3 Arts Entertainment

Tacoma FD Cancellation by TruTV: An In-depth Look at the Sudden Decision In an unexpected turn of events, the popular comedy series "Tacoma FD" has been axed by TruTV. This shocking revelation came as an unwelcome surprise for the show's ardent fanbase, who were looking forward to another season of laughs with their favorite firefighters. It's a dizzying fall from grace for a comedy series that was once the torchbearer of TruTV's comedy legacy, painted against the backdrop of the firefighter fraternity. As one reflects on the vibrant and hilarious world of Tacoma FD, the series was exceptional in its ability to mix comedy and camaraderie with the unpredictable and demanding profession of firefighting. Created by Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme, members of the Broken Lizard comedy group, Tacoma FD was the perfect blend of the creators' unique sense of humor and a fresh comedic take on the firefighting world. The show's foundation was built on the dynamics of an eccentric group of firefighters stationed in the rainiest city in the United States - Tacoma, Washington. The humor was layered, sometimes drawing from the obvious occupational hazards of the profession, while at other times diving into the personal lives and interactions of the firefighters. Tacoma FD’s distinct nature and winning humor had helped the program establish a solid fan following over two years, making its abrupt termination a hot discussion point. Baseless rumors and theories have cropped up trying to decipher the rationale behind this sudden move by the network. Some fans speculate financial reasons, others attribute it to changes in network strategy, while a few have hinted at creative differences. However, none of these theories hold water without an official explanation from TruTV. What we do know is that primary production companies, 3 Arts Entertainment and Silverscreen Pictures, will be deeply impacted by this decision. They had put immense faith and resources into developing this show. From casting a talented crew of actors to creating an authentic set design that resonated with actual fire stations, they spared no expense in crafting a convincing and engaging world. Despite the cancellation, the creators Heffernan and Lemme are not ready to close the chapter on Tacoma FD. They expressed disappointment over the cancellation but also immense pride in what they had achieved with the series. There is talk about potential move to another platform for the series, a trend that has gained momentum with the digital revolution in the entertainment industry. The cancellation of Tacoma FD also raises questions about the future of TruTV's comedy profile. With the end of Tacoma FD, it appears that TruTV is turning the page on its present comedy chapter. This aligns with the recent transformation in the network's programming strategies – moving away from scripted comedies that once dominated its portfolio. The demise of Tacoma FD might be a shock, but it also presents an opportunity to remember and appreciate the show's originality, comedic genius, and the playground it created for actors, writers, and audiences alike. Just like the firefighters in the series, Tacoma FD navigated its journey with courage, camaraderie, and an unwavering sense of humor. Regardless of the reasons for its cancellation, Tacoma FD will always have a special place in comedy-loving hearts. Its union of unconventional humor and the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of the firefighting world was both audacious and innovative. While fans mourn the loss of Tacoma FD, they can take solace in the fact that great comedy is often reborn, and perhaps, Tacoma FD might just find a new home and continue its comedic mission. Only time will tell.

Lionsgate has disclosed its financial results for the first quarter, concurrently with discussions involving multiple potential buyers regarding the potential divestiture or independent establishment of its premium cable and streaming platform, Starz, and its studio operations. However, the anticipated dissociation of Lionsgate and Starz, an event long predicted by the financial community, has been postponed to early 2024. This modification comes after Lionsgate recently acquired Entertainment One (eOne). In a post-market conference call with analysts, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer explained, "Considering the implications of the eOne acquisition on regulatory approvals, uncertainties related to ongoing labor strikes, and our endeavors to optimize our capital structure amidst a disruptive market, we now anticipate executing the separation in the first quarter of the calendar year 2024." Feltheimer further emphasized, "We deemed this opportunity too significant to overlook," addressing inquiries regarding the eOne deal's impact on the studio spinoff timeline that regulatory and financial restructuring concerns substantially influenced the decision to delay the transaction to early next year. Lionsgate's CFO, Jimmy Barge, supplemented this by noting that the studio would gain better insight into the Hollywood writer's and actors' strikes by year-end. This insight helps eliminate uncertainties ahead of finalizing the separation transaction. About the ongoing financial ramifications of the strikes, Feltheimer disclosed that Lionsgate has already predicted a $30 million hit up until the end of September. This impact has been dispersed across the 3 Arts Entertainment talent management division and the film and TV production segments. On August 3, the studio unveiled a $500 million agreement to acquire eOne from Hasbro as the toy conglomerate transitions into digital gaming. The acquisition is anticipated to conclude by the close of 2023. Concurrently, Lionsgate announced its intention for Starz to withdraw from Latin America by year-end, focusing instead on the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This decision reverses Starz's recent global expansion, limiting its operations mainly to English-speaking territories. Lionsgate had previously chosen to exit specific markets for Lionsgate+—the rebranded international Starzplay endeavors—including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux, the Nordic regions, and Japan. Despite these adjustments, the UK, Latin America, and Canada were initially positioned as regions where Lionsgate would maintain its association with Starz. However, this has been updated to exclude Latin America, in line with the company's reshaped expectations for the TV platform's online pivot and its future as an autonomous entity after the intended separation transaction. In the latest quarter, they witnessed a decline of 300,000 Starz subscribers, culminating in 29.4 million subscribers. In terms of streaming, Starz concluded the second quarter with 19.9 million global OTT (over-the-top) subscribers, marking a 9 percent increase year-over-year. During the same period, Lionsgate saw its net loss attributable to shareholders in the fourth quarter shrink to $70.7 million, a reduction from the previous year's loss of $119 million. The overall revenue increased by 2 percent, reaching $909 million compared to $893.9 million in the prior year's corresponding period. This performance exceeded Wall Street expectations, surpassing the forecasted $885 million total revenue for the quarter. Lionsgate reported a per-share loss of 31 cents, a positive development from the loss of 53 cents the preceding year. According to analysts ' consensus, this was notably better than the anticipated per-share loss of 45 cents. Adjusted earnings per share stood at 4 cents, an improvement from the year-prior loss of 23 cents per share. This again exceeded the predicted 23 cents per-share loss for the quarter. The studio also achieved a record trailing 12-month library revenue of $896 million, sourced from a mixture of film and TV content, and the fourth quarter particularly benefited from the resurgence of box office performance, propelled by the success of John Wick: Chapter 4. In the breakdown of segment results, media network revenue experienced marginal change at $381.1 million. Simultaneously, the studio business, encompassing the Motion Picture and Television Production units, witnessed an impressive 46 percent increase in revenue to $406.5 million. This growth was attributed to the success of John Wick 4 across multiple platforms. Addressing upcoming releases, Feltheimer showcased optimism for The Expendables 4, Saw X, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, underscoring the studio's positive outlook for movie releases throughout the year. Additionally, the studio has wrapped up production on Ballerina, the latest addition to the John Wick franchise. Furthermore, Feltheimer highlighted the substantial portfolio of renowned properties, including Dirty Dancing, Now, You See Me 3 directed by Ruben Fleischer, and Highlander, directed by Chad Stahelski, reinforcing the potential of the Motion Picture Group. In contrast, television production revenues decreased to $218.5 million during the most recent quarter, a decline from the $432.3 million generated in the corresponding period last year, with a higher volume of episode deliveries. Lionsgate is actively exploring various avenues for Starz, including the potential disentanglement of its pay TV and streaming business from its studio operations. This strategic move aims to establish two distinct standalone entities, enabling investors to assess the value of Starz and studio assets independently. The timeline for this endeavor, previously anticipated to be disclosed by the end of September, remains under scrutiny. Regarding Starz's performance, Feltheimer pointed out that a recent price increase has temporarily impacted subscriber growth on the platform, although it continues to remain profitable. Lionsgate has already submitted SEC documentation outlining the proposed split into two publicly traded companies. This process also entails addressing organizational and governance considerations that accompany the separation, including an intra-company agreement to uphold certain tax benefits. The corporate structure for the separated studio and media networks businesses was detailed in a July 12 SEC Form 10 filing. These entities are slated to be rebranded as New Lionsgate and New Starz. Pending approval of the separation arrangement, holders of Lionsgate's existing Class A voting shares will receive corresponding shares of new Class A voting common stock of New Starz and New Lionsgate's voting common stock. Similarly, holders of shares of Lionsgate's existing Class B non-voting common stock will obtain shares of new Class B non-voting common stock of New Starz and shares of New Lionsgate's non-voting common stock proportionately. The prospective separation seeks to segregate the studio operations, including the Motion Picture and Television Production groups, into a publicly traded independent company. Meanwhile, the media networks division, primarily comprising Starz, is slated to remain within the existing publicly traded entity. Barge, Lionsgate's CFO, projected that the acquisition of eOne is poised to generate annual cost synergies ranging from $55 million to $75 million.

The highly-anticipated return of HBO Max's "Rap Sh!t" Season 2, initially scheduled for August 10, has been postponed by Max. The new premiere date is November 9, with the first two episodes launching simultaneously, followed by weekly releases leading to the season finale on December 21. This unexpected delay is a direct consequence of the ongoing labor strikes led by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). The two powerful unions are advocating for improved contracts with major studios, resulting in actors being strictly prohibited from promoting any projects associated with the struck companies. On the other hand, writers need more press opportunities. By pushing the premiere to November, Warner Bros. Discovery, the studio behind "Rap sh!t," aims to provide a more favorable environment for the series' talent to actively participate in generating buzz around the show once the labor disputes are resolved. Interestingly, "Rap Sh!t" is not the only summer series affected by these strikes. FX recently announced the delay of "A Murder at the End of the World," starring Emma Corrin and TK, shifting its premiere from August 29 to a later date in November. The narrative of "Rap Sh!t" revolves around Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), two estranged high school friends from Miami who reunite with a shared dream of forming a rap group. The series poses a compelling dilemma for the duo as they must choose between staying true to their authentic selves or conforming to the often demanding music industry. The cast also includes Jonica Booth, RJ Cyler, Daniel Augustin, and Jaboukie Young-White in prominent roles. Created by the talented Issa Rae, an executive producer, "Rap Sh!t" boasts a stellar production team. Showrunner Syreeta Singleton, Hoorae's Montrel McKay, 3 Arts Entertainment's Jonathan Berry, Dave Becky, and Jim Kleverweis join Rae in bringing this exciting project to life. Notably, Yung Miami and JT from the renowned hip-hop duo City Girls serve as co-executive producers, alongside Kevin "Coach K" Lee and Pierre "P" Thomas representing Quality Control Films, as well as Sara Diya Rastogi and Jax Clark from Hoorae. To add an extra touch of authenticity, Rae's audio content company, Raedio, handles music supervision for the series. As fans eagerly await the new November premiere, the hope remains that the industry's labor disputes will resolve by then, allowing "Rap Sh!t" to shine brightly on screen while its talented cast and crew actively engage with audiences to generate well-deserved excitement and acclaim.

'Suncoast' starring Woody Harrelson is now casting. 'Suncoast' casting directors are now casting and hiring actors to work on scenes filming in Charleston, South Carolina. Producers are seeking the following roles: Background Actors How to apply? To audition for a role in 'Suncoast', check out the casting call breakdown below. 'Suncoast' Open Casting Call 'Suncoast' Extras Casting Call Now accepting Submissions for the Movie "Suncoast."Filming in the Charleston, SC area. This show is a vaccination-required project.ALL AGES, RACES & TYPES ARE NEEDED. 'SUNCOAST' Featured Extras Casting Call 'SUNCOAST' Feature Film - Charleston, South Carolina  Lots of recurring & featured roles listed for our upcoming Protest & Hospice Scenes. Most roles have multiple dates listed, not all dates listed are mandatory but strongly preferred. PLEASE READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY!! SEVERAL ROLES HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED OR REQUIRED.  RATES: Featured Roles - 150/10, unless otherwise noted Background Actor - 132/12 Covid Test - $50 added to pay IF SUBMITTING FOR MULTIPLE ROLES PLEASE ONLY SEND 1 EMAIL & LIST ALL THE ROLES YOU'D LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AS THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR EMAIL EVERYONE 12 & OVER MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED FOR COVID 19 & ALSO HAVE 1 BOOSTER (depending on when your initial series was completed)  Please read pinned post about RETURN TO WORK AGREEMENT on our Facebook page. Information on where to submit covid vaccination exemption requests is listed under Current Projects in "ABOUT ME" section on this page. Please do not submit exemption requests to me, they must be sent to Health & Safety. ___FEATURED ROLES___ --TERRI SCHIAVO DOUBLE-- 11/5 ONLY - RATE $250 SEE ATTACHED PHOTO OF TERRI SCHIAVO IN 2005. MUST RESEMBLE TERRI. --WHEELCHAIR USERS-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/25, 10/27, 10/28 - If not available all days please note which days you're available.  All genders, All ethnicities, Ages 16 & up --DISABLED PROTESTERS-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/25, 10/27, 10/28 - If not available all days please note which days you're available. All genders, All ethnicities, Ages 16 & up --HOSPICE SECURITY-- 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/27, 10/28 - If not available all days please note which days you're available Male, All ethnicities, Ages 30-50 years old --MALE ORDERLY-- 10/24 ONLY Male, All ethnicities, PREFER ACTUAL HEALTHCARE WORKER --HOSPICE PATIENT WALKER USER-- 10/24 ONLY All genders, All ethnicities, Ages 65 & up --NURSE ENTERING ROOM-- 11/2 ONLY All genders, All ethnicities, Ages 30 & up --CHILD PROTESTER-- FEATURED ON 10/28 ONLY, can be BG on other protest days Caucasian Male between 10-13 years old --TERRI'S GUARD-- 11/5 ONLY Male, All ethnicities, between 30 - 50 years old. Physically fit --2 FUNERAL PARLOR EMPLOYEES-- 10/31 & 11/3 PREFER ACTUAL FUNERAL PARLOR WORKERS FOR AUTHENTICITY OF SCENE All genders, All ethnicities, over 30 --ORDERLY-- 11/3 ONLY All genders, All ethnicities, over 25 PREFER ACTUAL ORDERLY OR NURSE --FEMALE PROTESTER ON GROUND-- FEATURED 10/20 ONLY if available other protest dates as BG list dates available Caucasian Female, 30-50 years old ___RECURRING BACKGROUND ACTOR ROLES___ --PROTESTER-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/31 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 25 & up --CHILD PROTESTER-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 10-14 PARENT MUST BE IN SCENE WITH CHILD AS A PROTESTER. PLEASE SUBMIT IN SAME EMAIL. --VIDEO CAMERAMEN-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/31 All dates not required but preferred Male, All ethnicities, 30 & up --REPORTER-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/31 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 30 & up --PHOTOGRAPHER-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/31 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 25 & up --HOSPICE PATIENT-- 10/24, 10/25, 10/31, 11/1, 11/5 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 60 & up --HOSPICE NURSE-- 10/24, 10/25, 10/31, 11/1, 11/2, 11/5 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 25 & up --HOSPICE VISITOR-- 10/24, 10/25, 10/31, 11/1, 11/5 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 30 & up --BIKER PROTESTER-- 10/20, 10/21, 10/22, 10/24, 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 10/28, 10/31 All dates not required but preferred All genders, All ethnicities, 35 & up Tough looking, If you own Biker leathers & can bring please note that in submission *Motorcycle NOT needed* Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, and Nico Parker to Star in Laura Chinn’s ‘Suncoast.’ Award nominees Laura Linney, Woody Harrelson, and rising actress Nico Parker are set to star in Suncoast. The drama, written by Laura Chinn, who is also set to make her directorial debut, will begin production in September. Searchlight has come on board the project, which made the 2020 Black List. Join Project Casting to access jobs you can apply to right now. Suncoast is a drama inspired by Chinn's life events from the early 2000s and follows a teenager (Parker) who must take her brother to live at a specialized facility. She forms an unlikely friendship with an eccentric activist (Harrelson) while participating in protests surrounding controversial medical situations. The project will be directed by Searchlight's VP of production Taylor Friedman, who will report to heads of production and development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas. Harrelson's most recent role was in Triangle of Sadness, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Palme d'Or. He also starred opposite Kevin Hart in the action movie The Man From Toronto and played Spider-Man villain Carnage in Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Harrelson has been nominated for an Oscar three times, including for his work in Searchlight’s 2017 drama​Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and ​The Messenger and The People vs. Larry Flynt.   Linney is currently recurring in Netflix's award-winning crime drama Ozark, where she stars alongside Jason Bateman, garnering four Emmy noms for her performance. Linney has received three Academy Award nods for her performances in The Savages and Kinsey (both from Searchlight Pictures) and Kenneth Lonergan's You Can Count on Me. Parker made her film debut in Tim Burton's Dumbo, featuring Colin Farrell and Michael Keaton. She has recently been seen on HBO Max's sci-fi thriller Reminiscence with Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, and Thandiwe Newton, as well as the HBO adaptation of the video game phenomenon The Last of Us. Chinn is a multi-skilled artist who has established herself as an actress and screenwriter in the film and writing industries. She recently added author to her long list of accomplishments, with Hachette publishing her autobiography, Acne, in July to rave reviews. Harrelson is represented by Seven Deuce Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham, while Linney is represented by CAA, Lighthouse Media & Management, and Yorn Levine. WME and Curtis Brown Group represent Parker. Chinn is repped by 3 Arts Entertainment, Range Media, and Hansen Jacobson. More Project Casting Entertainment News: 44 TV Shows and Movies Filming in Georgia in September Georgia is quickly taking over the TV and film industry. Here are the 45 movies and TV shows filming in Georgia this September 2022. Join Project Casting to acc… Netflix Cancels 'Resident Evil' Live-Action Series Netflix Has Canceled Its Live-Action Adaptation Of The 'Resident Evil' Series. 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