Saturday, February 24, 2007

"Bionic Woman": Vancouver Casting Call

"The Bionic Woman", a 2-hour NBC TV pilot starts shooting March 19 in Vancouver. Executive producers are David "Battlestar Galactica" Eick, Bruno Heller and Laeta Kalogridis. Director is Michael Dinner from a screenplay by Kalogridis and Heller.

According to the casting breakdown, the production is still looking for series' regulars including:

"'Jonas Bledsoe', 50s-60's, forceful and not above lying to get what he wants. He is the ruthless leader of the secret government agency that turned 'Jaime' into a 'Bionic Woman'. Though furious with Eric for wasting $50 million worth of classified, illegal technology on "some girl," Jonas decides to use Jaime to track down and retrieve the other Bionic creations who escaped.

Topping his list of fugitives is insane, deadly 'Sarah Corvus', whose violent break-out and subsequent revenge streak haunts Jonas to this day.

After using unscrupulous means to manipulate Jaime into joining his organization, Jonas agrees to her terms and we get the feeling he will treat her with respect and honesty from now on.

'Dr. Eric Masters', 27-31, good-looking, sexy, likeable and devoted, he is Jaime's supportive boyfriend of two months who already knows she is the one. As a young prodigy (finished college at age 15 and became a surgeon at 22) he's a genius in his field - bionics - and the only one capable of performing the illegal, complex surgeries the government has been experimenting with.

When Jaime nearly dies in a car accident, Eric doesn't hesitate using bionic surgery on her, even though this means going against his superiors and breaking every rule in the book. His innovative behavior and past deeds make him a target of deadly Sarah Corvus.

'Jae Kim', early-Mid 30's, handsome, skilled, wiry and lithe. He is a Field Leader who is second in command to Jonas. He can't believe Jonas is even considering making Jaime a field agent, but feels compelled to prove Jaime's skills to her, which he does by attacking her with a knife. She handily deflects him, stunned by her own abilities.

*MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING IS A PLUS.

'Ruth Treadwell', 50s, tough, very smart with a "don't mess with me" vibe. She's head of intel and logistics for Jonas. She explains to Jaime that her bionic surgery also endowed Jaime with built-in programming for split-second reflexes and combat training, and advises Jaime to stop thinking and just be. Because she's respectful, reassuring and straightforward, we get the feeling we can trust Ruth.

'Becca Sommers', 15. Jaime's younger sister. She's a pretty teenager determined to hide her looks under a tough, sarcastic, resentful demeanor. It's clear Becca misses her mom and blames Jaime for not spotting the signs of her mom's disease sooner. Still, beneath her brave, spiteful exterior lies the heart of a vulnerable girl who really does love, and need, her big sis. Her dad took off years ago, and when Becca was 11 her Mother died leaving Becca in Jaime's care.
"

"EastEnders" actress Michelle Ryan has landed the lead role in the 'reconceptualization' of the classic TV series. The 22-year-old Taurus beauty, who played 'Zoe Slater' in the BBC soap for five years, will portray 'Jaime Sommers', the tennis professional whose body is rebuilt with super-human, electronic parts following a parachuting accident.

"It's a complete reconceptualization of the title," said Eick.

"We're using the title as a starting point, and that's all...it's using the idea of artificial technology as a metaphor for what contemporary women sometimes feel is necessary, to do everything that needs to be done".

Rise Of The Silver Surfer



here for more "Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer"

"Supernatural" Takes A Graphic Turn

The Vancouver-filmed CW television series "Supernatural" arrives in graphic novel format with a fresh look into the mythos of the series.

In "Supernatural: Origins", patriarch 'John Winchester' begins a journey into the dark world of the supernatural, seeking a way to hunt down the demonic creature that took his wife.

But what about his two young sons 'Dean' and 'Sam'?

Kristanna Loken: No Pain, No Gain



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Adrien Brody As '"The Incredible Hulk" ?

The Universal/Marvel Entertainment production "Hulk 2" aka "The Incredible Hulk", reportedly starring actor Adrien Brody as 'David Banner' (?!) has been scouting studio locations to set up shop in either Toronto or Vancouver.

Budget is said to be in the $125 million range.

The comic book-to-film has been scheduled for a June 13, 2008 release.

French director Louis "Transporter" Letterier will direct the film, with producer Avi Arad confirming 'The Abomination' as the main villain.

Screenplay is by Zak "X-Men: The Last Stand" Penn.

Debuting in Marvel Comics' "Tales to Astonish" (1967), the Abomination was former Yugoslavian spy 'Emil Blonsky', aka 'Agent R-7', who became a 6' 8", 980-pound monster.

As written by Hulk creator Stan Lee, Blonsky infiltrated the New Mexico Air Force base commanded by 'General "Thunderbolt" Ross', where nuclear physicist 'Dr. Robert Bruce Banner' conducted gamma ray experiments.

After accidentally becoming the Hulk from the fallout of a nuclear blast, Banner planned to end it all with an overdose from a gamma machine. But Blonsky, hiding in Banner's lab, secretly activated the machine instead, bombarding himself with potentially lethal radiation.

An immediate 'mutagenic' effect quickly turned Blonsky into the 'Abomination', with two toes on each foot, webbed ears, a ridged brow and super-human strength.

Throughout numerous Hulk comic book appearances, the Abomination goes through various good and bad mind-altering transitions, before a final confrontation with Banner's girlfriend 'Betty Ross'.

Click here for more "Incredible Hulk"

Tricia Gets A Little Behind In Her Work

Ryan Getting Wired Up For "The Bionic Woman"

"EastEnders" actress Michelle Ryan has landed the lead role in a 'reconceptualization' of "The Bionic Woman" TV series.

The 22-year-old Taurus beauty, who played 'Zoe Slater' in the BBC soap for five years, will portray 'Jaime Sommers', a tennis professional whose body is rebuilt with super-human, electronic parts following a parachuting accident.

The original, 1976 series, starring actress Lindsay Wagner, was a spin-off from "The Six Million Dollar Man" starring Lee Majors.

The bionic woman's limbs allowed her to outrun a car and lift heavy objects. She also had a bionic ear with enhanced powers of hearing.

Ryan recently appeared in Brit comedy "Cashback" and will soon be seen opposite Billie Piper in the ITV adaptation of "Jane Austen's Mansfield Park".

"Battlestar Galactica" producer David Eick is executive producer of the new show.

"It's a complete reconceptualization of the title," said Eick.

"We're using the title as a starting point, and that's all...it's using the idea of artificial technology as a metaphor for what contemporary women sometimes feel is necessary to do everything that needs to be done".

Heavenly Bodies For "Galactica"

"Battlestar" Sneak Peek

Kristanna Does 'Jane Vasco'

Click here for more "Painkiller Jane"

"Superman 2" In Vancouver ?

According to reports, Michael Dougherty, co-writer of "Superman Returns" said that the upcoming movie sequel will feature at least one villain from the DC Comics franchise.

'Brainiac' ...


'Mr. Mxyzptlk'...

Director Bryan Singer has said the next installment will be shorter, tighter and more action-packed.

Michael Stevens review of "Superman Returns" here

More "Alien Vs Predator 2"

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"Flash Gordon" in British Columbia

At the Television Critics Association tour in LA Feb 12, it was announced that the Sci Fi Channel has greenlit production on "Flash Gordon", a 22 one-hour episodic series starting production in BC early this year.

A July 2007 launch has been targeted with a broadcast syndication window to follow. Under an agreement with rights holder King Features Syndicate, the new series is being produced by RHI's Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr., who previously produced Sci Fi's mini-series "Legend of Earthsea". Creator Alex Raymond's original 1934 comic strip characters, 'Flash Gordon', 'Ming the Merciless, 'Dale Arden' and 'Dr. Hans Zarkov' will all appear in the cast.

Meanwhile, director Stephen "The Mummy" Sommers continues development of his "Flash Gordon" feature film project.

Click here for more "Flash Gordon"

Kristanna Loken is "Painkiller Jane"

In a world beleaguered by social and economic unrest, former DEA agent 'Jane Vasco', a.k.a. "Painkiller Jane" (Kristanna Loken) is recruited by a covert government agency dedicated to neutralizing 'Neuros': individuals with powers ranging from telekinesis and mind persuasion to imposed hallucinations.

But Jane also has formidable powers.

Core members of her unit are team leader 'Andre McBride' (Rob Stewart), special agent 'Connor King' (Noah Danby), computer whiz 'Riley Jensen' (Sean Owen Roberts), 'Dr. Seth Carpenter' (Stephen Lobo), subway caretaker 'Joe Waterman' (Nathaniel Deveaux) and 'Maureen Bowers' (Alaina Huffman), Jane's former partner.

"Painkiller Jane" star/co-executive producer Kistanna Loken with Bonnie Hammer, president of USA Network and Sci Fi Channel at the NBC Universal Cable Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif.

Click here for more "Painkiller Jane"

'Justice' Comes To "Smallville"

Sneak peek the 'Justice' league from the January 18 episode of the CW's British Columbia-filmed TV series "Smallville".

Starring Kyle Gallner as 'Bart Allen/Impulse', Justin Hartley as 'Oliver Queen/Green Arrow', Tom Welling as 'Clark Kent', Alan Ritchson as 'Arthur Curry/Aquaman' and Lee Thompson Young as 'Victor Stone/Cyborg'...

Martian Manhunter Invades "Smallville"


Click here for more "Martian Manhunter"


Smallville: JLA Meeting

2007
"Green Arrow", "Clark Kent", "Aquaman", "Impulse" and "Cyborg"

1961

Silver Surfer Rises Across Vancouver Skyline



Click here to sneak peek the trailer

Behold The CG Silver Surfer

Click here for more "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"

"Fantastic Four 2" Wraps BC Shoot

Comic book-to-movie heroes the 'Fantastic Four' learn they are not the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against the powerful 'Silver Surfer' and planet-eating 'Galactus' in director Tim Story's 20th Century Fox feature "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer".

Vancouver location shooting started August 31 and wrapped December 10.

A special thanks goes out to director Story for Michael Stevens' on-screen 'cameo' as a startled 'airline passenger' in a scene where 'Mr. Fantastic' stretches his arm across crowded aisles in a wide-bodied jet to help a flight attendant catch falling luggage from an overhead compartment.


"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", the sequel to last year's box office hit stars Ioan Gruffudd as 'Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic', Jessica Alba as 'Susan Storm/Invisible Woman', Chris Evans as 'Johnny Storm/The Human Torch' and Michael Chiklis as 'Ben Grimm/The Thing'.

The film opens everywhere June 15, 2007.

Click here for more "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"

2006 Whistler Film Festival: Secret Life Wins

You may ask yourself: so what's all the fuss about a 4-day film festival, on the road to Squamish, 2 hours from Vancouver, nestled in the crisp, high altitude of mountainous Whistler, BC?

The fact is, both Vancouver and Whistler are prepping for the 2010 Olympics with corporate sponsors lining up to get their foot in the door, 3 years ahead of the winter games.

Couple that with director Norman "Rollerball" Jewison touting the Whistler Film Festival as the Canadian version of Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival, and you have the makings of an important film industry event.

Saturday night parties at this year's WFF officially kicked off with the 'UBCP High Performance Cocktail Party'. Invite-only guests were whisked away to a Blueberry Hill estate for a wine reception attended by BC film performers and Union of British Columbia Performers' staff, toasting shared accomplishments in another banner year for Canadian film performers.

Later that evening, over at Whistler Village's the Garibaldi Lift Co., the delegate action picked up at the traditional WFF 'Festival' party, while masses of people jammed cheek-to-cheek for the DGC-BC District 'Anniversary' party at the Bearfoot Bistro, including beautiful actress/producer Kristanna "Painkiller Jane" Loken, promoting her newest film "Lime Salted Love" and showing interest in a developing feature called "Ladies First", currently with Vancouver's Cinevu Films.


After hours, Russell Brewing provided hospitality for celebrity guests of HNR/Sneak Peek at both the Sundial Boutique Hotel and ResortQuest Whistler 'Valhalla'.

During a Sunday morning buffet brunch at the Westin Hotel, a packed ballroom celebrated "The Secret Life of Happy People" by Stéphane Lapointe, winner of the $15,000 Borsos Competition for Best New Canadian Feature Film, presented by the Directors Guild of Canada - BC District Council and supported by Telefilm Canada.

The jury, comprised of director Jewison, actress Lisa "Water" Ray, and Anagram Pictures' Andrew "Fido" Currie, chose the film from a field of six finalists.

Cash awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, Borsos Competition, presented by the Union of BC Performers (UBCP) were awarded to Andrew W. Walker for "Steel Toes" and Catherine de Lean for "The Secret Life of Happy People".

The $2500 film grant award for Best Cinematographer, Borsos Competition, presented by Kodak Canada was awarded to John Ainslie for "SK8 Life".

The $5,000 Best Documentary Award presented by CBC Newsworld was awarded to "Air Guitar Nation", directed by Alexandra Lipsitz.

The Best Mountain Culture Film Award went to "Let It Ride!" by Jacques Russo, presented by Whistler Blackcomb, recognizing a film that celebrates mountain experiences, mountain places and mountain people.

The cash award for Best Short Film presented by Movieola - The Short Film Channel was awarded to "Love Seat" by Kris Elgstrand.

The festival and Citytv jointly announced that "Oppenheimer Park", by Adam Higgs won the theme-based BC screenwriters' Short Scripts competition presented by Citytv's 'CineCity: Vancouver's Stories'.

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2006 Whistler Film Festival - The Village Stroll

The Whistler Film Festival hosted a great cocktail reception following the end of this year's Filmmaker Forum, December 1 at the Westin Resort and Spa in the heart of Whistler Village. Attended by delegates from across Canada, the event was well attended by many industry players from the BC movie production scene.

Following networking and a refreshing, outdoor walk along the Whistler Village 'stroll', it was on to Millennium Place for the Tribute to Norman Jewison.

Presented by Harmony Airways, Jewison discussed his 40 years of film work in the Hollywood industry, his numerous Oscar nominations and his receipt of the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg award. The informal conversation was hosted by journalist/author Brian D. Johnson, augmented by highlights from the director's career.

Saturday night at this year's WFF will see some parties over-lapping each other including the 'UBCP High Performance Cocktail Party' at Blueberry Hill, the 'Festival Party' at the Garibaldi Lift Company, the Directors Guild of Canada hosting an 'Anniversary Party' at the Bearfoot Bistro and Russell Brewing Co. providing hospitality for celebrity guests of HNR/Sneak Peek at after-hours parties at the Sundial Boutique Hotel and ResortQuest Whistler 'Valhalla'.

The 6th annual Whistler Film Festival runs November 30 to December 3 featuring four days of films, industry sessions, parties and networking opportunities on and off the slopes at North America's number one ski resort.

Click here for more "Whistler Film Festival"