Veteran TV exec, producer and entrepreneur Cris Abrego can add another line to his growing list of titles: Chairman of the Television Academy. Abrego was elected to the post on Thursday night by the org’s Board of Governors, as the TV Academy also firmed up its roster of officers and governors for the board’s 2024-2025 term.
Abrego is the chairman of the Americas at global production company Banijay, and also recently partnered with Eva Longoria to launch Hyphenate Media Group, where he serves as CEO. At the TV Academy, Abrego will begin his two-year term as chairman on Jan. 1.
“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a statement. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the...
Abrego is the chairman of the Americas at global production company Banijay, and also recently partnered with Eva Longoria to launch Hyphenate Media Group, where he serves as CEO. At the TV Academy, Abrego will begin his two-year term as chairman on Jan. 1.
“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” Abrego said in a statement. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the...
- 11/17/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Broadway casting director Duncan Stewart, whose big-name clients include the Tony-winning Hadestown, the new Life of Pi and the acclaimed The Great Comet of 1812, is dissolving his Stewart/Whitley agency after 14 years to head up the new casting arm of global live event company Rws Entertainment Group.
Rws’ new casting division will be called Arc, and will mine talent for theater, film, television and commercial projects. With the establishment of Arc, Rws’ old casting division, Binder Casting, will, like Stewart/Whitley, dissolve.
Stewart co-founded Stewart/Whitley with Benton Whitley in 2009. Whitley has not yet announced his plans.
The new venture was announced today by Rws. Arc will be based in New York and London.
Stewart, along with casting directors and associates from both Stewart/Whitley and Binder, will maintain current clients of both agencies, including Life of Pi, long-running shows Disney’s The Lion King and Chicago the Musical,...
Rws’ new casting division will be called Arc, and will mine talent for theater, film, television and commercial projects. With the establishment of Arc, Rws’ old casting division, Binder Casting, will, like Stewart/Whitley, dissolve.
Stewart co-founded Stewart/Whitley with Benton Whitley in 2009. Whitley has not yet announced his plans.
The new venture was announced today by Rws. Arc will be based in New York and London.
Stewart, along with casting directors and associates from both Stewart/Whitley and Binder, will maintain current clients of both agencies, including Life of Pi, long-running shows Disney’s The Lion King and Chicago the Musical,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
That ’90s Show has been making waves with pop culture fans of all ages, from viewers who remember That ’70s Show to young fans who are discovering the characters for the first time. The series is full of humor and nostalgia. And many of the stars of That ’70s Show were brought in to reprise their roles for the new show. It isn’t just the actors who have been enlisted to help make That ’90s Show such a success. Several of the original crew members who worked on That ’70s Show returned for the new Netflix show, proving that the franchise is as much about family as it is about comedy.
‘That ’90s Show’ brought back Laura Prepon to direct as well as act
Remember: when you say the name @LauraPrepon make sure you put Director in front of it!
Get a sneak peek behind the scenes as she...
‘That ’90s Show’ brought back Laura Prepon to direct as well as act
Remember: when you say the name @LauraPrepon make sure you put Director in front of it!
Get a sneak peek behind the scenes as she...
- 2/13/2023
- by Christina Nunn
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the top TV casting executives in the business, Meg Liberman, currently EVP and head of casting at CBS Studios, has announced her retirement after 47 years in casting, the last 14 at the studio. The studio’s new casting department structure is expected to be announced shortly.
“As I look back on my 40-plus-year career in casting, I’ve decided that I’m ready to embark on my next adventure and will be retiring,” Liberman said in her farewell note to staff. (You can read it in full below.)
Liberman, an Emmy-winning casting director, joined then-CBS Television Studios in August 2008 as SVP, Casting, and was promoted to EVP in September 2017. During her time at the studio, she has overseen casting of more than 350 projects – series and pilots across broadcast, streaming and cable, including The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Dead To Me,...
“As I look back on my 40-plus-year career in casting, I’ve decided that I’m ready to embark on my next adventure and will be retiring,” Liberman said in her farewell note to staff. (You can read it in full below.)
Liberman, an Emmy-winning casting director, joined then-CBS Television Studios in August 2008 as SVP, Casting, and was promoted to EVP in September 2017. During her time at the studio, she has overseen casting of more than 350 projects – series and pilots across broadcast, streaming and cable, including The Good Wife and The Good Fight, the NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Dead To Me,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Television Academy chairman/CEO Frank Scherma, whose first two-year term turned into three due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been re-elected to lead the organization for two more years. Scherma is part of the roster of newly elected officers and members on the Academy’s Board of Governors who were tapped on Thursday to serve starting Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023.
Scherma, the president and co-founder of RadicalMedia, hails from the commercials and producers peer groups. Joining him in key leadership positions are vice chair Sharon Lieblein (from the casting directors peer group); second vice chair Rickey Minor (music), secretary Allison Binder (professional representatives) and treasurer Ann Leslie Uzdavinis (commercials).
Scherma will continue to work closely with TV Academy president/COO Maury McIntyre to shape the TV Academy’s direction. Scherma’s first term was rocked by the pandemic and its impact on two years of Emmy Awards. But also under his...
Scherma, the president and co-founder of RadicalMedia, hails from the commercials and producers peer groups. Joining him in key leadership positions are vice chair Sharon Lieblein (from the casting directors peer group); second vice chair Rickey Minor (music), secretary Allison Binder (professional representatives) and treasurer Ann Leslie Uzdavinis (commercials).
Scherma will continue to work closely with TV Academy president/COO Maury McIntyre to shape the TV Academy’s direction. Scherma’s first term was rocked by the pandemic and its impact on two years of Emmy Awards. But also under his...
- 11/19/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Frank Scherma has been re-elected for a second term as Chairman and CEO of the Television Academy, which announced its newly elected board and governors for 2022-23 today.
Joining Scherma, who’s from the Academy’s Commercials and Producers peer groups, for two-year terms starting January 1 are Vice Chair Sharon Lieblein (Casting Directors), Second Vice Chair Rickey Minor (Music), Secretary Allison Binder (Professional Representatives) and Treasurer Ann Leslie Uzdavinis (Commercials).
The Academy noted that a record 41% of those elected are new to its boardroom, including two governors representing the newly created Science & Technology Peer Group.
Here are the 25 newly elected board members and their peer groups:
Anya Adams (Directors)
Kaz Aizawa (Animation)
Wendy Aylsworth (Science & Technology)
Edward H. Bonin (Special Visual Effects)
Shannon Buck (Public Relations)
Nikki Carbonetta (Makeup Artists/Hairstylists)
Sherri Chung (Music)
Ana Criado (Motion & Title Design)
Nicole Demerse (Writers)
Nena Erb (Picture Editors)
Kim Estes (Performers)
Scott A.
Joining Scherma, who’s from the Academy’s Commercials and Producers peer groups, for two-year terms starting January 1 are Vice Chair Sharon Lieblein (Casting Directors), Second Vice Chair Rickey Minor (Music), Secretary Allison Binder (Professional Representatives) and Treasurer Ann Leslie Uzdavinis (Commercials).
The Academy noted that a record 41% of those elected are new to its boardroom, including two governors representing the newly created Science & Technology Peer Group.
Here are the 25 newly elected board members and their peer groups:
Anya Adams (Directors)
Kaz Aizawa (Animation)
Wendy Aylsworth (Science & Technology)
Edward H. Bonin (Special Visual Effects)
Shannon Buck (Public Relations)
Nikki Carbonetta (Makeup Artists/Hairstylists)
Sherri Chung (Music)
Ana Criado (Motion & Title Design)
Nicole Demerse (Writers)
Nena Erb (Picture Editors)
Kim Estes (Performers)
Scott A.
- 11/19/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix and HBO have emerged with the most nominations for television, theater and short form series at the 36th Annual Artios Awards, which were announced by the Casting Society of America (Csa) on Friday.
Streaming giant Netflix led with 12 nominations overall, and HBO followed with eight, while Hulu received six and Amazon Prime Video received four. Several casting directors such as Alexa L. Fogel, David Rubin, Victoria Thomas and Robert J. Ulrich landed multiple nominations for their work across shows.
The Csa previously announced the three honorees for the 2021 event, with the Actors Fund receiving the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award and the Hoyt Bowers Award going to Robi Reed and Tara Rubin, the first time two casting directors will be honored for this award. The feature films submission opened January 6 and nominations will be announced in March.
The Artios Awards honor the contribution of casting directors in more than 20 categories across film,...
Streaming giant Netflix led with 12 nominations overall, and HBO followed with eight, while Hulu received six and Amazon Prime Video received four. Several casting directors such as Alexa L. Fogel, David Rubin, Victoria Thomas and Robert J. Ulrich landed multiple nominations for their work across shows.
The Csa previously announced the three honorees for the 2021 event, with the Actors Fund receiving the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award and the Hoyt Bowers Award going to Robi Reed and Tara Rubin, the first time two casting directors will be honored for this award. The feature films submission opened January 6 and nominations will be announced in March.
The Artios Awards honor the contribution of casting directors in more than 20 categories across film,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The Casting Society of America on Friday unveiled nominations for its 36th annual Artios Awards in the categories of television, theater, short film and short-form series. The noms for the casting honors come ahead of a planned virtual winners ceremony April 15.
The Csa opened its feature film submission period Thursday; noms in those categories will be announced in March.
On the TV side, Netflix leads all networks today with 12 nominations, followed by rival HBO with eight and Hulu with four. Among the nominees include Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president David Rubin, who scored mentions for HBO’s Big Little Lies and Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere. Victoria Thomas earned four noms, for Apple’s The Morning Show and HBO’s Insecure, Watchmen and A Black Lady Sketch Show.
In theater, Jim Carnahan, Karyn Casl and Tara Rubin were among the casting director with multiple noms. Rubin, along with Robi Reed,...
The Csa opened its feature film submission period Thursday; noms in those categories will be announced in March.
On the TV side, Netflix leads all networks today with 12 nominations, followed by rival HBO with eight and Hulu with four. Among the nominees include Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president David Rubin, who scored mentions for HBO’s Big Little Lies and Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere. Victoria Thomas earned four noms, for Apple’s The Morning Show and HBO’s Insecure, Watchmen and A Black Lady Sketch Show.
In theater, Jim Carnahan, Karyn Casl and Tara Rubin were among the casting director with multiple noms. Rubin, along with Robi Reed,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Casting Society of America (Csa) announced the television and theatre nominations for the 36th Artios Awards, honoring the contributions of casting directors to the arts. The winners will be announced on Thursday, April 15, 2021 in a virtual ceremony, the first-ever for the organization.
Netflix again outstripped its competitors, with 12 Artios Award nominations, followed by HBO with eight, Hulu with six, four for Amazon Prime Video, and three for the now-defunct Quibi.
The Csa previously shared three honorees for this year’s Artios Awards. The Hoyt Bowers Award will recognize Robi Reed and Tara Rubin, the first time two recipients will be honored with the award and the Actors Fund will receive the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award.
The feature films submission opened January 7 and nominations will be announced in March.
The television nominations are listed below:
Television Pilot and First Season – Comedy
“The Great” (Hulu) — Rose Wicksteed
“Modern Love” (Amazon Prime Video) — Laura Rosenthal,...
Netflix again outstripped its competitors, with 12 Artios Award nominations, followed by HBO with eight, Hulu with six, four for Amazon Prime Video, and three for the now-defunct Quibi.
The Csa previously shared three honorees for this year’s Artios Awards. The Hoyt Bowers Award will recognize Robi Reed and Tara Rubin, the first time two recipients will be honored with the award and the Actors Fund will receive the Rosalie Joseph Humanitarian Award.
The feature films submission opened January 7 and nominations will be announced in March.
The television nominations are listed below:
Television Pilot and First Season – Comedy
“The Great” (Hulu) — Rose Wicksteed
“Modern Love” (Amazon Prime Video) — Laura Rosenthal,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
The casting directors of “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood,” “Knives Out,” “Jojo Rabbit” and “Marriage Story” were among the winners at the 35th annual Artios Awards, held Thursday at ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York and London.
Other winners in the eight feature-film categories were the casting directors on “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Skin in the Game,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 4,” the last two of which tied in the animation category.
Television winners included the casting directors for the first seasons of “Russian Doll” and “Pose,” as well as those on the miniseries “When They See Us,” the reality program “Queer Eye” and the continuing series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Game of Thrones.”
Also Read: SAG Awards Crown 'Parasite,' Give the Oscar Race a Shot of Uncertainty
Awards were also given out in short film and theater categories.
Other winners in the eight feature-film categories were the casting directors on “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” “Skin in the Game,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 4,” the last two of which tied in the animation category.
Television winners included the casting directors for the first seasons of “Russian Doll” and “Pose,” as well as those on the miniseries “When They See Us,” the reality program “Queer Eye” and the continuing series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Game of Thrones.”
Also Read: SAG Awards Crown 'Parasite,' Give the Oscar Race a Shot of Uncertainty
Awards were also given out in short film and theater categories.
- 1/31/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Sony’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Netflix’s Marriage Story, Searchlight’s Jojo Rabbit and Lionsgate’s Knives Out were among the film winners as the Casting Society of America handed out its 35th annual Artios Awards for film, TV and at separate ceremonies across two continents.
Check out the full list of winners below.
The Artios Awards splits most of its film categories by budget. The casting team behind Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood took the Artios trophy for Big Budget Drama, while the casting crew for Rian Johnson’s Knives Out won for Big Budget Comedy.
Other winners on the film side included awards-season regulars Jojo Rabbit (Studio or Independent Comedy) and Marriage Story (Studio or Independent Drama). There was a tie in the Animation category, with Disney’s The Lion King and Toy Story 4 sharing the prize.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker...
Check out the full list of winners below.
The Artios Awards splits most of its film categories by budget. The casting team behind Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood took the Artios trophy for Big Budget Drama, while the casting crew for Rian Johnson’s Knives Out won for Big Budget Comedy.
Other winners on the film side included awards-season regulars Jojo Rabbit (Studio or Independent Comedy) and Marriage Story (Studio or Independent Drama). There was a tie in the Animation category, with Disney’s The Lion King and Toy Story 4 sharing the prize.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker...
- 1/31/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The Casting Society of America (Csa) has announced the nominations for the 35th Artios Awards for television and theater.
“It has been an exceptional year for the art of casting and this slate of incredible nominees is a testament to how the quality of our work is positively reflected in this most impressive list of projects,” said Russell Boast, President, Csa. “As we approach our 35th Artios Awards we celebrate the great achievements our members have made, past and present, and look towards making even more of an impact throughout our industry.”
The awards — which honor the contributions of casting directors in television, theatre, and film — will be handed out on January 30, 2020 in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Comedian, actor and writer Ron Funches is set to host the awards in L.A.
Below is the full list of nominations.
Television Pilot And First Season – Comedy
Dead To Me – Sherry Thomas,...
“It has been an exceptional year for the art of casting and this slate of incredible nominees is a testament to how the quality of our work is positively reflected in this most impressive list of projects,” said Russell Boast, President, Csa. “As we approach our 35th Artios Awards we celebrate the great achievements our members have made, past and present, and look towards making even more of an impact throughout our industry.”
The awards — which honor the contributions of casting directors in television, theatre, and film — will be handed out on January 30, 2020 in Los Angeles, New York City and London. Comedian, actor and writer Ron Funches is set to host the awards in L.A.
Below is the full list of nominations.
Television Pilot And First Season – Comedy
Dead To Me – Sherry Thomas,...
- 9/24/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
CAA veteran Michael Katcher is returning to the executive ranks as Evp and head of casting for FX Entertainment. To join FX Networks, Katcher is leaving CAA where he has been the head of the television talent department for the past 17 years. A replacement for him will be announced shortly.
At FX, this is a newly created position as the network and its in-house studio did not have a dedicated head of casting. Katcher will have oversight of casting and talent strategy for FX Networks and FX Productions. He will report to FX Entertainment Presidents of Original Programming Gina Balian and Nick Grad, as well as Sharon Klein, who was recently named Evp, Casting, Disney Television Studios and FX Entertainment.
Katcher, who is well liked in the casting community, represented a slew of top TV talent while at CAA, including award-winning actors Glenn Close, Andy Garcia, Viola Davis, Jennifer Jason Leigh,...
At FX, this is a newly created position as the network and its in-house studio did not have a dedicated head of casting. Katcher will have oversight of casting and talent strategy for FX Networks and FX Productions. He will report to FX Entertainment Presidents of Original Programming Gina Balian and Nick Grad, as well as Sharon Klein, who was recently named Evp, Casting, Disney Television Studios and FX Entertainment.
Katcher, who is well liked in the casting community, represented a slew of top TV talent while at CAA, including award-winning actors Glenn Close, Andy Garcia, Viola Davis, Jennifer Jason Leigh,...
- 6/12/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Attention actors who are heading into audition rooms: Casting directors Alexa L. Fogel and Marc Hirschfeld have some advice for you.
The professionals sat down at Atx Television Festival to discuss their process — along with two actors they've cast in projects (Fogel put Dominique Fishback in Show Me a Hero and The Deuce, while Hirschfeld put Taylor Dearden in Sweet/Vicious) — and shared their dos and don'ts for actors who are coming in to read for them.
The dos: Hirschfeld says brevity is a plus. Go in, read, then "get out gracefully and quickly so we ...
The professionals sat down at Atx Television Festival to discuss their process — along with two actors they've cast in projects (Fogel put Dominique Fishback in Show Me a Hero and The Deuce, while Hirschfeld put Taylor Dearden in Sweet/Vicious) — and shared their dos and don'ts for actors who are coming in to read for them.
The dos: Hirschfeld says brevity is a plus. Go in, read, then "get out gracefully and quickly so we ...
Watch out highways of the East Coast—Helen Mirren is heading out in a Winnebago with Donald Sutherland in their new film “The Leisure Seeker.” The film follows two ailing retirees as they fight off poor health to take what may be their last road trip from Boston to the Ernest Hemingway House in Florida. The project will also star Christian McKay and is based on a novel by Michael Zadoorian. Filming is expected to start later this month in Atlanta. While most of the additional casting is out of the Peach State, Marc Hirschfeld is also attached to the project. Hollywood is heading to the Great White North as K’naan Warsame celebrates his new HBO pickup, “Mogadishu, Minnesota.” The Minneapolis-based pilot is about a family struggling to define what it means to be American while still living among the city’s Somali population. The project, one of the...
- 7/6/2016
- backstage.com
As if having a bustling music career wasn’t time-consuming enough, “Anaconda” rapper Nicki Minaj is taking on television with a new untitled pilot inspired by her life. ABC Family, to be rebranded as Freeform in January, has picked up the half-hour comedy about the singer’s move from Trinidad to Queens, N.Y., in the early 1990s. Vickie Thomas Casting will find the actors for the New York production looking to shoot in January. Writer John Ridley is continuing his love affair with ABC with new pilot “Presence.” The “American Crime” creator’s new venture will follow a former Army Counter Insurgency Operative who moves into the world of private investigation, sans proper credentials. Kim Coleman will cast the project that features a woman in the lead role. While dates and potential leads are yet to be announced, the production will make its home in Los Angeles. Kevin James (“The King of Queens,...
- 10/21/2015
- backstage.com
For proof that online series are the future of television production just look at the names attached to the Amazon Studios pilots slated to go into production: Jeffrey Tambor and Cheyenne Jackson are set to star in “The Onion Presents: The News,” while John Goodman and Mark Consuelos have roles in “Alpha House,” written by Pulitzer Prize winner Garry Trudeau. The success that Amazon has had in attracting top talent to its six comedy pilots and five children’s series comes after Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright starred in the Netflix series “House of Cards,” which debuted Feb. 1 and is expected to start production on its second season next month. “It’s all about the material,” Marc Hirschfeld, who cast the soon-to-debut Netflix original series “Hemlock Grove,” told Backstage. “If the script and auspices are great, it will attract great talent. If the material is subpar, it’ll be tough to attract talent,...
- 2/21/2013
- backstage.com
Until shooting on its final season wrapped in December, NBC’s “30 Rock” had the distinction of being the only broadcast network comedy series filming in New York. A few cable comedies shoot and cast in the Big Apple, including HBO’s “Girls” and FX’s “Louie.” But as far as broadcast comedies go—or went, anyway—“30 Rock” was the only game in town. However, two network comedy pilots are already slated to shoot in New York in the coming weeks—a 200 percent increase over last pilot season, when every single broadcast-net comedy pilot shot in Los Angeles. CBS’s untitled project starring comedian Jim Gaffigan is set to start shooting in March, with casting director Marc Hirschfeld overseeing casting in both New York and Los Angeles. And NBC’s untitled family comedy starring Michael J. Fox began shooting Jan. 30, with New York–based Jennifer Euston handling casting. (The NBC project has received a 22-episode order,...
- 1/30/2013
- backstage.com
As pilot season begins to ramp up, four new comedy projects now have casting directors attached, Backstage has learned. The comedy "About a Boy" for NBC, which has ordered 11 comedy pilots this season, will be cast by North Hollywood-based Cami Patton. The pilot, based on the book by Nick Hornby which was also turned into a movie starring Hugh Grant, is about a serial bachelor who develops a relationship with the geeky boy who moves in next door. A shoot date and location is still being determined. NBC's "Joe, Joe & Jane," which has "Army Wives'" Sally Pressman lined up for one of the title characters, will be cast by Jeff Greenberg. The comedy pilot, which is based loosely on the relationship between executive producers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman and his wife, is about a children's book author who must deal with his needy wife and his best friend/co-author.
- 1/24/2013
- backstage.com
Online channels are expanding their original programming and giving actors new opportunities -- albeit at a price.Hulu announced this week it would premiere 10 original series this summer: three original series and seven exclusive shows. Netflix, meanwhile, is building on the success of “Lilyhammer,” a series the online provider purchased from Norwegian broadcaster NRK1. It currently has three original series in the works, including the David Fincher drama “House of Cards” starring Kevin Spacey. With an audience as big as premium cable channels such as HBO and Showtime, Netflix could become a major draw for actors.Casting director Marc Hirschfeld, who’s working on Netflix’s new contemporary gothic horror “Hemlock Grove,” said the opportunities are there for actors online -- just don’t expect a network-sized paycheck.“The financial model’s different. They don’t have the deep pockets of a cable channel or a network as far as what the actors are paid,...
- 5/23/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Sean J. Miller)
- backstage.com
MTV recently shook up its West Coast casting department. The music channel, which has steadily expanded its programing, added a new casting director and lost one senior staffer to a rival network.Blyth Nailling, who had been an independent casting director, signed on at MTV as the new director of talent and casting, overseeing casting for the channel's scripted and reality programing. Prior to joining MTV, Nailling was a co-casting director at Marc Hirschfeld Casting where she had extensive experience casting network comedies. She worked on CW's "One Tree Hill" and ABC's "Scrubs" and "Cougar Town" among others.Nailling's first day on the job was April 30.Meanwhile, MTV's casting department lost one staffer in the shakeup. Jonathan Groce, who had held the title of manager of West Coast talent and casting, left the channel in mid April for the Cartoon Network. He's currently listed as the director of talent development for Adult.
- 5/17/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Sean J. Miller)
- backstage.com
Casting director Marc Hirschfeld will take on an advisory role at production company Gaumont International Television, overseeing series casting. The new company — established in September as an American subsidiary of French production powerhouse Gaumont — received two series orders this spring.The first, "Hannibal," was picked up by NBC for 13 episodes. The series will bring erudite serial killer Hannibal Lecter and his nemesis/mentee, FBI profiler Will Graham, to the small screen. Each episode will find Graham seeking Lecter's advice and guidance in tracking down a new unsavory character. Shooting is scheduled to start in July, but no casting director is attached. The other series, "Hemlock Grove," received an order from Netflix, adding to their growing roster of original programming. Based on the novel by Brian McGreevy, which will be released on March 27, the series is set in a small town in Pennsylvania where a young girl is found...
- 3/5/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Pete Keeley)
- backstage.com
Exclusive: With two drama series orders under its belt, Hannibal at NBC and Hemlock Grove at Netflix, five-month-old Gaumont International Television is staffing up. The company, a Los Angeles-based TV production division of French movie studio Gaumont, has hired veteran executives Elisa Roth, Marc Hirschfeld and Andy House in top executive positions under Gaumont CEO Katie O’Connell and COO Richard Frankie. This marks a reunion for O’Connell, Roth and Hirschfeld who worked together at NBC as head of departments: NBC drama (O’Connell), Universal TV drama (Roth) NBC/Universal casting (Hirschfeld). All 3 left in the big executive shakeup at the network in December 2008. At Git, House will serve as Head of Production, Elisa Roth as Head of Creative Affairs and Marc Hirschfeld will supervise casting. Also on board is Alison Engel as VP of Creative Affairs. “As part of our growth strategy it was the perfect time to bring Andy,...
- 2/29/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: HBO is shutting down its casting department, with its staff, led by 14-year HBO veteran, Svp Carrie Frazier, and VP Amy Jo Berman, exiting. HBO uses outside casting directors on all of its projects, with the in-house casting executives playing a supplemental role, mostly on the longform side. With the pay cable network’s movie and miniseries output decreasing over the past few years, HBO brass have made a decision to close that department. The network may revisit their casting needs in the future. HBO’s decision is the latest in a growing cost-cutting trend over the past several years on both the TV and feature side that involves the downsizing/eliminating in-house casting departments or the phasing out of seasoned senior staff casting executives. Rick Jacobs left Lifetime 2 years ago as part of the company-wide layoffs. NBC’s Marc Hirschfeld was let go from NBC in the 2008 executive shakeup.
- 10/15/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
On the heels of their collaboration on Torchwood: Miracle Day, Starz Entertainment and BBC Worldwide Prods. have signed a multi-year production agreement. Under the deal, the two companies will co-develop and co-finance multiple series, which will be produced by BBC Worldwide Prods. The potential output is estimated at more than 100 hours of drama series programming. Starz gets distribution rights for the U.S. and English-speaking Canada, while BBC Worldwide will distribute the series internationally. The deal essentially gives Starz a (non-exclusive) production arm without the large cost associated with overhead as Starz is looking to compete against its more established pay cable competitors on a far smaller production budget. The network already uses a similar approach in casting where it has been using the services of independent casting director Marc Hirschfeld who has been essentially serving as head of casting on a non-exclusive, consulting basis. The deal with BBC Worldwide...
- 8/8/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Marc Hirschfeld, who heads Marc Hirschfeld Casting, knew from an early age that he wanted to do something in the industry, without knowing precisely what it would be. He launched his showbiz career as a production assistant for Norman Lear and within short order was working in the casting department. He served as executive vice president of casting at NBC Universal Television from 1999 to 2008. He oversaw the original casting of such NBC series as the Emmy Award–winning "The Office," "30 Rock," "Heroes," "My Name Is Earl," and "Southland." On cable, he supervised the casting of the USA Network shows "Psych," "Burn Notice," "In Plain Sight," "Royal Pains," and "White Collar." He is currently casting "Love Bites," a romantic-comedy anthology for NBC that will bow in early 2011, and supervising casting for the Starz and Cmt networks, which are both busy developing scripted dramas and comedies.Your Submission PackageI will look at unsolicited submissions from unrepresented actors,...
- 11/12/2010
- backstage.com
Starz Media has tapped veteran casting executive Marc Hirschfeld as a casting consultant.
Under the non-exclusive arrangement, Hirschfeld will work closely with Starz programming executives on major castings for the channels' scripted and non-scripted programs, beginning with "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up," which is gearing up for its fifth season.
The Starz setup is expected to be the first of several, in which Hirschfeld provides casting executive services to networks that are ramping up original production but don't have a fully-fledged casting departments.
Hirschfeld, who is casting two pilots this season, ABC's "The Whole Truth" and CBS' "Hitched," served as executive vp casting for NBC Universal Television Entertainment from 1999 to 2008, overseeing casting for all of NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs and consulting on unscripted programming.
Before that, he ran with partner Meg Liberman top casting agency Liberman/Hirschfeld, which cast "Seinfeld," "3rd Rock from the Sun,...
Under the non-exclusive arrangement, Hirschfeld will work closely with Starz programming executives on major castings for the channels' scripted and non-scripted programs, beginning with "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up," which is gearing up for its fifth season.
The Starz setup is expected to be the first of several, in which Hirschfeld provides casting executive services to networks that are ramping up original production but don't have a fully-fledged casting departments.
Hirschfeld, who is casting two pilots this season, ABC's "The Whole Truth" and CBS' "Hitched," served as executive vp casting for NBC Universal Television Entertainment from 1999 to 2008, overseeing casting for all of NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs and consulting on unscripted programming.
Before that, he ran with partner Meg Liberman top casting agency Liberman/Hirschfeld, which cast "Seinfeld," "3rd Rock from the Sun,...
- 3/17/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Casting actors in "second position" on pilots has been on the rise during the past few years.
The process -- in which actors in on-air series are cast in pilots -- also has become increasingly aggressive, with broadcast networks even going after actors whose shows have not yet premiered.
This pilot season, Kyle Bornheimer and Alyssa Milano, stars of ABC's upcoming comedy series "Romantically Challenged," and Tyler Labine, star of Fox's upcoming comedy series "Sons of Tucson," were pursued for pilots. After fielding several offers, Bornheimer signed on as the lead in CBS' hot comedy pilot from "How I Met Your Mother" creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.
Overall, more than a dozen actors on existing series already have been cast in pilots this year.
Casting executive Marc Hirschfeld, who cast one of them -- "Numbers" star Rob Morrow, in ABC's drama pilot "The Whole Truth" -- is not surprised.
The process -- in which actors in on-air series are cast in pilots -- also has become increasingly aggressive, with broadcast networks even going after actors whose shows have not yet premiered.
This pilot season, Kyle Bornheimer and Alyssa Milano, stars of ABC's upcoming comedy series "Romantically Challenged," and Tyler Labine, star of Fox's upcoming comedy series "Sons of Tucson," were pursued for pilots. After fielding several offers, Bornheimer signed on as the lead in CBS' hot comedy pilot from "How I Met Your Mother" creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas.
Overall, more than a dozen actors on existing series already have been cast in pilots this year.
Casting executive Marc Hirschfeld, who cast one of them -- "Numbers" star Rob Morrow, in ABC's drama pilot "The Whole Truth" -- is not surprised.
- 3/8/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The news of the cancellation of ABC's "Ugly Betty" had barely hit the Internet on Wednesday when the phones of the reps of co-star Eric Mabius started ringing off the hook.
With broadcast casting executives again in the hunt for good-looking thirtysomething leading men for pilots, Mabius' sudden availability made him instantly a hot commodity.
The early cancellation of "Betty" was done mostly to help the dramedy's producers give it a proper ending, but the timing of the announcement also releases into the pilot talent pool a strong cast just as networks are starting to assemble this year's crop of series hopefuls.
"Betty" co-star Becki Newton, also in a sought-after category of beautiful 30-year-old comedic actresses, has additionally been inundated with calls, and Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie and Ana Ortiz also are in demand. It is not clear whether star America Ferrera would be open to another series as she...
With broadcast casting executives again in the hunt for good-looking thirtysomething leading men for pilots, Mabius' sudden availability made him instantly a hot commodity.
The early cancellation of "Betty" was done mostly to help the dramedy's producers give it a proper ending, but the timing of the announcement also releases into the pilot talent pool a strong cast just as networks are starting to assemble this year's crop of series hopefuls.
"Betty" co-star Becki Newton, also in a sought-after category of beautiful 30-year-old comedic actresses, has additionally been inundated with calls, and Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie and Ana Ortiz also are in demand. It is not clear whether star America Ferrera would be open to another series as she...
- 1/28/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The following is a list of the top 25 Power Casting Directors in film and television (including Casting Director of the Year, Debra Zane; see page 9). We began with more than 100 candidates. In some cases, collaborations were so closely tied that we considered multiple people as one entity. Several drafts later, all 25 spots were cast.Notably omitted from the list are in-house casting executives at studios and networks, the inclusion of whom would have ballooned our list to 50 or more. But read about them online at www.backstage.com/spotlight. Focusing on independent casting directors leveled the playing field and highlighted people whose puissance is not affected by one scale-tipping affiliation. Now, on to the top 25!Kerry BardenCan you imagine Monster's Ball starring Erykah Badu, or American Psycho starring Leonardo DiCaprio? Kerry Barden can, because he saw them read the parts. "There are so many great actors that sometimes it's a...
- 4/2/2009
- backstage.com
Actor Dendrie Taylor braved her first pilot season more than 20 years ago. Each year, she recalls, she would compete with droves of colleagues from New York, who would attend a "mad" number of auditions in January and February -- sometimes two or three a day -- which would taper off in March and April. "Then you counted on the summer being your movie time and the fall being your episodic guest-spot time." But the pattern did not hold. These days the networks have a much less predictable pilot schedule. As actor Bellamy Young notes, "There are pilots in dribs and drabs all year long." Taylor, Young, and the industry insiders who recently spoke with Ross Reports suggest that the only consistency you can count on with pilot season is inconsistency. Surprises abound. For instance, in 2008, when the Writers Guild of America strike nearly obliterated pilot season altogether, Taylor booked two...
- 1/22/2009
- by Mark Dundas Wood
- backstage.com
In one of the biggest executive shakeups in recent TV history, NBC on Monday let go of its top programming executives at the network and the studio as well as most of the department heads and senior executives at both entities.
NBC Uni confirmed that it is merging NBC and Universal Media Studios and has tapped the company's international TV production chief Angela Bromstad to oversee the combined unit's scripted programming as president of primetime entertainment.
Former BBC Worldwide Prods. president Paul Telegdy has been named executive vp alternative programming and will head the unscripted department at the network as well as Ums' newly formed alternative production studio.
Additionally, Bromstad will continue to supervise the company's international production, while Telegdy will also oversee the international sales of unscripted formats generated by the new production unit. Both Bromstad and Telegdy will start Jan. 5 and report to NBC Uni co-chairs Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff.
NBC Uni confirmed that it is merging NBC and Universal Media Studios and has tapped the company's international TV production chief Angela Bromstad to oversee the combined unit's scripted programming as president of primetime entertainment.
Former BBC Worldwide Prods. president Paul Telegdy has been named executive vp alternative programming and will head the unscripted department at the network as well as Ums' newly formed alternative production studio.
Additionally, Bromstad will continue to supervise the company's international production, while Telegdy will also oversee the international sales of unscripted formats generated by the new production unit. Both Bromstad and Telegdy will start Jan. 5 and report to NBC Uni co-chairs Ben Silverman and Marc Graboff.
- 12/8/2008
- by By James Hibberd and Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Top independent casting director Meg Liberman is joining the executive ranks as senior vp casting for CBS Paramount Network TV.
Liberman will oversee the day-to-day casting for all studio shows, reporting to Peter Golden, executive vp talent and casting for CBS Par TV Group. She replaces Sheila Guthrie, who will return to her independent casting career.
"Meg has incredible relationships with writers, directors, agents and fellow casting directors, and she has an encyclopedic knowledge of actors," Golden said. "Sheila is highly respected, and we're looking forward to continuing our relationship with her."
Liberman founded her own company in 1984 before partnering with Marc Hirschfeld from 1987-99. For the past nine years, since Hirschfeld left to become exec vp casting for NBC, Liberman has been partners with Cami Patton.
Liberman, a second-generation Hollywood casting director whose mother Pat Harris cast such series as "Get Smart," has won two Emmys, with Hirschfeld for the HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" in 1998 and with Patton for "Band of Brothers" in 2002.
"I look forward to working alongside her on the NBC/Paramount series 'Medium' and competing against her in the talent marketplace," Hirschfeld said.
Liberman's credits also include "Seinfeld" and "3rd Rock From the Sun" (with Hirschfeld) and, most recently, ABC's "Pushing Daisies," HBO's "The Pacific" and CBS/Par's new drama "The Philanthropist."
On the feature side, Liberman/Patton cast the blockbuster hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."...
Liberman will oversee the day-to-day casting for all studio shows, reporting to Peter Golden, executive vp talent and casting for CBS Par TV Group. She replaces Sheila Guthrie, who will return to her independent casting career.
"Meg has incredible relationships with writers, directors, agents and fellow casting directors, and she has an encyclopedic knowledge of actors," Golden said. "Sheila is highly respected, and we're looking forward to continuing our relationship with her."
Liberman founded her own company in 1984 before partnering with Marc Hirschfeld from 1987-99. For the past nine years, since Hirschfeld left to become exec vp casting for NBC, Liberman has been partners with Cami Patton.
Liberman, a second-generation Hollywood casting director whose mother Pat Harris cast such series as "Get Smart," has won two Emmys, with Hirschfeld for the HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon" in 1998 and with Patton for "Band of Brothers" in 2002.
"I look forward to working alongside her on the NBC/Paramount series 'Medium' and competing against her in the talent marketplace," Hirschfeld said.
Liberman's credits also include "Seinfeld" and "3rd Rock From the Sun" (with Hirschfeld) and, most recently, ABC's "Pushing Daisies," HBO's "The Pacific" and CBS/Par's new drama "The Philanthropist."
On the feature side, Liberman/Patton cast the blockbuster hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."...
- 8/18/2008
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Richard Donner and casting director Marc Hirschfeld will be the special honorees at the Casting Society of America's 23rd annual Artios Awards.
Donner is set to receive a career achievement award, recognizing excellence in casting as well as overall contributions to the industry as a whole. As both director and producer, Donner has been involved in such successful movies as The Omen, Superman, Maverick and the Lethal Weapon series.
Hirschfeld will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, honoring casting professionals who have elevated the profession by embodying the spirit and ideals of the late casting director.
Hirschfeld, executive vp casting at NBC Universal Television, oversees casting for all NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs. Most recently, Hirschfeld has overseen the casting of such NBC series as The Office, Heroes, My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights, among others. Before joining NBC, Hirschfeld spent 12 years at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, which he founded with partner Meg Liberman.
Winners in 20 theatrical casting categories will be announced Nov.
Donner is set to receive a career achievement award, recognizing excellence in casting as well as overall contributions to the industry as a whole. As both director and producer, Donner has been involved in such successful movies as The Omen, Superman, Maverick and the Lethal Weapon series.
Hirschfeld will receive the Hoyt Bowers Award, honoring casting professionals who have elevated the profession by embodying the spirit and ideals of the late casting director.
Hirschfeld, executive vp casting at NBC Universal Television, oversees casting for all NBC Entertainment, Sci Fi Channel, Bravo and USA Network scripted programs. Most recently, Hirschfeld has overseen the casting of such NBC series as The Office, Heroes, My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights, among others. Before joining NBC, Hirschfeld spent 12 years at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, which he founded with partner Meg Liberman.
Winners in 20 theatrical casting categories will be announced Nov.
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