Facing greater international competition alongside smart TV interfaces that grow all the more convoluted, France Televisions president Delphine Ernotte issued a clarion call to Gallic broadcasters: It’s time to launch a new shared streaming platform that could offer a single point of access for local programing.
‘We’re stronger together,” said the public broadcasting exec. “I don’t have much faith that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with [international services] while all off in our own corners. That’s not how things work anymore.”
Speaking at a Series Mania keynote moderated by Variety’s International Editor Elsa Keslassy, Ernotte reflected on the “strategic mistakes” that hamstrung Salto – a joint service launched by TF1, M6 and France Televisions that folded last year.
Though Salto launched as a paid service due to TF1 and M6’s existing commitments, Ernotte took solace in those partners’ recent contract renegotiations and inspiration from the U.K....
‘We’re stronger together,” said the public broadcasting exec. “I don’t have much faith that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with [international services] while all off in our own corners. That’s not how things work anymore.”
Speaking at a Series Mania keynote moderated by Variety’s International Editor Elsa Keslassy, Ernotte reflected on the “strategic mistakes” that hamstrung Salto – a joint service launched by TF1, M6 and France Televisions that folded last year.
Though Salto launched as a paid service due to TF1 and M6’s existing commitments, Ernotte took solace in those partners’ recent contract renegotiations and inspiration from the U.K....
- 3/21/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
For Italian conductor Beatrice Venezi, 2024 kicked off on a decidedly sour note.
On New Year’s Eve the baton-wielding Venezi, a friend of right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was heckled at the Opéra de Nice by French anti-fascist protesters as she took to the podium.
The incident reflected tensions rippling through European entertainment industry circles as far-right parties sweep to power in Italy and the Netherlands and gain ground across the EU.
Italy took a sharp turn to the right in 2022, when Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party has neo-fascist roots, emerged the winner in the national elections. Since then her right-wing camp, which denies accusations of nostalgia for fascism, has moved to hold more sway within state-controlled media and cultural institutions such as broadcaster Rai, the Centro Sperimentale film school and the Biennale, the Venice Film Festival’s parent organization.
Scrutiny is being directed at Venezi, an adviser to Meloni-appointed culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
On New Year’s Eve the baton-wielding Venezi, a friend of right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was heckled at the Opéra de Nice by French anti-fascist protesters as she took to the podium.
The incident reflected tensions rippling through European entertainment industry circles as far-right parties sweep to power in Italy and the Netherlands and gain ground across the EU.
Italy took a sharp turn to the right in 2022, when Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party has neo-fascist roots, emerged the winner in the national elections. Since then her right-wing camp, which denies accusations of nostalgia for fascism, has moved to hold more sway within state-controlled media and cultural institutions such as broadcaster Rai, the Centro Sperimentale film school and the Biennale, the Venice Film Festival’s parent organization.
Scrutiny is being directed at Venezi, an adviser to Meloni-appointed culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
- 2/2/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Variety is expanding its international coverage with the appointment of well-respected trade correspondent Alex Ritman as its London Bureau Chief.
Ritman, who is based in London, was U.K. correspondent at The Hollywood Reporter for nine years. During that time, he was nominated for several National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, co-winning in 2017 for a feature about Leonardo DiCaprio and a major international corruption scandal. He was most recently nominated for a profile of Daniel Radcliffe. Prior to joining THR, Ritman wrote for publications including The Guardian, Time Out, The Sunday Times, Esquire, The Daily Beast, The Los Angeles Times and Little White Lies. He spent several years in the Middle East as the main film writer for The National newspaper.
At Variety, Ritman will contribute to magazine features and web stories with an emphasis on U.K. film and media, production and financial news, as well as industry analysis,...
Ritman, who is based in London, was U.K. correspondent at The Hollywood Reporter for nine years. During that time, he was nominated for several National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, co-winning in 2017 for a feature about Leonardo DiCaprio and a major international corruption scandal. He was most recently nominated for a profile of Daniel Radcliffe. Prior to joining THR, Ritman wrote for publications including The Guardian, Time Out, The Sunday Times, Esquire, The Daily Beast, The Los Angeles Times and Little White Lies. He spent several years in the Middle East as the main film writer for The National newspaper.
At Variety, Ritman will contribute to magazine features and web stories with an emphasis on U.K. film and media, production and financial news, as well as industry analysis,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
The MCU has a bunch of movies lined up, and ‘Deadpool 3’ is currently stealing the spotlight as the most anticipated one. Following closely behind is the ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot, generating a lot of buzz.
Finally, Marvel’s first family is making its way into the MCU, and all eyes are on Shankman, the new director taking over from Watts. Here’s hoping the new series brings some fresh vibes and doesn’t follow the same path as the original.
As for the cast of ‘Fantastic Four,’ it’s still a mystery. There’s a lot of speculation, and fans were surprised that Krasinski might not be reprising his role as Reed Richards, even though many thought he was a perfect fit. Other names like Adam Driver and the latest buzz, Jake Gyllenhaal, are being thrown around, with rumors suggesting Gyllenhaal might be the top choice.
When it comes to Sue Storm,...
Finally, Marvel’s first family is making its way into the MCU, and all eyes are on Shankman, the new director taking over from Watts. Here’s hoping the new series brings some fresh vibes and doesn’t follow the same path as the original.
As for the cast of ‘Fantastic Four,’ it’s still a mystery. There’s a lot of speculation, and fans were surprised that Krasinski might not be reprising his role as Reed Richards, even though many thought he was a perfect fit. Other names like Adam Driver and the latest buzz, Jake Gyllenhaal, are being thrown around, with rumors suggesting Gyllenhaal might be the top choice.
When it comes to Sue Storm,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
MCU has several movies on its upcoming slate, and besides ‘Deadpool 3’ which is currently the most anticipated movie, the ‘Fantastic Four’ reboot is easily the second most talked about project.
Marvel’s first family will finally join the MCU, and all eyes are turned in the direction of Shankman, who took over the director’s role from Watts. We’re truly hoping that the original series won’t repeat itself.
The casting for ‘Fantastic Four’ is still under wraps. Many names have been thrown around, and a lot of fans were confused about the fact that Krasinski apparently won’t reprise his role as Reed Richards despite fans considering him a perfect cast. Some other names that have been thrown around regarding Reed are Adam Driver and, most recently, Jake Gyllenhaal, who is rumored to be the first choice.
When it comes to playing Sue Storm, several names were mentioned,...
Marvel’s first family will finally join the MCU, and all eyes are turned in the direction of Shankman, who took over the director’s role from Watts. We’re truly hoping that the original series won’t repeat itself.
The casting for ‘Fantastic Four’ is still under wraps. Many names have been thrown around, and a lot of fans were confused about the fact that Krasinski apparently won’t reprise his role as Reed Richards despite fans considering him a perfect cast. Some other names that have been thrown around regarding Reed are Adam Driver and, most recently, Jake Gyllenhaal, who is rumored to be the first choice.
When it comes to playing Sue Storm, several names were mentioned,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
The Golden Globes have locked their 2023-24 voting body. The organization announced Monday that it expanded to 300 voters for its 81st annual celebration of film, TV and a few new categories, boasting 60% diversity across 76 countries.
The announcement comes after a recent spate of controversy involving the roster of voters for the beleaguered awards organization after the dissolve of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The new roster includes international voters from countries like Armenia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Serbia and Tanzania. The new breakdown is 47% female,and 60% racially and ethnically diverse, with 26.3% identifying as Latinx, 13.3% Asian, 11% Black and 9% Middle Eastern.
“Our commitment to maintaining the diversity of our voting body continues,” Helen Hoehne, president, Golden Globes, said in a statement. “Our voters represent 76 countries, bringing a unique international perspective on nominating the best in motion pictures and television this year.”
“I was very impressed by the number of...
The announcement comes after a recent spate of controversy involving the roster of voters for the beleaguered awards organization after the dissolve of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
The new roster includes international voters from countries like Armenia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Serbia and Tanzania. The new breakdown is 47% female,and 60% racially and ethnically diverse, with 26.3% identifying as Latinx, 13.3% Asian, 11% Black and 9% Middle Eastern.
“Our commitment to maintaining the diversity of our voting body continues,” Helen Hoehne, president, Golden Globes, said in a statement. “Our voters represent 76 countries, bringing a unique international perspective on nominating the best in motion pictures and television this year.”
“I was very impressed by the number of...
- 10/2/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The Golden Globes have announced the full list of voters for the 81st Golden Globe Awards, which will take place Jan. 7. It totals 300 journalists. The breakdown, per the organization, is: 47% female, and 60% racially and ethnically diverse, with 26.3% Latinx, 13.3% Asian, 11% Black, and 9% Middle Eastern..
“Our commitment to maintaining the diversity of our voting body continues,” said Helen Hoehne, President, Golden Globes. “Our voters represent 76 countries bringing a unique international perspective on nominating the best in motion pictures and television this year.”
This year’s newly added voters include Deadline’s Zac Ntim (United Kingdom) and Variety’s Elsa Keslassy (France). Also joining are Trinidad Barleycorn (Switzerland), Paola Casella (Italy), Ankit Jhunjhunwala (Canada), Sona Karapoghosyan (Armenia), Wael Khairy (Egypt), Juan Claudio Matossian Güell (Spain), Naman Ramachandran (United Kingdom), Mohammed Rouda (Egypt) and Amon Warmann (United Kingdom).
A complete list of all 300 voting members can be found here. As Deadline reported last month,...
“Our commitment to maintaining the diversity of our voting body continues,” said Helen Hoehne, President, Golden Globes. “Our voters represent 76 countries bringing a unique international perspective on nominating the best in motion pictures and television this year.”
This year’s newly added voters include Deadline’s Zac Ntim (United Kingdom) and Variety’s Elsa Keslassy (France). Also joining are Trinidad Barleycorn (Switzerland), Paola Casella (Italy), Ankit Jhunjhunwala (Canada), Sona Karapoghosyan (Armenia), Wael Khairy (Egypt), Juan Claudio Matossian Güell (Spain), Naman Ramachandran (United Kingdom), Mohammed Rouda (Egypt) and Amon Warmann (United Kingdom).
A complete list of all 300 voting members can be found here. As Deadline reported last month,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s “The Palace” has been set for release in Italian theatres in September, prompting speculation that the controversial director’s black comedy set in a posh hotel in the Swiss Alps resort of Gstaad on the eve of the new millennium could be launching from the Venice Film Festival.
Italy’s Rai Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace,” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant. Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
The Palace/Courtesy Rai Cinema
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and Rai Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster...
Italy’s Rai Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace,” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant. Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
The Palace/Courtesy Rai Cinema
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and Rai Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster...
- 6/8/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
During a tense moment at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival Jury press conference on Tuesday, juror Brie Larson was asked if she’ll be attending the premiere of the new Johnny Depp film “Jeanne du Barry,” as an outspoken advocate of Time’s Up.
“You’re asking me that?” Larson replied. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically.” When pressed further, the Oscar-winning actress said, “You’ll see, I guess, if I will see it. And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do.”
Depp’s film is not playing in competition and thus Larson, as a Cannes juror, is not required to see it. The premiere is Tuesday night.
The film marks the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor’s first major leading role following the legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. A jury found both parties responsible for separate instances of defamation in June,...
“You’re asking me that?” Larson replied. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand the correlation or why me specifically.” When pressed further, the Oscar-winning actress said, “You’ll see, I guess, if I will see it. And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do.”
Depp’s film is not playing in competition and thus Larson, as a Cannes juror, is not required to see it. The premiere is Tuesday night.
The film marks the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor’s first major leading role following the legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. A jury found both parties responsible for separate instances of defamation in June,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Snubbed by the French when it first launched, Netflix’s hit show “Emily in Paris” has come a long way. Judging by the crowds of overjoyed fans and robust media presence at the global premiere of season 3 in Paris, the show has now been embraced as much by locals as the rest of the world.
Netflix went all in for “Emily in Paris'” first world premiere, fittingly held in the French capital at the revamped Champs Elysées Theater. The posh event lured the entire cast, including stars Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Kate Walsh and Camille Razat who all dazzled in bold designer outfits and were seen hugging and complimenting each other. The streamer had set the tone with the dress code, “C’est Paris, it’s couture baby!”
They were joined by creator and showrunner Darren Star who helmed the third season, as well as co-stars Lucas Bravo,...
Netflix went all in for “Emily in Paris'” first world premiere, fittingly held in the French capital at the revamped Champs Elysées Theater. The posh event lured the entire cast, including stars Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Kate Walsh and Camille Razat who all dazzled in bold designer outfits and were seen hugging and complimenting each other. The streamer had set the tone with the dress code, “C’est Paris, it’s couture baby!”
They were joined by creator and showrunner Darren Star who helmed the third season, as well as co-stars Lucas Bravo,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Variety won 22 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards at a ceremony in Universal City Sunday night, including a staff win for for entertainment website of the year. The 22 trophies represented the most scored by any publication at the event.
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
- 12/5/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Grappling with free-falling theatrical admissions and misplaced blame by exhibitors on so-called “auteur” movies, the leading lights of the French film industry sounded the alarm about the state of the country’s cinema sector during a dramatic and emotional conference.
The jam-packed event on Thursday, called Appel aux Etats Generaux (Call for General Assemblies), was organized by some of France’s most established producers including Saïd Ben Saïd, Judith Lou Levy and Philippe Carcassone, who work frequently with directors Paul Verhoeven, Mati Diop and Florian Zeller, respectively.
The conference was held at the Institut du Monde Arabe, a cultural venue headed by Jack Lang, who served as minister of culture throughout the 1980s. Nearly 800 people attended the event, including members of the independent distributors guild (Dire) and the directors guild Srf, the governing body of Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight.
Filmmakers, producers, distributors, arthouse exhibitors and crew members took the stage to...
The jam-packed event on Thursday, called Appel aux Etats Generaux (Call for General Assemblies), was organized by some of France’s most established producers including Saïd Ben Saïd, Judith Lou Levy and Philippe Carcassone, who work frequently with directors Paul Verhoeven, Mati Diop and Florian Zeller, respectively.
The conference was held at the Institut du Monde Arabe, a cultural venue headed by Jack Lang, who served as minister of culture throughout the 1980s. Nearly 800 people attended the event, including members of the independent distributors guild (Dire) and the directors guild Srf, the governing body of Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight.
Filmmakers, producers, distributors, arthouse exhibitors and crew members took the stage to...
- 10/7/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The upcoming Venice Film Festival is getting ready to unleash a robust roster of Oscar hopefuls promoted by boatloads of Hollywood stars, with Netflix spearheading the Lido landing in September.
As Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera begins to lock in his selection, Variety understands there are four Netflix original films in the Venice mix.
The streamer’s Venice titles include Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe drama “Blonde” starring Bond girl Ana de Armas (“No Time to Die”) as the Hollywood icon; Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise,” with Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver and Jodie Turner-Smith, which is based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Don DeLillo; “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths,” the new film from Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which chronicles the story of a Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker going through an existential crisis; and Romain Gavras’ modern tragedy “Athena,” co-written by the French...
As Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera begins to lock in his selection, Variety understands there are four Netflix original films in the Venice mix.
The streamer’s Venice titles include Andrew Dominik’s Marilyn Monroe drama “Blonde” starring Bond girl Ana de Armas (“No Time to Die”) as the Hollywood icon; Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise,” with Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver and Jodie Turner-Smith, which is based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Don DeLillo; “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths,” the new film from Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which chronicles the story of a Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker going through an existential crisis; and Romain Gavras’ modern tragedy “Athena,” co-written by the French...
- 6/8/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The event celebrated up-and-coming talent.
Unifrance and Screen International held a dinner to celebrate up-and-coming French talent on May 25 at Le Studio, Cannes.
Back in January, 10 filmmakers and actors were selected by international journalists Lisa Nesselson (Screen International), Fabien Lemercier (Cineuropa), Elsa Keslassy (Variety) and Jordan Mintzer (The Hollywood Reporter) as the most audacious, diverse, fresh and committed new French talents to watch in 2022.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the evening above.
The selected 10 are:
Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet (director) Alice Diop (writer/director) Arthur Harari (actor/filmmaker) Karim Leklou (actor) Déborah Lukumuena (actor) Rabah Nait Oufella (actor...
Unifrance and Screen International held a dinner to celebrate up-and-coming French talent on May 25 at Le Studio, Cannes.
Back in January, 10 filmmakers and actors were selected by international journalists Lisa Nesselson (Screen International), Fabien Lemercier (Cineuropa), Elsa Keslassy (Variety) and Jordan Mintzer (The Hollywood Reporter) as the most audacious, diverse, fresh and committed new French talents to watch in 2022.
Take a look at a selection of photos from the evening above.
The selected 10 are:
Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet (director) Alice Diop (writer/director) Arthur Harari (actor/filmmaker) Karim Leklou (actor) Déborah Lukumuena (actor) Rabah Nait Oufella (actor...
- 6/1/2022
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outshone all of the stars at the Cannes Film Festival after he addressed the opening night crowd of actors and filmmakers, delivering an emotional plea on behalf of his war-torn country. Appearing via video, Zelenskyy had festival-goers dabbing their eyes.
“We continue fighting,” Zelenskyy said. “We have no choice but to continue fighting for our freedom.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks came shortly before the premiere of “Final Cut,” a wacky zombie comedy that seems far removed from the brutality on display in Ukraine after Russia’s illegal invasion. But even as Cannes returned in glamorous form after two years of a global pandemic, Zelenskyy’s passionate rallying cry served as a reminder of the political turmoil still roiling the world.
“I’m sure that the dictator will lose,” Zelenskyy said, in a pointed reference to Vladimir Putin.
“We will win in this war,” he added. “Glory to Ukraine.
“We continue fighting,” Zelenskyy said. “We have no choice but to continue fighting for our freedom.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks came shortly before the premiere of “Final Cut,” a wacky zombie comedy that seems far removed from the brutality on display in Ukraine after Russia’s illegal invasion. But even as Cannes returned in glamorous form after two years of a global pandemic, Zelenskyy’s passionate rallying cry served as a reminder of the political turmoil still roiling the world.
“I’m sure that the dictator will lose,” Zelenskyy said, in a pointed reference to Vladimir Putin.
“We will win in this war,” he added. “Glory to Ukraine.
- 5/17/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
It’s beyond distressing how women directors continue to get short shrift at Cannes.
How could it be that this year only three movies helmed by females will be contenders in the main competition of the world’s most prestigious film festival?
It’s horribly disappointing, but far from shocking, given that last year only four out of 21 competition titles were directed by females and considering Cannes’ poor track record when it comes to recognizing women filmmakers competing throughout its 75-year history. After all, just two movies by women directors, Jane Campion’s “The Piano” and Julia Ducournau’s “Titane,” have ever won the coveted Palme d’Or.
Of course, I’m thrilled for director Kelly Reichardt (“Showing Up”), Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (“Forever Young”) and Claire Denis (“Stars at Noon”), but nonetheless their movies represent a meager portion of the 18 titles in competition at Cannes.
That’s pathetic, especially considering...
How could it be that this year only three movies helmed by females will be contenders in the main competition of the world’s most prestigious film festival?
It’s horribly disappointing, but far from shocking, given that last year only four out of 21 competition titles were directed by females and considering Cannes’ poor track record when it comes to recognizing women filmmakers competing throughout its 75-year history. After all, just two movies by women directors, Jane Campion’s “The Piano” and Julia Ducournau’s “Titane,” have ever won the coveted Palme d’Or.
Of course, I’m thrilled for director Kelly Reichardt (“Showing Up”), Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (“Forever Young”) and Claire Denis (“Stars at Noon”), but nonetheless their movies represent a meager portion of the 18 titles in competition at Cannes.
That’s pathetic, especially considering...
- 4/20/2022
- by Claudia Eller
- Variety Film + TV
Planete Plus Orders Munich Hostage Thriller Doc
French broadcaster Planete Plus has commissioned factual political thriller “Munich: Of Games and Blood” from Pernel Media to mark the 50th anniversary of the hostage crisis that rocked the Munich Olympic Games on September 5, 1972. Written by Philippe Saada, Yossi Melman and cinematographer Marc Dugain, the doc is narrated by three protagonists present at the original event where Israeli athletes were taken hostage by Palestinian Black September terrorists: an ex-terrorist, a member of the German police, and a Mossad agent. Doc combines this 360° point of view with archives of exclusive testimonies and revelations from declassified documents.
Executive producers for Pernel Media are Fabrice Frank and Samuel Kissous. Feature doc was commissioned by Planete Plus’s Christine Cauquelin, head of documentaries, Canal Plus Group.
Electric Entertainment’s Syfy Series “The Ark” Sold to NBCU
Los Angeles-based Electric Entertainment has signed a multi-territory deal with NBCUniversal...
French broadcaster Planete Plus has commissioned factual political thriller “Munich: Of Games and Blood” from Pernel Media to mark the 50th anniversary of the hostage crisis that rocked the Munich Olympic Games on September 5, 1972. Written by Philippe Saada, Yossi Melman and cinematographer Marc Dugain, the doc is narrated by three protagonists present at the original event where Israeli athletes were taken hostage by Palestinian Black September terrorists: an ex-terrorist, a member of the German police, and a Mossad agent. Doc combines this 360° point of view with archives of exclusive testimonies and revelations from declassified documents.
Executive producers for Pernel Media are Fabrice Frank and Samuel Kissous. Feature doc was commissioned by Planete Plus’s Christine Cauquelin, head of documentaries, Canal Plus Group.
Electric Entertainment’s Syfy Series “The Ark” Sold to NBCU
Los Angeles-based Electric Entertainment has signed a multi-territory deal with NBCUniversal...
- 4/4/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Festival
Seven of the nine features selected for the Korean competition at the Jeonju International Film Festival (Apr. 28-May 7) are directed by women. The selected films are “Mother And Daughter” by Kim Jung-eun; “When I Sleep” (Choi Jungmoon); “The Hill of Secrets” (Lee Ji-eun); “Archaeology of Love” (Lee Wanmin); “Missing Yoon” (Kim Jinhwa); “Saving a Dragonfly” (Hong Daye); “Jeong-sun” (Jeong Ji-hye); “Drown” (Lim Sangsu); and “Havana” (Hong Yongho).
Programmer Moon Seok said: “This year’s submissions were diverse in subject matter, and there were many new attempts in genres. Seven of the nine selected works are by female directors, and they continue to be strong players in the industry. I hope this trend will continue, and to have female directors make strides in the commercial film industry too.”
Meanwhile, the festival, which is led by director Lee Joondong, is planning an in-person event under strict Covid-19 regulations and will hold...
Seven of the nine features selected for the Korean competition at the Jeonju International Film Festival (Apr. 28-May 7) are directed by women. The selected films are “Mother And Daughter” by Kim Jung-eun; “When I Sleep” (Choi Jungmoon); “The Hill of Secrets” (Lee Ji-eun); “Archaeology of Love” (Lee Wanmin); “Missing Yoon” (Kim Jinhwa); “Saving a Dragonfly” (Hong Daye); “Jeong-sun” (Jeong Ji-hye); “Drown” (Lim Sangsu); and “Havana” (Hong Yongho).
Programmer Moon Seok said: “This year’s submissions were diverse in subject matter, and there were many new attempts in genres. Seven of the nine selected works are by female directors, and they continue to be strong players in the industry. I hope this trend will continue, and to have female directors make strides in the commercial film industry too.”
Meanwhile, the festival, which is led by director Lee Joondong, is planning an in-person event under strict Covid-19 regulations and will hold...
- 4/1/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Partnership
Vice Distribution has struck a content partnership deal with French media group M6 to bring over 100 hours of premium Vice content to the TV network’s AVOD platform, 6play.
The lineup of Vice shows set to roll on 6play comprises the fourth season of the hit psycho-analytical documentary franchise “Thérapie,” the acclaimed documentary “Real par Soul Sisters” and the street food series “Au Camion.” Some Vice franchises are also part of the deal, notably “Dark Side of the 90s,” “Rise Up” and “The Story Of,” as well as award-winning content such as “Gaycation,” “The Trixie” and “Katya Show” and “What Would Diplo Do?”
“Vice produces and distributes premium content that resonates with young audiences around the world,” said Bea Hegedus, Vice global head of distribution. Vice Distribution launched in 2020 with a catalogue of over 1,000 of programming.
Vice recently inked a content deal with Viaplay across eight countries, and launched...
Vice Distribution has struck a content partnership deal with French media group M6 to bring over 100 hours of premium Vice content to the TV network’s AVOD platform, 6play.
The lineup of Vice shows set to roll on 6play comprises the fourth season of the hit psycho-analytical documentary franchise “Thérapie,” the acclaimed documentary “Real par Soul Sisters” and the street food series “Au Camion.” Some Vice franchises are also part of the deal, notably “Dark Side of the 90s,” “Rise Up” and “The Story Of,” as well as award-winning content such as “Gaycation,” “The Trixie” and “Katya Show” and “What Would Diplo Do?”
“Vice produces and distributes premium content that resonates with young audiences around the world,” said Bea Hegedus, Vice global head of distribution. Vice Distribution launched in 2020 with a catalogue of over 1,000 of programming.
Vice recently inked a content deal with Viaplay across eight countries, and launched...
- 3/28/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Format
Popular game show format “Fear Factor” is returning for a new season to Belgium’s Sbs-owned commercial TV channel Play4, Banijay Belgium, a Banijay Benelux label has revealed. Belgian comedian Alex Agnew is the host of the show where duos face a series of terrifying challenges to win a cash prize, including tightrope walking between skyscrapers or being submerged underwater in a cage. Originally created by EndemolShine Netherlands, “Fear Factor” has had numerous series in India and the U.S. Following its success, EndemolShine Netherlands created a spin-off for younger viewers, “Cool Factor,” which was popular in Belgium airing for six seasons on Nickelodeon.
Isabelle Dams, CEO of Banijay Belgium said: “Guts, adventure, and excitement are in the very DNA of ‘Fear Factor’ and we have developed challenges which will amaze contestants and viewers in Belgium. Alex Agnew is bold, loud, and ultra-cool, making him the perfect host for the show.
Popular game show format “Fear Factor” is returning for a new season to Belgium’s Sbs-owned commercial TV channel Play4, Banijay Belgium, a Banijay Benelux label has revealed. Belgian comedian Alex Agnew is the host of the show where duos face a series of terrifying challenges to win a cash prize, including tightrope walking between skyscrapers or being submerged underwater in a cage. Originally created by EndemolShine Netherlands, “Fear Factor” has had numerous series in India and the U.S. Following its success, EndemolShine Netherlands created a spin-off for younger viewers, “Cool Factor,” which was popular in Belgium airing for six seasons on Nickelodeon.
Isabelle Dams, CEO of Banijay Belgium said: “Guts, adventure, and excitement are in the very DNA of ‘Fear Factor’ and we have developed challenges which will amaze contestants and viewers in Belgium. Alex Agnew is bold, loud, and ultra-cool, making him the perfect host for the show.
- 3/18/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Cruise is set to be celebrated at the Cannes Film Festival this May with a career retrospective, an in-person conversation on stage and the premiere of his eagerly awaited “Top Gun” sequel “Maverick: Top Gun.”
The actor will be in attendance at the Palais des Festivals on May 18 for a tribute event that will take in his 40-year film career. He will also take part in a conversation with journalist and Cannes associate Didier Allouch.
As Variety reported earlier this week, “Top Gun: Maverick” will receive a special screening in Cannes — a huge coup for festival director Thierry Fremaux who has been keen to program the studio tentpole since 2020. Fremaux first aimed to get the movie secured for an out-of-competition slot before Covid-19 delays upended the film release calendar. It will now screen in Cannes just ahead of its May 25 premiere in France, and May 27 release in the U.
The actor will be in attendance at the Palais des Festivals on May 18 for a tribute event that will take in his 40-year film career. He will also take part in a conversation with journalist and Cannes associate Didier Allouch.
As Variety reported earlier this week, “Top Gun: Maverick” will receive a special screening in Cannes — a huge coup for festival director Thierry Fremaux who has been keen to program the studio tentpole since 2020. Fremaux first aimed to get the movie secured for an out-of-competition slot before Covid-19 delays upended the film release calendar. It will now screen in Cannes just ahead of its May 25 premiere in France, and May 27 release in the U.
- 3/17/2022
- by Manori Ravindran and K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood star Tom Cruise’s upcoming film ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ will be having a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival. As ‘Variety’ predicted earlier this month, the ‘Top Gun’ sequel will screen during the French fest, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Described by Variety’s Elsa Keslassy as the “planetary blockbuster Thierry Fremaux has […]...
- 3/15/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick” has been cleared for takeoff with a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival.
As Variety predicted earlier this month, the “Top Gun” sequel will screen during the French fest, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
Described by Variety’s Elsa Keslassy as the “planetary blockbuster Thierry Fremaux has been dreaming of since 2020,” the Cannes director first aimed to get the movie secured for an out-of-competition slot before Covid-19 delays upended the film release calendar.
Cruise’s long-awaited return to the cockpit as hotshot pilot Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was likewise delayed by the pandemic, which pushed the movie’s planned release date several times. The film is now set to hit theaters on May 27, while the Cannes Film Festival runs from May 17 to May 28. The full lineup of selections will be revealed in the third week of April.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski,...
As Variety predicted earlier this month, the “Top Gun” sequel will screen during the French fest, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
Described by Variety’s Elsa Keslassy as the “planetary blockbuster Thierry Fremaux has been dreaming of since 2020,” the Cannes director first aimed to get the movie secured for an out-of-competition slot before Covid-19 delays upended the film release calendar.
Cruise’s long-awaited return to the cockpit as hotshot pilot Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell was likewise delayed by the pandemic, which pushed the movie’s planned release date several times. The film is now set to hit theaters on May 27, while the Cannes Film Festival runs from May 17 to May 28. The full lineup of selections will be revealed in the third week of April.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
If you want to spend half an hour in the presence of warm and animated, intelligent company then you could do a lot worse than check out the French premiere Q&a which is the chief extra on Lionsgate's Blu-ray and DVD release of The Father.
Director Florian Zeller and his stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, who play the father and daughter in the film, talk to Variety's Paris-based correspondent Elsa Keslassy about the origins of the screenplay through to the performances and their favourite scenes. As always, with these sorts of things, there's a lot of mutual respect. Alongside this, though, are some interesting observations, not least Zeller's surprise, when having written the play, that people who saw it found it "cathartic" and "wanted to share their own stories". Hopkins, meanwhile, has a bit of Stanislavski to share, while Colman proves it's possible to be natural and engaging even over Zoom.
Director Florian Zeller and his stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, who play the father and daughter in the film, talk to Variety's Paris-based correspondent Elsa Keslassy about the origins of the screenplay through to the performances and their favourite scenes. As always, with these sorts of things, there's a lot of mutual respect. Alongside this, though, are some interesting observations, not least Zeller's surprise, when having written the play, that people who saw it found it "cathartic" and "wanted to share their own stories". Hopkins, meanwhile, has a bit of Stanislavski to share, while Colman proves it's possible to be natural and engaging even over Zoom.
- 8/30/2021
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Funding
“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Lesley Manville are among a host of British creative industries personalities calling for a levy on gadgets, the proceeds of which would to towards supporting the U.K. creative sector.
“As a coalition of creators and performers we support the Smart Fund, a new scheme that could help to bring cultural and economic renewal to the whole of the U.K. The fund could generate £250-£300 [$346-415] million a year for the creative sector, and boost a wider U.K. economic recovery, by placing a small levy on the sale of devices that enable people to store and download creative content, such as mobile phones, laptops and personal computers. This would provide a direct way for tech companies to invest in culture,” the artists wrote in a letter to U.K. newspaper The Times on Tuesday.
“In 2019 the creative industries contributed £111.7 billion to the...
“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Lesley Manville are among a host of British creative industries personalities calling for a levy on gadgets, the proceeds of which would to towards supporting the U.K. creative sector.
“As a coalition of creators and performers we support the Smart Fund, a new scheme that could help to bring cultural and economic renewal to the whole of the U.K. The fund could generate £250-£300 [$346-415] million a year for the creative sector, and boost a wider U.K. economic recovery, by placing a small levy on the sale of devices that enable people to store and download creative content, such as mobile phones, laptops and personal computers. This would provide a direct way for tech companies to invest in culture,” the artists wrote in a letter to U.K. newspaper The Times on Tuesday.
“In 2019 the creative industries contributed £111.7 billion to the...
- 6/29/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Venice Film Festival is gearing up to take place as a full-fledged physical event in September with a back-to-normal atmosphere and what could be a high-profile selection of films.
While the Toronto Film Festival, which runs Sept. 9-18, is sticking with a combination of digital and in-person screenings, as is Sundance 2022, Venice’s upcoming Sept. 1-11 edition is on track, barring complications, to run as a completely in-person celebration of cinema with hundreds of journalists and dozens of film delegations expected to make the trek to the Lido from all over the world.
That’s the scenario the fest’s parent org, the Venice Biennale, is looking to pull off for its upcoming Architecture Biennale which has the timely theme of “How Will We Live Together?” and opens in Venice on May 22.
Delegations representing more than 100 Architecture Biennale projects are expected to soon arrive in Venice from 46 countries, along with more than 400 international journalists.
While the Toronto Film Festival, which runs Sept. 9-18, is sticking with a combination of digital and in-person screenings, as is Sundance 2022, Venice’s upcoming Sept. 1-11 edition is on track, barring complications, to run as a completely in-person celebration of cinema with hundreds of journalists and dozens of film delegations expected to make the trek to the Lido from all over the world.
That’s the scenario the fest’s parent org, the Venice Biennale, is looking to pull off for its upcoming Architecture Biennale which has the timely theme of “How Will We Live Together?” and opens in Venice on May 22.
Delegations representing more than 100 Architecture Biennale projects are expected to soon arrive in Venice from 46 countries, along with more than 400 international journalists.
- 5/14/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
French actor Corinne Masiero’s politically charged strip-tease during the Cesar Awards last month was just one of many protests staged across France to support freelance workers in the film, TV and live event industries that are still crippled by the pandemic.
Labor organization Cgt Spectacle has been spearheading a nation-wide occupation of drama theaters since March 4, and momentum hasn’t died down in the last month, with nearly 100 venues still occupied across France as of April 19.
It all started at the Odeon Theater, which is flooded on Saturdays with freelance artists, crew members, caterers, dancers, costume designers and musicians, among others, all of whom have been out of work for months and fear for their livelihoods, even if most are still protected by unemployment subsidies.
Week after week, the movement is embraced by workers beyond the culture sector, even Gilet Jaunes (the populist yellow-vest protesters), who are demanding the...
Labor organization Cgt Spectacle has been spearheading a nation-wide occupation of drama theaters since March 4, and momentum hasn’t died down in the last month, with nearly 100 venues still occupied across France as of April 19.
It all started at the Odeon Theater, which is flooded on Saturdays with freelance artists, crew members, caterers, dancers, costume designers and musicians, among others, all of whom have been out of work for months and fear for their livelihoods, even if most are still protected by unemployment subsidies.
Week after week, the movement is embraced by workers beyond the culture sector, even Gilet Jaunes (the populist yellow-vest protesters), who are demanding the...
- 4/20/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscars could be heading to the BFI Southbank in London for its U.K. satellite event.
Multiple sources tell Variety that Academy producers are in late-stage discussions with the British Film Institute (BFI) about holding the studio event — which will host this year’s local nominees as part of the main ceremony — at its Southbank location, which overlooks the Thames and is a popular venue for red carpet premieres, particularly during the BFI London Film Festival. The location’s NFT1 cinema is its biggest screen and largest stage. There’s also some outdoor space, although it’s fairly limited.
London is opening back up this week after a three-month national lockdown, and it’s believed this has posed considerable headaches for organizers trying to plan a major event, which is why talks are still underway this late in the game. The Oscars take place in just over 10 days, on Sunday,...
Multiple sources tell Variety that Academy producers are in late-stage discussions with the British Film Institute (BFI) about holding the studio event — which will host this year’s local nominees as part of the main ceremony — at its Southbank location, which overlooks the Thames and is a popular venue for red carpet premieres, particularly during the BFI London Film Festival. The location’s NFT1 cinema is its biggest screen and largest stage. There’s also some outdoor space, although it’s fairly limited.
London is opening back up this week after a three-month national lockdown, and it’s believed this has posed considerable headaches for organizers trying to plan a major event, which is why talks are still underway this late in the game. The Oscars take place in just over 10 days, on Sunday,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Alex de la Iglesia is back on set with “El cuarto pasajero,” Laurine Garaude departs Reed Midem, Chinese video app Kuaishou stuns investors in Hong Kong, Tencent finalizes its Universal Music Group share increase, Mopar Studios hire Jessica Pope as creative director and Pluto TV launches six new networks in Latin America.
Shooting
Spanish genre master Álex de la Iglesia, hot off the heels of his hit HBO horror series “30 Coins,” is back on set to shoot road movie rom-com “El cuarto pasajero” (The Fourth Passenger), a Pokeepsie Films and Telecinco Cinema co-production. The companies will be looking to repeat the joint success they found with the filmmaker’s 2017 Spanish-language remake of “Perfect Strangers,” a top 10 all-time domestic box office hit that pulled a worldwide gross of $33 million in 2017-18.
“El cuarto pasajero” also sees de la Iglesia joined once again by regular co-writer...
Shooting
Spanish genre master Álex de la Iglesia, hot off the heels of his hit HBO horror series “30 Coins,” is back on set to shoot road movie rom-com “El cuarto pasajero” (The Fourth Passenger), a Pokeepsie Films and Telecinco Cinema co-production. The companies will be looking to repeat the joint success they found with the filmmaker’s 2017 Spanish-language remake of “Perfect Strangers,” a top 10 all-time domestic box office hit that pulled a worldwide gross of $33 million in 2017-18.
“El cuarto pasajero” also sees de la Iglesia joined once again by regular co-writer...
- 1/29/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Catching up on news from and beyond NATPE Miami, ITV Studios and Hot begin shooting on “Jerusalem,” while Disney Plus starts production on its first originals in Spain and Argentina, Newen ropes its French production companies together as Newen France, Beyond Rights sells 250 hours of content in Spain and Portugal and Onza Distribution gets the global rights to new Spanish game show “The Celebrity Challenge.”
Production
Drama Team, in association with ITV Studios and Hot, have kicked off shooting on their new thriller series “Jerusalem,” created by “Blank Bullet’s” David Ackerman.
Inspired by Ackerman’s previous career in national security and the multicultural nature of the city, “Jerusalem” unspools in the lead up to the Jewish fast of Tisha Be’av and the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha. It turns on Superintendent Amir, a well educated and culturally literate lawman who too often puts his work ahead of his own family,...
Production
Drama Team, in association with ITV Studios and Hot, have kicked off shooting on their new thriller series “Jerusalem,” created by “Blank Bullet’s” David Ackerman.
Inspired by Ackerman’s previous career in national security and the multicultural nature of the city, “Jerusalem” unspools in the lead up to the Jewish fast of Tisha Be’av and the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha. It turns on Superintendent Amir, a well educated and culturally literate lawman who too often puts his work ahead of his own family,...
- 1/25/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. is reaching out to international exhibitors about a possible late August launch for Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” If it takes place, it would mean that the twisty spy thriller, which was expected to be among the highest-grossing summer releases, will have some sort of popcorn season debut.
Exhibitors in the U.K., France and Spain have been told by the studio to plan for an Aug. 26-28 launch. The dates are not confirmed, though sources indicate that talks are positive. It’s understood the studio is also aiming to release the film early in Asia, with exhibitors in the region expecting to receive a new date in the next few days. It’s worth noting, however, that given the fast-changing nature of the global health crisis, these plans could change if the situation worsens and more hotspots emerge.
One exhibitor contacted by the studio, who asked to remain anonymous,...
Exhibitors in the U.K., France and Spain have been told by the studio to plan for an Aug. 26-28 launch. The dates are not confirmed, though sources indicate that talks are positive. It’s understood the studio is also aiming to release the film early in Asia, with exhibitors in the region expecting to receive a new date in the next few days. It’s worth noting, however, that given the fast-changing nature of the global health crisis, these plans could change if the situation worsens and more hotspots emerge.
One exhibitor contacted by the studio, who asked to remain anonymous,...
- 7/24/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, regional VOD players, platforms and festivals from continental Europe to the Middle East and beyond are serving up a wide range of free movies and TV shows to market their product or simply reach captive audiences.
Dubai-based broadcaster Mbc Group on Thursday became the latest operator to launch a pandemic special, offering free one-month premium subscriptions to its pan-Arab Shahid VOD service.
Italy, which is the country hardest hit by the virus in Europe, is seeing a proliferation of free services ranging from local streamer TIMVision, which will soon carry Disney Plus, to the vintage cinema archives of national film entity Institute Luce, to PornHub.
Below is a compendium of several content offers being made to the millions of people staying at home in various parts of the globe.
Middle East
Mbc’s Shahid VOD platform, which operates in 23 countries across the Middle East and North Africa,...
Dubai-based broadcaster Mbc Group on Thursday became the latest operator to launch a pandemic special, offering free one-month premium subscriptions to its pan-Arab Shahid VOD service.
Italy, which is the country hardest hit by the virus in Europe, is seeing a proliferation of free services ranging from local streamer TIMVision, which will soon carry Disney Plus, to the vintage cinema archives of national film entity Institute Luce, to PornHub.
Below is a compendium of several content offers being made to the millions of people staying at home in various parts of the globe.
Middle East
Mbc’s Shahid VOD platform, which operates in 23 countries across the Middle East and North Africa,...
- 3/19/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
An initiative led by Hollywood talent agency CAA to set up a virtual film market that would replace the Cannes Marché du Film in the event of its cancellation due to coronavirus is being welcomed by some European sales agents, and has prompted Cannes to announce its own virtual market.
Sources have confirmed that a CAA-led initiative in tandem with agencies Endeavor Content, UTA and ICM Partners — and with a robust contingent of top U.S. and U.K. players on board — is gaining traction, though it is not yet confirmed to happen.
The initiative, which has widespread buy-in, comes as companies get antsy about the fact that the Cannes Film Festival and market won’t yet confirm whether or not they will cancel.
Sales companies believed to be on board for the virtual market include 30West, Agc Studios, Altitude, Anton, Cornerstone, Endeavor Content, FilmNation, Mad River, Lionsgate International, Miramax,...
Sources have confirmed that a CAA-led initiative in tandem with agencies Endeavor Content, UTA and ICM Partners — and with a robust contingent of top U.S. and U.K. players on board — is gaining traction, though it is not yet confirmed to happen.
The initiative, which has widespread buy-in, comes as companies get antsy about the fact that the Cannes Film Festival and market won’t yet confirm whether or not they will cancel.
Sales companies believed to be on board for the virtual market include 30West, Agc Studios, Altitude, Anton, Cornerstone, Endeavor Content, FilmNation, Mad River, Lionsgate International, Miramax,...
- 3/18/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Just as things in Europe were getting really bad, they’ve gotten a lot worse.
Cinema shutdowns across Europe on Friday, in addition to travel bans and multiple film and TV shoot postponements, have left Europe’s film industry facing a perfect storm — and sent shockwaves across the whole of its movie industry.
They also saw some industry figures crying out for governments to implement measures similar to those put forward by France’s Cnc state film agency on Thursday.
In the latest lockdown, every single cinema theater in Spain closed Friday after Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez declared a state of emergency.
“They should have done it sooner,” said producer-distributor-exhibitor Adolfo Blanco, at A Contracorriente Films, who owns the Verdi and Conde Duque cinema theaters in Spain.
“We just have to hope this won’t last long because costs continue, even with zero revenues. I fear some companies just...
Cinema shutdowns across Europe on Friday, in addition to travel bans and multiple film and TV shoot postponements, have left Europe’s film industry facing a perfect storm — and sent shockwaves across the whole of its movie industry.
They also saw some industry figures crying out for governments to implement measures similar to those put forward by France’s Cnc state film agency on Thursday.
In the latest lockdown, every single cinema theater in Spain closed Friday after Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez declared a state of emergency.
“They should have done it sooner,” said producer-distributor-exhibitor Adolfo Blanco, at A Contracorriente Films, who owns the Verdi and Conde Duque cinema theaters in Spain.
“We just have to hope this won’t last long because costs continue, even with zero revenues. I fear some companies just...
- 3/13/2020
- by John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy, Christopher Vourlias and Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is moving into original movies in the Nordic region for the first time. Action thriller “Red Dot” out of Sweden, and “Cadaver” from Norway were announced as Netflix Films at the Stockholm Film Festival on Thursday. The streaming giant also announced that it had scooped the global rights to Danish feature film “Shadows in My Eyes.”
The news comes hot on the heels of Netflix partnering with local players on its first Dutch movie, “The Battle of the Scheldt,” as the Svod giant goes deeper into original film in Europe.
“We are very happy to be taking this exciting step in offering our members in the Nordics more local content, as well as bring more great content from the Nordic region to our global members,” said Lina Brouneus, director of licensing and co-productions for Netflix in Northern Europe.
Sf Studios-produced “Red Dot” is an action thriller following David and Nadja,...
The news comes hot on the heels of Netflix partnering with local players on its first Dutch movie, “The Battle of the Scheldt,” as the Svod giant goes deeper into original film in Europe.
“We are very happy to be taking this exciting step in offering our members in the Nordics more local content, as well as bring more great content from the Nordic region to our global members,” said Lina Brouneus, director of licensing and co-productions for Netflix in Northern Europe.
Sf Studios-produced “Red Dot” is an action thriller following David and Nadja,...
- 11/14/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Consumers in the Netherlands became the first in the world to get their hands on Disney Plus when an early version of the hugely anticipated streaming service went live in the country Thursday in a free trial run.
Disney is testing out the platform in the Netherlands, and the soft-launch version does not have the raft of originals series and content that will be part of the official full-fat offering. A launch date of Nov. 12 has been set for Disney Plus in the Netherlands, the same as in the U.S. and Canada. Australia and New Zealand are slated to follow a week later.
In the Netherlands – where, ironically, Netflix has its European headquarters – Disney fans can now sign up for the free trial and start streaming a selection of catalogue fare from Disney, as well as Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars” and National Geographic content. They can run up to four concurrent streams,...
Disney is testing out the platform in the Netherlands, and the soft-launch version does not have the raft of originals series and content that will be part of the official full-fat offering. A launch date of Nov. 12 has been set for Disney Plus in the Netherlands, the same as in the U.S. and Canada. Australia and New Zealand are slated to follow a week later.
In the Netherlands – where, ironically, Netflix has its European headquarters – Disney fans can now sign up for the free trial and start streaming a selection of catalogue fare from Disney, as well as Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars” and National Geographic content. They can run up to four concurrent streams,...
- 9/12/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Joaquin Phoenix, whose star turn in “Joker” is already generating awards buzz, said he “wanted the freedom to create something that wasn’t identifiable” and did not let himself be influenced by any previous versions of the character or pin him down as a familiar type.
“What was so attractive about this character for me is he’s so hard to define. You don’t really want to define him,” Phoenix said Saturday at the film’s press conference at the Venice Film Festival. “Every day felt like we were discovering new aspects of his character…up until the very last day.”
Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian whose professional and personal failures finally push him to become the nihilistic, frightening Joker. To prepare for the role, Phoenix said he read a book on political assassins to get a sense of such killers and their motivations. But ultimately, that was for information only.
“What was so attractive about this character for me is he’s so hard to define. You don’t really want to define him,” Phoenix said Saturday at the film’s press conference at the Venice Film Festival. “Every day felt like we were discovering new aspects of his character…up until the very last day.”
Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian whose professional and personal failures finally push him to become the nihilistic, frightening Joker. To prepare for the role, Phoenix said he read a book on political assassins to get a sense of such killers and their motivations. But ultimately, that was for information only.
- 8/31/2019
- by Henry Chu
- Variety Film + TV
“Vernon Subutex,” one of Canal Plus’ banner Original Series, will world premiere at the opening night of this year’s Canneseries.
Directed by Cathy Verney and starring Romain Duris (“The Beat That My Heart Skipped”) and Céline Sallette (“House of Tolerance”), the Canal Plus Création Originale will premiere three episodes, out of competition, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on April 5. International sales are handled by Studiocanal.
The premier and opening night slot will give a high-profile at this year’s event to Canal Plus, a partner of Canneseries, as the French pay TV giant attempts to mark itself apart in France as a quality but still edgy and Ya-appealing original series producer.
The series is inspired by a popular pair of novels from author Virginie Despentes, a bestseller in France which was crying out for a small screen adaptation.
The series’ nine, half-hour episodes track the titular main character,...
Directed by Cathy Verney and starring Romain Duris (“The Beat That My Heart Skipped”) and Céline Sallette (“House of Tolerance”), the Canal Plus Création Originale will premiere three episodes, out of competition, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on April 5. International sales are handled by Studiocanal.
The premier and opening night slot will give a high-profile at this year’s event to Canal Plus, a partner of Canneseries, as the French pay TV giant attempts to mark itself apart in France as a quality but still edgy and Ya-appealing original series producer.
The series is inspired by a popular pair of novels from author Virginie Despentes, a bestseller in France which was crying out for a small screen adaptation.
The series’ nine, half-hour episodes track the titular main character,...
- 2/6/2019
- by Jamie Lang and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The Berlin Film Festival is set to sign the gender-parity pledge that Cannes, Venice and other fests have also committed to.
Berlinale chief Dieter Kosslick will sign the pledge Feb. 9 at a gathering sponsored by Women in Film and Television Germany, the festival confirmed Wednesday. The pledge was first initiated at Cannes last year by the French organization 5050×2020.
The protocol does not entail mandatory quotas, but commits the festival to achieving an even gender ratio in the organization’s top management. It also calls for transparency about the number of films submitted to the festival and the membership of its selection and programming committees.
In June, after Kosslick steps down after an 18-year tenure, the Berlinale is expected to become the only major festival with a woman at the helm. Mariette Rissenbeek, the managing director of promotional organization German Film, has been tapped to co-lead the Berlinale along with Carlo Chatrian,...
Berlinale chief Dieter Kosslick will sign the pledge Feb. 9 at a gathering sponsored by Women in Film and Television Germany, the festival confirmed Wednesday. The pledge was first initiated at Cannes last year by the French organization 5050×2020.
The protocol does not entail mandatory quotas, but commits the festival to achieving an even gender ratio in the organization’s top management. It also calls for transparency about the number of films submitted to the festival and the membership of its selection and programming committees.
In June, after Kosslick steps down after an 18-year tenure, the Berlinale is expected to become the only major festival with a woman at the helm. Mariette Rissenbeek, the managing director of promotional organization German Film, has been tapped to co-lead the Berlinale along with Carlo Chatrian,...
- 1/30/2019
- by Henry Chu
- Variety Film + TV
Two days after the march which gathered 82 women on the stairs of the Palais in Cannes, film festival chief Thierry Fremaux, Critics’ Week head Charles Tesson and Directors’ Fortnight incoming topper Paolo Moretti signed a pledge Monday promising greater gender equality and transparency.
The signing of the pledge took place during an international conference that brought together feminists and pro-equality movement members, including Time’s Up U.S., Time’s Up U.K., Italy’s Dissenso Comune, Spain’s Ima and Greek Women’s Wave. The onstage discussion, moderated by filmmakers Celine Sciamma (“Girlhood”) and Rebecca Zlotowski (“Planetarium”), was put on by the organization 50/50 for 2020, as well as the French culture minister, Françoise Nyssen, and the president of the national film board, Frédérique Bredin. Among the panelists were Ginevra Elkann, the London-born Italian film producer, and Sarah Calderón, the founder and CEO of The Film Agency.
The pledge calls on...
The signing of the pledge took place during an international conference that brought together feminists and pro-equality movement members, including Time’s Up U.S., Time’s Up U.K., Italy’s Dissenso Comune, Spain’s Ima and Greek Women’s Wave. The onstage discussion, moderated by filmmakers Celine Sciamma (“Girlhood”) and Rebecca Zlotowski (“Planetarium”), was put on by the organization 50/50 for 2020, as well as the French culture minister, Françoise Nyssen, and the president of the national film board, Frédérique Bredin. Among the panelists were Ginevra Elkann, the London-born Italian film producer, and Sarah Calderón, the founder and CEO of The Film Agency.
The pledge calls on...
- 5/14/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Guillermo del Toro didn’t need a snazzy trailer, a visually arresting poster, or an A-list actor to sell buyers at Cannes on “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.”
In lieu of extra bells, whistles, or shrieking, Bernard Hermann-style violins, del Toro took the stage at the Carlton Hotel armed with his passion for the blood-soaked genre. For roughly an hour, del Toro and director André Øvredal talked for 45 minutes about their vision for “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” while dipping into their deep connection to films about monsters, ghosts, and otherworldly elements.
“The presentation he did wasn’t a bunch of dazzle dazzle and movie stars,” said Nick Meyer, CEO of Sierra/Affinity, the sales company hawking foreign rights to the picture. “It was two artists talking about what makes this genre global. It was a master class.”
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is one...
In lieu of extra bells, whistles, or shrieking, Bernard Hermann-style violins, del Toro took the stage at the Carlton Hotel armed with his passion for the blood-soaked genre. For roughly an hour, del Toro and director André Øvredal talked for 45 minutes about their vision for “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” while dipping into their deep connection to films about monsters, ghosts, and otherworldly elements.
“The presentation he did wasn’t a bunch of dazzle dazzle and movie stars,” said Nick Meyer, CEO of Sierra/Affinity, the sales company hawking foreign rights to the picture. “It was two artists talking about what makes this genre global. It was a master class.”
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is one...
- 5/11/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.