Miniseries used to be some of television’s biggest events, with “Shogun,” “Roots,” and “The Winds of War” commanding huge audiences in the ’70s and ’80s. While the miniseries has been largely absent from television for several years, “Hatfields & McCoys” is going to try to bring the form back in a big way.
“Hatfields & McCoys,” based on the legendary feud between two warring families, brings a real big-screen sensibility to the small screen. You’d even expect to see its stars in a theater instead of television: Academy Award winner Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves,” “The Bodyguard”) and Bill Paxton (“Titanic,” “Aliens”). We spoke to producer Leslie Greif who has produced written and directed films and many television shows and also produced The Hatfield-McCoys.
Producer Leslie Greif has produced, written, and directed theatrical films, and told us that yes, the goal was to make “Hatfields & McCoys” look like it belongs in a theater. (Click on the audio player to hear Leslie Greif )
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The project has been a labor of love for Greif ,who first conceived the project 30 years ago, in 1982. Through the years, there were several times when the series almost got made, but it finally got the green light after Kevin Costner got involved. (Click on the audio player to hear Leslie Greif)
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While Costner and Paxton topline the cast, the ensemble also features rising young actors like Lindsay Pulsipher (“True Blood”) and Matt Barr (“Friday Night Lights”). Greif told us that while Paxton and Costner did a fantastic job of acting in the series, they were even more impressive as mentors and role models to the younger cast members. (Click on the audio player to hear Leslie Greif)
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The three-part “Hatfields & McCoys” miniseries premieres Monday on the History Channel
Brad Pitt is one of the most famous and beloved movie stars. Pitt and his fiancé, Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie, are one of the world’s most famous couples. Recently, Pitt and Jolie confirmed their engagement to finally tie the knot, and people everywhere are dying to know when the super couple will marry. A few days ago while promoting his latest movie, Killing Them Softly, at the Cannes Film festival, Pitt said that despite the rumors floating around, he and Jolie have yet to set a wedding date. (Click on the audio player to hear Brad Pitt)
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After a highly publicized stint in rehab, Demi Lovato bounced back last year with the inspiring smash single, “Skyscraper”, and has been refreshingly honest with the media and fans regarding her gradual recovery. With perseverance and support from her loved ones, the strong willed singer is determined to reach new heights with her career, and thanks to her new single “Give Your Heart a Break” and her recent addition as a judge/mentor on The X Factor, Lovato’s future certainly looks bright.
Throughout her personal trials, Lovato received strength from her loyal fan base, and she is genuinely thankful for their encouragement, saying her fans truly inspire her. (Click on the audio player to hear Demi Lovato)
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Thanks to his storied run on the AMC series Mad Men, Jon Hamm has turned into a worldwide star and has even notched himself a few movie roles (The Day The Earth Stood Still, Bridesmaids) in the process. Along with his appearances on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, Hamm’s visibility since Mad Men’s inception has not been lacking. Hamm told us that there isn’t a huge divide between film and TV shows thanks to such quality programs as Mad Men. (Click on the audio player to hear Jon Hamm)
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An early pick to win it all when she made the “American Idol” finals, Sanchez lost out to Phillip Phillips after the nation’s 132 million votes were counted.
After the show, the 16-year-old from San Diego spoke with Fox All Access executive producer Robin Whitaker about tonight’s finale, her performance with Jennifer Holliday, her “Idol” journey, and how she can’t wait to get back home to play video games!
America has spoken, and its choice is Phillip Phillips.
The 21-year-old Georgian defeated Jessica Sanchez to become the 11th “American Idol” winner tonight, winning the majority of the 132 million votes cast after Tuesday night’s performances.
Right after his win, Fox All Access executive producer Robin Whitaker caught up with Phillips backstage at the Nokia Theater to find out how he was doing and what he was thinking after his big victory.
Now that “House” has — figuratively and literally — ridden off into the sunset, all we’re left with are memories of those 177 episodes.
And for the cast, well, it’s pretty much the same. Except their memories are more about making the show than watching the show.
After it was all over, after “cut!” had been called on the set for the final time, we caught up with the cast on the red carpet of the show’s wrap party.
So which memories will Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Peter Jacobson, Odette Annable, Amber Tamblyn, and creator David Shore treasure most? Can they pick just one? Watch the video and find out.
Tonight’s American Idol season finale will feature either Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips as this year’s Idol winner. Although Sanchez’s powerhouse voice makes her an absolute shoo-in for the crown, Phillips’ laid back and amiable demeanor and good looks make him a dark horse favorite to win it all as well.
Carrie Underwood, winner of Idol’s fourth season, is now one of country’s biggest stars. But every great artists starts somewhere, and Underwood vividly recalls her experience during the Idol finale (she won over Bo Bice). (Click on the audio player to hear Carrie Underwood)
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Find out if Phillip Phillips or Jessica Sanchez’s name will be called tonight on the American Idol two hour finale 8/7 central on Fox.
Will Smith returns from a close to four year movie break with Men In Black III, which opens in theatres Friday. The picture, co-starring Josh Brolin and Smith’s MIB partner in crime Tommy Lee Jones, is the first 3D movie for the A-list actor. Smith, who is a bit self conscious about his big ears, was initially hesitant about having himself projected on 3D, but he quickly added that he was more than impressed with the finished product. (Click on the audio player to hear Will Smith)
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“Relaxed” would be the word we use to describe American Idol finalists Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez right after their final performances tonight on American Idol. FOX All Access producer Monica Guerra caught up with the two for a minute (almost literally!) right after the show and found out how they were feeling, what fans can expect from tomorrow’s finale, and what Phillip and Jessica thought of their own performances. Check it out!
So what did you think of the performances? Who do you think deserves the title? Let us know, then tune in tomorrow night to see who wins. It all goes down during the two hour American Idol Grand Finale, Wednesday at 8/7 central on FOX!
Miniseries used to be some of television’s biggest events, with “Shogun,” “Roots,” and “The Winds of War” commanding huge audiences in the ’70s and ’80s. While the miniseries has been largely absent from television for several years, “Hatfields & McCoys” is going to try to bring the form back in a big way.
