More A-List Film Stars In TV And SVOD

 

Table Of Contents

 

 


The New "Cool"

It used to be that A-list actors only wanted to be in A-list feature films.  Major blockbusters, Romantic Comedies or possibly intellectual dramas that went the Indy circuit, and where they could show off true acting chops.  Never would an A-lister consider (revisting) the popular medium that they either bypassed completely or likely made them famous in the first place - the television screen.

Times are a-changing.  With the abundance of content, new distribution platforms (we are talking about you SVOD) and nice paychecks attached, there is a new interest in television.  In this blog, Hollywood Branded provides brand managers some insight into need-to-know-about content partnerships, as they will soon feature some mega A-list film stars in TV and SVOD content. 


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The "Limited" TV Series

And we aren't talking about 26 episodes either.  A-listers are dipping their toes into limited series TV releases - typically with a max of 10 episodes over three months.  This helps make the time commitment more manageable, and a TV show can be more easily scheduled between feature films.

In a previous blog we talked about how in the not so distant past, once an actor made it to the big screen and transitioned into A-List status, they no longer explored opportunities in TV, and definitely would not return to a show on Broadway.  

And now... on to the TV "limited release" series you NEED to know about!


Today Will Be Different - Julia Roberts

 

Pretty Woman-made-famous actress Julia Roberts is considered at the very top of celebrity talent. And she's just announced that she is going to be joining Maria Semple's book adaptation Today Will Be Different. Roberts will play Eleanor Ford, "a woman who wakes up expecting to live the best day of her life, but has to temper those expectations when strange events intervene."  The book's writer will be writing the adaptation herself - something you are also seeing more of lately as authors are hesitant to turn control of their books over to a screenwriter.

Here's a quickie look at the book's plot, which should mirror this TV series:  Eleanor knows she's a mess. But today, she will tackle the little things. She will shower and get dressed. She will have her poetry and yoga lessons after dropping off her son, Timby. She won't swear. She will initiate sex with her husband, Joe. But before she can put her modest plan into action-life happens. Today, it turns out, is the day Timby has decided to fake sick to weasel his way into his mother's company. It's also the day Joe has chosen to tell his office-but not Eleanor-that he's on vacation. Just when it seems like things can't go more awry, an encounter with a former colleague produces a graphic memoir whose dramatic tale threatens to reveal a buried family secret. Today Will Be Different is a hilarious, heart-filled story about reinvention, sisterhood, and how sometimes it takes facing up to our former selves to truly begin living.

So brands be at the ready! This hasn't begun filming yet and offers product placement!  And no comment on the network... bidding war is on!

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Photo Credit: Little, Brown and Company 


Big Little Lies book Liane Moriarty

Photo Credit: Penguin Publishing 


Unnamed Mafia Drama - Robert De Niro & Julianne Moore

Now this one is a period storyline, so alcohol brands and other companies that were around in the 1990's who would like to get in some still-relevant and very strong branding opportunities should take note!

This SVOD drama is being said to be a cop thriller that has some run-ins with mafia ties. But they have a 2 season deal already inked for Amazon, which now offers the ability to secure SVOD viewer eyeballs around the globe.  With a $160 million commitment (ok - that is BIG even in TV talk).

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Photo Credit: TVLine


The Nix - Meryl Streep

This TV drama (and book adaptation of the same name) is to be directed by J.J. Abrams, with Meryl Streep starring.  Warner Bros. Television is producing, with no finalized network or SVOD distributor on board quite yet.

The novel came out this last August, and was written by Nathan Hill.  It centers on Samuel Andresen-Anderson, a college professor whose estranged mother reappears decades after abandoning the family (Streep), having committed an absurd crime that incites a media frenzy.

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Photo Credit: Variety 


Ready To Get Product Placed In This Content?

Have you ever wondered how a comprehensive product placement program works? Or do you want to know how to create a promotional partnership strategy with a movie partner? This video will answer all of your questions as it shows the steps and processes taken by Hollywood Branded that lead to your brand increasing both consumer engagement and sales!

How Product Placement Works Video