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Kenny Ortega on exiting 'Footloose' remake: 'It was not planned'

28 October 2009 4:51 PM, PDT | EW - Hollywood Insider.com | See recent EW.com - Hollywood Insider news »

Speaking exclusively to EW.com, Kenny Ortega said he pulled out of the Footloose remake that's set to star Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl) and Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars) because he was "exhausted" from directing This Is It and "wanted to take a few deep breaths and relax before I resurface." "It was not planned," Ortega told EW.com while attending the world premiere of the Michael Jackson movie on Tuesday. "None of this was happening when I started working on Footloose with Paramount. I honestly love the team I was working with on it — Craig Zadan, Brad Weston, »

- Lynette Rice

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Ask the Flying Monkey! (October 12, 2009)

11 October 2009 8:19 PM, PDT | AfterElton.com | See recent AfterElton.com news »

Have a question about gay male entertainment? Send it to aftereltonflyingmonkey@yahoo.com! (Please include your city and state and/or country.)

Q: Can you please help us get more details on Luke Macfarlane's involvement in a Canadian movie Iron Road? He plays a straight guy who falls in love with a woman who was disguised as a boy and has a total nude scene which is gorgeous and sexy. -- Bclee

A: Who is this, the publicist for Iron Road? You’re a smart one. By getting me to publish your email on AfterElton.com, you should sell at least a few thousand extra copies of the movie.

Charlotte Sullivan and Luke Macfarlane in Iron Road

Iron Road, a $10 million Canada/Chinese production, tells the sad story of the building of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and of the many Chinese workers who were tricked into slavery and lost »

- Brent Hartinger

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Daniel Radcliffe Set For 'How To Succeed' Reading, Ashford to Direct, Zadan & Meron Produce

9 October 2009 2:26 AM, PDT | BroadwayWorld.com | See recent BroadwayWorld.com news »

Variety reports that 'Harry Potter' star Daniel Radcliffe will lead the cast of an upcoming New York reading of 1961 musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," marking the first musical turn for the "Harry Potter" star. Producers Broadway Across America, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will guide the reading, seen as a set up for a potential Broadway revival. »

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'Diva' Producers Secure Two Projects

30 September 2009 2:00 PM, PDT | The Wrap | See recent The Wrap news »

By the Hollywood Reporter

On the heels of the early renewal of their freshman Lifetime series "Drop Dead Diva," producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have set up hourlong projects at Fox and NBC.

At Fox, the duo has teamed with writer Dana Calvo ("Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") for "Laney Sparrow," a character-driven legal drama to be produced by 20th Century Fox TV.

Zadan, Meron and Calvo are executive producing.

At NBC, the "Hairspray" producers have "Inside Mary Baxter," a dramedy set in a women's prison. Maria Maggenti ("Without a Tra... »

- Lisa Horowitz

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Steven Spielberg teams with Showtime for a new series.

23 September 2009 1:10 AM, PDT | Movie Jungle | See recent Movie Jungle news »

DreamWorks TV and Showtime are in the early stages of developing a scripted series that follows the development of an original Broadway musical from its initiation right up to its debut night. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are in talks to produce as are Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Spielberg has been developing the this concept for years and has been hands-on in the set up of the project at ShowTime as well as recruiting Meron, Zadan, Wittman and Shaiman. »

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Steven Spielberg and Showtime to Make a Series Chronicling the Creation of a Broadway Musical

22 September 2009 7:25 PM, PDT | MovieWeb | See recent MovieWeb news »

Variety reports that Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks TV and Showtime are currently developing a new scripted series that will follow the development of an original Broadway musical. It will start at its creative inception all the way to its opening night. After this, a production of the show will be mounted after the series airs.

Apparently, Spielberg has been putting together "the concept for the TV-to-legit show for years, and he's been hands-on in setting up the project at Showtime and recruiting" Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, all of whom have done past projects together.

At present, they are all getting together with writers to create the series, which will go behind-the-scenes and look at launching a musical show. It will show viewers how songs are written to how funding is obtained. The show will also contain multiple points of view on the process. There is no »

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Lifetime Orders Second Season Of Comedy Series "Drop Dead Diva"

21 August 2009 3:46 AM, PDT | icelebz.com | See recent iCelebz news »

Lifetime Television has picked up a second season of the network's comedy/drama series "Drop Dead Diva." JoAnn Alfano, the executive vice president of entertainment for Lifetime Networks, announced on Thursday that 13 more episodes have been ordered for the show.

The series follows the story of Deb, a beautiful airhead seeking model status that is killed in a car accident and finds herself at the gates of Heaven. Fred the gatekeeper declares Deb a self-centered "zero" but is convinced by Deb to return her back to her old life.

Instead, Deb is sent into the body of recently deceased attorney Jane Bingum. Jane is brilliant and plus-sized, but has always lived in the shadow of her more attractive colleagues. Now, Deb must learn to embrace her new body and come to terms with her new existence. The series stars Brooke Elliot as Jane Bingum and Margaret Cho as Jane's assistant. »

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Lifetime to 'Diva': We Want More!

19 August 2009 4:54 PM, PDT | The Wrap | See recent The Wrap news »

By Josef Adalian

Lifetime has given a early second season pickup to "Drop Dead Diva," the hit new drama from creator Josh Berman and exec producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

  According to industry insiders, the network has ordered 13 additional episodes of the Sony Pictures Television-produced hour, which stars Brooke Elliott and Margaret Cho. "Diva" has averaged 2.6 million viewers since premiering July 12 in the tough 9 p.m. Sunday slot, and this past weekend scored its best-yet numbers in key female demos.  

Lifetime is expected to make the renewal official later... »

- Adalian

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Julianne Hough to get Footloose with Chace Crawford

22 June 2009 5:38 AM, PDT | The Scorecard Review | See recent Scorecard Review news »

The “Dancing With The Stars” pro dancer and country singer has been confirmed to star in Footloose. She will be playing opposite Chace Crawford in a new take on the famous 1984 film.

Hough will wear the Sunday shoes of character Ariel Moore, which were originally worn by Lori Singer. Miley Cyrus, Amanda Bynes, and Hayden Panettiere were previously rumored for the famous role.

The more mature remake of Footloose is set to start shooting this March, with shooting schedules revolving around the film’s TV stars. Dylan Sellers, High School Musical’s Kenny Ortega, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are producing the film.

Source: Variety

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- Nick Allen

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Julianne Hough In Talks To Dance In "Footloose"

22 June 2009 4:22 AM, PDT | icelebz.com | See recent iCelebz news »

"Dancing with the Stars" professional dancer Julianne Hough in talks to star opposite "Gossip Girl" actor Chace Crawford in "Footloose."

The 20-year-old dancer and country singer will be playing the female lead, Ariel - originally played by Lori Singer - if her schedule permits her.

Crawford has been already on board the Paramount Pictures remake project. He got the role after "High School Musical" star Zac Efron turned it down. "HSM" director Kenny Ortega will be producing alongside Dylan Sellers, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, a producer on the original "Footloose."

Production will begin in March.

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Julianne Hough Close to Star Opposite Chace Crawford in 'Footloose' Remake

20 June 2009 12:58 AM, PDT | Celebrity Mania | See recent Celebrity Mania news »

Chace Crawford is close to find his dancing partner in "Footloose" remake. "Dancing with the Stars" two-time winner, Julianne Hough, is in negotiation to star opposite the actor who has been crowned as the Hottest Bachelor by People. It was said that Julianne and the production house, Paramount, have discussed about filming schedule. If the timing issue can be solved, this will be her first major film project following her uncredited role as a "Hogwarts schoolgirl" in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone".

In May, it has been confirmed that Chace will take the main male role of Ren McCormack in the film. Meanwhile, Julianne's possible inclusion in the cast is not a big surprise since Kenny Ortega, director of "Footloose" remake, has shown his interest on the dancer. "I love her," he praised her, before adding "I adore her. I'm a big fan of hers. Not only how »

- celebrity-mania.com

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Confirmed, Julianne Hough in Talks for 'Footloose' Remake

20 June 2009 12:42 AM, PDT | Aceshowbiz | See recent Aceshowbiz news »

Julianne Hough, the two-time champion of "Dancing with the Stars", is officially in talks to join the cast of Paramount Pictures' remake of "Footloose". The Hollywood Reporter came out with a story that the singer/dancer is pursuing to make her film debut and join Chace Crawford in the project.

Hough was previously rumored to have auditioned for the role of Ariel Moore which was once made famous by Lori Singer. About her, director Kenny Ortega has said during his appearance at 2009 MTV Movie Awards, "I love her. I adore her. I'm a big fan of hers. Not only how beautiful but how deep her talent goes."

Beside this 20-year-old, other famous celebrities who reportedly also were considered for the Ariel role were Hayden Panettiere, Amanda Bynes and Miley Cyrus.

"Footloose" centers on a rebellious outsider who moves into a new town where music and dancing are forbidden. The »

- AceShowbiz.com

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Mattel & Universal Announce Monster Musical Movie

2 June 2009 8:53 PM, PDT | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »

Good, bad or interesting, the strange ideas from Hollywood for upcoming films keep coming at us like a runaway train and it’s time to grab on or get out of the way because it would appear that this train cannot be stopped. I, for one, have decided to get my ticket punched and grab a window seat because I’m curious to see where it’s heading next.

 

The next train pulling up belongs to Mattel - The toymaker that has given the world such classic toys as: Barbie, Hot Wheels, Chatty Cathy, Pound Puppies and my personal favorite, Rock’em Sock’em Robot. Mattel has recently inked a deal with Universal Studios to produce a live-action musical for a yet-to-be-named Mattel toy property.

Not much is known about the new movie other than it will be a musical and that Mattel’s new toy line that it’ll »

- Paul Young

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Universal And Mattel To Make Monster Musical Together

1 June 2009 8:56 AM, PDT | icelebz.com | See recent iCelebz news »

Mattel has been pushing their properties for film adaptations and it looks like they scored a new movie based on a line of toys that haven't been released yet.

Although Mattel won't release any details on the new line of toys other than they're monsters. Universal Pictures, who got an exclusive look at the toy line, is developing a musical based on the characters.

Variety reports that Universal acquired the rights from the toymaker in a deal to develop a live-action movie musical.

The film would reunite "Hairspray" composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman to create an original score for the film. "Hairspray" producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are attached.

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Singing Monsters Are The New High School Musical

1 June 2009 7:08 AM, PDT | cinemablend.com | See recent Cinema Blend news »

Did you know that singing monsters extended well beyond "The Monster Mash" and the plant's big number "Feed Me" from Little Shop of Horrors? Apparently singing and dancing monsters are what the kids really want these days, and Mattel is just the company to bring it to them. The toy company has partnered with Universal to make a feature film based on a toy they haven't even introduced or spoke of publicly. That's right: the mania to make movies out of beloved toys has extended to toys that don't even exist yet. The oddest part of all this is at the film will be a musical, I guess because kids are really into High School Musical and therefore are more into the idea than older generations have been. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the producers who brought us Chicago and Hairspray among others, will produce this film, and have brought »

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Universal is Whipping Up a Monstrous Musical

1 June 2009 | shocktillyoudrop.com | See recent shocktillyoudrop news »

Universal Pictures has made a deal to acquire an untitled Mattel toy property for a live-action musical film to be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, reports Variety. The duo will reunite with the Hairspray team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Shaiman and Wittman are in talks to write an original score for the musical. This is the first time Mattel has made a deal for a property it has yet to launch, or even publicly disclose. Mattel would not reveal the name of the toy line or when it will launch, saying only that the property aspires to add a fresh twist to monster lore. »

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Mattel Sings Its Way to the Bank With Monster Musical

31 May 2009 11:36 PM, PDT | bloody-disgusting.com | See recent Bloody-Disgusting.com news »

Universal Pictures has made a big-bucks deal to acquire an untitled Mattel toy property for a live-action musical film to be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. The duo will reunite with the "Hairspray" team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, reports Variety. Shaiman and Wittman are in talks to write an original score for the musical. Mattel has become aggressive about developing its intellectual properties for film and TV, but this is the first time the toymaker has made a deal for a property it has yet to launch, or even publicly disclose. Mattel would not reveal the name of the toy line or when it will launch, saying only that the property aspires to add a fresh twist to monster lore. »

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Universal Pictures Set for Mattel Monster Film

31 May 2009 5:50 PM, PDT | MovieWeb | See recent MovieWeb news »

Universal Pictures has picked up an untitled Mattel toy property to develop a live-action musical film that will add a fresh twist to monster lore. The project will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, teaming with the Hairspray team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

According to Variety, Shaiman and Wittman are in talks to write an original score for the musical.

Mattel has become aggressive about developing its intellectual properties for film and TV, but this is the first time the toymaker has made a deal for a property it has yet to launch, or even publicly disclose. Mattel would not reveal the name of the toy line or when it will launch.

"This is a new step for us -- a real opportunity to launch a new intellectual property on multiple platforms," said Tim Kilpin, general manager for Mattel Brands' Girls, Boys & Games Group. "It has »

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Chace Crawford's Five Hour 'Footloose' Audition

28 May 2009 7:00 AM, PDT | Celebuzz.com | See recent Celebuzz news »

Chace Crawford may have snagged the lead in the upcoming Footloose remake, but don't think it was just a piece of cake for the 23-year-old actor.  The Gossip Girl star confessed to Entertainment Weekly, "It was, like, five hours of the most rigorous tests ever. I walked out very confident."  Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Hairspray) and director Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) agree. "At the end of it, we all sort of looked at each other and said, ‘He’s the guy,' " Zadan raves. Zadan, who also produced on the 1985 original, spilled some more secrets from the movie, which will. »

- Celebuzz

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Chace Crawford Discusses Taking Over For Zac Efron In 'Footloose'

27 May 2009 11:53 PM, PDT | MTV Movie News | See recent MTV Movie News news »

'Luckily, it worked out for both of us,' the 'Gossip Girl' star tells EW.com.

By Eric Ditzian

Chace Crawford

Photo: Jon Shearer/WireImage

Zac Efron was supposed to take over Kevin Bacon's iconic role in "Footloose," then he unexpectedly dropped out, citing a desire not to be typecast as a purely musical actor. Chace Crawford stepped in, and while shooting won't begin until next March, the "Gossip Girl" star is already speaking out about the part and insisting that there are no hard feelings between the two actors.

"I know Zac, and we're actually friends," Crawford told EW.com's Hollywood Insider. "He's gotta make the best choice for his career at this point, and I have to make the best for mine, and luckily, it worked out for both of us."

Crawford also revealed details about his grueling audition process, which involved hours of singing »

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2009 | 2008 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 1999 | 1998

1-20 of 62 articles from 2009   « Prev | Next »

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