Just last month, something very important in the movie industry happened and while it has yet be validated as a ‘game changer’ for smaller theatrical releases, it is certainly enough to grab attention from onlookers. Of course, this is referring to the surprise success of the fem-skewing, R-rated comedy Bachelorette from Terriers scribe Leslye Headland upon its direct-to-iTunes release. While it certainly helped that the cast included Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, and the surprisingly entertaining Rebel Wilson, Headland’s vision at the helm insured that effort was far more than just a Bridesmaids clone.
Today’s news puts this information back in our crosshairs because it has director Leslye Headland writing a television series for NBC under Will Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez Productions banner yet again. Interestingly enough, the show is modeled on her own life as an assistant to movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Suitably titled Assistance, the program has been given script orders at the present moment. Seeing how female comedies are absolutely huge in broadcast right now, this is definitely going to go to the top of the pile come pilot season. NBC has struggled in the category with lackluster attempts in the form of Whitney and Are You There, Chelsea?, so they really need something like this to work for them.
If this sounds a bit familiar, that is because Assistance will be based on a play written and directed by Headland. It would definitely prove surprising should she not get the gig of directing the potential pilot episode given her name is all over this property. On the other hand, she should be in high demand given her recent success on the theatrical side which could always limit her involvement.
Watch: R-Rated Trailer for ‘Bachelorette’ Starring Kristen Dunst and Lizzy Caplan