Exclusive: FilmNation Entertainment has hired television producer Robin Schwartz as President of Television.
Schwartz will be based in Los Angeles and report to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner.
She will oversee all aspects of development and production for the independent studio’s growing television slate and lead the division as the company accelerates its ambitions in the TV space.
FilmNation is currently in production in Ireland on Small Town, Big Story created by Chris O’Dowd starring Paddy Considine and Christina Hendricks which will be distributed by Sky in the UK. FilmNation’s first foray into television, I Know This Much Is True for HBO, garnered Mark Ruffalo an Emmy Award for his lead role.
Most recently, Schwartz had a producing deal with Tomorrow Studios under her Working Bird banner. Before that she headed up the television divisions of Big Beach, Regency, and OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network. She began her...
Schwartz will be based in Los Angeles and report to FilmNation CEO Glen Basner.
She will oversee all aspects of development and production for the independent studio’s growing television slate and lead the division as the company accelerates its ambitions in the TV space.
FilmNation is currently in production in Ireland on Small Town, Big Story created by Chris O’Dowd starring Paddy Considine and Christina Hendricks which will be distributed by Sky in the UK. FilmNation’s first foray into television, I Know This Much Is True for HBO, garnered Mark Ruffalo an Emmy Award for his lead role.
Most recently, Schwartz had a producing deal with Tomorrow Studios under her Working Bird banner. Before that she headed up the television divisions of Big Beach, Regency, and OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network. She began her...
- 11/28/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hollywood Radio and Television Society has elected 12 new board members and six new advisory council members, and extended CEO Melissa Grego’s contract through 2025, the organization announced Wednesday.
Newly elected to the Hrts Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2023 are: Kathryn Busby; Ben Davis; Jaime Feld; David Eilenberg (Head of Content – Roku Media); Frank Jung (Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media – CAA); Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content – NBCUniversal); Tim McNeal (Senior Vice President, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney Television Studios – Disney Entertainment); DJ Nurre (Executive Vice President – Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America); Brett Paul (President, Warner Bros Television – Warner Bros Discovery); Rhonda Price (Managing Partner – The Gersh Agency); Lauren Stein (EVP Drama Development – Sony Pictures Television) and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television).
Existing board members elected to a new three-year term beginning July 2023 are Kate Adler (EVP,...
Newly elected to the Hrts Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in July 2023 are: Kathryn Busby; Ben Davis; Jaime Feld; David Eilenberg (Head of Content – Roku Media); Frank Jung (Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media – CAA); Lisa Katz (President, Scripted Content – NBCUniversal); Tim McNeal (Senior Vice President, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Disney Television Studios – Disney Entertainment); DJ Nurre (Executive Vice President – Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America); Brett Paul (President, Warner Bros Television – Warner Bros Discovery); Rhonda Price (Managing Partner – The Gersh Agency); Lauren Stein (EVP Drama Development – Sony Pictures Television) and Erin Underhill (President, Universal Television).
Existing board members elected to a new three-year term beginning July 2023 are Kate Adler (EVP,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The showrunner of AMC’s recently scrapped Invitation to a Bonfire is hopeful that her psychological thriller will land elsewhere.
Rachel Caris Love says she’s already in conversations about finding “a partner who’s capable of giving us the support that we need.” Her team already completed four of the first six episodes when she received word before Christmas that AMC was killing the Boston-based project that stars Tatiana Maslany, Ngozi Anyanwu and Pilou Asbæ.
The series was given a six-episode order and was scheduled to launch this year on AMC and AMC+. But then Bonfire, along with the second season of 61st Street, were just dropped by AMC Networks after the company revealed it would take around 400M of content write downs.
“Everyone on the cast and crew is really crushed,” Love tells Deadline. “When they called me, they said this had absolutely nothing to do with the...
Rachel Caris Love says she’s already in conversations about finding “a partner who’s capable of giving us the support that we need.” Her team already completed four of the first six episodes when she received word before Christmas that AMC was killing the Boston-based project that stars Tatiana Maslany, Ngozi Anyanwu and Pilou Asbæ.
The series was given a six-episode order and was scheduled to launch this year on AMC and AMC+. But then Bonfire, along with the second season of 61st Street, were just dropped by AMC Networks after the company revealed it would take around 400M of content write downs.
“Everyone on the cast and crew is really crushed,” Love tells Deadline. “When they called me, they said this had absolutely nothing to do with the...
- 1/6/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC is no longer moving forward with “61st Street” Season 2 or its series adaptation of “Invitation to a Bonfire,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The second season of legal drama “61st Street” had already been shot, but AMC no longer plans to air it. In addition, four of the six episodes of “Invitation to a Bonfire” had been shot before AMC decided to pull the plug.
The decisions were made as part of cost cutting measures announced by AMC in December 2022, in which the company stated it would take write-downs for up to 475 million. That figure included 400 million for “strategic programming assessments” and 75 million for “organizational restructuring costs,” per an SEC filing. Just prior to that announcement, AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade abruptly departed the company after less than three months in the role. James L. Dolan was then named interim executive chairman by the board of directors shortly thereafter. Dolan...
The second season of legal drama “61st Street” had already been shot, but AMC no longer plans to air it. In addition, four of the six episodes of “Invitation to a Bonfire” had been shot before AMC decided to pull the plug.
The decisions were made as part of cost cutting measures announced by AMC in December 2022, in which the company stated it would take write-downs for up to 475 million. That figure included 400 million for “strategic programming assessments” and 75 million for “organizational restructuring costs,” per an SEC filing. Just prior to that announcement, AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade abruptly departed the company after less than three months in the role. James L. Dolan was then named interim executive chairman by the board of directors shortly thereafter. Dolan...
- 1/5/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jamie Neumann (Lovecraft Country) and Amy Darton (Sleeping Beauty) are set for heavily recurring roles in AMC’s upcoming series Invitation to a Bonfire based on the novel by Adrienne Celt of the same name. Additionally Emmy-nominated Cherien Dabis (Only Murders In The Building) has been tapped to direct the first two episodes of the six-episode series and executive produce. Premiere is slated for next year.
Created by Rachel Caris Love, Invitation to a Bonfire is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. Inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage, the series follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member — an enigmatic novelist, Leo (Pilou Asbæk)— and his bewitching wife (Maslany).
Darton will play Daphne. In the complex social hierarchy of the all-girls Donne School,...
Created by Rachel Caris Love, Invitation to a Bonfire is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. Inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage, the series follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member — an enigmatic novelist, Leo (Pilou Asbæk)— and his bewitching wife (Maslany).
Darton will play Daphne. In the complex social hierarchy of the all-girls Donne School,...
- 8/12/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Tatiana Maslany has been cast in “Invitation to a Bonfire,” AMC’s upcoming series from Rachel Caris Love inspired by the co-dependent marriage of Vladimir and Vera Nabokov. She will also executive produce the project, which is set to debut in 2023.
Maslany’s casting was announced during AMC’s presentation at the 2022 Television Critics Association summer press tour. She joins previously announced cast members Freya Mavor, Pilou Asbæk and Ngozi Anyanwu.
Based on the novel by Adrienne Celt and set at an all-girls boarding school in the 1930s, “Invitation to a Bonfire” follows Zoya (Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member Leo (Asbæk) — an enigmatic novelist — and the bewitching Vera (Maslany), who is Leo’s wife, his editor and his everything. Season 1 will run for six episodes.
Maslany is best known for starring in several...
Maslany’s casting was announced during AMC’s presentation at the 2022 Television Critics Association summer press tour. She joins previously announced cast members Freya Mavor, Pilou Asbæk and Ngozi Anyanwu.
Based on the novel by Adrienne Celt and set at an all-girls boarding school in the 1930s, “Invitation to a Bonfire” follows Zoya (Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member Leo (Asbæk) — an enigmatic novelist — and the bewitching Vera (Maslany), who is Leo’s wife, his editor and his everything. Season 1 will run for six episodes.
Maslany is best known for starring in several...
- 8/10/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Tatiana Maslany will star and executive produce the upcoming series Invitation to a Bonfire based on the novel by Adrienne Celt of the same name.
The series marks Maslany’s return to AMC Networks, where she starred in the hit series Orphan Black, which earned her the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmy in 2016.
The actress will portray the character of Vera Orlov, who is more than Leo’s wife; she is his editor—and his everything. Vera is inspired by Vera Nabokov.
Created by Rachel Caris Love, Invitation to a Bonfire is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. Inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage, the series follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member — an enigmatic novelist,...
The series marks Maslany’s return to AMC Networks, where she starred in the hit series Orphan Black, which earned her the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmy in 2016.
The actress will portray the character of Vera Orlov, who is more than Leo’s wife; she is his editor—and his everything. Vera is inspired by Vera Nabokov.
Created by Rachel Caris Love, Invitation to a Bonfire is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. Inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage, the series follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member — an enigmatic novelist,...
- 8/10/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Tatiana Maslany is heading back to the AMC Networks family. The actress, who previously starred on AMC’s BBC America series “Orphan Black,” will star in and executive produce “Invitation to a Bonfire.”
Due out 2023, the series is psychological thriller based on the novel by Adrienne Celt.
It is inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage. The real life Vladimir Nabokov wrote the controversial 1955 novel “Lolita.”
The show is set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. It follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member (Pilou Asbæk) — an enigmatic novelist — and his bewitching wife (Tatiana Maslany). The cast also includes Ngozi Anyanwu.
Maslany’s character, Vera Orlov, is described as more than Leo’s wife; she is his editor and his everything.
Also Read:
Tatiana Maslany...
Due out 2023, the series is psychological thriller based on the novel by Adrienne Celt.
It is inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage. The real life Vladimir Nabokov wrote the controversial 1955 novel “Lolita.”
The show is set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. It follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member (Pilou Asbæk) — an enigmatic novelist — and his bewitching wife (Tatiana Maslany). The cast also includes Ngozi Anyanwu.
Maslany’s character, Vera Orlov, is described as more than Leo’s wife; she is his editor and his everything.
Also Read:
Tatiana Maslany...
- 8/10/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Tatiana Maslany’s next TV role will be a world away from her current one.
The Emmy winner and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star has joined AMC Networks’ drama Invitation to a Bonfire. She’ll also be an executive producer of the series, which is inspired by the codependent marriage of Lolita novelist Vladimir Nabokov and his wife, Vera.
The announcement was one of several AMC Networks made during its time at the Television Critics Association press tour Wednesday. The company has also named a new showrunner for its series Dark Winds and set a guest lineup for season two of IFC’s Sherman’s Showcase.
Invitation to a Bonfire is set at a girls boarding school in the 1930s. It follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper at the school, who’s drawn into a lethal love triangle with the...
Tatiana Maslany’s next TV role will be a world away from her current one.
The Emmy winner and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law star has joined AMC Networks’ drama Invitation to a Bonfire. She’ll also be an executive producer of the series, which is inspired by the codependent marriage of Lolita novelist Vladimir Nabokov and his wife, Vera.
The announcement was one of several AMC Networks made during its time at the Television Critics Association press tour Wednesday. The company has also named a new showrunner for its series Dark Winds and set a guest lineup for season two of IFC’s Sherman’s Showcase.
Invitation to a Bonfire is set at a girls boarding school in the 1930s. It follows Zoya (Freya Mavor), a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper at the school, who’s drawn into a lethal love triangle with the...
- 8/10/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC is moving forward with its series adaptation of Invitation to a Bonfire and sci-fi comedy-drama Demascus.
The cable network has handed series orders to both projects, which had writers rooms opened last August as part of the broadcaster’s “scripts-to-series” model.
Both series have been given six-episode orders and will launch next year on AMC and AMC+.
Based on the novel by Adrienne Celt, Invitation to a Bonfire is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. Inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage, the series follows Zoya, a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member — an enigmatic novelist — and his bewitching wife.
2022 AMC Pilots & Series Orders
The series is from creator, showrunner and executive producer Rachel Caris Love (Physical), with Robin Schwartz and Kyle Laursen as...
The cable network has handed series orders to both projects, which had writers rooms opened last August as part of the broadcaster’s “scripts-to-series” model.
Both series have been given six-episode orders and will launch next year on AMC and AMC+.
Based on the novel by Adrienne Celt, Invitation to a Bonfire is a psychological thriller set in the 1930s at an all-girls boarding school in New Jersey. Inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov’s co-dependent marriage, the series follows Zoya, a young Russian immigrant and groundskeeper, who is drawn into a lethal love triangle with the school’s newest faculty member — an enigmatic novelist — and his bewitching wife.
2022 AMC Pilots & Series Orders
The series is from creator, showrunner and executive producer Rachel Caris Love (Physical), with Robin Schwartz and Kyle Laursen as...
- 2/1/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC has ordered two new original series — “Demascus” and “Invitation to a Bonfire.”
Both shows were developed under the network’s script to series model. Both shows hail from AMC Studios and have been given six-episode orders with an eye to debut them on AMC and AMC Plus in 2023.
“Demascus” is a half-hour series about life as an ordinary Black man in America today. It focuses on Demascus, a 33-year-old Black man who goes on a journey of self-discovery using an innovative new technology that allows him to experience different versions of his own life.
The series was created by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm. Kirk Moore serves as showrunner and executive producer. Mark Johnson’s Gran Via Productions also executive produces, with Myki Bajaj of Gran Via producing.
“Invitation to a Bonfire” is based on the book of the same name by Adrienne Celt. The series is described as a psychological...
Both shows were developed under the network’s script to series model. Both shows hail from AMC Studios and have been given six-episode orders with an eye to debut them on AMC and AMC Plus in 2023.
“Demascus” is a half-hour series about life as an ordinary Black man in America today. It focuses on Demascus, a 33-year-old Black man who goes on a journey of self-discovery using an innovative new technology that allows him to experience different versions of his own life.
The series was created by Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm. Kirk Moore serves as showrunner and executive producer. Mark Johnson’s Gran Via Productions also executive produces, with Myki Bajaj of Gran Via producing.
“Invitation to a Bonfire” is based on the book of the same name by Adrienne Celt. The series is described as a psychological...
- 2/1/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV Plus released a trailer for Season 2 of “Central Park,” premiering on June 25.
In the animated musical comedy series’ second season, the Tillerman family continues living in and caring for Manhattan’s biggest park.
Molly (now voiced by Emmy Raver-Lampman) navigates adolescence, Cole (Tituss Burgess) is embarrassed by a humiliating moment at school, Paige (Kathryn Hahn) continues to pursue the mayor’s corruption story and Owen (Leslie Odom Jr.) juggles managing the park, his staff and his family. Bitsy (Stanley Tucci) makes progress in her evil plot to claim Central Park as her own, with Helen (Daveed Diggs) by her side, still wondering whether she’s made it into Bitsy’s will. Meanwhile, the friendly, fumbling narrator Birdie (Josh Gad) guides the audience along the way.
“Central Park” is written and executive produced by Loren Bouchard alongside Gad and Nora Smith. Sanjay Shah, Halsted Sullivan, Janelle Momary-Neely, Jon Liebman,...
In the animated musical comedy series’ second season, the Tillerman family continues living in and caring for Manhattan’s biggest park.
Molly (now voiced by Emmy Raver-Lampman) navigates adolescence, Cole (Tituss Burgess) is embarrassed by a humiliating moment at school, Paige (Kathryn Hahn) continues to pursue the mayor’s corruption story and Owen (Leslie Odom Jr.) juggles managing the park, his staff and his family. Bitsy (Stanley Tucci) makes progress in her evil plot to claim Central Park as her own, with Helen (Daveed Diggs) by her side, still wondering whether she’s made it into Bitsy’s will. Meanwhile, the friendly, fumbling narrator Birdie (Josh Gad) guides the audience along the way.
“Central Park” is written and executive produced by Loren Bouchard alongside Gad and Nora Smith. Sanjay Shah, Halsted Sullivan, Janelle Momary-Neely, Jon Liebman,...
- 6/15/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy winner Lena Waithe has teamed with Amazon Studios and Big Beach to develop a series based on a play by Obehi Janice, titled Ole White Sugah Daddy.
The currently untitled series will follow the story of Janice, a Nigerian-American woman in tech who spends her days navigating her peers at the co-working space she works out of in Boston, the angel investors who aren’t giving her the seed money she needs to get her app Neighbr off the ground, and her friends and family who are pushing her to move her business back to her hometown of Lowell.
Janice will write and co-executive produce the series. Waithe will serve as an executive producer with creative partner Rishi Rajani under their Hillman Grad Productions banner alongside Robin Schwartz and Kyle Laursen for Big Beach. Rajani and Rocio Melara will oversee the project for Hillman Grad, with Laursen and...
The currently untitled series will follow the story of Janice, a Nigerian-American woman in tech who spends her days navigating her peers at the co-working space she works out of in Boston, the angel investors who aren’t giving her the seed money she needs to get her app Neighbr off the ground, and her friends and family who are pushing her to move her business back to her hometown of Lowell.
Janice will write and co-executive produce the series. Waithe will serve as an executive producer with creative partner Rishi Rajani under their Hillman Grad Productions banner alongside Robin Schwartz and Kyle Laursen for Big Beach. Rajani and Rocio Melara will oversee the project for Hillman Grad, with Laursen and...
- 12/10/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
A filmed version of Heidi Schreck’s acclaimed, Tony-nominated Broadway play What the Constitution Means to Me will premiere Oct. 16 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, the streamer said today in announcing a new overall deal with the playwright-actress.
The Amazon Studios deal will have Schreck creating content that will premiere exclusively on Prime Video.
The 2019 Broadway production was filmed during its final week at the Helen Hayes Theater by director Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Can You Ever Forgive Me?). The Oct. 16 debut on Amazon Prime will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The play – not quite a one-woman show, but very nearly – features Schreck as she recounts her teenage, tuition-paying fascination with Constitutional debate competitions. A Pulitzer Prize finalist, Constitution uses both comedy and intense personal reflection to chart the impact the founding document has had on four generations of women in Schreck’s family.
The Amazon Studios deal will have Schreck creating content that will premiere exclusively on Prime Video.
The 2019 Broadway production was filmed during its final week at the Helen Hayes Theater by director Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Can You Ever Forgive Me?). The Oct. 16 debut on Amazon Prime will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The play – not quite a one-woman show, but very nearly – features Schreck as she recounts her teenage, tuition-paying fascination with Constitutional debate competitions. A Pulitzer Prize finalist, Constitution uses both comedy and intense personal reflection to chart the impact the founding document has had on four generations of women in Schreck’s family.
- 9/17/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actress-playwright Heidi Schreck’s acclaimed play “What the Constitution Means to Me,” which earned two Tony Award nominations during last year, is the latest Broadway hit to head to an online streaming service.
A filmed version of Schreck’s play, directed by Marielle Heller (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”) last summer during the final week of the show’s five-month run at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater, will premiere on Oct. 16 on Amazon Prime, the company announced Thursday. The show is expected to stream in more than 240 countries worldwide.
Amazon Studios has also signed a new overall deal with Schreck to create content that will premiere exclusively on Prime Video.
Schreck also stars in the play, relating how she earned her college tuition as a teenager by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. She resurrects her teenage self to trace the profound relationship between four generations of...
A filmed version of Schreck’s play, directed by Marielle Heller (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”) last summer during the final week of the show’s five-month run at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater, will premiere on Oct. 16 on Amazon Prime, the company announced Thursday. The show is expected to stream in more than 240 countries worldwide.
Amazon Studios has also signed a new overall deal with Schreck to create content that will premiere exclusively on Prime Video.
Schreck also stars in the play, relating how she earned her college tuition as a teenager by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. She resurrects her teenage self to trace the profound relationship between four generations of...
- 9/17/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Marielle Heller and Big Beach, the respective director and producers of last year’s Mister Rogers pic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, are reteaming for a limited series about a serial sexual harasser and his female employees.
Heller will direct Five Women, which is based on an episode of the National Public Radio show and podcast This American Life. She also serves as showrunner and executive producer through her new shingle Defiant by Nature, which is under a first-look deal with Big Beach that calls for her to develop new series and specials, some of which she will direct.
Reported and produced by Chana Joffe-Walt, Five Women follows the lives of several women who have little in common except for their boss, who sexually harasses them. Before those troubling encounters, though, how did their personal histories affect the way they dealt with his harassment? Who they were before...
Heller will direct Five Women, which is based on an episode of the National Public Radio show and podcast This American Life. She also serves as showrunner and executive producer through her new shingle Defiant by Nature, which is under a first-look deal with Big Beach that calls for her to develop new series and specials, some of which she will direct.
Reported and produced by Chana Joffe-Walt, Five Women follows the lives of several women who have little in common except for their boss, who sexually harasses them. Before those troubling encounters, though, how did their personal histories affect the way they dealt with his harassment? Who they were before...
- 2/20/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Bet Plus renewed “Bigger” for a second season, and Netflix announced premiere dates for “On My Block” Season 3 and “Feel Good.”
Casting
Josh Hartnett has been cast in Quibi’s upcoming series “Die Hart.“ Hartnett will play a fictionalized character of himself, an alumnus of the action school where Kevin Hart is training. Harnett’s character has returned to the school to participate in Hart’s training where he is trying to become an action star in a movie. The series follows Hart who no longer wants to be the comedic sidekick and tries to land his dream job as the leading man action star. However, he must train at the world’s greatest action star school where he is pushed to his limits by the action school coach (John Travolta) and a “tough-minded” student (Nathalie Emmanuel). Hartnett is represented by ICM, Management 360,...
Casting
Josh Hartnett has been cast in Quibi’s upcoming series “Die Hart.“ Hartnett will play a fictionalized character of himself, an alumnus of the action school where Kevin Hart is training. Harnett’s character has returned to the school to participate in Hart’s training where he is trying to become an action star in a movie. The series follows Hart who no longer wants to be the comedic sidekick and tries to land his dream job as the leading man action star. However, he must train at the world’s greatest action star school where he is pushed to his limits by the action school coach (John Travolta) and a “tough-minded” student (Nathalie Emmanuel). Hartnett is represented by ICM, Management 360,...
- 2/19/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Starz said Tuesday that Season 3 of its original series Vida will premiere on April 26 at 9 Pm. Six episodes of the East L.A.-set drama will air week-to-week on Starz in the U.S. and Canada and on StarzPlay across Europe and Latin America.
The show created by Tanya Saracho had been renewed for a third season less than a week after its Season 2 premiere in May 2019; the show has continued to boost Hispanic viewership numbers at the Lionsgate-owned network. The new season wrapped filming in Los Angeles in November, and was written by an all-Latinx writers room and helmed by Latina directors Jenée Lamarque and Saracho.
Vida stars Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Roberta Colindrez. The upcoming season returns with Emma (Prada) and Lyn (Barrera) riding on the heels of success. The bar is booming and their love lives are actually flourishing…...
The show created by Tanya Saracho had been renewed for a third season less than a week after its Season 2 premiere in May 2019; the show has continued to boost Hispanic viewership numbers at the Lionsgate-owned network. The new season wrapped filming in Los Angeles in November, and was written by an all-Latinx writers room and helmed by Latina directors Jenée Lamarque and Saracho.
Vida stars Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Roberta Colindrez. The upcoming season returns with Emma (Prada) and Lyn (Barrera) riding on the heels of success. The bar is booming and their love lives are actually flourishing…...
- 2/18/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Humanistic, life-affirming stories don’t sound like a Hollywood business plan, but for the last 15 years it’s worked for financier Big Beach. On paper, partners Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf produce titles that may not seem overtly commercial — but they have a knack for finding concepts that connect with audiences.
For 2019, they backed Lulu Wang’s 2019 Mandarin-language drama “The Farewell,” which is nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe as well as Best Actress Musical or Comedy for frontrunner Awkwafina, as well as Marielle Heller’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” which has Tom Hanks vying for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Fred Rogers.
“We have very specific taste,” said Turtletaub. “People want to see stories that touch their heart. That’s hard to define.”
These have ranged from “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Safety Not Guaranteed” (2012) to “The Purists,” a 2019 play that Billy Porter directed in Boston,...
For 2019, they backed Lulu Wang’s 2019 Mandarin-language drama “The Farewell,” which is nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe as well as Best Actress Musical or Comedy for frontrunner Awkwafina, as well as Marielle Heller’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” which has Tom Hanks vying for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Fred Rogers.
“We have very specific taste,” said Turtletaub. “People want to see stories that touch their heart. That’s hard to define.”
These have ranged from “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Safety Not Guaranteed” (2012) to “The Purists,” a 2019 play that Billy Porter directed in Boston,...
- 1/2/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Humanistic, life-affirming stories don’t sound like a Hollywood business plan, but for the last 15 years it’s worked for financier Big Beach. On paper, partners Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf produce titles that may not seem overtly commercial — but they have a knack for finding concepts that connect with audiences.
For 2019, they backed Lulu Wang’s 2019 Mandarin-language drama “The Farewell,” which is nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe as well as Best Actress Musical or Comedy for frontrunner Awkwafina, as well as Marielle Heller’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” which has Tom Hanks vying for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Fred Rogers.
“We have very specific taste,” said Turtletaub. “People want to see stories that touch their heart. That’s hard to define.”
These have ranged from “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Safety Not Guaranteed” (2012) to “The Purists,” a 2019 play that Billy Porter directed in Boston,...
For 2019, they backed Lulu Wang’s 2019 Mandarin-language drama “The Farewell,” which is nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Golden Globe as well as Best Actress Musical or Comedy for frontrunner Awkwafina, as well as Marielle Heller’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” which has Tom Hanks vying for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Fred Rogers.
“We have very specific taste,” said Turtletaub. “People want to see stories that touch their heart. That’s hard to define.”
These have ranged from “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006) and “Safety Not Guaranteed” (2012) to “The Purists,” a 2019 play that Billy Porter directed in Boston,...
- 1/2/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Starz has renewed the half-hour drama series “Vida” for a third season.
The news comes after the show aired the first two episodes of its second season just last Sunday on the Starz linear channel. All 10 episodes of Season 2 are currently available on the Starz app and Starz OnDemand.
“It is a rarity in television today to have a series earn this level of critical praise for two consecutive seasons and spark cultural conversation in the way that ‘Vida’ has,” said Starz COO Jeffrey Hirsch. “We are proud to continue to tell this story with Tanya and the incredible cast and crew she has assembled.”
The series was created by Tanya Saracho, who executive produces alongside Big Beach TV’s Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub with Stephanie Langhoff. Starz’s senior vice president of original programming Kathryn Tyus-Adair is the executive in charge of “Vida.”
In the second...
The news comes after the show aired the first two episodes of its second season just last Sunday on the Starz linear channel. All 10 episodes of Season 2 are currently available on the Starz app and Starz OnDemand.
“It is a rarity in television today to have a series earn this level of critical praise for two consecutive seasons and spark cultural conversation in the way that ‘Vida’ has,” said Starz COO Jeffrey Hirsch. “We are proud to continue to tell this story with Tanya and the incredible cast and crew she has assembled.”
The series was created by Tanya Saracho, who executive produces alongside Big Beach TV’s Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub with Stephanie Langhoff. Starz’s senior vice president of original programming Kathryn Tyus-Adair is the executive in charge of “Vida.”
In the second...
- 5/31/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The drama continues, as Starz has released the first trailer for Season 2 of Mexican-American drama Vida, set in the heavily Latinx east side area of Los Angeles.
Created by Tanya Saracho, the show premiered on May 6 last year and drew critical praise for its realistic scenarios and portrayals of gentrification, class and cultural struggles, many mirroring the real-life situations in east La, which has seen several protests against art studios and businesses perceived as gentrifying a traditionally Latinx neighborhood.
In Season 2, Lyn (Melissa Barrera) and Emma (Mishel Prada) begin the monumental task of rebuilding their mother’s business while navigating financial constraints, competing developers, and the growing anti-gentrification movement. Lyn and Emma must contemplate the relationships in their lives, including their own, and are forced to dig deep to unearth what their mother’s legacy means to them. Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Roberta Colindrez also star; Raúl Castillo guest stars.
Created by Tanya Saracho, the show premiered on May 6 last year and drew critical praise for its realistic scenarios and portrayals of gentrification, class and cultural struggles, many mirroring the real-life situations in east La, which has seen several protests against art studios and businesses perceived as gentrifying a traditionally Latinx neighborhood.
In Season 2, Lyn (Melissa Barrera) and Emma (Mishel Prada) begin the monumental task of rebuilding their mother’s business while navigating financial constraints, competing developers, and the growing anti-gentrification movement. Lyn and Emma must contemplate the relationships in their lives, including their own, and are forced to dig deep to unearth what their mother’s legacy means to them. Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Roberta Colindrez also star; Raúl Castillo guest stars.
- 5/2/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Showtime is developing an animated comedy series from writer Annah Feinberg titled “Multifarious Maris,” Variety has learned exclusively.
In the half-hour series, on the night of her thirtieth birthday, Maris discovers a superpower. It’s not flight. It’s not teleportation. It’s the ability to, upon finishing one-too-many glasses of wine, travel amidst the lives she might have had if she had made different choices. The series will follow her journey of self-discovery through multiple universes, as she attempts to figure out how to literally live her best life.
Should the project go to series, it would be the second animated comedy currently airing on Showtime, with the other being “Our Cartoon President.”
Feinberg will write and executive produce, with Joanna Calo also executive producing. Robin Schwartz, Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf will executive produce via Big Beach with Big Beach’s Molly Breeskin producing. Corey Campodonico and Alex...
In the half-hour series, on the night of her thirtieth birthday, Maris discovers a superpower. It’s not flight. It’s not teleportation. It’s the ability to, upon finishing one-too-many glasses of wine, travel amidst the lives she might have had if she had made different choices. The series will follow her journey of self-discovery through multiple universes, as she attempts to figure out how to literally live her best life.
Should the project go to series, it would be the second animated comedy currently airing on Showtime, with the other being “Our Cartoon President.”
Feinberg will write and executive produce, with Joanna Calo also executive producing. Robin Schwartz, Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf will executive produce via Big Beach with Big Beach’s Molly Breeskin producing. Corey Campodonico and Alex...
- 4/2/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Starz has set Thursday, May 23 for the season 2 premiere of critically praised series Vida. All 10 half-hour episodes will be available on the Starz app and Starz On-Demand in the U.S. and Canada and on StarzPlay in the UK and Germany. The series will broadcast its linear premiere Sunday, May 26 at 8 Pm, airing weekly for the following nine weeks. Vida Season 2 will make its world premiere as an Official Selection of the upcoming 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.
Created and executive produced by Tanya Saracho, Vida stars Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and recently announced Roberta Colindrez. Raúl Castillo and Adrian Gonzalez join as guest stars this season.
Lyn and Emma begin the monumental task of rebuilding their mother’s business while navigating financial constraints, competing developers, and the growing anti-gentrification movement. Lyn and Emma must contemplate the relationships in their lives, including their own, and are...
Created and executive produced by Tanya Saracho, Vida stars Melissa Barrera, Mishel Prada, Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and recently announced Roberta Colindrez. Raúl Castillo and Adrian Gonzalez join as guest stars this season.
Lyn and Emma begin the monumental task of rebuilding their mother’s business while navigating financial constraints, competing developers, and the growing anti-gentrification movement. Lyn and Emma must contemplate the relationships in their lives, including their own, and are...
- 3/25/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Channing Tatum executive producer on Gorilla And The Bird.
Jean-Marc Vallée has signed on to direct Gorilla And The Bird, his third limited series for HBO.
Based on Sack Dermot’s 2017 book Gorilla And The Bird: A Memoir Of Madness And A Mother’s Love, the series will be co-produced by HBO and Big Beach TV, producer of Starz series Vida and Facebook Watch series Sorry For Your Loss.
Bryan Sipe, writer of Vallée’s 2015 feature Demolition, will write the series and serve as showrunner and executive producer. Channing Tatum’s company Free Association is also an executive producer.
The...
Jean-Marc Vallée has signed on to direct Gorilla And The Bird, his third limited series for HBO.
Based on Sack Dermot’s 2017 book Gorilla And The Bird: A Memoir Of Madness And A Mother’s Love, the series will be co-produced by HBO and Big Beach TV, producer of Starz series Vida and Facebook Watch series Sorry For Your Loss.
Bryan Sipe, writer of Vallée’s 2015 feature Demolition, will write the series and serve as showrunner and executive producer. Channing Tatum’s company Free Association is also an executive producer.
The...
- 12/11/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
HBO has greenlighted Gorilla and the Bird, a new limited series from Jean-Marc Vallée, the director/executive producer behind the network’s Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects. Vallée is set to direct and executive produce the project, based on Zack McDermott’s book Gorilla and the Bird: A Memoir of Madness and a Mother’s Love. It hails from Vallée’s crazyrose, Channing Tatum’s Free Association and Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf’s Big Beach, and will be an HBO-Big Beach co-production.
Written by Demolition scribe Bryan Sipe, who will serve as executive producer/showrunner, Gorilla and the Bird is described as an inspirational tale of a mother’s unconditional love for her bipolar son. It follows Zack (the Gorilla) as he fights to regain his sanity after a devastating psychotic break, turning to the only person who didn’t give up on him – his mother (The Bird...
Written by Demolition scribe Bryan Sipe, who will serve as executive producer/showrunner, Gorilla and the Bird is described as an inspirational tale of a mother’s unconditional love for her bipolar son. It follows Zack (the Gorilla) as he fights to regain his sanity after a devastating psychotic break, turning to the only person who didn’t give up on him – his mother (The Bird...
- 12/10/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Jean-Marc Vallée has lined up yet another HBO project.
Vallée has signed on to direct and executive produce the limited series “Gorilla And The Bird,” based on the memoir of the same name by Zack McDermott, at the premium cabler. It is described as an inspirational tale of a mother’s unconditional love for her bipolar son, following Zack (the Gorilla) as he fights to regain his sanity after a devastating psychotic break, turning to the only person who didn’t give up on him – his mother (The Bird). Once a highly successful public defender for The Legal Aid Society of New York, Zack’s sudden illness takes him on a harrowing journey of delusions and antisocial behavior, leading to his eventual arrest and commitment to Bellevue Hospital.
Vallée will executive produce under his crazyrose production banner. He previously directed and executive produced the entire first season of HBO’s “Big Little Lies,...
Vallée has signed on to direct and executive produce the limited series “Gorilla And The Bird,” based on the memoir of the same name by Zack McDermott, at the premium cabler. It is described as an inspirational tale of a mother’s unconditional love for her bipolar son, following Zack (the Gorilla) as he fights to regain his sanity after a devastating psychotic break, turning to the only person who didn’t give up on him – his mother (The Bird). Once a highly successful public defender for The Legal Aid Society of New York, Zack’s sudden illness takes him on a harrowing journey of delusions and antisocial behavior, leading to his eventual arrest and commitment to Bellevue Hospital.
Vallée will executive produce under his crazyrose production banner. He previously directed and executive produced the entire first season of HBO’s “Big Little Lies,...
- 12/10/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“Big Little Lies” and “Sharp Objects” alum Jean-Marc Vallée has re-teamed with HBO for yet another limited series.
The director has signed on to direct and executive produce the network’s upcoming adaptation of “Gorilla and the Bird,” HBO announced on Monday.
An adaptation of the memoir by former attorney Zack McDermott, the series is described as “an inspirational tale of a mother’s unconditional love for her bipolar son.” Bryan Sipe, who previously collaborated with Vallée on the 2015 Jake Gyllenhaal-led film “Demolition,” is executive producer and showrunner on the limited series.
The director has signed on to direct and executive produce the network’s upcoming adaptation of “Gorilla and the Bird,” HBO announced on Monday.
An adaptation of the memoir by former attorney Zack McDermott, the series is described as “an inspirational tale of a mother’s unconditional love for her bipolar son.” Bryan Sipe, who previously collaborated with Vallée on the 2015 Jake Gyllenhaal-led film “Demolition,” is executive producer and showrunner on the limited series.
- 12/10/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
As festivals around the world continue to come to terms with the rise of serial television and new viewing platforms, Tiff hosted a special premiere this year of the first two episodes of Sorry For Your Loss, a 10-episode, half-hour drama from Facebook Watch. Directed by James Ponsoldt, it stars Elizabeth Olsen as Leigh Shaw, a young widow struggling to get her life back on track in the wake of her husband’s unexpected death. Accompanied by series creator Kit Steinkellner and co-star Mamoudou Athie, who plays Leigh’s husband Matt, Ponsoldt and Olsen came to the Deadline studio to discuss the show and the issues it raises.
Steinkellner revealed that the inspiration for the show came from a troubling moment in her own life. “There’s a flashback scene in the pilot,” she said, “in which Lizzie’s character wakes up in the middle of the night. Her husband is nowhere to be found,...
Steinkellner revealed that the inspiration for the show came from a troubling moment in her own life. “There’s a flashback scene in the pilot,” she said, “in which Lizzie’s character wakes up in the middle of the night. Her husband is nowhere to be found,...
- 9/16/2018
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Elizabeth Olsen has been appearing in films since she was about four years old, but her acting career began in earnest with the 2011 film “Martha Marcy May Marlene.” Now she’s trying her hand at the small-screen with “Sorry for Your Loss,” a which she not only stars in but also executive produces.
“Long-form has always been interesting to me because all of the different turns a character can take and change and evolve over time,” Olsen tells Variety. “And with Kit [Steinkellner]’s pilot, I just found not only the character could be someone that I immediately felt connection to — it made me laugh, it made me cry — and it was at a time in my life where I was in a transition.”
The show, which will launch the first four episodes at once on Facebook Watch Sept. 18, centers on Olsen’s character Leigh, a recent widow, as she struggles...
“Long-form has always been interesting to me because all of the different turns a character can take and change and evolve over time,” Olsen tells Variety. “And with Kit [Steinkellner]’s pilot, I just found not only the character could be someone that I immediately felt connection to — it made me laugh, it made me cry — and it was at a time in my life where I was in a transition.”
The show, which will launch the first four episodes at once on Facebook Watch Sept. 18, centers on Olsen’s character Leigh, a recent widow, as she struggles...
- 9/14/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Roberta Colindrez has been cast as a new series regular on the expanded 10-episode second season of Starz’s Latinx half-hour series Vida.
From creator/showrunner Tanya Saracho, Vida centers around two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by their past and the shocking truth about their mother’s identity.
Colindrez will play Nico, a new bartender at the family bar.
Season one of Vida was an official selection of the 2018 SXSW Film Festival. The series is produced by Big Beach TV with Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub serving as executive producers. Stephanie Langhoff is also executive producing with Chrisann Verges producing.
Colindrez, a Mexican-born, Argentinean-Honduran actor, originated the role of Joan in the five-time-Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home...
From creator/showrunner Tanya Saracho, Vida centers around two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by their past and the shocking truth about their mother’s identity.
Colindrez will play Nico, a new bartender at the family bar.
Season one of Vida was an official selection of the 2018 SXSW Film Festival. The series is produced by Big Beach TV with Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub serving as executive producers. Stephanie Langhoff is also executive producing with Chrisann Verges producing.
Colindrez, a Mexican-born, Argentinean-Honduran actor, originated the role of Joan in the five-time-Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home...
- 7/28/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Just days after its Season 1 finale, Starz has ordered a second season of its praised Latinx drama series Vida.
From showrunner Tanya Saracho (How to Get Away With Murder), Vida focuses on Mexican-American sisters Emma and Lyn from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity. Karen Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Maria Elena Laas also are series regulars.
The renewal is not a surprise. The pickup extends Saracho’s relationship with Starz, where she signed a three-year overall deal in February. As part of the pact, Saracho would continue as showrunner and executive producer on Vida.
Big Beach TV produces Vida with Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, serving as executive producers.
From showrunner Tanya Saracho (How to Get Away With Murder), Vida focuses on Mexican-American sisters Emma and Lyn from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity. Karen Ser Anzoategui, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda and Maria Elena Laas also are series regulars.
The renewal is not a surprise. The pickup extends Saracho’s relationship with Starz, where she signed a three-year overall deal in February. As part of the pact, Saracho would continue as showrunner and executive producer on Vida.
Big Beach TV produces Vida with Robin Schwartz, Peter Saraf and Marc Turtletaub, serving as executive producers.
- 6/12/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Starz has renewed the freshman series “Vida” for a second season, Variety has confirmed.
The half-hour drama focuses on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity. Melissa Barrera stars as Lyn while Mishel Prada plays her sister Emma. The series also stars Maria Elena Laas, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda, and Ser Anzoategui.
Series creator Tanya Saracho serves as showrunner. Saracho also signed an overall deal with Starz in February. Her previous credits include HBO’s “Girls” and “Looking,” ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder,” and Lifetime’s “Devious Maids.”
Big Beach TV produces the series with executive producers Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf and Robin Schwartz. Lionsgate retains all domestic and international multiplatform rights,...
The half-hour drama focuses on two Mexican-American sisters from the Eastside of Los Angeles who couldn’t be more different or distanced from each other. Circumstances force them to return to their old neighborhood, where they are confronted by the past and shocking truth about their mother’s identity. Melissa Barrera stars as Lyn while Mishel Prada plays her sister Emma. The series also stars Maria Elena Laas, Chelsea Rendon, Carlos Miranda, and Ser Anzoategui.
Series creator Tanya Saracho serves as showrunner. Saracho also signed an overall deal with Starz in February. Her previous credits include HBO’s “Girls” and “Looking,” ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder,” and Lifetime’s “Devious Maids.”
Big Beach TV produces the series with executive producers Marc Turtletaub, Peter Saraf and Robin Schwartz. Lionsgate retains all domestic and international multiplatform rights,...
- 6/12/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran television executive Robin Schwartz is joining Big Beach as head of the company’s TV division.
Based in Los Angeles, Schwartz will work closely with company founders Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf in creating series that Big Beach produces. Schwartz also will work with the company’s West Coast division Beachside, led by Alex Turtletaub and Michael B. Clark. Molly Breeskin, a TV executive at Big Beach, remains at the company’s New York office.
“We have always put an emphasis on producing distinctive, original, humanistic stories. Branching out into episodic storytelling is a natural progression for the company and we are excited to bring someone with such great experience and similar sensibility as Robin to our team,” said Turteltaub.
“We want to bring what we know best, the independent film model, to TV,” added Saraf. “We’ve worked with some incredible talent over the years, as has Robin.
Based in Los Angeles, Schwartz will work closely with company founders Marc Turtletaub and Peter Saraf in creating series that Big Beach produces. Schwartz also will work with the company’s West Coast division Beachside, led by Alex Turtletaub and Michael B. Clark. Molly Breeskin, a TV executive at Big Beach, remains at the company’s New York office.
“We have always put an emphasis on producing distinctive, original, humanistic stories. Branching out into episodic storytelling is a natural progression for the company and we are excited to bring someone with such great experience and similar sensibility as Robin to our team,” said Turteltaub.
“We want to bring what we know best, the independent film model, to TV,” added Saraf. “We’ve worked with some incredible talent over the years, as has Robin.
- 12/8/2016
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Somebody wake up Princess Aurora — there’s television to be made!
Freeform is currently developing After, a drama series based on Rhiannon Thomas’ Sleeping Beauty follow-up novel A Wicked Thing, our sister site Deadline reports.
RelatedReign‘s Torrance Coombs Joins ABC’s Still Star-Crossed, Will Exit CW Drama
After imagines what Aurora’s life would be like after waking up from her 100-year sleeping curse. She has her prince, but her family is dead and her kingdom has fallen into the wrong hands. In order to regain control of her birthright, she’ll need to transform from a timid princess to a powerful warrior.
Freeform is currently developing After, a drama series based on Rhiannon Thomas’ Sleeping Beauty follow-up novel A Wicked Thing, our sister site Deadline reports.
RelatedReign‘s Torrance Coombs Joins ABC’s Still Star-Crossed, Will Exit CW Drama
After imagines what Aurora’s life would be like after waking up from her 100-year sleeping curse. She has her prince, but her family is dead and her kingdom has fallen into the wrong hands. In order to regain control of her birthright, she’ll need to transform from a timid princess to a powerful warrior.
- 3/11/2016
- TVLine.com
ABC has bought The Bounty, a drama project from CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Written by South Beach creator/executive producer Matt Cirulnick, The Bounty centers around one victim’s quest for justice and healing. After her family is murdered, a national frenzy erupts as she inspires America to create the largest bounty in history for the killer’s capture. “The Bounty takes such a fresh approach to the crime show genre by combining the universal theme that we all want justice for the victim with how crowdsourcing plays a very important role in helping law enforcement today,” said Zuiker. Zuiker’s Dare To Pass is producing with ABC Studios, where the company is under an overall deal, and another ABC Studios-based company, Brillstein Entertainment, which partners with Zuiker on all of his development. Zuiker will executive produce alongside Cirulnick, who came up with the original idea,...
- 9/18/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Brillstein Entertainment Partners has kicked off its selling season with three deals at ABC — for comedies from writers Ali Rushfield and Kristin Newman and a drama from Jordon Nardino. All three are executive produced by Robin Schwartz, who joined the company as TV president in June, and hail from ABC Studios where Brillstein is under a deal. Both single-camera comedy juxtapose women in their 30s and their 20s. The Ali Rushfield half-hour centers on a 36-year-old woman/child who finally begins to grow up when she moves in with two 21-year-old girls. Rushfield serves as an executive producer, with Leslie Grossman, who was involved in the project’s inception, serving as consultant. It has been a busy development season for Parks & Recreation co-executive producer Rushfield, repped by UTA. She also is writing comedy Stuck, which has a put pilot commitment at Fox, though I hear the ABC comedy has her in first position.
- 9/11/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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