Following a turbulent year marked by dueling industry strikes and the violent contraction–if not yet full pop–of the streaming bubble, 2024 has thus far been pretty good to Hollywood. It certainly helps that we’re in the middle of awards season, which for cineastes amounts to a three-month holiday largely characterized by voluminous binge-watching. And not just binge-watching of the year’s top films. For the curious, the season also offers up a smuggler’s bounty full of talking special post-screening Q&As, roundtables, filmmaker panels, celebratory cocktail receptions and more.
Traditionally Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up series has been a little bit of all of the above, presenting behind-the-scenes insight into the year’s most important works of cinema, straight from the mouths and brains of filmmakers themselves. As the virtual portion of this year’s programming winds down (see below), we’re looking ahead now to our...
Traditionally Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up series has been a little bit of all of the above, presenting behind-the-scenes insight into the year’s most important works of cinema, straight from the mouths and brains of filmmakers themselves. As the virtual portion of this year’s programming winds down (see below), we’re looking ahead now to our...
- 2/7/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
This past spring, social media lit up around a very new kind of American Sweetheart: 30-year-old Ronald Gladden, a solar contractor who believed he was signing up for a documentary on the jury system and instead ended up being the adored lead presence of Amazon Freevee’s fish-out-of-water comedy “Jury Duty.” Gladden answered a Craigslist ad, the producers took a shine to him, and history was made.
“So, I wasn’t part of the Ronald process,” Emmy-nominated casting director Susie Farris told TheWrap. “Ronald is a real person, and I don’t cast reality. [Laughs] But you know, obviously, the crazy part about the show is that every single person except for one is an actor.”
And that’s what made “Jury Duty” one of the year’s most singular TV challenges: casting buoyant, quick-witted, versatile actors that the general public would not recognize to improvise against Gladden as his fellow jurors,...
“So, I wasn’t part of the Ronald process,” Emmy-nominated casting director Susie Farris told TheWrap. “Ronald is a real person, and I don’t cast reality. [Laughs] But you know, obviously, the crazy part about the show is that every single person except for one is an actor.”
And that’s what made “Jury Duty” one of the year’s most singular TV challenges: casting buoyant, quick-witted, versatile actors that the general public would not recognize to improvise against Gladden as his fellow jurors,...
- 8/18/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Power publicist Alla Plotkin is teaming up with Jillian Roscoe, becoming a partner in Birch Public Relations.
Roscoe launched the firm in March 2023 after leaving ID PR. Plotkin also departed ID at about the same time but didn’t announce her next move until her new partnership with Roscoe.
Plotkin’s clients, including Sarah Paulson, Nicholas Braun, Bette Midler, Holland Taylor, Harvey Guillen, Amber Tamblyn, Chris Colfer, Titus Burgess and Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine of Girls Gotta Eat, will join Birch’s roster, which includes Donald Glover, Jeremy Allen White, Sharon Horgan, John Cho, James Marsden, Kemp Powers, Gerard Butler, Judy Greer, Jesse Garcia, Mandy Moore, David Duchovny, Lake Bell, Jim Parsons, Fred Armisen, Jake Johnson, Ben Schwartz, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Melissa Rauch, Hannah Fidell, Ken Marino, Sarah Chalke, London Hughes, Lewis Howes, Zach Woods, Ty Burrell, Clay Tarver, Kevin Tancharoen, Julian Dennison, Jake Szymanski, Nicolette Robinson, Anna Drezen,...
Roscoe launched the firm in March 2023 after leaving ID PR. Plotkin also departed ID at about the same time but didn’t announce her next move until her new partnership with Roscoe.
Plotkin’s clients, including Sarah Paulson, Nicholas Braun, Bette Midler, Holland Taylor, Harvey Guillen, Amber Tamblyn, Chris Colfer, Titus Burgess and Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine of Girls Gotta Eat, will join Birch’s roster, which includes Donald Glover, Jeremy Allen White, Sharon Horgan, John Cho, James Marsden, Kemp Powers, Gerard Butler, Judy Greer, Jesse Garcia, Mandy Moore, David Duchovny, Lake Bell, Jim Parsons, Fred Armisen, Jake Johnson, Ben Schwartz, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Melissa Rauch, Hannah Fidell, Ken Marino, Sarah Chalke, London Hughes, Lewis Howes, Zach Woods, Ty Burrell, Clay Tarver, Kevin Tancharoen, Julian Dennison, Jake Szymanski, Nicolette Robinson, Anna Drezen,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
When the list of potential Emmy nominees was officially released on Thursday, the Amazon Freevee genre-bending comedy “Jury Duty” listed six submissions for Emmy Awards comedy supporting actor and actress: James Marsden, David Brown, Susan Berger, Cassandra Blair, Edy Modica and Rashida Olayiwola. That may not seem particularly significant, but for a series that seemingly against all odds caught hold of the zeitgeist this past spring, it’s massive. The craziest part is that it actually has a chance of pulling in an Emmy nom or two – perhaps even in comedy series and (maybe especially) comedy series casting for its casting director Susie Farris.
In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict that “Jury Duty” is going to be the Andrea Riseborough of this Emmy season and shock the awards world as a grassroots phenomenon by cracking the best comedy nominee lineup. And it...
In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict that “Jury Duty” is going to be the Andrea Riseborough of this Emmy season and shock the awards world as a grassroots phenomenon by cracking the best comedy nominee lineup. And it...
- 6/19/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Jury Duty‘s back and delivering all of the commentaries you wish you had while watching the first time around on Amazon Freevee. Re-releasing the first season with commentary from the cast, including Ronald Gladden and James Marsden, as well as director Jake Szymanski, this latest version promises just as many laughs along with answers. Already streaming on Amazon Freevee, the new commentary episodes unveil never-before-heard anecdotes about what it took to create the chaotic world in which Ronald thinks he’s making a documentary about serving on a jury but is, in fact, the hero of a story filled with actors pretending to be everyday people, including Marsden who portrays a fictional version of himself. In an exclusive Q&a below, executive producer Nicholas Hatton offers up some fun Easter Eggs and explains the release of the commentary episodes and much more. (Credit: Amazon Freevee) What can viewers anticipate...
- 6/3/2023
- TV Insider
In the final episode of Jury Duty, the cast and crew take the time to walk unknowing hero Ronald Gladden through the production behind everything he just experienced. He’s still in disbelief even as the hidden cameras and fake sets are revealed and actors share their real names, unable to take it all in. But it’s now been more than a year since the series was filmed, and Gladden is back to reflect and reveal even more behind-the-scenes secrets alongside director Jake Szymanski and stars James Marsden, Mekki Leeper (Noah), Cassandra Blair (Vanessa), and Maria Russell (Inez) for Jury Duty Exclusive Cast Commentary episodes.
- 6/1/2023
- by Brianna Wellen
- Primetimer
Ronald Gladden is reliving his Jury Duty experience. He and the other stars of Amazon Freevee’s comedic docuseries recently came together to record an exclusive cast commentary on the show. The special episodes hit the ad-supported streaming service on June 1.
Ronald Gladden in ‘Jury Duty’ | Courtesy of Amazon Freevee
In the commentary on the first episode, the solar panel installer from San Diego reflects on one of the most memorable moments from the jury selection process in the fictional case of Hilgrove vs. Morris. Gladden, who believed he was participating in a documentary about a real trial, suggested to another potential juror that he might be able to get out of serving if he tells the judge he is racist. To his shock, Noah (played by Mekki Leeper) ran with the idea.
Gladden says he was horrified as he watched Noah first declare that he was racist, then quickly apologize and backtrack.
Ronald Gladden in ‘Jury Duty’ | Courtesy of Amazon Freevee
In the commentary on the first episode, the solar panel installer from San Diego reflects on one of the most memorable moments from the jury selection process in the fictional case of Hilgrove vs. Morris. Gladden, who believed he was participating in a documentary about a real trial, suggested to another potential juror that he might be able to get out of serving if he tells the judge he is racist. To his shock, Noah (played by Mekki Leeper) ran with the idea.
Gladden says he was horrified as he watched Noah first declare that he was racist, then quickly apologize and backtrack.
- 5/31/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Jury Duty” has no business working as well as it does, and Jake Szymanski, who directed all eight episodes, knows it. “It just sounded like a crazy, almost impossible idea, which is what I’m attracted to,” he tells Gold Derby. “It sounded tough. It sounded like a mental puzzle on how to pull it off.”
The Amazon Freevee comedy follows Ronald Gladden, a solar panel contractor who believes he’s participating in a documentary as he serves jury duty. In reality, he had no idea he was on a scripted TV show and that everything in his life for three weeks was fake and heavily planned — from the case and the sequestration to the 11 actors as his fellow jurors (and James Marsden as an entitled version of James Marsden) and that dinner at Margaritaville.
Szymanski and the “Jury Duty” team spent four months in pre-production meticulously creating an immersive...
The Amazon Freevee comedy follows Ronald Gladden, a solar panel contractor who believes he’s participating in a documentary as he serves jury duty. In reality, he had no idea he was on a scripted TV show and that everything in his life for three weeks was fake and heavily planned — from the case and the sequestration to the 11 actors as his fellow jurors (and James Marsden as an entitled version of James Marsden) and that dinner at Margaritaville.
Szymanski and the “Jury Duty” team spent four months in pre-production meticulously creating an immersive...
- 5/31/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
The sleeper Amazon Freevee genre-bending docu-comedy hit “Jury Duty” announced today that it’s releasing the eight-part series in a cast commentary edition for streaming beginning Thursday. The revised installments will include secrets from the jury box as told by director Jake Szymanski, hero Ronald Gladden, and some of the jurors themselves including actors James Marsden, Mekki Leeper, Cassandra Blair and Maria Russell. It promises to feature never-before-heard anecdotes about what it took to create the meticulously-planned series both inside the courtroom and out. New testimony will reveal exactly what Gladden was thinking in every unpredictable moment.
If you haven’t discovered “Jury Duty,” it’s been described as the world’s first feelgood prank show. It’s basically “The Office” meets “The Truman Show.” The premise: A guy (Gladden) answers a Craigslist add looking for someone to participate in a filmed documentary about serving on a jury. What they...
If you haven’t discovered “Jury Duty,” it’s been described as the world’s first feelgood prank show. It’s basically “The Office” meets “The Truman Show.” The premise: A guy (Gladden) answers a Craigslist add looking for someone to participate in a filmed documentary about serving on a jury. What they...
- 5/30/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The jury is still out on whether Amazon Freevee’s mockumentary sitcom “Jury Duty” will be able to break into the Emmys race, but the excitement for the comedy has taken the TV world by storm, and Amazon sees an opening for it.
Variety has learned exclusively Amazon plans to submit the eight-episode inaugural season for the Emmy comedy categories, seeking recognition in over a dozen key races including acting, writing and directing.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.
Created by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, the series follows the inner workings of a jury trial through the eyes of Ronald Gladden, a solar contractor from San Diego, who is unaware that his jury duty summons was not official and everyone on the jury aside from him, is an actor.
Gladden has been the comedy’s breakout star of the series and will...
Variety has learned exclusively Amazon plans to submit the eight-episode inaugural season for the Emmy comedy categories, seeking recognition in over a dozen key races including acting, writing and directing.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.
Created by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, the series follows the inner workings of a jury trial through the eyes of Ronald Gladden, a solar contractor from San Diego, who is unaware that his jury duty summons was not official and everyone on the jury aside from him, is an actor.
Gladden has been the comedy’s breakout star of the series and will...
- 5/5/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Casting director Susie Farris got the unique opportunity to participate in the meticulous process of jury selection, choosing all but one of 12 jurors — but it was for an entirely made-up court case.
Even with over two decades of casting experience and credits in “Elf,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Speechless” and “Mr. Robot,” she had never been met with a task quite like casting Amazon Freevee’s viral series “Jury Duty,” a hidden-camera, “Truman Show”-esque comedy.
In the weeks after its release, “Jury Duty” has been applauded for its outstanding cast of actors, improv comedians and one Ronald Gladden, the lone, non-actor who believed the entire, absurd court case was real.
Farris spoke with Variety to share her process behind selecting television’s favorite petit jury.
Most casting directors don’t work with improv actors, so what was it like for you? Had you ever done anything like this before?...
Even with over two decades of casting experience and credits in “Elf,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Speechless” and “Mr. Robot,” she had never been met with a task quite like casting Amazon Freevee’s viral series “Jury Duty,” a hidden-camera, “Truman Show”-esque comedy.
In the weeks after its release, “Jury Duty” has been applauded for its outstanding cast of actors, improv comedians and one Ronald Gladden, the lone, non-actor who believed the entire, absurd court case was real.
Farris spoke with Variety to share her process behind selecting television’s favorite petit jury.
Most casting directors don’t work with improv actors, so what was it like for you? Had you ever done anything like this before?...
- 5/4/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York City, including red carpets for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Love & Death, Bupkis and Fatal Attraction.
Chaplin Award Gala
Viola Davis was honored at the Chaplin Awards Gala in NYC on Monday, with support from Meryl Streep, Jessica Chastain, Steve McQueen, Gina Prince-Bythewood and husband Julius Tennon.
Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain Steve McQueen, Jessica Chastain, Meryl Streep, Julius Tennon, Viola Davis, Gina Prince-Bythewood, George C. Wolfe and Jayme Lawson
Fatal Attraction premiere
Joshua Jackson, Lizzy Caplan, Amanda Peet, Alyssa Jirrels, Toby Huss, Brian Goodman, Reno Wilson and showrunner Alexandra Cunningham walked the carpet at the Fatal Attraction premiere in L.A. on Monday.
Reno Wilson, Toby Huss, Alyssa Jirrels, Lizzy Caplan, Joshua Jackson, Amanda Peet, Dee Wallace and Brian Goodman Alexandra Cunningham, Lizzy Caplan and Nicole Clemens...
Chaplin Award Gala
Viola Davis was honored at the Chaplin Awards Gala in NYC on Monday, with support from Meryl Streep, Jessica Chastain, Steve McQueen, Gina Prince-Bythewood and husband Julius Tennon.
Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain Steve McQueen, Jessica Chastain, Meryl Streep, Julius Tennon, Viola Davis, Gina Prince-Bythewood, George C. Wolfe and Jayme Lawson
Fatal Attraction premiere
Joshua Jackson, Lizzy Caplan, Amanda Peet, Alyssa Jirrels, Toby Huss, Brian Goodman, Reno Wilson and showrunner Alexandra Cunningham walked the carpet at the Fatal Attraction premiere in L.A. on Monday.
Reno Wilson, Toby Huss, Alyssa Jirrels, Lizzy Caplan, Joshua Jackson, Amanda Peet, Dee Wallace and Brian Goodman Alexandra Cunningham, Lizzy Caplan and Nicole Clemens...
- 4/28/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ronald Gladden thought he was just doing his civic duty, with a few cameras following along. Like all the other participants in the documentary-style comedy series "Jury Duty," which premiered on Amazon Freevee on April 7, Gladden plays himself in the show - but unlike the others, who are all actors, Gladden actually thought he was participating in a documentary about a real trial.
"Jury Duty," though, is most definitely not about a real trial. Co-created by "The Office"'s Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, the show stars James Marsden, a group of actors, and the unsuspecting Gladden as jurors in a three-week Los Angeles trial. Out of the 12 jurors, Gladden is the only one who isn't aware that he's in a carefully plotted comedy series.
Who Is Ronald Gladden?
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ronald Gladden (@sunnyg_sd)
30-year-old Gladden is a solar contractor hailing from San Diego,...
"Jury Duty," though, is most definitely not about a real trial. Co-created by "The Office"'s Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, the show stars James Marsden, a group of actors, and the unsuspecting Gladden as jurors in a three-week Los Angeles trial. Out of the 12 jurors, Gladden is the only one who isn't aware that he's in a carefully plotted comedy series.
Who Is Ronald Gladden?
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ronald Gladden (@sunnyg_sd)
30-year-old Gladden is a solar contractor hailing from San Diego,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Eden Arielle Gordon
- Popsugar.com
Yes, Jake Szymanski has directed episodes of Saturday Night Live, and yes, he has an improv background. But even those experiences didn’t fully prepare him to direct Jury Duty. Nothing could.
Amazon Freevee’s comedy, which follows a regular guy who doesn’t realize he’s part of a fake jury trial, might have its roots in hoax shows like Candid Camera and Punk’d, but its scope is even more audacious. For three weeks of filming, Ronald Gladden, the juror who was hoaxed, was fully immersed in the show. He was sequestered with fake jurors, and he even surrendered his phone so that he couldn’t contact the outside world. That meant the creative team had to build a full-time fictional environment. Szymanski wasn’t just directing a few scenes. He was directing Ronald’s entire life.
Amazon Freevee’s comedy, which follows a regular guy who doesn’t realize he’s part of a fake jury trial, might have its roots in hoax shows like Candid Camera and Punk’d, but its scope is even more audacious. For three weeks of filming, Ronald Gladden, the juror who was hoaxed, was fully immersed in the show. He was sequestered with fake jurors, and he even surrendered his phone so that he couldn’t contact the outside world. That meant the creative team had to build a full-time fictional environment. Szymanski wasn’t just directing a few scenes. He was directing Ronald’s entire life.
- 4/8/2023
- by Mark Blankenship
- Primetimer
TBS’ “Miracle Workers” starring Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi and TruTV’s “Tacoma Fd” have been greenlit for fourth installments, the “TNets” announced today in a statement.
In addition, TBS has picked up “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear” for a 10-episode series and the network has set premiere dates for “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” and “American Dad!”. TNT’s “Snowpiercer” will debut its third season on Jan. 24.
“’Miracle Workers’ and ‘Tacoma Fd’ never fail to deliver good times, good laughs and passionate fans. We love the unique sensibility and distinctive, bold comedy of these shows,” Adrienne O’Riain and Sam Linsky, co-heads of scripted programming for the TNets, said in the announcement. “The fact that they continue to resonate so strongly with audiences speaks to the dedication of their creators and their brilliant network executives.”
Each season of the anthology comedy series “Miracle Workers” features the same cast playing different roles in a new setting.
In addition, TBS has picked up “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear” for a 10-episode series and the network has set premiere dates for “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” and “American Dad!”. TNT’s “Snowpiercer” will debut its third season on Jan. 24.
“’Miracle Workers’ and ‘Tacoma Fd’ never fail to deliver good times, good laughs and passionate fans. We love the unique sensibility and distinctive, bold comedy of these shows,” Adrienne O’Riain and Sam Linsky, co-heads of scripted programming for the TNets, said in the announcement. “The fact that they continue to resonate so strongly with audiences speaks to the dedication of their creators and their brilliant network executives.”
Each season of the anthology comedy series “Miracle Workers” features the same cast playing different roles in a new setting.
- 11/3/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
TBS has picked up to series comedy pilot Kill the Orange-Faced Bear starring Damon Wayans Jr. The network has ordered 10 episodes of the comedy about one man’s epic revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend.
Wayans Jr. stars as Hank, the charming, funny and grieving man who’s hell-bent on tracking down Brenda the bear, along with Jessy Hodges as Jamie, the twin sister of Hank’s late girlfriend; Alex Karpovsky as Ronnie, an oddball park ranger; and Nate Torrence as Murray, Hank’s best friend. The voice cast lineup includes Sarah Silverman as Brenda, the sarcastic badass grizzly bear who attacked and ate Hank’s girlfriend; Nicole Byer as Pauline, a bear with perfect fur and perfect nails who uses her feminine wiles to seduce Brenda’s husband; and Sam Richardson as Steve, the charmingly idiotic bear with a dangerous habit of breaking into cars to steal snacks and beer.
Wayans Jr. stars as Hank, the charming, funny and grieving man who’s hell-bent on tracking down Brenda the bear, along with Jessy Hodges as Jamie, the twin sister of Hank’s late girlfriend; Alex Karpovsky as Ronnie, an oddball park ranger; and Nate Torrence as Murray, Hank’s best friend. The voice cast lineup includes Sarah Silverman as Brenda, the sarcastic badass grizzly bear who attacked and ate Hank’s girlfriend; Nicole Byer as Pauline, a bear with perfect fur and perfect nails who uses her feminine wiles to seduce Brenda’s husband; and Sam Richardson as Steve, the charmingly idiotic bear with a dangerous habit of breaking into cars to steal snacks and beer.
- 11/3/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sarah Silverman (I Love You America), Nicole Byer (Wipeout) and Sam Richardson (Veep) will lend their voices to TBS’ comedy pilot Kill the Orange-Faced Bear. They join previously announced live-action cast Damon Wayans Jr., Jessy Hodges, Alex Karpovsky and Nate Torrence. The pilot is scheduled to begin shooting in Portland in May.
Kill the Orange-Faced Bear is about one man’s (Wayans Jr.) epic revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend (Hodges).
Silverman voices Brenda, the sarcastic badass grizzly bear who attacked and ate Hank’s fiancée Stacy—for personal reasons. When Stacy’s friends panicked and mistook a can of spray paint for bear mace, they turned Brenda’s face orange—but she won’t let being marked make her an easy target for Hank’s revenge plan.
Byer voices Pauline, a bear with perfect fur and perfect nails who uses her feminine wiles to seduce Brenda’s husband.
Kill the Orange-Faced Bear is about one man’s (Wayans Jr.) epic revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend (Hodges).
Silverman voices Brenda, the sarcastic badass grizzly bear who attacked and ate Hank’s fiancée Stacy—for personal reasons. When Stacy’s friends panicked and mistook a can of spray paint for bear mace, they turned Brenda’s face orange—but she won’t let being marked make her an easy target for Hank’s revenge plan.
Byer voices Pauline, a bear with perfect fur and perfect nails who uses her feminine wiles to seduce Brenda’s husband.
- 4/27/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings) has been tapped as the lead of TBS’ comedy pilot Kill the Orange-Faced Bear. Jessy Hodges (Barry), Alex Karpovsky (Girls), and Nate Torrence (Hello Ladies) also have been cast in the pilot, scheduled to begin shooting in Portland in May.
Kill the Orange-Faced Bear is about one man’s (Wayans Jr.) epic revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend (Hodges).
Wayans Jr. will play Hank, the charming, funny and grieving man who’s hell-bent on tracking down the bear who attacked his girlfriend on a camping trip. We’ll follow his side of the story as well as the bear’s, who is just trying to move on from the incident and navigate the other idiot bears in her life.
Jessy Hodges will play Stacy, Hank’s late girlfriend, as well Jamie, her twin sister with a confusing secret. Alex Karpovsky is Ronnie, an...
Kill the Orange-Faced Bear is about one man’s (Wayans Jr.) epic revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend (Hodges).
Wayans Jr. will play Hank, the charming, funny and grieving man who’s hell-bent on tracking down the bear who attacked his girlfriend on a camping trip. We’ll follow his side of the story as well as the bear’s, who is just trying to move on from the incident and navigate the other idiot bears in her life.
Jessy Hodges will play Stacy, Hank’s late girlfriend, as well Jamie, her twin sister with a confusing secret. Alex Karpovsky is Ronnie, an...
- 3/18/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Damon Wayans Jr. has signed on to star in “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear,” the TBS comedy pilot about a man bent on revenge after a bear eats his girlfriend.
Wayans Jr., whose credits include the much-beloved “Happy Endings” as well as his disappearance and then reappearance on the hit “New Girl,” will be joined by Jessy Hodges (“Indebted”), Alex Karpovsky (“Girls”) and Nate Torrence (“Hello Ladies”).
Wayans Jr., who will also serve as an executive producer, plays Hank, described as a “charming, funny and grieving man who’s hell-bent on tracking down the bear who attacked his girlfriend on a camping trip.” “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear” will be told both from Hank’s point of view, as well as the Pov of the bear, “who is just trying to move on from the incident and navigate the other idiot bears in her life.”
Hodges was cast as Stacy, the girlfriend who becomes the bear snack,...
Wayans Jr., whose credits include the much-beloved “Happy Endings” as well as his disappearance and then reappearance on the hit “New Girl,” will be joined by Jessy Hodges (“Indebted”), Alex Karpovsky (“Girls”) and Nate Torrence (“Hello Ladies”).
Wayans Jr., who will also serve as an executive producer, plays Hank, described as a “charming, funny and grieving man who’s hell-bent on tracking down the bear who attacked his girlfriend on a camping trip.” “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear” will be told both from Hank’s point of view, as well as the Pov of the bear, “who is just trying to move on from the incident and navigate the other idiot bears in her life.”
Hodges was cast as Stacy, the girlfriend who becomes the bear snack,...
- 3/18/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
TBS has ordered a pair of comedy pilots from writers Chris Romano and Hilary Winston, Variety has learned exclusively.
Romano’s pilot is titled “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear.” It is described as a comedy about one man’s revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend.
Romano will write and executive produce the pilot, with Trevor Engelson and Steven Fisher of Underground producing with Alex Karpovsky. Jake Szymanski will executive produce and direct the pilot.
Winston’s pilot is called “Space.” In the project, long term couple Rob and Marin, on the verge of a breakup, are granted the ultimate “space” to figure out their future when they suddenly begin jumping into the bodies of other couples. I
Winston is writing the pilot with Nick Stoller attached to direct and executive produce via Stoller Global Solutions. Sony Pictures Television will produce.
On the development side, TNT is developing a pair of one-hour drama projects.
Romano’s pilot is titled “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear.” It is described as a comedy about one man’s revenge journey after a bear eats his girlfriend.
Romano will write and executive produce the pilot, with Trevor Engelson and Steven Fisher of Underground producing with Alex Karpovsky. Jake Szymanski will executive produce and direct the pilot.
Winston’s pilot is called “Space.” In the project, long term couple Rob and Marin, on the verge of a breakup, are granted the ultimate “space” to figure out their future when they suddenly begin jumping into the bodies of other couples. I
Winston is writing the pilot with Nick Stoller attached to direct and executive produce via Stoller Global Solutions. Sony Pictures Television will produce.
On the development side, TNT is developing a pair of one-hour drama projects.
- 1/19/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
There’s an inherent danger in nostalgia. As we’ve witnessed over the past four years, slogans about some mythical better time in America can come loaded with prejudice. Those good ol’ days weren’t all that great for everyone.
But there are some anachronistic artifacts that are worth … if not celebrating, then at least marveling at, like curios on a shelf. Hulu’s quirky new mockumentary John Bronco unearths an oldie but a goody: the archetype of the masculine pitchman, that kind of rough-hewn all-American male for whom a thick mustache,...
But there are some anachronistic artifacts that are worth … if not celebrating, then at least marveling at, like curios on a shelf. Hulu’s quirky new mockumentary John Bronco unearths an oldie but a goody: the archetype of the masculine pitchman, that kind of rough-hewn all-American male for whom a thick mustache,...
- 10/14/2020
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Santa Fe author Forrest Fenn, known for his 2010 book Thrill of the Chase which inspired a popular treasure hunt in the Rocky Mountains, died on Monday. He was 90.
Fenn died of natural causes in his Santa Fe home.
The writer and former U.S. Air Force pilot rose to notoriety after a poem in his memoir The Thrill of the Chase hinted at the location of a hidden cache of about $2 million in jewels and gold. His poem not only inspired treasure hunters to embark on their treacherous quest for his treasure but encouraged them to document their own experiences on the hunt.
Earlier this year the popular hunt made headlines as a Colorado woman, whose husband died searching for Fenn’s secret treasure, claimed that the Santa Fe writer never hid anything. Despite the woman’s claims, Fenn announced that another hunter following his clues supposedly found the treasure. The author,...
Fenn died of natural causes in his Santa Fe home.
The writer and former U.S. Air Force pilot rose to notoriety after a poem in his memoir The Thrill of the Chase hinted at the location of a hidden cache of about $2 million in jewels and gold. His poem not only inspired treasure hunters to embark on their treacherous quest for his treasure but encouraged them to document their own experiences on the hunt.
Earlier this year the popular hunt made headlines as a Colorado woman, whose husband died searching for Fenn’s secret treasure, claimed that the Santa Fe writer never hid anything. Despite the woman’s claims, Fenn announced that another hunter following his clues supposedly found the treasure. The author,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Walton Goggins is one of those actors who I'll watch in anything, so you can bet your shiny chiclet teeth that I'll definitely be checking out John Bronco. The upcoming mockumentary from Jake Szymanski, best known for 7 Days In Hell, Tour De Pharmacy, Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates, and an assortment of skits for Funny or Die and Saturday Night Live, finds Goggins playing John Bronco in the unbelievable story of the rise, fall, and ultimate redemption of the legendary Ford Bronco…...
- 8/11/2020
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Who is John Bronco? He’s a world class racer, a rodeo star, a sex symbol and a legendary pitchman who’s face was instantly recognizable on the Ford Bronco and countless products — and he’s also Walton Goggins and never existed.
But that shouldn’t stop anyone from inflating his legend, as the new short film “John Bronco” aims to do. The mockumentary is the latest from Jake Szymanski, the director who told similarly fake sports legends in the films “Tour de Pharmacy” and “7 Days in Hell.”
“John Bronco” though is a different sort of fake sports icon, a 1966 legend whose jingle went triple-platinum and could be heard in ads for his own cologne, breakfast cereal, video game, action figure and more. The film describes him as the “very embodiment of the American dream, that is, until it all came crashing down.”
Also Read: Ron Howard to Direct...
But that shouldn’t stop anyone from inflating his legend, as the new short film “John Bronco” aims to do. The mockumentary is the latest from Jake Szymanski, the director who told similarly fake sports legends in the films “Tour de Pharmacy” and “7 Days in Hell.”
“John Bronco” though is a different sort of fake sports icon, a 1966 legend whose jingle went triple-platinum and could be heard in ads for his own cologne, breakfast cereal, video game, action figure and more. The film describes him as the “very embodiment of the American dream, that is, until it all came crashing down.”
Also Read: Ron Howard to Direct...
- 8/11/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Studio 8 has hired Jake Szymanski to direct an action comedy based on journalist Hudson Morgan’s misadventures in search of buried treasure in the Rocky Mountains.
In 2010, Forrest Fenn, an art dealer in New Mexico, announced he had buried a cache of gold and jewels in the Rocky Mountains — setting off a treasure hunt that attracted thousands. Last month, Fenn announced that a man who wished to remain anonymous had discovered the chest.
Morgan, a journalist turned comedy writer, will write the screenplay roughly based on his own experience in which a group of millennials set out after the treasure after their best friend disappears. That led to shouting matches, natural hazards, close calls with grizzlies, leaving the group with new appreciation for life, friendship and bear spray.
Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce the film. The project is described as “The Goonies” meets “The Hangover.
In 2010, Forrest Fenn, an art dealer in New Mexico, announced he had buried a cache of gold and jewels in the Rocky Mountains — setting off a treasure hunt that attracted thousands. Last month, Fenn announced that a man who wished to remain anonymous had discovered the chest.
Morgan, a journalist turned comedy writer, will write the screenplay roughly based on his own experience in which a group of millennials set out after the treasure after their best friend disappears. That led to shouting matches, natural hazards, close calls with grizzlies, leaving the group with new appreciation for life, friendship and bear spray.
Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce the film. The project is described as “The Goonies” meets “The Hangover.
- 7/9/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Saturday Night Live and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates director Jake Szymanski is set to direct Studio 8’s untitled action comedy inspired by writer Hudson Morgan’s misadventures while on a life-changing expedition with a group of friends all in search for Forrest Fenn’s buried treasure.
The wildly popular hunt attracted the likes and obsession of thousands, and recently made headlines last month upon its alleged discovery. The Fenn Treasure was a cache of gold and jewels that Forrest Fenn, an art dealer and author from Santa Fe, New Mexico who hid the stash in the Rocky Mountains.
Morgan, a former journalist turned comedy-writer, will write the screenplay roughly based on his own experience. Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce.
The project billed as Goonies meets The Hangover follows a group of millennials who head to the Rocky Mountains after their best...
The wildly popular hunt attracted the likes and obsession of thousands, and recently made headlines last month upon its alleged discovery. The Fenn Treasure was a cache of gold and jewels that Forrest Fenn, an art dealer and author from Santa Fe, New Mexico who hid the stash in the Rocky Mountains.
Morgan, a former journalist turned comedy-writer, will write the screenplay roughly based on his own experience. Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce.
The project billed as Goonies meets The Hangover follows a group of millennials who head to the Rocky Mountains after their best...
- 7/9/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Studio 8 has tapped Tour de Pharmacy director Jake Szymanski to helm a buddy treasure hunt comedy now in development.
The indie project is inspired by writer Hudson Morgan’s misadventures while on a life-changing expedition with a group of friends searching for millionaire Forrest Fenn’s buried treasure of gold and diamonds. Morgan, a former journalist turned comedy-writer, is set to pen the screenplay, while Studio 8's Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce.
"Morgan’s personal quest for Forrest Fenn’s treasure is an already bizarre tale fit for the big screen. We’ve ...
The indie project is inspired by writer Hudson Morgan’s misadventures while on a life-changing expedition with a group of friends searching for millionaire Forrest Fenn’s buried treasure of gold and diamonds. Morgan, a former journalist turned comedy-writer, is set to pen the screenplay, while Studio 8's Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce.
"Morgan’s personal quest for Forrest Fenn’s treasure is an already bizarre tale fit for the big screen. We’ve ...
Studio 8 has tapped Tour de Pharmacy director Jake Szymanski to helm a buddy treasure hunt comedy now in development.
The indie project is inspired by writer Hudson Morgan’s misadventures while on a life-changing expedition with a group of friends searching for millionaire Forrest Fenn’s buried treasure of gold and diamonds. Morgan, a former journalist turned comedy-writer, is set to pen the screenplay, while Studio 8's Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce.
"Morgan’s personal quest for Forrest Fenn’s treasure is an already bizarre tale fit for the big screen. We’ve ...
The indie project is inspired by writer Hudson Morgan’s misadventures while on a life-changing expedition with a group of friends searching for millionaire Forrest Fenn’s buried treasure of gold and diamonds. Morgan, a former journalist turned comedy-writer, is set to pen the screenplay, while Studio 8's Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella and John Graham will produce.
"Morgan’s personal quest for Forrest Fenn’s treasure is an already bizarre tale fit for the big screen. We’ve ...
Exclusive: Former Mom star Sadie Calvano and Alanna Ubach (Bombshell) are set as series regulars opposite Meaghan Rath and Jack Cutmore-Scott in CBS’ ensemble comedy pilot Jury Duty, from 9Jkl co-creator Dana Klein, writer Stephanie Darrow, UK producer Big Talk Productions and CBS Television Studios.
In the hybrid Jury Duty, written by Klein and Darrow based on a British format and directed by Christine Gernon, a group of jurors are sequestered together until they all agree on a verdict….and they can’t even agree on lunch.
Calvano will play Linzee. Gorgeous and a bit naïve, Linzee loves animals and is a vegetarian because “bunnies!” She’s also very optimistic, easily excited, and too sweet to realize she’s the most beautiful girl in the world.
Ubach is Judge Wallace. Judge Wallace wanted to be an actress and now the courtroom is her stage, where she’s wildly unprofessional and...
In the hybrid Jury Duty, written by Klein and Darrow based on a British format and directed by Christine Gernon, a group of jurors are sequestered together until they all agree on a verdict….and they can’t even agree on lunch.
Calvano will play Linzee. Gorgeous and a bit naïve, Linzee loves animals and is a vegetarian because “bunnies!” She’s also very optimistic, easily excited, and too sweet to realize she’s the most beautiful girl in the world.
Ubach is Judge Wallace. Judge Wallace wanted to be an actress and now the courtroom is her stage, where she’s wildly unprofessional and...
- 3/10/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Quibi has given a series order to Florida Man (working title), a comedy series from Blue Mountain State writers Romanski (aka Chris Romano) and Drew Hancock, and Ace Entertainment.
Written by Hancock and Romano, this outrageous anthology comedy series rips real headlines from insane stories, and tells us the made up tale of how they came to be. Whether it is Florida Man Charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon for Throwing Alligator through Wendy’s Drive-Thru Window or Florida Man with “Do Not Resuscitate” Tattoo Creates Ethical Dilemma for Hospital Staff, these stories can only happen in Florida.
Ace Entertainment’s Matt Kaplan and Spencer Berman executive produce with Jake Szymanski, Dylan Trussell and David Dinetz. Hancock, Romano and Paul Kim co-executive produce. Ace Entertainment is the studio.
Commercial directors Dinetz and Trussell initially conceived the idea for Florida Man.
Written by Hancock and Romano, this outrageous anthology comedy series rips real headlines from insane stories, and tells us the made up tale of how they came to be. Whether it is Florida Man Charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon for Throwing Alligator through Wendy’s Drive-Thru Window or Florida Man with “Do Not Resuscitate” Tattoo Creates Ethical Dilemma for Hospital Staff, these stories can only happen in Florida.
Ace Entertainment’s Matt Kaplan and Spencer Berman executive produce with Jake Szymanski, Dylan Trussell and David Dinetz. Hancock, Romano and Paul Kim co-executive produce. Ace Entertainment is the studio.
Commercial directors Dinetz and Trussell initially conceived the idea for Florida Man.
- 1/21/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Carnival Row star Orlando Bloom is expanding his relationship with Amazon Studios, signing a first-look deal with the studio behind the series. Under the pact, Bloom will work with Amazon Studios to create television and film projects that will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories.
Bloom can currently be seen starring alongside Cara Delevingne in Amazon’s hit series Carnival Row, which has been renewed for a second season on Prime Video. The actor also is widely known for his roles as Legolas in Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and as Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Jen Salke and the team at Amazon and I look forward to growing that relationship with this new and exciting production deal,” said Bloom.
Bloom recently wrapped production on two films, the John Ridley...
Bloom can currently be seen starring alongside Cara Delevingne in Amazon’s hit series Carnival Row, which has been renewed for a second season on Prime Video. The actor also is widely known for his roles as Legolas in Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and as Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Jen Salke and the team at Amazon and I look forward to growing that relationship with this new and exciting production deal,” said Bloom.
Bloom recently wrapped production on two films, the John Ridley...
- 12/12/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Eduardo Franco (Booksmart) and Patrick Gibson (The Oa) are set as the leads in USA Network’s Masters of Doom pilot, a drama based on David Kushner’s nonfiction book, from James and Dave Franco’s Ramona Films, The Gotham Group and Ucp. John Karna (Valley of the Boom), Jane Ackermann (Neptune) and Siobhan Williams (Deadly Class) round out the series regular cast. Peter Friedman (Succession) is set to recur, and Rhys Thomas has been tapped to direct.
Written and executive produced by WGA Award winner Tom Bissell (Gears of War), Masters of Doom is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the ’90s, the video game Doom. Franco and Gibson play best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video...
Written and executive produced by WGA Award winner Tom Bissell (Gears of War), Masters of Doom is the true story of two computer geniuses in an obscure corner of America who, along with a group of rebellious misfits, created one of the biggest franchise hits of the ’90s, the video game Doom. Franco and Gibson play best friends who became bitter rivals, as they created a video...
- 9/26/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Radcliffe and Geraldine Viswanathan in ‘Miracle Workers’
When Geraldine Viswanathan graduated from the Hunter School of Performing Arts, she could not have imagined she would go on to co-star with Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi in a Us TV series.
Or, for that matter, that she would join Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney in a movie about the biggest public school embezzlement scandal in Us history.
Dreams have come true for the Newcastle-raised actress, now 23, whose father is an Indian-born doctor and her mother is Swiss.
In her Us TV series debut Geraldine plays an angel named Eliza in Miracle Workers, a seven-part series commissioned by the TBS network which premieres on Stan on February 13, the same day as the Us.
Based on Simon Rich’s book What In God’s Name, the comedy follows Radcliffe as Craig, a low-level angel responsible for handling all of humanity’s prayers.
When Geraldine Viswanathan graduated from the Hunter School of Performing Arts, she could not have imagined she would go on to co-star with Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi in a Us TV series.
Or, for that matter, that she would join Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney in a movie about the biggest public school embezzlement scandal in Us history.
Dreams have come true for the Newcastle-raised actress, now 23, whose father is an Indian-born doctor and her mother is Swiss.
In her Us TV series debut Geraldine plays an angel named Eliza in Miracle Workers, a seven-part series commissioned by the TBS network which premieres on Stan on February 13, the same day as the Us.
Based on Simon Rich’s book What In God’s Name, the comedy follows Radcliffe as Craig, a low-level angel responsible for handling all of humanity’s prayers.
- 2/6/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Stars: Daniel Doheny, Geraldine Viswanathan, Sadie Calvano, Luke Spencer Roberts, Eduardo Franco, Michael Eklund, Gary Jones, Alexander Calvert, Sugar Lyn Beard, Blake Anderson | Written by Kevin Burrows, Matt Mider | Directed by Jake Szymanski
When a group of teenage friends go on a spring break camping trip, an unfortunate accident sets off a race against time to save their friend’s most prized possession.
The Package is your clear-cut rudimental gross-out comedy with a dash of unconvincing romance and little to no actual substantial merit nor filmmaking prowess. Although to say that one cannot find entertainment value in the sheer absurdity of events, would be lying through their teeth.
Even in the vile preposterous moments of childish, lowbrow humour. The film manages to pull itself up with grace from intelligible legitimacy. Far gone from the age of the direct-to-dvd American Pie circuit entertainment, that this venture ever so comes so close to falling into,...
When a group of teenage friends go on a spring break camping trip, an unfortunate accident sets off a race against time to save their friend’s most prized possession.
The Package is your clear-cut rudimental gross-out comedy with a dash of unconvincing romance and little to no actual substantial merit nor filmmaking prowess. Although to say that one cannot find entertainment value in the sheer absurdity of events, would be lying through their teeth.
Even in the vile preposterous moments of childish, lowbrow humour. The film manages to pull itself up with grace from intelligible legitimacy. Far gone from the age of the direct-to-dvd American Pie circuit entertainment, that this venture ever so comes so close to falling into,...
- 8/20/2018
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
"Oh no... I think I cut myself!" Netflix has released another official trailer for their comedy The Package, which is now available, the latest film from Funny or Die filmmaker Jake Szymanski (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). The wacky, stupid comedy is about a group of teenage friends who go on a spring break camping trip, but an accident causes them to change their plans in hopes of saving their friend. Yeah, it's dumb and made for teenagers to get drunk and laugh at. The full cast for this includes Daniel Doheny, Geraldine Viswanathan, Sadie Calvano, Luke Spencer Roberts, Eduardo Franco, Michael Eklund, Gary Jones, Alexander Calvert, Sugar Lyn Beard, and Blake Anderson. This looks so, so bad and I don't even know why Netflix is pushing it with two full trailers, but here we go anyway. Have at it. Here's the second official trailer for Jake Szymanski's The Package,...
- 8/12/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Netflix have a habit of dropping teen-friendly films at the drop of a hat, and that’s exactly what has happened here. The Package is a Spring Break set comedy with a very fun cast who gave DaniElle DeLaite a very funny, and very rude interview.
The Package stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Sugar Lyn Beard, Alexander Calvert, Sadie Calvano, Daniel Doheny, Veena Sood, Luke Spencer Roberts and Eduardo Franco. It is written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider and directed by Jake Szymanski.
The Package is released in the UK on the 10th of August, 2018. Here’s DaniElle’s interview.
The Package Cast Interviews
Plot:
When a group of teenage friends go on a spring break camping trip, an unfortunate accident sets off a race against time to save their friend’s most prized possession.
The post Exclusive: From Spring Break to disaster – we chat to the outrageous cast of Netflix...
The Package stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Sugar Lyn Beard, Alexander Calvert, Sadie Calvano, Daniel Doheny, Veena Sood, Luke Spencer Roberts and Eduardo Franco. It is written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider and directed by Jake Szymanski.
The Package is released in the UK on the 10th of August, 2018. Here’s DaniElle’s interview.
The Package Cast Interviews
Plot:
When a group of teenage friends go on a spring break camping trip, an unfortunate accident sets off a race against time to save their friend’s most prized possession.
The post Exclusive: From Spring Break to disaster – we chat to the outrageous cast of Netflix...
- 8/10/2018
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Netflix has released a fun first trailer for the upcoming comedy The Package, which sees a group of teenage friends go on a camping trip for spring break. They end up partying way too hard and in the process, there's an "unfortunate accident sets off a race against time to save their friend's most prized possession."
The Package comes from the creators of Workaholics and Tropic Thunder and it looks funny enough and worth checking out. The film was directed by Jake Szymanski from a script written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider.
The film was produced by Nicholas Weinstock, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Kyle Newacheck and Ross M. Dinerstein. As for the cast, it stars Daniel Doheny, Geraldine Viswanathan, Sadie Calvano, Luke Spencer Roberts, Eduardo Franco, Michael Eklund, Gary Jones, Alexander Calvert, Sugar Lyn Beard, and Blake Anderson.
The Package comes to Netflix August 10.
The Package comes from the creators of Workaholics and Tropic Thunder and it looks funny enough and worth checking out. The film was directed by Jake Szymanski from a script written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider.
The film was produced by Nicholas Weinstock, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, Blake Anderson, Kyle Newacheck and Ross M. Dinerstein. As for the cast, it stars Daniel Doheny, Geraldine Viswanathan, Sadie Calvano, Luke Spencer Roberts, Eduardo Franco, Michael Eklund, Gary Jones, Alexander Calvert, Sugar Lyn Beard, and Blake Anderson.
The Package comes to Netflix August 10.
- 7/13/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
"I was just supposed to be camping!" Netflix has debuted an official trailer for an indie comedy titled The Package, the latest from Funny or Die filmmaker Jake Szymanski (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). The wacky, stupid comedy is about a group of teenage friends who go on a spring break camping trip, but an accident causes them to change their plans in hopes of saving their friend. Yeah, it's dumb and made for teenagers to get drunk and laugh at. The full cast for this includes Daniel Doheny, Geraldine Viswanathan, Sadie Calvano, Luke Spencer Roberts, Eduardo Franco, Michael Eklund, Gary Jones, Alexander Calvert, Sugar Lyn Beard, and Blake Anderson. These kind of dumb comedies are not for me, way too goofy and stupid and just not funny. But if you're into this kind of humor, then have fun. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Jake Szymanski's The Package,...
- 7/12/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
With the Oscars less than a week away, companies in the movie industry have a chance to get attention for their projects, and with that idea in mind, IMDb has launched a new web series. The internet movie database has teamed up with Funny Or Die to premiere IMDb Me, a series that combs through the filmographies of famous actors in search of talk show-style tidbits and quiz material.
The first actor to sit down with IMDb Me host Jake Szymanski is Willem Dafoe of Platoon, Spider-Man, and The Florida Project fame. After perusing Dafoe's IMDb page, Szymanski asks him about his cut role in the legendary flop Heaven's Gate, makes him guess how IMDb users describe his movies, and asks him to respond to what those users see as his defining characteristics.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
The first actor to sit down with IMDb Me host Jake Szymanski is Willem Dafoe of Platoon, Spider-Man, and The Florida Project fame. After perusing Dafoe's IMDb page, Szymanski asks him about his cut role in the legendary flop Heaven's Gate, makes him guess how IMDb users describe his movies, and asks him to respond to what those users see as his defining characteristics.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 2/28/2018
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for October 2017 including "Skyscraper", "Siren", "Colony" and a whole lot more:
Features:
A Dogs Way Home
Local Production Company: Singularity Productions
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Producer: Gavin Polone
Oct 16/17 - Dec 15/17
Eggplant Emoji
Local Production Company: Eggplant Productions
Director: Jake Szymanski
Producer: Ross Dinerstein
Aug 21/17 - Oct 05/17
Elsewhere
Local Production Company: Elsewhere Productions
Director: Hernan Jimenez Garcia
Sep 11/17 - Oct 11/17
Nicole
Local Production Company: True Meaning Productions
Director: Marc Lawrence
Oct 23/17 - Jan 19/18
Skyscraper
Local Production Company: Main Mast Production - Can, Inc
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurter
Aug 14/17 - Nov 17/17
Untitled Robert Zemeckis Project
Local Production Company: Stiletto Cinema Partners
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Producer: Robert Zemeckis, Cherylanne Martin
Aug 11/17 - Oct 19/17
TV Series:
A Series Of Unfortunate Events ~ Season 2
Local Production Company: Olaf II Productions Inc
Director: Loni Peristere, Allan Arkush
Apr 17/17 - Apr 20/18
Arrow - Season 6
Local Production Company:...
Features:
A Dogs Way Home
Local Production Company: Singularity Productions
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Producer: Gavin Polone
Oct 16/17 - Dec 15/17
Eggplant Emoji
Local Production Company: Eggplant Productions
Director: Jake Szymanski
Producer: Ross Dinerstein
Aug 21/17 - Oct 05/17
Elsewhere
Local Production Company: Elsewhere Productions
Director: Hernan Jimenez Garcia
Sep 11/17 - Oct 11/17
Nicole
Local Production Company: True Meaning Productions
Director: Marc Lawrence
Oct 23/17 - Jan 19/18
Skyscraper
Local Production Company: Main Mast Production - Can, Inc
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurter
Aug 14/17 - Nov 17/17
Untitled Robert Zemeckis Project
Local Production Company: Stiletto Cinema Partners
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Producer: Robert Zemeckis, Cherylanne Martin
Aug 11/17 - Oct 19/17
TV Series:
A Series Of Unfortunate Events ~ Season 2
Local Production Company: Olaf II Productions Inc
Director: Loni Peristere, Allan Arkush
Apr 17/17 - Apr 20/18
Arrow - Season 6
Local Production Company:...
- 9/24/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for September 2017, including "Dragged Across Concrete", "Eggplant Emoji", "Skyscraper" and a whole lot more:
Dragged Across Concrete
Feature
Local Production Company: Moot Point (Dragged) Productions
Director: Craig Zahler
Producer: Sefton Fincham, Jack Heller, Keith Kjarval, Dallas Sonnier
Jul 22/17 - Sep 16/17
Eggplant Emoji
Feature
Local Production Company: Eggplant Productions
Director: Jake Szymanski
Producer: Ross Dinerstein
Aug 21/17 - Oct 05/17
Elsewhere
Feature
Local Production Company: Elsewhere Productions
Director: Hernan Jimenez Garcia
Sep 11/17 - Oct 11/17
I'm Not A Bad Person
Feature
Local Production Company: Not a Bad Person Productions
Director: Andrew Huculiak
Producer: Amber Ripley, Josh Huculiak
Aug 22/17 - Sep 16/17
Nicole
Feature
Local Production Company: True Meaning Productions
Director: Marc Lawrence
Exec. Producer(s): Justis Greene
Oct 23/17 - Jan 19/18
Skyscraper
Feature
Local Production Company: Main Mast Production - Can, Inc
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurter
Exec. Producer: Eric Hedayat
Aug 14/17 - Nov 17/17
Untitled Robert Zemeckis Project...
Dragged Across Concrete
Feature
Local Production Company: Moot Point (Dragged) Productions
Director: Craig Zahler
Producer: Sefton Fincham, Jack Heller, Keith Kjarval, Dallas Sonnier
Jul 22/17 - Sep 16/17
Eggplant Emoji
Feature
Local Production Company: Eggplant Productions
Director: Jake Szymanski
Producer: Ross Dinerstein
Aug 21/17 - Oct 05/17
Elsewhere
Feature
Local Production Company: Elsewhere Productions
Director: Hernan Jimenez Garcia
Sep 11/17 - Oct 11/17
I'm Not A Bad Person
Feature
Local Production Company: Not a Bad Person Productions
Director: Andrew Huculiak
Producer: Amber Ripley, Josh Huculiak
Aug 22/17 - Sep 16/17
Nicole
Feature
Local Production Company: True Meaning Productions
Director: Marc Lawrence
Exec. Producer(s): Justis Greene
Oct 23/17 - Jan 19/18
Skyscraper
Feature
Local Production Company: Main Mast Production - Can, Inc
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurter
Exec. Producer: Eric Hedayat
Aug 14/17 - Nov 17/17
Untitled Robert Zemeckis Project...
- 8/24/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Comedy Central has put in development aka Kill The Orange Face Bear, toplined by Girls' alum Alex Karpovsky. , written by Blue Mountain State co-creator Chris Romano and to be directed by Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates helmer Jake Szymanski, centers on a man whose girlfriend is eaten alive by a bear in front of him. He sets out to do the only thing one would to get revenge: kill that bear. Romano, who also will showrun, executive produces with Karpovsky…...
- 8/10/2017
- Deadline TV
From VancouverFilm.Net, here is the Vancouver Film Production Update for August 2017, including "Dragged Across Concrete", "Freaks", "Arrow" and a whole lot more:
13 Miles
Feature
Local Production Company: Habethy Film Productions
Director: Anthony Epp, Helena Thom
Producer: Shanyn Maguire, Anthony Epp, Helena Thom
May 19/17 - Aug 20/17
Dragged Across Concrete
Feature
Local Production Company: Moot Point (Dragged) Productions
Director: Craig Zahler
Producer: Sefton Fincham, Jack Heller, Keith Kjarval, Dallas Sonnier
Jul 17/17 - Sep 16/17
Eggplant Emoji
Feature
Local Production Company: Eggplant Productions
Director: Jake Szymanski
Exec. Producer(s): Jamie Goehring, Kevin Leeson
Aug 21/17 - Oct 02/17
Fatal Visit
Feature
Local Production Company: Lone House Films Ltd.
Director: Calvin Poon
Producer: Fiona Lee, Michael Parker
Jul 18/17 - Aug 11/17
Freaks
Feature
Local Production Company: Freak Productions
Director: Zach Lipovsky
Producer: Jordan Barber
Jul 31/17 - Aug 25/17
Nicole
Feature
Local Production Company: True Meaning Productions
Director: Marc Lawrence
Producer: Justis Greene
Oct 23/17 - Jan 19/18
Pup Start...
13 Miles
Feature
Local Production Company: Habethy Film Productions
Director: Anthony Epp, Helena Thom
Producer: Shanyn Maguire, Anthony Epp, Helena Thom
May 19/17 - Aug 20/17
Dragged Across Concrete
Feature
Local Production Company: Moot Point (Dragged) Productions
Director: Craig Zahler
Producer: Sefton Fincham, Jack Heller, Keith Kjarval, Dallas Sonnier
Jul 17/17 - Sep 16/17
Eggplant Emoji
Feature
Local Production Company: Eggplant Productions
Director: Jake Szymanski
Exec. Producer(s): Jamie Goehring, Kevin Leeson
Aug 21/17 - Oct 02/17
Fatal Visit
Feature
Local Production Company: Lone House Films Ltd.
Director: Calvin Poon
Producer: Fiona Lee, Michael Parker
Jul 18/17 - Aug 11/17
Freaks
Feature
Local Production Company: Freak Productions
Director: Zach Lipovsky
Producer: Jordan Barber
Jul 31/17 - Aug 25/17
Nicole
Feature
Local Production Company: True Meaning Productions
Director: Marc Lawrence
Producer: Justis Greene
Oct 23/17 - Jan 19/18
Pup Start...
- 7/28/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Plot: At the 1982 Tour de France, an investigation results in all but five, heavily doped, riders being disqualified. Review: Tour De Pharmacy is the follow-up to The Lonely Island’s well-received sports doc spoof, 7 Days In Hell. Coming from the same director, Jake Szymanski (Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates), and writer, Murray Miller, this is another fun, quick (forty minutes) comedy... Read More...
- 7/10/2017
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Jake Szymanski, who directed HBO's just-aired mockumentary Tour de Pharmacy, will helm The Eggplant Emoji for Netflix.
Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, the creators of digital animated series Gentlemen Lobsters, wrote the script for the ballsy project, which has Ben Stiller and Nicky Weinstock producing via their Red Hour Films banner. Ross Dinerstein is also producing.
Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Kyle Newacheck, the creators and stars of the hit Comedy Central show Workaholics, are also producing the dark comedy.
The plot is throbbing with comedic potential: When a teenager accidentally cuts off his penis during a camping...
Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, the creators of digital animated series Gentlemen Lobsters, wrote the script for the ballsy project, which has Ben Stiller and Nicky Weinstock producing via their Red Hour Films banner. Ross Dinerstein is also producing.
Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Kyle Newacheck, the creators and stars of the hit Comedy Central show Workaholics, are also producing the dark comedy.
The plot is throbbing with comedic potential: When a teenager accidentally cuts off his penis during a camping...
- 7/10/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At the beginning of our interview, grasping for a way to describe the latest weirdo star-studden comedy sports special airing on HBO, IndieWire referred to “Tour De Pharmacy” as “the latest installment in the ‘Legends of Sports’ franchise.”
“I love that you said that,” star/executive producer Andy Samberg said.
“Are we allowed to say we have a franchise? I mean, I’ll take it,” writer Murray Miller said.
Read More: ‘Tour De Pharmacy’ Trailer: Orlando Bloom and Andy Samberg Spoof Doping and Biking in HBO Mockumentary
By “franchise,” we meant the ongoing “30 for 30”-inspired sports mockumentary series that began in the summer of 2015 with “7 Days in Hell,” a star-studded comedy special that chronicled a fictional tennis match that reached absurd heights. Starring Samberg and Kit Harrington, the cast also included Mary Steenburgen, Karen Gillan, Lena Dunham, Will Forte, June Squibb, Michael Sheen, Fred Armisen and more, including narration by Jon Hamm.
“I love that you said that,” star/executive producer Andy Samberg said.
“Are we allowed to say we have a franchise? I mean, I’ll take it,” writer Murray Miller said.
Read More: ‘Tour De Pharmacy’ Trailer: Orlando Bloom and Andy Samberg Spoof Doping and Biking in HBO Mockumentary
By “franchise,” we meant the ongoing “30 for 30”-inspired sports mockumentary series that began in the summer of 2015 with “7 Days in Hell,” a star-studded comedy special that chronicled a fictional tennis match that reached absurd heights. Starring Samberg and Kit Harrington, the cast also included Mary Steenburgen, Karen Gillan, Lena Dunham, Will Forte, June Squibb, Michael Sheen, Fred Armisen and more, including narration by Jon Hamm.
- 7/9/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
"This is what happens when we train super hard on the bicycle." HBO has premiered the full-length trailer for the mockumentary comedy Tour de Pharmacy, starring Andy Samberg as a cyclist competing in bicycle races during the 1980s. The film is a hilarious satire making fun of the cycling world and the fact that almost all of the cyclists in the Tour de France were on drugs. The first teaser for this was funny enough to completely sell me, but this one is even better. I can't wait to see this! The full cast includes John Cena, Freddie Highmore, Daveed Diggs, Orlando Bloom, and a whole bunch of others, like Jeff Goldblum and Mike Tyson. Plus there is an appearance by the one-and-only king of doping, Lance Armstrong, which is a bit crazy. Everything about this seems so absurd, but that's why it looks so damn good. Enjoy it! Here's...
- 6/9/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
This summer, Andy Samberg is trading in his police badge for a very tight pair of biking shorts.
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star is headlining a new HBO mockumentary special, Tour de Pharmacy, set in the cutthroat world of competitive cycling. HBO just announced a premiere date for Pharmacy — Saturday, July 8 at 10/9c — and the new trailer, posted above, promises plenty of laughs… and even more stars.
RelatedHBO (Sort of) Renews The Young Pope as The New Pope, With All-New Cast
The grainy video action takes place at the 1982 Tour de France, where just about every cyclist is doped up on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star is headlining a new HBO mockumentary special, Tour de Pharmacy, set in the cutthroat world of competitive cycling. HBO just announced a premiere date for Pharmacy — Saturday, July 8 at 10/9c — and the new trailer, posted above, promises plenty of laughs… and even more stars.
RelatedHBO (Sort of) Renews The Young Pope as The New Pope, With All-New Cast
The grainy video action takes place at the 1982 Tour de France, where just about every cyclist is doped up on performance-enhancing drugs.
- 5/20/2017
- TVLine.com
"Nearly every rider was on drugs!" Another hilarious new sports mockumentary from HBO. The first teaser trailer has debuted for Tour De Pharmacy, an amusing documentary set in the early 1980s about the "dark and fictitious time in cycling history". Directed by the same filmmaker who brought us HBO's sports comedy 7 Days in Hell, he reteams with Andy Samberg to make fun of doping in cycling. The film focuses on five cyclists in 1982 as they dealt with nearly every athlete doping during the cycling competitions. Aside from Samberg, the full cast includes John Cena, Freddie Highmore, Daveed Diggs, Orlando Bloom, and a whole bunch of others. I'm not even sure if all the names they flash in this teaser are even in the film? Plus there's an appearance by Lance Armstrong, a smart move to get him to make fun of doping, too. Enjoy. Here's the teaser trailer for Jake Szymanski...
- 5/19/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
HBO has released the trailer for its upcoming mockumentary “Tour De Pharmacy,” a spoof of the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in professional cycling. The Jake Szymanski-directed satire features an all-star cast, including Andy Samberg, Orlando Bloom, Daveed Diggs, Will Forte, Julia Ormond, Phylicia Rashad, Dolph Lundgren, Mike Tyson, Maya Rudolph, Chris Webber, “an anonymous informant,” and more.
Read More: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Trailer: Watch Orlando Bloom Return to the Series
Written by Murray Miller (“King of the Hill,” “Girls”), “Tour De Pharmacy” explores a dark and fictitious time in cycling history —during 1982— when basically all competitors were doping. Through the perspective of five riders, the mockumentary offers a “none-too-serious” inside look into what went on during the controversial event.
The film is executive produced by Samberg and Miller, the duo behind last year’s hilarious mockumentary “7 Days in Hell.” The film starred...
Read More: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Trailer: Watch Orlando Bloom Return to the Series
Written by Murray Miller (“King of the Hill,” “Girls”), “Tour De Pharmacy” explores a dark and fictitious time in cycling history —during 1982— when basically all competitors were doping. Through the perspective of five riders, the mockumentary offers a “none-too-serious” inside look into what went on during the controversial event.
The film is executive produced by Samberg and Miller, the duo behind last year’s hilarious mockumentary “7 Days in Hell.” The film starred...
- 5/19/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
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