Jean-Claude Van Damme is a man of many talents. Apart from being a world-renowned martial artist, he is also a legend when it comes to minting out several highly acclaimed action movies. The Belgium-born Van Damme landed in Los Angeles with big dreams, but the reality was far different from what he had expected.
He initially struggled to get roles and landed some small bits here and there. But 1988’s Bloodsport changed everything for the actor.
Jean-Claude Van Damme in Bloodsport | Credits: The Cannon Group
He got the much-needed recognition after this movie, and now several decades later, he’s considered one of the most iconic actors of his generation. However, behind this glitz and glamour, the actor has been really struggling medically and is currently dealing with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.
Jean-Claude Van Damme and His Ongoing Medical Challenges
After his 1988 hit Bloodsport, Jean-Claude Van Damme was riding high on the success.
He initially struggled to get roles and landed some small bits here and there. But 1988’s Bloodsport changed everything for the actor.
Jean-Claude Van Damme in Bloodsport | Credits: The Cannon Group
He got the much-needed recognition after this movie, and now several decades later, he’s considered one of the most iconic actors of his generation. However, behind this glitz and glamour, the actor has been really struggling medically and is currently dealing with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.
Jean-Claude Van Damme and His Ongoing Medical Challenges
After his 1988 hit Bloodsport, Jean-Claude Van Damme was riding high on the success.
- 10/19/2024
- by Sakshi Singh
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Vantage Media, the domestic distribution arm of sales firm Vmi Worldwide, is partnering with Chad A. Verdi’s Verdi Productions (Bleed For This) on a fund to acquire and distribute independent films.
Vantage has grown its slate in recent months with titles including What Remains (pictured), the true crime-thriller starring Andrea Riseborough and Stellan Skarsgård, Fernando Trueba’s Haunted Heart starring Matt Dillon, and The Ballad of Davy Crockett, starring William Moseley.
Vantage and Verdi are planning on an annual slate of twelve cast-driven titles and the former will be attending the upcoming American Film Market in Las Vegas to meet with sales agents and filmmakers.
The deal was negotiated by Chad A. Verdi, CEO of Verdi Productions, and Andre Relis, CEO of Vantage Media and Vmi Worldwide.
“Verdi and Vmi have been long standing partners working on countless pictures for over a decade. I am looking forward to...
Vantage has grown its slate in recent months with titles including What Remains (pictured), the true crime-thriller starring Andrea Riseborough and Stellan Skarsgård, Fernando Trueba’s Haunted Heart starring Matt Dillon, and The Ballad of Davy Crockett, starring William Moseley.
Vantage and Verdi are planning on an annual slate of twelve cast-driven titles and the former will be attending the upcoming American Film Market in Las Vegas to meet with sales agents and filmmakers.
The deal was negotiated by Chad A. Verdi, CEO of Verdi Productions, and Andre Relis, CEO of Vantage Media and Vmi Worldwide.
“Verdi and Vmi have been long standing partners working on countless pictures for over a decade. I am looking forward to...
- 10/17/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Plot: Phillip (Jean-Claude Van Damme) comes face to face with a Russian-French terrorist who comes to exact vengeance on him for killing his brother.
Review: It’s important to meet a film on the same level that it’s presenting itself to you. Going into an A24 movie and expecting a heartfelt family romp may not be the best choice. And going into a Jcvd in 2024, you have to expect little story, rough acting, and plenty of action. Sure, can something surprising happen? Absolutely, and those days are glorious. But more often than not, the action is what matters and everything else is off to the wayside. And then there are times where nearly nothing works and it just leaves you going: how did this even get made? Sadly, that accurately describes Kill ‘Em All 2.
The film picks up shortly after the first film, with the deceased villain’s brother,...
Review: It’s important to meet a film on the same level that it’s presenting itself to you. Going into an A24 movie and expecting a heartfelt family romp may not be the best choice. And going into a Jcvd in 2024, you have to expect little story, rough acting, and plenty of action. Sure, can something surprising happen? Absolutely, and those days are glorious. But more often than not, the action is what matters and everything else is off to the wayside. And then there are times where nearly nothing works and it just leaves you going: how did this even get made? Sadly, that accurately describes Kill ‘Em All 2.
The film picks up shortly after the first film, with the deceased villain’s brother,...
- 10/1/2024
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
Stars: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jacqueline Fernandez, Andrei Lenart, Peter Stormare, Maria Conchita Alonso, Talia Asseraf | Written by Jim Agnew | Directed by Valeri Milev
Kill ‘Em All 2 picks up seven years after the events of the original, which makes sense since there’s seven years between the films, with Phillip reconnected with his daughter Vanessa and the two of them hiding out in southern Italy.
They obviously didn’t do a good job of it, as within the film’s first few minutes they’re attacked by goons working for Vlad Petrovic who is out to avenge the death of his brother Dimitri who was killed in the first film. This puts them on the run, trying to stay alive long enough to deal with Vlad and his crew, and the only way to do that is to kill ’em all.
I haven’t seen the original, and to be honest...
Kill ‘Em All 2 picks up seven years after the events of the original, which makes sense since there’s seven years between the films, with Phillip reconnected with his daughter Vanessa and the two of them hiding out in southern Italy.
They obviously didn’t do a good job of it, as within the film’s first few minutes they’re attacked by goons working for Vlad Petrovic who is out to avenge the death of his brother Dimitri who was killed in the first film. This puts them on the run, trying to stay alive long enough to deal with Vlad and his crew, and the only way to do that is to kill ’em all.
I haven’t seen the original, and to be honest...
- 9/27/2024
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Exclusive: Vmi Worldwide has tapped Benan Guz as its new Vice President of Sales and promoted Julie Paquit to President of Sales.
Guz previously led international content sales and film production at Film Bridge International. Her background includes roles as an Acquisitions Manager at SinemaTV, a group of Pay TV channels and VOD platform, and as an Account Manager at Spi International, where she managed key client relationships across various territories and worked on collaborative marketing initiatives in partnership with local sales agents.
Paquit, formerly the Senior Vice President of Sales at Vmi, started working at the company in 2017 and most recently served as SVP of Sales, inking territory and negotiating sales deals for films such as Darkness of Man (starring Jean-Claude Van Damme), Chosen Family (featuring Heather Graham and Julia Stiles) and The Price We Pay (starring Emile Hirsch and Stephen Dorff) and many others.
Vmi Worldwide was launched in 2010 under CEO Andre Relis.
Guz previously led international content sales and film production at Film Bridge International. Her background includes roles as an Acquisitions Manager at SinemaTV, a group of Pay TV channels and VOD platform, and as an Account Manager at Spi International, where she managed key client relationships across various territories and worked on collaborative marketing initiatives in partnership with local sales agents.
Paquit, formerly the Senior Vice President of Sales at Vmi, started working at the company in 2017 and most recently served as SVP of Sales, inking territory and negotiating sales deals for films such as Darkness of Man (starring Jean-Claude Van Damme), Chosen Family (featuring Heather Graham and Julia Stiles) and The Price We Pay (starring Emile Hirsch and Stephen Dorff) and many others.
Vmi Worldwide was launched in 2010 under CEO Andre Relis.
- 9/6/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Michael Madsen, Robert Donavan, Kevin Hager, John Wells, Robert Lasardo, Eric Roberts, Sheri Davis, Mercedes Peterson, Johnny Huang | Written by Brandon Slagle, Michael Mahal, Sonny Mahal | Directed by Brandon Slagle
It’s the year 2045 in The Big Fucking City, that’s what the opening text says, and it’s time for everyone’s favourite show, Arena Wars, with your hosts Samson and Moses.
Well, Arena Wars used to be everybody’s favourite, a bloody spectacle that pits a team of death row inmates against a team of murderous psychopaths for a chance to earn their freedom. The problem is, it always ends the same way, with the well-armed and equipped psychos slaughtering the convicts. People are getting bored and the ratings are suffering, much to the dismay of Belladonna, the network’s CEO.
Now, the simple answer would be to give the inmates some weapons and make it an actual fight,...
It’s the year 2045 in The Big Fucking City, that’s what the opening text says, and it’s time for everyone’s favourite show, Arena Wars, with your hosts Samson and Moses.
Well, Arena Wars used to be everybody’s favourite, a bloody spectacle that pits a team of death row inmates against a team of murderous psychopaths for a chance to earn their freedom. The problem is, it always ends the same way, with the well-armed and equipped psychos slaughtering the convicts. People are getting bored and the ratings are suffering, much to the dismay of Belladonna, the network’s CEO.
Now, the simple answer would be to give the inmates some weapons and make it an actual fight,...
- 6/14/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Nicholas Galitzine: The Artist Formerly Known as a Prince?
He’s played Cinderella’s Prince opposite Camila Cabello, the Prince of England in Red, White & Royal Blue and next will play He-Man, Prince Adam of Eternia, in Masters of the Universe. But is Hollywood’s latest “It” boy an actual prince? There has been a ton of speculation in the press that Nicholas Galitzine, 29, descends from a royal bloodline — specifically Russia’s House of Golitsyn (an alternate spelling of his surname), a noble family whose members were executed and exiled during the Russian Revolution. And many Galitzines did wind up in London, where Nick was eventually born in 1994. Unfortunately, that’s where the fairy tale ends. THR has unearthed documentation confirming that Nick’s paternal grandfather legally changed his name to Edward Ralph Alexander Galitzine on April 9, 1956. His birth name? Edward Ralph Alexander Tier. And while Nick’s financier father,...
He’s played Cinderella’s Prince opposite Camila Cabello, the Prince of England in Red, White & Royal Blue and next will play He-Man, Prince Adam of Eternia, in Masters of the Universe. But is Hollywood’s latest “It” boy an actual prince? There has been a ton of speculation in the press that Nicholas Galitzine, 29, descends from a royal bloodline — specifically Russia’s House of Golitsyn (an alternate spelling of his surname), a noble family whose members were executed and exiled during the Russian Revolution. And many Galitzines did wind up in London, where Nick was eventually born in 1994. Unfortunately, that’s where the fairy tale ends. THR has unearthed documentation confirming that Nick’s paternal grandfather legally changed his name to Edward Ralph Alexander Galitzine on April 9, 1956. His birth name? Edward Ralph Alexander Tier. And while Nick’s financier father,...
- 6/12/2024
- by Edited by Julian Sancton and Edited by Benjamin Svetkey
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Plot: Russell Hatch an Interpol operative who takes on the role of father figure to Jayden, the son of an informant killed in a routine raid gone wrong.
Review: It’s nothing new for an action star of the past to show up in these lower-budget films. Geezer Teasers have often been a great way for action stars to cash a quick paycheck. But they tend to amount to nothing more than a bit part, while some younger actor does the majority of the action. So I was pleasantly surprised to see Jean-Claude Van Damme not only take center stage but appear in nearly every frame of Darkness of Man. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he’s not taking the easy way out and I respect him for it.
Darkness of Man is structured like a film noir, complete with intense narration from Van Damme. We’re mostly following his character Russell Hatch,...
Review: It’s nothing new for an action star of the past to show up in these lower-budget films. Geezer Teasers have often been a great way for action stars to cash a quick paycheck. But they tend to amount to nothing more than a bit part, while some younger actor does the majority of the action. So I was pleasantly surprised to see Jean-Claude Van Damme not only take center stage but appear in nearly every frame of Darkness of Man. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he’s not taking the easy way out and I respect him for it.
Darkness of Man is structured like a film noir, complete with intense narration from Van Damme. We’re mostly following his character Russell Hatch,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
Stars: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chika Kanamoto, Emerson Min, Sticky Fingaz, Ji Yong Lee, Andrey Ivchenko, Kristanna Loken, Shannen Doherty, Cynthia Rothrock, Weston Cage, Kris Van Damme | Written by James Cullen Bressack, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Alethea Hnatko-Cho | Directed by James Cullen Bressack
Jean-Claude Van Damme has kept a fairly low profile compared to many other 80s action heroes. And that includes such non-genre appearances as voice acting in kids films like Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3, Minions: The Rise of Gru as well as a cameo in the French comedy Haters. However, Darkness of Man sees him return to the Dtv action spotlight
As the film opens, Russel Hatch lies in a puddle of his own blood, bleeding out from several bullet wounds. He tells us in voice-over that, like every story, this began with a woman. And we go back to Miami two years prior when Hatch was an Interpol agent.
Jean-Claude Van Damme has kept a fairly low profile compared to many other 80s action heroes. And that includes such non-genre appearances as voice acting in kids films like Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3, Minions: The Rise of Gru as well as a cameo in the French comedy Haters. However, Darkness of Man sees him return to the Dtv action spotlight
As the film opens, Russel Hatch lies in a puddle of his own blood, bleeding out from several bullet wounds. He tells us in voice-over that, like every story, this began with a woman. And we go back to Miami two years prior when Hatch was an Interpol agent.
- 5/13/2024
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
The Bold and the Beautiful spoilers reveal that Juliet Vega has been cast as Michele. Details on the part are being kept under wraps.
However, there is a family connection to Sean Kanan, who plays Deacon Sharpe on B&b. Keep reading to learn about the connection as well as our speculations on Michele’s storyline.
The Bold And The Beautiful Spoilers – Juliet Vega Cast
B&b spoilers reveal that on Friday, April 26, 2024, fans will see a new face. That face belongs to Juliet Vega, who is Kanan’s stepdaughter.
Juliet will be making an appearance as a woman named Michele, a character name inspired by Juliet’s real-life mom and Kanan’s real-life wife, Michele Kanan. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Michele Kanan is one of the soap’s writers and producers.
B&b Spoilers – Sean Kanan’s Family Connection
According to Michael Fairman, who reported the casting news,...
However, there is a family connection to Sean Kanan, who plays Deacon Sharpe on B&b. Keep reading to learn about the connection as well as our speculations on Michele’s storyline.
The Bold And The Beautiful Spoilers – Juliet Vega Cast
B&b spoilers reveal that on Friday, April 26, 2024, fans will see a new face. That face belongs to Juliet Vega, who is Kanan’s stepdaughter.
Juliet will be making an appearance as a woman named Michele, a character name inspired by Juliet’s real-life mom and Kanan’s real-life wife, Michele Kanan. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Michele Kanan is one of the soap’s writers and producers.
B&b Spoilers – Sean Kanan’s Family Connection
According to Michael Fairman, who reported the casting news,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Taylor Hancen Rios
- Celebrating The Soaps
Exclusive: The action film stars Peter Jae (Darkness of Man), Josh Kelly (General Hospital), UFC fighter Ashlee Evans-Smith to star in James Cullen Bressack latest film The Workout.
Written by David Josh Lawrence and James Cullen Bressack (also story credit), other cast members include Kristos Andrews (Survive the Game), Augie Duke (Mayans M.C.), Galadriel Stineman, David Josh Lawrence (Darkness of Man), and Bj Hendricks (Darkness of Man).
The film follows two army rangers set out to create a workout video, but their plans are abruptly halted when a mob hit interrupts their filming. Tragically, one of the rangers loses his wife in the attack, sending him on a relentless mission to take down the mob and anyone who stands in his way.
10 days before his birthday, Bressack’s catalyst for the production, casting, and financing came from a post he made on Instagram. He mentioned that he...
Written by David Josh Lawrence and James Cullen Bressack (also story credit), other cast members include Kristos Andrews (Survive the Game), Augie Duke (Mayans M.C.), Galadriel Stineman, David Josh Lawrence (Darkness of Man), and Bj Hendricks (Darkness of Man).
The film follows two army rangers set out to create a workout video, but their plans are abruptly halted when a mob hit interrupts their filming. Tragically, one of the rangers loses his wife in the attack, sending him on a relentless mission to take down the mob and anyone who stands in his way.
10 days before his birthday, Bressack’s catalyst for the production, casting, and financing came from a post he made on Instagram. He mentioned that he...
- 4/16/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Saban Films has acquired worldwide rights to The 4:30 Movie, the latest film written and directed by Kevin Smith (Clerks). The film marks the second collaboration for Saban and Smith, on the heels of 2019’s Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, which scored one of the top-per theatre average openings of the year amongst titles like Parasite and Avengers: Endgame.
Set in the summer of 1986, the coming-of-age comedy follows three sixteen-year-old friends who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local multiplex. But when one of the guys also invites the girl of his dreams (Siena Agudong) to see the latest comedy, each of the teens will learn something serious about life and love before the credits roll.
The 4:30 Movie also stars Ken Jeong (The Hangover), Sam Richardson (Veep), Genesis Rodriguez (Tusk), Justin Long (Barbarian), Jason Lee (Almost Famous...
Set in the summer of 1986, the coming-of-age comedy follows three sixteen-year-old friends who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local multiplex. But when one of the guys also invites the girl of his dreams (Siena Agudong) to see the latest comedy, each of the teens will learn something serious about life and love before the credits roll.
The 4:30 Movie also stars Ken Jeong (The Hangover), Sam Richardson (Veep), Genesis Rodriguez (Tusk), Justin Long (Barbarian), Jason Lee (Almost Famous...
- 4/2/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Darkness of Man”, directed by James Cullen Bressack, is a new action thriller starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kristanna Loken, Emerson Min, Spencer Breslin, Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones, and Shannen Doherty, streaming as VOD May 21, 2024:
“… ‘Russell Hatch’ (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol operative who vowed to protect the son of an informant killed years earlier in a raid gone wrong.
“Then when street gangs start an all-out turf war and the kid is caught in the middle, Hatch will stop at nothing to keep him safe and fight anyone who gets in his way…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“… ‘Russell Hatch’ (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol operative who vowed to protect the son of an informant killed years earlier in a raid gone wrong.
“Then when street gangs start an all-out turf war and the kid is caught in the middle, Hatch will stop at nothing to keep him safe and fight anyone who gets in his way…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 3/26/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The legendary Jean-Claude Van Damme is back in action in the upcoming thriller Darkness of Man, which is set to receive a digital release on May 21st. With that date just a couple months away, a trailer for the film has arrived online, and you can check it out in the embed above!
Directed by James Cullen Bressack, who crafted the story with Jcvd and wrote the screenplay with Alethea Hnatko-Cho, Darkness of Man has the following synopsis: Russell Hatch (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol operative who vowed to protect the son of an informant killed years earlier in a raid gone wrong. When merciless street gangs start an all-out turf war and the kid is caught in the middle, Hatch will stop at nothing to keep him safe and fight anyone who gets in his way.
Van Damme is joined in the cast by Emerson Min...
Directed by James Cullen Bressack, who crafted the story with Jcvd and wrote the screenplay with Alethea Hnatko-Cho, Darkness of Man has the following synopsis: Russell Hatch (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol operative who vowed to protect the son of an informant killed years earlier in a raid gone wrong. When merciless street gangs start an all-out turf war and the kid is caught in the middle, Hatch will stop at nothing to keep him safe and fight anyone who gets in his way.
Van Damme is joined in the cast by Emerson Min...
- 3/25/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
One of the most iconic action heroes of all time, Jean Claude Van Damme is back in the upcoming Darkness of Man, and IGN has debuted the action-thriller’s official trailer today.
The official trailer for Darkness of Man, for starters, reveals that the film is rated “R” for: “Strong violence, language throughout, drug content and some sexual references.”
Watch the trailer below to preview Van Damme’s violent return.
In the film, “Russell Hatch (Jean Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol operative who vowed to protect the son of an informant killed years earlier in a raid gone wrong. When merciless street gangs start an all-out turf war and the kid is caught in the middle, Hatch will stop at nothing to keep him safe and fight anyone who gets in his way.”
The cast includes Kristanna Loken, Emerson Min, and Spencer Breslin with Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones and Shannen Doherty.
The official trailer for Darkness of Man, for starters, reveals that the film is rated “R” for: “Strong violence, language throughout, drug content and some sexual references.”
Watch the trailer below to preview Van Damme’s violent return.
In the film, “Russell Hatch (Jean Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol operative who vowed to protect the son of an informant killed years earlier in a raid gone wrong. When merciless street gangs start an all-out turf war and the kid is caught in the middle, Hatch will stop at nothing to keep him safe and fight anyone who gets in his way.”
The cast includes Kristanna Loken, Emerson Min, and Spencer Breslin with Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones and Shannen Doherty.
- 3/25/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
"I made a promise to your mother to protect you for the rest of my life." But how much longer will his life be? Saban Films has revealed an official trailer for the action thriller titled Darkness of Man, another film by filmmaker James Cullen Bressack in partnership with Jcvd. It's set for a direct-to-digital debut in May, another of these junk action films being dropped into the streaming cloud. The film comes from a story co-written by Jcvd. Russell Hatch (played by Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a washed-up, former Interpol agent who takes on the role of father figure to Jayden, the son of an informant killed in a routine raid gone wrong. Years later, Hatch finds himself having to protect Jayden as well as his grandfather from a group of merciless gangs in an all-out turf war, stopping at nothing to defend Jayden and fight anyone getting in his way.
- 3/25/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Vmi Worldwide has boarded worldwide sales to the thriller Fluxx starring Tyrese Gibson and Shelley Hennig and is launching sales at the EFM in Berlin next week.
Brendan Gabriel Murphy directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Keyaunte Mayfield.
Fluxx follows Vada, an actor who awakens in her bathtub unsure how she got there and soon lerns her home has been ransacked and her husband (Shiloh Fernandez) is missing.
When she tries to leave her house, she is awakens again in her bathtub. Trapped in a seemingly never-ending loop, Vada is visited by two unwanted guests who engage her in...
Brendan Gabriel Murphy directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Keyaunte Mayfield.
Fluxx follows Vada, an actor who awakens in her bathtub unsure how she got there and soon lerns her home has been ransacked and her husband (Shiloh Fernandez) is missing.
When she tries to leave her house, she is awakens again in her bathtub. Trapped in a seemingly never-ending loop, Vada is visited by two unwanted guests who engage her in...
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Vmi Releasing, the North American distribution arm of Vmi Worldwide, has hired Dan Fisher as Executive Vice President.
Fisher has previously served as Director of Worldwide Acquisitions for Entertainment One, Senior Director of Acquisitions for Gravitas Ventures, and VP of Acquisitions for Freestyle Digital Media. Before Vmi Releasing, he was the founder and principal of Poppy Pictures, a boutique film distribution and sales consulting firm. He also recently served as a visiting professor of film at Kenyon College in Ohio.
Vmi Worldwide launched in 2010 under CEO Andre Relis. They’ve produced titles such as Darkness of Man, The Price We Pay, The Last Son, Come Out Fighting, Arkansas, Wander, and The Humanity Bureau. Vmi Releasing first launched in 2021. They have released Freaks vs The Reich, a Venice 2021 selection, Defining Moments, starring Burt Reynolds in his final performance, Death on the Border, starring Shannon Elizabeth and Danny Trejo. Vmi’s...
Fisher has previously served as Director of Worldwide Acquisitions for Entertainment One, Senior Director of Acquisitions for Gravitas Ventures, and VP of Acquisitions for Freestyle Digital Media. Before Vmi Releasing, he was the founder and principal of Poppy Pictures, a boutique film distribution and sales consulting firm. He also recently served as a visiting professor of film at Kenyon College in Ohio.
Vmi Worldwide launched in 2010 under CEO Andre Relis. They’ve produced titles such as Darkness of Man, The Price We Pay, The Last Son, Come Out Fighting, Arkansas, Wander, and The Humanity Bureau. Vmi Releasing first launched in 2021. They have released Freaks vs The Reich, a Venice 2021 selection, Defining Moments, starring Burt Reynolds in his final performance, Death on the Border, starring Shannon Elizabeth and Danny Trejo. Vmi’s...
- 1/24/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Q1 2024 theatrical release targeted.
Saban Films has acquired US rights to Michael Keaton’s thriller Knox Goes Away following its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival.
Keaton directed and stars in the story of a contract killer with a rapidly evolving form of dementia who is offered the opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of his estranged adult son.
The cast includes Al Pacino, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden, Suzy Nakamura, John Hoogenakker, Joanna Kulig, Ray McKinnon, and Lela Loren.
Saban Films is targeting a 2024 first quarter theatrical release.
The deal was negotiated by Bill Bromiley for...
Saban Films has acquired US rights to Michael Keaton’s thriller Knox Goes Away following its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival.
Keaton directed and stars in the story of a contract killer with a rapidly evolving form of dementia who is offered the opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of his estranged adult son.
The cast includes Al Pacino, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden, Suzy Nakamura, John Hoogenakker, Joanna Kulig, Ray McKinnon, and Lela Loren.
Saban Films is targeting a 2024 first quarter theatrical release.
The deal was negotiated by Bill Bromiley for...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Legendary British punk rockers The Sex Pistols are getting a new documentary, this time based on the memoir by one of its original bandmembers.
I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol, adapted from the tell-all 1990 novel by bassist Glen Matlock, is being developed, with Vmi Worldwide producing
The film will follow Matlock’s journey as a Pistols founding member and a musician who co-wrote 10 of the 12 iconic tracks on their only studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, provided bass and backing vocals on “Anarchy in the U.K.” and then left in 1977. As the description goes, the doc will chart the “Pistols’ rise to global infamy with an honest, insightful account of a group of malcontents, determined to change the music business and to attack hypocrisy and stale conventions in society at large.”
In his book, Matlock describes the mind-set of the U.K. in the early ’70s and divulges a mine of information,...
I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol, adapted from the tell-all 1990 novel by bassist Glen Matlock, is being developed, with Vmi Worldwide producing
The film will follow Matlock’s journey as a Pistols founding member and a musician who co-wrote 10 of the 12 iconic tracks on their only studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, provided bass and backing vocals on “Anarchy in the U.K.” and then left in 1977. As the description goes, the doc will chart the “Pistols’ rise to global infamy with an honest, insightful account of a group of malcontents, determined to change the music business and to attack hypocrisy and stale conventions in society at large.”
In his book, Matlock describes the mind-set of the U.K. in the early ’70s and divulges a mine of information,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Vmi Worldwide has acquired world rights to the action pic The Ballad of Davy Crockett from producer-director Derek Estlin Purvis, starring William Moseley (The Chronicles of Narnia) and Colm Meaney (Con Air)
Set in 1815, the pic tells the story of an American Legend whose wife has fallen deathly ill, leaving his young children to survive on their own. Davy must set out on a perilous journey fighting off danger and enemies across the wild frontier.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Bennett, COO Productions and Acquisitions, and Michael Mailer with Derek Purvis. The pic was also produced by Michael Mailer.
“The Ballad of Davy Crockett is an action-packed epic showcase of an American Hero and how far he will go to save his children. We are excited to introduce this to buyers in TIFF,” said Andre Relis, CEO of Vmi Worldwide.
Purvis added: “We wanted to explore the larger-than-life...
Set in 1815, the pic tells the story of an American Legend whose wife has fallen deathly ill, leaving his young children to survive on their own. Davy must set out on a perilous journey fighting off danger and enemies across the wild frontier.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Bennett, COO Productions and Acquisitions, and Michael Mailer with Derek Purvis. The pic was also produced by Michael Mailer.
“The Ballad of Davy Crockett is an action-packed epic showcase of an American Hero and how far he will go to save his children. We are excited to introduce this to buyers in TIFF,” said Andre Relis, CEO of Vmi Worldwide.
Purvis added: “We wanted to explore the larger-than-life...
- 9/12/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vmi Worldwide has acquired world rights to the WWII title Liberation, formally known as Avenue of the Giants, starring Stephen Lang (Avatar), Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade), Robin Weigert (Deadwood) and Luke Blumm (Where The Crawdads Sing).
Written and directed by filmmaker Finn Taylor, the film tells the true story of Herbert Heller (Blumm), who kept his experience as a teenage boy surviving for years in Auschwitz hidden from his family. That is until he meets Abbey (Fisher), a young teenager whose own brush with pain and death inspires him to open up as well, leading the two of them to exchange their stories as a meaningful and healing friendship is born.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Bennett, COO of Productions and Acquisitions, Mickey Guerin, VP of Legal and Business Affairs for Vmi, and Mark Halloran and Executive Producer Noah Lang on behalf of the filmmakers.
The film was...
Written and directed by filmmaker Finn Taylor, the film tells the true story of Herbert Heller (Blumm), who kept his experience as a teenage boy surviving for years in Auschwitz hidden from his family. That is until he meets Abbey (Fisher), a young teenager whose own brush with pain and death inspires him to open up as well, leading the two of them to exchange their stories as a meaningful and healing friendship is born.
The deal was negotiated by Jessica Bennett, COO of Productions and Acquisitions, Mickey Guerin, VP of Legal and Business Affairs for Vmi, and Mark Halloran and Executive Producer Noah Lang on behalf of the filmmakers.
The film was...
- 9/6/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vmi Worldwide has hired Scott Freije, former Vice President of Global Sales at XYZ Films, as President of Global Sales.
“I am excited to join Andre and the great team at Vmi. The company is well-positioned for success, and I am thrilled to contribute to its growth in an ever-changing market,” Freije said of his appointment.
Freije was at XYZ Films for over seven years, working as Director of Sales before being promoted to VP. At the company, he brokered deals for the Berlin Competition pic BlackBerry, Arctic starring Mads Mikkelsen, and Mandy starring Nicolas Cage.
Prior to joining XYZ, he worked for Artist View Entertainment. He is a University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduate.
Vmi Worldwide was launched in 2010 under CEO Andre Relis. Recent Vmi titles include Darkness Of Man, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme; Corner Office, starring Jon Hamm; Come Out Fighting, starring Kellan Lutz...
“I am excited to join Andre and the great team at Vmi. The company is well-positioned for success, and I am thrilled to contribute to its growth in an ever-changing market,” Freije said of his appointment.
Freije was at XYZ Films for over seven years, working as Director of Sales before being promoted to VP. At the company, he brokered deals for the Berlin Competition pic BlackBerry, Arctic starring Mads Mikkelsen, and Mandy starring Nicolas Cage.
Prior to joining XYZ, he worked for Artist View Entertainment. He is a University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduate.
Vmi Worldwide was launched in 2010 under CEO Andre Relis. Recent Vmi titles include Darkness Of Man, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme; Corner Office, starring Jon Hamm; Come Out Fighting, starring Kellan Lutz...
- 7/10/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired the rights to Art Camacho’s action thriller “Ruthless” starring Dermot Mulroney and Javier Reyna’s “Palido” starring Kellan Lutz.
Saban will distribute the titles throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux and Australia. Jonathan Saba, Cco of Saban Films, negotiated the deal with Devin Carter, SVP of sales at Premiere Entertainment.
“Ruthless” follows a high school coach (Mulroney) who takes matters into his own hands by going after the men who kidnap his female student for their human trafficking operation, according to a snyopsis.
In addition to Mulroney, “Ruthless” also stars Jeff Fahey. Reyna, James Dean Simington and Camacho penned the film, while Elias Axume, Al Bravo, HemDee Kiwanuka and Camacho produced the film.
“Palido” follows an attorney (Lutz) with a military past, who focuses on finding and killing the gang that murdered his wife and kidnapped his daughter.
Fahey also stars in “Palido,...
Saban will distribute the titles throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux and Australia. Jonathan Saba, Cco of Saban Films, negotiated the deal with Devin Carter, SVP of sales at Premiere Entertainment.
“Ruthless” follows a high school coach (Mulroney) who takes matters into his own hands by going after the men who kidnap his female student for their human trafficking operation, according to a snyopsis.
In addition to Mulroney, “Ruthless” also stars Jeff Fahey. Reyna, James Dean Simington and Camacho penned the film, while Elias Axume, Al Bravo, HemDee Kiwanuka and Camacho produced the film.
“Palido” follows an attorney (Lutz) with a military past, who focuses on finding and killing the gang that murdered his wife and kidnapped his daughter.
Fahey also stars in “Palido,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: V Channels and Sandaled Kid Productions have formed a partnership to finance, produce and distribute a slate of ten micro-budget feature-length genre films.
Each of the projects will be from emerging international filmmakers. V Channels will fully finance, with Sandaled Kid overseeing production and handling the curation of the titles. Under the deal, the slate of films will be released on V Channel’s network of YouTube movie channels alongside outside distributors, including theatrical and streaming.
Production is currently underway on the first pic of the partnership, Washerwoman, directed by Bonnie Jean Tyer, starring Katie Lynn Stoddard, Tyer, Travis Cox, Loren Hayes, and Justin Hankinson. The film is produced by Tyer, Stoddard, Hankinson, and Craig Ouellette. Executive producers are James Cullen Bessack, Mario Niccola Messina, and Valentina Cau. The film follows an abandoned pregnant woman who is expecting soon, and to find a midwife, she’ll need to trespass...
Each of the projects will be from emerging international filmmakers. V Channels will fully finance, with Sandaled Kid overseeing production and handling the curation of the titles. Under the deal, the slate of films will be released on V Channel’s network of YouTube movie channels alongside outside distributors, including theatrical and streaming.
Production is currently underway on the first pic of the partnership, Washerwoman, directed by Bonnie Jean Tyer, starring Katie Lynn Stoddard, Tyer, Travis Cox, Loren Hayes, and Justin Hankinson. The film is produced by Tyer, Stoddard, Hankinson, and Craig Ouellette. Executive producers are James Cullen Bessack, Mario Niccola Messina, and Valentina Cau. The film follows an abandoned pregnant woman who is expecting soon, and to find a midwife, she’ll need to trespass...
- 4/24/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Saban Films has taken worldwide rights to action-thriller Hellfire, starring Stephen Lang, Harvey Keitel and Dolph Lundgren here at the European Film Market.
The title, which is directed by Isaac Florentine and written by Richard Lowry, follows a drifter (Lang) with a mysterious past who arrives in a small town and finds the residents in the grip of a ruthless crime boss and realizes he has to help them.
Currently in post-production, Hellfire is produced by Sasha Yelaun, Robert Paschall Jr, Daniel Lief, and Johnny Remo. It’s executive produced by Dominic Burns, Rob Simmons, Ante Novakovic, Jeff Miller, Ronnie D. Lee, Sterling Griffin, Adam Sigal, B.I. Rosen, Frederic Demey, Grant Palmer, Krystyna Swiecka, Cecil Chambers, Seth Sklar, Keli Price, Jenny Shakeshaft, Brian Katz, Thomas Zambeck, Matthew Ianniello Jr, Mehrdad Moayedi, Chad Oliver and Ryan Hicks.
The deal was negotiated by Shanan Becker for Saban Films and Sasha Yelaun.
The title, which is directed by Isaac Florentine and written by Richard Lowry, follows a drifter (Lang) with a mysterious past who arrives in a small town and finds the residents in the grip of a ruthless crime boss and realizes he has to help them.
Currently in post-production, Hellfire is produced by Sasha Yelaun, Robert Paschall Jr, Daniel Lief, and Johnny Remo. It’s executive produced by Dominic Burns, Rob Simmons, Ante Novakovic, Jeff Miller, Ronnie D. Lee, Sterling Griffin, Adam Sigal, B.I. Rosen, Frederic Demey, Grant Palmer, Krystyna Swiecka, Cecil Chambers, Seth Sklar, Keli Price, Jenny Shakeshaft, Brian Katz, Thomas Zambeck, Matthew Ianniello Jr, Mehrdad Moayedi, Chad Oliver and Ryan Hicks.
The deal was negotiated by Shanan Becker for Saban Films and Sasha Yelaun.
- 2/18/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Jcvd gets mean in this exclusive first-look still from neo-noir action film Darkness of Man.
Directed by James Cullen Bressack, the L.A.-set feature — news of which was first unveiled by The Hollywood Reporter at the American Film Market in 2022 — sees the Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Muscles from Brussels, play an out-of-shape (well, for him) Interpol agent alongside a cast that includes Kristanna Loken, Emerson Min, Sticky Fingaz, Spencer Breslin, Andrey Ivchenko, Peter Jae and Nick Diaz.
Production has now wrapped on the film, which was written by Alethea Cho and Bressack from an original story devised by Bressack and Van Damme.
In Darkness of Man Van Damme portrays Russell Hatch, an Interpol operative who witnesses the death of his last informant in a routine raid gone wrong. Years later Hatch takes on a father figure role to the son of the informant, Jayden (Min). Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles,...
Directed by James Cullen Bressack, the L.A.-set feature — news of which was first unveiled by The Hollywood Reporter at the American Film Market in 2022 — sees the Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Muscles from Brussels, play an out-of-shape (well, for him) Interpol agent alongside a cast that includes Kristanna Loken, Emerson Min, Sticky Fingaz, Spencer Breslin, Andrey Ivchenko, Peter Jae and Nick Diaz.
Production has now wrapped on the film, which was written by Alethea Cho and Bressack from an original story devised by Bressack and Van Damme.
In Darkness of Man Van Damme portrays Russell Hatch, an Interpol operative who witnesses the death of his last informant in a routine raid gone wrong. Years later Hatch takes on a father figure role to the son of the informant, Jayden (Min). Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles,...
- 2/17/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saban Films has acquired the U.S., U.K. and other international rights to Jean-Claude Van Damme action-spy thriller “Darkness of Man.”
Directed by James Cullen Bressack, the film sees Van Damme playing Interpol operative Russell Hatch, who witnesses the death of his last informant in a routine raid gone wrong. Years later, he takes on a father figure role to the son of the informant, and finds himself protecting the boy from a group of merciless gangs in an all-out turf war.
Alongside the U.S. and U.K., Saban Films has picked up Australian/New Zealand, African, Spanish and Scandinavian territory rights to the film, which also stars Kristanna Loken (“Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”), Peter Jae (“Blackhat”), Spencer Breslin (“The Kid”), Emerson Min (“Black-ish”) and rapper Sticky Fingaz.
The film is written by Alethea Cho and Cullen Bressack and based on an original story by Cullen Bressack and Van Damme.
Directed by James Cullen Bressack, the film sees Van Damme playing Interpol operative Russell Hatch, who witnesses the death of his last informant in a routine raid gone wrong. Years later, he takes on a father figure role to the son of the informant, and finds himself protecting the boy from a group of merciless gangs in an all-out turf war.
Alongside the U.S. and U.K., Saban Films has picked up Australian/New Zealand, African, Spanish and Scandinavian territory rights to the film, which also stars Kristanna Loken (“Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”), Peter Jae (“Blackhat”), Spencer Breslin (“The Kid”), Emerson Min (“Black-ish”) and rapper Sticky Fingaz.
The film is written by Alethea Cho and Cullen Bressack and based on an original story by Cullen Bressack and Van Damme.
- 2/16/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Action films of all types and budgets are coming out left and right. With all the streaming services, direct-to-vod, and smaller theater runs, films that may not even have gotten greenlit at all years ago are making it to our eyeballs fairly easily. With so many titles coming, which ones should everyone look forward to? Here are five action films that are coming out relatively soon that we’re looking forward to.
Darkness of Man (2023)
The new Jean-Claude Van Damme flick just wrapped and should be coming out later this year. It’s being labelled as a neo-noir action thriller. The story follows an Interpol operative played by Jcvd who ends up entangled in a gang turf war when he takes an informant’s son under his wing. Of course, things go from bad to worse, and some Jcvd heroics are needed to save the day. The film comes courtesy...
Darkness of Man (2023)
The new Jean-Claude Van Damme flick just wrapped and should be coming out later this year. It’s being labelled as a neo-noir action thriller. The story follows an Interpol operative played by Jcvd who ends up entangled in a gang turf war when he takes an informant’s son under his wing. Of course, things go from bad to worse, and some Jcvd heroics are needed to save the day. The film comes courtesy...
- 2/12/2023
- by Emilie Black
- JoBlo.com
Spencer Breslin, Stacey Dash and Taryn Manning are set to star in “Four,” a feature adaptation of Ashley Berry’s memoir “Waiting for Rainbows.”
Meghan Carrasquillo (“What Lies Behind the Walls”) will star in the film as Berry, a woman struggling with infertility who eventually turns to adoption.
Breslin (“The Santa Clause 3”) will play Berry’s husband Cal while Dash (“Clueless”) will play social worker Beth. Manning (“Orange is the New Black”) stars as Dr. Brice.
“A small-town couple with big dreams of making their family complete must persevere through infertility and tragedy,” reads the longline. “Hope and fear may come and go, but with love as their rock, they vow to withstand the storm… together.”
The film adaptation has been retitled “Four.”
“Watching ‘Four’ come to life was a very surreal experience to be a part of,” Berry says. “I can only hope that by sharing our story it...
Meghan Carrasquillo (“What Lies Behind the Walls”) will star in the film as Berry, a woman struggling with infertility who eventually turns to adoption.
Breslin (“The Santa Clause 3”) will play Berry’s husband Cal while Dash (“Clueless”) will play social worker Beth. Manning (“Orange is the New Black”) stars as Dr. Brice.
“A small-town couple with big dreams of making their family complete must persevere through infertility and tragedy,” reads the longline. “Hope and fear may come and go, but with love as their rock, they vow to withstand the storm… together.”
The film adaptation has been retitled “Four.”
“Watching ‘Four’ come to life was a very surreal experience to be a part of,” Berry says. “I can only hope that by sharing our story it...
- 2/7/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
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