The Writers Guild of America West will present Designing Women and Evening Shade creator Linda Bloodworth Thomason with its highest honor — the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement. The award is presented to a Guild member who has “advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer.” Designing Women star Jean Smart will present the statuette to Bloodworth Thomason at the Wgaw’s annual WGA Awards on April 14.
The multiple Emmy-nominated television creator-writer, director, and producer launched her career with an Emmy-nominated script on M*A*S*H* in 1973. She concurrently worked on M*A*S*H* and Mary Tyler Moore Show spinoff Rhoda before creating and producing her first series Filthy Rich in 1982. Filthy Rich would lay the groundwork for the creation of landmark comedy series Designing Women by bringing her together with actresses and collaborators Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, and Smart.
In addition to her work in television,...
The multiple Emmy-nominated television creator-writer, director, and producer launched her career with an Emmy-nominated script on M*A*S*H* in 1973. She concurrently worked on M*A*S*H* and Mary Tyler Moore Show spinoff Rhoda before creating and producing her first series Filthy Rich in 1982. Filthy Rich would lay the groundwork for the creation of landmark comedy series Designing Women by bringing her together with actresses and collaborators Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, and Smart.
In addition to her work in television,...
- 4/2/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Dylan is a notoriously private celebrity, so fans might welcome the chance to be neighbors with the musician to get more insight into his life. The people who actually have lived near Dylan have come to learn that he’s not always the easiest neighbor, though. He’s even gotten under the skin of another celebrity, Katharine Hepburn. Though being a problematic neighbor is not always Dylan’s fault, some people have even had to complain to the city about him.
Bob Dylan | Harry Scott/Redferns When Bob Dylan’s dog used neighbor Katharine Hepburn’s garden as his bathroom
When Dylan lived in New York, one of his neighbors was Hepburn. She didn’t mind Dylan, but she did have a problem with his dog, who seemed to favor her flower bed when he needed to relieve himself.
“Katharine Hepburn lived next door, and Bob’s dog Brutus...
Bob Dylan | Harry Scott/Redferns When Bob Dylan’s dog used neighbor Katharine Hepburn’s garden as his bathroom
When Dylan lived in New York, one of his neighbors was Hepburn. She didn’t mind Dylan, but she did have a problem with his dog, who seemed to favor her flower bed when he needed to relieve himself.
“Katharine Hepburn lived next door, and Bob’s dog Brutus...
- 2/22/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Writers Guild of America West has penciled in Living Single creator-showrunner Yvette Lee Bowser for its 2023 Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement. She will receive the career honor, which is presented to a WGA member who has “advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer,” at the 75th annual WGA Awards on March 5.
Related Story WGA Awards TV Nominations: ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘The Crown,’ ‘Severance’, ’Yellowjackets’ Among Shows Vying For Top Prizes Related Story WGA Awards Film Nominations: 'Everything Everywhere', 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'The Menu', 'Nope' & More Related Story Michelle Buteau To Host 75th Annual Writers Guild Awards In New York
A 35-year guild member with more than 600 hours of TV to her credit, Bowser began her career as an apprentice writer on NBC’s Cosby Show spinoff series A Different World,...
Related Story WGA Awards TV Nominations: ‘Abbott Elementary,’ ‘Better Call Saul,’ ‘The Crown,’ ‘Severance’, ’Yellowjackets’ Among Shows Vying For Top Prizes Related Story WGA Awards Film Nominations: 'Everything Everywhere', 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'The Menu', 'Nope' & More Related Story Michelle Buteau To Host 75th Annual Writers Guild Awards In New York
A 35-year guild member with more than 600 hours of TV to her credit, Bowser began her career as an apprentice writer on NBC’s Cosby Show spinoff series A Different World,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Perhaps the most welcome thing about David Letterman’s Tuesday night return to “Late Night” — the NBC franchise he launched as host 40 years ago — was how perfectly low-key it was.
Interviewed by the current “Late Night” host Seth Meyers to mark the anniversary, Letterman was fondly nostalgic about his time as a nightly talk-show emcee. After “Late Night,” Letterman went on to launch “The Late Show” on CBS and even today has an occasional interview series on Netflix, but it was “Late Night” that introduced the host’s relentless ingenuity and sparking creativity. So it’s fitting that “Late Night” brought him back into view — and Letterman brought to bear the askew humility that, even after some seven years largely out of the spotlight, felt instantly familiar.
To wit: Among the loveliest moments of the interview was Letterman paying tribute to the show’s in-house band, noting how bolstered he...
Interviewed by the current “Late Night” host Seth Meyers to mark the anniversary, Letterman was fondly nostalgic about his time as a nightly talk-show emcee. After “Late Night,” Letterman went on to launch “The Late Show” on CBS and even today has an occasional interview series on Netflix, but it was “Late Night” that introduced the host’s relentless ingenuity and sparking creativity. So it’s fitting that “Late Night” brought him back into view — and Letterman brought to bear the askew humility that, even after some seven years largely out of the spotlight, felt instantly familiar.
To wit: Among the loveliest moments of the interview was Letterman paying tribute to the show’s in-house band, noting how bolstered he...
- 2/2/2022
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Wednesday’s announcement that Charlie Watts would be sitting out the upcoming Rolling Stones tour was jarring; for the first time since 1963, Watts (who is recovering from an unspecified surgical procedure) won’t be behind the drum kit. But the least surprising news was the person who’ll be filling in for him. Although not a bold-face name to some, Steve Jordan has had a connection with the band that dates back decades — to Richards’ X-Pensive Winos and even one of the Stones’ own albums.
As a name in album credits,...
As a name in album credits,...
- 8/5/2021
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Fans of David Letterman’s iconic “Stupid Pet Tricks,” rejoice — the segment is being revived as its own TV show, hosted by Sarah Silverman on TBS.
The network ordered the series, called “Stupid Pet Tricks,” for 10 half-hour episodes. Production will begin in Los Angeles later this year.
Each episode will feature a parade of pets performing the most ridiculous and impressive tricks on a studio stage for a live audience. Filled with comedic bits, games and surprise celebrity guests, the series each week will crown one pet parent and their furry (or scaly) friend with the “Stupidest Trick of the Week.”
Letterman hosted the segment for three decades on NBC’s “Late Night” and CBS’ “Late Show.”
Silverman said, “The rule in show business is, ‘never work with animals or children’ but I choose to work with David Letterman anyway.”
Brett Weitz, general manager of TBS, TNT and truTV, said,...
The network ordered the series, called “Stupid Pet Tricks,” for 10 half-hour episodes. Production will begin in Los Angeles later this year.
Each episode will feature a parade of pets performing the most ridiculous and impressive tricks on a studio stage for a live audience. Filled with comedic bits, games and surprise celebrity guests, the series each week will crown one pet parent and their furry (or scaly) friend with the “Stupidest Trick of the Week.”
Letterman hosted the segment for three decades on NBC’s “Late Night” and CBS’ “Late Show.”
Silverman said, “The rule in show business is, ‘never work with animals or children’ but I choose to work with David Letterman anyway.”
Brett Weitz, general manager of TBS, TNT and truTV, said,...
- 7/28/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
TBS is making a variety show out of David Letterman’s popular “Late Show” segment “Stupid Pet Tricks.”
The ten-episode, half-hour series will be hosted by Sarah Silverman. Production will begin in Los Angeles later this year.
Each episode will feature a parade of pets performing the most ridiculous, impressive and extraordinary tricks on a studio stage before a live audience, interweaving comedic bits along with games and surprise celebrity guest drop-ins.
“Continuing our strategic commitment to a bold unscripted slate that Corie Henson and her team have implemented and building off the incredible successes of ‘Go-Big Show’ and ‘Wipeout’ we knew we had to elevate our roster by looking at the greats of television history and learning from their innovation,” Brett Weitz, general manager of TBS, TNT and truTV, said in a statement. “David Letterman is an entertainment legend who changed the face of broadcast history with three simple...
The ten-episode, half-hour series will be hosted by Sarah Silverman. Production will begin in Los Angeles later this year.
Each episode will feature a parade of pets performing the most ridiculous, impressive and extraordinary tricks on a studio stage before a live audience, interweaving comedic bits along with games and surprise celebrity guest drop-ins.
“Continuing our strategic commitment to a bold unscripted slate that Corie Henson and her team have implemented and building off the incredible successes of ‘Go-Big Show’ and ‘Wipeout’ we knew we had to elevate our roster by looking at the greats of television history and learning from their innovation,” Brett Weitz, general manager of TBS, TNT and truTV, said in a statement. “David Letterman is an entertainment legend who changed the face of broadcast history with three simple...
- 7/28/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: David Letterman’s “Stupid Pet Tricks” is making a television comeback. TBS has greenlighted a 10-episode half-hour comedy-variety series inspired by the iconic segment Letterman did for three decades on NBC’s Late Night and CBS’ Late Show, with Sarah Silverman as host. The project hails from The Jay & Tony Show’s Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh and Letterman’s Worldwide Pants. Blumenfield, Marsh, Letterman, Silverman and Amy Zvi executive produce.
Stupid Pet Tricks, the series, promises to retain all the original segment’s charm, silly fun and appreciation for the often-absurd bond between humans and their animal friends, with Silverman infusing it with a quirky vibe. Each episode will feature a parade of pets performing the most ridiculous, impressive and extraordinary tricks on a studio stage before a live audience, interweaving comedic bits along with games, as pet parents join their furry (or scaley!) friends in the quest...
Stupid Pet Tricks, the series, promises to retain all the original segment’s charm, silly fun and appreciation for the often-absurd bond between humans and their animal friends, with Silverman infusing it with a quirky vibe. Each episode will feature a parade of pets performing the most ridiculous, impressive and extraordinary tricks on a studio stage before a live audience, interweaving comedic bits along with games, as pet parents join their furry (or scaley!) friends in the quest...
- 7/28/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA Awards boosted a pair of movie screenplays into Oscar frontrunner status on Saturday night, handing its marquee Original Screenplay award to Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won for Neon’s Parasite, and its Adapted Screenplay award to Taika Wiatiti for Searchlight’s Jojo Rabbit. Both of the winning scripts are nominated for Oscars on February 9.
This year the guild wasted no time in its 72nd edition, awarding its marquee prizes early in the night in simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York. Many of the film-side nominees gathered in the Edison Ballroom in NYC, so as to make the shorter jump to the BAFTAs which are Sunday in London.
Last year, the guild did not line up with Oscar’s screenwriting prizes, awarding Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade in original screenplay and Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty’s Can You Ever Forgive Me? in adapted. Green...
This year the guild wasted no time in its 72nd edition, awarding its marquee prizes early in the night in simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York. Many of the film-side nominees gathered in the Edison Ballroom in NYC, so as to make the shorter jump to the BAFTAs which are Sunday in London.
Last year, the guild did not line up with Oscar’s screenwriting prizes, awarding Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade in original screenplay and Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty’s Can You Ever Forgive Me? in adapted. Green...
- 2/2/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Jojo Rabbit” has been named the best adapted screenplay of 2019 by the Writers Guild of America, which handed out its annual awards at simultaneous shows in Los Angeles and New York. “Parasite” has won the award as the best original screenplay, making it the first non-English-language feature to win a WGA award.
The film awards, which are traditionally held until the end of the show, were the first two categories of the night and were announced at the New York ceremony before the one in Los Angeles. Most of the nominees in those categories were heading to London for Sunday’s BAFTA Awards, so the unusual timing allowed them more time to get there from New York.
Because the Writers Guild limits eligibility to scripts written under the guild’s Minimum Basic Agreement or under the contracts of several allied international guilds, some significant Oscar contenders are always missing from the WGA nominees each year.
The film awards, which are traditionally held until the end of the show, were the first two categories of the night and were announced at the New York ceremony before the one in Los Angeles. Most of the nominees in those categories were heading to London for Sunday’s BAFTA Awards, so the unusual timing allowed them more time to get there from New York.
Because the Writers Guild limits eligibility to scripts written under the guild’s Minimum Basic Agreement or under the contracts of several allied international guilds, some significant Oscar contenders are always missing from the WGA nominees each year.
- 2/2/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Writers Guild of America handed out its top awards of the year in concurrent ceremonies on both the East and West Coasts on Saturday night, with big winners including “Parasite” and “Jojo Rabbit” on the film side and “Succession” and “Barry” in TV.
Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won took home the award for original screenplay for “Parasite,” winning out over nominees such as Noah Baumbach for “Marriage Story.” Bong expressed his gratitude to WGA members for reading his script in translation. “You understood the structure of our story and the nuance of our dialogue — it’s amazing,” he said.
In English, Bong made a reference to President Donald Trump’s polarizing political agenda by observing: “Some people make the barriers higher. We writers, we love to destroy the barriers.”
The other major film winner was “Jojo Rabbit” by Taika Waititi, which won over competitors including Todd Phillips and Scott Silver for “Joker.
Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won took home the award for original screenplay for “Parasite,” winning out over nominees such as Noah Baumbach for “Marriage Story.” Bong expressed his gratitude to WGA members for reading his script in translation. “You understood the structure of our story and the nuance of our dialogue — it’s amazing,” he said.
In English, Bong made a reference to President Donald Trump’s polarizing political agenda by observing: “Some people make the barriers higher. We writers, we love to destroy the barriers.”
The other major film winner was “Jojo Rabbit” by Taika Waititi, which won over competitors including Todd Phillips and Scott Silver for “Joker.
- 2/2/2020
- by Michael Schneider, Cynthia Littleton and Alex Stedman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Late-night television is the subject of an original documentary series for CNN.
Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels are among the contributors to The Story of Late Night, from Canadian producer Cream Productions (The Dictator’s Playbook).
The series will track the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. It will lift the curtain on some of late-night’s most memorable moments as these legendary hosts tackled politics, pop culture and entertainment.
Other interview subjects include James Corden, Chelsea Handler, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Ray Romano, Busy Philipps and Andy Cohen as well as executives including Paul Telegdy, George Cheeks, Jeff Zucker, Warren Littlefield, Rick Ludwin, Debbie Vickers, Lloyd Braun, Nina Tassler, Jeff Ross, Dick Cavett and Merrill Markoe.
Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels are among the contributors to The Story of Late Night, from Canadian producer Cream Productions (The Dictator’s Playbook).
The series will track the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. It will lift the curtain on some of late-night’s most memorable moments as these legendary hosts tackled politics, pop culture and entertainment.
Other interview subjects include James Corden, Chelsea Handler, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Ray Romano, Busy Philipps and Andy Cohen as well as executives including Paul Telegdy, George Cheeks, Jeff Zucker, Warren Littlefield, Rick Ludwin, Debbie Vickers, Lloyd Braun, Nina Tassler, Jeff Ross, Dick Cavett and Merrill Markoe.
- 12/18/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Nancy Meyers, the highest-grossing female writer-director-producer in Hollywood’s box office history, will be the recipient of the WGA West’s 2020 Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement.
Diane Keaton, who starred in Meyers’ 2003 film Something’s Gotta Give, will present the award at the 72nd annual Writers Guild Awards ceremony on February 1 in Los Angeles. The award is presented to guild members who have “advanced the literature of motion pictures and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the screenwriter.”
“Nancy Meyers is the writer many of us aspire to be – her scripts walk the line of blending challenging ideas with comedic situations, dramatic themes with hard jokes,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “Her work consistently proves that movies about the foibles and frailties of humans will be commercially successful in the hands of a master of her craft. The Wgaw Board of Directors is thrilled to give her this award.
Diane Keaton, who starred in Meyers’ 2003 film Something’s Gotta Give, will present the award at the 72nd annual Writers Guild Awards ceremony on February 1 in Los Angeles. The award is presented to guild members who have “advanced the literature of motion pictures and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the screenwriter.”
“Nancy Meyers is the writer many of us aspire to be – her scripts walk the line of blending challenging ideas with comedic situations, dramatic themes with hard jokes,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman. “Her work consistently proves that movies about the foibles and frailties of humans will be commercially successful in the hands of a master of her craft. The Wgaw Board of Directors is thrilled to give her this award.
- 12/17/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Writers Guild of America will honor TV comedy veterans Merrill Markoe and Paula Pell at the 2020 WGA Awards in February.
Merrill Markoe, an Emmy-winning writer on Late Night With David Letterman, will receive the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement. The award is presented to a guild member who has “advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer,” according to the WGA.
The award is named for Oscar-winning writer Sidney Aaron “Paddy” Chayefsky, the scribe responsible for the 1976 multiple award-winning film Network. Chayefsky helped shape ...
Merrill Markoe, an Emmy-winning writer on Late Night With David Letterman, will receive the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement. The award is presented to a guild member who has “advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer,” according to the WGA.
The award is named for Oscar-winning writer Sidney Aaron “Paddy” Chayefsky, the scribe responsible for the 1976 multiple award-winning film Network. Chayefsky helped shape ...
- 12/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Merrill Markoe, longtime head writer at “Late Night With David Letterman,” will receive the Writers Guild of America West’s Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement.
She will be honored at the Writers Guild Awards on Feb. 1 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
“Merrill Markoe’s pioneering work created what was then a new language of comedy in television, and her writing has influenced every comedy variety series in the last three decades. We are truly honored to give her this award,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman.
Markoe has been a member of the WGA West since 1977. She’s best known as the co-creator and original head writer of 1980’s “The David Letterman Show,” for which she shared a Daytime Emmy Award. Markoe went on to earn six Emmy nominations and share three Emmy Awards for her work on “Late Night With David Letterman,” creating many of the show,...
She will be honored at the Writers Guild Awards on Feb. 1 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
“Merrill Markoe’s pioneering work created what was then a new language of comedy in television, and her writing has influenced every comedy variety series in the last three decades. We are truly honored to give her this award,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman.
Markoe has been a member of the WGA West since 1977. She’s best known as the co-creator and original head writer of 1980’s “The David Letterman Show,” for which she shared a Daytime Emmy Award. Markoe went on to earn six Emmy nominations and share three Emmy Awards for her work on “Late Night With David Letterman,” creating many of the show,...
- 12/13/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Merrill Markoe, the multple-Emmy-winning former head writer of Late Night with David Letterman, will receive the WGA West’s 2020 Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement.
Named after one of television’s the most influential writers, the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award is the guild’s highest honor for television writing. It is presented to a guild member who has “advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer.”
Markoe will receive the award at the Writers Guild Awards ceremony on February 1 in Los Angeles.
“Merrill Markoe’s pioneering work created what was then a new language of comedy in television, and her writing has influenced every comedy variety series in the last three decades. We are truly honored to give her this award,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman.
Markoe’s career as a TV writer began in 1977 on the revival of Laugh-In,...
Named after one of television’s the most influential writers, the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award is the guild’s highest honor for television writing. It is presented to a guild member who has “advanced the literature of television and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer.”
Markoe will receive the award at the Writers Guild Awards ceremony on February 1 in Los Angeles.
“Merrill Markoe’s pioneering work created what was then a new language of comedy in television, and her writing has influenced every comedy variety series in the last three decades. We are truly honored to give her this award,” said WGA West president David A. Goodman.
Markoe’s career as a TV writer began in 1977 on the revival of Laugh-In,...
- 12/12/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Krassner, an author and radical political activist credited with naming the Yippies, has died. He passed Sunday at his home in Desert Hot Springs, according to his daughter, Holly Krassner Dawson. He was 87.
Krassner was an old-line counterculture figure whose political activism made a large impact on the 1960s.
The Youth International Party, which became more widely known as the Yippies, ran a pig for president and threw dollar bills on the New York Stock Exchange floor, to name two political pranks.
Krassner was a free speech advocate and later a widely known author who appeared at many political and entertainment events, lending the voice of experience to the Diy movement.
Sorry to hear this. One of a kind, truly.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) July 21, 2019
Rip the satirical genius Paul Krassner. His insanely ballsy approach to political comedy stands ever taller today. We did a couple of live shows together...
Krassner was an old-line counterculture figure whose political activism made a large impact on the 1960s.
The Youth International Party, which became more widely known as the Yippies, ran a pig for president and threw dollar bills on the New York Stock Exchange floor, to name two political pranks.
Krassner was a free speech advocate and later a widely known author who appeared at many political and entertainment events, lending the voice of experience to the Diy movement.
Sorry to hear this. One of a kind, truly.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) July 21, 2019
Rip the satirical genius Paul Krassner. His insanely ballsy approach to political comedy stands ever taller today. We did a couple of live shows together...
- 7/21/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Peter Segal is not a household name, and to hear him tell it, that’s by design. But the 56-year-old Hollywood veteran is one of the directors most responsible for the evolution of movie comedies over the past two decades, with a seemingly preternatural sense of what moviegoers want. Segal’s films, which include a couple of cult classics and some of Adam Sandler’s biggest hits, have grossed more than $1 billion wordwide, the majority grossing more than $100 million each.
Segal’s latest film, “Second Act,” stars Jennifer Lopez and hits theaters Dec. 21.
Consider this praise from fellow funnyman Judd Apatow. “Pete is one of the few directors who knows how to balance hard comedy and emotional storytelling,” Apatow says. “His films are always moving and hilarious. People always want that magical combination.”
Agrees Segal’s longtime agent, Adam Kanter, “Pete’s films are successful, not only because they are entertaining,...
Segal’s latest film, “Second Act,” stars Jennifer Lopez and hits theaters Dec. 21.
Consider this praise from fellow funnyman Judd Apatow. “Pete is one of the few directors who knows how to balance hard comedy and emotional storytelling,” Apatow says. “His films are always moving and hilarious. People always want that magical combination.”
Agrees Segal’s longtime agent, Adam Kanter, “Pete’s films are successful, not only because they are entertaining,...
- 11/28/2018
- by Akiva Gottlieb
- Variety Film + TV
A new comedy podcast about feminism from the minds and mouths of Merrill Markoe and Megan Koester is coming to Audible, Variety has learned exclusively. Available for preorder on Aug. 14, the audio series, titled “The Indignities of Being a Woman” will launch on the site Sept 18.
In the Audible Original, Markoe and Koester will discuss various feminist issues — past and present — from a humorous perspective. The pair will touch on both historical and present day occurrences that color women’s experiences, while drawing on their own personal experiences as two comedians from different generations.
Both Markoe and Koester have had active careers in comedy. Markoe made a name for herself in the 1980s as head writer for NBC’s “Late Night with David Letterman,” in addition to hosting radio shows, doing standup, and reporting on-camera for Los Angeles news stations. Her past TV writing credits have earned her a total of three primetime Emmys.
In the Audible Original, Markoe and Koester will discuss various feminist issues — past and present — from a humorous perspective. The pair will touch on both historical and present day occurrences that color women’s experiences, while drawing on their own personal experiences as two comedians from different generations.
Both Markoe and Koester have had active careers in comedy. Markoe made a name for herself in the 1980s as head writer for NBC’s “Late Night with David Letterman,” in addition to hosting radio shows, doing standup, and reporting on-camera for Los Angeles news stations. Her past TV writing credits have earned her a total of three primetime Emmys.
- 8/14/2018
- by Christi Carras
- Variety Film + TV
“People carry around an image around in their head of what a director looks like. It’s a dude, and there’s kind of a baseball hat, and there’s maybe some cargo shorts,” said “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” co-creator Aline Brosh McKenna in an interview with IndieWire. “We just need different images. Images are very valuable, so seeing images of women direct while they’re pregnant, and petite women, and tall women, and just all different types of women. I think is important to show that.”
Born out of this need, Brosh McKenna started the hashtag social movement #FemaleFilmmakerFriday on Twitter last week. She was inspired after seeing her friend Tamra Davis’ Instagram post, which in turn was inspired by a comment made by actress Saorise Ronan about her Oscar-nominated “Lady Bird” director Greta Gerwig.
“It’s just a simple picture, and it really stuck with me. It really stayed in my head,...
Born out of this need, Brosh McKenna started the hashtag social movement #FemaleFilmmakerFriday on Twitter last week. She was inspired after seeing her friend Tamra Davis’ Instagram post, which in turn was inspired by a comment made by actress Saorise Ronan about her Oscar-nominated “Lady Bird” director Greta Gerwig.
“It’s just a simple picture, and it really stuck with me. It really stayed in my head,...
- 2/2/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
David Letterman was swamped in scandal in 2009, when CBS News producer Robert “Joe” Halderman attempted to blackmail him after coming across a diary that proved Letterman had been having an affair with his assistant, Stephanie Birkitt.
Now a new biography, Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night by New York Times reporter Jason Zinoman obtained by People, reveals what was known by the Late Night host’s inner circle, and how the scandal sent him into a deep depression.
” ‘I’m in hell. I will always be in hell until the day after, when I will go to hell,’ ” Letterman...
Now a new biography, Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night by New York Times reporter Jason Zinoman obtained by People, reveals what was known by the Late Night host’s inner circle, and how the scandal sent him into a deep depression.
” ‘I’m in hell. I will always be in hell until the day after, when I will go to hell,’ ” Letterman...
- 4/11/2017
- by Sam Gillette
- PEOPLE.com
David Letterman may have cracked jokes about his poor health on the iconic Late Show with David Letterman, but offstage his concerns were seemingly real.
In an upcoming biography, Letterman: the Last Giant of Late Night, author Jason Zinoman alleges that the comedian was a hypochondriac who worried about anything from overdosing on aspirin to imaginary conditions.
“He was a spectacularly committed hypochondriac, and close watchers of Late Night could tell,” writes Zinoman.
“In the office, he would often study a well-worn copy of The Merck Manual, searching out symptoms in an effort to speculate about what disease was going to threaten his life next,...
In an upcoming biography, Letterman: the Last Giant of Late Night, author Jason Zinoman alleges that the comedian was a hypochondriac who worried about anything from overdosing on aspirin to imaginary conditions.
“He was a spectacularly committed hypochondriac, and close watchers of Late Night could tell,” writes Zinoman.
“In the office, he would often study a well-worn copy of The Merck Manual, searching out symptoms in an effort to speculate about what disease was going to threaten his life next,...
- 3/17/2017
- by Sam Gillette
- PEOPLE.com
Editor’s Note: There are so many different paths to becoming a movie director, but a career in late night isn’t one of the more common ones. Rob Burnett spent 30 years working for David Letterman, rising from intern to executive producer, before directing Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez in the upcoming Netflix release “The Fundamentals of Caring.” We asked the writer/director what lessons he took from “The Late Show” and how did it prepare him for being a filmmaker. What we got was the following essay, which is a great insight into the mindset it takes to direct a feature film.
Read More: ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ Trailer: Paul Rudd & Selena Gomez Take an Emotional Road Trip
During one of the Q&A sessions after “The Fundamentals of Caring” screened at Sundance, someone asked me what influence my work in television has had on me as a filmmaker.
Read More: ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ Trailer: Paul Rudd & Selena Gomez Take an Emotional Road Trip
During one of the Q&A sessions after “The Fundamentals of Caring” screened at Sundance, someone asked me what influence my work in television has had on me as a filmmaker.
- 6/20/2016
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Los Angeles — The role of female talk show hosts in late-night TV broadcast network history, all 50-plus years of it, can be summed up in two words: Joan Rivers. It takes just another two – Arsenio Hall – to do the same for minorities.
There's no indication that's going to change in the latest round of musical chairs involving "Tonight" and "Late Night." All the NBC, ABC and CBS showcase jobs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and later appear likely to remain securely in white men's hands.
Jay Leno is handing off to Jimmy Fallon, with speculation tagging Seth Meyers as his likely successor. Meanwhile, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson and Carson Daly are sitting pretty, without the faintest drumbeat of a pair of advancing high heels to signal a threat.
There have been alternatives bandied about – Chelsea Handler, black comedian-writer Aisha Tyler – but no hints they or others are getting traction.
There's no indication that's going to change in the latest round of musical chairs involving "Tonight" and "Late Night." All the NBC, ABC and CBS showcase jobs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and later appear likely to remain securely in white men's hands.
Jay Leno is handing off to Jimmy Fallon, with speculation tagging Seth Meyers as his likely successor. Meanwhile, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson and Carson Daly are sitting pretty, without the faintest drumbeat of a pair of advancing high heels to signal a threat.
There have been alternatives bandied about – Chelsea Handler, black comedian-writer Aisha Tyler – but no hints they or others are getting traction.
- 4/6/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Hit List is a handful of items that we find noteworthy, shared with you daily on our homepage. Enjoy!
Tina Fey’s Radio Show from Prx.org
Merrill Markoe, Patron Saint of Women in TV Comedy Writing from TheHairpin.com
The Third Wire-Walker Of “Homeland”: You Win, Morena Baccarin from NPR.org
The Sudden Death (and Promising Afterlife) of Film from IFC.com
TV Cops You Wouldn’t Want Solving Your Crime from Flavorwire.com
Have an item you’d like to see featured on Hit List? Submit it here.
Tina Fey’s Radio Show from Prx.org
Merrill Markoe, Patron Saint of Women in TV Comedy Writing from TheHairpin.com
The Third Wire-Walker Of “Homeland”: You Win, Morena Baccarin from NPR.org
The Sudden Death (and Promising Afterlife) of Film from IFC.com
TV Cops You Wouldn’t Want Solving Your Crime from Flavorwire.com
Have an item you’d like to see featured on Hit List? Submit it here.
- 11/8/2011
- by Heather Campbell
- IMDb Blog - All the Latest
Associated Press Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in Pella, Iowa, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011.
How much money is Mitt Romney worth? Could Hollywood phonies actually improve Washington politics? And what’s Warren Buffett’s next big move? A look at some of the most interesting posts on the Wall Street Journal blogs.
Romney’s Net Worth: As Much as $250 Million: Mitt Romney’s net worth is as much as $250 million, his presidential campaign said Friday. The former Massachusetts governor,...
How much money is Mitt Romney worth? Could Hollywood phonies actually improve Washington politics? And what’s Warren Buffett’s next big move? A look at some of the most interesting posts on the Wall Street Journal blogs.
Romney’s Net Worth: As Much as $250 Million: Mitt Romney’s net worth is as much as $250 million, his presidential campaign said Friday. The former Massachusetts governor,...
- 8/13/2011
- by Christopher John Farley
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
The Other Network!
Wed at 9:30 at The Ritz!
We’re pleased and shocked to bring completely undiscovered original TV pilots from the pre-successful days of many of your favorite modern stars! Rare gems rescued from the secret vaults of Hollywood! Conan O’Brien! Patton Oswalt! Judd Apatow! Zach Galifianakis! Ben Stiller! Jack Black! Amy Poehler! Fred Armisen! And lots of others who deserve exclamation points.
The Other Network presents long-buried TV pilots that were too controversial, too idiosyncratic or just too damn funny for prime-time TV. These fully-produced TV shows were never aired, never before seen and the closest thing to auteur pieces ever made. Each show screens with an exclusive intro from the writers/producers who created them, giving unique insights into Hollywood and the creative process.
Here’s what the critics think of the damn thing:
“A runaway hit!… A revelation!” – NY Times
“An alternative universe of television!
Wed at 9:30 at The Ritz!
We’re pleased and shocked to bring completely undiscovered original TV pilots from the pre-successful days of many of your favorite modern stars! Rare gems rescued from the secret vaults of Hollywood! Conan O’Brien! Patton Oswalt! Judd Apatow! Zach Galifianakis! Ben Stiller! Jack Black! Amy Poehler! Fred Armisen! And lots of others who deserve exclamation points.
The Other Network presents long-buried TV pilots that were too controversial, too idiosyncratic or just too damn funny for prime-time TV. These fully-produced TV shows were never aired, never before seen and the closest thing to auteur pieces ever made. Each show screens with an exclusive intro from the writers/producers who created them, giving unique insights into Hollywood and the creative process.
Here’s what the critics think of the damn thing:
“A runaway hit!… A revelation!” – NY Times
“An alternative universe of television!
- 10/4/2010
- by Zack Carlson
- OriginalAlamo.com
Hot off the rave reviews for "Freaky Friday", writer Heather Hach has signed to retool Fox 2000's "Me and My Boy" for producer Lynda Obst. The project is described as a romantic comedy about a girl looking for love with the help of her dog. Hach is a relative newcomer to Hollywood, having moved to Los Angeles from Denver in 1998, two years out of college and after a divorce. She enrolled in the Writers Bootcamp and the following year was accepted into the Walt Disney Co.'s Screenwriter Fellowship program, where she was mentored by producer Andrew Gunn and Disney feature executive Kristin Burr. Upon finishing her fellowship, Gunn was so impressed with Hach's writing abilities that he lobbied Disney to hire her for writing duties on the Jamie Lee Curtis-Lindsay Lohan starrer "Freaky Friday". "Heather is fresh, fun to work with and she has revitalized our favorite project at Fox," Obst said. The long-gestating "Boy", originally written by Merrill Markoe, is being overseen by Elizabeth Gabler and Carla Hacken for the studio. Hach is represented by Endeavor, Bondesen-Graup Management and attorney Warren Dern.
- 8/10/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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