Iconic, multi-Oscar-winning film “La La Land” is headed back to mainland Chinese cinemas in sessions that dance off on Dec. 22.
The worldwide release is overseen by Lionsgate release, while the China re-release is to be piloted by local distributor Jl Film.
The film was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. It holds the box office record for movie musicals with global box office of $470 million and earned $35 million of that in China.
For some Chinese audiences, re-releasing the film on its seventh anniversary has superstitious significance because seven years symbolizes sticking together for a lifetime.
Jl Film is a fast-growing foreign film investment company. Earlier this year, the distributor handled “The Expendables 4” in China.
“As one of the numerous loyal fans of ‘La La Land’ in China, I am honored and proud to be able to re-release this wonderful film. We look forward to...
The worldwide release is overseen by Lionsgate release, while the China re-release is to be piloted by local distributor Jl Film.
The film was directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. It holds the box office record for movie musicals with global box office of $470 million and earned $35 million of that in China.
For some Chinese audiences, re-releasing the film on its seventh anniversary has superstitious significance because seven years symbolizes sticking together for a lifetime.
Jl Film is a fast-growing foreign film investment company. Earlier this year, the distributor handled “The Expendables 4” in China.
“As one of the numerous loyal fans of ‘La La Land’ in China, I am honored and proud to be able to re-release this wonderful film. We look forward to...
- 12/12/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Musical grossed $470m in first global run.
Lionsgate said on Monday that Damien Chazelle’s box office hit and multiple Oscar winner La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone will be re-released in China via Jl Film on December 22.
The 2016 musical earned $35m of its $470m global box office from China when it originally opened seven years ago and stands as the highest-grossing original musical.
La La Land won six Academy Awards including best lead actress and best director, three Baftas for best film, lead actress and director, and the top DGA and PGA awards.
The seventh anniversary...
Lionsgate said on Monday that Damien Chazelle’s box office hit and multiple Oscar winner La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone will be re-released in China via Jl Film on December 22.
The 2016 musical earned $35m of its $470m global box office from China when it originally opened seven years ago and stands as the highest-grossing original musical.
La La Land won six Academy Awards including best lead actress and best director, three Baftas for best film, lead actress and director, and the top DGA and PGA awards.
The seventh anniversary...
- 12/12/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
After three long years of being cut off from the rest of the world due to pandemic travel restrictions, China’s film industry will be out in force at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
As China’s strict zero-Covid requirements were only lifted at the beginning of this year, not many Chinese film execs attended Berlin Film Festival in February, although larger numbers made it to Hong Kong Filmart in March. Although accreditations were still being processed at the time of writing, around 250 professionals from China and Hong Kong are expected to attend Cannes Marche du Film (May 16-24), compared to just 55 in 2022.
But that number is still way below the Marche’s record of 620 Chinese professionals in 2019. Flight prices between China and Europe are still prohibitively high, and many execs contacted by Deadline said they were still waiting to see if their visa applications would be processed in time.
As China’s strict zero-Covid requirements were only lifted at the beginning of this year, not many Chinese film execs attended Berlin Film Festival in February, although larger numbers made it to Hong Kong Filmart in March. Although accreditations were still being processed at the time of writing, around 250 professionals from China and Hong Kong are expected to attend Cannes Marche du Film (May 16-24), compared to just 55 in 2022.
But that number is still way below the Marche’s record of 620 Chinese professionals in 2019. Flight prices between China and Europe are still prohibitively high, and many execs contacted by Deadline said they were still waiting to see if their visa applications would be processed in time.
- 5/12/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Clay Epstein, the president of Film Mode Entertainment, has been elected chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance for the 2021-2023 term, IFTA said Monday. He’s been a board member since 2008 and served regularly on its executive committee.
Seven others were elected to the organization’s 15-person board including: J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Jason Buckley (Lakeshore Entertainment), David Fannon (Screen Media), Lisa Gutberlet (Blue Fox Entertainment), Nat McCormick (The Exchange), Michael Ryan (Gfm) and Rob Williams (Participant Media).
They’ll join directors in the second year of their two-year terms: Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
IFTA, led by CEO Jean Prewitt, is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution and sales companies and has been a particularly crucial...
Seven others were elected to the organization’s 15-person board including: J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Jason Buckley (Lakeshore Entertainment), David Fannon (Screen Media), Lisa Gutberlet (Blue Fox Entertainment), Nat McCormick (The Exchange), Michael Ryan (Gfm) and Rob Williams (Participant Media).
They’ll join directors in the second year of their two-year terms: Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
IFTA, led by CEO Jean Prewitt, is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution and sales companies and has been a particularly crucial...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Sales veteran succeeds Michael Ryan.
Los Angeles-based Film Mode Entertainment president Clay Epstein has been elected chairperson of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) as the group announced the results of its annual elections for the 2021-2023 term.
Epstein was first elected to the IFTA board in 2008 and has served regularly on its executive committee. He succeeds outgoing chair Michael Ryan, a longtime officer of the organisation and founding member of IFTA and the American Film Market who served as chair for three consecutive terms since 2015 as well as two terms between 2003 and 2007.
The following were elected to serve on...
Los Angeles-based Film Mode Entertainment president Clay Epstein has been elected chairperson of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) as the group announced the results of its annual elections for the 2021-2023 term.
Epstein was first elected to the IFTA board in 2008 and has served regularly on its executive committee. He succeeds outgoing chair Michael Ryan, a longtime officer of the organisation and founding member of IFTA and the American Film Market who served as chair for three consecutive terms since 2015 as well as two terms between 2003 and 2007.
The following were elected to serve on...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Independent Film & Television Alliance, which produces the annual American Film Market, has elected eight new members to its board. The new directors include executives from such companies as Lionsgate, Myriad Pictures and XYZ Films.
The latest additions to IFTA’s board are J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
Beaufils, Machin and Spicer are first-time board members.
They join Michael Ryan of Gfm Films) — who continues as chairperson of the board — and other members who are serving the second year of their two-year term: Caroline Couret-Delegue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Cardinal Xd), Jeannine Tang (Participant Media) and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).
“Our new board members are taking their seats at...
The latest additions to IFTA’s board are J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
Beaufils, Machin and Spicer are first-time board members.
They join Michael Ryan of Gfm Films) — who continues as chairperson of the board — and other members who are serving the second year of their two-year term: Caroline Couret-Delegue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Cardinal Xd), Jeannine Tang (Participant Media) and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).
“Our new board members are taking their seats at...
- 11/18/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films continues as chairperson of the board.
Patrick Ewald of Epic Pictures Group and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films are among eight executives to join the board of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).
The new intake includes J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), and Lise Romanoff (Vision Films).
This marks the first time Beaufils, Machin, and Spicer will serve on the board.
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films (pictured) continues as chairperson of the board.
The executives join those currently serving the...
Patrick Ewald of Epic Pictures Group and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films are among eight executives to join the board of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).
The new intake includes J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), and Lise Romanoff (Vision Films).
This marks the first time Beaufils, Machin, and Spicer will serve on the board.
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films (pictured) continues as chairperson of the board.
The executives join those currently serving the...
- 11/18/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Best Afm story?
My first Afm I was in acquisitions and flew in from New York. During a screening of an action film, the room actually started moving. I thought they created a way to shake the seats to make the movie more exciting (early 4D!). But no, it was my first earthquake.
Best place to grab a drink after midnight in Santa Monica?
Is there really a place open after midnight in Santa Monica? I am not nearly cool enough to know the answer to that question!
Your hidden-gem restaurant or bar in West L.A.?
My favorite unique food spot ...
My first Afm I was in acquisitions and flew in from New York. During a screening of an action film, the room actually started moving. I thought they created a way to shake the seats to make the movie more exciting (early 4D!). But no, it was my first earthquake.
Best place to grab a drink after midnight in Santa Monica?
Is there really a place open after midnight in Santa Monica? I am not nearly cool enough to know the answer to that question!
Your hidden-gem restaurant or bar in West L.A.?
My favorite unique food spot ...
- 11/6/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Lionsgate and Nordisk Film have renewed their multi-year movie output deal in Scandinavia.
The agreement will see local powerhouse Nordisk release Lionsgate and Summit titles such as The Spy Who Dumped Me, A Simple Favor, Flarsky, The Kingkiller Chronicle: The Name Of The Wind, John Wick: Chapter Three and Chaos Walking.
The pact was negotiated for Lionsgate by Evp of International Sales and China/Asia Productions & Strategy Wendy Reeds out of the Company’s London office. Peter Philipsen, General Manager International Acquisitions & Distribution, and Christopher Seidelin, Head of International Acquisitions, negotiated the agreement on behalf of Nordisk Film.
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with our world-class distribution partner Nordisk Film as we continue to expand Lionsgate’s global footprint,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President of International Helen Lee-Kim.
“Together with our continuously growing local product portfolio, the deal with Lionsgate will constitute the backbone of Nordisk...
The agreement will see local powerhouse Nordisk release Lionsgate and Summit titles such as The Spy Who Dumped Me, A Simple Favor, Flarsky, The Kingkiller Chronicle: The Name Of The Wind, John Wick: Chapter Three and Chaos Walking.
The pact was negotiated for Lionsgate by Evp of International Sales and China/Asia Productions & Strategy Wendy Reeds out of the Company’s London office. Peter Philipsen, General Manager International Acquisitions & Distribution, and Christopher Seidelin, Head of International Acquisitions, negotiated the agreement on behalf of Nordisk Film.
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with our world-class distribution partner Nordisk Film as we continue to expand Lionsgate’s global footprint,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President of International Helen Lee-Kim.
“Together with our continuously growing local product portfolio, the deal with Lionsgate will constitute the backbone of Nordisk...
- 8/15/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate has entered a new multiyear output deal with longstanding partner Nordisk Film in Scandinavia.
The two companies announced the pact Wednesday. The agreement includes the action comedy “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” the thriller “A Simple Favor,” the Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen comedy “Flarsky,” “The Kingkiller Chronicle: The Name of the Wind,” “John Wick: Chapter Three” and “Chaos Walking.”
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with our world-class distribution partner Nordisk Film as we continue to expand Lionsgate’s global footprint,” said Helen Lee-Kim, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President of International. “Scandinavia is a key market, and we look forward to bringing our diverse portfolio of commercially exciting and star-driven event films to moviegoers in the territory.”
Nordisk Film is the leading producer and distributor of films in the Nordic countries and operates the largest cinema chains in Denmark and Norway. Nordisk Film has digital businesses in gift cards,...
The two companies announced the pact Wednesday. The agreement includes the action comedy “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” the thriller “A Simple Favor,” the Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen comedy “Flarsky,” “The Kingkiller Chronicle: The Name of the Wind,” “John Wick: Chapter Three” and “Chaos Walking.”
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with our world-class distribution partner Nordisk Film as we continue to expand Lionsgate’s global footprint,” said Helen Lee-Kim, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President of International. “Scandinavia is a key market, and we look forward to bringing our diverse portfolio of commercially exciting and star-driven event films to moviegoers in the territory.”
Nordisk Film is the leading producer and distributor of films in the Nordic countries and operates the largest cinema chains in Denmark and Norway. Nordisk Film has digital businesses in gift cards,...
- 8/15/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Upcoming films include John Wick: Chapter Three, A Simple Favor, Flarsky.
Lionsgate and Nordisk Film in Scandinavia have signed a new multi-year output deal covering Lionsgate and Summit films including current Us action comedy release The Spy Who Dumped Me, and the upcoming John Wick: Chapter Three.
The pact also covers the upcoming thriller A Simple Favor, Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen comedy Flarsky, and tentpoles The Kingkiller Chronicle: The Name Of The Wind, and Chaos Walking.
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with our world-class distribution partner Nordisk Film as we continue to expand Lionsgate’s global footprint,...
Lionsgate and Nordisk Film in Scandinavia have signed a new multi-year output deal covering Lionsgate and Summit films including current Us action comedy release The Spy Who Dumped Me, and the upcoming John Wick: Chapter Three.
The pact also covers the upcoming thriller A Simple Favor, Charlize Theron-Seth Rogen comedy Flarsky, and tentpoles The Kingkiller Chronicle: The Name Of The Wind, and Chaos Walking.
“We’re delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with our world-class distribution partner Nordisk Film as we continue to expand Lionsgate’s global footprint,...
- 8/15/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate has signed new deals and extended output agreements with six media companies in Europe and Asia for the distribution of its Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment label films.
The studio made the announcement on Tuesday, the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival. Lionsgate makes extensive use of output deals as a risk-mitigation strategy in order to limit its exposure on movies that underperform.
The company has formed new output deals with Eagle Films for the distribution of Lionsgate label films in the Middle East, and Jaguar Films for the distribution of Summit titles in the territory. It also signed a new output agreement with Encore Films and Golden Village in Singapore.
Lionsgate also extended its existing partnerships with eOne in Spain and Vertical in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, as well as its relationship with iQiyi online entertainment service in China. The company will continue to...
The studio made the announcement on Tuesday, the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival. Lionsgate makes extensive use of output deals as a risk-mitigation strategy in order to limit its exposure on movies that underperform.
The company has formed new output deals with Eagle Films for the distribution of Lionsgate label films in the Middle East, and Jaguar Films for the distribution of Summit titles in the territory. It also signed a new output agreement with Encore Films and Golden Village in Singapore.
Lionsgate also extended its existing partnerships with eOne in Spain and Vertical in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, as well as its relationship with iQiyi online entertainment service in China. The company will continue to...
- 5/8/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
New deals with Eagle, Jaguar, Encore Films, Golden Village.
Lionsgate has expanded its output deals across Europe and Asia for its Lionsgate and Summit labels, the company announced on Tuesday.
In a handful of new deals, Eagle Films will distribute Lionsgate films in the Middle East and Jaguar Films will handle Summit titles in the territory, while Lionsgate fare will go through Encore Films and Golden Village in Singapore.
Lionsgate has extended existing partnerships with eOne in Spain and Vertical in The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as its relationship with online entertainment service iQIYI in China.
Lionsgate has expanded its output deals across Europe and Asia for its Lionsgate and Summit labels, the company announced on Tuesday.
In a handful of new deals, Eagle Films will distribute Lionsgate films in the Middle East and Jaguar Films will handle Summit titles in the territory, while Lionsgate fare will go through Encore Films and Golden Village in Singapore.
Lionsgate has extended existing partnerships with eOne in Spain and Vertical in The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as its relationship with online entertainment service iQIYI in China.
- 5/8/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Lionsgate is kicking off the Cannes Film Festival with a bevy of new and extended output agreements as it continues to grow its worldwide distribution footprint. The deals include six leading media companies across Europe and Asia for Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment titles.
Among the fresh pacts are with Eagle Films for the distribution of Lionsgate pics in the Middle East and with Jaguar Films for Summit titles in the growing market. In Singapore, there are new output arrangements with Encore Films and Golden Village.
Lionsgate also extended its existing partnerships with theatrical distributors including eOne in Spain, and Vertical in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. In China, the relationship with online entertainment giant iQiyi has further been extended. Lionsgate will continue to distribute films from both the Lionsgate and Summit labels in each of the markets under the enhanced pacts.
Exiting Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairman Patrick Wachsberger,...
Among the fresh pacts are with Eagle Films for the distribution of Lionsgate pics in the Middle East and with Jaguar Films for Summit titles in the growing market. In Singapore, there are new output arrangements with Encore Films and Golden Village.
Lionsgate also extended its existing partnerships with theatrical distributors including eOne in Spain, and Vertical in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. In China, the relationship with online entertainment giant iQiyi has further been extended. Lionsgate will continue to distribute films from both the Lionsgate and Summit labels in each of the markets under the enhanced pacts.
Exiting Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairman Patrick Wachsberger,...
- 5/8/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Edko Films scores deals on big budget Chinese sequel.
Lionsgate has acquired North American and UK theatrical rights to Edko Films’ Monster Hunt 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2015 Chinese blockbuster.
The agreement also gives Lionsgate rights to the Monster Hunt property for its location-based entertainment venues in select territories.
Directed by Raman Hui and produced by Edko Films’ Bill Kong, Monster Hunt 2 stars Tony Chiu-Wai Leung along with Bai Baihe and Jing Boran, who both starred in the first installment. Currently in post-production, the film is scheduled to open in the Us and UK day-and-date with its release in China over Chinese New Year 2018.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Patrick Wachsberger, Wendy Reeds and the rest of the Lionsgate team,” said Kong. “Lionsgate is a powerful creative force and has demonstrated its marketing and distribution prowess across a broad range of blockbuster films.”
Wendy Reeds, Lionsgate executive vice president, international sales and...
Lionsgate has acquired North American and UK theatrical rights to Edko Films’ Monster Hunt 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2015 Chinese blockbuster.
The agreement also gives Lionsgate rights to the Monster Hunt property for its location-based entertainment venues in select territories.
Directed by Raman Hui and produced by Edko Films’ Bill Kong, Monster Hunt 2 stars Tony Chiu-Wai Leung along with Bai Baihe and Jing Boran, who both starred in the first installment. Currently in post-production, the film is scheduled to open in the Us and UK day-and-date with its release in China over Chinese New Year 2018.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Patrick Wachsberger, Wendy Reeds and the rest of the Lionsgate team,” said Kong. “Lionsgate is a powerful creative force and has demonstrated its marketing and distribution prowess across a broad range of blockbuster films.”
Wendy Reeds, Lionsgate executive vice president, international sales and...
- 5/17/2017
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
The parties unveiled their new sales partnership on Tuesday, ending speculation as to who would handle Participant Media’s slate of narratives and select documentaries.
The partnership signals Participant CEO David Linde’s (pictured) intention to grow the company’s international presence and will kick off at the Efm in Berlin next month with previously announced Amblin films: thriller Entebbe from José Padilha and Rupert Wyatt’s sci-fi Captive State.
The deal will cover Participant films in all territories outside North America, including available non-output territories for films that under Participant’s deal with Amblin Partners.
Participant plans to provide Lionsgate International with up to five narrative films annually, along with several documentary features. The partnership deepens Lionsgate International’s roster of content suppliers, which includes CBS Films, Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media and River Road.
The agreement builds on a long-standing collaboration that dates back to Participant’s strategic investment in what is now Lionsgate-owned...
The partnership signals Participant CEO David Linde’s (pictured) intention to grow the company’s international presence and will kick off at the Efm in Berlin next month with previously announced Amblin films: thriller Entebbe from José Padilha and Rupert Wyatt’s sci-fi Captive State.
The deal will cover Participant films in all territories outside North America, including available non-output territories for films that under Participant’s deal with Amblin Partners.
Participant plans to provide Lionsgate International with up to five narrative films annually, along with several documentary features. The partnership deepens Lionsgate International’s roster of content suppliers, which includes CBS Films, Alcon Entertainment, Black Label Media and River Road.
The agreement builds on a long-standing collaboration that dates back to Participant’s strategic investment in what is now Lionsgate-owned...
- 1/10/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Studio top brass said on Wednesday they have broadened the pipeline with Studiocanal to include Summit films and licensed a trio of top Afm titles to Tele München Gruppe.
The expanded deal with Studiocanal, which already distributes Lionsgate films in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, kicks off with Otto Bathurst’s adventure Robin Hood: Origins. The action-adventure from Appian Way, Safehouse Pictures and Thunder Road Pictures is scheduled to open in the Us on March 23, 2018, and stars Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Jamie Dornan, Eve Hewson and Paul Anderson.
Studiocanal Germany has distributed the Hunger Games and Saw franchises, among others, and its slate includes Oscar hopeful La La Land on January 12, as well as awards contender A Monster Calls and American Assassin.
Lionsgate has signed a deal with Tele München Gruppe to distribute three of its recent hot Afm titles, led by Chris Hemsworth war drama Horse Soldiers.
The Tele München pact includes sci-fi thriller Kin from the Baker...
The expanded deal with Studiocanal, which already distributes Lionsgate films in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, kicks off with Otto Bathurst’s adventure Robin Hood: Origins. The action-adventure from Appian Way, Safehouse Pictures and Thunder Road Pictures is scheduled to open in the Us on March 23, 2018, and stars Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Jamie Dornan, Eve Hewson and Paul Anderson.
Studiocanal Germany has distributed the Hunger Games and Saw franchises, among others, and its slate includes Oscar hopeful La La Land on January 12, as well as awards contender A Monster Calls and American Assassin.
Lionsgate has signed a deal with Tele München Gruppe to distribute three of its recent hot Afm titles, led by Chris Hemsworth war drama Horse Soldiers.
The Tele München pact includes sci-fi thriller Kin from the Baker...
- 11/16/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Viacom18 Motion Pictures has signed a deal to market and distribute five Lionsgate features in India.
The Indian studio, a joint venture between Viacom Inc and the Network18 Group, will release Lionsgate’s Deepwater Horizon, La La Land (pictured), Patriots Day, Power Rangers and Nerve in cinemas in the coming months.
Morris Street Advisors Pvt Ltd, which represents Lionsgate in India, facilitated the deal.
Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom18, said: “It has been our endeavour to get the best of Hollywood for the growing Indian audience for English films. Partnering with Lionsgate is an important step in that strategic direction.”
Lionsgate Evp of international sales Wendy Reeds added: “We are pleased to partner with Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, an experienced and proven distributor, to bring our diverse and exciting slate of star-driven motion pictures to Indian audiences. This is a territory with tremendous box office potential, and we expect these five eagerly-anticipated films to resonate with Indian moviegoers...
The Indian studio, a joint venture between Viacom Inc and the Network18 Group, will release Lionsgate’s Deepwater Horizon, La La Land (pictured), Patriots Day, Power Rangers and Nerve in cinemas in the coming months.
Morris Street Advisors Pvt Ltd, which represents Lionsgate in India, facilitated the deal.
Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom18, said: “It has been our endeavour to get the best of Hollywood for the growing Indian audience for English films. Partnering with Lionsgate is an important step in that strategic direction.”
Lionsgate Evp of international sales Wendy Reeds added: “We are pleased to partner with Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, an experienced and proven distributor, to bring our diverse and exciting slate of star-driven motion pictures to Indian audiences. This is a territory with tremendous box office potential, and we expect these five eagerly-anticipated films to resonate with Indian moviegoers...
- 10/10/2016
- ScreenDaily
The studio announced on Friday morning it is moving ahead with a Hindi-language version of the hit action comedy.
Kapoor will collaborate through his production vehicle Akfc Network and said the property contained key elements that appealed to the Indian market.
Red will mark Lionsgate’s second remake in India after Brothers. The film is based on a graphic novel and opened in 2010 via Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren.
It grossed $90.4m in North America and $108.6m internationally for just shy of $200m worldwide. A sequel in 2013 managed $53.3m in North America but still performed well internationally on $98.8m.
Akfc Network and Lionsgate are finalising the cast for the film, which is scheduled to begin production in August.
“We’re delighted to partner with our friend Anil Kapoor, a huge brand name with Indian audiences, in the remake of our box office blockbuster Red,” said Lionsgate...
Kapoor will collaborate through his production vehicle Akfc Network and said the property contained key elements that appealed to the Indian market.
Red will mark Lionsgate’s second remake in India after Brothers. The film is based on a graphic novel and opened in 2010 via Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren.
It grossed $90.4m in North America and $108.6m internationally for just shy of $200m worldwide. A sequel in 2013 managed $53.3m in North America but still performed well internationally on $98.8m.
Akfc Network and Lionsgate are finalising the cast for the film, which is scheduled to begin production in August.
“We’re delighted to partner with our friend Anil Kapoor, a huge brand name with Indian audiences, in the remake of our box office blockbuster Red,” said Lionsgate...
- 6/17/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Us mini-major has signed an Svod and Tvod deal with iQIYI covering the latest Hunger Games and Divergent installments.
Lionsgate has signed a long-term output deal with Chinese online video platform iQIYI on a package of Lionsgate and third-party feature films.
The deal covers subscription video on demand (Svod) and transactional video on demand (Tvod) rights for films streaming on iQIYI’s platforms, which have more than500 million unique users. iQIYI will have an exclusive Svod and Tvod window for Lionsgate theatrical titles and, according to a statement from the two companies “will enable broadcasting of these titles and make a major promotional commitment on their platform for them.”
The package includes The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (pictured), Divergent Series: Allegiant, Now You See Me 2, Deepwater Horizon, Sicario, Nerve,The Shack and Lala Land.
“We’re thrilled to partner with iQIYI, a major game changer and one of the largest and fastest-growing digital platforms in China...
Lionsgate has signed a long-term output deal with Chinese online video platform iQIYI on a package of Lionsgate and third-party feature films.
The deal covers subscription video on demand (Svod) and transactional video on demand (Tvod) rights for films streaming on iQIYI’s platforms, which have more than500 million unique users. iQIYI will have an exclusive Svod and Tvod window for Lionsgate theatrical titles and, according to a statement from the two companies “will enable broadcasting of these titles and make a major promotional commitment on their platform for them.”
The package includes The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (pictured), Divergent Series: Allegiant, Now You See Me 2, Deepwater Horizon, Sicario, Nerve,The Shack and Lala Land.
“We’re thrilled to partner with iQIYI, a major game changer and one of the largest and fastest-growing digital platforms in China...
- 10/9/2015
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Hot off the $15m-plus triumph of its Warrior adaptation in India, the Us studio is understood to be lining up further Hindi-language features for 2016.
Studio brass have been encouraged by the early success of their first Hindi-language film, which has generated $15.4m in its first two weekends on the sub-continent and $17.2m overall including a handful of diaspora territories.
Now Lionsgate, which co-produced the $12-15m remake while Endemol India and Dharma Productions co-financed, is understood to be planning more.
The studio declined to identify titles but Screendaily understands the roster could encompass Bollywood remakes from the 16,000-strong library or original content made in association with Endemol India and Dharma Productions as well as other Indian entities.
Indeed sources said one major property has already attracted significant interest from local producers.
“We got very interested in India a couple of years ago and Jim Packer [president of worldwide television and digital distribution] and I took a trip to Mumbai and Delhi and met...
Studio brass have been encouraged by the early success of their first Hindi-language film, which has generated $15.4m in its first two weekends on the sub-continent and $17.2m overall including a handful of diaspora territories.
Now Lionsgate, which co-produced the $12-15m remake while Endemol India and Dharma Productions co-financed, is understood to be planning more.
The studio declined to identify titles but Screendaily understands the roster could encompass Bollywood remakes from the 16,000-strong library or original content made in association with Endemol India and Dharma Productions as well as other Indian entities.
Indeed sources said one major property has already attracted significant interest from local producers.
“We got very interested in India a couple of years ago and Jim Packer [president of worldwide television and digital distribution] and I took a trip to Mumbai and Delhi and met...
- 8/24/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Marché du Film has confirmed the program and multiple speakers for the inaugural Marché du Film China Summit, which will take place during the upcoming Marché. The Summit has been established to help film industry professionals learn more about the Chinese marketplace and to enable Chinese professionals to connect with their industry peers, providing a platform that promotes international business connections.
This series of conferences and events, reserved for Marché Badge holders, includes numerous round-table panel discussions focusing on key topics identified as most relevant to the current Chinese market, including theatrical and VOD distribution as well as a discussion on international productions. A section of the Summit is to be co-hosted by Cnc (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée) under the umbrella title of “The French Chinese Meetings” which consist of two round-table panel discussions on Saturday May 16th. Variety, Screen International, The Hollywood Reporter and The Chinese Film Market are signed on as supporting media partners.
The Marché du Film China Summit will run from Saturday May 16th to Tuesday May 19th, concluding on the Tuesday evening
with the annual China Night Party, which is to be hosted in partnership with China Movie Channel and Champs Lis International.The Marché du Film will run from May 13th to 22nd.
On announcing the program, Marche du Film Executive Director Jérôme Paillard commented “With the increasing global interest in China’s film industry, combined with the increasing presence of Chinese executives at the Marché du Film, this exclusive 3-day series of conferences and events will help promote business opportunities and international partnerships amongst professionals. It will cover all aspects of partnerships with China, from international co-productions and French-Chinese collaborations to theatrical and VOD distribution.”
The Marché du Film China Summit will commence on the afternoon of Saturday, May 16th with an introduction by Frédérique Bredin(Cnc) and Yin Fu (China Cultural Center in Paris), followed by two round-table panel discussions welcoming Jean-Paul Salome, (Unifrance), Isabelle Glachant (Chinese Shadows), Valérie Lepine-Karnik (Film France) and Franck Priot (Film France), Richard Patry (Fncf), Xavier Castano (Loull Productions), Cary Cheng (Wanda), Michel Ferry (Cinéma des Carmes), Olivier Grandjean (Pathé), Gary Mak (Broadway Cinematheque) and Zhang Rengang (Tianjin North Film Group). The first round-table panel is titled “Attractiveness of French and Chinese Territories” followed by “Strategies of Exhibition and Distribution in France and China, examples of Chinese-French co-productions.”
The Marché du Film China Summit continues on Monday, May 18th and Tuesday, May 19th with the support of the Marche’s new leading Summit partner, Deloitte Consulting. Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China, will introduce the discussions, the first of which, on Monday, May 18th, will provide an overview of the Chinese film distribution market, moderated by Patrick Frater (Variety) and welcoming Jeffrey Chan (Bona Film Group), Chen Sijie (Smg Pictures), James Li (Wuzhou Film Distribution Co. ltd) and Lin Ning (WeChat Movie).
The final two round-table panel discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th, the first focusing on Video On Demand opportunities in China, moderated by Liz Shackleton (Screen International) and welcoming Marc Ganis (Jiaflix Enterprises), David U. Lee (Leeding Media), Li Yansong (iQIYI) and Allen Zhu Huilong (Youku Tudou Inc.). The second session will focus on international production with China, moderated by Clifford Coonan (The Hollywood Reporter) and welcoming Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate International), Shi Nansun (Distribution Workshop), Allen Wang Jun (Yingke Law Firm) and Zhou Yuan (Linmon Pictures).
All the conferences will provide bilingual English-Mandarin simultaneous interpretation.
The Summit will this year include the third edition of the New Chinese Film Talents Fund Forum jointly established in 2013 by Champs Lis lnternational and the Marché du Film. The Forum encourages and supports promising young Chinese filmmakers in their understanding of the global cinema marketplace, of the commercial requirements of the film industry and of their approach of the international production business. Eight projects, selected by a committee of international experts, will be pitched on Monday, May 18th at 2pm. More information on the projects will be announced soon.
Marche du Film Chine Summit Schedule and Information:
1) Subject: The Attractiveness of French and Chinese Territories
Date: Saturday May 16th 15:00-16:30
Venue: Cnc Space, Gray d’Albion Beach
Introductory speeches by Frédérique Bredin, CEO of Cnc, and Yin Fu, Director of the China Cultural Center in Paris. Description: France and China share a common ambition for their film industries. They consider film to have both a cultural and an economic impact. Providing attractive shooting locations and completion of post-production is proven to benefit the local economy. Directly and indirectly the industry creates jobs and, in the long run, tourism benefits from the attractive images that are shown worldwide.
France has considered the issue of territory attractiveness a priority for many years, setting up a network of local film commissions placed under the umbrella of Film France and offering a tax incentive dedicated to foreign pictures. Valérie Lépine and Franck Priot will explain the benefits of such policies and discuss cases of Chinese producers choosing France as a shooting destination.
Moderator: Jean-Paul Salome, President of Unifrance
UniFrance Films is a non-profit organization based in Paris with representatives in Beijing, Mumbai, New York and Tokyo, its aim is to promote French cinema worldwide. This association accompanies French films in the international marketplace, from their sale all the way through to their distribution, and on the international film festival circuit. Elected in 2013 President of Unifrance and re-elected in 2015, Jean-Paul Salomé is a famous French film director and writer.
Panelists to Include:
Isabelle Glachant, Producer and Delegate of Unifrance in China
Producer and Delegate of Unifrance in China, Glachant began her film career with Shanghai Dreams (Jury Prize in Cannes), then worked on the productions of numerous Chinese directors including Li Yu, Lu Chuan, Lou Ye and Wang Xiaoshuai, including 11 Flowers, the first official French-Chinese co-production. Her company Chinese Shadows focuses on Production, through Asian Shadows she represents Asian directors.
Valérie Lepine-Karnik, CEO of Film France
Lépine-Karnik, joined Film France as CEO in 2014. She previously held the position of Deputy Director of the Cinema Department at the Centre National du Cinéma et de L’image Animée (Cnc), after heading the international Federation of Film Producers associations (Fiapf).
Franck Priot, COO of Film France
Priot is Chief Operating Officer of Film France, the French Film Commission. His areas of responsibility include overseeing the Tax rebate for international productions. He is currently the key person spearheading Film France’s efforts to increase relationships with China, having worked with on numerous Chinese films and TV series, including Jackie Chan’s Chinese Zodiac and Leon Lai’s Wine War.
2) Subject: Strategies of Exhibition and Distribution in France and China, Examples of Sino-French Co-Productions
Date: Saturday May 16th 16:30-18:00
Venue: Cnc Space, Gray d’Albion Beach
Description: Since the April 2010 French-Chinese Co-production agreement was signed, two French directors have shot their films in Chinese in China. The Nightingale and The Wolf Totem are pictures of different natures, but for both directors, the experience of working in China was both challenging and rewarding. This accomplishment was particularly impressive in the case of The Wolf Totem, which found great success at the box office in France and in China. The round table will discuss the issues of distribution and exhibition in France and in China. Can art houses and commercial theaters co-exist and draw large audiences in both countries? How do co-produced films succeed at the box office?
Moderator: Richard Patry, President of the French Cinema Exhibitors’ Association
Patry has served as President of the French Cinema Exhibitors’ association since January 2013 and was unanimously re-elected in January 2015. He is also CEO of Noe Cinémas which operates 62 screens in Normandy, the East of France and in the Paris region, and President of the grouping of Normandy Cinemas, a professional organization which brings together cinemas across the region’s 5 departments. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Festival de Cannes.
Panelists to Include:
Xavier Castano, Loull Productions
Cary Cheng, Head of International Production & Development, Wanda
Michel Ferry, Cinéma des Carmes
Olivier Grandjean, Head of exhibition, Pathé
Gary Mak, CEO of Broadway Cinematheque
Zhang Rengang, CEO of Tianjin North Film Group
3) Subject: Chines Film Market Overview
Date: Monday May 18th 10:00-12:00
Venues: Cinema Olympia 1
Media Partner: Variety
Description: With the great development of the Chinese theatrical network, China strengthens its position as the world’s second largest box office market. High profile panelists will illustrate the preferences and characteristics of Chinese audiences, the distribution protocols and the influence of marketing strategies on movie success.
Moderator: Patrick Frater, Asia Bureau Chief, Variety
Patrick Frater has over 20 years of experience writing about and analyzing the international film industry. He was Asia editor of Variety between 2005 and 2009 and re-joined the publication in July 2013. In 2010, he co-founded regional film trade publication Film Business Asia and consultancy firm F Media. He travels widely within the Asia-Pacific region, and is a regular radio pundit, conference host and public speaker.
Panelists to Include:
Jeffrey Chan, COO and Board member of Bona Film Group
Jeffrey Chan has over 20 years of experience in the film distribution and entertainment industry (Media Asia Holdings Limited, Pccw/Cable & Wireless Ltd). He joined Bona Film in 2008 and co-founded Distribution Workshop, a Hk based joint venture subsidiary of Bona. Bona Film Group is a leading film distributor in China, with an integrated business model encompassing film distribution, production, exhibition and talent representation.
James Li, General Manager of Wuzhou Film Distribution Co., ltd
James Li has worked in China’s film industry over the past 17 years, and has overseen and distributed over 200 films in China. He served as the Director of Film Distribution Department at Wanda Media from 2011. At the end of 2014, Wanda Media, Dadi Times Film Distributor, Guangzhou Jinyi International Cinemas, and Hengdian World Studios co-founded the Wuzhou Company which is a leading company in media industry focusing on film distribution, film marketing and branding.
Lin Ning, Founder of Beijing Weying Technology Co,Ltd,( WeChat Movie).
Lin Ning is an entrepreneur of internet and media who founded Weying in 2014. Their product Weipiao has covered more than 300 cities in China within a year, linked to 3500 cinema and 1200 theater's ticket system. As the exclusive service company embedded in WeChat with 700 million users, Weying’s marketing distribution model based on social networking has gained a large popularity among most distributors and producers.
Chen Sijie, CEO, Smg Pictures
With experiences in journalism and the world wide web industries, Chen Sijie is a major figure in the new media industry. Established in 2011, Smg Pictures is majority owned by Shanghai Media group, the 2nd largest media conglomerate in China. Smg Pictures conducts diversified business in the filmed entertainment industry, such as script development, production, distribution and entertainment marketing. Smg Pictures has a partnership with international mainstream media and production houses.
(Introduction by Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China)
4) Subject: Video on Demand Opportunities in China
Date: Tuesday May 19th 10:00-12:00
Venues: Cinema Olympia 1
Media Partner: Screen Intentional
Description: Due to its rapid growth, the Chinese VOD market attracts the attention of professionals from the world over. New key players in this booming industry will talk about their business strategies, present characteristics of the Chinese audience and share their experiences.
Moderator: Liz Shackleton, Asia Editor, Screen International
Liz Shackleton is Screen’s Asia Editor based in Hong Kong. She is also the founder of Chime Consulting, which helps Western companies and government organisations to work with the fast-developing Chinese and Indian film industries. She was also recently appointed as Asia Programmer and Producer for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
Panelists to Include:
Marc Ganis, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Jiaflix Enterprises
Marc Ganis, co-founder of Jiaflix Enterprises, has been active in China for more than a decade in the capital markets, sports and entertainment sectors. In partnership with China Movie Channel/CCTV6 and its digital subsidiary 1905.com, Jiaflix has established Wow Cinema, a subscription and pay-per-view portal in China. Ganis has established with Jiaflix an affordable monthly subscription fee and developed strong anti-piracy efforts.
David U. Lee, Founder and CEO of Leeding Media
David U.Lee is one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs who successfully bridges the U.S. and China film industries. Under his leadership, Leeding Media has become an experienced marketer of international films in China. The company helped the subscription streaming service between Alibaba Group and Lionsgate. It also controls the exclusive digital distribution rights to the Lakeshore, Myriad, Im Global, Voltage, Exclusive Media and Sierra/Affinity libraries.
Li Yansong VP of iQIYI, President of iQIYI Motion Pictures
Li Yansong was one of the first to join the newly founded iQIYI in 2010. iQIYI, one of China's leading online video platforms, has successfully set up China’s first copyrighted video library covering diverse contents including movie, TV drama, variety show, comic, documentary etc. After managing iQIYI's Film Channel Division, he was recently appointed as President of iQIYI Motion Pictures as well as Vice President of iQIYI.
Allen Zhu HuilongSVP of Youku Tudou Inc. & CEO of Heyi Film
Zhu Huilong has joined Youku in 2006 and was a driving force to advance Subscription video-on-demand model in mainland China in 2009. Youku Tudou Inc., China’s leading Internet television company, has gradually set cooperation with major Hollywood studios for content acquisition and it began from 2012 to focus on trade cooperation between the Internet and the film industry. From 2014, Zhu Huilong became also the CEO of Heyi Film, a production company, wholly owned by Youku Tudou.
(Introduction by Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China)
5) Subject: International Production with China
Date: Tuesday May 19th 15:00-17:00
Venues: Cinema Olympia 1
Media Partner: The Hollywood Reporter
Description: International co-productions come under different arrangements. How is it with China, under a co-production treaty or not? Insiders will discuss the advantages and the pitfalls of co-producing with China. And how to co-produce films for the Chinese market, and abroad.
Moderator: Clifford Coonan, Asia Bureau Chief, The Hollywood Reporter
Clifford Coonan has worked as a correspondent in China for over a decade, enjoying a front-row seat on this world's second biggest movie market and on the fastest growing entertainment sector on the planet: Asia. Before moving to Beijing, he was a Reuters correspondent for seven years. He is widely published in The Irish Times, The Independent, Variety and The Times and has appeared on BBC Radio and NPR.
Panelists to Include:
Wendy Reed, Evp, International Sales of Lionsgate International
A 20-year int’l sales and distribution veteran, Wendy Reeds is in charge of licensing films in all of Asia, including China. For many
years, she ran Celestial Tiger Entertainment out of Hong Kong. She has been instrumental in building Lionsgate’s operations in
China, with 17 films released over the past 3 years. Lionsgate recently announced a multifaceted partnership with Hunan TV for slate financing, film production and distribution, and a content licensing agreement with The Alibaba Group
Shi Nansun Chairman, Distribution Workshop
Shi Nansun has produced such blockbusters as The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D and Young Detective Dee – Rise of the Sea Dragon. She founded Cinema City and Film Workshop Co Ltd. with acclaimed Producer/Director Tsui Hark. She was a member of the International Jury at the Berlinale 2007. She was a jury member at the 2011 Festival de Cannes. In 2013, she received the French title of Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2014, she was awarded as Best Independent Producer at Locarno Film Festival.
Allen Wang Jun, Senior Partner of Yingke Law Firm
Allen Wang has been named an Asia-Pacific leading Tmt/Entertainment lawyer consecutively for the last three years. He was named amongst the Top 15 Litigators in China in 2015. He represents more than 20 of the leading Chinese entertainment including Huayi Brothers, Hunan TV, Alibaba’s Entertainment Investment, Kofic and more. Yingke Law Firm is one of the largest Chinese law firms with over 25 offices across China and 24 international offices.
Zhou Yuan, Evp of Linmon Pictures
Zhou Yuan was the former Head of Motion Pictures of Smg Pictures, where he built up the company's film business by investing in project development, expanding distribution networks, delivering integrated marketing services as well as establishing an intimate relationship with international partners .In August 2014, he left Smg Pictures and founded Linmon Pictures, a new generation entertainment company invested by China's largest Internet service provider Tencent. As the Executive Vice President, he is responsible for the Motion Pictures business, Corporate Strategy and Investment.
(Introduction by Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China)...
This series of conferences and events, reserved for Marché Badge holders, includes numerous round-table panel discussions focusing on key topics identified as most relevant to the current Chinese market, including theatrical and VOD distribution as well as a discussion on international productions. A section of the Summit is to be co-hosted by Cnc (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée) under the umbrella title of “The French Chinese Meetings” which consist of two round-table panel discussions on Saturday May 16th. Variety, Screen International, The Hollywood Reporter and The Chinese Film Market are signed on as supporting media partners.
The Marché du Film China Summit will run from Saturday May 16th to Tuesday May 19th, concluding on the Tuesday evening
with the annual China Night Party, which is to be hosted in partnership with China Movie Channel and Champs Lis International.The Marché du Film will run from May 13th to 22nd.
On announcing the program, Marche du Film Executive Director Jérôme Paillard commented “With the increasing global interest in China’s film industry, combined with the increasing presence of Chinese executives at the Marché du Film, this exclusive 3-day series of conferences and events will help promote business opportunities and international partnerships amongst professionals. It will cover all aspects of partnerships with China, from international co-productions and French-Chinese collaborations to theatrical and VOD distribution.”
The Marché du Film China Summit will commence on the afternoon of Saturday, May 16th with an introduction by Frédérique Bredin(Cnc) and Yin Fu (China Cultural Center in Paris), followed by two round-table panel discussions welcoming Jean-Paul Salome, (Unifrance), Isabelle Glachant (Chinese Shadows), Valérie Lepine-Karnik (Film France) and Franck Priot (Film France), Richard Patry (Fncf), Xavier Castano (Loull Productions), Cary Cheng (Wanda), Michel Ferry (Cinéma des Carmes), Olivier Grandjean (Pathé), Gary Mak (Broadway Cinematheque) and Zhang Rengang (Tianjin North Film Group). The first round-table panel is titled “Attractiveness of French and Chinese Territories” followed by “Strategies of Exhibition and Distribution in France and China, examples of Chinese-French co-productions.”
The Marché du Film China Summit continues on Monday, May 18th and Tuesday, May 19th with the support of the Marche’s new leading Summit partner, Deloitte Consulting. Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China, will introduce the discussions, the first of which, on Monday, May 18th, will provide an overview of the Chinese film distribution market, moderated by Patrick Frater (Variety) and welcoming Jeffrey Chan (Bona Film Group), Chen Sijie (Smg Pictures), James Li (Wuzhou Film Distribution Co. ltd) and Lin Ning (WeChat Movie).
The final two round-table panel discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th, the first focusing on Video On Demand opportunities in China, moderated by Liz Shackleton (Screen International) and welcoming Marc Ganis (Jiaflix Enterprises), David U. Lee (Leeding Media), Li Yansong (iQIYI) and Allen Zhu Huilong (Youku Tudou Inc.). The second session will focus on international production with China, moderated by Clifford Coonan (The Hollywood Reporter) and welcoming Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate International), Shi Nansun (Distribution Workshop), Allen Wang Jun (Yingke Law Firm) and Zhou Yuan (Linmon Pictures).
All the conferences will provide bilingual English-Mandarin simultaneous interpretation.
The Summit will this year include the third edition of the New Chinese Film Talents Fund Forum jointly established in 2013 by Champs Lis lnternational and the Marché du Film. The Forum encourages and supports promising young Chinese filmmakers in their understanding of the global cinema marketplace, of the commercial requirements of the film industry and of their approach of the international production business. Eight projects, selected by a committee of international experts, will be pitched on Monday, May 18th at 2pm. More information on the projects will be announced soon.
Marche du Film Chine Summit Schedule and Information:
1) Subject: The Attractiveness of French and Chinese Territories
Date: Saturday May 16th 15:00-16:30
Venue: Cnc Space, Gray d’Albion Beach
Introductory speeches by Frédérique Bredin, CEO of Cnc, and Yin Fu, Director of the China Cultural Center in Paris. Description: France and China share a common ambition for their film industries. They consider film to have both a cultural and an economic impact. Providing attractive shooting locations and completion of post-production is proven to benefit the local economy. Directly and indirectly the industry creates jobs and, in the long run, tourism benefits from the attractive images that are shown worldwide.
France has considered the issue of territory attractiveness a priority for many years, setting up a network of local film commissions placed under the umbrella of Film France and offering a tax incentive dedicated to foreign pictures. Valérie Lépine and Franck Priot will explain the benefits of such policies and discuss cases of Chinese producers choosing France as a shooting destination.
Moderator: Jean-Paul Salome, President of Unifrance
UniFrance Films is a non-profit organization based in Paris with representatives in Beijing, Mumbai, New York and Tokyo, its aim is to promote French cinema worldwide. This association accompanies French films in the international marketplace, from their sale all the way through to their distribution, and on the international film festival circuit. Elected in 2013 President of Unifrance and re-elected in 2015, Jean-Paul Salomé is a famous French film director and writer.
Panelists to Include:
Isabelle Glachant, Producer and Delegate of Unifrance in China
Producer and Delegate of Unifrance in China, Glachant began her film career with Shanghai Dreams (Jury Prize in Cannes), then worked on the productions of numerous Chinese directors including Li Yu, Lu Chuan, Lou Ye and Wang Xiaoshuai, including 11 Flowers, the first official French-Chinese co-production. Her company Chinese Shadows focuses on Production, through Asian Shadows she represents Asian directors.
Valérie Lepine-Karnik, CEO of Film France
Lépine-Karnik, joined Film France as CEO in 2014. She previously held the position of Deputy Director of the Cinema Department at the Centre National du Cinéma et de L’image Animée (Cnc), after heading the international Federation of Film Producers associations (Fiapf).
Franck Priot, COO of Film France
Priot is Chief Operating Officer of Film France, the French Film Commission. His areas of responsibility include overseeing the Tax rebate for international productions. He is currently the key person spearheading Film France’s efforts to increase relationships with China, having worked with on numerous Chinese films and TV series, including Jackie Chan’s Chinese Zodiac and Leon Lai’s Wine War.
2) Subject: Strategies of Exhibition and Distribution in France and China, Examples of Sino-French Co-Productions
Date: Saturday May 16th 16:30-18:00
Venue: Cnc Space, Gray d’Albion Beach
Description: Since the April 2010 French-Chinese Co-production agreement was signed, two French directors have shot their films in Chinese in China. The Nightingale and The Wolf Totem are pictures of different natures, but for both directors, the experience of working in China was both challenging and rewarding. This accomplishment was particularly impressive in the case of The Wolf Totem, which found great success at the box office in France and in China. The round table will discuss the issues of distribution and exhibition in France and in China. Can art houses and commercial theaters co-exist and draw large audiences in both countries? How do co-produced films succeed at the box office?
Moderator: Richard Patry, President of the French Cinema Exhibitors’ Association
Patry has served as President of the French Cinema Exhibitors’ association since January 2013 and was unanimously re-elected in January 2015. He is also CEO of Noe Cinémas which operates 62 screens in Normandy, the East of France and in the Paris region, and President of the grouping of Normandy Cinemas, a professional organization which brings together cinemas across the region’s 5 departments. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Festival de Cannes.
Panelists to Include:
Xavier Castano, Loull Productions
Cary Cheng, Head of International Production & Development, Wanda
Michel Ferry, Cinéma des Carmes
Olivier Grandjean, Head of exhibition, Pathé
Gary Mak, CEO of Broadway Cinematheque
Zhang Rengang, CEO of Tianjin North Film Group
3) Subject: Chines Film Market Overview
Date: Monday May 18th 10:00-12:00
Venues: Cinema Olympia 1
Media Partner: Variety
Description: With the great development of the Chinese theatrical network, China strengthens its position as the world’s second largest box office market. High profile panelists will illustrate the preferences and characteristics of Chinese audiences, the distribution protocols and the influence of marketing strategies on movie success.
Moderator: Patrick Frater, Asia Bureau Chief, Variety
Patrick Frater has over 20 years of experience writing about and analyzing the international film industry. He was Asia editor of Variety between 2005 and 2009 and re-joined the publication in July 2013. In 2010, he co-founded regional film trade publication Film Business Asia and consultancy firm F Media. He travels widely within the Asia-Pacific region, and is a regular radio pundit, conference host and public speaker.
Panelists to Include:
Jeffrey Chan, COO and Board member of Bona Film Group
Jeffrey Chan has over 20 years of experience in the film distribution and entertainment industry (Media Asia Holdings Limited, Pccw/Cable & Wireless Ltd). He joined Bona Film in 2008 and co-founded Distribution Workshop, a Hk based joint venture subsidiary of Bona. Bona Film Group is a leading film distributor in China, with an integrated business model encompassing film distribution, production, exhibition and talent representation.
James Li, General Manager of Wuzhou Film Distribution Co., ltd
James Li has worked in China’s film industry over the past 17 years, and has overseen and distributed over 200 films in China. He served as the Director of Film Distribution Department at Wanda Media from 2011. At the end of 2014, Wanda Media, Dadi Times Film Distributor, Guangzhou Jinyi International Cinemas, and Hengdian World Studios co-founded the Wuzhou Company which is a leading company in media industry focusing on film distribution, film marketing and branding.
Lin Ning, Founder of Beijing Weying Technology Co,Ltd,( WeChat Movie).
Lin Ning is an entrepreneur of internet and media who founded Weying in 2014. Their product Weipiao has covered more than 300 cities in China within a year, linked to 3500 cinema and 1200 theater's ticket system. As the exclusive service company embedded in WeChat with 700 million users, Weying’s marketing distribution model based on social networking has gained a large popularity among most distributors and producers.
Chen Sijie, CEO, Smg Pictures
With experiences in journalism and the world wide web industries, Chen Sijie is a major figure in the new media industry. Established in 2011, Smg Pictures is majority owned by Shanghai Media group, the 2nd largest media conglomerate in China. Smg Pictures conducts diversified business in the filmed entertainment industry, such as script development, production, distribution and entertainment marketing. Smg Pictures has a partnership with international mainstream media and production houses.
(Introduction by Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China)
4) Subject: Video on Demand Opportunities in China
Date: Tuesday May 19th 10:00-12:00
Venues: Cinema Olympia 1
Media Partner: Screen Intentional
Description: Due to its rapid growth, the Chinese VOD market attracts the attention of professionals from the world over. New key players in this booming industry will talk about their business strategies, present characteristics of the Chinese audience and share their experiences.
Moderator: Liz Shackleton, Asia Editor, Screen International
Liz Shackleton is Screen’s Asia Editor based in Hong Kong. She is also the founder of Chime Consulting, which helps Western companies and government organisations to work with the fast-developing Chinese and Indian film industries. She was also recently appointed as Asia Programmer and Producer for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
Panelists to Include:
Marc Ganis, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Jiaflix Enterprises
Marc Ganis, co-founder of Jiaflix Enterprises, has been active in China for more than a decade in the capital markets, sports and entertainment sectors. In partnership with China Movie Channel/CCTV6 and its digital subsidiary 1905.com, Jiaflix has established Wow Cinema, a subscription and pay-per-view portal in China. Ganis has established with Jiaflix an affordable monthly subscription fee and developed strong anti-piracy efforts.
David U. Lee, Founder and CEO of Leeding Media
David U.Lee is one of the most accomplished entrepreneurs who successfully bridges the U.S. and China film industries. Under his leadership, Leeding Media has become an experienced marketer of international films in China. The company helped the subscription streaming service between Alibaba Group and Lionsgate. It also controls the exclusive digital distribution rights to the Lakeshore, Myriad, Im Global, Voltage, Exclusive Media and Sierra/Affinity libraries.
Li Yansong VP of iQIYI, President of iQIYI Motion Pictures
Li Yansong was one of the first to join the newly founded iQIYI in 2010. iQIYI, one of China's leading online video platforms, has successfully set up China’s first copyrighted video library covering diverse contents including movie, TV drama, variety show, comic, documentary etc. After managing iQIYI's Film Channel Division, he was recently appointed as President of iQIYI Motion Pictures as well as Vice President of iQIYI.
Allen Zhu HuilongSVP of Youku Tudou Inc. & CEO of Heyi Film
Zhu Huilong has joined Youku in 2006 and was a driving force to advance Subscription video-on-demand model in mainland China in 2009. Youku Tudou Inc., China’s leading Internet television company, has gradually set cooperation with major Hollywood studios for content acquisition and it began from 2012 to focus on trade cooperation between the Internet and the film industry. From 2014, Zhu Huilong became also the CEO of Heyi Film, a production company, wholly owned by Youku Tudou.
(Introduction by Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China)
5) Subject: International Production with China
Date: Tuesday May 19th 15:00-17:00
Venues: Cinema Olympia 1
Media Partner: The Hollywood Reporter
Description: International co-productions come under different arrangements. How is it with China, under a co-production treaty or not? Insiders will discuss the advantages and the pitfalls of co-producing with China. And how to co-produce films for the Chinese market, and abroad.
Moderator: Clifford Coonan, Asia Bureau Chief, The Hollywood Reporter
Clifford Coonan has worked as a correspondent in China for over a decade, enjoying a front-row seat on this world's second biggest movie market and on the fastest growing entertainment sector on the planet: Asia. Before moving to Beijing, he was a Reuters correspondent for seven years. He is widely published in The Irish Times, The Independent, Variety and The Times and has appeared on BBC Radio and NPR.
Panelists to Include:
Wendy Reed, Evp, International Sales of Lionsgate International
A 20-year int’l sales and distribution veteran, Wendy Reeds is in charge of licensing films in all of Asia, including China. For many
years, she ran Celestial Tiger Entertainment out of Hong Kong. She has been instrumental in building Lionsgate’s operations in
China, with 17 films released over the past 3 years. Lionsgate recently announced a multifaceted partnership with Hunan TV for slate financing, film production and distribution, and a content licensing agreement with The Alibaba Group
Shi Nansun Chairman, Distribution Workshop
Shi Nansun has produced such blockbusters as The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D and Young Detective Dee – Rise of the Sea Dragon. She founded Cinema City and Film Workshop Co Ltd. with acclaimed Producer/Director Tsui Hark. She was a member of the International Jury at the Berlinale 2007. She was a jury member at the 2011 Festival de Cannes. In 2013, she received the French title of Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2014, she was awarded as Best Independent Producer at Locarno Film Festival.
Allen Wang Jun, Senior Partner of Yingke Law Firm
Allen Wang has been named an Asia-Pacific leading Tmt/Entertainment lawyer consecutively for the last three years. He was named amongst the Top 15 Litigators in China in 2015. He represents more than 20 of the leading Chinese entertainment including Huayi Brothers, Hunan TV, Alibaba’s Entertainment Investment, Kofic and more. Yingke Law Firm is one of the largest Chinese law firms with over 25 offices across China and 24 international offices.
Zhou Yuan, Evp of Linmon Pictures
Zhou Yuan was the former Head of Motion Pictures of Smg Pictures, where he built up the company's film business by investing in project development, expanding distribution networks, delivering integrated marketing services as well as establishing an intimate relationship with international partners .In August 2014, he left Smg Pictures and founded Linmon Pictures, a new generation entertainment company invested by China's largest Internet service provider Tencent. As the Executive Vice President, he is responsible for the Motion Pictures business, Corporate Strategy and Investment.
(Introduction by Hou Po, Partner of Deloitte Consulting, Tmt Leader of Deloitte China)...
- 5/9/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Leading Chinese executives including producer and former Cannes jury member Shi Nansun to participate in discussions.
Cannes’ Marché du Film (May 13-22) has confirmed the programme and speakers for the inaugural Marché du Film China Summit, which will begin on May 16 and continue May 18-19.
The summit has been established to help film industry professionals learn more about the Chinese marketplace and enable Chinese professionals to connect with industry peers, promoting international business connections.
The series of conferences and events, reserved for Marché Badge holders, includes panel discussions focusing on key topics identified as most relevant to the current Chinese market, including theatrical and VOD distribution as well as a discussion on international productions.
A section of the Summit is to be co-hosted by Cnc (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée), which will hold two discussions during the three day event. Screen International and The Chinese Film Market are among the supporting media partners...
Cannes’ Marché du Film (May 13-22) has confirmed the programme and speakers for the inaugural Marché du Film China Summit, which will begin on May 16 and continue May 18-19.
The summit has been established to help film industry professionals learn more about the Chinese marketplace and enable Chinese professionals to connect with industry peers, promoting international business connections.
The series of conferences and events, reserved for Marché Badge holders, includes panel discussions focusing on key topics identified as most relevant to the current Chinese market, including theatrical and VOD distribution as well as a discussion on international productions.
A section of the Summit is to be co-hosted by Cnc (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée), which will hold two discussions during the three day event. Screen International and The Chinese Film Market are among the supporting media partners...
- 5/7/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Provincial broadcaster will be funding 25% of Lionsgate’s $1.5bn film and TV production slate, excluding The Hunger Games and Divergent franchises.
China’s Hunan TV is providing Lionsgate Entertainment with production financing of $375m as part of a wider three-year deal.
The powerful provincial broadcaster will be funding 25% of Lionsgate’s $1.5bn film and TV production slate, although its understood that the Hunger Games and Divergent franchises will be excluded from the deal.
In addition, Lionsgate will distribute some of Hunan’s Chinese-language films outside the Us and the two companies are also expected to work on Us-China co-productions aimed at the China market.
The deal, first signalled by Hunan TV in a stock exchange filing in January, will be officially announced at a press conference in Changsha, capital of China’s Hunan province, on March 18.
Among those in attendance will be Lionsgate chief executive Jon Feltheimer, co-coo Brian Goldsmith, Summit Entertainment co-chairman...
China’s Hunan TV is providing Lionsgate Entertainment with production financing of $375m as part of a wider three-year deal.
The powerful provincial broadcaster will be funding 25% of Lionsgate’s $1.5bn film and TV production slate, although its understood that the Hunger Games and Divergent franchises will be excluded from the deal.
In addition, Lionsgate will distribute some of Hunan’s Chinese-language films outside the Us and the two companies are also expected to work on Us-China co-productions aimed at the China market.
The deal, first signalled by Hunan TV in a stock exchange filing in January, will be officially announced at a press conference in Changsha, capital of China’s Hunan province, on March 18.
Among those in attendance will be Lionsgate chief executive Jon Feltheimer, co-coo Brian Goldsmith, Summit Entertainment co-chairman...
- 3/13/2015
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate has relocated its international sales operation to London, in a sign of the growing importance of international markets to leading film companies.
As part of the move, the company has already relocated several key international executives, including Motion Picture Group evps of international sales Wendy Reeds and Crystal Bourbeau, and is in the process of hiring several additional executives for the London office as well.
Lionsgate’s international sales headquarters will be based at the company’s Lionsgate UK offices. The move is expected to pave the way for more UK productions and European co-productions
Lionsgate’s slate includes blockbuster franchises The Hunger Games, The Expendablesand Divergent as well as hit TV series Mad Men, Nurse Jackie and Anger Management.
The move allows the studio to better servce its numerous output partnerships. Lionsgate International recently expanded output agreements with Studiocanal and Tele Munchen Group in Germany, Roadshow Pictures in Australia, Nordisk Film in...
As part of the move, the company has already relocated several key international executives, including Motion Picture Group evps of international sales Wendy Reeds and Crystal Bourbeau, and is in the process of hiring several additional executives for the London office as well.
Lionsgate’s international sales headquarters will be based at the company’s Lionsgate UK offices. The move is expected to pave the way for more UK productions and European co-productions
Lionsgate’s slate includes blockbuster franchises The Hunger Games, The Expendablesand Divergent as well as hit TV series Mad Men, Nurse Jackie and Anger Management.
The move allows the studio to better servce its numerous output partnerships. Lionsgate International recently expanded output agreements with Studiocanal and Tele Munchen Group in Germany, Roadshow Pictures in Australia, Nordisk Film in...
- 8/8/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate says making London its international sales hub is a reflection of the “increasing globalization” of its business. The company has relocated from Santa Monica several key executives including Motion Picture Group EVPs of International Sales Wendy Reeds and Crystal Bourbeau. It’s also making a series of local hires. Not one to miss a chance to tout the UK’s creative industries, which are seeing a boom thanks to tax breaks that are attracting Hollywood in droves, British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said of the move, “This is testament that Britain is open for business.” Lionsgate chief Jon Feltheimer […]...
- 8/8/2014
- Deadline
The Hunger Games sequel has been approved for a November 21 release on more than 3,000 screens in China.
Lionsgate announced the development (October 22) in the run-up to the North American launch on November 22, with around 50 distributors from the rest of the world set to launch the film that weekend.
The film will be released nationwide in China with both dubbed and subtitled prints by the China Film Group in conjunction with Lionsgate’s Beijing-based promotional partner Talent International Film Co.
”The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has become a truly global phenomenon, and its day-and-date release in this key territory further cements its status as a worldwide motion picture event of epic proportions,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman.
“The release of the first Hunger Games film in China established a strong fan base on which Catching Fire is positioned to build,” said Wendy Reeds, evp of content sales and distribution for Celestial Tiger Entertainment...
Lionsgate announced the development (October 22) in the run-up to the North American launch on November 22, with around 50 distributors from the rest of the world set to launch the film that weekend.
The film will be released nationwide in China with both dubbed and subtitled prints by the China Film Group in conjunction with Lionsgate’s Beijing-based promotional partner Talent International Film Co.
”The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has become a truly global phenomenon, and its day-and-date release in this key territory further cements its status as a worldwide motion picture event of epic proportions,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman.
“The release of the first Hunger Games film in China established a strong fan base on which Catching Fire is positioned to build,” said Wendy Reeds, evp of content sales and distribution for Celestial Tiger Entertainment...
- 10/22/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Hunger Games sequel has been approved for a November 21 release on more than 3,000 screens in China.
Lionsgate announced the development (October 22) in the run-up to the North American launch on November 22, with around 50 distributors from the rest of the world set to launch the film that weekend.
The film will be released nationwide in China with both dubbed and subtitled prints by the China Film Group in conjunction with Lionsgate’s Beijing-based promotional partner Talent International Film Co.
”The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has become a truly global phenomenon, and its day-and-date release in this key territory further cements its status as a worldwide motion picture event of epic proportions,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman.
“The release of the first Hunger Games film in China established a strong fan base on which Catching Fire is positioned to build,” said Wendy Reeds, evp of content sales and distribution for Celestial Tiger Entertainment...
Lionsgate announced the development (October 22) in the run-up to the North American launch on November 22, with around 50 distributors from the rest of the world set to launch the film that weekend.
The film will be released nationwide in China with both dubbed and subtitled prints by the China Film Group in conjunction with Lionsgate’s Beijing-based promotional partner Talent International Film Co.
”The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has become a truly global phenomenon, and its day-and-date release in this key territory further cements its status as a worldwide motion picture event of epic proportions,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman.
“The release of the first Hunger Games film in China established a strong fan base on which Catching Fire is positioned to build,” said Wendy Reeds, evp of content sales and distribution for Celestial Tiger Entertainment...
- 10/22/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
HollywoodNews.com: Lionsgate announced today that The Hunger Games, which has already grossed nearly $620 million at the worldwide box office, has been approved for release in China in the first half of June.
The film will be released nationwide in China with both dubbed and subtitled prints by The China Film Group in conjunction with Lionsgate’s promotional partner, Talent International. The Hunger Games will be one of the first Hollywood studio films to be released in China under the new blockbuster revenue sharing agreement announced in February that allows Western distributors to collect up to 25% of a film’s receipts in China.
“The Hunger Games juggernaut continues to gain momentum around the world, and we’re thrilled that we can now share the exciting first installment of The Hunger Games franchise with Chinese moviegoers in June,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman. “China is...
The film will be released nationwide in China with both dubbed and subtitled prints by The China Film Group in conjunction with Lionsgate’s promotional partner, Talent International. The Hunger Games will be one of the first Hollywood studio films to be released in China under the new blockbuster revenue sharing agreement announced in February that allows Western distributors to collect up to 25% of a film’s receipts in China.
“The Hunger Games juggernaut continues to gain momentum around the world, and we’re thrilled that we can now share the exciting first installment of The Hunger Games franchise with Chinese moviegoers in June,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman. “China is...
- 5/6/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Toronto - Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairman Patrick Wachsberger has completed a restructuring of the Lionsgate International division, with new management blood in the sales and publicity forces unveiled Thursday. Joining Wachsberger at the head of Lionsgate International is executive VP of international sales Anne-Marie Ross, a long-time Lionsgate exec, and senior VP of international sales Crystal Bourbeau, who joined Lionsgate in 2007. Also joining the international sales team is executive VP Wendy Reeds, who also heads up sales for the recently launched Celestial Tiger Entertainment venture in Asia. The restructured international marketing and publicity operations will be
read more...
read more...
- 4/12/2012
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Celestial Tiger Entertainment, the Asian media company launched last month by Celestial Pictures Limited, Saban Capital Group and Lionsgate, today announced its senior management team. Industry veteran Todd Miller will serve as president and chief operating officer, overseeing its core businesses of branded pay-tv channels, content creation and content distribution across Asia and beyond. Based in Hong Kong, he joins Cte following a 17-year stint in Asia at Sony Pictures Television. The team of executives running Celestial includes Ed Stansfield, chief financial officer and Svp business development; Ofanny Choi, Evp TV networks; Wendy Reeds, Evp content sales and distribution; Andy Chang, Svp marketing; and Jef Lim, head of programming and production. For the channel distribution team Keith Mak will oversee China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia, and Sorel Roget will handle Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
- 1/11/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Lionsgate and Tiger Gate Entertainment have appointed Wendy Reeds as Evp - sales and distribution. Reeds will spearhead all Tiger Gate content sales activities and will also direct Lionsgate's film and TV sales and distribution operations in Asia.Reeds will oversee the sales and distribution activities for all Lionsgate and Tiger Gate content, including television and theatrical releases across Asia. She will evaluate new Asian film projects and manage the marketing and distribution of Tiger Gate's new productions.Tiger Gate CEO William Pfeiffer said, "We ...
- 9/9/2011
- BusinessofCinema
Lionsgate confirmed that Tim Stuart, Vice President Asia Pacific Sales, left the company effective 10 June as Lionsgate looks to expand its regional operations in Hong Kong and reduce its presence in Australia. The company will seek to hire a Hong Kong-based senior distribution executive within the coming months.In the interim, Wendy Reeds, vice president international & home entertainment sales, will manage sales for Japan and South Korea. Jenny Suen, sales director, based in Hong Kong, will oversee sales for the balance of continental Asia. Amanda Cordner, vice ...
- 6/20/2011
- BusinessofCinema
Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 23, 2010 – The Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta), the trade association representing independent producers and distributors worldwide, today announced its new Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The elections were held as part of the Ifta’s annual members meeting, which took place today at the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City. The Alliance’s seven-member Executive Committee is headed by Ifta Chairman Lloyd Kaufman (Troma Entertainment), who was re-elected last September and is serving the second year in his term. Newly elected Executive Committee members are Richard Guardian (Lightning Entertainment), Vice Chairperson; Avi Lerner (Nu Image), Vice Chairperson/Finance; Mark Lindsay (Arclight Films), Vice Chairperson; and Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Rose (Lakeshore Entertainment), Chairperson/Ifta Export Alliance. Continuing in the second year of their two-year terms are Pierre David (Imagination Worldwide) as Vice Chairperson and Brad Kembel (Summit Entertainment) as Vice Chairperson/ Secretary. Elected to new terms on...
- 9/23/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
Screened at South by Southwest
As Conversations With Other Women begins, the screen is split in half. One side watches Aaron Eckhart, seemingly in Lothario mode, as he stalks a wedding party guest he intends to approach; the other watches his prey, Helena Bonham Carter.
Nice way to jump into the action, you think: The camera establishes our identification with Eckhart from within (the POV shots) and without; when the image goes full-screen, we'll know who the protagonist is in this pas de deux.
A few minutes later, though, you're still waiting -- and an overtly clever device starts to become a serious distraction from the tale it's trying to tell. Director Hans Canosa continues the split screen throughout the film, often keeping us from identifying with the drama as we otherwise would. Although the technique occasionally serves some interesting purpose, it is almost certain to be a stumbling block with audiences, limiting the commercial appeal of an already intimate film.
The two protagonists are never named, and the script (by Gabrielle Zevin, who worked with Canosa on the festival-circuit film Alma Mater) is coy about their histories. We quickly learn that this is no straightforward pickup: The two have met before, years ago, under similar circumstances. As they flirt, one side of the screen will sometimes flit back to that earlier meeting, where two younger actors play the pair. We see enough to know that they met more than once, maybe that they were lovers. Why is their conversation not acknowledging this?
One obvious reason is to make things more interesting for us. Viewers who don't find the conceit too contrived will be drawn into the reasonably witty banter, forgetting about the split-angle distraction until Canosa does something particularly distracting: settling the cameras into two nearly parallel views, say, or sending an extra to pass between us and the actors, jostling our sense of the angles involved. He does this fairly often.
At other times the filmmakers do more profitable things with the dual frames. They show us what a character is thinking, in romantic flashback or quick slices of foreshadowing; late in the game, as the pair begin to make decisions with consequences, they use the extra screen to show alternate line readings, roads considered and not taken. Those glimpses become freighted with melancholy as the tale becomes a reflection on the passing of time and the vicissitudes of love. Both performances are strong, though the film continues to favor Eckhart, who may be harboring deep emotions beneath his glib charm.
Eckhart grows alternately peevish and desperate as things don't go his way. Bonham Carter, on the other hand, seems to allow herself to be led around, more preoccupied with a sudden sense of her age than with her old flame. The characters are not completely convincing as scripted, but the actors skate past this with enough charisma that we don't pause to ask questions. (Why is Bonham Carter at the wedding, for example? The explanation offered in the opening scenes becomes less satisfactory the more we learn.)
That the movie holds viewers' attention despite its contrivances is a testament to the script and acting. Whether audiences will respect the film the morning after the seduction is an open question.
CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN
Fabrication Films
Gordonstreet Pictures
Credits:
Director: Hans Canosa
Screenwriter: Gabrielle Zevin
Producers: Ram Bergman, Bill McCutchen, Kerry Barden
Executive producers: Kwesi Collisson, Mark R. Harris, Kjehl Rasmussen, Glen Reynolds
Director of photography: Steve Yedlin
Production designer: Jodie Lynn Tillen
Music: Chris Violette, Starr Parodi, Jeff Eden Fair
Co-producers: Wendy Reeds, Mark Tchelistcheff
Costumes: Douglas Hall
Editor: Hans Canosa
Cast:
Woman: Helena Bonham Carter
Man: Aaron Eckhart
Young Woman: Nora Zehetner
Young Man: Erik Eidem
Videographer: Thomas Lennon
Bridesmaid: Olivia Wilde
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 84 minutes...
As Conversations With Other Women begins, the screen is split in half. One side watches Aaron Eckhart, seemingly in Lothario mode, as he stalks a wedding party guest he intends to approach; the other watches his prey, Helena Bonham Carter.
Nice way to jump into the action, you think: The camera establishes our identification with Eckhart from within (the POV shots) and without; when the image goes full-screen, we'll know who the protagonist is in this pas de deux.
A few minutes later, though, you're still waiting -- and an overtly clever device starts to become a serious distraction from the tale it's trying to tell. Director Hans Canosa continues the split screen throughout the film, often keeping us from identifying with the drama as we otherwise would. Although the technique occasionally serves some interesting purpose, it is almost certain to be a stumbling block with audiences, limiting the commercial appeal of an already intimate film.
The two protagonists are never named, and the script (by Gabrielle Zevin, who worked with Canosa on the festival-circuit film Alma Mater) is coy about their histories. We quickly learn that this is no straightforward pickup: The two have met before, years ago, under similar circumstances. As they flirt, one side of the screen will sometimes flit back to that earlier meeting, where two younger actors play the pair. We see enough to know that they met more than once, maybe that they were lovers. Why is their conversation not acknowledging this?
One obvious reason is to make things more interesting for us. Viewers who don't find the conceit too contrived will be drawn into the reasonably witty banter, forgetting about the split-angle distraction until Canosa does something particularly distracting: settling the cameras into two nearly parallel views, say, or sending an extra to pass between us and the actors, jostling our sense of the angles involved. He does this fairly often.
At other times the filmmakers do more profitable things with the dual frames. They show us what a character is thinking, in romantic flashback or quick slices of foreshadowing; late in the game, as the pair begin to make decisions with consequences, they use the extra screen to show alternate line readings, roads considered and not taken. Those glimpses become freighted with melancholy as the tale becomes a reflection on the passing of time and the vicissitudes of love. Both performances are strong, though the film continues to favor Eckhart, who may be harboring deep emotions beneath his glib charm.
Eckhart grows alternately peevish and desperate as things don't go his way. Bonham Carter, on the other hand, seems to allow herself to be led around, more preoccupied with a sudden sense of her age than with her old flame. The characters are not completely convincing as scripted, but the actors skate past this with enough charisma that we don't pause to ask questions. (Why is Bonham Carter at the wedding, for example? The explanation offered in the opening scenes becomes less satisfactory the more we learn.)
That the movie holds viewers' attention despite its contrivances is a testament to the script and acting. Whether audiences will respect the film the morning after the seduction is an open question.
CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER WOMEN
Fabrication Films
Gordonstreet Pictures
Credits:
Director: Hans Canosa
Screenwriter: Gabrielle Zevin
Producers: Ram Bergman, Bill McCutchen, Kerry Barden
Executive producers: Kwesi Collisson, Mark R. Harris, Kjehl Rasmussen, Glen Reynolds
Director of photography: Steve Yedlin
Production designer: Jodie Lynn Tillen
Music: Chris Violette, Starr Parodi, Jeff Eden Fair
Co-producers: Wendy Reeds, Mark Tchelistcheff
Costumes: Douglas Hall
Editor: Hans Canosa
Cast:
Woman: Helena Bonham Carter
Man: Aaron Eckhart
Young Woman: Nora Zehetner
Young Man: Erik Eidem
Videographer: Thomas Lennon
Bridesmaid: Olivia Wilde
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 84 minutes...
- 3/30/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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