'Futurama' without original voices?
Talks between Fox TV, cast members break down

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

When "Futurama" returns to TV next year, it might be without the show's original voice cast.

Talks have broken down between 20th Century Fox TV and stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Maurice LaMarche and Tress MacNeille over how much they should be paid to take part in the show.

The studio announced last month that it would produce 26 new episodes of "Futurama," and that Comedy Central was on board to begin airing the new episodes in mid-2010. As part of the announcement, the show's producers said stars including West, Sagal and DiMaggio had all signed on to return.

Turns out that wasn't true.

The stars had all expressed interest in returning. But with the budget for "Futurama" dramatically slashed, the salary offers came in well below what the thesps were asking.

As a result, 20th has put out a casting call to find replacement voice actors for the show.

It's not the first time 20th has gone that route during a tough negotiation on one of its toons. The studio previously made a similar move on "The Simpsons" when it couldn't come to a deal with its stars. Casting feelers were sent out for replacements, but a deal was eventually made with the original cast.

The situation is unusual this time around in that 20th and Comedy Central have been kicking around ways to make "Futurama," originally produced for a broadcast network (Fox), make financial sense for a cable run. Yet there's also still a possibility -- and a window built in -- for "Futurama" to run on a broadcast network first.

It's believed that the "Futurama" cast members were asking for around $75,000 per episode; it was not clear what 20th was offering. Calls to the voice stars' reps were not immediately returned.

Created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, "Futurama" originally aired on Fox from 1999 to 2003. The success of the show's repeats on DVD and cable, as well as a series of first-run DVD releases, led to the decision to revive "Futurama."

Other costs slashed in the process led to a smaller writing staff and a shorter delivery schedule.

"We love the 'Futurama' voice performers and absolutely wanted to use them, but unfortunately, we could not meet their salary demands," 20th Century Fox TV said in a statement. "While replacing these talented actors will be difficult, the show must go on. We are confident that we will find terrific new performers to give voice to Matt and David's brilliantly subversive characters."

Mischa Barton series Beautiful Life postponed
Sources: Actress 'meltdown' didn't cause delay
By Nellie Andreeva
The Hollywood Reporter
July 18, 2009, 01:22 AM ET

The production start on CW's new drama The Beautiful Life has been pushed back by a week, from July 22 to July 31. And despite the widely publicized recent meltdown and hospitalization of co-star Mischa Barton, sources close to the show say the reason for the delay is far more mundane: Some of the sets for the show were not completed on time. Still, given her medical issues, Barton's situation on the show remains unclear.

Beautiful Life, executive produced by Ashton Kutcher, revolves around a group of models living together in a coed residence in New York. On the series, which is scheduled to premiere Sept. 16 behind America's Next Top Model, the O.C. alumna plays a supermodel and veteran of the high-fashion circuit who is struggling to keep on top and is in danger of slipping.

Beautiful Life has been getting an extra dose of prelaunch publicity from the tabloid exploits of Barton, who, following a call to the police on Wednesday night, was put under an involuntary psychiatric hold at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She spent time in rehab last year.

Padma Lakshmi could heat up sitcom
'Top Chef' host eyes possible NBC show

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

“Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi is cooking up plans to star in a sitcom for NBC.

Lakshmi has sealed a development deal with the Pea**** and sister Universal Media Studios, which plans to create a half-hour comedy for her. Original Media, which is based at Universal, is also involved; Original’s Charlie Corwin will exec produce.

Building on her “Top Chef” credentials, the show will star Lakshmi as a woman working in the culinary world. (One possible title being mulled: “Single Serving.”)

Corwin and Lakshmi are currently talking to writers and kicking around specifics.

News comes as Lakshmi just scored an Emmy nomination (along with her “Top Chef” co-host, Tom Colicchio) in the reality competition host category.

The sixth edition of “Top Chef,” this time set in Las Vegas, launches next month on NBC U-owned cabler Bravo.

Lakshmi’s acting credits include ABC miniseries “The Ten Commandments,” as well as the features “The Mistress of Spices” and “Boom.” She also played the singer Sylk in “Glitter.”

Despite the popularity of food-centric TV, attempts to translate it into sitcom form have been mixed. Fox’s “Kitchen Confidential,” based on Anthony Bourdain’s book, was critically acclaimed but short-lived. And NBC’s move to turn Emeril Lagasse into a comedy star fell flat.

Sean Bean to ascend 'Thrones'

Cast as lead in HBO's adaptation of the book series

By Borys Kit and Nellie Andreeva

Sean Bean has nabbed the lead in "Game of Thrones," HBO's adaptation of the George R.R. Martin fantasy-book series. Tom McCarthy is directing; David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who wrote the screenplay, are executive producing.

Mark Addy is in final negotiations to also join the production. Kit Harrington, Jack Gleeson and Harry Lloyd also have come aboard.

The books revolves around a battle among seven kingdoms and between two ruling families for control of the Iron Throne, the possession that ensures survival through a 40-year winter to come.

Bean will play Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark, known for his sense of honor and justice, who becomes closest adviser to King Robert (Addy).

Harrington will play Jon Snow, Bean's bastard son, and Lloyd will play Viserys, a powerless ruler who seeks to marry off his sister to a powerful king. Gleeson will play Joffrey, King Robert's son.

Peter Dinklage also is in the cast for the production, which is in the pilot stage and begins shooting in October in Ireland.

Guymon Casady, Carolyn Strauss, Vincent Gerardis and Martin also are executive producing.

"Thrones" marks the latest fantasy epic-style production for Bean. He recently wrapped shooting on "Percy Jackson & the Olympians," an adaptation of Rick Riordan's children's book. Bean, repped by CAA, also has "Black Death," a supernatural thriller set during England's first bubonic plague, in postproduction.

Adam Beach cast in 'Big Love'

Will recur on HBO drama next season

By Nellie Andreeva

Adam Beach has joined HBO's drama "Big Love" as a season-long recurring.

On "Big Love," nominated for best drama series Emmy, Beach will play Tommy Flute, the son of Bill's partner, the head of the Indian Gaming Casino Jerry Flute (Robert Beltran).

Beach, whose credits include "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Law & Order: SVU," is repped by ICM and Artistry.

Amber Clayton floats down 'Rivers'

Actress cast as regular in new CBS drama series

By Nellie Andreeva

Newcomer Amber Clayton is joining CBS' new drama series "Three Rivers" as a regular.

The Alex O'Loughlin starrer "Three Rivers" is about organ transplants seen through three points of view: the doctors, donors and recipients. Clayton will play witty pragmatic young ER doctor Lisa Reed who helps facilitate transplant cases.

The medical drama also is recasting a lead played in the pilot by Julia Ormond.

quote:

Originally posted by PaddyFilm:
Adam Beach cast in 'Big Love'

Will recur on HBO drama next season

By Nellie Andreeva

Adam Beach has joined HBO's drama "Big Love" as a season-long recurring.

On "Big Love," nominated for best drama series Emmy, Beach will play Tommy Flute, the son of Bill's partner, the head of the Indian Gaming Casino Jerry Flute (Robert Beltran).

Beach, whose credits include "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Law & Order: SVU," is repped by ICM and Artistry.

Hes a relative of mine and this happens to be one of my favorite shows!! Awesome!

Five set for Cornwell pix
MacDowell, Carroll, Gish, more join Lifetime casts

By KATHY LYFORD

Daniel Sunjata, Andie MacDowell, Diahann Carroll, Annabeth Gish and Ashley Williams will star in the Lifetime original pics "At Risk" and "The Front," based on the novels by bestselling crime writer Patricia Cornwell.

The telepics mark the first time Cornwell's novels have been adapted for the screen (Daily Variety, March 16).

The pair of made-fors follow Massachusetts state investigator Winston Garano (Sunjata) and his supervisor, district attorney Monique Lamont (MacDowell), as they work cases. Carroll plays Garano's grandmother, Gish portrays Garano's co-worker and Williams is a detective who's Garano's love interest.

"At Risk" and "The Front" are produced by Wingarano Prods. for Lifetime. Stanley M. Brooks and Jim Head exec produce. Tom McLoughlin directs from scripts written by John Pielmeier.

More cast for ABC's 'Copper'

Melanie Nicholls King, Enuka Okumu join cop drama

By Etan Vlessing

TORONTO -- Melanie Nicholls King ("Law and Order"), Enuka Okumu ("24"), Travis Milne and Ben Bass have been cast in "Copper," the Canadian cop drama for ABC from producers Thumper Inc. and E1 Entertainment.

Also joining an ensemble all-Canadian cast currently shooting in Toronto through to November is Eric Johnson ("Smallville"), Matt Gordon, Noam Jenkins and Aidan Devine.

The 13-episode series for Global Television in Canada follows five rookie cops at work and play.

Ilana Frank is executive producing "Copper," along with John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern, with Tassie Cameron as show-runner and head writer.

"Ugly Betty" exclusive: Jamie-Lynn Sigler replaces Betty!
Jul 21, 2009 | by Michael Ausiello

Yes, the headline's misleading -- but only slightly!

"Sopranos" vet Jamie-Lynn Sigler is joining the cast of "Ugly Betty" in the recurring role of Natalie, Daniel's sexy, spiritual, funny new assistant, sources confirm to me exclusively.

Natalie replaces Betty, who was promoted to features editor in last May's season finale.

See? Only slightly misleading.

Sigler will debut in "Betty"'s two-hour season 4 premiere on Oct. 9.

"Tudors" exclusive: Joely Richardson crowned Queen
Jul 21, 2009 | by Michael Ausiello

I’m hearing "Nip/Tuck"’s Joely Richardson has scored one of the hottest TV roles out there right now: Katherine Parr on Showtime’s "The Tudors."

Although unconfirmed by Showtime, a well-placed source tells me that Richardson will play Henry’s (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) last wife during "Tudors"' fourth and final season, which is slated to debut in Spring 2010.

Production on "Nip/Tuck"'s final season wrapped last month, freeing Richardson up to take the gig.

A number of high profile actresses have circled the plum part, including ****** **i*** and (as I previously reported) "The X-Files"’ Gillian Anderson.

'Christmas' plans at CBS
Hallmark special based on Greg Kincaid's novel
By Nellie Andreeva

July 21, 2009, 11:00 PM ET
Hallmark Hall of Fame has started production on its next presentation for CBS, "A Dog Named Christmas."

Bruce Greenwood ("Star Trek"), Noel Fisher ("The Riches") and Linda Emond ("Julie & Julia") are set to star in the holiday movie based on Greg Kincaid's novel.

"Christmas" centers on Todd (Fisher), a developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need. He sets out to convince his parents (Greenwood, Emond) and their rural community to participate in a local shelter's Adopt a Dog for Christmas program, which entails caring for a dog during Christmas week, with the option of keeping the dog for good.

Todd eventually brings home a yellow Labrador he names "Christmas" and bonds with immediately.

Peter Werner ("Front of the Class") is directing "Christmas" from a script by Jenny Wingfield ("The Man in the Moon"). Brent Shields ("The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler") is executive producing the telefilm, which is filming in Saskatchewan.

TV Guide Network Gets Rights to Air "Ugly Betty"
Jul 22, 2009 by Tim Molloy

TV Guide Network has acquired the rights to air episodes of "Ugly Betty," the first scripted series to appear on the network.

"We are thrilled to be the exclusive cable and satellite home for a show as popular as 'Ugly Betty,' which will become a cornerstone of TV Guide Network's schedule," said Ryan O'Hara, president of TV Guide Network and TVGuide.com. " 'Ugly Betty' is a show that both fans and critics love, and one we believe will attract new viewers and advertisers to our network and web site. This acquisition is the first step of a larger, ongoing plan to strengthen our programming schedule and redefine TV Guide Network as a place to watch great television."

TV Guide Network's deal with Disney-ABC Domestic Television covers the first three seasons of the show and includes repurpose rights for the fourth season of "Ugly Betty," premiering in October 2009 on ABC. The network may re-broadcast new episodes of the show within two weeks of their premiere on ABC. The series will air as a weekly strip on TV Guide Network in fall 2010.

Really? That's a bummer since I don't get TV Guide Network. I was hoping Lifetime was going to pick-up the show since it would fit with their latest acquisitions over the past few years.

Lifetime to air "Project Runway" All-Star Challenge
Jul 22, 2009 | by Jeff Labrecque

Kicking off its sixth season, "Project Runway" will welcome back eight superstar designers from years past, including Santino Rice, Jeffrey Sebelia, and Sweet P, for a special two-hour "All-Star Challenge." Prior to Lifetime's "Project Runway" season premiere and the series premiere of "Models of the Runway" on Aug. 20, the "Runway" alums will match wits and fashions to compete for a $100,000 cash prize. Lifetime's entire release, after the jump.

Unprecedented Special Event to Air at 8:00PM ET/PT and Feature Designers from Previous Seasons

Special to be Followed by the Season Six Premiere of PROJECT RUNWAY at 10PM ET/PT and the Debut of the All-New Companion Series MODELS OF THE RUNWAY at 11PM ET/PT

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 22, 2009) – For the first time in "Project Runway" history, eight former fan favorites and "Project Runway" superstars are returning to the catwalk to compete against one another in the two-hour special, "Project Runway: All-Star Challenge." The spirited competition premieres Thursday, August 20, at 8PM ET/PT and will be followed by the highly anticipated premiere of the sixth season of "Project Runway" at 10PM ET/PT and the debut of the all-new companion series, "Models of the Runway," at 11PM ET/PT. The announcement was made today by Lifetime Television and The Weinstein Company.

At stake for the designers are not only the ultimate bragging rights, but also a $100,000 cash prize. Will the designers be up to the challenge of returning to the workroom, working under the “Gunn” (as in Tim Gunn) to create a successful fashion line? Are they ready to, once again, face the critiques of Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia, as they showcase their creations?

The designers competing in "Project Runway: All-Star Challenge" are as follows:

Daniel Vosovic, Season 2
Santino Rice, Season 2
Jeffrey Sebelia, Season 3
Uli Herzner, Season 3
Mychael Knight, Season 3
Chris March, Season 4
Sweet P, Season 4
Korto Momolu, Season 5

ABOUT PROJECT RUNWAY AND MODELS OF THE RUNWAY

Hosted by supermodel and fashion maven Heidi Klum, the hit series "Project Runway" provides budding designers with an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion, under the watchful eye of mentor and Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer Tim Gunn. The wildly successful competition reality series has proven to be one of television’s most talked about shows and was the highest rated unscripted competition on all of cable for 2008.

"Models of the Runway," an exciting new companion series to "Project Runway," will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition – from the models’ perspective. Viewers can experience the drama, anxiety, joys, tears, and frustrations as the models themselves face elimination each week and compete for a cash prize and photo spread in Marie Claire magazine.

Produced by The Weinstein Company, Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture Productions, "Project Runway" and "Models of the Runway" are executive produced by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairmen of The Weinstein Company, and Jon Murray and Sara Rea of Bunim-Murray Productions ("The Real World"). Heidi Klum; Jane Cha, and Desiree Gruber of Full Picture Productions also executive produce both series. Barbara Schneeweiss oversees the production on behalf of The Weinstein Company.

Danny Huston joins Kevorkian biopic
To play attorney in the HBO Films project
by Nellie Andreeva

Danny Huston will co-star opposite Al Pacino, Susan Sarandon, and John Goodman in "You Don't Know Jack," HBO Films' biopic of Jack Kevorkian that is being directed by Barry Levinson.

"Jack" follows the rise of Kevorkian (Pacino) as he builds his Mercy Machine and sets out to perform assisted suicides. Huston will play Geoffrey Fieger, Kevorkian's longtime attorney.

Huston is represented by ICM, U.K.'s Julian Belfrage Associates and manager Laina Cohn.

Dominic Monaghan joins 'FlashForward'
ABC adds 'Lost' alum to cast of fantasy drama

By CYNTHIA LITTLETON

The casting of Dominic Monaghan offers the strongest evidence yet that ABC sees "FlashForward" as the next "Lost."

The "Lost" alum was officially unveiled as an addition to the cast of the Alphabet's fantasy drama on Friday during the Comic-Con sesh on the show, which has a large ensemble anchored by Joseph Fiennes. Producers didn't offer much in the way of specifics on Monaghan's character, other than to say his name is Simon. He'll join the show early on in its run but does not appear in the pilot.

Monaghan's surprise appearance at the "FlashForward" sesh was, needless to say, enthusiastically received by the Comic-Con crowd. Monaghan's "Lost" character, Charlie Pace, died at the end of the show's third season but he remains a fan fave.

Gabrielle Union is also signing on to the show in a recurring role. She'll play a criminal defense attorney who becomes involved romantically with one the core characters.

"FlashForward" is ABC's biggest drama bet for the fall. Series revolves around the aftermath of a mysterious event when everyone in the world blacks out and is given a glimpse of their future. Others in the ensemble include Courtney B. Vance, John Cho, Jack Davenport and another "Lost" vet, Sonya Walger.

ABC Studios skein is exec produced by David S. Goyer, Brannon Braga, Marc Guggenheim and Jessika Borsiczky Goyer. Goyer and Braga penned the pilot.

Shows add cast at ABC, CBS

'Gary,' 'Hank' bring regulars on board

By Nellie Andreeva

Brooke D'Orsay has been cast as a new regular on the CBS sophomore comedy "Gary Unmarried," and Sasha Pieterse has been added to the new ABC comedy "Hank" as a regular.

On "Gary," D'Orsay will play a manager of a radio station owned by her father where Gary (Jay Mohr) is painting and Clean (new regular Keegan Michael Key) works.

D'Orsay is repped by the Kohner Agency and H2F.

On "Hank," Pieterse will play Maddie, the teenage daughter of Hank (Kelsey Grammer) and Tilly (Melinda McGraw). She is repped by APA and LA Entertainment.

TNT firms cast for Spielberg pilot

Moon Bloodgood, Jessy Schram among actors

By Nellie Andreeva

Moon Bloodgood, Jessy Schram, Seychelle Gabriel and Maxim Knight have joined Noah Wyle on TNT's untitled alien invasion pilot from executive producer Steven Spielberg.

The project, written by Robert Rodat from an idea he conceived with Spielberg, is set shortly after aliens have wiped out most of the human population and centers on a ragtag group of soldiers and civilians led by widower Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) who struggle against the occupying alien force.

In the pilot, directed by Carl Franklin, Bloodgood, Schram, Gabriel and Knight all play members of the group.

Bloodgood will play Anne Glass, a therapist working with the children to help them with the trauma of the alien invasion. With her strength and dry sense of humor, Anne, whose husband died during the invasion, becomes a bedrock of the survivors' community and Tom's confidant.

Knight will play Tom's youngest son who is still dealing with the terror of the alien invasion.

Schram will play Karen, an athletic tomboy who works as a motorcycle scout.

Gabriel ("Weeds") will play Lourdes, a pretty teenager who has lost family and helps run the camp's makeshift commissary.

ICM-repped Bloodgood, who recurs on "Burn Notice," co-starred on "Terminator: Salvation" and "Journeyman."

Schram, who recently filmed a three-episode arc on "Crash," is repped by UTA and Kritzer Levine Wilkins.

Ian Somerhalder returning to "Lost"
by Lynette Rice

Welcome back, Boone! Ian Somerhalder has been cast as a bad vampire in the CW’s upcoming drama "The Vampire Diaries," but apparently, he’s not ready to say goodbye to his role as Boone on "Lost" just yet. He told the crowd at Comic-Con today that the "Vampire" producers are ready for him to be called back to Hawaii this season. When asked what it’s like to be at Comic-Con and if he’s still peppered with questions from "Lost" fans, Somerhalder stammered a bit but replied with some good news: “I think it’s safe to say . . . we sort of discussed that . . . it’s truly incredible that… I am going to be coming back.” As expected, the audience roared. He reassured the crowd, however, that job one is to play Damon, the evil vampire brother of Stefan (played by Paul Wesley).

Afterward, Somehalder told EW exclusively that "Lost" producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse only told him half an hour before the "Vampire Diaries" panel that he will be coming back next season. “It’s not clear yet” when it’ll happen but “it’ll be very soon.” Somerhalder said he wasn’t necessarily surprised at the development, because he had been talking to the producers for some time about returning. “It’s just a matter of timing and getting me down there,” says Somerhalder. “It’s all good.”