"Demimonde" was slated to be the first sci-fi series written by J.J. Abrams since "Fringe" debuted on Fox in 2008, but thanks to HBO, there's been a change of plans. The series has been in the works since 2018, and it had a straight-to-series order with Danielle Deadwyler set to star, Abrams set to write, and Rand Ravich and Far Shariat acting as showrunners. But production took a turn late last month, when Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav took a second look at the series' progress.
In the wake of the Warner Bros and Discovery merger, cost became a...
The post J.J. Abrams' Demimonde Won't be Moving Forward at HBO appeared first on /Film.
In the wake of the Warner Bros and Discovery merger, cost became a...
The post J.J. Abrams' Demimonde Won't be Moving Forward at HBO appeared first on /Film.
- 6/8/2022
- by Shania Russell
- Slash Film
J.J. Abrams’ science fiction drama series “Demimonde” will no longer move forward at HBO.
This is the end of a long road for the project, which was ordered to series at HBO in Feb. 2018 after a bidding war with Apple. The series order came over a year before Abrams and his wife Katie McGrath first set a major overall deal for their production company Bad Robot at WarnerMedia.
Rumored to have an impressively high budget, “Demimonde” looked to be a major project until recently. In 2020, “The Handmaid’s Tale” executive producer Kira Snyder and “Life” executive producers Rand Ravich and Far Shariat were set as showrunners, and casting announcements were underway as recently as April 2022, when Danielle Deadwyler was learned to be leading the series.
But progress took a turn in May, when the status of “Demimonde” reportedly came into jeopardy as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav began to...
This is the end of a long road for the project, which was ordered to series at HBO in Feb. 2018 after a bidding war with Apple. The series order came over a year before Abrams and his wife Katie McGrath first set a major overall deal for their production company Bad Robot at WarnerMedia.
Rumored to have an impressively high budget, “Demimonde” looked to be a major project until recently. In 2020, “The Handmaid’s Tale” executive producer Kira Snyder and “Life” executive producers Rand Ravich and Far Shariat were set as showrunners, and casting announcements were underway as recently as April 2022, when Danielle Deadwyler was learned to be leading the series.
But progress took a turn in May, when the status of “Demimonde” reportedly came into jeopardy as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav began to...
- 6/8/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Danielle Deadwyler, known for her roles in The Haves and the Have Nots and Station Eleven, has been tapped as the lead for J.J. Abrams‘ upcoming HBO series Demimonde. According to Variety, Deadwyler plays Olive Reed, a woman who is ripped away from her husband and daughter in a brutal scientific accident. The series follows Reed as she sets about unraveling a conspiracy to reunite with her family, who are now lost to a dark and distant other world. Demimonde has been in development since 2018 and is currently in early pre-production. Abrams will write, direct, and executive produce the series through his Bad Robot Productions. Kira Snyder, Rand Ravich, and Far Shariat serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Bad Robot’s Ben Stephenson and Rachel Rusch Rich are also on board as exec producers. Deadwyler is no stranger to HBO, having recently played Miranda Carroll in HBO Max’s miniseries Station Eleven.
- 4/27/2022
- TV Insider
Danielle Deadwyler is set as the lead in Demimonde, HBO’s sci-fi drama series, written, executive produced and to be directed by J.J. Abrams.
In Demimonde, produced by Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and HBO, when a woman, Olive Reed (Deadwyler), is torn away from her husband and daughter in a brutal scientific accident, she is forced to unravel a conspiracy to reunite with her family, now lost to a dark, distant other world.
Like with all their projects, Bad Robot has been methodical with Demimonde, which was sold to HBO with straight-to-series order in 2018. The drama is now now in early pre-production.
Kira Snyder, Rand Ravich & Far Shariat serve as showrunners. They executive produce with Bad Robot’s Abrams and Ben Stephenson. Rachel Rusch Rich is co-executive producer.
Deadwyler recently recurred on HBO Max’s limited series Station Eleven and starred in the Netflix film The Harder We Fall.
In Demimonde, produced by Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and HBO, when a woman, Olive Reed (Deadwyler), is torn away from her husband and daughter in a brutal scientific accident, she is forced to unravel a conspiracy to reunite with her family, now lost to a dark, distant other world.
Like with all their projects, Bad Robot has been methodical with Demimonde, which was sold to HBO with straight-to-series order in 2018. The drama is now now in early pre-production.
Kira Snyder, Rand Ravich & Far Shariat serve as showrunners. They executive produce with Bad Robot’s Abrams and Ben Stephenson. Rachel Rusch Rich is co-executive producer.
Deadwyler recently recurred on HBO Max’s limited series Station Eleven and starred in the Netflix film The Harder We Fall.
- 4/26/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Danielle Deadwyler has been cast in the lead role of the J.J. Abrams HBO series “Demimonde,” Variety has learned.
The show was first reported to be in development back in 2018, though few details were available at the time. Now, it is known that the series focuses on Olive Reed (Deadwyler), a woman who is torn away from her husband and daughter in a brutal scientific accident. She is forced to unravel a conspiracy to reunite with her family, now lost to a dark, distant other world.
This is not the first time Deadwyler has been in an HBO or HBO Max series. She most recently appeared in HBO Max’s “Station Eleven” and also had a role in the hit HBO limited series “Watchmen.” Her other TV roles include “Atlanta,” “P-Valley,” and “The Haves and the Have Nots.” On the film side, Deadwyler turned in a standout performance in the...
The show was first reported to be in development back in 2018, though few details were available at the time. Now, it is known that the series focuses on Olive Reed (Deadwyler), a woman who is torn away from her husband and daughter in a brutal scientific accident. She is forced to unravel a conspiracy to reunite with her family, now lost to a dark, distant other world.
This is not the first time Deadwyler has been in an HBO or HBO Max series. She most recently appeared in HBO Max’s “Station Eleven” and also had a role in the hit HBO limited series “Watchmen.” Her other TV roles include “Atlanta,” “P-Valley,” and “The Haves and the Have Nots.” On the film side, Deadwyler turned in a standout performance in the...
- 4/26/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Demimonde, a show that was first announced all the way back in 2018, is still happening at HBO. And while we continue to know very little about the J.J. Abrams project, we now know who will be running the show. The Handmaid’s Tale executive producer Kira Snyder, and Rand Ravich and Far Shariat, who both worked […]
The post J.J. Abrams HBO Series ‘Demimonde’ Finds Showrunners appeared first on /Film.
The post J.J. Abrams HBO Series ‘Demimonde’ Finds Showrunners appeared first on /Film.
- 5/4/2020
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
HBO has set not one, but three showrunners for J.J. Abrams’ upcoming sci-fi drama series “Demimonde.”
Kira Snyder (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and producing partners Rand Ravich and Far Shariat (“Life”) are all acting as co-showrunners and executive producers on the project, which follows a family searching for their missing child.
All three are under over-all deals with the network. Synder just signed one while Ravich and Shariat are extending their existing one.
Also Read: John Oliver Calls Covid-19 'the Timothée Chalamet of Viruses,' Rips U.S. Testing Rollout (Video)
Channel 4’s “Jerusalem” creator Bash Doran was previously set at showrunner and executive producer back in June of 2018, but exited the project last year.
Now, Abrams will write and executive produce along with with Snyder, Shariat, and Ravich. Ben Stephenson will also executive produce, and Rachel Rusch Rich is a co-executive producer.
Snyder is an executive producer on Hulu’s “Handmaid’s Tale.
Kira Snyder (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and producing partners Rand Ravich and Far Shariat (“Life”) are all acting as co-showrunners and executive producers on the project, which follows a family searching for their missing child.
All three are under over-all deals with the network. Synder just signed one while Ravich and Shariat are extending their existing one.
Also Read: John Oliver Calls Covid-19 'the Timothée Chalamet of Viruses,' Rips U.S. Testing Rollout (Video)
Channel 4’s “Jerusalem” creator Bash Doran was previously set at showrunner and executive producer back in June of 2018, but exited the project last year.
Now, Abrams will write and executive produce along with with Snyder, Shariat, and Ravich. Ben Stephenson will also executive produce, and Rachel Rusch Rich is a co-executive producer.
Snyder is an executive producer on Hulu’s “Handmaid’s Tale.
- 5/4/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
J.J. Abrams has tapped a trio of showrunners to head “Demimonde,” his mysterious sci-fi drama at HBO, Variety has confirmed.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” executive producer Kira Snyder, and “Life” duo Rand Ravich and Far Shariat have been chosen to co-showrun the project.
Plot details for “Demimonde,” which was the subject of a bidding war between HBO and Apple, are still being kept under tight wraps, but the series is described as an epic and intimate sci-fi fantasy drama that deals with a world’s battle against a monstrous, oppressive force, exploring the lengths a family will go to find their missing child. Abrams will write and executive produce, with Ben Stephenson–head of television for Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions–also serving as an executive producer.
The series will be produced by Bad Robot in association with Warner Bros. Television and HBO. Bad Robot and Abrams are currently under a bumper...
“The Handmaid’s Tale” executive producer Kira Snyder, and “Life” duo Rand Ravich and Far Shariat have been chosen to co-showrun the project.
Plot details for “Demimonde,” which was the subject of a bidding war between HBO and Apple, are still being kept under tight wraps, but the series is described as an epic and intimate sci-fi fantasy drama that deals with a world’s battle against a monstrous, oppressive force, exploring the lengths a family will go to find their missing child. Abrams will write and executive produce, with Ben Stephenson–head of television for Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions–also serving as an executive producer.
The series will be produced by Bad Robot in association with Warner Bros. Television and HBO. Bad Robot and Abrams are currently under a bumper...
- 5/4/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kira Snyder (The Handmaid’s Tale) and longtime producing partners Rand Ravich & Far Shariat (Life) have been named co-showrunners and executive producers of Demimonde, J.J. Abrams’ high-profile sci-fi drama series for HBO.
Snyder has signed an overall deal with HBO, while Ravich and Shariat have renewed their overall pact at the network. The duo first inked an overall deal with HBO in 2018 and have been developing a still-in-contention Game Of Thrones spinoff as well as a series adaptation of the cult classic novel Freaks’ Amour under that agreement.
Demimonde, the first TV series solely created and written by Abrams since Alias, is a sci-fi drama about the lengths a family will go to find their missing child. It hails from Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and HBO.
Snyder, Ravich & Shariat will executive produce with Bad Robot’s Abrams and Ben Stephenson; Rachel Rusch Rich serves as co-executive producer.
Snyder has signed an overall deal with HBO, while Ravich and Shariat have renewed their overall pact at the network. The duo first inked an overall deal with HBO in 2018 and have been developing a still-in-contention Game Of Thrones spinoff as well as a series adaptation of the cult classic novel Freaks’ Amour under that agreement.
Demimonde, the first TV series solely created and written by Abrams since Alias, is a sci-fi drama about the lengths a family will go to find their missing child. It hails from Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and HBO.
Snyder, Ravich & Shariat will executive produce with Bad Robot’s Abrams and Ben Stephenson; Rachel Rusch Rich serves as co-executive producer.
- 5/4/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
J.J. Abrams has hired three veteran writer-producers to serve as showrunners for his HBO sci-fi series Demimonde.
The drama, which HBO gave a straight-to-series order back in 2018, has tapped Kira Snyder (The Handmaid's Tale), Rand Ravich and Far Shariat (NBC's Life) as showrunners. Snyder has also signed an overall deal with HBO, and long-time producing partners Ravich and Shariat have extended their overall pact with the premium cabler.
The three step in for Bash Doran as showrunner. Doran departed the show in July 2019, and work on Demimonde was paused as Abrams finished post-production on Star Wars Episode ...
The drama, which HBO gave a straight-to-series order back in 2018, has tapped Kira Snyder (The Handmaid's Tale), Rand Ravich and Far Shariat (NBC's Life) as showrunners. Snyder has also signed an overall deal with HBO, and long-time producing partners Ravich and Shariat have extended their overall pact with the premium cabler.
The three step in for Bash Doran as showrunner. Doran departed the show in July 2019, and work on Demimonde was paused as Abrams finished post-production on Star Wars Episode ...
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have 100 pairs of advance TV premiere tickets up for grabs to the new NBC drama “American Odyssey” starring Anna Friel and Peter Facinelli! This will be a special event honoring women in the military for their services.
“American Odyssey,” which premieres on NBC on April 5, 2015 and will air on Sundays at 9 p.m. Cst, also stars Treat Williams, Elena Kampouris, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Orla Brady, Connor Trinneer, Sarah Wynter and Daniella Pineda from director Peter Horton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and writers Adam Armus and Kay Foster (“The Following”).
To win your free “American Odyssey” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This advance TV premiere is on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning!
“American Odyssey,” which premieres on NBC on April 5, 2015 and will air on Sundays at 9 p.m. Cst, also stars Treat Williams, Elena Kampouris, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Orla Brady, Connor Trinneer, Sarah Wynter and Daniella Pineda from director Peter Horton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and writers Adam Armus and Kay Foster (“The Following”).
To win your free “American Odyssey” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This advance TV premiere is on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning!
- 3/24/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Anyone who's watched the political and personal machinations on "The West Wing" or "House of Cards" -- or watched cable news for half a day -- realizes that the rich and powerful can be just as vulnerable as human beings as anybody else.
We all have our weak points, and when you hit people where it hurts most, they'll give up just about anything to make it stop.
On Sunday, March 16, NBC premieres "Crisis," a 13-episode drama that tracks the moment-to-moment action when mysterious forces snatch the progeny of the powerful, to use as leverage against their parents.
"The machine of the season," says executive producer (with Far Shariat and Phillip Noyce) Rand Ravich to Zap2it, "The machine of the season is, 'What will you do for your child?' So we want to see parents, week after week, being asked the question, 'Will they say yes?' 'Will they say no?...
We all have our weak points, and when you hit people where it hurts most, they'll give up just about anything to make it stop.
On Sunday, March 16, NBC premieres "Crisis," a 13-episode drama that tracks the moment-to-moment action when mysterious forces snatch the progeny of the powerful, to use as leverage against their parents.
"The machine of the season," says executive producer (with Far Shariat and Phillip Noyce) Rand Ravich to Zap2it, "The machine of the season is, 'What will you do for your child?' So we want to see parents, week after week, being asked the question, 'Will they say yes?' 'Will they say no?...
- 3/16/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 60 pairs of advance-screening TV passes up for grabs to NBC’s new TV thriller “Crisis” starring Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”)!
Our winners will also be treated to a free small popcorn and soda!
“Crisis,” which premieres on NBC on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 9 p.m. Cst, also stars Dermot Mulroney (“August: Osage County”), Lance Gross (“House of Payne”), Rachael Taylor (“666 Park Avenue”), James Lafferty (“One Tree Hill”), Max Martini (“Pacific Rim”), Halston Sage (“Neighbors”), Stevie Lynn Jones (“Runaways”), Max Schneider (“How to Rock”), Michael Beach (“Insidious: Chapter 2”) and Joshua Erenberg (“Suburgatory”).
To win your free “Crisis” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our unique Hookup technology below. That’s it! This advance screening is on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the...
Our winners will also be treated to a free small popcorn and soda!
“Crisis,” which premieres on NBC on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 9 p.m. Cst, also stars Dermot Mulroney (“August: Osage County”), Lance Gross (“House of Payne”), Rachael Taylor (“666 Park Avenue”), James Lafferty (“One Tree Hill”), Max Martini (“Pacific Rim”), Halston Sage (“Neighbors”), Stevie Lynn Jones (“Runaways”), Max Schneider (“How to Rock”), Michael Beach (“Insidious: Chapter 2”) and Joshua Erenberg (“Suburgatory”).
To win your free “Crisis” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our unique Hookup technology below. That’s it! This advance screening is on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the...
- 3/11/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The Fall TV Season presentations for all the new network shows take place this week with the first announced today. Here's a full breakdown of which concepts have made the final list over on NBC.
The Peacock did not have a good year. Only one of its new shows, "Revolution," was a true hit. Another, "Chicago Fire," got renewed by the skin of its teeth whilst the fate of a third, "Hannibal," remains uncertain.
None of last year's new comedies survived, neither did two mid-season dramas, which leaves the network with some big holes to fill. Three dramas and three comedies will debut in the Fall ahead of three more dramas and two comedies mid-season. Two further dramas and a comedy are presently unscheduled.
Several other pilots didn't make the final cut and won't become series including the high-profile Charlize Theron-produced drama about the Hatfields and McCoys, the Bruckheimer-produced...
The Peacock did not have a good year. Only one of its new shows, "Revolution," was a true hit. Another, "Chicago Fire," got renewed by the skin of its teeth whilst the fate of a third, "Hannibal," remains uncertain.
None of last year's new comedies survived, neither did two mid-season dramas, which leaves the network with some big holes to fill. Three dramas and three comedies will debut in the Fall ahead of three more dramas and two comedies mid-season. Two further dramas and a comedy are presently unscheduled.
Several other pilots didn't make the final cut and won't become series including the high-profile Charlize Theron-produced drama about the Hatfields and McCoys, the Bruckheimer-produced...
- 5/13/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The new fall season is closer than you think, and NBC has released their full schedule. Apart from reality favorites The Biggest Loser and The Voice, they are mixing things up quite a bit.
Take a look at a complete preview of the shows coming your way, and mark your calendars. It looks good for NBC this year, and while I’m not sure all of these look like winners, I think you’ll find at least a couple that you’re really going to like.
Blacklist – Fall
The Blacklist — (Photo by: NBC)
For decades, ex-government agent Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader) has been one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives. Brokering shadowy deals for criminals across the globe, Red was known by many as “The Concierge of Crime.”
Now, he’s mysteriously surrendered to the FBI with an explosive offer: he will help catch a long-thought-dead terrorist, Ranko Zamani,...
Take a look at a complete preview of the shows coming your way, and mark your calendars. It looks good for NBC this year, and while I’m not sure all of these look like winners, I think you’ll find at least a couple that you’re really going to like.
Blacklist – Fall
The Blacklist — (Photo by: NBC)
For decades, ex-government agent Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader) has been one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives. Brokering shadowy deals for criminals across the globe, Red was known by many as “The Concierge of Crime.”
Now, he’s mysteriously surrendered to the FBI with an explosive offer: he will help catch a long-thought-dead terrorist, Ranko Zamani,...
- 5/13/2013
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
NBC is jumping into the fall pickup fray, ordering two dramas — the Gillian Anderson-Dermot Mulroney thriller Crisis and J.J. Abrams’ Believe — to series.
Also getting a green light are the Sean Hayes sitcom Sean Saves the World, DJ Nash’s Family Guide and Jason Katims’ comedy About a Boy. They join the previously-ordered Michael J. Fox Show and Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Dracula.
Related | Fall TV Preview: Your Guide to What’s New
Among the noteworthy pilots not getting the go-ahead from NBC: Hatfields & McCoys, The Gates and The Sixth Gun. (NBC’s complete development slate can be found here.
Also getting a green light are the Sean Hayes sitcom Sean Saves the World, DJ Nash’s Family Guide and Jason Katims’ comedy About a Boy. They join the previously-ordered Michael J. Fox Show and Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Dracula.
Related | Fall TV Preview: Your Guide to What’s New
Among the noteworthy pilots not getting the go-ahead from NBC: Hatfields & McCoys, The Gates and The Sixth Gun. (NBC’s complete development slate can be found here.
- 5/9/2013
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
The return of Dana Scully?
Not quite — but ex-x-Files star Gillian Anderson is making a move to return to network TV, via an untitled Rand Ravich/Far Shariat thriller for NBC. EW has confirmed that Anderson is set to star in the pilot, which centers on a massive kidnapping. The Emmy winner plays a CEO whose daughter is among the victims.
Anderson has certainly had a busy pilot season. In December, EW revealed that she had booked a multi-episode arc on Hannibal, Bryan Fuller’s upcoming serial killer thriller — which will also air on NBC. But while Anderson is only...
Not quite — but ex-x-Files star Gillian Anderson is making a move to return to network TV, via an untitled Rand Ravich/Far Shariat thriller for NBC. EW has confirmed that Anderson is set to star in the pilot, which centers on a massive kidnapping. The Emmy winner plays a CEO whose daughter is among the victims.
Anderson has certainly had a busy pilot season. In December, EW revealed that she had booked a multi-episode arc on Hannibal, Bryan Fuller’s upcoming serial killer thriller — which will also air on NBC. But while Anderson is only...
- 2/26/2013
- by Hillary Busis
- EW - Inside TV
Gillian Anderson is once more embroiled in an international conspiracy.
The X-Files star has joined an untitled NBC drama pilot — which centers on some shady global dealings — from Life‘s Rand Ravich, TVGuide.com reports.
The project examines what happens when an unlikely puppeteer pulls Washington’s elite — including the President of the United States — into an international conspiracy. Ravich and Far Shariat will exec-produce.
666 Park Avenue‘s Rachael Taylor also has been cast as Susie Dunn, the FBI agent investigating the...
The X-Files star has joined an untitled NBC drama pilot — which centers on some shady global dealings — from Life‘s Rand Ravich, TVGuide.com reports.
The project examines what happens when an unlikely puppeteer pulls Washington’s elite — including the President of the United States — into an international conspiracy. Ravich and Far Shariat will exec-produce.
666 Park Avenue‘s Rachael Taylor also has been cast as Susie Dunn, the FBI agent investigating the...
- 2/25/2013
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
In what would be her first regular U.S. series role since The X-Files, Gillian Anderson has re-teamed with X-Files producer 20th Century Fox with a part in the studio’s NBC drama pilot from writer-executive producer Rand Ravich. Also cast in the untitled project is 666 Park Avenue star Rachael Taylor. Described as an emotionally charged action thriller set in and around the world of Washington DC, the pilot follows an idealistic Secret Service agent who finds himself at the epicenter of an international crisis on his first day on the job as the President’s son’s protection when the son, along with several of his schoolmates, are kidnapped. Taylor will play FBI agent Susie Dunn, the point person on the abduction whose niece, Amber, is among the kidnapped kids. In investigating the case, she must reestablish ties with her estranged sister, Meg (Anderson), whom she has not spoken to for years.
- 2/25/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
By Rachel Bennett
Television Editor & Columnist
***
It’s pilot season, which means your favorite out-of-work TV actors, actresses, creators and writers are getting a chance to return to the small screen once more.
Although we have yet to know what new series we’ll see next year, the networks have been busy selecting projects to consider for their schedules. So far, almost 100 scripts have been chosen, and audiences will only get to see a handful actually come to fruition.
Several are duds, but there are a few promising prospects that I hope network executives will keep around for the 2013-2014 season — even if it means they have to cancel old favorites to make room (just keep Parks and Recreation, Ok, NBC?).
Check out my choices for the best prospective pilots NBC and CBS have ordered, and come back tomorrow to see my picks for ABC and Fox:
NBC
Drama
1. Believe...
Television Editor & Columnist
***
It’s pilot season, which means your favorite out-of-work TV actors, actresses, creators and writers are getting a chance to return to the small screen once more.
Although we have yet to know what new series we’ll see next year, the networks have been busy selecting projects to consider for their schedules. So far, almost 100 scripts have been chosen, and audiences will only get to see a handful actually come to fruition.
Several are duds, but there are a few promising prospects that I hope network executives will keep around for the 2013-2014 season — even if it means they have to cancel old favorites to make room (just keep Parks and Recreation, Ok, NBC?).
Check out my choices for the best prospective pilots NBC and CBS have ordered, and come back tomorrow to see my picks for ABC and Fox:
NBC
Drama
1. Believe...
- 2/24/2013
- by Rachel Bennett
- Scott Feinberg
NBC on Tuesday doled out pilot orders to seven prospective series, including a comedy starring Will & Grace fave Sean Hayes and a sitcom from Office scribe Justin Spitzer.
The network’s vehicle for Hayes, from Better Off Ted creator Victor Fresco, is a multi-camera project centering on a man attempting to both parent the teenage daughter who just moved in and appease a temperamental new boss. Hot In Cleveland‘s Todd Milliner will also produce.
Spitzer’s Holding Patterns, meanwhile, is a multi-cam ensemble about a group of friends whose lives are altered after surviving a plane crash. Rachel Kaplan...
The network’s vehicle for Hayes, from Better Off Ted creator Victor Fresco, is a multi-camera project centering on a man attempting to both parent the teenage daughter who just moved in and appease a temperamental new boss. Hot In Cleveland‘s Todd Milliner will also produce.
Spitzer’s Holding Patterns, meanwhile, is a multi-cam ensemble about a group of friends whose lives are altered after surviving a plane crash. Rachel Kaplan...
- 1/23/2013
- by Megan Masters
- TVLine.com
NBC ordered a pilot from "Life" creator Rand Ravich about an unlikely puppeteer who brings Washington's most powerful people to their knees. The untiltled pilot, executive produced by Ravich and Far Shariat, comes from 20th Television. It involves an international conspiracy that brings together an unlikely band of allies. The pilot was one of several announced by NBC Tuesday, including a Dick Wolf comedy, "Girlfriend in a Coma," based on a Douglas Coupland novel of the same name. Related Articles: ...
- 1/23/2013
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
2Nd Update 5:30 Pm: NBC has added another drama pilot to its roster, from Life creator/executive producer Rand Ravich. The untitled drama project, produced by 20th Century Fox TV, is described as an emotionally charged action thriller set in and around the world of Washington DC. It follows an idealistic Secret Service agent who finds himself at the epicenter of an international crisis on his first day on the job. He will need to cross moral and legal lines as he navigates the highest levels of power and corruption on his search for the truth. Ravich is executive producing with his producing partner Far Shariat, making a return to NBC where he landed his first series, the 2007 drama Life. Update 4:30 Pm: It has been a busy pickup day at NBC. The network just ordered four more pilots: the Carlton Cuse-produced drama The Sixth Gun and comedies from Nurse Jackie co-creator Liz Brixius,...
- 1/23/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: It’s a busy development season for Life creator/executive producer Rand Ravich and his producing partner Far Shariat, who have sold a second drama project with significant commitment. The Prodigy, which went to Fox with a script commitment plus penalty, centers on a young CIA officer who has to infiltrate the New York City field office of the FBI on the hunt for agents who are working with enemies of the U.S. Ravich will write, as he is an untitled action thriller which landed at NBC with a put pilot commitment last night. That project is on first position to the Fox one. Ravich is executive producing both dramas with Shariat through 20th Century Fox TV, where they’re under a deal. Ravich is repped by CAA and Carlos Goodman. Shariat is with CAA and Jeff Frankel.
- 9/14/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
After interest from multiple networks, NBC has bought an hourlong project from Life creator/executive producer Rand Ravich. The untitled drama project, produced by 20th Century Fox TV, is described as an emotionally charged action thriller set in and around the world of Washington DC. It follows an idealistic secret service agent who finds himself at the epicenter of an international crisis on his first day on the job. He will need to cross moral and legal lines as he navigates the highest levels of power and corruption on his search for the truth. Ravich is executive producing with his producing partner Far Shariat, making a return to NBC where he landed his first series, the 2007 drama Life. Last year, Ravich wrote a Navy SEALs drama for Bruckheimer TV and Warner Bros. TV, which had a put pilot commitment at ABC.
- 8/6/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Jerry Bruckheimer's production company Bruckheimer TV has sold a new drama pilot to ABC. The currently untitled project will focus on Navy SEALs and their families, according to Deadline. Rand Ravich, best known for creating NBC drama Life, will write the pilot script and executive produce. Bruckheimer, Far Shariat and Jonathan Littleman will also serve as executive producers, while Chase's KristieAnne Reed will be a co-executive producer. The Navy SEALs project has received a 'put pilot' commitment from ABC, meaning that the network is obliged to produce a pilot episode once Ravich (more)...
- 8/18/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
ABC has committed to a pilot on a new drama from Jerry Bruckheimer's Bruckheimer TV. Deadline reports that the network has a put commitment for an untitled Navy SEALs drama from Life creator/executive producer Rand Ravich. The series is based on the lives of Navy SEALs and their families. Ravich is writing the script and is executive producing the project with his producing partner Far Shariat, Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman. KristieAnne Reed is co-executive producing.
The Navy SEALs are a hot commodity in Hollywood, especially after the successful assassination of Osama Bin Laden by an elite team of Us Navy SEALs. This is the second major for Bruckheimer TV. A procedural drama from writer Aron Eli Coleite about "a mom who becomes a New York State Trouper", received a put pilot commitment at CBS.
The Navy SEALs are a hot commodity in Hollywood, especially after the successful assassination of Osama Bin Laden by an elite team of Us Navy SEALs. This is the second major for Bruckheimer TV. A procedural drama from writer Aron Eli Coleite about "a mom who becomes a New York State Trouper", received a put pilot commitment at CBS.
- 8/17/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Exclusive: In its second sale this season, Bruckheimer TV has set up a Navy SEALs drama at ABC with a put pilot commitment. The untitled project, from Life creator/executive producer Rand Ravich, is based on the lives of Navy SEALs and their families. Ravich will write the script and executive produce the Warner Bros TV project with his producing partner Far Shariat, Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman. KristieAnne Reed is co-executive producing. The Navy SEALs arena was expected to be hot this development season following the successful May assassination of Osama bin Laden by an elite team of SEALs. The ABC deal follows another major Bruckheimer TV sale last week, when the company's procedural drama from writer Aron Eli Coleite about a mom who becomes a New York State Trooper received a put pilot commitment at CBS.
- 8/17/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Chicago – With all the creatively bankrupt, audience-repelling dreck clogging up theaters these days, it’s easy to see why a comedian would sign up for a challenging art house satire rather than pick up a fat, unearned pay check. Robin Williams delivered his best work in years in Bobcat Goldthwait’s “World’s Greatest Dad,” and now Jim Carrey adds to his streak of woefully underrated performances in Glenn Ficarra and John Requa’s “I Love You Phillip Morris.”
First-time directors Ficarra and Requa may hardly seem like art house material, especially after helming the scripts for pictures such as “Bad Santa” and “Cats & Dogs.” Yet after a long delay, “Phillip Morris” was relegated to an extremely limited theatrical release, primarily for its decidedly risqué and uncommercial subject matter. In other words, the story is a gay romance that doesn’t portray its characters in a tragic light. The film is a flat-out comedy,...
First-time directors Ficarra and Requa may hardly seem like art house material, especially after helming the scripts for pictures such as “Bad Santa” and “Cats & Dogs.” Yet after a long delay, “Phillip Morris” was relegated to an extremely limited theatrical release, primarily for its decidedly risqué and uncommercial subject matter. In other words, the story is a gay romance that doesn’t portray its characters in a tragic light. The film is a flat-out comedy,...
- 4/7/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Check out my reviews of "I Love You Phillip Morris" and "Black Swan." Click here to watch my review.
Here's more info on both films from Yahoo:
"I Love You Phillip Morris"
Steven Russell leads a seemingly average life -- an organ player in the local church, happily married to Debbie, and a member of the local police force. That is until he has a severe car accident that leads him to the ultimate epiphany: he's gay and he's going to live life to the fullest --even if he has to break the law to do it. Taking on an extravagant lifestyle, Steven turns to cons and fraud to make ends meet and is eventually sent to the State Penitentiary where he meets the love of his life, a sensitive, soft-spoken man named Phillip Morris. His devotion to freeing Phillip from jail and building the perfect life together prompts him...
Here's more info on both films from Yahoo:
"I Love You Phillip Morris"
Steven Russell leads a seemingly average life -- an organ player in the local church, happily married to Debbie, and a member of the local police force. That is until he has a severe car accident that leads him to the ultimate epiphany: he's gay and he's going to live life to the fullest --even if he has to break the law to do it. Taking on an extravagant lifestyle, Steven turns to cons and fraud to make ends meet and is eventually sent to the State Penitentiary where he meets the love of his life, a sensitive, soft-spoken man named Phillip Morris. His devotion to freeing Phillip from jail and building the perfect life together prompts him...
- 12/3/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment announced that they will release the long delayed Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor movie "I Love You Phillip Morris."
Here's full press release:
Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment have acquired U.S. and Canadian rights from EuropaCorp to I Love You Phiillip Morris, co-directed and co-written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (co-writers of Bad Santa), based on the non-fiction book by former Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Steve McVicker, and starring Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann and Rodrigo Santoro. The eagerly-anticipated film, produced by Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat with Luc Besson as executive producer, has been a buzz-worthy title since world premiering at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, screening as part of Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival and opening to huge critical-acclaim internationally. The North American deal was announced jointly by Howard Cohen, Co-President of Roadside Attractions and Mickey Liddell of Liddell Entertainment.
Here's full press release:
Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment have acquired U.S. and Canadian rights from EuropaCorp to I Love You Phiillip Morris, co-directed and co-written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (co-writers of Bad Santa), based on the non-fiction book by former Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Steve McVicker, and starring Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann and Rodrigo Santoro. The eagerly-anticipated film, produced by Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat with Luc Besson as executive producer, has been a buzz-worthy title since world premiering at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, screening as part of Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival and opening to huge critical-acclaim internationally. The North American deal was announced jointly by Howard Cohen, Co-President of Roadside Attractions and Mickey Liddell of Liddell Entertainment.
- 8/28/2010
- by amcsts@gmail.com
- AMC - Script to Screen
It was announced today that the Jim Carrey dark comedy I Love You Phillip Morris secured domestic distribution with Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment, and will hit theaters in the U.S. on December 3, 2010.
I Love You Phillip Morris is a “fact based” independent comedy that stars Carrey as a married conman who falls for his cellmate, Ewan McGregor – and hijinks ensue!
You may remember the film struggled to secure domestic distribution, despite rave reviews at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. If not, a quick recap: The film, produced by Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp, was released abroad, and grossed $17 million, but could not find a dedicated distributor for North America. The film’s initial distributor, Consolidated Pictures Group, announced three release dates over the past year (February 12, March 26, and April 30) but failed to meet each one. Besson and fellow producers Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat grew frustrated over the bad press this generated,...
I Love You Phillip Morris is a “fact based” independent comedy that stars Carrey as a married conman who falls for his cellmate, Ewan McGregor – and hijinks ensue!
You may remember the film struggled to secure domestic distribution, despite rave reviews at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. If not, a quick recap: The film, produced by Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp, was released abroad, and grossed $17 million, but could not find a dedicated distributor for North America. The film’s initial distributor, Consolidated Pictures Group, announced three release dates over the past year (February 12, March 26, and April 30) but failed to meet each one. Besson and fellow producers Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat grew frustrated over the bad press this generated,...
- 8/27/2010
- by Kristy Puchko
- The Film Stage
Well it.s about time! I saw this movie at a test screening over a year ago. The general consensus of the audience at that screening was very positive. Personally, I loved it. I had no idea what it was about going in, but Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor were all I had to hear. This was so out of the norm for Jim Carrey. Although he has ventured out of his comedy comfort zone in the past (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) this is completely different. You wouldn.t think that Ace Ventura himself would be believable as a newly out-of-the-closet gay man in an obsessive relationship, but it absolutely works. And by the obvious release date of the film, I.m not the only one who thinks so.I Love You Phillip Morris will hit theaters just in time to impress Oscar voters.
From Dhd:
Roadside Attractions...
From Dhd:
Roadside Attractions...
- 8/26/2010
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment have acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to I Love You Phillip Morris. Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the fact based film stars Jim Carrey as a married conman who falls in love with his cellmate—Ewan McGregor—and commits all kinds of crazy misdeeds like breaking out of Texas prisons four times, to be with his lover. Roadside Attractions has set a December 3 release date. The deal closely follows an announcement by Roadside Attractions and Liddell that they completed an acquisition of the Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu-directed Biutiful, which confirmed a story Deadline broke on August 10. Biutiful will also be released in December. The deal ends a prolonged odyssey for I Love You Phillip Morris to find its way to movie screens here. Financed by Luc Besson's EuropaCorp, the film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and opened on schedule internationally,...
- 8/26/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
After having just picked up Alejandro González Iñárritu's Biutiful , Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment announced today they will also release Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor starrer I Love You Phillip Morris . The full press release: Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment have acquired U.S. and Canadian rights from EuropaCorp to I Love You Phiillip Morris, co-directed and co-written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (co-writers of Bad Santa), based on the non-fiction book by former Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Steve McVicker, and starring Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann and Rodrigo Santoro. The eagerly-anticipated film, produced by Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat with Luc Besson as executive producer, has been a buzz-worthy title since world...
- 8/26/2010
- Comingsoon.net
Two more pilots got the green light Friday afternoon.
Fox ordered comedy "Traffic Light," from "The Wedding Crashers" co-writer Bob Fisher, while ABC picked up drama "Edgar Floats," from "Life" creator/exec producer Rand Ravich.
Based on the Israeli series of the same name, "Traffic Light," from 20th Century Fox TV, revolves around three male friends in different stages of relationships.
Fisher wrote the adaptation and is executive producing the pilot with Adir Miller, creator of the original series, as well as Avi Nir, Ran Telem and Elad Kuperman of Keshet Broadcasting Group, the company behind the Israeli show.
"Traffic Light," the highest-rated comedy on Israeli TV, wrapped its second season run in November.
Fisher's TV credits include stints on "Married with Children" and "The Trouble with Normal." He also wrote ABC's comedy pilot "The Law" last season.
This is 20th TV's second pilot based on Israeli format, following the 2008 "Ex List,...
Fox ordered comedy "Traffic Light," from "The Wedding Crashers" co-writer Bob Fisher, while ABC picked up drama "Edgar Floats," from "Life" creator/exec producer Rand Ravich.
Based on the Israeli series of the same name, "Traffic Light," from 20th Century Fox TV, revolves around three male friends in different stages of relationships.
Fisher wrote the adaptation and is executive producing the pilot with Adir Miller, creator of the original series, as well as Avi Nir, Ran Telem and Elad Kuperman of Keshet Broadcasting Group, the company behind the Israeli show.
"Traffic Light," the highest-rated comedy on Israeli TV, wrapped its second season run in November.
Fisher's TV credits include stints on "Married with Children" and "The Trouble with Normal." He also wrote ABC's comedy pilot "The Law" last season.
This is 20th TV's second pilot based on Israeli format, following the 2008 "Ex List,...
- 1/22/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor may finally showcase their onscreen love. Consolidated Pictures Group has acquired their comedy "I Love You Phillip Morris" has been acquired for domestic distribution.
The film, based on the real life events of con artist Steven Jay Russell, made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, though it was unsuccessful at that time to secure a distribution deal.
Carrey stars as Russell, a married conmate who falls in love with his cellmate, Phillip Morris (McGregor). After Morris is released from prison, Russell escapes from jail several times to be reunited with him.
Directors John Requa and Glen Ficara co-wrote the film based on Steve Vicker's novel. Mad Chance's Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat produced, while Luc Besson exec produced.
The film, based on the real life events of con artist Steven Jay Russell, made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, though it was unsuccessful at that time to secure a distribution deal.
Carrey stars as Russell, a married conmate who falls in love with his cellmate, Phillip Morris (McGregor). After Morris is released from prison, Russell escapes from jail several times to be reunited with him.
Directors John Requa and Glen Ficara co-wrote the film based on Steve Vicker's novel. Mad Chance's Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat produced, while Luc Besson exec produced.
- 5/12/2009
- icelebz.com
Leslie Mann is joining Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor in the black comedy I Love You Phillip Morris. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the scribes behind Bad Santa, are directing.
The story follows a married father (Carrey) who is sent to prison and falls in love with a cellmate named Phillip Morris. His love leads him to make several escape attempts. Mann will play Carrey's wife.
Mad Chance's Andrew Lazar is producing with Far Shariat. Luc Besson's EuropaCorp. is fully financing, and Besson is executive producing. Production begins later this month.
CAA-repped Mann will next be seen in New Line's 17 Again opposite Zac Efron and will star in an untitled Judd Apatow project opposite Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen.
The story follows a married father (Carrey) who is sent to prison and falls in love with a cellmate named Phillip Morris. His love leads him to make several escape attempts. Mann will play Carrey's wife.
Mad Chance's Andrew Lazar is producing with Far Shariat. Luc Besson's EuropaCorp. is fully financing, and Besson is executive producing. Production begins later this month.
CAA-repped Mann will next be seen in New Line's 17 Again opposite Zac Efron and will star in an untitled Judd Apatow project opposite Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen.
Damien Lewis has been tapped to play the lead on NBC's drama pilot Life.
Sarah Shahi also has been cast in the project, from writer/executive producer Rand Ravich and NBC Universal TV Studio.
Life is a quirky drama about a former cop (Lewis) who rejoins the force after having spent years wrongly imprisoned. Shahi will play his partner with a checkered past.
David Semel is directing the pilot and is executive producing with Ravich and Far Shariat.
Lewis, who received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, recently appeared in the features An Unfinished Life, Chromophobia and Stormbaker. He is repped by Endeavor.
Shahi, who played Carmen de la Pica Morales on Showtime's The L Word, co-starred on Fox's drama pilot Damages this past development season. She most recently appeared in the feature For Your Consideration. She is repped by McKeon-Myones Management and attorney Neil Meyer.
Sarah Shahi also has been cast in the project, from writer/executive producer Rand Ravich and NBC Universal TV Studio.
Life is a quirky drama about a former cop (Lewis) who rejoins the force after having spent years wrongly imprisoned. Shahi will play his partner with a checkered past.
David Semel is directing the pilot and is executive producing with Ravich and Far Shariat.
Lewis, who received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, recently appeared in the features An Unfinished Life, Chromophobia and Stormbaker. He is repped by Endeavor.
Shahi, who played Carmen de la Pica Morales on Showtime's The L Word, co-starred on Fox's drama pilot Damages this past development season. She most recently appeared in the feature For Your Consideration. She is repped by McKeon-Myones Management and attorney Neil Meyer.
- 12/22/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Renny Harlin is in negotiations to direct Intermedia Films' action comedy The Killer's Game with Andrew Lazar's Mad Chance Prods. producing. The project, previously titled Godforsaken, aims to go into production in the fall in Europe. It reteams Harlin with Intermedia, which produces the upcoming Dimension Films feature Mindhunters. Based on Jay Bonansinga's novel The Killer's Game, the project is about a burned-out assassin who takes a hit out on himself. But after learning he is about to become a father, the protagonist must evade an assortment of world-class assassins while on the run across Europe with his girlfriend. The project had previously attracted the attention of such helmers as Rupert Wainwright and Mike Van Diem as well as actor Wesley Snipes. Rand Ravich adapted the material, which Lazar will produce. Mad Chance's Far Shariat and Damien Saccani will executive produce along with Peter Miller of New York-based PMA, which represents the book rights. Harlin is repped by WMA.
- 7/11/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mike Van Diem, whose 1998 Netherlands feature "Karakter" won a foreign language film Oscar, is in negotiations to direct Wesley Snipes in Intermedia Films' action-comedy "Godforsaken," with Andrew Lazar's Mad Chance Prods. producing. The project aims to go into production in the fall in Europe. Based on Jay Bonansinga's novel "The Killer's Game," the project stars Snipes as a burned-out assassin takes a hit out on himself. But after learning he is about to become a father, Snipes must evade an assortment of world-class assassins while on the run across Europe with his girlfriend. Rupert Wainwright was in talks to direct the project but has since turned his attention to MGM's "Outer Limits." Rand Ravich adapted the material, which Lazar will produce. Mad Chance's Far Shariat and Damien Saccani will executive produce along with Peter Miller of New York-based PMA, which represents the book rights. Van Diem is repped by Sanford Gross Associates and attorney Linda Lichter. Snipes is repped by WMA.
- 8/22/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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