Flesh and Bone continues Starz’s commitment to expanding their scripted presence, as the series will join a slate that includes pirate drama Black Sails, action-adventure romp Da Vinci’s Demons, crime drama Power, and literary adaptation Outlander, the latter two set to premiere later this year. It will only be the second scripted series that Starz has put on that features a female lead, the other being acquired miniseries The White Queen.

In addition to Hay, Flesh and Bone stars former American Ballet Theatre principal Irina Dvorovenko, current American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Radetsky, Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner, Tony nominee Ben Daniels, Emily Tyra (Boardwalk Empire), Josh Helman (The Pacific), and Damon Herriman (Justified). Former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Ethan Stiefel will act as the show’s choreographer.

Flesh and Bone is set to premiere on Starz in 2015. The first episode will be helmed by David Michod (Animal Kingdom).

Will you be watching Flesh and Bone? How do you think the series will compare to the rest of Starz’s scripted slate? Should the network continue to diversify its scripted output with projects like Flesh and Bone and Power?

The post Starz Drama Flesh and Bone Begins Production appeared first on TVHackr.

From Breaking Bad executive producer Moira Beckley-Wallett, Flesh and Bone follows Claire (Sarah Hay), a talented yet troubled ballerina who earns a chance to join a prestigious New York City ballet company. However, once she gets further inside the world she was so desperate to be a part of, she soon realizes she might have passed a point of no return and that her life will never be the same as a result of her membership in the company.

In addition to his role on the acclaimed HBO miniseries, Helman has appeared on the likes of Home and Away and McLeod’s Daughters, while Herriman’s television credits include Vegas, Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS, and The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting. They join a cast that includes the likes of former American Ballet Theatre principal Irina Dvorovenko, current American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Radetsky, Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner, Tony nominee Be Daniels, and Boardwalk Empire actress Emily Tyra.

Flesh and Bone begins production this spring for a 2015 premiere on Starz. The first episode of the series will be directed by David Michod (Animal Kingdom).

Will you be watching Flesh and Bone? Do you think the show sounds like a breakout hit waiting to happen for Starz? Just what kind of darkness lies in waiting for Claire as she delves into the inner workings of the ballet world?

The post Flesh and Bone: Josh Helman and Damon Herriman Join the Cast appeared first on TVHackr.

Created by Walley-Beckett, Flesh and Bone tells the story of Claire (Sarah Hay), a troubled, fragile young dancer who joins a prestigious company in New York and loses herself in the process. The series is said to explore the dysfunction and glamour of the ballet world, including the vicious competitiveness between dancers, the lengths dancers are willing to go to stay in a production, and the emotional depths a dancer can fall into when they’re rejected by an industry they’ve dedicated their lives to.

In addition to his recurring role on the Netflix drama, Daniels has appeared on the likes of Merlin, Cutting It, and Law & Order: UK. He joins a cast that includes the likes of former American Ballet Theatre principal Irina Dvorovenko, current American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Radetsky, Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner, and Boardwalk Empire actress Emily Tyra.

Flesh and Bone will premiere sometime in 2015 on Starz. Additional casting information should be released in the coming weeks.

Will you be watching Flesh and Bone? Who else would you like to see join the cast? Do you think the show will be the next big hit for Starz?

The post Flesh and Bone: Tony Nominee Ben Daniels Joins the Cast appeared first on TVHackr.

“I’m entirely enamored of the visual, visceral, artful way David tells story,” said creator Moira Walley-Beckett.  “His style and sensibility is very much in alignment with my vision of my show.”

Flesh and Bone tells the story of Claire (Sarah Hay), a troubled ballet dancer who joins a company in New York and soon discovers that the world she was so desperate to belong to might not be what she expected when viewed from the inside. The show will also feature the likes of former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko, current American Ballet Theatre soloist Sascha Radetsky, and Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner, with former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Ethan Stiefel to serve as series choreographer.

In addition to his work on the 2010 crime thriller that earned Jacki Weaver an Oscar nomination, Michod has directed an episode of Enlightened, a series of shorts, and films such as The Rover and Solitary Endeavour on the Southern Ocean. He’s the latest film director to helm a series premiere for Starz, as Neil Marshall (The Descent) was behind the first episode of Black Sails, Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress) anchored the Magic City series premiere, and Gus Van Sant (My Own Private Idaho) took the reins on premiere of Boss.

Flesh and Bone will premiere on Starz sometime in 2015. Further information on the series should be released in the coming months.

Will you be watching Flesh and Bone? Do you think Michod’s aesthetic will set a strong precedent for the first season of the show? What other directors would you like to see navigate the world of New York City ballet?

The post Flesh and Bone: David Michod to Direct the Series Premiere appeared first on TVHackr.

“From the beginning, we all agreed this project could not go forward unless we found a world class dancer who had the ability to convey the widest range of emotions that Moira has written,” says Chris Albrecht, CEO of Starz.  “This is one of the most challenging and dynamic characters I have ever seen and am thrilled to say we found our ‘Claire’ in Ms. Hay.”

The series, from Breaking Bad executive producer Moira Walley-Beckett, tells the story of young ballerina Claire (Sarah Hay), a talented dancer with a troubled past and self-destructive tendencies who joins a prestigious ballet company in New York. Flesh and Bone is said to explore the dysfunction and glamour of the ballet world through the eyes and experiences of Claire.

In addition to Hay, an acclaimed ballerina who danced in Black Swan, the series will feature the talents of American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko and current soloist Sascha Radetsky, as well as Royal New Zealand Ballet artistic director and former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Ethan Stiefel, the latter set to act as the show’s choreographer.

Flesh and Bone seems like it will be kicking off another strong year of originals for Starz, which will be premiering three new series this year in addition to the second season of Da Vinci’s Demons. Although the network has tended to focus on bigger, splashier fare with elaborate productions, present-day crime drama Power is set to premiere this summer, so something like Flesh and Bone wouldn’t be too much of a reach for them to air, especially if the show brings the strong visuals and complex, conflicted characters that tend to populate the Starz universe.

You can check out a video of Hay dancing below.

Will you be watching Flesh and Bone? Do you think the show will fit in along with the network’s other offerings? Who would you like to see join the cast?

The post Starz Orders Ballet Drama Flesh and Bone to Series appeared first on TVHackr.

This week on TVHackr, we talked about the latest addition to the Homeland writing staff, when to expect a return to Dallas, and a renewal for Witches of East End, while the internet touched on Iranian TV, the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, and how television has impacted Christmas music.

Betrayal 1.08 Preview: Jack and Sara Deal with Their New Family Dynamics
On the most recent episode of Betrayal, Jack and Sara dealt with their affair being exposed, while TJ becomes reckless after what happened to Brandy.

Ravenswood Midseason Finale Sneak Peeks: Is Miranda in Danger?
On the midseason finale of Ravenswood, Caleb sensed that Miranda was in danger, while Remy uncovered a major clue and a dangerous connection was revealed.

Witches of East End 1.07 “Unburied” Recap
While the identity of the shifter was revealed on Witches of East End, a novelist moves to East End to research his novel and Freya tries to change her dreams.

Dallas: TNT Sets Season 3 Premiere Dates
The third season of Dallas is set to premiere Monday, February 24th at 9:00 on TNT.

Castle Review: “Disciple”
When Castle and Beckett investigate a murder in which the victim resembles Lanie, the team believes that the members of the 12th Precinct at the next targets.

Russell T. Davies to explore gay life with Channel 4 shows
Queer as Folk creator Russell T. Davies has two new gay-themed series in development – Cucumber, about a 40-something man and his boyfriend, and Banana, which will focus on many different shades of gay love/life.

HIMYM spinoff: ‘How I Met Your Dad’ pilot ordered by CBS
CBS has ordered a pilot for How I Met Your Dad, to be developed by How I Met Your Mother creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas and former Up All Night showrunner Emily Spivey.

ABC Announces Midseason Premiere Dates, Time Change for Revenge
Among the moves ABC made for midseason are pushing Revenge back an hour, moving Suburgatory back to 8:30, and splitting Tuesdays at 10:00 between two dramas.

FX Orders Drama Series The Strain, Sets a July Debut
FX has ordered a 13-episode first season of The Strain, a series based on a trilogy of vampire novels from director Guillermo del Toro.

The Tomorrow People 1.07 Sneak Peek: Has Stephen Become a Liability?
On the most recent episode of The Tomorrow People, John sensed a tension between himself and Cara, while Stephen had a moment of clarity regarding his father.

The Tomorrow People: Queer as Folk Alum Robert Gant to Guest Star
Queer as Folk alum Robert Gant will be guest starring on two episodes of The Tomorrow People as a love interest for Stephen’s mother Marla.

Witches of East End 1.08 Preview: Wendy Discovers Joanna Hid the Key
On the next episode of Witches of East End, Wendy finds out that Joanna buried the key, while Ingrid suspects that Mike has ulterior motives and the shifter targets Freya.

The Bridge Showrunner Meredith Stiehm Departs for Homeland
The Bridge showrunner Meredith Stiehm has departed the FX drama and returned to Homeland, where she wrote several episodes during the first two seasons.

Ravenswood Winter Premiere Preview: Eternity is Right Now
On the winter premiere of Ravenswood, Caleb deals with his encounter with Miranda on the other side and the group’s progress in unraveling the mystery gets derailed by Dillon.

World-Renowned Dancers Join Starz Ballet Drama Flesh and Bone
Star drama Flesh and Bone, about a dancer who joins a New York company, has added a choreographer and a slew of dancers.

Pretty Little Liars and Ravenswood Winter Premiere Spoilers
ABC Family has released the episode descriptions for the Pretty Little Liars season premiere and the Ravenswood winter premiere.

HBO to Premiere Toxic Hot Seat Documentary Monday, November 25th
HBO will be premiering a new documentary, this one about the chemical industry, on Monday, November 25th.

Black Sails to Premiere Saturday, January 25th on Starz
The eight-episode first season of Black Sails is set to premiere Saturday, January 25th at 9:00 on Starz.

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes to release memoir in 2015
Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes has signed a book deal that will see a memoir published in 2015.

Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles to Premiere November 23rd on HBO
HBO will be premiering a Sarah Silverman comedy special on Saturday, November 23rd.

The Sound of Music Live!: NBC Releases Full Trailer Featuring Cast
Get a look at upcoming NBC television event The Sound of Music Live!, which had a full trailer released this week.

FOX Announces Midseason Schedule Changes
Among the changes to FOX’s midseason schedule are a move for Glee, a hiatus for The Mindy Project, and a special airing of The Following.

How I Met Your Mother 9.10 Review – Mom and Dad
While Barney wants to see his parents back together, Ted is blamed for the mess-up of a wedding-related duty.

Syfy Announces 2014 Premiere Dates for Lost Girl, Bitten, Being Human, and More
Syfy has announced premiere dates for Lost Girl, Bitten, Face Off, Being Human, and Opposite Worlds.

Starz Drama Power Begins Production, Adds to Cast
Crime drama Power, about a nightclub owner whose other life is as the kingpin of a drug ring, has began production in New York.

Reign 1.07 Preview: The Castle Comes Under Siege
On the next episode of Reign, the castle comes under siege and Francis is taken hostage, while Diane tells Bash of her plan to have him declare legitimate.

Witches of East End Renewed for Season 2 by Lifetime
Supernatural drama Witches of East End has been renewed for a second 13-episode season by Lifetime, which will premiere in late 2014.

Need a little Christmas? TV trots out top holiday music (USA Today)
Don’t look now, but several of the year’s top holiday music releases are artists who have strong ties to television.

How Live TV Helped America Mourn The Loss Of JFK (NPR)
NPR’s Fresh Air takes a look at how live television made it possible for the United States to mourn the assassination of JFK.

Iran’s state TV tries ‘soft power’ to win hearts and minds (The Guardian)
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting has expended vast financial resources to compete with Persian-language satellite programs beamed into the country from abroad.

The World’s Most Jaw-Dropping Reality TV Shows (Foreign Policy)
Foreign Policy brings you several reality television series from around the world that are different from what people think of when they hear the term “reality TV”.

For So Long Deemed So Lowly, Television Is Now Officially an Artform (PopMatters)
PopMatters reviews How to Watch Television by Jason Mittell and Ethan Thompson, a book that was released this past August.

The post The Week in Television Wrap November 16-22 appeared first on TVHackr.

“The casting process of finding exceptional dancers to inhabit these roles has been incredibly creative and exciting,” said series creator and executive producer Clara Walley-Beckett. “The verisimilitude of the project is of paramount importance to me. I want to be able to capture dance on film with complete integrity, authenticity and freedom.  Not only are the dancers we’ve cast thus far brilliant company level artists, but they’re also thrilling, intuitive actors.  I’m inspired and optimistic about discovering the perfect ‘Claire.’”

From Walley-Beckett (Breaking Bad), Lawrence Bender (Good Will Hunting), Kevin Brown (Roswell), and John Melfi (Rome), Flesh and Bone follows Claire Robbins, a young ballet dancer with a difficult past who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she joins a New York ballet company. However, the more she ingratiates herself into the world she thought she knew, the most she realizes that she never knew anything about it at all. Auditions are currently underway for her casting.

Flesh and Bone‘s development comes not long after fellow ballet drama Bunheads was cancelled after one season on ABC Family. However, the one of Flesh and Bone is supposed to be darker and grittier than the Amy Sherman-Palladino drama, whose small but dedicated audience wasn’t enough to save it from cancellation. If Flesh and Bone gets picked up to series, which is looking increasingly likely, it would be okay with having that type of audience, as premium cable thrives less on overall numbers and more on engagement.

Does Flesh and Bone sound like something you watch? How do you think a drama like this will look/feel on premium cable? Should the show be picked up, will it fit well alongside the other dramas on the network?

The post World-Renowned Dancers Join Starz Ballet Drama Flesh and Bone appeared first on TVHackr.