Netflix has set “Rather,” the documentary about veteran journalist Dan Rather’s landmark career in news for an May 1 April 24 premiere on the streamer. (The date has now been changed to reflect Netflix’s decision to move the launch by a week.) The feature utilizes the story of Rather’s life on television to also explore the evolution of broadcast journalism, the troubles a free press now faces, along with the slide of American society from hard-fought advances in social justice and democratic freedoms.
Frank Marshall directed “Rather,” which comes from Wavelength and Original Productions, in association with Anchor Entertainment and The Kennedy/Marshall Company. The doc first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last June.
Related: Dan Rather Says He’s Never Been Angry About His CBS Firing. But a New Documentary Restores Some Justice to His Lengthy Career
With unrestricted access to Rather, the film takes on the highs...
Frank Marshall directed “Rather,” which comes from Wavelength and Original Productions, in association with Anchor Entertainment and The Kennedy/Marshall Company. The doc first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last June.
Related: Dan Rather Says He’s Never Been Angry About His CBS Firing. But a New Documentary Restores Some Justice to His Lengthy Career
With unrestricted access to Rather, the film takes on the highs...
- 4/12/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Alamo Drafthouse, the Texas-based theater chain that’s popular for its in-theater dining and fan-forward approach to moviegoing, is exploring a sale.
Several Hollywood studios were approached to assess their interest in buying the company, according to two sources. It’s unclear if the talks are ongoing or how close the company is to a potential acquisition.
A representative for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas declined to comment.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2021, as theater chains were struggling to rebound from prolonged Covid-related closures and a lack of new product. It emerged in June of 2021 after completing a sale to Altamont Capital Partners, with funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League. Alamo Drafthouse had to close down a few underperforming venues as part of its bankruptcy filing. Since pandemic lockdowns have lifted, the company has opened new locations in cities like Chicago,...
Several Hollywood studios were approached to assess their interest in buying the company, according to two sources. It’s unclear if the talks are ongoing or how close the company is to a potential acquisition.
A representative for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas declined to comment.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2021, as theater chains were struggling to rebound from prolonged Covid-related closures and a lack of new product. It emerged in June of 2021 after completing a sale to Altamont Capital Partners, with funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League. Alamo Drafthouse had to close down a few underperforming venues as part of its bankruptcy filing. Since pandemic lockdowns have lifted, the company has opened new locations in cities like Chicago,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the Texas-based dine-in chain renowned for its vibrant fan-oriented culture and ban on talking and texting during screenings, is reportedly exploring a sale.
Founded by Tim League as a single-screen venue in 1997, the company sold its assets to Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group, League and other investors in 2021 and came through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic when it and other operators were forced to shut their doors.
According to reports the exhibitor chain, which runs around 40 sites in the US, has approached a number of Hollywood studios as potential buyers.
Screen had not confirmed the...
Founded by Tim League as a single-screen venue in 1997, the company sold its assets to Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group, League and other investors in 2021 and came through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic when it and other operators were forced to shut their doors.
According to reports the exhibitor chain, which runs around 40 sites in the US, has approached a number of Hollywood studios as potential buyers.
Screen had not confirmed the...
- 3/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Alamo Drafthouse, the Texas-based dine-in chain renowned for its vibrant fan-oriented culture and ban on talking and texting during screenings, is reportedly exploring a sale.
Founded by Tim League as a single-screen venue in 1997, the company sold its assets to Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group, League and other investors in 2021 and came through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic when it and other operators were forced to shut venues
According to reports the exhibitor chain which runs around 40 sites in the US has approached a number of Hollywood studios as potential buyers.
Screen had not confirmed the talks with...
Founded by Tim League as a single-screen venue in 1997, the company sold its assets to Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group, League and other investors in 2021 and came through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic when it and other operators were forced to shut venues
According to reports the exhibitor chain which runs around 40 sites in the US has approached a number of Hollywood studios as potential buyers.
Screen had not confirmed the talks with...
- 3/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Established in 2004, Mondo forever changed the landscape of pop culture collectibles — from t-shirts to screen printed movie posters, vinyl soundtracks, toys, board games and even home goods, the company elevated fandom from a hobby to a lifestyle. It has not only inspired dozens of similar businesses worldwide and propelled the consumption of physical media, but minted a team that quickly and widely became known for its passion, creativity and shrewd decisionmaking. On Monday, four of their former leaders — led by Eric Garza, Mitch Putnam, Spencer Hickman and Mo Shafeek — debuted a new endeavor leveraging their experience, relationships and reputation: Mutant.
Led by CEO Jenny Jacobi, a Vidiots Foundation advisory board member and seven-year Alamo Drafthouse veteran, the quartet will produce posters, music, apparel and more. The announcement them a chance to start fresh after exiting Mondo, now under the ownership of vinyl figurine company Funko Inc.
“The industry’s approach...
Led by CEO Jenny Jacobi, a Vidiots Foundation advisory board member and seven-year Alamo Drafthouse veteran, the quartet will produce posters, music, apparel and more. The announcement them a chance to start fresh after exiting Mondo, now under the ownership of vinyl figurine company Funko Inc.
“The industry’s approach...
- 1/31/2024
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Back in March 2023, the Austin-based collectibles and poster company Mondo was hit with a wave of layoffs from parent company Funko, including the company’s former co-founders and creative directors. Today, those leaders have announced their comeback.
Former Mondo creative directors Spencer Hickman, Eric Garza, Mitch Putnam, and Mo Shafeek have teamed up with CEO Jenny Jacobi to form a new company called Mutant, which will release limited-edition artwork, posters, soundtracks on vinyl, collectibles, events, and more.
The company is being formed underneath SpectreVision, Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah’s genre-bending production company. The company is kicking off its launch with a vinyl soundtrack for Netflix’s “Society of the Snow.” The LP features artwork from Mo Shafeek adorning the score from composer Michael Giacchino as well as liner notes from director J.A. Bayona.
Next up, Mutant will release vinyl for “Wonka” and is also teaming with Pressure Printing to...
Former Mondo creative directors Spencer Hickman, Eric Garza, Mitch Putnam, and Mo Shafeek have teamed up with CEO Jenny Jacobi to form a new company called Mutant, which will release limited-edition artwork, posters, soundtracks on vinyl, collectibles, events, and more.
The company is being formed underneath SpectreVision, Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah’s genre-bending production company. The company is kicking off its launch with a vinyl soundtrack for Netflix’s “Society of the Snow.” The LP features artwork from Mo Shafeek adorning the score from composer Michael Giacchino as well as liner notes from director J.A. Bayona.
Next up, Mutant will release vinyl for “Wonka” and is also teaming with Pressure Printing to...
- 1/29/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
SpectreVision, the genre-bending production company behind acclaimed films like Mandy, Daniel Isn’t Real, and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, is teaming up with the former creative team behind Mondo for new art and collectible label Mutant.
Announced via press release, “former Mondo creative directors Spencer Hickman, Eric Garza, Mitch Putnam, and Mo Shafeek have reassembled with CEO Jenny Jacobi under a new roof to continue and expand upon their groundbreaking work producing highly sought-after limited-edition artwork, soundtracks on vinyl, collectibles, unique experiential events, and more.”
SpectreVision founders Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah set out to launch Mutant based on years of admiring the work of the creative directors, commenting, “It’s not hyperbole to say that we’re superfans of this team and their work. Our offices are covered in their prints and our shelves lined with their records. It’s a true privilege to provide a platform...
Announced via press release, “former Mondo creative directors Spencer Hickman, Eric Garza, Mitch Putnam, and Mo Shafeek have reassembled with CEO Jenny Jacobi under a new roof to continue and expand upon their groundbreaking work producing highly sought-after limited-edition artwork, soundtracks on vinyl, collectibles, unique experiential events, and more.”
SpectreVision founders Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah set out to launch Mutant based on years of admiring the work of the creative directors, commenting, “It’s not hyperbole to say that we’re superfans of this team and their work. Our offices are covered in their prints and our shelves lined with their records. It’s a true privilege to provide a platform...
- 1/29/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Comedy to open in February 2024.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Bob Byington’s Locarno comedy Lousy Carter and has earmarked a February 2024 release.
David Krumholtz stars as a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live.
With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
The cast includes Martin Starr, Olivia Thirlby, Jocelyn DeBoer, Macon Blair, and Stephen Root, and will next screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival.
“Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order,...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Bob Byington’s Locarno comedy Lousy Carter and has earmarked a February 2024 release.
David Krumholtz stars as a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live.
With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
The cast includes Martin Starr, Olivia Thirlby, Jocelyn DeBoer, Macon Blair, and Stephen Root, and will next screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival.
“Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: On the heels of its August world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, the comedy Lousy Carter led by Oppenheimer‘s David Krumholtz has been picked up for North American theatrical distribution in early 2024 by Magnolia Pictures.
Written and directed by Bob Byington (Frances Ferguson), the film follows a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live. With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
Next set to screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival in Washington, pic also stars Martin Starr (Party Down), Olivia Thirlby (Dumb Money), Jocelyn DeBoer (Greener Grass), Macon Blair (The Toxic Avenger), and Stephen Root (Barry). Byington and Chris McKenna produced, alongside executive producers Stuart Bohart and Tim League.
Said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley, “Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order.
Written and directed by Bob Byington (Frances Ferguson), the film follows a ne’er-do-well literature professor adrift on a soulless college campus who learns he only has six months to live. With the clock ticking, will he change his ways? Probably not.
Next set to screen at the Orcas Island Film Festival in Washington, pic also stars Martin Starr (Party Down), Olivia Thirlby (Dumb Money), Jocelyn DeBoer (Greener Grass), Macon Blair (The Toxic Avenger), and Stephen Root (Barry). Byington and Chris McKenna produced, alongside executive producers Stuart Bohart and Tim League.
Said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley, “Bob Byington and his marvelous cast have delivered a twisted comedy of the highest order.
- 10/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The eighteenth edition of the genre festival Fantastic Fest is set to be held at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas from September 21st – 28th (badges are available now at FantasticFest.com), and this time around the festival is going to feature 29 world premieres, 24 North American premieres, and 18 U.S. premieres! Among the films in the lineup, which you can look over below, are The Toxic Avenger remake and the Pet Sematary prequel Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. The first two episodes of the Mike Flanagan Netflix series The Fall of the House of Usher will also be screened at the festival.
Festival Director Lisa Dreyer had this to say: “The Fantastic Fest team is ready to take you on a journey you won’t ever forget. We’ve taken the best week of the year and supercharged it: more movies, more parties, more fun. If you want to see...
Festival Director Lisa Dreyer had this to say: “The Fantastic Fest team is ready to take you on a journey you won’t ever forget. We’ve taken the best week of the year and supercharged it: more movies, more parties, more fun. If you want to see...
- 8/15/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Fantastic Fest is set to unleash its 18th edition on Austin this September and, as usual, the lineup is packed with an eclectic mix of world premieres, cult classic restorations, and special events. Kicking things off with the world premiere of The Toxic Avenger, we have all the details:
Take a trip to the dark side and indulge your taste for wild films, outrageous events, and shocking surprises all under one roof. World-famous genre festival Fantastic Fest is back for its eighteenth edition featuring 29 World Premieres, 24 North American Premieres, and 18 U.S. Premieres. The festival will once again possess Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX from September 21st - 28th. Badges are available now at FantasticFest.com.
“The Fantastic Fest team is ready to take you on a journey you won’t ever forget. We’ve taken the best week of the year and supercharged it: more movies, more parties,...
Take a trip to the dark side and indulge your taste for wild films, outrageous events, and shocking surprises all under one roof. World-famous genre festival Fantastic Fest is back for its eighteenth edition featuring 29 World Premieres, 24 North American Premieres, and 18 U.S. Premieres. The festival will once again possess Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX from September 21st - 28th. Badges are available now at FantasticFest.com.
“The Fantastic Fest team is ready to take you on a journey you won’t ever forget. We’ve taken the best week of the year and supercharged it: more movies, more parties,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Fantastic Fest is back for its eighteenth edition featuring 29 World Premieres, 24 North American Premieres, and 18 U.S. Premieres. The festival will once again possess Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, TX from September 21st – 28th. Badges are available now.
“The Fantastic Fest team is ready to take you on a journey you won’t ever forget. We’ve taken the best week of the year and supercharged it: more movies, more parties, more fun,” says Festival Director Lisa Dreyer. “If you want to see the best new movies from around the world first with the best audience, Fantastic Fest is the place to be.”
The opening night film for Fantastic Fest 2023 is the world premiere of Legendary Pictures’ The Toxic Avenger, a hilarious and action-packed reimagining of the classic Troma film from director Macon Blair that features an all-star cast including Peter Dinklage who will pick up the infamous mop...
“The Fantastic Fest team is ready to take you on a journey you won’t ever forget. We’ve taken the best week of the year and supercharged it: more movies, more parties, more fun,” says Festival Director Lisa Dreyer. “If you want to see the best new movies from around the world first with the best audience, Fantastic Fest is the place to be.”
The opening night film for Fantastic Fest 2023 is the world premiere of Legendary Pictures’ The Toxic Avenger, a hilarious and action-packed reimagining of the classic Troma film from director Macon Blair that features an all-star cast including Peter Dinklage who will pick up the infamous mop...
- 8/15/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Outgoing CEO Shelli Tayor to remain on company board.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has promoted Michael Kustermann to CEO in the wake of former CEO Shelli Taylor’s decision to retire.
Kustermann most recently served as president and the exhibitor and will assume the new role on August 11. Since joining he has driven initiatives such as team culture and development, the Silent Service menu ordering system, the Season Pass subscription plan, Rolling Roadshow, and new concept innovation.
A statement from the company indicated that under his tenure Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will expand into new US markets.
“I am confident that as...
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has promoted Michael Kustermann to CEO in the wake of former CEO Shelli Taylor’s decision to retire.
Kustermann most recently served as president and the exhibitor and will assume the new role on August 11. Since joining he has driven initiatives such as team culture and development, the Silent Service menu ordering system, the Season Pass subscription plan, Rolling Roadshow, and new concept innovation.
A statement from the company indicated that under his tenure Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will expand into new US markets.
“I am confident that as...
- 7/19/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has promoted Michael Kustermann to CEO. He’s replacing Shelli Taylor, who is retiring after three years in the job.
Kustermann will step into the role of CEO at the popular cinema chain, known for in-theater dining and a strict no-cell phone policy, starting on Aug. 11.
“I am humbled to become Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s next CEO, with reverence for all that we do, have done, and will do. I have the awesome privilege of now leading the best teammates in the business who make all the difference… they create an unrivaled guest experience, and we will continue to expand and innovate, creating amazing movie memories for our guests wherever we go,” Kusterman said in a statement. “I am confident that as this industry continues to build back, we will keep leading the way, just as we have proven we can with over 18 months of solid double digit growth vs.
Kustermann will step into the role of CEO at the popular cinema chain, known for in-theater dining and a strict no-cell phone policy, starting on Aug. 11.
“I am humbled to become Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s next CEO, with reverence for all that we do, have done, and will do. I have the awesome privilege of now leading the best teammates in the business who make all the difference… they create an unrivaled guest experience, and we will continue to expand and innovate, creating amazing movie memories for our guests wherever we go,” Kusterman said in a statement. “I am confident that as this industry continues to build back, we will keep leading the way, just as we have proven we can with over 18 months of solid double digit growth vs.
- 7/19/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema said CEO Shelli Taylor is retiring in August and named president Michael Kustermann as its new chief executive.
The fast-growing dine-in chain, that’s been hugely successful luring post-pandemic moviegoers back to theaters, said its board of directors, including Taylor and executive chairman Tim League, selected Kustermann as Taylor steps down, effective August 11. She will remain on the board.
“I am humbled to become Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s next CEO,” said Kustermann, who was promoted to president in April from chief experience officer overseeing the strategy, marketing & creative, product & digital, and development teams and initiatives that included Alamo Season Pass, Rolling RoadShow, and a new Silent Service ordering platform. “I am confident that as this industry continues to build back, we will keep leading the way, just as we have proven we can with over 18 months of solid double digit growth vs the industry’s recovery. Movies...
The fast-growing dine-in chain, that’s been hugely successful luring post-pandemic moviegoers back to theaters, said its board of directors, including Taylor and executive chairman Tim League, selected Kustermann as Taylor steps down, effective August 11. She will remain on the board.
“I am humbled to become Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s next CEO,” said Kustermann, who was promoted to president in April from chief experience officer overseeing the strategy, marketing & creative, product & digital, and development teams and initiatives that included Alamo Season Pass, Rolling RoadShow, and a new Silent Service ordering platform. “I am confident that as this industry continues to build back, we will keep leading the way, just as we have proven we can with over 18 months of solid double digit growth vs the industry’s recovery. Movies...
- 7/19/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is touting new leadership, as CEO Shelli Taylor is stepping down while Michael Kustermann has been promoted to CEO. Kustermann moves from his position as President of the movie theater company. The decision was made by the Board of Directors, which includes Taylor (who will remain on the Alamo Drafthouse Board of Directors) and Executive Chairman Tim League. Taylor, who joined Drafthouse as its CEO in 2020 from Starbucks, has made the decision to retire.
The Alamo Drafthouse said in an official release that “under Kustermann’s leadership, the company will continue its path for growth and investment in its theaters, unparalleled moviegoing experience, and building out the best team in the exhibition industry.”
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema began life in 1997 as an energetically programmed little movie theater on Colorado Street in Austin, Texas. More theaters in Austin followed and by 2003, the first franchise location opened in Houston,...
The Alamo Drafthouse said in an official release that “under Kustermann’s leadership, the company will continue its path for growth and investment in its theaters, unparalleled moviegoing experience, and building out the best team in the exhibition industry.”
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema began life in 1997 as an energetically programmed little movie theater on Colorado Street in Austin, Texas. More theaters in Austin followed and by 2003, the first franchise location opened in Houston,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” is on the horizon. And the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is ready, with a whole host of activities and special merchandise tied into the new film, which may be as whimsical and enchanting as Anderson’s films themselves.
The Austin, Texas-based company’s “Asteroid City” plans include a live conversation with Wes Anderson and cast, a special beer from Delaware-based Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, limited edition “Asteroid City” vintage themed lunchbox and thermos sets, Chili Supper Screenings featuring a custom themed menu, and custom-designed letterpress postcard giveaways on opening weekend.
The Alamo Drafthouse will hold exclusive advance screenings at theaters across the country on June 12, which is earlier than the New York and Los Angeles date of June 16 and nationwide release on June 23. These Drafthouse screenings will be the only place for fans to see the film early. Plus, guests of the Brooklyn theater will be...
The Austin, Texas-based company’s “Asteroid City” plans include a live conversation with Wes Anderson and cast, a special beer from Delaware-based Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, limited edition “Asteroid City” vintage themed lunchbox and thermos sets, Chili Supper Screenings featuring a custom themed menu, and custom-designed letterpress postcard giveaways on opening weekend.
The Alamo Drafthouse will hold exclusive advance screenings at theaters across the country on June 12, which is earlier than the New York and Los Angeles date of June 16 and nationwide release on June 23. These Drafthouse screenings will be the only place for fans to see the film early. Plus, guests of the Brooklyn theater will be...
- 5/24/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Drafthouse Films, known for its commitment to genre-defying cinema, has announced today that they’ve acquired supernatural horror movie Everyone Will Burn.
The Spanish horror movie premiered at the Sitges Film Festival and racked up multiple festival wins around the world. Directed by David Hebrero, the film follows Lucía, a strange little girl who just might be connected to a local legend about stopping an impending apocalypse.
Everyone Will Burn will have a theatrical release at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas and other theaters, before debuting on all major streaming platforms.
The film is part of a three-film slate from Drafthouse Films that was announced today, which also includes Mister Organ and Alex Winter’s documentary The YouTube Effect.
”We are in this business because we know there are others just like us who want nothing more than to sit in a dark theater enjoying the movies they care about,” says Alamo...
The Spanish horror movie premiered at the Sitges Film Festival and racked up multiple festival wins around the world. Directed by David Hebrero, the film follows Lucía, a strange little girl who just might be connected to a local legend about stopping an impending apocalypse.
Everyone Will Burn will have a theatrical release at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas and other theaters, before debuting on all major streaming platforms.
The film is part of a three-film slate from Drafthouse Films that was announced today, which also includes Mister Organ and Alex Winter’s documentary The YouTube Effect.
”We are in this business because we know there are others just like us who want nothing more than to sit in a dark theater enjoying the movies they care about,” says Alamo...
- 5/16/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Drafthouse Films has acquired three films that it will release theatrically in U.S. theaters followed by digital releases across major streaming platforms.
They include “Mister Organ,” a documentary from journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose 2016 film “Tickled” explored the dark underbelly of “competitive endurance tickling,” will be released in theaters this fall. As he turns his camera on another stranger than fiction story, Farrier finds himself caught in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious character who expertly manipulates the lives of anyone who dares to expose his secrets. The film, Produced by Ant Timpson and Firefly Films’ Emma Slade and Alex Reed, was a critical and audience favorite at Fantastic Fest 2022, and has become a box office hit in Farrier’s native New Zealand.
“I am incredibly happy to be working with Drafthouse Films,” said Farrier “Watching this funny, disturbing, and deeply weird documentary...
They include “Mister Organ,” a documentary from journalist and filmmaker David Farrier, whose 2016 film “Tickled” explored the dark underbelly of “competitive endurance tickling,” will be released in theaters this fall. As he turns his camera on another stranger than fiction story, Farrier finds himself caught in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious character who expertly manipulates the lives of anyone who dares to expose his secrets. The film, Produced by Ant Timpson and Firefly Films’ Emma Slade and Alex Reed, was a critical and audience favorite at Fantastic Fest 2022, and has become a box office hit in Farrier’s native New Zealand.
“I am incredibly happy to be working with Drafthouse Films,” said Farrier “Watching this funny, disturbing, and deeply weird documentary...
- 5/16/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Known to horror fans for their limited edition posters, high-end collectibles and vinyl records, many of which we’ve covered over the years here on Bloody Disgusting, Mondo was purchased by vinyl toy-maker Funko less than one year ago, and The Wrap now reports the depressing news that Funko has “unceremoniously laid off most of the staff of Mondo.”
The Wrap’s report continues, “They killed the poster division, which is a shock considering that’s how Mondo started, along with a division meant for cutting-edge experiences and products called The Lab, which was run by Mondo co-founder Rob Jones, who was also laid off during the process. Mitch Putnam, another co-founder, also got the axe. As of now, the only two divisions of the company that remain are the toys and records divisions. But insiders tell TheWrap it’s unclear how long those divisions will remain as part of the Funko portfolio.
The Wrap’s report continues, “They killed the poster division, which is a shock considering that’s how Mondo started, along with a division meant for cutting-edge experiences and products called The Lab, which was run by Mondo co-founder Rob Jones, who was also laid off during the process. Mitch Putnam, another co-founder, also got the axe. As of now, the only two divisions of the company that remain are the toys and records divisions. But insiders tell TheWrap it’s unclear how long those divisions will remain as part of the Funko portfolio.
- 3/24/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
On Saturday, April 1st, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will host a screening of writer/director Ari Aster’s Midsommar Director’s Cut, his award-winning daytime nightmare, in honor of the upcoming release of his third feature film, Beau Is Afraid. Guests of the event at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn will enjoy a live conversation with Ari Aster, with a livestream of the Q&a going out to Alamo Drafthouse theaters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. All of the screenings will also feature a sneak peek of Beau Is Afraid. Food and beverages sponsored by Mw and A24 . Tickets are limited and can be purchased at https://drafthouse.com/event/livestream-q-a-midsommar-directors-cut-w-beau-is-afraid-preview. “Ari Aster is one of our favorite filmmakers working today,” said Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse co-founder and Executive Chairman. “His films are inventive, daring, and shocking in ways that stick with you, basically the kind of films we love most.
- 3/23/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
William Shatner is proud of his Canadian passport.
On Thursday night, the “Star Trek” icon sat down for an hourlong discussion onstage with Alamo Drafthouse co-founder Tim League at SXSW and talked about his roots.
Read More: William Shatner Says ‘I Don’t Have Long Left To Live,’ Unveils Documentary About His Life
“You’re a distinctly Canadian human being,” League noted.
Shatner, who hails from Montreal and still has who sisters there who he visits often, admitted that he has tried to eliminate the “aboots” from his speech, though he hasn’t abandoned his Canadian-ness.
“I still have my Canadian passport,” he said, adding that when he crosses the border, customs agents will often exclaim with surprise, “Oh my god, you’re still Canadian!”
Read More: William Shatner Speaks Out About Former ‘Star Trek’ Co-Stars Publicly Criticizing Him: ‘It’s Like A Sickness’
The 91-year-old actor also looked way...
On Thursday night, the “Star Trek” icon sat down for an hourlong discussion onstage with Alamo Drafthouse co-founder Tim League at SXSW and talked about his roots.
Read More: William Shatner Says ‘I Don’t Have Long Left To Live,’ Unveils Documentary About His Life
“You’re a distinctly Canadian human being,” League noted.
Shatner, who hails from Montreal and still has who sisters there who he visits often, admitted that he has tried to eliminate the “aboots” from his speech, though he hasn’t abandoned his Canadian-ness.
“I still have my Canadian passport,” he said, adding that when he crosses the border, customs agents will often exclaim with surprise, “Oh my god, you’re still Canadian!”
Read More: William Shatner Speaks Out About Former ‘Star Trek’ Co-Stars Publicly Criticizing Him: ‘It’s Like A Sickness’
The 91-year-old actor also looked way...
- 3/18/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
William Shatner recalled how he managed to land the role of Captain James T. Kirk on the original 1966 Star Trek series.
During the actor’s keynote interview at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League asked Shatner about how he got his career-changing gig.
“Talent,” Shatner initially deadpanned, to audience applause, but then he told the story.
As all Trek fans know, Jeffrey Hunter was cast in the NBC show’s first attempt at a Star Trek pilot, “The Cage,” as Captain Christopher Pike. “Jeffrey Hunter, good-looking guy, he was quite a name,” Shatner says. “They presented the pilot to NBC and then there’s that moment when the gods — and, in this case, NBC executives — decide to buy or not to buy. To buy, or not to buy, that is the question! They said, ‘No, we’re not going to buy it, because we don’t like it.
During the actor’s keynote interview at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League asked Shatner about how he got his career-changing gig.
“Talent,” Shatner initially deadpanned, to audience applause, but then he told the story.
As all Trek fans know, Jeffrey Hunter was cast in the NBC show’s first attempt at a Star Trek pilot, “The Cage,” as Captain Christopher Pike. “Jeffrey Hunter, good-looking guy, he was quite a name,” Shatner says. “They presented the pilot to NBC and then there’s that moment when the gods — and, in this case, NBC executives — decide to buy or not to buy. To buy, or not to buy, that is the question! They said, ‘No, we’re not going to buy it, because we don’t like it.
- 3/16/2023
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Drafthouse Films has acquired North American rights to the documentary Chop & Steele, about the creators of the Found Footage Festival, announcing plans to release the film in April at Alamo Drafthouse theaters as part of a double bill with another newly-acquired doc, A Life on the Farm.
Chop & Steele premiered at Tribeca in 2022 and went on to a robust North American festival run that encompassed Calgary, Philadelphia, Seattle, Denver, the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Ala., and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival.
In Chop & Steele, Found Footage Festival principals Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher, “lifelong friends who tour the country with their popular VHS oddities festival, are slapped with a federal lawsuit after pranking a local news station as ‘strong men’ Chop and Steele. Many notables are featured in the doc, including David Cross, Bobcat Goldthwait, Reggie Watts, and Howie Mandel.
Chop & Steele premiered at Tribeca in 2022 and went on to a robust North American festival run that encompassed Calgary, Philadelphia, Seattle, Denver, the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Ala., and the San Francisco Independent Film Festival.
In Chop & Steele, Found Footage Festival principals Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher, “lifelong friends who tour the country with their popular VHS oddities festival, are slapped with a federal lawsuit after pranking a local news station as ‘strong men’ Chop and Steele. Many notables are featured in the doc, including David Cross, Bobcat Goldthwait, Reggie Watts, and Howie Mandel.
- 3/11/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Alamo Drafthouse’s Fantastic Fest has made a familiar face, festival director Lisa Dreyer, the full-time overseer of the genre event’s creative direction and operations.
“I am unbelievably excited to continue my work as festival director, and expand Fantastic Fest’s footprint throughout the year” Dreyer said in a statement on news of her promotion. She joined Fantastic Fest last year as festival director on a freelance contract, and moving to full-time comes ahead of the 18th edition in Austin, Texas planned from Sept. 21 to 28, 2023.
The Alamo Drafthouse’s next gorefest will celebrate the 1980’s fascination with the occult, which spawned pop culture phenomenons like Freddy Krueger, heavy metal music and the Satanic Panic. Fantastic Fest, as it returns to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar cinema for the 2023 edition, will also become a specialized competitive festival.
That follows the biggest U.S. genre festival receiving accreditation from the International...
“I am unbelievably excited to continue my work as festival director, and expand Fantastic Fest’s footprint throughout the year” Dreyer said in a statement on news of her promotion. She joined Fantastic Fest last year as festival director on a freelance contract, and moving to full-time comes ahead of the 18th edition in Austin, Texas planned from Sept. 21 to 28, 2023.
The Alamo Drafthouse’s next gorefest will celebrate the 1980’s fascination with the occult, which spawned pop culture phenomenons like Freddy Krueger, heavy metal music and the Satanic Panic. Fantastic Fest, as it returns to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar cinema for the 2023 edition, will also become a specialized competitive festival.
That follows the biggest U.S. genre festival receiving accreditation from the International...
- 3/9/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s become something of a habit for new Alamo Drafthouse theater locations to be given a theme – and the latest in the Austin, Texas-based chain is no different. The new Alamo Drafthouse Wrigleyville, their first theater in Illinois, will be dedicated to iconic Chicago filmmaker John Hughes, TheWrap can exclusively reveal. The dedication ceremony will take place Thursday, before the theater opens to the public on Friday.
The plaque for the new theater reads:
“John Hughes Cinema
Director John Hughes has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness with witty, charming, and heartfelt films like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Planes, Trains & Automobiles. In Ferris Bueller’S Day Off, he perfectly captured the mischievous and carefree spirit of youth through one teen’s epic day playing hooky, cementing Chicago as a cinematic playground in the process. Because of his incalculable influence on cinema, as of Thursday, January...
The plaque for the new theater reads:
“John Hughes Cinema
Director John Hughes has left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness with witty, charming, and heartfelt films like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Planes, Trains & Automobiles. In Ferris Bueller’S Day Off, he perfectly captured the mischievous and carefree spirit of youth through one teen’s epic day playing hooky, cementing Chicago as a cinematic playground in the process. Because of his incalculable influence on cinema, as of Thursday, January...
- 1/26/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
A sweeping documentary by David Redmon and Ashley Sabin, Kim’s Video follows the personal-inquiry, man-on-the-street format from their previous works Mardi Gras: Made in China and Girl Model. With Redmon largely remaining behind the scenes, asking questions while holding his camera, the film is simply left to wander where the story takes it: from the cool counterculture of the East Village before eventually turning into a heist film with a mafia connection. Haunted by the ghosts of cinema, Youngman Kim’s collection calls out to David; eventually he’s able to rescue and repatriate it back to Lower Manhattan. Its happy end is known, with a collection of over 55,000 rare VHS tapes and DVDs from the chain’s flagship Mondo Kim’s now available to rent at the Alamo Drafthouse’s lower Manhattan outpost, the Found Footage Festival’s Nick Prueher responsible for the preservation and cataloging of titles.
- 1/20/2023
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
As summer gave way to fall, much of the film industry’s attention turned to film festivals in Venice and Toronto, where films looked for the sort of critical acclaim that can lead to box office and awards success. But around the same time, another festival has become the same sort of launch pad for horror and sci-fi.
Fantastic Fest, which just completed its 17th edition a week ago, showcases genre films at Alamo Drafthouse’s flagship location in Austin, Texas, with offerings that range from major-studio fare to bizarre, offbeat finds from the VHS vault of the American Genre Film Archive. This year, one of the big premieres was Paramount’s “Smile,” which not only earned a solid 22.6 million opening weekend but defied even the most optimistic expectations for its second weekend, dropping just 22 for 17.6 million. The film has earned a solid 50 million domestically after 10 days on a production budget of 17 million.
Fantastic Fest, which just completed its 17th edition a week ago, showcases genre films at Alamo Drafthouse’s flagship location in Austin, Texas, with offerings that range from major-studio fare to bizarre, offbeat finds from the VHS vault of the American Genre Film Archive. This year, one of the big premieres was Paramount’s “Smile,” which not only earned a solid 22.6 million opening weekend but defied even the most optimistic expectations for its second weekend, dropping just 22 for 17.6 million. The film has earned a solid 50 million domestically after 10 days on a production budget of 17 million.
- 10/10/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
After an extremely painfully awkward (and long) lead-in by Tim League, legendary director Park Chan-wook took the stage at Fantastic Fest 2022 to introduce his new film, "Decision to Leave." Director Park told us that one thing we should know about his latest is that it might be his funniest film yet. He added that people who watch his movies often don't realize they're supposed to be funny, or at the very least miss the humor. He concluded that he hoped we would laugh at the funny parts.
Mission accomplished: the audience I was with cracked up all throughout "Decision to Leave," me included. And yet ... this is an odd experience. Because "Decision to Leave" is also one of the year's saddest films. I won't go into full-blown spoilers here, but just know that Park's newest goes to some heartbreaking places throughout its 138-minute runtime. But the laughs keep coming, as...
Mission accomplished: the audience I was with cracked up all throughout "Decision to Leave," me included. And yet ... this is an odd experience. Because "Decision to Leave" is also one of the year's saddest films. I won't go into full-blown spoilers here, but just know that Park's newest goes to some heartbreaking places throughout its 138-minute runtime. But the laughs keep coming, as...
- 9/26/2022
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
While the debt-ridden Cineworld Group weighs a bankruptcy filing, citing the upcoming lack of fall wide releases, smaller theaters and chains are less fazed by the slowdown.
As many theater owners are quick to point out, August, September and October are always seasonally slower months for film releases, but this year, there are even fewer high-profile Hollywood wide releases due to pandemic-related delays in the postproduction sector.
However, thanks to a mix of cost-cutting measures and the ability to lean into art house films and other programming, smaller theater owners say they’re able to weather the season. Ditto for the larger circuits, such as Cinemark or Cineplex, who aren’t facing the same debt issues as Cineworld and AMC Entertainment. (Studio distributors counter that Cineworld is using the slowdown as a scapegoat.)
Cineworld Group, the second-largest theater chain in the world and owner of Regal Cinemas,...
While the debt-ridden Cineworld Group weighs a bankruptcy filing, citing the upcoming lack of fall wide releases, smaller theaters and chains are less fazed by the slowdown.
As many theater owners are quick to point out, August, September and October are always seasonally slower months for film releases, but this year, there are even fewer high-profile Hollywood wide releases due to pandemic-related delays in the postproduction sector.
However, thanks to a mix of cost-cutting measures and the ability to lean into art house films and other programming, smaller theater owners say they’re able to weather the season. Ditto for the larger circuits, such as Cinemark or Cineplex, who aren’t facing the same debt issues as Cineworld and AMC Entertainment. (Studio distributors counter that Cineworld is using the slowdown as a scapegoat.)
Cineworld Group, the second-largest theater chain in the world and owner of Regal Cinemas,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This September, Fantastic Fest is returning to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar from September 22nd–29th, followed by a virtual Ff@Home experience from September 29th–October 4th, and horror, sci-fi, and thriller fans will have plenty to look forward to, as the massive lineup includes Parker Finn's Smile, Something in the Dirt (from directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead), and Park Chan-wook's Decision to Leave.
You can check out the full lineup below, and to learn more, visit:
http://fantasticfest.com/
Press Release: Austin, TX — August 16, 2022 — There’s only one place where you’ll find killer teddy bears, man-eating sharks, elderly zombies, cocktail-serving robots, and Park Chan-wook… all under one roof. That’s right, world-famous genre festival Fantastic Fest is back for its seventeenth edition featuring 21 World Premieres, 14 North American Premieres, and 21 U.S Premieres. The festival will once again take over the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin,...
You can check out the full lineup below, and to learn more, visit:
http://fantasticfest.com/
Press Release: Austin, TX — August 16, 2022 — There’s only one place where you’ll find killer teddy bears, man-eating sharks, elderly zombies, cocktail-serving robots, and Park Chan-wook… all under one roof. That’s right, world-famous genre festival Fantastic Fest is back for its seventeenth edition featuring 21 World Premieres, 14 North American Premieres, and 21 U.S Premieres. The festival will once again take over the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Fantastic Fest, a weeklong celebration of genre filmmaking, has announced the full lineup for its 2022 festival.
This year’s event, taking place in Austin, Texas, from Sept. 22 through Sept. 29, will open with the world premiere of Paramount’s unsettling thriller “The Smile,” starring Sosie Bacon as a doctor whose mind begins to turn on her after she witnesses a traumatic experience involving a patient. Director Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning black comedy “Triangle of Sadness” will close the festival.
In total, Fantastic Fest will showcase 21 world premieres, 14 North American premieres and 21 U.S. premieres. Now in its 17th edition, the festival will be held at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Horror mavens who can’t make the trek to Texas will be able to catch up on the festivities a week later through the virtual “Ff@Home” experience from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4.
“It’s been far too long since we...
This year’s event, taking place in Austin, Texas, from Sept. 22 through Sept. 29, will open with the world premiere of Paramount’s unsettling thriller “The Smile,” starring Sosie Bacon as a doctor whose mind begins to turn on her after she witnesses a traumatic experience involving a patient. Director Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning black comedy “Triangle of Sadness” will close the festival.
In total, Fantastic Fest will showcase 21 world premieres, 14 North American premieres and 21 U.S. premieres. Now in its 17th edition, the festival will be held at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Horror mavens who can’t make the trek to Texas will be able to catch up on the festivities a week later through the virtual “Ff@Home” experience from Sept. 29 through Oct. 4.
“It’s been far too long since we...
- 8/16/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Aretha Franklin documentary Amazing Grace, which tells the story of the singer’s 1972 gospel album, is subject of more legal issues.
The film, which was mired in limbo for 46 years as a result of various legal battles, is now the subject of a suit from producers including Alan Elliott, against distributor Neon and CEO Tom Quinn.
The crux of the issue also involves the Hollywood trade press, including Deadline, which covered the news that Neon had acquired the U.S rights to the film in December 2018. There was one small problem, the producers allege, it hadn’t signed a deal, and in fact, the producers were in talks with other buyers, including Apple, when Neon announced the deal.
The suit (read it here) alleges that Neon “fraudulently induced” the producers to accept a distribution deal by publicly announcing the pact.
“In a plan commandeered by Quinn, Neon acquired the coveted...
The film, which was mired in limbo for 46 years as a result of various legal battles, is now the subject of a suit from producers including Alan Elliott, against distributor Neon and CEO Tom Quinn.
The crux of the issue also involves the Hollywood trade press, including Deadline, which covered the news that Neon had acquired the U.S rights to the film in December 2018. There was one small problem, the producers allege, it hadn’t signed a deal, and in fact, the producers were in talks with other buyers, including Apple, when Neon announced the deal.
The suit (read it here) alleges that Neon “fraudulently induced” the producers to accept a distribution deal by publicly announcing the pact.
“In a plan commandeered by Quinn, Neon acquired the coveted...
- 8/11/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Neon, the film distributor and production company responsible for shepherding the last three consecutive Palme d’Or winners at Cannes, is looking to sell to a deep-pocketed buyer. The New York Times first reported on the potential sale while a source independently confirmed the news to IndieWire.
Neon dipping into the market comes five months after A24 sold off a minority stake to the tune of a cool 225 million, with A24’s business overall valued at 2.5 billion. Neon has meanwhile tapped the merchant bank Raine to help explore sale options, according to the Times.
Neon declined IndieWire’s request for comment.
The tastemaking studio is looking ahead at a busy fall awards season with the festival rollouts of Cannes gems “Triangle of Sadness” (from “Force Majeure” director Ruben Ostlund) and the David Bowie documentary “Moonage Daydream” (from filmmaker Brett Morgen). Neon also has Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Korean-language “Broker,...
Neon dipping into the market comes five months after A24 sold off a minority stake to the tune of a cool 225 million, with A24’s business overall valued at 2.5 billion. Neon has meanwhile tapped the merchant bank Raine to help explore sale options, according to the Times.
Neon declined IndieWire’s request for comment.
The tastemaking studio is looking ahead at a busy fall awards season with the festival rollouts of Cannes gems “Triangle of Sadness” (from “Force Majeure” director Ruben Ostlund) and the David Bowie documentary “Moonage Daydream” (from filmmaker Brett Morgen). Neon also has Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Korean-language “Broker,...
- 8/3/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Neon, the independent film distributor behind Oscar winners “Parasite” and “I, Tonya,” is assessing options for its financial future.
The New York-based company has tapped the investment bank Raine to explore a sale of some or all of its business. The move comes as Neon looks to expand its distribution business internationally and consider opportunities in television and streaming. The company also plans to use potential investments to bolster its production businesses.
Neon declined to comment.
Neon was receiving inquiries about mergers and acquisitions, so it hired Raine to sort through their options. Sources close to the situation say Neon hopes to find a deal that keeps the company in tact, though it would be open to a minority stake sale. There’s also talk that Neon could become a label on a prominent streaming service. Tom Quinn and Dan Friedkin are currently the majority owners.
Neon’s mission to...
The New York-based company has tapped the investment bank Raine to explore a sale of some or all of its business. The move comes as Neon looks to expand its distribution business internationally and consider opportunities in television and streaming. The company also plans to use potential investments to bolster its production businesses.
Neon declined to comment.
Neon was receiving inquiries about mergers and acquisitions, so it hired Raine to sort through their options. Sources close to the situation say Neon hopes to find a deal that keeps the company in tact, though it would be open to a minority stake sale. There’s also talk that Neon could become a label on a prominent streaming service. Tom Quinn and Dan Friedkin are currently the majority owners.
Neon’s mission to...
- 8/3/2022
- by Angelique Jackson and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
“Parasite” distributor Neon is exploring a sale of some or all of its business and has tapped the merchant bank Raine in order to assess its options, an individual with knowledge of the company’s thinking told TheWrap.
It’s unclear what the distributor founded by Tom Quinn and Tim League would be valued at, and there’s no guarantee that such a sale could occur or that a process would result in a deal.
Neon had no comment.
A24, one of Neon’s biggest rivals, sold a minority stake of 225 million earlier this year from the investor Stripes, which valued the distributor at 2.5 billion.
Also Read:
Hunter Schafer Horror Film ‘Cuckoo’ Adds Dan Stevens and Jessica Henwick to Cast
According to the New York Times, which originally reported the news, Neon is looking to expand its distribution internationally and would even be looking to explore opportunities in television and streaming.
It’s unclear what the distributor founded by Tom Quinn and Tim League would be valued at, and there’s no guarantee that such a sale could occur or that a process would result in a deal.
Neon had no comment.
A24, one of Neon’s biggest rivals, sold a minority stake of 225 million earlier this year from the investor Stripes, which valued the distributor at 2.5 billion.
Also Read:
Hunter Schafer Horror Film ‘Cuckoo’ Adds Dan Stevens and Jessica Henwick to Cast
According to the New York Times, which originally reported the news, Neon is looking to expand its distribution internationally and would even be looking to explore opportunities in television and streaming.
- 8/3/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Neon, the independent film distributor founded by Tom Quinn and Tim League and which broke through at the 2020 Oscars with Parasite, the first foreign-language title to win Best Picture, is looking to be sold, Deadline has confirmed from sources.
The company is hoping to branch out more into television and streaming, and bulk up its production pipeline. The fact that A24 notched a 225 million equity investment in March provides hope that some or all of Neon’s businesses could be sold. Reports are that A24 at that time was valued at 2.5 billion. It’s unclear at this time what Neon would be worth.
The distributor has had a recent streak of distributing those movies winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, starting with 2019’s Parasite from Bong Joon Ho. It continued with Julia Ducournau’s Titane and this year’s comedic crowdpleaser Triangle of Sadness from Ruben Ostlund.
The company is hoping to branch out more into television and streaming, and bulk up its production pipeline. The fact that A24 notched a 225 million equity investment in March provides hope that some or all of Neon’s businesses could be sold. Reports are that A24 at that time was valued at 2.5 billion. It’s unclear at this time what Neon would be worth.
The distributor has had a recent streak of distributing those movies winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, starting with 2019’s Parasite from Bong Joon Ho. It continued with Julia Ducournau’s Titane and this year’s comedic crowdpleaser Triangle of Sadness from Ruben Ostlund.
- 8/3/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Company has won last three Palme d’Or awards.
Neon is reportedly exploring a sale of all or part of its assets and has retained the services of merchant bank Raine, according to an article in The New York Times.
The company co-founded in 2017 by Tom Quinn and Tim League is looking to grow its international distribution, television, streaming and production business. Sources have confirmed this to Screen.
Since launch, Neon has established itself as a purveyor of arthouse and left-field darlings, most recently winning the Palme d’Or with Triangle Of Sadness, its third Cannes triumph in a row...
Neon is reportedly exploring a sale of all or part of its assets and has retained the services of merchant bank Raine, according to an article in The New York Times.
The company co-founded in 2017 by Tom Quinn and Tim League is looking to grow its international distribution, television, streaming and production business. Sources have confirmed this to Screen.
Since launch, Neon has established itself as a purveyor of arthouse and left-field darlings, most recently winning the Palme d’Or with Triangle Of Sadness, its third Cannes triumph in a row...
- 8/3/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Movie chain Alamo Drafthouse will open its fourth NYC location July 22 in Staten Island. The nine-screen, 893-seat theater includes the Flying Guillotine, a kung fu-themed collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA that’s part bar and part martial arts museum.
A soft opening runs through July 27 with 25 off food and non-alcoholic beverages as staff gets up to speed.
The theater follows the Austin-based chain’s locations in Yonkers (2013), downtown Brooklyn (2016) and lower Manhattan (2021), occupying 44,726 square feet of the Boulevard Shopping Center at 2636 Hylan Blvd. “Our Staten Island theater has been a long time coming, and I think we’ve got something that’s really going to wow our New York guests,” says Alamo CEO Shelli Taylor.
Alamo announced a new theater in Boston yesterday and is set to open a string of locations including in the D.C. area,, St. Louis and Chicago.
The chain plays a mix of wide releases,...
A soft opening runs through July 27 with 25 off food and non-alcoholic beverages as staff gets up to speed.
The theater follows the Austin-based chain’s locations in Yonkers (2013), downtown Brooklyn (2016) and lower Manhattan (2021), occupying 44,726 square feet of the Boulevard Shopping Center at 2636 Hylan Blvd. “Our Staten Island theater has been a long time coming, and I think we’ve got something that’s really going to wow our New York guests,” says Alamo CEO Shelli Taylor.
Alamo announced a new theater in Boston yesterday and is set to open a string of locations including in the D.C. area,, St. Louis and Chicago.
The chain plays a mix of wide releases,...
- 7/14/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Alama Drafthouse is saddling up to host a special screening event for Jordan Peele’s upcoming horror-epic “Nope” at Sunset Ranch Hollywood that will feature horseback rides to the Hollywood sign, a themed menu, photo ops, exclusive pre-screening content and more.
The event will take place July 25, three days after the horror maestro’s third film premieres exclusively in theaters. The screening itself will be held inside a corral containing more than 70 horses in stables.
Tickets and further information for the event are available here.
“Nope” stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as siblings and residents of a Black-owned ranch in inland California, who try to capitalize on the chilling, extraterrestrial activity they witness. Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea and Barbie Ferreira also appear in the Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures film.
Also Read:
Only Watch This New ‘Nope’ Trailer If You Want to Know the Plot of Jordan...
The event will take place July 25, three days after the horror maestro’s third film premieres exclusively in theaters. The screening itself will be held inside a corral containing more than 70 horses in stables.
Tickets and further information for the event are available here.
“Nope” stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as siblings and residents of a Black-owned ranch in inland California, who try to capitalize on the chilling, extraterrestrial activity they witness. Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea and Barbie Ferreira also appear in the Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures film.
Also Read:
Only Watch This New ‘Nope’ Trailer If You Want to Know the Plot of Jordan...
- 6/20/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Indie movie circuit Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has sold Mondo to Funko, the pop culture lifestyle brand.
Terms of the deal by the indie movie circuit were not disclosed, but the agreement hands Funko the creator of pop culture collectibles like vinyl records, posters, soundtracks, toys, apparel, books and games. The Alamo Drafthouse subsidiary Mondo was founded in 2001 by Rob Jones and Tim League.
“Over the past few months, we searched exhaustively to find a perfect partner who saw what was unique and special about Mondo and was in a position to meaningfully invest in Mondo, nurture the team, and further its reach and vision,” said League in a statement, adding: “Funko is exactly that unicorn. The team that made Mondo amazing is staying together, making the transition to Funko, and will continue their same work with the same creative vision.”
Alamo, which emerged from Chapter 11 in June,...
Indie movie circuit Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has sold Mondo to Funko, the pop culture lifestyle brand.
Terms of the deal by the indie movie circuit were not disclosed, but the agreement hands Funko the creator of pop culture collectibles like vinyl records, posters, soundtracks, toys, apparel, books and games. The Alamo Drafthouse subsidiary Mondo was founded in 2001 by Rob Jones and Tim League.
“Over the past few months, we searched exhaustively to find a perfect partner who saw what was unique and special about Mondo and was in a position to meaningfully invest in Mondo, nurture the team, and further its reach and vision,” said League in a statement, adding: “Funko is exactly that unicorn. The team that made Mondo amazing is staying together, making the transition to Funko, and will continue their same work with the same creative vision.”
Alamo, which emerged from Chapter 11 in June,...
- 6/13/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Known for their high-end pop culture collectibles including limited edition posters and more, the Alamo Drafthouse’s label Mondo has been acquired by the toy-makers at Funko. Funko’s iteration of Mondo will reportedly continue to specialize in screen-printed posters, vinyl soundtracks, and toy collectibles, with the opportunity to go bigger than ever before. Tim League, Alamo […]
The post Funko Finalizes Deal to Acquire Mondo from Alamo Drafthouse appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The post Funko Finalizes Deal to Acquire Mondo from Alamo Drafthouse appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 6/13/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is turning 25 and it’s going on the road to celebrate.
The movie theater chain — which successfully dares to ask “What if multiplexes had personality?” — is planning a Rolling Roadshow tour throughout the summer, with stops in Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Washington D.C. Most events will be outdoors and free of charge, except for an immersive premiere of Jordan Peele’s mind-bending thriller “Nope,” which opens in theaters on July 22.
Since Tim and Karrie League opened a one-screen theater in downtown Austin on May 24, 1997, the company has expanded to 36 locations (and counting) across the country, providing cinephiles with a phone-free and snack-filled moviegoing experience. Alamo Drafthouse, known for popularizing in-theater dining, boasts full-service menus with burgers, pizza, buffalo cauliflower, craft beer and cocktails at all of its venues.
The Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse is kicking off its 25th anniversary palooza with a...
The movie theater chain — which successfully dares to ask “What if multiplexes had personality?” — is planning a Rolling Roadshow tour throughout the summer, with stops in Austin, New York City, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Washington D.C. Most events will be outdoors and free of charge, except for an immersive premiere of Jordan Peele’s mind-bending thriller “Nope,” which opens in theaters on July 22.
Since Tim and Karrie League opened a one-screen theater in downtown Austin on May 24, 1997, the company has expanded to 36 locations (and counting) across the country, providing cinephiles with a phone-free and snack-filled moviegoing experience. Alamo Drafthouse, known for popularizing in-theater dining, boasts full-service menus with burgers, pizza, buffalo cauliflower, craft beer and cocktails at all of its venues.
The Texas-based Alamo Drafthouse is kicking off its 25th anniversary palooza with a...
- 5/16/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Deep in the bowels of Wall Street, the legacy of Kim’s Video lives on. At the Alamo Drafthouse’s new downtown Manhattan location, just a few blocks from the New York Stock Exchange, the arrival of a movie rental store that hasn’t fully been appreciated for 12 years seems like some sort of anti-capitalist lark.
For Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League, however, the decision to ingest the collection of roughly 55,000 DVDs and VHS tapes once housed at the iconic East Village mainstay Kim’s Video & Music is an experiment with no real downside. “Free movie rentals is not a great business model, but we have the space,” League said in an interview last week, a few hours before Kim’s reopened in the lobby of the new location. “We’re already paying the rent, we already have people at the box office, and we have air conditioning. It’s...
For Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League, however, the decision to ingest the collection of roughly 55,000 DVDs and VHS tapes once housed at the iconic East Village mainstay Kim’s Video & Music is an experiment with no real downside. “Free movie rentals is not a great business model, but we have the space,” League said in an interview last week, a few hours before Kim’s reopened in the lobby of the new location. “We’re already paying the rent, we already have people at the box office, and we have air conditioning. It’s...
- 4/6/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
After succumbing to the demise of physical home entertainment and then being housed in a mountain village in Sicily, the eclectic holdings of New York City mainstay Kim’s Video have returned home.
Alamo Drafthouse has launched Kim’s Video Underground, a new outpost of the downtown indie film temple, which closed for good in 2014 after a years-long death rattle amid the rise of streaming. It occupies a site on the bottom floor of Alamo’s new Lower Manhattan location, which opened last October beneath an office building near the World Trade Center.
Tim League, founder of Alamo, joined with iconoclastic retailer Youngman Kim and officials from New York and Salemi, Italy for a reopening ceremony Wednesday evening. About one-third of Kim’s total collection of 55,000 discs and VHS tapes are available to circulate, with plans to rotate the rest over time.
Nodding at a tradition begun by soldiers...
Alamo Drafthouse has launched Kim’s Video Underground, a new outpost of the downtown indie film temple, which closed for good in 2014 after a years-long death rattle amid the rise of streaming. It occupies a site on the bottom floor of Alamo’s new Lower Manhattan location, which opened last October beneath an office building near the World Trade Center.
Tim League, founder of Alamo, joined with iconoclastic retailer Youngman Kim and officials from New York and Salemi, Italy for a reopening ceremony Wednesday evening. About one-third of Kim’s total collection of 55,000 discs and VHS tapes are available to circulate, with plans to rotate the rest over time.
Nodding at a tradition begun by soldiers...
- 4/1/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Digital Distributor Giant Pictures has acquired Drafthouse Films and announced its first two acquisitions, Nr. 10 and Masking Threshold.
Giant Pictures’ Gm Nick Savva will serve as the new Drafthouse Films CEO and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League will be chairman. Financial terms of the transaction weren’t released.
Drafthouse Films, a genre and international specialist, was founded as the distribution arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2010 before being spun off from the exhibitor. As CEO, Savva is planning to expand the Drafthouse Films label.
“Giant Pictures’ investment enables Drafthouse Films to continue releasing the provocative, visionary, and artfully unusual genre films from around the world that have always defined the Drafthouse brand,” Savva says. “At the same time, this acquisition gives Giant new theatrical releasing capabilities which complement our existing digital distribution and streaming technology businesses.”
Giant Pictures will work closely with Alamo Drafthouse and its related media companies, such...
Giant Pictures’ Gm Nick Savva will serve as the new Drafthouse Films CEO and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League will be chairman. Financial terms of the transaction weren’t released.
Drafthouse Films, a genre and international specialist, was founded as the distribution arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2010 before being spun off from the exhibitor. As CEO, Savva is planning to expand the Drafthouse Films label.
“Giant Pictures’ investment enables Drafthouse Films to continue releasing the provocative, visionary, and artfully unusual genre films from around the world that have always defined the Drafthouse brand,” Savva says. “At the same time, this acquisition gives Giant new theatrical releasing capabilities which complement our existing digital distribution and streaming technology businesses.”
Giant Pictures will work closely with Alamo Drafthouse and its related media companies, such...
- 3/9/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Leading digital distributor Giant Pictures has announced that it has acquired the Drafthouse Films label. Giant Pictures’ General Manager Nick Savva will serve as the new Drafthouse Films CEO. Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League will become Chairman of Drafthouse Films. Drafthouse Films is pleased to unveil its first two acquisitions, two critically-acclaimed festival favorites Nr. 10 and Masking Threshold.
One of the leading players in the genre and international movie space, Drafthouse Films was founded as the distribution arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2010 before being spun off from the exhibitor.
As CEO, Savva is planning to expand the Drafthouse Films label: “Giant Pictures’ investment enables Drafthouse Films to continue releasing the provocative, vis...
One of the leading players in the genre and international movie space, Drafthouse Films was founded as the distribution arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2010 before being spun off from the exhibitor.
As CEO, Savva is planning to expand the Drafthouse Films label: “Giant Pictures’ investment enables Drafthouse Films to continue releasing the provocative, vis...
- 3/9/2022
- QuietEarth.us
Digital distributor Giant Pictures has acquired Drafthouse Films, the genre movie label formed by Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League.
Giant Pictures general manager Nick Savva will serve as CEO of the company, which will continue to operate under the title Drafthouse Films. League will become the chairman of Drafthouse Films.
“Giant Pictures’ investment enables Drafthouse Films to continue releasing the provocative, visionary, and artfully unusual genre films from around the world that have always defined the Drafthouse brand,” Savva said. “At the same time, this acquisition gives Giant new theatrical releasing capabilities which complement our existing digital distribution and streaming technology businesses.”
Drafthouse Films was created as the distribution arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2010 before being spun off from the exhibitor. Past titles on Drafthouse Films’ slate were “Bullhead,” “The Act of Killing,” “Spring” and “Cheap Thrills.” Giant Pictures partners with studios and filmmakers to release movies and TV shows across major streaming platforms,...
Giant Pictures general manager Nick Savva will serve as CEO of the company, which will continue to operate under the title Drafthouse Films. League will become the chairman of Drafthouse Films.
“Giant Pictures’ investment enables Drafthouse Films to continue releasing the provocative, visionary, and artfully unusual genre films from around the world that have always defined the Drafthouse brand,” Savva said. “At the same time, this acquisition gives Giant new theatrical releasing capabilities which complement our existing digital distribution and streaming technology businesses.”
Drafthouse Films was created as the distribution arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2010 before being spun off from the exhibitor. Past titles on Drafthouse Films’ slate were “Bullhead,” “The Act of Killing,” “Spring” and “Cheap Thrills.” Giant Pictures partners with studios and filmmakers to release movies and TV shows across major streaming platforms,...
- 3/9/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Neon has signed on to produce the documentary Seeking Mavis Beacon, which marks the feature directorial debut of the Brooklyn-based helmer Jazmin Jones.
Beacon was the most influential Black woman in technology right up until the day she vanished. Jones’ film will investigate her disappearance and reimagine the legacy of a missing Black woman who helped define the digital age.
Neon is producing alongside award-winning independent filmmaker, teacher, film curator and BelleMoon Productions co-founder Guetty Felin, with Olivia McKayla Ross serving as co-producer.
“Neon has been a perfect home for this project. They understood our positionality as Black femmes and share our interest in disrupting traditional documentary form,” said Jones. “The trusting relationship we have with Neon has exceeded my expectations of the possibilities for a first time Black queer nonbinary filmmaker– it’s been a blessing.”
Jones is a visual storyteller and thought leader with Bufu: By Us For...
Beacon was the most influential Black woman in technology right up until the day she vanished. Jones’ film will investigate her disappearance and reimagine the legacy of a missing Black woman who helped define the digital age.
Neon is producing alongside award-winning independent filmmaker, teacher, film curator and BelleMoon Productions co-founder Guetty Felin, with Olivia McKayla Ross serving as co-producer.
“Neon has been a perfect home for this project. They understood our positionality as Black femmes and share our interest in disrupting traditional documentary form,” said Jones. “The trusting relationship we have with Neon has exceeded my expectations of the possibilities for a first time Black queer nonbinary filmmaker– it’s been a blessing.”
Jones is a visual storyteller and thought leader with Bufu: By Us For...
- 2/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema announced a major expansion with seven new theaters including three new regions, Chicago, Birmingham, and St. Louis, and expansions in Washington, D.C. and New York City — with a kung fu-themed Staten island location opening this spring. The move also includes locations in Colorado and Texas.
The chain said the expansion “follows a record-breaking 2021 box office that brought the second-highest domestic opening of all time, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and which also saw massive Alamo Drafthouse results for films like Licorice Pizza, The French Dispatch, and The Green Knight.”
The new theaters will join nearly 40 other Alamo Drafthouse locations. The chain offers a mix of blockbusters, indies, documentaries, foreign language films, repertory classics and special events.
“We’re so thankful for the continued strength and recovery of the theater industry thanks to a packed slate of titles in 2022,” said CEO Shelli Taylor. “And we’re very eager...
The chain said the expansion “follows a record-breaking 2021 box office that brought the second-highest domestic opening of all time, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and which also saw massive Alamo Drafthouse results for films like Licorice Pizza, The French Dispatch, and The Green Knight.”
The new theaters will join nearly 40 other Alamo Drafthouse locations. The chain offers a mix of blockbusters, indies, documentaries, foreign language films, repertory classics and special events.
“We’re so thankful for the continued strength and recovery of the theater industry thanks to a packed slate of titles in 2022,” said CEO Shelli Taylor. “And we’re very eager...
- 2/3/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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