The CBS single-camera supernatural comedy “Ghosts” – adapted from the British series of the same name – stars Rose McIver and Utkarsh Ambudkar as Sam and Jay, a young couple who inherit a rundown mansion that’s co-inhabited by the spirits of those who died on the property throughout history. On May 2, the hit series wrapped its third season and has been renewed for a fourth next fall. But a recent gathering of quite mortal “Ghosts” panelists focused in deep-dive fashion on the making of the momentous eighth episode of the season that premiered April 18, entitled “Holes Are Bad.” On hand to reveal secrets about that installment are creator-showrunners Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, series regulars Rebecca Wisocky (who portrays Hetty) and Sheila Carrasco (who plays Flower), and the episode’s writer (Sophia Lear) and director (Jude Weng). Watch our colorful and “spirited” discussion above.
Wiseman offers that the seeds of what...
Wiseman offers that the seeds of what...
- 5/8/2024
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The teaser for CBS’s Ghosts season three episode eight reveals that our favorite hippie is back…finally! Directed by Jude Weng from a script by Sophia Lear, episode eight – “Holes are Bad” – will air on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 8:30pm Et/Pt.
Rose McIver stars as Sam, Utkarsh Ambudkar is Jay, Brandon Scott Jones is Isaac, and Richie Moriarty is Pete. Danielle Pinnock plays Alberta, Asher Grodman is Trevor, Román Zaragoza is Sasappis, Rebecca Wisocky plays Hetty, Devan Chandler Long stars as Thorfinn, and Sheila Carrasco is Flower.
“Holes Are Bad” Plot: When Sam and Jay leave the ghosts home alone for the weekend in an attempt to have a romantic getaway, shocking revelations are made about two of Woodstone’s beloved spirits.
Rebecca Wisocky as Hetty, Rose McIver as Samantha, and Brandon Scott Jones as Isaac in ‘Ghosts’ seaosn 3 episode 8
Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Ghosts is a...
Rose McIver stars as Sam, Utkarsh Ambudkar is Jay, Brandon Scott Jones is Isaac, and Richie Moriarty is Pete. Danielle Pinnock plays Alberta, Asher Grodman is Trevor, Román Zaragoza is Sasappis, Rebecca Wisocky plays Hetty, Devan Chandler Long stars as Thorfinn, and Sheila Carrasco is Flower.
“Holes Are Bad” Plot: When Sam and Jay leave the ghosts home alone for the weekend in an attempt to have a romantic getaway, shocking revelations are made about two of Woodstone’s beloved spirits.
Rebecca Wisocky as Hetty, Rose McIver as Samantha, and Brandon Scott Jones as Isaac in ‘Ghosts’ seaosn 3 episode 8
Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Ghosts is a...
- 4/12/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
CBS’s Ghosts season three, episode six focused on Travis connecting with his still-living brother. Episode seven promises to be an Alberta-centric episode, with Lamorne Morris guest starring as a poltergeist. Directed by Jude Weng from a script by Akilah Green, episode seven – “The Polterguest” – will air on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 8:30pm Et/Pt.
Rose McIver stars as Sam, Utkarsh Ambudkar is Jay, Brandon Scott Jones is Isaac, and Richie Moriarty is Pete. Danielle Pinnock plays Alberta, Asher Grodman is Trevor, Román Zaragoza is Sasappis, Rebecca Wisocky plays Hetty, Devan Chandler Long stars as Thorfinn, and Sheila Carrasco is Flower.
“The Polterguest” Plot: Alberta hits it off with a poltergeist (Morris) who is attached to a newly arrived Woodstone guest. Also, Isaac and Nigel have separate bachelor parties.
Danielle Pinnock as Alberta and Lamorne Morris as Saul in ‘Ghosts’ season 3 episode 7
Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Ghosts is a...
Rose McIver stars as Sam, Utkarsh Ambudkar is Jay, Brandon Scott Jones is Isaac, and Richie Moriarty is Pete. Danielle Pinnock plays Alberta, Asher Grodman is Trevor, Román Zaragoza is Sasappis, Rebecca Wisocky plays Hetty, Devan Chandler Long stars as Thorfinn, and Sheila Carrasco is Flower.
“The Polterguest” Plot: Alberta hits it off with a poltergeist (Morris) who is attached to a newly arrived Woodstone guest. Also, Isaac and Nigel have separate bachelor parties.
Danielle Pinnock as Alberta and Lamorne Morris as Saul in ‘Ghosts’ season 3 episode 7
Series Description, Courtesy of CBS:
Ghosts is a...
- 4/5/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Plot: A motor-mouthed outsider is offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With the help of a badass axe-wielding car thief, he’ll face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road, including a deranged clown who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck.
Review: Back in the 1990s, when Playstation was the most popular gaming console, Twisted Metal was one of the go-to games my friends and I would throw in and play together. Driving around in weapon-laden cars and blowing each other to hell was fun and made up for the lack of a truly engaging plot. In the almost thirty years since Twisted Metal first debuted, multiple attempts have been made to turn the carnage into a feature film. On the tail end of the streaming boom,...
Review: Back in the 1990s, when Playstation was the most popular gaming console, Twisted Metal was one of the go-to games my friends and I would throw in and play together. Driving around in weapon-laden cars and blowing each other to hell was fun and made up for the lack of a truly engaging plot. In the almost thirty years since Twisted Metal first debuted, multiple attempts have been made to turn the carnage into a feature film. On the tail end of the streaming boom,...
- 7/26/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
What would happen if “Glee” cutthroat cheer coach Sue Sylvester met ditzy “Party Down” actor Constance Carmell? Well, according to Jane Lynch, the performer behind both characters, the two would actually get along quite nicely.
“I think they’d be fast friends,” Lynch told Variety at the Season 3 premiere of “Party Down.” “Constance is not the smartest person in the world, but she’s confident in her own goodness. And she has great self-esteem, and deep down inside Sue Sylvester does not. They would be a great…good cop, bad cop. They could do a comic cop show, but I would have to play both characters, and it would be a lot more. Wouldn’t it be great, though?”
The original “Party Down” series, which debuted in 2009, depicts struggling actors working for a Los Angeles catering company as they await their big break. The reboot catches the stars a decade later,...
“I think they’d be fast friends,” Lynch told Variety at the Season 3 premiere of “Party Down.” “Constance is not the smartest person in the world, but she’s confident in her own goodness. And she has great self-esteem, and deep down inside Sue Sylvester does not. They would be a great…good cop, bad cop. They could do a comic cop show, but I would have to play both characters, and it would be a lot more. Wouldn’t it be great, though?”
The original “Party Down” series, which debuted in 2009, depicts struggling actors working for a Los Angeles catering company as they await their big break. The reboot catches the stars a decade later,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Conrad Ricamora (How To Get Away With Murder), KeiLyn Durrel Jones (The Other Two) and Jocko Sims (New Amsterdam) are set as series regulars opposite Natasha Rothwell in How To Die Alone, an original comedy from Onyx Collective for Hulu. Additionally, Bashir Salahuddin (South Side) will recur in the eight-episode series, which is written, starring and co-showrun by Rothwell via her overall deal with ABC Signature and Onyx Collective.
How to Die Alone follows Melissa (Rothwell), a fat, Black neurotic who’s never been in love. After a comical brush with death, she refuses to settle for anything less than the life she wants, catapulting her on a journey to becoming “100% that bitch” in real life by any means necessary.
Ricamora will play Rory. Self-involved, boy-crazy, love-starved Rory is Mel’s well-meaning best friend. Rory loves to have a good time at all costs and is blind to his...
How to Die Alone follows Melissa (Rothwell), a fat, Black neurotic who’s never been in love. After a comical brush with death, she refuses to settle for anything less than the life she wants, catapulting her on a journey to becoming “100% that bitch” in real life by any means necessary.
Ricamora will play Rory. Self-involved, boy-crazy, love-starved Rory is Mel’s well-meaning best friend. Rory loves to have a good time at all costs and is blind to his...
- 2/23/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Idw’s confirmed six of its comic books/graphic novels are now in the “active television series development” stage, including Korgi and Bacchus. Shows based on Dragon Puncher & Spoony, Lodger, Relic of the Dragon, and Satellite Falling are also in the development stage.
Idw’s announcement included details on writers and executive producers currently attached to the projects.
“It’s a dream to get to work on so many great properties with so many amazing talents,” stated Paul Davidson, Idw Executive Vice President. “This group of writers, directors, and showrunners represent some of the best and Idw is pleased to be working with them.”
Korgi – Aury Wallington (Spirit Untamed) joins as showrunner for the television series based on writer-artist Christian Slade’s beloved dog opus that follows the stories of a Korgi pup in epic fairy tales of adventure. A fantasy world filled with creatures both adorable and abominable, Korgi...
Idw’s announcement included details on writers and executive producers currently attached to the projects.
“It’s a dream to get to work on so many great properties with so many amazing talents,” stated Paul Davidson, Idw Executive Vice President. “This group of writers, directors, and showrunners represent some of the best and Idw is pleased to be working with them.”
Korgi – Aury Wallington (Spirit Untamed) joins as showrunner for the television series based on writer-artist Christian Slade’s beloved dog opus that follows the stories of a Korgi pup in epic fairy tales of adventure. A fantasy world filled with creatures both adorable and abominable, Korgi...
- 12/2/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Comic and graphic novel publisher Idw has set six of its books to be developed into television projects with showrunners attached to each. The series in development include “Bacchus,” “Dragon Puncher & Spoony,” “Korgi,” “Lodger,” “Relic of the Dragon” and “Satellite Falling.”
Based on Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel published by Idw’s Top Shelf Productions, “Bacchus” will be written and executive produced by Will Davies and Chloe Moss. The drama series drops the gods of ancient Greece into present day as if they had never left.
Development will be led by Idw’s vice president of live action, Jonny Gutman, and director of live action, Julie Winograd. Davies is repped by UTA, 42 and Jackoway, Austen, Tyerman, Wertheimer, Mandelbaum, Morris, Bernstein, Trattner & Klein. Moss is repped by 42.
“Dragon Puncher & Spoony” will be showrun and executive produced by Holly Huckins. Based on the Top Shelf book by James Kochalka, the comedy...
Based on Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel published by Idw’s Top Shelf Productions, “Bacchus” will be written and executive produced by Will Davies and Chloe Moss. The drama series drops the gods of ancient Greece into present day as if they had never left.
Development will be led by Idw’s vice president of live action, Jonny Gutman, and director of live action, Julie Winograd. Davies is repped by UTA, 42 and Jackoway, Austen, Tyerman, Wertheimer, Mandelbaum, Morris, Bernstein, Trattner & Klein. Moss is repped by 42.
“Dragon Puncher & Spoony” will be showrun and executive produced by Holly Huckins. Based on the Top Shelf book by James Kochalka, the comedy...
- 11/30/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
The participants for Disney General Entertainment Content (Dge) have been selected for the 2022-2023 Dge Directing Program.
“We’re pleased to once again guarantee episodes to talented, first-time television directors via our Directing Program,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of our participating Disney productions, showrunners and producers, and our creative executives and senior leaders, who remain committed to fostering and championing diverse directing talent at our company.”
Launched in 2001 and run by Dge’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) department, the Dge Directing Program previously provided access, mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development to directors on the cusp of episodic television directing.
In partnership with participating Disney series, this year’s program will commit episodes to directors on the following shows: Bunk’D (Disney Branded Television), The Chi (20th Television), General Hospital (ABC), The Good Doctor...
“We’re pleased to once again guarantee episodes to talented, first-time television directors via our Directing Program,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of our participating Disney productions, showrunners and producers, and our creative executives and senior leaders, who remain committed to fostering and championing diverse directing talent at our company.”
Launched in 2001 and run by Dge’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) department, the Dge Directing Program previously provided access, mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development to directors on the cusp of episodic television directing.
In partnership with participating Disney series, this year’s program will commit episodes to directors on the following shows: Bunk’D (Disney Branded Television), The Chi (20th Television), General Hospital (ABC), The Good Doctor...
- 11/15/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Screenwriters across the industry are mourning the long-running Warner Bros. Television Workshop, which newly merged studio Warner Bros. Discovery is shutting down after more than 40 years.
“I got my first staff writing gig b/c of the WB Writers Workshop. The reason I can celebrate the release of a trailer for my movie today ties back to this workshop,” tweeted Akela Cooper (class of 2009), who wrote the screenplay for upcoming Blumhouse feature M3GAN (whose trailer has become an instant viral sensation). “It helped kick start so many careers. To see it scrapped in the name of capitalism is infuriating and heartbreaking.”
For more than 40 years, the Warner Bros. writers’ workshop selected up to eight early-career writers (out of more than 2,500 annual submissions) with the immediate goal of staffing them on a Wbtv-produced show and the longer-term goal of establishing their careers in the industry.
Screenwriters across the industry are mourning the long-running Warner Bros. Television Workshop, which newly merged studio Warner Bros. Discovery is shutting down after more than 40 years.
“I got my first staff writing gig b/c of the WB Writers Workshop. The reason I can celebrate the release of a trailer for my movie today ties back to this workshop,” tweeted Akela Cooper (class of 2009), who wrote the screenplay for upcoming Blumhouse feature M3GAN (whose trailer has become an instant viral sensation). “It helped kick start so many careers. To see it scrapped in the name of capitalism is infuriating and heartbreaking.”
For more than 40 years, the Warner Bros. writers’ workshop selected up to eight early-career writers (out of more than 2,500 annual submissions) with the immediate goal of staffing them on a Wbtv-produced show and the longer-term goal of establishing their careers in the industry.
- 10/12/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of the most prolific industry programs in Hollywood is officially shutting down. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on Tuesday that the Warner Bros. Television Writers and Directors Workshops will no longer be operating after more than 40 years of service. An official statement has not been released regarding the decision, but these closures are shaping up to be another controversial axing that has plagued Warner Bros. Discovery for the past few months.
These closures come as even more layoffs rock the company, particularly affecting the Warner Bros. TV Group division. One other division that has been shut down is the Stage 13 short-form content studio. Unfortunately, THR claims that these will not be the only layoffs hitting the company this week, with more expected as part of a 3 billion cost-saving initiative.
Over their four decades of operation, both workshops have been responsible for launching the careers of several notable writers and directors.
These closures come as even more layoffs rock the company, particularly affecting the Warner Bros. TV Group division. One other division that has been shut down is the Stage 13 short-form content studio. Unfortunately, THR claims that these will not be the only layoffs hitting the company this week, with more expected as part of a 3 billion cost-saving initiative.
Over their four decades of operation, both workshops have been responsible for launching the careers of several notable writers and directors.
- 10/11/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Warner Bros. Discovery will be shutting down its long-running writers’ and directors’ television workshops at the end of the current 2022-23 season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
While they were not specifically diversity programs exclusively for participants from historically excluded backgrounds, the Warner Bros. Television Workshop was regarded as an important pipeline of opportunity for such artists looking to break into the business. The writers’ workshop had been in existence for more than 40 years, with more recent notable alumni including Akela Cooper (Luke Cage, Blumhouse’s upcoming M3GAN), Zak Schwartz (Wu-Tang: An American Saga, TNT’s Snowpiercer) and Latoya Morgan (The Walking Dead, Into the Badlands). Alumni of the directors’ workshop include Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building, Finding ‘Ohana), Jaffar Mahmood (Reboot, Young Sheldon) and Regina King.
Last month, Wbd restructured its diversity, equity and inclusion group, with senior vice president Karen Horne,...
Warner Bros. Discovery will be shutting down its long-running writers’ and directors’ television workshops at the end of the current 2022-23 season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
While they were not specifically diversity programs exclusively for participants from historically excluded backgrounds, the Warner Bros. Television Workshop was regarded as an important pipeline of opportunity for such artists looking to break into the business. The writers’ workshop had been in existence for more than 40 years, with more recent notable alumni including Akela Cooper (Luke Cage, Blumhouse’s upcoming M3GAN), Zak Schwartz (Wu-Tang: An American Saga, TNT’s Snowpiercer) and Latoya Morgan (The Walking Dead, Into the Badlands). Alumni of the directors’ workshop include Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building, Finding ‘Ohana), Jaffar Mahmood (Reboot, Young Sheldon) and Regina King.
Last month, Wbd restructured its diversity, equity and inclusion group, with senior vice president Karen Horne,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg and Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stars: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, Zoe Colletti, Tina Fey | Directed by John Hoffman, Jude Weng, Cherien Dabis, Chris Teague, Jamie Babbit
When the first season of Only Murders in the Building debuted on Hulu in August of 2021, it immediately became a smash hit show, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers from all around the world. Heck, you didn’t even have to be a fan of murder mystery-style shows to fall in love with it. Of course, if you are a fan of those shows, it will most likely make the experience that much better.
But I’ve honestly never come across anybody who has disliked the show, and that’s really saying something. The end of season one teased one doozy of a sophomore season, and now that it’s out in its entirety, I can confirm that season two of Only Murders in the Building is absolutely phenomenal,...
When the first season of Only Murders in the Building debuted on Hulu in August of 2021, it immediately became a smash hit show, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers from all around the world. Heck, you didn’t even have to be a fan of murder mystery-style shows to fall in love with it. Of course, if you are a fan of those shows, it will most likely make the experience that much better.
But I’ve honestly never come across anybody who has disliked the show, and that’s really saying something. The end of season one teased one doozy of a sophomore season, and now that it’s out in its entirety, I can confirm that season two of Only Murders in the Building is absolutely phenomenal,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Caillou Pettis
- Nerdly
Exclusive: Josh Duhamel (The Thing About Pam) launched production today on Buddy Games 2—the sequel to the 2019 comedy Buddy Games, in which he starred alongside Kevin Dillon (Entourage), Dan Bakkedahl (Made for Love), James Roday Rodriguez (A Million Little Things), Nick Swardson (The Wrong Missy) and more. Duhamel, Dillon, Bakkedahl, Rodriguez and Swardson are all returning to star in the new film, shooting in Vancouver, with Ginnifer Goodwin (Pivoting) marking a new addition to the ensemble.
The original indie distributed by Saban Films and Paramount Home Entertainment watches as a group of friends reunite for a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges known as The Buddy Games—in the process healing old wounds, righting past wrongs and figuring out the true meaning of friendship. Duhamel directed from his script written with Bob Schwartz and Jude Weng.
The sequel picks up with Bobfather (Duhamel) and the guys following the...
The original indie distributed by Saban Films and Paramount Home Entertainment watches as a group of friends reunite for a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges known as The Buddy Games—in the process healing old wounds, righting past wrongs and figuring out the true meaning of friendship. Duhamel directed from his script written with Bob Schwartz and Jude Weng.
The sequel picks up with Bobfather (Duhamel) and the guys following the...
- 7/8/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Warner Bros. Television Group has announced the seven directors selected for the 2022 Wbtv Directors’ Workshop.
The 2022 edition will be the first in-person class of the workship since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Wbtv Directors’ Workshop launched in 2013 with the aim to discover new and innovative talent, to prepare directors from other creative fields for the transition to television, and to provide increased opportunities for women helmers and those from underrepresented groups. Since its founding, the Directors’ Workshop has helped to launch or further the TV directing careers of more than 60 women and/or people of color, according to Wbtv.
This year’s class was instructed by directors Bethany Rooney and Stacey K. Black.
Prior Directors’ Workshop graduates include Bola Ogun, Stacey Muhammad, Pamela Romanowsky, Marcus Stokes, Jennifer Phang, Alexis Ostrander, Sherwin Shilati, Michael Goi, Antonio Negret, Jude Weng, and Jaffar Mahmood, among many others.
The following participants, culled from more than 650 applicants, comprise the Class of 2022:
Kayla Compton is set to direct an episode of Warner Bros. Television/The CW’s DC drama The Flash. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, she has been writing and directing since the age of 8 and acting professionally in Los Angeles for 12 years. Kayla recently wrote and directed the short film In Training, which is currently on the festival circuit. She also currently plays the role of DC Super Hero Allegra Garcia on The Flash.
Claire Fowler, a Welsh writer and director, is set to direct an episode of Wbtv/Netflix’s Manifest. After studying at Oxford University, she made several documentaries focused on human rights before attending Columbia University’s M.F.A. program in film on a Fulbright scholarship. She has since participated in AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, the Ryan Murphy Half program, and the Sony Directing program. Her short films have screened at more than 200 international film festivals, including Tribeca, London, Palm Springs and Outfest. In 2020, she won a BAFTA Cymru award for her short film Salam.
Tiffany Frances, a Taiwanese American writer and director, will direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s Kung Fu. She is an alum of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, a Blackmagic Collective fellow, and a SeriesFest + Shondaland Women Director Mentorship Finalist. She wrote and directed an original film for Elle and Lexus that screened at the Elle Women in Hollywood event in October 2021. Her short Dot was selected for the Caz Matthews Fund. Her short film Hello from Taiwan won the Grand Jury Prize at the Taiwanese American Film Festival, Best Drama and Best Director at SeriesFest, and screened at MoMA. She has worked with Levi’s, Vogue, Citibank, Acura, Lancome, National Geographic, and more. She is currently developing two TV series as well as two feature films. Tiffany received her BA from Ucsd and her Mfa in Directing from the Art Center College of Design.
Calvin “Jai” Jamison Jr., a writer/director from Richmond, Va, will direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s Superman & Lois. He is an alum of Almanack Screenwriters (fka Nantucket Screenwriters Colony), is a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellow, and a graduate of Hampton University, and American University’s Mfa Film program. His feature film Tri led to his selection for the Shoot Magazine New Director’s Showcase. Slave Cry, his most recent short film, won The Commonwealth Award at the Virginia Film Festival and screened at the 2021 Pan African Film Festival. He is currently a story editor on Superman & Lois.
Leon Lozano, an Oakland native, will direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s acclaimed drama All American: Homecoming. He is the founder of Son of Oakland Productions. His directing credits include Renée, an episode of Tales set to premiere this summer on BET Network, and the short film My Father Belize, which premiered at the 2021 Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner. Lozano is currently in post-production on his feature film A Little Hope for Chicago and his documentary short Prom Night Flex.
Geeta Malik will be directing an upcoming episode of the breakout Wbtv/ABC hit comedy Abbott Elementary. Malik is an award-winning writer and director whose accolades include the inaugural Academy Gold Fellowship for Women and the Academy Nicholl Fellowship. She won the Austin Film Festival Comedy Screenplay Award for her feature script Dinner with Friends, later retitled to India Sweet and Spices, which she also directed. Starring Bollywood superstar Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Sophia Ali, and Rish Shah, India Sweet and Spice premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, was released theatrically by Bleecker Street, and is currently streaming on Hulu.
Alvaro Ron is set to direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s Superman & Lois. He is an award-winning filmmaker and environmentalist, and an alum of UCLA, Nalip’s Latino Lens Program, the Sony TV Diverse Directors Program and the Berlinale Talents. Some of his short films include Swimming in the Desert and The Red Thunder (with more than 300 film festival selections). Alvaro Ron has directed critically acclaimed international TV series like Hernán for Amazon, and Palomares and Velvet Collection for Netflix, for which he received a Platino Award nomination.
The 2022 edition will be the first in-person class of the workship since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Wbtv Directors’ Workshop launched in 2013 with the aim to discover new and innovative talent, to prepare directors from other creative fields for the transition to television, and to provide increased opportunities for women helmers and those from underrepresented groups. Since its founding, the Directors’ Workshop has helped to launch or further the TV directing careers of more than 60 women and/or people of color, according to Wbtv.
This year’s class was instructed by directors Bethany Rooney and Stacey K. Black.
Prior Directors’ Workshop graduates include Bola Ogun, Stacey Muhammad, Pamela Romanowsky, Marcus Stokes, Jennifer Phang, Alexis Ostrander, Sherwin Shilati, Michael Goi, Antonio Negret, Jude Weng, and Jaffar Mahmood, among many others.
The following participants, culled from more than 650 applicants, comprise the Class of 2022:
Kayla Compton is set to direct an episode of Warner Bros. Television/The CW’s DC drama The Flash. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, she has been writing and directing since the age of 8 and acting professionally in Los Angeles for 12 years. Kayla recently wrote and directed the short film In Training, which is currently on the festival circuit. She also currently plays the role of DC Super Hero Allegra Garcia on The Flash.
Claire Fowler, a Welsh writer and director, is set to direct an episode of Wbtv/Netflix’s Manifest. After studying at Oxford University, she made several documentaries focused on human rights before attending Columbia University’s M.F.A. program in film on a Fulbright scholarship. She has since participated in AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, the Ryan Murphy Half program, and the Sony Directing program. Her short films have screened at more than 200 international film festivals, including Tribeca, London, Palm Springs and Outfest. In 2020, she won a BAFTA Cymru award for her short film Salam.
Tiffany Frances, a Taiwanese American writer and director, will direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s Kung Fu. She is an alum of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, a Blackmagic Collective fellow, and a SeriesFest + Shondaland Women Director Mentorship Finalist. She wrote and directed an original film for Elle and Lexus that screened at the Elle Women in Hollywood event in October 2021. Her short Dot was selected for the Caz Matthews Fund. Her short film Hello from Taiwan won the Grand Jury Prize at the Taiwanese American Film Festival, Best Drama and Best Director at SeriesFest, and screened at MoMA. She has worked with Levi’s, Vogue, Citibank, Acura, Lancome, National Geographic, and more. She is currently developing two TV series as well as two feature films. Tiffany received her BA from Ucsd and her Mfa in Directing from the Art Center College of Design.
Calvin “Jai” Jamison Jr., a writer/director from Richmond, Va, will direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s Superman & Lois. He is an alum of Almanack Screenwriters (fka Nantucket Screenwriters Colony), is a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Fellow, and a graduate of Hampton University, and American University’s Mfa Film program. His feature film Tri led to his selection for the Shoot Magazine New Director’s Showcase. Slave Cry, his most recent short film, won The Commonwealth Award at the Virginia Film Festival and screened at the 2021 Pan African Film Festival. He is currently a story editor on Superman & Lois.
Leon Lozano, an Oakland native, will direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s acclaimed drama All American: Homecoming. He is the founder of Son of Oakland Productions. His directing credits include Renée, an episode of Tales set to premiere this summer on BET Network, and the short film My Father Belize, which premiered at the 2021 Festival de Cannes Short Film Corner. Lozano is currently in post-production on his feature film A Little Hope for Chicago and his documentary short Prom Night Flex.
Geeta Malik will be directing an upcoming episode of the breakout Wbtv/ABC hit comedy Abbott Elementary. Malik is an award-winning writer and director whose accolades include the inaugural Academy Gold Fellowship for Women and the Academy Nicholl Fellowship. She won the Austin Film Festival Comedy Screenplay Award for her feature script Dinner with Friends, later retitled to India Sweet and Spices, which she also directed. Starring Bollywood superstar Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Sophia Ali, and Rish Shah, India Sweet and Spice premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, was released theatrically by Bleecker Street, and is currently streaming on Hulu.
Alvaro Ron is set to direct an episode of Wbtv/The CW’s Superman & Lois. He is an award-winning filmmaker and environmentalist, and an alum of UCLA, Nalip’s Latino Lens Program, the Sony TV Diverse Directors Program and the Berlinale Talents. Some of his short films include Swimming in the Desert and The Red Thunder (with more than 300 film festival selections). Alvaro Ron has directed critically acclaimed international TV series like Hernán for Amazon, and Palomares and Velvet Collection for Netflix, for which he received a Platino Award nomination.
- 6/23/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jessica Chastain is enrolling in The School for Good Mothers.
Deadline understands that the Ava and Scenes From A Marriage star, through her production company Freckle Films, has optioned the TV rights to Jessamine Chan’s debut novel. She is understood to have beaten a number of rivals to the rights.
Freckle Films will team up with Finding Ohana director Jude Weng and Endeavor Content to adapt the project for the small screen.
The School for Good Mothers, which is published this week in the U.S. via Simon & Schuster, sees one lapse in judgment land a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.
The dystopian drama, which has been compared to The Handmaid’s Tale, follows Frida Liu, who leaves her daughter alone for a few hours, forcing government officials to determine whether she is a candidate for a...
Deadline understands that the Ava and Scenes From A Marriage star, through her production company Freckle Films, has optioned the TV rights to Jessamine Chan’s debut novel. She is understood to have beaten a number of rivals to the rights.
Freckle Films will team up with Finding Ohana director Jude Weng and Endeavor Content to adapt the project for the small screen.
The School for Good Mothers, which is published this week in the U.S. via Simon & Schuster, sees one lapse in judgment land a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.
The dystopian drama, which has been compared to The Handmaid’s Tale, follows Frida Liu, who leaves her daughter alone for a few hours, forcing government officials to determine whether she is a candidate for a...
- 1/3/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney General Entertainment’s directing program is putting its money where its Mouse is: on the actual screen. For the first time, participants in the Disney Directing Program will be given guaranteed slots to direct episodes of some of the studio’s biggest shows, including ABC’s “Black-ish,” Freeform’s “Good Trouble” and FX’s “Snowfall.”
That’s in addition to the program’s offerings of mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development. Aspiring directors in the program, which launched in 2001, have never before additionally been promised such directing slots. The announcement was made by Tim McNeal, senior vice president, creative talent development and inclusion.
“We are proud to evolve our directing program this season into a dedicated pipeline that will guarantee episodes to first-time TV directors, a critical stepping stone for professional advancement and opportunity,” McNeal said. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of our participating Disney productions,...
That’s in addition to the program’s offerings of mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development. Aspiring directors in the program, which launched in 2001, have never before additionally been promised such directing slots. The announcement was made by Tim McNeal, senior vice president, creative talent development and inclusion.
“We are proud to evolve our directing program this season into a dedicated pipeline that will guarantee episodes to first-time TV directors, a critical stepping stone for professional advancement and opportunity,” McNeal said. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of our participating Disney productions,...
- 9/2/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Charles Randolph-Wright, Debra Martin Chase and Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano have teamed to produce the Netflix family movie “Take the Ice,” set in the world of synchronized ice skating.
Written by Deborah Swisher, “Take the Ice” follows a rebellious 15-year-old named Tisha Moore, who has dreamed of becoming an ice skater her entire life. According to the film’s logline, however, the closest the Black girl from Brooklyn has come is dazzling people with her roller skating routines while busking in the park. When Tisha gets the opportunity to join a local synchronized ice skating team, she is forced to come to terms with the root of her rebellious ways and must learn to trust others to achieve her dream of shining on the ice.
Randolph-Wright — whose career in TV, film and theater includes executive producing and directing the OWN series “Delilah,” “Greenleaf” and the hit show “Motown: The...
Written by Deborah Swisher, “Take the Ice” follows a rebellious 15-year-old named Tisha Moore, who has dreamed of becoming an ice skater her entire life. According to the film’s logline, however, the closest the Black girl from Brooklyn has come is dazzling people with her roller skating routines while busking in the park. When Tisha gets the opportunity to join a local synchronized ice skating team, she is forced to come to terms with the root of her rebellious ways and must learn to trust others to achieve her dream of shining on the ice.
Randolph-Wright — whose career in TV, film and theater includes executive producing and directing the OWN series “Delilah,” “Greenleaf” and the hit show “Motown: The...
- 8/3/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: NBC has put in development Leftover Daughters, a comedy from Jude Weng (Finding Ohana); Paul Feig and his Feigco Entertainment; Janet Yang (The Joy Luck Club); and Lionsgate Television, where Feigco is based.
Written by Weng, who also is set to direct the potential pilot, and Jeremy Hsu (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), Leftover Daughters chronicles the lives of a single Chinese-American woman and her circle of unmarried family and friends as they struggle to find love and happiness amidst the pressure of strict cultural traditions.
Weng and Hsu executive produce with Feig and Dan Magnante of Feigco Entertainment and Yang. Zach Bianco is co-producer.
Weng’s debut feature, Finding Ohana, dropped on Netflix earlier this year and remained on the streamer’s Top 10 Most Viewed Movies for weeks. Her next feature, Shelly, is set up at Amazon with Awkwafina attached to star and Ian Bryce attached to produce.
In TV,...
Written by Weng, who also is set to direct the potential pilot, and Jeremy Hsu (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), Leftover Daughters chronicles the lives of a single Chinese-American woman and her circle of unmarried family and friends as they struggle to find love and happiness amidst the pressure of strict cultural traditions.
Weng and Hsu executive produce with Feig and Dan Magnante of Feigco Entertainment and Yang. Zach Bianco is co-producer.
Weng’s debut feature, Finding Ohana, dropped on Netflix earlier this year and remained on the streamer’s Top 10 Most Viewed Movies for weeks. Her next feature, Shelly, is set up at Amazon with Awkwafina attached to star and Ian Bryce attached to produce.
In TV,...
- 6/1/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Casting Society of America will host two virtual town halls this month as part of its Asian American Pacific Islander Initiative. Celebrating Asia Pacific American Heritage Month, CSA says the town halls and roundtable discussions – on May 10 and 17 – “are designed to affect concrete change in how creatives, in this historically underrepresented community, have been perceived, what they have achieved, and how we all can create systemic change to move the needle of progress forward.”
The events, titled “Closer To Equity: Deconstructing the Asian Narrative,” are free and open to the entertainment community.
The CSA will also hold roundtable discussions on Asian inclusion on May 20. Speakers include Grace Wu, NBCUniversal’s EVP Casting and Entertainment Content; director Jude Weng; and actors Jamie Chung, Amy Hill, Dustin Nguyen, Grace Park, Rain Valdez and Jude Weng.
“Empowering casting directors by giving them the tools to cast authentically will create a ripple effect...
The events, titled “Closer To Equity: Deconstructing the Asian Narrative,” are free and open to the entertainment community.
The CSA will also hold roundtable discussions on Asian inclusion on May 20. Speakers include Grace Wu, NBCUniversal’s EVP Casting and Entertainment Content; director Jude Weng; and actors Jamie Chung, Amy Hill, Dustin Nguyen, Grace Park, Rain Valdez and Jude Weng.
“Empowering casting directors by giving them the tools to cast authentically will create a ripple effect...
- 5/6/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has locked down the cast to its upcoming feature adaptation of Broadway’s 13: The Musical.
The musical, which ran from October 2008 to January 2009 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre follows Evan Goldman (12) who following a move from NYC to small-town Indiana, grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school.
The Broadway version featured the first and only all-teenage cast and band and served as professional debuts of Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies. The musical has since been a popular production of high school theater groups.
Of the 14 starring in 13: The Musical include Eli Golden (The Wizard of Lies), Gabriella Uhl, Jd McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell (The Change-Up), Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed (Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It...
The musical, which ran from October 2008 to January 2009 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre follows Evan Goldman (12) who following a move from NYC to small-town Indiana, grapples with his parents’ divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the complicated social circles of a new school.
The Broadway version featured the first and only all-teenage cast and band and served as professional debuts of Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies. The musical has since been a popular production of high school theater groups.
Of the 14 starring in 13: The Musical include Eli Golden (The Wizard of Lies), Gabriella Uhl, Jd McCrary, Frankie McNellis, Lindsey Blackwell (The Change-Up), Jonathan Lengel, Ramon Reed (Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It...
- 4/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kelly Hu will lead the feature film Breast Cancer Bucket List from producers Autumn Federici and Jake Helgren under their production banner, The Ninth House.
Roxy Shih, who recently directed Whose Child for Ninth House Films, will direct from a screenplay by Jessica Landry.
Patricia Velasquez, and Sylvia Kwan will join Hu.
The film follows Brenda Lee (Hu) who is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Facing her own mortality, Brenda is determined to track down the daughter Talia Carroll (Kwan) she gave up for adoption as an infant. Brenda’s best friend, Meg (Velásquez) is by Brenda’s side every step of the way on her search to find Talia. Talia, having been afforded a privileged life by her adoptive parents, is initially hesitant to connect with the stranger who appears on her doorstep identifying herself as her biological mother, a moment Talia has been longing for her whole life.
Roxy Shih, who recently directed Whose Child for Ninth House Films, will direct from a screenplay by Jessica Landry.
Patricia Velasquez, and Sylvia Kwan will join Hu.
The film follows Brenda Lee (Hu) who is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Facing her own mortality, Brenda is determined to track down the daughter Talia Carroll (Kwan) she gave up for adoption as an infant. Brenda’s best friend, Meg (Velásquez) is by Brenda’s side every step of the way on her search to find Talia. Talia, having been afforded a privileged life by her adoptive parents, is initially hesitant to connect with the stranger who appears on her doorstep identifying herself as her biological mother, a moment Talia has been longing for her whole life.
- 3/1/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
There aren’t many recognizable faces in “Finding ‘Ohana,” Netflix’s adorably entertaining reimagining of “The Goonies” set in Hawaii. Though Chris Parnell and Marc Evan Jackson jazz up some very funny “Drunk History”-inspired scenes, the speaking roles include Branscombe Richmond, a veteran Hawaiian actor who played owner of the bar where Jason Segel sings his Dracula musical in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” There’s also Ke Huy Quan, harder to recognize since his 20-year retirement from acting, in a supporting role. Quan was a childhood hero for many Asian American kids, who first saw themselves onscreen in his performances in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and of course, “The Goonies.”
One of those kids was Jude Weng, now a prolific director on beloved TV comedies “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Good Place,” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” making her splashy feature debut with “Finding ‘Ohana.” (The film reached the...
One of those kids was Jude Weng, now a prolific director on beloved TV comedies “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The Good Place,” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” making her splashy feature debut with “Finding ‘Ohana.” (The film reached the...
- 2/13/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Photo: 'Finding 'Ohana'/Netflix Between ‘Enola Holmes’ and ‘We Can Be Heroes’, it would appear that Netflix is looking to carve out a niche for itself by producing family-friendly (or at the very least geared towards the YA crowd) entertainment. While most of these films might not set the world on fire, they still succeed in their goal of entertaining kids and tweens while also being decent or solid works in their own right. Add the streamer’s latest release ‘Finding ‘Ohana’ to the collection. Based on first impressions or the trailer alone, it’d be easy to describe the film as a modern-day riff on ‘The Goonies’, and that wouldn’t be inaccurate. But director Jude Weng and screenwriter Christina Strain manage to bring their own spin on it, transplanting the story from the bucolic Oregon coast to the tropical landscapes of Hawaii, as well as exploring...
- 1/31/2021
- by Mario Yuwono
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Director Jude Weng’s “Finding ‘Ohana” starts on a good note and continues that feeling through most of its story, which focuses on a tween girl and her family searching for buried treasure while reconnecting with each other and their Hawaiian heritage. Paying homage to adventure movies like “The Goonies,” “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” and “Tomb Raider” without blatantly mimeographing them, this family-friendly, character-forward feature from Netflix charms as well as entertains. Yet by the time the first hour has ended, a slight fatigue encroaches on the effervescent fun and it begins to lose its way.
After winning a competition that involves a high-intensity race around the streets of New York City, 12-year-old Brooklynite Pilialoha “Pili” Kawena (Kea Peahu) expects to cash in her prize by spending a perfect summer vacation at a geocache camp in the Catskills. But those dreams are dashed when her semi-estranged Hawaiian...
After winning a competition that involves a high-intensity race around the streets of New York City, 12-year-old Brooklynite Pilialoha “Pili” Kawena (Kea Peahu) expects to cash in her prize by spending a perfect summer vacation at a geocache camp in the Catskills. But those dreams are dashed when her semi-estranged Hawaiian...
- 1/28/2021
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The music-driven project Mixtape, which landed on the 2009 Black List, is finally turning up the volume at Netflix.
Outer Banks and The Archer director Valerie Weiss has come aboard to direct, with a number of actors joining the cast including two-time Emmy winner Julie Bowen, Gemma Brooke Allen, Nick Thune, Jackson Rathbone and newcomers Olga Petsa, Audrey Hsieh and Diego Mercado.
Stacey Menear penned the original script with revisions by The Half of It‘s Alice Wu.
In Mixtape, on the eve of Y2K, orphaned, awkward 12-year-old Beverly Moody (Allen) discovers a broken mixtape crafted by her teen parents. Raised by her grandmother Gail (Bowen), a former teen mom herself who finds it painful to speak about her late daughter, Beverly sees this mixtape as a chance to finally learn more about her parents. So she sets out on a journey to find all the songs on the tape.
Outer Banks and The Archer director Valerie Weiss has come aboard to direct, with a number of actors joining the cast including two-time Emmy winner Julie Bowen, Gemma Brooke Allen, Nick Thune, Jackson Rathbone and newcomers Olga Petsa, Audrey Hsieh and Diego Mercado.
Stacey Menear penned the original script with revisions by The Half of It‘s Alice Wu.
In Mixtape, on the eve of Y2K, orphaned, awkward 12-year-old Beverly Moody (Allen) discovers a broken mixtape crafted by her teen parents. Raised by her grandmother Gail (Bowen), a former teen mom herself who finds it painful to speak about her late daughter, Beverly sees this mixtape as a chance to finally learn more about her parents. So she sets out on a journey to find all the songs on the tape.
- 1/27/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"This is it! This is where the coin wanted us to go." Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for a teenage adventure movie titled Finding 'Ohana, set on Hawaii's island of Oahu. This kind of looks like a Hawaiian remake of The Goonies, with over-saturated sets and mesmerizing pirate-treasure locations. A summer in rural O'ahu takes an exciting turn for two Brooklyn-raised siblings when an old journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an epic adventure with new friends, and leads them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage. 'Ohana means "family", so the movie is essentially about "Finding Family" and reconnecting with her family and her roots on Hawaii. The authentic full cast features Kea Peahu as the youngster Pili, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, with Kelly Hu, Branscombe Richmond, Ke Huy Quan, Brad Kalilimoku, and Chris Parnell. Looks super fun! Plus, who doesn't love spending time on Hawaii?...
- 1/9/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Finding ‘Ohana, the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Jude Weng, clearly has Bge: Big Goonies Energy. The upcoming Netflix movie, which involves a scrappy group of kids and search for a long-lost treasure, is basically a modern version of Richard Donner’s beloved 1985 children’s adventure film, but this one is set in Hawaii. The new […]
The post ‘Finding Ohana’ Trailer: It’s Like ‘The Goonies’, But in Hawaii appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Finding Ohana’ Trailer: It’s Like ‘The Goonies’, But in Hawaii appeared first on /Film.
- 1/9/2021
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Netflix continues to bet big on kids and family programming. The streaming service announced on Friday it optioned the rights to Annie Barrows’ illustrated children’s book series “Ivy & Bean” and plans to make them into movies.
The live-action films will be one-hour in length and geared toward family audiences. Kathy Waugh is writing the movies.
“With a one-hour run-time, the ‘Ivy & Bean’ film series will still very much be movies the whole family can enjoy,” said Netflix’s Director of Family Features Naketha Mattocks. “Safe, fun and elevated comedy-adventures, they also have the wonderful benefit of giving the youngest members of the family an opportunity to see themselves as the star of their own story.”
“Ivy & Bean” follows two unlikely friends — the loud and fearless Bean, and the thoughtful and quiet Ivy. Yet the two discover that an adventure can reveal that even seemingly different people can become the best of friends.
The live-action films will be one-hour in length and geared toward family audiences. Kathy Waugh is writing the movies.
“With a one-hour run-time, the ‘Ivy & Bean’ film series will still very much be movies the whole family can enjoy,” said Netflix’s Director of Family Features Naketha Mattocks. “Safe, fun and elevated comedy-adventures, they also have the wonderful benefit of giving the youngest members of the family an opportunity to see themselves as the star of their own story.”
“Ivy & Bean” follows two unlikely friends — the loud and fearless Bean, and the thoughtful and quiet Ivy. Yet the two discover that an adventure can reveal that even seemingly different people can become the best of friends.
- 12/18/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s Wendy might be a film from another far off destination in Hawaii. Jude Weng‘s directorial debut Finding Ohana is a film about treasures beyond pots of gold and is populated by non-actor talents who look the part (and specifically the two leads in Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono) this also includes Marc Evan Jackson, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, Kelly Hu, Ke Huy Quan, Ricky Garcia, Ryan Higa, Mapuana Makia, Brad Kalilimoku, X Mayo, and Kyndra Sanchez. Netflix grabbed the family action-adventure film and not too long after, Weng saw Amazon Studios attached themselves to what will be her sophomore film – Shelly.…...
- 11/17/2020
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
One of the best parts of the “John Wick” franchise is the world-building that goes on in the three films. That film series isn’t just about Keanu Reeves kicking ass and murder folks, there’s also an entire world of underground assassins that slowly reveals itself. It would appear the same can be said about the upcoming action film, “Gunpowder Milkshake.”
Read More: Awkwafina & Karen Gillan To Co-Star In Action-Comedy ‘Shelly’ For Director Jude Weng
As seen in the first-look pictures from the upcoming action film, it’s clear that there are plenty of badass killers in the film, but the synopsis reveals that there’s more to it than just Karen Gillan shooting bad guys in the face.
Continue reading ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ First Look: Karen Gillan, Lena Heady & More Star As Elite Assassins In The New Action Film at The Playlist.
Read More: Awkwafina & Karen Gillan To Co-Star In Action-Comedy ‘Shelly’ For Director Jude Weng
As seen in the first-look pictures from the upcoming action film, it’s clear that there are plenty of badass killers in the film, but the synopsis reveals that there’s more to it than just Karen Gillan shooting bad guys in the face.
Continue reading ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ First Look: Karen Gillan, Lena Heady & More Star As Elite Assassins In The New Action Film at The Playlist.
- 11/9/2020
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Sandra Oh and Awkwafina have been cast as sisters for an upcoming Netflix comedy feature. The currently untitled film will be produced by Jessica Elbaum for Gloria Sanchez Productions and will be penned by Jen D’Angelo (via Variety).
Read More: Awkwafina & Karen Gillan To Co-Star In Action-Comedy ‘Shelly’ For Director Jude Weng
Oh will play a lonesome, isolated woman who finds her world turned upside down when her manic sister (Awkwafina) re-enters into her life.
Continue reading Awkwafina & Sandra Oh To Play Sisters In Upcoming Netflix Comedy Film at The Playlist.
Read More: Awkwafina & Karen Gillan To Co-Star In Action-Comedy ‘Shelly’ For Director Jude Weng
Oh will play a lonesome, isolated woman who finds her world turned upside down when her manic sister (Awkwafina) re-enters into her life.
Continue reading Awkwafina & Sandra Oh To Play Sisters In Upcoming Netflix Comedy Film at The Playlist.
- 10/30/2020
- by Tyler Casalini
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter, Winslow Fegley And Lidya Jewett are set to star in the Netflix family pic Night Books with David Yarovesky on board to direct. Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert will produce through Ghost House Pictures along with Mxn Entertainment’s Mason Novick and Michelle Knudsen.
Based on the J.A. White horror-fantasy children’s book, the story follows Alex (Fegley), a boy obsessed with scary stories, who is imprisoned by an evil young witch (Ritter) in her contemporary New York City apartment. He meets Yasmin (Jewett), who is also trapped there, and learns he must tell a new scary story every night in order to stay alive.
Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis will adapt the script. Ghost House Pictures’ Romel Adam will exec produce and Mxn Entertainment’s Tracy Kopulsky will co-produce.
Yarovesky broke on to the scene with his horror pic The Hive in 2014 and...
Based on the J.A. White horror-fantasy children’s book, the story follows Alex (Fegley), a boy obsessed with scary stories, who is imprisoned by an evil young witch (Ritter) in her contemporary New York City apartment. He meets Yasmin (Jewett), who is also trapped there, and learns he must tell a new scary story every night in order to stay alive.
Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis will adapt the script. Ghost House Pictures’ Romel Adam will exec produce and Mxn Entertainment’s Tracy Kopulsky will co-produce.
Yarovesky broke on to the scene with his horror pic The Hive in 2014 and...
- 10/13/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
'Buddy Games' trailer is here and it's wild and hilarious.
Saban Films has released the first trailer for Josh Duhamel’s directorial debut 'Buddy Games'.
Duhamel, 47, pulls double duty as the first-time director and star in te upcoming no-holds-barred comedy.
'Buddy Games' follows six lifelong friends who reunite in order to take part in a crazy contest where participants compete for a chance to win $150,000.
The official synopsis for the film reads: "After six lifelong friends have a five year falling out, Bob (Duhamel), aka “The Bobfather”, reunites his pals for the Buddy Games, an insane competition of absurd physical and mental challenges with the chance to win a $150,000 pot. Now all bets are off, as the determined dude's fight, claw, and party for the big bucks."
The comedy film also features Dan Bakkedahl, Kevin Dillon, Olivia Munn, James Roday, Dax Shepard, Nick Swardson, and Neal McDonough.
During an interview with People,...
Saban Films has released the first trailer for Josh Duhamel’s directorial debut 'Buddy Games'.
Duhamel, 47, pulls double duty as the first-time director and star in te upcoming no-holds-barred comedy.
'Buddy Games' follows six lifelong friends who reunite in order to take part in a crazy contest where participants compete for a chance to win $150,000.
The official synopsis for the film reads: "After six lifelong friends have a five year falling out, Bob (Duhamel), aka “The Bobfather”, reunites his pals for the Buddy Games, an insane competition of absurd physical and mental challenges with the chance to win a $150,000 pot. Now all bets are off, as the determined dude's fight, claw, and party for the big bucks."
The comedy film also features Dan Bakkedahl, Kevin Dillon, Olivia Munn, James Roday, Dax Shepard, Nick Swardson, and Neal McDonough.
During an interview with People,...
- 10/8/2020
- by Omkar Padte
- GlamSham
Jumanji: The Next Level co-stars Awkwafina and Karen Gillan are reteaming for Shelly, a comedy from director Jude Weng and writers Michael Doneger and Liz Storm. Amazon just picked up the film, which follows an assassin who finds out her next target is her high school bully. Against all odds, the two end up becoming friends, which of […]
The post ‘Shelly’, a Comedy About an Assassin Befriending Her High School Bully, Will Star Awkwafina and Karen Gillan appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Shelly’, a Comedy About an Assassin Befriending Her High School Bully, Will Star Awkwafina and Karen Gillan appeared first on /Film.
- 9/3/2020
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Amazon Studios has acquired the rights to develop a script package for an action comedy called “Shelly” that will star Awkwafina and Karen Gillan, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Awkwafina and Gillan, who both starred in “Jumanji: The Next Level,” will star in the film from director Jude Weng based on the script by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm.
The story involves Awkwafina as an assassin whose next target is her high school bully played by Gillan. Gillan’s prank at their high school prom was responsible for turning Awkwafina into a hardened killer, but she finds it difficult to complete her job when the two become friends, and she’s now forced to protect Gillan from other would-be assassins.
Ian Bryce on behalf of his Ian Bryce Productions will produce “Shelly.” Will McCance will executive produce, and Katie Malott will co-produce.
Awkwafina will be seen...
Awkwafina and Gillan, who both starred in “Jumanji: The Next Level,” will star in the film from director Jude Weng based on the script by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm.
The story involves Awkwafina as an assassin whose next target is her high school bully played by Gillan. Gillan’s prank at their high school prom was responsible for turning Awkwafina into a hardened killer, but she finds it difficult to complete her job when the two become friends, and she’s now forced to protect Gillan from other would-be assassins.
Ian Bryce on behalf of his Ian Bryce Productions will produce “Shelly.” Will McCance will executive produce, and Katie Malott will co-produce.
Awkwafina will be seen...
- 9/2/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Amazon Studios has acquired Shelly, an action-comedy package that has Jumanji: The Next Level‘s Awkwafina and Karen Gillan attached to reteam, and Jude Weng to direct. The action comedy script is by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm and the film will be produced by Ian Bryce Productions.
Deadline wrote about the package in late June, when it was first shopped. Doneger wrote the story for a high concept pic that combines high school nostalgia with action and laughs. The story takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another...
Deadline wrote about the package in late June, when it was first shopped. Doneger wrote the story for a high concept pic that combines high school nostalgia with action and laughs. The story takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another...
- 9/2/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Saban Films has bought U.S. rights to Josh Duhamel’s ensemble comedy “Buddy Games,” the actor’s writing and directing debut.
Duhamel, best known for the starring in four of the “Transformers” movies, stars with Olivia Munn, Dax Shepard, Kevin Dillon, James Roday, Nick Swardson and Dan Bakkedahl. Michael J. Luisi produced alongside Duhamel and Jude Weng.
The story centers on a group of friends reuniting to play the Buddy Games, a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges. They will heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship.
“I set out to make a movie that I would want to see – something grounded but outrageous enough to shock audiences, and ultimately a story of friendship and camaraderie,” said Duhamel. “I’m grateful to Saban Films for giving us the perfect platform for audiences to see it.”
Buddy Games will be released by Saban Films,...
Duhamel, best known for the starring in four of the “Transformers” movies, stars with Olivia Munn, Dax Shepard, Kevin Dillon, James Roday, Nick Swardson and Dan Bakkedahl. Michael J. Luisi produced alongside Duhamel and Jude Weng.
The story centers on a group of friends reuniting to play the Buddy Games, a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges. They will heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship.
“I set out to make a movie that I would want to see – something grounded but outrageous enough to shock audiences, and ultimately a story of friendship and camaraderie,” said Duhamel. “I’m grateful to Saban Films for giving us the perfect platform for audiences to see it.”
Buddy Games will be released by Saban Films,...
- 7/23/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired U.S. rights to Buddy Games, the directorial debut feature from Josh Duhamel, who also stars alongside Olivia Munn (X-Men: Apocalypse), Dax Shepard (Chips), Kevin Dillon (Entourage), James Roday (Psych), Nick Swardson (Sandy Wexler) and Dan Bakkedahl (Veep).
Written by Duhamel, the plot centers on a group of friends who reunite to play the Buddy Games, a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges. In the process, they’ll heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship…or die trying.
Michael J. Luisi (Fighting with My Family), Duhamel, and Jude Weng produced. Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban with attorney Matt Saver on behalf of the filmmakers.
Saban’s upcoming release slate includes, The Stand-In with Drew Barrymore in a dual lead role, Breach starring Bruce Willis, the Alicia Silverstone wedding comedy Sister of the Groom,...
Written by Duhamel, the plot centers on a group of friends who reunite to play the Buddy Games, a wild assortment of absurd physical and mental challenges. In the process, they’ll heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship…or die trying.
Michael J. Luisi (Fighting with My Family), Duhamel, and Jude Weng produced. Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban with attorney Matt Saver on behalf of the filmmakers.
Saban’s upcoming release slate includes, The Stand-In with Drew Barrymore in a dual lead role, Breach starring Bruce Willis, the Alicia Silverstone wedding comedy Sister of the Groom,...
- 7/23/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired the U.S. rights to “Buddy Games,” a comedy and the directorial debut from actor Josh Duhamel, the distributor announced Friday. A release date has not yet been announced.
“Buddy Games” is about a group of friends who reunite for a series of absurd physical and mental challenges and in the process heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship…or die trying. Duhamel also stars in the film alongside Olivia Munn, Dax Shepard, Kevin Dillon, James Roday, Nick Swardson and Dan Bakkedahl.
“I set out to make a movie that I would want to see – something grounded but outrageous enough to shock audiences, and ultimately a story of friendship and camaraderie,” Duhamel said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Saban Films for giving us the perfect platform for audiences to see it.”
Also Read: Saban Films Snags Comedy...
“Buddy Games” is about a group of friends who reunite for a series of absurd physical and mental challenges and in the process heal old wounds, right past wrongs and figure out the true meaning of friendship…or die trying. Duhamel also stars in the film alongside Olivia Munn, Dax Shepard, Kevin Dillon, James Roday, Nick Swardson and Dan Bakkedahl.
“I set out to make a movie that I would want to see – something grounded but outrageous enough to shock audiences, and ultimately a story of friendship and camaraderie,” Duhamel said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Saban Films for giving us the perfect platform for audiences to see it.”
Also Read: Saban Films Snags Comedy...
- 7/23/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Warner Bros Television Group on Tuesday revealed the 12 directors selected for the 2020 Warner Bros Television Directors’ Workshop, which will be held virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The redesigned program has been condensed into two weeks (from the usual nine) of online learning, with lectures led by co-teachers Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli along with various showrunners, directors, cinematographers and editors. The practical directing work normally done on Warners’ sets will now be done using co-habitating actors, with the directors work with them remotely.
The program launched in 2013 with the aim to directors from other creative fields for the transition to TV, and to spur equity and inclusion by providing opportunities for female helmers and those from underrepresented groups. It has seen 100% of the graduates from the past four classes go on to direct episodes of Warner Bros–produced series. Alums include Pamela Romanowsky, Marcus Stokes, Jennifer Phang,...
The redesigned program has been condensed into two weeks (from the usual nine) of online learning, with lectures led by co-teachers Bethany Rooney and Mary Lou Belli along with various showrunners, directors, cinematographers and editors. The practical directing work normally done on Warners’ sets will now be done using co-habitating actors, with the directors work with them remotely.
The program launched in 2013 with the aim to directors from other creative fields for the transition to TV, and to spur equity and inclusion by providing opportunities for female helmers and those from underrepresented groups. It has seen 100% of the graduates from the past four classes go on to direct episodes of Warner Bros–produced series. Alums include Pamela Romanowsky, Marcus Stokes, Jennifer Phang,...
- 7/7/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Jumanji: the Next Level’ star Awkwafina and Karen Gillan are set to star in action-comedy ‘Shelley’
Jude Weng is directing the film that takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another hit crew hired to kill them both.
Michael Doneger penned the story. ‘6 Underground’ Ian Bryce is producing, with Will McCance executive producing and Katie Malott co-producing.
Also in news – Henry Cavill in talks to return as ‘Superman’ in DC Movie
Awkwafina was last seen in ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’, ‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ and ‘The Farewell’. She...
Jude Weng is directing the film that takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another hit crew hired to kill them both.
Michael Doneger penned the story. ‘6 Underground’ Ian Bryce is producing, with Will McCance executive producing and Katie Malott co-producing.
Also in news – Henry Cavill in talks to return as ‘Superman’ in DC Movie
Awkwafina was last seen in ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’, ‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ and ‘The Farewell’. She...
- 5/29/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As Hollywood attempts to reboot itself in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, new scripts and ideas are making the rounds behind closed doors and computer screens. One such package involves a reteaming of Jumanji: The Next Level stars Karen Gillan and Awkwafina, who are now attached to Shelly, an action-comedy script by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm that has Jude Weng (Finding Ohana) in the…...
- 5/28/2020
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The careers of actresses Awkwafina and Karen Gillan seem to be taking off at the same exact time, but both in very different ways. Regardless of how they achieved superstar status, it appears that both actresses are set to star opposite each other in the upcoming action-comedy film, “Shelly.”
According to Deadline, Awkwafina and Gillan will co-star in, “Shelly,” which is written by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm and directed by Jude Weng.
Continue reading Awkwafina & Karen Gillan To Co-Star In Action-Comedy ‘Shelly’ For Director Jude Weng at The Playlist.
According to Deadline, Awkwafina and Gillan will co-star in, “Shelly,” which is written by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm and directed by Jude Weng.
Continue reading Awkwafina & Karen Gillan To Co-Star In Action-Comedy ‘Shelly’ For Director Jude Weng at The Playlist.
- 5/28/2020
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Even though production hasn’t started back up, packages are being gobbled up quickly, and here’s one that ought to sell fast. Jumanji: The Next Level‘s Awkwafina and Karen Gillan are attached to reteam in Shelly, an action-comedy script by Michael Doneger and Liz Storm that is out to the town today through Ian Bryce Productions. Jude Weng is directing.
The story takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another hit crew hired to kill them both. The tone is Mean Girls meets Barry.
Both actresses are doing great work.
The story takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another hit crew hired to kill them both. The tone is Mean Girls meets Barry.
Both actresses are doing great work.
- 5/28/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Adding to its growing slate of family-friendly films, Netflix has secured the global distribution rights to A Week Away, the faith-based musical starring The Good Witch’s Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn (Adventures in Babysitting), Sherri Shepherd (Ride Along 2) and David Koechner (Anchorman).
Based on an original idea by Alan Powell and directed by Roman White, the pic centers around Will Hawkins (Quinn), a troubled teen who has a run-in with the law that puts him at an important crossroad: go to juvenile detention or attend a Christian summer camp. At first a fish-out-of-water, Will opens his heart, discovers love with a camp regular (Madison), and a sense of belonging in the last place he expected to find it.
Additional cast includes Jahbril Cook, Kat Conner Sterling, and Iain Tucker. The film, which was shot in Nashville, will feature reimagined songs from some of the biggest hits in Contemporary Christian...
Based on an original idea by Alan Powell and directed by Roman White, the pic centers around Will Hawkins (Quinn), a troubled teen who has a run-in with the law that puts him at an important crossroad: go to juvenile detention or attend a Christian summer camp. At first a fish-out-of-water, Will opens his heart, discovers love with a camp regular (Madison), and a sense of belonging in the last place he expected to find it.
Additional cast includes Jahbril Cook, Kat Conner Sterling, and Iain Tucker. The film, which was shot in Nashville, will feature reimagined songs from some of the biggest hits in Contemporary Christian...
- 4/29/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Production is teaming with HBO to develop the comedy House of Chow from Ken Cheng, who wrote the pilot and will serve as executive producer alongside Head of TV Development at JuVee Andrew Wang and pilot director Jude Weng. Davis and Tennon also will serve as EPs.
Based on Cheng’s experiences growing up in a restaurant kitchen, House of Chow is a comedy about the reluctant partnership that forms between estranged, thirtysomething siblings Vicky and Charlie Chow. Both realize that the best way to salvage their disappointing and dysfunctional lives is to revive their family’s old Chinese restaurant and turn it into something it’s never been: a success. To do that, all they’ll need to do is exploit the gullible foodies of L.A. into believing they’re something they’ve never been: happy to be there.
Based on Cheng’s experiences growing up in a restaurant kitchen, House of Chow is a comedy about the reluctant partnership that forms between estranged, thirtysomething siblings Vicky and Charlie Chow. Both realize that the best way to salvage their disappointing and dysfunctional lives is to revive their family’s old Chinese restaurant and turn it into something it’s never been: a success. To do that, all they’ll need to do is exploit the gullible foodies of L.A. into believing they’re something they’ve never been: happy to be there.
- 1/27/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has nabbed the rights to “Young Sheldon” director Jude Weng’s feature directorial debut “Finding Ohana.”
The film follows two Brooklyn siblings (Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono) whose summer in a rural Oahu town takes an exciting turn when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an adventure, leading them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
The pic marks Peahu and Aiono’s acting debuts and sources tell Variety it was very important for Netflix to find a cast of predominantly Hawaiian / Pacific Islander, even if it met find a lot of newcomers for the large ensemble.
“The Good Place’s” Marc Evan Jackson, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, Kelly Hu, Ke Huy Quan, Ricky Garcia, Ryan Higa, Mapuana Makia, Brad Kalilimoku, X Mayo, and Kyndra Sanchez have also joined the cast. Christina Strain penned the script.
“Transformers'” Ian Bryce will produce through his Ian Bryce Productions...
The film follows two Brooklyn siblings (Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono) whose summer in a rural Oahu town takes an exciting turn when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an adventure, leading them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
The pic marks Peahu and Aiono’s acting debuts and sources tell Variety it was very important for Netflix to find a cast of predominantly Hawaiian / Pacific Islander, even if it met find a lot of newcomers for the large ensemble.
“The Good Place’s” Marc Evan Jackson, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, Kelly Hu, Ke Huy Quan, Ricky Garcia, Ryan Higa, Mapuana Makia, Brad Kalilimoku, X Mayo, and Kyndra Sanchez have also joined the cast. Christina Strain penned the script.
“Transformers'” Ian Bryce will produce through his Ian Bryce Productions...
- 9/30/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Graduates from Warner Bros. Television Group’s (Wbtvg) Directors’ Workshop class of 2019 are all ready to sit in the director’s chair. All participants of this year’s program have booked directing assignments on upcoming episodes of a Wbtvg series. On top of that, two of the directors have gone on to secure additional assignments — before even helming their first episode.
The Wbtvg Directors’ Workshop looks to discover new and innovative talent, prepare directors from other creative fields or the transition to television, and spur diversity and inclusion by providing increased opportunities for female directors and directors from ethnic minority groups. Since its inception in 2013, the Wbtvg Directors’ Workshop has helped to launch or further the TV directing careers of more than 50 women and/or people of color.
Below are the graduates from the Directors’ Workshop class and their directing assignments for the upcoming 2019–20 television season.
Bola Ogun is set...
The Wbtvg Directors’ Workshop looks to discover new and innovative talent, prepare directors from other creative fields or the transition to television, and spur diversity and inclusion by providing increased opportunities for female directors and directors from ethnic minority groups. Since its inception in 2013, the Wbtvg Directors’ Workshop has helped to launch or further the TV directing careers of more than 50 women and/or people of color.
Below are the graduates from the Directors’ Workshop class and their directing assignments for the upcoming 2019–20 television season.
Bola Ogun is set...
- 8/28/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
With the WGA-Ata war fully raging, diversity discussions at the forefront of the industry and numerous new rivals entering the original-content game, there is arguably more pressure than ever on the broadcast networks to make the right call when it comes to pilot pickups.
Here’s what Variety’s insiders are saying about this season’s offerings.
ABC
On the comedy front, three female-led pilots look to charge ahead at ABC.
An untitled Hannah Simone project has enjoyed support within ABC from the start. Simone’s “Greatest American Hero” pilot at ABC last year was ultimately passed over, but she still has many supporters at the network.
Another hot prospect comes from writer Jessica Gao, fresh off an Emmy win for her work on “Rick and Morty.” Hopes for the untitled pilot are bolstered not only by Gao’s recent success but also by Brian Grazer serving as exec producer.
Here’s what Variety’s insiders are saying about this season’s offerings.
ABC
On the comedy front, three female-led pilots look to charge ahead at ABC.
An untitled Hannah Simone project has enjoyed support within ABC from the start. Simone’s “Greatest American Hero” pilot at ABC last year was ultimately passed over, but she still has many supporters at the network.
Another hot prospect comes from writer Jessica Gao, fresh off an Emmy win for her work on “Rick and Morty.” Hopes for the untitled pilot are bolstered not only by Gao’s recent success but also by Brian Grazer serving as exec producer.
- 5/1/2019
- by Joe Otterson and Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
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