1-20 of 63 items « Prev | Next »
‘Sleepy Hollow’ Marketers Sorry for ‘National Beheading Day’ Stunt
20 hours ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
The Fox series “Sleepy Hollow” drew ire on social media Tuesday for a marketing campaign touting “National Beheading Day” on the same day the world learned terrorist group Isis claimed to have decapitated American journalist Steven Sotloff.
In a case of unfortunate timing, commemorative eCards declaring #HeadlessDay were released to promote of the show’s upcoming season one DVD and Blu-ray. “Hollow” wasn’t deliberately trying to invoke the day’s tragic news; the campaign was intended to invoke the show’s Headless Horseman character.
Naturally, that had some on social media crying foul considering not just the Sotloff tragedy, but the killing of another American journalist, James Foley, just weeks ago at the hands of Isis.
@sims @theTVaddict Not sure w/ tragic news this morning regard executed journalist Steven Sotloff that #HeadlessDay campaign is approrpiate—
Brett Nolan (@OTGGamer) September 02, 2014
Jj Mariani, a publicist with Think Jam, the publicity firm charged with handling the campaign, »
- Alex Stedman
Syfy greenlights Arthur C. Clarke's 'Childhood's End' as a miniseries
11 minutes ago | EW - Inside TV | See recent EW.com - Inside TV news »
Syfy is reaching into the science-fiction classics for source material. The network announced that it it will adapt the 1953 sci-fi novel Childhood’s End, written by Arthur C. Clarke, as a six-hour miniseries.
According to the press release, the series will follow a breed of aliens called the “Overlords,” who manage to peacefully invade and rule Earth, and create a pseudo-utopia that comes at the price of human identity and culture. Produced by Akiva Goldsman and Mike DeLuca, the project will be helmed by Nick Hurran and adapted by Matthew Graham.
In a statement, Dave Howe, President of Syfy, said, »
- Teresa Jue
Fxx sees ratings boom thanks to 'The Simpsons' marathon
12 minutes ago | EW - Inside TV | See recent EW.com - Inside TV news »
Having taken the crown as the longest TV marathon ever, The Simpsons can add another achievement to its trophy case—launching Fxx as a viable network.
While many at FX expected the “Every Simpsons Ever” marathon to draw viewers, the results proved to be beyond anyone’s expectations. Bill Carter at The New York Times has a breakdown of the 12-day marathon’s viewership, and the results would even make Comic Book Guy crack a smile.
Simpsons episodes screened in prime time averaged 1.32 million viewers over the course of the marathon, a huge jump from the network’s previous average »
- Jonathon Dornbush
Soaps Sneak Peek: Shemar Moore Is Young and Restless Once Again
22 minutes ago | TVLine.com | See recent TVLine.com news »
Baby girl, CBS has released perhaps more episodic photos of Shemar Moore‘s imminent two-day return to The Young and the Restless than they did during his original nine-year run.
Related Fall TV Spoilerpalooza: Exclusive Scoop and Photos From 42 Returning Favorites, Including Criminal Minds
Having left the sudser in 2005 to join CBS’ Criminal Minds, Moore will resurface on Wednesday, Sept. 10 and Thursday, Sept. 11, when Malcolm visits his Genoa City family to make amends for his hasty exit and to find out what’s been going on (headwriter changes and all?!) since the last time he was in town.
Related General Hospital »
New 'Good Wife' teaser introduces Florrick, Agos & Lockhart
36 minutes ago | EW - Inside TV | See recent EW.com - Inside TV news »
Last season, The Good Wife ended with Eli asking Alicia if she’d be willing to run for State’s Attorney. And in a new promo for season six, she answers: “I’m never saying yes.”
It’s difficult to imagine that will be the end of the discussion considering that Eli Gold is not a man who gives up easily, but from the looks of things, Alicia is going to have her hands full even without a campaign to run.
The promo offers fans their first introduction to Florrick, Agos & Lockhart, which means Diane’s transition is now complete. »
- Samantha Highfill
‘Good Wife’ Creators Set CBS Pilot ‘Brain Dead,’ New Overall Deal with Studio
37 minutes ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Robert and Michelle King, creators and exec producers of CBS’ “The Good Wife,” are shepherding a pilot for the Eye described as ” ‘The Strain’ meets ‘The West Wing.’ “
The husband-and-wife pair have also set a new three-year overall deal that will keep them at the helm of “Good Wife,” and calls for them to develop fresh projects for the studio.
Top of that list is “Brain Dead,” an hourlong comedy-horror series that will be produced with their fellow “Good Wife” producers, Ridley Scott and David Zucker of Scott Free Prods.
The Kings will remain showrunners on “Good Wife,” which heads into its sixth season next month with strong momentum following a universally-praised fifth season. Star Julianna Margulies last month won her second lead drama actress Emmy for the role of political wife turned star lawyer Alicia Florrick.
The “Good Wife” team has some reinventing to do in the coming season »
- Cynthia Littleton
Gannett Broadcasting, Debmar-Mercury Add Stephanie Eno as VP of Development
37 minutes ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Gannett Broadcasting and Debmar-Mercury have named Stephanie Eno as vice president of development for their recently formed programming partnership. Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting, made the announcement along with Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein, co-presidents of Debmar-Mercury.
In her new role Eno will search for projects with an interactive element and lead the partnership’s development efforts. She joins the companies from TLC, where she had served as executive producer and senior director of programming since 2011, with four years prior as director of programming. Eno played an integral role in the development of “Say Yes to the Dress” and “What Not to Wear,” as well as “How Do I Look?,” “The Look for Less” and other shows during her time as director of current series for The Style Network.
“We are excited to welcome Stephanie to lead this one-of-a-kind partnership between Gannett Broadcasting and Debmar-Mercury,” said Lougee. “Working together with the Debmar-Mercury team, »
- Shelli Weinstein
Comcast Signs Ten-Year Pact To Sponsor Nascar Tournament
40 minutes ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Nascar’s Nationwide Series will, starting in 2015, become known as Nascar’s Xfinity Series, the result of a ten-year sponsorship pact with Comcast Corp.
Comcast’s Xfinity, the name the company has given to its residential cable and broadband service, will become the event’s title sponsor through 2024. Comcast will become only the third title sponsor in the series’ history, following runs by Anheuser-Busch – 26 years – and Nationwide Insurance – seven years. As part of the agreement, Comcast’s Xfinity will also become an official Nascar partner in the multichannel video programming distributor and broadband ISP categories.
“Nascar provides an exciting environment in which to showcase our video and Internet products and we look forward to further enhancing the fan experience at home, at the track and on the go for years to come,” said Dave Watson, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Comcast Cable, in a statement.
The pact »
- Brian Steinberg
Robert Greenblatt Named Keynote Speaker of LiveTV:la Conference
45 minutes ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, has been added as the keynote speaker for the inaugural LiveTV:la conference on November 7 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
Greenblatt will be interviewed in an exclusive one-on-one Q&A with veteran television business journalist and “TVNewsCheck” editor Harry A Jessell. The session will address how broadcasters and producers are enhancing the live TV viewer experience with innovative programming, production, and companion digital elements.
“Bob’s historic turnaround of NBC’s primetime-ratings fortunes, his reinvention of Showtime as a source for cutting edge original programming and his history as a successful producer for TV and theater, have put him in the entertainment industry’s brightest spotlight,” said Jessell. “His thoughts on how we can further enhance live TV will set the stage for LiveTV:la’s day-long focus on advancements in this important and rapidly growing segment of broadcast television.”
Greenblatt has recently led the revival »
- Shelli Weinstein
TVLine Items: Juicy Good Wife Promo, CHiPS Movie Casting and More
45 minutes ago | TVLine.com | See recent TVLine.com news »
Good Wife fans, prepare for the seven most game-changing words you’ll hear all day: “We are now Florrick, Agos and Lockhart.”
Related Fall TV Spectacular: Exclusive Scoop and Photos on 42 Returning Favorites!
The first official promo for the upcoming sixth season of CBS’ legal drama has hit the web, and it promises major power struggles — you know, for a change — as Diane joins Alicia and Cary’s new firm and Eli continues to pressure Alicia about running for State’s Attorney. (Spoiler alert: She’s still not interested.)
The Good Wife returns Sunday, Sept. 21, at 9/8c.
Ready for more of today’s newsy nuggets? »
Western Director Andrew V. McLaglen Dies at 94
1 hour ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Director Andrew V. McLaglen, best known for his work on Westerns including John Wayne’s “McLintock!” and James Stewart’s “Shenandoah,” has died at the age of 94.
According to the Journal of the San Juan Islands, McLaglen died on Saturday, Aug. 30 at his home in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Wa. A cause of death was not reported.
McLaglen was born in England to Oscar-winning actor Victor McLaglen (“The Informer”) and Enid Lamont in 1920, and moved to Hollywood with his family soon after his birth.
Before transitioning to the director’s chair with “Gun the Man Down” in 1956, he served as an assistant director on 14 pics, including Wayne films such as “Big Jim McLain,” “Island in the Sky” and “Blood Alley.” He would go on to direct Wayne in four Westerns — “McLintock,” “The Undefeated,” “Chisum” and “Cahill U.S. Marshal” — as well as action movie “Hellfighters.” McLaglen served as unit »
- Variety Staff
Are you ready for 30 Days of Binge?
1 hour ago | EW - Inside TV | See recent EW.com - Inside TV news »
Did you binge on any good TV shows over the holiday weekend? If you did, why stop there?
In these last days of summer weather, it’s a perfect time to squeeze in one last great binge before the fall TV season begins in earnest. Not sure how to go about it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: a month-long calendar chock full of shows to catch up on and classics to sample. Click on through for EW’s 30 Days of Binge. Ready, set, stream. »
- Joshua Rivera
CBS and NFL Network to Feature Jay-z, Rihanna in ‘Thursday Night Football’ Opening
1 hour ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Now the home of “Thursday Night Football,” CBS is sparing no opportunity for fanfare, with plans to open each game of the series with Jay-z’s Grammy-winning song “Run This Town,” featuring Rihanna. The opening will also be accompanied by narration from actor Don Cheadle, setting the scene for the kick-off.
“Thursday Night Football” will feature a customized opening each week that highlights the teams and division rivalries. The reel was filmed in an airplane hangar, and was produced and directed by Emmy-winning producer Pete Radovich, who also serves as CBS Sports’ creative director.
“This open combines one of music’s biggest stars with one of the most dynamic actors in Hollywood,” said Radovich. “The energy that both talents provide gives the opening to every Thursday night the big-game, primetime feel it deserves. It is a dream scenario for any director.”
The scale of the presentation, including a popular theme and recognizable names attached, »
- Shelli Weinstein
Dog With a Blog Season 3 First Look: Expelled Avery and Tyler Take a Stand!
1 hour ago | TVLine.com | See recent TVLine.com news »
Here’s a tasty bone for Dog With a Blog fans to chew on: Your first photos from the Disney Channel series’ Season 3 premiere.
Photos Liv and Maddie Cast Photos Promise a Season 2 That’s Twice as Nice
In the season opener, titled “Guess Who Gets Expelled?” and airing Friday, Sept. 26 at 9/8c, Tyler (played by Blake Michael) ropes high school freshman Avery (G. Hannelius) into his plan to pull off the ultimate senior prank, only to ultimately get them both ejected from school.
Related Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World Renewed for Season 2
In the photos below (from a »
Hollywood Film Awards Set to Air Nov. 14 on CBS
1 hour ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Look out Golden Globes: CBS has set Friday, Nov. 14 as the date for the first televised edition of the Hollywood Film Awards.
The Eye is hoping to rake in strong demographic ratings by attracting Oscar hopefuls to a telecast that will be billed as the launch of Hollywood’s awards season. The two-hour kudocast will air live (taped delayed on the West Coast) from the Hollywood Palladium.
CBS is also planning a 7:30 p.m. red carpet pre-show and 10 p.m. post-show hosted by its “CBS Morning Show” team of Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell.
CBS set a multi-year pact with Dick Clark Prods. in January to carry the awards starting this year. The kudos, founded in 1997 by Carlos de Abreu, were previously held in mid-October.
In the past there’s been much skepticism about the selection process for the winners, determined by what the fest has »
- Cynthia Littleton
Bento Box Recognized for Helping Keep Animation Jobs in U.S.
1 hour ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
The outsourcing of jobs to lower-cost Asian studios has long plagued America’s shrinking animation industry, but at least one company, Bento Box Entertainment, has done its part to keep work in the U.S.
U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez officially recognized that effort Aug. 22, when he dropped by Bento Box’s Atlanta studio to commend its job-retention efforts, especially its use of the department’s on-the-job training program, which subsidizes its teaching the staff new skills.
North Hollywood-based Bento Box, which specializes in TV animation, set up the Atlanta office in 2012 to avail itself of Georgia’s production incentives, says chief operating officer Brett Coker. “We were looking to expand to a place where we could do digital animation economically,” he says. “We found that the Georgia incentives, combined with the Otj training incentive, plus the local pool of creative talent, made Atlanta the right place.”
Bento Box »
- Peter Caranicas
Georgia, Louisiana May Benefit From End of North Carolina’s Production Tax Credits in 2015
1 hour ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
The sun may be setting soon on North Carolina as a site for movie and TV production. But its loss will likely be Georgia’s and Louisiana’s gain.
On Aug. 20, North Carolina lawmakers decided to replace the state’s current incentive program — which is providing 25% tax credits on more than $300 million in production coin spent there this year — with a grant program that will cover just $40 million in 2015. The move followed pressure from the Tea Party to do away with tax credits.
North Carolina has been home to some 800 productions, including “Under the Dome,” “Iron Man 3” and “The Hunger Games,” over the past three decades. Backers of retaining the credit assert that the industry provides regular employment for more than 4,000.
“It’s a shame,” said Chris Cates, president of 15-year-old C3 Studios in Charlotte. “We’ve built up a crew base. The state has a lot of attributes, »
- Dave McNary
Syfy Orders ‘Childhood’s End’ Miniseries Based on Arthur C. Clarke Novel
1 hour ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
Syfy has ordered Arthur C. Clarke’s classic novel “Childhood’s End” as a six-hour miniseries slated for 2015.
The novel will be adapted for the screen by Matthew Graham, creator of BBC’s “Life on Mars” and “Ashes to Ashes,” with Universal Cable Productions as the studio. Akiva Goldsman and Mike De Luca are attached as executive producers.
Nick Hurran, recent Emmy nominee for “Sherlock: His Last Vow,” will direct. Neville Kidd and Yan Miles, Emmy winners for “Sherlock: His Last Vow” are also set as director of photography and editor, respectively.
Originally published in 1953, “Childhood’s End” follows the peaceful alien invasion of earth by the mysterious Overlords, whose arrival begins decades of apparent utopia under indirect alien rule, at the cost of human identity and culture.
“As we aggressively develop scripted programming over a diverse creative landscape, we want our content to reflect the greatest sci-fi »
- Shelli Weinstein
Top 25 Dances of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 11
1 hour ago | buddytv.com | See recent BuddyTV news »
Season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance has been nothing short of fantastic. Somehow, the dancers were even more talented than last season, and they continued to impress both the judges, and the viewers, each week. The combination of dancing talent and creative choreography has produced some spectacular numbers. We rank the best performances of Sytycd season 11. Did your favorite dance make the cut? »
- editor@buddytv.com
ABC, NBC Spar Over Evening-News Viewers As Muir Takes Over ‘World News’
2 hours ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »
More people watched a substitute for Brian Williams on NBC’s “Nightly News” than they did Diane Sawyer’s final “World News” broadcast last week on ABC – but advertisers may not be as impressed.
That’s because the ABC evening newscast was last week watched by more viewers in the demographic most coveted by news-program sponsors – people between 25 and 54 – than NBC’s. It’s true, NBC’s “Nightly News” continues to be the most-watched evening news broadcast on television. And season to date, it has also captured the biggest share of both people between the ages of 25 to 54 and 18 to 49. But for the last four weeks – and for eight of the last nine – ABC’s “World News” has captured a greater slice of the 25-to-54 audience.
For the week of August 25, ABC’s “World News,” anchored by Diane Sawyer for the first three days of the week, attracted about 1.94 million »
- Brian Steinberg
1-20 of 63 items « Prev | Next »
« Prev | Next »