Monday, November 23, 2020

Nickelodeon's 'Counting Stars' Heads into Production

Counting Stars, Nickelodeon's brand-new music-themed series is heading into production! The news was revealed on OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder on his official Instagram Stories.


It's been a while since we heard any news about the project. First announced at Nickelodeon Upfront 2019 under the working title Simon Fuller/Ryan Tedder-Produced Untitled Project, Nickelodeon/Uptown issued a casting call for leads in October 2019 for talented kids aged 12-15. Rehearsals were slated to begin in December last year followed by filming in January this year. However, production was delayed until now, most likely due to the on-going COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Counting Stars is a new scripted music series following a group of mega-talented freshmen at the most elite music performance boarding school in the country who compete to perform at the year end talent showcase. Each episode will feature original music.

Musician Jenna Raine revealed on Instagram that the show may have found its cast: dancer, actor and model Liv Simone, America's Got Talent contestant Angie Green, and musician Ben Krieger.

For the casting call, Nickelodeon and Uptown revealed the show's lead characters and their traits:

Taylor Hutchinson (Lead): Female, 13-15
the most talented singer in the class, Taylor is a street-smart girl who’s bursting with natural vocal talent. She’s genuinely kind to everyone, though having been in and out of foster care for most of her life, she tries to keep people at an arm’s length and hide her vulnerability. MUST have strong singing and acting skills. All genres and styles of music welcome. Ability to dance, play acoustic guitar and/or other musical instruments a plus.
Apply

Eva Ruiz (Lead): 13-15
can authentically portray Latinx. Eva is incredibly energetic, talkative, and righteous. She is beyond thrilled to be at her dream school. She is a perfectionist who is driven to be the very best performer there – until she meets her roommate Taylor, who actually is the best performer there. This just makes Eva work harder at her craft, because nothing is going to get in her way. Must have strong singing and acting skills. All genres and styles of music welcome. Ability to dance, play piano and/or other musical instruments a plus.
Apply

Madison Montgomery: 13-15
a smart, wealthy Manhattanite whose father is a famous manager/producer for pop stars – and she’s going to follow in his footsteps. Madison is acerbic, confident, and witty. She stands up for herself and her friends no matter the situation. She’s at this school for songwriting and her skills are undeniable. Must have strong comedic acting skills. Ability to sing, dance and play musical instruments a plus. All genres and styles of music welcome.
Apply

Jacob Evans (Lead): 12-15
has a great natural singing voice but a bit of stage fright, since this is his first performing situation ever. Jacob is savvy and entitled with a rebellious streak – in a young frat boy sort of way. Jacob immediately assumes he’s one of the coolest kids at school, which is probably true. Must have strong singing and acting skills. All genres and styles of music welcome. Ability to dance and play musical instruments a plus.
Apply

CHASE JONES (Lead): 13-15
a great singer who is more comfortable following the lead of others, especially his roommate Jacob. He is friendly, laid-back, and cool. He’s a super athletic former football player who secretly auditioned to get into school, much to the disappointment of his father. Must have strong singing and acting skills. All genres and styles of music welcome. Ability to dance, play guitar and/or other musical instruments a plus.
Apply

Austin Peterson (Lead): 13-15
a big fish in his hometown, though his voice and ego are put to the test at this new school. He is a cocky but naive kid who never puts down his phone. He wants to keep his almost 350 followers constantly in the know so he never stops posting, selfie-ing, or texting. Must have strong singing and acting skills. All genres and styles of music welcome. Ability to dance and play musical instruments a plus.

Simon Fuller is a legendary, multi-hyphenate creator, producer and manager behind iconic franchises such as the global Idol phenomenon and Spice Girls. Grammy Award-winning Ryan Tedder is the frontman of OneRepublic and writer behind countless hit songs from artists ranging from Beyoncé and Adele, to Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran and Kelly Clarkson, among others.







More Nick: Nickelodeon Updates Icons, Sets New Characters for 2021 | Next-Gen Nick!

Originally published: Monday, November 23, 2020.

Sources: Ryan Tedder (fan-group), Anime Superhero Forum /@NickRewindRussia@Micahel Cataldo.

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