High Times is preparing to go public later this year with a valuation of $250 million — the same amount Jeff Bezos paid for the Washington Post in 2013. There’s no guessing whether the Post has gone up or down in value since 2013, but it may well have climbed given its skyrocketing web traffic and subscription growth since Donald Trump became president. High Times focuses on a different type of hard — or smooth — hitting journalism, but could also get higher. In terms of value, we mean. High Times CEO Adam Levin acquired the business earlier this year, when...
- 8/28/2017
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
Every since The Hangover and Bridesmaids we've seen a number of entourage buddy comedies come and go. This year we already have Rough Night and the upcoming Girls Trip. Now there is another all-girl hangover-style comedy on the way, Fun Mom Dinner. The comedy is directed by Alethea Jones, and stars Toni Collette, Katie Aselton, Molly Shannon, Adam Levin, Rob Huebel, and Paul Rudd.
The plot of Fun Mom Dinner is described:
Four moms, whose only common ground is their kids’ preschool class, decide to get together for a harmless “fun mom dinner.” The night begins as a disaster, but the combination of alcohol, karaoke, and a cute bartender, leads to an unforgettable night where these seemingly different women realize they have more in common than motherhood and men.
The film is due out in August.
The plot of Fun Mom Dinner is described:
Four moms, whose only common ground is their kids’ preschool class, decide to get together for a harmless “fun mom dinner.” The night begins as a disaster, but the combination of alcohol, karaoke, and a cute bartender, leads to an unforgettable night where these seemingly different women realize they have more in common than motherhood and men.
The film is due out in August.
- 7/6/2017
- by Kristian Odland
- GeekTyrant
As the Sundance Film Festival’s groundbreaking and technology-facing New Frontier section kicks off its second decade in existence, the 2017 edition of the section boasts its most stacked and varied programing picks yet. The full slate includes “story worlds” in Augmented Reality headsets, projection-mapped acrobatics, a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data via the internet of things and a host of socialized, interactive and immersively haptic Vr story experiences.
The rest of the lineup includes live performances, a feature film and augmented reality experiences built to complement 22 Vr experiences and 11 installations, showcased between three venues in Park City. The Claim Jumper will host 10 immersive installations focused on cross-disciplinary story construction, while the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation and the Vr Bar will offer a lineup of mobile Vr. Two New Frontier projects are part of the Festival’s New Climate program, which highlights the environment and climate change.
The rest of the lineup includes live performances, a feature film and augmented reality experiences built to complement 22 Vr experiences and 11 installations, showcased between three venues in Park City. The Claim Jumper will host 10 immersive installations focused on cross-disciplinary story construction, while the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation and the Vr Bar will offer a lineup of mobile Vr. Two New Frontier projects are part of the Festival’s New Climate program, which highlights the environment and climate change.
- 12/1/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Top brass at the Park City jamboree announced on Thursday 20 virtual and augmented reality presentations and 11 installations.
The eleventh New Frontier programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontier will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
The eleventh New Frontier programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontier will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
- 12/1/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Top brass at the Park City jamboree announced on Thursday 20 virtual and augmented reality presentations and 11 installations.
The eleventh New Frontier programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontier will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
The eleventh New Frontier programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontier will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
- 12/1/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Top brass at the Park City jamboree announced on Thursday 20 virtual and augmented reality presentations and 11 installations.
The eleventh New Frontier programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontier will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
The eleventh New Frontier programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontier will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
- 12/1/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Top brass at the Park City jamboree announced on Thursday 20 virtual and augmented reality presentations and 11 installations.
The eleventh New Frontiers programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontiers will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
The eleventh New Frontiers programme includes storyworlds in Augmented Reality headsets, and a Vr beauty salon producing neuroscience data.
Established Vr artist Chris Milk and Aaron Kobli are behind Life Of Us, while immersive journalist Nonny de la Peña will premiere Out Of Exile: Daniel’s Story.
New Frontiers will be staged at three Park City venues: Claim Jumper will host ten immersive installations; the Vr Palace will feature 17 Vr experiences alongside an additional installation; and the Vr Bar will offer a line-up of mobile Vr.
Three projects are part of the festival’s New Climate programme highlighting the environment and climate change.
Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival senior programmer and chief curator, New Frontier, said: “In an era that has recalibrated economies, redefined social realms and rewired the connection between the individual and the world, we must also...
- 12/1/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Sad news today as it was reported that 2015 “The Voice” contestant Anthony Riley, 28, has died.The Philadelphia street performer who left NBC’s singing-competition show this past January to deal with addiction issues was found dead on Friday (June 5). Riley’s voice was strong and reminiscent of both James Brown and Luther Vandross at times. He earned four immediate buzzes from the Voice mentors -Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams, Adam Levin and Blake Shelton – as he belted out “I feel good” in his audition.It was the streets of Philly where he stopped people in their tracks. Over the last decade, […]...
- 6/7/2015
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Adam Levin are making beautiful music together in Begin Again. The touchingly funny Begin Again features an eclectic mix of well-known actors and emerging talents. Directed by John Carney, whose low budget indie "Once" not only earned a devoted fan base but inspired a Tony-winning musical, the dramedy serves as a love letter to New York City.
- 7/2/2014
- by info@cinemovie.tv (Super User)
- CineMovie
The battles continued on Season 6 of The Voice on Monday night giving coaches Usher, Shakira, Adam Levin and Blake Shelton an opportunity to solidify their individual teams. The battles, as we all know, are an opportunity for the coaches to really get a look at who can potentially win the competition and maybe steal [&hellip
The Voice 6.10 Recap: Head-to-Head Battles Continue...
The Voice 6.10 Recap: Head-to-Head Battles Continue...
- 3/25/2014
- by Chris Norton
- TVovermind.com
It’s finally over — at least for now. La Superior Judge Michael Stern today sided with ABC/Touchstone TV and granted a summary judgement dismissing Nicollette Sheridan’s latest attempt to for a new trial over being dropped from Desperate Housewives. Stern’s ruling was primarily based on the actress not filing a complaint with the California Labor Commission within six months of the September 2008 incident where Sheridan claims show executive producer/creator Marc Cherry struck her on set. ‘It was the right result and the judge’s analysis was spot on. The judge followed Supreme Court precedent that required that Ms. Sheridan’s last remaining claim be dismissed with prejudice,” attorney Adam Levin, representing ABC/Touchstone, told me after the hearing. Sheridan’s last trial ended in a mistrial in March 2012 after the jury deadlocked 8-4. Dramatically trimmed down from her original multimillion-dollar case, Sheridan was now just claiming...
- 10/18/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
The final week of blind auditions kicked off on "The Voice," and it featured a contestant who may have missed the memo on the "blind" part of his audition. Cameron was a singer and a dancer, and he put a heavy emphasis on his dancing from the moment the music started.
Adam Levin summed it up pretty well when he extended his arms out in a gesture of confusion as the audience erupted into applause before Cameron had sung a single note. With their backs turned to him, the dancing was kind of a waste. And because they couldn't see what he was doing, the audience response was a little all over the place from the coaches' perspective as well.
More importantly, Shakira noted that the dancing was taking his breath away, negatively impacting his singing. That kind of thing might be forgiven by an audience enjoying the dancing, but...
Adam Levin summed it up pretty well when he extended his arms out in a gesture of confusion as the audience erupted into applause before Cameron had sung a single note. With their backs turned to him, the dancing was kind of a waste. And because they couldn't see what he was doing, the audience response was a little all over the place from the coaches' perspective as well.
More importantly, Shakira noted that the dancing was taking his breath away, negatively impacting his singing. That kind of thing might be forgiven by an audience enjoying the dancing, but...
- 4/9/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
The Voice season 4 begins next week with some very notable changes in the coaching chairs. Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera are on sabbatical from the show to work on their own musical projects, while Shakira and Usher are joining Blake Shelton and Adam Levin for the fourth season. This coach mashup is something [...]
The Voice Season 4 Clips - The Coaches Speak...
The Voice Season 4 Clips - The Coaches Speak...
- 3/19/2013
- by Jon Lachonis
- TVovermind.com
NBC fired over all the highlights from last night, including performances and eliminations from The Voice.s live Playoffs Results Show! Check out all the results from The Voice.s live Playoffs . and awesome performances from Maroon 5 and Season 2 Winner Jermaine Paul! The Voice Facebook: www.facebook.com/NBCTheVoice Twitter: www.twitter.com/NBCTheVoice #TheVoice Tumblr: http://nbcthevoice.tumblr.com/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nbcthevoice/ Google+: https://plus.google.com/+TheVoice/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/NBCTheVoice Instagram: @nbcthevoice Teams Adam and Blake: "Stronger" The remaining 10 singers from Adam and Blake's teams go big with their take on Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger."Play-off Elimination: Team Adam Adam's team of five learns how America voted - and which one of them will be saved by their coach. Maroon 5: "Daylight" Adam Levin and his band showcase the newest single from their...
- 11/9/2012
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Marissa Jaret Winokur has dropped 60 pounds since January 2012. In 2011, she lost 20 lbs. after two weeks of working out at the Biggest Loser’s Fitness Ridge in Malibu. But the holidays rolled around and those nasty pounds crept back on. So she got serious about her workouts after New Years. She turned up at the Wreck-it-Ralph premiere Monday night (Oct 29) in Los Angeles showing off the foxy fruits of her labors, an astonishing 60 lb. weight loss. Photos: Naked Ambition: From Adam Levin to Miley Cyrus: Hollywood's Most Daring Nude Shots But getting herself down to a
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- 11/1/2012
- by Elizabeth Snead
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles — Nicollette Sheridan was not wrongfully fired from TV's "Desperate Housewives," an appeals court ruled Thursday, but the actress should be allowed to pursue claims that she was retaliated against for complaining that the show's creator struck her.
A three-justice panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal agreed with attorneys for ABC and Touchstone Television that Sheridan left the show when her contract was not renewed after the show's fifth season, and that barred the actress from receiving a new trial of her wrongful termination lawsuit.
"Sheridan cannot pursue a cause of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy because, contrary to what she claims, she was not fired, discharged or terminated," the court wrote in a 10-page ruling.
The court, however, ruled that Sheridan should be allowed to file an amended lawsuit claiming retaliation, although her damages would be limited to her salary losses.
Adam Levin,...
A three-justice panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal agreed with attorneys for ABC and Touchstone Television that Sheridan left the show when her contract was not renewed after the show's fifth season, and that barred the actress from receiving a new trial of her wrongful termination lawsuit.
"Sheridan cannot pursue a cause of action for wrongful termination in violation of public policy because, contrary to what she claims, she was not fired, discharged or terminated," the court wrote in a 10-page ruling.
The court, however, ruled that Sheridan should be allowed to file an amended lawsuit claiming retaliation, although her damages would be limited to her salary losses.
Adam Levin,...
- 8/16/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
A three-judge appeals court panel returned the ruling today, agreeing with attorneys for ABC and Touchstone Television that Nicollette Sheridan was not wrongfully fired. But the jurists said Sheridan should be allowed to pursue claims that she was retaliated against after complaining that Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry struck her in the head during an on-set argument. Sheridan’s initial case was declared a mistrial on March 19. Adam Levin, who represents ABC and Touchstone Television, praised the ruling. “The Court of Appeal correctly found that Ms. Sheridan was not terminated. Instead, her employment ended because Touchstone elected not to renew her contract after her character, Edie Britt, died on the show. Her last remaining claim for wrongful termination is gone, and while she may seek to add an Osha claim, we believe we will prevail on that claim as well,” he said in a statement. But Sheridan’s attorney Marc...
- 8/16/2012
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
What do some of the greatest athletes in the world do after the 2012 Summer Olympics are over? They head to reality TV. Ryan Lochte has expressed his interested in "The Bachelor," but Michael Phelps has his eyes on a different prize -- a better golf game.
The Golf Channel announced over the weekend that Phelps has signed on to "The Haney Project," which is a show that follows celebrities as they try to become better at golf. Production for the fifth season of the show begins in September and Phelps' season will begin airing in February 2013.
Phelps says in a statement, "I have traveled the world through swimming, but really haven't had an opportunity to experience the world through my travels. As I enter this next chapter of my life, I think I will be able to shift my competitiveness to anything I put my mind to and golf is...
The Golf Channel announced over the weekend that Phelps has signed on to "The Haney Project," which is a show that follows celebrities as they try to become better at golf. Production for the fifth season of the show begins in September and Phelps' season will begin airing in February 2013.
Phelps says in a statement, "I have traveled the world through swimming, but really haven't had an opportunity to experience the world through my travels. As I enter this next chapter of my life, I think I will be able to shift my competitiveness to anything I put my mind to and golf is...
- 8/13/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Nicollette Sheridan's drawn-out legal battle with her former "Desperate Housewives" bosses began another chapter Thursday, as her attorney attempted to make the case in a Los Angeles courtroom that the actress was wrongfully terminated. Sheridan, her attorney Mark Baute, and ABC/Touchstone attorney Adam Levin appeared before judges Nora Manella, Norman Epstein and Thomas Willhite Jr. at the Court of Appeals, 2nd Appellate District in Los Angeles to plead their sides of the case. The legal saga began in 2010 with a $20 million lawsuit filed by Sheridan. That action ended in...
- 8/9/2012
- by Tim Kenneally & Pamela Chelin
- The Wrap
A retrial of Nicollette Sheridan’s wrongful termination suit against ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment is not going to happen – yet. At a hearing today, a three-judge Court of Appeal panel consisting of Norman Epstein, Thomas Willhite Jr and Nora Manella heard arguments from Sheridan’s and ABC’s lawyers. At the end of the arguments the judges said that they will take the matter of a retrial and the submitted briefs from the lawyers under consideration. A decision could take up to three months or more, rendering the previously set Sept. 10 start date for a retrial void. Since the end of the original trial, ABC has argued for a dismissal of the case, insisting that Sheridan was not wrongfully terminated from Desperate Housewives. “All of the evidence shows that Ms. Sheridan was not terminated but her employment came to a natural end when her contract was not renewed,” defense...
- 8/9/2012
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Another bit of casting news has come in for Season 2 of "American Horror Story", and no, it's not Blake Shelton, Adam Levine's buddy from "The Voice", but rather newcomer Blake Sheldon, who has been cast in the third episode roles of both Devon and Cooper.
The pair were previously described by Spoiler TV as about 20 years old, very tall, thin, and psychopathic. Twins maybe? Guess we'll see when "Asylum", Chapter 2 of the "American Horror Story" mini-series, premieres on FX this October.
Chapter 2's stars include Jessica Lange, Adam Levin, Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Jenna Dewan, Chris Zylka, Franka Potente, Joseph Fiennes, Chloe Sevigny, Clea Duvall, James Cromwell, Mark Consuelos, and Lizzie Brochere.
Set at an East Coast asylum for the criminally insane, the upcoming Chapter 2 revolves around Lange's new character -- a nun -- and her boss at the institution, played by Cromwell, and is...
The pair were previously described by Spoiler TV as about 20 years old, very tall, thin, and psychopathic. Twins maybe? Guess we'll see when "Asylum", Chapter 2 of the "American Horror Story" mini-series, premieres on FX this October.
Chapter 2's stars include Jessica Lange, Adam Levin, Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Jenna Dewan, Chris Zylka, Franka Potente, Joseph Fiennes, Chloe Sevigny, Clea Duvall, James Cromwell, Mark Consuelos, and Lizzie Brochere.
Set at an East Coast asylum for the criminally insane, the upcoming Chapter 2 revolves around Lange's new character -- a nun -- and her boss at the institution, played by Cromwell, and is...
- 8/5/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
So, now that it's been decided that "American Horror Story" is a mini-series rather than a full-blown series-series, what we have coming up is "Chapter 2" rather than "Season 2"; and creator Ryan Murphy has given it a title.
According to TV Guide the second chapter of "American Horror Story" will be called "Asylum."
"We picked 'Asylum' because it not only describes the setting — an insane asylum run by Jessica Lange's character which was formerly a tuberculosis ward — but also signifies a place of haven for the unloved and the unwanted," executive producer Ryan Murphy said in a statement. "This year's theme is about sanity and tackling real-life horrors."
Chapter 2's stars include Jessica Lange, Adam Levin, Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Jenna Dewan, Chris Zylka, Franka Potente, Joseph Fiennes, Chloe Sevigny, Clea Duvall, James Cromwell, Mark Consuelos, and Lizzie Brochere.
Set at an East Coast asylum for the criminally insane,...
According to TV Guide the second chapter of "American Horror Story" will be called "Asylum."
"We picked 'Asylum' because it not only describes the setting — an insane asylum run by Jessica Lange's character which was formerly a tuberculosis ward — but also signifies a place of haven for the unloved and the unwanted," executive producer Ryan Murphy said in a statement. "This year's theme is about sanity and tackling real-life horrors."
Chapter 2's stars include Jessica Lange, Adam Levin, Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Jenna Dewan, Chris Zylka, Franka Potente, Joseph Fiennes, Chloe Sevigny, Clea Duvall, James Cromwell, Mark Consuelos, and Lizzie Brochere.
Set at an East Coast asylum for the criminally insane,...
- 8/1/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Less than two months after Nathaniel Claybrooks and Christopher Johnson filed a discrimination suit against The Bachelor producers Warner Horizon Television and Bachelor network ABC, both parties have struck back. EW has obtained papers confirming that judges in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville have agreed to stay the trial in consideration of a change of venue, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The defendants’ goal is to move the trial to California, which has historically been kind to productions like The Bachelor. Moreover, since all 23 seasons of the franchise (including The Bachelor, The Bachelorette,...
The defendants’ goal is to move the trial to California, which has historically been kind to productions like The Bachelor. Moreover, since all 23 seasons of the franchise (including The Bachelor, The Bachelorette,...
- 6/5/2012
- by Lanford Beard
- EW - Inside TV
The pending retrial of Nicollette Sheridan’s Desperate Housewives wrongful dismissal case has been put on ice by the California Court of Appeals. In a ruling issued Friday the court said, “it is further ordered that the retrial currently set for September 10 is hereby stayed pending further order of the court.” The appeals court ruling seems to agree with defendant Touchstone Television Productions and ABC Studios that it is not wrongful termination under state law when a contract renewal is not exercised. However, Sheridan’s lawyer Mark Baute points out the court order notes the case can be examined under Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s labor code violations. Baute also says the court wants the wrongful termination claim more fully laid out and he will be filing those briefs soon. “The temporary stay is designed to clarify and resolve those issues before the September trial starts,” says Baute. Adam Levin,...
- 6/3/2012
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Nicollette Sheridan's attorneys scored a small victory in her legal actions against her former "Desperate Housewives" bosses Tuesday morning, persuading Judge Elizabeth Allen White to shorten the amount of time it has to request sanctions against Touchstone Television and its lawyers for repeatedly bringing up the same issues during her wrongful termination trial. Sheridan's legal team is seeking $35,000 in sanctions from Touchstone Television, its attorneys Adam Levin and Aaron Wais, and their law firm Mitchell, Silverberg and Knupp. Sheridan's attorneys will also ask the court to impose further sanctions. Sheridan's attorneys...
- 4/10/2012
- by Tim Kenneally & Pamela Chelin
- The Wrap
This is The Voice! Who doesn't like a short and simple theme song? Yes, I am pumped and ready to go with these live performances tonight! Plus, we finally get to see the crew in different outfits! Two hours of random song choices, off-the-cuff fancy voice maneuvers and celebrities watching amateurs do their job... All Live! It might just be too much to contain.
To catch any of you who don't know what's going on up to speed, coaches Adam Levin, Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera have all slimmed down their teams to groups of 6 each and tonight 2 of those teams will face off head to head on-stage. At the end of the show, host Carson Daly will let everyone know that those lines are open for voting and tomorrow the results will be given live. Get it? Got it? Good!
To catch any of you who don't know what's going on up to speed, coaches Adam Levin, Cee Lo Green, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera have all slimmed down their teams to groups of 6 each and tonight 2 of those teams will face off head to head on-stage. At the end of the show, host Carson Daly will let everyone know that those lines are open for voting and tomorrow the results will be given live. Get it? Got it? Good!
- 4/2/2012
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Los Angeles, California (X17online) - Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination lawsuit against ABC and Desperate Housewives series creator Marc Cherry ended in a mistrial Monday. Jurors felt that some of the key witnesses in the case weren't credible, and there were unanswered questions about how the investigation into the alleged abuse Sheridan suffered was handled by ABC. "In my estimation," ABC's inquiry "wasn't handled correctly... I won't say there was a cover up. That's a strong word, but it wasn't handled right," juror Beverly Crosby said in a statement after the verdict was read. Sheridan came off as someone who stood proud against a powerful network, and the jury voted 8-4 throughout all three days of considering the evidence. A key testimony made by Housewives executive producer George Perkins reinforced Sheridan's claims that her character was killed off in retaliation to her complaint about Cherry, but there was no...
- 3/20/2012
- x17online.com
Los Angeles — A judge declared a mistrial Monday in Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination trial after the jury deadlocked, leaving an unresolved finale to a trial that focused on the behind-the-scenes intrigue and personalities of TV's "Desperate Housewives."
Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White excused the panel after it deadlocked 8-4 in favor of Sheridan's claim.
Sheridan strolled out of the courthouse without speaking to reporters. Her attorney Mark Baute said he would retry the case.
The jury first reported problems in deliberations on Thursday then resumed discussions Monday. It later reported no change and said they didn't expect any additional time or attorneys' arguments would help break the impasse.
Two jurors who sided with Sheridan said after being released that the deliberations hinged on witness credibility, but wouldn't specify whom they found to be more trustworthy.
Sheridan had been seeking roughly $6 million from her former employers.
Sheridan claimed her...
Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White excused the panel after it deadlocked 8-4 in favor of Sheridan's claim.
Sheridan strolled out of the courthouse without speaking to reporters. Her attorney Mark Baute said he would retry the case.
The jury first reported problems in deliberations on Thursday then resumed discussions Monday. It later reported no change and said they didn't expect any additional time or attorneys' arguments would help break the impasse.
Two jurors who sided with Sheridan said after being released that the deliberations hinged on witness credibility, but wouldn't specify whom they found to be more trustworthy.
Sheridan had been seeking roughly $6 million from her former employers.
Sheridan claimed her...
- 3/19/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Freelance writer Dominic Patten is a Deadline contributor Updated: Judge Elizabeth Allen White has declared a mistrial in Nicollette Sheridan‘s wrongful termination suit against ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment. The judge took her action, as she said she would, after the 12-person jury came back to court today unable to resolve their 8-4 deadlock of late last week. Lawyers for both sides say they will seek a new trial in the case revolving around Sheridan’s departure from Desperate Housewives. Defense lawyer Adam Levin told Deadline that White has set an April 13 meeting to determine a retrial date. “The jury is now hung on the single wrongful termination claim,” Levin told Deadlne. “We’re ready to retrial and we’re confident we will prevail.” The jurors were polled in court this morning as to whether they wanted more time to deliberate or whether further closing arguments from both sides would be helpful.
- 3/19/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The lawyer representing ABC TV executives in Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination trial has ruled out striking a deal with the former Desperate Housewives star.
The jury in the case is deadlocked and Judge Elizabeth Allen White sent the jurors home on Friday urging them to think about the case over the weekend and continue their deliberations on Monday.
She said she'd declare a mistrial if a verdict in the case between Sheridan and ABC TV bosses couldn't be reached.
Judge White also asked the two sides to talk, prompting legal experts to suggest a settlement to end the trial could be imminent - but ABC's lead attorney, Adam Levin, insists that isn't going to happen.
He tells The Hollywood Reporter, "It went nowhere."
Sheridan is suing ABC bosses for $6 million (£3.75 million), claiming they fired her from Desperate Housewives after she complained to them about an altercation with series creator Marc Cherry, alleging he struck her during a heated encounter on set.
Judge White dismissed a battery charge against Cherry at the beginning of the week.
But the actress' lawyer Mark Baute is confident she'll win the wrongful dismissal case when the jury returns on Monday: "We believe the vote is eight-to-four in our favour."
If that's the case, Sheridan needs only one juror to change his or her mind over the weekend - and she'll be declared the winner of the trial.
If the judge declares a mistrial, Baute is ready to present his case again, adding, "One hundred per cent, we will do it again. We have now seen everything they've (defence team) got. Every little trick."...
The jury in the case is deadlocked and Judge Elizabeth Allen White sent the jurors home on Friday urging them to think about the case over the weekend and continue their deliberations on Monday.
She said she'd declare a mistrial if a verdict in the case between Sheridan and ABC TV bosses couldn't be reached.
Judge White also asked the two sides to talk, prompting legal experts to suggest a settlement to end the trial could be imminent - but ABC's lead attorney, Adam Levin, insists that isn't going to happen.
He tells The Hollywood Reporter, "It went nowhere."
Sheridan is suing ABC bosses for $6 million (£3.75 million), claiming they fired her from Desperate Housewives after she complained to them about an altercation with series creator Marc Cherry, alleging he struck her during a heated encounter on set.
Judge White dismissed a battery charge against Cherry at the beginning of the week.
But the actress' lawyer Mark Baute is confident she'll win the wrongful dismissal case when the jury returns on Monday: "We believe the vote is eight-to-four in our favour."
If that's the case, Sheridan needs only one juror to change his or her mind over the weekend - and she'll be declared the winner of the trial.
If the judge declares a mistrial, Baute is ready to present his case again, adding, "One hundred per cent, we will do it again. We have now seen everything they've (defence team) got. Every little trick."...
- 3/17/2012
- WENN
Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination trial against her former "Desperate Housewives" bosses ended Friday just as it began the day -- completely up in the air. Sheridan's legal team and attorneys for ABC and "Housewives" creator Marc Cherry failed to reach a settlement late in the day, after meeting with Judge Helen Bendix about the possibility of resolving the case. Also read: "Desperate Housewives" Trial: Jury Is "Hopelessly Deadlocked" Adam Levin, attorney for Cherry and ABC, emerged from Bendix's chambers late Friday and announced that the attorneys were asked to meet and discuss...
- 3/16/2012
- by Tim Kenneally & Pamela Chelin
- The Wrap
Lawyers for ABC and Nicollette Sheridan said Friday that there will be no settlement of the litigation over Sheridan's firing from Desperate Housewives despite the jury's inability to come to a verdict after two days of deliberations. "The judge asked the two parties to talk," ABC lead lawyer Adam Levin told reporters waiting at Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday afternoon. "It went nowhere. I'm going to take another yoga class. Have a nice weekend." Levin's comments come after the 12-person jury told the judge in the $6 million case that they were not able to reach a verdict.
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- 3/16/2012
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles — The fate of Nicollette Sheridan and "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry are in the hands of a different set of viewers than they are accustomed to worrying about – jurors.
Twelve Los Angeles-area residents will enter their second day of deliberations Thursday into Sheridan's claims that she was wrongfully terminated from the show during its fifth series. Her attorneys contend her forced departure from the show was retaliation for her complaining that "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry hit her during an on-set dispute, but the veteran TV writer's attorney contends it was simply business.
Show business, that is.
Adam Levin, the lead lawyer for Cherry and ABC, focused on testimony during the two-week trial that indicated the decision to kill off Sheridan's Edie Britt character had been made four months before she accused Cherry of hitting her while discussing the scene. Levin argued Cherry's decision was based purely on creative reasons,...
Twelve Los Angeles-area residents will enter their second day of deliberations Thursday into Sheridan's claims that she was wrongfully terminated from the show during its fifth series. Her attorneys contend her forced departure from the show was retaliation for her complaining that "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry hit her during an on-set dispute, but the veteran TV writer's attorney contends it was simply business.
Show business, that is.
Adam Levin, the lead lawyer for Cherry and ABC, focused on testimony during the two-week trial that indicated the decision to kill off Sheridan's Edie Britt character had been made four months before she accused Cherry of hitting her while discussing the scene. Levin argued Cherry's decision was based purely on creative reasons,...
- 3/15/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles — The fate of Nicollette Sheridan and "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry are in the hands of a different set of viewers than they are accustomed to worrying about – jurors.
Twelve Los Angeles-area residents will enter their second day of deliberations Thursday into Sheridan's claims that she was wrongfully terminated from the show during its fifth series. Her attorneys contend her forced departure from the show was retaliation for her complaining that "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry hit her during an on-set dispute, but the veteran TV writer's attorney contends it was simply business.
Show business, that is.
Adam Levin, the lead lawyer for Cherry and ABC, focused on testimony during the two-week trial that indicated the decision to kill off Sheridan's Edie Britt character had been made four months before she accused Cherry of hitting her while discussing the scene. Levin argued Cherry's decision was based purely on creative reasons,...
Twelve Los Angeles-area residents will enter their second day of deliberations Thursday into Sheridan's claims that she was wrongfully terminated from the show during its fifth series. Her attorneys contend her forced departure from the show was retaliation for her complaining that "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry hit her during an on-set dispute, but the veteran TV writer's attorney contends it was simply business.
Show business, that is.
Adam Levin, the lead lawyer for Cherry and ABC, focused on testimony during the two-week trial that indicated the decision to kill off Sheridan's Edie Britt character had been made four months before she accused Cherry of hitting her while discussing the scene. Levin argued Cherry's decision was based purely on creative reasons,...
- 3/15/2012
- by AP
- Aol TV.
During the closing arguments of the Desperate Housewives trial on Wednesday, Nicollette Sheridan pleaded with jurors to believe her claims of wrongful termination, alleging that producers of the ABC drama conspired to kill her character off the show.
While Sheridan claims that it's no coincidence that her character was axed after accusing show creator Marc Cherry of striking her, Adam Levin, Cherry's lead attorney, focused on 10 witnesses who testified that the decision was made before the September 24, 2008 altercation.
A Desperate Housewives Courtroom Showdown
Mark Baute, Sheridan's attorney, argued that if Sheridan's former bosses had intended to kill off her character, they wouldn't have renewed the actress' contract for the final season, which guaranteed her a full season's pay and a share of profits for the entire series.
Baute also based his closing arguments on writers' assistant notes dated January 13, 2009 that indicated Sheridan's character was still alive for episode 524, the last episode of Season 5.
Levin countered that the...
While Sheridan claims that it's no coincidence that her character was axed after accusing show creator Marc Cherry of striking her, Adam Levin, Cherry's lead attorney, focused on 10 witnesses who testified that the decision was made before the September 24, 2008 altercation.
A Desperate Housewives Courtroom Showdown
Mark Baute, Sheridan's attorney, argued that if Sheridan's former bosses had intended to kill off her character, they wouldn't have renewed the actress' contract for the final season, which guaranteed her a full season's pay and a share of profits for the entire series.
Baute also based his closing arguments on writers' assistant notes dated January 13, 2009 that indicated Sheridan's character was still alive for episode 524, the last episode of Season 5.
Levin countered that the...
- 3/14/2012
- Entertainment Tonight
Jurors in actress Nicollette Sheridan's ongoing wrongful dismissal trial have been left with the idea the former Desperate Housewives star really is "desperate" thanks to defence attorney Adam Levin's closing statements on Wednesday.
Sheridan has spent two weeks in court maintaining she was fired after complaining to TV network executives about the actions of show creator Marc Cherry.
She accused the writer/producer of striking her after she asked him to write her a line for the end of a scene. Cherry testified last week (ends09Mar12) that he was merely demonstrating an action he wanted her to carry out - and the incident had nothing to do with her firing, explaining he had decided to kill off her character, Edie Britt, months before.
Sheridan's battery charges against Cherry were dropped on Tuesday just before closing arguments began in the wrongful-termination trial.
And after her lawyer, Mark Baute, suggested TV bosses had "got together to create a record of justifiable firing", ABC lead lawyer Levin told the jury the word "desperate" had been on his mind throughout the case.
He said, "Desperate is claiming that 10 good citizens of California conspired to get their story straight. And they took the stand, looked you in the eye and then committed perjury. That is desperate."
He was referring to the producers and ABC executives who have maintained the decision to fire Sheridan was made in May, 2008 - four months before her alleged altercation with Cherry.
Levin is expected to wrap up his closing arguments on Wednesday afternoon, when the jury will begin deliberations.
Sheridan has spent two weeks in court maintaining she was fired after complaining to TV network executives about the actions of show creator Marc Cherry.
She accused the writer/producer of striking her after she asked him to write her a line for the end of a scene. Cherry testified last week (ends09Mar12) that he was merely demonstrating an action he wanted her to carry out - and the incident had nothing to do with her firing, explaining he had decided to kill off her character, Edie Britt, months before.
Sheridan's battery charges against Cherry were dropped on Tuesday just before closing arguments began in the wrongful-termination trial.
And after her lawyer, Mark Baute, suggested TV bosses had "got together to create a record of justifiable firing", ABC lead lawyer Levin told the jury the word "desperate" had been on his mind throughout the case.
He said, "Desperate is claiming that 10 good citizens of California conspired to get their story straight. And they took the stand, looked you in the eye and then committed perjury. That is desperate."
He was referring to the producers and ABC executives who have maintained the decision to fire Sheridan was made in May, 2008 - four months before her alleged altercation with Cherry.
Levin is expected to wrap up his closing arguments on Wednesday afternoon, when the jury will begin deliberations.
- 3/14/2012
- WENN
Freelance writer Dominic Patten is a Deadline contributor 2Nd Update, 3 Pm: Closing statements are over and the jury has left the court to begin deliberations. As a civil trial, the 12-person jury — 9 women and 3 men — does not have to be unanimous in its verdict, but at least nine must agree. Wrapping closing statements earlier in the afternoon, Levin went for ABC’s bottom line in the wrongful termination trial: “The evidence does not show that Ms. Sheridan made a complaint about an unsafe work environment.” During his rebuttal, plaintiff’s attorney Mark Baute went after Marc Cherry, whom he called “vindictive”. He said Cherry “was out of control,” over objections from Levin, adding, “the company,” to protect Cherry and the success of the series, “orchestrated a story.” Sheridan “got retaliated against and clipped.” Update, 12:27 Pm: Defense attorney Adam Levin said during his closing statement that “the decision to kill...
- 3/14/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
ABC's defense attorney in the "Desperate Housewives" trial said Wednesday in closing arguments that Nicollette Sheridan's case brought a certain word to mind. "Desperate" is how Adam Levin characterized the plaintiffs in Sheridan's $6 million wrongful firing case. Also read: 'Desperate Housewives' Judge Tosses Out Battery Charge Against Marc Cherry The actress says she was fired from the show in February 2009 as retaliation for complaining that the show's creator Marc Cherry had struck her in the head during a taping on Sept. 24, 2008. On Tuesday, a battery charge against Cherry was...
- 3/14/2012
- by Todd Cunningham & Pamela Chelin
- The Wrap
ABC's lead lawyer hammered away at Nicollette Sheridan on Wednesday in his closing argument to the jury in the Desperate Housewives wrongful termination trial. "A word has been on my mind and that word is 'desperate,' " ABC lead lawyer Adam Levin told the jury of Sheridan's case. "Desperate is claiming that 10 good citizens of California conspired to get their story straight. And they took the stand, looked you in the eye, and then committed perjury. That is desperate." Levin was referencing the litany of ABC witnesses presented during the two-week trial who claimed that the
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- 3/14/2012
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Freelance writer Dominic Patten is a Deadline contributor Update, 3:31 Pm: ABC’s VP Litigation Jean Zoeller said on the stand today that she would “absolutely not” tell anyone to delete or erase any correspondence or documents related to Nicollette Sheridan being fired from Desperate Housewives. Zoeller’s testimony came in direct response to potential bombshell testimony earlier today by Michael Reinhart, the Housewives crew member who said he received an email telling him to “possibly” delete any correspondence and documents concerning Sheridan leaving the show. Reinhart said he deleted the email immediately and court officials are examining the hard drive. Under questioning from defense attorney Adam Levin, Zoeller, who sat at the defense table every day of the two-week trial, told the jury she sent out four document preservation memos to make sure everything related to the matter was maintained. Those were sent out to ever expanding distribution lists...
- 3/13/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Los Angeles (AP) -- A judge on Tuesday pared down Nicollette Sheridan's wrongful termination case by ruling that jurors won't consider a battery claim against her boss on TV's "Desperate Housewives.'' The verdict will now focus solely on whether jurors believe Sheridan was fired from the show because she complained about an on-set dispute with series creator Marc Cherry. Defense attorney Adam Levin said he was pleased with the decision by the judge. Sheridan's attorney Mark Baute said it will simplify deliberations while allowing his client to recoup punitive damages if she wins. Testimony in the case ended Tuesday after nine days. The jury was getting instructions before closing arguments began. Earlier in the day, jurors heard a set worker describe an email he believed called for the destruction of files related to the firing of the actress. Construction coordinator Michael Reinhart took the witness stand over the...
- 3/13/2012
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Los Angeles -- The trial over Nicollette Sheridan's firing from "Desperate Housewives" featured one last twist Monday with the disclosure of a mystery witness who has indicated show officials tried to cover up correspondence related to the actress.
A judge ordered the man to appear in court Tuesday morning to determine whether he will become one of the final witnesses that jurors considering the case will hear from. The man, who was identified as Michael Reinhart, left a message for Sheridan's attorney on Sunday afternoon stating that he mistakenly got an email that suggested that messages related to Sheridan's departure would be purged.
The man on the message said he didn't want to become involved in the case, but by day's end had becoming the latest intriguing thread in a trial that has featured a behind-the-scenes look at "Desperate Housewives" and conflicting testimony on whether Sheridan was struck by...
A judge ordered the man to appear in court Tuesday morning to determine whether he will become one of the final witnesses that jurors considering the case will hear from. The man, who was identified as Michael Reinhart, left a message for Sheridan's attorney on Sunday afternoon stating that he mistakenly got an email that suggested that messages related to Sheridan's departure would be purged.
The man on the message said he didn't want to become involved in the case, but by day's end had becoming the latest intriguing thread in a trial that has featured a behind-the-scenes look at "Desperate Housewives" and conflicting testimony on whether Sheridan was struck by...
- 3/13/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles -- The trial over Nicollette Sheridan's firing from "Desperate Housewives" featured one last twist Monday with the disclosure of a mystery witness who has indicated show officials tried to cover up correspondence related to the actress.
A judge ordered the man to appear in court Tuesday morning to determine whether he will become one of the final witnesses that jurors considering the case will hear from. The man, who was identified as Michael Reinhart, left a message for Sheridan's attorney on Sunday afternoon stating that he mistakenly got an email that suggested that messages related to Sheridan's departure would be purged.
The man on the message said he didn't want to become involved in the case, but by day's end had becoming the latest intriguing thread in a trial that has featured a behind-the-scenes look at "Desperate Housewives" and conflicting testimony on whether Sheridan was struck by...
A judge ordered the man to appear in court Tuesday morning to determine whether he will become one of the final witnesses that jurors considering the case will hear from. The man, who was identified as Michael Reinhart, left a message for Sheridan's attorney on Sunday afternoon stating that he mistakenly got an email that suggested that messages related to Sheridan's departure would be purged.
The man on the message said he didn't want to become involved in the case, but by day's end had becoming the latest intriguing thread in a trial that has featured a behind-the-scenes look at "Desperate Housewives" and conflicting testimony on whether Sheridan was struck by...
- 3/13/2012
- by AP
- Aol TV.
Freelance writer Dominic Patten is a Deadline contributor 3Rd Update, 4:30 Pm: Michael Reinhart, credited as a construction coordinator on Desperate Housewives, has been identified as the caller who told Nicollette Sheridan’s lawyer that ABC planned to delete all emails related to Sheridan’s departure after she had filed her original lawsuit. Although IMDb lists him working on Housewives only in 2011, a source with knowledge of Reinhart’s employment history says, “The guy has been on the show since the pilot.” Attempts to contact Reinhart were unsuccessful, so Judge Elizabeth Allen White instructed her clerk to try to reach him directly at the end of the day today in hopes of having him appear in court tomorrow. They want him for what is known as a 402 hearing — it does not require a seated jury to be present — to determine whether he has information that is relevant. This afternoon, during jury instruction,...
- 3/12/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Freelance writer Dominic Patten is a Deadline contributor Update, 2:57 Pm: Former ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson told the court this afternoon that he approved the killing off of Nicollette Sheridan’s Edie Britt character in May 2008, months before a head-hitting incident between Sheridan and Cherry on the Desperate Housewives set. He then told Deadline after his brief appearance on the stand that he is surprised the case ever got this far. ”It’s kinda crazy,” McPherson said outside the courtroom. “Both parties are really nice people, and I’m surprised it even made it to trial,” he said. McPherson, who left ABC abruptly in 2010, declined to discuss the Cherry-Sheridan incident but told Deadline it had nothing to do with the actress leaving the series. “We made the decision to get rid of the character six or seven months before anything happened — whatever happened,” he said, echoing his testimony. On the stand,...
- 3/9/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
"Desperate Housewives" executive producer George Perkins took the stand Friday in the trial between Nicollette Sheridan and her former bosses ABC and Marc Cherry, painting a picture of an emotional and unreliable Sheridan. Recalling the phone call that Sheridan placed to him on the day of her altercation with Cherry, Perkins said that he felt that it was "a minor incident" after speaking with her. Also read: "Desperate Housewives": Nicolette Sheridan's Attorney Calls Surprise Death Revelation "Tactical" Asked by Cherry attorney Adam Levin why he thought it was a minor incident, Perkins replied,...
- 3/9/2012
- by Tim Kenneally & Pamela Chelin
- The Wrap
While maintaining his decision to kill off the character of Edie Britt was the best creative choice for Desperate Housewives in season five of the show, creator and executive producer Marc Cherry testified Wednesday that he also did it because he had observed unprofessional behavior by Nicollette Sheridan and for budgetary reasons. Under questioning from his attorney Adam Levin, Cherry said Sheridan had a history of being late, not knowing her lines and at times caused friction with other lead actresses on the hit ABC series. He recalled when Sheridan only had one scene in a particular episode but still
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- 3/7/2012
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The death of Nicollette Sheridan's Desperate Housewives character was approved by a top TV executive four months before the actress' alleged fight with creator Marc Cherry, a court in Los Angeles was told on Tuesday.
Sheridan filed a lawsuit against Cherry in 2010, alleging he slapped her in the face after she expressed an opinion about one of his scripts, and then killed off her character when she complained to producers.
However, former ABC Studios executive and current CW president Mark Pedowitz insists the decision to axe the character of Edie Britt came months before the incident in 2008.
Speaking at the ongoing trial on Tuesday, he says, "The belief was, the storytelling of Edie had pretty much finished. Her character had run its course."
When asked by Cherry's attorney, Adam Levin, "Who ultimately was the one who killed off Edie Britt from ABC Studios?", Pedowitz replied: "I did."
He added, "(Edie) was a main series regular and it required the network studio to sign off."
Cherry confessed in court on Monday that he did strike Sheridan on the head while demonstrating a scene on set. The series creator revealed he felt awful about the incident and had apologised to the star.
Sheridan filed a lawsuit against Cherry in 2010, alleging he slapped her in the face after she expressed an opinion about one of his scripts, and then killed off her character when she complained to producers.
However, former ABC Studios executive and current CW president Mark Pedowitz insists the decision to axe the character of Edie Britt came months before the incident in 2008.
Speaking at the ongoing trial on Tuesday, he says, "The belief was, the storytelling of Edie had pretty much finished. Her character had run its course."
When asked by Cherry's attorney, Adam Levin, "Who ultimately was the one who killed off Edie Britt from ABC Studios?", Pedowitz replied: "I did."
He added, "(Edie) was a main series regular and it required the network studio to sign off."
Cherry confessed in court on Monday that he did strike Sheridan on the head while demonstrating a scene on set. The series creator revealed he felt awful about the incident and had apologised to the star.
- 3/7/2012
- WENN
Freelance writer Dominic Patten is a Deadline contributor Update, 4 Pm: Mark Pedowitz says Marc Cherry never discussed financial ramifications or Nicollette Sheridan’s alleged “unprofessional behavior” when the Desperate Housewives executive producer asked the then-ABC Studios president for permission to kill off the Edie Britt character in May 2008. Contradicting testimony from Cherry that money and Sheridan’s professionalism were reasons for getting rid of the Britt character, Pedowitz did confirm today that he gave Cherry studio permission in a small meeting on May 22, 2008, to get rid of the character. “They were seeking permission from the studio to kill off the character,” Pedowitz said. Pedowitz, who left ABC Studios in January 2009, said Cherry told him the character was to be killed off because “there were no more stories to tell.” Later, Pedowitz told the jury, under questioning from defense attorney Adam Levin, that he had rejected an earlier attempt by...
- 3/7/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
One of Marc Cherry's big points has been that Nicollette Sheridan didn't call police or report the Desperate Housewives creator to ABC's human resources department when he allegedly hit her during a confrontation in September 2008. Today in court, Sheridan's longtime personal attorney testified that the actress didn't initially complain to ABC because "Nicollette was concerned about retribution from Mr. Cherry." "She told me Mr. Cherry was a very vindictive man," attorney Neil Meyer, who headed up negotiations for Sheridan's last Desperate Housewives contract, said on the stand, prompting a quick objection from Cherry's attorney, Adam Levin. Meyer said that...
- 3/6/2012
- E! Online
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