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Rep Moves For 4/18/14: Gersh, APA, UTA, WME

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Los Angeles premiere of 'Pacific Rim'

Agencies

APA: Writer, director and producer Mary Harron is now repped by William Lowery, Debbie Deuble, Jack Leighton and Sheryl Petersen. A former reporter on the punk rock scene, Harron began her career with British documentaries before making the leap to features with 1996’s I Shot Andy Warhol. She is probably best known, however, for directing the cult classic American Psycho, based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel. Harron’s subsequent features have included The Notorious Bettie Page and The Moth Diaries. She has also worked as a television director, helming episodes of OZ, Six Feet Under, Big Love, The L Word and Homicide: Life on the Street, as well as the Lifetime biopic Anna Nicole. Next up, Harron will co-write and direct the Salvador Dali biopic Dali and I, based on the Stan Lauryssens’ book. CAA: Judge Greg Mathis is now repped by Andy Elkin, Ashley Mills and Rosanna Bilow. Mathis currently stars in the reality court series Judge Mathis, which has been airing in syndication since 1998. A former street gang member who later became an attorney and then a Michigan 36th District Court Judge, Mathis has also produced Been There, Done That in 2002, aspiritually inspired play based on his life, and wrote the memoir Inner City Miracle. In 2008, he wrote the novel Street Judge. His series Judge Mathis won a PRISM Commendation in 2003 and an NAACP Image Award in 2004. Gersh: Actor Ron Perlman is now repped by Bret Norensberg. Perlman is currently executive producing and starring in the Amazon pilot Hand of God. He also recently ended a six-season run playing Clarence “Clay” Morrow on AMC’s Sons of Anarchy. Working extensively since the eighties, Perlman first rose to fame playing Vincent on the CBS series Beauty and Beast. He has since appeared in numerous roles in film and television, including the starring role in Hellboy and its sequel. Other notable credits have included the features The Name of the Rose, City of Lost Children, Star Trek Nemesis, Blade II, Alien Resurrection and Pacific Rim. Perlman also works as a voice actor and he recently moved into writing, making a deal to co-pen the memoir Easy Street – The Hard Way with Michael Largo. Next up, Perlman will appear in the features Moonwalkers and Before I Disappear, which won the audience award at SXSW. Paradigm: French action star David Belle is now repped by Nick LoPiccolo, Jason Cunningham, Manny Nunez, Andrew Ruf and Shawn Scallon. Belle will soon be making his U.S. leading man debut in the feature Brick Mansions, opposite the late Paul Walker. Perhaps best known as one of the eight founders of the movement discipline Parkour, Belle got his big break starring in the action film District B13, the movie that Brick Mansions was based on. In addition to appearing in the sequel District 13: Ultimatum, Belle has also contributed fight choreography on such films as Babylon A.D., Prince of Persia and Colombiana. Last year, he appeared in the feature The Family, opposite Robert De Niro. Brick Mansions will be released later this month. UTA: Swiss actress Carla Juri is now repped by Danie Streisand, Brian Nossokoff, Brian Swardstrom, and Shani Rosenzweig. Juri recently earned raves for her performance in the Sundance dramedy Wetlands, an adaptation of the Charlotte Roche novel. First appearing in the short film Midday Room in 2006, Juri has since gone on to appear in the Swiss features 180 °, Someone Like Me, Finsterworld, Lovely Louise and Fossil. Her television credits have included Ho sposato uno sbirro (Married to a Cop) and Der Kriminalist. Juri was named one of the Shooting Stars at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival. She also won the Swiss Film Prize in 2011 for her performance in 180 °, as well Best Lead Actress for her role in Someone Like Me in 2012. UTA: Writer and director Martha Stephens is now a client and repped by Jenny Maryasis, Jeremy Barber and Melissa Wells. Stephens most recently co-directed the road trip comedy Land Ho!, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently picked up by Sony Pictures Classics. Stephens co-wrote and co-directed the film with Aaron Katz, who directed Cold Weather. Graduating from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Stephens’ debut feature was 2010’s Passenger Pigeons. She followed that with Pilgrim Song in 2012. Next up, she will write and direct Papaw Easy, which has been selected for the Tribeca All-Access grant, as well as IFP’s Project Forum and the Sundance Creative Producing Lab. Land Ho! is currently slated for a June release and will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival, as well as the LA Film Festival. Verve: Filmmaking team Leigh Janiak and Phil Graziadei are now repped by Bryan Besser and Rob Herting. The duo recently had a high successful SXSW premiere of their supernatural thriller Honeymoon. The film, which stars Game of Thrones’ Rose Leslie and Penny Dreadful’s Harry Treadway, was co-written by Janiak and Graziadei and directed by Janiak, her feature helming debut. Meeting as undergraduates at NYU, the two began working as writing partners in 2005 and have since written numerous features together. Shortly after its screening at SXSW, Magnolia’s genre label Magnet Releasing acquired the worldwide rights for Honeymoon, which will next play the Tribeca Film Festival. WME Entertainment: Writer Jay Reiss is now a client. Reiss recently completed the script for The Complete History of My Sexual Failures, currently set up at Universal with Jason Sudeikis in the lead. Reiss is probably best known, however, for co-writing the award-winning Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He also wrote the 2011 feature The Oranges, which was directed by Julian Farino and starred Hugh Laurie and Catherine Keener. Reiss currently has a number of projects in various stages of development, including Family Therapy, starring Jason Bateman, Crazy You, starring Will Farrell and the animated feature The League of Extraordinary Princesses.

ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 4/14 – 4/18/14

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New & Noteworthy Spring 2014 – The People, Places & Things to Put on Your Radar

Since last spring, we’ve brought you SSN’s New & Noteworthy list, a carefully curated rundown of the people, places, and things we think should be on your radar.Take a look at our third installment for the hotspots, books, galleries, filmmakers, and actors to watch -  SSN has its finger on the pulse so that you don’t have to. (SSN)

Spotlight: Big Bang Theory Guest Star & Comedy Legend Bob Newhart on the Shifting TV Landscape

Newhart is a bona fide legend. With over 50 years in the business he returned to TV for a terrific guest turn on TV’s top-rated The Big Bang Theory, a performance that won him, after six prior noms, his very first Emmy. On May 1, he returns to the show for a third appearance. SSN’s Q&A with Newhart is here. (SSN)

It’s About to be Emmy Deja-Vu All Over Again for Breaking Bad, Back for One Final Shot

While voters watched season 5B while filling out their ballots a year ago, it was 5A they were voting for—the first eight installments of the 16-episode farewell. Now it’s time to vote for 5B, which sent Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, and pals off to TV immortality – the question is whether everyone feels they’ve already been there and done that. (SSN)

Will NBC Get Shut Out of the Emmy Top Comedy Category for the First Time in 33 Years?

NBC is poised to be shut out on the lineup for the first time since 1981. NBC’s best, and perhaps only, shot this year is Parks and Recreation, which has landed in this category just once before, in 2011. But Parks isn’t favored to crack the group, not with such a wealth of cable and streaming entries in hot pursuit of the gold. SSN takes a look. (SSN)

Wally Pfister Jumped from Below the Line to Direct Transcendence – Who Else has Made the Jump?

Pfister is also the DP who shot each of the Christopher Nolan’s first seven films, except for Interstellar because of his own directorial debut, Transcendence, which opens today. SSN takes a look at some directors who have all made films in the last few years after starting their careers in other departments. (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)

TV Development For 4/22/14: Christopher Vane’s ‘Impastor’ Set For TV Land

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TV Land

Impastor Network: TV Land Studio: CBS Television Studios Production Company: Tannenbaum Company Executive Producers: Christopher Vane, Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Haswell-Tannenbaum Writer: Christopher Vane Logline: A low-life on the run from his debts hides away in a small town by conning them into thinking he’s their newly hired gay pastor. Details: Cast-contingent pilot. Stitchers Network: ABC Family Executive Producers: Jeff Schechter, Jonathan Baruch, Robert Wolken Writer: Jeff Schechter Logline: A young woman is recruited into a covert government agency to be "stitched" into the minds of the recently deceased, using their memories to investigate murders and decipher mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave. SSN Insight: Network ordered this additional pilot after they had to pull the plug on Alice In Arabia, due to pressure from advocacy groups. D.O.A. Network: A&E Networks Production Companies: Wolf Reality, Left/Right Executive Producers: Dick Wolf, Tom Thayer, Ken Druckerman, Banks Tarver, Laura Fleury, Brad Holcman Logline: Follows a top team of detectives who will re-examine controversial murder cases in which unresolved questions still linger long after the verdict was determined. Radiant Doors Network: WGN America Production Companies: Gaumont International Television, Perfect Storm Entertainment Executive Producers: Justin Lin, Jeremy Doner, Danielle Woodrow, Troy Craig Poon Co-Executive Producer: Ryan Andolina Writer: Jeremy Doner Director: Justin Lin Logline: Explores how our society deals with the sudden arrival of a flood of refugees from a dystopian future. Details: Based on the short story, Radiant Doors, written by Michael Swanwick. Project will go straight to series if the script is approved by WGN. Scalped Network: WGN America Studio: Warner Horizon Television Production Company: DC Comics/Vertigo Executive Producer: Doug Jung Writer: Doug Jung Logline: The Oglala Lakota inhabitants in the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation in South Dakota grapple with organized crime, poverty, drug and alcohol addiction and local politics while trying to preserve their cultural identity. Details: Based on the comic book, Scalped, written by Jason Aaron. Partially inspired by Native American activist Leonard Peltier, who was arrested for gunning down two FBI agents on a reservation in 1975.

TV Castings For 4/23/14: First Lady Michelle Obama to Guest on ABC’s Nashville & Disney’s Jessie

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Pilots

Aaron McCusker and Bret Harrison join ABC’s The Astronaut 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.

Ian Gomez has been cast, in second position to TBS’ Cougar Town, in CBS’ Cuz-Bros 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.

Sarah Chalke, Selma Blair, Luka Jones, Lindsay Sloane, Hayes Macarthur and Collette Wolfe join Amazon’s Really, that centers on a married couple who have three kids and a good relationship with each other and three other hard partying couples who accidentally witness two of his close friends (who are married to other people) in a sexual liaison.

Current Series

Coby Ryan McLaughlin has joined the new season of USA’s Graceland in a recurring role.\ Blake Anderson will guest star on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Nestor Carbonell is set to play a charming entrepreneur when he guest stars on CBS’ The Good Wife. First Lady Michelle Obama as well as Kellie Pickler will guest star in the same episode on ABC’s Nashville. First Lady Michelle Obama will also guest star on a special episode of Disney’s Jessie that will celebrate military families.

New Series

Sammi Hanratty and Stephen Lang have booked recurring roles on WGN’s Salem.

Daniel London will recur on WGN’s Manhattan.

Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong’o Eying Disney’s Jungle Book, News Corp And Facebook To Launch News Service, Time Warner Cable Spent $62 Million in Q1 Prepping for Merger

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Scarlett Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o Eying Disney's Jungle Book

Jon Favreau is directing the live-action/CG hybrid adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling tale. (THR)

News Corp And Facebook To Launch News Service

Social news agency Storyful, which is a division of News Corp, has teamed with Facebook to launch of FB Newswire. (DH)

Time Warner Cable Spent $62 Million in Q1 Prepping for Merger

The company incurred $62 million in costs for the first three months of 2014 to lay the groundwork for Comcast’s $45 billion acquisition bid. (VAR)

William Hurt Exits Midnight Rider

Hurt has withdrawn from a bio-pic of southern rocker Gregg Allman that has been targeted with a boycott by Hollywood crew workers following the death of a camera assistant in February. (EW)

AMC Networks to Acquire German Channel KinoweltTV

AMC/Sundance Channel Global says it has reached an agreement to acquire German network KinoweltTV. (THR)

Summer Books For Creative Leaders

Recommended reads from the start of this year that speak to the work and lives of creative leaders. (FOR)

The Significance of Lupita Nyong’o Being Named People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Person of the Year

The fashion and beauty world’s immediate embrace of Nyong’o has been seen as an indicator of social progress in the world of fashion magazines. (GTLD)

Watch the Trailer For Richard Linklater's Boyhood

The film was 12 years in the making and should be one of the highlights of the summer movie season. (IW)

Review of Radius-TWC's Darkly Comic Revenge Pic Blue Ruin

Blue Ruin deals in crimes of passion, carried out by human beings who are flawed yet tragically relatable. (DIS)

NBC, USA To Develop English-Language Adaptations Of Telemundo Telenovelas

The adaptations will be produced by Universal TV and Universal Cable Prods., respectively. (DH)

Film Development For 4/24/14: Steven Spielberg & Tom Hanks Attached to DreamWorks Cold War Project

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NEW ATTACHMENTS

 

Dirty White Boys Logline: Three dangerous criminals escape prison and are chased down by a crooked cop. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Producers:  David Benioff, D.B. Weiss Writers: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss (current draft), Lawrence Konner & Mark D. Rosenthal (previous draft) Directors: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss Details: Based on the novel "Dirty White Boys" by Stephen Hunter; published by Dell in 1994. SSN Insight: Project marks the first partner directing deal for the duo outside of “Game of Thrones” since the series began.

Geostorm Logline: When the world's climate-controlling satellites stop working, a satellite designer and his estranged brother must travel to space and work together to save the planet from total destruction. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Companies: Skydance Productions, Electric Entertainment Producers:  Dean Devlin, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Marc Roskin, Rachel Olschan Cast: Gerard Butler Writers: Kieran Mulroney & Michele Mulroney (current draft), Dean Devlin (previous draft), Paul Guyot (previous draft) Director: Dean Devlin SSN Insight: Project marks writer, producer and director Dean Devlin’s feature directorial debut.

Untitled DreamWorks Cold War Project Logline: The film tells the true story of James Donovan, an attorney who was put into the center of the Cold War when he negotiated the release of downed U-2 spy plane pilot Gary Powers. Studio/Distributor: DreamWorks Production Company:  Marc Platt Productions Producers:  Marc Platt, Steven Spielberg Cast: Tom Hanks Writer:  Matt Charman Director: Steven Spielberg (in discussions) SSN Insight: Project marks the fourth collaboration for Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. The previous ones being “Saving Private Ryan”, “Catch Me if You Can” and “The Terminal”.

Thirteenth Grade Logline: After a big disappointment at work and a break-up, a journalist leaves Manhattan, moves back to his hometown outside of Chicago and becomes a substitute teacher to a group of unruly students. Production Companies: Sycamore Pictures, Ad Hominem Enterprises Producers:  Tom Rice, Ben Nearn, Adam Wagner, Alexander Payne (Executive Producer), Jim Burke (Executive Producer), Jim Taylor (Executive Producer) Writers:  Evan Endicott, Mark Phinney Director: Andy Tennant SSN Insight: Project marks director Andy Tennant’s first feature film since 2010’s “The Bounty Hunter”.

NEW PROJECTS

 

A Garden at the End of the World Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor: Warner Bros. Production Companies:  Vertigo Entertainment, Energy Entertainment Producers:  Roy Lee, Brooklyn Weaver, Jonathan Krauss (Executive Producer), Ian Puente (Executive Producer) Writer:  Gary Graham SSN Insight: Project marks the first sale for writer Gary Graham.

The Here and Now Logline: A girl who comes from the future might be able to save the world, but it would mean giving up the one thing she depends upon. Production Companies:  Alcon Entertainment, Alloy Entertainment, 8:38 Productions Producers:  Kira Davis, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Leslie Morgenstein, Elysa Koplovitz Dutton Details: Based on the young adult novel "The Here and Now" written by Ann Brashares and published by Delacorte Press on April 8, 2014. SSN Insight: Project marks the re-collaboration for author Ann Brashares and Alcon Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment since the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2”.

Men Who Kill Logline: Storyline is under wraps. Studio/Distributor: 20th Century Fox Producers:  Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Kenny Goodman (Executive Producer) Cast: Michael B. Jordan Writer:  TJ Fixman SSN Insight: Project is being developed as a starring vehicle specifically for Michael B. Jordan.

I’m In Love With the DJ Logline: When a girl goes to Spain her two best friends tag along, and the trip turns into a quest through the electronic dance scene to find a hot DJ. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company:  Gary Sanchez Productions Producers:  Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Kevin Messick Writer:  Lauryn Kahn SSN Insight: Project marks the second sale for writer Lauryn Kahn, Adam McKay’s former assistant and Funny or Die writer, director and performer. She formerly sold “He’s F-ing Perfect” to Fox2000 which is now being released by Universal with Gary Sanchez producing.

The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara Logline: The true story of an Italian Jew who was taken from his parents at age seven in 1858 by Papal authorities, raised Catholic, and eventually become a priest. Studio/Distributors: DreamWorks Studios, The Weinstein Company Producers:  Steven Spielberg, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein Writer:  Tony Kushner Director: Steven Spielberg (in discussions) Details: Based on the novel "The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara" written by David Kertzer and published by Alfred Knopf in 1997. SSN Insight: Project reunited Steven Spielberg with Tony Kushner. Together the two have earned Oscar nominations for their previous historical dramas “Munich” and “Lincoln”.

Stripping Down Lena Dunham’s Emmy Chances, Spotlight: Bad Teacher’s Hilary Winston, Tribeca Spotlight: Jim Sturgess and Isabel Lucas on Electric Slide

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SSN ORIGINALS

 

Stripping Down Lena Dunham's Emmy Chances

Of Dunham’s seven honors, she has parlayed precisely zero of them into victories. Ray Richmond ponders why that is. (SSN)

Spotlight: Bad Teacher Showrunner Hilary Winston Divulges How She Chooses Projects

Winston spoke to SSN about the secret to longevity in Hollywood, features versus TV, and the perks of having a staff of writers to work with. (SSN)

Tribeca Spotlight: Jim Sturgess and Isabel Lucas on Electric Slide

SSN sat down with Sturgess and Lucas to talk about what drew them to the project, how they went about creating their characters, and what movies they pulled from for inspiration. (SSN)

Spotlight: Black Box Creator Amy Holden Jones

Jones spoke to SSN about the show, her own personal connection to it, and why she doesn’t miss working in feature films. (SSN)

Film Development Report for 4/24/2014

New attachments and new projects, including I'm In Love With the DJ and Geostorm. (SSN)

TODAY'S HEADLINES

 

Bryan Singer Speaks Out About Abuse Claims

The X-Men: Days of Future Past director says he won't participate in any media events for the upcoming film. (THR)

FCC Chairman Stands Behind Net Neutrality Proposals

Tom Wheeler said that his proposals “would establish that behavior harmful to consumers or competition by limiting the openness of the Internet will not be permitted.” (VAR)

Warner Bros. Adds Cast to Pan

Amanda Seyfried joins Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, and Rooney Mara in the live-action Peter Pan feature from director Joe Wright. (DH)

Should the Next Season of Parks and Rec Be Its Last?

It's always been delightful and hilarious, but the little comedy that could has never been a particular ratings success. (VUL)

Exec Shuffle For 4/25/14: Lionsgate, Universal Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Wilshire Studios

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Company Launches

Elara Pictures: Filmmaking duo Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie are launching this new production banner alongside partners Sebastian Bear-McClard and Oscar Boyson. The banner plans to produce multiple indie features each year, giving complete creative control to each individual project’s director. Unnamed Leslie Sloane Public Relations Venture: After exiting BWR last week, publicist Leslie Sloane is launching a new PR company with backing from the Weinstein Live division of the Weinstein Company, as well as Madison Square Garden’s James Dolan.

Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates

20th Century Fox Consumer Products: Pinky David has been appointed Vice President, Asia Pacific Branch. CBS Entertainment: Krista Gugliotti has joined as Manager, Communications. CBS Television Distribution: Bryan Hale has been promoted to Vice President, Development. The City of New York Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting: Cynthia Lopez has been named Film Commissioner. Lionsgate: Chief Marketing Officer Tim Palen will now run all feature film marketing operations for both Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment upon Nancy Kirkpatrick’s departure. NBC News: Dean Palmer has joined as Director of Development, Peacock Productions. Time Inc: David Bell, John Fahey, Manuel Fernandez, Dennis FitzSimmons, Betsy Holden, Kay Koplovitz, J. Randall MacDonald,  Ronald Rolfe and Howard Stringer have all joined the Board of Directors. Joseph Ripp will serve as Chairman. Universal Pictures: President of Domestic Distribution Nikki Rocco will be retiring at the end of 2014. Warner Bros. Animation: Sam Register has been promoted to President, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series. Warner Bros. Television: Jana Steel has been promoted to Director, Comedy Development.

Film

Anchor Bay Entertainment: Erin Carter has been promoted to Vice President, Brand Marketing. Anchor Bay Entertainment: Jane McCowan has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Marketing. Atlas Entertainment: Patrick Blood has been promoted to Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs. Jerry Bruckheimer Films: Julio Garcia has been appointed Vice President, Human Resources & Operations Plucky: David Clayton has joined as Founding Partner and Creative Director. Plucky: Jeffrey J. Marks has joined as Founding Partner and Executive Producer. Plucky: Josh Novak has joined as Partner and Animation Director. Rural Media Group: Brian Hughes has joined as Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer, in Nashville. Twistory Entertainment Studios: Karl R. Wolfe has been promoted to President.

Television

Debmar-Mercury: Karen Bonck has joined as Senior Vice President, Branded Partnerships. Canal+: Christine Cauquelin has been promoted to Director of the network’s thematic channels, including Planète+, Planète+ A&E, Planète+ CI, Planète+ Thalassa, and Seasons. ITV Studios UK: Julian Bellamy will be joining as Managing Director later this year. Legendary Television: Michael Grindon has joined as Head, Global Television Distribution Division. Powderhouse Productions: Seanbaker Carter has been promoted to President. Tall Girl Productions: Kate Schumaecker has joined as President. Wilshire Studios: Bryan Hale has joined as Vice President, Development.

Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms

Karen Fried & Associates: Sara Vahabi has been promoted to Vice President.

Cable

AMC/Sundance Channel: Marco Frazier has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Distribution, EMEA BabyFirst: Mary Jeanne (MJ) Cavanagh has joined as Executive Vice President, Advertising Sales. Cablevision: Kristin Dolan has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. DirecTV: John Harman has joined as Manager of Business Development. Spike TV: Matt Califano has been promoted to Vice President, Program Scheduling. Tennis Channel: Adam Ware has been named Senior Vice President, Head of Digital Media.

Digital

Major League Gaming: Ryan Wyatt has rejoined as Vice President of Programming, MLG.TV. Shazam: Lauren Zalaznick has joined the Board of Directors.

Publishing

Boom! Studios:  Stephen Christy has been promoted to President, Development. Boom! Studios: Adam Yoelin has joined as Senior Vice President, Film.

Music

Genius Brands International: Matthew Kornberg has joined as Controller. Roc Nation: Tamara Conniff has joined as Executive Vice President of Music Publishing/Business Affairs. Conniff is the former Editor-In-Chief of Billboard and Music Editor for The Hollywood Reporter.

Advertising

PageScience: Steve McEvoy has joined as Vice President, Advertising Sales. The Media Kitchen: Jonathan Kim has been promoted to Digital Engineering Director. True[X] Media: James Murdoch has joined the Board of Directors.

Rep Moves For 4/25/14: CAA, Abrams Artists Agency, Paradigm, Resolution, Verve

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Agencies

Abrams Artists Agency: Actress Alexis Dziena is now repped by Marni Rosenzweig. Dziena will soon be seen in the feature Without Ward, directed by Cory Cataldo. Making her television debut on the TNT series Witchblade, Dziena first gained serious notice in the controversial Lifetime movie She’s Too Young. She is probably best known, however, for playing Kira on ABC’s Invasion. She also appeared in a recurring role on the sixth season of HBO’s Entourage. Dziena’s feature credits have included Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers, Sex and Breakfast, Fool’s Gold, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and When in Rome. She most recently appeared in the 2012 indie comedy Wrong. Abrams Artists Agency:  Actor Chris Sarandon is now repped by Marni Rosenzweig. Sarandon will next be seen in the features Big Stone Gap, opposite Ashley Judd, and The 10 O’Clock People, opposite Jay Baruchel. Making his film debut in the 1975 classic  Dog Day Afternoon, Sarandon has worked steadily ever since, notably appearing as Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride and playing the vampire Jerry Dandridge in Fright Night. Other credits on Sarandon’s lengthy resume include the features The Sentinel, A Tale of Two Cities, Child’s Play, Bordello of Blood, The Nightmare Before Christmas and 2012’s Safe. He’s also had recurring roles on such series as Felicity, ER and Judging Amy. Sarandon was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Dog Day Afternoon. CAA: Actress Lupita Nyong’o is now repped by Hylda Queally. One of the breakout stars of 2013, Nyong’o just won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in March for her performance in 12 Years A Slave. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Nyong’o had few film credits before her high-profile role, having previously starred in the Kenyan television series Shuga and written, produced and directed the documentary In My Genes. After racking up numerous awards for her performance in 12 Years A Slave, Nyong’o appeared earlier this year in Universal’s thriller Non-Stop, opposite Liam Neeson. She also recently signed with Lancome as one of its brand ambassadors. Paradigm: Actor Frank Langella is now repped by Andrew Ruf, Nate Bryson, Sarah Fargo and Jack Tantleff. The busy actor will next be seen in the feature Grace of Monaco, opposite Nicole Kidman. He also recently appeared in Muppets Most Wanted, Draft Day, Noah and the HBO movie Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight. The winner of three Tony awards, Frank Langella began his career in theater and made his feature debut with acclaimed performances in Diary of a Mad Housewife and Mel Brooks’ The Twelve Chairs. His extensive career since then has included such films as 1979’s Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, And God Created Women, Goodnight and Good Luck, Superman Returns, Frost/Nixon, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and Robot & Frank. In 2009, Langella was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Frost/Nixon. Resolution: Actor Bill Bellamy is now repped by Tamra Goins and Cynthia Booth. Bellamy currently both stars in and executive produces the syndicated comedy Mr. Box Office. He also recently appeared in the Showtime specials Crazy Sexy Dirty and Ladies Night Out. Bellamy first gained fame with Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam and appeared extensively on MTV before going on to appear in such features as Love Jones, The Brothers, How To Be A Player and Any Given Sunday. Some of his more notable television credits have included Cousin Skeeter, Men, Women & Dogs and Fastlane. Bellamy also hosted and executive produced last month’s Centric Comedy All-Stars. Verve: Director Jonny Campbell is now repped by Susan Solomon. Campbell recently signed on to direct the BBC/HBO adaptation of the J.K. Rowling novel The Casual Vacancy. He also directed the 2013 BBC3 miniseries In The Flesh. Campbell has a prolific television resume in the U.K., with directing credits that include the series Peak Practice, Glasgow Kiss, Phoenix Nights, Judge John Deed, Shameless, Ashes to Ashes and Doctor Who. Additionally, Campbell directed the feature film Alien Autopsy in 2006 and the television movies Ernie & Arnie and Bright Lights.

Management Companies

Genesis Entertainment Partners: Rachael Kathryn Bell is now repped by Robyn Holt and Priya Satiani. Bell will soon appear in the features Pass the Light and Starving in Suburbia, both of which are currently in post-production. However, she is probably best known for playing Addison on the Disney Channel series The Suite Life on Deck, the sequel/spin-off of the hit series The Suite Life of Zach & Cody. Bell’s other credits have included the television series Body of Proof and television movies Speak Now and Immigrant. Bell is also repped by Coast to Coast Talent.  

ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 4/21 – 4/25/14

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2014 SSN Summer Movie Preview Part One: The Tentpoles

With so many movies coming out between the first weekend of May and Labor Day, we thought the best way to give you a proper preview was to break it into separate parts. Today, SSN kicks things off  for you in Part 1 by taking a look at the big, monster tent poles coming your way over the next few months. (SSN)

2014 Summer Movie Preview Part Two: Medium-Sized Films

Now that we’ve gotten the tent poles out of the way, it’s time to take a look at the considerable number of medium-sized releases coming down the pike this summer. SSN presents our insights on the 20-plus films on the list. (SSN)

SSN’s 2014 Summer Movie Preview Part Three: Indie Films

In the conclusion of our Summer Movie Preview series, SSN takes a look at the lengthy list of interesting, smaller-budgeted films ready to hit the big screen. (SSN)

Best Acoustics? Best Party Space? SSN Ranks the Best Theaters in L.A. Just in Time for Summer

In light of new improvements to home systems, distributors have started to kick the theater-going experience up a notch, with gorgeous lounges, amazing acoustics, gourmet dining, and musical numbers. In preparation for popcorn season, SSN has compiled a list of Los Angeles’s best theaters. (SSN)

Stripping Down Lena Dunham’s Emmy Chances

Of Dunham’s seven honors, she has parlayed precisely zero of them into victories. Ray Richmond ponders why that is. (SSN)

TV Academy Gets with the 21st Century, Launches Online Emmy Voting for First Time

For the first time, online Emmy voting is a reality this year—for at least half the process — however, only round one of Emmy voting, which determines the nominees, will be made online. Round two, the one that actually picks the winners, will still be done exclusively by paper ballot. SSN explores the change. (SSN)  

TV Development For 4/29/14: John Singleton’s ‘Snowfall’ Set For Showtime, Ridley Scott’s ‘Pharaoh’ Set For HBO

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Pharaoh Network: HBO Studio: Universal Television Production Company: Scott Free Productions Executive Producers: David Schulner, Ridley Scott, Colet Abedi, Giannina Facio, David Zucker Writer: David Schulner Director: Ridley Scott Logline: Explores an alternate explanation for the foundation and ascent of the ancient Egyptian empire -- one in which greatness was bestowed upon us by beings from another world, calling into question what it means to be a "god." SSN Insight: Project is part of Schulner’s renewed two-year deal with Universal Television. The Extinction Parade Production Company: Legendary Television and Digital Media Developed By: Max Brooks Writer: Max Brooks Logline: Pits zombies against vampires in a world where the zombie plague has put the human race on the endangered species list. Fearing the end of their food supply, the vastly outnumbered vampires enter into an all-out subdead war with the zombies, with humans caught in the crossfire. Details: Based on the horror comic series The Extinction Parade, written by Max Brooks. Nazareth Network: Fox Production Companies: Landscape Entertainment, FX Productions, Eleven Film, Entertainment One Executive Producers: David Franzoni, Bob Cooper, Tyler Mitchell, Jamie Campbell, Joel Wilson Writer: David Franzoni Logline: Follows the formative years of Jesus of Nazareth. Details: Project is being developed as an event series. Untitled Gaz Alazraki Project Digital Platform: Netflix Production Company: Alazraki Entertainment Producers: Gaz Alazraki, Leonardo Zimbron, Mike Lam Writer: Mike Lam Director: Gaz Alazraki Cast: Luis Gerardo Mendez Logline: Set in the world of professional soccer, focusing on feuding heirs of a soccer club after the owner dies. Details: Netflix has ordered 13 episodes. SSN Insight: This is Netflix's first Spanish-language original series. This Is Not Happening Network: Comedy Central Production Company: CC Studios Executive Producers: Ari Shaffir, Eric Abrams, Samantha Saifer, Jeff Tomsic Director: Jeff Tomsic Cast: Ari Shaffir Logline: Shaffir and his comedian friends tell hilarious and true stories in front of a live audience at L.A.'s gentlemen's club, Cheetahs. Details: Based on the digital series, This is Not Happening, which streamed on CC Studios beginning in 2013. The series was based on Shaffir's long-running stage show. Comedy Central has ordered 8 episodes. Snowfall Network: Showtime Production Company: Underground Entertainment Executive Producers: Eric Amadio, John Singleton, Michael London, Trevor Engelson, Evan Silverberg Writer: Eric Amadio Director: John Singleton Logline: Examines the beginnings of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles. Blunt Talk Network: Starz Production Company: Media Rights Capital, Fuzzy Door Productions Executive Producers: Seth MacFarlane, Jonathan Ames Producer: Patrick Stewart Writer: Jonathan Ames Cast: Patrick Stewart Logline: A British import intent on conquering the world of American cable news. Details: Project was picked up for 20 episodes that will air over two seasons.

TV Castings For 4/30/14: Sarah Silverman Joining Showtime’s ‘Masters of Sex’

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Pilots

Joel Johnstone and Kenneth Mitchell have been cast in ABC’s The Astronaut Wives Club, 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. Sam Trammell joins Amazon’s Cocked, about an estranged son who must return to work with his father and brother at his family’s gun manufacturing company after a corporate rival, run by their uncle, moves to take them over. Meg Ryan will voice the Mother in Fox’s How I Met Your Dad, which tells the story from a female point of view, and revolves around a new group of friends in New York,

Current Series

Helena Mattsson will recur in season 2 of ABC’s Mistresses. Willa Fitzgerald is set to recur in season 6 of USA’s Royal Pains. Sarah Silverman has joined the second season of the Showtime’s Masters of Sex. Cloris Leachman and Barry Bostwick will guest star in Season 4 of TNT’s Franklin & Bash.

Event Series

David Costabile joins USA’s Dig that follows an FBI agent stationed in Jerusalem who, while investigating a murder of a woman archaeologist, uncovers a conspiracy 2000 years in the making that threatens to change the course of history.

Film Development For 5/1/14: Cary Fukunaga Set To Write-Direct ‘The Black Count’ For Columbia Pictures

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Director Cary Fukunaga arrives at "Celebrate Sundance Institute" the Sundance Institute's inaugural benefit in Beverly Hills, California

NEW ATTACHMENTS

  The Longest Night Logline: The story of a true-life Coast Guard rescue operation on Easter Sunday in 2008 when a trawler sank 180 miles off the Alaskan coast in freezing waters that were thousands of feet deep. Studio/Distributor: Paramount Production Companies: Conde Nast Entertainment Group, Kennedy/Marshall Company Producers:  Frank Marshall, Dawn Ostroff, Jeremy Steckler Writer:  Jonathan Lemkin Director: Frank Marshall Details: Based on the article "The Longest Night" written by Sean Flynn and published in GQ Magazine in December, 2008.  SSN Insight: Project marks Frank Marshall’s first time back in the director’s chair since 2006’s 8 Below. Seeker Logline: After years of training, a young girl feels betrayed when she learns that she is being groomed not for a respected position but to be an assassin. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Company: Mark Gordon Company Producer: Mark Gordon Writer:  Callie Kloves Details: Based on the novel "Seeker," written by Arwen Elys Dayton and to be published by Delacorte Press in 2015. Novel is the first in a projected trilogy. SSN Insight: Project marks the 2nd high profile writing gig for Callie Kloves, who also wrote Warner Bros. Jungle Book. Ben-Hur (Remake) Logline: A young Ben-Hur, who encounters Jesus Christ, finds himself betrayed by his best friend but survives after being sold into slavery and extracts revenge. Studio/Distributor: Paramount, MGM Production Companies: Mark Burnett Productions, The Sean Daniel Company Producers:  Mark Burnett, Roma Downey (Executive Producer), Sean Daniel, Joni Levin, Keith Clarke (Executive Producer), Jason Brown (Executive Producer), John Ridley (Executive Producer) Writers: Keith Clarke (adaptation), John Ridley (current draft) Director: Timur Bekmambetov Details: Based on the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, written by Lew Wallace and published in 1880. SSN Insight: Project reunites the studios that just collaborated on Hercules and the Hot Tub Machine Sequel. Watch Dogs Logline: After a family tragedy, a hacker seeks revenge by hacking into Chicago’s traffic lights, transportation and security cameras, making the city into his weapon. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: New Regency, Ubisoft Writers:  Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese Details: Based on Sony’s PlayStation 4 console videogame Watch Dogs, released in North America on November 15, 2013.  SSN Insight: Project marks the third collaboration for New Regency and Ubisoft. The previous projects are Assassin’s Creed and Splinter Cell. The Danish Girl Logline: The story of real-life Danish painter Einar Wegener who, in 1931, became the first man to undergo a sex-change operation. Studio/Distributor: Working Title Films Production Companies:  Working Title Films, Pretty Pictures, Harrison Productions Producers:  Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Tom Hooper, Gail Mutrux, Anne Harrison, Linda Reisman, Cast: Eddie Redmayne Writer:  Lucinda Coxon Director: Tom Hooper Details: Based on the book The Danish Girl, written by David Ebershoff published by Viking February 7, 2000. SSN Insight: Project marks the re-teaming of the Working Title producers, director and star since 2012’s Les Misérables.

NEW PROJECTS

  Escape from Cuba Logline: The true story of LA Dodgers star Yasiel Puig's escape from Cuba, which involved smugglers working for drug cartels. Production Companies: RatPac Entertainment, Flynn Picture Co. Producers:  Brett Ratner, Beau Flynn, James Packer (Executive Producer), John Cheng (Executive Producer) Details: Based on the article Escape From Cuba: Yasiel Puig's Untold Journey to the Dodgers, written by Jesee Katz which appeared in Los Angeles Magazine in April 2014.  SSN Insight:  Project reunites producers Brett Ratner and Beau Flynn after Hercules which will open in July 2014. The Black Count Logline: The life story and adventures of French Revolution-era General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas are recounted. Studio/Distributor: Columbia Pictures Production Companies: Get Lifted Film Co., Parliament of Owls Producers:  Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius, John Legend (Executive Producer), Troy Carter (Executive Producer), Josh Bratman (Executive Producer) Writer:  Cary Fukunaga Director: Cary Fukunaga Details: Based on the biography The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo, written by Tom Reiss and published by Crown Trade in 2012.  SSN Insight: Project is a biopic of the father of author Alexandre Daumon and is the basis for the true-life account of the real Count of Monte Cristo. Salinger’s War Logline: JD Salinger is followed from the early days of his writing career, though his service in WWII, which change him forever and help him find his voice as a writer. Production Companies:  Black Label Media, Bruce Cohen Productions, Blue Star Entertainment Producers:  Danny Strong, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Bruce Cohen, Jason Shuman Writer:  Danny Strong Director: Danny Strong Details: Based on the biography JD Salinger: A Life, written by Kenneth Slawensk and published by Random House in 2010. SSN Insight: Project marks the directorial debut for writer/producer Danny Strong.  

Exec Shuffle For 5/1/14: Elzer & Associates, Harpo Films, Resolution, A&E Networks

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Company Launches

Be for Films: Films Distribution sales agent Pamela Leu has launched this film sales company in Brussels, Belgium. It is currently the only full-fledged sales company based within Belgian borders. Bullitt:  Anthony Russo and Joe Russo have teamed with director Justin Lin and producer Todd Makurath to launch this branded entertainment firm, which plans to work with brands and ad agencies to produce commercials and long-form content. The production company has a strategic partnership with RSA Films. Elzer & Associates: Corporate communications veteran Steve Elzer is launching a new, boutique PR firm (www.elzerassociates.com) offering strategic communications counsel to entertainment companies and executives. He will be joined by former Imageworks communications executive Rachel Falikoff. Elzer, an influential PR strategist and media relations specialist, spent the last 20 years as chief spokesman for Sony Pictures Entertainment and New Line Cinema's motion picture divisions. The Scene: Condé Nast Entertainment has launched this new aggregation venture, which has recruited a number of brands to produce original video programming, in hopes the combined scale will unleash advertising dollars.

Studios, Networks, and Media Conglomerates

CNN International: Ravi Agrawal has been promoted to New Delhi Bureau Chief. Endemol: Erik de Winter was named Global Manager, Format Acquisitions, in Amsterdam. FOX Broadcasting Company: Kristen Schwarz has been promoted to Coordinator, Comedy Programming & Development. Lionsgate: Peter Levin has joined as President of Interactive Ventures and Games. NBCUniversal: Visant Prabhu is joining as Chief Financial Officer, as of June 1, 2014. One Solution: Detavio Samuels has joined as President. Tribune Broadcasting: Katherine Green is joining as Senior Vice President, News, as of May 5th, 2014. Turner Broadcasting: Humphrey Black has joined as Vice President of Media Distribution, EMEA.  Black was formerly with Disney. Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution: Scott Gregg has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Sales Operations. Universal Television: Stacey Silverman is joining as Vice President, Drama Development, as of June 1st, 2014.

Film

Anchor Bay Entertainment: Glenn Wahlgren has been promoted to Vice President, Sales. Harpo Films: Carla Gardini has joined as Executive Vice President, Production & Development. New Films International: J.D. Beaufils was named Executive Vice President, Worldwide Distribution. New Films International: Douglas McClure was named Senior Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs. Paramount Insurge & Paramount Television: Sasha Silver is joining as Creative Executive, as of May 12th, 2014. Universal Pictures: Josh Goldstine has been promoted to Head, Worldwide Marketing.

Television

Betty: David Emerson has joined as Head, Features, in London. Betty: Vicky Hamburger has been promoted to Head, Documentaries, in London. Betty: Neil Smith has been promoted to Creative Director, in London. Dick Clark Productions: Mark Bracco has joined as Executive Vice President, Programming and Development. Electric Ray: Meredith Chambers has joined as Co-Managing Director, in London. The Hurwitz Company: Max Broude has joined as Manager, Comedy Development. ITV Studios America: Tom Lane has joined as Executive Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs. ITV Studios Australia: Ben Ulm has joined as Head, Content. Wilshire Studios: Benny Reuven has joined as Vice President, Development & Programming. WV Enterprises: Burrad Marsh has been promoted to Vice President, Television Development.

Agencies, Management Companies, Public Relations, and Law Firms

J Public Relations: Maggie Porges has been named Senior Publicist. Resolution: Jennifer L. Good has joined as an Agent, TV Literary.

Cable

A+E Networks: David Granville Smith has joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The Africa Channel: Brian Newton has been promoted to Vice President, Marketing & Digital. The Africa Channel: Narendra Reddy has joined as Senior Vice President, Programming & Production. AMC Networks: Kristin Jones has joined as International Scripted Consultant. Dish Network: Steven Swain has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Programming Group. National Geographic Channels: Clara Kim has joined as Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for National Geographic Channels and National Geographic Channels International. Nickelodeon: Jenna Hymanson has been promoted to Manager, Current Series. Nickelodeon: Erin Ochi has been promoted to Coordinator, Current Series. Nickelodeon: Kristina Rodriguez has been promoted to Manager, Music & Talent. Spike TV: Iness Pleus has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations, Brand Marketing & Creative. TLC: Jack Tarantino has joined as Vice President, Production, West Coast. TLC: Elvia Van Es Oliva has joined as Vice President, Development, West Coast. TLC & Animal Planet: Victoria Lowell has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Marketing.

Digital

Google: Vic Gundotra, VP of Social Media, is leaving the company after 8 years. Gundotra was formerly with Microsoft; no replacement has been named. Roku: Jody Vogelaar has joined as Vice President, Global Partner Marketing. SpinMedia: Diane Clements has been named West Coast Account Director. SpinMedia: Pete Riherd has been named Vice President/Western Sales Director. SpinMedia: Todd Weinke has joined as Vice President, Midwest Sales Director.

Music

ole: Randall Foster has joined as Senior Director, Creative Licensing. Spirit Music Group: Art Levy has joined as Vice President, Business Affairs & Administration.  

Rep Moves For 5/1/14: UTA, Innovative Artists, CAA, WME

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Agencies

CAA: Actress Dakota Fanning is now repped by Jeremy Plager, Kim Hodgert and Michael Kives. Fanning most recently appeared in the features Very Good Girls, The Motel Life and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2, portraying Jane Volturi. Starting her career at only age six with a memorable performance in I Am Sam, Fanning became the youngest actress to ever be nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award. Since then, Fanning’s career has skyrocketed, appearing in such features as Man on Fire, The Cat in the Hat, War of the Worlds, Hide and Seek, Coraline Now is Good and The Runaways to name a few. Fanning will next be seen in the biopic The Last of Robin Hood, opposite Kevin Kline. She also has a role in the upcoming feature Franny, opposite Theo James and Richard Gere, as well as Night Moves, opposite Jesse Eisenberg. CAA: Film, television and stage actress Mary McCormack is now repped by Peter Levine and Michael Katcher. McCormack recently wrapped the indie feature A Conspiracy on Jekyll Island, opposite Dianna Agron and AnnaSophia Robb. She also appeared earlier this season on Welcome to the Family. She’s probably best known, however, for her leading roles on In Plain Sight and The West Wing. Beginning her acting career at age 12, McCormack’s lengthy resume includes the features Private Parts, Deep Impact, True Crime, K-PAX, For Your Consideration and 1408. She also starred on the ABC series Murder One and The HBO series K Street. In 2008, McCormack earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress for her role in the Marc Camoletti farce Boeing-Boeing, which also won the award for best revival. Innovative Artists: Producer Seth William Meier is now repped by Jason Garber. Meier most recently executive produced the Sundance hit Cooties, which stars Elijah Wood and Allison Pill. That film will be released later this year. Starting his career as an actor, Meier played the recurring role of Meaney on HBO’s OZ and appeared in guest spots on series such as Sleeper Cell and Without a Trace. However, in recent years, he has moved into production, serving as an Assistant Director on such films as Alien Autopsy and The Pacific and Eddy, in addition to producing the 2013 features In My Pocket and The Briefcase. Gersh: British actress and singer-songwriter India de Beaufort is now repped by Chris Fioto. De Beaufort most recently appeared in a recurring role on Necessary Roughness and guest starred on an episode of How I Met Your Mother. She is probably best known, however, for her series regular role on the ABC series Jane by Design playing India Jourdain. She also has appeared in the Comedy Central series Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire and recurred as Miranda on One Tree Hill. Earlier in her career, De Beaufort was a regular on the British children’s series The Basil Brush Show. Her feature credits include the 2007 British-American comedy Run Fatboy Run, opposite Simon Pegg. ICM Partners: Rapper T-Pain is now repped by Caroline Yim, Scott Mantell, Zach Iser and Scott Mantell. The first single from T-Pain’s forthcoming album, “Up Down (Do This All Day)” has already reached the top ten in both the U.S. and U.K. Often credited for popularizing the auto-tune pitch correction that became popular in the 2000s, T-Pain is probably best known for his hits “Buy U a Drank,” “I’m Sprung,” “Bartender,” and “Can’t Believe It.” The founder of the record label Nappy Boy Entertainment, T-Pain has won two Grammy Awards, including one for Best Rap Song in 2008 for “The Good Life” with Kanye West, as well as the award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for “Blame It,” alongside Jamie Foxx. UTA:  Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach isnow repped by Theresa Peters, Brian Nossokoff and Chris Highland. Moss-Bachrach most recently appeared on Girls, playing Desi Harperin. He also starred in the feature We’ll Never Have Paris, which premiered at SXSW and marked the directorial debut of Simon Helberg. Acting since the late nineties, Moss-Bachrach’s feature credits have included The Royal Tenenbaums, American Splendor, Mona Lisa Smile, Stealth, The Lake House, Higher Ground, Lola Versus and Come Out and Play. His television credits have included Rubicon, Damages, Fringe and HBO’s miniseries John Adams, where he portrayed John Quincy Adams. Next up, Moss-Bachrach will appear in the feature Douglas Brown, opposite Zoe Bell and Robert Forster. UTA: Actress and former model Hannah Simone is now repped by Scott Schachter, Billy Lazarus and Jordan Berkus. Simone currently stars on the hit Fox series New Girl, opposite Zooey Deschanel. Starting off as host of the HGTV Canada design show Space for Living, Simone worked as a VJ for Canada’s MuchMusic before moving to Los Angeles to host WCG Ultimate Gamer for SyFy. Landing her role in New Girl in 2011, Simone has also appeared in the web series H+, which was produced by Bryan Singer. Next up, Simone is set to appear in the feature films Flock of Dudes and Miss India America, both of which are in post-production. WME Entertainment: Novelist and television writer Kem Nunn is now a client. Nunn is currently an executive producer and writer on FX’s Sons of Anarchy. The author of six novels, Nunn also co-created and wrote the HBO series John from Cincinnati and collaborated with David Milch on the third and final season of HBO’s Deadwood. Nunn’s books have included Unassigned Territory, Pomona Queen and Tijuana Straits, as well as the “surf noir” novels Tapping the Source and Dogs of Winter. Nunn’s most recent novel Chance was released earlier this year.

ICYMI: SSN’s Top Original Stories For 4/28 – 5/2/14

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Film Source Material Part One: Why Intellectual Properties Outpace Originals

What used to be a majority of films created from original concepts and stories has turned into a majority of films based on books, comics/ graphic novels, video games, articles, and other intellectual properties (IPs). The studios have unilaterally changed the way movies are made and the entire development process – SSN takes a look in part one of our series. (SSN)

Film Source Material Part Two: The Rising Importance of Intellectual Properties

With economic and strategic paradigms shifting, it’s become exponentially harder to actually get a film made. Ask any agent who works in the lit world and they’ll agree, as will those who work in media rights – which is the closest thing the film business has to a growth industry these days. SSN takes a look in part two of our series. (SSN)

Film Source Material Part Three: Breaking Down the Spec Market

In the first two parts of SSN’s series we touched briefly on how the spec market has been affected – and promised to delve deeper into the issue today. Well, here we are, and there is much to discuss. SSN breaks it down for you here. (SSN)

‘The Other Woman’ & ‘Neighbors’ – Inside the Psychology of the Revenge Comedy

SSN breaks down why “a great revenge comedy has a hero audiences can root for, a relatable situation, a moment where the villain realizes why they’re being punished, and an ending where the protagonist decides not to continue down their path of revenge.” (SSN)

Spider-Man’s Best Villains & the Nemeses We Still Want to See

With no less than three villains in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, we thought it a worthwhile exercise to take a look at each of the bad guys featured thus far, while also taking a look at some potential villains for the upcoming third and fourth installments. (SSN)

The Past, Present & Future of the Franchise Reboot – Which Will Score with Audiences?

With a number of ongoing franchises featuring rotating casts, SSN takes a look at a few of them to judge the success or failure of their replacements, plus a peek into the future for some titles that are in some form of development – and their potential for success or failure. Franchises include Jason Bourne, Batman, Fletch, Mad Max, James Bond and more. (SSN)

On The Set For 5/5/14: Hugh Jackman Starrer ‘Pan’ Starts For Warner Bros., New Line Cinema’s ‘Crawlspace’ Wraps

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Starts

Max Steel 04/29/2014 Logline:  A 16-year-old extreme sports enthusiast is recruited by a secret agency after nanobot technology leaves him with superhuman abilities. Production Companies:  Dolphin Entertainment Group, Mattel, Inc., IM Global, Open Road Films Director: Stewart Hendler Executive Producers: Tim Kilpin, Barry Waldo Producers: Julia Pistor, Bill O'Dowd Cast: Benjamin Winchell, Ana Villafañe, Andy Garcia Screenwriter: Christopher Yost Details: Based on the action figure Max Steel introduced by Mattel in 1999. SSN Insight: Previously in development at Paramount with Taylor Lautner as Max. Pan 04/28/2014 Logline:  When an orphan is taken to the magical world of Neverland, he becomes a hero to the natives and leads a revolt against the evil pirates. Studio: Warner Bros. Production Company: Berlanti Productions Director: Joe Wright Executive Producer: Tim Lewis Producers: Greg Berlanti, Paul Webster, Sarah Schechter Cast: Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried, Levi Miller Screenwriter: Jason Fuchs Details: A prequel to J. M. Barrie’s original stage play "Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up," which was first performed in 1904. SSN Insight: Other Peter Pan projects currently in active development include Disney’s animated Peter and the Starcatchers, which Gary Ross is planning to direct, and Sony/Columbia’s Neverland, with Gavin O’Connor set to direct. Some Kind of Hate 04/29/2014 Logline:  A bullied teenager is sent to a remote desert reform school where he accidentally summons a spirit who takes vengeance on his tormentors. Production Companies: Caliber Media, Revek Entertainment Director: Adam Egypt Mortimer Producers: Dallas Sonnier, Jack Heller, Amanda Mortimer, Gabriela Revilla Cast: Ronen Rubinstein, Grace Phipps, Sierra McCormick, Michael Polish Screenwriters: Adam Egypt Mortimer, Brian DeLeeuw SSN Insight: Feature directorial debut for music video director Adam Egypt Mortimer.

Wraps

Testament of Youth 05/03/2014 Logline:  Vera Brittain, a young woman in Britain circa 1914, gives her account of how her entire generation was consumed and irrevocably altered by the onset of World War I. Production Companies:  Heyday Films, BBC Films Director: James Kent Executive Producers: Christine Langan, Joe Oppenheimer, Richard Mansell, Zygi Kamasa, Hugo Heppell Producers: David Heyman, Rosie Alison Cast: Alicia Vikander, Kit Harrington, Hayley Atwell, Emily Watson, Dominic West Screenwriter: Juliette Towhidi Details: Based on the memoir Testament of Youth, written by Vera Brittain and published by Victor Gollancz in 1933. SSN Insight: Saoirse Ronan was in discussions for the starring role, which went to rising talent Alicia Vikander. Crawlspace 04/29/2014 Logline:  A family moves into a new home where the previous owners were murdered by someone living in the walls of the house. Studio:  New Line Cinema Director: Phil Claydon Producers: Rick Alvarez, Peter Safran Cast: Erin Moriarty, Michael Vartan, Nadine Velazquez Screenwriter: Gary Dauberman SSN Insight: Phil Claydon directed the 2009 comedic horror film Lesbian Vampire Killers.

TV Development For 5/6/14: Spike Lee To Write & Direct ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ For Showtime

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She’s Gotta Have It Network: Showtime Writer: Spike Lee Director: Spike Lee Logline: A new, contemporary look at the characters from the film offering Lee's points of view about race, gender, sexuality, relationships, and the gentrification in Brooklyn. Details: Based on the film, She's Gotta Have It, (USA, 1986) directed by Spike Lee. SSN Insight: Lee shot the original film in 12 days, which starred Tracy Camilla Johns. Untitled Andy St. Clair / Paul O'Toole Comedy Project Network: MTV Production Company: Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment Executive Producer: Marc Provissiero Co-Executive Producers: Andy St. Clair, Paul O’Toole Writers: Andy St. Clair, Paul O’Toole Logline: 22-year-old Andy, after he catches his girlfriend cheating, accidentally rear-ends a celebrity. Taking pity on Andy, the celebrity takes it upon himself to teach him how to man up. Details: Ordered as a cast-contingent pilot. The Magicians Network: Syfy Production Company: Universal Cable Productions Executive Producers: Sera Gamble, John McNamara, Michael London Writers: Sera Gamble, John McNamara Logline: Follows a group of twenty-somethings in New York who study magic and discover that the magical fantasy world they read about as children is real and poses a grave danger to Earth. Details: Based on the book series, The Magicians, written by Lev Grossman. Untitled Boston Marathon/ Rod Lurie Event Series Project Network: Fox Production Company: Thunder Road Pictures Executive Producers: Rod Lurie, Basil Iwanyk, Kent Kubena Writer: Rod Lurie Director: Rod Lurie Consultants: Jenna Russell, Scott Helman Logline: Follows the heartbreak, terror and triumph on Boston’s tragic Marathon day and the week that followed, focusing on the real-life stories of five people whose lives are changed forever in two deafening blasts at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Details: Based on the book, Long Mile Home: Boston Under Attack, the City's Courageous Recovery, and the Epic Hunt for Justice, by Boston Globe reporters Scott Helman and Jenna Russell. Project is planned as an event series. Letter 44 Network: Syfy Studios: Universal Television, Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Closed On Mondays Entertainment Executive Producers: Jonathan Mostow, Eric Gitter, Peter Schwerin, Rene Echevarria Writer: Jonathan Mostow Director: Jonathan Mostow Logline: Stephen Blades, the new president of the U.S., learns, via a letter from his predecessor, that seven years earlier, NASA discovered an alien construction project in the asteroid belt. A crew of heroic astronauts was sent to investigate and they're nearing the conclusion of their epic journey. Details: Based on the comic book Letter 44, written by Charles Soule. SSN Insight: Syfy is also developing Ronin, a miniseries based on the comic book series, and Pax Romana, a miniseries based on the limited series graphic novel.

Economic Effect of Beverly Hills Hotel Boycott, Tom Rothman’s TriStar Productions Sets First Two 2015 Films, Lionsgate Announces Power Rangers Movie

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Economic Effect of Beverly Hills Hotel Boycott

An exodus due to anti-gay owner the Sultan of Brunei reveals "shockingly few" alternatives as events scramble for space and the hotel stands to lose millions of dollars. (THR)

Tom Rothman's TriStar Productions Sets First Two 2015 Films

Meryl Streep's Ricki and the Flash is getting a high-profile summer release, while Robert Zemeckis' untitled film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt will open in the fall. (THR)

Lionsgate Announces Power Rangers Movie

Lionsgate and Saban Brands are partnering to develop and produce a live action movie based on Saban’s  Power Rangers property as the first film in a franchise. (VAR)

Dawn Hudson Gets New Three-Year Contract

The Board Of Governors of the  Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences on Tuesday night renewed CEO Dawn Hudson’s contract for another three years. (DH)

Katherine Heigl Heads to NBC

NBC has given series orders to a trio of intrigue-heavy political-tinged dramas that bring Katherine Heigl, Anna Friel, and Hope Davis into prime-time. (EW)

Ten Female Comedians Who Could Take Craig Ferguson's Spot

CBS president Les Moonves suggested that late night might finally be ready to do something different this time. (SAL)

A New Crowdfunding Platform for Indie Films is Open for Business

indieFilmFunding.com (iFF) officially launched to the public today, along with its first theatrical film campaign, and it's a big one. (IW)

Watch Melissa McCarthy in the Tammy Trailer

Tammy could very well be the most exciting summer movie we know the least about. (GLD)

NBC Sports Group and Sunday Night Football Rule At Sports Emmys

The Peacock led all networks with a half-dozen wins. (DH)

TV Viewers Stick with What They Know

The average American home now receives 189 channels, according to an upcoming report from the audience research firm Nielsen. (LAT)

Polone: In Hollywood, A Paid Friend Is the Best Kind

Gavin Polone breaks down the fact that, "I don’t think you really know that you have a paid friend until one leaves your employ." (VUL)

TV Castings For 5/7/14: Michael McKeon Joins AMC’s Better Call Saul, Ray Romano Joins HBO’s The Long Play

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Pilots

Michael McKeon joins AMC’s Better Call Saul, a prequel to Breaking Bad that follows an unflappable criminal lawyer.

Alex Roe, Chanel Celaya and Sofia Mattsson have been cast in ABC Family’s Unstrung, that explores the sexy, cutthroat, and emotional stakes of the professional world tour of tennis as a brother and sister compete to move up the ranks.

Marcella Plunkett will guest star and recur if a series is ordered, on FX’s How And Why about a guy who can explain how and why a nuclear reactor works but is clueless about life.

Ray Romano joins HBO’s The Long Play, that follows the exploits of a cocaine-fueled record executive in New York City circa 1977, when punk, disco and a new form of music called hip-hop collided.

Meera Rohit Kumbhani has been cast in Fox’s Weird Loners, that tells the story of four relationship-phobic people who are unexpectedly thrust into one another’s lives and form an unlikely bond

Dreama Walker joins Amazon’s Cocked, that centers on an estranged son who must return to work with his father and brother at his family’s gun manufacturing company after a corporate rival, run by their uncle, moves to take them over.

Samantha Logan has been cast as the lead in ABC Family’s Recovery Road, that follows a high school girl who falls in love with someone in rehab, and continue their relationship when they get out.

Josh Stewart is set for Amazon’s Hysteria, that follows a  doctor who travels to her hometown of Houston to investigate an epidemic among high school girls that may be spreading through technology.

Current Series

John Heard will recur on ABC’s Mistresses.

Will Yun Lee has booked a major recurring role in the final season of HBO’s True Blood.

Jocko Sims (The Last Ship) and Jay Ellis (The Game) will appear in season 2 of Showtime’s Masters of Sex.

Max Greenfield will guest star on TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland.

Seth Gilliam has joined AMC’s The Walking Dead as a series regular for  Season 5.

Timothy Busfield has landed a recurring role on season 2 of Fox’s Sleepy Hollow.

Daniel Sharman is set to guest star in season 2 of CW’s The Originals.

Treat Williams will guest star on CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

New Series

Tyler Hilton will recur in CBS’ Extant.

Event Series

Regina Taylor and Omar Metwally will recur on USA’s Dig.

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