ICYMI: SSN’s Top Stories For 5/26 – 5/30/14
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On The Set For 6/2/14: Bill Murray-Starrer ‘Rock the Kasbah’ Starts, ‘American Sniper’ Wraps
Starts
Pixels 06/02/2014 Logline: Aliens unleash old-school video game characters in an attack on the real world, and a former almost-champion childhood gamer turned home-entertainment theater installer must lead a motley group of highly skilled video game players to save the planet. Studio: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Happy Madison Productions, One More Production, 1492 Pictures, Arcade Productions Director: Chris Columbus Executive Producers: Tim Herlihy, Barry Bernardi, Jack Giarraputo, Patrick Jean, Seth Gordon, Heather Parry Producers: Adam Sandler, Benjamin Darras, Michael Barnathan, Matias Boucard, Mark Radcliffe, Johnny Alves, Allen Covert Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan Screenwriters: Timothy Dowling, Tim Herlihy Details: Based on the 2010 animated short film Pixels, created and directed by Patrick Jean. SSN Insight: Seth Gordon had been previously mentioned to direct. Rock the Kasbah 06/01/2014 Logline: When a burned-out manager finds himself stranded in Afghanistan, he discovers a girl with an outstanding voice and he takes her Kabul to compete on the Afghan version of American Idol. Production Companies: QED International , Venture Forth Productions, Shangri-La Entertainment, Baltimore Pictures Director: Barry Levinson Executive Producers: Brian Grazer, Tom Freston Producers: Bill Block, Jacob Pechenik, Steve Bing, Mitch Glazer, Marsha L Swinton Cast: Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Leem Lubany, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Scott Caan Screenwriter: Mitch Glazer SSN Insight: Yusef Islam, aka Cat Stevens, wrote four new songs for Leem Lubany's character to sing in the film. Insurgent 05/27/2014 Logline: Tris Prior must try to save those she loves as she grapples with looming war between factions, her own conflicted feelings, new discoveries, and shifting relationships, all while she embraces and comes to terms with her Divergence. Studio: Summit Entertainment, LLC Production Companies: Red Wagon Entertainment, New Leaf Literary & Media, Mandeville Films/TV Director: Robert Schwentke Executive Producers: Barry Waldman, Neil Burger Producers: Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Pouya Shahbazian, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Octavia Spencer Screenwriters: Akiva Goldsman, Brian Duffield Details: Based on the book Insurgent, written by Veronica Roth and published by Katherine Tegen Books on May 1, 2012. Sequel to Divergent. SSN Insight: Neil Burger, the director of Divergent, was unable to direct this film as post production and pre-production overlapped.Wraps
The Moon and the Sun 05/30/2014 Logline: A magical sea monster is captured by Louis XIV, who believes the creature holds the keys to immortality. Meanwhile, the king's illegitimate daughter with his favorite lover comes of age and is summoned to his court. The fates of the creature and the girl intertwine to make history. Production Companies: Pandemonium, Cosmos Filmed Entertainment, Brookwell-McNamara Entertainment, Good Universe Director: Sean McNamara Producers: Ralph Kamp, Bill Mechanic, Paul Currie, Timothy Mou Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, William Hurt Screenwriters: Bill Mechanic, Barry Berman, James Schamus, Laura Harrington Details: Based on the novel The Moon and the Sun, written by Vonda N. McIntyre and published by Pocket Books on September 1, 1997. SSN Insight: Project was previously set up at Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. American Sniper 05/30/2014 Logline: A Navy SEAL sniper with the highest number of enemy kills tries to balance family and going to war. Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Companies: Mad Chance Productions, Malpaso Productions, 22nd & Indiana Director: Clint Eastwood Executive Producers: Jason Dean Hall, Tim Moore Producers: Bradley Cooper, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Peter Morgan, Steven Spielberg Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Navid Negahban Screenwriter: Jason Dean Hall Details: Based on the autobiography American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, written by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, and Jim DeFelice and published by William Morrow on January 3, 2012. SSN Insight: Steven Spielberg was previously attached to direct. Set the Thames On Fire 05/29/2014 Logline: Two boys survive in a London which is a present-day Sodom and Gomorrah that is controlled by a violent leader. Production Company: Blonde to Black Pictures Director: Ben Charles Edwards Producers: Sadie Frost, Emma Comley Cast: Sadie Frost,Michael Winder, Max Bennett, Sally Phillips, Noel Fielding Screenwriter: Al Joshua SSN Insight: Project marks the feature directorial debut of Ben Charles Edwards.↧
TV Castings For 6/4/14: Annabeth Gish, Marilyn Manson Set For ‘Sons of Anarchy’
Pilots
Richard E. Grant will recur on USA’s Dig, the story of an FBI agent stationed in Jerusalem who, while investigating a murder of a woman archeologist, uncovers a conspiracy 2000 years in the making that threatens to change the course of history. Peter Fonda joins AMC’s Galyntine, that centers on a time after a cataclysmic technology-induced disaster has resulted in a new society that has eschewed any form of technology. This catastrophic event leaves small numbers of survivors scattered around the planet and forced to adapt to isolation and unique challenges. Sebastian De Souza and Alexis Carra will both star in ABC Family’s Recovery Road, about a high school girl who falls in love with someone in rehab, and they strive to continue their relationship when they get out. Richard Kind is set for Amazon’s Red Oaks, about a man who takes a job as an assistant tennis pro at the predominantly Jewish Red Oaks country club in New Jersey – to the dismay of his father who wants his son to be an accountant – while he tries to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Jenessa Grant and Joseph David Jones have been cast in Amazon’s Hysteria, about a bright but introverted neurologist at the University of Texas Medical School travels to Austin, her hometown, to investigate an epidemic among high school girls that might be spreading through technology.Current Series
Keith Powell will recur in the final season of HBO’s The Newsroom. Mark L. Young has been cast in HBO’s The Comeback and will recur. Jonathan Scarfe is set to recur on AMC’s Hell On Wheels. Ever Carradine has booked TNT’s Major Crimes, playing the long lost mother to Rusty. Marilyn Manson and Annabeth Gish have booked roles on FX’s Sons of Anarchy. Ben Robson joins season 3 of History channel’s Vikings as a series regular. Travis Tope has landed a recurring role on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Jason Ritter (Parenthood) is set to appear in season 4 of HBO’s Girls. Laila Robins has been cast as a season 4 regular in Showtime’s Homeland. Corey Stoll will guest star. Jay Leno lends his voice to Disney XD’s Phineas and Ferb. David Cross, Laura Dern, Patton Oswalt, Charlie Day and Alia Shawkat will make an appearance in season 2 of Comedy Central’s Drunk History. Peter Serafinowicz will lend his voice to Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time With Finn and Jake.New Series
Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, Molly Shannon, Chris Parnell and Yvette Nicole Brown will guest star on USA’s Benched. Constance Zimmer joins Lifetime’s Un-Real, replacing Megyn Price who was in the pilot. Brandon Barash will guest star on DirecTv’s Navy St.Limited Series
India Ennenga, Kevin Alejandro, Sophie Lowe and Mat Vairo have joined A&E’s The Returned. Brian Van Holt will star opposite Tricia Helfer in Syfy’s Ascension.↧
Film Development For 6/5/14: Joe Namath Biopic ‘Midnight Ramblers’ Set For Fox 2000
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Midnight Ramblers Logline: The true story of Joe Namath, the larger-than-life, highly-touted high school prospect who starred for Bear Bryant at University of Alabama, took New York City by storm and led the New York Jets to a Super Bowl III victory. Studio/Distributor: Fox 2000 Production Companies: Mad Chance Productions, Namanco Productions, Tree Line Film Producers: Andrew Lazar, Cathy Konrad, James Walsh (Executive Producer) Writers: Michael Brandt & Derek Haas (current draft), David Hollander (previous draft) Director: James Mangold SSN Insight: Project reteams James Mangold with Fox 2000 (Walk the Line) and writers Michael Brandt & Derek Haas (3:10 to Yuma) Abe Logline: A robot goes on a killing rampage. Studio/Distributor: MGM Production Companies: Misher Films, R&G Productions Producers: Kevin Misher, Steve Tzirlin Writers: Bryan Bertino (current draft), Rob McLellan (previous draft) Director: Rob McLellan Details: Based on the short film Abe (UK/2013) written and directed by Rob McLellan. SSN Insight: Project is the feature directorial debut for Rob McLellan. The Lady in the Van Logline: British playwright Alan Bennett’s memoir of his experiences with Miss Shepherd, a homeless woman who parked her dilapidated van outside his house for 15 years, is adapted to film. Studio/Distributor: TriStar Productions Production Companies: BBC Films, Free Range Films Producers: Kevin Loader, Damian Jones, Nicholas Hytner, Miles Ketley (Executive Producer), Charles Moore (Executive Producer) Cast: Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings Writer: Alan Bennett Director: Nicholas Hytner Details: Based on play The Lady in the Van, written by Alan Bennett, directed by Nicholas Hytner, starring Maggie Smith. The play premiered at the Queen’s Theatre in London in December 1999. It was also included in the book A Box of Alan Bennett, published by Profile in 2000, and produced on the radio on February 21, 2009 on BBC Radio 4, with Maggie Smith reprising her role and Bennett playing himself. SSN Insight: Project reunites writer Alan Bennett with director Nicholas Hytner (Madness of King George, The History Boys, stage play of The Lady in the Van) and with Tom Rothman at the studio.NEW PROJECTS
Stargate Reboot Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studios/Distributors: MGM, Warner Bros. Production Company: Electric Entertainment Producer: Dean Devlin Director: Roland Emmerich Details: Remake of Stargate; part of a planned trilogy. SSN Insight: Project brings back the collaborators from the original film, Dean Devlin & Roland Emmerich. The Kind Worth Killing Logline: A man confides to a woman on a plane that he’s been thinking of murdering his cheating wife. He doesn’t know that she’s a ruthless killer and upon landing they hatch a murder plan. Production Companies: Chockstone Pictures, Nick Wechsler Productions Producers: Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, Nick Wechsler, Roger Schwartz (Co-Producer), Felicity Aldridge (Co-Producer) Details: Based on the novel The Kind Worth Killing, written by Peter Swanson and to be published by Harper Collins Canada on January 6, 2015. SSN Insight: Project is the third significant book acquisition made recently by the Schwartzes and Wechsler (The Truth And Other Lies and All The Old Knives).↧
The Latest Network Staffing Updates on Pilots Ordered to Series – All in an Easy to Print Grid
Pilot season is already in the rear view and staffing season is in full swing. With an ear to the ground, SSN is on hand to provide you with a printable guide of the latest staffing updates on the pilots ordered to network series. Stay tuned to SSN as this grid is updated with new information.
Click here for the Printable PDF of the Staffing Updates on Pilots Ordered to Series Grid
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Rep Moves For 6/6/14: WME, APA, ICM Partners
Agencies
APA: Australian-New Zealand actor Manu Bennett is now repped by Carlos Carreras and Jim Osborne. Bennett will soon reprise his role as Orc chieftain Azog in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, due out in December. He also appeared in the previous two installments and played Slade Wilson/Death Stroke on the CW series Arrow. Bennett’s best known role, however, may be his performance as series regular Gallic Gladiator Crixius on the Starz series Spartacus, a role he played from 2010 until 2013. Starting off his career in 1993 on the Australian teen soap Paradise Beach, Bennett’s other television credits have included Xena: Warrior Princess, Shortland Street, Street Legal and the miniseries Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms. He also hosted the New Zealand reality series Going Straight. Bennett’s feature credits have included The Marine, The Condemned and 30 Days of Night. APA: Actor Peter Fonda is now repped by Jeff Witjas. Fonda recently joined the upcoming AMC sci-fi pilot Galyntine as a series regular. An icon of the 1960s counterculture, Fonda began his career on stage in 1961, making his Broadway debut in Blood, Sweat and Stanley Poole. Soon after, Fonda went on to star in the iconic sixties films The Wild Angels, The Trip and Easy Rider, the last of which he shared an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay alongside Dennis Hopper and Terry Southern. Fonda’s prolific resume since that point has included such highlights as Ulee’s Gold, The Victors, Race with the Devil, Outlaw Blues, The Passion of Ayn Rand, The Limey, The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things and the remake of 3:10 to Yuma. Fonda received a second Academy Award nomination in 1997 for Best Actor for his work in Ulee’s Gold. ICM Partners: Actress Madeline Brewer is now repped by Bonnie Bernstein and Craig Shapiro. Brewer made her television debut last year, starring as series regular Tricia Miller on Netflix’s hit series Orange Is The New Black. Prior to her breakout role, Brewer had no professional acting experience and graduated from New York’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2012. Next up, Brewer is set to appear in season two of Netflix’s Hemlock Grove, playing a mysterious graphic novelist. Hemlock Grove’s second season will premiere July 11. Paradigm: Emmy-winning writer, producer and director James Manos Jr. is now repped by Michael Van Dyck, Manny Nunez and Mark Ross. Manos is currently set to serve as the executive producer and showrunner of the upcoming WE tv series South of Hell. He also recently wrote the indie feature I Am Lupe. A trained theater director who directed numerous plays regionally and in New York, Manos made the leap to television in 1993, producing The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleading Mom and earning an Emmy nomination in the process. Manos went on to write the television movie Road Rage and serve as a co-producer and writer for The Sopranos, as well as a Consulting Producer for The Shield. However, Manos is probably best known for developing, producing and writing the pilot for Showtime’s Dexter, for which he also served as executive producer for its first season. In 1999, Manos won an Emmy for co-writing the “College” episode of The Sopranos, alongside co-writer and series creator David Chase. WME Entertainment: Bronx-born actress and comedian Gina Brillon is now a client. Brillon will soon be seen in comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ documentary The Fluffy Movie. She is also preparing to shoot her first one-hour comedy special, due out later this year. Performing stand-up since she was 17 years old, Brillon is a regular on the New York scene, performing at Carolines Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Stand up NY, The Comic Strip and Gotham Comedy Club to name a few. Last year, the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival selected Brillon to be part of its New Faces Class of 2013 and the year prior, she became the first Latina to win top honors at Stand-Up NBC. Brillon’s television appearances have included The View, Live at Gotham, Chelsea Lately and Stand Up and Deliver. She is also a poet, having been published in The New York Post and The Daily News and she recently branched out into the world of blogging. WME Entertainment: Academy award-winning screenwriter, producer and director Akiva Goldsman is now a client. Goldsman just finished up a rewrite of the upcoming Divergent sequel Insurgent. He also recently made his feature directorial debut with Winter’s Tale, released last February. Goldsman also wrote and produced that film, which starred Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findlay. Starting off his career with the 1994 hit The Client, Goldsman’s writing credits have included such diverse fare as Batman Forever, A Time to Kill, Batman & Robin, A Beautiful Mind, I, Robot, Cinderella Man, The Da Vinci Code, I am Legend and Angels & Demons. Goldsman joined the crew of Fringe in its first season, working as a producer, writer and director on the cult series until 2013. In 2001, Goldsman won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for A Beautiful Mind. WME Entertainment: Professional boxer Andre Ward is now repped in all areas, including commercial endorsement, film, television, book and broadcasting opportunities. Ward is the current undefeated WBA and The Ring super middleweight champion. He began his boxing career in 1994 and among his career highlights is winning the Light Heavyweight gold medal for the United States at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Currently, he has a 27-0 undefeated record and is ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound in the world behind Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ward’s previous television experience has included providing expert commentary for HBO. In 2011, Ward was named The Ring magazine fighter of the year.Public Relations
WKT Public Relations: Actor, comedian, director, producer and writer Steve Carell is now repped by Christine Tripicchio. Carell’s currently getting Oscar-buzz for his transformative performance in Foxcatcher, which premiered at Cannes and won Best Director honors for Bennett Miller. He will also appear in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, set for release this October. After a five-year stint on The Daily Show with John Stewart, Carell achieved greater fame when he starred as Michael Scott on NBC’s The Office and gained genuine movie stardom with his breakout performance in Judd Apatow’s hit The 40-Year Old Virgin. Carell has worked extensively since that point, appearing in such features as Little Miss Sunshine, Evan Almighty, Dan in Real Life, Get Smart, Date Night, Despicable Me, Dinner for Schmucks, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, The Way Way Back, Despicable Me 2 and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. In addition to numerous other awards and nominations, Carell won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy for his role as Michael Scott in The Office.↧
Exec Shuffle For 6/6/14: Netflix, Warner Bros. Pictures, John Wells Productions, AMC TV
Company Launches
Conveyor Media: Jay James and Colin Whelan have formed this new production company,which will specialize in unscripted content. Detente613: Producer Eitan Gorlin has launched this production company with backing from Peter Chernoff and Reuven Kahane. Detente613 will develop independent films with an eye on the Russian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern markets. Remarkable Games: Endemol UK has launched this production arm, which will focus on developing and producing game shows for the British and international markets. James Fox has been named Creative Director of the new branch. Tiny Riot!: FremantleMedia North America has formed this new digital content studio, which will encompass all of FreemantleMedia’s original digital enterprises including Munchies and The Pet Collective. Tiny Riot! is being headed up by Gayle Gilman who will serve as the General Manager and Executive Vice President. She will report to FMNA’s Chief Operating Officer, Lee Rierson. Tomorrow ITV Studios: ITV Studios US Group and Marty Adelstein have joined forces to launch this television studio. The new Los Angeles based venture will develop and produce comedy and drama programming to be distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment. Adelstein is Chief Executive Officer of the new venture with Becky Clements joining as President. Third Street Media Group: Bill Harrison and Jackie Feldman have formed this public relations firm which will focus on entertainment clients.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
20th Century Fox Television: Greg Drebin has been named Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Television Distribution. Beth Miyares has joined as the Senior Vice President of Drama Development & Programming. Connor Welch has joined as the Vice President of Comedy Development & Programming. Bristow Global Media: Claire Adams has been named Head of Content. DIRECTV: Jason Brum has been named Director of National Sports Sales. NBCUniversal: Maria Drew has joined as the Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Hispanic Enterprises & Content. Netflix: Joris Evers has been named Vice President of Communications, Europe. Anne Marie Squeo has been named Director of Corporate Communications. NuvoTV: Lynette Ramirez has been named Senior Vice President of Programming and Development. Jason Miller has been named Senior Vice President of Ad Sales and Integrated Marketing. Jesus M. Rodriguez has been named Senior Vice President of Marketing. Diane Castro has been named Vice President of Corporate Communications. Kathryn Mitchell has been named Head of Scheduling and Acquisitions. Yolanda Enamorando has been named Vice President of Human Resources. Playboy Enterprises: Cory Jones has joined as the Senior Vice President of Digital Content and Digital Media. Matthew Mastrangelo has joined as the Chief Revenue Officer, Playboy Media. Quintessentially Media: Brian Salzman has been named President of the United States branch. Shine America: Michael Brooks has joined as the Senior Vice President of Unscripted Programming. SiTV Media: Bill Hilary has been named President. Sony: Nicole Seligman has been named President of Sony Entertainment. Universal Pictures: Josh Goldstine has been named President of Worldwide Marketing. Warner Bros Pictures: Drew Crevello has joined as the Senior Vice President of Production.Film
eOne North America: Berry Meyerowitz has been named President of eOne’s US Film and Distribution branch following the acquisition of Meyerowitz’s company, Phase 4 Films by eOne. eOne is also welcoming former Phase 4 executives Sean Monson and David Richardson to the eOne North America team. Ian Bryce Productions: Rebecca Rajkowski has been named the Senior Vice President of Production. Industrial Light + Magic: Rob Bredrow has joined as a Visual Effects Supervisor. John Wells Productions: Zach Studin has joined as the Senior Vice President of Features. Lionsgate: Jenefer Brown has been named Senior Vice President of Branded Attractions. Worldview Entertainment: Molly Connors has been named Acting Chief Executive Officer.Television
Cream Productions: Kate Harrison has been named Partner and President. Jukin Media: Jessica Samet has been named Head of Television Production. Leftfield Pictures: Jason Burinescu has joined as the Head of Development, West Coast. David George has been named President. Zodiak Americas: Mike Gamson has been named Chief Executive Officer of Zodiak New York.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
Block-Korenbrot: Blair Bender has joined as a Film Publicist. Hawthorne Direct: Trista Torrez-Laing has joined as Senior Vice President of Marketing & New Business Development. Schreck Rose Dapello & Adams LLP: Julie E. Feldman has been named Partner.Cable
AMC Network: Marci Wiseman has been named Executive-in-Charge of Owned Content Distribution and Strategy. AMC TV: Ryan Aguirre has joined as Publicist, PR & Awards. Fusion Network: Jorge Urratia has joined as the Vice President of Digital Monetization.Digital
Ora TV: Jamie Schutz has joined as the Executive Vice President of Branded Entertainment. Pixeldust Studios: Lori Butterfield has joined as Senior Vice President, Creative Content and Development.Publishing
Bloomberg: Bill Grueskin has joined as the Executive Training Editor. Paul Caine has joined as the Chief Revenue Officer.Music
Interscope Geffen A&M: John Ehmann has been named Vice President of A&R. Riptide Music Group: Adam Wolf has joined as the Vice President of Synchronization.Advertising
Horizon Media: Charlie Rutman has joined as a Managing Partner.↧
ICYMI: SSN’s Top Stories For 6/2 – 6/16/14
Why Does ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ Have Great Reviews and Bad Buzz?
The new Tom Cruise flick opens this week. Were you even aware? If not, you’re not alone. (SSN)Behind Bars – Jodie Foster & Who Else Directed ‘Orange is the New Black’ Season 2?
To usher in the highly-anticipated second season of OITNB, we take a look at its directors, over half of whom are women—yet another reason to love the show. SSN’s rundown of the directors behind the upcoming episodes is here. (SSN)From Start to Finish, Screenwriters Scott Neustadter & Michael Weber Talk Adapting the Much-Loved Novel ‘The Fault in Our Stars’
According to Fandango, Fault has sold more advanced tickets than any romantic drama in their 14-year history, besting 2010’s The Vow. SSN talked to the screenwriting duo about their journey, from the first pitch to adaptation challenges. (SSN)Lifetime Network Thinks It’s About Time We—And Emmy Voters—Start Taking It Seriously
Cable network Lifetime believes it’s high time that the world start cutting it some slack. It did, after all, just celebrate its 30th birthday in February, and likes to think it’s been showing genuine signs of maturity of late. (SSN)What Does A Guy (Or Gal) Have To Do To Get a Variety Series Emmy Nomination Around Here?
It’s high time TV Academy voters shake up the apple cart and bring the Emmys into the 21st century by acknowledging that the word “variety” should mean just that. SSN explores it here. (SSN)↧
On The Set For 6/9/14: The Septembers of Shiraz Starts, Jennifer Aniston Starrer ‘Cake’ Wraps
Starts
The Septembers of Shiraz 06/09/2014 Logline: In Iran during the 1979 Revolution, a young Jewish woman tries to help her wealthy father, who is arrested on suspicions of being a spy. Studio: Nu Image/Millennium Films Production Companies: Evil Twins, Eclectic Pictures Director: Wayne Blair Executive Producers: Avi Lerner, Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson, John Thompson, Mark Gill Producers: Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, Danielle Robinson, Heidi Jo Markel Cast: Salma Hayek, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Adrien Brody Screenwriter: Hanna Weg Details: Based on the book The Septembers of Shiraz, written by Dalia Sofer and published by Ecco on July 24, 2007. SSN Insight: Heitor Dhalia was previously attached to direct. Triple Nine 06/02/2014 Logline: Crooked cops conspire to kill a fellow officer to get away with a heist, but the unwitting sacrificial lamb proves tougher than they’d planned. Production Companies: Worldview Entertainment, Anonymous Content Director: John Hillcoat Executive Producers: Molly Conners, Maria Cestone, Sarah E. Johnson, Paul Green, Steve Golin Producers: Matthew Budman, Bard Dorros, Keith Redmon, Marc Butan, Anthony Katagas, Christopher Woodrow Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gal Gadot, Woody Harrelson Screenwriter: Matt Cook SSN Insight: Project was previously set up at Warner Bros. Pictures. Experimenter, The Stanley Milgram Story 06/05/2014 Logline: The true story of psychologist Stanley Milgram who designed a controversial experiment to measure conformity and obedience to authority.. Production Companies: BB Films, F.J. Productions, Intrinsic Value Films Director: Michael Almereyda Executive Producers: Jeff Rice, Lati Dana Grobman, Christa Campbell Producers: Uri Singer, Fabio Golombek, Aimee Schoof, Isen Robbins Cast: Peter Sarsgaard, Winona Ryder Screenwriter: Michael Almereyda SSN Insight: In 2009, Michael Almereyda was awarded the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Sloan Filmmaker Fund grant to develop the project.Wraps
Untitled Warren Beatty Project 06/05/2014 Logline: Howard Hughes has an affair with a young woman in the later years of his life. Production Companies: New Regency Films Inc, RatPac Entertainment, Worldview Entertainment Director: Warren Beatty Executive Producers: Brett Ratner, James Packer, Sarah E. Johnson Producers: Warren Beatty, Christopher Woodrow, Molly Conners Cast: Warren Beatty, Alec Baldwin, Annette Bening Screenwriter: Warren Beatty SSN Insight: Hawk Koch was previously attached to executive produce. Cake 06/02/2014 Logline: A woman survives a car accident that killed her child and must find a way to go on. Production Companies: Cinelou Films DHJ, Atmosphere Entertainment MM LLC, Echo Films, We're Not Brothers Director: Daniel Barnz Executive Producers: Jennifer Aniston, Shyam Madiraju, Patty Long Producers: Courtney Solomon, Kristin Hahn, Ben Barnz, Mark Canton Co-Producers: Stephanie Caleb, Elizabeth Destro, Scott Karol Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Adriana Barraza, Chris Messina, Anna Kendrick Screenwriter: Patrick Tobin SSN Insight: Screenplay was included in the 2013 Black List.↧
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TV Castings For 6/11/14: Jeremy Sisto, Agnes Bruckner & More Set For A&E’s ‘The Returned’
Pilots
Ennis Esmer and Gage Golightly join Amazon’s Red Oaks, about a man who takes a job as an assistant tennis pro at the predominantly-Jewish Red Oaks country club in New Jersey – to the dismay of his father who'd rather his son be an accountant – while he tries to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Minni Jo Mazzola and Diane Farr have been cast in ABC Family’s Stitchers, about a young woman recruited into a covert government agency to be "stitched" into the minds of the recently deceased, using their memories to investigate murders and decipher mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave. Doug Savant will play a politician in ABC Family’s Recovery Road, about a high-school girl who falls in love with someone in rehab, and they strive to continue their relationship when they get out. Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal join Netflix’s Narcos, that follows the rise and eventual fall of notorious Colombian Drug Lord Pablo Escobar. Lili Reinhart and Blake Cooper have been cast in Amazon’s Cocked, about an estranged son who must return to work with his father and brother at his family’s gun manufacturing company after a corporate rival, run by their uncle, moves to take them over. Vincent D’Onofrio has joined Netflix’s Daredevil, as “The Kingpin”.Current series
Patrick Breen, Jeremy Davidson, Martha Higareda, Nick Gehlfuss, Spencer Grammer, Brandon Quinn , Leonardo Nam, Tyler Labine, Michael O'Keefe and Natalie Hall have all landed guest star roles in the upcoming season of USA’s Royal Pains. Gillian Alexy is set to recur. Zuzanna Szadkowski will recur on the next season of HBO’s Girls. Kelsey Grammer, Cynthia Nixon, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Valerie Bertinelli, Lauren Graham, Rachel McAdams and Kayleen McAdams will make appearances on TLC’s Who Do You Think You Are? Thom Barry is scheduled to guest star on TNT’s Perception. Tim Heidecker, Jordan Peele and Weird Al Yankovic will guest star on the upcoming season of Comedy Central’s Drunk History. Eric Roberts has landed a recurring role on USA’s Suits.New Series
Harry Hamlin and Rachel Nichols will recur on USA’s Rush. Victoria Smurfit and Jesse Luken will guest star. Merritt Patterson joins E!’s The Royals, as an American girl whose father is the head of security for the fictional royal family in modern day London. John Doman will recur on Showtime’s The Affair, playing Maura Tierney’s father. Keri Medders is set to recur as Jenni Garth’s daughter in ABC Family’s Mystery Girls.Limited Series
Jeremy Sisto, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Sandrine Holt, Tandi Wright and Agnes Bruckner are set for A&E’s The Returned.↧
Film Development For 6/12/14: George Clooney To Star In The Coen Bros.’‘Hail Cesar’ For Universal
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Hail Cesar Logline: Eddie Mannix works as a "fixer" in 1950s Hollywood, cleaning up messes and protecting the reputations of the studio’s stars. Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures Production Companies: Working Title Films, Mike Zoss Productions Producers: Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Joel Coen, Ethan Coen Cast: George Clooney, Josh Brolin Writers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen SSN Insight: Project marks the 8th collaboration with the Coens & Working Title and reunites them with George Clooney (O Brother Where Art Thou, Burn After Reading, Intolerable Cruelty). The Disaster Artist Logline: The story of the making of the 2003 feature "The Room," which some have called the "worst movie ever made," is told. Production Companies: Rabbit Bandini Productions, Point Grey Pictures Producers: James Franco, Vince Jolivette, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver Cast: James Franco, Dave Franco Writer: Ryan Moody (adaptation) Director: James Franco Details: Based on the book The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, written by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell and published by Simon & Schuster in 2013. SSN Insight: Project marks the first film that both Franco brothers will star in together. Blackwater Logline: Based on the true story, during the Iraq war, the US gives $2M to Blackwater, further confusing the purpose of what the military is trying to accomplish in the Middle East. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Company: Peters Entertainment Producer: Jon Peters Writer: Gideon Yago Director: Kieran Darcy-Smith SSN Insight: Project marks the 3rd project that Kieran Darcy-Smith has signed on for where he is directing from a script not written by himself. The other two are Die in a Gunfight at Mark Gordon Company and By Way of Helena at Mandeville.NEW PROJECTS
Mech Logline: When a man tries and gets hooked on a mysterious new drug called "Mech" there are terrifying consequences. Production Company: IAM Entertainment Producers: Scott Glassgold, Raymond Brothers Writer: Mike Le (adaptation) Director: Patrick Kalyn Details: Based on the short film Mech: Human Trials (USA/2014), directed, written and produced by Patrick Kalyn and starring Steve Baran. SSN Insight: The short film gained the attention of the industry when it went viral online, drawing over 1500 Twitter followers in less than one week and now is getting feature treatment with a 2013 Black List writer. Untitled (Gil Netter/John Lee Hancock/Lenny Dykstra Project) Logline: The film is about former Major League Baseball star Lenny Dykstra, whose life after retiring in 1996 has been marked by trouble including time in prison. Production Company: Gil Netter Productions Producer: Gil Netter Writer: John Lee Hancock SSN Insight: Project reunites that writer and producer of 2009’s The Blind Side. The Choice Logline: When Travis and Gabby meet as neighbors, they begin a love affair that evolves and is tested during a decade. Studio/Distributor: Lionsgate Production Companies: The Safran Company, Nicholas Sparks Productions Producers: Nicholas Sparks, Peter Safran, Theresa Parks Writer: Brian Sipe Details: Based on the novel The Choice, written by Nicholas Sparks and published by Grand Central Publishers in 2007. SSN Insight: Project marks the first time that author Nicholas Sparks has developed one of his novels into a film prior to shopping it around town - as well as the first time he is investing in one of his novel’s films. Mal de Pierres Logline: A woman in an unhappy marriage finds love in the arms of another. Production Company: Les Films du Tresor Producer: Alain Attal Cast: Marion Cotillard Writers: Nicole Garcia, Jacques Fieschi Director: Nicole Garcia Details: Based on the novel Mal De Pierres ("Mal di pietre"), written by Milena Agus and published by Nottetempo in 2006 SSN Insight: Project marks Alain Attal’s third collaboration with Marion Cotillard (Little White Lies and Blood Ties).↧
Exec Shuffle For 6/13/14: Creators League, The CW, The Weinstein Company, Lucasfilm, Hulu, Relativity
Company Launches
Broad Street Pictures: Alysia Reiner and Sarah Megan Thomas have launched this company, which will focus on producing films with strong female characters. Cinelicious Pics: Paul Korver and Dennis Bartok are launching this new distribution company. The duo plans to release twelve films a year, focusing primarily on American and international independent cinema. The new venture aims to give new and extended life to obscure foreign and American indie films. Creators League: Pepsi is launching this internal production studio. Pepsi’s Chief Marketing Officer of Global Consumer Engagement, Frank Cooper III will spearhead the project. Cooper hopes to produce music, web series and TV shows through the new shingle. The Untitled Casey Affleck/John Powers Middleton Project: Casey Affleck and John Powers Middleton have launched this new production company. The venture will develop film and television projects across various genres. John Ridley has joined as President of Production. Vector OMG: Vector Management is joining forces with Eric Ortner of Ortner Media Group to form this new venture, which will serve as both a management company as well as a development vehicle.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
Bloomberg Media: Jacki Kelley has joined as the Chief Operating Officer of Media. CNBCP: John Armah has joined as the Head of Digital, International Business. CW: Kevin Levy has been named Senior Vice President of Program Planning and Scheduling. Disney: Foster Driver is joining as a Creative Executive. Entertainment One: Gerard Bocaccio has joined as the Senior Vice President of US Scripted Development. Wilco Wolfers has joined as the Chief Operating Officer of Entertainment One, Benelux. Horizon Media: Karina Dobarro has joined as the Vice President, Managing Director of Multicultural Brand Strategy. Newsmax: Kevin Byrnes has joined as the Vice President or Television Advertising Sales. Nordisk Film TV: Karoline Spodsberg has been named the Chief Operating Officer. Saban Brands: Daniel Castle has joined as the Managing Director of Strategic Business Development. The Weinstein Company: Marc Velez has joined as the Senior Vice President of Scripted Television.Film
Alamo Drafthouse: Christian Parkes has joined as the Chief Brand Officer. Cinedigm: Jeffrey Edell has joined as the Chief Financial Officer. Lava Bear Films: Jennifer Semler has been named Vice President of Production. Allison Warren has been named Creative Executive. Lucasfilm: Tony To has been named Executive Vice President of Production & Development. Producers Guild of America: Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary have been named Co-Presidents. David Friendly and Lydia Dean Pilcher have been named Co-Vice Presidents of Motion Pictures. Tim Gibbons and Jason Katims have been named Co-Vice Presidents of Television. Christina Lee Storm has joined as the Treasurer. Relativity: Matt Brodlie has joined as the Executive Vice President of Acquisitions. RLJ Entertainment: Mike Pears has been named Executive Vice President of Content Sales. Vertigo Entertainment: Alex Foster has been upped to Vice President of Production. Well Go USA: Doris Pfardrescher has been named Chief Executive Officer. Dennis Walker has been named Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.Television
Hoff Productions: Michael Hoff has been promoted to Director of Development. Hulu: Beatrice Springborn has joined as the Head of Originals. One World Sports: Kristen McNeil has joined as the Senior Vice President, Western Region. Mark Romano has joined as the Senior Vice President, Eastern Region. TVGN: Melissa Stone Mangham has joined as Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy. TVGN: Rich Browd has joined as Vice President, Creative Director. Zodiak Media: Jean-Philippe Randisi has joined as the Chief Executive Officer of Zodiak Kids.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
APA: Lucy Stille has joined as an Agent in the Literary department. Fifteen Minutes: Ryan Croy has been named Managing Partner. ICM Partners: Andrea Johnson has joined as an Agent in the Concerts, Adult Contemporary department. Rogers & Cowan: Dennis Dembia has been named Senior Vice President. Slate PR: Katherine Rowe has been promoted to Senior Vice President. UTA: Jbeau Lewis has joined as a music agent. Way to Blue: Anna Gibbs has joined as International Publicity Director.Cable
AMC: Ryan Aguirre has joined as a Publicist, PR & Awards. Melissa Wasserman has been named Senior Vice President of Client Solutions & Integrated Marketing.Digital
Complex Media: Moksha Fitzgibbons has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer. Vimeo: Barry Diller has joined as the Director of Audience Development.Publishing
Gannett: Randy Kilgore has joined as the President of National Sales.Music
Republic Records: Rob Stevenson has been named Executive Vice President. Shazam Entertainment: Patricia Parra has joined as the Chief Marketing Officer.↧
Rep Moves For 6/13/14: UTA, ICM Partners, CAA, Paradigm
Agencies
CAA: Up-and-coming stage actor Alexander Sharp is now repped by Peter Levine, Joe Machota and Alex Mebed. Sharp is currently set to make his Broadway debut starring in the lead role in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. The play, which was adapted from the Mark Haddon novel, is on its way from London to Broadway after winning eight Olivier awards this past season, including Best New Play. Sharp, who recently graduated from the Juilliard School, is just beginning his career, having previously appeared in Juilliard’s productions of Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, The Cherry Orchard, The Hostage and Smash amongst others. He continues to be managed by Erin Flack of Erin Flack Management. ICM Partners: Actress Amy Landecker is now repped by Joanne Wiles. Landecker is currently starring opposite Jeffrey Tambor and Gaby Hoffman in Amazon’s dramedy pilot Transparent. She also recently recurred as Dr. Michelle Banks on ABC’s Revenge. Starting off primarily as a stage actress, Landecker moved to Los Angeles at 38 and she has subsequently worked on such features as Dan in Real Life, A Serious Man, All is Bright and Enough Said. She also appeared as a series regular on The Paul Reiser Show and she has a lengthy television resume that includes appearances on Mad Men, Louie, NCIS, House, Curb Your Enthusiasm, House of Lies, Retired at 35 and Vegas. Next up, Landecker is set to appear in the found footage feature Project Almanac, due out in 2015. Paradigm: Actor, writer, director and producer John Stockwell is now repped by Adam Kanter, Nick LoPiccolo, Valarie Phillips, Rich Rogers and Ken Stovitz. Stockwell most recently directed the feature Kid Cannabis, which was released earlier this year, as well as In the Blood starring Gina Carino. Originally beginning his career as an actor, Stockwell appeared in such features as Losin’ it, Top Gun, My Science Project, Christine and the miniseries North and South. He soon branched off into writing and directing as well and Stockwell’s helming credits include Crazy/Beautiful, Blue Crush, Into the Blue, Turistas, Cat Run and Dark Tide. Television-wise, Stockwell has directed multiple episodes of The L Word, as well as the television movie Seal Team Six: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden. Stockwell’s next film will be Cat Run 2, currently in post-production. Resolution: Directing team Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott are now repped by Abram Nalibotsky. The duo recently made their feature film directing debut with the horror comedy Cooties, which premiered at Sundance last January. Prior to Cooties, Murnion and Milott started off working in animation, before moving into music videos, commercials and directing short films. The two also founded the New York-based production company Honest and their work has been short-listed at numerous film festivals, including SXSW, Cannes and the Webby Awards. Cooties stars Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, Alison Pill and Jack McBrayer. UTA: Actress Shiri Appleby is now repped by Scott Schachter and Nancy Gates. Appleby will soon star in Lifetime’s drama series Un-Real, which is set to premiere later this year. Beginning her acting career at age four in various commercials, Appleby soon began to land guest spots on such series as thirtysomething, Who’s the Boss, Doogie Howser M.D. and Baywatch. She got her big break, however, when she landed the lead role of Liz Parker on the WB/UPN series Roswell. Appleby’s subsequent credits have included recurring roles on Six Degrees and ER, as well as starring in the CW drama Life Unexpected. More recently, she recurred on Chicago Fire and had a memorable arc playing Adam Driver’s girlfriend Natalia on the HBO series Girls. Appleby’s feature credits have included The Battle of Shaker Heights, What Love is and Charlie Wilson’s War. UTA: Visual effects animator and director Daniel “Hashi” Hashimoto is now repped by Greg Goodfried and Ali Barash. Hashimoto has acquired a large YouTube following, racking up over 32 million views for his series of Action Movie Kid shorts, which star his three-year-old son in special effects-enhanced homemade shorts. The popular shorts landed him an appearance on Good Morning America and a deal to create branded content for several toy lines. A longtime DreamWorks Animation and visual effects professional, Hashimoto’s prior credits included How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda 2 and the television series Pair of Kings. Hashimoto hopes to parlay his YouTube success into feature film directing opportunities and expand the Action Movie Kid brand into books, products and feature spin-offs. UTA: Broadway star Joshua Henry is now repped by Chris Highland, Logan Eisenberg and Brian Swardstrom. Henry is currently starring in a Tony-nominated performance in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Violet, opposite Sutton Foster and Colin Donnell. He also recently appeared on the Lifetime series Army Wives, playing Quincy Montclair. Henry is probably best known, however, for his role as Haywood Patterson in the musical The Scottsboro Boys, for which he also received a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. His other theater roles have included roles in Porgy and Bess, American Idiot, In the Heights and The Wiz. Henry’s film and television credits have included the features Sex and the City and Winter’s Tale, as well as the television series Nip/Tick, Kings and Once Upon a Time.↧
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ICYMI: SSN’s Top Stories For 6/9 – 6/13/14
In The Race For Emmy Comedy Glory, There’s ‘Modern Family’—And Then Everybody Else
Something historic is destined to happen at this year’s Emmys in the Outstanding Comedy Series category. Yet even with that observation, there remains a certain sameness to the comedy nominees that’s due for a full-scale shift. (SSN)Breaking Bad Leads an Emmy Drama Series Lineup that’s Loaded to the Max with Quality
It would be a mistake to presume that, renewed hysteria or no, Bad is the heavy favorite to make it two straight for Outstanding Drama Series. There’s far too much competition for that. In fact, this may be the greatest collection of drama series contenders ever. (SSN)In Drama Series, Bryan Cranston, Claire Danes Looking For 4th Performing Emmys
So strong is the lineup of lead drama contenders this year that it may be the most formidable group to ever compete in the category. SSN’s analysis is here. (SSN)Jim Parsons and Julia Louis-Dreyfus Have a Shot at Some Emmy History in Comedy Series
If we’ve learned anything about the Television Academy and its voters, it’s this: once they decide they like you, they show it over and over, year after year. While it seems the recipients of Emmy largesse are Jim Parsons and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, it won’t be easy for them to repeat. SSN’s look at the contenders is here. (SSN)Old Emmy Faves will Give Modern Family Gang a Run in Comedy Supporting Races
SSN’s analysis of the supporting comedy actor and actress contenders, from veterans to those trying to break in, is here. (SSN)In Drama Supporting Emmy Races, Will ‘Breaking Bad’s Gunn and Paul Dominate?
SSN’s analysis of the supporting drama actor and actress contenders is here. (SSN)The Variety Series Emmy Race Remains Strictly the Domain of Late-Night Talkers
Sentiment, impending farewells, and two potential nominations for Leno and Fallon’s The Tonight Show means this promises to be an intriguing year for the category. (SSN)↧
On The Set For 6/16/14: Boxing Drama ‘Southpaw’ Starts, ‘American Ultra’ Wraps
Starts
The Longest Ride 06/16/2014 Logline: An elderly man lies trapped in a car after a major accident on an isolated road, reminiscing about his beloved wife and their lives together, while a young bull rider falls for an art history major and the stories of both couples intertwine. Studio: Fox 2000 Production Company: Temple Hill Entertainment Director: George Tillman Jr. Executive Producer: Robert Teitel Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Nicholas Sparks, Theresa Park Cast: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin, Alan Alda Screenwriter: Craig Bolotin Details: Based on the novel The Longest Ride, written by Nicholas Sparks and published by Grand Central Publishing on September 24, 2013. SSN Insight: Scott Eastwood, son of Clint Eastwood, plays the lead, following in the footsteps of Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Duhamel, and Zac Efron, who have all starred in films based on Nicholas Sparks novels. Wild Oats 06/10/2014 Logline: When a woman accidentally receives a check for millions, her friend convinces her to keep the money and they both end up on a mad dash towards paradise. Studio: The Weinstein Company Production Companies: Wild Pictures, Trivision Pictures, Konwiser Brothers Director: Andy Tennant Executive Producers: Michael Mailer, Mike Dolan Producers: Blythe Frank, Agathe David-Weill, Alexander Tabrizi, Kip Konwiser, Hilary Shor Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange, Judd Hirsch, Billy Connolly, Demi Moore Screenwriters: Claudia Myers, Gary Kanew, Kenneth Lonergan SSN Insight: Howard Deutch was previously attached to direct. Me & Earl & the Dying Girl 06/16/2014 Logline: A kid who is sliding through high school gains a new perspective when he gets to know a classmate who is dying of leukemia. Studio: Paramount Pictures Production Companies: Indian Paintbrush, Rhode Island Ave. Productions Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon Producers: Dan Fogelman, Steven M. Rales Cast: R.J. Cyler, Olivia Cooke, Thomas Mann Screenwriter: Jesse Andrews Details: Based on the young adult novel Me & Earl & the Dying Girl, written by Jesse Andrews and published by Amulet Books on March 1, 2012. SSN Insight: Mark Roybal was previously attached to produce. Southpaw 06/16/2014 Logline: After tragedy strikes, a welterweight champ brawls his way back to glory. Studio: The Weinstein Company Production Companies: Riche Productions, Escape Artists Director: Antoine Fuqua Producers: Paul Rosenberg, Alan Riche, Peter Riche, Harvey Weinstein, Antoine Fuqua, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams Screenwriter: Kurt Sutter SSN Insight: Eminem was previously attached to star and produce for Shady Films.Wraps
American Ultra 06/12/2014 Logline: The lives of stoner Mike and his girlfriend Phoebe take an unpredicted turn when he becomes the target of a government operation to kill him because of his secret past. Production Companies: Likely Story, Circle of Confusion, PalmStar Media Capital, Merced Media Partners Director: Nima Nourizadeh Executive Producers: Kevin Scott Frakes, Raj Brinder Singh Producers: Anthony Bregman, David Alpert, Britton Rizzio Cast: Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, John Leguizamo, Topher Grace, Bill Pullman, Connie Britton Screenwriter: Max Landis SSN Insight: Leads Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg starred opposite each other in Greg Mottola's 2009 film Adventureland. The Great Gilly Hopkins 06/15/2014 Logline: Eleven-year-old foster child Gilly Hopkins, who has a county-wide reputation for being smart, assertive, and out of control, moves in with the Trotter family, by far the most peculiar family to ever take her in. Production Company: Arcady Bay Entertainment Director: Stephen Herek Executive Producer: William Kay Producers: William Teitler, David Paterson, Peyton Kay, John Paterson Cast: Sophie Nélisse, Julia Stiles, Bill Cobbs, Kathy Bates, Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close Screenwriter: David Paterson Details: Based on the novel The Great Gilly Hopkins, written by Katherine Paterson and published by HarperCollins in March 1978. SSN Insight: Screenwriter David Paterson, who adapted his mother’s novel, also co-adapted his mother’s Bridge to Terabithia for the 2007 film based on that novel↧
TV Development For 6/17/14: Randall Wallace’s ‘Point of Honor’ Set For Amazon Studios
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TV Castings For 6/18/14: Mary Steenburgen Set For Season 3 of ‘Orange Is The New Black’
Pilots
Paul Reiser and Jennifer Grey have joined Amazon’s Red Oaks, about a man who takes a job as an assistant tennis pro at the predominantly-Jewish Red Oaks country club in New Jersey – to the dismay of his father who'd rather his son be an accountant – while he tries to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Adan Canto has been cast in Amazon’s Hysteria, about a bright but introverted neurologist at the University of Texas Medical School travels to Austin, her hometown, to investigate an epidemic among high school girls that might be spreading through technology.Current Series
Raza Jaffrey and Michael O’Keefe will recur on Showtime’s Homeland. Kevin Durand, Lothaire Bluteau, Morgane Polanski join the season 3 cast of History’s Vikings. Ed Asner and Marion Ross will guest star playing grandparents in ABC Family’s Chasing Life. Mary Steenburgen joins season 3 of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black. Laura Mennell will guest star on Syfy's Haven. Seth Green will replace Jason Biggs as the voice of Leonardo in season 3 of Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Erin Cummings is set guest star on season 2 of Showtime’s Masters of Sex. Erin Karpluk is scheduled to recur on season 5 of ABC’s Rookie Blue.New Series
Patrick Heusinger will recur on Bravo’s Girlfriends Guide to Divorce. Wrenn Schmidt is set to recur on FX’s Tyrant. Bex Taylor-Klaus will guest star in TNT’s The Librarians. Joe E. Tata will reunite with Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling when he guest stars on ABC Family’s Mystery Girls.Limited Series
Michelle Forbes, Leah Gibson and Rhys Ward have joined A&E’s The Returned.. Angela Bettis will appear in USA’s Dig.↧
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Film Development For 6/19/14: Cole Haddon’s Third Script Sale To Sony,’Leviathan,’ Set For Columbia Pictures
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Voice From the Stone Logline: A psychologist tries to help a young boy who made a promise to not speak until his dead mother's spirit returns. Studio/Distributor: K5 Media Group Production Companies: K5 Media Group, DFZ Productions, Code 39 Films Producers: Dean Zanuck, Stefano Gallini, Mark Wheaton (Executive Producer) Cast: Emilia Clarke Writer: Andrew Shaw Director: Eric D. Howell Details: Based on the novel La Voce Della Pietra, by Silvio Raffo and published by Il Saggiatore in 1996. SSN Insight: Project marks the feature directorial debut for Eric D. Howell. Chef Logline: A chef who loses his highly-rated restaurant in France tries to mount a comeback in London by re-assembling his team. Studio/Distributor: The Weinstein Company Production Companies: Double Feature Films, 3 Arts Entertainment Producers: Erwin Stoff, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher Cast: Sienna Miller, Bradley Cooper (Omar Sy is in discussions) Writers: Steven Knight (current draft), Michael Kalesniko (previous draft) Director: John Wells Details: Project is based on an original idea by Keanu Reeves who was previously attached to star. SSN Insight: Project reteams Sienna Miller and Bradley Cooper since American Sniper. Lost in Austen Logline: A fan of Jane Austen, who lives in modern times, suddenly finds she has swapped places with Austen's fictional character Elizabeth Bennet. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Mammoth Screen, Neal Street Productions, Good Universe Producers: Pippa Harris, Sam Mendes, Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake, Guy Andrews (Executive Producer), Damien Timmer (Executive Producer), Michele Buck (Executive Producer) Writers: Carrie Brownstein (current draft), Nora Ephron (previous draft), Guy Andrews (previous draft) Details: Based on the four-part television miniseries Lost in Austen, written by Guy Andrews and starring Jemima Rooper and Gemma Arterton. It aired in the United Kingdom on ITV in September 2008. SSN Insight: Carrie Brownstein of Portlandia fame has been hired as the new writer since the passing of Nora Ephron, who was also attached to direct.NEW PROJECTS
Untitled TriStar/Kristin Wiig/Annie Mumolo Comedy Project Logline: In the town of Vista Del Mar, two best friends find themselves out of their depths…but they weren’t that deep in the first place. Studio/Distributor: TriStar Productions Producers: Kristin Wiig, Annie Mumolo Cast: Kristin Wiig, Annie Mumolo Writers: Kristin Wiig, Annie Mumolo Director: Kristin Wiig SSN Insight: Project marks the directorial debut of Kristin Wiig. Leviathan Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company: Original Films Productions Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher (Executive Producer) Writer: Cole Haddon SSN Insight: Project marks the third script sale for Cole Haddon to Sony (Dodge & Twist and Savage Planet) Malignant Man Logline: When Alan Gates learns that the "tumor" he thought he had is actually a mysterious parasite, he gains incredible powers that he uses to fight an evil army that hides under society’s radar. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Production Companies: Boom! Studios, James Wan Presents Producers: James Wan, Stephen Christy, Ross Richie, Adam Yoelin (Co-Producer) Writer: James Wan Director: James Wan Details: Based on the graphic novel Malignant Man, written by James Wan and published by Boom! Studios on Apr 20th, 2011. SSN Insight: Project marks the first time that James Wan has done a movie at Fox since 2007’s Death Sentence.↧
Rep Moves For 6/20/14: Azoff MSG Entertainment, WME, CAA, Gersh
Agencies
CAA: Danish director Jonas Alexander Arnby is now repped by Scott Greenberg, Maha Dakhil and Ali Trustman. His buzzed-about art house horror film When Animals Dream recently premiered during Critics Week at Cannes and was subsequently acquired by Radius-TWC for distribution. Starting his career in 1993, Arnby has steadily built up a directing career helming award-winning music videos, commercials and short films. Arnby’s won awards for his commercial work from such festivals as Cannes Lion, True Awards and Eurobest, and his short films have played at the LA Short Film Festival, the Palm Springs Film Festival and Portugal amongst others. Arnby is also a co-founder of the Brainstorm Club in Munich, Germany, as well as a co-founder of the commercial department of APC, Circus Alphaville. CAA: Director and producer Adrian Lyne is now repped by Fred Specktor. He was previously repped by WME. Lyne’s last helming and producing job was 2002’s hit feature Unfaithful, starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Lyne originally started his career in television commercials and he first moved into features with 1980’s teen drama Foxes. His breakthrough film came three years later with the musical hit Flashdance and Lyne’s subsequent features have included 9 1/2 Weeks, Fatal Attraction, Jacob’s Ladder, Indecent Proposal and Lolita. He also directed the music video for “Maniac,” the theme song from Flashdance. In 1988, Lyne received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for his work on Fatal Attraction. CAA: Actress Katheryn Winnick is now repped by Tracy Brennan, Josh Lieberman and Jaime Feld. Winnick currently stars as Queen Lagertha on History’s hit series Vikings. Obtaining her first black belt by age 13, Winnick had started three martial arts schools before starting her acting career in the late nineties. Since that point, Winnick has built up an impressive resume with roles in such features as Two Weeks Notice, 50 First Dates, Going the Distance, Failure to Launch, Amusement, Killers, Love and Other Drugs, Stand Up Guys and The Art of the Steal. Winnick’s television credits have included playing Hannah Burley on Season Six of Bones and appearances on Criminal Minds, Law & Order, CSI, The Glades and Nikita. Vikings will soon begin production on its third season. Equitable Stewardship for Artists (ESA): Actor Jay Paulson is now repped by Paul Alan Smith and Tyler Allen. Paulson most recently starred in the indie found footage thriller Lucky Bastard. He also appeared on the television series Longmire and The Glades. Paulson’s big break came when he landed a role as series regular Sean on Cybill. He’s since appeared on such series as Battery Park, Studio 60, The West Wing, October Road and Happy Town amongst others. He also had a recurring role portraying Don Draper’s brother Adam Whitman on Mad Men. Paulson’s feature credits have included Rolling Kansas, Go, Can’t Hardly Wait, Imaginary Heroes and Black Rock. He continues to be co-represented by Alisa Adler at Paradigm. Gersh: Actor and singer John Lloyd Young is now repped by Jason Gutman, Bob Gersh and Rachel Zeidman. Young can currently be seen starring as Frankie Valli in Clint Eastwood’s latest feature Jersey Boys. Primarily a stage actor before his breakout role, Young’s previous theatre credits have included The Drawer Boy, The Chosen, The Summer of the Swan, Spring Awakening and The Five Hysterical Girls Theorem. His film and television credits have included the feature Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!! as well as appearances on Vegas, Law & Order and Glee. In 2013, President Barack Obama appointed Young to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Paradigm: Actress Neve Campbell is now repped by Andrew Ruf, Scott Metzger, Christy Hall and Alisa Adler. Campbell will next be seen in the indie feature Walter, opposite Milo Ventimiglia and William H. Macy. She also recently appeared in the season opener of Mad Men. Landing her breakout role starring in the Fox drama Party of Five, Campbell is probably best known for her role as Sidney Prescott in Wes Craven’s Scream franchise. She’s also had starring roles in The Craft, Wild Things, Panic and The Company. Recent credits have included Grey’s Anatomy, Medium and The Philanthropist, as well as the miniseries Titanic: Blood and Steel. In addition to starring in Robert Altman’s The Company, Campbell also co-wrote and produced the film. WME Entertainment: Academy Award-winning writing team and actors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash are now clients. Faxon and Rash most recently wrote, directed and acted in the feature The Way, Way Back, which starred Steve Carell and Toni Collette.The duo originally met while performing at The Groundlings and they both have led successful acting careers in addition to their writing partnership. Faxon has appeared in such features as Orange County and Bad Teacher, and he starred in the Fox series Ben and Kate. Rash has appeared in One Hour Photo and had recurring spots on That ‘70s Show, Reno 911 and Community. As writers, the two are probably best known for penning The Descendents, which won the two an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Next up, Rash will voice a character in the animated feature Yellowbird and Faxon will star in the FX series Married.Management Companies
Azoff MSG Entertainment: Gwen Stefani and No Doubt have signed with Irving Azoff for management. They were previously with Rebel Waltz Management. Stefani is set take the place of Christina Aguilera in the upcoming season of The Voice this fall. First joining No Doubt in 1986, Stefani has sold nearly 30 million records worldwide, racking up multiple number one hits that include “Don’t Speak,” “Just a Girl” and “Hey Baby.” In 2007, Stefani’s solo tour grossed $31.5 million and in 2009, No Doubt’s tour reported 22.6 million in grosses. Stefani’s film and television appearances have included Portlandia, Gossip Girl and Dawson’s Creek, as well as playing Jean Harlow in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator. Stefani’s also made her mark on the fashion industry, launching L.A.M.B. in 2003, Harajuku Lovers in 2005 and Gx this last March. Management 360: Actor Matthew Broderick is now repped by Eric Kranzler and Guymon Casady. Broderick recently wrapped shooting on Warren Beatty’s untitled Howard Hughes feature. He’ll also be appearing in Neil LaBute’s next feature Dirty Weekend. Starting his career in the eighties, Broderick’s resume has seen such highlights as WarGames, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Biloxi Blues, Torch Song Trilogy, Glory, The Freshman, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, Election, You Can Count on Me, The Producers and voicing Simba in The Lion King. His television credits have included Modern Family, 30 Rock, Louie and Frasier. Also a prolific stage actor, Broderick has won two Tonys, for Brighton Beach Memoirs and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying respectively. Broderick will return to Broadway this fall to co-star with Nathan Lane in Terrence McNally’s It’s Only a Play.↧
Exec Shuffle For 6/20/14: Appian Way, Metamorphosis Music, SyFy, Miramax TV, Warner Bros. Pictures
Company Launches
Bow and Arrow Entertainment: Matthew Perniciaro and Michael Sherman have launched this film, television, branded content and digital media company in Los Angeles. They hope to produce three to four film projects a year. They are joined by Creative Executive Laura Stoltz. HBS Management: Patrick Millsaps has launched this new management company. Karl Braun has joined as Head of Music and Adam Trahan has joined as Head of Talent. Metamorphosis Music: Katy Perry has launched this new record label, which is a subsidiary of Capital Records. Revolution Media: Film financier and producer Michael Benaroya has joined with veteran manager-producer Darryl Taja to launch this independent television studio. The company plans to focus mostly on hour-long dramas which already have talent and showrunners attached. Shanghai Star Film Company: Enlight Media and Bruno Wu’s Seven Stars Entertainment and Media have joined forces to launch this new production venture, which will be based in Shanghai. Warner Bros Television Productions UK: Warner Bros TV Group has acquired the remaining shares of Shed Media Group and will rebrand the company as Warner Bros Television Productions UK. Nick Emmerson has been named Managing Director and Claire Hungate has been named co-Managing Director.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
ABC News: Subrata De has joined as the Vice President of Multi-Platform Newsgathering. Fox International Channels: Christian Brent has joined as the Senior Vice President of Global Research & Audience Strategy. Lionsgate: Thomas Hughes has been named Executive Vice President of Worldwide Digital Distribution. SyFy: Nick Zigler has been named Manager, Development & Current.Film
Appian Way: Michael Hampton and Nathaniel Posey have been named co-Vice Presidents. James Ward has been named Creative Executive. Spencer Beighley has also joined as a Creative Executive. Cinedigm: Geoffrey DeHaven has joined as the Operations Manager. Suzanna Lee has been named Director of Business Development & Strategy. Erick Opeka has been named Executive Vice President of Digital Networks. Jason Rubin has joined as Brand Manager. Shawn Sheikh has joined as Senior Product Manager. John Wells Productions: Zach Studin has joined as Senior Vice President of Features. Lucasfilm Singapore: Teresa Cheng has joined as the General Manager. Warner Bros Pictures: Thomas Molter has been named Executive Vice President of International Distribution & Exhibition Strategy. Julia Spiro has been named Creative Executive.Television
eOne Television: David Shaye has joined as the Vice President of Development, U.S. Alternative Programming. Irwin Entertainment: Beau Delmore has joined as Development Manager. Kinetic Content: Paria Sadighi has been named Head of Communications. Miramax TV: Daniel Pipski has joined as Vice President of Television. Pilgrim Studios: Michael Purleski has been named Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs. Rive Gauche: Bryan Gabourie has been named Vice President of International Distribution. Marine Ksadzhikyan has been named Senior Vice President of International Distribution. Ryan Seacrest Productions: Rabih Gholam has been named Executive Vice President of Unscripted Television. Parkes/MacDonald Productions: Owen Shiflett has joined as the Head of Television. Prospect Park: Priscilla Crowe has been named the Executive Director of Development & Current Series.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
APA: Carlos Carreras has been named Vice President. CAA: Tristen Tuckfield has joined as an Agent, Film Finance & Sales Group. IMG/WME: Greg D’Alba has joined as the President of Global Sales and Marketing. Fox Rothschild: Julian K. Petty has been named a Partner. Luber/Roklin Entertainment: Genevieve Penn has joined as a Manager. PR Dept.: Michael Krepack has joined as a Senior Executive. UTA: Amanda Burnett has been named Coordinator, TV Literary. Lindsay Framson has been named Agent, TV Literary. Peri Litvak has been named Coordinator, Motion Picture Talent. Scott Perraud has been named Agent, TV Literary. Lily Safran has been named Coordinator, TV Literary. Martin To has been named Coordinator, TV Literary.Cable
BBC America: Angela Freedman has joined as Manager, Unscripted Programming.Digital
Amazon: David Levy has joined as Startup Business Development Executive. eBay: Dave Montez was promoted to Chief Audit Executive. Microsoft: Bill Godwin has been promoted to Deputy Head of Partner Management, Global Partner & App Development.Music
Def Jam Recordings: Nicki Farag has been named Vice President of Promotion. Universal Music Group Nashville: Cindy Mabe has been named President.↧
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