"Cheers" was the third highest-rated show on television when Shelley Long opted to quit the series at the end of its fifth season and pursue movie stardom. Though the show had long since settled into its ensemble groove, the on-again/off-again Sam Malone and Diane Chambers romance was the primary generator of water-cooler chatter. Moreover, the chemistry between Long and Ted Danson was the stuff of a series showrunner's dream. Their banter was worthy of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. You don't just go out and find another Katharine Hepburn. Could "Cheers," brilliant and popular as it was, survive Long's departure, especially when fans had so much invested in Diane?
This was the conundrum faced by casting director Jeff Greenberg, who'd joined "Cheers" during Long's last season. He knew chasing the next Long was courting disaster, so he looked for an actor who could hold her own with Danson and...
This was the conundrum faced by casting director Jeff Greenberg, who'd joined "Cheers" during Long's last season. He knew chasing the next Long was courting disaster, so he looked for an actor who could hold her own with Danson and...
- 4/20/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Over an impressive 11 years, every season of "Frasier" boasted some top-notch guest stars. The beloved sitcom, which recently returned for a revival show that was neither disappointing nor remarkable, featured everyone from Patrick Stewart to Michael Keaton and almost the entire cast of "Cheers" — the show on which Frasier Crane himself debuted.
But there were also a ton of major guest appearances that we never got to see. Dr. Crane famously ran a call-in talk radio show on Seattle's Kacl station, where he would dole out life advice to embattled residents of the Emerald City, many of whom were big-time celebrities. At one point Macaulay Culkin called Frasier's show as a self-conscious 43-year-old man who was concerned about his youthful voice. Then there was the time Helen Mirren sought Dr. Crane's advice about her kleptomania. But that's just the beginning of the sitcom's extensive list of unseen guest stars. In fact,...
But there were also a ton of major guest appearances that we never got to see. Dr. Crane famously ran a call-in talk radio show on Seattle's Kacl station, where he would dole out life advice to embattled residents of the Emerald City, many of whom were big-time celebrities. At one point Macaulay Culkin called Frasier's show as a self-conscious 43-year-old man who was concerned about his youthful voice. Then there was the time Helen Mirren sought Dr. Crane's advice about her kleptomania. But that's just the beginning of the sitcom's extensive list of unseen guest stars. In fact,...
- 1/28/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The first season of "Frasier" is remarkable for having all the elements that made the show so beloved. Whereas you wouldn't begrudge "Friends" fans for skipping the first season on a rewatch, and even "The Simpsons" took a while to settle into its groove, "Frasier" seemingly had it all dialed in from the outset.
In fact, the show had things figured out in the pilot, "The Good Son," which first aired in 1993. In the inagural installment, the writing is as sharp as "Frasier" ever was. Meanwhile, star Kelsey Grammer, already adept at playing the finickity psychiatrist from his years portraying him on "Cheers," is effortlessly comfortable in the lead role. Even the supporting cast are all perfectly-pitched from the outset, making the pilot a truly impressive artifact as well as a brilliantly funny episode of the beloved sitcom.
The pilot itself showcases how Frasier Crane, who originated as a regular...
In fact, the show had things figured out in the pilot, "The Good Son," which first aired in 1993. In the inagural installment, the writing is as sharp as "Frasier" ever was. Meanwhile, star Kelsey Grammer, already adept at playing the finickity psychiatrist from his years portraying him on "Cheers," is effortlessly comfortable in the lead role. Even the supporting cast are all perfectly-pitched from the outset, making the pilot a truly impressive artifact as well as a brilliantly funny episode of the beloved sitcom.
The pilot itself showcases how Frasier Crane, who originated as a regular...
- 12/4/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
It’s a chilly February evening on the Paramount lot as Kelsey Grammer transforms into Frasier Crane for the first time in nearly two decades. It’s an emotional moment on set, both nostalgic and anticipatory. The sets are new, as is every cast member besides Grammer. But behind the camera, legendary director James Burrows shares some continuity with Grammer — having been there from the character’s 1984 beginning on “Cheers.”
Even months later, with the 2023 “Frasier” now on the air (via Paramount+), Grammer gets choked up when asked about what returning to the character — and having institutions like Burrows (one of the original “Cheers” creators) back on board — means to him.
“It’s a piece of personal heaven for me that Jimmy Burrows is still in my life,” Grammer says, his voice cracking just a bit. “And I will always feel that way about him. He’s really helpful. And...
Even months later, with the 2023 “Frasier” now on the air (via Paramount+), Grammer gets choked up when asked about what returning to the character — and having institutions like Burrows (one of the original “Cheers” creators) back on board — means to him.
“It’s a piece of personal heaven for me that Jimmy Burrows is still in my life,” Grammer says, his voice cracking just a bit. “And I will always feel that way about him. He’s really helpful. And...
- 11/22/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
"Frasier" had a bevy of guest stars throughout its original eleven-season run, but you might not recognize some of them on first watch. That's because many of the most famous actors to appear on the beloved sitcom did so in voice only, calling into psychologist Frasier Crane's (Kelsey Grammer) Seattle radio show for all manner of life advice. Casting a celebrity who viewers never actually see felt like a new gimmick when the series first premiered, and it's frankly still a rarity now.
In an oral history of the series published by Vanity Fair in 2018, series co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, casting director Jeff Greenberg, and director Jimmy Burrows talked about how the call-in guest stars idea originated, who showed up on the other end of the line, and which celebrities turned "Frasier" down. "Early on, someone suggested getting guest voices," Casey recalled. "Kelsey agreed, as long as they weren't goofy calls.
In an oral history of the series published by Vanity Fair in 2018, series co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, casting director Jeff Greenberg, and director Jimmy Burrows talked about how the call-in guest stars idea originated, who showed up on the other end of the line, and which celebrities turned "Frasier" down. "Early on, someone suggested getting guest voices," Casey recalled. "Kelsey agreed, as long as they weren't goofy calls.
- 11/19/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
In honor of the late Robbie Robertson, whose “Killers of the Flower Moon” score was his final work, Martin Scorsese hosted a private tribute concert Wednesday in Los Angeles that had guests including Joni Mitchell, Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone watching Jackson Browne and other musicians perform Robertson’s songs as well as score excerpts.
The tribute to Robertson — who died on Aug. 9 at age 80 — took place before 200 invited guests at the composer’s longtime recording-studio home, the Village Studios in West L.A. Among those joining Browne as performers were Rocco DeLuca, Citizen Cope, Angela McCluskey, Blake Mills, Jim Keltner and, briefly, Jason Isbell, who has a small role in “Killers.”
Jackson Browne and Jason Isbell at the Robbie Robertson Memorial Concert at The Village Studios on November 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Robertson was being doubly celebrated Wednesday night. Simultaneous with the tribute concert, he was being posthumously awarded...
The tribute to Robertson — who died on Aug. 9 at age 80 — took place before 200 invited guests at the composer’s longtime recording-studio home, the Village Studios in West L.A. Among those joining Browne as performers were Rocco DeLuca, Citizen Cope, Angela McCluskey, Blake Mills, Jim Keltner and, briefly, Jason Isbell, who has a small role in “Killers.”
Jackson Browne and Jason Isbell at the Robbie Robertson Memorial Concert at The Village Studios on November 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Robertson was being doubly celebrated Wednesday night. Simultaneous with the tribute concert, he was being posthumously awarded...
- 11/16/2023
- by Pamela Chelin
- Variety Film + TV
“Frasier” will soon be making a comeback to the airwaves.
On Monday, staffer Jeff Greenberg confirmed with a tweet that production is well on its way to rebooting the iconic show, reported People. The tweet (which has since been deleted) contained a snap of the pilot episode’s script with the caption: “And so it begins. Again.”
Read More: Kelsey Grammer Shares New Detail About ‘Frasier’ Revival
The script gave some insight into the minds behind the reboot. James Burrow, who helped direct the original hit series, is returning his place as director.
The first episode of the long-awaited reboot is titled “The Good Father”, which gives the nod back to the original “Frasier” episode titled “The Good Son”.
Kelsey Grammar will be reprising his role as the show’s main character and acting as the sitcom’s executive producer this time around.
Read More: Lisa Kudrow Reveals Reason She...
On Monday, staffer Jeff Greenberg confirmed with a tweet that production is well on its way to rebooting the iconic show, reported People. The tweet (which has since been deleted) contained a snap of the pilot episode’s script with the caption: “And so it begins. Again.”
Read More: Kelsey Grammer Shares New Detail About ‘Frasier’ Revival
The script gave some insight into the minds behind the reboot. James Burrow, who helped direct the original hit series, is returning his place as director.
The first episode of the long-awaited reboot is titled “The Good Father”, which gives the nod back to the original “Frasier” episode titled “The Good Son”.
Kelsey Grammar will be reprising his role as the show’s main character and acting as the sitcom’s executive producer this time around.
Read More: Lisa Kudrow Reveals Reason She...
- 1/31/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning comic actress known for her turns on Cheers, Veronica’s Closet and the three Look Who’s Talking films, has died. She was 71.
Alley died after a battle with cancer “only recently discovered,” her children True and Lillie Parker announced Monday, describing their mom as “incredible, fierce and loving.” No other details were immediately available.
“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” they said in a statement. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
They added that they were “grateful for the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Moffitt Cancer Center” in Tampa, Florida.
The bawdy Alley collected eight Emmy nominations during her career, the first five for playing...
Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning comic actress known for her turns on Cheers, Veronica’s Closet and the three Look Who’s Talking films, has died. She was 71.
Alley died after a battle with cancer “only recently discovered,” her children True and Lillie Parker announced Monday, describing their mom as “incredible, fierce and loving.” No other details were immediately available.
“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” they said in a statement. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
They added that they were “grateful for the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Moffitt Cancer Center” in Tampa, Florida.
The bawdy Alley collected eight Emmy nominations during her career, the first five for playing...
- 12/6/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marsha Kramer, a theater and television actress who most recently played Margaret an assistant to Ed O’Neill’s character on the ABC sitcom Modern Family, has died. She was 74.
Modern Family director Jeff Greenberg shared the news of Kramer’s death Friday on Twitter.
“So sad to hear that my long time friend, Marsha Kramer passed away yesterday at the age of 74,” Greenberg began. “She was so delightful in the 14 eps she shot as Margaret on Modern Family over the last 7 yrs, but I’ll always remember her soaring aloft as Wendy to Sandy Duncan’s Peter Pan. #Rip.”
So sad to hear that my long time friend, Marsha Kramer passed away yesterday at the age of 74. She was so delightful in the 14 eps she shot as Margaret on Modern Family over the last 7 yrs, but I’ll always remember her soaring aloft as Wendy to Sandy Duncan’s Peter Pan.
Modern Family director Jeff Greenberg shared the news of Kramer’s death Friday on Twitter.
“So sad to hear that my long time friend, Marsha Kramer passed away yesterday at the age of 74,” Greenberg began. “She was so delightful in the 14 eps she shot as Margaret on Modern Family over the last 7 yrs, but I’ll always remember her soaring aloft as Wendy to Sandy Duncan’s Peter Pan. #Rip.”
So sad to hear that my long time friend, Marsha Kramer passed away yesterday at the age of 74. She was so delightful in the 14 eps she shot as Margaret on Modern Family over the last 7 yrs, but I’ll always remember her soaring aloft as Wendy to Sandy Duncan’s Peter Pan.
- 1/26/2020
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Marsha Kramer, who most recently played the assistant of Ed O'Neill's Jay Pritchett on the ABC sitcom Modern Family, has died. She was 74.
Modern Family casting director Jeff Greenberg took to social media to pay tribute to the actress, who died Friday. The cause of death is unknown.
"So sad to hear that my long time friend, Marsha Kramer passed away yesterday at the age of 74. She was so delightful in the 14 eps she shot as Margaret on Modern Family over the last 7 yrs, but I’ll always remember her soaring aloft as ...
Modern Family casting director Jeff Greenberg took to social media to pay tribute to the actress, who died Friday. The cause of death is unknown.
"So sad to hear that my long time friend, Marsha Kramer passed away yesterday at the age of 74. She was so delightful in the 14 eps she shot as Margaret on Modern Family over the last 7 yrs, but I’ll always remember her soaring aloft as ...
- 1/25/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
With the end of an era coming for ABC's long-running sitcom Modern Family, author Marc Freeman is ready to give insider access to the show in lieu of the series finale.
In Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television's Groundbreaking Sitcoms (St. Martin Press), Freeman details behind-the-scenes stories with full participation from cast and crew, including co-creators and executive producers Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan and casting director Jeff Greenberg. Castmembers will also offer their impressions from their first table read through the series finale, expected to air in April.
"From script development to ...
In Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television's Groundbreaking Sitcoms (St. Martin Press), Freeman details behind-the-scenes stories with full participation from cast and crew, including co-creators and executive producers Christopher Lloyd and Steve Levitan and casting director Jeff Greenberg. Castmembers will also offer their impressions from their first table read through the series finale, expected to air in April.
"From script development to ...
- 1/10/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Fans and TV critics are mourning the loss of “Frasier” star John Mahoney, who died Sunday at 77. Cameron Crowe, who directed Mahoney in 1989’s “Say Anything” said “Here’s to you, John Mahoney! You make the unforgettable look easy.” “Say Anything” co-star John Cusack tweeted to say he was a “great actor” and a “lovely kind human.” “Any time you saw him you left feeling better – Rip John,” Cusack wrote on Monday. Also Read: John Mahoney, 'Frasier' Dad, Dies at 77 “I’ve not known a kinder man nor more brilliant actor,” tweeted casting director Jeff Greenberg. “We were all blessed to have spent...
- 2/5/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
John Mahoney has passed away. The Frasier star died on Sunday, February 4 in Chicago at the age of 77 after a short illness, Mahoney's rep confirms to E! News. For 11 seasons, from 1993 to 2004, Mahoney starred on Frasier as Martin Crane, the father of Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce). After news of Mahoney's death broke on Monday, Frasier casting director Jeff Greenberg took to Twitter to post a tribute to the actor. "The great John Mahoney passed away today at age 77. I've not known a kinder man nor more brilliant actor. We were all blessed to have spent 11 glorious years together," Greenberg wrote to his Twitter followers. Greenberg also...
- 2/5/2018
- E! Online
With filmmaker Dennis Dugan as emcee, Fox 11 TV anchor Christine Devine as a speaker and The Sound 100.3 FM as a media partner, the 19th annual Alive & Running Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention raised about $375,000 for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services’ Suicide Prevention Center.
In memory of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, two popular musicians who recently died by suicide, The Village recording studios’ CEO, Jeff Greenberg, created a team to focus attention on suicide in the music industry. Didi Hirsch’s Board Chair Chris Harrer presented Greenberg and his team with the Inspiration Award.
“Artists by nature are very sensitive and creative… Like anybody experiencing difficulties or trauma, sometimes there are no warning signs,” said Greenberg, whose team raised over $10,000. “What Didi Hirsch is doing beautifully well is letting people know how to spot signs when a friend or colleague or someone they love is...
In memory of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, two popular musicians who recently died by suicide, The Village recording studios’ CEO, Jeff Greenberg, created a team to focus attention on suicide in the music industry. Didi Hirsch’s Board Chair Chris Harrer presented Greenberg and his team with the Inspiration Award.
“Artists by nature are very sensitive and creative… Like anybody experiencing difficulties or trauma, sometimes there are no warning signs,” said Greenberg, whose team raised over $10,000. “What Didi Hirsch is doing beautifully well is letting people know how to spot signs when a friend or colleague or someone they love is...
- 10/2/2017
- Look to the Stars
Culminating September’s Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services will hold its 19th Annual Alive & Running 5K Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention on Sunday, September 24, 2017 beginning at 7:00 a.m. at West 88th Street & La Tijera Boulevard just north of Lax.
The month began with suicide prevention in the spotlight as 50 Didi Hirsch staffers, clients and volunteers-many of whom have attempted or lost loved ones to suicide-joined Def Jam Rapper Logic on stage at MTV’s Video Music Awards as he performed his suicide prevention song “1-800-273-8355,” the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number.
Alive & Running is an inspiring, life-affirming gathering of people affected by suicide that remembers loved ones and raises money and awareness for Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center-the first and only one of its kind in the nation. The family-friendly event, which includes live music, speakers, children’s activities and a Health & Wellness Expo,...
The month began with suicide prevention in the spotlight as 50 Didi Hirsch staffers, clients and volunteers-many of whom have attempted or lost loved ones to suicide-joined Def Jam Rapper Logic on stage at MTV’s Video Music Awards as he performed his suicide prevention song “1-800-273-8355,” the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number.
Alive & Running is an inspiring, life-affirming gathering of people affected by suicide that remembers loved ones and raises money and awareness for Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center-the first and only one of its kind in the nation. The family-friendly event, which includes live music, speakers, children’s activities and a Health & Wellness Expo,...
- 9/5/2017
- Look to the Stars
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services presents the 19th Annual Alive & Running 5K Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention.
The event will take place on Sunday, September 24, 2017 beginning at 7:00 a.m. at West 88th Street & La Tijera Boulevard just north of Lax. (Schedule of Events is listed below.)
Held during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, Alive & Running is an inspiring, life-affirming gathering of people affected by suicide that remembers loved ones and raises money and awareness for the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center. The family-friendly event includes live music, speakers, children’s activities and a Health & Wellness Expo.
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that suicide for teen girls is at a 40-year high, the event is expected to draw hundreds of high school and college students who have been affected by suicide and want to support prevention efforts. Last year, about 2,000 runners, walkers and volunteers attended Alive & Running,...
The event will take place on Sunday, September 24, 2017 beginning at 7:00 a.m. at West 88th Street & La Tijera Boulevard just north of Lax. (Schedule of Events is listed below.)
Held during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, Alive & Running is an inspiring, life-affirming gathering of people affected by suicide that remembers loved ones and raises money and awareness for the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center. The family-friendly event includes live music, speakers, children’s activities and a Health & Wellness Expo.
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that suicide for teen girls is at a 40-year high, the event is expected to draw hundreds of high school and college students who have been affected by suicide and want to support prevention efforts. Last year, about 2,000 runners, walkers and volunteers attended Alive & Running,...
- 8/14/2017
- Look to the Stars
Are you a fan of Cheers? Recently, casting director Jeff Greenberg spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the NBC series finale.Created by James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles, the long-running sitcom starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer. The show ran for 11 seasons before ending in 1993.Read More…...
- 5/25/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
While the Oscars have yet to make room for casting directors — a pivotal part of the Best Picture equation — the oversight isn't stopping the Casting Society of America from readying its third decade of picking up the Academy's slack. Csa announced Monday morning that the 30th Annual Artios Awards will honor Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director Rob Marshall and Emmy Award-winning casting director Ellen Lewis for their individual work in the world of casting. The news arrives with nominations in categories of television, theater, new media and short film, and on the heels of the ceremony's move from November to Jan. 22, the thick of the awards season. Feature film nominations will be announced closer to the show date. Marshall, whose adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" bows Dec. 25, will receive the New York Apple Award, "recognizing individuals who have made special contributions to the New York entertainment...
- 9/22/2014
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
News
Vulture reports that the next season of Big Brother will be broadcast in HD. Big Brother is such a complicated show to film, switching from Sd to HD took three years to complete, a process that had to take breaks when it came time to airing new seasons. Big Brother is the last prime time show on the broadcast networks to still air in Sd.
Kevin Ryan, one of the guys who looked magnificent on Copper, despite all that awkward facial hair and layers upon layers of clothing, has been added to the cast of History’s upcoming mini-series Sons of Liberty. Ryan will play a British officer in the revolutionary war drama.
Kevin Ryan
Darren Aronofsky is developing a series for HBO based on the Margaret Atwood MaddAddam trilogy. That series always sounded interesting to me but it also sounded depressing enough to send me to the relatively-happier works of Octavia Butler.
Vulture reports that the next season of Big Brother will be broadcast in HD. Big Brother is such a complicated show to film, switching from Sd to HD took three years to complete, a process that had to take breaks when it came time to airing new seasons. Big Brother is the last prime time show on the broadcast networks to still air in Sd.
Kevin Ryan, one of the guys who looked magnificent on Copper, despite all that awkward facial hair and layers upon layers of clothing, has been added to the cast of History’s upcoming mini-series Sons of Liberty. Ryan will play a British officer in the revolutionary war drama.
Kevin Ryan
Darren Aronofsky is developing a series for HBO based on the Margaret Atwood MaddAddam trilogy. That series always sounded interesting to me but it also sounded depressing enough to send me to the relatively-happier works of Octavia Butler.
- 6/6/2014
- by Lyle Masaki
- The Backlot
"I'd like to thank my casting director." Those aren't usually the first words of an awards season acceptance speech, but increasingly casting directors are getting a shout out from the Hollywood lectern. From Bryan Cranston to the stars of "Modern Family," casting directors are now on the receiving end of accolades from the performers to whom they gave roles. When the cast of AMC's "Breaking Bad" took the stage last Saturday after winning the SAG Award for TV drama ensemble, Cranston first thanked Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas, who have worked on the series since the pilot. "Our casting directors, terrific job," he said. Also at the SAG Awards, Sofia Vergara thanked series casting director Jeff Greenberg while accepting the cast's fourth SAG Award for comedy ensemble. Richard Hicks, president of the Casting Society of America, calls the accolades a "lovely surprise." "Csa is grateful to the casts of both...
- 1/22/2014
- backstage.com
It's almost impossible to imagine Modern Family without one of its talented castmembers. But turns out, Ed O'Neill, who plays Jay Pritchett on the ABC show, almost didn't get cast in the hit comedy. "When I read it I thought, 'Oh boy, this is pretty good,'" the 67-year-old actor recalls. "And I called my manager and he said, 'Well, they're out to Craig T. Nelson.'" "They couldn't really decide between Craig and Ed," casting director Jeff Greenberg adds. "They're both wonderful comic actors." Despite Ed's obvious chemistry with his TV wife Sofia Vergara (who plays Gloria Pritchett), his impeccable comedic timing and...
- 9/4/2013
- E! Online
The major television networks are scrambling to cast dozens of new pilots for next season, which means new opportunities for actors. ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and the CW are each taking different approaches to their array of drama and comedy projects, so Backstage takes a look at all of the latest developments of this pilot season. Nbcnbc has ordered 11 comedy pilots so far this season, including “About a Boy,” based on the book by Nick Hornby that was adapted into a 2002 film starring Hugh Grant, which will be cast by Cami Patton; “Joe, Joe & Jane,” being cast by Jeff Greenberg, about a children's book author who must deal with his needy wife and his best friend/co-author; and “Assistance,” about a female assistant who must deal with her demanding boss with the help of her “work husband” and her fiancé, to be cast by Geraldine Leder. The network has a...
- 1/26/2013
- backstage.com
As pilot season begins to ramp up, four new comedy projects now have casting directors attached, Backstage has learned. The comedy "About a Boy" for NBC, which has ordered 11 comedy pilots this season, will be cast by North Hollywood-based Cami Patton. The pilot, based on the book by Nick Hornby which was also turned into a movie starring Hugh Grant, is about a serial bachelor who develops a relationship with the geeky boy who moves in next door. A shoot date and location is still being determined. NBC's "Joe, Joe & Jane," which has "Army Wives'" Sally Pressman lined up for one of the title characters, will be cast by Jeff Greenberg. The comedy pilot, which is based loosely on the relationship between executive producers Joe Port and Joe Wiseman and his wife, is about a children's book author who must deal with his needy wife and his best friend/co-author.
- 1/24/2013
- backstage.com
Casting director Jeff Greenberg recently scored his tenth Emmy nomination, this time for his work on the ABC sitcom “Modern Family,” after winning the award last year for the show. But don’t think that means it’s all old hat to the veteran CD, who has worked on such shows as “Cheers,” “Frasier,” and “Ugly Betty.” “It is completely thrilling,” says Greenberg. “It remains a dream come true, every single time. There’s not a blasé moment that happens; it’s really an amazing feeling.”You’ve been with “Modern Family” since the pilot. The cast is made up of a lot of well-known actors, but Eric Stonestreet was new to audiences. How did you find him? Jeff Greenberg: Eric has been auditioning for me for 10 years. About 10 years ago, he tested for a pilot for me called “Say Uncle” that, ironically, Steve Levitan produced. Eric didn’t...
- 8/2/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Jenelle Riley)
- backstage.com
Two network series set to start taping this summer have found casting directors.After Susan Edelman cast the successful pilot, Jeff Greenberg has been brought in to cast the first season of ABC’s “How to Live With Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life,” Back Stage has learned. The half-hour comedy stars former “Scrubs” mainstay Sarah Chalke as Polly, an uptight recent divorcee who, because of the bad economy, moves in with her laidback parents played by Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”) and Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Ramond”).The series begins shooting in August and is set for a mid-season debut. Meanwhile, a new Fox comedy kept its casting director after the pilot was picked up. Anya Colloff, of Cfb Casting, was retained for the first season of “Ben and Kate.” The single-camera comedy stars Nat Faxon as Ben Fox, a shiftless man-child who moves in with his sister Kate,...
- 6/25/2012
- by help@backstage.com (Sean J. Miller)
- backstage.com
Want to be a sitcom star? Or even get a one liner on your favorite funny show? Actorfest La is proud to announce that the casting directors for "Modern Family" and "Parks and Recreations" have joined our Television Comedy Casting workshop, which takes place from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Fashion Theater. Casting Director Jeff Greenberg of "Modern Family" and "Frasier" is teaming up with Dorian Frankel, Casting Director for "Parks and Recreations" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," to discuss how to get on their radar, what they're looking for in an audition, and more. The workshop will be moderated by Jessica Gardner, Features Writer, Back Stage. Actorfest La, which is brought to you by Back Stage, the Actor's Resource, will take place on Saturday, November 5th at the California Market Center in downtown Los Angeles.To help kickstart your career, Actorfest offers more than two dozen exclusive Workshops; Casting Calls; Meet.
- 10/11/2011
- by help@backstage.com ()
- backstage.com
This week, on a very special episode of Reject Radio, we take on the cinematic emotional roller coaster by speaking with comedian Bill Bailey about getting him hired for the next Star Trek movie and by dissecting Taxi Driver‘s Travis Bickle with psychologist, Dr. Jeff Greenberg. Plus, Landon Palmer joins me for a long-form discussion about the terrorist attacks of 9/11, their effects on movie culture, and on audiences. Download This Episode On This Week’s Show: Won’t You Come Home? [Beginning - 22:00]: Bill Bailey is embarking on a North American tour, but before he sets sail, he spoke with us about creating comedy in everyday life, challenging the standard notions of what makes us laugh, and making his bid to join J.J. Abrams’s next Star Trek film. Explosive Acts of Aggression [22:00 - 47:00]: Psychology professor Dr. Jeff Greenberg helps us get into the mind of Travis Bickle, the main character from Martin Scorsese’s enduring modern...
- 9/7/2011
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
This week, on a very special episode of Reject Radio, Homecoming writer/director Sean Hackett discusses a brave new distribution technique, and Koran By Heart documentarian Greg Barker takes us to Cairo during Ramadan. Plus, Landon Palmer culture wars against Movies.com‘s dapper senior editor Pete Hall in a Movie News Pop Quiz that will probably cause your living room to burst into flame. Download This Episode On This Week’s Show: Movie News Pop Quiz [The Beginning - 15:44]: It’s Palmer vs Hall in what sounds like an 80s Yacht Rock reunion tour. So, of course, we end up dissecting the need for teaser trailers and why The Hunger Games and Dark Knight Rises failed at them. Crowded House [15:44 - 31:30]: Sean Hackett’s new film Homecoming tells a different kind of soldier story with a navel-gazing verite style. He joins us to talk about a group that missed out on college because of war, how...
- 8/31/2011
- by Cole Abaius
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
When the 83rd Academy Awards ceremony takes place Feb. 27, winners will be honored in 24 categories—with trophies going to art directors, sound mixers, costume designers, and makeup artists, among others. But, once again, no casting directors will be receiving awards.Many within the casting profession have questioned why there is no Oscar for casting. Other organizations honor casting directors, such as the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which gives Primetime Emmys in three casting categories. So why, they ask, doesn't the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences award at least one Oscar for film casting?In response to a request for comment on the subject, the Casting Society of America released the following statement: "Casting directors already receive Emmys, Media Access Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards. The Csa has been in conversation with various other organizations for a while now, and all parties are definitely invested in searching the...
- 12/8/2010
- backstage.com
Playwright Tony Kushner, producer Marcy Carsey, and casting director Ellen Chenoweth will be honored by the Casting Society of America at this year's Artios Awards. The nominees for this year's awards—to be presented Nov. 1 in dual ceremonies at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and the American Airlines Theatre in New York—were announced today. Kushner, Carsey, and Chenoweth will be presented with special awards. The complete list of nominees follows.Big budget feature, drama"Avatar," Margery Simkin and Mali Finn (initial casting)"Inglourious Basterds," Johanna Ray and Jenny Jue"Nine," Francine Maisler"Sherlock Holmes," Reg Poerscout-Edgerton"Shutter Island," Ellen Lewis and Carolyn Pickman (location casting)Big budget feature, comedy"Couples Retreat," Sarah Halley Finn and Randi Hiller"Date Night," Donna Isaacson"Julie and Julia," Francine Maisler"The Proposal," Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, and Angela Peri (location casting)"Valentine's Day," Deborah Aquila and Tricia WoodFeature,...
- 9/15/2010
- backstage.com
On heels of its big victory at 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards in late August, "Modern Family" reveals two promos for their upcoming second season. In one promo, ABC called its comeback as the return of Emmy-winning Best Comedy, urging people to "make some new memories with the family".
In the other ad, the network highlights the media's glowing reviews of the TV show as if to explain why the Sofia Vergara-starring comedy deserves the August 29 award. "Modern Family" will open the second season on September 22.
Beside winning Best Comedy, "Modern Family" also grabbed Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation and Best Writing for a Comedy Series. In addition, Eric Stonestreet, Ryan Case and Jeff Greenberg brought home a trophy each for their contribution to the TV series.
Promo #1:
Promo #2:...
In the other ad, the network highlights the media's glowing reviews of the TV show as if to explain why the Sofia Vergara-starring comedy deserves the August 29 award. "Modern Family" will open the second season on September 22.
Beside winning Best Comedy, "Modern Family" also grabbed Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation and Best Writing for a Comedy Series. In addition, Eric Stonestreet, Ryan Case and Jeff Greenberg brought home a trophy each for their contribution to the TV series.
Promo #1:
Promo #2:...
- 9/9/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
So, there I was, moderating a Q&A with very busy, very well known, wonderful casting director Jeff Greenberg. When he was a young actor, Jeff had gotten his SAG card on my film "The First Nudie Musical." I said to him, "I wouldn't like to be an actor today." I told him I could never deal with the casting process as it happens today. He said to me, "Oh, it's the same as when we were doing it back then." I said, "Oh, really? Let's compare how I would get a major guest shot on a TV show and how that would happen today."I told him exactly how it used to be. My agent would call, tell me I had an appointment for such-and-such show, tell me what the role was, and give me the time and place to show up. I'd show up. There would be me and four other actors.
- 8/5/2010
- backstage.com
After apprenticing with some of the most prolific casting directors in the business, Brett Greenstein and Collin Daniel decided to join forces and strike out on their own. Five years later, the duo, based in Los Angeles, boasts a wide array of credits, ranging from the family-friendly comedies "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Rita Rocks" to the much-hyped "Melrose Place" reboot. The partnership works, says Greenstein, because they both like to have fun and are "even-keeled, mild-tempered people." Adds Daniel, "At the end of the day, we're just casting a TV show; we're not saving the world here."Career PathBrett Greenstein: I was working at a film production company and I was being groomed for a development-executive job. We were prepping a movie, "Nurse Betty," and I came to the realization that what I loved most about making these movies is the casting process. I thought that was the...
- 1/21/2010
- backstage.com
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