“Community” creator Dan Harmon is inching closer to the finish line for the “movie” portion of his “Six Seasons and a Movie” prophecy.
Following up on former “Community” star Donald Glover’s recent assertion that a script is already in the can, Harmon told Variety that it was almost right. According to Harmon, he’s “almost done” working on the script for the highly-anticipated film, which is set to run on NBCU’s Peacock streaming service.
“I can confirm Donald Glover’s report that I told him the script was done, but I will also say Donald’s sources are so unreliable because the script is always ‘almost done,'” Harmon quipped. “What can I tell you about it — it’s set on the campus of Greendale Community College. I’m super excited about it, and we’re almost done.”
Donald Glover told Entertainment Tonight last month that he was told “the script — literally,...
Following up on former “Community” star Donald Glover’s recent assertion that a script is already in the can, Harmon told Variety that it was almost right. According to Harmon, he’s “almost done” working on the script for the highly-anticipated film, which is set to run on NBCU’s Peacock streaming service.
“I can confirm Donald Glover’s report that I told him the script was done, but I will also say Donald’s sources are so unreliable because the script is always ‘almost done,'” Harmon quipped. “What can I tell you about it — it’s set on the campus of Greendale Community College. I’m super excited about it, and we’re almost done.”
Donald Glover told Entertainment Tonight last month that he was told “the script — literally,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood is overflowing with stories about films that took years of blood, sweat and tears to bring to the screen. Brian Helgeland’s Finestkind represents one of the longest kinds.
The Oscar-winning screenwriter of Mystic River and veteran director of such films as Legend, 42, A Knight’s Tale and Payback finished the script when he was 28. He’s now 62. “The joke is that I wrote it before Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega were born and Ben Foster was 10 years old. It’s very strange, but everything happens for a reason. I just had to wait for this whole cast to grow up so I could cast them,” he explained at the film’s West Hollywood premiere on Tuesday referring to his actors who star opposite Tommy Lee Jones, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Aaron Stanford, Scotty Tovar, Tim Daly, Lolita Davidovich and Clayne Crawford.
Finestkind, which hits Paramount+ on Dec. 15, tells the...
The Oscar-winning screenwriter of Mystic River and veteran director of such films as Legend, 42, A Knight’s Tale and Payback finished the script when he was 28. He’s now 62. “The joke is that I wrote it before Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega were born and Ben Foster was 10 years old. It’s very strange, but everything happens for a reason. I just had to wait for this whole cast to grow up so I could cast them,” he explained at the film’s West Hollywood premiere on Tuesday referring to his actors who star opposite Tommy Lee Jones, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Aaron Stanford, Scotty Tovar, Tim Daly, Lolita Davidovich and Clayne Crawford.
Finestkind, which hits Paramount+ on Dec. 15, tells the...
- 12/13/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tommy Lee Jones has yet to anchor a series in Taylor Sheridan’s vast TV universe — but at least he’s starring in an upcoming film from the producer, the crime drama “Finestkind.” You can watch the brand-new trailer for the Paramount+ film above.
In “Finestkind,” Jones plays the father of two sons who were raised in very different worlds (Ben Foster and Toby Wallace), who reunite over a fateful summer, first putting their father’s fishing boat in jeopardy and then embarking into even more dangerous waters.
According to the official synopsis, the movie is “set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang.”
The movie also stars Jenna Ortega, Cruz Cordova, Aaron Stanford, Scotty Tovar, Tim Daly, Lolita Davidovich and Clayne Crawford. Fun fact: an earlier iteration of...
In “Finestkind,” Jones plays the father of two sons who were raised in very different worlds (Ben Foster and Toby Wallace), who reunite over a fateful summer, first putting their father’s fishing boat in jeopardy and then embarking into even more dangerous waters.
According to the official synopsis, the movie is “set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang.”
The movie also stars Jenna Ortega, Cruz Cordova, Aaron Stanford, Scotty Tovar, Tim Daly, Lolita Davidovich and Clayne Crawford. Fun fact: an earlier iteration of...
- 10/26/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Jenna Ortega is being swept up in the current of crime for Brian Helgeland’s crime family drama “Finestkind.”
The “Wednesday” breakout star’s latest role is opposite Ben Foster, Toby Wallace, and Tommy Lee Jones who play a family of commercial fishermen that strike a deal with the Boston mob. “Finestkind” premiered at TIFF. Check out the IndieWire review from TIFF here.
The official synopsis reads: Written and directed by Helgeland, “Finestkind” tells the story of two brothers, played by Foster and Wallace, raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang. Along the way a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught perilously in the middle. Sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers,...
The “Wednesday” breakout star’s latest role is opposite Ben Foster, Toby Wallace, and Tommy Lee Jones who play a family of commercial fishermen that strike a deal with the Boston mob. “Finestkind” premiered at TIFF. Check out the IndieWire review from TIFF here.
The official synopsis reads: Written and directed by Helgeland, “Finestkind” tells the story of two brothers, played by Foster and Wallace, raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang. Along the way a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught perilously in the middle. Sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: We’re getting an exclusive first look at Paramount+’s Finestkind from Oscar winner Brian Helgeland, starring Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Foster and Toby Wallace, ahead of its premiere Friday at the Toronto Film Festival. The film is set for a November premiere exclusively on Paramount+.
Written and directed by Helgeland, Finestkind tells the story of two brothers (Foster & Wallace), raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang. Along the way a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught perilously in the middle. Sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers, and a father (Jones) and his son are put to the ultimate test.
“Finestkind is populated with characters I once knew.
Written and directed by Helgeland, Finestkind tells the story of two brothers (Foster & Wallace), raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over a fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, the story takes on primal stakes when desperate circumstances force the brothers to strike a deal with a violent Boston crime gang. Along the way a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught perilously in the middle. Sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers, and a father (Jones) and his son are put to the ultimate test.
“Finestkind is populated with characters I once knew.
- 9/8/2023
- by Denise Petski and Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sad update on the plan to bring the story about the 2021 California School for the Deaf football team to the small screen; the limited series is not moving forward.
After several months in production, the project from ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television was shuttered earlier this year as part of the parent company’s massive wave of cuts.
The studio had partnered with the school and the California Department of Education to tell the story of the team’s historical undefeated season and how it earned a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in school history. Historically a team that had never experienced anything close to a winning season, they went undefeated all the way to the state title game in their magical season.
The untitled project for Disney+ was set to star Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (Coda) as the team’s coach.
After several months in production, the project from ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television was shuttered earlier this year as part of the parent company’s massive wave of cuts.
The studio had partnered with the school and the California Department of Education to tell the story of the team’s historical undefeated season and how it earned a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in school history. Historically a team that had never experienced anything close to a winning season, they went undefeated all the way to the state title game in their magical season.
The untitled project for Disney+ was set to star Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (Coda) as the team’s coach.
- 6/22/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman, Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne are set to star in The Little Bedroom, the English-language remake of the 2010 Swiss film La Petite Chambre.
Sierra/Affinity are launching sales on the project and will be introducing it to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin.
Stéphanie Chuat and Véronique Reymond, the writer-director duo for whom the 2010 film was their directorial debut, will return to write and direct the remake, which is described as a “story life and hope but mainly of the heart.” Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce via the Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment banner along with Vega Film, which produced the original.
The Little Bedroom follows John, whose heart has weakened with age, but still beats with a stubborn independence. He refuses to entertain his son Michael’s plan of settling him in a retirement home, nor will he accept help from Rose, his home nurse.
Sierra/Affinity are launching sales on the project and will be introducing it to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin.
Stéphanie Chuat and Véronique Reymond, the writer-director duo for whom the 2010 film was their directorial debut, will return to write and direct the remake, which is described as a “story life and hope but mainly of the heart.” Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce via the Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment banner along with Vega Film, which produced the original.
The Little Bedroom follows John, whose heart has weakened with age, but still beats with a stubborn independence. He refuses to entertain his son Michael’s plan of settling him in a retirement home, nor will he accept help from Rose, his home nurse.
- 2/13/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
File this Home Economics casting under: Cool. Cool, cool, cool.
Community alum Danny Pudi will guest-star on an upcoming episode of the ABC comedy, TVLine has learned exclusively.
More from TVLineConners EP Confirms Surprise Return of an Original Roseanne Character Is Still in the Works (and Offers a Major Clue)The Good Doctor's 100th Episode Bumped by ABC for Mike Pence Interview -- Get New AirdateAndor's First 2 Episodes to Air on ABC, FX and Freeform for Thanksgiving
Pudi will play Brian, Connor’s money manager — which means he’s likely a very busy guy. His episode is slated to air on Wednesday,...
Community alum Danny Pudi will guest-star on an upcoming episode of the ABC comedy, TVLine has learned exclusively.
More from TVLineConners EP Confirms Surprise Return of an Original Roseanne Character Is Still in the Works (and Offers a Major Clue)The Good Doctor's 100th Episode Bumped by ABC for Mike Pence Interview -- Get New AirdateAndor's First 2 Episodes to Air on ABC, FX and Freeform for Thanksgiving
Pudi will play Brian, Connor’s money manager — which means he’s likely a very busy guy. His episode is slated to air on Wednesday,...
- 11/14/2022
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Is Jehovah’s Most Secret Witness returning to Greendale?
Appearing at New York Comic Con Friday, Community creator Dan Harmon suggested — but stopped short of confirming — that Donald Glover will reprise his role as Troy Barnes in Peacock’s highly anticipated, feature-length revival Community the Movie.
More from TVLine<i>Community: The Movie</i> — Everything We Know About the Plot, Filming, Casting, Release Date and MoreChevy Chase Unloads on <em>Community</em> Experience: ‘The Show Wasn’t Funny Enough For Me’The Conners' Jackie Makes a Huge Life Change in Season 6 Premiere - Plus, New Main Title Sequence Revealed
“I think that Donald is coming,...
Appearing at New York Comic Con Friday, Community creator Dan Harmon suggested — but stopped short of confirming — that Donald Glover will reprise his role as Troy Barnes in Peacock’s highly anticipated, feature-length revival Community the Movie.
More from TVLine<i>Community: The Movie</i> — Everything We Know About the Plot, Filming, Casting, Release Date and MoreChevy Chase Unloads on <em>Community</em> Experience: ‘The Show Wasn’t Funny Enough For Me’The Conners' Jackie Makes a Huge Life Change in Season 6 Premiere - Plus, New Main Title Sequence Revealed
“I think that Donald is coming,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Click here to read the full article.
What may have started as a joke in season two and evolved into a hashtag campaign by fans is now coming to fruition.
More than seven years after the former NBC comedy wrapped its run with its sixth and final season on Yahoo, cult favorite comedy Community is officially getting its long-awaited movie. Peacock, NBC’s streaming counterpart, has greenlit the untitled Community movie after landing the project from series creator Dan Harmon following a bidding war with other platforms.
Six of Community’s nine central stars will return for the movie: Joel McHale (Jeff), Danny Pudi (Abed), Alison Brie (Annie), Gillian Jacobs (Britta), Jim Rash (Craig) and Ken Jeong (Ben). Donald Glover (Troy), Chevy Chase (Pierce) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Shirley) are not currently attached to the movie. Reps for Peacock declined comment on their status and if any negotiations were expected...
What may have started as a joke in season two and evolved into a hashtag campaign by fans is now coming to fruition.
More than seven years after the former NBC comedy wrapped its run with its sixth and final season on Yahoo, cult favorite comedy Community is officially getting its long-awaited movie. Peacock, NBC’s streaming counterpart, has greenlit the untitled Community movie after landing the project from series creator Dan Harmon following a bidding war with other platforms.
Six of Community’s nine central stars will return for the movie: Joel McHale (Jeff), Danny Pudi (Abed), Alison Brie (Annie), Gillian Jacobs (Britta), Jim Rash (Craig) and Ken Jeong (Ben). Donald Glover (Troy), Chevy Chase (Pierce) and Yvette Nicole Brown (Shirley) are not currently attached to the movie. Reps for Peacock declined comment on their status and if any negotiations were expected...
- 9/30/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pop, pop the champagne: Maybe it’s not the darkest timeline after all, as “six seasons and a movie” is finally becoming reality. Peacock has ordered a movie based on the Dan Harmon comedy “Community,” bringing back original stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong to check in on what the gang from Greendale has been up to since the show ended in 2015.
Without sharing specifics, Peacock and Sony Pictures TV, which jointly announced the greenlight on Friday, described the negotiations for Peacock to secure the movie as “heavily competitive.” As part of the deal, Peacock has also acquired non-exclusive rights to the full six-season “Community” library, which can also be found on Netflix and Hulu.
“Community” creator Harmon is behind the movie as executive producer and writer, along with Andrew Guest. McHale also serves as EP, as do Russ Krasnoff and Gary Foster.
Without sharing specifics, Peacock and Sony Pictures TV, which jointly announced the greenlight on Friday, described the negotiations for Peacock to secure the movie as “heavily competitive.” As part of the deal, Peacock has also acquired non-exclusive rights to the full six-season “Community” library, which can also be found on Netflix and Hulu.
“Community” creator Harmon is behind the movie as executive producer and writer, along with Andrew Guest. McHale also serves as EP, as do Russ Krasnoff and Gary Foster.
- 9/30/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Six seasons and a movie is finally real after NBCUniversal’s Peacock ordered a feature film closure for Community.
It’s a long time coming for the fan-favorite series, which ran for more than 100 episodes between 2009 and 2015.
The streaming service has ordered Community: The Movie from creator Dan Harmon. It will feature original series stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong. The NBCU digital platform won the rights in a competitive situation.
It comes a month after Harmon gave his most concrete answer to the question about when the movie is coming, revealing that it was a “matter of when.” It seems when is now.
Community, which was set in a community college in Colorado, originally launched on NBC, airing alongside series such as The Office, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. It ran for five seasons on the linear network before moving to Yahoo!
It’s a long time coming for the fan-favorite series, which ran for more than 100 episodes between 2009 and 2015.
The streaming service has ordered Community: The Movie from creator Dan Harmon. It will feature original series stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong. The NBCU digital platform won the rights in a competitive situation.
It comes a month after Harmon gave his most concrete answer to the question about when the movie is coming, revealing that it was a “matter of when.” It seems when is now.
Community, which was set in a community college in Colorado, originally launched on NBC, airing alongside series such as The Office, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. It ran for five seasons on the linear network before moving to Yahoo!
- 9/30/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Coda’ Star Troy Kotsur to Lead Disney+ Series Based on True Story of Deaf High School Football Team
Disney+ is developing a series based on the football team from the California School for the Deaf Riverside (Csdr) with Troy Kotsur attached to play the team’s coach, Variety has learned.
ABC Signature has partnered with Csdr, their football program, and the the California Department of Education to develop the untitled series for Disney+. The show will tell the true story of the Csdr Cubs’ 2021 football season, when the team went undefeated and got all the way to the California State Championship.
The series will portray the students, teachers, and their families. The writing and production team, both in front of and behind the cameras, will include artists from the Deaf community.
Ron Shelton is attached to write and direct the pilot as well as executive produce, with Ben Shelton also set to write and executive produce. Kotsur will executive produce in addition to starring. Kevin Falls will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
ABC Signature has partnered with Csdr, their football program, and the the California Department of Education to develop the untitled series for Disney+. The show will tell the true story of the Csdr Cubs’ 2021 football season, when the team went undefeated and got all the way to the California State Championship.
The series will portray the students, teachers, and their families. The writing and production team, both in front of and behind the cameras, will include artists from the Deaf community.
Ron Shelton is attached to write and direct the pilot as well as executive produce, with Ben Shelton also set to write and executive produce. Kotsur will executive produce in addition to starring. Kevin Falls will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
- 7/28/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Disney+ announced Thursday a sports drama series with an impressive bench of talent attached.
Oscar-winning Coda actor Troy Kotsur is attached to star and executive produce the as-yet-untitled project which tells the true story of the 2021 Cubs Football team, where a Deaf team had an undefeated season and earned a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in its school history. Kotsur will play the team’s coach.
Acclaimed sports drama veteran writer Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) is attached to direct the pilot, executive produce, as well as write the pilot along with Ben Shelton (Candy Jar) who will write and executive produce. Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin (Coda) will also executive produce. Kevin Falls (The West Wing) will executive produce and will serve as showrunner.
The project is being developed by ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television and...
Disney+ announced Thursday a sports drama series with an impressive bench of talent attached.
Oscar-winning Coda actor Troy Kotsur is attached to star and executive produce the as-yet-untitled project which tells the true story of the 2021 Cubs Football team, where a Deaf team had an undefeated season and earned a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in its school history. Kotsur will play the team’s coach.
Acclaimed sports drama veteran writer Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) is attached to direct the pilot, executive produce, as well as write the pilot along with Ben Shelton (Candy Jar) who will write and executive produce. Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin (Coda) will also executive produce. Kevin Falls (The West Wing) will executive produce and will serve as showrunner.
The project is being developed by ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television and...
- 7/28/2022
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Coda” star and Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner Troy Kotsur will star and executive produce in a Disney+ series inspired by the California School for the Deaf Riverside football team’s undefeated 2021 season.
The series not only recounts the football team’s historic run, but is a groundbreaking story about the Deaf community, both on and off the field. The untitled show will portray students, teachers and families, the challenges they face and the successes they achieve in this world. Kotsur will play the team’s head coach.
The series draws inspiration from the 2021 Csdr Cubs’ real-life undefeated football season that earned them a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in school history. Playing mostly hearing teams, the Cubs passed and ran through their league surprising everyone but themselves. Their success captured the hearts of the entire nation leading to their captains being on the...
The series not only recounts the football team’s historic run, but is a groundbreaking story about the Deaf community, both on and off the field. The untitled show will portray students, teachers and families, the challenges they face and the successes they achieve in this world. Kotsur will play the team’s head coach.
The series draws inspiration from the 2021 Csdr Cubs’ real-life undefeated football season that earned them a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in school history. Playing mostly hearing teams, the Cubs passed and ran through their league surprising everyone but themselves. Their success captured the hearts of the entire nation leading to their captains being on the...
- 7/28/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
After a bidding war, ABC Signature has secured exclusive TV rights to the extraordinary story of the 2021 football team from the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, CA.
ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television are developing the untitled project for Disney+. Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (Coda) will play the team’s coach and executive produce the project with his Coda co-star Marlee Matlin. Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) is attached to direct the pilot and executive produce, as well as write the pilot along with Ben Shelton (Candy Jar) who will write and executive produce.
Kevin Falls will executive produce and serve as showrunner.
The studio will partner with the school and the California Department of Education to tell the story of the team’s historical undefeated season and how it earned a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in school history.
ABC Signature and Disney Branded Television are developing the untitled project for Disney+. Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (Coda) will play the team’s coach and executive produce the project with his Coda co-star Marlee Matlin. Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) is attached to direct the pilot and executive produce, as well as write the pilot along with Ben Shelton (Candy Jar) who will write and executive produce.
Kevin Falls will executive produce and serve as showrunner.
The studio will partner with the school and the California Department of Education to tell the story of the team’s historical undefeated season and how it earned a spot in the California State Championship game for the first time in school history.
- 7/28/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Aaron Stanford, Scotty Tovar, Tim Daly, Lolita Davidovich and Clayne Crawford have joined the cast of “Finestkind.”
As previously announced, the crime thriller also stars Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Foster, Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega. It is written and directed by Brian Helgeland, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential” and “Mystic River,” as well as the director of “A Knight’s Tale.” “Finestkind” is set to debut exclusively on Paramount+ in late 2022.
The film unfolds in New Bedford, Mass., America’s biggest commercial fishing port, and tells the story of two brothers (Foster and Wallace) from opposite sides of the tracks, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught in the middle. This tests the bonds between brothers, friends, and a father (Jones) and his son.
As previously announced, the crime thriller also stars Oscar-winner Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Foster, Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega. It is written and directed by Brian Helgeland, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential” and “Mystic River,” as well as the director of “A Knight’s Tale.” “Finestkind” is set to debut exclusively on Paramount+ in late 2022.
The film unfolds in New Bedford, Mass., America’s biggest commercial fishing port, and tells the story of two brothers (Foster and Wallace) from opposite sides of the tracks, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught in the middle. This tests the bonds between brothers, friends, and a father (Jones) and his son.
- 4/21/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount+ has acquired the rights to “Finestkind,” a crime thriller that stars Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster.
Brian Helgeland, an Oscar-winner for “L.A. Confidential,” will both write and direct the film that will begin production later this month in Massachusetts. The film will also stars Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega.
“Finestkind” will debut on Paramount+ in late 2022 in the United States. It will also be available on Paramount+ in Australia, Canada and Latin America as well as in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and South Korea when the service launches in those markets later this year.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment are producing “Finestkind” along with Taylor Sheridan for Bosque Ranch and David C. Glasser of 101 Studios, and in association with MTV Entertainment Studios. Paramount+ picked up the rights to “Finestkind” from 101 Studios, which will handle international sales rights to the film.
Brian Helgeland, an Oscar-winner for “L.A. Confidential,” will both write and direct the film that will begin production later this month in Massachusetts. The film will also stars Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega.
“Finestkind” will debut on Paramount+ in late 2022 in the United States. It will also be available on Paramount+ in Australia, Canada and Latin America as well as in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and South Korea when the service launches in those markets later this year.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment are producing “Finestkind” along with Taylor Sheridan for Bosque Ranch and David C. Glasser of 101 Studios, and in association with MTV Entertainment Studios. Paramount+ picked up the rights to “Finestkind” from 101 Studios, which will handle international sales rights to the film.
- 4/5/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Paramount+ has acquired Finestkind, the crime thriller from Oscar winner Brian Helgeland which stars Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones, Ben Foster, Toby Wallace and Jenna Ortega. A drop date later this year on the streamer is scheduled.
Pic takes place in New Bedford, Mass., which is the biggest commercial fishing port in the U.S. Finestkind follows two brothers (Foster and Wallace) from opposite sides of the tracks, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught in the middle. Along the way, sacrifices must be made, and bonds between brothers, friends, and a father (Jones) and his son are put to the test.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment are producing in addition to Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan of Bosque Ranch, David C.
Pic takes place in New Bedford, Mass., which is the biggest commercial fishing port in the U.S. Finestkind follows two brothers (Foster and Wallace) from opposite sides of the tracks, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught in the middle. Along the way, sacrifices must be made, and bonds between brothers, friends, and a father (Jones) and his son are put to the test.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment are producing in addition to Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan of Bosque Ranch, David C.
- 4/5/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Meg Ryan is set to direct a feature adaptation of well-received novel A Lady’s Guide To Selling Out for Netflix.
Sally Franson’s book follows Casey Pendergast, described as a “praise-seeking missile who navigates a tricky Twenty First Century career and the even trickier question of who she wants to be”.
Described by publishers as being in the vein of The Devil Wears Prada and Mad Men, the romantic comedy hones in on the book-loving English major who lands a job at a top ad agency. Her best friend thinks she’s a sellout, but Casey tells herself that she’s just paying the bills and can’t help that she has champagne taste. When she falls in love with one of her authors, she can no longer ignore her own doubts about the human cost of her success.
Jenny Rachel Weiner is scripting the project which is...
Sally Franson’s book follows Casey Pendergast, described as a “praise-seeking missile who navigates a tricky Twenty First Century career and the even trickier question of who she wants to be”.
Described by publishers as being in the vein of The Devil Wears Prada and Mad Men, the romantic comedy hones in on the book-loving English major who lands a job at a top ad agency. Her best friend thinks she’s a sellout, but Casey tells herself that she’s just paying the bills and can’t help that she has champagne taste. When she falls in love with one of her authors, she can no longer ignore her own doubts about the human cost of her success.
Jenny Rachel Weiner is scripting the project which is...
- 3/15/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Iranian-Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari will adapt and direct the film.
Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone’s US-uk production company Sister is teaming with US outfit Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment to produce Noora Niasari’s Raya, a period drama about the seemingly fairy tale life of an Iranian princess.
Iranian-Australian filmmaker Niasari is adapting Mahsa Rahmani Noble’s 2018 novel of the same name.
Sister is funding development of the title with additional partners to come on board; principal photography is scheduled to take place in 2022.
The producers are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff for Krasnoff/Foster alongside Kate Fenske for Sister.
Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone’s US-uk production company Sister is teaming with US outfit Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment to produce Noora Niasari’s Raya, a period drama about the seemingly fairy tale life of an Iranian princess.
Iranian-Australian filmmaker Niasari is adapting Mahsa Rahmani Noble’s 2018 novel of the same name.
Sister is funding development of the title with additional partners to come on board; principal photography is scheduled to take place in 2022.
The producers are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff for Krasnoff/Foster alongside Kate Fenske for Sister.
- 7/13/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment has partnered with Sister, the production company founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone, on the feature film “Raya,” based on the novel by Mahsa Rahmani Noble. Iranian-Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari will adapt and direct.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce for Krasnoff/Foster alongside Kate Fenske for Sister, who together are producing “The Jungle Prince of Delhi” for Amazon, with Mira Nair set to direct.
“Raya” is a historical fiction about Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bahktiari, who lived a life seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. The only daughter of a prominent Iranian family, at 16 she is selected from among the most beautiful and eligible women of her country to wed the Shah of Iran. “Years later, a chance encounter with a distant relative leads Soraya back on a journey through the tender and tumultuous times of her life as another young woman...
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce for Krasnoff/Foster alongside Kate Fenske for Sister, who together are producing “The Jungle Prince of Delhi” for Amazon, with Mira Nair set to direct.
“Raya” is a historical fiction about Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bahktiari, who lived a life seemingly straight out of a fairy tale. The only daughter of a prominent Iranian family, at 16 she is selected from among the most beautiful and eligible women of her country to wed the Shah of Iran. “Years later, a chance encounter with a distant relative leads Soraya back on a journey through the tender and tumultuous times of her life as another young woman...
- 7/13/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Iranian-Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari has been signed on to adapt and direct Mahsa Rahmani Nobel’s novel Raya.
The historical fiction book is about Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bahktiari, the only daughter of a prominent Iranian family. At 16 she is selected from among the most beautiful and eligible women of her country to wed the Shah of Iran. Years later, a chance encounter with a distant relative leads Soraya back on a journey through her past.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce for Krasnoff/Foster alongside Kate Fenske for Sister, who together are also producing The Jungle Prince of Delhi for Amazon, which has Mira Nair set to direct.
The deals were made by UTA, Erica Silverman of Trident Media Group, Hamish Berry of Bruns Brennan & Berry, PC, John Laviolette, and Granderson Des Rochers.
The historical fiction book is about Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bahktiari, the only daughter of a prominent Iranian family. At 16 she is selected from among the most beautiful and eligible women of her country to wed the Shah of Iran. Years later, a chance encounter with a distant relative leads Soraya back on a journey through her past.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce for Krasnoff/Foster alongside Kate Fenske for Sister, who together are also producing The Jungle Prince of Delhi for Amazon, which has Mira Nair set to direct.
The deals were made by UTA, Erica Silverman of Trident Media Group, Hamish Berry of Bruns Brennan & Berry, PC, John Laviolette, and Granderson Des Rochers.
- 7/13/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has landed the rights to develop the 2020 Pulitzer Prize finalist New York Times story and podcast “The Jungle Prince of Delhi” as a drama series, Variety has learned.
The story, written by Ellen Barry, delved into the history of the royal family of Oudh, deposed aristocrats living in a ruined palace in the Indian capital claiming to be the heirs to a fallen kingdom.
Mira Nair is attached to direct the project and will also executive produce. Stacey Snider, Jane Featherstone, and Kate Fenske of Sister will also executive produce along with Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, Christina Lurie of Fourth and Twenty Eight Films, and Barry and Caitlin Roper, head of scripted entertainment for The New York Times.
“Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ellen Barry’s beautifully written tale of the Oudh family revealed deeper truths rooted in the violence and trauma of the partition of India,...
The story, written by Ellen Barry, delved into the history of the royal family of Oudh, deposed aristocrats living in a ruined palace in the Indian capital claiming to be the heirs to a fallen kingdom.
Mira Nair is attached to direct the project and will also executive produce. Stacey Snider, Jane Featherstone, and Kate Fenske of Sister will also executive produce along with Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, Christina Lurie of Fourth and Twenty Eight Films, and Barry and Caitlin Roper, head of scripted entertainment for The New York Times.
“Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ellen Barry’s beautifully written tale of the Oudh family revealed deeper truths rooted in the violence and trauma of the partition of India,...
- 7/9/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The Jungle Prince of Delhi, a film based on the New York Times exposé about the fake royal family of Oudh, is in development as a feature film at Amazon.
The streamer has secured the exclusive rights to the story, which was also profiled on the paper’s podcast The Daily and was a 2020 Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Mira Nair, who recently directed six-part BBC drama A Suitable Boy, is attached to direct and exec produce. The project, which is in development, comes from Chernobyl producer Sister, Community producer Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment and Fourth and Twenty Eight Films, run by Philadelphia Eagles minority owner Christina Lurie.
The feature tells the story of the eccentric royal family of Oudh, deposed aristocrats living in a ruined palace in the Indian capital, claiming to be the heirs to a fallen kingdom. Written by Ellen Barry, it turns out that Prince Cyrus, who claimed to...
The streamer has secured the exclusive rights to the story, which was also profiled on the paper’s podcast The Daily and was a 2020 Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Mira Nair, who recently directed six-part BBC drama A Suitable Boy, is attached to direct and exec produce. The project, which is in development, comes from Chernobyl producer Sister, Community producer Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment and Fourth and Twenty Eight Films, run by Philadelphia Eagles minority owner Christina Lurie.
The feature tells the story of the eccentric royal family of Oudh, deposed aristocrats living in a ruined palace in the Indian capital, claiming to be the heirs to a fallen kingdom. Written by Ellen Barry, it turns out that Prince Cyrus, who claimed to...
- 7/9/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Author: Zehra Phelan
Stx International has announced that new Batman possibility Jake Gyllenhaal, alongside Baby Driver’s Ansel Elgort and Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman’s Zendaya have joined the cast of the crime thriller, Finest Kind.
The feature is written and directed by the Legend and A Knights Tale filmmaker Brian Helgeland and will tell the story of two brothers – who will be played by Gyllenhaal and Elgort – who strike a dangerous deal with a crime syndicate that draws them into the Boston underworld. As pressures mount, sacrifices must be made and bonds are put to the test.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will be producing the feature through Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment. Imperative Entertainment’s Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas as well as Gyllenhaal and Riva Marker, under their Nine Stories banner, will also be producing.
“Brian and I have dreamed about making this film together for a long time.
Stx International has announced that new Batman possibility Jake Gyllenhaal, alongside Baby Driver’s Ansel Elgort and Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Greatest Showman’s Zendaya have joined the cast of the crime thriller, Finest Kind.
The feature is written and directed by the Legend and A Knights Tale filmmaker Brian Helgeland and will tell the story of two brothers – who will be played by Gyllenhaal and Elgort – who strike a dangerous deal with a crime syndicate that draws them into the Boston underworld. As pressures mount, sacrifices must be made and bonds are put to the test.
Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will be producing the feature through Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment. Imperative Entertainment’s Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas as well as Gyllenhaal and Riva Marker, under their Nine Stories banner, will also be producing.
“Brian and I have dreamed about making this film together for a long time.
- 2/12/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Jake Gyllenhaal, Ansel Elgort, and Zendaya have signed on to star in Finest Kind, a crime thriller written and directed by Oscar-winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential). It follows two brothers (Gyllenhaal and Elgort) who strike a dangerous deal with a crime syndicate that draws them into the Boston underworld. Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff are producing the pic through Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, along with Imperative Entertainment's Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas…...
- 2/10/2018
- Deadline
La La Land wins top prize at the ceremony.
La La Land was the big winner at the 2017 Baftas, winning five prizes, including best film, best director (Damien Chazelle) and best actress (Emma Stone).
Casey Affleck won leading actor for Manchester by the Sea, with Dev Patel (Lion) and Viola Davis (Fences) winning supporting actor and actress.
I, Daniel Blake won outstanding British film.
The 2017 Baftas took place on Feb 12 at the Royal Albert Hall and were once again hosted once again by Stephen Fry.
Read: Eight talking points ahead of the BaftasThe full list of winners
Winners in bold.
Best Filmarrival Dan Levine, Shawn Levy, David Linde, Aaron RyderI, Daniel Blake Rebecca O’BrienLA La Land Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Marc PlattMANCHESTER By The Sea Lauren Beck, Matt Damon, Chris Moore, Kimberly Steward, Kevin J. WalshMOONLIGHT Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adele RomanskiLEADING Actressamy Adams ArrivalEMILY Blunt The Girl on the TrainEMMA Stone La La LandMERYL Streep...
La La Land was the big winner at the 2017 Baftas, winning five prizes, including best film, best director (Damien Chazelle) and best actress (Emma Stone).
Casey Affleck won leading actor for Manchester by the Sea, with Dev Patel (Lion) and Viola Davis (Fences) winning supporting actor and actress.
I, Daniel Blake won outstanding British film.
The 2017 Baftas took place on Feb 12 at the Royal Albert Hall and were once again hosted once again by Stephen Fry.
Read: Eight talking points ahead of the BaftasThe full list of winners
Winners in bold.
Best Filmarrival Dan Levine, Shawn Levy, David Linde, Aaron RyderI, Daniel Blake Rebecca O’BrienLA La Land Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Marc PlattMANCHESTER By The Sea Lauren Beck, Matt Damon, Chris Moore, Kimberly Steward, Kevin J. WalshMOONLIGHT Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adele RomanskiLEADING Actressamy Adams ArrivalEMILY Blunt The Girl on the TrainEMMA Stone La La LandMERYL Streep...
- 2/12/2017
- ScreenDaily
La La Land, Arrival, Nocturnal Animals and I, Daniel Blake among films competing for Bafta glory.
The 2017 Baftas take place on Feb 12 at the Royal Albert Hall and are hosted once again by Stephen Fry.
The show is broadcast on BBC One on a time delay, but Screen will be following the action as it happens from around 6:45Gmt and updating the winners as they are announced, below.
Read: Eight talking points ahead of the BaftasThe nominations
Winners in bold.
Leading Actorandrew Garfield Hacksaw RidgeCASEY Affleck Manchester by the SeaJAKE Gyllenhaal Nocturnal AnimalsRYAN Gosling La La LandVIGGO Mortensen Captain FantasticCINEMATOGRAPHYARRIVAL Bradford YoungHELL Or High Water Giles NuttgensLA La Land Linus SandgrenLION Greig FraserNOCTURNAL Animals Seamus McGarveyORIGINAL Screenplayhell Or High Water Taylor SheridanI, Daniel Blake Paul LavertyLA La Land Damien ChazelleMANCHESTER By The Sea Kenneth LonerganMOONLIGHT Barry JenkinsOutstanding British contribution to cinemaCURZON Cinemassupporting Actoraaron Taylor-johnson Nocturnal AnimalsDEV Patel LionHUGH Grant Florence Foster JenkinsJEFF Bridges Hell or High...
The 2017 Baftas take place on Feb 12 at the Royal Albert Hall and are hosted once again by Stephen Fry.
The show is broadcast on BBC One on a time delay, but Screen will be following the action as it happens from around 6:45Gmt and updating the winners as they are announced, below.
Read: Eight talking points ahead of the BaftasThe nominations
Winners in bold.
Leading Actorandrew Garfield Hacksaw RidgeCASEY Affleck Manchester by the SeaJAKE Gyllenhaal Nocturnal AnimalsRYAN Gosling La La LandVIGGO Mortensen Captain FantasticCINEMATOGRAPHYARRIVAL Bradford YoungHELL Or High Water Giles NuttgensLA La Land Linus SandgrenLION Greig FraserNOCTURNAL Animals Seamus McGarveyORIGINAL Screenplayhell Or High Water Taylor SheridanI, Daniel Blake Paul LavertyLA La Land Damien ChazelleMANCHESTER By The Sea Kenneth LonerganMOONLIGHT Barry JenkinsOutstanding British contribution to cinemaCURZON Cinemassupporting Actoraaron Taylor-johnson Nocturnal AnimalsDEV Patel LionHUGH Grant Florence Foster JenkinsJEFF Bridges Hell or High...
- 2/12/2017
- ScreenDaily
Sophie Turner and Dominic Cooper presented this year’s nominations.Baftas 2017‘La La Land’ leads the way with 11 nominationsBaftas 2017: nominees’ reactionsBaftas 2017: eOne and Lionsgate score record number of nominationsBaftas 2017 analysis: ‘La La Land’ soars, diversity debate simmers
Bafta chair Jane Lush was joined by Sophie Turner and Dominic Cooper to announce the nominations for the Ee British Academy Film Awards in London on January 10 2017.
The awards will take place on Feb 12 at the Royal Albert Hall and will be hosted once again by Stephen Fry. The show will be broadcast on BBC One.
2017 nominationsBEST Filmarrival Dan Levine, Shawn Levy, David Linde, Aaron RyderI, Daniel Blake Rebecca O’BrienLA La Land Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Marc PlattMANCHESTER By The Sea Lauren Beck, Matt Damon, Chris Moore, Kimberly Steward, Kevin J. WalshMOONLIGHT Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adele RomanskiOUTSTANDING British Filmamerican Honey Andrea Arnold, Lars Knudsen, Pouya Shahbazian, Jay Van HoyDENIAL Mick Jackson, Gary Foster, [link...
Bafta chair Jane Lush was joined by Sophie Turner and Dominic Cooper to announce the nominations for the Ee British Academy Film Awards in London on January 10 2017.
The awards will take place on Feb 12 at the Royal Albert Hall and will be hosted once again by Stephen Fry. The show will be broadcast on BBC One.
2017 nominationsBEST Filmarrival Dan Levine, Shawn Levy, David Linde, Aaron RyderI, Daniel Blake Rebecca O’BrienLA La Land Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Marc PlattMANCHESTER By The Sea Lauren Beck, Matt Damon, Chris Moore, Kimberly Steward, Kevin J. WalshMOONLIGHT Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adele RomanskiOUTSTANDING British Filmamerican Honey Andrea Arnold, Lars Knudsen, Pouya Shahbazian, Jay Van HoyDENIAL Mick Jackson, Gary Foster, [link...
- 1/10/2017
- ScreenDaily
Rachel Weisz is preparing for the legal battle of a lifetime, in her journey to prove a historical truth, in the latest photos from her upcoming film, ‘Denial.’ The stills have been released by Bleecker Street, which will distribute the biographical drama in select theaters on September 30, 2016. The historical biopic was directed by Emmy Award winner Mick Jackson, and produced by Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff. The drama, which is based on Deborah E. Lipstadt’s acclaimed book, ‘Denial: Holocaust History on Trial,’ was adapted for the screen by BAFTA and Academy Award nominated writer, David Hare. Bleecker Street has released the following synopsis for ‘Denial,’ which will be [ Read More ]
The post Rachel Weisz Proving Her Enemy’s In Denial in Drama’s New Images appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Rachel Weisz Proving Her Enemy’s In Denial in Drama’s New Images appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 7/26/2016
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
It wouldn’t be the fall awards season if there wasn’t a Holocaust drama, but this year we’ll get one from a different angle. Rather being set during World War II, Denial takes places decades after as it recounts the true events captured in Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier. Coming from director Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin) and writer David Hare (The Reader, The Hours), the first trailer has landed today.
The film tracks Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt in which she fights for the truth against David Irving (Timothy Spall), with the help of Tom Wilkinson‘s character. While it checks off all the markings of a tried and true awards season drama, hopefully it proves to excel beyond those trappings. Ahead of a likely premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, check out the trailer and poster below for the Bleecker Street release.
Based on the acclaimed book “History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier,” Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s (Academy Award® winner Rachel Weisz) legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (Cannes Award winner Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Also starring two-time Academy Award® nominee Tom Wilkinson, the film is directed by Emmy Award® winner Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin) and adapted for the screen by BAFTA and Academy Award® nominated writer David Hare (The Reader). Producers are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff.
Denial opens on September 30, 2016.
The film tracks Rachel Weisz as Lipstadt in which she fights for the truth against David Irving (Timothy Spall), with the help of Tom Wilkinson‘s character. While it checks off all the markings of a tried and true awards season drama, hopefully it proves to excel beyond those trappings. Ahead of a likely premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, check out the trailer and poster below for the Bleecker Street release.
Based on the acclaimed book “History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier,” Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s (Academy Award® winner Rachel Weisz) legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (Cannes Award winner Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. Also starring two-time Academy Award® nominee Tom Wilkinson, the film is directed by Emmy Award® winner Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin) and adapted for the screen by BAFTA and Academy Award® nominated writer David Hare (The Reader). Producers are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff.
Denial opens on September 30, 2016.
- 6/15/2016
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Plus: Awesomeness Films acquires Spontaneous; and more…
Bleecker Street has set a September 30 awards season release date for Denial, the Rachel Weisz starrer based on Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History On Trial: My Day In Court With A Holocaust Denier.
The story of Lipstadt’s legal battle with Holocaust denier David Irving stars Timothy Spall as the latter, as well as Tom Wilkinson and Andrew Scott.
Mick Jackson directs from David Hare’s adapted screenplay. Producing Denial are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff, while Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, BBC Films’ Christine Langan and Joe Oppenheimer, Bleecker Street’s Andrew Karpen, and Shoebox Films Guy Heeley serve as executive producers.
Awesomeness Films has acquired rights to Ya novel Spontaneous and set Brian Duffield to adapt. Duffield and Nicki Cortese will produce under their Jurassic Party’s first-look deal with Awesomeness. AwesomenessTV head Brian Robbins and Awesomeness Films head Matt Kaplan will produce...
Bleecker Street has set a September 30 awards season release date for Denial, the Rachel Weisz starrer based on Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History On Trial: My Day In Court With A Holocaust Denier.
The story of Lipstadt’s legal battle with Holocaust denier David Irving stars Timothy Spall as the latter, as well as Tom Wilkinson and Andrew Scott.
Mick Jackson directs from David Hare’s adapted screenplay. Producing Denial are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff, while Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, BBC Films’ Christine Langan and Joe Oppenheimer, Bleecker Street’s Andrew Karpen, and Shoebox Films Guy Heeley serve as executive producers.
Awesomeness Films has acquired rights to Ya novel Spontaneous and set Brian Duffield to adapt. Duffield and Nicki Cortese will produce under their Jurassic Party’s first-look deal with Awesomeness. AwesomenessTV head Brian Robbins and Awesomeness Films head Matt Kaplan will produce...
- 6/2/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
"Sherlock" and "Spectre" cast member Andrew Scott is set to join Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson and Timothy Spall in the cast of Mick Jackson's "Denial" at Bleecker Street. Filming began in London this week.
David Hare ("The Reader," "The Hours") adapted Deborah E. Lipstadt's book "History on Trial" which recounts her legal battle for historical truth against David Irving, a man who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust Denier.
With the burden of proof on the accused, she and her legal team to prove that the Holocaust happened. Scott will play lawyer Antony Julius while Caren Pistorius, Jack Lowden, Alex Jennings and Harriet Walter also star. Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce.
Source: Variety...
David Hare ("The Reader," "The Hours") adapted Deborah E. Lipstadt's book "History on Trial" which recounts her legal battle for historical truth against David Irving, a man who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust Denier.
With the burden of proof on the accused, she and her legal team to prove that the Holocaust happened. Scott will play lawyer Antony Julius while Caren Pistorius, Jack Lowden, Alex Jennings and Harriet Walter also star. Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce.
Source: Variety...
- 12/9/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Spectre and Sherlock star joins the cast of the Participant Media and BBC Films production
Principal photography has begun this week in London on Denial, based on Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court With a Holocaust Denier.
Rachel Weisz (The Lobster) will star alongside Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) and Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner).
Andrew Scott, star of Spectre, Pride and Sherlock joins the cast in the role of solicitor Anthony Julius.
Supporting cast includes Caren Pistorius (Slow West), Jack Lowden (War and Peace), Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van) and Harriet Walter (Suite Francaise).
Adapted for the screen by David Hare (The Reader, The Hours), the book recounts Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust Denier.
In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused; therefore, it was up...
Principal photography has begun this week in London on Denial, based on Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court With a Holocaust Denier.
Rachel Weisz (The Lobster) will star alongside Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) and Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner).
Andrew Scott, star of Spectre, Pride and Sherlock joins the cast in the role of solicitor Anthony Julius.
Supporting cast includes Caren Pistorius (Slow West), Jack Lowden (War and Peace), Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van) and Harriet Walter (Suite Francaise).
Adapted for the screen by David Hare (The Reader, The Hours), the book recounts Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust Denier.
In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused; therefore, it was up...
- 12/9/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Hilary Swank and Tom Wilkinson are attached to star in the fact-based courtroom drama "Denial" for Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, Shoebox Films, Participant Media and BBC Films.
Based on Deborah E. Lipstadt's book "History on Trial," Swank will play Lipstadt who found herself in a legal battle with Nazi apologist David Irving. Irving accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.
Wilkinson will play a barrister in the film. Mick Jackson ("The Bodyguard") directs from a script by David Hare ("The Hours," "The Reader"). Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce.
Source: Screen Daily...
Based on Deborah E. Lipstadt's book "History on Trial," Swank will play Lipstadt who found herself in a legal battle with Nazi apologist David Irving. Irving accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.
Wilkinson will play a barrister in the film. Mick Jackson ("The Bodyguard") directs from a script by David Hare ("The Hours," "The Reader"). Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff will produce.
Source: Screen Daily...
- 4/27/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: David Hare writes courtroom drama about Holocaust denier David Irving
Oscar-winner Hilary Swank and Oscar-nominee Tom Wilkinson are attached to star in courtroom drama Denial, about Holocaust denier David Irving.
Acclaimed UK playwright and screenwriter David Hare (The Reader, The Hours) has adapted Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier.
It follows Lipstadt’s legal battle against British revisionist historian and Nazi apologist David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.
Million Dollar Baby protagonist Swank is set to play Lipstadt while Michael Clayton star Wilkinson will play a barrister. The production is in the process of casting Irving.
The film marks Hare’s first feature script since 2008 drama The Reader, for which he was Oscar-nominated.
Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin, The Bodyguard) is on board to direct the buzzed-about feature, which will be produced by Gary Foster (Sleepless in Seattle) and Russ Krasnoff...
Oscar-winner Hilary Swank and Oscar-nominee Tom Wilkinson are attached to star in courtroom drama Denial, about Holocaust denier David Irving.
Acclaimed UK playwright and screenwriter David Hare (The Reader, The Hours) has adapted Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier.
It follows Lipstadt’s legal battle against British revisionist historian and Nazi apologist David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.
Million Dollar Baby protagonist Swank is set to play Lipstadt while Michael Clayton star Wilkinson will play a barrister. The production is in the process of casting Irving.
The film marks Hare’s first feature script since 2008 drama The Reader, for which he was Oscar-nominated.
Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin, The Bodyguard) is on board to direct the buzzed-about feature, which will be produced by Gary Foster (Sleepless in Seattle) and Russ Krasnoff...
- 4/27/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: David Hare writes courtroom drama about Holocaust denier David Irving
Oscar-winner Hilary Swank and Oscar-nominee Tom Wilkinson are attached to star in courtroom drama Denial, about Holocaust denier David Irving.
Acclaimed UK playwright and screenwriter David Hare (The Reader, The Hours) has adapted Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier.
It follows Lipstadt’s legal battle against British revisionist historian and Nazi apologist David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.
Million Dollar Baby protagonist Swank is set to play Lipstadt opposite Michael Clayton star Wilkinson, who will portray Irving.
The film marks Hare’s first feature script since 2008 drama The Reader, for which he was Oscar-nominated.
Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin, The Bodyguard) is on board to direct the buzzed-about feature, which will be produced by Gary Foster (Sleepless in Seattle) and Russ Krasnoff (The Soloist) under their Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment...
Oscar-winner Hilary Swank and Oscar-nominee Tom Wilkinson are attached to star in courtroom drama Denial, about Holocaust denier David Irving.
Acclaimed UK playwright and screenwriter David Hare (The Reader, The Hours) has adapted Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier.
It follows Lipstadt’s legal battle against British revisionist historian and Nazi apologist David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier.
Million Dollar Baby protagonist Swank is set to play Lipstadt opposite Michael Clayton star Wilkinson, who will portray Irving.
The film marks Hare’s first feature script since 2008 drama The Reader, for which he was Oscar-nominated.
Mick Jackson (Temple Grandin, The Bodyguard) is on board to direct the buzzed-about feature, which will be produced by Gary Foster (Sleepless in Seattle) and Russ Krasnoff (The Soloist) under their Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment...
- 4/27/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Some of my favorite movies are about Paris! How I loved “Funny Face” which made me love everything Audrey Hepburn did. How I loved “American in Paris” and Gene Kelly forever after. And the classic French films of Paris, from René Clair’s “The Rooftops of Paris”, “Modigliani of Montparnasse”, “Elevator to the Scaffold” to “Amelie”…oh la la!
Now a new Paris classic is in the making! If only they would change title to reflect the love of Paris transforming a couple of sad victims of their scandalously delicious parents’ love affair into lovers. Kevin Kline, a luminous Kirsten Scott Thomas and a decrepit but spirited Dame Maggie Smith star in a film, to be released September 10, which I only hope will come out with a different title.
Now entitled, “My Old Lady” (what’s that supposed to mean?) Dame Maggie Smith as Mathilde belongs to no one. A free spirit who had a dalliance with no less than …., at 92 she cannot be evicted from the apartment Kevin Kline comes to Paris to sell, an apartment hidden behind walls in Paris we wish we could penetrate and which Kevin Kline, in the character of Mathias Gold, cannot see, so intent is he on selling to procure some filthy lucre. I kept waiting for Kevin to embody his Academy Award winning hilarity in “A Fish Called Wanda”, but he played it straight, an unhappy, intellectual with great talent on the piano, three unpublished novels, three divorces and not a cent in his pocket. Angry, self-righteous Mathias Gold discovers that real-estate and relationships send him into a turmoil that he never imagined.
Adapted for the screen and directed by Israel Horowitz from his 2002 of-Broadway production, “My Old Lady” the property was further developed into a screenplay with Kevin Kline himself who dropped by the playwright’s Greenwich Village residence for intermittent readings as the film script branched out from its theatrical roots.
Dame Maggie Smith read the script and was the first actor to officially sign on to the film version. Israel Horovitz traveled to London to meet with her and she accepted the part amid 25 competing scripts offered to her at the time. Horovitz recalls Smith joking during the meeting that it was the only script in the stack that didn’t end with her character dying. Adds Horovitz: “To my knowledge, it’s the first time Dame Maggie’s done a movie in which she doesn’t wear a wig.”
Produced by the writer-director’s own daughter, the well-known-in-our-circles- from-her-days-at-New Line (and later at Revolution Studios), who began her career as a publicist of Dino De Laurentiis on the film “Blue Velvet” which I happened to foster as the acquisitions executive at Lorimar when we acquired it: Rachael Horovitz (“Moneyball”, HBO’s “Grey Gardens”) and Gary Foster (“The Soloist”, “Sleepless in Seattle”), got the script to Kristin Scott Thomas who immediately signed on to play Mathilde’s confrontational daughter Chloé. The main casting was complete.
Chloé takes the story away from the developing and deepening relationship between Mattias and Mathilde and makes it her own…thus the misplaced title of the movie. It is no longer Mattias and “his old lady” Mathilde’s story but the threesome’s, and what a great story it is.
Complex and compelling, the story of two people who have been destroyed by the same love affair understand each other’s problems better than any fourth party could ever understand, and we, as the fourth party, are given access to their journey towards love…in Paris. Only in Paris could these events unfold with such panache.
The other supporting actors are those veteran French actors you have seen and loved in other Parisian settings. Dominique Pinon as the helpful real-estate agent Lefebre who explains the complex codes of the “viager” system” appears like an old friend to those of us who saw and loved Jean-Jacques Beineix’s “Diva”, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “Amelie” and “A Very Long Engagement”, “City of Lost Children” and Jeunet’s and Marc Caro’s 1991 film “ Delicatessen”. Noémi Lvovsky, the writer-director-actress who plays Mme. Girard’s physician, actor-director Stéphane Friess (“Welcome to the Sticks”) and the rapacious property developer Francois Roy who wants to buy Mathias’ apartment and turn it into a sleek hotel – as his father tried to do a generation earlier (how French!) -- round out a great supporting cast.
But without Paris, this familiar and yet totally unfamiliar Paris, the film would never have played out with such love. As a Paris habituée of many years, I kept searching for signs to tell me where this apartment was located. Was it a hotel particulière of the Marais?
Here is a little known secret of Paris: It was shot in la Manufature, located in les Gobelins in Paris’s 13th Arrondisement, operated and maintained by the French Ministry of Culture. A vast complex comprising several main buildings and a slew of apartments (now used to house government functionaries), la Manufacture is the historical site of tapestry manufacturing for French royalty dating from the 17th century to the present day. Because there is no longer a huge demand for artisan tapestries in France, la Manufacture doubles as an ersatz soundstage for film and television productions, in this case standing in for the more central and tourist trod Marais, where Mme. Girard and Chloé reside. The Girard’s sprawling residence, overlooking a verdant garden came to life. Israel Horovitz and his crew jumped at the opportunity to film there.
He says, “Almost the entire movie was shot inside the compound. At one point in its history, la Manufacture was its own city within the city, with a thousand people living there. We could park our trucks inside the gated compound and shoot in a way we never could in the busy Marais. Finding the apartment we used, with its creaky floors and general disrepair, was really what made the movie possible. It was like having our own little studio.” The film shot in Paris for 24 days in autumn 2013.
At 75, Horovitz -- a veteran playwright who wrote “The Strawberry Statement” which won the Jury Prize at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival and who collaborated with István Szabó on the 1999 historical drama “Sunshine” about a Jewish family living in Hungary during the turbulent first half of the 20th century –decided to direct this, his first, film as he wrote the screenplay.
How was it working for your father? One might ask Rachael. Her answer: “He was the most prepared director I’ve ever worked with.” She praises Horovitz pére for his professionalism, sense of humor and grace under pressure, each one a boon for the intimate, familial-themed “My Old Lady”. “There is real humanity in this film thanks to those factors, “ she concludes. “Working with a family member is always a pleasure because there is the shorthand of communication you have with very few others.”
Producer Gary Foster also praises Israel Horovitz for his human touch, including his considerable grasp of human nature and conflict. “This movie is at its core about family and how people deal with the many challenges of their lives, “Foster states. “Everyone has harbored secrets at some point. ‘My Old Lady’ examines how people with secrets reveal themselves emotionally in order to locate truth. What’s special about Israel’s craft is how organic and truthful it feels. So much of this movie depends on the actors working with dialogue-rich scenes set inside cramped rooms with little action and no special effects – you have to buy into the dimensionality of these characters. Israel is at his best writing and directing scenes that feel real, al though you were a fly on the wall amid the revealing of this family’s secrets. He’s not afraid of being overly sentimental and open with emotions, and I think that’s hugely valuable.”
I completely agree. This is a marvelous movie, filled with marvels of France and family.
The Jewish side of this film is never touched on, but I must touch on it here because in these days of turmoil over the Jewish state and the state of the Jews living in the Diaspora, those in France are also in fearful flux. But this shows a France at its splendid best today and I think it is because of the love the filmmakers have for the story, the craft and the country. Producer David C. Barrot produced “ Eyes Wide Open” the 2009 Cannes’ Un Certain Regard film that dared open the subject of homosexuality in Jerusalem’s Orthodox community. I cannot speak of the provenance of Daniel Battsek the Executive Producer who between 1985 and 1991, was managing director of Palace Pictures where he was involved in all aspects of marketing, distribution and acquisitions in the U.K. and Ireland. He began his industry career at The Hoyts Film Corporation in Sydney where he quickly rose through the ranks to general manager in Victoria State overseeing distribution.
Battsek was first introduced to Disney in 1991, when he was asked to start up a U.K. Company as part of the worldwide distribution network for Buena Vista International. In 1992, he officially joined The Walt Disney Studios. Battsek was quickly promoted to vice president/managing director where he handled all aspects of theatrical film distribution in the U.K. He was later promoted to vice president, managing director and European acquisitions director of Bvi (U.K.) Limited. His responsibilities also included involvement in the acquisition of distribution rights across numerous territories for such films as “Muriel's Wedding”, “Shine”, “Central Station”, “Kolya”, and “ Ice Storm”. In 1998, he was promoted to senior vice president, Bvi (U.K.) Limited where he oversaw approximately 35 films per year from the Disney, Touchstone and Miramax labels. With his expanding role, Battsek began acquiring and developing British film projects for worldwide distribution. He created the Bvi U.K. Comedy Label which produced four films, likeHigh Heels and Low Lifes,Hope Springs,Calendar Girls, and Kinky Boots.
On 24 July 2005, he was named President of Miramax Films, after Harvey and Bob Weinstein left the company, due to creative and financial differences with Disney exec, Michael Eisner. Since he took control of the company, Miramax released such films asThe Queen,No Country for Old Men or Doubt, refocusing on producing films of high quality but low budget and was instrumental in acquiring, green-lighting or distributing such renowned and award winning films as “Tsotsi” winner of Best Foreign Language Oscar, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”, “There will be Blood” among others. On 20 January 2010, Battsek became President of National Geographic Films where he brought in the Oscar-nominated “Restrepo”. He is now President of Cohen Media Group where he plays a key role.
Nor can I speak authoritatively of Producer, Nitsa Benchetrit, and Executive Producers, Raphaël Benoliel, Russ Krasnoff, but I have my suspicions. Certainly the Executive Producer, President and CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation, one of the country’s most important commercial real estate owners/ developers s well as an influential patron, innovator and visionary of culture and the arts, Charles S. Cohen (also founder of The Cohen Media Group in 2008, on the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Contemporary Art (Moca) in Los Angeles, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, The Lighthouse International Theater, The Public Theater, the Stella Adler Studio and the Film Society of Lincoln Center) is living up to his name.
Even Kevin Kline suddenly seems to land inside this charmed circle of Diaspora Jews whose development and dedication to the finest
arts of the 21 st century must be praised and seen as a flowering of culture today.
While this is in no way a film which may ever be shown in the Jewish film festival circuit, it should be remarked that it is, in its way, a Jewish film because of the credentials of the filmmakers, because of the loving treatment of the neurotic family members and because it shows the natural habituation of people allowed to live in freedom in a society which values life.
I bring all this up in light of the reevaluation occurring today in the worlds of gender and religions and I want to go on record as pointing out that this film is an example of the flowering of culture; this is part of the culmination of centuries of developing a humane, forgiving and civilized way of life.
I say this as I contemplate the state of the world today to remind myself that art, not war, is my choice for my life and I believe the film is an affirmation of life above all.
Chapeau, Hats Off to the team that brought this film to life. Just change the title if you want to attract more people!
Now a new Paris classic is in the making! If only they would change title to reflect the love of Paris transforming a couple of sad victims of their scandalously delicious parents’ love affair into lovers. Kevin Kline, a luminous Kirsten Scott Thomas and a decrepit but spirited Dame Maggie Smith star in a film, to be released September 10, which I only hope will come out with a different title.
Now entitled, “My Old Lady” (what’s that supposed to mean?) Dame Maggie Smith as Mathilde belongs to no one. A free spirit who had a dalliance with no less than …., at 92 she cannot be evicted from the apartment Kevin Kline comes to Paris to sell, an apartment hidden behind walls in Paris we wish we could penetrate and which Kevin Kline, in the character of Mathias Gold, cannot see, so intent is he on selling to procure some filthy lucre. I kept waiting for Kevin to embody his Academy Award winning hilarity in “A Fish Called Wanda”, but he played it straight, an unhappy, intellectual with great talent on the piano, three unpublished novels, three divorces and not a cent in his pocket. Angry, self-righteous Mathias Gold discovers that real-estate and relationships send him into a turmoil that he never imagined.
Adapted for the screen and directed by Israel Horowitz from his 2002 of-Broadway production, “My Old Lady” the property was further developed into a screenplay with Kevin Kline himself who dropped by the playwright’s Greenwich Village residence for intermittent readings as the film script branched out from its theatrical roots.
Dame Maggie Smith read the script and was the first actor to officially sign on to the film version. Israel Horovitz traveled to London to meet with her and she accepted the part amid 25 competing scripts offered to her at the time. Horovitz recalls Smith joking during the meeting that it was the only script in the stack that didn’t end with her character dying. Adds Horovitz: “To my knowledge, it’s the first time Dame Maggie’s done a movie in which she doesn’t wear a wig.”
Produced by the writer-director’s own daughter, the well-known-in-our-circles- from-her-days-at-New Line (and later at Revolution Studios), who began her career as a publicist of Dino De Laurentiis on the film “Blue Velvet” which I happened to foster as the acquisitions executive at Lorimar when we acquired it: Rachael Horovitz (“Moneyball”, HBO’s “Grey Gardens”) and Gary Foster (“The Soloist”, “Sleepless in Seattle”), got the script to Kristin Scott Thomas who immediately signed on to play Mathilde’s confrontational daughter Chloé. The main casting was complete.
Chloé takes the story away from the developing and deepening relationship between Mattias and Mathilde and makes it her own…thus the misplaced title of the movie. It is no longer Mattias and “his old lady” Mathilde’s story but the threesome’s, and what a great story it is.
Complex and compelling, the story of two people who have been destroyed by the same love affair understand each other’s problems better than any fourth party could ever understand, and we, as the fourth party, are given access to their journey towards love…in Paris. Only in Paris could these events unfold with such panache.
The other supporting actors are those veteran French actors you have seen and loved in other Parisian settings. Dominique Pinon as the helpful real-estate agent Lefebre who explains the complex codes of the “viager” system” appears like an old friend to those of us who saw and loved Jean-Jacques Beineix’s “Diva”, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “Amelie” and “A Very Long Engagement”, “City of Lost Children” and Jeunet’s and Marc Caro’s 1991 film “ Delicatessen”. Noémi Lvovsky, the writer-director-actress who plays Mme. Girard’s physician, actor-director Stéphane Friess (“Welcome to the Sticks”) and the rapacious property developer Francois Roy who wants to buy Mathias’ apartment and turn it into a sleek hotel – as his father tried to do a generation earlier (how French!) -- round out a great supporting cast.
But without Paris, this familiar and yet totally unfamiliar Paris, the film would never have played out with such love. As a Paris habituée of many years, I kept searching for signs to tell me where this apartment was located. Was it a hotel particulière of the Marais?
Here is a little known secret of Paris: It was shot in la Manufature, located in les Gobelins in Paris’s 13th Arrondisement, operated and maintained by the French Ministry of Culture. A vast complex comprising several main buildings and a slew of apartments (now used to house government functionaries), la Manufacture is the historical site of tapestry manufacturing for French royalty dating from the 17th century to the present day. Because there is no longer a huge demand for artisan tapestries in France, la Manufacture doubles as an ersatz soundstage for film and television productions, in this case standing in for the more central and tourist trod Marais, where Mme. Girard and Chloé reside. The Girard’s sprawling residence, overlooking a verdant garden came to life. Israel Horovitz and his crew jumped at the opportunity to film there.
He says, “Almost the entire movie was shot inside the compound. At one point in its history, la Manufacture was its own city within the city, with a thousand people living there. We could park our trucks inside the gated compound and shoot in a way we never could in the busy Marais. Finding the apartment we used, with its creaky floors and general disrepair, was really what made the movie possible. It was like having our own little studio.” The film shot in Paris for 24 days in autumn 2013.
At 75, Horovitz -- a veteran playwright who wrote “The Strawberry Statement” which won the Jury Prize at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival and who collaborated with István Szabó on the 1999 historical drama “Sunshine” about a Jewish family living in Hungary during the turbulent first half of the 20th century –decided to direct this, his first, film as he wrote the screenplay.
How was it working for your father? One might ask Rachael. Her answer: “He was the most prepared director I’ve ever worked with.” She praises Horovitz pére for his professionalism, sense of humor and grace under pressure, each one a boon for the intimate, familial-themed “My Old Lady”. “There is real humanity in this film thanks to those factors, “ she concludes. “Working with a family member is always a pleasure because there is the shorthand of communication you have with very few others.”
Producer Gary Foster also praises Israel Horovitz for his human touch, including his considerable grasp of human nature and conflict. “This movie is at its core about family and how people deal with the many challenges of their lives, “Foster states. “Everyone has harbored secrets at some point. ‘My Old Lady’ examines how people with secrets reveal themselves emotionally in order to locate truth. What’s special about Israel’s craft is how organic and truthful it feels. So much of this movie depends on the actors working with dialogue-rich scenes set inside cramped rooms with little action and no special effects – you have to buy into the dimensionality of these characters. Israel is at his best writing and directing scenes that feel real, al though you were a fly on the wall amid the revealing of this family’s secrets. He’s not afraid of being overly sentimental and open with emotions, and I think that’s hugely valuable.”
I completely agree. This is a marvelous movie, filled with marvels of France and family.
The Jewish side of this film is never touched on, but I must touch on it here because in these days of turmoil over the Jewish state and the state of the Jews living in the Diaspora, those in France are also in fearful flux. But this shows a France at its splendid best today and I think it is because of the love the filmmakers have for the story, the craft and the country. Producer David C. Barrot produced “ Eyes Wide Open” the 2009 Cannes’ Un Certain Regard film that dared open the subject of homosexuality in Jerusalem’s Orthodox community. I cannot speak of the provenance of Daniel Battsek the Executive Producer who between 1985 and 1991, was managing director of Palace Pictures where he was involved in all aspects of marketing, distribution and acquisitions in the U.K. and Ireland. He began his industry career at The Hoyts Film Corporation in Sydney where he quickly rose through the ranks to general manager in Victoria State overseeing distribution.
Battsek was first introduced to Disney in 1991, when he was asked to start up a U.K. Company as part of the worldwide distribution network for Buena Vista International. In 1992, he officially joined The Walt Disney Studios. Battsek was quickly promoted to vice president/managing director where he handled all aspects of theatrical film distribution in the U.K. He was later promoted to vice president, managing director and European acquisitions director of Bvi (U.K.) Limited. His responsibilities also included involvement in the acquisition of distribution rights across numerous territories for such films as “Muriel's Wedding”, “Shine”, “Central Station”, “Kolya”, and “ Ice Storm”. In 1998, he was promoted to senior vice president, Bvi (U.K.) Limited where he oversaw approximately 35 films per year from the Disney, Touchstone and Miramax labels. With his expanding role, Battsek began acquiring and developing British film projects for worldwide distribution. He created the Bvi U.K. Comedy Label which produced four films, likeHigh Heels and Low Lifes,Hope Springs,Calendar Girls, and Kinky Boots.
On 24 July 2005, he was named President of Miramax Films, after Harvey and Bob Weinstein left the company, due to creative and financial differences with Disney exec, Michael Eisner. Since he took control of the company, Miramax released such films asThe Queen,No Country for Old Men or Doubt, refocusing on producing films of high quality but low budget and was instrumental in acquiring, green-lighting or distributing such renowned and award winning films as “Tsotsi” winner of Best Foreign Language Oscar, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”, “There will be Blood” among others. On 20 January 2010, Battsek became President of National Geographic Films where he brought in the Oscar-nominated “Restrepo”. He is now President of Cohen Media Group where he plays a key role.
Nor can I speak authoritatively of Producer, Nitsa Benchetrit, and Executive Producers, Raphaël Benoliel, Russ Krasnoff, but I have my suspicions. Certainly the Executive Producer, President and CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation, one of the country’s most important commercial real estate owners/ developers s well as an influential patron, innovator and visionary of culture and the arts, Charles S. Cohen (also founder of The Cohen Media Group in 2008, on the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Contemporary Art (Moca) in Los Angeles, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, The Lighthouse International Theater, The Public Theater, the Stella Adler Studio and the Film Society of Lincoln Center) is living up to his name.
Even Kevin Kline suddenly seems to land inside this charmed circle of Diaspora Jews whose development and dedication to the finest
arts of the 21 st century must be praised and seen as a flowering of culture today.
While this is in no way a film which may ever be shown in the Jewish film festival circuit, it should be remarked that it is, in its way, a Jewish film because of the credentials of the filmmakers, because of the loving treatment of the neurotic family members and because it shows the natural habituation of people allowed to live in freedom in a society which values life.
I bring all this up in light of the reevaluation occurring today in the worlds of gender and religions and I want to go on record as pointing out that this film is an example of the flowering of culture; this is part of the culmination of centuries of developing a humane, forgiving and civilized way of life.
I say this as I contemplate the state of the world today to remind myself that art, not war, is my choice for my life and I believe the film is an affirmation of life above all.
Chapeau, Hats Off to the team that brought this film to life. Just change the title if you want to attract more people!
- 7/30/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
On June 30th, mere hours before the cast’s contracts were up, fans all but assumed that the show would officially end at the cusp of its much proclaimed #SixSeasonsandaMovie goal. The goal, which began as a joke in Season 2′s episode Paradigms of Human Memory and grew into a social media staple, became more and more tangible as the series moved through its third, fourth, and fifth season. After years of narrow ratings, however, NBC formally ended the show, clearing it from its fall programming.
Through the rise in online streaming sites such as Netflix and Hulu, fans had hoped for an online revival akin to Netflix’s licensing of Arrested Development. Sadly, Hulu, which had previously streamed episodes of Community, declined the offer to produce future episodes. With the deadline approaching and fewer outlets emerging in discussion, Community was all but finished in the darkest timeline.
Until Yahoo.
Through the rise in online streaming sites such as Netflix and Hulu, fans had hoped for an online revival akin to Netflix’s licensing of Arrested Development. Sadly, Hulu, which had previously streamed episodes of Community, declined the offer to produce future episodes. With the deadline approaching and fewer outlets emerging in discussion, Community was all but finished in the darkest timeline.
Until Yahoo.
- 7/2/2014
- by Lindsay Kornick
- Obsessed with Film
After weeks of negotiations, Sony Pictures TV has made a deal with Yahoo to produce season six of Community, the low-rated NBC sitcom that was cancelled last month. The cast's options were set to expire today so the deal truly comes at the 11th hour.
Community creator Dan Harmon will return as executive producer along with Russ Krasnoff, Gary Foster, and Chris McKenna.
Harmon said, “I am very pleased that Community will be returning for its predestined sixth season on Yahoo... I look forward to bringing our beloved NBC sitcom to a larger audience by moving it online."
Season six of Community will be released this fall on Yahoo Screeen.
What do you think? Are you glad to hear that Community will have a sixth season after all?
Amazon.com Widgets...
Community creator Dan Harmon will return as executive producer along with Russ Krasnoff, Gary Foster, and Chris McKenna.
Harmon said, “I am very pleased that Community will be returning for its predestined sixth season on Yahoo... I look forward to bringing our beloved NBC sitcom to a larger audience by moving it online."
Season six of Community will be released this fall on Yahoo Screeen.
What do you think? Are you glad to hear that Community will have a sixth season after all?
Amazon.com Widgets...
- 7/1/2014
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Community fans can finally breathe. Just when things were beginning to really look hopeless, Yahoo as stepped in, and is going to give us the chance to see the sixth season.
Community fans are certainly a vocal crowd, and the show has managed a sort of cult status, in addition to ratings that are, in today’s world, actually not all that bad. McHale and crew will get at least 13 more episodes of community college (because who knows what will happen if the run does well enough) in their continuing effort to never graduate from anything.
The news makes for an interesting step for Yahoo Screen, and hopefully one that marks a future trend.
Get all the info below, and make sure you keep your sights set on Community. Given the last six or seven episodes of the show, I have a feeling this could be one of those truly...
Community fans are certainly a vocal crowd, and the show has managed a sort of cult status, in addition to ratings that are, in today’s world, actually not all that bad. McHale and crew will get at least 13 more episodes of community college (because who knows what will happen if the run does well enough) in their continuing effort to never graduate from anything.
The news makes for an interesting step for Yahoo Screen, and hopefully one that marks a future trend.
Get all the info below, and make sure you keep your sights set on Community. Given the last six or seven episodes of the show, I have a feeling this could be one of those truly...
- 6/30/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
In a last minute turn around, NBC's beloved but cancelled "Community" has managed to score a sixth season after all - albeit with a new home. Sony Pictures Television has revived Dan Harmon's cult comedy series for thirteeen new episodes to launch this Fall on Yahoo Screen.
Showrunner Dan Harmon and key cast regulars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Ken Jeong and Jim Rash will all return. Exec producers Russ Krasnoff, Gary Foster and Chris McKenna will also return.
NBC canceled the ratings-challenged cult comedy in May with Sony Pictures TV trying to secure a deal with Hulu for another season - that deal fell apart the other week. Contract windows for the actors are about to expire so a deal had to be set in place quick - looks like they got it done just in time.
Source: The Live Feed...
Showrunner Dan Harmon and key cast regulars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Ken Jeong and Jim Rash will all return. Exec producers Russ Krasnoff, Gary Foster and Chris McKenna will also return.
NBC canceled the ratings-challenged cult comedy in May with Sony Pictures TV trying to secure a deal with Hulu for another season - that deal fell apart the other week. Contract windows for the actors are about to expire so a deal had to be set in place quick - looks like they got it done just in time.
Source: The Live Feed...
- 6/30/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Community fans, get ready to yell: “Yahoo!”
The cult-favorite comedy has been rescued from cancellation by the online mega-portal and content company. Yahoo Screen has picked up the previously canceled series for 13 episodes from studio Sony Pictures Television. And yes: Creator Dan Harmon is on board. So is the full cast. Executive producers Chris McKenna, Russ Krasnoff and Gary Foster too.
Fans’ six-seasons-and-a-movie movie mantra is now one step closer to becoming a reality. Yahoo grabbed the opportunity to continue the adventures at Greendale Community College after Sony’s talks with streaming service Hulu fell apart last week.
“I am...
The cult-favorite comedy has been rescued from cancellation by the online mega-portal and content company. Yahoo Screen has picked up the previously canceled series for 13 episodes from studio Sony Pictures Television. And yes: Creator Dan Harmon is on board. So is the full cast. Executive producers Chris McKenna, Russ Krasnoff and Gary Foster too.
Fans’ six-seasons-and-a-movie movie mantra is now one step closer to becoming a reality. Yahoo grabbed the opportunity to continue the adventures at Greendale Community College after Sony’s talks with streaming service Hulu fell apart last week.
“I am...
- 6/30/2014
- by James Hibberd
- EW - Inside TV
It's official: Community is returning for a sixth season — on Yahoo Screen. Studio Sony Pictures Television has revived Dan Harmon's cult comedy series for 13 new episodes to launch in the fall on Yahoo Screen, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Showrunner Harmon as well as stars Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Ken Jeong and Jim Rash will return. Exec producers Russ Krasnoff, Gary Foster and Chris McKenna also will be back. Story NBC Cancels 'Community' After Five Seasons The news comes after NBC canceled the ratings-challenged cult comedy in May, with Hulu said to be
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read more...
- 6/30/2014
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Check out the trailers for USA Networks’ new dramas as part of the 2014-2015 series orders. We’ve previously seen promos for these, but USA has made full trailers of everything available now that its upfront presentation has concluded. Rush - From Fox 21 and writer/director Jonathan Levine, along with Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo and executive producer Adam Fierro. Complications - From Fox TV Studios. Written and executive produced by Matt Nix. Satisfaction - From Universal Cable Prods and executive producer/creator Sean Jablonski. Russ Krasnoff also executive produces.
- 5/15/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The importance of Sony Pictures Television within Sony Pictures Entertainment has been on the rise. Last fall, Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Corp. of America, announced a significant company shift “in emphasis from motion pictures to higher-margin television.” The company’s TV division was untouched by the recent company-wide cuts. And now its leadership has been secured for the next few years. After Steve Mosko signed a new long-term contract as president of Sony Pictures Television a year and a half ago, his top lieutenants, presidents of U.S. programming and production Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, too have re-upped with the company. I hear their new contracts are for three years, taking the duo to a decade at the helm of Sony TV’s primetime operations. Van Amburg and Erlicht were young, home-grown executives at an Svp level when Mosko picked them to succeed Russ Krasnoff in the...
- 4/1/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
USA Network has given a 10-episode series pickup to the untitled drama pilot created by Sean Jablonski. The order marks a very quick return to primetime for former Glades star Matt Passmore who was cast as the lead in the USA pilot the second he was released from The Glades following the series’ cancellation by A&E. Produced by Universal Cable Prods., the Sean Jablonski project is described as a provocative drama exploring a marriage that has grown stagnant. It follows investment banker Neil Truman (Passmore) who accidentally discovers his wife’s (Stephanie Szostak) involvement with an escort. Jablonski, who helped get USA’s hit legal drama Suits off the ground as showrunner on its first season, is executive producing the new series with Russ Krasnoff (Community) of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment. It will film in Atlanta, Georgia for a premiere this summer. “This is a powerful new addition to our...
- 3/4/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Stephanie Szostak (Iron Man 3) and Blair Redford (90210) are set to co-star opposite Matt Passmore in USA Network’s untitled Sean Jablonski pilot. The project, from Ucp, follows investment banker Neil Truman (Passmore) and his wife, Grace (Szostak), as they struggle to sift through their stagnant marriage, looking for the spark they once had. When Neil discovers that Grace has been seeing a debonaire male escort (Redford) his entire world is turned upside down. As he gains a new perspective on life and what motivates women, Grace contemplates her own needs and whether her marriage is worth saving. Jablonski and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment executive produce. The French-born Szostak, repped by UTA and manager Estelle Lasher, recently wrapped production on the Ricky Blitt/Peter Farrelly indie comedy Hit by Lightning. Redford, who has spent the last two seasons on The Lying Game, is repped by Greene & Assoc.
- 11/16/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
The Glades star Matt Passmore is set as the lead of another potential basic cable drama series. Passmore will topline USA Network’s untitled Sean Jablonski pilot, which centers on Neil Truman (Passmore), an investment banker who attempts to satisfy his married midlife crisis by quitting his job and redefining himself and his relationships. Ucp is producing, with Jablonski and Russ Krasnoff executive producing. USA had its eye on Passmore for a while but could not lock him in until he had been released from The Glades. Following The Glades’ cancellation by A&E, producer Fox TV Studios explored other potential homes for the series including Ion, though an deal could not be closed, making Passmore available. He is repped by Wme, Roar, and Rgm in Australia. Related: USA Drama Pilot ‘The Novice’ Casts Its Lead...
- 10/31/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
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