Archive for 'Casting Updates'
CASTING UPDATE: Disney Pilot MADISON HIGH – HSM’s Ms. Darbus Gets Her Own Show!
Posted on 16. Mar, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
DISNEY CHANNEL CASTS PILOT FOR MUSICAL COMEDY “MADISON HIGH”
“High School Musical’s” Alyson Reed to Reprise Role of HSM Drama Teacher Ms. Darbus
A favorite star from High School Musical will be joined by 6 child actors in a new music and dance-driven comedy pilot, “Madison High” (working title). The series pilot introduces a troupe of theater students led by the melodramatic drama teacher Ms. Darbus, (Alyson Reed) a beloved character from the cultural sensation HSM 1, 2 & 3. Production on the pilot begins in March and is in consideration for a Disney Channel series premiere in early 2012.
Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “‘High School Musical’ introduced the joys of musicals and musical theater to a whole new generation and kids and families. They embraced the themes explored in those movies — about expressing oneself and following your dreams. And now, with ‘Madison High,’ we hope to give kids a whole new set of characters with whom to engage – along with more great original music, dance numbers and songs.”
Madison High will feature four original songs written by noted songwriters: Matthew Gerrard (“Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical”), Robbie Nevil (“Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical”), Jamie Houston (“High School Musical”), James Dean Hicks, David Lawrence (“High School Musical,” “High School Musical 2”), Faye Greenberg (“High School Musical 2”), Kara DioGuardi (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”) and J.D. Salbego.
Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush (“High School Musical” and its sequels) and Lester Lewis (“The Office”) and Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”) are the executive producers. The pilot was written by Lester Lewis and will be directed by Paul Hoen.
At Madison High, the students embark on a journey of self discovery while trying to build a revolutionary theatre program under the tutelage of Ms. Darbus. She casts a diverse troupe of both seasoned and raw actors to create an original musical production based on their lives. Pay attention, if this pilot is picked up these adorable kids will likely become household names:
15-year-old Luke Benward has the lead role of Devin Daniels, a motocross racer looking for a new hobby. The native of Nashville, Tennessee is the son of an actress and a musician, and since age 5 has appeared in commercials, music videos and movies, including the Disney Channel Original Movie “Minutemen,” “How to Eat Fried Worms,” “Doggone,” “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Mostly Ghostly,” “Dear John” and “We Were Soldiers.”
14-year-old singer Leah Lewis has landed her first leading role as Peyton Hall, a formerly home-schooled tennis champion. Born in China and raised in Orlando, Florida, Lewis has appeared in national commercials for Kraft Cheese, Home Depot and Natures Own Bread, as well as an international commercial for Disneyland Hong Kong. Leah is represented by Abrams Artists LA.
G. Hannelius, 12, is set to play Wednesday Malone, a precocious starlet in the making. The native of Boston, Massachusetts began her acting career at the age of 8 at the Children’s Theater of Maine. A familiar face on Disney Channel, she starred in the short form series “Leo Little’s Big Show” and “Den Brother,” and has appeared on “Sonny With A Chance,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Hannah Montana” and Disney XD’s “I’m in the Band.” Her other television credits include a series regular role on ABC’s “Surviving Suburbia.” She is represented by Innovative Artists.
Katherine McNamara has been cast as Cherry O’Keefe — Madison High’s resident queen bee and blogger. She has had guest spots on “30 Rock” and other television shows. She is represented by UTA.
Mark Indelicato as Harvey Flynn – the overly officious stage manager and reigning president of the Drama Club. You may know him as Justin Suarez on Ugly Betty. Mark has also appeared on Hot in Cleveland, Hack and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. He is represented by Agency for the Performing Arts (APA).
Troy Romzek as Brock– who may be the artistic anime fan whose hand-drawn Manga is inspired by his high school experiences. Romzek has appeared on True Jackson, Zeke and Luther and in an independent short “She’s a Fox,” with HMB favorite Hailee Steinfeld. He has no listed representation on IMDB Pro.
Save to Browser Favorites
Ask
backflip
blinklist
BlogBookmark
Bloglines
BlogMarks
Blogsvine
BuddyMarks
BUMPzee!
CiteULike
co.mments
Connotea
del.icio.us
DotNetKicks
Digg
diigo
dropjack.com
dzone
Facebook
Fark
Faves
Feed Me Links
Friendsite
folkd.com
Furl
Google
Hugg
Jeqq
Kaboodle
kirtsy
linkaGoGo
LinksMarker
Ma.gnolia
Mister Wong
Mixx
MySpace
MyWeb
Netvouz
Newsvine
PlugIM
popcurrent
Propeller
Reddit
Rojo
Segnalo
Shoutwire
Simpy
Slashdot
Sphere
Sphinn
Spurl.net
Squidoo
StumbleUpon
Technorati
ThisNext
Webride
Windows Live
Yahoo!
Email This to a Friend
If you like this then please subscribe to the Continue Reading
CASTING UPDATE: 2 Top Child Actors May Be Out of The Running for Katniss in “The Hunger Games”
Posted on 12. Mar, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Hold onto your beloved, earmarked hardcover copies of “The Hunger Games,” ladies as it appears Gary Ross and Lionsgate are close to casting Katniss for the feature film version of the trilogy.
Academy Award-nominated Jennifer Lawrence, 20, (Winter’s Bone) is rumored to be the actress who will be offered the lead role in the movie, based on Suzanne Collins‘novel according to Variety. The other contenders are fellow Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and prolific child star, Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine).
Variety comments that casting a slightly older actress gives producer Lionsgate to choose from larger pool of actors for the male lead character Peeta Mellark. Let’s face it – it would have been beyond uncomfortable to watch a 14 year old flirting with rumored Peeta casting favorite, Alex Pettyfer, 20.
Lawrence can next be seen in former child star Jodie Foster’s, “The Beaver,” starring Mel Gibson, in May.
Continue Reading
CASTING UPDATES: Child Star Joey King on NBC Pilot BENT
Posted on 24. Feb, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Child star Joey King, 11, has joined the cast of NBC comedy pilot Bent, from former Scrubs producer Tad Quill, under consideration for the 2011-2012 season. The show will focus on a newly-divorced single mother (Amanda Peet) who finds herself attracted to her new contractor.
Continue Reading
Casting News: Willow Smith to Star in Her Parents Remake of the Musical Movie “ANNIE”
Posted on 27. Jan, 2011 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
According to MTV.com, rapper Jay-Z aka Shawn Carter’s sampling of “It’s a Hard Knock Life” was merely a foreshadowing of a much larger endeavor. Turns out that Carter has partnered with actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith via their film production company Overbrook Entertainment to remake the classic film Annie. Other Overbrook partners include James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz.
And it’s anything but a hard-knock life for Willow ”Whip My Hair” Smith as Variety confirmed Wednesday, January 26, 2011 that Sony will produce the reimagining of the musical movie and that the Smiths have cast their 10-year-old daughter in the lead role of Annie. As you may recall, the original movie tells the story of little orphan Annie whose life is transformed when she goes to live with the wealthy industrialist Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks.
Continue Reading
CASTING CALL & UPDATES: New Disney Sitcom “A.N.T. Farm” Seeks Regulars, Guest Stars & Day Players
Posted on 22. Dec, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
It’s a Laugh Productions and Disney Channel are in pre-production on a new episodic series titled “A.N.T. Farm.” The half hour sitcom pilot was written and produced by Dan Singer, who will remain as the series head writer and executive producer. Signer has worked as co-executive producer, consulting producer, and writer on the Disney Channel series “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “The Suite Life on Deck.”
Disney picked up “A.N.T. Farm” for season 1 from the pilot episode which was directed by Bob Koherr. Koherr has directed numerous episodes of Disney shows such as “Hannah Montana,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “The Suite Life on Deck.”
China Anne McClain has landed the starring role as Chyna Sparks. The 12-year-old actress has worked on “Hannah Montana,” “Jonas,” and played Jazmine Payne on Tyler Perry’s television series “House of Payne,” as well as Perry’s film “Daddy’s Little Girls.” Most recently she played Charlotte McKenzie on the feature film “Grown Ups.” She is represented by Abrams Artists Agency and managed by The Brand.
Also starring is Sierra McCormick, who recently played the role of Susan in “Ramona and Beezus.” McCormick won a Family Television Award for “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Her other credits include “Hannah Montana,” “The Dog Who Saved Christmas,” “Land of the Lost,” and “A Nanny for Christmas.” Her manager is Oren Segal at Media Talent Group (who boast clients Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman) and she’s represented theatrically by Thomas Richards at the Corsa Agency.
Child Actors Stefanie Scott and Jake Short are also involved with this AFTRA project which will begin principal photography in January at LA Center Studios.
Casting for additional series regulars is underway. Guest stars, day players, extras, and stand-ins will continue to be cast throughout winter 2010 and spring 2011. Submit photos and resumes to: Liz Martinez-Nelson Casting, Brice/Gergely Casting, A.N.T. Farm Casting, 1040 Las Palmas Avenue, Bldg. 33, 3rd Floor, LA, CA 90038. Please remember, no personal appearances at the casting office!
Continue Reading
CASTING UPDATES: Director Gary Ross Says No Leading Contenders for HUNGER GAMES’ Katniss Everdeen Yet
Posted on 18. Dec, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
The Hunger Games casting process has become such a highly debated subject matter online and subject of speculation around town that I’ve dubbed it the “Katniss Games.” In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Director Gary Ross reveals that contrary to widespread rumor Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen has not yet been cast.
Ross stated he hadn’t met with any actresses for the coveted Katniss role but would be doing so shortly. Ross is committed to casting the right girl for the role and won’t “dumb the character down or cutesy her up for the movie,” according to EW. Ross tells EW: “I’ve talked to Suzanne [Connors, the author of the trilogy] extensively and I feel like I understand the character really, really well. I feel like I know who that girl needs to be.” He also quelled the rumor that there are already leading contenders for the role. “I’ve read in the press that there are frontrunners but that’s not the case.”
Ross hasn’t ruled out casting an unknown actress either. “I honestly don’t know,” he said. “We’ll cast the right person for the part. Lionsgate has been great in the respect that they don’t feel that this needs a movie star in Katniss’ role. The greatest thing about the franchise and the books being the star is that we can cast whoever we want. So we all feel like we’re just going to cast the right person.”
Gary Ross also explained that the casting will have nothing to do with an actress’ buzz or beauty, “I don’t think that’s the main criterion for Katniss. What makes Katniss attractive is her strength and her assuredness and her defiance and ultimately her compassion. And I don’t mean just physical strength. I mean a real strength as a human being. She knows her own truth. She feels deeply and fiercely. And this is something that the actress has to bring with her.”
My personal experience with Ross is that he will absolutely choose the right person for the role and with great conviction. While working on Pleasantville, I joined my husband Russell and Gary for sushi one evening after wrap. When I (innocently) questioned the casting choice of the lead character, David/Bud Parker, Gary conveyed his extreme commitment to and belief in a-then-unknown Tobey MaGuire for Pleasantville and felt no one else could play the part. And he was right, Tobey was the blend of youthful naiveté and serious acting chops the role required. As Ross himself is a prolific writer and story teller, he won’t be affected by the flavor-of-the-month casting syndrome Hollywood is notorious for, and with Lionsgate backing him, whomever they cast in the role will be an excellent choice. Let the Katniss Games begin!
Continue Reading
“Dance of the Mirlitons” Has Been Cast! Bailee Madison to Play Jesse Urchin.
Posted on 30. Nov, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
The Hollywod Reporter reports that Hollywood-It-Girl Chloe Moretz and young actress Bailee Madison (Brothers, Bridge to Terabithia) have joined the cast of the independent feature film Dance of the Mirlitons, which already features Kristen Bell as the “young, overbearing mother of an overweight, would-be ballerina (Madison) who will stop at nothing to make her daughter a star.” Madison will star as Bell’s daughter Jesse, while Moretz will play Madison’s arch rival. Moretz is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment, and Madison is represented by Coast to Coast Talent and James/Levy Management.
You may recall that Hollywood Mom Blog and others published the open casting call notice for Dance of Mirlitons, specifically seeking actors for the role of young ballerina, Jesse Urchin.
THR reveals that Writer-director Evan Greenberg and the producers spent months trying to cast the lead for the role, which has the potential for a breakout in the way Billy Elliot and Little Miss Sunshine proved a launching point for actors Jamie Bell and Abigail Breslin.
FMW Casting is casting Dance of the Mirlitons, an independent feature film from the producer of Juno and Up in the Air. Joel Michaely & Daniel Dubiecki producers.; Evan Greenberg, writer-director; Barbara Fiorentino, Rebecca Mangieri, and Wendy Weidman, casting directors; Danielle Aufiero & Karina Walters, casting associates.
Seeking—Jesse Urchin: female, 10-15, must be at least a little bit overweight, a seemingly unassuming girl and an unlikely ballerina, extremely flexible, well-trained, with a passion for dance, thrilled when she’s accepted to the Battleboro School for Young Dancers, but outraged to discover that the videotape sent to the school was that of her mother who is a former ballet dancer, to make matters worse the innocent and naïve girl is relegated to a special education class based simply on her physique, is incensed by this atrociousness and plots her revenge, becoming tenacious and ambitious to a fault, heeds the lesson her mother has taught her throughout her childhood (“I am a warrior”) and approaches her revenge with that mentality, further galvanized upon learning that the school will be holding auditions for the coveted role of Sleeping Beauty in the ballet of the same name, determined to land the plum role no matter what it takes, LEAD. Casting director states: “Think more along the lines of Election meets Welcome to the Dollhouse, rather than Disney, when submitting.”
Bailee Madison at the "Tangled" Premiere November 2010
Madison’s IMDB Bio reads: At just ten years of age, Bailee Madison possesses an illuminating presence that is evident in each role she takes. With inherent charm, sharp intelligence, and a vibrant personality, the young actress leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.
Best known for capturing the hearts of millions with her role as May Belle in Disney’s Bridge to Terabithia, Bailee has also left lasting impressions with her performances in the feature film Phoebe in Wonderland (with Felicity Huffman and Elle Fanning) and on the small screen in Nickelodeon’s Christmas time hit, Merry Christmas Drake and Josh.
Bailee’s talent as an actress will soon be on display in a variety of diverse and demanding roles, co-starring with some of the industry’s biggest stars. At the end of the last year, she won rave reviews and a Critics Choice Awards nomination for her powerful work in Brothers (with Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire). In 2010 she has no less than five feature films being released, An Invisible Sign of My Own (with Jessica Alba), Betty Anne Waters (with Hilary Swank), Letters To God, the true and inspiring story of a young boy’s struggle with cancer, Eloise in Africa (An Animated Film) and Guillermo del Toro’s Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark (with Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce) in which she has the lead role. She is currently filming the comedy Just Go With It with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in which she plays Jennifer Aniston’s daughter.
This young actress began her career when she was only two weeks old in an Office Depot commercial. One of her first roles was in the movie Lonely Hearts, in which she starred on the big screen alongside Salma Hayek and John Travolta..
Bailee’s magnetic personality was highlighted when she appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in March of 2007.
2010 Venice Beach Christmas Parade Attendee Bailee Madison
Bailee has often been described as an “old soul”, someone whose unique combination of sensitivity, strength, and emotion is well beyond her years. However, this Florida native still enjoys the simple activities of any nine-year-old, especially cooking, riding her bike, and playing with her friends.
Continue Reading
Child Actor Colin Ford Cast as Matt Damon’s son in “We Bought a Zoo”
Posted on 23. Oct, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.
Director Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) has cast the pivotal role of Dylan Mee in We Bought a Zoo, based on Benjamin Mee’s memoir of the same name. Seasoned Child Actor and Damon look-alike, Colin Ford has been cast as Matt Damon’s son in the movie, per the latest IMDB information on the film. Colin is represented by the Osbrink Agency and by Management 360, parent company of Film 360.
As mentioned in an earlier HMB post, “We Bought a Zoo” adapts Mee’s novel which documents the former news columnist purchase of the Dartmoor Wildlife Park In England with an ambitious notion of renovating it to it’s former glory and simultaneously helping the animals that resided there.
While Mee successfully saves the Zoo, during the process his wife Katherine learns she has terminal cancer and eventually succumbs to the disease leaving behind her spouse and 2 young children.
Ford, born September 12, 1996, in Nashville, Tennessee, has worked on such films as Push, and has appeared on numerous television shows: Supernatural, Hawaii Five-0, CSI Miami, Family Guy, and Private Practice among others.
Ford will appear alongside Damon in the movie, which will shoot early next.
Thomas Haden Church recently joined the cast. Amy Adams is under serious consideration to play Damon’s wife. HMB will update you with news of other castings as they come in.
Continue Reading
Join us on Networked Blogs!
Deadline.com
- ‘X Factor’s Rachel Crow Signs Talent Deal With Nickelodeon To Star In Comedy Series
- Australia’s Southern Star Names TV Industry Vet Janeen Faithfull To CEO Post
- ‘The Hunger Games’ Sets National Mall Tour Dates With Major Talent In Tow
- Oscar Countdown: Sherak On Kodak Theatre’s New Name, Show Ratings And Star Power
- ‘Skyfall’: Sam Mendes’ 1st Videoblog From Set Of 23rd James Bond Film
- Alliance Bulks Up With 16 Pics Including Dustin Hoffman Directing Debut ‘Quartet’
- Costumers Designers Guild Awards: ‘Dragon Tattoo’, ‘W.E.’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Glee’, ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘Downton Abbey’
- Will Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘The Dictator’ Character Walk The Oscar Red Carpet?
- Ashley Tisdale To Star In CBS Comedy Pilot, Chris Egan In ABC’s ‘Beauty & The Beast’