In 2016, George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road made a big splash at the Oscars claiming six Academy Awards from the astonishing 10 nominations. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, the 2015 movie is undoubtedly a post-apocalyptic masterpiece. But it was the fruition of the decades-long patience of Miller.
Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy in Mad Max: Fury Road
The casting, in particular, had been quite a long process, and inherently, the movie was far from being instantaneous. To begin with, it was nearly unimaginable to have any other actor playing Max after Mel Gibson elevated the character to an epic height in the Miller-directed 1979 movie, Mad Max.
The Temptation of Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron Casting In Mad Max: Fury Road Caused An Accident Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road
Before George Miller, casting director Ronna Kress, and Warner Brothers agreed to move forward with Mad Max: Fury Road...
Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy in Mad Max: Fury Road
The casting, in particular, had been quite a long process, and inherently, the movie was far from being instantaneous. To begin with, it was nearly unimaginable to have any other actor playing Max after Mel Gibson elevated the character to an epic height in the Miller-directed 1979 movie, Mad Max.
The Temptation of Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron Casting In Mad Max: Fury Road Caused An Accident Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road
Before George Miller, casting director Ronna Kress, and Warner Brothers agreed to move forward with Mad Max: Fury Road...
- 4/16/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
Casting is one of the hidden arts of Hollywood, and starting June 15, the second season of The Academy Museum Podcast, “Close Up on Casting,” hosted by the Museum’s Director and President Jacqueline Stewart, delves into often misunderstood art and influence of Hollywood casting.
The audio series draws inspiration from the museum’s galleries, Stewart said during a recent small press gathering and podcast preview for the episode centered on the Hitchcock film “Rebecca.” She saw that her curators had more research and intel to share than was possible to display in the audience-favorite Performance Gallery, packed with early Polaroids of actors, audition tapes, and casting directors’ notes, which deserves to be expanded. The typewritten list of actresses considered for producer David O. Selznick’s production of “Rebecca” (1940), for example, is priceless, with often snarky and misogynist descriptions by each name.
“It was really interesting to watch visitors imagine different...
The audio series draws inspiration from the museum’s galleries, Stewart said during a recent small press gathering and podcast preview for the episode centered on the Hitchcock film “Rebecca.” She saw that her curators had more research and intel to share than was possible to display in the audience-favorite Performance Gallery, packed with early Polaroids of actors, audition tapes, and casting directors’ notes, which deserves to be expanded. The typewritten list of actresses considered for producer David O. Selznick’s production of “Rebecca” (1940), for example, is priceless, with often snarky and misogynist descriptions by each name.
“It was really interesting to watch visitors imagine different...
- 6/8/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
“Land,” which premiered at Sundance, tells the story of a broken woman who discovers hope, resilience and human kindness, all in the remote Wyoming mountains. So how did the film’s leading lady come to helm this tale shot through with tragedy and compassion?
Robin Wright, who has directed episodes of “House of Cards” on which she also starred, says she fell in love with “Land” because she wanted to make a film about “the beauty of humanity and how we do need each other and we do need to be connected.”
The film came together after pitching sessions at Cannes a couple years ago, when Focus Features — “the last group of people that came in on our three-day marathon pitch,” she says — grasped her vision.
In the film, Wright stars as a woman who has suffered an unspeakable tragedy, sells everything and moves to a remote cabin in the...
Robin Wright, who has directed episodes of “House of Cards” on which she also starred, says she fell in love with “Land” because she wanted to make a film about “the beauty of humanity and how we do need each other and we do need to be connected.”
The film came together after pitching sessions at Cannes a couple years ago, when Focus Features — “the last group of people that came in on our three-day marathon pitch,” she says — grasped her vision.
In the film, Wright stars as a woman who has suffered an unspeakable tragedy, sells everything and moves to a remote cabin in the...
- 2/25/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
From acclaimed actress Robin Wright comes her directorial debut Land, the poignant story of one woman’s search for meaning in the vast and harsh American wilderness. Edee (Wright), in the aftermath of an unfathomable event, finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.
Wright directs and stars in the film written by Jesse Chatham and Erin Digman. Co-starring with Wright is Oscar and Alma nominee Demián Bichir. Also, joining these two talented actors in the cast is Kim Dickens.
About The Film Genre: Drama Director: Robin Wright Screenplay: Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam Producers: Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, Leah Holzer, Peter Saraf Cast: Robin Wright, Demián Bichir,...
Wright directs and stars in the film written by Jesse Chatham and Erin Digman. Co-starring with Wright is Oscar and Alma nominee Demián Bichir. Also, joining these two talented actors in the cast is Kim Dickens.
About The Film Genre: Drama Director: Robin Wright Screenplay: Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam Producers: Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, Leah Holzer, Peter Saraf Cast: Robin Wright, Demián Bichir,...
- 12/22/2020
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Robin Wright goes off the grid in the first trailer for “Land” from Focus Features, which also marks her directorial debut.
The film centers on Edee (Wright), a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after she faces a loss in life. “Land” also stars Demián Bichir and Kim Dickens.
“Land” will have its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31 before a wider release on Feb. 12, 2021.
The synopsis is as follows: “In the aftermath of an unfathomable event, Edee finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.”
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah...
The film centers on Edee (Wright), a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after she faces a loss in life. “Land” also stars Demián Bichir and Kim Dickens.
“Land” will have its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31 before a wider release on Feb. 12, 2021.
The synopsis is as follows: “In the aftermath of an unfathomable event, Edee finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.”
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah...
- 12/21/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Robin Wright’s directorial debut “Land” will debut in theaters next year.
The drama, which stars Wright and Demian Bichir, is set to release in the U.S. on Feb. 12, 2021.
“Land” centers on Wright’s character, who goes off the grid and retreats into the wilderness after suffering an unfathomable loss. When she crosses paths with a local hunter (Bichir), she begins to confront her demons.
Wright directed several “House of Cards” episodes, but “Land” represents her first time behind the camera on a feature film. She was named one of Variety’s 10 directors to watch in 2020.
Liz Hannah, best known for co-writing Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” and the Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron comedy “Long Shot,” wrote the screenplay with Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam.
“Land” is produced by Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, Leah Holzer, and Peter Saraf. Wright also executive produced the film alongside Big Beach’s Marc Turletaub,...
The drama, which stars Wright and Demian Bichir, is set to release in the U.S. on Feb. 12, 2021.
“Land” centers on Wright’s character, who goes off the grid and retreats into the wilderness after suffering an unfathomable loss. When she crosses paths with a local hunter (Bichir), she begins to confront her demons.
Wright directed several “House of Cards” episodes, but “Land” represents her first time behind the camera on a feature film. She was named one of Variety’s 10 directors to watch in 2020.
Liz Hannah, best known for co-writing Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” and the Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron comedy “Long Shot,” wrote the screenplay with Jesse Chatham and Erin Dignam.
“Land” is produced by Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, Leah Holzer, and Peter Saraf. Wright also executive produced the film alongside Big Beach’s Marc Turletaub,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features continues its steady rollout of movies into 2021 with the release of Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut drama Land on February 12, 2021, just in time for Oscar qualifications which have a cutoff date of February 28.
Land is scheduled on a weekend when the following movies are currently expected to open: 20th Century Studio’s The King’s Man and the Andy Garcia-Sharon Stone wide release What About Love.
The House of Cards Golden Globe-winning actress and episodic director stars in Land as Edee, who retreats to the wilds of the Rockies in the aftermath of an unfathomable event as she aims to stay connected to the world she once knew in the face of uncertainty. After a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.
Wright directs from a screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Erin Digman.
Land is scheduled on a weekend when the following movies are currently expected to open: 20th Century Studio’s The King’s Man and the Andy Garcia-Sharon Stone wide release What About Love.
The House of Cards Golden Globe-winning actress and episodic director stars in Land as Edee, who retreats to the wilds of the Rockies in the aftermath of an unfathomable event as she aims to stay connected to the world she once knew in the face of uncertainty. After a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.
Wright directs from a screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Erin Digman.
- 12/14/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Demián Bichir also star in drama about woman living off grid in aftermath of tragedy.
Focus Features has set a February 12, 2021, awards-qualifying US theatrical release for Robin Wright’s directorial debut Land.
Wright also stars in the drama about a woman who goes to live off the grid in the US wilderness in the aftermath of a tragic event.
When a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again. The cast includes Kim Dickens.
Wright directed Land from a screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Erin Digman.
Land is produced by Allyn Stewart,...
Focus Features has set a February 12, 2021, awards-qualifying US theatrical release for Robin Wright’s directorial debut Land.
Wright also stars in the drama about a woman who goes to live off the grid in the US wilderness in the aftermath of a tragic event.
When a local hunter (Demián Bichir) brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again. The cast includes Kim Dickens.
Wright directed Land from a screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Erin Digman.
Land is produced by Allyn Stewart,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Whoopi Goldberg will be facing 18 other actors who want her seat on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, the Academy revealed to its members on Friday.
The Academy posted the list of candidates for the board from all 17 of its branches, with incumbent Actors Branch governor Goldberg going up against a slate of challengers that includes past governor Ed Begley Jr., as well as Richard Dreyfuss, James and Stacy Keach, Tim Matheson, Joe Pantoliano, Lou Diamond Phillips and Rita Wilson, whose husband, Tom Hanks, served on the board for many years.
Other branches whose contenders hit double digits included Cinematographers (12), Directors (13), Executives (12), Producers (16), Sound (10) and Visual Effects (10).
But the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch, in which incumbent Kathryn Blondell was ineligible to run again, has only a single candidate, Linda Flowers.
Also Read: Oscars Board Election Has New Rules - But Expect the Same Old Results
Blondell,...
The Academy posted the list of candidates for the board from all 17 of its branches, with incumbent Actors Branch governor Goldberg going up against a slate of challengers that includes past governor Ed Begley Jr., as well as Richard Dreyfuss, James and Stacy Keach, Tim Matheson, Joe Pantoliano, Lou Diamond Phillips and Rita Wilson, whose husband, Tom Hanks, served on the board for many years.
Other branches whose contenders hit double digits included Cinematographers (12), Directors (13), Executives (12), Producers (16), Sound (10) and Visual Effects (10).
But the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch, in which incumbent Kathryn Blondell was ineligible to run again, has only a single candidate, Linda Flowers.
Also Read: Oscars Board Election Has New Rules - But Expect the Same Old Results
Blondell,...
- 5/29/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The would-be candidates for 17 open slots on the 54-member Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be off and running, come 9:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Monday.
On Friday, the Academy notified members that so-called “opt-in” voting for the board seats will be active through what used to be called the “work week,” until coronavirus muddled such distinctions.
The voting period closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Until then, contenders from among 9,000 or so active or lifetime members can propose themselves for a spot representing their individual professional branches, in what might be the most consequential election in modern Academy history. Oscar ratings and income are down. Debt is up. The pandemic has already forced a temporary restructuring of the Academy Awards process, and may compel deeper revisions before the next show on Feb. 28.
The moment certainly calls for leadership.
Under...
On Friday, the Academy notified members that so-called “opt-in” voting for the board seats will be active through what used to be called the “work week,” until coronavirus muddled such distinctions.
The voting period closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Until then, contenders from among 9,000 or so active or lifetime members can propose themselves for a spot representing their individual professional branches, in what might be the most consequential election in modern Academy history. Oscar ratings and income are down. Debt is up. The pandemic has already forced a temporary restructuring of the Academy Awards process, and may compel deeper revisions before the next show on Feb. 28.
The moment certainly calls for leadership.
Under...
- 5/16/2020
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
John Sloss, Steve Farneth of Cinetic Media among executive producers.
Production is underway in Alberta, Canada, on Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut Land, which Focus Features will distribute in the Us and Universal Pictures International will handle in the rest of the world.
Kim Dickens has joined the cast, which includes Demián Bichir. Jesse Chatham wrote the screenplay with revisions by Erin Dignam about a grief-stricken lawyer played by Wright who goes off the grid.
Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, and Big Beach’s Peter Saraf and Leah Holzer are producing. Wright serves as executive producer alongside John Sloss and...
Production is underway in Alberta, Canada, on Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut Land, which Focus Features will distribute in the Us and Universal Pictures International will handle in the rest of the world.
Kim Dickens has joined the cast, which includes Demián Bichir. Jesse Chatham wrote the screenplay with revisions by Erin Dignam about a grief-stricken lawyer played by Wright who goes off the grid.
Allyn Stewart, Lora Kennedy, and Big Beach’s Peter Saraf and Leah Holzer are producing. Wright serves as executive producer alongside John Sloss and...
- 10/18/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut “Land” will be distributed by Focus Features, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Additionally, Demian Bichir has joined the cast. Wright will star as the lead, playing a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after she faces a loss in life. Kim Dickens will also star in a supporting role.
Shooting has begun in Alberta, Canada.
Also Read: Robin Wright to Star and Make Feature Directing Debut in Wilderness Drama 'Land'
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (“The Post”), with revisions by Erin Dignam.
“Land” was developed by Allyn Stewart together with acclaimed casting director Lora Kennedy and is financed by New York based production entity Big Beach. It is produced by Stewart, Kennedy, Big Beach co-founder and Academy Award nominee Peter Saraf and Leah Holzer (“A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood...
Additionally, Demian Bichir has joined the cast. Wright will star as the lead, playing a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after she faces a loss in life. Kim Dickens will also star in a supporting role.
Shooting has begun in Alberta, Canada.
Also Read: Robin Wright to Star and Make Feature Directing Debut in Wilderness Drama 'Land'
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (“The Post”), with revisions by Erin Dignam.
“Land” was developed by Allyn Stewart together with acclaimed casting director Lora Kennedy and is financed by New York based production entity Big Beach. It is produced by Stewart, Kennedy, Big Beach co-founder and Academy Award nominee Peter Saraf and Leah Holzer (“A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood...
- 10/18/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
“Land,” the feature directorial debut from actress and producer Robin Wright, has secured Focus Features as a domestic distributor and rounded out its cast.
Shooting is underway in Alberta, Canada, where Variety previously reported the production will capture all four seasons in exteriors. Big Beach is financing and producing with Flashlight Films. Wright will star in the lead role, as a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after an unspeakable loss. Demián Bichir will co-star alongside Wright, with “Gone Girl” and Wright’s former “House of Cards” co-star Kim Dickens in a supporting role.
“Robin has consistently laid bare the strength, soul and vulnerabilities of so many iconic characters over the years as an actress, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience when she draws on that deep well of empathy behind the camera as well,” Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski tells Variety.
Universal Pictures International will...
Shooting is underway in Alberta, Canada, where Variety previously reported the production will capture all four seasons in exteriors. Big Beach is financing and producing with Flashlight Films. Wright will star in the lead role, as a cosmopolitan lawyer who retreats to the wilderness after an unspeakable loss. Demián Bichir will co-star alongside Wright, with “Gone Girl” and Wright’s former “House of Cards” co-star Kim Dickens in a supporting role.
“Robin has consistently laid bare the strength, soul and vulnerabilities of so many iconic characters over the years as an actress, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience when she draws on that deep well of empathy behind the camera as well,” Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski tells Variety.
Universal Pictures International will...
- 10/18/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Not long ago, the idea of casting director David Rubin being president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences would have fallen somewhere between pipe dream and delusional. It’s an unlikely story, and one that also could make him exactly the right person to lead at this moment: Just as he led casting directors out of the wilderness, he could do the same for the Academy.
It was only 14 years ago when casting directors were the only department heads who weren’t represented by a union. The producers and studios (AMPTP) refused to recognize them, labelling them independent contractors. The powerful Directors Guild turned them away, believing the path to unionization too steep and/or impossible. With Rubin as one of the movement’s many leaders, casting directors made a stand against the AMPTP in 2005 by forming an unlikely partnership with the Teamsters and threatening a work stoppage.
It was only 14 years ago when casting directors were the only department heads who weren’t represented by a union. The producers and studios (AMPTP) refused to recognize them, labelling them independent contractors. The powerful Directors Guild turned them away, believing the path to unionization too steep and/or impossible. With Rubin as one of the movement’s many leaders, casting directors made a stand against the AMPTP in 2005 by forming an unlikely partnership with the Teamsters and threatening a work stoppage.
- 8/8/2019
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Robin Wright on Her Feature-Directing Debut and ‘Flying the Nest’ After ‘House of Cards’ (Exclusive)
Robin Wright cut her directing teeth on “House of Cards,” which she describes as “an opportunity to have film school lessons on set each day.” But now, she tells Variety, “I’m flying the nest.”
The actress was looking for her first feature to helm since the final year of the landmark Netflix series. She will head into the wilderness for “Land,” a drama about life off the grid that she said caught her eye and her heart. Production starts this summer in British Columbia, where it will span all four seasons of the year.
Wright was won over by the screenplay from Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah, but was not supposed to be in front of the camera. “Acting in it wasn’t the initial plan,” she said. “It was due to other people not being available and the clock was ticking. We were losing time.
The actress was looking for her first feature to helm since the final year of the landmark Netflix series. She will head into the wilderness for “Land,” a drama about life off the grid that she said caught her eye and her heart. Production starts this summer in British Columbia, where it will span all four seasons of the year.
Wright was won over by the screenplay from Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah, but was not supposed to be in front of the camera. “Acting in it wasn’t the initial plan,” she said. “It was due to other people not being available and the clock was ticking. We were losing time.
- 5/15/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Big Beach financing survival drama.
Production is set to begin this summer in British Columbia, Canada, on Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut Land, which HanWay Films will introduce to buyers in Cannes next month.
Land is based on an original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (The Post) and will star Wright as a grief-stricken lawyer who goes off the grid.
Taking advice from online survivalists, she inhabits a cabin in the remote Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, where she must learn to hunt, fish and grow her food as she faces brutal winters, a...
Production is set to begin this summer in British Columbia, Canada, on Robin Wright’s feature directorial debut Land, which HanWay Films will introduce to buyers in Cannes next month.
Land is based on an original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (The Post) and will star Wright as a grief-stricken lawyer who goes off the grid.
Taking advice from online survivalists, she inhabits a cabin in the remote Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, where she must learn to hunt, fish and grow her food as she faces brutal winters, a...
- 4/30/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Robin Wright will make her feature film directorial debut with the wilderness drama “Land,” an indie from HanWay Films in which she will also star.
The “House of Cards” and “Wonder Woman” actress will play Edee Mathis, a cosmopolitan lawyer consumed by grief who resolves to remove herself completely from life as she has known it and disappear. With advice from online survivalists, she moves to the most unpopulated area in the U.S., a cabin in the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, and learns to hunt, fish and grow her food as she faces brutal winters, a challenging landscape and local wildlife that could kill her at any moment.
In crossing paths with Joseph, a First Nations local, Edee begins to confront her demons and surprises herself with her own will to survive.
Also Read: Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2018: Sofia Vergara Made 73 Percent More Than Kaley Cuoco
The film...
The “House of Cards” and “Wonder Woman” actress will play Edee Mathis, a cosmopolitan lawyer consumed by grief who resolves to remove herself completely from life as she has known it and disappear. With advice from online survivalists, she moves to the most unpopulated area in the U.S., a cabin in the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, and learns to hunt, fish and grow her food as she faces brutal winters, a challenging landscape and local wildlife that could kill her at any moment.
In crossing paths with Joseph, a First Nations local, Edee begins to confront her demons and surprises herself with her own will to survive.
Also Read: Highest-Paid TV Actresses 2018: Sofia Vergara Made 73 Percent More Than Kaley Cuoco
The film...
- 4/30/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Robin Wright will go off the grid in her feature film directorial debut, “Land.” She will also star in the movie, playing Edee Mathis, a woman consumed by grief who resolves to remove herself completely from life as she has known it.
Wright directed several installments of “House of Cards,” but this marks her first time behind the camera on a feature. HanWay Films has boarded international sales. It will kick off the sales effort at Cannes. Cinetic Media and CAA Media Finance will handle North American rights.
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (“The Post”). It will begin production this summer in Canada, in British Columbia.
Wright’s character, Mathis, is a cosmopolitan lawyer consumed by grief. With advice from online survivalists, she moves to the most unpopulated area in the U.S., living in a cabin in...
Wright directed several installments of “House of Cards,” but this marks her first time behind the camera on a feature. HanWay Films has boarded international sales. It will kick off the sales effort at Cannes. Cinetic Media and CAA Media Finance will handle North American rights.
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (“The Post”). It will begin production this summer in Canada, in British Columbia.
Wright’s character, Mathis, is a cosmopolitan lawyer consumed by grief. With advice from online survivalists, she moves to the most unpopulated area in the U.S., living in a cabin in...
- 4/30/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
House Of Cards star Robin Wright is to make her feature directorial debut on Land, in which she will also star as Edee Mathis, a woman consumed by grief who resolves to remove herself completely from life as she has known it, and disappear.
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (The Post) and is due to begin production this summer in British Columbia where it will cover the wild landscape over four seasons.
Wright’s character is a cosmopolitan lawyer who takes herself off the grid almost entirely. With advice from online survivalists, she moves to the most unpopulated area in the U.S., living in a cabin in the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. All alone, she must learn to hunt, fish and grow her food as she faces brutal winters, a challenging landscape and local wildlife that...
The film is based on the original screenplay by Jesse Chatham and Golden Globe nominee Liz Hannah (The Post) and is due to begin production this summer in British Columbia where it will cover the wild landscape over four seasons.
Wright’s character is a cosmopolitan lawyer who takes herself off the grid almost entirely. With advice from online survivalists, she moves to the most unpopulated area in the U.S., living in a cabin in the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. All alone, she must learn to hunt, fish and grow her food as she faces brutal winters, a challenging landscape and local wildlife that...
- 4/30/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kristy Carlson, Svp, Feature Casting, at Warner Bros. Pictures, will now head the department as its senior executive, responsible for working with the studio’s creative teams and filmmakers to cast key roles on the Burbank lot’s feature slate.
Carlson will report to Warner Bros. Pictures. President of Production and Development Courtenay Valenti.
Carlson, who arrived at the studio in 1999, replaces Lora Kennedy, who left her role as head of Warner Bros. Pictures’ casting department earlier this week.
During Carlson’s tenure she has served as casting director on such Warner titles as Wonder Woman, Justice League, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel, the Happy Feet franchise, Sucker Punch and Watchmen. Since 2010, Carlson has served as the studio’s Svp of Feature Casting.
Additionally, Carlson has helped supervise the casting of such projects such as the Harry Potter franchise and its spinoff Fantastic Beasts, The Last Samurai,...
Carlson will report to Warner Bros. Pictures. President of Production and Development Courtenay Valenti.
Carlson, who arrived at the studio in 1999, replaces Lora Kennedy, who left her role as head of Warner Bros. Pictures’ casting department earlier this week.
During Carlson’s tenure she has served as casting director on such Warner titles as Wonder Woman, Justice League, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel, the Happy Feet franchise, Sucker Punch and Watchmen. Since 2010, Carlson has served as the studio’s Svp of Feature Casting.
Additionally, Carlson has helped supervise the casting of such projects such as the Harry Potter franchise and its spinoff Fantastic Beasts, The Last Samurai,...
- 6/7/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After close to two decades working on a slew of cornerstone franchises and Oscar-winning films, Warner Bros. head of casting Lora Kennedy is departing the studio as she transitions into her own creative venture as a casting director. Warner Bros. President of Production Courtenay Valenti announced the news in an internal memo to staff today.
Kennedy is from a notable casting lineage at the Warner lot. She started her career with former Warner Bros. casting boss Wally Nicita who in turn was a protege of former late Warner Bros. casting icon Marion Dougherty who was known for casting Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon movies and putting Michael Keaton in the bat suit for Tim Burton’s first Batman movie, as well as discovering Robert Redford, Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman.
Kennedy was hands-on in casting Syriana which won George Clooney a best supporting actor Oscar, and part of the talent...
Kennedy is from a notable casting lineage at the Warner lot. She started her career with former Warner Bros. casting boss Wally Nicita who in turn was a protege of former late Warner Bros. casting icon Marion Dougherty who was known for casting Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon movies and putting Michael Keaton in the bat suit for Tim Burton’s first Batman movie, as well as discovering Robert Redford, Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman.
Kennedy was hands-on in casting Syriana which won George Clooney a best supporting actor Oscar, and part of the talent...
- 5/31/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Greenlit means a project is officially a go, so all you have to do is follow these leads to stay up to date. You never know where you’ll find an opportunity to land an audition! “New Gods” The DC Extended Universe is extending even further. Warner Bros. announced last week that acclaimed director Ava DuVernay will be coming on board to direct the studio’s “New Gods,” based on the DC Comics series of the same name. The project will be the beginning of a new universe to build, and they’ve picked one of the buzziest people for the job. DuVernay, who most recently directed the much-anticipated “A Wrinkle In Time,” will join Patty Jenkins of last year’s “Wonder Woman” in the female superhero director category. Unless Warner Bros. wants to have a say in who gets to add cast to the new franchise, it's likely DuVernay...
- 3/19/2018
- backstage.com
The Casting Society of America has been an institution in casting since their beginnings in 1982, but with Matthew Lessall as the organisation’s President, it has grown into more of a culture of ‘doers’ rather than ‘talkers.’ They have important initiatives in casting recognition, actor support and opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity along with charitable work. The London chapter for U.K. and European members could mean a lot for the way casting directors work, work together, and ultimately have an impact on casting on an international scale. Backstage spoke with Lessall and Nancy Bishop, London’s interim Board chair, to find out more. Why has the Csa decided to base their European operation in London, and why now?Matthew Lessall: We have the highest concentration of international members here in London. It’s good to service members like those who want to organise events, have support, and get help in a timely manner.
- 11/6/2017
- backstage.com
2017-18 intake includes Participant Media CEO David Linde.
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences announced its 2017–18 board of governors on Thursday.
The new intake includes Whoopi Goldberg, Participant Media CEO David Linde, and Boys Don’t Cry and I Love Dick director Kimberly Peirce.
Cinematographer Mandy Walker and costume designer Isis Mussenden were also elected for the first time, as were production designer Wynn P. Thomas, and Christina Kounelias from the Academy’s public relations branch.
The intake includes Thomas R. Sito from the short films and feature animation branch, Teri E. Dorman from sound, and writer Larry Karaszewski.
Incumbent governors re-elected to the board include producer Albert Berger, casting director Lora Kennedy, documentary branch member Kate Amend, editor Michael Tronick, Kathryn L. Blondell from the makeup artists and hairstylists branch, and Charles Bernstein from the music branch.
Richard Edlund from the visual effects branch returns to the board after a hiatus.
Three governors...
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences announced its 2017–18 board of governors on Thursday.
The new intake includes Whoopi Goldberg, Participant Media CEO David Linde, and Boys Don’t Cry and I Love Dick director Kimberly Peirce.
Cinematographer Mandy Walker and costume designer Isis Mussenden were also elected for the first time, as were production designer Wynn P. Thomas, and Christina Kounelias from the Academy’s public relations branch.
The intake includes Thomas R. Sito from the short films and feature animation branch, Teri E. Dorman from sound, and writer Larry Karaszewski.
Incumbent governors re-elected to the board include producer Albert Berger, casting director Lora Kennedy, documentary branch member Kate Amend, editor Michael Tronick, Kathryn L. Blondell from the makeup artists and hairstylists branch, and Charles Bernstein from the music branch.
Richard Edlund from the visual effects branch returns to the board after a hiatus.
Three governors...
- 6/29/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has picked its newly elected 2017–18 Board of Governors. Like the new 774 members invited to join the Academy this week, they are an eclectic and diverse group — and now, 38% of the board is female. Among them: Former Academy public relations executive Christina Kounelias, now at Participant Media, joins her boss David Linde on the board.
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has picked its newly elected 2017–18 Board of Governors. Like the new 774 members invited to join the Academy this week, they are an eclectic and diverse group — and now, 38% of the board is female. Among them: Former Academy public relations executive Christina Kounelias, now at Participant Media, joins her boss David Linde on the board.
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
By: Carson Blackwelder
Managing Editor
Next time you’re awestruck by a movie’s all-star cast, there’s one person you should be thanking: the casting director. A casting director — or, sometimes, a few of them — are responsible for assigning talent to the various roles in a film, television show, or stage production.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just made history by recognizing someone in this all-important role for the first time in its history when Lynn Stalmaster was given an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards ceremony — alongside other greats like film editor Anne V. Coates, documentarian Frederick Wiseman, and martial arts legend Jackie Chan. The 88-year-old, whose career nearly stretches back to 1950, is known for works like Fiddler on the Roof, Tootsie, and In the Heat of the Night — just to name a few.
With a casting director getting such an honor, let...
Managing Editor
Next time you’re awestruck by a movie’s all-star cast, there’s one person you should be thanking: the casting director. A casting director — or, sometimes, a few of them — are responsible for assigning talent to the various roles in a film, television show, or stage production.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just made history by recognizing someone in this all-important role for the first time in its history when Lynn Stalmaster was given an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards ceremony — alongside other greats like film editor Anne V. Coates, documentarian Frederick Wiseman, and martial arts legend Jackie Chan. The 88-year-old, whose career nearly stretches back to 1950, is known for works like Fiddler on the Roof, Tootsie, and In the Heat of the Night — just to name a few.
With a casting director getting such an honor, let...
- 11/15/2016
- by Carson Blackwelder
- Scott Feinberg
Ashleigh Cummings as Dot in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.
Ashleigh Cummings is this year's winner of the Heath Ledger Scholarship, with Harley Bonner and Sara West named runners-up..
Ledger's Candy co-star Abbie Cornish, serving on the judging committee for the first time, said that "the quality of Ashleigh.s work to-date combined with her single-minded approach to fulfilling her acting potential made her the worthy recipient of this year.s award."
"We are all excited about the impact that winning this award will have on Ashleigh.s career and are eager to see the future work of runners up Harley and Sara..
At the ceremony in La, Cummings called Ledger "a powerful source of inspiration to me, so to receive this award is inordinately humbling. I'd like to sincerely thank AiF and the beautiful Ledger family for supporting young artists in our passionate endeavours to continue in Heath's wake."
Cummings...
Ashleigh Cummings is this year's winner of the Heath Ledger Scholarship, with Harley Bonner and Sara West named runners-up..
Ledger's Candy co-star Abbie Cornish, serving on the judging committee for the first time, said that "the quality of Ashleigh.s work to-date combined with her single-minded approach to fulfilling her acting potential made her the worthy recipient of this year.s award."
"We are all excited about the impact that winning this award will have on Ashleigh.s career and are eager to see the future work of runners up Harley and Sara..
At the ceremony in La, Cummings called Ledger "a powerful source of inspiration to me, so to receive this award is inordinately humbling. I'd like to sincerely thank AiF and the beautiful Ledger family for supporting young artists in our passionate endeavours to continue in Heath's wake."
Cummings...
- 6/2/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Women presidents at the Academy: Cheryl Boone Isaacs is only the third one (photo: Angelina Jolie, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Brad Pitt) (See previous post: "Honorary Award Non-Winners: Too Late for Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich.") Wrapping up this four-part "Honorary Oscars Bypass Women" article, let it be noted that in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 85-year history there have been only two women presidents: two-time Oscar-winning actress Bette Davis (for two months in 1941, before the Dangerous and Jezebel star was forced to resign) and screenwriter Fay Kanin (1979-1983), whose best-known screen credit is the 1958 Doris Day-Clark Gable comedy Teacher's Pet. Additionally, following some top-level restructuring in April 2011, the Academy created the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, with the CEO post currently held by a woman, former Film Independent executive director and sometime actress Dawn Hudson. The COO post is held...
- 9/4/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Five first-time governors have been elected to the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences board.
The first-time governors are: Kate Amend, documentary branch; Daniel R Fellman, executives branch; Albert Berger, producers branch; Bob Rogers, short films and feature animation branch; and Mark Mangini, sound branch.
Re-elected governors are: Annette Bening, actors branch; Lora Kennedy, casting directors branch; Jeffrey Kurland, costume designers branch; Rick Carter, designers branch; Michael Tronick, film editors branch; Kathryn Blondell, make-up artists and hairstylists branch; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, public relations branch; and Phil Robinson, writers branch.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are: governors Caleb Deschanel, cinematographers branch; Edward Zwick, directors branch; Charles Bernstein, music branch; and Bill Taylor, visual effects branch.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
Governors who were not up for re-election and who continue on the board are Ed Begley, Jr and [link...
The first-time governors are: Kate Amend, documentary branch; Daniel R Fellman, executives branch; Albert Berger, producers branch; Bob Rogers, short films and feature animation branch; and Mark Mangini, sound branch.
Re-elected governors are: Annette Bening, actors branch; Lora Kennedy, casting directors branch; Jeffrey Kurland, costume designers branch; Rick Carter, designers branch; Michael Tronick, film editors branch; Kathryn Blondell, make-up artists and hairstylists branch; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, public relations branch; and Phil Robinson, writers branch.
Returning to the board after a hiatus are: governors Caleb Deschanel, cinematographers branch; Edward Zwick, directors branch; Charles Bernstein, music branch; and Bill Taylor, visual effects branch.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
Governors who were not up for re-election and who continue on the board are Ed Begley, Jr and [link...
- 7/18/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors has voted in a new board--as they do every year, as various members' terms expire. They include five first-time governors, eight reelected incumbents and four returning previous governors. The Academy’s 17 branches, including the new casting Directors Branch, are each represented by three governors for a total of 51 spots. They may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. The Academy has been trying to beef up the number of women on the Board. By my count they now number 14, including studio chief Amy Pascal, producer Kathleen Kennedy, director Kathryn Bigelow, writer Robin Swicord, and actress Annette Bening. The first-time governors: Kate Amend, Documentary Branch; Daniel R. Fellman, Executives Branch; Albert Berger, Producers Branch; Bob Rogers, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch; and Mark Mangini, Sound Branch. The reelected governors: Annette Bening, Actors Branch; Lora Kennedy,...
- 7/18/2014
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Election results for the Academy's Board of Governors have been revealed for 2014-2015, yielding five first-timers and eight reelected incumbents. Additionally, four previous governors are returning to the Board. First-timers include Kate Amend (Documentary Branch), Daniel R. Fellman (Executives Branch), "Nebraska" producer Albert Berger (Producers Branch), Bob Rogers (Short Films and Feature Animation Branch) and "Aladdin" and "The Fifth Element" sound editor Mark Mangini (Sound Branch). Reelected are actress Annette Bening (Actors Branch), Lora Kennedy (Casting Directors Branch), "Inception" costumer Jeffrey Kurland (Costume Designers Branch), "Green Hornet" and "2 Guns" editor Michael Tronick (Film Editors Branch), Leonardo DiCaprio's hair stylist Kathryn Blondell (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch), Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs (Public Relations Branch) and "Field of Dreams" writer/director Phil Robinson (Writers Branch). Governors returning after a hiatus are "Passion of the Christ" director of photography Caleb Deschanel (Cinematographers Branch), "Glory" and "Blood Diamond" director Edward Zwick (Directors...
- 7/18/2014
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Five first-time governors have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors. In addition, eight incumbents have been reelected and four previous governors are returning to the Board.
The first-time governors are Kate Amend, Documentary Branch; Daniel R. Fellman, Executives Branch; Albert Berger, Producers Branch; Bob Rogers, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch; and Mark Mangini, Sound Branch.
The reelected governors are Annette Bening, Actors Branch; Lora Kennedy, Casting Directors Branch; Jeffrey Kurland, Costume Designers Branch; Rick Carter, Designers Branch; Michael Tronick, Film Editors Branch; Kathryn Blondell, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations Branch; and Phil Robinson, Writers Branch.
Returning to the Board after a hiatus are governors Caleb Deschanel, Cinematographers Branch; Edward Zwick, Directors Branch; Charles Bernstein, Music Branch; and Bill Taylor, Visual Effects Branch.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
The first-time governors are Kate Amend, Documentary Branch; Daniel R. Fellman, Executives Branch; Albert Berger, Producers Branch; Bob Rogers, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch; and Mark Mangini, Sound Branch.
The reelected governors are Annette Bening, Actors Branch; Lora Kennedy, Casting Directors Branch; Jeffrey Kurland, Costume Designers Branch; Rick Carter, Designers Branch; Michael Tronick, Film Editors Branch; Kathryn Blondell, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Public Relations Branch; and Phil Robinson, Writers Branch.
Returning to the Board after a hiatus are governors Caleb Deschanel, Cinematographers Branch; Edward Zwick, Directors Branch; Charles Bernstein, Music Branch; and Bill Taylor, Visual Effects Branch.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms.
- 7/18/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Landing a role in an Oscar-nominated film is a difficult feat for any aspiring actor or actress, but some coaching and insider tips from top casting directors Ellen Chenoweth and Lora Kennedy might help make it easier. Both women, who have casted Oscar winning or Oscar-nominated actors, have donated exclusive meetings with the lucky winners in the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights 8th Annual Spring Auction. The auction includes more than 100 of the world's most recognizable figures spanning business, entertainment, sports, and politics and is open to bidders internationally through May 13 at www.rfkauction.com.
- 5/5/2014
- by Movies News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Two upcoming blockbusters have casting directors attached, Backstage has learned. For the upcoming "Warcraft" feature, which is based off the popular video game series, Mary Vernieu of Betty Mae, Inc. will serve as casting director. Vernieu has experience in the fantasy genre, having cast the 2005 feature "Sin City." More recently, she was the casting director of David O. Russell’s "American Hustle." "Warcraft" currently has a 2015 release date. Meanwhile, the "Man of Steel" sequel, whose title is rumored to be "Batman vs. Superman," has already made headlines for casting Ben Affleck as Batman. To find the rest of the cast, Lora Kennedy and Kristy Carlson, who cast the first installment of the rebooted Warner Bros. "Superman" franchise, will serve as casting directors. Kennedy has an established relationship with Affleck having cast his 2012 feature "Argo."...
- 12/3/2013
- backstage.com
Ben Affleck’s “Argo” and David O. Russell’s “Silver Linings Playbook” may be last year’s movies, but they’re not finished winning awards yet. The two films, both Oscar winners in February, were honored for their casting at the Casting Society of America’s 29th Artios Awards, which were handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York on Monday night. Casting director Lora Kennedy, a new Academy governor, won in the Big Budget Feature – Drama category for “Argo,” the reigning Oscar Best Picture winner. Mary Vernieu, Lindsay Graham, Diane Heery and Jason Loftus won for “Silver Linings Playbook” in the Big.
- 11/19/2013
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Often a director gets all the credit for a great movie. But as we’ve explored this week with our "How to Make a Movie" series, many important jobs contribute to the making of a masterpiece. Which brings us to casting directors, the people whose job it is to know the strengths and weaknesses of an entire landscape of actors, both discovered and un-, and then convince a director that one of them is perfect for his or her film. To find out how to do the job, we talked to two veteran casting directors: Ellen Lewis, who has cast such movies as Forrest Gump, The Devil Wears Prada, and every Martin Scorsese movie since Goodfellas; and Lora Kennedy, executive vice-president of feature casting at Warner Bros., whose extensive credits include Argo and Man of Steel.Different directors, different jobs. Kennedy says that the scope of the job can change...
- 10/11/2013
- by Jennifer Vineyard
- Vulture
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' newly created casting directors branch has elected three members to the Academy's Board of Governors. David Rubin won a three-year term; Bernie Telsey won a two-year term; and Lora Kennedy won a one-year term. “The addition of these exceptional professionals to our Board is another positive step toward making our organization more inclusive and more reflective of the broader industry,” Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said in a written statement. “We welcome them, their ideas and their insights wholeheartedly.” The Academy has 17 branches, each of which elects three members to the Board of Governors. The casting directors branch was created in July in a move that was viewed by some as a first step toward the creation of an Academy Award for casting.
- 10/8/2013
- backstage.com
Three members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences' newly created casting directors branch have been elected to serve on the board of governors as representatives of the branch. Analysis: Why the Academy Is Going Back to Ellen The first-time governors are David Rubin, who has been elected to a three-year term; Bernie Telsey, who has been elected to a two-year term; and Lora Kennedy, who has been elected to a one-year term. The Academy's board approved the creation of a casting directors branch in July. Previously, individual casting directors had been invited
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- 10/7/2013
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update: The Academy has elected the three members, representing its newly created Casting Directors Branch, to its Board of Governors. The first-time governors are David Rubin, who is elected to a three-year term; Bernie Telsey, who is elected to a two-year term; and Lora Kennedy, who is elected to a one-year term. Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs stated: “The addition of these exceptional professionals to our Board is another positive step toward making our organization more inclusive and more reflective of the broader industry. We welcome them, their ideas and their insights wholeheartedly.”As we've pointed out on Toh! before, the creation of the Casting Directors Branch doesn't mean there will be a Best Casting Oscar any time soon. Do you think there should be? Join the discussion in the comments section below, or here. Earlier: The Academy announced that it has created a Casting Directors Branch. Casting directors began...
- 10/7/2013
- by Beth Hanna
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Motion Picture Academy’s recently formed Casting Directors Branch has cast David Rubin, Bernie Telsey and Lora Kennedy in the role of new members of the Academy’s Board of Governors. The branch, the Academy’s 17th, was created in July, with a membership made up of casting directors who had previously been AMPAS members at large. Because the three governors from each branch serve staggered terms so that one of them is up for re-election each year, the new board members all have different term lengths. Also read: Casting Directors: When Will Oscars Recognize the Impact We Have on Films?...
- 10/7/2013
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The nominees for the Casting Society of America's (Csa) 29th Annual Artios Awards have been announced. Honoring outstanding achievement in casting in film, TV and theater, the annual event will be held simultaneously at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., and at Xl Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge in New York on Monday, Nov. 18. Among the nominees are Oscar best picture winner Argo's casting director Lora Kennedy and casting director Avy Kaufman, who received noms for both Life of Pi and Lincoln. The first Artios Awards took place at the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1985. The
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- 8/19/2013
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Casting Society of America‘s 29th annual Artios Awards for outstanding achievement in casting will be awarded November 18 at simultaneous ceremonies at the Beverly Hilton and at the Xl Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge in New York. The 22 categories repping film, TV and theater recognize Csa members who use the criteria of originality, creativity and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project. Here are the 2013 nominees announced today: 2013 Artios Award Nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Casting Big Budget Feature – Comedy “Oz the Great and Powerful,” John Papsidera “Pain & Gain,” Denise Chamian, Lori Wyman (Location Casting), Ania Kamieniecki-O’Hare (Associate) “Silver Linings Playbook,” Mary Vernieu, Lindsay Graham, Diane Heery (Location Casting) “Ted,” Sheila Jaffe, Angela Peri (Location Casting) “The Watch,” Alyssa Weisberg, Shay Bentley Griffin (Location Casting), Yesi Ramirez (Associate), Karina Walters (Associate) Big Budget Feature – Drama “Argo,” Lora Kennedy “Les Misérables,” Nina Gold “Life of Pi,” Avy Kaufman “Lincoln,...
- 8/19/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Casting directors were over the moon about the creation of their own branch in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday. This move -- approved by the Board of Governors Tuesday night -- gives casting directors the ability to vote in their own Board of Governors representatives and nominate their own for inclusion in the Academy. The Casting Branch is the organization's 17th branch. Also read: Academy Gives Casting Directors Their Own Branch "We're absolutely thrilled, all of us," Lora Kennedy, casting director on "Argo" told TheWrap. She added, "Just so happy.
- 7/31/2013
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Interested in becoming an actor for a living or an extra on your favorite TV show or movie? If you’re attending Comic-Con next month, you’ll want to make time for The Casting Directors panel that will be taking place. A number of top casting directors will be on the panel, including The Walking Dead‘s Sharon Bialy.
The panel will be taking place on Friday, July 19th at Marriott Hall 2 from 2:20pm – 3:20pm. It will be moderated by Lora Kennedy (Warner Brothers, Evp, Features Casting. CD, Man of Steel) with the following panelists: Roger Mussenden (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Sharon Bialy (The Walking Dead), David Rapaport (Arrow) and Randi Hiller (Walt Disney Studios, VP Casting. CD, The Avengers).
New Comic-Con panels are being announced daily and we’ll have the full Comic-Con 2013 schedule in early July. We’ll be covering the event live from the...
The panel will be taking place on Friday, July 19th at Marriott Hall 2 from 2:20pm – 3:20pm. It will be moderated by Lora Kennedy (Warner Brothers, Evp, Features Casting. CD, Man of Steel) with the following panelists: Roger Mussenden (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Sharon Bialy (The Walking Dead), David Rapaport (Arrow) and Randi Hiller (Walt Disney Studios, VP Casting. CD, The Avengers).
New Comic-Con panels are being announced daily and we’ll have the full Comic-Con 2013 schedule in early July. We’ll be covering the event live from the...
- 6/27/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
The Oscar nominations are out, and many of the nominees are people Backstage has covered over the last year. We also spoke to several people behind the casting of the nominated films. A quick guide, by film, of articles you might want to catch up on before the big night. "Amour": Read our interview with Michael Haneke, nominated for directing and writing the best picture nominee here. "Argo": Stars Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, and Alan Arkin talk shop here while CD Lora Kennedy discusses casting the film here. And nominee Arkin reveals a hilarious story about being fired from "Bonfire of the Vanities" here. "Flight": See our exclusive video with nominated writer John Gatins, best actor nominee Denzel Washington, and other cast members here. "The Impossible": We spoke to best actress nominee Naomi Watts about her grueling role here. "Les Misérables" Interviews with Tom Hooper and cast members here,...
- 1/10/2013
- backstage.com
Just a casual glance at the credits of “Argo” confirms that casting it was a big job. Though director-star Ben Affleck reached out to the likes of Alan Arkin and John Goodman for roles, there were still many smaller parts for casting director Lora Kennedy to fill. “I must have seen 3,000 people, all told,” Kennedy says. “The process was very long, but with Ben it’s fun and collaborative.” And ongoing: Kennedy says that she cast one actor on the last day of shooting. The true but little-known tale of a rescue mission during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis brought a specific set of challenges. According to Kennedy, “There were about 130 people in the movie, and a lot of them were similar.” For example, she needed about “40 or 50 Caucasian men between 35 and 65, and I needed them to all look individual yet be part of a group. That was difficult.” Then there were all those Iranian roles.
- 11/21/2012
- backstage.com
Given each year, in addition to the awards presented to casting directors for their achievements in Theatre, Television, and Film casting, the Csa also gave out the following special awards to Casting Director Lora Kennedy for the Hoyt Bowers Award given for excellence in casting Harvey Fierstein received The New York Apple Award given to individual for contributions to the New York casting community and Ben Affleck, who received the Career Achievement Award.
- 10/30/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
This story first appeared in the Nov. 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. The Academy refuses to give an Oscar for casting, but the Casting Society of America will honor 107 nominees during its own annual bicoastal kudos fest, the Artios Awards, on Oct. 29 at the Beverly Hilton and New York's Xl Nightclub. Ben Affleck, Lora Kennedy and Harvey Fierstein will respectively collect the Career Achievement, Hoyt Bowers and New York Apple awards. Photos: Ben Affleck at 40: Portraits of 'Argo's' Leading Man, Director and Oscar-Baiting Auteur Kennedy, the casting director on Affleck's Argo, says her often-
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- 10/26/2012
- by Tim Appelo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Casting Society of America has announced the honorees for the Artios Awards for outstanding film, TV and theatre casting, given out at twin ceremonies at New York’s Xl Nightclub and Los Angeles’s Beverly Hilton on Oct. 29, when the winners for Outstanding Achievement in Casting will also be announced. (See nominations below.) Argo director/star Ben Affleck will receive the Career Achievement Award (previously won by Quentin Tarantino and Dick Wolf). The Hoyt Bowers Award goes to Argo casting director Lora Kennedy (past winners include Meg Liberman and Ellen Chenoweth). Harvey Fierstein wins the New York Apple Award, as
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- 10/24/2012
- by Tim Appelo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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