Over 1,000 members of the Writers Guild of America East union have signed a petition in support of introducing ways to protect journalists from artificial intelligence. The open letter demands that they be included in the decision-making process concerning AI tools in their places of employment.
The writers signing on include WGA East members at Bdg, CBS News, Chalkbeat, CNET, Crooked Media, Fast Company, Financial Times Specialist, Frontline, Future Plc, Gimlet, G/O Media, GroupNine, Inc., The Intercept, Hearst, HuffPost, iHeartMedia Podcasts, MSNBC, Parcast, Pineapple Street Studios, Slate, The Ringer, Vice, Vox Media, and more.
Among the film and television writers signing the petition are Robert Carlock, Patricia Cornwell, Tom Fontana, Mary Harron, Soo Hugh, Natasha Lyonne, Julie Martin, Adam McKay, Stephen O’Donnell, Michael Rauch, Diana Son, Jim Taylor, and Wgae President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen.
The petition reads:
“We, the members of the Writers Guild of America East, recognize that digital...
The writers signing on include WGA East members at Bdg, CBS News, Chalkbeat, CNET, Crooked Media, Fast Company, Financial Times Specialist, Frontline, Future Plc, Gimlet, G/O Media, GroupNine, Inc., The Intercept, Hearst, HuffPost, iHeartMedia Podcasts, MSNBC, Parcast, Pineapple Street Studios, Slate, The Ringer, Vice, Vox Media, and more.
Among the film and television writers signing the petition are Robert Carlock, Patricia Cornwell, Tom Fontana, Mary Harron, Soo Hugh, Natasha Lyonne, Julie Martin, Adam McKay, Stephen O’Donnell, Michael Rauch, Diana Son, Jim Taylor, and Wgae President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen.
The petition reads:
“We, the members of the Writers Guild of America East, recognize that digital...
- 10/30/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
The Writers Guild of America East is petitioning employers to ensure that protections are in place for journalists as AI technology develops.
The petition, signed by more than 1,000 members, calls for “immediate, good faith negotiations on AI,” including outside of scheduled contract bargaining, as well as “a guarantee that AI protections will be on the table in future bargaining.”
The petition also calls on employers to “publicly commit to never replacing a human worker with an AI tool,” something that has been a big concern among journalists, as well as film and TV writers in their recent strike.
President Joe Biden issued an executive order to try to establish protections for safety and security around AI, as well as an effort to mitigate its displacement of workers. But the labor provisions are limited to creating a set of best practices and principles, as further steps to preserve jobs likely would take congressional action.
The petition, signed by more than 1,000 members, calls for “immediate, good faith negotiations on AI,” including outside of scheduled contract bargaining, as well as “a guarantee that AI protections will be on the table in future bargaining.”
The petition also calls on employers to “publicly commit to never replacing a human worker with an AI tool,” something that has been a big concern among journalists, as well as film and TV writers in their recent strike.
President Joe Biden issued an executive order to try to establish protections for safety and security around AI, as well as an effort to mitigate its displacement of workers. But the labor provisions are limited to creating a set of best practices and principles, as further steps to preserve jobs likely would take congressional action.
- 10/30/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA East’s second Showrunner Academy gets underway today, with the 31-member class taking part in a program designed to support television writer-producers, upper-level writers and new show creators in honing the skills necessary to become successful showrunners and TV industry leaders.
The Academy, which provides instruction from current showrunners and other industry professionals on a wide range of topics, is led by Diana Son and Frank Pugliese.
“Being a showrunner is so much more than being the creative voice of the show,” Son said in a statement. “It’s also managing a multimillion-dollar endeavor with over 100 employees. We’re bringing in accomplished and experienced showrunners who’re willing to share the breadth of their experience – the good, bad and the ugly – so new showrunners can have a head start on figuring out what kind of showrunner they’re going to be.
The Academy, which provides instruction from current showrunners and other industry professionals on a wide range of topics, is led by Diana Son and Frank Pugliese.
“Being a showrunner is so much more than being the creative voice of the show,” Son said in a statement. “It’s also managing a multimillion-dollar endeavor with over 100 employees. We’re bringing in accomplished and experienced showrunners who’re willing to share the breadth of their experience – the good, bad and the ugly – so new showrunners can have a head start on figuring out what kind of showrunner they’re going to be.
- 9/14/2022
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Talk show host Ziwe, playwright Hilary Bettis and journalist Gabriel Sherman are among the 30 participants set for the WGA East’s first Showrunner Academy program.
The program aims to help established writers gain the training and skills needed to advance to showrunners. The academy will be led by veteran showrunners Diana Son (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) and Frank Pugliese (“House of Cards”).
The program, which runs through November, and will include a host of panels and workshops led by prominent writers and showrunners. The list includes: “Things to Know Before Running Your First Series” with Meredith Scardino, Rj Fried and Sarah Treem; “Crisis and Risk Management for Showrunners” with Glen Mazzara; “Managing Multiple Series in Development” with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock; “Hiring Writers” with Michelle King and Elizabeth Kruger; “Managing a Comedy Writers Room and Managing a Drama Writers Room” with Carly Mensch, Liz Flahive and David Simon...
The program aims to help established writers gain the training and skills needed to advance to showrunners. The academy will be led by veteran showrunners Diana Son (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) and Frank Pugliese (“House of Cards”).
The program, which runs through November, and will include a host of panels and workshops led by prominent writers and showrunners. The list includes: “Things to Know Before Running Your First Series” with Meredith Scardino, Rj Fried and Sarah Treem; “Crisis and Risk Management for Showrunners” with Glen Mazzara; “Managing Multiple Series in Development” with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock; “Hiring Writers” with Michelle King and Elizabeth Kruger; “Managing a Comedy Writers Room and Managing a Drama Writers Room” with Carly Mensch, Liz Flahive and David Simon...
- 10/7/2021
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Cynthia Erivo dropped new key art on her Instagram page today for the upcoming season of National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha. Erivo, who stars in the eight-part limited series as the Queen of Soul, released the poster on her birthday to commemorate the life of the legendary singer.
“Today is my birthday and I couldn’t be prouder of the chance to tell the story of the Queen of Soul,” Erivo wrote. “She sang the songs for the feelings our hearts couldn’t find the words for. She told stories with the melodies she weaved and was unafraid to speak truth to power.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)
The third season of Genius will explore the late Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she had on music and culture around the world.
“Today is my birthday and I couldn’t be prouder of the chance to tell the story of the Queen of Soul,” Erivo wrote. “She sang the songs for the feelings our hearts couldn’t find the words for. She told stories with the melodies she weaved and was unafraid to speak truth to power.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo)
The third season of Genius will explore the late Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she had on music and culture around the world.
- 1/8/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Martin Luther King Jr. will be profiled in the upcoming fourth season of National Geographic’s “Genius.”
National Geographic exec Courteney Monroe announced the programming move Thursday during the Walt Disney Company’s investor relations day presentation. Monroe also revealed that, beginning with Season 4, “Genius” would be available exclusively on Disney Plus. Seasons 1 and 2 premiered on the National Geographic cable channel and are currently available to stream on Disney Plus. Season 3 is also set to debut on the National Geographic Channel.
Previous seasons of “Genius” have profiled Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso. The third and upcoming season will see actor Cynthia Erivo playing singer Aretha Franklin.
“Genius: Aretha” is produced by National Geographic, Imagine Television, and Fox 21 Television. Imagine has partnered with Warner Music Entertainment on the season. Along with Parks and Hemingway, executive producers on the season are Imagine’s Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Francie Calfo, record producer...
National Geographic exec Courteney Monroe announced the programming move Thursday during the Walt Disney Company’s investor relations day presentation. Monroe also revealed that, beginning with Season 4, “Genius” would be available exclusively on Disney Plus. Seasons 1 and 2 premiered on the National Geographic cable channel and are currently available to stream on Disney Plus. Season 3 is also set to debut on the National Geographic Channel.
Previous seasons of “Genius” have profiled Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso. The third and upcoming season will see actor Cynthia Erivo playing singer Aretha Franklin.
“Genius: Aretha” is produced by National Geographic, Imagine Television, and Fox 21 Television. Imagine has partnered with Warner Music Entertainment on the season. Along with Parks and Hemingway, executive producers on the season are Imagine’s Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Francie Calfo, record producer...
- 12/10/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
The creative partnership between Adam McKay and Amy Adams has taken them to Talladega Superspeedway and The White House. Now the pair is set to head somewhere a little more modest: Walmart.
Netflix announced during its virtual summer TCA press tour appearance that it has ordered Kings of America, a limited series about three powerful women and their relationship to retail giant Walmart. Netflix’s official synopsis for the series reads:
“Kings of America centers on the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in US history.”
Amy Adams will star as one of the three leads and will also executive produce via her production company Bond Group Entertainment alongside Stacy O’Neil. Adam McKay...
Netflix announced during its virtual summer TCA press tour appearance that it has ordered Kings of America, a limited series about three powerful women and their relationship to retail giant Walmart. Netflix’s official synopsis for the series reads:
“Kings of America centers on the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in US history.”
Amy Adams will star as one of the three leads and will also executive produce via her production company Bond Group Entertainment alongside Stacy O’Neil. Adam McKay...
- 8/4/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Amy Adams and Adam McKay reunite for Netflix limited series ‘Kings of America’ about Walmart lawsuit
Amy Adams is coming back to TV — this time with an old pal. The actress is reteaming with her “Vice” (2018) director Adam McKay to headline and executive-produce the new Netflix limited series “Kings of America,” the streaming service announced Tuesday.
The series follows three powerful women whose paths cross through Walmart: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who filed the largest class action lawsuit in U.S. history against the retailer. Adams will play one of the women. McKay will helm the first episode and also serve as executive producer.
This marks the third project between the two and the first TV show. McKay first directed Adams in “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006). “Vice” nabbed eight Oscar nominations, including Best Director for McKay and Best Supporting Actress for Adams.
See Stars you didn’t know are Emmy nominees this year include Liam Hemsworth,...
The series follows three powerful women whose paths cross through Walmart: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who filed the largest class action lawsuit in U.S. history against the retailer. Adams will play one of the women. McKay will helm the first episode and also serve as executive producer.
This marks the third project between the two and the first TV show. McKay first directed Adams in “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006). “Vice” nabbed eight Oscar nominations, including Best Director for McKay and Best Supporting Actress for Adams.
See Stars you didn’t know are Emmy nominees this year include Liam Hemsworth,...
- 8/4/2020
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Amy Adams is headed back to the small screen: The Sharp Objects actress will star in the Netflix limited series Kings of America, which will reunite Adams with Vice director Adam McKay, the streamer announced as part of its virtual Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday.
The drama tells the story of “three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in U.S. history,” per the official synopsis.
The drama tells the story of “three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in U.S. history,” per the official synopsis.
- 8/4/2020
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Another day, another Amy Adams project for Netflix. The streaming service has picked up “Kings of America,” a limited series set to star Amy Adams, who will also executive produce. Adam McKay is attached to direct the first episode and will also executive produce.
Per Netflix, “Kings of America” centers on the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in U.S. history.
Adams will star as one of the leads and will executive produce via her production company Bond Group Entertainment along with Stacy O’Neil. McKay will produce along with Betsy Koch via Hyperobject Industries.
Emmy nominee Diana Son will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Jess Kimball Leslie is on board as the writer and creator.
Per Netflix, “Kings of America” centers on the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in U.S. history.
Adams will star as one of the leads and will executive produce via her production company Bond Group Entertainment along with Stacy O’Neil. McKay will produce along with Betsy Koch via Hyperobject Industries.
Emmy nominee Diana Son will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Jess Kimball Leslie is on board as the writer and creator.
- 8/4/2020
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
Vice duo Amy Adams and Adam McKay are getting the band back together for a Netflix limited series about three women linked with Walmart.
The pair, who also worked together on 2006 comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, are working on Kings of America for the streamer.
Deadline understands that the drama series, which was taken out to market at the start of the year, landed at the digital platform before Covid-19 took hold in the U.S.
Kings of America tells the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in U.S. history.
Adams will play one of the leads and will exec produce via her production company Bond Group Entertainment along...
The pair, who also worked together on 2006 comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, are working on Kings of America for the streamer.
Deadline understands that the drama series, which was taken out to market at the start of the year, landed at the digital platform before Covid-19 took hold in the U.S.
Kings of America tells the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in U.S. history.
Adams will play one of the leads and will exec produce via her production company Bond Group Entertainment along...
- 8/4/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Amy Adams and Adam McKay are coming together again for a Netflix limited series about a class action lawsuit against Walmart.
Titled “Kings of America,” the series is based on real events and centers on the stories of three women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in US history.
Amy Adams will star in the series in one of the lead roles, though which has not been determined yet, in addition to executive producing via Bond Group Entertainment. McKay will executive produce under his Hyperobject Industries banner and direct the first episode. The series was created and written by Jess Kimball Leslie, who will also serve as executive producer. Kimball is a journalist and author of “I Love...
Titled “Kings of America,” the series is based on real events and centers on the stories of three women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in US history.
Amy Adams will star in the series in one of the lead roles, though which has not been determined yet, in addition to executive producing via Bond Group Entertainment. McKay will executive produce under his Hyperobject Industries banner and direct the first episode. The series was created and written by Jess Kimball Leslie, who will also serve as executive producer. Kimball is a journalist and author of “I Love...
- 8/4/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Amy Adams is reteaming with “Vice” director Adam McKay for a new Netflix limited series about the class action lawsuit against Walmart, the streamer announced on Tuesday.
“Kings of America,” which Adams will star in and executive produce, centers on the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in US history.
McKay will direct the first episode and executive produce along with Betsy Koch via Hyperobject Industries.
Also Read: Sarah Paulson Starts Out as a Pleasant - but Peculiar - Nurse in Ryan Murphy's 'Ratched' Trailer (Video)
Journalist and author Jess Kimball Leslie is writer, creator and executive producer on the project. “13 Reasons Why” alum Diana Son will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
“Kings of America,” which Adams will star in and executive produce, centers on the stories of three powerful women whose lives were inextricably intertwined with the world’s largest company: a Walmart heiress, a maverick executive, and a longtime Walmart saleswoman and preacher who dared to fight against the retail giant in the biggest class action lawsuit in US history.
McKay will direct the first episode and executive produce along with Betsy Koch via Hyperobject Industries.
Also Read: Sarah Paulson Starts Out as a Pleasant - but Peculiar - Nurse in Ryan Murphy's 'Ratched' Trailer (Video)
Journalist and author Jess Kimball Leslie is writer, creator and executive producer on the project. “13 Reasons Why” alum Diana Son will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
- 8/4/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
T.I. is set to recur on Genius: Aretha, the next installment of Nat Geo’s popular anthology from Imagine Television and Fox 21 TV Studios that stars Cynthia Erivo as the Queen of Soul.
Antonique Smith and Tina Fears also have joined the project as recurring, while Ethan Henry is set to guest star as Mlk, Jr. Most of the castings happened just before Genius: Aretha, like every other TV series and movies in production, shut down a week and a half ago over the escalating coronavirus-related health crisis.
More from DeadlineCoronavirus: Disney TV Studios Shuts Down Production On 'Genius: Aretha', Postpones Filming On All PilotsNat Geo's 'Genius: Aretha' Team Unpacks The Genius Of The Legendary Singer - TCA'Genius: Aretha': Nat Geo Series Adds Seven To Cast
Additionally, on what would’ve been Aretha Franklin’s 78th birthday today, March 25, Nat Geo released a new image from the show featuring Erivo as the music legend.
Antonique Smith and Tina Fears also have joined the project as recurring, while Ethan Henry is set to guest star as Mlk, Jr. Most of the castings happened just before Genius: Aretha, like every other TV series and movies in production, shut down a week and a half ago over the escalating coronavirus-related health crisis.
More from DeadlineCoronavirus: Disney TV Studios Shuts Down Production On 'Genius: Aretha', Postpones Filming On All PilotsNat Geo's 'Genius: Aretha' Team Unpacks The Genius Of The Legendary Singer - TCA'Genius: Aretha': Nat Geo Series Adds Seven To Cast
Additionally, on what would’ve been Aretha Franklin’s 78th birthday today, March 25, Nat Geo released a new image from the show featuring Erivo as the music legend.
- 3/25/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nat Geo is rounding out its cast for Genius: Aretha, the next installment of its popular anthology from Imagine Television and Fox 21 TV Studios that stars Cynthia Erivo as the Queen of Soul.
Newcomer Shaian Jordan is set as a series regular in a recasting. Additionally, Dear White People‘s Marque Richardson, Pauletta Washington (She’s Gotta Have It), Steven Norfleet (Watchmen) and Queen Sugar star Omar J. Dorsey have been cast in recurring roles. They join Erivo and previously announced cast Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory and Rebecca Naomi Jones. Anthony Hemingway executive produces and directs the pilot episode.
Billed as the first, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on Franklin’s life, Genius: Aretha is slated for a spring premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Jordan will play Little Re, replacing Sanai Victoria who played the role in the pilot.
Newcomer Shaian Jordan is set as a series regular in a recasting. Additionally, Dear White People‘s Marque Richardson, Pauletta Washington (She’s Gotta Have It), Steven Norfleet (Watchmen) and Queen Sugar star Omar J. Dorsey have been cast in recurring roles. They join Erivo and previously announced cast Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory and Rebecca Naomi Jones. Anthony Hemingway executive produces and directs the pilot episode.
Billed as the first, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on Franklin’s life, Genius: Aretha is slated for a spring premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Jordan will play Little Re, replacing Sanai Victoria who played the role in the pilot.
- 1/15/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Cynthia Erivo is transformed into the late, great Queen of Soul in a first-look photo from Genius: Aretha, the upcoming biographical series from National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios.
See the photo below.
Erivo, a Tony Award winner for Broadway’s 2015 The Color Purple and the star of this year’s Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet, will play Aretha Franklin in the third installment of the series (following seasons devoted to Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso).
“Over the last few months,” said Erivo, “I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her — all to really capture Aretha’s attitude and spirit. I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.”
Also featured in the cast are...
See the photo below.
Erivo, a Tony Award winner for Broadway’s 2015 The Color Purple and the star of this year’s Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet, will play Aretha Franklin in the third installment of the series (following seasons devoted to Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso).
“Over the last few months,” said Erivo, “I’ve been preparing myself to embody the Queen of Soul, from relistening to her music to discovering her rare interviews and reading some amazing books on her — all to really capture Aretha’s attitude and spirit. I’m truly humbled to be working alongside a very talented and musical team. Together, we’ll serve the Queen and create something special.”
Also featured in the cast are...
- 12/6/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
David Cross has joined the cast of the upcoming third season of “Genius” at Nat Geo, which will focus on music legend Aretha Franklin.
Cross will star as music producer Jerry Wexler. Cynthia Erivo is set to play Franklin, with Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Sanai Victoria also set to star in the eight-episode season.
Cross’ Wexler is described as a scrappy, Bronx-born legendary producer who is one of the first to spot Franklin’s incredible talent and potential. He’s a street savvy music man with great ears who isn’t afraid to go into segregated clubs to find talented performers like Ray Charles and Wilson Pickett. He even coined the term “rhythm and blues.” He poached Franklin from Columbia to Atlantic Records and works with her from 1966-79 during which time she records some of her most iconic hits.
Cross will star as music producer Jerry Wexler. Cynthia Erivo is set to play Franklin, with Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Sanai Victoria also set to star in the eight-episode season.
Cross’ Wexler is described as a scrappy, Bronx-born legendary producer who is one of the first to spot Franklin’s incredible talent and potential. He’s a street savvy music man with great ears who isn’t afraid to go into segregated clubs to find talented performers like Ray Charles and Wilson Pickett. He even coined the term “rhythm and blues.” He poached Franklin from Columbia to Atlantic Records and works with her from 1966-79 during which time she records some of her most iconic hits.
- 11/20/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Courtney B. Vance, an Emmy winner for his performance as Johnnie Cochran in FX’s The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, is set to star opposite Cynthia Erivo in Genius: Aretha, the next installment of Nat Geo’s popular anthology series, from Imagine Television and Fox 21 TV Studios.
Billed as the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Franklin, Genius: Aretha will begin production in December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Vance joins as Aretha’s (Erivo) father, C.L. Franklin, an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the “Million Dollar Voice.” A star in his own right, C.L.’s legendary sermons were published and sold in record stores and broadcast on a weekly radio show, and he booked national ministry tours and public appearances. C.L. had a close but fraught relationship...
Billed as the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Franklin, Genius: Aretha will begin production in December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Vance joins as Aretha’s (Erivo) father, C.L. Franklin, an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the “Million Dollar Voice.” A star in his own right, C.L.’s legendary sermons were published and sold in record stores and broadcast on a weekly radio show, and he booked national ministry tours and public appearances. C.L. had a close but fraught relationship...
- 11/7/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Courtney B. Vance has joined the cast of the upcoming third season of “Genius” at Nat Geo, which will focus on Aretha Franklin.
Vance will star as Aretha’s father C.L. Franklin. Cynthia Erivo is set to play Aretha, with Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Sanai Victoria also set to star in the eight-episode season. Suzan-Lori Parks serves as showrunner and executive producer with Anthony Hemingway executive producing and directing. The season is slated to debut in the spring.
C.L. Franklin is described as an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the “Million Dollar Voice.” A star in his own right, C.L.’s legendary sermons were published and sold in record stores and broadcast on a weekly radio show, and he booked national ministry tours and public appearances. C.L. had a close but fraught relationship with his daughter and supported her throughout her career,...
Vance will star as Aretha’s father C.L. Franklin. Cynthia Erivo is set to play Aretha, with Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Sanai Victoria also set to star in the eight-episode season. Suzan-Lori Parks serves as showrunner and executive producer with Anthony Hemingway executive producing and directing. The season is slated to debut in the spring.
C.L. Franklin is described as an influential reverend and civil rights activist known as the “Million Dollar Voice.” A star in his own right, C.L.’s legendary sermons were published and sold in record stores and broadcast on a weekly radio show, and he booked national ministry tours and public appearances. C.L. had a close but fraught relationship with his daughter and supported her throughout her career,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington (The Color Purple), Kimberly Hébert Gregory (Vice Principals), Rebecca Naomi Jones (The Big Sick) and Sanai Victoria (Black-ish) are set to co-star opposite Cynthia Erivo in Genius: Aretha, the next installment of Nat Geo’s popular anthology series, from Imagine Television and Fox 21 TV Studios. Additionally, Anthony Hemingway has been tapped to executive produce and direct the pilot episode.
Billed as the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Franklin, Genius: Aretha will begin production in December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Barrett will play Ted White, Aretha’s (Erivo) first husband and business manager, who develops relationships with songwriters and producers and picks some of her biggest hits. But as Aretha gains fame, White’s heavy drinking and volatile behavior ends their marriage.
Billed as the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Franklin, Genius: Aretha will begin production in December for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Barrett will play Ted White, Aretha’s (Erivo) first husband and business manager, who develops relationships with songwriters and producers and picks some of her biggest hits. But as Aretha gains fame, White’s heavy drinking and volatile behavior ends their marriage.
- 10/28/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Nat Geo’s “Genius” just got infused with a lot more soul. Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Cynthia Erivo is set to play the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin in the latest installment of the Emmy Award-winning anthology series.
Billed as “the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series” on Franklin’s life, “Genius: Aretha” will feature a combination of archival footage of Franklin’s real-life performances (including songs like “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”) and Erivo performing songs from Franklin’s music catalogue. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (“Topdog/Underdog”) will serve as showrunner and executive producer of this season. Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman are set to executive produce alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Francie Calfo, “Genius” co-developer Ken Biller, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (Mwm Studios), Sam Sokolow...
Billed as “the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series” on Franklin’s life, “Genius: Aretha” will feature a combination of archival footage of Franklin’s real-life performances (including songs like “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”) and Erivo performing songs from Franklin’s music catalogue. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (“Topdog/Underdog”) will serve as showrunner and executive producer of this season. Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman are set to executive produce alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Francie Calfo, “Genius” co-developer Ken Biller, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (Mwm Studios), Sam Sokolow...
- 10/3/2019
- by LaToya Ferguson
- Indiewire
Production to begin in November.
Cynthia Erivo, earning acclaim for her lead role in Harriet this awards season, will play Aretha Franklin in the next instalment of National Geographic’s Genius anthology series.
Production is scheduled to begin in November for a spring 2020 world premiere on National Geographic’s global channels.
National Geographic, Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios said on Thursday (3) the production is the only authorised scripted limited series on the life of the Queen of Soul.
The production will feature many of Franklin’s biggest hits from the Warner Music catalogue, including I Never Loved...
Cynthia Erivo, earning acclaim for her lead role in Harriet this awards season, will play Aretha Franklin in the next instalment of National Geographic’s Genius anthology series.
Production is scheduled to begin in November for a spring 2020 world premiere on National Geographic’s global channels.
National Geographic, Imagine Television Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios said on Thursday (3) the production is the only authorised scripted limited series on the life of the Queen of Soul.
The production will feature many of Franklin’s biggest hits from the Warner Music catalogue, including I Never Loved...
- 10/3/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
National Geographic has found its Aretha Franklin for its upcoming season of “Genius” about the Queen of Soul: Cynthia Erivo has been cast in the title role.
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.”
The upcoming season, entitled “Genius: Aretha,” will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted...
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius.”
The upcoming season, entitled “Genius: Aretha,” will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted...
- 10/3/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Nat Geo and Imagine have found their Queen of Soul. Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning artist and actress Cynthia Erivo has been tapped to star as Aretha Franklin in the next installment of Nat Geo’s Emmy-winning global anthology series Genius: Aretha, from Imagine Television and Fox 21 TV Studios.
Billed as the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Franklin, Genius: Aretha will begin filming in November for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
As previously announced, Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Topdog/Underdog, will be executive producer and showrunner of the series. Music mogul and longtime Franklin collaborator Clive Davis as well as Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman also executive produce.
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion and...
Billed as the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Franklin, Genius: Aretha will begin filming in November for a spring 2020 premiere on National Geographic channels in 172 countries and 43 languages.
As previously announced, Suzan-Lori Parks, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Topdog/Underdog, will be executive producer and showrunner of the series. Music mogul and longtime Franklin collaborator Clive Davis as well as Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman also executive produce.
“Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl,” said Erivo. “Her strength, passion and...
- 10/3/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline 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
Earlier this week, the 2016-2017 class of Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellows presented excerpts of full length works at Playwrights Horizons at 700 Pm. This presentation caps off a year spent working under the tutelage of Michael Korie Grey Gardens, Laurence O' Keefe Heathers, and Diana Son Stop Kiss. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event below...
- 9/20/2017
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Author: Scott Davis
Rejoice Netflix fans! Your latest binge-watch has been renewed and is coming back for a second season – yes, 13 Reasons Why, the huge new original series from the subscription service has been picked up for another go-round and we join you in being very, very excited!
If you have been living under a rock for the past few months, 13 Reasons Why is the adaptation of the book by Jay Asher, which was first released in 2007. The show runs for 13 episodes in season one and will do similar in season two which will pick up almost immediately after the events of those episodes and the aftermath of Hannah Baker’s death as the characters learn to recover from the tragedy.
Critics have raved about the show – The Hollywood Reporter called it “a honorably mature piece of young-adult adaptation” while Entertainment Weekly said it was “a frank, authentically affecting portrait...
Rejoice Netflix fans! Your latest binge-watch has been renewed and is coming back for a second season – yes, 13 Reasons Why, the huge new original series from the subscription service has been picked up for another go-round and we join you in being very, very excited!
If you have been living under a rock for the past few months, 13 Reasons Why is the adaptation of the book by Jay Asher, which was first released in 2007. The show runs for 13 episodes in season one and will do similar in season two which will pick up almost immediately after the events of those episodes and the aftermath of Hannah Baker’s death as the characters learn to recover from the tragedy.
Critics have raved about the show – The Hollywood Reporter called it “a honorably mature piece of young-adult adaptation” while Entertainment Weekly said it was “a frank, authentically affecting portrait...
- 5/9/2017
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As expected, Netflix has renewed its 13 Reasons Why TV show for a second season. The series' official Twitter page tweeted out the news over the weekend, with a little teaser. Watch it, below. Deadline reports that season one co-showrunner Diana Son is leaving the production and that Brian Yorkey will helm 13 Reasons Why, alone, in season two. A television adaptation of the Jay Asher novel, 13 Reasons Why stars Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Kate Walsh, Brian D’Arcy James, Derek Luke, Brandon Flynn, Justin Prentice, Alisha Boe, Christian Navarro, Miles Heizer, Ajiona Alexus, and Tommy Dorfman. Season one of the Netflix mystery crime drama followed Clay Jensen (Minnette), in the aftermath of his co-worker, crush, and classmate Hannah Baker’s (Langford) suicide. Read More…...
- 5/8/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Hannah Baker’s story may be over, but her Netflix drama lives on.
13 Reasons Why will return for a second season, the streaming service announced Sunday. Additionally, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Brian Yorkey will take over as showrunner in Season 2, succeeding Diana Son.
RelatedCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s On the Bubble?
Though Season 1 followed Katherine Langford’s character as she made her decision to take her own life, it also introduced several of her classmates, some of them with mysteries of their own. Per the official logline, Season 2 will pick up...
13 Reasons Why will return for a second season, the streaming service announced Sunday. Additionally, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Brian Yorkey will take over as showrunner in Season 2, succeeding Diana Son.
RelatedCable/Streaming Renewal Scorecard: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s On the Bubble?
Though Season 1 followed Katherine Langford’s character as she made her decision to take her own life, it also introduced several of her classmates, some of them with mysteries of their own. Per the official logline, Season 2 will pick up...
- 5/7/2017
- TVLine.com
Rob Leane May 10, 2017
Brian Yorkey has revealed a little about how a second season of 13 Reasons Why will work...
13 Reasons Why season 2 is officially happening. Netflix broke the news with this teaser trailer and Tweet combo...
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Why cinema needs Batman: the world’s greatest detective Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman Deborah Snyder & Charles Roven interview: Man Of Steel
Their story isn't over. Season 2 of #13ReasonsWhy is coming. pic.twitter.com/nY5vTUfXdo
— 13 Reasons Why (@13ReasonsWhy) May 7, 2017
Fans had already pretty much worked out that a renewal was on the way. The fact that Ross Butler (aka Zach) has had to be recast on Riverdale was a fairly massive clue, for example.
Brian Yorkey (who served as a producer and writer on season 1) will step up and become showrunner for...
Brian Yorkey has revealed a little about how a second season of 13 Reasons Why will work...
13 Reasons Why season 2 is officially happening. Netflix broke the news with this teaser trailer and Tweet combo...
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Why cinema needs Batman: the world’s greatest detective Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman Deborah Snyder & Charles Roven interview: Man Of Steel
Their story isn't over. Season 2 of #13ReasonsWhy is coming. pic.twitter.com/nY5vTUfXdo
— 13 Reasons Why (@13ReasonsWhy) May 7, 2017
Fans had already pretty much worked out that a renewal was on the way. The fact that Ross Butler (aka Zach) has had to be recast on Riverdale was a fairly massive clue, for example.
Brian Yorkey (who served as a producer and writer on season 1) will step up and become showrunner for...
- 4/27/2017
- Den of Geek
2017-04-05T04:51:39-07:00Is '13 Reasons Why' the Best Teen Show on TV?
For about an episode and a half, 13 Reasons Why feels like the next great teen drama. Netflix's adaptation of Jay Asher's novel, in which a girl reveals in a set of audio tapes the baker's dozen reasons why she committed suicide, spends 13 episodes trying to nail a tricky tone. It attempts to capture some of the natural levity of life while telling an incredibly dark story.
Somewhere between episodes two and three, 13 Reasons Why really feels like it achieves this tricky tone. But all too quickly, it loses steam amid a glut of plot showrunners Brian Yorkey and Diana Son seem unwisely determined to power through. The result is a 13-episode season which should've been eight installments, with a lot of missed opportunities gumming up the works.
Between this big-swing-and-a-miss and the...
For about an episode and a half, 13 Reasons Why feels like the next great teen drama. Netflix's adaptation of Jay Asher's novel, in which a girl reveals in a set of audio tapes the baker's dozen reasons why she committed suicide, spends 13 episodes trying to nail a tricky tone. It attempts to capture some of the natural levity of life while telling an incredibly dark story.
Somewhere between episodes two and three, 13 Reasons Why really feels like it achieves this tricky tone. But all too quickly, it loses steam amid a glut of plot showrunners Brian Yorkey and Diana Son seem unwisely determined to power through. The result is a 13-episode season which should've been eight installments, with a lot of missed opportunities gumming up the works.
Between this big-swing-and-a-miss and the...
- 4/5/2017
- by EG
- Yidio
Katherine Langford’s teenager sparks a murder mystery from beyond the grave in the gripping, ominous first teaser trailer for 13 Reasons Why, the Netflix original series due to premiere later this month.
Originally pitched as a full-blown feature film with Selena Gomez attached to star, 13 Reasons Why has been repackaged as a 13-part drama series. Gomez remains involved as an executive producer, and helped adapt Jay Asher’s novel series for the small screen with co-showrunner Brian Yorkey. As if that wasn’t enough to pique our curiosity, Netflix has confirmed that Spotlight director Tom McCarthy helmed the opening two episodes of 13 Reasons Why, which has Dylan Minnette’s Clay investigating the suicide (?) of his former classmate and crush, Hannah Baker (Langford).
Also starring Brandon Flynn, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Michelle Selene Ang and Justin Prentice, the potential success of 13 Reasons Why will no doubt hinge on its ability to...
Originally pitched as a full-blown feature film with Selena Gomez attached to star, 13 Reasons Why has been repackaged as a 13-part drama series. Gomez remains involved as an executive producer, and helped adapt Jay Asher’s novel series for the small screen with co-showrunner Brian Yorkey. As if that wasn’t enough to pique our curiosity, Netflix has confirmed that Spotlight director Tom McCarthy helmed the opening two episodes of 13 Reasons Why, which has Dylan Minnette’s Clay investigating the suicide (?) of his former classmate and crush, Hannah Baker (Langford).
Also starring Brandon Flynn, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe, Michelle Selene Ang and Justin Prentice, the potential success of 13 Reasons Why will no doubt hinge on its ability to...
- 3/2/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Writers of Hell or High Water, La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards.
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East branches of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animals produced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command And Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game Of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East branches of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester By The Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animals produced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command And Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game Of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
- 1/4/2017
- ScreenDaily
Writers of Hell or High Water, La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards.
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East brances of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animalsproduced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command and Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
Writers of Hell or High Water (pictured), La La Land, Arrival and Deadpool are among the nominees for this year’s Writers Guild Awards, set to be presented at ceremonies hosted by the West and East brances of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on Feb 19.
Also nominated in the WGA’s original screenplay category are the writers of Loving, Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight. Fences, Hidden Figures and Nocturnal Animalsproduced the other nominations in the adapted screenplay category.
Documentary nominations went to Author: The Jt Leroy Story, Command and Control and Zero Days, while dramatic TV series getting nods were The Americans, Better Call Saul, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things and Westworld.
Full list of feature nominees and selected TV nominees:
Original Screenplay
Hell or High Water Taylor Sheridan
La La Land [link...
- 1/4/2017
- ScreenDaily
[caption id="attachment_51542" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Amy Hargreaves joins the cast of the 13 Reasons Why TV show at Netflix (Sam Aronov/ Shutterstock.com)./caption]
Amy Hargreaves has been cast as Mrs. Jensen in the 13 Reasons Why TV show at Netflix. A series regular role, Mrs. Jensen is the mother of Clay, played by Lost's Dylan Minnette. In the story, Clay receives a box of tapes from his crush, Hannah (Katherine Langford), after she kills herself.
Brian d'Arcy James plays Hannah's father opposite Kate Walsh. Derek Luke was previously cast as Hannah’s guidance counselor, Mr. Porter. Based on the 2007 novel by Jay Asher, the 13 Reasons Why TV adaptation comes from Selena Gomez and Diana Son, writer Brian Yorkey, director Tom McCarthy, Anonymous Content, and Paramount TV.
Read More…...
Amy Hargreaves has been cast as Mrs. Jensen in the 13 Reasons Why TV show at Netflix. A series regular role, Mrs. Jensen is the mother of Clay, played by Lost's Dylan Minnette. In the story, Clay receives a box of tapes from his crush, Hannah (Katherine Langford), after she kills herself.
Brian d'Arcy James plays Hannah's father opposite Kate Walsh. Derek Luke was previously cast as Hannah’s guidance counselor, Mr. Porter. Based on the 2007 novel by Jay Asher, the 13 Reasons Why TV adaptation comes from Selena Gomez and Diana Son, writer Brian Yorkey, director Tom McCarthy, Anonymous Content, and Paramount TV.
Read More…...
- 6/28/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Amy Hargreaves (Homeland) is set as a series regular in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, from producers Selena Gomez and Diana Son, writer Brian Yorkey, director Tom McCarthy, Anonymous Content and Paramount TV. Based on the bestselling 2007 Ya book by Jay Asher, the series follows Clay (Dylan Minnette) through an emotional night when he receives a shoebox of cassette tapes from his late classmate and crush Hannah (Katherine Langford), after she recently committed suicide…...
- 6/23/2016
- Deadline TV
Diana Son (American Crime) will serve as executive producer and showrunner on Selena Gomez's Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which just enlisted Spotlight helmer Tom McCarthy to direct the first two episodes and executive produce the series. 13 Reasons Why, from Anonymous Content and Paramount TV, was created and written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Brian Yorkeyis based on the 2007 New York Times bestselling Ya book by Jay Asher. It follows a boy named Clay…...
- 2/26/2016
- Deadline TV
Initially assigned to play a series regular role, Cynthia McWilliams ("Real Husbands of Hollywood") has been upgraded to female lead in NBC's drama pilot "Love Is a Four Letter Word." Meta Golding was originally set to play the lead, but McWilliams will now take over, after a table read, with Golding exiting. McWilliams joins Rockmond Dunbar (also a lead) in the NBC drama pilot which chronicles the collision of race, sexuality and gender roles when 3 diverse couples put modern marriage to the test. In the project, McWilliams and Dunbar play a divorced couple with 2 children. McWilliams former role is now being recast. Diana Son wrote the pilot and exec...
- 3/16/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Meta Golding (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Monet Mazur (Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery) and Colin Donnell (Arrow) have booked lead roles on NBC drama pilot Love Is A Four Letter Word. The project, from playwright-tv writer Diana Son, 20th TV and Fabrik, chronicles the collision of race, sexuality and gender roles when three diverse couples put modern marriage to the test. Golding, repped by Paradigm and A Management, will play Julie, a successful…...
- 3/5/2015
- Deadline TV
On the day of The Mentalist series finale, the show’s co-star Rockmond Dunbar has booked his next series regular gig, signing on as the male lead in the NBC drama pilot Love Is A Four Letter Word. The project, from playwright-tv writer Diana Son, 20th TV and Fabrik, chronicles the collision of race, sexuality and gender roles when three diverse couples put modern marriage to the test. Dunbar will play half of the lead couple, Nick, a charismatic and charming ad agency…...
- 2/19/2015
- Deadline TV
NBC has ordered two drama pilots that deal with sexuality and passion from the producers of “Ugly Betty” and “Blue Bloods,” titled “The Curse of the Fuentes Women” and “Love Is a Four Letter Word,” respectively.
From Warner Bros. Television and Silent H, “The Curse of the Fuentes Women” will be written and executive produced by Silvio Horta (“Ugly Betty”) with executive producer Andrew Maher.
See photos: The Scene at TCA: Funny, Frank and Flippant Quotes From the 2015 TV Press Tour
The drama follows what happens When a magical and mysterious young man inexplicably emerges from the ocean and breathes...
From Warner Bros. Television and Silent H, “The Curse of the Fuentes Women” will be written and executive produced by Silvio Horta (“Ugly Betty”) with executive producer Andrew Maher.
See photos: The Scene at TCA: Funny, Frank and Flippant Quotes From the 2015 TV Press Tour
The drama follows what happens When a magical and mysterious young man inexplicably emerges from the ocean and breathes...
- 1/15/2015
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
The Pasadena Playhouse Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director presents Stop Kiss, the second production of its 2014-2015 Season. Written by Diana Son and directed by Pasadena Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Seema Sueko, Stop Kiss stars Sharon Leal Bill Condon's Dreamgirls, Fox's Boston Public, and Lionsgate's Addicted, Angela Lin Broadway's Chinglish, John Sloan Fox's Happy Hour, Brandon Scott ABC's Grey's Anatomy, Amanda Carlin Liar Liar, and Jeff De Serrano AampE's Longmire. Stop Kiss performs through November 30, 2014.
- 11/10/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Pasadena Playhouse presents Stop Kiss, the second production of its 2014-2015 Season. Written by Diana Son and directed by Pasadena Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Seema Sueko, Stop Kiss stars Sharon Leal Bill Condon's Dreamgirls, Fox's 'Boston Public,' and Lionsgate's Addicted, Angela Lin Broadway's Chinglish, John Sloan Fox's 'Happy Hour', Brandon Scott ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy', Amanda Carlin Liar Liar, and Jeff De Serrano AampE's 'Longmire'. The production is performed tonight, November 4 - 30, 2014 with the official press night on Wednesday, November 9, 2014.
- 11/4/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Pasadena Playhouse announces the cast of Stop Kiss, the second production of its 2014-2015 Season. Written by Diana Son and directed by Pasadena Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Seema Sueko, Stop Kiss stars Sharon Leal Bill Condon's Dreamgirls, Fox's Boston Public, and Lionsgate's Addicted, Angela Lin Broadway's Chinglish, John Sloan Fox's Happy Hour, Brandon Scott ABC's Grey's Anatomy, Amanda Carlin Liar Liar, and Jeff De Serrano AampE's Longmire. The production is performed November 4 - 30, 2014 with the official press night on Wednesday, November 9, 2014.
- 9/11/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
TV is known as a better place for writers than any of the other dramatic media, with the sole exception of the theater, of course. Besides, TV drama is nowadays so highly regarded that it is already changing some of the old rules regarding old industry traditions. The crossover of the boundary between cinema and TV, whereby writers can move once again from one medium to the other, with greater ease, is one of the changes. It remains to be seen whether the crossover experiment will affect the writer’s importance in other media too – especially in film.
In television, writer-producers write their own scripts and they rewrite other people’s scripts; it’s their show and their vision. In the movies, it’s all about the director. As opposed to movies where the writer won’t even be on set, in TV it is the writer who tells the director what to do.
In television, writer-producers write their own scripts and they rewrite other people’s scripts; it’s their show and their vision. In the movies, it’s all about the director. As opposed to movies where the writer won’t even be on set, in TV it is the writer who tells the director what to do.
- 7/30/2014
- by Christina Kallas
- Hope for Film
By Christina Kallas
One thing’s for sure: people don’t go to writing to be rewritten. But they still are, first and foremost by the showrunner. The showrunner is the writer who tells the writers what to do, and who will eventually do it herself.
So should a showrunner polish the final draft of every episode to preserve the “voice” of the series, or should each individual writer be allowed to use their voice to bring out new sides to the characters and the series? The conventional wisdom seems to come directly from auteur theory and wants everything to be from one mold, carrying a single signature and voice – so as to pretend that one person wrote it.
I was most intrigued by something Jenny Bicks said when we had our conversation for my book. She talked about using different writers in Sex and the City. She explained how...
One thing’s for sure: people don’t go to writing to be rewritten. But they still are, first and foremost by the showrunner. The showrunner is the writer who tells the writers what to do, and who will eventually do it herself.
So should a showrunner polish the final draft of every episode to preserve the “voice” of the series, or should each individual writer be allowed to use their voice to bring out new sides to the characters and the series? The conventional wisdom seems to come directly from auteur theory and wants everything to be from one mold, carrying a single signature and voice – so as to pretend that one person wrote it.
I was most intrigued by something Jenny Bicks said when we had our conversation for my book. She talked about using different writers in Sex and the City. She explained how...
- 7/9/2014
- by Ted Hope
- Hope for Film
Exclusive: Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal’s Tribeca Prods. continues a strong selling season with deals at Showtime for The Good Shepherd and at CBS for a family medical drama from TV writer/playwright Diana Son (Law & Order: Criminal Intent). Both projects are produced by CBS TV Studios where Tribeca is under an overall deal. Rosenthal and De Niro executive produce, with Tribeca’s Berry Welsh serving as producer. Showtime is developing The Good Shepherd, a period drama based on the characters from the 2006 Cold War feature spy thriller directed by De Niro and co-produced by Tribeca. The film’s writer, Oscar winner Eric Roth, will write/exec produce the series adaptation, with De Niro set to direct, the first time the Oscar winner has been attached to direct a Tribeca TV project. The series will follow the family of a CIA operative. Producers originally planned to do a...
- 9/5/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
The Play That Changed My Life contributing playwrights, including Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife), David Ives (Venus in Fur), Diana Son (Stop Kiss) book editor Ben Hodges and Howard Sherman, Executive Director of the American Theatre Wing were at a book signing at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes and Noble Wednesday, February 24th. The event was moderated by Howard Sherman, about the American Theatre Wing's new book, The Play That Changed My Life: America's Foremost Playwrights on the Plays that Influenced Them.
- 2/26/2010
- BroadwayWorld.com
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