
Here are several noteworthy TV projects that have been sold recently to the broadcast networks:
The CW has bought the music-themed hourlong Prickly Spheres, from writer Matt Goldman as well as Jeff Kwatinetz’s production/music management company Prospect Park. The project centers on a talented teen who forgoes classical music scholarship to Julliard to joins a new indie alternative rock band whose quirky but talented members are barely adults themselves. Vision Art-repped Goldman and Kwatinetz are exec producing with Rich Frank and Paul Frank. This is the second music-driven project in the works at CW in addition to Todd Graff/Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas’ Acting Out.
Fox is developing an animated comedy project from New York-based standup comedian/actor Godfrey and veteran writer Kenya Barris. Based on Godfrey’s standup routine, the 20th TV-produced project will focus on the people in his world, including his relationship with his father, a conservative Nigerian immigrant. Bernie Cahill and Jordan Tilzer are attached to executive produce along with Barris. Godfrey will provide many of voices for the characters as well as write and co-executive produce. Godfrey, repped by Paradigm and ROAR, will be shooting his first one-hour special for Comedy Central in January. Barris is with Paradigm and Principato Young.
Writer Mark Perry and Imagine TV have sold half-hour comedy Free Ride to Fox. Michael Patrick Jann (Reno 911!) is attached to direct the single-camera comedy, which follows a middle aged man at the end of his rope, who accidentally falls to his death and wakes up as himself at 18 on his first day of college and has the opportunity to relive his live differently. 20th TV is producing with Imagine. Perry and Jann are with CAA.
Writer Scott Veach sold an untitled project to ABC, based off the book City of Dreams by William Martin. The project, described as an action adventure in the vein of National Treasure, is being produced by ABC Studios, with Warren Littlefield exec producing alongside Veach. Veach, repped by CAA and the Gotham Group, also has another project, Behind the Blue, in development at ABC.
ABC and ABC Studios are also developing a drama series based on the 2009 Danish film Headhunter a thriller
about a
headhunter entangled into a corporate power game. Eric Heisserer (Nightmare on Elm Street, The Thing) is writing the adaptation, whose rights were brought in by Castle executive producer Laurie Zaks, former head of Beacon TV and Guy Stodel, and former head of Paramount Vantage. Heisserer is with UTA and Art/Work.
TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.


Didn’t Fox just have a failed sitcom called Free Ride a few years ago?
Eric Heisserer is awesome!
The buzz on Headhunter is crazy. It’s lined up to be ABC’s next tentpole, likened to a more accessible Mad Men. Can’t wait for good TV to return to networks!
Godfrey is awesome
Is it me or is Paul Lee championing creatively risky shows?
Is there a more cliched concept than the guy who somehow gets to start over again? Do I need to list the 15 movies that have been made on that theme. How do you pitch that with a straight face?
Yes, Trey. You need to list them.
I’ll throw one out for Trey– 17 Again
Happy to see that ABC is looking outside the boring cookie cutter development that has permeated the airwaves of late. I would guess most of the accolades should go to Patrick Moran, the new head of Drama Development at ABC STUDIOS. At Fox he was known for breaking the mold and was responsible for developing “PRISON BREAK” as well as “GLEE”. I happened to see “HEADHUNTER” and thought at the time what an awesome TV series it would be.
Guy Stodel is awesome
god damn… godfrey has been around since he was chirping in the halls of the old wma and alan kannof. man o’ man. went from clean nice guy to his new image of tough guy. hope it works.
Eric! Don’t fuck it up!
Godfrey is hysterical and glad he’s finally getting his moment. His comedy act about his Nigerian family is genius – I saw him at Montreal and remember thinking “that would make a perfect show!” Good for him. He’s worked hard.
Oh my. That Godfrey was annoying. Yapping at everyone in the halls. We couldn’t get any work done. Peeps would hide in the lavatory until he left. Nice kid but the change of character ain’t reel. Gobliogock.
Zzzzz…
Godfrey is brilliantly funny! He should his own sketch show, he’s like the next Dave Chapelle!