Hi all! Here’s your Morning Update for Tuesday, November 10, 2015:
SCRIPTED NEWS:
Lionsgate Developing TV Show With ‘Twlight’ Writer Stephenie Meyer For Hulu
Lionsgate is developing a new show with Twilight novelist Stephenie Meyer titled Rook that will play on Hulu and on an unnamed British broadcaster. Rook is said to be based on her genre novel which introduces a strong female protagonist with extraordinary powers who is employed by a mysterious British government agency responsible for defending the UK from supernatural threats. http://deadline.com/2015/11/twlight-stephanie-meyer-television-rook-hulu-1201616999/
Jason Winer & Don Todd To Adapt Spanish Series ‘El Chiringuito de Pepe’ For ABC
ABC is developing El Chiringuito De Pepe, a comedic one-hour based on the popular Spanish series. Written/executive produced by Don Todd and executive produced by Jason Winer, the project has received a script commitment with penalty. 20th Century Fox TV is the studio. It centers on a world-famous chef who comes to a small beach town to work his magic on his father’s failing cantina and is surprised to find the town working its own magic on him. http://deadline.com/2015/11/jason-winer-don-todd-spanish-series-el-chiringuito-de-pepe-abc-1201615967/
Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael Sell Female Ex-Con Comedy to ABC
ABC is teaming with Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael and Elizabeth Laime to develop comedy Crystal. The comedy revolves around Crystal, a hustler from the wrong side of the trailer park who, fresh out of prison, lands a job in the suburbs as an in-home health aide. Laime will pen the script and serve as a supervising producer alongside Raphael and Wilson. The comedy hails from ABC Studios. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/casey-wilson-june-diane-raphael-838355
Nikki Toscano Sets Dramas At Fox & ABC Produced By Johnny Depp & Eva LongoriaNikki Toscanohas set up two drama projects with big-name auspices attached. At Fox, Toscano has Designated Survivor, produced by Johnny Deppand his company Infinitum Nihil. At ABC, Toscano has an untitled project produced by Eva Longoriaand her UnbeliEVAble Entertainment as well as Conde Nast Entertainment. Both shows come from Universal TV where Toscano has an overall deal. http://deadline.com/2015/11/nikki-toscano-fox-abc-johnny-depp-eva-longoria-1201611935/
ABC Buys Lesbian-Straight Relationship Comedy From ‘Mindy Project’s Ed WeeksEd Weekshas sold a project as a writer, half-hour comedy Wing Person, which has been set up at ABC. Co-written by Weeks and fellow Brit Hannah Mackay, Wing Person is the story of the co-dependent relationship between a lesbian lothario and her cautious, straight male best friend. http://deadline.com/2015/11/ed-weeks-wing-person-lesbian-straight-comedy-abc-1201611446/
Jada Pinkett Smith to Play D.A. in ABC Racial Drama Produced by A+E Studios
‘Murder Town’ will be penned by Barry Schindel and marks A+E Studios’ first outside sale.The drama, which has received a hefty put-pilot commitment, Pinkett Smith as a beautiful and complicated prosecutor who makes history as Wilmington, Delaware’s, first African-American district attorney. The deal reunites A+E Studios exec vp Barry Jossen with ABC, where he previously served as head of the Disney-owned network’s studio counterpart ABC Studios. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jada-pinkett-smith-play-da-838393
Vladimir Caamano to Topline Dominican Family Comedy at NBC From ‘Undateable’ Duo
NBC is teaming with Bill Lawrence and Adam Sztykiel for Vlad, a comedy starring Vladimir Caamano. Vlad — which was picked up with a put-pilot commitment — is inspired by the stand-up comedian’s life and explores his family dynamics while living with his Dominican father and older brother in the Bronx. Sztykiel will pen the script alongside Caamano, who also will co-executive produce. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/vladimir-caamano-topline-dominican-family-838580
Olivia Munn, CW Set 1970s Female Sportscaster Drama
The CW is teaming with the actress to develop an untitled 1970s female sportscaster drama. Set in 1974, the drama revolves around a young journalist who gets hired by an ambitious New York news programming chief as a publicity stunt to be one of the first female on-air sports reporters. Ted Humphrey will pen the script and executive produce the CBS Television Studios entry alongside Munn. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/olivia-munn-cw-set-1970s-838451
CBS Buys ‘The Out-Law’ Marriage Comedy From Christopher MoynihanCBShas given a script commitment with penalty to multi-camera comedy The Out-Lawfrom writer Christopher Moynihanand Universal TV. CBS Television Studios will co-produce. Written by Moynihan, The Out-Law centers on a perpetually positive, Berkeley-born , liberal white-collar doctor and only child, who marries into a loud, cynical, blue-collar Long Island family. http://deadline.com/2015/11/the-outlaw-comedy-christopher-moynihan-cbs-1201610685/
Naomi, Adam Scott Set Up Comedies at HBO, NBC
Deep S.I.X. follows a rag-tag Homeland security team that no one believes in as they investigate paranormal threats that no one believes in. Anthony King will pen the script and exec produce alongside the Scotts. Donuthead, meanwhile, is a single-camera comedy set in the world of an anxiety-ridden 11-year old boy and his single mother. The potential series plans to feature a unique visual style in a bid to illustrate the boy’s one-of-a-kind imagination. Irene Mecchi and Bridget Terry will pen the script and exec produce with the Scotts. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/naomi-adam-scott-set-up-838415
Fox Developing ‘Left Of Center’ Musical-Driven Workplace ComedyFoxis now eyeing a half-hour addition to its staple of series with musical elements.Left Of Center, which has a script commitment, is described as a music-driven, workplace comedy that centers on a group of four backup singers who become an unconventional family, despite the fact that each of them thinks they have what it takes to be the star. The single-camera project, from Gail Berman’s The Jackal Group, is being written by Robert Horn. http://deadline.com/2015/11/left-of-center-musical-driven-comedy-fox-1201610651/
NBC Renews ‘Chicago Fire,’ ‘Chicago PD’
NBC topper Bob Greenblatt announced the news during a press junket in Chicago on Monday. Chicago Fire will return for its fifth season, while spinoff Chicago PD will begin its fourth season. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/chicago-fire-chicago-pd-renewed-838683
‘Blindspot’ Nabs Early Season 2 Renewal at NBCThe top-rated new series of the 2015-16 season gets another order just a week after getting additional episodes. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/blindspot-nabs-early-season-2-838417
‘Mysteries of Laura’ Gets Order for 3 More Episodes From NBC
NBC has ordered three additional episodes of “The Mysteries of Laura.” If no additional episodes are ordered, that would bring executive producer Greg Berlanti‘s sophomore drama’s total Season 2 order to 16 episodes. http://www.thewrap.com/mysteries-of-laura-gets-order-for-3-more-episodes-from-nbc/
Lifetime Passes on ‘Clan of the Cave Bear’ DramaThe drama was based on Jean M. Auel’s series of best-selling novels. Fox 21 and Lifetime were at an impasse on an episode count, with the studio looking for an ongoing series while the network wanted a closed-end run. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/lifetime-passes-clan-cave-bear-838626
CASTING NEWS:
Jeffrey Dean Morgan Joins Walking Dead Cast as… Infamous Villain Negan!
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is about to go from Good to really, really, really bad. Sources confirm that the current Good Wife actor is joining The Walking Dead as one of the Biggest Bads of ’em all — dreaded comic book villain Negan. http://tvline.com/2015/11/10/the-walking-dead-jeffrey-dean-morgan-cast-negan-season-6/
NCIS Casts Tyler Ritter as Abby’s Brother Luca, to Also Visit New Orleans
CBS’ NCIS will delve further into Abby Sciuto’s past after the holidays — with a little help from Tyler Ritter. The onetime McCarthys family member has been tapped to guest-star on TV’s most watched drama as Luca, Abby’s younger brother through adoption. http://tvline.com/2015/11/09/ncis-season-13-tyler-ritter-abbys-brother/
Person of Interest: Fargo’s Josh Close to Recur During ‘Best Season Ever’
Person of Interest will feature at least one fresh face during its upcoming season. Josh Close will recur on Season 5 the CBS drama. http://tvline.com/2015/11/09/person-of-interest-season-5-josh-close-recurring-role/
FEATURE NEWS:
Disney Developing ‘Explorers Club’ Movie With Michael De Luca
Disney is adapting the upcoming fantasy novel “The Explorers Club” into a movie with producer Michael De Luca. “The Explorers Club” is the first book in a trilogy by Adrienne Kress. The story revolves around two ordinary kids who discover a secret clubhouse for explorers. http://variety.com/2015/film/news/disney-explorers-club-movie-michael-de-luca-1201636400/
NEW MEDIA NEWS:
E! Picks Up Digital Comedy Series ‘Hashtaggers’
E! has picked up “Hashtaggers,” one of its first digital scripted series. The 8-episode comedy, from creators Stun Creative, is described as a hilarious look at a dysfunctional group of celebrity ghost tweeters, and the outrageous repercussions their work has on the entertainment industry. Each episode of the series will run 3-5 minutes and will be released simultaneously across E!’s social and digital platforms. http://www.thewrap.com/e-picks-up-digital-comedy-series-hashtaggers-exclusive/
NON-SCRIPTED/ALTERNATIVE NEWS:
Snoop Dogg’s YouTube Series ‘GGN’ Heads To Revolt TVSnoop Dogghas inked a inked a licensing deal with Revolt TVto bring his YouTube showGGN to the music-focused cable network. Each 30-minute episode will feature three guests touching on the latest in news and culture. http://deadline.com/2015/11/snoop-dogg-youtube-series-ggn-revolt-tv-1201615165/
Lifetime Tuning Up A Cappella Competition Series ‘Pitch Slapped’ For JanuaryLifetimetoday pulled the curtain back on Pitch Slapped, an eight-episode docuseries set in the world of high school a cappella competitions. Premiering at 10 PM January 5, the series follows two crosstown-rival New Jersey teams that get to work with the world’s best coaches and face off in weekly clashes, crescendo-building up to a champion sing-off. http://deadline.com/2015/11/pitch-slapped-coming-lifetime-a-cappella-premiere-date-1201615612/
‘DWTS’ Contestant Tamar Braxton Misses Monday’s Show After Being Rushed to Hospital
“Dancing With the Stars” contestant Tamar Braxton was forced to miss Monday’s episode of the show after being rushed to hospital earlier in the afternoon. The R&B singer has been battling pneumonia for the past two weeks, according to TMZ. http://www.thewrap.com/dwts-contestant-tamar-braxton-misses-mondays-show-after-being-rushed-to-hospital/
INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
Ex-NBA Star Steve Nash Developing Canadian Basketball DramaThe former Los Angeles Lakers point guard’s Meathawk Productions has teamed with fellow Canadian indie producer Insight Productions on Hardwood (working title), about a big-city entrepreneur who opens an elite youth basketball academy in a sleepy farming town outside of Toronto. Nash will executive produce Hardwood, with creator Skander Halim writing the pilot. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steve-nash-canadian-basketball-drama-838293
TWDC NEWS:
(video) ‘Finding Dory’ Trailer: Ellen DeGeneres Tries to Find Her FamilyThe first trailer for “Finding Nemo’s” sequel, “Finding Dory,” has arrived online. Ellen DeGeneres, who voices Dory, debuted the video Tuesday on Ellentube. http://variety.com/2015/film/news/finding-dory-trailer-ellen-degeneres-1201637251/
EXECUTIVE/TALENT NEWS:
John Rouse Promoted to Executive Vice President, Affiliate Relations and Marketing at ABC
ABC has elevated John Rouse to executive vice president of affiliate relations and marketing. A twenty-year veteran of the network, Rouse will lead affiliate distribution planning and negotiations to help maximize exposure to ABC Entertainment, ABC News, “ESPN on ABC” and ABC’s digital initiatives with ABC affiliated and owned stations. http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/john-rouse-promoted-executive-vice-president-affiliate-relations-abc-1201636465/
‘Walking Dead’ Producers Ink Pod Deal With Insurrection Media
Robert Kirkman and David Alpert’s company has signed a pod deal with Insurrection Media to identify, develop and produce genre series to be distributed by Insurrection in the U.S. and overseas on a variety of over-the-top and linear video platforms. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/walking-dead-producers-ink-pod-838359
Ben Stiller’s Red Hour, ‘Whiplash’ Producer Bold Films Partner for Movies, TV, Digital ProjectsBen Stiller‘s production company, Red Hour, is partnering with Bold Films to produce a new slate of both comedic and dramatic film, television and digital projects. Veteran producer and executive Nicky Weinstockhas joined Stiller and Stuart Cornfeldat Red Hour, which will be relocating its offices within Bold Films in both New York and Los Angeles as part of the new creative partnership. http://www.thewrap.com/ben-stillers-red-hour-whiplash-producer-bold-films-partner-for-movies-tv-digital-projects/
SSN: Exec Shuffle for 11/9/15:– Nicola Andrews has been named the VP of Distribution at Gaumont Television. She was previously the Managing Director at Hemisphere Distribution Ltd.
– Jay Bastian has been upped from VP to the SVP of Series at Warner Bros. Animation.
– Brian Bockrath has been named the President at Bays Thomas Productions in New York. He was formerly the VP of Scripted Programming at AMC.
– Jonathan Gabay has been upped from Executive Director to the VP of Comedy Development & Programming at FOX Broadcasting Company.
– Tony Tompson has been upped from Director of Drama Development & Programming to the VP of Drama Development & Programming at FOX Broadcasting Company.
– Lynneise Joseph has been upped from Programming Manager to the Director of Current Programming at The Africa Channel. http://www.ssninsider.com/exec-shuffle-for-11915-activision-blizzard-studios-launches-comscore-partners-with-spotify-reald-acquired-shifts-at-uta/
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS:
AdWeek: ‘Canceled’ is a Dirty Word This Fall, but Buyers Aren’t PanickingFor the first time in more than 15 years, the networks made it to November without pulling the plug on a single new series. How did cancelation become a verboten word this fall? Several network execs and buyers cite a perfect storm of rapidly changing viewing habits, delays in tallying multiplatform (and multiweek) viewing and a lack of viable backup programming options, leading to a scenario where leaving even the worst-rated shows on air is the best option for everyone involved. http://www.adweek.com/news/television/why-buyers-arent-panicking-about-all-tv-shows-getting-trimmed-fall-167973
AdWeek: Advertisers Are Finding Millennials in an Unexpected Place: TV SyndicationAdvertisers have left no platform unturned in their quest to find and reach linear-TV-phobic millennials. And now they’ve turned to a surprising place: syndicated television. TV syndication studio Twentieth Television, which is home to eight of the top 10 syndicated shows among adults ages 18-34. http://www.adweek.com/news/television/advertisers-are-finding-millennials-unexpected-place-tv-syndication-168034
US pay TV down almost 400,000 in Q3US pay TV numbers continue to decline, with the smaller operators bearing the brunt of the losses. The overall rate of cord-cutting slowed in the most recent, third, quarter, with a cumulative loss of 393,000 across US pay TV, according to research house Ampere Analysis. That compares with 608,000 in the previous three month and was calculated after AT&T restated its figures following its deal for DirecTV. http://tbivision.com/news/2015/11/us-pay-tv-almost-400000-q3/507862/
The Morning Update 