 |
 |
[05/25/07 - 07:19 PM]
Development Update: Week of May 21-25
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC) |
|
|
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!
BREAKING BAD (AMC) - The cable channel is reportedly close to ordering the drama pilot to series. The project stars Bryan Cranston ("Malcolm in the Middle") as a middle-aged New Mexico high school teacher who becomes a crystal-meth dealer after he learns he has terminal cancer. Vince Gilligan is behind the hour, which is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and Mark Johnson�s Gran Via Productions.
CARPOOLERS (ABC) - Sitcom veteran Marsh McCall ("20 Good Years") has been tapped as the executive producer/showrunner of the upcoming comedy, which follows the lives of four men (Fred Goss, Jerry Minor, Jerry O'Connell, Tim Peper) who carpool to work together each day. Said involvement is tied to McCall's overall deal with producer ABC Studios. Creator Bruce McCulloch, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and David Miner also serve as executive producers on the half-hour.
CASHMERE MAFIA (ABC) - Writer/producer Jeff Rake ("Bones") is set to join the midseason drama as its executive producer/showrunner. Rake recently reupped his two-year overall deal with producer Sony Pictures Television. It's understood he'll stay focused on "Mafia" for the next two years, turning to development after that. Darren Star, Gail Katz and creator Kevin Wade also serve as executive producers on the project, which stars Lucy Liu, Frances O'Connor, Miranda Otto and Bonnie Somerville as four successful female executives, friends since college, who rely on one another as they juggle the demands of career, family, hard choices and high ambitions in New York.
DATELINE NBC (NBC) - The Peacock has opted not to renew the contract of its veteran anchor Stone Phillips, who has been with the series since its launch in 1992. It's understood he won't be replaced when it expires in June. Co-anchor Ann Curry then will instead serve as the main anchor of the newsmagazine, which will return next season on Saturday nights in the fall and Sunday nights after football wraps.
GAY ROBOT (Comedy Central) - The comedy pilot, about a robot who discovers after an unfortunate incident involving a wine cooler and his circuit boards that he is gay, is reportedly being redeveloped as an animated project by Comedy Central and Sony Pictures Television. Nick Swardson co-wrote the original pilot (as well as voiced the title character) with Tom Gianas and executive produced alongside Happy Madison's Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo and Doug Robinson. Said development is apparently the result of positive feedback from the pilot and various clips being available on such sites as MySpace (where Gay Robot has his own page), BitTorrent and Sony-owned Grouper.
THE LAST LARRY (Comedy Central, New!) - Dana Gould ("The Simpsons") is developing a "Shaun of the Dead"-esque sitcom at the cable channel set in a post-apocalyptic world in which the few remaining survivors are trying to get on with their lives. The network has commissioned a script for the project, which Gould will write, executive produce and potentially star in. Tom Lassally and Dave Becky of 3 Arts Entertainment will also serve as executive producers. Gould most recently served as co-executive producer on the FOX comedy, exiting after the show's 18th production cycle last fall.
LAW & ORDER (NBC) - Rene Balcer, who has been attached to the franchise since its first season (not to mention developed spin-off series "Criminal Intent"), is moving back to the mothership for the show's 18th season. The veteran returned to the drama this past spring, helping shape the last batch of episodes. This season he'll take over for Nick Wooton as showrunner, a role which he previously served from 1996-2001.
LIFE (NBC) - "House" mainstay Daniel Sackheim has come aboard the freshman drama as an executive producer. The move comes as the director/producer inks a new two-year overall deal with NBC Universal Television Studio, the producer of both "House" and "Life." There he'll serve alongside creator Rand Ravich and fellow executive producer Far Shariat.
OCTOBER ROAD (ABC) - Co-creators Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec have landed a seven-figure, multiyear overall deal with ABC Studios, the show's producer. The pact will cover their duties on the show's sophomore season as well as any future development. It's understood the deal was signed prior to ABC renewing the series for a second season, a sure sign of the studio's faith in the duo.
UGLY BETTY (ABC) - Bill Wrubel ("Will & Grace") has inked a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios. The pact calls for the writer/producer to come aboard "Betty" as a co-executive producer as well as develop new series projects for the studio. Wrubel's addition comes as "Betty's" writing staff goes through a heavy turnaround. At least five writers have been let go to date. On the flip side, Dawn DeKayser ("The Geena Davis Show") has joined the staff as a producer.
THE WATCH (NBC) - Charles McDougall, who helmed ABC's drama pilot "Big Shots" this past development season, has signed on to direct the hour, about a suburban Neighborhood Watch group gone awry. His involvement lifts the director-contingency off the pilot's production. Ed Decter and John J. Strauss are behind the Sony Pictures Television/Pariah-based project, which is also executive produced by Gavin Polone and Jamie Tarses.
WEEDS (Showtime) - Andy Milder, who plays Dean Hodes, the husband to Elizabeth Perkins's character, has been upped to series regular for the show's third season. Look for the show's junior go around to launch on Monday, August 13 at 10:00/9:00c.
WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB (ABC) - "ER" alum R. Scott Gemmill has come aboard the drama as its showrunner while Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts ("Pepper Dennis") have also signed on as co-executive producers. The group, each of which has an overall deal with producer 20th Century Fox Television, will serve alongside executive producers Liz Craft, Sarah Fain, James Patterson, Brett Ratner and Joe Simpson. "Club" stars Angie Harmon, Laura Harris, Aubrey Dollar, Paula Newsome as four girlfriends who solve tough murder cases in San Francisco.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
|
|
|
 [may 2007]  |
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
[07/07/26 - 10:11 AM]
The Maine Cabin Masters Take on Their Biggest Project Yet in New Series "Maine Cabin Masters: All Inn"
The series follows the team as they transform a rundown bed and breakfast into a stunning 12-acre lakeside inn.
|
[07/07/26 - 10:01 AM]
First Look - "Let's Marry Harry" Premieres August 5 on Netflix
The series follows heartthrob Harry Jowsey, who is done playing the field and is handing over the reins of his love life to those who know him best.
|
[07/07/26 - 10:00 AM]
Mariska Hargitay to Host 78th Emmy Awards on NBC
The ceremony is set for Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live, airing live coast-to-coast on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
|
[07/07/26 - 09:45 AM]
"Big Brother" Introduces a New Cast of Houseguests to a Game Where the Past, Present and Future Collide
This season's cast includes an MMA fighter, rocket scientist, game show host, daughter of an '80s pop star, and a Drag Race All Star, among others.
|
[07/07/26 - 09:30 AM]
Video: Starz Drops Action-Packed Full Trailer for Upcoming Revenge Drama "Fightland"
Set against the high-stakes world of British boxing, "Fightland" is a gripping story of redemption, betrayal and brutal ambition - in and out of the ring.
|
[07/07/26 - 09:16 AM]
Netflix Bringing Fan-Favorite Videos from Digital Publishers to Members Beginning August 3
BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst Magazines, Penske Media's PMX brands, People Inc., and Tastemade are among the digital publishing partners.
|
[07/07/26 - 08:30 AM]
Vice Studios' Cuba Pictures to Adapt Award Winning Documentary Maternity Broken Trust Into Scripted Series Starring Jason Isaacs
The documentary investigated alleged failures in maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH).
|
[07/07/26 - 08:01 AM]
Yip Yip! "Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender" Premieres July 25 Globally on Paramount+
The new film, based on the animated series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, sees Avatar Aang, the world's last Airbender, learn of an ancient power that could save his culture from extinction.
|
[07/07/26 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Hot Ones: Extra Heat" - Sneak Peek - Netflix
Will Ferrell and "The Hawk" costars Jimmy Tatro and Fortune Feimster step up to face hot questions and even hotter wings in this exclusive special episode.
|
[07/07/26 - 07:01 AM]
Catch a First Look at Netflix's "Crew Girl"
16-year-old Teagan Tao (Miku Martineau) was a rising star in single sculls rowing until a family scandal capsized her future.
|
[07/07/26 - 07:01 AM]
Apple TV's New Crime Drama "Nocturne" to Make Global Debut on Friday, October 30
"Nocturne" stars and is executive produced by Tony Award winner, Actor Award winner, Emmy Award nominee and Golden Globe nominee Liev Schreiber, as well as Emmy Award nominee Zazie Beetz.
|
[07/07/26 - 06:09 AM]
BritBox Announces Casting, Start of Production for New Period Drama Series, "The Cadburys" (fka "Chocolate Wars")
Toby Regbo, Harry Gilby and Jessica Barden will lead the six-part drama series.
|
[07/07/26 - 06:01 AM]
"The Final Problem" Arrives on Netflix on September 25
An island off the coast of Mallorca, 13 guests trapped in a hotel by a storm, and a death that changes everything.
|
[07/07/26 - 02:01 AM]
Video: "Umthetho" - Official Teaser - Netflix
To keep their youngest brother alive, an idealistic state prosecutor is forced to become a double agent in her imprisoned older brother's gang.
|
[07/07/26 - 01:01 AM]
Video: "Love in Slow Motion" - Official Trailer - Netflix
When Haya's best friend Jawad gets engaged, her chronically-single world unravels - because who knew true love could be hiding in the friend zone?
|
|
|
|
