Quantcast
Channel: SSN Insider » SSN Insider Staff
Viewing all 1955 articles
Browse latest View live

TV Development For 10/14/14: Affleck & Damon Develop Incorporated for SyFy, Robert De Niro EP on The Thomas Berryman Number for CBS

0
0

deniro 2

Incorporated Network: Syfy Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Pearl Street Films Executive Producers: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Jennifer Todd, Ted Humphrey Associate Producer: Margaret Chernin Writers: David Pastor, Alex Pastor Logline: Set in a world where corporations have seemingly unlimited power, this is the story of one man's efforts to beat the system. SSN Insight: The Middle Man, which was ordered to pilot last year by Fox, from Pearl Street, is still in active development, but had to be rolled due to other commitments by Affleck, who had signed on to direct.   The Phoenix Project Network: CW Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Quinn’s House Executive Producer: Martin Guero Writer: Martin Guero Logline: Three friends, in an attempt to combat apathy, take an anarchistic, dangerous and morally questionable approach to save society from itself. SSN Insight: Guero is also developing Blindspot for NBC with Berlanti Productions, as well as working on an adaptation of UK’s drama Misfits.   Back On The Farm Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Silent Machine Entertainment Executive Producers: Krysten Ritter, Lindsey Liberatore Writer: Maggie Bandur Logline: A Hollywood actress's life suddenly implodes, forcing her to move back to her family’s farm. SSN Insight: Based on an idea by Ritter, the project stems from her first look deal with Universal Television.   Lost In Space Network: TBD Production Companies: Legendary TV, Synthesis Entertainment Executive Producers: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Kevin Burns Writer: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless Logline: An update of the series about an attempt by the U.S. to colonize deep space by sending a single family, the Robinsons, on a 5 1/2-year journey to another planet. But a foreign secret agent, Dr. Zachary Smith, sabotages the mission, causing the ship to veer off course and become lost in space. Details: Based on the series, "Lost In Space," which aired on CBS from 1965-1968   The Thomas Berryman Number Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Companies: Tribeca Productions, James Patterson Entertainment Executive Producers: Rene Balcer, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, James Patterson, Leopoldo Gout, Bill Robinson Co-Executive Producer: Berry Welsh Writer: Rene Balcer Logline: An FBI agent who works in the Criminal Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division investigates crimes based on civil rights violations across the country. She finds herself caught between the radical family she was born into and the professional family she has chosen. Details: Based on the novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, written by James Patterson in 1976. SSN Insight: Patterson has two other works being developed for series that include Zoo for CBS and Private which is being developed by Sonar Entertainment and Tribeca Productions.   Angie Steele Network: CBS Studio: ABC Studios Executive Producers: Patricia Cornwell, Gretchen Berg, Aaron Harberts Writer: Patricia Cornwell Logline: Revolves around an unorthodox female police detective in San Diego who is haunted by demons from her past. SSN Insight: There have been several projects adapted from works by Cornwell, but this is her first original project for television.   Untitled Andrea Newman/ Eva Longoria Supernatural Anthology Drama Project Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Company: UnbeliEVAble Entertainment Executive Producers: Andrea Newman, Eva Longoria, Ben Spector Writer: Andrea Newman Logline: Inspired by the rich world of Hispanic folklore and myth, each season will explore a different legend and be set in the present-day Southwest. The first season is based on the ancient Hispanic tale of La Llorona, the "weeping woman," and follows a troubled detective investigating a young mother accused of trying to drown her child in a small town hiding a supernatural secret. In the legend, a woman drowns her children for a man and is destined to search for them for eternity, sometimes abducting wandering children who resemble her own. Details: Inspired by Hispanic folklore and myth. Season one is based on the ancient Hispanic tale of La Llorona, the "weeping woman." SSN Insight: UnbeliEVAable has also taken on a project for ABC with Kat Coiro called Splitting The Difference which is based on a memoir by Tre Miller-Rodriguez.   Pariahs Network: ABC Studio: ABC Studios Production Company: Mark Gordon Company Executive Producers: Nichole Millard, Kathryn Price, Mark Gordon, Nicholas Pepper Writer: Nichole Millard, Kathryn Price Logline: Centers on two infamous "pariahs" who are out of options and forced to team up to practice law. One is a former football phenomenon who became a jailhouse lawyer after he was wrongfully convicted of murdering his girlfriend. The other is a Yale Law graduate whose bright future went up in flames when her sex tape with a Supreme Court nominee leaked. Together, they represent the outcasts that society has already condemned. SSN Insight: Project reunites Millard, Price and Gordon, who developed an Untitled project for ABC last season about two female detectives, that did not move forward.   Untitled Scott Foley / Greg Grunberg Comedy Network: ABC Production Company: Shondaland Executive Producers: Scott Foley, Greg Grunberg, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers Writers: Scott Foley, Greg Grunberg Logline: Engaged couple Max and Paige, over their wedding rehearsal dinner, have their eclectic family and friends give toasts recalling anecdotes about the couple — but flashbacks reveal that the toasts don’t always get it right.   Untitled Len Wiseman/ Scott Rosenbaum Sci-Fi Drama Project Network: FOX Studio: 20th Century Fox Television Production Companies: Sketch Films, Skeeter Rosenbaum Productions Executive Producers: Len Wiseman, Scott Rosenbaum Writer: Scott Rosenbaum Logline: Set in a foreseeable future, where companies have begun to colonize sections of our known galaxy, a mercenary search and rescue team is dispatched to investigate a distress signal from a prison transport that has crashed on an uncharted planet. This unlikely group of heroes will now have to work together when they encounter a much greater challenge on this mysterious planet than they could have anticipated. SSN Insight: Project stems from Rosenbaum’s new two-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television.   Bloodhounds Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Tagline Pictures Executive Producers: Brandon Camp, Chris Henze, Ron West Writer: Brandon Camp Logline: A hand-picked task force deputized by the U.S. Marshals is immune to police protocols and use surveillance, technology and street experience to track down criminals, suspects and fugitives. Details: Based on the French series, Bloodhounds (Les Limiers), created by Franck Philippon and Xavier Matthieu based on an original idea by Kader Aoun and produced by CALT, which aired on France 2 in 2013. SSN Insight: Tagline is also developing a project for FOX called DeTour, which is inspired by the life of Rivers Cuomo.   Black Widows Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios  Production Company: Naegle Ink Executive Producers: Joshua Safran, Sue Naegle Writer: Joshua Safran Logline: Two women kill their abusive spouses and try to get away with it as the FBI, their close-knit community and even their own guilt conspire to take them down. Details: Based on the Finnish series Mustat Lesket, created by Roope Lehtinen and Mikko Pöllä, and premiered in March 2014.   The Town Network: CW Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: Big Talk Productions, Russian Hill Productions Executive Producers: Mike Bartlett, Oliver Goldstick, Matthew Justice, Kenton Allen, Simon Curtis Writer: Oliver Goldstick Logline: When a young man starts investigating his parents suicide and he suspects murder, the entire town is culpable. Details: Based on the 2012 three-part ITV miniseries created by Mike Bartlett.   Untitled Monica Potter / Ellen DeGeneres Comedy Project Network: NBC Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: A Very Good Production Executive Producers: Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Kleeman, Sherry Bilsing-Graham, Ellen Kreamer Producer: Monica Potter Writers: Sherry Bilsing-Graham, Ellen Kreamer Cast: Monica Potter Logline: Storyline under wraps. Details: Loosely based on Monica Potter's life. Project has received a pilot production commitment. SSN Insight: Potter is currently finishing up her sixth and final season on NBC’s Parenthood.   Monster-In-Law Network: Fox Studio: Warner Bros. Television Executive Producers: Amy B. Harris, John Riggi, Chris Bender, JC Spink Writer: Amy B. Harris, John Riggi Logline: A happy couple is about to learn the joys and horrors of parenthood while managing the most challenging relationship of all — the one between a wife and her husband’s mother. Details: Loosely inspired by the movie, Monster-In-Law, 2005, directed by Robert Luketic and starring Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda.


James Frey Takes SSN Behind New YA Novel, TV Development for 10/14/14, Sohu CEO Declares Chinese Piracy Solved

0
0

endgame cover

SSN ORIGINALS

Author James Frey Takes SSN Behind YA Novel ‘Endgame: The Calling’

The book’s smart, synergistic, multi-platform digital launch is also discussed with the noted author, who says, “The idea was to build a fully formed universe immediately.” (SSN)

TV Development for 10/14/14: Damon and Affleck Develop ‘Incorporated’ for Syfy, Robert De Niro Is EP on ‘The Thomas Berryman Number’ for CBS

Also moving forward, The Phoenix Project at The CW, Back on the Farm at NBC and a Lost in Space update at a network to be named later. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

CEO of Chinese Online Giant Sohu Declares Chinese Computer Piracy Problem Solved

Charles Zhang, speaking at MIPCOM today, also predicted that internet companies will start buying Hollywood movies for which they will then charge the public to see. (DH)

Gregg Allman Files New Claim Against ‘Midnight Rider’ Production Team

Rock star claims filmmakers agreed to indemnify him from any liability for the February 20 accident that killed camera assistant Sarah Jones and injured eight others. (VAR)

HBO Is Turning to Facebook to Live Broadcast Friday’s Foo Fighters Concert

Cabler debuts Dave Grohl-directed, eight-part doc series, Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways Friday night, will follow first episode premiere with a live show from Chicago. (THR)

‘X-Files’ Star Wants Paul Feig to Answer the Question, “Who Ya Gonna Call?” With, “Gillian Anderson!”

Actress makes a direct and public plea to the director to cast her in the female-led reboot of the classic flick. (HV)

WGN America Gives Second Season to Critics’ Darling ‘Manhattan’

Show, whose first season finale airs on Sunday, joins Salem as the second original series the network has renewed. (TVG)

‘Underworld’ Fans Can Get Excited, as There’s a New Film in Development, and a TV Show, Too

According to original movie director/series overlord Len Wiseman, Kate Beckinsale (aka Mrs. Wiseman) is keen to return, as well. (EMP)

Billy Eichner Goes After Burger King For the Company’s New Ad 

Celebrities get behind the comedian/actor after the fast food giant does a “man on the street’ campaign that is alarmingly similar to the schtick that made Eichner famous. (EW)

Have You Spent All Summer Wondering How They Shot That Quicksilver Scene in the ‘X-Men’ Movie? Answers Have Arrived

The Blue-ray, dropping today, has a special making-of featurette, which should answer most, if not all, of your burning questions. (WD)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Powers’

The first show for the Sony PlayStation Network, based on the comic book and starring Sharlto Copley, will premiere some time in 2015, though no firm date has been set. (TP)

TV Castings 10/15/14: Ben Stiller to Appear in Workaholics, Nick Cannon to Recur on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Flash, Powers & More

0
0

Ben Stiller

Pilots

Tony Cavalero has landed the lead in Nickelodeon’s School of Rock, that centers on Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck rocker who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school as he teaches his eccentric, unconventional and overachieving students to play and love rock ‘n’ roll.

Bess Rous has joined Yahoo’s Other Space, that takes place in the 22nd Century where the Universal Mapping Project has been created to map the known universe and follows a space ship run by new talent fresh out of the Academy charged with heading out farther into space than ever before.

Justice Leak has been cast in Playstation’s Powers, that is set in a world full of people with superhuman abilities and where all of those powers are just another catalyst for mayhem and murder.

Alexandra Krosney and Nichole Bloom are set for MTV’s Self Promotion, that centers on an overworked assistant who discovers that her dragon lady boss is missing (or worse). Things get messy fast, with Katie, believing she’ll be the prime suspect, covers up the crime scene. She starts calling the shots in her boss’s “absence,” and goes full CSI to find out what actually happened and exonerate herself.

Wilson Bethel has joined the cast of CW’s The Astronaut Wives Club, the true story of the women behind NASA’s early astronauts and the struggles they face when their lives and families are catapulted into the spotlight overnight. Evan Handler will recur.

Mena Suvari will play the lead in WE tv’s South Of Hell, that focuses on Maria who is divided within herself, struggling with her own demon, Abigail, who resides inside of her, feeding on the evil Maria exorcises from others.

Newcomer, Devon Terrell, has landed the lead role in HBO’s Codes of Conduct, an exploration of a young African American man’s experience breaking into the social circles of Manhattan’s elite, testing the boundaries of access and social mobility.

Bonnie Dennison, Marshall Allman and Justin Hires have signed on for MTV’s Ken Jeong Made me Do It, that revolves around 22-year-old Andy, who, after catching his girlfriend cheating, accidentally rear-ends Jeong's fancy car. Taking pity on Andy, Jeong takes it upon himself to teach him how to man up.

William Hurt has been cast as the lead in AMC’s Humans, which is set in a parallel present where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a ‘Synth’ – a highly-developed robotic servant eerily similar to its live counterpart. In the hope of transforming the way they live, one strained suburban family purchases a refurbished synth only to discover that sharing life with a machine has far-reaching and chilling consequences.

Current Series

Victor Garber and Andy Mientus will guest star on CW’s The Flash.

Troian Bellisario will appear in season 5 of USA’s Suits.

Michael Park has landed a recurring role on the NBC’s Chicago PD.

Aisha Dee will guest star on ABC Family’s Baby Daddy.

David Krumholtz is set to guest star on CBS’ The Good Wife.

Charisma Carpenter has landed a guest starring role on FX’s Sons of Anarchy.

Ben Stiller will appear on Comedy Central’s Workaholics.

Lauren Tom, Oliver Kieran-Jones and Anne-Marie Johnson will guest star in Season 5 of ABC Family’s  Pretty Little Liars.

Valerie Harper will guest star on ABC Family’s Melissa & Joey.

Alex Carter will guest star on CBS’ Stalker.

Zarah Mahler has landed a guest starring role on TNT’s Major Crimes.

Kara Luiz will guest star on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory.

Nick Cannon lands a recurring role in season 2 of Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Mindy Cohn will guest star on Fox’s Bones.

Jes MacAllan is scheduled to appear on Fox’s Red Band Society.

Jamie Bamber is set to guest star on CBS’ NCIS.

Hunter Parrish will appear in season 3 of Fox’s The Following.

Ray Parker Jr. will guest star in NBC’s A to Z.

Greta Lee lands a recurring role on FOX’s New Girl.

Allie Grant will guest star in season 2 of ABC’s The Goldbergs.

New Series

Cynthia Stevenson has joined TBS’ Your Family Or Mine.

Ana De La Reguera will recur on Netflix’s Narcos.

Christina Hendricks is set to recur on Comedy Central’s Another Period.

Ayelet Zurer, Vondie Curtis Hall, Bob Gunton, and Toby Leonard Moore have joined the cast of Netflix’s Daredevil.

Jamie Bamber and Riley Smith will recur on CW’s The Messengers.

Nathan Gamble will guest star on CBS’s CSI: Cyber.

Behind the Scenes of ‘Felony’ With Joel Edgerton, David Ayer Aims for Authenticity With ‘Fury,’ TV Castings for 10/15/14, NPH Is Your 2015 Oscar Host

0
0

felony still

SSN ORIGINALS

Behind the Scenes of ‘Felony’ With Filmmaker Joel Edgerton: “With Screen-Writing, There’s No Hiding, It’s My Brain On-Screen”

The Aussie actor stars in his native country’s Felony, on which he’s also a writer and producer, which hits theaters on Friday. (SSN)

Filmmaker David Ayer Aims for Authenticity With His New WWII Movie, ‘Fury’

The director of End of Watch and Sabotage and writer of Training Day has crafted a story that follows an American tank crew behind enemy lines who face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempt to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. (SSN)

TV Castings for 10/15/14: Ben Stiller to Appear in ‘Workaholics,’ Nick Cannon to Recur on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ and More

Updates on The Flash, Powers, The Astronaut Wives Club, as well as Paul Feig’s Yahoo show, Other Space are included. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Neil Patrick Harris Is Your 2015 Oscar Host! 

Emmy and Tony winner (and host of both shows) gets his first Oscar spot, will takes over for last year's host, Ellen DeGeneres. (IW)

Warner Plans to Cut Costs $200 Million Annually 

CEO Kevin Tsujihara tells shareholders that the belt-tightening would include layoffs, but was not specific about numbers. (VAR)

From the It Was Only a Matter of Time File: HBO to Launch Stand-Alone Online Service, Without Cable, in 2015

CEO Richard Plepler says of the new version of HBO Go that there are 80 million homes in the U.S. that do not have HBO, and “we will use all measures to go after them.” (DH)

First Batman, then Moses, Now Steve Jobs: Christian Bale in Talks to Play Apple Co-Founder

Less than two weeks after Leonardo DiCaprio broke off talks with Sony to play the late tech giant, the studio is pursuing the Oscar-winner. Danny Boyle is directing an Aaron Sorkin script. (THR)

On the Eve of the Highly Anticipated Release of ‘Birdman,’ One of the Film’s Production Companies Faces a Major Legal Battle

Worldview Entertainment’s former CEO is accused of embezzling money, then sues the company, while a former partner and investor claims he is owed an EP credit on the film. (HESQ)

Warner and DC Have Finally Confirmed Their Upcoming Superhero Movie Slate, With Titles, Release Dates, and Everything

After 2016’s Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad will come two Jsutice League movies and stand-alines for Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Aquaman and Shazam. (CBR)

Ewan McGregor Is the Latest Big Name to be Associated With Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’

Keanu Reeves was also one of the actors mentioned since Joaquin Phoenix dropped out a couple weeks ago, but McGregor might now have the inside track. (BD)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Interstellar’

As the countdown to the release of Christopher Nolan’s latest continues, Paramount puts out three more TV spots that reveal just a wee bit more than before. (EMP)

‘Wonder Woman’ Star Joining ‘Ben-Hur’ Remake?, Rowling’s ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Trilogy Confirmed, Gosling Chased By Both Marvel and DC

0
0

at arrivals for FAST & FURIOUS 6 Premiere, Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA May 21, 2013. Photo By: Dee Cercone/Everett Collection

From Wonder Woman to ‘Ben-Hur’? Gal Gadot Circles Lead Role in Biblical Remake

Jack Huston and Morgan Freeman star in the film set to shoot in the new year and open in February, 2016, with Timur Bekmambetov in the director’s chair. (THR)

Amidst All the Comic Book Movie Announcements, Warner Also Confirmed J.K. Rowling’s ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Trilogy

Films will come out every other year, starting in 2016, while there will also be three more LEGO movies in our future. (EMP)

Both DC and Marvel Are Both Going After Some Big Game for Their Comic Book Movies

Top On Both Lists: Ryan Gosling, who is sought for both Marvel’s Doctor Strange and DC/Warner’s Suicide Squad. Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Tom Hardy are also names being bandied about. (TP)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Mockingjay, Part 1’

Lionsgate’s big fall movie, the third of four in the Hunger Games series, opens November 21st. (VAR)

New Mom Mila Kunis Adds Another Title to Her Resumé: TV Production Company Executive

Actress joins Susan Curtis, Cami Curtis and Lisa Sterbakov to launch Orchard Farm Productions, which will be based at ABC Studios with a first-look deal. (DH)

‘The Minority Report With Larry Wilmore’ Hires Robin These as Head Writer

New Comedy Central show will premiere in 2015 and replace The Colbert Report, which will come to an end with Colbert moving to CBS to replace David Letterman some time next year. (SAA)

‘The Good Wife’ Is Losing an Emmy Winner, as Archie Panjabi Is Off to Star in Her Own Show

Actress has signed a development deal with 20th TV, under which she’ll star in a new pilot next spring. (TVG)

The Executive Who Cancelled ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Has Responded to Seth Rogen

Garth Ancier offers his side of the conversation/confrontation with the star, which took place last week in the writers’ room at ‘Saturday Night Live.’ (HP)

In Case You Missed It, Here Is a List of the Top 10 Biggest News Stories That Came Out of New York Comic-Con Last Weekend

Things like licensed comic properties, the ‘Powers’ show on the Playstation Network, and the end of the Fantastic Four comic book are all on the list. (NWSA)

Screenwriters: ‘Office Space’

The 116-page first revision draft from December, 1997. Written by Mike Judge. (DS)

Film Development 10/16/14: Always Sunny’s Rob McElhenney Set to Write/Direct Figment, Odeya Rush Cast in Hunter’s Prayer

0
0

rob mc

NEW ATTACHMENTS

Goodbye for Now Logline: A perpetually unlucky-in-love computer genius creates a program that allows users to communicate electronically with their dead loved ones. Studio/Distributor: Lionsgate Production Company:  Temple Hill Entertainment Producers:  Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, Erik Feig (Executive Producer) Writers: Jonathan Tropper (current draft), Jessica Goldberg (previous adaptation) Director: Sandy Widyanata Details: Based on the novel "Goodbye for Now" written by Laurie Frankel; published by Doubleday published January 1, 2012. SSN Insight: Project marks feature directorial debut for Sandy Widyanata.

Megiddo Logline: Storyline is under wraps, but takes place against the Sinai Campaign of World War I. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Company:  Weimaraner Republic Pictures (WRPCO) Producers:  Matti Leshem, Lynn Harris, Greg Ostrin (Executive Producer) Writer: Jeffrey Hatcher SSN Insight: Upcoming projects for playwright/screenwriter Hatcher include the wrapped Sherlock Holmes film Mr. Holmes with Bill Condon directing and True Story with James Franco and Jonah Hill starring.

Hunter's Prayer Logline: An assassin meets a college girl who wants his help to go after the men that killed her family. Studio/Distributor: CAA Production Company:  Full Clip Productions, FilmEngine, Anthropology Producers:  Anthony Rhulen, Navid McIllhargey, Sam Worthington, John Schwarz, Michael Schwarz, Paul Leydon, Gregory Browne, Paul Rock Cast: Sam Worthington, Odeya Rush Writers: Oren Moverman (current draft), Paul Leyden (previous adaptation) Director: Jonathan Mostow Details: Based on the novel "For the Dogs," written by Kevin Wignall and published by Simon & Schuster on June 29, 2004. SSN Insight: Hailee Steinfeld and Emma Roberts were previously attached before casting Odeya Rush who just starred in The Giver and will be seen in Goosebumps.

NEW PROJECTS

Married Sex Logline: The film deals with the complexities and challenges of marriage as a couple do what they can to keep their sex life alive and well. Production Companies:  Chockstone Pictures, Nick Wechsler Productions Producers:  Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, Nick Wechsler, Jesse Kornbluth (Executive Producer), Roger Schwartz (Co-Producer) Writer:  Jesse Kornbluth (adaptation) Director: Griffin Dunne Details: Based on the novel "Married Sex" written by Jesse Kornbluth and yet to be published. SSN Insight: Marks the second recent director hiring for Chockstone and Wechsler (All The Old Knives).

Partners Logline: An LAPD detective falls for a beautiful woman after a one-night stand and then learns that she is a FBI agent and his new boss on a high-profile case. Studio/Distributor: New Line Cinema Writer:  Evan Turner (spec) SSN Insight: Project marks the screenwriting debut for former Walden Media exec Evan Turner, which he wrote under a pseudonym. 

Other People Logline: A young, gay, "Saturday Night Live" writer moves back in with his family while his mother is receiving chemotherapy treatments. Complications arise when he has to deal with his disapproving father as well as a recent break-up. Production Company:  Getting’ Rad Productions Producers:  Adam Scott, Naomi Scott Cast: Jesse Plemons, Sissy Spacek Writer:  Chris Kelly Director: Chris Kelly SSN Insight: Project marks the feature directorial debut of comedy writer Chris Kelly.

Untitled (Neon Films/Corinna McFarlane Psychological Thriller Project) Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Production Company:  Neon Films Producers:  Nicky Bentham, Barbara Broccoli (Executive Producer), Michael Wilson (Executive Producer) Writer: Corinna McFarlane Director: Corinna McFarlane SSN Insight: Project reunites Corinna McFarlane with her producers from The Silent Storm.

Figment Logline: An imaginative boy and his family are totally discombobulated when their greatest fears come to life. Production Companies: Legendary Pictures, 3 Arts Entertainment Producers:  Rob McElhenney, Nicholas Frenkel, Jillian Share (Executive Producer), Sophia Sikora (Executive Producer) Writer:  Rob McElhenney Director: Rob McElhenney SSN Insight: Project marks the feature screenwriting and directing gig for Rob McElhenney.

Ten Most Useful Mobile/Tablet Screenwriting Apps, ‘Birdman’& Other Offbeat Superhero Films, Film Development for 10/16/14

0
0

phone apps

SSN ORIGINALS

The 10 Most Useful Mobile/Tablet Apps for Screenwriting

While traditional software is still the bread and butter of the industry, there’s something to be said for the ability to make changes on the go. (SSN)

‘Birdman,’ and a Look at Seven Offbeat Superhero Film Hits and Misses

We take a look at certain unconventional superhero films that offered a different perspective on the overloaded genre. (SSN)

Film Development for 10/16/14: ‘Always Sunny’’s Rob McElhanney Set to Write and Direct ‘Figment,’ Odeya Rush Cast in ‘Hunter’s Prayer’

Other titles with new developments include Goodbye for Now, Megiddo, Partners and Other People. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

CBS Becomes the Latest to Start Its Own Streaming Service

Network’s new All Access venture will cost $5.99 a month, offer streams of broadcasts from the 14 stations that the network owns, as well as VOD, and is available today at CBS.com as well as iOS and Android apps for mobile devices. (DH)

Newline’s Horror Smash ‘Annabelle’ Pulled from French Theaters Due to Teen Rioting

Abnormally huge crowds showed up for showings in towns like Marseilles, Strasbourg, and Montpellier, and proceeded to tear the theaters apart. (TP)

‘Lord of the Rings’ Producer Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Fund Environmental-Themed Family Thriller

Barrie M. Osborne is seeking $1.5 million for Talk Is Cheap, to be directed by Jim Jarrett from his own script. (VAR)

Rob Lowe Is Heading Back to Sitcom Land, Possibly at NBC

Former ‘Parks and Rec’ star is on board an untitled comedy pilot for the Peacock, written by Pete Huyck and Alex Gregory. (TVG)

Hank Williams Movie ‘I Saw the Light,’ Casts Four Big Roles

Wrenn Schmidt, David Krumholz, Josh Pais and James DuMont join the show, along with leads Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen. (RS)

Trailer Buzz, Part One: ‘In the Heart of the Sea’

The first trailer for the new whaling epic from Ron Howard and starring Chris Hemsworth hits shores in March, 2015. (EMP)

Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Unbroken’

The second trailer for the highly anticipated adaptation, written by the Coen Brothers and directed by Angelina Jolie, due in theaters Christmas Day. (THR)

Rep Moves and Exec Shuffle for 10/17/14, Obst and Scott Bring Ebola Series to TV, Redford On For ‘Pete’s Dragon’

0
0

robert redford

Rep Moves for 10/17/14: Filmmaker Nia Vardalos moves to APA, Zoey Deutch Now Repped by CAA

Other moves include actors Stacy Martin, Mizuo Peck and Emily Meade, as well as writer-director Damián Szifrón and director Brad Peyton. (SSN)

Exec Shuffle for 10/17/14: Oddlott Promotes Stacy Keppler, Leslie Sloan Launches Vision PR, and More

Other items include new production companies, a new pay TV channel, and plenty of promotions around town. (SSN)

In Light of Current Events, It Was Inevitable That Someone Would Develop an Ebola TV Series

And A-Listers Lynda Obst and Ridley Scott are behind it, and have hired I, Robot writer Jeff Vintar to adapt for a Fox TV Studios limited series. (THR)

The ‘Pete’s Dragon’ Remake Looks Like It Will Have a Little Taste of Sundance

Robert Redford set to join the film as the resident of a logging community that tells stories of dragons. David Lowery is directing. (VAR)

Why “Gamergate" Is Important to Everyone in the Industry, Regardless of Whether or Not You Play Videogames

Three prominent women in the gaming industry say they have been forced to flee their homes after receiving threats of rape, torture, and even murder over the last two months, targets of a very loosely organized movement of mostly anonymous gamers. (VUL)

Shawn Levy Is Warner’s Choice to Direct a ‘Minecraft’ Movie

Studio acquired rights to the video game franchise in February, on the heels of its success with The LEGO Movie. (DH)

Warwick Davis Is Returning to the Star Wars Universe, Will Appear in ‘Episode VII’

The actor, who famously played a heroic Ewok in Return of the Jedi, has officially confirmed his appearance in the new film, due in theaters next year, but no word on his role. (HP)

Eddie Murphy Is Coming Back to the Big Screen, and He’s Doing It in a Drama

Comedy legend replaces Samuel L. Jackson as a cook hired by a dying man in Bruce Beresford’s new, untitled film. (IF)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Top Five’

The comedy written and directed by (and starring) Chris Rock sold to Paramount for $12.5 million at the Toronto Film Festival, and will be in theaters before the end of the year. (UR)

Screenwriters: The Four Rules of Writing Comedy for Screenwriters

As the saying goes, "Funny is money." The person who can write funny has a definite edge over the person who finds it difficult. So if you're humor challenged when it comes to dialogue, what can you do about it?  (MO)

Rep Moves For 10/17/14: Filmmaker Nia Vardalos Moves to APA, Zoey Deutch Now Repped By CAA

0
0

nia vardolas 2

Agencies

APA: Actress, writer, director and producer Nia Vardalos is now repped by Ryan Martin and Bradie Steinlauf.  Vardalos is currently at work on a sequel to her breakout feature My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She also recently appeared in a recurring role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Starting her career in the mid-nineties, Vardalos appeared in many small roles before writing and starring in the 2002 sleeper hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding. That feature, which earned Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, later inspired the series My Big Fat Greek Life with much of the cast reprising their roles. Vardalos’ subsequent credits have included writing and starring in the features Connie and Carla and I Hate Valentine’s Day, which she also directed. She also appeared in My Life in Ruins, For a Good Time Call…, An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars and she co-wrote the screenplay for Larry Crowne with Tom Hanks. Next up, Vardalos has roles in Helicopter Mom, Car Dogs and Forget Me Not.

CAA: Rising young star Zoey Deutch is now repped by Tracy Brennan, Jaime Feld, Franklin Latt, Charlie Jennings and John Sacks. Deutch most recently played the female lead in Vampire Academy, a feature based on the Richelle Meed bestseller. Last year, she also appeared in another young adult adaptation, Beautiful Creatures, based on by the novel by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. The daughter of Lea Thompson and director Howard Deutch, Zoey began her career in 2010 playing Zach’s love interest Maya on the Disney Channel series The Suite Life on Deck. Deutch’s other series credits have included playing Juliet Martin on the CW series Ringer, as well as recurring on two episodes of Switched at Birth last year. Up next, Deutch will appear in the feature Good Kids, opposite Nicholas Braun. She will also star as the female lead in Richard Linklater’s feature That’s What I’m Talking About, a “spiritual sequel” to the 1993 classic Dazed and Confused.

CAA: Actress Emily Meade is now repped by Rick Kurtzman, Elan Ruspoli and Ben Dey. Meade currently plays series regular Aimee on the HBO drama The Leftovers. She also starred in last year’s indie feature Bluebird, for which she won the Best Actress award at the 2013 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Meade shared that award among the film’s other principals Amy Morton, Margo Martindale and Louisa Krause. Making her feature debut in 2006’s The House is Burning, Meade’s film credits have also included Assassination of a High School President, Twelve, My Soul to Take, Young Adult, Sleepwalk with Me, Thanks for Sharing and Gimme Shelter. Television-wise, she played a recurring role on Boardwalk Empire and she had a guest spot as a grown Ella Dunham on Fringe. A theater actress as well, Meade appeared in Bruce Norris’ play Domesticated last year. Next up, she will appear in the Max Landis comedy Me Him Her, set for release in 2015.

CAA: Director Brad Peyton is now repped by Todd Feldman, Craig Gering, Peter Micelli, Roeg Sutherland, John Garvey and Alex Mebed. Peyton recently wrapped the action thriller San Andreas, which stars Dwayne Johnson and will be released in summer 2015. First gaining notice with his short Evelyn: The Cutest Evil Dead Girl, Peyton went on to create the claymation series What it’s Like Being Alone, which got picked up by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Following his success with that series, Peyton landed his first major directing gig, helming the sequel Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore in 2010.  He has since gone on to direct Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and the upcoming horror thriller Incarnate. Peyton is also a writer on the upcoming animated film Pirate’s Passage, which is currently in post.

Don Buchwald and Associates: Actress Mizuo Peck is now repped by David Lewis. Peck recently appeared in the feature A Case of You, opposite Justin Long and Evan Rachel Wood. She also had a role in the Sam Neave feature Almost in Love, opposite Alan Cumming. Peck’s probably best known, however, for her role as Sacajawea in the 2006 hit Night at the Museum, as well as its sequel Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Beginning her career in commercials and print campaigns, Peck’s television credits have included Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Witchblade and a recurring role on All My Children. Her other feature credits have included the German film Husky Don’t Cry, as well as Scenes of the Crime, opposite Jeff Bridges. This December, Peck will reprise her role as Sacajawea in the third installment of the Night at the Museum franchise.

WME Entertainment: Actress and model Stacy Martin is now a client. Martin will soon be seen in Matteo Garrone’s The Tale of Tells, opposite Salma Hayek and John C. Reilly. She also has a role in the Ben Wheatley feature High-Rise, opposite Tom Hiddleston and Jeremy Irons. Martin’s breakout role, however, is her performance playing a younger version of Charlotte Gainsbourg’s Joe in Lars Von Triers Nymphomaniac: Vol I and Vol II. That role landed Martin a nomination for Denmark’s Bodil Award for Best Actress. Martin also recently starred in the Heidi Greensmith feature Winter. Next up, she will star in the high concept thriller Taj Mahal, written and directed by Sleepless Night screenwriter Nicolas Saada. Martin also recently landed a role in Brady Corbet’s feature directing debut The Childhood of a Leader.

 WME Entertainment: Director and writer Damián Szifrón is now a client. Szifrón recently directed the buzzed-about anthology feature Wild Tales, which made its debut at Cannes last May and has been riding the festival circuit since that point, with screenings at Telluride and Toronto. Wild Tales was just selected as Argentina’s official submission for next year’s Academy Awards. Previously, Szifrón was best known to Argentinian audiences as the creator of the television series Los Simuladores (The Pretenders).  He also created the series Hermanos y Detectives and directed the features The Bottom of the Sea and On Probation. Sony Pictures Classics will release Wild Tales in the U.S. next spring.

Exec Shuffle for 10/17/14: Oddlot Promotes Stacy Keppler, Leslie Sloan Launches Vision PR & More

0
0

exec shuffle feature image

Company Launches
  Compadre Entertainment: Gerard Barba and Emmanuel Paintendre have launched a new production company, Compadre Entertainment. The venture seeks to co-finance and produce up to five films a year, focusing on material with commercial appeal. The Qyou: Television executives Scott Ehrlich, Curt Marvis, Les Garland and G. Scott Patterson have launched a new pay television channel, The Qyou, which will offer 24 hour, commercial free programming that highlights web-based content. Producer Kyle Sonia has joined as Vice President, Production. Untitled Joe Bastianich Company: Chef and reality television personality, Joe Bastianich, has launched an as yet untitled production company, which will be based in Italy. Bastianich will produce English language content for a North American audience that is based on Italian culture. Additionally, he will produce Italian versions of international formats for the Italian language market. Vision PR: Leslie Sloane has launched a new public relations company, Vision PR. Publicists Jami Kandel, Jessica Pierson and Bianca Bucciarell will join her in the new bi-coastal venture.
Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
  Discovery Networks: Sarah Burns has been named Vice President, Programming, Investigation Discovery and American Heroes Channel. Sara Helman has been named Vice President, Development & Production, Destination America. Caroline Perez has been named Vice President, Production & Development, Destination America. iHeartMedia: Gayle Troberman has joined as Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. National Geographic Channels: Julia Rao has been named Chief Financial Officer, National Geographic Channels, US. NBCUniversal: Ellen Shallman was promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Affairs. Viacom: Ross Martin has been named Executive Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Engagement. Kern Schireson has joined as Executive Vice President, Data Strategy & Consumer Intelligence.
Film
  Oddlot Entertainment: Stacy Keppler has been promoted to VP of Development. Melissa Rucker has been promoted to Creative Executive. Lionsgate: Jim Packer has been named President, Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution and co-Head Worldwide Home Entertainment Operations. Ron Schwartz has been named President, Home Entertainment and co-Head Worldwide Home Entertainment Operations. Studio 8: Chris Goldberg has joined as Executive. Unnamed Robert Simonds Studio: Philip Goore has joined as Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs. Rich Sullivan has joined as Chief Financial Officer. Wonderland Sound and Vision: Steven Bello has been promoted to Director of Development.
Television
  Banijay: Francois de Brugada has been named Chief Executive Officer, Banijay France. Dynamic Television: Jan Bennemann has joined as Vice President, co-Productions & Acquisitions. Gilda Demirtas has joined as Vice President, Sales. Noel Manzano has been named Director, Operations & Acquisitions. Gaumont: Elizabeth Dreyer has joined as Head, International co-Productions. Karga Seven Pictures: Paul Croce has joined as Vice President, Development. Derek Owen has been promoted to Creative Director. Suzane Rauscher has been named Vice President, Current Programming. Lionsgate: Ashley Rounsaville has been named Vice President, TV Business Affairs. October Films: Adam Bullmore has been named Managing Director. Denman Rooke has been named Executive Chairman. Peacock Productions: Melody Shafir has joined as Vice President, Development.
Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
  Greenberg Traurig: John Maatta has joined as Attorney, Entertainment & Media Practices. ICM Partners: Katie Cates has joined as Agent, Television Literary. Omnigon: David Nugent has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer. Bora Nikolic has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer. Verve: Pamela Goldstein has joined as Agent, Motion Picture Literary. Abram Nalibotsky has joined as Agent, Motion Picture Literary.
Cable
  FX Networks: Jaclyn Danielak has been promoted to Coordinator, Development & Original Series. IFC: Kevin Vitale has joined as Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing. Logo: Chris McCarthy has been named General Manager. mun2: Peter Dowbrow has joined as Vice President, Corporate Communications. Spike TV: Jennifer Savage has joined as Vice President, Brand Marketing Initiatives. VHI: Trevor Rose has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Talent & Series Development.
Digital
  RLJ Entertainment: Matt Graham has joined as Vice President, Acorn TV. Jen Linck has been named Vice President, Marketing Strategy.

From Vision to Reality: Inside ‘The Book of Life,’ Spotlight: William H. Macy, FCC Looks at Defining Online Video Services

0
0

book-of-life04

SSN ORIGINALS

From Vision to Reality: Inside ‘The Book of Life’ With Filmmakers Jorge Gutierrez and Guillermo Del Toro

The writer-director and producer of the new Fox animated film, in theaters today, examine their process and how they executed this unique project. (SSN)

Spotlight: William H. Macy on His Directorial Debut, ‘Rudderless’ — “The Storytelling is Dangerous.”

The Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor’s first feature, starring Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin and Selena Gomez, hits theaters and VOD today. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

The FCC Is Apparently Looking at a Way to Define Online Video Services Like MPVD's

Chairman Tom Wheeler gave no timetable, but hinted the commission is looking at rules that would define certain online video providers as a multi-channel video provider, the designation given to cable and satellite operators. (VAR)

On the Tenth Anniversary of the Release of ‘Saw,’ the Film’s Producers Announce There’s More Jigsaw in Our Future

Mark Burg and Oren Koules reveal that plans are afoot to breathe new life into the franchise, saying creators Leigh Whannell and James Wan are eager to return. (TF)

Today in Outstanding Television: There Will Be a Season Two of ‘Top of the Lake’

Co-creator Jane Campion confirms that the Sundance Television show is developing a follow-up to the Emmy-winning first season. (WAH)

The Film-to-TV Adaptation Trains Rolls On: NBC Greenlights ‘Marley and Me’ Sequel

Show from Sex and the City alum Jenny Bicks will be a single-camera sitcom and pick up where the film left off. (THR)

This Is How You Alienate the World’s Fastest Growing Movie Audience: Bad Subtitles

Guardians of the Galaxy, which surpassed $700 million worldwide earlier this week, finally opens in China to an uproar over terrible translations. (CB)

Mr. Eko Has Left the Island and is Travelling to Westeros

Translation: Lost veteran Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje will be on the next season of Game of Thrones, possibly playing Moqorro, a very tall and very intimidating red priest (though that is not confirmed, of course). (UR)

Relativity Snaps Up U.S. Rights for Mike Binder’s ‘Black or White,’ Will Release It In Time for Oscar Qualifying 

Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer star in the racially charged drama that premiered at last month’s Toronto International Film Festival. (DH)

ICYMI 10/13-10/17: Book of Life Vision to Reality, 10 Most Useful Screenwriting Apps, Fury, James Frey’s New Book and more

0
0

book-of-life04

From Vision to Reality: Inside ‘The Book of Life’ With Filmmakers Jorge Gutierrez and Guillermo Del Toro

The writer-director and producer of the new Fox animated film, in theaters today, examine their process and how they executed this unique project. (SSN)

The 10 Most Useful Mobile/Tablet Apps for Screenwriting

While traditional software is still the bread and butter of the industry, there’s something to be said for the ability to make changes on the go. (SSN)

Filmmaker David Ayer Aims for Authenticity With His New WWII Movie, ‘Fury’

The director of End of Watch and Sabotage and writer of Training Day has crafted a story that follows an American tank crew behind enemy lines who face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempt to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. (SSN)

Author James Frey Takes SSN Behind YA Novel ‘Endgame: The Calling’

The book’s smart, synergistic, multi-platform digital launch is also discussed with the noted author, who says, “The idea was to build a fully formed universe immediately.” (SSN)

SSN Screening Series: Darren Aronofsky Opens Up About ‘Noah’ Controversy and a Record-Setting Shoot

The Friday screening, at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater, also featured the film’s supervising sound editor Craig Henigan and re-recording mixer Skip Lievsay. (SSN)

‘Fury’ Takes Top Box Office Spot, Stephen Collins Might Not Be Prosecuted, Fox Shaves ‘Mulaney’ Show Order

0
0

Norman (Logan Lerman) and Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) in Columbia Pictures' FURY.

Brad Pitt’s ‘Fury’ Takes Its Wrath on the Box Office 

WWII tank thriller makes $23.5 million to slip past Gone Girl and Book of Life. (SSN)

Stephen Collins Might Not Be Prosecuted, After All

Both the LAPD and NYPD are hampered by statute of limitations in investigation of 7th Heaven star. (VUL)

Fox Might Have Had Enough of ‘Mulaney’

Sitcom starring standup comic has had its show order cut from 16 episodes to 13, though the show will continue to air in its normal time slot on Sunday nights. (THR)

Turner Reports Major Losses, With a $400 Million Write Down in Programming Costs

Along those lines, a top programming exec is no longer in the running to head up TBS and TNT. (TVW)

Bryan Singer Apparently Wants Tom Hardy to Play the Title Villain in ‘X-Men: Age of Apocalypse’

Dark Knight Rises star is also wanted for Warner’s Suicide Squad, will appear as Mad Max in 2015’s Fury Road. (SR)

‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Is Going to Great Lengths to Make The Hulk a Realistic as Possible

Director Joss Whedon is working with brand new motion capture performance system Muse to properly render Mark Ruffalo’s work. (CB)

A Year Before He Hopes to Start Shooting ‘Pacific Rim 2,’ Guillermo Del Toro Is Already Planning for ‘Pacific Rim 3’

With an animated series already in the works to link the first film to the second, which is due in theaters April 7, 2017, the director is thinking big. (COL)

Disney Is Getting Out in Front of the Oscar Race, Animated Short Division

The short, in front of November’s Big 6, is done by last year’s nominee for Get a Horse!, Patrick Osbourne, who previously won for Paperman. (TOH)

Screenwriters: High Concept Screenwriting Defined

The common belief is that it's any movie that can be pitched in one sentence. A man who battles his wife for custody of their children is one sentence, but it's a million miles from being High Concept. (MO)

On the Set 10/20/14: J.J. Abrams Begins Shooting ‘The Cellar’, Tom Hiddleston Starts on ‘I Saw the Light’& More

0
0

jj-abrams1

Starts

The Cellar 10/20/2014 Logline: A young woman wakes up after a terrible accident to find that she's locked in a cellar with a doomsday prepper, who insists that he saved her life and that the world outside is uninhabitable following an apocalyptic catastrophe. Uncertain what to believe, the woman soon determines that she must escape at any cost. Studio: Paramount Pictures Production Company: Bad Robot Director: Dan Trachtenberg Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr. Screenwriters: Daniel Casey (current draft); Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken (spec) SSN Insight: Daniel Casey, who wrote the current screenplay, also wrote the screenplay for science-fiction thriller “Theory of Everything,” based on a comic book that he co-wrote with Nick Nantell, currently in development at 20th Century Fox.

The Dressmaker 10/17/2014 Logline: After spending 20 years as a haute couture designer in Paris, a woman is forced to deal with the hypocrisy of her small country town in 1950s Australia. Production Companies: Mirabella Productions, Film Art Media, Screen NSW Director: Jocelyn Moorhouse Producer: Sue Maslin Cast: Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving Screenwriter: Jocelyn Moorhouse Details: Based on the novel "The Dressmaker" written by Rosalie Ham and published in 2000 by Duffy and Snellgrove. SSN Insight: Isla Fisher and Elizabeth Debicki were previously attached to star.

Room 10/14/2014 Logline: In a tale of resilience and love, a mother musters courage and resources to make sure that her little boy enjoys his childhood, despite their having being held captive in a small, single room since before the boy was born. Production Companies: No Trace Camping, Element Pictures, Film4, Irish Film Board Director: Lenny Abrahamson Executive Producers: Andrew Lowe, Tessa Ross, Sue Bruce-Smith, Rose Garnett, Jeff Arkuss, Jesse Shapira Producers: Ed Guiney, David Gross Cast: Brie Larson Screenwriter: Emma Donoghue Details: Based on the novel "Room" written by Emma Donoghue and published by Little, Brown and Co. in 2010, which was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize. SSN Insight: Irish director Lenny Abrahamson most recently directed the feature film “Frank” (UK/2014) starring Michael Fassbender.

I Saw the Light 10/16/2014 Logline: The story of the brief, turbulent life of 1950s country music star Hank Williams, who wrestled with alcohol, chronic back pain, a tempestuous marriage, and his own monumental talents before his shocking, sudden death at age 29. Production Companies: 821 Entertainment Group, RatPac Entertainment, Bron Studios, Creative Wealth Media Finance Director: Marc Abraham Executive Producer: James Packer Producers: Marc Abraham, Aaron Gilbert, Brett Ratner, Eric A Geadelmann, G Marq Roswell Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Cherry Jones, Wrenn Schmidt, Maddie Hasson, David Krumholtz Screenwriter: Marc Abraham Details: Based on the book "Hank Williams: The Biography" by Colin Escott; published by Back Bay Books in 1994. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Strike Entertainment with Eric Newman and Anastasia Brown producing.

Wraps

My Name Is Emily 10/18/2014 Logline: On her 16th birthday, Emily escapes from her foster home, and with the help of Arden, the boy who loves her, she sets out to find her father, a visionary writer, locked up in a far-off psychiatric institution. Production Companies: Newgrange Pictures, Kennedy Films Ltd. Director: Simon Fitzmaurice Producers: David Kennedy, Lesley McKimm, Kathryn Kennedy Cast: Evanna Lynch, Michael Smiley, George Webster Screenwriter: Simon Fitzmaurice SSN Insight: Feature directorial debut for Simon Fitzmaurice, who was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease in 2008, shortly after a short film that he made screened at the Sundance Film Festival. He now cannot use his limbs and can only control his eye movements, so he finished the screenplay for "My Name Is Emily" by typing with his eyes using an iris-recognition screen.

One & Two 10/14/2014 Logline: Two young siblings with mysterious teleportation powers must contend with a beloved, dying mother and an abusive, totalitarian father to overcome obstacles and ultimately determine their own fate. Production Companies: Bow & Arrow Entertainment, Protagonist Pictures Director: Andrew Palermo Producers: Michael Sherman,Kim Sherman, Matthew Perniciaro Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Timothée Chalamet, Grant Bowler Screenwriters: Andrew Palermo, Neima Shahdadi SSN Insight: Star Kiernan Shipka, acclaimed for playing the role of Sally Draper on the television series “Mad Men” (AMC), previously appeared in the feature film “Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore” (USA/2010), in which her character was the only human to see cats and dogs talking.

Comic Book Movie Showdown!, On The Set 10/20/14, CAA Sells Majority Stake to TPG, Another VOD Service Coming

0
0

marvel dc landscape

SSN ORIGINALS

The Comic Book Movie Showdown — How Warner/DC Stacks Up Against Disney/Marvel

With last week’s huge announcement that Warner has no less than 10 movies coming out between 2016 and 2020, the game has very much changed. (SSN)

On the Set 10/20/14: J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot Start Shooting ‘The Cellar,’ Tom Hiddleston Begins ‘I Saw the Light,’ and More

Kate Winslet stars in The Dressmaker with Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth, Brie Larson headlines Room, and One & Two and My Name is Emily wrap. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

CAA Sells Majority Stake in Agency to Private Equity Firm

TPG is spending $225 million to up its stake in the agency from 35 percent to 53, making this the first time CAA is not owned by its operating principals. (DH)

Lionsgate and Tribeca Enterprises Are Now the Latest to Set Up a Branded VOD Service

The service, called Tribeca Short List, will include a selection of titles from the two companies, as well as films from around the world, as curated by Tribeca and various influencers. (THR)

Could It Be? Is It Possible? Have We Potentially Found the Next ‘Frozen’? Disney Thinks So

CG-animated Moana will open in late 2016 from John Musker and Ron Clements, the duo that wrote and directed The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Princess and the Frog. (HP)

Fox May Be Losing ‘Glee,’ But It Is Staying in Business With Its Creators

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan sell Scream Queens to network, an American Horror Story–like anthology series that will mash up comedy and horror into 15 hour-long episodes. (VUL)

Warner May Be Pursuing Margot Robbie to Play a Supervillain, But She Could End Up a ‘Ghost in the Shell’

Wolf of Wall Street star circles DreamWorks’ live action adaptation of the famed anime property, which has Rupert Sanders attached to direct. (IO9)

In Light of Poor First Season Ratings, Lifetime Loses ‘The Lottery’ 

The freshman drama, about a dystopian future in which women have stopped having children, earned only 700,000 viewers in Live+Same Day. (TVW)

More ‘80s Fare Will Be in Your Movie Theaters, as ‘My Little Pony’ Is Headed to the Big Screen

With the success of the Transformers series, Hasbro has delved into its files for this property, which should be out in 2017. (EMP)

Messrs. Key and Peele Have Themselves a Green-Lit Movie, and It’s About a Cat Named Keanu

Comedy Central stars’ feature will follow a feline kidnapped by a street gang, with Key & Peele show director Peter Atencio in talks to direct. (UR)

Local 600 Launches Set Safety App, Academy’s Doc Short List Narrowed, ‘SNL’ Hires Jones, Momoa’s ‘Aquaman’ Ideas

0
0

Sarah Jones

Safety For Sarah: Local 600 Launches Its Own App for Reporting Unsafe Sets

The International Cinematographers Guild is the latest to release an app to ensure its members can anonymously report on TV or film sets that do not meet safety requirements. (DH)

The Academy Has Announced Its List of Potential Documentary Short Nominees

Original list of 58 submitted films has been narrowed down to just eight, with anywhere from three to five will earn nominations, which will be announced in January. (TOH)

‘Saturday Night Live’ Adds Diversity, Promotes Leslie Jones to Full Cast Member

Writer and occasional ‘Weekend Update’ guest will become official this weekend, on the October 25th telecast with host Jim Carrey. (HP)

Jason Momoa Has Some Very Interesting Ideas About What an ‘Aquaman’ Movie Might Entail

Star will first appear in 2017’s Justice League movie before he shoots the Aquaman solo film, in which he’ll play the title character for a 2018 release. (CB)

If You Were Hoping to See That Sequel to ‘The Conjuring’ Next Fall, You’re Going to Have to Wait an Extra Year

New Line pushes the release to 2016, announces an untitled horror film will take the previously targeted October 23, 2015 date. (VAR)

David Ayer Is Ready and Excited to Take on the ‘Suicide Squad’

The filmmaker, whose Fury was the top movie at this weekend’s box office, calls the team “a Dirty Dozen with supervillains.” (EMP)

The 2014 Young and Hungry List Is Out. Are You On It?

Tracking Board has the list of the top 100 writers on the verge, voted on by Hollywood’s most influential players. (TB)

Richard Gere’s New Flick, ‘Time Out of Mind,’ Sells to IFC

Indie distributor picks up the drama featuring Gere, who also produced, as a homeless man living in New York. Film will hit theaters in 2015. (THR)

As We Approach Halloween, It’s Time for an Oral History of ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’

Writer-director Wes Craven, producer Bob Shaye, stars Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp and others recall the making of the horror classic. (VUL)

Screenwriters: ‘Ali’

Shooting script, by Stephen J. Rivele & Christoper Wilkinson and Eric Roth & Michael Mann, story by Gregory Allen Howard (DS)

TV Development for 10/21/14: Rashida Jones EP on The Spencer Tapes, David Goyer Develops Shadowland & More

0
0

rashida jones 2

The Spencer Tapes Network: NBC Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Le Train Train Television Executive Producers: Dawson Bros. (Steve Dawson, Andrew Dawson, Tim Inman), Rashida Jones, Will McCormack Co-Executive Producer: Jeff Grosvenor Writers: Dawson Bros. (Steve Dawson, Andrew Dawson, Tim Inman) Logline: A 30-year-old college professor rediscovers his old camcorder tapes and realizes that life hasn’t turned out the way he’d hoped. SSN Insight: The Dawson Bros. have mostly worked in the UK, creating the BBC1 series Big School and BBC3’s Funtime.

Raising Adults Network: ABC Studio: 20th Century Fox Executive Producers: Mike Scully, Julie Scully Writers: Mike Scully, Julie Scully Logline: A married couple, over the course of 20 years of parenting three children, have gone from saying "They grow up so fast" to wondering "Will they ever grow up?" Details: Loosely based on the Scullys’ own experiences. SSN Insight: They are also writing and executive producing Los Serrano for Fox. The Courtship Of Eddie’s Father Network: FOX Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: Conaco Productions, Fathouse Industry Executive Producers: Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett, Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross, David Kissinger Producer: Willie Garson Writers: Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett Cast: Willie Garson Logline: Tells the story of widowed father Tom Corbett and his young son Eddie, who serves as his matchmaker. Details: Based on the TV series, The Courtship Of Eddie’s Father, which aired on ABC from 1969-1972. It was based on the novel of the same name, written by Mark Toby and published by Bernard Geis in 1961. Project will also be Inspired in part by Garson’s own experience as an adoptive single father. SSN Insight: Levin and Flackett are also writing and executive producing Confusing for NBC based on Levin’s life.

Shadowland Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Executive Producers: David S. Goyer, Jack Thorne Co-Producer: Benjamin Straub Writers: David S. Goyer, Jack Thorne Logline: Centers on two young boys, Tom Flanagan and Del Nightingale who spend a summer with Del’s uncle Coleman, one of the foremost magicians in the world, who may actually be a sorcerer. Details: Based on the novel Shadowland, written by Peter Straub and published by Coward Mc Cann in February 1980. SSN Insight: Goyer has also recently optioned the rights to Christopher Golden’s novel Snowblind for a possible event series. The IT Crowd Network: NBC Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: Doozer Productions, FremantleMedia North America Executive Producers: Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold, Neil Goldman, Garrett Donovan, Graham Linehan, Thom Beers, Craig Cegielski Writers: Neil Goldman, Garrett Donovan Logline: Two IT nerds stuck in the basement of a major corporation know nothing about how to interact with people, and their newly installed, ambitious female manager knows nothing about computers. Details: Based on the British comedy, The IT Crowd, which premiered on Channel 4 in 2006. SSN Insight: NBC developed and picked up to series another version of this project in 2007, starring Joel McHale, but it never aired. Untitled Rob Lowe/ Peter Huyck/ Alex Gregory Comedy Project Network: NBC Studio: ABC Studios Production Company: Brillstein Entertainment Partners Executive Producers: Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Rob Lowe, Marc Gurvitz Writers: Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory Cast: Rob Lowe Logline: A worldly, adventurous, and newly sober narcissist's decision to become a devoted father happens when his son and daughter are already teenagers. He’s back in his hometown making amends to his kids, his ex-wife, her second ex-husband and their younger son, all of whom have mixed feelings about his newfound parental enthusiasm. SSN Insight: Huyck, Lowe and Gregory developed The Pro last season for NBC, but the project wasn’t picked up to series. Marley & Me Network: NBC Studio: 20th Century Fox Executive Producers: Jenny Bicks, David Frankel, Karen Rosenfelt Writer: Jenny Bicks Logline: John and Jenny Grogan and their two boys, now 14 and 11, have just moved back to Florida so that John can take up his newspaper column once again. However, when a stray puppy ("owned", but not well, by their neighbors) ends up on their doorstep, they are forced to adopt it. This dog, named Marley for the fact that they use Marley’s old leash and tags on her, is as will-full, destructive and delightful as her original namesake. And she will help shed light not only on the growing pains of the Grogan family, but also the lives of the neighbors, and fellow dog-owners, around them. Details: Continues the story from the movie, Marley & Me, (2008/ USA), directed by David Frankel and starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. The film was based on the book, Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog, written by John Grogan. SSN Insight: This is Bicks’ third sale this season, who is also developing St. Lucy at ABC and supervising an untitled project for Fox with Max Greenfield. LFE Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: The Dan Jinks Company Executive Producers: Paul Downs Colaizzo, Dan Jinks Writer: Paul Downs Colaizzo Logline: A group of New York City’s wildest and most brilliant doctors start their second year of residency in the city’s most prestigious hospital. The show will not only be about saving lives in the hospital, but also about the young doctors grappling with their own mortality in the face of the almost superhuman and godly feats they pull off while on the job. SSN Insight: The Dan Jinks Company is also developing The Family Business at NBC with Matt Wheeler.

Virtue Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Circle of Confusion Executive Producers: Joe Robert Cole, R.J. Cutler, Ken Freimann, David Brownfield Writer: Joe Robert Cole Director: R.J. Cutler Logline: A black Republican L.A. homicide detective, who has long denied race has any bearing on him or the lives of others, gets a long overdue promotion to lead a high profile, racially-charged murder investigation...precisely because he's black. As he struggles with the terms of his promotion,15-year veteran Perry Anderson also confronts the politics and pecking order in his new precinct, including a female boss who was his first partner before a mysterious falling-out. SSN Insight: Project stems from Cutler’s first look deal at CBS Television Studios. Untitled Tony Phelan/ Joan Rater Legal Drama Project Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Timberman/Beverly Productions Executive Producers: Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Sarah TImberman, Carl Beverly Writers: Tony Phelan, Joan Rater Logline: A smart, successful thirty-something defense attorney shockingly falls for one of her clients who may or may not be guilty of a brutal crime. While she continues to try a variety of cases at her firm, she pursues her lover’s defense as this relationship reverberates throughout her previously well-constructed life. SSN Insight: This is Phelan’s and Rater’s first sale under their new overall deal with CBS Television Studios. The two are currently Consulting on ABC’s Madam Secretary. Cheerleader Death Squad Network: CW Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Cherry/Wind Productions Executive Producers: Neal Baer, Daniel Truly, Marc Cherry, Sabrina Wind Writers: Neal Baer, Daniel Truly, Marc Cherry Logline: When a disgraced CIA agent-turned-teacher at an elite Washington D.C. prep school realizes that his students have high-level access through personal connections, he trains a select few to be his eyes and ears into the world of international espionage and help him earn his way back into the agency.

Untitled Scott Silveri/ Shana Goldberg-Meehan Comedy Project Network: NBC Studio: 20th Century Fox Television Production Company: Silveri & Gold Productions Executive Producers: Scott Silveri, Shana Goldberg-Meehan Writers: Scott Silveri, Shana Goldberg-Meehan Director: Andy Ackerman Logline: The show follows an uptight family man and his boomer parents who are attacking their golden years like it’s spring break.

Moone Boy Network: ABC Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Companies: Sprout Pictures, 3 Arts Entertainment, Baby Cow Productions, Hot Cod Productions Executive Producers: Chris O’Dowd, Dave Becky, Nicholas Frenkel Writer: Chris O’Dowd Logline: 12-year-old Martin Moone navigates the challenges of his eccentric childhood with the help of his sarcastic, imaginary friend. Details: Based on the TV series, Moone Boy, which premiered in 2012 on Sky1. Project is also currently streaming on Hulu.

Bookclub Network: ABC Studio: Universal Television Production Company: UnbeliEVAble Entertainment Executive Producers: Patti Carr, Lara Olsen, Eva Longoria, Ben Spector Writers: Patti Carr, Lara Olsen Logline: Four female friends escape the pressures and responsibilities of adult life by pretending to be in a book club. Details: Based on an original idea by Patti Carr and Lara Olsen. SSN Insight: Carr and Olsen previously worked together on ABC’s Mixology as co-executive producers. The Erotic Silence Of The American Wife Network: ABC Studio: ABC Studios Production Company: Flame Ventures, LLC Executive Producers: Sally Robinson, Tony Krantz Co-Executive Producers: Drew Comins, Dalma Heyn Writer: Sally Robinson Logline: A group of disparate women are united by a single trait – they’re all having illicit affairs. Details: Based on the book The Erotic Silence of the American Wife, written by Dalma Heyn and published by Random House on May 30, 1992.

Untitled Amy Poehler/ Aisha Muharrar Comedy Project Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Company: 3 Arts Entertainment Executive Producers: Aisha Muharrar, Amy Poehler, Dave Becky Writer: Aisha Muharrar Logline: A young, agnostic woman inherits a church and the crew of strong-willed characters who make up her new community.

SSN Awards Watch: Below the Line Standouts, TV Development for 10/21/14, Remembering Oscar de la Renta

0
0

rashida jones 2

SSN ORIGINALS

SSN Awards Watch: The Below the Line Standouts — ‘Interstellar’ VFX, ‘Maleficent’ Costume Design, and More

The cinematography, editing, sound and costume design categories are also covered as we continue to delve into awards season. (SSN)

TV Development for 10/21/14: Rashida Jones EP on ‘The Spencer Tapes,’ David Goyer Develops ‘Shadowland,’ and More

Shows for ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS and The CW are all on the roster as plenty of shows continue on the development train. (SSN)

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Legendary Designer Oscar de la Renta Dies at 82

Famed dressmaker dressed every first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy and, most recently, designed the wedding dress for George Clooney's bride Amal Alamuddin. (CNN)

Like the Phoenix, Orion Is Going to Rise Again

The company, which was the precursor to Sony Pictures Classics, will now be used by MGM as a brand for smaller releases, both domestically and internationally, on VOD and limited theatrical. (SB)

Pop, the Soon-To-Be-Rebranded TVGN, Has Picked Up Its First Original Scripted Series

Eugene Levy’s Schitt’s Creek, a 13-episode sitcom from Canada, was co-created with his son Daniel. (DH)

With Plenty of New Original Series on the Way, IFC Expands Its Programming Team

Combination of promotions and executive appointments come seven months after producer Peter Aronson joined network as exec VP of original programming and production. (VAR)

Sean Bean Is Now the Latest to Join Matt Damon in Ridley Scott’s ‘The Martian’

Adaptation of Andy Weir’s book, about an astronaut (Damon) accidentally left stranded on Mars by his crew, is written by Drew Goddard. (SF)

Eli Roth’s ‘Cabin Fever’ Is Going to Be Remade, and He’s Going to Executive Produce It

Director Travis Zariwny will use Roth’s original script to film a “re-staging” of the 2002 movie that launched Roth’s career. (TF)

As If There Was Any Doubt That ‘Age of Ultron’ Was Going to Be Big, It’s Actually Setting a Record

Sequel to third-highest grossing film in history will end up with more special effects shots than any other Marvel movie, with more than 3,000 VFX shots anticipated. (MF)

New Footage Buzz: ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One’

“Whoever you are, whatever you’re doing, you are going to want to witness this.” The third installment in the record-setting series opens November 21st. (CB)

Daniel Loeb Sells His Sony Stake, The CW Renews ‘Flash’ and ‘Jane,’ James Wan Signs Deal With New Line

0
0

the flash sparks

Daniel Loeb and His Hedge Fund, Third Point, Finally Avails Itself of Sony Ownership

Outspoken investor had owned approximately seven percent of the company, repeatedly sparred with ownership, and even went toe-to-toe with George Clooney. (LAT)

The CW Has Early Faith in Two of Its Rookie Shows

Network president Mark Pedowitz gives both The Flash and Jane The Virgin full season orders after only a couple airings each. (MF)

A Day After ‘The Conjuring 2’ Was Pushed to 2016, James Wan Confirms He’s Returning to Direct

Deal is part of a larger one with New Line, giving the director-producer a first look deal with the Warner Bros.-based label. (DH)

The Dream Team of Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant Will Combine Their Powers for ‘Florence’

Stephen Frears is on board to direct the tale of Florence Foster Jenkins, an heiress and socialite whose driving passion was to be an opera singer, despite her lack of talent. (EMP)

Meanwhile, FX Has Had Enough of ‘The Bridge’

Cable network cancels the low-rated drama, based on a Scandinavian show of the same name, after two season. (USA)

Company Behind Wearable Device to Enhance Cinematic Viewing Experience Raises $542 Million

Magic Leap completed its Series B financing round led by Google, with participation from Legendary Entertainment, Qualcomm and other investors (VAR)

Bryan Singer’s Accuser Gets a Scolding from His Trial Judge

Michael Egan has had several blows to his credibility, the latest coming after he falsely claimed not to have received assistance with legal papers that in fact had been prepared and filed by a law office. (THR)

Charlie Cox Says the Upcoming ‘Daredevil’ TV Show Will Be Marvel’s Darkest Project Yet

The actor who plays the title character and his alter ego, blind lawyer Matt Murdoch, also says he’s excited about the “responsibility” that goes with it. Show premieres on Netflix in 2015. (HV)

How to Get Ahead on Your Oscar Scorecard: A Guide to the Eight Doc Shorts on the Doc Short List

The group is notable for having fewer Oscar vets than usual (only one is by a former Oscar nominee) as well as for being an especially bleak bunch. (NF)

Screenwriters: Why Specs Fail — Ignorance Vs. Arrogance

The desire to write a successful spec script is an amorphous endeavor and it is best done from a position of knowledge. When writers think they have “The Formula,” it’s then the requirements and/or the needs change. (SM)

TV Casting For 10/22/14: Seth Rogen to Guest on HBO’s The Comeback, Frank Langella to Recur on FX’s The Americans & More

0
0

Seth Rogen

Pilots:

Brian Jordan Alvarez, Ben Bledsoe and Derek Goh have joined MTV’s Self Promotion, that centers on overworked assistant who discovers that her dragon lady boss is missing (or worse).

Christian Slater has been cast in the lead role of USA’s Mr. Robot, that centers on a young programmer, Elliot who suffers from a debilitating anti-social disorder and decides that he can only connect to people by hacking them.

Current Series:

Michael Trucco will play Darby Stanchfield’s ex-husband on ABC’s Scandal.

Meagan Good and Chad Coleman will appear on Law & Order: SVU.

Tracy Spiridakos will recur on season 3 of A&E’s Bates Motel.

Annie Little has booked a multi-episode arc on Showtime’s Shameless.

Michelle Trachtenberg will guest star on Fox’s Sleepy Hollow.

Seth Rogen will guest star on HBO’s The Comeback.

Alexandra Breckenridge is set to recur in season 5 of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Billy Eichner will guest star on Fox’s New Girl.

Victor Garber will appear in season 5 of CBS’ Blue Bloods.

Kim Dickens and Jenna Stern join Netflix’s House of Cards.

Frank Langella has landed a recurring role on FX’s The Americans.

Angelina Jordan will appear in season 3 of Netflix’s Lilyhammer.

Rebecca Wisocky will guest star on ABC’s Once Upon a Time.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje will appear in season 5 of HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Vinnie Jones is scheduled to guest star in CW’s Arrow.

Ryan Hurst is set to recur in season 3 of A&E’s Bates Motel.

Tao Okamoto will guest star in season 3 of NBC’s Hannibal.

Leslie Jones joins the cast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

Roger Howarth has landed a recurring role on CW’s The Flash.

Morena Baccarin will guest star on Fox’s Gotham.

Patty Duke will appear in season 2 of Disney’s Liv and Maddie.

Catalina Sandino Moreno has joined TNT’s Falling Skies.

New Series:

Brent Sexton and Joseph Julian Soria will recur on USA’s Complications.

Willie Garson will guest star on Fox’s Weird Loners.

Matt Angel will guest star on USA’s Complications.

Viewing all 1955 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images