TV SALES
CBS has jumped back into bed with a Seinfeld alum by picking up the UNTITLED SIMON BARRY DRAMA from writer/exec producer Simon Barry. Series, which Jason Alexander will star in, and exec produce alongside Carol Yumkas, will center on a down on his luck actor, who winds up joining his ex-wife’s detective agency, finding an opportunity to reinvent himself as an investigator with a penchant for disguise.
CW has ordered a script for the new prospective series BEAUTIFUL STRANGERS from writer/exec producer Dan Thomsen. Series, which Rob Thomas, Vin Di Bona and Bruce Gersh also exec produce, centers on two young thieves who are given a second chance to work as FBI informants.
DISNEY CHANNEL has expanded their main demographic into the teen years by giving a pilot order to AUSTIN AND ALLY, from writer/exec producers Kevin Kopelow and Heath Siefert. Series is described as a pint-sized “Entourage.”
FOX, in an effort to expand its stable of drama/thrillers has jumped into the UNTITLED STEPHEN GALLAGHER PROJECT from writer/exec producer Stephen Gallagher. Series, which is also exec produced by Vin Di Bona and Bruce Gersh, revolves around a doctor with a complicated past who investigates medical crimes.
NBC has picked up the short story adaptation FORD COUNTY from writer/exec producer Jon Robin Baitz. Series, which is based on a collection of short stories by John Grisham (who also exec produces), will focus on a legal setting, while exploring the themes of mourning, revenge, justice, acceptance and evolution. Shelley McCrory, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and David Gernert also exec produce.
TV CANCELLATIONS
HBO has nixed the once hot Alan Ball project ALL SIGNS OF DEATH, after enjoying the pilot, but not being able to find a slot for it.
TV RENEWALS
STARZ has agreed to join a group of financing parties to bring back PILLARS OF THE EARTH for a second “season” mini-series.
TV ATTACHMENTS
Tornante, (Michael Eisner’s company) is moving ahead on a self-financed pilot presentation for their upcoming CIRCLING THE DRAIN. Pilot, which will be Josh Brand, and directed by Tucker Gates, will be exec produced by Eisner, Brand, Gates, Steve Cohen and Noel Bright, will star Alessandra Torressani (Caprica) and center on a young reporter, who loses her job, and ends up taking a job on the obituary desk.
