Black Heart Network: ABC Entertainment Group Studio: ABC Studios Production Company(s): Prospect Park Executive Producer(s): Kelly Masterson, Jeff Kwatinetz, Josh Barry Writer(s): Kelly Masterson Logline: The story follows the unlikely ascension of the second son to the throne of a multi-billion dollar, family-owned energy company. In centers on the first-born son, twisted and scarred by a fire decades ago, who uses intrigue, manipulation, blackmail and even murder to put his beloved younger brother in power. SSN Insight: ABC has snagged Black Heart with a penalty. Josh Barry previously was an exec at ABC for 10 years before landing at Prospect Park. Prospect Park also produces WGN America’s Salem and USA veteran Royal Pains.
The Young Pope Network: HBO, Sky, Canal + Production Company(s): Wildside, Haut et Court TV, MediaPro Executive Producer(s): Lorenzo Mieli, Mario Gianani,John Lyons, Caroline Benjo, Carole Scotta, Simon Arnal Writer(s): Paolo Sorrentino, Tony Grisoni, Umberto Contarello, Stefano Rulli Logline: The story follows a fictional pope who is the first Italian-American in history to hold the post. Larry Belardo is a conservative American pontiff recruited by a Vatican fed up with liberals. It examines his fears, conflicts, struggles, and the search for meaning and the need for love. SSN Insight: The eight-episode miniseries, which is a joint production between HBO, Sky and Canal +, begins shooting this week. Paolo Sorrentino will direct all eight episodes with Diane Keaton and Jude Law set to star. Brooklyn Animal Control Network: USA Network Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company(s): IDW Entertainment, Circle of Confusion Executive Producer(s): JT Petty, David S. Goyer, Rick Jacobs, David Alpert Writer(s): JT Petty Logline: The series follows the inner workings of a secret subdivision of the NYPD that functions as social services for some of the city’s most unique citizens — werewolves. Delving into the lives of both the Case Officers, and the secretive, highly insular Kveld-Ulf, a community of werewolves living deep in the borough, the show will examine city politics, immigrant communities, and families divided by ambition, secrecy, and tradition. Details: Based on the comic book Brooklyn Animal Control published by IDW and created by JT Petty. SSN Insight: USA has given a pilot order.
Marc Maron: More Later Network: Epix Production Company(s): Avalon Television Executive Producer(s): Marc Maron, Olivia Wingate, David Martin, Ross Bernard, Dan Lubetkin (co-EP) Writer(s): Marc Maron Logline: The stand-up comedian, actor and author tackles religion, relationships, rage, Skype sex and ice cream among other topics in the special filmed this year at The Vic Theatre in Chicago. SSN Insight: The special is slated to premiere at 10pm on Friday, December 4 and will be directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. Marc Maron recently interviewed President Barack Obama on his podcast, WTF with Marc Maron that has been downloaded over 2 million times. BrainDead Network: CBS Entertainment Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company(s): Ridley Scott Films , King Size Productions Executive Producer(s): Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, Robert King, Michelle King, Liz Glotzer Writer(s): Robert King, Michelle King Logline: An eager young Hill staffer starting her first job in Washington discovers the federal government has stopped working because alien spawn have eaten the brains of Congressmen and other Hill staffers. SSN Insight: The project was given an initial commitment of a put pilot in September. CBS has since given a series order to the one-hour comedy thriller for 13 episodes as of July 22 and the show will premiere in summer 2016.
Friends with Melissa Network: TV Land Production Company(s): On the Day Productions Executive Producer(s): Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone, Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf, Rachel Ramras Writer(s): Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf, Rachel Ramras Logline: Inspired by the real lives of Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf and Rachel Ramras, who watched as their friends from The Groundlings went on to star in blockbuster comedies and win Oscars, while they toiled away writing for children’s television. Details: Inspired by the real lives of Hugh Davidson, Larry Dorf and Rachel Ramras. SSN Insight: TV Land has given an initial script commitment as of July 27. McCarthy and Falcone’s shingle, On the Day is also producing the features Just Do It for Fox and an Untitled Tinker Bell project with 21 Laps, both in active development.
Untitled Emmett Till Project Network: HBO Production Company(s): Overbrook Entertainment, Kapital Entertainment, Roc Nation Executive Producer(s): Jay-Z, Jay Brown, Will Smith, James Lassiter, Aaron Kaplan Logline: The miniseries is an exploration of the Emmett Till story. Emmett Till was only 14 when the black teen was brutally murdered after allegedly flirting with a white woman in Mississippi in 1955. The tragic story galvanized the emerging Civil Rights Movement. Details: Based on the true story of the abduction and murder of Emmett Till. SSN Insight: Planned as a 6-hour miniseries with the writer still pending. The story of Emmett Till story has also been spotlighted in a 2003 feature documentary, a PBS program and on 60 Minutes.
Poor Richard's Almanack Network: USA Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company(s): Legendary Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Jim "Danger" Gray, Miguel Sapochnik Writer(s): Jim "Danger" Gray, Miguel Sapochnik Logline: The story weaves between modern day and a possible future where characters have changed radically and revolves around a cadre of heroes who emerge as the new Founding Fathers, after America is pushed to the brink of collapse. SSN Insight: USA gave a pilot order on July 23. Previously USA gave Legendary’s TV division a pilot order and then series pickup for Colony. Other USA pilots include the supernatural drama Falling Water and period drama Paradise Pictures.
The Nye Incidents Production Company(s): YRF Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Uday Chopra, Jonathan Reiman Writer(s): Whitley Strieber, Craig Spector Logline: Centers on an obsessive but rational medical examiner who, investigating an apparent serial killer, becomes consumed with corpses that indicate the existence of extraterrestrial life. As she becomes immersed in the alien abductee community, she must uncover the truth to maintain her sanity. Details: Based on the comic book miniseries, "The Nye Incidents," written by Whitley Strieber and Craig Specter and published by Devil's Due Publishing on July 29, 2008. SSN Insight: Strieber has written/co-written upwards of 25 novels. His previous novels Communion, The Wolfen, The Hunger and Superstorm (as Day After Tomorrow) have all been adapted for film. His novel Alien Hunter is the basis for Syfy’s new series Hunters, a 13-episode drama set to debut in 2016.
Buckhead Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Company(s): Will Packer Productions Executive Producer(s): William Packer, David McMillan, Korin Huggins (co-EP) Writer(s): David McMillan Logline: Centers on ambition, sex, and revenge set in the extravagant, high-stakes world of Atlanta politics, entertainment, churches and strip clubs. Details: Based on the film, "Uncle Buck," (1989), directed by John Hughes and starring John Candy. SSN Insight: NBC has given an initial script commitment. Will Packer currently has an overall deal signed in July 2013 with Universal TV that will run through 2017. Where Are They Now? Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: 20th Century Fox Television Executive Producer(s): Alec Sulkin, Julius Sharpe Writer(s): Alec Sulkin, Julius Sharpe Logline: The ins-and-outs of an Internet company are revealed as police investigate why everyone who worked there has disappeared. SSN Insight: Fox has given an initial put pilot commitment as of July 24. Last year, Sulkin and Sharp sold the multi-camera comedy All Together Now to Fox through 20th TV, where they’re based, with a put pilot commitment. The duo also co-wrote the two Ted films.
Wynonna Earp Network: SyFy Production Company(s): Seven24 Films, Imagination Design Works Executive Producer(s): Jordy Randall, Tom Cox, Emily Andras Writer(s): Emily Andras Logline: Wynonna is the great, great grand-daughter of famous lawman Wyatt who inherits his near mythic abilities as well as his Gun destined to battle Wyatt’s legendary old West enemies - Demons who rise from hell, again and again. But Wynonna Earp is different. She’s determined to make sure the family curse ends by putting down every last supernatural villain Wyatt ever faced. With her talented but dysfunctional posse, they take on capital-B bad guys, from corrupt sheriffs to redneck ghouls, along the stunning Montana border. Details: Based on the graphic novel "Wynonna Earp," written by Beau Smith and published by IDW Publishing on October 2, 2002. SSN Insight: Project will air simultaneously in Canada. The series is slated to begin production in September in Calgary and scheduled to premiere in April 2016. Paolo Barzman will direct the pilot episode.
The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story Network: Lifetime Executive Prodcuer(s): Peter M. Green, Howard Braunstein Writer(s): Jeff Roda Logline: A ‘behind-the-scenes’ account of the making of the hit series 90210 which premiered in 1990. SSN Insight: TV movie is set to premiere October 3, 2015. To be directed by Vanessa Parise. Cast includes Dan Castellaneta, Adam Korson, Samantha Munro, Max Lloyd-Jones, Abbie Cobb, Jesy McKinney, Abby Ross, David Lennon, Michele Goyns, Ross Linton and Alyssa Lynch.
The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story Network: Lifetime Executive Prodcuer(s): Michael Larkin, Howard Braunstein Writer(s): Dana Schmalenberg Logline: A ‘behind-the-scenes’ account of the making of the hit series Melrose Place which premiered in 1992. SSN Insight: TV movie is set to premiere fall 2015. To be directed by Mark Griffiths. Cast includes Dan Castellaneta, Adam Korson, Ciara Hanna, Rebecca Dalton, Frank Bailey, Ryan Bruce, Chloe McClay, Ali Cobrin, Teagan Vincze, Joseph Coleman, Brandon Barash, Karissa Tynes, CHelesa Hobbs and Lanie McAuley.
Welcome to August, the month where the summer movie season comes to a close with a few films still seeking to squeeze out a sizable box office during the last days of school vacation. This month, Fox will release Fantastic Four and Warner Bros. will unleash The Man from U.N.C.L.E. But amidst the blockbusters still in theaters, indie hits might sneak in and enthrall audiences including Meryl Streep’s turn in Ricki and the Flash and Chris Pine in Z for Zachariah.
