Network

A Wicked Offer Network: The CW Production Company: T Group Prods. Executive Producer(s): Jenny Daly Logline: One-hour reality show where couples complete a series of controversial tasks involving their unsuspecting friends, families and co-workers for cash prizes. With each challenge testing the couple’s moral and ethical boundaries, the show tests how far couples will go for money. SSN Insight: The CW has picked up the show as part of their goal of picking up shows year-round and will premiere it in the summer, but an exact date hasn’t been announced. Daly also produced Storage Hunters and Container Wars.

Dates Network: The CW Studio: eOne Production Company: Balloon (Dates) Ltd. Executive Producer(s): Bryan Elsley Logline: Focuses on a first date between two people who met through online dating. It explores the issues, intricacies, romance and danger of modern relationships, along with the thrill and calamities of first dates. SSN Insight: The CW acquired nine episodes of the scripted comedy created by Bryan Elsley that aired on Channel 4 in Great Britain. The cast for the most part changes each episode. Cast includes: Oona Chaplin (Game Of Thrones), Andrew Scott (Sherlock), Katie McGrath (Dracula), Ben Chaplin (Thin Red Line), Amanda Hale (The White Queen) and Gemma Chan (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit). Scheduled to premiere this summer, but an exact date hasn’t been announced.

The Decalogue Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Entertainment One Production Companies: Wonder Monkey TV Executive Producer(s): Steve McPherson, Todd A. Kessler, Debra Stasson, Beata Pisula Writer(s): Todd A. Kessler Logline: Examines the Ten Commandments in a modern setting. Details: Based on the Ten Commandments of the Bible. Based on the Danish format, "Decalogue," which aired in 1989. SSN Insight: eOne will distribute the series worldwide, with Carrie Stein, EVP of Global Productions; and Gerard Bocaccio, SVP US Scripted Development will oversee for eOne. WGN America is also producing a 10-part event series on the Ten Commandments, produced by Bruce Cohen, which is in pre-production.

Buds Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Gettin' Rad Productions Executive Producer(s): Joe Mande, Adam Scott, Naomi Sablan Writer(s): Joe Mande Logline: The series revolves around the day-to-day operations of a marijuana dispensary in Denver, Colorado. SSN Insight: This project is the first sale under the first-look deal Gettin’ Rad made with Universal TV in fall 2014. Getting’ Rad has already produced four Greatest Event in Television History specials for Adult Swim. On the film side, Gettin’ Rad recently produced, The Overnight which premiered at Sundance and was produced with the Duplass Brothers.

Lucifer Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: DC Entertainment, Aggressive Mediocrity, Inc Executive Producer(s): Tom Kapinos, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Len Wiseman Writer(s): Tom Kapinos Logline: Lucifer who, bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, resigns his throne and abandons his kingdom for the gorgeous, shimmering insanity of Los Angeles, where he gets his kicks helping the LAPD punish criminals. SSN Insight: Fox gave an initial put pilot commitment and ordered the pilot on February 19. Adapted from the DC Comic, if this is greenlit to series, Warner Bros. will have seven primetime comic book series on air with Arrow, The Flash, Constantine, Gotham, iZombie, and Supergirl. This doesn’t count the pilot for Titans (based on the comic Teen Titans) in the works.

Cable

Sketchy Network: ABC Family Production Company: Atlas Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Alex Gartner Writer(s): Olivia Samms Logline: Bea Washington, an edgy, rebellious 18-year-old with a "skill" in which she can draw the truth out of people literally. Shocked by what she sketches while observing the latest victim of a series of assaults on young women, Bea takes it upon herself to find the perpetrator before he strikes again. Details: Based on "The Bea Catcher Chronicles," written by Olivia Samms. SSN Insight: Charles Roven’s Atlas Entertainment recently launched their first TV series, 12 Monkeys on SyFy and opened a management division. Atlas’ films include American Hustle, Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice and Suicide Squad. ABC Family has had previous success with adaptations of YA novels with Pretty Little Liars.

Untitled Jason Jones Samantha Bee Comedy Project Network: TBS Executive Producer(s): Jason Jones, Samantha Bee Writer(s): Jason Jones, Samantha Bee Logline: A family takes a road trip to Key West. Hopeful dad Nate hops in the car with his wife and two young kids for a 24-hour adventure to the Keys. The family learns that no matter how much close proximity can lead a family to get on each other’s nerves, precarious situations and interactions with strangers can bring them together again. Details: Inspired by the travel experiences of Jason Jones and Samantha Bee. SSN Insight: Should the project go to series, each season is planned to chronicle a different trip. TBS gave an initial pilot commitment on October 28, 2014. They picked up the series on February 24 and production is scheduled for summer with a Q4 launch. This is the first pickup for recent TBS EVP of original programming, Brett Weitz.

New World Network: HBO Studio: Lionsgate TV, HBO Production Companies: Tilted Productions Executive Producer(s): Jenji Kohan, Bruce Miller, Gus van Sant Writer(s): Jenji Kohan, Bruce Miller, Tracy Miller Logline: Explores the circumstances surrounding a time when intolerance and repression set neighbor against neighbor and led the town of Salem to mass hysteria. SSN Insight: Ordered to pilot by HBO and Gus van Sant will direct the pilot. The pilot will shoot in Boston this spring with casting currently underway.

Love, Nina Network: BBC 1 Production Company: See-Saw Films Executive Producer(s): Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Jamie Laurenson Writer(s): Nick Hornby Logline: A 19-year-old girl leaves Leicester to work as a nanny in London. Details: Based on the book, "Love, Nina: A Nanny Writes Home," written by Nina Stibbe and published by Little, Brown and Company on April 22, 2014. SSN Insight: Ordered to series. BBC 1 has ordered 5 episodes as of February 16. Hornby earned an Oscar nomination for his script An Education and a WGA nomination this year for Wild.

Digital

Just Add Magic Network: Amazon Studio: Amazon Studios Production Companies: No Production Company Available. Executive Producer(s): No Executive Producer Available. Writer(s): Joanna Lewis, Kristine Songco, Nancy Cohen Logline: Three 12 year old girls, are focused on making the soccer team, but they get somewhat sidetracked when Kelly, whose passion is baking, discovers in her attic a strange old recipe book, with recipes for baked goods that also have powerful spells. Details: Based on the novel "Just Add Magic," written by Cindy Callaghan and published by Aladdin on October 12, 2010. SSN Insight: Ordered to pilot and screened on Amazon Instant Video with user feedback and views determining a series order. Amazon ordered a full season on February 18. The series will premiere exclusively for Prime Instant members in the U.S., UK and Germany in late 2015, early 2016.

Mad Dogs Network: Amazon Studio: Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios Production Companies: Midd Kid Productions, Left Bank Pictures Executive Producer(s): Shawn Ryan, Cris Cole, Marney Hochman Nash, Andy Harries, Suzanne Mackie Writer(s): Cris Cole Logline: Follows the twisted reunion of a group of underachieving forty-something friend a mixture of single, married and recently divorced—who are all at different crossroads in their lives. Celebrating the early retirement of an old friend at his gorgeous Belize villa, grudges begin to emerge and secrets explode as their trip becomes a labyrinthine nightmare of lies, deception and murder. Details: Based on the British series "Mad Dogs" which premiered on Sky1 on February 10, 2011. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at FXM. The Mad Dogs pilot pickup is the the 10th pilot directed by Charles McDougall to go to series . Amazon ordered a full season on February 18. The series will premiere exclusively for Prime Instant members in the U.S., UK and Germany in late 2015, early 2016.

The Man in the High Castle Network: Amazon Studio: Amazon Studios Production Companies: Ridley Scott Films , Headline Pictures, Electric Shepherd Productions, LLC Executive Producer(s): Frank Spotnitz, Chris Tricarico, David Semel, David W. Zucker, Ridley Scott Writer(s): Frank Spotnitz Logline: It's 1962, World War II has been over for 17 years, and the bad guys won. The East Coast of the United States belongs to the Nazis, the West Coast of the United States belongs to the Rising Sun, and a chunk of the Midwest is still up for grabs. But an aging Hitler has one foot in the grave, and the Japanese are preparing for an imminent Nazi stab in the back with a sneak attack all their own -- or maybe it's the other way around. The Resistance in the United States of America is scattered, scared, or crushed. Details: Based on the Philip K. Dick novel, "The Man in the High Castle," published by Putnam on January 1, 1962. SSN Insight: Amazon greenlit a full season of the drama. Previously in development at BBC-1 in 2011. Previously in development at SYFY with Ridley Scott as Executive producer in 2013. The project was the most-watched since the original series development program began. The series will premiere exclusively for Prime Instant members in the U.S., UK and Germany in late 2015, early 2016.

The New Yorker Presents Network: Amazon Studio: Amazon Studios Production Companies: Conde Nast Publications, Inc., Jigsaw Productions Executive Producer(s): Alex Gibney, Dave Snyder, Dawn Ostroff Logline: A documentary series based on the magazine "The New Yorker." SSN Insight: Amazon ordered the pilot on November 11, 2014 and greenlit a full season on February 18. On January 15th, 2015 Amazon made this and thirteen other pilots available to view and vote on. The series will premiere exclusively for Prime Instant members in the U.S., UK and Germany in late 2015, early 2016.

The Stinky & Dirty Show Network: Amazon Studio: Amazon Studios Production Companies: No Production Company Available. Executive Producer(s): No Executive Producer Available. Writer(s): Guy Toubes Logline: Follow the adventures and mishaps faced of two best friends and unlikely heroes, Stinky the garbage truck and Dirty the backhoe loader. Whether it's rescuing their pal Mighty the tugboat, or moving a giant boulder blocking the highway in their town of Go City, Stinky & Dirty are a dynamic duo of resourcefulness who make plenty of mistakes along the way. Details: Based on the "I Stink!" book series by Jim and Kate McMullan. (USA/2006) Ordered to pilot. (08/25/2014) SSN Insight: Pilot screened on Amazon Instant Video in 2015 with user feedback and views determining if it goes forward as a series. It was ordered to pilot on August 25 and ordered to series on February 18. The series will premiere exclusively for Prime Instant members in the U.S., UK and Germany in late 2015, early 2016.

Jadotville Network: Netflix Production Company: Parallel Films Writer(s): Kevin Brodbin Logline: A film based on the 1961 siege of an Irish UN battalion by 3,000 Congolese troops, led by French and Belgian mercenaries working for mining companies. SSN Insight: UTA Independent Film Group negotiated a deal with Netflix to distribute the war thriller starring Fifty Shades Of Grey‘s Jamie Dornan across all its territories in 2016. The project was brought to the European Film Market at Berlin by Alex Walton’s Bloom.

In Development

Dreadstar Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Benderspink Executive Producer(s): Jim Starlin Writer(s): Jim Starlin Logline: The story centers on Vanth Dreadstar, sole survivor of the entire Milky Way galaxy, and an ensemble cast of crewmates, including cyborg sorcerer Syzygy Darklock, and their struggle to end an ancient war between two powerful, evil empires: The Church of The Instrumentality, run by the Lord Papal; and the Monarchy, administered by King Gregzor. Details: Based on the comic book, "Dreadstar," created by Jim Starlin and published by Epic Comics. SSN Insight: Benderspink was adapting “Dreadstar” as a feature previously with Illuminati Entertainment. Starlin’s comic book credits for Marvel include “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Captain Marvel” and the “Infinity Gauntlet” Trilogy.

Tom Rothman Earns the Expected Promotion, Will Replace Amy Pascal as the Head of Sony Motion Picture Group

Kurt Sutter and FX Set Their Cast For ‘SOA’ Follow-Up, “The Bastard Executioner’

‘The Good Lie’ Now Finds Itself At the Center Of an Exploitation Lawsuit

TV Development For 2/24/25: Amazon Orders Five Shows To Series, The CW Picks Up Two Summer Series, and More

Marisa Tomei as Gloria Steinem? HBO Says Yes, In New Movie About Feminist Pioneer

Netflix Has a Big Month Of March Planned, With Tons Of New Movies and TV Shows Debuting

James Gunn Has Something To Say To Those People Who Call Out Super Hero Movies

Speaking Of Super Heroes, Fans Of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Got Some Good News

With Tonight’s Series Finale On Tap, We Look Back At the Creation and Evolution Of ‘Parks and Recreation’

Trailer Buzz: ‘Kill Me Three Times’

Jessica Chastain Is Taking Her First Turn In a Franchise Film, Joins ‘The Huntsman’ Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger Wants Everyone To Know He’ll Be Back For the Next ‘Terminator’ Movie (If There Is One)

New Line Will Be Staying In the Gayle Forman Business, Options Her Latest YA Novel

It Appears That Superman Will Be Making a Cameo Of Sorts In the ‘Supergirl’ Pilot

We Knew That Lord and Miller Would Not Be Returning To Direct ‘The LEGO Movie Sequel’, But Now It’s Official

There Is Apparently So Much Action In ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’, DWA Brought In a Co-Director

X-Men: Apocalypse Has Added Itself Another Mutant, and His Name Is Ben Hardy

One Man’s Thoughts On How To Fix the Oscars, Once and For All

Short Film Buzz: ‘Adi Shankar Presents a Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Bootleg Film By Joseph Kahn’

Screenwriters: ‘All You Need Is Kill’

ICM: Alex Karpovsky, who plays Ray on HBO’s Girls, has signed with ICM Partners. His credits also include the Coen brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis and Lena Dunham’s Tiny Furniture. He also directed the film Red Flag.

WME: WME has signed Matt Sobel, writer/director/producer of the Sundance film Take Me To The River. WME also signed The Hallow director Corin Hardy and Seoul Searching‘s Benson Lee. Cinetic Media will also rep Sobel, and is repping the distribution rights to his film.

Paradigm: Danielle Steel has signed with Paradigm and will develop original material for TV and film projects along with looking to her extensive catalog. Steel’s books have sold hundreds of millions of copies, and more than 20 of her novels have been made into TV movies.

UTA: UTA has signed French production house Superprod, producer of current Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee Song Of The Sea, for representation in television and film.

42West: Game of Thrones’ Alfie Allen has signed with publicity firm 42West. Allen began the series as Theon Greyjoy. Allen recently played the villain that Keanu Reeves goes after in John Wick, and previous film roles include Plastic and Powder.

Relevant PR: Evan Peters, known for his role in American Horror Story, and Jamie Dornan from the current box-office hit 50 Shades of Grey have signed with Evelyn Karamanos at Relevant PR.

ZTPR: Zack Teperman’s publicity firm ZTPR has signed several new clients: Canadian signer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, actor Charley Koontz (best known as “Fat” Neil on Community, but who will soon be seen as a series regular on CBS’ CSI: Cyber), The Interview’s Charles Rahi Chun, and former Survivor contestant Baylor Wilson.

ESA: Director Michael Pressman is now a client at Equitable Stewardship for Artists (ESA), represented by Paul Alan Smith. He is also still being co-represented by Gersh.

UTA: The Hunger Games alum Amandla Stenberg has signed with UTA. Stenberg played the younger version of Zoe Saldana’s protagonist in Colombiana. She has recurred on Fox’s Sleepy Hollow, and voiced a bird in Rio 2. Stenberg plays a student of Craig Robinson’s music teacher in the comedy Mr. Robinson, which NBC ordered to series last year but has yet to receive a premiere date.

UTA: Filmmaker Zachary Wigon has signed with UTA. The writer/director’s first feature, The Heart Machine, premiered at SXSW last year to strong reviews.

SSN ORIGINALS

The Accidental Turitz: Okay, So Sony Has a New Boss With Tom Rothman. Now What?

SSN Pilot Watch 2015: Six NBC Pilots Poised to Breakout

Rep Moves For 2/25/15: Jamie Dornan Signs With Relevant PR, Danielle Steele To Paradigm, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Sony Makes Big First Look Deal With Josh Bratman’s Immersive Pictures

STX Has a Big Day, Announces Release Dates For Four New Films

Will Ferrell Will Star In and Produce ‘The House’ For New Line

Ryan Murphy Just Landed a Big Casting Coup For the New Season Of ‘American Horror Story’, and Her Name Is Lady Gaga

In Case You Were Wondering, Anthony Mackie’s Falcon WILL Be Appearing In the New ‘Avengers’ Movie

Trailer Buzz, Part One: ‘Insurgent’

Trailer Buzz, Part Two: ‘Frozen Fever’

NEW ATTACHMENTS

Where’d You Go Bernadette Logline: A mother goes missing and her teen daughter tries to put the pieces together to find her. Production Company: Annapurna Pictures, Color Force Producers: Megan Ellison, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson Writer: Scott Neustadter and Michael H Weber Director: Richard Linklater Notes: Based on the book "Where Did You Go Bernadette," written by Maria Semple and published by Little, Brown and Company on August 14, 2012. SSN Insight: Annapurna bought the book for a reported $200,000 against $500,000.

Tomb Raider (Reboot) Logline: The adventures of a younger Lara Croft, a beautiful antiquity hunter-for-hire, who goes out on her first adventure. Studio/ Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures, MGM Production Company: GK Films Producers: Graham King Writer: Evan Daugherty SSN Insight: Warner Bros. signs on to co-finance and co-produce the project with MGM and will distribute. Project is on the fast track and there is said to be progress to production language in the rights deal with the video game company, Square Enix. X-Men: Apocalypse Logline: In 1983, ten years after Wolverine traveled to the past to prevent a bleak future, the X-Men team up with Cyclops, Storm, and Jean in a battle to stop an unprecedented apocalypse by an ancient enemy. Studio/ Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Production Company: Bad Hat Harry Productions Donners’ Company, Marvel Entertainment, Genre Films, Hutch Parker Entertainment Producers: Lauren Shuler Donner, Hutch Parker, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg Writer: Simon Kinberg Director: Bryan Singer Cast: Ben Hardy, Kodit Smit-McPhee, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac, Alexandra Shipp, Sophie Turner Tye Sheridan, Rose Byrne SSN Insight: X-Men Apocalypse continues to round out its cast as it barrels towards its production start in April. Ben Hardy stars in the UK series, EastEnders, and was said to have originally tested for the role of Cyclops, which ultimately went to Tye Sheridan, and was now cast in an undisclosed role. The Lego Movie (Sequel) Logline: The story about Lego figures who join forces against a wicked Lego despot continues. Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company: Lin Pictures, Vertigo Entertainment, Lego Group, Animal Logic Producers: Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Roy Lee Writer: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller Director: Rob Schrab SSN Insight: Schrab together with his writing partner, Dan Harmon, is no stranger to family animation, having written on Sony’s motion-capture film Monster House, but has since stuck to television writing, directing and exec producing The Sarah Silverman Show. 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: Jessica Chastain, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Nick Frost

Winters Knight Logline: The film takes a new look at the origins of Christmas and Saint Nicholas, with some Viking mythology in the mix. Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company: Grey Matter Productions, Marc Platt Productions Producers: Lawrence Grey, Marc Platt Writer: Patrick McKay and JD Payne Director: Joachim Ronning, Espen Sandberg Notes: Based on the children's book "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" by L. Frank Baum; published by Bowen Merrill April 12, 1902 SSN Insight: The spec created a bidding battle between studios for the project due to the concept and the fact that Ronning and Sandberg were attached to direct. Sony won the bidding war for a reported $1M sale. It was the highest spec sale so far in 2014.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates Logline: Two hard-partying brothers try to get dates for a wedding by placing an ad on Craigslist. Studio/ Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Production Company: Chernin Entertainment Producers: Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, David Ready, Jonathan Levine Writer: Andy Cohen and Brendon O’Brien Director: Jake Szymanski Cast: Adam DeVine, Zac Efron Notes: A book, "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates…and a Thousand Cocktails" written by Mike and Dave Stangle will be published by Gallery Books on May 19, 2015. SSN Insight: DeVine is a star on the rise. He returns for Pitch Perfect 2, out in May, and he has two other movies in the can: The Intern, Nancy Meyers' workplace comedy from Warners, and The Final Girls, a horror-comedy from Sony that will premiere at SXSW.

NEW PROJECTS

The House Logline: A married couple loses their daughters college fund and teams up with their neighbors to start an illegal casino in their basement to earn back the cash. Studio/ Distributor: New Line Cinema Production Companies: Gary Sanchez Productions, Good Universe Producers: Will Ferrell, Adam McKay Writers: Andrew J. Cohen and Brendan O’Brien Director: Andrew J. Cohen Cast: Will Ferrell SSN Insight: New Line is said to be moving fast with the project, aiming for an August shoot. Andrew Cohen, the writer, will also make his feature directorial debut on the project, having previously made short fllms and Funny or Die sketches. I Was Here Logline: After her best friend Meg commits suicide, teenage Cody goes on a brave and dangerous journey from Meg’s dorm and clubs in Seattle to the Nevada desert, and the darkest parts of mind. Studio/ Distributor: New Line Cinema Notes: Based on the YA novel "I Was Here" written by Gayle Forman and published by Viking/the Penguin Group on January 27, 2015. SSN Insight: New Line also made Forman’s novel If I Stay into a movie last year, which grossed $78 million worldwide.

Untitled Drybar Project Logline: Although she had no business experience, hair stylist Alli Webb, with the help of her brother Michael Landau, created the successful DryBar franchise. Studio/ Distributor: Universal Pictures Production Companies: Sunswept Entertainment Producers: Karen Rosenfelt Notes: Universal Pictures has optioned the life rights for siblings Alli Webb and Michael Landau, co-founders of Drybar SSN Insight: Webb founded Drybar in 2010 after spending 15 years as a professional stylist. She had attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and began her career in fashion in New York City in the early ’90s working for designer Nicole Miller. She left fashion retailing in 1996 to pursue her true passion of hairstyling. Sniper Elite Logline: The Pentagon creates a team of elite former Special Forces operators, led by Navy SEAL sniper Gil Shannon to find a nuclear suitcase and the man who intends to detonate it. Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Misher Films, Ombra Films, Apartment 3B Productions Producers: Kevin Misher, Jennifer Klein, Jaume Collet-Serra, Juan Sola Writer: Sheldon Turner Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Notes: Based on the "Sniper Elite" novel series written by Scott McEwen with Thomas Koloniar, and published by Simon & Schuster in 2013, 2014 and 2015. SSN Insight: Columbia acquired the property for a high-six against seven-figure deal. Untitled Kung Fu Space Western Logline: The leader of a ragtag group of rebel bandits battles a legendary villain over the fate of the galaxy. Production Companies: Reel FX, Chatrone Producers: Brad Booker, Jorge Gutierrez Writer: Jorge Gutierrez, Doug Langdale Director: Jorge Gutierrez SSN Insight: Hot on the heels of their success with The Book of Life, Reel FX Animation Studios has entered into a multi-year, multi-picture deal with the film’s writer and director, Jorge R. Gutierrez, starting with this first project. Untitled Thomas Edison Biopic Logline: The legendary inventor Thomas Edison is portrayed as a rugged and eccentric genius in this biopic. Studio/ Distributor: Paramount Pictures Production Companies: Bad Robot Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk SSN Insight: The Weinstein Company is also developing its own Edison movie, The Current War, which Ben Stiller was previously in talks to direct.

SSN ORIGINALS

Film Development For 2/26/15: Richard Linklater To Direct Film For Annapurna, ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Casting News, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

A Big Day For Us All: FCC Approves New Rules For Net Neutrality

A Little More Info Has Come Out About Adam Goodman Leaving Paramount

‘Midnight Rider’s Hillary Schwartz Separated From Colleagues’ Trial; Could Be Called As Witness

Ang Lee Finds His Billy Lynn For That ‘Long Halftime Walk’

J. Lo’s New NBC Drama Just Added a Pair Of Very High Profile Names

Another Sign That Rosamund Pike Is Hollywood’s Hottest Actress: She Lands Female Lead For ‘The Deep Blue Good-by’

Sequel News: Neill Blomkamp’s Upcoming ‘Alien’ Movie Will Pretend ‘Alien3’ and ‘Alien: Resurrection’ Never Happened

Trailer Buzz: ‘While We’re Young’

Video Blog Buzz: ‘Spectre’

The First Swing Of the Axe Has Fallen, as Sony Shakeup Continues

After Literally Years Of Speculation and Rumor, Harrison Ford Is Finally Confirmed For ‘Blade Runner 2’

Thanks To the Success Of ‘Arrow’ and ‘The Flash’, The CW Is Developing a New Superhero Spinoff Series

Talk About Getting Medieval, With a Third Project Entering the Fray, We Have Three Dueling Robin Hoods!

Original ‘Power Rangers’ Producer Forces YouTube To Pull Fan Film For Copyright Infringement

‘Supergirl’ Series Adds a Writer, a Director and More Cast, Including a Major Villain

New Look: ‘Daredevil’

Point-Counterpoint, Part 1: Hollywood Has Always Been Original

Point-Counterpoint, Part 2: Hollywood Has Never Been Original

Screenwriters: ‘RocknRolla’

Company Launches

Eros International has set up an in-house production company. Called Trinity Pictures, the unit will invest in and develop the company’s own intellectual property, with a focus on franchise movies. Trinity will be headed by Ajit Thakur, an executive who recently left 21st Century Fox’s Star TV. Film

Tom Rothman, head of TriStar and former longtime co-leader of 20th Century Fox’s filmed entertainment division, was named chairman of Sony's Motion Picture Group.

Gail Berman’s production company The Jackal Group, a joint venture with Fox Networks group, has hired Rory Koslow to serve as SVP Film Development. Jackal Group recently signed a first-look feature film deal with Fox 2000.

Television

A few months after Jane Turton was promoted to Managing Director at All3Media amid the company’s sale to Discovery Communications and Liberty Global, she has been named CEO of the UK-based TV, film, and digital content company.

Kudos (producer of Broadchurch) has named two executives to act as joint CEOs, replacing Jane Featherstone who announced her departure in January. Diederick Santer and Dan Isaacs will transition into the posts as Featherstone preps to leave in May.Santer is joining from Lovely Day, which he established with Kudos in 2010. Kudos is part of the newly formed Endemol Shine Group.

Starz has promoted Alison Hoffman to EVP of Marketing from her previous position as SVP of Originals Marketing. Hoffman will spearhead all consumer and affiliate marketing for the network.

MSNBC has named veteran sports producer Michael Weisman to the newly created position of Executive in Charge. Weisman will oversee show production. Alex Korson, who was named EP of the show in 2011, will still serve as executive producer, but will report to Weisman.

Brad Schwartz has been promoted to president of Pop, less than two years after he was brought in as president of Entertainment and Media for TVGN, a co-venture of CBS Corp. and Lionsgate. TVGN rebranded as Pop.

Lifetime chief Rob Sharenow will handle oversight of A&E Network. Former A&E head David McKillop is changing his focus to producing. The shuffle is one of the first big decisions made by Paul Buccieri in his new role as president of A&E and History.

Digital

Musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am has recruited Phil Molyneux to be president and COO of his i.am+ wearable devices startup. Molyneux, who started at i.am+ on Feb. 1, is based at the company’s Hollywood headquarters and reports to founder and CEO will.i.am. He was previously president of Sony Electronics in the U.S.

Lucinda Hicks has been named COO of Endemol Shine UK. Presently joint MD of group production company Dragonfly, Hicks will work with newly appointed Endemol Shine UK CEO, Richard Johnston and Chairman Lucas Church in supporting the UK-based companies and labels.

Management, PR, Music, Agencies, Misc.

Lorna Tee has been appointed as artistic director of the annual CinemAsia Film Festival in The Netherlands. She succeeds the festival’s founder Doris Yeung. Malaysian-born Tee is a former Variety executive, and she was previously based in Hong Kong. She’s a producer who has worked at Focus Films (Hong Kong), Irresistible Films, and with the Asian Film Awards.

Bob Chapek, who has run the Consumer Products unit at Disney since 2011, will now oversee Parks and Resorts, Disney’s second biggest business after its TV networks.

BAFTA's Los Angeles chapter has named Chantal Rickards the organization's first Chief Executive Officer. Rickards starts on April 14, after relocating from London. She will report to the BAFTA LA Board of Directors.

Carrie Wiltshire has been named Chief Operating Officer of Ignition Creative, the Santa Monica-based ad agency that creates marketing materials and campaigns and services several Hollywood studios and networks.

SSN ORIGINALS

How ‘The Lazarus Effect’ Director David Gelb Shifted From Docs To Scripted, and Others Who Crossed Over

Exec Shuffle For 2/27/15: New Sony Hires, Gail Berman’s Jackal Group, Endemol Shine, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Remembering Leonard Nimoy: Legendary ‘Star Trek’ Star Passed Away This Morning

Vice Media Sees an Opportunity, Will Create Its Next Digital Network For Women

Hollywood Tells Author John Green, “You Keep Writing Them, We’ll Keep Adapting Them,” and ‘Looking For Alaska’ Is Up Next

CBS Shows It’s Not Fooling Around With Its ‘Supergirl’ Series, Casts Dean Cain and Helen Slater

That ‘Minority Report’ TV Show Just Cast Its Two Leads

Warren Adler’s Borscht Belt Novel ‘Funny Boys’ To Be Adapted Into a Movie

If You’re Keeping Score, Luke Evans Is Out Of ‘The Crow’ Remake, But Now It Looks Like Jack Huston Is In

Trailer Buzz: ‘Powers’

It’s a Weak Week At the Box Office, but the Winner Has ‘Focus’

Michael Keaton’s Movie About the Founder Of McDonald’s? The Weinstein Company’s Lovin’ It

If One Leonardo DiCaprio Isn’t Enough For You, His New Film Will Give You 24 Of Him

It Looks Like Bruce Lee Is going To Get Another Biopic

Paramount Has a Keen Interest In ‘The Stars My Destination’

Next Season Might Be the Last For ‘Downton Abbey’, But It Will Definitely Be the Last For Maggie Smith

The Clamor For a ‘Macgruber’ Sequel Is Loud Enough That It Is About To Become Will Forte’s Top Priority

Big Screen Dollars, Little Screen Marketing

There’s No Advertising On Netflix … Or Is There? How Advertisers Burrowed Into the Streaming Service

Screenwriters: How Do You Know When Your Screenplay Is Ready For Market?

STARTS

Ali & Nino 2/23/2015 Logline: The novel is set in WWI on the eve of the Bolshevik Revolution and the beginnings of the Soviet Union. It’s the love story between Ali Khan Shirvanshir, the male descendant of a royal Muslim family and Nino Kipiani, a beautiful, Christian, Georgian princess. Production Company: Archery Pictures Director(s): Asif Kapadia Executive Producer(s): Leyla Aliyeva Producer(s): Kris Thykier, Diana Phillips Cast: Adam Bakri, Maria Valverde, Mandy Patinkin, Connie Nielsen, Riccardo Scamarcio Writer(s): Christopher Hampton Details: Based on the book "Ali & Nino" written by an author using the pseudonym Kurban Said and first published in German in 1937. The book was reissued in English by Overlook/Penguin in July 1996. SSN Insight: Alicia Vikander was previously attached to star. Kapadia previously directed Senna (2010), the highest grossing U.K. documentary of all time, for which he won a BAFTA award.

Arms and the Dudes 3/2/2015 Logline: Based on a Rolling Stone article about two stoners who became mega arms dealers. Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Companies: Mark Gordon Company, S/Z Pictures, Unnamed Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper Production Company Director(s): Todd Phillips Executive Producer(s): Bryan Zuriff Producer(s): Todd Phillips, Bradley Cooper, Scott Budnick, Mark R. Gordon Cast: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas Writer(s): Jason Smilovic, Todd Phillips, Stephen Chin Details: Based on the Rolling Stone magazine article "Arms and the Dudes" by Guy Lawson, published March 31, 2011. SSN Insight: Jesse Eisenberg and Shia LaBeouf were previously attached to star. Chris Pratt was previously mentioned as one of the stars.

February 2/25/2015 Logline: An unidentified young woman makes a pilgrimage to the site of a demonic possession at an all-girls boarding school in the dead of winter. Production Companies: 120db Films, Zed Filmworks, Paris Film, Inc., Unbroken Pictures, The Traveling Picture Show Company, Go Insane Director(s): Oz Perkins Executive Producer(s): Carissa Buffel-Matusow, Kevin J Matusow, Peter Graham, Stephen Hays, Arianne Fraser Producer(s): Bryan Bertino, Adrienne Biddle, Rob Paris, Robert Menzies, Alphonse Ghossein Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Emma Roberts, Lucy Boynton, James Remar, Lauren Holly Writer(s): Oz Perkins SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Revolver Picture Company with Nick Phillips and Kelly Wagner attached to produce.

Knights Of The Roundtable: King Arthur 3/2/2015 Logline: A young Arthur must train for battle as he discovers his destiny in this origin story to the legend of King Arthur. Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Companies: Weed Road Pictures, Safehouse Pictures Director(s): Guy Ritchie Executive Producer(s): No Executive Producer Available. Producer(s): Akiva Goldsman, Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Lionel Wigram Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana Writer(s): Joby Harold SSN Insight: Guy Ritchie plans to retell the Arthur legend through a franchise that spans six films. Idris Elba was previously attached as a member of the cast.

Money Monster 2/26/2015 Logline: After a man loses all his money in the stock market by following the advice of a Wall Street TV host, he takes the money adviser hostage on live television. Studio: TriStar Productions Production Companies: Smokehouse Pictures, The Allegiance Theater Director(s): Jodie Foster Executive Producer(s): Timothy Crane Producer(s): Daniel Dubiecki, Lara Alameddine, George Clooney, Grant Heslov Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O'Connell, Caitriona Balfe, Dominic West Writer(s): Jamie Linden, Jim Kouf, Alan DiFiore SSN Insight: IM Global was previously attached to finance with Stuart Ford attached as a producer. Screenplay was included in the 2014 Black List.

The Free State of Jones 3/2/2015 Logline: The true story of Newton Knight, a soldier for the Confederacy during the Civil War who became disillusioned with the South's cause, fled the battlefield, rallied supporters, and declared a safe haven in an area of southeastern Mississippi in opposition to the Confederacy. Studio: STX Production Companies: Larger Than Life Productions, Bluegrass Films Director(s): Gary Ross Producer(s): Gary Ross, Jon Kilik, Scott Stuber, Robert Simonds, Allison Thomas Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell, Mahershala Ali Writer(s): Gary Ross SSN Insight: Previously in development at Universal Pictures. Mini-studio STX will co-finance and distribute the film. Per Deadline, STX was in talks to fund up to $20 million of the film’s $65 million budget. This is the first production on STX’s slate which includes Russ & Roger Go Beyond. The film was also chosen by SSN as one of bankable films this year at AFM, which you can read about here. IM Global handled international rights at AFM and closed deals with significant distributors including Studiocanal in the UK and Australia, Metropolitan in France, Leda Films in Latin America, Joy n Contents in Korea and Thailand.

Russ & Roger Go Beyond 3/1/2015 Logline: This is the story of the collaboration between provocative filmmaker Russ Meyer and film critic Roger Ebert while they made "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls." Studio: STX Production Companies: Permut Presentations, Sobini Films, Chautauqua Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Chris Mangano Producer(s): Mark Amin, David Permut, Richard Waltzer, Cami Winikoff, Tyler Boehm Cast: Will Ferrell Writer(s): Chris Cluess SSN Insight: STX has plans to finance, produce, and distribute 8 to 10 star-driven, theatrical films in the $20 million to $60 million budget range per year for the global market. The studio has direct distribution agreements with theater chains AMC Theatres, Regal Entertainment Group, Cinemark, and Carmike, as well as a strategic partnership with China-based Shanghai Media Group.

WRAPS

Fan 2/27/2015 Logline: The storyline about a fan is under wraps. Production Company: Yash Raj Films (YRF) Director(s): Maneesh Sharma Producer(s): Aditya Chopra Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Ileana D'Cruz Writer(s): Habib Faisal SSN Insight: "Fan" is Shah Rukh Khan’s first film with Yash Raj Films since the passing of producer, director, and company founder Yash Chopra in 2012. Shah Rukh Khan plays double roles in the film, that of a wealthy and successful movie star, and a much less-fortunate, though identical, look-a-like fan. Khan previously played double roles in "Duplicate" (India/1998).

Kickboxer 2/25/2015 Logline: A man swears revenge after his older brother, who was world kickboxing champion, is crippled by a dirty fighter. Production Company: Radar Pictures Director(s): 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. The film will feature stars with more than 20 martial arts disciplines under their belt.

The Trust 2/27/2015 Logline: Two corrupt cops find a mysterious vault while investigating a drug operation and things get complicated when they decide to rob it. Production Company: Hassell Free Productions Director(s): Alex Brewer, Ben Brewer Executive Producer(s): Michael Nilon, Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, Julie Kroll Producer(s): Molly Hassell, Braxton Pope Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira Writer(s): Ben Brewer, Adam Hirsch SSN Insight: Jack Huston was previously attached to the role played by Elijah Wood.

SSN ORIGINALS

On the Set For 3/2/15: Matthew McConaughey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw Start ‘Free States Of Jones’, ‘Kickboxer’ Wraps, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Fans Of Netflix Shows Looking For Premiere Dates Got Some Good News This Morning

Sony Decides To Scrap ‘Sinister Six’, Re-Purposes Writer-Director Drew Goddard For New ‘Spider-Man’, Instead

Reunited, and It Feels So Good! Ethan Hawke Joins Denzel Washington For Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ Remake

Start the Countdown: ’Divergent’ Author Has New Two-Book Series In Store

It Appears ‘Strike Back’ Was Just a Warm Up For Sullivan Stapleton, Who Might Just Be Your Next Big Action Star

Now That He’s Been Cast In a Pilot, Wesley Snipes Has Taken the Next Step and Signed a TV Development Deal

From the “It Was Only a Matter Of Time” File: CBS Interactive Launches In-House Branded Content Studio

Wondering What’s Going To Be In Theaters This Month? We Have a Box Office Preview

Trailer Buzz: ‘Orphan Black’

Jennifer Lawrence and Steven Spielberg Working Together? But Of Course They Are

IM Global and Republic Records Are Teaming on Music-Driven Movies

Netflix Keeps Its Eye on Theatrical Expansion, Closes In On ‘Beasts Of No Nation’ Buy

Fox’s New ‘Frankenstein’ Pilot Has At Last Found its Monster

‘Supergirl’ Adds Yet Another Big Name To Its Already Very Impressive Cast

Fox’s Much-Hyped ‘Lucifer’ Pilot Has Landed Its Devilish Lead

Since Her Title Fight Over the Weekend Only Lasted 14 Seconds, Ronda Rousey Will Take On a Tougher Challenge With New Film Role

Why Industrial-Age Policies Don’t Work For Managing 21st Century Talent

Short Film Buzz: ‘Whiplash’

Online Film School: Six Filmmaking Tips From Rainer Werner Fassbinder

Charlie Studio: Sony Pictures Television Executive Producer(s): Darlene Hunt, Jodie Foster Writer(s): Darlene Hunt Logline: A self-destructive, emotionally-stunted alcoholic vows to get her life on track after rescuing a dog she believes to be her reincarnated mother. SSN Insight: Per Variety, Foster is rumored to also direct the pilot of the half hour comedy. Foster has been steadily working in TV, earning DGA nominations for her work on Netflix’s House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black, for which she was also nominated for an Emmy for a directing an episode of the latter.

Untitled DC Comics Superhero Spinoff Network: CW Television Network Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: DC Entertainment, Berlanti Productions Executive Producer(s): Andrew Kreisberg, Marc Guggenheim, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter Logline: The storyline involves Ray Palmer/The Atom, villain Leonard Snart/Captain Cold, and Dr. Martin Stein. Details: Based on characters from the DC Comics universe and from the shows Arrow and Flash, which air on the CW. SSN Insight: Planned as a possible straight to series order for 2015-2016 midseason. The spinoff would star Arrow’s Brandon Routh as The Atom, Caity Lotz, Flash’s Victor Garber as Dr. Martin Stein and Wentworth Miller as the villain Captain Cold. Caity Lotz will also star, but as her character Sara Lance was killed off in Arrow, her role is unclear. Per Variety, it will also feature three major DC Comics characters who have never been in a television series before.

Ducktales Network: Disney XD Studio: Disney Television Animation Logline: Follows Scrooge McDuck, his curious and mischief-making grandnephews — Huey, Dewey and Louie — and the optimistic yet temperamental Donald Duck as they embark on high-flying adventures worldwide. Details: Based on the Emmy-winning series that aired from 1987-1990 as part of The Disney Afternoon daily syndicated cartoon block. SSN Insight: Disney XD ordered the new animated comedy series, which is slated to launch in 2017.

Graves Network: EPIX Studio: Lionsgate Production Company: Kingsgate Films Executive Producer(s): Joshua Michael Stern, Greg Shapiro Writer(s): Joshua Michael Stern Logline: Former U.S. president Graves has an epiphany, realizing that some of his policies have brought damage to the country. He embarks on a quest to right the wrongs while his wife is pursuing a career in politics. SSN Insight: Ordered straight to series. EPIX, a premium TV network/VOD service backed by Viacom, Lionsgage and MGM has ordered 10 episodes. Nick Nolte is slated to star as Graves.

Untitled Jessie Spinoff Network: Disney Channel Production Companies: It's A Laugh Productions Executive Producer(s): Pamela Eells Logline: A spinoff of Jessie, this show follows the continuing adventures of Emma, Ravi and Zuri Ross. Details: The series is a spinoff of Jessie, which aired on Disney Channel from 2011-2015. SSN Insight: Ordered straight to series by Disney on February 25.

Model Woman Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Company: Anonymous Content Executive Producer(s): K.J. Steinberg, Rosalie Swedlin, Robert Lacey Writer(s): K.J. Steinberg Logline: The story about family, beauty, ambition, business and popular culture is centered on Eileen Ford, the outspoken and controversial woman who started as a model and went on to co-found the famous Ford Modeling Agency with her husband Jerry. Details: Based on the book, "Model Woman: Eileen Ford and the Business of Beauty," written by Robert Lacey and to be published by Harper on June 16, 2015. SSN Insight: Lacey’s previous books include Majesty: Queen Elizabeth II And The House of Windsor. Steinberg currently produces the ABC series, Mistresses. She currently has an overall deal with Sony Pictures Television for two-years, which began in October 2014.

Ms. Network: HBO Production Company: Smokehouse Pictures Executive Producer(s): George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Bruce Cohen, Marisa Tomei, Kathy Najimy Logline: The story looks at the creation of Ms. Magazine in 1971 through the eyes of the two women who founded and ran it, Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug, and those whose lives it changed during the world-altering early days of the Women’s Movement. Details: Based on the life and career of Gloria Steinem. SSN Insight: Steinem will serve as a consultant on the mini-series. Marissa Tomei will play Steinem. Tomei recently signed a first-look development deal with HBO to develop, produce and possibly star in projects.

Sex Criminals Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Milkfed Criminal Masterminds Executive Producer(s): Kelly Sue DeConnick, Matt Fraction Writer(s): Kelly Sue DeConnick, Matt Fraction Logline: A female librarian and male actor discover they can freeze time when they orgasm. Based on the comic book in which Suzie's a normal girl with an extraordinary ability: when she has sex, she stops time. One night she meets John... who has the same gift. And so they do what any other sex-having, time-stopping, couple would do: they rob banks. Details: Based on the comic book, "Sex Criminals," written by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky and published by Image Comics in 2013. SSN Insight: DeConnick and Fraction have a two-year overall deal with Universal Television. The comic has won an Eisner Award, Harvey Award and was named the best comic of the year in 2013 by Time magazine. SSN also picked this comic in the article, “The 6 Hot Comics out of New York Comic-Con Poised to be the Next Hollywood Breakout”.

Stuck in the Middle Network: Disney Channel Production Company: It's A Laugh Productions Executive Producer(s): Linda Videtti Figueiredo Writer(s): Alison Brown, Linda Videtti Figueiredo Logline: Harley is the ultimate middle child who lives life in the eye of the tornado that is her family. But Harley has big-family life figured out that is, until the day she needs everyone to be in one place, on time, for her event. It’s chaos times seven, but Harley realizes guts, ingenuity and a seat near the mashed potatoes make living large a whole lot of fun. SSN Insight: Disney has ordered a pilot. Jenna Ortega will star, she currently plays young Jane on the CW’s Jane the Virgin and Darcy on the Netflix series Richie Rich. Production begins in spring with a premiere to be considered later this year.

Underground Network: WGN Studio: Tribune Studios, Sony Pictures Television Production Companies: Weed Road Pictures, Safehouse Pictures Executive Producer(s): Misha Green, Joe Pokaski, Akiva Goldsman, Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold Writer(s): Joe Pokaski, Misha Green Logline: Follows a group of slaves who plan a daring escape from a Georgia plantation to cross 600 miles to freedom, aided along the way by a secret abolitionist couple running a station on the Underground Railroad, as they evade those tasked with bringing them back, dead or alive. SSN Insight: WGN has ordered 10 episodes for the season on February 27. Although relatively new to original scripted content, this show joins WGN’s Salem, the currently airing Manhatten, and the Appalachian drama Titans which received a straight to series order.

SSN ORIGINALS

SSN Life: The Convenient Cleanse and Alternative Workouts To Invigorate Your Week

TV Development For 3/3/15: Greg Berlanti Plans Another DC Spinoff, Jodie Foster To EP ‘Charlie’ and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

It Happened Sooner Than We Thought: Chinese Box Office Overtakes U.S. For Month Of February

Sony Likes the Cut Of the Russo Brothers’ Jib, Signs Pair To a First-Look Deal

FXX Likes What It Sees, Renews ‘Man Seeking Woman’ For a Second Season

‘Tron: Legacy’ Director Joseph Kosinski Is Circling the ‘Gran Turismo’ Movie

Now That ‘Glee’ Is Gone, Jane Lynch Is Getting In On a New Pilot

The Last Taboo: Will Smith, ‘Focus’, and Hollywood’s Interracial Couples Problem

First Look: ‘Snowden’

Trailer Buzz: ‘Red Road’

Netflix’s Big Purchase, ‘Beasts Of No Nation’, Facing Theatrical Boycott

The Tribeca Film Festival Has Announced Its Initial Slate For 2015 — Did Your Film Make the Cut?

Well, This Didn’t Last Long: Academy Seriously Considering Returning To Five Best Picture Nominees

That Steven Spielberg-Tom Hanks Cold War Spy Movie Finally Has Itself a Title

Bryan Singer Wants You To Know There Is More To His Career Than ‘X-Men’ Movies

Roland Emmerich’s ‘Independence Day’ Sequels Has Its Star, and It Isn’t Will Smith

Now This Sounds Like Fun: a New TV Show Is Being Developed About a 19th Century Race Around the World

Michael Bay Rounds Out the Cast of His Benghazi Movie With Another Vet of ‘The Office’

Trailer Buzz: ‘Community’

Screenwriters: ‘Midnight Express’

UTA: John Cusack has signed with UTA. The actor plays musician Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy, River Road’s biopic about the Beach Boys frontman. Cusack also stars opposite Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska and Robert Pattinson in David Cronenberg’s Hollywood satire, Maps to the Stars.

SSN ORIGINALS

Rep Moves 3/4/15: John Cusack Joins UTA Roster, Tim McGraw Signs With PMK*BNC and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Ang Lee Adds a Couple More Names To His ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Hafltime Walk’, and One Is Steve Martin

Just When You Thought Awards Season Was Finally Over, Along Come the MTV Movie Awards

NBC Follows the Trend, Announces an Online Comedy Video Service

Leonardo DiCaprio Is Teaming Up With Netflix For More Environmental Docs

Scott Rudin Nabs Rights To Kazuo Ishiguro’s New Novel

That ‘Independence Day’ Sequel Might Not Have Will Smith, but It Does Have Jeff Goldblum

IFC Decides It’s Had Enough Of ‘Garfunkel and Oates’

Trailer Buzz: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

First Look: ‘Zootopia’

Bruce Willis On Broadway? Yes, and He’s In For Some ‘Misery’

After Months Of Speculation, HBO’s Streaming Service Has Settled On a Name and a Price

Interested In a 25-Hour Marvel Movie Marathon Before Seeing ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’? Now’s Your Chance

Fox Can’t Escape the Lawsuit Claiming ‘New Girl’ Was Stolen

Back-To-Back Oscars For Eddie? Focus Schedules ‘The Danish Girl’ For Fall

With Emma Watson Firmly On Board as the Live-Action Beauty, Disney Finds Both Its Gaston and Its Beast

MGM Wants To Take Another Crack At ‘Mrs. Frisby and the Rats Of NIMH’

Zachary Quinto Becomes the Latest Big Name To Join the ‘Hannibal’ In Season Three

Trailer Buzz: ‘Self/Less’

Screenwriters: X-Ray Specs — Ethnicity in Character Descriptions