CW/ Untitled John Wells Kenny Wormald Drama Project Network: CW Television Network Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: John Wells Productions Executive Producer(s): John Wells, Andrew Stearn Writer(s): Andrew Hinderaker Logline: The story offers a peek behind the curtain of Hollywood’s hip-hop dance scene, centering on a top-flight back-up dancer who dreams of becoming a choreographer. SSN Insight: Loosely inspired by the life of actor-dancer Kenny Wormald.
Dear Zachary Studio: Universal Cable Productions Production Company: Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Sean Perrone, Aaron Kaplan Logline: Andrew Bagby was allegedly murdered by former girlfriend Shirley Jane Turner who gave birth to their child, Zachary, while on trial. After she was sent to jail, Bagby’s parents obtained full custody of Zachary, which they were later forced to share with Turner when she successfully appealed and was released, despite ample evidence that she may be mentally and emotionally disturbed. She went on to kill herself and 13-month Zachary. Details: Based on the documentary, "Dear Zachary: A Letter To A Son About His Father," (2008), directed by Kurt Kuenne. SSN Insight: Kurt Kuenne recently commented on his decision to sell the rights for a miniseries, “For six years, I’ve turned down overtures to dramatize this story because I didn’t think such a production needed to exist, but the number of people who’ve written me to say this story changed their life made me realize that bringing it to a wider audience might do a lot of good, as long as the story was told with humanity, dignity and honesty.”
Frauds Network: Fox Broadcasting Company Studio: Sony Pictures Television Production Companies: FanFare Productions, Rough House Pictures Executive Producer(s): David Caspe, Gil Ozeri, Jamie Tarses Writer(s): Gil Ozeri Logline: A family of two-bit criminals decide to pull off an elaborate Ponzi scheme. SSN Insight: Fox has given an initial script commitment. Caspe and Tarses both have overall deals at Sony Pictures Television. Ozeri, Caspe and Tarses previously worked together on Happy Endings. Currently, Caspe and Tarses are producing NBC's Marry Me, starring Caspe's wife and Happy Endings alum Casey Wilson. Ozeri, began his career with UCB N.Y., and was a writer on Fox's Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Home For the Weekend Production Company: Party Over Here Executive Producer(s): Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone Logline: The show is a mockumentary-style comedy following a celebrity’s return trip to his or her hometown, where pleasant strolls down memory lane can take unexpected turns and reveal surprising backstories about high-profile stars. SSN Insight: One of three projects produced by newly formed shingle Party Over Here (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone).Per Deadline, the project is currently in production with the intent to distribute via over-the-top video platforms like Hulu and Roku to start and later becoming a more traditional half hour series on a Fox channel.
Imitation Network: NBC Entertainment Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Companies: Alloy Entertainment, Jerry Bruckheimer Television Executive Producer(s): Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Leslie Morgenstein, Cheryl Dolins Writer(s): Ian Sobel, Matt Morgan Logline: The story takes place in a world where human clones exist and the privileged elite use them to maintain their status. This secret and illegal operation thrives until a 24-year-old clone replaces her imperiled human and threatens to bring down everything her creators have built. Details: Based on the digital novel, "Imitation," written by Heather Hildenbrand and published by Alloy Entertainment in 2014. SSN Insight: NBC has given an initial script commitment.
Krypton Network: SyFy Studio: SyFy, Warner Horizon Television Executive Producer(s): David S. Goyer, Ian Goldberg Logline: one-hour drama about Superman’s grandfather set at the fictional planet. This series follows The Man of Steel’s grandfather as he brings hope and equality to Krypton, turning a planet in disarray into one worthy of giving birth to the greatest Super Hero ever known. Details: Based on the DC Comic Superman, first published in 1938. SSN Insight: Goldberg is penning the pilot from a story by Goyer and himself. For Goyer, Krypton will be his third series on air along with Constantine and Da Vinci's Demons (Starz). Warner Bros is also developing another property in the Superman mythos, Supergirl for CBS.
Preacher Network: AMC Network Studio: Sony Pictures Television, AMC Studios Production Companies: Original Film, Point Grey Pictures Executive Producer(s): Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Sam Catlin, Neal H. Moritz, Vivian Cannon Writer(s): Sam Catlin, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg Logline: Reverend Jesse Custer, a tough Texas preacher who has lost his faith, has learned that God has left Heaven and abandoned His responsibilities. He finds himself the only person capable of tracking God down and making Him answer for His dereliction of duty. Accompanying Jesse on his journey is his former girlfriend and a friendly vampire. On his tail is an immortal, unstoppable killing machine named the Saint of Killers, in the archetype of a western lone gunman. Details: Based on the comic book series, "Preacher," written by Garth Ennis, illustrated by Steve Dillon and first published April 1995 by DC Comics imprint, Vertigo Comics. SSN Insight: Ordered to pilot by AMC which has picked up five pilots this year with the dramas Galyntine, White City, Knifeman and The Walking Dead spin-off and the comedy I Hate Paul Revere. Rogen and Goldberg have been developing Preacher for the last seven years.
Quick Shots Of False Hope Network: HBO Studio: Warner Bros. Television Production Company: Too Mutch Ink Executive Producer(s): Max Mutchnick, Laura Kightlinger Writer(s): Max Mutchnick, Laura Kightlinger Logline: A 1970s-era single mom maintains an ongoing quest to find a husband, while still sleeping with her daughter’s married father. Details: Based on the the memoir, "Quick Shots of False Hope: A Rejection Collection," written by Laura Kightlinger and published by Avon Books in 1999. SSN Insight: The single-camera comedy stems from Emerson College alums Mutchnick and Kightlinger who will write and executive produce via the former's Warner Bros. Television-based Too Mutch Ink shingle. Quick Shots is Mutchnick's first sale under his new solo development deal at WBTV, but he will continue to producer projects with David Kohan under their joint KoMut banner.
Route 66 Studio: Slingshot Global Media Production Company: Slingshot Global Media Executive Producer(s): Kirk Hallam Logline: A reboot of the 1960s action drama series chronicling the journey of two young adventurers traveling through the Heartland of America in their cool sports car, encountering people from all walks of life and exploring the social problems and changing mores of the time. Details: A reboot of the series, "Route 66," which aired on CBS from 1960-1964. SSN Insight: Slingshot, funded by private investment firm TPG Growth with headquarters in LA, was launched in February by former FremantleMedia head David Ellender. It has teamed up with Keanu Reeves on two series, Rain and New Angeles. The company also signed a non-exclusive venture with EuropaCorp to co-develop and co-finance two “globally appealing” projects annually.
Storyville Network: Starz Production Company: Playground Entertainment Executive Producer(s): Colin Callender Writer(s): George C. Wolfe Logline: Set in New Orleans during the turn of the 20th century where prostitution was decriminalized and an exceedingly vibrant, hedonistic, celebratory subculture emerged and fueled the birth of jazz. Details: Based on an original idea by George C. Wolfe. SSN Insight: The deal reunites Starz CEO Chris Albrecht with Colin Callender who had formerly worked together during their time while at HBO.
The Tyler Zone Production Company: Party Over Here Executive Producer(s): Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone Writer(s): Keith Schofield Logline: When Tyler moves to a new town, he finds himself in the middle of a series of supernatural occurrences. Are they really happening, or is it all in his head? SSN Insight: One of three projects produced by newly formed shingle Party Over Here (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone).Per Deadline, the project is currently in production with the intent to distribute via over-the-top video platforms like Hulu and Roku to start and later becoming a more traditional half hour series on a Fox channel.
Those Who Can't Network: No Broadcast Network Available. Studio: No Studio Available. Production Companies: 3 Arts Entertainment, Thank You, Brain! Productions Executive Producer(s): Adam Cayton-Holland, Andrew Orvedahl, Ben Roy, Richard Korson, Tracey Baird Writer(s): No Writer Available. Logline: Three delinquent public school teachers fight to stay employed at floundering James Buchanan High School. SSN Insight: A pilot was developed, shot and streamed on Amazon on April 19, 2013. Project did not go further. truTV is redeveloping this project. Ordered to pilot.
Topics With Andre Hyland Production Company: Party Over Here Executive Producer(s): Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone Writer(s): Andre Hyland Logline: Comedian Andre Hyland morphs into his uniquely hilarious band of characters and interacts with an unsuspecting public. SSN Insight: One of three projects produced by newly formed shingle Party Over Here (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone).Per Deadline, the project is currently in production with the intent to distribute via over-the-top video platforms like Hulu and Roku to start and later becoming a more traditional half hour series on a Fox channel.
What Happened, Miss Simone? Network: Netflix Production Company: Radical Media Executive Producer(s): Liz Garbus Logline: The story of Nina Simone, the iconic singer and civil rights activist. The film chronicles Nina Simone's Journey from child piano prodigy to iconic musician and passionate activist, told in her own words. SSN Insight: Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Liz Garbus,Netflix has said the film will take an "unflinching" look at the singer’s life and is set to distribute it next year. Netflix has also distributed the 3D-printing documentary Print the Legend and last year’s Academy Award-nominated The Square.