Exclusive: UTA has signed comedic multi-hyphenate Cedric The Entertainer and his production company A Bird And A Bear Entertainment for representation in all areas.
A comedian, actor and executive producer, Cedric currently stars opposite Max Greenfield in the CBS sitcom The Neighborhood, which returned for its sixth season in February and has been picked up for a seventh. Created by Jim Reynolds, the show follows midwesterner Dave Johnson (Greenfield) as he relocates his white family to a predominantly African American neighborhood in Los Angeles. There, Dave’s excessive friendliness isn’t well-received by everyone, especially his new next-door neighbor, Calvin Butler (Cedric The Entertainer). Cedric won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on the show last year, marking his sixth inclusion in the category.
CBS Studios doubled down on its commitment to The Neighborhood universe by giving a series order to Crutch,...
A comedian, actor and executive producer, Cedric currently stars opposite Max Greenfield in the CBS sitcom The Neighborhood, which returned for its sixth season in February and has been picked up for a seventh. Created by Jim Reynolds, the show follows midwesterner Dave Johnson (Greenfield) as he relocates his white family to a predominantly African American neighborhood in Los Angeles. There, Dave’s excessive friendliness isn’t well-received by everyone, especially his new next-door neighbor, Calvin Butler (Cedric The Entertainer). Cedric won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on the show last year, marking his sixth inclusion in the category.
CBS Studios doubled down on its commitment to The Neighborhood universe by giving a series order to Crutch,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and the box office is looking grim. The “Mad Max” prequel “Furiosa” is on track to score the lowest No. 1 Memorial Day weekend in nearly three decades, since 1998’s “Casper,” with an estimated $31 million take. But traditionally, the holiday weekend is a big one for moviegoing – kids are out of school, adults have three days off and the summer movie season is ready to roll.
For that reason, it feels like a good time to look back at the highest-grossing Memorial Day weekend box office openings of all time, dating back to 1996. Now it’s important to note these are Memorial Day weekend openings not Memorial Day weekend box office champions – “The Day After Tomorrow” pulled in over $85 million when it opened in 2004, but the top film at the box office for the holiday weekend was holdover “Shrek 2.”
Interestingly enough, while the acclaimed...
For that reason, it feels like a good time to look back at the highest-grossing Memorial Day weekend box office openings of all time, dating back to 1996. Now it’s important to note these are Memorial Day weekend openings not Memorial Day weekend box office champions – “The Day After Tomorrow” pulled in over $85 million when it opened in 2004, but the top film at the box office for the holiday weekend was holdover “Shrek 2.”
Interestingly enough, while the acclaimed...
- 5/25/2024
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
When Netflix released its latest major data set on Thursday — its second under the name of What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report — animated features continued to demonstrate a major impact for the streamer. Of the top 100 most viewed titles in the period of review, from July to December 2023, 33 were animated, bringing in a total of 1,087,600,000 views.
That being said, titles licensed from other studios continued to heavily overshadow Netflix originals, in terms of impact. Of the 33 animated titles in the Top 100, five were produced by Netflix; the Adam Sandler starrer Leo ranked the highest at #3 overall, coming in with 96 million views. Others that made the cut included The Monkey King, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the Oscar-nominated Nimona, The Sea Beast and Back to the Outback.
By far the greatest supplier of Netflix’s top ranking animated films was Universal, which through a exclusive licensing deal,...
That being said, titles licensed from other studios continued to heavily overshadow Netflix originals, in terms of impact. Of the 33 animated titles in the Top 100, five were produced by Netflix; the Adam Sandler starrer Leo ranked the highest at #3 overall, coming in with 96 million views. Others that made the cut included The Monkey King, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the Oscar-nominated Nimona, The Sea Beast and Back to the Outback.
By far the greatest supplier of Netflix’s top ranking animated films was Universal, which through a exclusive licensing deal,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Emmy and DGA Award-winning actor, director, writer and producer Ben Stiller has signed with WME in all areas.
Stiller’s breakthrough came with his Emmy-winning sketch comedy program The Ben Stiller Show (1992-1995), which helped launch the careers of Judd Apatow, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo and Bob Odenkirk.
Among his TV credits and accolades, Stiller won the DGA Award for directing all 7 parts of the Showtime limited series Escape at Dannemora, which he also executive produced, receiving Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series categories.
The multihyphenate recently concluded work on the second season of the Apple TV+ series Severance, which he directs and executive produces. For the first season of the series, he won a Peabody Award and was nominated for two Emmys plus PGA and DGA Awards.
His prolific acting career has included roles in major film franchises such as Night at the Museum,...
Stiller’s breakthrough came with his Emmy-winning sketch comedy program The Ben Stiller Show (1992-1995), which helped launch the careers of Judd Apatow, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo and Bob Odenkirk.
Among his TV credits and accolades, Stiller won the DGA Award for directing all 7 parts of the Showtime limited series Escape at Dannemora, which he also executive produced, receiving Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series categories.
The multihyphenate recently concluded work on the second season of the Apple TV+ series Severance, which he directs and executive produces. For the first season of the series, he won a Peabody Award and was nominated for two Emmys plus PGA and DGA Awards.
His prolific acting career has included roles in major film franchises such as Night at the Museum,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Refresh for latest…: Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 has topped the half-century mark globally, now with $503.5M worldwide. Of that, $318.5M is from the international box office. Passing $500M makes KFP4, directed by Mike Mitchell (and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine), only the fourth animated title to the benchmark since 2020, joining Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($1.4B) and Minions: The Rise of Gru ($943M), and Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ($691M).
Overseas, the return of Po & co is now the highest grossing film in the franchise in 37 markets including Mexico ($35.2M) and Brazil ($8.1M). The series of films recently topped the $2B mark globally to become the 7th highest grossing animated franchise of all time. Dwa has the most animated franchises to the $2B milestone worldwide with Shrek ($3.972B), Madagascar ($2.257B), and now Kfp ($2.3B).
News of KFP4’s achievement (more on...
Overseas, the return of Po & co is now the highest grossing film in the franchise in 37 markets including Mexico ($35.2M) and Brazil ($8.1M). The series of films recently topped the $2B mark globally to become the 7th highest grossing animated franchise of all time. Dwa has the most animated franchises to the $2B milestone worldwide with Shrek ($3.972B), Madagascar ($2.257B), and now Kfp ($2.3B).
News of KFP4’s achievement (more on...
- 4/28/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Meadows and Stephanie Beatriz have been cast in key voice roles for the upcoming animated comedy/sci-fi feature film “Harry and the Mutant Mid-Century Furniture,” directed by Michael Skolnick (“The Gliksmans”).
Mack Williams of Pig Apple and Michael Bitton of 14th Street Music have also signed on as Animation Director and Composer, respectively.
Beatriz and Meadows join previously announced cast members Andy Richter and Matt Walsh, who will also serve as creative producers, as well as Seth Green, Pamela Adlon, Lou Ferrigno and Clare Grant (“Hanky Panky”).
Andy Richter, Matt Walsh
“Harry and the Mutant Mid-Century Furniture” is written and produced by Skolnick, Keegan Cotton, Jordan Lewandowski and Seth Morton.
Set in a 1960s idyllic American town, the film centers on a young boy named Harry, who is convinced that his dad, a chair designer, was abducted by aliens. Determined to prove his theory, Harry runs away from home...
Mack Williams of Pig Apple and Michael Bitton of 14th Street Music have also signed on as Animation Director and Composer, respectively.
Beatriz and Meadows join previously announced cast members Andy Richter and Matt Walsh, who will also serve as creative producers, as well as Seth Green, Pamela Adlon, Lou Ferrigno and Clare Grant (“Hanky Panky”).
Andy Richter, Matt Walsh
“Harry and the Mutant Mid-Century Furniture” is written and produced by Skolnick, Keegan Cotton, Jordan Lewandowski and Seth Morton.
Set in a 1960s idyllic American town, the film centers on a young boy named Harry, who is convinced that his dad, a chair designer, was abducted by aliens. Determined to prove his theory, Harry runs away from home...
- 4/16/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Chris Rock made a tasteless comment when he compared his Oscar-hosting situation with the late Nicole Brown Simpson case. Rock was at the receiving end of Will Smith’s infamous Oscar slap that landed the latter a decade-long ban from the Academy. So when Rock was asked to host the 2023 Awards, it was clearly too soon, and Rock’s reply analogy turned out to be a little controversial.
Fargo actor Chris Rock made a tasteless joke about Nicole Brown Simpson while discussing his Oscar-hosting gig
During one of his standup specials, Rock shared that the Academy offered him the Oscars host role the very next year after the Slap. He shared that asking him to host was just like asking Nicole Brown Simpson to revisit the evidence against O.J. Simpson.
Chris Rock’s Tasteless Joke About Nicole Brown Simpson Landed Him In Trouble
Chris Rock’s comments after the Oscar...
Fargo actor Chris Rock made a tasteless joke about Nicole Brown Simpson while discussing his Oscar-hosting gig
During one of his standup specials, Rock shared that the Academy offered him the Oscars host role the very next year after the Slap. He shared that asking him to host was just like asking Nicole Brown Simpson to revisit the evidence against O.J. Simpson.
Chris Rock’s Tasteless Joke About Nicole Brown Simpson Landed Him In Trouble
Chris Rock’s comments after the Oscar...
- 4/12/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
April began with showers, plus a tiny regional earthquake on the East Coast, but that didn’t keep anyone away from theaters, even if it was a slower weekend than much of March. Read on for the weekend box office report.
There was little surprise that Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” would win its second weekend at #1. Despite dropping 60% from its fantastic opening weekend, it still was able to take first place with an estimated $31.7 million to bring its total to $135 million after crossing the $100 million mark in its first week. It also passed the $361 million mark globally, with another $59.3 million grossed overseas this weekend.
The weekend offered two new wide releases in Dev Patel‘s directorial debut, the action-thriller “Monkey Man,” and 20th Century’s horror prequel “The First Omen,” the former released into 3,029 theaters vs. “The First Omen’s” 3,375 theaters. “Monkey Man” came into the...
There was little surprise that Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” would win its second weekend at #1. Despite dropping 60% from its fantastic opening weekend, it still was able to take first place with an estimated $31.7 million to bring its total to $135 million after crossing the $100 million mark in its first week. It also passed the $361 million mark globally, with another $59.3 million grossed overseas this weekend.
The weekend offered two new wide releases in Dev Patel‘s directorial debut, the action-thriller “Monkey Man,” and 20th Century’s horror prequel “The First Omen,” the former released into 3,029 theaters vs. “The First Omen’s” 3,375 theaters. “Monkey Man” came into the...
- 4/7/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire were the monsters with the mostest at the box office this weekend, as Dev Patel‘s much buzzed-about feature directorial debut Monkey Man and supernatural franchise installment The First Omen both opened behind expectations.
Neither genre film ever had a chance of taking away the No. 1 spot from Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Godzilla x Kong, but had hoped for a bigger slice of the proverbial box office pie. Godzilla, from filmmaker Adam Wingard, is proving to be a significant victory for Josh Grode’s Legendary Pictures on the heels of Dune: Part Two, which is the top-grossing film of the year to date with $660.7 million in global ticket sales through Sunday. And Godzilla is also a big win for Warner Bros. and Legendary’s MonsterVerse series, at a time when many franchises are struggling to remain fresh.
Godzila x Kong topped the chart...
Neither genre film ever had a chance of taking away the No. 1 spot from Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Godzilla x Kong, but had hoped for a bigger slice of the proverbial box office pie. Godzilla, from filmmaker Adam Wingard, is proving to be a significant victory for Josh Grode’s Legendary Pictures on the heels of Dune: Part Two, which is the top-grossing film of the year to date with $660.7 million in global ticket sales through Sunday. And Godzilla is also a big win for Warner Bros. and Legendary’s MonsterVerse series, at a time when many franchises are struggling to remain fresh.
Godzila x Kong topped the chart...
- 4/7/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peacock has announced the lineup of movies, TV shows, and live sports that will be available on the streaming service in April. The Peacock April 2024 schedule includes Orlando Bloom: To the Edge, Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal, Migration, all six seasons of Community, and more.
Orlando Bloom: To the Edge is an original series that follows Bloom on a journey of self-discovery, pushing his physical and mental limits to reach his personal edge of what is possible.
Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal is a documentary chronicling Windham’s incredible rise to worldwide fame as a WWE superstar and the struggles and success that came with being a creative visionary.
Subscribers can also look forward to new episodes of Superbuns and Illumination’s Migration will take flight on the streaming service.
Get ready to head back to school with all six seasons of Community arriving on April 1 (no joke!). The laughs continue...
Orlando Bloom: To the Edge is an original series that follows Bloom on a journey of self-discovery, pushing his physical and mental limits to reach his personal edge of what is possible.
Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal is a documentary chronicling Windham’s incredible rise to worldwide fame as a WWE superstar and the struggles and success that came with being a creative visionary.
Subscribers can also look forward to new episodes of Superbuns and Illumination’s Migration will take flight on the streaming service.
Get ready to head back to school with all six seasons of Community arriving on April 1 (no joke!). The laughs continue...
- 3/21/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Thanks to a kick-butt start by "Kung Fu Panda 4" through its first two weekends, the DreamWorks franchise as a whole has passed a pretty major milestone. Across four movies, the animated franchise has now surpassed the $2 billion mark at the box office. Over 16 years and through several enemies, Jack Black's Po has endured multiple decades to help make this one of the biggest animated movie franchises of all time. Skadoosh.
"Kung Fu Panda 4" topped the charts through its first two weekends and has, thus far, taken in $187.1 million worldwide against a very reasonable $85 million production budget -- by far the cheapest entry in the series to date. That has pushed the franchise to just over $2 billion collectively. The highest-grossing entry to date remains 2011's "Kung Fu Panda 2" with $664.8 million worldwide. Interestingly, that's also the only movie of the four that didn't open atop the charts when it debuted.
"Kung Fu Panda 4" topped the charts through its first two weekends and has, thus far, taken in $187.1 million worldwide against a very reasonable $85 million production budget -- by far the cheapest entry in the series to date. That has pushed the franchise to just over $2 billion collectively. The highest-grossing entry to date remains 2011's "Kung Fu Panda 2" with $664.8 million worldwide. Interestingly, that's also the only movie of the four that didn't open atop the charts when it debuted.
- 3/21/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Guess who’s back? That’s right, it’s Ross from Friends, aka David Schwimmer, who is joining the cast of Goosebumps Season 2. The 57-year-old is playing a divorced dad with high school twins, causing a ruckus as a former botany professor.
David Schwimmer as Dr. Ross Geller in Friends
While his charm is undeniable, a few fans are causing a commotion over the familiar storyline. But hey, Goosebumps generally throws in twists, so we should see where this ride takes us. Get ready for additional frightful stories and surprising turns with Schwimmer in the mix.
David Schwimmer to Feature In Season 2 Of Goosebumps
Fans, now have to learn to expect the unexpected. The cast of Goosebumps Season 2 just got a significant lift with a recognizable face from Friends! That’s right, David Schwimmer, popularly known as Ross from the famous sitcom, is joining the creepy experiences on Disney+’s Goosebumps.
David Schwimmer as Dr. Ross Geller in Friends
While his charm is undeniable, a few fans are causing a commotion over the familiar storyline. But hey, Goosebumps generally throws in twists, so we should see where this ride takes us. Get ready for additional frightful stories and surprising turns with Schwimmer in the mix.
David Schwimmer to Feature In Season 2 Of Goosebumps
Fans, now have to learn to expect the unexpected. The cast of Goosebumps Season 2 just got a significant lift with a recognizable face from Friends! That’s right, David Schwimmer, popularly known as Ross from the famous sitcom, is joining the creepy experiences on Disney+’s Goosebumps.
- 3/21/2024
- by Muskan Chaudhary
- FandomWire
David Schwimmer is set to star in “Goosebumps” Season 2 at Disney+, Variety has learned.
The show, based on the Scholastic book series of the same name by R.L. Stine, aired its first season on the streamer in October 2023. Season 2 was announced in February, along with the news that the show would be going the anthology route, with the second season set to feature an entirely new story and cast. Schwimmer is the first new confirmed cast member.
The official description for the new season states, “Teenage siblings discover a threat stirring, triggering a chain of events that unravel a profound mystery. As they delve into the unknown, the duo find themselves entangled in the chilling tale of four teenagers who mysteriously vanished in 1994.”
Schwimmer will star in the role of Anthony, described as “a former botany professor and divorced parent of teenage twins whose world takes a tumultuous turn as...
The show, based on the Scholastic book series of the same name by R.L. Stine, aired its first season on the streamer in October 2023. Season 2 was announced in February, along with the news that the show would be going the anthology route, with the second season set to feature an entirely new story and cast. Schwimmer is the first new confirmed cast member.
The official description for the new season states, “Teenage siblings discover a threat stirring, triggering a chain of events that unravel a profound mystery. As they delve into the unknown, the duo find themselves entangled in the chilling tale of four teenagers who mysteriously vanished in 1994.”
Schwimmer will star in the role of Anthony, described as “a former botany professor and divorced parent of teenage twins whose world takes a tumultuous turn as...
- 3/20/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Friends alum David Schwimmer is set to lead Season 2 of the Disney+ anthology series Goosebumps.
From Disney Branded Television and produced by Sony Pictures Television, the series is based upon R.L Stine’s bestselling Scholastic series. Each season features a new story, setting and cast. Season 2 will follow teenage siblings who discover a threat stirring, triggering a chain of events that unravel a profound mystery. As they delve into the unknown, the duo find themselves entangled in the chilling tale of four teenagers who mysteriously vanished in 1994.
Schwimmer will portray Anthony, a former botany professor and divorced parent of teenage twins whose world takes a tumultuous turn as he juggles the responsibilities of overseeing an aging parent while having his kids for the summer.
Nicholas Stoller (The Muppets) and Rob Letterman (Pokémon Detective Pikachu) developed the series and serve as executive producers, alongside showrunner Hilary Winston (Community), Neal H. Moritz...
From Disney Branded Television and produced by Sony Pictures Television, the series is based upon R.L Stine’s bestselling Scholastic series. Each season features a new story, setting and cast. Season 2 will follow teenage siblings who discover a threat stirring, triggering a chain of events that unravel a profound mystery. As they delve into the unknown, the duo find themselves entangled in the chilling tale of four teenagers who mysteriously vanished in 1994.
Schwimmer will portray Anthony, a former botany professor and divorced parent of teenage twins whose world takes a tumultuous turn as he juggles the responsibilities of overseeing an aging parent while having his kids for the summer.
Nicholas Stoller (The Muppets) and Rob Letterman (Pokémon Detective Pikachu) developed the series and serve as executive producers, alongside showrunner Hilary Winston (Community), Neal H. Moritz...
- 3/20/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Coming out of the weekend, and with Sunday’s actuals and Monday’s numbers included, there are new global milestones to celebrate for the two major Hollywood titles currently in release.
As noted on Sunday, Warner Bros/Legendary Entertainment’s Dune: Part Two was nearing $500M worldwide. Ultimately reaching $498.1M through Sunday, the Denis Villeneuve sequel added $5.2M from the international box office on Monday and now has an offshore cume of $299M and a domestic haul of $207.5M to land $506.5M global through yesterday.
D2 had already surpassed the lifetime of Villeneuve’s 2021 installment on a global basis, and through Sunday is tracking 69% ahead of that film in like-for-like overseas markets at today’s exchange rates.
The Top Five overseas markets through Monday are China ($37M), UK ($33.8M), France ($28.4M), Germany ($25.5M) and Australia ($15.8M).
Meanwhile, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 has helped push the franchise across the $2B milestone globally,...
As noted on Sunday, Warner Bros/Legendary Entertainment’s Dune: Part Two was nearing $500M worldwide. Ultimately reaching $498.1M through Sunday, the Denis Villeneuve sequel added $5.2M from the international box office on Monday and now has an offshore cume of $299M and a domestic haul of $207.5M to land $506.5M global through yesterday.
D2 had already surpassed the lifetime of Villeneuve’s 2021 installment on a global basis, and through Sunday is tracking 69% ahead of that film in like-for-like overseas markets at today’s exchange rates.
The Top Five overseas markets through Monday are China ($37M), UK ($33.8M), France ($28.4M), Germany ($25.5M) and Australia ($15.8M).
Meanwhile, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4 has helped push the franchise across the $2B milestone globally,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Chilean director Cristóbal Valenzuela Berríos first learned about the True/False Film Festival, home to documentaries each spring, while attending a festival in Japan a few years ago. He recalls seeing multiple filmmakers wearing beanies emblazoned with the logo of the doc-only event.
Upon asking what the T/F stood for, he was puzzled to learn that people were repping a gathering dedicated to nonfiction cinema on the other side of the world: Columbia, Missouri. Witnessing such devotion gave True/False something of a legendary status in his mind, placing it high up on the list of festivals he eagerly wanted to experience.
This year, Valenzuela Berríos finally made it to the small college town with a big appetite for true stories. There, he screened his latest fascinatingly offbeat doc “Alien Island,” about a famous UFO case in Chile with a bizarre connection to the Pinochet dictatorship.
“The filmmakers who...
Upon asking what the T/F stood for, he was puzzled to learn that people were repping a gathering dedicated to nonfiction cinema on the other side of the world: Columbia, Missouri. Witnessing such devotion gave True/False something of a legendary status in his mind, placing it high up on the list of festivals he eagerly wanted to experience.
This year, Valenzuela Berríos finally made it to the small college town with a big appetite for true stories. There, he screened his latest fascinatingly offbeat doc “Alien Island,” about a famous UFO case in Chile with a bizarre connection to the Pinochet dictatorship.
“The filmmakers who...
- 3/7/2024
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Indiewire
Sci-fi blockbuster Dune: Part Two opens in 721 venues this weekend, carrying the hopes of many UK-Ireland cinemas after a slow start to 2024.
Denis Villeneuve’s sequel is Warner Bros’ fourth-widest opening of all time in the territory, after last year’s Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (749) and Barbie (724), and 2022’s Elvis (746).
It is opening on 62 sites more than Dune, which started in 659 venues in October 2021. That film began with a £4.8m weekend at a £7,210 average, dethroning James Bond title No Time To Die. It went on to a £22.1m total – a decent result in a market still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
Denis Villeneuve’s sequel is Warner Bros’ fourth-widest opening of all time in the territory, after last year’s Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (749) and Barbie (724), and 2022’s Elvis (746).
It is opening on 62 sites more than Dune, which started in 659 venues in October 2021. That film began with a £4.8m weekend at a £7,210 average, dethroning James Bond title No Time To Die. It went on to a £22.1m total – a decent result in a market still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is expanding its executive team under President Bill Damaschke, adding Kim Mackey and Jessie Carbonaro, as EVP of Production Talent and VP of Production Talent, respectively, and elevating Susan Akinbola to VP of Development.
Mackey was most recently head of recruiting for Netflix Animation. She will be overseeing the hiring across the film, series, and adult animation divisions, responsible for recruiting and talent development strategy as well as the artistic management and training for the feature film animation division. Prior to Netflix, she led recruiting for DreamWorks Animation, where she also worked in production and executives roles for Prince of Egypt, Spirit, Shark Tale, and Flushed Away. As a talent acquisition studio executive, she managed resource needs across the studio’s production slate including franchises Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.
Carbonaro also joins from Netflix where she was director of talent acquisition for feature animation.
Mackey was most recently head of recruiting for Netflix Animation. She will be overseeing the hiring across the film, series, and adult animation divisions, responsible for recruiting and talent development strategy as well as the artistic management and training for the feature film animation division. Prior to Netflix, she led recruiting for DreamWorks Animation, where she also worked in production and executives roles for Prince of Egypt, Spirit, Shark Tale, and Flushed Away. As a talent acquisition studio executive, she managed resource needs across the studio’s production slate including franchises Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.
Carbonaro also joins from Netflix where she was director of talent acquisition for feature animation.
- 2/27/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
A killing machine sloth named Alpha gets her claws out on a group of sorority sisters in this silly – and sadly unfunny – comedy-horror
As another academic year begins, the sisters at university sorority Sigma Lambda Theta are all a-flutter over rush week (whatever that is) and the election for this year’s sorority president; this is expected to be top mean girl Brianna (Sydney Craven) for the third year in a row. However Emily (Lisa Ambalavanar) longs to be popular too in this world where esteem is measured in social media likes and followers. Reasoning that people love interesting pets, she decides to adopt a three-toed sloth from a dodgy exotic animal importer (Stefan Kapicic) and bring it back to the sorority house. Unfortunately, no one realises until too late that the sloth, whom Emily and the others named Alpha, is a homicidal killing machine who doesn’t move all...
As another academic year begins, the sisters at university sorority Sigma Lambda Theta are all a-flutter over rush week (whatever that is) and the election for this year’s sorority president; this is expected to be top mean girl Brianna (Sydney Craven) for the third year in a row. However Emily (Lisa Ambalavanar) longs to be popular too in this world where esteem is measured in social media likes and followers. Reasoning that people love interesting pets, she decides to adopt a three-toed sloth from a dodgy exotic animal importer (Stefan Kapicic) and bring it back to the sorority house. Unfortunately, no one realises until too late that the sloth, whom Emily and the others named Alpha, is a homicidal killing machine who doesn’t move all...
- 2/7/2024
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
Frenetic adventures of tiger-striped penguin and chums resume in sequel that might appeal to the under-fives
Who knows; maybe there has been a clamour out there for a follow up to the 2017 animation The Jungle Bunch? I have to confess I couldn’t remember if I’d seen it when I sat down in front of this sequel: then a penguin waddled on to the screen painted with tiger stripes, and the memories clawed their way back in. The original was a relentlessly wacky nonsensical adventure about a gang of animal chums saving their forest from a pyromaniacal koala. The kind of targeted-at-under-fives mayhem that Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda pulled off better.
This frenetic sequel gives out more of the same. This time around, Maurice the penguin and his pals are up against a villainous beaver. The beaver’s diabolical plan is to destroy the jungle with a toxic purple foam,...
Who knows; maybe there has been a clamour out there for a follow up to the 2017 animation The Jungle Bunch? I have to confess I couldn’t remember if I’d seen it when I sat down in front of this sequel: then a penguin waddled on to the screen painted with tiger stripes, and the memories clawed their way back in. The original was a relentlessly wacky nonsensical adventure about a gang of animal chums saving their forest from a pyromaniacal koala. The kind of targeted-at-under-fives mayhem that Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda pulled off better.
This frenetic sequel gives out more of the same. This time around, Maurice the penguin and his pals are up against a villainous beaver. The beaver’s diabolical plan is to destroy the jungle with a toxic purple foam,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Executive served as CMO of Skydance Media, Dreamworks Animation.
Imax has hired veteran Hollywood executive Anne Globe as Chief Marketing Officer, the company announced on Tuesday.
Globe, who has served as CMO of Skydance Media and Dreamworks Animation, will lead brand, film marketing, creative, and social media worldwide for entertainment technology platform.
She succeeds Denny Tu, who is leaving Imax after five years in the role.
As CMO of Skydance Media, Globe developed marketing and distribution strategies for key franchises including Mission: Impossible, Terminator, and Jack Reacher.
In her role at DreamWorks Animation, she oversaw marketing, distribution, and licensing for franchises including Kung Fu Panda,...
Imax has hired veteran Hollywood executive Anne Globe as Chief Marketing Officer, the company announced on Tuesday.
Globe, who has served as CMO of Skydance Media and Dreamworks Animation, will lead brand, film marketing, creative, and social media worldwide for entertainment technology platform.
She succeeds Denny Tu, who is leaving Imax after five years in the role.
As CMO of Skydance Media, Globe developed marketing and distribution strategies for key franchises including Mission: Impossible, Terminator, and Jack Reacher.
In her role at DreamWorks Animation, she oversaw marketing, distribution, and licensing for franchises including Kung Fu Panda,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Imax has tapped Anne Globe as its new chief marketing officer.
The veteran Hollywood studio executive will oversee all brand, film marketing, creative and social media for the global entertainment technology platform, which has rebounded from the pandemic in a major way thanks to keen demand for the big-screen experience it offers.
She succeeds Denny Tu, who is leaving Imax after five years.
Globe most recently served as chief marketing officer of David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose credits include recent installments in the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun franchises.
“Anne is a deeply versatile, experienced, and well-networked executive who has elevated creative work across virtually every medium in partnership with some of the most celebrated filmmakers and artists,” Imax CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement.
Imax enjoyed a banner year in 2023. The premium large-format exhibitor delivered $1.06 billion in global box office, a near-record that came close to matching...
The veteran Hollywood studio executive will oversee all brand, film marketing, creative and social media for the global entertainment technology platform, which has rebounded from the pandemic in a major way thanks to keen demand for the big-screen experience it offers.
She succeeds Denny Tu, who is leaving Imax after five years.
Globe most recently served as chief marketing officer of David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose credits include recent installments in the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun franchises.
“Anne is a deeply versatile, experienced, and well-networked executive who has elevated creative work across virtually every medium in partnership with some of the most celebrated filmmakers and artists,” Imax CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement.
Imax enjoyed a banner year in 2023. The premium large-format exhibitor delivered $1.06 billion in global box office, a near-record that came close to matching...
- 1/16/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has one of the most stacked content libraries in all of the entertainment industry, but to make space for the new content coming in every month the viewers still have to say goodbye to some of the existing content on Netflix. So, before your favorite film leaves your favorite streaming service here are CinemaBlind’s best picks for you to watch before they go away. While there are also some shows leaving Netflix in the first month of 2024, none of them are notable enough to put on this list and that’s it’s only consisting of movies. So, here are the best films leaving Netflix in January 2024.
Anchorman Film Series (January 1)
One of the most quotable and hilarious film series ever made is Will Ferrell’s Anchorman franchise. Adam McKay directed both of the films from a screenplay by the lead star Ferrell and the director himself. Anchorman...
Anchorman Film Series (January 1)
One of the most quotable and hilarious film series ever made is Will Ferrell’s Anchorman franchise. Adam McKay directed both of the films from a screenplay by the lead star Ferrell and the director himself. Anchorman...
- 1/16/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Plot: Jaded 74-year-old lizard Leo (Sandler) has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his terrarium-mate turtle (Bill Burr). When he learns he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to experience life on the outside but instead gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students — including an impossibly mean substitute teacher. It ends up being the strangest but most rewarding bucket list ever…
Review: The Happy Madison machine continues to chug along, and we can do nothing to stop it. From the first project Adam Sandler made under his deal with Netflix (the atrocious The Ridiculous 6), the output from the former SNL star’s production company has been mixed at best. But, nestled between the crap vanity projects, Sandler has developed some solid work, including Hustle and You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah. Happy Madison’s latest is the animated Leo,...
Review: The Happy Madison machine continues to chug along, and we can do nothing to stop it. From the first project Adam Sandler made under his deal with Netflix (the atrocious The Ridiculous 6), the output from the former SNL star’s production company has been mixed at best. But, nestled between the crap vanity projects, Sandler has developed some solid work, including Hustle and You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah. Happy Madison’s latest is the animated Leo,...
- 11/18/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Ringing Korea’S Grand Bell
“Concrete Utopia,” South Korea’s Oscar contender, was Wednesday named best film at the country’s annual Grand Bell Awards. It also won prizes for best actor, best supporting actress, art direction, sound mixing and visual effects. A disaster movie set in a devastated Seoul, it makes an unusual Academy Awards selection, but has gained high praise from reviewers. Variety this week said the film felt like “’Earthquake’ crossed with ‘Lord of the Flies’.”
The Grand Bell’s best director award nevertheless went to Ryoo Seung-wan for “Smugglers,” while Ahn Tae-jin took the best new director award for “The Night Owl.”
In the other half of the event, Disney+’s “Moving” was named best series, earning Han Hyo-joo the best series actress award to boot.
The Grand Bell Awards, aka Daejong Film Awards, are organized by The Motion Pictures Association of Korea.
Cineasia Honors
The...
“Concrete Utopia,” South Korea’s Oscar contender, was Wednesday named best film at the country’s annual Grand Bell Awards. It also won prizes for best actor, best supporting actress, art direction, sound mixing and visual effects. A disaster movie set in a devastated Seoul, it makes an unusual Academy Awards selection, but has gained high praise from reviewers. Variety this week said the film felt like “’Earthquake’ crossed with ‘Lord of the Flies’.”
The Grand Bell’s best director award nevertheless went to Ryoo Seung-wan for “Smugglers,” while Ahn Tae-jin took the best new director award for “The Night Owl.”
In the other half of the event, Disney+’s “Moving” was named best series, earning Han Hyo-joo the best series actress award to boot.
The Grand Bell Awards, aka Daejong Film Awards, are organized by The Motion Pictures Association of Korea.
Cineasia Honors
The...
- 11/16/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
“Barbie” and “The Boys” were lauded as top film and streaming series at the 6th annual Silver Pixel Awards, which recognize achievements and innovation in Hollywood digital marketing.
Amazon Studios’ Jessica Thurber Hemingway, Lionsgate’s Eric Dachman and Division 13’s Jim Evans were the industry executive honorees at the event, held Oct. 19 at Candela La Brea. The awards are administered by Hollywood in Pixels, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and archiving the history of digital marketing in Hollywood.
Warner Bros.’ box office juggernaut “Barbie” won the org’s top honor for film; Paramount Pictures’ “Scream VI” took the bronze runner-up prize. Amazon Prime Video’s offbeat superhero series “The Boys” Season 3 nabbed the streaming series prize. Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 1 took the bronze for series.
Hemingway, head of social and influencer marketing at Amazon Studios, was this year’s Silver Pixel Honoree. The team...
Amazon Studios’ Jessica Thurber Hemingway, Lionsgate’s Eric Dachman and Division 13’s Jim Evans were the industry executive honorees at the event, held Oct. 19 at Candela La Brea. The awards are administered by Hollywood in Pixels, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and archiving the history of digital marketing in Hollywood.
Warner Bros.’ box office juggernaut “Barbie” won the org’s top honor for film; Paramount Pictures’ “Scream VI” took the bronze runner-up prize. Amazon Prime Video’s offbeat superhero series “The Boys” Season 3 nabbed the streaming series prize. Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 1 took the bronze for series.
Hemingway, head of social and influencer marketing at Amazon Studios, was this year’s Silver Pixel Honoree. The team...
- 10/24/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Since emerging into the spotlight in the 1990s, Jada Pinkett Smith has arguably become equally known for her acting career and her romantic relationships. Pinkett Smith launched her career with guest roles on shows like "True Colors" and "21 Jump Street," but her role as Lena James in the sitcom "A Different World" propelled her into stardom. From there, Pinkett Smith starred in several popular flicks in the '90s, including "Menace II Society," "The Nutty Professor," and "Scream 2." Her career in the 2000s continued to soar with roles in "The Matrix" franchise and "Madagascar," and by the 2010s, she starred in films like "Magic Mike Xxl," "Girls Trip," and "Angel Has Fallen."
Pinkett Smith is also recognized for her talk show, "Red Table Talk," which she hosted with her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, and daughter Willow Smith. Since its premiere in 2018, "Rtt" has featured a number of notable guests,...
Pinkett Smith is also recognized for her talk show, "Red Table Talk," which she hosted with her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, and daughter Willow Smith. Since its premiere in 2018, "Rtt" has featured a number of notable guests,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
“The Bad Guys,” DreamWorks Animation’s hit feature from 2022 that felt like if Quentin Tarantino had remade “Zootopia,” is getting a brand-new holiday special. And now we know that “The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday” will steal your heart on Netflix beginning on Nov. 30.
This half-hour Christmas special takes place before the events of “The Bad Guys,” which saw a gang of criminal animals reform their evil ways. In this new special, the Bad Guys set their sights on a holiday heist. But when the town’s festivities are canceled, the Bad Guys find themselves in a highly unlikely position – having to restore cheer to the townspeople through giving instead of taking. Can you imagine?
While the original film featured Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf, Marc Maron as Mr. Snake, Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark and Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha, this new special stars Michael Godere as Wolf,...
This half-hour Christmas special takes place before the events of “The Bad Guys,” which saw a gang of criminal animals reform their evil ways. In this new special, the Bad Guys set their sights on a holiday heist. But when the town’s festivities are canceled, the Bad Guys find themselves in a highly unlikely position – having to restore cheer to the townspeople through giving instead of taking. Can you imagine?
While the original film featured Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf, Marc Maron as Mr. Snake, Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark and Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha, this new special stars Michael Godere as Wolf,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The comedian and actor, who is best known for his stand-up specials and roles in films such as Madagascar, Grown Ups and Top Five, will helm the project for Paramount Pictures and Plan B Entertainment, the production company co-founded by Brad Pitt.
The film, which is currently untitled, will focus on the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, who was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39. The script will be written by Bo Burnham, who recently earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for Promising Young Woman.
The film will be produced by Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B, along with Rock and his partner Eli Bush. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay.
The biopic is expected to start production in early 2024 and will be released in theaters later that year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of King’s...
The film, which is currently untitled, will focus on the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, who was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39. The script will be written by Bo Burnham, who recently earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for Promising Young Woman.
The film will be produced by Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B, along with Rock and his partner Eli Bush. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay.
The biopic is expected to start production in early 2024 and will be released in theaters later that year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of King’s...
- 10/5/2023
- by CineArticles Editorial Team
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
“Moana” and “Raya and the Last Dragon” producer Osnat Shurer has left the Magic Kingdom.
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
- 9/27/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Indie animation studio Baobab Studios has brought in Oscar-nominated producer Osnat Shurer (Moana) to serve as Co-Chief Creative Officer alongside Cco Eric Darnell (Madagascar).
Boasting 30+ years of experience in animation, Shurer comes to the company from Walt Disney Feature Animation, where she served as VP of Development, having simultaneously held a role as the executive producer of the short films group at Pixar. Going forward, she’ll be part of a creative brain trust which includes Darnell and Kane Lee (Chief Content Officer), and such advisors and investors as Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning filmmaker Glen Keane, among others.
Among the first projects Shurer will work on at Baobab are the Momoguro multiplatform franchise, which includes a digital collectibles game, an upcoming Roblox game, and a TV series in development, and two falling under a TV development deal with Disney+.
Boasting 30+ years of experience in animation, Shurer comes to the company from Walt Disney Feature Animation, where she served as VP of Development, having simultaneously held a role as the executive producer of the short films group at Pixar. Going forward, she’ll be part of a creative brain trust which includes Darnell and Kane Lee (Chief Content Officer), and such advisors and investors as Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning filmmaker Glen Keane, among others.
Among the first projects Shurer will work on at Baobab are the Momoguro multiplatform franchise, which includes a digital collectibles game, an upcoming Roblox game, and a TV series in development, and two falling under a TV development deal with Disney+.
- 9/27/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Premiering on Sept. 9, 2001, World War II miniseries Band of Brothers is one of the most impressive shows in HBO‘s already-impressive TV canon. Based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose’s 1992 non-fiction book of the same name and produced by cinematic titans Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Band of Brothers offers an unflinching look at the horrors of war and the American heroes of Easy Company that would endure them to help bring down the Third Reich.
The 10 episodes presented in the show’s sole season are pitch-perfect television and now they’re about to be made available to an even wider audience. Alongside its spiritual cousin The Pacific (which follows the Pacific Theater of WWII), Band of Brothers is available to stream on Netflix as of Sept. 15. This comes as part of a Warner Bros. initiative to expand the availability of some of its classic television titles. Previous HBO series...
The 10 episodes presented in the show’s sole season are pitch-perfect television and now they’re about to be made available to an even wider audience. Alongside its spiritual cousin The Pacific (which follows the Pacific Theater of WWII), Band of Brothers is available to stream on Netflix as of Sept. 15. This comes as part of a Warner Bros. initiative to expand the availability of some of its classic television titles. Previous HBO series...
- 9/15/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Trolls Band Together looks to ramp up anticipation levels for fans with a new trailer celebrating its upcoming release at the end of 2023.
Dreamworks Animation is looking to rebound from major disappointment after May 2023's Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken bombed at the box office, getting back to a franchise that has brought the studio plenty of success.
This will come in the form of Trolls 3, with the original film becoming the fifth in Dreamworks history along with Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon as the only ones to become trilogies.
Read full article on The Direct.
Dreamworks Animation is looking to rebound from major disappointment after May 2023's Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken bombed at the box office, getting back to a franchise that has brought the studio plenty of success.
This will come in the form of Trolls 3, with the original film becoming the fifth in Dreamworks history along with Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon as the only ones to become trilogies.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 8/30/2023
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
After just one week atop Netflix’s English-language TV charts, Depp V. Heard has been bumped to No. 2 in favor of Who is Erin Carter?
Audiences flocked to the thriller limited series, which is about a British expat schoolteacher living in Spain, racking up 13.2M views in its first few days on the streamer from August 21 to 27.
Depp V. Heard still managed a fairly strong week, though, with 8.3M views. That brought Painkiller in at No. 3 on the list with 5.6M views.
Untold: Swamp Kings came in fourth place during its first week on Netflix with 5M views on the series about the Florida Gators’ heyday under coach Urban Meyer. It was joined by another unscripted series, The Ultimatum: Marry Or Move On Season 2. Rounding out the list were My Dad The Bounty Hunter, At Home With The Furys, The Lincoln Lawyer and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
As for the film side of things,...
Audiences flocked to the thriller limited series, which is about a British expat schoolteacher living in Spain, racking up 13.2M views in its first few days on the streamer from August 21 to 27.
Depp V. Heard still managed a fairly strong week, though, with 8.3M views. That brought Painkiller in at No. 3 on the list with 5.6M views.
Untold: Swamp Kings came in fourth place during its first week on Netflix with 5M views on the series about the Florida Gators’ heyday under coach Urban Meyer. It was joined by another unscripted series, The Ultimatum: Marry Or Move On Season 2. Rounding out the list were My Dad The Bounty Hunter, At Home With The Furys, The Lincoln Lawyer and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
As for the film side of things,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
With its list of new releases for August 2023, Prime Video is relying on a heaping dose of fun library movies.
The first of the month brings a big influx of worthwhile flicks, including Galaxy Quest, Saw, F9: The Fast Saga, and Jurassic Park (the last two via Amazon’s Freevee free streaming option). Then some other recents hits arrive later on like the appropriately titled Cocaine Bear on Aug. 15 and the Chris Pine-starring Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves on Aug. 25.
August also sees the arrival of a major Amazon Original movie in the form of Red, White & Royal Blue. Based on a New York Times bestselling book, this LGBTQ romance follows a U.S. president’s son and a British prince. Over on the TV side of things, Prime Video subscribers can check out the Sigourney Weaver project The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart on Aug. 4 and Harlan Coben’s Shelter on Aug.
The first of the month brings a big influx of worthwhile flicks, including Galaxy Quest, Saw, F9: The Fast Saga, and Jurassic Park (the last two via Amazon’s Freevee free streaming option). Then some other recents hits arrive later on like the appropriately titled Cocaine Bear on Aug. 15 and the Chris Pine-starring Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves on Aug. 25.
August also sees the arrival of a major Amazon Original movie in the form of Red, White & Royal Blue. Based on a New York Times bestselling book, this LGBTQ romance follows a U.S. president’s son and a British prince. Over on the TV side of things, Prime Video subscribers can check out the Sigourney Weaver project The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart on Aug. 4 and Harlan Coben’s Shelter on Aug.
- 8/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Universal Orlando Resort is expanding with an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation‘s pantheon of lovable characters! If you think Super Mario World at Universal Studios Hollywood is fun, wait until you experience a kingdom featuring characters from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and more!
The four-acre section of the park will open in 2024. Last month, the family-friendly theme park opened Minions Land, featuring characters from the Minions and Despicable Me film franchise. In January, NBCUniversal announced plans to build a 100-acre park in Frisco, Texas. The Frisco resort is aimed at “younger audiences” and “sized for a regional audience,” with arrangements to add “an adjacent themed hotel.”
The Comcast/NBCUniversal-owned themed park is keeping details a mystery. However, representatives of the park said guests “will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and...
The four-acre section of the park will open in 2024. Last month, the family-friendly theme park opened Minions Land, featuring characters from the Minions and Despicable Me film franchise. In January, NBCUniversal announced plans to build a 100-acre park in Frisco, Texas. The Frisco resort is aimed at “younger audiences” and “sized for a regional audience,” with arrangements to add “an adjacent themed hotel.”
The Comcast/NBCUniversal-owned themed park is keeping details a mystery. However, representatives of the park said guests “will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and...
- 7/20/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Jerry Seinfeld lent his voice to the animated feature Bee Movie, which he had a hand in developing. But to get comedian Chris Rock on board the feature, Seinfeld told him that a filmmaking legend would be a part of the project.
Chris Rock was told he’d meet Steven Spielberg on ‘Bee Movie’ Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Bee Movie was a Seinfeld flick that featured a heavy ensemble cast. In addition to Rock, the film’s roster was rounded out by Renee Zellweger, Oprah Winfrey, Matthew Broderick, among others. Being the producer of the film, Seinfeld confided that he had a hand in everything about Bee Movie. Including the cast.
“I fell in love with the whole thing. I got into the architecture of the buildings, and the colors that we should use; and I just got into it,” Seinfeld once said according to Black Film.
Chris Rock was told he’d meet Steven Spielberg on ‘Bee Movie’ Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Bee Movie was a Seinfeld flick that featured a heavy ensemble cast. In addition to Rock, the film’s roster was rounded out by Renee Zellweger, Oprah Winfrey, Matthew Broderick, among others. Being the producer of the film, Seinfeld confided that he had a hand in everything about Bee Movie. Including the cast.
“I fell in love with the whole thing. I got into the architecture of the buildings, and the colors that we should use; and I just got into it,” Seinfeld once said according to Black Film.
- 7/6/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Comedian Ben Stiller has made many laugh with his projects like Meet the Parents and Dodgeball. But as funny as he is, he felt he might have finally met his match when teaming up with Chris Rock.
Ben Stiller and Chris Rock improvised in ‘Madagascar’ Ben Stiller and Chris Rock | Venturelli/WireImage
Stiller and Rock got together for the animated series Madagascar. One of the reasons Rock enjoyed doing the films was to team up with Stiller himself.
“It was getting back with Ben. We had fallen out,” Rock once told Collider.
Stiller agreed, and shared that watching Rock work was one of his favorite parts of doing the movies.
“Honestly I was impressed with Chris because we did work together one day and I love him in the movie, outside of being a friend of his I find the character of Marty very entertaining. To watch Chris do his...
Ben Stiller and Chris Rock improvised in ‘Madagascar’ Ben Stiller and Chris Rock | Venturelli/WireImage
Stiller and Rock got together for the animated series Madagascar. One of the reasons Rock enjoyed doing the films was to team up with Stiller himself.
“It was getting back with Ben. We had fallen out,” Rock once told Collider.
Stiller agreed, and shared that watching Rock work was one of his favorite parts of doing the movies.
“Honestly I was impressed with Chris because we did work together one day and I love him in the movie, outside of being a friend of his I find the character of Marty very entertaining. To watch Chris do his...
- 7/5/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: Ron Dyens, the founding CEO of Paris-based company Sacrebleu Productions, has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most original and prolific producers of independent animated features over the course of nearly 25 years.
His company is out in force at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this year.
Its new animated feature Sirocco And The Kingdom Of Air Streams opened the festival on Sunday evening (June 11) and is among 11 animated features in the running for its Cristal prize.
The company is also present in the short film competition with 1942-set Maurice’s Bar by Israeli filmmakers Tzor Edery & Tom Prezman about the memories of a former drag queen around one of Paris’s first queer bars.
Outside the film program, Sacrebleu will participate in the Works in Progress section with Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow. The Latvian director’s second feature after breakout debut Away, it revolves around a loner...
His company is out in force at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this year.
Its new animated feature Sirocco And The Kingdom Of Air Streams opened the festival on Sunday evening (June 11) and is among 11 animated features in the running for its Cristal prize.
The company is also present in the short film competition with 1942-set Maurice’s Bar by Israeli filmmakers Tzor Edery & Tom Prezman about the memories of a former drag queen around one of Paris’s first queer bars.
Outside the film program, Sacrebleu will participate in the Works in Progress section with Gints Zilbalodis’ Flow. The Latvian director’s second feature after breakout debut Away, it revolves around a loner...
- 6/12/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As the Annecy Animation Film Festival gets underway this weekend, Warner Bros’ newly hired President of Feature Animation Bill Damaschke has announced a rebranding of the motion picture division with a focus on filmmakers.
Previously known as Wag, aka Warner Animation Group, the Burbank, CA lot’s feature toon unit will now be known as Warner Bros Pictures Animation.
“It’s honoring the past and rich history of the company. Warner Bros Pictures Animation released movies like Iron Giant, Space Jam, Corpse Bride, Polar Express, Happy Feet and The Lego Movie — benchmark films that broke new ground, new technology, new ways of telling stories and were successful, artistically and commercially. They last in people’s hearts, every one of those films,” said Damaschke about the label, which counts a filmmaker-driven original feature animated canon from such directors as Brad Bird, Tim Burton, George Miller, Robert Zemeckis, and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
Previously known as Wag, aka Warner Animation Group, the Burbank, CA lot’s feature toon unit will now be known as Warner Bros Pictures Animation.
“It’s honoring the past and rich history of the company. Warner Bros Pictures Animation released movies like Iron Giant, Space Jam, Corpse Bride, Polar Express, Happy Feet and The Lego Movie — benchmark films that broke new ground, new technology, new ways of telling stories and were successful, artistically and commercially. They last in people’s hearts, every one of those films,” said Damaschke about the label, which counts a filmmaker-driven original feature animated canon from such directors as Brad Bird, Tim Burton, George Miller, Robert Zemeckis, and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
- 6/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In February 2013, Dreamworks Animation Television teamed with Netflix on its first-ever children’s and family series, Turbo Fast. Just four months later, the studio and streamer would unveil a multiyear content deal — 300 hours of exclusive original, first-run content.
The pact was the official beginning of the television animation studio and at that time, the largest content deal in the streamer’s history. One of the most significant signs of the rise and permanence of the streaming era, the deal heralded a new age for the kids and family content industry.
Dreamworks Animation TV and current Dwa president Margie Cohn’s team would spend the next decade steering the studio through that and an NBC Universal acquisition, producing more than 2,100 episodes of animated programming across 43 series and partnering with Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon and free-to-air broadcasters around the globe.
“The whole thing started on the back of the biggest order of television in history,...
The pact was the official beginning of the television animation studio and at that time, the largest content deal in the streamer’s history. One of the most significant signs of the rise and permanence of the streaming era, the deal heralded a new age for the kids and family content industry.
Dreamworks Animation TV and current Dwa president Margie Cohn’s team would spend the next decade steering the studio through that and an NBC Universal acquisition, producing more than 2,100 episodes of animated programming across 43 series and partnering with Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu, Peacock, Amazon and free-to-air broadcasters around the globe.
“The whole thing started on the back of the biggest order of television in history,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Rock called the police on Sunday evening when he saw someone filming him while he was inside his apartment in New York City.
The man did not attempt to break into Rock’s house, and it seems that he was only trying to film him from the fire escape.
The NYPD did not confirm the victim’s identity, but they did say that he was a 58-year-old man.
When the police arrived at Rock’s apartment, the perpetrator had already fled the scene. There have been reports of people who saw the man jump down from the fire escape and get into a Mercedes. He was wearing pink Crocs and a dark-colored jacket.
>Celebrity Mugshots – Famous People At Their Lowest
No arrests have been made so far and the investigation is currently ongoing.
Rock has starred in numerous TV shows and movies including Everybody Hates Chris, Grownups, Madagascar, Bee Movie and Spiral.
The man did not attempt to break into Rock’s house, and it seems that he was only trying to film him from the fire escape.
The NYPD did not confirm the victim’s identity, but they did say that he was a 58-year-old man.
When the police arrived at Rock’s apartment, the perpetrator had already fled the scene. There have been reports of people who saw the man jump down from the fire escape and get into a Mercedes. He was wearing pink Crocs and a dark-colored jacket.
>Celebrity Mugshots – Famous People At Their Lowest
No arrests have been made so far and the investigation is currently ongoing.
Rock has starred in numerous TV shows and movies including Everybody Hates Chris, Grownups, Madagascar, Bee Movie and Spiral.
- 6/7/2023
- by Nina Hauswirth
- Uinterview
Winning Ways
“Women Talking,” which won Sarah Polley an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, was this weekend named best narrative feature at the Bali International Film Festival (aka the Balinale).
Ashen Nadeem’s “Crows Are White” won the feature documentary prize and “The Tone Wheels,” by Yuda Kurniawan, was named winner of the Gary L Hayes Award for Indonesian Filmmaker.
The festival jury called “The Tone Wheels” “an outstanding endeavor that transported us into the backstreets of Jakarta on a captivating musical journey.” The film depicts a busking village where dreams flourish, despite the scarcity of resources and equipment.
The American Indonesian Culture and Education Foundation Prize went to “Orpa,” directed by Theo Rumansara. The film encapsulates the challenges faced by a young woman as she strives to carve her own path, breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations and traditional norms in Papua Island. Another prize, the Committee...
“Women Talking,” which won Sarah Polley an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, was this weekend named best narrative feature at the Bali International Film Festival (aka the Balinale).
Ashen Nadeem’s “Crows Are White” won the feature documentary prize and “The Tone Wheels,” by Yuda Kurniawan, was named winner of the Gary L Hayes Award for Indonesian Filmmaker.
The festival jury called “The Tone Wheels” “an outstanding endeavor that transported us into the backstreets of Jakarta on a captivating musical journey.” The film depicts a busking village where dreams flourish, despite the scarcity of resources and equipment.
The American Indonesian Culture and Education Foundation Prize went to “Orpa,” directed by Theo Rumansara. The film encapsulates the challenges faced by a young woman as she strives to carve her own path, breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations and traditional norms in Papua Island. Another prize, the Committee...
- 6/5/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Paris-based Playtime has unveiled a strong Cannes film market sales slate, which includes competition titles “About Dry Grasses” and “Homecoming.”
“About Dry Grasses” is by Turkish auteur Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who won the Palme d’Or in 2014 for “Winter Sleep.” The film follows Samet, a young art teacher, who is finishing his fourth year of compulsory service in a remote village in Anatolia. After a turn of events he can hardly make sense of, he loses his hopes of escaping the grim life he seems to be stuck in, and hopes that his encounter with fellow teacher Nuray will help him overcome his angst. Deniz Celiloğlu, Merve Dizdar and Musab Ekici are among the cast.
“Homecoming,” by French director Catherine Corsini who won the 2021 Queer Palm for “The Divide,” follows Khédidja, who minds a wealthy Parisian family’s children for a summer in Corsica. She brings along her own two...
“About Dry Grasses” is by Turkish auteur Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who won the Palme d’Or in 2014 for “Winter Sleep.” The film follows Samet, a young art teacher, who is finishing his fourth year of compulsory service in a remote village in Anatolia. After a turn of events he can hardly make sense of, he loses his hopes of escaping the grim life he seems to be stuck in, and hopes that his encounter with fellow teacher Nuray will help him overcome his angst. Deniz Celiloğlu, Merve Dizdar and Musab Ekici are among the cast.
“Homecoming,” by French director Catherine Corsini who won the 2021 Queer Palm for “The Divide,” follows Khédidja, who minds a wealthy Parisian family’s children for a summer in Corsica. She brings along her own two...
- 5/2/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Some noteworthy new releases, a bevy of library titles and the complete series of “Freaks and Geeks” are among the new additions to Amazon Prime Video this month. May will see the streaming availability of the 2022 films “She Said,” “Violent Night” and “Till” on Prime Video, while the beloved (and short-lived) TV series “Freaks and Geeks” will be streaming on Amazon starting May 4.
We’ve also included everything new to Freevee, which includes the first three “John Wick” movies, “Scarface” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Check out the complete list of everything new on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 41 Best Movies on Amazon Prime (April 2023)
Arriving May 1
MasterChef Mexico S1-4 (2015)
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Babe (1995)
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babel (2006)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Biker Boyz (2003)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush 2 (2011)
Bound (1996)
Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Bridget Jones’s Baby...
We’ve also included everything new to Freevee, which includes the first three “John Wick” movies, “Scarface” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Check out the complete list of everything new on Amazon Prime Video in May 2023 below.
Also Read:
The 41 Best Movies on Amazon Prime (April 2023)
Arriving May 1
MasterChef Mexico S1-4 (2015)
A Beautiful Mind (2002)
Amistad (1997)
Babe (1995)
Babe: Pig In The City (1998)
Babel (2006)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Biker Boyz (2003)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush 2 (2011)
Bound (1996)
Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)
Bridget Jones’s Baby...
- 5/1/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
With its list of new releases for May 2023, Amazon Prime Video is increasing its global reach.
The streamer’s biggest original offering this month is a German series. Hohlbeins’ – The Gryphon, based on the works of Wolfgang Holhlbein, will present a sprawling fantasy tale about three teens discovering a fantastical world called The Black Tower where “the Gryphon, a world-devouring monster, mercilessly subjugates all living creatures.”
The only other original title of note in May is Freevee comedy Primo on the 19th. Written by author and journalist Shea Serrano and produced by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this coming-of-age series will follow a teenager balancing “college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life on the south side of San Antonio.”
And that’s pretty much it for Amazon Originals this month! Thankfully, there is a huge influx of library content to keep Prime Video subscribers entertained. May 4 sees the...
The streamer’s biggest original offering this month is a German series. Hohlbeins’ – The Gryphon, based on the works of Wolfgang Holhlbein, will present a sprawling fantasy tale about three teens discovering a fantastical world called The Black Tower where “the Gryphon, a world-devouring monster, mercilessly subjugates all living creatures.”
The only other original title of note in May is Freevee comedy Primo on the 19th. Written by author and journalist Shea Serrano and produced by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this coming-of-age series will follow a teenager balancing “college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life on the south side of San Antonio.”
And that’s pretty much it for Amazon Originals this month! Thankfully, there is a huge influx of library content to keep Prime Video subscribers entertained. May 4 sees the...
- 5/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
After earning much acclaim and some awards at Cannes Film Festival in 2017 for Bpm (Beats per Minute), Robin Campillo is back this year with a new feature, but curiously one that is not part of the festival’s lineup. Set for a May 31 release in France, the first trailer has now arrived for Red Island, with the film’s runtime also confirmed at 116 minutes.
Here’s the synopsis: “At the beginning of the 70s, in Madagascar, a few armed forces and their families live in one of the last French military bases abroad, a relic of the ending French colonial empire. Influenced by his reading of the intrepid comic book heroine Fantômette, Thomas, a ten-year-old boy, sweeps with a curious glance what surrounds him. Beneath the carefree expatriate life, his eyes are gradually opening to another reality.”
See the trailer below for the film starring Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Quim Gutierrez, Charlie Vauselle,...
Here’s the synopsis: “At the beginning of the 70s, in Madagascar, a few armed forces and their families live in one of the last French military bases abroad, a relic of the ending French colonial empire. Influenced by his reading of the intrepid comic book heroine Fantômette, Thomas, a ten-year-old boy, sweeps with a curious glance what surrounds him. Beneath the carefree expatriate life, his eyes are gradually opening to another reality.”
See the trailer below for the film starring Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Quim Gutierrez, Charlie Vauselle,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
In addition to an enormously successful career as a stand-up comedian and a stint as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live," Chris Rock has starred in several acclaimed feature films. While much of Rock's cinematic work revolves around the signature humor he's known for in his stand-up, he has branched out to different genres, including crime thrillers and horror. Immensely magnetic, Rock commands full attention whenever he's on screen, elevating the projects he appears in, even on the occasions when he takes a supporting role.
More than just an actor, Rock is a solid filmmaker in his own right, producing, writing, and directing several projects. With a big screen career that began in the '80s, Rock has dozens of movies under his belt and is among the more underrated actors in Hollywood, evidenced by the bold choices in his performances. Here are the 14 best Chris Rock movies, ranging...
More than just an actor, Rock is a solid filmmaker in his own right, producing, writing, and directing several projects. With a big screen career that began in the '80s, Rock has dozens of movies under his belt and is among the more underrated actors in Hollywood, evidenced by the bold choices in his performances. Here are the 14 best Chris Rock movies, ranging...
- 4/20/2023
- by Samuel Stone
- Slash Film
30 years after Hollywood originally tried to bring Nintendo's world-famous plumbers to the big screen with the live-action "Super Mario Bros.," the franchise is getting another shot. This time, it's Universal and Illumination having a crack at it with the animated "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," which is bringing many more familiar characters from that world into the fold. One familiar face is that of Donkey Kong, who has a long history with Mario and Luigi. The character is voiced by Seth Rogen, of "Superbad" and "The Fabelmans" fame. And, if you've seen the trailers, you know that Donkey Kong just sounds like Seth Rogen now.
So, why is it that Rogen didn't do something a little different with the voice? Speaking with Comicbook.com, the actor explained that it was all part of his pitch to the filmmakers in agreeing to take part in the film. Here's what he had...
So, why is it that Rogen didn't do something a little different with the voice? Speaking with Comicbook.com, the actor explained that it was all part of his pitch to the filmmakers in agreeing to take part in the film. Here's what he had...
- 3/29/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
John Oliver is having fun with Fox News and its lawsuit with Dominion Voting, again.
The Last Week Tonight host once again started his HBO show with a segment on the Rupert Murdoch-owned network, while also exploring the horniness of Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and a long segment on Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (Tanf).
“I’d like to start with Fox News,” Oliver said. “The network that answers the question ‘What was on TV when grandpa died?’”
Murdoch this week admitted that he was worried about the tone of its coverage of the 2022 election.
“Laura Ingram delivers every monologue with the energy of a concussed PTA parent,” he added. “Sean Hannity – spews bullshit while looking like one big neck.”
Elsewhere, he metaphorically traveled to Tennessee – the first state to pass law to restrict drag performances on public property or anywhere a child could see them.
“Unless they...
The Last Week Tonight host once again started his HBO show with a segment on the Rupert Murdoch-owned network, while also exploring the horniness of Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and a long segment on Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (Tanf).
“I’d like to start with Fox News,” Oliver said. “The network that answers the question ‘What was on TV when grandpa died?’”
Murdoch this week admitted that he was worried about the tone of its coverage of the 2022 election.
“Laura Ingram delivers every monologue with the energy of a concussed PTA parent,” he added. “Sean Hannity – spews bullshit while looking like one big neck.”
Elsewhere, he metaphorically traveled to Tennessee – the first state to pass law to restrict drag performances on public property or anywhere a child could see them.
“Unless they...
- 3/13/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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