Gladiators, suit up: The “Scandal” rewatch podcast, “Unpacking the Toolbox,” is set to return with new episodes on April 11.
“Unpacking the Toolbox” is hosted by former “Scandal” stars Katie Lowes (who played Quinn) and Guillermo Díaz (who played Huck) — their Irl friendship was forged on set, and fans nicknamed their twisted on-screen partnership Huckleberry Quinn.
Part of the iHeartPodcasts network, the Shondaland Audio series “Unpacking the Toolbox” — a reference to Huck’s torture kit — hit pause during the SAG-AFTRA strike, having covered the first two seasons of Shonda Rhimes’ ABC drama, which ran for seven seasons from 2012 through 2018.
“Scandal” revolved around Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope, a D.C. fixer who also happened to be having an affair with the very married President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). The series was a slow burn for ABC, ratings-wise, but midway through its second season, its delightfully batshit plotting and wild weekly cliffhangers caught on with audiences,...
“Unpacking the Toolbox” is hosted by former “Scandal” stars Katie Lowes (who played Quinn) and Guillermo Díaz (who played Huck) — their Irl friendship was forged on set, and fans nicknamed their twisted on-screen partnership Huckleberry Quinn.
Part of the iHeartPodcasts network, the Shondaland Audio series “Unpacking the Toolbox” — a reference to Huck’s torture kit — hit pause during the SAG-AFTRA strike, having covered the first two seasons of Shonda Rhimes’ ABC drama, which ran for seven seasons from 2012 through 2018.
“Scandal” revolved around Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope, a D.C. fixer who also happened to be having an affair with the very married President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). The series was a slow burn for ABC, ratings-wise, but midway through its second season, its delightfully batshit plotting and wild weekly cliffhangers caught on with audiences,...
- 4/4/2024
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Linda Lowy, the Emmy award-winning casting director of Grey’s Anatomy and Friday Night Lights, has launched Backyard Casting with longtime colleagues Morgan Smith and Lily Trotter.
Lowy is the 2013 recipient of the Casting Society of America Hoyt Bowers achievement award and has nine Emmy nominations; she won three for Grey’s Anatomy, Friday Night Lights and Bastard Out of Carolina.
The Backyard Casting idea was hatched during the pandemic in Lowy’s backyard. Backyard casting is based in Los Angeles and will offer casting services for film and television.
A veteran feature film casting director before venturing into television, Lowy cast shows for more than 17 years under the Shonda Rhimes banner, including Greys, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder and Inventing Anna, in addition to many projects outside of Shondaland.
Lowy also served as the casting consultant for TNT from 2014-2019.
From 2019-22, Lowy was Executive VP of Casting...
Lowy is the 2013 recipient of the Casting Society of America Hoyt Bowers achievement award and has nine Emmy nominations; she won three for Grey’s Anatomy, Friday Night Lights and Bastard Out of Carolina.
The Backyard Casting idea was hatched during the pandemic in Lowy’s backyard. Backyard casting is based in Los Angeles and will offer casting services for film and television.
A veteran feature film casting director before venturing into television, Lowy cast shows for more than 17 years under the Shonda Rhimes banner, including Greys, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder and Inventing Anna, in addition to many projects outside of Shondaland.
Lowy also served as the casting consultant for TNT from 2014-2019.
From 2019-22, Lowy was Executive VP of Casting...
- 1/26/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
After a breakout first season with three Emmy wins, “Hacks” co-creators and executive producers Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky felt the pressure to bring it for Season 2 — and not necessarily from others.
“I think we just really felt in this industry, everyone’s always taking shots on goal and getting a movie made or a TV show made is, like, a miracle. And having something cut through is an even bigger miracle, so it was like, ‘Oh, my God, we actually have this show that people are watching and really loving and connecting in a way that felt really honestly special,'” Aniello tells Gold Derby at our Producers Guild of America Awards nominees panel (watch above). “I think when you have something like it, it’s just, like, we better not blow it. We just want to continue to make everyone feel the same way or hopefully like it even more.
“I think we just really felt in this industry, everyone’s always taking shots on goal and getting a movie made or a TV show made is, like, a miracle. And having something cut through is an even bigger miracle, so it was like, ‘Oh, my God, we actually have this show that people are watching and really loving and connecting in a way that felt really honestly special,'” Aniello tells Gold Derby at our Producers Guild of America Awards nominees panel (watch above). “I think when you have something like it, it’s just, like, we better not blow it. We just want to continue to make everyone feel the same way or hopefully like it even more.
- 2/3/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
The Casting Society (CSA) announced the television, theatre, short film and short form series nominees for the 38th Artios Awards, and Netflix and HBO/HBO Max are leading the pack with 10 nominations each. Next in line for the ceremony honoring the contribution of Casting Professionals in each category are Apple TV+ and Hulu all follow, both with 5 nominations.
The winners will not be revealed until March 9, 2023, as submissions for feature film nominees don’t open up until November 1. Those nominees will be announced on January 6, 2023.
Honorees for the Hoyt Bowers Award For Excellence In Casting, Lynn Stalmaster Award For Career Achievement, Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award, and the Associate Casting Director Spotlight Award, will also be presented that evening, with honorees announced at a later date.
The Artios Awards will return for an in-person gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The annual celebration will also mark CSA’s 40th year.
The winners will not be revealed until March 9, 2023, as submissions for feature film nominees don’t open up until November 1. Those nominees will be announced on January 6, 2023.
Honorees for the Hoyt Bowers Award For Excellence In Casting, Lynn Stalmaster Award For Career Achievement, Marion Dougherty New York Apple Award, Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award, and the Associate Casting Director Spotlight Award, will also be presented that evening, with honorees announced at a later date.
The Artios Awards will return for an in-person gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The annual celebration will also mark CSA’s 40th year.
- 10/17/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
The Casting Society is out with the TV, theater, short films and shortform series nominations for its 38th annual Artios Awards. Netflix and the combined HBO/HBO Max lead the field with 10 noms each, and Apple TV+ and Hulu are next with five apiece.
ABC, AMC, Disney+, Fox and Nickelodeon are the only other outlets with multiple noms, landing two each. See the full list below.
Related: 2022-23 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For The Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys, Guilds, Festivals & More
The Artios Awards, which honor casting professionals, will unveil its film nominees November 1. Winners will pick up their statuettes during an in-person ceremony March 9 at the Beverly Hilton.
“We are so excited for the Artios Awards to take place in person after two years of it being virtual,” CSA President Destiny Lilly said. “Casting directors are a small community, and to be able to see each other in person...
ABC, AMC, Disney+, Fox and Nickelodeon are the only other outlets with multiple noms, landing two each. See the full list below.
Related: 2022-23 Awards Season Calendar – Dates For The Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys, Guilds, Festivals & More
The Artios Awards, which honor casting professionals, will unveil its film nominees November 1. Winners will pick up their statuettes during an in-person ceremony March 9 at the Beverly Hilton.
“We are so excited for the Artios Awards to take place in person after two years of it being virtual,” CSA President Destiny Lilly said. “Casting directors are a small community, and to be able to see each other in person...
- 10/17/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO/HBO Max chief content officer Casey Bloys sent a memo to employees this afternoon, explaining the decision by Warner Bros. Discovery to layoff 70 employees, or 14 of his workforce, as the company restructures. The move, announced the morning, comes as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to merge HBO Max and Discovery+ into one streamer — with the decision made to reduce redundancies in unscripted programming. But a changing business model also led to cuts in scripted children’s and family fare, casting, international and acquisitions.
“Unfortunately, the environment in which we operate is changing rapidly, and it is up to us to continue to refine our model to chart a course for long term success,” he wrote in the memo. “As you heard from David Zaslav during our last earnings call, producing top-tier HBO/Max scripted content is crucial to Wbd’s future. Part of this process involves an honest assessment of what we need moving forward.
“Unfortunately, the environment in which we operate is changing rapidly, and it is up to us to continue to refine our model to chart a course for long term success,” he wrote in the memo. “As you heard from David Zaslav during our last earnings call, producing top-tier HBO/Max scripted content is crucial to Wbd’s future. Part of this process involves an honest assessment of what we need moving forward.
- 8/15/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
At the end of a day that saw about 70 (14) staffers in his divisions getting laid off, Casey Bloys, Chief Content Officer for HBO & HBO Max, just sent an email to his team about the cuts as well as his new (old) senior HBO/Max scripted executive team of Amy Gravitt, Francesca Orsi and Sarah Aubrey, which includes new responsibilities for Gravitt and Aubrey.
In the memo (read it in full below), Bloys lays out the responsibilities for his top executives on the scripted and documentary side who are staying on and also highlights the accomplishments of the top executives who are leaving as a result of the layoffs: Jennifer O’Connell, Jennifer Kim; Michael Quigley and Linda Lowy.
“Although I am confident these structural changes will allow us to sustain a thriving business model, these decisions have been extremely painful to make,” Bloys wrote. “We operate in an environment where we...
In the memo (read it in full below), Bloys lays out the responsibilities for his top executives on the scripted and documentary side who are staying on and also highlights the accomplishments of the top executives who are leaving as a result of the layoffs: Jennifer O’Connell, Jennifer Kim; Michael Quigley and Linda Lowy.
“Although I am confident these structural changes will allow us to sustain a thriving business model, these decisions have been extremely painful to make,” Bloys wrote. “We operate in an environment where we...
- 8/15/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After weeks of speculation, Warner Bros. Discovery is ready to reveal some of the changes that will take place at HBO Max, in advance of next year’s anticipated combination of the HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services. And as expected, HBO Max will downsize its reality programming department.
As part of the changes, around 14 of the staff under the oversight of HBO/HBO Max chief content officer Casey Bloys will be reduced. That translates to around 70 employees (from across HBO and HBO Max) who will be laid off in this restructure.
As part of the changes, Sarah Aubrey, the current head of original content at HBO Max, will now focus her oversight on the Max Originals drama slate. In addition, she will now also work in international programming strategy alongside the Warner Bros. Discovery International team, led by Gerhard Zeiler. Joey Chavez, exec VP Programming, will continue to report...
As part of the changes, around 14 of the staff under the oversight of HBO/HBO Max chief content officer Casey Bloys will be reduced. That translates to around 70 employees (from across HBO and HBO Max) who will be laid off in this restructure.
As part of the changes, Sarah Aubrey, the current head of original content at HBO Max, will now focus her oversight on the Max Originals drama slate. In addition, she will now also work in international programming strategy alongside the Warner Bros. Discovery International team, led by Gerhard Zeiler. Joey Chavez, exec VP Programming, will continue to report...
- 8/15/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The dreaded post-merger Warner Bros Discovery layoffs have reached the programming operation overseen by HBO and HBO Max Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys.
Overall, 14 of staff — about 70 people — are being laid off Monday, the vast majority of them on the Max side. That includes in Max Non-Fiction Originals, International, Acquisitions, Casting and previously reported Live-Action Family Originals, which are all being either scaled back significantly or essentially eliminated, leading to the departure of the bulk of the the staffs, led by Jennifer O’Connell EVP, Non-Fiction & Live-Action Family Originals for HBO Max; Jennifer Kim, SVP, International Originals for HBO Max; Michael Quigley, EVP of Content Acquisitions at HBO Max; and Linda Lowy, EVP Casting for WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, TNT, TBS and truTV.
I hear the layoffs are being done via video conferences this morning. The cuts are part of Wbd leadership’s pledge to find at least 3 billion in savings.
Overall, 14 of staff — about 70 people — are being laid off Monday, the vast majority of them on the Max side. That includes in Max Non-Fiction Originals, International, Acquisitions, Casting and previously reported Live-Action Family Originals, which are all being either scaled back significantly or essentially eliminated, leading to the departure of the bulk of the the staffs, led by Jennifer O’Connell EVP, Non-Fiction & Live-Action Family Originals for HBO Max; Jennifer Kim, SVP, International Originals for HBO Max; Michael Quigley, EVP of Content Acquisitions at HBO Max; and Linda Lowy, EVP Casting for WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, TNT, TBS and truTV.
I hear the layoffs are being done via video conferences this morning. The cuts are part of Wbd leadership’s pledge to find at least 3 billion in savings.
- 8/15/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
When Allison Estrin, who just earned her first Emmy nomination as one of the casting directors of Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” was offered congratulations on her recognition, she didn’t initially know for which of her projects she had been acknowledged (other eligible shows she had worked on included HBO Max’s “The Other Two” and Showtime’s “Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber”).
“I just started getting a lot of texts and emails saying, ‘Congratulations!’ And I called Henry Russell Bergstein, whom I cast this with — and we also work on a couple of other projects together, like ‘The Other Two’ — and I was like, ‘Wait, do you know what we’re getting congratulations on?'” shared the nominee with Gold Derby in a new webchat, highlighting how “exciting” it was to learn that they had landed their citation for “Inventing Anna.” “This show just has such a special place in my heart.
“I just started getting a lot of texts and emails saying, ‘Congratulations!’ And I called Henry Russell Bergstein, whom I cast this with — and we also work on a couple of other projects together, like ‘The Other Two’ — and I was like, ‘Wait, do you know what we’re getting congratulations on?'” shared the nominee with Gold Derby in a new webchat, highlighting how “exciting” it was to learn that they had landed their citation for “Inventing Anna.” “This show just has such a special place in my heart.
- 8/9/2022
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
HBO Max has a lot to offer in August, with titles to look forward to including the premiere of a brand new Seth Rogen movie called “An American Pickle” on Aug. 6, and Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Batman film “The Dark Knight” out Aug. 1.
The nascent streaming service also shares content with HBO, with new films coming like “Jojo Rabbit” out Aug. 1, “Birds of Prey” out Aug. 15, “Richard Jewell” out Aug. 8, and “Queen & Slim,” out Aug. 22. The upcoming series “Lovecraft County,” which mixes fact and fantasy and takes place in 1950s Jim Crow America, arrives Aug. 16.
Leaving throughout the month include, tragically, all eight “Harry Potter” films, which will be gone after Aug. 25. Other absolute classics like “Good Will Hunting,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and both “Kill Bill” movies will be gone after Aug. 31, so watch them while you can.
Below is the full list of everything coming and going in August.
The nascent streaming service also shares content with HBO, with new films coming like “Jojo Rabbit” out Aug. 1, “Birds of Prey” out Aug. 15, “Richard Jewell” out Aug. 8, and “Queen & Slim,” out Aug. 22. The upcoming series “Lovecraft County,” which mixes fact and fantasy and takes place in 1950s Jim Crow America, arrives Aug. 16.
Leaving throughout the month include, tragically, all eight “Harry Potter” films, which will be gone after Aug. 25. Other absolute classics like “Good Will Hunting,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and both “Kill Bill” movies will be gone after Aug. 31, so watch them while you can.
Below is the full list of everything coming and going in August.
- 7/30/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix released the premiere date of “Ratched,” and YouTube renewed “Could You Survive The Movies?” for a second season.
Renewals
YouTube renewed “Could You Survive The Movies?” for a second season, set to premiere in 2021. The six-episode season, hosted by Jake Roper, will explore the science behind the magic from “Harry Potter,” the water in “Titanic” and the acoustics behind “A Quiet Place.” The Emmy-winning series is produced by Ample Entertainment.
Dates
Netflix announced that “Ratched” will premiere Sept. 18. The drama follows Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson), who arrives in Northern California for a job at a psychiatric hospital. There, she discovers the unsettling experiments conducted by the facility, revealing that true monsters are made, not born. The series, inspired by Nurse Ratched in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” is executive produced by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan and creator Evan Romansky. See some...
Renewals
YouTube renewed “Could You Survive The Movies?” for a second season, set to premiere in 2021. The six-episode season, hosted by Jake Roper, will explore the science behind the magic from “Harry Potter,” the water in “Titanic” and the acoustics behind “A Quiet Place.” The Emmy-winning series is produced by Ample Entertainment.
Dates
Netflix announced that “Ratched” will premiere Sept. 18. The drama follows Mildred Ratched (Sarah Paulson), who arrives in Northern California for a job at a psychiatric hospital. There, she discovers the unsettling experiments conducted by the facility, revealing that true monsters are made, not born. The series, inspired by Nurse Ratched in “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” is executive produced by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan and creator Evan Romansky. See some...
- 7/29/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran casting director Linda Lowy has been named EVP Casting for WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, TNT, TBS and truTV, the company announced Wednesday.
In her new role, Lowy, who cast Shonda Rhimes’ series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, will be responsible for overseeing casting for scripted series, feature films, docudramas, animation, and unscripted programming for the streaming platform and linear networks.
Additionally, Henry Russell Bergstein has been named VP Casting, reporting to Lowy. He’ll be responsible for casting for both scripted and unscripted content, scouting talent and working with other WarnerMedia Entertainment departments, series casting directors, talent, and their reps.
“Linda is an unstoppable force who has cast some of the most iconic and longest lasting programs, not only changing television, but also having a ripple effect on our culture at large,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer, HBO Max and President,...
In her new role, Lowy, who cast Shonda Rhimes’ series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, will be responsible for overseeing casting for scripted series, feature films, docudramas, animation, and unscripted programming for the streaming platform and linear networks.
Additionally, Henry Russell Bergstein has been named VP Casting, reporting to Lowy. He’ll be responsible for casting for both scripted and unscripted content, scouting talent and working with other WarnerMedia Entertainment departments, series casting directors, talent, and their reps.
“Linda is an unstoppable force who has cast some of the most iconic and longest lasting programs, not only changing television, but also having a ripple effect on our culture at large,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer, HBO Max and President,...
- 7/29/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
WarnerMedia has tapped veteran casting director Linda Lowy as executive vice president, casting for the streaming service HBO Max as well as the linear networks TNT, TBS and truTV, the company announced Wednesday.
Lowy, who has worked on a number of Shonda Rhimes series including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” as well as “Friday Night Lights” and Bravo’s “Dirty John,” will oversee casting for scripted series, feature films, docudramas, animation and unscripted for the WarnerMedia networks.
The company has also named Henry Russell Bergstein, vice president casting, reporting to Lowy. Bergstein will be responsible for liasing with other WarnerMedia Entertainment departments, series casting directors, and serves as point person with talent and their reps.
Also Read: 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Under Investigation by WarnerMedia for Workplace Harassment
“Linda is an unstoppable force who has cast some of the most iconic and longest lasting programs, not only changing television, but also having...
Lowy, who has worked on a number of Shonda Rhimes series including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” as well as “Friday Night Lights” and Bravo’s “Dirty John,” will oversee casting for scripted series, feature films, docudramas, animation and unscripted for the WarnerMedia networks.
The company has also named Henry Russell Bergstein, vice president casting, reporting to Lowy. Bergstein will be responsible for liasing with other WarnerMedia Entertainment departments, series casting directors, and serves as point person with talent and their reps.
Also Read: 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' Under Investigation by WarnerMedia for Workplace Harassment
“Linda is an unstoppable force who has cast some of the most iconic and longest lasting programs, not only changing television, but also having...
- 7/29/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Veteran casting executive Linda Lowy has joined WarnerMedia.
Lowy, a three-time Emmy winner who has cast all of Shonda Rhimes' ABC series, will be executive vp casting for HBO Max, TNT, TBS and TruTV. She'll be joined by casting director Henry Russell Bergstein, who will be vp casting and report to Lowy.
"Linda is an unstoppable force who has cast some of the most iconic and longest lasting programs, not only changing television, but also having a ripple effect on our culture at large," said Kevin Reilly, HBO Max chief content officer and president of TNT, TBS ...
Lowy, a three-time Emmy winner who has cast all of Shonda Rhimes' ABC series, will be executive vp casting for HBO Max, TNT, TBS and TruTV. She'll be joined by casting director Henry Russell Bergstein, who will be vp casting and report to Lowy.
"Linda is an unstoppable force who has cast some of the most iconic and longest lasting programs, not only changing television, but also having a ripple effect on our culture at large," said Kevin Reilly, HBO Max chief content officer and president of TNT, TBS ...
- 7/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Hey, Los Angeles actors! Stay in the loop and be sure to check back every week for projects currently in production in the place you call home. Here’s the 411 on what’s filming big and small in your city. “How to Get Away With Murder”Annalise Keating is back in business. While the new season of “How to Get Away With Murder,” starring Viola Davis, has been in production throughout this summer, filming is actively in motion this week with full filming days at Los Angeles City Hall, where presumably Davis’ Keating is hard at work on some big cases. Season five is scheduled to air on Sept. 27 as Keating begins to select students for her new legal clinic and juggles job offers from competing firms. John Brace and Linda Lowy have been the casting directors on the series since its start in 2014. Read about the exciting drama from creator Peter Nowalk!
- 9/13/2018
- backstage.com
Hey,"Grey's Anatomy" fans. We've got some more important teaser intel for you guys concerning the new 15th season of your favorite show. This latest report comes from the mouths of Grey's Anatomy's spin-off series "Station 19" producers and castmembers. According to a new report from the folks over at Deadline.com, they revealed that we are definitely going to see more crossover action between Grey's Anatomy and its spin-off show Station 19 in this new 15th season. Stars of Station 19 Jaina Lee Ortiz who plays character Andrea Herrera and Jason George who plays character Ben Warren were joined by Station 19 creator Stacy McKee and the Shondaland casting director Linda Lowy at the recent Atx Television Festival in Austin,Texas to talk about these new, upcoming crossover events for Grey's Anatomy and Station 19. Stacy McKee started things off by talking about Station 19's upcoming second season. Se said,...
- 6/27/2018
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Station 19, the ABC and Shondaland firefighter spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy, made its way to Austin for its first Atx Television Festival appearance with stars Jaina Lee Ortiz and Jason George in tow along with show creator Stacy McKee and Shondaland casting director Linda Lowy.
On the topic of Season 2, McKee teased that “there will be the same amount of heart and humor and action, plus way more. Now we’ve met the characters… we can dig even deeper. We’ve barely scratched the surface.” To that last point, George added, “I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface of Grey’s world interacting with the Station 19 world and vice versa — that’s just getting started.”
McKee confirmed such interactions would “definitely” happen.
Still, Station 19 is finding its own voice in the Shonda-verse. “It was really important that this show worked as a companion piece with Grey’s but...
On the topic of Season 2, McKee teased that “there will be the same amount of heart and humor and action, plus way more. Now we’ve met the characters… we can dig even deeper. We’ve barely scratched the surface.” To that last point, George added, “I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface of Grey’s world interacting with the Station 19 world and vice versa — that’s just getting started.”
McKee confirmed such interactions would “definitely” happen.
Still, Station 19 is finding its own voice in the Shonda-verse. “It was really important that this show worked as a companion piece with Grey’s but...
- 6/7/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles! “Dirty John”For those familiar with the ever-growing number of true-crime podcasts, the story behind the popular series “Dirty John” became a well-known tale of manipulation, deception, and, ultimately, death. Bravo has officially picked up “Dirty John” for not just one but two seasons. The project stems from the popular podcast of the same name, narrated by L.A. Times reporter Christopher Goffard. The real-life story follows master manipulator John Meehan as he slowly weaves himself into the life of an unsuspecting single mother. Just when it seems that Meehan has drained the family of everything they have, an unexpected twist leads to murder. The project has already grabbed a few names for the show: Connie Britton and Eric Bana have signed on to play the central couple.
- 5/2/2018
- backstage.com
Screenings and panel events for ABC’s “Station 19,” National Geographic’s “Genius,” and TV Land’s “Younger” are heading to the seventh annual Atx Television Festival.
ABC and Shondaland’s “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff “Station 19” will host a screening of its premiere episode at the festival along with a Q&A panel featuring cast members Jaina Lee Ortiz and Jason George, as well as creator and executive producer Stacy McKee and casting director Linda Lowy.
The second season of National Geographic’s historical anthology drama “Genius,” which looks at artist Pablo Picasso, will host a panel with the show’s creative team, including director, showrunner and executive producer Ken Biller; hair and make-up designer Davina Lamont; costume designer Sonu Mishra; cinematographer and director Mathias Herndl and production designer Arv Greywal.
“Younger” will return to Atx, this time with a first look at the second episode of the fifth season,...
ABC and Shondaland’s “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff “Station 19” will host a screening of its premiere episode at the festival along with a Q&A panel featuring cast members Jaina Lee Ortiz and Jason George, as well as creator and executive producer Stacy McKee and casting director Linda Lowy.
The second season of National Geographic’s historical anthology drama “Genius,” which looks at artist Pablo Picasso, will host a panel with the show’s creative team, including director, showrunner and executive producer Ken Biller; hair and make-up designer Davina Lamont; costume designer Sonu Mishra; cinematographer and director Mathias Herndl and production designer Arv Greywal.
“Younger” will return to Atx, this time with a first look at the second episode of the fifth season,...
- 4/18/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
The seventh annual Atx Television Festival has added three series to its lineup and expanded the panels for two others.
TV Land’s Younger is returning to the fest — set for June 17-20 in Austin — for a fourth time with a panel and sneak peek at Season 5. The Q&A will feature creator/Ep Darren Star, series lead Sutton Foster and fellow castmembers Debi Mazar, Miriam Shor, Nico Tortorella, Peter Hermann, Molly Bernard, and Charles Michael Davis.
ABC’s freshman Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Station 19 will screen its premiere episode and have a Q&A with actors Jaina Lee Ortiz and Jason George, creator/Ep Stacy McKee and casting director Linda Lowy.
Also set for a panel is Season 2 of National Geographic’s Genius, this time based on Pablo Picasso. Sitting for a panel will be the creative team behind the show: director-showrunner-ep Ken Biller, hair and makeup designer Davina Lamont,...
TV Land’s Younger is returning to the fest — set for June 17-20 in Austin — for a fourth time with a panel and sneak peek at Season 5. The Q&A will feature creator/Ep Darren Star, series lead Sutton Foster and fellow castmembers Debi Mazar, Miriam Shor, Nico Tortorella, Peter Hermann, Molly Bernard, and Charles Michael Davis.
ABC’s freshman Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Station 19 will screen its premiere episode and have a Q&A with actors Jaina Lee Ortiz and Jason George, creator/Ep Stacy McKee and casting director Linda Lowy.
Also set for a panel is Season 2 of National Geographic’s Genius, this time based on Pablo Picasso. Sitting for a panel will be the creative team behind the show: director-showrunner-ep Ken Biller, hair and makeup designer Davina Lamont,...
- 4/18/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Greenlit means a project is officially a go, so all you have to do is follow these leads to stay up to date. You never know where you’ll find an opportunity to land an audition! “The Boys”Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have added another project to their development slate, this time with Amazon. Called “The Boys,” it’s an eight episode superhero drama and comic book adaptation from Darick Robertson and Garth Ennis. Ennis also created the comic “Preacher” for which Rogen and Goldberg have a series on AMC, which stars Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, and Joseph Gilgun. The writer-director-producers have a long resume of movies and now TV projects. Most of their movie projects, including “This is The End,” “The Interview,” and the animated “Sausage Party” have had Francine Maisler on board to cast. Preacher cast using the team of Linda Lowy, Will Stewart, and Jeanie Bacharach,...
- 11/13/2017
- backstage.com
Gladiators, you might want to sit down for this one.
In honor of the hit ABC show’s 100th episode, creator and showrunner Shonda Rhimes and stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and more sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to dish on all of Scandal‘s biggest secrets, from casting to gay characters to last season’s much-talked about abortion scene.
Of casting the lead role of Olivia Pope, casting director Linda Lowy revealed network executives originally envisioned her as a white woman. (Washington was ultimately cast, making her the first black woman to topline a drama in 37 years.)
“The...
In honor of the hit ABC show’s 100th episode, creator and showrunner Shonda Rhimes and stars Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and more sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to dish on all of Scandal‘s biggest secrets, from casting to gay characters to last season’s much-talked about abortion scene.
Of casting the lead role of Olivia Pope, casting director Linda Lowy revealed network executives originally envisioned her as a white woman. (Washington was ultimately cast, making her the first black woman to topline a drama in 37 years.)
“The...
- 4/11/2017
- by Aurelie Corinthios
- PEOPLE.com
Brie Larson won’t be throwing any stones when she moves into her new project, “The Glass Castle.” The actor, who recently nabbed an Academy Award for best actress for her performance in “Room,” isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The new Lionsgate feature that also stars Woody Harrelson is based off former gossip columnist Jeannette Walls’ memoir of the same title. The film, which previously had Jennifer Lawrence attached (now credited as a producer), is about the dysfunctional and impoverished upbringing of three siblings as they work together to escape their toxic environment. The project, currently being cast by Ronna Kress, will go into production in Montreal at the beginning of June. Romeo and Juliet may have seen every incarnation imaginable, but ABC is looking to tell the story of their aftermath with a Shondaland twist. “Still Star-Crossed” will tell the story of the Montagues and the Capulets,...
- 3/23/2016
- backstage.com
To get a spot on the starting lineup of the Dillon Panthers, the casting requirements were simple: You had to look like you were from rural Texas, could play football, and be in high school. Look is the operative word here. Athleticism can be faked; judicious camerawork will turn a fumble into a winning catch. Age is factor, but you make accommodations there, too — who hasn’t seen a high-school show with actors in their 20s? Even that supposedly inimitable Texas air could be bottled elsewhere.Still, a “look” is hard to find. Tim Riggins, the Texan heartthrob at the center of Friday Night Lights, was one of the hardest to cast. Fnl casting director Linda Lowy needed someone with “major beauty and major edge.” After a long search, her team had settled on Pennsylvanian Taylor Kinney, until a last-minute contract snag pulled him out before a network test. (“He...
- 11/10/2015
- by Jackson McHenry
- Vulture
You may have recently heard: How to Get Away With Murder – the third prong in ABC’s new “#Tgit” triple play from the Shondaland production house — was not created by Shonda Rhimes.
Rather, Murder is the brainchild of Shondaland vet Pete Nowalk, a non-angry white man who has penned scripts and produced for both Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. As such, the freshman drama — premiering Thursday at 10/9c, after the Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal season openers — marks the shingle’s first non-Shonda creation to score a time slot since Jenna Bans’ Off the Map.
Photos Fall TV’s Breakout...
Rather, Murder is the brainchild of Shondaland vet Pete Nowalk, a non-angry white man who has penned scripts and produced for both Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. As such, the freshman drama — premiering Thursday at 10/9c, after the Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal season openers — marks the shingle’s first non-Shonda creation to score a time slot since Jenna Bans’ Off the Map.
Photos Fall TV’s Breakout...
- 9/22/2014
- TVLine.com
Scandal fans know Jeff Perry as the manipulative Cyrus Beene, a man who will stop at nothing to protect President Fitzgerald "Fitz" Grant. Halfway through the show's third season, the storylines are getting more outrageous than ever before. Popsugar sat down with Perry to discuss his infamous character's shifting psyche, plot rumors, and the actor's real-life adoration for Kerry Washington. Keep reading to learn more about Perry's perspective, and scroll to the end of the story to watch highlights from our in-studio interview. Popsugar: I think is going to be a very exciting season for Cyrus. Jeff Perry: Cyrus is a man who is hardwired and adores his job, as strange as it is, as a chief of staff. Very much like Olivia Pope's job, played brilliantly by Kerry Washington. Trying to fix everybody else's problems is their DNA. That is their comfort zone. That's what Cyrus loves. In...
- 3/13/2014
- by Lindsay Miller
- Popsugar.com
Two ABC drama pilots now have casting directors attached, Backstage has learned. "Sea of Fire," which ABC adapted from Dutch broadcaster Vara, will be cast by Eric Dawson of Ulrich/Dawson/Kritzer Casting. The pilot centers on three small town teenage girls who star in a porn film. In a series of "Twin Peaks"-style twists, their families are subsequently torn apart, and the town witnesses a mysterious disappearance and murder. Meanwhile, "How To Get Away With Murder," from Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers’ Shondaland, is being cast by Linda Lowy. The pilot follows a group of ambitious law students and their brilliant, mysterious criminal defense professor as they become entangled in a murder plot that shakes their university and changes the course of their lives. Both casting directors are based in Los Angeles.
- 1/8/2014
- backstage.com
There will be no smelly cats when Lisa Kudrow pops up on this season of Scandal. "She's got a great arc on the show," Darby Stanchfield, who plays Abby in Olivia Pope's office, tells me. "She gets to play a character that is not funny. I mean, there are funny elements…but her character has a temper! Abby gets to interact with her a lot." Including a run-in with said temper. "I help gladiate that temper a little bit," Stanchfield said. The former Friends star is reportedly playing a politician in the Kerry Washington-led drama. "It's such a testament to Shonda Rhimes and Linda Lowy, our casting director, to take a queen of comedy and put her in this...
- 10/11/2013
- E! Online
It’s all over but the consummating.
As Grey’s Anatomy opened Season 10, Alex and Jo repeatedly acted on a summer hiatus’ worth of pent-up passion, yet ultimately let cooler heads prevail in the name of saving their first time together for the right place and time.
Related | Grey’s Anatomy Season 10 Premiere Recap: You Win Some, You Lose Some
“They’re sort of juvenile” in their can’t-keep-their-hands-off-each-other-ness, Justin Chambers observed to TVLine at the ABC drama’s 200th episode party. “They’ve got a lot of growing up to do. And I think that we’ll keep playing...
As Grey’s Anatomy opened Season 10, Alex and Jo repeatedly acted on a summer hiatus’ worth of pent-up passion, yet ultimately let cooler heads prevail in the name of saving their first time together for the right place and time.
Related | Grey’s Anatomy Season 10 Premiere Recap: You Win Some, You Lose Some
“They’re sort of juvenile” in their can’t-keep-their-hands-off-each-other-ness, Justin Chambers observed to TVLine at the ABC drama’s 200th episode party. “They’ve got a lot of growing up to do. And I think that we’ll keep playing...
- 10/1/2013
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Michael J. Fox and CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler are among those who will be honored by the Casting Society of America (Csa) at the Artios Awards in November. Tassler will receive the Career Achievement Award while Fox will be presented with the New York Apple Award. Story: Michael J. Fox Assures Critics He's Game for 22 Episodes In addition, casting director Linda Lowy (who worked on Scandal, Grey's Anatomy and Friday Night Lights) will also receive the Hoyt Bowers Award. The 2013 Artios Awards will take place on Monday, Nov. 18, with simultaneous ceremonies at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
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- 9/10/2013
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before she was was the mentally unstable, hardcore CIA agent Carrie Mathison, Claire Danes was Angela Chase, an insecure teenager on "My So-Called LIfe."
So how did Danes nab the role that won her a Golden Globe when was only 15 years old? By giving an audition so wonderfully intense that she was chosen over "Clueless" actress Alicia Silverstone, the more convenient of the two.
"No one could really speak,” casting director Linda Lowy recalled of Danes' audition to The New Yorker. But the decision got tough when the crew realized they would be choosing a 13-year-old over Silverstone, who was 16 and "emancipated," meaning she could work longer hours.
“We turned to [creator] Winnie [Holzman],” executive producer Marshall Herskovitz remembered. “Winnie said, ‘Let’s change the nature of the show ... in that moment, we decided to include the lives of the parents more.”
Almost two decades later, Danes is still wowing viewers with her performance as Carrie.
So how did Danes nab the role that won her a Golden Globe when was only 15 years old? By giving an audition so wonderfully intense that she was chosen over "Clueless" actress Alicia Silverstone, the more convenient of the two.
"No one could really speak,” casting director Linda Lowy recalled of Danes' audition to The New Yorker. But the decision got tough when the crew realized they would be choosing a 13-year-old over Silverstone, who was 16 and "emancipated," meaning she could work longer hours.
“We turned to [creator] Winnie [Holzman],” executive producer Marshall Herskovitz remembered. “Winnie said, ‘Let’s change the nature of the show ... in that moment, we decided to include the lives of the parents more.”
Almost two decades later, Danes is still wowing viewers with her performance as Carrie.
- 9/2/2013
- by Leigh Weingus
- Huffington Post
Between now and June 28, the deadline for Emmy voters to submit nomination ballots, EW.com will feature interviews with some of the actors and actresses whose names we hope to hear when nominations are announced on July 18.
Scandal is not a show for the emotionally faint. ABC’s soapy political melodrama reached dramatic heights in season 2, when creator Shonda Rhimes treated devoted viewers to a two-story arc full of murders, lies, secret identities, and an assassination attempt. But before the mole, Rowan, and Captain Jake Ballard, there was the original sin of Scandal — the election rigging.
Rhimes shrewdly structured the...
Scandal is not a show for the emotionally faint. ABC’s soapy political melodrama reached dramatic heights in season 2, when creator Shonda Rhimes treated devoted viewers to a two-story arc full of murders, lies, secret identities, and an assassination attempt. But before the mole, Rowan, and Captain Jake Ballard, there was the original sin of Scandal — the election rigging.
Rhimes shrewdly structured the...
- 6/24/2013
- by Lindsey Bahr
- EW - Inside TV
"Scandal" wraps up its second season this week (Thurs., May 16, 10 p.m. Et on ABC), and there's no telling what kind of twists and massive cliffhangers they'll leave us with before Season 3, especially now that we know who the mole is.
Star Katie Lowes stopped by HuffPost Live to talk all about her character Quinn's evolution and her new partnership with Olivia Pope & Associates' resident spy guy Huck (Guillermo Diaz). Could it be more than just a mentor-mentee relationship? Would she be up for a Huckleberry Quinn hook-up?
"Sure! [Laughs.] I would be game for anything," she told HuffPost Live. "Whatever is thrown at us, we will take it on and we will grab it and we will do with it what we will." Spoken like a true Gladiator.
But Lowes also revealed a little-known fact about her past with a fellow "Scandal" star.
"Jeff Perry, who plays Cyrus, was my...
Star Katie Lowes stopped by HuffPost Live to talk all about her character Quinn's evolution and her new partnership with Olivia Pope & Associates' resident spy guy Huck (Guillermo Diaz). Could it be more than just a mentor-mentee relationship? Would she be up for a Huckleberry Quinn hook-up?
"Sure! [Laughs.] I would be game for anything," she told HuffPost Live. "Whatever is thrown at us, we will take it on and we will grab it and we will do with it what we will." Spoken like a true Gladiator.
But Lowes also revealed a little-known fact about her past with a fellow "Scandal" star.
"Jeff Perry, who plays Cyrus, was my...
- 5/13/2013
- by Maggie Furlong
- Huffington Post
“You know me. I can’t go anywhere without causing trouble! That’s just how it goes.” In other words, Hilarie Burton is well aware that she’s stirring things up with her Grey’s Anatomy run, which kicked off with a meet-so-cute between cranio-facial whiz Lauren and the very pretty, very married Arizona, and continues Thursday at 9/8c.
TVLine invited Burton – familiar to TV fans from her previous roles on One Tree Hill and White Collar – to tease her Grey’s arc, and good.
Related | May Sweeps/Season Finale Scoopapalooza: More Than 100 Spoilers on Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and...
TVLine invited Burton – familiar to TV fans from her previous roles on One Tree Hill and White Collar – to tease her Grey’s arc, and good.
Related | May Sweeps/Season Finale Scoopapalooza: More Than 100 Spoilers on Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and...
- 5/8/2013
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
TVLine’s Times Square office this week was paid a visit by no less than the President of the United States — or, at least, Tony Goldwyn of ABC’s Scandal, who previewed Season 1′s penultimate episode (airing tonight at 10/9c), in which we learn through much-anticipated flashbacks how White House hopeful Fitzgerald Grant’s path first crossed with that of Olivia Pope. (Let’s just say the young fixer’s opening line is a real winner.)
Goldwyn also weighs in on his chemistry with series lead Kerry Washington, hails his chief of staff and hints at a surprise or two still to come.
Goldwyn also weighs in on his chemistry with series lead Kerry Washington, hails his chief of staff and hints at a surprise or two still to come.
- 5/10/2012
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
HollywoodNews.com: “Friday Night Lights” is one of the best underrated shows on television that never gets enough credit. However, Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler have a lot to celebrate after both being nominated for Emmys.
Britton said, “I’m so grateful. It really feels like a gift. We’re about to wrap the show after 5 seasons, so this is especially wonderful and so unexpected. And I’m thrilled for my TV husband, Kyle too… It really feels like an acknowledgment of the show.”
Executive Producer, Jason Katims, added, “I am thrilled for Connie and Kyle. I will admit I had to read the email several times before I believed it. Kyle and Connie have both created once in a lifetime nuanced, complex and compelling characters — it is no small thrill for myself that after four years not one but both have been recognized. I am also thrilled that Rolin Jones...
Britton said, “I’m so grateful. It really feels like a gift. We’re about to wrap the show after 5 seasons, so this is especially wonderful and so unexpected. And I’m thrilled for my TV husband, Kyle too… It really feels like an acknowledgment of the show.”
Executive Producer, Jason Katims, added, “I am thrilled for Connie and Kyle. I will admit I had to read the email several times before I believed it. Kyle and Connie have both created once in a lifetime nuanced, complex and compelling characters — it is no small thrill for myself that after four years not one but both have been recognized. I am also thrilled that Rolin Jones...
- 7/9/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Friday, May 7, 2010 should be called Jesse Plemons Day. It's the day his new film "Happiness Runs" hits theaters and the day Season 4 of "Friday Night Lights" premieres on NBC. His character, fan favorite Landry Clarke, will be featured more than ever, now that other characters have grown up and moved out of Dillon, Texas. Plemons, who has been acting since he played a cowboy in a Coke commercial at age 3, may surprise his "Friday Night Lights" fans when he plays a cruel drug dealer in "Happiness." But for Plemons, it's all about new learning experiences. Back Stage: You started acting at a young age. When did you know you wanted to be a professional actor?Jesse Plemons: I guess when you're a child actor you don't really think, "I'm going to do this for the rest of my life." But I had a lot of fun meeting new people,...
- 5/5/2010
- backstage.com
Casting directors came out from behind the curtain to be honored by their peers last night at the 25th Annual Artios Awards. The bi-coastal awards, which were held simultaneously at the new Times Center in New York City and the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, are presented yearly for outstanding achievement in casting in theater, film, and television categories on the criteria of originality, creativity, and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project.Celebrity awards presenters in New York were Patrick Wilson ("Little Children," "Angels in America"), Carrie Preston ("True Blood"), Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road"), Jennifer Morrison ("House"), Bill Pullman ("Oleanna"), Christine Ebersole ("Grey Gardens"), Vincent Kartheiser ("Mad Men"), and Elizabeth Reaser ("Twilight"). Stanley Tucci and producer Daryl Roth presented the New York Big Apple Award to Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, whose "Love, Loss and What I Wore" recently opened Off-Broadway to rave reviews.
- 11/3/2009
- backstage.com
Producer Laura Ziskin, writer-director Nora Ephron, writer Delia Ephron and casting director John Frank Levey will be honored at the Casting Society of America's 24th annual Artios Awards.
Simultaneous awards ceremonies will be held in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the New York Times Building in New York on Nov. 2.
Ziskin is set to receive the group's Career Achievement Award. The New York Apple Award will be presented to Nora and Delia Ephron. Levy is this year's recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
Representing 425 members in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, Cas also announced its nominees in film TV and theater on Thursday.
In the category of big budget feature drama, Ellen Chenoweth scored two noms for "Changeling" and "Duplicity." The category nominees are John Papsidera for "The Dark Knight"; April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" and Avy Kaufman for "State of Play.
Simultaneous awards ceremonies will be held in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles and the New York Times Building in New York on Nov. 2.
Ziskin is set to receive the group's Career Achievement Award. The New York Apple Award will be presented to Nora and Delia Ephron. Levy is this year's recipient of the Hoyt Bowers Award.
Representing 425 members in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, Cas also announced its nominees in film TV and theater on Thursday.
In the category of big budget feature drama, Ellen Chenoweth scored two noms for "Changeling" and "Duplicity." The category nominees are John Papsidera for "The Dark Knight"; April Webster and Alyssa Weisberg for "Star Trek" and Avy Kaufman for "State of Play.
- 9/17/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's a good day for funny people, especially if your name is Tina Fey or Seth MacFarlane.
Fey's series, 30 Rock, was handed 22 Emmy nominations this morning, which stands as a record for a comedy series. She and Alec Baldwin were also nominated for acting awards. Plus, for the first time some of the other actors on NBC's laffer were recognized. Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Tracy Morgan all picked up supporting nominations.
MacFarlane's Family Guy was also nominated for best comedy series, the first time an animated show has cracked that category since The Flintstones in 1961. Two years ago MacFarlane decided to pull his show from contention in the animated series category to have it considered for best comedy.
Mad Men, the drama about the advertising world in the sixties, picked up 16 nominations in the drama categories, including a best actor nod for Jon Hamm. Hamm is also nominated as...
Fey's series, 30 Rock, was handed 22 Emmy nominations this morning, which stands as a record for a comedy series. She and Alec Baldwin were also nominated for acting awards. Plus, for the first time some of the other actors on NBC's laffer were recognized. Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Tracy Morgan all picked up supporting nominations.
MacFarlane's Family Guy was also nominated for best comedy series, the first time an animated show has cracked that category since The Flintstones in 1961. Two years ago MacFarlane decided to pull his show from contention in the animated series category to have it considered for best comedy.
Mad Men, the drama about the advertising world in the sixties, picked up 16 nominations in the drama categories, including a best actor nod for Jon Hamm. Hamm is also nominated as...
- 7/16/2009
- CinemaSpy
Like so many working actors, Elizabeth Reaser has endured her share of maddening pilot seasons. "Oh my God, it was just insane: pounding the pavement, going on a gazillion really bad auditions, and just being humiliated day in and day out and never even getting a test or a callback or anything," she recalls. "Just complete desperation followed by despair. It was years of that." Things went a little differently this time around. Fresh off her Emmy- and Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated turn as troubled Grey's Anatomy amnesiac Ava/Rebecca Pope, Reaser landed the lead role in CBS's buzzy new series The Ex List. And yet she doesn't feel all that removed from the crushing lows of previous years. "I don't feel like, 'Oh, cool, I'm here, it's done,' " she says. At least two of this season's other potential breakout stars also can't quite believe they've come so far.
- 8/27/2008
- by Sarah Kuhn
- backstage.com
A not-so-mysterious misfire, Hollywood Pictures' gruff, grandiose hockey movie was filmed almost two years ago as one of the more ballyhooed "runaway" productions -- the filmmakers built a fictional Alaskan town in a gorgeous alpine valley in Alberta, Canada.
"Mystery, Alaska", co-written and -produced by hockey fan/player and king of the TV world David E. Kelley, is a hybrid of sports movies and TV sitcoms with little originality and few surprises or memorably rough edges, except a few of those swear words about which Kevin Costner has made such a fuss.
Skating into theaters with an underdog's chance of equaling the boxoffice performance of Disney's puck-centric "Mighty Ducks" films, "Mystery" has all-star teams behind and in front of the camera. But like so many underachieving squads in the sports world -- often with sky-high player salaries like a certain local baseball team -- the sure-fire formula for success proves weak when the execution is sloppy.
Director Jay Roach has made summer megahit "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" since "Mystery" wrapped in early 1998, and Kelley recently made Emmy history by winning top awards for "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal". So their somewhat-tardy-to-the-parade movie has nothing to lose -- which is lucky for all involved because it won't impress many critics favorably or stick around long in theaters.
Screenwriters Kelley and Sean O'Byrne take their time introducing the film's central premise -- a legendary town of hockey players is set up by one of their own to play an "exhibition" game against the National Hockey League's New York Rangers -- but the road to the big climax is bumpy, and the characters are the usual motley assortment of ignoble Main Streeters.
Leading the ensemble pack is Russell Crowe as the sheriff and record holder for most years playing in the "Saturday game", a weekly ritual that inspires reporter Hank Azaria to write a Sports Illustrated story that brings the town much fame and an offer to host the Rangers in a heavily publicized, televised game of "pond hockey."
Mary McCormack ("True Crime") is the local girl who married Crowe's stable guy, but Azaria's scheming showoff is her former beau and continues to flirt when she sends out steadily more wavering vibes of fulfillment and permanence in her life in the sticks.
The leisurely paced, episodic scenario affords measurable time for about a dozen characters to undergo major changes during the buildup to and playing of the game, including Colm Meaney as the hockey-obsessed mayor and Lolita Davidovich as his cheating wife; Ron Eldard as the team's Don Juan and the cause of its problems; Ryan Northcott as the superstar rookie who briefly replaces Crowe's veteran on the ice and who has a joyfully turbulent romantic initiation with sweetheart Rachel Wilson, whose father (Burt Reynolds) is the town's bearish judge and reluctant coach.
Making a relatively early exit is Maury Chaykin (not having a good year following his prominent role in disastrous Cannes opener "Barber of Siberia") as a lawyer who makes an impassioned plea on behalf of the town when the game is nearly canceled. His character pays the price for being the messenger of Kelley and O'Byrne's ongoing corn chowder of pride, humility and overblown theatrics.
Other "Mystery" cast members of note include Michael McKean as a jumpy, foul-mouthed salesman; Kevin Durand as the team's gentle Goliath; and Judith Ivey as the wife of Reynolds' judge-coach.
Appearing in only a few scenes, Mike Myers is a hoot as a guest commentator on the broadcast of the final game, which includes spirited contributions from Little Richard and NHL vets Jim Fox, Doug McLeod and Phil Esposito playing themselves. While there is the usual compression of long periods of play during which nothing happens into a few brief scenes of crowd-pleasing scoring action, the game's function in rallying the spirits of the outmatched but determined Alaskans (and the audience) is decidedly dragged out, forcing curt resolutions for the many plot lines.
MYSTERY, ALASKA
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Hollywood Pictures presents
a Baldwin/Cohen-Rocking Chair production
Director: Jay Roach
Screenwriters: David E. Kelley, Sean O'Byrne
Producers: David E. Kelley, Howard Baldwin
Executive producer: Dan Kolsrud
Director of photography: Peter Deming
Production designer: Rusty Smith
Editor: Jon Poll
Costume designer: Deena Appel
Music: Carter Burwell
Casting: Linda Lowy, John Brace
Color/stereo
Cast:
John Biebe: Russell Crowe
Donna Biebe: Mary McCormack
Charles Danner: Hank Azaria
Judge Walter Burns: Burt Reynolds
Mayor Scott Pitcher: Colm Meaney
Mary Jane Pitcher: Lolita Davidovich
Bailey Pruitt: Maury Chaykin
"Skank" Marden: Ron Eldard
Stevie Weeks: Ryan Northcott
Marla Burns: Rachel Wilson
Mr. Walsh: Michael McKean
"Tree" Lane: Kevin Durand
Joanne Burns: Judith Ivey
Running time -- 118 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
"Mystery, Alaska", co-written and -produced by hockey fan/player and king of the TV world David E. Kelley, is a hybrid of sports movies and TV sitcoms with little originality and few surprises or memorably rough edges, except a few of those swear words about which Kevin Costner has made such a fuss.
Skating into theaters with an underdog's chance of equaling the boxoffice performance of Disney's puck-centric "Mighty Ducks" films, "Mystery" has all-star teams behind and in front of the camera. But like so many underachieving squads in the sports world -- often with sky-high player salaries like a certain local baseball team -- the sure-fire formula for success proves weak when the execution is sloppy.
Director Jay Roach has made summer megahit "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" since "Mystery" wrapped in early 1998, and Kelley recently made Emmy history by winning top awards for "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal". So their somewhat-tardy-to-the-parade movie has nothing to lose -- which is lucky for all involved because it won't impress many critics favorably or stick around long in theaters.
Screenwriters Kelley and Sean O'Byrne take their time introducing the film's central premise -- a legendary town of hockey players is set up by one of their own to play an "exhibition" game against the National Hockey League's New York Rangers -- but the road to the big climax is bumpy, and the characters are the usual motley assortment of ignoble Main Streeters.
Leading the ensemble pack is Russell Crowe as the sheriff and record holder for most years playing in the "Saturday game", a weekly ritual that inspires reporter Hank Azaria to write a Sports Illustrated story that brings the town much fame and an offer to host the Rangers in a heavily publicized, televised game of "pond hockey."
Mary McCormack ("True Crime") is the local girl who married Crowe's stable guy, but Azaria's scheming showoff is her former beau and continues to flirt when she sends out steadily more wavering vibes of fulfillment and permanence in her life in the sticks.
The leisurely paced, episodic scenario affords measurable time for about a dozen characters to undergo major changes during the buildup to and playing of the game, including Colm Meaney as the hockey-obsessed mayor and Lolita Davidovich as his cheating wife; Ron Eldard as the team's Don Juan and the cause of its problems; Ryan Northcott as the superstar rookie who briefly replaces Crowe's veteran on the ice and who has a joyfully turbulent romantic initiation with sweetheart Rachel Wilson, whose father (Burt Reynolds) is the town's bearish judge and reluctant coach.
Making a relatively early exit is Maury Chaykin (not having a good year following his prominent role in disastrous Cannes opener "Barber of Siberia") as a lawyer who makes an impassioned plea on behalf of the town when the game is nearly canceled. His character pays the price for being the messenger of Kelley and O'Byrne's ongoing corn chowder of pride, humility and overblown theatrics.
Other "Mystery" cast members of note include Michael McKean as a jumpy, foul-mouthed salesman; Kevin Durand as the team's gentle Goliath; and Judith Ivey as the wife of Reynolds' judge-coach.
Appearing in only a few scenes, Mike Myers is a hoot as a guest commentator on the broadcast of the final game, which includes spirited contributions from Little Richard and NHL vets Jim Fox, Doug McLeod and Phil Esposito playing themselves. While there is the usual compression of long periods of play during which nothing happens into a few brief scenes of crowd-pleasing scoring action, the game's function in rallying the spirits of the outmatched but determined Alaskans (and the audience) is decidedly dragged out, forcing curt resolutions for the many plot lines.
MYSTERY, ALASKA
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Hollywood Pictures presents
a Baldwin/Cohen-Rocking Chair production
Director: Jay Roach
Screenwriters: David E. Kelley, Sean O'Byrne
Producers: David E. Kelley, Howard Baldwin
Executive producer: Dan Kolsrud
Director of photography: Peter Deming
Production designer: Rusty Smith
Editor: Jon Poll
Costume designer: Deena Appel
Music: Carter Burwell
Casting: Linda Lowy, John Brace
Color/stereo
Cast:
John Biebe: Russell Crowe
Donna Biebe: Mary McCormack
Charles Danner: Hank Azaria
Judge Walter Burns: Burt Reynolds
Mayor Scott Pitcher: Colm Meaney
Mary Jane Pitcher: Lolita Davidovich
Bailey Pruitt: Maury Chaykin
"Skank" Marden: Ron Eldard
Stevie Weeks: Ryan Northcott
Marla Burns: Rachel Wilson
Mr. Walsh: Michael McKean
"Tree" Lane: Kevin Durand
Joanne Burns: Judith Ivey
Running time -- 118 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 9/27/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARK CITY, Utah -- No medieval damsel but nonetheless a damsel-in-distress story, "Guinevere" is a sterling tale of one young woman's post-"Graduate" attempt to redirect her life. With an exquisite lead performance from Sarah Polley, this Miramax release is one of the most bracing, funny and revealing films in recent Sundance memory. It seems destined for festival accolades and will surely win further tributes and recognition on the select-site circuit.
Life on the surface seems cozy and bright for '90s graduate Harper (Polley). She's been accepted to Harvard Law School and is on the fast track to fulfill her parents' fervent wishes. Both lawyers, they've provided the kind of patrician upbringing that will surely catapult Harper into a successful life.
Alas, going down this insular patrician world does not appeal to Harper. Somewhat mousy and lacking in self-confidence, she wallows in minor rebellion until she meets her catalyst, charming photographer Connie (Stephen Rea) who photographs her sister's tony wedding. Somewhat of a self-styled bohemian, Connie taps into Harper's angst. He's unusually perceptive about her insecurities and sagely realizes that Harper is bursting with inner energies and talents, long suppressed out of daughterly duty as well as the stultifying nature of her home life.
Part personal rebellion but also part attempt to realize herself, Harper moves in with Connie. Not unexpectedly, it elicits the reaction she expects from her mother. Better yet, under Connie's encouraging tutelage, she gathers confidence and begins to widen her interest beyond the strict confines of the law-school path.
No mere May-December love story, "Guinevere" brims with a more complex kind of love: It is more accurately a union of two people who don't fit into the tight strictures of normal life. Through screenwriter-director Audrey Wells' perceptive and pithy storytelling, we come to see the regenerative wonderfulness that this relationship brings. We also see the underskin, the neediness of Harper and Connie. Both have feet of clay and Wells shows us the limits that each character possesses. In particular, we see that Connie is caught in a lifelong rut, "mentoring" young women in a serial downspin -- they're his Guineveres.
Under Wells' sympathetic, revealing hand, "Guinevere"'s performances are sparkling and well-honed. Polley is magnificent as fragile and unfulfilled Harper, brittle and resilient at once. As sensitive older man Connie who sees into the souls of young girls, Rea shows the pied-piper magic of his character as well as his life's pathetic, repetitive routine. The supporting characters are picture-perfectly selected. Particular praise to casting directors Linda Lowy and John Brace for their apt, brahmin selections. Among the standouts in this WASP world are Jean Smart as Harper's snide, domineering mother, while Gina Gershon is winning as Harper's sympathetic, Guinevere predecessor.
Technically, the film is articulately polished, most prominently production designer Stephen McCabe's properly sterile production look, clueing us immediately to the cold life that Harper is in store for if she remains the good girl and goes off to Harvard.
GUINEVERE
Miramax Films
Producers: Jonathan King, Brad Weston
Screenwriter-director: Audrey Wells
Executive producers: Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Beau Flynn, Stefan Simchowitz, John Thompson, Boaz Davidson
Line producer: Tani Cohen
Production designer: Stephen McCabe
Director of photography: Charles Minsky
Costume designer: Genevieve Tyrrell
Music supervisor: Barklie K. Griggs
Music: Cristophe Beck
Editor: Dody Dorn
Casting directors : Linda Lowy, John Brace
Color/stereo
Cast:
Harper Sloane: Sarah Polley
Connie Fitzpatrick: Stephen Rea
Deborah Sloane: Jean Smart
Billie: Gina Gershon
Walter: Paul Dooley
Patty: Carrie Preston
Zack: Tracy Letts
Susan Sloane: Emily Procter
Leslie: Sharon McKnight
Ed: Gedde Watanabe
Jay: Carlton Wilborn
Cindy: Sandra Oh
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating...
Life on the surface seems cozy and bright for '90s graduate Harper (Polley). She's been accepted to Harvard Law School and is on the fast track to fulfill her parents' fervent wishes. Both lawyers, they've provided the kind of patrician upbringing that will surely catapult Harper into a successful life.
Alas, going down this insular patrician world does not appeal to Harper. Somewhat mousy and lacking in self-confidence, she wallows in minor rebellion until she meets her catalyst, charming photographer Connie (Stephen Rea) who photographs her sister's tony wedding. Somewhat of a self-styled bohemian, Connie taps into Harper's angst. He's unusually perceptive about her insecurities and sagely realizes that Harper is bursting with inner energies and talents, long suppressed out of daughterly duty as well as the stultifying nature of her home life.
Part personal rebellion but also part attempt to realize herself, Harper moves in with Connie. Not unexpectedly, it elicits the reaction she expects from her mother. Better yet, under Connie's encouraging tutelage, she gathers confidence and begins to widen her interest beyond the strict confines of the law-school path.
No mere May-December love story, "Guinevere" brims with a more complex kind of love: It is more accurately a union of two people who don't fit into the tight strictures of normal life. Through screenwriter-director Audrey Wells' perceptive and pithy storytelling, we come to see the regenerative wonderfulness that this relationship brings. We also see the underskin, the neediness of Harper and Connie. Both have feet of clay and Wells shows us the limits that each character possesses. In particular, we see that Connie is caught in a lifelong rut, "mentoring" young women in a serial downspin -- they're his Guineveres.
Under Wells' sympathetic, revealing hand, "Guinevere"'s performances are sparkling and well-honed. Polley is magnificent as fragile and unfulfilled Harper, brittle and resilient at once. As sensitive older man Connie who sees into the souls of young girls, Rea shows the pied-piper magic of his character as well as his life's pathetic, repetitive routine. The supporting characters are picture-perfectly selected. Particular praise to casting directors Linda Lowy and John Brace for their apt, brahmin selections. Among the standouts in this WASP world are Jean Smart as Harper's snide, domineering mother, while Gina Gershon is winning as Harper's sympathetic, Guinevere predecessor.
Technically, the film is articulately polished, most prominently production designer Stephen McCabe's properly sterile production look, clueing us immediately to the cold life that Harper is in store for if she remains the good girl and goes off to Harvard.
GUINEVERE
Miramax Films
Producers: Jonathan King, Brad Weston
Screenwriter-director: Audrey Wells
Executive producers: Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Beau Flynn, Stefan Simchowitz, John Thompson, Boaz Davidson
Line producer: Tani Cohen
Production designer: Stephen McCabe
Director of photography: Charles Minsky
Costume designer: Genevieve Tyrrell
Music supervisor: Barklie K. Griggs
Music: Cristophe Beck
Editor: Dody Dorn
Casting directors : Linda Lowy, John Brace
Color/stereo
Cast:
Harper Sloane: Sarah Polley
Connie Fitzpatrick: Stephen Rea
Deborah Sloane: Jean Smart
Billie: Gina Gershon
Walter: Paul Dooley
Patty: Carrie Preston
Zack: Tracy Letts
Susan Sloane: Emily Procter
Leslie: Sharon McKnight
Ed: Gedde Watanabe
Jay: Carlton Wilborn
Cindy: Sandra Oh
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating...
- 1/29/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TriStar's "Homegrown", which opened in Seattle and surrounding areas last weekend, is a surprisingly good comedy caper set in California's woodsy Humboldt County, where local cultivators of marijuana plants hire adventuresome types to guard and tend their multimillion-dollar crops on secret "plantations."
With a trio of hot actors -- Billy Bob Thornton, Hank Azaria and Ryan Phillippe -- as the grungy leads and a sharp, believable script co-written by director Stephen Gyllenhaal ("Losing Isaiah") and Nicholas Kazan based on a story by Gyllenhaal and Jonah Raskin, "Homegrown" should cultivate a sizable following in urban situations and harvest more fans when it lights up in the cable and video markets.
Not at all silly or slapstick in the tradition of past "stoner" films but not overly violent or judgmental in the fashion of downer drug movies, "Homegrown" is more akin in ambition to such classics as "The Killing" and "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre."
This approach works most of the time, with humor arising from the earthy characters and the paranoid milieu providing a steady increase of tension with nifty payoffs. There's sex, violence and rock 'n' roll, but the modestly budgeted project also has many choice lines and offbeat moments that keep one intrigued and entertained even through a few rough spots.
With insight into the ins and outs of making a big deal, matter-of-fact details about "trimming" and bagging the "buds" for transport and sale, and evocative sequences of guarding the potent product in rainy, secluded outposts, "Homegrown" is a sometimes startling look at a mysterious subculture that combines 1960s "radical" values of preserving the land and getting high all the time with 1990s-style greed and erosion of morals.
The film opens with the shocking murder of longtime "grower" Malcolm (John Lithgow) near his ranch, witnessed by his hired hands Jack (Thornton), Carter (Azaria) and Harlan (Phillippe). The nervous trio expect the worst, but the illegal crop worth millions is strangely left untouched.
They decide to cut down a few dozen plants and leave for town in a hurry, where Carter's sometime girlfriend Lucy (Kelly Lynch) takes them in. A regular "packager" for Malcolm, Lucy agrees to help the guys when Jack lies about who the pot belongs to and why it's being sold.
A charade ensues, with Jack covering up Malcolm's disappearance by partially assuming his identity and returning phone calls. There is a central mystery -- who had Malcolm killed? -- that baffles and worries the three, but they go ahead with a plan to harvest the whole farm and almost get away with it.
The strong supporting cast includes Jon Bon Jovi as a slick "buyer," Jon Tenney as a vicious assassin who terrorizes the principals in a wild sequence, Judge Reinhold as a corrupt sheriff and Jamie Lee Curtis as the regal, cagey leader of the entrenched regional entrepreneurs.
HOMEGROWN
Sony Pictures
TriStar Pictures
In association with Lakeshore Entertainment
A Rollercoaster Films production
Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal
Producer: Jason Clark
Screenwriters: Nicholas Kazan,
Stephen Gyllenhaal
Executive producers: Tom Rosenberg,
Sigurjon Sighvatsson, Ted Tannebaum,
Naomi Foner
Director of photography: Greg Gardiner
Production designer: Richard Sherman
Editor: Michael Jablow
Costume designer: Joseph Porro
Music: Trevor Rabin
Casting: Linda Lowy, John Brace
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jack: Billy Bob Thornton
Carter: Hank Azaria
Harlan: Ryan Phillippe
Lucy: Kelly Lynch
Malcolm/Robert: John Lithgow
Danny: Jon Bon Jovi
Running time -- 98 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
With a trio of hot actors -- Billy Bob Thornton, Hank Azaria and Ryan Phillippe -- as the grungy leads and a sharp, believable script co-written by director Stephen Gyllenhaal ("Losing Isaiah") and Nicholas Kazan based on a story by Gyllenhaal and Jonah Raskin, "Homegrown" should cultivate a sizable following in urban situations and harvest more fans when it lights up in the cable and video markets.
Not at all silly or slapstick in the tradition of past "stoner" films but not overly violent or judgmental in the fashion of downer drug movies, "Homegrown" is more akin in ambition to such classics as "The Killing" and "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre."
This approach works most of the time, with humor arising from the earthy characters and the paranoid milieu providing a steady increase of tension with nifty payoffs. There's sex, violence and rock 'n' roll, but the modestly budgeted project also has many choice lines and offbeat moments that keep one intrigued and entertained even through a few rough spots.
With insight into the ins and outs of making a big deal, matter-of-fact details about "trimming" and bagging the "buds" for transport and sale, and evocative sequences of guarding the potent product in rainy, secluded outposts, "Homegrown" is a sometimes startling look at a mysterious subculture that combines 1960s "radical" values of preserving the land and getting high all the time with 1990s-style greed and erosion of morals.
The film opens with the shocking murder of longtime "grower" Malcolm (John Lithgow) near his ranch, witnessed by his hired hands Jack (Thornton), Carter (Azaria) and Harlan (Phillippe). The nervous trio expect the worst, but the illegal crop worth millions is strangely left untouched.
They decide to cut down a few dozen plants and leave for town in a hurry, where Carter's sometime girlfriend Lucy (Kelly Lynch) takes them in. A regular "packager" for Malcolm, Lucy agrees to help the guys when Jack lies about who the pot belongs to and why it's being sold.
A charade ensues, with Jack covering up Malcolm's disappearance by partially assuming his identity and returning phone calls. There is a central mystery -- who had Malcolm killed? -- that baffles and worries the three, but they go ahead with a plan to harvest the whole farm and almost get away with it.
The strong supporting cast includes Jon Bon Jovi as a slick "buyer," Jon Tenney as a vicious assassin who terrorizes the principals in a wild sequence, Judge Reinhold as a corrupt sheriff and Jamie Lee Curtis as the regal, cagey leader of the entrenched regional entrepreneurs.
HOMEGROWN
Sony Pictures
TriStar Pictures
In association with Lakeshore Entertainment
A Rollercoaster Films production
Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal
Producer: Jason Clark
Screenwriters: Nicholas Kazan,
Stephen Gyllenhaal
Executive producers: Tom Rosenberg,
Sigurjon Sighvatsson, Ted Tannebaum,
Naomi Foner
Director of photography: Greg Gardiner
Production designer: Richard Sherman
Editor: Michael Jablow
Costume designer: Joseph Porro
Music: Trevor Rabin
Casting: Linda Lowy, John Brace
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jack: Billy Bob Thornton
Carter: Hank Azaria
Harlan: Ryan Phillippe
Lucy: Kelly Lynch
Malcolm/Robert: John Lithgow
Danny: Jon Bon Jovi
Running time -- 98 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 4/22/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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