On December 11, 1992, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” was released to theaters. In his three-star review, Roger Ebert said that the movie “could have done with a few more songs than it has.” And he was right – up until the very last minute, there was an extra song (“When Love Is Gone”) that was removed at the insistence of a pushy Disney executive. Now, all these years later (and after one very close call), the song has been reinstated. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is finally whole.
This is the story of how the movie came to be, how it lost a song and how that song eventually was found again.
Uncertain Times
On May 16, 1990, Jim Henson died following a short illness. He was only 53. (It was ultimately ruled toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.)
At the time of his death, Henson was in negotiations to sell his company (and most of...
This is the story of how the movie came to be, how it lost a song and how that song eventually was found again.
Uncertain Times
On May 16, 1990, Jim Henson died following a short illness. He was only 53. (It was ultimately ruled toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.)
At the time of his death, Henson was in negotiations to sell his company (and most of...
- 12/21/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Since the death of Jim Henson in 1990, there has been a scramble to figure out what to do with his signature creation, The Muppets. Some of the attempts have been quite successful, and some have fallen flat on their face. Remember that primetime ABC mockumentary series from the 2010s? Yeah, best we all forget that ever happened. For many Muppet fans today, the solution seems fairly obvious: bring back "The Muppet Show." Back to basics. It seemed like the 2011 Jason Segel-led movie "The Muppets" was going to result in that, but Disney went in a different direction. It has been over 40 years since that original show went off the air, and reconfiguring it for today could be a joy.
Back in 1990, though, that was not the clear path. The Muppets had moved to the big screen and starred in three incredibly funny, successful films. Television was in the rear view.
Back in 1990, though, that was not the clear path. The Muppets had moved to the big screen and starred in three incredibly funny, successful films. Television was in the rear view.
- 12/3/2022
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
In the spring of 1992, the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Williams was walking in a park in the Los Angeles sunshine, thinking about Christmas. Sixteen years after first working with the Muppets, he was about to return to their colourful world, but he was apprehensive. Years of rock ’n roll debauchery having finally caught up with him, The Muppet Christmas Carol would be the first project he’d worked on sober in forever. Three decades later, he tells Empire, he needn’t have worried. “I sat on a bench and Scrooge’s song suddenly started coming to me: ‘Bom-bom-bom-bom… When a cold wind blows it chills you…’ I think I got as far as ‘There goes Mr Humbug, there goes Mr Grim / If they gave a prize for being mean, the winner would be him’ before I paused at all. I was like, 'Hey, that’s pretty good!' I was so...
- 12/1/2022
- by Owen Williams
- Empire - Movies
At this year's D23 Expo, Brian Henson announced that his directorial debut "The Muppet Christmas Carol" would finally be coming to Disney+ in its complete and uncut form later this year. After a number of years of trying, the studio has finally found a way to properly restore the song "When Love Is Gone" to the film, so now it can be viewed the way it was originally intended.
However, "original" is a relative term in this instance because this beloved holiday classic that has become a seasonal staple for three decades was originally intended to be a TV special similar to the recent "Muppets Haunted Mansion." During the panel celebrating the film's legacy — and the new life it's about to receive thanks to this release — Henson shared the origins of what is regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations of Charles Dickens' iconic tale to date.
/Film's Dalin Rowell...
However, "original" is a relative term in this instance because this beloved holiday classic that has become a seasonal staple for three decades was originally intended to be a TV special similar to the recent "Muppets Haunted Mansion." During the panel celebrating the film's legacy — and the new life it's about to receive thanks to this release — Henson shared the origins of what is regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations of Charles Dickens' iconic tale to date.
/Film's Dalin Rowell...
- 9/14/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
Exclusive updated with NBCU response and clarification: More than a year after Ron Meyer suddenly was shown the door at NBCUniversal over an affair, a payout by him and alleged extortion attempt against him, the former vice chairman of the Comcast-owned company has received a payout of his own.
In a deal negotiated by Hollywood heavyweight attorney Patricia Glaser, Meyer has landed a settlement in the realm of $20 million, we hear. Months in the making, the confidential agreement came together in late September, with all the parties signing off on the specifics. In a larger sense, there were millions more paid to Meyer over the past year such as his final salary, pension and some stock.
Contacted by Deadline this morning, the Glaser Weil litigator said, “We are prohibited from commenting because of a confidentiality clause.” NBCUniversal declined to comment on the matter or the settlement.
Of course, as...
In a deal negotiated by Hollywood heavyweight attorney Patricia Glaser, Meyer has landed a settlement in the realm of $20 million, we hear. Months in the making, the confidential agreement came together in late September, with all the parties signing off on the specifics. In a larger sense, there were millions more paid to Meyer over the past year such as his final salary, pension and some stock.
Contacted by Deadline this morning, the Glaser Weil litigator said, “We are prohibited from commenting because of a confidentiality clause.” NBCUniversal declined to comment on the matter or the settlement.
Of course, as...
- 10/6/2021
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
‘This Is Our Life’s Work’: CAA’s Leaders on WGA Fight, Dealmaking Challenges and Succession Planning
Kevin Huvane, Richard Lovett and Bryan Lourd are mad as hell. Exasperated, frustrated and, by their own admission, a little beaten down after a nearly two-year battle with a most unexpected foe: the Writers Guild of America.
The three longtime leaders of CAA have had enough of being told by outsiders what they should and shouldn’t be doing to run Hollywood’s most powerful agency and what they can and can’t do to keep pace with the media giants that command the global entertainment business.
CAA’s ruling triumvirate got so fed up with the WGA impasse — which keeps the agency from representing writer clients — that they broke with their tradition of staying out of the press to speak out about what they see as existential threats facing the myriad artists they represent. CAA also took the rare step of making more than a dozen department heads and...
The three longtime leaders of CAA have had enough of being told by outsiders what they should and shouldn’t be doing to run Hollywood’s most powerful agency and what they can and can’t do to keep pace with the media giants that command the global entertainment business.
CAA’s ruling triumvirate got so fed up with the WGA impasse — which keeps the agency from representing writer clients — that they broke with their tradition of staying out of the press to speak out about what they see as existential threats facing the myriad artists they represent. CAA also took the rare step of making more than a dozen department heads and...
- 11/25/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with more details: The town is absorbing the shocking news about the abrupt exit of NBCUniversal vice chairman Ron Meyer because of an admitted extramarital affair, a settlement, and a disclosure to higher-ups that an alleged extortion attempt was made.
Meyer had always been considered a “mensch,” a former Marine who could be tough when he had to be when he, Mike Ovitz and a few others built CAA into a powerhouse that swung the pendulum in favor of actors and filmmakers before moving to Universal, but also one of the nicer and more supportive upper echelon agent/executives in a town not known for that.
It was known in town that Meyer had his vices, women and gambling some who know him told Deadline. “That’s just Ronny,” said one who was lamenting today that Meyer has to have this event blot a great career and that the...
Meyer had always been considered a “mensch,” a former Marine who could be tough when he had to be when he, Mike Ovitz and a few others built CAA into a powerhouse that swung the pendulum in favor of actors and filmmakers before moving to Universal, but also one of the nicer and more supportive upper echelon agent/executives in a town not known for that.
It was known in town that Meyer had his vices, women and gambling some who know him told Deadline. “That’s just Ronny,” said one who was lamenting today that Meyer has to have this event blot a great career and that the...
- 8/18/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
John Saavedra May 20, 2019
Hulu's bringing Stephen King's epic fantasy novel The Eyes of the Dragon to the small screen!
Stephen King's epic fantasy novel, The Eyes of the Dragon, is in development as a TV series at Hulu, according to Deadline. A departure from King's usual horror fare, the novel tells the story of murder, dark magic, and a contested throne set in the kingdom of Delain and features the writer's most infamous recurring villain, Flagg.
The pilot is being written by Seth Grahame-Smith (Dark Shadows), who is also in place as showrunner. It's being produced by Fox 21, along with Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg, Bill Haber, Roy Lee, and Jon Berg.
“I am so excited to be working in the world of Stephen King with Hulu, which has such a terrific track record with Stephen King adaptations,” Grahame-Smith told Deadline. “The goal for this series is to feel...
Hulu's bringing Stephen King's epic fantasy novel The Eyes of the Dragon to the small screen!
Stephen King's epic fantasy novel, The Eyes of the Dragon, is in development as a TV series at Hulu, according to Deadline. A departure from King's usual horror fare, the novel tells the story of murder, dark magic, and a contested throne set in the kingdom of Delain and features the writer's most infamous recurring villain, Flagg.
The pilot is being written by Seth Grahame-Smith (Dark Shadows), who is also in place as showrunner. It's being produced by Fox 21, along with Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg, Bill Haber, Roy Lee, and Jon Berg.
“I am so excited to be working in the world of Stephen King with Hulu, which has such a terrific track record with Stephen King adaptations,” Grahame-Smith told Deadline. “The goal for this series is to feel...
- 5/20/2019
- Den of Geek
In addition to The Dark Tower series and The Talisman (co-written with Peter Straub), Stephen King dove headfirst into the world of fantasy with The Eyes of the Dragon, and now the novel (first published in 1984 before getting the mass market treatment in 1987) could be coming to life on screen, as Hulu has won a bidding battle for the rights to adapt The Eyes of the Dragon.
Deadline reports that Hulu is developing a pilot episode for a potential series adaptation of King's The Eyes of the Dragon. Hulu is teaming up with Fox 21 for the pilot episode, which is being executive produced by Bill Haber, Roy Lee, Jon Berg, David Katzenberg, and Seth Grahame-Smith, the lattermost of whom is also writing the first episode and will serve as showrunner if the series gets the green light.
Here's what Grahame-Smith told Deadline about The Eyes of the Dragon adaptation:
“I...
Deadline reports that Hulu is developing a pilot episode for a potential series adaptation of King's The Eyes of the Dragon. Hulu is teaming up with Fox 21 for the pilot episode, which is being executive produced by Bill Haber, Roy Lee, Jon Berg, David Katzenberg, and Seth Grahame-Smith, the lattermost of whom is also writing the first episode and will serve as showrunner if the series gets the green light.
Here's what Grahame-Smith told Deadline about The Eyes of the Dragon adaptation:
“I...
- 5/17/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Exclusive: For those wondering how they will possibly survive without Game of Thrones after Sunday’s finale, maybe there’s epic fantasy life beyond Westeros. How about an epic fantasy series adaptation of a bestselling Stephen King novel, one that taps into the mythology of King’s epic Dark Tower and even shares a major villain character from the author’s masterwork, The Stand? It has the requisite faeries, elves and dragons of the fantasy fare — sans the fiery genocide and sexual brutality that was a trademark of Got.
Hulu has made a deal to develop a pilot based on the King novel Eyes of the Dragon, which was first published in 1984. Seth Grahame-Smith (Lego Batman Movie) is writing the opening episode and serving as the showrunner. Fox 21 is the studio. Grahame and his KatzSmith partner David Katzenberg will be exec producers along with Bill Haber, Roy Lee and Jon Berg.
Hulu has made a deal to develop a pilot based on the King novel Eyes of the Dragon, which was first published in 1984. Seth Grahame-Smith (Lego Batman Movie) is writing the opening episode and serving as the showrunner. Fox 21 is the studio. Grahame and his KatzSmith partner David Katzenberg will be exec producers along with Bill Haber, Roy Lee and Jon Berg.
- 5/17/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Looks like the Stephen King novel Joyland is next on the adaptation chopping block as today we have word via THR that Freeform will be turning King’s 2013 novel into a potential series. Bill Haber will executive produce alongside Chris Pena (Jane the Virgin). Cyrus Nowrasteh writes the adaptation and produce. “We are honored to […]
The post Stephen King’s Joyland Series Coming From Freeform appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Stephen King’s Joyland Series Coming From Freeform appeared first on Dread Central.
- 11/2/2018
- by Mike Sprague
- DreadCentral.com
A haunting coming-of-age tale (and one hell of a murder mystery) set against the backdrop of an East Coast amusement park, Stephen King's Joyland (originally published by Hard Case Crime in 2013) is being developed as a TV series by Freeform:
Press Release: Freeform announced today that it has put into development “Joyland,” a series based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. “Joyland” tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town, confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
“We are honored to be working with Stephen King – a master storyteller who understands the importance of culturally embedded tales that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level,” said Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming and Development, Freeform.
Press Release: Freeform announced today that it has put into development “Joyland,” a series based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. “Joyland” tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town, confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
“We are honored to be working with Stephen King – a master storyteller who understands the importance of culturally embedded tales that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level,” said Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming and Development, Freeform.
- 11/1/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
In today’s TV news roundup, Freeform announced the development of the new Stephen King series “Joyland” and Netflix renewed “Castlevania” for a third season.
Dates
Oxygen’s upcoming TV docu-special “Up and Vanished” is set to premiere Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Et/Pt. Based on a true-crime podcast of the same name, “Up and Vanished” will follow the case of Tara Grinstead, a school teacher and former beauty queen, who went missing from Ocilla, Georgia, in 2005. Original host Payne Lindsey will return for the special, picking up the case from where the podcast left off in 2017.
Development
Freeform announced the development of the new series “Joyland” based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The show will follow college student Devin who must confront the legacy of a vicious murder after taking a summer job at a North Carolina amusement park. Cyrus Nowrasteh is set to write...
Dates
Oxygen’s upcoming TV docu-special “Up and Vanished” is set to premiere Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Et/Pt. Based on a true-crime podcast of the same name, “Up and Vanished” will follow the case of Tara Grinstead, a school teacher and former beauty queen, who went missing from Ocilla, Georgia, in 2005. Original host Payne Lindsey will return for the special, picking up the case from where the podcast left off in 2017.
Development
Freeform announced the development of the new series “Joyland” based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. The show will follow college student Devin who must confront the legacy of a vicious murder after taking a summer job at a North Carolina amusement park. Cyrus Nowrasteh is set to write...
- 10/31/2018
- by Nate Nickolai
- Variety Film + TV
Joseph Baxter Oct 31, 2018
Freeform is getting its own Stephen King project in the form of a TV adaptation of the author’s 2013 novel, Joyland.
Stephen King projects continue to overrun developmental slates in the entertainment industry, and it doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. Now, the Kingaissance phenomenon is homing in on a new platform in Disney’s young-adult-aimed cable channel, Freeform, which is ready to welcome a TV adaptation of one the horror master’s more recent literary efforts, Joyland.
Freeform will continue to tout its evolution after its recent rebranding from ABC Family, now set to take the Stephen King plunge with a TV series adapting the author’s 2013 horror novel, Joyland. The novel is a hybrid of a whodunnit murder mystery and a ghost story, following the exploits of a college student named Devin, whose summer job at a North Carolina amusement park leads him...
Freeform is getting its own Stephen King project in the form of a TV adaptation of the author’s 2013 novel, Joyland.
Stephen King projects continue to overrun developmental slates in the entertainment industry, and it doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. Now, the Kingaissance phenomenon is homing in on a new platform in Disney’s young-adult-aimed cable channel, Freeform, which is ready to welcome a TV adaptation of one the horror master’s more recent literary efforts, Joyland.
Freeform will continue to tout its evolution after its recent rebranding from ABC Family, now set to take the Stephen King plunge with a TV series adapting the author’s 2013 horror novel, Joyland. The novel is a hybrid of a whodunnit murder mystery and a ghost story, following the exploits of a college student named Devin, whose summer job at a North Carolina amusement park leads him...
- 10/31/2018
- Den of Geek
Freeform is looking to give its young viewers a scare, with a little help from Stephen King.
The cable channel has put “Joyland,” a series based on the famous horror author’s novel of the same name, into development, the Disney-owned network announced Wednesday.
Per Freeform, the TV adaptation tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town where he confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
Also Read: 'The Fosters' Spinoff 'Good Trouble' Gets Premiere Date (Video)
“We are honored to be working with Stephen King – a master storyteller who understands the importance of culturally embedded tales that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level,” said Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming and Development,...
The cable channel has put “Joyland,” a series based on the famous horror author’s novel of the same name, into development, the Disney-owned network announced Wednesday.
Per Freeform, the TV adaptation tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town where he confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
Also Read: 'The Fosters' Spinoff 'Good Trouble' Gets Premiere Date (Video)
“We are honored to be working with Stephen King – a master storyteller who understands the importance of culturally embedded tales that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level,” said Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming and Development,...
- 10/31/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Stephen King’s Joyland is in the works for the small screen. Freeform has put into development Joyland, a series based on the King novel, from writers Chris Peña (Jane the Virgin) and Cyrus Nowrasteh (The Stoning of Soraya M.) and Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions (Valor).
Joyland tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town, confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
Peña and Nowrasteh are set to write the pilot script and produce. Haber will executive produce via his Ostar Productions.
Veteran producer Haber served as executive producer on the CW’s Beauty and the Beast, TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles and most recently CW’s military drama series Valor.
“We are honored to be working with Stephen...
Joyland tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town, confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
Peña and Nowrasteh are set to write the pilot script and produce. Haber will executive produce via his Ostar Productions.
Veteran producer Haber served as executive producer on the CW’s Beauty and the Beast, TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles and most recently CW’s military drama series Valor.
“We are honored to be working with Stephen...
- 10/31/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform is taking a page from Stephen King's world.
The younger-skewing, Disney-owned cable network has put King's 2013 novel Joyland in development as a potential drama series.
Joyland tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town, confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions (The CW's Valor) will executive produce Joyland alongside Chris Pena (Jane the Virgin) and Cyrus Nowrasteh (The Stoning of Soraya ...
The younger-skewing, Disney-owned cable network has put King's 2013 novel Joyland in development as a potential drama series.
Joyland tells the story of Devin, a college student who takes a summer job at an amusement park in a North Carolina tourist town, confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child and the way both will change his life forever.
Bill Haber’s Ostar Productions (The CW's Valor) will executive produce Joyland alongside Chris Pena (Jane the Virgin) and Cyrus Nowrasteh (The Stoning of Soraya ...
- 10/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Michael Ovitz was ever the master of both confession and concealment — the shared confidence that really wasn’t, or the backdoor whisper that had to be denied. When I was pursuing him, in a reportorial sense, for a 1986 Wall Street Journal profile, for instance, he struck a pose of complete resistance. But he also had a certain highly placed studio executive spend two hours of expensive office time answering 50 or 100 detailed questions. Responding by proxy allowed him to say that he hadn’t helped, a fiction he maintains to this day. “Though I’d declined to cooperate with the Journal, I thought the story could help our business,” he writes on page 194 of his new memoir, Who Is Michael Ovitz?, from Portfolio/Penguin.
So it’s hard to know what to make of a book that purports to come clean about perhaps the most complicated and consequential career in modern...
So it’s hard to know what to make of a book that purports to come clean about perhaps the most complicated and consequential career in modern...
- 10/1/2018
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Rowland Perkins, who launched Creative Artists Agency with Michael Ovitz, Ron Meyer, Bill Haber, and Michael Rosenfeld, died Wednesday of pneumonia in Sherman Oaks, Calif. He was 84.
Perkins died at the Village retirement community, his daughter Kamala James told Variety.
“Our hearts are heavy today. All of us at CAA send our heartfelt condolences to Rowland’s cherished family,” CAA said in a statement. “We hope they find some measure of comfort in knowing the depth of our gratitude for his friendship and leadership, and that Rowland’s legacy lives on in the hallways of every CAA office around the world.”
Perkins was a native of Los Angeles. He served for two years in the U.S. Navy, graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, then broke into show business at the William Morris Agency in 1959. He started in the Wma mailroom, initiated its TV talent division...
Perkins died at the Village retirement community, his daughter Kamala James told Variety.
“Our hearts are heavy today. All of us at CAA send our heartfelt condolences to Rowland’s cherished family,” CAA said in a statement. “We hope they find some measure of comfort in knowing the depth of our gratitude for his friendship and leadership, and that Rowland’s legacy lives on in the hallways of every CAA office around the world.”
Perkins was a native of Los Angeles. He served for two years in the U.S. Navy, graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, then broke into show business at the William Morris Agency in 1959. He started in the Wma mailroom, initiated its TV talent division...
- 8/10/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with additional quote: Rowland Perkins, considered the elder gentleman of the original founders of Creative Artists Agency, has died. He was 84. Perkins was actually the first president of the talent agency when it began back in 1975 in the old Hong Kong bank building on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. He was made president when the founders put all their names in a hat and his was pulled out.
Perkins was a known agent in town when the agency began, and also had the only client making money at the time — William Conrad.
The hierarchy eventually changed at CAA, but Perkins remained ever loyal to the talent agency and stayed until 1993, when he moved into an advisory capacity. But for about two decades, he was a packaging agent for the television division where he handled some major clients including Aaron Spelling Productions and TV/Broadway producer George Schaefer. He worked alongside TV powerhouses Bill Haber,...
Perkins was a known agent in town when the agency began, and also had the only client making money at the time — William Conrad.
The hierarchy eventually changed at CAA, but Perkins remained ever loyal to the talent agency and stayed until 1993, when he moved into an advisory capacity. But for about two decades, he was a packaging agent for the television division where he handled some major clients including Aaron Spelling Productions and TV/Broadway producer George Schaefer. He worked alongside TV powerhouses Bill Haber,...
- 8/9/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
The CW has made it official, opting not to bring back freshman military drama Valor for a second season.
Valor, starring Matt Barr and Christina Ochoa, underperformed in ratings and failed to receive a back-nine order. The show’s stars already signed on to new gigs as series regulars in pilots — the CW’s Skinny Dip and ABC’s ensemble drama pilot A Million Little Things, which is certain to go to series, respectively.
In Valor, the boundaries between military discipline and human desire were tested on a U.S. Army base that houses an elite unit of helicopter pilots trained to perform clandestine international and domestic missions. The drama unfolded in the present as well as in flashbacks to a failed mission involving one of the first female pilots in the unit, ultimately uncovering layers of personal and government/military secrets and leading to a season-long plan to rescue a group of Mia soldiers.
Valor, starring Matt Barr and Christina Ochoa, underperformed in ratings and failed to receive a back-nine order. The show’s stars already signed on to new gigs as series regulars in pilots — the CW’s Skinny Dip and ABC’s ensemble drama pilot A Million Little Things, which is certain to go to series, respectively.
In Valor, the boundaries between military discipline and human desire were tested on a U.S. Army base that houses an elite unit of helicopter pilots trained to perform clandestine international and domestic missions. The drama unfolded in the present as well as in flashbacks to a failed mission involving one of the first female pilots in the unit, ultimately uncovering layers of personal and government/military secrets and leading to a season-long plan to rescue a group of Mia soldiers.
- 5/8/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Valor” has been canceled by the CW after one season.
The military drama that followed an elite unit of U.S. Army helicopter pilots starred Matt Barr, Christina Ochoa, Charlie Barnett, Corbin Reid, W. Tre Davis, Nigel Thatch and Melissa Roxburgh. The series came from executive producers Bill Haber, Anna Fricke and Kyle Jarrow, and was a co-production from CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television.
“Valor” debuted on the CW’s fall 2018 schedule but failed to receive the back-nine pickup. Its season concluded in late January 2018 with an average of 958,000 total viewers and a rating of 0.21 in the 18-49 demo. “Valor” actually beat the CW’s freshman series “Dynasty” in the ratings. However, “Dynasty” was among the 10 series the network renewed back in April.
More to come…...
The military drama that followed an elite unit of U.S. Army helicopter pilots starred Matt Barr, Christina Ochoa, Charlie Barnett, Corbin Reid, W. Tre Davis, Nigel Thatch and Melissa Roxburgh. The series came from executive producers Bill Haber, Anna Fricke and Kyle Jarrow, and was a co-production from CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television.
“Valor” debuted on the CW’s fall 2018 schedule but failed to receive the back-nine pickup. Its season concluded in late January 2018 with an average of 958,000 total viewers and a rating of 0.21 in the 18-49 demo. “Valor” actually beat the CW’s freshman series “Dynasty” in the ratings. However, “Dynasty” was among the 10 series the network renewed back in April.
More to come…...
- 5/8/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
CW has been busy the last few days, recently ordering the Lucy Hale series Life Sentence and Black Lighting, the next DC Comics adaptation to be picked up by the network. Now Deadline is reporting that CW has also picked up the series Valor.
Related: Black Lighting Officially Picked Up By The CW
Valor is a military drama/conspiracy thriller starring Matt Barr. The series is written by Kyle Jarrow. The addition to this series comes after a longtime effort by Mark Pedowitz, the CW President, to launch a military-themed series on the network. In this series the lines between military discipline and human desires are tested on a U.S. Army base that houses an elite group of helicopter pilots. The stories will unfold in the present time as well as flashbacks to a failed mission that involved one of the first female pilots on the unit. This leads...
Related: Black Lighting Officially Picked Up By The CW
Valor is a military drama/conspiracy thriller starring Matt Barr. The series is written by Kyle Jarrow. The addition to this series comes after a longtime effort by Mark Pedowitz, the CW President, to launch a military-themed series on the network. In this series the lines between military discipline and human desires are tested on a U.S. Army base that houses an elite group of helicopter pilots. The stories will unfold in the present time as well as flashbacks to a failed mission that involved one of the first female pilots on the unit. This leads...
- 5/11/2017
- by Emmanuel Gomez
- LRMonline.com
A conspiracy is brewing at The CW.
RelatedDynasty Reboot Snags Formal Series Order at The CW
The network on Wednesday gave an official series order to the military drama Valor, which stars Matt Barr (Sleepy Hollow) and Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom) as a pair of elite helicopter pilots who uncover a twisted secret about a botched mission to Somalia that left American servicemen in enemy hands.
Valor also stars Charlie Barnett (Chicago Fire), W. Trè Davis (Shades of Blue), Corbin Reid (How to Get Away With Murder), Nigel Thatch (Selma) and Melissa Roxburgh (Star Trek Beyond).
The executive-producing team includes...
RelatedDynasty Reboot Snags Formal Series Order at The CW
The network on Wednesday gave an official series order to the military drama Valor, which stars Matt Barr (Sleepy Hollow) and Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom) as a pair of elite helicopter pilots who uncover a twisted secret about a botched mission to Somalia that left American servicemen in enemy hands.
Valor also stars Charlie Barnett (Chicago Fire), W. Trè Davis (Shades of Blue), Corbin Reid (How to Get Away With Murder), Nigel Thatch (Selma) and Melissa Roxburgh (Star Trek Beyond).
The executive-producing team includes...
- 5/10/2017
- TVLine.com
The CW has made its second new series pickup for next season, the military drama “Valor,” the network announced Wednesday. “Valor” will join “Dynasty” on the network’s roster of new series. The series stars Matt Barr, Christina Ochoa, Charlie Barnett, W. Trè Davis, Corbin Reid, Nigel Thatch and Melissa Roxburgh. Also Read: The CW Cancels 'Frequency,' 'No Tomorrow' From CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Bill Haber, Anna Fricke, Kyle Jarrow and Michael Robin, “Valor” is about how the boundaries between military discipline and human desire are tested on a Us Army base that houses an elite unit of.
- 5/10/2017
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
The History Channel is Developing a New Anthology Series About U.S. Presidents Called The Commanders
If you're a history buff like I am, or if you're just interested in learning more about U.S. Presidents of the past, you're gonna want to watch this new series that The History Channel is developing. It's called The Commanders, and it's an anthology series that "will dramatize the biggest moments in American history and those that served as commander-in-chief."
The limited series is said to range from four to ten hours long and it will focus on presidents including Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. According to THR, History Channel is also internally developing projects on George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower.
The stories that the network plans on telling come from a collection of books that they have optioned including The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton by Peter Baker, Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris, Thomas Jefferson...
The limited series is said to range from four to ten hours long and it will focus on presidents including Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. According to THR, History Channel is also internally developing projects on George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower.
The stories that the network plans on telling come from a collection of books that they have optioned including The Breach: Inside the Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton by Peter Baker, Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris, Thomas Jefferson...
- 3/26/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
TNT has canceled “Rizzoli and Isles,” and the upcoming seventh season will be its last, the company announced Thursday. The series following a detective (Angie Harmon) working with a medical examiner (Sasha Alexander) to solve Boston homicide cases will return this summer with a final 13 episodes. “Rizzoli & Isles,” produced for TNT by Warner Horizon Television and Bill Haber‘s Ostar Productions, finished this past summer as basic cable’s number 1 series, and has ranked as one of basic cable’s top five series for five years in a row. Also Read: TBS, TNT Set Creative Development and Production Teams Under President Kevin.
- 1/7/2016
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Gilmore Girls
While negotiations with cast members are still ongoing, Warner Bros. TV seems pretty sure their proposed four TV movie continuation of beloved childhood drama series "Gilmore Girls" on Netflix will go ahead. how sure? TV Line reports that the sets are already being constructed which means shooting will begin quite soon.
The Path
Hulu has set a March 30th premiere date for its ten episode drama series "The Path" (previously titled "The Way"). Jessica Goldberg ("Parenthood"), Jason Katims and Michelle Lee will executive produce.
Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan, Hugh Dancy and Rockmond Dunbar stars in the story about a family at the center of a controversial cult as they struggle with relationships, faith and power. [Source: Variety]
The 4th Kingdom
"Game of Thrones" executive producer Vince Gerardis is set to develop the $40 million high-octane adventure series "The 4th Kingdom". Paul Chart ("Children of Men," "The Book of Life") penned the...
While negotiations with cast members are still ongoing, Warner Bros. TV seems pretty sure their proposed four TV movie continuation of beloved childhood drama series "Gilmore Girls" on Netflix will go ahead. how sure? TV Line reports that the sets are already being constructed which means shooting will begin quite soon.
The Path
Hulu has set a March 30th premiere date for its ten episode drama series "The Path" (previously titled "The Way"). Jessica Goldberg ("Parenthood"), Jason Katims and Michelle Lee will executive produce.
Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan, Hugh Dancy and Rockmond Dunbar stars in the story about a family at the center of a controversial cult as they struggle with relationships, faith and power. [Source: Variety]
The 4th Kingdom
"Game of Thrones" executive producer Vince Gerardis is set to develop the $40 million high-octane adventure series "The 4th Kingdom". Paul Chart ("Children of Men," "The Book of Life") penned the...
- 12/9/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
CBS is developing Now You See Her, a legal drama based on the book by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. Blue Bloods executive producer Siobhan Byrne O’Connor is penning the adaptation and executive producing with Patterson, Bill Haber, Bill Robinson and Leopoldo Gout. CBS TV Studios, where James Patterson Entertainment has a first-look deal, is the studio. Now You See Her centers on a successful attorney at a boutique New York City law firm who is hiding her true…...
- 12/8/2015
- Deadline TV
Janet McTeer, Eddie Marsan and Ben Daniels have joined Film House Germany / Egoli Tossell Film’s WWII spy drama. Lotus Entertainment handles international sales.
David Leveaux directs the previously announced Lily James, Jai Courtney and Christopher Plummer, the star of Film House Germany / Egoli Tossell Film’s Remember that went down well in Venice and receives its North American premiere tonight [Sept 12].
Silver Reel has come on to finance the film, which has begun shooting in Belgium.
Umedia co-produces the Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Enterprises production and handles the Belgian financing, service production and effects.
Simon Burke adapted the screenplay from the novel by Alan Judd about a plot to extract Kaiser Wilhelm from Nazi-occupied Holland and bring him to England.
Judy Tossell and Lou Pitt produce and Bill Haber, Phil Geier, Claudia Bluemhuber and Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel serve as executive producers.
David Leveaux directs the previously announced Lily James, Jai Courtney and Christopher Plummer, the star of Film House Germany / Egoli Tossell Film’s Remember that went down well in Venice and receives its North American premiere tonight [Sept 12].
Silver Reel has come on to finance the film, which has begun shooting in Belgium.
Umedia co-produces the Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Enterprises production and handles the Belgian financing, service production and effects.
Simon Burke adapted the screenplay from the novel by Alan Judd about a plot to extract Kaiser Wilhelm from Nazi-occupied Holland and bring him to England.
Judy Tossell and Lou Pitt produce and Bill Haber, Phil Geier, Claudia Bluemhuber and Lotus Entertainment’s Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel serve as executive producers.
- 9/11/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Janet McTeer, Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes) and Ben Daniels (Locke) have joined Lily James, Jai Courtney and Christopher Plummer in the David Leveaux directed The Kaiser’s Last Kiss from Film House Germany's Egoli Tossell Films. Written by Simon Burke and based on the novel by Alan Judd, the project is also an Ostar Enterprises production. Silver Reel is financing the film. Bill Haber, Phil Geier, Claudia Bluemhuber, Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel executive producing. Lotus…...
- 9/11/2015
- Deadline
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Film House Germany’s Egoli Tossell Film has tapped Jai Courtney to star opposite Lily James (Cinderella, Wrath Of The Titans) in The Kaiser’S Last Kiss which will be directed by David Leveaux. The film will also star Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer (Beginners, The Last Station, Remember) as the Kaiser.
The Kaiser’S Last Kiss takes place around the 1940 invasion of Holland which brings the Nazis face to face with their former monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm (Christopher Plummer) – exiled to the Netherlands since 1917. In an effort to thwart the Nazis, the Dutch resistance work covertly with Winston Churchill in inserting an agent into the Kaiser’s household. A lethally dangerous love affair ignites between a German officer (Courtney) and a young Jewish Dutch woman (James) with consequences that neither they nor the Kaiser himself could have foreseen. As the Nazis race to identify and eliminate the agent,...
Film House Germany’s Egoli Tossell Film has tapped Jai Courtney to star opposite Lily James (Cinderella, Wrath Of The Titans) in The Kaiser’S Last Kiss which will be directed by David Leveaux. The film will also star Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer (Beginners, The Last Station, Remember) as the Kaiser.
The Kaiser’S Last Kiss takes place around the 1940 invasion of Holland which brings the Nazis face to face with their former monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm (Christopher Plummer) – exiled to the Netherlands since 1917. In an effort to thwart the Nazis, the Dutch resistance work covertly with Winston Churchill in inserting an agent into the Kaiser’s household. A lethally dangerous love affair ignites between a German officer (Courtney) and a young Jewish Dutch woman (James) with consequences that neither they nor the Kaiser himself could have foreseen. As the Nazis race to identify and eliminate the agent,...
- 7/7/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
As the Cannes market opens for business, Film House Germany's Egoli Tossell has tapped Leveaux to helm "The Kaiser's Last Kiss" starring Lily James ("Cinderella," "Downton Abbey") and Oscar-winner Christopher Plummer. Written by Simon Burke and based on the novel by Alan Judd, the film will pivot on the 1940 invasion of Holland that brings the Nazis face to face with their former monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm, who was exiled to the Netherlands in 1917. In an effort to thwart the Nazis, the Dutch resistance work covertly with Winston Churchill in inserting an agent into the Kaiser's household. A lethally dangerous love affair ignites between a German officer and a young Jewish Dutch woman with consequences that neither they nor the Kaiser himself could have foreseen. "The Kaiser's Last Kiss" is an Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Enterprises production. Judy Tossell and Lou Pitt are producing and Bill Haber and Phil Geier are executive producing.
- 5/13/2015
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
The stars have aligned on several late-breaking projects in Cannes as Sierra/Affinity brings a Liam Neeson spy thriller and Lotus Entertainment boards a WWII thriller with Lily James and Christopher Plummer.
Neeson is final negotiations to star in A Willing Patriot for MadRiver Pictures, which Martin Zandvliet will direct and centres on a CIA agent hunting a terrorist.
MadRiver fully finances and will produce while CAA, which packaged and arranged financing, expects to announce wide Us distribution during Cannes.
Jason Keller wrote the original script and will also produce alongside Film 360’s Guymon Casady and Darin Friedman and Hollywood Gang’s Gianni Nunnari.
Lotus Entertainment will commence talks with international buyers on The Kaiser’s Last Kiss from Film House Germany-owned Egoli Tossell Film starring James and Plummer.
Simon Burke adapted the screenplay from the novel by Alan Judd. The project is an Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Enterprises production.
Judy Tossell and [link...
Neeson is final negotiations to star in A Willing Patriot for MadRiver Pictures, which Martin Zandvliet will direct and centres on a CIA agent hunting a terrorist.
MadRiver fully finances and will produce while CAA, which packaged and arranged financing, expects to announce wide Us distribution during Cannes.
Jason Keller wrote the original script and will also produce alongside Film 360’s Guymon Casady and Darin Friedman and Hollywood Gang’s Gianni Nunnari.
Lotus Entertainment will commence talks with international buyers on The Kaiser’s Last Kiss from Film House Germany-owned Egoli Tossell Film starring James and Plummer.
Simon Burke adapted the screenplay from the novel by Alan Judd. The project is an Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Enterprises production.
Judy Tossell and [link...
- 5/11/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Lily James (“Cinderella”) and Oscar winner Christopher Plummer (“Beginners”) are set to star in “The Kaiser’s Last Kiss” for Film House Germany’s Egoli Tossell Film, which has tapped David Leveaux to direct the movie. Written by Simon Burke and based on the novel by Alan Judd, “The Kaiser’s Last Kiss” is an Egoli Tossell Film and Ostar Enterprises production. Judy Tossell and Lou Pitt are producing, while Bill Haber and Phil Geier are executive producing. Lotus Entertainment will introduce the project to foreign buyers at Cannes. In “The Kaiser’s Last Kiss,” notions of duty and love of country are tested against.
- 5/11/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Rizzoli & Isles has been around for five seasons, and the 18-episode release of the latest season is headed your way. It hits June 9th, and has some interesting bonus features.
The show has had some ups and downs, with some episodes feeling decidedly clunky, but it hasn’t hurt the ratings, and the show has become the hit of TNT.
The release puts this one in your hand in time for the sixth season premiere, in case you need to do any catching up and/or revisiting.
Check out all the info below, and make sure to pick up your copy.
Four-Disc Set Includes All 18 Episodes from the Show’s Fifth Season
Plus Never-Before-Seen Bonus Material
Get set for another exciting season of the chartbusting, suspenseful hit cable series Rizzoli & Isles, with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s (Wbhe) release of Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Fifth Season, available June 9, 2015. Angie Harmon...
The show has had some ups and downs, with some episodes feeling decidedly clunky, but it hasn’t hurt the ratings, and the show has become the hit of TNT.
The release puts this one in your hand in time for the sixth season premiere, in case you need to do any catching up and/or revisiting.
Check out all the info below, and make sure to pick up your copy.
Four-Disc Set Includes All 18 Episodes from the Show’s Fifth Season
Plus Never-Before-Seen Bonus Material
Get set for another exciting season of the chartbusting, suspenseful hit cable series Rizzoli & Isles, with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s (Wbhe) release of Rizzoli & Isles: The Complete Fifth Season, available June 9, 2015. Angie Harmon...
- 2/26/2015
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Exclusive: Indie drama Showing Roots is bringing one star of Alex Haley’s Roots full circle – just as the Emmy-winning landmark miniseries eyes a fast-tracked TV remake on the History Channel.
Set in a small Southern town circa 1977, the film stars Taken’s Maggie Grace as Violet and Orange Is The New Black’s Uzo Aduba as Pearl, two women who work in a local beauty parlor. They see the town’s balance turned upside down when the slavery miniseries Roots hits the airwaves and are inspired to integrate their community, only to see pent-up racial tensions erupt in the process.
Adam Brody will play Bud, an engineer who comes to town to fix a local bridge. Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern has been cast as Shirley, the beauty shop’s owner. Filming is underway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Coming full circle with the project is Oscar-nominee Cicely Tyson, who...
Set in a small Southern town circa 1977, the film stars Taken’s Maggie Grace as Violet and Orange Is The New Black’s Uzo Aduba as Pearl, two women who work in a local beauty parlor. They see the town’s balance turned upside down when the slavery miniseries Roots hits the airwaves and are inspired to integrate their community, only to see pent-up racial tensions erupt in the process.
Adam Brody will play Bud, an engineer who comes to town to fix a local bridge. Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern has been cast as Shirley, the beauty shop’s owner. Filming is underway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Coming full circle with the project is Oscar-nominee Cicely Tyson, who...
- 1/16/2015
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
Exclusive: Orange Is The New Black’s Uzo Aduba and Taken 3 star Maggie Grace will lead the cast of feature drama Showing Roots, about a small Southern town in 1977 whose balance is turned upside down when the slavery miniseries Roots hits the airwaves. Aduba and Grace will play two denizens of a local beauty parlor who are inspired by the Alex Haley adaptation to integrate their community, only to see pent-up racial tensions erupt in the process.
Filming is set to begin this month in Baton Rouge, Louisiana under veteran stage helmer Michael Wilson (The Trip to Bountiful), directing from a script penned by One Life to Live actress Susan Batten. Michael Mailer, Batten, and Nick Thurlow are producing and Bill Haber, Jeff Hayes, Alan Helene, and Jennifer Gelfer will serve as executive producers.
“I find that the subject matter has only gotten more relevant in this country,” said Mailer,...
Filming is set to begin this month in Baton Rouge, Louisiana under veteran stage helmer Michael Wilson (The Trip to Bountiful), directing from a script penned by One Life to Live actress Susan Batten. Michael Mailer, Batten, and Nick Thurlow are producing and Bill Haber, Jeff Hayes, Alan Helene, and Jennifer Gelfer will serve as executive producers.
“I find that the subject matter has only gotten more relevant in this country,” said Mailer,...
- 1/6/2015
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
Director Neema Barnette was recently honored at the 6th Annual Lady Filmmakers Festival, and rightfully so. She made history as the first African American Woman to direct a major network TV sitcom, and the first African American woman to get a major studio deal. She has won countless awards (including an Emmy, the NAACP Image Award, the Women in Radio & TV Award, the Lilly Award, and the Peabody Award to name a few) and is a shining example of what is possible for women in film.
Neema shares her thoughts on the Lady Filmmakers Festival, her inspiration and the beginnings of her career, and her own advice to women who are just embarking on their own journeys in film:
What was your impression of the Lady Filmmakers Festival?
I’ve been in many festivals with my film “Civil Brand”, which was at Sundance and won five other festivals, including the American Black Film Festival and the Urbanworld Film Festival. This festival was interesting because it focused on women and the men who work with them, which I’ve never seen before. That was really interesting. It also was very intimate and supportive. What I liked the most is how people came up to me after the first seminar and shared how excited and encouraged they were.
As an experienced female filmmaker and director, I truly understand the significance of this festival. There aren’t enough women directing in our business. Even though the statistics are low, we still have to keep moving them up. It is not true that women can’t fulfill their dreams of becoming filmmakers, and share their voices cinematically.
What was it like for you to start your film career, and what was the inspiration that kept you going?
I was very young, and never the kind of person who was told I couldn’t do things. In school, one of our teachers was Vinette Carol, a black director from the West Indies who directed plays on Broadway - I had never seen a black woman director before. When I was in college, Vinette was working with what was called Urban Arts Corps and chose me to act in her plays.
After that experience, I got a job at the Harlem Ymca as a drama and dance instructor for the summer. It was through this that I recreated Vinette Carol's plays with the kids. I really enjoyed it, and felt authentically creative in this process.
I joined a theater group in Harlem called The Frank Silver Writer's Workshop. They had a play and asked, “Who wants to direct it?” I was young and daring enough to raise my hand, and I did it! I really enjoyed directing that play, and knew it was what I wanted to do.
I was a young director when I got accepted to the American Film Institute. I knew how to work with actors, how to develop characters, but I didn’t know too much about filmmaking. My only film experience prior to this was at Third World Cinema in New York, which was made to train people in developing countries about film and television.
When I got to La, I did my film "Sky Captain"' and I was encouraged. I think my motivation came from my love for directing. It was what I loved to do, and I just kept doing it.
When I graduated and started getting hired as a professional director, I was in heaven. I was getting paid for what I love to do. I was also told things like “You’re too young to be a director,” and “directors are old, and you have to have experience,” but I just ignored that and said I’m directing. That’s it!
There were several people who were very encouraging, including Jean Ferstenburg, Gloria Steinem, and Roselyn Heller. Barbara Corday, Head of Columbia Television at the time, hired me and it was her decision that helped me to make history as the first African American woman to direct in television! I also had support from people like Paul Mason at Viacom, David Putnam at Columbia Pictures, Frank Price of Sony Pictures, Tom Werner of Carsey Werner TV, Robert Greenwald, Bill Haber at CAA and Hugh Wilson. I was kind of a novelty, and very appreciative for them to take a shot and give me opportunities to work.
What is your best advice for young women filmmakers?
I’ve been an adjunct professor at USC for seven years, and this is my 18th year at UCLA. I tell my students that they need to understand that nothing is easy, but when you have a passion for something, you just have to do it.
Now is a better time than ever, because you don’t have to be in Hollywood to make a movie. You can be in Kansas and use your iPhone to make a movie. The Internet has provided such a great creative outlet for young people to tell their stories. With things like the web series, it’s a very exciting time to be a filmmaker.
My advice is to find their tribe, their group of people with positivity, like minds and spirit. You need the honesty of what’s coming ahead, but you also need the inspiration to get you through it. That’s very important. You can’t be a filmmaker because you want to party and where all black at festivals. You have to have a voice, because film is one of the most important art forms for social change we have - even if it’s just pure entertainment, it’s still influential.
I think that we as women have to really stick together, and really understand that the images put on the screen will really affect generations to come. Film is in perpetuity, and we have a responsibility to say something real.
Positivity is important. It doesn’t make sense to keep complaining. The time that you spend complaining is the time that you could spend creating something. A lot of success isn’t all based on talent. It’s based on perseverance and building connections.
What projects are you working on?
I have a couple of projects that I’m working on. I’m writing a script about Ida B. Wells Barnett, one of the first black women to ever have a newspaper. She was active in the anti-lynching movement.
I’m also doing a family film called "Soccer Monkey" with Myrl Schreibman. It's exciting because it's something different from my usual. It’s a heart-warming film (being produced by Good Deed Productions) about a kind of lonely young kid who befriends a chimp who can play soccer. After dealing with films of very serious matters, it’s nice to change it up.
I’m also very excited about a web series that my husband and I started called Black History Mini Docs. They’re docs about black history and are about 90 seconds long. We started it a year ago on Facebook and have gotten so many positive responses.
My daughter, a playwright, has a new play that I'll be directing in New York soon. I’m absolutely thrilled about it!
Neema shares her thoughts on the Lady Filmmakers Festival, her inspiration and the beginnings of her career, and her own advice to women who are just embarking on their own journeys in film:
What was your impression of the Lady Filmmakers Festival?
I’ve been in many festivals with my film “Civil Brand”, which was at Sundance and won five other festivals, including the American Black Film Festival and the Urbanworld Film Festival. This festival was interesting because it focused on women and the men who work with them, which I’ve never seen before. That was really interesting. It also was very intimate and supportive. What I liked the most is how people came up to me after the first seminar and shared how excited and encouraged they were.
As an experienced female filmmaker and director, I truly understand the significance of this festival. There aren’t enough women directing in our business. Even though the statistics are low, we still have to keep moving them up. It is not true that women can’t fulfill their dreams of becoming filmmakers, and share their voices cinematically.
What was it like for you to start your film career, and what was the inspiration that kept you going?
I was very young, and never the kind of person who was told I couldn’t do things. In school, one of our teachers was Vinette Carol, a black director from the West Indies who directed plays on Broadway - I had never seen a black woman director before. When I was in college, Vinette was working with what was called Urban Arts Corps and chose me to act in her plays.
After that experience, I got a job at the Harlem Ymca as a drama and dance instructor for the summer. It was through this that I recreated Vinette Carol's plays with the kids. I really enjoyed it, and felt authentically creative in this process.
I joined a theater group in Harlem called The Frank Silver Writer's Workshop. They had a play and asked, “Who wants to direct it?” I was young and daring enough to raise my hand, and I did it! I really enjoyed directing that play, and knew it was what I wanted to do.
I was a young director when I got accepted to the American Film Institute. I knew how to work with actors, how to develop characters, but I didn’t know too much about filmmaking. My only film experience prior to this was at Third World Cinema in New York, which was made to train people in developing countries about film and television.
When I got to La, I did my film "Sky Captain"' and I was encouraged. I think my motivation came from my love for directing. It was what I loved to do, and I just kept doing it.
When I graduated and started getting hired as a professional director, I was in heaven. I was getting paid for what I love to do. I was also told things like “You’re too young to be a director,” and “directors are old, and you have to have experience,” but I just ignored that and said I’m directing. That’s it!
There were several people who were very encouraging, including Jean Ferstenburg, Gloria Steinem, and Roselyn Heller. Barbara Corday, Head of Columbia Television at the time, hired me and it was her decision that helped me to make history as the first African American woman to direct in television! I also had support from people like Paul Mason at Viacom, David Putnam at Columbia Pictures, Frank Price of Sony Pictures, Tom Werner of Carsey Werner TV, Robert Greenwald, Bill Haber at CAA and Hugh Wilson. I was kind of a novelty, and very appreciative for them to take a shot and give me opportunities to work.
What is your best advice for young women filmmakers?
I’ve been an adjunct professor at USC for seven years, and this is my 18th year at UCLA. I tell my students that they need to understand that nothing is easy, but when you have a passion for something, you just have to do it.
Now is a better time than ever, because you don’t have to be in Hollywood to make a movie. You can be in Kansas and use your iPhone to make a movie. The Internet has provided such a great creative outlet for young people to tell their stories. With things like the web series, it’s a very exciting time to be a filmmaker.
My advice is to find their tribe, their group of people with positivity, like minds and spirit. You need the honesty of what’s coming ahead, but you also need the inspiration to get you through it. That’s very important. You can’t be a filmmaker because you want to party and where all black at festivals. You have to have a voice, because film is one of the most important art forms for social change we have - even if it’s just pure entertainment, it’s still influential.
I think that we as women have to really stick together, and really understand that the images put on the screen will really affect generations to come. Film is in perpetuity, and we have a responsibility to say something real.
Positivity is important. It doesn’t make sense to keep complaining. The time that you spend complaining is the time that you could spend creating something. A lot of success isn’t all based on talent. It’s based on perseverance and building connections.
What projects are you working on?
I have a couple of projects that I’m working on. I’m writing a script about Ida B. Wells Barnett, one of the first black women to ever have a newspaper. She was active in the anti-lynching movement.
I’m also doing a family film called "Soccer Monkey" with Myrl Schreibman. It's exciting because it's something different from my usual. It’s a heart-warming film (being produced by Good Deed Productions) about a kind of lonely young kid who befriends a chimp who can play soccer. After dealing with films of very serious matters, it’s nice to change it up.
I’m also very excited about a web series that my husband and I started called Black History Mini Docs. They’re docs about black history and are about 90 seconds long. We started it a year ago on Facebook and have gotten so many positive responses.
My daughter, a playwright, has a new play that I'll be directing in New York soon. I’m absolutely thrilled about it!
- 10/27/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
This fall, Lifetime will take an uncharacteristic trip into horror lit with Big Driver, an adaptation of Stephen King’s same-named short story from his 2010 collection Full Dark, No Stars. Maria Bello stars in the grim and brutal pic, about an author who is brutally raped and assaulted by a truck driver, only to survive and return seeking vengeance.
The project is an unusual one for Lifetime, though the network has been branching out in recent years with increasingly dramatic original series like Witches of East End and The Lottery. Big Driver is also, like many of Lifetime’s programs, a tale of female empowerment led by a particularly steely protagonist.
Now, the suitably dark first trailer for the movie, which also stars Olympia Dukakis, Joan Gett, Ann Dowd and Will Harris, has arrived online. Check it out below, along with the official synopsis for the adaptation.
From a story by Stephen King,...
The project is an unusual one for Lifetime, though the network has been branching out in recent years with increasingly dramatic original series like Witches of East End and The Lottery. Big Driver is also, like many of Lifetime’s programs, a tale of female empowerment led by a particularly steely protagonist.
Now, the suitably dark first trailer for the movie, which also stars Olympia Dukakis, Joan Gett, Ann Dowd and Will Harris, has arrived online. Check it out below, along with the official synopsis for the adaptation.
From a story by Stephen King,...
- 9/24/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
We're closing in on the October 18th premiere date of Lifetime's upcoming "Big Driver" adaptation, and on tap today we have the film's official poster art to share plus over a dozen new stills. Check 'em out, and look for more soon!
About "Big Driver" on Lifetime:
From a story by Stephen King, "Big Driver" marks the first collaboration between Lifetime and King. This dark story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after falling victim to a brutal crime stars Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (A History of Violence).
Bello's co-stars include Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, film and television veteran Ann Dowd ("The Leftovers"), and Will Harris ("NCIS").
In "Big Driver" Tess Thorne (Bello), a famous and revered mystery and thriller writer, faces a long drive home following a book-signing engagement. But while driving on a lonely stretch of New England road,...
About "Big Driver" on Lifetime:
From a story by Stephen King, "Big Driver" marks the first collaboration between Lifetime and King. This dark story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after falling victim to a brutal crime stars Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (A History of Violence).
Bello's co-stars include Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, film and television veteran Ann Dowd ("The Leftovers"), and Will Harris ("NCIS").
In "Big Driver" Tess Thorne (Bello), a famous and revered mystery and thriller writer, faces a long drive home following a book-signing engagement. But while driving on a lonely stretch of New England road,...
- 9/11/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
From the looks of this effective new teaser trailer for its upcoming "Big Driver" film adaptation, Lifetime really seems to be trying to change its image and appeal to the horror crowd. Will it work? We'll find out October 18th.
About "Big Driver" on Lifetime:
From a story by Stephen King, "Big Driver" marks the first collaboration between Lifetime and King. This dark story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after falling victim to a brutal crime stars Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (A History of Violence).
Bello' co-stars include Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, film and television veteran Ann Dowd ("The Leftovers"), and Will Harris ("NCIS").
In "Big Driver" Tess Thorne (Bello), a famous and revered mystery and thriller writer, faces a long drive home following a book-signing engagement. But while driving on a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out,...
About "Big Driver" on Lifetime:
From a story by Stephen King, "Big Driver" marks the first collaboration between Lifetime and King. This dark story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after falling victim to a brutal crime stars Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (A History of Violence).
Bello' co-stars include Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, film and television veteran Ann Dowd ("The Leftovers"), and Will Harris ("NCIS").
In "Big Driver" Tess Thorne (Bello), a famous and revered mystery and thriller writer, faces a long drive home following a book-signing engagement. But while driving on a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out,...
- 9/2/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
A couple of months ago we learned that Lifetime was adapting Stephen King's "Big Driver" short story from his Full Dark, No Stars collection, and now the network has released some stills and revealed the film's premiere date.
About "Big Driver" on Lifetime:
From a story by Stephen King, "Big Driver" marks the first collaboration between Lifetime and King. This dark story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after falling victim to a brutal crime stars Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (A History of Violence).
Bello' co-stars include Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, film and television veteran Ann Dowd ("The Leftovers"), and Will Harris ("NCIS").
In "Big Driver" Tess Thorne (Bello), a famous and revered mystery and thriller writer, faces a long drive home following a book-signing engagement. But while driving on a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out,...
About "Big Driver" on Lifetime:
From a story by Stephen King, "Big Driver" marks the first collaboration between Lifetime and King. This dark story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after falling victim to a brutal crime stars Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (A History of Violence).
Bello' co-stars include Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, film and television veteran Ann Dowd ("The Leftovers"), and Will Harris ("NCIS").
In "Big Driver" Tess Thorne (Bello), a famous and revered mystery and thriller writer, faces a long drive home following a book-signing engagement. But while driving on a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out,...
- 8/26/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
Last year, the London Film Festival was bookended by a pair of Tom Hanks movies. This year, the fest is going in a different direction with opening- and closing-night films set during World War II. The event will open with The Imitation Game on October 8 and now has set David Ayer’s Fury as the capper on October 19. The pic stars Brad Pitt, Shia Labeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, and Jon Bernthal. Pitt and Ayer are confirmed to attend the closing-night festivities in Leicester Square with screenings to be simulcast to cinemas across the UK. The film is set in April 1945 as the Allies make their final push in the European Theater. A battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Pitt) commands a five-man Sherman tank crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines where they face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. Written and directed by Ayer,...
- 8/15/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
There's already one film on its way based on a story from the Stephen King collection Full Dark, No Stars, and now joining A Good Marriage is Big Driver on Lifetime, which will star Maria Bello, Olympia Dukakis, Joan Jett(!), and Will Harris.
From the Press Release:
From best-selling author and master of suspense Stephen King, comes the Lifetime Original Movie Big Driver, starring Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (pictured; A History of Violence), Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Sex & Violence, Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, and Will Harris (Sky High).
Set to premiere this fall, Big Driver was first published as a novella within King’s critically-acclaimed collection Full Dark, No Stars and tells the story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after the core of her psyche is broken following a brutal crime. The film marks Lifetime’s first collaboration with America’s foremost horror authority and begins production in Halifax,...
From the Press Release:
From best-selling author and master of suspense Stephen King, comes the Lifetime Original Movie Big Driver, starring Golden Globe nominee Maria Bello (pictured; A History of Violence), Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis (Sex & Violence, Steel Magnolias), Grammy nominee Joan Jett, and Will Harris (Sky High).
Set to premiere this fall, Big Driver was first published as a novella within King’s critically-acclaimed collection Full Dark, No Stars and tells the story of a young novelist hell-bent on revenge after the core of her psyche is broken following a brutal crime. The film marks Lifetime’s first collaboration with America’s foremost horror authority and begins production in Halifax,...
- 6/25/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
Exclusive: German outfit readies Hoffman, Plummer, Chelsom films, preps Us tie-up.
German production outfit Egoli Tossell Film and parent company Film House Germany, is in Cannes talking to investors about an impressive slate of projects in addition to market announcement Ivanhoe, the ambitious adventure film they are producing with Thunder Road founder Basil Iwanyk.
“We will have some exciting cast on Ivanhoe, including some big British talent,” Egoli Tossell’s Jens Meurer told Screen.
“The second major project we’re talking to investors about is English-language epic The Symphony,” continued The Last Station producer, in town with Film House’s Christian Angermayer.
Michael Hoffman, whom Egoli Tossell collaborated with on The Last Station, is newly attached to direct the film and will be in Cannes to discuss the film with investors.
Based on the true story of the daring performance of Dmitry Shostakovich’s 7th Symphony during the 900-day siege of the city by Nazi troops, Egoli...
German production outfit Egoli Tossell Film and parent company Film House Germany, is in Cannes talking to investors about an impressive slate of projects in addition to market announcement Ivanhoe, the ambitious adventure film they are producing with Thunder Road founder Basil Iwanyk.
“We will have some exciting cast on Ivanhoe, including some big British talent,” Egoli Tossell’s Jens Meurer told Screen.
“The second major project we’re talking to investors about is English-language epic The Symphony,” continued The Last Station producer, in town with Film House’s Christian Angermayer.
Michael Hoffman, whom Egoli Tossell collaborated with on The Last Station, is newly attached to direct the film and will be in Cannes to discuss the film with investors.
Based on the true story of the daring performance of Dmitry Shostakovich’s 7th Symphony during the 900-day siege of the city by Nazi troops, Egoli...
- 5/21/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
With its siblings Showtime and CBS tackling terrorism via Homeland and Hostages, respectively, the CW also is joining the fray. The network is putting its youthful stamp on the subject with an untitled project from Memphis Beat creators Liz W. Garcia and Joshua Harto and producer Bill Haber. Described as Alias meets Homeland, the untitled drama centers on a young female FBI agent with the New York City Joint Terrorism Task Force whose undercover assignment at a prestigious New York university becomes the focus of the entire agency when she discovers a vital terrorist cell hiding in plain sight. Garcia and Harto are writing the script and will exec produce with Haber for Warner Bros. TV and Haber’s Ostar Prods. The project reunites Harto and Haber with Warner Bros. whose cable division produced Memphis Beat for TNT. The duo, repped by CAA and Madhouse, also has Angel Time, a...
- 11/19/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Production is currently underway in Atlanta on a television adaptation of Tony-nominated Broadway revival The Trip To Bountiful. It’s set to premiere on Lifetime in 2014. Original cast members Cicely Tyson and Vanessa Williams star along with Blair Underwood (In Treatment) and Keke Palmer (CrazySexyCool). Trip To Bountiful tells the story of a woman’s quest to reconnect with her past in order to ensure her family’s future. Set during the final years of the Jim Crow South, it is the best-known work by Oscar-, Pulitzer- and Emmy-winning author Horton Foote. Michael Wilson, who directed the play, makes his television directorial debut with the project. Pic is produced by Ostar. Tyson, Bill Haber (The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not A Fairy Tale), Hallie Foote (Paranormal Activity 3) and Jeff Hayes (Rizzoli & Isles) are exec producers.
- 11/5/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Lifetime is adapting Tony-nominated Broadway hit, “The Trip to Bountiful.” Production is underway in Atlanta for a 2014 airdate. It will star Cicely Tyson (“The Help”) and Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”), who starred in the recent Broadway revival that ended in October. They will be joined by Blair Underwood (“In Treatment”) alongside Keke Palmer (“CrazySexyCool”). Michael Wilson, who directed the play, will make his television directorial debut with the project. Also read: Gabby Douglas Gets the Lifetime Biopic Treatment Produced by Ostar Productions, “The Trip to Bountiful” is executive produced by Bill Haber (“The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a...
- 11/5/2013
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Warner Bros Domestic Television Distribution a broadcast weekend off-net window for the TNT drama Rizzoli & Isles in 95% of the country for a fall 2015 debut. The detective series debuted its fourth season June 25 as the highest-rated cable premiere of the summer, drawing 6.6 million total viewers, with 2.3 million adults 25-54 and 1.8 million adults 18-49 — up double digits in viewership and the key demos compared with the previous season. Rizzoli & Isles has been sold into 170 markets including stations owned by Fox, CBS, Sinclair, Hearst, Gannett, Lin, Local TV, Cox, Raycom, Weigel, Meredith, Mission, Nexstar, New Age, Journal, Scripps, Gray, Grant, Max Media, London, West Virginia, Media, Lockwood, Drewry, Cordillera, Bonten, Bahakel, Citadel, Diversified, Woods, Schurz and Mckinnon. The show was developed for TV by Janet Tamaro, who serves as executive producer with Bill Haber and Michael Katleman. The series is from Hurdler Productions and Ostar Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television. Bet...
- 7/15/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
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