By admin 
Emily Deschanel, widely recognized for her enduring role as forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan in Fox’s Bones, is set to return to the intricate world of criminal investigations, taking the lead in a new NBC drama pilot. This untitled project draws inspiration from the pioneering work of Dr. Ann Burgess, a distinguished criminal profiler, researcher, and author whose contributions have significantly shaped the fields of victimology and forensic nursing. Deschanel’s casting marks a compelling return to a genre where she has historically excelled, albeit in a role that promises a fresh, victim-focused perspective on solving complex crimes.
A New Approach to Criminal Profiling: The Premise of NBC’s Pilot
The NBC pilot, which received an official order in January, introduces viewers to Professor Georgia Ryan, portrayed by Deschanel. Professor Ryan is depicted as a trailblazing psychologist who challenges conventional methodologies in criminology. Her innovative approach eschews the predominant focus on perpetrators, instead shifting critical attention towards victims. By meticulously examining overlooked details in victims’ experiences and narratives, she uncovers vital clues that traditional investigative methods might otherwise miss. This victim-centric philosophy forms the core of the drama, positioning Professor Ryan and her specialized team as consultants to the FBI, tackling some of the most difficult and elusive cases on their roster. The narrative promises a blend of criminal psychology, intricate FBI investigations, and a profound empathy for those affected by crime.
The Real-Life Inspiration: Dr. Ann Burgess’s Groundbreaking Work
Central to the authenticity and depth of the NBC pilot is the direct influence of Dr. Ann Burgess. An internationally recognized expert, Dr. Burgess has dedicated her career to the study of victims, offenders, trauma, and criminal profiling. Her research, particularly her groundbreaking work with the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the 1970s, helped establish the systematic study of serial offenders and the creation of criminal profiles. Dr. Burgess and her colleague, Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, were instrumental in coining the term "Rape Trauma Syndrome," providing a crucial framework for understanding and supporting victims of sexual assault. Her contributions extended to working directly with infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy and Ed Kemper, gleaning insights into their motivations and patterns, which in turn informed profiling techniques.
Dr. Burgess’s involvement in the production as a consulting producer is a significant endorsement of the project’s commitment to accuracy and depth. This direct connection ensures that the fictional Professor Georgia Ryan’s investigative philosophy is rooted in credible, real-world research and experience. Her insights will undoubtedly imbue the series with an authenticity that resonates with viewers and professionals alike, providing a nuanced exploration of the psychological aftermath of crime and the innovative methods used to bring perpetrators to justice.
Emily Deschanel’s Return to Crime Television: A New Chapter
For Emily Deschanel, the role of Professor Georgia Ryan represents a fascinating evolution in her career within the crime drama genre. Her twelve-season tenure as Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan established her as a formidable presence in procedural television. Dr. Brennan, a brilliant but socially unconventional forensic anthropologist, solved crimes by analyzing skeletal remains, bringing a unique scientific rigor to each case. In Bones, Deschanel not only starred in nearly 250 episodes but also served as a producer and made her directorial debut, demonstrating her multifaceted talent and commitment to the series.
While Professor Georgia Ryan operates in a different scientific discipline—psychology and criminology rather than forensic anthropology—there are compelling thematic parallels between the characters. Both are highly accomplished specialists who employ their distinct expertise and often unconventional approaches to illuminate aspects of criminal cases that others might overlook. This new role offers Deschanel the opportunity to explore the human mind and its vulnerabilities and resilience from a psychological perspective, a departure from the purely physical evidence of Bones. Her established credibility in leading complex investigative narratives will undoubtedly be a strong asset for NBC’s new pilot.
Deschanel’s Diverse Career and Production Involvement
Beyond her iconic role in Bones, Emily Deschanel has cultivated a diverse film and television résumé, showcasing her range across various genres. Her television credits include compelling performances in TNT’s Animal Kingdom, ABC’s The Rookie, and Netflix’s chilling psychological thriller Devil in Ohio. On the film front, she has appeared in projects such as ReEntry and Big Boys. This varied experience highlights her ability to inhabit complex characters across different narrative landscapes.
Significantly, Deschanel will also serve as a producer on the NBC pilot, underscoring her deeper involvement in shaping the project’s creative direction. This dual role as both lead actress and producer signals a strong commitment to the series and allows her to contribute to the show’s vision from its foundational stages, much as she did during her extensive run on Bones. Her experience behind the camera will be invaluable in ensuring the pilot’s successful development and potential transition to a full series.
A Potential ‘Bones’ Reunion on NBC’s Slate
Adding an intriguing layer for long-time fans of Bones, the development of this NBC pilot creates a curious possibility for a quasi-reunion. David Boreanaz, who famously co-starred with Deschanel as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth for twelve seasons, has also been tapped to lead an NBC reboot pilot of The Rockford Files. Should both pilots receive full series orders from the network, the former Bones partners could find themselves simultaneously headlining crime-related television dramas for NBC.
While the projects are entirely separate in their premise and production, the prospect of seeing both actors back on the same network, leading new procedural dramas, is a compelling draw for their dedicated fan bases. It speaks to the enduring appeal of their on-screen chemistry and individual talents that NBC would pursue both actors for significant new roles. This potential scenario adds another compelling reason for Bones aficionados to closely monitor NBC’s upcoming television slate and the fate of these respective pilots.
The Creative and Production Team Behind the Pilot
The NBC pilot is spearheaded by an experienced creative and production team. Dean Georgaris and John Fox are attached as writers and executive producers, bringing their storytelling expertise to the project. John Davis, a seasoned producer, serves as an executive producer through his banner, Davis Entertainment. As previously noted, Emily Deschanel’s involvement extends to a producing role alongside her starring duties. The authenticity of the project is further bolstered by the direct participation of Dr. Ann Burgess and Steve Constantine, both serving as consulting producers, ensuring that the scientific and investigative elements are grounded in reality. Universal Television, a powerhouse in television production, is producing the pilot, providing the necessary infrastructure and resources for its development.
Casting the World of Professor Georgia Ryan: A Look at the Professionals
The success of any drama hinges significantly on its casting, and NBC has assembled a highly experienced team to populate the world of Professor Georgia Ryan. The casting team includes Beth Bowling, Kim Miscia, and Nadia Lubbe Simon, renowned professionals in the industry. Additionally, Central Casting Georgia is involved, primarily handling background casting, which is crucial for creating believable environments.
- Beth Bowling, CSA: An award-winning casting director, Beth Bowling brings extensive experience from major television productions. Her impressive credits include critically acclaimed series such as Mad Men, Mr. Robot, The Flight Attendant, Hightown, Blue Bloods, Divorce, You, Dr. Death, and the original Gossip Girl. Her multiple Emmy nominations for casting underscore her ability to identify and secure exceptional talent for character-driven dramas, making her an invaluable asset in assembling the ensemble for this new NBC project.
- Kim Miscia: Kim Miscia is another distinguished casting director and producer, with credits that include acclaimed television projects like Mr. Robot and Mad Men. Miscia and Bowling have a well-established professional partnership, having collaborated on numerous productions. Their combined experience in finding performers who can embody complex characters, crucial for a psychologically rich drama, will be pivotal as the production builds the intricate world surrounding Professor Georgia Ryan and her team.
- Nadia Lubbe Simon: Nadia Lubbe Simon contributes her significant experience as a casting director and producer, having worked across both television and feature films. Her credits include notable films such as Ladder 49, It’s Complicated, and Heartbreakers. Her involvement adds another layer of expertise to the team responsible for identifying and securing talent for this highly anticipated NBC drama.
- Central Casting Georgia: As a prominent name in the industry, Central Casting Georgia specializes in background casting for film and television. In a crime drama involving FBI investigations and university settings, the need for a diverse array of background performers is considerable. These roles might include FBI agents, police officers, university staff, students, medical professionals, witnesses, and general civilians, all contributing to the authentic depiction of the show’s environments. Their involvement ensures a robust and realistic backdrop for the principal actors.
Economic Impact and Filming Location
The decision to film the pilot in Atlanta, Georgia, carries significant economic implications for the region. Georgia has solidified its position as a major hub for film and television production, largely due to attractive tax incentives, a skilled local workforce, and diverse filming locations. A production of this scale creates numerous jobs, from crew members and local vendors to background actors and support staff, injecting substantial revenue into the local economy. For aspiring actors and industry professionals in the Atlanta area, this project represents a valuable opportunity to gain experience and contribute to a major network production.
Casting Opportunities Under the ‘KINGS’ Banner
Under the presumed working title "KINGS," the production has already begun issuing casting calls, indicating the active pre-production phase. These early calls are typically for background actors, crucial for setting the scene and providing a realistic environment for the principal cast.
- College Student Background Actors: A call has been issued for talent of all genders to portray college students. These paid background roles, based in Atlanta, Georgia, are designed to create an authentic academic environment. This opportunity is ideal for aspiring actors looking to gain on-set experience and observe a professional television production team in action. Applicants are directed to use the casting code "COLLEGE."
- Newspaper Boy for Period Production: Another open casting call under the "KINGS" banner seeks a young male background actor to portray a newspaper boy in a "period production" filming in Atlanta. This paid child acting opportunity is open to boys aged 10-12 of all ethnicities who can authentically fit the look and atmosphere of a historical setting. While the main Deschanel project is clearly contemporary, this specific call for a "period production" suggests either a flashback sequence within the main narrative or a separate project being handled by the same busy casting team. Regardless, it highlights the range of opportunities available through these casting directors.
As the NBC pilot progresses, performers following "KINGS" casting should remain vigilant for confirmed announcements. Crime and investigative projects are dynamic, often requiring a wide variety of characters, including recurring performers, guest stars, day players, and various specialized roles. Official casting notices from casting directors or production representatives will provide definitive information on specific roles, eligibility, filming dates, locations, and compensation.
The Pilot Process and Future Outlook
It is important for both industry professionals and eager viewers to remember that this project is currently a pilot. A pilot order signifies that NBC is evaluating the concept, script, and initial production to determine its viability as a full series. The network will assess various factors, including the strength of the performances, the quality of the storytelling, and the overall market appeal, before making a final decision on a series order. While Emily Deschanel’s casting provides a strong, experienced lead with a proven track record in procedural television, and Dr. Ann Burgess’s inspiration offers a unique and compelling premise, a full series order is not guaranteed.
However, the combination of a victim-centered investigative premise, the profound inspiration drawn from Dr. Ann Burgess’s groundbreaking work, and the assembly of an experienced creative and casting team makes this NBC drama a project of significant interest. For fans of Bones, it offers a compelling opportunity to witness Deschanel’s return to the investigative genre in a new role that delves into the fascinating intersections of psychology and criminology. For actors and entertainment professionals, future casting announcements will undoubtedly provide additional reasons to keep this promising project firmly on their radar, offering diverse opportunities across the spectrum of acting roles. The potential for this pilot to evolve into a full series holds the promise of a fresh, intelligent contribution to the enduring landscape of television crime dramas.
