By Terence Johnson
Managing Editor
Way back in 2005, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother created HitRecord.org, a collaborative website where artists could work together to create new works of art. Nine years later, the group has grown exponentially, to the point that they have developed a variety show, hitRECord on TV, to highlight the collaborations and tell unique stories.
HitRecord on TV is one of the more interesting TV ventures I’ve seen in a while. It’s kind of a Generation Y variety show, with it’s kinetic energy, wild inventiveness and the sense of community each piece has created. I screened the first three episodes and there’s a lot to like with this show. Each show has a given theme (Number One, Fantasy, and Trash, respectively) and the show works as like a patchwork of ideas. There’s a musical number per episode, some sort of short film,...
Managing Editor
Way back in 2005, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and his brother created HitRecord.org, a collaborative website where artists could work together to create new works of art. Nine years later, the group has grown exponentially, to the point that they have developed a variety show, hitRECord on TV, to highlight the collaborations and tell unique stories.
HitRecord on TV is one of the more interesting TV ventures I’ve seen in a while. It’s kind of a Generation Y variety show, with it’s kinetic energy, wild inventiveness and the sense of community each piece has created. I screened the first three episodes and there’s a lot to like with this show. Each show has a given theme (Number One, Fantasy, and Trash, respectively) and the show works as like a patchwork of ideas. There’s a musical number per episode, some sort of short film,...
- 1/21/2014
- by Terence Johnson
- Scott Feinberg
The USA network is starting to get more real. The network announced that it is expanding its reality slate, ordering criminal defense "docu-soap" "Partners in Crime" to series and a pilot for high-stakes gaming show "All In." In addition, "The Cowboy Way," about cattle ranchers in Texas, is in development.
In announcing the new shows Oct. 25, Heather Olander, USA's senior vice president, alternative programming, said, "Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life's real characters. By partnering with these reality heavyweights, whose distinct voices have influenced the genre, we are offering audiences a new reason to engage with USA."
"Partners in Crime" features criminal defense attorney partners and best friends Mario Gallucci and his partner, "Big Lou" Gelormino, known for taking on infamous cases.
The focus of "All In" is winning handicapper Brandon Lang, who will offer an American family cash to use for high-stakes betting,...
In announcing the new shows Oct. 25, Heather Olander, USA's senior vice president, alternative programming, said, "Our approach to reality storytelling is to showcase a broad spectrum of life's real characters. By partnering with these reality heavyweights, whose distinct voices have influenced the genre, we are offering audiences a new reason to engage with USA."
"Partners in Crime" features criminal defense attorney partners and best friends Mario Gallucci and his partner, "Big Lou" Gelormino, known for taking on infamous cases.
The focus of "All In" is winning handicapper Brandon Lang, who will offer an American family cash to use for high-stakes betting,...
- 10/25/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Exclusive: VH1 is stepping into the reality music competition arena with 60-Minute Superstar, a new series in development. It is executive produced by former MTV Networks entertainment president Brian Graden, who once led VH1′s ratings turnaround by introducing reality series to its lineup. Details about the format of 60-Minute Superstar are still being worked out, but it is described as a fast-paced music competition series that plucks unsuspecting singers out of their everyday lives to give them a shot at stardom. The aspiring singers will be secretly nominated by loved ones, neighbors, friends and co-workers. In each episode, three leading music producers will sift through the submissions with each selecting one “diamond in the rough” singer to transform. The three contestants will be instantly whisked away to Hollywood where they will immediately undergo intensive training for vocals and choreography and receive a makeover so they that sound, move and look like a superstar.
- 5/23/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
MTV programming chief Tony DiSanto has reorganized his staff, according to sources, bringing new execs in while sending others packing.
The network has confirmed DiSanto, executive vp series development and animation at the network, has divided his series production and development unit into three separate groups. DiSanto took the reins at the network's programming division in April, when Lois Curren, president of entertainment and programming, scaled back her duties for personal reasons (HR 4/28).
Leaving the network as a result is Rod Aissa, executive vp talent and series development. Three other director/manager-level employees are also out.
The three units will be headed by Liz Gateley, senior vp series development, who oversees all unscripted and series development; Chris Linn, senior vp series production, wh ooversees production, and an unnamed third exec whose hiring is still being finalized who will serve as senior vp content programming and strategy to oversee multiplatform distribution.
The network has confirmed DiSanto, executive vp series development and animation at the network, has divided his series production and development unit into three separate groups. DiSanto took the reins at the network's programming division in April, when Lois Curren, president of entertainment and programming, scaled back her duties for personal reasons (HR 4/28).
Leaving the network as a result is Rod Aissa, executive vp talent and series development. Three other director/manager-level employees are also out.
The three units will be headed by Liz Gateley, senior vp series development, who oversees all unscripted and series development; Chris Linn, senior vp series production, wh ooversees production, and an unnamed third exec whose hiring is still being finalized who will serve as senior vp content programming and strategy to oversee multiplatform distribution.
- 5/31/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV series guru Lois Curren will "scale back responsibilities," according to the network, just months after being promoted to president of entertainment and programming at the network.
"Lois has decided to scale back responsibilities for personal reasons, transferring key administrative duties while continuing to focus on a wide variety of creative projects including series like 'Room 401, ' the untitled Menudo project and 'The Kentucky Kid' and the roster of pilots already in development," an MTV spokeswoman said.
Sources said Tony DiSanto, executive vp series development and animation and head of programming at MTV2, will step in to assume day-to-day responsibilities for ongoing development.
Sources indicated earlier that Curren had resigned from her post, but she will retain her title.
With Curren's absence, MTV loses a longtime key player in its bustling programming division. Curren reported to Brian Graden, president of entertainment at MTV Networks Music Group and Logo. The execs formed a tightly knit team for the past decade at the network.
In February, Curren was promoted from executive vp series entertainment (2/27).
"Lois has decided to scale back responsibilities for personal reasons, transferring key administrative duties while continuing to focus on a wide variety of creative projects including series like 'Room 401, ' the untitled Menudo project and 'The Kentucky Kid' and the roster of pilots already in development," an MTV spokeswoman said.
Sources said Tony DiSanto, executive vp series development and animation and head of programming at MTV2, will step in to assume day-to-day responsibilities for ongoing development.
Sources indicated earlier that Curren had resigned from her post, but she will retain her title.
With Curren's absence, MTV loses a longtime key player in its bustling programming division. Curren reported to Brian Graden, president of entertainment at MTV Networks Music Group and Logo. The execs formed a tightly knit team for the past decade at the network.
In February, Curren was promoted from executive vp series entertainment (2/27).
- 4/28/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lois Curren has been promoted to president of entertainment and programming at MTV, which also has greenlighted six new series, including the scripted show Kaya and a Making the Band spinoff from Sean Diddy Combs.
In her new role, Curren, who was executive vp series entertainment, will oversee all development, production, program planning and scheduling for MTV. During her tenure at the network, Curren has overseen such hits as The Osbournes, Punk'd, Newlyweds and Pimp My Ride. She now will oversee all new and returning series, including Adventures in HollyHood, Living Lahaina, Human Giant, "Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz" and newly greenlighted series "Taquita & Kaui," all scheduled to begin airing in the second quarter.
Based in MTV's West Coast offices in Santa Monica, Curren will continue to report to Brian Graden, president of entertainment at MTV Networks Music Group and president of Logo.
Her track record is undeniable, Graden said. "One of the things that's so amazing about Lois is her extremely consistent creative instincts. MTV's biggest challenge is not to clone itself and do the same thing it did yesterday, but I trust Lois' instincts and feel like the network is in good hands."
Meanwhile, Curren pointed to the diverse range of programming that has just been greenlighted under her leadership, including Kaya, a single-camera half-hour scripted series that tells the story of a musically gifted young woman who struggles with becoming an overnight sensation. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, present-day moments and occasional flash-forwards. The number of episodes has yet to be determined.
"This is a cultural touchstone for what's going on right now (with some pop stars) and seemed like a great place for us to dip our toes back in that water (of scripted series)," Curren said.
In her new role, Curren, who was executive vp series entertainment, will oversee all development, production, program planning and scheduling for MTV. During her tenure at the network, Curren has overseen such hits as The Osbournes, Punk'd, Newlyweds and Pimp My Ride. She now will oversee all new and returning series, including Adventures in HollyHood, Living Lahaina, Human Giant, "Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz" and newly greenlighted series "Taquita & Kaui," all scheduled to begin airing in the second quarter.
Based in MTV's West Coast offices in Santa Monica, Curren will continue to report to Brian Graden, president of entertainment at MTV Networks Music Group and president of Logo.
Her track record is undeniable, Graden said. "One of the things that's so amazing about Lois is her extremely consistent creative instincts. MTV's biggest challenge is not to clone itself and do the same thing it did yesterday, but I trust Lois' instincts and feel like the network is in good hands."
Meanwhile, Curren pointed to the diverse range of programming that has just been greenlighted under her leadership, including Kaya, a single-camera half-hour scripted series that tells the story of a musically gifted young woman who struggles with becoming an overnight sensation. The story is told through a series of flashbacks, present-day moments and occasional flash-forwards. The number of episodes has yet to be determined.
"This is a cultural touchstone for what's going on right now (with some pop stars) and seemed like a great place for us to dip our toes back in that water (of scripted series)," Curren said.
- 2/27/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV has ordered 20 episodes of new series Why Can't I Be You? The network is in production on the series, which is expect to join MTV's teen-targeted afternoon block. "Why" will allow a person who envies someone else to become them for 48 hours. For instance, a shy man who wants to be a ladies' man gets the chance when the series connects these two strangers. MTV personality Nick Zano will host; he also serves as a producer on the series. Beth Greenwald and Drew Tappon are executive producers along with MTV executive vp series development and programming Lois Curren. Zano is repped by ICM and 3 Arts Entertainment.
- 2/17/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MTV has greenlighted the 16th season of its long-running reality series The Real World. Bunim-Murray Prods. has chosen Austin, Texas, as the host city of the production, which will begin shooting early next year in anticipation of a June premiere. MTV ordered 24 episodes. "As the live-music capital of the nation and home to a thriving college community, Austin is the perfect backdrop for 'The Real World's' 16th season," said Lois Curren, executive vp series entertainment at MTV. The current season of Real World was shot in Philadelphia. The previous season, which was shot in San Diego, was the highest-rated series on basic cable in 2004 in the 12-34 demographic.
- 12/23/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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