Exclusive: The Black List and Google today revealed the four writers who were selected as the inaugural Black List x YouTube Originals Black Voices Creator Fellows. The recipients are Beverly Chukwu, Shannon Hawkins, Brandon Hines, and Duchant Johnson. More information about the Fellows is below.
The Black Voices Fellowship provides financial grants and creative support to writers in developing proofs of concept for a television show pitch. Each Fellow will receive $40,000 each for the purpose of producing a proof of concept and developing a pitch for their television series that authentically reflects the Black experience.
The Black List and Google also pair each fellowship recipient with one showrunner mentor and two additional writer mentors. This year’s showrunner mentors are Monica Owusu-Breen (Alias), Owen Smith (Blask-ish), Aaron Rashaan Thomas (Friday Night Lights), and Larry Wilmore (Insecure). Additional writer mentors included Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Karen Joseph Adcock (The Bear...
The Black Voices Fellowship provides financial grants and creative support to writers in developing proofs of concept for a television show pitch. Each Fellow will receive $40,000 each for the purpose of producing a proof of concept and developing a pitch for their television series that authentically reflects the Black experience.
The Black List and Google also pair each fellowship recipient with one showrunner mentor and two additional writer mentors. This year’s showrunner mentors are Monica Owusu-Breen (Alias), Owen Smith (Blask-ish), Aaron Rashaan Thomas (Friday Night Lights), and Larry Wilmore (Insecure). Additional writer mentors included Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Karen Joseph Adcock (The Bear...
- 2/9/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Marlee Matlin, Ramy Youssef, Lauren Ridloff, Ryan O’Connell and Ali Stroker are among the Hollywood names supporting the Inevitable Foundation’s open letter calling on the industry to shift away from relying on disability consultants and instead hire creatives with disabilities on film and TV projects.
A total of 35 deaf, disabled and allied writers, actors, showrunners and producers signed their names to the letter written and published by the Inevitable Foundation’s co-founders Marisa Torelli-Pedevska and Richie Siegel as part of their new Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just A Disability Consultant initiative.
Paul Feig, Jason Katims, Sian Heder, Liz Tigelaar, Krista Vernoff, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Josh Feldman, Shoshannah Stern and Timothy Omundson also backed the open letter, pledging to, in their own creative capacities, put more disabled creatives in positions of power and move away from the consultant model. It’s a system frequently used “instead of — not...
A total of 35 deaf, disabled and allied writers, actors, showrunners and producers signed their names to the letter written and published by the Inevitable Foundation’s co-founders Marisa Torelli-Pedevska and Richie Siegel as part of their new Hire Disabled Writers, Not Just A Disability Consultant initiative.
Paul Feig, Jason Katims, Sian Heder, Liz Tigelaar, Krista Vernoff, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Josh Feldman, Shoshannah Stern and Timothy Omundson also backed the open letter, pledging to, in their own creative capacities, put more disabled creatives in positions of power and move away from the consultant model. It’s a system frequently used “instead of — not...
- 3/23/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Mentorship Matters, an initiative aimed at boosting opportunities for emerging writers of color, has announced 25 writer mentees for its 2023 program, along with participating showrunner/executive producers.
Now in its second year, Mentorship Matters was developed by showrunners committed to using their positions to advocate for and help create opportunities for writers of color. With sponsorship from Amazon and AMC Networks, the program includes a year of consistent, in-depth mentorship and creative advocacy from a committed showrunner. It also includes guidance with developing and polishing an original writing sample along with panels and seminars with high-level industry professionals. Each mentee will be paired with a participating showrunner/executive producer mentor.
In the program’s inaugural year, 14 out of 23 mentees found representation, 8 were staffed on shows including Billions (Showtime), Criminal Minds: Evolution (Paramount+), Walker: Independence (The CW), and The Power (Amazon), and 1 signed an overall deal with Sony TV Studios.
Showrunners...
Now in its second year, Mentorship Matters was developed by showrunners committed to using their positions to advocate for and help create opportunities for writers of color. With sponsorship from Amazon and AMC Networks, the program includes a year of consistent, in-depth mentorship and creative advocacy from a committed showrunner. It also includes guidance with developing and polishing an original writing sample along with panels and seminars with high-level industry professionals. Each mentee will be paired with a participating showrunner/executive producer mentor.
In the program’s inaugural year, 14 out of 23 mentees found representation, 8 were staffed on shows including Billions (Showtime), Criminal Minds: Evolution (Paramount+), Walker: Independence (The CW), and The Power (Amazon), and 1 signed an overall deal with Sony TV Studios.
Showrunners...
- 2/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The 23rd annual Black Reel Awards took place Monday, February 6th, with “The Woman King” leading the field, snagging six awards including Best Picture. BAFTA nominee Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s historical epic is inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was close behind with five wins.
Special honorary award winners were Angela Bassett (Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award), Effie T. Brown (Vanguard Award), Debra Martin Chase (Oscar Micheaux Impact Award) and Kerry Washington (Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award).
The Black Reel Awards, or the “Bolt”, is an annual American awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (Faaaf) to recognize the excellence of African-Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, in the global film industry, as assessed by the Foundation’s voting membership.
Special honorary award winners were Angela Bassett (Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award), Effie T. Brown (Vanguard Award), Debra Martin Chase (Oscar Micheaux Impact Award) and Kerry Washington (Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award).
The Black Reel Awards, or the “Bolt”, is an annual American awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (Faaaf) to recognize the excellence of African-Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, in the global film industry, as assessed by the Foundation’s voting membership.
- 2/7/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Mike Gauyo and co-showrunner of Allblk network series Send Help, with industry training platform Stage 32 open submissions for the third year of the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative under the Black Boy Writes Media banner.
The initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters. In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2023 class will open November 18 2022 and close December 18 2022.
The first round of the application will require a bio, 1-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the third round will interview with Mike and the initiatives Chief of Programming, Ashley Aronson, before 10 to 12 participants are selected. Links to submit applications are http://www.blackboywrites.com or http://www.stage32.com.
Past participants of the program include 2021 alum Joshua L. Myers, who received representation with Culture Creative,...
The initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters. In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2023 class will open November 18 2022 and close December 18 2022.
The first round of the application will require a bio, 1-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the third round will interview with Mike and the initiatives Chief of Programming, Ashley Aronson, before 10 to 12 participants are selected. Links to submit applications are http://www.blackboywrites.com or http://www.stage32.com.
Past participants of the program include 2021 alum Joshua L. Myers, who received representation with Culture Creative,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Actress Sanaa Lathan makes her directorial debut with the teen drama “On the Come Up,” centering on teenager Brianna ‘Bri’ Jackson (Jamila C. Gray), who is striving to make her mark as a rapper, initially through rap battles. Because her father, Lawless Jackson, is a legend who not only won battles but also got to record prior to being killed, Bri has huge shoes to fill.
Making it as a rapper is not Bri’s primary challenge, however. When her mother Jay (Lathan), a recovering drug addict, loses her job, the family faces even greater financial pressure. To help make ends meet, Bri is already selling candy, but that stops when she is frighteningly manhandled by school security, bringing a racial-justice story into the fold. Her family’s need for money makes her even more determined to achieve success.
While rap-battling offers her that opportunity, the potential an even bigger...
Making it as a rapper is not Bri’s primary challenge, however. When her mother Jay (Lathan), a recovering drug addict, loses her job, the family faces even greater financial pressure. To help make ends meet, Bri is already selling candy, but that stops when she is frighteningly manhandled by school security, bringing a racial-justice story into the fold. Her family’s need for money makes her even more determined to achieve success.
While rap-battling offers her that opportunity, the potential an even bigger...
- 9/23/2022
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Wrap
Exclusive: ABC is developing a character-based procedural drama from top TV and film writer Drew Goddard and ABC Signature where Goddard and his Goddard Textiles are based. I hear the project, based on TF1’s popular detective series Hip (High Intellectual Potential), has been a standout and is looking good for a fall “second cycle” round of pilot pickups, which ABC is planning. According to sources, the network has an early, mid-October script delivery date deadline for a few projects that are in more advanced stages of development to contend for about 2-3 pilot orders. The Drew Goddard drama, which is considered a frontrunner for a spot, is targeted for the 2023-24 season.
The premise of the untitled drama, written by Goddard, evokes Good Will Hunting. In it, a single mom with three kids and an exceptional mind helps solve an unsolvable crime when she rearranges some...
The premise of the untitled drama, written by Goddard, evokes Good Will Hunting. In it, a single mom with three kids and an exceptional mind helps solve an unsolvable crime when she rearranges some...
- 9/15/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanks to a successful launch at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Sanaa Lathan-directed movie “On the Come Up” has nabbed a day-and-date theatrical release from Paramount.
Initially set to launch exclusively on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 23, the studio announced Monday that the film will now also be released in limited theaters across the top 50 market.
The movie marks the feature directorial debut from Lathan, who pulls double duty on the project, co-starring in the film as Jayda “Jay” Jackson, mother to the story’s central character Bri.
Based on the best-selling 2019 YA novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”), “On the Come Up” follows Bri, a talented 16-year-old high school student who dreams of making it big in the world of battle rap, with aims to lift up her family and honor the legacy of her father — a local hip-hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
Initially set to launch exclusively on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 23, the studio announced Monday that the film will now also be released in limited theaters across the top 50 market.
The movie marks the feature directorial debut from Lathan, who pulls double duty on the project, co-starring in the film as Jayda “Jay” Jackson, mother to the story’s central character Bri.
Based on the best-selling 2019 YA novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”), “On the Come Up” follows Bri, a talented 16-year-old high school student who dreams of making it big in the world of battle rap, with aims to lift up her family and honor the legacy of her father — a local hip-hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
- 9/12/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: In the wake of Sanaa Lathan’s world premiere of On the Come Up here at TIFF, the pic is getting a limited theatrical release in the top 50 markets nationally in sync with its Friday, Sept. 23 Paramount+ drop date. Previews start on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Said Paramount Pictures President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, “We’re thrilled to share this incredible adaptation of Angie Thomas’s moving novel with audiences everywhere, across multiple platforms. Seeing Sanaa Lathan’s visionary direction and watching the remarkably talented Jamila C. Gray and the rest of the cast light up the screen, viewers will see what we already know: that this is an exceptional film, not to be missed. A heartfelt thanks to our partners at State Street and Temple Hill. We can’t wait to share On the Come Up with the world on September 23.”
Deadline film critic Valerie Complex exclaimed about On...
Said Paramount Pictures President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, “We’re thrilled to share this incredible adaptation of Angie Thomas’s moving novel with audiences everywhere, across multiple platforms. Seeing Sanaa Lathan’s visionary direction and watching the remarkably talented Jamila C. Gray and the rest of the cast light up the screen, viewers will see what we already know: that this is an exceptional film, not to be missed. A heartfelt thanks to our partners at State Street and Temple Hill. We can’t wait to share On the Come Up with the world on September 23.”
Deadline film critic Valerie Complex exclaimed about On...
- 9/12/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s fitting that Emmy-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan is making her feature directorial debut with a drama about the power of legacy. The veteran performer is the child of both another actress (Eleanor McCoy) and another filmmaker (Stan Lathan). She is likely well-acquainted with the pressures and pleasures of having great things expected of her because of her name and lineage. She doesn’t need to worry, because
Based on the best-selling YA novel by Angie Thomas, “On the Come Up” follows a rising rap star intent on making a name for herself while honoring her late father. “On the Come Up” embraces its fairy-tale feeling early on, opening with a title card that tells us it’s set “somewhere in America,” before zooming in on the fictional, mostly Black community of Garden Heights. But this fairy tale doesn’t have a happy start, as we meet young Bri (played...
Based on the best-selling YA novel by Angie Thomas, “On the Come Up” follows a rising rap star intent on making a name for herself while honoring her late father. “On the Come Up” embraces its fairy-tale feeling early on, opening with a title card that tells us it’s set “somewhere in America,” before zooming in on the fictional, mostly Black community of Garden Heights. But this fairy tale doesn’t have a happy start, as we meet young Bri (played...
- 9/11/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
On the Come Up, directed by actress-turned-director Sanaa Lathan and written by Zora Howard (Premature) and Kay Oyegun, is based on the book by acclaimed author Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give). The film explores the many facets of Black girlhood through hip-hop music and the general music industry. The novel is 464 pages, and the movie tries to cram all that information into two hours, which sometimes overshadows the messaging. But what works is that it speaks to a demographic that is often ignored and the culture of rap that is seldom explored from a woman’s perspective.
The film starts with Bri (Jamila Gray) being abandoned by her drug-addicted mother Jay (Lathan). The memory traumatizes her throughout her adolescence until the point she’s introduced as a 16-year old She’s also mourning the death of her father, a former rapper called Law from the Garden Heights. She wants...
The film starts with Bri (Jamila Gray) being abandoned by her drug-addicted mother Jay (Lathan). The memory traumatizes her throughout her adolescence until the point she’s introduced as a 16-year old She’s also mourning the death of her father, a former rapper called Law from the Garden Heights. She wants...
- 9/9/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Somewhere in Garden Heights, the fictional American town at the center of On the Come Up, is an imposing mural of Lawless, one of the community’s biggest rappers. His daughter Bri Jackson (Jamila C. Gray), who goes by the moniker Lil’ Law, makes frequent visits to this vibrant portrait when she needs guidance. It’s a meditative exercise, a way to refocus. Bri is determined to become one of the greatest rappers to come out of the Heights — just like her dad.
On the Come Up, Sanaa Lathan’s cool, confident directorial debut, chronicles the 16-year-old’s journey to becoming a star and honoring her dead father’s legacy. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released by Paramount+ on September 23, is based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name. Thomas, whose debut novel The Hate U Give...
Somewhere in Garden Heights, the fictional American town at the center of On the Come Up, is an imposing mural of Lawless, one of the community’s biggest rappers. His daughter Bri Jackson (Jamila C. Gray), who goes by the moniker Lil’ Law, makes frequent visits to this vibrant portrait when she needs guidance. It’s a meditative exercise, a way to refocus. Bri is determined to become one of the greatest rappers to come out of the Heights — just like her dad.
On the Come Up, Sanaa Lathan’s cool, confident directorial debut, chronicles the 16-year-old’s journey to becoming a star and honoring her dead father’s legacy. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released by Paramount+ on September 23, is based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name. Thomas, whose debut novel The Hate U Give...
- 9/9/2022
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the Come Up Trailer 2 — Paramount+ has released the second movie trailer for On the Come Up (2022). Crew Sanaa Lathan‘s On the Come Up stars Jamila C. Gray, Mike Epps, Method Man, Lil Yachty, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, GaTa, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Titus Makin Jr, and Michael Anthony Cooper Jr. Kay Oyegun wrote the screenplay [...]
Continue reading: On The Come Up (2022) Movie Trailer 2: Female Rapper Jamila C. Gray Seeks to Save Her Family Through Music...
Continue reading: On The Come Up (2022) Movie Trailer 2: Female Rapper Jamila C. Gray Seeks to Save Her Family Through Music...
- 9/1/2022
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Sundance Institute and Hartbeat have selected Mayanna Berrin, Kiana Butler Jabangwe and Danielle Solomon as the recipients of the “Women Write Now” fellowship for Black female comedic screenwriters.
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and the Sundance Institute today named Mayanna Berrin (Power Dynamics), Kiana Butler Jabangwe (Night Off) and Danielle Solomon (Hey Boo) as the recipients of this year’s Women Write Now comedic screenwriting fellowship, designed to elevate the next generation of Black women in comedy.
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Demetrius Grosse, coming off playing one of the leads in ABC’s untitled Kay Oyegun drama pilot, has been cast by the network as a lead opposite Neve Campbell in another drama project, Avalon. The series, based on Michael Connelly’s short story, comes from David E. Kelley, A+E Studios and 20th Television.
Avalon, which has a straight-to-series order, takes place in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island, where L.A. Sheriff’s Department Detective Nicole “Nic” Searcy (Campbell) heads up a small office. Catalina has a local population that serves more than 1 million tourists a year, and each day when the ferries arrive, hundreds of potential new stories enter the island. Detective Searcy is pulled into a career-defining mystery that will challenge everything she knows about herself and the island.
Grosse will play Senior Deputy Dayo Musa, who is assigned to Catalina Island, a post he’s...
Avalon, which has a straight-to-series order, takes place in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island, where L.A. Sheriff’s Department Detective Nicole “Nic” Searcy (Campbell) heads up a small office. Catalina has a local population that serves more than 1 million tourists a year, and each day when the ferries arrive, hundreds of potential new stories enter the island. Detective Searcy is pulled into a career-defining mystery that will challenge everything she knows about herself and the island.
Grosse will play Senior Deputy Dayo Musa, who is assigned to Catalina Island, a post he’s...
- 8/30/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Sanaa Lathan is about to make her directorial debut with “On the Come Up,” which is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month. And thanks to a trailer, which debuted during Sunday night’s Video Musical Awards on MTV, we’ve got our first look at the film which will exclusively play on exclusively arrive on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 23 in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and later in the year in additional international territories.
Based on a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, who also wrote “The Hate U Give,” “On the Come Up” stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as “Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
Based on a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, who also wrote “The Hate U Give,” “On the Come Up” stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as “Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
- 8/29/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Paramount+ has released the trailer for their upcoming original film On the Come Up during the 2022 MTV VMAs.
The movie based on the New York Times’ #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), On the Come Up is the feature directorial debut of Emmy-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan and will also hold its World Premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
On the Come Up will premiere on the streaming service starting on Friday, September 23 in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and later in the year in additional international territories.
Starring newcomer Jamila C. Gray, On the Come Up is the story of Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when...
The movie based on the New York Times’ #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), On the Come Up is the feature directorial debut of Emmy-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan and will also hold its World Premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
On the Come Up will premiere on the streaming service starting on Friday, September 23 in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and later in the year in additional international territories.
Starring newcomer Jamila C. Gray, On the Come Up is the story of Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when...
- 8/29/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has given a series order to the spy drama “The Company You Keep” starring “This Is Us” alum Milo Ventimiglia, Variety has learned.
The series was originally ordered to pilot as part of ABC’s 2022 pilot season slate. It will now debut at midseason on ABC in 2023.
The show is based on the Korean series “My Fellow Citizens” from Korean Broadcasting System. In the American version, a night of passion leads to love between con-man Charlie (Ventimiglia) and undercover CIA officer Emma (Catherine Haena Kim), who are unknowingly on a collision course professionally. While Charlie ramps up the “family business” so he can get out for good, Emma’s closing in on the vengeful criminal who holds Charlie’s family debts in-hand – forcing them to reckon with the lies they’ve told so they can save themselves and their families from disastrous consequences.
The show also stars William Fichtner as Leo,...
The series was originally ordered to pilot as part of ABC’s 2022 pilot season slate. It will now debut at midseason on ABC in 2023.
The show is based on the Korean series “My Fellow Citizens” from Korean Broadcasting System. In the American version, a night of passion leads to love between con-man Charlie (Ventimiglia) and undercover CIA officer Emma (Catherine Haena Kim), who are unknowingly on a collision course professionally. While Charlie ramps up the “family business” so he can get out for good, Emma’s closing in on the vengeful criminal who holds Charlie’s family debts in-hand – forcing them to reckon with the lies they’ve told so they can save themselves and their families from disastrous consequences.
The show also stars William Fichtner as Leo,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
ABC has opted not to pick up the drama pilot “Criminal Nature” to series.
This is now the second time the project has been passed over at the broadcast network. A different iteration of the pilot with a different creative team — which included Kevin Costner as co-writer — was in the works at ABC in 2021 before being axed in July.
The new version, which had been titled “Criminal Nature,” was part of ABC’s 2022 pilot season slate. It was described as a soapy procedural set in the stunning world of America’s great outdoors. The story revolved around the tangled, messy lives of the agents who work for the Investigative Services Branch (Isb) — an elite law enforcement unit responsible for solving all serious crimes that occur in our country’s 81,000 square miles of protected land.
Parker Young, Michaela McManus, Julia Chan, Ian Duff, and Yasha Jackson starred in the pilot. “Criminal Nature...
This is now the second time the project has been passed over at the broadcast network. A different iteration of the pilot with a different creative team — which included Kevin Costner as co-writer — was in the works at ABC in 2021 before being axed in July.
The new version, which had been titled “Criminal Nature,” was part of ABC’s 2022 pilot season slate. It was described as a soapy procedural set in the stunning world of America’s great outdoors. The story revolved around the tangled, messy lives of the agents who work for the Investigative Services Branch (Isb) — an elite law enforcement unit responsible for solving all serious crimes that occur in our country’s 81,000 square miles of protected land.
Parker Young, Michaela McManus, Julia Chan, Ian Duff, and Yasha Jackson starred in the pilot. “Criminal Nature...
- 8/19/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Summer has ended, and school is in session as Quinta Brunson and Abbott Elementary taught a masterclass at the 6th Annual Black Reel TV Awards presented by idobi.
Brunson and her freshman comedy, Abbott Elementary proved that it’s just simple math as they racked up seven wins at this year’s Black Reel Television Awards. She won four awards on her own as she received Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary and Outstanding Guest Actress for A Black Lady Sketch Show. Brunson triumphed in a surprise upset of the comedy actress category over Issa Rae, the sentimental favorite, in her farewell season of Insecure.
While Glover led the pack in individual nominations with five, he was able to take home one win for Outstanding Actor, Comedy Series for Atlanta.
HBO cashed in on their record 40 nominations this...
Brunson and her freshman comedy, Abbott Elementary proved that it’s just simple math as they racked up seven wins at this year’s Black Reel Television Awards. She won four awards on her own as she received Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary and Outstanding Guest Actress for A Black Lady Sketch Show. Brunson triumphed in a surprise upset of the comedy actress category over Issa Rae, the sentimental favorite, in her farewell season of Insecure.
While Glover led the pack in individual nominations with five, he was able to take home one win for Outstanding Actor, Comedy Series for Atlanta.
HBO cashed in on their record 40 nominations this...
- 8/15/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The drama series “Will Trent” has officially been ordered at ABC, Variety has learned.
The show was originally ordered to pilot at ABC in February as past of the broadcaster’s 2022 pilot season slate. The show will debut at midseason for ABC during the 2022-2023 broadcast season.
Based on Karin Slaughter’s “Will Trent” novel series, the show follows Special Agent Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (Gbi). Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. But now, determined to use his unique point of view to make sure no one is abandoned like he was, Will Trent has the highest clearance rate in the Gbi.
Along with Rodríguez, the show also stars Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, and Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner.
The pilot was...
The show was originally ordered to pilot at ABC in February as past of the broadcaster’s 2022 pilot season slate. The show will debut at midseason for ABC during the 2022-2023 broadcast season.
Based on Karin Slaughter’s “Will Trent” novel series, the show follows Special Agent Will Trent (Ramón Rodríguez) of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (Gbi). Trent was abandoned at birth and endured a harsh coming-of-age in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. But now, determined to use his unique point of view to make sure no one is abandoned like he was, Will Trent has the highest clearance rate in the Gbi.
Along with Rodríguez, the show also stars Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, and Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner.
The pilot was...
- 8/8/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
ABC has picked up drama pilot Will Trent (working title) to series for a midseason launch. Will Trent, starring Ramón Rodríguez, is one of four 2022 ABC drama pilots whose production was targeted for off-cycle and the first of the bunch to land a series order.
Will Trent emerged as an early front-runner in what ABC calls “second cycle” as part of its year-round development strategy. There was a small hiccup in the final stretch, which I hear was over the nature of storytelling, but the pilot remained on track for a pickup. In anticipation of a series order, writers have been working on scripts for the past three weeks. Decision on ABC’s other strong second cycle drama contender, The Company You Keep starring Milo Ventimiglia, has not been made yet. The network last month passed on the untitled therapist drama pilot written by Kay Oyegun.
2022-23 ABC New Series...
Will Trent emerged as an early front-runner in what ABC calls “second cycle” as part of its year-round development strategy. There was a small hiccup in the final stretch, which I hear was over the nature of storytelling, but the pilot remained on track for a pickup. In anticipation of a series order, writers have been working on scripts for the past three weeks. Decision on ABC’s other strong second cycle drama contender, The Company You Keep starring Milo Ventimiglia, has not been made yet. The network last month passed on the untitled therapist drama pilot written by Kay Oyegun.
2022-23 ABC New Series...
- 8/8/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Caterina Scorsone is sharing her excitement for Season 19 of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy—with the script for the premiere episode in hand. The series is set to return on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. Et.
Scorsone, who portrays Amelia Shepherd in the long-running medical drama, also got fans riled up while describing what they can expect from the newly added cast members including Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, and Midori Francis.
“Memorizing lines for #1901. It’s here. There will be updates. The classic cast is ready and revving. The new cast additions are exciting and gorgeous. Inside and out. Here we go,” she tweeted on Saturday.
Memorizing lines for #1901. It’s here. There will be updates. The classic cast is ready and revving. The new cast additions are exciting and gorgeous. Inside and out. Here we go.
— Caterina Scorsone (@caterinatweets) July 31, 2022 Related Story Harry Shum Jr.
Scorsone, who portrays Amelia Shepherd in the long-running medical drama, also got fans riled up while describing what they can expect from the newly added cast members including Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, and Midori Francis.
“Memorizing lines for #1901. It’s here. There will be updates. The classic cast is ready and revving. The new cast additions are exciting and gorgeous. Inside and out. Here we go,” she tweeted on Saturday.
Memorizing lines for #1901. It’s here. There will be updates. The classic cast is ready and revving. The new cast additions are exciting and gorgeous. Inside and out. Here we go.
— Caterina Scorsone (@caterinatweets) July 31, 2022 Related Story Harry Shum Jr.
- 7/31/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Update 3:30 Pm: There have been last minute developments as ABC is finalizing its decisions on off-cycle 2022 pilots. Drama Will Trent, which had been garnering the strongest buzz since early summer, has started to cool off. While Will Trent and The Company You Keep both appeared likely to go series, with writers rooms already up and running on both, I now hear that this is still a real possibility but no longer a lock. There is a chance that only one of the two dramas makes it to series.
Meanwhile, as we predicted earlier, ABC officially passed on the Untitled Kay Oyegun drama pilot and comedy pilot The Son in Law.
Related Story ABC Passes On Pilots: Comedy ‘The Son In Law’ Starring Chris Sullivan & Therapist Drama From Kay Oyegun Not Moving Forward Related Story 'Norman Lear: 100 Years Of Music & Laughter' Special Set For September On ABC Related Story Harry Shum Jr....
Meanwhile, as we predicted earlier, ABC officially passed on the Untitled Kay Oyegun drama pilot and comedy pilot The Son in Law.
Related Story ABC Passes On Pilots: Comedy ‘The Son In Law’ Starring Chris Sullivan & Therapist Drama From Kay Oyegun Not Moving Forward Related Story 'Norman Lear: 100 Years Of Music & Laughter' Special Set For September On ABC Related Story Harry Shum Jr....
- 7/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Sullivan‘s return to network TV after This Is Us will have to wait: ABC has passed on The Son in Law, a comedy pilot starring Sullivan, TVLine has learned.
Sullivan would have played Jake, a divorced, working-class plumbing contractor with a 21-year-old daughter. Jake finds new love with a woman named Asha, who is basically South Asian royalty — but Asha’s controlling parents do not approve of the match. His casting was first announced back in March.
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Sullivan would have played Jake, a divorced, working-class plumbing contractor with a 21-year-old daughter. Jake finds new love with a woman named Asha, who is basically South Asian royalty — but Asha’s controlling parents do not approve of the match. His casting was first announced back in March.
More from TVLineAmerican Idol: Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie Returning as Judges, Along With Host Ryan SeacrestThe Bachelorette Is...
- 7/28/2022
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
ABC has opted not to move forward with two of its remaining pilots.
The single-camera comedy “The Son-in-Law” and an untitled drama series from Kay Oyegun have both been scrapped at the broadcast network. Both were picked up as part of ABC’s initial pilot season slate and were in contention for midseason orders as part of ABC’s year-round development cycle. Both were also produced by 20th Television.
With the news, ABC has now only ordered one new comedy to series for the 2022-2023 broadcast season. That is the single-cam “Not Dead Yet” starring Gina Rodriguez, which was ordered to series in May.
On the drama side, ABC is still considering the espionage series “The Company You Keep” starring Milo Ventimiglia as well as “Will Trent,” based on the novel series by Karin Slaughter.
“The Son-in-Law” followed a salt of the earth man (Chris Sullivan) who found himself seeking...
The single-camera comedy “The Son-in-Law” and an untitled drama series from Kay Oyegun have both been scrapped at the broadcast network. Both were picked up as part of ABC’s initial pilot season slate and were in contention for midseason orders as part of ABC’s year-round development cycle. Both were also produced by 20th Television.
With the news, ABC has now only ordered one new comedy to series for the 2022-2023 broadcast season. That is the single-cam “Not Dead Yet” starring Gina Rodriguez, which was ordered to series in May.
On the drama side, ABC is still considering the espionage series “The Company You Keep” starring Milo Ventimiglia as well as “Will Trent,” based on the novel series by Karin Slaughter.
“The Son-in-Law” followed a salt of the earth man (Chris Sullivan) who found himself seeking...
- 7/28/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
ABC is passing on pilots.
The Disney-owned network has passed on comedy The Son In Law, headlined by This Is Us’ Chris Sullivan, and the untitled therapist drama written by This Is Us writer Kay Oyegun.
It comes after Deadline told you that both projects were not looking good for pick ups as Will Trent and The Company You Keep, headlined by This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia, were.
Written and executive produced by Ajay Sahgal and executive produced by Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar, The Son in Law follows Jake (Sullivan), a salt-of-the-earth man who finds himself seeking the approval of his new fiancée Asha’s (Reema Sampat) sophisticated parents, played by Meera Simhan and Anupam Kher, including a difficult-to-impress father-in-law. Evangeline Young and Robert Bailey Jr. also starred in the pilot.
The Detective Agency produced and 20th Television was the studio.
Oyegun’s untitled drama series revolved around...
The Disney-owned network has passed on comedy The Son In Law, headlined by This Is Us’ Chris Sullivan, and the untitled therapist drama written by This Is Us writer Kay Oyegun.
It comes after Deadline told you that both projects were not looking good for pick ups as Will Trent and The Company You Keep, headlined by This Is Us star Milo Ventimiglia, were.
Written and executive produced by Ajay Sahgal and executive produced by Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar, The Son in Law follows Jake (Sullivan), a salt-of-the-earth man who finds himself seeking the approval of his new fiancée Asha’s (Reema Sampat) sophisticated parents, played by Meera Simhan and Anupam Kher, including a difficult-to-impress father-in-law. Evangeline Young and Robert Bailey Jr. also starred in the pilot.
The Detective Agency produced and 20th Television was the studio.
Oyegun’s untitled drama series revolved around...
- 7/28/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+ has announced that Emmy-nominated Shots Fired actress Sanaa Lathan’s feature directorial debut On the Come Up, from Paramount Pictures’ Players Label, will premiere exclusively on the service in the U.S., Canada and Italy on September 23, expanding into additional international territories later this year.
On the Come Up is based on the New York Times #1 bestselling novel of the same name by The Hate U Give‘s Angie Thomas. Newcomer Jamila C. Gray stars as Bri, a gifted 16-year-old rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. When her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons,...
On the Come Up is based on the New York Times #1 bestselling novel of the same name by The Hate U Give‘s Angie Thomas. Newcomer Jamila C. Gray stars as Bri, a gifted 16-year-old rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. When her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons,...
- 7/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“On the Come Up,” the directorial debut of Emmy-nominee Sanaa Lathan, will debut exclusively on Paramount+ in September shortly following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“On the Come Up” is based on the New York Times #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”). It is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ Sept. 23 in the U.S., Canada and Italy and will be available in additional international territories later in the year.
Also Read:
Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis and Sanaa Lathan to Star in ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’
The film stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16 year old and gifted rapper who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – himself a local hip hop legend whose life was cut short by gang violence. But...
“On the Come Up” is based on the New York Times #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”). It is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ Sept. 23 in the U.S., Canada and Italy and will be available in additional international territories later in the year.
Also Read:
Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis and Sanaa Lathan to Star in ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’
The film stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16 year old and gifted rapper who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – himself a local hip hop legend whose life was cut short by gang violence. But...
- 7/27/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Sanaa Lathan’s directorial feature debut On the Come Up is set to receive a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
The Paramount Players adaptation of Angie Thomas’ novel On the Come Up, about an ambitious 16-year-old rapper, stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty and Mike Epps. The ensemble cast includes Lathan and Method Man, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr. and GaTa.
On the Come Up, adapted by screenwriter Kay Oyegun, follows Bri, a gifted rapper attempting to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father, a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the...
Sanaa Lathan’s directorial feature debut On the Come Up is set to receive a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
The Paramount Players adaptation of Angie Thomas’ novel On the Come Up, about an ambitious 16-year-old rapper, stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty and Mike Epps. The ensemble cast includes Lathan and Method Man, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr. and GaTa.
On the Come Up, adapted by screenwriter Kay Oyegun, follows Bri, a gifted rapper attempting to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father, a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the...
- 7/13/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBC finally drew the curtain on its hit-series “This is Us” on May 24, 2022. The series finale of the tear-jerking drama series aroused gloomy reactions across the board — fans and casts alike, “This is Us” is our favorite thing.
The words of William Hill’s ghost to Rebecca Pearson in the final episode sums up how we all feel. “The way I see it, If something makes you sad when it ends, it must have been pretty wonderful when it was happening.”
Pretty wonderful might be an understatement when describing a show that held its audience spellbound from the moment its trailer was released online — nearly 80 million views within two weeks.
In its first season, the multiple award winning family drama series averaged 15.3 million viewers. And even though the figures have dropped over the years, there are still a few shows with such a cult following like “This is Us.”
This...
The words of William Hill’s ghost to Rebecca Pearson in the final episode sums up how we all feel. “The way I see it, If something makes you sad when it ends, it must have been pretty wonderful when it was happening.”
Pretty wonderful might be an understatement when describing a show that held its audience spellbound from the moment its trailer was released online — nearly 80 million views within two weeks.
In its first season, the multiple award winning family drama series averaged 15.3 million viewers. And even though the figures have dropped over the years, there are still a few shows with such a cult following like “This is Us.”
This...
- 5/30/2022
- by Dee Gambit
- buddytv.com
Kevin Hart’s multi-platform media company Hartbeat today announced the return of its screenwriting fellowship and talent development initiative Women Write Now, created to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production and exhibition. The fellowship developed in partnership with the Sundance Institute will support three writers in developing short comedic scripts under the guidance of some of the most influential Black women in comedy.
With the support of Hartbeat executives and veteran industry mentors, this year’s fellowship recipients will earn the opportunity to bring their projects to life at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where they will premiere at a private screening. Following their premiere, the films will be distributed across HartBeat’s Lol Network. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a year-long first-look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for production consideration with Hartbeat, and distribution across its Lol Network.
With the support of Hartbeat executives and veteran industry mentors, this year’s fellowship recipients will earn the opportunity to bring their projects to life at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where they will premiere at a private screening. Following their premiere, the films will be distributed across HartBeat’s Lol Network. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a year-long first-look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for production consideration with Hartbeat, and distribution across its Lol Network.
- 5/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
L.A. Law not moving forward at ABC was one of the surprises of this pilot season.
ABC boss Craig Erwich told Deadline that “unfortunately the pilot just did not come together as we had hoped it would.”
ABC Upfront 2022: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
The reboot, which was headlined by Blair Underwood, reprising his role as attorney Jonathan Rollins, had a high bar to hit with big expectations. The original series’ Corbin Bernsen also reprised his role as Arnie Becker in the pilot alongside Hari Nef, Toks Olagundoye, Ian Duff, John Harlan Kim and Juliana Harkavey, and Kacey Rohl.
The pilot was written by Marc Guggenheim and Ubah Mohamed and directed by Anthony Hemingway.
It followed the law firm of McKenzie Brackman — now named Becker Rollins — as it reinvented itself as a litigation firm specializing in only the most high-profile, boundary-pushing and incendiary cases.
Underwood, Guggenheim and Mohamed executive...
ABC boss Craig Erwich told Deadline that “unfortunately the pilot just did not come together as we had hoped it would.”
ABC Upfront 2022: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
The reboot, which was headlined by Blair Underwood, reprising his role as attorney Jonathan Rollins, had a high bar to hit with big expectations. The original series’ Corbin Bernsen also reprised his role as Arnie Becker in the pilot alongside Hari Nef, Toks Olagundoye, Ian Duff, John Harlan Kim and Juliana Harkavey, and Kacey Rohl.
The pilot was written by Marc Guggenheim and Ubah Mohamed and directed by Anthony Hemingway.
It followed the law firm of McKenzie Brackman — now named Becker Rollins — as it reinvented itself as a litigation firm specializing in only the most high-profile, boundary-pushing and incendiary cases.
Underwood, Guggenheim and Mohamed executive...
- 5/17/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has passed on placing series orders for the “LA Law” sequel and Jo Koy comedy “Josep” after both pilots were reviewed by the network, Variety has learned.
The Disney-owned broadcaster is interested in potentially redeveloping the Koy project in the future, but “LA Law” will not be moving forward. On Friday, ABC picked up dramas “Alaska” and “The Rookie” spinoff “The Rookie: Feds” to series, as well as comedy “Not Dead Yet.” Four other drama pilots, “Will Trent,” “The Company You Keep,” the Untitled Kay Oyegun drama and an untitled National Park Service project, are all still in contention and will be up for consideration going into July.
Starring returning cast members Blair Underwood and Corbin Bernsen reprising their original roles as Jonathan Rollins and Arnie Becker, the pilot for the new iteration of the Emmy-winning series “LA Law” features familiar characters working alongside new ones on the most...
The Disney-owned broadcaster is interested in potentially redeveloping the Koy project in the future, but “LA Law” will not be moving forward. On Friday, ABC picked up dramas “Alaska” and “The Rookie” spinoff “The Rookie: Feds” to series, as well as comedy “Not Dead Yet.” Four other drama pilots, “Will Trent,” “The Company You Keep,” the Untitled Kay Oyegun drama and an untitled National Park Service project, are all still in contention and will be up for consideration going into July.
Starring returning cast members Blair Underwood and Corbin Bernsen reprising their original roles as Jonathan Rollins and Arnie Becker, the pilot for the new iteration of the Emmy-winning series “LA Law” features familiar characters working alongside new ones on the most...
- 5/13/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
ABC’s Kay Oyegun drama pilot has found its five therapists. Sendhil Ramamurthy (Never Have I Ever), Johnny Simmons (Girlboss), Rachel Hilson (Winning Time), Demetrius Grosse (Fear the Walking Dead) and Rahnuma Panthaky (NCIS: Los Angeles ) are set as leads opposite previously announced Marsha Stephanie Blake.
The untitled hourlong project comes from 20th Television and is written and exec produced by This Is Us writer-producer Oyegun.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
The drama revolves around five therapists in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman (Blake), the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
Ramamurthy plays Amit. Big-hearted, instantly likable, gentle, intuitive, well-respected relationship...
The untitled hourlong project comes from 20th Television and is written and exec produced by This Is Us writer-producer Oyegun.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
The drama revolves around five therapists in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman (Blake), the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
Ramamurthy plays Amit. Big-hearted, instantly likable, gentle, intuitive, well-respected relationship...
- 5/12/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC’s untitled drama pilot from “This Is Us” and “Queen Sugar” writer Kay Oyegun has cast Sendhil Ramamurthy, Johnny Simmons, Rachel Hilson, Demitrius Grosse and Rahnuma Panthaky.
The pilot follows five therapists at the Mindful Insight Therapy Group in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman, the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
Ramamurthy will play Amit, a big-hearted and well-respected relationship therapist. Amit and his wife Sonali are known for their very successful Dara Method for helping rescue marriages. Amit can read his wife just by sitting next to her and believes that they are perfectly in sync with each other both in and out of the office.
The pilot follows five therapists at the Mindful Insight Therapy Group in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman, the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
Ramamurthy will play Amit, a big-hearted and well-respected relationship therapist. Amit and his wife Sonali are known for their very successful Dara Method for helping rescue marriages. Amit can read his wife just by sitting next to her and believes that they are perfectly in sync with each other both in and out of the office.
- 5/12/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Marsha Stephanie Blake (When They See Us) is set to star in ABC’s Kay Oyegun drama pilot about a group of therapists in Philadelphia.
The untitled hourlong project comes from 20th Television and is written and exec produced by This Is Us writer-producer Oyegun, who has worked on the hit NBC drama since 2016 and has directed episodes including “Birth Mother” and “One Giant Leap.”
The drama revolves around five therapists in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman (Blake), the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Blake’s Ellen is smart, beautiful, a natural leader, instantly perceptive, capable of great empathy,...
The untitled hourlong project comes from 20th Television and is written and exec produced by This Is Us writer-producer Oyegun, who has worked on the hit NBC drama since 2016 and has directed episodes including “Birth Mother” and “One Giant Leap.”
The drama revolves around five therapists in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman (Blake), the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Blake’s Ellen is smart, beautiful, a natural leader, instantly perceptive, capable of great empathy,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
It doesn't matter how old you are, you will always need your parents. In the final installment of This Is Us' Big Three trilogy—a trio of episodes each focusing on one of the Pearson kids—Randall (Sterling K. Brown) seeks to take Rebecca's advice to live life to the fullest, despite her recent early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. It's a tough task for the character, who has been called the Good Son, as he's struggling to accept his mother's worsening condition. But executive producer Kay Oyegun said that Randall is stronger than he thinks. "One of the things that's lovely about Randall—bravery, fearlessness, all of that kind of stuff is part of his...
- 3/29/2022
- E! Online
Sunday’s 74th Writers Guild of America Awards will wrap up the guild season, along with the American Society of Cinematographers Awards. Will the winners be an Oscar preview?
“Licorice Pizza,” written by Paul Thomas Anderson, and “Coda,” by Sian Heder, are favored to win Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay, respectively. However, they are not facing off against many of their Oscar rivals as the WGA’s rules have rendered several scripts ineligible, including Oscar nominees “Belfast” and “The Worst Person in the World” in original, and “Drive My Car,” “The Lost Daughter” and “The Power of the Dog” in adapted. But if they both prevail, they will have bagged the two top industry prizes as they won at BAFTA last weekend right in the middle of final Oscar voting (it ends Tuesday).
The TV field features heavy-hitters “Succession” and “Ted Lasso,” both of which are expected to...
“Licorice Pizza,” written by Paul Thomas Anderson, and “Coda,” by Sian Heder, are favored to win Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay, respectively. However, they are not facing off against many of their Oscar rivals as the WGA’s rules have rendered several scripts ineligible, including Oscar nominees “Belfast” and “The Worst Person in the World” in original, and “Drive My Car,” “The Lost Daughter” and “The Power of the Dog” in adapted. But if they both prevail, they will have bagged the two top industry prizes as they won at BAFTA last weekend right in the middle of final Oscar voting (it ends Tuesday).
The TV field features heavy-hitters “Succession” and “Ted Lasso,” both of which are expected to...
- 3/20/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
David E. Kelley continues to add to his order book.
The Big Little Lies creator has scored a straight-to-series order at ABC for Avalon, a drama series based on Michael Connelly’s short story.
It is Kelley’s latest project for the Disney-owned network – Big Sky is currently in its second season – as well as his latest adaptation of Connelly’s work. He has an adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer at Netflix.
Avalon, which is ABC’s first straight-to-series order for its 2022-23 programming slate, takes place in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island, where L.A. Sheriff’s Department Detective Nicole “Nic” Searcy heads up a small office.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Catalina has a local population that serves more than 1 million tourists a year, and each day when the ferries arrive, hundreds of potential new stories enter the island. Detective Searcy is pulled into a career-defining mystery...
The Big Little Lies creator has scored a straight-to-series order at ABC for Avalon, a drama series based on Michael Connelly’s short story.
It is Kelley’s latest project for the Disney-owned network – Big Sky is currently in its second season – as well as his latest adaptation of Connelly’s work. He has an adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer at Netflix.
Avalon, which is ABC’s first straight-to-series order for its 2022-23 programming slate, takes place in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island, where L.A. Sheriff’s Department Detective Nicole “Nic” Searcy heads up a small office.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Catalina has a local population that serves more than 1 million tourists a year, and each day when the ferries arrive, hundreds of potential new stories enter the island. Detective Searcy is pulled into a career-defining mystery...
- 2/28/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s a busy morning of pilot pickups at ABC.
The network has ordered a pilot for single-camera comedy Not Dead Yet, which comes from The Real O’Neals creators Casey Johnson and David Windsor with McG exec producing.
The project is based on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, which was published in 2020.
It is the latest pilot ordered at the network from This Is Us alums – Johnson and Windsor currently serve as co-exec producers on the NBC series – after it picked up a drama from Kay Oyegun earlier this morning.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Not Dead Yet follows Nell Stevens, broke, newly single and feeling old, a a self-described 40-something disaster, who works to restart the life and career she left behind 10 years ago. When she lands the only job she can find – writing obituaries – Nell starts getting life advice from an unlikely source.
The network has ordered a pilot for single-camera comedy Not Dead Yet, which comes from The Real O’Neals creators Casey Johnson and David Windsor with McG exec producing.
The project is based on Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter, which was published in 2020.
It is the latest pilot ordered at the network from This Is Us alums – Johnson and Windsor currently serve as co-exec producers on the NBC series – after it picked up a drama from Kay Oyegun earlier this morning.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
Not Dead Yet follows Nell Stevens, broke, newly single and feeling old, a a self-described 40-something disaster, who works to restart the life and career she left behind 10 years ago. When she lands the only job she can find – writing obituaries – Nell starts getting life advice from an unlikely source.
- 2/14/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has ordered a drama pilot from Kay Oyegun.
In the untitled one-hour series, five therapists in Philadelphia find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman, the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
Oyegun will serve as the writer and executive producer on the pilot. 20th Television will serve as the studio, with Oyegun currently under an overall deal at the studio.
Oyegun is best known for her work on the hit NBC series “This Is Us.” She started on the show as a staff writer during its first season. She has since worked her way up to executive producer and is credited with writing eleven episodes of the series.
In the untitled one-hour series, five therapists in Philadelphia find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman, the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
Oyegun will serve as the writer and executive producer on the pilot. 20th Television will serve as the studio, with Oyegun currently under an overall deal at the studio.
Oyegun is best known for her work on the hit NBC series “This Is Us.” She started on the show as a staff writer during its first season. She has since worked her way up to executive producer and is credited with writing eleven episodes of the series.
- 2/14/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
ABC has ordered a drama pilot about a group of therapists in Philadelphia from This Is Us writer-director Kay Oyegun.
The untitled hourlong project comes from 20th Television and is written and exec produced by Oyegun, who has worked on the hit NBC drama since 2016 and has directed episodes including “Birth Mother” and “One Giant Leap.”
The pilot follows five therapists in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman, the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
The pilot orders sees University of Pittsburgh graduate Oyegun staying in Pennsylvania, moving from Pittsburgh — where a major part of This Is Us is set — to Philadelphia.
The untitled hourlong project comes from 20th Television and is written and exec produced by Oyegun, who has worked on the hit NBC drama since 2016 and has directed episodes including “Birth Mother” and “One Giant Leap.”
The pilot follows five therapists in Philadelphia who find unique ways to solve problems in their patients’ lives while grappling with their own. Ellen Roman, the owner of the practice and a brilliant therapist, has her life shockingly turned upside down when she begins working with a sociopathic patient who may hold the key to the disappearance of her sister five years earlier.
2022 ABC Pilots & Series Orders
The pilot orders sees University of Pittsburgh graduate Oyegun staying in Pennsylvania, moving from Pittsburgh — where a major part of This Is Us is set — to Philadelphia.
- 2/14/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, January 13, Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) and Writers Guild of America East (Wgae) jointly announced their 2022 nominations for television and new media. Winners will be rewarded on Sunday, March 20 in a ceremony that also honors motion pictures. Read on for the complete list of 2022 Writers Guild Award nominations for TV, which includes a nice mix of new series (like Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building”) and established fare (like HBO’s “Succession”).
SEEReminder: Here’s who won last year’s WGA Awards
This year’s drama series contenders are “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Loki,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession” and “Yellowjackets.” Of these, only “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Morning Show” and “Succession” also showed up in the Episodic Drama category, which was rounded out by specific episodes of “1883,” “This Is Us” and “New Amsterdam.”
The comedy series nominees are “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Hacks,” “Only Murders in the Building,...
SEEReminder: Here’s who won last year’s WGA Awards
This year’s drama series contenders are “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Loki,” “The Morning Show,” “Succession” and “Yellowjackets.” Of these, only “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Morning Show” and “Succession” also showed up in the Episodic Drama category, which was rounded out by specific episodes of “1883,” “This Is Us” and “New Amsterdam.”
The comedy series nominees are “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Hacks,” “Only Murders in the Building,...
- 1/13/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Nominations for the 2022 Writers Guild Awards were announced on Thursday, and quite a few members of TV’s freshman class — including Disney+’s Loki, Showtime’s Yellowjackets and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building — found themselves on this year’s list.
HBO Max’s Hacks and FX’s Reservation Dogs were also among the rookies to net multiple nods, while veterans like Succession and The Handmaid’s Tale — both nominated in previous years — are in the running once again.
More from TVLineSAG Awards 2022: Succession and Squid Game Lead Nominations; Yellowstone Snags Best Ensemble NodGolden Globes 2022: Succession and Hacks...
HBO Max’s Hacks and FX’s Reservation Dogs were also among the rookies to net multiple nods, while veterans like Succession and The Handmaid’s Tale — both nominated in previous years — are in the running once again.
More from TVLineSAG Awards 2022: Succession and Squid Game Lead Nominations; Yellowstone Snags Best Ensemble NodGolden Globes 2022: Succession and Hacks...
- 1/13/2022
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
This post contains spoilers from this week’s This Is Us. Proceed accordingly.
Though Nicky’s reunion with Sally and Déja’s first sexual experience with Malik — not to mention the flash-forward scene — were the headlines, Tuesday’s This Is Us also told the story of how Rebecca is starting to reckon with the progress of her Alzheimer’s Disease. (Read a full recap.)
More from TVLineChicago P.D.'s Laroyce Hawkins Talks Atwater and Celeste's [Spoiler], Teases More Moments With BurgessLife Goes On Sequel Series Moves Forward in Development at NBCChicago P.D.'s Laroyce Hawkins Teases 'Sweet Romantic Moments'...
Though Nicky’s reunion with Sally and Déja’s first sexual experience with Malik — not to mention the flash-forward scene — were the headlines, Tuesday’s This Is Us also told the story of how Rebecca is starting to reckon with the progress of her Alzheimer’s Disease. (Read a full recap.)
More from TVLineChicago P.D.'s Laroyce Hawkins Talks Atwater and Celeste's [Spoiler], Teases More Moments With BurgessLife Goes On Sequel Series Moves Forward in Development at NBCChicago P.D.'s Laroyce Hawkins Teases 'Sweet Romantic Moments'...
- 1/12/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Thembi Banks has signed on to direct Paramount Players’ Assisted Living starring Grammy-winner Cardi B. The original spec was penned by Kay Oyegun that Paramount bought in a competitive bidding war in the Spring of 2019. Insiders add the film is still in development.
The comedy follows Amber (Cardi B), a small time crook, who finds herself in over her head when a heist goes wrong. On the run from both the cops and her former crew, she struggles to find anyone to take her in. Running out of options, Amber disguises herself as an elderly woman and hides out in the one place no one will look – her estranged grandmother’s nursing home.
Temple Hill and Stephen “Dr” Love are producing.
Banks has been on rising star on the directing circuit cutting her teeth with several short films and this would mark her first directing job at a major studio.
The comedy follows Amber (Cardi B), a small time crook, who finds herself in over her head when a heist goes wrong. On the run from both the cops and her former crew, she struggles to find anyone to take her in. Running out of options, Amber disguises herself as an elderly woman and hides out in the one place no one will look – her estranged grandmother’s nursing home.
Temple Hill and Stephen “Dr” Love are producing.
Banks has been on rising star on the directing circuit cutting her teeth with several short films and this would mark her first directing job at a major studio.
- 11/22/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer Mike Gauyo and training platform Stage 32 are set to open submissions to the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative, under the Black Boy Writes Media banner. The initiative, which launched at the beginning of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to pre-wga Black screenwriters.
In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2022 class will open November 15, and close December 15. The first round of the application will require a bio, a one-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre) and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the second round will interview with Gauyo and the initiative’s chief of programming Ashley Aronson before 10 to 12 participants are selected.
Features of the mentorship initiative include monthly writer roundtables with established writers/industry leaders; past participants include Amy Aniobi (Insecure) Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Kemp Powers, and The Black List founder Franklin Leonard.
In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2022 class will open November 15, and close December 15. The first round of the application will require a bio, a one-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre) and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the second round will interview with Gauyo and the initiative’s chief of programming Ashley Aronson before 10 to 12 participants are selected.
Features of the mentorship initiative include monthly writer roundtables with established writers/industry leaders; past participants include Amy Aniobi (Insecure) Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Kemp Powers, and The Black List founder Franklin Leonard.
- 11/9/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Players has hired newcomer Jamila C. Gray to star in “On the Come Up,” the upcoming film adaptation of Angie Thomas’ New York Times bestselling follow-up book to “The Hate U Give.”
Leading an all-Black cast, Gray stars in the Paramount Players movie as Bri, a 16-year-old who wants to become one of the greatest rappers of all time — or, as the film’s longline says, “at least win her first rap battle.” The coming-of-age story follows Bri’s fight to rise to the top, despite the cards being stacked against her.
“It’s hard to get your come up when you’re mislabeled a troublemaker at school, and your fridge at home is empty after your mom loses her job,” the description explains. “So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first song, which goes viral … for all the wrong reasons.”
While the song was written in...
Leading an all-Black cast, Gray stars in the Paramount Players movie as Bri, a 16-year-old who wants to become one of the greatest rappers of all time — or, as the film’s longline says, “at least win her first rap battle.” The coming-of-age story follows Bri’s fight to rise to the top, despite the cards being stacked against her.
“It’s hard to get your come up when you’re mislabeled a troublemaker at school, and your fridge at home is empty after your mom loses her job,” the description explains. “So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first song, which goes viral … for all the wrong reasons.”
While the song was written in...
- 10/21/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
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