Oscar-winning actor Michael Caine will star in Best Sellers, the directorial feature debut of Lina Roessler.
Pic follows a has-been author, played by Caine, who is on a wild book tour with a young editor trying to save his boutique publishing house. Caine’s author is miserable and sharp-witted and just wants to live out his days in peace with a bottle of scotch, a cigar, and his orange Tabby cat.
The project is based on Anthony Grieco’s original screenplay which won a 2015 Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting award, and will be an official Canada-uk co-production, produced by Arielle Elwes (Braid), Cassian Elwes, Petr Jákl and Wayne Marc Godfrey on the UK side and Jonathan Vanger (Wishing Tree Productions: Miss Sloane) and Pierre Even on the Canadian side.
Pic follows a has-been author, played by Caine, who is on a wild book tour with a young editor trying to save his boutique publishing house. Caine’s author is miserable and sharp-witted and just wants to live out his days in peace with a bottle of scotch, a cigar, and his orange Tabby cat.
The project is based on Anthony Grieco’s original screenplay which won a 2015 Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting award, and will be an official Canada-uk co-production, produced by Arielle Elwes (Braid), Cassian Elwes, Petr Jákl and Wayne Marc Godfrey on the UK side and Jonathan Vanger (Wishing Tree Productions: Miss Sloane) and Pierre Even on the Canadian side.
- 5/15/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Alvin Sargent, the master of the adapted screenplay who won Oscars for Julia and Ordinary People in a fabled career that ran the gamut from Ben Casey and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour to The Amazing Spider-Man, has died. He was 92.
Sargent died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Seattle, friend and producer Pam Williams (Lee Daniels' The Butler) told The Hollywood Reporter. She was partners with his late wife, Laura Ziskin.
Sargent had an uncanny knack for taking books and plays and transforming them into crisp screenplays that burst to life on the big screen.
The Philadelphia native landed ...
Sargent died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Seattle, friend and producer Pam Williams (Lee Daniels' The Butler) told The Hollywood Reporter. She was partners with his late wife, Laura Ziskin.
Sargent had an uncanny knack for taking books and plays and transforming them into crisp screenplays that burst to life on the big screen.
The Philadelphia native landed ...
- 5/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Alvin Sargent, the master of the adapted screenplay who won Oscars for Julia and Ordinary People in a fabled career that ran the gamut from Ben Casey and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour to The Amazing Spider-Man, has died. He was 92.
Sargent died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Seattle, friend and producer Pam Williams (Lee Daniels' The Butler) told The Hollywood Reporter. She was partners with his late wife, Laura Ziskin.
Sargent had an uncanny knack for taking books and plays and transforming them into crisp screenplays that burst to life on the big screen.
The Philadelphia native landed ...
Sargent died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Seattle, friend and producer Pam Williams (Lee Daniels' The Butler) told The Hollywood Reporter. She was partners with his late wife, Laura Ziskin.
Sargent had an uncanny knack for taking books and plays and transforming them into crisp screenplays that burst to life on the big screen.
The Philadelphia native landed ...
- 5/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Game Of Thrones effects house Pixomondo Studios on board as co-producer.
Highland Film Group will launch international sales in Cannes on the sci-fi Persephone to star Mary Louise Parker, Brianna Hildebrand, Emile Hirsch, and Malcolm McDowell.
Writer-director Jeffrey Morris’ feature is set in the year 2185 when humans have fled an uninhabitable earth in search of a new world. When a team of three astronauts discover a massive planet, they are dispatched to engage with an unexpected lifeform that threatens the future of humanity.
Cassian Elwes will produce and represent Us rights. Anne Marie Gillen also produces, and Jere Hausfater serves as executive producer.
Highland Film Group will launch international sales in Cannes on the sci-fi Persephone to star Mary Louise Parker, Brianna Hildebrand, Emile Hirsch, and Malcolm McDowell.
Writer-director Jeffrey Morris’ feature is set in the year 2185 when humans have fled an uninhabitable earth in search of a new world. When a team of three astronauts discover a massive planet, they are dispatched to engage with an unexpected lifeform that threatens the future of humanity.
Cassian Elwes will produce and represent Us rights. Anne Marie Gillen also produces, and Jere Hausfater serves as executive producer.
- 5/9/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Emile Hirsch’s bright red hair and freckles in his new film “Peel” has made him innocent, naive and estranged from his family, but he is still the “most decent person” you’ll meet.
In this charming, emotional and quirky coming of age story, Hirsch plays Peel, a young man who goes on a road trip to reconnect with his long-lost, brown-haired brothers after his mother’s death.
“Everyone would tease me and say my hair was red because my mom had an affair with the pool boy,” Hirsch says in the first trailer for “Peel,” which TheWrap has obtained exclusively. “She told me I sprouted from an orange peel.”
Also Read: 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' Review: Emile Hirsch Slices Into Slow-Burn Horror
After being abandoned by his father at a young age and raised in near isolation by a loving yet emotionally unstable and over-protective mother,...
In this charming, emotional and quirky coming of age story, Hirsch plays Peel, a young man who goes on a road trip to reconnect with his long-lost, brown-haired brothers after his mother’s death.
“Everyone would tease me and say my hair was red because my mom had an affair with the pool boy,” Hirsch says in the first trailer for “Peel,” which TheWrap has obtained exclusively. “She told me I sprouted from an orange peel.”
Also Read: 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' Review: Emile Hirsch Slices Into Slow-Burn Horror
After being abandoned by his father at a young age and raised in near isolation by a loving yet emotionally unstable and over-protective mother,...
- 4/29/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Actor John Cusack will star in a series to play Dr. Kevin Christie in the upcoming show Utopia. In the Amazon series Utopia, a group of young adults who meet online are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organisation after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover that the conspiracy theories in the comic's pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
Utopia marks Cusack's first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like Say Anything and High Fidelity.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
Utopia marks Cusack's first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like Say Anything and High Fidelity.
- 4/17/2019
- GlamSham
John Cusack will star in a series regular role as Dr. Kevin Christie in Amazon’s upcoming show “Utopia.”
In “Utopia,” a group of young adults who meet online are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
“Utopia” marks Cusack’s first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like 1989’s “Say Anything” and 2000’s “High Fidelity,...
In “Utopia,” a group of young adults who meet online are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come into possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Cusack will play Christie, a charismatic, media-savvy and brilliant biotech mind who wants to change the world through science. He is the latest addition to the cast, after Rainn Wilson joined the project to play Michael Stearns and Sasha Lane is set to portray Jessica Hyde.
“Utopia” marks Cusack’s first starring role in a TV series. He is widely known for his roles in films like 1989’s “Say Anything” and 2000’s “High Fidelity,...
- 4/16/2019
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Crystal City Entertainment, the production and finance company with credits such as The Ides of March and Lee Daniel’s The Butler, has secured the film and TV rights to Donald Ray Pollock’s second book, The Heavenly Table.
Set in 1917, the story follows three young, dirt-poor sharecroppers who, after their father dies, hatch a plan to rob a bank and cast off their miserable existence. Things go terribly sideways and the brothers, armed only with a cache of blunt farming tools and a 12-gauge shotgun, ride north on a bloody crime spree.
Crystal City is currently in search of a screenwriter to attach to the project.
Pollock, a recipient of the 2009 Pen/Bingham Fellowship, made his literary debut in 2008 with the critically acclaimed story collection, Knockemstiff. Published in 2016, The Heavenly Table followed Pollock’s 2011 novel, The Devil All The Time, which is being adapted into a Netflix feature...
Set in 1917, the story follows three young, dirt-poor sharecroppers who, after their father dies, hatch a plan to rob a bank and cast off their miserable existence. Things go terribly sideways and the brothers, armed only with a cache of blunt farming tools and a 12-gauge shotgun, ride north on a bloody crime spree.
Crystal City is currently in search of a screenwriter to attach to the project.
Pollock, a recipient of the 2009 Pen/Bingham Fellowship, made his literary debut in 2008 with the critically acclaimed story collection, Knockemstiff. Published in 2016, The Heavenly Table followed Pollock’s 2011 novel, The Devil All The Time, which is being adapted into a Netflix feature...
- 3/29/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Golden Globe-nominated Selma star David Oyelowo has set his first feature directorial outing with The Water Man, a drama written by Emma Needell (featured on the Black List). Oprah Winfrey, who appeared alongside Oyelowo in the Ava DuVernay-directed Oscar-nominated film, is attached as an executive producer. Oyelowo is pulling triple duty, directing, producing, and starring in the film along with Rosario Dawson, This Is Us star Lonnie Chavis, Amiah Miller (War for the Planet of the Apes ), Alfred Molina (Vice), and Maria Bello (History of Violence).
Originally set up at Disney, The Water Man is Needell’s first spec script. Shivani Rawat of ShivHans Pictures is financing the project as well as producing with Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films.
“We are thrilled to support David on his directorial debut,” said Rawat, CEO of ShivHans. “We can’t wait to start our adventure together in Oregon this Spring.
Originally set up at Disney, The Water Man is Needell’s first spec script. Shivani Rawat of ShivHans Pictures is financing the project as well as producing with Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films.
“We are thrilled to support David on his directorial debut,” said Rawat, CEO of ShivHans. “We can’t wait to start our adventure together in Oregon this Spring.
- 3/27/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Netflix executive Stephen Bruno has joined Metro Goldwyn Mayer as the company’s chief marketing officer, MGM announced Thursday.
He will start at MGM in April.
In his role, Bruno will oversee global marketing and brand strategy for MGM and its film and television properties. He will work closely with Christopher Brearton, chief operating officer, as well as Mark Burnett, chairman of MGM’s Worldwide Television Group, Nancy Tellem, executive director, and Jonathan Glickman, president of MGM Studios’ Motion Picture Group, to promote the MGM brand and all of the company’s film and television projects and properties, as well as within the studio’s library of content.
Also Read: MGM Appoints Former Paramount Publicity Veteran Katie Martin Kelley as Chief Communications Officer
Before joining MGM, Bruno spent over four years as the vice president of creative marketing at Netflix, where he oversaw the global teams of Netflix Originals series,...
He will start at MGM in April.
In his role, Bruno will oversee global marketing and brand strategy for MGM and its film and television properties. He will work closely with Christopher Brearton, chief operating officer, as well as Mark Burnett, chairman of MGM’s Worldwide Television Group, Nancy Tellem, executive director, and Jonathan Glickman, president of MGM Studios’ Motion Picture Group, to promote the MGM brand and all of the company’s film and television projects and properties, as well as within the studio’s library of content.
Also Read: MGM Appoints Former Paramount Publicity Veteran Katie Martin Kelley as Chief Communications Officer
Before joining MGM, Bruno spent over four years as the vice president of creative marketing at Netflix, where he oversaw the global teams of Netflix Originals series,...
- 3/21/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
MGM has hired veteran entertainment marketing exec Stephen Bruno to be its chief marketing officer. He will leave Netflix to take the post and he starts at the studio in April.
Bruno has solid experience both in theatrical film and television series launches. He spent the past four years as VP Creative Marketing at Netflix, which hired him away from The Weinstein Company. He cut his teeth in features at TWC, where he spearheaded the marketing campaigns behind films that included Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, The Artist and Fruitvale Station.
At Netflix, Bruno was involved in the launch of scripted and unscripted series and movies and documentaries that included Stranger Things, 13 Reasons Why, Orange is the New Black, The Crown, Narcos, Bird Box, Mudbound, Wild Wild Country, Making a Murderer, Queer Eye and Nailed It. Before all that, Bruno was a Director of Consumer...
Bruno has solid experience both in theatrical film and television series launches. He spent the past four years as VP Creative Marketing at Netflix, which hired him away from The Weinstein Company. He cut his teeth in features at TWC, where he spearheaded the marketing campaigns behind films that included Django Unchained, Silver Linings Playbook, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, The Artist and Fruitvale Station.
At Netflix, Bruno was involved in the launch of scripted and unscripted series and movies and documentaries that included Stranger Things, 13 Reasons Why, Orange is the New Black, The Crown, Narcos, Bird Box, Mudbound, Wild Wild Country, Making a Murderer, Queer Eye and Nailed It. Before all that, Bruno was a Director of Consumer...
- 3/21/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix global marketing chief Stephen Bruno has exited his post for MGM, where he has been named chief marketing officer. His departure follows that of Netflix Cmo Kelly Bennett and marks a major shake-up for the streaming giant.
Bruno had been with the streamer since 2014, and is known as an innovator. He joins MGM to advise on both its film and television ambitions. He’ll work closely with MGM chief operating officer Chris Brearton, as well as MGM Worldwide TV Group chairman Mark Burnett — in addition to MGM Motion Picture Group chairman Jon Glickman and TV executive director Nancy Tellem.
“He has been at the forefront of developing disruptive marketing executions in traditional and emerging media spaces across the globe,” Brearton and Burnett said in a joint statement.
At Netflix, Bruno executed campaigns for a broad range of original series, including “Stranger Things,” “13 Reasons Why,” “Orange Is the New Black,...
Bruno had been with the streamer since 2014, and is known as an innovator. He joins MGM to advise on both its film and television ambitions. He’ll work closely with MGM chief operating officer Chris Brearton, as well as MGM Worldwide TV Group chairman Mark Burnett — in addition to MGM Motion Picture Group chairman Jon Glickman and TV executive director Nancy Tellem.
“He has been at the forefront of developing disruptive marketing executions in traditional and emerging media spaces across the globe,” Brearton and Burnett said in a joint statement.
At Netflix, Bruno executed campaigns for a broad range of original series, including “Stranger Things,” “13 Reasons Why,” “Orange Is the New Black,...
- 3/21/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Ever since working on Spike Lee’s School Daze, costume designer Ruth E. Carter has reached a level of prominent figures in the industry including Colleen Atwood, Sandy Powell and the iconic Edith Head. She received Oscar nominations for her work in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad and Lee’s Malcolm X as well as Selma and Lee Daniels’ The Butler. Her recent nom for Black Panther marks a significant moment in Academy Awards history, putting her in a special group of women. She is now tied with Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis when it comes to Oscar nominations for black women (they each have three). And if Carter wins the Oscar for Costume Design, she would be the first to do so.
Carter stepped into the New Hollywood Podcast wearing a gorgeously colorful printed suit to talk...
Carter stepped into the New Hollywood Podcast wearing a gorgeously colorful printed suit to talk...
- 2/13/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The world premiere tonight at the Sundance Film Festival of the Harvey Weinstein documentary Untouchable didn’t mention the Park City gathering itself where the now disgraced producer held court for years but some drama of its own.
Initially delayed by “technical difficulties,” as one Sundance staff told the line of hundreds waiting to get in, the Marc Theatre screening itself was actually interrupted three times on Friday to the obvious irritation of attendees. On each occasion and with no explanation given, the house lights came up in full for nearly 20 seconds as the Ursula Macfarlane directed film played to groans from the packed venue.
Filled with paparazzi footage of self-described NYC “sheriff” Weinstein threatening and cajoling with cameramen over the years, the film doesn’t unveiled anything new. The fairly comprehensive effort does feature heartbreaking on-camera interviews with alleged victims such as Boardwalk Empire alum Paz de la Huerta.
Initially delayed by “technical difficulties,” as one Sundance staff told the line of hundreds waiting to get in, the Marc Theatre screening itself was actually interrupted three times on Friday to the obvious irritation of attendees. On each occasion and with no explanation given, the house lights came up in full for nearly 20 seconds as the Ursula Macfarlane directed film played to groans from the packed venue.
Filled with paparazzi footage of self-described NYC “sheriff” Weinstein threatening and cajoling with cameramen over the years, the film doesn’t unveiled anything new. The fairly comprehensive effort does feature heartbreaking on-camera interviews with alleged victims such as Boardwalk Empire alum Paz de la Huerta.
- 1/26/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
David Glasser, the former president and chief operating officer for The Weinstein Company, announced on Tuesday that he’s starting his own film production company 101 Studios with COO David Hutkin and the financial backing of investor Ron Burkle.
The company has lined up more than $300 million to acquire, develop and produce four to six films a year in the U.S., and will finance and produce six to eight new TV series it has in development. The company has already set up an international sales division.
101 Studios has already closed a $28.5 million television deal with Viacom for the first and second seasons of “Yellowstone,” the Kevin Costner-led western from Taylor Sheridan, which air on the Paramount Network. It is also said to be negotiating domestic rights for “The Current War,” a 2017 film starring Benedict Cumberbatch which had been tied up in The Weinstein Company bankruptcy proceedings.
Also Read:...
The company has lined up more than $300 million to acquire, develop and produce four to six films a year in the U.S., and will finance and produce six to eight new TV series it has in development. The company has already set up an international sales division.
101 Studios has already closed a $28.5 million television deal with Viacom for the first and second seasons of “Yellowstone,” the Kevin Costner-led western from Taylor Sheridan, which air on the Paramount Network. It is also said to be negotiating domestic rights for “The Current War,” a 2017 film starring Benedict Cumberbatch which had been tied up in The Weinstein Company bankruptcy proceedings.
Also Read:...
- 1/23/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Financiers Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, Marc Leder, Marvin Peart, Dan Schryer and East West Bank have partnered with CEO David Glasser and COO David Hutkin to launch of 101 Studios, a new global entertainment studio headquartered in Century City.
101 Studios has announced that it lined up more than $300 million to acquire, develop and produce four to six films a year in the United States, in addition to financing and producing six to eight new television series it has in development. The company has already set up an international sales division. The announcement was sent with an embargo for tomorrow morning, but a trade jumped that and so we are going with what we have.
101 Studios has closed on a $28.5 million television deal with Viacom for the first and second seasons of Yellowstone, the Taylor Sheridan modern-day western drama starring Kevin Costner. The program just wrapped on its second season. Yellowstone...
101 Studios has announced that it lined up more than $300 million to acquire, develop and produce four to six films a year in the United States, in addition to financing and producing six to eight new television series it has in development. The company has already set up an international sales division. The announcement was sent with an embargo for tomorrow morning, but a trade jumped that and so we are going with what we have.
101 Studios has closed on a $28.5 million television deal with Viacom for the first and second seasons of Yellowstone, the Taylor Sheridan modern-day western drama starring Kevin Costner. The program just wrapped on its second season. Yellowstone...
- 1/23/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran to lead sales efforts in Berlin next month.
In a major coup, Xyz Films has brought on former Im Global evp of international sales Tatyana Joffe as president of international sales and distribution.
Joffe will oversee a number of major territories including Western Europe, Latin America and Australia and New Zealand. She will report to Xyz partner Nick Spicer and will lead the sales team at the Efm at Berlin next month.
The arrival means Xyz partner Nate Bolotin will shift his focus to expanding North American sales operations and bolstering the company’s acquisitions and packaging efforts.
Joffe...
In a major coup, Xyz Films has brought on former Im Global evp of international sales Tatyana Joffe as president of international sales and distribution.
Joffe will oversee a number of major territories including Western Europe, Latin America and Australia and New Zealand. She will report to Xyz partner Nick Spicer and will lead the sales team at the Efm at Berlin next month.
The arrival means Xyz partner Nate Bolotin will shift his focus to expanding North American sales operations and bolstering the company’s acquisitions and packaging efforts.
Joffe...
- 1/10/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Xyz Films is staffing up ahead of Berlin and has appointed former Im Global exec Tatyana Joffe as President of International Sales and Distribution.
Joffe, who spent eight years at Im Global, most recently as Evp, International Sales, will oversee Xyz’s international sales department as well as handling a number of major territories including Western Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.
She will report to Xyz partner Nick Spicer and will lead the sales team at the upcoming Efm at Berlin, where the firm will be selling titles including Stowaway starring Anna Kendrick, Synchronic starring Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan, Prisoners of the Ghostland starring Nicolas Cage, and The East starring Marwan Kenzari and Martijn Lakemeier.
Xyz partner Nate Bolotin will shift his focus to expanding North American sales operations and bolstering the company’s film acquisitions and packaging efforts.
At Im Global, Joffe handled sales and distribution...
Joffe, who spent eight years at Im Global, most recently as Evp, International Sales, will oversee Xyz’s international sales department as well as handling a number of major territories including Western Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.
She will report to Xyz partner Nick Spicer and will lead the sales team at the upcoming Efm at Berlin, where the firm will be selling titles including Stowaway starring Anna Kendrick, Synchronic starring Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan, Prisoners of the Ghostland starring Nicolas Cage, and The East starring Marwan Kenzari and Martijn Lakemeier.
Xyz partner Nate Bolotin will shift his focus to expanding North American sales operations and bolstering the company’s film acquisitions and packaging efforts.
At Im Global, Joffe handled sales and distribution...
- 1/10/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“I remember those days,” says production designer Tim Galvin of the time period portrayed in “Green Book,” so it interested him to “go back down that road a little bit.” Directed by Peter Farrelly, this Universal release tells the true story of how Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), a working-class Italian-American bouncer, took a job driving African-American classical pianist Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) on a concert tour through the Jim Crow-era South. Watch our exclusive video interview with Galvin above.
See Patrick J. Don Vito Interview: ‘Green Book’
“Green Book” is unique in that it was co-written by the protagonist’s real life son, Nick Vallelonga (in collaboration with Farrelly and Brian Hayes Currie). That first-hand experience proved vital in Galvin’s research, particularly when it came to recreating Tony’s Bronx apartment. “I had to be kind of specific about things with him,” he explains, “because it isn’t the entire life story.
See Patrick J. Don Vito Interview: ‘Green Book’
“Green Book” is unique in that it was co-written by the protagonist’s real life son, Nick Vallelonga (in collaboration with Farrelly and Brian Hayes Currie). That first-hand experience proved vital in Galvin’s research, particularly when it came to recreating Tony’s Bronx apartment. “I had to be kind of specific about things with him,” he explains, “because it isn’t the entire life story.
- 1/9/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
If Beale Street Could Talk is Colman Domingo’s first time acting for Barry Jenkins, but it’s his second time performing James Baldwin’s work. He adapted Baldwin’s essay Nothing Personal with Patricia McGregor into 30 pages of dialogue and performed it on stage as James Baldwin-type character in celebration of the author’s 90th birthday.
In Beale Street, Domingo plays Joseph Rivers, husband to Sharon (Regina King). He’s the patriarch of the Rivers family, but spiritually, he’s Moses to his children’s generation in Harlem; making a way where there was none. (See our interview with director Barry Jenkins about the spiritual themes in his film).
We spoke with Domingo about developing Baldwin’s work for the stage and how it prepared him for playing Joseph in the film. Domingo talks about the real blue-collar men who inspired his performance, from Joseph’s voice to his smoking habit.
In Beale Street, Domingo plays Joseph Rivers, husband to Sharon (Regina King). He’s the patriarch of the Rivers family, but spiritually, he’s Moses to his children’s generation in Harlem; making a way where there was none. (See our interview with director Barry Jenkins about the spiritual themes in his film).
We spoke with Domingo about developing Baldwin’s work for the stage and how it prepared him for playing Joseph in the film. Domingo talks about the real blue-collar men who inspired his performance, from Joseph’s voice to his smoking habit.
- 12/25/2018
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) will present producer-actress Jane Fonda with the Guild’s 2019 Stanley Kramer Award. The two-time Oscar-winner is being honored for her lifetime activism and philanthropy. She will receive the award at the 30th Annual Producers Guild Awards on January 19, 2019 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles.
Fonda has worked at the top of her craft since the 1960s as an actress and producer (“Book Club” was a summer 2018 hit). Earlier this year, Fonda participated in the well-reviewed HBO documentary “Jane Fonda in Five Acts.” Next month brings the fifth season of her Netflix show “Grace and Frankie,” which she executive produces and stars.
She has also given her untiring support to many political and social causes. They include her nonprofit, the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, for which she celebrated her 80th birthday last December by raising $1.3 million to lower the teen pregnancy...
Fonda has worked at the top of her craft since the 1960s as an actress and producer (“Book Club” was a summer 2018 hit). Earlier this year, Fonda participated in the well-reviewed HBO documentary “Jane Fonda in Five Acts.” Next month brings the fifth season of her Netflix show “Grace and Frankie,” which she executive produces and stars.
She has also given her untiring support to many political and social causes. They include her nonprofit, the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, for which she celebrated her 80th birthday last December by raising $1.3 million to lower the teen pregnancy...
- 12/20/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) will present producer-actress Jane Fonda with the Guild’s 2019 Stanley Kramer Award. The two-time Oscar-winner is being honored for her lifetime activism and philanthropy. She will receive the award at the 30th Annual Producers Guild Awards on January 19, 2019 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles.
Fonda has worked at the top of her craft since the 1960s as an actress and producer (“Book Club” was a summer 2018 hit). Earlier this year, Fonda participated in the well-reviewed HBO documentary “Jane Fonda in Five Acts.” Next month brings the fifth season of her Netflix show “Grace and Frankie,” which she executive produces and stars.
She has also given her untiring support to many political and social causes. They include her nonprofit, the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, for which she celebrated her 80th birthday last December by raising $1.3 million to lower the teen pregnancy...
Fonda has worked at the top of her craft since the 1960s as an actress and producer (“Book Club” was a summer 2018 hit). Earlier this year, Fonda participated in the well-reviewed HBO documentary “Jane Fonda in Five Acts.” Next month brings the fifth season of her Netflix show “Grace and Frankie,” which she executive produces and stars.
She has also given her untiring support to many political and social causes. They include her nonprofit, the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, for which she celebrated her 80th birthday last December by raising $1.3 million to lower the teen pregnancy...
- 12/20/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Wme has signed Lee Daniels, who directed the films Precious and The Butler, and co-created the hit Fox drama Empire.
Daniels had been at CAA. He started as a casting assistant on the groundbreaking Prince film Purple Rain, and then became a producer of films that included Monster’s Ball and The Woodsman, before moving up to director on Shadowboxer. His breakout as director was Precious, the 2009 searing drama that got him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. He followed with The Paperboy and then directed Lee Daniels’ The Butler, a $30 million budget film that grossed $176 million worldwide and led the weekend grosses for three weeks.
Daniels got into the TV game when he teamed with Danny Strong to co-create Empire, writing, directing and exec producing episodes of the record industry drama that stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. That series is in its fifth season.
Daniels had been at CAA. He started as a casting assistant on the groundbreaking Prince film Purple Rain, and then became a producer of films that included Monster’s Ball and The Woodsman, before moving up to director on Shadowboxer. His breakout as director was Precious, the 2009 searing drama that got him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. He followed with The Paperboy and then directed Lee Daniels’ The Butler, a $30 million budget film that grossed $176 million worldwide and led the weekend grosses for three weeks.
Daniels got into the TV game when he teamed with Danny Strong to co-create Empire, writing, directing and exec producing episodes of the record industry drama that stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. That series is in its fifth season.
- 12/5/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Olivia Taylor Dudley, who currently stars in the Syfy series, The Magicians, and Al Di have signed on to topline Some of Our Stallions, an indie comedy-drama from Silicon Valley producer Carson Mell, who will also co-star.
Mell, who co-wrote the Sundance film, The Long Dumb Road, will write and direct the film, which centers on two best friends struggling with mental illness while searching for the love of their lives. Underlying Tension is financing the film with production slated to commence February 2019 in Vancouver.
Brigsby Bear producer Di will also produce Some of Our Stallions along with Amber Ripley. Executive producers are Liz Destro and Mike Judge.
UTA Independent Film Group is handling sales.
UTA reps the three actors. Dudley and Mell are also repped by Rise Management.
Mell, who co-wrote the Sundance film, The Long Dumb Road, will write and direct the film, which centers on two best friends struggling with mental illness while searching for the love of their lives. Underlying Tension is financing the film with production slated to commence February 2019 in Vancouver.
Brigsby Bear producer Di will also produce Some of Our Stallions along with Amber Ripley. Executive producers are Liz Destro and Mike Judge.
UTA Independent Film Group is handling sales.
UTA reps the three actors. Dudley and Mell are also repped by Rise Management.
- 11/29/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “Green Book” gets a festival honor, the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild names lifetime achievement winners, and indies “Tyger Tyger” and “Sons of the Cross” are heading into production.
Honors
The Palm Springs International Film Festival will present the drama “Green Book” with the Vanguard Award at its annual film awards gala on Jan. 3.
The Vanguard Award is a group honor for a film’s cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project. Actors Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as well as director Peter Farrelly are expected to attend.
“Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are an on-camera dream team in the crowd-pleasing film ‘Green Book,’ inspired by a true friendship, about a New York City bouncer hired to drive and protect pianist Dr. Don Shirley on a concert tour in the Deep South,” said festival chairman Harold Matzner.
Honors
The Palm Springs International Film Festival will present the drama “Green Book” with the Vanguard Award at its annual film awards gala on Jan. 3.
The Vanguard Award is a group honor for a film’s cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project. Actors Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as well as director Peter Farrelly are expected to attend.
“Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are an on-camera dream team in the crowd-pleasing film ‘Green Book,’ inspired by a true friendship, about a New York City bouncer hired to drive and protect pianist Dr. Don Shirley on a concert tour in the Deep South,” said festival chairman Harold Matzner.
- 11/21/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Susan Cabral-Ebert and Robert Louis Stevenson are set to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards next year. The duo will accept their hardware February 16 at Muahs’ annual awards ‘do at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The outgoing president of Muahs (Iatse Local 706), four-time Emmy nominee Cabral-Ebert joined the guild at a time when it just was beginning to allow women as makeup artists. After working on such popular TV series as Dallas, La Law and ER, she transitioned to films and worked primarily as Department Head on The Perfect Storm, Erin Brockovich, Pleasantville, Dead Poets Society and dozens of others. After 25 years on the sets, she was hired in 2002 as the Assistant Business Representative for Local 706 while she was Vice President and soon afterward was elected President — an office she has held for five terms.
Emmy winner Stevenson’s hairstylist career...
The outgoing president of Muahs (Iatse Local 706), four-time Emmy nominee Cabral-Ebert joined the guild at a time when it just was beginning to allow women as makeup artists. After working on such popular TV series as Dallas, La Law and ER, she transitioned to films and worked primarily as Department Head on The Perfect Storm, Erin Brockovich, Pleasantville, Dead Poets Society and dozens of others. After 25 years on the sets, she was hired in 2002 as the Assistant Business Representative for Local 706 while she was Vice President and soon afterward was elected President — an office she has held for five terms.
Emmy winner Stevenson’s hairstylist career...
- 11/20/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
“Crazy Rich Asians” may not be predicted to earn a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, but its chances of scoring the all-important ensemble bid at the Screen Actors Guild Awards are better than you might think. Almost every year this decade has included at least one unexpected SAG ensemble nominee that was released in the summer and did not go on to a Best Picture Oscar nomination. The acclaimed cast from “Crazy Rich Asians” could very well make it the film that takes that unique slot at the upcoming SAG Awards.
SEEMichelle Yeoh (‘Crazy Rich Asians’) would be first Asian actress nominated for an Oscar in 12 years
This particular slot has gone to major summer releases like “Bridesmaids” (2011), “The Butler” (2013) and “Straight Outta Compton” (2015), as well as independent films like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2012), “Captain Fantastic” (2016) and “The Big Sick” (2017). Most of these films were runaway successes at the box office,...
SEEMichelle Yeoh (‘Crazy Rich Asians’) would be first Asian actress nominated for an Oscar in 12 years
This particular slot has gone to major summer releases like “Bridesmaids” (2011), “The Butler” (2013) and “Straight Outta Compton” (2015), as well as independent films like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (2012), “Captain Fantastic” (2016) and “The Big Sick” (2017). Most of these films were runaway successes at the box office,...
- 11/14/2018
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Which actors are the most "Presidential"? To find out, we assembled this exclusive list of actors who have portrayed the President of the United States more than once.
Getting the opportunity to portray a Us President in film is rare. It can be a dignified role, and many times the actor has to be able to exhibit certain qualities we would traditionally associate with the Us head of state. Us Presidents are also depicted in film in a variety of ways. Some of them are the main characters for their respective films, where others are simply bit parts designed to represent the figurehead. Other roles may be satires, caricatures, or played for comedic effect. Regardless of the purpose or the depth of the role, there have been a limited number of Us President roles in the last century+ of motion picture projection.
Of course, some actors are more Presidential than others.
Getting the opportunity to portray a Us President in film is rare. It can be a dignified role, and many times the actor has to be able to exhibit certain qualities we would traditionally associate with the Us head of state. Us Presidents are also depicted in film in a variety of ways. Some of them are the main characters for their respective films, where others are simply bit parts designed to represent the figurehead. Other roles may be satires, caricatures, or played for comedic effect. Regardless of the purpose or the depth of the role, there have been a limited number of Us President roles in the last century+ of motion picture projection.
Of course, some actors are more Presidential than others.
- 11/12/2018
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (G.S. Perno)
- Cinelinx
In 2009, before Empire and The Butler, Lee Daniels made a small little independent film about an overweight, illiterate and pregnant black girl who dreams of a better life.
The film, Precious, with its often painfully raw look at rape, incest and abuse, wasn't anyone's idea of an obvious commercial success. Precious looked likely to go the way of most challenging indie films — especially ones focused on the African-American experience — and be overlooked and quickly forgotten.
Then Oprah Winfrey saw it.
Shortly before he finished the film, Daniels invited Winfrey to a screening. She signed on as an executive producer ...
The film, Precious, with its often painfully raw look at rape, incest and abuse, wasn't anyone's idea of an obvious commercial success. Precious looked likely to go the way of most challenging indie films — especially ones focused on the African-American experience — and be overlooked and quickly forgotten.
Then Oprah Winfrey saw it.
Shortly before he finished the film, Daniels invited Winfrey to a screening. She signed on as an executive producer ...
- 11/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 2009, before Empire and The Butler, Lee Daniels made a small little independent film about an overweight, illiterate and pregnant black girl who dreams of a better life.
The film, Precious, with its often painfully raw look at rape, incest and abuse, wasn't anyone's idea of an obvious commercial success. Precious looked likely to go the way of most challenging indie films — especially ones focused on the African-American experience — and be overlooked and quickly forgotten.
Then Oprah Winfrey saw it.
Shortly before he finished the film, Daniels invited Winfrey to a screening. She signed on as an executive producer ...
The film, Precious, with its often painfully raw look at rape, incest and abuse, wasn't anyone's idea of an obvious commercial success. Precious looked likely to go the way of most challenging indie films — especially ones focused on the African-American experience — and be overlooked and quickly forgotten.
Then Oprah Winfrey saw it.
Shortly before he finished the film, Daniels invited Winfrey to a screening. She signed on as an executive producer ...
- 11/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Variety has announced this year’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch.
For the seventh year in a row, the Whistler Film Festival will host the 10 Screenwriters to Watch event in Whistler, B.C. The screenwriters to be honored will share their stories and discuss the challenges of succeeding in today’s film industry during a conversation on Dec. 1 as part of Wff’s Signature Series, followed by the awards ceremony at Wff’s Awards Celebration on Dec. 2.
Canadian media personality George Stroumboulopoulos will host the evening as industry veterans discuss tips and tricks for navigating the film landscape in 2018, as well as sharing a few sneak peaks at current and upcoming projects.
Variety’s class of 2018 screenwriters and notable credits include:
Joe Robert Cole, “Black Panther” Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, “A Quiet Place” Ashleigh Powell, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” Jay Longino, “Uncle Drew” Elizabeth Chomko, “What They Had” Sofia Alvarez,...
For the seventh year in a row, the Whistler Film Festival will host the 10 Screenwriters to Watch event in Whistler, B.C. The screenwriters to be honored will share their stories and discuss the challenges of succeeding in today’s film industry during a conversation on Dec. 1 as part of Wff’s Signature Series, followed by the awards ceremony at Wff’s Awards Celebration on Dec. 2.
Canadian media personality George Stroumboulopoulos will host the evening as industry veterans discuss tips and tricks for navigating the film landscape in 2018, as well as sharing a few sneak peaks at current and upcoming projects.
Variety’s class of 2018 screenwriters and notable credits include:
Joe Robert Cole, “Black Panther” Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, “A Quiet Place” Ashleigh Powell, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” Jay Longino, “Uncle Drew” Elizabeth Chomko, “What They Had” Sofia Alvarez,...
- 11/7/2018
- by Margeaux Sippell
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Sony moves “Grudge” into the “Toy Story 4” slot, “Who Will Write Our History” gets distribution and 60 companies from 15 countries will be making their Afm debut as market exhibitors.
Release Date
Sony Pictures has moved “Grudge,” its reboot of the 2004 supernatural thriller “The Grudge,” forward to June 21 from Aug. 16.
The film stars Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, John Cho, Lin Shaye and Jacki Weaver. The 2004 film was a remake of the 2002 Japanese film “Jun-On: The Grudge,” which centers on a curse created when someone dies in rage or sorrow.
“Grudge” is directed by Nicolas Pesce for Ghost House and Good Universe. Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert will produce for Ghost House with Nathan Kahane and Erin Westerman executive producing for Good Universe alongside Schuyler Weiss, Roy Lee, Doug Davison, John Middleton, and Andrew Pfeffer.
“Grudge” becomes the second title dated for June 21, joining Pixar-Disney’s “Toy Story 4.
Release Date
Sony Pictures has moved “Grudge,” its reboot of the 2004 supernatural thriller “The Grudge,” forward to June 21 from Aug. 16.
The film stars Andrea Riseborough, Demián Bichir, John Cho, Lin Shaye and Jacki Weaver. The 2004 film was a remake of the 2002 Japanese film “Jun-On: The Grudge,” which centers on a curse created when someone dies in rage or sorrow.
“Grudge” is directed by Nicolas Pesce for Ghost House and Good Universe. Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert will produce for Ghost House with Nathan Kahane and Erin Westerman executive producing for Good Universe alongside Schuyler Weiss, Roy Lee, Doug Davison, John Middleton, and Andrew Pfeffer.
“Grudge” becomes the second title dated for June 21, joining Pixar-Disney’s “Toy Story 4.
- 10/24/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, who created the stylish garb for Disney/Marvel’s blockbuster film Black Panther, is set to receive the Career Achievement Award at the 21st annual Costume Designers Guild Awards (Cdga). The gala, which will take place on February 19 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, celebrates excellence in film, television, and short form costume design.
There will be a few changes at this year’s gala. Cdga has announced the addition of an eighth competitive category, Excellence in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television, to this year’s awards slate. Furthermore, feature-length films designed for television and streaming services will now compete in the Cdga’s Excellence in Film categories.
Within her 30 years of work in the industry, Carter has garnered two Oscar nominations for Best Costume Design — the first African American to nominated in this category — for Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and Steven Spielberg’s Amistad. Other...
There will be a few changes at this year’s gala. Cdga has announced the addition of an eighth competitive category, Excellence in Variety, Reality-Competition, Live Television, to this year’s awards slate. Furthermore, feature-length films designed for television and streaming services will now compete in the Cdga’s Excellence in Film categories.
Within her 30 years of work in the industry, Carter has garnered two Oscar nominations for Best Costume Design — the first African American to nominated in this category — for Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and Steven Spielberg’s Amistad. Other...
- 10/23/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is developing a royal drama based on the Queen’s art collection with The X Factor producer Syco.
Fellowes, who has written the forthcoming movie based on the ITV period drama, is working on a series about The Royal Collection, which is the art collection of the British Royal Family and is the largest collection in the world.
It marks Syco’s first move into scripted drama in the UK, having had huge success with entertainment formats such as The X Factor and Got Talent.
Nigel Hall, Syco’s Global Head of TV, told Deadline that it had struck a development deal with Fellowes, who is also working on The Gilded Age for NBC. “We’re doing story behind portraits in the royal collection. This came out of conversations about every great film like The Duchess. The portraits hang in the royal collection and...
Fellowes, who has written the forthcoming movie based on the ITV period drama, is working on a series about The Royal Collection, which is the art collection of the British Royal Family and is the largest collection in the world.
It marks Syco’s first move into scripted drama in the UK, having had huge success with entertainment formats such as The X Factor and Got Talent.
Nigel Hall, Syco’s Global Head of TV, told Deadline that it had struck a development deal with Fellowes, who is also working on The Gilded Age for NBC. “We’re doing story behind portraits in the royal collection. This came out of conversations about every great film like The Duchess. The portraits hang in the royal collection and...
- 10/15/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It might sound contradictory, but perhaps the greatest testament to Jane Fonda’s six-decade career is how many people are unfamiliar with every facet of it. Not everyone who grew up with Fonda as the face of 1980s workout culture is immediately aware of the ambitious artistic extremes of her screen acting career; younger viewers getting to know her through her breezy, Emmy-nominated work in Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie” may not all be aware of her serious Hollywood history of political and feminist activism. Fonda’s name means different things to different people, though one hopes her most enduring reputation — and certainly the one netting her a career Golden Lion at Venice last year and now a Lumière Award — will be as one of Hollywood’s strongest, most spikily intelligent leading ladies: gifted at her craft, yes, but an actor who also brought her progressive personal politics to bear in her work,...
- 10/15/2018
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
Dramas surrounding the Civil Rights movement have been very popular in recent years. “Selma,” “The Butler,” and “Hidden Figures” are just a few films that have become hits telling the story of some of the darkest times in United States history. Now, “The Best of Enemies” hopes to do the same, and the film brings one of those “Hidden Figures” stars to lead the way.
Continue reading ‘The Best Of Enemies’ Trailer: Taraji P. Henson & Sam Rockwell Star In Civil Rights Drama at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Best Of Enemies’ Trailer: Taraji P. Henson & Sam Rockwell Star In Civil Rights Drama at The Playlist.
- 10/11/2018
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Filmmaker Lee Daniels will serve as the chair of the 2018 Capri, Hollywood International Film Festival, organizers revealed Tuesday.
Daniels was nominated for the best director and best picture Oscars for his 2009 film Precious. He followed that up with The Paperboy in 2012 and The Butler in 2013. He has recently been successful in television, creating the hit series Empire and Star.
Daniels has announced his next project will be a biopic of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Andra Day and Lakeith Stanfield are in talks to star. The script Billie was penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan Lori-Parks.
Capri, Hollywood is the ...
Daniels was nominated for the best director and best picture Oscars for his 2009 film Precious. He followed that up with The Paperboy in 2012 and The Butler in 2013. He has recently been successful in television, creating the hit series Empire and Star.
Daniels has announced his next project will be a biopic of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Andra Day and Lakeith Stanfield are in talks to star. The script Billie was penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan Lori-Parks.
Capri, Hollywood is the ...
- 10/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Filmmaker Lee Daniels will serve as the chair of the 2018 Capri, Hollywood International Film Festival, organizers revealed Tuesday.
Daniels was nominated for the best director and best picture Oscars for his 2009 film Precious. He followed that up with The Paperboy in 2012 and The Butler in 2013. He has recently been successful in television, creating the hit series Empire and Star.
Daniels has announced his next project will be a biopic of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Andra Day and Lakeith Stanfield are in talks to star. The script Billie was penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan Lori-Parks.
Capri, Hollywood is the ...
Daniels was nominated for the best director and best picture Oscars for his 2009 film Precious. He followed that up with The Paperboy in 2012 and The Butler in 2013. He has recently been successful in television, creating the hit series Empire and Star.
Daniels has announced his next project will be a biopic of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. Andra Day and Lakeith Stanfield are in talks to star. The script Billie was penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Suzan Lori-Parks.
Capri, Hollywood is the ...
- 10/9/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“A Star Is Born” opens this weekend as one of the most anticipated releases of 2018. The film’s title may as well refer to its lead actress, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lady Gaga, whose previous movie experience came from brief appearances in two Robert Rodriguez films. Her reviews are rapturous and she’s a leading contender for a Best Actress Oscar nomination, all of which could make her the biggest singing crossover since Barbra Streisand.
Hollywood hasn’t seen a singer become a breakout success since Whitney Houston in 1992 — although many have tried. John Singleton’s 1993 “Poetic Justice” featured Janet Jackson opposite Tupac Shakur, which grossed $61 million. She costarred with Eddie Murphy in “The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps” ($212 million), and was part of a Tyler Perry ensemble in two “Why Did I Get Married” films.
In 2001, Mariah Carey starred in “Glitter,” which was an embarrassing flop. The 2002 “Wise Girls” was a...
Hollywood hasn’t seen a singer become a breakout success since Whitney Houston in 1992 — although many have tried. John Singleton’s 1993 “Poetic Justice” featured Janet Jackson opposite Tupac Shakur, which grossed $61 million. She costarred with Eddie Murphy in “The Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps” ($212 million), and was part of a Tyler Perry ensemble in two “Why Did I Get Married” films.
In 2001, Mariah Carey starred in “Glitter,” which was an embarrassing flop. The 2002 “Wise Girls” was a...
- 10/4/2018
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Exclusive: As his Showtime series Ray Donovan moves to New York for its sixth season, Liev Schreiber has joined up with Matthew Stillman to launch Illuminated Content, a Gotham-based venture to develop, produce and finance TV and movie projects. Former Maven Pictures producer Hardy Justice will head up development and production at the company’s offices in New York. The aim is to generate three to four projects per year across various platforms, with Illuminated Content producing and co-financing.
The company will allow Schreiber and Stillman to accelerate the entrepreneurial ambitions they have built on separate tracks. Operating around his Ray Donovan schedule — where he is producer and has directed several pivotal episodes — Schreiber has methodically been broadening his canvas. Schreiber made his feature directorial debut on an adaptation of the Jonathan Safran Foer bestseller Everything is Illuminated and most recently starred, co-wrote, and produced Chuck, the indie drama about the life of Chuck Wepner,...
The company will allow Schreiber and Stillman to accelerate the entrepreneurial ambitions they have built on separate tracks. Operating around his Ray Donovan schedule — where he is producer and has directed several pivotal episodes — Schreiber has methodically been broadening his canvas. Schreiber made his feature directorial debut on an adaptation of the Jonathan Safran Foer bestseller Everything is Illuminated and most recently starred, co-wrote, and produced Chuck, the indie drama about the life of Chuck Wepner,...
- 9/5/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hell or High Water star Ben Foster is to lead the cast of historical action-drama Medieval, about 14th century Czech icon and warlord Jan Zizka.
Czech filmmaker Petr Jákl’s (Ghoul) has written and will direct the film with shooting due to begin this fall in and around Prague. Jákl produces alongside Cassian Elwes (Mudbound).
The English-language movie will chart the story of national hero Zizka, a revered military tactician who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire. He is known for his innovative strategies and for quickly training peasants to face skilled and armored opponents who usually outnumbered his own troops. The film will also focus on his relationship with a local heiress and his faceoff against a rival king.
Backers include the Czech Film Fund, the Prague Film Fund, Creative Europe and private sources.
Czech filmmaker Petr Jákl’s (Ghoul) has written and will direct the film with shooting due to begin this fall in and around Prague. Jákl produces alongside Cassian Elwes (Mudbound).
The English-language movie will chart the story of national hero Zizka, a revered military tactician who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire. He is known for his innovative strategies and for quickly training peasants to face skilled and armored opponents who usually outnumbered his own troops. The film will also focus on his relationship with a local heiress and his faceoff against a rival king.
Backers include the Czech Film Fund, the Prague Film Fund, Creative Europe and private sources.
- 8/23/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Brian A. Kates‘s main focus when editing the pilot for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” was on “not screwing up what was given to me.” Creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino have “a very strong sensibility, sense of style, [and] sense of musicality,” all of which needed to be conveyed in the premiere episode. Kates pulled off the task and scored an Emmy nomination for Best Picture Editing (Single-Camera Comedy) for the Amazon series. It was one of 14 overall bids the freshman show received. Watch our exclusive video interview with Kates above.
See Bill Groom (‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ production designer) used his memories to recreate 1950s New York City [Exclusive Video Interview]
Rachel Brosnahan stars as Midge Maisel, a 1950s New York City housewife who pursues a stand-up career after her husband (Michael Zegen) leaves her for his secretary. The biggest challenge, Kates admits, came in the climactic stand-up scene where Midge discovers...
See Bill Groom (‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ production designer) used his memories to recreate 1950s New York City [Exclusive Video Interview]
Rachel Brosnahan stars as Midge Maisel, a 1950s New York City housewife who pursues a stand-up career after her husband (Michael Zegen) leaves her for his secretary. The biggest challenge, Kates admits, came in the climactic stand-up scene where Midge discovers...
- 8/21/2018
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
The box office is upbeat on a mid-August weekend that is usually a down period. Original actioner “The Meg” (Warner Bros.), a non-franchise film, opened to $44 million domestic and $91 million foreign. That’s way beyond industry expectations.
Opening more narrowly (1512 screens) and performing ahead of predictions was Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” (Focus) at just under $11 million.
And there’s other positive news: the weekend totaled about $145 million, about a quarter higher than last year, with year-to-date grosses 8.7 percent ahead of 2017. Add to that a rash of strong holdovers led by “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (Paramount), which is headed for an over $200 million domestic total.
“The Meg” is the first non-franchise film to place #1 since “A Quiet Place” in April. That is the longest stretch in movie release history for sequels and series films to grab the top spot. Of course, a shark-centered thriller isn’t exactly the hallmark of originality. “47 Meters Down” two years ago,...
Opening more narrowly (1512 screens) and performing ahead of predictions was Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” (Focus) at just under $11 million.
And there’s other positive news: the weekend totaled about $145 million, about a quarter higher than last year, with year-to-date grosses 8.7 percent ahead of 2017. Add to that a rash of strong holdovers led by “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (Paramount), which is headed for an over $200 million domestic total.
“The Meg” is the first non-franchise film to place #1 since “A Quiet Place” in April. That is the longest stretch in movie release history for sequels and series films to grab the top spot. Of course, a shark-centered thriller isn’t exactly the hallmark of originality. “47 Meters Down” two years ago,...
- 8/12/2018
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Lee Daniels continued to criticize Mo’Nique for accusing him of blackballing her career in a new video interview on TMZ’s web talk show “Raq Rants.” Daniels told host Raquel Harper that Mo’Nique is “really wrong” to accuse him and others of blackballing her career following her Oscar win for “Precious.” The “Empire” creator also said it breaks his heart Mo’Nique feels he is capable of doing such a harmful thing to her.
“I fought hard for her to get that job,” Daniels said about casting Mo’Nique in “Precious.” “I wanted her to get that job. And she was paid her money. She was paid the money for the budget that we had. And for her to badmouth myself and [executive producers] Tyler Perry and Oprah is disrespectful and it’s wrong. She’s out of pocket. She’s really wrong.”
Mo’Nique alleged in a 2015 interview that...
“I fought hard for her to get that job,” Daniels said about casting Mo’Nique in “Precious.” “I wanted her to get that job. And she was paid her money. She was paid the money for the budget that we had. And for her to badmouth myself and [executive producers] Tyler Perry and Oprah is disrespectful and it’s wrong. She’s out of pocket. She’s really wrong.”
Mo’Nique alleged in a 2015 interview that...
- 7/2/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Nothing funny about this.
Lee Daniels has been slapped with a $5 million lawsuit by Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash, who alleges that Daniels stiffed him out of a producer credit on a biopic about legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
According to the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in New York Supreme Court, as part of a settlement stemming from a previous legal matter, Daniels agreed “to use commercially reasonable efforts” to secure Dash a co-executive producer credit on the Pryor film, as well as to pay Dash 5 percent of Daniels’ back-end compensation from the film.
Also Read: Sean Penn Wins Apology From Lee Daniels to Settle $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit
However, the suit alleges, things went south when Daniels bailed on the project.
“Although Mr. Daniels did in fact become a writer, director and producer of the ‘Pryor Film’ as per numerous industry publications, Defendants never informed Plaintiff of the film’s progress, or...
Lee Daniels has been slapped with a $5 million lawsuit by Roc-a-Fella Records co-founder Damon Dash, who alleges that Daniels stiffed him out of a producer credit on a biopic about legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
According to the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in New York Supreme Court, as part of a settlement stemming from a previous legal matter, Daniels agreed “to use commercially reasonable efforts” to secure Dash a co-executive producer credit on the Pryor film, as well as to pay Dash 5 percent of Daniels’ back-end compensation from the film.
Also Read: Sean Penn Wins Apology From Lee Daniels to Settle $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit
However, the suit alleges, things went south when Daniels bailed on the project.
“Although Mr. Daniels did in fact become a writer, director and producer of the ‘Pryor Film’ as per numerous industry publications, Defendants never informed Plaintiff of the film’s progress, or...
- 6/26/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey, filmmakers Lee Daniels (The Butler) and Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and chairman of NBCUniversal International Group and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises Cesar Conde are among those who will take part in CAA Amplify’s invitation-only event June 27 in Ojai.
This is the second year the agency has held the event, which brings together leading artists and executives of color from entertainment, sports, media, brands, technology and social justice to discuss and accelerate the growth of inclusion.
Those also scheduled to be in attendance will be NBA all-star, entrepreneur, producer, and philanthropist Carmelo Anthony; Algorithmic Justice League founder Joy Buolamwini; former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro; Luke Cage executive producer, creator, and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker; New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale; director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem Thelma Golden...
This is the second year the agency has held the event, which brings together leading artists and executives of color from entertainment, sports, media, brands, technology and social justice to discuss and accelerate the growth of inclusion.
Those also scheduled to be in attendance will be NBA all-star, entrepreneur, producer, and philanthropist Carmelo Anthony; Algorithmic Justice League founder Joy Buolamwini; former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro; Luke Cage executive producer, creator, and showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker; New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale; director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem Thelma Golden...
- 6/25/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Movie Collective, the new independent film company set up by prolific producer Cassian Elwes (Mudbound, Dallas Buyers Club, Lee Daniels' The Butler) and filmmaker Marcus Markou (Papadopoulos & Sons), has wrapped a campaign on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube, raising £552,330 ($725,795) — 110 percent of the target.
This means that the banner has completed financing for the first movie on its slate, Utopia Road, set to star Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound) and Rebecca Hall (Iron Man 3). The film, to be directed by Rosson Crow, begins shooting this summer.
In total, 528 people from around the world ...
This means that the banner has completed financing for the first movie on its slate, Utopia Road, set to star Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound) and Rebecca Hall (Iron Man 3). The film, to be directed by Rosson Crow, begins shooting this summer.
In total, 528 people from around the world ...
- 6/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Movie Collective, the new independent film company set up by prolific producer Cassian Elwes (Mudbound, Dallas Buyers Club, Lee Daniels' The Butler) and filmmaker Marcus Markou (Papadopoulos & Sons), has wrapped a campaign on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube, raising £552,330 ($725,795) — 110 percent of the target.
This means that the banner has completed financing for the first movie on its slate, Utopia Road, set to star Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound) and Rebecca Hall (Iron Man 3). The film, to be directed by Rosson Crow, begins shooting this summer.
In total, 528 people from around the world ...
This means that the banner has completed financing for the first movie on its slate, Utopia Road, set to star Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family), Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound) and Rebecca Hall (Iron Man 3). The film, to be directed by Rosson Crow, begins shooting this summer.
In total, 528 people from around the world ...
- 6/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jesse Williams split from his wife of nearly five years, real estate broker Aryn Drake-Lee, back in April 2017. While we still don't know what exactly went wrong, the two have been in an intense custody battle over their children, Maceo, 2, and Sadie, 4, ever since. Keep reading for a look at everything that's happened since Jesse and Aryn called it quits.
Related: 26 Hot Jesse Williams Pictures That Will Leave You Desperate For Medical Attention April 11, 2017: Jesse Files For Divorce
The Grey's Anatomy actor split from Aryn after nearly five years of marriage. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Jesse was the one who filed the divorce petition and requested legal and physical custody of Maceo and Sadie. He also checked the box asking the court to deny Aryn any spousal support, and they instead worked it out in mediation.
June 21, 2017: Things Start to Get Ugly
In court documents obtained by Us Weekly,...
Related: 26 Hot Jesse Williams Pictures That Will Leave You Desperate For Medical Attention April 11, 2017: Jesse Files For Divorce
The Grey's Anatomy actor split from Aryn after nearly five years of marriage. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Jesse was the one who filed the divorce petition and requested legal and physical custody of Maceo and Sadie. He also checked the box asking the court to deny Aryn any spousal support, and they instead worked it out in mediation.
June 21, 2017: Things Start to Get Ugly
In court documents obtained by Us Weekly,...
- 6/20/2018
- by Monica Sisavat
- Popsugar.com
Apple and Oprah Winfrey have a signed a multi-year content partnership. Under the deal, Winfrey and Apple will create programs that will be released as part of Apple’s original content lineup.
The deal marks one of the first such agreements struck between Apple and a content creator. Previously, Apple set an overall deal with veteran showrunner Kerry Ehrin. Ehrin will also serve as the showrunner on Apple’s upcoming morning show drama series starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.
This is also the latest addition to Winfrey’s media empire. The former hit talk show host formed her own cable network, Own: The Oprah Winfrey Network, in 2011 in partnership with Discovery Communications. The channel has become one of the fastest-growing cable networks among women and has produced hit shows like “Queen Sugar,” which boasts Oscar nominee Ava DuVernay as showrunner.
Winfrey recently extended her contract...
The deal marks one of the first such agreements struck between Apple and a content creator. Previously, Apple set an overall deal with veteran showrunner Kerry Ehrin. Ehrin will also serve as the showrunner on Apple’s upcoming morning show drama series starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.
This is also the latest addition to Winfrey’s media empire. The former hit talk show host formed her own cable network, Own: The Oprah Winfrey Network, in 2011 in partnership with Discovery Communications. The channel has become one of the fastest-growing cable networks among women and has produced hit shows like “Queen Sugar,” which boasts Oscar nominee Ava DuVernay as showrunner.
Winfrey recently extended her contract...
- 6/15/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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