Debra Messing will lead NBC’s The Mysteries Of Laura, that follows the life and relationships of a female homicide detective who can handle murderous criminals — but not her evil twin children. Terrence Howard is set as the lead in Fox’s Empire, about a music superstar that is determined to take his company, Empire Entertainment, public -- a first in the field of urban entertainment, but when he challenges his three sons to compete for the head job at Empire, he sets in motion internecine forces that could tear his empire -- and his family -- apart. Cristin Milioti is set for the lead in NBC’s A To Z, which follows a relationship between a young couple, comprehensively, from meeting to breakup, over the course of a season. Elisabeth Rohm and Rose Rollins join TNT’s Guilt By Association, about a Deputy District Attorney working for the Special Trials unit of L.A. County's D.A.'s office. Gerald McRaney and Jamey Sheridan join TNT’s Agent X, centering on a person called upon in times of extreme crisis, when traditional law and government aren’t in a position to help. Created by the original founding fathers, but hidden from the public, the agent of unknown identity that is trained and ready to serve — and deployed only at the careful discretion of the Vice President. Christina Chang and Jeffrey Nordling have been cast in ABC’s Sea Of Fire, about three teenage girls who star in a pornographic film that tears their families apart and leads to a disappearance, a murder and a host of other secrets boiling under the surface in a small town. Jennifer Carpenter will play an FBI Agent. Alfred Enoch, Karla Souza and Jack Falahee will play students in ABC’s How To Get Away With Murder, centered on ambitious law students and their brilliant and mysterious criminal defense professor who become entangled in a murder plot. Juliette Lewis, KaDee Strickland and Belle Shouse join ABC’s, Secrets & Lies, about a family man who finds the body of a young boy and quickly becomes the prime murder suspect. Matt Barr is set to co-star opposite Ahna O’Reilly in CW’s Identity, that centers on a young Brooklynite recruited by the CIA to infiltrate her recently discovered biological family, a wealthy and powerful dynasty in Texas suspected of having criminal alliances across the globe. Vondie Curtis-Hall joins NBC’s Tin Man, about a fugitive robot accused of first-degree murder, who may hold the key to the future of human evolution, and the young female public defender forced to fight for his cause. Romany Malco has lifted the casting contingency of ABC’s Keep It Together, about the post-divorce life of a couple trying to forge a friendship for the sake of their kids. Ely Henry and Asif Ali will play freshman students in Fox’s Cabot College, that takes place at a former all-girls college that has just opened its doors to men for the first time. Nick Jonas and Kiele Sanchez are set to co-star in DirecTV’s Navy Street, following a family set against the backdrop of a mixed martial arts (MMA) gym in Venice, California. Rosa Salazar has joined NBC’s The Pro, about a former tennis doubles champion whose career flamed-out as his misguided investments have left him working as the pro at a tennis and golf club, where he tries to hustle and charm his way back into America’s 1%. Jane Krakowski will star in Fox’s Dead Boss, that centers on a woman trying to prove her innocence after being falsely accused and convicted of killing her boss. Meagan Good is the first to be cast in NBC’s Babylon Fields, about a town’s residents that come back from the dead. Alyson Hannigan will play the female lead, opposite Tom Papa, in CBS’ More Time With Family, that centers on a guy who changes his career and gives up a life on the road to spend more time at home with his family — but when he gets there, he realizes no one asked him to do that. Octavia Spencer, Charlie Rowe, Rebecca Rittenhouse and Zoe Levin join Fox’s Red Band Society, that explores, with dark humor, the daily life of a group of teenage patients living in a hospital who become unlikely friends. Jane Kaczmarek, David James Elliott, Peter DaCunha, Jon Heder and Brendan Meyer will star in Fox’s Here’s Your Damn Family, about a stunted, set-in-his-ways thirty-something man living with his mom who finds his perfectly organized world upended when she gets married and her new husband- plus his three teenage children- move in. Gavin Stenhouse lands the lead in NBC’s Coercion, about a grown man who finds his parents are former spies, and faces a choice between family and country when their handler returns and demands his cooperation. Christine Woods and Echo Kellum have been cast in NBC’s Two To Go, centering on the last two singles in a group of friends moving into marriage and parenthood, navigating life and love as they Friday- night barhop then Saturday-morning moon bounce surrounded by kids — none of whom are their own. Warren Kole will star in NBC’s Salvation, a big family saga set against the backdrop of a Texas mega church. When the leader of the Spring Hill Congregation dies, the matriarch of the Strickland family rallies to keep the family together in a show about faith and family and all the complications that come with both. Elvis Nolasco and Caitlin Gerard have booked ABC’s American Crime, that centers on a racially charged murder and the subsequent trial, which are examined through the personal lives of the victims, the accused, and their families. Michael Imperioli has been tapped as the lead in ABC’s Saint Francis, that centers on a blue-collar, no-nonsense Long Island cop and family man who butts heads with the modern, liberal world when his 29-year-old sister gets pregnant out of wedlock. Jacinda Barrett joins Netflix’s Untitled Kessler/Zelman Project, focusing on a family of adult siblings whose secrets and scars are revealed when their black sheep brother returns home. Kal Penn is first cast in CBS’ Battle Creek, about two detectives, with very different world views, who are teamed up. Olivia Williams has been cast as the female lead in WGN America’s Manhattan, set against the backdrop of the clandestine mission to build the world’s first atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Plot follows the brilliant but flawed scientists and their families as they attempt to co-exist in a world where secrets and lies infiltrate every aspect of their lives. Caroline Ford and Antony Bunsee join Fox’s Hieroglyph, that centers on a notorious thief who is plucked from prison to serve the Pharaoh, navigating palace intrigue, seductive concubines, criminal underbellies and even a few divine sorcerers. Malcolm Barrett and Jonathan Slavin are set for NBC’s Mission Control, that examines what happens when a strong woman butts heads with a macho astronaut in the race to land on the moon. Paige Turco will guest star and has the potential to recur, as the wife to Scott Bakula, on CBS’ NCIS: New Orleans, that centers on the office which handles cases from Pensacola through Mississippi and Louisiana to the Texas panhandle. Karen Gillan is the first cast in ABC’s Selfie, that tells the story of a self-obsessed twenty-something woman who is more concerned with "likes" than being liked. Jada Pinkett Smith joins Fox’s Gotham, that explores the origin stories of Commissioner James Gordon and the villains who made Gotham City famous. Gordon is still a detective with the Gotham City Police Department and has yet to meet Batman. Don Hany has been cast in ABC’s Warriors, that follows the best and brightest of active duty military doctors and nurses as they practice trailblazing medicine on critically wounded warriors returning home from Afghanistan, on military families and veterans, as well as administering to Washington’s government elite. Greta Lee lands a role on NBC’s Old Souls, about a young woman who is trying to find herself, but in the meantime she’s working as the aide to a group of opinionated elderly people. Derek Webster is the first cast in ABC’s The Visitors, about a race against the clock to defeat an unseen alien enemy out to destroy the world using our most precious resource against us. Deon Cole has booked TBS’ Tribeca, about an eccentric but brilliant group of people who investigate crime and reveal too much personal information about themselves in the process. Edi Gathegi and Caroline Rose Kaplan join TNT’s Proof, about a surgeon who investigates cases of reincarnation, out-of-body experiences, hauntings — all of it looking for verifiable proof, to try to answer one of life’s greatest questions: Is death truly the end, or is there something … beyond?

Current Series

Krista Allen will guest star on ABC’s Mistresses. Adam DeVine will lend his voice to FOX’s American Dad. Rob Huebel to play a unlikable owner of a tent store on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Richard E. Grant, Anna Chancellor and Rade Sherbedgia are set to guest star in Season 5 of PBS’ Downton Abbey. Sunny Mabrey will appear on ABC’s Once Upon a Time. Arden Cho will guest star on ABC’s Castle. Alec Baldwin will guest star on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU. John Leguizamo (ER) is set to appear as a guest star on CBS’ The Good Wifeas the new Cook County State’s Attorney. Wendell Pierce has joined Showtime’s Ray Donovan as a recurring guest star. Thomas Lennon will guest star on ABC’s The Goldberg’s. Janel Parrish is set to guest star on Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva. Chris Brochu to recur on CW’s The Vampire Diaries. Heather Hemmens will guest star.

New Series

Genevieve Angelson will play a detective opposite Rainn Wilson, in Fox’s Backstrom. Ryan McPartlin will guest star on USA’s Playing House.

Event Series

Jason Isaacs will star in USA’s Dig, that tells the story of an FBI agent stationed in Jerusalem who, while investigating a murder of a woman archeologist, uncovers a conspiracy 2000 years in the making that threatens to change the course of history.

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14: Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, & Zach Galifianakis Set For ‘Freeheld’

February 20, 2014, 10:08 am

≫ Next: Exec Shuffle For 2/21/14: Slingshot Global Media, Marvel Television, Hulu, Breakthrough Entertainment

≪ Previous: TV Castings For 2/19/14: Debra Messing Set As The Lead In NBC’s ‘The Mysteries of Laura’

Julianne Moore

NEW ATTACHMENTS

All Eyes on Me Logline: This biopic will follow rapper Tupac Shakur's career, including his time at Death Row Records and his involvement in the rivalry between East coast and West coast rappers, culminating in his murder in 1996. Studio/Distributor: Morgan Creek International Production Companies: Morgan Creek Productions, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films Producers: James G. Robinson, David C. Robinson, LT Hutton, Randall Emmett, John Singleton, Afeni Shakur-Davis (Executive Producer) Writers: John Singleton (current draft), Ed Gonzalez (current draft), Jeremy Haft (previous draft), Michael Starrbury (previous draft), David McKenna (previous draft), Cheo Hodari Coker (previous draft), Stephen J. Rivele (original draft), Christopher Wilkinson (original draft), Steve Bagatourian (original draft) Director: John Singleton Details: A biopic about fallen rapper Tupac Shakur. SSN Insight: Director John Singleton left the project two years ago, but has now returned and is attached to write, direct and produce. The Parsifal Mosaic Logline: A U.S. intelligence agent witnesses what appears to be the murder of his lover, a KGB double agent. When he later sees her alive, it begins a quest that leads him to unravel a conspiracy. Studio/Distributor: Universal Pictures Production Companies: Captivate Entertainment, Imagine Entertainment Producers: Jeffrey Weiner, Ben Smith, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard Writer: David Self (adaptation) Director: Zhang Yimou Details: Based on the novel The Parsifal Mosaic, written by Robert Ludlum and published by Random House on February 12, 1982. SSN Insight: This project marks the first time that a mainland Chinese director has signed on to do an English language film with a film studio in the United States. Air Logline: After a nuclear attack, people have gone underground into hyperbaric chambers. Every six months there is available air, so that the facility can be maintained. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Circle of Confusion, IM Global, Odd Fellows Entertainment, Skybound Entertainment Producers: Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Chris Ferguson, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Bailey Conway (Executive Producer), Noah Rosen (Executive Producer) Cast: Norman Reedus, Djimon Hounsou Writers: Christian Cantamessa, Chris Pasetto Director: Christian Cantamessa SSN Insight: This project was previously set up at Boss Media, but was then titled Wake Cycle until Circle of Confusion & Robert Kirkman stepped in. It also marks the feature directorial debut for writer/director Christian Cantamessa.

NEW PROJECTS

Freeheld Logline: The true story of Laurel Hester, a detective with the New Jersey Police Department, who spends the final year of her life fighting a policy that will not allow her to transfer her pension to her domestic partner, Stacie Andree. Production Companies: Endgame Entertainment, Double Feature Films, Incognito Pictures, Vie Entertainment Producers: James D. Stern, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, Kelly Bush Novak, Cynthia Wade, Kristina Sorensen, Jack Selby, Douglas E. Hansen (Executive Producer), Adam Del Deo (Executive Producer) Cast: Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Zach Galifianakis Writer: Ron Nyswaner Director: Peter Sollett Details: Based on the short film "Freeheld" (USA/2007) directed by Cynthia Wade, which won the 2007 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. SSN Insight: Less than a week after it was announced that she will portray Laurel Hester’s domestic partner Stacie Andree in this project, Ellen Page publically came out at the Human Rights Campaign's Time to Thrive conference in Las Vegas. Origami Fox Logline: As the world around her unravels, a young girl looks for revenge and discovers secrets about her family and her life. Production Companies: Sauvtrac, Union Entertainment Group Producers: Stuart Sauvarin, Noah Haeussner Cast: Fiona Dourif Writer: Stuart Sauvarin Director: Stuart Sauvarin SSN Insight: This project marks the feature film debut of writer/director/producer Stuart Sauvarin. Untitled (State Street/VariEnt/Justin Rollins Hero Project) Logline: True story of fallen American soldier Justin Rollins and the dog he named Hero who he rescued from the rubble in Iraq. Production Companies: State Street Pictures, VariEnt Producers: Robert Teitel, George Tillman, Jr., Gina Resnick, Kyle Heller, Michael Flavin, Brittney Murray. Writer: Brian Hurwitz Director:Mark Freiburger SSN Insight: The rescued dog, Hero, has been featured on “Good Morning America”, “World News with Diane Sawyer”, “20/20” and “Saved”.

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Exec Shuffle For 2/21/14: Slingshot Global Media, Marvel Television, Hulu, Breakthrough Entertainment

February 21, 2014, 6:05 am

≫ Next: Rep Moves For 2/21/14: CAA, ICM Partners, Innovative Artists, WME

≪ Previous: Film Development For 2/20/14: Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, & Zach Galifianakis Set For ‘Freeheld’

ExecShuffle35

Company Launches

In Sync Bemis Balkind: In Sync Advertising and Bemis Balkind merged to form this full-service, bi-coastal entertainment agency that offers audio/visual, print, digital, and branding services. Smitty, founder of In Sync Advertising, was named the new company’s Chief Executive Officer, with Peter Bemis and Aubrey Balkind taking Co-President roles. Olmos Kontakto Entertainment: Isabel Echeverry and Erika Olmos have partnered to form this new management company with a focus on emerging Latino talent. Slingshot Global Media: David Ellender has launched this Los Angeles-based production company, which will develop and produce premium television fiction following a straight-to-series model.

Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates

BBC: Adam Barker has been named Acting Controller, BBC2 and BBC4, in London. CBS Entertainment: Nina Tassler has been promoted to Chairman. NBCUniversal: Nidia Caceros Kilde has joined as Vice President, Communications. Telemundo Media: Eli Velazquez has been named Senior Vice President, Sports, in Florida. Warner Bros. Pictures: Racheline Benveniste has been promoted to Production Executive. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures: Sam Dickerman has joined as Executive Vice President, Production.

Film

Berlanti Productions: Sarah Schechter has joined as President. Cinelabs International: John Mahtani has joined as Chief Financial Officer. Halo Post-Production: Paul Cotterell has joined as Senior Re-Recording Mixer. Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan): Jangwan Pyeon has been appointed Chief Programmer. San Francisco Film Society: Noah Cowan has joined as Executive Director. Studiocanal: Kalle Friz has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, in Germany. Studiocanal: Sonke Hinrichsen has been promoted to Vice President, Home Entertainment Sales, in Germany.

Television

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences: Julie Shore has been promoted to Vice President, Awards. Breakthrough Entertainment: Nat Abraham and Michael McGuigan have been promoted to Partners. Eyeworks USA: Allen Vainshtein has been promoted to Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs. Fabrik Entertainment: Rachel Rusch has joined as Director, Development. Marvel Television: Cort Lane has been named Vice President, Animation Development and Partnerships. WWE: Tandy O’Donoghue has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy & Analytics, effective March 2014, in Connecticut.

Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms

Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka & Lezcano: Todd Weinstein has joined as Of Counsel. ICM Partners: Lara Sackett has joined as Agent, Motion Picture Production. Manatt Phelps & Phillips: John Gatti has joined as Partner and Co-Chair, Entertainment Litigation Practice Group.

Cable

Bravo and Oxygen Media: Chloe Ellers has been named Vice President, Communications. Bravo and Oxygen Media: Emily Yeomans has been named Vice President, Communications. Discovery Channel: Paul Schur has been promoted to Vice President, Communications, in Maryland. Investigation Discovery and American Heroes Channel: Reenie Kuhlman has been named Vice President, Communications, in Maryland.

Digital

Hulu: Tian Lim has joined as Chief Technology Officer, beginning March 2014. Nerdist Industries: Jack Herrguth has joined as Head, Development. Xbox Entertainment Studios: Jordan Levin has joined as Executive Vice President.

Marketing & Advertising

PromaxBDA: Scot Chastain has been elected Co-Chair.

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Rep Moves For 2/21/14: CAA, ICM Partners, Innovative Artists, WME

February 21, 2014, 6:15 am

≫ Next: ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 2/10 – 2/14/14

≪ Previous: Exec Shuffle For 2/21/14: Slingshot Global Media, Marvel Television, Hulu, Breakthrough Entertainment

joan-rivers

Agencies

CAA: Host, actress, writer and comedian Joan Rivers is now repped by CC Hirsch, Nick Khan, Ari Levin, Christopher Till, Simon Green and Nick Nuciforo. Rivers currently hosts E!'s Live From the Red Carpet, alongside her daughter Melissa, as well as E!’s Fashion Police. She also stars in the WEtv reality series Joan and Melissa: Joan knows Best? Rivers’ five-decade long career has seen such highlights as becoming the first permanent guest host of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, hosting both That Show with Joan Rivers and The Late Show with Joan Rivers, and earning a Tony nomination for her performance in Sally Marr… and Her Escorts. More recently, Rivers starred in the documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work. The Penguin Group will publish River's 12th book Diary of a Mad Diva this July. ICM Partners: Actress Veerle Baetens is now repped by Lorrie Bartlett, Carter Cohn and Joanne Wiles. Baetens most recently starred in the Belgium feature The Broken Circle Breakdown, which has been nominated for Best Foreign Language at this year’s Academy Awards. Acting since the early 2000s, Baetens has appeared in numerous Flemish productions. Prior to The Broken Circle Breakdown, she was probably best known for her starring role on the telenovela Sara. She also appeared in the Starz/BBC drama The White Queen. For her performance in The Broken Circle Breakdown, Baetens has won the Best Actress award at both the 2013 European Film Awards and the Tribeca Film Festival. ICM Partners: Tessanne Chin is now repped by Ari Bernstein, Craig Bruck, April King and Scott Mantell. Chin is the reigning champion of NBC’s The Voice, winning season five of the hit singing competition in December. Prior to The Voice, Chin spent the earlier portion of her career opening for such acts as Patti Labelle, Peabo Bryson and Gladys Knight. She also toured for three years with Jimmy Cliff. Currently, Chin’s recording her debut album, due out from Universal Republic Records later this year. Innovative Artists: Actress Katrina Law is now repped by David Lederman and Josiah Akinyele. Law most recently appeared as Nyssa al Ghul, the daughter of villain Ra’s al Ghul, on the CW series Arrow. She is probably best known, however, for starring as Mira on Starz’s hit series Spartacus. Law has also appeared on the series The Resistance, Legend of the Seeker, Chuck and Third Watch. Outside of acting, Law got her start representing New Jersey in the Miss Teen USA pageant. She’s also the lead singer and bass player in the band Soundboard Fiction. Paradigm: Actress and singer Edda Magnason is now repped by Nick LoPiccolo, Ken Stovitz and Stephanie Ramsey. Magnason recently won the Shooting Stars Award at the Berlin Film Festival, which recognizes Europe's best young talent. Maganason just made her film debut last year, starring in Monica Z, which became one of Sweden's highest grossing films of 2013. Prior to that film, Magnason was known primarily as a singer/songwriter, releasing two albums, Edda Magnason and Goods, respectively. Magnason won Sweden's Guldbagge Award for Best Actress for her work in Monica Z. Paradigm: Young actor Joshua Erenberg is now repped by Jennifer Millar and Wendi Green. Erenberg will soon be seen as a series regular on NBC’s upcoming series Crisis, which will premiere next month. He also appeared opposite Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi in the 2013 feature The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. Making his film debut at only eight years old in 2011’s The Green Hornet, Erenberg has since appeared on the television series Children’s Hospital, Franklin and Bash, Deadtime Stories and Dads. He also played the recurring character AJ on ABC’s Suburgatory. WME Entertainment: Director Luca Guadagnino is now a client. He was previously with ICM Partners. Guadagnino is currently set to direct Sony Pictures’ A Reliable Wife, which is based on the novel by Robert Goolrick. Starting out in documentaries and short films, Guadagnino first rose to prominence with 2005’s Melissa P. However, he is probably best known for 2010’s lo sono l’amore, which starred Tilda Swinton. That film premiered at the Venice film Festival and it was nominated for both a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, as well as an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. WME Entertainment: Director Jennifer Kent is now a client. Kent is the writer and director of the psychological horror film The Babadook, which was the opening movie of Sundance’s Park City at Midnight section. Originally from Australia, Kent is a longtime actress, having appeared in such feature films as The Well and Babe: Pig in the City. She was also a regular on the Aussie television series Murder Call and had a recurring role on the series All Saints. The Babadook is an adaptation of Kent’s short film “Monster.” It marks her first full-length feature film as a writer and director.

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ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 2/10 – 2/14/14

February 23, 2014, 12:12 am

≫ Next: On The Set For 2/24/14: Jonás Cuarón’s ‘Desierto’ Starts, ‘Lila and Eve’ With Viola Davis & Jennifer Lopez Wraps

≪ Previous: Rep Moves For 2/21/14: CAA, ICM Partners, Innovative Artists, WME

Jonah Hill On Letterman - September 2011

Awards Spotlight: Oscar Nom Jonah Hill Tells SSN the 2 Most Important Things He Learned from Martin Scorsese

SSN got a chance to speak to Hill about his two Oscar nominations, as well as how he won the role of Donnie Azoff, and two lessons he learned from Martin Scorsese. (SSN)

Awards Spotlight Part Two: Gravity Director Alfonso Cuarón Opens Up About Robert Downey Jr.’s Difficult Screen Test

Cuarón has taken home the Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and Directors Guild awards as well as numerous regional critics honors for Gravity. In part two of our three-part conversation with the multi-hyphenate talent, we focus on the directorial challenges of his enormous undertaking. A link to Part 1 is included. (SSN)

Awards Spotlight: The “Waking Dream” of Oscar Nominated Director David O. Russell

American Hustle rounds out a trio of films, including 2010’s The Fighter and last year’s Silver Linings Playbook, that constitute a career transformation for Russell. He spoke to SSN about the common thread between these three films, why his directing style works for him, and more. (SSN)

Awards Spotlight: The One Thing Director Martin Scorsese Desired Most of All on ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’

Back in December, Martin Scorsese joined SSN after a preview screening of The Wolf of Wall Street to talk about his experience making the film, fighting for creative freedom, and convincing himself he could still take on a film that required so much mental and physical energy to pull off. (SSN)

Spotlight: ‘About a Boy’ Showrunner Jason Katims Talks Chemistry of Minnie Driver & David Walton

The Emmy Award-winning showrunner spoke to SSN about his new show; why he choose to shoot it as a comedy; and the common through-line between Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, and About a Boy. (SSN)

Spotlight: Creator & Showrunner DJ Nash on How ‘Growing Up Fisher’ is a Love Letter to His Dad

Nash’s new show Growing Up Fisher, whose pilot was directed by David Schwimmer, debuts this Sunday following the Winter Olympics closing ceremonies. SSN spoke with Nash about casting his “parents,” creating a show that feels like real life rather than a sitcom, and what it means to bow right after the Olympic games. (SSN)

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On The Set For 2/24/14: Jonás Cuarón’s ‘Desierto’ Starts, ‘Lila and Eve’ With Viola Davis & Jennifer Lopez Wraps

February 24, 2014, 1:05 pm

≫ Next: TV Development For 2/25/14: David Fincher’s ‘Utopia’ Adaptation Ordered Straight To Series At HBO

≪ Previous: ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 2/10 – 2/14/14

Jonas Cuaron

Starts

Desierto 02/24/2014 Logline: A group of illegal immigrants who are trying to get into the U.S. run into a racist who has taken it upon himself to patrol the border. Production Companyies: BN Films, Canana Films Director: Jonas Cuaron Executive Producers: Lucas Akoskin, Gael Garcia Bernal Producers: Alfonso Cuaron, Carlos Cuaron, Alex Garcia, Santiago Garcia Galvan Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Gael Garcia Bernal Screenwriters: Jonás Cuarón, Mateo Garcia SSN Insight: This marks Jonas Cuaron’s first feature film as a director. Rules Don’t Apply 02/21/2014 Logline: Howard Hughes has an affair with a young woman in the later years of his life. Production Company: RatPac Entertainment, New Regency, Director: Warren Beatty Executive Producers: James Packer, Warren Beatty Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Lily Collins, Warren Beatty Screenwriters: Warren Beatty SSN Insight: It took over two decades before this project went into production. As Beatty’s passion project, this is the first film he has directed since 1998. Home 02/24/2014 Logline: A man, fresh out of prison and under provisional house arrest at his recently deceased father's house, struggles with his own psychological delusions. Production Company: GK Films, Appian Way, Blumhouse Productions Director: Dennis Iliadis Producers: Steven Schneider, Graham King, Tim Headington, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Micahel Hampton, Jason Blum Cast: Topher Grace, Patricia Clarkson, Genesis Rodriguez Screenwriter: Adam Alleca SSN Insight: Script was originally optioned by Wes Craven and Marianne Maddalena's Craven/Maddalena Films, using its discretionary fund. Agent 47 02/24/2014 Logline: A genetically-engineered, elite assassin known only as Agent 47 becomes conflicted by his conscience and unfamiliar emotions. Studio: Fox International Productions Production Companies: Daybreak Productions, Giant Pictures, Prime Universe Films Director: Aleksander Bach Executive Producers: Daniel Alter, Michael Hendrickson Producers: Charles Gordon, Alex Young, Adrian Askarieh Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah Ware Screenwriters: Skip Woods, Michael Finch Details: Based on the video game Hitman: Codename 47, released by Eidos in December 2000. SSN Insight: Rupert Friend took over the lead role which Paul Walker was previously attached to star in prior to him passing away. Suffragette 02/24/2014 Logline: The story of British women in the early 20th Century who fought for the right to vote. Production Company: Film4, Ruby Films Director: Sarah Gavron Executive Producers: Katherine Butler, Cameron McCracken Producers: Alison Owen, Faye Ward Cast: Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff, Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson Screenwriters: Abi Morgan SSN Insight: Previously in development at Focus Features.

Wraps

The 33 02/20/2014 Logline: Recounting the true life story the collapse of the Chilean mine and the rescue of the 33 miners who were trapped underground for 69 days. Production Companies: Half Circle, Phoenix Pictures, Dynamo Capital Director: Patricia Riggen Executive Producers: Carlos Eugenio Lavin, Leopoldo Enriquez, Alan Zhang Producers: Mike Meadavoy, Robert Katz, Edward McGurn, Bernie Williams Cast: James Brolin, Antonio Banderas, Martin Sheen, Juliette Binoche Screenwriters: Craig Borten, Michael Thomas, Mikko Alanne, Jose Rivera Details: Mike Medavoy has acquired the life rights of the story of the 33 Chilean miners. SSN Insight: Jennifer Lopez was previously attached to star. Lila and Eve Logline: After their children are killed in a drive-by shooting, two grief-stricken mothers plot revenge for their deaths. Studio: A+E Networks Production Companies: Chick Flick Productions, JuVee Director: Charles Stone III Executive Producers: Julius Tennon, Viola Davis, Rob Sharenow, Tanya Lopez, Lisa Hamilton Daly, Molly Thompson, Damian Ganczewski Producers: Darrin Reed, Sara Risher Cast: Yolonda Ross, Jennifer Lopez, Viola Davis Screenwriters: Patrick Gilfillan SSN Insight: This reunites Jennifer Lopez and Viola Davis who previously starred in Out of Sight together.

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TV Development For 2/25/14: David Fincher’s ‘Utopia’ Adaptation Ordered Straight To Series At HBO

February 25, 2014, 12:56 pm

≫ Next: TV Castings For 2/26/14: Viola Davis Lands Lead In ABC’s ‘How To Get Away With Murder’

≪ Previous: On The Set For 2/24/14: Jonás Cuarón’s ‘Desierto’ Starts, ‘Lila and Eve’ With Viola Davis & Jennifer Lopez Wraps

David Fincher 2

Utopia Network: HBO Production Company: Shine America Executive Producers: David Fincher, Dennis Kelly, Josh Donen, Jane Featherstone, Carolyn Bernstein Writer: Gillian Flynn Director: David Fincher Logline: Revolves around the die-hard fans of an iconic, underground graphic novel who are suddenly launched into their own pop-culture thriller when they learn that the author has secretly written a sequel. Unfortunately, the new manuscript is much more than just a book and those on the hunt for it suddenly find themselves in a game of shifting loyalties, conspiracy and shocking twists as the true meaning of the book is slowly revealed. Details: Based on the British series, Utopia, which aired on Channel 4 in January, 2013. Project has been ordered straight to series. SSN Insight: Fincher and Flynn reunite on this project after just completing the feature Gone Girl, where Fincher directed an adaptation of the novel by Flynn. Feed Me Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Witt/Thomas Productions Executive Producers: Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas, Sally Robinson Writer: Sally Robinson Cast: Mary-Louise Parker has been mentioned to star. Logline: Exploration of adult intimacy and desire that centers on a dysfunctional family bound by love and the restaurant they run together. And when daughter Emma's husband has an affair, they circle the wagons to fiercely protect one of their own. Details: Based on the novel, The Marriage Bed, written by Constance Beresford-Howe. Ness Network: WGN America Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Company: Davis Entertainment Executive Producers: Dennis Lehane, Michael Dinner, John Davis, John Fox Writer: Dennis Lehane Director: Michel Dinner Logline: A look at Eliot Ness, post-Untouchables, when he became the top cop in Cleveland, the most dangerous city in America during the 1930s. He spent the next decade fighting the mob, his own corrupt police department, and a serial killer on the streets -all while battling his alcoholism, serial philandering and constant need for acclaim. Details: Based on the book, Eliot Ness: The Rise and Fall of an American Hero, written by Douglas Perry. SSN Insight: Dinner will is also directing the ABC pilot Clementine, starring David Strathairn. The War at the Shore Network: Spike Production Companies: Trigger Street Productions, Giant Pirates Entertainment Executive Producers: Dana Brunetti, Troy Searer, Ross Jacobson Logline: Centers on one of the most intense chapters in the decade-long rivalry, chronicling the five-year multi-billion-dollar, bare-knuckled battle between Donald Trump and Steve Wynn over the future of Atlantic City. Details: Project is planned as an event series. Based on the book, The War at the Shore: Donald Trump, Steve Wynn, and the Epic Battle to Save Atlantic City, written by Richard D. "Skip" Bronson. Untitled CSI Cyber Crimes Spinoff Network: CBS Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Jerry Bruckheimer Television Executive Producers: Anthony Zuiker, Carol Mendelsohn, Ann Donahue, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman Producer: Mary Aiken Writers: Anthony Zuiker, Carol Mendelsohn, Ann Donahue Logline: Avery Ryan, Special Agent in Charge at the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI in Quantico, VA, is tasked to solve major crimes that start in the mind, live online, and play out into the real world. Details: Project is planned as a spinoff of the CBS series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The pilot episode will air as part of the series in the Spring of 2014. Inspired by the work of Irish Cyber Psychologist Mary Aiken. The Librarians Network: TNT Production Company: Electric Entertainment Executive Producers: Noah Wyle, Dean Devlin, Marc Roskin, John Rogers Writer: John Rogers Director: Dean Devlin Logline: Four people with extraordinary talents discover that they have been selected by Flynn Carsen to work for the Library, an ancient fellowship of knowledge and heroism. They travel the world investigating strange occurrences, battling ancient conspiracies and protecting the innocent from the dangerous, secret world of magic. Details: Based on the TV movie, The Librarian: Quest For the Spear (TNT, 2005) and its two subsequent sequels, all starring Noah Wyle. Network has ordered 10 episodes. SSN Insight: TNT is also developing Agent X, starring Sharon Stone, and Guilt By Association, which is set to start filming next month. Shades of Blue Network: NBC Studio: Universal Television Production Companies: Nuyorican Productions, Ryan Seacrest Productions Executive Producers: Jennifer Lopez, Adi Hasak, Ryan Seacrest, Nina Wass, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina Writer: Adi Hasak Logline: A single mother and detective is recruited to work undercover for the FBI’s anti-corruption task force. Part of a close-knit unit known for its conviction record, she has become compromised by her colleagues — all of whom also pitch in to help her raise her daughter — and finds herself faced with the moral dilemma of working against her cop brothers in order to redeem herself. Details: Ordered straight to series for the 2015-2016 season. Network has ordered 13 episodes. SSN Insight: This is the first drama series for Ryan Seacrest Productions. Their comedy project Mixology, will air this Wednesday, February 26^th.

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