Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in the concluding phase of the final season of Bad Batch, the titular team of renegade Clone Troopers find themselves in a similar situation. As seen in the previous episode, the covert Clone operative had managed to learn about the batch’s location in the fishing village of Pabu by stealing Phee Genoa’s travel logs. By bringing reinforcements from Tantiss, the operative ensured he burned down all escape routes the batch might have opted for and continued forcing the residents of the village to give Omega up. At the end, unwilling to let others suffer for her, Omega decided to surrender herself, asking Crosshair to use this opportunity to track her so they could learn the location of Tantiss, which would allow the batch to rescue not only her but all the captive Clones.
However, the task is easier said than done,...
However, the task is easier said than done,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
We all miss that unique vehicular mayhem that Carmageddon brought us. Fret not, as Sumo Digital and publisher Secret Mode are looking to give fans of that particular brand of carnage a boost with their upcoming title, DeathSprint 66. Rather than having players running over civilians in souped-up cars, the game has you as the vehicle, dishing out dismemberment to your fellow racers.
A spin on The Running Man and Rollerball, DeathSprint 66 takes place in 2066, where humans have abandoned the big cities. Luckily, the Bachman Media Network has taken advantage of this, building up a series of deadly racetracks designed to entertain the masses with Deathsprint. The concept sees eight participants race their Clone Jockey (with an endless supply of clones at their disposal) in a battle of brutality and dismemberment. Of course, to to make things even more interesting, the tracks are filled with deadly booby traps, traversals and opportunities...
A spin on The Running Man and Rollerball, DeathSprint 66 takes place in 2066, where humans have abandoned the big cities. Luckily, the Bachman Media Network has taken advantage of this, building up a series of deadly racetracks designed to entertain the masses with Deathsprint. The concept sees eight participants race their Clone Jockey (with an endless supply of clones at their disposal) in a battle of brutality and dismemberment. Of course, to to make things even more interesting, the tracks are filled with deadly booby traps, traversals and opportunities...
- 4/11/2024
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Imperial forces finally catch up to the Batch in their pursuit of Omega, and as the final season of Bad Batch nears its end, the stage gets set up for a grand final conflict between the renegade Clone Troopers and the forces of the tyrant Galactic Empire. Previously, an Imperial covert Clone operative managed to track Omega at Captain Rex’s rebel Clone outpost along with the rest of the batch and almost managed to capture her, destroying much of Rex’s forces in the process. The same operative returns in the latest two episodes of the series, once again causing much headache to the Batch through his machinations.
In the previous episode, the legendary Force user/ bounty hunter Asajj Ventress sought out the Bad Batch in Pabu, as it was revealed that she was Fennec Shand’s contact who had inquired about Omega’s M-count information. Ventress’ past as...
In the previous episode, the legendary Force user/ bounty hunter Asajj Ventress sought out the Bad Batch in Pabu, as it was revealed that she was Fennec Shand’s contact who had inquired about Omega’s M-count information. Ventress’ past as...
- 4/4/2024
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
AMC Networks announced that the highly-anticipated drama Orphan Black: Echoes set in the world of Orphan Black and starring Krysten Ritter, who also serves as executive producer, will premiere Sunday, June 23 on AMC, AMC+ and BBC America. The announcement was made as part of the celebration of the groundbreaking series, Orphan Black’s 11th anniversary!
Set in the near future, Orphan Black: Echoes takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unravelling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman with an unimaginable origin story, trying to find her place in the world. The series also stars Keeley Hawes, Amanda Fix, Avan Jogia, Rya Kihlstedt and James Hiroyuki Liao.
Anna Fishko is creator,...
Set in the near future, Orphan Black: Echoes takes a deep dive into the exploration of the scientific manipulation of human existence. It follows a group of women as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a thrilling journey, unravelling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a wrenching story of love and betrayal. Ritter plays Lucy, a woman with an unimaginable origin story, trying to find her place in the world. The series also stars Keeley Hawes, Amanda Fix, Avan Jogia, Rya Kihlstedt and James Hiroyuki Liao.
Anna Fishko is creator,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Clone Force 99 is back in action.
The last time we saw the genetically altered clone troopers in Disney+’s The Bad Batch, they were dealing with the presumed death of Tech, who’d died during a mission, and the loss of clone Omega, who’d been captured by the Empire. Omega, however, had also reunited with Kaminoan scientist Nala Se as well as Crosshair, both of whom seemed to be waking up to the Empire’s true (evil) nature. Meanwhile, Hunter and Wrecker were determined to track down Omega (and, perhaps, Crosshair), while Echo joined up with Rex to fight the Empire.
On Feb. 21, the third and final season of the animated series debuts on Disney+ (watch the trailer). Disney+ released an official description for the third season: “In the epic final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, the Batch will have their limits tested in the fight to...
The last time we saw the genetically altered clone troopers in Disney+’s The Bad Batch, they were dealing with the presumed death of Tech, who’d died during a mission, and the loss of clone Omega, who’d been captured by the Empire. Omega, however, had also reunited with Kaminoan scientist Nala Se as well as Crosshair, both of whom seemed to be waking up to the Empire’s true (evil) nature. Meanwhile, Hunter and Wrecker were determined to track down Omega (and, perhaps, Crosshair), while Echo joined up with Rex to fight the Empire.
On Feb. 21, the third and final season of the animated series debuts on Disney+ (watch the trailer). Disney+ released an official description for the third season: “In the epic final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, the Batch will have their limits tested in the fight to...
- 2/21/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke, Brianna Nordyke, Braden Nordyke and Brooklyn Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are some hotly anticipated titles heading to top streaming services this week, and we’ll break down when and where to stream them.
Bit by bit, Hollywood is digging out from under the backlog of productions caused by striking actors and writers last year. Undeniably the WGA and SAG-AFTRA got much-deserved increases in pay and benefits from their decision to walk out in 2023, but the strikes led scripted TV productions to dry up for months, and studios are just getting back into the swing of things.
Fans will see some beloved favorites return to airwaves this week, along with a streaming original Star Wars title and much more. Check out the list below to see The Streamable’s top shows and movies premiering on streaming this week!
Monday, Feb. 19 ‘Becoming King’ Documentary Premiere | Paramount+
David Oyelowo was nominated for a Golden Globe for 2014’s “Selma,” in which he portrayed Dr.
Bit by bit, Hollywood is digging out from under the backlog of productions caused by striking actors and writers last year. Undeniably the WGA and SAG-AFTRA got much-deserved increases in pay and benefits from their decision to walk out in 2023, but the strikes led scripted TV productions to dry up for months, and studios are just getting back into the swing of things.
Fans will see some beloved favorites return to airwaves this week, along with a streaming original Star Wars title and much more. Check out the list below to see The Streamable’s top shows and movies premiering on streaming this week!
Monday, Feb. 19 ‘Becoming King’ Documentary Premiere | Paramount+
David Oyelowo was nominated for a Golden Globe for 2014’s “Selma,” in which he portrayed Dr.
- 2/19/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
The first reactions to Season 3 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch are in with critics claiming the Disney+ show's final chapter is not just its best but possibly the most pivotal.
Kicking off with a three-episode premiere on February 21, The Bad Batch's third and final season finds Clone Force 99 attempting to rescue their youngest member Omega (and sister of Boba Fett) from an Imperial cloning facility.
[ Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 Release Schedule of Episodes (Confirmed) ]
Read full article on The Direct.
Kicking off with a three-episode premiere on February 21, The Bad Batch's third and final season finds Clone Force 99 attempting to rescue their youngest member Omega (and sister of Boba Fett) from an Imperial cloning facility.
[ Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 Release Schedule of Episodes (Confirmed) ]
Read full article on The Direct.
- 2/12/2024
- by Savannah Sanders
- The Direct
"Star Wars" has one of the vastest universes in fiction -- one that is ever expanding, incredibly detailed, and fleshed-out, in addition to feeling lived-in. The thing that makes this franchise and fictional universe unique is that unlike Tolkien's Legendarium, or, say, the "One Piece" world, "Star Wars" is far from the work of a single person, or even a single team.
The "Star Wars" universe has grown and expanded piece by piece over nearly 50 years, with new artists coming in and building on the surprising success of George Lucas' original 1977 film. The original trilogy introduced a fleshed-out world with a long history that was barely hinted at, with places, people, and concepts that other writers in what was known as the Expanded Universe (now Legends) could expand on and explain. Of course, we've seen many elements from the Expanded Universe become part of the post-Disney canon in recent years,...
The "Star Wars" universe has grown and expanded piece by piece over nearly 50 years, with new artists coming in and building on the surprising success of George Lucas' original 1977 film. The original trilogy introduced a fleshed-out world with a long history that was barely hinted at, with places, people, and concepts that other writers in what was known as the Expanded Universe (now Legends) could expand on and explain. Of course, we've seen many elements from the Expanded Universe become part of the post-Disney canon in recent years,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
"Ahsoka" just came to an end, bringing an inconsistent season with horrible pacing (yet also some of the best moments in recent "Star Wars" history) to a close. This felt like the most "Star Wars" a "Star Wars" show has ever been, with a true sense of adventure, jokes, lightsaber fights, magic, and actual intergalactic exploration.
And in classic "Star Wars" fashion we have some great villains. Indeed, "Ahsoka" may have given us the biggest collection of great "Star Wars" baddies since "Revenge of the Sith." While Thrawn and Baylan Skoll got all the attention, the one villain we had met already also deserves some credit. Morgan Elsbeth, who is revealed in "Ahsoka" to be a Nightsister of Dathomir, is an interesting antagonist, and she gets a big glow-up in the finale.
In recognition of Morgan's work in helping not just Thrawn, but the ancestral Dathmiri on the Nightsisters' original home planet of Peridia,...
And in classic "Star Wars" fashion we have some great villains. Indeed, "Ahsoka" may have given us the biggest collection of great "Star Wars" baddies since "Revenge of the Sith." While Thrawn and Baylan Skoll got all the attention, the one villain we had met already also deserves some credit. Morgan Elsbeth, who is revealed in "Ahsoka" to be a Nightsister of Dathomir, is an interesting antagonist, and she gets a big glow-up in the finale.
In recognition of Morgan's work in helping not just Thrawn, but the ancestral Dathmiri on the Nightsisters' original home planet of Peridia,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
The Armed have released a new album called Perfect Saviors. Stream it via Apple Music or Spotify below.
As the self-described “World’s Greatest Band,” it’s not surprising that The Armed would have some pretty strong words to say about the environment that inspired their next album. “Too much information has made us dumb and confused,” singer Tony Wolski offered in a statement. “Too many ways to connect have inadvertently led to isolation. And too much expectation has forced everyone to become a celebrity. Predictable primal dangers have given way to newer social ones. And the result is a world that is confounding and terrifying — but ultimately still beautiful. We hope this record is exactly all of that, too. Perfect Saviors is our completely unironic, sincere effort to create the biggest, greatest rock album of the 21st century.”
To achieve such a feat, the band enlisted a lengthy list of collaborators,...
As the self-described “World’s Greatest Band,” it’s not surprising that The Armed would have some pretty strong words to say about the environment that inspired their next album. “Too much information has made us dumb and confused,” singer Tony Wolski offered in a statement. “Too many ways to connect have inadvertently led to isolation. And too much expectation has forced everyone to become a celebrity. Predictable primal dangers have given way to newer social ones. And the result is a world that is confounding and terrifying — but ultimately still beautiful. We hope this record is exactly all of that, too. Perfect Saviors is our completely unironic, sincere effort to create the biggest, greatest rock album of the 21st century.”
To achieve such a feat, the band enlisted a lengthy list of collaborators,...
- 8/25/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: The Mandalorian" Chapter 24, "The Return."
The cycle of violent leadership on Mandalore has stretched back for centuries. When Tarre Vizsla created the Darksaber and ruled Mandalore with it, the warrior culture of the planet made it a fabled object. Mandalorians challenged each other for ownership of the blade, and with it the right to rule Mandalore. There was a brief time during the Clone Wars where Mandalore took to a more pacifist system, but those who wielded the Darksaber came right back and returned Mandalore to its warrior past.
When Bo-Katan Kryze took up the Darksaber during the galactic civil war, she led her people to a Pyrrhic victory just before the Empire — and more specifically, Moff Gideon — took it all away from her. Legends said that because she did not win the Darksaber in combat, and was instead given the fabled blade,...
The cycle of violent leadership on Mandalore has stretched back for centuries. When Tarre Vizsla created the Darksaber and ruled Mandalore with it, the warrior culture of the planet made it a fabled object. Mandalorians challenged each other for ownership of the blade, and with it the right to rule Mandalore. There was a brief time during the Clone Wars where Mandalore took to a more pacifist system, but those who wielded the Darksaber came right back and returned Mandalore to its warrior past.
When Bo-Katan Kryze took up the Darksaber during the galactic civil war, she led her people to a Pyrrhic victory just before the Empire — and more specifically, Moff Gideon — took it all away from her. Legends said that because she did not win the Darksaber in combat, and was instead given the fabled blade,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Ever since the premiere of the Ahsoka trailer at Star Wars Celebration Europe last weekend, there’s been plenty of debate concerning one specific element of the video: the color the lightsabers wielded by new villain characters Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno). Are their lightsabers red like rest of the bad guys in Star Wars or are they orange? The discourse got so heated online, we even had to run a fan poll to settle the argument (most of you said orange).
Even if the blades are orange instead of the customary red, is this a trick of the show’s lighting? Or is there a deeper meaning to Baylan and Shin’s chosen weapons? We finally have some answers.
Thanks to an interview with ScreenRant, series creator Dave Filoni has hopefully prevented Baylan and Shin’s lightsabers from turning into a full rehashing of the...
Even if the blades are orange instead of the customary red, is this a trick of the show’s lighting? Or is there a deeper meaning to Baylan and Shin’s chosen weapons? We finally have some answers.
Thanks to an interview with ScreenRant, series creator Dave Filoni has hopefully prevented Baylan and Shin’s lightsabers from turning into a full rehashing of the...
- 4/12/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
"Star Wars" is going through what many kids go through at some point in their life: putting on an eye patch and pretending to be a pirate.
Between "The Mandalorian" and "The Bad Batch" this season, the galaxy far, far away is really focusing on its "long time ago" setting by giving us memorable new scoundrel characters who also partake in a bit of swashbuckling and treasure hunting. So it only makes sense that we now want a proper, full-on "Star Wars" version of "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Frankly, we're already getting close to that, and it cannot be a coincidence. Forget "Heir to the Empire" being adapted in "Ahsoka," forget the Old Republic being canon, if there's one thing "Star Wars" should be building towards is a "Pirates of the Outer Rim" series.
"Star Wars" has always had good characters operating outside of the law. Everyone loves Han Solo,...
Between "The Mandalorian" and "The Bad Batch" this season, the galaxy far, far away is really focusing on its "long time ago" setting by giving us memorable new scoundrel characters who also partake in a bit of swashbuckling and treasure hunting. So it only makes sense that we now want a proper, full-on "Star Wars" version of "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Frankly, we're already getting close to that, and it cannot be a coincidence. Forget "Heir to the Empire" being adapted in "Ahsoka," forget the Old Republic being canon, if there's one thing "Star Wars" should be building towards is a "Pirates of the Outer Rim" series.
"Star Wars" has always had good characters operating outside of the law. Everyone loves Han Solo,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for season 3, episode 5 of "The Mandalorian," "The Pirate."
The plot thickens in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian," where we witness Din Djarin's (Pedro Pascal) Mando covertly aiding Nevarro against a pirate attack and a massive setup for Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) to finally retake Mandalore. A lot went down in the final 20 minutes of "The Pirate," including an especially charged scene between Bo and The Armorer (Emily Swallow), where the latter asks her to remove her helmet as she "walks both worlds," making her an exception to the strict no helmet rule that The Children of the Watch are so religiously devoted to.
Additionally, the episode ends with a rather shocking twist: Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) discovers that Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) never made it to trial as he was extracted from the ship that was supposed to carry out the transfer. On scanning...
The plot thickens in the latest episode of "The Mandalorian," where we witness Din Djarin's (Pedro Pascal) Mando covertly aiding Nevarro against a pirate attack and a massive setup for Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) to finally retake Mandalore. A lot went down in the final 20 minutes of "The Pirate," including an especially charged scene between Bo and The Armorer (Emily Swallow), where the latter asks her to remove her helmet as she "walks both worlds," making her an exception to the strict no helmet rule that The Children of the Watch are so religiously devoted to.
Additionally, the episode ends with a rather shocking twist: Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) discovers that Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) never made it to trial as he was extracted from the ship that was supposed to carry out the transfer. On scanning...
- 3/29/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Clone High, HBO Max’s upcoming revival of the classic MTV series from Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence, will premiere this spring, it was revealed during the show’s panel at WonderCon.
Returning voice cast includes Will Forte reprising his role as Abe; Nicole Sullivan as Joan; Lord as Scudworth; Chris Miller as JFK and Mr. B; Christa Miller voicing a new character, Candide Sampson; Donald Faison back as George Washington Carver; and Judah Miller as Scangrade.
Dubbed a “modern refresh” of the 2002 animated series, the followup is set at a high school for clones of historical figures. After a high school that was secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment to clone the greatest minds in history was put on ice, the clones have been thawed out 20 years later to resume the experiment with new clone classmates – all while navigating a new set of cultural norms and overly dramatic teen relationships.
Returning voice cast includes Will Forte reprising his role as Abe; Nicole Sullivan as Joan; Lord as Scudworth; Chris Miller as JFK and Mr. B; Christa Miller voicing a new character, Candide Sampson; Donald Faison back as George Washington Carver; and Judah Miller as Scangrade.
Dubbed a “modern refresh” of the 2002 animated series, the followup is set at a high school for clones of historical figures. After a high school that was secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment to clone the greatest minds in history was put on ice, the clones have been thawed out 20 years later to resume the experiment with new clone classmates – all while navigating a new set of cultural norms and overly dramatic teen relationships.
- 3/25/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahmed Best made a surprise appearance in this week’s episode of “The Mandalorian” (“Chapter 20: The Foundling” for those keeping track at home). But if you were thinking that Best would make a return as Jar-Jar Binks, the character he immortalized in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” think again.
To explain: while the main story in the episode involved a bunch of Mandalorian fighters trying to bring a child back from the clutches of a large, dragon-like creature, much of the secondary plot was devoted to a lengthy flashback of Grogu escaping the Jedi Temple on Coruscant after Order 66 has been delivered. That means plenty of Clone Troopers gunning down plenty of Jedi, young and old. And this is where Best emerged.
He’s officially credited as Kelleran Beq, a Jedi on Coruscant who helps Grogu escape. They go on a high-speed adventure through Coruscant, take out some Clone Troopers,...
To explain: while the main story in the episode involved a bunch of Mandalorian fighters trying to bring a child back from the clutches of a large, dragon-like creature, much of the secondary plot was devoted to a lengthy flashback of Grogu escaping the Jedi Temple on Coruscant after Order 66 has been delivered. That means plenty of Clone Troopers gunning down plenty of Jedi, young and old. And this is where Best emerged.
He’s officially credited as Kelleran Beq, a Jedi on Coruscant who helps Grogu escape. They go on a high-speed adventure through Coruscant, take out some Clone Troopers,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
This Star Wars article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian kicks the doors open on Grogu’s past in “The Foundling” as well as sends Din and Bo-Katan on a dangerous rescue mission into the heart of monster territory. Both storylines lead to plenty of lore as well as callbacks to other parts of the Star Wars saga. Most importantly, we get a massive surprise guest character that will have fans of the Prequel Trilogy spitting out their morning caf.
Here are all the Star Wars easter eggs and references we found in “The Foundling”:
Kelleran Beq and Ahmed Best
For years, ever since we learned Grogu was a youngling at the Jedi Temple of Coruscant, we’ve wondered how he escaped Order 66 and who helped him along the way. In “The Foundling,” we finally learn in a flashback that it was none other than Jedi Master Kelleran...
The Mandalorian kicks the doors open on Grogu’s past in “The Foundling” as well as sends Din and Bo-Katan on a dangerous rescue mission into the heart of monster territory. Both storylines lead to plenty of lore as well as callbacks to other parts of the Star Wars saga. Most importantly, we get a massive surprise guest character that will have fans of the Prequel Trilogy spitting out their morning caf.
Here are all the Star Wars easter eggs and references we found in “The Foundling”:
Kelleran Beq and Ahmed Best
For years, ever since we learned Grogu was a youngling at the Jedi Temple of Coruscant, we’ve wondered how he escaped Order 66 and who helped him along the way. In “The Foundling,” we finally learn in a flashback that it was none other than Jedi Master Kelleran...
- 3/22/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The Clone Club has gone Hollywood. (Okay, maybe only Crystal did.)
The cast and creators of “Orphan Black” hit PaleyFest on Thursday night at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre for its first ever panel to look back on the past four seasons and hint at the fifth and final season. The night kicked off with more than just a hint though. The Paley audience was given an exclusive early screening of the Season 5 premiere.
Read More: ‘Funny or Die’ Skit: Watch ‘Orphan Black’ Star Tatiana Maslany Promote the Sexual Assault Survivor Utility Belt
It was the best 44 minutes of Helena scarfing down food that we’ve ever seen. We’re kidding, of course, but we’d totally watch that. In the interests of not spoiling the fifth season, we’ll just say that the premiere picks up where Season 4 left off. When last we left the sestras, Rachel (Tatiana Maslany) was...
The cast and creators of “Orphan Black” hit PaleyFest on Thursday night at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre for its first ever panel to look back on the past four seasons and hint at the fifth and final season. The night kicked off with more than just a hint though. The Paley audience was given an exclusive early screening of the Season 5 premiere.
Read More: ‘Funny or Die’ Skit: Watch ‘Orphan Black’ Star Tatiana Maslany Promote the Sexual Assault Survivor Utility Belt
It was the best 44 minutes of Helena scarfing down food that we’ve ever seen. We’re kidding, of course, but we’d totally watch that. In the interests of not spoiling the fifth season, we’ll just say that the premiere picks up where Season 4 left off. When last we left the sestras, Rachel (Tatiana Maslany) was...
- 3/24/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
It's pretty great that we don't have to wait multiple years for Star Wars films anymore — they're just coming down the pipeline every year now! There seems to be a tiny bit confusion around the newest film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, because they don't clearly state in any of the trailers that the movie takes place right before the original Star Wars. But the events of this film happen right before the original trilogy and obviously quite some time after the (cringe) prequel trilogy. Luke is still baggin' womp rats in his T-16 and helping pre-cooked Uncle Owen on Tatooine, Han Solo is still smuggling and Han Soloing around the universe with Chewie, and Rey isn't even a twinkle in the eyes of (insert theory here). Now that we're all on the same page, let's take a look at five reasons Rogue One could be the best Star Wars movie yet!
- 8/19/2016
- by Nick LaMacchia
- GeekTyrant
Remember Kinvig, Clone, Not With A Bang? These are the UK sci-fi sitcoms you’re unlikely to see on comedy best-of lists…
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
- 7/23/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Is Orphan Black resurrecting Hot Paul?!
Actor Dylan Bruce’s presence at TVLine’s Comic-Con interview suite at the Hard Rock Hotel had our Michael Ausiello hoping for a miracle. But alas, the man who seduced not one, but three clones is staying dead. “This is kind of my farewell tour,” Bruce explained.
VideosOrphan Black Bloopers: Alison Sings Whitney, Helena Chokes on Babka
With Paul a goner and Cal in Iceland, Sarah’s love life is looking pretty bleak at the moment. But Season 4 could change all that.
“She deserves a little [romance],” co-creator Graeme Manson teased. “That’s not a terrible idea.
Actor Dylan Bruce’s presence at TVLine’s Comic-Con interview suite at the Hard Rock Hotel had our Michael Ausiello hoping for a miracle. But alas, the man who seduced not one, but three clones is staying dead. “This is kind of my farewell tour,” Bruce explained.
VideosOrphan Black Bloopers: Alison Sings Whitney, Helena Chokes on Babka
With Paul a goner and Cal in Iceland, Sarah’s love life is looking pretty bleak at the moment. But Season 4 could change all that.
“She deserves a little [romance],” co-creator Graeme Manson teased. “That’s not a terrible idea.
- 7/15/2015
- TVLine.com
Last night's annual meeting of the Clone Club (a.k.a. Orphan Black's Comic-Con panel) was, for lack of a better phrase, an emotional f--king rollercoaster. The cast—Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Dylan Bruce, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Kristian Bruun, and new addition Ari Millen—as well as creators John Fawcett and Graeme Manson arrived in Room 6A to a standing ovation from their loyal fan base. It started off light heartened enough. Dylan and Jordan confessed their man crushes for each other. They shrugged off Emmy snubs. They joked. They laughed. Then the Q&A portion started. The first fan on the mic didn't have a question, but instead wanted to present Tat with an award from the Clone Club,...
- 7/26/2014
- E! Online
We've lightened up our coverage of BBC America's "Orphan Black" as it's really more sci-fi/thriller than pure horror, but since it does fit in our wheelhouse a bit, we thought we'd share the news of its renewal for another season.
From the Press Release:
BBC America has renewed highly acclaimed original series "Orphan Black" for a second season to return as part of Supernatural Saturday in 2014. The conspiracy clone thriller starring Tatiana Maslany has been re-commissioned with a 10-episode order from Temple Street Productions, ahead of its Season One finale on Saturday, June 1.
In making the announcement, Perry Simon, General Manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide America said: "Tatiana Maslany has delivered one of the year’s standout performances. We’re excited to commission a second season from the talented team of Graeme, John, and Temple Street Productions, and we can’t wait to see who Tatiana shows up as in Season Two.
From the Press Release:
BBC America has renewed highly acclaimed original series "Orphan Black" for a second season to return as part of Supernatural Saturday in 2014. The conspiracy clone thriller starring Tatiana Maslany has been re-commissioned with a 10-episode order from Temple Street Productions, ahead of its Season One finale on Saturday, June 1.
In making the announcement, Perry Simon, General Manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide America said: "Tatiana Maslany has delivered one of the year’s standout performances. We’re excited to commission a second season from the talented team of Graeme, John, and Temple Street Productions, and we can’t wait to see who Tatiana shows up as in Season Two.
- 5/3/2013
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Throughout the next few hours, Paramount are debuting new posters for their new movie, GI Joe Retaliation which hits UK cinemas 3rd August 2012. We debuted the poster for Snake Eyes earlier and here’s a collection of all of them together as they arrive with the source for each above it.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation stars Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Stevenson, Walton Goggins, Bruce Willis and Jonathan Pryce, many of whom will have a poster in the coming houtrs if they haven’t already. Check the, all our below.
A follow-up to the 2009 release of G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, which grossed over $300M worldwide, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro and di Bonaventura Pictures, commences production on G.I. Joe: Retaliation. In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are...
G.I. Joe: Retaliation stars Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Stevenson, Walton Goggins, Bruce Willis and Jonathan Pryce, many of whom will have a poster in the coming houtrs if they haven’t already. Check the, all our below.
A follow-up to the 2009 release of G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, which grossed over $300M worldwide, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro and di Bonaventura Pictures, commences production on G.I. Joe: Retaliation. In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are...
- 4/19/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Here we have it people, today you’ll get to see a fair few new character banners for GI Joe: Retaliation (or GI Joe 2) and we have Snake Eyes here for you. Snake Eyes is played by Ray Park and he’s joined by a cast which includes Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Adrianne Palicki, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Stevenson, Walton Goggins, Bruce Willis and Jonathan Pryce.
A follow-up to the 2009 release of G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, which grossed over $300M worldwide, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro and di Bonaventura Pictures, commences production on G.I. Joe: Retaliation. In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, Jonathan Pryce, RZA, Ray Stevenson,...
A follow-up to the 2009 release of G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra, which grossed over $300M worldwide, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro and di Bonaventura Pictures, commences production on G.I. Joe: Retaliation. In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, Jonathan Pryce, RZA, Ray Stevenson,...
- 4/19/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Next month, a new sitcom called "Work It," about two out-of-work salesmen who dress up as women to get jobs, will make its debut on ABC. There's nothing new about the premise -- Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari covered the same ground on the early-80s sitcom "Bosom Buddies" -- and the tone isn't exactly novel either. The stars of the show, Ben Koldyke and Amaury Nolasco, are operating in the prevailing frat-boy mode perfected by Bradley Cooper and Seann William Scott.
In May, an 84-second trailer of "Work It" hit the Internet, instantly attracting more blogger rage than most shows accumulate over the course of several seasons. Gobsmacked by the very fact that "This got made! And is going to series!", The Futon Critic lambasted the show's "limp attempts at misogyny," "groan worthy madcappery" and "Mrs. Doubtfire hijinx."
The Best Week Ever blog took special umbrage at the network's...
In May, an 84-second trailer of "Work It" hit the Internet, instantly attracting more blogger rage than most shows accumulate over the course of several seasons. Gobsmacked by the very fact that "This got made! And is going to series!", The Futon Critic lambasted the show's "limp attempts at misogyny," "groan worthy madcappery" and "Mrs. Doubtfire hijinx."
The Best Week Ever blog took special umbrage at the network's...
- 12/14/2011
- by Richard Rushfield
- Huffington Post
Next month, a new sitcom called "Work It," about two out-of-work salesmen who dress up as women to get jobs, will make its debut on ABC. There's nothing new about the premise -- Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari covered the same ground on the early-80s sitcom "Bosom Buddies" -- and the tone isn't exactly novel either. The stars of the show, Ben Koldyke and Amaury Nolasco, are operating in the prevailing frat-boy mode perfected by Bradley Cooper and Seann William Scott.
In May, an 84-second trailer of "Work It" hit the Internet, instantly attracting more blogger rage than most shows accumulate over the course of several seasons. Gobsmacked by the very fact that "This got made! And is going to series!", The Futon Critic lambasted the show's "limp attempts at misogyny," "groan worthy madcappery" and "Mrs. Doubtfire hijinx."
The Best Week Ever blog took special umbrage at the network's...
In May, an 84-second trailer of "Work It" hit the Internet, instantly attracting more blogger rage than most shows accumulate over the course of several seasons. Gobsmacked by the very fact that "This got made! And is going to series!", The Futon Critic lambasted the show's "limp attempts at misogyny," "groan worthy madcappery" and "Mrs. Doubtfire hijinx."
The Best Week Ever blog took special umbrage at the network's...
- 12/14/2011
- by Richard Rushfield
- Aol TV.
British TV producer Ash Atalla has sold his first 2 American projects — both comedies — to CBS. They are being produced by CBS TV Studios where Atalla and his company Roughcut TV signed a first-look deal last year. In the UK, Atalla served as a producer on The Office and executive producer on The It Crowd, both of which were remade in the U.S. by NBC. The formats’ travel to the U.S. put Atalla in contact with U.S. producers, executives and agents and got him thinking about a move across the pond for himself, too. “I thought the world of comedy was getting smaller and smaller, and I found myself knowing more and more about American television,” he said. “I really enjoyed the Americans, liked the longer runs of their shows and through that one day it may be interesting to develop shows directly for the American networks.” Atalla...
- 10/4/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Anton Chekhov’s The Duel, the acclaimed English-language adaptation of Chekhov’s 1891 novella directed by Dover Koshashvili (Late Marriage), is coming to Blu-ray and DVD from Music Box Films on May 24.
Tobias Menzies takes aim in Anton Chekhov's The Duel.
Set during a sweltering summer at a seaside resort on the Black Sea, the 2010 independent film centers on the ne’er-do well Laevsky (Andrew Scott, HBO’s John Adams) and his illicit relationship with his mistress Nadya (Fiona Glascott, TV’s Clone). Laevsky has convinced Nadya to leave her husband for him, but now he wants to abandon her, which doesn’t sit too well with Von Koren (Tobias Menzies, HBO’s Rome), a former friend who can no longer tolerate the morally and financially bankrupt Laevsky’s irresponsibility. The only way for the three to maintain their honor and possibly achieve a modicum of satisfaction is for the men...
Tobias Menzies takes aim in Anton Chekhov's The Duel.
Set during a sweltering summer at a seaside resort on the Black Sea, the 2010 independent film centers on the ne’er-do well Laevsky (Andrew Scott, HBO’s John Adams) and his illicit relationship with his mistress Nadya (Fiona Glascott, TV’s Clone). Laevsky has convinced Nadya to leave her husband for him, but now he wants to abandon her, which doesn’t sit too well with Von Koren (Tobias Menzies, HBO’s Rome), a former friend who can no longer tolerate the morally and financially bankrupt Laevsky’s irresponsibility. The only way for the three to maintain their honor and possibly achieve a modicum of satisfaction is for the men...
- 3/11/2011
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
The Event and The Clone Wars arrive on UK telly, Matt Smith turns up in The Sarah Jane Adventures, and there are some great films to look forward to as well...
We'll start the week with the least exciting bit and, hopefully, work up to more tantalising tidbits on telly as we go through the next seven days.
Despite the hype, the arrival of The Event tonight, Friday, October 22nd at 9:00pm on Channel 4 may be a non-you-know-what. The Us show's been accused of trading on the styles and tricks of popular predecessors in trying to fill the island-sized hole left by Lost. From reports and our own reviews, it's only so much blown sand and wind, but the curious may want to see how much of that is true and if it's the wreckage some deem it to be that's now washed up on our shores.
Saturday,...
We'll start the week with the least exciting bit and, hopefully, work up to more tantalising tidbits on telly as we go through the next seven days.
Despite the hype, the arrival of The Event tonight, Friday, October 22nd at 9:00pm on Channel 4 may be a non-you-know-what. The Us show's been accused of trading on the styles and tricks of popular predecessors in trying to fill the island-sized hole left by Lost. From reports and our own reviews, it's only so much blown sand and wind, but the curious may want to see how much of that is true and if it's the wreckage some deem it to be that's now washed up on our shores.
Saturday,...
- 10/22/2010
- Den of Geek
Thankfully for those of who will be running ourselves ragged on Friday, July 23rd, covering all the horror-related events at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con, the genre-centric fare on Saturday, the 24th, is a bit lighter. But what there is should bring out the fans in droves.
Saturday – July 24
10:00-11:00 Panel of the Living Dead: Surviving the Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Onslaught on Xbox 360 — Xbox 360 has become the exclusive epicenter for zombies. The team behind Capcom's Dead Rising 2 joins the industry's top zombie creative minds and a special guest zombie authority for a behind-the-braaaiiinnss look at the popular zombie titles on Xbox 360. Chomp on insights into how they've developed their unique lexicon on undead lore and storytelling approaches, and get survival tips for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Join the flesh-hungry undead for a special Dead Rising 2 surprise from Capcom and be one of the first 25 zombies attending the panel to receive...
Saturday – July 24
10:00-11:00 Panel of the Living Dead: Surviving the Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Onslaught on Xbox 360 — Xbox 360 has become the exclusive epicenter for zombies. The team behind Capcom's Dead Rising 2 joins the industry's top zombie creative minds and a special guest zombie authority for a behind-the-braaaiiinnss look at the popular zombie titles on Xbox 360. Chomp on insights into how they've developed their unique lexicon on undead lore and storytelling approaches, and get survival tips for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Join the flesh-hungry undead for a special Dead Rising 2 surprise from Capcom and be one of the first 25 zombies attending the panel to receive...
- 7/10/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Its no secret that Cartoon Network and Adult Swim feature some of the funniest and most innovative shows around. With programming like Robot Chicken and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, they really show their true creative abilities and, in the case of Robot Chicken in particular, often makes us laugh our butts off.
Because we’re such fans of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim here at The Flickcast, we’re particularly excited to see what they have in store for Comic-Con. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait any longer to find out because today they’ve released the official Cartoon Network and Adult Swim schedule of all the events going on in San Diego.
Here’s all the info from the press release:
Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Series Panels and Events Lineup
for 2009 Comic-Con International
Cartoon Network and Adult Swim announces a number of panels, fan events...
Because we’re such fans of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim here at The Flickcast, we’re particularly excited to see what they have in store for Comic-Con. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait any longer to find out because today they’ve released the official Cartoon Network and Adult Swim schedule of all the events going on in San Diego.
Here’s all the info from the press release:
Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Series Panels and Events Lineup
for 2009 Comic-Con International
Cartoon Network and Adult Swim announces a number of panels, fan events...
- 7/9/2009
- by Joe Gillis
- The Flickcast
When actor Matt Smith takes over from David Tennant in the lead role of the BBC's science fiction series Doctor Who in 2010, among the first foes he will face will be Nazis, according to Britain's Sun newspaper.
Apparently the story for the episode will be a cross between Indiana Jones and the Ben Stiller action-comedy A Night at The Museum. The Doctor will be stranded in the Natural History Museum in London when he encounters the soldiers of the Third Reich. "Rampaging monsters" will supposedly also be involved.
The Sun newspaper quotes Doctor Who executive producer, writer and former show runner Russell T. Davies as saying that the episode would include a lost Ark and an "Indiana Jones-type chamber hidden beneath the floor with sliding stone doors and stuff". Britsh actor, writer and producer Mark Gatiss (Little Britain, The League of Gentleman, Crooked House, Clone) is said to be writing the script.
Apparently the story for the episode will be a cross between Indiana Jones and the Ben Stiller action-comedy A Night at The Museum. The Doctor will be stranded in the Natural History Museum in London when he encounters the soldiers of the Third Reich. "Rampaging monsters" will supposedly also be involved.
The Sun newspaper quotes Doctor Who executive producer, writer and former show runner Russell T. Davies as saying that the episode would include a lost Ark and an "Indiana Jones-type chamber hidden beneath the floor with sliding stone doors and stuff". Britsh actor, writer and producer Mark Gatiss (Little Britain, The League of Gentleman, Crooked House, Clone) is said to be writing the script.
- 5/8/2009
- CinemaSpy
Comedy heavyweights from the Us and UK are teaming up on a new sci-fi comedy series for BBC Three. Adam Chase, an executive producer on Friends, has written the show and recruited Ash Atalla, who produced the UK version of The Office, to help him make it. Clone will star Jonathan Pryce (Pirates Of The Caribbean) as Dr Victor Blenkinsop, a scientist who creates the first human clone. The product is meant to be an elite super soldier, but turns out kindly and wimpish. Chase, whose only previous work in the UK was for the two London Friends episodes, said his idea was too radical (more)...
- 7/11/2008
- by By Dave West
- Digital Spy
Adam Chase is back at it. The former "Friends" executive producer begins filming Friday on his new comedy series "Clone," which is directed by "The King of Queens" alum Rob Schiller.
What's wrong with this picture? Well, "Clone" is a British show shot in London for BBC3.
With British scripted formats invading the U.S. marketplace in the wake of the success of "The Office," Chase went against the current, creating a show for the U.K.
"Clone" is a multicamera sci-fi comedy with single-camera and greenscreen elements. It stars Jonathan Pryce as a scientist who creates the first human clone. Intended to be a prototype supersoldier, the doctor quickly realizes his creation is more likely to hug someone than shoot them.
"Clone" is described as a fish-out-of-water tale, and that's exactly what Americans Chase and Schiller are in the British TV industry.
Chase's only British production experience was filming the two-part London episode of "Friends."
"I'd been thinking about doing a sci-fi comedy for a while but was concerned about getting it through the American development process," said Chase, who grew up with genre-mixing British fare like Monty Python. " 'Clone' is extremely violent; people die every week. Audiences (in the U.K.) are very sophisticated, and they have no problem switching form genre to genre."
A couple of years ago, Chase met Ash Atalla, producer of the British version of "The Office," when they served as judges on a sitcom-writing competition on BBC3. Chase shared his idea for "Clone," and Atalla quickly came aboard.
After letting it percolate for a while, Chase set out in summer 2007 to write it as a spec. He rented a one-bedroom apartment in London and penned the script in 2 1/2 months.
He and Atalla sent it to several networks; a couple were interested, and BBC3 offered a series order.
"It was a dream come true," Chase said. "Then I saw the budget. Here you get amazing creative freedom and a tiny budget."
The BBC commissioned the series for what is said to be $500,000 an episode -- less than a third of what a similar show would cost in the U.S. The money is transferred upfront, and there no overages are tolerated.
Schiller said he initially was shocked by the budget constraints but adjusted and even found a silver lining.
"It's good as it makes us lean and mean, thinking twice about what we do," he said.
"Clone" has only one 12-hour day onstage per episode for blocking, rehearsal and taping -- something done in the U.S. over three to four days. Chase and Schiller found themselves extensively prepping -- writing and rewriting every scene and storyboarding every shot.
During production, the actors rehearse in a church, and the writers do rewrites in a room next to the soup kitchen.
"There's a sign outside the entrance of the kitchen that says, 'Please don't use the yard as a lavatory,' " Chase said. "I don't walk through the yard anymore."
One good piece of news is that in the U.K., most TV shows pay talent little money. And with short orders of six to seven episodes, feature stars are willing to do them. That's how Chase was able to land Pryce.
For "Clone," Chase employed the American writers room model. His team consisted of five scribes: two Yanks, including old "Friends" pal Alexa Junge, and three Brits. That number has dropped to two part-timers during production.
Chase follows in the footsteps of former "Seinfeld" executive producer Fred Barron, who created the long-running BBC sitcom "My Family," which also uses the writers room model. Additionally, veteran sitcom producer Caryn Mandabach opened shop in the U.K. several years ago and is producing projects for BBC and ITV.
The BBC, which has a 25% quota for indie producers, recently opened its doors to outsiders even further with the implementation of Window of Creative Competition, a program reserving another 25% of BBC's programming real estate for anybody with an idea.
U.S. writers might get attracted by the prospect of getting paid in British pounds. With the dollar sliding against the pound, "I've got a de facto raise," Chase quipped.
Chase is looking to one day do a U.S. version of "Clone."
With the heat surrounding British formats, that might come soon. In fact, Chase recalls some advice he got from a Hollywood agent when he was contemplating doing a U.K. show: "The shortest route to get to American television is to produce for British television."
The work on "Clone" has taught Chase a thing or two about the U.K. TV business, including, "People are really polite when they give you bad news," and "They really like to stop for tea at 4 p.m."
But most of all, "we take a lot of things for granted in an American production," Chase says. "Bottom line, I've leaned how to produce a show of equal quality for a lot less money."...
What's wrong with this picture? Well, "Clone" is a British show shot in London for BBC3.
With British scripted formats invading the U.S. marketplace in the wake of the success of "The Office," Chase went against the current, creating a show for the U.K.
"Clone" is a multicamera sci-fi comedy with single-camera and greenscreen elements. It stars Jonathan Pryce as a scientist who creates the first human clone. Intended to be a prototype supersoldier, the doctor quickly realizes his creation is more likely to hug someone than shoot them.
"Clone" is described as a fish-out-of-water tale, and that's exactly what Americans Chase and Schiller are in the British TV industry.
Chase's only British production experience was filming the two-part London episode of "Friends."
"I'd been thinking about doing a sci-fi comedy for a while but was concerned about getting it through the American development process," said Chase, who grew up with genre-mixing British fare like Monty Python. " 'Clone' is extremely violent; people die every week. Audiences (in the U.K.) are very sophisticated, and they have no problem switching form genre to genre."
A couple of years ago, Chase met Ash Atalla, producer of the British version of "The Office," when they served as judges on a sitcom-writing competition on BBC3. Chase shared his idea for "Clone," and Atalla quickly came aboard.
After letting it percolate for a while, Chase set out in summer 2007 to write it as a spec. He rented a one-bedroom apartment in London and penned the script in 2 1/2 months.
He and Atalla sent it to several networks; a couple were interested, and BBC3 offered a series order.
"It was a dream come true," Chase said. "Then I saw the budget. Here you get amazing creative freedom and a tiny budget."
The BBC commissioned the series for what is said to be $500,000 an episode -- less than a third of what a similar show would cost in the U.S. The money is transferred upfront, and there no overages are tolerated.
Schiller said he initially was shocked by the budget constraints but adjusted and even found a silver lining.
"It's good as it makes us lean and mean, thinking twice about what we do," he said.
"Clone" has only one 12-hour day onstage per episode for blocking, rehearsal and taping -- something done in the U.S. over three to four days. Chase and Schiller found themselves extensively prepping -- writing and rewriting every scene and storyboarding every shot.
During production, the actors rehearse in a church, and the writers do rewrites in a room next to the soup kitchen.
"There's a sign outside the entrance of the kitchen that says, 'Please don't use the yard as a lavatory,' " Chase said. "I don't walk through the yard anymore."
One good piece of news is that in the U.K., most TV shows pay talent little money. And with short orders of six to seven episodes, feature stars are willing to do them. That's how Chase was able to land Pryce.
For "Clone," Chase employed the American writers room model. His team consisted of five scribes: two Yanks, including old "Friends" pal Alexa Junge, and three Brits. That number has dropped to two part-timers during production.
Chase follows in the footsteps of former "Seinfeld" executive producer Fred Barron, who created the long-running BBC sitcom "My Family," which also uses the writers room model. Additionally, veteran sitcom producer Caryn Mandabach opened shop in the U.K. several years ago and is producing projects for BBC and ITV.
The BBC, which has a 25% quota for indie producers, recently opened its doors to outsiders even further with the implementation of Window of Creative Competition, a program reserving another 25% of BBC's programming real estate for anybody with an idea.
U.S. writers might get attracted by the prospect of getting paid in British pounds. With the dollar sliding against the pound, "I've got a de facto raise," Chase quipped.
Chase is looking to one day do a U.S. version of "Clone."
With the heat surrounding British formats, that might come soon. In fact, Chase recalls some advice he got from a Hollywood agent when he was contemplating doing a U.K. show: "The shortest route to get to American television is to produce for British television."
The work on "Clone" has taught Chase a thing or two about the U.K. TV business, including, "People are really polite when they give you bad news," and "They really like to stop for tea at 4 p.m."
But most of all, "we take a lot of things for granted in an American production," Chase says. "Bottom line, I've leaned how to produce a show of equal quality for a lot less money."...
- 7/11/2008
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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