Palisades Park Pictures has secured a distribution deal with Entertainment Film Distributors (Efd) for U.K. rights to “The Magic Faraway Tree,” an adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s novel.
The family adventure feature stars Andrew Garfield (“The Amazing Spider-Man”), Claire Foy (“The Crown”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”) and Rebecca Ferguson (“Dune”).
Ben Gregor (“Britannia”) directs from a script by Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”). Currently in production, the film follows a modern family relocating to the English countryside, where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric inhabitants. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.
Pippa Harris (“1917”) and Nicolas Brown (“Penny Dreadful”) of Neal Street Productions produce alongside Danny Perkins...
The family adventure feature stars Andrew Garfield (“The Amazing Spider-Man”), Claire Foy (“The Crown”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”) and Rebecca Ferguson (“Dune”).
Ben Gregor (“Britannia”) directs from a script by Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”). Currently in production, the film follows a modern family relocating to the English countryside, where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric inhabitants. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.
Pippa Harris (“1917”) and Nicolas Brown (“Penny Dreadful”) of Neal Street Productions produce alongside Danny Perkins...
- 9/3/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
On July 30, the day after the “White Dudes for Harris” meeting convened Kamala Harris supporters on Zoom, Sasha Stone posted the phrase “White power!” from the X account of the entertainment news site she owns, Awards Daily. Stone, a pioneer in the field of Oscar punditry and regular attendee at prestigious film festivals like Telluride and Savannah, says she was making a joke about the left’s hypocritical adoption of identity politics. “I was just pointing out the silliness of segregating themselves by race,” she told me in a phone interview a few days later. But the post, which she has since deleted along with all of her tweets more than a few days old, attracted the attention of studio executives, film festival programmers and publicists.
“A quote from Sasha Stone is toxic now,” one executive told me, saying that their studio was pulling its ad dollars from Awards Daily.
“A quote from Sasha Stone is toxic now,” one executive told me, saying that their studio was pulling its ad dollars from Awards Daily.
- 8/14/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood actor, artist, director, and screenwriter Daniel Stern has bagged a ton of hilariously iconic roles in comedies throughout his career and has managed to land a spectacular performance in nearly every single one of them. As fans must have already understood after watching him in the Home Alone film series, he is immensely dedicated to his work to the core.
Daniel Stern. | Credit: @therealdanielstern/Ig.
That said, this tremendous commitment once almost had him losing his life while working on his comedy-action from 1981, Honky Tonk Freeway. And, ironically enough, Stern didn’t risk his life this badly while shooting an action scene, but rather, this happened while he was shooting a simple scene, for he accidentally consumed real drugs on set instead of using substitutes!
Daniel Stern Underwent a Life-Threatening Accident During Honky Tonk Freeway
Home Alone actor Daniel Stern had only just started his professional career as an...
Daniel Stern. | Credit: @therealdanielstern/Ig.
That said, this tremendous commitment once almost had him losing his life while working on his comedy-action from 1981, Honky Tonk Freeway. And, ironically enough, Stern didn’t risk his life this badly while shooting an action scene, but rather, this happened while he was shooting a simple scene, for he accidentally consumed real drugs on set instead of using substitutes!
Daniel Stern Underwent a Life-Threatening Accident During Honky Tonk Freeway
Home Alone actor Daniel Stern had only just started his professional career as an...
- 5/26/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Macaulay Culkin, the actor who reached extraordinary heights of fame and success with his tremendous portrayal of the genius Kevin McCallister in his version of the Home Alone saga, actually shared a rather peculiar relationship with Michael Jackson in the eyes of the public. That being said, most fans may not know that this friendship actually started with a phone call.
Macaulay Culkin in Changeland. | Credit: Gravitas Ventures.
As Culkin himself admitted it, the pair probably wouldn’t have shared the kind of close relationship they did had it not been for one “weird, random” call that the child actor received from the now-deceased King of Pop. And, although this may sound similar to the rumors surrounding Jackson’s alleged abuse of youngsters, that’s hardly the case, and Culkin stands as a witness to this claim.
Macaulay Culkin’s Friendship with Michael Jackson Started with a Call
Hollywood actor...
Macaulay Culkin in Changeland. | Credit: Gravitas Ventures.
As Culkin himself admitted it, the pair probably wouldn’t have shared the kind of close relationship they did had it not been for one “weird, random” call that the child actor received from the now-deceased King of Pop. And, although this may sound similar to the rumors surrounding Jackson’s alleged abuse of youngsters, that’s hardly the case, and Culkin stands as a witness to this claim.
Macaulay Culkin’s Friendship with Michael Jackson Started with a Call
Hollywood actor...
- 5/25/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Veteran US independent producer Cassian Elwes and Chinese tech entrepreneur and NextG founder Edward Zeng are launching a $100m fund to invest in five to eight features over the next three years.
The pair are in Cannes to meet with potential partners on their Next Generation Media Fund and are talking to buyers on the first project on the slate, the crime biopic Gambino.
Elwes, whose credits include The Butler, Precious and Mudbound, is lead producer on the story of the Mafia boss who led the Gambino crime family in New York until his death in 1976.
Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar-winning...
The pair are in Cannes to meet with potential partners on their Next Generation Media Fund and are talking to buyers on the first project on the slate, the crime biopic Gambino.
Elwes, whose credits include The Butler, Precious and Mudbound, is lead producer on the story of the Mafia boss who led the Gambino crime family in New York until his death in 1976.
Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar-winning...
- 5/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Calling all Latino filmmakers, John Travolta wants to work with you. Swinging by Panama to present his 1978 musical rom-com “Grease” at the 12th Panama International Film Festival (Iff Panama), Travolta professed his great love for “Mexico, Central America, South America, all of its parts.”
“There is an incredible humanity that prevails and is different from anywhere else in the world,” he told Variety.
Surprised to hear that Robert de Niro had starred in the Argentine series “Nada,” Travolta exclaimed: “I would have loved that, I would have enjoyed being lured to South America to play a part for a while.”
The closest he’s come to working with a Latino director was with Alfonso Cuarón, who produced the short film streaming on Disney+ “The Shepherd,” based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1975 novella, which follows a young Royal Air Force pilot flying home for Christmas across the North Sea. When the pilot...
“There is an incredible humanity that prevails and is different from anywhere else in the world,” he told Variety.
Surprised to hear that Robert de Niro had starred in the Argentine series “Nada,” Travolta exclaimed: “I would have loved that, I would have enjoyed being lured to South America to play a part for a while.”
The closest he’s come to working with a Latino director was with Alfonso Cuarón, who produced the short film streaming on Disney+ “The Shepherd,” based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1975 novella, which follows a young Royal Air Force pilot flying home for Christmas across the North Sea. When the pilot...
- 4/8/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
“Ma’am, I’m 10 years old, you think I could write this alone? I don’t think so.” The age demographics in Hollywood are about to skew a lot younger because a pre-teen has pitched an idea that is soon enough going to be written for the screen – and it’s a wonder it hasn’t been made yet. Here we have Home Alone meets The Godfather, in which we imagine one scene where Kevin McCallister jumps on his parents’ bed, only to find a decapitated horse head at the foot of it. The title? Little Wiseguy.
But the pitch doesn’t come from a desperate studio suit but rather a 10-year-old named Connor Esterson, who you may actually be familiar with, as he co-starred in last year’s Spy Kids: Armageddon. And while Esterson has very likely seen Home Alone numerous times around the holiday season, he admits he...
But the pitch doesn’t come from a desperate studio suit but rather a 10-year-old named Connor Esterson, who you may actually be familiar with, as he co-starred in last year’s Spy Kids: Armageddon. And while Esterson has very likely seen Home Alone numerous times around the holiday season, he admits he...
- 3/31/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Hollywood is proof that talent has no age bar, and 10-year-old Connor Esterson is a testament to that. The 5th grader who made his presence felt on screen in Spy Kids: Armageddon has now turned his attention to writing. Esterson has been in talks with bigwigs in the writing fraternity, namely Nick Vallelonga and George Gallo, to pitch a screenplay featuring a young boy’s relationship with a gangster.
Connor Esterson in Spy Kids: Armageddon
The veteran writers were extremely impressed with the aspiring screenwriter’s idea and are now in talks to find ways to get his narrative up and running. While this is a big achievement for someone so young, Esterson’s story is being criticized by netizens for its uncanny similarity to a 1993 Robert De Niro film.
Fans Connect Robert De Niro’s Film And This Young Writer’s Script
Apart from being an aspiring actor, young...
Connor Esterson in Spy Kids: Armageddon
The veteran writers were extremely impressed with the aspiring screenwriter’s idea and are now in talks to find ways to get his narrative up and running. While this is a big achievement for someone so young, Esterson’s story is being criticized by netizens for its uncanny similarity to a 1993 Robert De Niro film.
Fans Connect Robert De Niro’s Film And This Young Writer’s Script
Apart from being an aspiring actor, young...
- 3/28/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
In another installment of “What the heck are we doing with our lives?” A 10-year-old Connor Esterson is developing the script for a “Home Alone–meet-The-Godfather”-esque movie titled Little Wiseguy. Working alongside the preteen are Hollywood Oscar winner Nick Vallelonga and Bad Boys writer George Gallo, gearing up to pitch it to studios around town soon enough. Esterson however has many talents up his sleeve, he is not only a budding actor but also aspiring to become a director in Hollywood.
Marlon Brando in The Godfather Oscar Winner Nick Vallelonga Teamed with 10-Year-Old for this New Movie!
As soon as The Hollywood Reporter reported this, the internet was stunned by news of 10-year-old Connor Esterson, who had prepared a 6-page script for a film that instantly captivated Nick Vallelonga and George Gallo.
Suggested“The good, bad, and the ugly”: Michael Jackson Biopic Set To Finally Shed Light on...
Marlon Brando in The Godfather Oscar Winner Nick Vallelonga Teamed with 10-Year-Old for this New Movie!
As soon as The Hollywood Reporter reported this, the internet was stunned by news of 10-year-old Connor Esterson, who had prepared a 6-page script for a film that instantly captivated Nick Vallelonga and George Gallo.
Suggested“The good, bad, and the ugly”: Michael Jackson Biopic Set To Finally Shed Light on...
- 3/28/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
Oscar Parties Are Full of Phonies (But They’re Getting Kicked Out)
Winning an Academy Award opens a lot of doors, especially at Oscar-night afterparties. One of Hollywood’s sacred red carpet rules is that merely holding an Oscar can be a golden ticket to just about every swell soiree in town. But in recent years, some gate-crashers have been exploiting that loophole by turning up with ersatz trophies or, as happened this year, an actual Oscar that didn’t belong to them. Rambling has learned that one non-invitee who arrived at Vanity Fair’s ultra-exclusive fete hauling a vintage 1986 Oscar quickly found himself kicked to the curb. The person was not the award winner, a rep for the magazine confirms to THR, adding that the trophy was confiscated. “Our head of security is working on tracking down its rightful owner.” It’s unclear how the crasher got his hands on the golden boy,...
Winning an Academy Award opens a lot of doors, especially at Oscar-night afterparties. One of Hollywood’s sacred red carpet rules is that merely holding an Oscar can be a golden ticket to just about every swell soiree in town. But in recent years, some gate-crashers have been exploiting that loophole by turning up with ersatz trophies or, as happened this year, an actual Oscar that didn’t belong to them. Rambling has learned that one non-invitee who arrived at Vanity Fair’s ultra-exclusive fete hauling a vintage 1986 Oscar quickly found himself kicked to the curb. The person was not the award winner, a rep for the magazine confirms to THR, adding that the trophy was confiscated. “Our head of security is working on tracking down its rightful owner.” It’s unclear how the crasher got his hands on the golden boy,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Edited by Benjamin Svetkey and Edited by Julian Sancton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.S. and U.K.-based global sales outfit Palisades Park Pictures has revealed a star-studded slate for Hong Kong’s film rights market FilMart.
John Travolta, Katherine Heigl and Christopher Walken lead romantic comedy “That’s Amore!,” which is in pre-production. Written and directed by “Green Book” writer Nick Vallelonga, the film follows two emotionally damaged people who attempt to date one another, and when their families get involved, comedy ensues.
The producers are Vallelonga (Vallelonga Prods.), Cassian Elwes (Elevated Films), Brenda Emmett and Vince Emmett (American Troubadours), David Polemeni; Tamara Birkemoe and Mark Damon, for Palisades Park Pictures, serve as executive producers.
Director Phillip Noyce has completed action-thriller “Fast Charlie,” starring Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin and James Caan, and adapted from Victor Gischler’s novel “Gun Monkeys” by Richard Wenk (“The Equalizer”).
Brosnan plays Charlie Swift, a hitman who has been working for his aging mob boss, Stan (Caan), for two decades.
John Travolta, Katherine Heigl and Christopher Walken lead romantic comedy “That’s Amore!,” which is in pre-production. Written and directed by “Green Book” writer Nick Vallelonga, the film follows two emotionally damaged people who attempt to date one another, and when their families get involved, comedy ensues.
The producers are Vallelonga (Vallelonga Prods.), Cassian Elwes (Elevated Films), Brenda Emmett and Vince Emmett (American Troubadours), David Polemeni; Tamara Birkemoe and Mark Damon, for Palisades Park Pictures, serve as executive producers.
Director Phillip Noyce has completed action-thriller “Fast Charlie,” starring Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin and James Caan, and adapted from Victor Gischler’s novel “Gun Monkeys” by Richard Wenk (“The Equalizer”).
Brosnan plays Charlie Swift, a hitman who has been working for his aging mob boss, Stan (Caan), for two decades.
- 3/11/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“Anatomy of a Fall” is the clear favorite to win Best Original Screenplay this year but nominees “The Holdovers,” “Past Lives,” “Maestro,” and “May December” are all hoping to spoil the party. But is “Anatomy of a Fall’s” status as frontrunner as solid as it seems? It’s won a bunch of precursor awards, sure, but what about the academy?
What movies do they like best in this category? Let’s take a look at the last 10 winners of Best Original Screenplay to see what they can tell us about the academy’s tastes in this category, and how that affects “Anatomy of a Fall” and this year’s nominees.
As you can see, drama is the order of the day for academy voters. Five out of the last 10 winners here have been serious fare: Kenneth Branagh‘s “Belfast,” Emerald Fennell‘s “Promising Young Woman,” and Kenneth Lonergan‘s...
What movies do they like best in this category? Let’s take a look at the last 10 winners of Best Original Screenplay to see what they can tell us about the academy’s tastes in this category, and how that affects “Anatomy of a Fall” and this year’s nominees.
As you can see, drama is the order of the day for academy voters. Five out of the last 10 winners here have been serious fare: Kenneth Branagh‘s “Belfast,” Emerald Fennell‘s “Promising Young Woman,” and Kenneth Lonergan‘s...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, the songwriter and perennial Oscar bridesmaid Diane Warren and Matteo Garrone, the director of this year’s best international feature Oscar-nominated Italian film Io Capitano, will all be honored on Sunday night during the opening ceremony of the 19th Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Festival at Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatres, exactly one week before the 96th Academy Awards take place just down the street.
The festival, which is backed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture, will run through Saturday, March 9, and feature 112 film screenings (47 in movie theaters and 65 on the online platform eventive.org). This year’s edition will be hosted by one Italian screen legend, Franco Nero (as well as Italian actress/model Antonella Salvucci), and is dedicated to another, the late Marcello Mastroianni, whose centenary it coincides with, as well as the late Italian playwright Eduardo de Filippo.
Notable guests...
The festival, which is backed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture, will run through Saturday, March 9, and feature 112 film screenings (47 in movie theaters and 65 on the online platform eventive.org). This year’s edition will be hosted by one Italian screen legend, Franco Nero (as well as Italian actress/model Antonella Salvucci), and is dedicated to another, the late Marcello Mastroianni, whose centenary it coincides with, as well as the late Italian playwright Eduardo de Filippo.
Notable guests...
- 3/3/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Production has begun in Sardinia on Italian director Louis Nero’s futuristic drama Milarepa, starring Harvey Keitel. The US’ Orwo Studios is handling sales to the film and talking to buyers at the EFM.
Keitel joins a cast that also includes F. Murray Abraham, Angela Molina, Iazua Larios, Al Yamagouchi, Michael Ronda and Bruno Bilotta.
Milarepa takes place in a ‘no tech’ future and follows the story of a young girl who must disguise herself as a boy in order to exact revenge on her father’s family for enslaving her and her mother. The story is inspired by a...
Keitel joins a cast that also includes F. Murray Abraham, Angela Molina, Iazua Larios, Al Yamagouchi, Michael Ronda and Bruno Bilotta.
Milarepa takes place in a ‘no tech’ future and follows the story of a young girl who must disguise herself as a boy in order to exact revenge on her father’s family for enslaving her and her mother. The story is inspired by a...
- 2/17/2024
- ScreenDaily
“Anatomy of a Fall” is the favorite to win Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars; director Justine Triet co-wrote the script with partner Arthur Harari. But another multi-hyphenate could pull off an upset: “Past Lives” writer/director Celine Song. Her acclaimed film follows two childhood friends from South Korea who reconnect in the USA years later and find that their bond is still there. Greta Lee and BAFTA-nominated Teo Yoo bring Song’s delicately crafted characters to life while the restrained story is a clear sign of Song’s maturity and control as a writer.
Her film has done very well with critics groups. She won Best Original Screenplay from the Austin Film Critics Association Awards, the Florida Film Critics Circle Awards, and the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards. She was also nominated at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Original Screenplay. She lost that race to...
Her film has done very well with critics groups. She won Best Original Screenplay from the Austin Film Critics Association Awards, the Florida Film Critics Circle Awards, and the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards. She was also nominated at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Original Screenplay. She lost that race to...
- 2/17/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
“Oppenheimer” is the juggernaut Oscar contender that is predicted to take home not just Best Picture but a whole bunch of other Academy Awards, too, including Best Director for Christopher Nolan and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. However, we thought that “La La Land” had Best Picture all wrapped up in 2017 but come Oscars night, “Moonlight” swept in to claim the evening’s biggest prize in a shock win. So, is “Oppenheimer” as safe as everyone thinks?
“The Holdovers” is well-poised to pull off an upset. The movie follows Paul Giamatti as a curmudgeonly professor who is forced to look after students staying behind during the Christmas holidays. The film has been a hit with critics, audiences, and awards groups, too.
As such, it could be a major dark horse to win the Oscar for Best Picture. In the last 10 years, four movies have claimed the top prize...
“The Holdovers” is well-poised to pull off an upset. The movie follows Paul Giamatti as a curmudgeonly professor who is forced to look after students staying behind during the Christmas holidays. The film has been a hit with critics, audiences, and awards groups, too.
As such, it could be a major dark horse to win the Oscar for Best Picture. In the last 10 years, four movies have claimed the top prize...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
If you were to design a global sales agent in a lab, they would come out looking a lot like Tamara Birkemoe.
Born in Italy to Chilean parents and raised between Sweden and Rome before moving to the U.S. for film school, the multilingual exec has been a force on the indie film scene since her first job, straight out of UCLA, for Mark Damon’s Mdp Worldwide. For the next 16 years, Birkemoe put in time at Mdp (later Media 8 Entertainment) and then at Foresight Unlimited, the production and sales group Damon set up in 2005. The slate she oversaw ranged from studio-released big-budget action fare, such as Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor and Baltasar Kormákur’s 2 Guns, both Universal Pictures films, which grossed $155 million and $132 million worldwide, respectively; to Kevin Costner starrer The Upside of Anger, a New Line release that earned $28 million worldwide; and Patty Jenkins’ low-budget true-crime drama Monster,...
Born in Italy to Chilean parents and raised between Sweden and Rome before moving to the U.S. for film school, the multilingual exec has been a force on the indie film scene since her first job, straight out of UCLA, for Mark Damon’s Mdp Worldwide. For the next 16 years, Birkemoe put in time at Mdp (later Media 8 Entertainment) and then at Foresight Unlimited, the production and sales group Damon set up in 2005. The slate she oversaw ranged from studio-released big-budget action fare, such as Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor and Baltasar Kormákur’s 2 Guns, both Universal Pictures films, which grossed $155 million and $132 million worldwide, respectively; to Kevin Costner starrer The Upside of Anger, a New Line release that earned $28 million worldwide; and Patty Jenkins’ low-budget true-crime drama Monster,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Both Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay are full of beautiful writing, with a variety of genres and writers being acknowledged for their work this year.
We have previous Oscar winners nominated, such as Josh Singer, who co-wrote “Maestro” with Bradley Cooper; previous nominees such as “Oppenheimer” scribe Christopher Nolan and “Poor Things” penman Tony McNamara; and we have a whole bunch of first-time nominees such as “Past Lives” writer and director Celine Song.
But… could we have two first-time nominees win both writing categories? Oscar history says this is unlikely; this has not happened a single time in the last 10 years. There have, however, been five instances in both categories where rookie contenders have won the Oscar.
Best Original Screenplay
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” in 2023 Emerald Fennell for “Promising Young Woman” in 2021 Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won for “Parasite” in 2020 Brian Currie,...
We have previous Oscar winners nominated, such as Josh Singer, who co-wrote “Maestro” with Bradley Cooper; previous nominees such as “Oppenheimer” scribe Christopher Nolan and “Poor Things” penman Tony McNamara; and we have a whole bunch of first-time nominees such as “Past Lives” writer and director Celine Song.
But… could we have two first-time nominees win both writing categories? Oscar history says this is unlikely; this has not happened a single time in the last 10 years. There have, however, been five instances in both categories where rookie contenders have won the Oscar.
Best Original Screenplay
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” in 2023 Emerald Fennell for “Promising Young Woman” in 2021 Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won for “Parasite” in 2020 Brian Currie,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
“Poor Things” has performed well throughout this awards season, winning Best Comedy/Musical Film at the Golden Globes and snagging 11 Oscar nominations in total. That is the same number of awards the Searchlight Pictures movie was nominated for at the BAFTAs, where we predict it to perform well.
One person who is set to have a good night at the British film awards is Tony McNamara, who adapted Alasdair Gray‘s 1992 novel of the same name. McNamara previously worked with Emma Stone on “Cruella” and “The Favourite,” the latter of which was another Yorgos Lanthimos film. McNamara co-wrote that period piece with Deborah Davis. The duo was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars in 2019 but lost to “Green Book”.
However, they won the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay, over “Cold War” (Janusz Głowacki and Paweł Pawlikowski), “Green Book,” “Roma” (Alfonso Cuarón), and “Vice” (Adam McKay). The film won six other BAFTAs in total,...
One person who is set to have a good night at the British film awards is Tony McNamara, who adapted Alasdair Gray‘s 1992 novel of the same name. McNamara previously worked with Emma Stone on “Cruella” and “The Favourite,” the latter of which was another Yorgos Lanthimos film. McNamara co-wrote that period piece with Deborah Davis. The duo was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars in 2019 but lost to “Green Book”.
However, they won the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay, over “Cold War” (Janusz Głowacki and Paweł Pawlikowski), “Green Book,” “Roma” (Alfonso Cuarón), and “Vice” (Adam McKay). The film won six other BAFTAs in total,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
As of this writing the frontrunner to win this year’s Oscar for Best Original Screenplay is “The Holdovers” with 69/20 odds based on the combined predictions of Gold Derby users. What was previously behind it in second place was “Barbie,” yet the Academy recently declared that script to be adapted despite Warner Bros. campaigning it as original. With “Barbie” out of the way, “Past Lives” is now in second place in this category with 4/1 odds. But I think it actually has a shot of taking down “The Holdovers” for the win.
When it comes to Alexander Payne movies at the Oscars, they’ve so far gone one of two ways. They’ve either only won one award for screenplay (as was the case for “Sideways” and “The Descendants”), or they’ve gone home empty-handed. Many are currently predicting “The Holdovers” will fall into that first category, though it’s also...
When it comes to Alexander Payne movies at the Oscars, they’ve so far gone one of two ways. They’ve either only won one award for screenplay (as was the case for “Sideways” and “The Descendants”), or they’ve gone home empty-handed. Many are currently predicting “The Holdovers” will fall into that first category, though it’s also...
- 1/17/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The Golden Globes nominated five films this year for both director and screenplay. The Globes only offer one screenplay category rather than splitting into two with original and adapted like most other awards groups. This means that if your film gets into this category, they really, really love your writing.
Writing and directing seem like they would be paired together often but the two awards have only been awarded to the same film once in the last decade. That was in 2017 when Damien Chazelle won both awards for “La La Land,” which also won Best Comedy/Musical Picture. The other nine years saw a split. Here’s the breakdown.
In 2014, Spike Jonze won Best Screenplay for “Her” while Alfonso Cuarón emerged victorious in the directing race for “Gravity.” The year later, Richard Linklater took home Best Director for “Boyhood” while four writers won for “Birdman:” Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone,...
Writing and directing seem like they would be paired together often but the two awards have only been awarded to the same film once in the last decade. That was in 2017 when Damien Chazelle won both awards for “La La Land,” which also won Best Comedy/Musical Picture. The other nine years saw a split. Here’s the breakdown.
In 2014, Spike Jonze won Best Screenplay for “Her” while Alfonso Cuarón emerged victorious in the directing race for “Gravity.” The year later, Richard Linklater took home Best Director for “Boyhood” while four writers won for “Birdman:” Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Focus Features’ “The Holdovers” is one of the sweetest movies of the year and is set to become a new Christmas classic. Written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne, the 1970s-set story follows Paul Giamatti as a school professor tasked with staying behind on campus to look after students not going home for Christmas. What follows is a charming, touching tale about two foes who learn to become friends. Giamatti gives a knockout performance while Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a hot contender for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a cook mourning the death of her son. The movie’s strongest point, however, is its writing.
“Whiskey Cavalier” creator and “Black-Ish” and “American Dad!” scribe David Hemingson crafted the script. He has never been nominated for an Oscar before but we expect that that he’ll win one this year. We’re predicting he will take home...
“Whiskey Cavalier” creator and “Black-Ish” and “American Dad!” scribe David Hemingson crafted the script. He has never been nominated for an Oscar before but we expect that that he’ll win one this year. We’re predicting he will take home...
- 12/20/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The producers of That’s Amore ran out of money and skipped town without paying $570,000 in wages to dozens of workers while continuing to incur costly expenses to promote the movie, according to a complaint filed against the production.
In a lawsuit, filed in New York federal court on Dec. 8, IATSE says that it reached a settlement in August to resolve the grievance but that the production continues to refuse to pay 77 members for nearly a month of work. It’s threatening to blacklist writer-director Nick Vallelonga, who’s also a producer on the film, until workers are paid.
That’s Amore, a romantic comedy starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl and Christopher Walken, commenced production in September 2022 with a budget of $34 million. According to the complaint, the project ran out of money in October, forcing IATSE to file for arbitration for unpaid wages for that month, as well as November.
In a lawsuit, filed in New York federal court on Dec. 8, IATSE says that it reached a settlement in August to resolve the grievance but that the production continues to refuse to pay 77 members for nearly a month of work. It’s threatening to blacklist writer-director Nick Vallelonga, who’s also a producer on the film, until workers are paid.
That’s Amore, a romantic comedy starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl and Christopher Walken, commenced production in September 2022 with a budget of $34 million. According to the complaint, the project ran out of money in October, forcing IATSE to file for arbitration for unpaid wages for that month, as well as November.
- 12/15/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
(Updated with Cassian Elwes statement) Green Book producer Nick Vallelonga has gone off route when it comes to paying dozens of crew members on the upcoming That’s Amore! starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, Christopher Walken, Talia Shire and Drea de Mateo.
According to a complaint filed in federal court in New York on Dec. 8 by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, double Oscar winner Vallelonga’s That Amore Movie LLC has reneged on an arbitration deal struck between the parties on August 18 this year to pay union members for work performed in 2022 on the upcoming rom-com. The 77 IATSE members specifically affected performed the duties of “cinematographer, camera operator, camera assistant, editor, costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, hair and make-up stylists, production designer, art director, scenic artist, electrician, grip, construction, script supervisor, production coordinator, and accountant,” says the Matt Loeb-led union in the eight-page filing.
“Defendant failed to timely pay...
According to a complaint filed in federal court in New York on Dec. 8 by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, double Oscar winner Vallelonga’s That Amore Movie LLC has reneged on an arbitration deal struck between the parties on August 18 this year to pay union members for work performed in 2022 on the upcoming rom-com. The 77 IATSE members specifically affected performed the duties of “cinematographer, camera operator, camera assistant, editor, costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, hair and make-up stylists, production designer, art director, scenic artist, electrician, grip, construction, script supervisor, production coordinator, and accountant,” says the Matt Loeb-led union in the eight-page filing.
“Defendant failed to timely pay...
- 12/15/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
IATSE has taken the rare step of suing the producers of “That’s Amore,” alleging that the production has failed to pay $570,000 in wages to 77 union workers.
“That’s Amore” is a romantic comedy starring John Travolta and Katherine Heigl, which is written and directed by Nick Vallelonga, who won two Oscars for “Green Book.” The producers announced last month that they were finally getting off the ground.
But according to the union, production actually began more than a year ago, in September 2022. However, the producers ran out of money and shut down the show in November 2022, leaving dozens of crew members without paychecks, the union alleges.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees brought a grievance, and ultimately reached a settlement in July, according to the lawsuit. Under the terms, the production was supposed to pay everyone in full by Oct. 17 — but has failed to do so, the suit alleges.
“That’s Amore” is a romantic comedy starring John Travolta and Katherine Heigl, which is written and directed by Nick Vallelonga, who won two Oscars for “Green Book.” The producers announced last month that they were finally getting off the ground.
But according to the union, production actually began more than a year ago, in September 2022. However, the producers ran out of money and shut down the show in November 2022, leaving dozens of crew members without paychecks, the union alleges.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees brought a grievance, and ultimately reached a settlement in July, according to the lawsuit. Under the terms, the production was supposed to pay everyone in full by Oct. 17 — but has failed to do so, the suit alleges.
- 12/15/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
IATSE and its local branches in New York have filed a civil lawsuit against Nick Vallelonga, the Oscar-winning writer of “Green Book,” alleging that Vallelonga and his production arm failed to pay $570,000 in combined wages to union workers employed on his upcoming film “That’s Amore.”
IATSE in a press release said the film starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, and Christopher Walken had a projected budget of $34 million, but that under “Vallelonga’s so-called ‘leadership,’ the production ran out of money.” Production began September 19, 2022 and ran through November of that year.
The suit claims the production company, “That’s Amore Movie, LLC,” left dozens of workers unpaid and failed to meet what the union said is an estimated $100,000+ in benefit contributions.
IATSE is taking legal action after the union said it already went through an arbitration process that yielded a settlement, but that the production company still missed “nearly all...
IATSE in a press release said the film starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, and Christopher Walken had a projected budget of $34 million, but that under “Vallelonga’s so-called ‘leadership,’ the production ran out of money.” Production began September 19, 2022 and ran through November of that year.
The suit claims the production company, “That’s Amore Movie, LLC,” left dozens of workers unpaid and failed to meet what the union said is an estimated $100,000+ in benefit contributions.
IATSE is taking legal action after the union said it already went through an arbitration process that yielded a settlement, but that the production company still missed “nearly all...
- 12/15/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Executive worked with Ppp head Tamara Birkemoe at Screen Media, Foresight Unlimited.
Tamara Birkemoe is expanding the executive ranks at Los Angeles-based sales and financing company Palisades Park Pictures and has brought on Kyle Bellinger as vice president of distribution and marketing.
Birkemoe and Bellinger reunite after working together for many years at Screen Media and Foresight Unlimited. Effective immediately, Bellinger will oversee marketing and publicity for Palisades’ robust roster of films and manage distribution operations, working closely with the company’s international network of partners.
Palisades Park Pictures’ current slate includes Nick Vallelonga’s upcoming romance That’s Amore! starring John Travolta,...
Tamara Birkemoe is expanding the executive ranks at Los Angeles-based sales and financing company Palisades Park Pictures and has brought on Kyle Bellinger as vice president of distribution and marketing.
Birkemoe and Bellinger reunite after working together for many years at Screen Media and Foresight Unlimited. Effective immediately, Bellinger will oversee marketing and publicity for Palisades’ robust roster of films and manage distribution operations, working closely with the company’s international network of partners.
Palisades Park Pictures’ current slate includes Nick Vallelonga’s upcoming romance That’s Amore! starring John Travolta,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Alexander Payne‘s movies often fare well in the writing categories at the Oscars with four of his films so far nominated for either Best Original Screenplay or Best Adapted Screenplay.
His second movie, “Election,” was nominated for only Adapted Screenplay in 2000 after it turned Tom Perrotta’s 1998 novel of the same name into a film. Payne was nominated with his writing partner Jim Taylor, although they lost to John Irving for “The Cider House Rules.” “Sideways” then picked up five nominations in 2005 including an Adapted Screenplay bid for Payne and Taylor after they turned Rex Pickett’s 2004 novel of the same name into a hit movie. Payne and Taylor won this time around.
In 2012, “The Descendants” repeated the record of “Sideways,” matching five nominations and one Adapted Screenplay victory. This time, Payne won alongside Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. They adapted the 2007 novel of the same name from Kaui Hart Hemmings.
His second movie, “Election,” was nominated for only Adapted Screenplay in 2000 after it turned Tom Perrotta’s 1998 novel of the same name into a film. Payne was nominated with his writing partner Jim Taylor, although they lost to John Irving for “The Cider House Rules.” “Sideways” then picked up five nominations in 2005 including an Adapted Screenplay bid for Payne and Taylor after they turned Rex Pickett’s 2004 novel of the same name into a hit movie. Payne and Taylor won this time around.
In 2012, “The Descendants” repeated the record of “Sideways,” matching five nominations and one Adapted Screenplay victory. This time, Payne won alongside Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. They adapted the 2007 novel of the same name from Kaui Hart Hemmings.
- 11/24/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Nick Vallelonga, the writer, producer and actor whose work on Universal’s Green Book brought him a pair of Oscars and Golden Globes for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture, has signed with Independent Artist Group for representation.
Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film co-written by Vallelonga was inspired by the true story of his father, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a tough-nosed nightclub bouncer who took a job as the driver and bodyguard for celebrated pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) during the 1960s, cultivating an unexpected bond with the eccentric musical genius while on tour with him through the racially charged Deep South.
Released in November 2018 after world premiering at TIFF, where it won the People’s Choice Award, the DreamWorks title grossed more than $321M worldwide.
Vallelonga is fresh off success with international sales at AFM for his new film That’s Amore, a rom-com that he wrote...
Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film co-written by Vallelonga was inspired by the true story of his father, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a tough-nosed nightclub bouncer who took a job as the driver and bodyguard for celebrated pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) during the 1960s, cultivating an unexpected bond with the eccentric musical genius while on tour with him through the racially charged Deep South.
Released in November 2018 after world premiering at TIFF, where it won the People’s Choice Award, the DreamWorks title grossed more than $321M worldwide.
Vallelonga is fresh off success with international sales at AFM for his new film That’s Amore, a rom-com that he wrote...
- 11/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In the upcoming musical romantic comedy “That’s Amore!,” audiences will have their chance to see John Travolta doing what so many of his fans love to see him doing — singing and dancing with a smile on his face.
The star’s enduring popularity certainly isn’t lost on writer-director Nick Vallelonga, who won two Oscars for writing and producing the 2018 hit “Green Book,” and is thrilled to be finally getting the film off the ground. “I’m constantly writing and developing scripts, and I’ve always had Travolta in mind for the role. I got to work with John on a George Gallo film [“The Poison Rose”] and I was his stand-in for a week on ‘Staying Alive,’ so I’ve always been a big fan of his work. He just makes you happy when you see him on screen, and I’ve always dreamed of making this movie with him.
The star’s enduring popularity certainly isn’t lost on writer-director Nick Vallelonga, who won two Oscars for writing and producing the 2018 hit “Green Book,” and is thrilled to be finally getting the film off the ground. “I’m constantly writing and developing scripts, and I’ve always had Travolta in mind for the role. I got to work with John on a George Gallo film [“The Poison Rose”] and I was his stand-in for a week on ‘Staying Alive,’ so I’ve always been a big fan of his work. He just makes you happy when you see him on screen, and I’ve always dreamed of making this movie with him.
- 11/1/2023
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
Production scheduled to begin in January. Cassian Elwes represents US rights.
Palisades Park Pictures has closed multiple sales on Oscar-winning Green Book producer and screenwriter Nick Vallelonga’s upcoming romantic comedy That’s Amore! starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, and Christopher Walken and continues talks at AFM this week.
Rights have gone to: Spain, Portugal and South America (Vertice Cine), Middle East (Selim Ramia & Co), Eastern Europe (MediaSquad), and Turkey (Videomite).
Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe and her team have also concluded sales in: Poland (Kino Świat), South Africa (Empire Entertainment), Israel (Forum Film), Iceland (Myndform), and Ukraine (Top Film Distribution...
Palisades Park Pictures has closed multiple sales on Oscar-winning Green Book producer and screenwriter Nick Vallelonga’s upcoming romantic comedy That’s Amore! starring John Travolta, Katherine Heigl, and Christopher Walken and continues talks at AFM this week.
Rights have gone to: Spain, Portugal and South America (Vertice Cine), Middle East (Selim Ramia & Co), Eastern Europe (MediaSquad), and Turkey (Videomite).
Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe and her team have also concluded sales in: Poland (Kino Świat), South Africa (Empire Entertainment), Israel (Forum Film), Iceland (Myndform), and Ukraine (Top Film Distribution...
- 10/31/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Charlotte Kirk starrer to screen at market next week; international talks ongoing.
On the eve of AFM Palisades Park Pictures has announced key territory sales on Neil Marshall’s crime thriller Duchess, with Saban Films acquiring the US and Vertigo Films taking UK rights.
Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe has concluded a raft of deals on the Charlotte Kirk starrer.
Amazon has taken Benelux rights, Videomite has acquired the film for Turkey, Selim Ramia for the Middle East, Cinemundo for Portugal, Premiere 9 Entertainment for India, Myndform for Iceland, Daro Film Distribution for Central Eastern Europe, M-Net for South Africa,...
On the eve of AFM Palisades Park Pictures has announced key territory sales on Neil Marshall’s crime thriller Duchess, with Saban Films acquiring the US and Vertigo Films taking UK rights.
Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe has concluded a raft of deals on the Charlotte Kirk starrer.
Amazon has taken Benelux rights, Videomite has acquired the film for Turkey, Selim Ramia for the Middle East, Cinemundo for Portugal, Premiere 9 Entertainment for India, Myndform for Iceland, Daro Film Distribution for Central Eastern Europe, M-Net for South Africa,...
- 10/26/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Charlotte Kirk starrer to screen at market next week; international talks ongoing.
On the eve of AFM Palisades Park Pictures has announced key territory sales on Neil Marshall’s crime thriller Duchess, with Saban Films acquiring the US and Vertigo taking UK rights.
Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe has concluded a raft of deals on the Charlotte Kirk starrer.
Amazon has taken Benelux rights, Videomite has acquired the film for Turkey, Selim Ramia for the Middle East, Cinemundo for Portugal, Premiere 9 Entertainment for India, Myndform for Iceland, Daro Film Distribution for Central Eastern Europe, M-Net for South Africa, and Top Film Distribution for Ukraine.
On the eve of AFM Palisades Park Pictures has announced key territory sales on Neil Marshall’s crime thriller Duchess, with Saban Films acquiring the US and Vertigo taking UK rights.
Palisades Park Pictures CEO Tamara Birkemoe has concluded a raft of deals on the Charlotte Kirk starrer.
Amazon has taken Benelux rights, Videomite has acquired the film for Turkey, Selim Ramia for the Middle East, Cinemundo for Portugal, Premiere 9 Entertainment for India, Myndform for Iceland, Daro Film Distribution for Central Eastern Europe, M-Net for South Africa, and Top Film Distribution for Ukraine.
- 10/26/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Stage 32, the social network designed to support TV and film professionals in more than 185 countries, has reached the milestone of 1 million members as the company expands its offerings.
The service was founded in 2011 by Richard “Rb” Botto, an actor, producer and screenwriter. The platform features global job boards and 3,000 hours of webinars, classes and labs to support a wide range of entertainment industry careers, including above- and below-the-line disciplines.
Among the top markets for Stage 32 are the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, South Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. The price of the service ranges depending on the level and duration of access. A one-year subscription to its Writers Room plan, offering a database of open film and TV writing jobs, costs about $350.
“From the beginning, the mission of Stage 32 has been to democratize the entertainment industry by leveling the playing field for film and television creatives worldwide.
The service was founded in 2011 by Richard “Rb” Botto, an actor, producer and screenwriter. The platform features global job boards and 3,000 hours of webinars, classes and labs to support a wide range of entertainment industry careers, including above- and below-the-line disciplines.
Among the top markets for Stage 32 are the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, South Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. The price of the service ranges depending on the level and duration of access. A one-year subscription to its Writers Room plan, offering a database of open film and TV writing jobs, costs about $350.
“From the beginning, the mission of Stage 32 has been to democratize the entertainment industry by leveling the playing field for film and television creatives worldwide.
- 7/7/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Newly minted best actor Oscar winner Brendan Fraser is headed to the Gulf of Naples, Italy, for the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival, where he will be honored as Global Actor of the Year, the fest announced on Saturday.
“We are proud to welcome to Ischia Brendan Fraser, a great artist and man who symbolizes rebirth and redemption,” festival founder and producer Pascal Vicedomini said in a statement.
Fraser, who garnered career-best reviews last year for The Whale and is associated with another awards hopeful this year, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, will be feted on July 15.
On that same date, the fest will present Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker most recently behind this year’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid, with its Luchino Visconti Legend Award. Diane Warren, the hit-machine songwriter who collected an honorary Oscar last year and hopes to finally be awarded a...
“We are proud to welcome to Ischia Brendan Fraser, a great artist and man who symbolizes rebirth and redemption,” festival founder and producer Pascal Vicedomini said in a statement.
Fraser, who garnered career-best reviews last year for The Whale and is associated with another awards hopeful this year, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, will be feted on July 15.
On that same date, the fest will present Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker most recently behind this year’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid, with its Luchino Visconti Legend Award. Diane Warren, the hit-machine songwriter who collected an honorary Oscar last year and hopes to finally be awarded a...
- 7/1/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023 Cannes market runs May 16-24.
Screen is rounding up the key packages launched before and during the 2023 Cannes market (which runs May 16-24).
Refresh the page for latest updates.
May 16 ’The Salt Path’
The feature debut of acclaimed theatre director Marianne Elliott stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs portraying the real-life couple who trekked 630 miles of UK coastline after being kicked out of their home. Black Bear are distributing in the UK.
World sales: Rocket Science
’The Rule Of Jenny Pen’
Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow star in James Ashcroft’s thriller as a conceited judging and a psychopath...
Screen is rounding up the key packages launched before and during the 2023 Cannes market (which runs May 16-24).
Refresh the page for latest updates.
May 16 ’The Salt Path’
The feature debut of acclaimed theatre director Marianne Elliott stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs portraying the real-life couple who trekked 630 miles of UK coastline after being kicked out of their home. Black Bear are distributing in the UK.
World sales: Rocket Science
’The Rule Of Jenny Pen’
Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow star in James Ashcroft’s thriller as a conceited judging and a psychopath...
- 5/16/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Palisades Park Pictures (Ppp) will be representing global sales for action-thriller Duchess from director Neil Marshall (Hellboy).
Post production recently wrapped with Ppp screening for buyers at the Cannes market next week.
Duchess stars Charlotte Kirk (Vice) in the titular role as she navigates the world of diamond smuggling. Philip Winchester (Strike Back), Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Sean Pertwee (Event Horizon), and Stephanie Beacham (Dracula A.D. 1972) also star.
Duchess follows Kirk’s no-nonsense Scarlett Monaghan and her rise from a working-class petty criminal to becoming a ruthless organized crime leader in the seedy underbelly of the diamond smuggling circuit of Tenerife.
Marshall and Kirk co-penned the screenplay, with Emily Corcoran of Cork Films and Kristyna Sellnerova as producers.
Joe Simpson, Simon Williams, Jonathan Bross and Matthew E. Chausse of Ashland Hill Media Finance and Norman Merry and Peter Hampden of Lip Sync executive-produced along with Jon Dean,...
Post production recently wrapped with Ppp screening for buyers at the Cannes market next week.
Duchess stars Charlotte Kirk (Vice) in the titular role as she navigates the world of diamond smuggling. Philip Winchester (Strike Back), Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Sean Pertwee (Event Horizon), and Stephanie Beacham (Dracula A.D. 1972) also star.
Duchess follows Kirk’s no-nonsense Scarlett Monaghan and her rise from a working-class petty criminal to becoming a ruthless organized crime leader in the seedy underbelly of the diamond smuggling circuit of Tenerife.
Marshall and Kirk co-penned the screenplay, with Emily Corcoran of Cork Films and Kristyna Sellnerova as producers.
Joe Simpson, Simon Williams, Jonathan Bross and Matthew E. Chausse of Ashland Hill Media Finance and Norman Merry and Peter Hampden of Lip Sync executive-produced along with Jon Dean,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl have been set to star in Nick Vallelonga’s upcoming rom-com ‘That’s Amore!.’
Christopher Walken is currently in talks to join the cast.
The film centres around Nick Venere (Travolta), a modern-day “Marty” – he’s never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He’s never heard the words “I love you” and figures he never will. Patty Amore (Heigl) has her share of problems as well. Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. A secret from her past, combined with her over-protective father, has caused her to withdraw from the dating game. When Nick and Patty meet, literally bumping into one another, they share an immediate connection. When these two emotionally damaged people attempt to date one another, their families get involved, and the results are hilarious.
Also in news – Pedro Pascal cast in...
Christopher Walken is currently in talks to join the cast.
The film centres around Nick Venere (Travolta), a modern-day “Marty” – he’s never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He’s never heard the words “I love you” and figures he never will. Patty Amore (Heigl) has her share of problems as well. Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. A secret from her past, combined with her over-protective father, has caused her to withdraw from the dating game. When Nick and Patty meet, literally bumping into one another, they share an immediate connection. When these two emotionally damaged people attempt to date one another, their families get involved, and the results are hilarious.
Also in news – Pedro Pascal cast in...
- 5/12/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl are to star in the romantic comedy 'That's Amore!'The pair have joined the cast of the movie that is being written and directed by two-time Oscar winner Nick Vallelonga with Christopher Walken also in negotiations to appear.The movie follows Nick Venere (Travolta), who has never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He has never heard the words 'I love you' and figures that he never will.Patty Amore (Heigl) has problems of her own as a secret from her past and an over-protective father cause her to withdraw from the dating game. But when Nick and Patty literally bump into each other, they share an immediate connection.When the two emotionally damaged people date one another and their families get involved, the results are hilarious.The film heads into production in August with Vallelonga producing through his Vallelonga Productions banner.
- 5/12/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Image Source: Getty / Michael Loccisano / Amanda Edwards
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl are officially set to play lovers on the big screen. The pair have been cast in a romantic comedy called "That's Amore," Palisades Park Pictures revealed on May 11 ahead of the film's sales launch at the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival, per Variety. The movie was written and will be directed by "Green Book"'s Nick Vallelonga.
Travolta, best known for "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever," recently appeared in 2022's "Paradise City." In February, he celebrated his 69th birthday with a trip to Las Vegas, accompanied by his friends and his daughter Ella. Meanwhile, 44-year-old Heigl is currently starring in Netflix's "Firefly Lane," and is also well-known for her roles in "Grey's Anatomy," "27 Dresses," and many more.
Ahead, check out what we know about "That's Amore" so far.
"That's Amore" Plot
"That's Amore" stars Travolta as a...
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl are officially set to play lovers on the big screen. The pair have been cast in a romantic comedy called "That's Amore," Palisades Park Pictures revealed on May 11 ahead of the film's sales launch at the forthcoming Cannes Film Festival, per Variety. The movie was written and will be directed by "Green Book"'s Nick Vallelonga.
Travolta, best known for "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever," recently appeared in 2022's "Paradise City." In February, he celebrated his 69th birthday with a trip to Las Vegas, accompanied by his friends and his daughter Ella. Meanwhile, 44-year-old Heigl is currently starring in Netflix's "Firefly Lane," and is also well-known for her roles in "Grey's Anatomy," "27 Dresses," and many more.
Ahead, check out what we know about "That's Amore" so far.
"That's Amore" Plot
"That's Amore" stars Travolta as a...
- 5/11/2023
- by Eden Arielle Gordon
- Popsugar.com
John Travolta stars opposite Katherine Heigl in Nick Vallelonga’s new romantic comedy.
“That’s Amore!” sees Travolta in the role of Nick Venere , a modern-day “Marty” who’s never been in love. Heigl’s shy and introverted Patty Amore has also been off the dating market for a while thanks to an overprotective father and a secret from her past. When the two cross paths and sparks immediately fly, hilarity ensues as they have to manage their family’s antics and their own baggage to see if love will win the day.
Read More: John Travolta Fights Back Tears As He Pays Tribute To Olivia Newton-John During 2023 Oscars In Memoriam Segment
Aside from the two stars, Christopher Walken is in the talks to join the Academy Award-winning director’s film.
Palisades Park Pictures is behind the worldwide launch and are enthusiastic to add the film to their slate of work.
“That’s Amore!” sees Travolta in the role of Nick Venere , a modern-day “Marty” who’s never been in love. Heigl’s shy and introverted Patty Amore has also been off the dating market for a while thanks to an overprotective father and a secret from her past. When the two cross paths and sparks immediately fly, hilarity ensues as they have to manage their family’s antics and their own baggage to see if love will win the day.
Read More: John Travolta Fights Back Tears As He Pays Tribute To Olivia Newton-John During 2023 Oscars In Memoriam Segment
Aside from the two stars, Christopher Walken is in the talks to join the Academy Award-winning director’s film.
Palisades Park Pictures is behind the worldwide launch and are enthusiastic to add the film to their slate of work.
- 5/11/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl will star in Nick Vallelonga’s upcoming rom-com “That’s Amore!” Palisades Park Pictures made the announcement Thursday ahead of the sales launch for the film at Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, Christopher Walken is in talks to join the cast.
“Nick Venere (Travolta) is a modern-day “Marty” – he’s never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He’s never heard the words “I love you” and figures he never will,” said the official film synopsis.
“Patty Amore (Heigl) has her share of problems as well. Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. A secret from her past, combined with her over-protective father, have caused her to withdraw from the dating game. When Nick and Patty meet, literally bumping into one another, they share an immediate connection. When these two emotionally damaged people attempt to date one another,...
“Nick Venere (Travolta) is a modern-day “Marty” – he’s never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He’s never heard the words “I love you” and figures he never will,” said the official film synopsis.
“Patty Amore (Heigl) has her share of problems as well. Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. A secret from her past, combined with her over-protective father, have caused her to withdraw from the dating game. When Nick and Patty meet, literally bumping into one another, they share an immediate connection. When these two emotionally damaged people attempt to date one another,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Christopher Walken in talks to join cast.
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl will star in romantic comedy That’s Amore, written and directed by Green Book writer-producer Nick Vallelonga.
Christopher Walken is also in talks to join the cast of the film, which will begin production in August 2023, and for which Palisades Park Pictures (Ppp) will launch worldwide sales at Cannes next week; Cassian Elwes will co-represent US rights with Ppp.
Vallelonga will produce through his Vallelonga Productions, alongside Cassian Elwes under his Elevated Films banner, and Brenda Emmett and Vince Emmett of American Troubadours. Executive producers are David Polemeni...
John Travolta and Katherine Heigl will star in romantic comedy That’s Amore, written and directed by Green Book writer-producer Nick Vallelonga.
Christopher Walken is also in talks to join the cast of the film, which will begin production in August 2023, and for which Palisades Park Pictures (Ppp) will launch worldwide sales at Cannes next week; Cassian Elwes will co-represent US rights with Ppp.
Vallelonga will produce through his Vallelonga Productions, alongside Cassian Elwes under his Elevated Films banner, and Brenda Emmett and Vince Emmett of American Troubadours. Executive producers are David Polemeni...
- 5/11/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
John Travolta (Grease) and Katherine Heigl (Firefly Lane) have boarded the rom-com That’s Amore!, written and to be directed by two-time Academy Award winner Nick Vallelonga (Green Book), with Christopher Walken (Severance) also in talks to star.
The film heading into production in August follows Nick Venere (Travolta), who is a modern-day ‘Marty’ – he’s never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He’s never heard the words ‘I love you” and figures he never will. Patty Amore (Heigl) has her share of problems, as well. Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. A secret from her past, combined with her over-protective father, have caused her to withdraw from the dating game. But when Nick and Patty meet, literally bumping into one another, they share an immediate connection. When these two emotionally damaged people attempt to date one another,...
The film heading into production in August follows Nick Venere (Travolta), who is a modern-day ‘Marty’ – he’s never been married and his best dating years are well behind him. He’s never heard the words ‘I love you” and figures he never will. Patty Amore (Heigl) has her share of problems, as well. Shy and introverted, she’s filled with various tics and nervous habits. A secret from her past, combined with her over-protective father, have caused her to withdraw from the dating game. But when Nick and Patty meet, literally bumping into one another, they share an immediate connection. When these two emotionally damaged people attempt to date one another,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Green Book actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and cocaine, the New York City medical examiner’s office has determined.
The cause of death was confirmed by Deadline.
The overdose occurred before Vallelonga’s body was dumped on a Bronx sidewalk last November.
Vallelonga was 60 years old when he died Nov. 28. His body was subsequently left on a sidewalk outside a Bronx sheet-metal manufacturing factor. The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call and found Vallelonga deceased at the scene.
The official cause of death is “acute intoxication due to combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine.”
In Best Picture Oscar winner Green Book, Vallelonga Jr. portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s bouncer character Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. Vallelonga Jr. was the real-life son of the bouncer portrayed in the film, who also was an actor best known for playing crime boss Carmine Lupertazzi in The Sopranos.
The cause of death was confirmed by Deadline.
The overdose occurred before Vallelonga’s body was dumped on a Bronx sidewalk last November.
Vallelonga was 60 years old when he died Nov. 28. His body was subsequently left on a sidewalk outside a Bronx sheet-metal manufacturing factor. The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call and found Vallelonga deceased at the scene.
The official cause of death is “acute intoxication due to combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine.”
In Best Picture Oscar winner Green Book, Vallelonga Jr. portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s bouncer character Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. Vallelonga Jr. was the real-life son of the bouncer portrayed in the film, who also was an actor best known for playing crime boss Carmine Lupertazzi in The Sopranos.
- 4/11/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The cause of death for Frank Vallelonga Jr., an actor who appeared in “Green Book” and “The Sopranos,” has been revealed.
Last November, police responded to a 3:50 a.m. call reporting that a body had been dumped outside of a factory near 1243 Oak Point Ave in the Bronx. The man, who was later identified as Vallelonga Jr., was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the NYPD. He was 60.
Steven Smith, 35, has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
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According to the New York Post and the Daily News, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday concluded in its autopsy report that Vallelonga Jr “died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and cocaine.”
TheWrap has reached out to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm.
Last November, police responded to a 3:50 a.m. call reporting that a body had been dumped outside of a factory near 1243 Oak Point Ave in the Bronx. The man, who was later identified as Vallelonga Jr., was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the NYPD. He was 60.
Steven Smith, 35, has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Also Read:
Al Jaffee, Mastermind of the Mad Magazine ‘Fold-In’ Comic, Dies at 102
According to the New York Post and the Daily News, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday concluded in its autopsy report that Vallelonga Jr “died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and cocaine.”
TheWrap has reached out to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm.
- 4/11/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., best known for his role in the Green Book film, was found dead on a sidewalk in the Bronx on Thursday. He was 60.
Vallelonga’s body was found outside of a sheet metal factory with no visible trauma. Police declared him dead on the scene.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
The details behind Vallelonga’s death remain unclear and his body will be turned over to a medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Early reports indicate the signs are pointing to an overdose. A man has been arrested in connection to the actor’s death for the concealment of a human corpse.
>Watch: Nick Vallelonga’s uINTERVIEW
Vallelonga was known as the real-life son of Frank Vallelonga Sr., who was black pianist Don Shirley‘s bodyguard in the 1950s and 60s. Green Book told the story of the two touring...
Vallelonga’s body was found outside of a sheet metal factory with no visible trauma. Police declared him dead on the scene.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
The details behind Vallelonga’s death remain unclear and his body will be turned over to a medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Early reports indicate the signs are pointing to an overdose. A man has been arrested in connection to the actor’s death for the concealment of a human corpse.
>Watch: Nick Vallelonga’s uINTERVIEW
Vallelonga was known as the real-life son of Frank Vallelonga Sr., who was black pianist Don Shirley‘s bodyguard in the 1950s and 60s. Green Book told the story of the two touring...
- 12/3/2022
- by Rose Carter
- Uinterview
A body dumped outside of a Bronx sheet-metal manufacturing factory on Monday, November 28 has been identified as 60-year-old actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. Vallelonga Jr. was known for playing a relative of Viggo Mortensen‘s character in the Oscar-winning Green Book. The film was based on Vallelonga Jr.’s father, Frank Vallelonga Sr. (known by his stage name Tony Lip) and written by his brother, Nick Vallelonga. NYPD responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious male left outside 1243 Oak Point Avenue in The Bronx on November 28. When officers arrived at the scene, the man was unresponsive, per Deadline. Ems pronounced the male dead at the scene and an investigation into the exact cause of death is still ongoing. A 35-year-old man named Steven Smith has been charged with concealment of a human corpse for dumping the actor’s body. According to TMZ, Smith told NYPD authorities that Vallelonga Jr. died of a drug overdose.
- 12/1/2022
- TV Insider
Click here to read the full article.
The NYPD identified a body found in the Bronx as Green Book actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The actor, who was 60, portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. In real life, he was the son of the bouncer portrayed in the film.
The police found Vallelonga Jr., unconscious and unresponsive but with no observable trauma, early Monday morning on the ground outside of the address of a sheet-metal factory.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but someone has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr.’s manager, Melissa Prophet, also confirmed his death to THR.
His other recent credits include crime film The Birthday Cake (2021) that starred Val Kilmer and Ewan McGregor and a 2018 episode of CBS’ The Neighborhood.
The NYPD identified a body found in the Bronx as Green Book actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The actor, who was 60, portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. In real life, he was the son of the bouncer portrayed in the film.
The police found Vallelonga Jr., unconscious and unresponsive but with no observable trauma, early Monday morning on the ground outside of the address of a sheet-metal factory.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but someone has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr.’s manager, Melissa Prophet, also confirmed his death to THR.
His other recent credits include crime film The Birthday Cake (2021) that starred Val Kilmer and Ewan McGregor and a 2018 episode of CBS’ The Neighborhood.
- 12/1/2022
- by Abbey White and Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Green Book” actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. has died at the age of 60, Variety has confirmed.
The NYPD responded to a call early Monday morning just before 4 a.m. in the Bronx and found Vallelonga Jr. laying unconscious and unresponsive on the ground. Following the arrival of Ems to the location, the actor was pronounced dead on the scene. The NYPD also confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man named Steven Smith on charges of concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr. was the son of late actor Tony Lip, whose real name was Frank Vallelonga. Before Lip died in 2013, he consistently took on roles as mafia crime bosses throughout his acting career, notably portraying Carmine Lupertazzi in HBO’s “The Sopranos.” Lip also portrayed mobster Philip Giaccone in “Donnie Brasco” and real-life Lucchese crime family mobster Francesco Manzo in “Goodfellas,” in addition to playing a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.
The NYPD responded to a call early Monday morning just before 4 a.m. in the Bronx and found Vallelonga Jr. laying unconscious and unresponsive on the ground. Following the arrival of Ems to the location, the actor was pronounced dead on the scene. The NYPD also confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man named Steven Smith on charges of concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr. was the son of late actor Tony Lip, whose real name was Frank Vallelonga. Before Lip died in 2013, he consistently took on roles as mafia crime bosses throughout his acting career, notably portraying Carmine Lupertazzi in HBO’s “The Sopranos.” Lip also portrayed mobster Philip Giaccone in “Donnie Brasco” and real-life Lucchese crime family mobster Francesco Manzo in “Goodfellas,” in addition to playing a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.
- 12/1/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
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