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LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:
Looking to keep track of all the various projects in development? Click here to visit our signature "Devwatch" section. There visitors can view our listings by network, genre, studio and even development stage (ordered to pilot, cast-contingent, script, etc.). It's updated every day!
ALIENS IN AMERICA (The CW) - Patrick Breen ("Boston Legal"), Amy Pietz ("Rodney") and Lindsey Shaw ("Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide") have all been confirmed as cast members on the long-in-the-works comedy pilot, about an unpopular 16-year-old (Dan Byrd) and a 16-year-old Pakistani Muslim (Adhir Kalyan) who comes to live with the boy's family in Wisconsin as an exchange student. Details on their respective characters - Gary, Franny and Claire - were not released.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Adhir Kalyan (Raja Musharaff), Amy Pietz (Franny), Dan Byrd (Justin Hobgood), Lindsey Shaw (Claire), Patrick Breen (Gary)
Writers: David Guarascio, Moses Port
Director: TBA
Executive Producers: David Guarascio, Moses Port
Studio: NBC Universal Television Studio
AMERICAN FAMILY (ABC) - Relative newcomers Ashley Rickards ("Distant Roads"), Colin Ford ("Close to Home") and Raymond Ochoa ("Cold Case") have all reportedly joined the cast of the pilot, a single-camera comedy that revolves around a modern family that does what it takes to maintain appearances for the neighbors despite the chaos and challenges that are part of raising a family. They'll apparently play members of said clan - Julia, Caleb and Will - respectively.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Ashley Rickards (Julia), Colin Ford (Caleb), Raymond Ochoa (Will)
Writers: Dave Ronn, Jay Scherick
Director: John Fortenberry
Executive Producers: Dave Ronn, Jay Scherick
Studio: Sony Pictures Television
BUSINESS CLASS (NBC) - Jae W. Suh ("Campus Ladies") and Peter Keleghan ("Cheaper by the Dozen 2") have both scored roles on the comedy pilot, about the absurd adventures of two traveling soda salesmen who embark on a nonstop business trip. Suh is set as Amy Lee, who's described in the casting notice as: "24, Asian. Relentlessly cheerful and optimistic, cute as a button and the definition of the word 'perky,' Amy is the soda company's Midwest Regional Sales Coordinator. Loyal to a fault, Amy has recently left the military. Beneath her perky exterior lies a surprisingly cold-blooded ruthlessness that will suit her well in the world of business." Keleghan then is set as The Narrator: "40-55, a lawerly type in a suit, the Narrator serves as our offbeat 'Rod Serling' as he guides us, the viewers, through the mysteries of travel, economics and corporate intrigue."
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Jae W. Suh (Amy Lee), Mark Valley (Chuck Haverchuck), Peter Keleghan (The Narrator)
Writers: Bill Oakley, Josh Weinstein
Director: Adam Bernstein
Executive Producers: Bill Oakley, Dave Bartis (Dutch Oven Productions), Doug Liman (Dutch Oven Productions), Josh Weinstein
Studio: NBC Universal Television Studio
DEMONS (CBS) - David Clayton Rogers ("Ghost Whisperer") has joined the cast of the drama pilot, about an ex-Jesuit priest/psychologist (Ron Eldard) who performs exorcisms. He'll play Conrad, an unspecified character in the hour.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: David Clayton Rogers (Conrad), Harold Perrineau (Mitch), Jaime Murray (Rebecca), Ron Eldard (Gus)
Writer: Barbara Hall
Director: Mick Jackson
Executive Producers: Barbara Hall (Barbara Hall Productions), Joe Roth (Joe Roth Television)
Co-Executive Producer: Nina Lederman (Joe Roth Television)
Consultant: Bob Larson
Studio: CBS Paramount Network Television
DIRTY SEXY MONEY (ABC) - Jill Clayburgh ("Running with Scissors") and Natalie Zea ("Eyes") have both signed onto the drama pilot, about an idealistic lawyer (Peter Krause) who takes on the job of tending to the legal and sometimes illegal needs of a wealthy and colorful New York Family. Zea will play Karen Darling, who's further detailed in the casting notice as: "30s, elegant, sexy and stunning. She's the eldest daughter in the Darling family, a thrice-married socialite who runs the family foundation. She lost her virginity to Nick and isn't shy about announcing that fact to her current fiance, Freddy. In fact, she always thought she'd end up married to Nick and seems a bit confused that things didn't pan out that way. A self-described loser in love, she looks to Nick for help in her personal life, and it seems their unresolved feelings for one another may cause a wrinkle in Nick's marriage to Lisa."
Clayburgh then is set as Letitia Darling, a recurring role: "Late 50's-Mid 60's. A glittery, elegant beauty. She is the Darling family matriarch who is friends with the Vanderbilts and knows everyone in Manhattan. She is completely devastated by Devlin's death, more so than perhaps is warranted by an employer/employee relationship. According to Karen, Letitia and Devlin were having an affair all these years."
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Glenn Fitzgerald (Brian Darling), Jill Clayburgh (Letitia Darling), Natalie Zea (Karen Darling), Peter Krause (Nick George), Seth Gabel (Jeremy Darling)
Writer: Craig Wright
Director: Peter Horton
Executive Producers: Craig Wright, Greg Berlanti (Berlanti Television)
Studio: ABC Television Studio
ELI STONE (ABC) - Laura Benanti ("Starved") and James Saito ("As the World Turns") have both landed roles in the pilot, a high-concept drama about a thirtysomething attorney (Jonny Lee Miller) who begins having larger-than-life visions that compel him to do out-of-the-ordinary things. They'll play Beth and Dr. Chen, two unspecified roles.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: James Saito (Dr. Chen), Jonny Lee Miller (Eli Stone), Laura Benanti (Beth), Loretta Devine (Patti), Natasha Henstridge (Tricia), Sam Jaeger (Matt), Victor Garber (Jordan)
Writers: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim
Director: Ken Olin
Executive Producers: Greg Berlanti (Berlanti Television), Ken Olin (After Portsmouth), Marc Guggenheim
Studio: Touchstone Television
FAMILY OF THE YEAR (ABC) - Tommy Dewey ("The Mountain") has booked a role on the comedy pilot, about the 10-time family of the year winner, the Holloways, who are thrown for a loop when a local (and possibly more deserving) family starts encroaching on their territory. He's set as Boots Robert Holloway, who's detailed in the casting notice as follows: "19-22, the oldest of the two Holloway children, Boots is a handsome, supercharming, affable (yet slight date rape-y) sophomore at Duke University, a Holloway who is famous for his wandering hands and for his infinite thirst for alcohol. The kind of frat boy who gets through life by being obliviously enthusiastic about others, Boots is a perpetually upbeat guy with a compliment for everyone -- especially everyone potentially useful to Boots."
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Tommy Dewey (Boots Robert Holloway), Dina Waters (Barbara Anderson)
Writers: Erica Rivinoja, Pam Brady
Director: Michael Lehmann
Executive Producers: Erica Rivinoja, Pam Brady
Studio: 20th Century Fox Television
I'M WITH STUPID (NBC) - Brianne Davis ("Entourage"), Bryan Dilbeck ("The Ringer") and Lusia Strus ("Crossing Jordan") have all been cast in the comedy pilot, about a down-and-out guy who befriends a wheelchair-bound young man and winds up moving into his group home for the disabled. They'll play Dorothy, Graham and Jean in the half-hour. In addition, Conundrum Entertainment's Bobby Farrelly, Bradley Thomas and Peter Farrelly have all apparently left the project for unspecified reasons, the latter of which was attached to direct. In his place, "Malcolm in the Middle" creator Linwood Boomer has come aboard to direct the pilot from a script by Wil Calhoun.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Brianne Davis (Dorothy), Bryan Dilbeck (Graham), Christopher Thornton (Paul), Darryl "Chill" Mitchell (Syd), Kevin Daniels (Sheldon), Lusia Strus (Jean)
Writer: Wil Calhoun
Director: Linwood Boomer
Executive Producers: Ben Silverman (Reveille), Kenton Allen (BBC Worldwide Productions), Paul Telegdy (BBC Worldwide Productions), Wil Calhoun
Co-Executive Producer: Teri Weinberg (Reveille)
Studio: NBC Universal Television Studio
JUDY'S GOT A GUN (ABC) - Keith Powell ("30 Rock") is the latest addition to the drama pilot, about a suburban woman (Louise Lombard) who balances being a single mother with being a detective investigating suburban crimes. He's set as Brad Wilkes, who's described in the casting notice as: "An African-American suburbanite, conservative and morally certain, "more Christian rock than Chris Rock," Brad is partnered with newcomer Gavin Lynch. Worried when Gavin's investigated by the IAD, Brad's a bit concerned about his new partner, particularly since he's been riding with him for four weeks and feels like he knows his dry cleaner better. A good detective, despite his reservations he works well with Gavin."
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Colm Feore (Captain Ruttgauer), Keith Powell (Brad Wilkes), Louise Lombard (Judy Lemen), Margo Harshman (Maya Spektor), Matt Lanter (Isaac Prentice), Michael Michele (Pamela Coates), Steve Sandvoss (Patrick)
Writers: Michelle King, Robert King
Director: Sheree Folkson
Executive Producers: Michelle King, Robert King, Stu Bloomberg (Cabloom!)
Studio: ABC Television Studio
THE LIFE & TIMES OF TIM (FOX) - Nick Kross, Bob Morrow and MJ Otto have all been added to the voice cast of Steve Dildarian's animated project, about the life of a twentysomething guy. They'll play three unspecified characters - Stu, Debbie and Amy, respectively.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot (7-10 minute presentation)
Cast: Bob Morrow, Cheri Oteri, Kurtwood Smith, Matt Johnson, MJ Otto, Nick Kross, Steve Dildarian
Writer: Steve Dildarian
Director: Steve Dildarian
Executive Producers: Eric Gold (Werner-Gold-Miller), Jimmy Miller (Werner-Gold-Miller), Steve Dildarian, Tom Werner (Werner-Gold-Miller)
Studio: Warner Bros. Television
THE MINISTER OF DIVINE (FOX) - Jonathan Tchaikovsky ("Off the Black") has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about an outrageous woman (Kirstie Alley) who tries to make amends for her sins by returning to her hometown of Divine, Georgia as a minister in the church. He'll play Hugo, however no details about his character were given.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Jonathan Tchaikovsky (Hugo), Kirstie Alley (Geraldine), Malcolm Barrett (Frank), Riki Lindhome (Alice), W. Earl Brown (Owen)
Writer: Suzanne Martin
Director: Pamela Fryman
Executive Producers: Andrew Zein (Tiger Aspect Productions), Mark Chapman (Tiger Aspect Productions), Richard Curtis, Suzanne Martin
Studio: 20th Century Fox Television
THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES (FOX) - Summer Glau ("The Unit") has been added to the cast of the drama pilot, a small screen version of the "Terminator" film franchise. She'll play Cameron, an unspecified character in the hour.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Lena Headey (Sarah Connor), Richard T. Jones (Van Meter), Summer Glau (Cameron), Thomas Dekker (John Connor)
Writer: Josh Friedman
Director: David Nutter
Executive Producers: Andrew G. Vajna (C2 Pictures), David Nutter, Josh Friedman, Mario Kassar (C2 Pictures)
Producer: James Middleton
Studio: Warner Bros. Television
SWINGTOWN (CBS) - Brittany Robertson ("Keeping Up with the Steins") has joined the cast of the pilot, a period drama about the impact of sexual liberation in 1970s households - such as open marriages and "key parties." She'll play Samantha. No other specifics were released.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Brittany Robertson (Samantha), Grant Show (Tom Decker), Jack Davenport (Bruce Miller), Lana Parrilla (Trina), Miriam Shor (Jill)
Writer: Mike Kelley
Director: Alan Poul
Executive Producers: Mike Kelley
Studio: CBS Paramount Network Television
UNTITLED DAMON SANTOSTEFANO PROJECT (FOX) - Noureen DeWulf ("Pledge This!"), Danielle Hoover ("The Rerun Show") and newcomer Casey Wilson are the first to be cast in the comedy pilot, about three thrill-seeking girlfriends who, fed up with the lying, cheating and lack of commitment by men, hit the road to settle the score with all of the men that have ever wronged them. They're believed to be playing the three leads - Lizzy, Briar and Sarah, respectively.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot (7-10 minute presentation)
Cast: Casey Wilson (Sarah), Danielle Hoover (Briar), Noureen DeWulf (Lizzy)
Writer: Damon Santostefano
Director: Damon Santostefano
Executive Producers: Damon Santostefano
Studio: Fox 21
UNTITLED ROB ROY THOMAS PROJECT (FOX) - Kevin Christy ("For Your Consideration"), Daniele Gaither ("Mad TV"), Danny Pudi ("Gilmore Girls"), Janet Varney ("What About Brian") and Steven Cragg ("Mad TV") have all been confirmed as cast members on the comedy pilot, about a reluctant Congressional candidate (Brendan Hines) from Arizona who unexpectedly wins and goes to Washington. Cragg will play his Chief of Staff with Pudi as his legislative deputy, Varney as his director of communications, Christy as his internet strategist and Gaither as an office worker.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot (7-10 minute presentation)
Cast: Brendan Hines, Daniele Gaither, Danny Pudi, Janet Varney, Kevin Christy, Steven Cragg
Writer: Rob Roy Thomas
Director: Rob Roy Thomas
Executive Producers: Rob Roy Thomas
Studio: Fox 21
WILD AT HEART (The CW) - Brett Cullen ("Friday Night Lights") has scored the lead role while Calvin Goldspink ("Top of the Pops"), Mary Matilyn Mouser ("N.C.I.S"), Leah Pipes ("Clubhouse") and K'Sun Ray ("Smith") have also been cast in the drama pilot, about a New York veterinarian (Cullen) who moves his second wife and their two sets of children to a South African game reserve run by his father-in-law. Cullen will play Danny Trevanion, said vet, with Goldspink as Oliver, Mouser as Mia, Pipes as Katie and Ray as Chase.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Brett Cullen (Danny Trevanion), Calvin Goldspink (Oliver), Judith Hoag (Jo), K'Sun Ray (Chase), Leah Pipes (Katie), Mary Matilyn Mouser (Mia), Rutger Hauer (Art)
Writer: Michael Rauch
Director: Bryan Gordon
Executive Producers: Charlie Pattinson (Company Pictures), George Faber (Company Pictures), Michael Rauch
Studio: CBS Paramount Network Television
ZIP (NBC) - Zach Mills ("All of Us") and Colby Paul ("Supernatural") have both been cast in the comedy pilot, about a grifter dad and his kids who try to live the "good life" in Beverly Hills. The pair will play J.P. and Nelson respectively.
Commitment: Ordered to pilot
Cast: Colby Paul (Nelson), Zach Mills (J.P.)
Writer: Mark Rizzo
Director: Dan Attias
Executive Producers: Ben Silverman (Reveille), Marc Abrams (Catapult), Michael Benson (Catapult), Teri Weinberg (Reveille)
Supervising Producer: Mark Rizzo
Studio: NBC Universal Television Studio
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
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