Exclusive: Amazon MGM Studios has moved to preemptively acquire The Killing Kind, a psychosexual thriller pitch from screenwriter Zach Helm (Stranger Than Fiction), which Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort is attached to produce, sources tell Deadline.
Amazon MGM declined comment. Specifics as to the plot of the film are under wraps for the moment.
Helm comes to The Killing Kind after working in the same vein as the co-writer of Deep Water, the erotic thriller, starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, from Fatal Attraction‘s Adrian Lyne. Well acquainted with various genres, he’s perhaps best known for writing Stranger Than Fiction, the beloved Columbia Pictures dramedy starring Will Ferrell, which brought him nominations at both the WGA Awards and the Critics Choice Awards. A celebrated playwright whose play Good Canary was most recently directed by John Malkovich in London, Helm also wrote and directed 20th Century Fox’s family film Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,...
Amazon MGM declined comment. Specifics as to the plot of the film are under wraps for the moment.
Helm comes to The Killing Kind after working in the same vein as the co-writer of Deep Water, the erotic thriller, starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, from Fatal Attraction‘s Adrian Lyne. Well acquainted with various genres, he’s perhaps best known for writing Stranger Than Fiction, the beloved Columbia Pictures dramedy starring Will Ferrell, which brought him nominations at both the WGA Awards and the Critics Choice Awards. A celebrated playwright whose play Good Canary was most recently directed by John Malkovich in London, Helm also wrote and directed 20th Century Fox’s family film Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,...
- 10/24/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Get ready for another batch of your very favorite Hollywood-ites turning to television to trace their ancestries to some strange and surprising new places when Finding Your Roots returns for Season 11 on PBS. In the first trailer for the new season, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. interacts with a host of new notable figures, who all experience some sort of jaw-dropping revelation about their family histories. The new season premieres at the start of the year with the first of 10 episodes, and the entire cast list and schedule have been revealed by the network as follows: January 7 “Larger Than Life” – actors Lea Salonga and Amanda Seyfried January 14 “La Famiglia” – talk show host Joy Behar and actor Michael Imperioli January 21 “Stranger Than Fiction” – novelist Amy Tan and poet Rita Dove January 28 “Dreamers One and All” – actor Sharon Stone and model Chrissy Teigen February 4 “Family Recipes” – celebrity chefs José Andrés and Sean Sherman...
- 9/19/2024
- TV Insider
Will Ferrell is coming to Netflix. Ferrell and Ramy Youssef are co-creating Golf, a comedy series which Ferrell will lead. Josh Rabinowitz also serves a co-creator. The series will be the comedy actor’s first TV comedy series. The 10-episode series will follow Ferrell as a fictional golf legend. Youssef will also play a role. Ferrell is best known for his iconic characters in films such as Anchorman: The Legend of Run Burgundy, Elf, Step Brothers, and Stranger Than Fiction. Along with producing partner Jessica Elbaum, Ferrell is a co-founder of Gloria Sanchez Productions, with is credited with critically acclaimed films Hustlers, Booksmart, Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar, Theater Camp, and Quiz Lady. Coming soon, Ferrell will star in Amazon Studio’s comedy You’re Cordially Invited alongside Reese Witherspoon. He is repped by UTA, Mosaic, The Lede Company and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Youssef is best known for...
- 5/15/2024
- TV Insider
Will Ferrell is making a rare foray into scripted television in a big way.
The former SNL star, whose acting credits have mainly focused on films, is co-creating the new Netflix comedy series Golf alongside Ramy Youssef (Ramy) and Josh Rabinowitz (The Carmichael Show). Ferrell and Youssef are set to star.
In his first leading role in a comedy series, Ferrell will star as a fictional golf legend. Details regarding Youssef’s role are under wraps.
Ferrell was previously developing a series following a professional golfer who becomes the face of a controversial new league competing with the PGA, as Deadline reported exclusively back in 2023. “It also evokes one of Ferrell’s signature movies, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The series is in a similar tone, I hear, bringing Ferrell back to the sports arena he also explored in Blades of Glory and Semi-Pro,...
The former SNL star, whose acting credits have mainly focused on films, is co-creating the new Netflix comedy series Golf alongside Ramy Youssef (Ramy) and Josh Rabinowitz (The Carmichael Show). Ferrell and Youssef are set to star.
In his first leading role in a comedy series, Ferrell will star as a fictional golf legend. Details regarding Youssef’s role are under wraps.
Ferrell was previously developing a series following a professional golfer who becomes the face of a controversial new league competing with the PGA, as Deadline reported exclusively back in 2023. “It also evokes one of Ferrell’s signature movies, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The series is in a similar tone, I hear, bringing Ferrell back to the sports arena he also explored in Blades of Glory and Semi-Pro,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
“Shayda,” a breakout indie movie from Noora Niasari, and Kitty Green’s high-temperature drama “The Royal Hotel” were named best film winners at the annual Spa Awards, presented by the Screen Producers Australia association.
The ceremony took place Thursday at Queensland’s Gold Coast, during the annual Screen Forever conference. The event was hosted by actor and comedian Matt Okine.
Production company Werner Film, which this week announced its acquisition by the BBC, took three awards including the coveted Media Super Production Business of the year prize.
“It’s clear that our production community continues to thrive in the face of a rapidly changing landscape. Each winner exemplifies the creativity, innovation, and dedication that define our industry and showcase the vital role producers and production businesses play in sharing our unique stories and culture with audiences worldwide,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
The awards ceremony also saw Amy Parry named...
The ceremony took place Thursday at Queensland’s Gold Coast, during the annual Screen Forever conference. The event was hosted by actor and comedian Matt Okine.
Production company Werner Film, which this week announced its acquisition by the BBC, took three awards including the coveted Media Super Production Business of the year prize.
“It’s clear that our production community continues to thrive in the face of a rapidly changing landscape. Each winner exemplifies the creativity, innovation, and dedication that define our industry and showcase the vital role producers and production businesses play in sharing our unique stories and culture with audiences worldwide,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
The awards ceremony also saw Amy Parry named...
- 3/21/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Wayne Kramer, the cofounder and guitarist-vocalist of the iconic Detroit punk band MC5, has died at age 75. The news was shared on Kramer and MC5’s official social media pages today, but a cause of death was not disclosed.
Born Wayne Kambes on April 30, 1948, the guitarist formed the MC5 (for Motor City 5) as a teenager with his friend, Fred “Sonic” Smith. They played locally, eventually becoming the house band at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit.
John Sinclair, a left-wing activist, became the band’s manager, and they soon were a staple of the late-’60s political movements, aligning with the White Panther Party, the anti-racist group that Sinclair cofounded.
The group’s sound was hard to define, but it was defiant, and was widely credited with sparking what was to come in punk. The group performed at the protests outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention and at other rallies before signing...
Born Wayne Kambes on April 30, 1948, the guitarist formed the MC5 (for Motor City 5) as a teenager with his friend, Fred “Sonic” Smith. They played locally, eventually becoming the house band at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit.
John Sinclair, a left-wing activist, became the band’s manager, and they soon were a staple of the late-’60s political movements, aligning with the White Panther Party, the anti-racist group that Sinclair cofounded.
The group’s sound was hard to define, but it was defiant, and was widely credited with sparking what was to come in punk. The group performed at the protests outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention and at other rallies before signing...
- 2/2/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Fusion Entertainment has signed Keith Kupferer, the veteran stage and screen actor whose new film “Ghostlight” premieres this week at the Sundance Film Festival. Kupferer has also recently been cast in a recurring role in the new MGM+ series “Emperor of Ocean Park” from John Wells, which is currently in production in Chicago. The thriller series is based on the best selling novel by Stephen L. Carter.
“Ghostlight” centers on Dan (Kupferer), a melancholic middle-aged construction worker, who is grieving a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon (Tara Mallen), and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Dan finds comfort a local theater production of “Romeo & Juliet” featuring a company of amateur actors. “Ghostlight” is directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who are also clients of Fusion Entertainment.)
Kupferer will also continue to be repped by the Grey Talent Group.
A seasoned stage performer,...
“Ghostlight” centers on Dan (Kupferer), a melancholic middle-aged construction worker, who is grieving a family tragedy. Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon (Tara Mallen), and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Dan finds comfort a local theater production of “Romeo & Juliet” featuring a company of amateur actors. “Ghostlight” is directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, who are also clients of Fusion Entertainment.)
Kupferer will also continue to be repped by the Grey Talent Group.
A seasoned stage performer,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The 2023 International Emmys awarded its winners and the comedy Derry Girls, the stand-up special Vir Das: Landing and the drama series The Empress landed the top awards.
Derry Girls from the U.K. and Vir Das: Landing from India tied in the Comedy category taking the prize. Germany’s The Empress won in the Drama series category. Karla Souza took the award in the Best Performance by an Actress category for her work in La Caída, while The Responder’s Martin Freeman took the award in the Best Performance by an Actor category.
The special Founders Emmy® was presented to Jesse Armstrong, creator of the hit HBO show “Succession” by Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content.
“In a tumultuous time, television again proves to be a common denominator for people around the world,” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “The International Academy is proud...
Derry Girls from the U.K. and Vir Das: Landing from India tied in the Comedy category taking the prize. Germany’s The Empress won in the Drama series category. Karla Souza took the award in the Best Performance by an Actress category for her work in La Caída, while The Responder’s Martin Freeman took the award in the Best Performance by an Actor category.
The special Founders Emmy® was presented to Jesse Armstrong, creator of the hit HBO show “Succession” by Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and Max Content.
“In a tumultuous time, television again proves to be a common denominator for people around the world,” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “The International Academy is proud...
- 11/21/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The comedic landscape of Hollywood has been significantly shaped by the talents and contributions of one man: John William Ferrell, more popularly known as Will Ferrell. Over the years, he has demonstrated his undeniable prowess in acting, producing, and writing, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Will Ferrell. Depositphotos
John William Ferrell, born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California, was brought into a world of creativity and art. His mother, Betty Kay Overman, was an elementary school teacher, and his father, Roy Lee Ferrell Jr., was a talented musician, who once played with The Righteous Brothers. Both his parents hailed from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, but moved to California in 1964. He has a mixed ancestry of English, German, and Irish.
Ferrell’s childhood was marked by a pivotal moment when his parents divorced when he was just eight. Despite the divorce, both parents remained committed to their children. Ferrell...
Will Ferrell. Depositphotos
John William Ferrell, born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California, was brought into a world of creativity and art. His mother, Betty Kay Overman, was an elementary school teacher, and his father, Roy Lee Ferrell Jr., was a talented musician, who once played with The Righteous Brothers. Both his parents hailed from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, but moved to California in 1964. He has a mixed ancestry of English, German, and Irish.
Ferrell’s childhood was marked by a pivotal moment when his parents divorced when he was just eight. Despite the divorce, both parents remained committed to their children. Ferrell...
- 11/12/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
A genius South Korean lawyer with very poor social skills, Wonder Woman star Connie Nielsen as Danish writer Karen Blixen, Martin Freeman as a cop on the edge, and those foul-mouthed Derry Girls are among the nominees for this year’s International Emmy awards, which were announced today by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The 56 nominees span 20 countries and six continents.
Best drama contenders include South Korea’s Extraordinary Attorney Woo, featuring Park Eun-bin as an autistic rookie female lawyer with a genius Iq; the German period drama The Empress, British thriller The Devil’s Hour starring Peter Capaldi; and Yosi, the Regretful Spy, a historic thriller from Argentina, another Amazon production. On the comedy side, Netflix’s Northern Irish hit Derry Girls is up against Argentine series The Boss from Star+, season 2 of the French reality show send-up Le Flambeau, and Vir Das: Landing, a Netflix stand-up special from the Indian comedy star.
Best drama contenders include South Korea’s Extraordinary Attorney Woo, featuring Park Eun-bin as an autistic rookie female lawyer with a genius Iq; the German period drama The Empress, British thriller The Devil’s Hour starring Peter Capaldi; and Yosi, the Regretful Spy, a historic thriller from Argentina, another Amazon production. On the comedy side, Netflix’s Northern Irish hit Derry Girls is up against Argentine series The Boss from Star+, season 2 of the French reality show send-up Le Flambeau, and Vir Das: Landing, a Netflix stand-up special from the Indian comedy star.
- 9/26/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Three years into its local production effort in Australia and New Zealand, Netflix has greenlighted two new series, one feature film and one full-length documentary from Australia.
These are in addition to previously announced renewals of teen series “Heartbreak High” and “Surviving Summer” and the go-ahead for prestige book-to-series adaptation “Boy Swallows Universe” and kids animation “Eddie’s Lil Homies.”
Set in the Australian Outback, epic succession tale “Desert King” revolves around billionaire miners, traditional owners, cowboys and desert gangsters fighting over the world’s biggest cattle station the size of Wales. It’s a hot, dusty, sexy Outback Western with guns and helicopters.
It is directed by Greg McLean and created by Tim Lee and Ben Davies, with production by Paul Ranford. The series is a co-production between Easy Tiger and Ronde.
“We’re thrilled to have assembled an incredible creative team, on and off screen, to do justice to the rarely-seen world,...
These are in addition to previously announced renewals of teen series “Heartbreak High” and “Surviving Summer” and the go-ahead for prestige book-to-series adaptation “Boy Swallows Universe” and kids animation “Eddie’s Lil Homies.”
Set in the Australian Outback, epic succession tale “Desert King” revolves around billionaire miners, traditional owners, cowboys and desert gangsters fighting over the world’s biggest cattle station the size of Wales. It’s a hot, dusty, sexy Outback Western with guns and helicopters.
It is directed by Greg McLean and created by Tim Lee and Ben Davies, with production by Paul Ranford. The series is a co-production between Easy Tiger and Ronde.
“We’re thrilled to have assembled an incredible creative team, on and off screen, to do justice to the rarely-seen world,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
John Madden may be known more for his video games and commentating these days, but the former Raiders coach led his Oakland team to an impressive winning percentage in the 70s and became the youngest coach to reach 100 career regular-season victories and a Super Bowl win. Deadline is now reporting that David O. Russell is helming a project about the man’s post-coaching career as he headlined one of the most revolutionary sports video games in history.
It is reported that Will Ferrell is in talks to play the prolific sports figure in Madden, which is set to be produced by Amazon/MGM studios with David O. Russell in the director’s chair. The project detailed by Deadline is said to be “based on a script by Cambron Clark, which was named to The Black List last year, Madden picks up with the legendarily fiery coach after his exit from the NFL,...
It is reported that Will Ferrell is in talks to play the prolific sports figure in Madden, which is set to be produced by Amazon/MGM studios with David O. Russell in the director’s chair. The project detailed by Deadline is said to be “based on a script by Cambron Clark, which was named to The Black List last year, Madden picks up with the legendarily fiery coach after his exit from the NFL,...
- 5/26/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The start of any month brings with it batches of movies added to streaming services’ libraries. As of this week, Netflix has “Girl, Interrupted,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Traffic,” HBO Max has “Blue Valentine,” “Hustle & Flow” and “Parasite,” and Hulu has “Atonement” and “Boogie Nights.” A handful of newer titles are also premiering digitally. First up is a spellbinding thriller featuring some of Hollywood’s hottest young actors.
The contender to watch this week: “How to Blow Up a Pipeline”
Neon picked up this eco-thriller out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, after which it won raves for its gripping portrait of young DIY environmental activists who band together to destroy oil pipes in West Texas. Based on Andreas Malm‘s nonfiction book of the same name, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” stars Ariela Barer (“Runaways”), Sasha Lane (“American Honey”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), Marcus Scribner...
The contender to watch this week: “How to Blow Up a Pipeline”
Neon picked up this eco-thriller out of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, after which it won raves for its gripping portrait of young DIY environmental activists who band together to destroy oil pipes in West Texas. Based on Andreas Malm‘s nonfiction book of the same name, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” stars Ariela Barer (“Runaways”), Sasha Lane (“American Honey”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), Marcus Scribner...
- 5/6/2023
- by Matthew Jacobs
- Gold Derby
In the end, I will end up becoming annoying, but I have to say once more that documentaries prove that “Truth is stranger than fiction” repeatedly in the most pointed way. “Under the Sky of Damascus” a movie focusing on a group of young Syrian women who decide to produce a play using anonymous statements of women that have suffered in the hands of men, while also making the particular documentary about their efforts, is definitely one of those films, as the result is as meta as it is shocking.
While the consequences of war in Syria are known throughout the world, the misogyny and overall violence against women, both domestically and in the workplaces, is not something that is exactly discussed. Five young women, Farah, Eliana, Inana, Souhir, and Grace come together to highlight the issue through a stage play, despite the fact that they realize the problems this...
While the consequences of war in Syria are known throughout the world, the misogyny and overall violence against women, both domestically and in the workplaces, is not something that is exactly discussed. Five young women, Farah, Eliana, Inana, Souhir, and Grace come together to highlight the issue through a stage play, despite the fact that they realize the problems this...
- 3/16/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Six full-length albums by Elliott Smith dating back to his teenage years circa 1985 have surfaced online.
As Pitchfork notes, the recently unveiled archive of then-16-year-old Portland, Oregon teenager Steven Paul Smith was painstakingly discovered and distributed by a young Texas fan deep in a years-long pursuit.
Cameron McCrary emailed local Portland record stores and posted entries on Discogs as part of his treasure hunt. Tony Lash, who played drums on several of the records, sold the surviving copies to an Elliott Smith completist. Other recordings trickled out over the course of two years.
All told, the repertoire spans six albums recorded between 1985 and 1989 by Smith and his high school buddies under various band names, including 1985’s Any Kind of Mudhen, 1986’s Still Waters More or Less and 1987’s Menagerie by Stranger Than Fiction; 1988’s The Greenhouse by A Murder of Crows; and 1989’s Trick of Paris Season by Harum Scarum.
As Pitchfork notes, the recently unveiled archive of then-16-year-old Portland, Oregon teenager Steven Paul Smith was painstakingly discovered and distributed by a young Texas fan deep in a years-long pursuit.
Cameron McCrary emailed local Portland record stores and posted entries on Discogs as part of his treasure hunt. Tony Lash, who played drums on several of the records, sold the surviving copies to an Elliott Smith completist. Other recordings trickled out over the course of two years.
All told, the repertoire spans six albums recorded between 1985 and 1989 by Smith and his high school buddies under various band names, including 1985’s Any Kind of Mudhen, 1986’s Still Waters More or Less and 1987’s Menagerie by Stranger Than Fiction; 1988’s The Greenhouse by A Murder of Crows; and 1989’s Trick of Paris Season by Harum Scarum.
- 3/3/2023
- by Bryan Kress
- Consequence - Music
Dame Emma Thompson (born 15 April 1959) is a British actress and screenwriter. Described as one of the best actresses of her generation, she portrays reticent women in period dramas and literary adaptations. She has received various accolades throughout her career spanning four decades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a British Academy Television Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Emma Thompson at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences’ Governors Awards, Ray Dolby Ballroom, Hollywood, CA 11-16-13. Depositphotos
Born in London to English actor Eric Thompson and Scottish actress Phyllida Law, Thompson was educated at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, where she became a member of the Footlights troupe, and appeared in the comedy sketch series Alfresco (1983–1984). In 1985, she starred in the West End revival of the musical Me and My Girl, which was a breakthrough in her career. In 1987, she came...
Emma Thompson at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences’ Governors Awards, Ray Dolby Ballroom, Hollywood, CA 11-16-13. Depositphotos
Born in London to English actor Eric Thompson and Scottish actress Phyllida Law, Thompson was educated at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, where she became a member of the Footlights troupe, and appeared in the comedy sketch series Alfresco (1983–1984). In 1985, she starred in the West End revival of the musical Me and My Girl, which was a breakthrough in her career. In 1987, she came...
- 12/25/2022
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Click here to read the full article.
Emma Thompson, the guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, is a British actress and screenwriter who is the only person who has ever won Academy Awards for both acting and writing.
In addition to those two Oscars, the former for 1992’s Howards End and the latter for 1995’s Sense and Sensibility, she has also won three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, one Emmy Award and one Critics Choice Award, with other credits including 1993’s The Remains of the Day and In the Name of the Father, 1998’s Primary Colors, 2003’s Love Actually and the miniseries Angels in America, 2004’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction, 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 2009’s An Education, 2013’s Saving Mr. Banks, 2017’s The Meyerowitz Stories, 2019’s Late Night and this year’s Good Luck to You,...
Emma Thompson, the guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, is a British actress and screenwriter who is the only person who has ever won Academy Awards for both acting and writing.
In addition to those two Oscars, the former for 1992’s Howards End and the latter for 1995’s Sense and Sensibility, she has also won three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, one Emmy Award and one Critics Choice Award, with other credits including 1993’s The Remains of the Day and In the Name of the Father, 1998’s Primary Colors, 2003’s Love Actually and the miniseries Angels in America, 2004’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction, 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 2009’s An Education, 2013’s Saving Mr. Banks, 2017’s The Meyerowitz Stories, 2019’s Late Night and this year’s Good Luck to You,...
- 12/22/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When the 2003 Christmas classic Love Actually entered the world, it was like a stuffed stocking, filled to the brim with some of Britain’s greatest actors.
From Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson to Alan Rickman, it attracted some of the best performers of the era.
The film also launched the careers of Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Olivia Olson, who were children when they starred in the romcom.
It’s been almost 20 years since Richard Curtis’s film was released, and they’ve all been very busy since then.
Some of the stars of the movie have gone on to work with Curtis again, while others have had huge franchise roles or become synonymous with certain characters, like Martin Freeman’s Dr John Watson in Sherlock.
Here’s a rundown on the Love Actually cast’s varied careers, from 2003 to now…
Bill Nighy
After playing rock and roll legend Billy Mack in Love Actually,...
From Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson to Alan Rickman, it attracted some of the best performers of the era.
The film also launched the careers of Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Olivia Olson, who were children when they starred in the romcom.
It’s been almost 20 years since Richard Curtis’s film was released, and they’ve all been very busy since then.
Some of the stars of the movie have gone on to work with Curtis again, while others have had huge franchise roles or become synonymous with certain characters, like Martin Freeman’s Dr John Watson in Sherlock.
Here’s a rundown on the Love Actually cast’s varied careers, from 2003 to now…
Bill Nighy
After playing rock and roll legend Billy Mack in Love Actually,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Film
John Candy may no longer be with us, but he's still Canada's national treasure. Amongst his raunchy '80s peers, the Second City comedy alumnus had a gift. His warmth never failed to give us a smile when he appeared on-screen. His best films built on that endlessly loving part of Candy, turning him into an honorary family member, a silly babysitter for our darker days.
Despite his comedy prowess, his dramatic roles made us look at him in a new light. When he died in 1994 at 43, we lost decades of potential work where we could have deepened his craft. As a Canadian whose vibrant attitude borrows from the best in Candy, Ryan Reynolds understands what Candy means to all of us. Reynolds' production company is working on a documentary on Candy's life and legacy. For now, we have Candy's movies to remember him by when we miss his infectious laugh.
Despite his comedy prowess, his dramatic roles made us look at him in a new light. When he died in 1994 at 43, we lost decades of potential work where we could have deepened his craft. As a Canadian whose vibrant attitude borrows from the best in Candy, Ryan Reynolds understands what Candy means to all of us. Reynolds' production company is working on a documentary on Candy's life and legacy. For now, we have Candy's movies to remember him by when we miss his infectious laugh.
- 12/11/2022
- by Margaret David
- Slash Film
We all know "The Sopranos" was one of the best shows in history, but we don't talk enough about how it also had some of the best cameos in TV history. Many of the great ones involved famous figures playing themselves, like when Christopher (Michael Imperioli) pitches a project to Sir Ben Kingsley or when Frank Sinatra Jr. and David Lee Roth attend poker games alongside Tony (James Gandolfini). But there were also some noteworthy cameos from actors who hadn't made it big yet when they appeared on David Chase's crime opus, including a pre-"Arrested Development" Tony Hale.
At this point, Hale has had a varied and lengthy comedy career, appearing in shows like the hilarious political satire "Veep" and "Harley Quinn," and films like "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Hocus Pocus 2." The actor is best known, though, for his turn as Buster Bluth on the cult favorite sitcom "Arrested Development.
At this point, Hale has had a varied and lengthy comedy career, appearing in shows like the hilarious political satire "Veep" and "Harley Quinn," and films like "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Hocus Pocus 2." The actor is best known, though, for his turn as Buster Bluth on the cult favorite sitcom "Arrested Development.
- 10/29/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Filmmaker David E. Talbert and his wife and producing partner Lyn Sisson-Talbert have appointed veteran entertainment exec Jim Miller as Head of Film at their production company Golden Alchemy Entertainment, at the same time bringing on Tessie Goodrich as Vice President of Development.
Golden Alchemy’s new hirings follow the Talberts’ signing of a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix for Talbert to write and direct and for the company to produce event films for the streamer. The Talberts closed the deal last year following the success of their Netflix film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, which marked the streamer’s first-ever original live-action musical. The duo produced the movie, with David also directing from his own script.
“Through our partnership with Netflix and with the help of Jim and Tessie, we’re thankful for the opportunity to continue to put fantasy and feel-good entertainment into the world,” said the Talberts in a joint statement.
Golden Alchemy’s new hirings follow the Talberts’ signing of a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix for Talbert to write and direct and for the company to produce event films for the streamer. The Talberts closed the deal last year following the success of their Netflix film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, which marked the streamer’s first-ever original live-action musical. The duo produced the movie, with David also directing from his own script.
“Through our partnership with Netflix and with the help of Jim and Tessie, we’re thankful for the opportunity to continue to put fantasy and feel-good entertainment into the world,” said the Talberts in a joint statement.
- 10/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
TV writer-producer Zack Estrin, whose credits include Prison Break and Lost in Space, died Friday in Hermosa Beach, Calif., of an unknown cause. He was 51.
Estrin had a successful career in TV, starting with credits on Charmed, Dawson’s Creek and Tru Calling, before rising through the ranks to serve as co-executive producer of Fox’s Prison Break.
Estrin was showrunner and executive producer of two ABC paranormal thrillers, The River and The Whispers, as well as co-creator and executive producer of ABC’s Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.
He also was showrunner and executive producer of Netflix’s reimagining of Lost in Space.
Born in Woodland, California, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Estrin attended USC before starting his entertainment career in film. He was a producer on Stranger Than Fiction and O, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespearian ‘s Othello.
In a statement,...
TV writer-producer Zack Estrin, whose credits include Prison Break and Lost in Space, died Friday in Hermosa Beach, Calif., of an unknown cause. He was 51.
Estrin had a successful career in TV, starting with credits on Charmed, Dawson’s Creek and Tru Calling, before rising through the ranks to serve as co-executive producer of Fox’s Prison Break.
Estrin was showrunner and executive producer of two ABC paranormal thrillers, The River and The Whispers, as well as co-creator and executive producer of ABC’s Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.
He also was showrunner and executive producer of Netflix’s reimagining of Lost in Space.
Born in Woodland, California, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Estrin attended USC before starting his entertainment career in film. He was a producer on Stranger Than Fiction and O, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespearian ‘s Othello.
In a statement,...
- 9/25/2022
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zack Estrin, the respected writer-producer and showrunner known for his work on Fox’s “Prison Break” and Netflix’s recent revival of “Lost in Space,” died Sept. 23 in Hermosa Beach, Calif. He was 51.
Estrin’s death was confirmed Sunday by his longtime talent agency, WME. Estrin was remembered by friends and family as a versatile writer and producer who was a generous mentor to others.
“Zack Estrin was our everything,” Estrin’s family said in a statement. “The best husband, father, son and friend. He loved to make everyone happy. He loved to make everyone laugh. He loved being a writer/producer and being a part of creating these shows that people enjoyed. But above all, he loved his family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of his life and ours.”
WME president Ari Greenburg added, “Zack was our client for nearly 25 years. He had a tremendously...
Estrin’s death was confirmed Sunday by his longtime talent agency, WME. Estrin was remembered by friends and family as a versatile writer and producer who was a generous mentor to others.
“Zack Estrin was our everything,” Estrin’s family said in a statement. “The best husband, father, son and friend. He loved to make everyone happy. He loved to make everyone laugh. He loved being a writer/producer and being a part of creating these shows that people enjoyed. But above all, he loved his family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of his life and ours.”
WME president Ari Greenburg added, “Zack was our client for nearly 25 years. He had a tremendously...
- 9/25/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Top television writer-producer Zack Estrin, known for his work as executive producer/showrunner of Lost In Space and co-executive producer on Prison Break, passed away suddenly Sept. 23 in Hermosa Beach. He was 51. Estrin, who was in good health, died of suspected cardiac arrest after collapsing while jogging on the beach. The exact cause of death is unknown pending autopsy.
“Zack Estrin was our everything,” his family said in a statement. “The best husband, father, son and friend. He loved to make everyone happy. He loved to make everyone laugh. He loved being a writer/producer and being a part of creating these shows that people enjoyed. But above all, he loved his family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of his life and ours.”
Born in Woodland, California, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Estrin graduated from USC and began his entertainment career in features as a...
“Zack Estrin was our everything,” his family said in a statement. “The best husband, father, son and friend. He loved to make everyone happy. He loved to make everyone laugh. He loved being a writer/producer and being a part of creating these shows that people enjoyed. But above all, he loved his family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of his life and ours.”
Born in Woodland, California, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Estrin graduated from USC and began his entertainment career in features as a...
- 9/25/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Zack Estrin, a screenwriter and producer best known for serving as showrunner and executive producer for Netflix’s “Lost in Space” reboot, died Friday, a representative for the family said Sunday. He was 51.
“Zack Estrin was our everything,” the screenwriter’s family said in a statement. “The best husband, father, son and friend. He loved to make everyone happy. He loved to make everyone laugh. He loved being a writer/producer and being a part of creating these shows that people enjoyed. But above all, he loved his family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of his life and ours.”
The California native rose through the ranks of Hollywood as a producer and writer, eventually becoming an executive producer and showrunner on shows like “The River” and “The Whispers.”
Also Read:
Louise Fletcher, Oscar-Winning Nurse Ratched in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ Dies at 88
Estrin was born in Woodland,...
“Zack Estrin was our everything,” the screenwriter’s family said in a statement. “The best husband, father, son and friend. He loved to make everyone happy. He loved to make everyone laugh. He loved being a writer/producer and being a part of creating these shows that people enjoyed. But above all, he loved his family and friends. Thank you all for being a part of his life and ours.”
The California native rose through the ranks of Hollywood as a producer and writer, eventually becoming an executive producer and showrunner on shows like “The River” and “The Whispers.”
Also Read:
Louise Fletcher, Oscar-Winning Nurse Ratched in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ Dies at 88
Estrin was born in Woodland,...
- 9/25/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Sophie Hyde’s “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January, receiving critical acclaim — particularly for its star Emma Thompson — with many calling her a potential Oscars best actress contender. But the British sex comedy, which was acquired by Searchlight Pictures and later released on Hulu June 17, became ineligible when the Academy reverted to its pre-pandemic requirements that a film must have a theatrical release of seven days before debuting on a streaming platform.
However, Variety has now confirmed that Searchlight Pictures formally submitted an appeal to deem the film eligible, and the Academy has approved it for awards consideration. In addition to AMPAS, the film has also been cleared for awards submission by BAFTA (which was already given due to Lionsgate distributing the film in the U.K.), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Producers Guild of America (PGA) and Critics Choice...
However, Variety has now confirmed that Searchlight Pictures formally submitted an appeal to deem the film eligible, and the Academy has approved it for awards consideration. In addition to AMPAS, the film has also been cleared for awards submission by BAFTA (which was already given due to Lionsgate distributing the film in the U.K.), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Producers Guild of America (PGA) and Critics Choice...
- 8/12/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Movie: "The Imposter"
Where You Can Stream It: Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy
The Pitch: Bart Layton's gripping, endlessly twisty documentary tells the story of a family reunited, then unraveled. A Texas family whose son, Nicholas, had been missing for three years gets word that he's been found in Spain. Overjoyed, they bring him home, and he resumes his previous life. Only, Nicholas seems different -- not just subdued by whatever trauma he's endured,...
The post The Daily Stream: The Imposter Tests the Limits of the Phrase 'Stranger Than Fiction' appeared first on /Film.
The Movie: "The Imposter"
Where You Can Stream It: Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy
The Pitch: Bart Layton's gripping, endlessly twisty documentary tells the story of a family reunited, then unraveled. A Texas family whose son, Nicholas, had been missing for three years gets word that he's been found in Spain. Overjoyed, they bring him home, and he resumes his previous life. Only, Nicholas seems different -- not just subdued by whatever trauma he's endured,...
The post The Daily Stream: The Imposter Tests the Limits of the Phrase 'Stranger Than Fiction' appeared first on /Film.
- 3/29/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
In 1972, the ads for the late Peter Bogdanovich’s hilarious throwback “What’s Up, Doc?” promised, “It’s a screwball comedy. Remember those?” If Disney weren’t consigning “Deep Water” to its Hulu streaming service — the fate for most upcoming titles from the 20th Century and Searchlight shingles — they might well have posters that tease, “It’s an erotic thriller. Remember them?”
And who better to save Hollywood cinema from chaste franchises, stolid superheroes, and a general lack of horniness than director Adrian Lyne, returned from a two-decade hiatus to bring heavy breathing back to mainstream movies.
“Deep Water,” a Patricia Highsmith adaptation starring couple-at-the-time Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, doesn’t invoke the beads of sweat that the genre’s best can manage, but it’s a pleasurably trashy reminder of the flashy fun that Lyne and his many imitators once regularly brought to the screen.
Adapted by the...
And who better to save Hollywood cinema from chaste franchises, stolid superheroes, and a general lack of horniness than director Adrian Lyne, returned from a two-decade hiatus to bring heavy breathing back to mainstream movies.
“Deep Water,” a Patricia Highsmith adaptation starring couple-at-the-time Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, doesn’t invoke the beads of sweat that the genre’s best can manage, but it’s a pleasurably trashy reminder of the flashy fun that Lyne and his many imitators once regularly brought to the screen.
Adapted by the...
- 3/16/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas Navigate Sex, Infidelity and Murder in New ‘Deep Water’ Trailer (Video)
The official trailer for the new psychological thriller “Deep Water” has arrived, in which Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas play a married couple with some serious troubles.
The 20th Century Studios film is based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith and hails from “Indecent Proposal,” “Fatal Attraction” and “9 1/2 Weeks” director Adrian Lyne. Affleck plays Vic, a husband who is becoming increasingly perturbed by his wife’s open philandering, while de Armas plays Vic’s flirtatious and cunning wife Melinda. Things take a bloody turn at a party when a body turns up in the pool.
The film boasts a screenplay by Zach Helm (“Stranger Than Fiction”) and “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson.
“Deep Water” was a bit in limbo after Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, as the film was shot back in 2019 and its seriously R-rated nature is not exactly befitting a streaming service like Disney+.
The 20th Century Studios film is based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith and hails from “Indecent Proposal,” “Fatal Attraction” and “9 1/2 Weeks” director Adrian Lyne. Affleck plays Vic, a husband who is becoming increasingly perturbed by his wife’s open philandering, while de Armas plays Vic’s flirtatious and cunning wife Melinda. Things take a bloody turn at a party when a body turns up in the pool.
The film boasts a screenplay by Zach Helm (“Stranger Than Fiction”) and “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson.
“Deep Water” was a bit in limbo after Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, as the film was shot back in 2019 and its seriously R-rated nature is not exactly befitting a streaming service like Disney+.
- 3/7/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Thirteenth edition of festival set for November 9-17 in New York.
Doc NYC is to launch a search for a new artistic director as founding artistic director Thom Powers shifts to a new role as director of special projects.
The organisation will seek to serve its growing year-round activities as it enters its 13th year. Doc NYC’s core leadership team of executive director Raphaela Neihausen, director of industry and education Malikkah Rollins, and director of filmmaker development Caitlin Boyle remain in place.
“The scope and reach of Doc NYC have dramatically expanded since our first festival in 2010, and it...
Doc NYC is to launch a search for a new artistic director as founding artistic director Thom Powers shifts to a new role as director of special projects.
The organisation will seek to serve its growing year-round activities as it enters its 13th year. Doc NYC’s core leadership team of executive director Raphaela Neihausen, director of industry and education Malikkah Rollins, and director of filmmaker development Caitlin Boyle remain in place.
“The scope and reach of Doc NYC have dramatically expanded since our first festival in 2010, and it...
- 2/17/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Hallelujah has sold to France, Germany and Austria.
UK documentary specialist Dogwoof has reported sales on Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song and River following this year’s European Film Market (EFM).
Venice premiere Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song has sold to The Jokers for France and Prokino for Germany and Austria. As previously announced, the documentary feature was taken for the world by Sony Picture Classics, excluding the aforementioned territories.
The title takes inspiration from the book The Holy Or The Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley & The Unlikely Ascent Of Hallelujah by Alan Light. It is...
UK documentary specialist Dogwoof has reported sales on Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song and River following this year’s European Film Market (EFM).
Venice premiere Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song has sold to The Jokers for France and Prokino for Germany and Austria. As previously announced, the documentary feature was taken for the world by Sony Picture Classics, excluding the aforementioned territories.
The title takes inspiration from the book The Holy Or The Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley & The Unlikely Ascent Of Hallelujah by Alan Light. It is...
- 2/16/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Yes, that headline sounds like the plot of a surprisingly mundane dream you once had and, yes, it's completely true. Allison Baver, former Olympic speed skater and the founder of Allison Baver Entertainment (shocker), fraudulently applied for $10 million of Covid relief funds and funneled some of those funds into Elijah Wood's production company for his 2021 film "No Man of God." As the 2006 off-kilter romantic comedy starring Will Ferrell "Stranger Than Fiction" once posited, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. And in this particular case, not only is it stranger, it also boils...
The post Olympic Speed Skater Allegedly Ripped Off Covid Relief Funds to Bankroll Elijah Wood Movie, We Swear We're Not Making This Up appeared first on /Film.
The post Olympic Speed Skater Allegedly Ripped Off Covid Relief Funds to Bankroll Elijah Wood Movie, We Swear We're Not Making This Up appeared first on /Film.
- 12/21/2021
- by Kaylee Dugan
- Slash Film
It looks like the erotic thriller blockbuster won't be making a comeback as soon as we'd hoped. The Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas-led film "Deep Water" was pulled from theatrical release calendars last week. Deadline now reports that the 20th Century Studios/New Regency movie will not be rescheduled theatrically. Instead, it will go directly to streaming on Hulu, with Amazon handling streaming outside the United States.
"Deep Water" is director Adrian Lyne's first project since 2002's "Unfaithful" (above). "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson and "Stranger Than Fiction" writer Zach Helm penned the script, which is based on a Patricia Highsmith novel. The...
The post Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' Thriller Deep Water Going Straight to Streaming appeared first on /Film.
"Deep Water" is director Adrian Lyne's first project since 2002's "Unfaithful" (above). "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson and "Stranger Than Fiction" writer Zach Helm penned the script, which is based on a Patricia Highsmith novel. The...
The post Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' Thriller Deep Water Going Straight to Streaming appeared first on /Film.
- 12/14/2021
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: New Line has picked up the original pitch The Naughty One from writer Zach Helm for HBO Max in a competitive situation.
The movie, which Helm will write, is an action comedy set around Christmas. The storyline is being kept under wraps.
Berlanti/Schechter Films‘ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter will produce and Michael McGrath will serve as EP.
Helm is known for writing several movies including Stranger Than Fiction and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, which he also directed.
He also co-wrote the upcoming 20th Century Studios/New Regency movie Deep Water based on Patricia Highsmith’s eponymous novel starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. The movie reps Oscar nominated filmmaker Adrian Lyne’s first directorial since 2002’s Unfaithful.
Helm is represented by UTA, Lindsay Williams at Gotham Group, and attorney David Matlof at Hirsch, Wallerstein, Hayum, Matlof & Fishman.
The movie, which Helm will write, is an action comedy set around Christmas. The storyline is being kept under wraps.
Berlanti/Schechter Films‘ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter will produce and Michael McGrath will serve as EP.
Helm is known for writing several movies including Stranger Than Fiction and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, which he also directed.
He also co-wrote the upcoming 20th Century Studios/New Regency movie Deep Water based on Patricia Highsmith’s eponymous novel starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. The movie reps Oscar nominated filmmaker Adrian Lyne’s first directorial since 2002’s Unfaithful.
Helm is represented by UTA, Lindsay Williams at Gotham Group, and attorney David Matlof at Hirsch, Wallerstein, Hayum, Matlof & Fishman.
- 12/13/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephanie Phillips, who most recently served as Warner Bros. SVP Global Publicity, is heading over to Focus Features as its new EVP Publicity.
Industry vet Dani Weinstein, who was formerly in this role, will be departing Universal’s classic label after a near five-year run.
Phillips counts more than two decades of experience overseeing multi-faceted global publicity campaigns. She will be based in Los Angeles and report to Focus Features Vice Chairman Jason Cassidy.
Phillips will oversee all publicity for Focus Features’ theatrical slate while working closely on awards campaigns and strategic branding. She will team with Universal Pictures’ global publicity team on Focus’ overseas campaigns on titles distributed via Universal Pictures International.
Weinstein worked on many Oscar campaigns for the label including most recently Promising Young Woman and 2017’s Darkest Hour from Joe Wright. She already has teed up Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast for Focus this awards season; the...
Industry vet Dani Weinstein, who was formerly in this role, will be departing Universal’s classic label after a near five-year run.
Phillips counts more than two decades of experience overseeing multi-faceted global publicity campaigns. She will be based in Los Angeles and report to Focus Features Vice Chairman Jason Cassidy.
Phillips will oversee all publicity for Focus Features’ theatrical slate while working closely on awards campaigns and strategic branding. She will team with Universal Pictures’ global publicity team on Focus’ overseas campaigns on titles distributed via Universal Pictures International.
Weinstein worked on many Oscar campaigns for the label including most recently Promising Young Woman and 2017’s Darkest Hour from Joe Wright. She already has teed up Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast for Focus this awards season; the...
- 11/30/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Screen Australia has unveiled 13 titles that will share in $3.7 million of production funding, with six documentaries to be supported through the Producer Program and seven projects via the Commissioned Program.
They include a feature documentary from Stranger Than Fiction that follows an Indigenous figure skater from Western Sydney, Harley Windsor, on his quest to compete in the Winter Olympics; a series going inside the Sydney Opera House for the ABC; and a feature documentary about a grandmother with dementia who became an internet sensation in Everybody’s Oma.
Screen Australia head of documentary Alex West said the documentaries were a testament to the talented filmmakers creating local stories with great impact.
“These projects will explore contemporary social issues including how First Nations artist Richard Bell’s work uses art to effect change in War & Order, as well as the complexities of teen parenting in Kids Raising Kids,” he said.
“They...
They include a feature documentary from Stranger Than Fiction that follows an Indigenous figure skater from Western Sydney, Harley Windsor, on his quest to compete in the Winter Olympics; a series going inside the Sydney Opera House for the ABC; and a feature documentary about a grandmother with dementia who became an internet sensation in Everybody’s Oma.
Screen Australia head of documentary Alex West said the documentaries were a testament to the talented filmmakers creating local stories with great impact.
“These projects will explore contemporary social issues including how First Nations artist Richard Bell’s work uses art to effect change in War & Order, as well as the complexities of teen parenting in Kids Raising Kids,” he said.
“They...
- 11/2/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
By his own admission, Christiaan Van Vuuren is no political expert.
Despite this, the perspective of the Soul Mates and Bondi Hipsters comedian is central to Big Deal, a two-part ABC factual series examining Australia’s billion-dollar political lobbying industry.
As the presenter of Craig Reucassel’s directorial debut, Van Vuuren sits down with a host of prominent parliamentary and media figures, including Jason Falinski, Sam Dastyari, Scott Ryan, Kate McClymont, Andrew Leigh, Helen Haines, Jacqui Lambie, Katharine Murphy, Linda Burney, and Zali Steggall.
He told If the distance of departure from his previous work was not lost on him.
“It was pretty terrifying,” he said.
“There is an emotional safety when you have control of an edit and you’re in character and it’s comedic.
“This is scarier because you are a bit more out there. It was challenging in that I was talking to people who know...
Despite this, the perspective of the Soul Mates and Bondi Hipsters comedian is central to Big Deal, a two-part ABC factual series examining Australia’s billion-dollar political lobbying industry.
As the presenter of Craig Reucassel’s directorial debut, Van Vuuren sits down with a host of prominent parliamentary and media figures, including Jason Falinski, Sam Dastyari, Scott Ryan, Kate McClymont, Andrew Leigh, Helen Haines, Jacqui Lambie, Katharine Murphy, Linda Burney, and Zali Steggall.
He told If the distance of departure from his previous work was not lost on him.
“It was pretty terrifying,” he said.
“There is an emotional safety when you have control of an edit and you’re in character and it’s comedic.
“This is scarier because you are a bit more out there. It was challenging in that I was talking to people who know...
- 10/8/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Kate: It’s not meant to be.Alex: No. Don’t say that. Something must’ve happened.A decade and a half is not really long enough to commemorate a film’s anniversary—but then again, bogus nostalgia for the immediate past is the main engine of pop culture discourse today. So here’s a wild proposition: what if 2006 was the last great year for adventurous, bigger-budget movies? It’s impossible to answer, of course, but consider these studio releases: Marie-Antoinette, Children of Men, Southland Tales, Clint Eastwood’s Iwo Jima diptych, Inside Man, Miami Vice, Idlewild, Crank, Idiocracy, The Holiday, The Black Dahlia. Millions were spent on bizarre highbrow and/or vanity projects like Michel Gondry’s The Science of Sleep, Soderbergh’s The Good German, Tommy Lee Jones’ (phenomenal) The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, or Ryan Murphy’s (excruciating) Running With Scissors. World Trade Center and United...
- 4/1/2021
- MUBI
Director Jennifer Peedom is set to re-team with her Mountain collaborators, the Australia Chamber Orchestra’s (Aco) Richard Tognetti and writer Robert Macfarlane, on new a theatrical documentary, River.
Co-commissioned by the ABC and BBC Arts, the project is a partnership between Stranger Than Fiction Films and the UK’s Arrow Pictures which will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and explore the relationship between humans and rivers.
Set to span six continents and boast “extraordinary contemporary cinematography”, including satellite filming, the film promises to show rivers on scales and from perspectives never seen before.
“As Mountain drew its audience up to the highest world’s most formidable summits, so River will draw its audiences in to explore the arteries of the planet,” Peedom said.
“This is not a traditional theatrical documentary. The phenomenal global success of Mountain shows that audiences worldwide have a huge appetite for a different kind of experience.
Co-commissioned by the ABC and BBC Arts, the project is a partnership between Stranger Than Fiction Films and the UK’s Arrow Pictures which will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and explore the relationship between humans and rivers.
Set to span six continents and boast “extraordinary contemporary cinematography”, including satellite filming, the film promises to show rivers on scales and from perspectives never seen before.
“As Mountain drew its audience up to the highest world’s most formidable summits, so River will draw its audiences in to explore the arteries of the planet,” Peedom said.
“This is not a traditional theatrical documentary. The phenomenal global success of Mountain shows that audiences worldwide have a huge appetite for a different kind of experience.
- 2/23/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Stranger Than Fiction, Arrow Team For Documentary ‘River,’ Dogwoof to Sell at Berlin EFM (Exclusive)
Australia’s Stranger Than Fiction Films and the U.K.’s Arrow Pictures have teamed for theatrical documentary “River,” commissioned by ABC Arts and BBC Arts.
Exploring the relationship between humans and rivers, the documentary spans six continents. It is directed by Jennifer Peedom, co-directed by Joseph Nizeti and produced by Jo-anne McGowan and Peedom from Stranger than Fiction and John Smithson from Arrow.
Peedom’s previous film “Mountain” (2017) is the highest-grossing Australian documentary in box office history, and completed an 11-week run in U.K. and U.S. cinemas. An earlier collaboration, “Sherpa” (2015), was BAFTA-nominated and won best documentary at the London Film Festival. It also won at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, Australian Film Critics Association Awards and Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards, among numerous other accolades.
“Mountain” was written by Robert Macfarlane with music by artistic director Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra...
Exploring the relationship between humans and rivers, the documentary spans six continents. It is directed by Jennifer Peedom, co-directed by Joseph Nizeti and produced by Jo-anne McGowan and Peedom from Stranger than Fiction and John Smithson from Arrow.
Peedom’s previous film “Mountain” (2017) is the highest-grossing Australian documentary in box office history, and completed an 11-week run in U.K. and U.S. cinemas. An earlier collaboration, “Sherpa” (2015), was BAFTA-nominated and won best documentary at the London Film Festival. It also won at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, Australian Film Critics Association Awards and Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards, among numerous other accolades.
“Mountain” was written by Robert Macfarlane with music by artistic director Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra...
- 2/23/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
At some point during every big screen comedian’s career, they’ll eventually take the plunge into more dramatic territory, with the notable exception of Will Ferrell. While former co-stars and contemporaries like Steve Carrell, Jonah Hill and Melissa McCarthy have all picked up Academy Award nominations for serious roles, and his Anchorman director Adam McKay won an Oscar for The Big Short‘s screenplay, Ferrell has, for the most part, remained firmly in his wheelhouse ever since first shooting to success two decades ago.
In fact, you’d have to go back to 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction to find the last time the 53 year-old appeared in a movie that didn’t rely on his usual shtick. That being said, people clearly still enjoy Ferrell’s brand of humor based on how long Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga spent hanging around Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched list when it debuted earlier this year.
In fact, you’d have to go back to 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction to find the last time the 53 year-old appeared in a movie that didn’t rely on his usual shtick. That being said, people clearly still enjoy Ferrell’s brand of humor based on how long Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga spent hanging around Netflix’s Top 10 most-watched list when it debuted earlier this year.
- 11/29/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
Lionsgate has signed Marc Forster to direct the drama “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” a year after buying the feature films rights to the R.J. Palacio graphic novel.
The studio adapted Palacio’s popular book “Wonder” into a 2017 feature film starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts. “Wonder” was an impressive performer at the box office with $330 million worldwide.
“White Bird” centers on a young Jewish girl hidden away by a boy and his family in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Recounted by Grandmere to her grandson, Julian (a character first introduced to audiences in “Wonder”), the story demonstrates the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges and even save lives.
Forster’s directing credits include “Neverland,” which was nominated for a best picture Academy Award; “Christopher Robin”; “World War Z”; “Quantum of Solace”; “The Kite Runner”; and “Stranger Than Fiction.” He will direct “White Bird” from a screenplay by Mark Bomback.
The studio adapted Palacio’s popular book “Wonder” into a 2017 feature film starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts. “Wonder” was an impressive performer at the box office with $330 million worldwide.
“White Bird” centers on a young Jewish girl hidden away by a boy and his family in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Recounted by Grandmere to her grandson, Julian (a character first introduced to audiences in “Wonder”), the story demonstrates the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges and even save lives.
Forster’s directing credits include “Neverland,” which was nominated for a best picture Academy Award; “Christopher Robin”; “World War Z”; “Quantum of Solace”; “The Kite Runner”; and “Stranger Than Fiction.” He will direct “White Bird” from a screenplay by Mark Bomback.
- 10/29/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
World War Z filmmaker Marc Forster has boarded Lionsgate’s feature adaptation of White Bird: A Wonder Story, a creative graphic novel drawn from the universe of the 2017 Lionsgate-Mandeville Films hit pic Wonder which grossed $306M WW. Forster returns to the studio where he directed the Oscar-winning Monster’s Ball 19 years ago.
In White Bird: A Wonder Story from author R.J. Palacio, Julian Albans, the 11-year-old bully who left Beecher Prep, is still waiting for that insight when he is visited by his Grandmère from Paris and is transformed by her remarkable story of compassion and courage. Grandmère’s fairy-tale life before the war abruptly changes as the Nazis occupy France, and the outcast classmate who she once shunned becomes her savior and best friend.
Scribe Mark Bomback is adapting White Bird, his previous credits include The Art of Racing in the Rain, War for the Planet of the Apes.
In White Bird: A Wonder Story from author R.J. Palacio, Julian Albans, the 11-year-old bully who left Beecher Prep, is still waiting for that insight when he is visited by his Grandmère from Paris and is transformed by her remarkable story of compassion and courage. Grandmère’s fairy-tale life before the war abruptly changes as the Nazis occupy France, and the outcast classmate who she once shunned becomes her savior and best friend.
Scribe Mark Bomback is adapting White Bird, his previous credits include The Art of Racing in the Rain, War for the Planet of the Apes.
- 10/29/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Marc Forster is set to direct “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” the follow-up to the 2017 Lionsgate film “Wonder” based on R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel, Lionsgate announced Thursday.
“White Bird” is set in the same universe as “Wonder” and is the story of an 11-year-old bully seen in the first film who gets a visit from his grandmother from Paris and learns about her fairy-tale childhood before she’s forced to escape from the Nazis in occupied France.
Mark Bomback wrote the screenplay based on Palacio’s graphic novel. The producers behind “Wonder,” Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, are also producing “White Bird,” as is Palacio.
Renée Wolfe will be coming on board as an executive producer. Alex Young will also serve as an executive producer.
“White Bird” was published by Alfred A. Knopf and hit bookstores last October. Palacio’s books have sold more than 15 million copies...
“White Bird” is set in the same universe as “Wonder” and is the story of an 11-year-old bully seen in the first film who gets a visit from his grandmother from Paris and learns about her fairy-tale childhood before she’s forced to escape from the Nazis in occupied France.
Mark Bomback wrote the screenplay based on Palacio’s graphic novel. The producers behind “Wonder,” Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, are also producing “White Bird,” as is Palacio.
Renée Wolfe will be coming on board as an executive producer. Alex Young will also serve as an executive producer.
“White Bird” was published by Alfred A. Knopf and hit bookstores last October. Palacio’s books have sold more than 15 million copies...
- 10/29/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Mark Bomback adapts R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel.
Lionsgate has signed Marc Forster to direct White Bird: A Wonder Story, building out from the studio’s 2017 $305m global hit Wonder.
Mark Bomback adapted R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel and Wonder producers David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films reprise their roles alongside Palacio also serving as producer.
White Bird: A Wonder Story centres on Julian Albans, the 11-year-old bully from the original feature, who has a life-changing encounter with this grandmother from France
Her seemingly perfect life as a youngster before the war changed under Nazi occupation and...
Lionsgate has signed Marc Forster to direct White Bird: A Wonder Story, building out from the studio’s 2017 $305m global hit Wonder.
Mark Bomback adapted R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel and Wonder producers David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films reprise their roles alongside Palacio also serving as producer.
White Bird: A Wonder Story centres on Julian Albans, the 11-year-old bully from the original feature, who has a life-changing encounter with this grandmother from France
Her seemingly perfect life as a youngster before the war changed under Nazi occupation and...
- 10/29/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Marc Forster is set to direct White Bird: A Wonder Story, the movie adaptation based on R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel of the same name, for Wonder producers Lionsgate and Mandeville Films.
The World War Z director will helm the creative companion from the universe of the 2017 Lionsgate box office hit Wonder. Forster is also the director of Finding Neverland, Christopher Robin, Quantum of Solace, The Kite Runner, Stranger than Fiction and Lionsgate’s Monster’s Ball.
“To direct the adaptation, Marc Forster brings not only mastery of his craft but a tender heart and gentle vision for a story ...
The World War Z director will helm the creative companion from the universe of the 2017 Lionsgate box office hit Wonder. Forster is also the director of Finding Neverland, Christopher Robin, Quantum of Solace, The Kite Runner, Stranger than Fiction and Lionsgate’s Monster’s Ball.
“To direct the adaptation, Marc Forster brings not only mastery of his craft but a tender heart and gentle vision for a story ...
- 10/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Marc Forster is set to direct White Bird: A Wonder Story, the movie adaptation based on R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel of the same name, for Wonder producers Lionsgate and Mandeville Films.
The World War Z director will helm the creative companion from the universe of the 2017 Lionsgate box office hit Wonder. Forster is also the director of Finding Neverland, Christopher Robin, Quantum of Solace, The Kite Runner, Stranger than Fiction and Lionsgate’s Monster’s Ball.
“To direct the adaptation, Marc Forster brings not only mastery of his craft but a tender heart and gentle vision for a story ...
The World War Z director will helm the creative companion from the universe of the 2017 Lionsgate box office hit Wonder. Forster is also the director of Finding Neverland, Christopher Robin, Quantum of Solace, The Kite Runner, Stranger than Fiction and Lionsgate’s Monster’s Ball.
“To direct the adaptation, Marc Forster brings not only mastery of his craft but a tender heart and gentle vision for a story ...
- 10/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix subscribers have already been treated to a smorgasbord of fresh stuff in October, such as Adam Sandler’s horror-comedy film Hubie Halloween, paranormal horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor, and classic movies like Clint Eastwood’s drama Gran Torino and cerebral Will Ferrell flick Stranger Than Fiction. But although you’ve probably got plenty to watch as it is, you can always count on the steaming site to keep dropping fresh content for you to add to your list throughout each month.
Today marks a fairly large haul of new titles for the platform, bringing nine different things for you to sort through. But most importantly, it includes a handful of hot releases that you’re going to want to check out right away, especially if you have any interest in a certain Caped Crusader and his archnemesis.
Batman: The Killing Joke is among today’s releases, and...
Today marks a fairly large haul of new titles for the platform, bringing nine different things for you to sort through. But most importantly, it includes a handful of hot releases that you’re going to want to check out right away, especially if you have any interest in a certain Caped Crusader and his archnemesis.
Batman: The Killing Joke is among today’s releases, and...
- 10/15/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Mattel and production company 2Dux are teaming on a feature film based on the “Thomas & Friends” children’s train franchise, with “World War Z” director Marc Forster on board to helm and co-produce.
“’Thomas’ is a beloved global franchise that focuses on the importance of friendship, a theme that resonates deeply with children and parents around the world,” said Mattel Films chief Robbie Brenner. “Marc is an incredible storyteller and I look forward to partnering with him to tell Thomas’ story in a modern and unexpected way.”
The companies, which announced the project Tuesday, said “Thomas & Friends” will be a four-quadrant family adventure that blends live-action and animation. Mattel Films will co-produce the film alongside Forster and Renée Wolfe, co-founder and co-ceo of 2Dux.
Alyssa Hill (“A Taste of Power”) and Jesse Wigutow have written the script. Brenner and Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films.
“’Thomas’ is a beloved global franchise that focuses on the importance of friendship, a theme that resonates deeply with children and parents around the world,” said Mattel Films chief Robbie Brenner. “Marc is an incredible storyteller and I look forward to partnering with him to tell Thomas’ story in a modern and unexpected way.”
The companies, which announced the project Tuesday, said “Thomas & Friends” will be a four-quadrant family adventure that blends live-action and animation. Mattel Films will co-produce the film alongside Forster and Renée Wolfe, co-founder and co-ceo of 2Dux.
Alyssa Hill (“A Taste of Power”) and Jesse Wigutow have written the script. Brenner and Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films.
- 10/6/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
When it comes to adding new content, the biggest haul for any given streaming service is typically found on the first of the month, and that’s no different with Netflix.
Indeed, thanks to a huge day for new movies/TV shows on October 1st, the past week has seen the current leader in the industry add a whopping 74 films and 31 television series, ensuring that subscribers have plenty to entertain themselves with. From hidden gems to all-time classics and a few underrated titles that definitely deserve another look, there’s much to get excited about here and the full list of every new release that arrived this week can be found below.
74 New Movies
28 Days (2000) A Chaster Marriage (2016) A Toot-Toot Cory Carson Halloween (2020) Netflix Original A.M.I. (2019) Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) All Because of You (Pasal Kau) (2020) Netflix Original Along Came a Spider (2001) Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part...
Indeed, thanks to a huge day for new movies/TV shows on October 1st, the past week has seen the current leader in the industry add a whopping 74 films and 31 television series, ensuring that subscribers have plenty to entertain themselves with. From hidden gems to all-time classics and a few underrated titles that definitely deserve another look, there’s much to get excited about here and the full list of every new release that arrived this week can be found below.
74 New Movies
28 Days (2000) A Chaster Marriage (2016) A Toot-Toot Cory Carson Halloween (2020) Netflix Original A.M.I. (2019) Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) All Because of You (Pasal Kau) (2020) Netflix Original Along Came a Spider (2001) Amandla! A Revolution in Four Part...
- 10/4/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
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