Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
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Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/kevi...ler-fox-pilot/
Kevin Bacon is headed to primetime. In a big casting coup, I’ve learned that the feature actor is set to topline Kevin Williamson’s Fox drama pilot. This marks the first major series role for Bacon who had been heavily pursued by broadcast and cable networks for years. But in a twist, I hear that Bacon has committed to doing 15 episodes a season vs. the standard 22 for a broadcast series. That lightens the load on the actor who can continue to do multiple features a year and spend time with his family. It also plays into Fox’s strategy of exploring new ways for airing shows, something Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly talked about at TCA last month. The high quality of many cable drama series is being attributed in part to shorter seasons that allows for tighter, more impactful storytelling.
The untitled Kevin Williamson project, from Warner Bros TV and Williamson’s studio-based Outerbanks Entertainment, is described as an edge-of-the-seat thriller about a diabolical serial killer who uses technology to create a cult of serial killers, and a retired FBI profiler (Bacon) who finds himself in the middle of it. The genre of the project and the casting of Bacon is reminiscent of Fox’s signature thriller 24, which also tapped a feature actor, Kiefer Sutherland, for its lead. Marcos Siega recently signed on to direct the pilot, written and executive produced by Williamson, creator of Dawson’s Creek, the hit Scream horror movie franchise and co-creator/executive producer of the CW’s Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle.
Thought this was worthy of mentioning since Bacon is known as a feature actor. I think this is almost a lock to get picked up. Snagging Bacon as the lead of this show is huge.
Kevin Bacon is headed to primetime. In a big casting coup, I’ve learned that the feature actor is set to topline Kevin Williamson’s Fox drama pilot. This marks the first major series role for Bacon who had been heavily pursued by broadcast and cable networks for years. But in a twist, I hear that Bacon has committed to doing 15 episodes a season vs. the standard 22 for a broadcast series. That lightens the load on the actor who can continue to do multiple features a year and spend time with his family. It also plays into Fox’s strategy of exploring new ways for airing shows, something Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly talked about at TCA last month. The high quality of many cable drama series is being attributed in part to shorter seasons that allows for tighter, more impactful storytelling.
The untitled Kevin Williamson project, from Warner Bros TV and Williamson’s studio-based Outerbanks Entertainment, is described as an edge-of-the-seat thriller about a diabolical serial killer who uses technology to create a cult of serial killers, and a retired FBI profiler (Bacon) who finds himself in the middle of it. The genre of the project and the casting of Bacon is reminiscent of Fox’s signature thriller 24, which also tapped a feature actor, Kiefer Sutherland, for its lead. Marcos Siega recently signed on to direct the pilot, written and executive produced by Williamson, creator of Dawson’s Creek, the hit Scream horror movie franchise and co-creator/executive producer of the CW’s Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle.
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
While he's hardly been a headliner for years, 2011 was great for him, with X-Men, Super and Crazy, Stupid, Love. giving him great roles to play with. If he reckons TV is best for him, best of luck.
#3
Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
Well, shorter seasons work for USA, FX, AMC, etc... so I think this is a good idea. The networks need to start doing this more and finish storylines instead of cancelling a show after 2 or 3 episodes.
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
The only problem with doing shorter seasons for broadcast is that you have to greenlight twice as many shows. More money spent and 2 times the risk for failed shows. If this show gets greenlit, it's possible to cast a 2nd relatively known actor to be the co-lead and cover the 7 episodes he won't be in, if they do a full season.
#6
Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
I like Kevin Bacon but I don't feel he's a major catch for a TV series. I don't see his name bringing in a ton of TV viewers.
#8
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
He's probably at least at the level of Keifer Sutherland as far as having been a movie actor who starts doing TV. Maybe FOX wants a night of people that were in Flatliners next season.
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
He's well above Neill and a bit above Sutherland in terms of "draw" factor I'm sure.
After his wife saw so much success on The Closer this isn't all that surprising. It was probably constant work, with regular paychecks and a near regular schedule.
After his wife saw so much success on The Closer this isn't all that surprising. It was probably constant work, with regular paychecks and a near regular schedule.
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
Sounds like an interesting concept and I like Kevin Bacon quite a bit. He's not a showy actor but he's solid in everything he's ever done. I'm in if this goes through. I would like to see this on F/X though.
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
When I saw "Kevin Bacon moves to TV" my very first thought was CSI: Dallas or LA.
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Re: Kevin Bacon moves to TV; Signs as lead for new Kevin Williamson Pilot
http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/jame...ilot/#comments
The 2nd lead actor for this Untitled show has been cast. James Purefoy from Rome is your man.
I like Purefoy, especially as a villain. Good casting so far.
The 2nd lead actor for this Untitled show has been cast. James Purefoy from Rome is your man.
I like Purefoy, especially as a villain. Good casting so far.