Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles!
While production might still be on hold around the world, some Hollywood film and TV projects are moving forward with casting ahead of tentative shooting dates set for later this year once safe on-set protocols have been established. Please note that shoot dates are subject to state and county COVID-19 quarantine restrictions and may change. Refer to Call Sheet for the latest updates and keep checking Backstage for the latest news on project development during this time.
“Big Deal”
“Saturday Night Live” alum Vanessa Bayer, who spent seven seasons on the iconic sketch show, is returning to television with the Showtime pilot “Big Deal.” Bayer is not the only “SNL” vet on the project; Molly Shannon, who spent six years on the comedy juggernaut, is also signed on to co-star. Even without an official start date, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the project has continued to round out its cast and crew. Bayer has already claimed an executive producing slot in addition to her starring role on the half-hour comedy. “Big Deal” will follow a woman who survived a battle with childhood leukemia to grow up and claim her lifelong dream job: becoming an on-air host at a QVC-like show. Bialy/Thomas & Associates is assembling the cast, and, in addition to Bayer and Shannon, the team has locked in Tami Sagher. Production on the pilot is all hypothetical at the moment, but the team is tentatively eyeing Fall 2020 for shooting dates. When the time comes for cameras to start rolling, they will do so in Los Angeles.
“American Auto”
Ana Gasteyer, another “SNL” alum, is looking to revive the crumbling automotive industry in America—at least onscreen. After her time on the sketch show, the comedian has been seen in film and on television, as well as the Broadway stage. Most recently, she has her sights set on NBC’s Michigan-based pilot, “American Auto.” The project will focus on a group of executives in the American automotive capital of Detroit who, post-bailout, run a large automobile manufacturer in dire straits. Trying to stay in the fight for corporate survival, the team of bumbling C-levels finds they must rediscover their purpose and company ideals in an ever-changing industry. Joining Gasteyer on the Greenstein/Daniel–cast pilot are X Mayo and Harriet Dyer, with additional cast yet to be found or announced. The L.A.-based production is currently suspended, like most other pilots, but will likely follow the trend of tentatively shooting this fall or winter.
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This story originally appeared in the June 11 issue of Backstage Magazine. Subscribe here.