Elle is headed to Prime Video. The streaming service has ordered a prequel series to the Legally Blonde films, which will follow a young Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon in the movies) as she attends high school. Laura Kittrell is the creator and showrunner of the upcoming series, which will be executive-produced by Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt.
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- 5/17/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Reese Witherspoon will produce Legally Blonde prequel series Elle for Prime Video. Here are the details.
According to Deadline, a prequel television series to Legally Blonde has been ordered at Amazon Prime Video.
Reese Witherspoon, who starred in the two feature films, will produce the series through her Hello Sunshine production company, alongside Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky and producer of the original films Marc Platt.
Elle will serve as a prequel to the original 2001 film, which saw Witherspoon play Elle Woods, a sorority queen who follows her ex boyfriend to law school to win him back, only to find herself flourishing as an aspiring lawyer.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde followed in 2004. A straight to DVD sequel, Legally Blondes, which Witherspoon produced, starring twins Milly and Becky Rosso, was released in 2009. A hugely successful stage musical premiered in 2007, which transferred to Broadway and eventually the West End in...
According to Deadline, a prequel television series to Legally Blonde has been ordered at Amazon Prime Video.
Reese Witherspoon, who starred in the two feature films, will produce the series through her Hello Sunshine production company, alongside Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky and producer of the original films Marc Platt.
Elle will serve as a prequel to the original 2001 film, which saw Witherspoon play Elle Woods, a sorority queen who follows her ex boyfriend to law school to win him back, only to find herself flourishing as an aspiring lawyer.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde followed in 2004. A straight to DVD sequel, Legally Blondes, which Witherspoon produced, starring twins Milly and Becky Rosso, was released in 2009. A hugely successful stage musical premiered in 2007, which transferred to Broadway and eventually the West End in...
- 5/15/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Amazon had its inaugural upfront presentation today, and it may hold the most exciting information we’ve seen so far.
Amazon MGM Studios has been entertaining us for a while now, but they’ve got even more on tap, with The Boys Season 5 locked, a Legally Blonde-related series, the Cross trailer, and news about Nicolas Cage as a washed-up superhero.
Let the good times roll!
Elle, a Series in the Legally Blonde Universe, Ordered to Series
Prime Video announced that it has ordered the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, a part of Candle Media.
Creator Laura Kittrell is set as showrunner and executive producer, with Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt also serving as executive producers.
Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to...
Amazon MGM Studios has been entertaining us for a while now, but they’ve got even more on tap, with The Boys Season 5 locked, a Legally Blonde-related series, the Cross trailer, and news about Nicolas Cage as a washed-up superhero.
Let the good times roll!
Elle, a Series in the Legally Blonde Universe, Ordered to Series
Prime Video announced that it has ordered the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, a part of Candle Media.
Creator Laura Kittrell is set as showrunner and executive producer, with Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt also serving as executive producers.
Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to...
- 5/14/2024
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Today, at its inaugural upfront presentation, Prime Video announced that it has ordered the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, a part of Candle Media.
Creator Laura Kittrell is set as showrunner and executive producer, with Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt also serving as executive producers.
Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film.
The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
“I truly couldn’t be more excited about this series! Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity in ways that only our beloved Elle could do. What could be better than that?!” said Reese Witherspoon.
Creator Laura Kittrell is set as showrunner and executive producer, with Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Neustadter, Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt also serving as executive producers.
Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film.
The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
“I truly couldn’t be more excited about this series! Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity in ways that only our beloved Elle could do. What could be better than that?!” said Reese Witherspoon.
- 5/14/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
A “Legally Blonde” prequel about the high school years of Elle Woods has been ordered to series at Amazon Prime Video.
The series was reported to be in development at Prime Video in April. The announcement was made as part of Amazon’s upfront presentation to advertisers on Tuesday. Reese Witherspoon, who played Woods in the two “Legally Blonde” films, took the stage in costume (and accompanied by Elle’s chihuahua Brusier) to announce the series order.
Currently titled “Elle,” the logline for the series states that it “follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first ‘Legally Blonde’ film.”
“I truly couldn’t be more excited about this series! Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity,...
The series was reported to be in development at Prime Video in April. The announcement was made as part of Amazon’s upfront presentation to advertisers on Tuesday. Reese Witherspoon, who played Woods in the two “Legally Blonde” films, took the stage in costume (and accompanied by Elle’s chihuahua Brusier) to announce the series order.
Currently titled “Elle,” the logline for the series states that it “follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first ‘Legally Blonde’ film.”
“I truly couldn’t be more excited about this series! Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon is ready to tell one Elle of an origin story.
Reese Witherspoon came out on stage at the close of Amazon’s inaugural Upfront presentation to advertisers on Tuesday morning to announce the premise for the previously reported streaming series set in the world of the 2001 film comedy Legally Blonde.
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“We are going back to high school with Elle!” said Witherspoon, clad in pink...
Reese Witherspoon came out on stage at the close of Amazon’s inaugural Upfront presentation to advertisers on Tuesday morning to announce the premise for the previously reported streaming series set in the world of the 2001 film comedy Legally Blonde.
More from TVLineRoad House Movie Sequel Ordered at AmazonThe Summer I Turned Pretty Delayed Until 2025, Will Return With Supersized Season 3 - Watch VideoTomb Raider Series Ordered at Amazon - Who Should Play TV's Lara Croft?
“We are going back to high school with Elle!” said Witherspoon, clad in pink...
- 5/14/2024
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Reese Witherspoon is bringing a Legally Blonde series to Amazon’s Prime Video.
What, like it’s hard?
Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke, Witherspoon — and Bruiser the dog — announced a series order for the show Tuesday at Amazon’s first-ever upfront presentation. The show, titled Elle, will tell the origin story of Elle Woods as a 1990s high schooler. It has been in the works since early April. Witherspoon will executive produce via her Hello Sunshine banner along with series creator and showrunner Laura Kittrell (Insecure, Amazon Freevee’s High School), Hello Sunshine’s Lauren Neustadter and Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt, producer of the Legally Blonde films.
The logline for the series reads, “Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film.”
“I...
What, like it’s hard?
Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke, Witherspoon — and Bruiser the dog — announced a series order for the show Tuesday at Amazon’s first-ever upfront presentation. The show, titled Elle, will tell the origin story of Elle Woods as a 1990s high schooler. It has been in the works since early April. Witherspoon will executive produce via her Hello Sunshine banner along with series creator and showrunner Laura Kittrell (Insecure, Amazon Freevee’s High School), Hello Sunshine’s Lauren Neustadter and Lauren Kisilevsky, and Marc Platt, producer of the Legally Blonde films.
The logline for the series reads, “Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film.”
“I...
- 5/14/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Legally Blonde has become the first big MGM title to spawn a TV series for Prime Video. The Amazon streamer has ordered Elle, a Legally Blonde prequel series. It hails from the film franchise’s star Reese Witherspoon and her Hello Sunshine banner, part of Candle Media. The project is being unveiled at Prime Video’s inaugural upfront presentation today where the streamer also is announcing another TV series based on a MGM property, Tomb Raider.
Created by Laura Kittrell, who will serve as showrunner, Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film. The series is set years before the events in the first movie, which kicked off as Elle Woods (Witherspoon) graduated from college and headed to Harvard Law to pursue a legal career.
Created by Laura Kittrell, who will serve as showrunner, Elle follows Elle Woods in high school as we learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love in the first Legally Blonde film. The series is set years before the events in the first movie, which kicked off as Elle Woods (Witherspoon) graduated from college and headed to Harvard Law to pursue a legal career.
- 5/14/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
It took a while for some of Lauren Neustadter’s projects to see the light of day. But now a host of Hello Sunshine projects, some from deals made during or before the pandemic, are out in the world.
The production company’s president of film and television and key creative partner of founder Reese Witherspoon saw “Daisy Jones & the Six,” adapted from a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, debut on Amazon’s Prime Video. April will see two more book-based limited series, “Tiny Beautiful Things“ starring Kathryn Hahn and “The Last Thing He Told Me” starring Jennifer Garner, the former based off of Cheryl Strayed’s book of advice column responses and the latter based off Laura Dave’s novel.
“The process of developing is incredibly gratifying, but also incredibly intricate, and it requires a lot of attention to detail,” Neustadter told TheWrap for this week’s Office With a View.
The production company’s president of film and television and key creative partner of founder Reese Witherspoon saw “Daisy Jones & the Six,” adapted from a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, debut on Amazon’s Prime Video. April will see two more book-based limited series, “Tiny Beautiful Things“ starring Kathryn Hahn and “The Last Thing He Told Me” starring Jennifer Garner, the former based off of Cheryl Strayed’s book of advice column responses and the latter based off Laura Dave’s novel.
“The process of developing is incredibly gratifying, but also incredibly intricate, and it requires a lot of attention to detail,” Neustadter told TheWrap for this week’s Office With a View.
- 4/6/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
After 12 years of marriage, Reese Witherspoon and her husband Jim Toth are calling it quits.
“We have some personal news to share…” the couple began in an Instagram post. “It is with great consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect everything we have created together.”
The news of their split comes just two days before the two were to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary.
“Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter. These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s for our family’s privacy at this time,” the couple’s message concluded, with a signoff from both Witherspoon and Toth.
Also Read:
‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ Review: Riley Keough Is Spectacular in Prime...
“We have some personal news to share…” the couple began in an Instagram post. “It is with great consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect everything we have created together.”
The news of their split comes just two days before the two were to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary.
“Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter. These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s for our family’s privacy at this time,” the couple’s message concluded, with a signoff from both Witherspoon and Toth.
Also Read:
‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ Review: Riley Keough Is Spectacular in Prime...
- 3/24/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine has tapped Disney television executive Lauren Kisilevsky to lead the build-out and oversee the development and production of movies and series in its Live Action Family, Kids and Young Adult division.
Kisilevsky will serve as executive vice president of live-action family, kids and young adult, reporting to Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden.
“Lauren is an expert developer who has consistently identified quality brand building material and IP for young audiences,” Harden said in a statement. “An incredible collaborator and team player, Lauren has a fantastic track record of developing and executing creatively distinctive projects with strong leadership. As we build out our family and young adult content offerings, we know Lauren will make an incredible addition to Hello Sunshine.”
Also Read:
The Home Edit Founders Say Hello Sunshine Partnership ‘Synergistically Felt Right’
Kisilevsky most recently served as senior vice president of original movies at Disney Branded Television,...
Kisilevsky will serve as executive vice president of live-action family, kids and young adult, reporting to Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden.
“Lauren is an expert developer who has consistently identified quality brand building material and IP for young audiences,” Harden said in a statement. “An incredible collaborator and team player, Lauren has a fantastic track record of developing and executing creatively distinctive projects with strong leadership. As we build out our family and young adult content offerings, we know Lauren will make an incredible addition to Hello Sunshine.”
Also Read:
The Home Edit Founders Say Hello Sunshine Partnership ‘Synergistically Felt Right’
Kisilevsky most recently served as senior vice president of original movies at Disney Branded Television,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Lauren Kisilevsky is reuniting with Reese Witherspoon after being hired to oversee live-action family programming at Hello Sunshine.
Kisilevsky, who becomes EVP, Live Action Family, Kids and Young Adult at the Candle Media-backed company, joins from Disney, where she has been SVP, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television.
She previously worked with the Your Place Or Mine star at Type A Films, which was one of Witherspoon’s production precursors to Hello Sunshine.
Reporting to Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden, Kisilevsky will be in charge of building out the division and developing and producing family, kids and young adult live-action movies and series.
The push into live-action family and kids programming comes after the company decided to shut down its animated division last month.
She has spent 13 years at Disney in various roles and has overseen dozens of movies for Disney+ and Disney Branded Television including Disney Channel Original Movies such as Upside-Down Magic,...
Kisilevsky, who becomes EVP, Live Action Family, Kids and Young Adult at the Candle Media-backed company, joins from Disney, where she has been SVP, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television.
She previously worked with the Your Place Or Mine star at Type A Films, which was one of Witherspoon’s production precursors to Hello Sunshine.
Reporting to Hello Sunshine CEO Sarah Harden, Kisilevsky will be in charge of building out the division and developing and producing family, kids and young adult live-action movies and series.
The push into live-action family and kids programming comes after the company decided to shut down its animated division last month.
She has spent 13 years at Disney in various roles and has overseen dozens of movies for Disney+ and Disney Branded Television including Disney Channel Original Movies such as Upside-Down Magic,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney Branded Television has begun production on The Slumber Party, a Disney Original Movie based on Jen Malone’s popular teen novel The Sleepover, from Imagine Kids+Family, a division of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment. Production got underway today in Atlanta.
Darby Camp (Big Little Lies), Emmy Liu-Wang (Raven’s Home), Valentina Herrera (Black Widow), Dallas Liu (Pen15) and newcomers Alex Cooper Cohen and Ramon Rodriguez star in the coming-of-age comedy, directed by Veronica Rodriguez (Let’s Get Married), and written by Eydie Faye (Fuller House).
The Slumber Party depicts the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone wrong as best friends Megan (Camp) and Paige (Liu-Wang), along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica (Cooper Cohen), wake up with absolutely no memory of the night before. Now they must retrace their steps to find missing birthday girl Anna Maria (Herrera) … and explain why there’s a flock...
Darby Camp (Big Little Lies), Emmy Liu-Wang (Raven’s Home), Valentina Herrera (Black Widow), Dallas Liu (Pen15) and newcomers Alex Cooper Cohen and Ramon Rodriguez star in the coming-of-age comedy, directed by Veronica Rodriguez (Let’s Get Married), and written by Eydie Faye (Fuller House).
The Slumber Party depicts the hilarious aftermath of a sleepover birthday party hypnotism gone wrong as best friends Megan (Camp) and Paige (Liu-Wang), along with soon-to-be step-sister Veronica (Cooper Cohen), wake up with absolutely no memory of the night before. Now they must retrace their steps to find missing birthday girl Anna Maria (Herrera) … and explain why there’s a flock...
- 9/27/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Branded Television has promoted four key execs on its Original Movies team. Amee Dolleman and Charles Pugliese have been elevated to vice president, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television
and Mahita Penke and Jennifer Dubin have been upped to executive director, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television.
The Disney Branded Television team, led by Lauren Kisilevsky, SVP, Original Movies, has broadened its movie production slate over the past two years to reach kids, families, young adults and the young at heart.
The team just launched the third installment of the Zombies franchise, starring Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly, on Disney+, along with other projects, including Out of My Mind, based on the best-selling novel by Sharon M. Draper from Big Beach, Participant and EveryWhere Studios LLC for Disney+; Descendants sequel The Pocketwach movie; and Prom Pact and Sneakerella, Spin and Secret Society of Second Born Royals. She reports to Kisilevsky.
Pugliese oversaw several movies for kids, teens and families, including Under Wraps, and is overseeing the upcoming titles Under Wraps 2, The Pocketwatch and Out of My Mind. He reports to Kisilevsky.
Dubin, who reports to Kisilevsky, most recently oversaw the Disney+ musical title Sneakerella and the upcoming Disney+ original movie The Naughty Nine.
Penke reports to Dolleman and Pugliese. She oversees several titles, including the Zombies and Descendants franchises, The Pocketwatch, Spin and the upcoming From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
and Mahita Penke and Jennifer Dubin have been upped to executive director, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television.
The Disney Branded Television team, led by Lauren Kisilevsky, SVP, Original Movies, has broadened its movie production slate over the past two years to reach kids, families, young adults and the young at heart.
The team just launched the third installment of the Zombies franchise, starring Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly, on Disney+, along with other projects, including Out of My Mind, based on the best-selling novel by Sharon M. Draper from Big Beach, Participant and EveryWhere Studios LLC for Disney+; Descendants sequel The Pocketwach movie; and Prom Pact and Sneakerella, Spin and Secret Society of Second Born Royals. She reports to Kisilevsky.
Pugliese oversaw several movies for kids, teens and families, including Under Wraps, and is overseeing the upcoming titles Under Wraps 2, The Pocketwatch and Out of My Mind. He reports to Kisilevsky.
Dubin, who reports to Kisilevsky, most recently oversaw the Disney+ musical title Sneakerella and the upcoming Disney+ original movie The Naughty Nine.
Penke reports to Dolleman and Pugliese. She oversees several titles, including the Zombies and Descendants franchises, The Pocketwatch, Spin and the upcoming From the Desk of Zoe Washington.
- 9/6/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Branded Television has promoted four executives in its original movies division.
Amee Dolleman and Charles Pugliese have been elevated to the roles of vice president of original movies, while Mahita Penke and Jennifer Dubin have been upped to executive director of original movies.
“Amee, Charles, Mahita and Jen have exceptional taste and fantastic relationships with top creative talent,” executive vice president of live-action and alternative series Charlie Andrews and senior vice president of original movies Lauren Kisilevsky said in a joint statement Tuesday. “They are each passionately dedicated to uplifting and expanding the Disney legacy by developing movies that delight and inspire audiences all over the world. The team continues to deliver tent pole and event movies with humor, heart and adventure to kids, families and young adults everywhere for whom Disney magic knows no bounds.”
Penke reports to Dolleman and Pugliese, while Dolleman, Pugliese and Dubin report to Kisilevsky.
Amee Dolleman and Charles Pugliese have been elevated to the roles of vice president of original movies, while Mahita Penke and Jennifer Dubin have been upped to executive director of original movies.
“Amee, Charles, Mahita and Jen have exceptional taste and fantastic relationships with top creative talent,” executive vice president of live-action and alternative series Charlie Andrews and senior vice president of original movies Lauren Kisilevsky said in a joint statement Tuesday. “They are each passionately dedicated to uplifting and expanding the Disney legacy by developing movies that delight and inspire audiences all over the world. The team continues to deliver tent pole and event movies with humor, heart and adventure to kids, families and young adults everywhere for whom Disney magic knows no bounds.”
Penke reports to Dolleman and Pugliese, while Dolleman, Pugliese and Dubin report to Kisilevsky.
- 9/6/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Get ready for another spooktacular quest. Disney Channel is kicking off this Halloween season "by taking the fans on another spooky adventure." If you loved the original 1997 Under Wraps Halloween season classic as well as last year's remake, then this is for you. The new trailer, released Aug. 12, shows "even more mummies, more scares, and more fun," according to Lauren Kisilevsky, SVP of Original Movies at Disney Branded Television. The Under Wraps 2 trailer teases the usual haunts, with a blend of lighthearted and spooky scenes. In the latest installment, Marshall (Malachi Barton), Gilbert (Christian...
- 8/12/2022
- E! Online
Former Fox Entertainment Head of Drama Charlie Andrews has joined Disney Branded Television as EVP, Live-Action and Alternative Television. He will be the No.2 on the creative side to Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television, to whom he will report.
Andrews, who begins his new job Feb. 7, takes over the role previously held by Davis, who was promoted to her current position in September. He will oversee all live-action programming, scripted and unscripted series and movies created by Disney Branded Television for Disney+ and Disney Channels.
The departments Andrews will oversee are Original Development, Current Programming, Original Movies and Unscripted Content. Executives and their respective teams who will report to him are:
· Reena Singh, SVP, Development and Current Series
· Lauren Kisilevsky, SVP, Original Movies
· Marc Buhaj, VP, Originals, Unscripted Content
Andrews previously was EVP, Drama Development, Programming and Event Series at Fox. The well liked development executive started conversation for...
Andrews, who begins his new job Feb. 7, takes over the role previously held by Davis, who was promoted to her current position in September. He will oversee all live-action programming, scripted and unscripted series and movies created by Disney Branded Television for Disney+ and Disney Channels.
The departments Andrews will oversee are Original Development, Current Programming, Original Movies and Unscripted Content. Executives and their respective teams who will report to him are:
· Reena Singh, SVP, Development and Current Series
· Lauren Kisilevsky, SVP, Original Movies
· Marc Buhaj, VP, Originals, Unscripted Content
Andrews previously was EVP, Drama Development, Programming and Event Series at Fox. The well liked development executive started conversation for...
- 2/4/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Branded Television has brought on Charlie Andrews to serve as executive vice president of live-action and alternative series, Variety has learned.
Andrews joins Disney Branded TV from Fox Entertainment, where he most recently worked as head of drama development for the broadcaster before exiting in December. Andrews will begin in his new role on Feb. 7, overseeing all live-action programming, scripted, and unscripted series and movies created by Disney Branded Television for Disney Plus and Disney Channels. He will report to Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded TV, serving as her key creative deputy.
“Charlie’s passion and instincts for discovering and supporting some of today’s best writers, directors, producers and performers are exactly what we need to be the best home for talent and the preeminent content provider for kids and family entertainment,” said Davis. “He is a trusted and accomplished leader, who I know will take our business to new heights.
Andrews joins Disney Branded TV from Fox Entertainment, where he most recently worked as head of drama development for the broadcaster before exiting in December. Andrews will begin in his new role on Feb. 7, overseeing all live-action programming, scripted, and unscripted series and movies created by Disney Branded Television for Disney Plus and Disney Channels. He will report to Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded TV, serving as her key creative deputy.
“Charlie’s passion and instincts for discovering and supporting some of today’s best writers, directors, producers and performers are exactly what we need to be the best home for talent and the preeminent content provider for kids and family entertainment,” said Davis. “He is a trusted and accomplished leader, who I know will take our business to new heights.
- 2/4/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Rucker Moses and Theo Gangi’s recently released acclaimed middle-grade book series Kingston and the Magician’s Lost & Found and its sequel Kingston and the Echoes of Magic are headed for the small screen.
Disney Branded Television has optioned rights to the book series for television. An original movie based on the first book is currently in development with Jane Startz executive producing. The book’s authors, Craig S. Phillips, Harold Hayes Jr. and Gangi, will serve as co-executive producers.
In Kingston and the Magician’s Lost & Found, Kingston has just moved from the suburbs back to Echo City, Brooklyn—the last place his father was seen alive. Kingston’s father was one of the world’s greatest magicians until one trick went wrong, and he disappeared, somehow taking all of Echo City’s magic with him. When Kingston finds a...
Disney Branded Television has optioned rights to the book series for television. An original movie based on the first book is currently in development with Jane Startz executive producing. The book’s authors, Craig S. Phillips, Harold Hayes Jr. and Gangi, will serve as co-executive producers.
In Kingston and the Magician’s Lost & Found, Kingston has just moved from the suburbs back to Echo City, Brooklyn—the last place his father was seen alive. Kingston’s father was one of the world’s greatest magicians until one trick went wrong, and he disappeared, somehow taking all of Echo City’s magic with him. When Kingston finds a...
- 11/2/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Ayo Davis, who most recently served as the EVP, creative development and strategy at Disney Branded Television, has been promoted to president by Peter Rice, chairman of Disney General Entertainment. In her new role, Davis will take on the creative and operational leadership of the content group, which helps fuel the Disney Plus streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney Xd and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families. Davis will work closely with Gary Marsh to facilitate the transition, as he exits the president position and begins his new pursuit heading a production company focused on developing programming for Dge. Davis will report to Rice.
“Ayo is a focused leader with impeccable creative instincts who’s excelled in every role she’s held at Disney,” said Rice in a statement. “Her creative eye for talent has made meaningful impact in front of and behind the camera,...
“Ayo is a focused leader with impeccable creative instincts who’s excelled in every role she’s held at Disney,” said Rice in a statement. “Her creative eye for talent has made meaningful impact in front of and behind the camera,...
- 9/23/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Once again, Disney has reached within to fill a top job on the TV side. Ayo Davis, most recently EVP, Creative Development and Strategy for Disney Branded Entertainment, has been promoted to President of the division.
Davis succeeds Gary Marsh, who is stepping down as President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Branded Television, leaving the Disney executive ranks after 33 years to become a producer with a deal at the studio.
This is the second big promotion in 10-month for Davis who had spent 18 years at Disney as a casting executive, most recently EVP, Talent and Casting, ABC Entertainment and Disney+, when she was named EVP, Creative Development and Strategy for Disney Branded Entertainment last November.
Davis, who will report to Peter Rice, Chairman Disney General Entertainment, takes on the creative and operational leadership of the content group tasked with development and production of Disney branded programming for the company...
Davis succeeds Gary Marsh, who is stepping down as President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Branded Television, leaving the Disney executive ranks after 33 years to become a producer with a deal at the studio.
This is the second big promotion in 10-month for Davis who had spent 18 years at Disney as a casting executive, most recently EVP, Talent and Casting, ABC Entertainment and Disney+, when she was named EVP, Creative Development and Strategy for Disney Branded Entertainment last November.
Davis, who will report to Peter Rice, Chairman Disney General Entertainment, takes on the creative and operational leadership of the content group tasked with development and production of Disney branded programming for the company...
- 9/23/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Is Disney Channel’s Descendants franchise indeed heading down the literal rabbit hole, for an Alice in Wonderland-themed — and possibly live-action — TV-movie?
At the close of the animated Descendants: The Royal Wedding (which premiered Aug. 13), Mal and Ben, after swapping vows and dancing the night away, excused themselves for a moonlit stroll.
More from TVLineDescendants: The Royal Wedding Honors Cameron Boyce, Reveals Franchise's Wonder-ful Next ChapterUnder Wraps: Watch Trailer for Remake of First Disney Channel Original MovieSpin Cast Says Disney Channel Movie Moves the Needle on Indian Narratives
“So, this what happily ever after feels like?” Ben asked, to which his new bride replied,...
At the close of the animated Descendants: The Royal Wedding (which premiered Aug. 13), Mal and Ben, after swapping vows and dancing the night away, excused themselves for a moonlit stroll.
More from TVLineDescendants: The Royal Wedding Honors Cameron Boyce, Reveals Franchise's Wonder-ful Next ChapterUnder Wraps: Watch Trailer for Remake of First Disney Channel Original MovieSpin Cast Says Disney Channel Movie Moves the Needle on Indian Narratives
“So, this what happily ever after feels like?” Ben asked, to which his new bride replied,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Could there be more Descendants ahead from Disney Channel? Lauren Kisilevsky, Senior Vice President of Original Movies at Disney Branded Television addressed whether the franchise will continue after its latest release Descendants: The Royal Wedding ended in a cliffhanger.
“The tease is a tease,” she said during the Dcom panel at Ctam on Wed. “We have ended each piece of our incredible Descendants programming with ‘that’s not the end of the story.’ We know there’s such an appetite for this content. We’ll see where we get with the franchise. It is our beloved franchise just as much.”
The Royal Wedding is an animated special released as a tribute to franchise star Cameron Boyce who died in 2019 from complications from epilepsy. The story acknowledged the absence of Boyce’s character Carlos early on when Mal (Dove Cameron) receives a wedding present of a charm bracelet with all of their family crests,...
“The tease is a tease,” she said during the Dcom panel at Ctam on Wed. “We have ended each piece of our incredible Descendants programming with ‘that’s not the end of the story.’ We know there’s such an appetite for this content. We’ll see where we get with the franchise. It is our beloved franchise just as much.”
The Royal Wedding is an animated special released as a tribute to franchise star Cameron Boyce who died in 2019 from complications from epilepsy. The story acknowledged the absence of Boyce’s character Carlos early on when Mal (Dove Cameron) receives a wedding present of a charm bracelet with all of their family crests,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Lauren Kisilevsky, most recently vice president of original movies at Disney Channel, has been promoted to senior vice president of original movies at Disney Branded Television, where she will develop and oversee production of Disney Channel and Disney Plus’ growing slate of films.
The exec has already overseen a wide range of Disney Channel and Disney Plus originals, including “Upside-Down Magic,” “Descendants 3,” “Zombies 2” and the upcoming “Spin,” as well as “Secret Society of Second Born Royals” and the upcoming “Sneakerella.” The “Descendants” and “Zombies” franchises have proven to be big audience draws for Disney.
“Lauren is an exceptional creative executive whose deep understanding of our brand and tremendous contributions continue to yield must-experience movies for kids and families,” said Disney Branded TV exec VP of creative development and strategy Ayo Davis. “As Disney Branded Television continues to augment its efforts in attracting and building the very best and...
The exec has already overseen a wide range of Disney Channel and Disney Plus originals, including “Upside-Down Magic,” “Descendants 3,” “Zombies 2” and the upcoming “Spin,” as well as “Secret Society of Second Born Royals” and the upcoming “Sneakerella.” The “Descendants” and “Zombies” franchises have proven to be big audience draws for Disney.
“Lauren is an exceptional creative executive whose deep understanding of our brand and tremendous contributions continue to yield must-experience movies for kids and families,” said Disney Branded TV exec VP of creative development and strategy Ayo Davis. “As Disney Branded Television continues to augment its efforts in attracting and building the very best and...
- 4/5/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Lauren Kisilevsky has been upped at Disney Branded Television.
Kisilevsky, who was previously VP, Original Movies, Disney Channels, becomes SVP, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television.
She will develop and oversee production of a slate of movies for Disney Channel and Disney+. It comes after the company launched the Disney Branded Television unit led by Gary Marsh.
Kisilevsky will report to Ayo Davis, EVP, Creative Development and Strategy, Disney Branded Television.
She previously oversaw Disney Channel Original Movies such as Upside-Down Magic, Descendants 3, Zombies 2 and the upcoming Spin, as well as Disney+’s Secret Society of Second Born Royals and the upcoming Sneakerella.
Prior to joining Disney Channel, Kisilevsky developed feature films including Paper Heart, Nothing Like the Holidays and Pandorum and worked with Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher on the executive side.
“Lauren is an exceptional creative executive whose deep understanding of our brand and tremendous contributions continue...
Kisilevsky, who was previously VP, Original Movies, Disney Channels, becomes SVP, Original Movies, Disney Branded Television.
She will develop and oversee production of a slate of movies for Disney Channel and Disney+. It comes after the company launched the Disney Branded Television unit led by Gary Marsh.
Kisilevsky will report to Ayo Davis, EVP, Creative Development and Strategy, Disney Branded Television.
She previously oversaw Disney Channel Original Movies such as Upside-Down Magic, Descendants 3, Zombies 2 and the upcoming Spin, as well as Disney+’s Secret Society of Second Born Royals and the upcoming Sneakerella.
Prior to joining Disney Channel, Kisilevsky developed feature films including Paper Heart, Nothing Like the Holidays and Pandorum and worked with Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher on the executive side.
“Lauren is an exceptional creative executive whose deep understanding of our brand and tremendous contributions continue...
- 4/5/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Zed and Addison, your basic star-crossed zombie/cheerleader high school couple, are coming back for more. Disney Channel has greenlighted Zombies 3, the second sequel in the popular movie franchise, with Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly reprising their lead roles.
Following 2018’s Zombies and last year’s sequel, Zombies 3 will take an interstellar turn. Zed (Manheim) and Addison (Donnelly) are beginning their final year at Seabrook High in the town that’s become a safe haven for monsters and humans alike. Zed is anticipating an athletic scholarship that will make him the first Zombie to attend college, while Addison is gearing up for Seabrook’s first international cheer-off competition. Then suddenly, extraterrestrial beings appear around Seabrook, provoking something other than friendly competition.
Zombies and Zombies 2 ranked as the No. 1 telecast among kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14 for the entire year they debuted, Dis Channel said.
“After the enormous success of Zombies 2,...
Following 2018’s Zombies and last year’s sequel, Zombies 3 will take an interstellar turn. Zed (Manheim) and Addison (Donnelly) are beginning their final year at Seabrook High in the town that’s become a safe haven for monsters and humans alike. Zed is anticipating an athletic scholarship that will make him the first Zombie to attend college, while Addison is gearing up for Seabrook’s first international cheer-off competition. Then suddenly, extraterrestrial beings appear around Seabrook, provoking something other than friendly competition.
Zombies and Zombies 2 ranked as the No. 1 telecast among kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14 for the entire year they debuted, Dis Channel said.
“After the enormous success of Zombies 2,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The truth is out there: Zombies 3 is officially coming to Disney Channel, with production slated to begin this spring in Toronto.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date, but TVLine can confirm that franchise stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim are set to return as Addison and Zed. We can also confirm that the little tease at the end of Zombies 2 meant exactly what you thought — aliens are coming to Seabrook.
More from TVLineDescendants Cast Returns for Animated Royal Wedding Special — Watch TeaserZombies' Trevor Tordjman Teases His New Role on Bunk'd: 'I'm Happy to Finally Be Playing...
Additional casting will be announced at a later date, but TVLine can confirm that franchise stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim are set to return as Addison and Zed. We can also confirm that the little tease at the end of Zombies 2 meant exactly what you thought — aliens are coming to Seabrook.
More from TVLineDescendants Cast Returns for Animated Royal Wedding Special — Watch TeaserZombies' Trevor Tordjman Teases His New Role on Bunk'd: 'I'm Happy to Finally Be Playing...
- 3/22/2021
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Disney Channel is set to remake it’s first original movie “Under Wraps” with a new cast, the network announced Friday.
The new project is described as a “contemporary comedic remake” of the original 1997 Halloween movie featuring new cast members Christian J. Simon, Malachi Barton, Sophia Hammons and Phil Wright. It is slate for a 2021 premiere on Disney Channel.
The movie follows three friends, Gilbert (Simon), Marshall (Barton) and Amy (Hammons), who happen upon and awaken a mummy, which they affectionately name Harold (Wright), and must rush to return him to his resting place before midnight on Halloween. Along the way, the team narrowly escapes a nefarious group of criminals intent on selling the mummy to the highest bidder. When Harold is inevitably captured, Marshall, Gilbert and Amy must band together to stand up to the criminals, face their fears and rescue their new–but rather “ancient”–friend.
“Under Wraps...
The new project is described as a “contemporary comedic remake” of the original 1997 Halloween movie featuring new cast members Christian J. Simon, Malachi Barton, Sophia Hammons and Phil Wright. It is slate for a 2021 premiere on Disney Channel.
The movie follows three friends, Gilbert (Simon), Marshall (Barton) and Amy (Hammons), who happen upon and awaken a mummy, which they affectionately name Harold (Wright), and must rush to return him to his resting place before midnight on Halloween. Along the way, the team narrowly escapes a nefarious group of criminals intent on selling the mummy to the highest bidder. When Harold is inevitably captured, Marshall, Gilbert and Amy must band together to stand up to the criminals, face their fears and rescue their new–but rather “ancient”–friend.
“Under Wraps...
- 11/13/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Days after Peter Rice unveiled the structure of Disney’s General Entertainment division for TV content, which included a new Disney Branded Television unit run by Gary Marsh, the former president and chief creative officer for Disney Channels Worldwide announced his first major hire.
Longtime Disney TV casting executive Ayo Davis has been named to the newly created position of EVP, Creative Development and Strategy, Disney Branded Television. She will oversee all live-action programming created by Disney Branded Television for Disney+ and the Disney Channel, Disney Xd and Disney Junior networks– scripted and unscripted series, movies and specials — reporting to Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Branded Television.
The Disney Branded Television division is responsible for all Disney-branded television content made by Dge for kids, tweens, teens and families, as well as unscripted series and specials. That includes all shows the Disney television production teams make for Disney+. As part of the recent restructuring,...
Longtime Disney TV casting executive Ayo Davis has been named to the newly created position of EVP, Creative Development and Strategy, Disney Branded Television. She will oversee all live-action programming created by Disney Branded Television for Disney+ and the Disney Channel, Disney Xd and Disney Junior networks– scripted and unscripted series, movies and specials — reporting to Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Branded Television.
The Disney Branded Television division is responsible for all Disney-branded television content made by Dge for kids, tweens, teens and families, as well as unscripted series and specials. That includes all shows the Disney television production teams make for Disney+. As part of the recent restructuring,...
- 11/13/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Disney Channel is giving us a blast from the past — with a contemporary twist. The Mouse House has set a comedic remake of the 1997 Halloween classic Under Wraps, which was the first-ever Disney Channel original movie. Christian J. Simon (Sydney to the Max), Malachi Barton (Stuck in the Middle), Sophia Hammons (The Social Dilemma) and Phil Wright (Disney Fam Jam) will star in the comedy which will begin production in Vancouver this month. Under Wraps is slated for a 2021 premiere on Disney Channel.
The re-imagined story takes place a few days before Halloween when 12-year-old friends Gilbert (Simon), Marshall (Barton) and Amy (Hammons) accidentally revive a mummy they discover in a neighbor’s basement, which they affectionately name Harold (Wright). However, they must rush to return him to his resting place before midnight on Halloween. Along the way, the team narrowly escapes a nefarious group of criminals intent...
The re-imagined story takes place a few days before Halloween when 12-year-old friends Gilbert (Simon), Marshall (Barton) and Amy (Hammons) accidentally revive a mummy they discover in a neighbor’s basement, which they affectionately name Harold (Wright). However, they must rush to return him to his resting place before midnight on Halloween. Along the way, the team narrowly escapes a nefarious group of criminals intent...
- 11/13/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Chosen Jacobs (“It”) and Lexi Underwood (“Little Fires Everywhere”) are starring alongside four-time NBA champion John Salley in the Disney Plus original film “Sneakerella,” which is now in production.
The pop/hip-hop musical aims to leave a sneaker culture imprint on the “Cinderella” fairy tale. Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, the film introduces an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in a shoe store. Forced to hide his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers, his luck changes when he meets the fiercely independent daughter of a legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon. Salley plays the tycoon.
Jane Startz (“Ella Enchanted”) and Rachel Watanabe-Batton (“I Pity the Fool”) serve as executive producers, with co-executive producer Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (“Ramona and Beezus”), who will also direct the film.
“‘Sneakerella’ brings a vibrant, modern approach to a beloved story...
The pop/hip-hop musical aims to leave a sneaker culture imprint on the “Cinderella” fairy tale. Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, the film introduces an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in a shoe store. Forced to hide his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers, his luck changes when he meets the fiercely independent daughter of a legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon. Salley plays the tycoon.
Jane Startz (“Ella Enchanted”) and Rachel Watanabe-Batton (“I Pity the Fool”) serve as executive producers, with co-executive producer Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (“Ramona and Beezus”), who will also direct the film.
“‘Sneakerella’ brings a vibrant, modern approach to a beloved story...
- 10/22/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ will merge Cinderella with both hip-hop and sneaker culture in Sneakeralla, a movie musical starring Chosen Jacobs (Castle Rock) and Lexi Underwood (Little Fires Everywhere).
Set in “the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City” and now in production (with an eye on a 2021 release), Sneakerella stars Jacobs as El, an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother.
More from TVLineThe Right Stuff's Colin O'Donoghue Talks Gordo's Marital Lie, Going From Pirate to Astronaut to... Jedi?Willow Sequel Series a Go at Disney+, Warwick Davis...
Set in “the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City” and now in production (with an eye on a 2021 release), Sneakerella stars Jacobs as El, an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother.
More from TVLineThe Right Stuff's Colin O'Donoghue Talks Gordo's Marital Lie, Going From Pirate to Astronaut to... Jedi?Willow Sequel Series a Go at Disney+, Warwick Davis...
- 10/21/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Chosen Jacobs (It) and Lexi Underwood (Little Fires Everywhere) are set to star alongside four-time NBA champ John Salley in the upcoming Disney+ original movie Sneakerella. Production is underway for premiere next year.
Described as a pop/hip-hop musical that leaves a sneaker culture imprint on the Cinderella fairy tale, Sneakerella is set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City. It introduces El (Jacobs), an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother. El hides his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers who constantly stomp on any opportunity that comes his way. When El meets Kira King (Underwood), the fiercely independent daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King (Salley), sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. With a little nudge from his...
Described as a pop/hip-hop musical that leaves a sneaker culture imprint on the Cinderella fairy tale, Sneakerella is set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City. It introduces El (Jacobs), an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother. El hides his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers who constantly stomp on any opportunity that comes his way. When El meets Kira King (Underwood), the fiercely independent daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King (Salley), sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. With a little nudge from his...
- 10/21/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Spin – (Disney Channel/David Christopher Lee)
Abhay Deol
An international ensemble of talented veteran and burgeoning young actors have been cast in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie “Spin” about an Indian American teen who discovers her artistic side through the unique world of DJ culture. Joining the previously announced lead Avantika Vandanapu are: Bollywood’s renowned Abhay Deol (“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”), UK comedian/actor Meera Syal (“Yesterday”) and actors Aryan Simhadri (“Adventures in Wonder Park”), Michael Bishop (“Grace Beside Me”), Jahbril Cook (“A Week Away”), Kerri Medders (“Alexa & Katie”) and Anna Cathcart. Production will begin in October for a 2021 premiere on Disney Channel.
“Spin” follows Rhea (Vandanapu), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson and Ginger,...
Abhay Deol
An international ensemble of talented veteran and burgeoning young actors have been cast in the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie “Spin” about an Indian American teen who discovers her artistic side through the unique world of DJ culture. Joining the previously announced lead Avantika Vandanapu are: Bollywood’s renowned Abhay Deol (“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”), UK comedian/actor Meera Syal (“Yesterday”) and actors Aryan Simhadri (“Adventures in Wonder Park”), Michael Bishop (“Grace Beside Me”), Jahbril Cook (“A Week Away”), Kerri Medders (“Alexa & Katie”) and Anna Cathcart. Production will begin in October for a 2021 premiere on Disney Channel.
“Spin” follows Rhea (Vandanapu), an Indian American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, Molly, Watson and Ginger,...
- 10/14/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Exclusive: The Disney Channel has greenlit the original movie Spin which will star Avantika Vandanapu and be directed by Manjari Makijany (Desert Dolphin). The movie is set to begin production in Toronto this fall and is slated to premiere on the Disney Channel in 2021.
Written by Carley Steiner (Play Date) and Josh Cagan (The Duff), Spin follows effervescent 15-year-old Rhea Kumar (Vandanapu), who lives with her tight-knit multigenerational family. After her mother’s death, she has been her father’s emotional rock, and her life revolves around her family’s restaurant, her eclectic group of friends, and her after-school coding club. Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long lost passion for music is reignited. Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music that blends her Indian heritage, but must find the...
Written by Carley Steiner (Play Date) and Josh Cagan (The Duff), Spin follows effervescent 15-year-old Rhea Kumar (Vandanapu), who lives with her tight-knit multigenerational family. After her mother’s death, she has been her father’s emotional rock, and her life revolves around her family’s restaurant, her eclectic group of friends, and her after-school coding club. Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long lost passion for music is reignited. Rhea discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music that blends her Indian heritage, but must find the...
- 8/20/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
For the first time in its 38-year history, the American Film Market is producing a conference about what was once considered taboo at the confab’s Loews Santa Monica digs: television. The Nov. 11 event will address how indie filmmakers can cash in on the tidal wave of new streaming services — Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Quibi, Peacock, AMC Theatres on Demand and more — and cable outlets investing billions of dollars to produce and acquire films.
Variety spoke with Anthony Bregman of Likely Story, which has a first-look production deal with Netflix; Brad Feinstein of Romulus Entertainment, a producer of Apple TV Plus’ first big feature, “The Banker”; attorney Elsa Ramo; and other industry vets to find out what streamers are looking for, how producers can get in the door and how this new paradigm is impacting indies.
“We’re looking to triple our output,” says Disney Channel VP of original movies Lauren Kisilevsky,...
Variety spoke with Anthony Bregman of Likely Story, which has a first-look production deal with Netflix; Brad Feinstein of Romulus Entertainment, a producer of Apple TV Plus’ first big feature, “The Banker”; attorney Elsa Ramo; and other industry vets to find out what streamers are looking for, how producers can get in the door and how this new paradigm is impacting indies.
“We’re looking to triple our output,” says Disney Channel VP of original movies Lauren Kisilevsky,...
- 11/6/2019
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Isabela Merced get cast opposite Jason Momoa, “Starbright” gets financing and Afm announces its speakers.
Casting
Isabela Merced, formerly Isabela Moner, has come on board to portray the daughter of Jason Momoa in his upcoming revenge thriller “Sweet Girl” for Netflix.
Momoa will play a devastated man who vows to bring justice to the people responsible for his wife’s death while protecting his daughter, who is the only family he has left. “Sweet Girl” is written by Gregg Hurwitz, Philip Eisner and Will Staples. Brian Mendoza will direct. Momoa, Brad Peyton and Jeff Fierson are producing for Netflix.
Merced starred as the lead in Paramount’s “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” which grossed more than $60 million domestically. Production of the “Sweet Girl” will take place in Pittsburgh.
Merced, who recently changed her name from Isabela Moner to honor her late Peruvian grandmother,...
Casting
Isabela Merced, formerly Isabela Moner, has come on board to portray the daughter of Jason Momoa in his upcoming revenge thriller “Sweet Girl” for Netflix.
Momoa will play a devastated man who vows to bring justice to the people responsible for his wife’s death while protecting his daughter, who is the only family he has left. “Sweet Girl” is written by Gregg Hurwitz, Philip Eisner and Will Staples. Brian Mendoza will direct. Momoa, Brad Peyton and Jeff Fierson are producing for Netflix.
Merced starred as the lead in Paramount’s “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” which grossed more than $60 million domestically. Production of the “Sweet Girl” will take place in Pittsburgh.
Merced, who recently changed her name from Isabela Moner to honor her late Peruvian grandmother,...
- 10/22/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Afm’s 40th anniversary market runs November 6-13.
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
- 10/21/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Afm’s 40th anniversary market runs November 6-13.
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
- 10/21/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: From dumplings to sweet peas, Disney Channel has optioned the rights to Dear Sweet Pea from New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy. The project is currently on the Disney Channel Original Movie development slate.
Dear Sweet Pea takes place in the colorful small town of Valentine, Texas (Murphy is a Texas native) and follows 13-year-old Patricia “Sweet Pea” Dimarco whose life begins to change when her parents announce they’re divorcing and her father is moving to a nearly identical house two doors down the street. When her next-door neighbor, a famed local advice columnist, heads out of town, Sweet Pea is tasked with collecting her mail. When one letter catches her eye, she starts to answer the letters on the down low — even though they are meant for her neighbor’s column. These events forever change the lives of the many readers of the advice column as...
Dear Sweet Pea takes place in the colorful small town of Valentine, Texas (Murphy is a Texas native) and follows 13-year-old Patricia “Sweet Pea” Dimarco whose life begins to change when her parents announce they’re divorcing and her father is moving to a nearly identical house two doors down the street. When her next-door neighbor, a famed local advice columnist, heads out of town, Sweet Pea is tasked with collecting her mail. When one letter catches her eye, she starts to answer the letters on the down low — even though they are meant for her neighbor’s column. These events forever change the lives of the many readers of the advice column as...
- 10/8/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Newcomer Izabela Rose and Siena Agudong (No Good Nick) are set to lead the ensemble cast for Upside-Down Magic, a new Disney Channel original movie based on The New York Times bestselling fantasy fiction children’s books of the same name. Vicki Lewis, Kyle Howard (My Boys), Elie Samouhi (Bizaardvark), Alison Fernandez (Once Upon a Time) and Max Torina (Raven’s Home) will also star in the movie which begins production today. It’s slated to premiere next summer.
With a teleplay by Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) and Josh Cagan (Kim Possible), Upside-Down Magic is based on the Scholastic book series from bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins. Disney Channel optioned the series for development in 2015.
The movie centers around 13-year-old Nory Boxwood Horace (Rose) who discovers that she can flux into animals, and her best friend, and Reina Carvajal (Agudong) who can manipulate flames,...
With a teleplay by Nick Pustay (Ramona and Beezus) and Josh Cagan (Kim Possible), Upside-Down Magic is based on the Scholastic book series from bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins. Disney Channel optioned the series for development in 2015.
The movie centers around 13-year-old Nory Boxwood Horace (Rose) who discovers that she can flux into animals, and her best friend, and Reina Carvajal (Agudong) who can manipulate flames,...
- 8/19/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Zanne Devine, executive producer of the upcoming Disney+ movie Secret Society of Second Born Royals, which recently wrapped principal photography, and the Disney Channel Original movie Kim Possible, has signed an overall deal with Disney Channels Worldwide. Under the deal, Devine will develop and produce movies for Disney Channel and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service.
“Working with Zanne on Kim Possible and Secret Society of Second Born Royals was such a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved that there was no question that we wanted to extend our relationship with her,” said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president, Content and Creative, Disney Channels Worldwide. “This deal will give us the opportunity to further mine her extraordinary production know-how, her deep relationships in the community and her love of great storytelling for the original movies we will be making for Disney Channel and Disney+. We couldn’t be more...
“Working with Zanne on Kim Possible and Secret Society of Second Born Royals was such a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone involved that there was no question that we wanted to extend our relationship with her,” said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president, Content and Creative, Disney Channels Worldwide. “This deal will give us the opportunity to further mine her extraordinary production know-how, her deep relationships in the community and her love of great storytelling for the original movies we will be making for Disney Channel and Disney+. We couldn’t be more...
- 7/24/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Channel has promoted two execs to VP ranks. Lauren Kisilevsky has been promoted to VP Original Movies, and Jonas Agin has been upped to VP Original Series at both Disney Channel and Disney Xd. Agin, who will report to Adam Bonnett, Evp Original Programming at Disney Channels Worldwide, had been executive director of original series at Disney Xd. There he helped develop Lab Rats, Gamers Guide To Pretty Much Everything and Kirby Buckets, as well as upcoming series Wal…...
- 3/14/2016
- Deadline TV
Overture Films and Anonymous Content are gift-wrapping a new romantic comedy project titled "A Little Something for Your Birthday."
Michael Engler is attached to direct Susan Walter's screenplay about a clothing designer struggling her way into her 30s. Walter's script made it onto the 2008 Black List of most-liked screenplays in December.
Steve Golin and Alix Madigan of Anonymous are attached to produce. Jennifer Levine, who manages Walter, is an exec producer.
Overture's Robert Kessel and Lauren Kisilevsky are overseeing for the studio. The filmmakers are in search of a lead actress.
Engler, repped by Wme and Industry Entertainment, has directed episodes of "Sex and the City," "Six Feet Under" and NBC's "30 Rock." He also has the indie comedy feature "The Big Question" in development at M.E.G.A. Films.
Walter, repped by Wme and Untitled, has her original screenplay "Seven-Year Switch" set up at Red Wagon Prods.
Overture recently released "Last Chance Harvey,...
Michael Engler is attached to direct Susan Walter's screenplay about a clothing designer struggling her way into her 30s. Walter's script made it onto the 2008 Black List of most-liked screenplays in December.
Steve Golin and Alix Madigan of Anonymous are attached to produce. Jennifer Levine, who manages Walter, is an exec producer.
Overture's Robert Kessel and Lauren Kisilevsky are overseeing for the studio. The filmmakers are in search of a lead actress.
Engler, repped by Wme and Industry Entertainment, has directed episodes of "Sex and the City," "Six Feet Under" and NBC's "30 Rock." He also has the indie comedy feature "The Big Question" in development at M.E.G.A. Films.
Walter, repped by Wme and Untitled, has her original screenplay "Seven-Year Switch" set up at Red Wagon Prods.
Overture recently released "Last Chance Harvey,...
- 8/13/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Shepard has signed to helm Overture Films' dark comedy "The Angriest Man in Brooklyn."
The project, originally titled "92 Minutes" and based on a 1997 Israeli film, explores how a New York City man uses the last hour and a half of life he's been told he has left. Daniel Taplitz adapted the screenplay from writer-director Assi Dayan's original "Mar Baum."
Bob Cooper's Landscape Entertainment is producing the film with Daniel Walker of Force Majeure. Exec Lauren Kisilevsky is overseeing the project for Overture.
"I love multi-toned films, and this is an extremely smart, unique and funny story," Shepard said. "It is also very emotional, without an ounce of undue sentimentality."
Shepard, repped by Gersh and Industry Entertainment, wrote and directed "The Matador" and "The Hunting Party." He also directed the pilots for "Criminal Minds," "In the Motherhood" and "Ugly Betty," for which he won an Emmy.
Shepard's...
The project, originally titled "92 Minutes" and based on a 1997 Israeli film, explores how a New York City man uses the last hour and a half of life he's been told he has left. Daniel Taplitz adapted the screenplay from writer-director Assi Dayan's original "Mar Baum."
Bob Cooper's Landscape Entertainment is producing the film with Daniel Walker of Force Majeure. Exec Lauren Kisilevsky is overseeing the project for Overture.
"I love multi-toned films, and this is an extremely smart, unique and funny story," Shepard said. "It is also very emotional, without an ounce of undue sentimentality."
Shepard, repped by Gersh and Industry Entertainment, wrote and directed "The Matador" and "The Hunting Party." He also directed the pilots for "Criminal Minds," "In the Motherhood" and "Ugly Betty," for which he won an Emmy.
Shepard's...
- 6/1/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Overture has acquired "92 Minutes," a philosophical comedy about a man who finds out he only has that amount of time to live.
Daniel Taplitz will write the screenplay for the development project, with Bob Cooper producing via his Landscape Entertainment banner. Daniel Walker also will produce, while Lauren Kisilevsky will oversee for Overture.
The project, originally set up at Revolution, is based on a 1997 Israeli comedy titled "Mar Baum." It centers on a man who, upon learning he is about to die, must decide whether to spend his limited time rushing to get things done or slow down and enjoy his final moments.
"It's a comedy about priorities." Cooper said. "Like any good comedy, it takes everyday life and ratchets it up." The tone in the Overture project is expected to be somewhat lighter than the Israeli version.
The UTA-repped Taplitz wrote and directed the Jamie Foxx comedy "Breakin' All the Rules,...
Daniel Taplitz will write the screenplay for the development project, with Bob Cooper producing via his Landscape Entertainment banner. Daniel Walker also will produce, while Lauren Kisilevsky will oversee for Overture.
The project, originally set up at Revolution, is based on a 1997 Israeli comedy titled "Mar Baum." It centers on a man who, upon learning he is about to die, must decide whether to spend his limited time rushing to get things done or slow down and enjoy his final moments.
"It's a comedy about priorities." Cooper said. "Like any good comedy, it takes everyday life and ratchets it up." The tone in the Overture project is expected to be somewhat lighter than the Israeli version.
The UTA-repped Taplitz wrote and directed the Jamie Foxx comedy "Breakin' All the Rules,...
- 9/17/2008
- by By Steven Zeitchik and Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- New indie distributor Overture Films has appointed Greg Forston senior vp theatrical distribution and Lauren Kisilevsky vp productions and acquisitions.
Forston will report to executive vp theatrical distribution Kyle Davies. Kisilevsky will report to both Robert Kessel, New York-based executive vp production and acquisitions, and Sean Furst, Beverly Hills-based executive vp production and acquisitions. Each of them will work in the company's California offices.
Kisilevsky's hire, along with the recent appointment of creative executive Jessica Shulman, completes the filling of key positions in Overture's production and acquisitions department. Kessel announced Forston's hire and worldwide president of marketing, distribution and new media Peter Adee announced Forston's arrival. New distribution, marketing and publicity staff announcements will come in the next few weeks.
Forston served briefly as a senior vp distribution at Fine Line Features in early 2005 after working as vp sales at IFC Films from 2000-05. Before working at IFC Films, Forston served in theatrical distribution and marketing for Palm Pictures/Manga Entertainment.
Forston will report to executive vp theatrical distribution Kyle Davies. Kisilevsky will report to both Robert Kessel, New York-based executive vp production and acquisitions, and Sean Furst, Beverly Hills-based executive vp production and acquisitions. Each of them will work in the company's California offices.
Kisilevsky's hire, along with the recent appointment of creative executive Jessica Shulman, completes the filling of key positions in Overture's production and acquisitions department. Kessel announced Forston's hire and worldwide president of marketing, distribution and new media Peter Adee announced Forston's arrival. New distribution, marketing and publicity staff announcements will come in the next few weeks.
Forston served briefly as a senior vp distribution at Fine Line Features in early 2005 after working as vp sales at IFC Films from 2000-05. Before working at IFC Films, Forston served in theatrical distribution and marketing for Palm Pictures/Manga Entertainment.
- 4/11/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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