Taking place alongside Filmart, the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) is one of Asia’s oldest and most established project markets, helping a string of award-winning films to get made.
Recent Haf successes include Mongolian drama If Only I Could Hibernate, which was selected for last year’s Cannes Un Certain Regard, and Huang Ji and Ryuji Otsuka’s Stonewalling, which won best film at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards and was sold to KimStim for North America.
However, Haf is now just one component in an expanding range of activities organised by Hkiff Industry, the industry platform of Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff). This year, the festival has partnered with CAA China to launch the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which is presenting six selected projects to an industry-wide audience during Haf.
Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong explains that a genre initiative is a logical next...
Recent Haf successes include Mongolian drama If Only I Could Hibernate, which was selected for last year’s Cannes Un Certain Regard, and Huang Ji and Ryuji Otsuka’s Stonewalling, which won best film at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards and was sold to KimStim for North America.
However, Haf is now just one component in an expanding range of activities organised by Hkiff Industry, the industry platform of Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff). This year, the festival has partnered with CAA China to launch the Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg), which is presenting six selected projects to an industry-wide audience during Haf.
Hkiff Industry director Jacob Wong explains that a genre initiative is a logical next...
- 3/5/2024
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (Hkiffs) has added 15 work-in-progress projects to the 22nd Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf), rounding up a bumper line-up of the new Hkiff Project Market.
This year, Haf joins the inaugural Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg) to create the new Hkiff Industry Project Market, which will showcase 47 projects, including 26 previously announced in-development Haf projects and six Hcg projects.
The Wip section will introduce the latest works by notable filmmakers such as Chang Tso-Chi, Lav Diaz, Mark Gill, Midi Z, Tan Chui Mui, and Yang Chao as well as by prominent and emerging actors,...
This year, Haf joins the inaugural Hkiff Industry-caa China Genre Initiative (Hcg) to create the new Hkiff Industry Project Market, which will showcase 47 projects, including 26 previously announced in-development Haf projects and six Hcg projects.
The Wip section will introduce the latest works by notable filmmakers such as Chang Tso-Chi, Lav Diaz, Mark Gill, Midi Z, Tan Chui Mui, and Yang Chao as well as by prominent and emerging actors,...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Leading Asian filmmakers including Chang Tso-Chi, Lav Diaz, Midi Z, Tan Chui Mui and Yang Chao are poised to make appearances next month at the Work-in-Progress section of the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (Haf) project market.
Haf organizers Thursday added 15 Wip projects, having previously selected 26 in-development projects and six genre film projects in the CAA China Genre Initiative.
The 47-project Hkiff Industry Project Market will run March 11-13, alongside the 2024 edition of the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart), which operates March 11-14..
Highlights include: “The Land is Our Navel,” directed by Zhang Zhongchen (“The White Cow”) and produced by Midi Z (director of 2019’s “Nina Wu” and the upcoming “The Unseen Sister”), depicting the surreal journey of a six-year-old girl and a ghost;
“The Wind is Unstoppable,” by Huo Meng (“Crossing the Border – Zhaoguan”), about small-town family life before China’s rural-urban migration; “Deep Quiet Room,...
Haf organizers Thursday added 15 Wip projects, having previously selected 26 in-development projects and six genre film projects in the CAA China Genre Initiative.
The 47-project Hkiff Industry Project Market will run March 11-13, alongside the 2024 edition of the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FilMart), which operates March 11-14..
Highlights include: “The Land is Our Navel,” directed by Zhang Zhongchen (“The White Cow”) and produced by Midi Z (director of 2019’s “Nina Wu” and the upcoming “The Unseen Sister”), depicting the surreal journey of a six-year-old girl and a ghost;
“The Wind is Unstoppable,” by Huo Meng (“Crossing the Border – Zhaoguan”), about small-town family life before China’s rural-urban migration; “Deep Quiet Room,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
Robert Rodriguez is gearing up to make his return to theaters this summer with a brand new, mind-bending thriller starring none other than Ben Affleck. The somewhat mysterious film, titled "Hypnotic," held an in-progress screening at SXSW this year. You can read our findings right here from the version of the film that was screened, but the rest of you out there will soon have the chance to see the film for yourselves. The movie now has a release date and, unlike Rodriguez's recent venture, "We Can Be Heroes," this one is destined for the big screen.
For those who enjoy the "Alita: Battle Angel" and "From Dusk Till Dawn" filmmaker's work, we're here to give you all of...
Robert Rodriguez is gearing up to make his return to theaters this summer with a brand new, mind-bending thriller starring none other than Ben Affleck. The somewhat mysterious film, titled "Hypnotic," held an in-progress screening at SXSW this year. You can read our findings right here from the version of the film that was screened, but the rest of you out there will soon have the chance to see the film for yourselves. The movie now has a release date and, unlike Rodriguez's recent venture, "We Can Be Heroes," this one is destined for the big screen.
For those who enjoy the "Alita: Battle Angel" and "From Dusk Till Dawn" filmmaker's work, we're here to give you all of...
- 4/1/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Fresh off a surprise “work in progress” screening at SXSW, Robert Rodriguez’s action-thriller Hypnotic, starring Ben Affleck, has been set for a May 12 U.S. release.
As we revealed last month, Ketchup Entertainment will be launching the movie on more than 2,000 screens.
The looming release for a movie that remains unfinished is yet another talking point in the project’s tumultuous journey to screen.
Little has been straight-forward for Hypnotic but the warm reception it received on Sunday night was a welcome respite for its creatives and financiers. It’s unusual for a big budget film to get a public “work in progress” screening at a festival but Austin was a smart choice given the home crowd’s reverence for Texas-native Rodriguez.
The director said today: “I’ve been working on this film for many years now, and to see the reaction from my home town audience at SXSW was humbling and validating.
As we revealed last month, Ketchup Entertainment will be launching the movie on more than 2,000 screens.
The looming release for a movie that remains unfinished is yet another talking point in the project’s tumultuous journey to screen.
Little has been straight-forward for Hypnotic but the warm reception it received on Sunday night was a welcome respite for its creatives and financiers. It’s unusual for a big budget film to get a public “work in progress” screening at a festival but Austin was a smart choice given the home crowd’s reverence for Texas-native Rodriguez.
The director said today: “I’ve been working on this film for many years now, and to see the reaction from my home town audience at SXSW was humbling and validating.
- 3/17/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Since TV categories were added in 2021, the Film Independent Spirit Awards have become a funhouse mirror version of the Golden Globes, where often richer TV stars mingle with lower-paid film actors, drinks flow freely and the stakes aren’t as high as the Oscars or Emmys. Yet this 38th annual ceremony is filled with suspense — and not just for nominees and movie fans. Among the big questions:
• How many people will watch? For the first time since 1997, it won’t be presented live on IFC, streaming instead on IMDb’s YouTube channel, as well as both Film Independent’s YouTube channel and Twitter.
• Will audiences accept the new gender-neutral lead and supporting acting categories? They open up the field for non-binary nominees, yet — despite adding awards for breakthrough performance in film and supporting performance in a new scripted series — cut the number of top solo film and TV acting honors in half.
• How many people will watch? For the first time since 1997, it won’t be presented live on IFC, streaming instead on IMDb’s YouTube channel, as well as both Film Independent’s YouTube channel and Twitter.
• Will audiences accept the new gender-neutral lead and supporting acting categories? They open up the field for non-binary nominees, yet — despite adding awards for breakthrough performance in film and supporting performance in a new scripted series — cut the number of top solo film and TV acting honors in half.
- 3/2/2023
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
One of Austin’s hometown filmmakers is bringing his next movie to SXSW.
Director Robert Rodriguez will screen a work-in-progress cut of his crime thriller “Hypnotic,” starring Ben Affleck, for fans at the SXSW Film Festival in the Texas capital on March 12.
In the film, written by Rodriguez and Max Borenstein, Affleck plays a detective who is investigating a series of inexplicable crimes while searching for his missing daughter, whose disappearance is somehow involved with a secret government program.
The film co-stars Alice Braga, Jd Pardo, Hala Finley, Dayo Okeniyi, Jeff Fahey, Jackie Earle Haley and William Fichtner. Along with Rodriguez, Mark Gill, Guy Botham, Lisa Ellzey, Jeff Robinov, John Graham, and Rodriguez’s son Racer Max are serving as producers. Ketchup Entertainment is serving as the U.S. distributor.
Affleck is set to have a busy 2023. He’s starring in his next directorial effort, the Nike biopic “Air,” with Matt Damon,...
Director Robert Rodriguez will screen a work-in-progress cut of his crime thriller “Hypnotic,” starring Ben Affleck, for fans at the SXSW Film Festival in the Texas capital on March 12.
In the film, written by Rodriguez and Max Borenstein, Affleck plays a detective who is investigating a series of inexplicable crimes while searching for his missing daughter, whose disappearance is somehow involved with a secret government program.
The film co-stars Alice Braga, Jd Pardo, Hala Finley, Dayo Okeniyi, Jeff Fahey, Jackie Earle Haley and William Fichtner. Along with Rodriguez, Mark Gill, Guy Botham, Lisa Ellzey, Jeff Robinov, John Graham, and Rodriguez’s son Racer Max are serving as producers. Ketchup Entertainment is serving as the U.S. distributor.
Affleck is set to have a busy 2023. He’s starring in his next directorial effort, the Nike biopic “Air,” with Matt Damon,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Coming into this week’s EFM, Ben Affleck action-thriller Hypnotic was barely on anyone’s radar. However, the movie was quietly one of the market’s X-factors. It’s rare, after all, for a big-budget, finished film with A-list talent and director to still be without a U.S. distributor.
But the Robert Rodriguez-directed project, which wrapped shoot back in 2021, has had one of the more curious and challenging journeys for a big-budget independent film package in recent years.
First announced back at AFM 2019, the 65M project was the flagship package for Mark Gill’s ambitious new mini-studio Solstice, which was due to handle the domestic release. Oscar winner Affleck would play a detective investigating a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Pedigree also came from former Warner Bros exec Jeff Robinov who was aboard as producer.
Sin City and Alita: Battle Angel director...
But the Robert Rodriguez-directed project, which wrapped shoot back in 2021, has had one of the more curious and challenging journeys for a big-budget independent film package in recent years.
First announced back at AFM 2019, the 65M project was the flagship package for Mark Gill’s ambitious new mini-studio Solstice, which was due to handle the domestic release. Oscar winner Affleck would play a detective investigating a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Pedigree also came from former Warner Bros exec Jeff Robinov who was aboard as producer.
Sin City and Alita: Battle Angel director...
- 2/14/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
In 2017, Ronan Farrow published an extensive takedown of Harvey Weinstein, following New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey in exposing the producer’s years of abuse and sexual assault. He received help and consultation from fellow New Yorker scribe Ken Auletta, who first heard the whisperings about Weinstein’s behavior twenty years prior, while reporting on a profile for the magazine. Auletta remained plagued by questions surrounding the abuse — when it started, how it remained an open secret, what the warning signs were — and, as such, embarked on another round of investigations into Weinstein, particularly his early life.
The result is the biography Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence, which explores everything from his childhood in Queens to the founding of his now-defunct companies.
Below, The Hollywood Reporter shares an exclusive excerpt which details stories from the heyday of Miramax Films.
In 2017, Ronan Farrow published an extensive takedown of Harvey Weinstein, following New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey in exposing the producer’s years of abuse and sexual assault. He received help and consultation from fellow New Yorker scribe Ken Auletta, who first heard the whisperings about Weinstein’s behavior twenty years prior, while reporting on a profile for the magazine. Auletta remained plagued by questions surrounding the abuse — when it started, how it remained an open secret, what the warning signs were — and, as such, embarked on another round of investigations into Weinstein, particularly his early life.
The result is the biography Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence, which explores everything from his childhood in Queens to the founding of his now-defunct companies.
Below, The Hollywood Reporter shares an exclusive excerpt which details stories from the heyday of Miramax Films.
- 7/12/2022
- by Seija Rankin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New Hires
Sky Studios Elstree, which will open later this year, has named Leavesden Studios sales VP Noel Tovey as managing director.
Tovey (pictured above) has also previously held senior leadership roles at Pinewood and Shepperton.
The studio boasts 13 sound stages over a 27.5 acre plot and will soon be home to productions from Comcast-owned Sky as well as sister company NBCUniversal. The first project to pitch up at the studio is Universal Pictures musical “Wicked,” which is set to star Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
“Noel has a vast range of experience within the industry and a deep knowledge of what productions want and need,” said Caroline Cooper, COO of Sky Studios. “I am delighted he’s joined Sky to lead our brilliant and growing team as we prepare to launch Sky Studios Elstree, the U.K.’s newest studio, later this year.”
***
Loop Talent has appointed James Dawson...
Sky Studios Elstree, which will open later this year, has named Leavesden Studios sales VP Noel Tovey as managing director.
Tovey (pictured above) has also previously held senior leadership roles at Pinewood and Shepperton.
The studio boasts 13 sound stages over a 27.5 acre plot and will soon be home to productions from Comcast-owned Sky as well as sister company NBCUniversal. The first project to pitch up at the studio is Universal Pictures musical “Wicked,” which is set to star Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
“Noel has a vast range of experience within the industry and a deep knowledge of what productions want and need,” said Caroline Cooper, COO of Sky Studios. “I am delighted he’s joined Sky to lead our brilliant and growing team as we prepare to launch Sky Studios Elstree, the U.K.’s newest studio, later this year.”
***
Loop Talent has appointed James Dawson...
- 5/20/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The Duchess Of York Sarah Ferguson has co-founded a Paris-based production house with Oscar-nominated The Voorman Problem director Mark Gill and The Open’s Cyril Cadars.
Vestapol Films also counts financier Gertjan Rooijakkers as co-founder and will focus on the independent development and production of films and TV for international audiences and markets, especially the U.S. and Japan.
On the slate already is a TV mini-series expanding on Gill’s The Voorman Problem written by Gill and Cloud Atlas scribe David Mitchell, along with The Paris Quintet, led by Call My Agent! star Fanny Sidney and Ravens – The Many Deaths of Masahisa Fukase, a surreal biopic about the iconic Japanese photographer.
Ferguson, the former wife of now-disgraced Prince Andrew, is known for her charitable work and also produced 2009 Jean-Marc Vallée film Young Victoria.
Gill was Oscar nominated for live action short The Voorman Problem starring Martin Freeman and Tom...
Vestapol Films also counts financier Gertjan Rooijakkers as co-founder and will focus on the independent development and production of films and TV for international audiences and markets, especially the U.S. and Japan.
On the slate already is a TV mini-series expanding on Gill’s The Voorman Problem written by Gill and Cloud Atlas scribe David Mitchell, along with The Paris Quintet, led by Call My Agent! star Fanny Sidney and Ravens – The Many Deaths of Masahisa Fukase, a surreal biopic about the iconic Japanese photographer.
Ferguson, the former wife of now-disgraced Prince Andrew, is known for her charitable work and also produced 2009 Jean-Marc Vallée film Young Victoria.
Gill was Oscar nominated for live action short The Voorman Problem starring Martin Freeman and Tom...
- 5/20/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Industry veteran handled sales at Lionsgate on Hunger Games, Saw franchises, La La Land.
Former Lionsgate and Solstice Studios top executive Crystal Bourbeau has joined AGC Studios as president of worldwide sales and distribution.
The highly respected industry veteran arrives after it emerged this week that she and others from the Solstice executive suite including founder and CEO Mark Gill had left the ailing company.
Bourbeau reports to AGC Studios founder and CEO Stuart Ford and will oversee sales and distribution on the film and TV slate as well as playing a significant role in acquisitions. She will also work...
Former Lionsgate and Solstice Studios top executive Crystal Bourbeau has joined AGC Studios as president of worldwide sales and distribution.
The highly respected industry veteran arrives after it emerged this week that she and others from the Solstice executive suite including founder and CEO Mark Gill had left the ailing company.
Bourbeau reports to AGC Studios founder and CEO Stuart Ford and will oversee sales and distribution on the film and TV slate as well as playing a significant role in acquisitions. She will also work...
- 10/7/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Derailed by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Solstice Studios lost its top leadership on Monday in a sign that the relatively new indie producer and distribution outfit is winding down.
Veteran Hollywood indie executive Mark Gill helped found Solstice in 2018 after the proposed venture raised a hefty sum.
Gill, who serves as CEO, is among those exiting alongside marketing chief Vincent Bruzzese, production chief Lia Ellzey, distribution chief Shari Hardison and international sales head Crystal Bourbeau.
Roughly 10 people are said to be remaining at Solstice through next year. Their job is to oversee the completion of the ...
Veteran Hollywood indie executive Mark Gill helped found Solstice in 2018 after the proposed venture raised a hefty sum.
Gill, who serves as CEO, is among those exiting alongside marketing chief Vincent Bruzzese, production chief Lia Ellzey, distribution chief Shari Hardison and international sales head Crystal Bourbeau.
Roughly 10 people are said to be remaining at Solstice through next year. Their job is to oversee the completion of the ...
- 10/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Derailed by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Solstice Studios lost its top leadership on Monday in a sign that the relatively new indie producer and distribution outfit is winding down.
Veteran Hollywood indie executive Mark Gill helped found Solstice in 2018 after the proposed venture raised a hefty sum.
Gill, who serves as CEO, is among those exiting alongside marketing chief Vincent Bruzzese, production chief Lia Ellzey, distribution chief Shari Hardison and international sales head Crystal Bourbeau.
Roughly 10 people are said to be remaining at Solstice through next year. Their job is to oversee the completion of the ...
Veteran Hollywood indie executive Mark Gill helped found Solstice in 2018 after the proposed venture raised a hefty sum.
Gill, who serves as CEO, is among those exiting alongside marketing chief Vincent Bruzzese, production chief Lia Ellzey, distribution chief Shari Hardison and international sales head Crystal Bourbeau.
Roughly 10 people are said to be remaining at Solstice through next year. Their job is to oversee the completion of the ...
- 10/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Company released one film since launching three years ago.
Solstice Studios founder and CEO Mark Gill and his senior executive suite are on the way out in a major blow to the independent film supply chain as insiders told Screen the LA-based company appeared destined to become the first casualty of the pandemic.
It is understood that besides Gill – the former Warner Independent Pictures head and a top executive at Miramax and Millennium Films who launched the production, finance, distribution and sales company almost three years ago to the day on October 3 2018 – departing key executives are international sales head Crystal Bourbeau,...
Solstice Studios founder and CEO Mark Gill and his senior executive suite are on the way out in a major blow to the independent film supply chain as insiders told Screen the LA-based company appeared destined to become the first casualty of the pandemic.
It is understood that besides Gill – the former Warner Independent Pictures head and a top executive at Miramax and Millennium Films who launched the production, finance, distribution and sales company almost three years ago to the day on October 3 2018 – departing key executives are international sales head Crystal Bourbeau,...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Union expected to request further talks with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The 60,000 members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in film and TV production have authorised a nationwide strike in a near-unanimous vote, the union said on Monday (October 4).
IATSE said this marked the first time in its 128-year history that such a step has been taken. It comes after online polls opened from October 1-3 and resulted in a 98.7% vote in favour of industrial action after stalled contract negotiations with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) who represent the studios. IATSE said...
The 60,000 members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in film and TV production have authorised a nationwide strike in a near-unanimous vote, the union said on Monday (October 4).
IATSE said this marked the first time in its 128-year history that such a step has been taken. It comes after online polls opened from October 1-3 and resulted in a 98.7% vote in favour of industrial action after stalled contract negotiations with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) who represent the studios. IATSE said...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Union expected to request further talks with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
The 60,000 members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in film and TV production have authorised a nationwide strike in a near-unanimous vote, the union said on Monday (October 4).
IATSE said this marked the first time in its 128-year history that such a step has been taken. It comes after online polls opened from October 1-3 and resulted in a 98.7% vote in favour of industrial action after stalled contract negotiations with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) who represent the studios. IATSE said...
The 60,000 members of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in film and TV production have authorised a nationwide strike in a near-unanimous vote, the union said on Monday (October 4).
IATSE said this marked the first time in its 128-year history that such a step has been taken. It comes after online polls opened from October 1-3 and resulted in a 98.7% vote in favour of industrial action after stalled contract negotiations with Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) who represent the studios. IATSE said...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Company released one film since launching three years ago.
Solstice Studios founder and CEO Mark Gill and his senior executive suite are on the way out in a major blow to the independent film supply chain as insiders told Screen the LA-based company appeared destined to become the first casualty of the pandemic.
It is understood that besides Gill – the former Warner Independent Pictures head and a top executive at Miramax and Millennium Films who launched the production, finance, distribution and sales company almost three years ago to the day on October 3 2018 – other key executives on the way out are international sales head Crystal Bourbeau,...
Solstice Studios founder and CEO Mark Gill and his senior executive suite are on the way out in a major blow to the independent film supply chain as insiders told Screen the LA-based company appeared destined to become the first casualty of the pandemic.
It is understood that besides Gill – the former Warner Independent Pictures head and a top executive at Miramax and Millennium Films who launched the production, finance, distribution and sales company almost three years ago to the day on October 3 2018 – other key executives on the way out are international sales head Crystal Bourbeau,...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Company released one film since launching three years ago.
Solstice Studios founder and CEO Mark Gill and his senior executive suite are on the way out in a major blow to the independent film supply chain as insiders told Screen the LA-based company appeared destined to become the first casualty of the pandemic.
It is understood that besides Gill – the former Warner Independent Pictures head and a top executive at Miramax and Millennium Films who launched the producer, distributor and sales agent almost three years ago to the day on October 3 2018 – other key executives on the way out are international sales head Crystal Bourbeau,...
Solstice Studios founder and CEO Mark Gill and his senior executive suite are on the way out in a major blow to the independent film supply chain as insiders told Screen the LA-based company appeared destined to become the first casualty of the pandemic.
It is understood that besides Gill – the former Warner Independent Pictures head and a top executive at Miramax and Millennium Films who launched the producer, distributor and sales agent almost three years ago to the day on October 3 2018 – other key executives on the way out are international sales head Crystal Bourbeau,...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Upstart production and distribution company Solstice Studios has pink-slipped the majority of its executive leadership and looks on the verge of closure as it completes a new film starring Ben Affleck, insiders tell Variety.
On Monday morning, major players including CEO Mark Gill, production head Lisa Ellzey and production co-head Guy Botham, marketing head Vincent Bruzzese, distribution chief Shari Hardison, and international sales chief Crystal Bourbeau were all dismissed. Founded in 2018, the studio is mid-shoot on the thriller “Hypnotic,” from Affleck and director Robert Rodriguez.
Ten employees remain. Insiders close to the company blamed the financial challenges of the pandemic for the sudden departures.
“Solstice is not closing. It is being streamlined and will focus entirely on getting ‘Hypnotic’ produced and released. To that end, there will still be 10 people working at the company going forward. ‘Hypnotic’ is fully funded and in production now. Principal photography is scheduled to be...
On Monday morning, major players including CEO Mark Gill, production head Lisa Ellzey and production co-head Guy Botham, marketing head Vincent Bruzzese, distribution chief Shari Hardison, and international sales chief Crystal Bourbeau were all dismissed. Founded in 2018, the studio is mid-shoot on the thriller “Hypnotic,” from Affleck and director Robert Rodriguez.
Ten employees remain. Insiders close to the company blamed the financial challenges of the pandemic for the sudden departures.
“Solstice is not closing. It is being streamlined and will focus entirely on getting ‘Hypnotic’ produced and released. To that end, there will still be 10 people working at the company going forward. ‘Hypnotic’ is fully funded and in production now. Principal photography is scheduled to be...
- 10/4/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios is terminating most of its key executives, a move that was announced to staff Monday morning. Deadline hears that among those who are out are founding CEO Mark Gill, production president Lisa Ellzey, founding marketing chief Vincent Bruzzese, distribution head Shari Hardison and international sales topper Crystal Bourbeau. This follows a round of layoffs last December of about 20 people.
The company will continue with just 10 staffers left, and they will oversee the completion of Hypnotic, which is now in production with Robert Rodriguez directing and Ben Affleck and Alice Braga starring. Those staffers are expected to stay on through fall 2022. I’m told the company will be shuttered after that.
“Solstice is not closing,” a company spokesperson said this morning. “It is being streamlined and will focus entirely on getting ‘Hypnotic’ produced and released. To that end, there will still be 10 people working at the company going forward.
The company will continue with just 10 staffers left, and they will oversee the completion of Hypnotic, which is now in production with Robert Rodriguez directing and Ben Affleck and Alice Braga starring. Those staffers are expected to stay on through fall 2022. I’m told the company will be shuttered after that.
“Solstice is not closing,” a company spokesperson said this morning. “It is being streamlined and will focus entirely on getting ‘Hypnotic’ produced and released. To that end, there will still be 10 people working at the company going forward.
- 10/4/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate has re-acquired rights to distribute Gerard Butler action thriller The Plane in North America, Latin America, the UK and India.
As we revealed last year, Solstice Studios had boarded worldwide rights to The Plane after Lionsgate initially hit Covid-related insurance issues on the project, which was one of the hot packages at last year’s American Film Market. But the final points on the Solstice deal couldn’t be agreed on and the movie is now heading back to Lionsgate in a case of high-profile Hollywood volleyball.
With much of the world re-opening after the ravages of the pandemic, the studio now feels better about taking on the risk and we understand production is due to begin this summer in Puerto Rico.
The Plane — which was pitched with a budget of around $50 million at last year’s AFM — follows commercial pilot Ray Torrance (Butler) who, after a heroic...
As we revealed last year, Solstice Studios had boarded worldwide rights to The Plane after Lionsgate initially hit Covid-related insurance issues on the project, which was one of the hot packages at last year’s American Film Market. But the final points on the Solstice deal couldn’t be agreed on and the movie is now heading back to Lionsgate in a case of high-profile Hollywood volleyball.
With much of the world re-opening after the ravages of the pandemic, the studio now feels better about taking on the risk and we understand production is due to begin this summer in Puerto Rico.
The Plane — which was pitched with a budget of around $50 million at last year’s AFM — follows commercial pilot Ray Torrance (Butler) who, after a heroic...
- 5/24/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Indie Film Temperature Check: Vaccines Roll Out And Production Revs Up But Insurers, Banks Still Mia
With more than 50% of the U.S. adult population at least half vaccinated and studios plotting start dates, visions of a return to normalcy abound. So what’s the prognosis for independent film, when insurers and bank lenders remain on the sidelines even as production perks up?
Mark Gill, CEO of Solstice Studios, said things are looking up and he’s hoping to stick to a September shooting date for Hypnotic, the Robert Rodriquez thriller with Ben Affleck. But right now, “You have trouble financing any size of movie except the small ones.”
“Mostly what we do is [in the range of] $40 million to $80 million that made it impossible for us to go into production. I had hoped it would ease up.”
“As soon as the insurance is workable, it all snaps back,” Gill added, referring to Covid-19 insurance, which disappeared for new independent productions over a year ago. Specialty insurance is available but...
Mark Gill, CEO of Solstice Studios, said things are looking up and he’s hoping to stick to a September shooting date for Hypnotic, the Robert Rodriquez thriller with Ben Affleck. But right now, “You have trouble financing any size of movie except the small ones.”
“Mostly what we do is [in the range of] $40 million to $80 million that made it impossible for us to go into production. I had hoped it would ease up.”
“As soon as the insurance is workable, it all snaps back,” Gill added, referring to Covid-19 insurance, which disappeared for new independent productions over a year ago. Specialty insurance is available but...
- 4/27/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
There was lively discussion on the state of the film and TV industry during a panel at the Winston Baker UK Summit today which included Dan Steinman, Co-President and COO of 30West; Solstice Studios President & CEO Mark Gill; See-Saw Films COO Simon Gillis and Twickenham Studios Managing Director Cara Sheppard.
Among the topics addressed were “fake packaging,” a term Steinman sort of regretted using but also elaborated upon; the future of theatrical windowing; and the “minefield” that the pandemic era has created for agents and producers.
On the subject of “fake packaging” — think movies that are brought to markets, perhaps with a director or talent attached, but then never see the light of day — Steinman told moderator Sara Curran of Tricycle Talent and Tricycle Media, “It has been my experience that at times these packages come together with people involved in them not really thinking that they will get made.
Among the topics addressed were “fake packaging,” a term Steinman sort of regretted using but also elaborated upon; the future of theatrical windowing; and the “minefield” that the pandemic era has created for agents and producers.
On the subject of “fake packaging” — think movies that are brought to markets, perhaps with a director or talent attached, but then never see the light of day — Steinman told moderator Sara Curran of Tricycle Talent and Tricycle Media, “It has been my experience that at times these packages come together with people involved in them not really thinking that they will get made.
- 12/3/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios has acquired worldwide rights to The Plane, an elevated action thriller that stars Gerard Butler. The film is currently booked for takeoff on June 28, 2021, shooting in Southeast Asia.
Deadline revealed earlier this week that Lionsgate exited the film because the production could not get Covid insurance and the risk became too great for the indie studio on the $50 million budget film. The picture was the hottest package at 2019 AFM that sold out every territory, and it was originally supposed to be shooting now in Malaysia but stalled because of a Covid spike there. Same thing happened when an attempt was made to move production to the Dominican Republic and then the U.S. The Plane illustrates the troubles facing any indie distributors and producer/financiers trying to mount pictures because insurance companies aren’t writing Covid policies now or are doing it for Covid and “civil authority” clauses at prohibitively high rates.
Deadline revealed earlier this week that Lionsgate exited the film because the production could not get Covid insurance and the risk became too great for the indie studio on the $50 million budget film. The picture was the hottest package at 2019 AFM that sold out every territory, and it was originally supposed to be shooting now in Malaysia but stalled because of a Covid spike there. Same thing happened when an attempt was made to move production to the Dominican Republic and then the U.S. The Plane illustrates the troubles facing any indie distributors and producer/financiers trying to mount pictures because insurance companies aren’t writing Covid policies now or are doing it for Covid and “civil authority” clauses at prohibitively high rates.
- 11/13/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Solstice Studios will release a new cut of Mark Wahlberg’s latest film — retitled “Joe Bell” — on Feb. 19, 2021, timed to this year’s delayed awards season.
The company acquired the movie — which had been titled “Good Joe Bell” — at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The movie, which also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, is based on the true story of Joe Bell and his 15-year-old son Jadin, who died by suicide in 2013 after being subjected to bullying because he was gay. After his son’s death, Bell decided to walk across the country as a tribute to him.
Wahlberg is the title character and also serves as a producer. The movie is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green from an original screenplay by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry, the Academy Award-winning writing team from “Brokeback Mountain.”
“The version of the film that was screened at Toronto was very promising,...
The company acquired the movie — which had been titled “Good Joe Bell” — at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The movie, which also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, is based on the true story of Joe Bell and his 15-year-old son Jadin, who died by suicide in 2013 after being subjected to bullying because he was gay. After his son’s death, Bell decided to walk across the country as a tribute to him.
Wahlberg is the title character and also serves as a producer. The movie is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green from an original screenplay by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry, the Academy Award-winning writing team from “Brokeback Mountain.”
“The version of the film that was screened at Toronto was very promising,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Mark Wahlberg will enter this year’s Oscar race with his film “Joe Bell,” which Solstice Studios will release Feb. 19, 2021, under a new title and with a new edit.
Solstice Studios acquired Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “Good Joe Bell” out of the Toronto International Film Festival back in September in a $20 million deal, and the film stars Wahlberg as Joe Bell in a true story of a working-class father who embarks on a solo walk across the United States to educate about the effects of bullying and how his gay teenage son Jadin was tormented in high school.
“Joe Bell” also stars Connie Britton and Reid Miller, and “Brokeback Mountain” writers Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry are behind the screenplay. Wahlberg is also a producer on the film, and the new cut also includes a new original song over the end credits from songwriter Diane Warren.
“Joe Bell” shows how...
Solstice Studios acquired Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “Good Joe Bell” out of the Toronto International Film Festival back in September in a $20 million deal, and the film stars Wahlberg as Joe Bell in a true story of a working-class father who embarks on a solo walk across the United States to educate about the effects of bullying and how his gay teenage son Jadin was tormented in high school.
“Joe Bell” also stars Connie Britton and Reid Miller, and “Brokeback Mountain” writers Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry are behind the screenplay. Wahlberg is also a producer on the film, and the new cut also includes a new original song over the end credits from songwriter Diane Warren.
“Joe Bell” shows how...
- 11/12/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Solstice Studios will release a new cut of Mark Wahlberg’s latest film under the new title Joe Bell on February 19, 2021, timed to the delayed 2020-21 awards season. Solstice, as Deadline first told you, picked up the movie at the Toronto Film Festival for $20 million. The movie was previously titled Good Joe Bell.
The pic has a timely message about tolerance, unity and embracing our differences. Joe Bell is based on the true story of a small-town, working-class father (Wahlberg) who embarks on a solo walk across the U.S. to crusade against bullying after his gay teenage son, Jadin (Reid Miller), is tormented in high school. Joe makes his way along the breathtaking expanse heading from Oregon to New York City, delivering a simple message of tolerance from a father’s perspective, hoping to reach those who may be open to hearing it from someone like themselves. Confronting many hardships,...
The pic has a timely message about tolerance, unity and embracing our differences. Joe Bell is based on the true story of a small-town, working-class father (Wahlberg) who embarks on a solo walk across the U.S. to crusade against bullying after his gay teenage son, Jadin (Reid Miller), is tormented in high school. Joe makes his way along the breathtaking expanse heading from Oregon to New York City, delivering a simple message of tolerance from a father’s perspective, hoping to reach those who may be open to hearing it from someone like themselves. Confronting many hardships,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“We feel it has now reached its full potential,” says Solstice head Mark Gill.
Solstice Studios will release a new cut of Mark Wahlberg awards contender under the new title Joe Bell.
The drama will open on February 19, 2021, in time to qualify for awards consideration.
Wahlberg plays a Midwestern man who walks across the country talking about bullying after his gay son suffers at the hands of other students.
Reinaldo Marcus Green directed from a screenplay by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry. The cast includes Connie Britton, Gary Sinise, and newcomer Reid Miller
The company acquired the film at the...
Solstice Studios will release a new cut of Mark Wahlberg awards contender under the new title Joe Bell.
The drama will open on February 19, 2021, in time to qualify for awards consideration.
Wahlberg plays a Midwestern man who walks across the country talking about bullying after his gay son suffers at the hands of other students.
Reinaldo Marcus Green directed from a screenplay by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry. The cast includes Connie Britton, Gary Sinise, and newcomer Reid Miller
The company acquired the film at the...
- 11/12/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Solstice Studios will release a new cut of Mark Wahlberg’s latest film under the new title Joe Bell on February 19, 2021, timed to this year’s delayed awards season.
“The version of the film that was screened at Toronto was very promising, and after working with the filmmakers and Mark Wahlberg on a revised cut, we feel it has now reached its full potential,” Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, said in a statement.
Solstice acquired the movie, then titled Good Joe Bell, at the Toronto Film Festival last September in a deal valued at $20 million and ...
“The version of the film that was screened at Toronto was very promising, and after working with the filmmakers and Mark Wahlberg on a revised cut, we feel it has now reached its full potential,” Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, said in a statement.
Solstice acquired the movie, then titled Good Joe Bell, at the Toronto Film Festival last September in a deal valued at $20 million and ...
- 11/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Solstice Studios will release a new cut of Mark Wahlberg’s latest film under the new title Joe Bell on February 19, 2021, timed to this year’s delayed awards season.
“The version of the film that was screened at Toronto was very promising, and after working with the filmmakers and Mark Wahlberg on a revised cut, we feel it has now reached its full potential,” Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, said in a statement.
Solstice acquired the movie, then titled Good Joe Bell, at the Toronto Film Festival last September in a deal valued at $20 million and ...
“The version of the film that was screened at Toronto was very promising, and after working with the filmmakers and Mark Wahlberg on a revised cut, we feel it has now reached its full potential,” Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, said in a statement.
Solstice acquired the movie, then titled Good Joe Bell, at the Toronto Film Festival last September in a deal valued at $20 million and ...
- 11/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If 2020 has proven anything, it’s that nothing is certain — and that’s never been truer in the film business. Variety spoke with five industry leaders at AFM — Megan Colligan, Cécile Gaget, Mark Gill, Franklin Leonard and Celine Rattray — to get their predictions and hopes for how things will unfold in the first quarter of 2021 and 2022.
Megan Colligan
The former worldwide president of marketing and distribution at Paramount Pictures is president of Imax Entertainment and executive VP of Imax Corp.
“Many studios are developing streaming platforms [to reduce] a reliance on classic windowing strategies. That’s really disruptive in terms of how they think about the post-theatrical ancillary marketplace. I think the first quarter of 2021 will bring some experimentation, as we will still likely be emerging from the pandemic. That will allow for creativity and not having to commit to one model or another. [But] we’re going to need to be supportive...
Megan Colligan
The former worldwide president of marketing and distribution at Paramount Pictures is president of Imax Entertainment and executive VP of Imax Corp.
“Many studios are developing streaming platforms [to reduce] a reliance on classic windowing strategies. That’s really disruptive in terms of how they think about the post-theatrical ancillary marketplace. I think the first quarter of 2021 will bring some experimentation, as we will still likely be emerging from the pandemic. That will allow for creativity and not having to commit to one model or another. [But] we’re going to need to be supportive...
- 11/10/2020
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
The top distribution executive at Neon, which handled best picture winner “Parasite,” has expressed guarded optimism that audiences will return when the Covid-19 crisis begins abating.
“People truly want to get out of the house,” said distribution president Elissa Federoff during Monday’s Future of Film Conference at the start of the virtual American Film Market.
She was interviewed by Brent Lang, executive editor of film and media for Variety, a few hours after pharmaceutical company Pfizer said early data from its coronavirus vaccine shows it is more than 90% effective. The news jolted the stock market with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining more than 800 points.
“We know that audiences will come back to movie theaters, that the theatrical landscape will be vibrant again,” Federoff said. “This is very exciting news about the vaccine because potentially it makes the span of time a little shorter.”
“We’ve always projected we...
“People truly want to get out of the house,” said distribution president Elissa Federoff during Monday’s Future of Film Conference at the start of the virtual American Film Market.
She was interviewed by Brent Lang, executive editor of film and media for Variety, a few hours after pharmaceutical company Pfizer said early data from its coronavirus vaccine shows it is more than 90% effective. The news jolted the stock market with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining more than 800 points.
“We know that audiences will come back to movie theaters, that the theatrical landscape will be vibrant again,” Federoff said. “This is very exciting news about the vaccine because potentially it makes the span of time a little shorter.”
“We’ve always projected we...
- 11/9/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
AFM keynotes hear from Neon distribution head Elissa Federoff, Solstice Studios head Mark Gill.
Neon will release Francis Lee’s awards contender Ammonite theatrically on Friday (November 13) in the US followed by the company’s first PVoD release on December 4.
“This is our first PVoD release that we’ve done and we’re really excited about it,” said Neon president of distribution Elissa Federoff during a keynote conversation on opening day of AFM 2020 Online.
“Inside this pandemic and inside this award season, this is a highly strategic way that we are releasing this film. LA is not open, New York is not open,...
Neon will release Francis Lee’s awards contender Ammonite theatrically on Friday (November 13) in the US followed by the company’s first PVoD release on December 4.
“This is our first PVoD release that we’ve done and we’re really excited about it,” said Neon president of distribution Elissa Federoff during a keynote conversation on opening day of AFM 2020 Online.
“Inside this pandemic and inside this award season, this is a highly strategic way that we are releasing this film. LA is not open, New York is not open,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
AFM keynotes hear from Neon distribution head Elissa Federoff, Solstice Studios head Mark Gill.
Neon will release Francis Lee’s awards contender Ammonite theatrically on Friday (November 13) in the US followed by the company’s first PVoD release on December 4.
“This is our first PVoD release that we’ve done and we’re really excited about it,” said Neon president of distribution Elissa Federoff during a keynote conversation on opening day of AFM 2020 Online.
“Inside this pandemic and inside this award season, this is a highly strategic way that we are releasing this film. LA is not open, New York is not open,...
Neon will release Francis Lee’s awards contender Ammonite theatrically on Friday (November 13) in the US followed by the company’s first PVoD release on December 4.
“This is our first PVoD release that we’ve done and we’re really excited about it,” said Neon president of distribution Elissa Federoff during a keynote conversation on opening day of AFM 2020 Online.
“Inside this pandemic and inside this award season, this is a highly strategic way that we are releasing this film. LA is not open, New York is not open,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
With the Covid-19 pandemic persisting, the American Film Market is launching its 41st edition Monday — and its first as an online-only event — with a record 562 exhibitors registered from 48 countries.
The United States leads the way with 259 companies followed by Italy (59), the United Kingdom (46), Russia (25), Germany (20), France (19), Canada (17), South Korea (14), Japan (12), and Thailand (11).
AFM, usually held at beachside hotels in Santa Monica, Calif., is following in the footsteps of the Cannes Market’s shift to a virtual platform in June. The Independent Film and Television Alliance also decided to cut the number of AFM days from seven to five and to push back the event from the first week of November to avoid a conflict with the U.S. election.
A total of 1,468 buyers from 66 countries have been confirmed with the largest number coming from the United States, followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Canada.
The United States leads the way with 259 companies followed by Italy (59), the United Kingdom (46), Russia (25), Germany (20), France (19), Canada (17), South Korea (14), Japan (12), and Thailand (11).
AFM, usually held at beachside hotels in Santa Monica, Calif., is following in the footsteps of the Cannes Market’s shift to a virtual platform in June. The Independent Film and Television Alliance also decided to cut the number of AFM days from seven to five and to push back the event from the first week of November to avoid a conflict with the U.S. election.
A total of 1,468 buyers from 66 countries have been confirmed with the largest number coming from the United States, followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Canada.
- 11/9/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Market runs from November 9-13.
As AFM 2020 Online gets underway for the entire week, market organisers said on Monday (November 9) that a record 562 exhibitors have registered for the virtual edition.
Exhibitors hail from 48 countries, with the majority coming from the US (259), followed by Italy (59), the UK (46), Russia (25), Germany (20), France (19), Canada (17), South Korea (14), Japan (12), and Thailand (11).
At time of writing there were 1,468 buyers from 66 countries confirmed to take part, with the US accounting for the lion’s share, followed by Japan, the UK, South Korea, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Canada.
Some 465 films from 184 companies representing 24 countries will screen in the AFM’s On Demand Theatre.
As AFM 2020 Online gets underway for the entire week, market organisers said on Monday (November 9) that a record 562 exhibitors have registered for the virtual edition.
Exhibitors hail from 48 countries, with the majority coming from the US (259), followed by Italy (59), the UK (46), Russia (25), Germany (20), France (19), Canada (17), South Korea (14), Japan (12), and Thailand (11).
At time of writing there were 1,468 buyers from 66 countries confirmed to take part, with the US accounting for the lion’s share, followed by Japan, the UK, South Korea, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Canada.
Some 465 films from 184 companies representing 24 countries will screen in the AFM’s On Demand Theatre.
- 11/9/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Cassian Elwes, Viviana Zarragoitia, Elizabeth Haggard among speakers.
AFM 2020 Online executives have announced additional speakers and added sessions on diversity, AI and documentaries to the event, which runs from November 9-13.
All in all the market is bringing more than 70 sessions and 200 speakers over five days, including panels on cultural competency in storytelling, casting for a green light, distributing documentaries, and using artificial intelligence to achieve success.
Producer Cassian Elwes, Participant Media VP of narrative film Elizabeth Haggard, and screenwriting career consultant and coach Lee Jessup will take part in AFM’s Pitch Conference.
The session ’Discover New Voices’ presented...
AFM 2020 Online executives have announced additional speakers and added sessions on diversity, AI and documentaries to the event, which runs from November 9-13.
All in all the market is bringing more than 70 sessions and 200 speakers over five days, including panels on cultural competency in storytelling, casting for a green light, distributing documentaries, and using artificial intelligence to achieve success.
Producer Cassian Elwes, Participant Media VP of narrative film Elizabeth Haggard, and screenwriting career consultant and coach Lee Jessup will take part in AFM’s Pitch Conference.
The session ’Discover New Voices’ presented...
- 11/3/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The major US talent agencies, a coalition of over 30 independent film sales agents, production companies, and financiers are coming together for a five-day online market that will coincide with this year’s American Film Market, which is also being held virtually.
The effort, which includes backing from CAA Media Finance, ICM International and Independent Group, Endeavor Content, and UTA Independent Film Group, marks a follow-up to the first major film market held during the pandemic. The agencies came together in June to hold a similar online event that coincided with the Cannes Marché du Film, a parallel event to the official one that was meant to recreate the way business has traditionally been conducted on the ground in France.
This time around, the agencies are teaming up with a wide range of sales and production companies and financiers to offer global buyers access to film screenings, early footage, and filmmaker presentations.
The effort, which includes backing from CAA Media Finance, ICM International and Independent Group, Endeavor Content, and UTA Independent Film Group, marks a follow-up to the first major film market held during the pandemic. The agencies came together in June to hold a similar online event that coincided with the Cannes Marché du Film, a parallel event to the official one that was meant to recreate the way business has traditionally been conducted on the ground in France.
This time around, the agencies are teaming up with a wide range of sales and production companies and financiers to offer global buyers access to film screenings, early footage, and filmmaker presentations.
- 10/22/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
More than 70 industry sessions confirmed to run alongside market and screenings from November 9-13.
Conversations with Neon distribution head Elissa Federoff and Solstice Studios head Mark Gill, industry panels addressing the pandemic and intimacy on set, and a look at Hollywood podcasts are among the initial line-up of AFM 2020 Online.
More than 70 industry sessions are confirmed to run alongside the market and screenings from November 9-13 which, like so many others has gone virtual during the pandemic.
The AFM’s opening Conference, The Future Of Film, will feature one-on-one conversations with Gill, whose Solstice Studios released Unhinged, the first major...
Conversations with Neon distribution head Elissa Federoff and Solstice Studios head Mark Gill, industry panels addressing the pandemic and intimacy on set, and a look at Hollywood podcasts are among the initial line-up of AFM 2020 Online.
More than 70 industry sessions are confirmed to run alongside the market and screenings from November 9-13 which, like so many others has gone virtual during the pandemic.
The AFM’s opening Conference, The Future Of Film, will feature one-on-one conversations with Gill, whose Solstice Studios released Unhinged, the first major...
- 10/21/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The American Film Market has unveiled its initial speakers, topics and programming calendar for AFM 2020 Online with sessions on Nov. 9-13 alongside the AFM’s marketplace and screenings.
The AFM’s opening conference — The Future of Film — will launch with Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, discussing how independent film, the marketplace and audience consumption will change in the near future. Elissa Federoff, president of distribution for Neon, will then discuss the future of feature film distribution and exhibition.
Gill had the first new film in theaters since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown with “Unhinged,” and Federoff made history for her company with four Academy Awards for “Parasite,” which became the third highest-grossing foreign language film ever released in the U.S.
This year’s lineup will take place wholly online and will bring 200 speakers to two stages for conferences, panels, conversations, workshops, podcasts and presentations. John Cena, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris,...
The AFM’s opening conference — The Future of Film — will launch with Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, discussing how independent film, the marketplace and audience consumption will change in the near future. Elissa Federoff, president of distribution for Neon, will then discuss the future of feature film distribution and exhibition.
Gill had the first new film in theaters since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown with “Unhinged,” and Federoff made history for her company with four Academy Awards for “Parasite,” which became the third highest-grossing foreign language film ever released in the U.S.
This year’s lineup will take place wholly online and will bring 200 speakers to two stages for conferences, panels, conversations, workshops, podcasts and presentations. John Cena, SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris,...
- 10/21/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran Hollywood executive Terry Curtin has joined Solstice Studios as executive vice president of communications.
Curtin, who has previously held top jobs at Disney, Universal and Fox, will report directly to Vincent Bruzzese, head of marketing and strategy at the upstart studio. All of film publicity and corporate communications will fall on her desk.
Curtin replaces Elissa Greer, who is transitioning to a consultant role.
“Terry is a world-class executive who is respected across the industry,” Bruzzese said. “We’re fortunate to have her join the company on a full-time basis. Terry and Elissa worked extremely well together and delivered an excellent publicity and promotion campaign for ‘Unhinged,’ under difficult circumstances: launching the first new movie back in U.S. theaters this summer was no easy task. I look forward to their teaming up to achieve similarly striking results on ‘Good Joe Bell.’”
Curtin last oversaw a boutique consulting agency,...
Curtin, who has previously held top jobs at Disney, Universal and Fox, will report directly to Vincent Bruzzese, head of marketing and strategy at the upstart studio. All of film publicity and corporate communications will fall on her desk.
Curtin replaces Elissa Greer, who is transitioning to a consultant role.
“Terry is a world-class executive who is respected across the industry,” Bruzzese said. “We’re fortunate to have her join the company on a full-time basis. Terry and Elissa worked extremely well together and delivered an excellent publicity and promotion campaign for ‘Unhinged,’ under difficult circumstances: launching the first new movie back in U.S. theaters this summer was no easy task. I look forward to their teaming up to achieve similarly striking results on ‘Good Joe Bell.’”
Curtin last oversaw a boutique consulting agency,...
- 9/24/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Terry Curtin has joined Solstice Studios as executive vp of communications, reporting to head of marketing and strategy Vincnet Bruzzese.
The veteran executive, who has held top jobs at a number of major Hollywood studios, will oversee all aspects of film publicity and promotion, as well as corporate communications for the company.
Solstice was founded by Mark Gill, and is currently in theaters with its first feature, Unhinged. Curtain served as a consultant on the road-rage thriller, which was the first new wide release to hit the big screen as theaters reopened.
Curtin replaces Elissa Greer, who has segued to the ...
The veteran executive, who has held top jobs at a number of major Hollywood studios, will oversee all aspects of film publicity and promotion, as well as corporate communications for the company.
Solstice was founded by Mark Gill, and is currently in theaters with its first feature, Unhinged. Curtain served as a consultant on the road-rage thriller, which was the first new wide release to hit the big screen as theaters reopened.
Curtin replaces Elissa Greer, who has segued to the ...
- 9/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Terry Curtin has joined Solstice Studios as executive vp of communications, reporting to head of marketing and strategy Vincnet Bruzzese.
The veteran executive, who has held top jobs at a number of major Hollywood studios, will oversee all aspects of film publicity and promotion, as well as corporate communications for the company.
Solstice was founded by Mark Gill, and is currently in theaters with its first feature, Unhinged. Curtain served as a consultant on the road-rage thriller, which was the first new wide release to hit the big screen as theaters reopened.
Curtin replaces Elissa Greer, who has segued to the ...
The veteran executive, who has held top jobs at a number of major Hollywood studios, will oversee all aspects of film publicity and promotion, as well as corporate communications for the company.
Solstice was founded by Mark Gill, and is currently in theaters with its first feature, Unhinged. Curtain served as a consultant on the road-rage thriller, which was the first new wide release to hit the big screen as theaters reopened.
Curtin replaces Elissa Greer, who has segued to the ...
- 9/24/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Distributor plans awards season run.
Solstice Studios has acquired worldwide rights to TIFF acquisition title Good Joe Bell starring Mark Wahlberg in a reported $20m deal.
Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the drama about a macho man who walks across the United States to talk about bullying after his gay son is persecuted at high school.
Starring alongside Wahlberg are Connie Briton, Reid Miller, and Gary Sinise.
Solstice is understood to be planning an awards season play and will release the film theatrically.
Solstice CEO Mark Gill’s first and only release so far –road rage thriller Unhinged starring Russell Crowe...
Solstice Studios has acquired worldwide rights to TIFF acquisition title Good Joe Bell starring Mark Wahlberg in a reported $20m deal.
Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the drama about a macho man who walks across the United States to talk about bullying after his gay son is persecuted at high school.
Starring alongside Wahlberg are Connie Briton, Reid Miller, and Gary Sinise.
Solstice is understood to be planning an awards season play and will release the film theatrically.
Solstice CEO Mark Gill’s first and only release so far –road rage thriller Unhinged starring Russell Crowe...
- 9/20/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Solstice Studios has bought the worldwide rights to the drama “Good Joe Bell,” starring Mark Wahlberg, for about $20 million, a source has confirmed to Variety.
“Good Joe Bell,” directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, premiered Sept. 13 at the virtual Toronto International Film Festival. The deal closed Saturday. Solstice is planning a theatrical release during the upcoming awards season.
The film, which also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, is based on the true story of Joe Bell and his 15-year-old son Jadin, who died by suicide in 2013 after being subjected to bullying because he was gay. After his son’s death, Bell resolves to walk across the country as a tribute to him.
Solstice Studios, founded in 2018, has elevated its profile in recent months by becoming one of first distributors to release a new film into theaters during the pandemic with Russell Crowe’s road-rage thriller “Unhinged.” The film...
“Good Joe Bell,” directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, premiered Sept. 13 at the virtual Toronto International Film Festival. The deal closed Saturday. Solstice is planning a theatrical release during the upcoming awards season.
The film, which also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, is based on the true story of Joe Bell and his 15-year-old son Jadin, who died by suicide in 2013 after being subjected to bullying because he was gay. After his son’s death, Bell resolves to walk across the country as a tribute to him.
Solstice Studios, founded in 2018, has elevated its profile in recent months by becoming one of first distributors to release a new film into theaters during the pandemic with Russell Crowe’s road-rage thriller “Unhinged.” The film...
- 9/20/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Solstice Studios has acquired worldwide rights to the Mark Wahlberg drama “Good Joe Bell” for $20 million, an individual with knowledge of the sale told TheWrap.
The film also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise. Solstice aims to release it in theaters for awards season.
“Good Joe Bell,” which made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, is based on a true story of a man who travels by foot across the country to educate about the dangers of bullying in high school after his gay son experiences abuse from his classmates.
TheWrap’s Steve Pond wrote in his review for “Good Joe Bell” that Wahlberg “gives an effective Everyman performance and that it’s an effective tearjerker, even if it does not have the impact of the screenwriters’ ‘Brokeback Mountain.'”
“An open-hearted, unapologetically emotional story of a man struggling to come to terms with what happened...
The film also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise. Solstice aims to release it in theaters for awards season.
“Good Joe Bell,” which made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, is based on a true story of a man who travels by foot across the country to educate about the dangers of bullying in high school after his gay son experiences abuse from his classmates.
TheWrap’s Steve Pond wrote in his review for “Good Joe Bell” that Wahlberg “gives an effective Everyman performance and that it’s an effective tearjerker, even if it does not have the impact of the screenwriters’ ‘Brokeback Mountain.'”
“An open-hearted, unapologetically emotional story of a man struggling to come to terms with what happened...
- 9/19/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Upstart Solstice Studios has won an auction for the Toronto buzz title Good Joe Bell, the Reinaldo Marcus Green-directed drama scripted by the Oscar-winning Brokeback Mountain team of Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as the title character. Sources said the deal is around $20 million for worldwide rights, and that the film will get a proper theatrical release in the upcoming awards season. It becomes yet another big deal in the mostly virtual Toronto Film Festival.
The film also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, and tells the heartbreaking true story of Joe Bell, an average guy from the heartland who has difficulty showing support and acceptance of his teen son Jadin when the youth reveals he is gay. As a sophomore and a member of the high school cheerleading squad, the teen was subjected to unmerciful bullying by school jocks. Joe...
The film also stars Reid Miller, Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, and tells the heartbreaking true story of Joe Bell, an average guy from the heartland who has difficulty showing support and acceptance of his teen son Jadin when the youth reveals he is gay. As a sophomore and a member of the high school cheerleading squad, the teen was subjected to unmerciful bullying by school jocks. Joe...
- 9/19/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Insurance for a $60 million film has increased tenfold in the age of Covid-19. And that’s just one of many changes film industry professionals have had to face.
In the sixth iteration of Variety‘s “Rebooting the Entertainment Industry” streaming room series, sponsored by PwC and the Ad Council, Variety senior reporter Elaine Low moderated a conversation on the future outlook for growth in the industry. Panelists included Greg Boyer, a partner and U.S. media and consulting leader at PwC, Mark Gill, the president and CEO of Solstice Studios, Allison Page, the president of Magnolia Network and Syrinthia Studer, executive vice president at Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films.
The event covered current difficulties when creating new films and television shows as well as potential changes made to the entertainment industry even after the return to normalcy.
“I think the appetite for good content hasn’t waned at all,” Page said.
In the sixth iteration of Variety‘s “Rebooting the Entertainment Industry” streaming room series, sponsored by PwC and the Ad Council, Variety senior reporter Elaine Low moderated a conversation on the future outlook for growth in the industry. Panelists included Greg Boyer, a partner and U.S. media and consulting leader at PwC, Mark Gill, the president and CEO of Solstice Studios, Allison Page, the president of Magnolia Network and Syrinthia Studer, executive vice president at Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films.
The event covered current difficulties when creating new films and television shows as well as potential changes made to the entertainment industry even after the return to normalcy.
“I think the appetite for good content hasn’t waned at all,” Page said.
- 9/16/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Editors Note: Deadline’s Reopening Hollywood series focuses on the complicated effort to get the industry back on its feet in the era of coronavirus while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Warner Bros is launching Tenet as the first post-pandemic studio tentpole nationwide. But exhibitors fear the U.S. theatrical film business cannot rebuild until the nation’s biggest box office capitals, New York City and Los Angeles, are permitted to open.
We’ve already seen the financial devastation, debt and layoffs major chains have struggled through. It’s even worse for owners and employees in the independent theater space, where it was already hard enough to make a buck.
Adding insult to injury, New York theater owners have watched as Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed the reopening of casinos, where Covid-susceptible seniors line up at slot machines, bowling alleys, where there’s physical exertion under low roofs, and gyms,...
Warner Bros is launching Tenet as the first post-pandemic studio tentpole nationwide. But exhibitors fear the U.S. theatrical film business cannot rebuild until the nation’s biggest box office capitals, New York City and Los Angeles, are permitted to open.
We’ve already seen the financial devastation, debt and layoffs major chains have struggled through. It’s even worse for owners and employees in the independent theater space, where it was already hard enough to make a buck.
Adding insult to injury, New York theater owners have watched as Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed the reopening of casinos, where Covid-susceptible seniors line up at slot machines, bowling alleys, where there’s physical exertion under low roofs, and gyms,...
- 9/3/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
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