SSN ORIGINALS
Trend Watch: Why Woodlawn and Other Faith-Based Films are the Low Risk, High Reward Bet to Make
For many studio executives faith-based films used to be associated with a stigma, but that’s been steadily changing. In recent years experienced producers and directors have begun to believe strongly that audiences will not only go see faith-based films, but do so with a passion if films are made with a professional crew, talented actors and most of all well-written. Good stories have sought to change the tide for the genre, and change the tide they have. (SSN)
On the Set for 10/16/15: Ab Fab: The Movie & Planet of the Apes Sequel Start Shooting While Star Trek Beyond Wraps
Ab Fab stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are back for the feature edition meanwhile Kate Mara and Edie Falco start on the Megan Leavey biopic, Star Trek Beyond wraps up shooting and more. (SSN)
OTHER HEADLINES
In What Could Have Signaled an Historic Shift in Cable Bundling, Viacom and Cablevision Settle Lawsuit
Viacom and Cablevision have come to a resolution to end a closely watched antitrust battle concerning the tying of channels in carriage negotiations. According to the complaint, Viacom threatened a “10-figure penalty” if the bigger networks were licensed but not the smaller ones. Today the two companies reached a settlement. (VAR)
A Network Turning Down Money? Believe it as CBS Refuses to Run Ads for the Film Truth
CBS has turned down a portion of a multi-million-dollar ad buy by Sony Pictures Classics for Truth, the Sony specialty label’s drama about the 60 Minutes II scandal involving an eventually discredited story about President George W. Bush’s military service. A CBS investigation resulted in the firing of producer Mary Mapes and three others and the eventual departure of Dan Rather. (DL)
James McAvoy Goes from Telepath to Spy, Joining Charlize Theron in Coldest City
James McAvoy will star opposite Charlize Theron in Coldest City, Focus Features and Sierra/Affinity’s Sierra Films’ adaptation of the Oni Press graphic novel. The Kurt Johnstad-written script tells of how, just days before the fall of the Berlin Wall, two spies from opposite sides are chasing a list that has the names of Cold War spies, on both sides, before it gets into the wrong hands. (THR)
Oscar Winner Melissa Leo to Star in Jim Carrey’s Showtime Pilot I’m Dying Up Here
Oscar winner Melissa Leo is set to star in the dark comedy Showtime’s pilot I’m Dying Up Here from exec producer Jim Carrey. Sebastian Stan and Clark Duke have also joined the cast, joining previously announced talent Ari Graynor, Andrew Santino, RJ Cyler, Erik Griffin and Stephen Guarino. (VAR)
Hopes of Making Captain Dashed as ABC Cancels Rookie Blue After Six Seasons
The ABC cop drama has been cancelled after six seasons. “The success of Rookie Blue is a testament not only to the extremely talented team of Ilana Frank, Tassie Cameron, David Wellington and studio eOne, but the electrifying cast that has resonated with legions of fans that have followed the show since Season One,” said Christine Shipton, SVP and CCO, Shaw Media. (TVL)
Trailer Buzz: Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank is set to invade the silver screen on April 29, 2016, and today in a new trailer, we get a closer look at the movie’s sense of humor. Unsurprisingly (or for the cynics among us, very surprisingly), it feels a lot like the Ratchet & Clank games — silly, action-packed and full of wild alien creatures. The film stars series veterans James Arnold Taylor as Ratchet and David Kaye as Clank, alongside Paul Giamatti, Rosario Dawson, John Goodman and Sylvester Stallone. (ENG)
Writing Tips From Moneyball, The Social Network and Steve Jobs Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin writes anti-bathroom break movies. You don’t want to miss a line of his, especially in the case of his latest piece of work, the breathless, intricately structured Steve Jobs. By now, such an exciting piece of drama seems like a foregone conclusion from one of Hollywood’s most successful screenwriters. But past and present interviews with him have revealed not only how he pulls off these feats of genius, but how to start if you’re trying to create your own. (/FILM)
50 Free Apps To Make You An Incredibly Productive Person
You’re running a million miles an hour, trying to hold down a tight schedule full of tight deadlines on a tight ship. From messages to meetings to managing meddlesome minutiae, these 50 apps can help you work wonders with your otherwise limited time. Communicate with ease, tame your schedule, and get things done with these great tools. (FC)