Exclusive: Rising star talent rep Sam Masaru Sekoff has joined Entertainment 360 as a manager in the literary department.
He joins from Range Media Partners where he had been since 2021. Sekoff first got his start at The Gersh Agency where he rose to agent in the television department. His clients include Paul Downs Colaizzo, Sebastian Silva, Nick Lieberman, Takeshi Fukunaga, Rachel Lambert, Phillip Youmans, Ava Coleman, Elise Brown, Adel Kamal and Blaize Ali-Watkins.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sam to 360,” said the 360 partners in a statement. “He has a sharp eye for talent and we respect his tenacious advocacy on behalf of clients. He’s hit the ground running and quickly become an essential member of the team.”...
He joins from Range Media Partners where he had been since 2021. Sekoff first got his start at The Gersh Agency where he rose to agent in the television department. His clients include Paul Downs Colaizzo, Sebastian Silva, Nick Lieberman, Takeshi Fukunaga, Rachel Lambert, Phillip Youmans, Ava Coleman, Elise Brown, Adel Kamal and Blaize Ali-Watkins.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sam to 360,” said the 360 partners in a statement. “He has a sharp eye for talent and we respect his tenacious advocacy on behalf of clients. He’s hit the ground running and quickly become an essential member of the team.”...
- 2/5/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The last cork has been popped and the final flute of Kirkland Signatures sparkling wine drained down to the last drop. Old Man 2023 has gathered his sash about his withered frame and slunk into the night, clearing the way for cherubic New Year 2024–giggly, chubby and brimming with promise.
Or something. In reality, years don’t flip on and off like a light switch. They smear into each other like paint, until everything is the same weird shade of brownish-purple. But still: we all strive to make each new chapter in the Gregorian filing system a fresh start–a chance to break bad habits and begin good ones.
The traditional way of kickstarting these self-improvement reboots is through the maddeningly self-deceptive ritual of setting New Year’s Resolutions–80% of which are inevitably abandoned by February 1, according to most studies. But hey! A sustainable 20% is still pretty good. And for cineastes,...
Or something. In reality, years don’t flip on and off like a light switch. They smear into each other like paint, until everything is the same weird shade of brownish-purple. But still: we all strive to make each new chapter in the Gregorian filing system a fresh start–a chance to break bad habits and begin good ones.
The traditional way of kickstarting these self-improvement reboots is through the maddeningly self-deceptive ritual of setting New Year’s Resolutions–80% of which are inevitably abandoned by February 1, according to most studies. But hey! A sustainable 20% is still pretty good. And for cineastes,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Taylor Swift knows how to deliver a toast
On Saturday night, the “Shake It Off” singer attended the wedding of friends Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley, where, according to Page Six, she delivered a 15-minute speech.
Read More: Taylor Swift Stuns In Blue Lace Dress At Jack Antonoff And Margaret Qualley’s Wedding
During the raucous speech, Swift reportedly “roasted” the newlyweds, celebrating their nuptials at the Long Beach Island, New Jersey ceremony.
Swift’s speech apparently included a joke about how she always thanks Antonoff at awards shows, but doesn’t get the same love back.
The pair have frequently collaborated, with Antonoff producing songs for Swift as far back at her 2014 album 1989.
Antonoff has taken home eight Grammys over the years, including Producer of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, while Swift has won 12.
Also at the wedding was singer Lana Del Rey, who serenaded the couple for their...
On Saturday night, the “Shake It Off” singer attended the wedding of friends Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley, where, according to Page Six, she delivered a 15-minute speech.
Read More: Taylor Swift Stuns In Blue Lace Dress At Jack Antonoff And Margaret Qualley’s Wedding
During the raucous speech, Swift reportedly “roasted” the newlyweds, celebrating their nuptials at the Long Beach Island, New Jersey ceremony.
Swift’s speech apparently included a joke about how she always thanks Antonoff at awards shows, but doesn’t get the same love back.
The pair have frequently collaborated, with Antonoff producing songs for Swift as far back at her 2014 album 1989.
Antonoff has taken home eight Grammys over the years, including Producer of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, while Swift has won 12.
Also at the wedding was singer Lana Del Rey, who serenaded the couple for their...
- 8/22/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
At Variety’s 10 Producers to Watch panel, held March 31 at the Sun Valley Film Festival, the first order of business was defining what it means to be a producer, a title — and a role — that encapsulates a number of responsibilities on a film.
“The way that I describe it is you’ve got to know a little bit about a lot of things in filmmaking,” said Rachael Fung, whose film “Fremont” later won best narrative film in the festival’s One in a Million category, recognizing features made for less than $1 million. “You’ve got to be able to understand and talk to every single person that touches the film at every single stage. And also it’s about finding those directors and filmmakers and understanding their vision and figuring out the best way to get that to screen.”
“There are practical things like getting money for the movie, casting,...
“The way that I describe it is you’ve got to know a little bit about a lot of things in filmmaking,” said Rachael Fung, whose film “Fremont” later won best narrative film in the festival’s One in a Million category, recognizing features made for less than $1 million. “You’ve got to be able to understand and talk to every single person that touches the film at every single stage. And also it’s about finding those directors and filmmakers and understanding their vision and figuring out the best way to get that to screen.”
“There are practical things like getting money for the movie, casting,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount is developing a live-action film version of the Valiant superhero title "Harbinger", to be directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo:
"...mystified by his sudden, strange and extraordinary powers, Pittsburgh teenager 'Peter Stanchek' is contacted by the mysterious 'Harbinger Foundation' and discovers that he is not alone.
"Confused by his awakening powers, Stanchek is happy to let the Harbinger Foundation help him master his abilities.
"But when Pete's best friend, 'Joe', points out Pete is turning into an evil guy, Harbinger founder, 'Toyo Harada', has Joe killed.
"This turns Pete against the Harbinger Foundation, so the order is given that Pete must die!
"But the assassins learn the hard way that Pete's power is far beyond their imagining..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...mystified by his sudden, strange and extraordinary powers, Pittsburgh teenager 'Peter Stanchek' is contacted by the mysterious 'Harbinger Foundation' and discovers that he is not alone.
"Confused by his awakening powers, Stanchek is happy to let the Harbinger Foundation help him master his abilities.
"But when Pete's best friend, 'Joe', points out Pete is turning into an evil guy, Harbinger founder, 'Toyo Harada', has Joe killed.
"This turns Pete against the Harbinger Foundation, so the order is given that Pete must die!
"But the assassins learn the hard way that Pete's power is far beyond their imagining..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 2/16/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The Valiant Cinematic Universe (Vcu) is set to grow at Paramount, as female superhero project “Faith” has found a writer.
The live-action version of “Faith” is in early development.
“Harbinger,” a title that also is part of the Vcu, remains in development at Paramount. “Harbinger” is set to be directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo of “Brittany Runs a Marathon” and “Lfe,” and will also feature Faith as a protagonist.
Veteran writer Emily Carmichael will pen “Faith.” The writer’s portfolio includes “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Jurassic World: Dominion” and “The Adventures of Lido and Ix.” Carmichael received the jury award at the Philadelphia Film Festival for best short in “RPG Okc” (2013) and was nominated for best short filmmaking at Sundance for “The Hunter and the Swan Discuss Their Meeting” (2011).
Faith Hubert (with the super-name Zephyr) is a heroine with the ability to fly and bring others along. Her alter-ego “Summer Smith...
The live-action version of “Faith” is in early development.
“Harbinger,” a title that also is part of the Vcu, remains in development at Paramount. “Harbinger” is set to be directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo of “Brittany Runs a Marathon” and “Lfe,” and will also feature Faith as a protagonist.
Veteran writer Emily Carmichael will pen “Faith.” The writer’s portfolio includes “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Jurassic World: Dominion” and “The Adventures of Lido and Ix.” Carmichael received the jury award at the Philadelphia Film Festival for best short in “RPG Okc” (2013) and was nominated for best short filmmaking at Sundance for “The Hunter and the Swan Discuss Their Meeting” (2011).
Faith Hubert (with the super-name Zephyr) is a heroine with the ability to fly and bring others along. Her alter-ego “Summer Smith...
- 2/9/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Micah Stock — a Tony Award-nominated actor known for his work across film, television and the stage — has signed with Gersh for representation.
Stock will soon be seen in a series regular role on FX’s drama series Kindred, adapted from the award-winning novel by Octavia E. Butler, which premieres on Hulu on December 13. The actor plays Kevin Franklin, who quickly becomes integral to the story of Dana James (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who, while settling into her new home, finds herself being violently pulled back and forth in time, from contemporary Los Angeles to a 19th-century plantation, a place remarkably and intimately linked with Dana and her family.
Kindred has been adapted for the small screen by writer and showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who exec produces alongside Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel of Protozoa Pictures, as well as Joe Weisberg, Joel Fields, Courtney Lee-Mitchell and Jules Jackson.
Stock will soon be seen in a series regular role on FX’s drama series Kindred, adapted from the award-winning novel by Octavia E. Butler, which premieres on Hulu on December 13. The actor plays Kevin Franklin, who quickly becomes integral to the story of Dana James (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who, while settling into her new home, finds herself being violently pulled back and forth in time, from contemporary Los Angeles to a 19th-century plantation, a place remarkably and intimately linked with Dana and her family.
Kindred has been adapted for the small screen by writer and showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who exec produces alongside Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel of Protozoa Pictures, as well as Joe Weisberg, Joel Fields, Courtney Lee-Mitchell and Jules Jackson.
- 10/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor and comedian Jillian Bell has signed with CAA for representation.
Bell is best known for comedic hits such as “Idiotsitter,” the Comedy Central series which she created and starred in for two seasons, and the critically-acclaimed movie “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo. She most recently starred in “The Drop,” which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, directed by Sarah Adina Smith.
Other highlights of Bell’s filmography include a standout role in “22 Jump Street” — for which she was nominated for two MTV movie awards as well as a Teen Choice Award. The actor also nabbed the lead role of Eleanor, an unskilled young fairy godmother, in the Disney+ movie “Godmothered,” starring opposite Isla Fisher. Her additional film credits include “Fist Fight,” “Office Christmas Party, “The Night Before,” “Inherent Vice” and “Rough Night,” among comedy and drama titles. On television, Bell has starred in series including “Room 104,...
Bell is best known for comedic hits such as “Idiotsitter,” the Comedy Central series which she created and starred in for two seasons, and the critically-acclaimed movie “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo. She most recently starred in “The Drop,” which premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, directed by Sarah Adina Smith.
Other highlights of Bell’s filmography include a standout role in “22 Jump Street” — for which she was nominated for two MTV movie awards as well as a Teen Choice Award. The actor also nabbed the lead role of Eleanor, an unskilled young fairy godmother, in the Disney+ movie “Godmothered,” starring opposite Isla Fisher. Her additional film credits include “Fist Fight,” “Office Christmas Party, “The Night Before,” “Inherent Vice” and “Rough Night,” among comedy and drama titles. On television, Bell has starred in series including “Room 104,...
- 8/10/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Paul Downs Colaizzo is in talks to direct and rewrite Paramount Pictures’ Harbinger, stepping in for Wes Ball.
Ball was forced to step down to focus on the next Planet of the Apes pic, on which he is deep in pre-production.
Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing Harbinger for Original Film. Dan Mintz is producing for Valiant Entertainment. The project is in development at Paramount.
Based on the Valiant comic book series, the story follows a group of teens with superpowers who go up against the corporation that tried to exploit their talents.
Downs Colaizzo is best known for writing and directing the Sundance darling Brittany Runs a Marathon starring Jillian Bell. The film was a critical hit at the 2019 festival and eventually was acquired by Amazon Prime Video. He is repped by CAA, Range Media Partners and attorney Steve Warren.
Ball was forced to step down to focus on the next Planet of the Apes pic, on which he is deep in pre-production.
Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe are producing Harbinger for Original Film. Dan Mintz is producing for Valiant Entertainment. The project is in development at Paramount.
Based on the Valiant comic book series, the story follows a group of teens with superpowers who go up against the corporation that tried to exploit their talents.
Downs Colaizzo is best known for writing and directing the Sundance darling Brittany Runs a Marathon starring Jillian Bell. The film was a critical hit at the 2019 festival and eventually was acquired by Amazon Prime Video. He is repped by CAA, Range Media Partners and attorney Steve Warren.
- 6/21/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
FX announced that the pilot based on Octavia Butler’s 1979 science fiction novel “Kindred” has cast Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, Gayle Rankin, Austin Smith, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy and David Alexander Kaplan as series regulars.
They join previously announced cast member Mallori Johnson, who will play the lead role of Dana, a young Black writer who finds herself transported back and forth between the present and a 19th century slave plantation.
Stock is primarily known for his stage work, including his Tony-nominated performance as Gus in Terrence McNally’s “It’s Only a Play.” He will also star in John Slattery’s upcoming film “Maggie Moore(s)” alongside Jon Hamm and Tina Fey. His other credits include Netflix’s “Bonding,” Disney Plus’ “The Right Stuff,” and Paul Downs Colaizzo’s film “Brittany Runs A Marathon.” Stock is repped by ICM, Anonymous Content and ID.
From 2008 to 2014, Kwanten starred as Jason Stackhouse in HBO’s True Blood.
They join previously announced cast member Mallori Johnson, who will play the lead role of Dana, a young Black writer who finds herself transported back and forth between the present and a 19th century slave plantation.
Stock is primarily known for his stage work, including his Tony-nominated performance as Gus in Terrence McNally’s “It’s Only a Play.” He will also star in John Slattery’s upcoming film “Maggie Moore(s)” alongside Jon Hamm and Tina Fey. His other credits include Netflix’s “Bonding,” Disney Plus’ “The Right Stuff,” and Paul Downs Colaizzo’s film “Brittany Runs A Marathon.” Stock is repped by ICM, Anonymous Content and ID.
From 2008 to 2014, Kwanten starred as Jason Stackhouse in HBO’s True Blood.
- 9/29/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Tony nominated stage actor Micah Stock has joined the John Slattery directed feature Maggie Moore(s) in a supporting role, starring opposite Jon Hamm and Tina Fey.
The black comedy takes place in a dusty desert town where nothing ever happens, as a police chief is suddenly faced with the back-to-back murders of two women with the same name.
Stock will play Jay Moore, described as a lifetime schemer with a personality as greasy as his hair. Additional details about the character are under wraps. Slattery produces with Cary Woods, Vincent Newman, Dan Reardon and Santosh Govindaraju.
Stock most recently starred in Netflix’s Emmy-nominated short form comedy series Bonding; as well as a series regular role on Disney+’s drama series The Right Stuff, portraying real-life NASA astronaut Deke Slayton. He also starred in the 2019 Sundance Audience Award winner Brittany Runs A Marathon, the directorial debut of Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
The black comedy takes place in a dusty desert town where nothing ever happens, as a police chief is suddenly faced with the back-to-back murders of two women with the same name.
Stock will play Jay Moore, described as a lifetime schemer with a personality as greasy as his hair. Additional details about the character are under wraps. Slattery produces with Cary Woods, Vincent Newman, Dan Reardon and Santosh Govindaraju.
Stock most recently starred in Netflix’s Emmy-nominated short form comedy series Bonding; as well as a series regular role on Disney+’s drama series The Right Stuff, portraying real-life NASA astronaut Deke Slayton. He also starred in the 2019 Sundance Audience Award winner Brittany Runs A Marathon, the directorial debut of Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
- 9/2/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Legendary has closed a deal for Paul Downs Colaizzo to direct Crosby Selander’s debut spec script title Bring Me Back. The logline is being kept under wraps but is described as an epic love story.
Legendary beat out a number of buyers for Selander’s spec back in august with sources saying the deal closed in the seven-figure range.
Downs Colaizzo achieved early notoriety for his first play, Really Really, which debuted at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va to rave reviews and won the Helen Hayes Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play. It later played a sold-out, twice-extended run Off-Broadway at McC Theater starring Zosia Mamet. His first screenplay and directorial debut, Brittany Runs A Marathon, starring Jillian Bell, became a smash hit at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, winning the U.S Dramatic Audience Award, and, after a competitive bidding war, landed at Amazon Studios with a $14 million deal.
Legendary beat out a number of buyers for Selander’s spec back in august with sources saying the deal closed in the seven-figure range.
Downs Colaizzo achieved early notoriety for his first play, Really Really, which debuted at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va to rave reviews and won the Helen Hayes Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play. It later played a sold-out, twice-extended run Off-Broadway at McC Theater starring Zosia Mamet. His first screenplay and directorial debut, Brittany Runs A Marathon, starring Jillian Bell, became a smash hit at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, winning the U.S Dramatic Audience Award, and, after a competitive bidding war, landed at Amazon Studios with a $14 million deal.
- 6/3/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 200 theater writers – playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists – have joined a nationwide letter writing campaign urging the incoming Biden-Harris Administration to prioritize its commitment to an arts community ravaged by Covid-19. Among other goals, many of the letters urge the administration to create a Department and Secretary of Arts & Culture.
Organized by the non-partisan grassroots coalition Be An #ArtsHero in partnership with The Dramatists Guild of America, the “Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President” campaign asserts that “the Arts are vital to our nation’s soul and our collective humanity, as well as being an essential driver of the economy.”
Among those writing letters: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Heidi Schreck (What The Constitution Means To Me) as well as V (formerly Eve Ensler), Craig Lucas, Theresa Rebeck, Sarah Ruhl, Marsha Norman, Lynn Ahrens, Zakiyyah Alexander, Jaclyn Backhaus, Bekah Brunstetter, Carla Ching, Vichet Chum, Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
Organized by the non-partisan grassroots coalition Be An #ArtsHero in partnership with The Dramatists Guild of America, the “Dear Mr. President and Madam Vice President” campaign asserts that “the Arts are vital to our nation’s soul and our collective humanity, as well as being an essential driver of the economy.”
Among those writing letters: Jeremy O. Harris (Slave Play), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Heidi Schreck (What The Constitution Means To Me) as well as V (formerly Eve Ensler), Craig Lucas, Theresa Rebeck, Sarah Ruhl, Marsha Norman, Lynn Ahrens, Zakiyyah Alexander, Jaclyn Backhaus, Bekah Brunstetter, Carla Ching, Vichet Chum, Paul Downs Colaizzo,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Utkarsh Ambudkar (Brittany Runs a Marathon) has been tapped as the male lead opposite Rose McIver in Ghosts, CBS’ single-camera comedy pilot from Joe Port & Joe Wiseman, Lionsgate Television, BBC Studios and CBS Television Studios.
Written by Port and Wiseman based on the British series, Ghosts follows a young couple, Samantha (McIver) and Ryan (Ambudkar), whose dreams come true when they inherit a beautiful country house, only to find it’s both falling apart and inhabited by many of the deceased previous residents.
Ambudkar’s Ryan, Sam’s husband, is a thoroughly modern dude with a love of nerdom and a talented chef. In addition to McIver, he joins previously cast Rebecca Wisocky and Brandon Scott Jones.
Finding a male lead for Ghosts has been a priority for CBS over the last couple of months. As everyone has been at home and social distancing, the network employed Zoom chemistry reads with McIver among other tools.
Written by Port and Wiseman based on the British series, Ghosts follows a young couple, Samantha (McIver) and Ryan (Ambudkar), whose dreams come true when they inherit a beautiful country house, only to find it’s both falling apart and inhabited by many of the deceased previous residents.
Ambudkar’s Ryan, Sam’s husband, is a thoroughly modern dude with a love of nerdom and a talented chef. In addition to McIver, he joins previously cast Rebecca Wisocky and Brandon Scott Jones.
Finding a male lead for Ghosts has been a priority for CBS over the last couple of months. As everyone has been at home and social distancing, the network employed Zoom chemistry reads with McIver among other tools.
- 7/1/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Distrib Films has acquired U.S. rights to Lucie Borleteau’s “The Perfect Nanny” and Cédric Klapisch’s “Someone Somewhere,” both of which will screen at the Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in New York, a festival organised by the Film Society of the Lincoln Center and UniFrance.
A psychological thriller, “The Perfect Nanny” is adapted from Leila Slimani’s bestselling novel “Chanson Douce” which was awarded France’s highest literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, in 2016.
Represented in international markets by Studiocanal, “The Perfect Nanny” follows Myriam (Leïla Bekhti), a lawyer who decides to return to work after having children. She and her husband (Antoine Reinartz) think they’ve found the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. The film’s U.S. remake rights have been acquired by Legendary and Paul Downs Colaizzo is on board to adapt and direct the English-language adaptation. “The Perfect Nanny” was produced by Pascal Caucheteux...
A psychological thriller, “The Perfect Nanny” is adapted from Leila Slimani’s bestselling novel “Chanson Douce” which was awarded France’s highest literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, in 2016.
Represented in international markets by Studiocanal, “The Perfect Nanny” follows Myriam (Leïla Bekhti), a lawyer who decides to return to work after having children. She and her husband (Antoine Reinartz) think they’ve found the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. The film’s U.S. remake rights have been acquired by Legendary and Paul Downs Colaizzo is on board to adapt and direct the English-language adaptation. “The Perfect Nanny” was produced by Pascal Caucheteux...
- 1/28/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Leila Slimani’s critically acclaimed, international bestseller “The Perfect Nanny” — aka “Chanson Douce” — is coming to the big screen.
Legendary has closed a deal for Paul Downs Colaizzo to adapt and direct the English-language adaptation.
Legendary will produce the pic alongside Pascal Caucheteux of Why Not Productions and Philippe Godeau of Pan-Européenne.
The story follows Myriam, a lawyer who decides to return to work after having children. She and her husband think they’ve found the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. But as the couple and the nanny become more dependent on one another, jealousy, resentment and suspicions mount, shattering the idyllic tableau.
The novel was awarded France’s highest literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, in 2016, and translation rights sold in a bidding war in 40 territories. Its American edition is a national bestseller and made the New York Times Book Review’s 10 best books of the year list in 2018. In the U.
Legendary has closed a deal for Paul Downs Colaizzo to adapt and direct the English-language adaptation.
Legendary will produce the pic alongside Pascal Caucheteux of Why Not Productions and Philippe Godeau of Pan-Européenne.
The story follows Myriam, a lawyer who decides to return to work after having children. She and her husband think they’ve found the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. But as the couple and the nanny become more dependent on one another, jealousy, resentment and suspicions mount, shattering the idyllic tableau.
The novel was awarded France’s highest literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, in 2016, and translation rights sold in a bidding war in 40 territories. Its American edition is a national bestseller and made the New York Times Book Review’s 10 best books of the year list in 2018. In the U.
- 11/20/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Finalists have been revealed for the 2020 Humanitas Prize, which honors film and television writers whose work inspires compassion, hope, and understanding in the human family. Titles include awards-season heavies Bombshell, It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and The Farewell on the film side and When They See Us, Pose, This Is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale on the small-screen side.
It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.
Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Drama Feature Film
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod
A Hidden Life
Written and directed by Terrence Malick...
It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.
Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Drama Feature Film
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod
A Hidden Life
Written and directed by Terrence Malick...
- 11/15/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Terminator: Dark Fate.’
The latest iterations of Maleficent, Godzilla, Men in Black, The Angry Birds and Rambo flopped or under-performed in cinemas this year and Terminator: Dark Fate is the latest victim of moviegoers’ sequel fatigue.
It might be an exaggeration to say the sixth edition of the franchise self-destructed but the opening figures in Australia, the Us and 38 other markets last weekend weren’t pretty.
James Cameron’s name in the credits as one of the five “story by” writers and the novelty of seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton together on screen for the first time since 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day counted for very little.
Speaking of sequels no one wanted or asked for, Roadshow’s 47 Meters Down: Uncaged sank without trace, mirroring its Us fate.
Meanwhile Transmission Films launched writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Brittany Runs a Marathon on 20 screens three weeks before the dramedy starts streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The latest iterations of Maleficent, Godzilla, Men in Black, The Angry Birds and Rambo flopped or under-performed in cinemas this year and Terminator: Dark Fate is the latest victim of moviegoers’ sequel fatigue.
It might be an exaggeration to say the sixth edition of the franchise self-destructed but the opening figures in Australia, the Us and 38 other markets last weekend weren’t pretty.
James Cameron’s name in the credits as one of the five “story by” writers and the novelty of seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton together on screen for the first time since 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day counted for very little.
Speaking of sequels no one wanted or asked for, Roadshow’s 47 Meters Down: Uncaged sank without trace, mirroring its Us fate.
Meanwhile Transmission Films launched writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Brittany Runs a Marathon on 20 screens three weeks before the dramedy starts streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
- 11/3/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Other new openers include Ken Loach’s ‘Sorry We Missed You’.
Stephen King adaptation Doctor Sleep becomes the latest title to try and end Joker’s run at the top of the UK box office this weekend (both are Warner Bros titles).
Directed by Mike Flanagan, Doctor Sleep is an adaptation of King’s 2013 novel, a sequel to 1977’s The Shining.
The narrative is set several decades after the events of The Shining, as an adult Dan Torrance meets a young girl with similar powers and tries to protect her from a cult known as The True Knot.
There have...
Stephen King adaptation Doctor Sleep becomes the latest title to try and end Joker’s run at the top of the UK box office this weekend (both are Warner Bros titles).
Directed by Mike Flanagan, Doctor Sleep is an adaptation of King’s 2013 novel, a sequel to 1977’s The Shining.
The narrative is set several decades after the events of The Shining, as an adult Dan Torrance meets a young girl with similar powers and tries to protect her from a cult known as The True Knot.
There have...
- 11/1/2019
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
‘Brittany Runs a Marathon.’
More cracks are appearing in the previously impregnable 90-day theatrical window, causing consternation among the major chains and some independent cinemas.
The Netflix productions The King, The Irishman, Marriage Story and The Two Popes are all defying the traditional window with an average gap of three weeks between theatrical launch and streaming.
The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne, Peter Sourris’ New Farm Cinemas and The Elizabeth Picture Theatre in Brisbane and The Backlot in Perth have booked the Netflix releases, joining Dendy Cinemas and Eddie Tamir’s Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas in Victoria and Randwick Ritz.
David Michôd’s The King, which opened in those cinemas last Friday, will premiere on Netflix on November 1. The streaming giant requires all participating exhibitors to sign Nda agreements so the box office earnings will never be revealed.
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman opens in cinemas on November...
More cracks are appearing in the previously impregnable 90-day theatrical window, causing consternation among the major chains and some independent cinemas.
The Netflix productions The King, The Irishman, Marriage Story and The Two Popes are all defying the traditional window with an average gap of three weeks between theatrical launch and streaming.
The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne, Peter Sourris’ New Farm Cinemas and The Elizabeth Picture Theatre in Brisbane and The Backlot in Perth have booked the Netflix releases, joining Dendy Cinemas and Eddie Tamir’s Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas in Victoria and Randwick Ritz.
David Michôd’s The King, which opened in those cinemas last Friday, will premiere on Netflix on November 1. The streaming giant requires all participating exhibitors to sign Nda agreements so the box office earnings will never be revealed.
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman opens in cinemas on November...
- 10/15/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
[The following story contains spoilers from Brittany Runs a Marathon.]
When Brittany Runs a Marathon writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo first started working on his debut movie about a woman trying to turn her life around as she starts running, he didn't know if Brittany (Jillian Bell) would actually make it to the New York City Marathon.
He made this revelation to the film's real-life subject, his friend Brittany O'Neill, telling her, "I know at this point that she gets injured and can't finish the race as planned. The movie's really about distance traveled as opposed to finishing ...
When Brittany Runs a Marathon writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo first started working on his debut movie about a woman trying to turn her life around as she starts running, he didn't know if Brittany (Jillian Bell) would actually make it to the New York City Marathon.
He made this revelation to the film's real-life subject, his friend Brittany O'Neill, telling her, "I know at this point that she gets injured and can't finish the race as planned. The movie's really about distance traveled as opposed to finishing ...
- 9/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
[The following story contains spoilers from Brittany Runs a Marathon.]
When Brittany Runs a Marathon writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo first started working on his debut movie about a woman trying to turn her life around as she starts running, he didn't know if Brittany (Jillian Bell) would actually make it to the New York City Marathon.
He made this revelation to the film's real-life subject, his friend Brittany O'Neill, telling her, "I know at this point that she gets injured and can't finish the race as planned. The movie's really about distance traveled as opposed to finishing ...
When Brittany Runs a Marathon writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo first started working on his debut movie about a woman trying to turn her life around as she starts running, he didn't know if Brittany (Jillian Bell) would actually make it to the New York City Marathon.
He made this revelation to the film's real-life subject, his friend Brittany O'Neill, telling her, "I know at this point that she gets injured and can't finish the race as planned. The movie's really about distance traveled as opposed to finishing ...
- 9/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Fledgling UK distribution company Republic Film Distribution has acquired all UK rights to the feature documentary Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, directed and produced by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.
The Sundance debut is currently on release in the U.S. through Magnolia Pictures generating near $900K at the box office.
The doc charts the late writer’s journey from her childhood in the steel town of Lorain, Ohio, to ʼ70s-era book tours with Muhammad Ali, the front lines with Angela Davis, her own riverfront writing room and a Nobel Prize. The esteemed writer passed away in August after a short illness, aged 88.
Talking heads include Hilton Als, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz, Walter Mosley, Sonia Sanchez and Oprah Winfrey, who starred in the feature version of Morrison’s novel Beloved.
Republic, run by former Icon exec Zak Brilliant, plans to release the film in the UK in early 2020, working with...
The Sundance debut is currently on release in the U.S. through Magnolia Pictures generating near $900K at the box office.
The doc charts the late writer’s journey from her childhood in the steel town of Lorain, Ohio, to ʼ70s-era book tours with Muhammad Ali, the front lines with Angela Davis, her own riverfront writing room and a Nobel Prize. The esteemed writer passed away in August after a short illness, aged 88.
Talking heads include Hilton Als, Angela Davis, Fran Lebowitz, Walter Mosley, Sonia Sanchez and Oprah Winfrey, who starred in the feature version of Morrison’s novel Beloved.
Republic, run by former Icon exec Zak Brilliant, plans to release the film in the UK in early 2020, working with...
- 9/10/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The writer/director behind Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs a Marathon, Paul Downs Colaizzo is a rare bird in this day and age. Bringing his first feature to the Sundance Film Festival this year, Colaizzo left Park City with a major prize (the Audience Award for Dramatic Features), and a $14 million deal to boot.
The cherry on top, of course, has been the pic’s box office draw. Opening last Friday in Los Angeles and New York, the indie topped the weekend’s list of new specialty releases, drawing sold-out crowds, at a time when many critically acclaimed independent films are struggling to make a box-office dent.
An esteemed playwright that made his entrée into the Hollywood sphere several years ago, Colaizzo started out in television, to mixed results. Writing medical drama Lfe for CBS, he subsequently signed a two-year overall deal with the network, and was tasked with shepherding its MacGyver reboot.
The cherry on top, of course, has been the pic’s box office draw. Opening last Friday in Los Angeles and New York, the indie topped the weekend’s list of new specialty releases, drawing sold-out crowds, at a time when many critically acclaimed independent films are struggling to make a box-office dent.
An esteemed playwright that made his entrée into the Hollywood sphere several years ago, Colaizzo started out in television, to mixed results. Writing medical drama Lfe for CBS, he subsequently signed a two-year overall deal with the network, and was tasked with shepherding its MacGyver reboot.
- 8/29/2019
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Writing and directing a Sundance darling that sells for $14 million to Amazon is no small feat. Playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo, who never seriously considered directing a movie until writing Brittany Runs a Marathon, is certainly off to a good start as a filmmaker. Making the success all the sweeter: the movie is a personal story for […]
The post ‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ Director Paul Downs Colaizzo on Telling a Story of Self-Respect and Dignity [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ Director Paul Downs Colaizzo on Telling a Story of Self-Respect and Dignity [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 8/29/2019
- by Jack Giroux
- Slash Film
After “Late Night” failed to meet expectations despite a strong limited opening, Amazon Studios is trying again with another acclaimed Sundance comedy, “Brittany Runs a Marathon.” Released on five theaters in Los Angeles and New York this weekend, the film grossed $175,969 this weekend, averaging $35,194.
The film stars Jillian Bell, a party girl named Brittany, who takes up running after realizing that her late night escapades are taking a toll on her body. Paul Downs Colaizzo wrote and directed the film in his debut, earning a 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.
“Brittany Runs a Marathon” will expand to 25-50 screens in top 10 markets next weekend, a slower rollout than was given for “Late Night,” the Emma Thompson comedy written by Mindy Kaling. That film went wide a week after its NY/La opening and quickly fizzled out afterward, only grossing $15 million despite expanding to 2,220 screens.
Also Read: Gerard Butler's 'Angel Has Fallen...
The film stars Jillian Bell, a party girl named Brittany, who takes up running after realizing that her late night escapades are taking a toll on her body. Paul Downs Colaizzo wrote and directed the film in his debut, earning a 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.
“Brittany Runs a Marathon” will expand to 25-50 screens in top 10 markets next weekend, a slower rollout than was given for “Late Night,” the Emma Thompson comedy written by Mindy Kaling. That film went wide a week after its NY/La opening and quickly fizzled out afterward, only grossing $15 million despite expanding to 2,220 screens.
Also Read: Gerard Butler's 'Angel Has Fallen...
- 8/25/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Paul Downs Colaizzo received rave reviews and awards attention for his 2013 off-Broadway play Really Really, which starred Zosia Mamet and Matt Lauria. But the playwright had never made a movie when he asked if he could direct the script he wrote, inspired by his real-life friend and roommate, about a woman trying to turn her life around as she starts running. So when he was told no, he understood but he didn't give up.
He flew out to L.A. and made a presentation selling himself as the best person to bring Brittany Runs a Marathon to the big screen.
"...
He flew out to L.A. and made a presentation selling himself as the best person to bring Brittany Runs a Marathon to the big screen.
"...
- 8/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Downs Colaizzo received rave reviews and awards attention for his 2013 off-Broadway play Really Really, which starred Zosia Mamet and Matt Lauria. But the playwright had never made a movie when he asked if he could direct the script he wrote, inspired by his real-life friend and roommate, about a woman trying to turn her life around as she starts running. So when he was told no, he understood but he didn't give up.
He flew out to L.A. and made a presentation selling himself as the best person to bring Brittany Runs a Marathon to the big screen.
"...
He flew out to L.A. and made a presentation selling himself as the best person to bring Brittany Runs a Marathon to the big screen.
"...
- 8/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Amazon Studios’ Brittany Runs A Marathon sprinted to a robust start in its first weekend, topping a mid-sized slate of new specialty openers. The Sundance premiere written and directed by feature newcomer Paul Downs Colaizzo and starring Jillian Bell grossed an estimated $175,969 in the three-day, averaging $35,194.
Brittany’s opening was cheered on by Q&As in Los Angeles by producers Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe, whose Material Pictures financed the film, while Colaizzo and Bell were in New York for select post-showing chats. Amazon reported that Brittany Runs A Marathon was the “top performer for all opening theaters with sold-out showings, including AMC Lincoln Square, Arclight Hollywood and The Landmark.”
“This weekend is a great start and we are feeling very positive going into next weekend and the weeks to follow,” noted Julie Rapaport, co-head of Movies at Amazon Studios in a Sunday statement. “Audiences have laughed, cried and connected with...
Brittany’s opening was cheered on by Q&As in Los Angeles by producers Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe, whose Material Pictures financed the film, while Colaizzo and Bell were in New York for select post-showing chats. Amazon reported that Brittany Runs A Marathon was the “top performer for all opening theaters with sold-out showings, including AMC Lincoln Square, Arclight Hollywood and The Landmark.”
“This weekend is a great start and we are feeling very positive going into next weekend and the weeks to follow,” noted Julie Rapaport, co-head of Movies at Amazon Studios in a Sunday statement. “Audiences have laughed, cried and connected with...
- 8/25/2019
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
“Angel Has Fallen,” the third chapter in Lionsgate and Millenium’s action franchise starring Gerard Butler, had a stronger opening weekend than expected, collecting $21.25 million during its first three days of release.
Those ticket sales were enough to top domestic box office charts, bumping last weekend’s champ, Universal’s comedy “Good Boys,” to second place. Starring Jacob Tremblay, “Good Boys” generated $11.75 million in its sophomore outing, boosting its domestic total to $41.4 million.
“Angel Has Fallen” nearly matched the $21.6 million debut of its predecessor, 2016’s “London Has Fallen.” The first film, 2013’s “Olympus Has Fallen,” kicked off with $30.4 million.
“We wanted to give enough distance from the big summer tentpole films,” Lionsgate’s president of domestic distribution David Spitz said of the movie’s late August release. “We had the opportunity, and the movie really delivered.”
Opening weekend crowds were virtually split across gender lines (51% male), while almost 60% of moviegoers...
Those ticket sales were enough to top domestic box office charts, bumping last weekend’s champ, Universal’s comedy “Good Boys,” to second place. Starring Jacob Tremblay, “Good Boys” generated $11.75 million in its sophomore outing, boosting its domestic total to $41.4 million.
“Angel Has Fallen” nearly matched the $21.6 million debut of its predecessor, 2016’s “London Has Fallen.” The first film, 2013’s “Olympus Has Fallen,” kicked off with $30.4 million.
“We wanted to give enough distance from the big summer tentpole films,” Lionsgate’s president of domestic distribution David Spitz said of the movie’s late August release. “We had the opportunity, and the movie really delivered.”
Opening weekend crowds were virtually split across gender lines (51% male), while almost 60% of moviegoers...
- 8/25/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Here are a bunch of little bites to satisfy your hunger for movie culture: Director Commentary of the Day The Sundance Film Festival hit Brittany Runs a Marathon opens in theaters this weekend. For the New York Times, writer/director Paul Downs Colaizzo shares some memorable moments from the Jillian Bell-led indie comedy, breaking the scenes down through a voiceover commentary: Actor in the Spotlight Andie MacDowell, who co-stars as the matriarch of a...
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- 8/23/2019
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ Director Paul Downs Colaizzo on Why Jillian Bell Was Perfect for the Role
“Brittany Runs a Marathon” director Paul Downs Colaizzo searched near and far for the perfect actress to take the lead role in his movie that is loosely based on his best friend, Brittany. When Jillian Bell came along, he first thought she might not have the dramatic chops to do so — but he was quickly proven wrong.
“I was meeting with actresses and I met up with Jillian Bell in Brooklyn and she was instantly protective over the character,” Colaizzo told TheWrap. “I knew Jillian as a comedic actress and I was a huge fan of ’22 Jump Street.’ When we met, it was a big question mark if she could pull it off just based on the work I’ve known from her. In sitting with her and discussing how I saw the character being played and how the tone needed to be involved, she was on the same page.
“I was meeting with actresses and I met up with Jillian Bell in Brooklyn and she was instantly protective over the character,” Colaizzo told TheWrap. “I knew Jillian as a comedic actress and I was a huge fan of ’22 Jump Street.’ When we met, it was a big question mark if she could pull it off just based on the work I’ve known from her. In sitting with her and discussing how I saw the character being played and how the tone needed to be involved, she was on the same page.
- 8/23/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Brittany O’Neill has experienced two unique life changes in the last decade.
First, she decided to take charge of her health and trained for the New York marathon, shedding 60 pounds in the process and altering her career path. Second, her close friend and former roommate, writer/director Paul Downs Colaizzo, decided to write a movie about her experience.
That film, Brittany Runs a Marathon, is about to open in theaters.
O’Neill went from running zero miles to 26.2, and from a career in theater to one in human rights. She is still trying to wrap her head around the fact that the movie exists,...
First, she decided to take charge of her health and trained for the New York marathon, shedding 60 pounds in the process and altering her career path. Second, her close friend and former roommate, writer/director Paul Downs Colaizzo, decided to write a movie about her experience.
That film, Brittany Runs a Marathon, is about to open in theaters.
O’Neill went from running zero miles to 26.2, and from a career in theater to one in human rights. She is still trying to wrap her head around the fact that the movie exists,...
- 8/22/2019
- by Kara Warner
- PEOPLE.com
For an inspirational comedy about the guts it takes to grind out 26.2 miles and turn a life around, “Brittany Runs A Marathon” spends much of its runtime contemplating the pitfalls of so-called “self-improvement,” including the money traps, obsessive counting, unhelpful judgments, the paranoia of backsliding.
It’s in those moments of darkness where first-time director Paul Downs Colaizzo faced his biggest challenges but also found his mandate in making the new film from Amazon Studios, out this Friday.
Continue reading ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’: Director Paul Downs Colaizzo On The Issues Of Depicting Weight Loss In Film [Interview] at The Playlist.
It’s in those moments of darkness where first-time director Paul Downs Colaizzo faced his biggest challenges but also found his mandate in making the new film from Amazon Studios, out this Friday.
Continue reading ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’: Director Paul Downs Colaizzo On The Issues Of Depicting Weight Loss In Film [Interview] at The Playlist.
- 8/22/2019
- by Chance Solem-Pfeifer
- The Playlist
It’s no surprise that the most interesting aspect of “Brittany Runs a Marathon” is right there in the title. But it’s a little disappointing to find that the least interesting element is, too. Had writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo focused purely on Brittany herself, he might have made a minor indie classic. But when he turns his attention to that marathon, he gets pulled too far off track.
If Brittany is the best thing about this movie, it’s because she’s played by Jillian Bell, who is swiftly becoming indispensable. After lots of eye-catching supporting or ensemble roles, she’s landed a showcase. And she’s more than ready to make the most of it.
When we first meet Brittany, she’s delightfully relatable. Which is to say: she’s a grumpy, broke, insecure, perennially hungover millennial, and so determined to score some Adderall that she’s scheduled...
If Brittany is the best thing about this movie, it’s because she’s played by Jillian Bell, who is swiftly becoming indispensable. After lots of eye-catching supporting or ensemble roles, she’s landed a showcase. And she’s more than ready to make the most of it.
When we first meet Brittany, she’s delightfully relatable. Which is to say: she’s a grumpy, broke, insecure, perennially hungover millennial, and so determined to score some Adderall that she’s scheduled...
- 8/22/2019
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
Back at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, one of Amazon Studios’ biggest acquisitions to date was the dramedy Brittany Runs a Marathon. On the surface, it appears like the sort of movie that Sundance generates each year. A mixture of comedy and drama, with a comic actor or actress showing their range/finally being given a chance to shine. However, while all of that is true, the flick is so much more than just that. Not only is Jillian Bell absolutely aces in the film, every moment that could feel cliched here is handled in a fresh an unexpected way. This is one of the most satisfying works of the summer. The film follows Brittany Forgler (Bell), a 27 year old woman who would charitably be described as a hot mess by those who know her, and even by those who don’t. She’s all about having a good time, but largely seems to just exist,...
- 8/22/2019
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Three more contenders are joining what has lately been a hostile box office arena. Can anyone emerge from August victorious?
Fox Searchlight’s “Ready or Not,” a black comedy about a diabolical game of hide-and-seek, will debut in 2,244 North American theaters on Wednesday. The low-budget film is expected to earn upwards of $6.5 million over the weekend and $8 million to $12 million during its first five days of release. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, “Ready or Not” stars Samara Weaving as a newlywed who finds out her in-laws intend to stalk and kill her. Unlike the overtly political themes in Universal’s controversial “The Hunt,” “Ready or Not” takes a more fantasy-oriented approach to hunting humans for sport.
In a positive review, Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge called the film a “deranged and darkly comedic thriller [that] packs subversive pleasures aplenty.” Debruge is not alone in his praise. The...
Fox Searchlight’s “Ready or Not,” a black comedy about a diabolical game of hide-and-seek, will debut in 2,244 North American theaters on Wednesday. The low-budget film is expected to earn upwards of $6.5 million over the weekend and $8 million to $12 million during its first five days of release. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, “Ready or Not” stars Samara Weaving as a newlywed who finds out her in-laws intend to stalk and kill her. Unlike the overtly political themes in Universal’s controversial “The Hunt,” “Ready or Not” takes a more fantasy-oriented approach to hunting humans for sport.
In a positive review, Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge called the film a “deranged and darkly comedic thriller [that] packs subversive pleasures aplenty.” Debruge is not alone in his praise. The...
- 8/21/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
A fun ride, spiked with touching gravity, is not a shabby way to end the movie summer. Thanks to Jillian Bell, a comic force of nature with real dramatic chops, that’s what you get in Brittany Runs a Marathon. The glorious Bell, who stole every scene she graced in 22 Jump Street, plays the title role, an aggressively upbeat twentysomething who gets a medical wake-up call about weight, high blood pressure, and Adderall addiction — her body mass index is in the obese zone. Brittany barely gets by working as an usher at an Off-Broadway theater,...
- 8/21/2019
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
Jillian Bell takes the lead in “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” landing her first starring role in the Sundance hit.
“I feel very lucky and the project feels very special, very near and dear to my heart. We’re so proud of what we made,” Bell told Variety at the film’s premiere on Thursday night in Los Angeles. “I feel lucky even when I get to do a small part in anything and to have this be my first title lead role, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
After stealing scenes in “22 Jump Street,” “Workaholics,” “The Night Before” and “Office Christmas Party,” Bell plays the titular character in the film, a young woman who finds herself prepping to run the New York City Marathon. Writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo adapted the story from the true-life tale of his best friend, Brittany O’Neill.
“I just felt like I knew who she was.
“I feel very lucky and the project feels very special, very near and dear to my heart. We’re so proud of what we made,” Bell told Variety at the film’s premiere on Thursday night in Los Angeles. “I feel lucky even when I get to do a small part in anything and to have this be my first title lead role, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
After stealing scenes in “22 Jump Street,” “Workaholics,” “The Night Before” and “Office Christmas Party,” Bell plays the titular character in the film, a young woman who finds herself prepping to run the New York City Marathon. Writer-director Paul Downs Colaizzo adapted the story from the true-life tale of his best friend, Brittany O’Neill.
“I just felt like I knew who she was.
- 8/17/2019
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Jillian Bell is a comedic force who steals scenes with a delivery that slides effortlessly between perky and profane. She’s been an unlikely drug dealer in “22 Jump Street,” a shrewd pimp in “Office Christmas Party,” even an aunt who gets attacked by a vampire poodle in “Goosebumps.” What she’s never played, however, is the lead role.
“A lot of times my character comes in, says something funny and then roots on the leading woman before leaving after talking about her cats or something,” says Bell.
Those days of appearing as the best friend or the quirky neighbor changed with “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” an inspirational comedy about a twentysomething woman who turns her life around when she decides to give up a hard-partying lifestyle and start training. The little indie electrified the Sundance Film Festival, winning the audience award and igniting a bidding war that culminated in...
“A lot of times my character comes in, says something funny and then roots on the leading woman before leaving after talking about her cats or something,” says Bell.
Those days of appearing as the best friend or the quirky neighbor changed with “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” an inspirational comedy about a twentysomething woman who turns her life around when she decides to give up a hard-partying lifestyle and start training. The little indie electrified the Sundance Film Festival, winning the audience award and igniting a bidding war that culminated in...
- 8/14/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Award-winning playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo will make his directorial debut with the Jillian Bell-led comedy Brittany Runs a Marathon. If you have already seen the trailer and are suitably intrigued by the uplifting premise, we have an incredibly relatable exclusive clip that will have you even more excited for the film's release.
Based on a true story, the film follows Bell as New Yorker Brittany Forgler, a party girl who's hilarious and outgoing but decidedly not healthy. When her doctor challenges her to lose 55 pounds, she initially balks at the idea but, with the help of her neighbor (Casual's Michaela Watkins), finds herself falling in love with running. Her newfound appreciation for the sport leads her to the point where she makes a goal of racing in the New York City Marathon.
In the clip above, we see Brittany's attempt at joining a local gym to get her fitness on.
Based on a true story, the film follows Bell as New Yorker Brittany Forgler, a party girl who's hilarious and outgoing but decidedly not healthy. When her doctor challenges her to lose 55 pounds, she initially balks at the idea but, with the help of her neighbor (Casual's Michaela Watkins), finds herself falling in love with running. Her newfound appreciation for the sport leads her to the point where she makes a goal of racing in the New York City Marathon.
In the clip above, we see Brittany's attempt at joining a local gym to get her fitness on.
- 8/10/2019
- by Mekishana Pierre
- Popsugar.com
Brittany Runs A Marathon, a new comedy film written and directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo, follows the over-weight, hard-partying Brittany, who decides to begin living a healthier lifestyle after a doctor’s visit, and ultimately decides to run the New York City Marathon. The film — which first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January […]
The post Video Exclusive: Jillian Bell, Utkarsh Ambudkar & Lil Rel Howery On ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’ appeared first on uInterview.
The post Video Exclusive: Jillian Bell, Utkarsh Ambudkar & Lil Rel Howery On ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’ appeared first on uInterview.
- 8/2/2019
- by Pablo Mena
- Uinterview
Nantucket, Mass. — Adventure drama “The Peanut Butter Falcon” and Syria documentary “For Sama” emerged as the top winners at the 24th annual Nantucket Film Festival.
The festival, which concludes today, as ever put the emphasis on screenwriters and emerging talents. Director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Sundance hit “Brittany Runs a Marathon” had a number of well-received screenings, as did Gavin Hood’s “Official Secrets.” Documentaries that played at the island getaway off the coast of Massachusetts included “It Started As a Joke,” “David Crosby: Remember My Name” and “We Are the Radical Monarchs.”
The festival’s annual screenwriter tributes went to female forces in the comedy realm. Leslie Dixon, the seasoned scribe behind “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the musical rendition of “Hairspray,” was recognized, as were five former and current women from the “Saturday Night Live” orbit: Jane Curtin, writer Anne Beatts, Heidi Gardner, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider.
The...
The festival, which concludes today, as ever put the emphasis on screenwriters and emerging talents. Director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Sundance hit “Brittany Runs a Marathon” had a number of well-received screenings, as did Gavin Hood’s “Official Secrets.” Documentaries that played at the island getaway off the coast of Massachusetts included “It Started As a Joke,” “David Crosby: Remember My Name” and “We Are the Radical Monarchs.”
The festival’s annual screenwriter tributes went to female forces in the comedy realm. Leslie Dixon, the seasoned scribe behind “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the musical rendition of “Hairspray,” was recognized, as were five former and current women from the “Saturday Night Live” orbit: Jane Curtin, writer Anne Beatts, Heidi Gardner, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider.
The...
- 6/24/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios’ “The Report,” a political thriller starring Adam Driver and Annette Bening, will have a two-week exclusive run in theaters starting Sept. 27 before landing on Amazon Prime Video on Oct. 11.
Amazon intends to continue rolling out the film in theaters even after its release on Prime as the studio continues to test the waters with various release strategies. The condensed window is surprising given that Amazon Studios is the only digital player that has displayed zero qualms about giving American movie theater owners a full 90-day exclusive for films before releasing them on their own streaming service. What’s more, “The Report” is perhaps the most commercially viable film Amazon bought on their Sundance shopping spree this year, thanks to its dramatic true story and awards potential.
Directed by Scott Z, “The Report” chronicles a Senate staffer who investigates the CIA’s methods of torture, from water-boarding to sleep and sensory deprivation.
Amazon intends to continue rolling out the film in theaters even after its release on Prime as the studio continues to test the waters with various release strategies. The condensed window is surprising given that Amazon Studios is the only digital player that has displayed zero qualms about giving American movie theater owners a full 90-day exclusive for films before releasing them on their own streaming service. What’s more, “The Report” is perhaps the most commercially viable film Amazon bought on their Sundance shopping spree this year, thanks to its dramatic true story and awards potential.
Directed by Scott Z, “The Report” chronicles a Senate staffer who investigates the CIA’s methods of torture, from water-boarding to sleep and sensory deprivation.
- 6/13/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
As Amazon Studios Head Jennifer Salke promised at TCA, some of the company’s titles will be released ala Netflix’s Roma in a truncated theatrical-streaming combination. We’ll see this on Sept. 27 as Amazon’s $14M Sundance acquisition The Report hits theaters on that date followed by an Amazon Prime Video launch two weeks later on Oct. 11.
Amazon will give the Scott Z. Burns written-directed movie an awards season push. Note, this is the new future and completely permitted by Academy Awards rules (and always were in recent years), these types of theatrical-streaming releases. In fact, going way back, IFC’s Armando Ianucci movie In the Loop was a truncated theatrical-streaming release and nabbed an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay.
The Report, follows one man’s pursuit of justice and adherence to oversight and accountability, chronicles not only the CIA’s secret torture program, but also the remarkable...
Amazon will give the Scott Z. Burns written-directed movie an awards season push. Note, this is the new future and completely permitted by Academy Awards rules (and always were in recent years), these types of theatrical-streaming releases. In fact, going way back, IFC’s Armando Ianucci movie In the Loop was a truncated theatrical-streaming release and nabbed an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay.
The Report, follows one man’s pursuit of justice and adherence to oversight and accountability, chronicles not only the CIA’s secret torture program, but also the remarkable...
- 6/13/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
After impressing in the Jump Street franchise, Workaholics, and more, Jillian Bell transitions from co-star to leading lady in Paul Downs Colaizzo’s directorial debut Brittany Runs a Marathon. Based on a true story, Bell steps into the running shoes of Brittany, a brazen twenty-seven year old millennial living in New York who overindulges in wild partying. An ill-fated visit to a doctor to procure Adderall leads her to the realization that her various unhealthy vices cannot continue as she approaches thirty. To become a healthier person mentally and physically, she becomes a runner eventually culminating in her decision to run the New York Marathon.
Following the film’s world premiere at Sundance Film Festival where it garnered the U.S. Audience Award, the first trailer has now landed via Amazon Studios. In our review Dan Mecca wrote, “ Make no mistake, Bell is the person to watch here. She’s...
Following the film’s world premiere at Sundance Film Festival where it garnered the U.S. Audience Award, the first trailer has now landed via Amazon Studios. In our review Dan Mecca wrote, “ Make no mistake, Bell is the person to watch here. She’s...
- 6/6/2019
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Amazon Studios has launched the trailer for comedy-drama ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’
Award-winning playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo makes his directorial debut with a cast led by Jillian Bell alongside Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Lil Rel Howery, and Micah Stock.
Also in trailers – Brad Pitt is tasked with saving the world in first trailer for ‘Ad Astra’
The film hits Us Cinemas August 23rd.
Brittany Runs A Marathon Synopsis
Hilarious, outgoing and always up for a good time, New Yorker Brittany Forgler is everybody’s best friend ― except maybe her own. At 27, her hard-partying ways, chronic underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her, but when she stops by a new doctor’s office to try to score some Adderall, she gets slapped with a prescription she never wanted: Get healthy.
Too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her...
Award-winning playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo makes his directorial debut with a cast led by Jillian Bell alongside Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Lil Rel Howery, and Micah Stock.
Also in trailers – Brad Pitt is tasked with saving the world in first trailer for ‘Ad Astra’
The film hits Us Cinemas August 23rd.
Brittany Runs A Marathon Synopsis
Hilarious, outgoing and always up for a good time, New Yorker Brittany Forgler is everybody’s best friend ― except maybe her own. At 27, her hard-partying ways, chronic underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her, but when she stops by a new doctor’s office to try to score some Adderall, she gets slapped with a prescription she never wanted: Get healthy.
Too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her...
- 6/6/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Amazon Studios will release Brittany Runs A Marathon in theaters on August 23, 2019
Hilarious, outgoing and always up for a good time, New Yorker Brittany Forgler is everybody’s best friend ― except maybe her own. At 27, her hard-partying ways, chronic underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her, but when she stops by a new doctor’s office to try to score some Adderall, she gets slapped with a prescription she never wanted: Get healthy. Too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her seemingly together neighbor Catherine pushes her to lace up her Converse sneakers and run one sweaty block. The next day, she runs two. And soon, after finishing her first mile, she sets an almost unthinkable goal: running in the New York City Marathon.
This new Trailer looks fantastic:
Award-winning playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo makes his directorial...
Hilarious, outgoing and always up for a good time, New Yorker Brittany Forgler is everybody’s best friend ― except maybe her own. At 27, her hard-partying ways, chronic underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her, but when she stops by a new doctor’s office to try to score some Adderall, she gets slapped with a prescription she never wanted: Get healthy. Too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her seemingly together neighbor Catherine pushes her to lace up her Converse sneakers and run one sweaty block. The next day, she runs two. And soon, after finishing her first mile, she sets an almost unthinkable goal: running in the New York City Marathon.
This new Trailer looks fantastic:
Award-winning playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo makes his directorial...
- 6/6/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"You changing your life was never about your weight." Amazon Studios has launched the first trailer for Brittany Runs a Marathon, the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Paul Downs Colaizzo. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the biggest prize of the festival - the main competition Audience Award. Jillian Bell stars as an overweight young woman who decides she needs to get in shape (or rather: is told by her doctor), and takes on the challenge of running the streets of New York. She soon starts training for the NYC Marathon, which is no easy task. This inspiring, humorous, uplifting film tells the "story of a party girl who finally finds real friends — and dignity — by taking control of her future, one city block at a time." The cast includes Jennifer Dundas, Patch Darragh, Alice Lee, Erica Hernandez, Michaela Watkins, and introducing Utkarsh Ambudkar as Jern.
- 6/5/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Comedy and marathons don’t typically go together. And yet writer/director Paul Downs Colaizzo and actress Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”) will blend these two seemingly contradictory elements in the upcoming film “Brittany Runs A Marathon.”
Read More: Summer Movie Preview: 35 Films You Shouldn’t Miss
The film is the directorial debut for award-winning playwright Colaizzo and stars Bell as Brittany Forgler, a New Yorker who loves to party.
Continue reading ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’ Trailer: Jillian Bell Stars In Heartfelt Indie Comedy at The Playlist.
Read More: Summer Movie Preview: 35 Films You Shouldn’t Miss
The film is the directorial debut for award-winning playwright Colaizzo and stars Bell as Brittany Forgler, a New Yorker who loves to party.
Continue reading ‘Brittany Runs A Marathon’ Trailer: Jillian Bell Stars In Heartfelt Indie Comedy at The Playlist.
- 6/5/2019
- by Kieran Davey
- The Playlist
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