The musical drama The Identical has been picked up by Vision Films who will be handling the international sales. Starring Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta, Amanda Crew, and Brian Geraghty, The Identical was directed by Dustin Marcellino from a script by Howard Klausner.
The cast also includes Blake Rayne, Erin Cotrell, Seth Green, and Joe Pantoliano.
“The Identical is the complete package. Ray Liotta delivers one of the finest performances I have ever seen and Blake Rayne’s voice is on par with the legends of the era,” said CEO Lise Romanoff commenting on the acquisition.
The Plot:
Identical twin brothers (both played by Blake Rayne) are separated at birth during the Great Depression. Their parents (Brian Geraghty, Amanda Crew) just cannot afford to give them both a life beyond poverty, so one is adopted by loving family. Despite their very different upbringings, the boys’ shared passion for music causes their lives to unknowingly intersect as they experience a powerful and mysterious connection often felt by twins. One of the boys becomes the most famous rock ‘n roll legend in the world, Drexel Hemsley, while Ryan Wade struggles to find balance between his love for music and trying to please his evangelist father (Ray Liotta) and his devoted mother (Ashley Judd) who have very different plans for his life in the ministry. Ryan is encouraged by his wife Jenny (Erin Cottrell) and lifelong friends Dino and Avi (Seth Green, Joe Pantoliano) to follow his musical dreams. A timeless tale of love, hope, and redemption, it’s a captivating journey about the restoration and the reconciliation of a family broken apart by culture, creed and tradition.
Drew Lachey, best known for being a part of the boy band 98 Degrees, and MacKenzie Porter will star in the romantic comedy Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas premiering on December 8, 2013 at 7pm ET on UP (a network I have to admit I’ve never heard of). UP calls themselves “America’s Christmas Channel” and specializes in uplifting entertainment.
Kristoffer Tabori (Judging Amy) directed the made-for-TV holiday movie from a script by Tippi and Neal Dobrofsky. In addition to Lachey and Porter, the cast includes Peter Lacroix, Ellie Harvie, Evan Bird, Matt Ward, and Olivia Chen.
The Plot: “When his high-maintenance girlfriend Chelsea (Olivia Cheng) refuses to cook, jaded rock star Dax (Drew Lachey) is found by New York paparazzi passed out in his car with a frozen holiday turkey in the passenger seat. In order to repair his tarnished image, Dax publicly agrees to grant a fan’s “Dear Santa” Christmas wish. To his dismay, his manager Jason (Matt Ward) drops Dax off in Cedar Grove, a small Midwest town, where he’s committed to spend a week and perform in a local holiday Christmas concert.
At first, Dax is horrified to be stuck in the Reverend Harding (Peter Lacroix) family’s home under strict rules and a curfew. But he soon becomes charmed by the Reverend’s wife Lynne (Ellie Harvie), teenage son Tim (Evan Bird) and very surprised contest winner and daughter Kelly (MacKenzie Porter), a sassy, unemployed book jacket writer. Dax begins to appreciate what the Hardings have as a family – love, caring and an uplifting holiday spirit.”
“Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas throws a badly behaved rock star, in need of some image rehabilitation, into a completely unfamiliar situation – small-town America,” said Leslie Glenn Chesloff, executive vice president of programming, UP. “Although Dax – played with humor and heart by Drew Lachey – chaffs at being in a small town and under a reverend’s roof, he quickly finds the holidays with this close family and their llamas inexplicably charming. As he rediscovers his musical voice, direction, and joy, the question is what will Dax do when his holiday time-out ends?”
Chris Lilley in 'Ja'mie: Private School Girl' (Photo Courtesy of HBO)
Aussie actor Chris Lilley reprises his role as Ja’mie King in the new HBO half-hour comedy series Ja’mie: Private School Girl premiering on November 24, 2013. Lilley created and wrote the new series which is set for a six-episode season one run exclusively on HBO.
The Plot:
It’s the final months of high school for Ja’mie, who’s back on the lush manicured lawns of Hillford Girls Grammar after the enduring the trials of Summer Heights High public school. But the “queen bee” isn’t resting on her laurels – she’s set her sights on winning the prestigious Hillford Medal given to the “Best Girl in Year 12.” Meanwhile, Ja’mie must continue to meet the responsibilities that come with being the best-known and most-feared girl on campus, while juggling her academic and charity work, social life and family relationships.
Ja’mie: Private School Girl Episode Details
Episode #1
Debut: SUNDAY, NOV. 24 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Nov. 24 (12:30 a.m.), 26 (midnight), 28 (10:30 p.m.), 29 (midnight) and 30 (5:25 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Nov. 25 (10:00 p.m.), 27 (12:20 a.m.) and 30 (9:30 p.m.)
Ja’mie King (Chris Lilley) has big plans for her last three months as “queen bee” of Hillford Girls Grammar, setting her sights on winning both the prestigious Hillford Medal for the “Best Girl in Year 12” and snagging Mitchell (Lester Ellis Jr.), the best-looking new guy at nearby Kelton Boys Grammar.
Episode #2
Debut: SUNDAY, DEC. 1 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 1 (12:30 a.m.), 3 (midnight), 5 (10:30 p.m.), 6 (11:00 p.m.) and 7 (2:45 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 2 (9:00 p.m.), 4 (12:30 a.m.) and 7 (9:30 p.m.)
Ja’mie competes with a rival, Erin (Brodie Dare), and treats love interest Mitchell to a private dance performance.
Episode #3
Debut: SUNDAY, DEC. 8 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 8 (12:30 a.m.), 10 (midnight), 12 (10:30 p.m.), 13 (11:00 p.m.) and 14 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 9 (9:00 p.m.), 11 (11:15 p.m.) and 14 (9:30 p.m.)
Demonstrating Christian “charity” (a prerequisite for the Hillford Medal), Ja’mie arranges for Kwami (Albert Mambo) to move in with her family for a month, and takes things to the next level with Mitchell at her prefect party.
Episode #4
Debut: SUNDAY, DEC. 15 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 15 (12:30 a.m.), 17 (midnight), 19 (10:30 p.m.), 20 (11:15 p.m.) and 21 (2:40 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 16 (9:00 p.m.), 18 (12:05 a.m.) and 21 (9:30 p.m.)
Ja’mie falls into a depression after learning that Mitchell has been seeing her best friend, Madison (Georgie Jennings), but begins to plan her comeback.
Episode #5
Debut: SUNDAY, DEC. 22 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 22 (12:30 a.m.), 24 (midnight), 26 (10:30 p.m.), 27 (11:00 p.m.) and 28 (2:55 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 23 (9:00 p.m.), 25 (midnight) and 28 (9:30 p.m.)
Ja’mie returns to school sporting a new “rebel” image, but her reputation is tarnished by a salacious video jeopardizing her chances of winning the Hillford Medal.
Episode #6 (season finale)
Debut: SUNDAY, DEC. 29 (10:45-11:15 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 29 (1:00 a.m.) and 31 (12:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdate: Dec. 30 (9:00 p.m.)
Ja’mie steals the Presentation Day spotlight as her years at Hillford come to an end and she embarks on the next chapter of her life.
Selena Gomez will be performing her single “Slow Down” from Stars Dance on the November 7, 2013 episode of Fox’s The X Factor. The actress/singer will take the stage on the same night that two of the top 13 acts will be leaving the show.
This season’s Top 13 finalists are Girls – Khaya Cohen, Rion Paige, and Ellona Santiago; Boys – Carlos Guevara, Josh Levi, Carlito Olivero, and Tim Olstad; Over 25s – Jeff Gutt, Lillie McCloud, and Rachel Potter; and Groups – Alex & Sierra, Restless Road and Sweet Suspense.
Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio make up this season’s judging panel. Mario Lopez is this season’s host.
More on Selena Gomez [Courtesy of Fox]:
Selena Gomez has become one of the most accomplished actors and recording artists today and all by the age of 21. This has been a year of growth for Gomez, starting with appearing on the big screen in one of the most talked about films of the year, Spring Breakers, opposite James Franco. Gomez followed the film’s success with the release of her fourth album, Stars Dance, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
The lead single “Come and Get It” became her first No. 1 single and won an MTV Video Music Award for “Best Pop Video.” On the heels of the release of her album, Gomez launched her very successful “Stars Dance World Tour,” which is currently scheduled to conclude later this month. She has sold over 10 million singles in the U.S. and has become a fixture on the dance scene garnering six singles that have landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club/Play charts.
Gomez recently wrapped the film Rudderless, directed by William H. Macy. Gomez continues to be a successful entrepreneur with her fashion line, “Dream Out Loud,” as well as her line for Adidas Neo.
– UPDATE: The November 7, 2013 show has been changed due to a voting problem.
Here’s the official announcement from Fox:
As a result of a graphics error (incorrect voting numbers were displayed on screen) during the performance recap at the end of tonight’s East Coast broadcast of THE X FACTOR, the Top 13 acts will perform their “Save Me” songs for America’s re-vote, in a live, one-hour performance show airing tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The results from tomorrow night’s vote will be revealed next week on THE X FACTOR airing Wednesday, Nov. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
Voting for THE X FACTOR begins immediately after tomorrow’s performance show and viewers will be able to SuperVote via www.TheXFactorUSA.com, via toll-free calling, as well as text messaging (standard text-messaging rates may apply), The X Factor USA app (data and message rates may apply), the Shazam App and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. Due to out of pattern voting, viewers voting via toll-free calling will hear the standard prerecorded outgoing message, “watch THE X FACTOR tomorrow,” however, the results will be revealed next Wednesday. Please visit www.TheXFactorUSA.com for additional voting information.
Jaimie Alexander is a beautiful woman who apparently isn’t afraid to get a little risque on the red carpet. Alexander, who plays Sif in the Thor film franchise, has the internet buzzing after showing up at the Los Angeles premiere of Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World in a see-through dress sans underwear. And while rumors floating around the web and non-denials by Alexander about the possibility she’ll be playing Wonder Woman are enough to have her in the news this week, the 29 year old actress stole the show at the Thor sequel premiere by showing off her gorgeous figure in Azzaro Couture.
Check out photos of Jaimie Alexander from Showbiz Junkie’s celebrity photographer Richard Chavez:
Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s new cable network El Rey has tapped D.J. Cotrona (Dear John) to star in From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, based on the feature film with George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, and Salma Hayek. The new series is now in production in Austin, Texas, with Rodriguez on board to direct the first couple of episodes.
According to the official announcement by El Rey Network, From Dusk Till Dawn will debut early next year. The ten-episode hour-long series will also star Zane Holtz, Jesse Garcia, and Don Johnson (recurring as Sheriff Earl McGraw).
“If the movie’s the short story, the series is the novel,” says Rodriguez. “We have assembled an amazing cast and crew, and viewers can expect to be part of a wild ride when the series premieres on El Rey Network next spring.”
Rodriguez created the series and will executive produce the show along with showrunner Carlos Coto, John Fogelman, and Cristina Patwa. Writer Diego Gutierrez is a co-executive producer.
The Plot: From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series is a supernatural crime saga centered around bank robber, Seth Gecko (Cotrona) and his violent, unpredictable brother, Richard “Richie” Gecko (Holtz), who are wanted by the FBI and Texas Rangers Earl McGraw (Johnson) and Freddie Gonzalez (Garcia) after a bank heist left several people dead. While on an escape route to Mexico, Seth and Richie encounter former minister Jacob Fuller and his family who they take hostage.
Using the family RV to make a run for the Mexican border, chaos ensues when the group detours to a strip club that is unknowingly populated by vampires, and forces them to fight until dawn in order to get out alive. The series deepens the tone of the film, adds new characters and backstories and expands the Mesoamerican mythology behind the vampires.
That’s right, the Swedish Indie Rock band The Sounds performed at The Observatory (formally The Galaxy) in Santa Ana, CA. a few weeks ago and the place was packed. There was hardly any room to dance, but everyone in the venue made it happen anyway despite the crowded floor. The Sounds hit the stage on October 23, 2013 at The Observatory as part of their tour in support of their latest release, Weekend, which came out on October 29th.
The Sounds played a total of 18 songs, opening up with the second track from their first CD and also the title of the CD released in 2002, Living In America. They followed that up with “Hit Me,” also from the same CD. The Sounds played other tracks from the rest of their catalog, songs including “Something To Die For,” “Dorchester Hotel,” and many others, but also played tracks from their latest release, Weekend (which was still days away from hitting stores on the date of The Observatory concert).
Maja Ivarsson and the rest of the band put on a great performance. Their energy was amazing, and I was really impressed by Maja’s ability to jump around in stiletto heels. This is a band that should be playing gigs in big venues (like Nokia Theatre or The Gibson Amphitheatre). If you haven’t seen them before, The Sounds are a band you should definitely check out. Buy their music and go see them – they put on an incredible, energetic and enthusiastic show.
Jessica Lange as Fiona, Emma Roberts as Madison, Jamie Brewer as Nan, Taissa Farmiga as Zoe, Gabourey Sidibe as Queenie in 'American Horror Story: Coven' (Photo Credit: Michele K. Short/FX)
In another not at all shocking bit of renewal news, American Horror Story has been picked up for season four. The horror series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk has earned another season after posting series-record numbers over its third season run. American Horror Story: Coven has been averaging 7.7 million viewers which is up 77% over the first season and 83% over season two.
If it keeps up the viewership numbers over its next nine episodes, American Horror Story: Coven will become FX’s most-watched series in the adults 18-34 bracket.
“Put simply, Ryan Murphy is a master television producer,” said John Landgraf, CEO, FX Networks and FX Productions. “Time and time again he reinvents the form. What he, co-creator Brad Falchuk and their producers Dante Di Loreto, Tim Minear, Jennifer Salt, James Wong, Brad Buecker, Jessica Sharzer, Douglas Petrie, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Alexis Martin Woodall, and the entire production team and cast responsible for the American Horror Story franchise have done is nothing short of extraordinary. Every year, they create a riveting and brilliant new miniseries. AHS: Coven is the best yet, and I have no doubt that the next installment will be even better.”
Details on American Horror Story: Coven
American Horror Story: Coven tells the secret history of witches and witchcraft in America. Over 300 years have passed since the turbulent days of the Salem witch trials and those who managed to escape are now facing extinction. Mysterious attacks have been escalating against their kind and young girls are being sent away to a special school in New Orleans to learn how to protect themselves. Wrapped up in the turmoil is new arrival, Zoe (Taissa Farmiga), who is harboring a terrifying secret of her own. Alarmed by the recent aggression, Fiona (Jessica Lange), the long-absent Supreme, sweeps back into town, determined to protect the Coven and hell-bent on decimating anyone who gets in her way.
The cast also includes Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, Frances Conroy, Lily Rabe, Denis O’Hare, Jamie Brewer, Alexander Dreymon, Josh Hamilton, Patti LuPone, and Danny Huston.
'The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!' (Image credit: Copyright 2013, CITH Holiday Productions Inc. and Red Hat Animation 2 Limited)
PBS’s winter holiday schedule includes the return of The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!, an Elmo Christmas special, and new episodes of Thomas & Friends and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS! – Airs on November 27, 28, 29, 30 and December 1, 13 and 24
A PBS KIDS holiday tradition, this adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thinga-ma-jigger breaks down, and they depend on a variety of animals – from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs – and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home. With gorgeous animation and pull-out-all-the-stops musical numbers, The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas! will have families singing and celebrating all season long.
PBS KIDS Holiday Week – December 9-13
This December, PBS Kids will air a week of holiday and winter-themed programming from favorite series across the schedule. “Holiday Week” features two episode premieres, both from Thomas & Friends: “Snow Stops Play” and “Tinsel & Trains.” Holiday Week also includes encore presentations of holiday-themed episodes from favorite PBS Kids series and holiday favorites Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas and Arthur’s Perfect Christmas.
CURIOUS GEORGE: A Very Monkey Christmas – Airs on December 9, 14, and 25
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat are having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas. There’s only one dilemma – neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present! In the end, both gift-giving predicaments are simply and beautifully resolved, revealing the true spirit of the holiday season.
ARTHUR’S PERFECT CHRISTMAS – Airs on December 10 and 25
Everyone’s favorite aardvark gives kids a new spin on seasonal traditions in his first one-hour primetime special, showing children many ways to celebrate “the holidays.” Plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even “Baxter Day” (Buster and his mom’s special celebration). The only problem is, just like real life, perfection is hard to attain and things start to fall apart.
DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD
Snowflake Day! – Premieres on November 25
In this thirty-minute holiday musical episode, the Neighborhood is celebrating Snowflake Day! Daniel has a very important role as the snowflake in the Neighborhood’s Snowflake Day Show and he can’t wait to say his lines! The Enchanted Garden is full of excitement and winter cheer as everyone pitches in to make the celebration a true Neighborhood success!
A Snowy Day – Premieres on December 2
It’s snowing in the Neighborhood! Miss Elaina is coming over to Daniel’s house to play in the snow. When it’s time to go outside, Mom Tiger helps Daniel change out of his pajamas into clothes that will keep him warm and he learns how important it is to choose the proper clothes.
Elmo’s Christmas Countdown – Premieres on November 27, repeats on December 11 and 25
There’s a miracle on Sesame Street in this special holiday tale. Elmo, Abby Cadabby and their new friend Stiller the Elf (voice of Ben Stiller) are going to count down to Christmas with the Christmas Counter-Downer. But all the counting boxes have gone missing and Christmas may never come again! Can Elmo, Abby and Stiller the Elf save Christmas? With the help of very special guests Sheryl Crow, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Ty Pennington, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico and Kevin James (as Santa Claus), Elmo and friends learn to believe in Christmas miracles.
SHALOM SESAME – Chanukah: The Missing Menorah – Check local listings for air dates
Moishe Oofnik is selling 2,000 year old sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts traditionally eaten on Chanukah), and Anneliese is bringing her family’s menorah to light at Shoshana’s in celebration of the first night of Chanukah. Grover the waiter is serving levivot (potato pancakes or latkes), when he and Anneliese are both startled by Brosh and a chicken. Anneliese’s menorah (a nine-branched candelabrum) goes flying. Anneliese can’t find her menorah anywhere, so everyone helps her look. The pressure is on to find it before sunset, and everyone sings a song about the search. Finally, Avigail finds it and everyone heads inside to light the candles. In the end, the Sumsum crew lights the menorah together and sings a song.
Hypnotic’s Doug Liman (director of The Bourne Identity, Mr & Mrs Smith) and Dave Bartis are teaming up with Starz to develop the dramedy series Heartbeats. Ben York Jones and Michael Mohan are writing the half-hour scripted series and will also serve as executive producers with Liman and Bartis.
The Plot:
Heartbeats is an intimate glimpse into the constantly intersecting and diverging lives of Bobby and Kristen; two down-to-Earth individuals who would be perfect for each other, if only they had met at a different time. Heartbeats will explore their story with an episode format that focuses alternatingly on Bobby and Kristen.
Liman’s TV credits include executive producing Covert Affairs, Suits, and The O.C..
The musical drama The Identical has been picked up by Vision Films who will be handling the international sales. Starring Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta, Amanda Crew, and Brian Geraghty, The Identical was directed by Dustin Marcellino from a script by Howard Klausner.
Stumble It! 
Hypnotic’s Doug Liman (director of The Bourne Identity, Mr & Mrs Smith) and Dave Bartis are teaming up with Starz to develop the dramedy series Heartbeats. Ben York Jones and Michael Mohan are writing the half-hour scripted series and will also serve as executive producers with Liman and Bartis.
