USA Network to Reboot 'The Biggest Loser'

NEW YORK, NY – USA Network has announced that it will reboot THE BIGGEST LOSER, one of the most popular and longest-running unscripted franchises in television history. The 10-episode season from Endemol Shine North America, in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, is expected to debut on USA Network in 2020.

USA’s THE BIGGEST LOSER will feature a dynamic new team of experts determined to dramatically improve America's lifespans and waistlines. The revamped version of the iconic NBC hit competition series will feature men and women competing to not only lose weight, but to improve their overall wellbeing. Each episode will feature a team of experts including a trainer, chef and life coach, who will help guide the contestants as they embark on the biggest transformations of their lives. Experts to be announced.

“At NBCUniversal, we know the power of impactful content that connects with audiences on an emotional level, and USA is the perfect home for an iconic franchise like THE BIGGEST LOSERwhich does just that,” said Mark Miller, Executive Vice President, Ad Sales, NBCUniversal. “We are confident that these incredible stories of transformation will resonate with viewers and advertisers alike.”

“We’re re-imagining THE BIGGEST LOSER for today’s audiences, providing a new holistic, 360-degree look at wellness, while retaining the franchise’s competition format and legendary jaw-dropping moments,” said Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks - USA Network & SYFY. “USA’s recent reboot of TEMPTATION ISLAND brought both new and younger viewers to the network, and we’re excited to add another big, buzzy show to our growing unscripted lineup.”

In addition to reboots, USA is building on the successes the network has had in unscripted, with popular family docu-comedies like CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST and its spinoff GROWING UP CHRISLEY, and WWE-inspired series like the hit MIZ & MRS. Docu-comedy THE RADKES joins the schedule this summer, while second seasons of freshman series TEMPTATION ISLAND, GROWING UP CHRISLEY and MIZ & MRS were recently announced.

THE BIGGEST LOSER is produced by Endemol Shine North America in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. Sharon Levy, DJ Nurre and Georgie Hurford-Jones serve as executive producers for Endemol Shine. THE BIGGEST LOSER is based on the format created by David Broome. Todd Nelson, JD Roth and Broome also are executive producers.

Steadicam Guru Jun Li Joins Biblical Drama 'His Only Son'

LOS ANGELES – Renowned Steadicam Guru Jun Li has joined the production of the upcoming biblical drama “His Only Son,” from veteran writer/director David Helling (“The Fall of Man.”)

“I am pleased to work with David and help share his vision for this engaging biblical story,” said Li. “I’ve worked on some films that’s in this type and style. I believe I’ll be confident to help them accomplish what they want. I always utilize my creativity once I know what vision they have, no matter what type of film it is. So, I’m pretty sure it’ll be a fun and creative process.”

Written and directed by Helling, “His Only Son” follows the Old Testament story of Abraham who, after being called on by the Lord, finds his faith is tested on his three-day journey to sacrifice his son. The film, which is now in pre production, is set for release sometime next year.

“Feature films require a camera operator with a lot more involvement, better preparation and stronger commitment than a short-term job because you could be involved in the production in a very early stage,” Li said. “First, it’s a physical challenge to work on set on a regular base, so that you’ll need to adjust and prepare your body for a better daily routine. Second, it requires a stronger commitment when it comes down to a two-month project. Moreover, making sure of the gear is ready to serve for the production is very important. Running through everything I have, always having a backup plan and servicing my gear to make sure it’s in good condition is vital for me to do. I’ll also participate in camera test and prep to guarantee there’d be no problem on set.”

Renowned for his work on the Steadicam, Li understands the uniqueness of the technology behind it, allowing for seamless shots while moving and greater versatility for filmmakers.

“Since the camera is directly connected to my body, my breath, steps, and tiny movement on my fingers are attached to composition, framing and pace of the shot. I feel my whole body and free will is controlling the shot, which is a fantastic experience,” he said. “Steadicam requires a lot of knowledge, skills and training to be controlled. As a Steadicam operator, your visual sensitivity and physical responses will directly affect your shot. My goal is to bury that reaction to my sub-consciousness so that I can truly unite with camera as one therefore I spent ton of time to practice.

Tara Reid Drops her $100 Million Lawsuit Against 'Sharknado' Producers

LOS ANGELES – Tara Reid has dropped her $100 million lawsuit against the producers of the film series “Sharknado” whom she sued, claiming they were wrongfully profiting by using her image, according to press reports Monday.

The actress has reportedly filed court documents informing the court she that she is dropping all claims against the “Sharknado” producers and is now dismissing her lawsuit.

According to the documents, the “action is dismissed by the Plaintiff in its entirety.”

The Blast had originally reported that in her lawsuit Reid accused Asylum Entertainment and SYFY Media Productions of false endorsement and misappropriation of celebrity likeness.

Reid claimed that the defendants had wrongfully licensed the rights to use her likeness, without her permission, to “manufacturers of slot machines, gambling products and beer makers, who in turn have marketed their product with her likeness and continue to wrongfully trade and profit therefrom.”