Emma Thompson holds a distinct Oscars record. She is the only person in the history of the Academy Awards to win for both acting and writing. She took home the Best Actress trophy in 1993 for “Howard’s End.” Three years later, she collected an Oscar bookend with her Best Adapted Screenplay win for bringing Jane Austen‘s 1811 novel “Sense and Sensibility” to the screen.
Prior to Thompson’s double wins, several others contended for both acting and writing. Orson Welles won Best Original Screenplay in 1942 with Herman J. Mankiewicz for “Citizen Kane.” He also picked up a Best Actor nomination for the same film. Warren Beatty has a rich history in both acting and writing awards. He was nominated for Best Actor in 1968 for “Bonnie & Clyde,” in 1979 for “Heaven Can Wait, in 1982 for “Reds,” and in 1992″ for “Bugsy.” He picked up Original Screenplay bids in 1976 for “Shampoo” (shared with...
Prior to Thompson’s double wins, several others contended for both acting and writing. Orson Welles won Best Original Screenplay in 1942 with Herman J. Mankiewicz for “Citizen Kane.” He also picked up a Best Actor nomination for the same film. Warren Beatty has a rich history in both acting and writing awards. He was nominated for Best Actor in 1968 for “Bonnie & Clyde,” in 1979 for “Heaven Can Wait, in 1982 for “Reds,” and in 1992″ for “Bugsy.” He picked up Original Screenplay bids in 1976 for “Shampoo” (shared with...
- 12/1/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Beau Willimon will run unopposed for reelection as president of the WGA East. It’s the second time the House of Cards creator has run unopposed for president – the first time was when he was first elected in 2017. Only this time, he’ll be running unopposed in the middle of the WGA East and West’s contentious battle with Hollywood’s talent agencies. Voting online and by mail will begin on August 28.
Bob Schneider, the WGA East’s incumbent secretary-treasurer, will also be running unopposed, although Kathy McGee and Phil Pilato will be vying to become the guild’s next vice president. Jeremy Pikser, the guild’s current vp, is not seeking reelection.
Sixteen candidates are vying for six open freelance seats on the guild’s Council. Incumbents seeking reelection include Bonnie Datt, Tracey Scott Wilson, Courtney Simon, Amy Sohn, and David Simon, who is a named plaintiff in the...
Bob Schneider, the WGA East’s incumbent secretary-treasurer, will also be running unopposed, although Kathy McGee and Phil Pilato will be vying to become the guild’s next vice president. Jeremy Pikser, the guild’s current vp, is not seeking reelection.
Sixteen candidates are vying for six open freelance seats on the guild’s Council. Incumbents seeking reelection include Bonnie Datt, Tracey Scott Wilson, Courtney Simon, Amy Sohn, and David Simon, who is a named plaintiff in the...
- 6/20/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Beau Willimon, the playwright and showrunner who launched Netflix’s “House of Cards,” is running unopposed for re-election to a two-year term as president of the Writers Guild of America East.
Willimon also ran unopposed in 2017 to succeed Michael Winship. The WGA East announced a total of 24 candidates Thursday for its top officer posts and Council seats. Results will be announced Sept. 20.
The announcement comes with the WGA locked in a heated standoff with Hollywood agents over the issues of how agents represent WGA members. The guild required on April 13 that members fire their agents if the agents had not signed a Code of Conduct, which bans agents from taking packaging fees and prohibits agencies from owning production affiliates.
Willimon has been criticized for working last year with Endeavor Content, an affiliate of Wme, on the Hulu drama “The First,” which was canceled after one season. WGA West executive director...
Willimon also ran unopposed in 2017 to succeed Michael Winship. The WGA East announced a total of 24 candidates Thursday for its top officer posts and Council seats. Results will be announced Sept. 20.
The announcement comes with the WGA locked in a heated standoff with Hollywood agents over the issues of how agents represent WGA members. The guild required on April 13 that members fire their agents if the agents had not signed a Code of Conduct, which bans agents from taking packaging fees and prohibits agencies from owning production affiliates.
Willimon has been criticized for working last year with Endeavor Content, an affiliate of Wme, on the Hulu drama “The First,” which was canceled after one season. WGA West executive director...
- 6/20/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Good Friday has put Hollywood on pause for tomorrow, but today the Writers Guild said it has a very big Easter delivery for the uberagencies coming on Monday.
It’s been nearly a week after talks completely broke down between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agents over the new anti-packaging Agency Code of Conduct and scribes started pink-slipping their agents as the Guild leadership instructed. And today the Negotiating Committee sent a memo to members with news about some big numbers and big names.
Claiming that “over 92% of the members who signed the Statement of Support have already fulfilled their pledge and signed letters terminating their unfranchised agencies,” the memo warns the Ata that a forest full of official letters will be arriving at the likes of UTA, CAA, ICM Partners and Wme on April 22. The guild added that “several thousand other writers” also have canned their now-ex-reps...
It’s been nearly a week after talks completely broke down between the WGA and the Association of Talent Agents over the new anti-packaging Agency Code of Conduct and scribes started pink-slipping their agents as the Guild leadership instructed. And today the Negotiating Committee sent a memo to members with news about some big numbers and big names.
Claiming that “over 92% of the members who signed the Statement of Support have already fulfilled their pledge and signed letters terminating their unfranchised agencies,” the memo warns the Ata that a forest full of official letters will be arriving at the likes of UTA, CAA, ICM Partners and Wme on April 22. The guild added that “several thousand other writers” also have canned their now-ex-reps...
- 4/19/2019
- by Dominic Patten and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA and the ATA have averted — at least temporarily — a looming crisis and they have agreed to push tonight’s midnight deadline five days to try and figure out a compromise. Sources said that the agents initiated a meeting with WGA that lasted three and led to an extension as their 43-year-old franchise agreement was set to expire at midnight. The new deadline is Friday.
Numerous members of the WGA negotiating committee were away including Chris Keyser, and sources said that on the WGA side were David Young, Mike Schur, Michelle Mulroney and David Shore. Meeting for the Ata and the agencies were Wme’s Rick Rosen, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, UTA’s Jay Sures, who reportedly helped organize the sit-down, and Apa’s Jim Gosnell, who serves as Ata President.
This is the first sign of any kind of thaw in this protracted battle. The meeting was described...
Numerous members of the WGA negotiating committee were away including Chris Keyser, and sources said that on the WGA side were David Young, Mike Schur, Michelle Mulroney and David Shore. Meeting for the Ata and the agencies were Wme’s Rick Rosen, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, UTA’s Jay Sures, who reportedly helped organize the sit-down, and Apa’s Jim Gosnell, who serves as Ata President.
This is the first sign of any kind of thaw in this protracted battle. The meeting was described...
- 4/7/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva, Mike Fleming Jr and David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
“House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon was elected president of the Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) on Tuesday as a result of its 2017 Council election. Vice President Jeremy Pikser and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider both won reelection. Incumbents Bonnie Datt, Susan Kim and Courtney Simon, along with new members David Simon, Amy Sohn and Tracey Scott Wilson, were elected to the Freelance Council. Also Read: Writers Guild of America West Blasts Trump Charlottesville Comments: 'Disgraces Our Nation' Incumbent Andrea Ciannavei, runner-up to the six open Freelance Council seats, was elected to a one-year term on the Council to fill the...
- 9/20/2017
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Wrap
The WGA East has a new president, and ideally things will go more smoothly for him than the president he created for House of Cards. Beau Willimon has been elected to the top job at the NYC-based guild. He ran unopposed as Michael Winship chose not to seek re-election after serving as Wgae president since 2007. Incumbent Vice President Jeremy Pikser and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider also faced no competition and were returned to office. In the council races, Bonnie…...
- 9/20/2017
- Deadline TV
The WGA East has a new president, and ideally things will go more smoothly for him than the president he created for House of Cards. Beau Willimon has been elected to the top job at the NYC-based guild. He ran unopposed as Michael Winship chose not to seek re-election after serving as Wgae president since 2007. Incumbent Vice President Jeremy Pikser and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider also faced no competition and were returned to office. In the council races, Bonnie…...
- 9/20/2017
- Deadline
“House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon is set to become the next president of the Writers Guild of America, East, as he is running unopposed in the guild’s upcoming officer and council elections, according to a list of candidates posted on the Wgae’s website. Willimon, who was on the guild’s negotiating committee that hammered out a deal with studios and producers earlier this year, will succeed Michael Winship, who opted not to run for re-election. Incumbent vice president Jeremy Pikser and secretary-treasurer Bob Schneider are also running unopposed. The annual meeting and council election will take place on September 19, with online voting.
- 6/28/2017
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
House of Cards creator Beau Willimon will be the next president of the WGA East. Michael Winship, the guild's president since 2007, isn't seeking re-election, and Willimon is running unopposed in the guild's upcoming officers and council election. Also running unopposed are incumbent Vice President Jeremy Pikser and incumbent Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider. In the council races, the 10 candidates vying for six open freelance seats are Amy Sohn, David Handelman, Stu…...
- 6/28/2017
- Deadline TV
House of Cards creator Beau Willimon will be the next president of the WGA East. Michael Winship, the guild's president since 2007, isn't seeking re-election, and Willimon is running unopposed in the guild's upcoming officers and council election. Also running unopposed are incumbent Vice President Jeremy Pikser and incumbent Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider. In the council races, the 10 candidates vying for six open freelance seats are Amy Sohn, David Handelman, Stu…...
- 6/28/2017
- Deadline
WGA, AMPTP reach “tentative” three-year deal.
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement” which it said was worth “$130m more than the pattern we were expected to accept”.
The WGA cited contribution increases to the organisation’s health plan, as well as expanded protections in options and exclusivity, and an increase in Pay TV residuals, as terms that it had made gains in.
Further details of the agreement will be provided in the coming days.
Read the statement...
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement” which it said was worth “$130m more than the pattern we were expected to accept”.
The WGA cited contribution increases to the organisation’s health plan, as well as expanded protections in options and exclusivity, and an increase in Pay TV residuals, as terms that it had made gains in.
Further details of the agreement will be provided in the coming days.
Read the statement...
- 5/2/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
WGA, AMPTP strike “tentative” three-year, eleventh-hour deal.
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
- 5/2/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
WGA, AMPTP strike “tentative” three-year, eleventh-hour deal.
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
The Writers Guilds of America West and East (WGA) and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a “tentative” last-minute agreement to avert the impending writers strike.
The old contract expired at midnight Pacific Time on May 1. The new deal will now need to be ratified by the WGA’s board and eventually its members.
In a statement, the WGA confirmed that the teams have “concluded negotiations and have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a new three-year collective bargaining agreement”. Read the statement in full below.
Dear Colleagues –
Your Negotiating Committee is pleased to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP that we can recommend for ratification.
In it, we made gains in minimums across the board – as well as contribution increases to our Health Plan that should ensure its solvency for years to come. And we further...
- 5/2/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
The Writers Guild of America is inching a step closer toward a potential writers’ strike.
The WGA’s negotiating committee sent a letter to members on Friday, recommending that the guild’s 12,000 members take a vote on strike authorization. It did not give a timetable for such a vote, however, and such a vote would not automatically lead to a strike.
Negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers started March 13, but without any movement, the guild is looking to take the next step.
Read More: Another Writers’ Strike May Be Looming — Report
“On the last day of these two weeks, the companies’ proposal has barely a single hard-dollar gain for writers,” the letter said. “$51 billion in profits and barely a penny for those of us who make the product that makes the companies rich. But that’s not all. In response to our proposal to...
The WGA’s negotiating committee sent a letter to members on Friday, recommending that the guild’s 12,000 members take a vote on strike authorization. It did not give a timetable for such a vote, however, and such a vote would not automatically lead to a strike.
Negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers started March 13, but without any movement, the guild is looking to take the next step.
Read More: Another Writers’ Strike May Be Looming — Report
“On the last day of these two weeks, the companies’ proposal has barely a single hard-dollar gain for writers,” the letter said. “$51 billion in profits and barely a penny for those of us who make the product that makes the companies rich. But that’s not all. In response to our proposal to...
- 3/25/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Los Angeles’ own AFI Fest has been growing in stature under the leadership of director Jacqueline Lyanga over the past few years. It’s also become the go-to destination for late-breaking movies eager to gain attention right before the year-end awards season. Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” and Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” debuted at AFI Fest (taking place this year from November 10–17) before becoming Best Picture contenders. Last year, Paramount launched Adam McKay’s “The Big Short” into the awards stratosphere.
After taking his usual deliberate time to complete and burnish his latest film “Rules Don’t Apply,” writer-producer-director-star Warren Beatty is finally unveiling the period Hollywood comedy about Howard Hughes. Produced by Arnon Milchan (whose “The Revenant,” “The Big Short,” “Birdman” and “12 Years a Slave” all won Oscars, three years in a row), “Rules Don’t Apply” starring Beatty in the title role, will launch AFI Fest on Thursday,...
After taking his usual deliberate time to complete and burnish his latest film “Rules Don’t Apply,” writer-producer-director-star Warren Beatty is finally unveiling the period Hollywood comedy about Howard Hughes. Produced by Arnon Milchan (whose “The Revenant,” “The Big Short,” “Birdman” and “12 Years a Slave” all won Oscars, three years in a row), “Rules Don’t Apply” starring Beatty in the title role, will launch AFI Fest on Thursday,...
- 8/30/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Warren Beatty is a known entity in Hollywood. He’s a brilliant and controlling writer-director-producer-star who will talk anyone’s ear off. He’s indecisive. He will take as much time as he can get to burnish a movie to glossy perfection. And he’s hell-bent on success. That’s why he’s Warren Beatty.
But he’s less well known to the general moviegoing public.
While he’s consistently brilliant, from “Heaven Can Wait” and “Bonnie and Clyde” to “Dick Tracy,” he’s also known for dramatic box office highs and lows. He’s had amazing successes, such as 1982 classic period romance “Reds,” which won three Oscars (including Beatty’s only win, as Best Director). Over the decades Beatty has been nominated for 14 Oscars, and received the Thalberg Award. But he also starred in such over-budget flops as $90-million “Town and Country” (2001, $6 .7 million domestic), which was “directed by Peter Chelsolm,...
But he’s less well known to the general moviegoing public.
While he’s consistently brilliant, from “Heaven Can Wait” and “Bonnie and Clyde” to “Dick Tracy,” he’s also known for dramatic box office highs and lows. He’s had amazing successes, such as 1982 classic period romance “Reds,” which won three Oscars (including Beatty’s only win, as Best Director). Over the decades Beatty has been nominated for 14 Oscars, and received the Thalberg Award. But he also starred in such over-budget flops as $90-million “Town and Country” (2001, $6 .7 million domestic), which was “directed by Peter Chelsolm,...
- 7/20/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Warren Beatty is a known entity in Hollywood. He’s a brilliant and controlling writer-director-producer-star who will talk anyone’s ear off. He’s indecisive. He will take as much time as he can get to burnish a movie to glossy perfection. And he’s hell-bent on success. That’s why he’s Warren Beatty.
But he’s less well known to the general moviegoing public.
While he’s consistently brilliant, from “Heaven Can Wait” and “Bonnie and Clyde” to “Dick Tracy,” he’s also known for dramatic box office highs and lows. He’s had amazing successes, such as 1982 classic period romance “Reds,” which won three Oscars (including Beatty’s only win, as Best Director). Over the decades Beatty has been nominated for 14 Oscars, and received the Thalberg Award. But he’s also responsible for such over-budget flops as $90-million “Town and Country” (2001, $6 .7 million domestic) which he produced and...
But he’s less well known to the general moviegoing public.
While he’s consistently brilliant, from “Heaven Can Wait” and “Bonnie and Clyde” to “Dick Tracy,” he’s also known for dramatic box office highs and lows. He’s had amazing successes, such as 1982 classic period romance “Reds,” which won three Oscars (including Beatty’s only win, as Best Director). Over the decades Beatty has been nominated for 14 Oscars, and received the Thalberg Award. But he’s also responsible for such over-budget flops as $90-million “Town and Country” (2001, $6 .7 million domestic) which he produced and...
- 7/20/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Michael Winship, running unopposed, has been re-elected president of the WGA East. Winship, who guided the guild through the 2007-2008 writers' strike, said this would be his last two-year term as president. His running mates, VP Jeremy Pikser and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider, also ran unopposed. Only about 10% of the guild's 4,000 members voted for the nine open council seats, all but two of which were won by incumbents. In his candidate statement, Winship trumpeted…...
- 9/17/2015
- Deadline TV
Michael Winship, running unopposed, has been re-elected president of the WGA East. Winship, who guided the guild through the 2007-2008 writers' strike, said this would be his last two-year term as president. His running mates, VP Jeremy Pikser and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider, also ran unopposed. Only about 10% of the guild's 4,000 members voted for the nine open council seats, all but two of which were won by incumbents. In his candidate statement, Winship trumpeted…...
- 9/17/2015
- Deadline
The Writers Guild of America, West and Writers Guild of America, East today named the members of the negotiating committee who will soon sit down with the Alliance of Motion Picture and TV Producers. With such heavy-hitting scribes as recently re-elected board members Billy Ray and David S. Goyer as well as Damon Lindelof among the group, the committee will serve under Wgaw Exec Director and Chief Negotiator David Young to hammer out a new contract. While the 29-member committee has been set, a date has yet to be announced for the negotiations with AMPTP to actually start. The guilds’ current contract expires May 1. The Directors Guild of America set its own contract talks with the AMPTP to begin early this month on November 4, over six months before their agreement runs out on June 30, 2014. Here are the members who’ll serve on the WGA negotiating committee: Chip Johannessen, Co-Chair Billy Ray,...
- 11/13/2013
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
Writers Guild of America East President Michael Winship and secretary-treasurer Bob Schneider will run unopposed for re-election, the guild said on Monday. Vice President Jeremy Pikser will run against Jeff Christman, who is also a council candidate in the elections, set for the annual membership meeting on Sept. 19. Results are announced the next day. There are six freelance seats and three staff seats open for the two-year terms that will run through 2015. Also read: Writers Guild West President Chris Keyser Runs for Re-Election Unopposed The 12 candidates for the six open...
- 6/24/2013
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
New York – The Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) announced today the 2013 nominees (order determined by lot) for its Council election. The term is for two years from 2013-2015. There are nine (9) open Council seats (six Freelance seats and three Staff seats) in this election. The twelve (12) candidates for the six (6) open Freelance seats are: Zhubin Parang, Bonnie Datt (i), David Atkins, Henry Bean (i), Bernardo Ruiz (i), Susan Kim (i), Robert Levi, Michael Lannan, Amy Sohn, Courtney Simon (i), Norman Steinberg and George Strayton. The five (5) candidates for the three (3) open Staff seats are: Duane Tollison (i), Jeff Christman, Phil Pilato (i), Matt Nelko and Sue Brown McCann (i). Guild President Michael Winship and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Schneider are running for reelection unopposed. Vice President Jeremy Pikser is running for re-election and faces Jeff Christman. The Wgae annual membership meeting and election is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2013. Related: Wgaw Unveils...
- 6/24/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The Writers Guild of America, East has elected Jeremy Pikser its vice president, the union announced Friday. Members reelected Michael Winship, who was running unopposed for president, and elected Bob Schneider, who was unopposed for secretary treaurer. Schneider had been vice president. This election marked the first time members could vote online. As a result, the Guild says, one in 10 eligible members cast ballots. No ballots were invalidated. Guild members also elected Henry Bean, Bonnie Datt, Elliot Kaplan, Susan Kinn, Bernardo Ruiz and Courtney Simon as freelance members on the Council. Three incumbents, Sue...
- 9/16/2011
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
The Writers Guild East has announced the results of its 2011 elections, notable not so much for the lack of competition (the main incumbents ran unopposed) but for being the first to institute online voting, which the guild said resulted in higher participation and no invalidated ballots. Wgae president Michael Winship ran unopposed and was re-elected; Jeremy Pikser was elected VP and replaces Bob Schneider, who was elected Secretary Treasurer succeeding Gail Lee. Henry Bean, Bonnie Datt, Elliot Kalan, Susan Kim, Bernardo Ruiz, and Courtney Simon were voted in as freelance members to the Wgae Council, while Sue Brown McCann, Phil Pilato, and Duane Tollison were elected to staff seats. The terms run through September 2013.
- 9/16/2011
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The WGA Pod is Mia.
Or, to put that in English, there’s still no word from the WGA on its "Pattern of Demands." That document, a proposed outline of the guild’s negotiating priorities, was sent to members Dec. 22 for an up or down vote, with a return date of Jan. 24.
December holiday presents have long since been unwrapped, consumed, discarded or regifted -- and Jan. 24 has come and gone -- but the WGA has not announced the results of the vote as yet. A WGA West spokesman had no explanation for the delay and no comment on when results might be available.
Also unknown is when negotiations will start. The current contract expires May 1. SAG, AFTRA and the DGA have already negotiated and ratified their new agreements, which take effect when their agreements expire June 30.
The WGA's wide-ranging Pattern of Demands does not contain specific proposals, dollars or...
Or, to put that in English, there’s still no word from the WGA on its "Pattern of Demands." That document, a proposed outline of the guild’s negotiating priorities, was sent to members Dec. 22 for an up or down vote, with a return date of Jan. 24.
December holiday presents have long since been unwrapped, consumed, discarded or regifted -- and Jan. 24 has come and gone -- but the WGA has not announced the results of the vote as yet. A WGA West spokesman had no explanation for the delay and no comment on when results might be available.
Also unknown is when negotiations will start. The current contract expires May 1. SAG, AFTRA and the DGA have already negotiated and ratified their new agreements, which take effect when their agreements expire June 30.
The WGA's wide-ranging Pattern of Demands does not contain specific proposals, dollars or...
The Writers Guild of America West announced its national board of directors election results Friday. The WGA East also announced the results of its council election.
Robin Schiff (754 votes), Katherine Fugate (749 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (741 votes), David A. Goodman (740 votes), Kathy Kiernan (691 votes), Christopher Keyser (610 votes), David Shore (554 votes) and Mark Gunn (519 votes) were elected to two-year terms on the Wgaw board. Fugate, Goodman, Gunn, Kiernan and Mendelsohn are incumbents.
A total of 1,273 valid ballots were cast, which reps about 16% of the membership.
Results for the nine remaining Wgaw board candidates were Matthew Weiner (507 votes), Karen Harris (463 votes), Timothy J. Lea (376 votes), Cheryl Heuton (290 votes), Naomi Foner (273 votes), Mick Betancourt (257 votes), Erica Montolfo (143 votes), Erich Hoeber (132 votes) and Matt Pyken (111 votes).
There were 387 valid ballots cast in the Wgae council election, repping about 10% of the membership.
Gina Gionfriddo (188 votes), Andrew Bergman (164 votes), Jeremy Pikser (155 votes), John Auerbach (149 votes), Terry George (143 votes...
Robin Schiff (754 votes), Katherine Fugate (749 votes), Aaron Mendelsohn (741 votes), David A. Goodman (740 votes), Kathy Kiernan (691 votes), Christopher Keyser (610 votes), David Shore (554 votes) and Mark Gunn (519 votes) were elected to two-year terms on the Wgaw board. Fugate, Goodman, Gunn, Kiernan and Mendelsohn are incumbents.
A total of 1,273 valid ballots were cast, which reps about 16% of the membership.
Results for the nine remaining Wgaw board candidates were Matthew Weiner (507 votes), Karen Harris (463 votes), Timothy J. Lea (376 votes), Cheryl Heuton (290 votes), Naomi Foner (273 votes), Mick Betancourt (257 votes), Erica Montolfo (143 votes), Erich Hoeber (132 votes) and Matt Pyken (111 votes).
There were 387 valid ballots cast in the Wgae council election, repping about 10% of the membership.
Gina Gionfriddo (188 votes), Andrew Bergman (164 votes), Jeremy Pikser (155 votes), John Auerbach (149 votes), Terry George (143 votes...
- 9/20/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The results are in for the Writers Guild of America East elections for Council seats. There were 10 open seats, six Freelance and four Staff. Elected as freelance members on the Council: Gina Gionfriddo, Andrew Bergman, Jeremy Pikser, John Auerbach, Terry George and Walter Bernstein. Elected as Staff members: Cath Twohill, Marta Gibbons, Art Daley, Ted Schreiber. All terms being immediately and run through September, 2012.
- 9/17/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
The Writers Guild of America East announced the results of its 2010 election, filling the 10 open seats on its council. The six freelance seats were won by incumbents Gina Gionfriddo, Jeremy Pikser, John Auerbach, and Walter Bernstein, and new members Andrew Bergman and Terry George.Incumbents Cath Twohill and Art Daley were elected as staff members on the council, along with Marta Gibbons and Ted Schreiber. Twohill received more than half the votes, taking 206 of the 387 valid ballots cast.The council members begin their two-year terms immediately.
- 9/17/2010
- backstage.com
New York City – The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO (Wgae) announced the nominees for its Council (order determined by lot*) today. The term is for two years: 2010 – 2012. There are 10 open Council seats (six Freelance seats and four Staff seats) for this election. The 21 candidates for the six open Freelance seats are: Andrew Bergman, Robert Levi, Israel Horovitz, David Steven Cohen, Tom Jennings, Leslie Nipkow, Jeremy Pikser, John Auerbach, Susane Lee, Elizabeth Page, Walter Bernstein, Terry George, Richard Vetere, Bernardo Ruiz, Jerome Coopersmith, Gina Gionfriddo, Bobby Spillane, Fred Graver, Richard Wesley, Julian Sheppard, and [...]...
- 6/15/2010
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
The Writers Guild of America East announced the nominees for its 10 open council seats Monday.
The 21 candidates for the six open freelance seats are Andrew Bergman, Robert Levi, Israel Horovitz, David Steven Cohen, Tom Jennings, Leslie Nipkow, Jeremy Pikser, John Auerbach, Susane Lee, Elizabeth Page, Walter Bernstein, Terry George, Richard Vetere, Bernardo Ruiz, Jerome Coopersmith, Gina Gionfriddo, Bobby Spillane, Fred Graver, Richard Wesley, Julian Sheppard and Jenny Lumet. Terms are for two years.
The 11 candidates for the four open staff seats are Andy Meppen, David Keller, Cath Twohill, Ted Schreiber, Angela Perdos, Kathy McGee, Armando Norat, Brian Morgan, Marta Gibbons, Julia Yoler and Art Daley. Those seats are also two-year terms.
Wgae members can vote by mail or in person at the annual membership meeting Sept. 16.
The 21 candidates for the six open freelance seats are Andrew Bergman, Robert Levi, Israel Horovitz, David Steven Cohen, Tom Jennings, Leslie Nipkow, Jeremy Pikser, John Auerbach, Susane Lee, Elizabeth Page, Walter Bernstein, Terry George, Richard Vetere, Bernardo Ruiz, Jerome Coopersmith, Gina Gionfriddo, Bobby Spillane, Fred Graver, Richard Wesley, Julian Sheppard and Jenny Lumet. Terms are for two years.
The 11 candidates for the four open staff seats are Andy Meppen, David Keller, Cath Twohill, Ted Schreiber, Angela Perdos, Kathy McGee, Armando Norat, Brian Morgan, Marta Gibbons, Julia Yoler and Art Daley. Those seats are also two-year terms.
Wgae members can vote by mail or in person at the annual membership meeting Sept. 16.
- 6/14/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Today's Sundance Institute announcement on the make-up of this Summer's Directors and Screenwriters Labs offers some insight on the projects we should be seeing in future editions of the festival but also updates us on the progression of some projects we've already got our eyes on -- as is the case with Sean Durkin's upcoming first feature film and Ondi Timoner's (see pic) fictional debut. - Today's Sundance Institute announcement on the make-up of this Summer's Directors and Screenwriters Labs offers some insight on the projects we should be seeing in future editions of the festival but also updates us on the progression of some projects we've already got our eyes on -- as is the case with Sean Durkin's upcoming first feature film and Ondi Timoner's (see pic) fictional debut. Almost all projects that were are included in the Director's Lab were a part of the Screenwriter's...
- 4/26/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Today's Sundance Institute announcement on the make-up of this Summer's Directors and Screenwriters Labs offers some insight on the projects we should be seeing in future editions of the festival but also updates us on the progression of some projects we've already got our eyes on -- as is the case with Sean Durkin's upcoming first feature film and Ondi Timoner's (see pic) fictional debut. Almost all projects that were are included in the Director's Lab were a part of the Screenwriter's January Lab earlier this year, so among the newly mentioned projects in the screenwriting portion of the camp we find indie filmmaker starlets Ry Russo-Young (You Wont Miss Me) and Lena Dunham (Tiny Furniture - freshly picked up by IFC) are co-writing a project called Nobody Walks with Russo-Young directing the project. Here's the complete press release below -- look for Ioncinema.com to keep tabs on several of these projects.
- 4/26/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
Toronto -- First a single filmmaker withdrew his short film from the Toronto International Film Festival over its spotlight on Tel Aviv. Now the artists are piling on.
Toronto is set to open next week with a widening artist protest and possible boycott over its spotlight on Israel and its filmmakers.
British director Ken Loach, Jane Fonda, Wallace Shawn, musician David Byrne and actor Danny Glover are among 50 directors, writers and activists who have signed an open letter to the Toronto festival that went online Thursday.
The document, titled "The Toronto Declaration: No Celebration of Occupation," alleges that Toronto, "whether intentionally or not, has become complicit in the Israeli propaganda machine."
The list of international filmmakers signing on to the declaration includes U.S. producer Joslyn Barnes, distributor Cornelius Moore, screenwriter Jeremy Pikser and Canadian documentary maker Mark Achbar, whose films have screened in Toronto.
Middle Eastern filmmakers joining the protest include Egypt's Ahmad Abdalla,...
Toronto is set to open next week with a widening artist protest and possible boycott over its spotlight on Israel and its filmmakers.
British director Ken Loach, Jane Fonda, Wallace Shawn, musician David Byrne and actor Danny Glover are among 50 directors, writers and activists who have signed an open letter to the Toronto festival that went online Thursday.
The document, titled "The Toronto Declaration: No Celebration of Occupation," alleges that Toronto, "whether intentionally or not, has become complicit in the Israeli propaganda machine."
The list of international filmmakers signing on to the declaration includes U.S. producer Joslyn Barnes, distributor Cornelius Moore, screenwriter Jeremy Pikser and Canadian documentary maker Mark Achbar, whose films have screened in Toronto.
Middle Eastern filmmakers joining the protest include Egypt's Ahmad Abdalla,...
- 9/3/2009
- by By Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Summer is a time for picnics, days at the beach, and Sundance's Director's and Screenwriter's Labs. Out of the eight announced projects attending the Director's lab, seven of them were part of the Screenwriter's lab back in January. The new name added to the lab process is a project from artist/filmmaker Tala Hadid and The Narrow Frame of Midnight. Among the four projects invited to the Screenwriter's Lab we find a familiar name in director (see pic) Todd Louiso (Love Liza, The Marc Pease Experience) and his latest project Hello, I Must Be Going. Following in a natural progression on the Sundance Institute's part to develop young filmmakers and help develop their projects, here are the lucky dozen participants who will have a chance to workshop their films before they go into production - and here is a list of the people who will be there to coach them.
- 4/28/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
Los Angeles, CA) - First Look Studios proudly announces the DVD release of War, Inc., a raw look at the truth behind the corporatizing of war. In the midst of the political sparring surrounding the 2008 presidential election and the sea of disinformation created by the campaigns, War, Inc. provides a fresh perspective of recent current events. Co-written by John Cusack, Jeremy Pikser and Mark Leyner, and directed by Joshua Seftel, War, Inc. is a satire inspired by the influence of multinational corporations over the United States’ international affairs. Written and produced to take a poignant political stance, the film has enlisted the support of highly respected politicians, entertainers and tastemakers such as Rachel Maddow, Tim Robbins, Gore [...]...
- 9/30/2008
- by Brian Corder
- ShockYa
Members of the WGA East elected 10 board members to its council Friday.
Six freelance seats and four open staff seats were up for grabs in the election, which garnered 444 valid ballots.
"Law & Order" scribe and incumbent Gina Gionfriddo was elected as a freelance member, receiving the highest vote count at 319. Also re-elected as freelance members were Walter Bernstein (260 votes), John Auerbach (240 votes), David Steven Cohen (236 votes) and Jeremy Pikser (195 votes.) Newcomer Jerome Coopersmith was also elected, receiving 196 votes.
Topping the votes for staff members on the council was newcomer Catherine Twohill, (245 votes) followed by incumbent Marianne Pryor (218 votes ) and newcomers Elizabeth Turrell (189) and Art Daley (174 votes).
The newly elected members begin immediately on their two-year term.
Six freelance seats and four open staff seats were up for grabs in the election, which garnered 444 valid ballots.
"Law & Order" scribe and incumbent Gina Gionfriddo was elected as a freelance member, receiving the highest vote count at 319. Also re-elected as freelance members were Walter Bernstein (260 votes), John Auerbach (240 votes), David Steven Cohen (236 votes) and Jeremy Pikser (195 votes.) Newcomer Jerome Coopersmith was also elected, receiving 196 votes.
Topping the votes for staff members on the council was newcomer Catherine Twohill, (245 votes) followed by incumbent Marianne Pryor (218 votes ) and newcomers Elizabeth Turrell (189) and Art Daley (174 votes).
The newly elected members begin immediately on their two-year term.
- 9/19/2008
- by By Leslie Simmons
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The WGA East has announced nominees for 10 open seats on its council, including six freelance seats and four staff seats.
For the freelance seats, the 14 candidates include: Jerry Coopersmith, Madeline Amgott, Mark St. Germain, Julian Sheppard, Jeremy Pikser, Bobby Spillane, David Steven Cohen, Rob Kutner, Kirk Simon, Walter Bernstein, Tom Kelly, John Auerbach, Henry Bean and Gina Gionfriddo.
There are 12 candidates for staff seats, including Leon Colvin, Art Daley, Matt Nelko, Tanya Mills, Cath Twohill, Dave Mock, Andy Meppen, Tom Phillips, Jason Levine, Liz Turrell, Jay Pedinoff and Marianne Pryor.
WGAE members can either vote by mail or in person at the annual membership meeting on Sept. 18.
For the freelance seats, the 14 candidates include: Jerry Coopersmith, Madeline Amgott, Mark St. Germain, Julian Sheppard, Jeremy Pikser, Bobby Spillane, David Steven Cohen, Rob Kutner, Kirk Simon, Walter Bernstein, Tom Kelly, John Auerbach, Henry Bean and Gina Gionfriddo.
There are 12 candidates for staff seats, including Leon Colvin, Art Daley, Matt Nelko, Tanya Mills, Cath Twohill, Dave Mock, Andy Meppen, Tom Phillips, Jason Levine, Liz Turrell, Jay Pedinoff and Marianne Pryor.
WGAE members can either vote by mail or in person at the annual membership meeting on Sept. 18.
- 6/15/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Aaron Hillis
Cult author Mark Leyner hit his stride in the '90s with meta-fictional novels ("Et Tu, Babe," "The Tetherballs of Bougainville") and short story collections ("My Cousin, My Gastroenterologist," "Tooth Imprints on a Corn Dog"), all hilariously overstimulated, fantastical parodies of mass culture and ephemeral trends both highbrow and low. He created and voiced the audio series "Wiretap" (about a 19-year-old's conversations with pal Kim Jong Il), had columns in magazines like Esquire and George, and co-wrote two books of answers to unusual medical questions with Dr. Billy Goldberg ("Why Do Men Have Nipples?", "Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex?"). It was only a matter of time before Leyner's peculiar sensibilities wiggled their way into cinema.
Co-scripted by Leyner, John Cusack and "Bulworth" screenwriter Jeremy Pikser, "War, Inc" is an absurdist Iraq war satire set in the fake country of Turaqistan, where a privatized war has...
Cult author Mark Leyner hit his stride in the '90s with meta-fictional novels ("Et Tu, Babe," "The Tetherballs of Bougainville") and short story collections ("My Cousin, My Gastroenterologist," "Tooth Imprints on a Corn Dog"), all hilariously overstimulated, fantastical parodies of mass culture and ephemeral trends both highbrow and low. He created and voiced the audio series "Wiretap" (about a 19-year-old's conversations with pal Kim Jong Il), had columns in magazines like Esquire and George, and co-wrote two books of answers to unusual medical questions with Dr. Billy Goldberg ("Why Do Men Have Nipples?", "Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex?"). It was only a matter of time before Leyner's peculiar sensibilities wiggled their way into cinema.
Co-scripted by Leyner, John Cusack and "Bulworth" screenwriter Jeremy Pikser, "War, Inc" is an absurdist Iraq war satire set in the fake country of Turaqistan, where a privatized war has...
- 5/22/2008
- by Aaron Hillis
- ifc.com
It was a poker party at producer Joe Roth's house that led to Marisa Tomei's involvement with War, Inc. "I actually met [the film's writers] John Cusack, Mark Leyner and Jeremy Pikser all in the same night at the party, so it pays to be a rogue," Tomei joked during the film's Tribeca Film Festival junket on Monday.A political satire set in the fictional country of Turaqistan, War, Inc. also...
- 4/29/2008
- AMC News: Film Festivals
John Cusack will team up with Hilary Duff and Marisa Tomei to play the titular hitman in the dark comedy Brand Hauser. The political satire co-written by Cusack with Mark Leyner and Bulworth scribe Jeremy Pikser tells the story of an assassin who gets in way over his head when he's hired to kill a key player in the oil industry. Cusack will co-produce the project with Grace Loh through his New Crime Productions company along with Millennium's Danny Lerner and Les Weldon. Joshua Seftel is on board to direct the film, which is scheduled to begin production this month in Bulgaria.
- 10/19/2006
- IMDbPro News
Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios are finalizing a deal to bring the children's book The Iguana Brothers: A Tale of Two Lizards to the big screen as an animated feature with John Leguizamo voicing and producing. Academy Award nominee Jeremy Pikser (Bulworth) is adapting the screenplay, which will also be produced by helmer Robert Luketic and Fonda Snyder. Fox animation president Chris Meledandri is shepherding the project with John Cohen and Lisa Fragner overseeing it for Fox and Blue Sky.
- 9/15/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar-winning actress Goldie Hawn is on her way to India - to make a movie about burying ashes. As her follow-up to The Banger Sisters, Hawn plans to produce, direct and star in Ashes To Ashes - based on a script she's written with Jeremy Pikser, The story is about a woman traveling through India to Kathmandu in Nepal to bury her husband's ashes - but she loses them along the way. And the Bird On A Wire actress says the story was conceived while she was biking up a mountain in India. She says, "The whole movie suddenly came to me." She'll be in financial meetings this week with two Indian companies and plans to shoot in Asia for five weeks, with three weeks of location filming in New York City. The actress adds, "It's a saga, with a lot of texture and large groups of people in a vast countryside. I feel it is my time to do it. If I don't, I will have missed something."...
- 9/26/2002
- WENN
In this crazy world, acting crazy is a pretty good strategy, philosophers have written. At least it is for California senatorial candidate Jay Bulworth in Warren Beatty's acerbic farce about a politician who goes bonkers during the last weekend of his campaign, speaking in rhyme and violating every political truism in the book.
A raucous satire of the hypocrisy of the political process, "Bulworth" is no mere one-position candidate, boxed in by a platform of criticizing the two-party system. It's a big-tent hilarity of chases, intrigue, romance and nuttiness.
It's likely to appeal to a wide spectrum of viewers, from serious politicos to those who just want a blazing romp. Write in a sleeper hit for "Bulworth" and count on some considerable votes for this delirious deviltry in December, when critics powwow in smokeless rooms to cast their best-of-year ballots.
You'd probably have to go through the Louisiana or Chicago history books to dredge up campaign craziness as off-the-wall as Democratic Sen. Bulworth (Beatty) heads into the final weekend of his re-election campaign. Essentially, the only thing he has to do is make some fund-raising appearances in the L.A. area, perfunctory glad-handing stuff, telling each constituency exactly what it wants to hear. Rubber chicken it. But Bulworth is stressed out: He can't sleep or eat, and he's so fried and suicidal that he's hired a hit man to do him in so his daughter can collect the huge windfall. His brain has been rubbered by years of playing politics, and he can no longer bring himself to mouth the pat banalities his staffers have spoon-fed him. His faith in the entire process has been toileted.
Bulworth blazes and glazes through the major L.A. constituencies -- read: special-interest groups. First stop: South Central, where he's skedded to speak at a church and tell the black parishioners about his party's compassion for their plight. Two seconds into the speech, he can go no further: He tells them that neither party has any interest in them, simply because they bring no economic impact to their campaigns -- namely monetary contributions.
Next stop: the true blue of Trousdale, where a bunch of entertainment bigwigs gather a la one of those glitzy Wasserman-style, Democratic deals to pledge their support, with the string attached that Bulworth will speak for their interests -- namely get the government off their backs about violence and sex in the media. Instead, he tells them he's not so appalled by the sex and violence but more by the awfulness of their creations. Holy Jack Valenti!
Gobbling hors d'oeuvres, swigging booze, brandishing floozies, Bulworth is gaining momentum, and he's off to speak to corporate Fat Cats at the Beverly Wilshire. By now, his gyrations have taken him to an after-hours "club" in Compton, where he gets so honked he starts spewing rap. His staffers want him to get some "rest," thinking he's totally crazed. But Bulworth's cranked wisdom amazingly hits chords with his constituents, who appreciate his candor. The media can't help but notice.
Like a steamrolling Preston Sturges satire, "Bulworth" is an upside-down, needle-in-the-butt dose of the claptrap insanity of established institutions -- in this case, the hypocrisy of politicians actually serving the people. It's mercilessly merry and is, generally, a nonpartisan salvo that's likely to delight Republicans as much as Democrats. Although Beatty and co-writer Jeremy Pikser write in primary colors, "Bulworth" is shaded with insights and observations. Admittedly, Beatty sometimes shows his liberal arm patches, but "Bulworth"'s bull is wisdom more worthy than a whole slew of political science dissertations or 100 hours of issue-and-answer-ish drivel.
Beatty is sensational as the glazed gladhander, delivering a satirical performance so off-the-wall that he seems downright sensible. Admittedly, everyone else plays pretty much the same role -- amazed straight man -- as they watch the candidate careen against the system. A special Rose Garden bouquet to Oliver Platt for his credible dexterity in playing Bulworth's campaign manager and to Jack Warden for his seen-it-all visage as an old-time politico. Bringing some nimble moves and deadly heart to the caravan is Halle Berry, whose silken sizzle heightens this whistle-stopper. Don Cheadle brings added tough fiber, while Paul Sorvino's weary resolution lends darkness.
Beatty has pulled off a delirious delicacy, greasing the story with a blazing pace, balancing the serious message with rollicking farce and drawing the satirical line with a gerrymander's dexterity. It's a very well-stacked house of cards.
Despite a few minor lapses into serioso messagemaking, "Bulworth" nails its platform without aid of obvious audience cues. Hail to the technical team, primarily editors Robert C. Jones and Billy Weber for the manic movement and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro for the deep-tonaled look. The soundtrack, topped by Ennio Morricone's properly fat score, is a marvel of compositional constituencies, including -- from left to right -- Dr. Dre and John Philip Sousa.
BULWORTH
20th Century Fox
A Warren Beatty film
Producers: Warren Beatty, Pieter Jan Brugge
Director: Warren Beatty
Screenwriters: Warren Beatty & Jeremy Pikser
Story: Warren Beatty
Executive producer: Lauren Shuler Donner
Director of photography: Vittorio Storaro
Production designer: Dean Tavoularis
Editors: Robert C. Jones, Billy Weber
Costume designer: Milena Canonero
Co-producers: Victoria Thomas, Frank Capra III
Music: Ennio Morricone
Executive soundtrack producer: Karyn Rachtman
Casting: Victoria Thomas, Jeanne McCarthy
Sound mixer: Thomas Causey
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jay Bulworth: Warren Beatty
Nina: Halle Berry
Dennis Murphy: Oliver Platt
L.D.: Don Cheadle
Graham Crockett: Paul Sorvino
Eddie Davers: Jack Warden
Constance Bulworth: Christine Baranski
Bill Feldman: Joshua Malina
Vinnie: Richard Sarafian
Darnell: Isaiah Washington
Rastaman: Amiri Baraka
Gary: Sean Astin
Mimi: Laurie Metcalf
Fred: Wendell Pierce
Cheryl: Michele Morgan
Tanya: Ariyan Johnson
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
A raucous satire of the hypocrisy of the political process, "Bulworth" is no mere one-position candidate, boxed in by a platform of criticizing the two-party system. It's a big-tent hilarity of chases, intrigue, romance and nuttiness.
It's likely to appeal to a wide spectrum of viewers, from serious politicos to those who just want a blazing romp. Write in a sleeper hit for "Bulworth" and count on some considerable votes for this delirious deviltry in December, when critics powwow in smokeless rooms to cast their best-of-year ballots.
You'd probably have to go through the Louisiana or Chicago history books to dredge up campaign craziness as off-the-wall as Democratic Sen. Bulworth (Beatty) heads into the final weekend of his re-election campaign. Essentially, the only thing he has to do is make some fund-raising appearances in the L.A. area, perfunctory glad-handing stuff, telling each constituency exactly what it wants to hear. Rubber chicken it. But Bulworth is stressed out: He can't sleep or eat, and he's so fried and suicidal that he's hired a hit man to do him in so his daughter can collect the huge windfall. His brain has been rubbered by years of playing politics, and he can no longer bring himself to mouth the pat banalities his staffers have spoon-fed him. His faith in the entire process has been toileted.
Bulworth blazes and glazes through the major L.A. constituencies -- read: special-interest groups. First stop: South Central, where he's skedded to speak at a church and tell the black parishioners about his party's compassion for their plight. Two seconds into the speech, he can go no further: He tells them that neither party has any interest in them, simply because they bring no economic impact to their campaigns -- namely monetary contributions.
Next stop: the true blue of Trousdale, where a bunch of entertainment bigwigs gather a la one of those glitzy Wasserman-style, Democratic deals to pledge their support, with the string attached that Bulworth will speak for their interests -- namely get the government off their backs about violence and sex in the media. Instead, he tells them he's not so appalled by the sex and violence but more by the awfulness of their creations. Holy Jack Valenti!
Gobbling hors d'oeuvres, swigging booze, brandishing floozies, Bulworth is gaining momentum, and he's off to speak to corporate Fat Cats at the Beverly Wilshire. By now, his gyrations have taken him to an after-hours "club" in Compton, where he gets so honked he starts spewing rap. His staffers want him to get some "rest," thinking he's totally crazed. But Bulworth's cranked wisdom amazingly hits chords with his constituents, who appreciate his candor. The media can't help but notice.
Like a steamrolling Preston Sturges satire, "Bulworth" is an upside-down, needle-in-the-butt dose of the claptrap insanity of established institutions -- in this case, the hypocrisy of politicians actually serving the people. It's mercilessly merry and is, generally, a nonpartisan salvo that's likely to delight Republicans as much as Democrats. Although Beatty and co-writer Jeremy Pikser write in primary colors, "Bulworth" is shaded with insights and observations. Admittedly, Beatty sometimes shows his liberal arm patches, but "Bulworth"'s bull is wisdom more worthy than a whole slew of political science dissertations or 100 hours of issue-and-answer-ish drivel.
Beatty is sensational as the glazed gladhander, delivering a satirical performance so off-the-wall that he seems downright sensible. Admittedly, everyone else plays pretty much the same role -- amazed straight man -- as they watch the candidate careen against the system. A special Rose Garden bouquet to Oliver Platt for his credible dexterity in playing Bulworth's campaign manager and to Jack Warden for his seen-it-all visage as an old-time politico. Bringing some nimble moves and deadly heart to the caravan is Halle Berry, whose silken sizzle heightens this whistle-stopper. Don Cheadle brings added tough fiber, while Paul Sorvino's weary resolution lends darkness.
Beatty has pulled off a delirious delicacy, greasing the story with a blazing pace, balancing the serious message with rollicking farce and drawing the satirical line with a gerrymander's dexterity. It's a very well-stacked house of cards.
Despite a few minor lapses into serioso messagemaking, "Bulworth" nails its platform without aid of obvious audience cues. Hail to the technical team, primarily editors Robert C. Jones and Billy Weber for the manic movement and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro for the deep-tonaled look. The soundtrack, topped by Ennio Morricone's properly fat score, is a marvel of compositional constituencies, including -- from left to right -- Dr. Dre and John Philip Sousa.
BULWORTH
20th Century Fox
A Warren Beatty film
Producers: Warren Beatty, Pieter Jan Brugge
Director: Warren Beatty
Screenwriters: Warren Beatty & Jeremy Pikser
Story: Warren Beatty
Executive producer: Lauren Shuler Donner
Director of photography: Vittorio Storaro
Production designer: Dean Tavoularis
Editors: Robert C. Jones, Billy Weber
Costume designer: Milena Canonero
Co-producers: Victoria Thomas, Frank Capra III
Music: Ennio Morricone
Executive soundtrack producer: Karyn Rachtman
Casting: Victoria Thomas, Jeanne McCarthy
Sound mixer: Thomas Causey
Color/stereo
Cast:
Jay Bulworth: Warren Beatty
Nina: Halle Berry
Dennis Murphy: Oliver Platt
L.D.: Don Cheadle
Graham Crockett: Paul Sorvino
Eddie Davers: Jack Warden
Constance Bulworth: Christine Baranski
Bill Feldman: Joshua Malina
Vinnie: Richard Sarafian
Darnell: Isaiah Washington
Rastaman: Amiri Baraka
Gary: Sean Astin
Mimi: Laurie Metcalf
Fred: Wendell Pierce
Cheryl: Michele Morgan
Tanya: Ariyan Johnson
Running time -- 107 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 5/11/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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