Season 10 of 'JAG'

Again, thanks to a good friend...

To be released February 9, 2010... whoo hoo!!!

Link to article:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/JAG-Season-10/12989

David James Elliott to star in 'Confined'

Langley Times
The X factor at work

Kraig X. Wenman has sold 21 feature film scripts, one being filmed in Langley right now. But the Poppy grad has got his finger on the pulse of many projects.
John GORDON/Langley Times



Published: November 17, 2009 2:00 PM
Updated: November 17, 2009 2:59 PM

They say you can’t believe everything you read.

That’s especially true if you’ve read that White Rock screenwriter Kraig Wenman has mixed it up in the ring with one of the most famous (and notorious) heavyweight boxers of our time.

“No, I’ve never sparred with Mike Tyson,” says Wenman with a laugh, dismissing the “fact” included in his profile on the Internet Movie Data Base.

That little gem was, apparently, posted in his IMDB bio by a friend, just to prove it could be done.

The rest is all fact. Well, mostly.

“My age is wrong. That’s a typo,” said Wenman, who celebrated some birthday or other on Nov. 6, though he declined to say which one, exactly.

But, yes, it’s true he was a sponsored skateboarder when he was 11, and yes, he makes a point of naming characters in his screenplays after famous musicians.

There’s Edward Vetter, for example, just different enough from the moniker of Peal Jam’s lead singer to avoid a lawsuit.

“I also use a lot of street names from Langley. That’s something to look out for.”

Then there’s the matter of his own name.

Kraig X. Wenman as it sometimes appears in credits is not, surprisingly, the name he was given at birth.

He added the X himself as a way to draw attention to himself in a business where one hopeful writer’s work blurs into the next as it piles up on a producer’s desks.

It seems to have worked for Wenman, who enrolled in film school in 1999 after graduating from D.W. Poppy Secondary in Langley.

He has now sold 21 feature film scripts, including one that is currently being shot in Willoughby.

It stars David James Elliot of JAG fame and Emma Caufield, who played Anya on T.V.’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Written in the span of a week back in August, the feature, titled Confined, is about a woman who, after moving to a new neighbourhood begins to fear she is going crazy.

Or, then again, it may be that her next door neighbour is up to no good.

It’s the typical mother-in-jeopardy scenario, says the writer.

It’s a story line that spans the thriller genre from the small, independent films he writes, all the way up to big-budget Hollywood fare — think Jodie Foster in Panic Room or, well, Jodie Foster in Flightplan.

With such titles as Nowhere to Hide and Fireball under his belt (both of which air regularly on U.S. cable channels) Wenman is the first to admit it’s formulaic work.

It always comes down to a woman in her mid 30s, he explained.

She’s a mother and a professional woman who’s grown apart from her kids, and she suddenly finds herself in danger.

He likens the ability to dash off screenplays to being a weight lifter — if you exercise certain muscles, they’re bound to get stronger.

Eventually, he’d like to flex a different set of muscles by climbing into a director’s chair.

“I want to write and direct, and really focus on storytelling,” he said.

“Writing is giving me a director’s sense of where the camera goes.”

The father of two has also penned a novel, titled Jack Scratch, which he’s hoping to see turned into a television series — or, at the very least, a pilot.

The story uses voice over to combine a certain darkness with dry wit, he said.

It’s about a hitman who is hired to kill musicians to up their value.

“It’s Dexter meets Thank You For Smoking.”

Wenman is also in the process of writing a comedy for the Hallmark Channel.

Where the genre would, not long ago, have been outside his comfort zone, Wenman said parenthood has given him plenty of material. This one will have broad appeal, appropriate for families to sit down together and watch, he said.

“Then I have Jack Scratch at the opposite end, just to keep things balanced.”

Link to original article:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/langleytimes/entertainment/70317852.html

Thanks to my friend getting a Google alert I never got! Whoo hooooo!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID JAMES ELLIOTT!!!!!

Here's wishing you all the best today and always. Hope it is a wonderful birthday!!!

"Man of the House" Press Release

From the Futon Critic website:

DAVID JAMES ELLIOTT ("JAG") STARS IN "MAN OF THE HOUSE," A HALLMARK CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE WHICH HAS BEGUN PRODUCTION FOR PREMIERE IN 2010

David James Elliott ("JAG") stars in "Man of the House," a Hallmark Channel Original Movie about a workaholic ad agency executive who has lost his wife and is then fired from his job. He soon becomes a full-time Mr. Mom and begins to realize what he has been missing by not balancing his career and family life.

"Man of the House" has begun production and will premiere on Hallmark Channel in 2010.

Ben Landis (Elliott) is shocked when his boss gives him the news that his job as an advertising executive is over because he makes too much money and can be easily replaced by three younger guys for the same amount. He shares the news with his two children, Lindsay (Madison Davenport), age 12, and Dylan (Will Shadley), age 8, who have many questions. Then he fires his live-in housekeeper who he can no longer afford to keep. Now in the role of Mr. Mom, he immediately begins making a mess of everything the kitchen, dropping the kids off at school, managing Dylan's asthma attack and making cupcakes for the school bake sale.

But Ben keeps at it and soon gets the hang of things and even finds a supporter in Miss Jensen (Sharon Case, "The Young and the Restless"), Dylan's teacher, with whom there's an instant attraction. However, when he's offered a wonderful job at an ad agency in another city, Ben must decide what matters most in life, and what will be the best thing for him and his family.

"Man of the House" is being produced by Larry Levinson Productions. Larry Levinson is the executive producer. Brian Gordon and Jim Wilberger and Lincoln are the producers. Bradford May is directing from a script written by Adam Rockoff.

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming to a national audience of 88 million subscribers. The top-tier program service is distributed through more than 5,450 cable systems and communities as well as direct-to-home satellite services across the country. Hallmark Channel consistently ranks among the highest-rated cable networks and is the nation's leading network in providing quality family programming. Hallmark Channel's sibling network is Hallmark Movie Channel which focuses on the greatest family movies of all time.

NEW MOVIE FOR DJE!!!!

Had this in a Google alert from the Hollywood Reporter:

Actor moves in to Hallmark's 'House'
David James Elliott to star in original movie
By Nellie Andreeva

Sept 14, 2009, 11:00 PM ET
David James Elliott has been named "Man of the House" for Hallmark Channel.

The former "JAG" star has been tapped for the lead role in an original movie about a workaholic ad- agency executive who loses his wife and is fired. He soon becomes a full-time Mr. Mom to his two kids and gets help from his son's teacher (Sharon Case).

"House," from Larry Levinson Prods., has begun filming for a 2010 premiere. Levinson is the executive producer.

Elliott is repped by Paradigm and McGowan Management.
-------------------------------------------------------
Can't wait to hear more about it!!!

"BRIO PRESS AMONG SPONSORS FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT"

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundaton gift bag will include BRIO PRESS' Top Chef "Fan Favorite" Fabio Viviani cookbook, Cafe Firenze Cookbook08.27.2009 – Minneapolis, MN-Golfers at the annual Emmy celebrity golf tournament will get a taste of Florence, Italy with BRIO PRESS’ Café Firenze Cookbook. The publisher is donating Viviani’s book to the tournament gift bag. The book pairs martinis with 24 original Italian recipes.

The tournament is on August 31 in Toluca Lake, CA. Golf tournament proceeds directly benefit the Television Academy Foundation’s educational and preservation programs such as the student internship program, College TV Awards, the Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarships and the Archive of American Television.

Scheduled to play are Bailey Chase (Saving Grave), Eric Close (Without a Trace), David James Elliott (The Storm), Jerry Ferrara (Entourage), Carmine Giovinazzo (CSI:NY), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Richard Karn (Home Improvement), Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy), Kevin Nealon (Weeds), Jeffrey Nordling (24), Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy), James Remar (Dexter),and Grant Show (Private Practice).

“We are honored to be a sponsor for this event,” said BRIO PRESS co-owner William Reynolds. “I hope all participants enjoy the book.”

Log on to www.BrioBooks.com for more information.

About BRIO PRESS
BRIO PRESS is a division of BRIO that publishes books from authors whose works engender cultural legacies. When we choose a title to publish, we strike a balance between the benefits of traditional publishing and the self-started, self-reliant spirit of independent authorship. BRIO PRESS transcends barriers that often encumber great authors and stories, and delivers credibility, validity and most importantly, visibility to remarkable authors and their fine works.
BRIO PRESS was established in spring 2009 by its parent company: BRIO Print, LLC. www.briobooks.com

Had this in a Google alert. Do good!!!

The Deadbolt Interview - James Van Der Beek and David James Elliott Talk Up a 'Storm' for New Miniseries

The Deadbolt Interview - James Van Der Beek and David James Elliott Talk Up a 'Storm' for New Miniseries

Shared via AddThis

Interview for 'The Storm'

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3767-Celebrity-QA-Examiner~y2009m7d22-James-Van-Der-Beek-and-David-James-Elliott-weather-the-storms-of-Hollywood

And the article:

James Van Der Beek and David James Elliott weather the storms of Hollywood
July 22, 11:18 AM By Carla Hay

What’s scarier: facing down a disastrous storm or facing down a power-crazy billionaire who wants control the world’s weather? That’s the problem facing Kirk Hafner (played by James Van Der Beek), a good-guy scientist in NBC’s two-part miniseries "The Storm," which airs July 26 and August 2. In "The Storm," wealthy mogul Robert Terrell (played by Treat Williams) has achieved "weather creation" technology though his Atmospheric Research Institute, with the ulterior motive to have the technology used as a military weapon. An Army official named General Braxton (played by David James Elliott) is in cahoots with the billionaire in the ambitious plan. But when a top-secret test run leads to catastrophic hurricanes, lightening storms and other weather horrors around the world, it’s up to Hafner to expose the real purpose of Atmospheric Research Institute and stop its technology before it’s too late.

In real life, Van Der Beek and Elliott know a few things about dealing with stormy situations — as in knowing the ups and downs of being an actor, particularly one who has to rebuild a career after starring in a long-running TV-series. ("Dawson’s Creek" for Van Der Beek, "JAG" for Elliott.) In a recent telephone conference call with journalists, Van Der Beek and Elliott discussed "The Storm" and other topics, including the worst weather they’ve ever experienced, how they want to emerge from the long shadows cast by their successful TV series, and why there is a lot of truth in "The Storm’s" fictional drama.

James, you've had some really diverse roles this past year, so where exactly does "The Storm" fit in?

Van Der Beek: I was fascinated by the idea of a scientist who's kind of in love with the exploration and follows his knowledge as far as he can. But then all of the sudden [he] creates something that somebody else can use and for other kinds of nefarious purposes. I mean, this guy created this technology with the best of intentions and then somebody else took it and is using it for their own power. And so it puts him in a difficult situation. It's a guy trying to do the right thing when the right thing isn't entirely clear. And it just seemed like a lot of fun.

Is this your first miniseries?

Van Der Beek: I believe it is, yes.

How was it working with such a great cast?

Van Der Beek: It was fun. Every day there was somebody new to talk to and somebody else's brain I could pick. I had a very good time.

Is there a lot of action in the series?

Van Der Beek: Yes, there's a ton of action. I was outside underneath the rain towers about every night. It was a very, very … wet shoot for sure. But I had fun. You know, running around and it was good.

Do you think you'll be making a return appearance on "One Tree Hill"?

Van Der Beek: I don't know. They gave me a pretty good send off … But I don't know, I had a great time down there. I might go down and direct one, we'll see.

David and James, could tell us a little bit about your characters in "Storm" and maybe any specific acting challenges you found with these particular roles?

Elliott: Well I play the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I'm awfully young for the role; however, we decided that he was a brilliant military mind and he rose through the ranks at lightening speed. And as the film kind of supports, he may have got there just a little too soon. You know, every role is challenging and bringing, nuance and levels to the character and keeping it truthful and interesting. Just in time, so those would be the challenges I might have faced. He was a military man and I've certainly played one of those but there were definite differences. And he had to struggle with his morality ultimately. So those were the challenges I faced.

Van Der Beek: I play a scientist who is working for Treat Williams’ character, Treat Williams plays a billionaire. And so my guy is somebody with a huge imagination, very creative, very brilliant. And all of the sudden has all the tools at his disposal to push the limits of science as far as his mind will allow.

And is then kind of a bit betrayed by the guy he was working for. And all of the sudden has no idea who he can trust. He has no idea who's after him but is now charged with putting a stop and an end to this thing that he's helped create. And I'd say the biggest challenge for me was keeping warm at 4 o’clock in the morning underneath rain showers. That pretty much trumped any other acting challenge.

Could you tell us a little bit about the effects in the miniseries, like green-screen work versus practical?

Elliott: I didn't really face any of the effects challenges so James would have to answer that.

Van Der Beek: I tell you the rain was real. There was no green-screen rain in this thing. We really didn't have to do many green screen issues at all. There were even some of the graphics that points in the scene were there. Really, a lot of it was just kind of practical and right there everything from the lightening flashes to the wind and even explosions … if they were in frame with me they were there on the day. So it was a pretty real environment. I didn't have to use too much imagination for a lot of it.

Aside from your characters, what attracted you to the story?

Elliott: What attracted me to the role was, you know, the script looked like it would be a lot of fun and was certainly an interesting topic. And the director is a very old and dear friend of mine and we've worked together. H directed maybe 50 episodes of "JAG," so any opportunity to work with Bradford May, I know the shoot would not only be fun but it would remain interesting and the film would look fantastic. So that's why I wanted to be part of it.

Van Der Beek: Yes, yes, I think I've spoken a little bit about the kind of the dilemma. I mean, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. And I think that was one of the themes in this story that definitely, you know, attracted me to it and made it interesting. And I just kind of thought it would be fun to watch all this bad weather, some guy out in the middle of it. Who can he trust? He's on the run. It just seemed exciting. It seemed like something I would kind of want to maybe curl up and watch on a dark stormy night so.

The Atmospheric Research Institute reminded me of HARP [High Altitude Research Program]. Do you think "The Storm" was inspired by it at all?

Van Der Beek: I'm not familiar with HARP.

There's an actual machine like this up in Alaska, you know?

Van Der Beek: Oh really?

Elliott: Oh really?

For real, yes.

Van Der Beek: Oh boy.

Elliott: Well, hopefully they get it right. Yes. Our guys did not.

Do either of you have an interest or a passion for environmental issues of any kind?

Elliott: Well I work a lot with Saving the Reef Foundation. I went to the Bahamas and some areas that are near and dear to me. I have done some charitable stuff and hope to do a lot more with the Bahamanian government in saving that environment or preserving that environment. James?

Van Der Beek: I'm pretty much your average, energy-saving-light-bulbs-recycling citizen. I haven't got involved in any charities but it is something that I'll look [up] online and go through the newspaper and constantly kind of try to figure out how to reduce the carbon footprint wherever I can. And I'm very fascinated by all the new technology out there. I feel like we're at a very, very interesting time. I mean, [we’ve] got all this economic upheaval which I think is a really good reason and excuse to kind of reinvent how we look at energy and how we look at business. And, you know, with a real eye on...

Elliott: Opportunity.

Van Der Beek: Yes, it is an opportunity to keep it as efficient as possible. Not just because it's the right thing to do but because it just makes the most sense economically and for the planet. So I'm a very avid bystander.

Have you thought about how disaster movies are scarier than monster movies because hurricanes and earthquakes real and monsters are not?

Elliott: Well I've certainly, you know, stared down the barrel of a few hurricanes, so I know how scary weather can be because I have a house in the Bahamas, and [I] spend a great deal of time there. So I'd have to agree with you, those kind of movies scare me a lot more than the slash-and-gash film. But I've sat through a couple of small earthquakes, and apparently they say the big one is coming soon.

How do you suppose you would measure up in a chaos situation, like an earthquake or the scenario in this film? Would you be the type that steps up and takes charge and or be the type that curls up in a little ball and lets somebody else take the reigns?

Elliott: And screams like a little girl? Yes. James, how would you measure up?

Van Der Beek: How would I measure up? I've been through quite a few hurricanes. I worked in North Carolina, where there's a housing development whose name was Landfall. And so, yes, in situations like that, I think I tend to get pretty calm and pretty level-headed, which I think is probably the best way to get. But you never know. It's one of those things you never know until … you're in it just how you're going to react.

Elliott: That is what they say.

Van Der Beek: So hopefully, we won't get tested. I'd like to not have to find out, let's put it that way.

If someone said you could harmlessly change the weather, would you have wanted to? David, you grew up in Canada …

Elliott: Oh, I would have changed it in a minute. I hated the cold. And when the opportunity arose to come here [California] I jumped in my car and left immediately. And I haven't looked back. So I am not a fan of bad weather, inclement weather. I like snow if I'm skiing but I don't like slogging around in it. And I I dislike rain and that's why Southern California is a great place for mem because I like the heat. I don't like hurricanes and I don't like earthquakes but who does?

And James, growing up in Connecticut, did you have some kind of weather that you would have changed if you wanted?

Van Der Beek: There [are] three things I do not miss about living in Connecticut: January, February and March. Yes, I would certainly do away with that kind of post-winter, pre-spring cold, dry wasteland, yes.

James, what was it like working with Luke Perry? Because you guys certainly in effect were in the same teen-idol situation, about a decade apart on TV. Did you guys just chat about similarities or the interesting things the two of you had bumped across?

Van Der Beek: I tried to get as much out of him as I could. I was fascinated. I think he's a little bit further past it so it wasn't as present for him. But yes, it was really interesting. It always is, to talk to somebody who's been through something so unique like that. Because it's something you could only really know from the inside. So it's fun. There's kind of the mutual understanding for … something bizarre that really doesn't make sense on so many levels. But … it's fun. And Luke is a great guy. He's got a great perspective on it. And, yes, I really did enjoy the time in between setups.

You were talking about this scientist has good intentions but it gets out of control, much like the story of Frankenstein. Do you think that concept is relevant to the nuclear age and beyond?

Van Der Beek: Absolutely, especially as technology keeps on advancing. You know, we've got to kind of also make sure that we keep up with it … as far as our humanity and how we use this technology and what our intention is behind it … It’s a quandary that's existed as long as we've been inventing things. And technology and science is certainly not slowing down anytime soon so, yes, I think it makes for great drama for sure.

What’s the worst weather that you guys have been through?

Van Der Beek: David?

Elliott: You know, I remember some horrific snow storms. The most alarming thing, I think, is the change in the weather … I remember as a kid having so many snow days. And, you know, I realize my perspective has changed a little, but you'd walk out the door and the snow was up to your neck. I remember, with a shovel, we were tunneling toward the road to go to school when we got word that the school had been canceled that day. And now there's barely a snowfall these days in the Toronto area.

Van Der Beek: Wow. That's really frightening. I just remember in North Carolina, one year right after I'd bought property [there], we had about three hurricanes in one season. I remember hearing that [a] hurricane-relief concert had been canceled due to another hurricane. And so that was pretty crazy. You just realize how helpless you are, especially as a new property owner. You buy a house and you get it checked out and you feel like you've kind of made your mark here in some way. And then an act of God just comes up the coast and has the potential to just completely wipe it clean. Weather like that is certainly humbling.

James, were you into science at all when you were growing up?

Van Der Beek: No, actually. I could write, so I was good at English and anything where you kind of, you know, BS your way through an essay. That was my specialty. I was dyslexic, so math and formulas were not necessarily my strong suit.

Weather machines are a perennial science fiction device. How did this one become a little fresher?

Van Der Beek: Just the power struggle, really. You know, whether it's the weather machine or whether it's a nuclear weapon or whether it's cloning or just any kind of technology that concentrates a mass amount of power in the hands of one person. You know, that to me is what the movie was about. And the responsibility of creating such a device and it ultimately kind of comes down to one man against another. One kind of fighting for a greater good and one fighting simply for his own good. So to me that was kind of the struggle that attracted me to the story.

James, you’re the hero in this story, but you spend a lot of time in front of a keyboard for a hero. That's usually the sidekick's job. Is there a new kind of geek hero emerging here?

Van Der Beek: Possibly. You know, you start relying on people who are good in front of the keyboard more and more these days. So yes, I mean, that was kind of the idea behind this guy too … I mean, I've played guys who were athletic and strong and the kind of typical action hero. But what I liked about this guy was that he's not your typical action here. He's not particularly suited to being on the run, to being shot at, to being chased. But just kind of through his own kind of internal fortitude, he somehow scrambles his way through it. And that to me was kind of the more exciting journey as opposed to, you know, watching Rambo or somebody. This is somebody who decidedly is not Rambo.

Hurricane Katrina must have been in the back of everyone's mind when they were making this film.

Van Der Beek: Well, I mean, that was the idea behind the my character's motivation creating the technology was that we can avoid that. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could have diverted that and not had to have gone through that catastrophe?

James, this is kind of a reemergence for you since the end of "Dawson’s Creek"?

Van Der Beek: Yes, I was pretty burnt out after six years on a series. And I don't know that I was really ready to jump back in. One thing that's happened, I will say in the past year, year-and-a-half is I've really started to rediscover my passion for acting and for being a part of a story and in a leading role capacity. So it's fun. I'm really having a good time right now.

What was your most memorable moment you had from filming "The Storm"?

Van Der Beek: This might be kind of funny to you actually. There was a moment where it was about 4 o’clock in the morning; we were shooting in Van Nuys [in California]. It was very, very cold. We're underneath these rain towers. The entire crew, the camera crew, everybody was underneath the rain at this point. And I was hiding behind a dumpster and there was a big Rottweiler that was supposed to come up against the fence and snarl and just scare the be-Jesus out of me. And I was attacked by a dog when I was very little so I kind of have a natural fear of dogs anyway.

And this huge Rottweiler, which probably weighed about twice my weight, was being held back by a chain ready to come up and pounce against this chain link fence. And it being 4 o’clock in the morning, by the time they let go of the Rottweiler he just kind of ran up and was not angry at all. I mean, [it was] just kind of sitting there panting. But in order to save the shot I knew I had to rile him up so I turned around and actually started barking at the dog and snarling and baring my own teeth. And which point he started barking. And so, you know, I think the dailies from that day are probably pretty ridiculous: me, on my hands and knees in the pouring rain, barking at a dog.

Elliott: I was just excited to work with Treat Williams and so then my first day was probably my most memorable working with a guy I had been a big fan of for many years so. Other than that … business as usual.

What did you like most about working with the director of "The Storm"?

Van Der Beek: His passion and his energy. As David can tell you … Bradford May just comes every day with a huge zest for life and loves being on film sets. He's done every job there is to do pretty much on a film set. He started when he was 14. His parents were in the industry. He's one of those guys who really knows everybody's job on set. And was incredibly gracious about allowing them to do it and then kind of educating them on how they could do it a little bit better in a respectful way.

And [he’s] just one of those pros who you get an opportunity to work with in the business, one of those lifers who just kind of reminds you that this is really fun stuff we get to do. You know, it's a job, it's a business but when you're on set, we're all kind of telling a story and we're making a movie. So that's what I loved about him. I'm sure David has stuff to add to that too.

Elliott: Yes, there's no bullsh*tting Brad on any level because he knows everybody's job. It's one of the great things about working with Brad. And you move quickly and you don't waste time. And, you know, as James said, he's incredibly passionate and he's a gas to be around. It's not only there's not only the work done efficiently and done extremely well, it's a lot of fun. I remember the first time I met him. He walked onto a set — we'd been together, I don't know, six, seven years; I was on a show that went to 10 years. And Brad walked on the set and … nothing fazed him. He was this character … We all looked at him like, "Oh my God, who is this guy? This is not going to last." And within two, three days we fell in love with him. He's just that kind of person. You know? Great filmmaker. Probably the most underrated filmmaker in Hollywood.

How long did it take to shoot "The Storm"?

Elliott: My role was pretty quick. So James, he had to endure the worst of it.

Van Der Beek: I was on it I think five or six weeks, six weeks, seven weeks, I can't remember.

And it was all in California?

Van Der Beek: It took a while. Yes.

James, do you still have family and friends in Connecticut?

Van Der Beek: I do have family back there … I get there, you know, maybe once or twice a year. I have very, very fond memories of Connecticut. Great place to grow up. A lot of great theater out there too.

Your involvement in theater came as kind of an accident, right? You were more going into sports until you had an accident?

Van Der Beek: Yes, I mean, I had a concussion when I was eighth grade, which kind of led to me doing theater just on a community level, like, little children's theater. That's when I fell in love with it and started pursuing it. And then, yes, I just started on that path.

Were there a lot of opportunities for young people?

Van Der Beek: You know, honestly I think the best thing in the world for me were just the children's theater productions that I got to be a part of when I was 13, 14, 15 years old. There's a guy named Dave Gardino in Waterbury who ran the Cheshire Children's Theater or Cheshire Theater Ensemble that I was a part of. And I think those experiences more than anything else really prepared me to get up on stage with professionals. I had my first play in New York when I was 16. But I remember things going wrong on stage … and I was fine with it, because I'd been on stage for other children's theater production where light falls or a set goes down … and you just kind of know how to deal with it.

So I really hope that there's still that kind of opportunity for kids just even as an expression, you know, as a way to get together and work as a community and learn to work as a team. You know, I was very, very fortunate that there were opportunities for me as a kid to get up on stage and just try stuff and play different roles and, yes, I'm very grateful to Connecticut for that background.

Treat Williams is from Connecticut as well.

Van Der Beek: Yes, he is. He’s also a New York theater guy so we got along famously from the get-go.

David, does doing a project like this make you think about getting back into series TV or are you happy to do guest-starring roles and do miniseries and different projects?

Elliott: Oh no, you know, I'm thinking about it. I mean, I've been away long enough that. What I miss about series television was working the craft every day, you know? We're developing some shows at the moment with various partnerships so we'll see what happens. Series television has changed a lot since I left. It's a different game now. And the rules have changed. Getting something made, there are less opportunities.

I guess if you look at everything as a new opportunity, like James was saying earlier about dealing with the changing environment, that's kind of how I'm approaching this. I'm just happy to work, believe me. I've been doing a lot of films and I just dig working.

What are the biggest changes that the industry has gone under since "JAG" premiered?

Elliott: Well, good God, reality TV has changed everything. Certainly, there's less opportunity for scripted television. And there's less money to be made; advertising has changed. TiVo changed that. Then the networks, they may not go away; they may just have to change how they do business and it seems to be happening. Cable television is probably the savior for most of them now that everyone's amalgamated over the studio. It seems and they own a lot of the cable television stations which are booing their present situations like NBC and CBS.

So, you know, there's less money, there's less opportunity. But it's less stifling an environment to be creative in, which is great. You know, standards and practices don't have a grip on cable television like they have had on network television — not that that's good or bad but it's different …

David, are you drawn to the military parts?

Elliott: I don't know, this really was the only other time that I've done it. I mean, I did it for 10 years [on "JAG"] and [my character in "The Storm"], he's a completely different character … I believe he really at heart he was a patriot and then he found himself deep in it and then had to make some personal choices … He had to struggle with his integrity and his morality and ultimately he took the easy way out. But so this was the second time. I may have been offered a few [military roles] and turned them down just on the basis of it being another military thing and not wanting to be stuck in a box, but this one felt different. And it was fun and it was quick. And I got to work with Brad. And it was a groovy project and a great cast. And why not be a part of it?

James, you mentioned before that by the time you got to the end of your run at "Dawson's Creek" you were pretty burned out. Was there a way that that could have been avoided or is that just the nature of the beast? And would you give any advice to young stars who on are on a hot show now?

Van Der Beek: Oh boy. Wow, it's kind of a complicated question. I think really the only thing to kind of avoid burnout is a level of appreciation that I don't know you can really come to without stepping away from it for a little while. The hours are so intense. And the opportunities kind of come so fast and furious that it's almost impossible to really be able to appreciate them to the level that you should. I was doing movies during the hiatuses and doing movies during and then doing press and photo shoots and all that kind of stuff. You know, and it was a six-year run. Is there anything I could have done to avoid it? I don't know. I mean, I think now that I'm older and can kind of have a little bit different perspective on it, I'd like to think now that I can probably handle it not be burned out for so long.

I think also it started for me at age 20. I wasn't in the place of really being able to handle everything that was thrown at me. And I came out OK, but what I would say for anybody going through it: "Just focus on the work, keep good people around you. And don't believe the hype either way, good or bad. Just really keep it all about the work and make sure the people you're surrounding yourself with are just high-quality human beings and you should be OK."

Is that hard to do?

Van Der Beek: It's tricky … especially if there's money that comes into the picture, it's kind of an indiscriminate magnet. It attracts all kinds of people; some of them with good intentions, some of them not. So it really is tricky. It's not impossible, but it is tricky …

I'm sure David could probably attest to this too, but the one thing that I kind of came out of my experience with is a real compassion for anybody else who goes through the same thing. It's very easy to stand on the outside and judge and look at people making bad decisions and say, "What the hell were they thinking?" Having gone through and been in the eye of that storm I think I would try to judge a lot less than your average person looking at somebody going through a train wreck.

Impact on DVD September 1, 2009

Now this is some great news!!!


http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Impact-Press-Release/12208

Gooby: Giant bear can't save mediocre movie

Google alert from TheStar.com website:

Jun 26, 2009 04:30 AM

Jason Anderson
Special to the star

Gooby

**(out of 4)

Starring Matthew Knight, David James Elliott and Eugene Levy. Directed by Wilson Coneybeare. 100 minutes. At the AMC Interchange 30. PG



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Teddy bears might be reliably snuggly but they aren't quite so cute when they're six feet tall and talk like Harry Potter's pal Hagrid.

For proof, look at the oversized plush toy who comes to life in this generic but occasionally charming Canadian kids' movie, which starts a limited theatrical run this weekend before a DVD release in August.

With his coat of golden fur, red tartan scarf, mechanically manipulated eyebrows and lifeless eyes, Gooby looks like an animatronic creature that's somehow escaped from the Country Bear Jamboree. It's a wonder that his pal Willy (Matthew Knight) doesn't flee in terror when Gooby shows up.

Thankfully, this furball sounds friendlier than it appears. That's because Gooby is voiced by veteran Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane.

The garrulous presence of the Harry Potter movie regular gives an additional charge to Gooby's wildest antics, like taking Willy on a daredevil downhill ride and causing a ruckus in a supermarket.

He's there to alleviate Willy's loneliness as the boy contends with life in a new school and neighbourhood.

Alas, there's only so much that one giant teddy bear can do to enliven a mediocre movie.

Written, produced and directed by the appropriately named Wilson Coneybeare, Gooby is a well-intentioned effort to create a family-friendly film on a modest budget. But its lack of a compelling storyline and overreliance on so-so slapstick will limit its appeal to easily distracted preschoolers.

The shortage of memorable human characters is another problem, though Eugene Levy has some fun as Willy's teacher, one of the few grown-ups who notice Gooby. Former JAG star David James Elliott and Ingrid Kavelaars make less of an impression as Willy's remarkably unobservant parents.

Adults in the audience, however, will be on alert next time they visit Chuck E. Cheese, lest the robot bears leap from the stage and abscond with the children.

DJE Lessens His Impact on the Environment

An interesting article blurb about Ecollywood:

ABC has the scariest the-world-is-coming-to-an-end miniseries you'll see this summer.
By Gerri MillerThu, Jun 18 2009 at 5:12 AM EST

The stars of ABC’s two-part movie Impact, about a meteor shower that hits the moon, sending it on a collision course with Earth, are doing their best to lessen their impact on the environment. “I’ve changed my bulbs. I drive a hybrid. I don’t use plastic stuff in my kids’ lunches. I recycle, turn the lights off. I buy everything in bulk and pour it into sustainable containers,” enumerates Natasha Hentstridge (Eli Stone), who plays an astrophysicist in the sci-fi drama, airing at 9 p.m. June 21 and 28.

David James Elliott (JAG), who portrays a fellow scientist, eschews throwaway grocery bags and recycles, designating a separate basket for used batteries. “We carpool whenever we can. It’s certainly in our interest financially -- gas is pretty expensive. We’re doing what we can. I have two children and they’re learning about it in school. They bring home information and stuff for us to do.”

Nevertheless, Elliott is confused by the “conflicting information out there that makes it difficult to know what is doing the right thing. People say making car batteries causes more harm to the environment than they save, and making solar panels burns more energy than they save. What’s the answer? I don’t know,” he says, “but I’m looking for the truth.”

Next month, Elliott stars in another sci-fi TV movie called The Storm, playing the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “We weaponize the weather,” he says, “and we think it’s a good thing.” NBC airs the two-parter July 28 and Aug. 2 at 9 p.m.

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/ecollywood/stories/ecollywood-piers-morgan-disses-simon-cowells-bad-eco-habits

Hollywood Gives Back as Celebrities Celebrate the Fifth Annual CCGI Celebrity Golf and Charity Event

Posted : Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:05:38 GMT
Author : Bragman Nyman Cafarelli
Category : Press Release
News Alerts by Email ( click here )
News | Home


LOS ANGELES, June 16 CA-BNC-CCGI-RISARC




Celebrities Cedric 'The Entertainer,' Anthony Anderson, Bill Bellamy, Dave Annable, Mekhi Phifer, Jerry Rice and More to Take Part to Raise Funds for Schools in Economically Challenged Countries

LOS ANGELES, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- RISARC Consulting LLC and its' charitable arm, the CCGI Foundation, are pleased to announce its celebrity participation for this year's Fifth Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI) in Montego Bay, Jamaica during the week of June 24th - 28th. Each year CCGI events attract celebrities, sports figures and comedians alike. Talent participating in this year's invitational include Cedric "The Entertainer," (Johnson Family Vacation 2), Mekhi Phifer (ER), Dave Annable (Brothers and Sisters), Bill Bellamy (October Road), Anthony Anderson (Law & Order), Flex Alexander (The Hills Have Eyes), Carmine Giovinazzo (CSI: NY), Jill-Michele Melean (MADtv), Johnny Sanchez (MADtv), Alan Thicke (How I Met Your Mother), Salli Richardson (Eureka), Brendan Fehr (Roswell), Saleisha Stowers (America's Next Top Model - Season 9), Grant Show (Private Practice), Vanessa Marcil (Without a Trace), Odette Yustman (The Unborn), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek), Roger Cross (Day the Earth Stood Still), Chris Jacobs (Host of The Insider), Bruce McGill (The Perfect Game), Peter Weller (RoboCop), Richard Roundtree (Lincoln Heights), David James Elliott (The Guard), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (Former Dallas Cowboys Player), Frank Shamrock (UFC Champion), Randy Couture (UFC Hall of Famer), Gary Goodridge (Professional Kickboxer and Mixed Martial Artist), Ray Sefo (K-1 Fighter), Dr. Jason Diamond (Dr. 90210), Jane Park Smith (Ms. America), Leon Preston Robinson (Cool Runnings) and more. With this year's lineup of events and celebrity participation, this year's annual event is one of the most anticipated and without a doubt, the most exciting event on the calendar this year. Lineup of events during the week include a celebrity-pro golf tournament, comedy night, Champions of Champions II Muay Thai fight night, fashion show and black tie gala.

Commenting on CCGI's festivities Cedric "The Entertainer" said, "I am very excited to once again partner with CCGI and take part in the wonderful work that the organization is doing in the Jamaican and Caribbean community." Cedric will not only attend the week's action packed festivities but will also host the invitational's comedy night showcase with performances by comedians Bill Bellamy, Jill-Michele Melean, Johnny Sanchez and more. Additionally, celebrities taking part celebrity-pro golf tournament include Mekhi Phifer, Bruce Greenwood, Dave Annable, Grant Show, Alan Thicke, Brendan Fehr, David James Elliott, Bruce McGill, Peter Weller and Carmine Giovinazzo, and Jerry Rice.

The Fifth Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational's schedule of activities includes:
Wednesday, June 24, 2009Celebrity VIP/Culture Show/Welcome PartyThursday, June 25, 2009CCGI Amateur Scramble Golf TournamentMuay Thai Weigh-inFirst Annual Caribbean Comedy Classic hosted by Cedric "The Entertainer" with performances by Bill Bellamy and moreFriday, June 26, 2009Beachathon"Champions of Champions II" Muay Thai Fight Night (Live on PayPerView) & Supermodel Mania (Collections Showcased To Include Lines From Alexander McQueen, Parasuco, House of Howe, Thomas Wylde, Sterling Capricio, Dena Burton, Live Mechanics, Rufskin and John Varvatos with special thanks to Chic Little Devil Style House)Saturday, June 27, 2009CCGI Celebrity/Pro-Golf Tournament CCGI Black-Tie GalaSunday, June 28, 2009Guest Departure



The event is a world-class entertainment experience and the only 4 day charity event of its kind. Proceeds raised from the event will be used by CCGI Foundation to donate brand new computers to schools to establish technology learning centers in economically challenged countries in the Caribbean starting with Jamaica. The foundation's mission is to develop a generation of future leaders by providing the primary schools with much needed computers to help students acquire the skills they need to be globally competitive in our digital, technology driven era. The foundation's program fosters computer literacy while empowering children to reach their dreams.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational are still available. Individuals interested in attending the or staying at the invitational's host resort, Iberostar Rose Hall Beach & Spa Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica should contact CCGI at ccgi-info@risarconline.com or call 818-953-3020. More information regarding the invitational and the week's events is available online at http://www.istreamyoustream.com.

About the RISARC Foundation and CCGI FOUNDATION
The mission of RISARC and the CCGI Foundation is to collaborate and focus resources on preparing a new generation of leaders by building a platform for leadership development and innovative project initiatives. The focus is to establish computer learning centers in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. More information can be found at www.caribbeangolfclassic.org

ABOUT RISARC
RISARC was established in 1990 as a healthcare consulting firm, offering an all-inclusive array of consulting and technology services. More information can be found at www.risarc.com

About Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned Spanish hospitality company with more than 75 years experience in the travel industry. Iberostar provides unique vacation experiences, rooted in superior customer service and quality, in the world's most popular vacation destinations. With more than 100 hotels in 15 countries, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is committed to offering excellence in quality and service and providing personal attention to each guest. For more information visit iberostar.com.



SOURCE Bragman Nyman Cafarelli

Whoo hooo... this is a wonderful thing that DJE is doing!!! Do well everyone!!!

DJE on ET

Thanks to my friend, Maya, for sharing this. It's short but oh so sweet! LOL!!!

David James Elliott moves to Paradigm

Paradigm Signs 17 New Clients (Including 13 from WMA); Loses Damon Wayans; Promotes 2 Agent Trainees

Paradigm has gotten busy in the past two weeks. It announced today that its TV Lit department has signed 9 new clients from the former William Morris Agency and 4 other TV Lit clients from UTA, Endeavor, APA and one unrepresented. Coming over from WMA are: Chris Alberghini & Mike Chessler, executive producers/showrunners of Cashmere Mafia, Reba; Jennifer Fisher, supervising producer of Bill Engvall; Stephen Godchaux, executive producer of Dead Like Me and Spin City; Felicia Henderson, executive producer/showrunner of Fringe; Barnet Kellman, producer/director of Monk and Samantha Who; Richard Kramer, executive producer of Judging Amy; Matthew Pyken, executive producer/showrunner of Knight Rider and Las Vegas; Arlene Sanford, producer/director of Grey’s Anatomy and Medium.

Signed from other agencies are Antonia Ellis, producer/director of Men In Trees and Sex And The City from APA; Stephen Kronish, executive producer/showrunner of 24 from Endeavor; Chuck Martin, co-executive producer or consulting producer of Arrested Development from UTA; Terence Nightingall, director of ER.

Paradigm also announced that recently hired WMA talent agent Erwin More has added four more actor clients from Morris: Brandy, David James Elliott, Tom Everett Scott, and Gregory Smith.

Also, Damon Wayans has left Paradigm as a client after just six months there. The agency had been negotiating a series deal for him and had just secured a book deal for him. Paradigm claims it will still be working with him on on-going projects, and he will remain a literary client, "But in other areas he will move on. He is wonderfully talented, we want the best for him now and in the future and we knew going in that he tends to move around a lot," an agency insider tells me. Paradigm got into biz with Wayans in early December.

Paradigm also announced today that Jason Cunningham (talent) and Ida Ziniti (motion picture lit) have been promoted from the agent training program to full agents effective immediately.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/paradigm-signs-17-new-clients-including-13-from-wma-loses-damon-wayans-promotes-2-agent-trainees/

Interview with Natasha Hendstridge about 'Impact'

Natasha Henstridge says this real science is behind ABC's disaster mini Impact
By Jenna Busch
6:00 AM ON 06/11/09

Natasha Henstridge, who plays scientist Maddie Rhodes in ABC's upcoming limited series Impact, told SCI FI Wire that the sci-fi disaster movie is based on real science. Sort of.

"We actually worked with an astrophysicist up in Canada," Henstridge said in an exclusive phone interview on Wednesday. "When I was working in the observatory up there, I spent some time and asked some questions and got some answers I probably could have lived without knowing [laughs]. A little bit more eye-opening than I had imagined. It's a fascinating subject and one of those things that are very sci-fi, but at the end of the day, the possibility of this happening is kind of there. So it makes it that much more exciting to work on something that's terrifying at the same time."


In the show, Henstridge and David James Elliott co-star as scientists called in to deal with the imminent destruction of humanity after a spectacular meteor shower results in a direct hit to the moon, leaving it on a collision course with the Earth. The four-hour limited series also stars Steven Culp and James Cromwell.

Following is an edited version of our interview with Henstridge, in which she also talks about other projects. Impact debuts on June 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will conclude the following Sunday at the same time. (Possible spoilers ahead!)

So tell us a bit about the story.

Henstridge: Basically it is about, ... behind the meteor shower, this wonderful meteor shower that we get to see once in a lifetime, ... there happens to be a brown dwarf, which is sort of like a meteor. But a brown dwarf that hits the moon, sort of embeds itself in the moon. We think it's just knocked the moon slightly off balance, but we soon realize that it's changed the polarity of the moon, and it's changed the axis on which the moon rotates around Earth.

We then start to realize that it's like a magnet, and it's pulling it closer and closer to Earth. And we, as these brilliant scientists that we are [laughs], have to stop it. To stop the imminent impact of Earth and the moon. That's the gist of it. We find that out gradually as the story goes on, ... we have to find a way to stop it, or at least get it back on its normal axis.

And your character?

Henstridge: I play a scientist named Maddie Rhodes, and she sort of keeps in touch with Washington on all things concerning astrophysics and that sort of thing. And not unbeknownst to me, but not quite ready for what I have to take on, they put me in charge of a team and ask me to put a team together, and I go back to my old college sweetheart, played by David James Elliott. Alex Kittner is his name in the film. I go back to him and ask him, because he's one of the best minds in the business as well. We have to band together and find a way to stop this horrible catastrophe from happening.

Were you familiar with the science of the story? Did you know about brown dwarfs before doing this project?

Henstridge: I knew zero about brown dwarfs before I began, and a lot more about them now [laughs]. Yeah, a brown dwarf is basically the remnants of a dead star, so it's this enormously compact matter. Heavier and more dense than anything we know on the face of the earth. You learn a lot. ...

I know you've said that physicality in acting is a lot of fun. Are you doing anything in Impact that's going to upset the insurance people?

Henstridge: No, I didn't have much to do. I was an intellect in the film, so there weren't a whole lot of stunts in this film. Hopefully soon. I do love that stuff.

I know the director of this project, Michael J. Rohl, has worked on shows like Supernatural, Smallville and Eureka. Are you a fan of shows like that? Sci-fi in general?

Henstridge: I'm not a huge sci-fi fan. I'm not going to lie to you. I am a fan of something that is educational and teaches you something as you're shooting it. I like certain sci-fi. I'm not a big sci-fi buff, but I do like certain films that have some plausibility to it. A possibility to it. ... I think that's really interesting.

Have you seen the finished product?

Henstridge: I just saw it. My kids watched it with me as well, which was amazing. Such a cool thing for me. With a lot of the kinds of films I've done, they haven't been able to watch [laughs]. But it was a real treat for us to be able to sit down and watch. We watched the first night, and they were begging me to watch the second night. They were really riveted by it. They loved it. That was really exciting for me. It was really nice. They kept giggling whenever I was onscreen. It was really cute. And it's educational as well.

So we're all very, very, very sad about Eli Stone getting canceled [Henstridge was a cast member on the fantasy series].

Henstridge: Thank you for the third very. We really enjoyed making that. We thought it was a great message and a really entertaining show. ... It was a bummer.

Would you do another series?

Henstridge: I'd love to, actually. I love the stability of doing a show. I really enjoy the family aspect of it, the stability of it. ... It's lovely. Practicing your craft every day in different ways. You never know what's coming up next week, what kind of struggles, what will be going on. I love it.

Everyone seems to be remaking sci-fi/fantasy shows and films. What do you think: Should they remake Species?

Henstridge: Oh! Has it been that long already?

No, but that doesn't seem to stop anyone.

Henstridge: [Laughs.] That's true. It doesn't. Oh, my God, they've made so many Species films! They might be making one right now. I'm actually going today to do a voice-over for a Stan Lee cartoon, which will be coming out on telephones. They're little, not webisodes. I'm calling them "phoneisodes." I'm not quite sure of the format yet. I'm playing this great character called Charity Vile, with Stan Lee, who is doing one of the voices as well. And it's his work. ... It's really been very entertaining. That will be fun. And I have a couple of movie offers on the table, but I haven't confirmed anything yet.

Can you tell us anything else about the project? Characters we might recognize?

Henstridge: I'd better not. I'm not really sure yet if I'm allowed to, so I'd better just keep mum about it. ... It's called Time Jumper. It's really cool.

Link to original article with photos:
http://scifiwire.com/2009/06/natasha-henstridge-says-t.php

Press Release for Impact Part 1

Monday, June 01, 2009
ABC Television Network
PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - ENTERTAINMENT -
ABC PREMIERE EVENT: Impact, Part 1 (6/21)

PREMIERE


EARTH AND MOON ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE IN THE THRILLING
LIMITED SERIES "IMPACT," STARRING DAVID JAMES ELLIOTT AND
NATASHA HENSTRIDGE, JUNE 21 & 28 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

Steven Culp ("Desperate Housewives"), James Cromwell ("W," "Babe") Also Star


The most spectacular meteor shower in 10,000 years results in a direct hit to the moon, leaving it on a collision course with the Earth. A small group of international astronauts, scientists and soldiers band together in a race against time to save humanity, in the thrilling limited ABC series "Impact," airing SUNDAY, JUNE 21 and SUNDAY, JUNE 28 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET both nights), on the ABC Television Network.

David James Elliott ("Close to Home," "Jag") Natasha Henstridge ("Eli Stone," "Species"), Steven Culp ("Desperate Housewives," "ER") and Oscar and Emmy-nominated James Cromwell ("W," "L.A. Confidential," "Babe") are among the stars of the international cast.

The world watches as a large meteor shower streaks across the skies. Hidden in the meteor field is a brown dwarf , a dead star. It smashes into the moon in a tremendous explosion of rock and debris. Fragments of the moon itself penetrate Earth's atmosphere and make impact. Even though initial damage is minimal, nerves are frayed throughout the planet. Experts quickly conclude there will be no lasting ramifications. Then strange anomalies begin to manifest themselves on Earth. It starts small - cell phone disruptions, unusual static charges and odd tidal behavior. The world's leading scientists, including Alex Kittner (David James Elliott), Maddie Rhodes (Natasha Henstridge) and Roland Emerson (Benjamin Sandler), begin piecing together evidence that suggests that the moon and its orbit may have been permanently altered. Their fears are realized when the anomalies increase to the point where the effect of gravity is being manipulated by increased electromagnetic surges coming from the moon. People, cars and other objects are rendered momentarily weightless in random, isolated areas around the globe. Alex, Maddie, Roland and the rest of their team soon discover something far worse - the moon's new orbit has put it on a collision course with Earth!

The world now has 39 days to stop the moon or Earth, or all of mankind will perish. After a failed attempt by the United States to destroy the moon, the scientific team works together to mount an international mission to the moon. Alex, whose children and father-in-law (James Cromwell) have gone missing, is torn as he must join Roland on the mission to the moon. It's a race against time as the two celestial bodies are drawn closer and closer to impact.

The Cast: David James Elliott as Alex Kittner, Natasha Henstridge as Dr. Maddie Rhodes, Benjamin Sadler as Roland Emerson, Florentine Lahme as Martina Altmann, James Cromwell as Lloyd, Steven Culp as President Edward Taylor, Owen Best as Jake Kittner, Natasha Calis as Sadie Kittner, Yee Jee Tso as Jered O'Banno, Colin Cunningham as David Rhodes, Michael Kopsa as General Vaughn, Samantha Ferris as Renee Ferguson, Ron Lea as Tom Ranfield, Ben Ayres as Bob Pierce, Gerard Plunkett as Terence Young, Ty Olsson as Derek, Alex Zahara as Franz Henke, Kendall Cross as Courtney Batterton, Gideon Karmel as Sergei Pitinkov, Matthew Walker as Ian Wilson, Andre Hennicke as the pastor, Marina Dodlek as the waitress, Russell Roberts as Hal Boon, Terence Kelly as Hugh, Agam Darshi as Ella Barklow and Stephen Dimopoulos as Denny.

"Impact" was written by Michael Vickerman ("Superfire") and directed by Michael J. Rohl ("Smallville," "Supernatural," "Eureka.")

"Impact" is from Tandem Communications / Jaffe/Braunstein Entertainment and Muse Entertainment Enterprises present an Impact Films Production. Executive producers are Jonas Bauer, Rola Bauer, Howard Braunstein, Greg Gugliotta, Tim Halkin and Michael Prupas. Co-executive producer is Irene Litinsky. Ted Bauman is producer and Jesse Prupas is associate producer.

"Impact" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L,V parental guideline.



ABC Media Relations: Ellen Gonzalez (818) 460-7185, Ellen.M.Gonzalez@abc.com
Photography is available at www.abcmedianet.com or at (818) 460-6611

Disney ABC Television Summer Press Junket held at the ABC Riverside Building. Burbank, California - 30.05.09

This photo is from the Contactmusic.com website. Natasha Hendridge also attended the junket. Other's have some of these photos posted without giving credit to the website they were taken from, I'm not going to do that. If you go to the website, I'm sure you can find the David James Elliott gallery and have copies of these photos for yourself. I'm only posting one. I love his expression on this one. Enjoy!

David James Elliott cast in 'Bed'

David James Elliott cast in 'Bed'
Dan Garcia directing feature
Staff report
May 14, 2009, 06:17 PM ET
From the HollywoodReporter.com website:

David James Elliott has been cast as an Internet millionaire in the feature "Bed & Breakfast," directed by Dan Garcia.

Elliott, who is repped by WMA and Bob McGowan, co-starred in "JAG" and "Knights of Bloodsteel," on the Sci-Fi Channel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now we know officially why he was unable to be in the BMW Golf Tournament. There was another movie by this same name made in 2005, I think, that was a horror/thriller. Makes one wonder if this is a remake of that one or a totally different movie.

DJE is not going to play in the BMW Golf Tournament

He is officially not going to be there. A friend, kind enough to share some of the information, was told that he has a filming commitment in Louisiana. Can't wait to find out what he is up to!

'The Storm' trailer

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

'The Storm' on NBC

In The Storm, from RHI Entertainment, billionaire Robert Terrell (Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Treat Williams, Everwood) has fulfilled a lifelong obsession and made history with "weather creation" technology though his Atmospheric Research Institute. But during a test run, a blast of energy is sent into the ionosphere with unexpected results. The experiments hurtle the planet towards destruction — hurricanes change course, winds go instantly from hot to cold, torrential rains bring regions to a standstill, and buildings crumble into ruins under explosive lightning storms. It’s only the beginning.

Only one scientist, Dr. Jonathan Kirk (James Van Der Beek, Dawson’s Creek), steps forward to demand that the system be terminated. Terrell is undeterred and continues to push his team to move forward. His motives for the initially philanthropic technology are in truth far more opportunistic. With government cohort, Army General Braxton (David James Elliott, JAG), Terrell envisions the technology as a key military weapon to ensure superpower status.

Realizing he’s powerless to stop the project by himself, Kirk contacts news reporter Danni Wilson (Teri Polo, Meet the Parents) with plans to expose Terrell and explain the catastrophic weather to a bewildered and frightened world. It’s a task that won’t come easy, as Kirk quickly discovers the motives and loyalties of authorities are not in his favor. As devastating and extreme weather events hammer down on every corner of the earth, it will be a race against time to shut down the system before the planet is taken to edge of extinction.

Featuring a cast of television favorites including Emmy winner John Larroquette (Boston Legal), Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210) and Marisol Nichols (24), The Storm is the ultimate tale of man against nature, and an epic miniseries event posing a tantalizing and terrifying what-if scenario.

Sundays July 26th & August 2nd 10/9c



Posted on Crazy4TV.com:
http://crazy4tv.com/2009/05/05/mini-series-this-summer-on-nbc-meteor-the-storm/

'Impact' trailer

http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2009/04/17/Trailer-for-ABCs-apocalyptic-miniseries-IMPACT

Posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 18:58:38 GMT by: agentorange

This fall, ABC is bringing us director Mike Rohl's (Smallville, Eureka, Supernatural) epic apocalyptic 2-part mini-series event called Impact and we've got the trailer for ya! It's full of all the mass CGI destruction and over-acting you've come to expect so enjoy. While the entire world watches the largest meteor shower in 10,000 years, a brown dwarf, hidden by the meteor field, smashes into the moon in a tremendous explosion of rock and debris. Fragments of the moon itself, penetrate Earth's atmosphere and make impact. Even though the initial damage is minimal, nerves are frayed throughout the planet. Then strange anomalies begin to manifest themselves on Earth. It starts small - cell phone disruptions, unusual static charges and odd tidal behavior. Then, gravity on earth is effected. The world now has 39 days to stop it or Earth, and all of mankind, will perish!

Impact stars Natasha Henstridge, David James Elliott, James Cromwell and Steven Culp.

(click on above link to watch the trailer)

SciFiandTVTalk's Blog by Steve Eramo

Here's a link to a nicely written behind the scenes look at 'Knights of Bloodsteel.'

http://scifiandtvtalk.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/david-james-elliott-a-heros-journey/

Definitely a blog worth keeping an eye on.

TVGuide.com interview with DJE about Knights of Bloodsteel

David James Elliott Plunges into Sci Fi's Knights of Bloodsteel
Apr 17, 2009 12:56 PM ET
by Erin Fox

JAG's David James Elliott has traded his buzzcut and pressed uniform for a flowing mane and leather battle-wear to star in Sci Fi's two-part movie event Knights of Bloodsteel (Sunday, April 19 and Monday, April 20, 9 pm/ET, Sci Fi). Elliott stars as freedom fighter John Serragoth in this tale about the continent of Mirabilis, where humans, goblins, elves and dwarves seek bloodsteel, an ore that imparts magical abilities to anyone who can draw it from the Earth.
TVGuide.com spoke with Elliott about making the leap into the fantasy genre, training for sword-fighting scenes and talking up the idea of a JAG reunion.

TVGuide.com: Knights of Bloodsteel could not be more different from JAG. What drew you to the project?

David James Elliott: I'm a fan of the genre and I'm always looking for something my 6-year-old can watch. I thought it was right up his alley. He's always asking me to be in a movie, because he's a big movie watcher.

TVGuide.com: Did you read all the Lord of the Rings books?

Elliott: I read The Hobbit, all the Tarzan books when I was a kid, and Conan the Barbarian — all that fantasy stuff.

TVGuide.com: Did you pass that love of the genre on to your kids?

Elliott: Well I have a 16-year-old daughter, so she was never aware of any of that, although I think she's reading Twilight. But my son is certainly into it, you know Star Wars and all that, and that's a similar realm, I guess.

TVGuide.com: How long did it take you to learn how to sword-fight?

Elliott: I grew up in the theater — the classical theater — I went to theater school and studied swordplay. I worked with a man named Patty Crane who was Errol Flynn's stand-in back in the '30s in Hollywood. So I wasn't a stranger to sword-fighting, but it had been a while.

TVGuide.com: It seemed pretty intricate. Were you ever nervous you'd get hurt?

Elliott: Well it's choreographed, so hopefully it comes off like a dance. ... The swords were made of steel and they were sharp. I had one glance off my eyebrow — ripped through my eyebrow and just missed taking my eye out. So I had one mishap, but it's pretty amazing that with all the fights we had, that was the only disaster. Usually in fistfights you get punched in the face. I remember on JAG, Joe Jackson punched Stephen Culp and shattered his nose. You know, we were going into our 18th hour of shooting, and they had a sequence where he had to pretend to punch him in the face, and he landed it and they had to take him away in an ambulance.

TVGuide.com: Would you ever return to series television or are you happier doing smaller projects now?

Elliott: I guess if the series was right, I'd like to do it. It's tiring though. At the time, at the end of 10 years [on JAG] it felt like, "never again will I do this to myself." But you miss it too. You miss that everyday practicing of your craft and it's a big family. But I do enjoy the freedom of doing a movie and then having some time off.

TVGuide.com: Any chance of a JAG reunion movie in our future?

Elliott: I'm not aware of any in the works, but that would be interesting. I've never actually had that question posed before. But maybe it's that time now when people are thinking, "You know what? Maybe there will be a movie."

Link to original post:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/David-James-Elliott-1005161.aspx

I'd love to see a JAG reunion movie!!! I think all of the fans would too!!

Interview with DJE about 'Gooby' on SciFiWire

Edward James Elliott (SCI FI's Knights of Bloodsteel) told reporters that he's completed another genre project, the family fantasy Gooby.

Gooby certainly sounds like it falls into the fantasy realm. How would you explain the story to someone?

Elliott: It's a family picture. Robbie Coltrane [Hagrid in the Harry Potter adventures] is in it, and Eugene Levy and myself. It's about ... a family having lost their way, for lack of a better explanation. The communication between parents and children was confused. And so Gooby, this monster of the imagination, comes in, and he winds up helping everyone. It's a cool picture. You'd have to see it. It's not like anything I'd read before, and Wilson Coneybeare wrote, directed and produced this piece. That's his genre, children/family films, and he's really good at it [having done Monster Warriors and Timeblazers]. So I had a ball doing it.

So you had an actor on the set playing the bear-like creature ...

Elliott: Yeah. There was an actor playing the monster, and then Robbie [Coltrane] laid his voice in later. So that was an interesting process. I saw it and my 5-year-old saw it, and he loved it. It's a really lovely, touching film. It's fun.

And what's happening with it?

Elliott: I just had an e-mail the other day saying that it just got a limited release. I'd have to dig it up for you. I'll tell you in one second what's happening with it. [Elliott taps at his computer] Here we go. Yes, AMC has picked it up for a limited theatrical, and Harkins and Carmike Cinemas. It's going direct to the exhibitors, and they also got into the Toronto and Houston movie festivals, and they won a bunch of citation awards. Stuff is starting to happen.

Link to original article with photo:
http://scifiwire.com/2009/04/david-james-elliott-talks.php

Barrie hits the big screen at children's film fest

Google alert from BarryAdvance.com
Author: Leigh Blenkhorn, STAFF
Date: Apr 16, 2009

Gooby, a new children's movie starring the city of Barrie, will make its debut at Sprockets, the Toronto International Film Festival for Children this weekend.

The film, written and directed by Wilson Coneybeare, was shot in Barrie last summer and stars Robbie Coltrane, David James Elliott and Eugene Levy.

Coneybeare said the film came about because he wanted a movie he could take all four of his children to see.

"The story itself came about from my own son, who was about seven at the time," Coneybeare said. "I basically wanted to write a story for him that would be fun but also have something to say to kids and parents about the importance of imagination."

Gooby is the story of Willy, an 11-year-old who is afraid of moving to a new house and the evil space aliens that live there. Willy wishes for someone to save him and then Gooby, a full-size furry creature comes to life. The film is the story of their adventures together.

Gooby was shot in a number of locations in Barrie, including Sunnidale Park and downtown.

"Everyone was extremely co-operative; the cty reached out to help us in anyway they could and we were able to shoot right downtown without any problem," Coneybeare said. "We were able to find a factory for rent where we could shoot our interiors. We just had a fantastic time."

Coneybeare said one of the best things about filming in Barrie was that no one was really star struck. Most people just went about their normal day, ignoring the cameras.

"There was one day we were filming at Dunlop and Bayfield with Gooby, who looks like a six-foot furry monster. We had the camera on one side of the street with Gooby and the boy walking along, and I thought for sure we were going to cause traffic accidents. We start rolling and the cars just kept going by. It amazed me."

Coneybeare is no stranger to filming in Barrie; his company Coneybeare Stories filmed the YTV show Monster Warriors in the city as well.

For more information on Gooby or Coneybeare Stories Inc., visit www.coneybearestories.ca .

BMW Charity Pro-Am

Swinney among celebrities who will play in BMW
Actors Dennis Quaid, Greg Kinnear will also be in Nationwide tournament field

By Eric Boynton eric.boynton@shj.com
Published: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 9:35 p.m.

The list of celebrities was announced Wednesday for the BMW Charity Pro-Am to be played May 14-17 at The Carolina Country Club, Greer’s Thornblade Club and Bright’s Creek Golf Club in Mill Spring, N.C.

The tournament is the lone Nationwide Tour event pairing celebrities with the professionals. The first eight tournaments have raised $6.7 million for area charities. Here’s who will be appearing, with a schedule to be released later.

Making his debut in the tournament will be Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney. Joining him will be actors Dennis Quaid, Greg Kinnear, Oliver Hudson, Dave Coulier, Lucas Black, Catherine Bell, David James Elliott, Jason Dohring, Terry O’Quinn, Michael Pena, Kevin Sorbo, Gary Valentine, Janet Jones-Gretzky and Paula Trickey.

Athletes include Wayne Gretzky, Sterling Sharpe, Kordell Stewart and George Rogers. Musicians are Steve Azar, Javier Colon and Joe Don Rooney.

Also in the field are golf television journalist Jennifer Mills, and golf course designer Ben Wright.

All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged. Link to original article:
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20090415/NEWS/904159935/1088/sports04?Title=Swinney-among-celebrities-who-will-play-in-BMW

Interview with David James Elliott about 'Knights of Bloodsteel'

How JAG's David James Elliott became a hero in Knights of Bloodsteel

By Ian Spelling6:00 AM ON 04/15/09 on Sci Fi Wire:

David James Elliott told reporters that his latest project, the upcoming SCI FI Channel two-night movie event Knights of Bloodsteel, is about as far removed as possible from JAG, the television military drama that made him famous.

Knights of Bloodsteel is set in Mirabilis, a world dependent on the rare metal bloodsteel for its magical power. There's little bloodsteel remaining, however, and the evil Dragon Eye (Mark Gibbon) has set his sights on claiming the remaining supply. That leaves the elf wizard Tesselink (Christopher Lloyd) to call upon a quartet of everyday people to save the day. Among them are an elf bounty hunter (Natassia Malthe) and a human vigilante named John Serragoth (Elliott).
SCI FI Wire was on the line late last month when Elliott spoke to journalists in a conference call.

The movie premieres this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with the second half airing the following Monday at 9 p.m. The following are edited excerpts of the call with Elliott.

As an actor, every job is make-believe, but are there notable differences working in the fantasy genre, or does it not really matter if there are elves on set?

Elliott: Well, certainly the dialogue is different on the set. Everything is different. Notable difference: ... We look completely different than I did on JAG, for instance. We're dealing in a fantastical world with different values, and ... there's swordplay. I've worked with swords before. It had been a little while since I had, and I had a little mishap one day. ... I almost lost my eye. Whenever you're fighting with swords—especially real swords, or even swords that are just not as sharp as they might've been in the day—they're still pretty sharp, and somebody is swinging them with some vigor. You're always on the edge of a mishap, and I had one of the swords slice through my eyebrow and just miss my eye. But that was the worst.

What was it that actually interested you in the project? The project as a whole? The role?

Elliott: I grew up a fan of the fantasy genre. I read Tarzan and Conan the Barbarian books. I always found it to be a fun thing to do, and it's certainly a great departure for me, having not done anything like it on film ever. I was sent the script, and it was really well written. And I was looking for a job. So all those things combined.

Do you think people will be surprised to see you in a fantasy project like this?

Elliott: Oh, I'm sure. It's a funny [town, Hollywood]. I was talking about this the other day. You know, they go, "Wow, can he do anything else?" You go, "Well, I just, ... I mean, I'm an actor." I've done many roles, but most people know me from JAG, so I guess maybe it's human nature to assume that you're only capable of playing a military man.

You mentioned the swords, but in general how physical a shoot was Knights of Bloodsteel?

Elliott: I loved it every day. I loved showing up every day. It was a pretty physical shoot. We were tramping through the forest, and we were all over the province of British Columbia. There was a lot of swordplay and action sequences. But it was good fun. And the cast, we all got along very well. So it was a nice deal. The crew were great. I just had a really good time, and the weather was outstanding, which is certainly not always the case in British Columbia. So, you know, the fates smiled on us.

Link to article with photos:
http://scifiwire.com/2009/04/how-jags-david-james-elli.php

Alcatraz Swim possible for DJE

Had this in a Google alert from Bend Weekly:

STAR ATHLETE: David James Elliott has been going from project to project with little break in between for most of the past year, but the triathlete and former "Jag" star isn't letting that stop him from taking on physical challenges. Next up: "I'm getting ready to do the Alcatraz Swim," he tells us, referring to this summer's 1.5-mile race from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco's Presidio Park. Next up in terms of Elliott's viewability: his starring role in the Sci Fi Channel's April 19 and 20 "Knights of Bloodsteel" miniseries.

Link to full article:
http://www.bendweekly.com/news/17131.html

Knights of Bloodsteel

Had this in a Google news alert from the 'National Ledger':

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: David James Elliott expects to be spending the next three weeks enjoying "what I like to think of as a well-deserved vacation" in the Bahamas -- where the actor had barely landed when he got the call for the Sci Fi Channel's April 19 and 20 "Knights of Bloodsteel" event miniseries.

"They said if I wanted to do it, I had to come back immediately. I knew it would be a great opportunity to do something completely different." So the former "Jag" star hopped on a plane. He tells us he's always been into science fiction and fantasy, that "When I was a kid, I was a big 'Conan the Barbaran' fan. I read the Tarzan book and other fantasies. I'm a fan of the genre."

"Bloodsteel" ended up being a massive affair that took two months to shoot. "We were in some incredible, breathtaking locations outside Vancouver, in the Rocky Mountains. The scenery lent itself so well to the piece -- stunning waterfalls deep in this forest … Phenomenal."

His character, he says, "has been savagely wronged, his family annihilated by these goblins and basically horrific barbarians who razed the village where he lived. He has a list of people to take care of -- to seek his revenge -- but then he gets caught up in the quest for this cruicible."

Still, adds the father of 16-year-old Stephanie and 6-year-old Wyatt with wife Nanci Chambers, "What's great about it is, it's a piece my son can watch "

When he completed the shoot, Elliott and family were setting their sites on a Bahamas trip again, when NBC's forthcoming "The Storm" miniseries came his way. That one finished production week before last.

Elliott Discusses “Knights of Bloodsteel” : Slice of SciFi

Elliott Discusses “Knights of Bloodsteel” : Slice of SciFi
March 17, 2009 by Michael Hickerson
Had this in a Google alert:



Actor David James Elliott, who previously headlined CBS’s “JAG”, is starring in SciFi’s upcoming original mini-series, “Knights of Bloodsteel.”

Elliott recently spoke to TV Guide’s William Keck about the lead role and having to wear hair extensions to play the role of John Serragoth.

Serragoth wields swords to battle evil, fire-breathing dragons as forest-dwelling warrior out to avenge the death of his pregnant wife.

Elliott told Keck that filming has been intense, showed Keck a black and blue mark he received from a sword that “nearly slashed my eye out.” That would have left him looking much like his character’s chief adversary: the all-powerful Dragon Eye, a character David describes as “a whitish-gray demon with a third eye that opens and shoots out bolts of lightning.”

“Knights of Bloodsteel” airs on SciFi April 19 and 20.

NBC Summer Schedule

Had this in a Google alert, parts about 'The Storm' are highlighted in red.

Categorized Network Press Releases
NBC Announces Summer Schedule, Pushes Season Finales to June

Posted on 12 March 2009 by Bill Gorman

NBC is hoping to boost the premiere week of ”The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” by pushing many of its show season finales into June. Read on for that, plus NBC’s summer schedule.

via NBC press release:

NBC’S SUMMER SCHEDULE PACKED WITH ORIGINAL SCRIPTED SERIES (’THE PHILANTHROPIST,”THE LISTENER’ AND ‘MERLIN’) AND ALTERNATIVE SHOWS PACED BY DEBUTS OF NEW ‘I’M A CELEBRITY…GET ME OUT OF HERE!’ AND ‘GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP’ — PLUS RETURN OF TOP-RATED ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’
“I’m a Celebrity?Get Me Out of Here!” to Be Stripped Over Four Weeks Beginning June 1
Season Finales of “Medium,” “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” ? Along with Debut of “The Listener” — Provide Momentum at 10 p.m. in Inaugural Week for “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” Beginning on June 1
Network Also Offers Eventful New Miniseries “Meteor” (June 7 and 14) and “The Storm” (July 19 and 26); “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” Episodes from USA Network Join NBC Lineup June 8
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIF. ? March 12, 2009 ? NBC will serve up a sizzling menu of new and returning summer series — accented by all-new original scripted programming with the series premieres of “The Philanthropist,” “Merlin” and “The Listener” ? and paced by the new alternative series “I’m a Celebrity?Get Me Out of Here!” and “Great American Road Trip” plus the return of summer’s top-rated “America’s Got Talent.”
In a bold scheduling move, “I’m a Celebrity?Get Me Out of Here!,” based on the international hit from Granada America, will debut as a two-hour television event on Monday, June 1 (8-10 p.m. ET) and will be stripped over four weeks in June.
NBC’s season finales of “Medium,” Law & Order: SVU” and “Law & Order” and the premiere of “The Listener” will provide additional primetime momentum at 10 p.m. for the inaugural week of Conan O’Brien beginning Monday, June 1 (11:35 p.m. ? 12:35 a.m. ET).
NBC’s eventful summer will also include the action-packed original miniseries “Meteor” and “The Storm.” In addition, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” episodes from USA Network will join the NBC lineup.
The announcements were made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.
“This summer will feature more original scripted programming than ever before, along with our #1 hit ‘America’s Got Talent’ and two new buzz-worthy reality shows,” said Silverman. “In addition, we’ll give Conan the best launch possible during his premiere week by slotting the season finales of some of our best dramas at 10 p.m.”
“I’m a Celebrity?Get Me Out of Here!” will air Monday through Thursdays for the first three weeks beginning June 1 (8-9 p.m. ET) and during the fourth week of June, the series will be telecast Monday through Wednesday (8-9 p.m. ET) with the finale on Wednesday, June 24 (8-9 p.m. ET).
“Great American Road Trip” ? newly announced today ? will debut on Wednesday, July 1 (8-9 p.m. ET) and will continue for eight weeks.
The popular “America’s Got Talent” will kick off its fourth season over two nights on Tuesday, June 23 (9-10 p.m. ET) and Wednesday, June 24 (9-10 p.m. ET). “The Philanthropist” premieres on Wednesday, June 24 (10-11 p.m. ET) while “Merlin” begins on Sunday, June 21 with a two-hour premiere (8-10 p.m. ET). The new drama series will also air from 8-10 p.m. on June 28 before resuming in its normal day and time on Sunday, July 5 (8-9 p.m. ET).
“Medium” will broadcast its season finale Monday, June 1 (10-11 p.m. ET), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” will have its season finale on Tuesday, June 2 (10-11 p.m. ET) and “Law & Order” will unveil its season finale on Wednesday, June 3 (10-11 p.m. ET). The new drama “The Listener” will also debut that week on Thursday, June 4 (10-11 p.m. ET).
NBC illuminates the sky this summer with two major miniseries in “The Meteor” on Sunday, June 7 (9-11 p.m. ET) and Sunday, June 14 (9-11 p.m. ET) as well as “The Storm” for broadcast on Sunday, July 19 (9-11 p.m. ET) and Sunday, July 26 (9-11 p.m. ET).
In addition, episodes from the eighth season of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (now telecast on USA) will begin on NBC on Monday, June 8 (9-10 p.m. ET)
“Dateline NBC” will begin broadcasts on Mondays (10-11 p.m. ET) beginning June 8.
The annual “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” will take place on July 4 (9-10 p.m. ET).
(Show descriptions are provided below):
“I’m a Celebrity?Get Me Out of Here!” is the ultimate Swiss Family Robinson as ten celebrities are dropped into the heart of the jungle to face fun and comedic challenges designed to test their survival skills. America is the puppetmaster, controlling their favorite celebrities by putting them into challenges and tasks to win food, supplies and luxury items. In each episode, friendships will be tested, hilarity will ensue and viewers will decide which celebrities stay or go. The last remaining star will be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle, winning a substantial cash prize for their favorite charity.
The participating celebrities will be announced at a later date. The series is produced by Granada America.
“Great American Road Trip” from BBC Worldwide, is a hilarious and relatable new series where seven families from divergent backgrounds are selected take the journey of a lifetime. Over eight episodes, the families will travel through cities large and small all while competing in a medley of humorous challenges that will ultimately lead one family to victory. These comical, clever challenges are set against iconic American backdrops like the majestic Grand Canyon and the regal Washington Monument. Along the way, our families and our viewers will also discover quirky American landmarks ranging from the World’s Largest Chair to a sneaker the size of a car. Although family fun is the centerpiece of the show, the competition is real and one family will be eliminated each week based on their performance in the challenges. Ultimately, only one family will return home with a dream prize that perfectly compliments their extraordinary and memorable summer vacation.
“The Philanthropist” chronicles the heroic adventures of a billionaire playboy turned vigilante philanthropist. James Purefoy (”Rome”) stars as Teddy Rist, a successful tycoon whose life is forever changed after rescuing a young boy during a hurricane in the Nigerian town he was visiting. Rist is spontaneous and impulsive and quickly decides to channel his passion, power and money into helping those in need.
Rist’s actions are not just about helping others ? he is purging his soul to help exorcise the inner demons which have been festering ever since his young son died and he lost everything he truly loved. Since the death of his son, the danger and risk to his life is the only way he can feel genuinely alive and he’ll do anything in order to achieve his goals.
A man who has everything but can feel nothing, Rist keeps his adrenaline pumping by putting his business head and money-making skills to good use through bargaining with the self-righteous, making deals with drug barons and trading with the nefarious.
“The Philanthropist” boasts a heady cast of established and up-and-coming talent. Purefoy takes on the lead role of Teddy Rist, Jesse L. Martin (”Law & Order”) plays Teddy’s business partner and friend, Philip Maidstone, and Neve Campbell (”Burn Up”) plays Olivia, Philip’s wife who also runs the charitable foundation set up by the two billionaires.
Purefoy, Martin and Campbell are supported by a tremendous line up of names from both sides of the Atlantic including Lindy Booth (”The 4400″), Michael Kenneth Williams (”The Wire”), Krista Allen (”The Starter Wife”) and newcomer James Albrecht.
From Universal Media Studios, “The Philanthropist” is a Carnival Films production in association with The Levinson/Fontana Company and Original Media. Tom Fontana, Barry Levinson, Peter Horton, Charlie Corwin, Gareth Neame and Teri Weinberg serve as executive producers.
“Merlin” is a new 13-part drama series that updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend for a new audience in the mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began. In this fantastical realm, Merlin is a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers who arrives in the kingdom and quickly makes enemies, including the heir to Uther’s crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur. But guided by Uther’s wise physician, Gaius, Merlin is soon using his talents not just to survive but also to unlock Camelot’s mystical secrets.
Starring Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Katie McGrath as Morgana and Angel Coulby as Gwen, “Merlin” is an imaginative new twist on a legend that is as old as time. “Merlin” was created and produced by Shine Television (executive-produced by Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps) for the BBC and FremantleMedia Enterprises. FME holds the exclusive licensing, home entertainment (excluding U.K.) and distribution rights to “Merlin” and has invested in the series alongside Shine Television and BBC One.
“The Listener” centers on Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, “The Timekeeper”), a 25-year-old paramedic who has a big secret — he’s a telepath. Until now, Toby kept his ability hidden, exploring its possibilities only with his long time mentor and confidant, Dr. Ray Mercer (Colm Feore, “24: Redemption”). As he makes the rounds with his energetic paramedic partner — “Oz” Bey (Ennis Esmer, “Young People F*#king”), “The Listener” follows Toby as he tries to help people in crisis, and in the process, unravel the truth about his past. While his professional life is in check, Toby’s personal life could use its own rescue. And with the help of Detective Charlie Marks (Lisa Marcos, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”) and his E.R. doctor/ex-girlfriend Olivia Fawcett (Mylène Dinh-Robic, “Da Vinci’s City Hall”), Toby realizes his gift can help others.
“The Listener” was developed by award-winning Shaftesbury Films and Canadian broadcaster CTV and produced in association with CTV, FIC and NBC. The executive producers include: International Emmy Award winner Christina Jennings and Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury Films; Michael Amo (”Blessed Stranger: After Flight 111″); Tom Chehak (”ReGenesis”) and Clement Virgo (”Poor Boy’s Game”). “The Listener” is distributed internationally by Shine-Reveille.
“America’s Got Talent” — NBC’s hit summer series from “American Idol” producers
FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Television — returns with the hottest performers from across the country ready to compete in the blockbuster reality show’s fourth season. The multi-talented entertainer-producer-comedian Nick Cannon joins as the new host. The series will continue to be presided over by the explosive combination of celebrity judges Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan and David Hasselhoff. With the talent search open to acts of all ages, “America’s Got Talent” has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country — all hoping to win America’s hearts and the $1 million prize. As a result, the series is a true celebration of the American spirit.
“America’s Got Talent” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Television. Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz (”American Idol”), Jason Raff (”Clash of the Choirs”), James Sunderland (”Dancing on Ice”) and Scott St. John (”Deal or No Deal”) serve as executive producers.

In “Meteor,” two massive rocks, tumbling debris older than the solar system itself, collide in space. The course has been altered. The target is Earth. In a remote observatory, Dr. Lehman (Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd, “Back to the Future”), discovers a meteor approximately three times the size of Mount Everest barreling its way towards Earth. His devoted young assistant Imogene O’Neill (Marla Sokoloff, “The Practice”) feverishly types in the coordinates only to find the previously identified meteor named Kassandra is headed their way. It’s only the beginning of their troubles as showers of smaller meteorites begin to lay waste to major cities around the globe.
The impending disaster brings out the best and the worst sides in people as they cope by either lending a helping hand or taking advantage of the situation. In a small California town, a Police Chief (Golden Globe Nominee Stacy Keach, “Prison Break”) struggles to calm a panicky group of citizens. Miles away, his son Jack, a detective (Golden Globe nominee Billy Campbell, “Once and Again”), finds himself caught in the middle of the most difficult arrest of his career with the ill-timed transfer of a very dangerous psychopath named Stark (Michael Rooker, “JFK”). Then there’s the skeptical Dr. Chetwyn (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Jason Alexander, “Seinfeld”) who may be the only chance Lehman and O’Neill have to get their findings to the proper authorities in time to deflect Kassandra.
Time is running out in “Meteor,” in which eye-popping effects, explosive human drama, and hair-raising action combine to create a suspenseful, thrilling and dramatic new miniseries event from RHI Entertainment.

In “The Storm,” also from RHI Entertainment, billionaire Robert Terrell (Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Treat Williams, “Everwood”) has fulfilled a lifelong obsession and made history with “weather creation” technology though his Atmospheric Research Institute. But during a test run, a blast of energy is sent into the ionosphere with unexpected results. The experiments hurtle the planet towards destruction?hurricanes change course, winds go instantly from hot to cold, torrential rains bring regions to a standstill, and buildings crumble into ruins under explosive lightening storms. It’s only the beginning.

Only one scientist, Dr. Jonathan Kirk (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”), steps forward to demand that the system be terminated. Terrell is undeterred and continues to push his team to move forward. His motives for the initially philanthropic technology is in truth far more opportunistic. With government cohort, Army General Braxton (David James Elliott, “JAG”), Terrell envisions the technology as a key military weapon to ensure super power status.
Realizing he’s powerless to stop the project by himself, Kirk contacts news reporter Danni Wilson (Teri Polo, “Meet the Parents”) with plans to expose Terrell and explain the catastrophic weather to a bewildered and frightened world. It’s a task that won’t come easy, as Kirk quickly discovers the motives and loyalties of authorities are not in his favor. As devastating and extreme weather events hammer down on every corner of the Earth, it will be a race against time to shut down the system before the edge of extinction.

Featuring a cast of television favorites including Emmy Winner John Larroquette (”Boston Legal”), Luke Perry (”Beverly Hills, 90210″) and Marisol Nichols (”24″), “The Storm” is the ultimate tale of man against nature and an epic miniseries event posing a tantalizing and terrifying what-if scenario.

In the eighth season of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” on USA, Oscar and Emmy nominee Jeff Goldblum joined the cast that includes Vincent D’Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Julianne Nicholson and Eric Bogosian. Goldblum plays Zach Nichols, a detective born and bred on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The series takes viewers into the minds of its criminals while following the psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve its worst offenses. The squad investigates high-profile homicide cases, often involving some of the cities most high-powered people, including local government officials, the financial sect as well as celebrities. Guest stars this season include Academy Award nominee Lynn Redgrave (”Gods and Monsters”), Eric Balfour (”24″), Shawn Hatosy (”Numb3rs”), Piper Perabo (”Coyote Ugly”) and Janel Moloney (”The West Wing”)

A summary of NBC’s new summer lineup follows (new series capitalized; all times ET):
MONDAY, JUNE 1“I’M A CELEBRITY?GET ME OUT OF HERE!” — premiere (8-9 p.m.)“Medium” season finale (10-11 p.m.)
TUESDAY, JUNE 2“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” — season finale (10-11 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3“Law & Order” — season finale (10-11 p.m.)
THURSDAY, JUNE 4“THE LISTENER” — premiere (10-11 p.m.)
SUNDAY, JUNE 7 and JUNE 14“METEOR” — miniseries (9-11 p.m.)
MONDAY, JUNE 8“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (NBC season premiere; 9-10 p.m.)“Dateline NBC” (10-11 p.m.)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21“MERLIN” (premiere 8-10 p.m.; June 28 airs 8-10 p.m.; July 5 resumes regular time 8-9 p.m.)
TUESDAY, JUNE 23 and WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24“AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” (9-10 p.m. both nights)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24“THE PHILANTHROPIST” ? premieres (10-11 p.m.)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1“GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP” — premieres (8-9 p.m.)
SATURDAY, JULY 4“MACY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR” (9-10 p.m.)
SUNDAY, JULY 19 and SUNDAY, JULY 26“THE STORM” ? miniseries (9-11 p.m.)