SCRIPTED NEWS:
HBO Orders New Danny McBride Comedy Series
The cabler has picked up 18 episodes of "Vince Principals," from the creators of "Eastbound & Down." Created by Danny McBride and Jody Hill, Vice Principals tells the story of a high school and the people who almost run it, the vice principals. McBride will star and exec produce alongside Hill, David Gordon Green and Stephanie Laing.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-orders-new-danny-mcbride-707560
Hulu Eyes New Season Of ‘Community’
There is a glimmer of hope that there could be a sixth season of cult comedy series Community. I have learned that Hulu is in talks with Sony Pictures TV for more original installments of the show, which was cancelled by NBC earlier this month. Sources stress that conversations are preliminary and it is unclear whether they would lead to a deal, but I hear there is will on both sides.
http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/community-hulu-season-6-dan-harmon/
Melora Hardin To Co-Star In Amazon Comedy Series ‘Transparent’ In Recasting
Melora Hardin has joined Amazon’s new comedy series Transparentas a series regular. Harden plays Tammy, a hip, out lesbian friend of Sarah’s who has more on her mind than play dates. She replaces Gillian Vigman, who played the part in the pilot. http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/melora-hardin-to-co-star-in-amazon-comedy-series-transparent-in-recasting/
Pilot ‘Songbyrd’ Not Going Forward At E!
E! has passed on its music-themed drama pilot Songbyrd, created/exec produced by Krista Vernoff and exec produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/songbyrd-e-pilot/
‘Captain Phillips’ Actor Joins ‘Covert Affairs’
Max Martini will guest-star in the fifth season of USA’s spy drama.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/covert-affairs-max-martini-joins-707583
Steve Kazee Joins Showtime’s ‘Shameless’
Steve Kazee, a Tony winner for the Broadway production of Once, is joining the cast of the Showtime dramedy in a major recurring role. He will play a rock musician in an existing band who will interact with Fiona (Emmy Rossum) and her family at the new diner where she has found new employment.
http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/steve-kazee-joins-shameless-showtime/
(review) Variety: ‘Crossbones’
In a sense, Malkovich’s philosophical butcher is a logical heir to the timeslot where “Hannibal” has been dining (albeit on very small portions), but other than its lovely vistas, the early episodes suggest the ruthless villain has been thrown into the ocean in a leaky vehicle — and without a paddle.
http://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-crossbones-1201189708/
(video) FX’s ‘The Strain’ first trailer
No more teasers. This is the first trailer for FX’s “real vamps” drama series The Strain.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/05/28/fxs-the-strain-first-trailer/
(awards) Critics’ Choice TV nominees include ‘The Good Wife,’ ‘Fargo’
The Broadcast Television Journalists Assn. announced nominations for the 4th Annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards on Wednesday. "Fargo," "Masters of Sex," "The Good Wife," "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Normal Heart" were the most-nominated programs of the year, with five nods apiece.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-critics-choice-television-award-nominees-20140528-story.html
FEATURE NEWS:
‘World War Z’ Sequel Finds Its Writer
Steven Knight has closed a deal to pen the sequel, to be directed by Juan Antonio Bayona.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/world-war-z-sequel-finds-707762
NON-SCRIPTED/ALTERNATIVE NEWS:
Showtime Orders ‘L Word’ Documentary From Ilene Chaiken
"L Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin" will premiere in August and reteams Chaiken with the producers behind "The Real L Word."
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/showtime-orders-l-word-documentary-707629
Chelsea Handler Ending E! Show in August
The late-night host will leave her cable home ahead of her contract’s official expiration at the end of the year.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chelsea-handler-ending-e-show-707604
ABC’s ‘World News’ Scores First May Sweeps Demo Win in 7 Years
ABC’s “World News With Diane Sawyer” scored a ratings victory over May sweeps, taking first place in the key 25-54 news demo over its NBC and CBS counterparts. The occasion marked the first time that the network has scored a demo victory for May sweeps in seven years.
http://www.thewrap.com/abc-world-news-wins-first-may-sweep-in-7-years-demo/
INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
L.A. Screenings Buyer Feedback: ProSiebenSat.1’s Rüdiger Böss
The overall quality of pilots the Hollywood studios presented this year at the L.A. Screenings was high, although there was no single breakout hit, according to ProSiebenSat.1’s Rüdiger Böss. “For the German market I particularly liked Madam Secretary (CBSSI), Stalker (WBITD), The Mysteries of Laura (WBITD), Gotham (WBITD), Secrets and Lies (DMD), How to Get Away with Murder (DMD), and a nice surprise was Jane the Virgin (CBSSI),” notes Böss.
http://worldscreen.com/articles/display/45117
EXECUTIVE/TALENT NEWS:
‘Modern Family’ Co-Showrunner in Contract Standoff
Co-creator Chris Lloyd is negotiating a new deal with studio 20th Century Fox Television.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/modern-family-showrunner-contract-standoff-707695
Ian Metrose Promoted to SVP, Talent Relations and Special Events, CBS Communications
Ian Metrose has been elevated to senior vice president, talent relations and special events for CBS Communications. Metrose, who had been vice president, talent relations and special events since June 2005 and joined CBS in 2003, oversees West Coast special events for CBS Television Network and CBS Television Studios, such as series premieres, show milestone celebrations, Television Academy events and CBS’ Television Critics Association parties.
http://www.thewrap.com/ian-metrose-promoted-to-svp-talent-relations-special-events-cbs-communications/
ITV Studios Promotes Paul Buccieri to Global Entertainment Chairman
ITV Studios has expanded the purview of U.S. operations chief Paul Buccieri on the heels of the Brit TV giant’s spree of production company acquisitions. Buccieri has been upped to chairman of ITV Studios U.S. Group and chairman of ITV Studios Global Entertainment. His primary focus will be to oversee and integrate where possible the operations of ITV-owned banners.
http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/itv-studios-promotes-paul-buccieri-to-global-entertainment-chairman-1201195098/
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS:
(books) Studio System: BEA 2014: The 5 Most Buzzed About Books
Another year, another Book Expo America. This year’s event kicks off Thursday May 29th and features over 750 authors, thousands of exhibitors, and four author stages. Here’s a list of five children’s/adult titles that should be on your radar.
http://www.studiosystemnews.com/bea-2014-the-5-most-buzzed-about-books/
California’s TV, Film Tax Credit Bill Passes Full Assembly
California’s TV and movie tax credit bill cleared the full state Assembly by a 71-0 vote on Wednesday, leaving Senate passage and Gov. Jerry Brown’s approval as the final hurdles. The bill, AB1839, would extend the program through 2022 and expand the eligibility to include movies with budgets over $75 million and network TV dramas. No dollar figure has been attached to the bill, but it’s almost certain to be significantly higher than the current program, which is capped at $100 million annually.
http://www.thewrap.com/californias-tv-film-tax-credit-bill-passes-full-assembly/
(tech) Apple Acquiring Dr. Dre’s Beats Electronics for $3 Billion
Apple is acquiring Dr. Dre’s Beats Electronics for $3 billion, the tech company confirmed Wednesday. Apple will pay $2.6 billion in cash and another $400 million in equity and continue to use the Beats brand.
http://www.thewrap.com/apple-confirms-3-billion-beats-deal/
Vox: Grey’s Anatomy is turning people against organ donation
The show, they argue, has an overwhelmingly negative and cynical view of organ donation. "The majority of organ donation coverage on this program depicts doctors as vultures, eager to transplant organs from their patients," they write. "In addition, plots often highlight doctors crossing ethical lines by privileging patients that are their friends as well as affluent patients with organ transplantation over less familiar and affluent individuals."
http://www.vox.com/2014/5/28/5754292/study-greys-anatomy-is-turning-people-against-organ-donation
The Morning Update 