Freeform has changed the title of their upcoming comedy series Besties to Unrelated. The series, starring Jordin Sparks and Gigi Zumbado has began production with actor and director Michael McDonald (MADtv, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) directing the first episode. Created by Ranada Shepard, Casey Johnson and David Windsor and…

EXCLUSIVE: Newcomer Gigi Zumbado, Jessika Van (Seoul Searching) and Davi Santos (Tell Me a Story, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged) are set as series regulars opposite Jordin Sparks, Matt Shively and Brooks Brantly in Freeform’s new comedy series Besties (working title). Zumbado will play Jesi, a free-spirited 23-year-old…

Freeform’s forthcoming new series Besties (w/t) revealed today that American Idol alum and Sparkle star Jordin Sparks will star in the highly anticipated comedy alongside Matt Shively (The Real O’Neals) and newcomer Brooks Brantly. The new series features Sparks as Becca, an ambitious overachiever from a hard-working…

Following the breakout success of Kenya Barris’ Grown-ish, Freeform has ordered a second comedy series from the Black-ish creator, this time multi-camera. The pickup is part of the upfront announcements by Freeform which is sharing an upfront presentation with sibling ABC this season. Created by Barris and Born Again…

Emmy-winning TV director Gail Mancuso has been tapped to direct Besties, a big, female-driven ensemble comedy in the works at DreamWorks Pictures that was written by Cassie Daniels and Mark Bartosic. DreamWorks/Amblin Partners along with Montecito Pictures beat out two other studios and slapped down low- to mid-six…

EXCLUSIVE: Alcon Entertainment has acquired rights to Besties, a comedic thriller pitch from Sheri Elwood, who is currently co-executive producer of Fox’s Lucifer. Madhouse Entertainment, which reps Elwood, will produce the feature film project. The plot centers on a young woman, left high and dry by her former…

EXCLUSIVE: DreamWorks along with Montecito Pictures just beat out two other studios and slapped down low-to-mid-six figures for the spec Besties, a big, female ensemble comedy that should be a magnet for actresses in their early 30s. Written by Cassie Daniels and Mark Bartosic, it’s described as Wild Hogs meets My Best…

EXCLUSIVE: Blake Jenner is joining Hailee Steinfeld in STX Entertainment’s untitled coming-of-age drama formerly called Besties. From producer James L. Brooks first time writer-director Kelly Fremon, the film is a wry coming-of-age comedy about Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) and Krista, inseparable best friends attempting…

Cougar Town co-executive producers Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein have signed their first overall deal, a two-year pact with the series’ producer ABC Studios. Under the deal, the two will continue to work on Bill Lawrence’s comedy series starring Courteney Cox, which was given an early renewal in January…

James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films has made a mid six-figure preemptive deal for Besties, a spec script by Kelly Fremon. Part of the deal is she’s attached to make her directing debut. The script is a John Hughes-style comedy about two high school girls who are best friends until one dates the other’s older brother, who is…