Marketing a movie brings inherent challenges, but doing so without the charismatic lead to promote it on the press circuit adds an additional hurdle — as the teams behind a growing number of recent titles have learned, or soon will as SAG-AFTRA’s actors strike begins in Hollywood.
Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone premiere event took place in Los Angeles ahead of the film’s July 21 release but was without star Jamie Foxx, who has been largely out of the public eye since his daughter announced in April that he was recovering after a hospitalization for an undisclosed health issue. Other stars have recently been absent on the red carpet for different reasons: Jonah Hill cited mental health concerns in declining to promote Netflix’s You People, while Ezra Miller didn’t talk to media for Warner Bros.’ The Flash after a spate of headlines about the star’s personal life.
Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone premiere event took place in Los Angeles ahead of the film’s July 21 release but was without star Jamie Foxx, who has been largely out of the public eye since his daughter announced in April that he was recovering after a hospitalization for an undisclosed health issue. Other stars have recently been absent on the red carpet for different reasons: Jonah Hill cited mental health concerns in declining to promote Netflix’s You People, while Ezra Miller didn’t talk to media for Warner Bros.’ The Flash after a spate of headlines about the star’s personal life.
- 7/14/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When director David Dobkin brought the 2005 comedy “Wedding Crashers” to the marketing team at New Line Cinema, he didn’t get the reception he thought he would. Marketing head Russell Schwartz thought that Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson’s characters were too misogynistic, since their main aim seemed to be crashing weddings to look for girls.
Dobkin pushed back. He saw it a different way: The pair loved weddings and were the life of the party. When the film came out on July 15, 2000, “Wedding Crashers” became the first R-rated comedy to break $200 million at the domestic box office.
“Wedding Crashers” follows Jeremy Grey and John Beckwith — played by Vaughn and Wilson, respectively — two divorce attorneys who spend their free time sneaking into weddings in hopes of meeting eligible women. When they see that the Secretary of the Treasury Cleary (Christopher Walken) is celebrating his son’s marriage, the two crash...
Dobkin pushed back. He saw it a different way: The pair loved weddings and were the life of the party. When the film came out on July 15, 2000, “Wedding Crashers” became the first R-rated comedy to break $200 million at the domestic box office.
“Wedding Crashers” follows Jeremy Grey and John Beckwith — played by Vaughn and Wilson, respectively — two divorce attorneys who spend their free time sneaking into weddings in hopes of meeting eligible women. When they see that the Secretary of the Treasury Cleary (Christopher Walken) is celebrating his son’s marriage, the two crash...
- 7/10/2020
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
“Chappaquiddick” is a well-acted examination of the Ted Kennedy 1969 drunk-driving scandal that ended with young Democratic aide Mary Joe Kopechne trapped and drowned in Kennedy’s car after it plunged into a pond off Dike Bridge. The new film appeals more to Republicans who hated him than the liberals who revere him — but it has a liberal director and star who refuse to publicize it through conservative outlets, and only a few under 40 know what “Chappaquiddick” means. So who will see it?
On the surface, it might seem to be a hatchet job on one of the Senate’s most respected politicians. “I hope between the reviews and word of mouth people will not see it as a one-dimensional hit piece,” said director John Curran (“The Painted Veil”). “The fear of that is understandable.”
Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios acquired the film before Toronto for $4 million against $16 million in P&A.
On the surface, it might seem to be a hatchet job on one of the Senate’s most respected politicians. “I hope between the reviews and word of mouth people will not see it as a one-dimensional hit piece,” said director John Curran (“The Painted Veil”). “The fear of that is understandable.”
Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios acquired the film before Toronto for $4 million against $16 million in P&A.
- 4/6/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
“Chappaquiddick” is a well-acted examination of the Ted Kennedy 1969 drunk-driving scandal that ended with young Democratic aide Mary Joe Kopechne trapped and drowned in Kennedy’s car after it plunged into a pond off Dike Bridge. The new film appeals more to Republicans who hated him than the liberals who revere him — but it has a liberal director and star who refuse to publicize it through conservative outlets, and only a few under 40 know what “Chappaquiddick” means. So who will see it?
On the surface, it might seem to be a hatchet job on one of the Senate’s most respected politicians. “I hope between the reviews and word of mouth people will not see it as a one-dimensional hit piece,” said director John Curran (“The Painted Veil”). “The fear of that is understandable.”
Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios acquired the film before Toronto for $4 million against $16 million in P&A.
On the surface, it might seem to be a hatchet job on one of the Senate’s most respected politicians. “I hope between the reviews and word of mouth people will not see it as a one-dimensional hit piece,” said director John Curran (“The Painted Veil”). “The fear of that is understandable.”
Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios acquired the film before Toronto for $4 million against $16 million in P&A.
- 4/6/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The former Newsweek film critic recently served as artistic director of the Los Angeles Film Festival and joins the Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff), set to run from January 1-11 2016.
As lead programmer Ansen will work with a team of six programmers under the direction of festival artistic director Helen du Toit.
He will be responsible for acquiring films from distributors and sales agents and will be a key member of the selection committee for films submitted to the festival from a wide variety of sources.
“I’m thrilled to have someone with David’s vast scope and depth of knowledge about film join us as a key member of the Psiff programming team,” said festival director Darryl Macdonald.
“His taste in films has always been impeccable, ranging from the discovery of unheralded works from gifted new international directors to a singular appreciation of films from seasoned filmmakers working in the major studio millieux.”
“As a longtime...
As lead programmer Ansen will work with a team of six programmers under the direction of festival artistic director Helen du Toit.
He will be responsible for acquiring films from distributors and sales agents and will be a key member of the selection committee for films submitted to the festival from a wide variety of sources.
“I’m thrilled to have someone with David’s vast scope and depth of knowledge about film join us as a key member of the Psiff programming team,” said festival director Darryl Macdonald.
“His taste in films has always been impeccable, ranging from the discovery of unheralded works from gifted new international directors to a singular appreciation of films from seasoned filmmakers working in the major studio millieux.”
“As a longtime...
- 9/3/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Emerging digital and bespoke theatrical platforms give filmmakers and distributors a fighting chance of success in the new era, attendees at the Afm’s distribution panel heard on Tuesday (November 11).
Moderator Russell Schwartz, president of domestic marketing at Relativity Europa Distribution, and five panellists discussed the opportunities that await those who embrace new paradigms and warned of over-reliance on the old model for those outside the studio system.
“I’m not looking to compete with studio films,” said Abramorama president Richard Abramowitz. “I’m looking for well defined films that can find a core audience.”
Abramowitz spoke of the success of the documentary Awake (pictured), a documentary about the life of the guru Yoganada.
“Very little money is being spent but because it has a defined audiences people are showing up in record numbers and we will ultimately have a theatrical gross of over $1m. It’s at half a million now, it has been...
Moderator Russell Schwartz, president of domestic marketing at Relativity Europa Distribution, and five panellists discussed the opportunities that await those who embrace new paradigms and warned of over-reliance on the old model for those outside the studio system.
“I’m not looking to compete with studio films,” said Abramorama president Richard Abramowitz. “I’m looking for well defined films that can find a core audience.”
Abramowitz spoke of the success of the documentary Awake (pictured), a documentary about the life of the guru Yoganada.
“Very little money is being spent but because it has a defined audiences people are showing up in record numbers and we will ultimately have a theatrical gross of over $1m. It’s at half a million now, it has been...
- 11/12/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Millennium Films president Mark Gill, Tug co-founder Nicolas Gonda, Relativity Media’s Russell Schwartz and Mister Smith’s Jill Jones are among the line-up of speakers at Afm, set to run in Santa Monica from Nov 5-12.
The speakers will appear across various Afm platforms including the Conference Series, Producers Forum, Roundtables and Conversations.
These events will run from November 7-11. For the full roster click here.
The Producers Guild Of America has added Paula Weinstein, Bonnie Arnold and Colin Carrier to the line-up of speakers. The event runs in New York on October 25. For further details click here.
The speakers will appear across various Afm platforms including the Conference Series, Producers Forum, Roundtables and Conversations.
These events will run from November 7-11. For the full roster click here.
The Producers Guild Of America has added Paula Weinstein, Bonnie Arnold and Colin Carrier to the line-up of speakers. The event runs in New York on October 25. For further details click here.
- 9/18/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Angela Courtin has been named chief marketing officer of Relativity Media, which is describing the appointment as a new position. The advertising industry veteran will oversee marketing for film, TV and sports, as well as all branding and advertising, reporting directly to Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh and president Tucker Tooley. Russell Schwartz, who remains as president of theatrical marketing (movie releases), now will report to Courtin and Tooley on matters relating to Relativity films. Courtin also will launch a new digital division that will work closely with Madvine, the company’s branded entertainment and consumer products division, which she will oversee.
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- 7/2/2014
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marketing films isn’t for the faint of heart at Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Media. On Aug. 19, the young studio named its fourth marketing president in less than four years after Terry Curtin was shown the door following the dismal $3.5 million opening of Paranoia, a Liam Hemsworth-Harrison Ford corporate thriller that failed to lure audiences despite its star power (Gary Oldman also stars). Russell Schwartz, who has been working as a consultant for Relativity, was quickly named the new chief of theatrical marketing. Photos: Iconic Horror Movies Sources close to Relativity are being unusually vocal about the reason
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- 8/22/2013
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran marketing executive Russell Schwartz has joined Relativity Media as president of theatrical marketing.
The studio has also appointed Dana Precious to the newly created position of president of creative advertising.
Schwartz will report to both Relativity president Tucker Tooley and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh.
As president of theatrical marketing at New Line, Schwartz orchestrated campaigns for The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Rush Hour 2 and 3 and Elf, among others.
Prior to that he was president of USA Films. He most recently consulted at Relativity and ran Pandemic Marketing.
Precious will report to Tooley and previously served as evp of worldwide theatrical marketing at Marvel, overseeing campaigns for Thor and Captain America. Before that she was evp of theatrical marketing at Fox and evp of domestic theatrical marketing at Sony.
She most recently held the post of evp of creative advertising and brand marketing at The Cimarron Group, which closed down last week [13].
The new hires will jointly...
The studio has also appointed Dana Precious to the newly created position of president of creative advertising.
Schwartz will report to both Relativity president Tucker Tooley and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh.
As president of theatrical marketing at New Line, Schwartz orchestrated campaigns for The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Rush Hour 2 and 3 and Elf, among others.
Prior to that he was president of USA Films. He most recently consulted at Relativity and ran Pandemic Marketing.
Precious will report to Tooley and previously served as evp of worldwide theatrical marketing at Marvel, overseeing campaigns for Thor and Captain America. Before that she was evp of theatrical marketing at Fox and evp of domestic theatrical marketing at Sony.
She most recently held the post of evp of creative advertising and brand marketing at The Cimarron Group, which closed down last week [13].
The new hires will jointly...
- 8/19/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Relativity Media is replacing its head of marketing. A source close to the studio confirms that Terry Curtin is leaving and will be replaced by the team of Russell Schwartz and Dana Precious. Schwartz, whose title will be president of theatrical marketing, is the former head of marketing for New Line Cinema who is currently a Relativity consultant. Precious, whose title will be president of creative advertising and research, was formerly executive vp worldwide marketing for Marvel Studios. She has held top marketing jobs at Fox and Sony. Video: Liam Hemsworth and the Cast of 'Paranoia' on Privacy Laws The
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- 8/19/2013
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Terry Curtin has left Relativity Media, which has hired former New Line exec Russell Schwartz as its new president of theatrical marketing, an individual close to the studio has told TheWrap. Additionally, Dana Precious, who most recently worked at The Cimarron Group, is nearing a deal to join the studio as president of creative advertising and research. Both Schwartz and Precious are expected to report directly to Relativity president Tucker Tooley. Curtin, who previously worked for Disney and Revolution Studios, joined Relativity in April 2011. She has also held top marketing posts at...
- 8/19/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Exclusive: I understand that New Line veteran Russell Schwartz is already signed to become President of Theatrical Marketing. And Marvel veteran Dana Precious is in final talks to assume the newly created position of President of Creative Advertising and Research. Both Schwartz and Precious will report directly to Relativity‘s President Tucker Tooley. ”It is a coup for Relativity to get both Russell and Dana who have overseen some of the biggest movies in recent years,” according to a source close to the studio. Relativity hopes to make the formal announcement early next week. The news follows criticism inside and outside Relativity of the handling of movie marketing by Terry Curtin – culminating in this weekend’s flop film pickup Paranioa. “Relativity is losing confidence in its marketing head,” a source close to the studio told me this morning when weekend box office results were announced. “Granted it is an incredibly crowded and down marketplace,...
- 8/19/2013
- by NIKKI FINKE, Editor in Chief
- Deadline Hollywood
Despite the dismal failure of the first outing, things are still progressing on "Atlas Shrugged – Part 2" with an October 12th release being announced says The Hollywood Reporter.
Distribution exec Bill Lewis ("The Twilight Saga") and marketing maven Russell Schwartz ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) - have come onboard the project to help push the $15 million project through more traditional outlets after the word-of-mouth and social media push for the first film failed to reach much of an audience (it opened decently but quickly plummeted).
Producer Harmon Kaslow says they've allocated "ten times more money" to market this outing and plans to open the two-hour film on over 300 screens. One surprise for those who did see the first film is that the entire cast has been changed, the same characters are now being played by different people including Samantha Mathis, Jason Beghe, Esai Morales and D.B. Sweeney.
Distribution exec Bill Lewis ("The Twilight Saga") and marketing maven Russell Schwartz ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy) - have come onboard the project to help push the $15 million project through more traditional outlets after the word-of-mouth and social media push for the first film failed to reach much of an audience (it opened decently but quickly plummeted).
Producer Harmon Kaslow says they've allocated "ten times more money" to market this outing and plans to open the two-hour film on over 300 screens. One surprise for those who did see the first film is that the entire cast has been changed, the same characters are now being played by different people including Samantha Mathis, Jason Beghe, Esai Morales and D.B. Sweeney.
- 6/25/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
What happens when your first movie dies at the box office, gets savaged by critics and makes barely a blip on the cultural radar? If you're producers John Aglialoro and Harmon Kaslow, you spend even more money on the sequel, cross your fingers and hope for the best.
That's right, even though the poor box office initially had Aglialoro putting the kibosh on plans for any sequels in the proposed trilogy, he quickly changed his mind and this fall the long awaited "Atlas Shrugged: Part 2" will hit theaters on October 12th. The $15 million dollar movie that shot this spring will now have a proper marketing budget says Kaslow, who has enlisted Russell Schwartz of Pandemic Marketing (and previously president of domestic marketing for New Line) to get the word out. He claims that "the industry will take us more seriously" with a better campaign and a 300 theater release, but if...
That's right, even though the poor box office initially had Aglialoro putting the kibosh on plans for any sequels in the proposed trilogy, he quickly changed his mind and this fall the long awaited "Atlas Shrugged: Part 2" will hit theaters on October 12th. The $15 million dollar movie that shot this spring will now have a proper marketing budget says Kaslow, who has enlisted Russell Schwartz of Pandemic Marketing (and previously president of domestic marketing for New Line) to get the word out. He claims that "the industry will take us more seriously" with a better campaign and a 300 theater release, but if...
- 6/25/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Atlas Shrugged – Part 2 has chosen an Oct. 12 release date and has hired an experienced distributor and marketer, a contrast to the first installment, which relied heavily on word-of-mouth among Ayn Rand fans and Internet buzz to drum up an audience. The production is set to announce today that it has hired Bill Lewis to spearhead U.S. theatrical distribution and Russell Schwartz to head marketing efforts. Photos: 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years Schwartz, currently president of Pandemic Marketing, was president of domestic marketing at New Line Cinema, where
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- 6/25/2012
- by Paul Bond
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Crooked Arrows, the first ever mainstream lacrosse movie, hits theaters nationally on May 18th. The film centers on coach Joe Logan, who reluctantly leads a Native American high school team on their unlikely journey to the state lacrosse championship game against their prep school rivals. Along the way, Joe and the team rediscover their connection to the spiritual tradition of the ancient sport of lacrosse. Set in the diverse worlds of modern Native American culture and prep school lacrosse, Crooked Arrows offers moviegoers a new twist on a classic underdog sports story.
Directed by Steve Rash (American Pie Presents Band Camp), Crooked Arrows stars Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) and Gil Birmingham (Twilight). The film was produced by J. Todd Harris (The Kids Are All Right), Mitchell Peck (Priest), and Adam Leff (The Last Action Hero). In addition, the movie features top lacrosse players from around the country, including a team...
Directed by Steve Rash (American Pie Presents Band Camp), Crooked Arrows stars Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) and Gil Birmingham (Twilight). The film was produced by J. Todd Harris (The Kids Are All Right), Mitchell Peck (Priest), and Adam Leff (The Last Action Hero). In addition, the movie features top lacrosse players from around the country, including a team...
- 4/3/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
NBC has brought production to a halt on Outlaw, the network’s new legal drama starring Jimmy Smits. Three episodes have already aired at 10 p.m. Fridays but the series hasn’t exactly burned down the house of Nielsen: Outlaw only averaged 4.7 million viewers on Oct. 1, down from its premiere week average of 4.98 million. The network still has five original episodes in the can that are scheduled to air so its plan is to monitor the show’s performance in the coming weeks before deciding whether to resume production.
Other than featuring the popular Smits, the other fascinating aspect about...
Other than featuring the popular Smits, the other fascinating aspect about...
- 10/7/2010
- by Lynette Rice
- EW - Inside Movies
At Sundance this year, more than usual activity immediately kicked in among the international buyers and the international sales agents bulking up in preparation for the Berlinale's Efm even as the Us distributors were slow to show much energy in acquisitions. First out of the gate for the Americans was Lionsgate's acquisition of Buried . Next came extended discussions with CAA and Apparition and its ancillary distributor partner Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquistions for Splice for what is rumored $2.5 million while an independent source supplies $20 million P & A. Next came Newmarket's $1 million acquisition of Hesher. The Oprah Winfrey Network acquired Family Affair. Own's documentary film club is being done in partnership with doc film distributor Ro*co Films International. Own, a co-venture between Winfrey's Harpo Prods. and Discovery Communications slated for a January 2011 launch, is planning to create communities nationwide that can screen the films together and participate in a live, moderated panel discussion.
- 2/22/2010
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Can potential breakout titles like "Blue Valentine," "Hesher" and "The Extra Man" put the spirit back into the disheartened indie film biz? The Sundance Film Festival, which opens Thursday, might be just the place to find out.
"Buyers seem geared up, like a cloud has lifted and they're not being watched as much (as last year)," new fest director John Cooper said.
It certainly hasn't hurt that 2009 was a pretty good year for indie films at the boxoffice, with "Precious," "Paranormal Activity" and "An Education" sparking critics and audiences alike. And newer players, such as Oscilloscope with "The Messenger" and Summit with "The Hurt Locker," have handled recent acquisitions with skill.
"Independent film may not be a studio business anymore," Goldwyn vp acquisitions Peter Goldwyn said, "but rumors of our death have been greatly exaggerated."
Sellers expect Overture, IFC, Magnolia, Sony Classics, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions to factor into negotiations this go-round,...
"Buyers seem geared up, like a cloud has lifted and they're not being watched as much (as last year)," new fest director John Cooper said.
It certainly hasn't hurt that 2009 was a pretty good year for indie films at the boxoffice, with "Precious," "Paranormal Activity" and "An Education" sparking critics and audiences alike. And newer players, such as Oscilloscope with "The Messenger" and Summit with "The Hurt Locker," have handled recent acquisitions with skill.
"Independent film may not be a studio business anymore," Goldwyn vp acquisitions Peter Goldwyn said, "but rumors of our death have been greatly exaggerated."
Sellers expect Overture, IFC, Magnolia, Sony Classics, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions to factor into negotiations this go-round,...
- 1/19/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez and Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2009 American Film Market today announced its schedule of seminars and conferences to be held between Nov. 4 and 11. Celebrating its 30th year, the Afm will showcase panels on film financing opportunities, local and international distribution trends, marketing strategies and digital technologies. The sessions will include film executives, producers, writers, directors, distributors, financiers and attorneys. This year’s seminars and conferences will include the annual “Afm Finance Conference” on Friday, Nov. 6; “Pitch Me!” on Saturday, Nov. 7; “No Direction Home – Changing Indie Distribution Strategies” on Sunday, Nov. 8; “Writing for the Genre World” on Monday, Nov. 9; “Case Study: How to Package and Finance Your Independent Project Overseas” on Monday, Nov. 9; and “The New Hollywood Movie Studio, New Media and Social Networking” on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Programming the seminars and conferences will be the American Society of Cinematographers, British Academy of Film & Television Arts/Los Angeles, Directors Guild of America, Film Independent, Hong Kong Trade Development Council,...
Programming the seminars and conferences will be the American Society of Cinematographers, British Academy of Film & Television Arts/Los Angeles, Directors Guild of America, Film Independent, Hong Kong Trade Development Council,...
- 10/16/2009
- by sean
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Relativity Media's Ryan Kavanaugh, Comerica Bank's Morgan Rector and Media Rights Capital's Modi Wiczyk will discuss the current state of the indie film business at the opening panel of the American Film Market's finance conference on Nov. 6.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's P. John Burke will moderate the session to be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
The conference will also include a session on foreign investment as a source of film financing, to be moderated by Kpmg's Benson R. Berro, and a look at Hong Kong as a co-production partner programmed by the Hong Kong Development Council.
Afm's lineup of panels, programmed by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, consists of:
Nov. 7
-- "Pitch Me!," moderated by Peggy Rajski; panelists, Caroline Baron and Ron Yerxa.
-- "Produce & Sell Your Film with Dov S-s Simens," presented by Dov S-s Simens.
Nov. 8
-- "No Direction Home - Changing Indie Distribution Strategies,...
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's P. John Burke will moderate the session to be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
The conference will also include a session on foreign investment as a source of film financing, to be moderated by Kpmg's Benson R. Berro, and a look at Hong Kong as a co-production partner programmed by the Hong Kong Development Council.
Afm's lineup of panels, programmed by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, consists of:
Nov. 7
-- "Pitch Me!," moderated by Peggy Rajski; panelists, Caroline Baron and Ron Yerxa.
-- "Produce & Sell Your Film with Dov S-s Simens," presented by Dov S-s Simens.
Nov. 8
-- "No Direction Home - Changing Indie Distribution Strategies,...
- 10/14/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Toronto and Other Fall Festivals Rights RoundUp list looks quite sizeable for what is claimed to have been a quiet festival season. Though it's true business down, the large number of acquisitions has not been viewed as such and yet is the result of a new trend which has been sneaking up over the past few years and has now taken hold. Distributors and sales agents now acquire Before the festivals rather than during. It developed out of Cannes' prescreenings which have mostly been discontinued, and it could go so far as to change the pre-Sundance adage Not to show the film to anyone before Sundance.
This Rights RoundUp for acquisitions executives, distributors, international sales agents, investors and producers is different from my previous Rr Reports. It is no longer a report based on data and FilmFinders is out of the equation. This listing of rights acquired Before the actual festival,...
This Rights RoundUp for acquisitions executives, distributors, international sales agents, investors and producers is different from my previous Rr Reports. It is no longer a report based on data and FilmFinders is out of the equation. This listing of rights acquired Before the actual festival,...
- 9/25/2009
- by Sydney@SydneysBuzz.com (Sydney)
- Sydney's Buzz
Richard Linklater's "Me and Orson Welles," which premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival, will be released theatrically in the U.S. on Nov. 25.
U.K. producer and financier Cinemanx has struck distribution deals with Freestyle Releasing, which will secure theaters; Warner Bros. Home Video, which will handle the DVD release; Hart/Lunsford Pictures, which will fund P&A costs; Cinetic, which was responsible for the Warners deal and is handling sales; and Russell Schwartz' Pandemic Marketing, which will oversee publicity and marketing.
The film stars Zac Efron and Claire Danes and introduces Christian McKay as the young Orson Welles.
Cinemanx has also struck a deal with U.K. distribution chain Vue Entertainment, which allows Cinemanx to produce and directly distribute titles, including "Welles."
"Cinemanx is pioneering this type of U.S. distribution strategy, and I think that says a lot about the vision of Cinemanx's Steve Christian and Marc Samuelson,...
U.K. producer and financier Cinemanx has struck distribution deals with Freestyle Releasing, which will secure theaters; Warner Bros. Home Video, which will handle the DVD release; Hart/Lunsford Pictures, which will fund P&A costs; Cinetic, which was responsible for the Warners deal and is handling sales; and Russell Schwartz' Pandemic Marketing, which will oversee publicity and marketing.
The film stars Zac Efron and Claire Danes and introduces Christian McKay as the young Orson Welles.
Cinemanx has also struck a deal with U.K. distribution chain Vue Entertainment, which allows Cinemanx to produce and directly distribute titles, including "Welles."
"Cinemanx is pioneering this type of U.S. distribution strategy, and I think that says a lot about the vision of Cinemanx's Steve Christian and Marc Samuelson,...
- 9/9/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Toronto and Other Fall Festivals Rights Round Up for acquisitions executives, distributors, international sales agents, investors and producers is different from my previous Rr Reports. It is no longer a report based on data and FilmFinders is out of the equation. This listing of rights acquired preliminary to the actual festival, during the festival and for a couple of months afterward can also be found on MDbPro who acquired FilmFinders in 2008 and where SydneysBuzz resides on the landing page and on IMDbPro's News Desk. Whenever possible, the list is alphabetical by international sales agent (linked to IMDbPro), and the Isa's titles are also linked to IMDbPro.
If you do not yet subscribe to IMDbPro, I would advise plunking down $100 for a year's subscription. You'll get more than your money's worth I promise. By going into Pro, you will be able to see all the territorial distributors for a particular title,...
If you do not yet subscribe to IMDbPro, I would advise plunking down $100 for a year's subscription. You'll get more than your money's worth I promise. By going into Pro, you will be able to see all the territorial distributors for a particular title,...
- 9/2/2009
- by Sydney@SydneysBuzz.com (Sydney)
- Sydney's Buzz
Twilight A Little Franchise Goes A Long WayTodays news that Summit Entertainment has already chosen a release date for Eclipse the third and final Twilight film suggests the studio is in a hurry. With New Moon the second entry in the series currently in a production surge under the direction of Chris Weitz for a November 20 release date Summits latest decision raises the bar even higher by placing Eclipse right in the heat of summer 2010s blockbuster season. Whats the rush?Former New Line marketing chief Russell Schwartz whose resume includes a steadily successful franchise about hobbits and rings offers one piece of advice for the newbies at Summit Slow down.They think the audience is going to grow up and get too old for the movies by the time two or three comes out Schwartz tells me. But I honestly dont believe its that crucial to have it out ever year like Saw.
- 2/24/2009
- twilightersanonymous.com
Today's news that Summit Entertainment has already chosen a release date for Eclipse, the third entry in theTwilight series, suggests the studio is in a hurry. With New Moon, the second entry in the series, currently in a production surge under the direction of Chris Weitz for a November 20 release date, Summit's latest decision raises the bar even higher, by placing Eclipse right in the heat of summer 2010's blockbuster season. What's the rush? Former New Line marketing chief Russell Schwartz, whose resume includes a steadily successful franchise about hobbits and rings, offers one piece of advice for the newbies at Summit: Slow down. "They think the ...
- 2/23/2009
- by erickohn
- Spout
Magnolia Pictures has set Oct. 3 as the release date for "What Just Happened", Barry Levinson's Hollywood-set comedy, starring Robert De Niro.
Former New Line exec Russell Schwartz will oversee the film's marketing and distribution.
Produced by 2929 Productions, "What" debuted in January at the Sundance Film Festival and also was featured as the closing night film at Festival de Cannes in May.
While other distributors shied away from acquiring the film, 2929 Productions' sister company Magnolia picked up distribution rights.
"What" was produced by 2929 Productions and Art Linson, with De Niro and Jane Rosenthal's Tribeca Productions.
Former New Line exec Russell Schwartz will oversee the film's marketing and distribution.
Produced by 2929 Productions, "What" debuted in January at the Sundance Film Festival and also was featured as the closing night film at Festival de Cannes in May.
While other distributors shied away from acquiring the film, 2929 Productions' sister company Magnolia picked up distribution rights.
"What" was produced by 2929 Productions and Art Linson, with De Niro and Jane Rosenthal's Tribeca Productions.
- 6/10/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One day after Russell Schwartz exited as president of domestic theatrical marketing at New Line Cinema, the studio turned to the TV world to pluck his successor, hiring Fox marketing maven Chris Carlisle.
Carlisle, the former head of marketing at Fox Broadcasting and the FX network, is known for his aggressive and innovative strategies, like creating the sampling program in 2004 that saw a rollout of more than 2 million DVDs featuring the pilot episode of "House" in Entertainment Weekly and People magazines.
He also is known for being hands-on, directing dozens of film shoots for launch and image campaigns. Carlisle has shot his own campaign photography: His photo of Michael Chiklis was used on a billboard ad for "The Shield".
At New Line, Carlisle will assume oversight of all marketing efforts at the studio, including creative advertising, media buying and planning, national promotions, publicity and corporate communications, research and interactive marketing. He will be based at New Line's Los Angeles headquarters beginning Aug.
Carlisle, the former head of marketing at Fox Broadcasting and the FX network, is known for his aggressive and innovative strategies, like creating the sampling program in 2004 that saw a rollout of more than 2 million DVDs featuring the pilot episode of "House" in Entertainment Weekly and People magazines.
He also is known for being hands-on, directing dozens of film shoots for launch and image campaigns. Carlisle has shot his own campaign photography: His photo of Michael Chiklis was used on a billboard ad for "The Shield".
At New Line, Carlisle will assume oversight of all marketing efforts at the studio, including creative advertising, media buying and planning, national promotions, publicity and corporate communications, research and interactive marketing. He will be based at New Line's Los Angeles headquarters beginning Aug.
One day after Russell Schwartz exited as president of domestic theatrical marketing at New Line Cinema, the studio turned to the TV world to pluck his successor, hiring Fox marketing maven Chris Carlisle.
Carlisle, the former head of marketing at Fox Broadcasting and the FX network, is known for his aggressive and innovative strategies, like creating the sampling program in 2004 that saw a rollout of more than 2 million DVDs featuring the pilot episode of "House" in Entertainment Weekly and People magazines.
He also is known for being hands-on, directing dozens of film shoots for launch and image campaigns. Carlisle has shot his own campaign photography: His photo of Michael Chiklis was used on a billboard ad for "The Shield".
At New Line, Carlisle will assume oversight of all marketing efforts at the studio, including creative advertising, media buying and planning, national promotions, publicity and corporate communications, research and interactive marketing. He will be based at New Line's Los Angeles headquarters beginning Aug.
Carlisle, the former head of marketing at Fox Broadcasting and the FX network, is known for his aggressive and innovative strategies, like creating the sampling program in 2004 that saw a rollout of more than 2 million DVDs featuring the pilot episode of "House" in Entertainment Weekly and People magazines.
He also is known for being hands-on, directing dozens of film shoots for launch and image campaigns. Carlisle has shot his own campaign photography: His photo of Michael Chiklis was used on a billboard ad for "The Shield".
At New Line, Carlisle will assume oversight of all marketing efforts at the studio, including creative advertising, media buying and planning, national promotions, publicity and corporate communications, research and interactive marketing. He will be based at New Line's Los Angeles headquarters beginning Aug.
Russell Schwartz is exiting his post after 6 1/2 years as domestic theatrical marketing president at New Line Cinema.
Rumors of Schwartz leaving the company surfaced this year, and Schwartz confirmed Monday that he and New Line executives Bob Shaye, Michael Lynne and Rolf Mittweg have been discussing the move for months.
"It's a new school year in September, a new energy, and it just felt like the right thing to do," Schwartz said. He added: "I really wanted to make sure that I stayed through Hairspray and Rush Hour 3, both of which are very personal projects to me. ... I took a really personal interest in 'Hairspray' from Day 1. Not that every other movie isn't dear to me, but this was a huge project, and it was in many ways as unique as selling the early Lord of the Rings. "
Rush Hour 3 opens Friday, and Schwartz began his career at New Line with Rush Hour 2, so the timing provided a bookend of sorts.
Rumors of Schwartz leaving the company surfaced this year, and Schwartz confirmed Monday that he and New Line executives Bob Shaye, Michael Lynne and Rolf Mittweg have been discussing the move for months.
"It's a new school year in September, a new energy, and it just felt like the right thing to do," Schwartz said. He added: "I really wanted to make sure that I stayed through Hairspray and Rush Hour 3, both of which are very personal projects to me. ... I took a really personal interest in 'Hairspray' from Day 1. Not that every other movie isn't dear to me, but this was a huge project, and it was in many ways as unique as selling the early Lord of the Rings. "
Rush Hour 3 opens Friday, and Schwartz began his career at New Line with Rush Hour 2, so the timing provided a bookend of sorts.
Christmas has come early for Will Ferrell (whose rising star has just gotten a meteoric boost), director Jon Favreau (who's on target to enter the $100-million club) and New Line Cinema. And all because of a sleeper hit called Elf. The holiday-themed comedy, released Nov. 7, has become the unofficial bell-ringer of Hollywood's holiday season. In its second weekend, the movie dropped just 15%, one of the best second-weekend performances for 2003. Produced for $30 million, the movie opened to $31.1 million and has unwrapped $70.4 million in just 10 days. "I wish I could say it was brilliant marketing," New Line president of marketing Russell Schwartz said. "But it really was just word of mouth on a terrific movie." However, the distribution and marketing team at New Line did make a few strategic choices that paid off. Heading into Elf's second weekend, they sought to reach beyond the movie's core family audience that had been heavily targeted in the first round of advertising. Following a game plan they devised, they reached out to the teenage boys who helped make Warner Bros. Pictures' The Matrix Revolutions the top film the weekend "Elf" first opened.
- 11/18/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a move designed to help the studio attract a broad range of promotional partners, New Line Cinema has formed an integrated marketing division to be headed by 10-year company veteran Gordon Paddison. Paddison, who has been named executive vp of the new unit, will work closely with senior vp national promotions Lance Still to create incentives and improve the efficiency of the studio's dealings with promotional partners. "The new group is designed to enhance and expand promotional partnerships by offering one-stop management of programs across all of New Line's distribution windows," said Russell Schwartz, New Line president of domestic marketing. "No longer will companies have to negotiate with these different divisions, which is the studio norm. The integrated marketing unit will streamline the internal process by offering a single entry point to explore and manage all promotional opportunities, including product placement."...
- 9/24/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LAS VEGAS -- Although average marketing costs dipped slightly last year, that probably doesn't signal a trend on the part of studios to buy less advertising. A panel of marketing chiefs speaking at ShoWest on Wednesday afternoon agreed that paid media remains as crucial as ever to the success of a film. "I suspect that the volume of advertising we bought last year may actually be more," New Line Cinema president of domestic marketing Russell Schwartz said. "It's just that there was a downturn in advertising last year, and the price was probably a little less." Joining Schwartz onstage at the Paris hotel's Theatre des Arts were David Brooks, president of marketing at Focus Features; Pam Levine, co-president of marketing at 20th Century Fox; Terry Press, head of marketing at DreamWorks SKG; and Dawn Taubin, president of domestic marketing at Warner Bros. Pictures.
With the astounding success last year of the first installment in its The Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Line Cinema learned many things about the franchise that helped the studio develop an unconventional marketing plan for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, which opens Dec. 18. For one, the franchise has a solid fan base far beyond the realm of its core sci-fi/fantasy audience, and thus New Line didn't need to launch a TV campaign two months before the release date of the new film. And just as significantly, New Line execs realized that there are no Whoppers in Middle Earth. So this time around, the company has passed on a fast-food tie-in with Burger King in favor of a two-year promotional deal with Verizon Wireless. "Probably 150 million people have seen this movie worldwide; I think we're covered for the first couple of weeks (of the new release)," Russell Schwartz, president of domestic theatrical marketing at New Line, said with a laugh. Indeed, last year's Oscar-nominated The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring grossed more than $860 million worldwide, putting it among the top 10 boxoffice hits ever in the United States and in the top five internationally.
- 12/5/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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