worth addressing. So here are some random notes – a sampler of screenwriting-related opinions and advice that will hopefully provide you with a few notions to chew on as we head into the dog days of summer. (SM)

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Exec Shuffle for 8/10/15: Jeff Kwatinetz Resurrects The Firm, Weinstein Company Shifts & AMPAS Elects Board

August 10, 2015, 11:15 am

≫ Next: Screenwriting 101: Amy Jones, Reese Witherspoon’s Is Getting ‘Cold’, Pirates Nab Foursome Of Pilots, Exec Shuffle For 8/10/15

≪ Previous: ‘Mission’ Beats ‘Four’ At the Box Office, Netflix Renews ‘Sense8′, HBO Kills ‘Utopia’, Sony Needs a Director For ’23 Jump Street’, Colbert Names His First Guest

exec shuffle feature image

Company Launches & Partnerships

Millennial-focused Fusion has launched SVOD service Vessel. The service will give access to several Fusion series for three days before they’re available on other platforms, as well as a mix of short form video content.

Vice Media launched its first women’s interest site, Broadly. The channel will feature original reporting on culture, fashion, sex and politics, in video series, docs, profiles and daily features. Sample programming: Style and Error, Ovary Action and a marijuana column.

Jeff Kwatinetz is resurrecting The Firm, the management and production company he shuttered after his departure as CEO. After first leaving The Firm, he launched Prospect Park with Richard Frank. The management operations of Prospect Park will now shift over to The Firm. All existing television projects will remain under Prospect Park including Royal Pains and Salem. The Firm’s relaunch will be based in Santa Monica and focus on music, film and television, and sports.

Ovation and crowd-funding site RocketHub will launch Creative Studio in the fall, a joint initiative designed to assist artists in their creative projects. The service will provide pre-launch tips and training, marketing support, on-air promotion on Ovation TV, social media marketing and support throughout fund-raising campaigns.

Film

Cinedigm named Blair Westlake, Andy Schuon, Zvi Rhine and Patrick O’Brien to its Board of Directors. In addition, they appointed Ron Chez as Strategic Advisor. Chez spent the last six years as the Co-Chairman of Merriman Holdings.

Kelly Summers is now the SVP of Strategy & Planning at Alchemy. She previously founded Bella Rafe Media.

Michael Winton is the new VP of Marketing at Cohen Media Group. He was previously the Director of Genre Marketing at IFC Films/IFC Midnight.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs ran unopposed in the 2015 Board of Governors elections and will serve a third term. AMPAS presidents can serve four one-year terms. Jeffrey Kurland was name First VP; incumbents John Bailey and Kathleen Kennedy were elected to VP posts, incumbent Bill Kroyer was elected Secretary, Jim Gianopulos was elected Treasurer and Phil Robinson was elected Secretary.

Tom Rothman has made some changes to his staff at Columbia Pictures. He has eliminated the President of Production position and has named Palak Patel and David Beaubaire as EVPs, and Hannah Minghella has shifted to become President of TriStar Pictures. Minghella will take The Rosie Project, which has Jennifer Lawrence attached to star along with her to TriStar.

Dene Stratton has left MGM as their CFO and is pursuing other opportunities. Kenneth J. Kay has been appointed the new CFO at MGM. He previously co-founded Raven at LLC.

Justin Lam is the new VP at Hutch Parker Entertainment. He was previously a Creative Executive at New Regency Productions

After the announcement of David Glasser and now Tom Quinn and Jason Janego’s exit, The Weinstein Company has promoted several executives. Francois Martin will be promoted to President of Strategic Global Marketing. Ryan Brasno will handle creative advertising under distribution president Erik Lomas. Jamie Schwartz will be the new head of international marketing. Robert Walak has been upped to head of TV and global acquisitions and Dan Guando will become head of American productions and acquisitions from New York. Meanwhile, Negeen Yazdi has been named head of overseas acquisitions and productions from the London office.

TV

20-year veteran of Discovery Communications, Marjorie Kaplan will become the President of Content at Discovery Networks International, in a newly created post. She will be responsible for strategy, coordination, and execution of all the division’s content and brand strategies across the entire portfolio, and on all platforms worldwide.

Turner has promoted Justin Williams, naming him senior vice president of digital ventures for TNT and TBS. Williams has been with the networks since 2013.

Kimberly Roberto is now a Creative Executive of Live Action and Creative Affairs at DC Entertainment. Up from her position as a coordinator at the CW in the current programming department.

Ed Sayer has been named the VP of Production and Development at Discovery Networks International. He was formerly the VP of Commissioning at NatGeo.

Steve Burns is exiting Tribune Media in his post as CFO. Former CFO Chandler Bigelow, who’s been named the Chief Strategies & Operations Officer, will take over until a replacement can be found.

Karey Burke, ABC Family’s EVP Programming and Development, has named Simran S. Sethi as SVP, Original Programming and Development. She was previously senior vice president of comedy development at NBC. Simran replaces Brooke Bowman, who is shifting from her SVP post to a consulting role. Sethi will oversee ABC Family’s scripted series development team and will have creative oversight over scripted pilots. In addition, she will develop short form scripted shows for the network’s digital platform. The network has also made two other hires, naming George Chen VP of strategy and business development and Karissa Zigarovich director of consumer insights.

Rich Magallanes is the new SVP of Development & Production at Saban Brands. He was previously the SVP of Current Series & Production at Nickelodeon.

Erin Mechanic is now a Development Producer at Spike TV and was previously the Manager of Development at Ardaban.

Alex Berkett is now the SVP of Corporate Development at Viacom. He previously co-founded Townsquare Media where he was also the EVP.

Bob Cook, who spent 2000-10 heading Twentieth Television, is set as VP and General Manager of KTTV and KCOP. to head Fox’s O&O duopoly is Los Angeles. He has been hired as, taking up the post this month. Prior, he launched MBN Inc., an entertainment and consulting business and also was the EVP of CBS Enterprises and SVP at Sony’s Columbia TriStar Television.

Tanya Haider is the new EVP of Strategy Research & Ventures at Sesame Workshop. She was formerly Head of Global Licensing & Video Content Partnerships at ZeptoLab. Diana Lee has been named the EVP of HR at Sesame Workshop and was recruited from Al Jazeera America where she was also the EVP of HR.

Mike Stein has been upped from coordinator to director of development at Davis Entertainment.

Jill Underhill is the new SVP of On-Air Promotions at Crown Media Family Networks. She was previously the Creative Director at Buzz Creative which she also owned.

Management, PR, Agencies

Morris Bentata is now a Consultant for Keystone Law. Morris was previously a Partner at Sheridans.

Clayton Friedman is now a Partner at Sidley Austin. He was previously a Partner at Manatt at Phelps & Phillips LLP. Chad Hummel is now a Partner at Sidley Austin. He was formerly a Partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

Abbie Harrison is now the Account Supervisor at DKC. Abbie was previously the Account Director at FerenComm.

Nannette LaFond-Dufour has been upped to chief client officer at McCann Worldgroup after previously serving as president of McCann Beauty Team. She was formerly the global business director at DDB Worldwide.

Communications and media agency Crossmedia has named Aaron Lewis CFO, a new position. Lewis was most recently global client finance director at Red Fuse.

Jaime Kelsall is now the VP of the Concerts Division at APA. Jaime was formerly an agent of music at the agency.

Brad Mendelsohn has been upped from Head of Lit to Partner and Head of Literary at Circle of Confusion.

Kobe Swanson is now the Sr. Unit Publicist at Crazy Talk. He was formerly the Sr. Manager of PR at The Chamber Group.

IPG Mediabrands has appointed John Sintras president of global development and product innovation, working in the agency network’s New York office. Sintras had previously been chairman at Starcom Mediavest Group.

Mira Yong has switched from Agent of Production & Literary at Gersh to Agent of Production & Motion Picture Literary at WME.

Music, Digital, Publishing, Misc.

Independent marketing agency Giant Spoon appointed Veronica Brothwell as Senior Strategist. Prior she served as Brand and Creative Strategist at VITRO.

Huffington Post CEO Jimmy Maymann will now head AOL’s consumer brands and help launch Verizon’s upcoming SVOD service. Bob Lord, President of AOL, will have oversight of business-to-business, and Bill Pence, CTO, will head cutting edge tech investments in a new division dubbed Area 51.

Rod Phillips has been named head of iHeartCountry, a new country music-focused arm of radio company iHeartMedia. Phillips was previously iHeartMedia’s SVP of programming for the Southeast region.

Hearst Magazines has promoted Cosmopolitan’s Sarah Conly, naming her fashion market director at the magazine. Conly had been senior market editor.

The Huffington Post name a new CEO after it shifted CEO Jimmy Maymann to AOL’s consumer brands and to Verizon’s SVOD service. Jared Grusd will head the online news site. Grusd was most recently global head of corporate development and general counsel at Spotify.

Darren Seidel is the new EVP and CFO at Entertainment Partners. He was previously SVP of International Finance at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group.

Jay Frank is now the SVP of Global Streaming Marketing of Universal Music Group. He previously founded DigSin and DigMark. Tremor Video named John Rego as their Chief Financial Officer. Previously he was the CFO of Virgin Galactic, and previously the Executive Vice President and CFO of Vonage Holdings Corp.

Steve Auer has been promoted from Manager to VP of Studio Operations at The Culver Studios. Jim Bass has also been promoted there from Director of Finance to VP. Likewise Abigail Zellmer has been upped from Director of Studio Relations & Business Development to VP of Sales & Marketing.

Programmatic advertising company RadiumOne has promoted Anna Baird to president, Dimitri Vaynblat to chief technology and data officer, Mike Werner to EVP of North American sales and Dave Zinman to COO. Baird had been chief financial officer and she’ll retain that position, while Vaynblat was SVP of data, optimization and product strategy. Werner was North America sales leader and Zinman chief product officer.

↧

Screenwriting 101: Amy Jones, Reese Witherspoon’s Is Getting ‘Cold’, Pirates Nab Foursome Of Pilots, Exec Shuffle For 8/10/15

August 10, 2015, 1:25 pm

≫ Next: Marty and Leo Together Again For ‘White City’, Gravitas Goes ‘Back In Time’, Spielberg Wants Wilder For ‘Player One’, Relativity Bankruptcy News

≪ Previous: Exec Shuffle for 8/10/15: Jeff Kwatinetz Resurrects The Firm, Weinstein Company Shifts & AMPAS Elects Board

The Black Box, Amy Holden Jones, 04/24/2014, ©ABC

SSN ORIGINALS

Screenwriting 101: Sitting Down With ‘Mystic Pizza’ Screenwriter Amy Jones

The art of storytelling, screenwriting specifically, is like a golf swing, it can get rusty fast if you do not practice every day. To have a canon of work (especially in today’s industry) in screenwriting and for it to be an actual career is one of the hardest feats to accomplish. Cue Amy Jones. (SSN)

Exec Shuffle For 8/10/15: Jeff Kwatinetz Resurrects The Firm, Weinstein Company Shifts & AMPAS Elects Board

Another busy week in Hollywoodland sees plenty of action among the boardroom set, with Vice Media launching its first women’s interest media site, some changes to the staff at Columbia Pictures, a new face at ABC Family, as well as the usual mishmash of hirings, firings, comings and goings. Click on the link to get the full skinny. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Reese Witherspoon to Star in, Produce Lionsgate's Supernatural Thriller ‘Cold'

Lionsgate has acquired the original pitch by Bill Marsilii with Witherspoon and her partner Bruna Papandrea producing through their Pacific Standard Films banner. Witherspoon also is attached to star. The plot is being kept under wraps but has been described as a dark thriller with supernatural elements. Lionsgate's Eric Feig and Gillian Bohrer were the first buyers to hear the pitch, and quickly bid on the material. (THR)

Avast! Pirates Nab ‘Minority Report,’ ‘Lucifer,’ ‘Blindspot,’ ‘Carmichael Show’ Pilots Ahead of TV Debuts

In what appears to be a coordinated action, HD-quality pilots for at least four upcoming 2015-16 season TV shows popped up on Internet piracy sites early today, weeks before their scheduled TV premieres. The pirated copies appeared on torrent websites at about 2 a.m. ET this morning, according to antipiracy analytics firm Excipio. It’s not clear how the pilots made their way into the wild, but in the past such early leaks have been ripped from preview DVD copies. (VAR)

Headed For the Beach? Zac Efron In Negotiations To Join Dwayne Johnson In ‘Baywatch’ Flick

Seth Gordon is aboard to direct what has long been described as a comedic take on the sun-drenched, melodramatic series. The plot, most recently re-written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, follows a by-the-book veteran lifeguard who must team up with a rule-breaking younger man to save their beach from an environmental disaster that might result if a scheming oil tycoon gets his way. Film should start shooting in February. (EMP)

Pamela Adlon Fans Rejoice! The ‘Louie’ Actress Will Headline FX’s First Female-Led Sitcom

After co-starring in nearly every season of FX's hit show, Adlon has landed her own series. Better Things will star Adlon as "a working actor with no filter trying to earn a living, navigate her daughters’ lives, have fun with a friend or two and also — just maybe — squeeze in some private time once in a while.” Created by Adlon and C.K., the show will be FX's first with a solo female lead. The network has already ordered it to series. (WAH)

Robert Kirkman’s Upcoming Cinemax Series Adds a Half Dozen Cast Members

Cable network’s exorcism drama from The Walking Dead executive producer Kirkman and Chris Black, has added six new cast members as production begins in South Carolina. David Denham, Melinda McGraw, Grace Zabriskie, Catherine Dent, Lee Tergesen and Brent Spiner have been cast opposite Patrick Fugit and Philip Glenister in the 10-episode series based on the Skybound/Image comic title by Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta. (DH)

So, Why Exactly Did ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Josh Trank Slam His Own Movie?

That was the question people were asking all over social media on Thursday night after the director of Fantastic Four tweeted — and then quickly deleted — a message slamming his own movie on the eve of its debut. An interesting look at how things went so wrong with such a high profile property. (EW)

Five Practices To Adopt to Gain More Time and Master Productivity

Entrepreneurs have to wear many hats and our days are filled with endless to-dos. As we often work solo or with small teams, the number of items on that list can seem endless and unrelenting. One of the greatest “mind enemies” we face is personal judgment around our productivity. For example, if at the end of the day, you focus more on the items you did NOT get done than what you DID get done, and feel bad about it, you have this enemy. (EP)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Burnt’

The Weinstein Company has released the first look at the new drama starring Bradley Cooper as a chef trying to earn a third Michelin star for his restaurant. Uma Thurman, Sienna Miller, Daniel Bruhl, Emma Thompson, Lily James, Matthew Rhys, Omar Sy, Jamie Dornan and Alicia Vikander all co-star in the film, which was directed by John Wells. It hits theaters October 23rd. (VUL)

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Marty and Leo Together Again For ‘White City’, Gravitas Goes ‘Back In Time’, Spielberg Wants Wilder For ‘Player One’, Relativity Bankruptcy News

August 11, 2015, 7:31 am

≫ Next: TV Development for 8/11/15: Louis C.K.’s ‘Better Things’ Series Ordered, Fox Greenlights Pilot from Josh Schwartz, Salma Hayek Developing ABC Soap

≪ Previous: Screenwriting 101: Amy Jones, Reese Witherspoon’s Is Getting ‘Cold’, Pirates Nab Foursome Of Pilots, Exec Shuffle For 8/10/15

at arrivals for 18th Annual Art Directors Guild Excellence in Production Design Awards, The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA February 8, 2014. Photo By: Elizabeth Goodenough/Everett Collection

Martin Scorsese Hops Aboard Leonardo DiCaprio’s Passion Project, Will Direct ‘Devil In the White City’

DiCaprio has been looking to get the project into production since the rights first became available, but finally snagged them in 2010. Author Erik Larson’s scrupulously researched and endlessly compelling tome chronicles real-life serial killer Dr H.H. Holmes, who might not have gained the infamy of Jack the Ripper, but is alleged to have killed a slew of people around the time of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. (EMP)

Gravitas Goes Back To The Future With New Doc ‘Back In Time’

After getting funding through a successful Kickstarter campaign, Back to the Future documentary Back in Time has sold to Gravitas Ventures for distribution. The studio has set an October 21st release date for release in theaters, VOD, Blu-ray and DVD. As fans of the movie know, October 21st, 2015 is a very important date in franchise history, since it's when Marty McFly arrives in the future in the 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II. (MW)

Could Steven Spielberg Coax Gene Wilder Out Of Retirement For ‘Ready Player One’?

A hot new rumor has the legendary director meeting with the legendary actor in an attempt to get Wilder to perform in the upcoming novel adaptation, which has a release date of December 15th, 2017. The 82-year-old Wilder last appeared in an episode of Will & Grace in 2003, and last appeared on the big screen in the 1991 comedy, Another You. (COL)

Relativity’s Proposed Chapter 11 Schedule Has Been Revealed

A proposed timeline has been revealed in what is typically a two-step process, so Relativity can receive the best possible price. This comes as at least four of its most coveted projects (Kidnap and Masterminds, which are in the can, and the in-development Hunter Killer and The Crow) are stuck — and have been since the July 30th filing. It is expected that September will see a number of deadlines for a sale that the company says should be concluded “by October.” (DH)

Topher Grace Lands the Starring Role Opposite Brad Pitt In Netflix’s Satire, ‘War Machine’

Grace will portray a civilian media adviser to Pitt’s four-star U.S. military general, who’s trying to win the war in Afghanistan. FIlm is directed by David Michod and based on Michael Hastings’ book The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan. Michod also wrote the script for the film, which will be available in theaters and to Netflix subscribers in 2016. (VAR)

TV Land Decides It Has Had Enough Of ‘The Exes’, Cancels Sitcom After Four Seasons

The show’s star, Kristen Johnson, tweeted the news to her followers, saying, “Well, it's official: LAST 6 eps of @The_Exes EVER start airing this Weds. Even great ratings can't #SaveGoodTV.” Johnston headlined the comedy, about three divorced men living in an NYC apartment owned by their divorce attorney, with Donald Faison, Wayne Knight and David Alan Basche. (TLF)

Christopher McQuarrie Is Here To Reassure You That There Could Be a Really Cool ‘Edge Of Tomorrow’ Sequel Ahead

A couple weeks ago, star Tom Cruise revealed he had an idea for a sequel to his 2014 film, a story that was met with a hefty amount of skepticism, considering that the first movie wasn’t exactly a box-office blockbuster. But, as Cruise’s Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation director McQuarrie explains, yes, there is an idea for a sequel and, yes, a second movie is a real possibility and, yes, McQuarrie really likes this idea. (UR)

‘Arrow’ Adds a Couple Of Key New Cast Members For Hotly Anticipated Season Four

Enlisted star Parker Young has joined the series as a potential love interest for Willa Holland’s Thea Queen, while True Blood and Hannibal star Rutina Wesley has signed for a multi-episode arc. Wesley and Young also join the recently announced Echo Kellum as Curtis Holt aka Mr. Terrific, Alexander Calvert as Anarky, Jimmy Akingbola, Jeri Ryan, Ryan Robbins, JR Bourne, and Neal McDonough as big bad Damien Darhk. New season premieres October 7th. (CS)

Looking To Radically Increase Your Productivity? Here Are Eight Great Ways To Do it

Beginnings are the most exciting and energizing times in life. If things have been in a slump for you, make some changes. Lasting success comes from making pointed shifts in your behavior on a daily basis. Success is rarely the result of the major decisions you have to make due to the long and short term consequences that ensue. Success results from committing to making each day count and seeing each challenge as providing your business a new start. (EP)

Online Film School: The Things That Indie Filmmakers Wished They Knew Before Making Their First Film

There are always things that we wished we knew, but if you listen to this impressive and talented bunch of filmmakers, including Jon Watts, whose Cop Car helped him land the new Spider-Man reboot, you might be able to avoid some of the same pitfalls. (IW)

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TV Development for 8/11/15: Louis C.K.’s ‘Better Things’ Series Ordered, Fox Greenlights Pilot from Josh Schwartz, Salma Hayek Developing ABC Soap

August 11, 2015, 9:29 am

≫ Next: Screenwriting Guidelines to Getting Notes, TV Development, Fox 2000 Buys YA Book, Tom Hardy In Vertigo Comic Movie, ‘The Notebook’ TV Series

≪ Previous: Marty and Leo Together Again For ‘White City’, Gravitas Goes ‘Back In Time’, Spielberg Wants Wilder For ‘Player One’, Relativity Bankruptcy News

at arrivals for KAHLIL GIBRAN'S THE PROPHET Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2014, Ryerson Theatre, Toronto, ON September 6, 2014. Photo By: Gregorio Binuya/Everett Collection

3% Network: Netflix Production Company(s): Boutique Filmes Executive Producer(s): Tiago Mello Logline: A dramatic thriller that brings viewers into a world divided into progress and devastation. The once-in-a-lifetime chance to pass to the better side is through a cruel and not always fair process where only 3% of the candidates succeed. SSN Insight: The series is slated to start filming in early 2016 and debut exclusively on Netflix late 2016. The first season will be directed by Oscar–nominated Cesar Charlone, cinematographer of City of God and will star João Miguel and Bianca Comparato.

Better Things Network: FX Studio: FX Productions Production Company(s): 3 Arts Entertainment, Pig Newton, Inc. Executive Producer(s): Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K., Blair Breard, Dave Becky Writer(s): Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K. Logline: A working actor tries to earn a living while navigating her daughters' lives, have fun with a friend or two, and also squeeze in some sex once in a while. SSN Insight: FX ordered the pilot in January and gave a series order on August 7. It will also star Pamela Adlon marking FX’s first comedy series with a solo female lead.

Cassius & Clay Network: FXX Studio: FX Productions Production Company(s): Floyd County Productions Executive Producer(s): Megan Ganz, Adam Reed, Matt Thompson Writer(s): Megan Ganz, Adam Reed Logline: Two women live as bandits in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic America. Ordwood Cassius is a hard-drinking, quick-thinking, fast-talking blowhard who has more debts than sense, and Shopcarter Clay is the fastest gun in the post-apocalyptic South who doesn’t go looking for trouble, she shares a station wagon with it. SSN Insight: Series will be animated. FXX ordered the pilot on May 27 and gave a series order of ten episodes on August 7. Adam Reed co-created Archer.

Horrorstör Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: ABC Studios Production Company(s): Quirk Books, Fake Empire, The Jackal Group Executive Producer(s): Gail Berman, Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, David Borgenicht, Charlie Kaufman Writer(s): Josh Schwartz, Michael Vukadinovich Logline: Centers on 26-year-old Amy. Newly sober, she lands a job at ORSK, the U.S. Flagship of the European furniture superstore. It feels like just the opportunity she's needed to get her life back on track, but as Amy comes to discover, the store actually preys upon its customers' desires to a supernatural degree, selling products that make their wishes and fantasies come true in unexpected and insidious ways. Details: Based on the novel, " Horrorstör," written by Grady Hendrix and published by Quirk Books on September 23, 2014. SSN Insight: Fake Empire has an overall deal currently at ABC Studios. ABC gave a commitment of a put pilot on August 5. Fake Empire has also produced summer series Astronaut Wives Club, which was created by Savage and is currently airing on ABC.

Mafiya Network: BBC 1 Studio: The Weinstein Company and ITV Studios Production Company(s): Monumental Television, Archery Pictures Executive Producer(s): Liza Marshall, Kris Thykier Writer(s): William Nicholson Logline: Set in 1990’s Moscow, when criminal gangs and private armies clashed in one of the wildest rides in history, the series follows the rollercoaster rise of the oligarchs. One of them is Misha, who goes from street trader to becoming one of the richest and most powerful individuals in the country, helping to bring down the once-mighty Soviet Union but paying a huge price along the way. SSN Insight: The Weinstein Company and ITV Studios will jointly finance and the 10-part series, which is set to go into production early 2016.

Shooter Network: USA Studio: Universal Cable Productions, Paramount Television Executive Producer(s): Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, John Hlavin Writer(s): John Hlavin Logline: Based on the film about a marksman and former U.S. Marine scout sniper who is coaxed back into action, only to be framed for murder and have to go on the run. Details: Based on the film, "Shooter," (2007) directed by Antoine Fuqua, which was based on the novel "Point of Impact," written by Stephen Hunter and published by Bantam on November 1, 1993. SSN Insight: USA has given a pilot plus penalty order. The series will star Ryan Phillippe. Project was previously in development at TNT.

Star Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Production Company(s): Lee Daniels Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Lee Daniels Logline: Set against the backdrop of the music business in Atlanta, three women come together to form a band and rise to the top of the very challenging business. SSN Insight: Fox gave a put pilot order on August 6. The pilot will be directed by Daniels who has an overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV which this series falls under. There is crossover potential for this series and Daniels’ hit series, Empire.

The Great Emoji Challenge Production Company(s): Studio Lambert, 405 Productions Executive Producer(s): Stephen Lambert, Greg Goldman, Eli Holzman, Richard Joel, Adam Matalon Logline: Contestants can win up to $1 million by decoding what emojis stand for. SSN Insight: The series is being taken out in the U.S. and UK simultaneously as there is no network currently attached. In a bidding war, Sony Pictures Animation recently bought an emoji animated film pitch in a deal nearing seven figures.

The Mighty Camilla Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Production Company(s): Tall Girls Productions Executive Producer(s): Kristin Newman, Melissa Rosenberg, Kate Schumaecker Writer(s): Allison Kiessling Logline: An unlucky-in-love New York social worker gets recruited by a handsome man from the future as the unlikely savior of humanity. SSN Insight: The half-hour project, which Kiessling originally wrote on spec, was developed at ABC last season. When it didn’t land a pilot, Kiessling’s reps pitched it to TV Land, which just ordered a second script. Now, ABC Studios has ordered a blind script from Kiessling.

Training Day Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company(s): Fuqua Films, Jerry Bruckheimer Television Executive Producer(s): Antoine Fuqua, Will Beall, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman Writer(s): Will Beall Logline: The story focuses on the relationship between two LAPD officers, one a rookie and the other a corrupt, older cop. Based on the film. Details: Based on the film, "Training Day," (2001), directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. SSN Insight: Rumored to currently be shopped at all major networks. Fuqua will likely direct the pilot.

Untitled New Edition Miniseries Project Network: BET Production Company(s): Jesse Collins Entertainment, New Edition Enterprises Executive Producer(s): Jesse Collins Writer(s): Abdul Williams Logline: The miniseries follows the ups and downs of the stars of the R&B/Pop group New Edition. It traces their rise to fame and popularity in the 1980's, as well as the bumps on their road to stardom, including personality clashes, fights and breakups. Details: Based on the lives of the singers from the group, New Edition. SSN Insight: The three-part miniseries is the first scripted music-focused TV movie to air on BET and is through a multi-year first-look development deal Collins has with BET.

Untitled Prison Break Limited Series Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: 20th Century Fox Television Executive Producer(s): Paul T. Scheuring, Marty Adelstein, Dawn Parouse Olmstead Writer(s): Paul T. Scheuring Logline: Storyline under wraps. Details: Based on the TV series, "Prison Break," starring Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell, which aired on Fox from 2005-2009. SSN Insight: Planned as a limited series. Stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell will both be back.

Untitled Salma Hayek Family Soap Drama Project Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Production Company(s): Ventanarosa, Stearns Castle Executive Producer(s): Salma Hayek, Jose Tamez, Michael McDonald Writer(s): Diego Gutierrez Logline: The heirs to a wealthy Mexican conglomerate are in the throes of a battle for its future when they all become suspects in the murder of their father. SSN Insight: ABC has bought the pitch with a penalty as of August 7. McDonald currently has an overall deal at ABC Studios. Gutierrez’s series credits include Kingpin, Without A Trace and Warehouse 13.

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Screenwriting Guidelines to Getting Notes, TV Development, Fox 2000 Buys YA Book, Tom Hardy In Vertigo Comic Movie, ‘The Notebook’ TV Series

August 11, 2015, 2:17 pm

≫ Next: Netflix Nabs Another Big Project, Alibaba Eyes Global Expansion, David Lynch Directing Entire ‘Twin Peaks’ Series, Liam Neeson To Star In Korean Production

≪ Previous: TV Development for 8/11/15: Louis C.K.’s ‘Better Things’ Series Ordered, Fox Greenlights Pilot from Josh Schwartz, Salma Hayek Developing ABC Soap

SSN ORIGINALS

12 SCREENWRITER GUIDELINES TO TAKE THE FEAR OUT OF GETTING NOTES & MAXIMIZE THE EXPERIENCE

Coming from the perspective of experienced Hollywood professionals, this book excerpt offers guidance on the entire storytelling process, as well as what comes before it in the life of the writer, and after it in the marketing of the screenplay. (SSN)

TV DEVELOPMENT FOR 8/11/15: LOUIS C.K.’S ‘BETTER THINGS’ SERIES ORDERED, FOX GREENLIGHTS PILOT FROM JOSH SCHWARTZ, SALMA HAYEK DEVELOPING ABC SOAP

Other TV development news includes, a new animated series on FX called Cassius & Clay, a 10 part series on BBC called Mafiya from writer William Nicholson and a Ryan Phillippe project on USA called Shooter. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Fox 2000 Makes ‘The Wonderling’ Book Deal With Stephen Daldry Circling

Fox 2000 is closing up a deal for The Wonderling, a partial manuscript for a futuristic YA novel by Mira Bartok that has Stephen Daldry attached to direct and produce. (DH)

Tom Hardy is Taking on Vertigo Adaptation 100 Bullets

Tom Hardy will produce and is in talks to star in the comic book adaption of Vertigo’s 100 Bullets for New Line Cinema. (CS)

‘The Notebook’ TV series in the works at The CW

The network is developing a series based on Sparks’ bestselling 1996 novel and the 2004 New Line sleeper hit film. (EW)

The ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ Movie Is Finally Happening

Fox Searchlight is in negotiations to co-finance and distribute the long awaited Absolutely Fabulous movie. The movie will be based on the BBC TV Series. (HF)

Aaron Eckhart Joins Tom Hanks in Captain Sully Movie

Eckhart will play the co-pilot in the Warner Bros. film, which Clint Eastwood is directing. (THR)

Showtime Cancels Lisa Kudrow’s ‘Web Therapy’ After 4 Seasons

Showtime boss David Nevins confirmed that the series will not be coming back for a fifth season. (VAR)

TV Land Orders George Lopez Sitcom

Lopez, to be written and exec-produced by John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky (Silicon Valley), revolves around the successful Hispanic American comedian as he struggles between his two worlds. (TVL)

Showtime Sets Patti Smith’s ‘Just Kids’ for Limited Series

Penny Dreadful creator and new Bond writer John Logan will co-write and co-produce with Smith. (IW)

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Netflix Nabs Another Big Project, Alibaba Eyes Global Expansion, David Lynch Directing Entire ‘Twin Peaks’ Series, Liam Neeson To Star In Korean Production

August 12, 2015, 6:15 am

≫ Next: Film & TV Deals for 8/12/15: Jake Gyllenhaal & Bold Films Ink Deal, Gordon Ramsay Re-ups with Fox & AwesomenessTV News

≪ Previous: Screenwriting Guidelines to Getting Notes, TV Development, Fox 2000 Buys YA Book, Tom Hardy In Vertigo Comic Movie, ‘The Notebook’ TV Series

Netflix Continues Its Quest For Film World Domination, Nabs Distribution Rights To Christopher Guest’s Next Film

Precious little is known about the movie, titled Mascots, but it seems to be in Guest’s trademark mockumentary style. In Netflix’s announcement the description reads, “Welcome to all the drama, intrigue, and occasional excitement of the 8th World Mascot Association Championships, where a group of ‘unusual’ men and women, with big heads and furry shirts, compete to win the prestigious Gold Fluffy Award and be crowned Best Mascot in the World.” (COL)

Alibaba Pictures Eyes a Global Expansion, Names Itself a New President In the Process

While it reported lower-than-expected quarterly revenues this morning, the Chinese e-commerce giant also announced bullish plans for its film and TV production and distribution arm. Division is making changes to its organizational structure as it actively pursues expansion to become “a leader in the global entertainment industry.” The company has appointed Zhang Wei as President and named Deng Kangming as COO. Both are internal promotions. (DH)

David Lynch Is Officially Directing the Entire New Season Of ‘Twin Peaks’ and Treating It as One Long Movie

Showtime’s take on the series is scheduled to start shooting in September and is going to have at least nine episodes, but will probably have more, according to network president David Nevins. There is still no official word about how long production will last or when the new season will premiere, but it will probably be the third or fourth quarter of 2016 or perhaps the beginning of 2017. (TP)

Liam Neeson Shall Return To the Big Screen, This Time as General MacArthur In Korean Production

The actor will play U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur in Operation Chromite, a Korean-made blockbuster set during the Korean War of the early 1950s. The film is to be produced by South Korea’s Taewon Entertainment and will focus on the heroic Korean troopers who carried out the covert “X-ray” operation that preceded the Incheon landing operation in the Yellow Sea. The landing shifted the momentum of the Korean War. (VAR)

Mark Wahlberg Has His Next Cop Movie Lined Up, but It’s a Bit Different Than the Others

The Other Guys star has signed on to Partners, in which he’ll star as an LAPD detective who winds up falling in love with a mysterious woman with whom he had a one-night stand. What he doesn’t know, however, is that this woman is both an FBI agent and his new boss – as she has been assigned to work with him on what’s simply described as “a high-profile case.” New Line is behind the comedy, and is apparently going for a Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibe with the project. (CB)

The CW Is Returning To the Old Concept Of a ‘Friday the 13th’ TV Show, but With a New Twist

After a version was developed last year, a new take has emerged, with the masked Jason being reimagined with “a stronger feel of grounded reality.” The current wave of Friday the 13th TV development began last year with a deal between Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films and Crystal Lake Entertainment to make an hourlong series based on the film franchise, with original Friday the 13th director Sean S. Cunningham around to exec produce. (SF)

No More Show Of His Own? No Problem For ‘Constantine’s Matt Ryan, Who Will Now Guest Star On ‘Arrow’

The star of the canceled NBC series will appear as everyone’s favortie con-man-magician in the fourth season of the hit CW show. Ryan will guest star in one episode of the new season, meaning the realm of DC Comics shows just got even more connected. The new season of Arrow premieres on The CW on October 7th. (CS)

Trailer Buzz, Part One: ‘Sleeping With Other People’

IFC has released the red band trailer to the upcoming comedy starring Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie. A big hit at Sundance, the film hits theaters September 11th. (YH)

Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Jem and the Holograms’

Universal has released the new trailer for the upcoming adaptation of the 80s cartoon. Starring Aubrey Peeples, Stefanie Scott, Hayley Kiyoko and Aurora Perrineau and directed by Jon M. Chu, the film hits theaters October 23rd. (EMP)

Screenwriters: ‘The Power of One’

The 153-page screenplay by Robert Mark Kamen, based on the novel by Bruce Courtenay. Script is dated February, 1990. (DS)

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Film & TV Deals for 8/12/15: Jake Gyllenhaal & Bold Films Ink Deal, Gordon Ramsay Re-ups with Fox & AwesomenessTV News

August 12, 2015, 10:19 am

≫ Next: The Accidental Turitz On How We Watch TV Now, NY Film Fest Announces Slate, ‘FF’ Controversy Continues, Film & TV Deals For 8/12/15

≪ Previous: Netflix Nabs Another Big Project, Alibaba Eyes Global Expansion, David Lynch Directing Entire ‘Twin Peaks’ Series, Liam Neeson To Star In Korean Production

Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil have signed a three-year overall deal with Warner Bros TV through Akil Productions. The married duo previously had two back-to-back deals at BET where they executive produced the hit series, The Game. Mara Brock Akil also created and executive produced The CW series Girlfriends, which lasted for eight seasons. They will continue to executive produce the series Being Mary Jane starring Gabrielle Union.

UK production company Betty is opening a U.S.-based production arm. In lieu of the launch they have hired former Discovery Networks International exec Jon Sechrist as SVP and head of production & development to handle the current developing production slate, which includes The Food Inspectors, Kings of the Wild and Too Ugly for Love? He will also develop new series with a focus on factual and factual entertainment programming.

AwesomenessTV and DHX inked an original development and production agreement for content to air on Family Channel in Canada. DHX Television licensed three series: AwesomenessTV, a sketch comedy series on Nickelodeon US, Bethany Mota and Ingrid Nilsen hosted reality series Make Me Over, and docu-series Cheerleaders, for Family Channel.

Producer Gordon Ramsay has signed another two year deal with Fox under his One Potato, Two Potato shingle. Under the deal he will produce 80 or more hours of programming. He’s been at Fox since 2005 and recently completed the upcoming seasons of MasterChef Jr. 4, and Hell’s Kitchen 15 and 16. He was also behind the popular series, Kitchen Nightmares which just ended its decade long run. He’s also producing children’s reality program, Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch, which was given a 15 episode order by CBBC.

Splash Entertainment-owned VOD network Kabillion has inked distribution deals with DISH Network and Hulu. Their series include Televisa’s El Chavo (Mexico) and Red Kite’s Wendy (UK). Kabillion also recently acquired Casper’s Scare School and George of the Jungle from Florida-based distributor Broadcast Partners. Kabillion is available in more than 50 million U.S. homes and ranked among the top 10 free on-demand networks for kids in the U.S.

Rodrigo Brandão’s distribution company, Cinema Slate, which focuses on Latin American film has signed a deal with subscription-based streaming service Fandor to release four Brazilian films to U.S. audiences beginning in September 2015. The films will be distributed theatrically through Cinema Slate, with day and date streaming release on Fandor, as part of Cinema Slate’s Brazilian Film Series: Year One, which spotlights Brazilian up and comer filmmakers to American audiences. The Moving Creatures (O Que Se Move), an omnibus film by Cateano Gotardo, will be their first release followed by Hard Labor (Trabalhar Cansa), Fellipe Barbosa’s Casa Grande in November and Eryk Rocha’s Sunday Ball in December.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Bold Films have signed a first-look deal where the actor will acquire and develop new material. They previously worked together on the critically-acclaimed feature Nightcrawler which Bold Films co-financed and produced and Gyllenhaal starred in and produced. Gyllenhaal has also tapped former Red Crown Productions’ President of Production Riva Marker as a production executive for his new, yet unnamed company. The next film for Bold will be John Erick Dowdle’s action thriller No Escape starring Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell to be released August 26 through The Weinstein Company.

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The Accidental Turitz On How We Watch TV Now, NY Film Fest Announces Slate, ‘FF’ Controversy Continues, Film & TV Deals For 8/12/15

August 12, 2015, 1:56 pm

≫ Next: Streamy Awards Noms Announced, Universal Supplementing Theater Security For ‘Compton’ Screenings, ‘Deadwood’ Movie Finally Happening?

≪ Previous: Film & TV Deals for 8/12/15: Jake Gyllenhaal & Bold Films Ink Deal, Gordon Ramsay Re-ups with Fox & AwesomenessTV News

SSN ORIGINALS

The Accidental Turitz: Does Peer Pressure Affect the Way We Watch TV?

Senior Editor Neil Turitz is back with another look into his esoteric psyche, this time taking a look at the phenomenon that is everything surrounding True Detective, as well as what it, and the way we watch television these days, says about us as a viewing public. As usual, it’s a unique perspective on things and worth a look. (SSN)

Film & TV Deals For 8/12/15: Jake Gyllenhaal & Bold Films Ink Deal, Gordon Ramsay Re-Ups With Fox & AwesomenessTV News

Among the other deals are the Akils signing a new agreement with Warner TV, UK production company Betty opening up an American arm, and news for Cinema Slate, among others. For the full skinny, as always, click on the link. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

The 53rd Annual New York Film Festival Has Announced Its Main Slate, and There Are Some Big Titles On It

The 2015 Main Slate will host four World Premieres: Steven Spielberg’s Bridge Of Spies, starring Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance in the Cold War story of the 1962 exchange of a U-2 pilot for a Soviet agent; Laura Israel’s Don’t Blink: Robert Frank, a documentary portrait of the great photographer and filmmaker; as well as the previously announced Opening Night selection The Walk and Closing Night selection Miles Ahead. Click the link for the full list. (CS)

The ‘Fantastic Four’ Controversy Continues Unabated With More Bits and Pieces Emerging

Insiders on the film say the situation was worse than previously revealed, and beleaguered director Josh Trank has enlisted pit-bull lawyer Marty Singer to advocate on his behalf. And so the game of blame is underway. Whether the final version of the film is better or worse than what Trank put together is a matter of opinion, of course, but the consensus, clearly, is that neither was good. (THR)

‘LEGO Batman’ Just Cast a Total No-Brainer For Its Joker

Zach Galifianakis is nearly done with a deal to voice the Joker for Lego Batman, which The Lego Movie animation supervisor Chris McKay is directing from a script by Seth Grahame-Smith. Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Roy Lee, and Dan Lin are producing. Will Arnett will voice the lead in the film, with Michael Cera on board to voice Robin. The film is set for a February, 2017 release. (SF)

NBC Makes a Big Investment In the Digital World, Puts $200 Million Into Vox Media

The widely anticipated deal gives Comcast’s NBCUniversal an equity stake in one of the fastest growing digital media companies. Vox’s properties include SB Nation, Polygon, The Verge, Vox.com, Eater, Racked, Curbed, and Re/code — the last picked up in May. The tech publication says that NBCU’s $200 million deal indicates that Vox is worth more than $1 billion. (DH)

Syfy Is Adapting the Novel ‘Gateway’ Into an Ongoing Series

Network is continuing to bring some of the most beloved science fiction properties to television. The NBCUniversal-owned cable network announced today that it is developing Frederik Pohl’s award-winning best-seller. Josh Pate and Battlestar Galactica alum David Eick will adapt the source material. Eick will revise Pate’s pilot script and serve as showrunner, with both attached to exec produce the Universal Cable Productions entry. (TLF)

One Person We Know Will Definitely NOT Be Directing ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Is J.J. Abrams

While speculation has run rampant that Disney and Lucasfilm will bring in Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow to helm the film, that has not been confirmed. Abrams, who is finishing postproduction on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, shot down an additional rumor that Lucasfilm topper Kathleen Kennedy wanted him back for another go. Ryan Johnson is directing Episode VIII, and Abrams’ film hits theaters December 18th. (COL)

Trailer Buzz, Part One: ‘The Hateful Eight’

The Weinstein Company has released the first official teaser trailer for Quentin Tarantino’s newest film. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir and Michael Madsen, the movie hits theaters Christmas Day. (EMP)

Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Trumbo’

Bleecker Street has released the first trailer from the new biopic of Dalton Trumbo, starring Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston, as well as Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Diane Lane, Alan Tudyk, Michael Stuhlbarg and Helen Mirren, and was directed by Jay Roach. The movie will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month and hit theaters in November. (IW)

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Streamy Awards Noms Announced, Universal Supplementing Theater Security For ‘Compton’ Screenings, ‘Deadwood’ Movie Finally Happening?

August 13, 2015, 8:24 am

≫ Next: Film Development for 8/13/15: Mark Wahlberg Signs on for Partners, Kate Mara in for Megan Leavy Film, Tom Hardy in Talks for 100 Bullets

≪ Previous: The Accidental Turitz On How We Watch TV Now, NY Film Fest Announces Slate, ‘FF’ Controversy Continues, Film & TV Deals For 8/12/15

The Streamy Award Nominations Have Been Announced! Did Your Web Series Make the Cut?

Yesterday, some of the most influential creators and talent in online video, including Bart Baker, Flula and GloZell Green, announced nominees for The Fifth Annual Streamy Awards. The Streamy Awards is a multi-platform event that honors the very best in Youtube and online video that this year will air live on VH1, along with its digital platforms, from the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday, September 17th, at 10pm. (IW)

In the Midst Of a Record-Breaking Year, Universal Set To Supplement Theater Security For ‘Compton’ Screenings

Studio is offering to reimburse theaters for the costs of extra security for this weekend’s launch of N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton. A Universal spokesperson said the studio is partnering with exhibitors who have requested support for their locations but could not comment on the issue of reimbursement. Security was heavier than normal at the Monday night premiere at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. No incidents were reported. (VAR)

Might We Finally See That Long-Awaited ‘Deadwood’ Movie? HBO Might Just Make It So

Cable net is addressing a tweet from one of the show’s actors regarding the possibility of a film version of the series. Yesterday, Garret Dillahunt, who played Jack McCall on the Western drama, tweeted: “So uh….I’m hearing credible rumors about a #Deadwood movie. #Everybodypray.” In a statement, HBO confirmed that there had been “very preliminary conversations.” The David Milch-created show ran on HBO from 2004 to 2006. (THR)

Twentieth Century Fox Has Its Next YA Property, and Has Now Hired a Writer To Adapt It

Darren Lemke will take on the job of adapting Endgame: The Calling into a screenplay for the studio and Temple Hill Entertainment producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey. Fox nabbed the rights to the James Frey-Nils Johnson-Shleton novel in a $2 million deal amidst a studio bidding war last year, anticipating that the intended trilogy would pay off as their next Maze Runner. (TB)

It Looks Like Colin Trevorrow Might Have Found a Star For His Hotly Anticipated ‘Book Of Henry’

Naomi Watts is in final negotiations to star in the Jurassic World helmer’s next project. Focus Features is financing, releasing worldwide and overseeing the production. Sidney Kimmel and Carla Hacken will produce via the Sidney Kimmel Entertainment banner, along with Double Nickel’s Jenette Kahn and Adam Richman. Film is an original screenplay written by best-selling novelist Gregg Hurwitz, with a plot that’s being kept under wraps. It starts shooting next month. (DH)

Rosario Dawson Will Become ‘Unforgettable’, Joins Denise Di Novi’s Directorial Debut

Dawson joins Katherine Heigl as one of the two leads, with Christina Hodson and David Leslie Johnson’s script finding Dawson’s character as a woman who is struggling to start a new life with her husband and his daughter. The biggest fly in the ointment of her happiness? The guy’s manipulative and potentially unstable ex-wife, to be played by Heigl. (EMP)

A Bunch Of Indie Flicks Have Now Staked Out Their Fall Release Dates

Gaspar Noe’s Love, Hou Hsiao-hsien’s The Assassin and perhaps more curiously, Stephen Daldry’s almost-forgotten Brazilian favela drama Trash co-starring Rooney Mara and Martin Sheen have all given fair notice about when we will finally see them. Other movies making similar announcements include Goodnight Mommy, Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead, Taxi and The Forbidden Room. (TP)

No ‘Community’? No Problem For Dan Harmon, as His Adult Swim Show Gets Renewed For a Third Season

Adult Swim is keeping Rick and Morty around. The Turner-owned cabler, which airs originals nightly from 8 p.m.-6 a.m., has renewed the animated series from Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland for a third season. The renewal comes as Harmon’s cult comedy Community is unlikely to see another season on Yahoo though a movie seems more likely. The pickup comes as Harmon is prepping an IFC pilot. (TLF)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Doctor Who’

BBC America has released an extensive look at the new season of the cult sensation. Starring Peter Capaldi in his second season as the Doctor, and with Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams slated to guest star, the new season premieres Saturday, September 19th, at 9 pm EDT. (HF)

Screenwriters: Script Angel — Character Development Tools

Some writers start with an interesting character and then create a story around them. But sometimes, your strongest initial element is your premise and plot and it’s the characters that are not coming so easily. Writers use all sorts of tools to create and develop characters, often using different methods for different projects. As long as you end up with a compelling, memorable character, it doesn’t matter how you get there. (SM)

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Film Development for 8/13/15: Mark Wahlberg Signs on for Partners, Kate Mara in for Megan Leavy Film, Tom Hardy in Talks for 100 Bullets

August 13, 2015, 9:30 am

≫ Next: HBO Heads To ‘Sesame Street’, Angelina Jolie Joins YA Adaptation, NBC Moves Back Into Comedy, Spike TV’s New Drama Series, Film Dev. For 8/13/15

≪ Previous: Streamy Awards Noms Announced, Universal Supplementing Theater Security For ‘Compton’ Screenings, ‘Deadwood’ Movie Finally Happening?

NEW ATTACHMENTS

100 Bullets
Logline: The core concept of 100 Bullets is based on the question of people willing to act on the desire of violent revenge if given the means, opportunity, and a reasonable chance to succeed.
Studio/Distributor: New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Production Company(s): DC Entertainment, Hardy Son and Baker
Producer(s): Tom Hardy, Dean Baker
Writer(s): Chris Borrelli
Cast: Tom Hardy (in talks)
Details: Based on the comic book “100 Bullets,” written by Brian Azzarello and published by DC Comics on June 9, 2004.
SSN Insight: Previously in development at Weed Road with Akiva Goldsman attached to produce. Project was previously in development at GG Filmz with Deborah Giarratana attached to produce.

Absolutely Fabulous
Logline: A neurotic fashion publicist and her best friend, an outrageous fashion editor.
Studio/Distributor: Fox Searchlight (in talks)
Writer(s): Jennifer Saunders
Cast: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley
Details: Based on the BBC television series “Absolutely Fabulous” (1992-1996), created by Jennifer Saunders and starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley.
SSN Insight: Production is set to commence October 12 in London. Fox Searchlight is in talks to co-produce, co-finance and distribute the film which would reunite the entire main cast.

Andorra
Logline: A mysterious American picks up and moves to the country of Andorra where he befriends two women, but when a dead body turns up, the American must prove his innocence.
Production Company(s): Jump Street Films Pty Ltd., Unicorn Films
Producer(s): Jamie Bialkower, Lizzette Atkins
Writer(s): Peter Cameron, Jamie Bialkower
Director(s): Fred Schepisi
Details: Based on the novel “Andorra,” written by Peter Cameron and published by Farrar Straus & Giroux in January 1997.
SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Cargo Entertainment.

Book of Henry
Logline: A crime that centers on a mother and her two sons.
Studio/Distributor: Focus Features, Focus Features
Production Company(s): Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Double Nickel Entertainment
Producer(s): Carla Hacken, Sidney Kimmel, Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, Matt Berenson
Writer(s): Gregg Hurwitz
Director(s): Colin Trevorrow
Cast: Naomi Watts (final negotiations)
SSN Insight: Thea Sharrock was previously attached to direct.

Collider
Logline: Storyline is under wraps.
Studio/Distributor: Paramount Pictures, No Domestic Theatrical Distributor Available.
Production Company(s): Bad Robot
Producer(s): J.J. Abrams
Writer(s): Mark L. Smith, Mark Protosevich
Director(s): Edgar Wright.
SSN Insight: Mark L. Smith has closed a deal to write the next draft, he is also co-writing The Revenant with Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, and is currently rewriting Ghost Recon at Warner Bros.

Ghostbusters (Reboot)
Logline: With paranormal activity on the rise, a Columbia University academic, her ghost-chasing friend, the friend’s business partner, and an MTA employee join forces to bust ghosts and save New York.
Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing
Production Company(s): The Montecito Picture Company, Apatow Productions, Ocean Pictures, Quantity Entertainment, Feigco Entertainment, Pascal Pictures
Producer(s): Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd, Gene Stupnitsky, Ali Bell, Lee Eisenberg
Writer(s): Katie Dippold, Paul Feig, Etan Cohen, Dan Aykroyd, Ivan Reitman
Director(s): Paul Feig
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray
Details: Reboot of “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Ghostbusters II” (1989) both directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver.
SSN Insight: Project will reportedly bring back the original team of Ghostbusters and introduce new, younger Ghostbusters front-and-center as well. Harold Ramis was previously attached to star.

Going in Style (Remake)
Logline: A group of retired, bored, senior citizens decide to rob a bank.
Studio/Distributor: New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Production Company(s): De Line Pictures
Producer(s): Donald De Line
Writer(s): Ted Melfi
Director(s): Zach Braff
Cast: Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Alan Arkin, Matt Dillon, Ann-Margret
Details: Remake of the film “Going in Style” (1979) directed by Martin Brest and starring George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg.
SSN Insight: Don Scardino was previously in discussions to direct. Ted Melfi was previously in discussions to direct.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters 2
Logline: Storyline is under wraps.
Studio/Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), Paramount Pictures
Production Company(s): Gary Sanchez Productions, Flynn Picture Co.
Producer(s): Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Kevin J. Messick, Beau Flynn
Writer(s): Tommy Wirkola
Director(s): Bruno Aveillan
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton
Details: Sequel to the film “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” (2013) directed by Tommy Wirkola and starring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton.
SSN Insight: Tommy Wirkola was previously in negotiations to direct.

La La Land
Logline: Lonely aspiring actress Mia and cocky jazz pianist Sebastian balance their art and love in Los Angeles, the land of the dreamers.
Studio/Distributor: Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment, LLC
Production Company(s): Marc Platt Productions, Gilbert Films, Impostor Pictures
Producer(s): Jordan Horowitz, Fred Berger, Marc Platt
Writer(s): Damien Chazelle
Director(s): Damien Chazelle
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, J.K. Simmons, John Legend, Finn Wittrock, Jason Fuchs, Meagen Fay
SSN Insight: Emma Watson was previously attached to star. Miles Teller was previously attached to star.

Lego Batman
Logline: Storyline is under wraps.
Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Production Company(s): Vertigo Entertainment, Animal Logic Entertainment, Lord Miller, LEGO Group, Lin Pictures
Producer(s): Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Writer(s): Seth Grahame-Smith
Director(s): Chris McKay
Cast: Zach Galifianakis (in talks), Michael Cera
Details: Spinoff of “The Lego Movie” (2014) directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Based on the line of toys manufactured by the Lego Group.
SSN Insight: The LEGO Batman Movie is set to hit theaters on February 10, 2017. Galifianakis is in talks to voice the Joker while Cera will by voicing Robin.

Partners
Logline: An LAPD detective falls for a beautiful woman after a one-night stand and then learns that she is a FBI agent and his new boss on a high-profile case.
Studio/Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Company(s): Leverage Management
Producer(s): Stephen Levinson
Writer(s): Evan Turner
Cast: Mark Wahlberg
SSN Insight: Former Walden executive Evan Turner wrote the spec script under a pseudonym.

Pay the Ghost
Logline: A professor whose young son vanishes during a Halloween parade in New York City must reconnect with his estranged wife to uncover clues and save the boy from a vicious ghost.
Studio/Distributor: RLJ
Production Company(s): Voltage Pictures, Midnight Kitchen Productions
Producer(s): Nicolas Chartier, Craig J. Flores, Ian Levy, Patrick Newall
Writer(s): Daniel Kay
Director(s): Uli Edel
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Veronica Ferres, Lyriq Bent
Details: Based on the short story “Pay the Ghost” written by Tim Lebbon and originally published in the anthology “October Dreams.”
SSN Insight: Previously in development at Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Mark Gordon Company. Dennis Iliadis previously attached to direct.

Robin Hood: Origins
Logline: A gritty story of when Robin Hood returns to Sherwood Forest after The Crusades and finds only corruption and evil, so he forms a posse of outlaws to take over.
Studio/Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Company(s): Appian Way, Safehouse Pictures
Producer(s): Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold
Writer(s): Joby Harold
Director(s): Otto Bathurst
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Taron Egerton (in talks)
SSN Insight: Guy Ritchie was previously attached to direct.

The Breadwinner
Logline: Parvana, a young Afghan girl living under the Taliban regime, must disguise herself as a boy and become the breadwinner of the family when her father is unfairly imprisoned.
Production Company(s): Aircraft Pictures, Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Productions
Producer(s): Tomm Moore, Paul Young, Anthony Leo, Andrew Rosen, Stephan Roelants
Writer(s): Deborah Ellis, Anita Doron
Director(s): Nora Twomey
Details: Based on the novel “The Breadwinner” written by Deborah Ellis and published by Douglas & McIntyre, and distributed in the USA by Publishers Group West in 2001.
SSN Insight: Angelina Jolie is set to executive produce the film.

The Sense of an Ending
Logline: A man’s comfortable world is rocked by the discovery of a letter from his youth.
Production Company(s): Origin Pictures
Producer(s): David M. Thompson, Ed Rubin
Writer(s): Nick Payne
Director(s): Ritesh Batra
Cast: Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling, Harriet Walter, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Dockery
Details: Based on the novel “The Sense of an Ending” by Julian Barnes; published by Jonathan Cape in 2011.
SSN Insight: Principal photography starts August 16 on location in London and Bristol.

The Winter of Frankie Machine
Logline: Storyline under wraps.
Production Company(s): The Story Factory
Producer(s): Don Winslow, Shane Salerno
Writer(s): Don Winslow
Director(s): William Friedkin
Details: Based on the novel “The Winter of Frankie Machine” written by Don Winslow published by Knopf; September 26, 2006.
SSN Insight: Brian Koppelman and David Levien reportedly were paid low seven figures by Paramount to adapt the novel. Michael Mann was previously in talks to direct.

Untitled Megan Leavey Project
Logline: Megan Leavey, a US Marine who was injured with her dog Rex by an IED while on patrol in Iraq, was awarded the Purple Heart, and years later fought through bureaucratic red tape to adopt and reunite with Rex upon his retirement from duty.
Production Company(s): LD Entertainment
Producer(s): Mickey Liddell, Jennifer Hilton Monroe, Pete Shilaimon
Writer(s): Annie Mumolo, Tim Lovestedt, Jordan Roberts, Pamela Gray
Director(s): Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Cast: Kate Mara
SSN Insight: Mara previously starred in Fantastic Four, now in theaters.

War Machine
Logline: A satirical fictionalized behind-the-scenes look at the Afghanistan war from the military commanders with their high-stakes decisions and infighting, to the soldiers on patrol.
Studio/Distributor: Regency Enterprises, RatPac Entertainment, Netflix
Production Company(s): New Regency Productions, Plan B Entertainment, Ian Bryce Productions
Producer(s): Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Ian Bryce
Writer(s): David Michod
Director(s): David Michod
Cast: Brad Pitt, Topher Grace, John Magaro
Details: Based on the book “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan,” written by Michael Hastings and published by Penguin on January 5, 2012.
SSN Insight: When “War Machine” was in preproduction, Netflix acquired distribution rights for both theatrical and digital streaming for an estimated $30 million, marking the company’s biggest investment to date in a single feature film. Brad Pitt’s character is based on real-life General Stanley McChrystal, US Army, retired.

NEW PROJECTS

The Devil in the White City
Logline: Storyline under wraps.
Studio/Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Company(s): Appian Way, Sikelia Productions, LBI Entertainment, Shiny Penny
Producer(s): Stacey Sher, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rick Yorn
Writer(s): Billy Ray, Graham Moore
Director(s): Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio
Details: Based on the book “The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America” written by Erik Larson published by Crown; February, 2003.
SSN Insight: Kathryn Bigelow previously attached to direct and produce. Cruise/Wagner previously attached to produce. Paramount let the option lapse on the project in 2004, but then re-optioned in 2007 with Double Feature Films.

Lady Bird
Logline: The film revolves around a young woman’s last year spent in Sacramento, California.
Production Company(s): Scott Rudin Productions
Producer(s): Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, Evelyn O’Neill
Writer(s): Greta Gerwig
Director(s): Greta Gerwig
SSN Insight: Gerwig will not be in the cast. IAC’s most recent films include Paul Thomas Anderson-directed Inherent Vice, the Noah Baumbach-directed While We’re Young and the Chris Rock-directed Top Five.

Reunion (Universal)
Logline: Storyline is under wraps.
Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Company(s): Bluegrass Films
Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Dylan Clark
Writer(s): Randall Green
SSN Insight: Green is currently writing the live action Scooby-Doo reboot at Warner Bros, and he wrote two scripts on the Black List last year: Swimsuit Issue and Cartoon Girl.

The Wonderling
Logline: In a future world divided into ruling and serving classes, a human/fox hybrid and a human/bird hybrid journey from an orphanage to the city to save music.
Studio/Distributor: Fox 2000
Producer(s): Stephen Daldry
Director(s): Stephen Daldry
Details: Based on the unpublished novel “The Wonderling” written by Mira Bartok. The book will be shopped to publishers on August 12, 2015 and it part of a planned trilogy.
SSN Insight: A preemptive bid was made on the book and Stacey Snider along with Elizabeth Gabler were very involved. Daldry is signed on to direct The Hellfire Club and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, both in development.

Gods and Secrets
Logline: Kept under wraps, but explores the darker ramifications of a world filled with superheroes — for the citizens they save and the famed protectors themselves.
Production Company(s): Discourse Productions
Producer(s): Jennie Powell
Director(s): Adi Shankar, Stewart Yost
Writer(s): Shawn Deloache
Cast: Andy Milonakis, Dallas Page, Denise Richards, Jackson Rathbone, Kellan Lutz
SSN Insight: Marks the directorial debut of Shankar, who’s known for executive producing films such as The Grey, Dredd 3D, Lone Survivor, Killing Them Softly, and The Voices.

Breaking In
Logline: Story centers on a mother who must break into her own home to save her children from the home invaders who have taken them hostage.
Studio/Distributor(s): Focus Features
Production Company(s): Gramercy Pictures, Practical Pictures, Will Packer Productions
Producer(s): Craig Perry, Peter Fried, Will Packer
SSN Insight: Packer has produced franchises Think Like a Man and Ride Along, In addition, he also executive produced the $28 million budgeted Straight Outta Compton.

Pet
Logline: Centers on an introverted man who imprisons a woman, only to find the tables turned on him.
Production Company(s): Magic Lantern, Revolver Picture Company
Producer(s): Carles Torrens, Kelly Martin-Wagner, Nick Phillips
Director(s): Carles Torrens
Writer(s): Jeremy Slater
Cast: Dominic Monaghan, Jennette McCurdy, Ksenia Solo, Nathan Parsons
SSN Insight: Torrens previous film was Apartment 143 and he is also slated to direct Visceral in active development.

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HBO Heads To ‘Sesame Street’, Angelina Jolie Joins YA Adaptation, NBC Moves Back Into Comedy, Spike TV’s New Drama Series, Film Dev. For 8/13/15

August 13, 2015, 2:20 pm

≫ Next: No ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ For a While, Relativity’s Big Day In Court, Boba Fett Star Wars Movie Pushed To 2020, Dave Franco Returns To ‘Neighbors’ Sequel

≪ Previous: Film Development for 8/13/15: Mark Wahlberg Signs on for Partners, Kate Mara in for Megan Leavy Film, Tom Hardy in Talks for 100 Bullets

Film Development For 8/13/15: Mark Wahlberg Signs On For ‘Partners’, Kate Mara In For Megan Leavy Film, and More

Among the other projects moving through development are a Tom Hardy-led adaptation of the comic book 100 Bullets, more action on the Absolutely Fabulous movie, Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow’s new film, and Edgar Wright’s Collider. There are a lot more projects in the pipeline with new attachments and developments, so click the link for more. (SSN)

HBO Does Not Need To Be Told How To Get To ‘Sesame Street’, as It Will Be There For the Next Five Years

Under a new partnership announced today by Sesame Workshop and HBO, the premium cable channel will carry the next five seasons of Sesame Street. PBS, the long-time home of the children’s program, will continue to air the show as well. The deal allows Sesame Workshop to produce almost double the content as in previous seasons and provide the show free to PBS and member stations after a nine-month window. (HTV)

Angelina Jolie Pitt Is Putting On Her Executive Producer Hat For a New YA Adaptation

The actress and director will executive produce an animated feature adaptation of Deborah Ellis’s YA novel The Breadwinner, about an 11-year-old Afghan girl who dresses up as a boy to work and support her family. Nora Twomey, who co-helmed The Secret of Kells,” will direct. Published in 2000, Ellis’ book is based on the author’s experience visiting refuge camps in Taliban-occupied Pakistan. (WAH)

NBC Hasn’t Given Up On Comedy Completely, as Tina Fey and Michael Schur Each Have New Shows Working There

The network has announced a 13-episode series commitment to a new half-hour from Parks and Recreation creator Schur, and a pilot order for a comedy project overseen by Fey and 30 Rock partner Robert Carlock. Both untitled projects are designed to be vehicles for as-yet-unnamed female stars. (VUL)

Spike TV Makes Good On Its Pledge To Re-Enter the Scripted World, Green Lights a New Series

The Viacom-owned cable network has handed out a 10-episode series order to drama Harvest, from exec producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The drama marks Spike’s first scripted drama series in nine years. Show centers on a father, working two jobs to support his teen daughter. When his estranged father tracks him down and threatens to expose a secret, he’s compelled to partner with him in a black-market tissue and body parts trade. (TLF)

Jimmy Fallon and NBC Are Sticking With Each Other For At Least Another Six Years

Network has given a six-year contract extension to their Tonight Show host to keep him in place through the fall of 2021. NBC Entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt announced the deal this morning as part of the network’s Television Critics Assn. press tour presentation. Fallon’s deal also includes some other programming components with NBC and Universal TV. (VAR)

A24 and David Goyer Team Up For a Brand New Horror Project

Phantom Four’s Goyer and his partner Kevin Turen and the indie studio on a high concept original horror film to be directed by Marc Munden. To be part of A24’s slate of films with Eva Maria Daniels of VisionChaos Productions, the film will be written by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, the duo who penned Akiva Goldsman’s Stephanie, currently in post-production from Universal. It is currently untitled. (DH)

Today In Reboot News: Will Smith Is Involved In a ‘Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’ Update

Smith is onboard as a producer for the reboot and is beginning to shop around the reboot to various networks through his Overbrook producing group, which also includes Jada Pinkett Smith. Details are currently sparse, but NBC head Robert Greenblatt said that the Fresh Prince reboot isn’t currently happening at NBC, though he added that they would be open to conversations about the new series. The original ran for six seasons, ending in 1996. (COL)

Improving Your Work Day: Five Tips To OrganizeYour Day For Maximum Productivity

Whether you’re the type of person that jumps out of bed before your alarm clock or the kind that doesn’t officially start your day until that second cup of coffee, we can all use a little push in the morning. Follow these tips to help you make the most out of your day and achieve maximum productivity from start to finish. (HP)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Ride Along 2’

Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for the upcoming sequel to the hit 2014 action comedy starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube. The two stars return for the sequel, along with Tika Sumpter, Ken Jeong, Olivia Munn and Benjamin Bratt, with Tim Story again directing. The film hits theaters January 15th. (EMP)

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