Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Chris Naoki Lee’s feature directorial debut, Dinner Party, in which he stars alongside Kara Wang (Top Gun: Maverick), Imani Hakim (Mythic Quest) and Kausar Mohammed (The Flash). The global indie distributor has slated the pic for a day-and-date release on August 19.
Inspired by Lee’s own experiences growing up in a diverse community outside of Los Angeles, the indie ensemble drama follows Izzy (Hakim) and boyfriend Cal (Lee) as they go to a casual reunion dinner party amongst Cal’s childhood friends 10 years after high school. The friends navigate socially sensitive topics, though some fall on deaf ears when it comes to the hyper-masculine Miles (Charles Hittinger). It doesn’t take long for Izzy to notice that Shannon (Wang), co-host and childhood friend to the boys, seems uncomfortable around Miles, as the film simmers into a slow burn that erupts in the final act.
Inspired by Lee’s own experiences growing up in a diverse community outside of Los Angeles, the indie ensemble drama follows Izzy (Hakim) and boyfriend Cal (Lee) as they go to a casual reunion dinner party amongst Cal’s childhood friends 10 years after high school. The friends navigate socially sensitive topics, though some fall on deaf ears when it comes to the hyper-masculine Miles (Charles Hittinger). It doesn’t take long for Izzy to notice that Shannon (Wang), co-host and childhood friend to the boys, seems uncomfortable around Miles, as the film simmers into a slow burn that erupts in the final act.
- 8/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
We talk a lot about history-making Emmy nominations and wins, and it’s always fun to talk about “firsts” — such as “Squid Game” becoming the first non-English-language show to land a series nomination. But one breakthrough that struck me was BET’s significant showing via its streaming service, BET+.
That includes a nod in the directing for a comedy series category, for the freshman series “The Ms. Pat Show,” and choreography for scripted programming via the period drama “The Porter.” It’s the first time BET has received any major scripted series nominations; the company’s previous three nods were for music direction, actress in a short-form series and exceptional merit in nonfiction filmmaking. BET’s only Emmy to date came from the New York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which honored it for the public service campaign “Rap-It-Up.”
In other words, it’s about time. Even though...
That includes a nod in the directing for a comedy series category, for the freshman series “The Ms. Pat Show,” and choreography for scripted programming via the period drama “The Porter.” It’s the first time BET has received any major scripted series nominations; the company’s previous three nods were for music direction, actress in a short-form series and exceptional merit in nonfiction filmmaking. BET’s only Emmy to date came from the New York-based National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which honored it for the public service campaign “Rap-It-Up.”
In other words, it’s about time. Even though...
- 7/29/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Timeless alum Malcolm Barrett is trading the time machine for The Hug Machine.
The actor will star in the aforementioned CBS comedy pilot as Dan, a dad who gets a second chance to save both his marriage and his flailing rock career when his band unintentionally finds success in the raucous, cutthroat world of children’s music, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineAre Legacies Gods Originals Retread? Did Million Things Fake-Out Sting? Was Midwife Kiss a Hit? And More TV Qs!Atwt Vet Kathryn Hays Dead at 87TVLine Items: Dynasty's Melrose Place Reunion, Chad Goes Missing and More
Additionally,...
The actor will star in the aforementioned CBS comedy pilot as Dan, a dad who gets a second chance to save both his marriage and his flailing rock career when his band unintentionally finds success in the raucous, cutthroat world of children’s music, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineAre Legacies Gods Originals Retread? Did Million Things Fake-Out Sting? Was Midwife Kiss a Hit? And More TV Qs!Atwt Vet Kathryn Hays Dead at 87TVLine Items: Dynasty's Melrose Place Reunion, Chad Goes Missing and More
Additionally,...
- 4/8/2022
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Deon Cole (Black-ish) has been cast in the lead role of BET+’s upcoming dark comedy Average Joe. The series, which received a cast contingent script-to-series order in February, hails from Robb Cullen and McG.
Set in The Hill district of Pittsburgh and inspired by Cullen’s life, Average Joe follows blue-collar plumber, Joe Washington (Cole) who discovers his recently deceased father lived a secret, second life and stole millions of dollars from dangerous people just before he died. Now those people think Joe knows where it is. A bloody and violent confrontation triggers a chain of events that force Joe and his close-knit circle of family and friends out of their very average and mundane lives into a life or death race against time to find the truth and the millions.
The dark comedy is written by Cullen, who will executive produce alongside McG, Mary Viola and Corey...
Set in The Hill district of Pittsburgh and inspired by Cullen’s life, Average Joe follows blue-collar plumber, Joe Washington (Cole) who discovers his recently deceased father lived a secret, second life and stole millions of dollars from dangerous people just before he died. Now those people think Joe knows where it is. A bloody and violent confrontation triggers a chain of events that force Joe and his close-knit circle of family and friends out of their very average and mundane lives into a life or death race against time to find the truth and the millions.
The dark comedy is written by Cullen, who will executive produce alongside McG, Mary Viola and Corey...
- 4/8/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
While fans patiently wait for Capcom to reveal more official details about Resident Evil 8, prolific leaker AestheticGamer has been doing their best to supply the next best thing – reliable gossip. That’s one hell of an oxymoron, no doubt, but considering the individual’s proven track record when it comes to all things Resident Evil related, AestheticGamer (aka DuskGolem) certainly knows more than a thing or two about what goes on behind closed doors at Capcom HQ than your Average Joe.
This time around, the leaks concern Resident Evil 8‘s supposed running time and, moreover, how the sequel’s overall length compares to that of its predecessor as well as the studio’s recent remakes. Addressing the topic over on Twitter, the whistleblower said:
Okay Last RE8 question then work. I don’t know the exact play time but I’ve heard pretty reliably out of the Re Engine games...
This time around, the leaks concern Resident Evil 8‘s supposed running time and, moreover, how the sequel’s overall length compares to that of its predecessor as well as the studio’s recent remakes. Addressing the topic over on Twitter, the whistleblower said:
Okay Last RE8 question then work. I don’t know the exact play time but I’ve heard pretty reliably out of the Re Engine games...
- 7/4/2020
- by Joe Pring
- We Got This Covered
Dating shows have always been a guilty pleasure. Ever since the ’60s with “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game,” audiences have been hooked. But in the modern viewing era, only one franchise has stuck in viewers’ hearts.
“The Bachelor” debuted in 2002, and nearly two decades later, no other show has managed to break through. But almost 20 years after the ABC franchise premiered, romantic reality shows are again having a moment.
Now, in our shelter-at-home world, audiences have found a trio of Netflix shows: the social experiment series “The Circle”; “Love Is Blind,” viewed in more than 30 million households in its first two months; and the raunchier “Too Hot to Handle,” which challenges horny 20-somethings to refrain from engaging in sexual activity while frolicking around a sun-drenched resort in swimsuits.
“We’ve been able to carve out a realistic and reflective way of how society is,” says Brandon Riegg, who heads unscripted originals at Netflix,...
“The Bachelor” debuted in 2002, and nearly two decades later, no other show has managed to break through. But almost 20 years after the ABC franchise premiered, romantic reality shows are again having a moment.
Now, in our shelter-at-home world, audiences have found a trio of Netflix shows: the social experiment series “The Circle”; “Love Is Blind,” viewed in more than 30 million households in its first two months; and the raunchier “Too Hot to Handle,” which challenges horny 20-somethings to refrain from engaging in sexual activity while frolicking around a sun-drenched resort in swimsuits.
“We’ve been able to carve out a realistic and reflective way of how society is,” says Brandon Riegg, who heads unscripted originals at Netflix,...
- 6/10/2020
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Endeavor Content is making a move in the unscripted TV space with the acquisition of Andrew Glassman’s Los Angeles-based production company Glassman Media. The company behind such non-scripted series as The Wall and Spin the Wheel, will continue to operate independently, with founder and President Andrew Glassman remaining in his role overseeing the company.
No financial details are being revealed but sources are pegging the value of the deal at more than $60 million. The pact was negotiated before Endeavor Content parent Endeavor’s push for an Ipo last month, which the company ultimately shelved.
“Andrew has created hit after hit of non-scripted series that have a unique ability to connect with audiences around the world,” said Endeavor Content Co-Presidents Chris Rice and Graham Taylor. “We are excited to partner with Andrew and see what innovative concept he comes up with next.”
Glassman Media created the Fox gameshow Spin the Wheel...
No financial details are being revealed but sources are pegging the value of the deal at more than $60 million. The pact was negotiated before Endeavor Content parent Endeavor’s push for an Ipo last month, which the company ultimately shelved.
“Andrew has created hit after hit of non-scripted series that have a unique ability to connect with audiences around the world,” said Endeavor Content Co-Presidents Chris Rice and Graham Taylor. “We are excited to partner with Andrew and see what innovative concept he comes up with next.”
Glassman Media created the Fox gameshow Spin the Wheel...
- 10/10/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Glass House”
ABC put 14 contestants into a house, and let America vote to decide who would be evicted and who would win $250,000. But with low ratings and a lawsuit from CBS claiming the show was a ripoff of “Big Brother,” “The Glass House” lasted just one season.
“I Wanna Marry ‘Harry'”
More than a few dating competition shows involve some kind of deceit, but few were as ridiculous as the one at the center of Fox’s “I Wanna Marry ‘Harry.'” Starring a male lead with only a slight resemblance to the British prince, the show pushed the limits of credulity.
“Joe Millionaire”
Attempting to expand on the format perfected by “The Bachelor,” Fox debuted “Joe Millionaire” just one year later, pitting contestants against each other for the affections of an average Joe whom they believed to be rich. Over a decade later, star Evan Marriott is still apologizing for deceiving those women.
ABC put 14 contestants into a house, and let America vote to decide who would be evicted and who would win $250,000. But with low ratings and a lawsuit from CBS claiming the show was a ripoff of “Big Brother,” “The Glass House” lasted just one season.
“I Wanna Marry ‘Harry'”
More than a few dating competition shows involve some kind of deceit, but few were as ridiculous as the one at the center of Fox’s “I Wanna Marry ‘Harry.'” Starring a male lead with only a slight resemblance to the British prince, the show pushed the limits of credulity.
“Joe Millionaire”
Attempting to expand on the format perfected by “The Bachelor,” Fox debuted “Joe Millionaire” just one year later, pitting contestants against each other for the affections of an average Joe whom they believed to be rich. Over a decade later, star Evan Marriott is still apologizing for deceiving those women.
- 8/15/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” — and its fans — had a roller coaster of a day last week after Fox canceled the Golden Globe winner on Thursday only for NBC to pick it up for a 13-episode sixth season on Friday. Everyone’s on cloud nine now, but during those crushing 24 hours, the comedy received an outpouring of support not only from its squad of Average Joe fans, but very famous die-hard viewers like Luke Skywalker and Alexander Hamilton themselves, the reigning Best Director Oscar winner, and the Backstreet Boys, who were (sort of) part of one of the show’s best cold opens. Could such good will and good press propel the Nine-Nine back into the Emmy conversation — specifically for Andre Braugher?
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Despite winning Best Comedy Series and Best Comedy Actor for Andy Samberg at the Globes during its first season, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine...
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Despite winning Best Comedy Series and Best Comedy Actor for Andy Samberg at the Globes during its first season, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine...
- 5/16/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Remember Darryl?
The God of Thunder’s decidedly human roommate starred in a pair of short films designed to explain Thor’s absence from Captain America: Civil War, all the while giving us an indication of the tone and humor of Thor: Ragnarok.
After all, each meme-worthy stinger was directed by Taika Waititi, who would later go on to mold Thor’s third solo adventure into a global phenomenon, one that grossed a whopping $850 million worldwide. It’s now headed for Blu-ray and DVD, and thanks to some newly-uncovered intel, we know Ragnarok‘s home video release will include the next episode of Team Darryl. And it appears Marvel’s Average Joe has a new roommate.
Fresh off being unseated as the ruler of Sakaar, the Grandmaster makes his way to Earth to start a new life. It’s been over a year since Thor left Australia and Darryl has...
The God of Thunder’s decidedly human roommate starred in a pair of short films designed to explain Thor’s absence from Captain America: Civil War, all the while giving us an indication of the tone and humor of Thor: Ragnarok.
After all, each meme-worthy stinger was directed by Taika Waititi, who would later go on to mold Thor’s third solo adventure into a global phenomenon, one that grossed a whopping $850 million worldwide. It’s now headed for Blu-ray and DVD, and thanks to some newly-uncovered intel, we know Ragnarok‘s home video release will include the next episode of Team Darryl. And it appears Marvel’s Average Joe has a new roommate.
Fresh off being unseated as the ruler of Sakaar, the Grandmaster makes his way to Earth to start a new life. It’s been over a year since Thor left Australia and Darryl has...
- 1/31/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Project Name: Average Joe, Season 3
Asking For: $15,000 on Indiegogo
Amount Raised Thus Far (At Time Of Post): $146
Days Remaining In Campaign (At Time Of Post): 30
Description: Average Joe started back in 2012 when it debuted on Funny or Die. The series, which bears many similarities to a typical Judd Apatow film, follows the life of not-so-average Joe, played by creator Joe Flanders. While Joe’s trials at first seem to match those of the average adult male, he nevertheless manages to get into awkward, crazy, yet totally priceless situations, especially in the realm of dating. His acerbic friends aren’t exactly competent at helping him succeed, either. The potential Average Joe season three will presumably be a continuation of Joe’s misadventures.
Creator Bio: Flanders is a comedy writer and director who attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. According to an interview with Under the Gun,...
Asking For: $15,000 on Indiegogo
Amount Raised Thus Far (At Time Of Post): $146
Days Remaining In Campaign (At Time Of Post): 30
Description: Average Joe started back in 2012 when it debuted on Funny or Die. The series, which bears many similarities to a typical Judd Apatow film, follows the life of not-so-average Joe, played by creator Joe Flanders. While Joe’s trials at first seem to match those of the average adult male, he nevertheless manages to get into awkward, crazy, yet totally priceless situations, especially in the realm of dating. His acerbic friends aren’t exactly competent at helping him succeed, either. The potential Average Joe season three will presumably be a continuation of Joe’s misadventures.
Creator Bio: Flanders is a comedy writer and director who attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. According to an interview with Under the Gun,...
- 3/4/2015
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
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