Film Development For 7/31/14: Edgar Wright Set To Direct ‘Grasshopper Jungle’ Adaptation For Columbia Pictures
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Rep Moves For 8/1/14: Gersh, WME Entertainment, APA, Management 360
Agencies
APA: British actress Tracy Ifeachor is now repped by Shelsea Jacobs and Jim Osborne. Ifeachor’s currently a series regular on the NBC summer pirate drama Crossbones. Previously, she was probably best known for her role as Abigail Naismith on the Doctor Who Christmas special “The End of Time.” Beginning her acting career with London’s Royal Shakespeare Company, Ifeachor landed her first television spot on the BBC series Casualty and soon after appeared on the series Jo and Strike Back, which aired later on Cinemax in the US. Next up, Ifeachor is set to appear in the feature film Take Down. She continues to be repped by United Agents in the U.K. and NB Management. APA: Actress Kate Lambert is now repped by John Griffin. Lambert’s currently shooting the TV Land pilot Teachers, which is based on the web series of the same name. The new series will be written, performed and executive produced by The Katydids, a comedy group that Lambert belongs to. Prior to Teachers, Lambert trained at Second City in Chicago and then joined the iO theater, where she’s worked as a regular performer. Lambert has also done voice over work and been featured in viral comedy videos on such sites as The Huffington Post, MoveOn.Org, MTV, Cosmopolitan, Feministing, LaughSpin, College Humor, and Italy's Vanity Fair. In 2013, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Gold Coast Film Festival for her work on the Teachers web series. Gersh: Actress and comedian Roseanne Barr has signed for representation in all areas. Barr is currently appearing as a judge alongside Keenan Ivory Wayans and Russell Peters on Last Comic Standing. Starting her career in stand-up comedy, Barr’s still probably best known for the landmark sitcom Roseanne, which ran for nine seasons and racked up numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe wins. In addition to countless film and television appearances, Roseanne also notably hosted the daytime talk show The Roseanne Show in 1998 and starred in the Lifetime reality series Roseanne’s Nuts in 2011 about her family’s macadamia nut farm. In 2012, Barr even ran for President under the Peace and Freedom Party, finishing sixth overall with 50,000 votes. Filmmaker Eric Weinrib’s documentary on the campaign, Roseanne for President!, will be released later this year. Gersh: Actor and comedian Andrew Dice Clay is now repped by Allison Band. Clay will soon be seen as a cast member in HBO’s untitled rock ‘n’ roll pilot, which will be produced by Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Terence Winter. He also recently had a guest spot on The Blacklist. These new moves all mark a comeback for Clay, who’s been on a roll since a career-changing performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine last year. Starting out in Manhattan comedy clubs, Clay’s career hit its stride in the late eighties, leading to his starring role in 1990’s The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. After a long lull, Clay’s luck began to change in 2012 when appeared in an arc on the final season of Entourage in 2012 and he filmed his first stand-up special in 17 years. Next up, Clay is set to publish his first memoir, The Filthy Truth, on November 11. WME Entertainment: Oscar and Emmy-winning writer, director and producer James L. Brooks is now a client. Starting off his career in television, the prolific writer and director has created numerous iconic series including Room 222, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, Phyllis, Lou Grant, Taxi, The Tracey Ullman Show and The Simpsons. Altogether, he has received a total of 47 Emmy nominations and won 20 of them. In 1983, Brooks moved into the world of features as well, winning three Academy Awards for producing, writing and directing the classic film Terms of Endearment. Brooks has received 10 Academy Award nominations for his work on such films as Broadcast News, Jerry Maguire and As Good As It Gets. In 1984, Brooks founded the television and film company Gracie Films. His producing credits have included such features such as Big, Say Anything…, The War of the Roses, Bottle Rocket and The Simpsons Movie. WME Entertainment: Actress and comedian Kathy Griffin is now a client. Griffin is returning to WME after a four-month absence. She was previously with CAA. Griffin recently hosted the Daytime Emmy Awards. She also won a Grammy award in January for her comedy album Calm Down Gurrl. Griffin began her career in stand-up comedy, starting off as a member of the comedy troupe The Groundlings appearing in small roles in film and television. After a supporting turn Suddenly Susan, Griffin got her big break with the Bravo reality series Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List, which earned two Emmy awards for Outstanding Reality Program. Up next, Griffin is in talks to return to CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live special, which she has co-hosted with Anderson Cooper for the past seven years.Management Companies
Management 360: Actor Theo Rossi is now repped by Beau Swayze and Dean Schnider. Rossi currently stars as series regular Juan Carlos “Juice” Ortiz on FX’s Sons of Anarchy. Starting his career in the late nineties, Rossi appeared in several national commercials before landing guest spots on such series as Veronica Mars, Bones, Boston Public, Lost, Las Vegas and Hawaii Five-0. He’s also recurred on Heist, American Dreams, Grey’s Anatomy and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Feature-wise, Rossi’s credits include Cloverfield, Kill Theory and The Informers, as well as the television movie Code Breakers. In 2011, Rossi founded the company Dos Dudes Pictures with several of his friends and they are currently in development on several film and television productions.↧
Exec Shuffle For 8/1/14: Showtime, E!, Endemol Beyond USA, Fox International Productions, Netflix
Company Launches
House of Tomorrow: Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones have launched a new production company House of Tomorrow at Endemol UK. The new outfit will produce dramas, half-hour comedies and features for the UK and international markets. IM Global Television: IM Global is launching a television production arm headed up by Mark Stern. IM Global Television seeks to produce under the straight to series model with a creative focus on sci-fi, genre and supernatural programming. The new branch will have access to IM Global’s feature film library. Mam Tor Productions: Tally Garner has set up a production and development shingle. Garner has signed a deal with Endemol UK, which will provide financing. Endemol Worldwide Distribution will provide international distribution. Pursuit Productions: Lauren Sanchez and Dan Friedkin have launched Pursuit Productions, which will focus on producing documentary and non-fiction content for film and television. Rumble: David Lancaster has launched a new production, development and financing company, Rumble. Rumble’s production slate will focus on filmmaker driven film and television pieces. Lancaster has brought Jon Shiffman on board as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer as well as Stephanie Wilcox as Vice President of Development and Production.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
CBS Studios International: Javier Avitla has been named Executive Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs. Corporation for Public Broadcasting: Bruce Theriault has been named Senior Vice President Radio & Journalism. DreamWorks Animation: Ann Daly has been named President. Lewis Coleman has been named Vice Chairman and Acting Chief Accounting Officer in addition to his current duties as Chief Financial Officer. Mark Zoradi has been named Chief Operating Officer. Fox International Productions: Michael Andreen has joined as Senior Vice President, Production. NBCUniversal: Katie Larkin has been named Executive Vice President, Advertising Sales Research & Strategy. Lauren Skowronski has been named Vice President of Corporate Communications. Walt Disney International: Paul Candland has been named President of Asia. Stanley Cheung has been named Chairman of China. Luke Kang has been named Managing Director, Greater China. WWE: Barry McMullin has been named Senior Vice President, Sales & Partnership Marketing.Film
IM Global: Deborah Zipser has joined as Head of Business & Legal Affairs and General Counsel. RLJE International: Stuart Shaw has joined as Managing Director, as of September 01, 2014.Television
Jupiter Entertainment: Melanie Reardon has joined as Senior Director, Development. Offspring Entertainment: Meredith Ditlow has joined as Vice President, Development.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
APA: Jason Parent has joined as Agent, Concerts. Val Wolfe has joined as Agent, Concerts. ICM Partners: Steve Alexander has joined as Partner. Kevin Hussey has joined as joined as Agent. Sarah Kelly has been named Agent. Mosaic: Andrew Lewis has been named Creative Executive. Underground Management: Steve Fisher has joined as a Manager. WME/IMG: Chris Liddell has been named Chief Financial Officer.Cable
Cox Communications: Leigh Woisard was promoted to Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. George Richter was promoted to Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management. Cox Communications: Mallard Holliday was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. Allen Roberts was promoted to Vice President of Cox Business Operations. E!: Betsy Slenzak has been named Director, Series Development & Original Programming. Julie St. Aubin has been named Director, Series Development & Original Programming. Showtime: Jessie Dicovitsky has been named Manager, Original Programming.Digital
AOL: Marta Martinez has been named Head, Global Video Sales. Arsenal: Kira Karlstrom has joined as a Business Development Executive. Defy Media: Mark Gall has joined as Chief Revenue Officer. Endemol Beyond USA: Leslie Morgan has been named Executive Director, Lifestyle Vertical Network & Programming. Netflix: Peter Friedlander has been promoted to Vice President, Original Series.Publishing
Getty Images: Susan Smith Ellis has joined as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, as of September 2014.Music
Def Jam: Rodney Shealey has been named Executive Vice President, Urban Promotion.↧
ICYMI: SSN’s Top Stories From 7/28 – 8/1/14
The Emmy Handicap: Can Big Bang Theory & True Detective Change the Tide & Win?
Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Drama Series are more about the season as a whole: producers of each nominated show choose six episodes that get randomly distributed to three different groups of Academy voters, which view two episodes each. With that in mind, what follows is SSN’s quick and dirty handicap of the two biggest series races, here (SSN)The Emmy Handicap: Bryan Cranston & Claire Danes Look to Keep on Winning
The truth is that acting category nominees are permitted to submit just a single episode for consideration, to be evaluated by juries of somewhere between 25 and 75 fellow actors. SSN reports that the one-episode gambit may this year only strengthen the cases of Claire Danes for her Homeland turn and Bryan Cranston for his iconic performance as Walter White in AMC’s Breaking Bad. (SSN)The Emmy Handicap: All Hail King Jim (Parsons) & Queen Julia (Louis-Dreyfus) in Comedy Face-offs
For nominees, it ultimately comes down to how each nominee’s single episode submission is received by voters. The right choice can help nail down a win; the wrong choice can derail a sure thing. What follows is SSN’s handicap of the lead comedy acting races at this year’s Emmys, along with some discussion of how each submitted episode may impact the outcome. (SSN)The Emmy Handicap: In Sup. Breaking Bad Looks to Go Out with a Bang While in Comedy, Flip a Coin
Here’s SSN’s Emmy analysis, with an eye on the single episode chosen by each performer to send to the voting committee in the supporting actor and actress categories for drama and comedy series. (SSN)The Emmy Handicap: Could this be the Year Bill Maher Breaks his Epic Losing Streak?
Remember when Susan Lucci was 0-for-19 before finally winning a Daytime Emmy, or Angela Lansbury 0-for-18 without a win? Well, Maher is on page to have more winless noms than both those ladies combined. His nominations this year are for HBO late-night talker Real Time with Bill Maher, and for the news series Vice, on which he is a producer. SSN’s analysis of the race is here (SSN)↧
On The Set For 8/4/14: Johnny Depp Wraps ‘Black Mass’& Starts ‘Through The Looking Glass’
Starts
Through the Looking Glass 08/03/2014 Logline: Alice's adventures continue when she steps through a mirror and enters a madcap alternate universe. Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production Companies: Roth Films, Team Todd Director: James Bobin Producers: Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd, Jennifer Todd Cast: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Rhys Ifans Screenwriter: Linda Woolverton Details: Sequel to Alice in Wonderland (USA/2010) directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska and based on the novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, written by Lewis Carroll and published in 1871. SSN Insight: Mark Rylance had previously been in talks for the role played by Rhys Ifans. The Man Who Knew Infinity 08/03/2014 Logline: The true story of Srinavasa Ramanujan, a self-taught math prodigy from India. Production Companies: Pressman Film, Animus Films, Cinemorphic Entertainment Company, Dutch Tilt, Xeitgeist Director: Matt Brown Executive Producers: Jonathan S. Katz, Tristine Skyler, Joe Thomas, Min-Li Tan, Mark Montgomery, Pamela Godfrey Producers: Edward R. Pressman, Sofia Sondervan, Jim Young, Prashita Chaudhary Cast: Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Devika Bhise Screenwriter: Matt Brown Details: Based on the book The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan, written by Robert Kanigel published by Scribner May 1991. SSN Insight: The first feature film to be shot at Trinity College in Cambridge, England. Under the Bed 08/04/2014 Logline: Based on true events, a young woman recovering from a break-up unknowingly befriends a stalker online who is secretly living under her bed. Production Companies: Radar Pictures, Appian Way, Sobe Brooke Studios Director: Dan Myrick Executive Producers: Eustace Montgomery Hicks, Aldo LaPietra, Thomas E. Van Dell, Justin Shaner Producers: Ted Field, Mike Weber, Shawn Papazian, Richard Halpern, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Killoran Cast: Hannah New, Toni Garrn Screenwriter: Dan Myrick SSN Insight: Dan Myrick co-wrote and co-directed the horror hit The Blair Witch Project (USA/1999). Belle and Sebastien, l’aventure continue 08/04/2014 Logline: When World War II ends, 10-year-old Sebastien and his beloved dog Belle make an epic trip looking for his friend Angelica, who was in a plane crash in the Alps. Production Companies: Radar Films, Gaumont, Epithete Films Director: Christian Duguay Producer: Clément Miserez Cast: Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo, Margaux Chatelier, Urbain Cancelier Screenwriters: Juliette Sales, Fabien Suarez Details: Sequel to Belle et Sébastien (France/2013) directed by Nicolas Vanier and starring Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo, Margaux Chatelier and Dimitri Storoge. The original film was based on the children’s TV classic Belle et Sébastien, created by Cécile Aubry and first aired on ORTF in France on September 26, 1965. SSN Insight: The original Belle and Sebastien was a box office hit in France, grossing more than $23 million. Equals 08/04/2014 Logline: In the futuristic utopian society known as the Collective, where inhabitants, called Equals, are peaceful and emotionless, one man and one woman find that they have feelings for each other and must escape to survive. Production Companies: Scott Free Productions, Route One Films Director: Drake Doremus Executive Producers: Michael A. Pruss, Lee Jae Woo, Choi Pyung-ho, Russell Levine Producers: Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer, Jay Stern, Chip Diggins, Ann Ruark Cast: Kristen Stewart, Nicholas Hoult, Guy Pearce, Kate Lyn Sheil, Aurora Perrineau Screenwriters: Drake Doremus, Nathan Parker SSN Insight: Indian Paintbrush was previously attached to finance.Wraps
Triple Nine 08/01/2014 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: Anthony Katagas,Matthew Budman, Bard Dorros, Keith Redmon, Marc Butan, Christopher Woodrow Cast: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gal Gadot, Woody Harrelson, Kate Winslet Screenwriters: Matt Cook (current draft), John Hillcoat, (previous draft), Michael Guglio (previous draft) SSN Insight: Annapurna Pictures was previously attached to produce and finance. To Reach the Clouds 07/30/2014 Logline: The true story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, who walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974. Studio: TriStar Productions Production Company: ImageMovers Director: Robert Zemeckis Executive Producers: Jackie Levine, Cherylanne Martin Producers: Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon, Ben Schwartz, Ben Kingsley Screenwriters: Robert Zemeckis, Christopher Browne Details: Based on Philippe Petit’s memoirs To Reach the Clouds, published in 2002 by North Point Press. SSN Insight: The film is the first project for Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions. Black Mass 08/01/2014 Logline: A true-crime saga about FBI corruption and the uniquely savage New England mob scene involving James "Whitey" Bulger. Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Companies: Arthaus Pictures, Infinitum Nihil, Le Grisbi Productions Director: Scott Cooper Executive Producers: Peter Mallouk, Lauren Selig, Brett Granstaff, Gary Granstaff Producers: Brian Oliver, Tyler Thompson, John Lesher, Patrick McCormick, Scott Cooper Cast: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Dakota Johnson Screenwriter: Scott Cooper (current draft), Russell Gewirtz (previous draft), Mark Mallouk (previous draft), Jim Sheridan (previous draft), Nye Heron (previous draft) Details: Based on the book Black Mass: The Irish Mob, The FBI and A Devil's Deal, written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill published by Public Affairs Press May, 2000. SSN Insight: Daniel Day-Lewis was previously attached to the role of James "Whitey" Bulger.↧
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TV Development For 8/5/14: Wolfgang Petersen & Scott Stuber To Exec Produce ‘Ghost Brigades’ For Syfy
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TV Castings For 8/6/14: Mathew St. Patrick Set For FX’s ‘Sons of Anarchy’
Pilots
Natalie Zea joins ABC’s Members Only, an upstairs/downstairs drama set at an exclusive Connecticut country club, centered on the club’s leisure-class members and the working-class employees who make the place tick. Josh Casaubon has landed the lead role in Amazon’s Down Dog, that centers on a heart-stoppingly gorgeous surfer, devoid of ambition - a Peter Pan who has been sliding through on charisma, easy charm and good looks - who must now start to take life seriously when he’s left in charge of his ex-girlfriend’s yoga studio.Current Series
Kelen Coleman joins season 4 of ABC’s Scandal. Spike Jonze will guest star on HBO’s Girls. Jenny Slate is set to guest star on FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Foxes and Frank Skinner will guest star on BBC’s Doctor Who. Charlotte Ross is scheduled to guest star on CW’s Arrow. Rob McElhenney will guest star on Season 3 of FOX’s The Mindy Project. Mark Moses and Nimrat Kaur will recur on Season 4 of Showtime’s Homeland. Emily Heller has landed a recurring role on TBS’ Ground Floor. David Spade is set to guest star on ABC’s The Goldbergs. David Cubitt has joined CW’s Arrow. Mathew St. Patrick joins FX’s Sons of Anarchy.New Series
Benny Ciaramello will recur on ABC’s Secrets & Lies. Warren Kole and Erik Stocklin have landed recurring roles on ABC’s Stalker. John Stamos and Hugh Bonneville will guest star on ABC’s Galavant. David Zayas will play the mob boss in FOX’s Gotham. Peter MacNicol has landed a series regular role on CBS’ CSI: Cyber. Eddie McClintock will recur on FOX’s Backstrom. Angelique Cabral will guest star. Jaimie Alexander and Bernard White will recur on HBO’s The Brink. Ryan Hansen has replaced previously cast Matther Zickel on NBC’s Bad Judge. Lyriq Bent, Todd Stashwick, Demore Barnes and Romina D’Ugo will recur on Syfy’s 12 Monkeys.↧
Film Development For 8/7/14: Red Wagon Entertainment & Warner Bros. Reteaming For ‘Honorable Exit’ Adaptation
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Manimal Logline: A man with a mysterious past changes into an animal to battle crime. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Sony Pictures Animation, Mosaic, Gary Sanchez Productions Producers: Glen Larson, Jimmy Miller, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay Writers: Jay Martel, Ian Roberts Details: Based on the television show Manimal that aired on NBC in 1983 and created by Glen A. Larson. SSN Insight: Project marks the 4th re-teaming of Jimmy Miller (Mosaic) with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay (Gary Sanchez) since they produced The Other Guys, Step Brothers, and Talladega Nights. Additionally, re-teams writers Martel and Roberts with Gary Sanchez since Get Hard. Near Death Logline: A psychological thriller set in the world of near-death experiences. Studio/Distributor: Voltage Pictures Production Companies: Velocity Entertainment Partners, Busted Shark, Voltage Pictures Producers: Joe Riley, Sherryl Clark, Craig Flores, Nicolas Chartier Writer: Carter Blanchard Director: Gabriele Muccino SSN Insight: Project re-teams Muccino and Voltage since Fathers and Daughters. A Wrinkle in Time Logline: A brother and sister travel to a fifth dimension to rescue their father. Studio/Distributor: Walt Disney Production Company: Whitaker Entertainment Producers: Jim Whitaker, Catherine Hand, Charlotte Voilkis (Executive Producer) Writers: Jennifer Lee (current adaptation), Jeff Stockwell (previous adaptation) Details: Based on the best-selling novel A Wrinkle in Time, written by Madeleine L'Engle and published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in 1962. SSN Insight: Project marks the 3rd project Jennifer Lee will write for Disney (Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph).NEW PROJECTS
Queen of Earth Logline: When two women go to a beach house to retreat from the pressures of daily life, they find they have become disconnected from each other and their suspicions begin to color reality. Producer: Joe Swanberg Cast: Elisabeth Moss Writer: Alex Ross Perry Director: Alex Ross Perry SSN Insight: Project reteams Alex Ross Perry & Elisabeth Moss since Listen Up Philip. Honorable Exit Logline: A group of diplomats and soldiers conduct a secret evacuation of Saigon during the end of the Vietnam War. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Company: Red Wagon Entertainment Producers: Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher Details: Based on the novel Honorable Exit, written by Thurston Clarke and to be published by Doubleday. SSN Insight: Re-teams Red Wagon with Warner Bros. for first time since The Great Gatsby. The Italian Chapel Logline: During WWII, an Italian private is captured and sent to a Scottish island where he falls in love with a girl and builds a chapel. Years later, he returns with his wife. Production Companies: Blue Horizon Productions, Orisa Films Producers: Andrew Bendel, Cristiano Bortone Writer: John Wrathall SSN Insight: The original screenplay by John Wrathall was previously selected for Working Title’s emerging writers scheme.↧
Rep Moves For 8/8/14: WME Entertainment, UTA, Paradigm, ICM Partners, 42 West
Agencies
ICM Partners: Singer, songwriter andactress Natalie Imbruglia is now repped by Andrea Johnson in the concerts department.Starting her career as an actress in the Australian soap Neighbours, Imbruglia first burst onto the music scene with 1997’s Left of the Middle, which sold seven million copies and featured the hit single “Torn.” Her subsequent albums have included White Lillies Island, Counting Down the Days and Come to Life. Imbruglia’s feature acting credits have included Johnny English, Closed for Winter, Underdogs and Among Ravens.She was also a judge on the U.K. version of X Factor. Next up, Imbruglia will be releasing her fifth studio album, a covers album featuring male artists that include Neil Young and Daft Punk. ICM Partners: British actor Tom Prior is now repped by Chuck James. Prior will soon be seen in Matthew Vaughn’s new film Kingsman: The Secret Service, which is due out early next year and stars Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson. Prior also recently completed production on the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything, where he’ll be playing Robert Hawking. A successful actor from an early age, Prior trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and is a member of the National Youth Theatre, where he appeared in several lead roles during their recent West End Season. Prior also starred as Alex in the 2012 short film Alex Was a Friend of Mine and more recently appeared in an episode of the ITV British detective drama series Endeavour. ICM Partners: Actress and singer Condola Rashad is now repped by Adam Schweitzer, Carter Cohn, Sean Liebowitz and Craig Shapiro. Rashad most recently played Juliet opposite Orlando Bloom’s Romeo in a Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet. The daughter of actress Phylicia Rashad and former NFL receiver Ahmad Rashad, she has worked primarily as a theatre actress up to this point, making her off-Broadway debut in a buzzed-about performance in the 2009 play Ruined. Since then, Rashad’s gone on to appear in Tony-nominated performances in Stick Fly and The Trip to Bountiful. Rashad’s film and television credits include a recurring role on Smash, as well as starring in the Lifetime remake of Steel Magnolias. Rashad is also the lead singer of Condola and The Stoop Kids, whose debut album was released last year. Paradigm: Broadway star Patti LuPone is now repped by Iris Grossman. Lupone most recently recurred on the FX series American Horror Story: Coven, as well as HBO’s Girls. Making her Broadway debut in 1973, LuPone’s storied career has seen such highlights as Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Les Miserables, The Cradle Will Rock, Sunset Boulevard and the title role in Evita. LuPone is a two-time Grammy Award winner and a two-time Tony Award winner (for Gypsy and Evita). She also has received two Emmy nominations for a guest spot on Frasier and the television movie The Song Spinner. LuPone’s other television credits have included playing series regular Libby Thacher on Life Goes On as and recurring appearances on Law & Order, OZ and 30 Rock. Her feature credits have included Witness, Driving Miss Daisy and State and Main. UTA: Actor Pierre Niney is now repped by Ali Benmohamed, Billy Lazarus, Bec Smith and Louise Ward. Niney most recently starred as the title character in Yves Saint Laurent, which debuted at Cannes and will be distributed in the U.S. by The Weinstein Company. Starting his career in 2007, Niney has appeared in more than 15 films since that point. In 2012 and 2013, Niney was nominated for a Cesar Award as most promising new actor, for his work in J’aime Regarder les Filles and Comme des Freres respectively. His other credits have included Romantics Anonymous, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, It Boy and the television series Marion Mazzano. Up next, Niney will play Philippe Cousteau in the feature film The Odyssey. UTA: Actress Laura Steinel is now repped by Jenny Maryasis, Marissa Devins, Jo Yao, Aron Giannini and Larry Salz. Steinel recently landed the female lead in the comedy pilot Duty, which Comedy Central green-lighted to series earlier this week. That series is being executive produced by Happy Endings creator David Caspe. Prior to her breakout role, Steinel had previously only appeared in the web series Super Love Hero and she had a supporting role in the Kevin Costner feature Draft Day. Next up, Steinel is set to appear in the indie feature Keep in Touch, which recently completed production. WME Entertainment: Actor Pedro Pascal is now represented in all areas. Pascal just finished up a memorable arc on Game of Thrones, playing Oberyn Martell. He’s also slated to star in Netflix’s upcoming drama series Narcos as a DEA agent on the hunt for Pablo Escobar. Starting his career in the late nineties, Pascal has appeared in recurring roles on numerous series including The Good Wife, Lights Out, Brothers & Sisters, Red Widow, Graceland and The Mentalist. He’s also appeared in guest spots on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Without a Trace, Nurse Jackie, The Good Wife, Nikita and Homeland. Pascal continues to be repped by Untitled Entertainment for management, as well as attorney Kim Jaime at Jackoway Tyerman Wertheimer Austen Mandelbaum Morris & Klein.Public Relations
42 West: Actor Richard Madden is now repped by Heidi Lopata. Madden most appeared earlier this year on the Discovery miniseries Klondike. He also starred in the French feature A Promise, which screened in the Special Presentation section at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Madden is probably best known, however, for his unforgettable turn as Robb Stark on HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones.Starting his career at age 11, Madden was quickly cast on the U.K. children’s series Barmy Aunt Boomerang. Graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he has appeared in numerous theatrical roles in addition to his film and television work. His television credits include a starring role in the British series Hope Springs, as well as the television movie Worried About the Boy and the U.K. series Sirens and Birdsong. Next up, Madden is set to star as Prince Charming in Kenneth Branagh’s upcoming feature version of Cinderella, due out in 2015.↧
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Exec Shuffle For 8/8/14: Open Road Films, Carnival Films, Circle of Confusion, AMC Networks, Maker Studios
Company Launches
Exponent Media Group: Actor Harry Lennix and Steve Harris have formed a new film production company, Exponent Media Group. The duo currently plans to produce five films over the next three years with budgets in the $1 million range. Zealot Networks: The former co-founder and CEO of Maker Studios Danny Zappin has launched a new digital media distribution company, Zealot Networks. The new venture plans to position itself as a “digital-first” media outfit that is aimed at empowering creative talent while delivering multiplatform revenue, distribution and growth opportunities.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
20th Century Fox: David Singh has joined as Executive Vice President, Creative Advertising. A+E Networks: Joel Denton has joined as Managing Director, International Content Sales & Partnerships. BBC Worldwide: Tobias de Graaff has been named Executive Vice President, Western Europe. Cablevision: David Dibble has joined as Chief Technology Officer. CBS Television Distribution Group: Javier Avitia has been named Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs. CBS Television Studios: Meghan Lyvers has joined as Senior Vice President, Drama Development. Crown Media Networks: Tara Meyer has joined as Vice President, Digital Ad Sales. Hearst Digital Studios: Corey Moss has joined as Senior Vice President, Production & Development. NBCUniversal Television Distribution: Kevin O’Donnell and Kathleen Polett have been named Senior Vice President, Syndication Sales. Sony Pictures Entertainment: Mike Pavlic has been named President of Worldwide Creative Advertising. Time, Inc.: Mark Ellis has joined as Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales.Film
AMBI Distribution: JJ Nugent has joined as Coordinator, Sales & Acquisitions. Australians in Film: Simonne Overend has joined as President. Film4: David Kosse has joined as Director as of November 01, 2014. Open Road Films: Jason Cassidy has been named Chief Marketing Officer. Kaitlyn Vowels has joined as Senior Vice President, Creative Advertising. Ritchie/Wigram Productions: Jeff Ludwig has been named Vice President. Saban Films: Jonathan Saba has joined as Vice President, Marketing and Azniv Taschyan as Vice President of Finance. Whalerock Industries: Aaron Ensweiler has joined as Vice President, Film & Scripted Television.Television
All3Media America: Aaron Saidman has been named Executive Vice President, Production & Development. Bodega Pictures: Scott Paskoff has joined as Vice President, Development. Carnival Films: Danielle Dajani has joined as Head of Production. Tara Cook has joined as Development Producer. Phil Temple has been named Development Producer. Debmar-Mercury Entertainment: Alexandra Jewett has been named Executive Vice President, Programming. El Rey Network: Chad Blankenship has been named Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications. Katie Lanegran has been named Vice President, Public Relations. Outdoor Channel: Timothy Boell has joined as Vice President, Distribution & Affiliate Marketing. Red Arrow International: Harry Gamsu has been named Vice President, Format Acquisitions & Sales. T Group Productions: Patrick McGee has joined as Senior Vice President, Development. Tricon Films & Television: Frank Saperstein has joined as Executive Vice President, Kids, Family & Animation.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
Circle of Confusion: Josh Adler has joined as Manager, Literary. DKC Public Relations: Ella Robinson has joined as Senior Vice President, Entertainment. Entertainment Partners: Sammy Simpson has joined as Vice President, Marketing. Hawthorne Direct: Neil Klayman has been named Associate Creative Director. ICM Partners: Brandy Rivers has joined as Agent, Literary. LINK Entertainment: Craig Baumgarten has joined as Partner. United Talent Agency: Alex Brunner has joined as Agent, Film Finance, Independent Film Group.Cable
AMC: Stefano Agosto has been named Manager, Scripted Programming. BBC America: Melissa Drucker has been named Senior Vice President, Television Sales. Discovery Life Channel: Julie Meisner Eagle has joined as Vice President, Production & Development. Nickelodeon: Brittany Macofsky has been named Coordinator, Talent Events. Offspring Entertainment: Meredith Ditlow has joined as Vice President, Television. Oxygen Media: Christine Cowan has been named Vice President, Talent Development. Teri Kennedy has been named Senior Vice President, Current Production. Matt Shanfield has joined as Vice President, Development. Jean Shi has joined as Senior Director, Development. Stephanie Steele has joined as Vice President, Current Production. SyFy: Heather Olander has joined as Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming. Telemundo: Mirta Ojito has joined as Director, News Standards. VH1: Vivian Gomez has been named Director, Current Production. Ken Martinez has joined as Vice President, Current Production, East Coast. Jennifer McGovern has joined as Vice President, Development, East Coast.Digital
Amazon: Judith McGrath has joined as a Board member. AOL Studios: Nate Hayden has been named Vice President, Original & Branded Content. Naomi Yasuda has joined as Senior Director. Maker Studios: Gabriel Lewis has joined as Executive Vice President, Development & Strategy. Bonnie Pan has joined as Executive Vice President, Programming. Spotify: Shiva Rajamaran has joined in an as yet to be determined capacity. Yahoo: Mike Kail has joined as Chief Information Officer & Senior Vice President, Infrastructure.Music
RCA Music Group: Mika El-Baz has been named Executive Vice President, West Coast & Publicity.↧
ICYMI: SSN’s Top Stories For 8/4 – 8/8/14
The Emmy Handicap: Will Masters of Sex Sweep & Newhart Snag Another Statue in the Guest Categories?
SSN’s handicap of the guest acting races, via the drama and comedy nominees, starts here (SSN)The Emmy Handicap: Female Favorites May Make History in Writing & Directing Categories
SSN’s quick handicap of this year’s Emmy writing and directing nominees, in both drama and comedy series, starts here. (SSN)Emmy Spotlight: The Taste & Parts Unknown’s Anthony Bourdain on Creating a Cinematic Experience for Reality TV
Bourdain is the host of Parts Unknown on CNN, and serves as executive producer and host of ABC’s The Taste for which he earned his second hosting nomination. SSN got the chance to sit down with the globe trotter to ask about The Taste and Parts Unknown and we even managed to squeak out his favorite L.A. restaurants. (SSN)Emmy Spotlight: Ellen Burstyn on Deciphering Evil for Flowers in the Attic & Studying with Lee Strasberg
SSN’s interview with the revered Oscar, Emmy and Tony-winning actress on her nominated turn in Flowers In The Attic, why she had to turn down the role of Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over The Cuckooo’s Nest, and tells SSN her views on powerful roles for women: “When I first started getting offered movies it was always the loyal wife or the prostitute or the victim—those were the three views of a woman in film.” (SSN)The Emmy Handicap: SSN’s 66th Primetime Emmy Predictions with a Printable Ballot
SSN’s predictions for the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards are here, with predicted winners in bold and the rest of the nominee fields listed in descending order of likelihood. Included: a printable 2014 Emmy ballot with SSN’s picks, as well as a blank printable 2014 Emmy ballot. (SSN)↧
On The Set For 8/11/14: ‘Jurassic World’ Wraps, ‘The Last Face’ Starts
Starts
Spectral 08/07/2014 Logline: A special ops team must fight a new kind of terrorist threat that involves the supernatural. Production Company: Legendary Entertainment Director: Nic Mathieu Executive Producers: Jillian Zaks, Guy Riedel Producers: Jon Jashni, Thomas Tull Cast: James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Bruce Greenwood, Max Martini Screenwriters: John Gatins (current draft), Jamie Moss (previous draft), Jayson Rothwell (previous draft), George J. Nolfi (previous draft), Ian Fried (spec) SSN Insight: Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg were previously attached to direct. Untitled (Sony/Point Grey/Good Universe Xmas Comedy Project) 08/11/2014 Logline: Three childhood best friends reunite for their annual Christmas Eve outing in Manhattan. Studio: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Point Grey Pictures, Good Universe Director: Jonathan Levine Executive Producers: Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake, Kyle Hunter, Ariel Shaffir Producers: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, James Weaver Cast: Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, Jillian Bell, Lizzy Caplan Screenwriter: Jonathan Levine SSN Insight: Jonathan Levine previously directed 50/50(USA/2011) produced by Point Grey Pictures. The Last Face 08/11/2014 Logline: Set against the backdrop of war-torn Africa, a doctor and a relief worker must balance their blossoming love for each other with their passion for the meaningful work they are doing. Production Companies: River Road Entertainment, FilmHaven Entertainment, Gerber Pictures Director: Sean Penn Producers: Bill Pohlad, Bill Gerber, Matthew Palmieri Cast: Javier Bardem, Charlize Theron, Adéle Exarchopoulos Screenwriter: Erin Dignam SSN Insight: Robin Wright and Ryan Gosling were previously attached to star.Wraps
Jurassic World 08/05/2014 Logline: Unfolding 22 years after the events of "Jurassic Park," this fourth film in the franchise takes place in a newly constructed resort on Isla Nublar, where humanity's continuing efforts to dominate nature generate unexpected, and dangerous, results. Studio: Universal Pictures Production Companies: Kennedy/Marshall Company, Amblin Entertainment Director: Colin Trevorrow Executive Producer: Steven Spielberg Producers: Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, B.D. Wong, Vincent D'Onofrio Screenwriters: Derek Connolly (current draft), Colin Trevorrow (current draft), Rick Jaffa (previous draft), Amanda Silver (previous draft), Mark Protosevich (previous draft), John Sayles (previous draft), William Monahan (previous draft) Details: Sequel to "Jurassic Park" (USA/1993) directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, and Laura Dern. Other sequels include “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (USA/1997) directed by Steven Spielberg, and “Jurassic Park III” (USA/2001) directed by Joe Johnston. SSN Insight: Director Colin Trevorrow, a proponent of shooting in film, worked with director of photography John Schwartzman to shoot Jurassic World in 35 mm, as well as some sequences in large-format 65 mm. The Outskirts 08/06/2014 Logline: After falling victim to a prank by their high school's alpha female, two friends decide to get their revenge by uniting the outcasts and starting a social revolution. Production Companies: BCDF Pictures, Bousis Films Director: Peter Hutchings Executive Producers: Lauren Munsch, Brian Keady, Victoria Bousis Producers: Brice Dal Farra, Claude Dal Farra Cast: Victoria Justice, Eden Sher, Ashley Rickards, Katie Chang Screenwriters: Dominique Ferrari, Suzanne Wrubel SSN Insight: Producers Brice and Claude Dal Farra, with their company BCDF Pictures, also produced Bachelorette (USA/2012) directed by Leslye Headland and starring Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, and James Marsden. Terminator: Genisys 08/05/2014 Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio: Paramount Pictures Production Companies: Annapurna Pictures, Skydance Productions Director: Alan Taylor Executive Producers: Megan Ellison, Paul Schwake, Laeta Kalogridis, Patrick Lussier Producers: David Ellison, Dana Goldberg Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, Dayo Okeniyi Screenwriters: Laeta Kalogridis, Patrick Lussier, James Cameron (characters as source material) Details: Reboot of Terminator (USA/1984) directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton. SSN Insight: Production included three days of filming at Oracle Corporation headquarters in Redwood Shores, Redwood City, California. David Ellison, one of the film's producers, and Megan Ellison, one of the executive producers, are the son and daughter of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.↧
A Look Back at the Wonderful, Madcap & Brilliant Career Milestones of Robin Williams
The tragic and shocking passing of acclaimed actor Robin Williams has left Hollywood in a state of disbelief and mourning. Friends, celebrities and industry peers have flooded twitter with their outpourings of grief. Jared Leto tweeted, "Thank you to the beautifully original + brave artist that is Robin Williams. You taught us how to stand on the edge, fearless, + shine."
Anderson Cooper recalled interviewing him and offered this snippet, "Whenever you went to interview him, you put your seatbelt on and held on for dear life." The TV Academy offered some words as well, "Our condolences to the friends and family of Robin Williams he was such a talented, funny, intelligent person."
Sesame Street tweeted, "We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile." John Stamos remembered him as well, "The first autograph I ever got: Dear money, send mom. Robin Williams." But industry peer Steve Martin perhaps said it best, "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul."
Robin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, the only child of a Ford auto executive and a former model from Mississippi. Williams attended private school just outside of Detroit but was a shy kid who largely entertained himself with his own imagination. Williams recalled that when his parents took him to see Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey on the big screen in San Francisco, the teenager was not only amazed by the film but inspired to try acting. In his senior year, he joined the theater group at Redwood High School in Larkspur and made an impression on the student body, who voted him "Most Funny but Least Likely to Succeed."
“I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.” -Steve Martin
Williams later landed a full scholarship to the best dramatic training ground in the country - the Juilliard School in New York City. He was one of only 20 incoming freshmen accepted that year, and shared that honor with his roommate Christopher Reeve. At Juilliard, Williams received classical dramatic training, honing his technique on Shakespeare and studying under famed actor John Houseman. He also earned money as a street performer, miming in white grease paint outside the Museum of Modern Art for change and applause.
After moving to Los Angeles, he debuted at the Improv in 1976, went on to play the Comedy Store, and immediately made an impression with his manic energy and his trademark baggy pants and loud shirts. Williams made his television debut as a member of the ensemble of a revival of Laugh-In and followed up with the short-lived Richard Pryor Show in 1977. But his career really spring boarded when in 1977, Williams showed up at an audition for a guest role as an alien on the top sitcom Happy Days, and promptly got the part when he sat on his head in the office of producer Gary Marshall.
Below SSN takes a look at the career milestones of Robin Williams, at once luminous, madcap, uproarious, and most of all much loved talent that will be missed.
Mork and Mindy (1978) SSN Insight: His wildly popular debut on Happy Days led to a recurring role, and by the start of 1978, the comic actor had a four-year contract to star in his own spin-off series, Mork and Mindy airing from 1978 through 1982. The show featured Williams as an émigré from the planet Ork who learns to adjust to American life with the help of a hip young music store clerk (Pam Dawber) who lets him live in her attic. Williams became an overnight sensation with a No. 3 rated show, a Golden Globe Award, and his likeness plastered on games, toys, and trinkets. His character's catchphrase "Nanu! Nanu!" even entered into the popular lexicon.
A Night at the Met (1986) SSN Insight: Perhaps his most famous concert film, which resulted in a Grammy winning comedy album. It was to be one of his last major concerts during the 1980s. Williams' razor-sharp humor and voice work was seamlessly interviewed between riffs on the topics of drugs, sex, Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, and Libya.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) SSN Insight: Based on a real-life figure who boosted troop morale with his Saigon-based dispatches, Cronauer's unbridled comic ramblings and radio plays were actually improvised by the actor, and his outstanding performance earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination, in addition to over a $100 million dollars in ticket sales.
Awakenings (1990) SSN Insight:He steadily continued exploring his interest in complex human characters, and showing a penchant for outsiders trying to connect with society. Penny Marshall cast him in Awakenings as a historic doctor who revived catatonic patients, for which he shared a Best Actor Award from the National Board of Review with co-star Robert De Niro and earned a Golden Globe nomination.
The Fisher King (1991) SSN Insight: Stephen Spielberg's Hook was a certified blockbuster and one of the most popular films of the year - but it was Williams' turn in Terry Gilliam's stylish The Fisher King that won him critical favor. He took home his first Golden Globe award for the Herculean task of portraying an unhinged homeless man who enters into a curious, Biblical-inspired scenario with the shock-jock (Jeff Bridges) responsible for the traumatic murder of his wife. The film beautifully showcased Williams' dramatic capability and his ability to fuse it with the spontaneous energy of his comedy-based performances. It was a truly touching performance and one for which many felt he was robbed come Oscar time.
Aladdin (1992) SSN Insight: Williams was back in high comic form the following year with the hugely successful animated Disney feature Aladdin. Freed from the physical restrictions of live-action acting, Williams took off on inspired riffs, impersonating scores of cross-generational pop-culture icons from Arnold Schwarzenegger to William F. Buckley. He earned special recognition from the Golden Globes and another from the National Board of Review.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) SSN Insight: Williams followed up with another box office triumph as one of the more iconic characters of his career, Mrs. Doubtfire, for which Williams donned drag to play a doddering Scottish nanny in Chris Columbus' smash family comedy hit. With immpeccable Academy Award winning make-up he made fooling your kids in an elaborate ruse hilarious and endearing at the same time. Audiences agree and in it grossed an incredible $441 million, second only to Jurassic Park in 1993.
The Birdcage (1996) SSN Insight: Ironically, Williams had the more subdued performance as Armand, the nightclub owner playing off of his high-strung drag queen lover (Nathan Lane), in Mike Nichols' reworking of 1978's "La Cage aux folles". Williams proved himself as a true showman, reeling in his rapid-fire energy to let Lane steal the show. Variety heralded the performance, reviewing it as, "one of his welcome restrained outings, Williams modulates his characterization beautifully, depending upon the role Armand is required to play at any given moment: father, endlessly tolerant companion, club boss and “straight” man in the big dinner scene."
Good Will Hunting (1997) SSN Insight: Taking another turn toward the dramatic, Williams went on to deliver one of his best performances, earning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as a tough-love therapist trying to help a troubled genius played by Matt Damon in Gus Van Sant's Good Will Hunting. It was a stunningly human portrait that unquestionably put Williams at the top of the list of Hollywood's most accomplished and versatile actors - and he owed it all to the two Hollywood newcomer screenwriters, Affleck and Damon - which many found ironic, Williams included.
One Hour Photo (2002) SSN Insight: The boldest departure from his film persona and one of his most memorable roles, Williams delivered an incredible three-dimensional performance as a quietly insane stalker in One Hour Photo. The indie $12 million budgeted film earned $55 million at the box office and was widely adored by critics achieving an 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety called the performance, "one of his creepiest, atypical roles, and the comic star responds with an unusually restrained performance that is, in the end, quite moving."
Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction (2009) SSN Insight: After postponing his one-man stand-up comedy act to replace his aortic valve, Williams returned with to the road with a vengeance for a 26-city tour that September. Ending later that December, the act was filmed for this HBO comedy special, which earned three Emmy Award nominations, including one for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special.
The editors and staff of StudioSystemNews extend our condolences regarding one of the most brilliant, hilarious, endearing, stalwart and beloved actors in movie history. He will be missed.↧
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TV Development For 8/12/14: ‘Untitled Hilary Winston Project’ Set For NBC
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TV Castings For 8/13/14: Mykelti Williamson Set To Guest-Star In ‘Scorpion’ For CBS
Pilots
James Van Der Beek joins CBS’ CSI: Cyber, that follows a Special Agent in Charge at the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI in Quantico, VA, who is tasked to solve major crimes that start in the mind, live online, and play out into the real world. James Marsden, Ed Harris, Eddie Rouse, Demetrius Grosse, Kyle Bornheimer, Currie Graham, Lena Georgas, Steven Ogg, Timothy Lee DePriest, Jeffrey Wright, Rodrigo Santoro, Shannon Woodward, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Angela Sarafyan, Ptolemy Slocum and Simon Quarterman join HBO’s Westworld, that centers on a robot malfunction that creates havoc and terror for unsuspecting vacationers at a futuristic, adult-themed amusement park.Current Series
Danny Masterson, Khloé Kardashian and Scott Disick are set to guest star on USA’s Royal Pains. Monique Curnenhas landed a recurring role on CBS’ Person of Interest. Ana Gasteyer and Stephen Tobolowsky will guest star in Season 2 of ABC’s The Goldbergs. Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black) is set to guest star on CBS’ Hawaii Five-0. Kyle MacLachlan and Henry Simmons will recur in season 2 of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Matt Long has joined the cast of Syfy’s Helix. Tony Gonzalez will guest star on CBS’ NCIS. Zuleikha Robinson joins Fox’s The Following. Terrell Owens is set to appear on FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Alexa Vega & Brette Taylor are joining Season 3 of ABC’s Nashville. William Mapother will guest star on Lifetime’s The Lottery. Genna Davis is set to recur on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Nathan Fillion lends his voice to Disney XD’s Gravity Falls. Patti LaBelle will guest star in season 4 of FX’s American Horror Story. Alicia Coppola is scheduled to guest star in season 10 of CBS’ Criminal Minds. Jacob Pitts (Justified) will guest star on CBS’ Elementary. Mary McCormack and Josh Randall will both guest star on Season 4 of ABC’s Scandal.New Series
Michael Beach will recur on ABC’s Secrets & Lies. Robert Knepper will crossover from Arrow and appear in CW’s The Flash. Clancy Brown will recur as The General. Ryan Hansen has replaced Mather Zickel in NBC’s Bad Judge. Lolita Davidovich is set to guest star on FOX’s Backstrom. Yvette Nicole Brown will recur on CBS’ The Odd Couple. David Hoflin and Julian Works have joined ABC’s American Crime. John Larroquette and Cass Bugge will recur on HBO’s The Brink. JR Bourne and Siobhan Williams are set to recur on Lifetime's Un-Real. Bridget Regan, Michael Rady and Azie Tesfai have landed recurring roles on CW’s Jane The Virgin. David Harbour has been added to NBC’s State of Affairs as a series regular. Ana Ortiz will guest star on ABC’s How To Get Away With Murder. Alysia Reiner will recur. Mykelti Williamson is set to guest star on CBS’ Scorpion.↧
FIlm Development For 8/14/14: Evan Daugherty Set To Adapt ‘The Foundation’ For 20th Century Fox
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Mary Shelley’s Monster Logline: The tragic and epic life of Mary Shelley, the writer who conceived the character of Frankenstein, lost her husband and two of their three children to tragedy, and died of a brain tumor at the age of fifty-three. Production Companies: Branded Pictures Entertainment, Rose Pictures, Zero Gravity Management Producers: J. Todd Harris, Rose Ganguzza, Damon Lane, Marc Marcum, David Florin (Co-Producer) Cast: Sophie Turner, Jack Huston, Jeremy Irvine, Taissa Farmiga Writer: Deborah Baxstrom Director: Coky Giedroyc SSN Insight: Project marks the first feature film that Coky Giedroyc will direct since 1999’s Women Talking Dirty. The Foundation Logline: An organization attempts to prevent the unpublished prophecies of Nostradamus from coming to pass. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Production Company: Boom! Studios Producers: Ross Richie, Stephen Christy, Adam Yoelin (Co-Producer) Writer: Evan Daugherty (adaptation) Details: Based on the comic book series The Foundation, written by John Rozum, drawn by Kody Chamberlain and to be published by Boom! Studios. SSN Insight: Project marks the second BOOM! Project with Fox since under it’s deal at the studio (Malignant Man).NEW PROJECTS
The Siege of Jadotville Logline: In 1961, Commandant Pat Quinlan bravely led 150 UN Irish troops in battle against 3,000 troops led by local mercenaries in the Congo after a political coup. Production Company: Parallel Films Producer: Alan Moloney Cast: Jamie Dornan Writer: Kevin Brodbin Director: Richie Smyth SSN Insight: Project marks the feature directorial debut of video and commercials director Richie Smyth. The Daughter Logline: A man returns home and learns a long-hidden family secret, and his attempts to correct the situation put lives in danger. Studios/Distributors: Roadshow Films (Australia), Mongrel International (Worldwide) Production Companies: Jan Chapman Films, Green Park Pictures Producers: Jan Chapman, Nicole O’Donohue Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie SSN Insight: Project marks the feature directorial debut of Australian theater director Simon Stone. The Lost Wife Logline: A young couple is separated during the Nazi invasion of Prague, but the two lovers reconnect decades later in another part of the world. Studio/Distributor: Relativity Media Production Company: Chydzik Media Group Producers: Ryan Kavanaugh, Michelle Chydzik, Jeff Waxman, Tucker Tooley (Executive Producer) Writer: Mark Klein (adaptation) Details: Based on the novel The Lost Wife, written by Alyson Richman and published by Berkley Books in 2011. SSN Insight: Project marks the 3rd collaboration of Marc Klein and Relativity (2012’s Mirror, Mirror and Tipping Point, which is currently in development).↧
Exec Shuffle For 8/15/14: Univision Communications, Scripps Network Interactive, Blue Ant Media
Company Launches
Bleecker Street: Andrew Karpen has launched this new independent film distribution company. The new venture has financial backing from the founder of 5 Hour Energy, Manoj Bhargava, and will seek to release between three and five films in the next year. Karpen has launched his company with an output deal between Bleecker Street and Shivani Rawat’s ShivHans Pictures.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
ABC Entertainment: Missy Fox has joined as Director, Alternative Series & Specials. CBS Entertainment: Dorey Poder has been named Manager, Casting. Fox International Channels: Prentiss Fraser has joined as Senior Vice President, Global Entertainment Sales. Cherry Yates has joined as Vice President, Corporate Communications. Relativity Media: Matt Alvarez has joined as Executive Vice President, Production and President, Multicultural Division. Scripps Networks Interactive: Dylan Jones has joined as Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications. Melissa Mick has joined as Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller. Shaftesbury US: Kristopher Galuska has been named Creative Development Executive. The CW: Traci Lynn Blackwell has been named Senior Vice President, Current Programming. Dana Theodoratos has been named Senior Vice President, Talent & Casting. Whalerock Industries: Aaron Ensweiler has joined as Vice President, Film & Scripted Television.Film
Lord Miller: Will Allegra has been named Director of Development. SAG Foundation: Cyd Wilson has joined as Executive Director.Television
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences: Chuck Dages has been named Chairman. Nicholas Sparks Productions: Stacey Levin has joined as Executive Vice President, Television. Sonar Entertainment: Jenna Glazier has joined as Senior Vice President, Television Series. Peter Keramidas has joined as Executive Vice President, Planning, Strategy & Administration. SundanceTV: Rob Friedman has been named Senior Vice President, Programming & Scheduling. Univision Communications: Kevin Cuddihy has been named President, Local Media. Jessica Rodriguez has been named Chief Marketing Officer.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
APA: Luke Cahill has been named Agent, Concerts Division. Aaron Dixon has been named Agent, Concerts Division. Elizabeth Meczka has been named Agent, Concerts Division. DKC Public Relations: Ella Robinson has joined as Senior Vice President, Entertainment. Jenner & Block: Daniel A. Rozansky has joined as Partner. Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment: Kevin Rowe has joined as Manager, Literary. Sutton, Barth & Vennari: Ferenc Laczko has joined as Agent, Voice-Over. The Cartel: Bradford Bricken has joined as Manager, Literary. The Gotham Group: Shari Smiley has joined as Manager, Literary & Book Department.Cable
A+E Networks: Glen Hansen has joined as Vice President, Content Distribution, Asia-Pacific. Prem Kamath has joined as Deputy Managing Director, Asia-Pacific. El Rey Network: Skip Chaisson has joined as Senior Vice President, Creative & On-Air Promotion.Digital
8i: Rainer Gombos has joined as Executive Creative Director. Blue Ant Media: Gwen Jones McCauley has joined as Director, International Sales. Buzzfeed: Greg Coleman has joined as President. Ze Frank has been named President, BuzzFeed Motion Pictures. Michael Shamberg has joined as an Advisor to BuzzFeed Motion Pictures. Collective Digital Studio: Scott Weller has joined as Chief Revenue Officer. Jukin Media: David O’Hare has joined as Director, International Licensing.Publishing
Los Angeles Times: Austin Beutner has joined as Chief Executive Officer and Publisher.Music
Universal Music Publishing Group: Rebekah Alperin has joined as Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications.↧
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Rep Moves For 8/15/14: ICM Partners, UTA, WME, Octagon
Agencies
ICM Partners: Dancer, choreographer and instructor Maksim Chmerkovskiy is now repped by Toni Howard. Chmerkovskiy just won his first mirror ball trophy on the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars after 14 prior seasons on the series. First appearing on Dancing with the Stars’ second season, Chmerkovskiy is probably best known for his work on that show, having made it to the final round five times, with two runner-up and two third-place finishes. Outside of his television work, Chmerkovskiy owns five social and competitive dance studios in the New York City area. He’s also one of the creators and directors of Dance Team USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to recruiting and training future DanceSport participants. He recently announced on The View he would not return for the 19th season of DWTS, but instead plans to branch out into new career opportunities. UTA: Writers and producers Chris Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers are now repped by Aaron Hart, Jason Burns, Mickey Berman and Dan Erlij. Cantwell and Rogers are the co-creators and co-executive producers of AMC’s new series Halt and Catch Fire. Originally written as a staffing sample, Halt and Catch Fire was picked up to series and premiered last June, recently finishing up its first season. Amazingly, the series was only the second thing that Cantwell and Rogers had written as a duo, having written separately for over ten years. Graduating from screenwriting programs at USC and UCLA respectively, the two met at The Walt Disney Company and soon began collaborating, landing representation with their first joint effort. Earlier this year, Halt and Catch Fire was listed with six other series for the Critics Choice Television Award as one of the Most Exciting New Series of the year. UTA: Actress Daisy Ridley is now repped by Theresa Peters. Ridley recently skyrocketed from virtual unknown to the A-list when she landed a lead role in the J.J. Abrams resuscitation of Star Wars. In addition to appearing in Episode 7, Ridley is widely expected to take a prominent role in the second and third films of the trilogy as well. Prior to her breakout role, Ridley appeared in several U.K. television series including Casualty, Youngers, Toast of London, Silent Witness and Mr. Selfridge. She also has a role in the sci-fi short Blue Season, as well as Lifesaver, an interactive film that was nominated for a BAFTA. Ridley is also repped by Jonathan Arun in the U.K. and attorney Shelby Weiser at Sloane Offer Weber Dern. WME Entertainment: Writer and producer Ian B. Goldberg is now a client. Goldberg’s probably best known for his work on Once Upon a Time, where he has served as both a co-producer and writer for the show’s first two seasons. Beginning his career as a freelance writer on the series Related, Goldberg joined Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles as a staff writer in its second season, penning four episodes. His other credits have included Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, where he worked as both an executive story editor and writer, and the ABC series FlashForward, where he served as a story editor. Goldberg recently co-wrote his first feature, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, which is currently in pre-production. WME Entertainment: Writer and director Dan Harris is now a client. Harris is currently writing the Bryan Singer-helmed X-Men: Apocalypse, along with Michael Dougherty and Simon Kinberg. Getting his start with Singer’s X-Men 2, Harris has collaborated with the director on and off throughout his career. After the X-Men sequel, Harris went on to make his feature directing debut with 2004’s Imaginary Heroes, which he also wrote. That feature had its world premiere at Toronto and gained special recognition from the National Board of Review. Harris’ subsequent writing credits have included Urban Legends: Bloody Mary, Superman Returns and Til Death. In 2003, Harris was named one of Variety’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch. He continues to be repped by the law form Loeb & Loeb. WME Entertainment: Writer and producer Patrick Harbinson is now a client. Harbinson most recently wrote an episode of 24: Live Another Day and served as a co-executive producer and writer on the 2013 season of Homeland. He also worked on the CBS series Person of Interest as co-executive producer and writer for its first two seasons. Getting his start in the early nineties, Harbinson has built up a prolific resume, notably collaborating withwriter/producer Chip Johannessen on Millennium and 24 before reuniting with him last year on Homeland. Harbinson’s other producing and writing credits have included ER, Dark Angel, Red Cap and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He also created the UK series Kidnap and Ransom and served as writer on Wire in the Blood and Place of Execution.Management Companies
Octagon: Actor and comedian Christopher Titus is now a client. Titus currently hosts the History half-hour game show Pawnography, spun off from the channel’s hit series Pawn Stars. Titus got his first major break with the Fox series Titus, in which he acted as the star, executive producer and co-creator. After the series came to an end in 2002, Titus has worked mostly on the stand-up circuit, have toured with five stand-up comedy shows including Norman Rockwell is Bleeding, The Fifth Annual End of the World Tour, Love is Evol, Neverlution and The Voice in My Head. He is currently on tour with his new act Angry Pursuit of Happiness.↧
Starz’s Outlander Gets Second Season, SSN’s Rep Moves and Exec Shuffle Reports, Fox TV Names President, COO
Starz’s Outlander Gets Second Season
Network has renewed the time-travel saga from developer/executive producer Ronald D. Moore and Sony Pictures TV. (DH)Rep Moves For 8/15/14: ICM Partners, UTA, WME
SSN’s weekly summary of the entertainment industry’s major rep changes. (SSN)Exec Shuffle for 8/15/14: Univision Communications, Scripps Network Interactive
SSN’s weekly summary of the latest major corporate moves in entertainment and media. (SSN)Fox TV Names President, COO
Fox Names David Madden Entertainment President, Promotes Joe Earley to Group COO. (VAR)Meet the Filmmakers: Acclaimed Talent, Formative Influences
The New York Times Magazine's feature on filmmakers Sam Taylor-Johnson, Jennifer Yu Nelson, Ava DuVernay, Sarah Polley and more. (NYT)How John Oliver Spurs Action, Beats Apathy
With a combination of humor and fearlessness, Last Week Tonight has done an unlikely thing: spurred action. (ATL)With Brad Pitt film Fury, a Question of the Right Oscar Battleground
David Ayer’s World War II film, starring Pitt and Shia LaBeouf, has emerged in the last few weeks as the fall-festival wild card. (LAT)First Trailer for Yahoo’s New Season of Community
Here's a clever little trailer for season six, which doesn't actually feature any new footage from the Greendale gang. (VUL)↧
How Bankable is Expendables 3 Overseas?, Spotlight: Phillip Noyce on The Giver, Lenny Abrahamson on Directing a Masked Michael Fassbender in Frank
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Box Office Insight: How Bankable is Expendables 3 Overseas?
SSN breaks down the stars of Expendables 3 by international box office to see who’s king of the world, and who are pretenders to the throne. (SSN)Spotlight: Phillip Noyce on The Giver
Noyce, 64, spoke to SSN about the film, why he loved the book so much, his sabbatical from movie-making, and why The Giver is the perfect return. (SSN)Spotlight: Lenny Abrahamson on Directing a Masked Michael Fassbender in Frank
SSN spoke to the director about the fact that filmmaking sometimes feels “like you’re being beaten over the head with a large rock,” and the importance of celebrating creators who remain on the fringe. (SSN)Birthday Box Office Battle: Ben Affleck vs. Jennifer Lawrence
Who would win in an epic battle between Katniss or Daredevil, Mystique or Batman? (SSN)TODAY'S HEADLINES
Craig Ferguson in Final Negotiations For Syndicated Talk Show
Ferguson is in final negotiations with Tribune Media to host a daily syndicated half-hour talkshow that would air in the 7 p.m. hour across the Tribune station group. (VAR)Showrunner Ed Bernero Leaves NBC’s Katherine Heigl Series State Of Affairs
The veteran TV writer-producer has left NBC’s fall drama about two months after boarding the new series as executive producer/showrunner. (DH)How to Train Your Dragon 2 Hits $500 Million After China Opening
The DreamWorks Animation film has passed 'Rio 2' and 'The Lego Movie' at the worldwide box office. (THR)Rosamund Pike On Her Gone Girl Inspiration
Pike modeled Amy, at least in part, on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the alluring but somehow unknowable wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. (EW)25 Hugely Popular Soundtracks That Never Hit No. 1
Vulture's list begins on a chilly Chicagoland Saturday morning in 1985 … (VUL)↧
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