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[beat]

- THR: Showtime Orders Drama Pilot From New York Times' Andrew Ross Sorkin

hmm. I like Brian Koppelman, at least for his Vines and twitter, but Andrew Ross Sorkin is a Wall Street apologist of the highest order in his day job:

"Ain't nothing wrong with nepotism."

"Goldman Sachs probably didn't bet against mortgages" (and also, Dealbook took sponsorship deals from, among others, GSE).

"I have no idea what connection Sandy Weill has to 'Too Big To Fail'"

(all quotes very loosely paraphrased, of course.)

... God, I wish the studios had tapped Taibbi for a show instead of Andrew Ross Sorkin.

 

[Cornballer]

- Deadline: Sally Hawkins, Catherine Keener Join FX Pilot ‘How And Why’

Oscar-nominated Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine) and Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich, Capote) have joined the cast of FX’s How & Why, from Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich, Synecdoche). They join John Hawkes and Michael Cera in the half-hour comedy pilot, which begins production this spring in North Carolina. How And Why tells the story of Goodman Hesselman (Hawkes), who can explain how and why a nuclear reactor works but is clueless about life. After losing his gig hosting children’s science show How And Why, he tries to start over with a new show in a little TV market in the middle of nowhere when he encounters the supernatural world. Hawkins and Keener’s character information was not provided, but if the show receives a series order, Hawkins will be a series regular and Keener will guest star. Kaufman will direct the pilot and exec produces with Anthony Bregman. How And Why is produced by FX Productions.

 

[beat]

TV Land orders a pilot based on the webseries "Teachers"; Alison Brie will exec produce: http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/tv-...-on-web-series-teachers-alison-brie-produces/

This sounds like a major departure from TV Land's established brand of making shows that feel like they could have been made decades ago, starring people who really were stars decades ago...

 

[ivysaur12]

TV Land orders a pilot based on the webseries "Teachers"; Alison Brie will exec produce: http://www.deadline.com/2014/03/tv-...-on-web-series-teachers-alison-brie-produces/

This sounds like a major departure from TV Land's established brand of making shows that feel like they could have been made decades ago, starring people who really were stars decades ago...

All of their cast is named Kate.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Wow, so 'Powers' is finally going to see the light of day. Assuming Sony doesn't cancel it or keep it in development hell for years, that is.

 

[Rafa=FedKilla]

Wow, so 'Powers' is finally going to see the light of day. Assuming Sony doesn't cancel it or keep it in development hell for years, that is.

?

 

[anaron]

All of their cast is named Kate.

LOL, are they going to assign them numbers?

 

[RatskyWatsky]

?

Sony Pictures TV To Produce Comic Book Drama Series ‘Powers’ For PlayStation

Sony’s PlayStation video game console is the latest digital platform to enter the original programming space. Its first show will be hourlong drama Powers, based on the graphic novel by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming. The series will be produced by PlayStation sibling Sony Pictures TV, where the project had been gestating for awhile and went through several incarnation at FX, including a pilot. Powers for PlayStation represents a brand new take on the source material, penned by Charlie Huston.

 

[Rafa=FedKilla]

Thanks brah.

 

[beat]

http://www.avclub.com/article/katharine-mcphee-will-understand-geniuses-scorpion-202322

Katharine McPhee will star in CBS's upcoming drama Scorpion, as a diner waitress who learns to translate for an elite network of super-geniuses who are attempting to save the world.

... sounds a bit like a drama BBT. ("Big Bang Theory but not funny" would just be BBT.)

 

[Vert boil]

http://www.avclub.com/article/katharine-mcphee-will-understand-geniuses-scorpion-202322



... sounds a bit like a drama BBT. ("Big Bang Theory but not funny" would just be BBT.)

 

[RatskyWatsky]

BBC America Commissions First Original Comedy Series 'Almost Royal'

BBC AMERICA has commissioned its first original comedy series Almost Royal, a tale of two young British aristocrats on their first trip to the United States – interacting with real-life Americans. Almost Royal premieres Saturday, June 21, 10:00pm ET following the Orphan Black season two finale.

Georgie (Ed Gamble) and Poppy Carlton (Amy Hoggart) are heirs to Caunty Manor, a large country estate in Norfolk, England, where they have enjoyed privileged lives as distant descendants of the British Royal Family. They have agreed to have a camera crew follow them on an unofficial royal tour of the greatest country on earth – the United States of America. While also commemorating their late father, Lord Carlton, the road trip will provide the sheltered siblings with an opportunity to spread their wings and see the world. Georgie and Poppy have never worked a day in their lives, driven themselves anywhere or solved any problem more complex than telling their butler to tell their cook what they want for lunch.

Sounds fun!

 

[RatskyWatsky]

AMC Sets Directors For ‘Knifeman’ & ‘Galyntine’ Pilots

AMC Studios has tapped The Book Thief director Brian Percival (Downton Abbey) to helm the pilot for Knifeman, the drama about a charming, arrogant surgeon who robs graves and harvests organs in 18th century London.

Another 2014 AMC pilot, Galyntine, will be directed by David Mackenzie (Starred Up, Perfect Sense). The fantasy-action adventure with hints of sci-fi is set in a post-apocalyptic future without technology where a band of survivors are forced to adapt to isolation and the challenges of their new world.

 

[TheOddOne]

I'm in for both of those AMC shows.

 

[Stumpokapow]

BBC America Commissions First Original Comedy Series 'Almost Royal'





Sounds fun!

i'm calling it now, royals will be the theme song to the show.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

i'm calling it now, royals will be the theme song to the show.

This is the BBC! They have higher standards than the CW!

Spoiler

you're probably right

 

[RatskyWatsky]

AMC upfront news

As part of its upfront, AMC as usual is making a slew of programming announcements. They include an increased focus on comedy development, including a first pilot green light to a half-hour project, We Hate Paul Revere, written, executive produced and starring Ethan Sandler and Adrian Wenner

Dave Erickson (Sons Of Anarchy), will co-write, along with Robert Kirkman, and serve as an executive producer on the unnamed The Walking Dead companion series.

The network is expanding its relationship with Kevin Smith to include the development of a late-night project, Hollywood Babble-On, starring Smith and his co-host of their popular podcast, Ralph Garman.

AMC is also working with Smith on the development of a docu-series featuring super-collector and Comic Book Men regular Robert Bruce.

 

[TheOddOne]

Kind of meh stuff.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

But wait, there's more!

Here is AMC’s full slate, which includes drama, comedy and unscripted projects as well as two books optioned for series:

Dramas:

Area 51

Writer and Executive Producer: Chris Carter (“The X Files”); Executive Producer: Gale Anne Hurd (“The Walking Dead,”)

Based on the NY Times best-seller “Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base” by Annie Jacobson. A contemporary conspiracy thriller revealing the true story behind the infamous Area 51, America’s most mysterious military installation.

Police State

Writer and Executive Producer: Michael Tolkin (“The Player”)

A dark comedic tale of Ollie, a big-box store security guard, who is secretly recruited by an NSA-like organization. Starting as an observer, a person who can see everything by manipulating our electronic devices, Ollie will rise to power in hopes of changing the system but will ultimately compromise his intentions

Kingmakers

Writer and Executive Producer: Tom Kelly (“Blue Bloods,” “Copper”)

Based on the French series, “Les Hommes De L’Ombre,” “Kingmakers” follows a former campaign manager forced to get back into politics when his friend and current gubernatorial candidate is assassinated during a campaign speech.

Bombingham

Writer and Executive Producer: Alexander Woo (“True Blood”)

The fragile peace in present day Birmingham, Alabama is shattered when a murderer from 1963 is discovered and buried demons from the Civil Rights Era resurface.

The Sparrow

Writer and Executive Producer: Michael Perry (“The River,” “Paranormal Activity 2”)

Based on Mary Doria Russell’s acclaimed science-fiction epic, “The Sparrow” tells the story of a Jesuit-led mission to make first contact with an alien race.

Jerry’s World

Writer and Executive Producer: Jan Oxenberg (“Once and Again”)

This drama follows Dinah, a commitment-phobic artist and the world’s most unlikely caregivers she cobbles together an unusual and very modern family when she moves in with her boyfriend, his daughter, and her estranged father Jerry (who has early onset Alzheimers). Although Dinah thinks she is saving Jerry by taking him in, Jerry’s unusual perspective on the world ends up saving Dinah, and the rest of the family.

Paradise Lost

Writer and Executive Producer Amy Lippman (“Masters of Sex,” “Party of Five”)

“Paradise Lost” is the story of a group of friends who withdraw from society to create a new, more positive community in which to raise their families – but at what cost?

First Look Development Deals:

Outer Darkness

Writer and Co-Executive Producer: Jim McDermott

A grounded take on exorcism by exploring everyday evil in an idyllic midwestern town.

Comedy:

Untitled John Leguizamo Project

Writer, Executive Producer and Star: John Leguizamo (“Ice Age”); Writer and Executive Producer: Sal Stabile (“Revenge”)

Drawing inspiration from John’s real life, this half hour follows a group of men in Queens, The Bronx and upper Manhattan wrestling with careers, relationships, family, ambition, and getting older.

No Money Down

Writer, Executive Producer and Star: Wyatt Cenac (“The Daily Show”)

The comedy series follows a guy who bottoms out and begins working at an Austin car dealership with a variety of personalities.

Random Acts

Writer and Executive Producer: Andrea Abbate (based on her play of the same name)

As single girls in their early 30’s, Katie and Lisa work through issues with relationships, family, and growing up. As contract killers in Echo Park, Katie and Lisa work through issues with drug lords, crooked cops and unpaid debts.

Sober Buddies

Writers and Executive Producers: Danny Comden (“Pretty Persuasion”) and Barry Schwartz

Jonesy, a loveably washed up pro surfer turned sober coach works to help Jason, the privileged, ne’er-do-well son of a wealthy industrialist. Together 24-7 in a sort of arranged marriage, the two will come to rely on one another since as of yesterday, Jonesy isn’t exactly sober.

Book Options:

Strange Angel

Executive Producers: Ridley Scott and David Zucker of Scott Free

AMC has optioned the book, “Strange Angel: The Otherworldly Life of Rocket Scientist John Whiteside Parsons” by George Pendle, based on the life of Jim Parsons, a brilliant rocket scientist and co-founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. While a pioneer in research that had only recently been dreamed up in science fiction, his bright future gave way to ruin as Parsons headed down another, darker path into the occult community of mid-century Los Angeles.

Somewhere East of Life

Author: Brian Aldiss

Set in the near future, this book tells the story of a man as he tries to reclaim his identity after having the last ten years of his memories stolen.

Silent History

Serialized, exploratory novel for iPad and iPhone created by: Eli Horowitz, Matthew Derby and Kevin Moffett

Chronicling a generation of children born without the ability to communicate.

Reality:

Untitled Billy Corgan Wrestling Project

Produced by Left/Right, LLC (“Small Town Security,” “This American Life,” “Mob Wives”)

Smashing Pumpkins lead singer Billy Corgan pulls back the curtains on the pro-wrestling world as he takes over creative direction for the independent wrestling company Resistance Pro.

Bronx Pop

Produced by Richard Devinki Productions, LLC and Red Hot Poker Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television, Executive Producers: Anne Clements and Mike Wittlin

A comedic docu-soap following tough guys and lifelong friends Ralph Rubino and Nicky D’Angelo, as they hit the streets to launch an old fashioned soda pop company, Bronx Pop.

Prison Redemption

Produced by Custom Redtail Partners, LLC (“The Devil’s Ride,” “$24 in 24 Hours”)

A docuseries that takes a gritty, no holds barred look at life for both the inmates and the employees of the Pierce County Jail in Tacoma, Washington.

This broad development slate joins other projects currently in development including the pilots for “Knifeman,” and “Galyntine,” which are currently in pre-production, and “Preacher,” which is currently being written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

 

[Dan]

Nothing there instantly jumps out at me and/or sounds vaguely interesting but I lose faith with the talent.

Maybe that Strange Angels book.

Bombingham

Writer and Executive Producer: Alexander Woo (“True Blood”)

The fragile peace in present day Birmingham, Alabama is shattered when a murderer from 1963 is discovered and buried demons from the Civil Rights Era resurface.

This, however, sounds like it could be all kinds of insensitive.

 

[TheOddOne]

But wait, there's more!

Ok, some cool stuff there.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

HBO Developing Small-Town Drama From Kate Robin & Sue Naegle

Carthage is an examination of small-town America and how the repercussions of a tragic event — the rape of a high-school girl — can spread past those directly involved, affecting the community and, ultimately, society as a whole.

So Rectify, basically.

 

[TheOddOne]

HBO Developing Small-Town Drama From Kate Robin & Sue Naegle

So Rectify, basically.

HBO feeling that Sundance heat.

 

[James Woods]

Powers on...Playstation? Eh? Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Powers on...Playstation? Eh? Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhh

What about it?

 

[James Woods]

What about it?

Could be good. Not really where I envisioned that series going. I am curious as to what the budget/vision will be. Hopefully that works out.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Could be good. Not really where I envisioned that series going. I am curious as to what the budget/vision will be. Hopefully that works out.

They're aiming for "cable quality" so I assume the budget will be pretty high.

 

[TheOddOne]

NBC Orders Charles Manson Drama Series Starring David Duchovny From Marty Adelstein & ITV Studios Who Eye Alliance

Following the end of his Showtime dark comedy series Californication, David Duchovny is reuniting with former Showtime topper Bob Greenblatt for Aquarius, a gritty 1960s cop drama about the Charles Manson murders at NBC. The project, envisioned as an event series, has received a 13-episode straight-to-series order. It will be produced by ITV Studios America and Marty Adelstein Prods.

Spoiler

Set in the late 1960s, Aquarius stars Duchovny as a Los Angeles police sergeant with a complicated personal life who starts tracking a small-time criminal and budding cult leader seeking out vulnerable women to join his “cause.” The name of that man is Charles Manson. The twists and turns of a complicated undercover operation will lead Duchovny’s character and his young partner to the brink of Manson’s crimes that will that will eventually lead to the Tate-LaBianca murders in subsequent seasons.

“Event series are a big priority for us, and the combination of a show that charts the lead-up to the Manson murders, along with a television star of the magnitude of David Duchovny, is the very definition of an event,” said NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

NBC Orders Charles Manson Drama Series Starring David Duchovny From Marty Adelstein & ITV Studios Who Eye Alliance

After Hannibal, I have faith that they can pull this off.

 

[WarrenMax007]

NBC Orders Charles Manson Drama Series Starring David Duchovny From Marty Adelstein & ITV Studios Who Eye Alliance

Love Duchovny so i'll watch this, but it's a cable material.

 

[Dan]

NBC Orders Charles Manson Drama Series Starring David Duchovny From Marty Adelstein & ITV Studios Who Eye Alliance

Eh... sounds like they want to make a true crime version of The Following.

Aquarius joins another Charles Manson project, a limited series is in development at Fox with writer Bret Easton Ellis and director Rob Zombie.

... ahahahahahahahahaha

 

[ivysaur12]

So, uh, how many dramas will NBC have left to order? They have Emerald City, Shades of Blue (the J-Lo FBI straight to series), The Slap (8 ep mini), and now Aquarius. Not to mention they've picked up The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Grimm, probably SVU, Hannibal and Parenthood and maybe Revolution.

Granted, they only have 8 drama pilots. But still. I can't see them picking up more than 2 or 3 of them.

 

[Ashok]

NBC Orders Charles Manson Drama Series Starring David Duchovny From Marty Adelstein & ITV Studios Who Eye Alliance

Forget cable... Between Gillian on Hannibal and a new crime drama with DD, NBC is quickly becoming my favorite network. :O

 

[Poofynamanama]

Forget cable... Between Gillian on Hannibal and a new crime drama with DD, NBC is quickly becoming my favorite network. :O

Dracula was pretty entertaining and only 10 episodes? give it a shot

 

[beat]

I kinda wish they'd fictionalize this stuff enough that Manson couldn't get any pleasure out of being referenced in popular culture.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

The Slap

oh god

 

[Norwegian Rudo]

So, uh, how many dramas will NBC have left to order? They have Emerald City, Shades of Blue (the J-Lo FBI straight to series), The Slap (8 ep mini), and now Aquarius. Not to mention they've picked up The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Grimm, probably SVU, Hannibal and Parenthood and maybe Revolution.

Granted, they only have 8 drama pilots. But still. I can't see them picking up more than 2 or 3 of them.

Wasn't the J-Lo one for '15?

 

[ganon]

I'm surprised so many people like David Duchovny..

 

[TheOddOne]

Netflix Orders 10 Episodes of Drama 'Narcos' for 2015 Premiere

ONLY ON NETFLIX: WAGNER MOURA AS PABLO ESCOBAR IN NARCOS COMING IN 2015

Elite Squad Star Reunites with Director Jose Padilha in A Gripping Saga of Blood, Money and PoliticsApr 01, 2014

Beverly Hills, California - April 1, 2014 - Brazil's top film star Wagner Moura will bring back to life the charismatic trafficker and politician Pablo Escobar in a Netflix Original Series Narcos from acclaimed director Jose Padilha and Gaumont International Television.

An all-new take on the amazing story of the Medellin Cartel, once the world’s most ambitious and violent trafficking organization, Narcos reunites the creators of the ultimate Brazilian cop action and political film, Elite Squad: Moura (Elysium) and Padilha (Robocop).

Executive produced by Padilha, Eric Newman (Children of Men), the team of Doug Miro and Carlos Bernard (Sorcerer’s Apprentice), and Chris Brancato (Hannibal), the ten episode initial season of Narcos will soon begin filming in Colombia with the series arriving in all Netflix territories in early 2015.

“Jose and Wagner together created one of the most sophisticated and chilling portraits of criminality and official corruption ever in their Elite Squad movies,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “Their version of the Escobar saga will be like nothing ever seen before.”

“Our idea is to tell the true story of how cocaine became such a huge problem in the U.S. and Europe and how it all started here in Medellin,” said Padilha, now preparing Narcos in Colombia.

“We are so thrilled to be working with Jose and Eric on this gripping and timeless story,?”said Katie O Connell, Chief Executive Officer, Gaumont International Television. “Netflix is the perfect partner to launch this series and we are happy to be working once again with the amazing team there.”

 

[Rafa=FedKilla]

Hourman is dead right?. Or it could still be in development for next pilot season? Anxiously awaiting more info on the rest of the CW pilots.

 

[RatskyWatsky]

Netflix Orders 10 Episodes of Drama 'Narcos' for 2015 Premiere

Should be good!

 

[RatskyWatsky]

David Milch Extends Overall Deal With HBO

There are few relationships between a network and creator that have been as enduring as the one between David Milch and HBO. Now it has been extended with a new overall deal, which will keep Milch exclusive to HBO in television for two more years, bringing his tenure at the pay cable network to 14 years.

Can't wait to see

Spoiler

HBO pass on

his future projects!

 

[ivysaur12]

Wasn't the J-Lo one for '15?

Yeah but it'll premiere in the 14-15 season.

 

[Clevinger]

David Milch Extends Overall Deal With HBO



Can't wait to see

Spoiler

HBO pass on

his future projects!

Milch.... :/

Shoulda gone to Showtime or Netflix. Those guys make anything.

 

[TheOddOne]

Comedy Central orders pilot from 'Happy Endings' creator, writers

Happy Endings creator David Caspe is finding more joy in pilot season.

He has received his third pilot order, this time from Comedy Central, which has signed up for Duty, a single-camera cop comedy to be executive produced by Caspe and written by ex-Happy Endings scribes Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman. There will be a Happy connection onscreen, too: The show follows a former football stud named Kyle (Ugly Americans‘ Mike O’Gorman) who returns to his hometown after hitting hard times and joins the police force opposite his childhood best friend, Lonnie (Brooklyn Nine-Nine scribe Gil Ozeri, who previously wrote for Happy Endings). Kyle will also match wits with his ex-girlfriend (Draft Day‘s Laura Steinel).

Caspe’s other two pilots are for broadcast networks: He is serving as executive producer/writer of NBC’s Marry Me (which stars Happy vet — and his fiancée — Casey Wilson) and CBS’ Cuz-Bros.

 

[ivysaur12]

Comedy Central orders pilot from 'Happy Endings' creator, writers

HERE I'M GOING TO POST THE STUPID PENNY GIF YOU ALL HATE BUT WHATEVER IT'S WORTH IT BECAUSE SHE'S WORTH IT AND I'M FEELING THINGS

 

[TheOddOne]

THAT GIF IS NOT STUPID. IT'S PERFECTION.

 

[ivysaur12]

THAT GIF IS NOT STUPID. IT'S PERFECTION.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME

 

[TheOddOne]

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ME DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME

 

[Norwegian Rudo]

Yeah but it'll premiere in the 14-15 season.

That's not how I understood it.

Yep, looked it up, it's for the 15-16 season.