SciFiAndTvTalk

Silo Coming In May (Apple TV+)

Rebecca Ferguson and David Oyelowo in Silo. Photo courtesy/copyright of Apple TV+.

Apple’s Silo (FKA Wool), the new 10-episode drama series based on Hugh Howey’s New York Times bestselling trilogy of dystopian novels, is set to make its global premiere on Friday, May 5, 2023 on Apple TV+. Debuting a first look teaser and photos from the series today, Silo is created by Emmy-nominated screenwriter Graham Yost (Band of Brothers, Justified), who also serves as showrunner. Academy Award-nominee Morten Tyldum (Defending Jacob, The Imitation Game) directs the first three episodes and the world-building drama stars an ensemble cast led by Rebecca Ferguson (Dune, Mission: Impossible films), who will also serve as executive producer. Silo will premiere with the first two episodes, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through June 30, 2023 on Apple TV+. Check out the teaser trailer below.

Silo is the story of the last ten thousand people on earth, their mile-deep home protecting them from the toxic and deadly world outside. However, no one knows when or why the silo was built and any who try to find out face fatal consequences. Ferguson stars as Juliette, an engineer, who seeks answers about a loved one's murder and tumbles onto a mystery that goes far deeper than she could have ever imagined, leading her to discover that if the lies don't kill you, the truth will.  

The ensemble cast starring alongside Ferguson includes Common (The Chi), Emmy-nominee Harriet Walter (Succession), Chinaza Uche (Dickinson), Avi Nash (The Walking Dead), Critics Choice Award and NAACP winner David Oyelowo (Selma), Emmy-nominee Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) and Academy Award-winner Tim Robbins (Mystic River). Silo is produced for Apple TV+ by AMC Studios and based on the novels by Hugh Howey. The series is executive produced by Yost, Howey, Tyldum, and Ferguson, alongside Nina Jack, Fred Golan, Rémi Aubuchon, and Ingrid Escajeda.

Veteran Makeup FX Producer Sandra Lindala Named As New Vice President @ MastersFX

Sandra Lindala and Todd Masters with "friend." Photo courtesy/copyright of MastersFX.

International character FX company MastersFX, has appointed Sandra Lindala as new Vice President, overseeing the company’s operations in both their Vancouver and Toronto studios. She will develop new business to empower the continued expansion of MastersFX.

Lindala brings more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, having successfully collaborated with many of the biggest names in TV, film, music and publishing. For the past twelve-years, she managed Lindala Schminken FX, as Makeup FX Producer, to hundreds of film and television productions, including: Stephen King’s Pet Sematary and The Stand; Shogun, Resident Alien, Antlers, The Grudge, Peacemaker, See, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Riverdale, Supernatural, and Once Upon a Time - which merited an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Makeup in 2012.

Prior to her position with Lindala Schminken FX, Lindala was an executive at Warner Bros., Spafax LLC, and Air Canada. At these posts, she focused on marketing, strategic-partnerships and acquisitions, licensing and branded content, publishing and merchandising.

“Sandy’s diverse experience will ensure the continued success of MastersFX.” says Todd Masters, the studio’s Founder, three-time Emmy Award winning president and CEO. “Sandy’s extensive background as a producer, along with her unique creativity AND her exceptional knowledge in character FX is the supreme meal-deal for us.”

“Sandy’s a legend in our industry,” Zane Knisley, MastersFX’s Toronto boss added – while juggling MastersFX work on the TV series, The Boys. “She is the missing link our studio has needed. I’m excited that she’ll help us get to our next-level and thrilled that she has joined our company!”

Said Sandy Lindala, “I look forward to better serving those clients who have been part of MastersFX’s journey for its thirty-six years, as well as many others, with whom I have connected. MastersFX is the true-home for artists and creators, and I look forward to evolving its ability to execute at even a higher level.”

Todd Masters adds, “As we have grown, we've developed into far-more than just a special-character-effects company. In addition to our FX work, we often function as innovative-partners, conceiving characters and assisting in the project’s overall tone. In certain cases, we’ll even work as producing associates. Adding Sandy’s specific experience in this area, makes her an invaluable component to MastersFX. We are so excited to welcome her to our team!”

About MASTERSFX:

Founded in 1987 by three-time Emmy Award winner Todd Masters, MastersFX is a character & makeup FX company with studios in Vancouver, BC and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

MastersFX’s creative teams produce a distinctive blend of practical & digital makeup FX, prosthetics and animatronics for hundreds of the entertainment industry’s biggest movies and television shows.

MastersFX created the cadavers from Six Feet Under… The vampires for True Blood… Jack from the Jack in the Box commercials… Bib the Michelin Man… The Borg from Star Trek… The babies from Look Who’s Talking… The werewolves from Underworld… Chucky from Child’s Play… And the predator from the recent film version of The Predator.

Recently, the studio completed Season Two of Showtime’s hit show, Yellowjackets, and MGM's popular, From series, along with the final season of CW’s Nancy Drew – all three shows are set to premiere in the next few months. Additionally, the prolific studio is currently filming Nickelodeon’s Monster High, CBS's Fire Country, season six ofThe Good Doctor, season four ofThe Boys, and season four of The Umbrella Academy.

The Great - Season Three Premieres in May (Hulu)

Nicholas Hoult (as Peter) and Elle Fanning (as Catherine) in The Great. Photo courtesy/copyright of Hulu.

Today, Elle Fanning announced that season three of the Emmy-winning series The Great will return to Hulu on Friday, May 12th with all ten episodes. 

Season 3 of The Great sees Catherine (Elle Fanning) and Peter (Nicholas Hoult) attempt to make their marriage work after some seemingly insurmountable problems. Peter witnessed his own attempted murder at Catherine’s hands and she also imprisoned all of his friends. On top of this, Peter is at a loose end playing First Husband to Catherine’s reign, so he busies himself with fathering, hunting and salty culinary ventures. But they’re not enough to keep him contented as visions of his late father (played by Jason Isaacs), get in his head about his failures as Peter the Great’s son. Catherine the Great starts making a name for herself beyond her borders and inspired by a visit from the US ambassador, sets up a conference where peasants, nobles and merchants can all give their input on developing a new Russia. She learns that even the best political leaders sometimes need to make compromises in order to progress. 

The Great is created, written and executive produced by Tony McNamara and executive produced by Marian Macgowan, Mark Winemaker, Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Echo Lake’s Brittany Kahan Ward, Doug Mankoffand Andrew Spaulding, Thruline’s Ron West and Josh Kesselman. The project is produced by Civic Center Media in association with MRC Television.

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Mrs. Davis Official Trailer Released (Peacock)

Peacock released the first official trailer (see below) for their highly anticipated drama series MRS. DAVIS. From the creative minds of Tara Hernandez (The Big Bang Theory) and Emmy Award Winner Damon Lindelof (LOST, Watchmen), and starring Emmy Award-Nominated Betty Gilpin (GLOW, The Hunt) as Simone alongside Jake McDorman (Dopesick, The Right Stuff) and Andy McQueen (Station Eleven, Fahrenheit 451), MRS. DAVIS follows the epic battle between “Mrs. Davis,” the world’s most powerful Artificial Intelligence, and Simone, the nun devoted to destroying Her. 

Coming up this month, MRS.DAVIS will make its world premiere on March 14, 2023 at SXSW as an Official Selection for the festival. MRS. DAVIS will premiere on Peacock with four episodes on Thursday, April 20, then weekly on Thursdays. 

  

Citadel Coming In April (Prime Video)

Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Citadel. Photo courtesy/copyright of Prime Video.

Prime Video has debuted first-look images for the highly anticipated action-spy thriller Citadel, revealing that the series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on Friday, April 28, with two adrenaline-fueled episodes, followed by a new episode released weekly every Friday through May 26. The landmark, high-stakes drama is executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO and showrunner David Weil, and stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, with Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville. Citadel will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. 

Eight years ago, Citadel fell. The independent global spy agency—tasked to uphold the safety and security of all people—was destroyed by operatives of Manticore, a powerful syndicate manipulating the world from the shadows. With Citadel’s fall, elite agents Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) had their memories wiped as they narrowly escaped with their lives. They’ve remained hidden ever since, building new lives under new identities, unaware of their pasts. Until one night, when Mason is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), who desperately needs his help to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order. Mason seeks out his former partner, Nadia, and the two spies embark on a mission that takes them around the world in an effort to stop Manticore, all while contending with a relationship built on secrets, lies, and a dangerous-yet-undying love. 
 
Richard Madden stars as Mason Kane, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Nadia Sinh, Stanley Tucci as Bernard Orlick, Lesley Manville as Dahlia Archer, Osy Ikhile as Carter Spence, Ashleigh Cummings as Abby Conroy, Roland Møller as Anders Silje and Davik Silje, Caoilinn Springall as Hendrix Conroy, and more. 

From Amazon Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes for AGBO, with David Weil serving as showrunner and executive producer. Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg serve as executive producers for Midnight Radio. Newton Thomas Sigel and Patrick Moran also serve as executive producers.

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After They Came Makes Its Debut At Alien Con 2023

Dan Harary, the author of a new science-fiction novel entitled After They Came, is convinced that his father, the late Jack Harary - an Electronics Engineer with the U.S. Army from 1951 – 1996 - "Knew About UFOs!" After They Came will make its debut at BOOTH # 310 during AlienCon 2023 in Pasadena, CA, March 4-5, 2023. The book will also be featured at UFO Con 2023 in San Francisco, March 18-19, and at the LA Times Festival of Books, April 22-23.

“In 1970, when I was 14, my dad and I saw an enormous, silver, ‘Flying V’ UFO, slowly and silently hovering directly over our heads above my childhood street,” Harary says today. “While I was jumping up and down with excitement, my father nonchalantly observed the craft flying above us, without expression – he then winked at me and said, ‘Let’s go home now.’ The unbelievable sight didn’t rattle or amaze him in the least. It was only after he died in 2017 that I remembered the wink. It was then I realized for the very first time in my life that my father must have known what that UFO really was!”

The storyline presented within After They Came: Two benevolent Aliens come to Earth to “fix” all of mankind’s problems – working solely through the efforts of one human being, Jonathan Michael Tuckerman. Tuckerman, a lost and broken man, gains redemption over the course of the novel through a series of unprecedented acts of global heroism and brilliance, while ultimately fulfilling a life path he had no idea was predestined.  

After They Came marks Harary’s second book. (His first, Flirting With Fame: A Hollywood Publicist Recalls 50 Years of Celebrity Close Encounters, took Hollywood by storm during the Summer of 2022.) Released by Genius Book Publishing, After They Came blends historical UFO lore and data with a truly unique premise. Harary describes the new book as “A cross between ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ and It’s A Wonderful Life, with a dash of E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind thrown in for good measure!”     

“Dan Harary’s book After They Came is an entertaining and upbeat work of sci-fi that cleverly incorporates key parts of the UFO phenomenon's lore and backstory - a delightful tale of wonder and hope.” - Nick Pope, UFO Expert, Contributor to “Ancient Aliens” TV series; UK Ministry of Defence, Ret.

"After They Came is a captivating novel of benevolent alien contact, incorporating author Dan Harary's vision of how to solve humanity’s most intractable problems in order to create a world of abundance and peace.  While exploring the impact of alien contact on the people of Earth, Harary, a skilled writer, offers-up a thought-provoking example of identifying just what, in his judgment, really needs fixing." - Richard Dolan, Author of A.D., After Disclosure: When the Government Finally Reveals the Truth about UFOs

“Dan Harary’s brilliant work of fiction in After They Came transports readers on a fascinating journey into the not-so-distant future, through the eyes of Jon Tuckerman, a man who is rescued from his fast track to self-annihilation. Thanks to a giant airship carrying highly advanced extraterrestrials, Jon’s misadventure propels him and humanity to previously unimaginable heights and presents new, inconceivable challenges. If you are looking for an uplifting page turner, go no further.” - Kathleen Marden, Bestselling Author of Captured! The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Experience

“As a key witness myself to the awe-inspiring and non-threatening ‘Phoenix Lights’ mass UFO events in 1997, I feel that author Dan Harary's After They Came offers a welcomed and novel approach to an often much maligned topic. His book presents a fictional odyssey of one man's intimate connection to benevolent beings who gift him and humanity with a stellar ‘Wish List’ by which to help save our world in crisis. Along the way, Harary concurrently gifts the reader with information about ancient artifacts located around the globe, long-held lore about the alien/UFO phenomenon, and even historical UFO data.” - Lynne D, Kitei, M.D./Author/Award-Winning Filmmaker, Phoenix Lights Network

“As the discussion about ‘UFO Disclosure’ continues, Dan Harary, in the meantime, has written a unique and new concept of how mankind may finally learn that we are not alone. After They Came tells a gripping story with suspense and empathy that is obviously well-researched. According to Harary’s story, we may now have another scenario of what is possible ‘After They Do Come!’” – Chase Kloetzke, UFO investigator, Author and Radio Talk Show Host for Fate Magazine

“Dan Harary’s sci-fi novel is an imaginative futuristic vision of myriad themes currently put forth by those active in the areas of UFOs and alien visitation, not all of which are compatible with my own experience and understanding of this important topic, but as written would also be best understood by those familiar with the lore of the genre.  The style of the images in After They Came are presented in such a graphic visual style that, with the inclusion of more of the background and historical sources needed by the uninitiated, it could serve as the basis of an entertaining film adaptation.” - Travis Walton, Real Life Alien Abductee & Inspiration for the 1993 Film “Fire in the Sky”

Harary’s new book is now available on Amazon:
Link to Print Version:  CLICK HERE

Link to Kindle Version: CLICK HERE

ISBN: 978-1-958727-02-7

For further information please visit www.DanHararyAuthor.com

The Walking Dead Universe Spin-Off Begins Production (AMC)

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The Walking Dead universe begins production; photo from the set. All photos courtesy/copyright of AMC.

Production for the upcoming The Walking Dead universe spinoff starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira began last week in New Jersey. The six-episode series is set to debut next year on AMC and AMC+. AMC released behind-the-scenes images (above and below) from set, where Lincoln and Gurira reunite to continue the highly anticipated journey of fan favorite characters Rick Grimes and Michonne.

The series presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive -- or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead? Scott M. Gimple, Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead universe, serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth and Brian Bockrath.

Spartacus Returning To STARZ

Steven S. DeKnight, Photo Credit Dennys Ilic Photography.

STARZ announced today it is in development on a series that will expand on its groundbreaking show Spartacus, one of STARZ’s most celebrated brands, which aired for four seasons on the platform. The show will explore uncharted territory and new journeys of the original series’ iconic characters. Spartacus creator, writer and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil, Pacific Rim: Uprising) will serve as showrunner and executive producer. In the aftermath of the defeat of Spartacus and his rebel army, the drama will depict a new tale of treachery, deceit, and blood unfolding beneath the foreboding shadow of Rome.

“It has been over a decade since Spartacus delighted international audiences and we are thrilled to reimagine and expand this gripping, action-packed drama for our viewers today,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming, STARZ. “Spartacus has deeply invested fans who are eager for its return, and we look forward to working with Steven on this exciting next chapter.”

“It’s such an incredible honor to be invited to return to the world of Spartacus and to be met with unbridled creative support from my colleagues at STARZ and Lionsgate,” said Steven S. DeKnight. “Together we are crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story.”

Spartacus: Blood and Sand debuted on STARZ in 2010 and was followed by a prequel series chapter Spartacus: Gods of the Arena in 2011 and two additional series Spartacus: Vengeance in 2012 and Spartacus: War of the Damned in 2013.

The project will be produced by Lionsgate Television for STARZ. Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Karen Bailey and Directors, Original Programming, Giovanna Desselle and Alex Alberts will oversee the series on behalf of STARZ. Head of Scripted Development and Executive Vice President, Scott Herbst and Senior Vice President, Scripted Development, Jocelyn Sabo will both oversee for Lionsgate Television.

The Portable Door Coming In April (MGM+)

L-R: Christoph Waltz and Sam Neill in The Portable Door. Photo by Mark Taylor and copyright of MGM+.

MGM+ has announced the pickup of a new fantasy-adventure comedy, The Portable Door, an MGM+ original film that will be coming exclusively to the U.S. market in April. The comedy stars multi-time Golden Globe nominee Sam Neill (Peter Rabbit, Jurassic Park) and Patrick Gibson (The OA, Tolkien),  joining two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained, No Time to Die) and Sophie Wilde (Eden, You Don’t Know Me). The award-winning Jeffrey Walker (Ali’s Wedding, Lambs of God) directed the film, which is adapted by Leon Ford (Griff the Invisible) from Tom Holt’s popular seven-book fantasy series. Check out the official trailer!

The movie centers on Paul Carpenter (Gibson) and Sophie Pettingel (Wilde), lowly, put-upon interns who begin working at the mysterious London firm J.W. Wells & Co., and become increasingly aware that their employers are anything but conventional. Charismatic villains Humphrey Wells (Waltz), the CEO of the company, and middle manager Dennis Tanner (Neill) are disrupting the world of magic by bringing modern corporate strategy to ancient magical practices, and Paul and Sophie discover the true agenda of the vast corporation. 

The cast also includes Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Chris Pang (Crazy Rich Asians, Charlie’s Angels), Jessica De Gouw (Gretel & Hansel, Pennyworth), and Rachel House (Soul, Thor: Ragnarok). A Jim Henson Company, Story Bridge Films, and Sky production, The Portable Door is produced by Todd Fellman from Story Bridge Films (Daybreakers, Bait 3D) and Blanca Lista (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance). The Jim Henson Company’s Lisa Henson and Chris Lytton are executive producing, as are Arclight Films’ Gary Hamilton,

Brian Beckmann, Ying Ye, and Ryan Hamilton, alongside Julia Stuart and Laura Grange from Sky, and Cailah Scobie and Shana Levine with Stan. Arclight Films is handling international rights to the movie. UTA’s Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance are jointly representing the film’s North American rights.

"The Portable Door  is a charming young-adult action-adventure fantasy with a British sensibility that is an excellent addition to our curated film library,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “With Sam Neill, Christoph Waltz, Patrick Gibson, and its wonderful cast of excellent actors, we’re thrilled to offer this delightful film to our audience of movie lovers.”

“There is no better home for this delightful and comedic adventure than on the prestigious new MGM+. Featuring deeply funny performances from our incredible cast, and a rich, high-fantasy setting, The Portable Door allowed us to create the kind of memorable, exciting world-building that The Jim Henson Company does best,” said executive producer Lisa Henson. “The Portable Door is poised to be the next Henson fan favorite.” 

The Portable Door is the newest original film announced by MGM+, joining an expansive library of film titles from MGM and other major Hollywood Studios. The library of titles includes blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick; MGM hits No Time to Die and House of Gucci; and beloved franchises like James Bond and Rocky. The service also offers fan favorites like The Silence of the Lambs, Platoon, Robocop, The Magnificent Seven, The Wolf of Wall Street, Star Trek: Into Darkness, The Lost City, Barbershop, The Pink Panther, In the Heat of the Night, The Thomas Crown Affair, A Quiet Place, and Father of the Bride.

MGM+ will continue to be available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, and emerging digital distribution channels, as well as through its MGM+ app, providing more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to [www.mgmplus.com ] or follow on [Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube].   

The Power - First Look Images Released (Prime Video)

Toni Collette as Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez in The Power. Photo courtesy/copyright of Prime Video.

Prime Video has debuted first-look images for the highly anticipated series The Power. The emotionally driven, global thriller from SISTER (Chernobyl) is based on British author Naomi Alderman’s award-winning novel, and will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in March. The Power is our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, teenage girls develop the power to electrocute people at will. The series features a cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Eastern Europe, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

Toni Collette stars as Mayor Margot Cleary-Lopez, alongside John Leguizamo as Rob Lopez, Auli’i Cravalho as Jos Cleary-Lopez, Toheeb Jimoh as Tunde Ojo, Josh Charles as Daniel Dandon, Eddie Marsan as Bernie Monke, Ria Zmitrowicz as Roxy Monke, Zrinka Cvitešić as Tatiana Moskalev, Halle Bush as Allie Montgomery, and more. The Power comes from Amazon Studios and SISTER, with Raelle Tucker (True Blood) serving as showrunner.

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