TV Castings For 4/2/14: Michael Chiklis Set For ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ For FX
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Film Development For 4/3/14: Tobey Maguire, Alexandra Milchan & Matthew Plouffe To Produce ‘The Red Mohawk’
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Splinter Cell Logline: Sam Fisher, a spy for a secret government organization called Third Echelon, is the primary Splinter Cell operative. Using whatever means are necessary, Sam is sent to infiltrate an international terrorist syndicate. Studio/Distributor: Regency Enterprises/20th Century Fox Production Companies: Thunder Road Pictures, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, New Regency Productions, Hypnotic Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Jean-Julien Baronnet, Doug Liman, David Bartis, Tom Clancy (Executive Producer) Cast: Tom Hardy Writers: Sheldon Turner (current draft), Eric Warren Singer (previous draft), Daniel Pyne (previous draft). Stuart Beattie (previous draft), Peter Berg (previous draft), J.T. Petty (previous draft), John McLaughlin (previous draft) Director: Doug Liman Details: Based on the video game "Splinter Cell" by Tom Clancy released by Ubisoft February 2003. SSN Insight: Everest writer reunited with director Doug Liman and actor Tom Hardy. The Last Witch Hunter Logline: With the population of witches and warlocks on the brink of a major explosion, one witch hunter must stop them before it's too late. Studio/Distributor: Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate Production Companies: Atmosphere Entertainment, One Race Films, Aperture Entertainment, Goldmann Pictures, Lakeshore Entertainment Producers: Bernie Goldmann, Mark Canton, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldworm (Executive Producer), Tom Rosenberg (Executive Producer), Gary Lucchesi (Executive Producer), Eric Reid (Executive Producer) Cast: Vin Diesel Writers: Melisa Wallack, D.W. Harper (previous draft), Cory Goodman (pitch) Director: Breck Eisner SSN Insight: Reunites Melisa Wallack with Bernie Goldmann, whom she worked with on Meet Bill and Mirror Mirror. Bremen Town Musicians Logline: In 1713, the King of Bremen charges his incompetent wizard to search across time and space and time to find the greatest musical troupe to perform at his daughter's wedding. Production Companies: Luxor Entertainment, Timedale Entertainment Producers: D. Matt Geller, Igor Dobrovoslky Cast: Neve Campbell, Alan Cumming, Jeffrey Wright Writer: Lawrence Guterman Director: Lawrence Guterman Details: A re-imagining of the Brothers Grimm folktale The Town Musicians of Bremen. SSN Insight: Reunites Neve Campbell with Alan Cumming, for the first time since 2005’s Reefer Madness: The Movie MusicalNEW PROJECTS
The First Phone Call From Heaven Logline: One day the residents of a small town start receiving phone calls from voices who say they are in heaven and a grieving single father tries to uncover the true source of the calls. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Company: Di Novi Pictures Producers: Denise Di Novi. Alison Greenspan Writer: Mitch Albom (source material) Details: Based on the novel The First Phone Call From Heaven, written by Mitch Albom and published by Harper on November 12, 2013. SSN Insight: Project marks the feature debut for writer Mitch Albom. A Better Place Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Production Company: Scott Free Productions Producers: Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer, Michael Pruss (Executive Producer) Writer: Brad Inglesby SSN Insight: Project marks the re-team for writer Brad Ingelsby and Ridley Scott since Out of the Furnace. The Red Mohawk Logline: The story revolves around a serial killer who has the head of a skeleton and is known as "The Red Mohawk." Production Companies: Emjag Productions, Material Pictures Producers: Tobey Maguire, Alexandra Milchan, Matthew Plouffe Details: Based on the novel "Psycho Killer" written by Anonymous and published by Sonatine Editions in Paris in October, 2013. SSN Insight: Alexandra Milchan’s Emjag Productions and Tobey Maguire’s Material Pictures are also developing One Night Stand written by Joel Edgerton together.↧
Rep Moves For 4/4/14: CAA, WME Entertainment, Gersh, UTA
Agencies
CAA: Screenwriter and novelist Ernest Cline is now repped by Trevor Astbury, Grant Kessman and Peter Micelli. Cline recently got a seven-figure worldwide rights deal from Random House for his next novel Armada, which will be published in summer 2015. Universal has already acquired the screen rights. Starting off as a spoken word artist, Cline got his big break writing the screenplay for Fanboys, which placed on the Black List and was produced into a 2009 feature starring Sam Huntington and Chris Marquette. Cline followed that film with his highly successful first novel Ready Player One, which Crown Publishing Group purchased in a bidding war. Warner Bros. acquired the screen rights shortly afterwards. Ready Player One is currently in its 17th printing. CAA: Actress and comedian Kathy Griffin is now repped by Peter Levine, Jeffrey Jacobs and Vanessa Silverton-Peel. Griffin won a Grammy award in January for her comedy album Calm Down Gurrl. Starting off as a member of the comedy troupe The Groundlings, Griffin began her career in stand-up comedy, appearing in small roles in film and television, including a brief cameo in Pulp Fiction. She first gained widespread recognition with a supporting role in Suddenly Susan. Her big career breakthrough, however, came with the Bravo reality series Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List, which earned two Emmy awards for Outstanding Reality Program. Appearing on numerous television series and specials since then, Griffin was recently inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for her unprecedented 20 televised stand-up specials. CAA: Writer, director and actor Alex Winter is now repped by Rick Lefitz. Winter most recently co-wrote Rites of Bill for AMC and directed the pilot The Maker Shack for Amazon. He's also currently directing the documentary Deep Web about Bitcoin and Silk Road, that's being produced by Glen Zipper. Winter, who is still probably best known for his role in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, has ventured into directing in recent years. In addition to music videos and commercials, Winter’s directing credits include the television series Blue Mountain State, Level Up and Betas. Some of his other notable credits include playing Marko in the cult classic The Lost Boys, as well as co-writing, co-directing and starring in 1993’s Freaked. He continues to be managed by Russell Hollander at Hollander Management. CAA: China’s top action star Donnie Yen is now repped by Bryan O’Guin. The agency recently closed a deal for Yen to star in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II: The Green Destiny. Yen also starred in the 2014 feature Monkey King, which has grossed over $165 million in China. Yen is probably best known, however, for playing Ip Man in the 2008 feature of the same name, which was a huge box-office success and is credited with popularizing the martial arts style Wing Chun in mainland China. Yen’s other features have included SPL, Flash Point, Iron Monkey, Bodyguards and Assassins and Dragon Tiger Gate. His features Iceman 2 and Kung Fu Jungle are currently in post-production. Equitable Stewardship for Artists (ESA): Actor, director and former professional football player Carl Weathers is now represented for acting, directing and public speaking. His team will consist of Paul Alan Smith, Tyler Allen and Amber Bobin. Weathers will soon appear in the upcoming feature Think Like A Man. He also appeared on Netflix’s fourth season of Arrested Development. Starting off as a football star with San Diego State and the Oakland Raiders, Weathers is probably best known for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky films. His extensive career since that point has included roles in Predator, Force 10 From Navarone, Action Jackson, Hurricane Smith, Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky and Arrested Development amongst others. Weathers is also repped by manager Matt Luber of Luber Roklin Entertainment. Gersh: The estate of late screenwriter, producer, novelist and sportswriter Budd Schulberg is now repped by Joseph Veltre. The agency plans to steer various adaptations of Schulberg’s novels, as well as remakes of his classic works. Among his many career highlights, Schulberg wrote the screenplays for On The Waterfront and A Face in the Crowd, as well as the novels What Makes Sammy Run?, The Disenchanted and The Harder They Fall. Among the projects in development are Save Us, Joe Louis and The Disenchanted. Schulberg’s son Benn is also currently shooting a documentary about his father Hollywood Renegade: The Many Loves of Budd Schulberg. UTA: Canadian actress and model Charlotte Le Bon is now repped by Ali Benmohamed, Theresa Peters and Keya Khayatian. Le Bon most recently appeared in the French film Yves Saint Laurent, which opened the Panorama section of the 64th Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year. She will also soon appear in the feature film The Hundred-Foot Journey, which is being directed by Lasse Hallström and stars Helen Mirren. A former weather girl for the Canal+ talk show Le Grand Journal, Le Bon has appeared in the features Asterix and Obelix: God Save Britannia, Mood Indigo and Libre et assoupi. WME Entertainment: Director Joe Johnston is now a client. Johnston most recently directed Captain America: The First Avenger. Currently, he’s developing the high concept sci-fi thriller Extinction with Mandeville and Good Universe. A former visual effects artist, Johnston made his directing debut with Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. His subsequent features have included such hits as The Rocketeer, Jumanji, October Sky, Jurassic Park III, Hidalgo and The Wolfman. Johnston’s next film Not Safe for Work is currently set for release at Universal. WME Entertainment: BAFTA-winning director Roger Michell is now a client. Michell most recently directed Le Week-End, which premiered at Toronto last year. That film won acting awards for both of the film’s stars Lindsay Duncan and Jim Broadbent. Michell also directed 2012’s Hyde Park on the Hudson, starring Bill Murray. Starting his career in British television, Michell’s first big success was 1999’s hit romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. His subsequent features have included Changing Lanes, The Mother, Venus and Morning Glory. Next up, Michell is directing the two-part miniseries The Last Honour for ITV, due out in 2014. Michell won a BAFTA Television Award for directing the 1995 drama Persuasion.↧
Exec Shuffle For 4/4/14: Sony Pictures Networks, DGA, Pilgrim Studios, Machinima, EveryWhere Studios
Company Launches
EveryWhere Studios: Dan Angel, Glen Mazza, and Larrikin Entertainment have formed this venture to generate family friendly content across multiple platforms. Lori Nelson has joined as Vice President, Development. Larrikin Entertainment’s David Calvert-Jones was named Chairman, and Larrikin’s Greg Coote a Partner. More/Medavoy Management: Erwin More and Brian Medavoy launched this new management company. Trooper Entertainment: Dave Caplan has formed this unscripted entertainment production company, with Lauren Rosenberg joining as Director, Development. Yourgrau Media Group: Tug Yourgrau has formed this new production company, in Boston.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
BBC Worldwide Productions: Travis Shakespeare has joined as Senior Vice President, Current Unscripted Programming. BBC Worldwide: David Weiland has been named Executive Vice President, Asia, based in Hong Kong. BBC Worldwide: Joyce Yeung has been named Executive Vice President, Global Content Sales, in London. DreamWorks Animation: Brenda Freeman has joined as Head, Television Marketing. Fox International Channels: Jan Koeppen has been named President, Europe and Africa, in London. Fox International Channels: Simeon Dawes, based in Hong Kong, has been promoted to Managing Director, Middle East, in addition to his continuing role as Executive Vice President, Advertising Sales & Partnerships, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Fox International Channels: Joon Lee, based in Hong Kong, has been promoted to Managing Director, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, in addition to his continuing role as Executive Vice President, Content & Communications, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Sony Pictures Networks: Kathryn Ann Busby has joined as Senior Vice President, Programming.Film
Cineflix Media: Brandon Killion has joined as Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, North America. Directors Guild of America: Frank Bennett Gonzalez has joined as Assistant Executive Director, Diversity. IMAX Corporation: Andrew Collins has been promoted to Executive Manager. Slamdance Film Festival: Anna Germanidi has been promoted to Film Festival Director.Television
Crybaby Media: Bryan Severance has been promoted to Vice President, Development and Casting, in New York. GRB Entertainment: Liz Levenson has joined as Director, International Sales & Acquisitions. ITV Studios America: Julie Meldal-Johnsen has been named Senior Executive Vice President, Scripted & Business Development. Pilgrim Studios: Kelly Garner has been named Vice President, Development & Original Programming. Pilgrim Studios: Brent Jacoby has joined as Senior Director, Development. Pilgrim Studios: Paige Mueller has joined as Senior Manager, Development. Renegade 83: Brad Austin has joined as Director, Development. Shine Group: Kerry Ball has joined as Senior Vice President, Digital Business Development, in London. Telepictures Productions: Donna Redier Linsk has joined the Warner Bros. division as Executive Vice President, Business Operations and Programming.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
Brillstein Entertainment Partners: Ben Curtis has joined as Manager, Talent. Rogers & Cowan: Mariangela Ferrario Hall has joined as Vice President, International Film Publicity.Cable
Discovery Communications: Eric Hawkins has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Human Resources Management, in Maryland. Discovery Communications: Julie Neimat has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Talent & Human Resources Management, in Maryland. Investigation Discovery: Winona Meringolo has been promoted to Vice President, Development. MTV: Jane Gould has joined as Senior Vice President, Consumer Insights & Research, in New York. Turner Entertainment Networks Distribution: Laura Forti has been promoted to Vice President. Turner Broadcasting: Ian McDonough has joined as Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Northern Europe, based in London.Digital
Hulu: Craig Erwich has joined as Executive Vice President, Head, Content, effective April 7th, 2014. Machinima: Chad Gutstein has joined as Chief Executive Officer. StyleHaul: Mia Goldwyn has joined as Chief Content Officer. Yahoo!: Paula Froelich has joined as Editor, Travel. Yahoo!: Sarah McColl has been promoted to Editor-in-Chief, Food. Yahoo!: Josh Volk has joined as Executive Editor, Entertainment.Publishing
Los Angeles Times: Megan Garvey has been promoted to Deputy Managing Editor, Digital.Music
RipTide Music Group: Dan Silver has been named Vice President, Creative. Universal Music Group: In a reorganization, Island Records, Motown Records, and Def Jam now operate as three stand-alone labels. Ethiopia Habtemariam has been promoted to President, Motown Records, Steve Bartels has been named Chief Executive Officer, Def Jam, and David Massey continues to serve as President, Island Records. Additionally, Def Jam named Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua and Dion “No I.D.” Wilson as Executive Vice Presidents, Co-Heads, A&R.↧
ICYMI: SSN’S Top Original Stories For 3/31 – 4/4/14
What Are The Most Shocking Deaths in TV History?
Such permanent alterations often change the trajectory of the stories, as well as how the shows are received. (SSN)How Two Jimmys Are Changing Late Night … Slowly But Surely
It may seem like neither Jimmy – Fallon nor Kimmel – have changed the structure of the late-night show. But Fallon, and to a lesser extent Kimmel, have been honing their late-late show formats for years. Now that they’re both in late night’s prime spot of 11:30 p.m., SSN takes a look at how the Jimmys have done it. (SSN)HBO’S ‘True Detective’ Shakes Up Emmy Race by Entering as Drama Series Instead of Mini
The thinking is clear: True Detective isn’t interested in being the biggest fish in a tiny pond, it wants to play with the Big Boys. And it will, by locking horns with AMC’s four-time drama series winner Mad Men, last year’s mega-buzzed champ Breaking Bad, HBO’s Game of Thrones, Netflix’s House of Cards and CBS’s The Good Wife, among others. (SSN)24 Hours with ‘House of Lies’ Creator & Showrunner Matthew Carnahan
While the current season wraps up, Carnahan took a moment to sit down with SSN. He gave us the rundown on a typical day, when he’s writing while an episode is shot in Los Angeles. How does he manage to fit in surfing, business meetings, and helping with homework while writing a show and a film in one day? Plenty of coffee. (SSN)ROI Insight: Will Captain America: The Winter Soldier Beat the ROI of Other Marvel Superhero Sequels?
Marvel Studio’s latest entrant in phase two of their cinematic universe is Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which releases in the U.S. on April 4. But will Captain America be promoted to major or will he be downgraded to private? SSN takes a look at other Marvel superhero film sequels to foreshadow what’s in store for Mr. Red, White, and Blue. (SSN)Spotlight: HBO Silicon Valley Exec. Producers Mike Judge & Alec Berg Ask ‘What Kind of Billionaire Would Someone Be?’
Judge, and co-creator Alec Berg (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld), spoke to SSN about the eight-episode comedy series, set in the high-tech world of the Internet, complete with warring billionaires and computer geeks, which premieres April 6. (SSN)↧
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On The Set For 4/7/14: Vince Vaughn-Starrer ‘Term Life’ Wraps, ‘Girls Night Out’ Starts
STARTS
Girls Night Out 04/07/2014 Logline: Princess Margaret and her sister Elizabeth are allowed out from Buckingham Palace to have an adventurous night on the town in 1945. Production Company: Ecosse Films, Hanway Films Director: Michael Hoffman Producers: Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae Cast: Sarah Gadon, Bel Powley, Jack Reynor, Rupert Everett, Emily Watson Screenwriters: Trevor de Silva SSN Insight: Both Dakota Fanning and Juno Temple were previously attached to star. The Grief of Others Logline: After a couple’s baby dies 57 hours after his birth, the parents try to regain a normal life for themselves and their children. Production Company: Vanishing Angle Director: Patrick Wang Producers: James Cummings, Erich Lochner, Matt Miller, Benjamin Wiessner Cast: Rachel Dratch, Wendy Moniz, Trevor St. John, Oona Laurence Screenwriters: Patrick Wang (adaptation) Details: Based on the novel "The Grief of Others" written by Leah Hager Cohen and published by Riverhead Books in 2011. SSN Insight: After the success of In the Family, Trevor St. John is reuniting to work with director Patrick Wang for The Grief of Others.Wraps
Term Life 04/07/2014 Logline: A man hunted by the mob must survive for three weeks in order for a new life insurance policy to benefit his estranged daughter. Production Company: Wild West Picture Show Productions, PalmStar Entertainment , WWE Studio Director: Peter Billingsley Executive Producers: Anton Lessine, Sasha Shapiro, Sarah E. Johnson Producers: Vince Vaughn, Victoria Vaughn, Micah Mason, Michael Luisi, Kevin Scott Frakes, Bill Block Cast: Vince Vaughn, Hailee Steinfeld, Jordi Molla, William Levy, Cain Velasquez Screenwriters: AJ Lieberman (adaptation) Details: Based on the graphic novel Term Life, written by A.J. Lieberman and published by Image Comics on March 8, 2011. SSN Insight: The project was previously in development at both Worldview Entertainment and Universal. Good Kill 04/02/2014 Logline: A Las Vegas-based drone pilot who fights the Taliban by remote control begins to question his mission. Production Company: Voltage Pictures Director: Andrew Niccol Executive Producers: Ted Gidlow Producers: Nicolas Chartier, Zev Foreman Cast: Ethan Hawke, Zoe Kravitz, Jake Abel, January Jones Screenwriters: Andrew Niccol SSN Insight: Ethan Hawke previously starred in Andrew Niccol’s Lord of War. Life 04/01/2014 Logline: The friendship between iconic actor James Dean and photographer Dennis Stock is chronicled. Production Company: See-Saw Films, First Generation Films Director: Anton Corbijn Producers: Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Christina Piovesan, Michel Merkt Cast: Dane DeHaan, Robert Pattinson, Ben Kingsley, Alessandra Mastronardi, Joel Edgerton Screenwriters: Luke Davies SSN Insight: Iain Canning previously executive produced Anton Corbijn’s feature Control.↧
Baseline and ProductionBeast Join Forces
ProductionBeast, the relationship-driven platform for production companies and freelancers, has teamed up with Baseline and launched the most comprehensive database of entertainment industry freelancers on the market. With its expansive library of verified film and television data, cast and crew credits, and images, Baseline will provide the content backbone, and the partnership gives ProductionBeast members a one-stop shop for managing new film, television, and digital productions.
It’s set to become the most advanced database of its kind, and will help companies quickly find and hire the best freelancers for their projects based on relevance, availability, location and more. Freelancers can join for free and create a profile with credits and availability.
“It was a no-brainer decision to combine our database with ProductionBeast,” says Baseline COO Amer Saleem. “Together, we make this joint venture an all-inclusive destination for entertainment freelancers.”
ProductionBeast Founder and CEO, Eric Hebel states, “No one else covers day-to-day industry professionals as accurately and as comprehensively. With this new partnership, we are able to make ProductionBeast the most inclusive source for research and management of entertainment productions and staffing opportunities in the marketplace today.”
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TV Development For 4/8/14: Jay Roach & Kristin Gore’s ‘Women In Space’ At HBO
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TV Castings For 4/9/14: Mandy Moore Cast As Female Lead In CBS’‘Good Sessions’
Pilots
Enrique Murciano, Katie Finneran, Mia Kirschner and Waleed Zuaiter will recur on Netflix’s Untitled Kessler/Zelman Project, about a family of adult siblings whose secrets and scars are revealed when their black sheep brother returns home. Mandy Moore has been cast as the female lead in CBS’ Good Sessions, that explores (via couples counseling sessions) the relationship of a thirty-something couple from their first meeting (in flashback) through present day, as they decide whether it’s time to have a child. Max Hernandez and Elaine Tan will guest star in Amazon’s Hand Of God, that centers on the powerful Judge Harris Pernell, a hard-living, law-bending married man - with a high-end call girl on the side -who has a religious awakening and starts having visions and hearing voices through his ventilator-bound son that could be God speaking to him. George Wendt, Ashley Tisdale and Lauren Lapkus join TBS’ Buzzy’s, about a group of kids from high school who ran in different circles and now work together at a local Charlestown, MA barbershop. Lorenzo Richelmy, Zhu Zhu, Tom Wu, Remy Hii and Rick Yune have been set for Netflix’s Marco Polo, an epic and cinematic adventure of high politics, masterful manipulation and deadly warfare. Mario Van Peebles will guest star, and possibly recur, on CBS’ Untitled David Marshall Grant project, that revolves around quadruplets – three brothers and a sister – who grew up on a reality show. Ernie Hudson is set to guest star, and possibly recur, on CBS’ Scorpion, about a genius who recruits the world’s greatest intellects to his company where they not only solve the world’s most pressing and significant problems, but also help each other learn to fit-in and live in a world where literally being "one in a billion" can be as lonely as it sounds.Current
Amy Jo Johnson will recur on USA’s Covert Affairs. Chloe Bridges is set to recur on ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, as a new member of the swim team. D.B. Woodside, Michael Gross and Brendan Hines have booked recurring roles on USA’s Suits. Enver Gjokaj will recur on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles. Eddie McClintock will guest star on ABC’s Castle. Omar J. Dorsey joins Showtime’s Ray Donovan. Shirley MacLaine will appear in multiple episodes of the Fox’s Glee. Ben Miller will be joining BBC America’s Doctor Who. Oscar Nunez and Kerri Kenney will both guest star on Fox’s New Girl. Linda Hamilton is scheduled to guest star on SYFY’s Defiance. MacKenzie Porter has been cast as a season 4 regular on AMC’s Hell on Wheels. Salli Richardson-Whitfield is set to recur the next season of BET’s Being Mary Jane.New Series
David Meunier has booked a major recurring arc on TNT’s Legends. Carole Weyers is set to recur on WGN’s Manhattan.↧
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Film Development For 4/10/14: Amy Adams Set For ‘Story of Your Life’
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Terrestrial Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor: Lionsgate/Summit Producers: Tripp Vinson, Adam Rodin (Executive Producer), Lisa Zambri (Executive Producer) Writer: Peter Gaffney SSN Insight: Project marks the writing debut of Peter Gaffney and this script earned him a movie deal and representation. Me Before You Logline: A woman on the verge of losing her job and a man who becomes wheelchair bound find their lives intertwined. Studio/Distributor: MGM Production Company: Sunswept Entertainment Producer: Karen Rosenfelt Writers: Scott Neustadter (current draft), Michael H. Weber (current draft), Jojo Moyes (adaptation) Director: Thea Sharrock Details: Based on the novel Me Before You, written by Jojo Moyes and published by Pamela Dorman Books on December 31, 2012. SSN Insight: Project marks acclaimed theater director Thea Sharrock’s feature film debut. Story of Your Life Logline: When alien crafts land across the world, a linguist expert is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat. As she learns to communicate with the aliens, she begins experiencing vivid flashbacks that become the key to unlocking the greater mystery about the true purpose of their visit. Distributor: FilmNation Production Companies: 21 Laps Entertainment, Lava Bear Films, FilmNation Producers: Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Aaron Ryder, Karen Lunder, David Linde (Executive Producer), Tory Metzger (Executive Producer), Glen Basner (Executive Producer), Eric Heisserer (Executive Producer) Cast: Amy Adams Writer: Eric Heisserer Director: Denis Villeneuve Details: Based on the short story, Story of Your Life, by Ted Chiang; published November 1998. SSN Insight: Project was on the 2012 Black List & Blood List.NEW PROJECTS
Valencia Logline: After a car accident, a young woman wakes up in a cellar, where her strange companion tells her that the world outside has been ravaged by a nuclear attack. Studio/Distributor: Paramount Production Company: Bad Robot Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk Writer: Daniel Casey (current draft), Josh Campbell (spec), Matthew Stuecken (spec) Director: Dan Trachtenberg SSN Insight: Project marks the directorial debut for Dan Trachtenberg. The Girl on a Train Logline: A young woman witnesses something on her daily commute that gets her involved in a murder investigation. Studio/Distributor: DreamWorks Production Company: Marc Platt Productions Producer: Marc Platt Details: Based on the novel The Girl on the Train, written by Paula Hawkins and to be published by Transworld in the United Kingdom in spring of 2015 and by Penguin in the United States. SSN Insight: Project marks the second feature that Marc Platt Productions is developing with DreamWorks. The other is Gershwin, a biopic of the famous composer. Wheelman Logline: A Las Vegas limo driver must chauffeur a mob boss' son and his friends around for a night, but when the boss goes missing, the job gets infinitely more trying. Studio/Distributor: Walt Disney Production Company: Panay Films Producers: Andrew Panay, Adam Blum, Jared Iancino Writers: Jim Kehoe (current draft), Brian Kehoe (current draft), Thomas Lennon (previous draft), Ben Garant (previous draft) SSN Insight: Project marks the first time that brothers writing team Jim & Brian Kehoe are writing a screenplay for Disney.↧
What Other Films in Turnaround Are Poised to Follow Draft Day into Theaters?
When a project goes into turnaround, it’s never a happy moment. Development execs, producers, and writers spend years laboring on a project only to see their hard work put on a shelf. There are many reasons to put a script into turnaround: a competing project beats them to theaters; a regime change alters the studios’ agenda; talent attachments fall apart; or the passion simply dies out. While it’s frustrating to see all that work wasted, turnaround can actually bring about a project’s second chance.
Home Alone was three weeks away from production at Warner Bros. when it was put into turnaround over a budget discrepancy of $3 million. Joe Roth, then chairman of 20th Century Fox, along with Roger Birnbaum, decided to back the project, and a worldwide success was born. Since then, Warner Bros. has been reluctant to put anything in turnaround, and understandably so.
Runaway Bride, which made $35 million on its opening weekend, spent nearly a decade getting tossed around by financiers. Eventually it took Paramount, Disney, Lakeshore, and Interscope to get it going. Paramount put Twilight in turnaround (ouch), and iconic films like The Matrix, The English Patient, Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Shakespeare in Love were all once-abandoned projects that were rescued and turned into moneymaking—and in some cases Oscar-winning—films.
The most recent of these is the Ivan Reitman-directed, Kevin Costner-starring Draft Day, which nabbed the number one spot on 2012’s Black List. Just prior to that, it had been put into turnaround by Paramount, where the concern over Rajiv Joseph and Scott Rothman’s script about an NFL coach doing whatever he can to obtain the number one draft pick, was that American football wouldn’t have the same appeal overseas. The story got another shot when Summit/Lionsgate and OddLot picked it up only six months after it was put into turnaround. The film releases this weekend a co-stars Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, and Ellen Burstyn. Early reviews call it “smart and charming” so we’ll see how it performs.
In the meantime, here is our shortlist of projects stuck in turnaround purgatory that we feel deserve a second (or third or fourth) chance.
The SSN Turnaround Shortlist
![ANDREW HENRYS MEADOW]()
ANDREW HENRY’S MEADOW
Studio: Fox
Logline: A boy inventor escapes suburbia for a beautiful meadow, where he builds a child's utopia in the trees. There he becomes a reluctant hero who leads a band of outcasts on a mission to awaken their families before it's too late.
Producers: Zach Braff, Adam Braff, John Davis
Source: Based on a novel of the same name, written by D. Burns, Putnam Pub Group, June 1965.
Stats: Zach’s brother Adam wrote the script with the intention of producing it alongside prolific Fox Family producer John Davis. The Goonies-esque tale was a large-scale production that Barry Sonnenfeld later signed on to direct.
SSN Insight: It’s a whimsical and timeless children’s book that could appeal to both kids and adults who yearn for escape. A visionary director like Danny Boyle or Alfonso Cuarón could really bring this to life.
Small World
Studio: Fox 2000 Logline: Misadventures of the black-sheep son of a wealthy, blind businessman who, after losing their tickets to Italy, takes his father on a whirlwind tour of New York City, pretending it’s Italy so he doesn’t miss out on a lifelong dream. Producer: Chuck Gordon (Daybreak Productions) Source: Based on an original script by Rob Muir and Bob Hilgenberg Stats: Over eight writers tried to nail the tone of this dramedy and fell short of realizing its full potential.SSN Insight: With the right director and cast, this idea truly has Oscar potential. As an emotional and heartwarming father/son story, imagine what it could become in the hands of David O. Russell or James Ponsoldt.
![THE ELECTRIC KOOL-AID ACID TEST]()
THE ELECTRIC KOOL-AID ACID TEST
Studio: Fox Searchlight
Logline: Tom Wolfe's account of author Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters as they drive across the country in a DayGlo painted school bus, and reach personal and collective revelations through the use of LSD and other psychedelic drugs.
Producer: Richard Gladstein
Writer: Dustin Lance Black, Gustin Nash
Source: Tom Wolfe’s book of the same name, published by Bantam Books, 1968.
SSN Insight: Gus Van Sant was attached to this for several years. Black wrote a draft and then Nash (Charlie Bartlett, Youth in Revolt) came on board. The book is a beloved American classic, but in 2011 Van Sant told IndieWire: “I worked on it for a long time, and we still haven’t got the right combination of parts [to] make a film version of it.” It’s still a story worth telling, and Van Sant is the perfect director. Maybe a writer like David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, The Yellow Birds) or John Krokidas (Kill Your Darlings) could finally crack it.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Studio: Columbia Logline: Two Muslim women, married to the same man, have an enduring friendship that lasts over 10 years while war rages on in Afghanistan. Producer: Scott Rudin, Film Rites Writer: Steve Zaillian Source: Based on the novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini, Riverhead, May 2007. Stats:Zaillian was previously mentioned to direct.SSN Insight: This popular novel is a moving, in-depth story of female friendship. Zaillian perceived the film adaptation of Hosseini’s The Kite Runner as “inauthentic” and wanted Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi to direct. Sadly, Panahi was jailed and Suns stalled. The movie doesn’t need to be told in Farsi to be authentic, and a director like Marjane Satrapi could be an interesting choice.
HOTHOUSE FLOWERS
Studio: Columbia Logline: A recently divorced woman who works at a Manhattan ad agency decides to go on an adventure. Producer: Julia Roberts, Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd, Jennifer Todd, Philip Rose, Lisa Gillan Writer: Margot Berwin Source: Berwin’s novel Hothouse Flower and The Nine Plants of Desire,Vintage Books, June 2009.SSN Insight: This one definitely sounds like Eat, Pray, Love, but if Roberts produces and another actress came on board, the similarities would be less obvious. Imagine Emily Blunt or Kate Winslet in the lead role; if it’s grounded in reality and not dumbed down, it could attract a great actress.
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MONSTER ZOO
Studio: Paramount
Logline: When an ancient idol is unearthed and transported to a zoo in the U.S., a spirit awakens and begins to transform the caged animals.
Producer: Sam Raimi, The Gotham Group
Writer: Lloyd Taylor
Source: Based on the graphic novel of the same name, written by Doug TenNapel, Image Comics, May 2008.
SSN Insight: TenNapel, one of today’s most prolific and talented graphic novelists, has had many of his works sold into feature film development, yet none have been made. Monster Zoo was one of his most high-profile sales and one of the quickest to go into turnaround. It could have the appeal of Coraline, a film with a touch of darkness that was still fanciful enough to appeal to young kids.
THE SEARCH FOR WONDLA
Studio: Paramount Logline: When a marauder destroys the underground sanctuary of Eva Nine, the twelve-year-old is forced to flee above ground. Eva Nine searches for anyone else like her, for she knows other humans exist because of an item she treasures—a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot, with the strange word, “WondLa.” Producers: Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lindsay Williams, Tony DiTerlizzi Writer: Chase Palmer Source: Based on DiTerlizzi’s book of the same name, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, September 2010.SSN Insight: This quirky story, by bestselling author/illustrator DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) is currently out to directors. It has franchise potential as an action adventure tale, and could become a breakout role for a young actress.
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Dune
Studio: Paramount
Logline: Thousands of years in the future, young Paul Atreides and his family relocate to the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the spice mélange—the most valuable substance in the universe.
Producers: Kevin Misher, Richard Rubinstein
Writer: Chase Palmer (rewrite), Josh Zetumer
Source: Based on Frank Herbert’s novel of the same name, Chilton Books, 1965.
SSN Insight: Dune was previously adapted as a feature film in 1984 by David Lynch, and as a television mini-series in 2000. Lynch’s film has a devoted cult following, as does the book. Peter Berg was previously attached to direct and produce, along with Film 44 partner Sarah Aubrey; Pierre Morel was previously attached to direct; and Robert Pattinson was rumored to be on tap to star. It would be great to see what Rian Johnson could do, since Looper was one of the more original sci-fi films of the last few years.
The Wind
Studio: Warner Bros. Logline: A group of miners on an alien planet get in over their heads. Producers: David Koepp Writer: David KoeppSSN Insight: The studio was high on this sci-fi script in 2012, and it looked like they were making a bold move by tapping commercial director Nic Matthieu after he made a strong impression on studio execs. It’s since stalled, and Matthieu has a project in development at the studio called Robotech. With Koepp’s track record in this genre, it would be nice to see the right elements come together to get The Wind into production.
DRAMARAMA
Studio: Warner Bros. Logline: A high school senior gets bitten by the performing bug, but when the rival school's reigning star pushes her too far, she forms her own drama club and enters a competition to vie for the winner's title, abandoning a secure future for the unpredictable life of theater. Producer: Andrew Lazar, Jennifer Todd, Suzanne Todd Writer: Andrew Osborne, Adam Abraham, Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, Evan Greenberg Source: Pitch by OsborneSSN Insight: Back in ‘99, Warner Bros. purchased Osborne’s pitch for Lazar’s Mad Chance, and granted Osborne a first-look deal on a second pic. Then up-and-coming filmmaker Shawn Ku (White on Rice) was attached to direct and Lindsay Lohan was set to star. How times have changed. The studio went through multiple drafts with different writers—never a great sign—but this premise still has potential. Bring on a seriously funny female scribe like Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect, 30 Rock) or Maggie Carey (The To Do List), and this could be a darkly funny flick.
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Rep Moves For 4/11/14: APA, Gersh, ICM, Paradigm
Agencies
Abrams Artists Agency: Actress, singer and dancer Cassie Scerbo is now repped by Domina Holbeck and Pamela Fisher. She also recently signed with Adam Griffin at KLWGN for management. Scerbo is probably best known for her role in Bring It On: In It to Win It, as well as playing Lauren Tanner on the ABC Family series Make it or Break It. Starting off a part of the music group Slumber Party Girls, Scerbo and the group hosted the children’s television series Dance Revolution in 2006, releasing a debut album shortly afterwards. When that series ended, Scerbo went on to land her role in the Bring It On franchise. Her subsequent roles have included the television movies Soccer Mom, Bleachers and Teen Spirit. She also portrayed Nova on Syfy’s breakout hit Sharknado. APA: British director, editor and writer Roger Spottiswoode is now repped by David E Saunders. Spottiswoode is currently in post-production on the feature film Midnight Sun, which will star Dakota Goyo and Goran Višnjić. After working as an editor on such films as Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs and Hard Times, Spottiswoode soon turned his attention to directing, helming a list of features including Under Fire, Turner & Hooch, Air America, Tomorrow Never Dies, The Sixth Day, Ripley Under Ground and the 2012 documentary Beyond Right and Wrong. Spottiswoode was also part of the writing team behind Eddie Murphy’s film debut 48 Hrs. Gersh: Bilingual television host, actress and producer Pili Montilla is now repped by Todd Christopher. Montilla currently produces and hosts the music show Té Para Tres con Pili Montilla. Beginning her career as an MTV VJ and host of LATV’s In the Zone and In Concert, Montilla’s hosting credits have included spots on MundoFox, Univision, MTV, LATV and E! Latino. Her acting credits have included the features 200 Cartas and Unknowns. She also appeared on the telenovelas Don Amor and Dueña y señora. In addition to her other endeavors, Montilla works as an entertainment reporter and producer for Fusion, as well as the award-winning series American Latino and Latin Nation. ICM Partners: Classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho is now repped by Meredith Wechter and Steve Levine. Starting her career with music competitions and issuing an independent album, Evancho first gained widespread attention when she appeared on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent, finishing in second place. Since that point she has performed for President Barack Obama at the 2010 National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and has issued five albums, including one that has gone platinum and one gold. Evancho’s career so far has seen three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts and in 2012, Billboard magazine named Evancho to its list of “21 Under 21.” Paradigm: Actor, director, writer and producer Eriq La Salle is now repped by David Boxerbaum, Rich Rogers, Brad Schenck and Ken Stovitz. La Salle most recently directed an episode of the upcoming NBC series Night Shift, set to premiere at the end of May. He also directed the Hallmark television movie Notes from Dad. Still probably best known for his role as Dr. Peter Benton on NBC’s ER, La Salle’s other television credits have included recurring spots on A Gifted Man and How to Make It in America, as well as appearances on Covert Affairs, 24 and Without a Trace. Starting in 1996, La Salle moved into directing as well, first helming episodes of ER, before moving onto such series as Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Without a Trace, CSI: NY and Ringer. La Salle also played Darryl in 1988’s Coming to America, opposite Eddie Murphy and produced the feature film The Salton Sea. In 2012, La Salle published his first novel Laws of Depravity. UTA: Director Simon West is now a client, along with his producing partner Jib Polhemus; they are repped by Jim Berkus, Steve Rabineau, James Kearney and Leslie Schuster. He was previously with Resolution. West is currently in post-production on the feature film Wild Card, which stars Jason Statham and Sofia Vergara and is based on the William Goldman novel Heat. After starting his career as an editor, West made his directing debut with 1997’s Con Air. His subsequent features have included The General’s Daughter, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, When a Stranger Calls and The Expendables 2. A prolific television producer and director as well, West’s series credits include Keen Eddie, Close to Home, Human Target and The Cape. Next up, West will helm the feature film Thunder Road, based on the David Zucchino book. UTA: Actress Anna Wood is now a client and repped by Jeremy Barber, Jacob Fenton, and Ali Benmohamed. Wood is currently set to star on the CBS summer series Reckless. She also recently had a recurring role on the NBC series Deception, playing Nichole Frishette. Woods’ other credits have included appearances on Mad Men, NCIS: Los Angeles, House of Lies, Royal Pains, and Brothers & Sisters. Feature-wise, Wood is probably best known for playing Monica in the 2012’s found footage hit Chronicle. She also appeared as Claire in 2010’s Nice Guy Johnny, written and directed by Ed Burns. UTA: Italian actor Lorenzo Richelmy is now repped by Billy Lazarus, Andrew Cannava and Mikey Schwartz-Wright. Richelmy will soon be starring as the title character in the upcoming Netflix/Weinstein Company limited series Marco Polo. Kon-Tiki directors Joachim Roenning and Espen Sandberg are directing the two-hour pilot, which has been reported to be one of the most expensive pilots ever made. Previously unknown to U.S. audiences, Richelmy’s earlier credits have included the Netflix series Borgia, as well as the Italian features Sotto una buona stella (Under a Lucky Star), La Terra e Il Vento (The Earth And The Wind) and Fat Cat. He also appeared in Il Terzo Tempo (The Third Half), which premiered at the 2013 Venice Film Festival.↧
Exec Shuffle For 4/11/14: Fox Searchlight, Paramount Television, Cineflix, Star China Media, Embassy Row
Company Launches
Banijay Studios North America: David Goldberg has been named Chief Executive Officer of this new arm of Banijay Group, with a focus on developing and producing original content for the U.S. and Canadian markets. CineMater: Vienna-based Terra Mater Factual Studios has set up this movie production division, which aims to create “content for international cinema audiences across a diverse range of genres,” while keeping its storytelling rooted in fact. Locksmith Animation: Former Aardman Animation Creative Director Sarah Smith has launched this high end CG feature animation studio, based in the U.K. The company’s focus will be on creating a long term slate of CG-animated pictures for a worldwide audience. New Form: Brian Grazer and Ron Howard have partnered with Discovery Communications to establish this digital studio focused on creating scripted and unscripted programming. Kathleen Grace has been named Chief Creative Officer. Team Finance Group: Michael Hirsh has joined with corporate finance veterans Jacqueline Kelly and John Vandervelde to launch this Canadian Film and TV finance company, which will offer indie producers interim lending and commercial expertise. Unnamed RAI Commercial Division: Italy’s RAI has launched a new commercial division to oversee sales, digital distribution and co-production activities at the group. Luigi De Siervo will serve as Chief Executive Officer.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
ABC News: James Goldston has been promoted to President. CBS Corporation: Shannon Jacobs was promoted to Senior Vice President, Communications, in New York. Fox Searchlight Pictures: DanTram Nguyen has been promoted to Vice President, Production. NBCUniversal: Alison Moore has been named General Manager and Executive Vice President, TV Everywhere, based in New York. Paramount Television: Jason Fisher has joined as Head of Production. Paramount Television: David Goldman was named Head of Business Affairs. Paramount Television: Stephanie Love was named Head of Finance. MGM Television: Paul Bischoff has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Subscription Television & Sales Strategy. MGM Television: Charlie Farmer has been named Senior Vice President and Managing Director, International Television Distribution, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, based in London. MGM Television: Alex Peschak was promoted to Senior Vice President, International TV Distribution & Acquisitions, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, based in London. Tribune Broadcasting: Patricia Golden was named Vice President, Sales, beginning April 14th, in Chicago.Film
Pulse Films: Ashley Schlaifer has joined as U.S. Development and Production Chief.Television
Cineflix: Brandon Killion has joined as Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, North America. Brownstone Entertainment: Nick Gilhool has joined as Senior Vice President, Development. Darlow Smithson Productions: Emily Dalton was promoted to Managing Director. She additionally continues to serve as Creative Director, in London. Embassy Row: Debbie DeMontreux has joined as Senior Vice President, Development & Programming, in New York. Olé: Dahlia Metchis was named Director of Development. One Three Media U.K.: Alex Dundas has joined as Creative Director, in London. Pilgrim Studios: Lauren Pfeiffer has joined as Senior Director, Scripted Development & Programming. Slingshot Global Media: Quan Phung was named President, Scripted Television. Star China Media: Michel Rodrigue and MJ Sorenson have joined as executives to handle international programming projects and industry press. TV One: Paul Duong has joined as Vice President, Programming & Scheduling, in Maryland. Watershed TV: Emma Morgan has joined as Creative Director.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
APA: Ashley Hanley has been promoted to Agent, Talent. APA: Kyle Loftus has been promoted to Agent, TV Literary. Adam Perry has been promoted to Agent, Feature Literary. APA: Michael Abelson has been promoted to Agent, EDM/Concerts CAA: Jordan Harnsberger has been promoted to Executive, Sports. Cary Schwartz has been promoted to Executive, Marketing. Shelby Kelleher has been promoted to Executive, Property Sales. CAA: Jacquie Katz and Andrea Weintraub have been promoted to Agents, Television. CAA: Kylen Sharpe was promoted to Agent, Music, in Nashville. Rebecca Nichols was promoted to Agent, Music, in London. Zack Stone has been promoted to Agent, Music Sponsorship, in New York. Falco Ink: Michelle DiMartino has been promoted to Account Executive, in New York.Cable
A+E Networks: Michelle Strong has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Distribution, National Accounts, in New York. Food Network and Cooking Channel: Deirdre O’Hearn has joined as Senior Vice President, Programming & Development, in New York. MTV Latin America: Maria Iregui has joined as Senior Vice President, Programming & Production, and Brand Manager, in Miami.Digital
Astronauts Wanted, No Experience Necessary: Billy Parks has joined as Chief Content Officer, in New York. AwesomenessTV: James Fielding has joined as Global Head, Consumer Products and Retail. BitTorrent: Jascha Kaykas-Wolff has joined as Chief Marketing Officer, in San Francisco. BitTorrent: Rogelio Choy has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, in San Francisco. BitTorrent: Matt Mason has been promoted to Chief Content Officer, in San Francisco. Myspace: D. Scott Karnedy has joined as Senior Vice President, Global Sales, in New York. Myspace: David Goldstein has joined as Vice President, Sales. Jamie Rush has joined as Vice President, Sales, in New York. Myspace: Hugh Jamieson has joined as Director, Sales, in New York.↧
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ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 4/7 – 4/11/14
SSN Studio Analysis Part One: Ice Princesses, Pirates & Superheroes – A Look Inside Disney’s Past
In this, the sixth and final installment in SSN’s studio analysis series, we look at how the Mouse House does business. The addition of companies like Marvel and Lucasfilm to a roster that already included Pixar, have very quickly made Disney one of the biggest players in town. In Part One, SSN focuses on Disney’s films released, as well as what went right and what went wrong. (SSN)SSN Studio Analysis Part Two: Disney’s Monster 2013 a Frozen Marvel
Disney set records in 2013 for both domestic and global grosses, with over $1.7B and $4B, respectively, for their biggest year ever. To expect such phenomenal results for 2014, especially in the wake of Muppets Most Wanted, is not realistic – but with more movies on the 2014 schedule and plenty of heavy hitters among them, hopes remain quite high. (SSN)SSN Studio Analysis Part Three: Disney Corporate is in Marvelous Hands
Though the methodology of how a movie moves forward at Disney is legendarily mysterious, we do know that no one has autonomy to green light their own picture. Everything is run up the flagpole, generally through Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn, with Robert Iger as final arbiter. SSN guides you through the corporate umbrella. (SSN)SSN Studio Analysis Part Four: Inside Disney’s Slate of Films for 2015 & Beyond
In our concluding Disney analysis, SSN takes a look at what the future has in store for Disney – and what Disney has in store for us – via their 2015-2016 slate of films. (SSN)The Early Days of Disney Corporate: What It Was Like to Work with Walt Disney
What was it like working with Walt himself from the studio’s beginnings to its first monumental success? The experiences of animators and producers open a window into a time that can only be described as magical, but certainly not without its challenges. (SSN)What Other Films in Turnaround Are Poised to Follow ‘Draft Day’ into Theaters?
Here is SSN’s shortlist of 10 projects stuck in turnaround purgatory that we feel deserve a second (or third or fourth) chance, along with SSN’s production details and insights, including The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, Hothouse Flowers, Monster Zoo, Andrew Henry’s Meadow, and more. (SSN)↧
On The Set For 4/14/14: Kristen Stewart & Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘American Ultra’ Starts
Starts
American Ultra 04/14/2014 Logline: The lives of stoner Mike and his girlfriend Phoebe take a unpredicted turn when he becomes the target of a government operation to kill him. Production Companies: Likely Story, Circle of Confusion, PalmStar Entertainment, Merced Media Partners Director: Nima Nourizadeh Executive Producers: Kevin Scott Frakes, Raj Singh Producers: Anthony Bregman, David Alpert, Britton Rizzio Cast: Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Walton Goggins, Topher Grace, Uma Thurman Screenwriters: Max Landis SSN Insight: Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg starred in the 2007 film Adventureland together. The Great Gilly Hopkins 04/09/2014 Logline: Gilly is an unruly 11-year-old girl who bounces between foster families until she lands at the kooky Trotter house. Production Company: Arcady Bay Entertainment Director: Stephen Herek Executive Producers: William Kay Producers: William Teitler, David Paterson, Peyton Kay, John Paterson Cast: Kathy Bates, Danny Glover, Sophie Nlisse, Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close Screenwriters: David Paterson Details: Based on the novel The Great Gilly Hopkins, written by Katherine Paterson and published by HarperCollins in March 1978. SSN Insight: Stephen Herek previously directed Glenn Close in 1996 101 Dalmatians. The Man on Carrion Road 04/14/2014 Logline: The story of a botched Mexican cartel deal in the back roads of a border town Production Company: Atlas Independent Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego Producers: William Green, Aaron Ginsburg, Andy Horwitz Cast: Patrick Wilson, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, Lynn Collins, James Belushi Screenwriters: Niles Lyew SSN Insight: Timothy Olyphant was previously scheduled to star but dropped out due to scheduling conflict.Wraps
Kill Your Friends 04/11/2014 Logline: A cutthroat A&R music executive is desperate to find the next big hit and stops at nothing to maintain his success. Production Companies: Altitude, Warner Music Group, Unigram, Access Industries, Pinewood Studios, World’s End Productions Director: Owen Harris Executive Producers: Aviv Giladi, Vince Holden, Steve Norris, Ivan Dunleavy, Danny Perkins, Jenny Borgars, Johnny Vaughan Producers: Gregor Cameron, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, Mike Runagall, Len Vlavatnik, Nicholas Hoult, Kate Buckley, Amanda Ghost, James Sully Cast: Rafe Spall, Nicholas Hoult, Jim Piddock, Craig Roberts, Tom Riley, Edward Hogg, Georgia King Screenwriters: Owen Harris Details: Based on the novel Kill Your Friends, written by John Niven and published by Harper on December 30, 2008. SSN Insight: This is Owen Harris’ feature debut.↧
David Fincher Out of Steve Jobs Movie, David Hill Named Chairman of National Geographic Channels U.S., Michael Strahan’s Good Morning America Debut
David Fincher Out of Steve Jobs Movie in Fee Fight
The director was negotiating with Sony to reteam with "The Social Network" writer Aaron Sorkin and producer Scott Rudin. (THR)David Hill Named Chairman of National Geographic Channels U.S.
News Corp. vet David Hill is in and David Lyle is out. (VAR)Michael Strahan's Good Morning America Debut
Expect to see Strahan mostly in GMA’s first hour. Here's a video of his appearance on the show. (DH)Ricky Gervais: Possibility of a BBC, Netflix spinoff of The Office
The actor and comedian also addressed speculation that David Brent and his band might play the Glastonbury music festival. (THR)Design Tweaks Can't Overcome Academy Museum's Dramatic Flaws
Disconnection radiates from the domed exterior of the Academy's planned film museum. (LAT)Seinfeld's Show and Inequality
With Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, the democracy of observational humor is now a mutual admiration society. (NYT)First Official Trailer for David Fincher's Gone Girl
Check out the trailer for the film, based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. (WAF)Tracking the Lasting Appeal of Vampires on Screen
The Dissolve sinks its teeth into the eternal appeal of vampires, starting with Jim Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive. (TD)Neve Campbell on Her Mad Men Role and Matthew Weiner’s ‘Super Secrecy Speech'
Like Linda Cardellini last year, Neve Campbell wasn’t allowed to celebrate being cast as a woman who tempts Don Draper. (VUL)New Cannes Poster Celebrates Marcello Mastroianni
Hervé Chigioni and graphic designer Gilles Frappier based the design on a photogram of Marcello Mastroianni taken from Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2. (DH)↧
Why Billy Bob Thornton Is Excited About FX’s Fargo, Mindy Kaling Talks About Her Show and Longevity in Comedy, Leonardo DiCaprio Boards Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s The Revenant
SSN ORIGINALS
Why Billy Bob Thornton Is Excited About FX's Fargo
Thornton on his new role, why he decided to return to television, and how both the film and television industries have changed since he started working. (SSN)Mindy Kaling Talks About Her Show and Longevity in Comedy
The showrunner and star talks about the Mindy-Danny romance, the show’s growing male audience, and what people can look forward to this season. (SSN)TODAY'S HEADLINES
Leonardo DiCaprio Boards Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's The Revenant
The actor has committed to star this September on the gritty thriller for New Regency. (DH)Manhattan Beach Studios Evacuated Because of Bomb Threat
A bomb threat has forced the evacuation of the sprawling facility formerly known as Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach, Calif. (VAR)Paul Walker's Brothers Will Help Finish Fast & Furious 7 Action Scenes
Cody and Caleb Walker will stand in for their late brother, who died in a car crash in November. (THR)Maya Rudolph's Variety Show Sets Guest List and Air Date
Rudolph will make her return to NBC next month with some song, dance, and laughs — not to mention, a little help from her famous friends. (EW)CBS Says No On Chelsea Handler for Late-Night Show
CBS isn't offering much weight to Handler's cryptic photo showing her at a "business meeting" and holding up the network logo. (THR)Must-See Trailer: Obvious Child
Check out Jenny Slate in the comedy's trailer, which was picked up by A24 at Sundance. (VUL)↧
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TV Castings For 4/16/14: Parker Young Joins CBS’‘Cuz-Bros’ In Second Position To Fox’s ‘Enlisted’
Pilots
Parker Young has joined CBS’ Cuz-Bros, in second position to Fox’s Enlisted, that centers on a successful, suave ladies’ man whose perfect life gets turned upside down when a mess of a guy saves his life and then immediately cashes in on his IOU by asking for a place to stay. Dominique McElligott will star in ABC’s Astronaut’s Wives Club, that tells the true story of the women behind NASA’s early astronauts and the struggles they face when their lives and families are catapulted into the spotlight overnight.Current Series
Nazneen Contractor is set to recur on the fifth season of USA's Covert Affairs. Melanie Papalia will recur in season four of USA’s Suits. Emily Bergl has landed a guest starring role on CBS’ Elementary. Brad Paisley will guest star on CBS’ Two and a Half Men.New Series
Steven Cree has joined Starz’s Outlander. Jesse Henderson, Jesse Carere, Caleb Ruminer, Vanessa Morgan, Meredith Baxter and Robert Pine will recur on MTV’s Finding Carter.Limited Series
Tessa Ferrer will recur on CBS’ Extant.↧
Film Development For 4/17/14: Paramount Set To Reboot Legacy Shocker ‘Friday the 13th’ With Director David Bruckner
NEW ATTACHMENTS
Friday the 13th (Reboot) Logline: Jason Voorhees, armed with his razor-sharp machete, continues to haunt Crystal Lake. Studio: Paramount Pictures Production Companies: Platinum Dunes Producers: Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller Director: David Bruckner SSN Insight: Indie director David Brucker is in negotiations to direct his first major studio project graduating from the low-budget thriller V/H/S. Mrs. Doubtfire 2 Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio: Fox 2000 Production Companies: 1492 Pictures, Fiat Risus Producers: Chris Columbus, Robin Williams Cast: Robin Williams Director: Chris Columbus Writer: David Berenbaum SSN Insight: After years of being inactive, the long gestating sequel moved back into development after Williams and Columbus sparked to Berenbaum’s draft, making this a WME packaged project. Trumbo Logline: The story of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo is recounted, who was sent to prison during the 1950s HUAC trials and wrote two Oscar-winning classics while blacklisted. Production Companies: Groundswell Productions Producers: Michael London, Janice Williams, John McNamara Cast: Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren Director: Jay Roach Writer: John McNamara SSN Insight: Helen Mirren is in negotiations to reteam with Bryan Cranston who both appeared in Love Ranch.NEW PROJECTS
Nekome Logline: Soon after the end of WWII, the Jewish underground sends two young Holocaust survivors to Brazil to hunt down and kill the escaped Nazis who ran their concentration camp. Financier: Studiocanal Production Companies: GrandElectric Entertainment, Cold Mountain Producers: Eric Newman, Jose Padilha Writer: John Hlavin SSN Insight: Eric Newman reteams with Jose Padilha who worked together on Robocop. Yellowstone Falls Logline: After an apocalyptic event, a mother wolf is separated from her mate and the rest of the pack, and has to protect her cubs from swarms of mutated humans. Production Companies: QED International, Misher Films Producers: Bill Block, Kevin Misher Writer: Daniel Kunka SSN Insight: QED bought the spec for six-figures against seven figures from Daniel Kunka who started out as Kevin Misher’s assistant.↧
Exec Shuffle For 4/18/14: Roadside Attractions, Pivot, Nickelodeon, Evolve Media, Sunshine Sachs
Company Launches
Antila Ventures: Bollywood star Anil Kapoor has partnered with MAS Clearsight, a Dubai-based investment banking advisory firm, to launch this media and entertainment company, which plans to create a library of mainstream content for film and television. ASG Music Group: Alcon Entertainment and Sleeping Giant Media have launched this joint venture with plans to integrate the combined companies’ music enterprises into a new music model for film, television and commercial media production. Caspian Media Partners: Well Go USA Entertainment President Doris Pfardrescher and producer and financial executive Gregory Chou have formed this partnership, with plans to finance and produce two to four independent films a year with budgets up to $20 million, while also seeking co-financing opportunities with studios.Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates
Atlanta Hawks: Steve Koonin has joined as Chief Executive Officer and Part-Owner. Dragonfly Film & Television Productions Ltd: Lucinda Hicks and Mark Raphael have both been promoted to Co-Managing Directors, as of May 2014. Fathom Events: John Rubey has joined as Chief Executive Officer. NBCUniversal: Anand Kini has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Insight. Warner Bros. Entertainment: Dee Dee Meyers has joined as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, as of September 2, 2014.Film
Dakota Pictures: Corbin B. Larson has joined as Vice President, Production. Dakota Pictures: Christos Sourligas has joined as Vice President, Distribution. Dakota Pictures: Serena Turner has joined as Director of Development. Emperor Motion Pictures: Damon Chan has been appointed general manager, exhibition, in Hong Kong. Emperor Motion Pictures: Daniel Yu has been appointed production controller, in Hong Kong. Material Pictures: Christopher Kopp has joined as Head of Development. Paragon Pictures: Kyle Villella has joined as Head, Film & TV Sales and Distribution. Roadside Attractions: Jennifer Berman has joined as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, Co-Productions and Development, as of April 22, 2014.Television
Central European Media Enterprises (CME): John K Billock has been appointed Chairman. Denver & Delilah Films: Laverne McKinnon has joined as Head, Television. ITV Studios UK: Denise O’ Donoghue will continue as a Board Member, after exiting her post as Managing Director. PBS: Bill Gardner has been promoted to Vice President, Programming & Development, in Washington D.C. PBS: Michael Kelley has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Programming & Business Affairs, in Washington D.C. Pivot: Belisa Balaban has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Original Programming. Sky Atlantic: Zai Bennett has joined as Director, as of August 2014.Cable
BBC: Kim Shillinglaw has been promoted to Controller, BBC2 and BBC4, in London. Cartoon Network Studios: Brian Robillard has joined as Vice President, Content Business Operations. National Geographic Channels U.S.: David Hill has joined as Chairman. He will continue in his role as Senior Executive Vice President, 21st Century Fox. National Geographic Channels U.S.: Courteney Monroe has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Nickelodeon: Lauren Buerger has been promoted to Senior Vice President, New Business Development, in New York. Nickelodeon: Lauren Elchoness has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, in New York. Nickelodeon: Marc Epstein has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Sports, Recreation & New Business Integrated, in New York. Nickelodeon: Jake Piasecki has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Ad Sales, in New York. Nickelodeon: Jennifer Tracy has been promoted toSenior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Innovation & Sponsorship Development, in New York. Science Channel: Rita Mullin is joining as General Manager, effective June 2nd. TVGN: David Wisnia has been appointed as President, Business Operations, in New York.Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms
Gersh: Robyn Nash has joined as Vice President, Unscripted Television Packaging. Gersh: Laura MacDonald has been promoted to Agent, Unscripted Television Packaging. IMG Artists: Michael Kaiser will join as Co-Chairman, as of September 1, 2014. IMG Artists: Alexander Shustorovich has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. IMG Artists: Lorna Aizlewood has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Silver Lining Entertainment: Jack Kingsrud has joined as Literary and Talent Manager. Sunshine Sachs: Heather Lylis and Keleigh Thomas Morgan have both been promoted to Partner. UTA: Andrew Lear has joined as Agent in Unscripted Talent.Digital
Evolve Media: Travlin McCormack has joined as Chief Technology Officer. Myspace: Alex Chan has joined as Director of Front End Engineering. Myspace: Mitchell Pavao has joined as Vice President of Product and Technology. Myspace: Brett Woitunski has joined as Vice President of Product and Design. Yahoo: Joe Zee has joined as Editor and Chief/Executive Creative Officer, Yahoo Fashion.Publishing
Variety: Brent Lang has joined as Senior Film and Media Reporter, in New York.↧
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