“Saturday Night Live” alum Chris Kattan alleges Lorne Michaels pressured him to have sex with “Clueless” filmmaker Amy Heckerling in order to keep her attached as director on the 1998 comedy film, “A Night at the Roxbury.” Kattan wrote the movie with Will Ferrell and Steve Koren based on the “SNL” sketch featuring the popular characters of Steve and Doug Butabi. The actor makes the allegation about Michaels in his new memoir, “Baby Don’t Hurt Me.”
Kattan writes in the book (via Page Six and The Daily Beast) that Heckerling made advances towards him in the early stages of developing the movie when she was attached as director. Kattan was 27 years old at the time and declined a physical encounter with Heckerling. Kattan says he got a call from “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels afterwards informing him that Heckerling was considering dropping out of the project. Kattan writes that Michaels was “furious” and allegedly told him,...
Kattan writes in the book (via Page Six and The Daily Beast) that Heckerling made advances towards him in the early stages of developing the movie when she was attached as director. Kattan was 27 years old at the time and declined a physical encounter with Heckerling. Kattan says he got a call from “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels afterwards informing him that Heckerling was considering dropping out of the project. Kattan writes that Michaels was “furious” and allegedly told him,...
- 5/29/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Can there be such a thing as a successful failure? In the case of The Dana Carvey Show, the answer might be yes.
The sketch comedy show only ran for seven episodes on ABC in 1996 — an eighth episode was uncharitably yanked in favor of a Coach rerun. The program’s brief rise and rapid flame-out is told in the Hulu documentary Too Funny to Fail, now in contention for Emmy nominations.
Director Josh Greenbaum was in high school when The Dana Carvey Show premiered.
“I vividly remember sitting down to watch the first episode with great anticipation,” he recalls. “I was a huge fan of Dana Carvey and here he was with his own show on the No. 1 network in the primetime slot with the No. 1 lead-in. So it seemed like the perfect formula.”
Carvey, coming off his run on Saturday Night Live and the Wayne’s World movies, qualified...
The sketch comedy show only ran for seven episodes on ABC in 1996 — an eighth episode was uncharitably yanked in favor of a Coach rerun. The program’s brief rise and rapid flame-out is told in the Hulu documentary Too Funny to Fail, now in contention for Emmy nominations.
Director Josh Greenbaum was in high school when The Dana Carvey Show premiered.
“I vividly remember sitting down to watch the first episode with great anticipation,” he recalls. “I was a huge fan of Dana Carvey and here he was with his own show on the No. 1 network in the primetime slot with the No. 1 lead-in. So it seemed like the perfect formula.”
Carvey, coming off his run on Saturday Night Live and the Wayne’s World movies, qualified...
- 4/27/2018
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
While dramatic television has seen a wave of directorial ingenuity over the last 17 years (see our list of the best-directed dramas for proof), 21st century TV will probably be remembered more for the growth of vision in the comedy genre. What was once a format dominated by multi-cam sitcoms with live studio audiences has become the most auteur-driven genre on television, and the results have been some of the most creative and personal series the small screen has ever aired.
Read More: The 20 Best-Directed TV Drama Series of the 21st Century, Ranked
In brainstorming the best-directed comedy series of the 21st century, it becomes very clear just how much the genre is driven by personal style. Whether it’s Louis C.K.’s grounded realism or the rapid-fire curveballs of Armando Iannucci and Mitch Hurwitz, the showrunner as auteur has become the lynchpin of what makes 21st century TV comedy so...
Read More: The 20 Best-Directed TV Drama Series of the 21st Century, Ranked
In brainstorming the best-directed comedy series of the 21st century, it becomes very clear just how much the genre is driven by personal style. Whether it’s Louis C.K.’s grounded realism or the rapid-fire curveballs of Armando Iannucci and Mitch Hurwitz, the showrunner as auteur has become the lynchpin of what makes 21st century TV comedy so...
- 7/11/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller and Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
“The Wedding Ringer’s” Jeremy Garelick will write the pilot, which is loosely based on Shaq’s business empire
NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal is teaming up with truTV on a workplace comedy pilot loosely based on the former player’s business empire.
O’Neal is executive producing the half-hour scripted comedy with Mike Tollin; Mandalay Sports Media is producing. “Wedding Ringer” writer Jeremy Garelick is penning the pilot, John Fortenberry will direct.
Dan Kaplow and Jon Weinbach are co-executive producers of the pilot. Perry Rogers, Colin Smeeton and Michael Parris will also produce.
See photos: 9 NBA Stars Who Took...
NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal is teaming up with truTV on a workplace comedy pilot loosely based on the former player’s business empire.
O’Neal is executive producing the half-hour scripted comedy with Mike Tollin; Mandalay Sports Media is producing. “Wedding Ringer” writer Jeremy Garelick is penning the pilot, John Fortenberry will direct.
Dan Kaplow and Jon Weinbach are co-executive producers of the pilot. Perry Rogers, Colin Smeeton and Michael Parris will also produce.
See photos: 9 NBA Stars Who Took...
- 1/23/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Galavant, Season 1, Episode 3, “Two Balls” Written by Dan Fogelman Directed by Chris Koch
Galavant, Season 1, Episode 4, “Comedy Gold” Written by Kat Likkel & John Hoberg Directed by John Fortenberry Airs Sundays at 8pm Est on ABC
The third and fourth episodes of Galavant wisely focus on strengthening the bonds between the main trio on their journey to do… something. On a quest. There’s singing?
Probably the biggest fault with Galavant right now is its marriage between humor and plot. This isn’t a show where one tunes in to watch what happens next and the show’s go-with-it tone makes for quite a forgetful voyage. Why are our “heroes”—Galavant, Isabella and Sid—traveling to King Richard’s kingdom? The episodes remind viewers that Isabella is definitely double crossing Galavant, our egotistical hero, and that there is a very important Macguffin crystal, but besides that, is anyone really watching for the plot?...
Galavant, Season 1, Episode 4, “Comedy Gold” Written by Kat Likkel & John Hoberg Directed by John Fortenberry Airs Sundays at 8pm Est on ABC
The third and fourth episodes of Galavant wisely focus on strengthening the bonds between the main trio on their journey to do… something. On a quest. There’s singing?
Probably the biggest fault with Galavant right now is its marriage between humor and plot. This isn’t a show where one tunes in to watch what happens next and the show’s go-with-it tone makes for quite a forgetful voyage. Why are our “heroes”—Galavant, Isabella and Sid—traveling to King Richard’s kingdom? The episodes remind viewers that Isabella is definitely double crossing Galavant, our egotistical hero, and that there is a very important Macguffin crystal, but besides that, is anyone really watching for the plot?...
- 1/12/2015
- by Emily Steck
- SoundOnSight
Michel Hazanavicius was the big winner at the 64th annual Directors Guild of America Awards. The director of the fantastic black-and-white silent film "The Artist" took home the award for the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film category. Jon Cassar of "The Kennedys" received the 2012 DGA Award for the category of Movies for Television and Mini-Series.
Hosted by Kelsey Grammer, the DGA also honored Ed Sherin with the 2012 Honorary Life Member Award, Katy Garretson with the 2012 Frank Capra Achievement Award, and Dennis Mazzocco with the 2012 Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award.
It is now safe to bet that Hazanavicius will win the Best Director Award Oscar!
Here's the complete list of winners and nominees of the 2012 Directors Guild of America Awards (to check winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, visit our Awards Avenue coverage right here)
Outstanding Directorial Achievement In Feature Film
*Winner Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
David Fincher,...
Hosted by Kelsey Grammer, the DGA also honored Ed Sherin with the 2012 Honorary Life Member Award, Katy Garretson with the 2012 Frank Capra Achievement Award, and Dennis Mazzocco with the 2012 Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award.
It is now safe to bet that Hazanavicius will win the Best Director Award Oscar!
Here's the complete list of winners and nominees of the 2012 Directors Guild of America Awards (to check winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, visit our Awards Avenue coverage right here)
Outstanding Directorial Achievement In Feature Film
*Winner Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
David Fincher,...
- 1/29/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
HollywoodNews.com:Directors Guild of America President Taylor Hackford today announced the DGA’s nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television and Commercials for the year 2011.
?The caliber of work being done on television these days is incredible, and our director nominees in each category are an indispensable element to the success of every project — establishing and enhancing the vision and tone, eliciting outstanding performances and furthering the narrative arc through their creative choices,? said Hackford. ?That they are able to create excellence regardless of obstacles like tighter schedules and in an environment in which audiences have more entertainment options to choose from — is a true testament to the importance of directorial skill in television.?
The winners will be announced at the 64th Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles.
***
Movies For Television And Mini-series
The nominees for the Directors Guild...
?The caliber of work being done on television these days is incredible, and our director nominees in each category are an indispensable element to the success of every project — establishing and enhancing the vision and tone, eliciting outstanding performances and furthering the narrative arc through their creative choices,? said Hackford. ?That they are able to create excellence regardless of obstacles like tighter schedules and in an environment in which audiences have more entertainment options to choose from — is a true testament to the importance of directorial skill in television.?
The winners will be announced at the 64th Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles.
***
Movies For Television And Mini-series
The nominees for the Directors Guild...
- 1/10/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Tune in alert for FX's "Rescue Me" in a new episode titled .Menses. (Airs July 20, 10:00 pm e/p) Synopsis: The guys go stir crazy waiting to catch a job. Lou fakes his physical, a news team memorializes Jimmy, and Tommy is saved by an unfamiliar face. Written by Peter Tolan & Denis Leary & Evan Reilly; directed by John Fortenberry. "Rescue Me," The Final Season, Wednesdays at 10Pm Et/Pt only on FX.
- 7/19/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Lionsgate has begun work on a sequel to last year's Nickelodeon TV film Fred: The Movie. Based on the YouTube character created by Lucas Cruikshank, the film followed an extrovert teenager called Fred Figglehorn on his misadventures. Despite being widely panned by critics, Lionsgate has hired John Fortenberry to direct a sequel called Night Of The Living Fred, based on a script by Fred: The Movie director David A. Goodman. "Fred's journey from internet character to media star has been nothing short of astounding, and we're excited to partner (more)...
- 4/10/2011
- by By Tom Ayres
- Digital Spy
YouTube sensation Fred Figglehorn is giving the big screen another shot. Lucas Cruikshank, who created the Fred character that went bananas on YouTube will millions of views, will star in the 3D movie Night of the Living Fred for Lionsgate. The script comes from "Family Guy" scribe David A. Goodman and is being directed by John Fortenberry who has directed a whole lot of TV shows including an episode of "Sonny with a Chance."
"Fred: The Movie" started as an indie feature film that was bought by and aired on Nickelodeon and broke ratings records, however, "Fred" sacrificed his movie debut. Now, with Lionsgate behind the pic, it looks like "Fred" will get a chance to be a movie star after all.
Filming has already begun in Los Angeles.
"Fred: The Movie" started as an indie feature film that was bought by and aired on Nickelodeon and broke ratings records, however, "Fred" sacrificed his movie debut. Now, with Lionsgate behind the pic, it looks like "Fred" will get a chance to be a movie star after all.
Filming has already begun in Los Angeles.
- 4/8/2011
- by tara@kidspickflicks.com (Tara the Mom)
- kidspickflicks
Fred Figgelhorn is about to become a star.
Oh, we know he already thinks he's a star, and he does have more than 2 million YouTube channel subscribers who agree. But despite landing his own television movie, "Fred: The Movie," and selling a lot of official merchandise, the wider public doesn't know who he -- or his real-life counterpart, Lucas Cruikshank -- is.
But that's about to change, because Fred is getting a big screen, 3-D movie from Lionsgate.
According to Deadline, John Fortenberry is directing Fred in his first feature film "Night of the Living Fred." It's a sequel to "Fred: The Movie" which aired on Nickelodeon last fall and was a huge success for the network. Lionsgate clearly took notice and realized the hyperactive six-year-old was begging for a bigger audience.
"Night of the Living Fred" will be a low budget film -- Fred isn't exactly a character who...
Oh, we know he already thinks he's a star, and he does have more than 2 million YouTube channel subscribers who agree. But despite landing his own television movie, "Fred: The Movie," and selling a lot of official merchandise, the wider public doesn't know who he -- or his real-life counterpart, Lucas Cruikshank -- is.
But that's about to change, because Fred is getting a big screen, 3-D movie from Lionsgate.
According to Deadline, John Fortenberry is directing Fred in his first feature film "Night of the Living Fred." It's a sequel to "Fred: The Movie" which aired on Nickelodeon last fall and was a huge success for the network. Lionsgate clearly took notice and realized the hyperactive six-year-old was begging for a bigger audience.
"Night of the Living Fred" will be a low budget film -- Fred isn't exactly a character who...
- 4/7/2011
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- NextMovie
Lucas Cruikshank's YouTube creation and sensation "Fred Figglehorn" is getting a 3-D movie. Lionsgate, Varsity Pictures and The Collective are producing Night of the Living Fred, which is a follow-up to 2010's Fred: The Movie (which debuted on Nickelodeon). While Lionsgate has North American distribution rights, they are selling international rights to the film. Family Guy's David A. Goodman wrote the script and John Fortenberry (Blue Mountain State) is directing. Lionsgate production/development president Michael Paseornek says: “We're always excited to partner with talent who has a direct relationship with a broad online fan base, because there are so many possibilities for engaging that audience throughout the filmmaking and marketing process. Lucas is a true next generation entertainer, and we are so proud to bring Fred, ...
- 4/7/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Lucas Cruikshank, the teen actor who turned his alter-ego character Fred Figglehorn into a YouTube hit and a TV movie for Nickelodeon, will star in a 3D movie for Lionsgate. John Fortenberry ("Blue Mountain State") is directing "Night of the Living Fred." David A. Goodman ("Family Guy") wrote the script. Production is now under way in Los Angeles. The film is a co-production of Lionsgate, Varsity Pictures and The Collective. Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett of Varsity Pictures and Gary Binkow and Evan Weiss of the Collective are producing. Michael Green, CEO...
- 4/7/2011
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
Lionsgate has committed to making Night of the Living Fred, a small budget 3D film that is a followup to Fred: The Movie. That telepic racked up high ratings for Nickelodeon last fall. The protagonist, Fred Figgelhorn, is a fast-talking, hyperactive character created and played by teen actor Lucas Cruikshank, originally in a series of YouTube videos. He's got his own "Fred" channel, which has over 2 million subscribers. Lionsgate will control North American distribution and sell international. John Fortenberry is directing the film, which has just gotten underway in La. David A. Goodman wrote the script (he wrote the other Fred flick). Varsity Pictures' Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett are producing with Gary Binkow and Evan Weiss of The Collective. Here's one of the kid's YouTube videos. He sounds a bit like Eric Cartman to me. This is obviously geared for a generation far younger than mine, but...
- 4/7/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
HollywoodNews.com: TNT is ordering a second helping of its hit series “Memphis Beat,” starring Jason Lee (“My Name Is Earl”) and Alfre Woodard (“Three Rivers”). TNT has ordered 10 episodes for the second season of the series, which also stars DJ Qualls (“Hustle & Flow”). The show is slated to return in 2011.
“Memphis Beat” premiered June 22 and quickly established itself as one of the summer’s hottest shows. In its first season, “Memphis Beat” averaged 4.7 million viewers and ranked as one of ad-supported cable’s Top 5 new series of the summer and the #1 Tuesday series among adults 25-54. “Memphis Beat” was created by Liz W. Garcia (Cold Case) and Joshua Harto (The Dark Knight). The series comes to TNT from George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon Television.
“’Memphis Beat’ is a real treasure: a slightly off-center crime drama with great actors, memorable characters and a soundtrack steeped in Memphis sounds,...
“Memphis Beat” premiered June 22 and quickly established itself as one of the summer’s hottest shows. In its first season, “Memphis Beat” averaged 4.7 million viewers and ranked as one of ad-supported cable’s Top 5 new series of the summer and the #1 Tuesday series among adults 25-54. “Memphis Beat” was created by Liz W. Garcia (Cold Case) and Joshua Harto (The Dark Knight). The series comes to TNT from George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon Television.
“’Memphis Beat’ is a real treasure: a slightly off-center crime drama with great actors, memorable characters and a soundtrack steeped in Memphis sounds,...
- 9/16/2010
- by Linny Lum
- Hollywoodnews.com
Chicago – There have been TV cops in New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and even Hawaii, 5-0, so it stands to reason that Memphis, Tennessee, would get its turn. Jason Lee (“My Name is Earl”) and Alfre Woodard are on the “Memphis Beat,” premiering June 22nd on the TNT Network.
TV Rating: 2.5/5.0
Lee portrays Memphis plainclothes detective Dwight Hendricks, an unconventional (are there any other type of TV cop?) who seems not just to live and work in Memphis, but completely embody the town within his DNA. As Dwight and his detective partner ‘Whitehead’ (Sam Hennings) are introduced, they are investigating a brutal convenience store robbery. There is some comic relief among the carnage, though, as a Barney Fife-type uniform Officer Sutton (DJ Qualls).
Back at the station house – populated by Elvis impersonators for some reason – there is a new no-nonsense administrator (are there are other type…), Lt. Tanya Rice...
TV Rating: 2.5/5.0
Lee portrays Memphis plainclothes detective Dwight Hendricks, an unconventional (are there any other type of TV cop?) who seems not just to live and work in Memphis, but completely embody the town within his DNA. As Dwight and his detective partner ‘Whitehead’ (Sam Hennings) are introduced, they are investigating a brutal convenience store robbery. There is some comic relief among the carnage, though, as a Barney Fife-type uniform Officer Sutton (DJ Qualls).
Back at the station house – populated by Elvis impersonators for some reason – there is a new no-nonsense administrator (are there are other type…), Lt. Tanya Rice...
- 6/22/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Simon Brew Aug 14, 2017
Is the named director of a film the one who's actually been calling the shots? Here are 11 where a 'ghost director' may have been involved.
It's not that uncommon for a director to take their name off a film, and to leave the moniker Alan Smithee or whatever the current equivalent is behind. However, what's considerably rarer is when a film is released under the name of one director, but it's later revealed or rumoured that, actually, other hands were at work, either for a solid chunk or even the entirety of a production. That a film was, for want of a better phrase, 'ghost directed'.
See related Gotham season 4: Barbara is set to form an all-female "power base"
Granted, some of these stories that we're about to tell have little chance of ever being fully confirmed, but here are some examples of where the helmer...
Is the named director of a film the one who's actually been calling the shots? Here are 11 where a 'ghost director' may have been involved.
It's not that uncommon for a director to take their name off a film, and to leave the moniker Alan Smithee or whatever the current equivalent is behind. However, what's considerably rarer is when a film is released under the name of one director, but it's later revealed or rumoured that, actually, other hands were at work, either for a solid chunk or even the entirety of a production. That a film was, for want of a better phrase, 'ghost directed'.
See related Gotham season 4: Barbara is set to form an all-female "power base"
Granted, some of these stories that we're about to tell have little chance of ever being fully confirmed, but here are some examples of where the helmer...
- 4/21/2010
- Den of Geek
Reaper Episode 2.5 "I Want My Baby Back" Written By: Thomas Schnauz Directed By: John Fortenberry Original Airdate: 31 March 2009 In This Episode… The Devil shows up right away with Sam's mission o' the week: kill a chick who thought she was a vampire when she was alive -- in reality, she was just a murderer who drank her victims' blood. Sam, Sock, and Ben take care of her speedily, but there is a hitch (there is always a hitch). Miss Vampy had a baby. Sam and Sock are mystified; Ben is freakishly excited. The boys try to pawn off the baby on Gladys when they drop off the vessel. She explains that the baby is Iboh...
- 4/1/2009
- FEARnet
Bravo has unveiled a bevy of new programs, including a sketch-comedy show from the Upright Citizens Brigade and spinoff of Project Runway. A.S.S.S.S.C.A.T.: Improv is a one-hour special based on the exploits of the improvisational comedy group that will run sometime in the fall. It features Rachel Dratch, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Andy Richter, among others. Constant Communications is the producer; Lisa Leingang and John Fortenberry are executive producers; Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh are executive producers for the Upright Citizens Brigade. The Pennsylvania native who won last season's Project Runway, Jay McCarroll, gets his own one-hour documentary called Project Jay. The documentary, a production of Miramax Television, The Weinstein Co. and Bravo, will follow the exploits of McCarroll as he heads for New York City to market his own fashion line.
- 7/15/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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