Fulwell 73, the company behind The Late Late Show with James Corden, is staying in business with CBS Studios.
Related Story ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden’ To Be Replaced With ‘@midnight’ Reboot Exec Produced By Stephen Colbert On CBS Related Story 'Nancy Drew' EP Lis Rowinski Inks First-Look Deal With CBS Studios Related Story Paramount TV Studios' Deborah Aquila To Add Oversight Of CBS Studios Casting Following Meg Liberman's Retirement
The company has extended its first-look deal with the Paramount-owned studio for another three years. The extension comes after the producer struck its first deal with the studio back in 2016.
This time, however, it seems that there was competition from elsewhere as Deadline understands that Fulwell 73 held talks with rivals.
The deal will include scripted, alternative and digital TV for the studio for broadcast, cable, streaming and other digital platforms.
Fulwell 73 is preparing for...
Related Story ‘The Late Late Show With James Corden’ To Be Replaced With ‘@midnight’ Reboot Exec Produced By Stephen Colbert On CBS Related Story 'Nancy Drew' EP Lis Rowinski Inks First-Look Deal With CBS Studios Related Story Paramount TV Studios' Deborah Aquila To Add Oversight Of CBS Studios Casting Following Meg Liberman's Retirement
The company has extended its first-look deal with the Paramount-owned studio for another three years. The extension comes after the producer struck its first deal with the studio back in 2016.
This time, however, it seems that there was competition from elsewhere as Deadline understands that Fulwell 73 held talks with rivals.
The deal will include scripted, alternative and digital TV for the studio for broadcast, cable, streaming and other digital platforms.
Fulwell 73 is preparing for...
- 3/1/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global is consolidating the casting operation at its two TV studios.
Deborah Aquila, the head of casting at Paramount Television Studios, will add CBS Studios to her purview as well. The change comes as Meg Liberman, who has overseen casting at CBS Studios for the past 14 years, announced her retirement on Wednesday.
“I have really loved the last 14 years I’ve spent at CBS Studios for two important reasons: the people and the projects,” Liberman wrote in a note to CBS Studios staff (read it in full, below). “I have learned so much and it has been a privilege to work with such a truly talented and creative group of individuals, many of whom I consider friends for life.”
Liberman has worked in casting for more than 40 years. Prior to joining CBS Studios, she worked as a casting director on films and TV series ranging from Seinfeld to Band of Brothers.
Deborah Aquila, the head of casting at Paramount Television Studios, will add CBS Studios to her purview as well. The change comes as Meg Liberman, who has overseen casting at CBS Studios for the past 14 years, announced her retirement on Wednesday.
“I have really loved the last 14 years I’ve spent at CBS Studios for two important reasons: the people and the projects,” Liberman wrote in a note to CBS Studios staff (read it in full, below). “I have learned so much and it has been a privilege to work with such a truly talented and creative group of individuals, many of whom I consider friends for life.”
Liberman has worked in casting for more than 40 years. Prior to joining CBS Studios, she worked as a casting director on films and TV series ranging from Seinfeld to Band of Brothers.
- 1/11/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The streamlining of CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios’ operations continues. Deborah Aquila, who heads casting for Ptvs, will become the head of casting for both CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios. She will add the responsibilities most recently held by CBS Studios EVP Casting Meg Liberman, who announced her retirement earlier today.
Aquila’s promotion was announced in a joint internal memo by David Stapf, President, CBS Studios and Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series.
This is the latest step in a process kicked off by the October Paramount Global restructuring in which both CBS Studios and Ptvs were put under the purview of George Cheeks, President & CEO, CBS and Cco, News & Sports, Paramount+. Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish stressed at the time that Paramount TV Studios “will continue to operate as a studio alongside CBS Studios.”
Still, the two studios underwent a...
Aquila’s promotion was announced in a joint internal memo by David Stapf, President, CBS Studios and Nicole Clemens, President of Paramount Television Studios and Paramount+ Original Scripted Series.
This is the latest step in a process kicked off by the October Paramount Global restructuring in which both CBS Studios and Ptvs were put under the purview of George Cheeks, President & CEO, CBS and Cco, News & Sports, Paramount+. Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish stressed at the time that Paramount TV Studios “will continue to operate as a studio alongside CBS Studios.”
Still, the two studios underwent a...
- 1/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the top TV casting executives in the business, Meg Liberman, currently EVP and head of casting at CBS Studios, has announced her retirement after 47 years in casting, the last 14 at the studio. The studio’s new casting department structure is expected to be announced shortly.
“As I look back on my 40-plus-year career in casting, I’ve decided that I’m ready to embark on my next adventure and will be retiring,” Liberman said in her farewell note to staff. (You can read it in full below.)
Liberman, an Emmy-winning casting director, joined then-CBS Television Studios in August 2008 as SVP, Casting, and was promoted to EVP in September 2017. During her time at the studio, she has overseen casting of more than 350 projects – series and pilots across broadcast, streaming and cable, including The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Dead To Me,...
“As I look back on my 40-plus-year career in casting, I’ve decided that I’m ready to embark on my next adventure and will be retiring,” Liberman said in her farewell note to staff. (You can read it in full below.)
Liberman, an Emmy-winning casting director, joined then-CBS Television Studios in August 2008 as SVP, Casting, and was promoted to EVP in September 2017. During her time at the studio, she has overseen casting of more than 350 projects – series and pilots across broadcast, streaming and cable, including The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Dead To Me,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: CBS Studios has tapped Deborah Aquila to lead casting for both CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios. The news comes after Meg Liberman announced her retirement as the head of casting for CBS Studios earlier on Wednesday.
In the new role, Aquila will report directly to Ptvs president Nicole Clemens and CBS Studios president David Stapf. Both studios casting teams will report to Aquila. She will assume oversight of the combined department this spring following a transitional period with Liberman.
Aquila has overseen casting at Paramount TV Studios since early 2020, where she led talent efforts on series such as “The Offer,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” as well as the upcoming “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” and “Fatal Attraction.”
Her resume includes the Academy Award-winning films “Coda” and “La La Land,” as well as “Sex, Lives and Videotape” and “The Shawshank Redemption.” On the TV side, she’s worked...
In the new role, Aquila will report directly to Ptvs president Nicole Clemens and CBS Studios president David Stapf. Both studios casting teams will report to Aquila. She will assume oversight of the combined department this spring following a transitional period with Liberman.
Aquila has overseen casting at Paramount TV Studios since early 2020, where she led talent efforts on series such as “The Offer,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” as well as the upcoming “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” and “Fatal Attraction.”
Her resume includes the Academy Award-winning films “Coda” and “La La Land,” as well as “Sex, Lives and Videotape” and “The Shawshank Redemption.” On the TV side, she’s worked...
- 1/11/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Emmy-winning casting executive Meg Liberman, EVP of casting at CBS Studios, is retiring after a 40-plus-year career, she and CBS Studios announced on Wednesday.
Later Wednesday, it was additionally announced that Deborah Aquila, who currently heads casting for Paramount TV Studios, will step up as head of casting for both Ptvs and CBS Studios. Aquila will resume joint responsibilities for casting across studios this spring.
In her 14 years at the studio, Liberman oversaw casting of more than 350 projects, including the “NCIS” and “Star Trek” franchises, “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” “Dead to Me,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Jane the Virgin.”
Prior to joining CBS Studios, she cast such illustrious series as “Seinfeld,” “The Comeback,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Band of Brothers,” “Fame,” “From the Earth to the Moon,” “That ‘70s Show,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.”
Also Read:
20 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2023, According to Fans | Chart
Liberman began casting with her mother,...
Later Wednesday, it was additionally announced that Deborah Aquila, who currently heads casting for Paramount TV Studios, will step up as head of casting for both Ptvs and CBS Studios. Aquila will resume joint responsibilities for casting across studios this spring.
In her 14 years at the studio, Liberman oversaw casting of more than 350 projects, including the “NCIS” and “Star Trek” franchises, “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” “Dead to Me,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Jane the Virgin.”
Prior to joining CBS Studios, she cast such illustrious series as “Seinfeld,” “The Comeback,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Band of Brothers,” “Fame,” “From the Earth to the Moon,” “That ‘70s Show,” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.”
Also Read:
20 Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2023, According to Fans | Chart
Liberman began casting with her mother,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
George Cheeks has outlined his vision for CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios.
It comes after Deadline broke the news that Paramount Global was undergoing its latest round of layoffs with the Paramount+ scripted originals team being folded into Paramount TV Studios.
The two studios will now centralize a number of its back-end functions for the first time installing leaders across finance, law, production, business affairs and casting.
However, Cheeks, who is President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS, and Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+, wrote in a memo to staff, obtained by Deadline, that each studio is free to pursue all genres for all mediums. “There are no exclusive lanes,” he noted, adding that the two independently operated brands, which will have their own separate creative teams, will give the company balance “bolstered by streamlined support operations”.
The former NBC exec also added that he wants his studios...
It comes after Deadline broke the news that Paramount Global was undergoing its latest round of layoffs with the Paramount+ scripted originals team being folded into Paramount TV Studios.
The two studios will now centralize a number of its back-end functions for the first time installing leaders across finance, law, production, business affairs and casting.
However, Cheeks, who is President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS, and Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+, wrote in a memo to staff, obtained by Deadline, that each studio is free to pursue all genres for all mediums. “There are no exclusive lanes,” he noted, adding that the two independently operated brands, which will have their own separate creative teams, will give the company balance “bolstered by streamlined support operations”.
The former NBC exec also added that he wants his studios...
- 11/30/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount TV Studios and CBS Studios are the latest Hollywood entities to be hit with layoffs.
According to sources, Paramount has let go under 30 people as a result of the layoffs. Most of those are at Paramount TV Studios and CBS Studios, with some CBS employees also affected. Most of the layoffs are in the business affairs, casting, production, and legal departments.
There have also been a small number of layoffs in the Paramount+ scripted originals team, which is being folded into Paramount TV Studios.
In a memo to studio staff obtained by Variety, George Cheeks — the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports for Paramount+ — laid out the changes, stressing that CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios would remain separate entities.
“As part of this reorganization, the creative executives from the Paramount+ scripted Originals team that has reported to Nicole will become part...
According to sources, Paramount has let go under 30 people as a result of the layoffs. Most of those are at Paramount TV Studios and CBS Studios, with some CBS employees also affected. Most of the layoffs are in the business affairs, casting, production, and legal departments.
There have also been a small number of layoffs in the Paramount+ scripted originals team, which is being folded into Paramount TV Studios.
In a memo to studio staff obtained by Variety, George Cheeks — the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports for Paramount+ — laid out the changes, stressing that CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios would remain separate entities.
“As part of this reorganization, the creative executives from the Paramount+ scripted Originals team that has reported to Nicole will become part...
- 11/30/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly 30 people are set to be hit by layoffs at CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios, which will be merged with Paramount+’s scripted team, an individual with knowledge confirmed to TheWrap.
Back in October, George Cheeks, president and CEO at CBS and chief content officer of News & Sports at Paramount+ took over the shepherding of both studios. At the time, Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish alluded that Paramount TV Studios, headed by president Nicole Clemens, and CBS Studios, led by president David Stapf, would work in conjunction with one another.
Per an internal memo from Cheeks’ office, obtained by TheWrap, CBS Studios and Ptvs are remaining largely intact and independent from each other, though department heads will “support and work across” both brands in the spirit of “healthy collaboration.”
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“To reiterate, this new structure will feature two independently operated...
Back in October, George Cheeks, president and CEO at CBS and chief content officer of News & Sports at Paramount+ took over the shepherding of both studios. At the time, Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish alluded that Paramount TV Studios, headed by president Nicole Clemens, and CBS Studios, led by president David Stapf, would work in conjunction with one another.
Per an internal memo from Cheeks’ office, obtained by TheWrap, CBS Studios and Ptvs are remaining largely intact and independent from each other, though department heads will “support and work across” both brands in the spirit of “healthy collaboration.”
Also Read:
‘Tulsa King’ Scores Early Season 2 Renewal at Paramount+
“To reiterate, this new structure will feature two independently operated...
- 11/30/2022
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
CBS Studios Announces Bipoc Casting Fellowship, Sets Second Cohort for Leadership Pipeline Challenge
CBS Studios has set in motion two initiatives focused on providing a diverse range of emerging creators with opportunities in filmmaking and casting.
First, CBS Studios has announced a new casting fellowship targeted toward Bipoc representation. Developed to address the diversity gap in the casting industry, the 10-week program allows fellows to have a fully immersive, hands-on experience working in a casting office, along with mentorship from the studio’s casting executives.
The studio has also set its second cohort for the CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge, which arms 35 early-career storytellers with 5,000 budgets to make mission-inspired short films.
“We always strive to create opportunities for prospective executives… In only its second year, this inclusive program is helping us grow an even more vibrant and motivated studio team,” CBS Studios President David Stapf said of the initiatives conceived by casting executives Lori Erickson and Rob Decina.
“We are very proud of them...
First, CBS Studios has announced a new casting fellowship targeted toward Bipoc representation. Developed to address the diversity gap in the casting industry, the 10-week program allows fellows to have a fully immersive, hands-on experience working in a casting office, along with mentorship from the studio’s casting executives.
The studio has also set its second cohort for the CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge, which arms 35 early-career storytellers with 5,000 budgets to make mission-inspired short films.
“We always strive to create opportunities for prospective executives… In only its second year, this inclusive program is helping us grow an even more vibrant and motivated studio team,” CBS Studios President David Stapf said of the initiatives conceived by casting executives Lori Erickson and Rob Decina.
“We are very proud of them...
- 4/20/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
CAA veteran Michael Katcher is returning to the executive ranks as Evp and head of casting for FX Entertainment. To join FX Networks, Katcher is leaving CAA where he has been the head of the television talent department for the past 17 years. A replacement for him will be announced shortly.
At FX, this is a newly created position as the network and its in-house studio did not have a dedicated head of casting. Katcher will have oversight of casting and talent strategy for FX Networks and FX Productions. He will report to FX Entertainment Presidents of Original Programming Gina Balian and Nick Grad, as well as Sharon Klein, who was recently named Evp, Casting, Disney Television Studios and FX Entertainment.
Katcher, who is well liked in the casting community, represented a slew of top TV talent while at CAA, including award-winning actors Glenn Close, Andy Garcia, Viola Davis, Jennifer Jason Leigh,...
At FX, this is a newly created position as the network and its in-house studio did not have a dedicated head of casting. Katcher will have oversight of casting and talent strategy for FX Networks and FX Productions. He will report to FX Entertainment Presidents of Original Programming Gina Balian and Nick Grad, as well as Sharon Klein, who was recently named Evp, Casting, Disney Television Studios and FX Entertainment.
Katcher, who is well liked in the casting community, represented a slew of top TV talent while at CAA, including award-winning actors Glenn Close, Andy Garcia, Viola Davis, Jennifer Jason Leigh,...
- 6/12/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Casting Society of America has announced the honorees for the Artios Awards for outstanding film, TV and theatre casting, given out at twin ceremonies at New York’s Xl Nightclub and Los Angeles’s Beverly Hilton on Oct. 29, when the winners for Outstanding Achievement in Casting will also be announced. (See nominations below.) Argo director/star Ben Affleck will receive the Career Achievement Award (previously won by Quentin Tarantino and Dick Wolf). The Hoyt Bowers Award goes to Argo casting director Lora Kennedy (past winners include Meg Liberman and Ellen Chenoweth). Harvey Fierstein wins the New York Apple Award, as
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- 10/24/2012
- by Tim Appelo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Casting Society of America unveiled nominations for its 27th annual Artois Awards, recognizing the best in casting. The honors will be bestowed Sept. 26 in simultaneous ceremonies at the Beverly Hilton in L.A. and at District 36 in New York. The Csa also is giving lifetime achievement awards to Whoopi Goldberg (the New York Apple Award), Dick Wolf (the Career Achievement Award) and Meg Liberman (the Hoyt Bowers Award). Here's the full list of nominees: Big Budget Feature – Drama “The Fighter,” Sheila Jaffe, Angela Peri (Location Casting) “Inception,” John Papsidera “The Social Network,” Laray Mayfield “The Town,” Lora Kennedy, Carolyn Pickman (Location Casting) “True Grit,” Ellen Chenoweth, Rachel Tenner, JoEdna Boldin (Location Casting) Big Budget Feature – Comedy “How Do You Know,” Francine Maisler, Lynn Kressel (Location Casting) “Morning Glory,” Ellen Lewis * “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” Francine Maisler * “Red,” Deborah Aquila, Tricia Wood, Craig Fincannon (Location Casting), Lisa Mae Fincannon...
- 8/16/2011
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The Casting Society of America announced today the nominees for the 27th annual Artios Awards, honoring artistic achievement in casting. The awards will be presented in duel ceremonies Sept. 26 in New York and Los Angeles. In addition to honoring film, television, and theater casting directors in 23 categories, Csa will present three special awards. This year, Whoopi Goldberg will receive the New York Apple Award; Meg Liberman will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award; and Dick Wolf will receive the Career Achievement Award.Below is the list of nominees:Big Budget Feature – Drama“The Fighter,” Sheila Jaffe, Angela Peri (Location Casting)“Inception,” John Papsidera“The Social Network,” Laray Mayfield“The Town,” Lora Kennedy, Carolyn Pickman (Location Casting)“True Grit,” Ellen Chenoweth, Rachel Tenner, JoEdna Boldin (Location Casting)Big Budget Feature – Comedy“How Do You Know,” Francine Maisler, Lynn Kressel (Location Casting)“Morning Glory,” Ellen Lewis *“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” Francine Maisler *“Red,...
- 8/16/2011
- by help@backstage.com (Daniel Holloway)
- backstage.com
For so convincingly playing a war-weary antihero in the Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg produced Emmy-winning WWII mini-series "The Pacific," Rami Malek sure does like to smile.
And with another Hanks production in the queue, not to mention a juicy role in the next Twilight flick Breaking Dawn, the 29-year-old thesp has good reason to be sporting a sizeable grin.
In Toronto to help promote the mini-series’ release on DVD and Blu-ray (see sidebar for special feature details),decked out in a checkered shirt, tie, poppy and dark trousers, Malek’s excitement and pride over his work on the critically praised show is palpable as soon as he starts talking about it.
“I went in at least five times,” he offered, referring to the grueling audition process. “From the very beginning, it was with a casting director I knew, Meg Liberman, we did ‘Medium’ together, and I went in and I...
And with another Hanks production in the queue, not to mention a juicy role in the next Twilight flick Breaking Dawn, the 29-year-old thesp has good reason to be sporting a sizeable grin.
In Toronto to help promote the mini-series’ release on DVD and Blu-ray (see sidebar for special feature details),decked out in a checkered shirt, tie, poppy and dark trousers, Malek’s excitement and pride over his work on the critically praised show is palpable as soon as he starts talking about it.
“I went in at least five times,” he offered, referring to the grueling audition process. “From the very beginning, it was with a casting director I knew, Meg Liberman, we did ‘Medium’ together, and I went in and I...
- 11/5/2010
- by Andrea Miller
- Cineplex
Playwright Tony Kushner, producer Marcy Carsey, and casting director Ellen Chenoweth will be honored by the Casting Society of America at this year's Artios Awards. The nominees for this year's awards—to be presented Nov. 1 in dual ceremonies at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and the American Airlines Theatre in New York—were announced today. Kushner, Carsey, and Chenoweth will be presented with special awards. The complete list of nominees follows.Big budget feature, drama"Avatar," Margery Simkin and Mali Finn (initial casting)"Inglourious Basterds," Johanna Ray and Jenny Jue"Nine," Francine Maisler"Sherlock Holmes," Reg Poerscout-Edgerton"Shutter Island," Ellen Lewis and Carolyn Pickman (location casting)Big budget feature, comedy"Couples Retreat," Sarah Halley Finn and Randi Hiller"Date Night," Donna Isaacson"Julie and Julia," Francine Maisler"The Proposal," Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, and Angela Peri (location casting)"Valentine's Day," Deborah Aquila and Tricia WoodFeature,...
- 9/15/2010
- backstage.com
It's quite a feat to stand out in an immense cast of talented young men in HBO's "The Pacific," but newcomer Rami Malek did just that as real-life Louisiana Pfc. Merriell "Snafu" Shelton. In the 10-part miniseries, which ends May 16, Malek steals the show with his authentic portrayal of a lost soldier faced with the brutality of war. Malek plays the kind of morally ambiguous soldier who looks after his fellow Marines as easily as he tosses pebbles into a corpse's hollowed head. It earned him major respect from his boss, executive producer Tom Hanks."I remember when I came home from 'The Pacific,' he gave me a hug and he said, 'I can't wait until I'm in a movie with you.' I was laughing and I was astonished, and when he said that, I was like, 'Yeah, we'll see if that ever happens,' " Malek says...
- 5/14/2010
- backstage.com
One might say that G. Charles Wright has spent his whole life preparing for a job in casting. "All my childhood was spent in front of a television instead of playing outdoors or doing homework," he says with a chuckle. He currently works on the hit TV show "The Middle," starring Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn, and teaches a popular auditioning class in Los Angeles. Other credits include "That '70s Show," PBS's "Sid the Science Kid," and numerous pilots and Web shows.Career PathI started the way most casting directors start, which is accidentally—it really seems to be an accidental profession for people. I was an actor and I supported myself during the day working in the software industry. The company I worked for got bought, and it triggered a stock plan I was in, so I took some money and ran. I thought, "Maybe I want to become a TV writer.
- 4/15/2010
- backstage.com
Starz Media has tapped veteran casting executive Marc Hirschfeld as a casting consultant.
Under the non-exclusive arrangement, Hirschfeld will work closely with Starz programming executives on major castings for the channels' scripted and non-scripted programs, beginning with "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up," which is gearing up for its fifth season.
The Starz setup is expected to be the first of several, in which Hirschfeld provides casting executive services to networks that are ramping up original production but don't have a fully-fledged casting departments.
Hirschfeld, who is casting two pilots this season, ABC's "The Whole Truth" and CBS' "Hitched," served as executive vp casting for NBC Universal Television Entertainment from 1999 to 2008, overseeing casting for all of NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs and consulting on unscripted programming.
Before that, he ran with partner Meg Liberman top casting agency Liberman/Hirschfeld, which cast "Seinfeld," "3rd Rock from the Sun,...
Under the non-exclusive arrangement, Hirschfeld will work closely with Starz programming executives on major castings for the channels' scripted and non-scripted programs, beginning with "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up," which is gearing up for its fifth season.
The Starz setup is expected to be the first of several, in which Hirschfeld provides casting executive services to networks that are ramping up original production but don't have a fully-fledged casting departments.
Hirschfeld, who is casting two pilots this season, ABC's "The Whole Truth" and CBS' "Hitched," served as executive vp casting for NBC Universal Television Entertainment from 1999 to 2008, overseeing casting for all of NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs and consulting on unscripted programming.
Before that, he ran with partner Meg Liberman top casting agency Liberman/Hirschfeld, which cast "Seinfeld," "3rd Rock from the Sun,...
- 3/17/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Jazz Loft Project. Video by Lauren Hart and Sam Stephenson. Photographs by W. Eugene Smith. From the new book, The Jazz Loft Project (Knopf). (Soundtrack: “Avalon,” recorded January 29, 1960 - Zoot Sims, sax; Eddie DeHaas, bass; Dave McKenna, piano; Roy Haynes and Ronnie Free, drums.) In 1957, pioneering Life photo-essayist W. Eugene Smith walked out on his family in suburban Croton-on-Hudson, New York, and moved to Manhattan, occupying a loft at 821 Sixth Avenue where he could live a full, degenerate, bohemian life. On the fourth floor of the building was a music studio (and sometime drug den) in which Thelonius Monk and other jazz artists of the day would jam well into the morning. So many top-flight musicians would congregate there—Blakey, Coltrane, Mingus, and scores more, from Bill Evans and Hall Overton to Henry Grimes to Zoot Sims—that the haven began to attract a circle of curious artiste-confreres such as Henri Cartier-Bresson,...
- 11/24/2009
- Vanity Fair
Casting directors came out from behind the curtain to be honored by their peers last night at the 25th Annual Artios Awards. The bi-coastal awards, which were held simultaneously at the new Times Center in New York City and the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, are presented yearly for outstanding achievement in casting in theater, film, and television categories on the criteria of originality, creativity, and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project.Celebrity awards presenters in New York were Patrick Wilson ("Little Children," "Angels in America"), Carrie Preston ("True Blood"), Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road"), Jennifer Morrison ("House"), Bill Pullman ("Oleanna"), Christine Ebersole ("Grey Gardens"), Vincent Kartheiser ("Mad Men"), and Elizabeth Reaser ("Twilight"). Stanley Tucci and producer Daryl Roth presented the New York Big Apple Award to Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, whose "Love, Loss and What I Wore" recently opened Off-Broadway to rave reviews.
- 11/3/2009
- backstage.com
Frank Liberman, a Hollywood publicist for more than 60 years, died Monday. He was 92.
Liberman represented Bob Hope for 41 years, Phyllis Diller for 33 and David Janssen for 16. He also repped Henry Fonda, Nat "King" Cole, Tony Bennett, Jack Paar, Harry Belafonte, Steve Allen, Charles Bronson, Joan Blondell, Dorothy Lamour, Peggy Lee, Mel Ferrer, Mike Nichols, Frank Langella, Nick Nolte and William Shatner, among others.
Liberman also publicized such major motion pictures as "Solomon and Sheba" (1959), "The Miracle Worker" (1962) and "Fiddler on the Roof" (1971). As a book publicist, he represented many of the published works of George Burns, Hope, Allen and Diller.
Liberman also served as the publicist for two famed celebrity-frequented restaurants -- Dan Tana's in West Hollywood and La Scala in Beverly Hills.
Liberman, a native of Manhattan, served with the U.S. Signal Corps and Army Pictorial Service during World War II. He began work in the movie...
Liberman represented Bob Hope for 41 years, Phyllis Diller for 33 and David Janssen for 16. He also repped Henry Fonda, Nat "King" Cole, Tony Bennett, Jack Paar, Harry Belafonte, Steve Allen, Charles Bronson, Joan Blondell, Dorothy Lamour, Peggy Lee, Mel Ferrer, Mike Nichols, Frank Langella, Nick Nolte and William Shatner, among others.
Liberman also publicized such major motion pictures as "Solomon and Sheba" (1959), "The Miracle Worker" (1962) and "Fiddler on the Roof" (1971). As a book publicist, he represented many of the published works of George Burns, Hope, Allen and Diller.
Liberman also served as the publicist for two famed celebrity-frequented restaurants -- Dan Tana's in West Hollywood and La Scala in Beverly Hills.
Liberman, a native of Manhattan, served with the U.S. Signal Corps and Army Pictorial Service during World War II. He began work in the movie...
- 9/21/2009
- by By Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Producer Laura Ziskin, writer-director Nora Ephron, writer Delia Ephron and casting director John Frank Levey will be honored at the Casting Society of America's 24th annual Artios Awards.
Simultaneous awards ceremonies will be held in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the New York Times Building in New York on Nov. 2.
Ziskin is set to receive the group's Career Achievement Award. The New York Apple Award will be presented to Nora and Delia Ephron. Levy is this year's recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
Representing 425 members in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, Cas also announced its nominees in film TV and theater on Thursday.
In the category of big budget feature drama, Ellen Chenoweth scored two noms for "Changeling" and "Duplicity." The category nominees are John Papsidera for "The Dark Knight"; April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" and Avy Kaufman for "State of Play.
Simultaneous awards ceremonies will be held in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the New York Times Building in New York on Nov. 2.
Ziskin is set to receive the group's Career Achievement Award. The New York Apple Award will be presented to Nora and Delia Ephron. Levy is this year's recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
Representing 425 members in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, Cas also announced its nominees in film TV and theater on Thursday.
In the category of big budget feature drama, Ellen Chenoweth scored two noms for "Changeling" and "Duplicity." The category nominees are John Papsidera for "The Dark Knight"; April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" and Avy Kaufman for "State of Play.
- 9/17/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"No Country for Old Men" and "Juno," two of the most honored films of 2007, made one more appearance on the awards circuit Monday night as they took home top prizes at the Casting Society of America's 24th Artios Awards.
Recognizing outstanding achievement in casting, the awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, singled out Oscar winner "No Country" in the studio feature-drama category, with the trophy going to Ellen Chenoweth and Jo Edna Boldin (location casting). In the studio feature-comedy category, the winners were Mindy Marin, Coreen Mayres (location) and Heike Brandstatter (location) for "Juno."
The group gave its Career Achievement Award to producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Thomas Schumacher received the New York Apple Award at a simultaneous event in New York hosted by Julie Halston, and the Hoyt Bowers Award was presented to the late Mali Finn.
Donna Morong...
Recognizing outstanding achievement in casting, the awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, singled out Oscar winner "No Country" in the studio feature-drama category, with the trophy going to Ellen Chenoweth and Jo Edna Boldin (location casting). In the studio feature-comedy category, the winners were Mindy Marin, Coreen Mayres (location) and Heike Brandstatter (location) for "Juno."
The group gave its Career Achievement Award to producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Thomas Schumacher received the New York Apple Award at a simultaneous event in New York hosted by Julie Halston, and the Hoyt Bowers Award was presented to the late Mali Finn.
Donna Morong...
- 11/11/2008
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Top independent casting director Meg Liberman is joining the executive ranks as senior vp casting for CBS Paramount Network TV.
Liberman will oversee the day-to-day casting for all studio shows, reporting to Peter Golden, executive vp talent and casting for CBS Par TV Group. She replaces Sheila Guthrie, who will return to her independent casting career.
"Meg has incredible relationships with writers, directors, agents and fellow casting directors, and she has an encyclopedic knowledge of actors," Golden said. "Sheila is highly respected, and we're looking forward to continuing our relationship with her."
Liberman founded her own company in 1984 before partnering with Marc Hirschfeld from 1987-99. For the past nine years, since Hirschfeld left to become exec vp casting for NBC, Liberman has been partners with Cami Patton.
Liberman, a second-generation Hollywood casting director whose mother Pat Harris cast such series as "Get Smart," has won two Emmys, with Hirschfeld for the HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" in 1998 and with Patton for "Band of Brothers" in 2002.
"I look forward to working alongside her on the NBC/Paramount series 'Medium' and competing against her in the talent marketplace," Hirschfeld said.
Liberman's credits also include "Seinfeld" and "3rd Rock From the Sun" (with Hirschfeld) and, most recently, ABC's "Pushing Daisies," HBO's "The Pacific" and CBS/Par's new drama "The Philanthropist."
On the feature side, Liberman/Patton cast the blockbuster hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."...
Liberman will oversee the day-to-day casting for all studio shows, reporting to Peter Golden, executive vp talent and casting for CBS Par TV Group. She replaces Sheila Guthrie, who will return to her independent casting career.
"Meg has incredible relationships with writers, directors, agents and fellow casting directors, and she has an encyclopedic knowledge of actors," Golden said. "Sheila is highly respected, and we're looking forward to continuing our relationship with her."
Liberman founded her own company in 1984 before partnering with Marc Hirschfeld from 1987-99. For the past nine years, since Hirschfeld left to become exec vp casting for NBC, Liberman has been partners with Cami Patton.
Liberman, a second-generation Hollywood casting director whose mother Pat Harris cast such series as "Get Smart," has won two Emmys, with Hirschfeld for the HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" in 1998 and with Patton for "Band of Brothers" in 2002.
"I look forward to working alongside her on the NBC/Paramount series 'Medium' and competing against her in the talent marketplace," Hirschfeld said.
Liberman's credits also include "Seinfeld" and "3rd Rock From the Sun" (with Hirschfeld) and, most recently, ABC's "Pushing Daisies," HBO's "The Pacific" and CBS/Par's new drama "The Philanthropist."
On the feature side, Liberman/Patton cast the blockbuster hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."...
- 8/18/2008
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Richard Donner and casting director Marc Hirschfeld will be the special honorees at the Casting Society of America's 23rd annual Artios Awards.
Donner is set to receive a career achievement award, recognizing excellence in casting as well as overall contributions to the industry as a whole. As both director and producer, Donner has been involved in such successful movies as The Omen, Superman, Maverick and the Lethal Weapon series.
Hirschfeld will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, honoring casting professionals who have elevated the profession by embodying the spirit and ideals of the late casting director.
Hirschfeld, executive vp casting at NBC Universal Television, oversees casting for all NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs. Most recently, Hirschfeld has overseen the casting of such NBC series as The Office, Heroes, My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights, among others. Before joining NBC, Hirschfeld spent 12 years at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, which he founded with partner Meg Liberman.
Winners in 20 theatrical casting categories will be announced Nov.
Donner is set to receive a career achievement award, recognizing excellence in casting as well as overall contributions to the industry as a whole. As both director and producer, Donner has been involved in such successful movies as The Omen, Superman, Maverick and the Lethal Weapon series.
Hirschfeld will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, honoring casting professionals who have elevated the profession by embodying the spirit and ideals of the late casting director.
Hirschfeld, executive vp casting at NBC Universal Television, oversees casting for all NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs. Most recently, Hirschfeld has overseen the casting of such NBC series as The Office, Heroes, My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights, among others. Before joining NBC, Hirschfeld spent 12 years at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, which he founded with partner Meg Liberman.
Winners in 20 theatrical casting categories will be announced Nov.
Much like the large group of characters who inhabit it, "Playing by Heart" is filled with contradictions. A rich tapestry of a film concerning a disparate group of individuals looking to find or preserve love in Los Angeles, this comedy-drama from Miramax is an overstuffed feast of incisive dialogue and rich performances from a superb cast.
If the film never quite reaches the emotional payoffs it seems to desperately yearn for, it offers myriad subtle pleasures and finely observed moments along the way. It opens today in Los Angeles for an Oscar-qualifying run, with a wider opening set for late January.
Director-screenwriter Willard Carroll, whose sole theatrical credit is "Tom's Midnight Garden", has assembled a stellar cast, most of whom were no doubt lured by the prospect of roles with some dimension. The film, which sported the memorable if oblique title "Dancing About Architecture", is concerned with 11 major characters.
They include Paul Sean Connery) and Hannah (Gena Rowlands), a long-married couple facing an emotional crisis over a platonic infidelity committed by Paul a quarter-century earlier; Mildred (Ellen Burstyn), a mother spending some last days with her gay son Mark (Jay Mohr), who is dying of AIDS in a hospital bed; and Meredith (Gillian Anderson), a high-strung woman attempting to overcome her neurotic fear of relationships and connect with a persistent suitor, a charming architect named Trent (Jon Stewart).
There are also Joan (Angelina Jolie), a headstrong young woman desperately trying to secure the affections of the supremely standoffish Keenan (Ryan Phillippe); Hugh Dennis Quaid), a mysterious man who spends his evenings wandering through L.A. nightspots, telling varied tales of woe to strangers; and Gracie (Madeleine Stowe), who is enjoying a sexually passionate but emotionally restrained extramarital affair with Roger Anthony Edwards).
For most of the film, it seems as if the members of this disparate group have nothing to do with each other, but the screenplay has some tricks up its sleeve, with surprises concerning the characters' behavior and their relationships with one another. Although there is a certain satisfaction to be found in the unveiling of these twists, they ultimately lend little real emotional resonance to the various stories, which work just fine on their own as miniature portraits of sympathetic individuals trying to connect with one another.
The strength of the film lies not with any grand thematic ideas but with the richness of the dialogue, the well-textured characterizations and the excellent performances. Nearly every member of the cast delivers outstanding work, from Connery and Rowlands' mature elegance to Jolie's life-affirming exuberance to Burstyn's moving portrait of grief to Anderson's highly appealing vulnerability.
Stewart, as the sensitive, funny architect with no fear of commitment and a house in the hills to die for, is particularly engaging and will no doubt win the hearts of many female audience members. If some of the characters seem underdeveloped (Stowe) or gimmicky (Quaid), the performers' charisma makes up for it.
Tech credits are superb, with Vilmos Zsigmond's photography of various Los Angeles locations providing the city with a visual grandeur that's missing from most other cinematic depictions. Melissa Stewart's production design perfectly evokes a wide variety of L.A. settings, and John Barry's jazz-heavy score possesses his trademark lush melodicism.
PLAYING BY HEART
Miramax Films
A Miramax and Intermedia Films presentation
in association with Morpheus
A Hyperion production
Director-screenwriter: Willard Carroll
Producers: Meg Liberman, Willard Carroll, Tom Wilhite
Executive producers: Paul Feldsher, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Guy East, Nigel Sinclair
Co-producers: David Witz, Kurt Albrecht
Director of photography: Vilmos Zsigmond
Production designer: Melissa Stewart
Editor: Pietro Scalia
Music: John Barry
Color/stereo
Cast:
Meredith: Gillian Anderson
Mildred: Ellen Burstyn
Paul: Sean Connery
Roger: Anthony Edwards
Joan: Angelina Jolie
Mark: Jay Mohr
Keenan: Ryan Phillippe
Hugh: Dennis Quaid
Hannah: Gena Rowlands
Trent: Jon Stewart
Gracie: Madeleine Stowe
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
If the film never quite reaches the emotional payoffs it seems to desperately yearn for, it offers myriad subtle pleasures and finely observed moments along the way. It opens today in Los Angeles for an Oscar-qualifying run, with a wider opening set for late January.
Director-screenwriter Willard Carroll, whose sole theatrical credit is "Tom's Midnight Garden", has assembled a stellar cast, most of whom were no doubt lured by the prospect of roles with some dimension. The film, which sported the memorable if oblique title "Dancing About Architecture", is concerned with 11 major characters.
They include Paul Sean Connery) and Hannah (Gena Rowlands), a long-married couple facing an emotional crisis over a platonic infidelity committed by Paul a quarter-century earlier; Mildred (Ellen Burstyn), a mother spending some last days with her gay son Mark (Jay Mohr), who is dying of AIDS in a hospital bed; and Meredith (Gillian Anderson), a high-strung woman attempting to overcome her neurotic fear of relationships and connect with a persistent suitor, a charming architect named Trent (Jon Stewart).
There are also Joan (Angelina Jolie), a headstrong young woman desperately trying to secure the affections of the supremely standoffish Keenan (Ryan Phillippe); Hugh Dennis Quaid), a mysterious man who spends his evenings wandering through L.A. nightspots, telling varied tales of woe to strangers; and Gracie (Madeleine Stowe), who is enjoying a sexually passionate but emotionally restrained extramarital affair with Roger Anthony Edwards).
For most of the film, it seems as if the members of this disparate group have nothing to do with each other, but the screenplay has some tricks up its sleeve, with surprises concerning the characters' behavior and their relationships with one another. Although there is a certain satisfaction to be found in the unveiling of these twists, they ultimately lend little real emotional resonance to the various stories, which work just fine on their own as miniature portraits of sympathetic individuals trying to connect with one another.
The strength of the film lies not with any grand thematic ideas but with the richness of the dialogue, the well-textured characterizations and the excellent performances. Nearly every member of the cast delivers outstanding work, from Connery and Rowlands' mature elegance to Jolie's life-affirming exuberance to Burstyn's moving portrait of grief to Anderson's highly appealing vulnerability.
Stewart, as the sensitive, funny architect with no fear of commitment and a house in the hills to die for, is particularly engaging and will no doubt win the hearts of many female audience members. If some of the characters seem underdeveloped (Stowe) or gimmicky (Quaid), the performers' charisma makes up for it.
Tech credits are superb, with Vilmos Zsigmond's photography of various Los Angeles locations providing the city with a visual grandeur that's missing from most other cinematic depictions. Melissa Stewart's production design perfectly evokes a wide variety of L.A. settings, and John Barry's jazz-heavy score possesses his trademark lush melodicism.
PLAYING BY HEART
Miramax Films
A Miramax and Intermedia Films presentation
in association with Morpheus
A Hyperion production
Director-screenwriter: Willard Carroll
Producers: Meg Liberman, Willard Carroll, Tom Wilhite
Executive producers: Paul Feldsher, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Guy East, Nigel Sinclair
Co-producers: David Witz, Kurt Albrecht
Director of photography: Vilmos Zsigmond
Production designer: Melissa Stewart
Editor: Pietro Scalia
Music: John Barry
Color/stereo
Cast:
Meredith: Gillian Anderson
Mildred: Ellen Burstyn
Paul: Sean Connery
Roger: Anthony Edwards
Joan: Angelina Jolie
Mark: Jay Mohr
Keenan: Ryan Phillippe
Hugh: Dennis Quaid
Hannah: Gena Rowlands
Trent: Jon Stewart
Gracie: Madeleine Stowe
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 12/30/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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