'Producers' Hits B'klyn in 2005
The official news that the screen adaptation of The Producers will be shot in a Brooklyn studio early next year bodes well for a return to the city of more big-scale, high-profile film productions -- especially in light of a recently signed bill that gives tax credits to projects filming principally in New York state.
In other news, Denis Leary's TV series, Rescue Me, shuts up shop -- at least for now.
Films Recently Wrapped
Open up that Golden Gate... Director Danny Cistone finished West of Brooklyn in early September. The film is about a young Italian-American street kid (and closet poet) who escapes Brooklyn and moves to L.A. The comedy-drama was written by and stars Ronnie Marmo and has a supporting cast that includes Natalia Livingston, Joe Mantegna, Balthazar Getty, Robert Costanzo, James Madio, and Louis Vanaria.
In Blood of a Champion, an ex-con tries to maintain a normal life but is lured into the deadly world of street fighting. Director Lawrence Page wrapped the pic on Sept. 27. Filming was in New York City and Bergen County, N.J. The cast includes Bokeem Woodbine, Deborah A. Cox, Ashy Larry, D.J. Envy, and George Odom.
Films Now Shooting
(WARNING: Although casting directors request that all contact be made only by mail, many continue to limit submissions to either email or postcards and flyers without envelopes. As always, do not phone or visit their offices unless specifically instructed to do so.)
In Headspace, a young man's life changes when he meets a mysterious artist/chess master from New York's East Village. The project is taking a break from production, but first-time director Andrew van den Houten will resume shooting in late October or early November. The project stars Christopher Denham. The supporting cast includes Sean Young, Larry Fessenden, Mark Margolis, Dee Wallace-Stone, William Atherton, Olivia Hussey, and Udo Kier. Principals: No further casting. Background: Not hiring.
Work continues on an untitled film by Jim Jarmusch. Principals: No further casting. Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (60 Madison Ave. #1027, NYC 10010).
Joining the previously announced Meryl Streep in the romantic comedy Prime are Uma Thurman, Bryan Greenberg, Annie Parisse, Jerry Adler, Jon Abrahams, John Rothman, Zak Orth, and Madhur Jaffrey. Director Ben Younger (Boiler Room) helms this "very New York" film about a 37-year-old woman from the Upper East Side who has a love affair with a 23-year-old painter from Brooklyn. Shooting continues through mid-November. Principals: Ellen Lewis (135 West 26th St., 5th fl., NYC 10001). Background: Amerifilm Casting (195 Chrystie St., Ste. 502G, NYC 10002).
Running Interference.... Peter Masterson directs Olympia Dukakis, Mary Stuart Masterson, Christina Zorich, and Lainie Kazan in Intervention, a drama about members of Manhattan's theatrical elite who step in to confront a famous playwright about his drinking problem. Lensing began Sept. 26 and concludes Oct. 9. Principals: Jeff Block (48 Wall St., 12th fl., NYC 10005). Background: Not hiring background actors.
Upcoming Films
Oct. 15 is the start date for the boxing-Mob drama Third Man in the Ring, which will be shot in Manhattan and Brooklyn. A new director for the pic will be announced shortly. The film -- based on a true story -- spans several decades of the 20th century. Principals and background: Gold Lion Productions (18 Swift Ct., Clifton, NJ 07014).
Early November is the new projected start for Tru Blu, starring Denzel Washington and directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day). Pic is the real-life story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas. Principals: Bonnie Timmermann (517 West 35th St., 4th fl., NYC 10001). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (see above).
Beginning the end of October is Chronicles of a Skater Girl, from director Dan Mirman. In the film, a conservative young woman confronts her counterculture past when she becomes involved in a love triangle. No further casting.
Looking ahead: Every Word Is True is about Truman Capote and the creation of his classic nonfiction novel "In Cold Blood." Douglas McGrath (Emma) is scheduled to direct beginning in January 2005. Reported as cast members are Sandra Bullock, Toby Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sigourney Weaver.
Also upcoming (in February 2005) is Mel Brooks' screen adaptation of The Producers, which will lens at the Brooklyn Navy Yard's Steiner Studios. The property's Broadway stars, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, will be joined by Will Ferrell and the peripatetic Nicole Kidman. Look for more info on these projects in future installments of Backlot Buzz.
Pushed back to spring 2005 is the bodybuilder comedy Pumping Up, from director Peter Papageorgiou. Principals and background: Smash One Productions (34-17 Steinway St., Ste. 911, Astoria, NY 11102).
TV Series Shoots
Rescue Me: The new FX series from Sony Pictures Television starring Denis Leary wrapped on Sept. 28, but it will likely resume production in February or March 2005.
Third Watch: Now in its sixth season, the NBC drama about night-shift emergency workers is expected to film through mid-January 2005. Principals: Bowling/Miscia Casting (159 West 25th St., Ste. 319, NYC 10001). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (see above).
Law and Order: Filming proceeds through April 25 on season 15. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (Pier 62, Rm. #304, West 23rd St. and Hudson River, NYC 10011). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (see above).
Law and Order: SVU: Continues work on its sixth season for NBC through April 4. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (see above). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (see above).
Law and Order: Criminal Intent: The NBC drama, now in its fourth season, shoots through April 28. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (see above). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (see above).
Law and Order: Trial by Jury: The newest entry in the L&O franchise is slated to debut in January 2005. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (see above). Background: To be determined.
Hope & Faith: ABC's Faith Ford-Kelly Ripa sitcom, now in its second season for ABC, continues lensing through Feb. 25. Principals: James Calleri Casting (416 West 42nd St., NYC 10036). Background: Kee Casting (424 Park Ave. South #128, NYC 10016).
Jonny Zero: The new Fox drama about a crime-solving ex-con lenses through year's end in all five boroughs. Principals: Bowling/Miscia Casting (see above). Background: Kee Casting (see above).
Daytime Drama
(Note: The casting directors of these New York-based daytime dramas stress that you do not make unsolicited visits or calls to their offices.)
All My Children (ABC): Judy Blye Wilson (casting dir.), Robert Lambert (assoc., under-fives and background), Anthony Volastro (casting asst.), 320 West 66th St., NYC 10023. Send pix, resumes, postcards.
As the World Turns (CBS): Mary Clay Boland (principals), LaMont Craig (under-fives), Kate Martineau (background), 1268 East 14th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230. Send pix and resumes.
Guiding Light (CBS): Rob Decina (casting dir.), Melanie Haseltine (assoc. casting dir.), 222 East 44th St., NYC 10017. Accepts postcards and showcase invitations.
One Life to Live (ABC): Julie Madison (casting dir.), Victoria Visgilio (assoc.), Sheryl Baker-Fisher (asst.), 157 Columbus Ave., 2nd fl., NYC 10023. Send pix and resumes or postcards only.