Tonantzin Carmelo Reprises her Role as Shapeshifter in 'Teen Wolf' Season Finale Tonight

Tonantzin Carmelo reprises her role as a malevolent shapeshifter in tonight's season finale of MTV's "Teen Wolf" (Publicity photo).

LOS ANGELES, Calif. –  Talented actress Tonantzin Carmelo reprises her role as malevolent shapeshifter in the season finale tonight of MTV’s hit supernatural series “Teen Wolf” at 9 Eastern/Pacific, 8 Central on MTV.  

In her recurring role in the series, Carmelo plays a shapeshifting young woman straight out of Native American lore who menaces Teen Wolf himself, Scott McCall (Tyler Posey), his friends Lydia (Holland Roden), Stiles (Dylan O’Brien) and their friends.

“I’m very thrilled to be a part of a season finale that will leave fans talking until next season,” Carmelo said. “I’ve loved working with so many amazing people, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m especially grateful to be cast in such a compelling role that is based upon Native American lore.”

“Teen Wolf” follows the life of a somewhat awkward teen who was attacked by a werewolf and inherits the curse himself, as well as the enemies that come with it. The TV series is a television adaptation of the iconic 1985 film of the same name starring Michael J. Fox.

The Southern California native’s appearance in last week’s episode has social media buzzing in anticipation for the season finale.

Carmelo’s role comes on the heels of her appearance this fall on the popular Sy Fy zombie series “Z Nation,” featuring an ensemble cast led by Kellita Smith, Keith Allan, Russell Hodgkinson, Nat Zang and Anastasia Baranova.

Her ongoing television roles follow her work on the acclaimed frontier drama, 20^th Century Fox film “The Revenant” where she voiced several Native American female characters. The film tells the story of a frontiersman, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.

Carmelo also appears as the voice of Echo/Maya Lopez in the newly-released video game Lego Marvel Avengers, now available.

“Teen Wolf” is produced by MGM Television and MTV Networks, with executive producers Jeff Davis, who is also creator, Rene Echeverria and Tim Andrews.

Sony Pictures Animation Teams up with WWE for 'Surf's Up 2: Wavemania'

Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios are joining forces to produce "Surf's Up 2: WaveMania" (Sony Pictures Animation Photo).

LOS ANGELES - Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios (NYSE: WWE) have announced an animated sequel to "Surf's Up," the 2007 Academy Award® nominated action-comedy about surfing penguins.

The companies are co-financing and producing the movie which is expected to release in 2017, in time for the original films' 10th anniversary. "Surf's Up 2: WaveMania" will be distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with WWE Studios providing marketing support by leveraging its extensive multi-platform reach.Cody Maverick, hungry for a new challenge, convinces an infamous big wave riding crew known as The Hang 5, voiced by WWE Superstars John Cena®, The Undertaker®, Triple H®, WWE Diva Paige™ and Mr. McMahon®, to let him join them on their journey to a mysterious surf spot known as The Trenches, where legend has it, they'll find the biggest waves in the world.

Cody soon discovers that the life he left behind might be more heroic than what any death-defying wave has to offer. Genndy Tartakovsky's protégé Henry Yu (story artist on Sym-Bionic Titan and both Hotel Transylvania feature films) makes his directorial debut with this project, which is produced by Michelle Wong (production manager on Hotel Transylvania 2) and features computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. Abdul Williams (Lottery Ticket) is writing the screenplay.

"We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring Cody Maverick back to audiences for more adventures, paired with our WWE Superstars in what promises to be a fun animated film for the entire family," said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President."WWE has a proven track record with family audiences, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with them and dive back into the fun world of our surfing penguins," adds Kristine Belson, President, Sony Pictures Animation.

Production Underway for 'Power Rangers' Movie with Elizabeth Banks

The new cast of heroes in the upcoming "Power Rangers" film. They are clockwise from bottom, from left, Becky G., Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, Ludi Lin and R.J. Cyler (Lionsgate Photo).

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, - Lionsgate, a premier next generation global content leader, announced that production on Saban's "Power Rangers" will commence today in Vancouver. The film stars Elizabeth Banks as arch-villain Rita Repulsa, along with new Power Rangers Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Naomi Scott, Becky G, and Ludi Lin. The film is a production of Lionsgate and Saban Brands.

Saban's "Power Rangers" follows five ordinary high school kids who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat.  Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover that they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so they will have to overcome their real-life issues and band together as the Power Rangers before it is too late.

The film stars Dacre Montgomery (A Few Less Men) as Jason the Red Ranger, RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) as Billy the Blue Ranger, Naomi Scott (The 33) as Kimberly the Pink Ranger, Becky G (Empire) as Trini the Yellow Ranger, Ludi Lin (Monster Hunt) as Zack the Black Ranger, and Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect, The Hunger Games franchise) as Rita Repulsa.

Directed by Dean Israelite (Project Almanac),Saban's Power Rangers is written by John Gatins (Kong: Skull Island, Real Steel), Burk Sharpless and Matt Sazama (Dracula Untold), Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), and Max Landis (Chronicle). Producers are Power Rangers creator Haim Saban, Brian Casentini (Power Rangers TVseries), Wyck Godfrey, and Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga, The Fault in Our Stars, The Maze Runner franchise).

Allison Shearmur (The Hunger Games franchise; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)and Brent O'Connor (Warcraft) serve as executive producers. Brian Tyler (Avengers: Age of Ultron; Now You See Me)is the composer and Kelli Jones (Straight Outta Compton, Sons of Anarchy)is the costume designer. Set decorator is Oscar-nominated Hamish Purdy (The Revenant) and stunt coordinator is Paul Jennings (Game of Thrones, San Andreas, The Dark Knight). Weta Workshop (The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, District 9) is in charge of suit design and visual effects. Andrew Menzies (Fury, X-Men)is the production designer and Director of Photography is Matt Lloyd (Daredevil, Cop Car).

Sequel to Warner Bros.' 'A Cinderella Story' Begins Production

The sequel to 2004's Warner Bros. film "A Cinderella Story" starring Hillary Duff as Sam Montgomery, has begun production in South Africa. Pictured are Erica Hubbard, Julie Gonzalo and Kady Cole who played Sam's nemeses (Warner Bros. Photo).

LOS ANGELES – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that principal photography has commenced on the next installment of “A Cinderella Story: If The Shoe Fits,” filming in Cape Town, South Africa.

The musical film stars Sofia Carson (“Descendants”) in the lead role of Tessa (“Cinderella”), Academy Award nominee Jennifer Tilly (“Bullets Over Broadway”) as the cruel stepmother Divine, and Thomas Law (“EastEnders”) as The Prince. Staying with the timeless magic of the Cinderella fairytale, this contemporary musical finds Tessa Golden (Sofia Carson) forced to go on vacation with her evil stepmother, Divine, and evil stepsisters, Olympia and Athena.

Once at the posh resort, she realizes she was brought only as a servant to assist the stepsisters as they compete for the lead roles in a live musical performance of “Cinderella” with Reed West, the infamous pop-star, as the Prince. Tessa secretly dreams of auditioning but Divine forbids it. Georgie, a make-up artist, transforms Tessa’s identity to “Bella Snow” so she can audition without Divine and her mischievous daughters getting in the way. Now, Tessa must juggle her dual identities as the demands of her stepfamily, the Prince and the show complicate things!

“This movie will have you singing and dancing in your seat as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings you this new musical version of the treasured fairytale,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, WBHE, Vice President, TV Marketing, Family & Animation. “With the uplifting story that has captivated audiences over and over again, we are really excited to bring this contemporary take on the ageless classic to homes this year.”

This is the fourth film in the “A Cinderella Story” series produced by Dylan Sellers (“The Giver,” “St. Vincent,” “Cody Banks”). Other titles include “A Cinderella Story,” “Another Cinderella Story,” and “A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song.” The film is directed and choreographed by first-time director Michelle Johnston, who choreographed and co-produced the first three installments, and has worked repeatedly with such directors as David Fincher and Rob Marshall, and written by Elena Song (“Bring it On” series). Jenny Hinkey (“Veronica Mars”) serves as the line producer/executive producer. The creative team includes cinematographer, Robert Brinkmann, production designer, Karel Flint, costume designer, Wolfgang Ender and music supervisors Jojo Villanueva and Trygge Toven. Original Songs by The Math Club.

Universal Cable Productions to Develop 'The Von Bulow Affair'

Universal Cable Productions is planning to develop "The Von Bulow Affair," a true-crime scripted series that will examine the trial of Claus Von Bulow, above, who was accused of attempted murder of his socialite wife, Sonny Von Bulow in 1980. She went into an irreversible coma and died in 2008 (File Photo).

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.  – Universal Cable Productions (UCP) today announced that it will develop the scripted true crime series "The Von Bulow Affair,” based on the infamous trial of British socialite Claus Von Bülow for the murder of his wife, Sunny. It is based on the book “The Von Bulow Affair” by author and playwright William Wright. Ilene Rosenzweig (“Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”) is attached as writer.

Set in the early 1980s, "The Von Bulow Affair,” follows the greatest society trial of the Twentieth Century when Claus Von Bülow is arrested for the murder of his wife, millionaire socialite Sunny Von Bülow. After she was found unconscious on her bathroom floor on December 21, 1980, Sunny remained in a coma for twenty-seven years. Claus went on trial for attempted murder in 1982, initiating a legal circus that would last for years.

The opulence of Newport and New York provides a backdrop for one of the most intriguing family feuds of all time. In this comprehensive account of the trial and its aftermath,"The Von Bulow Affair,” draws on court transcripts and interviews with those involved to present an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look into the legal proceedings as well as the Von Bülows’ private lives.

“The story of the Von Bülows will go down in history as one of the most sensational scandals in American high society,” said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development, Universal Cable Productions. “We look forward to delving deeper into this true crime story that still leaves us cold today.”

Rosenzwieg is repped by Gersh and Attorney Michael Schenkman.

CBS Aims to Reboot 'Nancy Drew' with Sarah Shahi

Sarah Shahi, best known for her role in CBS's "Person of Interest," is joining the cast of the CBS pilot "Nancy Drew" (Publicity photo).

LOS ANGELES - CBS aims to reboot "Nancy Drew" in a new pilot starring Sarah Shahi of "Person of Interest" as a grown-up version of the iconic teenage sleuth.

Produced by CBS Studios from a script by Joan Rater and Tony Phelan and directed by veteran James Strong, Drew takes a contemporary look at the character from the teen books. It shows Nancy (Shahi) in her 30s, working as an NYPD detective where she solves crimes using her unique observational skills, while dealing with  life in a modern world.

Since 2013, Shahi has been a regular on the CBS/Warner Bros. TV’s series "Person of Interest," as Sameen Shaw in the series starring Michael Emerson as the creator of surveillance device that identifies people involved in impending crimes.

Shahi joins  Vanessa Ferlito as an NYPD homicide detective, Anthony Edwards as Nancy’s dad and Felix Solis as NYPD lieutenant.

A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and beauty queen, Shahi is also known role on "The L Word," the NBC drama "Life," and "Fairly Legal."

Miramax Acquires ‘Southside with You’ Which Tells Story of the First Date Between Barack and Michelle Obama

Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers, portray Michelle Obama and Barack Obama in the film "Southside with You" (Photo by Miramax).

LOS ANGELES - Following last year’s successful release of MR. HOLMES, one of the year’s biggest independent films, Miramax announced today that it will reteam with Roadside Attractions on SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU, for which Miramax has acquired North American distribution rights from prolific independent entertainment studio IM Global. Miramax will partner with Roadside Attractions on domestic theatrical distribution, which will likely be set for late summer 2016.

Written by Richard Tanne, who also makes his directorial debut, the film is inspired by the first date of Barack and Michelle Obama in Chicago in 1989. Parker Sawyers (Snowden, Zero Dark Thirty) and Tika Sumpter (Ride Along 2, TV’s “The Haves and Have Nots”) star as the future President and First Lady. SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU is produced by Robert Teitel (Men of Honor, the Barbershop franchise), Tika Sumpter, and Richard Tanne. Executive Producers are Stuart Ford, Matt Jackson, Glendon Palmer, John Legend, Mike Jackson, Carrie Holt De Lama, and Tracey Bing. Legend also produced and performs the end title song for the film, “Start.”

The film recently made its festival debut at the Sundance Film Festival and drew rave reviews. Variety said, “SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU stands as something unique, even audacious in American independent movies;” The Hollywood Reporter said the film is “perceptive, intelligent;” and Entertainment Weekly called the film “charming, soulful and sweet.”

Miramax’s Rosanne Korenberg, SVP Acquisitions & Co-Productions, has led the effort to land the title for Miramax as the European Film Market/Berlinale officially got underway, with WME Global and Deborah Zipser as General Counsel on behalf of IM Global brokering the deal. IM Global has been in protracted negotiations with U.S. distributors for the past few weeks since SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU’s successful Sundance debut.

Miramax’s Zanne Devine, EVP Film & Television, said: “The timelessness of initial romance is beautifully captured in Richard Tanne’s tender and poetic directorial debut.”