The Biggest Stories of the Week From Our Reporters
1 Mel Brooks to Write, Produce ‘History of the World, Part II’ Series for Hulu
“History of the World, Part I” is finally getting a Part II, with Hulu ordering a variety series follow-up to the classic Mel Brooks comedy film. Brooks is a writer and executive producer on the series along with Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen and Kevin Salter. Hulu has ordered eight episodes of the show. The writers’ room starts in October, with production slated to begin in spring . Searchlight Television and th Television will produce. — Joe Otterson
2 Jesse Metcalfe Joins Drama ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’
Jesse Metcalfe has signed on for MGM and Lightworkers’ faithbased family drama “On a Wing and a Prayer,” starring opposite Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham. In this movie based on a true story, Quaid stars as a passenger who’s forced to fly a plane after the pilot dies unexpectedly midflight. Metcalfe recently wrapped up a five-season run on the Hallmark Channel’s “Chesapeake Shores,” playing singer-songwriter Trace Riley since the show’s debut. Directed by Sean Mcnamara from a screenplay by Brian Egeston, “On a Wing and a Prayer” is in production and slated for release on Aug. , . — Angelique Jackson
3 Hurwitz, Goldstein Form Multimedia Broadway Firm
Producers Isaac Robert Hurwitz and Seth A. Goldstein are teaming up to launch Hugo Six, a transmedia production company that will focus on Broadway content and talent. The company is dedicated to creating diverse and dynamic content for the stage and screen. Hugo Six has a musical television property and several new Broadway-aimed musicals on its development slate. The company will be headquartered in New York City. Hurwitz currently has “Mrs. Doubtfire” on Broadway, while Goldstein has “The Lehman Trilogy.” — Brent Lang
4 Producer Keith Redmon Partners at Black Bear
Keith Redmon has joined Teddy Schwarzman’s Black Bear Pictures as a partner. He’s being tasked with heading up Black Bear Global, a newly created division that will focus on building strategic alliances and co-productions between the firm and talent, production companies and partners overseas. Redmon, who was at Anonymous Content for two decades, will also help build Black Bear’s management portfolio. Redmon was ousted from Anonymous in June, with no public explanation. He was nominated for an Oscar for producing Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “The Revenant.” — B.L.