"Make him pay." Paramount Movies / Republic Pictures have revealed the official trailer for a very cheesy revenge thriller called Hard Home, arriving to watch in June this summer. This is skipping theaters and heading straight to VOD to catch at home if anyone cares. A mother who is deeply saddened by a loss lures her daughter’s killer into her smart home in order to take revenge, and gets involved in a distorted cat-and-mouse game where life and death are at stake. Simone Kessell stars in this action-packed revenge-thriller, another one involving one of these "high-tech homes" that has tons of contraptions. In addition to Kessell, this also stars Joseph Millson, Rachel Adedeji, Daphne Cheung, Rosie Day, and Andrew Howard. Should be no surprise that this looks terrible - not even worth a rental. // Continue Reading ›...
- 5/25/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Director James McTeigue has signed with Gersh for representation in all areas.
McTeigue is the filmmaker behind several major features and series, including his 2005 directorial feature debut “V for Vendetta,” the cult favorite dystopian comic book adaptation starring Natalie Portman, John Hurt and Hugo Weaving. He followed that film with the 2009 martial arts film “Ninja Assassin,” led by Korean star Rain. His other films include the Edgar Allan Poe detective thriller “The Raven,” starring John Cusack, Luke Evans and Brendan Gleeson, as well as “Survivor,” starring Milla Jovovich and Pierce Brosnan.
More recently, McTeigue produced the 2021 sci-fi revival “The Matrix Resurrections” and the commercially successful Gabrielle Union thriller “Breaking In,” which he also directed. His TV directorial credits include episodes across two seasons of “Sense8,” the political thriller “Messiah” and the historical series “Marco Polo.” McTeigue has also directed commercials for Heineken, Samsung, Powerade, Rexona, Deutsche Bank and Guild Wars 2, amongst several other brands.
McTeigue is the filmmaker behind several major features and series, including his 2005 directorial feature debut “V for Vendetta,” the cult favorite dystopian comic book adaptation starring Natalie Portman, John Hurt and Hugo Weaving. He followed that film with the 2009 martial arts film “Ninja Assassin,” led by Korean star Rain. His other films include the Edgar Allan Poe detective thriller “The Raven,” starring John Cusack, Luke Evans and Brendan Gleeson, as well as “Survivor,” starring Milla Jovovich and Pierce Brosnan.
More recently, McTeigue produced the 2021 sci-fi revival “The Matrix Resurrections” and the commercially successful Gabrielle Union thriller “Breaking In,” which he also directed. His TV directorial credits include episodes across two seasons of “Sense8,” the political thriller “Messiah” and the historical series “Marco Polo.” McTeigue has also directed commercials for Heineken, Samsung, Powerade, Rexona, Deutsche Bank and Guild Wars 2, amongst several other brands.
- 5/15/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran character actor Eddie Driscoll, who appeared on shows such as Entourage, Mad Men, Sex and the City, and This Is Us, has died. He was 60. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the passing was confirmed by actor Jimmy Palumbo, who said Driscoll died from a saddle pulmonary embolism after suffering from stomach cancer for several months. Born on September 26, 1963, in New York, Driscoll studied acting at the University of Miami and enrolled in an apprenticeship program at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre in North Palm Beach, Florida. He would go on to appear in several projects with Reynolds, including the 1989 films Physical Evidence and Breaking In and the 1990s television shows B.L. Stryker and Evening Shade. Driscoll appeared in bit parts in countless hit TV programs over the years, including Days of Our Lives, The King of Queens, 24, Heroes, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY, Desperate Housewives,...
- 2/27/2024
- TV Insider
Eddie Driscoll, the veteran character actor who appeared on shows including Sex and the City, Boston Public, Entourage, Mad Men, The Last Ship and This Is Us, has died. He was 60.
Driscoll died Dec. 15 in Los Angeles from a saddle pulmonary embolism after months of fighting stomach cancer, actor Jimmy Palumbo announced.
Driscoll had a recurring role as East Coast leader Randall Croft in 2016 on the TNT sci-fi series The Last Ship, and he portrayed the loan shark Angelo “Gyp” DeCarlo in a West Coast touring company of Jersey Boys.
Driscoll also showed up on episodes of Days of Our Lives, Tracey Takes On …, The King of Queens, Cold Case, 24, Heroes, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY, 24, Medium, Heroes and Desperate Housewives and in films including Lansky (1999), Boat Trip (2002), Pavement (2002), Cellular (2004) and Blast (2004).
Born in New York on Sept. 26, 1963, Edward Driscoll graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope,...
Driscoll died Dec. 15 in Los Angeles from a saddle pulmonary embolism after months of fighting stomach cancer, actor Jimmy Palumbo announced.
Driscoll had a recurring role as East Coast leader Randall Croft in 2016 on the TNT sci-fi series The Last Ship, and he portrayed the loan shark Angelo “Gyp” DeCarlo in a West Coast touring company of Jersey Boys.
Driscoll also showed up on episodes of Days of Our Lives, Tracey Takes On …, The King of Queens, Cold Case, 24, Heroes, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY, 24, Medium, Heroes and Desperate Housewives and in films including Lansky (1999), Boat Trip (2002), Pavement (2002), Cellular (2004) and Blast (2004).
Born in New York on Sept. 26, 1963, Edward Driscoll graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When developing her on-screen friendship with co-star Christa Miller, “Shrinking” star Jessica Williams said she positioned it as if they were hanging out “like a ‘Real Housewife of Pasadena.’”
In other words, she approached the relationship between her character, Gaby, and and Miller’s character, Liz, through the lens of her fascination with reality TV and obsession with the “Real Housewives” franchise. In this episode of Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast, Williams and Miller share how that TV friendship has developed into a real-life, off-screen one as well.
In separate interviews, Williams and Miller discussed the dynamic of their characters’ evolving personalities and what they hope for the second season. Listen below!
“Shrinking” focuses on therapist Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) and his daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell), after the loss of their matriarch, Tia (Lilan Bowden). The half-hour comedy chronicles as the therapist develops a much more hands-on approach with his...
In other words, she approached the relationship between her character, Gaby, and and Miller’s character, Liz, through the lens of her fascination with reality TV and obsession with the “Real Housewives” franchise. In this episode of Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast, Williams and Miller share how that TV friendship has developed into a real-life, off-screen one as well.
In separate interviews, Williams and Miller discussed the dynamic of their characters’ evolving personalities and what they hope for the second season. Listen below!
“Shrinking” focuses on therapist Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) and his daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell), after the loss of their matriarch, Tia (Lilan Bowden). The half-hour comedy chronicles as the therapist develops a much more hands-on approach with his...
- 6/16/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Update 4:15 Pm: It’s a done deal. CBS has confirmed Deadline’s exclusive about canceled S.W.A.T. getting a reprieve with a renewal for a seventh and final season through a statement. (You can read it below.) Star Shemar Moore has been added as an executive producer.
Exclusive 3 Pm: S.W.A.T. may be down but not out. The drama, which was canceled on Friday after six seasons, would come back for a seventh season on CBS which would be its last, sources tell Deadline.
I hear renewal conversations between CBS and S.W.A.T. lead studio Sony Pictures Television restarted on Friday, soon after the series starring Shemar Moore was officially canceled, with the news facing immediate backlash from fans who rallied behind the popular show.
Talks have continued over the weekend into Monday, focusing on a 13-episode seventh and final season of S.W.A.T. Resolution is expected by end of...
Exclusive 3 Pm: S.W.A.T. may be down but not out. The drama, which was canceled on Friday after six seasons, would come back for a seventh season on CBS which would be its last, sources tell Deadline.
I hear renewal conversations between CBS and S.W.A.T. lead studio Sony Pictures Television restarted on Friday, soon after the series starring Shemar Moore was officially canceled, with the news facing immediate backlash from fans who rallied behind the popular show.
Talks have continued over the weekend into Monday, focusing on a 13-episode seventh and final season of S.W.A.T. Resolution is expected by end of...
- 5/8/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The official trailer for the Peacock original film Praise This has just been released. The film will stream exclusively on Peacock on April 7th!
Five-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey, star of Grown-ish and half of the sibling musical duo Chloe x Halle, stars in a new cinematic musical event set in the world of Atlanta’s competitive gospel youth choir praise teams.
From director Tina Gordon, writer-director of Little and the writer of What Men Want and Drumline, Praise This follows aspiring musical superstar Sam (Chloe Bailey), a young woman driven, at almost any cost, to break into the music business. So, when her father, worried that Sam is associating with a dangerous crowd, moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s sunny cousin, Jess, Sam is . . . not happy.
But when Sam is forced to join her cousin’s struggling, underdog praise team in the...
Five-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey, star of Grown-ish and half of the sibling musical duo Chloe x Halle, stars in a new cinematic musical event set in the world of Atlanta’s competitive gospel youth choir praise teams.
From director Tina Gordon, writer-director of Little and the writer of What Men Want and Drumline, Praise This follows aspiring musical superstar Sam (Chloe Bailey), a young woman driven, at almost any cost, to break into the music business. So, when her father, worried that Sam is associating with a dangerous crowd, moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s sunny cousin, Jess, Sam is . . . not happy.
But when Sam is forced to join her cousin’s struggling, underdog praise team in the...
- 3/9/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Shrinking, the newest comedy from Jason Segel and the team behind Ted Lasso, has arrived on AppleTV+. The series follows a therapist who struggles at work after the death of his wife. He finally breaks down and starts telling his patients exactly what he thinks, which turns out to be life-changing for many people — including himself. The star-studded cast of Shrinking includes some faces that might look familiar, so here’s a breakdown of the stars and who they play.
‘Shrinking’ cast members Jason Segel as Jimmy and Harrison Ford as Paul | AppleTV+ Jason Segel plays Jimmy Laird
In addition to helping create Shrinking, Jason Segel stars as James “Jimmy” Laird. The death of Jimmy’s wife has caused him to isolate himself from his friends and family, and he can’t get his head straight at work. He finds a new, unorthodox method of giving advice to his client,...
‘Shrinking’ cast members Jason Segel as Jimmy and Harrison Ford as Paul | AppleTV+ Jason Segel plays Jimmy Laird
In addition to helping create Shrinking, Jason Segel stars as James “Jimmy” Laird. The death of Jimmy’s wife has caused him to isolate himself from his friends and family, and he can’t get his head straight at work. He finds a new, unorthodox method of giving advice to his client,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Idris Elba fights a lion. This is what Beast promises, and this is what Beast delivers. No more. No less. The purity of it — the bald-faced simplicity! — is sort of beautiful.
This is where we are in the cursed summer of 2022. We quaver with existential ennui as the planet tries to throw us off with pandemics, heatwaves, wildfires, landslides, dust storms, droughts and floods. But we can cheer in a whistling-past-the-graveyard way as Idris Elba punches a prodigious pissed-off pussycat in the, well, puss, as if to say, “Not today, Mother Nature! Not today!”
To be fair to the lion, he is absolutely correct to be pissed off: poachers killed his whole family, and tried to kill him too, so he is out for revenge. All homo sapiens are in his sights. You may want to root for the lion instead. We humans are only getting what we deserve.
Faster,...
This is where we are in the cursed summer of 2022. We quaver with existential ennui as the planet tries to throw us off with pandemics, heatwaves, wildfires, landslides, dust storms, droughts and floods. But we can cheer in a whistling-past-the-graveyard way as Idris Elba punches a prodigious pissed-off pussycat in the, well, puss, as if to say, “Not today, Mother Nature! Not today!”
To be fair to the lion, he is absolutely correct to be pissed off: poachers killed his whole family, and tried to kill him too, so he is out for revenge. All homo sapiens are in his sights. You may want to root for the lion instead. We humans are only getting what we deserve.
Faster,...
- 9/1/2022
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
It’s been six long years since Idris Elba embarked on what we can only now call his “Bad Cat Trilogy.”
He ruled the jungle as the villainous Shere Khan in “The Jungle Book,” and he broke every human law as Macavity in “Cats.” But this time it’s different: In Baltasar Kormákur’s “Beast,” Elba must fight an evil cat in his own human form. It might feel like poetry if “Beast” was anything more than a competent genre exercise.
Elba stars as Dr. Nate Samuels, a doctor visiting South Africa with his two daughters, Meredith and Nora. They’re visiting the home town of Meredith and Nora’s mother who, shortly after she separated from Nate, was diagnosed with – and swiftly died of – cancer.
That’s a lot of baggage for one trip, but Nate is trying to make up for lost time by bonding over this new adventure.
He ruled the jungle as the villainous Shere Khan in “The Jungle Book,” and he broke every human law as Macavity in “Cats.” But this time it’s different: In Baltasar Kormákur’s “Beast,” Elba must fight an evil cat in his own human form. It might feel like poetry if “Beast” was anything more than a competent genre exercise.
Elba stars as Dr. Nate Samuels, a doctor visiting South Africa with his two daughters, Meredith and Nora. They’re visiting the home town of Meredith and Nora’s mother who, shortly after she separated from Nate, was diagnosed with – and swiftly died of – cancer.
That’s a lot of baggage for one trip, but Nate is trying to make up for lost time by bonding over this new adventure.
- 8/18/2022
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Seth Carr, known for his work in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther and Disney+’s The Mysterious Benedict Society, among others, has signed with Gersh for representation.
Carr plays the series regular role of George ‘Sticky’ Washington on Disney+ series The Mysterious Benedict Society, which has completed filming its second season. He also toplined the Netflix feature The Main Event from director Jay Karas and was seen in Marvel’s Black Panther as Young Killmonger and opposite Gabrielle Union in Breaking In.
His television credits include series regular roles on Nickelodeon’s Knight Squad and Netflix’s Free Rein. He’s also had major arcs on shows such as Bosch and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He’s also voicing a role in Netflix’s upcoming series Oni: Thunder God’s Tale.
Carr also is repped by Zero Gravity Management and Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher, Llp.
Carr plays the series regular role of George ‘Sticky’ Washington on Disney+ series The Mysterious Benedict Society, which has completed filming its second season. He also toplined the Netflix feature The Main Event from director Jay Karas and was seen in Marvel’s Black Panther as Young Killmonger and opposite Gabrielle Union in Breaking In.
His television credits include series regular roles on Nickelodeon’s Knight Squad and Netflix’s Free Rein. He’s also had major arcs on shows such as Bosch and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He’s also voicing a role in Netflix’s upcoming series Oni: Thunder God’s Tale.
Carr also is repped by Zero Gravity Management and Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher, Llp.
- 8/16/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
A fabulous outfit? Two can play that game. Zaya Wade and Gabrielle Union showed off a matching look in an Aug. 8 Instagram Reel that was not to be missed. In the clip, Gabrielle sports a matching floral set paired with silver jewelry. The Breaking In actress then puts her head against a wall to listen in as a banging noise plays in the background. That's where the matching moment kicks in. The camera cuts to a shot of Zaya banging her fist against the wall while wearing the same ensemble. Zaya captioned the moment, "coming for your outfit @gabunion." Now, it's not rare to see Zaya or Gabrielle serving a look. Just one glance at either of their Instagram pages will make that...
- 8/9/2022
- E! Online
Exclusive: David Windsor and Casey Johnson, creators and executive producers of ABC’s newly picked up series Not Dead Yet, are expanding their relationship with 20th Television, the studio behind the single-camera comedy starring Gina Rodriguez, with a three-year overall deal.
Windsor and Johnson are coming off a three-year run as co-executive producers on 20th TV’s hit drama series This Is Us, which just wrapped its sixth-season run on NBC. The duo juggled their duties on This Is Us‘ final season with writing and executive producing the Not Dead Yet pilot for 20th TV. The project, based on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, became the only half-hour pilot to get a series order by ABC last month. It will premiere in midseason.
At 20th TV, Windsor and Johnson previously served as co-executive producers on cult comedy series Don’t Trust The B—— In Apartment...
Windsor and Johnson are coming off a three-year run as co-executive producers on 20th TV’s hit drama series This Is Us, which just wrapped its sixth-season run on NBC. The duo juggled their duties on This Is Us‘ final season with writing and executive producing the Not Dead Yet pilot for 20th TV. The project, based on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, became the only half-hour pilot to get a series order by ABC last month. It will premiere in midseason.
At 20th TV, Windsor and Johnson previously served as co-executive producers on cult comedy series Don’t Trust The B—— In Apartment...
- 6/2/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Packer Productions has tapped Leon Chills to adapt Stan Parish’s “Love and Theft” into a new movie for Universal Pictures.
Based on Parish’s novel, which was published in 2020 by Penguin Random House through its imprint at Knopf Doubleday, “Love and Theft” is a global romantic heist film set in Las Vegas, Mexico, and Spain.
Chills has previously written episodes for Netflix’s “Spinning Out” and Amazon’s “The Wilds,” where he was a story editor. On the feature side, Chills’ first spec sale was “Shadow Force,” an action drama sold to Lionsgate.
Packer and Johanna Byer will produce the movie, while Alvie Hurtado will oversee the production for Wpp. Lexi Barta, Universal Pictures’ vice president of production development, will oversee on behalf of the studio.
Packer’s production company has amassed a box office haul of more than $1 billion dollars, boasting ten films that have opened at number one,...
Based on Parish’s novel, which was published in 2020 by Penguin Random House through its imprint at Knopf Doubleday, “Love and Theft” is a global romantic heist film set in Las Vegas, Mexico, and Spain.
Chills has previously written episodes for Netflix’s “Spinning Out” and Amazon’s “The Wilds,” where he was a story editor. On the feature side, Chills’ first spec sale was “Shadow Force,” an action drama sold to Lionsgate.
Packer and Johanna Byer will produce the movie, while Alvie Hurtado will oversee the production for Wpp. Lexi Barta, Universal Pictures’ vice president of production development, will oversee on behalf of the studio.
Packer’s production company has amassed a box office haul of more than $1 billion dollars, boasting ten films that have opened at number one,...
- 1/20/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Favorite director Bill Forsyth lends his knack for droll understatement to a screenplay by John Sayles, a crime tale that opts for keen character study and doesn’t stretch credibility. Burt Reynolds has a gem of a role as a career burglar doing his bit for the next generation, showing a ‘new guy’ the ins and outs of thievery; Casey Siemaszko is his thick-headed but resolutely faithful assistant on several outrageous heists. The criminal life almost doesn’t seem too terrible — except for the going-to-prison part. The disc commentary with Forsyth and Sayles is a great listen.
Breaking In
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1989 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 94 min. / Street Date January 11, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Casey Siemaszko, Sheila Kelley, Lorraine Toussaint, Albert Salmi, Harry Carey Jr., Maury Chaykin, Stephen Tobolowsky.
Cinematography: Michael Coulter
Production Designer: Adrienne Atkinson
Film Editor: Michael Ellis
Original Music: Michael Gibbs
Written by John...
Breaking In
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1989 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 94 min. / Street Date January 11, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Casey Siemaszko, Sheila Kelley, Lorraine Toussaint, Albert Salmi, Harry Carey Jr., Maury Chaykin, Stephen Tobolowsky.
Cinematography: Michael Coulter
Production Designer: Adrienne Atkinson
Film Editor: Michael Ellis
Original Music: Michael Gibbs
Written by John...
- 1/15/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The Harper House is closing its doors.
Paramount+ has canceled the animated comedy after one season. It comes a week after the ten episode show, which premiered on September 16, wrapped up its season on November 4.
Creator Brad Neely broke the news on social media, “The Harper House is cancelled. I’ll always appreciate the show’s resilient crew and cast that came together during an unprecedented breakdown of normal life to make this family with me. I’m grateful to everyone involved and to anyone who gave it a shot. It’s time to get nuts.”
The adult animated comedy centers on Debbie Harper (Rhea Seehorn), the overconfident female head of a household, who struggles to regain a higher status for herself and for her family of oddballs, after losing her job and moving from the rich side to the poor side of a small town in Arkansas. To save money,...
Paramount+ has canceled the animated comedy after one season. It comes a week after the ten episode show, which premiered on September 16, wrapped up its season on November 4.
Creator Brad Neely broke the news on social media, “The Harper House is cancelled. I’ll always appreciate the show’s resilient crew and cast that came together during an unprecedented breakdown of normal life to make this family with me. I’m grateful to everyone involved and to anyone who gave it a shot. It’s time to get nuts.”
The adult animated comedy centers on Debbie Harper (Rhea Seehorn), the overconfident female head of a household, who struggles to regain a higher status for herself and for her family of oddballs, after losing her job and moving from the rich side to the poor side of a small town in Arkansas. To save money,...
- 11/12/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Packer has been named Producer of the 94th Annual Academy Awards, set for March 27.
This will be the first Oscar show to be produced by Packer, a prolific producer of numerous films and TV projects including Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along, Girls Trip, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination. But his credits do not include a lot of live TV projects, so taking on the Oscars will be a relatively new experience. His wide-ranging credits in comedy give hope that he also will be creating a fun Academy Awards.
The Academy clearly is looking for fresh ideas and new directions after the pandemic-affected, critically derided and record-low-rated 2021 telecast produced by the trio of Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins. Of course the ratings collapse of that show, which was delayed to April 25, was not entirely...
This will be the first Oscar show to be produced by Packer, a prolific producer of numerous films and TV projects including Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along, Girls Trip, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination. But his credits do not include a lot of live TV projects, so taking on the Oscars will be a relatively new experience. His wide-ranging credits in comedy give hope that he also will be creating a fun Academy Awards.
The Academy clearly is looking for fresh ideas and new directions after the pandemic-affected, critically derided and record-low-rated 2021 telecast produced by the trio of Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins. Of course the ratings collapse of that show, which was delayed to April 25, was not entirely...
- 10/5/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Following in the footsteps as such big names as Steven Soderbergh, Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, Lynette Howell Taylor, Stephanie Allain, and Donna Gigliotti, Hollywood multi-hyphenate Will Packer will produce the 94th Oscars. Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, will serve as co-producer alongside Packer. The move marks Packer’s first involvement with the Oscars, which will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
“Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres. He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead!,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in an official statement.
Added Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema.
“Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres. He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead!,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in an official statement.
Added Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema.
- 10/5/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Will Packer Productions has promoted Alvie Hurtado to director of development.
In the new role, Hurtado is responsible for identifying content, filmmakers and talent for feature film development and production. He reports directly to Johanna Byer, Will Packer Prods.’ (Wpp) executive vice president of motion pictures.
“Alvie is an integral part of our film team,” producer and founder Will Packer said, announcing Hurtado’s promotion. “As we embark upon a rousing new chapter at Wpp he will be essential to our short and long term goals.”
Hurtado joined Wpp in 2017 as an assistant to the president of film and was upped to creative executive in 2020. During his tenure with the company, Hurtado has focused on the company’s expanding development slate while championing diverse and innovative voices. Outside of Wpp, he is a co-founder and board member of The Latin Tracking Board, an organization for up-and-coming LatinX executives in Hollywood.
In the new role, Hurtado is responsible for identifying content, filmmakers and talent for feature film development and production. He reports directly to Johanna Byer, Will Packer Prods.’ (Wpp) executive vice president of motion pictures.
“Alvie is an integral part of our film team,” producer and founder Will Packer said, announcing Hurtado’s promotion. “As we embark upon a rousing new chapter at Wpp he will be essential to our short and long term goals.”
Hurtado joined Wpp in 2017 as an assistant to the president of film and was upped to creative executive in 2020. During his tenure with the company, Hurtado has focused on the company’s expanding development slate while championing diverse and innovative voices. Outside of Wpp, he is a co-founder and board member of The Latin Tracking Board, an organization for up-and-coming LatinX executives in Hollywood.
- 9/29/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Macro CEO Charles D. King tapped veteran producer James F. Lopez as president of Macro Film Studios, overseeing the company’s slate of projects in development, production and distribution.
Lopez previously served as president of Will Packer Productions and, in his new role, joins King, Macro executive vice president Poppy Hanks and vice president Greta Fuentes to spearhead the expansion of the multi-platform media company’s film business.
“James Lopez is an exceptional producer and leader,” King said, announcing Lopez’s hiring. “I respect him immensely. I trust his creative instincts and his understanding of the culture and his connection to artists are unparalleled. As Macro is at an exciting inflection point of expansion, I am thrilled to have him by my side as partner to lead the growth of our film business.”
During his tenure as president of Will Packer Productions, Lopez produced numerous films for Universal Pictures including the upcoming movie “Beast,...
Lopez previously served as president of Will Packer Productions and, in his new role, joins King, Macro executive vice president Poppy Hanks and vice president Greta Fuentes to spearhead the expansion of the multi-platform media company’s film business.
“James Lopez is an exceptional producer and leader,” King said, announcing Lopez’s hiring. “I respect him immensely. I trust his creative instincts and his understanding of the culture and his connection to artists are unparalleled. As Macro is at an exciting inflection point of expansion, I am thrilled to have him by my side as partner to lead the growth of our film business.”
During his tenure as president of Will Packer Productions, Lopez produced numerous films for Universal Pictures including the upcoming movie “Beast,...
- 9/8/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
James F. Lopez, who for the past three years was president of Will Packer Productions where he produced a string of hits including Girls Trip and Night School, has been hired as president of Macro Film Studios, the motion picture arm of Charles D. King’s Macro.
Lopez, who before joining Wpp in 2010 worked at Sony’s Screen Gems as SVP Production and helped steer hits including Think Like A Man, About Last Night, Think Like A Man Too, The Wedding Ringer, The Perfect Guy and When The Bough Breaks, will now oversee Macro’s slate of film projects in development, production and distribution following the success last year of the company’s Best Picture Oscar nominee Judas and the Black Messiah.
He joins a team that includes CEO King, EVP Poppy Hanks and VP Greta Fuentes as Macro expands its film business, which aims to tell diverse stories on a global scale.
Lopez, who before joining Wpp in 2010 worked at Sony’s Screen Gems as SVP Production and helped steer hits including Think Like A Man, About Last Night, Think Like A Man Too, The Wedding Ringer, The Perfect Guy and When The Bough Breaks, will now oversee Macro’s slate of film projects in development, production and distribution following the success last year of the company’s Best Picture Oscar nominee Judas and the Black Messiah.
He joins a team that includes CEO King, EVP Poppy Hanks and VP Greta Fuentes as Macro expands its film business, which aims to tell diverse stories on a global scale.
- 9/8/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Notebook Primer introduces readers to some of the most important figures, films, genres, and movements in film history.Bill Forsyth on the set of Local Hero1.You can sell movie tickets telling people that the story of a human life is too complex and changeable to ever even begin to catch hold of, and that we are helpless mortals who don’t have the slightest idea what is best for us, and that wry acceptance of a mixed-to-dark fate is the closest we can come to sustained happiness – you can make back your film’s budget doing all of this, but it’s a lot of work, and even if you do it with supreme delicacy, with images of startling beauty and comfort, and with good jokes you are still swimming against a very hard tide; and that in a nutshell is the story of Bill Forsyth’s filmmaking career.
- 7/29/2021
- MUBI
Always Be My Maybe star and Baby Cobra comedian Ali Wong will join Amazon’s Paper Girls series, based on Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang’s graphic novel, from Amazon Studios, Legendary TV and Plan B.
She will join series leads Sofia Rosinksy, Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet and Fina Strazza. Stephany Folsom and Christopher C. Rogers will co-showrun. Vaughan, Chiang, Plan B, Christopher Cantwell and the showrunners will serve as executive producers for the series, which is set to film in Chicago this year.
Paper Girls follows four young girls who, while out delivering papers on the morning after Halloween in 1988, become unwittingly caught in a conflict between warring factions of time-travelers, sending them on an adventure through time that will save the world. As they travel between our present, the past, and the future — they encounter future versions of themselves and now must choose to embrace or reject their fate.
She will join series leads Sofia Rosinksy, Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet and Fina Strazza. Stephany Folsom and Christopher C. Rogers will co-showrun. Vaughan, Chiang, Plan B, Christopher Cantwell and the showrunners will serve as executive producers for the series, which is set to film in Chicago this year.
Paper Girls follows four young girls who, while out delivering papers on the morning after Halloween in 1988, become unwittingly caught in a conflict between warring factions of time-travelers, sending them on an adventure through time that will save the world. As they travel between our present, the past, and the future — they encounter future versions of themselves and now must choose to embrace or reject their fate.
- 5/6/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
After recurring in Season 1 of Walker, Odette Annable has been upped to a series regular for the upcoming second season of the breakout hit CW drama series.
The reboot of the popular CBS drama centers on Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki), a widower and father of two with his own moral code who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home.
Annable, who appears in six of 11 Season 1 episodes, plays Geraldine “Geri” Broussard, an old friend of Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki) and his late wife Emily (Genevieve Padalecki) who runs a bar and has emerged as a romantic interest for Cordell.
This is a familiar territory for Annable who has been a lead/series regular on a slew of series, including the CW’s Supergirl, CBS All Access’ Tell Me a Story, CBS’ Pure Genius and Fox’s House and Breaking In.
The reboot of the popular CBS drama centers on Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki), a widower and father of two with his own moral code who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home.
Annable, who appears in six of 11 Season 1 episodes, plays Geraldine “Geri” Broussard, an old friend of Cordell Walker (Jared Padalecki) and his late wife Emily (Genevieve Padalecki) who runs a bar and has emerged as a romantic interest for Cordell.
This is a familiar territory for Annable who has been a lead/series regular on a slew of series, including the CW’s Supergirl, CBS All Access’ Tell Me a Story, CBS’ Pure Genius and Fox’s House and Breaking In.
- 4/30/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak’s That’s Wonderful Productions has named Alison Mo Massey as Head of Development and Production. In her new role, Massey, who joined the company in 2017 as VP of Development, will oversee Twp’s slate of television and feature film projects, working closely with Parsons and Spiewak.
Additionally, the company has promoted Michael Scott Allen to Director of Development, focusing on the company’s television slate under its overall deal with Warner Bros. TV, and has appointed Alyssa Murphy to the newly created position of Director of Development – Film.
“Todd and I are really excited to continue this journey with Alison as our new Head of Development and Production. Alison has been such an integral part in getting the company to where it is today and without question, it was time to put her in a leadership position,” said Parsons. “Michael started with us...
Additionally, the company has promoted Michael Scott Allen to Director of Development, focusing on the company’s television slate under its overall deal with Warner Bros. TV, and has appointed Alyssa Murphy to the newly created position of Director of Development – Film.
“Todd and I are really excited to continue this journey with Alison as our new Head of Development and Production. Alison has been such an integral part in getting the company to where it is today and without question, it was time to put her in a leadership position,” said Parsons. “Michael started with us...
- 4/20/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Packer Productions (Wpp) and writer Felicia Pride are teaming up for a new romantic drama, set in the world of collegiate track and field.
The project, titled “Like It’s the Last,” comes from an original idea from Pride, who will also write the script.
Will Packer will produce the film on behalf of his eponymous production company alongside Wpp motion picture president James Lopez. The new film marks the second teaming between the trio, who also have the erotic drama “Deeper” in development with Universal.
Pride and Wpp’s Johanna Byer will serve as executive producers.
Packer’s production company has a long history of mainstream theatrical success, with a box office haul of more than $1 billion dollars. The company also boasts ten films that have opened at number one, including “Night School” and “Girls Trip,” which were the top grossing comedies of 2017 and 2018 respectively. Other Will Packer Productions films include “The Photograph,...
The project, titled “Like It’s the Last,” comes from an original idea from Pride, who will also write the script.
Will Packer will produce the film on behalf of his eponymous production company alongside Wpp motion picture president James Lopez. The new film marks the second teaming between the trio, who also have the erotic drama “Deeper” in development with Universal.
Pride and Wpp’s Johanna Byer will serve as executive producers.
Packer’s production company has a long history of mainstream theatrical success, with a box office haul of more than $1 billion dollars. The company also boasts ten films that have opened at number one, including “Night School” and “Girls Trip,” which were the top grossing comedies of 2017 and 2018 respectively. Other Will Packer Productions films include “The Photograph,...
- 4/13/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
London Hughes is a “Hot Mess” — at least on screen — as the British comedian is set to star in a new comedy under the same title for Universal Pictures, produced by Will Packer Productions.
“Hot Mess” will be written by Noushin Jahanian, based on an idea from Jahanian and Hughes. Will Packer and James Lopez will produce through their Will Packer Productions banner, with Johanna Byer serving as executive producer. Universal’s Senior Executive VP of Production Erik Baiers will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
“Will Packer and James Lopez are my LA Fairy God-Dudes! James was one of the first executives I met when I got to the States and he immediately believed in me,” Hughes said in a statement. “I’m beyond excited for the world to see what we’ve been up to.”
The news comes amid a host of major career moves for the British comic,...
“Hot Mess” will be written by Noushin Jahanian, based on an idea from Jahanian and Hughes. Will Packer and James Lopez will produce through their Will Packer Productions banner, with Johanna Byer serving as executive producer. Universal’s Senior Executive VP of Production Erik Baiers will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
“Will Packer and James Lopez are my LA Fairy God-Dudes! James was one of the first executives I met when I got to the States and he immediately believed in me,” Hughes said in a statement. “I’m beyond excited for the world to see what we’ve been up to.”
The news comes amid a host of major career moves for the British comic,...
- 12/15/2020
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Idris Elba will star in the survival thriller “Beast” for Universal Pictures with Baltasar Kormakur directing and producing.
Universal is keeping the story line under wraps. “Rampage” writer Ryan Engle wrote the script, based on an idea from Jaime Primak-Sullivan.
Will Packer and James Lopez will also produce through their Will Packer Productions. Kormakur will produce through his Rvk Studios. Primak-Sullivan will executive produce. Packer, Lopez, Primak-Sullivan and Engle worked together on the 2018 thriller “Breaking In.”
Universal’s executive vice president of production Matt Reilly and creative executive Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Elba starred in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw” for Universal. His “Concrete Cowboy,” in which he portrays a modern-day cowboy in Philadelphia, premiered several weeks ago at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival. He’ll star as Bloodsport in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” for DC Entertainment and is attached...
Universal is keeping the story line under wraps. “Rampage” writer Ryan Engle wrote the script, based on an idea from Jaime Primak-Sullivan.
Will Packer and James Lopez will also produce through their Will Packer Productions. Kormakur will produce through his Rvk Studios. Primak-Sullivan will executive produce. Packer, Lopez, Primak-Sullivan and Engle worked together on the 2018 thriller “Breaking In.”
Universal’s executive vice president of production Matt Reilly and creative executive Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Elba starred in “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw” for Universal. His “Concrete Cowboy,” in which he portrays a modern-day cowboy in Philadelphia, premiered several weeks ago at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival. He’ll star as Bloodsport in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” for DC Entertainment and is attached...
- 9/30/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Idris Elba is a “Beast,” as he’s set to star in a survival thriller from “Everest” director Baltasar Kormákur that will be set up at Universal.
The plot details for “Beast” are being kept under wraps, but the film is based on an original idea from writer Jaime Primak-Sullivan. “Rampage” screenwriter Ryan Engle wrote the script.
Will Packer and James Lopez will produce “Beast” through their Will Packer Productions. Kormákur will produce through his Rvk Studios. Primak-Sullivan will executive produce. Packer, Lopez, Primak-Sullivan and Engle all previously worked together on the 2018 thriller “Breaking In.”
Universal’s executive vice president of production Matt Reilly and creative executive Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Idris Elba was last seen in “Concrete Cowboy,” which made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall. Elba will also be seen in “The Suicide Squad” from James Gunn and “The Harder They Fall.
The plot details for “Beast” are being kept under wraps, but the film is based on an original idea from writer Jaime Primak-Sullivan. “Rampage” screenwriter Ryan Engle wrote the script.
Will Packer and James Lopez will produce “Beast” through their Will Packer Productions. Kormákur will produce through his Rvk Studios. Primak-Sullivan will executive produce. Packer, Lopez, Primak-Sullivan and Engle all previously worked together on the 2018 thriller “Breaking In.”
Universal’s executive vice president of production Matt Reilly and creative executive Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Idris Elba was last seen in “Concrete Cowboy,” which made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall. Elba will also be seen in “The Suicide Squad” from James Gunn and “The Harder They Fall.
- 9/30/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Will Packer Productions has hired Johanna Byer as executive VP of motion pictures.
For the past four years, Byer has served as senior VP of film and television for French film studio Gaumont. Prior to that role, she was the VP of development at Working Title Films, where she played key roles in producing and developing numerous film projects including “We Are Your Friends,” “Baby Driver,” “Theory of Everything,” “Everest” and “Les Miserables.”
In her new position, Byer is responsible for identifying, developing and producing the company’s feature film projects as well as working closely with filmmakers, directors and other talent. She reports directly to James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions.
“Johanna is a highly regarded and respected executive who will be a great addition to Wpp as we ramp up our slate of films and expand our features business,” said Lopez. “We look forward to developing meaningful and impactful projects with her.
For the past four years, Byer has served as senior VP of film and television for French film studio Gaumont. Prior to that role, she was the VP of development at Working Title Films, where she played key roles in producing and developing numerous film projects including “We Are Your Friends,” “Baby Driver,” “Theory of Everything,” “Everest” and “Les Miserables.”
In her new position, Byer is responsible for identifying, developing and producing the company’s feature film projects as well as working closely with filmmakers, directors and other talent. She reports directly to James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions.
“Johanna is a highly regarded and respected executive who will be a great addition to Wpp as we ramp up our slate of films and expand our features business,” said Lopez. “We look forward to developing meaningful and impactful projects with her.
- 9/17/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The CW has put in development Revelations (working title), a one-hour drama based on Stephen King’s short story The Revelations of ‘Becka Paulson, from writer Maisie Culver (Last Man Standing), Katie Lovejoy (Dead Inside) and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Culver, in Revelations (wt), after accidentally shooting herself in the brain with a nail gun, a Pollyanna-ish Becca Paulson is recruited by an over-it Jesus to be his “chosen one” in stopping the apocalypse. In order to save the world, Becca will have to prove that our deeply backward planet Earth is redeemable — starting with her quirky midwestern hometown.
Lovejoy will executive produce. Culver will co-executive produce. Warner Bros. TV is the studio.
Culver was a writer on Last Man Standing from 2012-2017 on ABC, before its move to Fox in 2018. She previously served as a production assistant on Breaking In and Men At Work.
Lovejoy, a Humanitas Prize...
Written by Culver, in Revelations (wt), after accidentally shooting herself in the brain with a nail gun, a Pollyanna-ish Becca Paulson is recruited by an over-it Jesus to be his “chosen one” in stopping the apocalypse. In order to save the world, Becca will have to prove that our deeply backward planet Earth is redeemable — starting with her quirky midwestern hometown.
Lovejoy will executive produce. Culver will co-executive produce. Warner Bros. TV is the studio.
Culver was a writer on Last Man Standing from 2012-2017 on ABC, before its move to Fox in 2018. She previously served as a production assistant on Breaking In and Men At Work.
Lovejoy, a Humanitas Prize...
- 7/21/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Gabrielle Union Romantic Comedy ‘The Perfect Find’ Lands At Netflix; Numa Perrier Attached To Direct
Exclusive: We hear that the Gabrielle Union Agc Studios movie The Perfect Find has landed at Netflix and that Jezebel filmmaker Numa Perrier is attached to direct the feature adaptation of the Tia Williams bestseller.
Previously announced, Union stars and will also produce The Perfect Find via her production company I’ll Have Another, which Agc is financing and producing. The Bring It On and Breaking In star plays Jenna Jones, a woman hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will rep a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Leigh Davenport adapted Williams’ book. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films are also producing. Agc’s Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer are EPs...
Previously announced, Union stars and will also produce The Perfect Find via her production company I’ll Have Another, which Agc is financing and producing. The Bring It On and Breaking In star plays Jenna Jones, a woman hopeful that her new job in beauty journalism will rep a fresh start in her life. She soon learns that her new boss, Darcy, is her frenemy. Jenna starts a relationship with the company’s videographer, Eric, and things get complicated when she learns he’s Darcy’s son.
Leigh Davenport adapted Williams’ book. Jeff Morrone, Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver of Confluential Films are also producing. Agc’s Stuart Ford and Glendon Palmer are EPs...
- 6/12/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to win the Super Bowl, is to be the subject of a new sports movie biopic from Night School and Girls Trip producers Will Packer Productions.
The ground-breaking La-based production company has secured exclusive rights to the life story of ground-breaking Qb Williams, who hoisted the Lombardi trophy for Washington in 1988.
The timely biopic will chart Williams’ storied career and his extraordinary journey to the top of the NFL, where he was known as a great leader, beloved by his teammates. It will also explore how Williams helped shatter the myth that African-American passers lacked the intellect and skills to win at the sport’s highest level.
In college, Williams was named Black College Player of the Year twice. He would become the first black Qb ever to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft. He became the only starting...
The ground-breaking La-based production company has secured exclusive rights to the life story of ground-breaking Qb Williams, who hoisted the Lombardi trophy for Washington in 1988.
The timely biopic will chart Williams’ storied career and his extraordinary journey to the top of the NFL, where he was known as a great leader, beloved by his teammates. It will also explore how Williams helped shatter the myth that African-American passers lacked the intellect and skills to win at the sport’s highest level.
In college, Williams was named Black College Player of the Year twice. He would become the first black Qb ever to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft. He became the only starting...
- 6/11/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Erik Valdez (Graceland) is set as a series regular opposite Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch in Superman & Lois, the CW’s straight-to-series drama about the iconic DC couple. Valdez will play Kyle Cushing, the husband of Lana Lang (Chriqui) in the series from The Flash executive producer Todd Helbing, DC Universe architect Greg Berlanti and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Helbing, based on the DC characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman & Lois revolves around the world’s most famous superhero and comic books’ most famous journalist, played by Hoechlin and Tulloch, as they deal with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.
More from DeadlineÉlodie Yung To Headline Fox Drama Pilot ‘The Cleaning Lady’'Superman & Lois': Emmanuelle Chriqui To Play Lana Lang In the CW Series Based On DC CharactersFriday Ratings: 'Hawaii Five-0' Finale Gets Big Goodbye,...
Written by Helbing, based on the DC characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman & Lois revolves around the world’s most famous superhero and comic books’ most famous journalist, played by Hoechlin and Tulloch, as they deal with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.
More from DeadlineÉlodie Yung To Headline Fox Drama Pilot ‘The Cleaning Lady’'Superman & Lois': Emmanuelle Chriqui To Play Lana Lang In the CW Series Based On DC CharactersFriday Ratings: 'Hawaii Five-0' Finale Gets Big Goodbye,...
- 4/8/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
There’s a ridiculous amount of TV content out there waiting to be streamed during your downtime — and a lot of it won’t cost you one shiny penny.
TVLine already offers a premium streaming guide, which delivers a rundown of subscription rates, original series and select library content offered by established, new and forthcoming streamers. We also publish a monthly list of TV shows and movies coming and going on Netflix.
More from TVLineThe Blacklist Creator Explains the Midseason Premiere's Glaring Absence, Teases a Major Secret for [Spoiler]American Idol Video: Will Margie Mays and Jonny West Survive the New 'Duets' Round in Hollywood Week?...
TVLine already offers a premium streaming guide, which delivers a rundown of subscription rates, original series and select library content offered by established, new and forthcoming streamers. We also publish a monthly list of TV shows and movies coming and going on Netflix.
More from TVLineThe Blacklist Creator Explains the Midseason Premiere's Glaring Absence, Teases a Major Secret for [Spoiler]American Idol Video: Will Margie Mays and Jonny West Survive the New 'Duets' Round in Hollywood Week?...
- 3/20/2020
- TVLine.com
The weird sisters of Bram Stoker’s Dracula are doing it for themselves. Greg Berlanti and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, who brought the devil out of Riverdale to spawn Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, are shooting pilot for The Brides for ABC.
The project goes back to 2015, when NBC put in an order for a script. For ABC’s desanguinated re-incarnation, the script will be written by Aguirre-Sacasa, who will executive produce alongside Berlanti and his head of production company, Sarah Schechter. This new series promises to move “stronger into horror and sexuality as it reimagines the classic vampire characters.” The pilot will be directed by Maggie Kiley. ABC Studios and Warner Bros. Television will coproduce the series.
The project was announced back in January. The Brides is technically ABC’s first pilot order of the 2020-21 broadcast season. It is the first shot across the bow for Karey Burke, who as ABC’s...
The project goes back to 2015, when NBC put in an order for a script. For ABC’s desanguinated re-incarnation, the script will be written by Aguirre-Sacasa, who will executive produce alongside Berlanti and his head of production company, Sarah Schechter. This new series promises to move “stronger into horror and sexuality as it reimagines the classic vampire characters.” The pilot will be directed by Maggie Kiley. ABC Studios and Warner Bros. Television will coproduce the series.
The project was announced back in January. The Brides is technically ABC’s first pilot order of the 2020-21 broadcast season. It is the first shot across the bow for Karey Burke, who as ABC’s...
- 3/11/2020
- by jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
Erin Richards has been cast in the final of the three lead roles in the ABC drama pilot “The Brides,” Variety has learned.
Richards will now star as one of the titular brides alongside Gina Torres and Katherine Reis, with Sophia Tatum, Chris Mason, and Goran Visnjic also set to star in the pilot. It is described as a contemporary reimagining of “Dracula” with a trio of female leads. The show would follow these immortal women and the things they do to maintain wealth, prestige, legacy, and their nontraditional family.
Richards will play Renée Pélagie. One of the three Brides of Dracula, Renée is the head of a top modeling agency in New York City, known for her torrid affairs with her beautiful female models. In her former life, she was the wife of the Marquis de Sade when she invited Dracula into her “house of pain” and asked to be “turned” by him.
Richards will now star as one of the titular brides alongside Gina Torres and Katherine Reis, with Sophia Tatum, Chris Mason, and Goran Visnjic also set to star in the pilot. It is described as a contemporary reimagining of “Dracula” with a trio of female leads. The show would follow these immortal women and the things they do to maintain wealth, prestige, legacy, and their nontraditional family.
Richards will play Renée Pélagie. One of the three Brides of Dracula, Renée is the head of a top modeling agency in New York City, known for her torrid affairs with her beautiful female models. In her former life, she was the wife of the Marquis de Sade when she invited Dracula into her “house of pain” and asked to be “turned” by him.
- 3/11/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Gotham alumna Erin Richards has landed the remaining title role opposite Gina Torres and Katherine Reis in The Brides, ABC’s Brides of Dracula drama pilot from Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros Television.
Written by Aguirre-Sacasa and directed by Maggie Kiley, The Brides, a sexy contemporary reimagining of Dracula, is a family drama with a trio of powerful female leads at its heart — Cleo (Torres), Renée (Richards), and Lily (Reis). With strong horror elements, The Brides is a vampire soap about empowered, immortal women and the things they do to maintain wealth, prestige, legacy — and their nontraditional family.
Richards’ Renee is the head of a top modeling agency in New York City, known for her torrid affairs with her beautiful female models. In her former life, she was the wife of the Marquis de Sade when she invited Dracula (Goran Višnjić) into her “house of pain” and asked to be “turned” by him.
Written by Aguirre-Sacasa and directed by Maggie Kiley, The Brides, a sexy contemporary reimagining of Dracula, is a family drama with a trio of powerful female leads at its heart — Cleo (Torres), Renée (Richards), and Lily (Reis). With strong horror elements, The Brides is a vampire soap about empowered, immortal women and the things they do to maintain wealth, prestige, legacy — and their nontraditional family.
Richards’ Renee is the head of a top modeling agency in New York City, known for her torrid affairs with her beautiful female models. In her former life, she was the wife of the Marquis de Sade when she invited Dracula (Goran Višnjić) into her “house of pain” and asked to be “turned” by him.
- 3/11/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Odette Annable is set to reunite with her former Supergirl co-star Chris Wood.
Deadline is reporting that Annable has scored a lead role on the Thirtysomething sequel, Thirtysomething(else).
Annable is on board as Janey Steadman, the daughter of Hope (Mel Harris) and Michael (Ken Olin).
She described as having "piercing eyes and unruly dark hair," and "possessed of what her boyfriend, Brad, calls a very big engine in a very small car."
Chris Wood recently joined the cast as Janey's younger brother, Leo Steadman.
The pair previously appeared alongside each other on the CW's superhero drama series, Supergirl.
Harris and Olin are attached to reprise their roles from the original series, alongside Timothy Busfield (Elliot Weston) and Patty Wettig (Nancy Weston).
Anable has a lot of TV credits, having appeared October Road, Brothers & Sisters, Breaking In, House, Banshee, Two and a Half Men, Pure Genius, and most recently,...
Deadline is reporting that Annable has scored a lead role on the Thirtysomething sequel, Thirtysomething(else).
Annable is on board as Janey Steadman, the daughter of Hope (Mel Harris) and Michael (Ken Olin).
She described as having "piercing eyes and unruly dark hair," and "possessed of what her boyfriend, Brad, calls a very big engine in a very small car."
Chris Wood recently joined the cast as Janey's younger brother, Leo Steadman.
The pair previously appeared alongside each other on the CW's superhero drama series, Supergirl.
Harris and Olin are attached to reprise their roles from the original series, alongside Timothy Busfield (Elliot Weston) and Patty Wettig (Nancy Weston).
Anable has a lot of TV credits, having appeared October Road, Brothers & Sisters, Breaking In, House, Banshee, Two and a Half Men, Pure Genius, and most recently,...
- 2/11/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Quibi has put in development Black Coffee, a single-camera comedy from writer Morgan Cooper, L.A.’s Finest star Gabrielle Union and her I’ll Have Another production company, as well as Sony Pictures TV, where Union and I’ll Have Another are under a deal.
Written, directed and executive produced by Cooper, in Black Coffee, after an injury derails his chances of going pro, a former basketball star from Kansas City becomes a national barista champion. He decides to move back home and open a coffee shop in his old neighborhood, hoping to revitalize the struggling community.
Union and I’ll Have Another’s head of development Holly Fleischer executive produce. Sony Pictures TV is the studio. Like the rest of Union’s business, I’ll Have Another is built on giving opportunity through storytelling to the most marginalized groups in the industry.
Union is coming off a...
Written, directed and executive produced by Cooper, in Black Coffee, after an injury derails his chances of going pro, a former basketball star from Kansas City becomes a national barista champion. He decides to move back home and open a coffee shop in his old neighborhood, hoping to revitalize the struggling community.
Union and I’ll Have Another’s head of development Holly Fleischer executive produce. Sony Pictures TV is the studio. Like the rest of Union’s business, I’ll Have Another is built on giving opportunity through storytelling to the most marginalized groups in the industry.
Union is coming off a...
- 12/11/2019
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After delivering the fourth largest domestic opening for an animated title ever and the largest global debut ever for an animated title, Frozen II enters the Thanksgiving frame with sights set on a $100+ million five-day performance and perhaps a couple more records along the way. In addition to Frozen II's anticipated dominance, Lionsgate will release Rian Johnson's Knives Out, which has already generated nearly $4 million from previews, while Universal's Queen & Slim gets a moderate release in over 1,600 theaters this weekend.
Walt Disney Animation Looking at an easy #1 finish is Disney's Frozen II, which delivered a monster $130 million domestic debut last weekend and should hold on extremely well this weekend. A look at some previous $100+ million animated openers shows films like Finding Dory and Toy Story 3 dipping ~36% in their second weekends. Last year, Incredibles 2 fell -56% after its monster, $182.6 million opening. These performances considered, a drop around...
Walt Disney Animation Looking at an easy #1 finish is Disney's Frozen II, which delivered a monster $130 million domestic debut last weekend and should hold on extremely well this weekend. A look at some previous $100+ million animated openers shows films like Finding Dory and Toy Story 3 dipping ~36% in their second weekends. Last year, Incredibles 2 fell -56% after its monster, $182.6 million opening. These performances considered, a drop around...
- 11/27/2019
- by Brad Brevet <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
It’s going to be a really rich week for Disney’s Frozen 2, so exhibitors expect a lot of popcorn sales.
Let’s start with the build of it all: The pic’s official weekend came in at $130.2M, which as we’ve been sayin’ is the best animated pic launch ever in November. Today, with 41% of K-12 schools out and 14% of colleges, I understand Monday will deliver around $16M for the sequel directed by Jennifer Lee- and Chris Buck. By the end of Thanksgiving, which will see business during the evening shows after dinner, Frozen 2 per industry estimates should stand at $200M stateside; that’s bolstered by all schools being off on Thursday and Friday. Don’t forget, Black Friday is one of the most lucrative moviegoing days of the year. Tack on a second estimated weekend of $84M, -35%, and Frozen 2 could climb to $284M in 10 days.
‘Frozen...
Let’s start with the build of it all: The pic’s official weekend came in at $130.2M, which as we’ve been sayin’ is the best animated pic launch ever in November. Today, with 41% of K-12 schools out and 14% of colleges, I understand Monday will deliver around $16M for the sequel directed by Jennifer Lee- and Chris Buck. By the end of Thanksgiving, which will see business during the evening shows after dinner, Frozen 2 per industry estimates should stand at $200M stateside; that’s bolstered by all schools being off on Thursday and Friday. Don’t forget, Black Friday is one of the most lucrative moviegoing days of the year. Tack on a second estimated weekend of $84M, -35%, and Frozen 2 could climb to $284M in 10 days.
‘Frozen...
- 11/26/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Billy Burke, Aaron Poole and Christopher Webster are set to join Liam Hemsworth, Christoph Waltz and Natasha Liu Bordizzo in Quibi’s forthcoming untitled action thriller.
The series comes from Scorpion creator Nick Santora, producer Gordon Gray, Silver Reel Pictures and CBS Television Studios. Santora will write and executive produce the series. Emmy-nominated director Phil Abraham (Mad Men) will helm and also executive produce.
Here’s the logline: Desperate to take care of his pregnant wife before a terminal illness can take his life, Dodge Maynard (Hemsworth) accepts an offer to participate in a deadly game where he soon discovers that he’s not the hunter but the prey. The action-thriller explores the limits of how far someone would go to fight for their life and their family. Burke, Poole and Webster’s roles are being kept under wraps.
Burke recently starred in Zoo and NBC’s Revolution. His film...
The series comes from Scorpion creator Nick Santora, producer Gordon Gray, Silver Reel Pictures and CBS Television Studios. Santora will write and executive produce the series. Emmy-nominated director Phil Abraham (Mad Men) will helm and also executive produce.
Here’s the logline: Desperate to take care of his pregnant wife before a terminal illness can take his life, Dodge Maynard (Hemsworth) accepts an offer to participate in a deadly game where he soon discovers that he’s not the hunter but the prey. The action-thriller explores the limits of how far someone would go to fight for their life and their family. Burke, Poole and Webster’s roles are being kept under wraps.
Burke recently starred in Zoo and NBC’s Revolution. His film...
- 11/15/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The box office continues to improve as we get deeper into the summer movie season. At the beginning of the month the 2019 box office was -11.7% behind last year, but with the end of May on our doorstep we are currently -9.4% behind last year with the month of May just a shade behind May 2018 and the summer movie season currently pacing just ahead of Summer 2018, which ranked as the fourth largest summer of all-time. Looking to maintain the positive trend, this weekend will see Disney's Aladdin follow-up a strong, Memorial Day weekend debut while three new releases vie for a spot in the top five. Among them, WB's release of Godzilla: King of the Monsters is expected to deliver a #1 finish while Paramount's Rocketman debuts after a strong opening in the UK last weekend and Blumhouse's latest thriller Ma is also looking to spark some attention from the horror audience.
- 5/30/2019
- by Brad Brevet <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Exclusive: Prolific producer-director-writer Seth Gordon and his Exhibit A banner have signed a rich new three-year overall deal at Sony Pictures Television where Gordon has been based for the past eight years.
Under the new pact, Gordon and his producing partner Julia Gunn will continue to develop and produce new series projects through Exhibit A.
Gordon is coming off a strong 2019 broadcast upfront where he saw both of his broadcast pilots for Sony TV go to series.
Comedy United We Fall, which Gordon and Gunn developed and executive produce through Exhibit A, went to series at ABC, with Julius Goldy Sharpe as creator, exec producer and showrunner.
Gordon also executive produces the newly picked up NBC drama series Lincoln, based on the Bone Collector novel, after coming on board to direct and exec produce the pilot.
Additionally, Gordon directed and executive produced the opening episode for Apple’s upcoming Ron...
Under the new pact, Gordon and his producing partner Julia Gunn will continue to develop and produce new series projects through Exhibit A.
Gordon is coming off a strong 2019 broadcast upfront where he saw both of his broadcast pilots for Sony TV go to series.
Comedy United We Fall, which Gordon and Gunn developed and executive produce through Exhibit A, went to series at ABC, with Julius Goldy Sharpe as creator, exec producer and showrunner.
Gordon also executive produces the newly picked up NBC drama series Lincoln, based on the Bone Collector novel, after coming on board to direct and exec produce the pilot.
Additionally, Gordon directed and executive produced the opening episode for Apple’s upcoming Ron...
- 5/22/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Home invasion thrillers have given us plenty of maniacal villains hellbent on terrorizing helpless residents of cavernous houses. Whether they’re driven by dementia or greed (or both), these villains pillage, plunder, and leave the scene a bloodbath.
Rarely are they provoked by a former homeowner’s mundane desire to still occupy the residence, as it is for Dennis Quaid’s vein-popping Charlie Peck in director Deon Taylor’s “The Intruder.”
In director Jung Huh’s 2013 film, “Hide and Seek,” the unhinged former renter (Mi-seon Jeon) is at least driven to madness due to a visceral combination of grief and poverty. But Charlie is nothing more than a man who’s mad that he lost his money after a few bad business deals and had to give up his gigantic Napa Valley home to a successful young married couple: Annie and Scott Russell. Charlie gets a huge windfall after they buy his home,...
Rarely are they provoked by a former homeowner’s mundane desire to still occupy the residence, as it is for Dennis Quaid’s vein-popping Charlie Peck in director Deon Taylor’s “The Intruder.”
In director Jung Huh’s 2013 film, “Hide and Seek,” the unhinged former renter (Mi-seon Jeon) is at least driven to madness due to a visceral combination of grief and poverty. But Charlie is nothing more than a man who’s mad that he lost his money after a few bad business deals and had to give up his gigantic Napa Valley home to a successful young married couple: Annie and Scott Russell. Charlie gets a huge windfall after they buy his home,...
- 5/2/2019
- by Candice Frederick
- The Wrap
Actress Gabrielle Union said she was nearly 17 years past the expiration date of her mass appeal when she got the brand partnership of her dreams.
“They tell you that after 26, ‘Honey, hang it up,'” Union said on the latest episode of the Variety podcast “Strictly Business.” The episode was recorded during a keynote conversation at Variety’s recent Entertainment Marketing Summit in Los Angeles.
“Get prepared to play long suffering mothers who set up jokes and you don’t get to be a star. You’re past the ingenue stage. Your best days are behind you as a brand ambassador unless you can sell bleach. They don’t ever position it as being in a position of power,” she said.
The star of teen cult classics like cheerleading comedy “Bring It On” and critically praised adult dramas like Bet’s “Being Mary Jane,” Union was used to the roller coaster of show business.
“They tell you that after 26, ‘Honey, hang it up,'” Union said on the latest episode of the Variety podcast “Strictly Business.” The episode was recorded during a keynote conversation at Variety’s recent Entertainment Marketing Summit in Los Angeles.
“Get prepared to play long suffering mothers who set up jokes and you don’t get to be a star. You’re past the ingenue stage. Your best days are behind you as a brand ambassador unless you can sell bleach. They don’t ever position it as being in a position of power,” she said.
The star of teen cult classics like cheerleading comedy “Bring It On” and critically praised adult dramas like Bet’s “Being Mary Jane,” Union was used to the roller coaster of show business.
- 4/24/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union’s I’ll Have Another Productions has teamed with 5 More Minutes Productions to acquire rights to Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO, the self-published children’s book by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli. Black-ish and Boondocks writer-producer Yamara Taylor has come aboard to adapt the story into a live-action modern family comedy.
The book — originally published by Pizzoli’s The English Schoolhouse but since acquired by Macmillan, which is rereleasing it — centers on Tallulah, the founder and CEO of the largest teeth-collection organization on the planet. She’s a clever, diverse and wildly successful businesswoman. The story explores the themes of racial identity, equal pay and the struggle of being a working woman and having it all.
“Yamara was the perfect choice for us when choosing a writer to bring Tallulah and her story to life,” said Union and 5 More Minutes’ John Sacchi, who are producing. “She is a working...
The book — originally published by Pizzoli’s The English Schoolhouse but since acquired by Macmillan, which is rereleasing it — centers on Tallulah, the founder and CEO of the largest teeth-collection organization on the planet. She’s a clever, diverse and wildly successful businesswoman. The story explores the themes of racial identity, equal pay and the struggle of being a working woman and having it all.
“Yamara was the perfect choice for us when choosing a writer to bring Tallulah and her story to life,” said Union and 5 More Minutes’ John Sacchi, who are producing. “She is a working...
- 3/8/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union will star in and produce through her I’ll Have Another production banner an adaptation of the April Sinclair novel Coffee Will Make You Black. Octavia Spencer will produce the film through her Orit banner with Union and Wyolah Films’ Tate Taylor and John Norris. The film was scripted and will be directed by Deborah Riley Draper, whose credits include Versailles ’73 and Olympic Pride, American Prejudice.
Union starred in and produced last year’s box office hit Breaking In and is currently filming her Bad Boys TV spin-off La’s Finest, on which she is an exec producer.
Coffee Will Make You Black follows a smart, funny and naive African American teenage girl finding her voice as she navigates conflicting relationships with her mother, her best friends, and her crushes amid racism, sexism and color-ism in 1960s Chicago.
Said Spencer, whose last collaboration with Taylor brought her...
Union starred in and produced last year’s box office hit Breaking In and is currently filming her Bad Boys TV spin-off La’s Finest, on which she is an exec producer.
Coffee Will Make You Black follows a smart, funny and naive African American teenage girl finding her voice as she navigates conflicting relationships with her mother, her best friends, and her crushes amid racism, sexism and color-ism in 1960s Chicago.
Said Spencer, whose last collaboration with Taylor brought her...
- 2/15/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“America’s Got Talent” has set a new host and members of its judging panel going into Season 14, Variety has learned.
Terry Crews will take over as host of the NBC competition show from Tyra Banks. In addition, Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough will serve as judges on the upcoming season, joining returning judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel. Mel B. and Heidi Klum will not return as judges.
NBC’s unrivaled and beloved summer sensation “America’s Got Talent” revs up the excitement for season 14 with award-winning actress, author and producer Gabrielle Union and actress, dancer, singer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough joining the judging panel. In addition, Terry Crews will serve as host of the hit series, a role he currently fills on the highly rated “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.”
Crews currently hosts “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” He also stars on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,...
Terry Crews will take over as host of the NBC competition show from Tyra Banks. In addition, Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough will serve as judges on the upcoming season, joining returning judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel. Mel B. and Heidi Klum will not return as judges.
NBC’s unrivaled and beloved summer sensation “America’s Got Talent” revs up the excitement for season 14 with award-winning actress, author and producer Gabrielle Union and actress, dancer, singer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough joining the judging panel. In addition, Terry Crews will serve as host of the hit series, a role he currently fills on the highly rated “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.”
Crews currently hosts “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” He also stars on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,...
- 2/11/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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