Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas have been cast in 'Power Ballad'.The duo are attached to the musical comedy movie that tells the story of a wedding singer (Rudd), a rock star (Jonas) and the song that comes between them.John Carney is directing the movie that has already started filming in Dublin and will be of interest at the Cannes market this month.Carney has penned the script with Peter McDonald and 30West, WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group are representing domestic sales for the movie while WME are responsible for the overseas rights.The Irish filmmaker said: "I'm delighted to be working with so many great people. I've been working on this script with my buddy Peter for years, and now Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are in my kitchen."Alex Walton of WME added: "We are so excited to bring John Carney's next film to Cannes.
- 5/3/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd are set to star in “Power Ballad” a musical comedy from John Carney, who directed “Once” and “Sing Street.” They are currently filming in Dublin.
“Power Ballad” was written by Carney and Peter McDonald. The official logline for the film reads, “An uplifting music-driven story about a wedding singer, a rock star and the song that comes between them.”
Jonas and Rudd are both known for their work on-screen with Jonas’ credits including “Camp Rock,” Scream Queens” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and a TV performance of “Jersey Boys Live!” Rudd is known for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “Only Murders In The Building,” “Knocked Up” and Marvel’s Ant-Man films.
However, both of them have stacked Broadway credits, too. Jonas started acting on Broadway at seven years old. He’s been in “Les Misérables,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Hairspray,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying...
“Power Ballad” was written by Carney and Peter McDonald. The official logline for the film reads, “An uplifting music-driven story about a wedding singer, a rock star and the song that comes between them.”
Jonas and Rudd are both known for their work on-screen with Jonas’ credits including “Camp Rock,” Scream Queens” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and a TV performance of “Jersey Boys Live!” Rudd is known for “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” “Only Murders In The Building,” “Knocked Up” and Marvel’s Ant-Man films.
However, both of them have stacked Broadway credits, too. Jonas started acting on Broadway at seven years old. He’s been in “Les Misérables,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Hairspray,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying...
- 5/2/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
Scout a picturesque cliffside and fire up the wind machines because Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas are ready to feel the wind in their hair while serenading audiences for the musical comedy Power Ballad. The film starring Rudd and Jonas revolves around a wedding singer (Rudd), a rock star (Jonas), and the song that divides them. The project hails from 30West and Anthony Bregman’s Likely Story.
John Carney directs Power Ballad from a script he co-wrote with Peter McDonald, who wrote and directed the comedy short Pentecost and co-wrote The Bachelor Weekend with John Butler.
“We are so excited to bring John Carney’s next film to Cannes. John has a magic ability to weave great music into wonderfully engaging and universally relatable stories that make audience emotions run high,” said Alex Walton of WME. “Power Ballad is fun and heartwarming – themes that audiences crave today. His unique vision,...
John Carney directs Power Ballad from a script he co-wrote with Peter McDonald, who wrote and directed the comedy short Pentecost and co-wrote The Bachelor Weekend with John Butler.
“We are so excited to bring John Carney’s next film to Cannes. John has a magic ability to weave great music into wonderfully engaging and universally relatable stories that make audience emotions run high,” said Alex Walton of WME. “Power Ballad is fun and heartwarming – themes that audiences crave today. His unique vision,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Paul Rudd is set to go toe to toe, voice to voice, with Nick Jonas for John Carney’s latest musical.
Carney’s “Power Ballad” stars Rudd and Jonas as two very different types of musicians: One is a wedding singer while the other is a rock star, and while the casting details over which actor is playing which character haven’t been confirmed, Jonas’ real-life rock star status must be influencing his performance.
Carney recently helmed “Flora and Son” and is set to direct the upcoming musical comedy that he cowrote with Peter McDonald. Principal photography began in Dublin at the end of April, with the feature billed as “an uplifting music-driven story about a wedding singer, a rock star, and the song that comes between them.”
30West will finance the film, alongside Screen Ireland, and executive produce. Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron will produce for Likely Story with...
Carney’s “Power Ballad” stars Rudd and Jonas as two very different types of musicians: One is a wedding singer while the other is a rock star, and while the casting details over which actor is playing which character haven’t been confirmed, Jonas’ real-life rock star status must be influencing his performance.
Carney recently helmed “Flora and Son” and is set to direct the upcoming musical comedy that he cowrote with Peter McDonald. Principal photography began in Dublin at the end of April, with the feature billed as “an uplifting music-driven story about a wedding singer, a rock star, and the song that comes between them.”
30West will finance the film, alongside Screen Ireland, and executive produce. Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron will produce for Likely Story with...
- 5/2/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd are set to star in the latest movie from Jon Carney, the director behind Once and Sing Street.
The project, which was written by Carney and Peter McDonald, will follow Rudd as a wedding singer and Jonas as a flagging pop star who come together to write a song to comedic consequences. Filming is underway in Dublin.
Anthony Bregman’s Likely Story is producing along with 30West, which is also set to finance with Screen Ireland. Along with Carney and Bregman, Likely Story’s Peter Cron will produce with Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan for Treasure Entertainment, who worked with Carney on his last film Flora and Son, which landed at Apple after a Sundance debut.
30West, WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group are handling sales out of the Cannes market.
“I’m delighted to be working with so many great people,” said Carney.
The project, which was written by Carney and Peter McDonald, will follow Rudd as a wedding singer and Jonas as a flagging pop star who come together to write a song to comedic consequences. Filming is underway in Dublin.
Anthony Bregman’s Likely Story is producing along with 30West, which is also set to finance with Screen Ireland. Along with Carney and Bregman, Likely Story’s Peter Cron will produce with Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan for Treasure Entertainment, who worked with Carney on his last film Flora and Son, which landed at Apple after a Sundance debut.
30West, WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group are handling sales out of the Cannes market.
“I’m delighted to be working with so many great people,” said Carney.
- 5/2/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) and Nick Jonas (Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle) are set to star in musical comedy Power Ballad from Once and Sing Street director John Carney, we can reveal.
30West and Anthony Bregman’s (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) Likely Story are behind this movie, which will chart the story of a wedding singer (Rudd), a rock star (Jonas), and the song that comes between them.
Filming is underway in Dublin on the project which will be a hot one at the Cannes market this month. 30West, WME Independent, and UTA Independent Film Group will represent the domestic sales on the film, with WME Independent handling international rights.
Script comes from Carney and Peter McDonald (The Bachelor Weekend). 30West will finance the film, alongside Screen Ireland, and executive produce. Bregman and Peter Cron will produce for Likely Story with Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan for Treasure Entertainment,...
30West and Anthony Bregman’s (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) Likely Story are behind this movie, which will chart the story of a wedding singer (Rudd), a rock star (Jonas), and the song that comes between them.
Filming is underway in Dublin on the project which will be a hot one at the Cannes market this month. 30West, WME Independent, and UTA Independent Film Group will represent the domestic sales on the film, with WME Independent handling international rights.
Script comes from Carney and Peter McDonald (The Bachelor Weekend). 30West will finance the film, alongside Screen Ireland, and executive produce. Bregman and Peter Cron will produce for Likely Story with Robert Walpole and Rebecca O’Flanagan for Treasure Entertainment,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman, Matt Grobar and Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
WME Independent has boarded the previously announced historical thriller Nuremberg starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon and will launch worldwide sales in Cannes.
James Vanderbilt is directing and production is underway in Hungary with a cast that includes Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek, and Andreas Pietschmann.
Nick Meyer’s Sierra Pictures is consulting on the sales and distribution of the film. Meyer and WME Independent co-head Alex Walton worked together at Paramount Vantage.
In Nuremberg, Malek will play American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with assessing the...
James Vanderbilt is directing and production is underway in Hungary with a cast that includes Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek, and Andreas Pietschmann.
Nick Meyer’s Sierra Pictures is consulting on the sales and distribution of the film. Meyer and WME Independent co-head Alex Walton worked together at Paramount Vantage.
In Nuremberg, Malek will play American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with assessing the...
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
“The work that exhibitors have done in this market is nothing short of exceptional,” Luke Vetere, Managing Director of Majid Al Futtaim Distribution, one of the largest theatrical distributors in the Mena region, told a crowd of industry figures this morning at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival.
Vetere was among a lineup of panelists who headlined the industry-focused talk titled Redefining the Theatrical Experience in the Post-Streaming Era here in Jeddah. The panel also included Giovanni Dolci, Global Chief Sales Officer at IMAX, Eugene Kim, Content Director – Plus M Entertainment (South Korea), and Alex Walton, Co-Head and Partner at WME Independent.
“Saudi Arabia has gone from naught to over a quarter of a billion dollars in just four years. 65 cinemas, 615 screens in four years,” Vetere added.
The veteran distributor continued to say there are “very encouraging” signs of growth in exhibition across the Arab world, including the UAE alongside India.
Vetere was among a lineup of panelists who headlined the industry-focused talk titled Redefining the Theatrical Experience in the Post-Streaming Era here in Jeddah. The panel also included Giovanni Dolci, Global Chief Sales Officer at IMAX, Eugene Kim, Content Director – Plus M Entertainment (South Korea), and Alex Walton, Co-Head and Partner at WME Independent.
“Saudi Arabia has gone from naught to over a quarter of a billion dollars in just four years. 65 cinemas, 615 screens in four years,” Vetere added.
The veteran distributor continued to say there are “very encouraging” signs of growth in exhibition across the Arab world, including the UAE alongside India.
- 12/2/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The state of the theatrical film business amid the rise of streaming was among the topics of discussion at the third Red Sea International Film Festival’s market on Saturday.
Alex Walton, co-head and partner at WME Independent, which focuses on film packaging and sales across multiple platforms, told a panel entitled “Redefining the Theatrical Experience in the Post-Streaming Era,” that his work was akin to “truffle hunting.” He explained: “We are constantly truffle hunting for material. Because everything, pretty much, that we are able to help build is original.”
But given the competition between theatrical, TV and streaming platforms and various industry challenges, “the journey to theatrical is certainly harder for original programming” these days, he argued. “It’s certainly more challenging than ever.” Also, “the competition is greater than ever,” he said, pointing out that Abba now plays live every day in London thanks to a virtual concert experience.
Alex Walton, co-head and partner at WME Independent, which focuses on film packaging and sales across multiple platforms, told a panel entitled “Redefining the Theatrical Experience in the Post-Streaming Era,” that his work was akin to “truffle hunting.” He explained: “We are constantly truffle hunting for material. Because everything, pretty much, that we are able to help build is original.”
But given the competition between theatrical, TV and streaming platforms and various industry challenges, “the journey to theatrical is certainly harder for original programming” these days, he argued. “It’s certainly more challenging than ever.” Also, “the competition is greater than ever,” he said, pointing out that Abba now plays live every day in London thanks to a virtual concert experience.
- 12/2/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Riz Ahmed and Aneil Karia are teaming again for a modern, London-set British Indian adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
The pair won the 2022 best live action short film Oscar for “The Long Goodbye,” which they co-wrote, Ahmed starred in and Karia directed.
WME Independent will launch international sales at the Cannes Film Market, while co-representing North American rights with CAA.
Ahmed stars as Hamlet, haunted by his father’s ghost and driven to increasingly unstable heights. Moving from elite London to the city’s underground, from Hindu temples to homeless tent cities, he goes to rash and violent lengths to avenge his father’s murder, ultimately questioning his own role in the family’s corruption and who he has become.
Morfydd Clark (“Saint Maud”) is attached to play Ophelia and Joe Alywn (“Conversations with Friends”) will play Laertes.
Karia, whose feature debut “Surge” played in competition at Sundance, will direct...
The pair won the 2022 best live action short film Oscar for “The Long Goodbye,” which they co-wrote, Ahmed starred in and Karia directed.
WME Independent will launch international sales at the Cannes Film Market, while co-representing North American rights with CAA.
Ahmed stars as Hamlet, haunted by his father’s ghost and driven to increasingly unstable heights. Moving from elite London to the city’s underground, from Hindu temples to homeless tent cities, he goes to rash and violent lengths to avenge his father’s murder, ultimately questioning his own role in the family’s corruption and who he has become.
Morfydd Clark (“Saint Maud”) is attached to play Ophelia and Joe Alywn (“Conversations with Friends”) will play Laertes.
Karia, whose feature debut “Surge” played in competition at Sundance, will direct...
- 5/11/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: On the heels of their Oscar win for The Long Goodbye, Sound Of Metal and Rogue One actor Riz Ahmed and Surge director Aneil Karia are confirmed for a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic Hamlet, which is being launched by WME Independent at the Cannes market.
Ahmed will star in the role of Hamlet, a man haunted by his father’s ghost and driven to increasingly unstable heights. The new version of the classic will see Hamlet move through London’s elite circles and attend exuberant parties, going to violent lengths to avenge his father and prove his uncle guilty.
Scroll down for our exclusive interview with the pair about their timely vision for the movie.
Karia is set to direct from a script by Michael Lesslie (Macbeth). Ahmed will produce on behalf of his production company Left-Handed Films with his producing partner Allie Moore, alongside Michael Lesslie...
Ahmed will star in the role of Hamlet, a man haunted by his father’s ghost and driven to increasingly unstable heights. The new version of the classic will see Hamlet move through London’s elite circles and attend exuberant parties, going to violent lengths to avenge his father and prove his uncle guilty.
Scroll down for our exclusive interview with the pair about their timely vision for the movie.
Karia is set to direct from a script by Michael Lesslie (Macbeth). Ahmed will produce on behalf of his production company Left-Handed Films with his producing partner Allie Moore, alongside Michael Lesslie...
- 5/11/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Indie film sales, financing, and distribution shop WME Independent has bolstered its ranks with several new hires, Variety has learned exclusively.
Division co-heads Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton announced on Monday the arrival of Julia Harris as senior vice president of business affairs, Melissa Martinez as vice president of marketing, and Victoria Romley as an agent focused on international distribution. All appointments are effective immediately.
“Julia, Melissa and Victoria each bring unique perspective to the team, and we’re excited to continue the growth of this team with these hires” said McIntosh and Walton. “As we continue to evolve, each of these talented executives will ensure we are best positioned to serve our clients and their projects.”
WME Independent was formed in September 2021 when McIntosh and Walton joined the agency from Endeavor Content.
Harris joins the company from Tubi, where she served as associate general counsel. Prior to that, she...
Division co-heads Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton announced on Monday the arrival of Julia Harris as senior vice president of business affairs, Melissa Martinez as vice president of marketing, and Victoria Romley as an agent focused on international distribution. All appointments are effective immediately.
“Julia, Melissa and Victoria each bring unique perspective to the team, and we’re excited to continue the growth of this team with these hires” said McIntosh and Walton. “As we continue to evolve, each of these talented executives will ensure we are best positioned to serve our clients and their projects.”
WME Independent was formed in September 2021 when McIntosh and Walton joined the agency from Endeavor Content.
Harris joins the company from Tubi, where she served as associate general counsel. Prior to that, she...
- 5/9/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton will lead WME Independent, a new division of WME that will handle domestic and international film sales and film financing consulting services. Both were most recently at Endeavor Content, which WME’s parent company Endeavor Holdings is selling a majority stake in as part of a settlement agreement with the Writers Guild of America that limits major agencies’ ability to package material.
The new group will bring film sales and film financing consulting services back inside the agency and will offer both domestic and international film sales services.
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global perspective necessary to navigate today’s content marketplace,” said Dan Limerick, WME’s chief operating officer, in a statement. “Deb, Alex and their team have an undeniable track record of bringing many successful artist-driven projects to fruition, and we look...
The new group will bring film sales and film financing consulting services back inside the agency and will offer both domestic and international film sales services.
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global perspective necessary to navigate today’s content marketplace,” said Dan Limerick, WME’s chief operating officer, in a statement. “Deb, Alex and their team have an undeniable track record of bringing many successful artist-driven projects to fruition, and we look...
- 9/27/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
WME on Monday launched WME Independent, a division to broker domestic and international film sales and film financing consulting services. It will be headed by Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton, both of whom were most recently at Endeavor Content.
Those deals had for years been steered under Endeavor Content, but that entity is in the process of being sold off as a freestanding production entity. McIntosh and Walton will bring film sales and film financing consulting services back inside the agency and will differentiate itself in the marketplace by offering domestic and international film sales services.
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global perspective necessary to navigate today’s content marketplace,” WME chief operating officer Dan Limerick said. “Deb, Alex and their team have an undeniable track record of bringing many successful artist-driven projects to fruition, and we look forward...
Those deals had for years been steered under Endeavor Content, but that entity is in the process of being sold off as a freestanding production entity. McIntosh and Walton will bring film sales and film financing consulting services back inside the agency and will differentiate itself in the marketplace by offering domestic and international film sales services.
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global perspective necessary to navigate today’s content marketplace,” WME chief operating officer Dan Limerick said. “Deb, Alex and their team have an undeniable track record of bringing many successful artist-driven projects to fruition, and we look forward...
- 9/27/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Agents Will Maxfield, Gerren Crochet, Zach Glueck, Katie Irwin, Nelson Mok, Abraham Bengio, Laurel Charnetsky on board.
Alex Walton and Deborah McIntosh will lead the newly formed WME Independent after the sales team completed its split from Endeavor Content.
The agency division will handle US / North American and international film sales – the current sales slate includes recent Toronto world premiere The Survivor starring Ben Foster and all-star noir package Sniff in a co-rep with CAA – and offer film financing consultancy services. Walton and McIntosh lead a team that comprises agents Will Maxfield, Gerren Crochet, Zach Glueck, Katie Irwin, Nelson Mok,...
Alex Walton and Deborah McIntosh will lead the newly formed WME Independent after the sales team completed its split from Endeavor Content.
The agency division will handle US / North American and international film sales – the current sales slate includes recent Toronto world premiere The Survivor starring Ben Foster and all-star noir package Sniff in a co-rep with CAA – and offer film financing consultancy services. Walton and McIntosh lead a team that comprises agents Will Maxfield, Gerren Crochet, Zach Glueck, Katie Irwin, Nelson Mok,...
- 9/27/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
WME has launched a new division to handle domestic and international film sales and film financing consulting services.
The newly titled WME Independent division will be headed by Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton after they and the domestic and international film sales teams moved from under the film and TV company Endeavor Content roof to WME. (As part of a deal with the Writers Guild of America to represent its members, WME owner Endeavor must reduce its stake in Endeavor Content down to 20 percent.)
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global ...
The newly titled WME Independent division will be headed by Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton after they and the domestic and international film sales teams moved from under the film and TV company Endeavor Content roof to WME. (As part of a deal with the Writers Guild of America to represent its members, WME owner Endeavor must reduce its stake in Endeavor Content down to 20 percent.)
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global ...
- 9/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
WME has launched a new division to handle domestic and international film sales and film financing consulting services.
The newly titled WME Independent division will be headed by Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton after they and the domestic and international film sales teams moved from under the film and TV company Endeavor Content roof to WME. (As part of a deal with the Writers Guild of America to represent its members, WME owner Endeavor must reduce its stake in Endeavor Content down to 20 percent.)
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global ...
The newly titled WME Independent division will be headed by Deborah McIntosh and Alex Walton after they and the domestic and international film sales teams moved from under the film and TV company Endeavor Content roof to WME. (As part of a deal with the Writers Guild of America to represent its members, WME owner Endeavor must reduce its stake in Endeavor Content down to 20 percent.)
“WME Independent will serve as a critical vehicle to fuel our clients’ projects while providing the global ...
- 9/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Endeavor Content’s film group has upped Joanna Korshak and Christopher Slager.
Korshak has been promoted to vp of advisory and Slager to senior vp of advisory, both reporting to executive vps Alexis Garcia and Alex Walton.
Korshak’s past credits include secure financing and distribution for over 40 films like Justin Simien’s Sundance horror Bad Hair to Hulu, Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light that landed at New Line and Oscar-winner Morgan Neville’s Won’t You be My Neighbor, among others.
Slager’s over 100 feature projects includes Dee Rees’s Mudbound, McG’s Netflix thriller The Babysitter, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project and Lee Daniels’s upcoming The United ...
Korshak has been promoted to vp of advisory and Slager to senior vp of advisory, both reporting to executive vps Alexis Garcia and Alex Walton.
Korshak’s past credits include secure financing and distribution for over 40 films like Justin Simien’s Sundance horror Bad Hair to Hulu, Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light that landed at New Line and Oscar-winner Morgan Neville’s Won’t You be My Neighbor, among others.
Slager’s over 100 feature projects includes Dee Rees’s Mudbound, McG’s Netflix thriller The Babysitter, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project and Lee Daniels’s upcoming The United ...
- 9/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Endeavor Content’s film group has upped Joanna Korshak and Christopher Slager.
Korshak has been promoted to vp of advisory and Slager to senior vp of advisory, both reporting to executive vps Alexis Garcia and Alex Walton.
Korshak’s past credits include secure financing and distribution for over 40 films like Justin Simien’s Sundance horror Bad Hair to Hulu, Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light that landed at New Line and Oscar-winner Morgan Neville’s Won’t You be My Neighbor, among others.
Slager’s over 100 feature projects includes Dee Rees’s Mudbound, McG’s Netflix thriller The Babysitter, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project and Lee Daniels’s upcoming The United ...
Korshak has been promoted to vp of advisory and Slager to senior vp of advisory, both reporting to executive vps Alexis Garcia and Alex Walton.
Korshak’s past credits include secure financing and distribution for over 40 films like Justin Simien’s Sundance horror Bad Hair to Hulu, Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light that landed at New Line and Oscar-winner Morgan Neville’s Won’t You be My Neighbor, among others.
Slager’s over 100 feature projects includes Dee Rees’s Mudbound, McG’s Netflix thriller The Babysitter, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project and Lee Daniels’s upcoming The United ...
- 9/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“It’s very much a movie in the Michael Bay mould but it’s also a love story.”
Production on pandemic thriller Songbird began in Los Angeles on Wednesday (July 8), marking the first shoot in the city since the lockdown as British director Adam Mason hailed “a real spirit of camaraderie” among his cast and crew.
In full compliance with health guidelines, Mason told Screen he and producers Michael Bay and Adam Goodman were raring to go after overcoming administrative hurdles including a temporary stop by the Screen Actors Guild that was resolved swiftly.
Songbird is expected to shoot for...
Production on pandemic thriller Songbird began in Los Angeles on Wednesday (July 8), marking the first shoot in the city since the lockdown as British director Adam Mason hailed “a real spirit of camaraderie” among his cast and crew.
In full compliance with health guidelines, Mason told Screen he and producers Michael Bay and Adam Goodman were raring to go after overcoming administrative hurdles including a temporary stop by the Screen Actors Guild that was resolved swiftly.
Songbird is expected to shoot for...
- 7/8/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
“Face-to-face meetings will remain a critical component,” notes Endeavor Content’s Alex Walton.
The move by Afm organisers this week to cut back the market from eight days to six has been roundly backed by industry attendees who already felt it was too long – while some have remarked that other issues remain.
This year’s trimmed-down event will start on a Tuesday and run from November 3-8 to reflect “the changing needs of the global film industry.”
On the face of it insiders said Afm has finally acknowledged a shift to a year-round business cycle that occurred years ago and...
The move by Afm organisers this week to cut back the market from eight days to six has been roundly backed by industry attendees who already felt it was too long – while some have remarked that other issues remain.
This year’s trimmed-down event will start on a Tuesday and run from November 3-8 to reflect “the changing needs of the global film industry.”
On the face of it insiders said Afm has finally acknowledged a shift to a year-round business cycle that occurred years ago and...
- 2/5/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Italy’s Leone Film Group, the company founded by Spaghetti Western master Sergio Leone, has been on a roaring roll since 2012.
That’s when his children, Raffaella and Andrea, who now run the company, spotted a theatrical distribution gap left open by Medusa and Rai Cinema and stepped in to swiftly sign an output deal with DreamWorks. This, in turn, propelled its expansion.
The two Leone siblings hadn’t been idle before then. They were already among the top distributors of TV movies in Italy, having delved into that market in 1989, the year their father founded the company. That was also the year that Leone Sr. died.
In those days, driven by Silvio Berlusconi’s Mediaset, Italian TV was flourishing, recalls Andrea. “For us, movies are a passion; but at the same time they are business,” he says. During that period, “there was serious opportunity to do business in that segment.
That’s when his children, Raffaella and Andrea, who now run the company, spotted a theatrical distribution gap left open by Medusa and Rai Cinema and stepped in to swiftly sign an output deal with DreamWorks. This, in turn, propelled its expansion.
The two Leone siblings hadn’t been idle before then. They were already among the top distributors of TV movies in Italy, having delved into that market in 1989, the year their father founded the company. That was also the year that Leone Sr. died.
In those days, driven by Silvio Berlusconi’s Mediaset, Italian TV was flourishing, recalls Andrea. “For us, movies are a passion; but at the same time they are business,” he says. During that period, “there was serious opportunity to do business in that segment.
- 5/10/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Former Ink Factory partners Alexei Boltho and Rhodri Thomas, executive producers on The Night Manager, have launched new production company Ray Pictures, we can reveal. Backed by Endeavor Content and MediaNet Partners the company will develop, finance and produce for film and TV but will focus on scripted drama.
The London and La-based company’s first projects include a feature film adaptation of John Boyne’s novel, A Ladder to the Sky, with filmmakers to be announced shortly, and a Tokyo-set TV series, Occupied City, written by Ben Hervey (Taboo) from the novel by David Peace. Currently casting is feature film Aquarium adapted from David Vann’s book by Marnie Dickens (Gold Digger), to be directed by debut feature director Lauren Caris Cohan and set to star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle).
At The Ink Factory the duo worked on hit series The Night Manager (sold by Wme-img) and movies such as...
The London and La-based company’s first projects include a feature film adaptation of John Boyne’s novel, A Ladder to the Sky, with filmmakers to be announced shortly, and a Tokyo-set TV series, Occupied City, written by Ben Hervey (Taboo) from the novel by David Peace. Currently casting is feature film Aquarium adapted from David Vann’s book by Marnie Dickens (Gold Digger), to be directed by debut feature director Lauren Caris Cohan and set to star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle).
At The Ink Factory the duo worked on hit series The Night Manager (sold by Wme-img) and movies such as...
- 1/24/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
A flurry of A-list packages have already sparked a sense of optimism.
One year on from what attendees described as the slowest Afm in a long while, prospects were looking up heading into the 2018 iteration as early presentations and a flurry of A-list packages have already sparked a sense of optimism.
On Tuesday Mister Smith hosted a packed session at The Arclight featuring promos from Samuel L Jackson drama The Banker, Charlie Hunnam, Jack O’Connell and Jessica Barden drama Jungleland, and Constantin Films’ sci-fi Haven – Above Sky. There has been a positive early response to the Hilary Swank sci-fi I Am Mother.
One year on from what attendees described as the slowest Afm in a long while, prospects were looking up heading into the 2018 iteration as early presentations and a flurry of A-list packages have already sparked a sense of optimism.
On Tuesday Mister Smith hosted a packed session at The Arclight featuring promos from Samuel L Jackson drama The Banker, Charlie Hunnam, Jack O’Connell and Jessica Barden drama Jungleland, and Constantin Films’ sci-fi Haven – Above Sky. There has been a positive early response to the Hilary Swank sci-fi I Am Mother.
- 10/31/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sean and Bryan Furst (The Matador) among producers.
Chloë Grace Moretz and Jack O’Connell are attached to star in Kiké Maillo’s Bonnie and Clyde drama Love Is A Gun, which Endeavor Content is introducing to Afm buyers this week.
Marissa McMahon and Ashley Schlaifer of Kamala Films (A Private War) are producing the gritty love story about Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow alongside Sean and Bryan Furst of Skybound Entertainment.
Production is scheduled to start in early 2019. CAA jointly represents the film in the Us with the producers. Love Is A Gun is based on Sheldon Turner’s...
Chloë Grace Moretz and Jack O’Connell are attached to star in Kiké Maillo’s Bonnie and Clyde drama Love Is A Gun, which Endeavor Content is introducing to Afm buyers this week.
Marissa McMahon and Ashley Schlaifer of Kamala Films (A Private War) are producing the gritty love story about Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow alongside Sean and Bryan Furst of Skybound Entertainment.
Production is scheduled to start in early 2019. CAA jointly represents the film in the Us with the producers. Love Is A Gun is based on Sheldon Turner’s...
- 10/30/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Dev Patel is set to make his directorial debut in the action revenge film, “Monkey Man,” in which the “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Lion” actor will also star.
Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales and will present the project to buyers at the American Film Market.
Patel developed the script with S’ya Concept, and he co-wrote with Paul Angunawela and John Collee, who also worked on Patel’s upcoming “Hotel Mumbai.” Basil Iwanyk of Thunder Road is producing along with Xeitgeist’s Joe Thomas, Samarth Sahni and Patel.
Also Read: Dev Patel and 'The Wedding Guest' Co-Star Radhika Apte Feel Fortunate for Diversity Shift in Hollywood (Video)
Production will begin in spring of 2019 in Mumbai.
Steeped in mythology but set in a vibrant modern India, “Monkey Man” follows the Kid (Patel), who emerges from prison to take on a world enmeshed in corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.
“‘Monkey Man’ is a vibrant,...
Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales and will present the project to buyers at the American Film Market.
Patel developed the script with S’ya Concept, and he co-wrote with Paul Angunawela and John Collee, who also worked on Patel’s upcoming “Hotel Mumbai.” Basil Iwanyk of Thunder Road is producing along with Xeitgeist’s Joe Thomas, Samarth Sahni and Patel.
Also Read: Dev Patel and 'The Wedding Guest' Co-Star Radhika Apte Feel Fortunate for Diversity Shift in Hollywood (Video)
Production will begin in spring of 2019 in Mumbai.
Steeped in mythology but set in a vibrant modern India, “Monkey Man” follows the Kid (Patel), who emerges from prison to take on a world enmeshed in corporate greed and eroding spiritual values.
“‘Monkey Man’ is a vibrant,...
- 10/29/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Thunder Road producing, shoot to start in spring 2019.
Dev Patel will make his feature directorial debut and star in the action revenge thriller Monkey Man, which Endeavor Content will introduce to worldwide buyers at Afm this week.
Alex Walton and his team will commence talks in Santa Monica on the project, which incorporates mythology and takes place in contemporary India as the Kid (Patel) emerges from prison to take on a world in the grip of corporate greed and fading spirituality. Production is scheduled to start in spring 2019 in Mumbai.
Patel (pictured in Hotel Mumbai) co-wrote the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee.
Dev Patel will make his feature directorial debut and star in the action revenge thriller Monkey Man, which Endeavor Content will introduce to worldwide buyers at Afm this week.
Alex Walton and his team will commence talks in Santa Monica on the project, which incorporates mythology and takes place in contemporary India as the Kid (Patel) emerges from prison to take on a world in the grip of corporate greed and fading spirituality. Production is scheduled to start in spring 2019 in Mumbai.
Patel (pictured in Hotel Mumbai) co-wrote the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee.
- 10/29/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
William Morris Endeavor has participated in the second round of funding for Influential, a digital marketing agency that specializes in pairing brands with social influencers, the firms announced on Thursday.
Influential raised $12 million in its Series B financing, with Wme joining as a new investor, at an undisclosed valuation. The firm has raised $26.5 million since it launched in 2013.
“This is a watershed moment for Influential,” said Ryan Detert, founder and CEO of Influential, in a statement. “We are thrilled to start our new relationship with Wme, and are proud of continued support from our partners at Instanz Australia. We are well beyond the wild, wild, west of influencer marketing. Brands, agencies, and the younger consumer generations, are extremely receptive to influencer marketing however, have not yet been able to tap into its true potential.”
Also Read: China's Perfect World Locks In $250 Million for Universal Slate Financing Deal
Influential leverages artificial...
Influential raised $12 million in its Series B financing, with Wme joining as a new investor, at an undisclosed valuation. The firm has raised $26.5 million since it launched in 2013.
“This is a watershed moment for Influential,” said Ryan Detert, founder and CEO of Influential, in a statement. “We are thrilled to start our new relationship with Wme, and are proud of continued support from our partners at Instanz Australia. We are well beyond the wild, wild, west of influencer marketing. Brands, agencies, and the younger consumer generations, are extremely receptive to influencer marketing however, have not yet been able to tap into its true potential.”
Also Read: China's Perfect World Locks In $250 Million for Universal Slate Financing Deal
Influential leverages artificial...
- 6/14/2018
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Bloom became more than the average foreign sales company last fall when Endeavor Content acquired a majority stake from co-owners Alex Walton and Ken Kao. While agencies have held cozy relationships with different sales agents in the past, this was the first to be openly and directly connected to a holding company that also owns a major agency. It didn’t take long to see the benefits for Bloom: The company teamed with Endeavor Content to make Sundance’s biggest eight-figure deal, as Neon, 30West & Agbo teamed on world rights for Sam Levinson’s anarchic Assassination Nation. Bloom spent several years raising financing to put that film together, and when 30West placed the domestic distribution with Neon, it retained Bloom to broker the overseas deals.
Bloom was founded four years ago when Walton moved from Exclusive Media to join Kao as the producer/financier stepped up his output of tastemaker...
Bloom was founded four years ago when Walton moved from Exclusive Media to join Kao as the producer/financier stepped up his output of tastemaker...
- 5/13/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter will re-team on “Bill & Ted Face the Music” — the third installment of the comedy franchise.
Reeves will again play Ted “Theodore” Logan and Winter is portraying Bill S. Preston Esq. The two previous titles were “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” in 1989 and “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” in 1991.
Original creators Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon have penned the script, with Dean Parisot (“Galaxy Quest”) confirmed to direct. Scott Kroopf (“Limitless”) will produce with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, with Steven Soderbergh executive producing alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get the whole band back together again,” Reeves and Winter said. “Chris and Ed wrote an amazing script, and with Dean at the helm, we’ve got a dream team!”
MGM owns the rights and will release in the U.S. under the Orion Pictures banner.
Reeves will again play Ted “Theodore” Logan and Winter is portraying Bill S. Preston Esq. The two previous titles were “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” in 1989 and “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” in 1991.
Original creators Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon have penned the script, with Dean Parisot (“Galaxy Quest”) confirmed to direct. Scott Kroopf (“Limitless”) will produce with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, with Steven Soderbergh executive producing alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli.
“We couldn’t be more excited to get the whole band back together again,” Reeves and Winter said. “Chris and Ed wrote an amazing script, and with Dean at the helm, we’ve got a dream team!”
MGM owns the rights and will release in the U.S. under the Orion Pictures banner.
- 5/8/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Steven Soderbergh on board as executive producer.
Bloom has launched international sales on the Croisette on Bill And Ted Face The Music that reunites Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter 27 years after Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.
Dean Parisot will direct from a screenplay by original creators Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. MGM’s Orion Pictures will distribute in the Us.
Scott Kroopf will produce with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, while Steven Soderbergh serves as an executive producer alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli.
The third episode in the cult series that launched in...
Bloom has launched international sales on the Croisette on Bill And Ted Face The Music that reunites Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter 27 years after Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.
Dean Parisot will direct from a screenplay by original creators Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. MGM’s Orion Pictures will distribute in the Us.
Scott Kroopf will produce with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, while Steven Soderbergh serves as an executive producer alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli.
The third episode in the cult series that launched in...
- 5/8/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
‘Most Excellent!’ 27 years after we last saw the totally radical pairing of Ted “Theodore” Logan and Bill S. Preston Esq., Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are now confirmed to reprise their roles in a third Bill & Ted movie, I can reveal. Bloom is launching sales in Cannes on the long-gestating time-travel comedy, which is called Bill & Ted Face The Music. The movie is likely to be one of the hottest properties at the market.
Currently in pre-production, the movie has been written by the franchise’s original creators Chris Matheson (Imagine That) and Ed Solomon (Men in Black) with Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) confirmed to direct. Scott Kroopf (Limitless) will produce together with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, with Steven Soderbergh serving as an executive producer alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli.
When we last picked up with the most audacious dudes they were...
Currently in pre-production, the movie has been written by the franchise’s original creators Chris Matheson (Imagine That) and Ed Solomon (Men in Black) with Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) confirmed to direct. Scott Kroopf (Limitless) will produce together with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, with Steven Soderbergh serving as an executive producer alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli.
When we last picked up with the most audacious dudes they were...
- 5/8/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
This story first appeared in TheWrap’s magazine’s Cannes issue.
Not even a shot of Botox under the arm will curb a certain kind of nervous sweat for buyers and sellers headed to this year’s Marché du Film. A continued pattern of caution will reign when it comes to deals at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, numerous industry insiders told TheWrap.
Festival titles have been selling at a snail’s pace since last September’s Toronto International Film Festival, despite the widely held industry line that we live in an aggressive buyers market. And while the Marché always brings a smattering of diverse international fare and typically produces an awards player or two, the impulse-buying phenomenon that one top studio executive called “festival fever” has cooled considerably.
“There are challenges in the independent marketplace that are well-documented in terms of the economic model and the pipeline of films,” said Stuart Ford, former head of Im Global, who returns to France with his new content and sales engine, Agc Studios.
Also Read: 'Everybody Knows' Stars Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem CannesWrap Portraits (Exclusive Photos)
“I don’t expect Cannes to signal any great deviation from the trajectory we’ve been on, but true premium projects will be more in demand … the appetite and the volume of business for smaller indies is just changing.”
One studio executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “A few years ago, people were really overspending and then taking a bath when they released the films.” Another notable dealmaker who declined to be named said that interest in finished films at Cannes, even competition titles, is unusually low.
“People are so apprehensive,” said Alex Walton of Bloom, an international sales, production and financing company (“The Nice Guys,” “Suburbicon”). But Walton cautioned against sounding any death knells, thinking back to his time at Paramount’s defunct indie label, Vantage.
Also Read: Cannes Adds Terry Gilliam's 'Don Quixote,' Lars von Trier's 'The House That Jack Built'
“I think our top movie one year made $12 million at the box office,” he said. “Compared to now? This is a heyday. The market will liven up with continued success stories, like ‘Hostiles’ making $30 million or ‘Chappaquiddick’ getting to around $12 million. Or look at ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘The Shape of Water.'” (“Lady Bird” grossed $49 million, while Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar winner hit nearly $64 million.)
Here’s what we’ll be watching for as the market unfolds on the Croisette:
1. Interrupted Streams
It’s been two years since streaming giants Netflix and Amazon stormed the indie market at Sundance, acquiring titles by the bucket and inflating price tags by millions. The companies both launched fireworks displays to announce their arrival and drove a money train that almost immediately stalled. Both companies pivoted to original productions, which the services could own outright as library titles and use to keep their global pipelines full of content. At the Marché this year, expect both to pack light.
Netflix has already given us the first beef of Cannes by refusing to submit its films to any section of the festival. The move was in direct response to a rule change that all eligible competition films must have a theatrical run in France, a move that found festival boss Thierry Frémaux placating France’s domestic exhibition business, which was in full revolt over Netflix’s day-and-date theatrical release strategy.
Also Read: Netflix Bails on Cannes Over Theatrical Release Mandate
But if Netflix won’t send films, it will send acquisitions reps to the festival for some window shopping. “Netflix is more likely than anyone to be prolific,” said Bloom. “They need more foreign product than anyone else.”
Amazon is in a different situation. Jeff Bezos’ studio is still “in flux” after installing former NBC chief Jen Salke to replace the disgraced Roy Price, one studio executive said. “They’re not looking to be major players–their strategy has moved to bigger films. They might be looking for awards but they’re after the next ‘Big Sick,’ not a Todd Solondz movie.”
Both “The Big Sick” and Solondz’s last film, “Weiner-Dog,” were released by Amazon Studios. “The Big Sick” earned an Academy Award nomination and $43 million domestic. “Wiener-Dog” took in less than $500,000 in limited release.
2. Le Paquet
One pocket of the sales market sure to see movement are content packages with movie stars attached — deals where agencies will bring scripts and big names to market and raise millions in domestic and international sales to finance production.
Long before distributor Neon and content sales company 30West bought “I, Tonya” for $6 million out of Toronto, for example, the Margot Robbie-starring, Oscar-nominated film raised millions in France to get it onto the ice. (The film grossed $30 million domestically.) And last year, the stop-motion film “Bubbles,” about Michael Jackson’s beloved chimp, kicked off a heated bidding war eventually won by Netflix for what was reported to be a staggering $20 million. Action fare like Chris Evans’ “Red Sea Diving Resort” also fetched big money.
“We’re taking two behemoth projects with big names,” Ford said. Though he couldn’t disclose attachments, he targeted the budgets at around $100 million each. “There’s a certain tier of films that even a couple of years ago would have seen studio production,” he added. “It reflects the reality that studios are making fewer movies.”
3. Mini-majors And Major Prizes
One thing our insiders unanimously agreed on was the plum position of the mini-major–specialty labels at the big studios who get to flex creative muscle without having to perform big for the C-suite executives. Sony Pictures Classics, Focus Features and Disney’s soon-to-be-acquired gem Fox Searchlight are all coming with money to spend, numerous individuals familiar with their plans told TheWrap.
There are also decisive and well-financed operations like A24, The Orchard and Magnolia, which will be on the prowl for awards season entries across features and documentaries. Last year, The Orchard took Robin Campillo’s “Bpm,” which won the César (France’s Oscar) though it fell short of an Oscar Best Foreign Language Film nomination. Spc took Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Loveless,” which made the Oscar cut but didn’t win.
For the record, a previous version of this story had an incorrect purchase price for theatrical rights to “I, Tonya.”
Read original story Why Cannes Film Market May Move at an Escargot’s Pace This Year At TheWrap...
Not even a shot of Botox under the arm will curb a certain kind of nervous sweat for buyers and sellers headed to this year’s Marché du Film. A continued pattern of caution will reign when it comes to deals at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, numerous industry insiders told TheWrap.
Festival titles have been selling at a snail’s pace since last September’s Toronto International Film Festival, despite the widely held industry line that we live in an aggressive buyers market. And while the Marché always brings a smattering of diverse international fare and typically produces an awards player or two, the impulse-buying phenomenon that one top studio executive called “festival fever” has cooled considerably.
“There are challenges in the independent marketplace that are well-documented in terms of the economic model and the pipeline of films,” said Stuart Ford, former head of Im Global, who returns to France with his new content and sales engine, Agc Studios.
Also Read: 'Everybody Knows' Stars Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem CannesWrap Portraits (Exclusive Photos)
“I don’t expect Cannes to signal any great deviation from the trajectory we’ve been on, but true premium projects will be more in demand … the appetite and the volume of business for smaller indies is just changing.”
One studio executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “A few years ago, people were really overspending and then taking a bath when they released the films.” Another notable dealmaker who declined to be named said that interest in finished films at Cannes, even competition titles, is unusually low.
“People are so apprehensive,” said Alex Walton of Bloom, an international sales, production and financing company (“The Nice Guys,” “Suburbicon”). But Walton cautioned against sounding any death knells, thinking back to his time at Paramount’s defunct indie label, Vantage.
Also Read: Cannes Adds Terry Gilliam's 'Don Quixote,' Lars von Trier's 'The House That Jack Built'
“I think our top movie one year made $12 million at the box office,” he said. “Compared to now? This is a heyday. The market will liven up with continued success stories, like ‘Hostiles’ making $30 million or ‘Chappaquiddick’ getting to around $12 million. Or look at ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘The Shape of Water.'” (“Lady Bird” grossed $49 million, while Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar winner hit nearly $64 million.)
Here’s what we’ll be watching for as the market unfolds on the Croisette:
1. Interrupted Streams
It’s been two years since streaming giants Netflix and Amazon stormed the indie market at Sundance, acquiring titles by the bucket and inflating price tags by millions. The companies both launched fireworks displays to announce their arrival and drove a money train that almost immediately stalled. Both companies pivoted to original productions, which the services could own outright as library titles and use to keep their global pipelines full of content. At the Marché this year, expect both to pack light.
Netflix has already given us the first beef of Cannes by refusing to submit its films to any section of the festival. The move was in direct response to a rule change that all eligible competition films must have a theatrical run in France, a move that found festival boss Thierry Frémaux placating France’s domestic exhibition business, which was in full revolt over Netflix’s day-and-date theatrical release strategy.
Also Read: Netflix Bails on Cannes Over Theatrical Release Mandate
But if Netflix won’t send films, it will send acquisitions reps to the festival for some window shopping. “Netflix is more likely than anyone to be prolific,” said Bloom. “They need more foreign product than anyone else.”
Amazon is in a different situation. Jeff Bezos’ studio is still “in flux” after installing former NBC chief Jen Salke to replace the disgraced Roy Price, one studio executive said. “They’re not looking to be major players–their strategy has moved to bigger films. They might be looking for awards but they’re after the next ‘Big Sick,’ not a Todd Solondz movie.”
Both “The Big Sick” and Solondz’s last film, “Weiner-Dog,” were released by Amazon Studios. “The Big Sick” earned an Academy Award nomination and $43 million domestic. “Wiener-Dog” took in less than $500,000 in limited release.
2. Le Paquet
One pocket of the sales market sure to see movement are content packages with movie stars attached — deals where agencies will bring scripts and big names to market and raise millions in domestic and international sales to finance production.
Long before distributor Neon and content sales company 30West bought “I, Tonya” for $6 million out of Toronto, for example, the Margot Robbie-starring, Oscar-nominated film raised millions in France to get it onto the ice. (The film grossed $30 million domestically.) And last year, the stop-motion film “Bubbles,” about Michael Jackson’s beloved chimp, kicked off a heated bidding war eventually won by Netflix for what was reported to be a staggering $20 million. Action fare like Chris Evans’ “Red Sea Diving Resort” also fetched big money.
“We’re taking two behemoth projects with big names,” Ford said. Though he couldn’t disclose attachments, he targeted the budgets at around $100 million each. “There’s a certain tier of films that even a couple of years ago would have seen studio production,” he added. “It reflects the reality that studios are making fewer movies.”
3. Mini-majors And Major Prizes
One thing our insiders unanimously agreed on was the plum position of the mini-major–specialty labels at the big studios who get to flex creative muscle without having to perform big for the C-suite executives. Sony Pictures Classics, Focus Features and Disney’s soon-to-be-acquired gem Fox Searchlight are all coming with money to spend, numerous individuals familiar with their plans told TheWrap.
There are also decisive and well-financed operations like A24, The Orchard and Magnolia, which will be on the prowl for awards season entries across features and documentaries. Last year, The Orchard took Robin Campillo’s “Bpm,” which won the César (France’s Oscar) though it fell short of an Oscar Best Foreign Language Film nomination. Spc took Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Loveless,” which made the Oscar cut but didn’t win.
For the record, a previous version of this story had an incorrect purchase price for theatrical rights to “I, Tonya.”
Read original story Why Cannes Film Market May Move at an Escargot’s Pace This Year At TheWrap...
- 5/8/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
The success or failure of the Cannes Film Festival market could depend on Netflix’s willingness to write big checks.
If the streaming giant spends big to land the star-studded projects that are coming to the Côte d’Azur looking for distribution, that’s good news for sales agents. If not, bidding wars could be few and far between.
Heading into Cannes, Netflix made waves by declining to premiere its films in competition. Their feud with the festival stems from a rule that requires any films that play at Cannes to have an exclusive theatrical release before appearing on streaming platforms, something that runs afoul of Netflix’s business model. The contretemps robbed Cannes of splashy debuts — Netflix had considered bringing the likes of Paul Greengrass’ “Norway” and Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” to the Croisette.
Despite the bad blood, Netflix looks like it could still be actively buying films. It...
If the streaming giant spends big to land the star-studded projects that are coming to the Côte d’Azur looking for distribution, that’s good news for sales agents. If not, bidding wars could be few and far between.
Heading into Cannes, Netflix made waves by declining to premiere its films in competition. Their feud with the festival stems from a rule that requires any films that play at Cannes to have an exclusive theatrical release before appearing on streaming platforms, something that runs afoul of Netflix’s business model. The contretemps robbed Cannes of splashy debuts — Netflix had considered bringing the likes of Paul Greengrass’ “Norway” and Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” to the Croisette.
Despite the bad blood, Netflix looks like it could still be actively buying films. It...
- 5/7/2018
- by John Hopewell and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Two of Mexico’s most respected women film executives Alejandra Paulín and Maru Garzón, have been named joint heads of the country’s Los Cabos Intl. Film Festival, one of Latin America’s fastest-growing film events. Paulín will serve as executive director and Garzón as artistic director.
The appointments were announced Thursday by Los Cabos president Eduardo Sánchez Navarro and Alfonso Pasquel, president of Los Cabos Arte y Cultura A.C.
Paulín and Garzón replace Hugo Villa, Los Cabos Festival director at last year’s edition but named in February as director of Mexico’s Unam Filmoteca, a key national cinematheque.
Garzón and Paulín’s new joint leadership recognizes their role in the build of Los Cabos, launched as recently as 2012, as a key – as well as highly enjoyable – event working an ever more dynamic U.S.-Mexico-Canada movie axis. Both already held top jobs at Los Cabos, Garzón as programming director,...
The appointments were announced Thursday by Los Cabos president Eduardo Sánchez Navarro and Alfonso Pasquel, president of Los Cabos Arte y Cultura A.C.
Paulín and Garzón replace Hugo Villa, Los Cabos Festival director at last year’s edition but named in February as director of Mexico’s Unam Filmoteca, a key national cinematheque.
Garzón and Paulín’s new joint leadership recognizes their role in the build of Los Cabos, launched as recently as 2012, as a key – as well as highly enjoyable – event working an ever more dynamic U.S.-Mexico-Canada movie axis. Both already held top jobs at Los Cabos, Garzón as programming director,...
- 4/26/2018
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Vallée and longtime producing partner Nathan Ross will develop, finance and produce original film and TV content.
Source: Fox Searchlight
Jean-Marc Vallée directing ‘Wild’
Hot on the heels of four Golden Globe wins for Big Little Lies, Jean-Marc Vallée has launched Crazyrose and has agreed to a first-look deal with Bloom that gives the sales agent a key strategic production partner and entry point into TV.
Vallée and longtime producing partner and former ICM agent Nathan Ross will develop, finance and produce original film and TV content.
The deal with Alex Walton and Ken Kao’s Bloom will cover projects that Vallée himself directs as well as Crazyrose material directed by others.
Endeavor Content serves as advisor to Crazyrose and recently acquired a majority stake in Bloom. Representatives had not replied to Screendaily at time of writing as to whether Endeavor Content would fund Crazyrose’s overheads.
Big Little Lies won Globes on Sunday for best television...
Source: Fox Searchlight
Jean-Marc Vallée directing ‘Wild’
Hot on the heels of four Golden Globe wins for Big Little Lies, Jean-Marc Vallée has launched Crazyrose and has agreed to a first-look deal with Bloom that gives the sales agent a key strategic production partner and entry point into TV.
Vallée and longtime producing partner and former ICM agent Nathan Ross will develop, finance and produce original film and TV content.
The deal with Alex Walton and Ken Kao’s Bloom will cover projects that Vallée himself directs as well as Crazyrose material directed by others.
Endeavor Content serves as advisor to Crazyrose and recently acquired a majority stake in Bloom. Representatives had not replied to Screendaily at time of writing as to whether Endeavor Content would fund Crazyrose’s overheads.
Big Little Lies won Globes on Sunday for best television...
- 1/10/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Bloom majority owner Endeavor Content serves as advisor to Crazyrose.
Hot on the heels of four Golden Globe wins for Big Little Lies, Jean-Marc Vallée has launched Crazyrose and has agreed to a first-look deal with Bloom that gives the sales agency a key strategic production partner and entry point into TV.
Vallée (pictured) and longtime producing partner and former ICM agent Nathan Ross will develop, finance and produce original film and TV content.
The deal with Alex Walton and Ken Kao’s Bloom will cover projects that Vallée himself directs as well as Crazyrose material directed by others.
Endeavor Content serves as advisor to Crazyrose and recently acquired a majority stake in Bloom. Representatives had not replied to Screendaily at time of writing as to whether Endeavor Content would fund Crazyrose’s overheads.
Big Little Lies won Globes on Sunday for best television limited series or motion picture made for television; best actress in the category...
Hot on the heels of four Golden Globe wins for Big Little Lies, Jean-Marc Vallée has launched Crazyrose and has agreed to a first-look deal with Bloom that gives the sales agency a key strategic production partner and entry point into TV.
Vallée (pictured) and longtime producing partner and former ICM agent Nathan Ross will develop, finance and produce original film and TV content.
The deal with Alex Walton and Ken Kao’s Bloom will cover projects that Vallée himself directs as well as Crazyrose material directed by others.
Endeavor Content serves as advisor to Crazyrose and recently acquired a majority stake in Bloom. Representatives had not replied to Screendaily at time of writing as to whether Endeavor Content would fund Crazyrose’s overheads.
Big Little Lies won Globes on Sunday for best television limited series or motion picture made for television; best actress in the category...
- 1/10/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Jean-Marc Vallée, who with his longtime producing partner Nathan Ross were behind HBO’s awards-season juggernaut Big Little Lies, have launched Crazyrose, a full-service production company that will develop, finance and produce original content. They have inked a first-look deal with Endeavor Content-owned Bloom, the outfit run by Alex Walton and Ken Kao. The deal will cover film, TV and documentaries, with some to be directed by Vallée and others not. It gives Bloom a…...
- 1/10/2018
- Deadline
Jean-Marc Vallée, who with his longtime producing partner Nathan Ross were behind HBO’s awards-season juggernaut Big Little Lies, have launched Crazyrose, a full-service production company that will develop, finance and produce original content. They have inked a first-look deal with Endeavor Content-owned Bloom, the outfit run by Alex Walton and Ken Kao. The deal will cover film, TV and documentaries, with some to be directed by Vallée and others not. It gives Bloom a…...
- 1/10/2018
- Deadline TV
Big Little Lies filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallee and his longtime producing partner Nathan Ross have launched Crazyrose, described as a full-service production company dedicated to developing, financing and producing original content.
At the same time, the shingle is partnering with Bloom, the financier and sales outfit run by Alex Walton and Ken Kao, to serve as a content creator of film, TV and documentary projects. Bloom is the company behind the Christian Bale Western Hostiles, currently in theaters.
The projects include future Vallee directing vehicles and projects he and Ross will just produce.
"During the production of Big Little Lies last spring, [Wme’s...
At the same time, the shingle is partnering with Bloom, the financier and sales outfit run by Alex Walton and Ken Kao, to serve as a content creator of film, TV and documentary projects. Bloom is the company behind the Christian Bale Western Hostiles, currently in theaters.
The projects include future Vallee directing vehicles and projects he and Ross will just produce.
"During the production of Big Little Lies last spring, [Wme’s...
- 1/10/2018
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
January 19 Update: Heading into Park City’s opening night screening of An Inconvenient Sequel on Thursday, we take a look at a dozen acquisition titles likely to spark deals once the action gets underway.
The Sundance Film Festival will unveil 120 features over the course of ten days, setting the tone of Us independent cinema in 2017, unearthing international gems and launching several potential awards contenders.
While a certain number of films arrived with distribution already in place, others have sparked deals in the last few weeks (we’re thinking of you, Call Me By Your Name, Casting JonBenet, Berlin Syndrome and Long Strange Trip).
Then there are the acquisition titles. Sundance inevitably sparks a multitude of deals during and after the event and buyers expect modestly priced transactions in the $3-5m range. This has been a common refrain every year since 2008. Watch the numbers soar on a handful of titles.
What follows...
The Sundance Film Festival will unveil 120 features over the course of ten days, setting the tone of Us independent cinema in 2017, unearthing international gems and launching several potential awards contenders.
While a certain number of films arrived with distribution already in place, others have sparked deals in the last few weeks (we’re thinking of you, Call Me By Your Name, Casting JonBenet, Berlin Syndrome and Long Strange Trip).
Then there are the acquisition titles. Sundance inevitably sparks a multitude of deals during and after the event and buyers expect modestly priced transactions in the $3-5m range. This has been a common refrain every year since 2008. Watch the numbers soar on a handful of titles.
What follows...
- 1/19/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
January 19 Update: Heading into Park City’s opening night screening of An Inconvenient Sequel on Thursday, we take a look at a dozen acquisition titles likely to spark deals once the action gets underway.
The Sundance Film Festival will unveil 120 features over the course of ten days, setting the tone of Us independent cinema in 2017, unearthing international gems and launching several potential awards contenders.
While a certain number of films arrived with distribution already in place, others have sparked deals in the last few weeks (we’re thinking of you, Call Me By Your Name, Casting JonBenet, Berlin Syndrome and Long Strange Trip).
Then there are the acquisition titles. Sundance inevitably sparks a multitude of deals during and after the event and buyers expect modestly priced transactions in the $3-5m range. This has been a common refrain every year since 2008. Watch the numbers soar on a handful of titles.
What follows...
The Sundance Film Festival will unveil 120 features over the course of ten days, setting the tone of Us independent cinema in 2017, unearthing international gems and launching several potential awards contenders.
While a certain number of films arrived with distribution already in place, others have sparked deals in the last few weeks (we’re thinking of you, Call Me By Your Name, Casting JonBenet, Berlin Syndrome and Long Strange Trip).
Then there are the acquisition titles. Sundance inevitably sparks a multitude of deals during and after the event and buyers expect modestly priced transactions in the $3-5m range. This has been a common refrain every year since 2008. Watch the numbers soar on a handful of titles.
What follows...
- 1/19/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Heading into Park City’s opening night screening of An Inconvenient Sequel on Thursday, we take a look at a dozen acquisition titles likely to spark deals once the action gets underway.
The Sundance Film Festival will unveil 120 features over the course of ten days, setting the tone of Us independent cinema in 2017, unearthing international gems and launching several potential awards contenders.
While a certain number of films arrived with distribution already in place, others have sparked deals in the last few weeks (we’re thinking of you, Call Me By Your Name, Casting JonBenet, Berlin Syndrome and Long Strange Trip).
Then there are the acquisition titles. Sundance inevitably sparks a multitude of deals during and after the event and buyers expect modestly priced transactions in the $3-5m range. This has been a common refrain every year since 2008. Watch the numbers soar on a handful of titles.
What follows is a list of 12 films we believe...
The Sundance Film Festival will unveil 120 features over the course of ten days, setting the tone of Us independent cinema in 2017, unearthing international gems and launching several potential awards contenders.
While a certain number of films arrived with distribution already in place, others have sparked deals in the last few weeks (we’re thinking of you, Call Me By Your Name, Casting JonBenet, Berlin Syndrome and Long Strange Trip).
Then there are the acquisition titles. Sundance inevitably sparks a multitude of deals during and after the event and buyers expect modestly priced transactions in the $3-5m range. This has been a common refrain every year since 2008. Watch the numbers soar on a handful of titles.
What follows is a list of 12 films we believe...
- 1/19/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Heading into the Afm, Alex Walton has brought on the highly regarded executive as president of international sales and distribution.
Figeroid served as executive vice-president of sales and distribution at Sierra/Affinity and went on to work as a consultant at Voltage Pictures before landing her new role at Bloom.
“Kristen comes with great experience, she is a highly regarded sales agent and incredibly well-liked among buyers, producers, and agents,” said Walton.
“She has a great eye for material and talent as well as a keen understanding of the global film landscape. She is the perfect fit.”
At Sierra /Affinity Figeroid handled sales on Coldest City starring Charlize Theron, Gold starring Matthew McConaughey, Whiplash from Damien Chazelle and Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Bloom recently boarded Paul Weitz’s Bel Canto starring Julianne Moore, Ken Watanabe and Demián Bichir and launched sales in Toronto.
The slate includes: Scott Cooper’s Hostiles starring Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike; [link...
Figeroid served as executive vice-president of sales and distribution at Sierra/Affinity and went on to work as a consultant at Voltage Pictures before landing her new role at Bloom.
“Kristen comes with great experience, she is a highly regarded sales agent and incredibly well-liked among buyers, producers, and agents,” said Walton.
“She has a great eye for material and talent as well as a keen understanding of the global film landscape. She is the perfect fit.”
At Sierra /Affinity Figeroid handled sales on Coldest City starring Charlize Theron, Gold starring Matthew McConaughey, Whiplash from Damien Chazelle and Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Bloom recently boarded Paul Weitz’s Bel Canto starring Julianne Moore, Ken Watanabe and Demián Bichir and launched sales in Toronto.
The slate includes: Scott Cooper’s Hostiles starring Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike; [link...
- 10/19/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Heading into the Afm, Alex Walton has brought on the highly regarded executive as president of international sales and distribution.
Figeroid served as executive vice-president of sales and distribution at Sierra/Affinity and went on to work as a consultant at Voltage Pictures before landing her new role at Bloom.
“Kristen comes with great experience, she is a highly regarded sales agent and incredibly well-liked among buyers, producers, and agents,” said Walton.
“She has a great eye for material and talent as well as a keen understanding of the global film landscape. She is the perfect fit.”
At Sierra /Affinity Figeroid handles sales on Coldest City starring Charlize Theron, Gold starring Matthew McConaughey, Whiplash from Damien Chazelle and Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Bloom recently boarded Paul Weitz’s Bel Canto starring Julianne Moore, Ken Watanabe and Demián Bichir and launched sales in Toronto.
The slate includes: Scott Cooper’s Hostiles starring Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike; [link...
Figeroid served as executive vice-president of sales and distribution at Sierra/Affinity and went on to work as a consultant at Voltage Pictures before landing her new role at Bloom.
“Kristen comes with great experience, she is a highly regarded sales agent and incredibly well-liked among buyers, producers, and agents,” said Walton.
“She has a great eye for material and talent as well as a keen understanding of the global film landscape. She is the perfect fit.”
At Sierra /Affinity Figeroid handles sales on Coldest City starring Charlize Theron, Gold starring Matthew McConaughey, Whiplash from Damien Chazelle and Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
Bloom recently boarded Paul Weitz’s Bel Canto starring Julianne Moore, Ken Watanabe and Demián Bichir and launched sales in Toronto.
The slate includes: Scott Cooper’s Hostiles starring Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike; [link...
- 10/19/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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