Drama "Hand of God" is actors' delight, according to cast members
By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. --Ron Perlman is reveling in his role in Amazon's "The Hand of God" and the expanding TV world.
"This is the most exciting period I've ever seen in television and it's probably the most exciting place to be if you're a storyteller," Perlman told a TV critics' meeting Monday.
He added a wry postscript: "Ten years from now it will be all (expletive) up, but for now it's a beautiful place."
Perlman stars in the 10-episode "Hand of God" as a judge who's seeking vengeance – which he believes is God-directed – for a violent crime against his family. The series is available Sept. 4.
Coming off a satisfying run in FX's "Sons of Anarchy," Perlman said he wanted to see if lightning strikes twice.
With "the infusion of so many new voices and new venues" like streaming service Amazon, the increased competition has put originality at a premium, Perlman said.
"The notion of just having a gig that reflects a bunch of stuff I've already visited … doesn't have as much resonance as coming into something where there's no playbook," he said.
For Andre Royo, "Hand of God" is a chance to break away from his memorable role as drug addict Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins in "The Wire."
"I guess I played a junkie really, really, really well," Royo said, recalling the "rabbit-hole" feeling of being typecast.
His friend Samuel L. Jackson wisely advised him to take the opportunities that came his way and play every character to the best of his abilities, Royo said.
Executive producer Ben Watkins said the actor's talented portrayal of Mayor Robert "Bobo" Boston "forced us to see him as the mayor."
"The defining role will not be Bubbles for him. It will be" Bobo, Watkins said.
The series also stars Dana Delany, Garret Dillahunt and Alona Tal. Guest stars will include Erykah Badu, Lance Bass and Jon Tenney.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More