NEW ATTACHMENTS

Barbie Logline: Barbie uses the skills she has gained in her personal life and professional experience to help others Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company: Mattel, Parkes & McDonald, Image Nation, Amy Pascal Company Producers: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie McDonald, Amy Pascal Writer: Diablo Cody SSN Insight: Mattel had heard pitches from a few producers but original writer, Jenny Bicks and Parkes & MaDonald got the rights with the help of their deal with ImageNation. Pascal locked in a production commitment from Columbia when she was president and recently came on board to produce.

Beauty and the Beast (Reboot) Logline: Re-imagining of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast". Studio/ Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures Production Company: Mandeville Films Producers: David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman Writer: Stephen Chobosky Director: Bill Condon Cast: Luke Evans, Emma Watson, Dan Stevens SSN Insight: Evans has signed on to play the role of Gaston. Disney was also hoping to get Eddie Redmayne in the role of the prince, but he passed.

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk Logline: A young soldier hailed as a hero experiences a cavalcade of emotions and events on his last day home before returning back to the war in Iraq in 2005. Studio/ Distributor: Tristar Productions/ Studio 8 Production Company: Ink Factory, Film4 Producers: Marc Platt, Simon Cornwell, Stephen Mark Cornwell, Rhodri Thomas, Ang Lee Writer: Jean-Christophe Castelli Director: Ang Lee Cast: Steve Martin, Garrett Hedlund, Joe Alwyn Notes: Based on the novel "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," written by Ben Fountain and published by Ecco on May 1, 2012. SSN Insight: Actors Billy Howle, Taron Egerton, Joe Cole, and Jack Reynor were all reportedly considered to star.

Independence Day 2 Logline: Enemy aliens return to Earth Studio: 20^th Century Fox Production Company: Centropolis Entertainment, Electric Entertainment Producers: Dean Devin, Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser Writer: Carter Blanchard Director: Roland Emmerich Cast: Jessie Usher, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Michael B. Jordan, Liam Hemsworth SSN Insight: Usher is an up and coming star who was most recently seen in the Starz series Survivor’s Remorse. Will Smith’s role in the first film helped propel him into stardom so the hope is that it does the same for Usher.

Gran Turismo Logline: Logline under wraps. Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company: Trigger Street Productions, The Cantillon Company, Immersive Pictures, Franklin Entertainment Producers: Michael De Luca, Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Elizabeth Cantillion, Josh Bratman, DeVon Franklin Director: Joseph Kosinski Notes: Based on the video game "Gran Turismo" designed by Kazunori Yamauchi, developed by Polyphony Studios, and released by Sony in 1997. SSN Insight: A script by writer Alex Tse exists but Kosinski is said to be developing a new script with the studio.

Spider-Man (Reboot) Logline: Logline under wraps. Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures/ Marvel Entertainment Production Company: Marvel Entertainment, Amy Pascal Company Producers: Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal Writer: Drew Goddard Director: Drew Goddard SSN Insight: Goddard had been previously in discussions to direct the spinoff movie, Sinister Six, but the studio appears to be putting that film on the back burner and instead focusing on the reboot.

The Founder Logline: The true story how Ray Kroc, a salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brother’s speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. He maneuvered himself in a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create the billion dollar fast food empire, McDonald’s. Studio/Distributor: The Weinstein Company Production Company: FilmNation, Combine Producers: Jeremy Renner, Don Handfield Writer: Rob Siegel Director: John Lee Hancock Cast: Michael Keaton SSN Insight: The Weinstein Company closed a deal to acquire the film in a competitive bidding situation and is hoping for Oscar potential.

The Crowded Room Logline: True story of Billy Milligan who, after being arrested for rape, was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder that had 24 manifestations which led to his lawyers use of the insanity plea, the first time such a plea led to an acquittal. Production Company: Appian Way, New Regency Productions Producers: Alexandra Milchan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran Writer: Todd Katzberg, Jason Smilovic Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio SSN Insight: Project was previously in development with James Cameron directing John Cusack; Joel Schumacher directing Billy Crudup; David Fincher directing Brad Pitt; Steven Soderbergh directing Sean Penn; Danny DeVito directing Leonardo DiCaprio as well as directors Gus Van Sant, F. Gary Gray, Nick Cassavetes and Todd Field as well as actors Matthew McConaughey and Johnny Depp.

Looking For Alaska Logline: Set at an Alabama boarding school, Alaska Young, a reckless girl, is the object of affection for most males at the school. Studio/ Distributor: Paramount Pictures Production Company: Temple Hill Entertainment, Watermark Pictures Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Mark Waters, Jessica Tuchinsky Writer: Scott Neustadter, Michael Weber Director: Sarah Polley SSN Insight: Temple Hill and Neustadter and Weber team up on their third John Green novel after having come together on Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns, being released this summer.

Blade Runner Sequel Logline: Storyline under wraps. Studio/ Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company: Alcon Entertainment, Thunderbird Films, Ridley Scott Films Producers: Bud Yorkin, Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Ridley Scott, Cynthia Sikes Writer: Michael Green Director: Denis Villeneuve Cast: Harrison Ford SSN Insight: Alcon’s Prisoners filmmaker returns to the studio to make their Blade Runner sequel, while original star Harrison Ford also returns.

NEW PROJECTS

Mrs. Frisby & The Rats of Nimh Logline: Based on the children's novel, the focus of this live-action/CGI hybrid film will be an origin story in which a mouse befriends a crew of lab rats as they become hyper-intelligent, find their way to freedom, and establish a thriving, though constantly threatened, civilization of vermin. Studio/ Distributor: MGM Studios Production Companies: Bobker/ Kruger Films Producers: Daniel Bobker, Ehren Kruger Writers: Michael Berg Notes: Based on the novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" written by Robert C. O'Brien and illustrated by Zena Bernstein and published by Atheneum Books in 1971. SSN Insight: The project was previously in development at Paramount where director Christopher Bailey was attached but since going to MGM the producers intend for this to be the first in a new franchise.

The Buried Giant Logline: In Medieval Britain, a couple travel through the war-ravaged countryside looking for their long-lost son. Production Company: Scott Rudin Productions Producer: Scott Rudin Notes: Based on the novel "The Buried Giant" written by Kazuo Ishiguro and published by Alfred A. Knopf in 2015. SSN Insight: Several other Ishiguro have already been adapted into films such as, Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go.

Dust Logline: In an alternate reality, it's the 1940s and Hitler has been assassinated, but WWII is ongoing, the world is divided into three blocs, and a discovery leads to the creation of combat robots. Studio/ Distributor: Lionsgate Production Companies: Lin Pictures Producers: Dan Lin Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber Notes: Based on the graphic novel and game "Dust" created by Paolo Parente. The first issue of the graphic novel was published by Image on July 1, 2007. SSN Insight: Thurber found the property at Hollywood’s Meltdown Comics as a graphic novel and became a fan of the game and its world. He optioned the material originally on his own and developed a take before bringing it to Lionsgate.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Logline: A lunar colony incites a rebellion in order to gain its independence from Earth. Studio/ Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Production Companies: Bad Hat Harry Productions, Whalerock Industries Producers: Bryan Singer, Lloyd Braun, Thor Halvorssen Writer: Marc Guggenheim Director: Bryan Singer Notes: Based on the novel "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" published by Berkley Medallion; 1966 SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Heyday Films and Phoenix Pictures with David Heyman and Mike Medavoy attached to produce with a script adaptation by Tim Minear.

A Shot in the Eye Logline: Logline under wraps. Production Companies: 6^th & Idaho Producers: Matt Reeves, Adam Kassan Writer: Dan Futterman SSN Insight: Futterman also acted and starred in Capote and co-wrote Foxcatcher and was Oscar nominated for both films.

It’s What I Do Logline: The true story of Lynsey Addario, Pulitizer Prize-winning journalist who has covered stories in the most dangerous places in the world, is recounted. Studio/ Distributor: Warner Bros.Pictures Production Company: Mad Chance Productions Producers: Andrew Lazar, Wynn Wygal Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Jennifer Lawrence Notes: Based on the memoir "It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War" written by Linsey Addario and published by The Penguin Press in 2015. SSN Insight: Other bidders on the property were: Working Title, for Reese Witherspoon; Darren Aronofsky, for Natalie Portman; Margot Robbie; and The Weinstein Company, for George Clooney and Grant Heslov before Warner Bros. got it.

The Stars My Destination Logline: The sole survivor of a wrecked spaceship drifts through space. When a passing vessel ignores his distress signal, he becomes obsessed with revenge and ultimately uncovers a secret... Studio/ Distributor: Paramount Pictures Production Companies: Disruption Entertainment Producers: Mary Parent Notes: Based on the novel "The Stars My Destination" written by Alfred Bester published by Berkley Books 1956. SSN Insight: The project has a long development history, being set up at various studios and financiers such as Universal, Fox, Constantin Films and Impact Pictures.

Untitled Dramatic Thriller Logline: Logline under wraps Studio/ Distributor: New Regency Productions Production Companies: New Regency Productions, Plan B Entertainment, Crab Apple Pictures, Black Label Media Producers: Dede Gardner, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Angus Lamont, Molly Smith Writer: Gregory Burke Director: Yann Demange SSN Insight: Demange is an in-demand filmmaker, after his feature debut, ’71, won Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards. Burke also wrote ’71.

Breaking Sky Logline: During America’s cold war in 2048, Chase Harcourt is one of two fearless pilots who will fly an experimental jet, which is her country’s hope of winning. Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Josephson Entertainment Producers: Barry Josephson Notes: Based on the novel "Breaking Sky" written by Cori McCarthy and published by Sourcebooks Fire on March, 10 2015.

SSN ORIGINALS

SSN Pilot Watch: The Six Hot Cable Pilots At HBO, SundanceTV, FX and More

Film Development For 3/5/15: Diablo Cody To Write ‘Barbie’, Luke Evans Cast In ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Spider-Man News, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Good News, Wolverine Fans! The Third Movie In the Franchise Will Shoot Next Year

There Is Going To Be an ‘Expendables’ Event Series On Fox, and Sylvester Stallone Is Behind It

Blumhouse Gets Itself Into the Errol Morris Business, Options His Book, ‘A Wilderness Of Errors’

Well, So Much For Samantha Bee Continuing On at ‘The Daily Show’

Let This Be a Lesson To You Actors Out There: Brit Marling Writes Her Own Stuff, and It’s Working Well For Her

The Second Half Of This Year’s Tribeca Slate Has Been Announced, Did Your Movie Make the Cut?

Creative Marketing Alert: Vince Vaughn and Dave Franco Appear in Boring Stock Photos to Promote 'Unfinished Business’

Trailer Buzz: ‘Dark Places’

Harrison Ford Crashes Plane In Venice, Is Hospitalized In Stable Condition

TWC’s ‘The Reaper’ Six-Hour Mini-Series Lands At NBC

Two Years After 30 Rock Signed Off, Alec Baldwin Is Returning To TV

‘Toy Story 4’ Will Not Continue the Story From ‘Toy Story 3’, and Will Not Really Be a Conventional Sequel

‘True Blood’ Vet Rutina Wesley Is Having Herself a Nice Pilot Season, Nails Lead In ‘Broad Squad’

Disney Corrals Jared Hess To Do an ‘Overnight at 42nd Street’

Damian Szifron Might Not Have Won the Foreign Film Oscar, But He Does Have His Next Film Set Up At TriStar

GKIDS Announces American Voice Cast For Upcoming Animated Flick, ‘When Marnie Was There’

With Reviews For ‘Chappie’ Being Sub-Par, Are We Too Quick To Write Off New Directors?

Screenwriters: ‘Red Dragon’

Company Launches

Republic Records and IM Global launched a multiple picture co-financing and co-production deal for music-driven feature films. The first movie will be comedy Rollin’ Thunder, directed by Bille Woodruff and produced by IM Global Music chief David Schulhof, Republic’s Monte Lipman and IM Global’s Matt Jackson, and co-produced by hip-hop artist Nelly and actor/comedian Nick Cannon.

CBS Interactive is joining several media companies starting in-house advertising-production efforts. The CBS unit launched Studio 61, a unit focused exclusively on creating content for advertisers designed to run on media properties such as CNET, CBSNews.com and GameSpot.

Film

The Big Bang Theory’s Johnny Galecki has hired Andrew Haas to be vice president and his producing partner at Galecki's Warner Bros-based Alcide Bava Productions. They are producing The Master Cleanse, directed by Bobby miller and starring Galecki, Anna Friel, Angelica Houston and Oliver Platt.

Jonathan Deckter, IM Global President, is leaving after five years to partner with Nicolas Chartier at Voltage Pictures. Deckter will run all day to day business operations at Voltage and serve as President / COO. Chartier will continue in his role as CEO and oversee all production related activities along with Zev Foreman and Craig Flores.

RLJ Entertainment upped Mark Ward to Chief Acquisitions Officer, Feature Films, and hired Angela Northington as its SVP Content Acquisitions. Ward will continue to oversee feature film acquisitions for both Image and UMC, and Northington will pursue acquisitions for RLJE’s urban brand, UMC.

Skydance Productions has brought on Anne Globe to be its first Chief Marketing Officer. She’ll oversee marketing, publicity, branding, licensing and promotion for all Skydance projects and report to CEO David Ellison. Globe consulted on several films and was CMO for DreamWorks Animation.

Television

Discovery Communications has hired vet TV executive Marc Graboff as President, Global Business & Legal Affairs, Production Management and Studios. Graboff will be based at Discovery’s Los Angeles headquarters, reporting to Bruce Campbell, Chief Development and Digital Media Officer and General Counsel.

Katherine Nelson will move to Syfy and Chiller from NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment sister Esquire Network. In that position sge served as SVP Communications, since January 2013. In her new role, Nelson will be responsible for overall communications strategy for Syfy and Chiller, including corporate communications, program publicity and talent relations.

FX publicity vet Dominic Pagone has been uppsed to the newly created position of SVP Communications for FX Networks. Pagone will oversee Trade Communications, Talent Relations, Public Affairs and Photo Publicity for FX, FXX, FXM, and FXP.

Endemol Shine International LA-based EVP of Sales & Acquisitions, Matt Creasey, will lead distribution operations across the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, London-based Executive Director, Mark Lawrence, will run Endemol Shine International’s teams across the region. Also based in London are CFO John Richards and Jan Rowland, who becomes Endemol Shine International’s Head of Operations.

ABC News named Cecilia Vega and Tom Llamas anchors of the weekend edition of “World News Tonight.” The pair have been filling the post since former weekend anchor David Muir became anchor of the weekday program.

Political reporter Jeff Zeleny has left ABC News to join CNN as its senior Washington correspondent. Zeleny, based in Washington, D.C., will report on air and write for CNN Politics Digital.  He joins CNN this month.

Management, PR, Music, Agencies, Misc.

The Directors Guild of America has named Lily Bedrossian Director of Media Relations. She spent almost nine years in the corporate and interactive media relations divisions at the Walt Disney Company.

SSN ORIGINALS

Box Office Insight: A Hit, a Miss, and Now ‘Chappie’ — Why Is Blomkamp’s Latest Running On a Low Battery?

Exec Shuffle For 3/6/15: Republic Records and IM Global’s New Film Venture, Johnny Galecki’s Shingle Hires Andrew Haas, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Several Months Before Jurassic World opens, Colin Trevorrow Lines Up His Next Gig

Anxiously Awaiting News Of When ‘Hannibal’ Returns? Today Is Your Lucky Day

Anna Paquin and Husband/Producing Partner Stephen Moyer Are Teaming With Jack Black For an HBO Mini

Octavia Spencer Is In Negotiations To Play God In ‘The Shack’? Sounds About Right

Legal Troubles Won’t Keep Emile Hirsch From Working: He Joins Cast Of ‘The Autopsy Of Jane Doe’

‘Gotham’ Fans Should Not Grow Too Attached To Fish Mooney, Because Jada Pinkett Smith Has Some News

If You’re a Fan Of Wes Anderson’s Work, Here Is Two and a Half Hours Of Video Essays About It

First Look: ‘Supergirl’

‘Chappie’ Takes Top Spot In the Second Weak Box Office Week In a Row

Big News For ‘Homeland’ Fans: Season Five Will Jump Forward In Time and Carrie Will Have a New Job

A24 Learns Its Lesson With ‘A Most Dangerous Year’, Will Release ‘The End Of the Tour’ Over the Summer

Valiant Entertainment Raises Nine Figures For Its Burgeoning Film Division

Endemol Shine Creative Has Itself a New Leader

Jeremy Renner Joins Amy Adams In Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Story Of Your Life’, Confirmed For ‘Civil War’

‘Broad Squad’ Gets Another Leading Lady From an Old HBO Show

Wither the 10 P.M. Viewer? Late Prime Time Ratings Waste Away

Your Creative Calendar: 71 Things To Do, See and Hear In March

Screenwriters: ‘Behind the Lines With DR — Gunshot Residue Character Research

STARTS

31 3/9/2015 Logline: Five carnival workers who are kidnapped the night before Halloween try to survive a terrifying game called "31" in which murderous maniacs dressed as clowns are hunting them. Production Companies: Spectacle Entertainment Group, Protagonist Pictures, Bow & Arrow Entertainment Director: Rob Zombie Executive Producer(s): Chris Woody McElroy, Eric Thirteen Producer(s): Rob Zombie, Andy Gould, Edward Vaisman, Michael Sherman, Matthew Perniciaro Cast: Elizabeth Daily, Sheri Moon Zombie, Torsten Voges, Bari Suzuki Writer(s): Rob Zombie SSN Insight: Rob Zombie completed a 90-day crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to help finance the project. The film is the first installment of a planned franchise. The film was taken to AFM this year with Protagonist handling international rights. UTA packaged the film and is also handling domestic rights.

I Am Wrath 3/9/2015 Logline: After a man's wife is murdered and justice isn't served, he takes it upon himself to make things right, but uncovers corruption at all levels and takes down the police and all who stand in his way. Studio: No Studio Available. Production Companies: Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films, Grindstone Entertainment Group, Vallelonga/Quattrochi Productions, Cheetah Vision Films Director: No Director Available. Executive Producer(s): No Executive Producer Available. Producer(s): Randall Emmett, George Furla, Nick Vallelonga, Michael Mendelsohn Cast: John Travolta Writer(s): Paul Sloan SSN Insight: 50 Cent was previously attached as a producer. Cage last collaborated with Emmett/Furla co-founders in The Frozen Ground in 2013 and before that The Wicker Man in 2006.

Patient Zero 3/3/2015 Logline: In a post-apocalyptic world full of zombies, a man who speaks their language questions the undead in order to find a cure for his infected wife. Studio: Screen Gems Production Company: Vincent Newman Entertainment Director: Stefan Ruzowitzky Producer(s): Vincent Newman Cast: Natalie Dormer, Matt Smith, Stanley Tucci Writer(s): Mike Le SSN Insight: Screen Gems acquired the script for the film in a competitive bidding situation. Screenplay was included in the 2013 Blood List

The Wrong Stuff 3/9/2015 Logline: Story about Red Sox pitcher William "Bill" Lee, the wild and irreverent player who changed major league baseball in the 1970s. Production Company: Rhino Films Director: Brett Rapkin Executive Producer(s): Ron Shelton, Eric Gagne Producer(s): Stephen Nemeth Cast: Josh Duhamel, Ernie Hudson Writer(s): Paul Tatara Details: Based on the autobiography "The Wrong Stuff" by Bill Lee and published by Three Rivers Press May 23, 2006. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development with the Laura Pels/Peter Bogdanovich Pictures Corp. Previously in development with Paramount Pictures. Filming is set to start in Los Angeles. Duhamel is currently starring in the CBS crime drama series Battle Creek. Hudson is best known for appearing in Ghostbusters.

Waiting for the Miracle to Come 3/9/2015 Logline: A young woman on a quest for gold finds much different and far greater riches than she'd ever expected. Production Companies: Horse Pictures, Wim Wenders Productions, Fabrica de Cine, Cave Pictures Director: Lian Lunson Executive Producer(s): Dale Brown, Mark Rodgers, Matthew Malek, Bono, Wim Wenders Producer(s): Lian Lunson, Molly M. Mayeux, Terence Berry, Gaston Pavlovich Cast: Sophie Lowe, Willie Nelson, Charlotte Rampling, Adam Beach, Sile Bermingham Writer(s): Lian Lunson SSN Insight: This project marks the first feature film for writer-director Lian Lunson. He previously directed other music-centric documentaries including the Leonard Cohen pic Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man. Production is set to start shooting in Willie Nelson’s hometown of Spicewood, Texas. Executive producer and U2 front man Bono will also pen an original song that Nelson will sing in the movie.

WRAPS

A Monster Calls 3/3/2015 Logline: A boy deals with his mother’s illness and bullies at school by living in a world of fairy tales and monsters. Studio: Focus Features Production Companies: River Road Entertainment, Participant Media, Apaches Entertainment Director: J. A. Bayona Executive Producer(s): Bill Pohlad, Jeff Skoll, Mitch Horwits, Jonathan King, Patrick Wachsberger Producer(s): Belen Atienza Cast: Felicity Jones, Toby Kebbell, Liam Neeson, Sigourney Weaver, Lewis MacDougall Writer(s): Patrick Ness Details: Based on the children’s novel "A Monster Calls" written by Patrick Ness and published by Walker Books on September 27, 2011. The novel was based on an original idea by the late Siobhan Dowd. SSN Insight: Focus Features is committing $20 million in P&A to release. Screenplay was included in the 2013 Black List. The film was originally scheduled to wrap on February 14.

Folk Hero & Funny Guy 3/9/2015 Logline: A struggling stand-up comic goes on the road as the opening act for his successful singer-songwriter friend. Studio: No Studio Available. Production Companies: Vacationeer Productions, Chhibber Mann Productions Director: Jeff Grace Executive Producer(s): Vinny Chhibber, Mike C Manning Producer(s): Jeff Grace, Ryland Aldrich Cast: Wyatt Russell, Alex Karpovsky, Liza Oppenheimer, Melanie Lynskey, Michael Ian Black Writer(s): Jeff Grace SSN Insight: This project marks Grace’s directorial debut and was originally a Kickstarter project that achieved $50,000 of its $48,000 goal. Grace began his career at Second City in Chicago. As a founding member of comedy troupe The Vacationeers, he’s written and directed online content including Google Maps, which hit six million views. Grace also produced and starred in The Scenesters winning the 2010 Slamdance “Rosebud Award” and It’s A Disaster, also starring David Cross, America Ferrera and Julia Stiles. Disaster was the #1 independent film on iTunes in June 2013.

SSN ORIGINALS

SSN Screenwriters Guide: How To Get a Literary Agent

On the Set For 3/9/15: Bono Producing ‘Waiting For the Miracle To Come’, Natlaie Dormer Starts Shooting ‘Patient Zero’ and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Director Randall Miller Pleads Guilty In Sarah Jones Trial, Will Serve Two Years In Prison

Remembering Sam Simon: ‘Simpsons’ Producer and Philanthropist Loses His Long Battle With Cancer

Kathryn Bigelow Finally Decides Which Project She’ll Direct Next, and It’s Going To Be About …

HBO’s New Streaming Service Will Be Available On Apple Devices Next Month

Get Ready For a LOT More ‘Walking Dead’ At AMC

Clinton Foundation Ad Campaign Erases Women From Billboards, Conde Nast Magazines

Trailer Buzz, Part 1: ‘Game of Thrones’

Trailer Buzz, Part 2: ‘Tomorrowland’

Sony Sees Its Opportunity, Puts a Male ‘Ghostbusters’ Into Development Alongside Paul Feig’s Female Version

Woody Allen Is Reuniting With Jesse Eisenberg For His Next Film, and Bringing In Bruce Willis and Kristen Stewart, Too

Clint Eastwood’s Longtime Producing Partner Rob Lorenz Is Stepping Out On His Own

Fox Sets Up Its Summer Programming, Announces Premiere Date For ‘Wayward Pines’

Lucy Lawless Is Bringing Her Ass-Kicking Ways To ‘Ash Vs. Evil Dead’

More Details Emerge On What Samantha Bee Will Be Doing For TBS

Nielsen Ads Say 'Let's Count the Binge-Watchers, the Cord-Cutters’

Trailer Buzz: ‘San Andreas’

First Look: ‘The Free State of Jones’

Online Film School: Six Filmmaking Tips From Albert Maysles

Network

I Can Do That Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Armoza Formats Executive Producer(s): Marlon Wayans, Audrey Morrissey, Matilda Zoltowski, Avi Armoza Logline: The show challenges its celebrity cast members to stretch beyond their comfort zones by putting on a new act each week. Each week, the regulars will work in pairs to put on an act with the help of guest stars who work in other fields, such as magicians, acrobats and stunt performers. At the end of the season, one of the regulars will be crowned "the ultimate entertainer." Details: Based on the Israeli format, "I Can Do That." SSN Insight: NBC has ordered 6 episodes on March 3.

The Reaper Network: NBC Entertainment Production Companies: Macmillan Publishing, The Weinstein Company Executive Producer(s): Brendan Deneen, Marc Resnick Logline: Nicknamed "The Reaper" by his battalion, Nicholas Irving became one of its deadliest snipers, breaking records for enemy kills in a single deployment. The first African-American ever to serve as a sniper in his battalion, Irving's story gives an inside look at his development in the military, what those in the special operations community go through and the sacrifices they make to their country and families. Details: Based on the autobiographical memoir,"The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers," written by Nicholas Irving with Gary Brozek and published by St. Martin's Press on January 27, 2015. SSN Insight: Planned as a 6-hour miniseries. Cable

Best Friends Whenever Network: Disney Channel Production Company: It's A Laugh Productions Executive Producer(s): Michael Kaplan, Jed Elinoff, Scott Thomas Writer(s): Jed Elinoff, Scott Thomas Logline: Centers on teenagers Shelby and Cyd, who when a science experiment goes wrong, become unstuck in time, leaping forward and backward whenever they want and sometimes even when they don’t. Now with the help of their next-door neighbor, teenage genius Barry, the girls must learn to master their awesome new power as they time-shift through high school. SSN Insight: Ordered to series on March 6. Shelley Jensen (Austin & Ally) will direct multiple episodes. Production begins in March for a premiere later this year.

Shooter Network: USA Network Studio: Universal Cable Productions, Paramount Television Executive Producer(s): John Hlavin, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Lorenzo di Bonaventura Writer(s): John Hlavin Logline: Based on the film about a marksman and former U.S. Marine scout sniper who is coaxed back into action, only to be framed for murder and have to go on the run. Details: Based on the film, "Shooter," (2007) directed by Antoine Fuqua, which was based on the novel "Point of Impact," written by Stephen Hunter and published by Bantam on November 1, 1993. SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at TNT. USA has given an initial commitment of a pilot plus penalty as of March 9.

Sweat, Inc. Network: Spike TV Production Company: 3 Ball Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Jillian Michaels Logline: The series seeks to find the next big fitness phenomenon. 12 aspiring fitness entrepreneurs compete to prove they’ve developed the newest groundbreaking exercise program. Using her knowledge of the fitness industry and her business sense, Jillian Michaels will decide which undiscovered workout is best suited to be the next new phenomenon. SSN Insight: Spike has given a series order of 10 episodes as of March 4.

The Tracey Ullman Show Network: BBC 1 Production Companies: Allan McKeown Presents, BBC Productions Executive Producer(s): Tracey Ullman, Ben Farrell Writer(s): Tracey Ullman Logline: Tracey Ullman plays diverse and distinct characters living in, or visiting, the United Kingdom. SSN Insight: BBC has ordered a six-episode series as of March 5. The Tracey Ullman Show ran from 1987 until 1990 on Fox and spawned The Simpsons. She later produced other shows for HBO, including Tracey Takes On... (1996–1999), for which she garnered numerous awards.

Those Who Can't Network: TruTV Production Companies: 3 Arts Entertainment, Thank You, Brain! Productions Executive Producer(s): Adam Cayton-Holland, Andrew Orvedahl, Ben Roy, Richard Korson, Tracey Baird Logline: Three delinquent public school teachers fight to stay employed at floundering James Buchanan High School. SSN Insight: A pilot was developed, shot and streamed on Amazon on April 19, 2013. Project did not go further. TruTV is redeveloping this project and has ordered a pilot.

Untitled Jenny Slate Project Network: FX Executive Producer(s): Jenny Slate Writer(s): Gillian Robespierre, Elisabeth Holm Logline: Under wraps. SSN Insight: Slate will be switching from regular to recurring role on FX’s Married to accomdate this pilot per Deadline. Slate recently has recurred on Kroll Show, Parks And Recreation and House Of Lies.

Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Companies: Brandman Productions, TWS Productions II Executive Producer(s): Michael Brandman, Tom Selleck Writer(s): Michael Brandman, Tom Selleck Logline: Chronicle the cases of fictional Police Chief Jesse Stone of Paradise, MA, a respected and well-liked cop whose life is complicated equally by alcohol and his relationship with his ex-wife. In Lost In Paradise, Stone agrees to help the Massachusetts State Homicide Division track down a brutal serial killer. Details: Based on Robert B. Parker's "Jesse Stone" series. SSN Insight: This is the ninth movie in the detective series, which is in pre-production in Halifax, Nova Scotia for a fall 2015 premiere. The previous eight TV movies aired on CBS, which opted not to order more although Jesse Stone: Benefit Of The Doubt’s (eight film) had a respectable premiere viewership of 13 million.

Pay Cable

Untitled Alec Baldwin Mayoral Political Drama Project Network: HBO Studio: Universal Television Production Company: El Dorado Pictures Executive Producer(s): Alec Baldwin, Cary Brokaw Writer(s): Wells Tower Logline: A billionaire real estate developer philanthropist, and celebrated socialite/tabloid fixture is unexpectedly rocketed into New York City politics when tragedy strikes the incumbent mayor and he is drafted to replace him. The larger than life divorced entrepreneur's burst into the political spotlight is made interesting by his appetite for women and a dark past. SSN Insight: HBO gave an initial commitment of a put pilot plus penalty if not ordered for a full season, series ordered on March 5. Beginning on 30 Rock, Baldwin has had a deal with Universal TV which beat out the overall deal Brokaw’s Avenue Pictures has at Warner Bros Television, as he is allowed a handful of exclusions.

Madame X Network: HBO Production Companies: Electric Dynamite, Untold Pictures, CASM Executive Producer(s): Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Jack Black, Cerise Larkin, Mark Larkin Writer(s): Julia Hart Logline: Set in Victorian New York City, where Axie Muldoon is one of the wealthiest and controversial women of her day. Axie helps her husband build a thriving midwife business and defies the law in the name of women’s reproductive rights. Inspired by the story of a real-life infamous female physician. Details: Based on the historical novel, "My Notorious Life: A Novel," written by Kate Manning and published by Scribner on September 10, 2013. SSN Insight: Anna Paquin previously starred on HBO’s True Blood where she met and married co-star Stephen Moyer.

Preserve, Protect and Defend Network: HBO Production Companies: HBO Films, Anima Sola Productions Executive Producer(s): Mark V. Olsen, Will Scheffer, Lisa Bellomo Writer(s): Mark V. Olsen, Will Scheffer, Craig Zobel Logline: A disgraced Texas justice of the peace enlists the help of his wife to plot and murder the two district attorneys who prosecuted him, in an escalating avalanche of firearms. Based on a true story. Details: Based on the true story of Eric Williams, a former Justice of the Peace who was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2013 slaying of a Texas D.A.'s wife. SSN Insight: Will be a TV movie. Married producing/writing partners Olsen and Scheffer previously worked on HBO’s upcoming third and final season of Getting On and the critically acclaimed Big Love.

Digital

The OA Network: Netflix Production Companies: Anonymous Content, Plan B Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Michael Sugar Writer(s): Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij Logline: One hour drama, storyline under wraps. SSN Insight: Netflix has given a series order of 8 episodes as of March 5. Marling and Batmanglij previously worked together on The East and The Sound Of My Voice.

Between Network: Netflix Production Companies: Don Carmody Television, Mulmur Feed Co., Elevation Pictures Corp. Executive Producer(s): Michael McGowan, Don Carmody, Naveen Prasad Logline: About a town under siege from a mysterious disease that has wiped out everybody except those 21 years old and under and chronicles the power vacuum that results when a government has quarantined a 10-mile diameter area and left the inhabitants to fend for themselves. SSN Insight: Netflix will release the six one-hour episodes on a weekly basis because of a three-way deal in which it will air on Rogers Broadcasting’s City TV stations in Canada and will be available on Canadian subscription service Shomi. Emmy-winning director Jon Cassar (24) will direct the first two episodes.

In Development

Dublin Murder Squad Production Companies: Euston Films, Veritas Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Kate Harwood, Alan Gasmer, Peter Jaysen Logline: Based on a series of novels that each follow a different case and include overlapping characters: In The Woods focuses on a pair of detectives investigating the murder of a 12-year-old girl; The Likeness is about a young female detective who goes undercover to solve a murder in an elite college town; and Faithful Place advances a supporting character from The Likeness as a detective discovering dark secrets from his past. Details: Based on a murder mystery series by Tana French including books In the Woods, The Likeness and Faithful Place to the international television market that has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. French is published in the U.S. by Viking and in the UK by Hodder. SSN Insight: The Dublin-based French won several literary prizes for her first novel, 2007’s In The Woods. The Likeness was previously acquired by Paramount in 2011 to be adapted as a feature per Deadline but the option lapsed thereby allowing the executive producers to pick it up. This is the first time the books have been produced for television.

The Big Picture Studio: Talpa Media USA Executive Producer(s): John De Mol, Jay Bienstock Logline: A game show with a 12-round trivia contest, where a player has to identify a succession of pictures that appear on a large screen, with the cash prize going up to $1 million for the 12th photo. Viewers at home will be able to play along and allows for shared winnings of potentially up to $1 million. Details: Based on a reality series of the same name from the Netherlands. SSN Insight: Talpa acquired the format for The Big Picture from Israeli company A-Cappella at the MIP TV market last year and following adjustments, the series was distributed on RTL4. The modified format will be pitched in multiple territories once the series concludes its first season in Holland.

Untitled Eighty Days Project Production Company: Zero Gravity Executive Producer(s): Christine Hodler, Mark Holder, Lloyd Levin, Beatriz Levin Logline: In 1889, investigative journalist Nellie Bly decided she would try to beat the fictional record in Jules Verne’s now classic story and go around the world less than 80 days.  At the same time, Cosmopolitan sent their own reporter Elizabeth Bisland, out to beat not only the 80-day fictional Phineas Fogg record but also try to one-up Bly who was working for Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World newspaper. Details: Based on Matthew Goodman’s bestselling book, “Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World” SSN Insight: “We are developing it as a limited show and talking to creators now,” said Zero Gravity’s Marc Holder to Deadline. “After that, we’ll go to talent. People have tried to explore her story from her days undercover at a woman’s insane asylum, but not many people have tried to delve into this particular story. Goodman just did such a wonderful job with this book. They are both courageous women and this story is really inspiring.”

SSN ORIGINALS

Screenwriters Guide: The 10 Best Screenwriting Contests To Enter In 2015

TV Development For 3/10/15: Alec Baldwin and Anna Paquin Heading To HBO, Netflix Picks Up Series From Brad Pitt’s Plan B and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

‘Midnight Rider’ First A.D. Hillary Schwartz Has Been Found Guilty In Sarah Jones’ Death

Tim Burton Is Translating Another Disney Classic To Live Action, and Next Up Is ‘Dumbo’

Fox Searchlight Has Plenty Of Confidence In ‘Me & Earl & the Dying Girl’, Moves Up Its Release

‘Zoolander 2’ Has Itself a Release Date, and It’s a Lot Sooner Than You Probably Thought

BBC Two and Netflix Want One More Season Of ‘The Fall’

HBO Has Found Its Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs For a Battle of the Sexes

Hannibal Burress Fans Rejoice! Comedy Central Is Finally Giving Him His Own Show

Trailer Buzz: ‘Daredevil’

‘Blurred Lines’ Decision Comes Down, Pharrell and Thicke Ordered To Pay $7.4 Million To Gaye’s Estate

Reese Witherspoon and Fox 2000 Are the Big Winners Of ‘Ashley’s War’

Miles Teller Lines Up Next Project, Shows He Is Becoming Nigh Unstoppable

So Much For That American Version Of ‘Luther’ Coming Any Time Soon

It Appears That Disney Is Moving Forward With ‘Tron 3’, and Sooner Than Later

Disney Plans a Series Of Books To Fill In the Story Gap Between ‘Return of the Jedi’ and ‘The Force Awakens’

There’s a New List Out, Featuring the Top 10 Animators To Watch, and Variety Has It

Speaking Of Animation, Nickelodeon Wants To Find the Next Great Young Animator

Trailer Buzz: ‘Inside Out’

Screenwriters: ‘Magnolia’

Paradigm: Omari Hardwick, lead in Starz’s dramatic series Power, has signed with Paradigm. Hardwick’s other TV credits include Being Mary Jane and starring roles on Dark Blue and Saved.

Paradigm: Director Michael Carney and his writing partner Alexander Foard, the team behind Paramount’s upcoming adaptation of the bestselling book Same Kind of Different As Me, have inked with Paradigm.

ICM: Danish personality Casper Christensen has signed with ICM Partners. Christensen co-wrote and starred in the indie comedy Klown, which Danny McBride is remaking in the U.S. He recently finished shooting a Klown sequel and he co-wrote the screenplay The Lesbian for Paramount, with Sacha Baron Cohen attached to star. He was previously with CAA

PMK*BNC: Parenthood and 90210 cast member Lyndon Smith has signed with PMK*BNC. She appears on TNT’s upcoming Public Morals period cop drama and has a role in the Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts film The Secret in Their Eyes.

Paradigm: Producer Suzanne Todd has signed with the Paradigm Talent Agency for representation on her TV projects. She will still be repped by CAA on all film projects. Todd has won two Emmy awards, for the HBO TV movies If These Walls Could Talk and If These Walls Could Talk 2.

WME: WME has signed Oscar-nominated, Emmy- and Tony-winning writer/director/producer Julie Taymor. Her screen credits include Frida, Across The Universe, Titus and The Tempest, and her stage work includes The Lion King and Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. Next she will direct Anne Hathaway off-Broadway in Grounded.

UTA: Model Charlotte McKinney has signed with UTA. The Guess model is best known for her Carl’s Jr. Super Bowl ad, and she’ll be seen as a contestant on season 20 of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. She also has a role in Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser.

ESA: Director/producer Matt Penn is now a client at Equitable Stewardship for Artists (ESA), represented by Paul Alan Smith. Penn’s credits include Secrets and Lies, Lucky 7, Orange is the New Black, and Damages. He is also still being co-represented by CAA.

42 West: 42 West has taken on a slew of directors, including: David O. Russell, now shooting biopic Joy; J.C. Chandor (A Most Violent Year, All Is Lost, Margin Call); Xavier Dolan (Mommy, The Death and Life of John F. Donovan); James Ponsoldt (The End of the Tour, The Spectacular Now). The agency also signed screenwriter Etan Cohen, who makes his feature directorial debut with the Will Ferrell-Kevin Hart comedy Get Hard, writer-director Peter Landesman, who follows up Parkland and Kill the Messenger with Will Smith’s NFL Concussion drama, British scribe Steven Knight (Pawn Sacrifice, Locke, Eastern Promises as well as creating the BBC Two period crime drama Peaky Blinders), Italian director Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash), and Shrek the Musical composer Jeanine Tesori.

WME: Longtime rock band The Cult has signed with WME. The group behind “She Sells Sanctuary,” “Love Removal Machine” and “Fire Woman” will release its latest album in September before kicking off a world tour.

Gersh: The Doctors recurring co-host Dr. Jennifer Berman has signed with Gersh and management company Armada Partners. Before joining the syndicated medical-themed talk show, she hosted Discovery Health’s Berman & Berman with her sister, Dr. Laura Berman.

SSN ORIGINALS

The Accidental Turitz: Why Can’t All the Studios Just Live In One Big Shared Universe?

Rep Moves For 3/11/15: 42West Nabs David O. Russell and J.C. Chandor, WME Signs Julie Taymor, and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Focus Features Has Itself a New President Of Production, and His Name Is …

Ian McKellan’s Potential Date With Oscar Now Has an American Release Date

Crowdfunding Alert, Part 1: In the Waning Hours Of Its Kickstarter Campaign, Adrien Grenier’s Whale Doc Gets $50K From Leo

From the “This Couldn’t Possibly Be a Surprise” Category: Showtime Also Readying a Standalone Streaming Service

Crowdfunding Alert, Part 2: Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk Turn To the Masses For Their New Series

Both Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan Want Pay Raises For the Upcoming ‘Fifty Shades’ Sequel

Delta Woos Hollywood With Invite-Only Party Plane to SXSW, Complete With Swag Bags and Private Security Lanes

First Look: ‘Knights of the Round Table’

Paramount Lays Off a Few Dozen Workers as Part Of Viacom Restructuring

Yet Another Oscar Winner Turns To TV: Melissa Leo Cast in CBS Medical Drama Pilot ‘LFE’

Sony Wins Bidding War For Screen Rights To ‘The Axmann Conspiracy’

The IFP Wants Web Creators For Its Newest Project

Joe Carnahan Has Himself a Brand New Studio Film, Thanks To DreamWorks

Going to Austin This Weekend For SXSW? Here Are Just a Few Of the Movies You Might Want To See

Skydance Wants To Make a TV Movie Version Of ‘Three Days of the Condor’

And, In Other Remake News, the ‘Murder On the Orient Express’ One Now Has a Writer

Trailer Buzz: ‘Montage of Heck’

Screenwriters: Seven Crucial Logline Mistakes and How To Fix Them

NEW ATTACHMENTS

Arms and the Dudes Logline: Based on a Rolling Stone article about two stoners who became mega arms dealers. Studio/ Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures Production Company(s): Mark Gordon Company, S/Z Pictures, Unnamed Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper Production Company Producer(s): Todd Phillips, Bradley Cooper, Scott Budnick, Mark R. Gordon Writer(s): Jason Smilovic, Todd Phillips, Stephen Chin Director: Todd Phillips Cast: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, JB Blanc Notes: 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.

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk Logline: A young soldier hailed as a hero experiences a cavalcade of emotions and events on his last day home before returning back to the war in Iraq in 2005. Studio/ Distributor: TriStar Productions, Studio 8 Production Company(s): Film4, Ink Factory Producer(s): Marc Platt, Simon Cornwell, Stephen Mark Cornwell, Rhodri Thomas, Ang Lee Writer(s): Jean-Christophe Castelli, Simon Beaufoy Director: Ang Lee Cast: Joe Alwyn, Steve Martin, Garrett Hedlund Notes: Based on the novel "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," written by Ben Fountain and published by Ecco on May 1, 2012. SSN Insight: Ang Lee plans to shoot using the Sony F65 camera in native 3D, with high resolution and an ultra-high frame rate. Actors Billy Howle, Taron Egerton, Joe Cole, and Jack Reynor were all reportedly considered to star.

Fearless Logline: The life story of Adam Brown is told. Brown fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a Navy SEAL, overcame major injuries to serve on SEAL Team Six, and died heroically in action. Production Company(s): Studio/ Distributor: Relativity Media Producer(s): Fletcher & Company Writer(s): Ryan Kavanaugh, Christy Fletcher, Adam Targum Notes: Based on the book "Fearless" written by Eric Blehm and published by Fletcher & Company on May, 22, 2012. SSN Insight: Relativity Media acquired the property in a competitive bidding war. Author Eric Blehm previously wrote The Last Season and The Only Thing Worth Dying For.

Forever, Interrupted Logline: After a young woman’s brief marriage ends when her husband dies, she copes by forming a relationship with her mother who doesn’t know of her existence. Production Company(s): Good Universe, Gidden Media Producer(s): Amy Baer, Dakota Johnson Writer(s): Tricia McAlpin Cast: Dakota Johnson Notes: Based on the novel "Forever, Interrupted" written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and published by Washington Square Press in 2013. SSN Insight: Johnson next will be seen in Studio Canal’s A Bigger Splash and Black Mass opposite Johnny Depp, which Warner Bros. will release in September.

Hillsong: Let Hope Rise Logline: Chronicles the unlikely rise of the Australian-based Christian band, Hillsong United, which originated in the Hillsong Church. Studio/ Distributor: Relativity Studio Production Company(s): MediaWeaver Entertainment, Grace Hill Media Producer(s): Matthew Weaver, Jonathon Bock. Director: Michael John Warren SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Alcon Entertainment. An estimated 50 million churchgoers around the world sing songs by the band Hillsong United, formed out of the Hillsong Church. All of Hillsong United’s band members are volunteers or employees of the church. Their latest album, Zion, was #1 on the iTunes albums charts and the single Oceans topped Billboard’s Christian singles chart for 45 straight weeks.

I Smile Back Logline: A woman who seems to have it all is depressed and disillusioned and it sends her careening into a secret world of reckless compulsion. Only very real danger will force her to face the painful root of her destructiveness and its crumbling effect on those she loves. Studio/ Distributor: Broad Green Pictures Production Company(s): Koppelman/Levien, The Arlook Group, Film House Germany, Oscar Crosby Films Producer(s): Michael Harrop, Richard Arlook, Brian Koppelman, David Levien Writer(s): Amy Koppelman, Paige Dylan Director: Adam Salky Cast: Sarah Silverman, Josh Charles, Tom Sadoski, Mia Barron, Terry Kinney Notes: Based on the novel "I Smile Back" written by Amy Koppelman and published by Two Dollar Radio in 2008. SSN Insight: Sundance Contact is John Sloss at Cinetic Media. Broad Green Pictures has acquired North American rights to the Adam Salky-directed film that premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at January's Sundance Film Festival and won strong notices for Sarah Silverman’s role.

Joy Logline: A housewife, struggling to make ends meet, invents a mop that changes her life and makes her a millionaire. Based on a true story. Studio/ Distributor: Fox 2000 Production Company(s): Davis Entertainment Producer(s): John Davis, John Fox, Ken Mok Writer(s): David O. Russell, Annie Mumolo Director: David O. Russell Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez, Dascha Polanco Notes: Based on the true story of Joy Mangano, the inventor of the Miracle Mop. SSN Insight: New addition to the cast, Dascha Polanco can be seen in the Netflix series Orange is the New Black.

Money Monster 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/ Distributor: TriStar Productions Production Company(s): Smokehouse Pictures, The Allegiance Theater Producer(s): Daniel Dubiecki, Lara Alameddine, George Clooney, Grant Heslov Writer(s): Jamie Linden, Jim Kouf, Alan DiFiore Director: Jodie Foster Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O'Connell, Caitriona Balfe, Dominic West, Giancarlo Esposito SSN Insight: IM Global was previously attached to finance with Stuart Ford attached as a producer. Giancarlo Esposito, who will next be seen in sequel The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, has joined the cast and will portray Captain Marcus Powell, a NYPD lead officer. TriStar picked up the project in 2014 in one of its biggest deals of the year.

Motorcade Logline: The story centers on a secret service agent who fails to prevent an attack that occurs on the President of the United States and his motorcade. Studio/ Distributor: DreamWorks Studios Production Company(s): Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation Producer(s): Walter F Parkes, Laurie MacDonald Writer(s): Hans Bauer, Craig Mitchell, Billy Ray, Robert Rodat, Ehren Kruger Director: Joe Carnahan SSN Insight: Billy Ray was previously attached to direct. DreamWorks paid low-against mid-six-figures for the pitch. Jon Cassar was previously attached to direct.

Stone Rider Logline: A boy with nothing left to lose joins a brutal race to win the chance to escape. Studio/ Distributor: Working Title Films Production Company(s): Thwaites Films Producer(s): David Thwaites, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner Writer(s): Dave Andron Notes: Based on the novel "Stone Rider" by David Hofmeyr; will be published by Delacorte in 2015. SSN Insight: The book is described as a cross between Elmore Leonard and Mad Max. Andron has executive produced the FX hit series Justified. He also sold the spec sci-fi drama pilot The Runner to Disney as a feature film and was also the creator of the Knight Rider reboot for NBC.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe Logline: When father and son coroners investigate the death of beautiful "Jane Doe" they find increasingly bizarre clues. Studio/ Distributor: No Studio Available. Production Company(s): 42, Impostor Pictures Producer(s): Fred Berger, Eric Garcia, Rory Aitken, Benjamin Pugh Writer(s): Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing Director: Andre Øvredal Cast: Emile Hirsch, Brian Cox SSN Insight: Screenplay was included in the 2013 Blood List Martin Sheen was previously attached to the role played by Brian Cox. Goldcrest was previously involved as financier and distributor.

The BFG Logline: After orphaned Sofy is kidnapped by a BFG (Big Friendly Giant), the two find in each other the families they never had as they work together to stop some bad giants from eating the world’s children. Studio/ Distributor: DreamWorks Studios Production Company(s): Kennedy/Marshall Company, Amblin Entertainment, Walden Media Producer(s): Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg, Samuel L. Mercer Writer(s): Melissa Mathison, Robin Swicord, Nicholas Kazan, Terry Jones, Gwyn Lurie Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill Notes: Project based on the children's book "The BFG" written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake and published in 1982. SSN Insight: Roald Dahl's story was previously adapted as an animated feature (UK/1991), directed by Brian Cosgrove. Project was previously set up at Paramount. Walden Media (The Chronicles Of Narnia series ). Production is set to begin this month for a July 1, 2016 release date.

The Infiltrator Logline: A customs and excise agent goes undercover as a money launderer and helped orchestrate one of history’s most elaborate stings, getting to the bankers behind the Medellin drug cartel. Production Company(s): Good Films Producer(s): Miriam Segal Writer(s): Ellen Brown Furman, Alex Holmes Director: Brad Furman Cast: Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Olympia Dukakis, Elena Anaya, Juliet Aubrey Notes: Based on the book "The Infiltrator: My Secret Life Inside the Dirty Banks Behind Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel" written by Robert Mazur and published by Arcade on April 15 2009. SSN Insight: Previously in development at 2929 Productions. Shooting will move to Miami in late April. Relativity International is handling foreign sales.

The Last Time You Had Fun Logline: When Clark and Will meet Alison and Ida in a wine bar, the foursome set out for an all-night adventure to have the most fun that four decidedly dysfunctional adults are capable of having. Studio/ Distributor: Gravitas Ventures, VutopiaSM Production Company(s): Last Time Pictures Producer(s): Drea Clark Writer(s): Hal Haberman Director: Mo Perkins Cast: Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Eliza Coupe, Demetri Martin, Kyle Bornheimer, Charlyne Yi SSN Insight: Gravitas will release the film on VutopiaSM starting March 10.  The film will be available on all other digital platforms and cable On Demand beginning April 7.

The Life and Times of the Stopwatch Gang Logline: The film tells the true story of three criminals who robbed banks in the U.S. and Canada with terrific speed, one heist netted millions of dollars in under two minutes. Studio/ Distributor: Universal Pictures Production Company(s): Bluegrass Films Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Dylan Clark Cast: Miles Teller Director: Ruben Fleischer Notes: Based on the long-form piece "The Life and Times of the Stopwatch Gang" written by Josh Dean and published on The Atavist, No.46. SSN Insight: Teller can next be seen in The Divergent Series: Insurgent and then Fantastic Four. He recently wrapped on Bleed For This and Get a Job and is in production on Arms and the Dudes.

The Stanford Prison Experiment Logline: Based on Stanford professor Philip Zimbardo’s social experiment using college kids as prison guards and inmates that became one of the most shocking and famous of all time. Studio/ Distributor: IFC Films Production Company(s): Sandbar Pictures, Coup D'Etat Films, Vineyard Point Productions, Abandon Features Producer(s): Brent Emery, Gregory Little, Lauren Bratman, Karen J. Lauder, Elizabeth Zox Friedman Writer(s): Tim Talbott Director: Kyle Patrick Alvarez Cast: Billy Crudup, Michael Angarano, Moises Arias, Nicholas Braun, Gaius Charles Notes: Maverick Films bought the rights to the participants of the actual Stanford experiment, and the book "The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil" written by Professor Philip Zimbardo published by Random House; March 13, 2007. SSN Insight: Kieran Culkin had previously been mentioned as a member of the cast. Paul Dano had previously been mentioned as a member of the cast. IFC Films will handle U.S. rights. The film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance.

When Marnie Was There Logline: An adopted girl makes a ghostly friend. Studio/ Distributor: GKIDS Production Company(s): Studio Ghibli Producer(s): Geoffrey Wexler Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi Voice Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, John C. Reilly, Vanessa Williams, Geena Davis, Kathy Bates, Ellen Burstyn, Catherine O’Hara, Kiernan Shipka, Grey Griffin, Ava Acres and Raini Roodriguez Notes: Based on the children’s book "When Marnie Was There" written by Joan G. Robinson and published by Coward-McCann in 1967. SSN Insight: Project is the first new production to be announced since Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki announced his decision to retire in September, 2013. The film will be released May 22 in New York and Los Angeles, with roll-out plans. GKIDS acquired the film after its Japan release last summer. GKIDS and Studio Ghibli previously partnered on The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya, an Oscar nominee this for Best Animated Feature.

Untitled (Woody Allen 2015 Feature Film) Logline: Logline under wraps. Production Company(s): Gravier Productions Producer(s): Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, Edward Walson Writer(s): Woody Allen Director: Woody Allen Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Bruce Willis, Kristen Stewart SSN Insight: Allen’s next release, Irrational Man, stars Emma stone and Joaquin Phoenix. Sony Pictures Classics will release that film on July 24. Eisenberg and Willis are repped by CAA, Stewart is repped by Gersh.

NEW FILMS

Dumbo (Remake) Logline: A live-action re-imagining of the classic tale of Dumbo the elephant. Studio/ Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production Company(s): Bobker/Kruger Films, Secret Machine Producer(s): Justin Springer, Ehren Kruger Writer(s): Ehren Kruger Director: Tim Burton Notes: Remake of "Dumbo" (1941) directed by Ben Sharpsteen. SSN Insight: Pic will be a mix of CG and live-action.   Burton’s last film was the Weinstein Co. biopic Big Eyes which earned Amy Adams a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy or musical.

Ghostbusters (Columbia/Russo brothers) Logline: Storyline under wraps, based on the 1984 film Ghostbusters. Studio/ Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company(s): Ghostcorps Producer(s): Ivan Reitman, Dan Aykroyd, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Channing Tatum Writer(s): Drew Pearce Director: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo Cast: Channing Tatum SSN Insight: Project is a counterpart to the Paul Feig-directed film that will start production in June, 2015. Sony is simultaneously forming Ghostcorps, a new production company whose principals include original Ghostbusters architects Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd; they will have offices at Sony and focus on branding opportunities based on the 1984 comedy classic.

Undone Logline: A popular podcast leads to the re-investigation of a mysterious, decades-old murder case and the lawyer working on the case comes to suspect that her own past may be a key to the crime. Production Company(s): Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation, Black Bear Pictures Producer(s): Walter F Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Evan Hayes, Teddy Schwarzman Writer(s): Melissa London Hilfers SSN Insight: Parkes+MacDonald and Black Bear Pictures partnered to acquire and produce the film in a mid-six figure deal made in a competitive auction. The film is from a spec script by first time writer London Hilfers, who was a litigator at the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Parkes+MacDonald (through Image Nation partners) & Black Bear have an option to finance.

Untitled (TriStar/Damián Szifrón Project) Logline: Logline under wraps. Studio/ Distributor: TriStar Productions Producer(s): Damián Szifrón, Nicole Brown Writer(s): Damián Szifrón Director: Damián Szifrón SSN Insight: English-language feature film debut for Damián Szifrón, who previously directed "Wild Tales," aka "Relatos Salvajes" (Argentina/2014) and received an Oscar nomination for best foreign language film. Nicole Brown will oversee for TriStar. Szifron is repped by WME and attorney Carlos Goodman.

American Hostage Logline: A home-invasion crew terrorizes houses in a neighborhood, until they choose the wrong residence. Suddenly, the hunters become the hunted. Production Company(s): Merced Media, Benderspink Producer(s): Bill Block, Raj Singh, Kevin Frakes Writer(s): Eric Bress SSN Insight: American Hostage is a spec script written by Eric Bress who previously co-wrote and directed The Butterfly Effect. Block previously produced Fury, this film thought marks his first deal since moving to Merced Media.

The Meddler Logline: The story of Marnie Minervini, a recent widow and eternal optimist who transplants to Hollywood to be closer to her daughter, only to embark on a sea change all her own. Armed with an iPhone and a full bank account, Marnie sets out to make new friends, find her purpose, and possibly maybe even think about dating. Production Company(s): Anonymous Content Producer(s): Joy Gorman-Wettels, Paul Green, Steve Golin (EP), Susan Sarandon (EP) Writer(s): Lorene Scafaria Director: Lorene Scafaria Cast: Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, J.K. Simmons SSN Insight: Scafaria previously directed Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World. Production begins late March in Los Angeles. The film was jointly packaged by CAA and UTA, which is coordinating financing and handling domestic rights.

Descendant Logline: Follows a couple who are overjoyed by the birth of their son. But as he grows older he begins to show signs of genius-level intelligence, which change him in chilling ways, leaving his parents and doctors wondering if his talents are natural or if there is some other force influencing him. Production Company(s): Lotus Entertainment, Vinson Films Producer(s): Tripp Vinson, Lisa Zambri, Tara Farney (EP) Writer(s): Jeff Buhler SSN Insight: Lotus acquired the spec script and will also finance. Lotus’ current slate includes Sacha Gervasi’s November Criminals, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, The Crucifixion from a screenplay by Chad and Carey Hayes and Replicas starring Keanu Reeves.

Morgan Logline: The story centers tells of a corporate risk management consultant who is summoned to a remote research lab to determine whether or not to terminate an at-risk artificial being. Studio/Distributor: 20^th Century Fox Production Company(s): Scott Free Producer(s): Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer, Elishia Holmes, George Heller (EP) Writer(s):Seth Owens Director(s): Luke Scott Cast: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy SSN Insight: Project marks Luke Scott, son of filmmaker Ridley Scott, directorial debut. Luke Scott directed a sci-fi short titled Loom and was a second unit director on his father’s film Exodus: Gods and Kings. Owens wrote the script, which was on the 2014 Black List, the annual list of best unproduced screenplays. Steve Asbell is overseeing for Fox.

The Axmann Conspiracy Logline: True story during the wake of World War II, a young U.S. Counter Intelligence Corps officer, Jack Hunter, uncovers a dangerous Nazi conspiracy for a Fourth Reich. Studio/Distributor: Sony Pictures Production Company(s): Weimaraner Republic Pictures Producer(s): Lynn Harris, Matti Leshem Writer(s): Jacob Crane, Jonathan Stewart Notes: Based on the Scott Selby book The Axmann Conspiracy, which was published in 2012 by Berkley. SSN Insight: Sony Pictures won the auction for the screen rights which came packaged with the Black List screenwriters who wrote Black Winter, Crane and Stewart. Hannah Minghella and Lauren Abrahams will oversee for Sony.

SSN ORIGINALS

2015 SXSW Film Festival: SSN Picks the Eight Films To Put On Your Radar

Film Development For 3/12/15: Kristen Stewart Cast In Woody Allen Pic, Sony Wins ‘Axmann Conspiracy’ and More

TODAY’S HEADLINES

There Is More ‘Star Wars’ News At Which You Could Possibly Shake a Stick

‘Toy Story 4’ Now Has Itself a Co-Director, and His Name Is Josh Cooley

Kerry Washington Nabs Another Big Role, This Time as Anita Hill In HBO Movie

Syfy Recognizes a Good Thing When It Sees One, Grants a Second Season To ’12 Monkeys’

Not To Be Outdone, CBS Announces a Few Of Its Own Renewals

Well, After Months Of Speculation, Disney Has Finally Confirmed That ‘Frozen 2’ Is In Development

Stream Engines: Subscription Video Services Give Options To Consumers Looking To Spend On Content

Trailer Buzz: ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’

The 2015 Emmys Have Themselves a Host, and His Name Is Andy Samberg

Prepare To Cry Your Eyes Out: New Line Nabs Rights To ‘Batkid’ Doc and Subsequent Narrative Feature

Despite Previously Stated Plans, HBO Now Wants More Than Seven Seasons Of ‘Game Of Thrones’

Apparently, Jamie Foxx and Martin Scorsese Are Making a Mike Tyson Biopic

Plan B Ready For ‘The Jaunt’ With ‘Mama’ Director Andy Muschietti

Barry Sonnenfeld Is Taking On a Magician, Fake Psychics, and a Two-Year Hoax For His Next Project

The Next Entry In ‘The Ring’ Franchise Is Actually Going To Be a Prequel

Have You Wanted To Know the Uncensored, Epic, Never-Told-Before Story Of ‘Mad Men’? Today Is Your Lucky Day

New Image Buzz: ‘The Fantastic Four’

Screenwriters: ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’

Company Launches

John Ferriter is exiting Octagon Entertainment to start a management and production company called The Alternative. Ferriter’s clients include Piers Morgan, Nancy O’Dell and Drew Pinsky. Ferriter’s new company will continue to work with Octagon on projects that are already in development.

DreamWorks financier Reliance Entertainment is teaming with India’s Phantom Films, a leading production company formed by four of the country’s strongest indie filmmakers, including Anurag Kashyap. The joint venture will leverage the Phantom talent base and give the company access to Reliance’s domestic and international infrastructure.

Endemol Shine UK is launching a new scripted label. Bandit Television will be run by vet Phillippa Giles who comes from BBC Drama. She is Managing Director and her credits include Luther and the procedural Silent Witness. Bandit will create and produce original dramas for the UK market, which will be distributed globally by Endemol Shine International.

Film

Focus Features has finalized Jim Burke’s deal to become president of production. Focus has promoted SVP Production Josh McLaughlin to EVP, reporting to Burke. Burke will report to CEO Peter Schlessel.

IM Global, a subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Reliance ADA, has hired Michael Rothstein to be the President of International Sales and Distribution. Rothstein was previously the President of International at The Weinstein Company, where he served between 2005 until 2013. He will oversee a sales operation spread across regional offices in Los Angeles, London, Beijing and Mexico City.

Television

Mythology Entertainment inked a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios. The company also announced the hiring of department heads: Julia Gunn as exec vice president of television and Tracey Nyberg as exec vice president of film. Under the pact, Mythology will develop and produce broadcast, cable and digital scripted series with the studios.

Pulse Films has named Patrick Vien as president. He’ll help move Pulse into non-scripted television and channel creation, in addition to its other core businesses of branded entertainment, film and commercials. Vien was NBC Universal president of Global TV Networks, overseeing TV channel brands across 30 countries. He was also chairman/CEO of Warner Music International, overseeing 50 labels.

Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i has been upped to SVP Entertainment Diversity & Communications at CBS Entertainment. Previously VP, Smith-Anoa’i will develop new programs that recruit, nurture and hire diverse talent to work in front of and behind the camera.

Turner International India has named Rohit Bhandari head of its English-language entertainment portfolio, which includes HBO and WB in South Asia. The role covers content acquisition, communications, marketing and brand building.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts gave new EVP titles to Chief Communications Officer D’Arcy Rudnay, General Counsel Arthur Block, and Chief Accounting Officer Lawrence Salva.

Lisa Perrin, currently Manging Director of Shine Network, has been named to lead Endemol Shine Creative Networks. She will report directly to Endemol Shine Group President Tim Hincks. Iris Boelhouwer, who has been Managing Director of Creative Operations for Endemol, will leave the company this summer.

Management, PR, Music, Agencies, Digital, Misc.

Refinery29, the popular fashion and style website, is moving into programming, and has hired producer Brandi-Ann Milbradt to spearhead its effort to create original video content. She will report to Amy Emmerich, EVP of Programming. The programming will be written by, for and about fierce women.

Boutique comedy management and production company Odenkirk Provisseiro Entertainment has brought on Tiffany Schloesser as a new manager. Schloesser comes to Odenkirk from APA, where she served as an agent in the comedy department for the past four years.

Relevant has promoted Los Angeles-based Grace Yi and New York-based Alex Kahn to junior publicist. Both have been with the PR firm since it was founded by Nicole Caruso, Evelyn Karamonos and Jessica Kolstad one year ago.

Paradigm Talent Agency has hired Sean Zeid as head of domestic alternative television. The agency is also promoting current lead Steve Wohl to head of worldwide alternative TV.

UTA has promoted agents Marissa Devins, Nancy Gates, Peter Goldberg, Ramses IsHak, Rena Ronson, Leslie Schuster, Michael Sheresky and Brent Weinstein to partner.

Andy Stabile has moved to Elliot Stahler and Mitch Kaplan’s Kaplan Stahler Agency as Partner and Head of Alternative, after 13 years in the Alternative Television department at CAA. At CAA, Stabile brokered deals for series including NBC’s Food Fighters, Oxygen’s Preachers Of L.A., Esquire’s Knife Fight and Car Matchmaker.

Kevin McLaughlin has joined Craig Bankey in Main Stage Public Relations after spending the last seven years as an account executive at BWR. McLaughlin, who started in talent public relations at The Dart Group (now called 42West), will continue to represent his clients out of NYC. Bankey will stay in L.A.

SSN ORIGINALS

Box Office Insight: ‘Cinderella’ and the ROI Of Turning a Pumpkin Into a Golden Carriage

Development Finds: Buzzworthy Online Gems To #Inspire, #Create, #Produce

Exec Shuffle For 3/13/15: Jim Burke’s Deal Finalized At Focus, Michael Rothstein To IM Global

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Bill and Ted Are Back Together! Keanu Reeves Reunites With Alex Winter To Narrate ‘Deep Web’ Doc

With Yet Another Job Lined Up, There Really Is No Stopping Peter Dinklage

‘Fargo’ Gets an Additional Impressive Name Attached To Its Cast

Ang Lee Adds More Soldiers To His Upcoming ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’ Adaptation

Sony Is Going To Need a New Director For Its CG ‘Popeye’ Movie

Social TV: A Bellwether For TV Audience Engagement

Trailer Buzz: ‘Bessie’