Month: April 2021

Vanessa Bell Calloway is set for a recurring role in Unbelievable, an eight-episode Netflix limited series from Erin Brockovich writer Susannah Grant, CBS TV Studios, studio-based producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly (Masters of Sex, Elementary) and Katie Couric.

Co-written by Grant, who will serve as showrunner, Michael Chabon (John Carter) & Ayelet Waldman (Applebaum), Unbelievable is based on The Marshall Project and ProPublica Pulitzer Prize-winning December 2015 article, “An Unbelievable Story of Rape,” written by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, and the “This American Life” radio episode about the same case, “Anatomy of Doubt.” It tells the true story of Marie, a teenager who was charged with lying about having been raped, and the two female detectives who followed a twisting path to arrive at the truth.

As with all characters on Unbelievable, details of Calloway’s role are not being disclosed.

Grant, Chabon, Waldman, Timberman, Beverly and Couric executive produce.

Calloway plays the lead role of Lady Ella Johnson on Bounce’s Saints & Sinners and also directs. On the film side she was most recently seen in a starring role opposite Vince Vaughn and Mel Gibson in Dragged Across Concrete, which screened at the 2018 Venice Film Festival, and in Unbroken: Path to Redemption. She’s repped by Zero Gravity Management.

Vanessa Bell Calloway (Coming To America, Shameless) has come aboard the Harriet Tubman biopic from Focus Features. Directed by Eve’s Bayou helmer Kasi Lemmons, the film will be led by Tony winner Cynthia Erivo in the titular role.

Lemmons co-wrote with the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard. It follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.

Filming is slated to begin filming this October in Virginia.

The Princess Diaries and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants producer Debra Martin Chase is producing the project via her Martin Chase Productions banner, with Daniela Taplin Lundberg (Beasts of No Nation) of Stay Gold Features, and Howard. Josh McLaughlin will oversee the production for the studio.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures International will distribute the film worldwide

Jeremy Davies will play the big bad in the Gotham City-set annual event.

Details about The CW’s big DC Arrow-verse crossover are starting to come into focus.

The network has tapped Lost and Justified alum Jeremy Davies to play the central villain that assembles the who’s-who of superheroes in the three-show crossover.

Davies will take on the role of John Deegan, a doctor at Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane in Gotham City, who might just be crazier than the inmates he treats. His machinations will draw Green Arrow (Stephen Amell), The Flash (Grant Gustin) and Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) to Gotham City.

The crossover begins Dec. 9 with The Flash. The three-show event will also introduce Ruby Rose as Batwoman, who patrols the streets of Gotham as a highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence. But don’t call her a hero yet — in a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.

In addition to Rose, Davies joins a crossover event that will also introduce Elizabeth “Bitsie” Tulloch as iconic character Lois Lane and Cassandra Jean Amell as Mr. Freeze’s wife, Nora Fries. Tyler Hoechlin will reprise his role as Superman in the three-night, three-show December event.

Davies’ credits include Sleepy Hollow, Twin Peaks, American Gods and Hannibal. He’ll next be seen in The House That Jack Built, due in November. He’s repped by Zero Gravity Management and attorney Karl Austen.

Now starring in Nickelodeon’s new culture-clash comedy Star Falls, Dowlin had a 2013 breakout role in Amazon’s Annedroids that earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination.

Jadiel’s interview in The Hollywood Reporter below:

The best thing about being Canadian: How we are a tossed salad! Canada is great because it’s made up of communities that foster cultural diversity.

Ryan Gosling or Ryan Reynolds? Got to be Reynolds, because I’m an avid DC/Marvel fanatic, and admire the grueling creative process he underwent to get Deadpool greenlighted.

Actor or director you’d most like to work with: Tyler Perry. Considering how we have both diversified from acting through writing, we’d have a blast collaborating to create and act in a project together.

When I’m not working, I’m: Doing something athletic. I love playing soccer, hiking, paintball, rock climbing and a slew of other fun activities.

The Canadian star Americans should know more about (besides me!): Keanu Reeves. I admire how he picks his roles very carefully; ones which carry interesting stories and characters that have something to say.

The Canadian show Americans are missing out on is: Mary Kills People. It is a thrilling drama series that is not only entertaining, but humanizes the controversial topic of euthanasia.

Nunsploitiation horror St. Agatha, directed by Saw filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman, is getting a U.S theatrical bow after Uncork’d Entertainment acquired North American rights.

The female-driven psychological thriller will be released theatrically and on digital in the first quarter of 2019, having premiered at the Overlook Film Festival in April.

The film is set in 1950’s Georgia, and fixes on a pregnant con woman who is on the run and seeks refuge in a convent. However, what first starts out as the perfect place to have a child turns into a dark lair where silence is forced, ghastly secrets are masked, and every bit of will power Agatha has is tested as she learns the sick and twisted truth of the convent and the odd people that lurk inside its halls.

True Blood and General Hospital actor Carolyn Hennesy stars alongside Sabrina Kern (Pretty Hurt), Courtney Halverson (Unfriended), Trin Miller (Captain Fantastic) and Seth Michaels (Eden).

Written by Andy Demetrio, Shaun Fletcher, Sara Sometti Michaels, and Clint Sears, St Agatha is directed by Lynn Bousman, who directed Saw II, III and IV.

Sara Sometti Michaels produced alongside with Tara Ansley and Seth Michaels, while Phil Bedrin and Rick Le from Dragonblood Holdings executive produced. Uncork’d Entertainment President Keith Leopard negotiated the deal with Jack Campbell, President of Octane Entertainment.

“With brilliant direction from one of the new masters of horror and a unique and chilling script that features strong female characters, we’re certain audiences are going to really embrace St. Agatha” says Leopard. “Uncork’d is honored to be releasing such an incredible film”.

“We are extremely excited to be teaming up with Uncork’d on the North American release for St. Agatha,” said Campbell. “The capable hands of Keith and his team give us the confidence that this film will have a very successful release.”

“After many offers we have found the perfect home for St. Agatha at Uncork’d Entertainment and we are very excited to be working together,” adde Sara Sometti Michaels.

The drama marks the first project to stem from Common’s first-look deal with Lionsgate TV. The multihyphenate, days after signing the first-look pact with the studio, is set to star in a TV series based on B.P. Reiter’s The Saturday Night Knife & Gun Club.

The drama, which does not yet have a network, revolves around a tough, street-smart ER doctor with a troubled past (to be played by Common) who leads his staff against brutal conditions, dwindling resources, bureaucracy and corporate greed in order to save lives at an inner-city hospital.

The drama hails from Eric Eisner (yes, Michael Eisner’s son) and his Double E Pictures, where he serves as CEO. Eisner, who optioned the rights to the book, will exec produce the potential series alongside Common’s Freedom Road Productions and Lionsgate TV. The pilot episode will be penned by Allan Loeb and Andrew Farotte.

Eisner, who is a partner with his father at The Tornante Co., also sits on the board of sports card manufacturer Topps Inc. and is a director for the Portsmouth Football Club. He spearheaded the production of Sundance hit Hamlet 2 and produced the Grammy- and Oscar- short-listed documentary Long Strange Trip. He is repped by attorney Keith Fleer.

Saturday Night Knife & Gun Club is the first sale for Common under his new Lionsgate TV overall deal. The pact reunites him with the studio for which he starred in the John Wick and Now You See Me franchises. Common’s TV credits include a co-starring role on AMC’s Hell on Wheels.

KJ Smith (Dynasty) is set for a recurring role on on ABC’s new legal drama The Fix, from Marcia Clark, Mandeville TV and ABC Studios. Co-written by Clark, The Fixcenters on Maya Travis (Robin Tunney), an L.A. district attorney who suffers a devastating defeat when prosecuting an A-list actor for double murder. With her high-profile career derailed, she flees for a quieter life in Washington. Eight years later when this same celebrity is under suspicion for another murder, Maya is lured back to the DA’s office for another chance at justice. Clark executive produces with Liz Craft and Sarah Fain. Smith will play Charlie, Ezra’s executive assistant. Smith’s other recent credits include recurring roles on Dynasty and Kevin vs Josh and a lead role on the CW pilot, Skinny Dip, as well as guest roles on Fuller House, Blackish, The Fosters and NCIS: LA. She can next be seen in Tyler Perry’s, A Madea Family Funeral. Smith is repped by Abrams Artists Agency and Zero Gravity Management.

Jaime Camil (Jane The Virgin) and Sandra Echeverria (Savages) are leading cast in English and Spanish-language comedy My Boyfriend’s Meds.

Production is underway in Mexico on the pic which is being made by Lionsgate and Televisa JV Pantelion, Hands Of Stone producer Fuego Films and Mexican outfit Traziende.

Also starring are Brian Baumgartner (Foxcatcher), Ana Belena (Sangre De Mi Tierra), Kevin Holt (Luis Miguel: La Serie), Daniel Tovar (Waking Up With You), Pamela Almaza (Guerra De Idolos), Juan Soler (Marido En Alquiler), James Maslow (Big Time Rush), Brooke Shields (Mr. Pickles) and Seinfeld star Jason Alexander.

Argentinian filmmaker Diego Kaplan (Desire) is directing from a screenplay by Gary Marks (The Music Never Stopped) and Randi Mayem Singer (Mrs. Doubtfire). Producers are Pantelion and Fuego Films’ Jay Weisleder and Ben Silverman, former NBC Entertainment co-chair and producer on The Office, Ugly Betty and Jane The Virgin. Executive producers are Camil and Traziende Films’ Leo Zimbron and Monica Vargas.

In the pic, Echeverria plays Jess, a talented, high-powered marketing executive who falls for Hank (Camil), a charming mattress store owner she meets while shopping for a new mattress. When the two go on a surprise trip to an island resort, Hank forgets to bring the prescription medicine he takes for a string of disorders, meaning he is no longer able to control his various symptoms.

Camil plays Gina Rodriguez’s father on hit CW series Jane The Virgin and recently voiced the character of Chupacabra in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Echeverría recently starred in comedy Mas Sabe El Diablo Por Viejo and Telemundo series La Querida Del Centauro and voiced the character of Maria in The Secret Life of Pets.

Pantelion recently teamed up with MGM and 3Pas Studios on remake Overboardwith Eugenio Derbez, Anna Faris and Eva Longoria. Fuego is developing a biopic of baseball star Roberto Clemente from O.J.: Made In America director Ezra Edelman. Traziende’s recent releases include American Curious, Cómo Cortar A Tu Patán and Más Sabe El Diablo Por Viejo with up-comers including Como Novio De Pueblo.

Camil’s reps include Zero Gravity Management.

Tim Tebow is adding another hyphen to his impressive list of life accolades: filmmaker.

The Heisman Trophy winner/NFL quarterback/pro baseball player and best-selling author has completed filming on his first movie, serving as executive producer with his older brother Robby Tebow on “Run the Race.”

The inspirational film wrapped in April and is finalizing post-production as the filmmakers work out the theatrical release.

“It’s exciting,” Tebow tells USA TODAY of his foray into film. “I’ve received a lot of scripts over the years. But I haven’t always wanted to be in filmmaking. I want to do the right films, films that will encourage or inspire or move people.”

The inspirational film focuses on a theme familiar to the 31-year-old devout Christian, who battled the odds in his bid to make it in professional baseball with the New York Mets in 2016, before suffering a season-ending broken bone in his right hand last month.

“Run the Race” follows two fictional high school brothers whose father abandons them after their mother dies. All-State high school football player Zach (Tanner Stine) earns a college scholarship, but receives a devastating injury. Brother David (Evan Hofer) laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and show what’s possible when you run to – instead of from – the love of God.

“There are a lot of similarities in my life between two brothers supporting one another, having each other’s back, believing in one another,” says Tebow, the youngest of five children. “My family and my brother have always given me so much support. That’s made such a big impact on me being able to go after my dreams.”

The film stars “Forrest Gump” actor Mykelti Williamson as the boys’ coach and Frances Fisher as their surrogate mother. Former NFL running back Eddie George plays a college recruiter.

Screenwriter and producer Jake McEntire pitched the idea of getting the Tebow brothers involved and “we jumped on the opportunity, wholeheartedly,” says Robby, 36.

He served as his brother’s liaison on the set in Birmingham, Alabama, working with director Chris Dowling and communicating frequently with Tim, who was traveling constantly for baseball.

Tim used his muscle to get permission to film pivotal scenes at his alma mater, the University of Florida. The brothers shot cameo roles, but Tebow acknowledges those appearances might not make the final cut.

Another feature trilogy, The Rogue Warfare Trilogy, financed by Ingenious and sold worldwide by Highland Film Group and 5150 Action Productions is in the midst of production, with stunt coordinator turned director Mike Gunther filming all three movies at the same time. Will Yun Lee is headlining what is a multi-national, special forces action/drama. We now know that the first of these three films will be released in March 2019 and conversations have begun with a major studio for theatrical release around March 2019.

The project was written by Gunther, Andrew Emilio DeCesare and Michael Day. This trilogy is the first 5150 Action Production, completely manifested in house from script to final product. Lee has teamed up with his managers at Zero Gravity to produce a slate of diverse projects with a focus on Asian American content.

The story takes place in the Middle East. The United States along with the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia have sent their very best solider to form the first international special forces team. Their mission is to seek out and destroy the most advanced terrorist coalition known to date. Lee leads the team through the dangers of special forces operations.

Gunther chose to cast this entire film based off acting ability and raw talent, instead of credit count and was particularly interested in diversity. Essam Ferris (Supreme Leader) and Marwan Naji (Scientist) lead the opposition in this well-crafted action packed trilogy. Others in the mix are Chris Mulkey as Commander Brisco reporting daily back to the U.S. President played by Stephen Lang.

Specifically, Highland Film Group and 5150 Action Productions will handle worldwide sales for The Rogue Warfare Trilogy as well as bringing in Ingenious to provide funding for the project produced by Gunther, DeCesare, Day and Kyle Woods.

Lee is returning this season as a lead on Good Doctor and stars in the voicecast along with Jackie Chan in the Sony animated feature Wishdragon . Gunther is probably best known as a stunt coordinator as he has been one for many years, most recently on Bumblebee, Star Trek: Beyond and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. He has also directed in television.