Showtime has canceled Ziwe’s self-titled variety show after two seasons, sources close to the show told TheWrap on Wednesday.
After “Desus & Mero” ended last year, it was the last remaining late-night series on the cabler.
It was also one of the few talk shows hosted by a woman after Comedy Central pulled the plug on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” in July 2022 after seven seasons.
Also Read:
‘Ziwe’ Season 2 Trailer: Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski and Ilana Glazer Face the Apology Cam (Video)
“Ziwe” was produced by A24 for Showtime. Ziwe, Jamund Washington, Jo Firestone and Hunter Speese also served as executive producers.
The comedian rose to fame with her YouTube comedy “Baited with Ziwe,” and was a writer on “Desus & Mero” from 2018 to 2020. She also co-hosted Crooked Media’s Hysteria podcast and voiced Kamala Harris on Showtime’s animated series “Our Cartoon President.”
Also Read:
‘Someday It...
After “Desus & Mero” ended last year, it was the last remaining late-night series on the cabler.
It was also one of the few talk shows hosted by a woman after Comedy Central pulled the plug on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” in July 2022 after seven seasons.
Also Read:
‘Ziwe’ Season 2 Trailer: Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski and Ilana Glazer Face the Apology Cam (Video)
“Ziwe” was produced by A24 for Showtime. Ziwe, Jamund Washington, Jo Firestone and Hunter Speese also served as executive producers.
The comedian rose to fame with her YouTube comedy “Baited with Ziwe,” and was a writer on “Desus & Mero” from 2018 to 2020. She also co-hosted Crooked Media’s Hysteria podcast and voiced Kamala Harris on Showtime’s animated series “Our Cartoon President.”
Also Read:
‘Someday It...
- 4/5/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Ziwe Fumudoh’s list of iconic guests has run short. The comedian’s Showtime talk show “Ziwe” has been canceled at the premium cable network after two seasons, IndieWire has confirmed.
In addition, the channel has given a six-episode season order to “Seasoned,” a new comedy show starring real-life married couple Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody; co-created and co-written by their son Gideon Grody-Patinkin and Ewen Wright, the show is directly inspired by the pair’s real-life relationship. The channel also passed on the pilot for “The Wood,” a comedy series based on the 1999 film from Rick Famuyiwa. Finally, Showtime acquired “Heist 88,” a crime thriller film starring Courtney B. Vance, and will premiere it as an original after it was originally scheduled to premiere on Paramount+.
The news of “Ziwe’s” end comes four months after the series, which sees Fumudoh interview notable figures and celebrities via her signature disarmingly blunt style,...
In addition, the channel has given a six-episode season order to “Seasoned,” a new comedy show starring real-life married couple Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody; co-created and co-written by their son Gideon Grody-Patinkin and Ewen Wright, the show is directly inspired by the pair’s real-life relationship. The channel also passed on the pilot for “The Wood,” a comedy series based on the 1999 film from Rick Famuyiwa. Finally, Showtime acquired “Heist 88,” a crime thriller film starring Courtney B. Vance, and will premiere it as an original after it was originally scheduled to premiere on Paramount+.
The news of “Ziwe’s” end comes four months after the series, which sees Fumudoh interview notable figures and celebrities via her signature disarmingly blunt style,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Peabody Award-winning HBO Original series returns for its second season when Random Acts Of Flyness: The Parable Of The Pirate And The King debuts the evening of Friday, December 9 at midnight (12:00 a.m. Et) with two episodes. The six-episode season continues with two episodes airing weekly, concluding December 23.
Logline: Artist, musician, and filmmaker Terence Nance returns for a long-awaited second season of the acclaimed series Random Acts Of Flyness. Exploring the metaphysics of Black life through avant-garde storytelling, the second season follows Terence (Terence Nance) and Najja (Alicia Pilgrim), a couple working towards healing generational wounds and reintroducing themselves to the ways of their ancestors. Each of the six episodes explores a different dimension while presenting a rich tapestry of audio and visuals to illustrate the spiritual practice of Black liberation.
Season 2 cast: Terence Nance (Terence), Alicia Pilgrim (Najja), Austin Smith (Xavier), and Ta’Neesha Murphy (Janaya).
Credits: Created...
Logline: Artist, musician, and filmmaker Terence Nance returns for a long-awaited second season of the acclaimed series Random Acts Of Flyness. Exploring the metaphysics of Black life through avant-garde storytelling, the second season follows Terence (Terence Nance) and Najja (Alicia Pilgrim), a couple working towards healing generational wounds and reintroducing themselves to the ways of their ancestors. Each of the six episodes explores a different dimension while presenting a rich tapestry of audio and visuals to illustrate the spiritual practice of Black liberation.
Season 2 cast: Terence Nance (Terence), Alicia Pilgrim (Najja), Austin Smith (Xavier), and Ta’Neesha Murphy (Janaya).
Credits: Created...
- 11/30/2022
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
The four filmmakers each won £20,000 for their “creative audacity”.
The four winners of the inaugural BFI and Chanel filmmakers awards reveal their next steps as they varriously plot a move into features, an Ar project, a fresh documentary and a rewilding project in the Scottish Highlands.
Baff Akoto
Akoto’s career looks quite different to the one that tipped him as a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2018. After debuting in 2009 with the 52-minute documentary Football Fable, the filmmaker moved into regular TV directing on BBC series’ Holby City and Doctors throughout the 2010s.
Now, Akoto is turning his attention to...
The four winners of the inaugural BFI and Chanel filmmakers awards reveal their next steps as they varriously plot a move into features, an Ar project, a fresh documentary and a rewilding project in the Scottish Highlands.
Baff Akoto
Akoto’s career looks quite different to the one that tipped him as a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2018. After debuting in 2009 with the 52-minute documentary Football Fable, the filmmaker moved into regular TV directing on BBC series’ Holby City and Doctors throughout the 2010s.
Now, Akoto is turning his attention to...
- 10/4/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
‘Ziwe’ Season 2 Trailer: Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski and Ilana Glazer Face the Apology Cam (Video)
The Showtime late-night variety series “Ziwe” returns for its second season to streaming and on-demand April 29, two days before its on-air debut Sunday, May 1 at 11 p.m., the cabler said Thursday.
Showtime also shared a first-look at the upcoming season, in which star and executive producer Ziwe conducts more of her signature, provocative interviews with stars including Charlamagne Tha God, Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski, Ilana Glazer, Hannibal Buress, Nicole Byer, Mia Kalifa, Adam Pally and Deux Moi, some of whom are not going to say they’re sorry on the apology cam. Jane Krakowski and Luann de Lesseps will also make special appearances this season.
New episodes drop every Friday via streaming and on-demand platforms before appearing on air Sunday night. The season’s first installment will include six episodes, with a second installment due later this year.
Ziwe previously wrote for Showtime’s “Desus & Mero,” “Our Cartoon President” and Apple’s “Dickinson,...
Showtime also shared a first-look at the upcoming season, in which star and executive producer Ziwe conducts more of her signature, provocative interviews with stars including Charlamagne Tha God, Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski, Ilana Glazer, Hannibal Buress, Nicole Byer, Mia Kalifa, Adam Pally and Deux Moi, some of whom are not going to say they’re sorry on the apology cam. Jane Krakowski and Luann de Lesseps will also make special appearances this season.
New episodes drop every Friday via streaming and on-demand platforms before appearing on air Sunday night. The season’s first installment will include six episodes, with a second installment due later this year.
Ziwe previously wrote for Showtime’s “Desus & Mero,” “Our Cartoon President” and Apple’s “Dickinson,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Showtime’s late-night variety series “Ziwe” has revealed a first look at its second season, which features an impressive lineup of guests including Chet Hanks, gossip blog Deux Moi and Charlamagne Tha God.
In the star-studded trailer — fittingly set to Saucy Santana’s “Material Girl” — host Ziwe is back to asking her guests all the hard questions. “What exactly does empowerment mean to you?” Ziwe questions supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, to which she responds: “I don’t know what empowerment means.” Ziwe then asks Hanks, “What accent will you be conducting this interview in?” In her interview with anonymous Instagram blogger Deux Moi, Ziwe queries, “What race are you?” And when it comes time for the apology cam, almost everyone has a confession to make — besides Hanks, it seems.
The second season’s first installment will consist of six episodes, with more to come later this year. In addition to the aforementioned guests,...
In the star-studded trailer — fittingly set to Saucy Santana’s “Material Girl” — host Ziwe is back to asking her guests all the hard questions. “What exactly does empowerment mean to you?” Ziwe questions supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, to which she responds: “I don’t know what empowerment means.” Ziwe then asks Hanks, “What accent will you be conducting this interview in?” In her interview with anonymous Instagram blogger Deux Moi, Ziwe queries, “What race are you?” And when it comes time for the apology cam, almost everyone has a confession to make — besides Hanks, it seems.
The second season’s first installment will consist of six episodes, with more to come later this year. In addition to the aforementioned guests,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Ziwe is returning for her second season on Showtime.
The premium network will air the late-night series on its streaming service two days ahead of its linear launch.
It will return to streaming and on-demand platforms on Friday April 29 before airing on the channel on Sunday May 1 at 11pm.
Each episode will stream on Fridays the Sunday night linear bow.
The second season is supersized compared to its first season; the first installment features six episodes with more episodes launching later in the year.
It will feature guests including Charlamagne Tha God, Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski, Ilana Glazer, Hannibal Buress, Nicole Byer, Mia Kalifa, Adam Pally and Deux Moi, along with special appearances by Jane Krakowski and Luann de Lesseps.
The first season of the show featured sketches, songs and interviews with the likes of Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams.
Exec produced by former Desus & Mero writer Ziwe,...
The premium network will air the late-night series on its streaming service two days ahead of its linear launch.
It will return to streaming and on-demand platforms on Friday April 29 before airing on the channel on Sunday May 1 at 11pm.
Each episode will stream on Fridays the Sunday night linear bow.
The second season is supersized compared to its first season; the first installment features six episodes with more episodes launching later in the year.
It will feature guests including Charlamagne Tha God, Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski, Ilana Glazer, Hannibal Buress, Nicole Byer, Mia Kalifa, Adam Pally and Deux Moi, along with special appearances by Jane Krakowski and Luann de Lesseps.
The first season of the show featured sketches, songs and interviews with the likes of Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams.
Exec produced by former Desus & Mero writer Ziwe,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Empowerment TV is back, Ziwe style.
The eponymous late night variety series, hosted by comedy writer and influencer Ziwe, returns April 29 on Showtime streaming and on demand before debuting on air May 1.
With guests like Ilana Glazer calling Ziwe’s interview style “uncomfortable” and controversial son of Tom Hanks, Chet Hanks, doubling down on his behavior, Ziwe’s apology cam will no doubt get a lot of use this season.
Season 2 will feature all-new interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, and sketches. Showtime on demand and streaming subscribers will continue to get first looks at episodes every Friday before they officially premiere on Showtime Sunday nights at 11 p.m. Et/Pt.
“Ziwe” is produced by A24 for Showtime, with Ziwe serving as an executive producer along with Jamund Washington, Jo Firestone, and Hunter Speese.
Ziwe landed her Showtime series in April 2021 after hosting a viral Instagram Live series questioning cultural figures on race.
The eponymous late night variety series, hosted by comedy writer and influencer Ziwe, returns April 29 on Showtime streaming and on demand before debuting on air May 1.
With guests like Ilana Glazer calling Ziwe’s interview style “uncomfortable” and controversial son of Tom Hanks, Chet Hanks, doubling down on his behavior, Ziwe’s apology cam will no doubt get a lot of use this season.
Season 2 will feature all-new interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, and sketches. Showtime on demand and streaming subscribers will continue to get first looks at episodes every Friday before they officially premiere on Showtime Sunday nights at 11 p.m. Et/Pt.
“Ziwe” is produced by A24 for Showtime, with Ziwe serving as an executive producer along with Jamund Washington, Jo Firestone, and Hunter Speese.
Ziwe landed her Showtime series in April 2021 after hosting a viral Instagram Live series questioning cultural figures on race.
- 4/14/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards: ‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes the Top Prize (Complete Winners List)
The 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier, with comedy power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally serving as hosts.
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
- 3/6/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Film Movement has acquired U.S. rights to the dramedy Queen of Glory, written, directed by and starring Nana Mensah, from Magnolia Pictures International, with plans to release it in theaters and on digital and VOD later this year.
In her debut feature, Mensah plays Sarah, a Ghanaian-American doctoral student at Columbia University who is weeks away from following her very married boyfriend to Ohio when her mother dies suddenly, leaving her as the owner of the small, Bronx-based Christian bookstore, King of Glory. Tasked with planning a culturally respectful funeral befitting the family matriarch, Sarah is forced to juggle the expectations of her loving, yet demanding family while also navigating the reappearance of her estranged father. Aided by an only-in-New York ensemble of Eastern European neighbors, feisty African aunties and a no-nonsense ex-con co-worker, she faces her new responsibilities while figuring out how to remain true to herself.
In her debut feature, Mensah plays Sarah, a Ghanaian-American doctoral student at Columbia University who is weeks away from following her very married boyfriend to Ohio when her mother dies suddenly, leaving her as the owner of the small, Bronx-based Christian bookstore, King of Glory. Tasked with planning a culturally respectful funeral befitting the family matriarch, Sarah is forced to juggle the expectations of her loving, yet demanding family while also navigating the reappearance of her estranged father. Aided by an only-in-New York ensemble of Eastern European neighbors, feisty African aunties and a no-nonsense ex-con co-worker, she faces her new responsibilities while figuring out how to remain true to herself.
- 2/28/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Talk show host Ziwe, playwright Hilary Bettis and journalist Gabriel Sherman are among the 30 participants set for the WGA East’s first Showrunner Academy program.
The program aims to help established writers gain the training and skills needed to advance to showrunners. The academy will be led by veteran showrunners Diana Son (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) and Frank Pugliese (“House of Cards”).
The program, which runs through November, and will include a host of panels and workshops led by prominent writers and showrunners. The list includes: “Things to Know Before Running Your First Series” with Meredith Scardino, Rj Fried and Sarah Treem; “Crisis and Risk Management for Showrunners” with Glen Mazzara; “Managing Multiple Series in Development” with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock; “Hiring Writers” with Michelle King and Elizabeth Kruger; “Managing a Comedy Writers Room and Managing a Drama Writers Room” with Carly Mensch, Liz Flahive and David Simon...
The program aims to help established writers gain the training and skills needed to advance to showrunners. The academy will be led by veteran showrunners Diana Son (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) and Frank Pugliese (“House of Cards”).
The program, which runs through November, and will include a host of panels and workshops led by prominent writers and showrunners. The list includes: “Things to Know Before Running Your First Series” with Meredith Scardino, Rj Fried and Sarah Treem; “Crisis and Risk Management for Showrunners” with Glen Mazzara; “Managing Multiple Series in Development” with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock; “Hiring Writers” with Michelle King and Elizabeth Kruger; “Managing a Comedy Writers Room and Managing a Drama Writers Room” with Carly Mensch, Liz Flahive and David Simon...
- 10/7/2021
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with audience award winners. The Tribeca Festival has announced its Audience Award winners: Catch the Fair One for Best Narrative Feature, Blind Ambition for Best Documentary Feature and Ferguson Rises for Best Online Feature. The winners of the narrative and documentary categories will receive a cash prize of $10,000.
Tribeca’s 20th edition wrapped up on Sunday.
Previously: Lauren Hadaway’s The Novice, about a queer college freshman who joins her university’s rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top boat, has won the Best U.S. Narrative Feature Film prize at the Tribeca Festival.
Star Isabelle Furman won the best actress prize, and Todd Martin took cinematography honors for the film, the first feature for Hadaway, a former competitive rower.
Brighton 4th, directed by Levan Koguashvili, won the fest’s Best International Narrative Feature Film prize, taking that honor as...
Tribeca’s 20th edition wrapped up on Sunday.
Previously: Lauren Hadaway’s The Novice, about a queer college freshman who joins her university’s rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top boat, has won the Best U.S. Narrative Feature Film prize at the Tribeca Festival.
Star Isabelle Furman won the best actress prize, and Todd Martin took cinematography honors for the film, the first feature for Hadaway, a former competitive rower.
Brighton 4th, directed by Levan Koguashvili, won the fest’s Best International Narrative Feature Film prize, taking that honor as...
- 6/24/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ziwe is heading back to Showtime with a bumper Season 2.
The premium cable network has ordered 12 episodes of the late-night variety show, with the season set to be split into two installments.
It comes after the first six-episode season launched in May and ran through June 13.
“This show has exceeded my wildest imagination thanks to my brilliant cast, crew and iconic guests,” said Ziwe. “I am famously delighted to continue my collaboration with Showtime and A24.”
The first season of the show featured sketches, songs and interviews with the likes of Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams.
Exec produced by former Desus & Mero writer Ziwe, Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese, the series is produced by A24.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season
Ziwe told Deadline recently that she was already planning on who will be on future installments of the colorful and hyperbolic show.
The premium cable network has ordered 12 episodes of the late-night variety show, with the season set to be split into two installments.
It comes after the first six-episode season launched in May and ran through June 13.
“This show has exceeded my wildest imagination thanks to my brilliant cast, crew and iconic guests,” said Ziwe. “I am famously delighted to continue my collaboration with Showtime and A24.”
The first season of the show featured sketches, songs and interviews with the likes of Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams.
Exec produced by former Desus & Mero writer Ziwe, Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese, the series is produced by A24.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season
Ziwe told Deadline recently that she was already planning on who will be on future installments of the colorful and hyperbolic show.
- 6/22/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Ziwe” has been renewed for Season 2 at Showtime.
The second season of the late-night variety sketch series will consist of 12 episodes and be split into two installments. The first season of the series debuted on May 19.
“This show has exceeded my wildest imagination thanks to my brilliant cast, crew and iconic guests,” said Ziwe. “I am famously delighted to continue my collaboration with Showtime and A24.”
Guests in the first season included Phoebe Bridgers, Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Eboni K. Williams, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams. The show also features musical performances, sketches, and more. Ziwe hosts the series in addition to executive producing. Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese also serve as executive producers. A24 produces the series for Showtime.
News of the renewal comes around a week after Variety exclusively reported that Ziwe is also currently developing a comedy series at Amazon called “The Nigerian Princess.”
Prior to launching her own show,...
The second season of the late-night variety sketch series will consist of 12 episodes and be split into two installments. The first season of the series debuted on May 19.
“This show has exceeded my wildest imagination thanks to my brilliant cast, crew and iconic guests,” said Ziwe. “I am famously delighted to continue my collaboration with Showtime and A24.”
Guests in the first season included Phoebe Bridgers, Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Eboni K. Williams, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams. The show also features musical performances, sketches, and more. Ziwe hosts the series in addition to executive producing. Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese also serve as executive producers. A24 produces the series for Showtime.
News of the renewal comes around a week after Variety exclusively reported that Ziwe is also currently developing a comedy series at Amazon called “The Nigerian Princess.”
Prior to launching her own show,...
- 6/22/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime has picked up a second season of the late-night variety series “Ziwe,” the premium cable channel announced Tuesday.
The network has picked up 12 new episodes, which will be split into two installments.
Starring and executive produced by former “Desus & Mero” writer Ziwe, the first season of the show featured interviews with guests including Phoebe Bridgers, Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Eboni K. Williams, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams, as well as musical performances by Ziwe, sketches and other unscripted segments.
“This show has exceeded my wildest imagination thanks to my brilliant cast, crew and iconic guests,” Ziwe said in a statement. “I am famously delighted to continue my collaboration with Showtime and A24.”
“Ziwe” is produced by A24, with Ziwe, Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese serving as executive producers.
Read original story ‘Ziwe’ Renewed for Season 2 at Showtime At TheWrap...
The network has picked up 12 new episodes, which will be split into two installments.
Starring and executive produced by former “Desus & Mero” writer Ziwe, the first season of the show featured interviews with guests including Phoebe Bridgers, Fran Lebowitz, Andrew Yang, Eboni K. Williams, Gloria Steinem and Stacey Abrams, as well as musical performances by Ziwe, sketches and other unscripted segments.
“This show has exceeded my wildest imagination thanks to my brilliant cast, crew and iconic guests,” Ziwe said in a statement. “I am famously delighted to continue my collaboration with Showtime and A24.”
“Ziwe” is produced by A24, with Ziwe, Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese serving as executive producers.
Read original story ‘Ziwe’ Renewed for Season 2 at Showtime At TheWrap...
- 6/22/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
The Tribeca Festival 2021 has announced the full list of winners for each of its competition categories. Lauren Hadaway’s “The Novice” won for narrative feature, Levan Koguashvili’s “Brighton 4th” won for international feature and Jessica Kingdon’s “Ascension” won for documentary feature.
Awards were given out for the following competition categories: U.S. narrative, international narrative, documentary, short films, immersive, the Nora Ephron award and the first-ever podcast and games categories.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re so proud to honor the perseverance and dedication many of them displayed while working through the many obstacles that arose as a result of Covid-19,” Cara Cusumano, festival director and vice president of programming, said in a statement. “Each of these recipients truly embody the spirit of our creative community.”
The winners of the audience awards, which are determined by audience votes throughout the festival,...
Awards were given out for the following competition categories: U.S. narrative, international narrative, documentary, short films, immersive, the Nora Ephron award and the first-ever podcast and games categories.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re so proud to honor the perseverance and dedication many of them displayed while working through the many obstacles that arose as a result of Covid-19,” Cara Cusumano, festival director and vice president of programming, said in a statement. “Each of these recipients truly embody the spirit of our creative community.”
The winners of the audience awards, which are determined by audience votes throughout the festival,...
- 6/17/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
The 20th annual Tribeca Festival has announced the winners in the competition categories at this year’s awards ceremony out of Spring Studios in New York City. Awards were given in the following competition categories: U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary; Short Films, Immersive, the Nora Ephron Award, and the first-ever Podcast and Games categories. For the first time ever, Italian eyewear brand Persol presented the award to the 2021 Best Actor, U.S. Narrative, recipient.
The Festival, which had the honor of welcoming back in-person audiences, concludes on June 20.
The top honors in feature films went to “The Novice,” “Brighton 4th,” and “Ascension.”
Chanel James and Taylor Garron won the Nora Ephron Award and a $25,000 prize for “As of Yet.” The award, created nine years ago, honors a female writer or director embodying the late filmmaker.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re...
The Festival, which had the honor of welcoming back in-person audiences, concludes on June 20.
The top honors in feature films went to “The Novice,” “Brighton 4th,” and “Ascension.”
Chanel James and Taylor Garron won the Nora Ephron Award and a $25,000 prize for “As of Yet.” The award, created nine years ago, honors a female writer or director embodying the late filmmaker.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re...
- 6/17/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures International has acquired worldwide and U.S. sales rights to the comedic feature, Queen of Glory, which will make its world premiere at the 20th Tribeca Film Festival in June.
Marking the feature debut of writer-director-actress Nana Mensah, the New York-set feature centers on Sarah (Mensah), a Ghanaian-American who looks to abandon her Ivy League doctoral program to follow her married lover across the country. As fate would have it, her plans fall apart, when her mother’s death leaves her the owner of a bookshop in the Bronx.
In making the acquisition announcement, Lorna Lee Torres, Magnolia Pictures’ Head of International Sales said, ““We are over the moon to champion such a heartfelt, smart and funny film. Nana’s refreshing blend of charm and deadpan humor immediately immerses the viewer into her African...
Marking the feature debut of writer-director-actress Nana Mensah, the New York-set feature centers on Sarah (Mensah), a Ghanaian-American who looks to abandon her Ivy League doctoral program to follow her married lover across the country. As fate would have it, her plans fall apart, when her mother’s death leaves her the owner of a bookshop in the Bronx.
In making the acquisition announcement, Lorna Lee Torres, Magnolia Pictures’ Head of International Sales said, ““We are over the moon to champion such a heartfelt, smart and funny film. Nana’s refreshing blend of charm and deadpan humor immediately immerses the viewer into her African...
- 4/22/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Pushed back from its usual April slot, the Tribeca Film Festival will take place in June this year (specifically 9th through 20th) at venues across all five New York City boroughs and virtually. Ahead of the festival, the full feature film lineup has now been unveiling following the news that Jon M. Chu’s In the Heights will kick off the festivities.
Notable selections in the lineup include All These Sons, the new documentary from Minding the Gap director Bing Liu, co-directed with Joshua Altman; the Vanessa Kirby-led Italian Studies from Tramps director Adam Leon; False Positive, co-written, produced, and led by Ilana Glazer; the Elijah Wood-led No Man of God; and Scare Me director Josh Ruben’s Werewolves Within, the first trailer for which has now been unveiled; and the North American premiere of Jim Cummings and Pj McCabe’s The Beta Test.
Check out the lineup below.
Notable selections in the lineup include All These Sons, the new documentary from Minding the Gap director Bing Liu, co-directed with Joshua Altman; the Vanessa Kirby-led Italian Studies from Tramps director Adam Leon; False Positive, co-written, produced, and led by Ilana Glazer; the Elijah Wood-led No Man of God; and Scare Me director Josh Ruben’s Werewolves Within, the first trailer for which has now been unveiled; and the North American premiere of Jim Cummings and Pj McCabe’s The Beta Test.
Check out the lineup below.
- 4/21/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Tribeca Film Festival on Tuesday revealed its 2021 lineup, with 66 films spanning three competition sections as well as the annual event’s Viewpoints, Spotlight, Midnight, Movies Plus, and Tribeca Critics’ Week sections.
The festival will run June 9-20 with a mix of live in-person events at outdoor venues across all New York City boroughs. It kicks off with the world premiere of Warner Bros’ In the Heights, the adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway play set in the city’s Washington Heights neighborhood.
Other pics in the lineup that includes 56 world premieres are a selection of films that saw their 2020 Tribeca slots scrapped by the pandemic. There is also a series of Juneteenth programming throughout the sections that will celebrate voices from the African Diaspora, with special emphasis on African-American artists, performers, filmmakers, and interdisciplinary creators. The curation comes as this year’s dates had to be shifted to June...
The festival will run June 9-20 with a mix of live in-person events at outdoor venues across all New York City boroughs. It kicks off with the world premiere of Warner Bros’ In the Heights, the adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway play set in the city’s Washington Heights neighborhood.
Other pics in the lineup that includes 56 world premieres are a selection of films that saw their 2020 Tribeca slots scrapped by the pandemic. There is also a series of Juneteenth programming throughout the sections that will celebrate voices from the African Diaspora, with special emphasis on African-American artists, performers, filmmakers, and interdisciplinary creators. The curation comes as this year’s dates had to be shifted to June...
- 4/20/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Tribeca Film Festival announced the lineup for its 2021 edition, which will run June 9 through 20.
In response to the pandemic, the 12-day event will host in-person screenings and panels, most of which will occur outdoors and at drive-in venues. For the first time, Tribeca Film Festival is taking place not just in lower Manhattan, but across New York City’s five boroughs.
“Despite the challenges our industry faced this past year, it did not stop filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from creating compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking content,” said Paula Weinstein, chief content officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “The selections for each of these categories represent the tenacity and commitment of our creative community and we are so proud to include them as part of this year’s Festival and share them with our returning in-person audiences.”
This year’s festival slate includes 64 films from 81 filmmakers from more than 23 different countries. The lineup will...
In response to the pandemic, the 12-day event will host in-person screenings and panels, most of which will occur outdoors and at drive-in venues. For the first time, Tribeca Film Festival is taking place not just in lower Manhattan, but across New York City’s five boroughs.
“Despite the challenges our industry faced this past year, it did not stop filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from creating compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking content,” said Paula Weinstein, chief content officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “The selections for each of these categories represent the tenacity and commitment of our creative community and we are so proud to include them as part of this year’s Festival and share them with our returning in-person audiences.”
This year’s festival slate includes 64 films from 81 filmmakers from more than 23 different countries. The lineup will...
- 4/20/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
One silver lining to emerge out of 2020 was Ziwe, the sharp, Brooklyn comedian who encouraged us to self-reflect, laugh, and cringe at what we saw in the mirror with her video series “Baited.” Now, she’s teamed up with A24 for her own Variety series, titled “Ziwe.” Watch the first trailer below.
Ziwe serves as showrunner, writer, and actor on the series, bringing her singular, no-holds-barred brand of funny to Showtime for her late-night debut. The trailer is packed with special guests and familiar faces, including Jane Krakowski, Bowen Yang, Phoebe Bridgers, Cristin Milioti, Jeremy O. Harris, Fran Lebowitz, Patti Harrison, Cole Escola, and many more.
This looks to be the kind of in-your-face comedy pushing up against social norms that made “Baited” such a viral hit. In her weekly Instagram Live show that ran last summer, Ziwe grilled her guests in a scorching one-on-one targeting their privilege, white or otherwise,...
Ziwe serves as showrunner, writer, and actor on the series, bringing her singular, no-holds-barred brand of funny to Showtime for her late-night debut. The trailer is packed with special guests and familiar faces, including Jane Krakowski, Bowen Yang, Phoebe Bridgers, Cristin Milioti, Jeremy O. Harris, Fran Lebowitz, Patti Harrison, Cole Escola, and many more.
This looks to be the kind of in-your-face comedy pushing up against social norms that made “Baited” such a viral hit. In her weekly Instagram Live show that ran last summer, Ziwe grilled her guests in a scorching one-on-one targeting their privilege, white or otherwise,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Showtime released a trailer for “Ziwe,” a new variety series premiering May 9.
Starring the titular comedian, the show will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches, and unscripted and unpredictable interactions with everyday people. In the trailer, Ziwe gives a taste of this by smashing ukuleles with Phoebe Bridgers and asking Fran Lebowitz, “What bothers you more, slow walkers or racism?”
“Ziwe” is produced by A24 and executive produced by Ziwe, Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese.
Also in today’s TV news roundup, Discovery Plus announced the release of a special featuring exclusive filming and broadcast access to the finding of an ancient Egyptian city in Luxor. The special will follow the Egyptian mission under Dr. Zahi Hawass that resulted in the discovery of a city — The Rise of Aten — lost under the sands 3,000 years ago. The city dates to the reign of Amenhotep III and continued to be used by Tutankhamun and Ay.
Starring the titular comedian, the show will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches, and unscripted and unpredictable interactions with everyday people. In the trailer, Ziwe gives a taste of this by smashing ukuleles with Phoebe Bridgers and asking Fran Lebowitz, “What bothers you more, slow walkers or racism?”
“Ziwe” is produced by A24 and executive produced by Ziwe, Jamund Washington and Hunter Speese.
Also in today’s TV news roundup, Discovery Plus announced the release of a special featuring exclusive filming and broadcast access to the finding of an ancient Egyptian city in Luxor. The special will follow the Egyptian mission under Dr. Zahi Hawass that resulted in the discovery of a city — The Rise of Aten — lost under the sands 3,000 years ago. The city dates to the reign of Amenhotep III and continued to be used by Tutankhamun and Ay.
- 4/9/2021
- by Haley Bosselman and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Late-Night Laughs is Deadline’s weekly look at the business of jokes after dark. We focus on the biggest topics in the world of late-night, the people who make these shows tick and the moments that go viral. Drop me a line at pwhite@deadline.com with tips or suggestions.
This week, we hear from Ziwe Fumudoh about her new Showtime series, her hot take on the state of satire and how she’s the latest figure to join the late-night “renaissance”. We also look at how Jimmy Kimmel Live is quietly creeping up in the ratings and hear from Trevor Noah, who is set to pull double duty with a new weekly show on Paramount+ alongside his daily show.
Ziwe: Pushing Late-night Boundaries
Ziwe Fumudoh is well versed in the world of late-night, having interned on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report to writing on The Rundown with Robin Thede and Desus & Mero.
This week, we hear from Ziwe Fumudoh about her new Showtime series, her hot take on the state of satire and how she’s the latest figure to join the late-night “renaissance”. We also look at how Jimmy Kimmel Live is quietly creeping up in the ratings and hear from Trevor Noah, who is set to pull double duty with a new weekly show on Paramount+ alongside his daily show.
Ziwe: Pushing Late-night Boundaries
Ziwe Fumudoh is well versed in the world of late-night, having interned on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report to writing on The Rundown with Robin Thede and Desus & Mero.
- 2/26/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix announced the premiere date of “Jupiter’s Legacy,” and Showtime set the premiere date for Ziwe’s new variety show.
Casting
Rebbi Rosie, Keiynan Lonsdale and Enrique Murciano have joined Starz‘ “Step Up” series, while Terayle Hill was promoted to series regular, reprising his role as Marquise in the upcoming season. The new cast members join Christina Milian and Ne-Yo in the series inspired by the “Step Up” Lionsgate film franchise. It centers around Ne-Yo as Sage Odom, the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Art School, whose legacy and ventures are threatened by a dark secret. Rosie plays Angel, a Brit who ditched the underworld of London’s organized crime families to prove she belongs among the world’s best dancers; Lonsdale takes over the role of Tal, originally played by Petrice Jones, the lead dancer for Sage’s billion-dollar tour,...
Casting
Rebbi Rosie, Keiynan Lonsdale and Enrique Murciano have joined Starz‘ “Step Up” series, while Terayle Hill was promoted to series regular, reprising his role as Marquise in the upcoming season. The new cast members join Christina Milian and Ne-Yo in the series inspired by the “Step Up” Lionsgate film franchise. It centers around Ne-Yo as Sage Odom, the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Art School, whose legacy and ventures are threatened by a dark secret. Rosie plays Angel, a Brit who ditched the underworld of London’s organized crime families to prove she belongs among the world’s best dancers; Lonsdale takes over the role of Tal, originally played by Petrice Jones, the lead dancer for Sage’s billion-dollar tour,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Ziwe has lifted the lid on her eponymous Showtime sketch comedy series as the ViacomCBS network has set a May premiere for the show.
The network will launch Ziwe on Sunday May 8 at 11pm.
The six-part series, which scored a straight-to-series order in October, will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches, fake commercials and field pieces.
Ziwe Fumudoh, speaking at Showtime’s virtual press tour, says the show is a culmination of her refining her voice over the years, through stand up, writing for shows like Desus & Mero and Dickinson and a breakout Instagram Live series.
She also said that the main difference between her Ig show and the Showtime series was that this was a “fully-fledged” production. It will feature Search Party and At Home with Amy Sedaris star Cole Escola, who Ziwe said was also a writer on the show, as well as guest appearances from...
The network will launch Ziwe on Sunday May 8 at 11pm.
The six-part series, which scored a straight-to-series order in October, will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches, fake commercials and field pieces.
Ziwe Fumudoh, speaking at Showtime’s virtual press tour, says the show is a culmination of her refining her voice over the years, through stand up, writing for shows like Desus & Mero and Dickinson and a breakout Instagram Live series.
She also said that the main difference between her Ig show and the Showtime series was that this was a “fully-fledged” production. It will feature Search Party and At Home with Amy Sedaris star Cole Escola, who Ziwe said was also a writer on the show, as well as guest appearances from...
- 2/23/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the comedy world’s fastest-rising multihyphenates is just a few months away from adding another entry to her growing resume. “Ziwe” will premiere Sunday, May 9, Showtime revealed as part of its Tuesday panel for the Television Critics Association’s virtual Winter 2021 Press Tour. Announced back in October, the upcoming show will be hosted by Ziwe, taking the skills she’s brought to various online platforms and bringing them to a premium cable variety/sketch series.
In the official pre-panel announcement, Showtime said the upcoming season, spanning six episodes, “will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches and more – including unscripted and unpredictable interactions with everyday people.”
“Ziwe” will draw on its star’s talent as a writer (she previously worked on “Desus & Mero” when hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero made jump to Showtime) and a musician (her seven-song debut album dropped at the end of...
In the official pre-panel announcement, Showtime said the upcoming season, spanning six episodes, “will feature interviews, musical numbers, guest stars, sketches and more – including unscripted and unpredictable interactions with everyday people.”
“Ziwe” will draw on its star’s talent as a writer (she previously worked on “Desus & Mero” when hosts Desus Nice and The Kid Mero made jump to Showtime) and a musician (her seven-song debut album dropped at the end of...
- 2/23/2021
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Cinereach announced the four recipients of 2019’s Producer Award, a $50,000 filmmaking prize as part of the Cinereach Producers Initiative, on Friday.
The indie film company has selected Jessica Devaney (“Always in Season”), Alexandra Lazarowich (“Fast Horse”), Kishori Rajan (“Random Acts of Flyness”) and Jamund Washington (“Tramps”) as independent producers that have demonstrated vision and integrity, contributed to the film community as mentors and leaders, and enriched the culture through their films.
“This year’s group of recipients is particularly exciting because Jessica, Alexandra, Kishori and Jamund have each created poignant, culturally thoughtful work that breaks down barriers on a multitude of platforms. Their commitment to this type of work is shifting our industry in meaningful ways,” Merrill Sterritt, head of partnerships and creative initiatives at Cinereach, said in a statement.
Also Read: How to Be a 'Real' Producer: Know Your Audience and 'Fight for Your Life'
“We are proud to...
The indie film company has selected Jessica Devaney (“Always in Season”), Alexandra Lazarowich (“Fast Horse”), Kishori Rajan (“Random Acts of Flyness”) and Jamund Washington (“Tramps”) as independent producers that have demonstrated vision and integrity, contributed to the film community as mentors and leaders, and enriched the culture through their films.
“This year’s group of recipients is particularly exciting because Jessica, Alexandra, Kishori and Jamund have each created poignant, culturally thoughtful work that breaks down barriers on a multitude of platforms. Their commitment to this type of work is shifting our industry in meaningful ways,” Merrill Sterritt, head of partnerships and creative initiatives at Cinereach, said in a statement.
Also Read: How to Be a 'Real' Producer: Know Your Audience and 'Fight for Your Life'
“We are proud to...
- 6/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Production has just wrapped in New York City on an untitled film that Adam Leon wrote and directed, and which Vanessa Kirby starred in. Kirby won the BAFTA for The Crown, and co-starred in Mission Impossible: Fallout, and wrapped Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw. Leon’s recent films are Gimme the Loot and Tramps.
The story is being kept under wraps. It was developed by Leon in close consultation with Kirby for many months in advance of shooting. Kirby is also an executive producer on the film.
Animal Kingdom, which teamed with Leon on Tramps, produced alongside Topic Studios and Tango Entertainment.
Individual producers include Jamund Washington and Animal Kingdom’s Brad Becker-Parton, Andrea Roa and Joshua Astrachan.
The story is being kept under wraps. It was developed by Leon in close consultation with Kirby for many months in advance of shooting. Kirby is also an executive producer on the film.
Animal Kingdom, which teamed with Leon on Tramps, produced alongside Topic Studios and Tango Entertainment.
Individual producers include Jamund Washington and Animal Kingdom’s Brad Becker-Parton, Andrea Roa and Joshua Astrachan.
- 3/6/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO has renewed sketch series “Random Acts of Flyness” for a second season.
“We couldn’t be happier with the response to ‘Random Acts of Flyness’ – it’s struck such a powerful chord with our viewers,” said Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president, HBO Programming. “We’re thrilled to bring Terence and his team back for a second season of this provocative, remarkable series.”
From Terence Nance, “Random Acts of Kindness” explores “patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality from a new, thought-provoking perspective,” per its description.
Also Read: Damon Lindelof's 'Watchmen' Ordered to Series at HBO
Here’s more: A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, “Random Acts of Flyness” features a handful of interconnected vignettes in each episode, showcasing an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. The show is a mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation. Nance and his collaborators...
“We couldn’t be happier with the response to ‘Random Acts of Flyness’ – it’s struck such a powerful chord with our viewers,” said Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president, HBO Programming. “We’re thrilled to bring Terence and his team back for a second season of this provocative, remarkable series.”
From Terence Nance, “Random Acts of Kindness” explores “patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality from a new, thought-provoking perspective,” per its description.
Also Read: Damon Lindelof's 'Watchmen' Ordered to Series at HBO
Here’s more: A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, “Random Acts of Flyness” features a handful of interconnected vignettes in each episode, showcasing an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. The show is a mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation. Nance and his collaborators...
- 8/20/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
HBO has renewed “Random Acts of Flyness” for a second season, the premium cabler announced Monday.
From artist Terence Nance, the series kicked off its six-episode season on Aug. 3. The show explores evergreen cultural idioms such as patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality.
“We couldn’t be happier with the response to ‘Random Acts of Flyness’ – it’s struck such a powerful chord with our viewers,” said Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president of HBO Programming.. “We’re thrilled to bring Terence and his team back for a second season of this provocative, remarkable series.”
A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, the show features a handful of interconnected vignettes in each episode, showcasing an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. The show is a mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation. Nance and his collaborators weave together such themes as ancestral trauma, history, death,...
From artist Terence Nance, the series kicked off its six-episode season on Aug. 3. The show explores evergreen cultural idioms such as patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality.
“We couldn’t be happier with the response to ‘Random Acts of Flyness’ – it’s struck such a powerful chord with our viewers,” said Nina Rosenstein, executive vice president of HBO Programming.. “We’re thrilled to bring Terence and his team back for a second season of this provocative, remarkable series.”
A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, the show features a handful of interconnected vignettes in each episode, showcasing an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. The show is a mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation. Nance and his collaborators weave together such themes as ancestral trauma, history, death,...
- 8/20/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Just a little over two weeks into its first season, HBO has given an early season 2 renewal to its critically praised late-night series Random Acts of Flyness.
Created, written and directed by artist Terence Nance (An Oversimplification of Her Beauty), Random Acts Of Flyness explores evergreen cultural idioms such as patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality from a thought-provoking perspective. A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, the series features a handful of interconnected vignettes in each episode, featuring an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. The show is a mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation, weaving together themes such as ancestral trauma, history, death, the singularity, romance and more. Random Acts of Flyness kicked off its six-episode first season Friday, August 3 at midnight Et/Pt.
Nance executive produces with Tamir Muhammad, Jamund Washington, Kishori Rajan, Kelley Robins Hicks, Chanelle Aponte Pearson, Ravi Nandan and John Hodges.
Created, written and directed by artist Terence Nance (An Oversimplification of Her Beauty), Random Acts Of Flyness explores evergreen cultural idioms such as patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality from a thought-provoking perspective. A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, the series features a handful of interconnected vignettes in each episode, featuring an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. The show is a mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation, weaving together themes such as ancestral trauma, history, death, the singularity, romance and more. Random Acts of Flyness kicked off its six-episode first season Friday, August 3 at midnight Et/Pt.
Nance executive produces with Tamir Muhammad, Jamund Washington, Kishori Rajan, Kelley Robins Hicks, Chanelle Aponte Pearson, Ravi Nandan and John Hodges.
- 8/20/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
It was initially hard to understand what HBO meant when it first described “Random Acts of Flyness” as “a fluid, stream-of-conscious response to the contemporary American mediascape.” But it becomes clear exactly what that means barely two minutes into the series, a surreal shapeshifter that defies categorization with every (purposefully) jarring cut.
Under creator Terence Nance’s watchful and discerning eye, “Random Acts of Flyness” stitches everything from found footage, to satirical skits, to interviews reenacted through stop motion animation together with beautiful cinematography to create a sort of televisual collage. Together, they all reveal incisive truths about what it means to be black in America — or actually, “reveal” isn’t quite the right word, and neither is “show.” Instead “Acts of Flyness” wants to make its (white) audience feel what it means to be black in America.
A cartoon details a possibly dangerous scenario in which a black man...
Under creator Terence Nance’s watchful and discerning eye, “Random Acts of Flyness” stitches everything from found footage, to satirical skits, to interviews reenacted through stop motion animation together with beautiful cinematography to create a sort of televisual collage. Together, they all reveal incisive truths about what it means to be black in America — or actually, “reveal” isn’t quite the right word, and neither is “show.” Instead “Acts of Flyness” wants to make its (white) audience feel what it means to be black in America.
A cartoon details a possibly dangerous scenario in which a black man...
- 8/4/2018
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s upcoming late-night series Random Acts of Flyness from artist Terence Nance is set to debut its six-episode season on Aug. 3. The show will air every Friday at midnight Et/Pt and give a new, thought-provoking perspective on cultural idioms such as patriarchy, white supremacy, and, as shown in the video below, sensuality.
A fluid, mind-melting stream-of-conscious response to the contemporary American mediascape, each episode of Random Acts of Flyness will feature interconnected vignettes that makes the series a unique mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation. Nance has collaborated with a cast of emerging talent to explore themes such as ancestral trauma, history, death, the singularity, and romance to give audiences something never seen before. Nance, who is known for his envelope-pushing films seen at Sundance, describes the series as “a show about the beauty and ugliness of contemporary American life.”
In addition to writing,...
A fluid, mind-melting stream-of-conscious response to the contemporary American mediascape, each episode of Random Acts of Flyness will feature interconnected vignettes that makes the series a unique mix of vérité documentary, musical performances, surrealist melodrama and humorous animation. Nance has collaborated with a cast of emerging talent to explore themes such as ancestral trauma, history, death, the singularity, and romance to give audiences something never seen before. Nance, who is known for his envelope-pushing films seen at Sundance, describes the series as “a show about the beauty and ugliness of contemporary American life.”
In addition to writing,...
- 7/3/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
After earning acclaim with his debut feature Gimme the Loot, director Adam Leon is back with Tramps, which was one of our favorite films coming out of Toronto International Film Festival last year. Arriving in less than a week on Netflix, they’ve now released the first trailer for the rom-com-meets-crime-film starring Green Room‘s Callum Turner and Grace Van Patten (The Meyerowitz Stories, Under the Silver Lake) and featuring a score from Moonlight‘s Nicholas Britell.
“Whereas countless criminal endeavors of this ilk quickly turn into a race against time with someone kidnapped as collateral under threat of being maimed or killed, Leon really isn’t interested in such cliche,” we said in our review. “As it is, Tramps was born out of his and co-writer Jamund Washington’s desire to simply deliver fun romance at the movies. The dead-drop concept was created afterwards to provide a means for connection.
“Whereas countless criminal endeavors of this ilk quickly turn into a race against time with someone kidnapped as collateral under threat of being maimed or killed, Leon really isn’t interested in such cliche,” we said in our review. “As it is, Tramps was born out of his and co-writer Jamund Washington’s desire to simply deliver fun romance at the movies. The dead-drop concept was created afterwards to provide a means for connection.
- 4/17/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to Adam Leon’s new film “Tramps” following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, TheWrap has learned. The romantic-heist film follows a small-time criminal and his driver who screw up a drop and must sort things out or face dire consequences. The film stars Callum Turner and Grace Van Patten. Leon directed in addition to writing the screenplay, based off a story by himself and Jamund Washington. Comedian Mike Birbiglia also appears. Also Read: 'La La Land' Wins Toronto Audience Award Joshua Astrachan, David Kaplan, Andrea Roa and Washington produced the film.
- 9/19/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
The romantic comedy formula is one that can’t help but become redundant in premise. How many different scenarios are there for two people to converge? Even so, Adam Leon may have found a new one with his meet-cute during a dead-drop gone wrong called Tramps. It should have been a painless exchange: Ellie (Grace Van Patten) picks up Danny (Callum Turner), they retrieve a briefcase with unknown contents, and deliver said case to a woman with a green purse at the train station. She may have second thoughts and he may be pinch-hitting for brother Darren (Michal Vondel) who’s currently in jail, but how could anyone screw this up?
Easy: two women with green purses might be on the platform. And being the less than smooth operator Danny’s amateur chef proves, he takes the wrong one’s bag before quickly boarding the nearest train for escape. Only...
Easy: two women with green purses might be on the platform. And being the less than smooth operator Danny’s amateur chef proves, he takes the wrong one’s bag before quickly boarding the nearest train for escape. Only...
- 9/12/2016
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: WestEnd Films boards Animal Kingdom-produced rom-com starring rising UK actor Callum Turner.
Ahead of its world premiere in Toronto, WestEnd Films has boarded Tramps, the sophomore feature from Gimme The Loot writer-director Adam Leon.
Rising British actor and former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Callum Turner (BBC-twc’s War & Peace) stars in the rom-com, which is produced by Joshua Astrachan (Short Term 12) and David Kaplan (It Follows) of New York indie maestros Animal Kingdom, alongside Andrea Roa (Drinking Buddies) and Jamund Washington (Gimme The Loot). Washington also shares a story by credit on the film.
Green Room star Turner plays opposite another rising actor Grace Van Patten, who recently wrapped on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming untitled comedy with Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In Tramps, Ellie (Van Patten) and Danny (Turner) are an unlikely pair of would-be criminals thrown together over two New York City summer days. Their misadventures...
Ahead of its world premiere in Toronto, WestEnd Films has boarded Tramps, the sophomore feature from Gimme The Loot writer-director Adam Leon.
Rising British actor and former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Callum Turner (BBC-twc’s War & Peace) stars in the rom-com, which is produced by Joshua Astrachan (Short Term 12) and David Kaplan (It Follows) of New York indie maestros Animal Kingdom, alongside Andrea Roa (Drinking Buddies) and Jamund Washington (Gimme The Loot). Washington also shares a story by credit on the film.
Green Room star Turner plays opposite another rising actor Grace Van Patten, who recently wrapped on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming untitled comedy with Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In Tramps, Ellie (Van Patten) and Danny (Turner) are an unlikely pair of would-be criminals thrown together over two New York City summer days. Their misadventures...
- 8/17/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: WestEnd Films boards Animal Kingdom-produced rom-com starring rising UK actor Callum Turner.
Ahead of its world premiere in Toronto, WestEnd Films has boarded Tramps, the sophomore feature from Gimme The Loot writer-director Adam Leon.
Rising British actor and former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Callum Turner (BBC-twc’s War & Peace) stars in the rom-com, which is produced by Joshua Astrachan (Short Term 12) and David Kaplan (It Follows) of New York indie maestros Animal Kingdom, alongside Andrea Roa (Drinking Buddies) and Jamund Washington (Gimme The Loot). Washington also shares a story by credit on the film.
Green Room star Turner plays opposite another rising actor Grace Van Patten, who recently wrapped on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming untitled comedy with Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In Tramps, Ellie (Van Patten) and Danny (Turner) are an unlikely pair of would-be criminals thrown together over two New York City summer days. Their misadventures...
Ahead of its world premiere in Toronto, WestEnd Films has boarded Tramps, the sophomore feature from Gimme The Loot writer-director Adam Leon.
Rising British actor and former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Callum Turner (BBC-twc’s War & Peace) stars in the rom-com, which is produced by Joshua Astrachan (Short Term 12) and David Kaplan (It Follows) of New York indie maestros Animal Kingdom, alongside Andrea Roa (Drinking Buddies) and Jamund Washington (Gimme The Loot). Washington also shares a story by credit on the film.
Green Room star Turner plays opposite another rising actor Grace Van Patten, who recently wrapped on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming untitled comedy with Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In Tramps, Ellie (Van Patten) and Danny (Turner) are an unlikely pair of would-be criminals thrown together over two New York City summer days. Their misadventures...
- 8/17/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: WestEnd Films boards Animal Kingdom-produced rom-com starring rising UK actor Callum Turner.
Ahead of its world premiere in Toronto, WestEnd Films has boarded Tramps, the sophomore feature from Gimme The Loot writer-director Adam Leon.
Rising British actor and former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Callum Turner (BBC-twc’s War & Peace) stars in the rom-com, which is produced by Joshua Astrachan (Short Term 12) and David Kaplan (It Follows) of New York indie maestros Animal Kingdom, alongside Andrea Roa (Drinking Buddies) and Jamund Washington (Gimme The Loot). Washington also shares a story by credit on the film.
Green Room star Turner plays opposite another rising actor Grace Van Patten, who recently wrapped on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming untitled comedy with Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In Tramps, Ellie (Van Patten) and Danny (Turner) are an unlikely pair of would-be criminals thrown together over two New York City summer days. Their misadventures...
Ahead of its world premiere in Toronto, WestEnd Films has boarded Tramps, the sophomore feature from Gimme The Loot writer-director Adam Leon.
Rising British actor and former Screen Star Of Tomorrow Callum Turner (BBC-twc’s War & Peace) stars in the rom-com, which is produced by Joshua Astrachan (Short Term 12) and David Kaplan (It Follows) of New York indie maestros Animal Kingdom, alongside Andrea Roa (Drinking Buddies) and Jamund Washington (Gimme The Loot). Washington also shares a story by credit on the film.
Green Room star Turner plays opposite another rising actor Grace Van Patten, who recently wrapped on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming untitled comedy with Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In Tramps, Ellie (Van Patten) and Danny (Turner) are an unlikely pair of would-be criminals thrown together over two New York City summer days. Their misadventures...
- 8/17/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
We’d like to give as much insight into the project other than cast list and title, but Adam Leon‘s sophomore film has been existing somewhere off the radar. His debut became the Cinderella story of 2012 for micro-budgeted American indies. Gimme the Loot won the Grand Jury – Best Narrative Feature prize at the 2012 SXSW Film Fest and then became one of the rare SXSW-selected titles to break into Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section. Nominated for the Gotham Awards’ Breakthrough Director Award and both a nominee (for Best First Feature) and winner (Someone to Watch Award) at the Indie Spirits Awards, we imagine that the coin helped fund his larger-budgeted follow up. Working with another young cast, Tramps includes actors Callum Turner (Jeremy Saulnier’s Green Room) and newcomers Grace Van Patten and Michal Vondel.
Gist: Tbd.
Production Co./Producers: Dark Arts’ Andrea Roa (Unexpected), Joshua Astrachan...
Gist: Tbd.
Production Co./Producers: Dark Arts’ Andrea Roa (Unexpected), Joshua Astrachan...
- 11/25/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Us in Progress, developed in the framework of Champs Elysées Film Festival in Paris, is the first and only industry event devoted to U.S. indies in Europe. Its aim is to foster the circulation and distribution of films between U.S. and Europe.
The event takes place twice yearly: November at the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland and June here in Paris.
Usually five or six films are selected, all in post production stag, and a jury then decides which will be given further support to finish the film. Sponsors give needed technical support to the winner.
The European trade publication Cineuropa conducted interviews with the co-Founder and Head of Us In Progress, Adeline Monzier, and with Jury Member and Cannes Marche du Film Executive, Julie Bergeron.
The winning film this year was "Diverge".
The team from runner up film here "Queen of Glory" is also interviewed below.
“Most American producers have no idea how to reach the European market”, Adeline Monzier , Founder and organizer, Us in Progress
by Claire La Combe
Cineuropa sat down with Adeline Monzier at Us in Progress Paris to discuss various aspects of both American and European indie film circulation.
Four years ago, when she was head of the Europa Distribution network, Adeline Monzier created Us in Progress, a program dedicated to low-budget U.S. indie films. Today, she is also in charge of the Unifrance office in New York and runs a production company, Black Rabbit Film. In Paris, Cineuropa took the opportunity to discuss various aspects of both American and European indie film circulation with her.
Cineuropa: Why set up a U..S indie event in Europe?
Adeline Monzier: I realized that most American producers had no idea how to reach the European market. Usually, they lack a distribution strategy, not doing the right things at the right time. Films weren’t able to have the run that they could have had. Us in Progress is based on that idea: we show a selection of films to European professionals before they hit the festival circuit. It is about raising awareness. We are focusing on very few films that we think can have a career in Europe or that are worth discovering.
Do you have any success stories?
We have a few success stories. For example, two years ago, we had "Ping Pong Summer" by Michael Tully: Films Boutique discovered the film here and picked up the rights; they knew it would be a niche film with a specific audience, but they sold it in a lot of territories… Not always theatrically… But in terms of revenues for the filmmaker, it was a very interesting deal.
What’s your opinion of the circulation of indie films?
American indies in Europe have a tough time because there are no subsidies to support the distribution of these movies. The European markets are so overwhelmed by American movies that for national bodies, it doesn’t make sense to support their circulation. When faced with a very good European film and a very good U.S. film, distributors will always pick the European one because they can get subsidies. That said, for the audience, American films still have an appeal. The English language will always be easier to sell… So there is ambivalence.
What about the European indies on the U.S. market?
European film is a very small market in the U.S… Foreign movies represent around 2% of the market share, and between 0.5% and 1% are French films. That means there is less space for non-French, non-American movies.
Why?
The American market is very strong and concentrated as well, as in Europe, and blockbusters draw in most of the audience. Plus, Americans are not at all used to subtitled films, and there is no dubbing, because it is too expensive[sic], except for animated films sometimes . (Editor, Sydney here: because Americans do not like dubbed films!)
Do you see any differences in terms of financing practices between Europe and the U.S.?
They are two very different systems. The entire system in the U.S. is based on private equity. You need to have the right connections. Also, the average production budget for an indie film is very low compared to a European film. But Americans are very resourceful; they can usually play several different roles in their films, from editing to producing, just because they want to achieve economies of scale, whereas in Europe, it is much rarer to have a director juggling different positions.
Do you think digitization has had an impact on film circulation?
It is definitely easier for indie filmmakers to distribute their films nowadays. They have access to platforms and VOD. A lot of independent directors now use the day-and-date release because theaters enable you to raise awareness about the film and to help the audience to go and see the film on VOD. Still, income from VOD is very low for independent films. With digital, the problem remains the same! You have to market a film; if you don’t have the money to promote the film, then it is going to be lost within the platform.
Can we predict that digital will foster a common system between the Us and Europe in terms of producing?
No; the markets are too diverse. A lot of European filmmakers go to the Us to shoot because they want to enjoy the freedom of not having the old subsidy system schemes. On the other hand, you have American filmmakers looking for European producers in order to benefit from the whole funding system. So today, there are a lot more cross-connections, but the systems are very different, and I don’t think they will merge, even with digital.
“The biggest challenge is to make a film that will circulate and find an audience”
Julie Bergeron, Cannes Film Market, member of the Us in Progress jury
by Claire La Combe
Cineuropa sat down with Julie Bergeron at Us in Progress Paris to discuss support for independent film and its future prospects
On Wednesday night, the American film "Diverge" by James Morrison was awarded the Us in Progress Award. Just after the ceremony, Cineuropa met up with one of the jury members, Julie Bergeron, head of industry programs at the Cannes Film Market. She elaborated on her views on the topic of support for independent film and its future prospects.
Cineuropa: Why are you part of the Us in Progress jury?
Julie Bergeron: There is a lot of interest in seeing films from Us independents; it is always interesting to look out for films that are made on a low budget and with strong stories. We support the winning producers by offering an accreditation for the Producers’ Network at Cannes to help them to pursue meetings and networking, and hopefully find distribution for their films.
Have you seen any kind of evolution in the selections?
Yes. It seems that they are receiving more and more projects. It is an event that is now well known in the U.S. and Europe. With the link to Poland and the event happening twice a year, we saw an evolution in the diversity of the projects. This year, the diversity was very strong, with a horror-comedy film, a sci-fi movie and an Lgbt romance.
Do you think all of this diversity has a place in the next Producers’ Network?
Yes, of course! We welcome 200 producers at the Breakfast Meetings every morning in Cannes, and they come from all over the world. It is a place where they wish to connect with sales agents, financiers and potential partners to network and discuss their projects. The idea is specifically to support producers who want to connect with the international market. That is the biggest challenge for every filmmaker: to make a movie that will attract a larger audience than in its own country.
Do you see any similarities between American and European independent films?
They are different because in Europe, there is a lot of public support for films, and there is a strong tradition of the author-driven movie. In the U.S., the independents have to find private financing for the films. Plus, they don’t have access to any co-production, because there are no co-production treaties in the Us, whereas in Europe, the movies can access funding from many territories. The Us independents are very much on their own when it comes to financing their films.
What kind of qualities was the jury looking for in the winning film?
We had a lot of discussions; the stages of the presented films were not the same. "Diverge" is the one we found to be the most advanced: it is a low-budget film, and the story – while there is some work still to be done – is really there. There are a lot of genre-film festivals, and hopefully the movie will travel. And also, I think that a young audience driven by sci-fi and genre would like it.
Do you think such an event should be created for European films in America?
I’m not sure; it would be difficult… If a European film does not find a sales agent in Europe, it might be difficult to find one in the USA. The movie would need to have a strong “American” sensibility… There are some work-in-progress (Wip) experiences in Latin America, and they work well. But in Latin America, they don’t have a lot of sales agents; they have to show their films anyway to break through, as they have no alternative. Europeans are more reluctant to show a film that is not yet finished, especially those who are in countries with a strong production capacity. Now the market goes really fast, the windows for the films are getting smaller and smaller, and you have to be sure whenever you show the film that it is the best way to present it to professionals… But wait… I’m not saying that such an event shouldn’t exist!
How do you see the future of the independent film industry?
I think there will always be filmmakers making films independently because it’s a strong medium for expression. In fact, it’s the strongest: you have the sound, the image, the music, the story… You have everything!
Who will be financing them?
Well, you still have strong companies! My hope is that companies that own the distribution platforms, like VoD players, Netflix and all these people, will start investing in the creation process. Canal+ in France takes part in the financing, so if we can bring these “pipes” to invest in the content, then we have a chance, and they are starting to do so, slowly. But it is going to be increasingly driven by big audiences. The pressure there for the kind of independent films that we saw at Us in Progress is enormous. If these small films are not picked up by a big festival and noticed by the industry, their chances of finding distribution are tiny.
"European audiences are more film-educated"
Us in Progress Filmmakers Speak Up
by Claire La Combe
Cineuropa sat down with Jamund Washington ("Queen of Glory"), Nana Mensah ("Queen of Glory"), Baff Akoto ("Queen of Glory") and Gabe Klinger ("Porto, Mon Amour") at Us in Progress Paris to chat about the current and future independent film environment
The four young filmmakers, all living and working in New York City but hailing from diverse backgrounds ranging from Ghana to Brazil, via London, exchanged their opinions on the current and future independent film environment during a chat characterized by idealization and a smidgen of pessimism.
Cineuropa: What is your opinion of film festivals? What role do they play?
Jamund Washington: Anything that gets people to go and sit and watch your story is great.
Nana Mensah: At this point, in the way the game has been shaped, it would not be possible to make independent films without festivals; they are great entry points for films outside the system. There is a sort of renaissance that allows people like me to make films now – the barriers are lower.
Why come here to Paris, to Europe?
Nm: In Paris, I can put my fingers on the pulse of European culture. I think "Queen of Glory" has more meaning here than perhaps in an American market. With its visual aspects and its African topic, our film has links with Europe. We have already received such a warm reception here in France, so I’m hoping that will continue.
Jw: European audiences are more film-educated. We feel like the audience will better understand the stage that we are now at. Not that there are no places where you can find that audience in the United States… I’m just generalising.
Gabe Klinger: Parisian moviegoers are the most sophisticated in the world, and that’s a fact! No one can contest that.
Baff Akoto: The French would contest that (laughs). But seriously, film is culture here, as opposed to predominantly entertainment, which is the case in the Us.
Jw: Yes, culture in the Us is like a small subculture of big entertainment.
Do you have an opinion on the European film-financing system?
BA: I know that the co-production financing system is good. And the soft money in Europe attracts everybody in America from big studio productions to small indie films because it allows a lot of projects to get made that would not necessarily find money. And it provides a framework, too, alternatives that are available for films that would never get financed in America.
How do you feel about digitisation?
BA: In England, a lot of films only get the chance to break out because of digital prints. Anything that helps smaller films to become more visible is good.
Gk: I’m going to be the contrarian. Because digital is not an archival medium, and so we are risking losing all the digital information in 25 years, all these files and DCPs can be corrupted and become inaccessible. In terms of circulation, digital is going to be your best friend, but still… For Porto Mon Amour, we will use digital distribution and on-film copies. It is a luxury; a lot of producers would spend the money on something else. It is the way I want to engage with an audience that still appreciates watching a movie on film. It’s just more expensive.
How do you see the future for independent films?
Jw: I wish I knew – it would make my life a lot easier.
BA: Netflix!
Jw: I don’t know; I think a lot of stuff is going to happen… We should just keep telling stories.
Gk: It is exciting because there is a lot of demand for content right now, and that’s because of the new platform for distribution. Unfortunately, most of it is not in theaters… We will see… The pessimist in me says that the content we are producing now is not going to live very long in cinemas.
BA: Cinema is not going to die, though. No one goes to church, and people still go to the cinema; it is the one place where we still commune.
The event takes place twice yearly: November at the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Poland and June here in Paris.
Usually five or six films are selected, all in post production stag, and a jury then decides which will be given further support to finish the film. Sponsors give needed technical support to the winner.
The European trade publication Cineuropa conducted interviews with the co-Founder and Head of Us In Progress, Adeline Monzier, and with Jury Member and Cannes Marche du Film Executive, Julie Bergeron.
The winning film this year was "Diverge".
The team from runner up film here "Queen of Glory" is also interviewed below.
“Most American producers have no idea how to reach the European market”, Adeline Monzier , Founder and organizer, Us in Progress
by Claire La Combe
Cineuropa sat down with Adeline Monzier at Us in Progress Paris to discuss various aspects of both American and European indie film circulation.
Four years ago, when she was head of the Europa Distribution network, Adeline Monzier created Us in Progress, a program dedicated to low-budget U.S. indie films. Today, she is also in charge of the Unifrance office in New York and runs a production company, Black Rabbit Film. In Paris, Cineuropa took the opportunity to discuss various aspects of both American and European indie film circulation with her.
Cineuropa: Why set up a U..S indie event in Europe?
Adeline Monzier: I realized that most American producers had no idea how to reach the European market. Usually, they lack a distribution strategy, not doing the right things at the right time. Films weren’t able to have the run that they could have had. Us in Progress is based on that idea: we show a selection of films to European professionals before they hit the festival circuit. It is about raising awareness. We are focusing on very few films that we think can have a career in Europe or that are worth discovering.
Do you have any success stories?
We have a few success stories. For example, two years ago, we had "Ping Pong Summer" by Michael Tully: Films Boutique discovered the film here and picked up the rights; they knew it would be a niche film with a specific audience, but they sold it in a lot of territories… Not always theatrically… But in terms of revenues for the filmmaker, it was a very interesting deal.
What’s your opinion of the circulation of indie films?
American indies in Europe have a tough time because there are no subsidies to support the distribution of these movies. The European markets are so overwhelmed by American movies that for national bodies, it doesn’t make sense to support their circulation. When faced with a very good European film and a very good U.S. film, distributors will always pick the European one because they can get subsidies. That said, for the audience, American films still have an appeal. The English language will always be easier to sell… So there is ambivalence.
What about the European indies on the U.S. market?
European film is a very small market in the U.S… Foreign movies represent around 2% of the market share, and between 0.5% and 1% are French films. That means there is less space for non-French, non-American movies.
Why?
The American market is very strong and concentrated as well, as in Europe, and blockbusters draw in most of the audience. Plus, Americans are not at all used to subtitled films, and there is no dubbing, because it is too expensive[sic], except for animated films sometimes . (Editor, Sydney here: because Americans do not like dubbed films!)
Do you see any differences in terms of financing practices between Europe and the U.S.?
They are two very different systems. The entire system in the U.S. is based on private equity. You need to have the right connections. Also, the average production budget for an indie film is very low compared to a European film. But Americans are very resourceful; they can usually play several different roles in their films, from editing to producing, just because they want to achieve economies of scale, whereas in Europe, it is much rarer to have a director juggling different positions.
Do you think digitization has had an impact on film circulation?
It is definitely easier for indie filmmakers to distribute their films nowadays. They have access to platforms and VOD. A lot of independent directors now use the day-and-date release because theaters enable you to raise awareness about the film and to help the audience to go and see the film on VOD. Still, income from VOD is very low for independent films. With digital, the problem remains the same! You have to market a film; if you don’t have the money to promote the film, then it is going to be lost within the platform.
Can we predict that digital will foster a common system between the Us and Europe in terms of producing?
No; the markets are too diverse. A lot of European filmmakers go to the Us to shoot because they want to enjoy the freedom of not having the old subsidy system schemes. On the other hand, you have American filmmakers looking for European producers in order to benefit from the whole funding system. So today, there are a lot more cross-connections, but the systems are very different, and I don’t think they will merge, even with digital.
“The biggest challenge is to make a film that will circulate and find an audience”
Julie Bergeron, Cannes Film Market, member of the Us in Progress jury
by Claire La Combe
Cineuropa sat down with Julie Bergeron at Us in Progress Paris to discuss support for independent film and its future prospects
On Wednesday night, the American film "Diverge" by James Morrison was awarded the Us in Progress Award. Just after the ceremony, Cineuropa met up with one of the jury members, Julie Bergeron, head of industry programs at the Cannes Film Market. She elaborated on her views on the topic of support for independent film and its future prospects.
Cineuropa: Why are you part of the Us in Progress jury?
Julie Bergeron: There is a lot of interest in seeing films from Us independents; it is always interesting to look out for films that are made on a low budget and with strong stories. We support the winning producers by offering an accreditation for the Producers’ Network at Cannes to help them to pursue meetings and networking, and hopefully find distribution for their films.
Have you seen any kind of evolution in the selections?
Yes. It seems that they are receiving more and more projects. It is an event that is now well known in the U.S. and Europe. With the link to Poland and the event happening twice a year, we saw an evolution in the diversity of the projects. This year, the diversity was very strong, with a horror-comedy film, a sci-fi movie and an Lgbt romance.
Do you think all of this diversity has a place in the next Producers’ Network?
Yes, of course! We welcome 200 producers at the Breakfast Meetings every morning in Cannes, and they come from all over the world. It is a place where they wish to connect with sales agents, financiers and potential partners to network and discuss their projects. The idea is specifically to support producers who want to connect with the international market. That is the biggest challenge for every filmmaker: to make a movie that will attract a larger audience than in its own country.
Do you see any similarities between American and European independent films?
They are different because in Europe, there is a lot of public support for films, and there is a strong tradition of the author-driven movie. In the U.S., the independents have to find private financing for the films. Plus, they don’t have access to any co-production, because there are no co-production treaties in the Us, whereas in Europe, the movies can access funding from many territories. The Us independents are very much on their own when it comes to financing their films.
What kind of qualities was the jury looking for in the winning film?
We had a lot of discussions; the stages of the presented films were not the same. "Diverge" is the one we found to be the most advanced: it is a low-budget film, and the story – while there is some work still to be done – is really there. There are a lot of genre-film festivals, and hopefully the movie will travel. And also, I think that a young audience driven by sci-fi and genre would like it.
Do you think such an event should be created for European films in America?
I’m not sure; it would be difficult… If a European film does not find a sales agent in Europe, it might be difficult to find one in the USA. The movie would need to have a strong “American” sensibility… There are some work-in-progress (Wip) experiences in Latin America, and they work well. But in Latin America, they don’t have a lot of sales agents; they have to show their films anyway to break through, as they have no alternative. Europeans are more reluctant to show a film that is not yet finished, especially those who are in countries with a strong production capacity. Now the market goes really fast, the windows for the films are getting smaller and smaller, and you have to be sure whenever you show the film that it is the best way to present it to professionals… But wait… I’m not saying that such an event shouldn’t exist!
How do you see the future of the independent film industry?
I think there will always be filmmakers making films independently because it’s a strong medium for expression. In fact, it’s the strongest: you have the sound, the image, the music, the story… You have everything!
Who will be financing them?
Well, you still have strong companies! My hope is that companies that own the distribution platforms, like VoD players, Netflix and all these people, will start investing in the creation process. Canal+ in France takes part in the financing, so if we can bring these “pipes” to invest in the content, then we have a chance, and they are starting to do so, slowly. But it is going to be increasingly driven by big audiences. The pressure there for the kind of independent films that we saw at Us in Progress is enormous. If these small films are not picked up by a big festival and noticed by the industry, their chances of finding distribution are tiny.
"European audiences are more film-educated"
Us in Progress Filmmakers Speak Up
by Claire La Combe
Cineuropa sat down with Jamund Washington ("Queen of Glory"), Nana Mensah ("Queen of Glory"), Baff Akoto ("Queen of Glory") and Gabe Klinger ("Porto, Mon Amour") at Us in Progress Paris to chat about the current and future independent film environment
The four young filmmakers, all living and working in New York City but hailing from diverse backgrounds ranging from Ghana to Brazil, via London, exchanged their opinions on the current and future independent film environment during a chat characterized by idealization and a smidgen of pessimism.
Cineuropa: What is your opinion of film festivals? What role do they play?
Jamund Washington: Anything that gets people to go and sit and watch your story is great.
Nana Mensah: At this point, in the way the game has been shaped, it would not be possible to make independent films without festivals; they are great entry points for films outside the system. There is a sort of renaissance that allows people like me to make films now – the barriers are lower.
Why come here to Paris, to Europe?
Nm: In Paris, I can put my fingers on the pulse of European culture. I think "Queen of Glory" has more meaning here than perhaps in an American market. With its visual aspects and its African topic, our film has links with Europe. We have already received such a warm reception here in France, so I’m hoping that will continue.
Jw: European audiences are more film-educated. We feel like the audience will better understand the stage that we are now at. Not that there are no places where you can find that audience in the United States… I’m just generalising.
Gabe Klinger: Parisian moviegoers are the most sophisticated in the world, and that’s a fact! No one can contest that.
Baff Akoto: The French would contest that (laughs). But seriously, film is culture here, as opposed to predominantly entertainment, which is the case in the Us.
Jw: Yes, culture in the Us is like a small subculture of big entertainment.
Do you have an opinion on the European film-financing system?
BA: I know that the co-production financing system is good. And the soft money in Europe attracts everybody in America from big studio productions to small indie films because it allows a lot of projects to get made that would not necessarily find money. And it provides a framework, too, alternatives that are available for films that would never get financed in America.
How do you feel about digitisation?
BA: In England, a lot of films only get the chance to break out because of digital prints. Anything that helps smaller films to become more visible is good.
Gk: I’m going to be the contrarian. Because digital is not an archival medium, and so we are risking losing all the digital information in 25 years, all these files and DCPs can be corrupted and become inaccessible. In terms of circulation, digital is going to be your best friend, but still… For Porto Mon Amour, we will use digital distribution and on-film copies. It is a luxury; a lot of producers would spend the money on something else. It is the way I want to engage with an audience that still appreciates watching a movie on film. It’s just more expensive.
How do you see the future for independent films?
Jw: I wish I knew – it would make my life a lot easier.
BA: Netflix!
Jw: I don’t know; I think a lot of stuff is going to happen… We should just keep telling stories.
Gk: It is exciting because there is a lot of demand for content right now, and that’s because of the new platform for distribution. Unfortunately, most of it is not in theaters… We will see… The pessimist in me says that the content we are producing now is not going to live very long in cinemas.
BA: Cinema is not going to die, though. No one goes to church, and people still go to the cinema; it is the one place where we still commune.
- 6/15/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Sci-fi thriller wins fourth edition of Us indie showcase in Paris.
James Morrison’s debut sci-fi thriller Diverge has won the fourth edition of indie showcase Us in Progress in Paris.
The time-warp drama revolves around the survivor of a global catastrophe who is given a chance to reclaim his lost former life by stopping the man who caused the cataclysmic event - himself.
It is debut feature for Morrison after shorts Stay True and Little Brother, which travelled the North American festival circuit.
The Paris Us in Progress showcase – a joint initiative between the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Champs-Élysées Film Festival in Paris and Black Rabbit Film – aims to connect upcoming Us independent films with distributors and sales agents in Europe.
Last year’s winner, Benjamin Dickinson’s Creative Control premiered at SXSW, where it took the Special Jury Recognition for Visual Excellence award, before being picked up for international sales by Paris-based The Coproduction...
James Morrison’s debut sci-fi thriller Diverge has won the fourth edition of indie showcase Us in Progress in Paris.
The time-warp drama revolves around the survivor of a global catastrophe who is given a chance to reclaim his lost former life by stopping the man who caused the cataclysmic event - himself.
It is debut feature for Morrison after shorts Stay True and Little Brother, which travelled the North American festival circuit.
The Paris Us in Progress showcase – a joint initiative between the American Film Festival in Wroclaw, Champs-Élysées Film Festival in Paris and Black Rabbit Film – aims to connect upcoming Us independent films with distributors and sales agents in Europe.
Last year’s winner, Benjamin Dickinson’s Creative Control premiered at SXSW, where it took the Special Jury Recognition for Visual Excellence award, before being picked up for international sales by Paris-based The Coproduction...
- 6/12/2015
- ScreenDaily
Deb Shoval’s adaptation of her award-winning short (Awol), Carson Mell’s feature film debut (Another Evil) and Gabe Klinger’s Porto, Mon Amour starring Anton Yelchin and Lucie Lucas (see prod photo above) are among the half dozen projects in post-production that were selected for the U.S. in Progress Paris workshop. With all the buzz surrounding Cannes, we lost track of the unveiling of Champs-Élysées Film Festival’s selection which has also provided us with a possible preview of possible Sundance and SXSW titles for the 2016 campaign. Here are the six projects:
Another Evil, directed by Carson Mell (produced by Riel Roch Decter and Sebastian Pardo)
Awol – Deb Shoval (produced by Jessica Caldwell, L.A. Teodosio and Michel Merkt)
Diverge – James Morrison (produced by David Mandel and Noah Lang)
Live Cargo – Logan Sandler (produced by Thymaya Payne) ;
Porto Mon Amour – Gabe Klinger (produced by Rodrigo Areias, Nicolas R. de la Mothe,...
Another Evil, directed by Carson Mell (produced by Riel Roch Decter and Sebastian Pardo)
Awol – Deb Shoval (produced by Jessica Caldwell, L.A. Teodosio and Michel Merkt)
Diverge – James Morrison (produced by David Mandel and Noah Lang)
Live Cargo – Logan Sandler (produced by Thymaya Payne) ;
Porto Mon Amour – Gabe Klinger (produced by Rodrigo Areias, Nicolas R. de la Mothe,...
- 5/13/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
It would be the film with the juju in David O. Russell’s zany black comedy that was the toast of the 28th Independent Spirit Awards beating Beasts Of The Southern Wild – its fiercest rival in all major categories. Silver Linings Playbook cleaned up, grabbing Best Feature, Director, Screenplay and Best Actress went to Jennifer Lawrence – the heavy favorite for tomorrow’s Oscar. Fox Searchlight might have grabbed only one award for Beasts in the Cinematography category, but it’s other Sundance pick-up The Sessions managed to nab a pair of acting prizes for Helen Hunt and Oscar snubbed John Hawkes for Best Male Lead. In our favorite grant categories, Adam Leon (Gimme the Loot) nabbed the Someone to Watch Award (last year it went to Mark Jackson), the Piaget Producers Award went to Mynette Louie (she produced Tze Chun’s sophomore film Eye of Winter which we are keeping...
- 2/24/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" was the big winner at the 28th annual Independent Spirit Awards held in Santa Monica, CA this afternoon and hosted by Andy Samberg. "Silver Linings" took home the Best Feature, Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Director, and Screenplay trophies.
McConaughey, who nearly stole the show in Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," won the Best Supporting Male award for a performance that was largely ignored by the Academy Awards. As Samberg astutely observed, "We've got Matthew McConaughey...Hollywood fuck you!"
Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Female Lead award for "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes took home the Best Male Lead trophy for "Sessions." His co-star, Helen Hunt, won the Best Supporting Female award.
Michael Haneke's "Amour," a darling of the 85th Academy Awards, deservingly won Best International Film.
The awards show can be seen on IFC tonight at 10 pm (Est).
Here's the full list...
McConaughey, who nearly stole the show in Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," won the Best Supporting Male award for a performance that was largely ignored by the Academy Awards. As Samberg astutely observed, "We've got Matthew McConaughey...Hollywood fuck you!"
Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Female Lead award for "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes took home the Best Male Lead trophy for "Sessions." His co-star, Helen Hunt, won the Best Supporting Female award.
Michael Haneke's "Amour," a darling of the 85th Academy Awards, deservingly won Best International Film.
The awards show can be seen on IFC tonight at 10 pm (Est).
Here's the full list...
- 2/24/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Today the 2013 Spirit Awards were handed out and it was a dominating effort from Silver Linings Playbook as it won Best Picture, Director (David O. Russell), Actress (Jennifer Lawrence) and Screenplay (Russell). The only award it was nominated for and didn't win was Best Actor where Bradley Cooper lost to John Hawkes for The Sessions, but that's only a minor blip on the radar when you win this big. Among the early awards handed out, Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower won for Best First Feature while Derek Connolly won for Best First Screenplay for the romantic sci-fi film Safety Not Guaranteed. Then the Twitterverse exploded with a Best Supporting Actor win for Matthew McConaughey and his work in Magic Mike, which, for a time, seemed like it may be able to eek into that last Supporting slot at the Oscars. No dice, a Spirit Award it will have to be.
- 2/23/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The 28th Annual Film Independent Spirit Award nominations were announced eaelier today and while Moonrise Kingdom and Silver Linings Playbook both grabbed five noms a piece, it is Bernie, Keep The Lights On and Beasts of the Southern Wild who are glowing with their four noms each. Our jeers, cheers and snubs commentary shall be coming soon. Here are the entire list of nominees for the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature:
Beasts of the Southern Wild – Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn
Bernie – Producers: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne, Celine Rattray, Martin Shafer, Ginger Sledge, Matt Williams
Keep the Lights On – Producers: Marie Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin, Ira Sachs
Moonrise Kingdom – Producers: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales, Scott Rudin
Silver Linings Playbook – Producers: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon
Best Director
Wes Anderson – Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev – The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell...
Best Feature:
Beasts of the Southern Wild – Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn
Bernie – Producers: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne, Celine Rattray, Martin Shafer, Ginger Sledge, Matt Williams
Keep the Lights On – Producers: Marie Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin, Ira Sachs
Moonrise Kingdom – Producers: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales, Scott Rudin
Silver Linings Playbook – Producers: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon
Best Director
Wes Anderson – Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev – The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell...
- 11/27/2012
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Nominations for the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced today and were led by Moonrise Kingdom and Silver Linings Playbook with five nominations each followed closely by fellow Best Feature nominees Beasts of the Southern Wild and Keep the Lights On as well as Ava DuVernay's Middle of Nowhere, each with four nominations. Richard Linklater's Bernie was the fifth Best Feature nominee while Middle of Nowhere found its four nominations largely in the acting categories with Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo and Lorraine Toussant all being nominated and the fourth for the John Cassavetes Award, which goes to the "best" film made for under $500,000. Looking over the list of nominees I can't help but shrug at the screenplay nomination for Ruby Sparks (a film I loathed), but it's nice to see some First Time Feature love for Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Actors Anna Kendrick, Zoe Saldana and Common presented the nominees for the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards in a press conference on Tuesday, November 27 at 10:00 am at The W Hotel in Hollywood.
Both "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Moonrise Kingdom" lead the nominations including best picture where they will compete with "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Bernie," and "Keep the Lights On."
Directors Wes Anderson ("Moonrise Kingdom") and David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") are also nominated in the best director category along with Julia Loktev ("The Loneliest Planet"), Ira Sachs ("Keep the Lights On"), and Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild").
And actor Matthew McConaughey's transformation is now complete. He is nominated for both best actor ("Killer Joe") and best supporting actor ("Magic Mike").
Winners of the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be announced on February 23, 2013 when they will hold their traditional Saturday afternoon awards show...
Both "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Moonrise Kingdom" lead the nominations including best picture where they will compete with "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Bernie," and "Keep the Lights On."
Directors Wes Anderson ("Moonrise Kingdom") and David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") are also nominated in the best director category along with Julia Loktev ("The Loneliest Planet"), Ira Sachs ("Keep the Lights On"), and Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild").
And actor Matthew McConaughey's transformation is now complete. He is nominated for both best actor ("Killer Joe") and best supporting actor ("Magic Mike").
Winners of the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be announced on February 23, 2013 when they will hold their traditional Saturday afternoon awards show...
- 11/27/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
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