Italy’s Indiana Production – which is part of pan-European studio Vuelta Group – is making a significant move into the comedy space by forging a multi-picture deal and a creative collaboration pact with multihyphenate Gennaro Nunziante who has directed top local hits including “Quo Vado” that is the country’s all-time highest grosser.
Nunziante – who is a writer/director and sometimes actor – and Indiana are jointly mounting a pipeline of theatrical movies with smart storylines rooted in present-day social issues that, at least in some cases, will seek to travel outside Italy.
The Indiana comedies strand being shepherded by Nunziante, has two lines of development. One dedicated to established talents, the other to discovering and nurturing up-and-coming comics, including from the stand-up sphere, as well as young comedy writers and creators.
New Italian comedy talents they have recruited comprise the Milan-based comedy group Contenuti Zero who have a broad TV and social media fanbase.
Nunziante – who is a writer/director and sometimes actor – and Indiana are jointly mounting a pipeline of theatrical movies with smart storylines rooted in present-day social issues that, at least in some cases, will seek to travel outside Italy.
The Indiana comedies strand being shepherded by Nunziante, has two lines of development. One dedicated to established talents, the other to discovering and nurturing up-and-coming comics, including from the stand-up sphere, as well as young comedy writers and creators.
New Italian comedy talents they have recruited comprise the Milan-based comedy group Contenuti Zero who have a broad TV and social media fanbase.
- 3/28/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
“Cat and Dog” is a comedy movie written and directed by Reem Kherici starring Franck Dubosc, Reem Kherici and Philippe Lacheau.
This movie is a mix of human actors where only Reem Kherici stands out. She’s inspired, cheerful, and fluid in her role. The two male protagonists just do their job. However, the film introduces two true stars to save the day: a dog and a kitten, two computer-generated characters that truly steal the show.
The script is simple and unassuming. The special effects are nothing outstanding, but the puppy and kitten are so charming that it’s worth overlooking the film’s cinematic shortcomings and simply bask in the cuteness and charm of these two new pals.
Plot
As Monica and Jack prepared for takeoff, they suddenly realized that their respective pets, Diva and Chichi, were missing on the tarmac. Monica’s famous influencer cat and Jack’s...
This movie is a mix of human actors where only Reem Kherici stands out. She’s inspired, cheerful, and fluid in her role. The two male protagonists just do their job. However, the film introduces two true stars to save the day: a dog and a kitten, two computer-generated characters that truly steal the show.
The script is simple and unassuming. The special effects are nothing outstanding, but the puppy and kitten are so charming that it’s worth overlooking the film’s cinematic shortcomings and simply bask in the cuteness and charm of these two new pals.
Plot
As Monica and Jack prepared for takeoff, they suddenly realized that their respective pets, Diva and Chichi, were missing on the tarmac. Monica’s famous influencer cat and Jack’s...
- 3/22/2024
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Newen Connect has closed a raft of sales on “Kina & Yuk,” a live action family adventure from the team behind “Ailo’s Journey,” ahead of the Unifrance Rendez-Vous showcase.
Directed by Guillaume Maidatchevsky (“Ailo’s Journey”), the feature is a wild arctic tale following two foxes who are separated by the melting polar ice and must overcome a number of dangers in the hope of being reunited and raise a family together. The movie was released in French theaters by Ugc on Dec. 27.
“Kina & Yuk” has been sold by Newen Connect to over 30 markets so far, including Australia and New Zealand (Rialto), Austria and Germany, Baltic states (Acme), Benelux (Distrib7), Bulgaria (Beta Film), Czech Rep. and Slovakia (Donart), Guyana, Guadeloupe and Martinique (Filmdis), Hungary (Vertigo), Indonesia (Pt Falcon), Middle East (Grand Entertainment), Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria (Golden Film), Poland (Best Film), Réunion, Mayotte and Maurice (Maurefilms and Investissement...
Directed by Guillaume Maidatchevsky (“Ailo’s Journey”), the feature is a wild arctic tale following two foxes who are separated by the melting polar ice and must overcome a number of dangers in the hope of being reunited and raise a family together. The movie was released in French theaters by Ugc on Dec. 27.
“Kina & Yuk” has been sold by Newen Connect to over 30 markets so far, including Australia and New Zealand (Rialto), Austria and Germany, Baltic states (Acme), Benelux (Distrib7), Bulgaria (Beta Film), Czech Rep. and Slovakia (Donart), Guyana, Guadeloupe and Martinique (Filmdis), Hungary (Vertigo), Indonesia (Pt Falcon), Middle East (Grand Entertainment), Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria (Golden Film), Poland (Best Film), Réunion, Mayotte and Maurice (Maurefilms and Investissement...
- 1/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Ginger & Fed, the new international film sales arm of Federation Studios headed by former TF1 Studio boss Sabine Chemaly, will launch several high profile titles at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous, including “The Future Awaits,” Niels Tavernier’s WWII-set drama based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor. Ginger & Fed will also bow sales on “Riviera Revenge,” a heartwarming comedy starring André Dussollier (“The Crime is Mine”), Sabine Azéma (“Tanguy”) and Thierry Lhermitte (“The Dinner Game”), along with continuing deals on “Rachel’s Game,” “Survive” and “Oldies and Goodies.”
Produced by Yves Darondeau at Bonne Pioche Cinema (“March of the Penguins”), “The Future Awaits” tells the story of Tauba Birenbaum, whose testimony was collected in July 1997 to become part of Steven Spielberg’s Institute for Visual History. The film opens in July 1942, during the Vel’ d’Hiv’ Roundup of Jewish families in Paris. 13-year-old Tauba and her parents, who are Polish Jews,...
Produced by Yves Darondeau at Bonne Pioche Cinema (“March of the Penguins”), “The Future Awaits” tells the story of Tauba Birenbaum, whose testimony was collected in July 1997 to become part of Steven Spielberg’s Institute for Visual History. The film opens in July 1942, during the Vel’ d’Hiv’ Roundup of Jewish families in Paris. 13-year-old Tauba and her parents, who are Polish Jews,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The company has boarded star-powered French features ‘Take Me Home’ and ’Under The Rainbow’.
Newen Connect, the international sales arm of the Tfi Group’s Newen Studios, has snapped up rights to star-powered French features Take Me Home and Under the Rainbow and will kick off sales in Cannes. Both will be released in France by Ugc Distribution.
Take Me Home is the first feature from directing duo Karine Blanc and Michel Tavares and stars Clovis Cornillac, alongside Eyé Haïdara in a story about a struggling country singer who moves with her children to a mountain village and turns the...
Newen Connect, the international sales arm of the Tfi Group’s Newen Studios, has snapped up rights to star-powered French features Take Me Home and Under the Rainbow and will kick off sales in Cannes. Both will be released in France by Ugc Distribution.
Take Me Home is the first feature from directing duo Karine Blanc and Michel Tavares and stars Clovis Cornillac, alongside Eyé Haïdara in a story about a struggling country singer who moves with her children to a mountain village and turns the...
- 5/11/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
To get an understanding of just how deeply “Avatar” has ingrained itself in the minds of moviegoers worldwide — as “The Way of Water” has now passed “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on the box office charts — look no further than one of its best-performing countries: France.
Outside the 620 million from U.S./Canada and the 237 million from China, France is the top-grossing market for “Avatar: The Way of Water” with 136.9 million so far. The country was in the same third-place spot behind the U.S. and China with the first “Avatar” in 2009 with 174 million grossed.
For a sense of how strong this number is for the French box office, consider that “Spider-Man: No Way Home” grossed 70 million in the country a year ago. In fact, “Avatar 2” is the first film to gross over 100 million in the country since the locally-made comedy “Serial (Bad) Weddings” back...
Outside the 620 million from U.S./Canada and the 237 million from China, France is the top-grossing market for “Avatar: The Way of Water” with 136.9 million so far. The country was in the same third-place spot behind the U.S. and China with the first “Avatar” in 2009 with 174 million grossed.
For a sense of how strong this number is for the French box office, consider that “Spider-Man: No Way Home” grossed 70 million in the country a year ago. In fact, “Avatar 2” is the first film to gross over 100 million in the country since the locally-made comedy “Serial (Bad) Weddings” back...
- 1/30/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
After an unexpectedly robust summer at the international box office, there is a near-term question mark about what will happen next: Will recovery stall due to a paucity of Hollywood tentpole movies? Or will international theatrical decouple and find new drivers to maintain the momentum?
The good news is that most of the international market’s top territories are now fully open and operating without significant restrictions on seating capacity. These include the U.K. and Ireland, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Brazil. The smaller number of territories still laboring under restrictions nevertheless include some valuable ones: China, Turkey, Argentina, Hong Kong and Russia.
Hollywood movies that have driven the recent international recovery include “Jurassic World Dominion” (611 million internationally); “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (486 million); “Thor: Love and Thunder” (405 million); and “Elvis” (126 million).
“Top Gun: Maverick,” with 1.4 billion worldwide to date, including 720 million internationally,...
The good news is that most of the international market’s top territories are now fully open and operating without significant restrictions on seating capacity. These include the U.K. and Ireland, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Brazil. The smaller number of territories still laboring under restrictions nevertheless include some valuable ones: China, Turkey, Argentina, Hong Kong and Russia.
Hollywood movies that have driven the recent international recovery include “Jurassic World Dominion” (611 million internationally); “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (486 million); “Thor: Love and Thunder” (405 million); and “Elvis” (126 million).
“Top Gun: Maverick,” with 1.4 billion worldwide to date, including 720 million internationally,...
- 9/2/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Orange Studio, the film and TV production and distribution arm of France’s leading telco group, is launching a trio of new projects, “The Nannies,” “The Green Perfume” and “A Cat’s Life,” at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris.
“The Nannies” (“Les femmes du square”), directed by Julien Rambaldi (“Labor Day”), stars Eye Haïdara (“C’est la Vie”) as Angèle, a young undocumented woman in her thirties who lives on the outskirts of Paris. Threatened by gangsters she conned, Angèle decides to leave her neighborhood and starts working as a nanny for Hélène’s 10-year-old son in a chic Parisian area. Although she’s supposed to keep a low profile, Angèle meets other nannies, some of whom are being taken advantage of, and sets out to help them. Haïdara stars in the film opposite Ahmed Sylla (“The Climb”) and Léa Drucker (“Custody”).
“The Nannies” is produced by Les Films du Kiosque,...
“The Nannies” (“Les femmes du square”), directed by Julien Rambaldi (“Labor Day”), stars Eye Haïdara (“C’est la Vie”) as Angèle, a young undocumented woman in her thirties who lives on the outskirts of Paris. Threatened by gangsters she conned, Angèle decides to leave her neighborhood and starts working as a nanny for Hélène’s 10-year-old son in a chic Parisian area. Although she’s supposed to keep a low profile, Angèle meets other nannies, some of whom are being taken advantage of, and sets out to help them. Haïdara stars in the film opposite Ahmed Sylla (“The Climb”) and Léa Drucker (“Custody”).
“The Nannies” is produced by Les Films du Kiosque,...
- 1/12/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Snd is set to host market premieres for Patrice Leconte’s period detective film “Maigret,” as well as high concept comedies “Employee of the Month” and “The Bodins” at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris, a showcase of French content hosted this week in Paris.
“Maigret,” based on Georges Simenon’s literary masterpiece, will star Gérard Depardieu (“Cyrano de Bergerac”) as detective Maigret, who investigates the death of a young girl in 1953. During his inquiry, Maigret crosses paths with Betty, a young offender who reminds him of the dead girl. The movie will be released by Snd on April 6.
“We’ve pre-sold ‘Maigret’ across 90% of Europe, it’s really a highlight on our slate due to the strength of the franchise, director and cast – Gerard Depardieu is outstanding in this role,” said Ramy Nahas, head of international sales at Snd.
“Employee of the Month” will be directed by French comedian Jerome...
“Maigret,” based on Georges Simenon’s literary masterpiece, will star Gérard Depardieu (“Cyrano de Bergerac”) as detective Maigret, who investigates the death of a young girl in 1953. During his inquiry, Maigret crosses paths with Betty, a young offender who reminds him of the dead girl. The movie will be released by Snd on April 6.
“We’ve pre-sold ‘Maigret’ across 90% of Europe, it’s really a highlight on our slate due to the strength of the franchise, director and cast – Gerard Depardieu is outstanding in this role,” said Ramy Nahas, head of international sales at Snd.
“Employee of the Month” will be directed by French comedian Jerome...
- 1/10/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
French distributor Pathe has announced a delay in the release of its big budget historical drama “Eiffel.”
The film is due to receive its French premiere on Aug. 24, 2021 at the Festival du Film Francophone d’Angouleme. Its commercial release was scheduled for the following day, Aug. 25.
In a circular, the distributor said Tuesday that the film will now reach multiplexes on Oct. 13.
The film is directed by Martin Bourboulon (“Divorce French Style”) and stars Romain Duris (The Beat That My Heart Skipped”) in the title role as the famous French inventor who is asked to design a tower for the 1889 Paris World Fair. While doing so, he encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman from his past played by Emma Mackey.
No reason was specified by Pathe for the delayed release. But current coronavirus conditions and the possibility of a fourth wave in France due to the highly infectious Delta Variant...
The film is due to receive its French premiere on Aug. 24, 2021 at the Festival du Film Francophone d’Angouleme. Its commercial release was scheduled for the following day, Aug. 25.
In a circular, the distributor said Tuesday that the film will now reach multiplexes on Oct. 13.
The film is directed by Martin Bourboulon (“Divorce French Style”) and stars Romain Duris (The Beat That My Heart Skipped”) in the title role as the famous French inventor who is asked to design a tower for the 1889 Paris World Fair. While doing so, he encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman from his past played by Emma Mackey.
No reason was specified by Pathe for the delayed release. But current coronavirus conditions and the possibility of a fourth wave in France due to the highly infectious Delta Variant...
- 8/3/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
TF1 Studio, a label of Newen Connect, has signed an exclusive international distribution deal with Ugc Images, a subsidiary of Europe’s second-biggest cinema circuit.
Under the agreement, TF1 Studio, whose sales team is headed by Sabine Chemaly, handles international sales on new films from Ugc Images and its large library of more than 100 titles, including “Amelie,” the cult French movie celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The pact, which kicked off Jan. 1, will also allow Ugc Images to distribute in theaters between six and eight movies from TF1 Studios every year.
Ugc Images previously had a similar deal with Orange Studio, but had previously worked with TF1 Studio. Ugc Images and TF1 Studio also partnered up on the hit comedy “Serial (Bad) Weddings,” which grossed $175 million worldwide.
“We are eager to work with TF1 Studio again. Thanks to their skills and knowledge of the market, our own productions and...
Under the agreement, TF1 Studio, whose sales team is headed by Sabine Chemaly, handles international sales on new films from Ugc Images and its large library of more than 100 titles, including “Amelie,” the cult French movie celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The pact, which kicked off Jan. 1, will also allow Ugc Images to distribute in theaters between six and eight movies from TF1 Studios every year.
Ugc Images previously had a similar deal with Orange Studio, but had previously worked with TF1 Studio. Ugc Images and TF1 Studio also partnered up on the hit comedy “Serial (Bad) Weddings,” which grossed $175 million worldwide.
“We are eager to work with TF1 Studio again. Thanks to their skills and knowledge of the market, our own productions and...
- 2/26/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Gaumont has boarded Tristan Séguéla’s high-concept comedy “For Better And For Worse,” headlined by Cesar-winning Fabrice Luchini (“The Mystery of Henri Pick”) and Catherine Frot (“Marguerite”), two of France’s most bankable stars. The movie will begin shooting in April.
Luchini stars in the bold comedy as Jean, the conservative mayor of a small town in Brittany who’s in the middle of a re-election campaign when his devoted wife of forty years, Edith, tells him she wants to become a man. For a politician campaigning on family values, this is a no-go, but Edith make a deal with him: she will postpone her transition until after the elections. But campaigns are all about digging up dirt to keep the rumor mill turning.
Seguela previously directed “A Good Doctor,” which was a box office hit in France and sold to many territories. “For Better And For Worse” is produced by well-established banner Albertine Productions.
Luchini stars in the bold comedy as Jean, the conservative mayor of a small town in Brittany who’s in the middle of a re-election campaign when his devoted wife of forty years, Edith, tells him she wants to become a man. For a politician campaigning on family values, this is a no-go, but Edith make a deal with him: she will postpone her transition until after the elections. But campaigns are all about digging up dirt to keep the rumor mill turning.
Seguela previously directed “A Good Doctor,” which was a box office hit in France and sold to many territories. “For Better And For Worse” is produced by well-established banner Albertine Productions.
- 2/26/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Under the new leadership of industry veteran Kristina Zimmermann, Orange Studio, the film/TV division of the French telco group Orange, is launching three new projects at Berlin’s European Film Market: “Last Film Show,” “Old Fashioned” and “Love Song for Tough Guys.”
Directed by Pan Nalin (“Samsara”), “Last Film Show” follows Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote village in India. One day, he discovers films and is instantly mesmerized. Against his father’s wishes, he returns to the cinema day after day and sets off to become a filmmaker at all costs.
“It’s a personal film for Pan Nalin as it’s inspired by his own life, and it has a beautiful cinematography, because Pan Nalin is also a talented photographer,” said Zimmermann, who joined Orange Studio last July after working for nearly three decades at Canal Plus Group. “‘Last Film Show’ is...
Directed by Pan Nalin (“Samsara”), “Last Film Show” follows Samay, a 9-year-old boy living with his family in a remote village in India. One day, he discovers films and is instantly mesmerized. Against his father’s wishes, he returns to the cinema day after day and sets off to become a filmmaker at all costs.
“It’s a personal film for Pan Nalin as it’s inspired by his own life, and it has a beautiful cinematography, because Pan Nalin is also a talented photographer,” said Zimmermann, who joined Orange Studio last July after working for nearly three decades at Canal Plus Group. “‘Last Film Show’ is...
- 2/21/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
On par with 2018, the overseas box office revenue of French movies reached an estimated €244.4 millions ($272 million) from 40 million admissions in 2019, according to a report unveiled by UniFrance.
The org said the worldwide B.O. of French movies was stable and highlighted the large representation of French films at major festivals and across leading streaming services. Italy was once again this year the biggest foreign market for French movies, followed by Germany and Spain.
The mainstream French comedy “Serial (Bad) Weddings,” which already ranks as the highest-grossing films in France in 2019, was also the most successful French movie abroad with nearly €23 million grossed worldwide. Directed by Philippe de Chauveron, the movie follows a narrow-minded Catholic couple and their three daughters, who have married men of different faiths.
Although it failed at the U.S. box office, Luc Besson’s action pic “Anna” still turned out to be the second highest-grossing French film abroad with €22.8 million.
The org said the worldwide B.O. of French movies was stable and highlighted the large representation of French films at major festivals and across leading streaming services. Italy was once again this year the biggest foreign market for French movies, followed by Germany and Spain.
The mainstream French comedy “Serial (Bad) Weddings,” which already ranks as the highest-grossing films in France in 2019, was also the most successful French movie abroad with nearly €23 million grossed worldwide. Directed by Philippe de Chauveron, the movie follows a narrow-minded Catholic couple and their three daughters, who have married men of different faiths.
Although it failed at the U.S. box office, Luc Besson’s action pic “Anna” still turned out to be the second highest-grossing French film abroad with €22.8 million.
- 1/16/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Even as Netflix and other platforms continued to gain ground, France’s theatrical box office broke a 50-year record with 213 million ticket sales, showing that movie-going and streaming can co-exist. Admissions increased by 6%, and the French B.O. clocked in at about €1.4 billion ($1.57 billion), a slight increase on 2018.
Hollywood titles ruled the roost, breaking a 10-year record by accounting for 59% of all theatrical admissions in France in 2019, with 125 million tickets sold. Disney alone took a 23.4% market share, with “The Lion King” topping the list of highest-grossing films and five other titles – “Avengers: Endgame,” “Frozen 2,” “Toy Story 4,” “Captain Marvel” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which is still in theaters – ranking in the top 10.
Overall, nine of the top 10 films came from U.S. studios. Besides the Disney tentpoles, they included Warner Bros.’ “Joker,” Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Hollywood titles ruled the roost, breaking a 10-year record by accounting for 59% of all theatrical admissions in France in 2019, with 125 million tickets sold. Disney alone took a 23.4% market share, with “The Lion King” topping the list of highest-grossing films and five other titles – “Avengers: Endgame,” “Frozen 2,” “Toy Story 4,” “Captain Marvel” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which is still in theaters – ranking in the top 10.
Overall, nine of the top 10 films came from U.S. studios. Besides the Disney tentpoles, they included Warner Bros.’ “Joker,” Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Far From Home.
- 12/31/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
In 2014, the high-concept French comedy Serial (Bad) Weddings became a surprise box-office sensation, grossing close to $175 million worldwide (most of it domestically) and turning into one of the most successful Gallic films of all time.
Its premise was, well, a bit ridiculous: a bigoted father’s three daughters each marry an Arab, a Jew, and an Asian, leaving his fourth daughter the last hope of maintaining pureblooded French genes in the family. But when she decided to get hitched with an African, daddy nearly has a stroke. That is until he learns, after many comic asides, to stop worrying ...
Its premise was, well, a bit ridiculous: a bigoted father’s three daughters each marry an Arab, a Jew, and an Asian, leaving his fourth daughter the last hope of maintaining pureblooded French genes in the family. But when she decided to get hitched with an African, daddy nearly has a stroke. That is until he learns, after many comic asides, to stop worrying ...
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