‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is an upcoming live-action series set to broaden the Star Wars universe. It’s set for a 2024 premiere on Disney+ (no specific release date yet) and was created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford.
The series follows a group of kids, probably Force-sensitive, who must embark on an adventure to find their way back home after a mysterious discovery leads them astray.
Kerry Condon, who stars in ‘Skeleton Crew,’ shared her surprise about working with children on the show. She mentioned how this production differs greatly from anything we’ve previously seen in Star Wars.
It’s so great. I don’t even have kids, but I’d pay to see this. I loved it. I loved being on it. There was something about it that was so innocent and playful and lovely. People say don’t work with kids or animals, but I don’t know about that.
The series follows a group of kids, probably Force-sensitive, who must embark on an adventure to find their way back home after a mysterious discovery leads them astray.
Kerry Condon, who stars in ‘Skeleton Crew,’ shared her surprise about working with children on the show. She mentioned how this production differs greatly from anything we’ve previously seen in Star Wars.
It’s so great. I don’t even have kids, but I’d pay to see this. I loved it. I loved being on it. There was something about it that was so innocent and playful and lovely. People say don’t work with kids or animals, but I don’t know about that.
- 4/27/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is the name of an upcoming live-action series that will expand the Star Wars universe. The series is currently scheduled for a 2024 premiere on Disney+ (no release date has been given at this point) and was created by the duo consisting of Jon Watts and Christopher Ford.
The series will follow a group of children, most likely Force-sensitive, who will have to go on an adventure if they want to return to their home planet, from which they got lost after a strange discovery.
Kerry Condon, ‘Skeleton Crew’ actress recently commented on the show, saying how surprised she was to take work with children, and how different this production is from anything we’ve seen in Star Wars:
It’s so great. I don’t even have kids, but I’d pay to see this. I loved it. I loved being on it. There was something...
The series will follow a group of children, most likely Force-sensitive, who will have to go on an adventure if they want to return to their home planet, from which they got lost after a strange discovery.
Kerry Condon, ‘Skeleton Crew’ actress recently commented on the show, saying how surprised she was to take work with children, and how different this production is from anything we’ve seen in Star Wars:
It’s so great. I don’t even have kids, but I’d pay to see this. I loved it. I loved being on it. There was something...
- 4/27/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
When was the last time a simple compliment had the power to totally change your day? Have you ever been in a state of self-doubt, only to be lifted by the unexpected kindness of co-workers? That is exactly the touching story Anne Hathaway told about her time on the set of Gary Ross’ Ocean’s 8, a film about a group of female thieves.
It would seem that the glamour of the A-list cast, which featured Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Rihanna, would eclipse one’s own insecurities. However, Hathaway’s candid recounting of the ‘comments’ when she was feeling insecure about her weight speaks volumes about the supportive spirit among these leading ladies.
Anne Hathaway in Ocean’s 8
Previously, during her appearance on The Ellen Show, Hathaway discussed her experience filming Ocean’s 8 and how comments from Bullock and Rihanna boosted her confidence.
Anne Hathaway Found Family in Ocean’s...
It would seem that the glamour of the A-list cast, which featured Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Rihanna, would eclipse one’s own insecurities. However, Hathaway’s candid recounting of the ‘comments’ when she was feeling insecure about her weight speaks volumes about the supportive spirit among these leading ladies.
Anne Hathaway in Ocean’s 8
Previously, during her appearance on The Ellen Show, Hathaway discussed her experience filming Ocean’s 8 and how comments from Bullock and Rihanna boosted her confidence.
Anne Hathaway Found Family in Ocean’s...
- 4/23/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
The Rooftop Films 2024 Filmmaker Fund winners have officially been unveiled, with buzzy titles like Eliza Hittman’s fourth feature “Motherlove” and Debra Granik and Alex Mallis’ collaborative documentary among the top titles.
This year, twenty-three cash and service grants will be provided to independent filmmakers to support the production of their next short or feature film, including two Rooftop Films Water Tower Feature Film cash grants, generously supported by the Laurence W. Levine Foundation. In the past 24 years, Rooftop Films has awarded over $2,300,000 in cash and services to notable films and filmmakers including Alex Ross Perry, Carlos López Estrada, Nikyatu Jusu, and David Lowery.
Among the 2024 grantees are Eliza Hittman for her highly-anticipated fourth feature film, “Motherlove,” and Debra Granik and Alex Mallis for their untitled collaborative documentary investigating the past, present, and future of legalized marijuana in New York state.
Hittman’s acclaimed third feature “Never Rarely Sometimes Always...
This year, twenty-three cash and service grants will be provided to independent filmmakers to support the production of their next short or feature film, including two Rooftop Films Water Tower Feature Film cash grants, generously supported by the Laurence W. Levine Foundation. In the past 24 years, Rooftop Films has awarded over $2,300,000 in cash and services to notable films and filmmakers including Alex Ross Perry, Carlos López Estrada, Nikyatu Jusu, and David Lowery.
Among the 2024 grantees are Eliza Hittman for her highly-anticipated fourth feature film, “Motherlove,” and Debra Granik and Alex Mallis for their untitled collaborative documentary investigating the past, present, and future of legalized marijuana in New York state.
Hittman’s acclaimed third feature “Never Rarely Sometimes Always...
- 4/18/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Euphoria” breakout Hunter Schafer is playing yet another teen trying to outrun her familial drama, except this time, it’s a surreal matter of life or death. Schafer leads “Cuckoo,” written and directed by “Luz” filmmaker Tilman Singer.
Six years after Singer’s 2018 feature debut, “Cuckoo” centers on 17-year-old Gretchen (Schafer) who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father (Márton Csókás) in a resort in the German Alps with his new wife (Jessica Henwick) and family. Yet it’s her father’s boss Mr. Konig (Dan Stevens) and his obsession with Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu) that unlocks a larger, more sinister presence at the resort. Gretchen becomes haunted by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family. Jan Bluthardt and Greta Fernandez also star in the horror film.
“Cuckoo” was shot on 35mm...
Six years after Singer’s 2018 feature debut, “Cuckoo” centers on 17-year-old Gretchen (Schafer) who is forced to leave her American home to live with her father (Márton Csókás) in a resort in the German Alps with his new wife (Jessica Henwick) and family. Yet it’s her father’s boss Mr. Konig (Dan Stevens) and his obsession with Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma (Mila Lieu) that unlocks a larger, more sinister presence at the resort. Gretchen becomes haunted by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family. Jan Bluthardt and Greta Fernandez also star in the horror film.
“Cuckoo” was shot on 35mm...
- 4/3/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Hunter Schafer Has Turned Down ‘Tons of Trans Roles’ Beyond ‘Euphoria’: I ‘Just Don’t Want to Do It’
Hunter Schafer doesn’t want to be identified solely by her transition story.
The actress, who made her acting debut as trans character Jules in “Euphoria,” told GQ that she has turned down playing “tons” of other trans roles, and even tries not to use the term “trans” in interviews.
“I’ve gotten offered tons of trans roles, and I just don’t want to do it. I don’t want to talk about it,” Schafer said. “It’s a privilege, but it’s been very intentional.”
Schafer, who is leading feature debut “Cuckoo” (filmed in 2022) and appeared in 2023’s “Hunger Games” franchise prequel “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” admitted that she does “feel a sense of responsibility” to represent transgender people in the media. However, Schafer she believes the label of “transsexual actress” is “ultimately demeaning” to her craft and career.
“If I let it happen, it would still...
The actress, who made her acting debut as trans character Jules in “Euphoria,” told GQ that she has turned down playing “tons” of other trans roles, and even tries not to use the term “trans” in interviews.
“I’ve gotten offered tons of trans roles, and I just don’t want to do it. I don’t want to talk about it,” Schafer said. “It’s a privilege, but it’s been very intentional.”
Schafer, who is leading feature debut “Cuckoo” (filmed in 2022) and appeared in 2023’s “Hunger Games” franchise prequel “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” admitted that she does “feel a sense of responsibility” to represent transgender people in the media. However, Schafer she believes the label of “transsexual actress” is “ultimately demeaning” to her craft and career.
“If I let it happen, it would still...
- 4/2/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
There was a time where hate for Anne Hathaway was confoundingly strong. But what had she really done to deserve all of the backlash? It’s not like she was a one-note star – she balanced crappy rom-comcs with terrific performances in movies like Brokeback Mountain and Rachel Getting Married – or was a problem on the set. And yet people had seemingly decided to turn on her sometime in the early 2010s, with a new term, “Hathahate”, being coined. But one who remained faithful in her as an actress and a professional was Christopher Nolan, who cast her as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman in 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises and again in 2014’s Interstellar. And for that, Anne Hathaway is forever grateful.
In a new Vanity Fair profile, Anne Hathaway said of her time on the outs with Hollywood, “A lot of people wouldn’t give me roles because they were...
In a new Vanity Fair profile, Anne Hathaway said of her time on the outs with Hollywood, “A lot of people wouldn’t give me roles because they were...
- 3/28/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Sara Kiener’s Sundance 2020 short film “The Shawl” is finding a new spotlight thanks to the Vimeo Staff Picks selection.
The coveted title has helped launch the careers of filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, Charlotte Wells, Kogonada, Eliza Hittman, David Lowery, and Ari Aster, and now Kiener is among those awarded with the Staff Pick badge honor for “The Shawl.”
The short film stars performers Dusty Childers and Shane O’Neill, who lend their respective voices to their animated counterparts, while they recall attending a Stevie Nicks concert. Illustrator Brianne Farley and director Kiener co-created the project, with Maya Edelman overseeing the animation.
Fleetwood Mac founder Nicks called the film “awesome,” and former Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper called “The Shawl” a quintessential short film that emphasizes a mastery of the format. “The Shawl” went on to win a special jury award at SXSW 2020 and later screened at Rooftop Films and Outfest.
The coveted title has helped launch the careers of filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, Charlotte Wells, Kogonada, Eliza Hittman, David Lowery, and Ari Aster, and now Kiener is among those awarded with the Staff Pick badge honor for “The Shawl.”
The short film stars performers Dusty Childers and Shane O’Neill, who lend their respective voices to their animated counterparts, while they recall attending a Stevie Nicks concert. Illustrator Brianne Farley and director Kiener co-created the project, with Maya Edelman overseeing the animation.
Fleetwood Mac founder Nicks called the film “awesome,” and former Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper called “The Shawl” a quintessential short film that emphasizes a mastery of the format. “The Shawl” went on to win a special jury award at SXSW 2020 and later screened at Rooftop Films and Outfest.
- 3/19/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Need something new to watch? If you’re a Max subscriber and a movie fan, you’re in luck, because the streamer is welcoming several standout titles in March, from must-watch A24 movies to old favorites and movie musicals.
You can check out all the new shows and movies on Max this month in our complete list, but if you’re looking for something a little more hand-selected we’ve got you covered. Highlights include the streaming debut of Timothée Chalamet’s “Wonka,” Josh and Benny Safdie’s masterfully anxious Robert Pattinson crime thriller “Good Time,” and the underrated monster mash “Kong: Skull Island.”
Here are our curated picks for the best new movies on Max in March.
“Good Time” Robert Pattinson in “Good Time” (A24)
Available: March 1
Max is now the streaming home of A24, which means you can count on a steady flow of the innovative, filmmaker-driven movies...
You can check out all the new shows and movies on Max this month in our complete list, but if you’re looking for something a little more hand-selected we’ve got you covered. Highlights include the streaming debut of Timothée Chalamet’s “Wonka,” Josh and Benny Safdie’s masterfully anxious Robert Pattinson crime thriller “Good Time,” and the underrated monster mash “Kong: Skull Island.”
Here are our curated picks for the best new movies on Max in March.
“Good Time” Robert Pattinson in “Good Time” (A24)
Available: March 1
Max is now the streaming home of A24, which means you can count on a steady flow of the innovative, filmmaker-driven movies...
- 3/17/2024
- by Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Netflix has greenlighted Black Rabbit, a limited series headlined and executive produced by Jason Bateman and Jude Law in their first on-screen pairing. Cleopatra Coleman (Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire), Amaka Okafor (Bodies), Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (Gangs of London) and Dagmara Dominczyk (Succession) have joined the cast of the one-hour drama, from showrunners and executive producers Zach Baylin and Kate Susman and Bateman’s Aggregate Films under the company’s creative partnership with Netflix.
Bateman will direct the first two episodes of the series, created and written by Baylin and Susman based on an original idea. In it, when the owner of a New York City hotspot (Law) allows his turbulent brother (Bateman) back in his life, he opens the door to escalating dangers that threaten to bring down everything he’s built.
Executive producing are Bateman and Michael Costigan for Aggregate Films; Law and Ben Jackson...
Bateman will direct the first two episodes of the series, created and written by Baylin and Susman based on an original idea. In it, when the owner of a New York City hotspot (Law) allows his turbulent brother (Bateman) back in his life, he opens the door to escalating dangers that threaten to bring down everything he’s built.
Executive producing are Bateman and Michael Costigan for Aggregate Films; Law and Ben Jackson...
- 3/14/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
With Hollywood gearing up to celebrate some of the finest work of the film industry at the 2024 Oscars, discussions have emerged, with anticipation over potential winners and the chance to set new records. Among the topics of discussion is an Oscar milestone achieved by acclaimed actors Timothée Chalamet, his Dune: Part Two co-star Austin Butler and Paul Mescal. Notably, they are the only actors born in the 1990s to secure Oscar nominations for Best Actor.
2024 Oscars (image via Twitter | @TheAcademy)
However, with the constant rise of talented actors, this record could soon be surpassed, as a number of ’90s-born actors steadily advanced towards the illustrious Best Actor Oscar trophy.
Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, Paul Mescal’s Unique Oscars Record
Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, and Paul Mescal are widely acclaimed for their on-screen performances in multiple films, including Oscar nominations for Best Actor. And the three actors have a rare record...
2024 Oscars (image via Twitter | @TheAcademy)
However, with the constant rise of talented actors, this record could soon be surpassed, as a number of ’90s-born actors steadily advanced towards the illustrious Best Actor Oscar trophy.
Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, Paul Mescal’s Unique Oscars Record
Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, and Paul Mescal are widely acclaimed for their on-screen performances in multiple films, including Oscar nominations for Best Actor. And the three actors have a rare record...
- 3/9/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Oscar winner Anne Hathaway returns to her romance movie roots with “The Idea of You.” She stars opposite “Mary & George” and “Red, White, and Royal Blue” actor Nicholas Galitzine in the adaptation of Robinne Lee’s viral 2017 novel of the same name. The book “The Idea of You” is generally believed to be inspired by Harry Styles.
Hathaway stars as 40-something single mother Solène, who crosses paths with 24-year-old international rock star/boy band alum Hayes Campbell (Galitzine) while bringing her teenage daughter to Coachella. As the couple begins a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène is forced to grapple with balancing motherhood, instant fame, and her ex. Ella Rubin, Reid Scott, Annie Mumolo, Viktor White, Raymond Cham, Jaiden Anthony, and Dakota Adan co-star.
“The Idea of You” is directed by “The Big Sick” and “Wet Hot American Summer...
Hathaway stars as 40-something single mother Solène, who crosses paths with 24-year-old international rock star/boy band alum Hayes Campbell (Galitzine) while bringing her teenage daughter to Coachella. As the couple begins a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène is forced to grapple with balancing motherhood, instant fame, and her ex. Ella Rubin, Reid Scott, Annie Mumolo, Viktor White, Raymond Cham, Jaiden Anthony, and Dakota Adan co-star.
“The Idea of You” is directed by “The Big Sick” and “Wet Hot American Summer...
- 3/6/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Although there’s no distributor yet confirmed for Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-in-development, nearly completed epic Megalopolis, we’re starting to get a sense of when we may see the $100 million epic. The director himself recently indicated it’ll be out in a few months, but according to a new report, a fall release is more likely.
In a round-up of Cannes possibilities, Deadline notes the movie is targeting “a big fall IMAX release,” which means a Venice or North American festival (i.e. TIFF or NYFF) could be more likely than a visit to the Croisette. The article also notes it’s unlikely that Steve McQueen’s Blitz, Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, David Lowery’s Mother Mary, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, and Luca Guadagnino’s Queer will be stopping by Cannes, but George Miller’s Furiosa, Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle, Andrea Arnold’s Bird, and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds,...
In a round-up of Cannes possibilities, Deadline notes the movie is targeting “a big fall IMAX release,” which means a Venice or North American festival (i.e. TIFF or NYFF) could be more likely than a visit to the Croisette. The article also notes it’s unlikely that Steve McQueen’s Blitz, Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, David Lowery’s Mother Mary, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, and Luca Guadagnino’s Queer will be stopping by Cannes, but George Miller’s Furiosa, Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle, Andrea Arnold’s Bird, and David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
In perhaps one of the best feel-good stories in Hollywood this year, a coalition of 36 filmmakers have invested in a coalition to save Los Angeles’ fabled Westwood Village Theater. Organized by Jason Reitman, the group will book first-run features and repertory programming from the theater’s directors/caretakers.
The coalition of filmmaker/investors includes JJ Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reitman, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
Continue reading Jason Reitman, Christopher Nolan, Lulu Wang, & 33 Other Filmmakers Save LA’s Historic Westwood Village Theater at The Playlist.
The coalition of filmmaker/investors includes JJ Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reitman, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
Continue reading Jason Reitman, Christopher Nolan, Lulu Wang, & 33 Other Filmmakers Save LA’s Historic Westwood Village Theater at The Playlist.
- 2/22/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Westwood’s historic Village Theater is now owned by a coalition of 35 filmmakers led by Jason Reitman, the group announced Wednesday.
The group’s mission “is to preserve the architectural gem and create a cultural landmark dedicated to the beloved experience of moviegoing,” per a release. The theater, situated at 945 Broxton Ave., is “known for its soaring tower, neon marquee and one of the largest screens in Los Angeles.” First opened in 1931, it is 93 years old.
The coalition of filmmakers includes J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reitman, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve,...
The group’s mission “is to preserve the architectural gem and create a cultural landmark dedicated to the beloved experience of moviegoing,” per a release. The theater, situated at 945 Broxton Ave., is “known for its soaring tower, neon marquee and one of the largest screens in Los Angeles.” First opened in 1931, it is 93 years old.
The coalition of filmmakers includes J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reitman, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jason Reitman and a coalition of 35 other filmmakers have together acquired one of Los Angeles’ most historic and iconic movie palaces.
The group together are the new owners and caretakers of the Village Theater in LA’s Westwood neighborhood. The 93-year-old theater, which is a block from the UCLA campus and continues to host many studio premieres weekly or monthly, is distinctive for its soaring tower, neon marquee, and massive screen. The Village Theater has been hosting premieres since the 1930s; in 2023 alone, 50 movies premiered there.
The new owners will work to preserve the theater and upgrade it to show both first-run films and repertory programming, equipping it with 35mm, 70mm, and digital projection. The group will also influence the lobby galleries, the theater’s programming, its picture and sound capabilities, and will even showcase memorabilia from their personal collections, such as props, costumes, and film prints.
“I’ve been...
The group together are the new owners and caretakers of the Village Theater in LA’s Westwood neighborhood. The 93-year-old theater, which is a block from the UCLA campus and continues to host many studio premieres weekly or monthly, is distinctive for its soaring tower, neon marquee, and massive screen. The Village Theater has been hosting premieres since the 1930s; in 2023 alone, 50 movies premiered there.
The new owners will work to preserve the theater and upgrade it to show both first-run films and repertory programming, equipping it with 35mm, 70mm, and digital projection. The group will also influence the lobby galleries, the theater’s programming, its picture and sound capabilities, and will even showcase memorabilia from their personal collections, such as props, costumes, and film prints.
“I’ve been...
- 2/21/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Jason Reitman Among Coalition Of Top Filmmakers Finalizing Acquisition Of Westwood’s Village Theater
A coalition of leading feature directors led by Juno‘s Jason Reitman has finalized its acquisition of Westwood’s historic 93-year-old movie palace, the Village Theater.
Other top filmmakers joining him as investors in the deal, first spotlighted recently by The Ankler, include J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reitman, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
Each will have a say in everything from the presentation of picture and sound to the lighting, theater programming, and experiences in the lobby galleries. They’ll also be using the venue as...
Other top filmmakers joining him as investors in the deal, first spotlighted recently by The Ankler, include J.J. Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Reitman, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
Each will have a say in everything from the presentation of picture and sound to the lighting, theater programming, and experiences in the lobby galleries. They’ll also be using the venue as...
- 2/21/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Jason Reitman has gathered more than two dozen filmmakers to help acquire Westwood’s historic Village Theater, which will program first-run and repertory programming.
The group includes JJ Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
“I’ve been coming to Westwood for as long as I can remember,” remarked Reitman. “When the Village Theater went on the market, I had visions of how quickly the National Theater became a block of condos. I immediately made an offer and hoped my fellow directors would join me on this adventure.
The group includes JJ Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang, and Chloé Zhao.
“I’ve been coming to Westwood for as long as I can remember,” remarked Reitman. “When the Village Theater went on the market, I had visions of how quickly the National Theater became a block of condos. I immediately made an offer and hoped my fellow directors would join me on this adventure.
- 2/21/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Mma has been steadily catching up to boxing in terms of combat sport films. While there are plenty of action films that utilize the practice, boxing has been able to capitalize on more character dramas, especially since Rocky hit the scene (no pun intended). While there have been movies like Warrior and Bruised that have showcased mixed martial arts in dramatic films, the popular UFC brand has been geared more towards popcorn movies like Here Comes the Boom and the upcoming Road House remake. The producers of Hereditary are now set to make a UFC-based drama where two Mma fighters, who fight for their own reasons, find themselves on a collision course.
Variety reports that Lupita Nyong’o and Chloe Grace Moretz will star in Strawweight as UFC fighters. The synopsis is said to “follow the journeys of two fighters who find themselves competing against each other in the Octagon. One...
Variety reports that Lupita Nyong’o and Chloe Grace Moretz will star in Strawweight as UFC fighters. The synopsis is said to “follow the journeys of two fighters who find themselves competing against each other in the Octagon. One...
- 2/16/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o and Carrie star Chloë Grace Moretz will face each other in the ring in a new UFC-based film Strawweight. The film follows the journey of two mixed martial artists who look to claim the title and gain respect by defeating each other. It will mark the feature directorial debut of James M. Johnston.
Lupita Nyong’o and Chloë Grace Moretz are set to star in the new film Strawweight
Lupita Nyong’o, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 12 Years A Slave, was last seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She will also appear in A Quiet Place: Day One, currently in post-production. Chloë Grace Moretz was last seen in the sci-fi series, The Peripheral.
Lupita Nyong’o And Chloë Grace Moretz Are Cast As Leads In UFC-Based Strawweight 12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong’o will play a former UFC champion in...
Lupita Nyong’o and Chloë Grace Moretz are set to star in the new film Strawweight
Lupita Nyong’o, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 12 Years A Slave, was last seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She will also appear in A Quiet Place: Day One, currently in post-production. Chloë Grace Moretz was last seen in the sci-fi series, The Peripheral.
Lupita Nyong’o And Chloë Grace Moretz Are Cast As Leads In UFC-Based Strawweight 12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong’o will play a former UFC champion in...
- 2/16/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Oscar-winner and 2024 Berlinale jury president Lupita Nyong’o and Chloe Grace Moretz are set to enter the ring for the UFC-based mixed martial arts drama “Strawweight.”
The film — being launched at the European Film Market by WME Independent and CAA Media Finance — follows the journeys of two fighters who find themselves competing against each other in the Octagon. One is a young woman (Moretz) whose life is changed forever when she discovers her passion for the UFC, while the other is a former champion (Nyong’o) who is determined to reclaim her title by reinventing herself. Both want the same thing — respect — but only one can come out on top.
“Strawweight” will mark the feature directorial debut of James M. Johnston. A longtime collaborator of David Lowery, Johnston produced and directed second unit for “The Green Knight,” “The Old Man and the Gun” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” and the upcoming “Mother Mary...
The film — being launched at the European Film Market by WME Independent and CAA Media Finance — follows the journeys of two fighters who find themselves competing against each other in the Octagon. One is a young woman (Moretz) whose life is changed forever when she discovers her passion for the UFC, while the other is a former champion (Nyong’o) who is determined to reclaim her title by reinventing herself. Both want the same thing — respect — but only one can come out on top.
“Strawweight” will mark the feature directorial debut of James M. Johnston. A longtime collaborator of David Lowery, Johnston produced and directed second unit for “The Green Knight,” “The Old Man and the Gun” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” and the upcoming “Mother Mary...
- 2/15/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Poor Things, Oppenheimer and Saltburn won Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) Awards in the categories for fantasy, period and contemporary live action features, respectively, at the 28th Adg Awards, which were handed out Saturday at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Ovation Hollywood.
Poor Things and Oppenheimer are additionally nominated for the Oscar in production design, alongside Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, which were also Adg nominated in their respective categories.
Over the past five years, the winner of the Adg’s period film prize has gone on to win the Oscar for production design twice: In 2020, for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and in 2021, for Mank. During that time, the production design Oscar went to the winner of the fantasy category twice, in 2019, for Black Panther, and 2022, for Dune. A year ago, eventual Oscar winner All Quiet on the Western Front was nominated in the period...
Poor Things and Oppenheimer are additionally nominated for the Oscar in production design, alongside Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, which were also Adg nominated in their respective categories.
Over the past five years, the winner of the Adg’s period film prize has gone on to win the Oscar for production design twice: In 2020, for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and in 2021, for Mank. During that time, the production design Oscar went to the winner of the fantasy category twice, in 2019, for Black Panther, and 2022, for Dune. A year ago, eventual Oscar winner All Quiet on the Western Front was nominated in the period...
- 2/11/2024
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Production design Oscar nominees “Barbie,” “Poor Things,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Oppenheimer,” “Napoleon” all competed for the 28th Art Directors Guild Awards February 10 at Ovation Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom. “Poor Things” prevailed over “Barbie” for fantasy, and is now in the driver’s seat to win the Oscar. Throughout the season, it has been a race between these two big feminist films constructed around rebirth and unconventional world-building.
Meanwhile, “Oppenheimer” took period honors over “Asteroid City,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” and “Napoleon.” Contemporary winner “Saltburn,” though, is not in the Oscar running. The animated feature winner was “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
The TV winners for one-hour period, fantasy, and contemporary were “The Great,” “The Last of Us,” and “Succession.” Movie or limited series went to “Beef,” and the half-hour series winner was “Reservation Dogs.”
As previously announced, the Adg Awards honored Mimi Leder (Apple TV’s...
Meanwhile, “Oppenheimer” took period honors over “Asteroid City,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” and “Napoleon.” Contemporary winner “Saltburn,” though, is not in the Oscar running. The animated feature winner was “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
The TV winners for one-hour period, fantasy, and contemporary were “The Great,” “The Last of Us,” and “Succession.” Movie or limited series went to “Beef,” and the half-hour series winner was “Reservation Dogs.”
As previously announced, the Adg Awards honored Mimi Leder (Apple TV’s...
- 2/11/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
“Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” “Saltburn,” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” have won the top feature-film awards at the 28th annual Art Directors Guild Excellence in Production Design Awards, which were held on Saturday in Hollywood.
“Oppenheimer” won for period film, “Poor Things” for fantasy, “Saltburn” for contemporary and “Spider-Man” for animated film.
“Poor Things” was considered a bit of a surprise winner given that “Barbie” was also nominated the category, and winners Shona Heath and James Price said in their acceptance speech that they were not expecting the win. The victory might put them closer to a victory at next month’s Oscars, where “Poor Things” has 11 nominations.
In the television categories, awards went to “Succession,” “The Great,” “Reservation Dogs,” “The Last of Us,” “Beef,” “Frasier,” “Squid Game: The Challenge,” and the 80th Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The first three titles were honored for their final seasons on TV.
Taylor Swift...
“Oppenheimer” won for period film, “Poor Things” for fantasy, “Saltburn” for contemporary and “Spider-Man” for animated film.
“Poor Things” was considered a bit of a surprise winner given that “Barbie” was also nominated the category, and winners Shona Heath and James Price said in their acceptance speech that they were not expecting the win. The victory might put them closer to a victory at next month’s Oscars, where “Poor Things” has 11 nominations.
In the television categories, awards went to “Succession,” “The Great,” “Reservation Dogs,” “The Last of Us,” “Beef,” “Frasier,” “Squid Game: The Challenge,” and the 80th Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The first three titles were honored for their final seasons on TV.
Taylor Swift...
- 2/11/2024
- by Steve Pond, Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Poor Things, Oppenheimer and Saltburn took top film honors at the 28th annual Art Directors Guild Awards tonight. The Neighborhood and New Girl actor Max Greenfield hosted the show from Ovation Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom. Check out the full winners list below.
Oppenheimer‘s Ruth De Jong and Poor Things’ James Price and Shona Heath will face off for Best Production Design at the Academy Awards next month. They’ll go up against the production designers and set decorators behind Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon.
The Art Directors Guild divides its top film prizes into Fantasy, Period and Contemporary Feature categories, which went to Poor Things, Oppenheimer and Saltburn, respectively. Since the trophy show launched in 1996, the winner of one of those has gone on to win the Art Direction/Production Design Oscar in 18 of the 27 years. It had a run of nine in a row snapped last year,...
Oppenheimer‘s Ruth De Jong and Poor Things’ James Price and Shona Heath will face off for Best Production Design at the Academy Awards next month. They’ll go up against the production designers and set decorators behind Barbie, Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon.
The Art Directors Guild divides its top film prizes into Fantasy, Period and Contemporary Feature categories, which went to Poor Things, Oppenheimer and Saltburn, respectively. Since the trophy show launched in 1996, the winner of one of those has gone on to win the Art Direction/Production Design Oscar in 18 of the 27 years. It had a run of nine in a row snapped last year,...
- 2/11/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
“Saltburn,” “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things” were among the winners at the 28th Annual Art Director’s Guild Awards which took place in Hollywood on Saturday evening.
Hosted by Max Greenfield, the Adg Awards celebrated outstanding production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, animated features and music videos.
“Poor Things” production designers Shona Heath and James Price drew visual references ranging from the paintings of French futurist Albert Robida to Francis Ford Coppola’s “Dracula” to build Yorgos Lanthimos’ extraordinary sets.
In “Oppenheimer,” Ruth De Jong built Los Alamos from the ground up. But her most challenging task came when she had to build the Oval Office for the film’s third act. Working with supervising art director, Samantha Englander, the two had floated the idea of finding a pre-existing build of the Oval Office. They looked no further than HBO’s beloved political satire “Veep.” Not only was “Veep...
Hosted by Max Greenfield, the Adg Awards celebrated outstanding production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, animated features and music videos.
“Poor Things” production designers Shona Heath and James Price drew visual references ranging from the paintings of French futurist Albert Robida to Francis Ford Coppola’s “Dracula” to build Yorgos Lanthimos’ extraordinary sets.
In “Oppenheimer,” Ruth De Jong built Los Alamos from the ground up. But her most challenging task came when she had to build the Oval Office for the film’s third act. Working with supervising art director, Samantha Englander, the two had floated the idea of finding a pre-existing build of the Oval Office. They looked no further than HBO’s beloved political satire “Veep.” Not only was “Veep...
- 2/11/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay and Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Hunter Schafer is leading her first horror film.
The “Euphoria” breakout star appears in Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” with the haunting logline reading, “The adolescent needs to be trained.”
The Neon release, headed for the Berlin Film Festival next week, co-stars Dan Stevens, Jessica Henwick, Marton Csókás, and Jan Bluthardt.
The official synopsis reads: “Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen (Schafer) leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.”
German filmmaker Singer previously helmed “Luz” and opted to shoot “Cuckoo” on 35mm.
The “Euphoria” breakout star appears in Tilman Singer’s “Cuckoo,” with the haunting logline reading, “The adolescent needs to be trained.”
The Neon release, headed for the Berlin Film Festival next week, co-stars Dan Stevens, Jessica Henwick, Marton Csókás, and Jan Bluthardt.
The official synopsis reads: “Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen (Schafer) leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.”
German filmmaker Singer previously helmed “Luz” and opted to shoot “Cuckoo” on 35mm.
- 2/8/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, and Gaia Wise have joined Emma Thompson on Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion’s action thriller The Fisherwoman.
Brian Kirk is directing from a screenplay by writing duo Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb.
The Fisherwoman centres on a woman (Thompson) trapped in a blizzard in Minnesota who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenager organised by a waif and her congenial husband and realises she may be the youngster’s only hope.
Greer and Menchaca will play the kidnappers.
Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion are financing the film with the support of Film- und Medienstiftung Nrw, the Dfff,...
Brian Kirk is directing from a screenplay by writing duo Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb.
The Fisherwoman centres on a woman (Thompson) trapped in a blizzard in Minnesota who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenager organised by a waif and her congenial husband and realises she may be the youngster’s only hope.
Greer and Menchaca will play the kidnappers.
Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion are financing the film with the support of Film- und Medienstiftung Nrw, the Dfff,...
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Hunter Schafer (Euphoria) and Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) are set to star in upcoming psychological horror thriller Palette.
The production marks the feature directorial debut of writer-director Zach Strauss who also wrote its 2023 Black List screenplay, with other recent screenwriting credits including Spike Lee’s upcoming film Da Understudy and episodes of Frankie Shaw’s Showtime series Smilf.
Anton will rollout sales on the package at the EFM at the Berlinale, which Schafer will be attending this year for the Special Gala premiere of upcoming Neon film Cuckoo, having also recently come off the set of David Lowery’s Mother Mary and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness.
In Palette, Schafer stars as Dolly, a woman suffering from extreme synesthesia, a rare condition through which she is able to hear colors.
She is recruited into a secretive, cult-like industry of color design, where she discovers the dark...
The production marks the feature directorial debut of writer-director Zach Strauss who also wrote its 2023 Black List screenplay, with other recent screenwriting credits including Spike Lee’s upcoming film Da Understudy and episodes of Frankie Shaw’s Showtime series Smilf.
Anton will rollout sales on the package at the EFM at the Berlinale, which Schafer will be attending this year for the Special Gala premiere of upcoming Neon film Cuckoo, having also recently come off the set of David Lowery’s Mother Mary and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness.
In Palette, Schafer stars as Dolly, a woman suffering from extreme synesthesia, a rare condition through which she is able to hear colors.
She is recruited into a secretive, cult-like industry of color design, where she discovers the dark...
- 2/7/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
After working with the likes of Wes Anderson, Danny Boyle, David Lowery, M. Night Shyamalan, and more, Dev Patel is now stepping behind the camera himself for his Jordan Peele-produced debut feature Monkey Man, from his own story and screenplay he collaborated on with Paul Angunawela and John Collee (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World).
The action thriller, following one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless, looks like it packs quite a punch with an impressive visual approach from Patel. Ahead of an April 5 release, the first trailer has now arrived.
Here’s the synopsis: “Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night,...
The action thriller, following one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless, looks like it packs quite a punch with an impressive visual approach from Patel. Ahead of an April 5 release, the first trailer has now arrived.
Here’s the synopsis: “Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Perhaps the biggest reason why the ghost story has enjoyed such popularity and power for so long is because it lies at the crux of some of humanity's most fundamental mysteries. For one thing, it addresses the question of life after death in a way that doesn't require belief in pearly gates or eternal hellfire, as it presupposes the existence of the soul. After all, if a person's energy can change the mood of a room, can't that same energy exist independently of a body and remain noticeable? Additionally, the total unknowability of ghosts is at once a source of fear and melancholy: if such entities exist, we can't know for sure what their intentions are, and if we might be facing such a fate, wouldn't such constraints as having no body and no voice be remarkably frustrating and lonely?
Steven Soderbergh's latest feature, "Presence," addresses these concepts in a remarkably effective fashion.
Steven Soderbergh's latest feature, "Presence," addresses these concepts in a remarkably effective fashion.
- 1/25/2024
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
David Lowery, Greg Papalia, Wynn P. Thomas and Francine West will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 28th annual Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) Awards, which will be presented Feb. 10 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom.
Thomas, who won Adg Awards for Hidden Figures and Da 5 Bloods, is the first African American production designer to join the Guild. His additional credits include A Beautiful Mind and A Bronx Tale, as well as the 2023 Academy Award best picture nominee King Richard. During his long-standing relationship with Spike Lee, Thomas has designed the director’s major films including Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing.
Thomas recently completed a six-year term as a Governor of the Designers Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
“Wynn P. Thomas has significantly shaped the landscape of filmmaking, and his diverse body of work reflects his innovative approach and commitment to storytelling. Beyond his artistic achievements,...
Thomas, who won Adg Awards for Hidden Figures and Da 5 Bloods, is the first African American production designer to join the Guild. His additional credits include A Beautiful Mind and A Bronx Tale, as well as the 2023 Academy Award best picture nominee King Richard. During his long-standing relationship with Spike Lee, Thomas has designed the director’s major films including Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing.
Thomas recently completed a six-year term as a Governor of the Designers Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
“Wynn P. Thomas has significantly shaped the landscape of filmmaking, and his diverse body of work reflects his innovative approach and commitment to storytelling. Beyond his artistic achievements,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Beyond Utopia (Madeleine Gavin)
A harrowing, brave account of what it’s like to defect from North Korea, Madeleine Gavin’s Beyond Utopia follows a heroic pastor and the people he helps. Perhaps most unforgettable is a multigenerational family whose escape is shown through furtive, horror-movie-like handheld camera and revealing interviews. As Gavin offers a rundown of North Korean politics, we see this family slowly reckon with their own brainwashing and realize the world outside North Korea is not what their upbringing taught them to believe. – Lena W.
Where to Stream: PBS
The Florida Project (Sean Baker)
How, exactly, did Sean Baker do it? How did the director of Tangerine make this story of a mother and daughter living at a rundown...
Beyond Utopia (Madeleine Gavin)
A harrowing, brave account of what it’s like to defect from North Korea, Madeleine Gavin’s Beyond Utopia follows a heroic pastor and the people he helps. Perhaps most unforgettable is a multigenerational family whose escape is shown through furtive, horror-movie-like handheld camera and revealing interviews. As Gavin offers a rundown of North Korean politics, we see this family slowly reckon with their own brainwashing and realize the world outside North Korea is not what their upbringing taught them to believe. – Lena W.
Where to Stream: PBS
The Florida Project (Sean Baker)
How, exactly, did Sean Baker do it? How did the director of Tangerine make this story of a mother and daughter living at a rundown...
- 1/12/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Topic Studios, the award-winning production company behind titles like Theater Camp and 100 Foot Wave, has laid off over 20 employees, multiple sources tell Deadline. Employees were notified on Tuesday, and we hear that almost all divisions are affected, with all of those working on the TV side being cut.
A company spokesperson emphasizes that despite changes being made when it comes to the small-screen arena, “Topic Studios continues to produce television programs. This week’s staff changes have not impacted the multiple scripted and non-scripted television projects in production and development. While our scripted television strategy will be evolving, we plan to increase investment in this area.”
The layoffs come at a time of general turbulence in entertainment, which is still reeling from last summer’s double strikes and the pandemic that preceded it. Other media companies hit with mass layoffs just recently include Amazon, Hallmark Media, Great American Media,...
A company spokesperson emphasizes that despite changes being made when it comes to the small-screen arena, “Topic Studios continues to produce television programs. This week’s staff changes have not impacted the multiple scripted and non-scripted television projects in production and development. While our scripted television strategy will be evolving, we plan to increase investment in this area.”
The layoffs come at a time of general turbulence in entertainment, which is still reeling from last summer’s double strikes and the pandemic that preceded it. Other media companies hit with mass layoffs just recently include Amazon, Hallmark Media, Great American Media,...
- 1/12/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The countdown to Creepmas continues, and it’s crunch time. With three days left remaining, it’s time to cram in as much holiday cheer and fear as possible. So, for the 3rd day of Creepmas, we’re offering up three genre-bending double feature ideas for your holiday horror watchlists. These pairings delve into action-horror or fantasy or even switch tones once the holiday spirit has been established. If you’re trapped spending the holidays with family members that hate horror, these double features might do the trick.
The 12 Days of Creepmas continues on Bloody Disgusting, this time with 3 genre-bending double features that bring the holiday spirit.
Keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
Holiday Action/Horror/Sci-fi Mashups:
Horror pairs well with everything, from holiday fare to action and sci-fi. This double feature is for those that want it all.
Cobra
Director George P. Cosmatos gives a horror...
The 12 Days of Creepmas continues on Bloody Disgusting, this time with 3 genre-bending double features that bring the holiday spirit.
Keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
Holiday Action/Horror/Sci-fi Mashups:
Horror pairs well with everything, from holiday fare to action and sci-fi. This double feature is for those that want it all.
Cobra
Director George P. Cosmatos gives a horror...
- 12/23/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Allure of Medieval Cinema There’s something timelessly fascinating about the medieval era in cinema. It’s a realm where chivalry, battles for thrones, and quests for honor are depicted with such fervor that they captivate audiences across generations. Today, I’m eager to share six medieval masterpieces from the past decade that have not only captured the essence of this bygone era but have also elevated it through cinematic excellence. Exploring the Artistic Vision of The Green Knight The Green Knight (2021), directed by David Lowery, is a film that takes an artistic leap from the traditional Arthurian legend. Lowery’s unique...
- 12/18/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Is Anne Hathaway doing some free promotion for us and our recently released 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2024 feature, aka your Christmas list early? We can only dream, right? But in the most recent episode of Happy Sad Confused podcast, in which Hathaway came on to talk about her new alluring new psychodrama “Eileen” opposite Thomasin McKenzie (read our review here), the actress teased three of her main projects likely arriving in 2024.
Continue reading Anne Hathaway Teases 2024 Projects With David Lowery, Jessica Chastain & Michael Showalter at The Playlist.
Continue reading Anne Hathaway Teases 2024 Projects With David Lowery, Jessica Chastain & Michael Showalter at The Playlist.
- 12/12/2023
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara so badly want you to see the new documentary film “The Smell of Money,” they will pay back your rental fee out of their own pockets.
Phoenix and Mara, a couple and noted activists for animal rights and environmental causes, will personally reimburse the rental cost for the first 500 people who pre-order the film on iTunes or Google Play ahead of its December 12 digital release date, IndieWire can reveal exclusively. To qualify, you must live in the U.S. and possess a Venmo account; all the fine print can be found here.
The two actors are not just supporting the film with their wallets — Phoenix and Mara have already hosted a screening of “The Smell of Money” in Los Angeles, and have met personally with some of its subjects.
“We hope once audiences watch this film they are as moved by its important message as we are,...
Phoenix and Mara, a couple and noted activists for animal rights and environmental causes, will personally reimburse the rental cost for the first 500 people who pre-order the film on iTunes or Google Play ahead of its December 12 digital release date, IndieWire can reveal exclusively. To qualify, you must live in the U.S. and possess a Venmo account; all the fine print can be found here.
The two actors are not just supporting the film with their wallets — Phoenix and Mara have already hosted a screening of “The Smell of Money” in Los Angeles, and have met personally with some of its subjects.
“We hope once audiences watch this film they are as moved by its important message as we are,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Fantasy is a popular genre of all time. Whether it is horror fantasy or adventure fantasy, animated or live-action, fantasy movies always are a fan favorite. Following is a list of must-watch fantasy movies that were released in 2023.
Must Watch Fantasy Movies of 2023! Barbie- USA Today
Greta Gerwig directed this fantasy comedy movie that is based on Mattel’s Barbie fashion dolls. This is the first live-action Barbie movie following several computer-animated films and specials.
The plot follows Barbie navigating self-discovery and existential crisis as she leaves her seemingly perfect and colorful world of Barbie Land to live in the real world where she discovers the perils and joys of living with humans. Ken also tags along with her of course.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling portrayed Barbie and Ken in the movie. It was released in the United States on 21st July this year. The movie became the...
Must Watch Fantasy Movies of 2023! Barbie- USA Today
Greta Gerwig directed this fantasy comedy movie that is based on Mattel’s Barbie fashion dolls. This is the first live-action Barbie movie following several computer-animated films and specials.
The plot follows Barbie navigating self-discovery and existential crisis as she leaves her seemingly perfect and colorful world of Barbie Land to live in the real world where she discovers the perils and joys of living with humans. Ken also tags along with her of course.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling portrayed Barbie and Ken in the movie. It was released in the United States on 21st July this year. The movie became the...
- 12/5/2023
- by Suvechchha Saha
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
On Monday night, November 27, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the Gotham Awards presented the winners at their 33rd annual event. “All of Us Strangers” went in with a leading four bids, followed by “Past Lives,” “The Zone of Interest” and the TV limited series “Beef” with three apiece. But who prevailed? Scroll down for the full list, updated throughout the night.
The nominations were decided by panels of film and television critics, journalists, festival programmers and film curators. The winners were then selected by juries of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors and others directly involved in filmmaking. That makes these awards unique and often results in surprising winners like “The Rider” for Best Feature in 2018 over the higher-profile “The Favourite,” or Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) for Best Lead Performance in 2022 over eventual Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”). So a...
The nominations were decided by panels of film and television critics, journalists, festival programmers and film curators. The winners were then selected by juries of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors and others directly involved in filmmaking. That makes these awards unique and often results in surprising winners like “The Rider” for Best Feature in 2018 over the higher-profile “The Favourite,” or Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”) for Best Lead Performance in 2022 over eventual Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”). So a...
- 11/28/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Hunter Schafer reached a euphoric state while filming the upcoming music-centric feature “Mother Mary.”
The “Euphoria” breakout star has a supporting role in David Lowery’s upcoming drama, which follows a pop star (Anne Hathaway) who has a twisted romantic relationship with a fashion designer (Michaela Coel). Schafer plays Hilda, the personal assistant to Coel’s co-lead character. The film is billed as an epic pop melodrama and features original songs by Jack Antonoff and Charli Xcx. Kaia Gerber and Jessica Brown-Findlay also star.
“It was a lot of fun and I think people are going to be mind-blown,” Schafer told IndieWire of the A24 film while on the “Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” premiere’s red carpet. “I was mind-blown.”
“Mother Mary” filmed in Germany throughout the SAG-AFTRA strike due to an interim agreement.
Schafer tapped into a similar fashion-centric character for franchise prequel “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes...
The “Euphoria” breakout star has a supporting role in David Lowery’s upcoming drama, which follows a pop star (Anne Hathaway) who has a twisted romantic relationship with a fashion designer (Michaela Coel). Schafer plays Hilda, the personal assistant to Coel’s co-lead character. The film is billed as an epic pop melodrama and features original songs by Jack Antonoff and Charli Xcx. Kaia Gerber and Jessica Brown-Findlay also star.
“It was a lot of fun and I think people are going to be mind-blown,” Schafer told IndieWire of the A24 film while on the “Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” premiere’s red carpet. “I was mind-blown.”
“Mother Mary” filmed in Germany throughout the SAG-AFTRA strike due to an interim agreement.
Schafer tapped into a similar fashion-centric character for franchise prequel “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes...
- 11/16/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson and Vincent Perella
- Indiewire
After 15 years of curating the best of short films, Vimeo is giving some insight into what makes a coveted Staff Pick.
The streaming platform for rising filmmakers launched a Generation Vimeo campaign to mark the 15th anniversary of the website. Staff Pick Best of the Year winning director Danae Gosset provided the animation for this short film inspired by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman’s “A Brief History of Baldessari” video, and directed and produced by Vimeo’s internal creative team, to share the behind-the-scenes process for selecting Staff Picks. “High Maintenance” co-creator Ben Sinclair provides the voiceover for the video, returning to Vimeo where the HBO series originated. Watch the video below.
Founded in 2008, Vimeo’s Staff Pick program has honored filmmakers like Josh and Benny Safdie and “Aftersun” director Charlotte Wells. Kristoffer Borgli, John Wilson, Daniels, Savannah Leaf, A.V. Rockwell, Hiro Murai, Kogonada, Eliza Hittman, David Lowery, and...
The streaming platform for rising filmmakers launched a Generation Vimeo campaign to mark the 15th anniversary of the website. Staff Pick Best of the Year winning director Danae Gosset provided the animation for this short film inspired by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman’s “A Brief History of Baldessari” video, and directed and produced by Vimeo’s internal creative team, to share the behind-the-scenes process for selecting Staff Picks. “High Maintenance” co-creator Ben Sinclair provides the voiceover for the video, returning to Vimeo where the HBO series originated. Watch the video below.
Founded in 2008, Vimeo’s Staff Pick program has honored filmmakers like Josh and Benny Safdie and “Aftersun” director Charlotte Wells. Kristoffer Borgli, John Wilson, Daniels, Savannah Leaf, A.V. Rockwell, Hiro Murai, Kogonada, Eliza Hittman, David Lowery, and...
- 11/14/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Oscar winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite) and Oscar nominee Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) have been set to lead “twisted” romance Wicker, which Black Bear will be launching for sales at next week’s AFM.
Colman will play a “smelly Fisherwoman” who sparks outrage and jealousy in her conservative town due to an unconventional romance. UTA Independent Film Group is co-repping US sales with CAA Media Finance.
Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson (Save Yourselves!) will direct from a script they adapted based on the short story The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones.
Topic Studios (Spencer) and Tango (Aftersun) will finance and produce, alongside Colman, Ed Sinclair and Tom Carver from South of The River, David Michôd and Brad Zimmerman for Yoki, Inc. and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel for Votiv, who originated and financed development.
The project isn’t currently a SAG production and is not due to film until mid-late next year in Europe.
Colman will play a “smelly Fisherwoman” who sparks outrage and jealousy in her conservative town due to an unconventional romance. UTA Independent Film Group is co-repping US sales with CAA Media Finance.
Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson (Save Yourselves!) will direct from a script they adapted based on the short story The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones.
Topic Studios (Spencer) and Tango (Aftersun) will finance and produce, alongside Colman, Ed Sinclair and Tom Carver from South of The River, David Michôd and Brad Zimmerman for Yoki, Inc. and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel for Votiv, who originated and financed development.
The project isn’t currently a SAG production and is not due to film until mid-late next year in Europe.
- 10/24/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
No hostage left behind.
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe have found their next act.
The Oscar-winning duo behind police brutality short Two Distant Strangers and, more recently, HBO’s Bs High, have teamed with Group Nine Studios’ former president Mickey Meyer to launch a new entertainment company titled The Unreasnble. The goal of the full-service media company is to develop, produce, finance and incubate stories that have had historically limited access to mainstream media.
“The work stoppages and battles we recently experienced and are still experiencing across our industry for fair and equitable pay and ownership of our work is a clear sign we can no longer adapt to the ways of this business,” explains Free, “but instead we have to adapt it to us, the creators, and that’s what we intend to do.”
As part of the launch, the team will also acquire Roe’s award-winning production company Dirty Robber, which...
The Oscar-winning duo behind police brutality short Two Distant Strangers and, more recently, HBO’s Bs High, have teamed with Group Nine Studios’ former president Mickey Meyer to launch a new entertainment company titled The Unreasnble. The goal of the full-service media company is to develop, produce, finance and incubate stories that have had historically limited access to mainstream media.
“The work stoppages and battles we recently experienced and are still experiencing across our industry for fair and equitable pay and ownership of our work is a clear sign we can no longer adapt to the ways of this business,” explains Free, “but instead we have to adapt it to us, the creators, and that’s what we intend to do.”
As part of the launch, the team will also acquire Roe’s award-winning production company Dirty Robber, which...
- 10/17/2023
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ahead of the first-ever International Production Design Week, the Production Designers Collective has coordinated a series of interviews with directors and production designers, in which they discuss their working dynamics and mutual passion for the craft of storytelling. Below, is the first of these conversations published at Filmmaker, a conversation between production designer Jade Healy and director David Lowery. Their first collaboration had them wearing different hats. Shot in Costa Rica, It Was Great, But I Was Ready to Come Home was written by four friends, among them Jade Healy, an actress, and David Lowery, sound designer and editor. Years later, as […]
The post “I Become a Better Designer Every Time I Work with David”: Production Designer Jade Healy and David Lowery first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Become a Better Designer Every Time I Work with David”: Production Designer Jade Healy and David Lowery first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 10/11/2023
- by Javier Irazuzta
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Ahead of the first-ever International Production Design Week, the Production Designers Collective has coordinated a series of interviews with directors and production designers, in which they discuss their working dynamics and mutual passion for the craft of storytelling. Below, is the first of these conversations published at Filmmaker, a conversation between production designer Jade Healy and director David Lowery. Their first collaboration had them wearing different hats. Shot in Costa Rica, It Was Great, But I Was Ready to Come Home was written by four friends, among them Jade Healy, an actress, and David Lowery, sound designer and editor. Years later, as […]
The post “I Become a Better Designer Every Time I Work with David”: Production Designer Jade Healy and David Lowery first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “I Become a Better Designer Every Time I Work with David”: Production Designer Jade Healy and David Lowery first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 10/11/2023
- by Javier Irazuzta
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The first image in writer-director Raven Jackson’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt—a close-up of a hand squeezing a freshly caught fish, its reflective scales mirrored by the twinkling, gauzy light captured on 35mm by cinematographer Jomo Fray—quickly immerses us in the film’s world. The relationship between bodies and the natural world that surrounds them, mediated by the physical properties of film, is central to Jackson’s work. As the scene progresses, the camera’s focus remains resolutely on what may seem like its incidental textures, tracking the interplay of skin, earth, and water as if they were brushstrokes on a canvas.
The elemental poeticism of these images is clear evidence of Jackson’s promise as a filmmaker, and yet this opening sequence also points to why All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt amounts to a limited showcase for her talents. Essentially all of the film’s aesthetic,...
The elemental poeticism of these images is clear evidence of Jackson’s promise as a filmmaker, and yet this opening sequence also points to why All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt amounts to a limited showcase for her talents. Essentially all of the film’s aesthetic,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Brad Hanford
- Slant Magazine
Veteran documentary producer Lauren Haber has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Documentary at Amplify Pictures, the award-winning studio announced on Wednesday.
In her new position, Haber will be responsible for overseeing the company’s current slate of documentary projects and expanding its doc portfolio of globally commercial, filmmaker-driven projects with an emphasis on ongoing series and IP creation. The hiring comes at a dynamic time for Amplify, which has continued to build out its team and slate of global content following an infusion of private equity capital.
Haber comes to the company after serving as VP of Production at Impact Partners, where she curated and supported their slate of independent documentary projects including 32 Sounds directed by Sam Green, Another Body directed by Sophie Compton and Reuben Hamlyn, Peabody winner Aftershock directed by Paula Eiselt & Tonya Lewis Lee, Paper & Glue directed by Jr, and the three-part HBO series Nuclear Family,...
In her new position, Haber will be responsible for overseeing the company’s current slate of documentary projects and expanding its doc portfolio of globally commercial, filmmaker-driven projects with an emphasis on ongoing series and IP creation. The hiring comes at a dynamic time for Amplify, which has continued to build out its team and slate of global content following an infusion of private equity capital.
Haber comes to the company after serving as VP of Production at Impact Partners, where she curated and supported their slate of independent documentary projects including 32 Sounds directed by Sam Green, Another Body directed by Sophie Compton and Reuben Hamlyn, Peabody winner Aftershock directed by Paula Eiselt & Tonya Lewis Lee, Paper & Glue directed by Jr, and the three-part HBO series Nuclear Family,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive most recently was VP of production at Impact Partners.
Amplify Pictures has appointed veteran documentary producer and recent VP of production at Impact Partners Lauren Haber to the new role of head of documentary.
Haber is based in New York and reports to Amsterdam-based Rachel Eggebeen, who announced the hire on Wednesday and is Amplify Pictures’ chief content officer overseeing the scripted and unscripted slate, including the eight-time Emmy-nominated HBO docuseries 100 Foot Wave.
In her new role Haber will oversee Amplify’s slate of documentary projects and expand the portfolio through universally appealing commercial projects with an emphasis...
Amplify Pictures has appointed veteran documentary producer and recent VP of production at Impact Partners Lauren Haber to the new role of head of documentary.
Haber is based in New York and reports to Amsterdam-based Rachel Eggebeen, who announced the hire on Wednesday and is Amplify Pictures’ chief content officer overseeing the scripted and unscripted slate, including the eight-time Emmy-nominated HBO docuseries 100 Foot Wave.
In her new role Haber will oversee Amplify’s slate of documentary projects and expand the portfolio through universally appealing commercial projects with an emphasis...
- 9/20/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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