My Own Man Network: Netflix Studio: Class 5 Films Production Company: Sixteen Tons Production Executive Producer(s): Edward Norton, William Migliore, Lisa Nishimura, Adam Del Deo Writer(s): David Sampliner Logline: As filmmaker David Sampliner learns he will be a father to a baby boy he struggles to embrace and define the masculinity he’s rejected all his life. As he researches masculine ideals, including vocal lessons, warrior weekends and hunting, he realizes he must confront his turbulent past with his father in order to grow. SSN Insight: Sampliner wrote, produced and directed the documentary which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in April and has since been picked up by Netflix to premiere on March 6. Sampliner co-directed Dirty Work, his first documentary, which screened at the Sundance Film Festival and aired on the Sundance Channel. He also co-directed Art, Architecture, And Innovation, a documentary about the history of the Guggenheim Museum, now there on permanent exhibition.
Untitled Hacker Series Network: SyFy Studio: Relativity Television Executive Producer(s): Tom Forman, Brad Bishop Logline: Each episode will focus on the true stories, ripped from the headlines of real-life hackers, featuring interviews with both the actual perpetrators and the law enforcement agents who tracked them down. In addition graphics will create an “experiential hacking scene” to illustrate what happens when a network is hacked. SSN Insight: Given the recent Sony hack, this subject is extremely relevant. The series is unlikely to feature the Sony hack, though, as the matter is not closed. Relativity Television is adept at series on cyber dangers as they also produced MTV’s successful Catfish series, based on the documentary film. USA also recently ordered ten episodes of hacker series, Mr. Robot.
The Grace Helbig Project (Working Title) Network: E! Production Company: Embassy Row Executive Producer(s): Grace Helbig, Michael Davies, Amanda McPhillips, Ken Treusch Writer(s): Grace Helbig Logline: A fresh take on the conventional talk show which will incorporate viewer Tweets, Vines and Instagrams. Celebrity guests will be interviewed in alternate locations like a grocery store or car instead of the traditional studio stage. SSN Insight: E! has given a series order for the weekly primetime talk show, set to debut in April and starring the YouTube sensation Helbig, with more than two million subscribers to her talk/comedy hybrid channel, It’s Grace. Helbig commented on the deal to THR. “Congratulations to E! for giving an internet-obsessed introvert a talk show. I’m looking forward to working with humans.”
Kevin From Work Network: ABC Family Production Company: Kapital Entertainment, Wonderland Sound & Vision Executive Producer(s): Barbie Adler, Aaron Kaplan, McG Writer(s): Barbie Adler Logline: Kevin Daily thinks he's getting a terrific new job in Italy, so he writes his gorgeous co-worker Audrey Piatigorsky a sloppy, drunken goodbye love letter. But after the Italian job falls through and he fails to stop the letter from reaching Audrey, Kevin comes crawling back to his crappy old cubicle, his humiliating secret out in the open. It feels like his life is over, but it might just be beginning... SSN Insight: ABC Family has ordered a pilot that McG is set to direct. McG also teamed with Kaplan for the Mysteries of Laura and directed that pilot for NBC. Paige Spara and Noah Reid (Backpackers) have been cast as leads.
Tough Cookie Network: ABC Family Studio: Universal Television Production Company: No Production Company Available. Executive Producer(s): Lauren Iungerich, David Janollari Writer(s): Lauren Iungerich Logline: 32 year old successful, self-centered, Lilla Spencer is a publicist who makes a living lying--or at least, covering up her clients' flaws. However, Lilla has a big secret, which she refuses to acknowledge: she had a baby girl at age 20 whom she gave up for adoption. When she discovers that her baby is now 12 years old and might want a shot at her real mom instead of another stint in foster care, Lilla meets Eleanor. Lilla finds her maternal instinct and Eleanor discovers she may be family material after all. SSN Insight: ABC Family has ordered a pilot. In addition to penning and executive producing the series, Iungerich will also direct the pilot. Janollari first reteamed with Iungerich last year for a comedy that was set up at NBC and previously spearheaded Awkward whilehead of programming at MTV.
CW/ Untitled Scooter Braun Todd Graff Music Drama Project Network: CW Television Network Production Companies: Flame Ventures, LLC, SB Projects Executive Producer(s): Todd Graff, Tony Krantz, Scooter Braun Writer(s): Todd Graff, Tony Krantz Logline: The story chronicles the rise of Gary Graham, a brilliant young manager with the talent and ambition to shake up the industry, which is a world gone viral: where stars are minted overnight, relationships are constantly tested and careers can be made or crushed with one perfectly placed phone call. SSN Insight: The CW has given an initial script commitment. The drama will have original songs and cameos from some of music’s biggest names, given EP Braun manages Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Psy, and Carly Rae Jepsen among others. The series marks Braun’s second TV scripted project alongside CBS' breakout hit and recently picked up Scorpion.