Hayden Panettiere is enjoying a night out. Earlier this week, the Nashville star signed with a new talent agency after a four-year hiatus from acting, and now it seems like she's celebrating her return into the spotlight with a night out alongside her team. "Great night with my A team," she captioned a black-and-white photo of herself with two other people. "We're gunna do some amazing things together!" In the snap, the trio poses for a pic at Soho House in West Hollywood, with Hayden making a kissing face while pointing at the camera with the founder of Marque PR and Ray Moheet of Mainstay Entertainment. Hayden's rep confirmed to E! News on...
- 9/2/2022
- E! Online
Exclusive: Mainstay Entertainment has promoted literary manager and producer Tim Honigman to partner. He joins the company’s founding partners Norman Aladjem, Ray Moheet, Derek Van Pelt and Rob Lee.
Honigman has been an executive at Mainstay since its formation in 2017 and has spearheaded the expansion of the company’s literary division. He is credited with broadening the company’s producing slate to encompass prestige series, creator-driven half hours, and studio features, as well as in setting up and selling numerous television shows for clients.
“Tim has been a superstar at our company from the very beginning,” said Mainstay CEO Norm Aladjem. “In addition to his strategic work with our clients, he has identified and is helping to architect the careers of the next generation of writer/creators whose unique and diverse voices are making a difference in our industry and in the world. We are honored to have Tim join our partnership ranks.
Honigman has been an executive at Mainstay since its formation in 2017 and has spearheaded the expansion of the company’s literary division. He is credited with broadening the company’s producing slate to encompass prestige series, creator-driven half hours, and studio features, as well as in setting up and selling numerous television shows for clients.
“Tim has been a superstar at our company from the very beginning,” said Mainstay CEO Norm Aladjem. “In addition to his strategic work with our clients, he has identified and is helping to architect the careers of the next generation of writer/creators whose unique and diverse voices are making a difference in our industry and in the world. We are honored to have Tim join our partnership ranks.
- 1/14/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sanaz Yamin is moving from management into production.
Yamin, who was a partner at management company Mainstay Entertainment, which represents Trevor Noah, has been named as President of The Daily Show host’s production company Day Zero Productions.
Yamin’s appointment comes after Haroon Saleem, who was President of Production at Day Zero, left the company, as revealed by Deadline, last month.
It’s one of a number of personnel moves at Noah’s firm, after former Marvel TV exec Devon Quinn joined as SVP of Television to oversee live-action and animated TV development and production. Quinn, as well as VP, Development Ashley Dizon report to Yamin.
Yamin is an executive producer on the movie adaptation of Noah’s autobiography Born a Crime as well as the reboot of classic The President’s Analyst, both in development at Paramount. Other producing credits include the Emmy nominated Kid Of The Year special,...
Yamin, who was a partner at management company Mainstay Entertainment, which represents Trevor Noah, has been named as President of The Daily Show host’s production company Day Zero Productions.
Yamin’s appointment comes after Haroon Saleem, who was President of Production at Day Zero, left the company, as revealed by Deadline, last month.
It’s one of a number of personnel moves at Noah’s firm, after former Marvel TV exec Devon Quinn joined as SVP of Television to oversee live-action and animated TV development and production. Quinn, as well as VP, Development Ashley Dizon report to Yamin.
Yamin is an executive producer on the movie adaptation of Noah’s autobiography Born a Crime as well as the reboot of classic The President’s Analyst, both in development at Paramount. Other producing credits include the Emmy nominated Kid Of The Year special,...
- 10/14/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Senior UTA talent and packaging agent Rob Lee is segueing to the talent management side of the business. Lee is joining Mainstay Entertainment’s founding partners, Norman Aladjem, Ray Moheet, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin, as a partner. Lee already shares several clients with Mainstay including creator Dan Patterson and eight-time Grammy winner Philip Lawrence (Come Dance With Me).
During his career Lee has represented many prominent names in the industry, most recently Tyra Banks, Eugenio Derbez, and Jon Taffer, among others. He also represents several U.S. and international production companies, documentary filmmakers and showrunners.
Lee recently initiated and packaged the HBO hit series House Of Ho, the new CBS primetime series House Calls with Dr. Phil, and the international hit series De Viaje Con Los Derbez among others. Lee, a seasoned television executive is also an award-winning producer whose credits include Enslaved with Sam Jackson, Americas Best Dance Crew, Millionaire Matchmaker, the feature film Crossroads starring Britney Spears and the miniseries Dean Koontz’s Mr. Murder.
Said Lee, “After many productive and wonderful years wearing various hats in this business, including my most recent and rewarding experience at UTA, I can honestly say that joining Mainstay feels like coming home. I can continue to represent great talent and also make a more significant creative contribution. I’m honored to be joining such an expert and dedicated group who are working with some of the industry’s most talented and respected artists”.
Mainstay CEO Norman Aladjem stated, “Rob and I have been good friends forever and I’ve always admired his passion, creative spirit, and expertise across the entire entertainment landscape. Not only will Rob help augment both our management business and our production arm, but as a human being he’s a perfect fit for our company culture.”
David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson, UTA Partners and Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, said “Rob has played an integral role on our team at UTA, and we value everything he has contributed to help grow our department. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Mainstay Entertainment represents clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, Katherine Heigl, Aaron McGruder, Jennette McCurdy, Maz Jobrani, Roy Wood, Jr., and Emmy nominated director David Paul Meyer.
On the feature film production side, Mainstay most recently produced the independent feature film Before I Go written and directed by Eric Schaeffer and starring Annabella Sciorra and Robert Klein, currently in release, as well as A Simple Wedding, starring Tara Grammy, Rita Wilson and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Among the Mainstay features in development are the film adaptation at Paramount of Trevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o set to star in and produce and Liesl Tommy attached to direct, and the vampire Western Sun Always Sets in the West with Danny McBride and Rough House Pictures at Lionsgate.
On the television side, Mainstay most recently produced the Emmy nominated Kid of the Year for Nickelodeon and Time Studios, and a number of comedy specials for Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Maz Jobrani and Josh Johnson. Mainstay also produced Black Jesus from creator Aaron McGruder and is currently in production on the reboot of The Boondocks.
During his career Lee has represented many prominent names in the industry, most recently Tyra Banks, Eugenio Derbez, and Jon Taffer, among others. He also represents several U.S. and international production companies, documentary filmmakers and showrunners.
Lee recently initiated and packaged the HBO hit series House Of Ho, the new CBS primetime series House Calls with Dr. Phil, and the international hit series De Viaje Con Los Derbez among others. Lee, a seasoned television executive is also an award-winning producer whose credits include Enslaved with Sam Jackson, Americas Best Dance Crew, Millionaire Matchmaker, the feature film Crossroads starring Britney Spears and the miniseries Dean Koontz’s Mr. Murder.
Said Lee, “After many productive and wonderful years wearing various hats in this business, including my most recent and rewarding experience at UTA, I can honestly say that joining Mainstay feels like coming home. I can continue to represent great talent and also make a more significant creative contribution. I’m honored to be joining such an expert and dedicated group who are working with some of the industry’s most talented and respected artists”.
Mainstay CEO Norman Aladjem stated, “Rob and I have been good friends forever and I’ve always admired his passion, creative spirit, and expertise across the entire entertainment landscape. Not only will Rob help augment both our management business and our production arm, but as a human being he’s a perfect fit for our company culture.”
David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson, UTA Partners and Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, said “Rob has played an integral role on our team at UTA, and we value everything he has contributed to help grow our department. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Mainstay Entertainment represents clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, Katherine Heigl, Aaron McGruder, Jennette McCurdy, Maz Jobrani, Roy Wood, Jr., and Emmy nominated director David Paul Meyer.
On the feature film production side, Mainstay most recently produced the independent feature film Before I Go written and directed by Eric Schaeffer and starring Annabella Sciorra and Robert Klein, currently in release, as well as A Simple Wedding, starring Tara Grammy, Rita Wilson and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Among the Mainstay features in development are the film adaptation at Paramount of Trevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o set to star in and produce and Liesl Tommy attached to direct, and the vampire Western Sun Always Sets in the West with Danny McBride and Rough House Pictures at Lionsgate.
On the television side, Mainstay most recently produced the Emmy nominated Kid of the Year for Nickelodeon and Time Studios, and a number of comedy specials for Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Maz Jobrani and Josh Johnson. Mainstay also produced Black Jesus from creator Aaron McGruder and is currently in production on the reboot of The Boondocks.
- 8/19/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Facinelli has signed on to direct his third feature film Headhunter, a crime thriller distributed by The Exchange.
The film tells the story of a twisted murder who sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation revealing dark secrets and turning everyone into a possible suspect. The Exchange, holding world sales rights, will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2021 virtual Cannes Market. The film is produced by Rj Collins and Sean Lydiard and Mainstay Entertainment’s Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem. Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange will exec produce. Rich Ronat penned the script.
“We are very excited to be working again with Peter again, not only is he a consummate professional and pleasant to work with, but after my buyers screened The Vanished during the Berlin Market they wanted to know what he had coming out next. To me that is...
The film tells the story of a twisted murder who sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation revealing dark secrets and turning everyone into a possible suspect. The Exchange, holding world sales rights, will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2021 virtual Cannes Market. The film is produced by Rj Collins and Sean Lydiard and Mainstay Entertainment’s Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem. Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange will exec produce. Rich Ronat penned the script.
“We are very excited to be working again with Peter again, not only is he a consummate professional and pleasant to work with, but after my buyers screened The Vanished during the Berlin Market they wanted to know what he had coming out next. To me that is...
- 5/20/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: CAA has re-signed Maz Jobrani, the Iranian-American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer and podcaster. It marks his second stint with the agency; most recently, he had been with UTA.
Jobrani’s first original Netflix stand-up special, Immigrant, was filmed at the Kennedy Center. He has starred in three other solo specials on Showtime: Brown and Friendly, I Come in Peace, and I’m Not a Terrorist, But I’ve Played One on TV.
A founding member of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, which aired on Comedy Central, Jobrani also starred in the indie comedy Jimmy Vestvood, Amerikan Hero, a film he co-wrote and co-produced.
His film credits include Disney’s Descendants, Sydney Pollack’s The Interpreter, and Friday After Next. On TV, Jobrani has been seen on Grey’s Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Shameless. He also is a regular panelist on NPR’s radio program Wait Wait Don’t…...
Jobrani’s first original Netflix stand-up special, Immigrant, was filmed at the Kennedy Center. He has starred in three other solo specials on Showtime: Brown and Friendly, I Come in Peace, and I’m Not a Terrorist, But I’ve Played One on TV.
A founding member of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, which aired on Comedy Central, Jobrani also starred in the indie comedy Jimmy Vestvood, Amerikan Hero, a film he co-wrote and co-produced.
His film credits include Disney’s Descendants, Sydney Pollack’s The Interpreter, and Friday After Next. On TV, Jobrani has been seen on Grey’s Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Shameless. He also is a regular panelist on NPR’s radio program Wait Wait Don’t…...
- 9/19/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Actor, writer, director and producer Peter Facinelli has signed with Abrams Artists Agency for representation in all areas.
Best known for his role as Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight franchise, Facinelli was most recently seen on CBS’ S.W.A.T. and the CW’s Supergirl. He received Screen Actors Guild nominations for his work on Nurse Jackie and Six Feet Under, and had key roles on Damages and Fastlane. On the big screen, Facinelli will next be seen in STXfilms’ horror thriller Countdown. Facinelli also has had success off-screen with his production company, Facinelli Films, which launched in 2010 with its first feature film, Loosies.
“Peter has long been one of the most versatile filmmakers with his work spanning decades across television and film” said agency partner and CEO Robert Attermann. “As an actor, writer, director and producer, he’s a multi-threat whose proven talent will allow Abrams Artists Agency to...
Best known for his role as Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight franchise, Facinelli was most recently seen on CBS’ S.W.A.T. and the CW’s Supergirl. He received Screen Actors Guild nominations for his work on Nurse Jackie and Six Feet Under, and had key roles on Damages and Fastlane. On the big screen, Facinelli will next be seen in STXfilms’ horror thriller Countdown. Facinelli also has had success off-screen with his production company, Facinelli Films, which launched in 2010 with its first feature film, Loosies.
“Peter has long been one of the most versatile filmmakers with his work spanning decades across television and film” said agency partner and CEO Robert Attermann. “As an actor, writer, director and producer, he’s a multi-threat whose proven talent will allow Abrams Artists Agency to...
- 6/20/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert Klein (The Backup Plan), Andrea Navedo (Jane the Virgin), Willie Garson (Sex and the City), Craig Bierko (Unreal), Chris Perfetti (The Night Of), and Shaed lead singer Chelsea Lee have joined previously announced Annabella Sciorra in God The Worm from Mainstay Entertainment. Written and directed by Eric Schaeffer, the project began filming this week in New York City. The story centers on Samantha Miller (Sciorra), a talented singer-songwriter who, questioning life’s meaning, journeys through New York City’s colorful neighborhoods where chance encounters with a roster of eccentric and unforgettable characters who help illuminate her future path and restore her zeal for life and music. Klein plays Samantha’s hopeful and loving father, Jasper. Bierko (Walt), Garson (Francis), Navedo (Chloe) and Perfetti (Johnson) are among the dynamic New York City characters she meets along the way. Lee makes her acting debut here as a street artist. Mainstay’s...
- 3/29/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Annabella Sciorra, who earned an Emmy nom for her stint on HBO’s The Sopranos, is attached to star in God the Worm, an indie film written and to be directed by Eric Schaeffer. Mainstay Entertainment principals Norman Aladjem and Ray Moheet are producing the project, which will commence filming this month.
Sciorra will play Samantha Miller, a talented singer-songwriter who had a semi-hit record early in her career but nothing since. Now 52 and questioning life’s meaning, she is haunted by past choices in love, family and career. In her despair, she asks the universe to give her a sign that she should continue the struggle. What follows is a journey through New York City’s colorful neighborhoods where chance encounters with a roster of eccentric and unforgettable characters — some would call them angels — help illuminate her path and restore her zeal for life and music.
“Annabella Sciorra is a prodigious talent,...
Sciorra will play Samantha Miller, a talented singer-songwriter who had a semi-hit record early in her career but nothing since. Now 52 and questioning life’s meaning, she is haunted by past choices in love, family and career. In her despair, she asks the universe to give her a sign that she should continue the struggle. What follows is a journey through New York City’s colorful neighborhoods where chance encounters with a roster of eccentric and unforgettable characters — some would call them angels — help illuminate her path and restore her zeal for life and music.
“Annabella Sciorra is a prodigious talent,...
- 3/11/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The worldwide rights to Simple Wedding, executive produced by and starring Rita Wilson, with Shohreh Aghdashloo and Tara Grammy, has been reached in an agreement with Blue Fox Entertainment for domestic distribution.
Blue Fox is introducing the film to buyers this week at the European Film Market in Berlin, while the domestic distribution arm is planning a late-Summer 2019 Us theatrical release.
Simple Wedding was produced by Mainstay Entertainment and made it’s world premiere at the La Film Festival. It marks the feature directorial debut of award-winning Iranian-American filmmaker Sara Zandieh, whose first short film The Pool Party earned her a jury award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Zandieh also co-wrote the script and served as producer with Mainstay Entertainment partners Ray Moheet and Norm Aladjem.
Maz Jobrani, Peter Mackenzie , James Eckhouse, Houshang Touzie, Jaleh Modjallel, Rebecca Henderson and Aleque Reid round out the cast.
Blue Fox Entertainment’s...
Blue Fox is introducing the film to buyers this week at the European Film Market in Berlin, while the domestic distribution arm is planning a late-Summer 2019 Us theatrical release.
Simple Wedding was produced by Mainstay Entertainment and made it’s world premiere at the La Film Festival. It marks the feature directorial debut of award-winning Iranian-American filmmaker Sara Zandieh, whose first short film The Pool Party earned her a jury award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Zandieh also co-wrote the script and served as producer with Mainstay Entertainment partners Ray Moheet and Norm Aladjem.
Maz Jobrani, Peter Mackenzie , James Eckhouse, Houshang Touzie, Jaleh Modjallel, Rebecca Henderson and Aleque Reid round out the cast.
Blue Fox Entertainment’s...
- 2/9/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Everyone’s had those awkward family dinners where the discussion turns uncomfortable, if not downright unpleasant. That’s certainly what happens in this clip from Simple Wedding, a comedy starring and executive produced by Rita Wilson, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Tara Grammy that premieres Friday at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Take a look above.
The logline describes Mainstay Entertainment’s Simple Wedding as a romantic comedy about a young Iranian-American woman and the lengths she goes to in order to appease her parents and their need to see her settled down. But there’s plenty of subplot discussed in the clip — and how.
The film also stars Christopher O’Shea, Maz Jobrani, Houshang Touzie, Peter Mackenzie, James Eckhouse, Rebecca Henderson, Aleque Reid, Jaleh Modjallal, Angelica Gibbs & Ryan-James Hatanaka. Sara Zandieh directed it from a script she wrote with Stephanie Wu and also serves as producer alongside Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem.
The logline describes Mainstay Entertainment’s Simple Wedding as a romantic comedy about a young Iranian-American woman and the lengths she goes to in order to appease her parents and their need to see her settled down. But there’s plenty of subplot discussed in the clip — and how.
The film also stars Christopher O’Shea, Maz Jobrani, Houshang Touzie, Peter Mackenzie, James Eckhouse, Rebecca Henderson, Aleque Reid, Jaleh Modjallal, Angelica Gibbs & Ryan-James Hatanaka. Sara Zandieh directed it from a script she wrote with Stephanie Wu and also serves as producer alongside Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem.
- 9/20/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: After a five-year run as president of Levity Entertainment Group, Norman Aladjem has left to start Mainstay Entertainment — and his longtime Leg colleagues Ray Moheet, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin are joining him as partners in the new company. Tim Honigman will also be joining the group as a manager/producer in the literary area. About 35 to 40 clients will be also be joining them. Those include Trevor Noah, Aaron McGruder, Radha Mitchell, Kim Coates, Maz…...
- 3/20/2017
- Deadline
Exclusive: After a five-year run as president of Levity Entertainment Group, Norman Aladjem has left to start Mainstay Entertainment — and his longtime Leg colleagues Ray Moheet, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin are joining him as partners in the new company. Tim Honigman will also be joining the group as a manager/producer in the literary area. About 35 to 40 clients will be also be joining them. Those include Trevor Noah, Aaron McGruder, Radha Mitchell, Kim Coates, Maz…...
- 3/20/2017
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Simon & Schuster will publish I’m Not A Terrorist, But I’ve Played One On TV in hardcover on February 17th. Iranian-American comic Maz Jobrani recounts his struggles building an acting career in post-9/11 Hollywood without having to wear a turban, tote a bomb or get kicked in the face by Chuck Norris or anyone else.
Last month, Jobrani’s Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero won the Comedy Vanguard Award and the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival. The film follows the story of wannabe private investigator Jimmy Vestvood as he wins the “Green Card lottery” and moves to America in pursuit of his dream, only to find himself involved in a conspiracy to start the next world war. The film was co-written by Amir Ohebsion and stars Jobrani as the title character.
Here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRmSxO9JIGU
Jobrani is a founding...
Last month, Jobrani’s Jimmy Vestvood: Amerikan Hero won the Comedy Vanguard Award and the Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival. The film follows the story of wannabe private investigator Jimmy Vestvood as he wins the “Green Card lottery” and moves to America in pursuit of his dream, only to find himself involved in a conspiracy to start the next world war. The film was co-written by Amir Ohebsion and stars Jobrani as the title character.
Here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRmSxO9JIGU
Jobrani is a founding...
- 11/13/2014
- by Jeremy Gerard
- Deadline
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