Exclusive: It’s a tough time to be a mid-sized unscripted production company right now.
A slow-down of greenlights amid cost cutting within all of the major media conglomerates, and seemingly no bump from the writers and actors strike despite what many were expecting, has led to doom and gloom across the non-scripted sector.
This has led to many companies having to undergo layoffs. Deadline understands that companies including Bunim/Murray, Half-Yard Productions and Propagate Content have all cut staff recently and more are expected to follow suit. ITV America-backed High Noon Entertainment informed its local production staff in Denver that due to production cycles, the number of workers contracted when shows weren’t in production would be reduced. We hear Hot Snakes Media is in a similar situation.
“It’s the toughest time to be in unscripted that I can remember,” one unscripted producer told Deadline.
Another source...
A slow-down of greenlights amid cost cutting within all of the major media conglomerates, and seemingly no bump from the writers and actors strike despite what many were expecting, has led to doom and gloom across the non-scripted sector.
This has led to many companies having to undergo layoffs. Deadline understands that companies including Bunim/Murray, Half-Yard Productions and Propagate Content have all cut staff recently and more are expected to follow suit. ITV America-backed High Noon Entertainment informed its local production staff in Denver that due to production cycles, the number of workers contracted when shows weren’t in production would be reduced. We hear Hot Snakes Media is in a similar situation.
“It’s the toughest time to be in unscripted that I can remember,” one unscripted producer told Deadline.
Another source...
- 8/16/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A+E Networks has tapped Elaine Frontain Bryant and Eli Lehrer to take on expanded roles for the network as former Lifetime EVP and head of programming Amy Winter announced her exit on Wednesday. Move is the latest in a series of consolidations in basic cable as the linear business faces continued declines.
Winter joined Lifetime in 2020, having previously worked at Discovery and later Up TV as exec VP and Gm. At Lifetime, Winter filled a gig that had been vacant since Liz Gateley exited in 2018. Now that job will once again be retired as Frontain Bryant takes on oversight of all of Lifetime and Lmn programming in addition to her current role overseeing original programming for the flagship A&e brand.
Winter revealed in a memo to staff that she’s “decided to embark on a new path” that will combine “my passion for the creative aspects of entertainment with the business side of our industry.
Winter joined Lifetime in 2020, having previously worked at Discovery and later Up TV as exec VP and Gm. At Lifetime, Winter filled a gig that had been vacant since Liz Gateley exited in 2018. Now that job will once again be retired as Frontain Bryant takes on oversight of all of Lifetime and Lmn programming in addition to her current role overseeing original programming for the flagship A&e brand.
Winter revealed in a memo to staff that she’s “decided to embark on a new path” that will combine “my passion for the creative aspects of entertainment with the business side of our industry.
- 8/9/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime is losing two top execs: Amy Winter, EVP and head of programming and Tanya Lopez, EVP of scripted content for the network and Lmn, Rob Sharenow, president of programming for A+E Networks, said Wednesday.
Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and head of programming at A&e since 2005,
will take oversight of all programming at both Lifetime networks in addition to her current role.
In a statement, Winter explained her decision to leave after three years.
“After much reflection, I have decided to embark on a new path, combining my passion for the creative aspects of entertainment with the business side of our industry,” Winter said. “While the media landscape is changing constantly, there are so many opportunities to build and lead businesses that develop world-class content, and I look forward to my next chapter.”
Winter added, “I am grateful to Paul and the entire leadership team. I have made so many...
Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and head of programming at A&e since 2005,
will take oversight of all programming at both Lifetime networks in addition to her current role.
In a statement, Winter explained her decision to leave after three years.
“After much reflection, I have decided to embark on a new path, combining my passion for the creative aspects of entertainment with the business side of our industry,” Winter said. “While the media landscape is changing constantly, there are so many opportunities to build and lead businesses that develop world-class content, and I look forward to my next chapter.”
Winter added, “I am grateful to Paul and the entire leadership team. I have made so many...
- 8/9/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
A+E Networks is undergoing a significant executive shuffle with news that Lifetime brass Amy Winter and Tanya Lopez are both departing the media company.
Their exits mark an even bigger gig for one of the company’s top programming executives. Elaine Frontain Bryant, the longtime EVP and head of programming at flagship channel A&e, will now take on oversight of all Lifetime and Lmn (Lifetime Movie Network) programming — including all both networks’ lucrative original telepic offerings. Eli Lehrer, who oversees programming for The History Channel, has simultaneously added A+E Networks’ Music Services division to his plate. Both Frontain Bryant and Lehrer report directly to A+E Networks president of programming Rob Sharenow and will continue to do so.
As for Winter, she leaves the company after a three-year tenure as EVP and head of programming at Lifetime, while Lopez segues from her post as Lifetime’s top movies programmer...
Their exits mark an even bigger gig for one of the company’s top programming executives. Elaine Frontain Bryant, the longtime EVP and head of programming at flagship channel A&e, will now take on oversight of all Lifetime and Lmn (Lifetime Movie Network) programming — including all both networks’ lucrative original telepic offerings. Eli Lehrer, who oversees programming for The History Channel, has simultaneously added A+E Networks’ Music Services division to his plate. Both Frontain Bryant and Lehrer report directly to A+E Networks president of programming Rob Sharenow and will continue to do so.
As for Winter, she leaves the company after a three-year tenure as EVP and head of programming at Lifetime, while Lopez segues from her post as Lifetime’s top movies programmer...
- 8/9/2023
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: A+E Networks is the latest entertainment company to undergo a shake-up.
Deadline understands that the company has made a small number of cuts to its programming team.
Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming at Lifetime, is leaving the company with Elaine Frontain Bryant, who is EVP and Head of Programming at A&e, now overseeing the Married At First Sight broadcaster.
Tanya Lopez, who is Executive Vice President of Scripted Content at Lifetime, is also leaving and will be transitioning into a production deal with A+E Networks, where she will continue to package and produce Lifetime Original Movies.
Elsewhere, we hear that John Verhoff, an exec producer at History, is also exiting.
Eli Lehrer is also adding music services to his job as EVP and Head of The History Channel Programming Genres and Music Services
Winter joined in 2020, from UpTV, where she was EVP and General Manager. In her three year tenure,...
Deadline understands that the company has made a small number of cuts to its programming team.
Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming at Lifetime, is leaving the company with Elaine Frontain Bryant, who is EVP and Head of Programming at A&e, now overseeing the Married At First Sight broadcaster.
Tanya Lopez, who is Executive Vice President of Scripted Content at Lifetime, is also leaving and will be transitioning into a production deal with A+E Networks, where she will continue to package and produce Lifetime Original Movies.
Elsewhere, we hear that John Verhoff, an exec producer at History, is also exiting.
Eli Lehrer is also adding music services to his job as EVP and Head of The History Channel Programming Genres and Music Services
Winter joined in 2020, from UpTV, where she was EVP and General Manager. In her three year tenure,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
Apple TV+ today debuted the trailer for "Platonic, the upcoming 10-episode comedy series starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen and co-created, directed, and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco.
The half-hour comedy will make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday.
Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Rogen and Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift.
The duo's friendship becomes all-consuming—and destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way.
In addition to Rogen and Byrne, the ensemble cast includes Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Andrew Lopez, and Carla Gallo.
Platonic is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller's Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Rogen, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce.
Apple TV+ today debuted the trailer for "Platonic, the upcoming 10-episode comedy series starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen and co-created, directed, and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco.
The half-hour comedy will make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday.
Platonic follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Rogen and Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift.
The duo's friendship becomes all-consuming—and destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way.
In addition to Rogen and Byrne, the ensemble cast includes Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Andrew Lopez, and Carla Gallo.
Platonic is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller's Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Rogen, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce.
- 4/26/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Toni Braxton is extending her decade-long relationship with Lifetime and A+E. The Grammy-winning singer, actress, executive producer and entrepreneur has entered into a production deal, in which her Braxtoni Productions will oversee and executive produce multiple projects for the network. The production company will be headquartered at Lifetime’s LA offices.
Lifetime and Braxton have had a long history of collaboration with Braxton most recently executive producing the movie, A Christmas Spark featuring the on-screen reunion of Jane Seymour and Joe Lando and the two films under the Fallen Angels Murder Club banner which Braxton starred in and executive produced in 2022. Braxton previously starred in, and executive produced the Lifetime movies Faith Under Fire with EP Td Jakes (2018), Everyday is Christmas (2018), Twist of Faith (2013), and her Lifetime biopic, Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart (2016).
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Toni and continue to have her...
Lifetime and Braxton have had a long history of collaboration with Braxton most recently executive producing the movie, A Christmas Spark featuring the on-screen reunion of Jane Seymour and Joe Lando and the two films under the Fallen Angels Murder Club banner which Braxton starred in and executive produced in 2022. Braxton previously starred in, and executive produced the Lifetime movies Faith Under Fire with EP Td Jakes (2018), Everyday is Christmas (2018), Twist of Faith (2013), and her Lifetime biopic, Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart (2016).
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Toni and continue to have her...
- 4/26/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
UnREAL star Constance Zimmer is returning to Lifetime.
The cabler announced Thursday that the Emmy nominee Constance Zimmer will executive produce and direct her firfeature-lengthgth TV movie, Boy in the Walls.
Zimmepreviouslyly made her directorial debut on Peabody winning and Emmy-nominated Lifetime series UnReal.
Boy In The Walls will star Ryan Michelle Bathe, Luke Camilleri (Hemlock Grove), Cassandra Sawtell (Disappearance in Yellowstone), and Jonathan Whitesell (The X-Files).
The movie is inspired by actual 'Phrogging' events, of people who discover there is someone secretly living inside their home. Boy in the Walls will debut later this summer on Lifetime.
"We absolutely loved working with Constance when she starred in UnReal and even prouder when she made her directorial debut with us through our Broader Focus initiative and has since continued to direct episodic series for others," said Tanya Lopez, EVP, Scripted Content, Lifetime and Lmn.
"But we always love a good...
The cabler announced Thursday that the Emmy nominee Constance Zimmer will executive produce and direct her firfeature-lengthgth TV movie, Boy in the Walls.
Zimmepreviouslyly made her directorial debut on Peabody winning and Emmy-nominated Lifetime series UnReal.
Boy In The Walls will star Ryan Michelle Bathe, Luke Camilleri (Hemlock Grove), Cassandra Sawtell (Disappearance in Yellowstone), and Jonathan Whitesell (The X-Files).
The movie is inspired by actual 'Phrogging' events, of people who discover there is someone secretly living inside their home. Boy in the Walls will debut later this summer on Lifetime.
"We absolutely loved working with Constance when she starred in UnReal and even prouder when she made her directorial debut with us through our Broader Focus initiative and has since continued to direct episodic series for others," said Tanya Lopez, EVP, Scripted Content, Lifetime and Lmn.
"But we always love a good...
- 3/2/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Emmy nominee Constance Zimmer (UnReal) is returning to Lifetime to executive produce and direct her first feature length TV movie, Boy in the Walls.
Starring Ryan Michelle Bathe, Boy in the Walls is inspired by actual “phrogging” events, of people who discover there is someone secretly living inside their home. The movie will debut later this summer on Lifetime. Luke Camilleri (Hemlock Grove) Cassandra Sawtell (Disappearance in Yellowstone) and Jonathan Whitesell (The X-Files) also star.
Luke Camilleri, Jonathan Whitesell and Cassandra Sawtell
In Boy in the Walls, recently married Alisa Jensen (Bathe) has given up her vibrant Manhattan lifestyle for a quiet existence in rural Connecticut but struggling to adjust to her new role as a stepmother to Maya (Sawtell) and Theo (Mikkal Karim-Fidler). Hoping this move can be a fresh start, Alisa finds herself cracking under the pressure with her husband Chris (Camilleri) constantly away at work,...
Starring Ryan Michelle Bathe, Boy in the Walls is inspired by actual “phrogging” events, of people who discover there is someone secretly living inside their home. The movie will debut later this summer on Lifetime. Luke Camilleri (Hemlock Grove) Cassandra Sawtell (Disappearance in Yellowstone) and Jonathan Whitesell (The X-Files) also star.
Luke Camilleri, Jonathan Whitesell and Cassandra Sawtell
In Boy in the Walls, recently married Alisa Jensen (Bathe) has given up her vibrant Manhattan lifestyle for a quiet existence in rural Connecticut but struggling to adjust to her new role as a stepmother to Maya (Sawtell) and Theo (Mikkal Karim-Fidler). Hoping this move can be a fresh start, Alisa finds herself cracking under the pressure with her husband Chris (Camilleri) constantly away at work,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Sure, the Frasier revival was just picked up by Paramount+, but does award Kelsey Grammer the opportunity to work with his daughter?
Nope!
For that, you'll have to tune in to an upcoming film airing as a part of the It's A Wonderful Lifetime lineup on Lifetime.
Tony Award winner, three-time Golden Globe winner and six-time Emmy® Award winner Kelsey Grammer reteams with Lifetime to executive produce and star with his daughter, Spencer Grammer, in The 12 Days of Christmas Eve as part of the network’s 2022 It’s Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate.
Kelsey Grammer most recently starred in the network’s limited series event Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, cable’s #1 new scripted series in ad-supported cable in key demos.
The 12 Days of Christmas Eve is the story of Brian Conway (Kelsey Grammer), a successful businessman whose relationships with those around him have really suffered.
While this Christmas season...
Nope!
For that, you'll have to tune in to an upcoming film airing as a part of the It's A Wonderful Lifetime lineup on Lifetime.
Tony Award winner, three-time Golden Globe winner and six-time Emmy® Award winner Kelsey Grammer reteams with Lifetime to executive produce and star with his daughter, Spencer Grammer, in The 12 Days of Christmas Eve as part of the network’s 2022 It’s Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate.
Kelsey Grammer most recently starred in the network’s limited series event Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, cable’s #1 new scripted series in ad-supported cable in key demos.
The 12 Days of Christmas Eve is the story of Brian Conway (Kelsey Grammer), a successful businessman whose relationships with those around him have really suffered.
While this Christmas season...
- 10/7/2022
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Now that he’s finally lined up that Frasier reboot, Kelsey Grammer is turning his attention to the holidays. The veteran actor will star opposite his daughter Spencer in The 12 Days of Christmas Eve as part of the network’s 2022 It’s Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate.
The 12 Days of Christmas Eve is the story of Brian Conway (Grammer), a successful businessman whose relationships with those around him have really suffered. While this Christmas season has been the most successful for his business, he’s divorced, his relationship with his daughter Michelle (Spencer Grammer) is strained and he doesn’t have a meaningful connection with his only granddaughter. After Brian gets into a car accident on Christmas Eve, Santa gives him twelve chances to re-do the day and repair the relationships in his life to find the true meaning of Christmas. For Brian, these twelve days are a journey of self-realization about life,...
The 12 Days of Christmas Eve is the story of Brian Conway (Grammer), a successful businessman whose relationships with those around him have really suffered. While this Christmas season has been the most successful for his business, he’s divorced, his relationship with his daughter Michelle (Spencer Grammer) is strained and he doesn’t have a meaningful connection with his only granddaughter. After Brian gets into a car accident on Christmas Eve, Santa gives him twelve chances to re-do the day and repair the relationships in his life to find the true meaning of Christmas. For Brian, these twelve days are a journey of self-realization about life,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Mary J. Blige has her next big movie gig lined up: a Lifetime film inspired by her beloved hit song "Real Love." On March 2, the network announced its new partnership with the singer, who will executive produce the film under her Blue Butterfly production banner. "Mary is one of those phenomenal talents that can do it all, and we are so thrilled to be able to partner with her again on this new opportunity to bring her music to life in the form of a movie that we know audiences will love," Tanya Lopez, executive vice president of scripted content at Lifetime and Lmn, said in a statement.
"It's exciting to now use this song and my music to create a new story by way of film."
"Real Love" is billed as a coming-of-age romantic drama that will tell the love story of college students Kendra and Ben, who fall...
"It's exciting to now use this song and my music to create a new story by way of film."
"Real Love" is billed as a coming-of-age romantic drama that will tell the love story of college students Kendra and Ben, who fall...
- 3/2/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Mary J. Blige hit the headlines recently for her show-stopping performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.
Now, the Grammy® award winning and Academy® Award nominated artist, actress, and producer is joining forces with Lifetime.
Blige will serve as an executive producer on the original film through her own production banner, Blue Butterfly, alongside Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson.
The star recently executive produced her acclaimed documentary Mary J. Blige’s My Life to record-breaking success.
The new movie is based on her hit 1992 song Real Love.
As you will recall, the track was Blige’s first song to hit the top 10 and was certified gold two months after its release.
Real Love has remained one of her most beloved and enduring songs since then.
Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie, a continuation of Blue Butterfly and Blige’s goal to bring more stories to life with music as the foundation.
Now, the Grammy® award winning and Academy® Award nominated artist, actress, and producer is joining forces with Lifetime.
Blige will serve as an executive producer on the original film through her own production banner, Blue Butterfly, alongside Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson.
The star recently executive produced her acclaimed documentary Mary J. Blige’s My Life to record-breaking success.
The new movie is based on her hit 1992 song Real Love.
As you will recall, the track was Blige’s first song to hit the top 10 and was certified gold two months after its release.
Real Love has remained one of her most beloved and enduring songs since then.
Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie, a continuation of Blue Butterfly and Blige’s goal to bring more stories to life with music as the foundation.
- 3/2/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Mary J. Blige’s iconic ’90s song “Real Love” is being turned into a Lifetime movie, with the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul executive producing the made-for-tv film.
One of her most beloved and memorable tracks, “Real Love” was Blige’s first song to hit the Top 10 and was certified gold two months after its release in 1992.
Per Lifetime, in the coming-of-age romantic drama “Real Love,” Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meets her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie, as part of Blige...
One of her most beloved and memorable tracks, “Real Love” was Blige’s first song to hit the Top 10 and was certified gold two months after its release in 1992.
Per Lifetime, in the coming-of-age romantic drama “Real Love,” Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meets her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie, as part of Blige...
- 3/2/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Mary J. Blige has re-teamed with Lifetime to executive produce Real Love, a new original film inspired by her hit ’90s song of the same name. Blige will executive produce via her Blue Butterfly production banner, alongside Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson.
“Real Love” was Blige’s first song to hit the top 10 and was certified gold two months after its release in 1992. It has remained one of her signature songs. Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie.
“Mary is one of those phenomenal talents that can do it all, and we are so thrilled to be able to partner with her again on this new opportunity to bring her music to life in the form of a movie that we know audiences will love,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content, Lifetime and Lmn.
Written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram, the coming-of-age romantic drama centers around Kendra,...
“Real Love” was Blige’s first song to hit the top 10 and was certified gold two months after its release in 1992. It has remained one of her signature songs. Additional music from Blige will be incorporated throughout the movie.
“Mary is one of those phenomenal talents that can do it all, and we are so thrilled to be able to partner with her again on this new opportunity to bring her music to life in the form of a movie that we know audiences will love,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content, Lifetime and Lmn.
Written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram, the coming-of-age romantic drama centers around Kendra,...
- 3/2/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Fresh off of her stunning performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, Mary J. Blige is teaming up with Lifetime for a new movie inspired by one of her classic hits.
On Wednesday, Lifetime announced its partnership with the multi-hyphenate on “Real Love,” a new film. Blige will serve as the executive producer of the original, romantic drama film named after her 1992 song “Real Love.”
Here’s the logline for the movie: In the coming-of-age romantic drama “Real Love,” Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meet’s her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
On Wednesday, Lifetime announced its partnership with the multi-hyphenate on “Real Love,” a new film. Blige will serve as the executive producer of the original, romantic drama film named after her 1992 song “Real Love.”
Here’s the logline for the movie: In the coming-of-age romantic drama “Real Love,” Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meet’s her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
- 3/2/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Melissa Joan Hart will star in multiple new “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movies, as well as the made-for-tv hoarder film “Dirty Little Secret” at Lifetime, as part of a new multi-year deal with the cable channel, Variety has learned exclusively.
Under her new pact, Hart will star in, direct and executive produce several movies for Lifetime. For the “Ripped From The Headlines” movie “Dirty Little Secret” (working title), which is set to debut this summer, Hart stars as a mother hiding her extreme hoarding tendencies that are destroying her family.
Additionally, Hart will star in and executive produce new movies for Lifetime’s 2022 and 2023 Christmas slates, having previously starred in six holiday films for the cabler, including “Mistletoe in Montana,” “Dear Christmas” and “A Very Merry Toy Store.” Hart has previously executive produced eight Lifetime films with her production company Hartbreak Films, including the recent “Christmas in Tune” starring Reba McEntire.
Under her new pact, Hart will star in, direct and executive produce several movies for Lifetime. For the “Ripped From The Headlines” movie “Dirty Little Secret” (working title), which is set to debut this summer, Hart stars as a mother hiding her extreme hoarding tendencies that are destroying her family.
Additionally, Hart will star in and executive produce new movies for Lifetime’s 2022 and 2023 Christmas slates, having previously starred in six holiday films for the cabler, including “Mistletoe in Montana,” “Dear Christmas” and “A Very Merry Toy Store.” Hart has previously executive produced eight Lifetime films with her production company Hartbreak Films, including the recent “Christmas in Tune” starring Reba McEntire.
- 2/15/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Jenna Dewan is currently appearing on ABC's The Rookie and The CW's Superman & Lois.
The beloved star will also be returning to Lifetime.
The cabler announced this week a two-picture deal with the entertainer to star in, and executive produce two new movies for Lifetime.
The projects are currently in development, and one will be a film for the for the network's annual It's a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie slate.
Dewan previously starred in the series Witches of East End and highly rated movies She Made Them Do It and Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal for the network.
Dewan will produce through her company, Everheart Production, alongside executive Kyle McNally.
"We are thrilled to have Jenna return to Lifetime's air, but even more so, we are excited to have her step into a Broader Focus behind-the- camera role to executive produce the projects," said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content,...
The beloved star will also be returning to Lifetime.
The cabler announced this week a two-picture deal with the entertainer to star in, and executive produce two new movies for Lifetime.
The projects are currently in development, and one will be a film for the for the network's annual It's a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie slate.
Dewan previously starred in the series Witches of East End and highly rated movies She Made Them Do It and Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal for the network.
Dewan will produce through her company, Everheart Production, alongside executive Kyle McNally.
"We are thrilled to have Jenna return to Lifetime's air, but even more so, we are excited to have her step into a Broader Focus behind-the- camera role to executive produce the projects," said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content,...
- 1/14/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Bad Seed is not over at Lifetime.
The cabler has officially ordered a new original movie that will be the sequel to the 2018 hit movie.
Mckenna Grace, who starred in the original The Bad Seed in 2018 with Rob Lowe, is set to return for the sequel in the role of Emma.
Even more excitiing:
Mckenna co-wrote the script for the new movie with her father, Ross Burge.
The 2018 film's writer, Barbara Marshall, also has a writing credit on the movie.
Mckenna Grace will executive produce along with her father Ross Burge, her mother, Crystal Burge. and Mark Wolper.
The Bad Seed was based on the novel of the same name by William March and the play by Maxwell Anderson.
The project will shoot in Vancouver with a planned 2022 premiere.
"When Mckenna came to us with a spec script she wrote, we were blown away with her vision for the...
The cabler has officially ordered a new original movie that will be the sequel to the 2018 hit movie.
Mckenna Grace, who starred in the original The Bad Seed in 2018 with Rob Lowe, is set to return for the sequel in the role of Emma.
Even more excitiing:
Mckenna co-wrote the script for the new movie with her father, Ross Burge.
The 2018 film's writer, Barbara Marshall, also has a writing credit on the movie.
Mckenna Grace will executive produce along with her father Ross Burge, her mother, Crystal Burge. and Mark Wolper.
The Bad Seed was based on the novel of the same name by William March and the play by Maxwell Anderson.
The project will shoot in Vancouver with a planned 2022 premiere.
"When Mckenna came to us with a spec script she wrote, we were blown away with her vision for the...
- 11/15/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Lifetime has ordered a sequel to its 2018 original movie The Bad Seed, with Mckenna Grace set to reprise her role as Emma. Grace co-wrote the script with her father, Ross Burge and the 2018 film’s writer, Barbara Marshall.
Rob Lowe and Grace starred in Lifetime’s The Bad Seed, written by Marshall and directed by Lowe, which reimagined the cult 1956 psychological horror film that was based on the best-selling novel by William March and its stage adaptation by Maxwell Anderson.
In the sequel, Grace plays 15-year-old Emma, a seemingly typical teenaged girl who is anything but that. Set several years after the murderous events of the first movie which left her father (Lowe) dead, Emma is now living with her aunt Angela and navigating high school. Angela’s husband begins to suspect that Emma may not be as innocent as she appears and suggests sending her off to boarding school.
Rob Lowe and Grace starred in Lifetime’s The Bad Seed, written by Marshall and directed by Lowe, which reimagined the cult 1956 psychological horror film that was based on the best-selling novel by William March and its stage adaptation by Maxwell Anderson.
In the sequel, Grace plays 15-year-old Emma, a seemingly typical teenaged girl who is anything but that. Set several years after the murderous events of the first movie which left her father (Lowe) dead, Emma is now living with her aunt Angela and navigating high school. Angela’s husband begins to suspect that Emma may not be as innocent as she appears and suggests sending her off to boarding school.
- 11/12/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Grey’s Anatomy alumna Sarah Drew, who starred in two of Lifetime’s highest-rated holiday movies, is returning to the A&e Networks cable channel with a two-picture deal. Under the pact, Drew will star in, write and executive produce holiday films for the network’s annual It’s a Wonderful Lifetime movie slate. One of the films currently in development, Reindeer Games, is an original script written by Drew. Additionally, Drew will star in the newly greenlight original movie, Stolen Hearts: The Lizbeth Meredith Story (working title).
Reindeer Games follows a fading Hollywood star who returns to his small tight knit hometown post breakup. He’s begrudgingly roped into the town’s holiday fundraising tradition, “The Reindeer Games,” but when he surprisingly falls for (and is competing against) a former classmate he ignored in high school who’s determined to beat him at all costs, he must win the...
Reindeer Games follows a fading Hollywood star who returns to his small tight knit hometown post breakup. He’s begrudgingly roped into the town’s holiday fundraising tradition, “The Reindeer Games,” but when he surprisingly falls for (and is competing against) a former classmate he ignored in high school who’s determined to beat him at all costs, he must win the...
- 11/1/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Toni Braxton is returning to Lifetime to star in and exec produce a series of television movies based on the Hollis Morgan mystery book series by author R. Franklin James.
The Un-Break My Heart star will play Hollis Morgan, an ex-con turned amateur sleuth who sets out to investigate a series of murders at her book club in The Fallen Angels Book Club (w/t).
The pair of small-screen features, which will debut in 2022, comes from Rhonda Baraka (Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta), who wrote the scripts for both movies, will exec produce both and will direct the first installment.
The Fallen Angels Book Club marks Braxton’s return to Lifetime after she executive produced and starred in 2016’s Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart and 2018’s Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story and Every Day is Christmas. Braxton also made her movie debut with Lifetime with the 2013 movie, Twist of Faith.
The Un-Break My Heart star will play Hollis Morgan, an ex-con turned amateur sleuth who sets out to investigate a series of murders at her book club in The Fallen Angels Book Club (w/t).
The pair of small-screen features, which will debut in 2022, comes from Rhonda Baraka (Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta), who wrote the scripts for both movies, will exec produce both and will direct the first installment.
The Fallen Angels Book Club marks Braxton’s return to Lifetime after she executive produced and starred in 2016’s Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart and 2018’s Faith Under Fire: The Antoinette Tuff Story and Every Day is Christmas. Braxton also made her movie debut with Lifetime with the 2013 movie, Twist of Faith.
- 9/27/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Robin Roberts was joined by star and fellow producer Danielle Brooks at Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees awards-season event for Lifetime’s panel on Robin Roberts Presents Mahalia, which has been Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Television Movie.
The biopic on the late great gospel superstar singer Mahalia Jackson is the second film in a deal Roberts has with Lifetime to bring stories of great meaning to her to the small screen. The first was the well-received Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, and now Roberts continues to stay in the world of real-life people and inspirations in bringing Jackson’s story to Lifetime.
So why did the Good Morning America anchor and journalist decide to dip into the world of narrative moviemaking?
“It’s a way to exercise a different creative muscle. I love saying Good Morning America. No two days are the same, especially, you know,...
The biopic on the late great gospel superstar singer Mahalia Jackson is the second film in a deal Roberts has with Lifetime to bring stories of great meaning to her to the small screen. The first was the well-received Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, and now Roberts continues to stay in the world of real-life people and inspirations in bringing Jackson’s story to Lifetime.
So why did the Good Morning America anchor and journalist decide to dip into the world of narrative moviemaking?
“It’s a way to exercise a different creative muscle. I love saying Good Morning America. No two days are the same, especially, you know,...
- 8/15/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
This story about Kenny Leon and ‘Mahalia’ first appeared in the Limited Series & TV Movies issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
When the pandemic hit, the first thing Kenny Leon did was shut down the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of “A Soldier’s Play” starring David Allen Grier and Blair Underwood, which he’d been directing. He went back to his home in Atlanta, hunkered down and fell into a routine: He’d wake up in the morning, play the Mahalia Jackson music that had surrounded him as a child, pray for an hour, meditate and ride his Peloton bike.
And then, after seven weeks of that comforting schedule, he got a call from ABC newscaster Robin Roberts and Lifetime executive Tanya Lopez asking if he’d be interested in directing a movie about … Mahalia Jackson.
“I was like, ‘Do you have any idea that I’m waking up every day to Mahalia Jackson?...
When the pandemic hit, the first thing Kenny Leon did was shut down the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of “A Soldier’s Play” starring David Allen Grier and Blair Underwood, which he’d been directing. He went back to his home in Atlanta, hunkered down and fell into a routine: He’d wake up in the morning, play the Mahalia Jackson music that had surrounded him as a child, pray for an hour, meditate and ride his Peloton bike.
And then, after seven weeks of that comforting schedule, he got a call from ABC newscaster Robin Roberts and Lifetime executive Tanya Lopez asking if he’d be interested in directing a movie about … Mahalia Jackson.
“I was like, ‘Do you have any idea that I’m waking up every day to Mahalia Jackson?...
- 6/17/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Grammy winner Jill Scott and 7th Heaven alum Barry Watson are set to star in a TV-movie series reboot of Highway to Heaven, the 1980s drama that famously starred Michael Landon as a helpful angel.
Scott will star as Angela, an angel who comes down to Earth to help people in crisis, while Watson will play Bruce, a junior high school principal who becomes aware of Angela’s true identity.
More from TVLineNaomi: Barry Watson, Mouzam Makkar and Others Join CW's DC Comics PilotTVLine Items: Impractical Jokers at Home, Lilly Singh Renewed and MoreFirst Wives Club Reboot Casts Jill Scott...
Scott will star as Angela, an angel who comes down to Earth to help people in crisis, while Watson will play Bruce, a junior high school principal who becomes aware of Angela’s true identity.
More from TVLineNaomi: Barry Watson, Mouzam Makkar and Others Join CW's DC Comics PilotTVLine Items: Impractical Jokers at Home, Lilly Singh Renewed and MoreFirst Wives Club Reboot Casts Jill Scott...
- 6/17/2021
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: An updated version of Highway to Heaven is coming to the small screen. Lifetime has greenlighted event movie series Highway To Heaven, a modern take on the classic Michael Landon TV series, starring Grammy winner Jill Scott (First Wives Club) in a gender-switching lead role, and Barry Watson (The Loudest Voice). Scott also serves as an executive producer.
Scott stars as new angel Angela who comes down to Earth to help people in crisis. Landon played the male version of the character in the original series, the angel Jonathan, who was sent to Earth to help people in need. Watson portrays Junior High School principal Bruce to whom Angela reveals her true identity.
Cast also includes Ben Daon (The Astronauts), Robert Moloney and Ashley Ross (A Series of Unfortunate Events).
In cooperation with Cindy Landon and the Michael Landon Estate, the movies are inspired by...
Scott stars as new angel Angela who comes down to Earth to help people in crisis. Landon played the male version of the character in the original series, the angel Jonathan, who was sent to Earth to help people in need. Watson portrays Junior High School principal Bruce to whom Angela reveals her true identity.
Cast also includes Ben Daon (The Astronauts), Robert Moloney and Ashley Ross (A Series of Unfortunate Events).
In cooperation with Cindy Landon and the Michael Landon Estate, the movies are inspired by...
- 6/17/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime has upped Tia Maggini to SVP, Scripted Programming for the network, from her VP role.
Based in Los Angeles, Maggini oversees the development and production of original scripted content for Lifetime.
“Tia’s commitment to her work is only surpassed by her passion to make films the very best they can be,” said Tanya Lopez, Executive Vice President, Scripted Programming, Lifetime & Lmn to whom Maggini reports. “I value her skills and her partnership every day.”
Maggini joined the networks in 2014 as Vice President, responsible for developing and managing Lifetime movies, miniseries, limited series and back-door pilots. She has been charged with shepherding the network’s big budget, talent-driven feature films and additionally supervises creative development for a ten-person team.
During her more than six years with Lifetime, Maggini has been the programming executive for some of its highest rated movies, including the buzzy film, Wendy Williams: The Movie,...
Based in Los Angeles, Maggini oversees the development and production of original scripted content for Lifetime.
“Tia’s commitment to her work is only surpassed by her passion to make films the very best they can be,” said Tanya Lopez, Executive Vice President, Scripted Programming, Lifetime & Lmn to whom Maggini reports. “I value her skills and her partnership every day.”
Maggini joined the networks in 2014 as Vice President, responsible for developing and managing Lifetime movies, miniseries, limited series and back-door pilots. She has been charged with shepherding the network’s big budget, talent-driven feature films and additionally supervises creative development for a ten-person team.
During her more than six years with Lifetime, Maggini has been the programming executive for some of its highest rated movies, including the buzzy film, Wendy Williams: The Movie,...
- 6/10/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Angie Harmon is expanding her relationship with Lifetime. Harmon, who narrates Lifetime’s upcoming new crime docuseries, Cellmate Secrets, has signed a multi-picture development deal, in which she will executive produce, direct and star for the network.
Currently in development is drama Barstow (working title), from writer/executive producer Thompson Evans. It stars Harmon as a single mother/diner owner whose very dark past keeps coming back to haunt her, despite her desire for a quiet life. As part of the deal, in addition to producing, Harmon will also be directing two original titles to be determined for Lifetime. The new pact marks Harmon’s return to cable, not only on camera, but also as a first-time executive producer, and also marks her long-form directorial debut.
“Angie is beloved by our viewers and a proven talent in the crime procedural space,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP of Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions,...
Currently in development is drama Barstow (working title), from writer/executive producer Thompson Evans. It stars Harmon as a single mother/diner owner whose very dark past keeps coming back to haunt her, despite her desire for a quiet life. As part of the deal, in addition to producing, Harmon will also be directing two original titles to be determined for Lifetime. The new pact marks Harmon’s return to cable, not only on camera, but also as a first-time executive producer, and also marks her long-form directorial debut.
“Angie is beloved by our viewers and a proven talent in the crime procedural space,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP of Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions,...
- 6/2/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
A confluence of factors, including Covid-19 and his own upbringing, brought director Kenny Leon to the biopic “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia.” “My mother was a gospel singer and we grew up in Florida. We went to church eight days a week and we would always hear Mahalia Jackson‘s music in our home.” He just happened to be taking comfort in the legendary gospel singer’s recordings during the pandemic when executive producer Robin Roberts and Lifetime Executive Vice President Tanya Lopez serendipitously came to him with the opportunity to tell her life story. We talked with Leon as part of our Gold Derby “Meet the Experts” directors panel. Watch our interview above.
A Tony-winning theater director, Leon had a play running on Broadway, “A Soldier’s Play,” when Covid forced venues to shut down. Remembering Jackson’s music from his childhood, that’s what he turned to. “So I...
A Tony-winning theater director, Leon had a play running on Broadway, “A Soldier’s Play,” when Covid forced venues to shut down. Remembering Jackson’s music from his childhood, that’s what he turned to. “So I...
- 5/19/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
When the idea of making a biopic about Mahalia Jackson first came up, about half the members of Lifetime’s Original Movies group hadn’t heard of the gospel legend and civil rights leader — which, for that team, was a selling point.
“We had been talking about women who have historically made impacts that no one talks about,” says head of movies Tanya Lopez of the group’s brainstorming sessions. It was programming manager Mekita Faiye who suggested Jackson, and though those to whom she pitched the idea were unfamiliar with the legend, they didn’t dismiss ...
“We had been talking about women who have historically made impacts that no one talks about,” says head of movies Tanya Lopez of the group’s brainstorming sessions. It was programming manager Mekita Faiye who suggested Jackson, and though those to whom she pitched the idea were unfamiliar with the legend, they didn’t dismiss ...
When the idea of making a biopic about Mahalia Jackson first came up, about half the members of Lifetime’s Original Movies group hadn’t heard of the gospel legend and civil rights leader — which, for that team, was a selling point.
“We had been talking about women who have historically made impacts that no one talks about,” says head of movies Tanya Lopez of the group’s brainstorming sessions. It was programming manager Mekita Faiye who suggested Jackson, and though those to whom she pitched the idea were unfamiliar with the legend, they didn’t dismiss ...
“We had been talking about women who have historically made impacts that no one talks about,” says head of movies Tanya Lopez of the group’s brainstorming sessions. It was programming manager Mekita Faiye who suggested Jackson, and though those to whom she pitched the idea were unfamiliar with the legend, they didn’t dismiss ...
Reba McEntire is joining Lifetime’s 2021 original holiday movie slate as the star of “Christmas in Tune,” the A+E Networks-owned cable channel revealed Wednesday during the company’s virtual upfront presentation. And yes, she’ll be singing in it.
The Christmas movie is the first project in a two-picture deal that the Grammy winner signed with Lifetime to star in and produce films for the network.
Set up as a tentpole movie for Lifetime’s annual “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday slate, “Christmas In Tune” tells the story of Belle, a marketing executive who is worried she may lose her job.
Per Lifetime, “She decides to reunite a singing duo for a charity Christmas concert, but the problem is — the singers are actually her parents and they have not spoken to each other in years! Soon the at-odds couple is helping Belle get her life in order and she...
The Christmas movie is the first project in a two-picture deal that the Grammy winner signed with Lifetime to star in and produce films for the network.
Set up as a tentpole movie for Lifetime’s annual “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday slate, “Christmas In Tune” tells the story of Belle, a marketing executive who is worried she may lose her job.
Per Lifetime, “She decides to reunite a singing duo for a charity Christmas concert, but the problem is — the singers are actually her parents and they have not spoken to each other in years! Soon the at-odds couple is helping Belle get her life in order and she...
- 3/3/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Lifetime and A&e are heading into the Rhythm Nation with a four-hour documentary about the life and music of Janet Jackson.
The A+E Networks brands will simulcast Janet across two nights in 2022.
It comes as Lifetime has struck a two-picture deal with Reba McEntire and A&e is launching documentary series Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution and Secret Origins of Hip Hop.
Janet (w/t), coming on the back of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s debut album, will follow take a look at her musical success as well as her tumultuous private life. Workerbee, the British production company owned by Banijay, has been filming with Jackson over three years and has been granted exclusive access to archival footage and Janet’s never before seen home videos.
It comes as her dad, Joe Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Jackson dynasty, died in 2018, and will detail her...
The A+E Networks brands will simulcast Janet across two nights in 2022.
It comes as Lifetime has struck a two-picture deal with Reba McEntire and A&e is launching documentary series Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution and Secret Origins of Hip Hop.
Janet (w/t), coming on the back of the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s debut album, will follow take a look at her musical success as well as her tumultuous private life. Workerbee, the British production company owned by Banijay, has been filming with Jackson over three years and has been granted exclusive access to archival footage and Janet’s never before seen home videos.
It comes as her dad, Joe Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Jackson dynasty, died in 2018, and will detail her...
- 3/3/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime has set airdates for its Winter 2021 slate of five films, including its 400th original movie. The theme of the bundle is Ripped from the Headlines, a catch-all for the true crime films that will air every Saturday night beginning Feb. 13 through March 13.
Kicking off the quintet of movies will be Death Saved My Life on February 13, starring Meagan Good. That will be followed by Lifetime’s 400th original movie premiere, The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother’s Hunt for Justice starring Kim Delaney on February 20.
Judd Nelson, Joely Fisher and Stefanie Scott star in Girl in the Basement the week following on February 27. Diane Neal leads Circle of Deception on March 6, and Stephanie March leads A House On Fire on March 13. Both films were inspired by works from New York Time’s best-selling crime writer Ann Rule.
As part of Lifetime’s Broader Focus initiative supporting the...
Kicking off the quintet of movies will be Death Saved My Life on February 13, starring Meagan Good. That will be followed by Lifetime’s 400th original movie premiere, The Long Island Serial Killer: A Mother’s Hunt for Justice starring Kim Delaney on February 20.
Judd Nelson, Joely Fisher and Stefanie Scott star in Girl in the Basement the week following on February 27. Diane Neal leads Circle of Deception on March 6, and Stephanie March leads A House On Fire on March 13. Both films were inspired by works from New York Time’s best-selling crime writer Ann Rule.
As part of Lifetime’s Broader Focus initiative supporting the...
- 1/12/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Kyra Sedgwick, Kim Raver, Ashley Williams, Elisabeth Röhm, and Robin Givens all have something in common: they are actors who recently hopped into the director’s chair.
The five female filmmakers looked back on their journey to director at TheWrap’s annual Power Women Summit, speaking on a panel titled “Broader Focus: View from the Director’s Chair,” moderated by Tanya Lopez. Executive Vice President, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime & Lifetime Movie. The panel was presented by Lifetime.
“I was the person who never had that voice — my voice was, ‘you will never direct,'” Sedgwick said. “I’ve been working professionally as an actor from the time I was 16 and I’d worked with a lot of legendary directors, all of whom were men… my loving husband kept saying to me, ‘you have such big opinions about the way things are directed… what about the concept of you directing one day?...
The five female filmmakers looked back on their journey to director at TheWrap’s annual Power Women Summit, speaking on a panel titled “Broader Focus: View from the Director’s Chair,” moderated by Tanya Lopez. Executive Vice President, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime & Lifetime Movie. The panel was presented by Lifetime.
“I was the person who never had that voice — my voice was, ‘you will never direct,'” Sedgwick said. “I’ve been working professionally as an actor from the time I was 16 and I’d worked with a lot of legendary directors, all of whom were men… my loving husband kept saying to me, ‘you have such big opinions about the way things are directed… what about the concept of you directing one day?...
- 12/8/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Lifetime has lined up the next movie in its Ripped from the Headlines franchise, Girl in the Basement. The film, inspired by actual events of a young woman imprisoned in her family home, stars Stefanie Scott (Insidious: The Last Key), Judd Nelson (St. Elmo’s Fire) and Joely Fisher (9-1-1).
Elisabeth Röhm, who headlined Lifetime’s 2019 movie Family Pictures, is making her directorial debut with Girl in the Basement as part of the network’s Broader Focus initiative. Manu Boyer, who directed Röhm in Family Pictures, will guide Röhm through her first steps as a director. Röhm will also make a cameo in the movie, produced by Big Dreams Entertainment and Swirl for Lifetime, which has started filming in Atlanta for a 2021 debut. (You can see a photo from the set above.)
“We believe in Elisabeth and know her craft as an actress will be invaluable as she...
Elisabeth Röhm, who headlined Lifetime’s 2019 movie Family Pictures, is making her directorial debut with Girl in the Basement as part of the network’s Broader Focus initiative. Manu Boyer, who directed Röhm in Family Pictures, will guide Röhm through her first steps as a director. Röhm will also make a cameo in the movie, produced by Big Dreams Entertainment and Swirl for Lifetime, which has started filming in Atlanta for a 2021 debut. (You can see a photo from the set above.)
“We believe in Elisabeth and know her craft as an actress will be invaluable as she...
- 10/6/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has signed a deal with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ Milojo Productions to produce two original movies for the network’s “Ripped From the Headlines” slate, the company announced Wednesday.
Both projects will premiere on the network in 2021. Ripa and Consuelos will serve as executive producers alongside Albert Bianchini.
“Kelly and Mark have been important voices in popular culture for the past twenty years and we are so incredibly pleased to have them become a part of the Lifetime family,” Paul Buccieri, group president, A+E Networks said. “We look forward to seeing their creative vision brought to life through these projects.”
The films will join a slate of original films which include 2020’s “Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story,” “Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer,” “Poisoned Love: The Stacey Castor Story,” “Neighbor in the Window” and “You Can’t Take My Daughter.”
“I am beyond thrilled to welcome...
Both projects will premiere on the network in 2021. Ripa and Consuelos will serve as executive producers alongside Albert Bianchini.
“Kelly and Mark have been important voices in popular culture for the past twenty years and we are so incredibly pleased to have them become a part of the Lifetime family,” Paul Buccieri, group president, A+E Networks said. “We look forward to seeing their creative vision brought to life through these projects.”
The films will join a slate of original films which include 2020’s “Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story,” “Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer,” “Poisoned Love: The Stacey Castor Story,” “Neighbor in the Window” and “You Can’t Take My Daughter.”
“I am beyond thrilled to welcome...
- 9/9/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have signed a deal with Lifetime to produce two new movies for the network’s Ripped from the Headlines slate via their Milojo Productions banner.
Ripa, Consuelos, and Albert Bianchini will serve as executive producers for the untitled projects which are set to debut in 2021. Michael Halpern is Director of Development for Milojo.
“Kelly and Mark have been important voices in popular culture for the past twenty years and we are so incredibly pleased to have them become a part of the Lifetime family,” said Paul Buccieri, Group President, A+E Networks. “We look forward to seeing their creative vision brought to life through these projects.”
The network’s 2020 Ripped from the Headlines slate has been a ratings boon for Lifetime. Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer, Poisoned Love: The Stacey Castor Story, Neighbor in the Window,...
Ripa, Consuelos, and Albert Bianchini will serve as executive producers for the untitled projects which are set to debut in 2021. Michael Halpern is Director of Development for Milojo.
“Kelly and Mark have been important voices in popular culture for the past twenty years and we are so incredibly pleased to have them become a part of the Lifetime family,” said Paul Buccieri, Group President, A+E Networks. “We look forward to seeing their creative vision brought to life through these projects.”
The network’s 2020 Ripped from the Headlines slate has been a ratings boon for Lifetime. Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer, Poisoned Love: The Stacey Castor Story, Neighbor in the Window,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tia Mowry will be part of Lifetime’s original movie franchise for years to come. The Game and Sister, Sister alumna has closed a three-picture deal with the A+E network to star in and produce three holiday movies for their It’s a Wonderful Lifetime slate. The telefilms will air beginning 2021. The pact comes on the heels of Mowry starring in two back-to-back Lifetime holiday movies – A Very Vintage Christmas (2019) and My Christmas Inn (2018) – both of which will also be featured during this year’s holiday schedule.
Mowry will produce the three films under the deal via her production company with executive Tiegen Kosiak.
“We are committed to fostering long-term relationships with beloved talent that our viewers connect with and are thrilled to have Tia jumping on our sleigh,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP of Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and Lmn. “Like our holiday movies, Tia is fun,...
Mowry will produce the three films under the deal via her production company with executive Tiegen Kosiak.
“We are committed to fostering long-term relationships with beloved talent that our viewers connect with and are thrilled to have Tia jumping on our sleigh,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP of Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and Lmn. “Like our holiday movies, Tia is fun,...
- 8/28/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has set “Orange Is the New Black” alum Danielle Brooks as the star of the next original film under the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner, the network announced Monday.
Directed by Kenny Leon, who previously helmed the network’s all-African American remake of “Steel Magnolias,” “Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story” will explore the life of gospel legend and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson. It is the first of four new scripted films ordered by Lifetime under the its existing partnership with Roberts.
Born in New Orleans, Jackson is one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, known for melding her music with the civil rights movement, best known for her recording of “Move on Up a Little Higher” and performing at John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball and the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Also Read: Women Say Jeffrey Epstein Made Them a 'Human Baton,...
Directed by Kenny Leon, who previously helmed the network’s all-African American remake of “Steel Magnolias,” “Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story” will explore the life of gospel legend and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson. It is the first of four new scripted films ordered by Lifetime under the its existing partnership with Roberts.
Born in New Orleans, Jackson is one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, known for melding her music with the civil rights movement, best known for her recording of “Move on Up a Little Higher” and performing at John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball and the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Also Read: Women Say Jeffrey Epstein Made Them a 'Human Baton,...
- 8/3/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Lifetime has extended its partnership with journalist Robin Roberts for four new movies and they are about to fuel the soul with Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story. The movie will star Tony Award nominee, SAG and Grammy Award-winning actress Danielle Brooks as the iconic gospel legend and civil rights activist while Tony winner Kenny Leon will direct. The pic comes from Rock’n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions. Roberts will executive produce alongside Linda Berman.
Born in New Orleans, Mahalia began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement. Her recording of the song “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions of copies, skyrocketing...
Born in New Orleans, Mahalia began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement. Her recording of the song “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions of copies, skyrocketing...
- 8/3/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has tapped UPtv Evp and General Manager Amy Winter as Evp and Head of Programming. Based in New York, she will oversee all programming for the network inclusive of movies, scripted and unscripted for Lifetime and Lmn, reporting to Rob Sharenow, President of Programming at A+E Networks. Winter will start her new job in March.
With Winter’s hire, Lifetime is reinstating the Evp/Head of Programming role, which was phased out in 2018 following the exit of Liz Gateley. At the time, her duties were split between Gena McCarthy, who was named Evp, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, fyi, and Tanya Lopez, who was promoted to Evp, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and Lmn. McCarthy and Lopez are staying on and now will report to Winter.
“I’ve long admired Amy and all of the success she’s had throughout her career, and I...
With Winter’s hire, Lifetime is reinstating the Evp/Head of Programming role, which was phased out in 2018 following the exit of Liz Gateley. At the time, her duties were split between Gena McCarthy, who was named Evp, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, fyi, and Tanya Lopez, who was promoted to Evp, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and Lmn. McCarthy and Lopez are staying on and now will report to Winter.
“I’ve long admired Amy and all of the success she’s had throughout her career, and I...
- 2/25/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Robin Roberts. Gretchen Carlson. Alex Cooper. Wendy Williams. Jo Frost. Ashley Graham. As Lifetime hits its 35th anniversary as a network, it does so with a plethora of pivotal partnerships to further the brand’s promise to keep women’s perspectives the drivers of their narrative stories.
“Our women are survivors, not victims,” says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president, movies, limited series and original acquisitions, Lifetime and Lifetime Movies. “It’s something we’ve seen that we as a network — only on Lifetime — will do. And that’s the big theme that we have now used as a filter for everything that we are doing: Only on Lifetime will you hear this way of telling a story.”
Although Lifetime’s goal was always to put women’s stories at the forefront, Lopez feels the brand began evolving to its current theme in 2016 when it released “Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le,...
“Our women are survivors, not victims,” says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president, movies, limited series and original acquisitions, Lifetime and Lifetime Movies. “It’s something we’ve seen that we as a network — only on Lifetime — will do. And that’s the big theme that we have now used as a filter for everything that we are doing: Only on Lifetime will you hear this way of telling a story.”
Although Lifetime’s goal was always to put women’s stories at the forefront, Lopez feels the brand began evolving to its current theme in 2016 when it released “Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le,...
- 10/10/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
For seven years, Catherine Oxenberg says, individuals within the Nxivm organization groomed her daughter India and made her believe in their group as one of empowerment, despite many of their practices being abusive towards women. Now, those years have been condensed into a 90-minute dramatization of Oxenberg’s story for Lifetime, entitled “Escaping the Nxivm Cult: A Mother’s Fight to Save Her Daughter.”
Starting the story in the pre-nxivm days for the Oxenberg family, the movie explores why the mother and daughter duo both took an early workshop and why only India continued on with the group. When the two have differences of opinions on how much time and energy India is putting into this organization, the movie splits its point of view to spend time alone with both characters. Catherine’s experiences, portrayed by Andrea Roth, are pulled from Oxenberg’s own memories and writing in “Captive: A...
Starting the story in the pre-nxivm days for the Oxenberg family, the movie explores why the mother and daughter duo both took an early workshop and why only India continued on with the group. When the two have differences of opinions on how much time and energy India is putting into this organization, the movie splits its point of view to spend time alone with both characters. Catherine’s experiences, portrayed by Andrea Roth, are pulled from Oxenberg’s own memories and writing in “Captive: A...
- 9/20/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime has given the greenlight to two music-related projects, a miniseries on rap group Salt-n-Pepa and a biopic on gospel group the Clark Sisters. Queen Latifah is an executive producer for both projects via her Flavor Unit production company, with Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott among the executive producers for the Clark Sisters film. Both projects are slated for programming in 2020.
The Salt-n-Pepa miniseries traverses the lives of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, as they go from nursing school students to entering the world of hip-hop and...
The Salt-n-Pepa miniseries traverses the lives of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, as they go from nursing school students to entering the world of hip-hop and...
- 3/28/2019
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Lifetime is singing up a storm with two scripted projects based on the lives of rap stars Salt-n-Pepa and The Clark Sisters.
Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are exec producing a TV movie about the lives of gospel singers The Clark Sisters, while the Salt-n-Pepa story is being turned into a miniseries.
Salt-n-Pepa will tell the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, who fell into the world of rap and hip hop, after recording for a friend’s school project. One of the first all-female rap groups, the series will look at the pair who were unafraid to talk about sex and share their thoughts on men. The show will feature their greatest hits including “Let’s Talk About Sex”, “What a Man”, “Shoop” and “Push It”. It will be exec produced by Cheryl James, Sandra Denton and Jesse Collins as well...
Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are exec producing a TV movie about the lives of gospel singers The Clark Sisters, while the Salt-n-Pepa story is being turned into a miniseries.
Salt-n-Pepa will tell the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton, who fell into the world of rap and hip hop, after recording for a friend’s school project. One of the first all-female rap groups, the series will look at the pair who were unafraid to talk about sex and share their thoughts on men. The show will feature their greatest hits including “Let’s Talk About Sex”, “What a Man”, “Shoop” and “Push It”. It will be exec produced by Cheryl James, Sandra Denton and Jesse Collins as well...
- 3/27/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime is beefing up its TV film slate for next year, increasing the total to 150 movies and bringing in Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah to help.
The high-profile female trio will executive produce a biopic on the Clark Sisters. The authorized movie will detail their humble beginnings, struggles to find their place, to later becoming the best-selling Gospel group in the music world. The movie will feature re-recordings of some of the Clark Sisters biggest hits like “You Brought The Sunshine” and stars SAG nominee Aunjanue Ellis.
Elsewhere on the scripted front, Lifetime has set a miniseries on the female rap duo Salt-n-Pepa.
Also Read: Julie Andrews to Receive Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
The miniseries follows the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton as they fall into the world of rap and hip hop, after recording for a friend’s school project.
The high-profile female trio will executive produce a biopic on the Clark Sisters. The authorized movie will detail their humble beginnings, struggles to find their place, to later becoming the best-selling Gospel group in the music world. The movie will feature re-recordings of some of the Clark Sisters biggest hits like “You Brought The Sunshine” and stars SAG nominee Aunjanue Ellis.
Elsewhere on the scripted front, Lifetime has set a miniseries on the female rap duo Salt-n-Pepa.
Also Read: Julie Andrews to Receive Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
The miniseries follows the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton as they fall into the world of rap and hip hop, after recording for a friend’s school project.
- 3/27/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Phylicia Rashad; upcoming series “David Makes Man,” “The Terror: Infamy” and “Los Espookys”; and some panels dedicated to female storytelling have joined the eighth annual Atx Television Festival.
Rashad will be honored with this year’s “Award in Television eXcellence” and will take part in a Q&A discussion around the event. This award celebrates her iconic roles on “The Cosby Show,” “Empire,” “This is Us” and “David Makes Man.”
Speaking of “David Makes Man,” the upcoming Own drama will host a pilot screening at the festival, followed by a panel discussion with showrunner Dee Harris-Lawrence and cast members Rashad and Akili McDowell. The show centers on a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty.
Atx will also feature a premiere screening and panel for HBO’s upcoming primarily Spanish-language comedy “Los Espookys.
Rashad will be honored with this year’s “Award in Television eXcellence” and will take part in a Q&A discussion around the event. This award celebrates her iconic roles on “The Cosby Show,” “Empire,” “This is Us” and “David Makes Man.”
Speaking of “David Makes Man,” the upcoming Own drama will host a pilot screening at the festival, followed by a panel discussion with showrunner Dee Harris-Lawrence and cast members Rashad and Akili McDowell. The show centers on a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty.
Atx will also feature a premiere screening and panel for HBO’s upcoming primarily Spanish-language comedy “Los Espookys.
- 3/22/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Today marks the 35th anniversary of Lifetime. It is being celebrated with a marathon of signature original movies from the past two decades, like Flirting with Forty, Homeless to Harvard, Steel Magnolias and The Gabby Douglas Story.
Besides a tribute to the network’s past, the marathon is a nod to its future. Last summer, under new A+E Networks CEO Paul Buccieri, Lifetime made a change in its programming strategy, putting emphasis back on original movies and using them as backdoor pilots over traditional series development.
The network signaled its renewed push in original movies last August when it announced a 2019 slate of 75 films.
“It’s gotten so much higher than that,” said Lifetime veteran Tanya Lopez, Evp, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions. “I wouldn’t say that we’re doubling that but we’re definitely increasing them.” (The count includes both originals and acquisitions.)
The shift does not...
Besides a tribute to the network’s past, the marathon is a nod to its future. Last summer, under new A+E Networks CEO Paul Buccieri, Lifetime made a change in its programming strategy, putting emphasis back on original movies and using them as backdoor pilots over traditional series development.
The network signaled its renewed push in original movies last August when it announced a 2019 slate of 75 films.
“It’s gotten so much higher than that,” said Lifetime veteran Tanya Lopez, Evp, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions. “I wouldn’t say that we’re doubling that but we’re definitely increasing them.” (The count includes both originals and acquisitions.)
The shift does not...
- 2/1/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
We’re just one day past the autumnal equinox, but Lifetime already is in the holiday spirit. The cable channel has unwrapped its slate of Christmas movies, and there are 14 new originals under the tree this year along with nine acquired pics and a couple of specials.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the A+E Networks-owned net unveils its telepic slate billed as It’s a Wonderful Lifetime. After kicking off November 21 with a week featuring five nights of premieres, each ensuing week of the holiday season will feature new movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Check out the full lineup with descriptions and premiere dates below.
“It’s a Wonderful Lifetime is back in a major way with more hours of holiday programming than we have ever had before,” said Tanya Lopez, Evp Movies, Limited Series and Original Movie Acquisitions at Lifetime and Lmn.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the A+E Networks-owned net unveils its telepic slate billed as It’s a Wonderful Lifetime. After kicking off November 21 with a week featuring five nights of premieres, each ensuing week of the holiday season will feature new movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Check out the full lineup with descriptions and premiere dates below.
“It’s a Wonderful Lifetime is back in a major way with more hours of holiday programming than we have ever had before,” said Tanya Lopez, Evp Movies, Limited Series and Original Movie Acquisitions at Lifetime and Lmn.
- 9/24/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
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