A Life in Men Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Denver & Delilah Films Executive Producer(s): Charlize Theron, Laverne McKinnon Logline: When Mary revisits Europe to find out what went wrong on an earlier trip with her friend, Nix, she experiences an awakening in her sexual, spiritual, and emotional life. SSN Insight: Based on the novel, "A Life in Men," written by Gina Frangello and published by Algonquin Books on February 4, 2014. Oscar winner Charlize Theron has inked an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to include seven projects set up at broadcast, cable and streaming outlets.  Denver & Delilah Films previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios in 2013. Former Epix VP, Laverne McKinnon will head the banner’s scripted TV division.

Untitled Dolly Parton Biopic Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: Magnolia Hill Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Bob Greenblatt, Dolly Parton Logline: A series of two-hour films to be broadcast on NBC based on Dolly Parton’s life. The films will be infused with Parton’s authentic hopefulness and positive outlook on life. SSN Insight: Greenblatt and Parton previously teamed to exeutive produce 9 to 5: The Musical for Broadway. Sam Haskell, a producer at Magnolia Hill is also onboard.

Better Things Network: FX Production Companies: 3 Arts Entertainment, Pig Newton Productions Executive Producer(s): Louis C.K., Pamela Adlon, Blair Breard, Dave Becky Writer(s): Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K. Logline: A working actor trying to earn a living must balance that with being a mother of three daughters. SSN Insight: Louie’s Pamela Adlon will star in addition to producing and scripting the series. FXP has an overall deal with C.K. and his banner is also producing the Zach Galifianakis series Baskets along with a stand-up comedy special.

Donny! Network: USA Network Production Company: Left/Right Films Executive Producer(s): Banks Tarver, Ken Druckerman Logline: "Donny Deutsch" hosts his own daytime talk show, "Donny!" Off-camera, he’s a filterless rogue who lives in contrast to almost everything he espouses publicly. Each episode finds him holding court as an expert on various issues (Sexting, Cellulite) on his show, yet reveal his personal struggle with similar subjects, especially when it comes to his ever-changing romantic partners, or the drama of being a single dad. Despite a team of bitingly funny women who work tirelessly to cover his tracks while busting his chops along the way Donny finds a way to make bad decisions with good intentions. SSN Insight: USA Network  has ordered six episodes as of January 15. Ordered to series. Network has ordered 6 episodes. Deutsch serves as chairman of ad agency Deutsch Inc. and is also an author. He hosted CNBC’s “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch” from 2004 to 2008.

Diblings Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Denver & Delilah Films Executive Producer(s): Charlize Theron, Laverne McKinnon Writer(s): Andrea Abbate Logline: A young, uptight businessman and a rebellious purple-haired tattoo artist will never be together but can't stand being apart. SSN Insight: Oscar winner Charlize Theron has inked an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to include seven projects set up at broadcast, cable and streaming outlets. Denver & Delilah Films previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios in 2013. Former Epix VP, Laverne McKinnon will head the banner’s scripted TV division.

Freedom Run Network: NBC Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Stevie Wonder, B. Swibel, Adam Westbrook, Charles Randolph-Wright, Tara Smith Writer(s): B. Swibel, Adam Westbrook, Charles Randolph-Wright Logline: The story depicts one of the greatest mass escapes in recorded history the smuggling of slaves from the South into the North through a collection of gritty, largely untold true love stories about ordinary men and women, slave and free, black and white, who risked everything to be together, fighting for love in a time of hate. SSN Insight: Based on the book, "Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad," written by Betty DeRamus and published by Atria Books on February 1, 2005. Planned an an 8-hour miniseries.

Get Well Soon Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Denver & Delilah Films Executive Producer(s): Charlize Theron, Laverne McKinnon Writer(s): Erika Cervantes Logline: Anna Bloom is depressed, so depressed that her parents have committed her to a mental hospital with a bunch of other messed-up teens. Here she meets a roommate with a secret (and a plastic baby), a doctor who focuses way too much on her weight, and a cute, shy boy who just might like her. But wait! Being trapped in a loony bin isn’t supposed to be about making friends, losing weight, and having a crush, is it? Based on the novel. SSN Insight: Based on the novel, "Get Well Soon," written by Julie Halpern and published by Feiwel & Friends in 2007. Oscar winner Charlize Theron has inked an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to include seven projects set up at broadcast, cable and streaming outlets.  Denver & Delilah Films previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios in 2013. Former Epix VP, Laverne McKinnon will head the banner’s scripted TV division.

How We Live Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Television Production Company: David Janollari Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Steven Cragg, Brian Bradley, David Janollari Writer(s): Steven Cragg, Brian Bradley Logline: Centers on a pop science blogger and his wife who move from Manhattan and single life to New Jersey and married/family life. There, he begins writing about his suburban friends and neighbors on the cul-de-sac in the style of an anthropologist who stumbled on an undiscovered tribe. SSN Insight: Inspired by Cragg and Bradley’s personal observations of their own family lives. NBC has ordered the series to pilot. NBC has so far picked up four comedy series for pilots including Superstore, How We Live, an untitled Suzanne Martin series and Go Jerrod Go.

Love Is a Four Letter Word Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: 20th Century Fox Television Production Company: Fabrik Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Diana Son, Mikkel Bondesen, Kristen Campo Writer(s): Diana Son Logline: Chronicles the collision of race, sexuality and gender roles when three diverse couples put modern marriage to the test. SSN Insight: NBC has ordered a pilot.

Mr. Mercedes Production Companies: Sonar Entertainment, Temple Hill Entertainment Executive Producer(s): David E. Kelley, Jack Bender, Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Gene Stein Writer(s): David E. Kelley Logline: When a psychopathic killer commits mass murder by driving his Mercedes into a crowd, a recently retired cop makes it his mission to bring him down. SSN Insight: Based on the novel, "Mr. Mercedes," written by Stephen King and published by Scribner on June 3, 2014. Planned as a limited series.

Mythos Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Denver & Delilah Films Executive Producer(s): Charlize Theron, Laverne McKinnon Writer(s): Spenser Cohen Logline: All we believed to be myth, from the Fountain of Youth to Atlantis, is closely guarded truth, protected by two opposing orders, each with differing agendas for humanity. SSN Insight: Oscar winner Charlize Theron has inked an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to include seven projects set up at broadcast, cable and streaming outlets.  Denver & Delilah Films previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios in 2013. Former Epix VP, Laverne McKinnon will head the banner’s scripted TV division.

Flaked Network: Netflix Production Companies: Electric Avenue, Electus Executive Producer(s): Will Arnett, Mark Chappell, Ben Silverman, Peter Principato, Mitch Hurwitz Writer(s): Will Arnett, Mark Chappell Logline: Set in Venice, CA, the comedy follows self-appointed "guru" Chip, who falls for the object of his best friend's captivation. Soon the tangled web of half-truths and semi-bullshit that underpins his all-important image and sobriety begins to unravel. SSN Insight: Netflix has ordered eight episodes to premiere in 2016.

NBC/ Untitled Martin Comedy Project Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Hazy Mills Productions Executive Producer(s): Suzanne Martin, Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner Writer(s): Suzanne Martin Logline: The show chronicles how things backfire for recent empty-nesters when their children and their parents move back home. SSN Insight: NBC has given an initial pilot commitment. NBC has so far picked up four comedy series for pilots including Superstore, How We Live, an untitled Suzanne Martin series and Go Jerrod Go.

Spin Network: SyFy Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Companies: Bits & Pieces Picture Company, Olympus Pictures Executive Producer(s): Rob Morrow, Leslie Urdang Writer(s): Jim Uhls Logline: Follows three childhood friends who witness the stars in the sky as they mysteriously vanish. NASA probes reveal a black energy barrier has surrounded the Earth and time is traveling a billion times faster outside of the barrier. Civilization learns that it has five years left before the sun expands and consumes the planet. As the children grow, they go their separate ways trying to save the world from annihilation, but with time running out, will their friendship and mankind survive? Based on the novel, "Spin," written by Robert Charles Wilson. SSN Insight: Based on the novel, "Spin" written by Robert Charles Wilson and published by Tor Books on March 10, 2005. SyFy has ordered six-hour long episodes for this limited miniseries event.

The Curse of the Fuentes Women Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Silent H Productions Executive Producer(s): Silvio Horta, Andrew Maher Writer(s): Silvio Horta Logline: When a young man washes up on Miami Beach claiming to be a long lost family member from Cuba, he breathes new energy into the lives of grandmother Esperanza Fuentes, daughter Lola and granddaughter Soledad. SSN Insight: NBC has given an initial script commitment plus penalty and ordered to pilot.

The One Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Denver & Delilah Films Executive Producer(s): Charlize Theron, Laverne McKinnon Writer(s): Roger Wolfson Logline: Explores what it takes to succeed in the cutthroat world of billionaires and CEOs through the eyes of those who are often overlooked: the assistants. A young struggling street artist is hired to be the assistant to a visionary but enigmatic tech genius. The surprising relationship that forms between them begins to threaten everything the company has built SSN Insight: Oscar winner Charlize Theron has inked an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to include seven projects set up at broadcast, cable and streaming outlets.  Denver & Delilah Films previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios in 2013. Former Epix VP, Laverne McKinnon will head the banner’s scripted TV division.

UCP/ Untitled Greg Rucka Project Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Denver & Delilah Films Executive Producer(s): Charlize Theron, Laverne McKinnon Writer(s): Greg Rucka Logline: Storyline under wraps. SSN Insight: Universal Cable has given an initial blind script deal commitment as of January 15. Oscar winner Charlize Theron has inked an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to include seven projects set up at broadcast, cable and streaming outlets.  Denver & Delilah Films previously had an overall deal with ABC Studios in 2013. Former Epix VP, Laverne McKinnon will head the banner’s scripted TV division.

Repeat After Me Network: ABC Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: A Very Good Production Executive Producer(s): Ellen DeGeneres, Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, Kevin A. Leman II, Jason Goldberg, James Breen andJeff Kleeman Logline: Unscripted reality series where host Wendi McLendon-Covey will direct celebrities via an earpiece, what to do with everyday people on the street. At the end the live studio audience will pick the best moment. The first episode will feature Ellen Pompeo, Taye Diggs and Harry Connick Jr. SSN Insight: Based on a bit from The Ellen Show, the series will premiere Tuesday, Feb. 17 hosted by Goldberg’s star Wendi McLendon-Covey. This is latest spinoff of a bit on a talk show as Jimmy Fallon’s Lip Sync Battle is also slated for a series.

Superstore Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Television Production Company: The District Executive Producer(s): Justin Spitzer, Ruben Fleischer, David Bernad Writer(s): Justin Spitzer Logline: The story centers on a disparate group of employees working at a big box store in middle America, and the love stories that will ultimately unfold among them. SSN Insight: NBC has ordered a pilot as of January 14. NBC has so far picked up four comedy series for pilots including Superstore, How We Live, an untitled Suzanne Martin series and Go Jerrod Go.

Untitled Civil War Drama Network: PBS Production Companies: Saw Bone Films, Scott Free Productions Executive Producer(s): Lisa. Q. Wolfringer, David Zabel Logline: Follows the real-life nurses Mary Phinney and Emma Green during the Civil War. One is an abolitionist and the other a Confederate belle, the nurses find themselves working in the same hospital. SSN Insight: PBS has ordered six episodes.The Anne Ray Charitable Trust and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will provide financial support along with the Virginia Film Board.

SSN AWARDS ORIGINALS

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Awards 2015 Spotlight: ‘Boyhood’s Richard Linklater On Organically Writing the Screenplay Through the Years

TODAY’S HEADLINE

TV Development For 1/20/15: Charlize Theron Inks Deal With Universal, David E. Kelley On Stephen King Adaptation, Louis C.K., and More

After Having Been Shelved For Seven Decades, Alfred Hitchcock’s Holocaust Doc Is Finally Being Shown

Forget Netflix and Amazon, Overstock Is Joining the Online Streaming Network Game

Looking To Build Up Its Slate and Partnerships, Studio 8 Signs a First-Look Deal With ‘Harry Potter’ Producer

STX Entertainment and Showtime Close a Big Deal For the Studio’s TV Output

Sony’s Playstation Network Is Finally Getting Its First Scripted Show On the Airwaves

Warner Bros. and Producer David Heyman Just Hired a Big Name To Crack the ‘Fables’ Script

Trailer Buzz: ‘The Walking Dead'

Watch: ‘Great Directors’

Another Good Reason To Be a Netflix Subscriber: ‘The Interview’ Available For Screening On Saturday

And, Just Like That, ‘The Huntsman’ Has Itself a Brand New Director

Marvel Comics Is Rebooting Its Universe, But Is Not Actually Calling It That

The American Version Of ‘Luther’ Is Moving Forward, and It’s Going To Fox

NBC Is Also Making Some Moves With Pilot Season, Picking Up Another Pair Of Comedies

With the Countdown Officially Started For The Force Awakens, Preparation Is Beginning For Gareth Edwards’ Standalone Flick

Now That Rob Lowe Has Conquered American TV, He Is Moving To England For More

Bruce Willis Is Getting an ‘Extraction’ To Do His Next Project

Trailer Buzz: ‘The Gunman’

Screenwriters: ‘The Bourne Identity’

Paradigm: French actor Olivier Martinez has signed on as a client with Paradigm. The actor has a César Award (for 1993’s Un, deux, trois, soleil) and he most recently appeared last season on ABC’s Revenge as French billionaire Pascal LeMarchal.

SSN AWARDS ORIGINALS

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Awards 2015 Spotlight: A Conversation With ‘The Theory Of Everything’s Eddie Redmayne

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Sundance 2015: Eight Films To Watch

Rep Moves For 1/21/15: Olivier Martinez Picked Up By Paradigm, Jamie Kennedy, and More

NBC Is Doing Something Remarkable With the Super Bowl: Streaming It For Free

On the Eve Of Sundance, Miramax Just Made a Pretty Big Hire

Nicolas Cage Is Tackling a Comedy For His Next Project, Will Become an ‘Army Of One’

New Directors/New Films Has Announced Its Lineup. Did Your Film Make the Cut?

WME/IMG Just Expanded Into the Professional Gaming Game

All Things Must Come To an End, Good or Bad: ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ To Shoot This Summer

First Look: ‘The Revenant’

‘Star Trek 3’ Has a Pair Of New Writers, and One Of Them Plays Scottie

So, We Know That Tom Hardy Will Not Be In ‘Suicide Squad,’ but We Still Don’t Know Who Will Replace Him

Speaking Of Jake Gyllenhaal, His ‘Southpaw’ Now Has a Release Date

As If There Was Any Doubt That Chris Pratt and Chris Evans Are Pretty Awesome, They Now Have an Amazing Super Bowl Bet

There’s a Brand New Distributor In Town, Because Cantinas Entertainment Just Bought Mission Pictures

That Standalone ‘Star Wars’ Movie Is Also Testing Kate Mara and Felicity Jones For the Female Lead

‘Deadwood’ Reunion Alert! ‘Ray Donovan’ Just Cast Ian McShane For Season Three

First Look: ‘Deep Web’

Trailer Buzz: ‘It Follows’

Screenwriters: Breaking & Entering — Cut Straight To the Slap

NEW ATTACHMENTS

The Huntsman Logline: Tells the story of how The Huntsman, Eric meets Ravenna before either meets Snow White. Studio/ Distributor:Universal Pictures Production Company: Roth Films Producers: Joe Roth, Palak Patel Writer: Evan Spiliotopoulos Director: Cedric Nicolas-Troyan Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron SSN Insight: Previous director, Frank Darabont, left the project due to creative differences and Universal quickly hired VFX and second unit directorNicolas-Troyan who oversaw the VFX and second unit on the first film to fill Darabont’s shoes.

Extraction Logline: A former CIA operative is working with his son on the development of a lethal weapon when his father is kidnapped by a terrorist group. Studio/ Distributor: Grindstone Entertainment Group, Lionsgate Production Company: Emmett/ Furla/ Oasis Films, Aperture Producers: Randall Emmett, George Furla, Adam Goldworm Writer: Umair Aleem Director: Steven C Miller Cast: Bruce Willis SSN Insight: The film starts shooting Feb. 9 in Alabama and is being sold next month in Berlin by Highland Film Group.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Logline: This sequel involves a swashbuckling search across the seas for a legendary and powerful Trident. Studio/ Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Production Company: Jerry Bruckheimer Films Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Mike Stenson, Chad Omar Writer: Jeff Nathanson Director: Joachim Ronning, Espen Sandberg Cast: Kaya Scodelario, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem, Ian McShane, Stephen Graham, Orlando Bloom, Keith Richard, Brenton Thwaites SSN Insight: Scodelario is in talks to nab the female lead in the fifth Pirates installment set to start shooting in February.

Blackwater Logline:The life story of Erik Prince is chronicled, from his days as a Navy SEAL through the rise and fall of his secretive paramilitary company, Blackwater. Studio/ Distributor: Voltage Pictures Production Company: Voltage Pictures Producers: Craig J. Flores, Nicolas Chartier, Adam Ciralsky Writer: Stuart Beattie Notes: Based on the book "Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror" written by Erik Prince with Davin Coburn and published by Portfolio/Penguin in 2013; and on the article "Tycoon, Contractor, Soldier, Spy" written by Adam Ciralsky and published in the January 2010 issue of Vanity Fair. SSN Insight: Beattie’s attachmentputs the project on the fast track in the hopes of getting Voltage back in the fact-based drama game that put it on the map with films such as Hurt Locker and Dallas Buyers Club.

Star Trek 3 Logline:Storyline is under wraps. Studio/ Distributor: Paramount Pictures Production Company: Bad Robot, Skydance Productions Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Roberto Orci Writer: Simon Pegg, Doug Jung Director:  Justin Lin Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy SSN Insight: Roberto Orci was previously tapped to write and direct the next installment of Paramount’s hit franchise but recently left the project so the studio hired Pegg (who stars in the franchise) and Jung.

The Dive Logline:The love story of Cuban diver Franciso "Pippin" Ferres and the French-born diver Audrey Mestre. Under his guidance and training, she became a freediver who broke several world records. At age 28, Mestre died while attempting a breath-hold dive over 500 feet. Studio/ Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Production Company: Lightstorm Entertainment, Josephson Entertainment Producers: Barry Josephson, Rae Sanchini, Jon Landau, James Cameron Writer: J. Michael Straczynski Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence SSN Insight: The long gestating development project at Fox seems to finally be getting a new life with the attachment of both Lawrences.  Originally developed by James Cameron, who is a diving aficionado, the project has had Cameron and Martin Campbell previousl attached to direct.

NEW PROJECTS

Ouija 2 Logline:Storyline under wraps. Production Company: Platinum Dunes Producers: Andrew Form, Brad Fuller SSN Insight: Although there’s not yet any news on writers or release date, producers Fuller and Form did confirm that the Michael Bay headed production company is working on a sequel to their 2014 release.

SSN AWARDS ORIGINALS

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Awards 2015 Spotlight: Laura Dern On the Role That Changed Her — Bobbi In ‘Wild’

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Sundance 2015 Spotlight: Filmmaker Craig Zobel On Casting the Post-Apocalyptic Love Triangle In ‘Z For Zachariah’

Film Development For 1/22/15: Jennifer Lawrence Signs On For ‘The Dive,’ ‘Star Trek 3,’ ‘Ouija 2’ News, and More

Cue the John Williams Music: CBS Has Found Its ‘Supergirl’

DreamWorks Animation Makes Further Announcements Regarding Its Ongoing Restructuring Process

It Only Took Two Decades, But Martin Scorsese Has Financing Locked For ‘Silence’

New Film Role For Zac Efron Continues His Rise as an Adult Comedy Star

Now That Jake Gyllenhaal Has Passed On the Part Of Rick Flagg, Warner Has Its Eyes On Two Other Actors

Today In Remake News: ‘The Blob’ Has Itself a Director

Another Sale Has Happened Before the Sundance Festival Has Actually Begun

Don’t Have Amazon Prime But Want To Watch ‘Transparent’? This Weekend Is Your Big Chance

Death Of a Dream: Amidst Continued Layoffs and Cutbacks, DWA Closes PDI

All Those Who Think They’re Going To See Martin Scorsese’s Documentary On Bill Clinton Any Time Soon, Stand Up. Not So Fast, Sparky!

A Piece Of James Gandolfini Will Live On, Thanks To John Leguizamo

‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Just Cast Three Of Its Major Mutant Characters

Meanwhile, ’Aquaman’ Might Be Three Years Away From a Release, But the Casting Wheels Appear To Be In Motion

And It Appears Marvel Wants To Add Another Oscar Nominee To ‘Doctor Strange’

Trailer Buzz, Part 1: ‘Hannibal’

Trailer Buzz: Part 2: ‘The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’

Screenwriters: ‘Leaving Las Vegas’

Company Launches

Independent music marketing, talent management, and music publishing house Primary Wave has merged its talent division with Intellectual Artists Management to form a new multiplatform music, film, TV, and literary management company.

FremantleMedia North America is launching BuzzrTV, a digital multicast channel devoted to vintage game shows. The Fox O&O stations have picked up the channel for a summer debut in 17 markets.

Startup Vessel.com has opened to the public, offering subscriptions for exclusive early access to content from an array of prominent media companies and online stars. Film

Gravitas Ventures has made a series of hires and promotions to its sales and acquisitions team. Griffin Gmelich will be senior vice president of sales and business development. He will oversee sales of Gravitas’ films, documentaries, series and specials across North American video on demand, subscription video on demand, and ad sponsored video on demand platforms as well as television.

Television

Turner Broadcasting named Jennifer Dorian general manager of Turner Classic Movies (TCM). She will report to Coleman Breland, President of Turner Network Sales (TNS). Genevieve McGillicuddy has been upped to vice president of brand activation and partnerships for TCM, up from senior director, reporting into Dorian.

AMC’s unscripted executive Andie Beckerman has moved to Syfy. She will serve as VP Alternative Development and Production, developing and overseeing unscripted alternative programming.

Fox Broadcasting Company hired Rachel Rusch as VP of Event Series. She will oversee the network's limited-run programming and will develop large-scale event series and live scripted events.

The Television Academy has named Susan Spencer Senior Vice President, Media & Brand Management, as the Academy re-aligns its staff to better serve the organization's membership needs and long-range goals.

Fox Broadcasting has hired a new head for its alternative programming department. Electus and ABC alum Corie Henson has been named exec VP of alternative entertainment. She replaces Simon Andreae.

NBC News is bringing Today show's Noah Oppenheim back to run the show.

Simon Andreae is stepping down as head of alternative programming for Fox after a year on the job. He will be succeeded by Electus’ Corie Henson, who has been named EVP of alternative entertainment.

Digital, Multiplatform

Digital media company Refinery29 has tapped producer Amy Emmerich as head of video. With Emmerich’s hire, Refinery29 will expand its video staff and also redesign its in-house video studio.

Macro, the media venture launched by former WME partner Charles King, has named three key execs. Poppy Hanks, formerly senior VP for Tyler Perry’s 34th Street Films, has joined as senior VP of development and production. Summit Entertainment alum Ron Hohauser is chief financial officer. Michael Palank has been named VP of digital and business development. Palank comes to Macro from Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment.

Agencies, Management Companies, Marketing, Public Relations, Law Firms, Misc

Select Management Group – which specializes in managing online stars on YouTube, Twitter and Instagram – has added online-video vet Adam Wescott as a partner and launched SelectNext, an entertainment-production unit focused on its stable of talent.

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation has hired actor-producer Lainie Strouse for the newly created post of director of development, in which she will manage all fundraising and development.

SSN AWARDS ORIGINALS

SAG AND PGA AWARDS PREDICTIONS

Awards 2015: He Said/She Said Predicts the SAG and PGA Awards Winners

Awards 2015: PGA Awards — How the Nominated Producers Reached the Finish Line

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Exec Shuffle For 1/23/15: Fremantle Media Launches BuzzrTV, Andie Beckerman Moves To Syfy, and More

The Duplass Brothers Have Closed the First Big Deal Of This Year’s Sundance Film Festival

Start the Countdown To Oscar Season 2016: Production Has Begun On ‘The Hateful Eight’

Amidst All the Hullaballoo, DreamWorks Animation Has Announced Its New Slate

Who Needs ‘True Detective’? Showtime Chases Its Own Thriller Series, With ‘Lonely Hearts Killers’

John Stamos Is Coming Back To TV, and Fox Has Him

Shaquille O’Neal Becomes the Latest Pro Athlete To Transition To Sitcoms

Trailer Buzz: ‘The Rewrite’

Sundance 2015: Eight Films To Watch

Awards 2015: PGA Awards — How the Nominated Producers Reached the Finish Line

Awards 2015 Spotlight: Laura Dern On the Role That Changed Her — Bobbi In ‘Wild’

Awards 2015 Spotlight: A Conversation With ‘The Theory Of Everything’s Eddie Redmayne

Awards 2015 Spotlight: ‘Boyhood’s Richard Linklater On Organically Writing the Screenplay Through the Years

Awards 2015 Spotlight: Screenwriter Graham Moore On His Long Quest To Bring Alan Turing’s Story To Light

‘American Sniper’s Box Office Dominance Continues With Another Winning Weekend

Could This Be a Portent Of Things To Come? ‘Birdman’ Takes PGA Top Honors …

And Brings Home the SAG Award For Best Cast, As Well

‘Pirates 5’ Gets Itself an Actress With Some ‘Skins’ In the Game

Julia Roberts Loves the Batkid Story So Much, She’s Going To Turn It Into a Narrative Feature

Sundance Is About To See a Record Buy At This Year’s Festival

IFC Gets Involved At Sundance, Picks Up Jack Black and James Marsden-Starrer ‘The D Train’

While Nicole Kidman’s Latest, ‘Strangerland’ Gets a Buyer In Alchemy

It’s Time To Buy Stock In Oscar Isaac’s Career, Because He’s About To Become a Full-Fledged Movie Star

Screenwriters: ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ Screenplay Deconstructed Using Narratemes Story Structure

STARTS

Creed 1/26/2015 Logline: This continuation of the "Rocky" franchise focuses on Adonis, the raised-in-privilege grandson of former heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed, whose family would prefer that he not follow in his grandfather's footsteps, given the tragic end to the elder Creed's career, and life, in the ring -- but Adonis, who possesses tons of natural boxing ability and a secret, irrepressible desire to compete, finds a trainer and mentor in his late granddad's ex-rival and friend, Rocky Balboa. Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) Production Company: Winkler Films Director: Ryan Coogler Executive Producer(s): Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff, Nicolas Stern Producer(s): Kevin King, Charles Winkler, David Winkler, Billy Chartoff, Sylvester Stallone Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew, Tessa Thompson Writer(s): Ryan Coogler, Aaron Covington SSN Insight: This project re-teams Coogler and Jordan who previously worked together on indie darling Fruitvale Station. Per THR, Coogler took Creed to MGM before production on Fruitvale Station, "It was an idea I took to them and met with Stallone for his blessing. It's a universal story about family, so I hope it'll fly."

Pete's Dragon (Remake) 1/26/2015 Logline: Pete, following the death of his parents in a car crash when he was four, escaped to the forest and became best friends with a dragon, who raised him - but Pete and the dragon now face unprecedented threats to the way of life they've come to know and love. Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production Company: Whitaker Entertainment Director: David Lowery Executive Producer(s): No Executive Producer Available. Producer(s): Jim Whitaker Cast: Oakes Fegley, Oona Laurence, Robert Redford, Wes Bentley, Michael C Hall Writer(s): David Lowery, Toby Halbrooks Details: Remake of the film "Pete's Dragon" (1977) directed by Don Chaffey and starring Sean Marshall, Helen Reddy and Jim Dale.

The Birth of a Nation 1/26/2015 Logline: The true story of Nat Turner, the educated slave and preacher who led a violent slave rebellion in Virginia in 1831. Production Company: Phantom Four Director: Nate Parker Producer(s): Kevin Turen, Nnamdi Asomugha Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer Writer(s): Nate Parker SSN Insight: Parker gained acclaim for his role in 2007’s The Great Debaters opposite Denzel Washington  and starred in this year’s Beyond The Lights. This project is his directorial debut and he also star in the film alongside Hammer.

The Most Wonderful Time 1/26/2015 Logline: Long-married couple Charlotte and Sam host one final Christmas together, during which they plan to tell the family that they're breaking up, but the gathering's chaos, surprises, and dysfunctional family fun prompt Charlotte and Sam to reassess their decision. Studio: CBS Films Production Company: Groundswell Productions Director: Jessie Nelson Executive Producer(s): Steven Rogers, Ron Burkle, Jason Colbeck Producer(s): Jessie Nelson, Michael London, Janice Williams Cast: Diane Keaton, Alan Arkin, Annette Bening, Amanda Seyfried Writer(s): Steven Rogers SSN Insight: Robert Redford was previously mentioned to co-star. Theo James was previously attached as a cast member. Previously in development with Relativity Media and Imagine Entertainment.

The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving 1/22/2015 Logline: After a man who's life is turned upside trains to become a caregiver, he is assigned to an ailing teen and realizes he's in over his head. The two of them go on a life-changing road trip that binds them together. Production Companies: Worldwide Pants Incorporated, B&B Productions, Battle Plan Productions, Levantine Films Director: Rob Burnett Producer(s): Donna Gigliotti, James Spies, Rob Burnett, Jon Beckerman Cast: Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez Writer(s): Rob Burnett Details: Based on the novel "The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving," written by Jonathan Evison and published by Algonquin Books on August 28, 2012. SSN Insight: Filming begins in Atlanta. Gomez’s previous indie credits include Harmony Korine’s provocative Spring Breakers and William H. Macy’s directorial debut Rudderless, which premiered last year at Sundance.

The Secret in Their Eyes (Remake) 1/26/2015 Logline: A man who has been slowly solving a years-old brutal murder committed against the daughter of a loved one ventures across the country to take up the mystery anew, and in the process he discovers shocking details as he gets closer to tracking down the killer. Studio: No Studio Available. Production Companies: Gran Via Productions, IM Global, STX Entertainment Director: Billy Ray Executive Producer(s): Stuart Ford, Matt Jackson Producer(s): Mark Johnson, Juan José Campanella Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman Writer(s): Billy Ray Details: English-language remake of "El secreto de sus ojos" (Argentina/2009) written and directed by Juan Campanella from a novel by Eduardo Sacheri. SSN Insight: Previously in development at Warner Bros. Gwyneth Paltrow was previously attached to star.

Untitled (Universal/Steve Jobs Biopic) 1/26/2015 Logline: Biopic of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Studio: Universal Pictures Production Companies: Management 360, Mark Gordon Company, Scott Rudin Productions, Cloud Eight Films Director: Danny Boyle Producer(s): Mark R. Gordon, Scott Rudin, Guymon Casady, Christian Colson Cast: Michael Fassbender, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Michael Stuhlbarg, Kate Winslet Writer(s): Aaron Sorkin Details: Based on the book "Steve Jobs" written by Walter Isaacson and published by Simon & Schuster on October 24, 2011. SSN Insight: Sony acquired rights first in 2011, before Universal picked up the project.David Fincher had been in negotiations to direct. Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, and Tom Cruise were previously in talks to star.

WRAPS

Mission: Impossible 5 1/25/2015 Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio: Paramount Pictures Production Companies: Bad Robot, Skydance Productions Director: Christopher McQuarrie Executive Producer(s): David Ellison, Dana Goldberg Producer(s): J.J. Abrams, Tom Cruise Cast: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson Writer(s): Will Staples, Drew Pearce Details: Sequel to "Mission: Impossible" (1995), directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise. Based on the Paramount Television series "Mission: Impossible," which aired on CBS from 1966 to 1973 and was created by Bruce Geller. SSN Insight: Jessica Chastain was previously mentioned as a member of the cast. Director Christopher McQuarrie co-wrote and directed Jack Reacher and co-wrote Edge of Tomorrow, both starring Tom Cruise.  McQuarrie also did uncredited writing work on Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

Kickboxer 1/25/2015 Logline: A man swears revenge after his older brother, who was world kickboxing champion, is crippled by a dirty fighter. Studio: No Studio Available. Production Company: Radar Pictures Director: John Stockwell Executive Producer(s): Mike Weber, Peter Meyer, Brian O'Shea, Nathaniel McCormick, Jeff Bowler Producer(s): Dimitri Logothetis, Ted Field, Nick Celozzi Cast: Georges St. Pierre, Dave Bautista, Alain Moussi, Scott Adkins, Jean-Claude van Damme Writer(s): Jim McGrath, Dimitri Logothetis Details: Based on the film "Kickboxer" (1988) directed by David Worth, Mark DiSalle and Jean-Claude van Damme, and starring Jean-Claude van Damme. SSN Insight: Tony Jaa was previously attached, but was replaced by Jean-Claude Van Damme due to scheduling conflicts. Stephen Fung was previously attached to direct.

Les Cowboys 1/23/2015 Logline: A father travels across the world with his son to find his daughter, who disappeared while dating a young Muslim fundamentalist. Production Companies: Lumiere Films, Les Films du Fleuve, Les Films du Tresor Director: Thomas Bidegain Executive Producer(s): No Executive Producer Available. Producer(s): Alain Attal Cast: John C Reilly, Finnegan Oldfield, Francois Damiens Writer(s): Thomas Bidegain, Noé Debré SSN Insight: Project marks directorial debut for Bidegain who previously was hailed as a screenwriter for his work on Rust and Bone and A Prophet. Pathe is handling international sales rights and will distribute in France.

SSN AWARDS ORIGINALS

ANIMATION

Awards 2015 Spotlight: Filmmaker Tomm Moore On the Surprising Oscar Nom For Animate Film, ‘Song of the Sea’

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Sundance 2015: Filmmaker Douglas Tirola On His Doc, ‘Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon’

On the Set For 1/26/15: Michael Fassbender Starts Steve Jobs Biopic, Ryan Cooler Starts ‘Rocky’ Spinoff, and More

Good News For Tom Cruise Fans: Paramount Is Moving ‘Mission: Impossible 5’ To This Summer

Bill Condon’s Live Action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Has Itself a Beauty

David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay Enjoy Working Together So Much, They’re About To Do It Again

Marvel Just Came Out With a Lot Of Info About Its Various Projects

Amazon’s Next Pilot Is Going Romantic, and Into the Past

Adam Sandler Has His First Film For Netflix In Motion, and It’s ‘The Ridiculous Six’

Sitting Shiva With Larry David, On the Eve Of His Broadway Debut

Do Not Get Your Hopes Up That Joss Whedon Will Return For the Next Two ‘Avengers’ Movies

That ‘Star Wars’ Stand Alone Movie That Just Lost Its Writer Has Found a Replacement

CBS Films Will ‘Let It Snow’ With a Pretty Spectacular Cast For Its New Holiday Movie

Warner Bros. Is Taking Another Shot At a ‘Jetsons’ Movie, and Keeping It Animated

Over At Sundance, ’The Overnight’ Finds a Home, and Orchard Has It

So Much For Luke Evans Starring In That Long-Awaited ‘The Crow’ Remake

It’s a Big Day Over At ABC, as the Alphabet Picks Up Four Pilot Orders

Trailer Buzz, Part One: ‘Fantastic Four’

Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Knock Knock’

Screenwriters: ’10,000 B.C.’

NETWORK

Quantico Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Production Company: Mark Gordon Company Executive Producer(s): Joshua Safran, Mark R. Gordon, Nicholas Pepper Writer(s): Joshua Safran Logline: A group of young, sexy FBI recruits, all with specific reasons for joining, go through training given by current Special Agents at the college-like Quantico base in Virginia. One of the recruits turns out to be a sleeper terrorist who creates the most severe terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11. SSN Insight: ABC landed the project in September with a script commitment. The drama was one of eight projects the Mark Gordon Company developed this past season.

L.A. Crime Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Production Company: Mandeville Films/TV Executive Producer(s): Steven Baigelman, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Laurie Zaks Writer(s): Steven Baigelman Logline: Two LA cops track a serial killer team amidst the rock-and-roll, coke-infused revelry of the 1980s Sunset Strip.

Runner Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Production Company: Sander/Moses Productions Executive Producer(s): Ian Sander, Kim Moses, Peter Horton, Michael G. Cooney, Jon Cowan Writer(s): Michael G. Cooney Logline: Centers on a woman who believes she is leading a perfect life — she has a loving husband, a perfect child, a rewarding career and close friends. However, overnight her life is ripped apart by one simple twist of fate she soon realizes that to uncover the truth, she must follow a trail of lies to The End. Details: Based on the Turkish series "Son," written by Berkun Oya and produced by Ay Yapim, which aired over the first half of 2012. SSN Insight: Fox originally gave an off-cycle, cast-contingent pilot order on September 10 and marked for series production in summer 2014 under former network president Kevin Reilly.

Of Kings and Prophets Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Executive Producer(s): Jason Reed, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi Writer(s): Adam Cooper, Bill Collage Logline: An epic Biblical saga of faith, ambition and betrayal as told through the eyes of a battle-weary king, a powerful and resentful prophet and a resourceful young shepherd on a collision course with destiny. SSN Insight: Scribes previously penned the Ridley Scott movie Exodos: Gods and Kings.

Mix Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Le Train Train Executive Producer(s): Rashida Jones, Will McCormack, Jeff Grosvenor, Jennifer Cecil Writer(s): Jennifer Cecil Logline: A one-hour dramedy that explores the realities of modern-day families-- multi-cultural, multi-generational, built through divorces, affairs and adoptions -- set against the backdrop of a revered family restaurant at a crossroads. SSN Insight: This project marks the second year in a row that the two-year-old company has scored a pilot pickup following NBC’s A to Z.

CBS/ Untitled Tommy Johnagin Comedy Project Network: CBS Entertainment Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Doozer Productions Executive Producer(s): Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold Writer(s): Tommy Johnagin, Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker Logline: A standup comic raises a family in a small Midwestern town. Details: Inspired by Tommy Johnagin's life. SSN Insight: CBS has ordered a pilot. Halpern and Schumacker also have a pilot production commitment from ABC for multi-camera family comedy Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth. This is the first pilot order for Johnagin who had a previous project at NBC in 2012, and last year he developed a comedy at USA Network.

CBS/ Untitled Tony Phelan/ Joan Rater Legal Drama Project Network: CBS Entertainment Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Timberman/Beverly Productions Executive Producer(s): Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly Writer(s): 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: CBS gave an initial put pilot commitment on October 15 and ordered a pilot on January 21.

Life in Pieces Network: CBS Studio: Fox TV Production Company: Kaptial Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Justin Adler, Kaplan Writer(s): Justin Adler Logline: The comedy is about one family told through separate stories following its different family members. Adler and Kaplan executive produce. SSN Insight: Adler and Kaplan previously teamed up on a series based on Cameron Crowe’s 1989 movie Say Anything, which sold to NBC with significant penalty. When Crowe objected, the project was ditched and Adler and Kaplan decided to develop a comedy idea Adler had written on spec. On the feature side, Adler’s script The Escort was on the Black List. He is writing All-Nighter with Greg Grunberg for Bad Robot and Paramount and House Arrest for Broken Road and Relativity.

FOX / Untitled Dan Fogelman / John Stamos Comedy Project Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: ABC Studios Production Companies: St. Amos Productions, Rhode Island Ave. Productions Executive Producer(s): Dan Fogelman, John Stamos, Danny Chun Writer(s): Danny Chun Logline: A charismatic longtime bachelor whose life is upended when he discovers he’s a father and a grandfather. SSN Insight: Fox gave an initial put pilot commitment on September 11 and ordered a pilot on January 23.

Studio City Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: John Wells Productions Executive Producer(s): Krista Vernoff, John Wells, Andrew Stearn Writer(s): Krista Vernoff Logline: The family dramedy is set in present-day Studio City, California. Inspired by Krista Vernoff’s real-life experience growing up as the daughter of a drug dealer to the stars. SSN Insight: Fox gave an initial put pilot commitment on October 6 and ordered the pilot on January 23.

Untitled Live Action X-Men Series Studio: Fox Executive Producer(s): Evan Katz, Manny Coto, Patrick McKay, JD Payne Writer(s): Patrick McKay, JD Payne Logline: Storyline under wraps SSN Insight: The writing pair of McKay and Payne also penned Star Trek 3 while Katz and Coto were behind 24. Although 20^th Century Fox owns the rights to X-Men for features (seven have been released based on X-Men characters), in order of this television series to go ahead, Marvel would have to approve.

Game of Silence Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Companies: Intrigue, TIMS Productions, Carol Mendelsohn Productions Executive Producer(s): David Hudgins, Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz, Timur Savci, Tariq Jalil Writer(s): David Hudgins Logline: Centers on a rising attorney on the brink of spectacular success who could lose his perfect life when his long lost childhood friends threaten to expose a dark secret from their violent past. Based on the Turkish series, "Suskunlar," which aired in 2012. SSN Insight: NBC initially gave a pilot plus penalty commitment on September 9 and ordered the pilot on January 21.

#PeopleAreTalking Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Will Packer Productions Executive Producer(s): DJ Nash, William Packer Writer(s): DJ Nash Logline: Examines sex, race and everything else your parents told you never to talk about. SSN Insight: NBC ordered a pilot on January 20. This is Packer’s third sale this season, Packer sold semi-autobiographical Like Father, Like Son to NBC, whose company is also behind NBC's Uncle Buck remake.

Take It From Us Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Company: 3 Arts Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Gregory S. Malins, Barry Schwartz, Michael Rotenberg, Jonathan Berry Writer(s): Gregory S. Malins, Barry Schwartz Logline: A couple in their 50s tell their son and his new fiancé all the mistakes they made in life in hopes the new couple can avoid making the same mistakes. SSN Insight: NBC gave an initial script commitment plus penalty on October 7. On January 20 they ordered a pilot.

Endgame Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Company: Davis Entertainment Executive Producer(s): John Rogers, John Davis, John Fox Writer(s): John Rogers Logline: A former intelligence officer, while working as a security expert for the wealthy, is wrongly accused of the brutal murder of his wife. A syndicate of powerful people offers him freedom in exchange for stopping high-stakes crimes, as he continues to avenge his wife’s death and uncover the game-like conspiracy among his mysterious employers. He eventually realizes he’s a player in a hundred-year-old tradition where the rich and powerful bet on the ultimate "game": crime in our world. SSN Insight: The network has ordered a pilot from the Blacklist and Leverage co-creator John Fox.

Blindspot Network: NBC Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Berlanti Productions Executive Producer(s): Greg Berlanti, Martin Gero Writer(s): Martin Gero Logline: A beautiful, mysterious woman with no memory of her past is found naked in the middle of Times Square, her body covered in fresh tattoos — including the inked name of an FBI agent on her back. The FBI becomes involved in the case, using the tattoos on her body as a road map of clues to unlock a conspiracy and discover her identity. SSN Insight: NBC gave an initial script plus penalty commitment on August 28 and picked up the pilot on January 23. With this pilot, Blindspot brings NBC's drama pilots to six this season. The project is Gero's latest TV foray following The CW's The L.A. Complex.

Unveiled Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Company: LightWorkers Media Executive Producer(s): Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, John J Sakmar, Kerry Lenhart, Writer(s): John J Sakmar, Kerry Lenhart Logline: Revolves around a group of flawed guardian angels who intervene in the lives of those who find themselves facing crisis in an attempt to restore their faith and, often, save their lives. SSN Insight: Project rolled from 2013-2014, NBC redeveloped the script in August and ordered the pilot on January 23.

Heart Matters Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Executive Producer(s): Jill Gordon, Brad Silberling, Amy Brenneman, Susan Carlson, Kelly Meyer, Eric Carlson Writer(s): Jill Gordon Logline: Follows the outspoken Alex Panttiere, one of the rare female heart-transplant surgeons, who brings an innovative eye to treating patients week to week while also balancing the complications of her professional and romantic life. Details: Based on the memoir, "Heart Matters: A Memoir of a Female Heart Surgeon," written by Kathy E. Magliato, MD and published by Crown Archetype on January 26, 2010. SSN Insight: Ordered to pilot on January 23. Silberling will also direct the pilot in addition to producing.

CABLE

Gamer’s Guide Network: Disney XD Studio: Disney Worldwide Television Production Company: It's A Laugh Productions Executive Producer(s): Bill Kunstler, Devin Bunje, Nick Stanton, Jim O'Doherty Writer(s): Devin Bunje, Nick Stanton Logline: A15-year-old video game phenom, is forced to attend high school for the first time after a thumb injury sidelines him from the glamorous pro gaming circuit. As a coping mechanism, he begins to visualize life as a video game. SSN Insight: Ordered straight to series. Disney has ordered 10 episodes as of January 21. EVP of original programming at Disney, Adam Bonnett said to IGN, "We are bringing the video game universe to life and giving our popular multi-camera series a fresh, new twist by integrating gaming visual effects into each episode."

Red Mars Network: Spike Executive Producer(s): Vince Gerardis Writer(s): J. Michael Straczynski Logline: The story explores the colonization and terraforming transformation of Mars into a place where humans can sustainably live. It asks the core question - what is it to be human when we are no longer of earth? Are we not then Martians? Details: Based on Kim Stanley Robinson's "Mars" novel series, starting with "Red Mars," published by Spectra - Bantam Books, January 1, 1993. SSN Insight: Originally in development as a miniseries for Sci Fi Channel with Valhalla attached as production company, Gale Anne Hurd attached as executive producer & Gregory Widen attached as writer, project rolled over to 2008-2009 at AMC. Rolled over to 2009-2010 season at AMC.

Shaq Inc. Network: TruTV Production Company: Mandalay Sports Media Executive Producer(s): Shaquille O'Neal, Michael Tollin Writer(s): Jeremy Garelick Logline: Under the well-meaning but wayward leadership of their CEO, Shaquille O'Neal, the motley crew at Shaq Inc. attempts to execute Shaq’s eccentric (but often brilliant) ideas, while also putting out fires involving Shaq’s ever-growing list of business partners and constantly jockeying for the power and recognition to make the big guy proud. Details: Loosely based on the business empire of Shaquille O’Neal. SSN Insight: TruTV ordered a pilot on Janurary 23. “There is no denying Shaq’s multifaceted appeal,” said Chris Linn, president, head of programming for truTV in an interview with TVbytheNumbers. “Thus, we couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with him, as well as Mike Tollin and Mandalay Sports Media, as we continue to push into new formats.”

The Council Network: The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Studio: NBCUniversal International Production Company: Lark Productions, Keston International Productions Executive Producer(s): Rene Balcer, Louise Clark, Erin Haskett, Trevor Walto, Denis Coyne. Writer(s): Rene Balcer Logline: An investigation begins with a ritualistic killing in an isolated Arctic outpost but grows to expose an international conspiracy to control the vast natural resources of the Arctic. SSN Insight: Bacler is an Emmy award-winning writer/showrunner with credits spanning twenty years within the Law & Order franchise. NBCUniversal International Television Production retains all distribution rights.

Lonely Hearts Killers Network: Showtime Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Hypnotic Executive Producer(s): Doug Liman, Dave Bartis, Liz W. Garcia, Josh Harto, Gene Klein Writer(s): Liz W. Garcia, Josh Harto Logline: A modern retelling of the Lonely Hearts Killers of the 1940s. It follows the unlikely coupling of a sexy, violent grifter and a quiet, love starved Dairy Plant employee on a cross-country crime spree.  They seduce and ultimately murder lonely women – but most surprising of all, fall deeply in love with each other along the way. SSN Insight: Previous films on the subject include the 2006 Lonely Hearts starring John Travolta and James Gandolfini and the case also in an episode of the CBS’s Cold Case. On the film side, Garcia and Harto produced the 2013 Sundance entry The Lifeguard starring Kristen Bell. Also, Garcia is writing the next sequel of The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants for Alloy.

DIGITAL

Casanova Network: Amazon Studio: Amazon Studios Production Company: Electus Executive Producer(s): Stu Zicherman, Ben Silverman Writer(s): Stu Zicherman Logline: A drama about the adventures of the real Casanova after he escaped from prison. SSN Insight: Amazon has given a pilot order. Silverman’s credits include period dramas The Tudors on Showtime and Marco Polo on Netflix, he also executive produces CW’s Jane The Virgin,  recently picked up for Season 2, and the recently ordered Will Arnett Netflix comedy series Flaked. The pilot will be filmed on location in Paris.

NETWORK PENDING

Animals Production Company: Duplass Brothers Productions Executive Producer(s): Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass Writer(s): Phil Matarese, Mike Luciano Logline: Animated series follows the downtrodden creatures native to Earth’s least habitable environment: New York City. SSN Insight: The first two episodes of the ten episode series was screened at Sundance on Monday. It was financed independently with private equity money. Matarese and Luciano wrote and directed Animals., in addition to voicing many of the characters.

David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef Studio: Entertainment One Television Production Companies: Atlantic Productions, David Attenborough Productions Ltd. Executive Producer(s): David Attenborough, Anthony Geffen Writer(s): David Attenborough Logline: This three-episode hour long series will leverage innovative camera technology and draw on the latest research to explore the great barrier reef. SSN Insight: Atlantic Productions has signed a distribution deal with Entertainment One Television for worldwide rights outside the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

True Conviction Production Companies: Studio Lambert, All3Media Executive Producer(s): James Trainum, Stephen Lambert, Eli Holzman and Greg Goldman Writer(s): James Trainum Logline: True Conviction will focus on a single homicide during the course of an entire season. The case will feature a suspect who was convicted of murder but for which doubt still remains as to actual guilt. SSN Insight: Episodes will air in near real-time as the investigation unfolds. Trainum, nationally recognized as an expert in wrongful convictions during his time as a detective over 27 years with the Washington DC police is now a private consultant.

Broken Monsters Studio: Endemol Studios Production Company: Additional Dialogue Executive Producer(s): Scott Aversano, Tom Gormican Logline: Detective Gabriella Versado, also the single mom of a teenage daughter, tracks a murderer who mutilates victims in bizarre and alarming ways. Details: Based on Lauren Beukes’ supernatural suspense novel “Broken Monsters”. SSN Insight: This is Additional Dialogue’s first book acquisition from their first look deal with Endemol Studios.

SSN AWARDS ORIGINALS

ORIGINAL SCORE & SONG

Awards 2015: A Conversation With Legend Hans Zimmer On Composing ‘Interstellar’s Score

Awards 2015 Spotlight: First-Time Oscar Nominees Gregg Alexander and Danielle Bisebois On ‘Being Again’s “Lost Stars”

TODAY’S HEADLINES

The Big, Unrecognized Pattern That Is the 2015 Best Picture Nominees

TV Development For 1/27/15: All the Pilots News In One Place, Plus Fox Is Developing an ‘X-Men’ Live Action Series, and More

After Months Of Speculation, We Have Our Female 'Ghostbusters' Cast

Could Disney Be Looking To Start a New Indiana Jones Franchise With Chris Pratt?

From the ‘It’s About Time’ Category, Norman Lear Is Plotting a Latino ‘One Day at a Time’

Warner and Team Downey Have Found a Director For Their Untitled USS Indianapolis Drama

A Victory For the Viability Of Shooting Movies On the iPhone, as Magnolia Buys ‘Tangerine’ At Sundance

Trailer Buzz: ‘Child 44’

Ang Lee’s Next Film, the Adaptation Of Bestseller ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’, Just Got Some Heavy Hitter On Board

Now That It Has a Cast In Place, Paul Feig’s All-Female ‘Ghostbusters’ Reboot Now Has a Release Date, as Well

Interesting News For Those Who Have Yet To Cut the Cord: Comcast-Time Warner Merger “No Longer Inevitable”

If You’re a Fan Of ‘Togetherness,’ You’re In Luck, as HBO Has Already Renewed It

Roland Emmerich Wants Liam Hemsworth To Save the World In His ‘Independence Day’ Sequel

Showtime’s ‘Ray Donovan’ Is Adding Itself Some Impressive Star Power For Season Three

Netflix Has Finally Come Out and Confirmed Who Will Be Returning For Its ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ Show

Get Ready For the Next Big Kids Fantasy Book Series Coming to the Big Screen

Your Complete Guide To the Oscar-Nominated Short Films — All 15 Of Them

Online Film School: Six Filmmaking Tips From Ava DuVernay

UTA: German-born filmmaker Anja Marquardt has signed with UTA right off the success of her helming debut She’s Lost Control, which Monument Releasing debuts on March 20.

WME: Comedy star Aziz Ansari has signed with WME. The actor and stand-up comic stars in NBC's final season of Parks And Recreation. Ansari, who was repped by CAA, is currently touring his stand-up show Aziz Ansari Live! He is managed by 3 Arts. Mike Berkowitz at APA will continue to be his agent for stand-up.

UTA: Kenny Riches, the filmmaker behind The Strongest Man (which premiered in the NEXT section at Sundance), has signed with UTA.

ICM Partners: TV writer and playwright Theresa Rebeck inked with ICM. She was previously with CAA. She created the NBC drama Smash, and Rebeck’s series credits include Dream On, Brooklyn Bridge, L.A. Law, and Third Watch, Law And Order: Criminal Intent and NYPD Blue.

UTA: Unexpected writer-director Kris Swanberg has signed with UTA. The Sundance film stars Cobie Smulders and Anders Holm. Swanberg also wrote, directed, produced and starred in the film It Was Great, But I Was Ready To Come Home, which premiered in competition at the SXSW.

Gersh: Strangerland director Kim Farrant has signed with Gersh. The former actress is making her feature debut with the Sundance drama, which stars Nicole Kidman and Joseph Fiennes. UTA: Entourage’s Kevin Connolly has signed with UTA. He was previously with CAA. Connelly received a Golden Globe nomination in 2009 for playing Vince’s best friend and manager Eric “E” on the HBO dramedy.