We first told you about the new "Milwaukee-based" television pilot a few weeks ago. At the time, the working title was "The Watch."
Today, via Internet Movie Database and other sources, we've learned that the title has morphed into "Backyards and Bullets." This title, though, could very well change again. And, the show now is set in a fictitious suburb of Milwaukee called Ridgeview. Much of the show, though, will be set in Milwaukee.
The show, which will be, in part, shot in the Milwaukee area in late August, also has filled its main roles. And, the cast, while lacking big names, is a pretty good looking one modelled on ABC's "Desperate Housewives." It includes "Six Feet Under" alum Mathew St. Patrick and Billy Burke (played Gary Matheson in "24"), who has landed the lead role in "Backyards & Bullets" and will play the beleaguered chief detective.
Kristin Lehman will play the wife of a detective, a man who leads a neighborhood watch group that falls apart. Lehman's previous credits include "Judging Amy," "Drive" and "Prison Break." Other names include, Richard Ruccolo, Abigail Spencer, Yasmine Delawari, Enuka Okuma and Casey LaBow. Access the link below for bios and photos.
The official, new word on "Backyards and Bullets" from NBC is:
"In the drama pilot "Backyards & Bullets" (working title), the bucolic suburb of Ridgeview, Wisconsin seems like the perfect place to live: pristinely manicured lawns, friendly hellos and a community that looks out for its own. But big-city crime is spilling into the bedroom town, forcing Ridgeview's Neighborhood Watch group to take matters into their own hands. In this light look at a new form of suburban justice, Lonnie -- the new Chief Detective -- finds himself in a world where blackmail and murder walk hand-in-hand with recycling, barbeques and soccer games. Ed Decter & John Strauss (both for "There's Something About Mary," "The Santa Clause") are the writers and executive producers; Jamie Tarses, Charles McDougall ("The Tudors") and Gavin Polone also are executive producers. Emmy Award winner McDougall ("Desperate Housewives") is the director of the pilot, which is produced by Sony Television and Pariah."
Stay tuned for more details on Milwaukee's new TV show.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
