When Scott Stuber arrived at Netflix in 2017, some of its biggest films to date were the Idris Elba drama “Beasts of No Nation,” the Adam Sandler comedy “Sandy Wexler,” or the Will Smith fantasy action film “Bright.” Some were hits or got some awards buzz, and sure they had new films by Noah Baumbach and Angelina Jolie, but Netflix at that time was still getting booed at the Cannes Film Festival for releasing Bong Joon-Ho’s “Okja.”
Under Stuber’s watch, that all changed. Netflix would be the place where Martin Scorsese, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jane Campion, and more would want to make their passion projects. It was the place The Rock, the Russo Brothers, Zack Snyder, and Shawn Levy took their tentpoles to make some of the streamer’s biggest hits to date. He spent a fortune to get the rights to two “Knives Out” sequels. And it...
Under Stuber’s watch, that all changed. Netflix would be the place where Martin Scorsese, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jane Campion, and more would want to make their passion projects. It was the place The Rock, the Russo Brothers, Zack Snyder, and Shawn Levy took their tentpoles to make some of the streamer’s biggest hits to date. He spent a fortune to get the rights to two “Knives Out” sequels. And it...
- 1/23/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Scott Stuber, who pushed Netflix to expand into blockbuster movie territory, is stepping down from the streaming service’s top film job to form his own media company.
Stuber will remain with the streamer until March, at which point Netflix Cco Bela Bajaria will temporarily assume his role while she searches for a replacement. Bloomberg first reported the news.
Under Stuber’s direction, Netflix’s feature business aggressively entered the blockbuster space, courting filmmakers such as Zack Snyder, the Russo brothers, Michael Bay and Rawson Marshall Thurber. The era began with the Will Smith starrer Bright, the 2017 film that had a reported budget of $90 million, a hefty number that turned heads at the time but would soon look quaint compared to what was to come.
Red Notice, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, cost somewhere in the $250 million to $300 million range, while the Russo’ Gray Man cost in the $200 million range.
Stuber will remain with the streamer until March, at which point Netflix Cco Bela Bajaria will temporarily assume his role while she searches for a replacement. Bloomberg first reported the news.
Under Stuber’s direction, Netflix’s feature business aggressively entered the blockbuster space, courting filmmakers such as Zack Snyder, the Russo brothers, Michael Bay and Rawson Marshall Thurber. The era began with the Will Smith starrer Bright, the 2017 film that had a reported budget of $90 million, a hefty number that turned heads at the time but would soon look quaint compared to what was to come.
Red Notice, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, cost somewhere in the $250 million to $300 million range, while the Russo’ Gray Man cost in the $200 million range.
- 1/22/2024
- by Mia Galuppo and Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Netflix Emea has shed two executives working in its licensing and co-production team amid a shakeup in its German-language unit.
Amsterdam-based vet Kai Finke quietly left in recent months after joining Netflix back in 2015 and serving as Director Content, Licensing & Co-Productions, focusing on European and German productions.
During his tenure he worked on series including Freud and Undercover and movies such as Rising High and Black Island.
Within Finke’s team, Netflix Germany’s Marc van den Bosch Mprah, Head of Acquisitions & Co-Production, has also left the streamer after joining two years ago. Among movies he worked on was Early Birds, the team’s first Swiss co-production with HugoFilm and Ch Media.
Netflix’s director of non-fiction shows for German-speaking Europe, Inga Leschek, left the streamer for Rtl earlier this year.
Katja Hofem continues to lead the German content team across series, films, non-fiction, and acquisitions. Hofem and...
Amsterdam-based vet Kai Finke quietly left in recent months after joining Netflix back in 2015 and serving as Director Content, Licensing & Co-Productions, focusing on European and German productions.
During his tenure he worked on series including Freud and Undercover and movies such as Rising High and Black Island.
Within Finke’s team, Netflix Germany’s Marc van den Bosch Mprah, Head of Acquisitions & Co-Production, has also left the streamer after joining two years ago. Among movies he worked on was Early Birds, the team’s first Swiss co-production with HugoFilm and Ch Media.
Netflix’s director of non-fiction shows for German-speaking Europe, Inga Leschek, left the streamer for Rtl earlier this year.
Katja Hofem continues to lead the German content team across series, films, non-fiction, and acquisitions. Hofem and...
- 7/27/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s director of U.K. features Fiona Lamptey has exited the streamer after 19 months, Variety understands.
No reason has been given for the move and Netflix declined to comment.
Lamptey joined Netflix U.K. Oct. in 2021 from Fruit Tree Media with a brief to expand Netflix’s U.K. talent roster and scout new IP to adapt for feature-length productions. She previously spent 13 years at Channel 4 and its feature division Film4.
Among the features developed during her time at the streamer are “I Came By,” starring “Downton Abbey’s” Hugh Bonneville, “The Wonder,” which starred Florence Pugh and “The Strays” starring Ashley Madekwe and Bukky Bakray.
Although those films didn’t turn into break-out hits in the same way that Netflix shows such as “The Crown” and “Bridgerton” have, there is yet more promising content to come including Daniel Kaluuya’s writing debut “The Kitchen,” which he penned with Joe Murtagh,...
No reason has been given for the move and Netflix declined to comment.
Lamptey joined Netflix U.K. Oct. in 2021 from Fruit Tree Media with a brief to expand Netflix’s U.K. talent roster and scout new IP to adapt for feature-length productions. She previously spent 13 years at Channel 4 and its feature division Film4.
Among the features developed during her time at the streamer are “I Came By,” starring “Downton Abbey’s” Hugh Bonneville, “The Wonder,” which starred Florence Pugh and “The Strays” starring Ashley Madekwe and Bukky Bakray.
Although those films didn’t turn into break-out hits in the same way that Netflix shows such as “The Crown” and “Bridgerton” have, there is yet more promising content to come including Daniel Kaluuya’s writing debut “The Kitchen,” which he penned with Joe Murtagh,...
- 5/5/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix shocked the industry last week with the news that two respected film executives, Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke, were leaving the company in an apparent nod toward austerity. But the move left many questioning just what Netflix’s strategy is for its cinematic future, and whether it will lead to a power struggle between co-ceo Ted Sarandos, who is adamant that Netflix is a streaming-first company, and film chairman Scott Stuber, who has stated that he would like Netflix to become a true cinematic force to be reckoned with, an aspiration that may require a far more substantial theatrical investment.
“There are concerns being whispered around the industry that this move from Netflix could be signaling an end to the high-quality content we’ve seen them get behind in recent years, and — potentially — a return to the more formulaic ‘sure thing’ kind of content that is lower cost but more certain financially,...
“There are concerns being whispered around the industry that this move from Netflix could be signaling an end to the high-quality content we’ve seen them get behind in recent years, and — potentially — a return to the more formulaic ‘sure thing’ kind of content that is lower cost but more certain financially,...
- 4/4/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
When you cover the arthouse business, you get used to familiar faces more than famous ones. Programmers, distributors, and sales agents may not walk the red carpet alongside their stars, but they’re at all the afterparties, in the trenches of every major film festival, constantly plotting ways to get new work seen. Their ubiquity makes it possible to visualize this pocket of the entertainment industry so when the faces change places, it stands out.
In that respect, this week was extraordinary. Within 48 hours, news broke of senior independent film executives leaving jobs they held for years, in some cases not of their own volition. Welcome to the great indie contraction.
First came John Vanco, the 18-year veteran of the IFC Center, heading to Netflix to take over the booking of New York’s Paris Theater, as well as the Bay Cinema and the Egyptian in L.A.. On its...
In that respect, this week was extraordinary. Within 48 hours, news broke of senior independent film executives leaving jobs they held for years, in some cases not of their own volition. Welcome to the great indie contraction.
First came John Vanco, the 18-year veteran of the IFC Center, heading to Netflix to take over the booking of New York’s Paris Theater, as well as the Bay Cinema and the Egyptian in L.A.. On its...
- 4/1/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Netflix executive Lisa Nishimura backed some of the streamer’s biggest successes – Tiger King, The Tinder Swindler, The Power of the Dog, Making a Murderer, and American Factory – but in an era of corporate cost-cutting, it wasn’t enough to save her job.
Related Story Netflix Vets Lisa Nishimura & Ian Bricke Depart In Film Group Reorg Related Story Omar Epps Boards Netflix's Limited Series 'The Perfect Couple' Related Story IFC Center's John Vanco Joins Netflix To Oversee Programming For Streamer's Theaters
Her imminent departure as VP of independent film and documentary features, after a 16-year stint at Netflix, has come as a particular shock to the nonfiction film community, which saw her build Netflix into a dominant force in documentary and become, in the process, one of Netflix’s most visible execs.
(L-r) Lisa Nishimura, Taylor Swift and Ted Sarandos attend the Netflix 2019 Golden Globes After Party
“Lisa...
Related Story Netflix Vets Lisa Nishimura & Ian Bricke Depart In Film Group Reorg Related Story Omar Epps Boards Netflix's Limited Series 'The Perfect Couple' Related Story IFC Center's John Vanco Joins Netflix To Oversee Programming For Streamer's Theaters
Her imminent departure as VP of independent film and documentary features, after a 16-year stint at Netflix, has come as a particular shock to the nonfiction film community, which saw her build Netflix into a dominant force in documentary and become, in the process, one of Netflix’s most visible execs.
(L-r) Lisa Nishimura, Taylor Swift and Ted Sarandos attend the Netflix 2019 Golden Globes After Party
“Lisa...
- 3/31/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
The exits of film executives Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke from Netflix late on March 30 shocked the documentary and indie film world. Not only were they Netflix stalwarts — Nishimura joined in 2007, when it was a DVD business, and Bricke joined in 2011 — but also for how admired and how defining of a voice they’ve been at Netflix in the last decade.
“Both of them are the foundation of the kind of programming that is both commercial and also tasteful, and not just pure fodder for the masses,” one documentary producer who asked not to be named told IndieWire. “Lisa and Ian were the foundational DNA of Netflix as a company.”
IndieWire spoke to multiple sources who worked with Nishimura and Bricke and they all offered variations on the same theme: They’re great people with great taste who have done great work, and they’re shocked by the departures.
In a statement,...
“Both of them are the foundation of the kind of programming that is both commercial and also tasteful, and not just pure fodder for the masses,” one documentary producer who asked not to be named told IndieWire. “Lisa and Ian were the foundational DNA of Netflix as a company.”
IndieWire spoke to multiple sources who worked with Nishimura and Bricke and they all offered variations on the same theme: They’re great people with great taste who have done great work, and they’re shocked by the departures.
In a statement,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Brian Welk and Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Industry will scrutnise evolving content strategy.
Longtime Netflix executives Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke have departed amid a restructure which will have the industry scrutinising its evolving content strategy.
Nishimura was with the company for more than 15 years and led the charge on stand-up comedy and docuseries. She most recently served as VP of independent film and documentary features and worked on the likes of Making A Murderer, My Octopus Teacher, American Factory, and Tiger King.
Among her lower budget narrative credits were Power Of The Dog from Oscar-winning director Jane Campion, and the upcoming They Cloned Tyrone and Nyad.
Longtime Netflix executives Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke have departed amid a restructure which will have the industry scrutinising its evolving content strategy.
Nishimura was with the company for more than 15 years and led the charge on stand-up comedy and docuseries. She most recently served as VP of independent film and documentary features and worked on the likes of Making A Murderer, My Octopus Teacher, American Factory, and Tiger King.
Among her lower budget narrative credits were Power Of The Dog from Oscar-winning director Jane Campion, and the upcoming They Cloned Tyrone and Nyad.
- 3/31/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
With the exit of long-tenured film executive Lisa Nishimura on Thursday, Netflix has officially entered its austerity age — whatever that may mean for the streaming powerhouse.
Nishimura’s 15 years at the company have spanned the streaming boom, Oscar wins and multiple restructuring efforts. Noted one industry veteran that has long worked with Nishimura, “It’s a signal that the most thoughtful, taste-driven era is being driven out.”
Under film head Scott Stuber, the film division was long bifurcated according to budgets: tentpoles and indies, with the former sitting around the $30 million to $40 million and way upwards, and the latter sitting below that. Former exec Tendo Nagenda, who joined the streamer from the four-quadrant heavy hitter Disney, oversaw films like the Russo brothers’ The Gray Man and the Extraction films, as well as the Knives Out franchise and The Old Guard. Nishimura’s team oversaw, well, most everything else.
“When I joined,...
Nishimura’s 15 years at the company have spanned the streaming boom, Oscar wins and multiple restructuring efforts. Noted one industry veteran that has long worked with Nishimura, “It’s a signal that the most thoughtful, taste-driven era is being driven out.”
Under film head Scott Stuber, the film division was long bifurcated according to budgets: tentpoles and indies, with the former sitting around the $30 million to $40 million and way upwards, and the latter sitting below that. Former exec Tendo Nagenda, who joined the streamer from the four-quadrant heavy hitter Disney, oversaw films like the Russo brothers’ The Gray Man and the Extraction films, as well as the Knives Out franchise and The Old Guard. Nishimura’s team oversaw, well, most everything else.
“When I joined,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As part of a restructuring of Netflix’s film division, longtime company veterans Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke have exited the company, TheWrap has learned.
Prior to their departures, Nishimura headed up the indie film and documentary group, while Bricke served as vice president of indie films. Live action films are now being overseen by Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall.
In a statement, film division boss Scott Stuber said, “Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces. Her documentary work includes American Factory, My Octopus Teacher, Making a Murderer and Tiger King; and on the narrative film side her work includes Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, and the upcoming They Cloned Tyrone, Rustin and Nyad. Along the way,...
Prior to their departures, Nishimura headed up the indie film and documentary group, while Bricke served as vice president of indie films. Live action films are now being overseen by Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall.
In a statement, film division boss Scott Stuber said, “Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces. Her documentary work includes American Factory, My Octopus Teacher, Making a Murderer and Tiger King; and on the narrative film side her work includes Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, and the upcoming They Cloned Tyrone, Rustin and Nyad. Along the way,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
In a surprising move, Netflix has parted ways with two longtime film executives, with Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke departing the streaming service.
Nishimura, who served as vp independent film and documentary features, handled an array of projects budgeted at $40 million or below, including the Oscar-nominated doc Crip Camp and the western Power of the Dog, which earned Jane Campion a best director Oscar.
The move comes amid a restructuring, with projects under Scott Stuber’s film division now folding all live-action films under Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall. Dan Silver oversees documentary, which previously was partially overseen by Nishimura.
“Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces,” said Stuber in a statement. “Her documentary work includes American Factory,...
Nishimura, who served as vp independent film and documentary features, handled an array of projects budgeted at $40 million or below, including the Oscar-nominated doc Crip Camp and the western Power of the Dog, which earned Jane Campion a best director Oscar.
The move comes amid a restructuring, with projects under Scott Stuber’s film division now folding all live-action films under Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall. Dan Silver oversees documentary, which previously was partially overseen by Nishimura.
“Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces,” said Stuber in a statement. “Her documentary work includes American Factory,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Aaron Couch and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Deadline has confirmed that Netflix film executives Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke are exiting the streamer amid a reorganization of the film group. All live-action film content now will be overseen by Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall.
We hear that Netflix will continue to make indie pics, and that this whole plan was part of streamlining and solidifying ops.
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Scott Stuber, Chairman of Netflix Film, said in a statement: “Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces.
We hear that Netflix will continue to make indie pics, and that this whole plan was part of streamlining and solidifying ops.
Related Story UK Culture Secretary Lays Out Why The Government Is Regulating The Streamers Related Story 'The Residence': Barrett Foa Joins Netflix's Shondaland Drama As Recurring Related Story Megan Thee Stallion Circling Josh & Benny Safdie's Netflix Film With Adam Sandler
Scott Stuber, Chairman of Netflix Film, said in a statement: “Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces.
- 3/31/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Two veteran Netflix creative executives are parting ways with the streamer following a restructuring of the film group.
Indie film and documentary features lead Lisa Nishimura and indie film vice president Ian Bricke have both stepped down. The change comes as the result of streamlining under Netflix film head Scott Stuber. All live-action film content will now roll up to Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall.
“Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces,” Stuber told Variety in a statement of the executive, a fixture in the indie community and on the annual festival circuit.
“Her documentary work includes ‘American Factory,’ ‘My Octopus Teacher,’ ‘Making a Murderer’ and ‘Tiger King’; and on the narrative film side her work includes Jane Campion...
Indie film and documentary features lead Lisa Nishimura and indie film vice president Ian Bricke have both stepped down. The change comes as the result of streamlining under Netflix film head Scott Stuber. All live-action film content will now roll up to Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall.
“Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces,” Stuber told Variety in a statement of the executive, a fixture in the indie community and on the annual festival circuit.
“Her documentary work includes ‘American Factory,’ ‘My Octopus Teacher,’ ‘Making a Murderer’ and ‘Tiger King’; and on the narrative film side her work includes Jane Campion...
- 3/31/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has launched a new pipeline program aimed at launching the “next wave of marquee filmmakers” working in high-concept genres.
The Emerging Filmmaker Initiative (Efi) gives three filmmakers the opportunity to develop, fund, produce and distribute their short films on Netflix, with a focus on stories in the sci-fi, action, horror and thriller genres.
The initiative is inspired by the trajectory of rising star Stefon Bristol, who first teamed with the streamer on “See You Yesterday.” The high-impact time-travel tale went on to earn an Independent Spirit Award for best first screenplay and Bristol has set his second project with Netflix, “Gordon Hemingway & The Realm of Cthulhu.” Like “See You Yesterday,” Bristol will direct the upcoming film, produced by Spike Lee.
“Stefon’s short opened a lot of doors, but for many up-and-coming filmmakers, it takes years just to get that first shot. We want to change that,” Ian Bricke,...
The Emerging Filmmaker Initiative (Efi) gives three filmmakers the opportunity to develop, fund, produce and distribute their short films on Netflix, with a focus on stories in the sci-fi, action, horror and thriller genres.
The initiative is inspired by the trajectory of rising star Stefon Bristol, who first teamed with the streamer on “See You Yesterday.” The high-impact time-travel tale went on to earn an Independent Spirit Award for best first screenplay and Bristol has set his second project with Netflix, “Gordon Hemingway & The Realm of Cthulhu.” Like “See You Yesterday,” Bristol will direct the upcoming film, produced by Spike Lee.
“Stefon’s short opened a lot of doors, but for many up-and-coming filmmakers, it takes years just to get that first shot. We want to change that,” Ian Bricke,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Joey King, star of Netflix’s The Kissing Booth franchise, is expanding her relationship with the streaming giant with a first-look deal. Under the pact, King will produce and develop films For Netflix via her All The King’s Horses production company. At 21, King is one of the youngest creatives to strike a deal with a streaming network.
King serves as a principal at Atkh, along with Jamie King and Dan Spilo also serving as principals. Tyler Frederickson serves as development executive.
King stars in and executive produces through Atkh for Netflix a film adaptation of Uglies, currently in production. Based on the first installment of Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian YA book series, the movie will be directed by McG. Jamie King serves as executive producer with Scott Westerfeld and Spilo will produce alongside John David, Jordan Davis, Robyn Mesinger and McG and Mary Viola.
“My relationship with Netflix started...
King serves as a principal at Atkh, along with Jamie King and Dan Spilo also serving as principals. Tyler Frederickson serves as development executive.
King stars in and executive produces through Atkh for Netflix a film adaptation of Uglies, currently in production. Based on the first installment of Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian YA book series, the movie will be directed by McG. Jamie King serves as executive producer with Scott Westerfeld and Spilo will produce alongside John David, Jordan Davis, Robyn Mesinger and McG and Mary Viola.
“My relationship with Netflix started...
- 7/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Joey King, the young star of Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth” film series, has extended her relationship with the streamer by signing a first-look film deal with Netflix.
The 21-year-old actress will produce and develop movies for Netflix through her production company, All The King’s Horses. The deal comes ahead of the release of “The Kissing Booth 3,” which debuts on Aug. 11.
King serves as a principal at Atkh, along with Jamie King and Dan Spilo also serving as principals. Tyler Frederickson is the production company’s development executive.
King is already executive producing a film for Netflix through Atkh called “Uglies.” The film is currently in production and is an adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian YA book series that’s being directed by McG.
“My relationship with Netflix started five years ago with me in a state of disbelief that I was getting to lead one of their first original YA films.
The 21-year-old actress will produce and develop movies for Netflix through her production company, All The King’s Horses. The deal comes ahead of the release of “The Kissing Booth 3,” which debuts on Aug. 11.
King serves as a principal at Atkh, along with Jamie King and Dan Spilo also serving as principals. Tyler Frederickson is the production company’s development executive.
King is already executive producing a film for Netflix through Atkh called “Uglies.” The film is currently in production and is an adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian YA book series that’s being directed by McG.
“My relationship with Netflix started five years ago with me in a state of disbelief that I was getting to lead one of their first original YA films.
- 7/14/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Way back in 2016, when “Netflix movie” still sounded like a contradiction in terms, McG and producer Mary Viola’s Wonderland Sound and Vision began developing its first project for Netflix, “When We First Met.” As one of the first Netflix rom-coms, no one knew exactly what a Netflix rom-com was supposed to be; McG made it his mission to find out.
Netflix Original Independent Film VP Ian Bricke remembers that as soon as the deal closed, McG turned his high-energy patter toward trying to understand exactly what Netflix wanted from its original films — everything from demographics to the way the platform worked. “As a creative and as a businessman and a producer, he’s always looking around the corner — what’s the next thing?” said Bricke. “The fact that it was uncharted territory, the wild west, was part of the appeal for him.”
Five years on, and with six Netflix productions,...
Netflix Original Independent Film VP Ian Bricke remembers that as soon as the deal closed, McG turned his high-energy patter toward trying to understand exactly what Netflix wanted from its original films — everything from demographics to the way the platform worked. “As a creative and as a businessman and a producer, he’s always looking around the corner — what’s the next thing?” said Bricke. “The fact that it was uncharted territory, the wild west, was part of the appeal for him.”
Five years on, and with six Netflix productions,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Zak Hilditch.
After trying to find ways to reconfigure Airborne, a thriller set during a mid-flight pandemic, Zak Hilditch has given up, conceding Covid-19 is far more lethal and scarier than the scenario he envisaged.
The filmmaker had been developing the project formerly known as Celestial Blue since 2017, initally with his These Final Hours producer Liz Kearney, later joined by US producer Ross Dinerstein.
Backed by XYZ Films, he planned to shoot in Bulgaria. At an Australians in Film webinar with Ben Young and Natalie Erika James in May, he said: “I’ve had to rewrite the entire film because the fantastical virus that happens on that flight is nothing compared to what has actually happened.”
Today, however, at a Director’s Spotlight session at CinefestOZ in Busselton, he said: “It’s too much of a minefield. The time is not right and I’m not interested in it any more.
After trying to find ways to reconfigure Airborne, a thriller set during a mid-flight pandemic, Zak Hilditch has given up, conceding Covid-19 is far more lethal and scarier than the scenario he envisaged.
The filmmaker had been developing the project formerly known as Celestial Blue since 2017, initally with his These Final Hours producer Liz Kearney, later joined by US producer Ross Dinerstein.
Backed by XYZ Films, he planned to shoot in Bulgaria. At an Australians in Film webinar with Ben Young and Natalie Erika James in May, he said: “I’ve had to rewrite the entire film because the fantastical virus that happens on that flight is nothing compared to what has actually happened.”
Today, however, at a Director’s Spotlight session at CinefestOZ in Busselton, he said: “It’s too much of a minefield. The time is not right and I’m not interested in it any more.
- 8/27/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Natalie Erika James, Ben Young and Zak Hilditch.
Australian directors working on productions in the Us get far more time, money and resources than they were accustomed to at home.
But there’s a downside: Loss of creative freedom.
“I liken working in the American studio system to working on a two-hour television commercial where you have a lot of different voices telling you that you are not allowed to do things the way you want to,” says Ben Young, who directed Extinction for Netflix and was co-directing Clickbait for the streamer when production was shut down.
“In making an American film you have way less freedom but way more support. The level of support and resources you get in the Us is amazing but I miss the control I had in Australia.
“What I’m desperately searching for is that middle ground where I can have the toys and...
Australian directors working on productions in the Us get far more time, money and resources than they were accustomed to at home.
But there’s a downside: Loss of creative freedom.
“I liken working in the American studio system to working on a two-hour television commercial where you have a lot of different voices telling you that you are not allowed to do things the way you want to,” says Ben Young, who directed Extinction for Netflix and was co-directing Clickbait for the streamer when production was shut down.
“In making an American film you have way less freedom but way more support. The level of support and resources you get in the Us is amazing but I miss the control I had in Australia.
“What I’m desperately searching for is that middle ground where I can have the toys and...
- 5/24/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Annapurna Pictures’ president of film Ivana Lombardi is leaving for a new job as Netflix’s director of independent film, where she’ll oversee titles like the upcoming sequel to hit teen rom-com “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”
Lombardi joins Ian Bricke, who holds the same title, at the indie division. Like Bricke, she’ll report to Lisa Nishimura, VP of independent film and documentary features, when she starts the job November 6.
Nishimura was promoted to oversee the indie division in March. Prior to that, the division was led by Bricke and Matt Brodlie, who left Netflix to join Disney+ in June. Before Nishimura moved into her new role, the duo reported to Original Film head Scott Stuber and had full greenlight authority for all films budgeted under $10 million. These included titles like Tamara Jenkins’ “Private Life,” starring Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn as well as made-for-streaming...
Lombardi joins Ian Bricke, who holds the same title, at the indie division. Like Bricke, she’ll report to Lisa Nishimura, VP of independent film and documentary features, when she starts the job November 6.
Nishimura was promoted to oversee the indie division in March. Prior to that, the division was led by Bricke and Matt Brodlie, who left Netflix to join Disney+ in June. Before Nishimura moved into her new role, the duo reported to Original Film head Scott Stuber and had full greenlight authority for all films budgeted under $10 million. These included titles like Tamara Jenkins’ “Private Life,” starring Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn as well as made-for-streaming...
- 10/15/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs and pioneers on TheWrap’s 2019 Innovators List aren’t content with just telling groundbreaking stories or establishing successful ventures: They’re setting out to build empires and change the world.
Jordan Peele didn’t just direct a second feature that could rival “Get Out.” He had to prove he could do it all as a director, producer, activist and actor. Anna Serner didn’t just set an aggressive benchmark to achieve 50/50 gender parity, she created a system that ensured the rest of the industry was on board. For Matt Sacks, the 28-year-old head of Luminary, the goal wasn’t just to build a great podcast network but to build the next Netflix.
The individuals on this year’s list come from a variety of backgrounds and each have their own goals, but they all share an ambition to do something great and then surpass already lofty expectations.
Jordan Peele didn’t just direct a second feature that could rival “Get Out.” He had to prove he could do it all as a director, producer, activist and actor. Anna Serner didn’t just set an aggressive benchmark to achieve 50/50 gender parity, she created a system that ensured the rest of the industry was on board. For Matt Sacks, the 28-year-old head of Luminary, the goal wasn’t just to build a great podcast network but to build the next Netflix.
The individuals on this year’s list come from a variety of backgrounds and each have their own goals, but they all share an ambition to do something great and then surpass already lofty expectations.
- 6/5/2019
- by Sean Burch, Brian Welk, Jon Levine, Trey Williams and Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Brandon Riegg’s role also expands at streaming giant.
Lisa Nishimura, whose work overseeing documentaries has made her one of the star executives at Netflix, has been named vice-president of independent film and documentary features at the streamer.
Nishimura will oversee independent films, English and non-English documentary features and documentary shorts, and limited documentary series, such as Wild Wild Country and Our Planet.
She will continue to manage some of the historical projects she shepherded on the comedy and documentary series side. Having previously reported to vice-president of Original Series Cindy Holland, she now reports to vice-president of Original Film Scott Stuber.
Lisa Nishimura, whose work overseeing documentaries has made her one of the star executives at Netflix, has been named vice-president of independent film and documentary features at the streamer.
Nishimura will oversee independent films, English and non-English documentary features and documentary shorts, and limited documentary series, such as Wild Wild Country and Our Planet.
She will continue to manage some of the historical projects she shepherded on the comedy and documentary series side. Having previously reported to vice-president of Original Series Cindy Holland, she now reports to vice-president of Original Film Scott Stuber.
- 3/21/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Netflix announced Wednesday that it has moved Lisa Nishimura to Vice President of Indie Film and Documentary Features. She replaces Bela Bajaria, who is now overseeing the streaming service’s international non-English TV programming as part of an ongoing leadership shuffle.
Nishimura was previously in charge of Netflix’s comedy programming, and will continue to handle limited documentary series and shorts as well as feature-length docs. She will now report to Netflix’s VP of original film, Scott Stuber.
“Lisa blazed a trail within Netflix building our documentary and comedy initiatives, and we’re so lucky to have her expand her role into indie films,” said Stuber in a statement. “Lisa joins Matt Brodlie and Ian Bricke, who have built our indie film business over the last several years. Together they will continue to deepen our talent relationships and give diverse and unique storytellers a home to share their films.
Nishimura was previously in charge of Netflix’s comedy programming, and will continue to handle limited documentary series and shorts as well as feature-length docs. She will now report to Netflix’s VP of original film, Scott Stuber.
“Lisa blazed a trail within Netflix building our documentary and comedy initiatives, and we’re so lucky to have her expand her role into indie films,” said Stuber in a statement. “Lisa joins Matt Brodlie and Ian Bricke, who have built our indie film business over the last several years. Together they will continue to deepen our talent relationships and give diverse and unique storytellers a home to share their films.
- 3/21/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
In the wake of Bela Bajaria’s recent move to lead Netflix’s international non-English original TV series, the online streamer is shuffling its leadership team to more clearly distinguish between development of its English and non-English language content.
As a result, Netflix has elevated Lisa Nishimura to vice president of independent film and documentary features, a shift from her prior post as VP of original documentary and comedy programming. She will now oversee independent film, English and non-English documentary features, documentary shorts and limited documentary series such as “Wild Wild Country” and “Our Planet.” Several comedy and documentary series that she was developing will be grandfathered into her project slate.
“Lisa blazed a trail within Netflix building our documentary and comedy initiatives, and we’re so lucky to have her expand her role into indie films,” said Netflix’s VP of original film, Scott Stuber, in a statement. “Lisa...
As a result, Netflix has elevated Lisa Nishimura to vice president of independent film and documentary features, a shift from her prior post as VP of original documentary and comedy programming. She will now oversee independent film, English and non-English documentary features, documentary shorts and limited documentary series such as “Wild Wild Country” and “Our Planet.” Several comedy and documentary series that she was developing will be grandfathered into her project slate.
“Lisa blazed a trail within Netflix building our documentary and comedy initiatives, and we’re so lucky to have her expand her role into indie films,” said Netflix’s VP of original film, Scott Stuber, in a statement. “Lisa...
- 3/21/2019
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
After recently consolidating its original series/specials operation into English-language originals under VP Cindy Holland and non-English-language ones under Bela Bajaria, Netflix continues to streamline its executive ranks with new responsibilities for Lisa Nishimura, VP Original Documentary and Comedy Programming, and Brandon Riegg, VP Unscripted Originals & Acquisitions.
Nishimura, one of Netflix’s best known executives, who is credited with acclaimed documentaries including Icarus, The 13th and The White Helmets as well as hugely popular docuseries Making A Murderer and Wild Wild Country, will become VP Independent Film & Documentary Features. She will oversee independent films, English & non-English documentary features, documentary shorts and limited documentary series (such as Wild Wild Country and Our Planet).
Nishimura, who in her dual previous role also oversaw comedy specials, reported to VP of Original Series Holland. With a focus on film, she will now report to VP of Original Film Scott Stuber, who runs Netflix’s film group.
Nishimura, one of Netflix’s best known executives, who is credited with acclaimed documentaries including Icarus, The 13th and The White Helmets as well as hugely popular docuseries Making A Murderer and Wild Wild Country, will become VP Independent Film & Documentary Features. She will oversee independent films, English & non-English documentary features, documentary shorts and limited documentary series (such as Wild Wild Country and Our Planet).
Nishimura, who in her dual previous role also oversaw comedy specials, reported to VP of Original Series Holland. With a focus on film, she will now report to VP of Original Film Scott Stuber, who runs Netflix’s film group.
- 3/21/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix carved out another successful lane last year, planting its flag in the romantic comedy genre, with hits like “Set It Up” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Now the streaming giant is ready to move on to “Someone Great.”
Netflix released the first trailer for its latest rom-com, “Someone Great,” on Wednesday.
The film, which was directed by first-time feature film director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, stars Gina Rodriguez, Lakeith Stanfield, Brittany Snow and DeWanda Wise (“She’s Gotta Have It”).
Also Read: Isn't It Romantic? Inside the Resurgence of the Beloved Rom-Com
In the trailer, aspiring music journalist Jenny (Rodriguez) is devastated when her boyfriend of nine years (Stanfield) decides to call it quits rather than do long-distance after Jenny lands her dream job at an iconic magazine in San Francisco. Cue the friends.
“Basically I just really want you to call your place of work...
Netflix released the first trailer for its latest rom-com, “Someone Great,” on Wednesday.
The film, which was directed by first-time feature film director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, stars Gina Rodriguez, Lakeith Stanfield, Brittany Snow and DeWanda Wise (“She’s Gotta Have It”).
Also Read: Isn't It Romantic? Inside the Resurgence of the Beloved Rom-Com
In the trailer, aspiring music journalist Jenny (Rodriguez) is devastated when her boyfriend of nine years (Stanfield) decides to call it quits rather than do long-distance after Jenny lands her dream job at an iconic magazine in San Francisco. Cue the friends.
“Basically I just really want you to call your place of work...
- 3/6/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
About two weeks after Netflix released its hit summer romantic comedy “Set It Up,” screenwriter Dana Fox got a call to dust off an old rom-com screenplay — because the genre was back, baby!
After successes like “The Wedding Date,” “What Happens in Vegas” and “How to Be Single,” Fox went through years of struggle to get a rom-com made in the era of superhero blockbusters. But between Netflix and the surge of love for “Crazy Rich Asians,” the often-mocked genre is cool again — and Fox’s latest script, “Isn’t It Romantic,” hopes to ride the wave.
“I had been beaten up by studios so many times when I was trying to get movies made. I was told ‘we’re not making romantic comedies right now. It’s just not happening,'” Fox told TheWrap.
The meta Rebel Wilson comedy, which both embraces and mocks rom-com tropes, will try to...
After successes like “The Wedding Date,” “What Happens in Vegas” and “How to Be Single,” Fox went through years of struggle to get a rom-com made in the era of superhero blockbusters. But between Netflix and the surge of love for “Crazy Rich Asians,” the often-mocked genre is cool again — and Fox’s latest script, “Isn’t It Romantic,” hopes to ride the wave.
“I had been beaten up by studios so many times when I was trying to get movies made. I was told ‘we’re not making romantic comedies right now. It’s just not happening,'” Fox told TheWrap.
The meta Rebel Wilson comedy, which both embraces and mocks rom-com tropes, will try to...
- 2/15/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Sheroum Kim, a vice president of production at Stx Films, has been named director of independent films at Netflix.
The latest in a string of pedigreed hires in the content group at the streamer, Kim will report to content acquisitions head Matt Brodlie as soon as next week. Brodlie is also the co-head of the indie film division along with Ian Bricke.
Stx titles that Kim helped shepherd include “Adrift,” starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, “I Feel Pretty” with Amy Schumer, and Hailee Steinfeld’s “The Edge of Seventeen.”
Kim has done stints at the Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips shop 22nd & Indiana Pictures, Warner Bros., and the talent agency Wme. The news was first reported by Deadline.
The latest in a string of pedigreed hires in the content group at the streamer, Kim will report to content acquisitions head Matt Brodlie as soon as next week. Brodlie is also the co-head of the indie film division along with Ian Bricke.
Stx titles that Kim helped shepherd include “Adrift,” starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, “I Feel Pretty” with Amy Schumer, and Hailee Steinfeld’s “The Edge of Seventeen.”
Kim has done stints at the Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips shop 22nd & Indiana Pictures, Warner Bros., and the talent agency Wme. The news was first reported by Deadline.
- 1/9/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Sheroum Kim, a senior vp production at Stx, has been named director of independent films at Netflix, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Kim, who will be based in the streamer's Los Angeles office, will be a part of the content acquisition team headed by Ian Bricke and Matt Brodlie. She will report directly to Brodlie.
Kim joined Stx in 2014, and has since worked on The Edge of Seventeen, Amy Schumer's I Feel Pretty and the recent Jennifer Lopez comedy Second Act. Prior to joining Stx, she was head of development at 22 & Indiana Pictures.
Kim's hire ...
Kim, who will be based in the streamer's Los Angeles office, will be a part of the content acquisition team headed by Ian Bricke and Matt Brodlie. She will report directly to Brodlie.
Kim joined Stx in 2014, and has since worked on The Edge of Seventeen, Amy Schumer's I Feel Pretty and the recent Jennifer Lopez comedy Second Act. Prior to joining Stx, she was head of development at 22 & Indiana Pictures.
Kim's hire ...
Sheroum Kim, a senior vp production at Stx, has been named director of independent films at Netflix, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Kim, who will be based in the streamer's Los Angeles office, will be a part of the content acquisition team headed by Ian Bricke and Matt Brodlie. She will report directly to Brodlie.
Kim joined Stx in 2014, and has since worked on The Edge of Seventeen, Amy Schumer's I Feel Pretty and the recent Jennifer Lopez comedy Second Act. Prior to joining Stx, she was head of development at 22 & Indiana Pictures.
Kim's hire ...
Kim, who will be based in the streamer's Los Angeles office, will be a part of the content acquisition team headed by Ian Bricke and Matt Brodlie. She will report directly to Brodlie.
Kim joined Stx in 2014, and has since worked on The Edge of Seventeen, Amy Schumer's I Feel Pretty and the recent Jennifer Lopez comedy Second Act. Prior to joining Stx, she was head of development at 22 & Indiana Pictures.
Kim's hire ...
With feel-good love stories like Set It Up and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Netflix delivered a romantic comedy run this summer that breathed new life into a fading genre. And as co-heads of the platform's indie film group under Scott Stuber, Matt Brodlie, 50, and Ian Bricke, 43, unintentionally heated up the rom-com market. "It's becoming more competitive," says Brodlie. Netflix has at least three new rom-coms poised for a similar breakout in the queue for 2019 — Gina Rodriguez's Someone Great, Ali Wong and Randall Park's Always Be My Maybe and K.J....
- 12/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With feel-good love stories like Set It Up and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Netflix delivered a romantic comedy run this summer that breathed new life into a fading genre. And as co-heads of the platform's indie film group under Scott Stuber, Matt Brodlie, 50, and Ian Bricke, 43, unintentionally heated up the rom-com market. "It's becoming more competitive," says Brodlie. Netflix has at least three new rom-coms poised for a similar breakout in the queue for 2019 — Gina Rodriguez's Someone Great, Ali Wong and Randall Park's Always Be My Maybe and K.J....
- 12/21/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The film is being produced by Mark Johnson and Pablo Larrain.
Claudia Llosa, the director of the Oscar-nominated The Milk Of Sorrow, is set to become the first Peruvian filmmaker to direct a Netflix film with the Spanish-language Distancia De Rescate. It is based on the novel ‘Fever Dream’ by Argentinian writer Samantha Schweblin who co-wrote the screenplay with Llosa.
The film is being produced by Mark Johnson and Tom Williams for Gran Via Production, with Juan and Pablo Larrain’s Fabula Productions, which won this year’s foreign-language Oscar for the A Fantastic Woman for Chile.
Production is scheduled...
Claudia Llosa, the director of the Oscar-nominated The Milk Of Sorrow, is set to become the first Peruvian filmmaker to direct a Netflix film with the Spanish-language Distancia De Rescate. It is based on the novel ‘Fever Dream’ by Argentinian writer Samantha Schweblin who co-wrote the screenplay with Llosa.
The film is being produced by Mark Johnson and Tom Williams for Gran Via Production, with Juan and Pablo Larrain’s Fabula Productions, which won this year’s foreign-language Oscar for the A Fantastic Woman for Chile.
Production is scheduled...
- 12/11/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Claudia Llosa, director of Oscar-nominated drama The Milk Of Sorrow (La Teta Asustada) will be the first Peruvian director of a Netflix film. Spanish-language drama Distancia de Rescate, based on the novel Fever Dream by Argentine author Samanta Schweblin, is due to begin production in Chile in early 2019 from a script co-written by Llosa and Schweblin.
The film will be produced by Rain Man and Breaking Bad producer Mark Johnson and Tom Williams for Johnson’s Gran Via Productions, working in conjunction with Juan and Pablo Larrain’s Fabula Productions of Santiago, winner of the foreign-language Oscar for A Fantastic Woman.
Set in a sleepy, rural community in Argentina, the film will tell the haunting story of broken souls, toxins, looming environmental and spiritual catastrophes, and the ties that bind a parent to a child.
“The film will portray the love and fear surrounding motherhood through a complex feminine prism,...
The film will be produced by Rain Man and Breaking Bad producer Mark Johnson and Tom Williams for Johnson’s Gran Via Productions, working in conjunction with Juan and Pablo Larrain’s Fabula Productions of Santiago, winner of the foreign-language Oscar for A Fantastic Woman.
Set in a sleepy, rural community in Argentina, the film will tell the haunting story of broken souls, toxins, looming environmental and spiritual catastrophes, and the ties that bind a parent to a child.
“The film will portray the love and fear surrounding motherhood through a complex feminine prism,...
- 12/11/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is looking to bolster its film division by hiring highly regarded production executive Tendo Nagenda away from Disney.
It’s not a done deal, but Nagenda would work under Scott Stuber, who was brought on to lead the company’s flush with cash film division last March. Nagenda would serve as Netflix’s head of production.
After serving as a senior creative executive since 2010, Nagenda was promoted to executive VP of production two years ago, where he oversaw such films as “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Queen of Katwe,” “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Cinderella,” “Dumbo,” and the upcoming” Mulan.”
Also Read: Netflix CFO David Wells to Step Down
He would be responsible for helping to build a similar slate for Netflix. Some of Netflix’s upcoming and most-anticipated films include Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” Amy Poehler’s “Wine Country,” and “6 Underground,...
It’s not a done deal, but Nagenda would work under Scott Stuber, who was brought on to lead the company’s flush with cash film division last March. Nagenda would serve as Netflix’s head of production.
After serving as a senior creative executive since 2010, Nagenda was promoted to executive VP of production two years ago, where he oversaw such films as “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Queen of Katwe,” “A Wrinkle in Time,” “Cinderella,” “Dumbo,” and the upcoming” Mulan.”
Also Read: Netflix CFO David Wells to Step Down
He would be responsible for helping to build a similar slate for Netflix. Some of Netflix’s upcoming and most-anticipated films include Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” Amy Poehler’s “Wine Country,” and “6 Underground,...
- 8/25/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Sources tell Deadline that Netflix is about to score a coup by hiring well-regarded Disney production exec Tendo Nagenda to become head of production for Scott Stuber and his big-budget film division.
From what I understand, Stuber and his team are doing some serious celebrating, having Nagenda join Netflix and its burgeoning film production slate. Nagenda spent the past 8 1/2 years at Disney, where he has had a strong hand in the resurgence of its live-action brand under Alan Horn and Sean Bailey. While there, Nagenda shepherded such films as Saving Mr. Banks, Beauty and the Beast, Queen of Katwe, A Wrinkle in Time, Cinderella, Dumbo and the upcoming Mulan.
Now he will come to Netflix and work under Stuber to build the slate. Over the next 12 months, the streaming service has Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma, Paul Greengrass’s 22 July, Susanne Bier’s Bird Box, Jc Chandor’s Triple Frontier,...
From what I understand, Stuber and his team are doing some serious celebrating, having Nagenda join Netflix and its burgeoning film production slate. Nagenda spent the past 8 1/2 years at Disney, where he has had a strong hand in the resurgence of its live-action brand under Alan Horn and Sean Bailey. While there, Nagenda shepherded such films as Saving Mr. Banks, Beauty and the Beast, Queen of Katwe, A Wrinkle in Time, Cinderella, Dumbo and the upcoming Mulan.
Now he will come to Netflix and work under Stuber to build the slate. Over the next 12 months, the streaming service has Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma, Paul Greengrass’s 22 July, Susanne Bier’s Bird Box, Jc Chandor’s Triple Frontier,...
- 8/24/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has signed an exclusive multi-year first-look deal with leading Danish producer Kim Magnusson to produce original feature films from the Nordic region. The projects, which will be produced, predominantly, in their local languages, will be released globally on the streaming platform. Magnusson will work with both established filmmakers and new talent.
Magnusson has produced or executive produced more than 125 movies and TV series, including Zoe Saldana’s “I Kill Giants,” Mads Mikkelsen’s “Men and Chicken,” J.K. Simmons’ “Worlds Apart,” “Headhunter,” “Terkel in Trouble,” Pilou Asbæk’s “R” and Nicolas Winding Refn’s three “Pusher” films. He has been Oscar-nominated in the live-action short film category six times, winning with “Election Night” and “Helium.” He received an Emmy for the film “Island on Bird Street.”
In a statement, Ian Bricke, Netflix’s director of content acquisition, said Magnusson had “incredibly strong relationships with talent in Scandinavia, and a proven...
Magnusson has produced or executive produced more than 125 movies and TV series, including Zoe Saldana’s “I Kill Giants,” Mads Mikkelsen’s “Men and Chicken,” J.K. Simmons’ “Worlds Apart,” “Headhunter,” “Terkel in Trouble,” Pilou Asbæk’s “R” and Nicolas Winding Refn’s three “Pusher” films. He has been Oscar-nominated in the live-action short film category six times, winning with “Election Night” and “Helium.” He received an Emmy for the film “Island on Bird Street.”
In a statement, Ian Bricke, Netflix’s director of content acquisition, said Magnusson had “incredibly strong relationships with talent in Scandinavia, and a proven...
- 5/22/2018
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The streamer gets worldwide rights to projects including a Ray Romano bromance.
Longtime independent Us filmmakers Jay and Mark Duplass have signed a deal giving Netflix worldwide rights to four of their upcoming projects.
The deal will kick off with the release later this year of an as yet untitled project starring Ray Romano and Mark Duplass. Described by Netflix as “a bittersweet bromance about friendship, mortality and made-up sports,” the film recently finished production.
Alex Lehman directed from a script he wrote with the Duplass brothers. Mel Eslyn, president of the Duplass Brothers company, is producing with Alana Carithers and Sean Bradley.
The Duplass’ relationship with Netflix goes back to 2005, when the brothers’ first feature, The Puffy Chair, was acquired and co-distributed by Netflix’s Red Envelope Entertainment operation.
In 2015 the brothers signed an Svod deal with Netflix covering Lehman’s first feature Blue Jay, Take Me, Creep 2 and the upcoming Duck Butter and [link=tt...
Longtime independent Us filmmakers Jay and Mark Duplass have signed a deal giving Netflix worldwide rights to four of their upcoming projects.
The deal will kick off with the release later this year of an as yet untitled project starring Ray Romano and Mark Duplass. Described by Netflix as “a bittersweet bromance about friendship, mortality and made-up sports,” the film recently finished production.
Alex Lehman directed from a script he wrote with the Duplass brothers. Mel Eslyn, president of the Duplass Brothers company, is producing with Alana Carithers and Sean Bradley.
The Duplass’ relationship with Netflix goes back to 2005, when the brothers’ first feature, The Puffy Chair, was acquired and co-distributed by Netflix’s Red Envelope Entertainment operation.
In 2015 the brothers signed an Svod deal with Netflix covering Lehman’s first feature Blue Jay, Take Me, Creep 2 and the upcoming Duck Butter and [link=tt...
- 2/22/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
The Duplass Brothers Shot a Secret Movie With Ray Romano as Part of a Four-Picture Deal With Netflix
You might not know it if you haven’t seen “Parenthood” or “The Big Sick,” but Ray Romano has been delivering great performances since a certain sitcom ended. Two people who do know it are the Duplass Brothers, who are working on the imaginatively titled “Untitled Duplass Brothers Ray Romano Project” as part of a four-picture deal with Netflix. Alex Lehmann (“Blue Jay”) is directing the project, the title of which is obviously not final.
Described as “a bittersweet bromance about friendship, mortality, and made-up sports,” the project was co-written by Lehmann and Mark Duplass, who also co-stars alongside Romano. It’ll be released later this year.
“Turns out when you make films for Netflix, millions of people all over the world watch them. This is not a terrible thing for an independent filmmaker. As Netflix continues to grow and develop new ways to reach viewers, we couldn’t be...
Described as “a bittersweet bromance about friendship, mortality, and made-up sports,” the project was co-written by Lehmann and Mark Duplass, who also co-stars alongside Romano. It’ll be released later this year.
“Turns out when you make films for Netflix, millions of people all over the world watch them. This is not a terrible thing for an independent filmmaker. As Netflix continues to grow and develop new ways to reach viewers, we couldn’t be...
- 2/21/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
On opening night of Sundance 2018, writer-director Tamara Jenkins premiered her new film “Private Life” to rave reviews. The New York drama was headed for derailment when she submitted it to Netflix Indie Content directors of content Ian Bricke and his lieutenant Matt Levin; they loved her script about an infertile middle-aged couple (Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn) desperately trying to have a child by any means necessary. The drama turned out so well that Netflix is holding it for the fall festival circuit.
Among those in Eccles Theater seeing “Private Life” for the first time was Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. That’s because if a film is budgeted under $10 million, he delegates full greenlight authority to Bricke, who pushed the $9 million “Private Life” into production and approved the last-minute casting of unknown actress Kayli Carter.
Netflix’s Indie Content film team is also bringing (if not to a...
Among those in Eccles Theater seeing “Private Life” for the first time was Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. That’s because if a film is budgeted under $10 million, he delegates full greenlight authority to Bricke, who pushed the $9 million “Private Life” into production and approved the last-minute casting of unknown actress Kayli Carter.
Netflix’s Indie Content film team is also bringing (if not to a...
- 1/28/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
On opening night of Sundance 2018, writer-director Tamara Jenkins premiered her new film “Private Life” to rave reviews. The New York drama was headed for derailment when she submitted it to Netflix Indie Content directors of content Ian Bricke and his lieutenant Matt Levin; they loved her script about an infertile middle-aged couple (Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn) desperately trying to have a child by any means necessary. The drama turned out so well that Netflix is holding it for the fall festival circuit.
Read More:a Decade After ‘The Savages,’ Tamara Jenkins Returns to Sundance With a Personal Netflix Film
Among those in Eccles Theater seeing “Private Life” for the first time was Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. That’s because if a film is budgeted under $10 million, he delegates full greenlight authority to Bricke, who pushed the $9 million “Private Life” into production and approved the last-minute casting of unknown actress Kayli Carter.
Read More:a Decade After ‘The Savages,’ Tamara Jenkins Returns to Sundance With a Personal Netflix Film
Among those in Eccles Theater seeing “Private Life” for the first time was Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. That’s because if a film is budgeted under $10 million, he delegates full greenlight authority to Bricke, who pushed the $9 million “Private Life” into production and approved the last-minute casting of unknown actress Kayli Carter.
- 1/28/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Netflix and The Orchard have released the trailer for their upcoming comedy “Take Me.” The film, which is executive produced by the Duplass brothers, marks the feature directorial debut for “Magnolia” and “Cheap Thrills” actor Pat Healy, who also stars alongside Taylor Schilling. “Take Me” will have its world premiere later this month at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Read More: Mark Duplass Talks to Glenn Beck About Being a ‘Libtard’ in Crazy Podcast — Listen
Written by Mike Makowsky (“I Think We’re Alone Now”), “Take Me” follows Ray (Healy), a man who gets paid by people to kidnap them just for the “simulated experience of a high-stakes subduction,” as he explains in the trailer. But, when he gets hired to kidnap a woman (Schilling), things do not turn out as expected.
The film also stars Alycia Delmore. It is produced by Mel Eslyn and Sev Ohanian, and co-produced by Natalie Qasabian.
Read More: Mark Duplass Talks to Glenn Beck About Being a ‘Libtard’ in Crazy Podcast — Listen
Written by Mike Makowsky (“I Think We’re Alone Now”), “Take Me” follows Ray (Healy), a man who gets paid by people to kidnap them just for the “simulated experience of a high-stakes subduction,” as he explains in the trailer. But, when he gets hired to kidnap a woman (Schilling), things do not turn out as expected.
The film also stars Alycia Delmore. It is produced by Mel Eslyn and Sev Ohanian, and co-produced by Natalie Qasabian.
- 4/10/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Streaming platform in multi-million dollar deal for Cargo from The Babadook producers.
Netflix has taken world rights to Martin Freeman zombie movie Cargo, in what is understood to be a multi-million dollar deal.
The film, from the producers of The Babadook, will be the first Australian film to sit under Netflix’s Originals banner.
The SVoD giant, which declined to comment on the acquisition, swooped on the film after seeing a three-minute promo.
CAA, UTA and Bankside Films represented the filmmakers in the deal with Ian Bricke negotiating on behalf of Netflix.
Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s debut, based on their short film which garnered 12 millions views online, charts the story of a father, played by The Hobbit and Sherlock star Freeman, who is stranded in rural Australia with only 48 hours to find a new home for his baby daughter, after being infected in the wake of a violent pandemic.
Freeman, who will...
Netflix has taken world rights to Martin Freeman zombie movie Cargo, in what is understood to be a multi-million dollar deal.
The film, from the producers of The Babadook, will be the first Australian film to sit under Netflix’s Originals banner.
The SVoD giant, which declined to comment on the acquisition, swooped on the film after seeing a three-minute promo.
CAA, UTA and Bankside Films represented the filmmakers in the deal with Ian Bricke negotiating on behalf of Netflix.
Yolanda Ramke and Ben Howling’s debut, based on their short film which garnered 12 millions views online, charts the story of a father, played by The Hobbit and Sherlock star Freeman, who is stranded in rural Australia with only 48 hours to find a new home for his baby daughter, after being infected in the wake of a violent pandemic.
Freeman, who will...
- 2/10/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Heading to Sundance next week is Sydney Freeland’s coming-of-age dramedy “Deidra & Laney Rob a Train,” starring newcomers Ashleigh Murray and Rachel Crow.
The movie follows Deidra, a whip-smart high school senior, and her younger sister Laney who, after their mother Marigold (Danielle Nicolet) is thrown in jail for a minor offense, hatch a plan to rob trains to get money and support their family. Things seem to be working out for them until a railroad detective (Tim Blake Nelson) starts sniffing around.
Written by Shelby Farrell, “Deidra & Laney Rob a Train” also co-stars Sasheer Zamata, David Sullivan, Missi Pyle, Arturo Castro, Brooke Markham and Sharon Lawrence.
Read More: ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’ Filmmaker Macon Blair Turns His Talents Behind the Camera — Sundance Springboard
Murray previously mentioned that she hopes the film helps audiences see that people can always get through hard times – just don’t break the law.
The movie follows Deidra, a whip-smart high school senior, and her younger sister Laney who, after their mother Marigold (Danielle Nicolet) is thrown in jail for a minor offense, hatch a plan to rob trains to get money and support their family. Things seem to be working out for them until a railroad detective (Tim Blake Nelson) starts sniffing around.
Written by Shelby Farrell, “Deidra & Laney Rob a Train” also co-stars Sasheer Zamata, David Sullivan, Missi Pyle, Arturo Castro, Brooke Markham and Sharon Lawrence.
Read More: ‘I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore’ Filmmaker Macon Blair Turns His Talents Behind the Camera — Sundance Springboard
Murray previously mentioned that she hopes the film helps audiences see that people can always get through hard times – just don’t break the law.
- 1/19/2017
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Sundance Institute Announces Participants & Projects For Weeklong Creative Film Producing Initiative
Today, the Sundance Institute announces the participants for its weeklong Creative Film Producing Initiative at the Sundance Resort in Utah. This includes 11 feature film and documentary projects for the Creative Producing Labs, and more than 50 industry leaders for the Creative Producing Summit. The Institute’s Creative Producing Initiative encompasses a year-round series of Labs and Fellowships, nurturing the next generation of independent producers so that they can help sustain and support the vibrancy of independent film.
Read More: Sundance Institute Announces Projects For Its 2016 Screenwriters Lab, Doc Edit and Story Labs & Theatre-Makers Residency
The Feature Film Creative Producing Lab takes place from August 1st through 5th. It identifies emerging producers and, under the guidance of Creative Advisors, allows them to develop their creative instincts and evolve their skills at all stages of the project. Lab Fellows continue on through the Creative Producing Summit and receive ongoing yearlong mentorship, granting, and...
Read More: Sundance Institute Announces Projects For Its 2016 Screenwriters Lab, Doc Edit and Story Labs & Theatre-Makers Residency
The Feature Film Creative Producing Lab takes place from August 1st through 5th. It identifies emerging producers and, under the guidance of Creative Advisors, allows them to develop their creative instincts and evolve their skills at all stages of the project. Lab Fellows continue on through the Creative Producing Summit and receive ongoing yearlong mentorship, granting, and...
- 7/18/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Read More: 9 Modern Black-and-White Films to Watch on Netflix This Summer Netflix has upped its indie game by acquiring a slew of film projects for worldwide distribution. As Deadline reports, the streaming service has invested in several independent projects with budgets under $2 million a piece. The company is currently searching for more independent titles to boost, making the list below just the start of a bigger shift towards indie development within the company. Overseen by Ian Bricke, Netflix's Director of Content Acquisition, the initiative hopes to empower filmmakers as much as possible and provide producers with the rights to make deals for complementary theatrical releases. Take a look at the trio of projects below, which will join films like "Beasts of No Nation" and the previously announced movies being produced under Netflix's deal with the Duplass Brothers. Title: Untitled Electronic Music Project Cast: Sarah Hyland...
- 7/9/2015
- by Jessica Cariaga
- Indiewire
Sundance Institute today announced the participants for its annual Creative Producing Labs and Creative Producing Summit, both held the week of July 28 at the Sundance Resort in Sundance, Utah. These activities are part of the Institute’s year-round Creative Producing Initiative, which encompasses a series of Labs, Fellowships and other signature events that support independent producers. The Creative Producing Labs and Summit wrap the summer season of 10 residential Labs hosted in Utah by Sundance Institute, collectively representing 15 weeks of residency support and mentorship for the most promising new independent film and theater projects from the United States and around the world.
Nine films, both documentary and narrative, will participate in the Labs (July 28 – August 1), where they will work with an accomplished group of Creative Advisors to develop their creative producing, communication and problem-solving skills in all stages of film production. These Producing Fellows will also receive ongoing creative and strategic support throughout the year, as well as direct granting for further development and production. This year’s Fellows represent nine projects identified by Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program and Documentary Film Program. Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute, said, ”Independent producers play a critical role in discovering, fighting for and shaping original voices. Sundance Institute is committed to developing and supporting independent producers whose skills and tenacity are critical to maintaining the health and vibrancy of independent film.”
Immediately following the Labs, the Summit (August 1-4) takes place. The Creative Producing Summit is a three-day, invitation-only gathering that connects 40 independent filmmakers with more than 50 top film industry professionals including producers, distributors, sales agents, financiers and broadcasters to build a dialogue on film producing and the state of the independent film industry. Programmed events include case study sessions, panels, roundtable discussions, one-on-one meetings and pitching sessions. Panelists this year include Michael Barker (Sony Pictures Classics), Christine Vachon (Killer Films), Tom Quinn (Radius-twc), Paul Mezey (Journeyman Pictures), Rena Ronson (UTA), Ron Yerxa (Bona Fide Productions),
Diane Weyermann (Participant), Jessica Lacy (ICM), John Sloss (Cinetic), Jess Search (BritDoc), Kevin Iwashina (Preferred Content), Lois Vossen (Independent Lens), Ian Bricke (Netflix) and Josh Braun (Submarine).
Feature Film Creative Producing Lab
The Feature Film Creative Producing Lab allows emerging narrative feature film producers to work with an accomplished group of Creative Advisors to develop their creative and strategic instincts and skills in all stages of film production. This year’s Creative Advisors include producers Paul Mezey ("Beasts of the Southern Wild"),Pam Koffler ("Boys Don’t Cry"), Jay Van Hoy ("Love is Strange") and Julie Lynn ("Albert Nobbs").
The Fellows and projects selected for the 2014 Feature Film Creative Producing Fellowship are:
Black Bats
Producing Fellows: Adam Hendricks and John Lang
Feeling cast out from society, two teens form a romantic relationship under the belief that they’re transforming into monsters. What begins as fantasy ends with horrific consequences as they both lose touch with reality. (Writer/Director: Rick Spears)
Adam Hendricks has had over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, including development positions at The Jinks/Cohen Company and Macari Edelstein Entertainment. Adam left development to raise financing and produce the independent feature film Caroline and Jackie (Tribeca Ff 2012). He developed and produced a variety of web series for Fourth Wall Studios, including Dirty Work, winner of the 2012 Emmy for Original Interactive Programming. In 2013, Adam partnered with John Lang to form Divide & Conquer, a production company specializing in independent films, as well as commercials for clients including Ford, EA Sports and Victory Motorcycles.
John Lang began his career in Austin, Texas, working with the Austin Cinemathéque and South by Southwest Film Festival. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2008, John has worked in a variety of fields within the film industry including production, development, festivals, and sales. In 2011, John joined Rough & Tumble Films as a development and production executive, where he co-produced We Gotta Get Outta this Place (Tiff 2013). In 2013, John partnered with Adam Hendricks to form the commercial and feature film production company, Divide & Conquer.
I’m No Longer Here
Producing Fellows: Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam
Following the death of his older brother, a teenage Mexican boy is forced to migrate to New York City. When he arrives, he quickly realizes that the violence plaguing his home is no match for the feelings of alienation and loneliness he experiences in America. (Writer/Director: Fernando Frias)
Gerry Kim & Mayuran Tiruchelvam formed Dodgeville Films to produce humanistic narrative and documentary films. Their most recent documentary, "To Be Takei," a portrait of actor/activist GeorgeTakei, premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Starz Digital Media. Gerry produced House of Suh, a feature documentary that premiered at HotDocs in 2010 and aired on MSNBC. Mayuran wrote and co-produced "The Girl is in Trouble," executive produced by Spike Lee, and line-produced "The Mend," which premiered at SXSW in 2014. In addition to " I’m No Longer Here," Gerry and Mayuran are developing Christina Choeʼs Nancy, which was selected for the 2013 Ifp Emerging Storytellers Lab, the 2013 Venice Film Festivalʼs Biennale College Cinema Program, and Film Independentʼs Fast Track. They are in post-production on the documentary Farewell, Ferris Wheel, a participant in the 2014 Film Independent Documentary Lab. They received their MFAs from Columbia University in New York City.
Microchip Blues
Producing Fellow: Riel Roch Decter
Fed up with his mundane existence working at the microchip factory, Jimmy teams up with a washed up mystic scientist to build the world's fastest microchip, win back his ex-girlfriend and save his factory from going quantum. (Writer/Director: Aaron Beckum)
Riel Roch Decter is a Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based producer and the Co-Founder of Memory, a new media and film company. Riel began his career as the Director of Production for the independent production company Olympus Pictures working on such films a "Rabbit Hole" and "Beginners." He has produced numerous awarding-winning films including the short "Night Giant"and the feature film The Wait, starring Jena Malone and Chloë Sevigny which premiered at SXSW 2013.
Tracktown, USA
Producing Fellow: Laura Wagner
In a small American town obsessed with competitive running, a famous but sheltered and lonely young runner rebels against her parents, coach and everything she’s ever known in the midst of her first Olympic Trials. (Co-Writer/Director: Jeremy Teicher, Co-Writer: Alexi Pappas)
Laura Wagner is an independent producer, founder of Bay Bridge Productions and current resident at San Francisco Film Society’s FilmHouse. She recently produced the feature film"It Felt Like Love" by Eliza Hittman, which premiered at Sundance in 2013 and opened in theaters in 2014. She also produced the film "Memorial Day" by Josh Fox, and she was Associate Producer of the documentary "John Leguizamo: Tales from a Ghetto Klown," which premiered on PBS and "Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey," the award-winning Imax film directed by the creators of "Stomp."
We the Animals
Mark Silverman Honoree & Producing Fellow: Jeremy Yaches
Based on the bestselling novel by Justin Torres,We the Animals is about the brutal yet loving dynamic of a mixed-race working class family, seen through the eyes of the youngest son, as he discovers his heritage, his sexuality and his madness. (Co-Writer/Director: Jeremiah Zagar, Co-Writer: Dan Kitrosser)
Jeremy Yaches is an Emmy-nominated producer and co-founder of Public Record, a production company that specializes in film, TV, branded content, and commercials. He produced the award-winning documentary "In A Dream," which has screened all over the world and was broadcast on HBO. A graduate of Boston University, Jeremy lives and works in Brooklyn.
Documentary Film Creative Producing Lab
The Documentary Film Creative Producing Lab allows documentary filmmakers to work intensively with award-winning Creative Advisors to hone their craft. The Lab includes sessions on financing, creative distribution, marketing and outreach for independent documentary films. This year’s Creative Advisors include Producers Bonni Cohen ("The Island President"), Brenda Coughlin ("Dirty Wars"), Josh Penn (Court 13) in addition to Nancy Willen (Acme PR), Jess Search (Britdoc), and Josh Braun (Submarine).
The Fellows and projects selected for the 2014 Documentary Film Creative Producing Fellowship are:
Transgender Youth Documentary
Director: Eric Juhola
Producer: Jeremy Stulberg
The Mathis Family in Colorado Springs struggle when their 6-year-old transgender daughter, Coy, is banned from the girl's bathroom at her elementary school. Coy's parents hire a lawyer to fight back and the family is thrust into the media spotlight, causing their lives to change forever.
Eric Juhola founded the film and television production company Still Point Pictures and produced the Gotham Award nominated documentary "Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa," winning 8 best documentary prizes at festivals around the world, followed by a theatrical release and Us broadcast on the Sundance Channel. Eric has additionally directed and produced documentaries and specials for Itvs/PBS, Discovery Channel, MTV, TLC, and TruTV, and has been featured at many film festivals including Tribeca.
Jeremy Stulberg is a documentary filmmaker, writer, and motion picture editor. His feature documentary, "Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa," co-directed with his sister Randy, screened at over 40 film festivals in the Us and Europe Jeremy has produced and edited award winning documentaries and feature films such as "My Mother’s Garden" (HotDocs, MSNBC) and "White Horse" (Berlin Ff 2008, HBO).
(T)error
Co-Directors/Producers: Lyric R. Cabral & David Felix Sutcliffe
"(T)error" is the inside story of ******, an active counterterrorism informant for the FBI. Filmed on the ground, it captures the dramatic unraveling of the informant's 20-year career with the Bureau after the target of his investigation realizes that he’s been set up.
Named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film, Lyric R. Cabral is an independent documentary filmmaker and photojournalist based in New York City. Cabral's photography has been recently published through the Gordon Parks Foundation, the Aperture Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution Photography Initiative, and National Geographic Channel UK.
David Felix Sutcliffe is an independent documentary filmmaker recently named one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” His first film, "Adama," was broadcast on PBS in November 2011. Sutcliffe has worked as a cinematographer on films in Paris, Indonesia, Kenya, and Kansas, and has taught documentary film for the Harlem Children’s Zone, the Tribeca Film Institute, and the Brooklyn Arts Council since 2003.
Uncertain
Co-Directors/Co-Producers: Anna Sandilands & Ewan McNicol
On the shores of a dying lake, neighbors in the once outlaw town of Uncertain, Texas, are haunted by their pasts and battling demons for a future more certain—a tender, humorous southern gothic tale.
Anna Sandilands is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Lucid Inc. a communications company that makes work for clients based in real stories and documentary films. With Ewan McNicol she has made the short films "The Roper," "Missing," "Ufologist," "Dirt Racer," and "Oil Man" and make TV commercials and communications for clients including Google, Apple, Nike, Nokia and BlackBerry. Anna was named Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 Fresh Faces To Watch” in 2013.
Ewan McNicol is a documentary filmmaker, cinematographer, photographer and partner of Lucid Inc. a communications company that makes work for clients based in real stories and documentary films. With Anna Sandilands, his work has received awards including the Webby for Best Documentary, The One Club’s One Screen award for Best Documentary, an Effie and been nominated for a Cinema Eye award. Their films have been screened at film festivals including Sundance, BFI London International Film Festival, Edinburgh, SXSW, True/False, Seattle, Hot Docs, Silverdocs, Visions du Reel and Idfa. Ewan was named Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 Fresh Faces To Watch” in 2013.
Speed Sisters
Producer: Avi Goldstein
The Middle East’s first all-women motor racing team has come together in Palestine. What will it take to go further and faster than anyone thought they could? Speed Sisters captures the drive to follow your dreams against the odds, leaving in its trail shattered stereotypes about gender and the Arab world.
Avi Goldstein co-founded SocDoc Studios to produce story-driven films that engage audiences with social issues. He recently completed the documentary film "Fire Lines" (to be distributed by Journeyman Pictures) with the Ma'an Network in Bethlehem and Common Ground Productions. Avi received an BA in Psychology from Princeton University and was previously a consultant at Vantage Partners, a Boston-based negotiation and relationship management consulting firm spun out of the Harvard Negotiation Project. He recently completed an Ma in Non-Profit Management and Leadership, and facilitates interest-based negotiation and problem-solving skills workshops for high schools students. "Speed Sisters" is his first feature-length documentary.
Sundance Institute
Sundance Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Through its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, composers and playwrights, the Institute seeks to discover and support independent film and theater artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work. The Institute promotes independent storytelling to inform, inspire, and unite diverse populations around the globe. Internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as "Born into Brothels," "Trouble the Water," "Son of Babylon," "Amreeka," "An Inconvenient Truth," "Spring Awakening," "I Am My Own Wife," "Light in the Piazza" and "Angels in America."Join Sundance Institute on Facebook,Twitter and YouTube.
Nine films, both documentary and narrative, will participate in the Labs (July 28 – August 1), where they will work with an accomplished group of Creative Advisors to develop their creative producing, communication and problem-solving skills in all stages of film production. These Producing Fellows will also receive ongoing creative and strategic support throughout the year, as well as direct granting for further development and production. This year’s Fellows represent nine projects identified by Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program and Documentary Film Program. Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute, said, ”Independent producers play a critical role in discovering, fighting for and shaping original voices. Sundance Institute is committed to developing and supporting independent producers whose skills and tenacity are critical to maintaining the health and vibrancy of independent film.”
Immediately following the Labs, the Summit (August 1-4) takes place. The Creative Producing Summit is a three-day, invitation-only gathering that connects 40 independent filmmakers with more than 50 top film industry professionals including producers, distributors, sales agents, financiers and broadcasters to build a dialogue on film producing and the state of the independent film industry. Programmed events include case study sessions, panels, roundtable discussions, one-on-one meetings and pitching sessions. Panelists this year include Michael Barker (Sony Pictures Classics), Christine Vachon (Killer Films), Tom Quinn (Radius-twc), Paul Mezey (Journeyman Pictures), Rena Ronson (UTA), Ron Yerxa (Bona Fide Productions),
Diane Weyermann (Participant), Jessica Lacy (ICM), John Sloss (Cinetic), Jess Search (BritDoc), Kevin Iwashina (Preferred Content), Lois Vossen (Independent Lens), Ian Bricke (Netflix) and Josh Braun (Submarine).
Feature Film Creative Producing Lab
The Feature Film Creative Producing Lab allows emerging narrative feature film producers to work with an accomplished group of Creative Advisors to develop their creative and strategic instincts and skills in all stages of film production. This year’s Creative Advisors include producers Paul Mezey ("Beasts of the Southern Wild"),Pam Koffler ("Boys Don’t Cry"), Jay Van Hoy ("Love is Strange") and Julie Lynn ("Albert Nobbs").
The Fellows and projects selected for the 2014 Feature Film Creative Producing Fellowship are:
Black Bats
Producing Fellows: Adam Hendricks and John Lang
Feeling cast out from society, two teens form a romantic relationship under the belief that they’re transforming into monsters. What begins as fantasy ends with horrific consequences as they both lose touch with reality. (Writer/Director: Rick Spears)
Adam Hendricks has had over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, including development positions at The Jinks/Cohen Company and Macari Edelstein Entertainment. Adam left development to raise financing and produce the independent feature film Caroline and Jackie (Tribeca Ff 2012). He developed and produced a variety of web series for Fourth Wall Studios, including Dirty Work, winner of the 2012 Emmy for Original Interactive Programming. In 2013, Adam partnered with John Lang to form Divide & Conquer, a production company specializing in independent films, as well as commercials for clients including Ford, EA Sports and Victory Motorcycles.
John Lang began his career in Austin, Texas, working with the Austin Cinemathéque and South by Southwest Film Festival. Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2008, John has worked in a variety of fields within the film industry including production, development, festivals, and sales. In 2011, John joined Rough & Tumble Films as a development and production executive, where he co-produced We Gotta Get Outta this Place (Tiff 2013). In 2013, John partnered with Adam Hendricks to form the commercial and feature film production company, Divide & Conquer.
I’m No Longer Here
Producing Fellows: Gerry Kim and Mayuran Tiruchelvam
Following the death of his older brother, a teenage Mexican boy is forced to migrate to New York City. When he arrives, he quickly realizes that the violence plaguing his home is no match for the feelings of alienation and loneliness he experiences in America. (Writer/Director: Fernando Frias)
Gerry Kim & Mayuran Tiruchelvam formed Dodgeville Films to produce humanistic narrative and documentary films. Their most recent documentary, "To Be Takei," a portrait of actor/activist GeorgeTakei, premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Starz Digital Media. Gerry produced House of Suh, a feature documentary that premiered at HotDocs in 2010 and aired on MSNBC. Mayuran wrote and co-produced "The Girl is in Trouble," executive produced by Spike Lee, and line-produced "The Mend," which premiered at SXSW in 2014. In addition to " I’m No Longer Here," Gerry and Mayuran are developing Christina Choeʼs Nancy, which was selected for the 2013 Ifp Emerging Storytellers Lab, the 2013 Venice Film Festivalʼs Biennale College Cinema Program, and Film Independentʼs Fast Track. They are in post-production on the documentary Farewell, Ferris Wheel, a participant in the 2014 Film Independent Documentary Lab. They received their MFAs from Columbia University in New York City.
Microchip Blues
Producing Fellow: Riel Roch Decter
Fed up with his mundane existence working at the microchip factory, Jimmy teams up with a washed up mystic scientist to build the world's fastest microchip, win back his ex-girlfriend and save his factory from going quantum. (Writer/Director: Aaron Beckum)
Riel Roch Decter is a Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based producer and the Co-Founder of Memory, a new media and film company. Riel began his career as the Director of Production for the independent production company Olympus Pictures working on such films a "Rabbit Hole" and "Beginners." He has produced numerous awarding-winning films including the short "Night Giant"and the feature film The Wait, starring Jena Malone and Chloë Sevigny which premiered at SXSW 2013.
Tracktown, USA
Producing Fellow: Laura Wagner
In a small American town obsessed with competitive running, a famous but sheltered and lonely young runner rebels against her parents, coach and everything she’s ever known in the midst of her first Olympic Trials. (Co-Writer/Director: Jeremy Teicher, Co-Writer: Alexi Pappas)
Laura Wagner is an independent producer, founder of Bay Bridge Productions and current resident at San Francisco Film Society’s FilmHouse. She recently produced the feature film"It Felt Like Love" by Eliza Hittman, which premiered at Sundance in 2013 and opened in theaters in 2014. She also produced the film "Memorial Day" by Josh Fox, and she was Associate Producer of the documentary "John Leguizamo: Tales from a Ghetto Klown," which premiered on PBS and "Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey," the award-winning Imax film directed by the creators of "Stomp."
We the Animals
Mark Silverman Honoree & Producing Fellow: Jeremy Yaches
Based on the bestselling novel by Justin Torres,We the Animals is about the brutal yet loving dynamic of a mixed-race working class family, seen through the eyes of the youngest son, as he discovers his heritage, his sexuality and his madness. (Co-Writer/Director: Jeremiah Zagar, Co-Writer: Dan Kitrosser)
Jeremy Yaches is an Emmy-nominated producer and co-founder of Public Record, a production company that specializes in film, TV, branded content, and commercials. He produced the award-winning documentary "In A Dream," which has screened all over the world and was broadcast on HBO. A graduate of Boston University, Jeremy lives and works in Brooklyn.
Documentary Film Creative Producing Lab
The Documentary Film Creative Producing Lab allows documentary filmmakers to work intensively with award-winning Creative Advisors to hone their craft. The Lab includes sessions on financing, creative distribution, marketing and outreach for independent documentary films. This year’s Creative Advisors include Producers Bonni Cohen ("The Island President"), Brenda Coughlin ("Dirty Wars"), Josh Penn (Court 13) in addition to Nancy Willen (Acme PR), Jess Search (Britdoc), and Josh Braun (Submarine).
The Fellows and projects selected for the 2014 Documentary Film Creative Producing Fellowship are:
Transgender Youth Documentary
Director: Eric Juhola
Producer: Jeremy Stulberg
The Mathis Family in Colorado Springs struggle when their 6-year-old transgender daughter, Coy, is banned from the girl's bathroom at her elementary school. Coy's parents hire a lawyer to fight back and the family is thrust into the media spotlight, causing their lives to change forever.
Eric Juhola founded the film and television production company Still Point Pictures and produced the Gotham Award nominated documentary "Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa," winning 8 best documentary prizes at festivals around the world, followed by a theatrical release and Us broadcast on the Sundance Channel. Eric has additionally directed and produced documentaries and specials for Itvs/PBS, Discovery Channel, MTV, TLC, and TruTV, and has been featured at many film festivals including Tribeca.
Jeremy Stulberg is a documentary filmmaker, writer, and motion picture editor. His feature documentary, "Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa," co-directed with his sister Randy, screened at over 40 film festivals in the Us and Europe Jeremy has produced and edited award winning documentaries and feature films such as "My Mother’s Garden" (HotDocs, MSNBC) and "White Horse" (Berlin Ff 2008, HBO).
(T)error
Co-Directors/Producers: Lyric R. Cabral & David Felix Sutcliffe
"(T)error" is the inside story of ******, an active counterterrorism informant for the FBI. Filmed on the ground, it captures the dramatic unraveling of the informant's 20-year career with the Bureau after the target of his investigation realizes that he’s been set up.
Named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film, Lyric R. Cabral is an independent documentary filmmaker and photojournalist based in New York City. Cabral's photography has been recently published through the Gordon Parks Foundation, the Aperture Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution Photography Initiative, and National Geographic Channel UK.
David Felix Sutcliffe is an independent documentary filmmaker recently named one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” His first film, "Adama," was broadcast on PBS in November 2011. Sutcliffe has worked as a cinematographer on films in Paris, Indonesia, Kenya, and Kansas, and has taught documentary film for the Harlem Children’s Zone, the Tribeca Film Institute, and the Brooklyn Arts Council since 2003.
Uncertain
Co-Directors/Co-Producers: Anna Sandilands & Ewan McNicol
On the shores of a dying lake, neighbors in the once outlaw town of Uncertain, Texas, are haunted by their pasts and battling demons for a future more certain—a tender, humorous southern gothic tale.
Anna Sandilands is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Lucid Inc. a communications company that makes work for clients based in real stories and documentary films. With Ewan McNicol she has made the short films "The Roper," "Missing," "Ufologist," "Dirt Racer," and "Oil Man" and make TV commercials and communications for clients including Google, Apple, Nike, Nokia and BlackBerry. Anna was named Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 Fresh Faces To Watch” in 2013.
Ewan McNicol is a documentary filmmaker, cinematographer, photographer and partner of Lucid Inc. a communications company that makes work for clients based in real stories and documentary films. With Anna Sandilands, his work has received awards including the Webby for Best Documentary, The One Club’s One Screen award for Best Documentary, an Effie and been nominated for a Cinema Eye award. Their films have been screened at film festivals including Sundance, BFI London International Film Festival, Edinburgh, SXSW, True/False, Seattle, Hot Docs, Silverdocs, Visions du Reel and Idfa. Ewan was named Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 Fresh Faces To Watch” in 2013.
Speed Sisters
Producer: Avi Goldstein
The Middle East’s first all-women motor racing team has come together in Palestine. What will it take to go further and faster than anyone thought they could? Speed Sisters captures the drive to follow your dreams against the odds, leaving in its trail shattered stereotypes about gender and the Arab world.
Avi Goldstein co-founded SocDoc Studios to produce story-driven films that engage audiences with social issues. He recently completed the documentary film "Fire Lines" (to be distributed by Journeyman Pictures) with the Ma'an Network in Bethlehem and Common Ground Productions. Avi received an BA in Psychology from Princeton University and was previously a consultant at Vantage Partners, a Boston-based negotiation and relationship management consulting firm spun out of the Harvard Negotiation Project. He recently completed an Ma in Non-Profit Management and Leadership, and facilitates interest-based negotiation and problem-solving skills workshops for high schools students. "Speed Sisters" is his first feature-length documentary.
Sundance Institute
Sundance Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Through its artistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers, composers and playwrights, the Institute seeks to discover and support independent film and theater artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work. The Institute promotes independent storytelling to inform, inspire, and unite diverse populations around the globe. Internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival, Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as "Born into Brothels," "Trouble the Water," "Son of Babylon," "Amreeka," "An Inconvenient Truth," "Spring Awakening," "I Am My Own Wife," "Light in the Piazza" and "Angels in America."Join Sundance Institute on Facebook,Twitter and YouTube.
- 7/30/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
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