Videoage International May 2019

L.A. Screenings 2019 T hese L.A. Screenings will see lots of changes anduncertainty, but what remains a constant are the five main U.S. broadcast TV networks –– ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and the CW— and their quest to produce the best TV pilots that they can. This year, as in years past, they hope to turn these would-be shows into long-running series that will allow them to compete, not only with cable TV networks, which are pushing the envelope more and more these days, but with SVoD services, as well. (Basic and premium cable nets and SVoD services will also be announcing their new TV season pilot pick-ups in the days to come… if they haven’t already, that is). As one major L.A. Screenings participant explained (see story on page 40), “We expect less product than at last year year’s L.A. Screenings, but [what will be there] will be of a higher quality and [made with a bigger] budget.” Indeed, at 65, the number of pilots ordered this year by the U.S. broadcast TV networks is fewer than the amount introduced at last year’s event. However, with 36 dramas and 29 comedies, the ratio is much more tilted toward the genre favored by international buyers. We don’t yet know the results of this week’s Upfronts in New York City — during which we’ll find out which pilots will actually be taking flight and turned into series, and which will crash and burn — but the outcome promises to be promising.* ABC DRAMA The Baker and the Beauty Based on an Israeli series, this drama tells the story of an unlikely romance between a baker and an international superstar. Heart of Life Inspired by a John Mayer song, this drama follows two sets of adult siblings from different worlds who learn that they are related. The Hypnotist’s Love Story Based on the book of the same name by Liane Moriarty, this series follow a successful hypnotherapist who learns that her boyfriend has had a stalker following him for years, and is oddly intrigued by her. New York Undercover This series picks up 20 years after the end of the original, and follows detectives Nat Gilmore and Melissa Ortiz as they investigate New York City’s most dangerous criminals. NYPD Blue This show follow Andy Sipowicz’s son, Theo, as he investigates his father’s murder. Stumptown Centers on an Army vet working as a a private investigator in Portland. Triangle When a family is shipwrecked in the Bermuda Triangle, they learn that the mysterious locale is a land lost in time that has trapped people for centuries. Will they find their way home? Until the Wedding Based on an Israeli format, this drama shows how one couple’s decision to get married affects everyone in their lives. For Life (formerly Untitled Hank Steinberg/Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Project ) A serialized drama about a prisoner who becomes a lawyer and tries to help other inmates while also fighting to overturn his own conviction for a crime that he didn’t commit. COMEDY Happy Accident About two Pittsburgh families — a dad with three grown daughters and a hotel lounge singer with a son in med school — who must come together after a long-buried secret is revealed. mixed-ish (straight-to-series order) This black-ish spin-off centers on a 12-year-old version of Bow, who is intellectually brilliant, but socially awkward. Nana After his wife dies, an overprotective dad invites his bawdy mother-in-law into his home to help raise her two granddaughters. United We Fall A realistic sitcom about about two people with young kids and overzealous extended families. Untitled Hannah Simone Project Hannah and her Indian-American immigrant dad have always been close, but after she admits that she’s in a dead-end job and he realizes that his marriage is over, they decide to start over together. Untitled Jessica Gao Project Tells the tale of a first-generation Chinese- American woman who is shocked when her wealthy grandmother dies and names her as her sole beneficiary. Untitled Leslie Odom Jr. Project Omari and Hope run a modern ministry and share a chaotic home with their combined four children. Woman Up After their daughters graduate high school, two former teen moms try to make up for lost time. CBS DRAMA Alive (formerly Frankenstein ) After a homicide detective is killed in the line of duty, he’s brought back to life by the mysterious Dr. Victor Frankenstein. As he resumes his old life, he and his wife realize that he’s very different from who he used to be. Courthouse Takes a look at the crazy lives of the judges, assistant district attorneys, and public defenders who bring justice to the streets of Los Angeles. Evil A skeptical female psychologist joins forces with a priest-in-training and a blue-collar contractor to investigate miracles, demonic possessions, and other unusual happenings. FBI: Most Wanted (planted spin-off of FBI ) This spin-off of FBI centers on the division that tracks and captures criminals on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. The Republic of Sarah When a valuable resource is found within the borders of a small town in New Hampshire, the residents declare themselves an independent nation. Surveillance This spy thriller follows the head of commucations for the NSA (played by Sophia Bush). Tommy (formerly Nancy ) Edie Falco stars as a former high-ranking NYPD officer who becomes the first female chief of police for Los Angeles. Under the Bridge Following a scandal, a surgeon tries to mend her medical practice and her marriage. COMEDY Bob Hearts Abishola After suffering a heart attack, Bob falls in love with his Nigerian nurse. Carol’s Second Act (series commitment) After raising her children and retiring from teaching, Carol decides to become a doctor. The Emperor of Malibu When the son of a Chinese billionaire gets engaged to an American woman, his family tries to win their son back. 14 Scripted Series In Contention For The 2019-20 U.S. Broadcast Season May 2019 V I D E O A G E (Continued on Page 16)