BBC Worldwide America names new president
Ex-MTV, Nick exec Herb Scannell to grow BBC brand in U.S.
BBC Worldwide has named former MTV and Nickelodeon executive Herb Scannell president of BBC Worldwide America. Scannell will be responsible for growing the BBC brand in the States, including cable channel BBC America, BBC Worldwide Productions and BBC.com. “I’ve been associated with innovative brands and businesses throughout my career, and there’s none more innovative in television than the BBC,” Scannel said. “It’s a world renowned brand with a great portfolio of businesses in the U.S. that have tremendous prospects.”

Joss Whedon reveals his secret recipe for making Buffy Summers
There’s a whole recipe for how to make a Buffy. Take one cup Sarah Connor from the first Terminator movie; one cup Ripley [from Alien]; three tablespoons of the younger sister in [the 1984 postapocalyptic comedy] Night of the Comet; a few sprigs of A Little Princess—the book, not the movies; and a pinch of Jimmy Stewart for pain, because nobody does better pain. Bake those up. Once it’s cool, add a little Rosalind Russell from His Girl Friday. All of this must be in a P.J.-Soles-in-Halloween crust. That’s very important.

Religious supergroup forms to smite Comedy Central’s Jesus Christ project
Comedy Central developing an animated project about Jesus Christ has the biggest names in the TV watchdog business forming a Super Best Friends protest super-group to preemptively smite the show. Brent Bozell (president, Media Research Center), Tony Perkins (president, Family Research Council), Michael Medved (talk radio host), Bill Donohue (president, Catholic League), Rabbi Daniel Lapin (American Alliance of Jews and Christians) and, of course, Tim Winter (president, Parents Television Council) are joining forces to form the Citizens Against Religious Bigotry.

Jonathan Frakes wants to do a Star Trek: Titan miniseries
This is more wishful thinking than anything else, but one fan is pushing for a Star Trek: Titan miniseries that would star Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis. It would follow the adventures of Frakes as captain of the U.S.S. Titan, a ship that was mentioned in Star Trek: Nemesis but never seen. Although there is nothing officially happening around this that we know about, the fan personally asked Frakes about it at the recent Pheonix Comic-Con and reported that Frakes “must have said ‘I WISH’ about seven times.”

Canadian actors to protest U.S. TV purchases
ACTRA Toronto, the local branch of Canada’s actors union, on Monday issued a call to its members to rally outside the Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville as top Canwest Global execs unveil their latest American TV buys to the national media. Canwest Global came away from the L.A. Screenings with a slate of CBS Studios product, including the remake of “Hawaii Five-O” for Mondays at 10 p.m., and another package from 20th Century Fox led by the buzz-worthy “Ride-Along.” ACTRA national president Ferne Downey last week criticized domestic broadcasters for stuffing their upcoming fall schedules with rookie U.S. shows as they push local Canadian shows to the fringes of their primetime schedules.

J.J. Abrams and ABC want to reboot Alias
A reliable insider at ABC tells me that there is talk of the network doing a “reboot” of one of the greatest TV series of all time, J.J. Abrams’ Alias. How? When? Where? Why? Again, it’s only very initial talk at this point, but I’m told that the development folks over at the Alphabet network are considering doing a new version of Alias that would borrow some elements of the original series that starred Jennifer Garner (and Michael Vartan, Victor Garber and some guy named Bradley Cooper who must have slipped into oblivion since). But the series would most likely not include any sort of complex mythological throughline such as the Rambaldi prophecy (a storyline that lost some of the fans).

‘Terra Nova’ drama at Fox scores director
Terra Nova – the high-concept series that Fox picked up for midseason – just hired a director for the show’s much-anticipated debut, EW has learned exclusively. Alex Graves, who helmed the pilots for ABC’s The Whole Truth, Fox’s Fringe and NBC’s Journeyman, will now direct the drama about a family 100 years in the future that travels back to the prehistoric era.  The project received a 13-episode commitment from Fox and filming will likely begin in Australia at the end of the summer.

Neil Gaiman Shares Some Details About His Upcoming ‘Doctor Who’ Episode
“I already went through my trauma a little bit when [original 'Doctor Who' star] William Hartnell died as The Doctor and was replaced by Patrick Troughton in 1966, when I was about five, and that hurt,” he explained. “And then when Patrick Troughton stopped being The Doctor and Jon Pertwee took over after the ‘War Games’ right around 1971, it went into color and suddenly there was this man with curly hair, and he wasn’t even in the TARDIS — he was riding around in a yellow sports car.”

MTV picking up ‘Inbetweeners
MTV expected to give a pilot order to a new project based on the UK high school comedy “The Inbetweeners.” The original is about a group of friends who are not in the in-crowd, or geeks, thus “in-betweeners.” The move follows the pickup of another British series, “Skins,” in addition to ordering a reboot of “Teen Wolf.”

It’s over—Ghost Whisperer  is now really truly dead
Not only did CBS cancel what was often Friday night’s top-rated series last week, but ABC decided not to give it a shot either. In fact, things have gotten so bad for Jennifer Love Hewitt’s veteran series that CBS has decided to can the summer reruns and move the renewed Medium and its reruns into the 8/7C p.m. slot for the summer months.

The Sisters Molyneux turn ‘Uncool,’ flip ‘Burgers’
Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux have been hired to rework the screenplay for the Paramount comedy “The Day I Turned Uncool.” At the same time, the siblings have joined the writing staff of the animated Fox series “Bob’s Burgers,” which will debut later this year. The half-hour animated “Burgers,” from Loren Bouchard and Jim Dauterive, focuses on a family that runs a struggling East Coast burger joint. The series is scheduled to become part of Fox’s Sunday night “Animation Domination” programming midseason in early 2011.

Lost is NOT over—there’s an epilogue on the way
It turns out that when the complete Lost series is released on DVD, the set will include what actor Michael Emerson calls an “epilogue” that will focus on Ben and Hurley protecting the Island in the post-Jack era. “It’s 12 or 14 minutes that opens a window onto that gap of unknown time between Hurley becoming number one and the end of the series,” Emerson said. “It’s self-contained, although it’s a rich period in the show’s mythology that has never been explored.”

But Wait, There’s More…

• ‘Aqua Teen’ creator Dave Willis: ‘When you make a cartoon you’re mostly in small dark rooms’
• 10 spoilers from J.J. Abrams’ leaked spy series script
• 5 reasons why FlashForward  deserved to fail
• Fox, CBS top 2009-10 TV season full of surprises0
• POLL: Which sci-fi season finale was your favorite?
• Disney embraces tween telenovelas; ‘Patito Feo,’ ‘Jake & Blake’ spread worldwide
• ’24′ series finale: Executive Producer Howard Gordon answers some burning questions!
• ‘Dexter’ wooing Julia Stiles
• 9 sizzling True Blood spoilers from creator Alan Ball
• Disney dumping SoapNet to make way for kids net

The Fine Print

This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive roundup of the entire weeks’ news. All stories are chosen by me for no other reason than that they got my attention and might capture yours. If something you think is more important chime in on the feedback; we’d love to hear comments and have a conversation about it.

• Gary Coleman & Dennis Hopper
• Thundercats Revamp
• the Walking Dead
• Soundtrack Podcasts
• Patrick Steward Knighted
• the Crow Reboot
• Xerex
• Nightmare on Elm Street
• The Hobbit
• Transformers 3
• Frank Welker Is Everyone’s Voice
• War for Cyberton Advert
• Tony Jar Goes Monk
• Marvel 4D
• Bruce the Devil
• Shark Repellent
• Mass Effect
• Captain America
• Dr Who Games
• D*A*A*S Kapital
• Hollywood Panhandlers
• Aliens Vs Ninjas
• Alien Vs Predator Redemption

Tracks Covered

• Looney Tunes
• Pinky and the Brain
• DangerMouse
• Count Duckula
• Ducktales
• Flintstones
• Futurama
• Inspector Gadget
• M.A.S.K.
• Mr Men
• Popeye
• Ren & Stimpy
• Smurfs
• The Simpsons
• Thundercats
• Woody Woodpecker
• Darkwing Duck
• American Dad
• South Park
• MYSTERY THEME – Can you guess what it is? Email us at feedback@coolshite.net
• Family Guy

Movieline Presents the Never-Before-Seen Concept Art For Warner Bros.’ Thundercats
In conjunction with our coverage of Comic-Con 2009, Movieline has obtained O’Flaherty’s never-before-seen Thundercats concept art, demonstrating just how gorgeous and ambitious his vision for this production is. After the jump, you’ll see Thundercats renderings of Lion-O, The Pyramid, Third Earth, and Mutant Attack.

‘NIMH’ adaptation in works
Paramount developing new feature based on the novel
Director Neil Burger (“The Illusionist”) is in talks to write the screenplay. A pic would be the second theatrical go-round for the book, which MGM brought to the screen in 1982 as the animated “The Secret of NIMH,” directed by Don Bluth. Robert C. O’Brien’s “Rats of NIMH” won the Newbery Medal in 1972 and has been a staple in children’s bookstores and libraries since. The story centers on a mouse — the titular Mrs. Frisby, re-named Mrs. Brisby in the MGM movie — faced with a crisis when her son falls ill and she must move her family to escape a farmer’s plow.

Players come together for ‘Lord’s Day’
Robert Mark Kamen, Atlas on board for action thriller
“Taken” writer Robert Mark Kamen and “Get Smart” producer Atlas Entertainment are collaborating on “The Lord’s Day,” an action thriller that’s been set up at Sony. “Day” centers on a hostage takeover of Britain’s House of Lords by terrorists on the first day of a legislative session. The protagonist is Harry Jones, a member of Parliament who is also a former ranking military officer; when Jones attempts to stop the terrorists, he uncovers a more complex and consequential global conspiracy than anyone could have suspected.

Scribe takes on ‘inFAMOUS’
Sheldon Turner to adapt video game for Sony
Screenwriter Sheldon Turner is becoming even more “inFAMOUS.” Sony Pictures has pre-emptively picked up a pitch from Turner to adapt the video game into a feature film. The studio is working out a deal for rights to the game. Avi Arad and Ari Arad will produce. Launched in May, “inFAMOUS” centers on bike messenger Cole MacGrath, who survives an explosion that destroys entire blocks of Empire City only to find he has new electricity-derived super powers.

‘Resident Evil’ duo picks up ‘Warded’
Paul W. S. Anderson to direct fantasy novel adaptation
Filmmaker Paul W. S. Anderson and longtime producing partner Jeremy Bolt, the duo behind the moneymaking “Resident Evil” franchise, have picked up film rights to Peter V. Brett’s debut fantasy novel “The Warded Man.” The book is set in an undetermined future where mankind is beset by nightly attacks from demonkind and has been thrown back into a feudal state. Three young people emerge with the potential power to turn the tide, including the title character, a man who has wards (spells) tattooed on his body.

Lefevre: Wronged or uncooperative?
Press releases debate cause for ‘Twilight’ recasting
The recasting of “Victoria” in the third installment of the “Twilight” franchise either demonstrates that Summit Entertainment is unreasonable or Rachelle Lefevere has “a lack of cooperative spirit.”

‘Tron Legacy’ director into ‘Oblivion’
Joseph Kosinski developing feature, illustrated novel
“Tron Legacy” director Joseph Kosinski is developing “Oblivion,” based on his own concept, as a feature for Radical Pictures. “Oblivion” also will become an illustrated novel, Radical Publishing’s first venture beyond comic books, done in a format featuring 40 fully painted landscape images that will accompany the prose. The story centers on a battle-damaged soldier who, assigned to a desolate planet after a court-martial, patrols the bleak landscape in an effort to destroy the last vestiges of a primitive alien race. When a mysterious traveler arrives unexpectedly, their lives become inextricably linked as they are forced to question everything they know about this world and themselves.

Trio in the trenches for ‘Battle: L.A.’
Rodriguez, Pena, Moynahan join Eckhart in cast
Michelle Rodriguez, Michael Pena and Bridget Moynahan have been recruited to join Columbia’s “Battle: Los Angeles.” The sci-fi actioner, directed by Jonathan Liebesman, stars Aaron Eckhart and is set to begin production in the fall. “Battle” revolves around a Marine staff sergeant (Eckhart) and his new platoon’s battle against an alien invasion on the streets of Los Angeles. Rodriguez will play Crpl. Adriana Santos, a member of a radio battalion. Pena plays the father of a boy the Marines find along the way, and Moynahan plays a veterinarian.

Rob Marshall eyes ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
Choreographer-turned-director in talks to helm next film
Choreographer-turned-director Rob Marshall is in talks to take the wheel of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise from director Gore Verbinski. Disney and series producer Jerry Bruckheimer have been eager to set sail on a fourth installment with star Johnny Depp back in his bandana as Sparrow as early as next year.

Universal sets new date for ‘Wolfman’
Reboot of monster franchise moves to 2010
The horror pic, which stars Benicio Del Toro as the hairy shape-shifter, will now be released Feb. 12 and serve as counterprogramming to New Line’s romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day,” the Summit drama “Remember Me,” with “Twilight’s” Robert Pattinson toplining, and Disney’s 3-D re-release of “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s the fourth date for “Wolfman” after roaming from Feb. 13 to April 3 and then Nov. 6 this year.

Spierigs out for WB’s ‘Blood’
Brownlow to update swashbuckler pirate classic
Warner Bros. has set Michael and Peter Spierig to direct and John Brownlow to write a new version of “Captain Blood,” the 1935 swashbuckler pirate classic that starred Errol Flynn as a wrongly imprisoned British doctor who escapes to become a pirate in the Caribbean. The Spierig brothers got hired because of their innovative idea to set the pirate film in space.

‘Alien’ prequel takes off
Ridley Scott attached to return as director
Twentieth Century Fox is resuscitating its “Alien” franchise. The studio has hired Jon Spaihts to write a prequel that has Ridley Scott attached to return as director. Spaihts got the job after pitching the studio and Scott Free, which will produce the film. The film is set up to be a prequel to the groundbreaking 1979 film that Scott directed. It will precede that film, in which the crew of a commercial towing ship returning to Earth is awakened and sent to respond to a distress signal from a nearby planetoid. The crew discovers too late that the signal generated by an empty ship was meant to warn them.

Harlin gets serious about war
Director to tackle Russia-Georgia conflict
Renny Harlin has been set to direct an untitled drama based on actual events that took place during the five-day Russia-Georgia conflict. The short war began Aug. 8, 2008, when Georgian forces attacked the border territory in South Ossetia. Russia recognized the territory’s independence and subsequently routed Georgian forces; tensions have remained high ever since. Harlin will shoot the film in areas near the conflict. Pre-production is already under way, as is casting, for a mid-September shoot. Harlin said the plot specifics are being kept under wraps for security reasons, but the drama involves an American journalist and his cameraman who get caught in the crossfire in Georgia and then have to deal with their obligation to be impartial journalists.

Hugh Jackman to star in ‘Showman’
Actor to play P.T. Barnum in Fox musical
Twentieth Century Fox has attached Hugh Jackman to play American showman P.T. Barnum in “The Greatest Showman on Earth,” an original contemporary musical to be scripted by Jenny Bicks (“Sex and the City”). Jackman will play the showman with a penchant for hoaxing a gullible public as he creates the three-ring circus that made him famous. The musical also focuses on his infatuation with singer Jenny Lind — the so-called Swedish Nightingale. Pic will have a contemporary musical score, and the studio is in talks with British singer-songwriter Mika to write music and lyrics.

The Fine Print

This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive roundup of the entire weeks’ news. All stories are chosen by me for no other reason than that they got my attention and might capture yours. If something you think is more important chime in on the feedback; we’d love to hear comments and have a conversation about it.

Qdog & Mr Moyle got to have a phone interview with Robert & Alex about Star Trek, Transformers, Thundercats and their other work.

Thanks to Paramount Pictures and Network PR for setting up the interview for us.

Interviews

• Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto
• John Cho
• Karl Urban (Bones) Interview
• JJ Abrams Interview

It’s just so amazingly cool!!

Taking cues from classic 1980′s saturday morning cartoons as The Real Ghostbusters, Superfriends, He-man, Thunder cats, Jem and the Rockers, and probably hundreds of others this is a nostalgic clip from an alternate history. Supposedly taken from an old VHS which someone has uploaded to youtube, please note the little bit with the tracking control at the start. Its the little details which get me. Someone has taken the time and effort to create a simplified version of the characters, compose music, and amazingly create something that feels authentic and at the same time ludicrous. I look at this and the scene in the film with the action figures comes to life even more. “Rorschach’s a friend to the animals?!” Disgustingly funny.

Man i love viral marketing.

And here’s the funniest bit… the lyrics!

Strong together, united forever
They’re the best of friends

When troubles about, you’d best watch out
For the Watchmen!

Nite Owl is their leader
And he loves to party down

Rorschach’s friends to the animals
when hes not clowning around

Beat up some thugs, say no to drugs
Be in bed by 10

But when troubles about, you’d best watch out
For the Watchmen!

Silk Spectres a sensation
You should really never miss

The Comedian’s her biggest fan
Now, If he could only get that kiss!

Adrian and Bubastis are
Crimesolving superstars

John can give you cancer
and can turn into a car

Strong together, united forever
Come and meet your friends

Have no fear, times up, times here
For the Watchmen!

The only thing i feel its missing is the Veidt Branding, though who knows, maybe “Happy Harry” is a subsidiary of “Veidt Enterprises”… What do you think? cool or shite or ridiculous? personally i really enjoy the sustained reality they are creating here. Each little aspect brings us closer to having the comic book recreated in full. Bubastis sounds like Snarf!!!!!! GOLD!