Buyers Ponder Bradley Cooper-Attached ‘Deeper’

After his spec Bright turned into the spec sale of the year scribe Max Landis is circulating another spec to buyers; Deeper, a script that has Bradley Cooper attached along with White God helmer Kornel Mundruczo. (DH)

Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston In Talks For ‘The Intouchables’ Remake

Cranston and Hart are in talks to star in the upcoming remake of the 2011 French hit The Intouchables. The Weinstein Company, which distributed the original, is making the movie with Simon Curtis to direct and Paul Feig penning the script. (EW)

Jonah Hill To Make Directorial Debut With His Spec ‘Mid ’90s’

Jonah Hill will step behind the camera to direct coming-of-age film Mid ’90s based on the script he penned. The film will be produced by Scott Rudin and Eli Bush with their frequent collaborators A24. (VAR)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions Signs Deal With Paramount

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions has signed a three-year, first-look production deal with Paramount Pictures. (THR)

Ben Affleck Has Written A ‘Batman’ Solo Movie

Not only is a standalone Batman film a real possibility, Ben Affleck is apparently handling scriptwriting duties himself, as William Morris Endeavor co-CEO Patrick Whitesell revealed that Affleck has written a script for such a feature. (COLL)

Kevin Hart, Lionsgate To Launch Comedy Streaming Service

Nia Vardalos Joins ABC’s ‘The Catch’

The Catch has caught itself a movie star. My Big Fat Greek Wedding creator/star Nia Vardalos is joining the ABC Shondaland drama in a recurring capacity. (TVL)

Screenwriters: Great Screenplay Writing Part 6 – Conflicts & Obstacles

New Attachments

31
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.
Studio/Distributor(s): Saban Films
Production Company(s): Spectacle Entertainment Group, Protagonist Pictures, Bow & Arrow Entertainment
Producer(s): Rob Zombie, Andy Gould, Edward Vaisman, Michael Sherman, Matthew Perniciaro
Writer(s): Rob Zombie
Director(s): Rob Zombie
Cast: Sheri Moon Zombie, Jeffrey Daniel Phillips, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Meg Foster, Kevin Jackson
SSN Insight: Rob Zombie completed a 90-day crowdfunding campaign to help finance the project. The film is the first installment of a planned franchise.

A Futile and Stupid Gesture
Logline: The tragic story of Doug Kenney, co-founder and editor of the National Lampoon magazine and a major force in 1970s comedy, who tragically died at a young age.
Studio/Distributor(s): ,
Production Company(s): Principato-Young Entertainment, Darko Entertainment, Abominable Pictures
Producer(s): Peter Principato, Jonathan Stern
Writer(s): Michael Colton, John Aboud
Director(s): David Wain
Cast: Will Forte, Martin Mull
Details: Based on the book “A Stupid and Futile Gesture” written by Josh Karp and published by Chicago Review Press in 2006.
SSN Insight: Mull will next be seen in the new season of HBO’s Veep. He most recently co-starred on Seth MacFarlane’s Fox sitcom Dads.

A Little Mermaid
Logline: A young orphan finds a beautiful creature she believes to be the real “Little Mermaid,” and turns for guidance to a unique woman who has intimate knowledge of the story.
Production Company(s): MVP Studios
Producer(s): Robert Molloy, Armando Gutierrez
Writer(s): Blake Harris
Director(s): Chris Bouchard
Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Poppy Drayton, Loreto Peralta, Diahann Carroll, William Moseley, Diahann Carroll, William Forsythe, Gina Gershon
Details: Based on the fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” written by Hans Christian Andersen and originally published in Denmark by C. A. Reitzel in April 1837.
SSN Insight: This is the first project for MVP Studios founded by Robert Molloy and the film will be released next year.

Boned
Logline: The film follows Samantha, an L.A. actress/dogwalker whose profession suddenly unravels. Samantha learns her roommate is shot by a crazed dognapper. Even worse, Samantha must recover a Maltese that’s been dognapped by a complex, lunatic dominatrix.
Studio/Distributor(s): Gravitas Ventures
Production Company(s): Badlands Features
Producer(s): Angela Landis, Joe Siraki, Kirk Roos
Writer(s): Laura Lee Bahr
Director(s): Laura Lee Bahr
Cast: Angela Landis, Robyn Cohen, Bai Ling, Josh Randall
SSN Insight: Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. rights to Laura Lee Bahr’s Toronto Independent Film Fest winner Boned.

Downsizing
Logline: An Omaha man seeks a better life by undergoing a process to shrink himself and moves to a community of miniaturized people.
Studio/Distributor(s): Paramount Pictures
Production Company(s): Gran Via Productions, Ad Hominem Enterprises, Groundswell Productions
Producer(s): Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor, Mark Johnson
Writer(s): Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
Director(s): Alexander Payne
Cast: Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Alec Baldwin, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Sudeikis
SSN Insight: Project was previously set up at Fox. Sacha Baron Cohen was previously attached to co-star. Paul Giamatti was previously attached to co-star.

For the Love of George
Logline: Follows the plight of a jilted British wife who comes to Los Angeles after discovering her husband cheating on her, with the fantasy of meeting her ultimate dream man: George Clooney. Through a series of adventures and near-misses, she comes to learn that her destiny is in herself — not in any man, no matter how seemingly perfect.
Writer(s): Nadia Jordan, Hayley Nolan
Director(s): Maria Burton
Cast: Tate Donovan, Kristen Johnston, Rosanna Arquette, Nadia Jordan, Rex Lee, Shaun Sipos
SSN Insight: A portion of the proceeds will go to Not on Our Watch, the global human rights charity begun by Clooney, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, David Pressman and Jerry Weintraub.

Horse Soldiers
Logline: Based on true events of the first US cavalry charge in the 21 century taking place in Afgahanistan against the Taliban.
Studio/Distributor(s): Lionsgate
Production Company(s): Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Black Label Media
Producer(s): Jerry Bruckheimer, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill
Writer(s): Peter Craig, Ted Tally
Director(s): Nicolai Fuglsig
Details: Based on the book “Horse Soldiers” written by Doug Stanton and published by Simon & Schuster on May, 5, 2009.
SSN Insight: Project was previously in development at Columbia Pictures, which optioned it as a book proposal by author Doug Stanton in 2002. The book was to compliment a treatment by James Cromwell and Gershon Weltman, a defense industry specialist.

Intouchables
Logline: An unlikely friendship develops between a quadriplegic aristocrat and an ex-con who becomes his caregiver.
Studio/Distributor(s): The Weinstein Company
Production Company(s): Gaumont, Quad Films
Producer(s): Harvey Weinstein, Nicolas Duval-Adassovsky
Writer(s): Paul Feig, Jon Hartmere, Tom Shadyac
Cast: Bryan Cranston (in talks), Kevin Hart (in talks)
Details: Remake of “Untouchable” (France/2011) directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano.
SSN Insight: Paul Feig previously attached to direct and wrote a previous draft of the script. Chris Tucker was previously attached to star.

Krystal
Logline: A young man living a sheltered life develops a crush on a stripper and joins her Alcoholics Anonymous group just so he can be in the same room with her.
Production Company(s): Pantry Films
Producer(s): Rachel Winter, Dan Keston
Writer(s): Will Aldis
Director(s): William H. Macy
Cast: William H. Macy, Grant Gustin, Rosario Dawson, Nick Robinson, Joe Manganiello, Grant Gustin
SSN Insight: This is Gustin’s first feature since his breakout role as the title character in the hit CW series The Flash.

Man-Witch
Logline: About a schoolteacher who abruptly discovers he’s got witchlike powers. A coven of real witches takes him in, promptly sending him to “witch school,” where he is the lone adult, surrounded by little girl witches-in-training.
Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Company(s): Original Film, That’s Wonderful Productions
Producer(s): Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Jim Parsons
Writer(s): Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jay Reiss, Josh Stolberg, Bob Florsheim
Cast: Jim Parsons
SSN Insight: Jack Black was previously attached to star. Zach Galifianakis was previously mentioned to star. Todd Phillips was previously attached to direct.

My Cousin Rachel (Remake)
Logline: An orphan believes his cousin Rachel is responsible for the murder of his beloved guardian and plots his revenge, but finds his feelings being complicated as he falls under her spell.
Studio/Distributor(s): Fox Searchlight Pictures,
Production Company(s):
Producer(s):
Writer(s): Roger Michell
Director(s): Roger Michell
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, Holliday Grainger, Iain Glen
Details: Based on the novel “My Cousin Rachel” written by Daphne Du Maurier and published by Doubleday in 1951.
SSN Insight: Paula Milne previously adapted the novel for Fox 2000. Oliver Parker was previously attached to direct. Filming begins April 4 and takes place on location in England and Italy.

Patriots Day
Logline: Surrounds the events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Studio/Distributor(s): CBS Films, Lionsgate
Production Company(s): Leverage Management, Closest To The Hole Productions, Bluegrass Films
Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Dylan Clark, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Michael Radutzky
Writer(s): Matt Charman
Director(s): Peter Berg
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, J.K. Simmons, John Goodman, Vincent Curatola, Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, Vince Curatola, James Colby
Details: Based on the firsthand account of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, whose life rights have been optioned by CBS Films, and on research done and footage shot by “60 Minutes.”
SSN Insight: CBS Films will oversee production and advertising for the pic, which Lionsgate will release on December 21.

The Action
Logline: In the 1970s, eight anti-war activists stole and made public classified FBI documents that exposed Hoover’s campaign of spying on and blackmailing “troublemakers.”
Studio/Distributor(s): Lionsgate
Production Company(s): Anonymous Content, Participant Media, Storied Media Group
Producer(s): Scott Burns, Meredith Milton, Michael Sugar
Writer(s): Scott Burns
Director(s): Alex Gibney
Details: Based on the book “The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover’s Secret FBI” written by Betty Medsger and published by Alfred A. Knopf in January, 2014, and the article “Burglars Who Took on F.B.I. Abandon Shadows” written by Mark Mazzetti and published in the New York Times on January 7, 2014.
SSN Insight: Alex Gibney previously directed Spotlight which won the Best Picture at this year’s Oscars.

The Ashram
Logline: After receiving a cryptic message, American skeptic Jamie travels to the Indian Himalayas to pick up on the trail of his disappeared girlfriend. There, he discovers a secretive community led by a guru with strange powers who may or may not be involved in her disappearance.
Production Company(s): Sikhya Entertainment
Producer(s): Guneet Monga
Writer(s): Ben Rekhi, Binky Mendez
Director(s): Ben Rekhi
Cast: Melissa Leo, Sam Keeley, Kal Penn, Hera Hilmarsdottir, Radhika Apte
SSN Insight: Production has begun on the film, which has been kept under wraps in northern India.

To The Bone
Logline: A young woman suffering from anorexia tries to find a doctor who can help her.
Production Company(s): Mockingbird Pictures, Sparkhouse Media
Producer(s): Bonnie Curtis, Julie Lynn, Karina Miller
Writer(s): Marti Noxon
Director(s): Marti Noxon
Cast: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves
SSN Insight: Reeves will fill the role of Dr. William Beckham, the doctor with an unorthodox style who pushes Ellen (played by Lily Collins) to choose life and commit to getting better.

Untitled Blade Runner Sequel
Logline: Storyline is under wraps.
Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Company(s): Alcon Entertainment, Ridley Scott Films , Thunderbird Films
Producer(s): Bud Yorkin, Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Cynthia Sikes
Writer(s): Michael Green, Hampton Fancher
Director(s): Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright (in final negotiations)
Details: Follow-up to “Blade Runner” (1982), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford.
SSN Insight: Alcon Entertainment acquired film, television and ancillary franchise rights to produce prequels and sequels to “Blade Runner” in March 2011. Follow-up will be inspired by the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” written by Philip K. Dick and published by Signet in 1968.

Wind River
Logline: A lone female FBI agent is sent to investigate a murder on a remote Indian Reservation in the dead of winter, and she finds assistance from a man with a haunted past.
Production Company(s): Thunder Road Pictures, Film 44, Acacia Entertainment, Savvy Media Holdings
Producer(s): Basil Iwanyk, Peter Berg, Matthew George
Writer(s): Taylor Sheridan
Director(s): Taylor Sheridan
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Jon Bernthal, Graham Greene, Julia Jones, Gil Birmingham
SSN Insight: Jon Bernthal can be seen in Netflix’s Daredevil, while Julia Jones and Gil Birmingham were both featured in the Twilight franchise. Chris Pine was previously attached to co-star.

New Projects

Backyard Sports
Logline: The video game franchise in which gamers play with professional athletes who are morphed into kids comes to the big screen.
Production Company(s): Cross Creek Pictures, Crystal City Entertainment
Producer(s): Brian Oliver, Ari Daniel Pinchot
Details: Based on the video game series “Backyard Sports” created Humongous Entertainment, starting with “Backyard Baseball” in 1997, and published by GT Interactive.
SSN Insight: Crystal City recently wrapped the Doug Liman-directed Tom Cruise starrer Mena and Hacksaw Ridge starring Andrew Garfield.

Bikini Sunshine
Logline: A charismatic, mercurial and troubled former Marine returns from Iraq and inadvertently becomes the center of a documentary film while she tries to integrate herself back into society, as well as regain custody of her young daughter.
Production Company(s): Czar
Producer(s): Anja Wedell, Munire Armstrong
Writer(s): Milcho Manchevski
Director(s): Milcho Manchevski
Cast: Condola Rashad
SSN Insight: Rashad is the star of Showtime’s Billions and she’s been seen in many Broadway productions including Romeo and Juliet, The Trip To Bountiful and Stick Fly.

Corbin Nash
Logline: Corbin Nash is a New York City cop who transfers to Los Angeles to hunt for his parents’ killer. Once there, he’s brutally murdered and returns to life as the ultimate killer. Bloodshed ensues.
Production Company(s): StarTree Productions
Producer(s): Ben Jagger, Todd Grossman, Justin Steele, Matt Berkowitz, Carmen Aiello
Writer(s): Dean S. Jagger, Ben Jagger, Christopher P. Taylor
Director(s): Ben Jagger
Cast: Dean S. Jagger, Malcolm McDowell, Rutger Hauer, Bruce Davison, Fernanda Romero
SSN Insight: This pic marks the debut feature for StarTree Productions. The film began shooting on March 30.

Fool Me Once
Logline: Two weeks after her husband’s murder, a former special ops pilot sees an unthinkable image of her 2-year-old daughter with her husband on their nanny cam.
Production Company(s): Red Om Films
Producer(s): Julia Roberts, Lisa Gillan, Marisa Yeres Gill
Cast: Julia Roberts
Details: Based on the novel “Fool Me Once” written by Harlan Coben and published by Penguin’s Dutton imprint in March, 2016.
SSN Insight: Coben’s other books, The Five, Gone for Good, Tell No One, Missing You and Six Years are all in various stages of development as films or TV series.

Mid-90’s
Logline: The film follows a young boy growing up in Los Angeles in the mid-90s, learning about life with his skateboarding friends and makes some bad choices along the way.
Production Company(s): A24
Producer(s): Scott Rudin, Eli Bush
Writer(s): Jonah Hill
Director(s): Jonah Hill
SSN Insight: This film will mark Hill’s feature directorial debut.

The Domestics
Logline: In the future, a young couple has to travel through a harrowing, gang-ravaged post-apocalyptic countryside, trying to make it home.
Studio/Distributor(s): Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios
Production Company(s): Hollywood Gang Productions
Producer(s): Gianni Nunnari, Shannon Gaulding
Writer(s): Mike P. Nelson
Director(s): Mike P. Nelson
SSN Insight: Nelson previously directed shorts and TV shows including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

The Nest
Logline: Follows four adult siblings of the Plumb family and the pending shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives. They call the joint trust fund The Nest, and it has been endangered by the reckless choices of one of the siblings, fresh from rehab after crashing a car while inebriated with a 19-year old passenger.
Studio/Distributor(s): Amazon Studios
Production Company(s): Topple Productions
Producer(s): Jill Soloway, Andrea Sperling
Writer(s): D’Aprix Sweeney
Details: Based on the same-titled novel by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney published by Ecco.
SSN Insight: The novel debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times Bestseller list. Topple Productions has an overall deal with Amazon Studios.

The Paper Magician
Logline: Centers on Ceony Twill, a young girl who is a student at the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined. In this world where magicians animate manmade materials, she is disappointed that she has been demoted to learn paper magic despite her dreams of working with metal. But when an all-powerful evil magician rises and her mentor’s life is on the line, she must tap into the hidden potential of her new powers.
Studio/Distributor(s): Disney
Producer(s): Allison Shearmur
Details: Based on the YA book trilogy, The Paper Magician, by Charlie N. Holmberg. The first book was published as an e-book by 47North, an imprint of Amazon Publishing, in 2014.
SSN Insight: Allison Shearmur executive produced the Hunger Games movies and produced Disney’s Cinderella and is a producer on the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

The Wall
Logline: A sniper and his spotter are pinned down behind cover by a legendary sniper.
Production Company(s): Amazon Studios
Writer(s): Dwain Worrell
Director(s): Doug Liman
SSN Insight: Project was included on the 2014 Black List. Screenplay was included in the 2014 Hit List.

Untitled AFC Wimbledon Project
Logline: When the Wimbledon Football Club was moved 56 miles away leaving it fans abandoned, a group of underdog players formed an amateur club to be owned by its fans so it would never be stolen by rich investors for their profit.
Studio/Distributor(s): Fox 2000,
Production Company(s): Temple Hill Entertainment
Producer(s): John Green, Rosianna Halse Rojas, Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey
SSN Insight: John Green is the author of The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns.

SSN ORIGINALS

The Accidental Turitz: Will ‘Batman V Superman’s’ Record-Breaking Audience Drop-Off Effect WB’s Planned Shared Universe?

Senior Editor Neil Turitz returns with his eponymous column, taking a look at one of the little known facts about the record-breaking movie’s opening weekend, and what it means to the overall success of an entire studio’s master plan. (SSN)

Film Development For 3/31/16: Jonah Hill to Write/Direct ‘Mid-90’s’, Kristen Wiig Joins ‘Downsizing’, Disney Snags ‘The Paper Magician’

Among the other bits and pieces in this week’s activity are a distributor for Rob Zombie’s latest horror enterprise, some new cast for David Wain’s Doug Kenney’s biopic, and lots of new attachments to the live action ‘Little Mermaid’ flick. As always, there’s plenty more, so click on the link to read on. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Hollywood Feminist of the Day: Paul Feig to Add Equity Clause to Future Film Contracts

Ghostbusters director and co-writer said that he would add an equity clause to his future film contracts that would require gender-balanced casting for minor roles. Feig has made a fine career of writing great roles for women and directing women-centric projects, like Bridesmaids and The Heat. (WAH)

Acclaimed Documentarian Alex Gibney To Helm His First Narrative Feature, ‘The Action’

Director behind Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief and Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine will take on The Action, which is the story of eight anti-war activists who exposed J. Edgar Hoover as he spied and blackmailed Vietnam War protesters. Scott Z. Burns, who worked on the screenplays for Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion and Side Effects, will pen the feature. (IW)

A Lesson Learned From ‘Batman v Superman’? ‘Suicide Squad’ Doing Reshoots To Add Humor and Lightness

Film’s principal photography began in early April of last year and wrapped four months later. Nowadays, big blockbusters going in for reshoots isn’t anything out of the ordinary, but Warner Bros is now taking steps to give audiences a movie that, while still heavy on the action, will let the primary characters to have more lighthearted moments. (CB)

The Cast Of Peter Berg’s ‘Patriots Day’ Adds Yet Another Big Name, as Kevin Bacon Signs Up

Bacon is breaking out his FBI windbreaker and returning to Boston for the CBS Films and Lionsgate pic about the events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. He’ll play Richard DesLauriers, the Bureau’s special agent in charge, one of the law-enforcement figures during the manhunt for the bombers who carried out the attacks on the city’s annual race. Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan and J.K. Simmons also star. (DH)

Jim Parsons Is Making a Rare Foray Into Movies, Will Star In Warner Bros. Comedy ‘Man-Witch’

Actor is in talks to star in Man-Witch, a long-gestating comedy set up at Warner Bros. Parsons also will develop the project and work behind the camera, joining Neal Moritz as a producer. The story tells of a schoolteacher (Parsons) who abruptly discovers he’s got witchlike powers. A coven of real witches takes him in, promptly sending him to “witch school,” where he is the lone adult, surrounded by little girl witches-in-training. (HV)

After Literally Years and Years Of Struggles, Terry Gilliam Will Finally Shoot His ‘Don Quixote’ Movie In September

The genius/mad man behind Brazil, Time Bandits, The Fisher King, and Twelve Monkeys, will finally get his passion project new financing and go before cameras this September. The latest producer to tempt fate and try to get The Man Who Killed Don Quixote made is Paulo Branco, who will produce through his Paris-based Alfama Films. Spain’s Tornasol Films and Portugal’s Leopardo Filmes will co-produce. The film will have a budget of $18 million. (SF)

Robin Wright Joins Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Blade Runner’ Sequel With Harrison Ford And Ryan Gosling

House of Cards star is in final negotiations to join the movie. The story that screenwriters Hampton Fancher and Michael Green have come up with is being kept under wraps. Production begins in July and the “Untitled Blade Runner Sequel” will open on January 12th, 2018. (TP)

Live Action Fairy Tale Alert: Disney Now Developing Movie About Snow White’s Sister, Rose Red

The new pitch from screenwriter Evan Daugherty will add Rose Red into the well-known tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with the aim of making her a lead character who plays a pivotal role in the latter half of the narrative. When Snow White is cursed into unconsciousness after biting a poison apple, her estranged sister Rose Red is forced to undertake a quest with the Dwarves to find a way to break the curse and bring Snow White back to life. (COL)

‘Captain America: Civil War’ Secures Theatrical Release in Mainland China

Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War has secured a theatrical release in mainland China, according to Chinese state media. The Russo brothers are also preparing to become producers in China under their Anthem & Song banner. (VAR)

Tom Hiddleston Honored at The National Film Awards, U.K.’s Version of the People’s Choice Awards

The winners of this year’s National Film Awards have been announced. The annual event, now in its second year, took place in London last night, and saw Kingsman: The Secret Service crowned Best International FilmI, while Tom Hiddleston took Best Actor for High-Rise. Here’s the full winners list. (HN)

Breaking Out- ‘Making A Murderer’ Defense Attorney Dean Strang To Host ‘Road To Justice’ Docuseries

Former Steven Avery co-counsel Dean Strang, one of the breakout stars of Netflix’s hugely popular docuseries Making A Murderer, is toplining his own docuseries that examines legal cases. Dean Strang: Road To Justice will be the first TV project for Covert Media. (DL)

Blue Sky Studios First To Settle in Animation Anti-Poaching Suit to the Tune of $5.9 Million

One of the studios hit with an anti-trust putative class action from animation workers has drawn the line at how long it’s willing to fight. Blue Sky Studios  announced it has reached a settlement with the class plaintiffs in the In re: Animation Workers Antitrust Litigation pending in California federal court. (THR)

Exhibs Hold Line On Clearances Despite Fox’s Position Change But New Questions Emerge

One theater owner commented on Fox’s decision, “While their decision to reject clearances doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it just doesn’t mean that the rest of us are going to ignore our rights for clearance.” The issue also brings up questions regarding if second-run houses now have the opportunity to play first-run films. (DL)

The Trending TV Titles Set to Make a Splash at MipTV

High-profile dramas Roots, Victoria, The Embassy, and The Collection and Warner Bros.-sold talent show Little Big Shots look like just some of a plethora of new titles at the 2016 MipTV trade fair, the world’s second biggest TV market, which kicks off Monday in Cannes. (VAR)

A Time for Action: The Black List & Women In Film Join Forces on TV Lab For Women Writers

The inaugural Women in Film/The Black List Episodic Lab will admit eight non-professional writers and run for eight weeks starting in August. The Lab will include script development, workshops and master classes with established writers and industry executives. (FB)

Mashable Betting Big on Video with Turner Leading $15 Million Series C Funding

Mashable will use the cash to ramp up its video offerings across all platforms, including linear TV, and grow its branded video division. As part of Turner’s investment, it will partner with Mashable for video production, technology and advertising opportunities. (VI)

After the Sale: Big Book and Script Buys Don’t Always Equal Big Box Office

A giant book deal and a big spec sale rocked March, but rich deals don’t always translate into box-office hits. Here’s a deeper look at the mixed fates of some of the biggest book and script sales ever. (THR)

Screenplay: ‘The Avengers’

Before you see the Avengers fight it out in Captain America: Civil War, read about the ultimate superhero team-up in the script written by Joss Whedon simply titled The Avengers. (ID)

STARTS

Corbin Nash
03/30/2016
Logline: Corbin Nash is a New York City cop who transfers to Los Angeles to hunt for his parents’ killer. Once there, he’s brutally murdered and returns to life as the ultimate killer. Bloodshed ensues.
Production Company(s): StarTree Productions
Director(s): Ben Jagger
Executive Producer(s): Richard Wagner
Producer(s): Ben Jagger, Todd Grossman, Justin Steele, Matt Berkowitz, Carmen Aiello
Cast: Dean S. Jagger, Malcolm McDowell, Rutger Hauer, Bruce Davison, Fernanda Romero
Writer(s): Dean S. Jagger, Ben Jagger, Christopher P. Taylor
SSN Insight: Ben Jagger previously directed The Paddy Lincoln Gang, released in 2014, about a rock band on the verge.

Journeyman
04/01/2016
Logline: A boxing champ defends his title and collapses at home after the bout, resulting in a coma, memory loss, and the most important fight of his life.
Production Company(s): Inflammable Films
Director(s): Paddy Considine
Producer(s): Diarmid Scrimshaw
Cast: Paddy Considine, Jodie Whittaker, Faraz Ayub, Tony Pitts, Paul Popplewell
Writer(s): Paddy Considine
SSN Insight: Paddy Considine previously was in the cast of Macbeth, Miss You Already, Child 44 and Pride.

Patriots Day
03/29/2016
Logline: Surrounds the events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Studio/Distributor(s): CBS Films, Lionsgate
Production Company(s): Leverage Management, Closest To The Hole Productions, Bluegrass Films, Hutch Parker Entertainment
Director(s): Peter Berg
Executive Producer(s): Louis G Friedman, Dan Wilson
Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Dylan Clark, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Michael Radutzky
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, J.K. Simmons, John Goodman, Vincent Curatola, Kevin Bacon
Writer(s): Peter Berg, Josh Zetumer, Eric Johnson, Paul Tamasy, Matt Charman
Details: Matt Charman wrote a previous adaptation based on the firsthand account of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, whose life rights have been optioned by CBS Films, and on research done and footage shot by “60 Minutes.” Based on the book “Boston Strong” written by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge and to be published by University Press of New England in 2014.
SSN Insight: Casey Affleck was previously attached to produce and star, alongside his producing partner John Ridley, when the project was at Fox.

The Ashram
03/31/2016
Logline: After receiving a cryptic message, American skeptic Jamie travels to the Indian Himalayas to pick up on the trail of his disappeared girlfriend. There, he discovers a secretive community led by a guru with strange powers who may or may not be involved in her disappearance.
Production Company(s): Sikhya Entertainment
Director(s): Ben Rekhi
Executive Producer(s): Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
Producer(s): Guneet Monga
Cast: Melissa Leo, Sam Keeley, Kal Penn, Hera Hilmarsdottir, Radhika Apte
Writer(s): Ben Rekhi, Binky Mendez
SSN Insight: Production will take place in northern India. Sikhya Entertainment is mostly known for making new wave cinemas in Bollywood.

The Discovery
03/28/2016
Logline: Soon after the existence of the afterlife has been scientifically proven, the son of the man who made the discovery falls in love with a woman with a tragic past.
Production Company(s): Endgame Entertainment, Verisimilitude
Director(s): Charlie McDowell
Producer(s): Alex Orlovsky, James D. Stern, Hunter Gray
Cast: Rooney Mara, Jason Segel, Robert Redford, Jesse Plemons, Riley Keough
Writer(s): Charlie McDowell, Justin Lader
SSN Insight: Nicholas Hoult was previously attached. ICM Partners is overseeing domestic rights.

To The Bone
03/28/2016
Logline: A young woman suffering from anorexia tries to find a doctor who can help her.
Production Company(s): Mockingbird Pictures, Sparkhouse Media
Director(s): Marti Noxon
Producer(s): Bonnie Curtis, Julie Lynn, Karina Miller
Cast: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves
Writer(s): Marti Noxon
SSN Insight: Noxon also wrote the current draft of Valley Girl: The Musical and the previous draft for the reboot of Tomb Raider, both in active development.

WRAPS

If You Saw His Heart
03/28/2016
Logline: A gypsy is excluded from his community after the death of his best friend. After finding refuge at the Métropole Hotel, where outcasts and broken souls are drawn together, he plunges headfirst into the world of crime.
Production Company(s): Nord Ouest Productions
Director(s): Joan Chemla
Producer(s): Pierre Guyard
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Marine Vacth, Karim Leklou, Nahuel Perez Biscayart
Writer(s): Joan Chemla, Guillermo Rosales
Details: Based on the novel “The Halfway House” by Guillermo Rosales; published January 1, 1987.
SSN Insight: The film has been pre-purchased by Canal+ and Ciné+. Marks the feature debut for Joan Chemla. It was shot over seven weeks in Marseille.

The Most Hated Woman in America
03/30/2016
Logline: The true story of Madalyn O’Hair, an atheist who got the Supreme Court to overturn prayer in public schools.
Production Company(s): Brownstone Productions
Director(s): Tommy O’Haver
Producer(s): Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Laura Rister
Cast: Melissa Leo, Juno Temple, Peter Fonda, Adam Scott, Josh Lucas
Writer(s): Tommy O’Haver, Irene C Turner
SSN Insight: Netflix has worldwide rights and will distribute this film day-and-date on its streaming service and in theaters in 2016.

The Titan
03/28/2016
Logline: In the near future, a military family is relocated so they can participate in a ground-breaking experiment of man’s genetic evolution into space.
Production Company(s): Motion Picture Capital, 42, Automatik
Director(s): Lennart Ruff
Executive Producer(s): Fred Berger
Producer(s): Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Benjamin Pugh, Rory Aitken, Arash Amel, Leon Clarance
Cast: Sam Worthington, Ruth Wilson, Sofia Boutella, Taylor Schilling, Tom Wilkinson
Writer(s): Max Hurwitz
SSN Insight: Filming took place in Gran Canaria. Voltage Pictures will oversee international sales, with CAA handling domestic sales.

-In our latest weekly series, SSN Insider will take a deep dive into the film ticket sales of the week leveraging data from the powerhouse ticketing website, MovieTickets.com. Not only will the infographic pinpoint which movies are claiming the largest piece of the pie from day to day in terms of sales but also which film had the biggest uptick in terms of a percentage variance surge and which had the biggest downtick or steepest dive between any two points.-

SSN ORIGINALS

On the Set For 4/1/16: Mark Wahlberg & J.K. Simmons Start Shooting ‘Patriots Day’, Elizabeth Banks Wraps on ‘Most Hated Woman in America’

Among the other projects getting underway are a new film from actor-director Paddy Considine, a romantic drama starring Rooney Mara, Jason Segel, Robert Redford, Jesse Plemons and Riley Keough, and Marti Noxon’s anorexia drama. Meanwhile, sci-fi flick The Titan is among the films to wrap principal photography. Click the link to read on. (SSN)

SSN Box Office Trending Report for 4/1/16: ‘Batman v Superman’ Continues to Power Through With ‘Zootopia’ Holding Strong in Second

In our ongoing weekly series, SSN Insider will take a deep dive into the film ticket sales of the week leveraging data from the powerhouse ticketing website, MovieTickets.com. Not only will the infographic pinpoint which movies are claiming the largest piece of the pie from day to day in terms of sales but also which film had the biggest uptick in terms of a percentage variance surge and which had the biggest downtick or steepest dive between any two points. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Amazon Likes What It Sees, Renews ‘Bosch’ For a Third Season

Online giant has renewed the cop drama, based on the novels by Michael Connelly, which premiered its second season March 11th. Available to stream for Amazon Prime customers, Bosch stars Titus Welliver as LAPD detective Harry Bosch. Jerry Edgar, Amy Aquino, Madison Lintz and Lance Reddick also star. (VAR)

HBO Picks Up Gillian Flynn’s Drama Series, ‘Sharp Objects,’ Starring Amy Adams

Based on Flynn’s 2006 novel, story will follow a reporter fresh from the psychiatric ward who’s sent on assignment in her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. Camille Preaker (Adams) moves back in with a hypochondriac mother she doesn’t speak to and a 13-year-old sister she barely knows before she finds herself identifying with the victims a little too much. Marti Noxon is writing with Flynn, who is also serving as executive producer. (IW)

‘Sicario 2’? It Looks Like It’s Happening, With All Three Stars Returning For Another Go Round

Molly Smith and Trent Luckinbill of production company Black Label Media, who backed “Sicario,” reveal the follow-up is well on its way. Initial reports pegged that the followup would focus on Benicio del Toro’s deadly assassin, and it seems he’s still very much the focus, but that the other leads — Emily Blunt and Josh Brolin — will also have roles. (TP)

J.J. Abrams to Produce Adaptation of Greg Grunberg’s Graphic Novel ‘Dream Jumper’

Actor’s upcoming graphic novel is getting the animated movie treatment. Paramount has picked up the rights to the two-part tome with Grunberg teaming up with pal Abrams, who will produce the adaptation. Story follows a boy who discovers he can jump into other people’s dreams, but that power turns into a nightmare, literally, when his friends begin falling into an endless sleep and something in the dream world wants the boy’s abilities for itself. (HV)

Today In Remake News: Shawn Levy Set To Re-Do John Carpenter’s ‘Starman’

Columbia Pictures’ movie will enter the 21st century with a new script from Arash Amel. Michael Douglas, who produced the original film, will also produce the remake alongside Levy. Story follows an extraterrestrial responding to NASA’s message to pay a visit to Earth. But when his ship was grounded by a missile, the Starman inhabits the body of a deceased man and kidnaps his widow in the hopes of traveling to a rendezvous with a ship from his home planet. (COL)

There Is Still a Lot Of ‘It’s Always Sunny’ To Come, as FXX Renews the Comedy For Two More Seasons

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been renewed for seasons 13 and 14, it was announced today. With Season 14, Sunny will tie The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet as the longest-running live-action comedy series in television history. The previously-announced season 12 will premiere in early 2017. (CS)

Jim Parsons Has a Busy Week, Joins Ted Melfi’s ‘Hidden Figures’ For Fox 2000

A day after it was announced he would star in Man-Witch, the Big Bang Theory star has joined director Melfi’s film, as the head engineer at the Space Task Group at NASA. Story follows a team of unsung heroes in American history: African-American female math wizards who helped NASA win the space race. Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson and Janelle Monae star, alongside Kevin Costner and Kirsten Dunst. (DH)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Search Party’

Focus World has released the red band trailer for the long-on-the-shelf comedy starring T.J. Miller, Adam Pally, Thomas Middleditch, Alison Brie and Krysten Ritter. Directed by Scot Armstrong, the film will finally hit theaters, on demand, and digital HD on May 13th. (SF)

Box Office: ‘Batman v Superman’ Plummets 68 Percent With $52 Million Gross in Second Frame

After 10 days in theaters, Batman v Superman has earned an estimated $261.5 million domestically and $681.3 million worldwide. The film’s fall to earth this weekend is actually fairly similar to what Man of Steel did three years ago. (EW)

The Secret’s Out as Massive Document Leak Reveals Financial Secrets of World Leaders & Celebrities

German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung led an investigative effort involving more than 100 other news organizations into what has been billed as the largest document leak in history. The data from the powerful global bank Mossack Fonseca encompasses 11.5 million documents on the inner-workings of 214,000 offshore companies tied to elites. (VAR)

Pop the Champagne- SAG-AFTRA & Ad Industry Reach Tentative Deal on New Commercials Contract

SAG-AFTRA and the bargaining unit representing advertisers and advertising agencies announced they have reached a tentative agreement for new TV and radio commercials contract. Once it receives board approval, the package will be sent to the SAG-AFTRA membership for ratification. (THR)

Pencils Down- Katherine Kelly Leads Ensemble Cast for ‘Doctor Who’ Spin-off ‘Class’

Former Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly has been cast as a teacher in Doctor Who spin-off, Class. She will be joined by four newcomers who will play sixth-formers at Coal Hill School – Greg Austin, Sophie Hopkins Fady Elsayed and Vivian Oparah. (BBC)

MIPTV: Netflix Snags Worldwide Rights to ‘The Bridge’ Creator’s ‘Marcella’

Netflix has bought the exclusive worldwide streaming rights to ITV’s new Anna Friel drama Marcella, written by the creator of The Bridge, Hans Rosenfeldt. The eight-part thriller co-stars Downton Abbey’s Laura Carmichael and Game of Thrones’ Harry Lloyd. (TG)

More MIPTV: Studiocanal Invests in Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch & 3 Others

Studiocanal is pushing deeper into television production, forming partnerships with three European indies. It has acquired minority stakes in the UK’s SunnyMarch, co-founded by Benedict Cumberbatch; Urban Myth Films, also based in the UK; and Spain’s Bambu. (DL)

‘Full Frontal with Samantha Bee’ Gets Full Order with Renewal Through End Of 2016 By TBS

TBS’ breakout weekly late-night show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee will stick around for the rest of the 2016 Presidential campaign. The network has ordered 26 more episodes of the series less than two months into its run. (DL)

‘James Bond’ Producer Barbara Broccoli Called Upon to be BAFTA’s VP of Film

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has been appointed vice president for film at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. The news follows the recent appointment of Greg Dyke as BAFTA’s vice president for television. (VAR)

Nielsen Inks Deal with Dish Network to Tap Information From Set Top Boxes

The Dish info is “the first nationwide dataset to be integrated with our panel data, reaching the perfect balance of deep viewing characteristics and the granularity of large datasets,” says Nielsen’s COO Steve Hasker. (DL)

Is Disney XD by Maker a Revival of Hollywood’s Golden Age Studio System?

Lately, Disney has been taking advantage of the ability of Maker and social video platforms to serve as an incubator for talent and content. Disney has also been increasingly using social video stars to promote both its content and its merchandise. (VI)

Company Launches & Partnerships

Mattel is placing content production under one umbrella with new division, Mattel Creations in order to drive premium content across multiple platforms including theatrical, television and digital. Catherine Balsam-Schwaber will join Mattel in the new role of Chief Content Officer, where she will lead Mattel’s efforts to implement an integrated strategy for content creation and distribution. Christopher Keenan has been upped from Creative Executive to the SVP, Content Development & Production. Richard Gros will serve as Chief Human Resources Officer, Juliana Chugg will serve as Global Core Brands Officer and John Vandemore has been named the Chief Financial Officer, Global Brands and Commercial.

Chinese streaming giant iQIYI is set to launch in Taiwan this week.  This will mark the first time that iQIYI has reached a territory outside of mainland China.

Lionsgate is partnering with Kevin Hart and his digital production unit, Hartbeat Digital. The OTT service, called Laugh Out Loud, will be the exclusive home for all content created by Hart outside of his live performances and film roles. Hart will also produce a new social media adventure game developed by the company Fifth Journey as part of the deal, which Hart will write and star in.

WWE has signed a multi-year deal with Snapchat. Under the pact, Snapchat will produce and distribute Live Stories from WWE events, including Wrestlemania. The first Live Story distributed under the partnership will be April 3’s WrestleMania 32 event in Arlington, Texas.

Online women’s media company SheKnows Media will acquire HelloFlo, a women’s health brand that offers videos, advice and products directed toward women and girls. HelloFlo Founder Naama Bloom, will continue to head the business ahead of the acquisition along with her new role as SVP of Integrated Marketing at SheKnows Media.

Film

Kyle Davies has been named the President of Domestic Distribution at Paramount Pictures. He previously was the President of Worldwide Distribution for Relativity Media. Davies also served Relativity as President of Theatrical Distribution following the company’s acquisition of Overture Films’ marketing and distribution assets.

Barbara Broccoli has been named BAFTA’s VP for Film. She co-owns EON Productions with her brother Micael G. Wilson and together they have produced the last eight Bond films including Spectre. Greg Dyke has been appointed BAFTA’s VP for TV.
David Kosse is now the President of STX International. This new division will identify and execute global opportunities for development, production and distribution of STX’s content. As part of the new division, STX will be setting up its own distribution operations in the UK. He was previously the Head of Film4. He will consult Film4 through winter and oversee the transition to his successor.

Jason Cassidy is leaving his post as Chief of Marketing at Open Road Films to pursue other opportunities. Jonathan Helfgot has been hired as President of Marketing at Open Road Films. Previously Helfgot founded the Rec Room, an original and branded content studio, where he was also a Managing Partner.

Dion Foley is now the Principal and Producer at production company Push Play Productions. He was previously a Producer at Nasser Entertainment / Nasser Group North.

Jonathan Helfgot has been named the President of Marketing at Open Road Films. He was previously Founded and was the Managing Partner at Rec Room.

Matt Jackson has been named the Head of Film Production & Acquisitions at The Mark Gordon Co. He was previously the President of Production at IM Global.

Rachel Traub has been upped from Executive Assistant to Creative Executive of Film & Scripted Television at Warrior Poets in New York.

TV

Natasha Hritzuk has been named the VP of Client Insights and Content Partnerships Research at Turner and will handle research strategy and data analysis for Turner Incite, Turner’s intelligence platform for ad sales. She previously served as Global Head of Research and Insights for Microsoft Advertising.

Mark Pedowitz has reupped at the CW and signed a new multi-year contract to continue to serve as President. He joined the CW in 2011 after heading Business Affairs at ABC.

Laurel Weir has been named the SVP of Strategic Insights & Research at MTV. She was formerly the SVP of Strategic Insights & Research at Viacom Kids and Family Group in New York.

Casey Kyber has been upped from SVP of Research & Marketing to the VP of Drama Development at 20th Century Fox Television.

Cort Lane has been upped from VP of Animation Development & Partnerships to the SVP of Animation & Family Entertainment at Marvel.

Nicolas Atlan is now pursuing other opportunities. He was previously the Co-CEO at Splash Entertainment. Steve Rosen has been upped from Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer to the Co-CEO at Splash Entertainment. Mike Young has been named Chairman in addition to his role as Co-CEO at Splash Entertainment.

David Di Lorenzo has been named the President at Kabillion. He was previously the VP of Sales & Digital Distribution at Splash Entertainment.

David Ellender has been named the President of Global Distribution & Co-Productions at Sonar Entertainment. He was previously the CEO at Slingshot Global Media.

Cyrus Farrokh has been upped from VP of Distribution & Acquisitions to the SVP and Head of Sales at Electus International. Max Richards has been upped from Executive Assistant to Manager of Sales & Acquisitions at Electus International.

Eli Kirschner has been upped from Director of Development to the VP of Development at Syfy.

Stacey Kleiger has been upped from Production Manager to the VP of Production at Warrior Poets.

Chris Peña has been named the SVP of Local Media Television News at Univision Communications at Miami. He was previously the Senior Executive Producer at MSNBC. Lourdes Torres has been upped from VP, Regional News and Director of Special Projects to the SVP of Political Coverage & Special Projects at Univision. Eric Ratchman has been named the EVP of Content Distribution at Univision in New York. He was previously the SVP of Global Distribution Strategy & Business Development at Disney Media Networks.

Mario Ruiz has been upped from SVP of Talent Development & Strategy to the SVP of Music & Entertainment Projects at Telemundo in Miami.

Hillary Smotherman has been upped from Casting Producer to the Director of Casting at 44 Blue Productions.

Tara Taghizadeh has been upped from Publicist to Senior Publicist at BBC Worldwide North America.

Gaude Paez has been named the VP and Head of Corporate Communications at Hulu. She was previously the SVP Corporate Communications and Digital Publicity at Fox Broadcast Co. She will be based at Hulu’s headquarters in Santa Monica and reporting to Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins.

Steve November is leaving his post as Director of Drama at ITV after 16 years to pursue other opportunities. Prior to working at ITV he produced flagship ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

Amy Friedman has been named SVP Programming and Development for Sprout and will handle all content for the 24-hour preschool network, reporting to Frances Berwick, President of Lifestyle Networks, NBCUniversal. Friedman takes over for Andrew Beecham, who left the company in early 2016 after a 10-year tenure. Previously, she was the Senior Advisor for Scratch, Viacom’s creative team.

Management, PR, Agencies

Jennie Church-Cooper is now a Manager of Talent & Literary, Haven Entertainment She was formerly a Manager of Talent & Literary at  Principato-Young Entertainment.

Micaela Coria has been named the Executive Director of Business Strategy at BLKBX. She was formerly the VP of Operations at Evolution Holistic Medical Group. Paul Nguyen has been named the Executive Director of Operations at BLKBX. He was previously the Director of Operations at Sony DADC New Media Solutions.

Margaret Riley has been made Partner at Talent & Literary at Lighthouse Management & Media. She was formerly a Manager of Talent & Literary at Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Music, Digital, Publishing, Misc.

Jacqueline Vignone is now the VP of National Sales & Marketing at HelloGiggles, Time Inc.’s mobile- and social-first women’s brand. Previously, Vignone served as Director of Sales for CBS Digital Media Group.

Andrea Ching has been named the Chief Marketing Officer at social video analytics platform OpenSlate. She previously was the SVP of Integrated Marketing at Turner Broadcasting.

Brian McAndrews is leaving his role as Chairman, President and CEO of Pandora to pursue other opportunities. His role will be divided among three people. Founder Tim Westergren, will take over as CEO. Independent board member Jim Feuille will be the Chairman of the Board. CFO Mike Herring will also now be the company’s President.

Deborah Henderson has been named the General Counsel and Head of Production at Insurrection Media. In her new role she will launch and supervise Insurrection Media’s digital video production unit. Previously she served as General Counsel for Zodiak Americas.

Greg Durkin is now the Chief of Marketing at entertainment research firm Portent.IO. In this new role, Durkin will work alongside co-founder and CEO Hamish Brocklebank and co-founder Uri Grodzinski. Portent.IO is currently working with two studios across the marketing of both theatrical and home entertainment properties. He was formerly the SVP of Marketing Analytics at Warner Bros.

Niki Kazakos has been named the Unit Publicist at Chelsea (as of April 4th, 2016). She was formerly a Senior Publicist at Access Hollywood.

Kellyn Parker has been upped from Executive Producer to the VP, Partner Content at Funny or Die. Brian Toombs has been upped from Director of Strategy to the VP of Partner Content at Funny or Die.

Exec Shuffle For 4/4/16: Lionsgate Partnering with Kevin Hart, David Kosse Named President of STX Int’l, WWE Inks Deal with Snapchat

In other news, Mattel places content production under one umbrella with a new division, Paramount gets a new President of Domestic Distribution, Bond movie producer Barbara Broccoli has been named BAFTA’s VP for Film, and plenty more. Click the link to read on. (SSN)

CW President Mark Pedowitz Signs Deal to Stay With Network

Exec has signed a deal to continue as president of the broadcast network. Specifics of the agreement are not known, but it covers multiple years. Since joining the CW, Pedowitz has pushed  to broaden its audience, shifting away from the targeted focus on young female viewers favored by his predecessor, Dawn Ostroff. In 2011, when Pedowitz took over the network, the CW’s audience was 70% female and 30% male. This season, the audience is 52% female and 48% male. (VAR)

John Steinbeck Heirs Now Feuding Over Steven Spielberg ‘Grapes of Wrath’ Adaptation

Over the years, major Hollywood studios have flirted with making new adaptations of the author’s major works. But the long-running, messy dispute among his heirs has provided a headache for any film producer daring to move forward. On Friday, new court papers were filed that put alleged interference on movie deals front-and-center, including a Steven Spielberg adaptation of Grapes of Wrath potentially starring Daniel Day-Lewis. (HESQ)

Warner Bros. ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Movie Takes a Big Step Forward

Goosebumps director Rob Letterman has been hired to helm the adaptation, will be working from a screenplay by David Leslie Jones. This is the script that previously went under the name Chainmail and was actually originally based on another, more obscure property by D&D creator Gary Gygax. (EMP)

What Was Rumored Has Now Been Confirmed: Dave Bautista Joins the Cast Of ‘Blade Runner 2’

Guardians of the Galaxy and Spectre star will join Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford and Robin Wright in an important supporting role in Alcon Entertainment’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 masterpiece. Director Denis Villeneuve is directing from a script by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in July. (SF)

Today In TV Adaptation News: ‘Speedy Gonzales’ Eyed As Animated Feature At Warner Bros.

The fastest mouse in all of Mexico may be on its way to the big screen, as the beloved Looney Tunes mouse who can outrun the fastest of cats and whose Arriba! Arriba! Andale! Andale! cry was a Saturday morning staple for kids growing up in the 1960s, is being eyed as an animated feature at the studio with Mexico’s own beloved filmmaker/actor Eugenio Derbez voicing the mouse. (DH)

‘Blue Ruin’ & ‘Green Room’ Director Jeremy Saulnier Reportedly Directing Post-Edward Snowden Thriller ‘Defection’

Director is reportedly slated to helm the film for 20th Century Fox, based on the 1973 book The Defection of A.J. Lewinter by Robert Littell. Black List script by Ken Nolan follows an intelligence contractor who defects to North Korea, taking a mysterious bag with him, with the CIA hiring an expert trained during the Cold War to help with the case. (TP)

Following In the Footsteps Of AMC and Now BCC America, HBO Will Have Its Own Post-‘Game Of Thrones’ Talk Show

After the Thrones, a weekly show that takes a lively, humorous and sophisticated look at the hit  series, will debut this month, after the April 24th season premiere of Season Six. The first show to spring from HBO’s new partnership with Bill Simmons, show will be hosted by Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan from The Ringer, Simmons’ new content site. (CS)

Your Creative Calendar For April: 99 Things To Do, Hear and See This Month

Winter is not coming for a while, but its most famous prognosticator, Game of Thrones, is indeed coming back soon and welcoming us into full-throttle springtime. It won’t be alone either. HBO’s unstoppable Sunday night also features Veep and Silicon Valley. Along with these stellar shows, April will be showering us all with the first Key& Peele movie, new music from M83 and Katy B, and a bingeable bundle of new Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt episodes. (FCC)

Trailer Buzz: ‘Swiss Army Man’

A24 has released the first look at the Sundance Film Festival Directing Prize winner, starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe, and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheiner. It hits theaters in limited release June 17th. (IW)

From Sheryl Sandberg To Peter Chernin: Counting Down Potential Disney Successors

The sudden departure of Thomas Staggs as Walt Disney Company’s chief operating officer has blown open the race to succeed Bob Iger atop the entertainment giant. (VAR)

Will Ferrell, Sony & Temple Hill Warm To North Pole Expedition Tale

Sony Pictures, Temple Hill producers Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen and Will Ferrell will build a movie around one of the most snowy Arctic expeditions in history based on Guy Lawson’s article for The New York Times Magazine. (DH)

Charlize Theron, Diablo Cody, Jason Reitman Eyeing Motherhood Movie

After tackling Young Adult, actress Charlize Theron, director Jason Reitman, and screenwriter Diablo Cody are setting their sights on their next project, which is about motherhood and does not yet have a title. (EW)

Alec Baldwin And Scott Eastwood Starring In ‘Crown Vic’

The new cop film is set to star Alec Baldwin and Scott Eastwood. Joel Souze wrote and will direct the film starting next month in Los Angeles. (EMP)

2016 Webby Awards Nominees Announced

The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS) announced the nominees for the 20th anniversary presentation of the Webby Awards, highlighting the individuals, programs and movements that defined the digital space over the past year. (IW)

Diane Lane To Star In ‘The Cherry Orchard’ On Broadway

Diane Lane will play the lead role, Madame Lyubov Andreyevna Ranevskaya, in a revival of the Chekhov classic this fall. She first appeared as a child in the same production thirty-nine years ago. (NYT)

ABC Orders Mark Burnett-Steve Harvey Business Competition Series

After the Thrones
Network: HBO Network
Production Company(s): Bill Simmons Media Group
Executive Producer(s): Bill Simmons, Eric Weinberger
Logline: Each week, the show recaps the latest episode of “Game of Thrones,” explaining the who, what, when and where, exploring the complicated politics and history of the series, and offering absurd and not-so-absurd theories about future episodes.
Details: The show discusses the events on the series, “Game of Thrones,” which premiered on HBO in 2011.
SSN Insight: The series will premiere April 24 and continue throughout the upcoming sixth season. It’s the first TV project in HBO’s partnership with the former Grantland chief and ESPN personality. To be hosted by Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan from The Ringer.

Capital
Network: Pivot
Production Company(s): Kudos Film & Television
Executive Producer(s): Peter Bowker, Derek Wax, Lucy Richer
Writer(s): Peter Bowker
Logline: A London street is transformed by soaring property prices, inhabited by characters diverse in nationality, race, wealth and experience. There are stories of love, loss, wealth and envy, in a city where appearances can be deceptive and money can’t buy you happiness.
Details: Based on the novel, “Capital,” written by John Lanchester and published by W. W. Norton & Company on June 11, 2012.
SSN Insight: Out of MIPTV news, Pivot has acquired rights in the U.S., Shaw has taken Canada, and BBC Worldwide took Australia and New Zealand.

Cooper’s Treasure
Network: Discovery Channel
Production Company(s): AMPLE
Executive Producer(s): Ari Mark, Phil Lott, Joseph Boyle
Logline: Treasure hunter Darrell Miklos attempts to decode a treasure map of his boyhood idol and longtime friend, NASA astronaut Gordon Cooper. Along with a group of experienced explorers and researchers, Miklos is now setting out to uncover this treasure and fulfill his friend’s dream.
SSN Insight: Discovery gave a series order on March 30.

Dean Strang: Road To Justice
Production Company(s): Covert Media
Executive Producer(s): Dean Strang, Saul Goldberg
Logline: Series will investigate big legal cases that demonstrate major flaws in the criminal justice system. It will be shot in vérité style similar to Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. Strang, who examined a possible corruption of the legal system in his book on the 1917 Milwaukee bombing and the trial that followed.
SSN Insight: Former Steven Avery co-counsel Dean Strang starred in Netflix’s popular docuseries Making A Murderer. The eight-episode series, now in development, is the first TV project for Covert Media. Series is in development.

Elsewhere
Network: TV Land
Production Company(s): Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Executive Producer(s): Robin Schwartz
Writer(s): Noelle Valdivia, Corinne Kingsbury
Logline: A successful but shallow woman, after dying in a car accident, realizes she prioritized all the wrong things in her life. Now, she has a second chance to achieve enlightenment against all odds — in purgatory.
SSN Insight: Valdivia’s credits include Ash vs. Evil Dead, Manhattan and Masters of Sex.

Famous
Network: Fox Broadcasting Company
Studio: 20th Century Fox Television
Production Company(s): No Production Company Available.
Executive Producer(s): Ralph R Farquhar
Writer(s): Ralph R Farquhar, Ty Hodges
Logline: Dating high school teachers Fred and Geneva both secretly aspire to work in Hollywood. He wants to be a screenwriter and she envisions stardom as a pop diva. One of those dreams miraculously comes true when Geneva lands a record deal after her first music video goes viral and logs millions of views. As she rises to stardom, he feels pushed to the sidelines. Can this couple survive or will they discover that being famous and in love makes for a complicated threesome?
SSN Insight: Fox has given a series order of ten episodes.

Hard Evidence: OJ Is Innocent
Network: Investigation Discovery
Production Company(s): Objective Media Group America/All3Media America
Executive Producer(s): Martin Sheen, Jimmy Fox, Greg Lipstone, Layla Smith, William C. Dear
Logline: Series will focus on Dallas-based private investigator William C. Dear, who has gathered undisputed facts and critical new evidence to build a new theory that Simpson is innocent. He teams with former LAPD forensic psychologist Kris Mohandie and Rhode Island police Sgt. Derrick Levasseur to re-examine the case from beginning to end, revealing compelling new information that points the finger directly at a new suspect.
SSN Insight: The ordered six-episode series will also be narrated by Sheen. The series is from Objective Media Group America/All3Media America, with Jimmy Fox, Greg Lipstone, Layla Smith, Sheen and Dear serving as executive producers.

His Dark Materials
Network: BBC 1
Studio: New Line Cinema
Production Company(s): Scholastic Media, Bad Wolf
Executive Producer(s): Philip Pullman, Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, Toby Emmerich, Carolyn Blackwood
Writer(s): Jack Thorne
Logline: Orphan Lyra lives in a parallel universe, in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Based on the novel series.
Details: Based on the novel series, “His Dark Materials,” written by Philip Pullman and published by Alfred A. Knopf.
SSN Insight: BBC has given a series order.

Manifesto
Network: Discovery Channel
Production Company(s): Trigger Street Productions, Giant Pirates Entertainment
Executive Producer(s): Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Troy Searer, John Goldwyn
Writer(s): Andrew Sodroski
Logline: The show explores how the FBI caught infamous criminal masterminds, with each closed-ended season following a different case. The first season will focus on the FBI agent, a highly specialized linguist, who used unconventional means bring Ted Kaczynski, aka the “Unabomber,” to justice after nearly a 20-year manhunt.
Details: Based on real FBI cases.
SSN Insight: Discovery gave a series order on March 31.

Marcella
Network: Netflix
Production Company(s): Buccaneer Media
Executive Producer(s): Hans Rosenfeldt, Nicola Larder, Tony Wood
Writer(s): Hans Rosenfeldt
Logline: Set in contemporary London, a detective in her late 30s returns to the Metropolitan Police’s Murder Squad after a 12-year career break to start a family. With the abrupt end to her marriage and isolated from her daughter at boarding school, Marcella returns to work while attempting to make sense of what’s happened in her life. She is immediately assigned to investigate a spate of recent killings which bear the hallmarks of unsolved murders committed over a decade prior, a case on which she first worked in 2003. Has the killer reappeared or is a copycat murderer responsible for these recent deaths?
SSN Insight: Netflix has acquired exclusive worldwide streaming rights to the eight-part drama, sold by Cineflix Rights, premiering on ITV in the UK. Netflix will premiere it July 1.

Sacred Steel
Network: Discovery Channel
Production Company(s): Half Yard Productions
Executive Producer(s): Sean Gallagher, Abby Greensfelder, John Jones, Craig Coffman, Christo Doyle
Logline: A look inside one of the world’s most exclusive and unusual bike clubs, which also produces custom-made high-end motorcycles and restores vintage classics.
SSN Insight: Discovery has given a series order.

Sharp Objects
Network: HBO Network
Production Company(s): Blumhouse Productions, Entertainment One
Executive Producer(s): Gillian Flynn, Jason Blum, Charles Layton, Jessica Horowitz Rhoades, Marti Noxon
Writer(s): Marti Noxon
Logline: Centers on reporter Camille Preaker, who after a short stay at a psych hospital must return to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls — and deal with her neurotic, hypochondriac mother and the half-sister she barely knows. She must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story and survive the homecoming. Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn.
Details: Based on the novel, “Sharp Objects,” written by Gillian Flynn and published by Shaye Areheart Books on September 26, 2006.
SSN Insight: HBO has given a series order of eight episodes. Project was previously in development as a feature film.

The Secret Agent
Network: Acorn
Production Company(s): World Productions
Executive Producer(s): Polly Hill, Simon Heath
Writer(s): Tony Marchant
Logline: Verloc’s seedy Soho shop hides his role as an agent of the Russian Embassy, spying on a group of London anarchists. Furious that Britain tolerates violent extremists, the Russians want Verloc to provoke a bomb outrage that will trigger a government crackdown. Caught between the Russians and the British police, Verloc drags his unsuspecting family into a tragic terror plot.
Details: Based on the novel, “The Secret Agent,” written by Joseph Conrad and published in 1907.
SSN Insight: Content Television sold the show to RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn in the U.S. The four-parter will air BBC One later this year and will stream in the U.S via Acorn TV.

The Wheel
Network: Discovery Channel
Production Company(s): Pilgrim Studios
Executive Producer(s): Craig Piligian, Samuel Korkis, Joseph Boyle, Kyle Wheeler
Logline: Competitors attempt to survive inhospitable landscapes around the world. With little preparation time, participants switch from freezing tundra to parched deserts, rugged mountains, steamy jungles and other challenging environments, each of which requires a very different skills set.
SSN Insight: Discovery gave a series order on March 30.

Untitled Selena Gomez Aaron Kaplan Drama Series
Network: Freeform
Studio: Universal Cable Productions
Production Company(s): July Moon Productions, Kapital Entertainment
Executive Producer(s): Aaron Kaplan, Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey
Logline: The story is set in a low income Latino neighborhood and told through the eyes of an 18-year-old girl destined for greatness.
Details: Based on an idea by Aaron Kaplan, who was inspired by a speech given by Los Angeles high school student Ana Cobarrubias
SSN Insight: Kaplan also executive produced the Freeform series Chasing Life and Kevin From Work.

Untitled Steve Harvey Mark Burnett Reality Project
Network: ABC Entertainment Group
Studio: MGM Television Entertainment
Executive Producer(s): Steve Harvey, Mark Burnett
Logline: The show brings together sets of rival entrepreneurs who competitively pitch their ideas head to head in front of a live studio audience. The audience will then vote on which entrepreneur will receive funding for their idea. Steve Harvey will become the “funder of dreams,” as he brings his personal business experience and encouraging comedy as the host.
SSN Insight: ABC gave a series order of 13 episodes.

Comedy Central

Awkwafina
Network: Comedy Central
Logline: The series focuses on a heightened version of Nora Lum, better known as rapper Awkwafina, as she navigates the underground hip hop community in Queens.
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. Nora will next be seen in Neighbors 2 coming out this summer.

Best Seller
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Gloria Sanchez Productions
Executive Producer(s): Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Jessica Elbaum, Olivia Wilde
Writer(s): Nora Kirkpatrick, Dennis McNicholas
Logline: Set in the world of a third rate home shopping network. After the reigning queen of the channel is electrocuted on-air during a hair drying demonstration gone wrong, her three venomous power hungry disciples enter into a cutthroat competition for her coveted time slot.
SSN Insight: Nora Kirkpatrick’s past series include Chasing Life and Jennifer Falls. CC has given a script commitment.

Casey Vs.
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Casey Jost, Krister Johnson, Marla Ratner, Jim Biederman
Writer(s): Krister Johnson
Logline: The most extreme survival guide ever made teaches viewers how to handle everything from the zombie apocalypse to an alien invasion.
Details: Initial Commitment: Script
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. Johnson is a writer on Wet Hot American Summer: First Day At Camp and Children’s Hospital.

Delco Proper
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Tommy Pope, John McKeever
Writer(s): Tommy Pope, John McKeever
Logline: The series centers around a family owned lumber yard and its blue collar crew made up of hardworking locals who never left their hometown in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Details: Based on the Comedy Central digital series, “Delco Proper.”
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. John McKeever was a consulting producer on Almost Genius for truTV.

Do You Want To See A Dead Body?
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): FunnyOrDie, Abominable Pictures
Executive Producer(s): Rob Huebel, Jonathan Stern, Owen Burke, Nicholas Jasenovec
Writer(s): Rob Huebel
Logline: Rob takes a celebrity guest on a “Stand by Me” like quest to see a dead body, but along the way they get into all sorts of crazy adventures.
Details: Ordered to pilot.
SSN Insight: CC has given a pilot order. Rob Huebel will be seen in The House film for New Line.

Drunk Girl/High Guy
Network: Comedy Central
Writer(s): Sarah Walker
Logline: The series follows the adventures of two best friends and work wife/work husband in New York City – a girl who is almost always drunk, and a guy who is almost always high.
Details: Initial Commitment: Script
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. Walker was a story editor and writer on MTV’s Awkward.

East 89th
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Sean Donnelly, Danny Solomon
Writer(s): Sean Donnelly, Danny Solomon
Logline: The show centers around the dysfunctional doormen of a luxury high-rise building on East 89th Street in New York City.
Details: Based on Sean Donnelly’s real life experiences.

Initial Commitment: Script
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. Sean Donnelly is also behind the CC series Jeff and Some Aliens, ordered to series and The Amazing Danny in development.

Germany
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Free Association
Executive Producer(s): Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Peter Kiernan
Logline: A community of germs live in a Petri dish at the University of Berlin. The series explores the trials and tribulations of diverse microorganisms living in a microcosm of our world – complete with political scandals, climate change and vaccination deniers.
Details: Initial Commitment: Pilot presentation
SSN Insight: Channing Tatum will star and produce the animated series that was given a pilot presentation order.

GERP
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Electric Dynamite
Executive Producer(s): Jack Black
Writer(s): Dick Blasucci, Janine DiTullio
Logline: This show within a show follows a federal worker who hosts a government produced variety TV show from inside his cubicle during the work day. It’s all part of the Government Entertainment Recovery Program created in response to a decline in the American spirit and laughter over the past 10 years. Their mission statement is simple, give every American citizen a reason to feel good about themselves again through ‘high energy’ bipartisan entertainment.
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. Black’s also an EP on the Comedy Central Untitled Female Basketball Team Comedy Project in the pilot stage.

Hood Adjacent
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Executive Producer(s): James Davis, Doug Karo, Alex Murray, Shawna Kornberg
Writer(s): James Davis, Doug Karo
Logline: James Davis, who was born and raised in South Central, one block away from where the sh** goes down, uses his multifaceted hybrid brand of comedy to share his unique take on the world.
Details: Based on the Comedy Central original series, “Swag-A-Sauraus with James Davis” on Snapchat Discover.
SSN Insight: CC gave a pilot order.

Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Jeff Ross, Joel Gallen, Amy Zvi, Willie Mercer, Brian Moses
Logline: The special is a no-holds-barred verbal boxing match where comedians go head-to-head in a battle of wit and insults. Led by the Roastmaster General, Jeff Ross, and the referee/comedian, Brian Moses, this Fight Club of comedy is presented in a bracket style competition where two comics in each round face off, roast each other and a winner is declared by a celebrity panel of judges.
SSN Insight: CC has given a series order.

Jeff Ross Roasts the Police
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Jeff Ross, Nick McKinney, Meghan O’Hara, Stu Miller, Amy Zvi
Logline: Jeff looks at the complicated national issues surrounding policing; from race, profiling and excessive force to the risks officers take every day and the effect that police work has on their lives, families and health. To understand what it means to be a cop in America today, Ross steps behind the thin blue line for a ride-along/Roast-along with a cross section of officers from a major, metropolitan police force. Along the way, Jeff meets with perps, anti-police activists, newly-minted cadets and seasoned top brass.
SSN Insight: CC has given a series order. Ross is currently seen on the series Dr. Ken in the role of Doug.

Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): 3 Arts Entertainment, Hartbeat Productions
Executive Producer(s): Kevin Hart, Dave Becky, Leland Wiggington, Michele Armour
Logline: Kevin Hart travels to different cities to explore the local comedy scenes in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Birmingham, Miami and Sacramento. He introduces some of the newest voices in comedy today.
SSN Insight: CC gave a series order of eight episodes.

Legal-ish
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): On the Day Productions
Executive Producer(s): Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone
Writer(s): David Storrs, Steve Mallory
Logline: A well-meaning slacker finds himself on the jury bench of the longest-running case at his local courthouse.
SSN Insight: CC gave an initial script commitment.

Live From Everywhere
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Sharp Entertainment
Executive Producer(s): Matt Sharp, Dan Adler
Logline: The series uses live streams to orchestrate unpredictable hangouts with celebrities and comedians.
SSN Insight: CC ordered the pilot. Dan Adler also has EP credits on Deadliest Job Interview, Hack My Life, Tethered, Call of the Wildman and others.

New Timers
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Matt Porter, Charlie Hankin
Logline: After an apocalyptic event, two guys now live their day-to-day in what’s left of Brooklyn, looking for adventures, new friends and ways to pass the time.
Details: Based on the Comedy Central digital series, “New Timers,” which premiered in 2014.
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment.

Problematic with Moshe Kasher
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): 3 Arts Entertainment, Serious Business
Executive Producer(s): Moshe Kasher, Alex Blagg, Jason U. Nadler, Jonathan Zimelis, Dave Becky
Writer(s): Alex Blagg
Logline: Moshe Kasher uses his own brand of “comedy journalism” to crawl into the social media muck of our most polarizing issues, provocative questions and heated arguments and dissect them in front of a studio audience. The show seeks to understand the current culture of online outrage and discuss previously unexamined viewpoints on a number of topics in a stimulating and comedic debate.
SSN Insight: CC has ordered the pilot. Moshe Kasher can be seen in the latest Zoolander film.

Rudy
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Pacific Electric Picture Co.
Executive Producer(s): Ed Helms, Michael Falbo
Writer(s): Robert Padnick
Logline: Childish “cholo” Rudy Cisneros, after serving a 15-year prison sentence, wants to dissociate from gang life and start being there for his wife, kids and abuelita.
Details: Based on Mike Catherwood’s childhood and his “Rudy” character on “Loveline.”
SSN Insight: CC has given an initial commitment of a pilot presentation.

Storytime
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Above Average Production Company
Executive Producer(s): Chioke Nassor
Logline: Three comedians recreate personal stories by playing every character in their story in dreamlike reenactments. In between segments, the performers and a host sit at a roundtable dissecting and reacting to one another’s stories in front of a live audience.
Details: Based on the web series created by Chioke Nassor.
SSN Insight: CC gave a pilot order. Nassor was a director and staff writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Tijuana Beach
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): UnbeliEVAble Entertainment
Executive Producer(s): Tommy Dewey, Greg Bratman, Al Madrigal, Eva Longoria
Writer(s): Tommy Dewey, Greg Bratman, Al Madrigal
Logline: A Mexican American father inherits a rundown resort from his uncle and relocates his family to Mexico.
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment.

Typical Rick
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): CC Studios
Logline: Nick Swardson and Simon Rex are best friends from the Midwest who move to Hollywood in an attempt to chase their dreams. Unfortunately for this odd couple, Rick turns out to be the worst “plus one” in history, constantly imploding any chance of success with the same inappropriate party-guy antics he’s displayed their whole lives.
SSN Insight: Ordered to series, but will be a digital series composed of five episodes.

Untitled Jessica Williams Comedy Project
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Jessica Williams
Writer(s): Jessica Williams, Naomi Ekperigin
Logline: Storyline under wraps.
SSN Insight: CC gave a pilot order. CC has signed a talent development deal with The Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams.

Untitled Jordan Klepper Project
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Jordan Klepper, Kirsten Ames
Logline: Jordan Klepper hosts a late-night talk show.
SSN Insight: CC has given an initial commitment of a pilot presentation. CC has signed a talent development deal with Jordan Klepper.

Untitled Justin Willman Project
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Executive Producer(s): Justin Willman, Chris Hardwick, Stuart Miller, Alex Murray, Tim Sarkes
Logline: Comedian Justin Willman aims to fix the world’s greatest problems and social injustices using the only logical method we have left: Magic.
SSN Insight: CC gave a pilot order.

Untitled Kevin Hart Stand-Up Series
Network: Comedy Central
Production Company(s): 3 Arts Entertainment, Hartbeat Productions
Executive Producer(s): Kevin Hart, Dave Becky, Leland Wiggington
Logline: Kevin Hart will spotlight one up-and-coming comedian each episode.
SSN Insight: CC gave a series order of six episodes.

Untitled Kyle Dunnigan Project
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Kyle Dunnigan, Kim Caramele, Amy Schumer
Writer(s): Kyle Dunnigan, Kim Caramele
Logline: Set at a superhero academy where a professor has unimpressive powers.
SSN Insight: CC gave an initial script commitment. Kyle Dunnigan was recently seen in the film Trainwreck.

Untitled Rachel Feinstein Comedy Project
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Rachel Feinstein, Amy Schumer, Kim Caramele, Brennan Shroff, Steve Ast
Logline: Featuring hidden camera segments, Feinstein goes undercover to perform social experiments that tackle a different issue or theme each week. The series includes stand-up, sketch and conversations with comedians where Feinstein riffs on the week’s theme.
SSN Insight: CC has given a pilot order.

Used People
Network: Comedy Central
Executive Producer(s): Michelle Wolf, Dan Soder, Brian Stern, Daniel Bodansky
Writer(s): Michelle Wolf, Dan Soder
Logline: Uptight Michelle and stoner Dan spend their days arguing, obsessing over their messy personal lives and – theoretically – selling used cars.
Details: Based on the Comedy Central digital series, “Used People,” which premiered in 2016.
SSN Insight: CC has given a script commitment. Wolf also provided voice talent on The Awesomes.

Even though summer movie season hasn’t hit yet, there’s still plenty happening in the month of April. If you’re in Los Angeles, the incredibly immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7. You can drink your weight in Butter Beer, find the perfect wand or send a letter via the Owl Post.

Over on the East Coast beginning April 13 The Tribeca Film Festival will be held through April 24. The festival was founded in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff. In Brooklyn, a fun event entitled, the Disposable Film Festival will be held at Videology on April 27. It’s a celebration of films made on phones and with other nontraditional equipment.

On the film side, Disney is releasing the live-action heavy CGI The Jungle Book on Friday, April 15. The film was meant with a copious amount of excitement at Disney’s D23 convention in Anaheim. It’s also chance to pay homage to the talented Gary Shandling as he voices a scene-stealing porcupine Ikki in the Jon Favreau-directed feature.

Not to be outdone, TV is bringing it with HBO premiering Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley and VEEP all on Sunday, April 24. Word has it that Jon Snow may or may not be returning from the dead. On April 21 Inside Amy Schumer returns on Comedy Central. If you can’t wait, Comedy Central has posted a hilarious sketch featuring Schumer, entitled “Betsy Ross”, riffing on the hit Broadway musical Hamilton (view it here).

For all the events coming in April, check out SSN’s calendar below:

April Events Calendar

Friday, April 1
Happy April’s Fools Day
Happy Birthday Debbie Reynolds, Asa Butterfield
TV- Banshee on Cinemax, Confessions – It’s Complicated (NEW) on YouTube, Driven to Love (NEW) on WE, Kendra on Top WE, Lost & Found Music Studios (NEW) on Netflix, Motive on USA, The Ranch (NEW) on Netflix, Two Doors Down (NEW) on BBC 2, Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse on OWN, Walk the Prank (NEW) on Disney XD, What If We Get Married? (NEW) on TLC, Wynonna Earp (NEW) on SyFy
FILM- Miles Ahead, Pandemic, Kill Your Friends, Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart, The Dark Horse, Standing Tall, Francofonia, God’s Not Dead 2, Darling, Meet the Blacks, Natural Born Pranksters
Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Public Television Grants: Submission Deadline

Saturday, April 2
Happy Birthday Michael Fassbender
TV- Deadly Possessions (NEW) on Travel, House Hunters Renovation on HGTV, My Cat From Hell from Animal Planet, The Dead Files on Travel

Sunday, April 3
Happy Birthday Eddie Murphy, Cobie Smulders
TV- Call the Midwife on PBS, Ghost Asylum on Destination America, Guy’s Grocery Games Redemption Tournament (NEW) on Food, Home Fires on PBS, Snapped: Killer Couples on Oxygen, The Durrells (NEW) on ITV, The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (NEW) on NatGeo, Who Do You Think You Are? on TLC

Monday, April 4
Happy Birthday Robert Downey Jr.
TV- Black Ink Crew on VH1, Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta on VH1, Marcella (NEW) on Netflix, Plebs on ITV, Southern Charm on Bravo, Yard Crashers on DIY
Bologna’s Children’s Book Fair Through April 7

Tuesday, April 5
Happy Birthday Pharrell Williams
TV- America’s Greatest Makers (NEW) on TBS, Chasing Destiny (NEW) on BET, Storage Wars on A&E
FILM- Temps
Upfronts- Azteca America in Chicago

Wednesday, April 6
Happy Birthday Paul Rudd, Zach Braff
TV- The Real Housewives of New York City on Bravo, Two in a Million (NEW) on TLC
Rooftop Film Club Through May 31 at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre , Hollywood
Upfronts- Scripps Networks in Los ANgeles

Thursday, April 7
Happy Birthday Jackie Chan, Russell Crowe
TV- Mysteries at the Museum on Travel, River Monsters on Animal Planet, The Odd Couple on CBS
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival Through April 10
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood
New York Antiquarian Book Fair Through April 10

Friday, April 8
Happy Birthday John Schneider
TV- Catastrophe on Amazon
FILM- Louder Than Bombs, The Invitation, Before I Wake, The Boss, Demolition, Hardcore Henry, Mr. Right, One More Time, 11 Minutes, Wedding Doll, The Dead Room, High Strung
Deadline for Regular Submission for DOC NYC

Saturday, April 9
Happy Birthday Hugh Hefner, Kristen Stewart, Elle Fanning
TV- Outlander on Starz
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Through April 10 at USC
Renaissance Pleasure Faire Through May 22 in the San Gabriel Valley
The 6^th Annual LGBT Rainbow Book Fair in Brooklyn

Sunday, April 10
Happy Birthday Mandy Moore, Steven Seagal, Charlie Hunnam
TV- A Woman Scorned: Doctor Foster (NEW) on Lifetime, Dice (NEW) on Showtime, Fear The Walking Dead on AMC, House of Lies on Showtime, Spring Baking Championship on Food, The Girlfriend Experience (NEW) on Starz, The Other Kingdom (NEW) on Nickelodeon
AWARDS- MTV Movie Awards

Monday, April 11
Happy Birthday Michelle Phan
TV- Behind The… (NEW) on VH1, Cake Masters (NEW) on Food, Hunters (NEW) on SyFy, Iron & Fire (NEW) on History, The Detour (NEW) on TBS, The Real Housewives of Dallas (NEW) on Bravo

Tuesday, April 12
Happy Birthday David Letterman
TV- 24 to Life (NEW) on Lifetime, Game of Silence (NEW) on NBC, Living With Funny (NEW) on Oxygen, The Jamz (NEW) on Netflix
Upfronts- Azteca America in New York

Wednesday, April 13
Happy Birthday Ron Perlman, Allison Williams
TV- S.T.R.O.N.G. (NEW) on NBC, What’s For Sale: With a View (NEW) on Destination America
Upfronts- Scripps Networks in Chicago, Discovery (In-Agency) in Los Angeles Through April 14
Tribeca Film Festival Through April 24

Thursday, April 14
Happy Birthday Abigail Breslin, Sarah Michelle Gellar
TV- After the Black (NEW) on BBC America, American Grit (NEW) on  FOX, Orphan Black on BBC America, The Dude Perfect Show (NEW) on CMT, The Ed Bassmaster Show (NEW) on CMT
FILM- We the People: The Market Basket Effect

Friday, April 15
Happy Birthday Seth Rogen, Emma Watson
TV- Ghost Brothers (NEW) on Destination America, Kong: King of the Apes (NEW) on Netflix, The Five (NEW) on Sky 1, Thunderbirds Are Go (NEW) on Amazon, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix
FILM- Rio, I Love You, The Adderall Diaries, Criminal, The Jungle Book, Fan, Sing Street, Barbershop: The Next Cut, Green Room, Colonia, Sky, The Measure of a Man, Pocha: Manifest Destiny, Paradox, My Big Night, Our Last Tango, The First Monday in May, The Syndrome
Coachella Through April 24 in Los Angeles

Saturday, April 16
Happy Birthday Akon, Martin Lawrence
TV- Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet on Animal Planet
Beijing International Film Festival Through April 23
Record Store Day in Los Angeles

Sunday, April 17
Happy Birthday Victoria Bekham, Jennifer Garner
TV- #RichKids of Beverly Hills on E!, Mr. Pickles on Cartoon, The Good Witch on Hallmark

Monday, April 18
Happy Birthday Kourtney Kardashian, David Tennant, Jeff Dunham
TV- 12 Monkeys on SyFy, Hotel Impossible on Travel
Upfronts- BET Network in Chicago

Tuesday, April 19
Happy Birthday James Franco
TV- Containment (NEW) on CW
Upfronts- Scripps Networks in Minneapolis

Wednesday, April 20
Happy Birthday George Takei, Jessica Lange
TV- Dance-Off Juniors (NEW) on Verizon, There Goes the Motherhood (NEW) on Bravo, Time Traveling Bong (NEW) on Comedy Central
Upfronts- Crackle in New York, BET in New York

Thursday, April 21
Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II, Iggy Pop, James McAvoy
TV- Alone on History, Comedy Knockout (NEW) on truTV, Inside Amy Schumer on Comedy Central, Million Dollar Listing New York on Bravo
Upfronts- Azteca America in Dallas, MTV in New York

Friday, April 22
Happy Birthday Jack Nicholson
FILM- Nina, Elvis & Nixon, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, A Hologram for the King, Tale of Tales, Hockney: A Life in Pictures, Sworn Virgin, The Meddler, Precious Cargo, Men & Chicken, Compadres

Saturday, April 23
Happy Birthday George Lopez
TV- The Vanilla Ice Project on DIY
Broke LA Music & Arts Festival in Los Angeles

Sunday, April 24
Happy Birthday Barbra Streisand, Kelly Clarkson
TV- Barnwood Builders on DIY, Game of Thrones on HBO, Silicon Valley on HBO, Veep on HBO

Monday, April 25
Happy Birthday Al Pacino
TV- Monica the Medium on Freeform, Street Outlaws on Discovery, Turn on AMC

Tuesday, April 26
Happy Birthday Jet Li, Channing Tatum
TV- Animal Planet Presents (NEW) on Animal Planet, Chopped Junior on Food
Upfronts- LATV in New York
Toronto International Film Festival Submission Deadline

Wednesday, April 27
Happy Birthday Jenna Coleman, Patrick Stump
Upfronts- Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel & World Fishing Network in New York
Documentamadrid International Madrid Documentary Film Festival Through May 8
Disposable Film Festival in Brooklyn at Videology

Thursday, April 28
Happy Birthday Jay Leno, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba
Hot Docs Festival Through May 8 in Toronto
Deadline on Call for Projects for Sunny Side of the Doc 2016
Iggy Pop + Joshua Homme at the Greek

Friday, April 29
Happy Birthday Jerry Seinfeld, Willie Nelson
FILM- The Man Who Knew Infinity, Papa: Hemingway in Cuba, The Family Fang, A Beautiful Planet, Ratchet & Clank, Term Life, Sacrifice, Keanu, Mother’s Day
Bob’s Burgers Live at The Wiltern
Will Ferrell and Chad Smith’s Red Hot Benefit Comedy + Music Show at USC

Saturday, April 30
Happy Birthday Dianna Argon, Johnny Galecki, Kirsten Dunst
Comedy Bang Bang at The Theatre at the Ace Hotel
Stagecoach Festival Through May 1 in Los Angeles
Dapper Day at Disneyland
The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival Through May 1 at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

–Note all events are subject to change. If you would like to add events to our monthly calendar, please email marketing@ssninsider.com with the details.–

SSN ORIGINALS

SSN Events Calendar: Tribeca Film Fest, LA Festival of Books, Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ & ‘Game of Thrones’ All Headed for April

Even though summer movie season hasn’t hit yet, there’s still plenty happening this month. If you’re in LA, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on the 7th. Over on the East Coast, The Tribeca Film Festival opens the 13th. On the film side, Disney is releasing the live-action heavy CGI The Jungle Book on the 15th, and on TV, HBO premieres Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley and VEEP on the 24th. Check out SSN’s calendar. (SSN)

TV Development for 4/5/16: All the U.S. Acquisitions Out of MIPTV Plus Comedy Central Releases Development Slate

In other news, HBO announces a post-Game of Thrones talk show with Bill Simmons, Pivot gets rolling with a new drama series set in London, and the Discovery Channel announces a new series featuring a real life treasure hunter. There’s plenty more, of course, so click the link to read on. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

‘Wicked’ Composer Calls for North Carolina Boycott: “Expect Consequences” for Anti-LGBT Laws

As composer and lyricist of the fastest Broadway production in history to reach $1 billion in ticket sales, Stephen Schwartz has inspired a generation of theater fans to live by the “Defying Gravity” credo: “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.” Now Schwartz is putting his money where that message is. He has pledged to keep Wicked out of the state until the newly passed Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act is struck down. (TB)

Disney Inks New Deal With Comcast To Sell Digital Movies

Customers of the cable giant will now be able to purchase a selection of the studio’s new releases and library films, under a new licensing pact between the companies. Starting today, Comcast customers can buy Star Wars: The Force Awakens directly from their TVs or via the Xfinity website. Movies covered under the deal will come from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Disneynature and Touchstone Pictures. (VAR)

Jared Leto Has Chosen His Next Project, and It’s a World War II Yakuza Thriller

The Oscar winner will star in Martin Zandvliet’s action-thriller The Outsider. With a screenplay penned by Andrew Baldwin, principal photography is currently set to begin this fall. Set in post-WWII Japan, film tells the story of an imprisoned America soldier who is released with the help of his Yakuza cellmate. Now free, he sets out to earn their respect and repay his debt while navigating the dangerous criminal underworld. (CS)

Netflix Negotiating To Complete and Distribute Orson Welles’ ‘The Other Side Of The Wind’

It has been a long and winding road for the late filmmaker’s final, unfinished project. For years, there has been a concerted effort to try and complete the director’s “lost” film, but it has been slow going. Now, the online streaming giant is negotiating with producers for a two-picture, $5 million deal that would include the completed The Other Side Of The Wind, along with a companion documentary. (TP)

Mark Hamill and Kathleen Kennedy Reveal New ‘Force for Change’ Campaign

During filming on The Force Awakens, fans were offered all kinds of incentives to donate as part of the charitable “Force for Change” campaign benefiting UNICEF. It raised over $10 million, and now the folks behind Star Wars want to do it again. This new campaign will benefit UNICEF Kid Power, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Make-A-Wish. Starting today, the campaign will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $1 million. (COL)

Joel McHale to Portray Chevy Chase in Netflix’s National Lampoon Origins Movie

Actor is in final negotiations to portray Chevy Chase, with whom he starred in NBC’s Community, in Netflix’s tragic story of National Lampoon co-founder Douglas Kenney, A Futile and Stupid Gesture. Will Forte is starring as Kenney with Domnhall Gleeson as fellow co-founder Henry Beard in the feature being directed by David Wain, the co-creator of Wet Hot American Summer. (THR)

Fox Orders 10 Episodes of New Comedy Series From Ralph Farquhar and Ty Hodges

Network continues to add content from black creatives to its upcoming slate, today ordering a new half-hour comedy from the pair of creators titled Famous, which will debut Sunday, June 12th. A 10-episode season of the new series will follow a young couple whose relationship is tested when one of them skyrockets to stardom virtually overnight. (SAA)

Trailer Buzz: ‘The BFG’

Disney has released the first look at the upcoming adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Oscar winner Mark Rylance, Bill Hader, Jemaine Clement, Penelope Wilton and Rebecca Hall, it opens July 1st. (YT)

‘People V OJ Simpson’s’ Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski To Script Amazon Pic On Mount Rushmore Sculptor

Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski made a deal with Amazon Studios to script a feature on the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose work includes the presidential heads on Mount Rushmore. Amazon acquired Great Men, a feature the duo pitched which they’ll script based on the John Taliaferro book Great White Fathers. (DH)

Aaron Stockard Set To Write Ben Affleck’s ‘Bunker Hill’ Movie

Warner Bros. has signed Aaron Stockard to adapt Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution, set up three years ago as a possible directing vehicle for Ben Affleck. (VAR)

Verizon to Acquire Stake In AwesomenessTV

Verizon has agreed to purchase a 24.5 percent stake in AwesomenessTV, the teen- and tween-skewing online video producer owned by DreamWorks Animation and Hearst. Verizon will also create a short-form mobile video service featuring online talent. (THR)

New Line Acquires NBA Draft Imposter Video For SpringHill’s LeBron James & Maverick Carter And Madica

New Line Cinema and LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment have acquired rights to an Elite Daily video by senior humor writer Connor Toole that went viral last year. (DH)

Ryan Eggold To Co-Star In ‘Blacklist’ Spin-Off

Ryan Eggold, who currently stars as the mysterious Tom Keen in The Blacklist, will officially reprise his role in the NBC spin-off show should it move forward. (TVG)

Cillian Murphy Reteams With Christopher Nolan For ‘Dunkirk’

Murphy is joining newcomer Fionn Whitehead in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. The film is inspired by Operation Dynamo, the miraculous evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from the French seaport of Dunkirk, which took place from May-June of 1940. (IW)

Jesse Plemons Joins Christian Bale In Scott Cooper’s ‘Hostiles’

Screenwriters: ‘Field of Dreams’

Verizon will acquire an approximate 24.5% stake in multi-platform media company AwesomenessTV. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. DreamWorks Animation, which bought AwesomenessTV in 2013 for $33 million, will retain a controlling stake in the company, with 51% ownership of outstanding shares, while Hearst will keep the 24.5% it acquired for $81 million in 2014. Brian Robbins, AwesomenessTV Founder and CEO, and Brett Bouttier, AwesomenessTV’s President, will continue to head the company.

Verizon has also entered into a multi-year agreement with AwesomenessTV to fund a new independent brand that will produce premium, transactional short-form mobile video content for Go90 in the U.S., with AwesomenessTV retaining the right to sell content in the rest of the world. The goal is to create content that has production values on par with broadcast TV.

Both regions of the WGA reached a tentative pact with CBS News for a new three-year contract. The pact covers upwards of 300 news writers, producers, editors, graphic artists, production assistants and promotion writers working in the network’s TV and radio news operations on both coasts. The agreement now has to be ratified by the guilds’ members and will replace the old contract that had been set to expire today.

Writer-producer Bob Daily has signed on for another two years under his overall deal with CBS TV Studios. He is the current executive producer/showrunner on the studio’s Odd Couple, starring Matthew Perry, which returns for a second season on April 7. He also is the co-creator/executive producer/showrunner on the studio’s CBS comedy pilot Superior Donuts with Jermaine Fowler, Brian d’Arcy James and Maz Jobrani.

Producer Liz Feldman has signed a two-year overall deal with CBS TV Studios to develop new projects for network, cable, and streaming services. Feldman created and executive produced the NBC comedy series One Big Happy. Her other credits include five seasons as a writer/producer on CBS’ comedy series 2 Broke Girls and a writer-producer stint on Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Vivendi is close to securing a deal to take control of Mediaset’s pay TV arm, Mediaset Premium. The deal would see Vivendi buy a 3.5% stake in Mediaset proper in exchange for an equal stake in Vivendi given to Mediaset. The deal will also encompass internet video, with a partnership spanning Mediaset’s Infinity offering and Vivendi’s Watchever service. Mediaset Premium has struggled to make headway against rival Sky in Italy, but, it’s been rumored Vivendi would use its stake in Telecom Italy to create synergies between the two groups.  The deal would give Vivendi access to free and pay TV operations in France, Italy and Spain, creating a formidable competitor to Netflix.

Twitter has signed a new agreement with the NFL that will allow it to stream 10 Thursday Night Football games, including pre and post-game shows and behind the scenes videos on the company’s Periscope service. The deal was not without competition as Verizon, Yahoo, and Amazon were rumored to have also bid for the NFL streaming package. To protect the broadcasters, Twitter will have two minutes per hour of ad inventory for local spots that would supplement, not replace, the national ones.

Red Arrow Entertainment Group has acquired a minority stake in indie production company Mad Rabbit. Under the deal, Red Arrow International will distribute Mad Rabbit’s projects internationally. Based in Toronto and Los Angeles, the Rabbit produces high-end drama for the international market. Canadian director, writer and showrunner Kari Skogland, whose credits include House of Cards and Vikings will be the CEO. The board of directors will be chaired by former Entertainment Group CEO Peter Sussman. Elsie Choi will lead development in Los Angeles. She was a former executive for Bruce Willis.

Nielsen and Dish Network have inked a multiyear agreement to integrate Dish’s aggregated set-top-box data initially into Nielsen’s Local TV Measurement service across all 210 designated market areas. This is the first nationwide dataset to be calibrated with Nielsen’s panel to provide deeper granularity and demographic descriptiveness. Nielsen will also utilize Dish’s set-top-box data to balance many of its local and national products including Nielsen Scarborough, Nielsen Data Fusion, Nielsen Media Custom Insights, and multiple national insight services.

Endemol Shine has launched Endemol Shine Studios Israel, based in Tel Aviv. The new shingle will invest in local writers, showrunners and onscreen talent to develop and produce scripted series for distribution around the world. Gal Zaid will be the Director of drama and comedy, reporting to Endemol Shine Israel’s CEO Elad Kuperman.

Reel One Entertainment and UP TV have signed an international development, production and distribution deal to develop scripted content to premiere on the cable net. The deal marks the network’s continued expansion in original programming and allows UP to develop its relationship with Reel One Entertainment, the producer and distributor of its first scripted series, Ties that Bind.

Time Inc. will acquire This Old House Ventures and all of its associated media properties, including two TV series, online destination, magazine and line of books, as well as capabilities including custom video production and digital marketing. Under the pact, Old House Ventures President Eric Thorkilsen will become Chief Executive of the company.

Women In Film and Franklin Leonard‘s The Black List have launched the Women In Film/The Black List Episodic Lab, for women TV writers. It will run for eight weeks, starting in the fall, with eight women writers to be selected. The initiative features script development, workshopping sessions and master classes with established writers and industry executives. Participants will have their pilots read by agencies and networks.

BWR: Mariah Carey will now be repped by BWR Public Relations. The world renowned singer is planning an eight-episode docuseries on her private life with E! entitled Mariah’s World. On the features side she has written a story as the basis of an Untitled Christmas Project with New Line and RatPac. Her past films include Lee Daniel’s The Butler and Precious.

WME: Actress Jessica Biel has shifted from CAA to WME. She recently produced the feature Devil and the Deep Blue Sea which she also starred in opposite Jason Sudeikis, and will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. She also recently wrapped A Kind of Murder for Killer Films with Patrick Wilson. Her credits include The Illusionist, The A-Team, and Valentine’s Day.

Abrams: Actor Balthazar Getty has signed with Abrams Artists Agency. He will be seen in the upcoming Twin Peaks revival on Showtime. He was previously on Brothers & Sisters and was a series regular on season five of Alias.

WME: Steven Tyler has shifted from CAA to WME, where he will be repped in all areas.  Paradigm will continue to represent Aerosmith for touring. In addition to selling 150 million records sold worldwide as part of the rock band Aerosmith, he also began Janie’s Fund which will partner with Youth Villages to fund programs that treat sexually abused children. He will also release his first solo album later this year from country label Dot Records/Big Machine.

CAA: U.K.-based independent production company Arrow Media has signed with CAA. Its credits include shows on American networks such as Science Channel’s Aliens: The Definitive Guide and Investigation Discovery’s ID Films: Inside Waco. In 2014, NatGeo simulcast Arrow’s award winning Live From Space, and Discovery will air its BAFTA-nominated documentary Sherpa later this year.

Abrams: Reality star Ramona Singer has signed with Abrams Artists Agency. She is currently on Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York which returns for its eighth season. She will work with Abrams on digital and branding opportunities. Aside from TV, her businesses include Ramona Wines, True Faith Jewelry and Tru Renewal Skincare.

ICM: Nonfiction storytelling incubator Matter Studios has signed with ICM Partners. The company is owned by online publishing platform Medium. They were previously known as Medium’s National Magazine Award-winning longform unit. The studio will finance and guide unique voices to develop their own brands via various platforms, including podcasts, books, live events and streaming television.

UTA: Author Ta-Nehisi Coates has signed with UTA for film and television projects. The author won the National Book Award for Between the World and Me, about being an African-American man in today’s America written as a letter to his teenage son. He is also a national correspondent for The Atlantic, where he won multiple awards including a National Magazine Award for the cover story, “The Case for Reparations.” In addition, he has written the Black Panther comic book for Marvel and has scripted part of David Simon’s upcoming HBO civil rights mini-series Parting the Waters.

CAA: TV producer Daniel Levy has signed with CAA. He is the co-creator, executive producer/showrunner and co-star of the comedy series Schitt’s Creek, which he created with his father, Eugene Levy that airs on Pop. It has been renewed for a third season, slated to begin production this month. The series won nine awards at the 2016 Canadian Screen Awards including Best Comedy Series, and a writing trophy for Daniel Levy.

UTA: Actor-comedian Billy Eichner has shifted from WME to UTA. He is the star, executive producer and creator of truTV’s Funny or Die-produced variety sketch series Billy on the Street. He also stars with Julie Klausner on the Hulu original comedy series Difficult People, executive produced by Amy Poehler. The actor will next be seen in the Universal Pictures comedy Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and will be heard as the voice of Chef Pig and Phillip, in Sony Pictures’ The Angry Birds Movie.

ICM: Writer-director Matthew Cherry has signed with ICM Partners to be represented in all areas. He was previously a NFL player. In 2012, he made his first feature film as a writer-director with The Last Fall, which won screenwriting and directing awards at film festivals and sold during SXSW to Image Entertainment. He returned to SXSW this year with his low-budget feature 9 Rides.

SSN ORIGINALS

Rep Moves for 4/6/16: Mariah Carey Signs with BWR, Steven Tyler and Jessica Biel Both Shift from CAA to WME

It’s been one of the busiest weeks in recent memory in regard to this kind of thing. Billy Eichner, for one, made a big move, as has the creator of Schitt’s Creek, and talented novelist Ta-Nehisi Coates, who has a new agent for film and TV projects. Click the link to read on. (SSN)

Film & TV Deals for 4/6/16: Twitter to Stream NFL Games, Verizon Acquires Stake in AwesomenessTV, Nielsen and Dish to Share Data

In other news, WGA East and West both come to a new agreement with CBS News, Time Inc. makes a major acquisition, Reel One Entertainment and UP TV sign a big deal together, and lots more. To keep reading about it, click the link. (SSN)

OTHER HEADLINES

Netflix’s National Lampoon Origins Movie Adds Yet Another Talented Funny Man

Thomas Lennon, who stars opposite Matthew Perry in CBS’s remake of The Odd Couple, has joined the cast of the tragic story of National Lampoon co-founder Douglas Kenney, A Futile and Stupid Gesture. Will Forte is starring as Kenney alongside Domnhall Gleeson as fellow co-founder Henry Beard and Joel McHale as Chevy Chase. The feature starts shooting later this month, with David Wain in the director’s chair. (THR)

On the Eve Of Disney Releasing Its Live Action ‘Jungle Book’, Andy Serkis’ ‘Jungle Book: Origins’ Is Pushed To 2018

Warner Bros. has moved Serkis’ directorial debut in a new round of schedule shuffling. The movie has already seen one release date change, but the thinking is the new shift will allow memories of the current version to dim. Serkis has recruited the likes of Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hollander, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris to provide the performance capture for the various animals, and will play Baloo himself. (EMP)

Meanwhile, Warner Makes Other Big Schedule Changes, Moves Up ‘Wonder Woman’, Grabs Two More DC Dates

The movie will arrive in theaters sooner than expected, having been moved up from June 23rd, 2017 to June 2nd, 2017, where it will now square off directly against Sony’s likely R-rated Bad Boys 3 and the kid-friendly Captain Underpants. Also, the studio set dates for two untitled DC Extended Universe films on October 5th, 2018 and November 1st, 2019, leading to immediate speculation that the latter would be for Ben Affleck’s potential standalone Batman film. (COL)

Take Heart, Sherlockians! The New Season Of ‘Sherlock’ Has Begun Shooting In London

The BBC is reporting that filming for series four of the multi-award-winning hit drama produced by Hartswood Films, has started. Sherlock will return to screens with three brand-new episodes, once again starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Series four begins with the nation’s favorite detective, the mercurial Sherlock Holmes, back once more on British soil, as Watson and his wife, Mary, prepare for their biggest ever challenge – becoming parents. (CS)

‘The Boys’ Drama Based On Comic Book Set At Cinemax With Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Eric Kripke, Original Film & Sony

After bringing Garth Ennis’ Preacher to the screen with the upcoming AMC series, Rogen, Goldberg and Neal Moritz are tackling another dark and violent comic book by Ennis on cable television. Cable net has put in development a show based on the Dynamite Press comic, from the Preacher team of Rogen and Goldberg’s Point Grey, Moritz’s Original Film and Sony TV. (DH)

TBS Loves Being In Business With Jason Jones and Samantha Bee, Renews ‘The Detour’ Before It Even Premieres

A week after the network also renewed Bee’s Full Frontal, it has now given a 13-episode second season to Jones’ sitcom, which also stars Natalie Zea and is scheduled to premiere Monday. Jones and Bee, both former Daily Show correspondents, are married to each other and both are executive producers of each other’s shows. (VUL)

By Grabthar’s Hammer: ‘Galaxy Quest 2’ Scrapped After Alan Rickman’s Death

A few months ago, Alan Rickman passed away at the age of 69, and today it has been revealed that his death led the cancellation of a planned sequel to the 1999 comedy/science fiction classic Galaxy Quest. In a new interview, original cast member Sam Rockwell revealed that Galaxy Quest 2 almost happened, but Rickman’s death and other factors caused the whole thing to come undone. (SF)

Girl-Powered: Elizabeth Banks’ Comedy Site Is Open for Business and Brands

We know she can act. She’s also a successful producer and director, having helmed the global box-office hit Pitch Perfect 2. Now, she’s tackling her next challenge, WhoHaHa.com, a comedy site that puts funny women at center stage. (AA)

Ryan Reynolds In Talks To Star In ‘The Rosie Project’

Ryan Reynolds is in talks to star in The Rosie Project, a romantic dramedy being developed by Sony’s TriStar Pictures. (THR)

Freeform Greenlights Marvel Romance Superhero Series ‘Cloak and Dagger’

The younger-skewing Disney-owned network, Freeform, has greenlit Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger with a straight-to-series order. (VAR)

Flying Tigers: Rogue Nation Producer, Braveheart Writer Team For WWII Flying Mercs Movie

Rogue Nation, Skydance Media and Alibaba Pictures are once again joining forces to develop a film about the Flying Tigers. Braveheart writer Randall Wallace is on board to write. (IGN)

AMPAS Opens Board Candidacy To All Members, Setting Major Change For Oscar’s Leaders

The Board Of Governors approved a major change in the way their own  members are chosen. Beginning immediately, every voting member of the 6,200-plus organization can now run for Governor directly. (DH)

‘Death Note’ Movie Heads To Netflix After Being Dropped By Warner Bros.

The adaptation of the manga of the same name was apparently put into turnaround by Warner Bros. after You’re Next director Adam Wingard had already enlisted Nat Wolff to star, but Netflix has now swooped in and picked up the project, with production aiming to start this June. (COLL)

Alex Winter’s Frank Zappa Film Sets Kickstarter Documentary Record

Alex Winter’s documentary on the late musician Frank Zappa — titled Who the F*@% is Frank Zappa — has raised $876,362 on Kickstarter, making it the top fundraising campaign for a documentary via crowdfunding site. (VAR)

Steve McQueen Directed a Short Film for Burberry – Watch It Now

Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) has shot a new short work for Burberry, promoting its Mr. Burberry fragrance, following a story set in London. (IW)

Trailer Buzz: Star Wars: Rogue One

Get your first look at the official teaser trailer released on Good Morning America today. (YT)

Screenwriters: Fake Studio Script Notes on Titanic

New Attachments

A Futile and Stupid Gesture
Logline: The tragic story of Doug Kenney, co-founder and editor of the National Lampoon magazine and a major force in 1970s comedy, who tragically died at a young age.
Production Company(s): Principato-Young Entertainment, Darko Entertainment, Abominable Pictures
Producer(s): Peter Principato, Jonathan Stern
Writer(s): Michael Colton, John Aboud
Director(s): David Wain
Cast: Will Forte, Domhnall Gleeson, Joel McHale, John Gemberling, Thomas Lennon
Details: Based on the book “A Futile and Stupid Gesture” written by Josh Karp and published by Chicago Review Press in 2006.
SSN Insight: Gleeson was recently seen in Ex Machina, The Revenant, Brooklyn and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Battle of the Sexes
Logline: The film tells the story behind famous 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between 29-year old No. 2 ranked female player Billie Jean King and former champion Bobby Riggs – a match that stemmed from Riggs denigration of female players as inferior to the men.
Studio/Distributor(s): Fox Searchlight Pictures
Production Company(s): Cloud Eight Films, Decibel
Producer(s): Danny Boyle, Christian Colson
Writer(s): Simon Beaufoy
Director(s): Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Cast: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Austin Stowell, Andrea Riseborough, Elisabeth Shue, Eric Christian Olsen
SSN Insight: Brie Larson was previously in talks to co-star.

Buddymoon
Logline: Jilted groom David is convinced by his excitable best man Flula to continue with his planned honeymoon, a backcountry trek in the mountains of Oregon.
Studio/Distributor(s): Gravitas Ventures
Producer(s): Jennifer Wood
Writer(s): Alex Simmons, David Giuntoli, Flula Borg
Director(s): Alex Simmons
Cast: David Giuntoli, Flula Borg, Brian T Finney, Claire Coffee, Jeanne Syquia
SSN Insight: Gravitas acquired worldwide rights to the Slamdance hit, with day and date release set for July 1.

Bunker Hill
Logline: In 1775, following the Boston Tea Party, a group of colonists battle the British troops in Boston in one of the Revolution’s bloodiest battles.
Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Pictures,
Production Company(s): Pearl Street Films
Producer(s): Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Jennifer Todd
Writer(s): Bunker Hill, Chris Terrio
Director(s): Ben Affleck
Details: Based on the book “Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution,” written by Nathaniel Philbrick and published by Viking on April 30, 2013.
SSN Insight: Warner Bros. bought the book for a reported high six-figure against seven-figure deal.

Can We Take a Joke? (Documentary)
Logline: The film is an examination of “outrage culture,” the movement that is constantly drawing into question what is considered offensive language and what is simply an exercise of free speech. The film calls into question the validity of this movement and whether comedy can survive in such an environment.
Studio/Distributor(s): Samuel Goldwyn Films
Producer(s): Courtney Balaker, Ted Balaker
Director(s): Ted Balaker
Cast: Christina Pazsitzky (narrator), Gilbert Gottfried, Penn Jillette, Lisa Lampanelli, Adam Carolla, Jim Norton, Heather McDonald
SSN Insight: Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to the film that premiered at DOC NYC in November.

Cleopatra
Logline: An exploration of the vivid personal and public life of the Ptolemaic dynasty’s last ruler, the ambitious and charismatic Cleopatra.
Studio/Distributor(s): Columbia Pictures,
Production Company(s): Scott Rudin Productions, Pascal Pictures
Producer(s): Scott Rudin, Amy Pascal
Writer(s): David Scarpa (rewrite), Eric Roth, Brian Helgeland
Cast: Angelina Jolie
Details: Based on the book “Cleopatra: a Life.” written by Stacy Schiff and published by Little, Brown and Company on November 1, 2010
SSN Insight: Columbia Pictures bought the rights to the book based on a 10-page book proposal. James Cameron was previously mentioned to direct.

Crown Vic
Logline: Nick is an idealistic young rookie cop on his first night shift with partner Ray, a seasoned veteran who’s seen it all in his 30 years on the job. Incredulous at Ray’s cynicism, Nick finds his own ideals compromised by the end of his first night on the job…
Production Company(s): Brand Inc. Entertainment
Producer(s): Christopher Barish, Jim Valdez, Matt Medlin, Gregg Bello
Writer(s): Joel Souza
Director(s): Joel Souza
Cast: Alec Baldwin, Scott Eastwood
SSN Insight: 13 Films is handling international sales for Brand Inc Group.

Fast 8
Logline: Eighth film in the street racing franchise.
Studio/Distributor(s): Universal Pictures, Universal Pictures
Production Company(s): Original Film, One Race TV
Producer(s): Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel
Writer(s): Chris Morgan
Director(s): F. Gary Gray
Cast: Vin Diesel, Lucas Black, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron
Details: Eighth film in the franchise, beginning with “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) directed by Rob Cohen and starring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
SSN Insight: Theron’s upcoming films include Kubo and the Two Strings, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Coldest City, The Last Face, American Express and Brain on Fire.

Fences
Logline: A former professional baseball player, also an ex-convict, refuses to let his 17-year-old son be recruited for college football. He magnifies the tension in his family by bringing his baby daughter, which he has had through an affair, home.
Studio/Distributor(s): Paramount Pictures,
Production Company(s): Scott Rudin Productions
Producer(s): Scott Rudin, Denzel Washington, Todd Black
Writer(s): Tony Kushner
Director(s): Denzel Washington
Cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Mykelti Williamson, Russell Hornsby, Jovan Adepo
Details: Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Fences,” written by August Wilson, which first premiered in 1983 before debuting on Broadway in 1987.
SSN Insight: Eddie Murphy was previously attached to star. John Singleton was previously attached to direct. Mykelti Williamson and Russell Hornsby will reprise their Broadway roles.

Hidden Figures
Logline: The film chronicles the true story of a group of unacknowledged African American women whose brilliance in math helped NASA win the space race.
Studio/Distributor(s): Fox 2000, 20th Century Fox Distribution
Production Company(s): Levantine Films, Chernin Entertainment, Goldenlight Films
Producer(s): Donna Gigliotti, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Pharrell Williams, Ted Melfi
Writer(s): Allison Schroeder
Director(s): Ted Melfi
Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Costner, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst
Details: Based on the book “Hidden Figures” written by Margot Lee Shetterly and to be published by HarperCollins in 2016.
SSN Insight: This is Janelle Monae’s first studio film. Along with his producer role, Williams will also write and create original songs and handle all musical elements for the film and its soundtrack.

Office Christmas Party
Logline: An office party spirals out of control.
Studio/Distributor(s): Amblin Partners, Paramount Pictures
Production Company(s): Management 360, Bluegrass Films, Speck+Gordon
Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Guymon Casady, Daniel Rappaport
Writer(s): Lee Eisenberg, Dan Mazer, Timothy Dowling, Jon Lucas, Scott Moore
Director(s): Will Speck, Josh Gordon
Cast: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, TJ Miller, Kate McKinnon, Abbey Lee
SSN Insight: Ed Helms was previously in talks to co-star.

Patriots Day
Logline: The film is about the events surrounding the Boston Marathon bombing.
Studio/Distributor(s): CBS Films, Lionsgate
Production Company(s): Leverage Management, Closest To The Hole Productions, Bluegrass Films, Hutch Parker Entertainment
Producer(s): Scott Stuber, Dylan Clark, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Michael Radutzky
Writer(s): Peter Berg, Josh Zetumer, Eric Johnson, Paul Tamasy, Matt Charman
Director(s): Peter Berg
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, J.K. Simmons, John Goodman, Vincent Curatola, Kevin Bacon, Rachel Brosnahan, Christopher O’Shea, Michael Beach
Details: Based on the book “Boston Strong” written by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge and to be published by University Press of New England in 2014.
SSN Insight: Casey Affleck was previously attached to produce and star, alongside his producing partner John Ridley, when project was competing project “Boston Strong”. Matt Charman wrote a previous adaptation based on the firsthand account of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, whose life rights have been optioned by CBS Films, and on research done and footage shot by “60 Minutes.”

Swiss Army Man
Logline: A man stranded on an island discovers a dead body and, emboldened by his new “friend,” makes one last ditch effort to get home.
Studio/Distributor(s): A24
Production Company(s): Cold Iron Pictures , Blackbird Films
Producer(s): Jonathan Wang, Lawrence Inglee, Amanda Marshall, Miranda Bailey, Eyal Rimmon
Writer(s): Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan
Director(s): Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan
Cast: Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Antonia Ribero, Timothy Eulich
SSN Insight: A24 acquired domestic rights following the film’s premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival for an estimated low seven figures. Screenplay was included in 2014 Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab.

That Good Night
Logline: A once-famous screenwriter who is facing death wants to reconcile with his long-lost son, and have someone help him end his life, but his wishes do not go as planned.
Studio/Distributor(s): ,
Production Company(s): GSP Studios
Producer(s): Alan Latham, Charles E Savage
Writer(s): Charles E Savage
Director(s): Eric Styles
Cast: John Hurt, Max Brown, Erin Richards, Sofia Helin
Details: Based on the stage play “That Good Night” written by N.J. Crisp which premiered at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, England on April 2, 1996.
SSN Insight: British actress Erin Richards was recently seen on the TV series, Gotham and Sweden’s Sofia Helin was previously seen in The Snowman and The Bridge.

The Clapper
Logline: A man who is a professional clapper for infomercials becomes a nationwide sensation, but his brush with celebrity means losing the woman he loves.
Production Company(s): Schorr Pictures, Pacific Electric Picture Co., Oriah Entertainment
Producer(s): Ed Helms, Michael Falbo, Robin Schorr, Dito Montiel, Steve Ponce
Writer(s): Dito Montiel
Director(s): Dito Montiel
Cast: Ed Helms, Amanda Seyfried, Tracy Morgan (in talks)
Details: Based on the novel “Eddie Krumble Is the Clapper: A Novel,” written by Dito Montiel and published by Thunder’s Mouth Press in 2007.
SSN Insight: The film would reunite Morgan with Montiel who worked together on the 2011 cop drama The Son of No One.

The Outsider
Logline: After World War II, an American who had been a POW in Japan stays and works his way through the rituals and hardships of the Yakuza, becoming a member of the organized crime organization.
Production Company(s): The Linson Company, Waypoint Entertainment
Producer(s): Art Linson, John Linson, Kenneth Kao
Writer(s): Andrew Baldwin
Director(s): Martin Zandvliet
Cast: Jared Leto
SSN Insight: Project was included on the 2011 Black List. Previously in development at Warner Bros. Daniel Espinosa was previously mentioned to direct.

The Phenom
Logline: The film is about a major-league rookie pitcher Hopper Gibson who can’t find the plate and is sent down to the minor leagues. There he begins sessions with an unorthodox sports psychologist, and in the process, hidden conflicts with his overbearing father are brought to light.
Studio/Distributor(s): RLJ Entertainment
Producer(s): Antonia Bogdanovich, Jeff Elliot, Kimberly Jose, Jeff Rice
Writer(s): Noah Buschel
Director(s): Noah Buschel
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Paul Giamatti, Johnny Simmons, Alison Elliott, Yul Vasquez
SSN Insight: RLJ Entertainment acquired domestic rights prior to its premiere at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.

The Rosie Project
Logline: A socially awkward genetics professor designs a questionnaire to help him find the perfect partner.
Studio/Distributor(s): TriStar Productions, Sony Pictures Releasing
Production Company(s): Matt Tolmach Productions, COTA Films
Producer(s): Matt Tolmach, Michael Costigan
Writer(s): Scott Neustadter, Michael H Weber, Graeme Simsion
Cast: Ryan Reynolds (in talks)
Details: Based on the novel “The Rosie Project” written by Graeme Simsion and published by Simon & Schuster in October 2013.
SSN Insight: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were previously in talks to direct. Jennifer Lawrence was previously attached to star.

The Second Life of Nick Mason
Logline: A man released early from prison is forced to do anything a crime lord asks, and is hounded by the cop who put him away.
Studio/Distributor(s): Lionsgate
Production Company(s): The Story Factory, Color Force
Producer(s): Shane Salerno, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson
Writer(s): Richard Wenk
Details: Based on the novel “The Second Life of Nick Mason” written by Steve Hamilton; to be published by Putnam in May 2016.
SSN Insight: Wenk wrote The Equalizer and is board for the upcoming sequel. He also co-wrote the upcoming Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Magnificent Seven.

To The Bone
Logline: A young woman suffering from anorexia tries to find a doctor who can help her.
Studio/Distributor(s): AMBI Group
Production Company(s): Mockingbird Pictures, Sparkhouse Media
Producer(s): Bonnie Curtis, Julie Lynn, Karina Miller
Writer(s): Marti Noxon
Director(s): Marti Noxon
Cast: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Carrie Preston, Liana Liberato, Lili Taylor, Alex Sharp, Brooke Smith
SSN Insight: AMBI Group will finance the film along with Sparkhouse Media and will become co-executive producers. This is the first film in a deal between AMBI and Sparkhouse to co-finance and co-produce a slate of films.

Untitled Blade Runner Sequel
Logline: Storyline is under wraps.
Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Company(s): Alcon Entertainment, Ridley Scott Films , Thunderbird Films
Producer(s): Bud Yorkin, Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Cynthia Sikes
Writer(s): Michael Green, Hampton Fancher
Director(s): Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista
Details: Follow-up to “Blade Runner” (1982), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford. Follow-up will be inspired by the novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” written by Philip K. Dick and published by Signet in 1968.
SSN Insight: Alcon Entertainment acquired film, television and ancillary franchise rights to produce prequels and sequels to “Blade Runner” in March 2011.

Vengeance: A Love Story
Logline: he film charts the aftermath of the brutal rape of a young mother, Teena Maguire, whose daughter Bethie is the only witness to the crime. What at first looks like an easy conviction goes sideways when the rapists hire a very slick lawyer. However, the crime catches the attention of officer John Dromoor, who steps in to dole out his own brand of bloody justice to the perpetrators.
Production Company(s): Patriot Pictures LLC
Producer(s): Michael Mendelsohn, Richard Rionda Del Castro, Johnny Martin
Writer(s): John Mankiewicz
Director(s): Nicolas Cage
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Talitha Bateman
Details: Based on the novella “Rape: A Love Story” written by Joyce Carol Oates and published by Da Capo Press on December 14, 2003.
SSN Insight: Maria Bello was previously attached to star. Uma Thurman was previously attached to star.

What’s the Point?
Logline: Ensemble comedy about the concept that marriage should be a seven-year contract with an option to renew.
Production Company(s): More Films, Cold Iron Pictures , Ways & Means, The Film Arcade
Producer(s): Lake Bell, Jett Steiger, Miranda Bailey, Amanda Marshall
Writer(s): Lake Bell
Director(s): Lake Bell
Cast: Lake Bell, Ed Helms, Mary Steenburgen, Paul Reiser, Amber Heard
SSN Insight: The film received financing from Cold Iron Pictures and The Film Arcade. It will begin shooting next month in Los Angeles.

New Projects

Edge of the World
Logline: In the 1930s, New York socialite and fashion designer Ruth Harkness goes to China to find her fiancé who disappeared while looking for a mythical creature, and finds love and adventure.
Production Company(s): Mark Gordon Company, Koch Co, Pegasus
Producer(s): Mark Gordon, Hawk Koch, Sun Jianjun
Writer(s): David Seidler, Jacqueline Feather
SSN Insight: Pegasus and China Film Group will finance the film that will shoot in China later this year.

Great Men
Logline: This film tells the story of sculptor Gutzon Borglum who created Mount Rushmore.
Studio/Distributor(s): Amazon Studios
Writer(s): Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
Details: Based on the book “Great White Fathers” written by John Taliaferro and published by PublicAffairs in 2002.
SSN Insight: Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski exec produced the FX event series The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story.

One Last Thing
Logline: Tells the story of a lonely dentist in Florida whose days are filled by work and his solo daily golf game. When he’s confronted by a figure from the past bringing news that he has an adult daughter living in Brooklyn, he begins an eventful journey outside his comfort zone.
Production Company(s): Beech Hill Films, Low Profile Films
Producer(s): Alexa L. Fogel, Brendan Mason
Writer(s): Tim Rouhana
Director(s): Tim Rouhana
Cast: Wendell Pierce, Jurnee Smollett, Rajeev Jacob
SSN Insight: Jurnee Smollett next appears in the features Hands of Stone and Audrey’s Run.

Siracusa
Logline: Deceit is involved when two couples and a child go to the sunny coast of the Ionian Sea in Italy on vacation.
Production Company(s): Working Title Films
Producer(s): Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Liza Chasin
Writer(s): Delia Ephron
Director(s): Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Details: Based on the novel “Siracusa” written by Delia Ephron and published by Blue Rider Press on July 12, 2016.
SSN Insight: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is also shooting Citizen, a series pilot for Hulu that he co-created.

Speedy (Animated)
Logline: A heist caper centered on the origin of Speedy Gonzales, “The Fastest Mouse in all Mexico”.
Studio/Distributor(s): Warner Bros.
Production Company(s): Rivers Edge Films, 3pas Studios
Producer(s): Dylan Sellers, Ben Odell
Writer(s): Hank Nelken
Voice Cast: Eugenio Derbez
Details: Based on the Looney Tunes cartoon. Animators Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt introduced him in his first animated short of his own as in 1955, which went on to win the Academy Award for best short subject.
SSN Insight: Eugenio Derbez was last seen in Miracles from Heaven, in theaters now. Next up is Geostorm and Aztec Warrior.

Temple
Logline: Follows a team of trained operatives who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down. There, they begin to experience strange and horrific phenomena.
Studio/Distributor(s): WWE Studios
Production Company(s): Erebus Pictures
Producer(s): Gene Simmons, Wesley Snipes, Michael Luisi
Writer(s): Matt Savelloni
Director(s): John Stockwell
Cast: Wesley Snipes, Anne Heche, Dave Annable, Seth Rollins, Gene Simmons
SSN Insight: WWE Studios will oversee North American sales and Voltage Pictures is on board for international sales.

The Flying Tigers
Logline: During WWII, a courageous group of volunteer pilots called The Flying Tigers fight alongside the Chinese.
Production Company(s): Skydance Productions, Alibaba Picture Group
Producer(s): David Ellison, Dana Goldberg
Writer(s): Randall Wallace
SSN Insight: Recently Ellison landed $700 million in new funding for Skydance to up the volume of global-minded tentpole pictures and TV projects.

The Incident
Logline: Michael accidentally kills a man during a brief altercation and struggles with the ramifications of his actions.
Production Company(s): Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films, Uncorked Productions
Producer(s): Ambyr Childers, Randall Emmett, George Furla, Andrew D. Corkin, Priya Swaminathan
Writer(s): Jan Kwiecinski
Director(s): Jan Kwiecinski
Cast: Ambyr Childers, Emile Hirsch
SSN Insight: The film has an estimated budget of $15 million and will go into production in July.

Untitled Arctic Expedition Project
Logline: After a night of drinking in 1968, a group of guys in Minnesota set of to ride snowmobiles to the North Pole
Studio/Distributor(s): Columbia Pictures
Production Company(s): Temple Hill Entertainment
Producer(s): Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen
Cast: Will Ferrell
Details: Based on the article “Ice Pack: An Insurance Salesman and a Doctor Walk Into a Bar, and End Up at the North Pole” written by Guy Lawson and published in The New York Times Magazine on March 17, 2016.
SSN Insight: Lawson also wrote the Rolling Stone story “Arms and the Dudes,” which was turned into the Todd Phillips-directed film War Dogs, due out later this year.

Untitled Motherhood Project
Logline: Storyline is under wraps, but revolves around motherhood.
Writer(s): Diablo Cody
Director(s): Jason Reitman
Cast: Charlize Theron
SSN Insight: Theron last teamed with Reitman on the film Young Adult.