INTERVIEW: “FRINGE” CO-CREATOR J.J. ABRAMS

By Brian Ford Sullivan

When “Fringe” premiered in September of 2008, co-creator J.J. Abrams said the fun of the show “was taking the kinds of things we loved growing up and combining them and sort of playing with them and making them into something that is hopefully brand new while being in the spirit of things that inspired us.” Fast forward to 2010 and Abrams hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for the show. The prolific writer, director and producer was on hand at the TCA Winter Press Tour last month where he chatted with reporters about what’s in store for the show, his new pilot at NBC and his boundless love of the television medium.

Question: What can you tell me about where the second half of the season is going?

J.J. Abrams: I will say that there are… the story that [we established] at the very beginning of the season is going to play out. There were some adjustments we made along the way… but what I think is fun about where it’s going is on the one hand there’s this inevitable thing that will happen but I think there’s going to be a huge surprise too. I’m really excited about it… The fun of [the conflict with alternate universe] is there’s this growing problem and that there is something brewing sort of between these two places. To me it’s just a fascinating kind of premise. It’s so big! And the key is how do you make it specific and how do you make it personal and I think some of the stuff you’ll be getting to with all three of our characters [will be fantastic].

Question: Any plans for Leonard Nimoy?

J.J. Abrams: I have tons of plans for him. Whether he’ll be part of them is another question but there are plans aplenty… I would love to return to that character, I know there’s a chance that will occur.

Question: Are you satisfied with the ratio of standalone to arc episodes? And will that change going forward?

J.J. Abrams: I think it will be somewhat consistent with where it’s been but I think I always like a great standalone but I’m also a sucker for that like ongoing serialized story. We’re sort of in a place where I’d be thrilled with more serialized stuff but I also know that’s an increasingly difficult way of doing television.

Question: Will the same apply to your NBC pilot “Undercovers?”

J.J. Abrams: This show does have ongoing stories as well but they are much more personal based and character based. But I’m trying to do a show that has a more fun energy and a little more comedic than ["Fringe"]… There won’t be any of [the Rambaldi-type mythology, i.e. "Alias"]. I think that there will be, again, something that will give the story a sense of inevitability and yet, you’re right, it won’t be going into that place of like crazy, mythology heavy stuff.

Question: Why did you decide to direct the pilot?

J.J. Abrams: I just enjoyed the idea of it. I enjoy the script… I enjoyed the chemistry of these two people and it became clear as we were working on it, rather than be sitting on the set every day with someone else directing it, being annoying, I’d rather just take the burden on myself.

Brian Ford Sullivan: I talked to [executive producer] Jeff Pinkner and he said [tonight's episode] is your best one yet and the one coming back [after the hiatus] is even better. [Abrams laughs.] What’s so great about them?

J.J. Abrams: The great thing about Jeff is he knows how to lower expectations. [Laughs.] I would just say that it’s always wonderful to get director’s cuts of episodes that make me smile. And it’s nice when they are on important dates, and it’s nice when they are consecutive so I will just say we’re on a nice internal run right now where things are, you know, when a story’s entertaining and fun and has that weird combination – which is the goal of “Fringe” to be scary as hell and funny in one show, it’s a weird thing to do – when that works, it’s just, you know, you just thank God.

“Fringe” airs its winter finale tonight at 9:00/8:00c. Look for the second season to resume on Thursday, April 1 at 9:00/8:00c.

Source: The Futon Critic

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

J.J. Abrams has found his female lead for ‘Undercovers’, British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Mbatha-Raw will play Samantha Bloom, a former CIA agent who’s drawn back into the field along with her husband and fellow agent Steven (Boris Kodjoe).

While having appeared on several hit UK dramas including ‘Spooks’ and ‘Doctor Who’, Mbatha-Raw is new to US television scene.

Her casting in ‘Undercovers’ follows the trend with other J.J. Abrams produced projects. The writer/director/producer is know for casting relatively unknown female leads in his projects, including Keri Russell in ‘Felicity’, Jennifer Garner in ‘Alias’, Evangeline Lilly in ‘Lost’ and Australian actress Anna Torv in ‘Fringe’.

‘Undercovers’, was co-written by Abrams and fellow ‘Felicity’ writer Josh Reims.

Abrams also will direct the pilot, marking the first directorial television project since the $10 million 2-hour ‘Lost’ pilot in 2004.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Boris Kodjoe

Earlier this week Gerald McRaney joined the cast of J.J. Abrams’ NBC spy project ‘Undercovers’. Today the pilot has found a its leading man, Boris Kodjoe (‘Surrogates’).

‘Undercovers’, which has been described as a mix between ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’, follows husband and wife Steven (Kodjoe) and Samantha Bloom, who work together as CIA operatives.

McRaney will play the couple’s boss and agency liaison. The role of Samantha has yet to be cast.

Abrams is said to be considering directing the pilot through his company Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television. Abrams co-wrote the pilot with fellow ‘Felicity’ and ‘What About Brian’ writer/producer Josh Reims.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Gerald McRaney

Gerald McRaney has landed a role in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming spy pilot.

‘Undercovers’ has described as a mix between ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’, which follows Samantha and Steven Bloom, a husband and wife team recruited by the CIA.

McRaney (‘Jericho’ and ‘Deadwood’) will play their boss and agency liaison.

Abrams (‘Alias’, ‘Lost’, ‘Fringe’) is said to be considering directing the pilot for Warner Bros. Television, which he co-wrote with fellow ‘Felicity’/'What About Brian’ writer Josh Reims.

‘Undercovers’ is being developed by Bad Robot Productions/WBTV for NBC.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Brendan Hines, Tim Roth, Monica Raymund, Mekhi Phifer and Kelli Williams star in FOX's 'Lie to Me'.

FOX have ordered the back-nine episodes of the Tim Roth drama, ‘Lie to Me’.

The pick-up comes just a month after the network ordered three additional scripts of the second year drama.

Under the hand of the new showrunner, Shawn Ryan, ‘Lie to Me’ has become as solid performer for FOX in the post-’House’ time slot.

This past week, ‘Lie to Me’ averaged 7.3 million viewers overall, with a 2.7 rating in adults 18-49. A 60% retention of its ‘House’ demo lead-in.

Other dramas less fortunate include Joss Whedon’s ‘Dollhouse’ — which has already been cancelled — and J.J. Abrams’ ‘Fringe’ — which will go on a 7-week hiatus in February.

Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

Nestor Carbonell

According to ComingSoon.net, Nestor Carbonell is the favourite to play Khan in the ‘Star Trek’ sequel.

While Khan isn’t even confirmed to be making an appearance in the next film — as the script is still in development — it’s believed that Carbonell would be the favourite to take over the iconic role if production began today.

Carbonell plays Richard Alpert in the J.J. Abrams’ drama ‘Lost’, so it’s entirely plausible that there’s some truth to this rumour.

Abrams has also yet to confirm whether he’d be back to direct the next instalment, however he’s already signed on as producer through his production company Bad Robot.

Source: ComingSoon.net

A scene from last season.

The sixth and final season of ‘Lost’ will be returning February 2, 2010 on ABC.

The move sees ‘Lost’ in its sixth timeslot in as many years.

As usual, a one hour clip show will precede the two-hour season premiere, finally moving to permanently to 9/8c the following week.

Returning as series regulars are Naveen Andrews (Sayid), Nestor Carbonell (Richard), Emilie de Ravin (Claire), Michael Emerson (Ben), Jeff Fahey (Frank) Matthew Fox (Jack), Jorge Garcia (Hurley), Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Daniel Dae Kim (Jin), Yunjin Kim (Sun), Ken Leung (Miles), Evangeline Lilly (Kate), Terry O’Quinn (Locke) and Zuleikha Robinson (Ilana).

Also confirmed to be returning in recurring and guest starring roles are Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet), Ian Somerhalder (Boone), Rebecca Mader (Charlotte), Dominic Monaghan (Charlie), Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond) and Katey Sagal (Helen).

The new season will premiere early next year on 7TWO locally.

ABC ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON OF “LOST,”

WITH A SPECIAL ALL-NIGHT EVENT ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

ABC announces the premiere of the sixth and final season of “Lost,” with a special all-night event on Tuesday, February 2. A recap special will kick off the night from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET, followed by the much anticipated two-hour premiere from 9:00-11:00 p.m.

The series will then air in its regular time period – Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET – beginning the following week, on February 9.

“Lost” stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Jeff Fahey as Frank Lapidus, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Terry O’Quinn as Locke and Zuleikha Robinson as Ilana.

“Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender, Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Jean Higgins and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.

Source: ABC

‘Fringe’ exclusive: J.J. Abrams on ‘bad’ ratings, good vibes, and the show’s future

by Michael Ausiello

'Fringe' stars Joshua Jackson and Aussies Anna Torv and John Noble.

It’s hardly a secret that Fringe is having a tough go of it on Thursday night this season. Last week, the sophomore drama’s audience shrunk to just 5 million viewers — an all-time low. Sure, two weeks of pre-emptions due to baseball didn’t help, but the fact remains: Fringe is struggling.

On the bright side, everyone seems to be in agreement that Fringe has never been better creatively. And inside sources say Fox, although not thrilled with the ratings, remains committed to the show — a fact corroborated by the drama’s boss, J.J. Abrams.

“The mood on set and in the writer’s room is as good as the ratings are bad, which is to say, wonderful,” Abrams tells me. “Luckily, Fox has been insanely supportive, for which we are deeply grateful.”

Abrams is encouraged by the show’s “strong” DVR numbers as well as the glowing reviews from critics. “But given that we’re on one of the hardest [nights] on television, we’re just focusing on making the best show we possibly can,” he says. “What else can we do?”

Bottom line: Fringe is in no immediate danger of going “over there” (a.k.a. TV graveyard). The key word there being immediate.

What do you think? Worried about Fringe’s future? Got a theory why more people aren’t watching? Should Fox move it to a less-crowded night — and, if so, which one? Sound off below!

Source: Entertainment Weekly

J.J. Abrams

J.J. Abrams is hoping direct his upcoming spy series pilot for NBC.

Providing his schedule permits, Abrams will make his directorial return to television following two successful features ‘Mission Impossible III’ and ‘Star Trek’.

Abrams’ last television pilot was the 2004 2-hour opener of  ’Lost’, which he received an Emmy win for best direction.

Prior to ‘Lost’, he similarly directed the pilot for his spy series ‘Alias’.

‘Undercovers’, which Abrams will exec produce, has been described as a cross between ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

J.J. Abrams

On whether he’s in for shepherding the “Star Trek” franchise for the long haul, or planning a movie-by-movie involvement:

J.J. Abrams: That’s a wonderfully optimistic question and I appreciate that, but the answer is that it’s obviously just movie-to-movie. The fact that we are now actively discussing the second film is surreal and very nice, and I’m thrilled. I hope that that results in something worthy of your time. But it’s one of those things that you just don’t know. And so I cannot presume it’s gonna be a series that goes beyond those. Do we have ideas for a few movies and have we discussed them? Of course. You can’t help but go “Oh, it would be really cool if we could do this or if we can set that up there!” You throw those things around. But we can’t presume it’s going to be anything more than now another film that we’re lucky enough to do.

On whether he plans to bring further elements of established “Star Trek” lore into the re-imagined franchise:

Abrams: Going forward, the fun of this movie series is that we will have the opportunity – given its alternate timeline – to cross paths with any of the experiences, places and characters that existed in the original series. We have to be really careful, obviously, doing that. I don’t want to do something that is so inside that only die-hard fans will appreciate. We’re just now working on the script and just beginning the process of story-breaking, but I guarantee you whatever the story is and whatever the final movie ends up being, I know it will be something that will work on its own terms and be something that you don’t need to know and study “Star Trek” to get. But if you are a fan, there will hopefully be gift after gift of connections, references, characters that you hold near and dear. At least, that’s the intent.

On the possibility of shooting the “Star Trek” sequel in 3-D:

Abrams: Paramount talked to me about doing the first one in 3-D and, having it only be my second film, I was petrified just at the addition of it. I thought it would be another dimension of pain-in-the-ass. I was just like, “I want to make a decent 2-D movie.” I was so worried that instead of being a decent 2-D movie it would have been a bad 3-D one. I’m open to looking at it because now I feel a little bit more comfortable. And, if I, in fact, direct the “Star Trek” sequel, 3-D could be really fun, so I’m open to it. What I’ve seen of “Avatar” makes me want to do it because it’s so crazy-cool looking.

On revisiting the notion of including William Shatner in the sequel:

Abrams: The Shatner thing comes up quite a bit. As someone who was a William Shatner fan, in a huge way, just because of “The Twilight Zone” episodes he did, and then completely appreciating what he did in “Star Trek,” but not really becoming a fan until I started working on this movie, it was a foregone conclusion that we wanted Shatner in the movie. The problem was that his character died on screen in one of the “Trek” films, and because we decided very early on, that we wanted to adhere to “Trek” canon as best we could – which was a huge challenge, because even the original series in many ways didn’t always adhere to “Trek” canon – the required machinations to get Shatner into the movie would have been very difficult to do, given the story we wanted to tell, and also to give him the kind of part that he would be happy with. It was this thing where it would have felt like a gimmick, in order to get Shatner in the movie, which would have honestly, to me, been distracting. Having said that, would it have been fun to have him in the movie? Of course. Would it be great to work with him? No doubt. I was as excited to work with him as I was Mr. Nimoy, who we luckily did have in the film… In terms of moving forward, I am open to anything. I would love to figure out something, given the challenge of introducing these new characters and given the burden of having to cast these people. I feel like the first movie did some of the heavy lifting that needed to be done, in order to free us to continue, going forward. Maybe there’s less of a burden and there’s going to be more opportunity to work with him again. I would love to work with him. We speak. We actually have a lunch date planned. I’m a fan. I’m a friend of his. Or, he’s at least a friend of mine. He may say otherwise on his blog today. I have no idea. But, I really couldn’t like him more and would love to work with him.

On the potential for incorporating “Star Trek’s” tradition of current events allegories and philosophical metaphors into the storyline of the sequel:

Abrams: It’s hard to give a blanket answer to that question. I do think that, whether it’s “Star Trek” or anything – whatever is being investigated, created or produced now, in movies or TV needs to consider the context in which it is being distributed. It’s not a vacuum. There are certain universal themes of love, conflict, loyalty or family that are everlasting and that need to be presented in a way that makes it feel relevant, even if it’s a period piece. You need to consider what context that film, that story and those characters are being seen in. But having said that, with “Star Trek” it’s not like we’re looking to make the second movie some kind of heavy political allegory. I think that it’s important that there is metaphor to what we know and that there is relevance, and I think allegory is the thing that made shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek” resonate and still be vital today. But because the first movie was so much about introducing these people and it was very much a premise movie about how to bring these people together, it made it difficult to also have the film go as deep as it could, about certain conflict, certain relationships and the heart of who some of these characters are. I think it was successful in what it needed to do to introduce these people, but I feel like now that we’ve done that, it is the job of the next film to go a little bit deeper. It shouldn’t be any less fun or take itself too seriously, but consider who these people are now and grow with them, and just examine them a little more closer, now that we’ve gotten through the pleasantries and introductions.

On Leonard Nimoy’s recent suggestion that future “Star Trek” films just might not need him anymore:

Abrams: I can’t imagine a “Star Trek” movie not needing him. I’m sure that what he’s saying is a combination of modesty and honesty. He may actually feel that way. But, the truth is, we could never have made this movie without him, and working with him again would be a joy. It is clearly too early, given that we are just now talking story, to conclude whether or not Spock Prime is in the film or not. Do I want to work with him again? Of course, one hundred percent. I’d love to.

On what to expect from Nimoy in his role on the Abrams-produced TV series “Fringe”:

Abrams: In terms of his role as William Bell, none of us could believe our luck that we convinced him to say yes to being on the show. He is wonderful on the show. And, I will say that this is not the last you will see of his character… I don’t want to give anything away, but this is not the last you’ll see of him. He is so good and so wonderful to work with that I wouldn’t limit the possibilities of what he’ll get to do.

On the notion of having Nimoy reprise his ’60s TV role of Paris in a fourth “Mission: Impossible” film – and possibly other original cast members as well:

Abrams: How cool would that be? I just got a call that Peter Graves is in great shape, which would be a very bizarre bend in the space-time continuum, for obvious reasons. I almost feel like you could make him serious again and bring him back. Whether it’s Nimoy, who I have an incredible affinity for, or Graves or anyone, we’ll see. I actually tried to get Martin Landau in “Mission 3,” in a very small little moment just for fun, and was told that he had no interest in doing it. But then, when I met him, after the movie came out, it was the greatest thing. We were at this restaurant in New York for one of the TV Upfront parties, and someone introduced me to Landau. They took me over and Martin Landau came over to me, extended his hand, and [pretended to lift a false face off]. That was the greatest thing I’d ever seen!

On the rest of his future plans in film and TV:

Abrams: Jeff Pinkner and Joel Wyman are running “Fringe” very well. We’re still very involved in that, but they’re running that. We have a new series that we just sold to NBC that we’re going to be producing. It’s a pilot. And there’s a movie that I’m writing that I would love to direct, early next year, so we’ll see if that comes to fruition. There’s a movie [I'm producing] called “Morning Glory” that’s coming out next year – with Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton – that’s being edited now. Roger Michell directed that. And we’re obviously hard at work on “Star Trek 2″ and “Mission: Impossible 4.” There’s a LOT that we’re working on.

Source: ComingSoon.net

Jennifer Garner starred as super spy Sydney Bristow in J.J. Abrams' spy series, 'Alias'.

UPDATE: It now looks like NBC secured the project.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, a new spec script from J.J. Abrams has sparked a bidding war between three major US networks.

NBC, ABC and CBS are all said to be vying for the spy genre project, with NBC said to be out in front.

The spec script, written by Abrams and fellow long time collaborator Josh Reims, revolves around two spies working together, who are also husband and wife.

The duo previously collaborated on The WB college drama ‘Felicity’ and ABC’s short lived series ‘What About Brian’.

The new project would also mark Abrams’ return to the spy genre, following the conclusion of his hit spy series ‘Alias’, on ABC back in 2006.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

J.J. Abrams

J.J. Abrams, co-creator and executive producer of ‘Fringe’, will turn to laughter for a new medical comedy for FOX.

The untitled half-hour project, which will be penned by Mike Markowitz (‘Becker’), has been given a presentation order from the network, which Abrams will exec produce.

Markowitz and Bryan Burk will also serve as executive producers on the Warner Bros. TV/Bad Robot production.

Details on the project are being kept under wraps, apart from the brief logline of “a comedic medical show”.

Source: Variety

J.J. Abrams

The Los Angeles Times’ Geoff Boucher caught up with J.J. Abrams and Roberto Orci in Vancouver on the set of ‘Fringe’, where he had the chance to ask about the upcoming sequel to ‘Star Trek’.

Abrams, who directed 2009’s ‘Star Trek’, spoke of his ambition to make a sequel that is worthy of audiences, and not just another movie made for the sake of it.

“The first movie was so concerned with just setting up the characters — their meeting each and galvanizing that family — that in many ways a sequel will have a very different mission,” says Abrams.

“It needs to do what [the late 'Trek' creator Gene] Roddenberry did so well, which is allegory. It needs to tell a story that has connection to what is familiar and what is relevant. It also needs to tell it in a spectacular way that hides the machinery and in a primarily entertaining and hopefully moving story,” he adds.

“There needs to be relevance, yes, and that doesn’t mean it should be pretentious. If there are simple truths — truths connected to what we live — that elevates any story — that’s true with any story.”

While the wheels are definitely in motion for the sequel, co-writer Orci explains theres still a long way to go.

“We’ve literally had two meetings now. We haven’t decided anything but we’re starting to circle around some ideas,” he says.

SCI FI Wire also chatted with Abrams about the fourth installment of ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise. Here’s what he had to say.

Any momentum on Mission: Impossible IV?

Abrams: Yeah, we have a really cool story. It’s being written right now by Andre Nemec and Josh Applebaum.

What’s your ETA on when you’ll see the draft?

Abrams: We’re hoping to get it soon, like by the end of the year.

Could it work out for you to direct it?

Abrams: I’m open to anything.

Abrams and Orci’s television series ‘Fringe’ returns for its second season tomorrow on FOX. The series stars Australia’s Anna Torv and John Noble.

Source: Los Angeles Times, SCI FI Wire

The 2006 film 'Mission Impossible III' similarly re-teamed Abrams with 'Alias' alumni -- writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

With J.J. Abrams so big right now, it’s no surprise that Tom Cruise and Paramount were eager to re-team with Abrams on the next ‘Mission Impossible’ flick.

While Abrams is currently only attached as a producer, it has now been announced that fellow ‘Alias’ alumni Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec will pen the screenplay, which will be based on an idea the duo conceived with Abrams.

“I’ve been looking forward to working with Josh and Andre again for years,” Abrams said. “Their sense of balance between character and action is wonderful, which I know is hugely important to Tom as well. We’re off to an exciting start, so, as usual, fingers crossed.”

Applebaum and Nemec served as writers and co-producers on the Abrams created spy-series ‘Alias’ for four seasons. The two then went on to create the short lived drama ‘October Road’ and adapted ‘Life on Mars’ for US television. Both are currently serving as executive producers on ABC Studios’ upcoming series ‘Happy Town’.

‘Mission Impossible IV’ is currently scheduled for a 2011 release.

Source: Variety via ComingSoon.net

"The Observer" spotted during 'Idol', during the 'NFL' and in a scene on 'Fringe'.

FOX have started airing a new viral cross promotion campaign for J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi drama ‘Fringe’.

‘American Idol’ audiences were haunted by a mysterious bald man in a suit sitting among the audience during this week’s live performance show.

‘Fringe’ fans were quick to identify the mystery man as “The Observer” from the hit sci-fi show.

The character was never mentioned by anyone on the talent show, but instead remained seated eerily among the crowd.

This isn’t the first time “The Observer” has appeared on live television, the ‘Fringe’ character has been spotted during NFL and Yankees games; as well as during a NASCAR broadcast.

An ‘Idol’ clip has been posted on YouTube.

‘Star Trek’ may not even be out yet, but that’s not stopping Paramount Pictures from moving forward with a sequel.

Variety reports that J.J. Abrams, who directed and produced the new film, will be back to produce the follow-up alongside fellow Bad Robot producer Bryan Burk. No decision has been made yet on whether Abrams will direct the sequel.

The studio has also brought back Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof to pen the screenplay.

The story is still in early stages, but the trio are aiming to deliver their script to Paramount by Christmas for a likely June-July 2011 release.

“Obviously we discussed ideas, but we are waiting to see how audiences respond next month,” Kurtzman said. “With a franchise rebirth, the first movie has to be about origin. But with a second, you have the opportunity to explore incredibly exciting things. We’ll be ambitious about what we’ll do.”

Orci and Kurtzman have worked closely with J.J. Abrams ever since their writing stint on ‘Alias’, the three penned the Abrams’ directed ‘Mission Impossible III’ and co-created FOX’s ‘Fringe’.

Abrams and Lindelof co-created ‘Lost’ with fellow show-runner Carlton Cuse, all three currently server as executive producers on the ABC drama.

The world premiere for ‘Star Trek’ will be held April 7 at the Sydney Opera House, with the theatrical release set for a month later on May 7 in Australia.

The very abstract looking final theatrical poster for J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ has debuted on MySpace.

The Paramount Pictures film hits theatres May 7th and stars John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Leonard Nimoy and Aussies Eric Bana and Chris Hemsworth.

J.J. Abrams attends the 'Star Trek: The Beginning' press conference at Apgujeon CGV in Seoul, South Korea.

Paramount Pictures have extended their first-look deal with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions through 2013. The original 5-year deal was made back in July, 2006.

Bad Robot and Paramount’s first release ‘Cloverfield’, grossed over $170 million worldwide. Abrams’ upcoming ‘Star Trek’ reboot is expected to see even greater fanfare at the box office come May.

“Bad Robot has had an incredibly fun and productive collaboration with Paramount,” said Abrams. “We are all so grateful for their amazing support and creative team, and feel like we’re just getting started.”

“Today’s announcement is meaningful to me in many ways,” said Brad Grey, chairman and CEO, Paramount Pictures. “Bad Robot was one of the first deals we made to help rebuild the studio. J.J. has since become part of the fabric of Paramount and we look forward to continuing our fruitful creative collaboration for many years to come.”

The two companies will begin production on the Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams comedy ’Morning Glory’ in June  for a 2010 release.

Abrams’ also signed first look 6-year deal with Warner Bros. TV back in 2006 which is expected to see a similar extension.

Bad Robot wasformed in 2001 by Abrams and producer Bryan Burk, and is behind TV’s ‘Fringe’, ‘Lost’ and ‘Alias’.

With the new ‘Star Trek’ movie hitting theatres May 7, many have speculated that CBS Paramount may be tossing around the idea of a new television series.

Even ‘Pushing Daisies’ creator Bryan Fuller has vocally expressed an interest in bringing the sci-fi saga back to the small screen.

With so much buzz surrounding the J.J. Abrams’ reboot, would it be completely implausible?

The Hollywood Reporter’s James Hibberd explores - go to article.

Meanwhile, Paramount have announced that the world premiere of ‘Star Trek’ will be held in Sydney, on April 20th at the Sydney Opera House.

The trailer has landed and might I say, holy be-jesus! J.J. Abrams has done it again! Even if you’re like me and have never even seen a “Star Trek” film before, but love J.J. Abrams’ television work, this film looks like it could be for everyone (at least the sci-fi/action film fans out there).

See it in HD and QuickTime formats here:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/startrek/

The trailer for the new “Star Trek” movie hits theatres this weekend in the US, infront of the new James Bond flick, “Quantum of Solace”.

It’s marks the eleventh feature film based on 60’s sci-fi series, but that’s not the only TV connection. The upcoming reboot for the “Star Trek” franchise was written and directed by TV mastermind J.J Abrams (Felicity, Alias, Lost, Fringe), and fellow scribes, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Alias, Fringe).

It stars TV’s Zachary Quinto (Heroes), Simon Pegg (Spaced), Jennifer Morrison (House), Rachel Nichols (Alias),  John Cho (Ugly Betty, Kitchen Confidential), Anton Yelchin (Huff) and Australia’s Chris Hemsworth (Home and Away). Along with Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Winona Ryder, Australia’s Eric Bana and Star Trek’s original Spock, Leonard Nimoy.

“Star Trek” lands in theatres May 7, 2009 in Australia. Keep an eye out for the new trailer when it hits the web next Tuesday. We’ll post a link on our blog.

FOX has given the new J.J. Abrams sci-fi drama Fringe a full season pick up after scoring the number one spot among adults aged 18-49.

The series debut to less victorious results, but has since gained some serious momentum during its four episodes on screen, averaging 4.2/11 and 10.7 million viewers overall.

The full season pick up brings the total number of episodes to 22, after the original 13 episode order. It becomes the second new fall season series to be given a back-9 order, after The CW’s 90210, which has held up strongly with 1.7/5 in 18-49, 3.25 million overall.

Source: Variety

Week Three of the US television season has seen the turbulence of last week’s ratings begin to settle.

FOX’s hit medical drama House, returned with 14.77 million viewers, creating a strong lead in for the J.J. Abrams’ new sci-fi drama Fringe (up 59% to 13.27 million). Both shows dominated their time-slots and scored strong results in their key demographics.

Over at The CW Gossip Girl saw its highest ratings ever with 3.73 million, 22% increase in its target demographic. One Tree Hill saw its best figures since season four with 3.37 million viewers. Both 90210 and Privileged retained last weeks figures despite the heavy competition from House and Fringe.

Last night saw the second episode of The CW’s 90210 and series premieres of Privileged and FOX’s new sci-fi drama Fringe. We’re only into the second week of the US ratings period, but already signs of declining viewership is starting to show. 

Fringe, which was one of the most anticipated new FOX dramas, may have won the night, but it failed to make a big impact on the ratings figures with just 9.13 million viewers. Considering J.J. Abrams’ other series, Lost scored a massive 18.6 million viewers during its premiere, it was a rather underwhelming result for the News Corp broadcaster. Although there is still a chance for the Abrams’ series to pick up extra eyeballs next week when House returns and becomes a solid lead in for sci-fi drama.

The CW’s figures also underwhelmed with 90210 dropping to just 3 million viewers. This is equal to the figures which were seen by the Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill combo on Monday night. 90210 lost the top spot once again in its core demographic to The Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family.

Privileged started solidly with 2.64 million viewers, holding on to most of 90210’s audience but it failed to pick up any extra viewers.

Both Fringe and Privileged will be re-broadcast on Sunday night in the US.

Every so often a show comes along that seems to have it all. A great concept, great writers, great producers, great cast, great pilot, great everything. But what’s really great is when a show’s on-air cool factor spills over into other mediums, including print advertising.

J.J. Abrams’ upcoming sci-fi drama Fringe has to have one of the coolest advertising campaigns I’ve seen in some time (apart from 90210’s digit shaped pool). When a show has such an intrinsically perfect campaign to go along side the series, it just scream success. Especially on a cult show level.

See the official FOX website for even more poster ads.

Fringe premieres 8/7c Tuesday, September 9 on FOX. 8:30pm Wednesday, September 17 on Nine.

Okay, so I’m probably a little biased because I’m a huge J.J. Abrams fan, but seriously, Fringe is one of the best new shows you’ll see on television this year. It’ll be the next big thing. You’ll get addicted to it just like Lost.

Fringe is a fantastical thriller from acclaimed writer/producer J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (Alias, Transformers).  It stars Australia’s Anna Torv (Mistresses) and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings, Home and Away), along with Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek). The trio uncover a deadly mystery involving a series of unbelievable events and soon realise they may be a part of a larger, more disturbing pattern that blurs the line between science fiction and technology.

Check out Nine’s promo below.

See the FOX promo below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWlsXtsQ6CQ

Fringe premieres September 9 on FOX and is coming soon to Nine.