Exclusive: Sony Pictures Television has finalized a new licensing deal with Paramount Global for comedy series The King of Queens to continue to be available on Paramount linear cable networks. The new pact also includes for the first time streaming rights on Paramount+ for all nine seasons and on Pluto TV for some (currently Seasons 1-3).
Paramount Global would not specify which linear networks will be carrying The King Of Queens. The sitcom has been running on the company’s TV Land and CMT.
Sony TV took The King of Queens out a year ago, offering rights across all linear and digital platforms starting in April 2024. The new pact with Paramount Global kicked in at the start of the month, with the show already available on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
The deal is not exclusive — The King of Queens continues to also be available on NBCU platforms, including Peacock, as well as in broadcast syndication.
Paramount Global would not specify which linear networks will be carrying The King Of Queens. The sitcom has been running on the company’s TV Land and CMT.
Sony TV took The King of Queens out a year ago, offering rights across all linear and digital platforms starting in April 2024. The new pact with Paramount Global kicked in at the start of the month, with the show already available on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
The deal is not exclusive — The King of Queens continues to also be available on NBCU platforms, including Peacock, as well as in broadcast syndication.
- 4/4/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The King of Queens is a 1998 CBS sitcom created by the acclaimed producer, Rob Schiller. The plot centers on Doug Heffernan (played by Kevin James) and his wife Carrie (portrayed by Leah Remini) as they attempt to balance married life with their careers while residing with Carrie’s father, Arthur Spooner (played by Jerry Stiller). In this article, we will take a look at the top five episodes from the first season of the nine-season TV series. Episode 1: “Pilot” The first episode earns a spot on the list since it introduces the cast and provides a solid foundation for
The Top Five Episodes From The King of Queens – Season One...
The Top Five Episodes From The King of Queens – Season One...
- 11/4/2022
- by Couch and The Potato
- TVovermind.com
The new O.J. Simpson series is awesome, but there's a Kardashian-related story line that is just not true ... TMZ has learned. O.J. Simpson did Not threaten suicide with a loaded gun pointed at his head in Kim Kardashian's childhood bedroom -- it was Khloe's room ... and the walls weren't adorned by Joey Lawrence. Our Kardashian sources say Kim and Kourtney shared a bedroom in the Encino home, and Khloe had a room to herself...
- 2/3/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[caption id="attachment_40717" align="aligncenter" width="590"] via eonline.com/caption]
Season one of E!'s new Hollywood Medium TV show kicks off Sunday, January 24, 2016, at 10:00pm Et/Pt. In advance of the premiere, E! has announced, via press release, that it will air its Hollywood Medium: Preview Special episode, Monday, December 28, 2015 at 8:00pm Et/Pt.
This new "reality" TV series from E! features 20 year old psychic Tyler Henry -- medium to the stars. The first season of Hollywood Medium includes Henry doing readings on celebrities such as Amber Rose, Carnie Wilson, Joey Lawrence, Charisma Carpenter, Cheryl Burke, Heather Dubrow, John Salley, Monica Potter, Margaret Cho, Rob Dyrdek, Tom Green, Jaime Pressly, Snooki, Tom Arnold, WWE Diva Natalya, and Boy George.
Read More…...
Season one of E!'s new Hollywood Medium TV show kicks off Sunday, January 24, 2016, at 10:00pm Et/Pt. In advance of the premiere, E! has announced, via press release, that it will air its Hollywood Medium: Preview Special episode, Monday, December 28, 2015 at 8:00pm Et/Pt.
This new "reality" TV series from E! features 20 year old psychic Tyler Henry -- medium to the stars. The first season of Hollywood Medium includes Henry doing readings on celebrities such as Amber Rose, Carnie Wilson, Joey Lawrence, Charisma Carpenter, Cheryl Burke, Heather Dubrow, John Salley, Monica Potter, Margaret Cho, Rob Dyrdek, Tom Green, Jaime Pressly, Snooki, Tom Arnold, WWE Diva Natalya, and Boy George.
Read More…...
- 12/4/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
This season will take Melissa & Joey passes the 100 episode mark, giving the show enough installments for a regular syndication package. Will that be enough episodes for ABC Family or, will they want more? Cancelled or renewed for a fifth season? Stay tuned to find out.
On Melissa & Joey, up-and-coming local politician Melanie Burke (Melissa Joan Hart) hires recently divorced commodities broker Joe Longo (Joey Lawrence) as a nanny for her niece and nephew (Taylor Spreitler and Nick Robinson). Mel and Joe eventually fell in love and in season three, they were married.
Below are the show's TV ratings, typically the best way to tell if a series will be cancelled or renewed. These figures will be updated as the weeks progress:Read More…...
On Melissa & Joey, up-and-coming local politician Melanie Burke (Melissa Joan Hart) hires recently divorced commodities broker Joe Longo (Joey Lawrence) as a nanny for her niece and nephew (Taylor Spreitler and Nick Robinson). Mel and Joe eventually fell in love and in season three, they were married.
Below are the show's TV ratings, typically the best way to tell if a series will be cancelled or renewed. These figures will be updated as the weeks progress:Read More…...
- 6/5/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The ABC Family television network announced some startling news last week. The network, which has been named ABC Family since 2001, decided to cancel Melissa & Joey which is one of the highest rated programs for the cable station. The series stars real life friends Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence as a newly married couple named Mel and Joe raising Mel’s niece and nephew as well as Joe’s daughter from a previous relationship. It was confirmed that the series will conclude at the end of its summer run in 2015 after airing 104 episodes. Melissa Joan Hart is no stranger to the world of successful television shows. She began her career at the young age of four and has been acting ever since for the last 34 years. Melissa Joan Hart has even starred in two other successful television programs prior to Melissa & Joey. Here is a look at her amazing career…...
- 2/17/2015
- by Tim Gerstenberger
- TVovermind.com
ABC Family is breaking up with Melissa & Joey. The cable channel has cancelled the sitcom after four seasons.
On Melissa & Joey, up-and-coming local politician Melanie Burke (Melissa Joan Hart) hires recently divorced commodities broker Joe Longo (Joey Lawrence) as a nanny for her niece and nephew (Taylor Spreitler and Nick Robinson). Mel and Joe eventually fell in love and in season three, they were married.
(more…)...
On Melissa & Joey, up-and-coming local politician Melanie Burke (Melissa Joan Hart) hires recently divorced commodities broker Joe Longo (Joey Lawrence) as a nanny for her niece and nephew (Taylor Spreitler and Nick Robinson). Mel and Joe eventually fell in love and in season three, they were married.
(more…)...
- 2/10/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
It's the end of the road for Melissa and Joey. A rep for ABC Family confirmed the sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence has been canceled after four seasons. The remainder of the fourth season is set to air this summer. "We are proud of the milestones Melissa & Joey has achieved, being the network's first sitcom to reach 100 episodes and the network's first comedy to win a People's Choice Award," Karey Burke, executive vice president, of programming and development, at ABC Family, said in a statement first given to TheWrap. "Now that the kids are grown and Mel and Joe have married and are looking towards starting a family, it seemed like a natural time to bring the series...
- 2/9/2015
- E! Online
ABC Family is breaking up Melissa & Joey. The network announced today that it has cancelled the sitcom, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence. The series will end after its fourth season, which is currently airing right now. “We are proud of the milestones Melissa & Joey has achieved, being the network’s first sitcom to reach 100 episodes and the network’s first comedy to win a People’s Choice Award,” ABC Family exec vp programming and development Karey Burke said in a statement. “Now that the kids are grown and Mel and Joe have married and are looking toward starting a family, it seemed like a natural time to bring the series to a close. We are grateful to Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, and the whole cast and crew who worked so hard on this successful show.” The first half of Melissa & Joey‘s fourth and final season…...
- 2/9/2015
- by Chris King
- TVovermind.com
The honeymoon’s over (again) for ABC Family’s Melissa & Joey.
RelatedCable Renewal Scorecard 2015: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
The sitcom, which stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence as newlyweds, has been cancelled after four seasons, TVLine has confirmed.
Melissa & Joey‘s 100th episode, airing March 18 (8/7c) will also serve as its mid-season finale. TVLine’s Cable Renewal Scorecard has been updated to reflect the end of M&J.
News of the cancellation was first reported by The Wrap.
Your thoughts on the sitcom’s cancellation? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.
RelatedCable Renewal Scorecard 2015: What’s Coming Back? What’s Cancelled? What’s on the Bubble?
The sitcom, which stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence as newlyweds, has been cancelled after four seasons, TVLine has confirmed.
Melissa & Joey‘s 100th episode, airing March 18 (8/7c) will also serve as its mid-season finale. TVLine’s Cable Renewal Scorecard has been updated to reflect the end of M&J.
News of the cancellation was first reported by The Wrap.
Your thoughts on the sitcom’s cancellation? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.
- 2/9/2015
- TVLine.com
ABC Family is saying farewell to one of its comedies. Melissa & Joey, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, has been canceled after four seasons, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The comedy, which recently topped the key 100-episode milestone required for syndication, had been a standout performer in its third season, hitting highs in total viewers and key demos. Read more ABC Family Targeting Older Women Amid Restructuring Production on its fourth and final season will wrap this season and will air in the summer. "We are proud of the milestones Melissa & Joey has achieved, being the
read more...
read more...
- 2/9/2015
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We have sad news for 90s fans and fans of Melissa & Joey. The classic mash-up between two former teen idols ruled the roost on ABC family for a solid 4 years. However, like most ABC Family shows and cable shows in general, we will be saying goodbye to them. The network confirmed that their fourth season will be the last of the newlywed’s tale. The series will end likely this summer/fall while the mid-season finale will air on March 18th.
I am so sad by this news. I enjoyed the true cheese factor that they had. Joey Lawrence and Melissa Joan Hart had a great chemistry that worked well. However, as they get older and have families, we can see their desire to keep shows shorter. I am just sad that ABC Family seems to be ending it on such a short notice. I think at least a fifth...
I am so sad by this news. I enjoyed the true cheese factor that they had. Joey Lawrence and Melissa Joan Hart had a great chemistry that worked well. However, as they get older and have families, we can see their desire to keep shows shorter. I am just sad that ABC Family seems to be ending it on such a short notice. I think at least a fifth...
- 2/9/2015
- by Sarah Peel
- Boomtron
Things are getting hot and heavy on Melissa & Joey! Well, sort of.
Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence kick off the new year with a romantic honeymoon retreat on ABC Family’s long-running comedy, which returns Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt for its fourth season.
Watch: It's a 'Sabrina' Reunion on 'Melissa & Joey'!
In “The Honeymooners,” Mel and Joe find themselves in a bit of quandary after Melissa breaks her foot, forcing their exotic Tahiti trip to get canceled. Being the perfect husband that he is, Joey goes with a Plan B: a cabin getaway!
ETonline has an exclusive sneak peek from the premiere where the newlyweds seem to be engaging in some steamy bedroom action. Really, it’s just Joe scratching Mel’s back intensely, causing Mel to react… enthusiastically.
But things quickly turn into a nightmare, as you can see in the exclusive first look below.
Watch: [link=nm...
Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence kick off the new year with a romantic honeymoon retreat on ABC Family’s long-running comedy, which returns Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt for its fourth season.
Watch: It's a 'Sabrina' Reunion on 'Melissa & Joey'!
In “The Honeymooners,” Mel and Joe find themselves in a bit of quandary after Melissa breaks her foot, forcing their exotic Tahiti trip to get canceled. Being the perfect husband that he is, Joey goes with a Plan B: a cabin getaway!
ETonline has an exclusive sneak peek from the premiere where the newlyweds seem to be engaging in some steamy bedroom action. Really, it’s just Joe scratching Mel’s back intensely, causing Mel to react… enthusiastically.
But things quickly turn into a nightmare, as you can see in the exclusive first look below.
Watch: [link=nm...
- 1/8/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
DVD Release Date: May 1, 2012
Price: DVD $24.98
Studio: Screen Media
Sean Astin rides Cheri Oteri before she rides her thoroughbred in And They're Off...
The not-unappealing ensemble of Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings trilogy), Cheri Oteri (Scary Movie), Kevin Nealon (TV’s Weeds) and Martin Mull (TV’s Two and a Half Men) star in the 2011 comedy film And They’re Off…
The film centers on failed horse trainer Dusty Sanders (Astin) whose career is on the brink. Given one more chance to train a winning horse after losing his girlfriend Dee (Oteri), along with the three horses he’s been training), Sanders must overcome the odds – and his eccentric family and social group – to return to the winner’s circle.
Helmed by veteran television director Rob Schiller (TV’s The King of Queens), And They’re Off… is a mock documentary-style film in the Christopher Guest mold that’s...
Price: DVD $24.98
Studio: Screen Media
Sean Astin rides Cheri Oteri before she rides her thoroughbred in And They're Off...
The not-unappealing ensemble of Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings trilogy), Cheri Oteri (Scary Movie), Kevin Nealon (TV’s Weeds) and Martin Mull (TV’s Two and a Half Men) star in the 2011 comedy film And They’re Off…
The film centers on failed horse trainer Dusty Sanders (Astin) whose career is on the brink. Given one more chance to train a winning horse after losing his girlfriend Dee (Oteri), along with the three horses he’s been training), Sanders must overcome the odds – and his eccentric family and social group – to return to the winner’s circle.
Helmed by veteran television director Rob Schiller (TV’s The King of Queens), And They’re Off… is a mock documentary-style film in the Christopher Guest mold that’s...
- 3/9/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Clips from the And They're Off movie, starring Sean Astin, Kevin Nealon, Peter Jacobson and Cheri Oteri. Experienced TV director Rob Schiller directs the horseracing comedy scripted by Alan Grossbard, who makes his feature writing debut. This actually looks quite amusing and one I'd like to catch at some point myself, been a horseracing fan. Also in the cast of the Kinobold Releasing distributed film are Mark Moses, Greg Cipes, Martin Mull, Alex Rocco and Mo Collins. And They're Off... is the story of a losing thoroughbred horse trainer (Astin) whose only chance to save his career and get back into the winner?s circle is to hire his erratic ex-girlfriend / jockey (Oteri), who is equally as desperate to get back into His circle.
- 10/10/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Clips from the And They're Off movie, starring Sean Astin, Kevin Nealon, Peter Jacobson and Cheri Oteri. Experienced TV director Rob Schiller directs the horseracing comedy scripted by Alan Grossbard, who makes his feature writing debut. This actually looks quite amusing and one I'd like to catch at some point myself, been a horseracing fan. Also in the cast of the Kinobold Releasing distributed film are Mark Moses, Greg Cipes, Martin Mull, Alex Rocco and Mo Collins. And They're Off... is the story of a losing thoroughbred horse trainer (Astin) whose only chance to save his career and get back into the winner?s circle is to hire his erratic ex-girlfriend / jockey (Oteri), who is equally as desperate to get back into His circle.
- 10/10/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Images from Rob Schiller's And They're Off, starring Sean Astin and Kevin Nealon Admitedly, I've never heard of this title before today's popping up of images from a source. Still, with Sean Astin on board, I think it's a worthwhile addition, especially since I'm keen on horseracing flicks in general. There are over 30 images from the film which also stars Mark Moses, Cheri Oteri, Peter Jacobson, Greg Cipes, Martin Mull, Alex Rocco and Mo Collins. Rob Schiller's an experienced TV director for the most part, with credits like Santa Barbara, Blue Skies, Two and a Half Men, The King of Queens, 'Til Death and $#*! My Dad Says...
- 9/21/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Images from Rob Schiller's And They're Off, starring Sean Astin and Kevin Nealon Admitedly, I've never heard of this title before today's popping up of images from a source. Still, with Sean Astin on board, I think it's a worthwhile addition, especially since I'm keen on horseracing flicks in general. There are over 30 images from the film which also stars Mark Moses, Cheri Oteri, Peter Jacobson, Greg Cipes, Martin Mull, Alex Rocco and Mo Collins. Rob Schiller's an experienced TV director for the most part, with credits like Santa Barbara, Blue Skies, Two and a Half Men, The King of Queens, 'Til Death and $#*! My Dad Says...
- 9/21/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Veteran TV director Rob Schiller has sneakily been putting together a feature length comedy starring Sean Astin and Cheri Oteri called And They.re Off. Schiller, who has directed episodes of Two and a Half Men, Shit My Dad Says, and whopping 165 episodes of King of Queens, surprisingly has kept his film under the radar until only two months before its October 28th release. Along with Astin and Oteri, MadTV and Parks and Recreation alum Mo Collins costars with Kevin Nealon and a host of others. The film follows Astin, a down and out horse trainer looking to start winning again, but the only way to do so is to hire his, presumably psychotic, ex-girlfriend Oteri to play jockey. And They.re Off will be a Christopher Guest style mockumentary much like Spinal Tap or Best in Show, so done properly this could prove to be really funny, but the...
- 8/11/2011
- cinemablend.com
ComingSoon.net has your first look at the poster for the mockumentary-comedy And They're Off... , starring Sean Astin and Cheri Oteri. The October 28 release is about a losing thoroughbred horse trainer (Astin) whose only chance to save his career and get back into the winner's circle is to hire his erratic ex-girlfriend / jockey (Oteri), who is equally as desperate to get back into His circle. Directed by Rob Schiller from a script by Alan Grossbard, the movie also stars Mark Moses, Gigi Rice, Peter Jacobson, Mo Collins, James "Lil Jj" Lewis and Martin Mull. It features appearances by Kevin Nealon, Dot Marie Jones and Alex Rocco, as well as thoroughbred horse trainers Doug O'Neill, Bob Baffert, John Sadler and jockeys Martin Garcia and Joe Talamo. Click the poster for...
- 8/11/2011
- Comingsoon.net
And we thought Charlie Sheen had problems. A television director whose credits include Two and a Half Men, King of Queens and other hit shows is being sued by his ex-wife for breaking into their former residence, hacking into her computer and posting a nude picture of her new boyfriend on her Facebook page. And just how exactly did he get this naked pic? More on that later. First lets get to the suit. According to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, defendant, Robert Schiller is accused by former missus Barbara Schiller of having an affair in July 2008 while in England working on a project. That tryst prompting her to file for divorce shortly thereafter. As part of the...
- 4/8/2011
- E! Online
Tyra Colar recently took her talent to the small screen with an appearance on the hit CBS crime-drama “The Mentalist,” on February 3rd, 2011. And later this year, Colar lands on the big screen opposite Lil’ Jj and Sean Astin in the indie comedy “And They’Re Off,” helmed by veteran TV director Rob Schiller. Check out my latest "Versus" with the super cute and awesomely nice Tyra Colar.
Brian S- First off how'd you get into acting?
Tyra Colar- I got into acting by starting off in pageantry. I got my first modeling agent when I won Miss San Francisco Bay Area Teen and began acting shortly after. Prior to that, when I watched "Crooklyn" by Spike Lee, I knew I wanted to be an actress. That was at the age of 9 years old.
Brian S- You've been in a recent episode of The Mentalist coming up. What can...
Brian S- First off how'd you get into acting?
Tyra Colar- I got into acting by starting off in pageantry. I got my first modeling agent when I won Miss San Francisco Bay Area Teen and began acting shortly after. Prior to that, when I watched "Crooklyn" by Spike Lee, I knew I wanted to be an actress. That was at the age of 9 years old.
Brian S- You've been in a recent episode of The Mentalist coming up. What can...
- 2/12/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
We know him as a member of the Goonies and someone who’s made grown men cry twice (playing Rudy Ruettiger and Samwise Gamgee). But if you have preschoolers in your life, chances are they know Sean Astin as the voice of Oso, the stuffed panda bear who works for U.N.I.Q.U.E (United Network for Investigating Quite Usual Events) – an international organization of stuffed animals charged with helping kids accomplish everyday tasks, showing them ways to stay active outdoors, and teaching them the importance of telling the truth and what to do if they get lost...
- 7/9/2010
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW.com - PopWatch
By Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith
HollywoodNews.com: Sean Astin is eagerly anticipating word on release of his recently-completed indie comedy, “And They’re Off” – a mockumentary in which he plays a failed horse trainer. “By traditional standards, he’s not really a trainer – he’s only had one horse — but as far as he’s concerned, he is,” reports the actor with a laugh. “He’s upbeat no matter what awful things go on. He’s got a documentary crew following him around the track at Santa Anita at dawn, teaching about horses. He’s out walking around the track saying, ‘I’m not going to ask my horse to do something I wouldn’t do myself.’”
According to Astin, the script by Alan Grossbard was “a hoot.” Veteran TV director Rob Schiller, making his feature debut, left room for the actors, including Cheri Oteri, Martin Mull, Kevin Nealon...
HollywoodNews.com: Sean Astin is eagerly anticipating word on release of his recently-completed indie comedy, “And They’re Off” – a mockumentary in which he plays a failed horse trainer. “By traditional standards, he’s not really a trainer – he’s only had one horse — but as far as he’s concerned, he is,” reports the actor with a laugh. “He’s upbeat no matter what awful things go on. He’s got a documentary crew following him around the track at Santa Anita at dawn, teaching about horses. He’s out walking around the track saying, ‘I’m not going to ask my horse to do something I wouldn’t do myself.’”
According to Astin, the script by Alan Grossbard was “a hoot.” Veteran TV director Rob Schiller, making his feature debut, left room for the actors, including Cheri Oteri, Martin Mull, Kevin Nealon...
- 6/30/2010
- by Beck / Smith
- Hollywoodnews.com
Sean Astin and Cheri Oteri will star in the independent horse racing comedy "And They're Off." According to Variety, they join a cast that includes Martin Mull, Mark Moses, Gigi Rice, Lil' Jj, Peter Jacobson, Mo Collins, Alex Rocco, Luis Chavez and Kevin Nealon. Horse trainers Bob Baffert and Doug O'Neill will make cameos as themselves in the film. Astin plays a failed horse trainer desperately looking for a shot at success. The film begins production this week at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles and the Fairplex in Pomona. Rob Schiller ("King of Queens," "Two and a Half Men") is directing from a script by Alan Grossbard. Grossbard, Pamela Fryman and Howard Bolter are producing.
- 4/27/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
The track is the new cinematic hotspot. Okay, not really, but as someone who grew up inundated by the world of horse racing, it's pretty wild to see it getting increasing cinematic love. The Internet just got pictures of the Diane Lane-starring Secretariat (and look how close it is to reality!), and now Variety reports that Sean Astin and Cheri Oteri are starring in a new indie comedy called And They're Off. Alan Grossbard wrote the script, and Rob Schiller (Two and a Half Men) is directing.
Astin, who hasn't really had a big/noteworthy role since Samwise, will play "a failed horse trainer desperately trying to get back into the winner's circle." Oteri, meanwhile, plays a jockey "with a hair-trigger temper." This should be no problem for the funny woman, although it's a shame that she's back in the comedy after such an impressive turn in Jennifer Lynch's creepy Surveillance.
Astin, who hasn't really had a big/noteworthy role since Samwise, will play "a failed horse trainer desperately trying to get back into the winner's circle." Oteri, meanwhile, plays a jockey "with a hair-trigger temper." This should be no problem for the funny woman, although it's a shame that she's back in the comedy after such an impressive turn in Jennifer Lynch's creepy Surveillance.
- 4/27/2010
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
Sean Astin and Cheri Oteri will headline the thoroughbred horse racing indie comedy "And They're Off" says Variety.
Astin portrays a failed horse trainer desperately trying to get back into the winners circle. Martin Mull, Mark Moses, Gigi Rice, Lil' Jj, Peter Jacobson, Mo Collins, Alex Rocco, Luis Chavez and Kevin Nealon also star.
Alan Grossbard penned the script while Rob Schiller will direct. Filming kicks off this week at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles and the Fairplex in Pomona.
Astin portrays a failed horse trainer desperately trying to get back into the winners circle. Martin Mull, Mark Moses, Gigi Rice, Lil' Jj, Peter Jacobson, Mo Collins, Alex Rocco, Luis Chavez and Kevin Nealon also star.
Alan Grossbard penned the script while Rob Schiller will direct. Filming kicks off this week at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles and the Fairplex in Pomona.
- 4/27/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Horse racing is clearly back in a big way. Disney has Secretariat in the starting gate for release; Michael Mann is producing a star-laden drama for HBO about the sport and now Sean Astin is starring in an indie comedy called And They’re Off.Astin has singed on to play a failed horse trainer who wants to get back in the game. The likes of Cheri Oteri, Martin Mull, Kevin Nealon and Mo Collins are all in the cast, along with real-life racing types.TV directing veteran Rob Schiller is behind the camera for this one, which starts filming this week in La.
- 4/26/2010
- EmpireOnline
Adam Chase is back at it. The former "Friends" executive producer begins filming Friday on his new comedy series "Clone," which is directed by "The King of Queens" alum Rob Schiller.
What's wrong with this picture? Well, "Clone" is a British show shot in London for BBC3.
With British scripted formats invading the U.S. marketplace in the wake of the success of "The Office," Chase went against the current, creating a show for the U.K.
"Clone" is a multicamera sci-fi comedy with single-camera and greenscreen elements. It stars Jonathan Pryce as a scientist who creates the first human clone. Intended to be a prototype supersoldier, the doctor quickly realizes his creation is more likely to hug someone than shoot them.
"Clone" is described as a fish-out-of-water tale, and that's exactly what Americans Chase and Schiller are in the British TV industry.
Chase's only British production experience was filming the two-part London episode of "Friends."
"I'd been thinking about doing a sci-fi comedy for a while but was concerned about getting it through the American development process," said Chase, who grew up with genre-mixing British fare like Monty Python. " 'Clone' is extremely violent; people die every week. Audiences (in the U.K.) are very sophisticated, and they have no problem switching form genre to genre."
A couple of years ago, Chase met Ash Atalla, producer of the British version of "The Office," when they served as judges on a sitcom-writing competition on BBC3. Chase shared his idea for "Clone," and Atalla quickly came aboard.
After letting it percolate for a while, Chase set out in summer 2007 to write it as a spec. He rented a one-bedroom apartment in London and penned the script in 2 1/2 months.
He and Atalla sent it to several networks; a couple were interested, and BBC3 offered a series order.
"It was a dream come true," Chase said. "Then I saw the budget. Here you get amazing creative freedom and a tiny budget."
The BBC commissioned the series for what is said to be $500,000 an episode -- less than a third of what a similar show would cost in the U.S. The money is transferred upfront, and there no overages are tolerated.
Schiller said he initially was shocked by the budget constraints but adjusted and even found a silver lining.
"It's good as it makes us lean and mean, thinking twice about what we do," he said.
"Clone" has only one 12-hour day onstage per episode for blocking, rehearsal and taping -- something done in the U.S. over three to four days. Chase and Schiller found themselves extensively prepping -- writing and rewriting every scene and storyboarding every shot.
During production, the actors rehearse in a church, and the writers do rewrites in a room next to the soup kitchen.
"There's a sign outside the entrance of the kitchen that says, 'Please don't use the yard as a lavatory,' " Chase said. "I don't walk through the yard anymore."
One good piece of news is that in the U.K., most TV shows pay talent little money. And with short orders of six to seven episodes, feature stars are willing to do them. That's how Chase was able to land Pryce.
For "Clone," Chase employed the American writers room model. His team consisted of five scribes: two Yanks, including old "Friends" pal Alexa Junge, and three Brits. That number has dropped to two part-timers during production.
Chase follows in the footsteps of former "Seinfeld" executive producer Fred Barron, who created the long-running BBC sitcom "My Family," which also uses the writers room model. Additionally, veteran sitcom producer Caryn Mandabach opened shop in the U.K. several years ago and is producing projects for BBC and ITV.
The BBC, which has a 25% quota for indie producers, recently opened its doors to outsiders even further with the implementation of Window of Creative Competition, a program reserving another 25% of BBC's programming real estate for anybody with an idea.
U.S. writers might get attracted by the prospect of getting paid in British pounds. With the dollar sliding against the pound, "I've got a de facto raise," Chase quipped.
Chase is looking to one day do a U.S. version of "Clone."
With the heat surrounding British formats, that might come soon. In fact, Chase recalls some advice he got from a Hollywood agent when he was contemplating doing a U.K. show: "The shortest route to get to American television is to produce for British television."
The work on "Clone" has taught Chase a thing or two about the U.K. TV business, including, "People are really polite when they give you bad news," and "They really like to stop for tea at 4 p.m."
But most of all, "we take a lot of things for granted in an American production," Chase says. "Bottom line, I've leaned how to produce a show of equal quality for a lot less money."...
What's wrong with this picture? Well, "Clone" is a British show shot in London for BBC3.
With British scripted formats invading the U.S. marketplace in the wake of the success of "The Office," Chase went against the current, creating a show for the U.K.
"Clone" is a multicamera sci-fi comedy with single-camera and greenscreen elements. It stars Jonathan Pryce as a scientist who creates the first human clone. Intended to be a prototype supersoldier, the doctor quickly realizes his creation is more likely to hug someone than shoot them.
"Clone" is described as a fish-out-of-water tale, and that's exactly what Americans Chase and Schiller are in the British TV industry.
Chase's only British production experience was filming the two-part London episode of "Friends."
"I'd been thinking about doing a sci-fi comedy for a while but was concerned about getting it through the American development process," said Chase, who grew up with genre-mixing British fare like Monty Python. " 'Clone' is extremely violent; people die every week. Audiences (in the U.K.) are very sophisticated, and they have no problem switching form genre to genre."
A couple of years ago, Chase met Ash Atalla, producer of the British version of "The Office," when they served as judges on a sitcom-writing competition on BBC3. Chase shared his idea for "Clone," and Atalla quickly came aboard.
After letting it percolate for a while, Chase set out in summer 2007 to write it as a spec. He rented a one-bedroom apartment in London and penned the script in 2 1/2 months.
He and Atalla sent it to several networks; a couple were interested, and BBC3 offered a series order.
"It was a dream come true," Chase said. "Then I saw the budget. Here you get amazing creative freedom and a tiny budget."
The BBC commissioned the series for what is said to be $500,000 an episode -- less than a third of what a similar show would cost in the U.S. The money is transferred upfront, and there no overages are tolerated.
Schiller said he initially was shocked by the budget constraints but adjusted and even found a silver lining.
"It's good as it makes us lean and mean, thinking twice about what we do," he said.
"Clone" has only one 12-hour day onstage per episode for blocking, rehearsal and taping -- something done in the U.S. over three to four days. Chase and Schiller found themselves extensively prepping -- writing and rewriting every scene and storyboarding every shot.
During production, the actors rehearse in a church, and the writers do rewrites in a room next to the soup kitchen.
"There's a sign outside the entrance of the kitchen that says, 'Please don't use the yard as a lavatory,' " Chase said. "I don't walk through the yard anymore."
One good piece of news is that in the U.K., most TV shows pay talent little money. And with short orders of six to seven episodes, feature stars are willing to do them. That's how Chase was able to land Pryce.
For "Clone," Chase employed the American writers room model. His team consisted of five scribes: two Yanks, including old "Friends" pal Alexa Junge, and three Brits. That number has dropped to two part-timers during production.
Chase follows in the footsteps of former "Seinfeld" executive producer Fred Barron, who created the long-running BBC sitcom "My Family," which also uses the writers room model. Additionally, veteran sitcom producer Caryn Mandabach opened shop in the U.K. several years ago and is producing projects for BBC and ITV.
The BBC, which has a 25% quota for indie producers, recently opened its doors to outsiders even further with the implementation of Window of Creative Competition, a program reserving another 25% of BBC's programming real estate for anybody with an idea.
U.S. writers might get attracted by the prospect of getting paid in British pounds. With the dollar sliding against the pound, "I've got a de facto raise," Chase quipped.
Chase is looking to one day do a U.S. version of "Clone."
With the heat surrounding British formats, that might come soon. In fact, Chase recalls some advice he got from a Hollywood agent when he was contemplating doing a U.K. show: "The shortest route to get to American television is to produce for British television."
The work on "Clone" has taught Chase a thing or two about the U.K. TV business, including, "People are really polite when they give you bad news," and "They really like to stop for tea at 4 p.m."
But most of all, "we take a lot of things for granted in an American production," Chase says. "Bottom line, I've leaned how to produce a show of equal quality for a lot less money."...
- 7/11/2008
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Longtime television director Rob Schiller is making his feature directorial debut on the indie Cabrini Gardens. Darryl Taja is producing via his Epidemic Pictures. The romantic comedy centers on a single mother who works as a paralegal at a prestigious law firm. She ends up falling for the firm's rising star while at the same time falling into a case involving a snobby homeowners' association. The screenplay was written by Taja, David Odom and Breht Gardner. Odom is executive producing and financing the film, and Gardner is co-producer. Filming is expected to begin late next month in Chicago. No cast has been set yet.
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