Netflix has given the green light to The Beast In Me, a limited series headlined and executive produced by Claire Danes. In addition to Danes, the mystery thriller project, created, written and executive produced by Gabe Rotter, is executive produced by Jodie Foster, Conan O’Brien via Conaco and Homeland co-creator/executive producer Howard Gordon who will serve as showrunner, reuniting with the acclaimed series’ star/executive producer Danes. 20th Television is the studio; Gordon is no longer under a deal at Sony Pictures TV, which explains his involvement.
The surprising mix of big names attached to the series reflects its long, twisty path to the screen — indicative of how hard it often is to get a show made — which we will get into in a bit. The story may also inspire aspiring writers not to give up.
Gabe Rotter, photo by Lewis Abel
In The Beast In Me, since the...
The surprising mix of big names attached to the series reflects its long, twisty path to the screen — indicative of how hard it often is to get a show made — which we will get into in a bit. The story may also inspire aspiring writers not to give up.
Gabe Rotter, photo by Lewis Abel
In The Beast In Me, since the...
- 3/28/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 30 Rock creator and star Tina Fey is returning to the small screen as a lead of The Four Seasons, based on the 1981 feature film, which she co-created with fellow 30 Rock alums Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield. The high-profile comedy project, which marks Fey’s first TV starring role since 30 Rock, was taken out to the marketplace just before the holidays. In a very competitive situation with multiple bidders, it landed at Netflix with an eight-episode series order.
Production is slated to begin later this year. Universal Television, where Fey is based, is the studio.
The Universal Pictures film The Four Seasons, about three couples who vacation together every season, was written and directed by Alan Alda, produced by Martin Bregman, and starred Alda and Carol Burnett.
The Four Seasons TV series is written by Fey, Fisher and Wigfield who executive produce with David Miner, Eric Gurian and Jeff Richmond.
Production is slated to begin later this year. Universal Television, where Fey is based, is the studio.
The Universal Pictures film The Four Seasons, about three couples who vacation together every season, was written and directed by Alan Alda, produced by Martin Bregman, and starred Alda and Carol Burnett.
The Four Seasons TV series is written by Fey, Fisher and Wigfield who executive produce with David Miner, Eric Gurian and Jeff Richmond.
- 1/9/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Entertainment recently hosted a holiday get-together for creators, showrunners and creative executives under overall deals with a toast to the New Year ahead.
Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment joined executives across the studios and platforms including Eric Schrier (DTS), Karey Burke (20th TV), Tracy Underwood (ABC Signature), John Landgraf (FX/Fxp), Marci Proietto (20th TV Animation), Tara Duncan (Onyx Collective) as well as Joe Early (Det), Charlie Andrews (Dbt), Craig Erwich, Nick Grad and Gina Balian (FX).
Guests included Liz Meriwether, Steve Levitan, Matt Groening, Loren Bouchard, Zoanne Clack, Alec Berg, Raamla Mohamed, Noah Hawley, Nick Kroll, Milo Ventimiglia, Nina Jacobson, Yvette Lee Bowser, Destin Daniel Cretton, Kelvin Yu, Jenni Konner, Liz Tigelaar, Prentice Penny, Warren Littlefield, Saladin Patterson and many more.
See the photo gallery below.
Reconnecting with creators, showrunners and creative executives under overall deals, Disney Television Studios, Onyx Collective, Fxp celebrated being...
Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment joined executives across the studios and platforms including Eric Schrier (DTS), Karey Burke (20th TV), Tracy Underwood (ABC Signature), John Landgraf (FX/Fxp), Marci Proietto (20th TV Animation), Tara Duncan (Onyx Collective) as well as Joe Early (Det), Charlie Andrews (Dbt), Craig Erwich, Nick Grad and Gina Balian (FX).
Guests included Liz Meriwether, Steve Levitan, Matt Groening, Loren Bouchard, Zoanne Clack, Alec Berg, Raamla Mohamed, Noah Hawley, Nick Kroll, Milo Ventimiglia, Nina Jacobson, Yvette Lee Bowser, Destin Daniel Cretton, Kelvin Yu, Jenni Konner, Liz Tigelaar, Prentice Penny, Warren Littlefield, Saladin Patterson and many more.
See the photo gallery below.
Reconnecting with creators, showrunners and creative executives under overall deals, Disney Television Studios, Onyx Collective, Fxp celebrated being...
- 12/8/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
A showrunners picket at Fox that started as a way to show solidarity during the strike ended up raising close to $45,000 for crew members who have been adversely affected by the work stoppage.
Strike Captain Amy Berg encouraged showrunners who attended the Sept. 12 picket to bring along gift cards so she could distribute them to support staff in need. More than 300 high-powered scribes, including Steve Levitan, Shawn Ryan, Aline Brosh-McKenna, Carlton Cuse, Rene Balcer, Jack Burditt, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, Andy Gordon, Tucker Cawley and David Shore, walked the line that day.
At today’s IATSE appreciation day at Fox, Berg distributed the gift cards to 115 people. She plans to mail more out this week to crew members.
“I was looking at all these amazing funds we have out there, but noticed that most require a long application process which can delay people getting the help they need,” Berg told Deadline. “I just thought, what could we do that offered immediate assistance?”
Those who participated in today’s IATSE appreciation picket received at least $150 word of cards to grocery stores and retail outlets like Target.
“Things everyone can use,” said Berg. “I basically started a nonprofit in one week, thanks to the generosity of my fellow showrunners.”
Showrunners have already contributed more than $500,000 recently to the Entertainment Community Fund. (Click for the showrunner donation link). Most of the donors have been anonymous.
There’s renewed optimism that the WGA and AMPTP can reach a deal now that both parties have agreed to meet tomorrow.
The WGA sent out a note to members confirming the talks: “The WGA and AMPTP now have a confirmed schedule to bargain this week, starting on Wednesday. You might not hear from us in the coming days while we are negotiating, but know that our focus is getting a fair deal for writers as soon as possible. We’ll reach out again when there is something of significance to report. In the meantime, please continue to demonstrate your commitment and unity by coming out to the picket lines – for yourselves and fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other unions’ members, and all those in our community who are impacted by the strikes.”...
Strike Captain Amy Berg encouraged showrunners who attended the Sept. 12 picket to bring along gift cards so she could distribute them to support staff in need. More than 300 high-powered scribes, including Steve Levitan, Shawn Ryan, Aline Brosh-McKenna, Carlton Cuse, Rene Balcer, Jack Burditt, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, Andy Gordon, Tucker Cawley and David Shore, walked the line that day.
At today’s IATSE appreciation day at Fox, Berg distributed the gift cards to 115 people. She plans to mail more out this week to crew members.
“I was looking at all these amazing funds we have out there, but noticed that most require a long application process which can delay people getting the help they need,” Berg told Deadline. “I just thought, what could we do that offered immediate assistance?”
Those who participated in today’s IATSE appreciation picket received at least $150 word of cards to grocery stores and retail outlets like Target.
“Things everyone can use,” said Berg. “I basically started a nonprofit in one week, thanks to the generosity of my fellow showrunners.”
Showrunners have already contributed more than $500,000 recently to the Entertainment Community Fund. (Click for the showrunner donation link). Most of the donors have been anonymous.
There’s renewed optimism that the WGA and AMPTP can reach a deal now that both parties have agreed to meet tomorrow.
The WGA sent out a note to members confirming the talks: “The WGA and AMPTP now have a confirmed schedule to bargain this week, starting on Wednesday. You might not hear from us in the coming days while we are negotiating, but know that our focus is getting a fair deal for writers as soon as possible. We’ll reach out again when there is something of significance to report. In the meantime, please continue to demonstrate your commitment and unity by coming out to the picket lines – for yourselves and fellow writers, SAG-AFTRA, other unions’ members, and all those in our community who are impacted by the strikes.”...
- 9/20/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
As the writers strike labors on in its 20th week, hundreds of showrunners united in a show of solidarity at Fox in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, some of the television industry’s top creators are set to meet with the Writers Guild of America’s top leadership Friday for a high-level status update on where negotiations stand.
Sources say Kenya Barris (Black-ish), Noah Hawley (Fargo) and Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot) are among a small contingent who had sought out a meeting with the WGA negotiating committee co-chair Chris Keyser and other union officials. The buzz about a showrunner meeting first surfaced late last week and was fueled over the weekend until eventually plans for two different meetings were scrapped after fears emerged that the mere idea could be considered a crack in the WGA’s solidarity.
Multiple sources tell THR that the top showrunners are now indeed set to meet Friday with guild brass to,...
Sources say Kenya Barris (Black-ish), Noah Hawley (Fargo) and Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot) are among a small contingent who had sought out a meeting with the WGA negotiating committee co-chair Chris Keyser and other union officials. The buzz about a showrunner meeting first surfaced late last week and was fueled over the weekend until eventually plans for two different meetings were scrapped after fears emerged that the mere idea could be considered a crack in the WGA’s solidarity.
Multiple sources tell THR that the top showrunners are now indeed set to meet Friday with guild brass to,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A group of top-tier showrunners including Kenya Barris and Noah Hawley has set a meeting with the WGA leadership as they try to aid the negotiating process.
The move is not a sign of discontent among the guild, as rumored by some, but rather a chance to bring more high-profile folks into the process as the writers strike has moved into its fourth month.
We hear that Black-ish creator Barris, Hawley, the man behind FX’s Fargo and its upcoming Alien series, and others are set to sit down with leadership on Friday at the WGA West’s L.A. headquarters.
“This was meant to be an information session and not meant to offer anything more than help,” a source close to events told Deadline. “That is still the intention so we can all get a fair deal to get back to work.”
It comes as a large group of high-powered scribes,...
The move is not a sign of discontent among the guild, as rumored by some, but rather a chance to bring more high-profile folks into the process as the writers strike has moved into its fourth month.
We hear that Black-ish creator Barris, Hawley, the man behind FX’s Fargo and its upcoming Alien series, and others are set to sit down with leadership on Friday at the WGA West’s L.A. headquarters.
“This was meant to be an information session and not meant to offer anything more than help,” a source close to events told Deadline. “That is still the intention so we can all get a fair deal to get back to work.”
It comes as a large group of high-powered scribes,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Dominic Patten, Lynette Rice and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend co-creator and star Rachel Bloom will bring her one-woman musical comedy Death, Let Me Do My Show to Off Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Theatre for a four-week engagement this fall.
Previews of the show, directed by Seth Barrish (Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & the Pool), begin Wednesday, September 6, with opening night on Thursday, September 14.
Death, Let Me Do My Show comes to the Lortel after playing sold out engagements in London, Chicago, and Boston, among others. The show is described as “filled with raunchy and escapist material that will in No way explore the pandemic and all the tumultuous events that ensued in her personal life. Nothing will stop Rachel from partying like it’s 2019!”
“The best way to deal with the trauma we all experienced in 2020 is to forget about it and never discuss it again and that is what this show endeavors to do,” said Bloom in a statement.
Previews of the show, directed by Seth Barrish (Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man & the Pool), begin Wednesday, September 6, with opening night on Thursday, September 14.
Death, Let Me Do My Show comes to the Lortel after playing sold out engagements in London, Chicago, and Boston, among others. The show is described as “filled with raunchy and escapist material that will in No way explore the pandemic and all the tumultuous events that ensued in her personal life. Nothing will stop Rachel from partying like it’s 2019!”
“The best way to deal with the trauma we all experienced in 2020 is to forget about it and never discuss it again and that is what this show endeavors to do,” said Bloom in a statement.
- 7/25/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Aporia, a previously unannounced sci-fi thriller from Armian Pictures starring Judy Greer (Halloween Kills), Edi Gathegi (The Harder They Fall), Payman Maadi (A Separation) and Faithe Herman (Shazam!). The film, written and directed by Jared Moshé (The Ballad of Lefty Brown), is slated for release in theaters in August. (Check out the first still from it above.)
Aporia follows Sophie (Greer), who since losing her husband Mal (Gathegi) in a drunk-driving accident, has struggled to manage crippling grief, a full-time job, and the demands of parenting her devastated teenage daughter (Herman). When her husband’s best friend (Maadi), a former physicist, reveals he and Mal had been building a time-bending machine that could restore her former life, Sophie will be faced with an impossible choice — and unforeseeable consequences.
The film is produced by Neda Armian (Rachel Getting Married) and...
Aporia follows Sophie (Greer), who since losing her husband Mal (Gathegi) in a drunk-driving accident, has struggled to manage crippling grief, a full-time job, and the demands of parenting her devastated teenage daughter (Herman). When her husband’s best friend (Maadi), a former physicist, reveals he and Mal had been building a time-bending machine that could restore her former life, Sophie will be faced with an impossible choice — and unforeseeable consequences.
The film is produced by Neda Armian (Rachel Getting Married) and...
- 5/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A group of top showrunners met today to discuss the WGA strike – a day after it emerged the studios told writer/producers were not excused from producing duties during the labor action.
The meeting was held at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills with the likes of Damon Lindelof, Shawn Ryan, Steve Levitan, Justin Spitzer, David E. Kelley, Bill Lawrence and David Steinberg in attendance.
It comes after the majority of studios, including Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and Paramount sent out letters to showrunners, telling them to continue to produce.
“Those studio emails have had the opposite intended effect now,” one showrunner who attended today’s gathering told Deadline. “Now we are more united, more convinced than ever that there is no non-writing aspect of what we do.”
“Scary times but writers are united,” said another who attended.
Showrunners have warned that everything they do is writing and many have...
The meeting was held at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills with the likes of Damon Lindelof, Shawn Ryan, Steve Levitan, Justin Spitzer, David E. Kelley, Bill Lawrence and David Steinberg in attendance.
It comes after the majority of studios, including Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney and Paramount sent out letters to showrunners, telling them to continue to produce.
“Those studio emails have had the opposite intended effect now,” one showrunner who attended today’s gathering told Deadline. “Now we are more united, more convinced than ever that there is no non-writing aspect of what we do.”
“Scary times but writers are united,” said another who attended.
Showrunners have warned that everything they do is writing and many have...
- 5/6/2023
- by Peter White and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Adam Brody is set as the male lead opposite Kristen Bell in Netflix’s untitled comedy series created and executive produced by Erin Foster and executive produced by Steve Levitan.
The comedy centers on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman (Bell) and an unconventional rabbi (Brody).
Brody’s character, Noah, is a charming rabbi who is stuck in his ways and used to playing things safe. He starts to stumble when he meets a brutally honest and provocative Joanne, totally upending his safe life plan.
Bell, Erin Foster and Levitan executive produce alongside Craig Digregorio, Sara Foster and Danielle Stokdyk. Oly Obst and Josh Lieberman are executive producers for 3 Arts. 20th Television produces in association with studio-based Steven Levitan Prods.
Brody recently starred in the critically acclaimed limited series, Fleishman is in Trouble. Earlier this year, he reprised his role as Superhero Freddy in DC’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
The comedy centers on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman (Bell) and an unconventional rabbi (Brody).
Brody’s character, Noah, is a charming rabbi who is stuck in his ways and used to playing things safe. He starts to stumble when he meets a brutally honest and provocative Joanne, totally upending his safe life plan.
Bell, Erin Foster and Levitan executive produce alongside Craig Digregorio, Sara Foster and Danielle Stokdyk. Oly Obst and Josh Lieberman are executive producers for 3 Arts. 20th Television produces in association with studio-based Steven Levitan Prods.
Brody recently starred in the critically acclaimed limited series, Fleishman is in Trouble. Earlier this year, he reprised his role as Superhero Freddy in DC’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
- 4/27/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Sex Lives of College Girls star Alyah Chanelle Scott has signed with Lighthouse Management + Media for management in all areas.
The 25-year-old actress and producer currently stars as Whitney in HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls. The comedy series follows four sexually active college roommates at an elite college in Vermont, all lovable and infuriating.
Executive produced by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, Sex Lives has been renewed for a third season.
Scott also appeared in the Hulu comedy series Reboot from creator Steve Levitan. After graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, she starred in a production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon. Scott also has a thriving production company.
Scott joins an impressive roster at Lighthouse Management + Media, whose clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Jason Bateman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Rudd, artist Petra Collins,...
The 25-year-old actress and producer currently stars as Whitney in HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls. The comedy series follows four sexually active college roommates at an elite college in Vermont, all lovable and infuriating.
Executive produced by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, Sex Lives has been renewed for a third season.
Scott also appeared in the Hulu comedy series Reboot from creator Steve Levitan. After graduating with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, she starred in a production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon. Scott also has a thriving production company.
Scott joins an impressive roster at Lighthouse Management + Media, whose clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Jason Bateman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Rudd, artist Petra Collins,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Judy Greer has joined ABC’s “Drop-Off” (working title) as a series regular, Variety has learned.
She’ll play Amanda, the hyper-confident, uber-organized, mom who seemingly has it all together and runs the inner circle at Julia’s kids’ school. She’s an expert at the art of a compliment that’s actually an insult. Amanda, who usually arranges babysitting swaps with the moms during school vacations, arranges a swap with Julia, who agrees to watch her kids while Amanda prepares for one of her famous dinner parties…which ends in disaster for Julia.
She joins previously announced star Ellie Kemper, who leads the cast as Julia, a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village.
The series serves as the American adaptation of the British comedy “Motherland.” Variety exclusively reported the adaptation news. The show was previously set up at Hulu by Lionsgate.
She’ll play Amanda, the hyper-confident, uber-organized, mom who seemingly has it all together and runs the inner circle at Julia’s kids’ school. She’s an expert at the art of a compliment that’s actually an insult. Amanda, who usually arranges babysitting swaps with the moms during school vacations, arranges a swap with Julia, who agrees to watch her kids while Amanda prepares for one of her famous dinner parties…which ends in disaster for Julia.
She joins previously announced star Ellie Kemper, who leads the cast as Julia, a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village.
The series serves as the American adaptation of the British comedy “Motherland.” Variety exclusively reported the adaptation news. The show was previously set up at Hulu by Lionsgate.
- 3/14/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Judy Greer has joined the cast of the upcoming ABC comedy pilot “Drop-Off” (working title).
The project, which comes from Lionsgate and ABC Signature, is based on Sharon Horgan’s BAFTA-nominated British format comedy “Motherland” and stars Ellie Kemper as Julia, a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village.
“With the help of new friends Calvin and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time,” the official logline states. “This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief … then realized it’s Sunday.”
Also Read:
‘Gotham Knights’ Review: CW’s Likely Final DC Series Is a Bummer Ending to Network’s Superhero Legacy
Greer will play the hyper-confident and uber-organized Amanda, one of the terrifyingly “together” moms who runs the inner circle at Julia’s kids’ school.
The project, which comes from Lionsgate and ABC Signature, is based on Sharon Horgan’s BAFTA-nominated British format comedy “Motherland” and stars Ellie Kemper as Julia, a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village.
“With the help of new friends Calvin and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time,” the official logline states. “This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief … then realized it’s Sunday.”
Also Read:
‘Gotham Knights’ Review: CW’s Likely Final DC Series Is a Bummer Ending to Network’s Superhero Legacy
Greer will play the hyper-confident and uber-organized Amanda, one of the terrifyingly “together” moms who runs the inner circle at Julia’s kids’ school.
- 3/14/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Judy Greer is set as a lead opposite Ellie Kemper in ABC’s Drop-Off (working title), a comedy pilot based on the British series Motherland, from writer Julieanne Smolinski, Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford’s Merman Television, Paul Feig’s Feigco Entertainment, Lionsgate and ABC Signature. Karan Soni also stars.
Written by Smolinski, Drop-Off (wt) centers on Julia (Kemper), a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village. With the help of new friends Calvin (Soni) and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time. This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief … then realized it’s Sunday.
Greer portrays Amanda. Hyper-confident, uber-organized, Amanda is one of the terrifyingly “together” moms who runs the inner circle at Julia’s kids’ school. She’s an expert at...
Written by Smolinski, Drop-Off (wt) centers on Julia (Kemper), a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village. With the help of new friends Calvin (Soni) and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time. This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief … then realized it’s Sunday.
Greer portrays Amanda. Hyper-confident, uber-organized, Amanda is one of the terrifyingly “together” moms who runs the inner circle at Julia’s kids’ school. She’s an expert at...
- 3/14/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Onorati (Murder in the First) is set as a series regular opposite Shemar Moore on CBS drama pilot S.W.A.T., executive produced by The Shield creator Shawn Ryan, Neal H. Moritz, Justin Lin and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. Written by Thomas and directed by Lin and inspired by the 2003 film, S.W.A.T. is described as an intense, action-packed procedural following a locally born-and-bred S.W.A.T. lieutenant, Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Moore), who is torn between loyalty to the streets and duty to his fellow officers when he’s tasked to run a highly trained unit that is the last stop for solving crimes in Los Angeles. Onorati will play Jeff Mumford. Aggressive and confident, Mumford is the leader of the 10-David Swat team that maintains a healthy rivalry with Hondo (Moore) and the rest of the crew. Onorati, known for his roles on Murder In The First and Everybody Hates Chris, recurs on NBC...
- 3/17/2017
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In a very competitive situation, NBC has landed Joe & Joe & Jane, a multi-camera comedy from writers-executive producers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, with a pilot production commitment. I hear the 20th Century Fox TV-produced project also has a series penalty behind it to rank as one of the biggest comedy sales this season. Loosely based on the relationship between Port, Wiseman and Wiseman’s wife, Joe & Joe & Jane centers on a conflict-avoidant children’s book author caught in an ongoing tug of war between two needy, flawed people: his wife and his co-author/ best friend. It’s not about a couple, it’s about a trouple. Last season, another Port/Wiseman comedy with semi-autobiographical roots, spec Rebounding, which was inspired by Port’s real-life experiences, was picked up to pilot by Fox with Steve Levitan executive producing, Jason Winer directing and Will Forte starring. The year before, the duo also...
- 10/6/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Alyssa Milano has been tapped as the last of the four leads in ABC’s drama series Mistresses. The soap, written by Kj Steinberg, is based on the British format. It centers on four women, April (Rochelle Aytes), Josslyn (Jes Macallan), Katie (Yunjin Kim) and Josslyn’s older sister Sarah (Milano), chronicling their sometimes scandalous romantic lives. Sarah is a classy and elegant married lawyer at a top Los Angeles law firm. Charmed and Melrose Place alumna Milano, recently seen in Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy New Year’s Eve, will next reprise her guest starring role on the Fox comedy Breaking In as the ex-wife of Oz (Christian Slater). She is with CAA and Alchemy Entertainment. Amanda Walsh (Sons & Daughters) has joined Fox’s single-camera comedy pilot Rebounding, written by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, exec produced by Steve Levitan and directed by Jason Winer. It is an uplifting...
- 3/23/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Hellcats star Aly Michalka has departed Fox’s single-camera comedy pilot Rebounding after her character has been reworked post-table read. The 20th TV project, written/executive produced by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, executive produced by Steve Levitan and directed by Jason Winer, is an uplifting comedy about Danny (Will Forte), a man recovering from the death of his fiancé with the help of the idiots on his pickup basketball team. Michalka was cast as Taryn, the smoking-hot younger girlfriend of one of Danny’s friends, Dave, played by Hayes MacArthur. The Taryn character has now been reconceived, with the revamp including aging her up by a decade to Dave’s age. This is the third comedy pilot where recasting was done when characters were reworked after the table read, following similar moves on CBS’ Partners and ABC’s Mandy Moore project.
- 3/22/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Alexa Davalos (Defiance) is set for the female lead in Frank Darabont’s TNT drama pilot L.A. Noir, a fast-paced crime drama set in Los Angeles during the 1940s and ’50s that tells the true story of a decades-long conflict between the Lapd, under the determined leadership of Police Chief William Parker, and ruthless criminal elements led by mobster Mickey Cohen. Davalos, repped by UTA and Anonymous, will play Jasmine, a beauty with a complicated past. Andrea Savage has been cast in in Fox’s single-camera comedy pilot Rebounding. The project, written/executive produced by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, executive produced by Steve Levitan and directed by Jason Winer, is an uplifting comedy about Danny (Will Forte), a man recovering from the death of his fiancé with the help of the idiots on his pickup basketball team. Savage, repped by UTA and Mosaic, will play Danny’s smothering sister Amanda,...
- 3/13/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Will Forte has been cast in Fox's new comedy pilot Rebounding. The Saturday Night Live alum will play a man who finds help from his pickup basketball team while recovering from the death of his fiancée, reports Deadline. Directed by Jason Winer of Russell Brand's Arthur, Rebounding is executive produced by Steve Levitan, Joe Port and Joe Wiseman. Both Port and Wiseman also serve as writers for the pilot. After his stint in SNL, (more)...
- 3/9/2012
- by By Kristina Bustos
- Digital Spy
Saturday Night Live alum Will Forte is set as the lead in Fox’s single-camera comedy pilot Rebounding. The project, written/executive produced by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, executive produced by Steve Levitan and directed by Jason Winer, is an uplifting comedy about Danny (Forte), a man recovering from the death of his fiancé with the help of the idiots on his pickup basketball team. Forte, repped by UTA and Mosaic, is now seen in Tim And Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie and has three movies coming out this summer: Rock Of Ages, That’s My Boy and Neighborhood Watch. He recurs on 30 Rock and Up All Night.
- 3/9/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Malcolm Barrett (Better Off Ted) has been cast in Fox’s single-camera comedy pilot Rebounding. The project, written by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman and directed by Jason Winer, is an uplifting comedy about a man recovering from the death of his fiancé with the help of the idiots on his pickup basketball team, two of them played by Barrett, repped by Gersh and Management 360, and Hayes MacArthur. Port and Wiseman are executive producing Rebounding with Steve Levitan. Toni Trucks (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2) will co-star in the CBS drama pilot Baby Big Shot. The project, from Kevin Falls, Sony TV and Julia Franz’s Fanfare, is a legal drama centered on Martina, a working-class woman who uses her street smarts to compete with her more polished colleagues at a top New York law firm. Trucks, repped by Greene & Associates and Rugolo Entertainment, will play Cindi, Martina’s edgy secretary & comradette-in-arms.
- 2/15/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Actor-comedian Hayes MacArthur (Perfect Couples) has been cast in Fox’s single-camera comedy pilot Rebounding. The project, written by Joe Port and Joe Wiseman and directed by Jason Winer, is an uplifting comedy about a man recovering from the death of his fiancé with the help of the idiots on his pickup basketball team, one of them played by MacArthur. Port and Wiseman are executive producing Rebounding with Steve Levitan. The project reunites MacArthur with Winer. In 2005, the duo wrote, directed and starred in a short, The Adventures of Big Handsome Guy and His Little Friend, which got the attention of 20th Century Fox TV executives who signed them to adapt the short as a TV series. The project went to pilot at Fox the following year and launched the Winer and MacArthur’s TV careers. MacArthur, repped by CAA, Flutie Entertainment and attorney Todd Rubenstein, will next be seen in the feature Bachelorette,...
- 2/15/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
This weekend, Fox ordered pilots to series, renewed and canceled existing shows while also casting Alfred Molina as the lead of a pilot, tapping Peter Berg to direct another and picking up a piece of development for midseason.
Welcome to post-strike upfront season 2.0, where the traditional pilot cycle has been turned on its head and network executives are readying fall schedules in between pilot casting sessions and development meetings.
Fox's new series orders went to J.J. Abrams' sci-fi drama "Fringe" and the Jason Bateman-directed comedy "The Inn", along with Mitchell Hurwitz's animated comedy "Sit Down, Shut Up". The pickups stage a big "Arrested Development" reunion at Fox for creator Hurwitz and star Bateman, who also voices "Sit Down" with "Arrested Development" alums Will Arnett and Henry Winkler.
"Fringe" appears headed to fall, while Fox's other marquee new sci-fi series, Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse", which has a seven-episode order, is expected to launch midseason.
Meanwhile, the Bernie Mac starrer "Starting Under", which had a series commitment, seems unlikely to land on Fox's fall schedule. It wasn't clear Sunday whether the network intends to retool the show for midseason consideration.
On the renewal front, Fox picked up" 'Til Death" while it opted not to bring back "Back to You" for a second season. The two sitcoms run in a block this season to similarly respectable but not spectacular ratings. However, "Back to You" is far more expensive as it boasts marquee talent in front of and behind the camera, with stars Kelsey Grammer and Patrica Heaton and creators Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd.
Also canceled are midseason entries "New Amsterdam" and "Canterbury's Law".
"Back to You", as well as the animated project "The Pitts", are being shopped by 20th TV to other networks.
In pilot castings, Fox tapped Molina to star in Paul Attanasio's one-hour "Courtroom K", a darkly comedic courtroom drama that revolves around a judge (Molina), a prosecutor and a public defender (Megan Dodds).
On the development side, Berg is set to direct and executive produce "Virtuality", the two-hour sci-fi pilot from UMS and BermanBraun. Additionally, Fox handed out a cast-contingent pilot order to Shaun Cassidy's drama "Inseparable" for midseason.
"Inseparable", from ABC Studios, originally cast Toby Stephens during the strike in anticipation of a pilot pickup contingent on a script.
Welcome to post-strike upfront season 2.0, where the traditional pilot cycle has been turned on its head and network executives are readying fall schedules in between pilot casting sessions and development meetings.
Fox's new series orders went to J.J. Abrams' sci-fi drama "Fringe" and the Jason Bateman-directed comedy "The Inn", along with Mitchell Hurwitz's animated comedy "Sit Down, Shut Up". The pickups stage a big "Arrested Development" reunion at Fox for creator Hurwitz and star Bateman, who also voices "Sit Down" with "Arrested Development" alums Will Arnett and Henry Winkler.
"Fringe" appears headed to fall, while Fox's other marquee new sci-fi series, Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse", which has a seven-episode order, is expected to launch midseason.
Meanwhile, the Bernie Mac starrer "Starting Under", which had a series commitment, seems unlikely to land on Fox's fall schedule. It wasn't clear Sunday whether the network intends to retool the show for midseason consideration.
On the renewal front, Fox picked up" 'Til Death" while it opted not to bring back "Back to You" for a second season. The two sitcoms run in a block this season to similarly respectable but not spectacular ratings. However, "Back to You" is far more expensive as it boasts marquee talent in front of and behind the camera, with stars Kelsey Grammer and Patrica Heaton and creators Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd.
Also canceled are midseason entries "New Amsterdam" and "Canterbury's Law".
"Back to You", as well as the animated project "The Pitts", are being shopped by 20th TV to other networks.
In pilot castings, Fox tapped Molina to star in Paul Attanasio's one-hour "Courtroom K", a darkly comedic courtroom drama that revolves around a judge (Molina), a prosecutor and a public defender (Megan Dodds).
On the development side, Berg is set to direct and executive produce "Virtuality", the two-hour sci-fi pilot from UMS and BermanBraun. Additionally, Fox handed out a cast-contingent pilot order to Shaun Cassidy's drama "Inseparable" for midseason.
"Inseparable", from ABC Studios, originally cast Toby Stephens during the strike in anticipation of a pilot pickup contingent on a script.
- 5/10/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"How I Met Your Mother" writer-producer Chris Harris has inked a new overall deal with the show's producer, 20th Century Fox TV.
Under the seven-figure pact, which has an option for a third year, Harris will continue on "Mother", where he serves as a co-exec producer, and also will take first crack at developing his own shows.
"I'm excited to go into a long producing relationship with 20th TV, at least for the next week and a half at which point I hope they don't force majeure me," Harris quipped, referring to the looming writers strike. "I started working here four years ago, and I find it a great place for nurturing fresh ideas and getting them on the air."
Harris was brought to the attention of 20th TV brass four years ago by veteran comedy producer Steve Levitan. At the time, Levitan was exec producing the studios' comedy series "Oliver Beene" and Harris had only one writing credit on his resume, CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman". Levitan gave Harris his first primetime gig as a staff writer on "Beene" and, impressed with his skills, recommended him to 20th TV executives.
Under the seven-figure pact, which has an option for a third year, Harris will continue on "Mother", where he serves as a co-exec producer, and also will take first crack at developing his own shows.
"I'm excited to go into a long producing relationship with 20th TV, at least for the next week and a half at which point I hope they don't force majeure me," Harris quipped, referring to the looming writers strike. "I started working here four years ago, and I find it a great place for nurturing fresh ideas and getting them on the air."
Harris was brought to the attention of 20th TV brass four years ago by veteran comedy producer Steve Levitan. At the time, Levitan was exec producing the studios' comedy series "Oliver Beene" and Harris had only one writing credit on his resume, CBS' "Late Show With David Letterman". Levitan gave Harris his first primetime gig as a staff writer on "Beene" and, impressed with his skills, recommended him to 20th TV executives.
- 10/26/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's "back 11" for Fox's freshman comedy Back to You.
The multi-camera comedy starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton received a full-season pickup Wednesday, when the network ordered 11 additional episodes, bringing the total to 24 half-hours, two more than a regular 22-episode order.
Back, from comedy veterans Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, stars Grammer and Heaton as co-anchors at a local TV station reunited after an acrimonious breakup years ago.
While short of the blockbuster status of Grammer and Heaton's former series Frasier and Everybody Loves Raymond, Back has been a solid performer for Fox in the Wednesday 8 p.m. time slot, opening a night that has been traditionally challenging for the network.
Last week, the series drew 7.0 million viewers and a 2.4 rating/7 share among adults 18-49.
The 20th TV-produced Back is the first new Fox scripted series to receive a full-season order. The network also picked up another cycle of another new Wednesday show, the unscripted Kitchen Nightmares, and ordered additional scripts from rookie drama K-Ville.
The multi-camera comedy starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton received a full-season pickup Wednesday, when the network ordered 11 additional episodes, bringing the total to 24 half-hours, two more than a regular 22-episode order.
Back, from comedy veterans Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, stars Grammer and Heaton as co-anchors at a local TV station reunited after an acrimonious breakup years ago.
While short of the blockbuster status of Grammer and Heaton's former series Frasier and Everybody Loves Raymond, Back has been a solid performer for Fox in the Wednesday 8 p.m. time slot, opening a night that has been traditionally challenging for the network.
Last week, the series drew 7.0 million viewers and a 2.4 rating/7 share among adults 18-49.
The 20th TV-produced Back is the first new Fox scripted series to receive a full-season order. The network also picked up another cycle of another new Wednesday show, the unscripted Kitchen Nightmares, and ordered additional scripts from rookie drama K-Ville.
- 10/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After almost 15 years at Paramount, Kelsey Grammer's Grammnet Prods. is moving to 20th Century Fox Television with a one-year pod deal.
Under the pact, which has an option for a second year, Grammer and his development team, led by president Steve Stark, will develop new series projects for 20th TV. The deal begins in June, when Grammnet's current pact with CBS Paramount Network TV is up.
Grammer already is in business with 20th TV, starring opposite Patricia Heaton in the studio's comedy "Action News". The multicamera project from Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd recently landed at Fox with a series commitment (HR 2/9).
Grammer worked with 20th last year as the director of a comedy pilot the studio produced for CBS with writer Rich Appel. 20th president Dana Walden said studio execs were impressed by his "strong instincts for casting, performances and material." After "Action News" came together with Grammer this year, Walden said it "made all the sense in the world for us to be in business with Grammnet."
Walden said she was impressed at the eclectic range of projects that Grammnet has in development.
Under the pact, which has an option for a second year, Grammer and his development team, led by president Steve Stark, will develop new series projects for 20th TV. The deal begins in June, when Grammnet's current pact with CBS Paramount Network TV is up.
Grammer already is in business with 20th TV, starring opposite Patricia Heaton in the studio's comedy "Action News". The multicamera project from Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd recently landed at Fox with a series commitment (HR 2/9).
Grammer worked with 20th last year as the director of a comedy pilot the studio produced for CBS with writer Rich Appel. 20th president Dana Walden said studio execs were impressed by his "strong instincts for casting, performances and material." After "Action News" came together with Grammer this year, Walden said it "made all the sense in the world for us to be in business with Grammnet."
Walden said she was impressed at the eclectic range of projects that Grammnet has in development.
- 2/28/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Action News, Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd's comedy project starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton, has landed at Fox with a 13-episode commitment.
The multicamera comedy, from 20th Century Fox TV, is set at a local TV station and revolves around the reuniting of a male and female anchor team (Grammer, Heaton).
Levitan and Lloyd penned Action News on spec. Despite a steep license fee commanded by the project's marquee stars, ABC, CBS and Fox bid on it.
Fox entertainment president Peter Liguori called Action News "a triple threat." "We have a good script, two terrific, proven writers and two leads with proven, outstanding comedy chops," he said.
Action News, which is targeted for fall, is the first project to come out of the rich three-year deal "Just Shoot Me!" creator Levitan and Frasier showrunner Lloyd inked with 20th TV in July.
"Bringing Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton back to television together is a remarkable opportunity," 20th TV president Gary Newman said. "It also makes us feel very good about making the deal with Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, who have done so much great television over the years."...
The multicamera comedy, from 20th Century Fox TV, is set at a local TV station and revolves around the reuniting of a male and female anchor team (Grammer, Heaton).
Levitan and Lloyd penned Action News on spec. Despite a steep license fee commanded by the project's marquee stars, ABC, CBS and Fox bid on it.
Fox entertainment president Peter Liguori called Action News "a triple threat." "We have a good script, two terrific, proven writers and two leads with proven, outstanding comedy chops," he said.
Action News, which is targeted for fall, is the first project to come out of the rich three-year deal "Just Shoot Me!" creator Levitan and Frasier showrunner Lloyd inked with 20th TV in July.
"Bringing Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton back to television together is a remarkable opportunity," 20th TV president Gary Newman said. "It also makes us feel very good about making the deal with Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, who have done so much great television over the years."...
Jay Baruchel, hot off his role in the Oscar-nominated Million Dollar Baby, has been tapped to star in Jerry Bruckheimer's drama pilot for the WB Network, and Tom Everett Scott has come on board to star opposite Pamela Anderson in Stacked, Fox's comedy series from Steve Levitan. In other pilot casting news, Jason O'Mara is set as one of the leads in the ABC drama In Justice. The WB's untitled Jonathan Shapiro pilot, from Jerry Bruckheimer TV and Warner Bros. TV, centers on the relationship between a young prodigy lawyer (Baruchel) and his mentor, a jaded defense attorney who has fallen from the big leagues. Written by Shapiro, the pilot is exec produced by him, Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman.
Actor-comedian Kevin Hart and Kissing Jessica Stein star Jennifer Westfeldt have joined the cast of Steve Levitan's comedy pilot for NBC, Dante, and Jason Lee has been tapped to play the title role in another NBC comedy pilot, My Name Is Earl, lifting the contingency off the project. Over at the WB Network, casting has been completed on Bill Lawrence's comedy pilot Nobody's Watching, with Mad TV alumnus Taran Killam tapped as the second lead opposite Paul Campbell and Paul Adelstein landing the role of a TV network president named Jeff Zucker. Dante, from Levitan and commercial writer-director John Immesoete, revolves around the life and family of a football superstar (Morris Chestnut) who has an extra-large sense of entitlement and often is out of touch with reality (HR 12/21).
The bullets are flying over Just Shoot Me. After a disastrous ratings performance earlier this week, NBC informed the producers Wednesday that it was immediately pulling the Universal Studios-produced comedy from the schedule and shelving 13 unaired episodes until sometime in the summer. The workplace comedy starring David Spade will be temporarily replaced with specials through the upcoming sweep, including "The Most Outrageous Game Show Moments 4" on May 6. The move drew an outraged response from Just Shoot Me executive producer Steve Levitan, who accused NBC entertainment president Jeff Zucker of breaking his word about the show's future and killing it this season through poor scheduling and a lack of promotion. Levitan said that at the final season taping last month, "Jeff Zucker came and assured our cast, promised our cast, that (NBC) would not pull us and they would be airing these episodes. Now it's clear to me his word meant nothing. It's a real slap in the face to the show and the crew for NBC to treat the show the way they've treated it." NBC and Zucker declined comment.
- 4/24/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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