Top News
The Fantastic Four, meet your villain.
Ralph Ineson, the British actor whose three-decade career ranges from the Harry Potter movies to recent horror prequel The First Omen, has landed the plum part of Galactus, the antagonist in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four.
The high-profile, big-budget outing, the Fantastic Four’s first under the Marvel Cinematic Universe umbrella, has been casting up in recent weeks ahead of a planned mid-summer shoot in England.
On the call sheet are Perdro Pascal as scientist Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as her hot-heated brother Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richards’ friend with body issues, Ben Grimm/The Thing. Also cast are Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer and Paul Walter Hauser in an undisclosed role, which some have theorized could be Mole Man or the robot H.E.R.B.I.E.
Ralph Ineson, the British actor whose three-decade career ranges from the Harry Potter movies to recent horror prequel The First Omen, has landed the plum part of Galactus, the antagonist in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four.
The high-profile, big-budget outing, the Fantastic Four’s first under the Marvel Cinematic Universe umbrella, has been casting up in recent weeks ahead of a planned mid-summer shoot in England.
On the call sheet are Perdro Pascal as scientist Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as her hot-heated brother Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richards’ friend with body issues, Ben Grimm/The Thing. Also cast are Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer and Paul Walter Hauser in an undisclosed role, which some have theorized could be Mole Man or the robot H.E.R.B.I.E.
- 5/9/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Bear season three is closer than fans may expect.
Christopher Storer’s FX series will drop all 10 episodes of its third installment on Hulu on June 27. It also released a first-look teaser (below) that sees Jeremy Allen White’s Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto alone in the restaurant’s new kitchen in the middle of the night. As he looks into the camera with his piercing blue eyes, it zooms out and pans over the Chicago skyline.
Season three will follow Carmy, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they work to elevate The Bear, their new fine-dining restaurant, to the highest level and fight to stay in business when every day is a losing battle, according to FX.
“Carmy pushes himself harder than ever and demands excellence from his crew, who do their best to match his intensity,” the description reads. “Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the...
Christopher Storer’s FX series will drop all 10 episodes of its third installment on Hulu on June 27. It also released a first-look teaser (below) that sees Jeremy Allen White’s Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto alone in the restaurant’s new kitchen in the middle of the night. As he looks into the camera with his piercing blue eyes, it zooms out and pans over the Chicago skyline.
Season three will follow Carmy, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they work to elevate The Bear, their new fine-dining restaurant, to the highest level and fight to stay in business when every day is a losing battle, according to FX.
“Carmy pushes himself harder than ever and demands excellence from his crew, who do their best to match his intensity,” the description reads. “Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the...
- 5/9/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sebastian Stan and Lily James, stars of the Hulu miniseries Pam & Tommy, are getting back together to topline the psychological horror thriller Let The Evil Go West.
Christian Tafdrup will direct the picture using a script by Xc Vs for Star Thrower Entertainment and Gramercy Park, which is financing the film. And north.five.six, CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group will launch film sales in Cannes.
Let the Evil Go West centers on a railroad worker who discovers a fortune under deeply disturbing circumstances. As horrifying visions and manifestations drive him toward madness, his wife becomes convinced that an evil presence has attached itself to their family.
In Pam & Tommy, Stan and James played the 1990s couple Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee during a whirlwind marriage over four days in Cancun, where their privately recorded honeymoon sex tape was stolen by a disgruntled electrician and released online.
Stan...
Christian Tafdrup will direct the picture using a script by Xc Vs for Star Thrower Entertainment and Gramercy Park, which is financing the film. And north.five.six, CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group will launch film sales in Cannes.
Let the Evil Go West centers on a railroad worker who discovers a fortune under deeply disturbing circumstances. As horrifying visions and manifestations drive him toward madness, his wife becomes convinced that an evil presence has attached itself to their family.
In Pam & Tommy, Stan and James played the 1990s couple Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee during a whirlwind marriage over four days in Cancun, where their privately recorded honeymoon sex tape was stolen by a disgruntled electrician and released online.
Stan...
- 5/9/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. will release the first of its new batch of live-action “The Lord of the Rings” films in 2026, which will focus on Andy Serkis’ Gollum.
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - Film News
Steve Albini, the noise rock pioneer with Big Black and Shellac who also helped engineer some of the greatest alternative rock albums of all time — Nirvana’s In Utero and Pixies’ Surfer Rosa among them — has died at the age of 61.
Staff at Albini’s Electrical Audio Recording confirmed to Rolling Stone that Albini died Tuesday night, with the New York Times adding that the cause of death was a heart attack. Albini’s death comes just a week after his acclaimed noise rock project Shellac was set to release To All Trains,...
Staff at Albini’s Electrical Audio Recording confirmed to Rolling Stone that Albini died Tuesday night, with the New York Times adding that the cause of death was a heart attack. Albini’s death comes just a week after his acclaimed noise rock project Shellac was set to release To All Trains,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
An HBO concert special based on Lady Gaga’s 2022 “Chromatica Ball” tour will premiere on the network on Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt and will be available to stream on Max.
The special was filmed before a sold-out crowd of 52,000 people at Los Angeles’s Dodger Stadium in September of 2022 and features the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist performing such hits as “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Shallow,” “Rain On Me,” “Stupid Love” and more.
The special was produced, directed and created by Lady Gaga; executive producers were her longtime manager...
The special was filmed before a sold-out crowd of 52,000 people at Los Angeles’s Dodger Stadium in September of 2022 and features the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist performing such hits as “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” “Shallow,” “Rain On Me,” “Stupid Love” and more.
The special was produced, directed and created by Lady Gaga; executive producers were her longtime manager...
- 5/8/2024
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety - TV News
New ‘The Office’ Series Picked Up at Peacock, First Plot Details Reveal Midwestern Newspaper Setting
The new iteration of “The Office” has been picked up to series at Peacock, Variety has learned.
As has been previously reported, the show is not a reboot or spinoff of “The Office,” but rather a new mockumentary show with a new cast set in the same universe. For the first time since the show was first revealed to be in the works in late 2023, plot details are now available. The official logline states:
“The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and...
As has been previously reported, the show is not a reboot or spinoff of “The Office,” but rather a new mockumentary show with a new cast set in the same universe. For the first time since the show was first revealed to be in the works in late 2023, plot details are now available. The official logline states:
“The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and...
- 5/8/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Travis Kelce has joined the cast of Ryan Murphy’s new horror series “Grotesquerie.”
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been cast opposite Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville in the FX series, which will premiere this fall. Although character details have not been revealed, this marks Kelce’s first major acting role.
Kelce confirmed the news in an Instagram Story featuring a video of himself and Nash-Betts.
“Guys, guess who I am working with in ‘Grotesquerie’?” Nash-Betts asks in the video before panning over to Kelce.
“Stepping into new territory with Niecy,” Kelce adds.
The NFL...
- 5/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety - TV News
Isabelle Huppert will preside over the main jury of the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
The revered French actor has a longstanding rapport with the Lido, having won Venice’s
Coppa Volpi for best actress twice, first with “Story of Women” in 1988, and subsequently with “La Cérémonie” in 1995, both directed by Claude Chabrol.
Huppert – who has made a total of eight films with Chabrol – also has a close bond with the Cannes Film Festival where in 1978 she won the best actress statuette for Chabrol’s “Violette.” In 2001, Huppert won her second best actress award at Cannes for her tour-de-force performance as a sado-masochistic music professor in Michael Haneke’s “The Piano.” In 2005, Huppert was honored by Venice with a Special Golden Lion for her titular role in “Gabrielle,” Patrice Chéreau’s costume drama about an imploded marriage.
In 2017 she gained her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a rape...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Mubi has kicked off its 2024 Cannes Film Festival early and in style, acquiring worldwide rights to one of the buzziest films set to premiere in competition.
The arthouse distributor, production banner and streamer has landed Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Denis Quaid, picking up all rights for North America, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America and Benelux, where it will release theatrically this year. Mubi has also acquired the rights for Turkey and India. The Match Factory, owned by Mubi, is handling sales for all other territories.
Written and directed by Fargeat, who made a noise with her debut, 2017’s action-thriller “Revenge,” “The Substance” goes into Cannes with a significant amount of intrigue, having been produced by Working Title, the Brit banner best known for rom-coms and prestige dramas.
“Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself?” reads the...
The arthouse distributor, production banner and streamer has landed Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Denis Quaid, picking up all rights for North America, U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, Latin America and Benelux, where it will release theatrically this year. Mubi has also acquired the rights for Turkey and India. The Match Factory, owned by Mubi, is handling sales for all other territories.
Written and directed by Fargeat, who made a noise with her debut, 2017’s action-thriller “Revenge,” “The Substance” goes into Cannes with a significant amount of intrigue, having been produced by Working Title, the Brit banner best known for rom-coms and prestige dramas.
“Have you ever dreamed of a better version of yourself?” reads the...
- 5/8/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Susan Buckner, an American actor best known for her role as Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical “Grease,” died May 2. She was 72. Her death was confirmed by her publicist.
At the age of 25, Buckner was cast in the role of the Rydell High cheerleader, joining a cast that included John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. As Simcox, Buckner played a solider of school spirit, with an iconic cheer cemented into fans’ minds: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Buckner continued working as an actor with guest credits across several television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “B.J and the Bear” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.” She co-starred in the ABC series “When the Whistle Blows.” Among other notable feature credits, Buckner appeared in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film “Deadly Blessing” opposite Sharon Stone, as...
At the age of 25, Buckner was cast in the role of the Rydell High cheerleader, joining a cast that included John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. As Simcox, Buckner played a solider of school spirit, with an iconic cheer cemented into fans’ minds: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Buckner continued working as an actor with guest credits across several television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “B.J and the Bear” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.” She co-starred in the ABC series “When the Whistle Blows.” Among other notable feature credits, Buckner appeared in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film “Deadly Blessing” opposite Sharon Stone, as...
- 5/7/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
The woman believed to be the inspiration for Richard Gadd’s Netflix megahit “Baby Reindeer” has denied being a stalker.
Fiona Harvey, who is said to have inspired the character of Gadd’s stalker Martha, appeared on Piers Morgan’s YouTube talk show “Piers Morgan Uncensored” in a pre-recorded interview on Thursday evening U.K. time, where she told Morgan she is taking legal action against both Netflix and Gadd and the truth will come out during the legal process.
“I didn’t write him the emails,” she told Morgan, denying that she had sent over 41,000 emails and 100 letters to Gadd while allegedly stalking him.
Fiona Harvey, who is said to have inspired the character of Gadd’s stalker Martha, appeared on Piers Morgan’s YouTube talk show “Piers Morgan Uncensored” in a pre-recorded interview on Thursday evening U.K. time, where she told Morgan she is taking legal action against both Netflix and Gadd and the truth will come out during the legal process.
“I didn’t write him the emails,” she told Morgan, denying that she had sent over 41,000 emails and 100 letters to Gadd while allegedly stalking him.
- 5/9/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety - TV News
It’s official: There will no longer be an all Law & Order Thursday night on NBC. For its fifth season, Law & Order: Organized Crime is moving to the streaming service, Peacock. That breaks it up from airing Thursday nights after Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU, which also means that chances are there won’t be many (if any) crossovers. And of course, that leads to the inevitable question of what that means for the will they/won’t they slow burn of Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Svu‘s Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). Organized Crime was created by Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, and Ilene Chaiken. It follows the detectives of the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they take on New York City’s most vicious and violent criminal syndicates. It brought Meloni back to the world of Law & Order in 2021, via a two-part crossover with...
- 5/9/2024
- TV Insider
“The Bear,” “Bluey,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “The Last of Us” and “Jury Duty” are among the series set to receive this year’s Peabody Award, the org was set to announce on Thursday morning. The Peabody Awards’ board of 32 jurors have selected 34 winners, all of which received unanimous vote from TV, podcast/radio and web/digital nominees in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service, and interactive programming.
HBO/Max led the wins with seven total, followed by PBS with five, and then three for Amazon MGM Studios and two each for FX and The Washington Post.
HBO/Max led the wins with seven total, followed by PBS with five, and then three for Amazon MGM Studios and two each for FX and The Washington Post.
- 5/9/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety - TV News
In a highly competitive situation, Legendary has closed a deal with Mob Entertainment to develop and produce a live-action film based on its hit horror video game franchise Poppy Playtime, Deadline can confirm. Legendary will develop and produce along with Don Murphy & Susan Montford’s Angry Films, and Mob Entertainment.
In the Poppy Playtime games, players take on the role of a former employee of the once-illustrious toy brand, Playtime Co. Upon receiving a cryptic letter, the protagonist is drawn back to the sprawling, desolate facility only to quickly discover it’s become home to a host of toys that have taken on a life of their own. Far from the friendly playthings of childhood memories, these toys harbor sinister intentions.
Since the launch of Chapter One in 2021, the franchise has become incredibly popular across gaming, social media and merchandising around the world. Boasting 12 million players across PC and mobile,...
In the Poppy Playtime games, players take on the role of a former employee of the once-illustrious toy brand, Playtime Co. Upon receiving a cryptic letter, the protagonist is drawn back to the sprawling, desolate facility only to quickly discover it’s become home to a host of toys that have taken on a life of their own. Far from the friendly playthings of childhood memories, these toys harbor sinister intentions.
Since the launch of Chapter One in 2021, the franchise has become incredibly popular across gaming, social media and merchandising around the world. Boasting 12 million players across PC and mobile,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Protagonist Pictures has unveiled the new drama-thriller Press Your Luck, starring Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell, I, Tonya). The company on Thursday also unveiled a first glimpse at the project, based on the “incredible” true story of Michael Larson, an unemployed ice-cream truck driver from Ohio who steps onto the game show “Press Your Luck” harboring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak gets threatened when executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.
The all-star ensemble cast also includes Walton Goggins (Fallout, The Righteous Gemstones, The Hateful Eight), David Strathairn (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck), Maisie Williams (The New Look, Game of Thrones), Haley Bennett (Swallow, The Magnificent Seven), Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4, “Invasion”), and David Rysdahl (Fargo, Oppenheimer).
Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville, Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, Chicago P.D.), Patti Harrison (Theater Camp,...
The all-star ensemble cast also includes Walton Goggins (Fallout, The Righteous Gemstones, The Hateful Eight), David Strathairn (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck), Maisie Williams (The New Look, Game of Thrones), Haley Bennett (Swallow, The Magnificent Seven), Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4, “Invasion”), and David Rysdahl (Fargo, Oppenheimer).
Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville, Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, Chicago P.D.), Patti Harrison (Theater Camp,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The stunt took weeks of preparation. Building a tank. Training with freedivers and magicians. Developing the filming schedule.
The end result of the effort, a new episode of YouTube star Michelle Khare’s series Challenge Accepted in which she attempted to recreate Harry Houdini’s deadliest trick, has since garnered more than 4.5 million views on YouTube.
The final product has a production quality that would rival what’s on “traditional” TV (in fact, magician David Blaine attempted a similar stunt for a 2006 primetime ABC special), but Khare produced the episode herself, for her YouTube audience.
“For Challenge Accepted because we release very infrequently — unlike a normal season of television, it’s about 10 to 15 episodes a year — and within each of those episodes, we are representing a unique community,” Khare says in an interview. “So for example, in the video where I attempted Harry Houdini’s deadliest magic trick, we’re...
The end result of the effort, a new episode of YouTube star Michelle Khare’s series Challenge Accepted in which she attempted to recreate Harry Houdini’s deadliest trick, has since garnered more than 4.5 million views on YouTube.
The final product has a production quality that would rival what’s on “traditional” TV (in fact, magician David Blaine attempted a similar stunt for a 2006 primetime ABC special), but Khare produced the episode herself, for her YouTube audience.
“For Challenge Accepted because we release very infrequently — unlike a normal season of television, it’s about 10 to 15 episodes a year — and within each of those episodes, we are representing a unique community,” Khare says in an interview. “So for example, in the video where I attempted Harry Houdini’s deadliest magic trick, we’re...
- 5/10/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to the 258th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.
Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).
Here’s how this week’s episode plays out:
1. Headlines
Reba McEntire, George Lopez, Taylor Sheridan, Tracy Morgan, Michelle Yeoh, Formula 1 and Shohei Ohtani lead the week’s top industry headlines.
2. Streaming bundles
Disney and Warner Discovery are recreating the cable bundle with the announcement this week that the two conglomerates will package Max, Hulu and Disney+ in the summer.
3. Back to The Office
Don’t call it a reboot, but the new version of The Office has landed at Peacock, with the...
Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).
Here’s how this week’s episode plays out:
1. Headlines
Reba McEntire, George Lopez, Taylor Sheridan, Tracy Morgan, Michelle Yeoh, Formula 1 and Shohei Ohtani lead the week’s top industry headlines.
2. Streaming bundles
Disney and Warner Discovery are recreating the cable bundle with the announcement this week that the two conglomerates will package Max, Hulu and Disney+ in the summer.
3. Back to The Office
Don’t call it a reboot, but the new version of The Office has landed at Peacock, with the...
- 5/10/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday launched a global outreach campaign called Academy100 intended to expand its scope and connection with a worldwide base.
Academy President Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer launched the Academy100 initiative, that entails a $500 million fundraising drive, at a Rome event hosted by the Eternal City’s storied Cinecittà Studios.
The fundraising drive has already raised $100 million from partners inlcuding Rolex, which has long supported the Academy.
“The future of the Academy is global, and Academy100 will deepen our worldwide reach and impact,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “The Academy will soon enter its second century, and we want to ensure that we continue to be the preeminent leader of our international film community,” he added.
“Like all healthy organizations, the Academy needs a sustainable and diverse base of support, and we are deeply grateful to Rolex and all of our...
Academy President Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer launched the Academy100 initiative, that entails a $500 million fundraising drive, at a Rome event hosted by the Eternal City’s storied Cinecittà Studios.
The fundraising drive has already raised $100 million from partners inlcuding Rolex, which has long supported the Academy.
“The future of the Academy is global, and Academy100 will deepen our worldwide reach and impact,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “The Academy will soon enter its second century, and we want to ensure that we continue to be the preeminent leader of our international film community,” he added.
“Like all healthy organizations, the Academy needs a sustainable and diverse base of support, and we are deeply grateful to Rolex and all of our...
- 5/10/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Uncork’d Entertainment has pre-bought multi-territory rights to upcoming Argentinian-produced action-horror film “Eyes of the Abyss” ahead of its showcase in Cannes next week.
Uncork’d has picked up the film, which is currently in post-production, for North America, the U.K. and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. It is planning a release in the final quarter of the year.
Footage from the film will be screened at the Cannes Market on May 19 in the ‘Blood Window Showcase,’ presented by Ventana Sur’s Latin American horror and fantasy film platform. Details of the six work-in-progress films were revealed earlier this week.
“Eyes of the Abyss” (aka “Los Ojos del Abismo”) is directed by Daniel de la Vega, who has previous credits in the genre including “On The 3rd Day,” “The Last Heretic” and “White Coffin.” The film follows the journey of a soldier who awakens aboard a warship. Surrounded by corpses and haunted by fragmented memories,...
Uncork’d has picked up the film, which is currently in post-production, for North America, the U.K. and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. It is planning a release in the final quarter of the year.
Footage from the film will be screened at the Cannes Market on May 19 in the ‘Blood Window Showcase,’ presented by Ventana Sur’s Latin American horror and fantasy film platform. Details of the six work-in-progress films were revealed earlier this week.
“Eyes of the Abyss” (aka “Los Ojos del Abismo”) is directed by Daniel de la Vega, who has previous credits in the genre including “On The 3rd Day,” “The Last Heretic” and “White Coffin.” The film follows the journey of a soldier who awakens aboard a warship. Surrounded by corpses and haunted by fragmented memories,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
After the well-received “Joyland” in 2022 and “In Flames” last year, Pakistan is debuting a central hub at the Cannes Film Festival this year.
The Pakistan Crescent Collective, set up by Modoxy Media, will represent the country’s official presence at the festival, with a mission to “discover and nurture the next generation of talent, preserve film, and
promote Pakistani and diaspora films globally, thereby advancing Pakistan’s visual culture.” The collective consists of a global team of film industry professionals based in London, Karachi, New York and Los Angeles.
Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” won the Un Certain Regard jury prize in 2022, while Zarrar Kahn’s “In Flames” was a Directors’ Fortnight selection. Both films were Pakistan’s official submissions to the Academy Awards. Usman Riaz’s animated film “The Glassworker,” which is selected at Annecy, is an homage to films in the style of this year’s honorary Palme d’Or winner Studio Ghibli.
The Pakistan Crescent Collective, set up by Modoxy Media, will represent the country’s official presence at the festival, with a mission to “discover and nurture the next generation of talent, preserve film, and
promote Pakistani and diaspora films globally, thereby advancing Pakistan’s visual culture.” The collective consists of a global team of film industry professionals based in London, Karachi, New York and Los Angeles.
Saim Sadiq’s “Joyland” won the Un Certain Regard jury prize in 2022, while Zarrar Kahn’s “In Flames” was a Directors’ Fortnight selection. Both films were Pakistan’s official submissions to the Academy Awards. Usman Riaz’s animated film “The Glassworker,” which is selected at Annecy, is an homage to films in the style of this year’s honorary Palme d’Or winner Studio Ghibli.
- 5/10/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Veteran European film executive Tanja Meissner has been named the new director of Berlinale Pro*, a newly-created position that will include running the Berlin film festival’s European Film Market.
New Berlin film festival director Tricia Tuttle announced Meissner’s appointment on Friday, May 10, describing the Berlinale Pro* position as “a reshaped role [encompassing] the directorship of the European Film Market (EFM) while also taking a strategic lead in developing the Berlinale Pro consortium, together with the Heads of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund.” Meissner will report directly to Tuttle.
Meissner takes over at the EFM from Dennis Ruh, who confirmed late last year that the Berlinale would not be renewing his contract.
Meissner brings more than 25 years of experience to the job, and a deep understanding of the business of European independent cinema. Her CV includes long stints in French outfits Memento Films International — where...
New Berlin film festival director Tricia Tuttle announced Meissner’s appointment on Friday, May 10, describing the Berlinale Pro* position as “a reshaped role [encompassing] the directorship of the European Film Market (EFM) while also taking a strategic lead in developing the Berlinale Pro consortium, together with the Heads of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund.” Meissner will report directly to Tuttle.
Meissner takes over at the EFM from Dennis Ruh, who confirmed late last year that the Berlinale would not be renewing his contract.
Meissner brings more than 25 years of experience to the job, and a deep understanding of the business of European independent cinema. Her CV includes long stints in French outfits Memento Films International — where...
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tanja Meissner, a seasoned film executive with a long track record in international sales, has been appointed as the director of Berlinale Pro and the European Film Market (EFM).
Meissner replaces Dennis Ruh, who stepped down after this year’s edition of the EFM. The role has been reshaped and Meissner will be part of Berlinale festival director Tricia Tuttle’s executive team. It encompasses the directorship of the EFM and Meissner will also take a strategic lead in developing the Berlinale Pro consortium, together with the heads of the Berlinale co-production market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund, who will report directly to her.
A German-French dual citizen, Meissner has some 25 years of experience across the production, distribution and exhibition sectors. Her experience as a sales agent includes stints at Celluloid Dreams and Memento Films. Meissner will take up her role on May 13 and attend the Cannes Film Festival with the Berlinale team.
Meissner replaces Dennis Ruh, who stepped down after this year’s edition of the EFM. The role has been reshaped and Meissner will be part of Berlinale festival director Tricia Tuttle’s executive team. It encompasses the directorship of the EFM and Meissner will also take a strategic lead in developing the Berlinale Pro consortium, together with the heads of the Berlinale co-production market, Berlinale Talents and World Cinema Fund, who will report directly to her.
A German-French dual citizen, Meissner has some 25 years of experience across the production, distribution and exhibition sectors. Her experience as a sales agent includes stints at Celluloid Dreams and Memento Films. Meissner will take up her role on May 13 and attend the Cannes Film Festival with the Berlinale team.
- 5/10/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
AMC Networks reported its first-quarter 2024 earnings Friday, revealing U.S. TV ad sales dropped by 13% during the January-March period and streaming revenues ticked up 3%.
The company reports it has reached 11.5 million total streaming subscribers across its offerings, including AMC+, which this quarter added “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira reprising their iconic “Twd” roles as Rick and Michonne. That’s a 3% year-over-year subscriber increase from the 11.2 million the company reported at the end of March 2023, and an uptick from the 11.4 million streaming subs AMC Networks had at the end of 2023.
Wall Street forecast...
The company reports it has reached 11.5 million total streaming subscribers across its offerings, including AMC+, which this quarter added “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira reprising their iconic “Twd” roles as Rick and Michonne. That’s a 3% year-over-year subscriber increase from the 11.2 million the company reported at the end of March 2023, and an uptick from the 11.4 million streaming subs AMC Networks had at the end of 2023.
Wall Street forecast...
- 5/10/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - TV News
AMC Networks — the company behind such cable channel brands as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streaming services as AMC+, Acorn TV and Shudder — reported a 13 percent drop in first-quarter U.S. advertising revenue on Friday, following a 23 percent decline in the fourth quarter of 2023.
After returning to streaming subscriber growth in the third quarter of last year after two quarters of declines, the company added 100,000 users in the first quarter to end March with a total of 11.5 million subs, compared with 11.4 million as of the end of the year and 11.2 million as of the end of March 2023.
Quarterly streaming revenues increased 3 percent to $145 million, “primarily driven by year-over-year subscriber growth and price increases,” AMC Networks said. Affiliate revenue fell 14 percent, “primarily due to basic subscriber declines.” Content licensing revenues declined 40 percent to $62 million as the year-ago period included deliveries of Silo, an AMC Studios-produced series.
After returning to streaming subscriber growth in the third quarter of last year after two quarters of declines, the company added 100,000 users in the first quarter to end March with a total of 11.5 million subs, compared with 11.4 million as of the end of the year and 11.2 million as of the end of March 2023.
Quarterly streaming revenues increased 3 percent to $145 million, “primarily driven by year-over-year subscriber growth and price increases,” AMC Networks said. Affiliate revenue fell 14 percent, “primarily due to basic subscriber declines.” Content licensing revenues declined 40 percent to $62 million as the year-ago period included deliveries of Silo, an AMC Studios-produced series.
- 5/10/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Swedish-Polish director Magnus von Horn’s dark period drama “The Girl With the Needle” will compete for the Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Variety has been given exclusive access to a first-look clip from the film.
Written by von Horn and Line Langebek (“I’ll Come Running”), “The Girl With the Needle” is loosely based on the true story of Dagmar Overbye, a Danish woman who established an underground adoption agency in post-World War I Copenhagen to help poor women dealing with unwanted pregnancies.
Starring Trine Dyrholm, Vic Carmen Sonne and Besir Zeciri (“Wildland”), the film follows Karoline (Sonne), a young factory worker who is struggling to survive on the fringes of society. When she finds herself unemployed, abandoned and pregnant, she meets Dagmar (Dyrholm), a charismatic shopkeeper who helps poor mothers to find foster homes for their unwanted children.
With nowhere else to turn, Karoline...
Written by von Horn and Line Langebek (“I’ll Come Running”), “The Girl With the Needle” is loosely based on the true story of Dagmar Overbye, a Danish woman who established an underground adoption agency in post-World War I Copenhagen to help poor women dealing with unwanted pregnancies.
Starring Trine Dyrholm, Vic Carmen Sonne and Besir Zeciri (“Wildland”), the film follows Karoline (Sonne), a young factory worker who is struggling to survive on the fringes of society. When she finds herself unemployed, abandoned and pregnant, she meets Dagmar (Dyrholm), a charismatic shopkeeper who helps poor mothers to find foster homes for their unwanted children.
With nowhere else to turn, Karoline...
- 5/10/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety - Film News
Dubai-based distribution and production outfit Oceana Studios will launch sales on horror feature “Pinocchio: Carved From Darkness” at the Cannes Film Market.
The film, which is also produced by Oceana, will be directed by Joona Tena (“Superfurball”). Written by Paulie Siegel (“Jeremiah”), this dark turn on Carlo Collodi’s classic 1883 tale sees woodcarver Geppetto carve a puppet resembling his recently deceased son from a of block of wood discarded at a crime scene and cursed by Agatha, the priestess of a dark cult. As Pinocchio turns into a vengeful killer, a teen named Charlie and his mother Nancy arrive in the town looking for a fresh start. Meanwhile, a detective named Georgina starts investigating Agatha’s crimes. The characters intertwine with some tragic consequences.
The cast will include Peter Stormare (“John Wick: Chapter 2”) as Geppetto, Vicki Berlin (“Triangle of Sadness”) as Nancy, the semi-alcoholic mother of teenager Charlie. Daniel Nuta (“Watcher”) will play Ronnie,...
The film, which is also produced by Oceana, will be directed by Joona Tena (“Superfurball”). Written by Paulie Siegel (“Jeremiah”), this dark turn on Carlo Collodi’s classic 1883 tale sees woodcarver Geppetto carve a puppet resembling his recently deceased son from a of block of wood discarded at a crime scene and cursed by Agatha, the priestess of a dark cult. As Pinocchio turns into a vengeful killer, a teen named Charlie and his mother Nancy arrive in the town looking for a fresh start. Meanwhile, a detective named Georgina starts investigating Agatha’s crimes. The characters intertwine with some tragic consequences.
The cast will include Peter Stormare (“John Wick: Chapter 2”) as Geppetto, Vicki Berlin (“Triangle of Sadness”) as Nancy, the semi-alcoholic mother of teenager Charlie. Daniel Nuta (“Watcher”) will play Ronnie,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Alberto Barbera has extended his contract with the Venice International Film Festival and will remain on as artistic director on the Lido through 2026.
The board of directors of La Biennale di Venezia, the umbrella organization that runs the Venice festival, approved the two-year contract extension, unveiling the decision on Friday.
In a statement, the board said in his time as festival head, Barbera had been successful in “discovering and launching new talents on the international stage, in spreading and advancing the culture of cinema, and in expanding audiences” at the world’s oldest film festival.
“I felt an immediate understanding with Alberto Barbera and I have great respect for the expertise, professionalism, and passion he has demonstrated in the years that he has directed the Venice Film Festival, which have enhanced the prestige of the oldest film festival in the world. I am extremely pleased that La Biennale will continue down this path with him,...
The board of directors of La Biennale di Venezia, the umbrella organization that runs the Venice festival, approved the two-year contract extension, unveiling the decision on Friday.
In a statement, the board said in his time as festival head, Barbera had been successful in “discovering and launching new talents on the international stage, in spreading and advancing the culture of cinema, and in expanding audiences” at the world’s oldest film festival.
“I felt an immediate understanding with Alberto Barbera and I have great respect for the expertise, professionalism, and passion he has demonstrated in the years that he has directed the Venice Film Festival, which have enhanced the prestige of the oldest film festival in the world. I am extremely pleased that La Biennale will continue down this path with him,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alberto Barbera is set to remain at the helm as artistic director of the Venice Film Festival through 2026 and possibly longer.
The board of directors of the fest’s parent organization, the Venice Biennale – chaired by new president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco – on Friday announced they have approved Barbera’s appointment as artistic director “for the years 2025 and 2026,” the Biennale announced in a statement.
The Biennale is basically extending Barbera’s current mandate, which expires after the upcoming 2024 edition, for two more years. This does not rule out the possibility that Barbera could subsequently get another full-fledged mandate and stay on board even longer.
“I felt an immediate understanding with Alberto Barbera,” Buttafuoco said in a statement. “And I have great respect for the expertise, professionalism and passion he has demonstrated in the years that he has directed the Venice Film Festival, which have enhanced the prestige of the oldest film festival in the world,...
The board of directors of the fest’s parent organization, the Venice Biennale – chaired by new president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco – on Friday announced they have approved Barbera’s appointment as artistic director “for the years 2025 and 2026,” the Biennale announced in a statement.
The Biennale is basically extending Barbera’s current mandate, which expires after the upcoming 2024 edition, for two more years. This does not rule out the possibility that Barbera could subsequently get another full-fledged mandate and stay on board even longer.
“I felt an immediate understanding with Alberto Barbera,” Buttafuoco said in a statement. “And I have great respect for the expertise, professionalism and passion he has demonstrated in the years that he has directed the Venice Film Festival, which have enhanced the prestige of the oldest film festival in the world,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety - Film News
Former Endeavor Content and WME Independent executive Nelson Mok has joined forces with Asian TV veteran Ricky Ow to launch Mokster Films. The company positions itself as an investment and sales company for Asia-produced content.
The company will be involved in rights sales, film development and film financing. Its “strategic emphasis is on the growth of the film industry across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan,” the company said. Mokster and Mok will also continue to work as a partner to WME Independent on a slate of current titles.
Mokster Films will be at the Cannes Market next week, where it expects to unveil projects at development and casting stage from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand.
“Nelson is a leading exec in the Southeast Asian region with a great eye for material,” said WME Independent co-head Alex Walton. “We have had real success working with Nelson over the past...
The company will be involved in rights sales, film development and film financing. Its “strategic emphasis is on the growth of the film industry across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan,” the company said. Mokster and Mok will also continue to work as a partner to WME Independent on a slate of current titles.
Mokster Films will be at the Cannes Market next week, where it expects to unveil projects at development and casting stage from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand.
“Nelson is a leading exec in the Southeast Asian region with a great eye for material,” said WME Independent co-head Alex Walton. “We have had real success working with Nelson over the past...
- 5/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed entertainment creative advertising and marketing specialist, Once Upon a Time, and brand consultancy and creative agency, BigSmall, for the European launch of streamer Max.
Max will rollout in 22 countries across the Nordics, Iberia, Central and Eastern Europe on May 21, followed by France, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium on June 11. The standalone streaming service will bring together content from HBO Max, Discovery and Eurosport.
Once Upon a Time and BigSmall will be jointly responsible for delivering creative assets into 22 European markets across the Nordics, Iberia, Benelux and Central and Eastern Europe. The campaign will be fully integrated,...
Max will rollout in 22 countries across the Nordics, Iberia, Central and Eastern Europe on May 21, followed by France, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium on June 11. The standalone streaming service will bring together content from HBO Max, Discovery and Eurosport.
Once Upon a Time and BigSmall will be jointly responsible for delivering creative assets into 22 European markets across the Nordics, Iberia, Benelux and Central and Eastern Europe. The campaign will be fully integrated,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - TV News
Kinology has boarded international sales to “The Big War,” an epic €30-million live action-cgi characters hybrid movie which will mark the directorial comeback of “La Haine” filmmaker Mathieu Kassovitz.
The ambitious feature is adapted from “La Bête Est Morte,” an iconic two-part graphic novel illustrated by Edmond Calvo during War World 2 in Nazi-Occupied France and published after the country was liberated.
Pitched as a “”Paddington” meets ‘Saving Private Ryan,'” “The Big War” is a true passion project for Kassovitz who bought rights to “La Bête est Morte” nearly two decades ago and has now joined forces with well-respected animation producer Aton Soumache, whose credits range from literary adaptations such as the Cesar-winning “The Little Prince” to the global smash-hit “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, the Movie.”
Kassovitz and Soumache have assembled a dream team for “The Big War,” including Caroline Thompson, the award-winning screenwriter of “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare before Christmas,...
The ambitious feature is adapted from “La Bête Est Morte,” an iconic two-part graphic novel illustrated by Edmond Calvo during War World 2 in Nazi-Occupied France and published after the country was liberated.
Pitched as a “”Paddington” meets ‘Saving Private Ryan,'” “The Big War” is a true passion project for Kassovitz who bought rights to “La Bête est Morte” nearly two decades ago and has now joined forces with well-respected animation producer Aton Soumache, whose credits range from literary adaptations such as the Cesar-winning “The Little Prince” to the global smash-hit “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, the Movie.”
Kassovitz and Soumache have assembled a dream team for “The Big War,” including Caroline Thompson, the award-winning screenwriter of “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare before Christmas,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Munich-based sales agency The Playmaker has closed several key distribution deals on heist comedy “Two to One,” starring Sandra Hüller, who was Oscar nominated this year for “Anatomy of a Fall.”
The Playmaker has sold the film to Kmbo in France, A Contracorriente in Spain, Madman in Australia and Rosebud in Greece. The German distributor is X-Verleih. The Playmaker will present “Two to One” to buyers in a private screening at the Cannes Film Market.
“Two to One” is based on true events that took place during the reunification of Germany in 1990. In the chaos during the disintegration of the German Democratic Republic, a group of clever East Germans seize the chance to retrieve hidden millions from an underground vault. As they outsmart formidable opponents, the heist takes an unexpected turn when money officially unrecognized in East Germany circulates.
Hüller is joined in the cast by Max Riemelt (“Sense 8”) and Ronald Zehrfeld.
The Playmaker has sold the film to Kmbo in France, A Contracorriente in Spain, Madman in Australia and Rosebud in Greece. The German distributor is X-Verleih. The Playmaker will present “Two to One” to buyers in a private screening at the Cannes Film Market.
“Two to One” is based on true events that took place during the reunification of Germany in 1990. In the chaos during the disintegration of the German Democratic Republic, a group of clever East Germans seize the chance to retrieve hidden millions from an underground vault. As they outsmart formidable opponents, the heist takes an unexpected turn when money officially unrecognized in East Germany circulates.
Hüller is joined in the cast by Max Riemelt (“Sense 8”) and Ronald Zehrfeld.
- 5/10/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
Principal photography has ended on Georgian writer-director Ana Urushadze’s second film, “Supporting Role.” The first images have been released.
It follows on from the success of Urushadze’s 2017 debut “Scary Mother,” which premiered and won best first feature at Locarno Film Festival before going on to pick up the top prize in Sarajevo. It was nominated for the European Film Academy’s Discovery Award and was Georgia’s entry for the 90th Academy Awards.
The story of “Supporting Role” follows a once-famous star of Georgian cinema, who – triggered by a casting session with a young female director – embarks on a bizarre and fatalistic odyssey of self-transformation. Accustomed to playing charming heroic protagonists, he is insulted by the offer of a supporting role. But gradually, without realizing it himself, he starts getting into character and seemingly unconsciously accepts the role he has been offered to play.
The film stars Dato Bakhtadze,...
It follows on from the success of Urushadze’s 2017 debut “Scary Mother,” which premiered and won best first feature at Locarno Film Festival before going on to pick up the top prize in Sarajevo. It was nominated for the European Film Academy’s Discovery Award and was Georgia’s entry for the 90th Academy Awards.
The story of “Supporting Role” follows a once-famous star of Georgian cinema, who – triggered by a casting session with a young female director – embarks on a bizarre and fatalistic odyssey of self-transformation. Accustomed to playing charming heroic protagonists, he is insulted by the offer of a supporting role. But gradually, without realizing it himself, he starts getting into character and seemingly unconsciously accepts the role he has been offered to play.
The film stars Dato Bakhtadze,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - Film News
Eden Golan, Israel’s entrant for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, was booed during rehearsals on Thursday, with the crowd in Malmö, Sweden chanting “Free Palestine” during the singer’s performance.
Ahead of the Eurovision semi-final, Golan was performing her song “Hurricane” when sections of the crowd turned on her and the jeering began. In video clips posted to social media, audible boos can be heard during Golan’s rehearsal, with local media reporting that there were also political chants.
Crowd reaction as Israel takes to the stage in Malmo
Largely cheers and applause at first – but boos get loud as singer Eden Golan begins performing #Eurovision2024
Very very mixed response here in the arena pic.twitter.com/WwrVInxMat
— Jack Parker (@JackParkr) May 9, 2024
Outside the Eurovision venue in Malmö, a city long considered within Sweden as left-leaning with a rich history of protest, there have been ongoing demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza this week.
Ahead of the Eurovision semi-final, Golan was performing her song “Hurricane” when sections of the crowd turned on her and the jeering began. In video clips posted to social media, audible boos can be heard during Golan’s rehearsal, with local media reporting that there were also political chants.
Crowd reaction as Israel takes to the stage in Malmo
Largely cheers and applause at first – but boos get loud as singer Eden Golan begins performing #Eurovision2024
Very very mixed response here in the arena pic.twitter.com/WwrVInxMat
— Jack Parker (@JackParkr) May 9, 2024
Outside the Eurovision venue in Malmö, a city long considered within Sweden as left-leaning with a rich history of protest, there have been ongoing demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza this week.
- 5/10/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kii Muneyuki, a former head of production at Japan’s Toei, is launching K2 Pictures, a company that aims to upend Japanese filmmaking practices. Its debut slate, with films by Kore-eda Hirokazu, Iwai Shunji and Nishikawa Miwa, will be unveiled in Cannes next week.
A key part of the new company’s strategy is the establishment of a film fund, K2P Film Fund I, that will invest in live action and animations productions. It aims to attract investors from Japan, other parts of Asia and the U.S.
The company explains that “most Japanese films today are made under a system found only in this country of ‘production committees’ formed by such organizations as film companies, TV stations, and publishers. Funding under this system comes only from sources with film-related know-how, making entry difficult and limiting returns to both producers and creators.”
Production committees are notorious for their risk-averse...
A key part of the new company’s strategy is the establishment of a film fund, K2P Film Fund I, that will invest in live action and animations productions. It aims to attract investors from Japan, other parts of Asia and the U.S.
The company explains that “most Japanese films today are made under a system found only in this country of ‘production committees’ formed by such organizations as film companies, TV stations, and publishers. Funding under this system comes only from sources with film-related know-how, making entry difficult and limiting returns to both producers and creators.”
Production committees are notorious for their risk-averse...
- 5/10/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
History? They just made some.
A long anticipated sequel to the hit 2023 romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to return. Matthew López, who co-wrote and directed the first film, is returning to write the screenplay with Casey McQuiston, who wrote the best selling novel of the same name. The cast and filmmakers made the announcement on Thursday following a special screening of the movie in Culver City, Calif.
The original film chronicles the how the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), and Prince Henry (Galitzine), third in line to the British throne, navigate the classic trajectory of transforming from bitter enemies into passionate lovers, while having to keep their relationship from going public and becoming international media sensations. (Spoiler alert: It does.)
As with McQuiston’s novel, which became...
A long anticipated sequel to the hit 2023 romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to return. Matthew López, who co-wrote and directed the first film, is returning to write the screenplay with Casey McQuiston, who wrote the best selling novel of the same name. The cast and filmmakers made the announcement on Thursday following a special screening of the movie in Culver City, Calif.
The original film chronicles the how the First Son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), and Prince Henry (Galitzine), third in line to the British throne, navigate the classic trajectory of transforming from bitter enemies into passionate lovers, while having to keep their relationship from going public and becoming international media sensations. (Spoiler alert: It does.)
As with McQuiston’s novel, which became...
- 5/10/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety - Film News
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” marks composer John Paesano’s first foray into the Apes franchise. Following in the footsteps of Jerry Goldsmith (“Planet of the Apes”), Michael Giacchino (“
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”) and others, he knew he’d have big shoes to fill. The first thing he thought about was the “musical legacy as well as the “giant music” associated with the scores.
The film picks up 300 years after Caesar’s death, in a post-apocalyptic world where the Apes rule. Even though Paesano was telling a new story, he wanted to honor the music that had come before him and respect the fans, while also finding a way to take the score in a new direction while keeping everything as organic as possible. Speaking with Variety, Paesano said, “I wanted to take it to a place where the franchise is headed.”
Paesano kept everything organic,...
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”) and others, he knew he’d have big shoes to fill. The first thing he thought about was the “musical legacy as well as the “giant music” associated with the scores.
The film picks up 300 years after Caesar’s death, in a post-apocalyptic world where the Apes rule. Even though Paesano was telling a new story, he wanted to honor the music that had come before him and respect the fans, while also finding a way to take the score in a new direction while keeping everything as organic as possible. Speaking with Variety, Paesano said, “I wanted to take it to a place where the franchise is headed.”
Paesano kept everything organic,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - Film News
History? They just made some.
A long anticipated sequel to the hit 2023 romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to return. Matthew López, who co-wrote and directed the first film, is returning to write the screenplay with Casey McQuiston, who wrote the best selling novel of the same name. The cast and filmmakers made the announcement on Thursday following a special screening of the movie in Culver City, Calif.
The original film chronicles the how the First Son of the United States, Alex...
A long anticipated sequel to the hit 2023 romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” is officially in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to return. Matthew López, who co-wrote and directed the first film, is returning to write the screenplay with Casey McQuiston, who wrote the best selling novel of the same name. The cast and filmmakers made the announcement on Thursday following a special screening of the movie in Culver City, Calif.
The original film chronicles the how the First Son of the United States, Alex...
- 5/10/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety - TV News
Amazon Prime Video is heading back to the White House for a Red, White & Royal Blue sequel, with stars Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez set to reprise their roles.
Red, White & Royal Blue was based on Casey McQuiston young adult romance of the same name and follows Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), a first son of the United States, and his romantic relationship with Prince Henry (Galitzine), a British prince. Plot details for the sequel are being kept under wraps.
Matthew López will return to write the script, set to do so alongside McQuiston. Berlanti Schechter Films’ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter will return to produce the film, joined by Michael McGrath, as well as López. McQuiston will executive produce.
Red, White & Royal Blue was popular on Prime Video and received generally positive reviews. The announcement of the sequel was made tonight at the Culver Theater during a screening of the film,...
Red, White & Royal Blue was based on Casey McQuiston young adult romance of the same name and follows Alex Claremont-Diaz (Perez), a first son of the United States, and his romantic relationship with Prince Henry (Galitzine), a British prince. Plot details for the sequel are being kept under wraps.
Matthew López will return to write the script, set to do so alongside McQuiston. Berlanti Schechter Films’ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter will return to produce the film, joined by Michael McGrath, as well as López. McQuiston will executive produce.
Red, White & Royal Blue was popular on Prime Video and received generally positive reviews. The announcement of the sequel was made tonight at the Culver Theater during a screening of the film,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Stewart continued with his criticism of the media’s coverage of Donald Trump’s New York trial during Thursday’s episode of The Daily Show. “It has been another big week of wall-to-wall, nonstop penis-to-penis coverage of Donald Trump’s trial,” Stewart said at the start of his monologue.
Stewart, who typically hosts Monday night episodes of the Comedy Central show, missed the start of this week in a pre-announced absence that was likely due to his live appearances in Los Angeles last weekend. Instead, he hosted this week’s Thursday episode.
Also, this week, Stormy Daniels testified in the former president’s New York hush money trial, further fueling an onslaught of headlines regarding the lawsuit.
“The ubiquitous coverage is numbing, fading into televised wallpaper with insight that only occasionally crackles through,” Stewart continued.
This week’s episode is not Stewart’s first time going after the media’s coverage of the trial.
Stewart, who typically hosts Monday night episodes of the Comedy Central show, missed the start of this week in a pre-announced absence that was likely due to his live appearances in Los Angeles last weekend. Instead, he hosted this week’s Thursday episode.
Also, this week, Stormy Daniels testified in the former president’s New York hush money trial, further fueling an onslaught of headlines regarding the lawsuit.
“The ubiquitous coverage is numbing, fading into televised wallpaper with insight that only occasionally crackles through,” Stewart continued.
This week’s episode is not Stewart’s first time going after the media’s coverage of the trial.
- 5/10/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thirty years ago, Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and cinema was never the same. Tarantino’s 1994 epic-crime-pretzel-meets-pop-monologue masterpiece smashed open one door after another, and an inevitable result is that we saw a great many movies in the ’90s that were Tarantino knockoffs — underworld capers of baroque violence and exuberant scuzz, movies that not only bent the dirty hedonism of film noir into new shapes but did it with a special brand of self-consciousness, a “Look at what we’re up to!” effrontery.
That attitude became part of the landscape, though you could also say that after a while, as a literal genre, the Tarantino knockoff faded away. But “The Last Stop in Yuma County,” a real-time, single-location crime thriller set at a gas-food-lodging stop in sunbaked Arizona, is what you might call an exercise in Tarantino knockoff nostalgia. It’s a lean,...
That attitude became part of the landscape, though you could also say that after a while, as a literal genre, the Tarantino knockoff faded away. But “The Last Stop in Yuma County,” a real-time, single-location crime thriller set at a gas-food-lodging stop in sunbaked Arizona, is what you might call an exercise in Tarantino knockoff nostalgia. It’s a lean,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety - Film News
For anyone who watches “The Way Home” knows that sometimes, it can get a little confusing with so many different time periods going on at once. That’s the case for the executive producers too. During an FYC panel for the hit Hallmark Channel series on May 8, the showrunners admitted that it takes a lot of work and research to keep everything straight.
“We start at the end and then kind of work backward. We had a wonderful plan right from the start when Marly Reed created the show and wrote a beautiful bible for it. Alex and I were...
“We start at the end and then kind of work backward. We had a wonderful plan right from the start when Marly Reed created the show and wrote a beautiful bible for it. Alex and I were...
- 5/10/2024
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety - TV News
Veteran Japanese film producer Muneyuki Kii has assembled a bold new venture to shake up Japan’s traditionally sclerotic and risk-averse approach to movie financing. The executive, formerly a lead producer at Tokyo-based studio Toei, revealed the launch Thursday of K2 Pictures, a mini-studio that aims to bring a more direct, Hollywood-style model of film funding to Japan’s industry.
The new company will launch a content fund — dubbed the “K2P Film Fund I” — to finance both live-action and animated Japanese features. K2P also has lined up an impressive roster of Japanese directors to collaborate with on its first slate, including Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters), local industry mainstay Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, 13 Assassins), Shunji Iwai (Love Letter), Miwa Nishikawa (Sway), Kazuya Shiraishi (The Devil’s Path) and leading anime studio Mappa, known for mega-hits like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Attack on Titan.
Kii...
The new company will launch a content fund — dubbed the “K2P Film Fund I” — to finance both live-action and animated Japanese features. K2P also has lined up an impressive roster of Japanese directors to collaborate with on its first slate, including Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters), local industry mainstay Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, 13 Assassins), Shunji Iwai (Love Letter), Miwa Nishikawa (Sway), Kazuya Shiraishi (The Devil’s Path) and leading anime studio Mappa, known for mega-hits like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Attack on Titan.
Kii...
- 5/10/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: The following interview discusses events from the “Young Sheldon” episode “A New Home and a Traditional Texas Torture,” streaming on Paramount+ as of May 10.
We knew it was going to happen — since it was foretold on “The Big Bang Theory” — but that didn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to one of “Young Sheldon’s” original cast members. In the final moments in the second of two episodes airing back-to-back on May 9, the Cooper family received word that curmudgeon patriarch George Cooper (Lance Barber) had died of a heart attack.
The fate of George dying at...
We knew it was going to happen — since it was foretold on “The Big Bang Theory” — but that didn’t make it any easier to say goodbye to one of “Young Sheldon’s” original cast members. In the final moments in the second of two episodes airing back-to-back on May 9, the Cooper family received word that curmudgeon patriarch George Cooper (Lance Barber) had died of a heart attack.
The fate of George dying at...
- 5/10/2024
- by Jim Halterman
- Variety - TV News
Tom Selleck writes in his new memoir “You Never Know” (via Business Insider) that he personally gave the crew of “Magnum P.I.” bonuses for $1,000 when the studio refused to during contract negotiations for the CBS series’ eighth and final season. Selleck headlined “Magnum P.I.” in the title role for 162 episodes between 1980 and 1988, becoming one of the decade’s most iconic television stars. The actor admits in his memoir that he debated whether or not to continue the show for an eighth run because “I didn’t want anyone to think that last season was just a ploy to get more money.
- 5/10/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety - TV News
Chris Pine said this week the development and release of his directorial debut Poolman was “the best thing to ever happen to me” despite the movie’s nearly universal bad reviews.
“It’s forced me to double down on joy,” Pine told host Josh Horowitz on Thursday’s episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “As an actor… fundamentally it’s about play, right? What we do is essentially become children for hours a day and make believe,” he said, adding: “There’s an impish quality to it that I don’t ever want to lose.”
Poolman, which debuted at Toronto film festival last fall, follows Pine as a down-on-his luck pool technician in Los Angeles who discovers a water heist in a spoof of 1974’s Chinatown. The film was panned by critics, with The Hollywood Reporter writing that the project “goes tonally off the rails from the start and...
“It’s forced me to double down on joy,” Pine told host Josh Horowitz on Thursday’s episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “As an actor… fundamentally it’s about play, right? What we do is essentially become children for hours a day and make believe,” he said, adding: “There’s an impish quality to it that I don’t ever want to lose.”
Poolman, which debuted at Toronto film festival last fall, follows Pine as a down-on-his luck pool technician in Los Angeles who discovers a water heist in a spoof of 1974’s Chinatown. The film was panned by critics, with The Hollywood Reporter writing that the project “goes tonally off the rails from the start and...
- 5/9/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gregg Araki is set to direct Olivia Wilde in his next feature, Black Bear’s provocative thriller “I Want Your Sex.”
The film features an original script penned by Araki and Karley Sciortino which blithely explores desire, domination and fantasy.
When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Arlie Day (“To Leslie”) and Mike Page (“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”) are casting the picture. The film will be produced by Seth Caplan, a past winner of the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, alongside Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler.
The film features an original script penned by Araki and Karley Sciortino which blithely explores desire, domination and fantasy.
When fresh-faced Elliot lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Arlie Day (“To Leslie”) and Mike Page (“The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry”) are casting the picture. The film will be produced by Seth Caplan, a past winner of the John Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, alongside Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler.
- 5/9/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety - Film News
Oscar-winning indie banner See-Saw Films is lining up a biopic of Tenzing Norgay, the legendary Nepalese-Indian mountaineer who summited Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, becoming one of the first men to stand on the top of the world.
Variety has learned that “Tenzing” will star Tom Hiddleston as Hillary and Willem Dafoe as the English expedition leader, Colonel John Hunt. A search is currently underway to cast the lead role of Norgay. The film is being introduced to buyers at Cannes with Rocket Science launching sales. UTA Independent Film Group and See-Saw’s Cross City Films are co-repping the U.S.
“Tenzing” comes from acclaimed filmmaker Jennifer Peedom who has the exclusive rights to tell Tenzing’s story via his family and has a close relationship with the Sherpa community.
Peedom is known for her gripping, intimate portraits against epic cinematic landscapes, including the internationally renowned feature documentaries “Solo,...
Variety has learned that “Tenzing” will star Tom Hiddleston as Hillary and Willem Dafoe as the English expedition leader, Colonel John Hunt. A search is currently underway to cast the lead role of Norgay. The film is being introduced to buyers at Cannes with Rocket Science launching sales. UTA Independent Film Group and See-Saw’s Cross City Films are co-repping the U.S.
“Tenzing” comes from acclaimed filmmaker Jennifer Peedom who has the exclusive rights to tell Tenzing’s story via his family and has a close relationship with the Sherpa community.
Peedom is known for her gripping, intimate portraits against epic cinematic landscapes, including the internationally renowned feature documentaries “Solo,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
The U.S. Supreme Court has endorsed open-ended recovery of damages for copyright infringement, ruling that music producer Sherman Nealy can pursue over a decade’s worth of damages for an unlicensed sample of his work by Flo Rida in his 2008 tune “In the Ayer.”
The finding, in a 6-3 ruling issued on Thursday, could expand the scope of damages in cases in which plaintiffs were previously barred from recovering money for infringement that occurred more than three years before the filing of a lawsuit. In some cases, claimants could potentially get a bigger payout by waiting to sue and letting damages stack rather than trying to stop the alleged infringement as long as they bring a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
“There is no time limit on monetary recovery,” wrote justice Elena Kagan in the majority opinion. “So a copyright owner possessing a timely claim for infringement is entitled to damages,...
The finding, in a 6-3 ruling issued on Thursday, could expand the scope of damages in cases in which plaintiffs were previously barred from recovering money for infringement that occurred more than three years before the filing of a lawsuit. In some cases, claimants could potentially get a bigger payout by waiting to sue and letting damages stack rather than trying to stop the alleged infringement as long as they bring a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
“There is no time limit on monetary recovery,” wrote justice Elena Kagan in the majority opinion. “So a copyright owner possessing a timely claim for infringement is entitled to damages,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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