As New York City emerged from Covid facing challenges from economic flight to rising crime, Mayor Eric Adams put filmed entertainment at the center of a comeback. His Blueprint for Recovery released in August (read it here) created a film council with a seat at the table for studios, producers, unions and trade groups and mandated film industry liaisons at every city agency — in tandem with a major hire, Chicago’s well-regarded film chief, Kwame Amoaku. The new Deputy Film Commissioner reports to Anne del Castillo, head of the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (Mome), whose sprawling portfolio also encompasses theater, music, publishing, digital media, workforce development in the creative industries, press credentials, and the Office of Nightlife.
Related Story California’s Film Incentives Program Sees Growth In Jobs & Production Spending, But “Lack Of Available Funds” Still Leads Many Projects To Flee The State Related Story NYC Names Kwame...
Related Story California’s Film Incentives Program Sees Growth In Jobs & Production Spending, But “Lack Of Available Funds” Still Leads Many Projects To Flee The State Related Story NYC Names Kwame...
- 12/28/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
No one ever said filming in New York City was easy, especially during a pandemic. Just ask the showrunners behind Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” or the producer of Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming HBO Max limited series “Full Circle.”
“We had an incident yesterday on our set in Queens: a crazy person grabbed a grip by the hair and was trying to take a swing at her. Thank God she got away and he ran off,” “Circle” producer Jonathan Filley said in late September. “And we just had a car rear-end another car, which ran into our electric truck. … There’s a lot of mental instability in the city these days.”
This wouldn’t be a shock to “Maisel” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino or her fellow showrunner, Daniel Palladino. who had a hazardous Washington Square Park shoot in spring 2021. “There had been a lot of anti-police protests, and weirdos were encroaching on our set,...
“We had an incident yesterday on our set in Queens: a crazy person grabbed a grip by the hair and was trying to take a swing at her. Thank God she got away and he ran off,” “Circle” producer Jonathan Filley said in late September. “And we just had a car rear-end another car, which ran into our electric truck. … There’s a lot of mental instability in the city these days.”
This wouldn’t be a shock to “Maisel” creator Amy Sherman-Palladino or her fellow showrunner, Daniel Palladino. who had a hazardous Washington Square Park shoot in spring 2021. “There had been a lot of anti-police protests, and weirdos were encroaching on our set,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
Kwame Amoaku, former director of the Chicago Film Office, is the new deputy commissioner for film at the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, where he’ll be principal advisor on production. A push by Mayor Eric Adams to accelerate the industry’s recovery, and surpass pre-pandemic levels, also includes creating a council of local industry insiders, and assigning a film liaison at every city agency.
Amoaku, a well-liked former location manager, director, producer and actor, held the Chicago post from 2019.
The Film And Television Production Industry Council advisory group gathers executives from NBC Universal, Netflix, Paramount and HBO, heads of production hubs Steiner Studios, Kauffman Astoria and Broadway Stages and representatives of guilds, unions and trade organizations. It’s led by DGA Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich, and April Taylor, executive producer and New York Covid Protection Response Alliance co-chair.
Mayor Adams also signed Executive Order 26, which places...
Amoaku, a well-liked former location manager, director, producer and actor, held the Chicago post from 2019.
The Film And Television Production Industry Council advisory group gathers executives from NBC Universal, Netflix, Paramount and HBO, heads of production hubs Steiner Studios, Kauffman Astoria and Broadway Stages and representatives of guilds, unions and trade organizations. It’s led by DGA Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich, and April Taylor, executive producer and New York Covid Protection Response Alliance co-chair.
Mayor Adams also signed Executive Order 26, which places...
- 7/21/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
After succumbing to the demise of physical home entertainment and then being housed in a mountain village in Sicily, the eclectic holdings of New York City mainstay Kim’s Video have returned home.
Alamo Drafthouse has launched Kim’s Video Underground, a new outpost of the downtown indie film temple, which closed for good in 2014 after a years-long death rattle amid the rise of streaming. It occupies a site on the bottom floor of Alamo’s new Lower Manhattan location, which opened last October beneath an office building near the World Trade Center.
Tim League, founder of Alamo, joined with iconoclastic retailer Youngman Kim and officials from New York and Salemi, Italy for a reopening ceremony Wednesday evening. About one-third of Kim’s total collection of 55,000 discs and VHS tapes are available to circulate, with plans to rotate the rest over time.
Nodding at a tradition begun by soldiers...
Alamo Drafthouse has launched Kim’s Video Underground, a new outpost of the downtown indie film temple, which closed for good in 2014 after a years-long death rattle amid the rise of streaming. It occupies a site on the bottom floor of Alamo’s new Lower Manhattan location, which opened last October beneath an office building near the World Trade Center.
Tim League, founder of Alamo, joined with iconoclastic retailer Youngman Kim and officials from New York and Salemi, Italy for a reopening ceremony Wednesday evening. About one-third of Kim’s total collection of 55,000 discs and VHS tapes are available to circulate, with plans to rotate the rest over time.
Nodding at a tradition begun by soldiers...
- 4/1/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (Mome) has a new Press Credentials Office, assuming responsibility for a key city function previously managed by the NYPD.
Mome, which oversees TV and film production in the five boroughs as well as entertainment and nightlife, said it officially added city-wide press credentialing on Jan. 20. Current NYPD-issued press passes remain valid through January 15, 2023.
Samer Nasser, who has worked as a producer at CBS News and editor for Al Jazeera America, will run the office as executive director. She reports to Mome Commissioner Anne del Castillo, who was re-upped as the city’ media, entertainment and nightlife tsar by Mayor Eric Adams last week.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Samer Nasser as the new Executive Director of the Press Credentials Office,” said del Castillo. “She brings a wealth of experience in journalism and management that will ensure the press credentialling process is seamless, so...
Mome, which oversees TV and film production in the five boroughs as well as entertainment and nightlife, said it officially added city-wide press credentialing on Jan. 20. Current NYPD-issued press passes remain valid through January 15, 2023.
Samer Nasser, who has worked as a producer at CBS News and editor for Al Jazeera America, will run the office as executive director. She reports to Mome Commissioner Anne del Castillo, who was re-upped as the city’ media, entertainment and nightlife tsar by Mayor Eric Adams last week.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Samer Nasser as the new Executive Director of the Press Credentials Office,” said del Castillo. “She brings a wealth of experience in journalism and management that will ensure the press credentialling process is seamless, so...
- 3/1/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Anne del Castillo will continue to serve as commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (Mome) as he unveiled new members of his economic development team Wednesday, led by Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer.
“I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City’s media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors,” said del Castillo. “These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital.”
Del Castillo was first appointed in 2019 by former Mayor Bill de Blasio and led the city’s film and television industry through the depths of Covid.
At a press conference at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Adams called del Castillo “a crucial partner for the city’s creative economy,...
“I am honored to be re-appointed by Mayor Adams to continue the important work of recovering and strengthening New York City’s media, entertainment, and nightlife sectors,” said del Castillo. “These industries are vital to our vibrant culture and economy — generating $150 billion and 500,000 jobs pre-pandemic — and define our city as a global capital.”
Del Castillo was first appointed in 2019 by former Mayor Bill de Blasio and led the city’s film and television industry through the depths of Covid.
At a press conference at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Adams called del Castillo “a crucial partner for the city’s creative economy,...
- 2/23/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The holiday season was supposed to be a celebratory time for New York City’s theater and live events industries, marking a period of revival after months of setbacks and closures related to Covid-19. But omicron, a fast-moving and highly contagious variant of the virus, had other plans. Its spread has led several Broadway and off-Broadway plays to shut down or go on hiatus and it could cause headaches for the many television shows and movies that shoot across the five boroughs.
As commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo is on the frontlines. She’s trying to help theaters stay open and and to keep productions humming even as omicron threatens to upend the city’s recovery. All of this has been happening as Bill de Blasio handed over the keys to City Hall to Eric Adams. Del Castillo spoke...
As commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo is on the frontlines. She’s trying to help theaters stay open and and to keep productions humming even as omicron threatens to upend the city’s recovery. All of this has been happening as Bill de Blasio handed over the keys to City Hall to Eric Adams. Del Castillo spoke...
- 1/14/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Eric Adams has been elected the 110th Mayor of New York City.
Facing Republican rival and Guardian Angel founder Curtis Sliwa in Tuesday’s vote, the former New York Police Department captain and longtime Brooklyn borough president was declared the winner by AP at 9:10 Pm Et — that’s literally mere minutes after the polls closed at 9 Pm Et.
Even before his very strong win was proclaimed and right as polls closed, odds on favorite Adams took to social media to de facto declare victory:
The polls are officially closed in NYC.
To our supporters, volunteers & endorsers of all backgrounds, faiths & from every corner of NYC: Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, for being a part of our team.
Tonight, we celebrate — because tomorrow, the real work begins! pic.twitter.com/6EAZRN3paB
— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) November 3, 2021
Set to assume office on New Year’s Day 2022, Democrat...
Facing Republican rival and Guardian Angel founder Curtis Sliwa in Tuesday’s vote, the former New York Police Department captain and longtime Brooklyn borough president was declared the winner by AP at 9:10 Pm Et — that’s literally mere minutes after the polls closed at 9 Pm Et.
Even before his very strong win was proclaimed and right as polls closed, odds on favorite Adams took to social media to de facto declare victory:
The polls are officially closed in NYC.
To our supporters, volunteers & endorsers of all backgrounds, faiths & from every corner of NYC: Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart, for being a part of our team.
Tonight, we celebrate — because tomorrow, the real work begins! pic.twitter.com/6EAZRN3paB
— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) November 3, 2021
Set to assume office on New Year’s Day 2022, Democrat...
- 11/3/2021
- by Dominic Patten and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Local New York TV channel NYC Life has set premiere dates for two upcoming series, “Date While You Wait” and “NYC Women’s Fund Showcase.”
“Date While You Wait,” a 13-episode series produced by David Harris Katz Entertainment, Inc., will debut on October 13 at 8 p.m., with new episodes airing weekly. Shot during the pandemic, the show follows host Thomas C. Knox, born and raised in Brooklyn, as he invites strangers to sit down for a chat or a game against the backdrop of the NYC subway system. Thomas also ventures outside the subway and visits some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including McSorley’s Old Ale House and Ferrara Bakery & Café. Knox’s mission is not the romantic notion of a date, but instead he aims to create human connections through simple conversation.
“Joining the NYC Life family is an honor for me,” said Knox. “My original goal was...
“Date While You Wait,” a 13-episode series produced by David Harris Katz Entertainment, Inc., will debut on October 13 at 8 p.m., with new episodes airing weekly. Shot during the pandemic, the show follows host Thomas C. Knox, born and raised in Brooklyn, as he invites strangers to sit down for a chat or a game against the backdrop of the NYC subway system. Thomas also ventures outside the subway and visits some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including McSorley’s Old Ale House and Ferrara Bakery & Café. Knox’s mission is not the romantic notion of a date, but instead he aims to create human connections through simple conversation.
“Joining the NYC Life family is an honor for me,” said Knox. “My original goal was...
- 10/7/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Beloved New York City actors, singers, choreographers, musicians, television, and late-night hosts have come together to produce a video rendition of Billy Joel's “New York State of Mind” to encourage the city’s recovery from the pandemic.
The effort was conceived of and produced by NYCNext, a passionate group of New Yorkers from all disciplines and industries who have joined together to help inspire New Yorkers, with a particular focus on the arts community.
The full video can be found by visiting www.NYCNext.org.
The “New York State of Mind” video features an array of artists from multiple disciplines and industries – including Zeshan B., Sara Bareilles, Mario Cantone, Victoria Clark, Cautious Clay, Andy Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Jerry Dixon, Chloe Flower, Billy Joel’s daughter and singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, Joseph Joubert, Tom Kitt, The Klezmatics, Lachanze, Idina Menzel, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brian Newman, Kelli O’Hara, Joan Osborne, Peppermint,...
The effort was conceived of and produced by NYCNext, a passionate group of New Yorkers from all disciplines and industries who have joined together to help inspire New Yorkers, with a particular focus on the arts community.
The full video can be found by visiting www.NYCNext.org.
The “New York State of Mind” video features an array of artists from multiple disciplines and industries – including Zeshan B., Sara Bareilles, Mario Cantone, Victoria Clark, Cautious Clay, Andy Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Jerry Dixon, Chloe Flower, Billy Joel’s daughter and singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, Joseph Joubert, Tom Kitt, The Klezmatics, Lachanze, Idina Menzel, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Brian Newman, Kelli O’Hara, Joan Osborne, Peppermint,...
- 8/18/2021
- Look to the Stars
As an increasingly vaccinated New York lifts virtually all of its Covid-19 restrictions, there’s a turf war brewing between New York City productions and
restaurants, with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment caught in the crossfire. Just ask Awkwafina.
“The most challenging — but thrilling — part of filming in New York, both pre- and post-pandemic, is that you really have no idea what will happen at any given time, or who will be very pissed off that you’re shooting on their block,” jokes the star and exec producer of Comedy Central/HBO Max’s “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens,” now filming its second season.
Without a doubt, NYC production has been on a rollercoaster ride. It was at an all-time high just before the pandemic, generating more than $60 billion in direct economic activity and $3 billion in tax revenue for the city. Yet the number of productions...
restaurants, with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment caught in the crossfire. Just ask Awkwafina.
“The most challenging — but thrilling — part of filming in New York, both pre- and post-pandemic, is that you really have no idea what will happen at any given time, or who will be very pissed off that you’re shooting on their block,” jokes the star and exec producer of Comedy Central/HBO Max’s “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens,” now filming its second season.
Without a doubt, NYC production has been on a rollercoaster ride. It was at an all-time high just before the pandemic, generating more than $60 billion in direct economic activity and $3 billion in tax revenue for the city. Yet the number of productions...
- 7/1/2021
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
As New York City television and film production is assessing the implication of new restrictions around recent clusters of Covid-19 hotspots, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (Mome) issued guidance related to what Gov. Andrew Cuomo calls the state’s New Cluster Action Initiative.
“Our city is at a crucial moment in the fight against Covid-19, and we appreciate your ongoing efforts to support a safe recovery,” said Mome Commissioner Anne del Castillo.
Areas of rising infection in Central Queens, Southern Brooklyn and Far Rockaway have been divided into three zones — Red, Orange, and Yellow — with each under a different level of increased restrictions from the State of New York starting today. The Red zones are most restrictive, with all schools and non-essential businesses closed, again, including production. Concentric circles of Orange then Yellow are less restrictive. The Red zones roll back closures to basically to where they stood in March and April.
“Our city is at a crucial moment in the fight against Covid-19, and we appreciate your ongoing efforts to support a safe recovery,” said Mome Commissioner Anne del Castillo.
Areas of rising infection in Central Queens, Southern Brooklyn and Far Rockaway have been divided into three zones — Red, Orange, and Yellow — with each under a different level of increased restrictions from the State of New York starting today. The Red zones are most restrictive, with all schools and non-essential businesses closed, again, including production. Concentric circles of Orange then Yellow are less restrictive. The Red zones roll back closures to basically to where they stood in March and April.
- 10/8/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
New York City could have 40 or more productions underway by year end, bringing it decisively back to pre-covid-19 levels as an industry ramp-up that started in September gathers steam into the fall.
That’s great news for the entertainment business, a welcome shot to the local economy and a heartening boost of in-person bustle — with strict protocols — in a city where block after block of offices towers sit empty, tourism is shot and unemployment soaring.
“The parking lot is full,” said Doug Steiner, the real estate developer and CEO of Steiner Studios. “Everyone’s back,” he said, referring to nine productions that include Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — in lengthy pre-production and eying a January 2021 start — and Showtime’s City On a Hill — also in preproduction and gearing up. Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost is shooting pickups for its current season.
Steiner said 1,500-2,000 people daily are now...
That’s great news for the entertainment business, a welcome shot to the local economy and a heartening boost of in-person bustle — with strict protocols — in a city where block after block of offices towers sit empty, tourism is shot and unemployment soaring.
“The parking lot is full,” said Doug Steiner, the real estate developer and CEO of Steiner Studios. “Everyone’s back,” he said, referring to nine productions that include Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — in lengthy pre-production and eying a January 2021 start — and Showtime’s City On a Hill — also in preproduction and gearing up. Starz’s Power Book II: Ghost is shooting pickups for its current season.
Steiner said 1,500-2,000 people daily are now...
- 10/1/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
NYC Enters Phase 4 Monday With Fewer Restrictions On Film, TV Production But Still No Movie Theaters
New York City enters Phase 4 — the last region in the state to do so — on Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed in a Friday afternoon conference call, allowing film and TV production to ramp up and fanless pro sports to move foward after being cleared by global health experts.
Media production activities, meaning motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location or at any production or recording site can accelerate work following health and safety guidelines set out by New York State in late June. The biggest change from Phase 3 would be a doubling of allowed capacity on set from 25% to 50%.
Outdoor filming, capped at 25 people in Phase 3, won’t have limits but realistically will be constrained by open streets and outdoor dining, NYC Film Commissioner Anne del Castillo said in a recent interview with Deadline.
But there’s not likely to be rush to the cameras as...
Media production activities, meaning motion picture, music, television, and streaming productions on set, on location or at any production or recording site can accelerate work following health and safety guidelines set out by New York State in late June. The biggest change from Phase 3 would be a doubling of allowed capacity on set from 25% to 50%.
Outdoor filming, capped at 25 people in Phase 3, won’t have limits but realistically will be constrained by open streets and outdoor dining, NYC Film Commissioner Anne del Castillo said in a recent interview with Deadline.
But there’s not likely to be rush to the cameras as...
- 7/17/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
New York City’s ambassador to the entertainment industry says “productive conversations” are underway to plan for a resumption of TV and film production and the live event industry as the nation cautiously eyes an end to the lockdown that has upended American life during the past month.
Anne del Castillo, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, told Variety on Friday that her department has been in active discussions with major players in New York’s entertainment industry since the social distancing clampdown began in mid-March.
Of late, del Castillo said, there’s a clear focus on setting plans and protocols for the eventual resumption of the work that was shuttered abruptly as the urgency of the coronavirus threat came into focus last month. Entertainment-related businesses were among the first to go down, and now showbiz companies are actively drawing up plans to be shovel-ready as...
Anne del Castillo, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, told Variety on Friday that her department has been in active discussions with major players in New York’s entertainment industry since the social distancing clampdown began in mid-March.
Of late, del Castillo said, there’s a clear focus on setting plans and protocols for the eventual resumption of the work that was shuttered abruptly as the urgency of the coronavirus threat came into focus last month. Entertainment-related businesses were among the first to go down, and now showbiz companies are actively drawing up plans to be shovel-ready as...
- 4/18/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Anne del Castillo had already spent 90 minutes under attack. But when she was asked to comment on the New York City Council’s proposed 14-day notification requirement for film/TV permits that require special parking requests, the commissioner for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (Mome) was forced, for the first time, to push back.
“14 days will definitely kill the industry, I can’t mince words about that. That’s not how television works and it will go away,” said del Castillo at a September 26 City Council committee hearing. “The demands for content are so great…. and decisions about productions are being made very quickly, the turnaround time on this is very quick. So someone today is writing a script that’s shooting next week.”
And with that, she changed the tenor of the room and sparked the morning’s first round of applause.
It...
“14 days will definitely kill the industry, I can’t mince words about that. That’s not how television works and it will go away,” said del Castillo at a September 26 City Council committee hearing. “The demands for content are so great…. and decisions about productions are being made very quickly, the turnaround time on this is very quick. So someone today is writing a script that’s shooting next week.”
And with that, she changed the tenor of the room and sparked the morning’s first round of applause.
It...
- 9/30/2019
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
The WGA East and various New York City agencies have unveiled the 10 writers selected to take part in the second “Made in NY Writers Room” program designed to open doors to writers from backgrounds that are underrepresented in mainstream entertainment.
The program is a partnership of the guild and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and city’s Department of Small Business Services. The program offers a stipend of $10,800. The fellows will take part in numerous workshop and mentoring sessions with experienced WGA East members as they seek to produce at least two scripts.
The fellows were chosen from a pool of 325 applicants recommended by 26 organizations. All applicants received notes from experienced writers on their scripts and loglines. Another 50 semifinalists received additional notes as the group was winnowed to the final 10.
“We are very pleased to continue this important work with the City to empower underrepresented writers to build successful careers in television,...
The program is a partnership of the guild and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and city’s Department of Small Business Services. The program offers a stipend of $10,800. The fellows will take part in numerous workshop and mentoring sessions with experienced WGA East members as they seek to produce at least two scripts.
The fellows were chosen from a pool of 325 applicants recommended by 26 organizations. All applicants received notes from experienced writers on their scripts and loglines. Another 50 semifinalists received additional notes as the group was winnowed to the final 10.
“We are very pleased to continue this important work with the City to empower underrepresented writers to build successful careers in television,...
- 6/12/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The WGA East today announced the second crop of fellows for its Made in NY Writers Room, a program that provides mentorship, industry access and financial support to underrepresented writers who live in New York City and seek to tell stories that are not often depicted on television. The program is a joint effort with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the city’s Department of Small Business Services.
This year’s 10 fellows, who will each receive a $10,800 stipend, are playwright Harron Atkins, showrunner’s assistant Yasmine Cadet, writer’s production assistant Joseph Capuana, writer and storyboard artist Michael Lee, writer Catherine Loerke, comedy promo writer Vincent Lopez, comedian Jordan Mendoza, playwright and librettist Jerome Parker, children’s television writer Michael Rodrigue, and entertainment journalist Pilot Viruet. More than half of the inaugural group of fellows are actively working in the industry.
“We are very pleased...
This year’s 10 fellows, who will each receive a $10,800 stipend, are playwright Harron Atkins, showrunner’s assistant Yasmine Cadet, writer’s production assistant Joseph Capuana, writer and storyboard artist Michael Lee, writer Catherine Loerke, comedy promo writer Vincent Lopez, comedian Jordan Mendoza, playwright and librettist Jerome Parker, children’s television writer Michael Rodrigue, and entertainment journalist Pilot Viruet. More than half of the inaugural group of fellows are actively working in the industry.
“We are very pleased...
- 6/12/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s roundup, Paramount greenlights “68 Whiskey” from Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, and PBS announces the dates for the documentary series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the summer of 1969.
Greenlights
Paramount Network ordered 10 one-hour episodes of “68 Whiskey,” a new scripted comedic drama series from Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios. The dark comedy follows a multicultural mix of men and women deployed as Army medics to a forward operating base in Afghanistan nicknamed “The Orphanage.” Together, they endure a dangerous and Kafkaesque world that leads to self-destructive appetites, outrageous behavior, intense camaraderie and occasionally, a profound sense of purpose. Brian Grazer will serve as an executive producer along with Ron Howard, Imagine Television Group Chairman Francie Calfo, Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey, and Roberto Benabib (“Weeds”), who is also set to write. Zion Rubin, the creator of the Israeli television series “Charlie Golf One,” from...
Greenlights
Paramount Network ordered 10 one-hour episodes of “68 Whiskey,” a new scripted comedic drama series from Imagine Television Studios and CBS Television Studios. The dark comedy follows a multicultural mix of men and women deployed as Army medics to a forward operating base in Afghanistan nicknamed “The Orphanage.” Together, they endure a dangerous and Kafkaesque world that leads to self-destructive appetites, outrageous behavior, intense camaraderie and occasionally, a profound sense of purpose. Brian Grazer will serve as an executive producer along with Ron Howard, Imagine Television Group Chairman Francie Calfo, Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey, and Roberto Benabib (“Weeds”), who is also set to write. Zion Rubin, the creator of the Israeli television series “Charlie Golf One,” from...
- 4/30/2019
- by Daniel Nissen
- Variety Film + TV
Anne del Castillo has been appointed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to serve as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. She has served as Mome’s general counsel and COO since 2015, and has been acting commissioner since Julie Menin stepped down from the post in February.
“Media and entertainment are central to New York City’s economy and identity,” said de Blasio in a statement. “Anne has the vision and experience to continue to strengthen the industry during this time of unprecedented growth and change. Her commitment to diversifying our entertainment sector and piloting innovative programs will ensure New York continues to be the media capital of the world.”
Said del Castillo, “This is an exciting time for our agency to engage a broad cross-section of industry, community and other key stakeholders to advance an inclusive, sustainable and thriving creative economy that benefits...
“Media and entertainment are central to New York City’s economy and identity,” said de Blasio in a statement. “Anne has the vision and experience to continue to strengthen the industry during this time of unprecedented growth and change. Her commitment to diversifying our entertainment sector and piloting innovative programs will ensure New York continues to be the media capital of the world.”
Said del Castillo, “This is an exciting time for our agency to engage a broad cross-section of industry, community and other key stakeholders to advance an inclusive, sustainable and thriving creative economy that benefits...
- 4/18/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The film and TV industries in New York City have a new boss: Anne del Castillo, who has been tapped by Mayor Bill de Blasio to serve as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
Del Castillo had served as general counsel and chief operating officer of Mome since 2015. She succeeds Julie Menin, who left the post in February after nearly three years to become Census Director for the city. Del Castillo had been acting commissioner since Menin’s departure.
“Media and entertainment are central to New York City’s economy and identity. Anne has the vision and experience to continue to strengthen the industry during this time of unprecedented growth and change,” said de Blasio. “Her commitment to diversifying our entertainment sector and piloting innovative programs will ensure New York continues to be the media capital of the world.”
At Mome, del Castillo will oversee all...
Del Castillo had served as general counsel and chief operating officer of Mome since 2015. She succeeds Julie Menin, who left the post in February after nearly three years to become Census Director for the city. Del Castillo had been acting commissioner since Menin’s departure.
“Media and entertainment are central to New York City’s economy and identity. Anne has the vision and experience to continue to strengthen the industry during this time of unprecedented growth and change,” said de Blasio. “Her commitment to diversifying our entertainment sector and piloting innovative programs will ensure New York continues to be the media capital of the world.”
At Mome, del Castillo will oversee all...
- 4/17/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Kim Kardashian with Adrienne Bailon" />So far we've been following the lives of the Kardashian sisters, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney in season 2 of E!'s Keeping Up with the Kardashians. With their rise to fame, they've managed to drag along the other members of their family, including their little sisters Kendall and Kylie, their parents Kris and Bruce Jenner, and their brother, Rob.
Most of the time, cameras follow Kim, Khloe and Kourtney as they manage their clothing store, Dash. Lately, the spotlight has been turned on to Rob, who has been providing us with juicy clips he appropriately tagged "Rob's Vlog." Fans of Keeping Up with the Kardashians wouldn't be satisfied without their serving of Rob's take on the crazy antics that ensue in the Kardashian household.
Recently, Rob spent his birthday in India with his girlfriend, Adrienne Bailon of the Cheetah Girls. The two have been exclusively dating...
Most of the time, cameras follow Kim, Khloe and Kourtney as they manage their clothing store, Dash. Lately, the spotlight has been turned on to Rob, who has been providing us with juicy clips he appropriately tagged "Rob's Vlog." Fans of Keeping Up with the Kardashians wouldn't be satisfied without their serving of Rob's take on the crazy antics that ensue in the Kardashian household.
Recently, Rob spent his birthday in India with his girlfriend, Adrienne Bailon of the Cheetah Girls. The two have been exclusively dating...
- 4/13/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
As if VH1 hadn't made an impact on our reality TV viewing pleasure, they recently came up with another diversified reality competition titled Viva Hollywood. This brand new spanking series puts the spotlight on a sizzling hot group of aspiring Latino actors who dream big and believe that they have what it takes to become the next big telenovela star.
Read on to meet the 12 lucky contenders who are now a step closer to winning the coveted prize of a contract with Telemundo, the largest selling telenovela production company in America.
On the debut season of Viva Hollywood, we're going to meet a diverse set of individuals who have the passion for the arts, and competitive streak that will take them to new heights.
Gisel Saumat
Gisel is 25 years old and hails from Miami Florida, where she works as a hostess. A marathon enthusiast, this girl has more than just...
Read on to meet the 12 lucky contenders who are now a step closer to winning the coveted prize of a contract with Telemundo, the largest selling telenovela production company in America.
On the debut season of Viva Hollywood, we're going to meet a diverse set of individuals who have the passion for the arts, and competitive streak that will take them to new heights.
Gisel Saumat
Gisel is 25 years old and hails from Miami Florida, where she works as a hostess. A marathon enthusiast, this girl has more than just...
- 4/10/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
Jamie Lynn Spears and Casey Aldridge" />It seems that Britney's little sister isn't planning on flying below the radar anytime soon as she's recently been spotted up and about, shopping for various things, from baby products to household staples. The Zoey 101 star recently turned 17, and much to everyone's surprise, her loving family wasn't around to celebrate with her. In fact, Jamie Lynn Spears opted for a low-key celebration with hubby Casey Aldridge in McComb, Mississippi, while everyone else, including big sis Britney, mom Lynne and dad Jamie were in Los Angeles, California for a dinner at the Italian restaurant Peppone.
People Magazine reported that Jamie Lynn and Casey had dinner at Ruby Tuesday, after which the young couple headed to Wal-Mart to check out some sleeping bags.
"It was just the two of them. They were like a little adult couple, very low-key," the source told People. "They both seemed really happy,...
People Magazine reported that Jamie Lynn and Casey had dinner at Ruby Tuesday, after which the young couple headed to Wal-Mart to check out some sleeping bags.
"It was just the two of them. They were like a little adult couple, very low-key," the source told People. "They both seemed really happy,...
- 4/10/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
Fans were delighted to find out that Friday Night Lights has finally been renewed for a 13-episode long third season, which is supposed to come about thanks to the efforts of NBC and DirecTV. The two companies did strike a deal last month, and have agreed to make season 3 of Fnl possible. The deal states that the third run of Friday Night Lights will first air on DirecTV come October of this year and will later run on NBC in February 2009.
Recently, executive producer Jason Katims sat down with TV Guide's Michael Ausiello to delve into the details about how Fnl's season 3 came about, and how they’re going to push through producing the awaited brand new season.
Friday Night Lights, despite being perennially on the bubble, has garnered a strong and loyal fan base. In fact, since the conclusion of the show's second season, the fans have ventured into...
Recently, executive producer Jason Katims sat down with TV Guide's Michael Ausiello to delve into the details about how Fnl's season 3 came about, and how they’re going to push through producing the awaited brand new season.
Friday Night Lights, despite being perennially on the bubble, has garnered a strong and loyal fan base. In fact, since the conclusion of the show's second season, the fans have ventured into...
- 4/10/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
Kourtney Kardashian" />Previously on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, we witnessed Kim Kardashian’s efforts in finding her sister, Khloe, a man to share a long term relationship with. We also saw how Khloe did not appreciate the fact that her family was questioning her being single by choice. In fact, she said, "I don't think it's fair that people are forcing something down my throat."
With a little more push care of Kourtney, Khloe agreed to go on the blind dates that Kim set up for Khloe. However, Khloe vowed that her sisters won't mess with her love life as soon as the dates were over. "They really need to back off," she said indignantly.
From amateur porn star to reality TV princess, Kim seems to have done it all. She's been on Playboy, established her own clothing line alongside her sisters, and has also set up her own Help Line,...
With a little more push care of Kourtney, Khloe agreed to go on the blind dates that Kim set up for Khloe. However, Khloe vowed that her sisters won't mess with her love life as soon as the dates were over. "They really need to back off," she said indignantly.
From amateur porn star to reality TV princess, Kim seems to have done it all. She's been on Playboy, established her own clothing line alongside her sisters, and has also set up her own Help Line,...
- 4/8/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
Mike Song of Kaba Modern" />Randy Jackson hit the jackpot with America's Best Dance Crew, which garnered sky-rocketing ratings during its run on MTV. There's no question about it—the show was worth watching with the dance crews battling it out on the dance floor like there was no tomorrow. Indeed, the reality dance competition was able to whip up excellent dancers who knew how to rock the stage, giving us a fresh new perspective on group choreographed dancing.
It was a hard choice, but America had to decide. Eventually, audiences voted for Jabbawockeez and Status Quo to be the final two, leaving Kaba Modern in third place. Mike Song of Kaba Modern recently shared his thoughts about what went down in the competition and revealed that the fun and dancing was coupled with a lot of hard work.
"We cooped up [in Culver City] and only left the hotel to eat or dance.
It was a hard choice, but America had to decide. Eventually, audiences voted for Jabbawockeez and Status Quo to be the final two, leaving Kaba Modern in third place. Mike Song of Kaba Modern recently shared his thoughts about what went down in the competition and revealed that the fun and dancing was coupled with a lot of hard work.
"We cooped up [in Culver City] and only left the hotel to eat or dance.
- 4/8/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
Rock of Love 2" />Previously on Rock of Love 2, we saw Meet the Fockers Bret Michaels style when some of the relatives of the final three women were invited to the mansion for some quality time with Bret. Ambre's father was the first to step into the house, with Destiney's parents following shortly. Daisy, on the other hand, did not have her parents or relatives over. Instead, she had her "surrogate sister," Stephanie, who was in fact Daisy's ex-boyfriend, Charles' real sister. Daisy, Destiney and Ambre each got some alone time with Bret and their guest, as they went out on dates.
And in the true Rock of Love fashion, Episode 11 gave us another surprise when Ambre's father revealed another shocker—his daughter's real age! Ambre Lake is nowhere anywhere her early thirties. In fact, her father says she's thirty-freaking-seven.
Almost immediately after this episode aired, most of us thought,...
And in the true Rock of Love fashion, Episode 11 gave us another surprise when Ambre's father revealed another shocker—his daughter's real age! Ambre Lake is nowhere anywhere her early thirties. In fact, her father says she's thirty-freaking-seven.
Almost immediately after this episode aired, most of us thought,...
- 4/8/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
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