Joining the chorus of individuals who'd like to put in requests for the upcoming season of the BBC's Doctor Who, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment to Animals), an American animal rights organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, want the producers of the show to make their newest Doctor vegan. In the wake of Attack The Block actress Jodie Whittaker being selected... Read More...
- 8/8/2017
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Fall is the season for Oscar movies; cheap summer thrillers are long forgotten. However, it’s a good time to honor the sleeper success that is “The Shallows.” Today is the film’s DVD release, the final platform for a little $17 million movie that stars Blake Lively, a shark, and a coral reef, and grossed $116 million worldwide.
There’s a sophisticated intelligence behind this movie, manipulating suspense with unexpected twists. This does not happen very often. So what did the producers and the studio do right?
1. Target women.
In fall 2014, veteran production executive Lynn Harris (“Man of Steel,” “Gravity”) founded indie production company Weimaraner Republic Pictures with her fellow dog-loving husband, Matti Leshem. Their goal: produce high-concept movies on modest budgets, aimed at the under-served women’s audience. Leshem brought Anthony Jawinski’s script for “The Shallows” to Harris.
“It was a true thriller and had that surfing and escape thing,...
There’s a sophisticated intelligence behind this movie, manipulating suspense with unexpected twists. This does not happen very often. So what did the producers and the studio do right?
1. Target women.
In fall 2014, veteran production executive Lynn Harris (“Man of Steel,” “Gravity”) founded indie production company Weimaraner Republic Pictures with her fellow dog-loving husband, Matti Leshem. Their goal: produce high-concept movies on modest budgets, aimed at the under-served women’s audience. Leshem brought Anthony Jawinski’s script for “The Shallows” to Harris.
“It was a true thriller and had that surfing and escape thing,...
- 9/27/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Fall is the season for Oscar movies; cheap summer thrillers are long forgotten. However, it’s a good time to honor the sleeper success that is “The Shallows.” Today is the film’s DVD release, the final platform for a little $17 million movie that stars Blake Lively, a shark, and a coral reef, and grossed $116 million worldwide.
There’s a sophisticated intelligence behind this movie, manipulating suspense with unexpected twists. This does not happen very often. So what did the producers and the studio do right?
1. Target women.
In fall 2014, veteran production executive Lynn Harris (“Man of Steel,” “Gravity”) founded indie production company Weimaraner Republic Pictures with her fellow dog-loving husband, Matti Leshem. Their goal: produce high-concept movies on modest budgets, aimed at the under-served women’s audience. Leshem brought Anthony Jawinski’s script for “The Shallows” to Harris.
“It was a true thriller and had that surfing and escape thing,...
There’s a sophisticated intelligence behind this movie, manipulating suspense with unexpected twists. This does not happen very often. So what did the producers and the studio do right?
1. Target women.
In fall 2014, veteran production executive Lynn Harris (“Man of Steel,” “Gravity”) founded indie production company Weimaraner Republic Pictures with her fellow dog-loving husband, Matti Leshem. Their goal: produce high-concept movies on modest budgets, aimed at the under-served women’s audience. Leshem brought Anthony Jawinski’s script for “The Shallows” to Harris.
“It was a true thriller and had that surfing and escape thing,...
- 9/27/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Angela Sarafyan, a television-based actress who had a couple of stabs at indie gigs such as Gregor Jordan’s The Informers and followed this up with Matt D’Elia’s American Animal and then saw her cred rise with a small part in the final Twilight film and has since added a slew of indie films to her resume (along with one major production opening this week in Paranoia) has, according to The Wrap (and tweets from the actress herself) picked up the part of the antagonist in scribe Max Landis’ directing debut, Me Him Her. Sarafyan will play a character named Heather Frost. Filming is underway in Los Angeles.
Gist: Also starring Dustin Milligan, Luke Bracey and Emily Meade, this is described by Landis as a comedy about sexual identity, which explores love, sex, friendship and sword combat.
Worth Noting: The son of John Landis (An American Werewolf in London...
Gist: Also starring Dustin Milligan, Luke Bracey and Emily Meade, this is described by Landis as a comedy about sexual identity, which explores love, sex, friendship and sword combat.
Worth Noting: The son of John Landis (An American Werewolf in London...
- 8/14/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Disney sure picked the right time to get in on that Marvel action. After the first Marvel films proved to be decent-sized hits, Disney came in like a shark, swiping the studio up for a few billion, expecting similar results. But not only has “The Avengers” handily outdrawn every other superhero film thus far, it's number one at the domestic box office for a third weekend running, with a $55 million haul, and is actually now Disney’s highest grossing film of all time. Take that, “Flubber”!
On the one hand, this is a shared victory with Marvel, so it’s not exactly the in-house success story that Disney was hoping for. Moreover, there are large back-end deals in place for most of the other participants, particularly the $50 million Robert Downey Jr. is set to take in. And yet what remains is still one sick piggy bank to divvy up. It...
On the one hand, this is a shared victory with Marvel, so it’s not exactly the in-house success story that Disney was hoping for. Moreover, there are large back-end deals in place for most of the other participants, particularly the $50 million Robert Downey Jr. is set to take in. And yet what remains is still one sick piggy bank to divvy up. It...
- 5/20/2012
- by Gabe Toro
- The Playlist
Specialty Box Office: 'Hysteria' and 'Elena' Lead Debuts as 'Marigold Hotel' Stays Open For Business
As "The Avengers" continued to dominate the overall box office and most of the industry was busy in Cannes, Fox Searchlight continued to find fantastic numbers from the first major indie breakout of 2012, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." The film was certainly the specialty story of the weekend, which also saw a group of films debut to generally underwhelming numbers, including "Hysteria," "Elena," "Polisse," "American Animal" and "Virginia" Check out the full rundown below. The Debuts: "Hysteria" (Sony Pictures Classics) Tanya Wexler's Victorian era romantic comedy (about the invention of the vibrator) debuted on 5 screens this weekend for Sony Pictures Classics. Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Felicity Jones and Rupert Everett, the film managed a so-so $40,829 gross, averaging $8,166. "Polisse" (Sundance Selects) A year after debuting at the Cannes...
- 5/20/2012
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Angela Sarafyan is on top of her game and playing the field. In the last couple of years, the young Armenian-American actress has dipped her toe in TV (costarring with Colin Hanks on the short-lived Fox series "The Good Guys") and big-budget tentpoles (she's Tia in "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2"). She's currently filming James Gray's "Low Life," in which she plays Marion Cotillard's sister.
In the new indie "American Animal," Sarafyan is Angela, a friend of Jimmy's (writer-director Matt D'Elia) who, along with Jimmy's roommate and her friend (also named Angela), becomes sucked into a madcap world of pop culture and personal torture. It's part comedy, part drama and like nothing you'd expect.
Sarafyan talked to us at last year's SXSW about the innovative process of working on "American Animal," along with details on why shooting a "Twilight" movie isn't that different then a tiny, micro-budget indie.
In the new indie "American Animal," Sarafyan is Angela, a friend of Jimmy's (writer-director Matt D'Elia) who, along with Jimmy's roommate and her friend (also named Angela), becomes sucked into a madcap world of pop culture and personal torture. It's part comedy, part drama and like nothing you'd expect.
Sarafyan talked to us at last year's SXSW about the innovative process of working on "American Animal," along with details on why shooting a "Twilight" movie isn't that different then a tiny, micro-budget indie.
- 5/18/2012
- by Matt Patches
- NextMovie
American Animal exists within the crazed psyche of Matt D’Elia, which is appropriate because he’s the star, the writer, the director, the co-editor and also one of a handful of credited producers. His character is Jimmy, a crazed, maniacal twenty-something suffering from a potentially terminal illness that sends blood frothing from his nostrils at intermittent intervals. In a speedily-cut montage that opens the film, we witness Jimmy’s taking of a dozen or so prescription meds, each one separated by a swig of bottled water, and each one giving us further indication of the pent-up rage the day ahead of us is likely to unveil.
The film answers to no one other than Jimmy, though he’s joined in the one-location production by three friends. Principally, there’s Jimmy’s roommate and best friend, James (Brendan Fletcher, who seemingly hasn’t turned down a role since beginning his acting career in 1995), who,...
The film answers to no one other than Jimmy, though he’s joined in the one-location production by three friends. Principally, there’s Jimmy’s roommate and best friend, James (Brendan Fletcher, who seemingly hasn’t turned down a role since beginning his acting career in 1995), who,...
- 5/18/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Matt D’Elia, the writer, director and “star” of “American Animal,” plays Jimmy, a wiry twentysomething living off the considerable wealth of his rich father. He never leaves his apartment, despite repeatedly coughing up blood and showing noticeable signs of illness. Parading around his apartment in elaborate costumes, creating false identities for himself, and speaking in made-up languages, he considers each step he takes a sample of performance art, a “free show” for his “audiences.” He also hates jobs, disdains reading, and cares little for the comfort level of others around him, under the guise of “putting on the ritz.” The fact that he goes through the entirety of “American Animal” without being punched, murdered, or locked in a spaceship and shot into the sun is some sort of goddamned miracle.
How unfortunate that this impulsive manchild appears to be surrounded by enablers. The bulk of “American Animal” takes place within one day,...
How unfortunate that this impulsive manchild appears to be surrounded by enablers. The bulk of “American Animal” takes place within one day,...
- 5/17/2012
- by Gabe Toro
- The Playlist
Why He's On Our Radar: Nyu Tisch graduate Matt D'Elia caused a stir at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival with his debut feature "American Animal," a dark and completely nutty comedy he wrote, directed, produced, edited and stars in. The film didn't go on to win any awards as the festival, but it was met with some of the most passionate reviews to come out of the event. Slant Magazine called D'Elia's vision "original, gutsy, and uncompromising"; The Wall Street Journal said "American Animal" is "personal filmmaking with ambition to burn"; while HitFix said the film "deserves to launch D'Elia as a filmmaker of note." See what all the fuss is about when it hits select theaters this Friday. "American Animal" centers on Jimmy (D'Elia), a terminally ill and extremely eccentric young man, who wakes up one morning and decides that he is 'happy' and no longer sick. To celebrate he invites two female.
- 5/17/2012
- by Nigel M Smith
- Indiewire
American Animal, starring, written and directed by Matt D’Elia, follows a day in the life of Jimmy, a terminally ill young man who has decided that he is no longer sick but from now on will be “happy.” This decision comes about on the same day that his best friend and roommate, James (Brendan Fletcher), discovers that he has been accepted as an intern at a publishing house starting the next day. James keeps his internship a secret from Jimmy because, despite the fact that both of them are in their late twenties, neither has ever had a job. Nor...
- 5/14/2012
- Pastemagazine.com
Here's what I wrote when I saw the film "American Animal" at SXSW about a year ago: Take "American Animal," for example, a film by Matt D'Elia. I am shocked that the film is not the culmination of a long-running stage production that someone decided to adapt for film, because that's what it feels like. It is a relatively intimate affair, with only four actors and one main set, and it has that sort of ebb and flow rhythm that is common to stage productions. Jimmy (D'Elia) and James (Brendan Fletcher) live together, and their primary activity seems to be avoiding...
- 5/10/2012
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
Prepare to be weirded out (in a good way). Microbudget dark comedy "American Animal" premiered at last year's SXSW and garnered some great notices, many of them noting how odd the whole affair is. Now thanks to the recently released theatrical trailer, we see why. The comedy -- written, directed by and starring Matt D'Elia -- centers on an eccentric and terminally ill young man who goes mental when he catches wind that his best friend and roommate is leaving for a new job in the morning. D'Elia plays the titular loon. Rounding out his cast: Brendan Fletcher (HBO's "The Pacific"), Mircea Monroe (Showtime's "Episodes") and Angela Sarafyan ("The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II"). Screen Media Films opens the film on May 18.
- 4/10/2012
- by Nigel M Smith
- Indiewire
Screen Media has announced its acquisition of the Us theatrical and home entertainment rights to Matt D'Elia's "American Animal." The film - which debuted at SXSW Film Festival & Conference last year - will be released theatrically in March. Full press release below. New York (NY) (January 5, 2012) - Screen Media, one of the leading American distributors of independent films, announced today it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to American Animal, a film that premiered in competition at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival & Conference written, directed by and starring Matt D'Elia. A wild and personal existential comedy, American Animal centers on an eccentric and terminally ill young man who descends into madness when he finds out that his best friend and roommate is leaving for a new job in the morning. D'Elia, a graduate of Nyu's film program, also stars in the film which was shot on a microbudget in his downtown Los Angeles.
- 1/6/2012
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Screen Media has acquired U.S. distribution rights to American Animal, which premiered at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival. Written, directed and starring Matt D’Elia, the film is an existential comedy focusing on an eccentric and terminally ill young man who descends into madness when he finds out his best friend and roommate is leaving in the morning to take a new job. D’Elia, an Nyu film program grad, shot the film on a microbudget in his downtown L.A. apartment. Brendan Fletcher plays his roommate, and Mircea Monroe and Angela Sarafyan also star. “American Animal is one of the more striking directorial debuts of 2011 and we are very excited to be working with Matt to bring it to audiences across the U.S.,” said Screen Media president Suzanne Blech. The film will be released in March and the deal was made by Traction Media.
- 1/6/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Director: Matt D'Elia Writer: Matt D'Elia Starring: Matt D'Elia, Brendan Fletcher, Mircea Monroe, Angela Sarafyan I give Matt D'Elia a tremendous amount of credit for the sheer audacity to make American Animal, his debut feature. American Animal is an incredibly confident film that its sure to elicit strong responses from its audience. It is utterly impossible to watch American Animal without having some kind of opinion about it: you will either see D'Elia as a novel genius or he will drive you absolutely bat-shit crazy. I can state with utmost confidence, that American Animal's chief protagonist (or antagonist) Jimmy (Matt D'Elia) will certainly make a long-lasting impression on you. Jimmy is a spastic ball of uncontrollable energy and anxiety, as if his blood has been replaced in perpetuity by a potent cocktail of speed and LSD (to which he often adds marijuana). Jimmy's manic personality could be tied to...
- 5/22/2011
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Gen Art Harvey Keitel in “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings”
Although Gen Art’s future was uncertain earlier this year, the experimental marketing organization has reemerged, announcing the lineup for their 16th Anniversary Film Festival. Known as an organization that nurtures and promotes emerging talent, Gen Art’s festival will run June 8 – 14 and open with “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings,” the first film by 35-year-old Jonathan Sobol.
“It’s tough to be emerging at 35,” Sobol said. “But Gen...
Although Gen Art’s future was uncertain earlier this year, the experimental marketing organization has reemerged, announcing the lineup for their 16th Anniversary Film Festival. Known as an organization that nurtures and promotes emerging talent, Gen Art’s festival will run June 8 – 14 and open with “A Beginner’s Guide to Endings,” the first film by 35-year-old Jonathan Sobol.
“It’s tough to be emerging at 35,” Sobol said. “But Gen...
- 5/18/2011
- by Alexandra Cheney
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Film can do many things. Inspiring awe in its viewers, drawing tears out of their tear ducts, or bringing laughs right from the gut, film is unlike many other artistic mediums. However, sometimes these pretensions can become far more important than the substance that they are aiding.
Thankfully, that’s not quite the case when it comes to Matt D’Elia’s new piece of performance art put to celluloid, American Animal.
Making its premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, the film is a bit of a confounding piece of feature filmmaking, that while it may not be at home in any big cinema or your local multiplex, it’s not only a film that should be seen, but one that I expect will become quite popular on the art museum scene, as frankly, it should.
The film has a relatively simple premise. Following a dying young man...
Thankfully, that’s not quite the case when it comes to Matt D’Elia’s new piece of performance art put to celluloid, American Animal.
Making its premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, the film is a bit of a confounding piece of feature filmmaking, that while it may not be at home in any big cinema or your local multiplex, it’s not only a film that should be seen, but one that I expect will become quite popular on the art museum scene, as frankly, it should.
The film has a relatively simple premise. Following a dying young man...
- 4/29/2011
- by Joshua Brunsting
- CriterionCast
Screening Times: Monday March 14th, 6:30pm (State Theatre), Tuesday March 15th, 11:00am (Alamo Lamar A), Friday March 18th, 6:30pm (State Theatre)
In the dark comedy American Animal, a delusional, terminally ill young man (director, writer, editor and star Matt D’Elia) spends a long, booze and drugs-fueled night with his soon to be relocating roommate (Brendan Fletcher) as they prepare to take vastly different paths in life and death.
Filmmaker: How did you first conceive of the character of Jimmy? Did you always intend to play him yourself?
D’Elia: Like American Animal‘s lead character, Jimmy, I was also very ill in my early twenties. Bedridden and alone, it was easily the worst time of my life. Days felt like weeks, weeks felt like months, months felt like years. Forced to come up with something to do, some way to feel at least slightly better, I...
In the dark comedy American Animal, a delusional, terminally ill young man (director, writer, editor and star Matt D’Elia) spends a long, booze and drugs-fueled night with his soon to be relocating roommate (Brendan Fletcher) as they prepare to take vastly different paths in life and death.
Filmmaker: How did you first conceive of the character of Jimmy? Did you always intend to play him yourself?
D’Elia: Like American Animal‘s lead character, Jimmy, I was also very ill in my early twenties. Bedridden and alone, it was easily the worst time of my life. Days felt like weeks, weeks felt like months, months felt like years. Forced to come up with something to do, some way to feel at least slightly better, I...
- 3/12/2011
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
I can’t say I understand the trailer for Matt D'Elia’s American Animal but then confusion doesn’t always equate to suckage and watching the trailer for the film, which is scheduled to have it’s world premiere at SXSW next week, I couldn’t help but think that this could be weirdly funny.
D’Elia’s dark comedy is about a guy named Jimmy who is terminally ill and shares an apartment with his friend James. Jimmy is kind of eccentric “bordering on plain old crazy” and he wakes up one morning having made the decision that he is happy and no longer sick. The two share a day with a couple of chicks drinking, drugging and having sex and all seems fine with the world until James announces that he’s leaving to start a new job. At this point Jimmy kind of loses his marbles.
The...
D’Elia’s dark comedy is about a guy named Jimmy who is terminally ill and shares an apartment with his friend James. Jimmy is kind of eccentric “bordering on plain old crazy” and he wakes up one morning having made the decision that he is happy and no longer sick. The two share a day with a couple of chicks drinking, drugging and having sex and all seems fine with the world until James announces that he’s leaving to start a new job. At this point Jimmy kind of loses his marbles.
The...
- 3/9/2011
- QuietEarth.us
indieWIRE is again profiling filmmakers taking part in the SXSW Film Festival's Narrative and Documentary Competitions and Emerging Visions sections with nearly two dozen filmmakers providing responses. Today’s three profiles include Jarred Alterman's "Convento" (Emerging Visions), "Fightville" by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein (Documentary Competition) and director Matt D'Elia's "American Animal" (Narrative Competition). Soon after the SXSW unveiled its 2011 SXSW lineup, indieWIRE invited directors with films in the Narrative, ...
- 3/9/2011
- indieWIRE - People
indieWIRE is again profiling filmmakers taking part in the SXSW Film Festival's Narrative and Documentary Competitions and Emerging Visions sections with nearly two dozen filmmakers providing responses. Today’s three profiles include Jarred Alterman's "Convento" (Emerging Visions), "Fightville" by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein (Documentary Competition) and director Matt D'Elia's "American Animal" (Narrative Competition). Soon after the SXSW unveiled its 2011 SXSW lineup, indieWIRE invited directors with films in the Narrative, ...
- 3/9/2011
- Indiewire
indieWIRE is again profiling filmmakers taking part in the SXSW Film Festival's Narrative and Documentary Competitions and Emerging Visions sections with nearly two dozen filmmakers providing responses. Today’s three profiles include Jarred Alterman's "Convento" (Emerging Visions), "Fightville" by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein (Documentary Competition) and director Matt D'Elia's "American Animal" (Narrative Competition). Soon after the SXSW unveiled its 2011 SXSW lineup, indieWIRE invited directors with films in the Narrative, ...
- 3/9/2011
- Indiewire
indieWIRE is again profiling filmmakers taking part in the SXSW Film Festival's Narrative and Documentary Competitions and Emerging Visions sections with nearly two dozen filmmakers providing responses. Today’s three profiles include Jarred Alterman's "Convento" (Emerging Visions), "Fightville" by Michael Tucker and Petra Epperlein (Documentary Competition) and director Matt D'Elia's "American Animal" (Narrative Competition). Soon after the SXSW unveiled its 2011 SXSW lineup, indieWIRE invited directors with films in the Narrative, ...
- 3/9/2011
- indieWIRE - People
Filed under: Trailers and Clips, Movie News, Video, SXSW Film Festival, Cinematical
Cinematical is happy to premiere the following quirky, 'All That Jazz'-inspired clip for the upcoming SXSW feature 'American Animal.'
Written, directed and starring Matt D'Elia, and featuring the likes of Brendan Fletcher ('Tideland'), Mircea Monroe ('Finding Bliss') and Angela Sarafyan ('The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn'), the film focuses on a terminally ill man (D'Elia) who arbitrarily decides one day that he is happy. In this clip, he wakes up and imbibes a long series of pills before his "happy" showtime.
Matt D'Elia provided Cinematical with the following introduction to the clip featured below: "Opening clip of Matt D'Elia's American Animal, in which we meet lead character Jimmy -- terminally ill, borderline crazy -- and watch him wake up and go through his theatrical morning routine."
Check out the plot...
Cinematical is happy to premiere the following quirky, 'All That Jazz'-inspired clip for the upcoming SXSW feature 'American Animal.'
Written, directed and starring Matt D'Elia, and featuring the likes of Brendan Fletcher ('Tideland'), Mircea Monroe ('Finding Bliss') and Angela Sarafyan ('The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn'), the film focuses on a terminally ill man (D'Elia) who arbitrarily decides one day that he is happy. In this clip, he wakes up and imbibes a long series of pills before his "happy" showtime.
Matt D'Elia provided Cinematical with the following introduction to the clip featured below: "Opening clip of Matt D'Elia's American Animal, in which we meet lead character Jimmy -- terminally ill, borderline crazy -- and watch him wake up and go through his theatrical morning routine."
Check out the plot...
- 3/8/2011
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Moviefone
Filed under: Trailers and Clips, Movie News, Video, SXSW Film Festival, Cinematical
Cinematical is happy to premiere the following quirky, 'All That Jazz'-inspired clip for the upcoming SXSW feature 'American Animal.'
Written, directed and starring Matt D'Elia, and featuring the likes of Brendan Fletcher ('Tideland'), Mircea Monroe ('Finding Bliss') and Angela Sarafyan ('The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn'), the film focuses on a terminally ill man (D'Elia) who arbitrarily decides one day that he is happy. In this clip, he wakes up and imbibes a long series of pills before his "happy" showtime.
Matt D'Elia provided Cinematical with the following introduction to the clip featured below: "Opening clip of Matt D'Elia's American Animal, in which we meet lead character Jimmy -- terminally ill, borderline crazy -- and watch him wake up and go through his theatrical morning routine."
Check out the plot...
Cinematical is happy to premiere the following quirky, 'All That Jazz'-inspired clip for the upcoming SXSW feature 'American Animal.'
Written, directed and starring Matt D'Elia, and featuring the likes of Brendan Fletcher ('Tideland'), Mircea Monroe ('Finding Bliss') and Angela Sarafyan ('The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn'), the film focuses on a terminally ill man (D'Elia) who arbitrarily decides one day that he is happy. In this clip, he wakes up and imbibes a long series of pills before his "happy" showtime.
Matt D'Elia provided Cinematical with the following introduction to the clip featured below: "Opening clip of Matt D'Elia's American Animal, in which we meet lead character Jimmy -- terminally ill, borderline crazy -- and watch him wake up and go through his theatrical morning routine."
Check out the plot...
- 3/8/2011
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
For all of you SXSW lovers, or those that love the scoop on new films… we have new trailers for Surrogate Valentine and American Animal. Both films will be playing at this years SXSW festival.
Surrogate Valentine
In Dave Boyle’s sweet romantic comedy, Surrogate Valentine, San Francisco musician & rising star Goh Nakamura’s (playing himself) life of solitude is disrupted when he is hired to teach TV actor Danny Turner (Chadd Stoops) how to play guitar for an upcoming film. Hellbent on accurately portraying Goh’s mellow vibe for his role, Danny meticulously studies his every move. Together, the two embark on a hilarious West Coast adventure involving live gigs, groupies, shotgun-wielding record exes and an unexpected friendship. Along the way, Goh discovers that Danny may be the missing puzzle piece in his life-long chase for Rachel (Lynn Chen), the one that got away.
The film is premiering at...
Surrogate Valentine
In Dave Boyle’s sweet romantic comedy, Surrogate Valentine, San Francisco musician & rising star Goh Nakamura’s (playing himself) life of solitude is disrupted when he is hired to teach TV actor Danny Turner (Chadd Stoops) how to play guitar for an upcoming film. Hellbent on accurately portraying Goh’s mellow vibe for his role, Danny meticulously studies his every move. Together, the two embark on a hilarious West Coast adventure involving live gigs, groupies, shotgun-wielding record exes and an unexpected friendship. Along the way, Goh discovers that Danny may be the missing puzzle piece in his life-long chase for Rachel (Lynn Chen), the one that got away.
The film is premiering at...
- 3/1/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Eight films competing in feature category at Austin gathering include story of one man and his boat and film set in an La flat
With its focus on new and up-and-coming film-makers, Austin's SXSW is perhaps the least ostentatious of culture festivals. Perhaps there's something in the Texas water, for the newly announced competition lineup also features a number of movies that adopt a "less is more" approach.
Of the eight films that will vie for the top prize in the narrative feature section, Chris Eyre's A Year in Mooring is about a man (Josh Lucas) and his boat, Terry McMahon's Charlie Casanova takes place mostly in a bar and hotel, and Matt D'Elia's American Animal is a two-hander set in a Los Angeles flat shared by a terminally ill eccentric and his room-mate.
Other films to screen in competition will include Aimee Lagos's 96 Minutes, Janet Grillo's Fly Away,...
With its focus on new and up-and-coming film-makers, Austin's SXSW is perhaps the least ostentatious of culture festivals. Perhaps there's something in the Texas water, for the newly announced competition lineup also features a number of movies that adopt a "less is more" approach.
Of the eight films that will vie for the top prize in the narrative feature section, Chris Eyre's A Year in Mooring is about a man (Josh Lucas) and his boat, Terry McMahon's Charlie Casanova takes place mostly in a bar and hotel, and Matt D'Elia's American Animal is a two-hander set in a Los Angeles flat shared by a terminally ill eccentric and his room-mate.
Other films to screen in competition will include Aimee Lagos's 96 Minutes, Janet Grillo's Fly Away,...
- 2/3/2011
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
The South by Southwest Film Festival announced its feature film line-up Wednesday, piling heaps of cinematic goodness on an already stellar program that includes Jodie Foster’s The Beaver, Duncan Jones’ Source Code, Ti West’s The Innkeepers, Conan O’Brien’s tour documentary, and the latest Simon Pegg-Nick Frost comedy, Paul, with Seth Rogen.
Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) returns to the festival with her latest film, Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried, after the writer-director spoke on a screenwriting panel in 2009.
Plus a few favorites from the Sundance Film Festival last month, like Tom McCarthy’s Win Win, Morgan Spurlock’s The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, and Max Winkler’s Ceremony.
I’m extremely excited, even if I’m already having flashbacks to intense sleep deprivation. Like the last two years, I’ll be on the ground covering as much of the festival as I can within the packed 9 days of screenings,...
Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) returns to the festival with her latest film, Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried, after the writer-director spoke on a screenwriting panel in 2009.
Plus a few favorites from the Sundance Film Festival last month, like Tom McCarthy’s Win Win, Morgan Spurlock’s The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, and Max Winkler’s Ceremony.
I’m extremely excited, even if I’m already having flashbacks to intense sleep deprivation. Like the last two years, I’ll be on the ground covering as much of the festival as I can within the packed 9 days of screenings,...
- 2/3/2011
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
‘Tapping into the cultural zeitgeist,’ at SXSW 2011
Austin, Texas – The SXSW 2011 Feature Film Lineup was unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The festival lineup will consist of 130 features, in nine full days of programming, promising to deliver a film-going experience unlike previous years.
With a reputation for taking chances on relatively unknown filmmakers, the SXSW panel of judges carefully picked 130 films from 1,792 feature-length film submissions, (1,323 U.S. and 469 international). The program consists of 60 World Premieres, 12 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres.
The main competition categories return with eight Narrative Features, and eight Documentary Features, both competing for their respective Grand Jury Prize. New for films in competition this year, are awards for screenplay, editing, cinematography, music, and acting.
(The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week.)
Here are a few of the Features to be screened, among many others.
Narratives:
The Beaver (World Premiere)
Dir.
Austin, Texas – The SXSW 2011 Feature Film Lineup was unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The festival lineup will consist of 130 features, in nine full days of programming, promising to deliver a film-going experience unlike previous years.
With a reputation for taking chances on relatively unknown filmmakers, the SXSW panel of judges carefully picked 130 films from 1,792 feature-length film submissions, (1,323 U.S. and 469 international). The program consists of 60 World Premieres, 12 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres.
The main competition categories return with eight Narrative Features, and eight Documentary Features, both competing for their respective Grand Jury Prize. New for films in competition this year, are awards for screenplay, editing, cinematography, music, and acting.
(The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week.)
Here are a few of the Features to be screened, among many others.
Narratives:
The Beaver (World Premiere)
Dir.
- 2/3/2011
- by Albert Art
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Readers of Sound On Sight can be sure that we will indeed be covering the SXSW Film Festival once again. As previously reported, Duncan Jones’ latest film Source Code is opening the festival and there will also be premieres for the documentary Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop, Greg Mottola’s Paul, and Jodie Foster’s The Beaver. Now the full line-up has been announced it is incredible.
Hit the jump to check out the line-up, and be sure to visit our site during the event.
The 2011 SXSW Film Festival runs from March 11 – 19th in Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup
Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers.
Hit the jump to check out the line-up, and be sure to visit our site during the event.
The 2011 SXSW Film Festival runs from March 11 – 19th in Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup
Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers.
- 2/3/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
"Win Win," starring Paul Giamatti, left, and Alex Shaffer, will screen at SXSW
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
- 2/3/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
"Win Win," starring Paul Giamatti, left, and Alex Shaffer, will screen at SXSW
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
- 2/3/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
The South By Southwest Film Conference and Festival announced this year's features lineup. The festival takes place March 11-19 in Austin, Texas.
There are a total of 130 features screening this year including 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres! This year the a total of 1,792 feature-length films were submitted, which is the most ever.
There are going to be some amazing films shown this yea. Opening night kicks off with Duncan Jones' Source Code (Moon). The fest rolls on with Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, Greg Mottola‘s Paul, Sundance Grand Prize doc winner How to Die in Oregon, Errol Morris‘ Tabloid, Victoria Mahoney‘s Yelling to the Sky, Azazel Jacob‘s Terri. There will also be a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke‘s Red Riding Hood.
The Midnight and SXFantastic sections will be announced with the shorts program next week.
See the complete lineup below via...
There are a total of 130 features screening this year including 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres! This year the a total of 1,792 feature-length films were submitted, which is the most ever.
There are going to be some amazing films shown this yea. Opening night kicks off with Duncan Jones' Source Code (Moon). The fest rolls on with Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, Greg Mottola‘s Paul, Sundance Grand Prize doc winner How to Die in Oregon, Errol Morris‘ Tabloid, Victoria Mahoney‘s Yelling to the Sky, Azazel Jacob‘s Terri. There will also be a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke‘s Red Riding Hood.
The Midnight and SXFantastic sections will be announced with the shorts program next week.
See the complete lineup below via...
- 2/2/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Released today, the South By Southwest Film Conference and Festival has announced the features lineup for this year’s fest, which will take place March 11-19 in Austin, Texas.
130 features (consisting of 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres) will screen this year from a record-high 1,792 feature-length films submitted to SXSW producer Janet Pierson and her team.
Highlights include opening night film Source Code, from Duncan Jones (Moon), Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, Greg Mottola‘s Paul, Sundance Grand Prize doc winner How to Die in Oregon, Errol Morris‘ Tabloid, Victoria Mahoney‘s Yelling to the Sky, Azazel Jacob‘s Terri and a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke‘s Red Riding Hood.
See the complete lineup below. The Midnight and SXFantastic sections will be announced with the shorts program next week.
Narrative Feature Competition
96 Minutes
Director & Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event. These 96 minutes will change everything.
130 features (consisting of 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres) will screen this year from a record-high 1,792 feature-length films submitted to SXSW producer Janet Pierson and her team.
Highlights include opening night film Source Code, from Duncan Jones (Moon), Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, Greg Mottola‘s Paul, Sundance Grand Prize doc winner How to Die in Oregon, Errol Morris‘ Tabloid, Victoria Mahoney‘s Yelling to the Sky, Azazel Jacob‘s Terri and a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke‘s Red Riding Hood.
See the complete lineup below. The Midnight and SXFantastic sections will be announced with the shorts program next week.
Narrative Feature Competition
96 Minutes
Director & Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event. These 96 minutes will change everything.
- 2/2/2011
- by Jason Guerrasio
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) just announced their entire 2011 feature film lineup, and there’s isn’t a lot of note, with regards to this blog’s focus.
Titles you should be aware of – all of which we’ve previously profiled on Shadow And Act – include, Victoria Mahoney’s feature film debut, Yelling To The Sky (which will actually make its world debut at the Berlin Film Festival later this month); plus Blacktino, the first feature film from writer/director Aaron Burns, a self-described “blacktino nerd from Austin, Texas,” who got his start at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios doing visual effects; Benda Bilili, a documentary about a band of homeless, disabled Congolese; and last, but not least, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, a documentary about the black man that happens to be the man behind the puppet (which also played at Sundance).
There might be...
Titles you should be aware of – all of which we’ve previously profiled on Shadow And Act – include, Victoria Mahoney’s feature film debut, Yelling To The Sky (which will actually make its world debut at the Berlin Film Festival later this month); plus Blacktino, the first feature film from writer/director Aaron Burns, a self-described “blacktino nerd from Austin, Texas,” who got his start at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios doing visual effects; Benda Bilili, a documentary about a band of homeless, disabled Congolese; and last, but not least, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, a documentary about the black man that happens to be the man behind the puppet (which also played at Sundance).
There might be...
- 2/2/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
The South by Southwest Film Festival has announced their features lineup for the 2011’s Festival, which will take place March 11th to the 19th in Austin Texas. Read the full press release after the jump. SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers. The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week. “This is the most exciting moment for us. After a fantastic festival of discovery in 2010, we can finally unveil the line up for this year’s event,” says Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson. “SXSW prides itself on taking chances, sifting for...
- 2/2/2011
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
The Austin, Texas-based South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival has set its lineup. From March 11-19, 130 films will screen, including 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 Us premieres. Festival director Janet Pierson already announced that Source Code opens the festival, and the Mel Gibson-starrer The Beaver and the documentary Conan O'Brien Can't Stop is on the docket. Additions to the slate include a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke's Red Riding Hood. Here's the list of films: Narrative Feature Competition (all world premieres) 96 Minutes Director & Writer: Aimée Lagos. Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event. Cast: Brittany Snow, Evan Ross, Christian Serratos, J. Michael Trautmann, and David Oyelowo. A Year in Mooring Director: Chris Eyre, Writer: Peter Vanderwall. This quiet cinematic journey tells a of tale grief, solace and peace. Cast: Josh Lucas, Ayelet Zurer, James Cromwell, Jon Tenney, Taylor Nichols. American Animal Director & Writer: Matt D'Elia.
- 2/2/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
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