 |
 |
[03/05/10 - 11:10 AM]
Development Update: Friday, March 5 (Part 2)
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!
187 DETROIT (ABC) - James McDaniel ("NYPD Blue"), Shaun Majumder ("Unhitched") and Erin Cummings ("Spartacus: Blood and Sand") will round out of the cast of the drama pilot, about a top homicide division as seen through the lens of a fictional documentary crew. McDaniel will play Sgt. Jesse "Long Haul" Longford, a 30-year veteran, with Majumder as his partner, Det. Aman Majan, himself a seven-year vet. Cummings then is believed to be playing the sole remaining female role, Dr. Shelby Cork, "a pretty woman (35) but looks like 25... cat glasses, hipster vibe, last thing you're thinking is Medical Examiner." Aisha Hinds, D.J. Cotrona, John Michael Hill, Michael Imperioli and Natalie Martinez round out the ensemble. Jeff Nachmanoff is helming the ABC Studios-based hour from a script by Jason Richman.
AWKWARD SITUATIONS FOR MEN (ABC) - Newcomer Michael Braun ("Law & Order") has joined the cast of the Danny Wallace-led comedy pilot, about his experience moving to the U.S. with his wife, Meg (Laura Prepon), only to discover that his everyday behavior clashes with American values and gets him into trouble. He's expected to play Kevin, Meg's assistant at Smoothie Face. Andy Ackerman ("The New Adventures of Old Christine") has also signed on to direct the half-hour from a script by Wallace, Jackie Filgo and Jeff Filgo. Warner Bros. Television is producing while Matt Letscher and Tony Hale also star.
BREAKOUT KINGS (FOX) - Jimmi Simpson ("Virtuality") has joined the cast of the drama pilot, about ex-fugitives who are recruited to work as U.S. Marshals. He's on board as one of the cons, Lloyd Lowery, a former child prodigy who's nicknamed "The Professor" because, well, he used to be one. Brooke Nevin, Domenick Lombardozzi, Laz Alonso, Malcolm Goodwin and Nicole Steinwedell round out the show's ensemble. Gavin Hood is directing the 20th Century Fox Television-based hour from a script by co-creators Matt Olmstead and Nick Santora.
DEFENDERS (CBS) - Tanya Fischer ("Life on Mars") and Jurnee Smollett ("Friday Night Lights") have both joined the cast of the drama pilot, about two charismatic and fiery Las Vegas defense attorneys who go to the mat for their clients. Fischer will play Sophie, a "young, attractive" woman who "answers phones at reception in a very low cut blouse." Smollett then is believed to be set as Lisa Tyler ("attractive, nervous about her first day in court"), an ex-dancer who's now a lawyer for Mancini-Kaczmarek. It's not clear how Smollett's involvement relates to her status on "Lights." Jim Belushi also stars in the Davis Guggenheim-helmed hour, from co-creators Kevin Kennedy and Niels Mueller. CBS Television Studios is producing.
THE EVENT (NBC) - Wes Ramsey ("CSI: Miami") and Taylor Cole ("Heroes") have both landed roles on the drama pilot, a thriller about "a decent, regular fellow who battles against mysterious circumstances that envelope a larger conspiracy." While not indicated, they're believed to be playing Greg and Vicky, a couple who Sean (Jason Ritter) and Leila (Sarah Roemer) befriend while on vacation that may have ulterior motives. Also joining the project is Jeffrey Reiner ("Caprica") as director. Nick Wauters penned the Universal Media Studios-based hour, who also stars Blair Underwood, Ian Anthony Dale, Laura Innes, Scott Patterson and Zeljko Ivanek.
FUNNY IN FARSI (ABC) - Newcomer Kendra Jain has booked the lead role on the comedy pilot, which is based on Iranian-born author Firoozeh Dumas's memoir about growing up in the 1970s in Newport Beach, California. She'll play Firoozeh Jazayeri, said girl, who tries out a new American name every week. Also signing on are Sarah Shahi ("Life"), who will play Firoozeh as an adult (in voiceover, a la "The Wonder Years"), and David Gore ("Zeke and Luther") as Farshid (a.k.a. Chip), Firoozeh's older brother who's always dressed to look as American as possible. Hrach Titizian, Marjan Neshat and Maz Jobrani also star in the ABC Studios-based half-hour, which Barry Sonnenfeld is directing from a script by Jeffrey Hodes and Nastaran Dibai.
HAPPY ENDINGS (ABC) - Adam Pally ("Assassination of a High School President") has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about a couple that breaks up at the altar, forcing them and their group of friends to figure out how to maintain their friendships after the split. He's believed to be playing one of the groomsmen, Max ("hot, fast talking - like a gay Vince Vaughn"), in the half-hour, which is now a co-production of ABC Studios and Sony Pictures Television. Jonathan Groff ("Scrubs") has also been tapped to supervise the pilot, which was penned by David Caspe and will be directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Casey Wilson, Eliza Coupe and Damon Wayans Jr. also star.
HOW TO BE A BETTER AMERICAN (ABC) - Emily Rose Everhard ("Jack and the Beanstalk") has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about a father (Jason Jones) who embarks on a journey to be a better person and drags his family kicking and screaming along. She's believed to be playing Lola, the man's prickly daughter who "has purple lipstick, straight jet black hair over her eyes and purple and black striped stockings." Johnny Sneed and Missi Pyle co-star in the ABC Studios-based half-hour, which has tapped Adam Bernstein ("Worst Week") as director. Brian Bradley and Steven Cragg are the co-creators.
I, WITNESS (CBS) - The Eye has rolled the drama pilot, about a detective/professor who uses her psycho-physiological skills to solve crimes, to the current development cycle. Pam Veasey and Trey Callaway are behind the CBS Television Studios-based hour, which had trouble casting the lead role of Erin Bray last time out. CBS originally ordered the pilot back in February of 2009.
MIKE & MOLLY (CBS) - Newcomer Nyambi Nyambi ("In Praise of Shadows") has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about "an overweight, charming police officer and a pretty and plump woman, who meet at Overeaters Anonymous." He'll play Samuel, "a handsome, twenty-something black man with a Senegalese accent and a booming laugh," who's Mike (Billy Gardell) and Carl's (Reno Wilson) regular waiter at Abe's Hot Beef, a greasy-spoon near Wrigleyville. In addition, sitcom guru James Burrows ("Gary Unmarried") has been tapped to direct the pilot, which was penned by Mark Roberts. Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. Television are co-producing.
NEVERMIND NIRVANA (FOX) - Sakina Jaffrey ("Third Watch") has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about two grown Indian-American brothers who clash with their controlling immigrant parents as they assimilate American culture. She's believed to be playing Dr. Sarita Mattoo, the boys' mother. Scott Ellis ("30 Rock") has also signed on to direct the half-hour, which was penned by Ajay Sahgal. Harish Patel, Rachael Leigh Cook, Ravi Patel and Utkarsh Ambudkar also star in the project, which comes from 20th Century Fox Television.
NO ORDINARY FAMILY (ABC) - Jimmy Bennett ("Star Trek") and Kay Panabaker ("Summerland") will round out the Powell clan in the drama pilot, about an average American family that develops extraordinary abilities. They'll play Stephanie (Julie Benz) and Jim's (Michael Chiklis) kids, JJ and Daphne. Greg Berlanti and Jon Harmon Feldman are behind the ABC Studios-based hour, which also stars Autumn Reeser, Christina Chang and Julie Benz. David Semel is directing.
THE ODDS (CBS) - Emily Swallow ("Southland") has booked a role on the drama pilot, about two cops - Tyler LaSalley (Donald Faison) and Wade Simms (Sullivan Stapleton) - in Las Vegas who are just as outrageous as the crimes they solve. She's on board as Becca Facelli ("beautiful and savvy"), Wade's ex - and the mother of his teenage daughter - who works as a bounty hunter. Jacob Vargas and Kelly Hu also star in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, which comes from director Kenneth Fink and writer Jeff Wadlow.
OFF THE MAP (ABC) - Mamie Gummer ("The Good Wife") is the latest addition to the drama pilot, about three doctors who leave the comfort of the U.S. to work at an isolated tropical clinic. While not specified, she's believed to be playing Annie Fisher, a pregnant member of the Peace Corps who serves as the central case in the pilot. Daniel Minahan ("Grey's Anatomy") has also signed on to helm the ABC Studios-based hour from a script by Jenna Bans. Caroline Dhavernas, Enrique Murciano, Jason George, Martin Henderson and Valerie Cruz also star.
SECURITY (A.K.A. TITAN TEAM) (FOX) - Alphonso McAuley ("Chocolate News") has joined the cast of the Bret Harrison-led comedy pilot, about "Titan Team," a company of twentysomething geniuses who are tasked with cracking computer security systems. He'll play one of them, Calvin "Cash" Sparks, "an African-American hulk with a body tatted with Lord of the Rings characters." Seth Gordon is helming the Sony Pictures Television-based comedy from a script by Adam F. Goldberg.
TRUE LOVE (CBS) - Hal Williams ("227") is the latest addition to the comedy pilot, about four people in their 20s in New York looking for love. He'll play Earl Mumford, the show's narrator, who works on the observation deck of the Empire State Building. Ashley Austin Morris and Minka Kelly co-star in the half-hour, which has also added Pamela Fryman ("How I Met Your Mother") as director. Matt Tarses penned the project, a co-production of CBS Television Studios, FanFare Productions and Sony Pictures Television.
UNTITLED ANT HINES/LARRY CHARLES PROJECT (CBS) - Jason Mantzoukas ("I Hate Valentine's Day") and Matt Walsh ("Players") have each landed roles on the comedy presentation, about a dad (Paul Kaye) who re-enters the life of his now-famous daughter. Details about their characters however weren't specified. Nicollette Sheridan and Wayne Knight also star in the half-hour, which comes from writer Ant Hines and director Larry Charles. Sony Pictures Television-based Tantamount is producing.
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Reuters
|
|
|
 [march 2010]  |
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
[11/19/24 - 01:00 PM]
NBC Unveils Powerhouse Midseason Lineup
The highly anticipated "Suits LA" premieres February 23 as part of the network's new Sunday lineup.
|
[11/19/24 - 12:01 PM]
Netflix Top 10 Week of Nov. 11: "Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson" Has Knockout Debut; "Hot Frosty" Heats Up at #1
Season 2 of the animated series "Arcane" held its place at #2 on the English TV List with 7.4M views and brought Season 1 back onto the list at #8 with 2.6M views.
|
[11/19/24 - 11:30 AM]
Max and HBO Announce Extended U.S. Licensing Deal with The Criterion Collection
Showcasing the Criterion Collection's acclaimed films alongside a rich collection of titles from Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Classic Movies, A24, Studio Ghibli, and more, further solidifies Max as the top destination for movie night.
|
[11/19/24 - 11:20 AM]
Video: "The Agency" - Official Trailer #2 - Paramount+ with Showtime
Starring Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner-Smith and Richard Gere.
|
[11/19/24 - 11:16 AM]
Sean Hannity to Host FOX Nation's Signature Patriot Awards Ceremony on December 5
In partnership with advertisers Tunnel 2 Towers, Patriot Mobile, Golden Corral and Belfor, the awards show will honor and recognize America's finest patriots, including military veterans, first responders and other inspirational everyday heroes.
|
[11/19/24 - 10:43 AM]
Go Inside the Cheerleading Rivalry Turned Murder-for-Hire Attempt That Shocked the Nation with ID's "The Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot"
The two-hour documentary delves into the notorious murder-for-hire plot concocted by Texas mom Wanda Holloway to eliminate her daughter's cheerleading rival.
|
[11/19/24 - 10:31 AM]
Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions' Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson Mega-Event Makes History with Over 108 Million Live Global Viewers
The Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight is the most-streamed sporting event ever, peaking at 65 million concurrent streams, with 38 million concurrent streams in the US.
|
[11/19/24 - 10:10 AM]
AMC Networks' December Highlights Includes "Christmas Eve in Miller's Point," "Joe Bob's Christmas Carnage" and More!
December also features new seasons of Acorn TV's "Dalgliesh" and "Darby & Joan"; plus new series premieres on AMC+ and Sundance Now including Natalie Dormer thriller "White Lies," "The Newsreader" atarring Sam Reid, and true crime documentary "Monkey on a Stick: Murder, Madness & The Hare Krishnas."
|
[11/19/24 - 10:06 AM]
Video: "Hard Knocks in Season with the AFC North" - Official Trailer - Max
For the first time ever, Hard Knocks is taking you behind-the-scenes of the playoff chase with the AFC North.
|
[11/19/24 - 10:01 AM]
Video: "Paris Has Fallen" - Official Trailer - Hulu
When a terrorist group attacks a high-profile event with the French Minister of Defense as their target, protection officer Vincent Taleb (Tewfik Jallab) finds himself working with street-smart MI6 operative Zara Taylor (Ritu Arya) to save the day.
|
[11/19/24 - 09:01 AM]
National Geographic Charts Future with Bold, New Unscripted Series Slate with Storytelling Dynamism, Technical Innovation and Extraordinary Access at Its Heart
"These new unscripted series epitomize everything National Geographic stands for - bold, captivating storytelling rooted in world-class research and expertise," said Tom McDonald, executive vice president of Global Unscripted and Factual Content.
|
[11/19/24 - 09:01 AM]
Netflix's "Squid Game: Unleashed" Arrives December 17
"Squid Game: Unleashed" arrives just in time for the return of "Squid Game Season 2" which hits Netflix on December 26.
|
[11/19/24 - 09:01 AM]
Prime Video Unveils Premiere Date for MrBeast's Epic "Beast Games" Competition Series
The competition series is set to debut weekly on Thursday, December 19 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
|
[11/19/24 - 08:09 AM]
Video: "Biggest Heist Ever" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Their crimes earned them the nickname Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde - and the story only gets weirder in this documentary about the most lucrative heist ever.
|
[11/19/24 - 08:06 AM]
Apple Original Films Announces Documentary on Legendary Rock Icons Fleetwood Mac
The fully authorized documentary is directed by five-time Academy Award nominee and Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award winner Frank Marshall, and for the first time ever, Grammy Award-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Fleetwood Mac share their extraordinary story in their own words.
|
|
|
|
