The Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film is launching a new initiative, bannered Cannes Remakes, aimed at fostering remake opportunities for European feature films that have proven successful in their home territories.
The inaugural program will include a pitching session of a curated selection of IP titles with potential, sourced from France, Spain and Italy. This will be followed by one-to-one meetings and a networking cocktail event for invited guests.
The new showcase is being organized in partnership with France’s National Cinema Centre (Cnc), which will host the half-day event on it’s Cnc beach at Cannes on May 20. The selection will be unveiled closer to the event.
The program aims to tap into the thriving IP remake market, which has blossomed in recent years, in large part thanks to increased investment from global streaming services.
European feature film properties that have done well on the remake market...
The inaugural program will include a pitching session of a curated selection of IP titles with potential, sourced from France, Spain and Italy. This will be followed by one-to-one meetings and a networking cocktail event for invited guests.
The new showcase is being organized in partnership with France’s National Cinema Centre (Cnc), which will host the half-day event on it’s Cnc beach at Cannes on May 20. The selection will be unveiled closer to the event.
The program aims to tap into the thriving IP remake market, which has blossomed in recent years, in large part thanks to increased investment from global streaming services.
European feature film properties that have done well on the remake market...
- 3/27/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Crombie, best known for playing “Crazy” Joe Davola in season four of Seinfeld, has died. He was 71.
The actor’s ex-wife Nadine Kijner took to social media to share that Crombie died Wednesday morning. She told TMZ that he had a brief illness but didn’t share additional details.
“It is with shock and extreme sadness that I share my Ex-husband died this morning,” Kijner wrote on Instagram, followed by photos from their wedding day. “Thank you for so many wonderful memories and being such a good man. Fly free into the Un-boundless source of light, Peter. May you be greeted with love by your parents, and Oliver . So so many people loved you because you were a kind, giving, caring and creative Soul.”
In 1992, Crombie took on the recurring role of “Crazy” Joe Davola pn Seinfeld, where his character terrorizes and threatens Jerry during the plot line that spanned five episodes.
The actor’s ex-wife Nadine Kijner took to social media to share that Crombie died Wednesday morning. She told TMZ that he had a brief illness but didn’t share additional details.
“It is with shock and extreme sadness that I share my Ex-husband died this morning,” Kijner wrote on Instagram, followed by photos from their wedding day. “Thank you for so many wonderful memories and being such a good man. Fly free into the Un-boundless source of light, Peter. May you be greeted with love by your parents, and Oliver . So so many people loved you because you were a kind, giving, caring and creative Soul.”
In 1992, Crombie took on the recurring role of “Crazy” Joe Davola pn Seinfeld, where his character terrorizes and threatens Jerry during the plot line that spanned five episodes.
- 1/13/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peter Crombie, who was a recurring and popular character as “Crazy Joe Davola” on Seinfeld, died Wednesday at age 71. Details on the death were not disclosed, but apparently he had a short-lived illness.
Crombie’s “Crazy Joe Davola” appeared in 5 episodes in season 4. His arc included stalking Jerry and dating Elaine at one point.
The actor had 35 credits, including the films My Dog Skip, Natural Born Killers, The Blob, Se7en, Rising Sun, and Born on the Fourth of July.
His TV resume included the TV miniseries House of Frankenstein, NYPD Blue, Walker, Texas Ranger, Diagnosis Murder, Law & Order, Perfect Strangers, Spenser: For Hire, L.A. Law, L.A. Firefighters” and others.
No details on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.
Crombie’s “Crazy Joe Davola” appeared in 5 episodes in season 4. His arc included stalking Jerry and dating Elaine at one point.
The actor had 35 credits, including the films My Dog Skip, Natural Born Killers, The Blob, Se7en, Rising Sun, and Born on the Fourth of July.
His TV resume included the TV miniseries House of Frankenstein, NYPD Blue, Walker, Texas Ranger, Diagnosis Murder, Law & Order, Perfect Strangers, Spenser: For Hire, L.A. Law, L.A. Firefighters” and others.
No details on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.
- 1/13/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) has been set to star opposite Cate Blanchett in Rumours, a comedy from writer-directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson (The Green Fog), which Bleecker Street has snapped up for release in U.S. theaters this year.
The film follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Also featuring in a top role in the pic, which recently wrapped production in Hungary, is Genie Award winner Roy Dupuis (Shake Hands with the Devil). Additional cast includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), Rolando Ravello (Perfect Strangers), Takehiro Hira (Gran Turismo), and Zlatko Burić (Triangle of Sadness).
Hailing from Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg,...
The film follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Also featuring in a top role in the pic, which recently wrapped production in Hungary, is Genie Award winner Roy Dupuis (Shake Hands with the Devil). Additional cast includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), Rolando Ravello (Perfect Strangers), Takehiro Hira (Gran Turismo), and Zlatko Burić (Triangle of Sadness).
Hailing from Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney+ has commissioned a still-untitled TV series on Sicily’s Florio family who during the 19th century built an economic empire on the island and became known as the merchant princes of Europe.
Casting is underway in Rome and Palermo, the Sicilian capital, on this high-end period epic to be directed by Italy’s Paolo Genovese whose hit dramedy “Perfect Strangers” has spawned countless remakes around the the world, including an Arab-language adaptation for Netflix.
The Sicilian skein, which according to sources is expected to start shooting in July, is based on local bestseller “The Lions of Sicily,” by Stefania Auci, which has sold more than 500,000 copies in Italy and been translated in 30 languages.
News that Genovese is directing this Disney+ Italian original has been reported in the Italian press and confirmed by multiple sources.
The show, which marks the most high-end Disney+ Italian original to date, is being executive...
Casting is underway in Rome and Palermo, the Sicilian capital, on this high-end period epic to be directed by Italy’s Paolo Genovese whose hit dramedy “Perfect Strangers” has spawned countless remakes around the the world, including an Arab-language adaptation for Netflix.
The Sicilian skein, which according to sources is expected to start shooting in July, is based on local bestseller “The Lions of Sicily,” by Stefania Auci, which has sold more than 500,000 copies in Italy and been translated in 30 languages.
News that Genovese is directing this Disney+ Italian original has been reported in the Italian press and confirmed by multiple sources.
The show, which marks the most high-end Disney+ Italian original to date, is being executive...
- 4/29/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Italy’s True Colours has taken international sales on “Perfect Strangers” director Paolo Genovese’s new movie, a comedy drama titled “The First Day of My Life.”
The Rome-based sales company will be launching pre-sales at the upcoming online EFM market on Genovese’s latest concept pic, which has echoes of Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Based on Genovese’s novel of the same title, which was a bestseller in Italy, “The First Day of My Life” revolves around four characters on the brink of taking their lives who make a pact with a stranger with supernatural powers, played by “The Great Beauty” star Toni Servillo.
The mystery man gives them a chance to travel forward in time to see for a week how their friends and relatives would react to their deaths and what the world would be like without them. On the last day of the week,...
The Rome-based sales company will be launching pre-sales at the upcoming online EFM market on Genovese’s latest concept pic, which has echoes of Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Based on Genovese’s novel of the same title, which was a bestseller in Italy, “The First Day of My Life” revolves around four characters on the brink of taking their lives who make a pact with a stranger with supernatural powers, played by “The Great Beauty” star Toni Servillo.
The mystery man gives them a chance to travel forward in time to see for a week how their friends and relatives would react to their deaths and what the world would be like without them. On the last day of the week,...
- 1/28/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s first ever Arabic film, a remake of the Italian hit “Perfect Strangers,” has quickly hit No. 1 in several countries across the Middle East and won critical acclaim, but it’s also been the subject of controversy and outrage from more conservative citizens and even lawmakers in Egypt.
Attacks on social media against one of the film’s Egyptian stars, Mona Zaki, spread online since its debut on Jan. 20. But the outrage came to a head when an Egyptian lawmaker, Mostafa Bakri, said in a TV interview (via the Washington Post) that the film was “targeting” family values. He even called for a special session of parliament to discuss whether “we should ban Netflix.”
A lawyer even filed a lawsuit against the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Artistic Works Censorship Authority, saying that the film “promotes homosexuality.” Egypt has cracked down on LGBTQ+ individuals and gay rights with...
Attacks on social media against one of the film’s Egyptian stars, Mona Zaki, spread online since its debut on Jan. 20. But the outrage came to a head when an Egyptian lawmaker, Mostafa Bakri, said in a TV interview (via the Washington Post) that the film was “targeting” family values. He even called for a special session of parliament to discuss whether “we should ban Netflix.”
A lawyer even filed a lawsuit against the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the Artistic Works Censorship Authority, saying that the film “promotes homosexuality.” Egypt has cracked down on LGBTQ+ individuals and gay rights with...
- 1/26/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The Arabic adaptation of hit Italian movie “Perfect Strangers,” which is Netflix’s first Arab original film, is sparking controversy in Egypt and across West Asia due to a gay character and taboo-breaking storylines, prompting the U.S. streaming giant to respond.
Since its release, the Beirut-set “Perfect Strangers” redo has been among the top trending topics on social media in West Asia, a region also referred to as the Middle East. Reactions have been especially strong in Egypt where the pic has sparked a chorus of outrage for allegedly promoting homosexuality and immorality, leading to formal complaints being lodged to the country’s authorities, as well as a massive outpour of support.
Netflix, acknowledging the controversy for the first time, on Tuesday issued the following statement to Variety: “‘Perfect Strangers’ is a fictional story that explores universal themes without taking a moral stand, instead inviting the audience to have an open dialogue and debate.
Since its release, the Beirut-set “Perfect Strangers” redo has been among the top trending topics on social media in West Asia, a region also referred to as the Middle East. Reactions have been especially strong in Egypt where the pic has sparked a chorus of outrage for allegedly promoting homosexuality and immorality, leading to formal complaints being lodged to the country’s authorities, as well as a massive outpour of support.
Netflix, acknowledging the controversy for the first time, on Tuesday issued the following statement to Variety: “‘Perfect Strangers’ is a fictional story that explores universal themes without taking a moral stand, instead inviting the audience to have an open dialogue and debate.
- 1/25/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Gaumont, the venerable French film and television group behind “The Intouchables” and “Lupin,” is launching in Italy with Marco Rosi, an industry veteran joining from Lux Vide, and a bullish first slate.
The company is already well-established in the U.S., the U.K. and Germany. Its expansion in Italy represents a logical step in Gaumont’s global strategy since the country ranks as a key European market and boasts a fertile ground for content creation.
Rosi, who was Lux Vide’s head of international co-productions and worked on prestige Italian series such as “Medici,” “Devils” and “Leonardo,” has been appointed general manager of Gaumont’s Italian operation. As such, he will lead a dedicated team across development and production and will report directly to Christophe Riandee, vice CEO of Gaumont. The banner will be headquartered in Rome, and will be focused on Italian-language TV series. Gaumont suggested that it...
The company is already well-established in the U.S., the U.K. and Germany. Its expansion in Italy represents a logical step in Gaumont’s global strategy since the country ranks as a key European market and boasts a fertile ground for content creation.
Rosi, who was Lux Vide’s head of international co-productions and worked on prestige Italian series such as “Medici,” “Devils” and “Leonardo,” has been appointed general manager of Gaumont’s Italian operation. As such, he will lead a dedicated team across development and production and will report directly to Christophe Riandee, vice CEO of Gaumont. The banner will be headquartered in Rome, and will be focused on Italian-language TV series. Gaumont suggested that it...
- 1/25/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Italy’s Lotus Production, producer of 2016 megahit “Perfetti Sconosciuti” (“Perfect Strangers”), has finished its Rome shoot of “Vicini di casa,” the Italian adaptation of Cesc Gay’s Spanish hit comedy “Sentimental” (“The People Upstairs”).
“Vicini di casa” teams Lotus, part of Italy’s Leone Film Group company, with Manuel Tedescos’ Baires Produzioni in association with Mediaset Group’s Medusa Film.
Directed by Paolo Costella, who was also one of the writers behind “Perfect Strangers,” “Vicini di casa” marks the first big remake sale of “The People Upstairs” by Spanish film-tv studio Filmax.
Currently in post-production, the cast of “Vicini di casa” is headed by Claudio Bisio, a well-known comedian and star of some huge Italian blockbusters such as “Benvenuti al Sud” and “Welcome, Mr. President.”
Vittoria Puccini (“18 Presents”), Vinicio Marchioni (“Into the Labyrinth”) and Valentina Lodovini (“Say it Loud!”) finish out the film’s roster of onscreen talent.
Filmax,...
“Vicini di casa” teams Lotus, part of Italy’s Leone Film Group company, with Manuel Tedescos’ Baires Produzioni in association with Mediaset Group’s Medusa Film.
Directed by Paolo Costella, who was also one of the writers behind “Perfect Strangers,” “Vicini di casa” marks the first big remake sale of “The People Upstairs” by Spanish film-tv studio Filmax.
Currently in post-production, the cast of “Vicini di casa” is headed by Claudio Bisio, a well-known comedian and star of some huge Italian blockbusters such as “Benvenuti al Sud” and “Welcome, Mr. President.”
Vittoria Puccini (“18 Presents”), Vinicio Marchioni (“Into the Labyrinth”) and Valentina Lodovini (“Say it Loud!”) finish out the film’s roster of onscreen talent.
Filmax,...
- 10/13/2021
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Feature comedies “El Cover,” the directorial debut of actor Secun de la Rosa, and Ana Murugarren’s “García y García,” will respectively open and close Spain’s 24th Malaga Film Festival, the country’s biggest event dedicated exclusively to films and TV in Spain and Latin America.
Running June 3-13, the festival focus will fall on its usefulness for the region’s film and TV industries, prioritizing cinema exhibition over social events.
The main competition, a faithful reflection of the most recent cinema produced both in Spain and Latin America, combines highly experienced filmmakers with up-and-coming talents. In total, it will highlight 23 features, 15 Spanish and eight Latin American.
Sold by Latido Films, Benidorm-set musical comedy “El Cover” is produced by Kiko Martínez at Madrid’s Nadie Es Perfecto (“Perfectos desconocidos”) in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video and Gts Entertainment.
Toplining Spanish comedians Pepe Viyuela and José Mota (“Padre no hay...
Running June 3-13, the festival focus will fall on its usefulness for the region’s film and TV industries, prioritizing cinema exhibition over social events.
The main competition, a faithful reflection of the most recent cinema produced both in Spain and Latin America, combines highly experienced filmmakers with up-and-coming talents. In total, it will highlight 23 features, 15 Spanish and eight Latin American.
Sold by Latido Films, Benidorm-set musical comedy “El Cover” is produced by Kiko Martínez at Madrid’s Nadie Es Perfecto (“Perfectos desconocidos”) in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video and Gts Entertainment.
Toplining Spanish comedians Pepe Viyuela and José Mota (“Padre no hay...
- 6/2/2021
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
WarnerMedia Latin America has unveiled its first two original Latin American productions for HBO Max: Argentine freestyle battle series “Días de Gallos” and Mexico’s “Bunker,” billed as a half-hour acid comedy.
The series, both in production and made exclusively for HBO Max, were revealed on Friday, just a day after WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max will roll out in late June in 39 territories across Latin America and the Caribbean as the premium direct-to-consumer platform’s first launch outside the U.S.
The series announcement also allowed Tomás Yankelvich, WarnerMedia Latin America chief content officer – general entertainment, to underscore the ambition, range and intended reach of WarnerMedia Latin America original productions for HBO Max. These will take in series and feature films, both scripted and unscripted, as well as children’s programs plus animation for a variety of tastes and audiences of all ages, Warner Media said in a statement.
The series, both in production and made exclusively for HBO Max, were revealed on Friday, just a day after WarnerMedia announced that HBO Max will roll out in late June in 39 territories across Latin America and the Caribbean as the premium direct-to-consumer platform’s first launch outside the U.S.
The series announcement also allowed Tomás Yankelvich, WarnerMedia Latin America chief content officer – general entertainment, to underscore the ambition, range and intended reach of WarnerMedia Latin America original productions for HBO Max. These will take in series and feature films, both scripted and unscripted, as well as children’s programs plus animation for a variety of tastes and audiences of all ages, Warner Media said in a statement.
- 2/13/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
As Italy’s government wobbles, the country’s struggling film and TV industry is staying afloat thanks to beefed-up funding that in 2021 will provide a €640 million ($775 million) safety net for local exhibitors, distributors and producers.
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte survived a crucial Senate confidence vote on Tuesday evening by a razor thin margin of just 16 votes (the vote went 156-140 in his favor), averting a crisis sparked by differences over how to spend more than €200 billion ($242 billion) earmarked by the European Union for a Covid-19 recovery fund to help revive its pandemic-plagued economy.
The president of Italy’s Motion Picture Association (Anica) Francesco Rutelli on Wednesday told Variety that the government now remains on track with its recovery plan for the film and audiovisual production industry, drafted by Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, which Rutelli called “a major achievement.” Funding for the industry is up 60% compared with last year and is...
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte survived a crucial Senate confidence vote on Tuesday evening by a razor thin margin of just 16 votes (the vote went 156-140 in his favor), averting a crisis sparked by differences over how to spend more than €200 billion ($242 billion) earmarked by the European Union for a Covid-19 recovery fund to help revive its pandemic-plagued economy.
The president of Italy’s Motion Picture Association (Anica) Francesco Rutelli on Wednesday told Variety that the government now remains on track with its recovery plan for the film and audiovisual production industry, drafted by Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, which Rutelli called “a major achievement.” Funding for the industry is up 60% compared with last year and is...
- 1/20/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Produced by Medusa Film and Lotus, the new film by the author of Perfect Strangers will be toplined by Valerio Mastandrea, Margherita Buy, Sara Serraiocco and Toni Servillo. A story about the strength required to start over when everything appears to be falling apart around you: this is what is promised by Paolo Genovese’s new film intitled Il primo giorno della mia vita, on which filming commenced this Monday in Rome. This latest feature film put forth by the director of the international hit Perfect Strangers, which inspired a record 18 remakes around the world, is produced by Marco Belardi on behalf of Lotus Production (Leone Film Group), and by Medusa Film who are also distributing the work. Written by Genovese himself, together with Paolo Costella, Rolando Ravello and Isabella Aguilar, and based upon the director’s novel of the same name published by Einaudi, the story tells the tale of.
The source of this work is the Italian movie “Perfect Strangers” remade in 18 countries including China, South Korea, France, Germany and Russia. For the production of the remake version, “Unlocking the smartphone and disclosing the contents of incoming calls and emails to all” was set as a rule common to all countries around the world.
In the Japanese version, seven men and women, consisting of three couples who are reluctant companions and one single man, play in the game with the secret that their relationship and friendship will collapse.
In the Japanese version, seven men and women, consisting of three couples who are reluctant companions and one single man, play in the game with the secret that their relationship and friendship will collapse.
- 1/4/2021
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Nadine Labaki, the Lebanese actress and filmmaker who landed an Oscar nomination as director of 2018’s record-smashing feature Capernaum, has been cast in the upcoming Arabic language remake of hit Italian drama Perfect Strangers.
Labaki joins an impressive lineup of Arabic stars, including Mona Zaki (30 Years Ago, Scheherazade: Tell Me A Story, Escaping Tel Aviv), Adel Karam (The Insult, Caramel, Netflix’s Live From Beirut), Eyad Nassar (The Looming Tower, Sons of Rizk 2, The Blue Elephant 2), Diamand Bou Abboud (The Insult, The Sculptor, The Fixer) and Lebanese legend, actor screen and playwright George Khabbaz (Under the Bombs, Ghadi, and co-writer of Capernaum).
First announced in late 2018, the Perfect Strangers...
Labaki joins an impressive lineup of Arabic stars, including Mona Zaki (30 Years Ago, Scheherazade: Tell Me A Story, Escaping Tel Aviv), Adel Karam (The Insult, Caramel, Netflix’s Live From Beirut), Eyad Nassar (The Looming Tower, Sons of Rizk 2, The Blue Elephant 2), Diamand Bou Abboud (The Insult, The Sculptor, The Fixer) and Lebanese legend, actor screen and playwright George Khabbaz (Under the Bombs, Ghadi, and co-writer of Capernaum).
First announced in late 2018, the Perfect Strangers...
- 12/29/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Italian sales company True Colours launched from Rome’s Mia market five years ago, international prospects for cinema Italiano titles that were not directed by a handful of name auteurs, such as Nanni Moretti, Matteo Garrone and Paolo Sorrentino, had gotten rather dim.
Italian cinema was being sold around the world mostly by foreign sales outfits that had become the preferred global channel for many of Italy’s producers, partly because they provided minimum guarantees that helped close their budgets and that local sellers could not afford. The problem was that lots of exportable Italian product was being overlooked.
“There was a gap,” says veteran distributor-producer Andrea Occhipinti, head of Lucky Red. As a producer, Occhipinti adds, he was unhappy with how his movies were being handled internationally by non-Italian companies. So in 2015 Lucky Red joined forces with production company Indigo Film (“The Great Beauty”) and they formed True Colours.
Italian cinema was being sold around the world mostly by foreign sales outfits that had become the preferred global channel for many of Italy’s producers, partly because they provided minimum guarantees that helped close their budgets and that local sellers could not afford. The problem was that lots of exportable Italian product was being overlooked.
“There was a gap,” says veteran distributor-producer Andrea Occhipinti, head of Lucky Red. As a producer, Occhipinti adds, he was unhappy with how his movies were being handled internationally by non-Italian companies. So in 2015 Lucky Red joined forces with production company Indigo Film (“The Great Beauty”) and they formed True Colours.
- 11/9/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
“Beautiful Youth’s” Ingrid García-Jonsson and “Instinto’s” Silvia Alonso head the ensemble cast of “Veneciafrenia,” the first feature from The Fear Collection, a horror film anthology backed by Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. (Spip) and Alex de la Iglesia’s Pokeepsie Films, in association with Amazon Prime Video.
Announced in May, The Fear Collection saw De la Iglesia, one of Spain’s most bankable directors whose remake “Perfectos Desconocidos” earned $25.8 million in Spain in 2018, commit to direct or produce The Fear Collection’s titles via his Madrid-based Abel Pokeepsie.
“Veneciafrenia” went into production on Oct. 5, shooting in Venice and Madrid, with De la Iglesia both directing and producing. Its ensemble cast also features Goize Blanco (“El Futuro”), Nicolás Lloro, Alberto Bang (“Spanish Shame”), Cosimo Fusco (“Angels & Demons”), Enrico Lo Verso (“The Falcon and the Dove”), Armando di Razza (Cavan in De La Iglesia’s breakout “The Day of the Beast...
Announced in May, The Fear Collection saw De la Iglesia, one of Spain’s most bankable directors whose remake “Perfectos Desconocidos” earned $25.8 million in Spain in 2018, commit to direct or produce The Fear Collection’s titles via his Madrid-based Abel Pokeepsie.
“Veneciafrenia” went into production on Oct. 5, shooting in Venice and Madrid, with De la Iglesia both directing and producing. Its ensemble cast also features Goize Blanco (“El Futuro”), Nicolás Lloro, Alberto Bang (“Spanish Shame”), Cosimo Fusco (“Angels & Demons”), Enrico Lo Verso (“The Falcon and the Dove”), Armando di Razza (Cavan in De La Iglesia’s breakout “The Day of the Beast...
- 10/22/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Issa Rae has consolidated her entertainment production ventures for feature film, television and digital under the recently launched Hoorae media company, Variety has learned exclusively.
Formerly Issa Rae Productions, Hoorae includes HBO’s “Insecure” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Rae received Emmy nominations for comedy series and best actress in a comedy series for “Insecure” and best variety sketch series for “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Hoorae’s slate includes “Tre Cnt” and the “Seen & Heard” docuseries for HBO, as well as “Rap S—” for HBO Max, “Perfect Strangers” for Spyglass, “Ghost in the Machine” for Netflix and “Sinkhole” with Monkeypaw and Universal.
“Sinkhole,” based on Leyna Krow’s short story about a mysterious sinkhole, was announced in July as a potential starring vehicle for Rae, who will also produce along with Jordan Peele. Rae came aboard “Perfect Strangers” in December as a producer, writer and star for the...
Formerly Issa Rae Productions, Hoorae includes HBO’s “Insecure” and “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Rae received Emmy nominations for comedy series and best actress in a comedy series for “Insecure” and best variety sketch series for “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Hoorae’s slate includes “Tre Cnt” and the “Seen & Heard” docuseries for HBO, as well as “Rap S—” for HBO Max, “Perfect Strangers” for Spyglass, “Ghost in the Machine” for Netflix and “Sinkhole” with Monkeypaw and Universal.
“Sinkhole,” based on Leyna Krow’s short story about a mysterious sinkhole, was announced in July as a potential starring vehicle for Rae, who will also produce along with Jordan Peele. Rae came aboard “Perfect Strangers” in December as a producer, writer and star for the...
- 9/30/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures International Productions and Amazon Prime Video have closed a multi-picture deal with celebrated Spanish cineaste Álex de la Iglesia to produce a new horror feature film anthology, “The Fear Collection.”
Put through Pokeepsie Films, De la Iglesia and Carolina Bang’s Madrid-based production company, the deal will see De la Iglesia direct and/or produce movies from The Fear Collection, which also take in suspense titles.
Produced in association with Amazon Prime Video, the films will be initially theatrically released by Sony Pictures Entertainment Iberia. They will then be made available on Amazon Prime in Spain. Spip will control all distribution rights for each picture outside of Spain.
Though always made under De la iglesia’s creative influence, movies may be directed by other notable filmmakers. Sony announced Thursday that several projects are currently in development for “The Fear Collection,” with established writers and directors such as the...
Put through Pokeepsie Films, De la Iglesia and Carolina Bang’s Madrid-based production company, the deal will see De la Iglesia direct and/or produce movies from The Fear Collection, which also take in suspense titles.
Produced in association with Amazon Prime Video, the films will be initially theatrically released by Sony Pictures Entertainment Iberia. They will then be made available on Amazon Prime in Spain. Spip will control all distribution rights for each picture outside of Spain.
Though always made under De la iglesia’s creative influence, movies may be directed by other notable filmmakers. Sony announced Thursday that several projects are currently in development for “The Fear Collection,” with established writers and directors such as the...
- 5/27/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
An excerpt of the sci-fi drama will be showcased at Cannes’ virtual Marché du Film next month.
Rome-based sales company Coccinelle Film Sales has acquired international rights to Beniamino Catena’s Vera De Verdad, ahead of its showcase at Cannes’ virtual Marché du Film next month.
The Italy-Chile co-production is a sci-fi drama that begins when 10-year-old Vera disappears without a trace. She returns two years later but instead of being a teenager, she is a woman in her mid-20s. Vera then starts to recall how she has been living the life of a man who was clinically dead...
Rome-based sales company Coccinelle Film Sales has acquired international rights to Beniamino Catena’s Vera De Verdad, ahead of its showcase at Cannes’ virtual Marché du Film next month.
The Italy-Chile co-production is a sci-fi drama that begins when 10-year-old Vera disappears without a trace. She returns two years later but instead of being a teenager, she is a woman in her mid-20s. Vera then starts to recall how she has been living the life of a man who was clinically dead...
- 5/22/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦¬1100976¦Gabriele Niola¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Italian auteur Marco Bellocchio, recently the big winner at Italy’s David di Donatello awards with elegant mob drama “The Traitor,” is busy with a trio of projects involving personal and also national history, all shepherded by his now regular producer Simone Gattoni.
Gattoni, partner with Bellocchio in Rome’s Kavac Film, and among Variety’s 10 Producers to Watch last year, is riding high after the Davids — “The Traitor” having won six statuettes including best picture and director — and ramping up a robust slate of film and TV projects in various stages, to be directed by a mix of veteran names such as Bellocchio and Gianni Amelio (“Open Doors”), as well as younger, emerging Italian helmers. Most of these projects are being mounted by Kavac in tandem with other prominent Italian and European producers.
The most advanced project on the Kavac slate is Bellocchio’s “L’Urlo” (“The Scream”), a very...
Gattoni, partner with Bellocchio in Rome’s Kavac Film, and among Variety’s 10 Producers to Watch last year, is riding high after the Davids — “The Traitor” having won six statuettes including best picture and director — and ramping up a robust slate of film and TV projects in various stages, to be directed by a mix of veteran names such as Bellocchio and Gianni Amelio (“Open Doors”), as well as younger, emerging Italian helmers. Most of these projects are being mounted by Kavac in tandem with other prominent Italian and European producers.
The most advanced project on the Kavac slate is Bellocchio’s “L’Urlo” (“The Scream”), a very...
- 5/22/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
What a difference a year — and a pandemic — makes. At this time in 2019, Pokémon Detective Pikachu was the No. 1 movie in 72 markets with a $54M frame at the international box office while John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum took out a took out a $35M hit in 66 and Avengers: Endgame still had stones aplenty. As some overseas markets begin to open with the gradual easing of coronavirus lockdowns, and as we ease back into reporting from overseas turnstiles, it is clearly a vastly different picture that includes social distancing and a lack of concessions in some areas. (See below for breakouts on some of the markets that are back in action.)
Though it’s very slow going out there, some offshore markets are edging back into operations and the past weekend saw business in some of the majors, while some smaller hubs are finding patrons eager and others are just inching back to what’s available.
Though it’s very slow going out there, some offshore markets are edging back into operations and the past weekend saw business in some of the majors, while some smaller hubs are finding patrons eager and others are just inching back to what’s available.
- 5/19/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Germany’s Constantin Film has been awarded the Federal Film Board’s Branchentiger prize for the top local producer and distributor of 2019. This is the 13th consecutive year that the Resident Evil and Perfect Strangers maker has won the award. With it comes 3.1M euros in funding for seven new in-house productions as well as 600K euros towards distribution. The funds are generated based on the success of the company’s titles during the year which included Perfect Strangers. The film was the highest grossing local picture of 2019 and has continued to play in the country’s drive-ins throughout the lockdown where it is currently No. 1 amongst those cinemas with 44,488 tickets sold between April 22 and May 13. Constantin CEO Martin Moszkowicz tells Deadline, “I am really delighted about this award as it is a strong compliment for our producers, filmmakers and the whole Constantin Film team for a great achievement for the last years.
- 5/14/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The David di Donatello Awards, which are modeled on the Oscars, were established in the 1950s as Italy’s film industry started thriving amid the country’s postwar reconstruction effort.
Below are some milestones that provide a partial mini-history of postwar Italian cinema.
1956: The first David di Donatello awards ceremony takes place at Rome’s Cinema Fiamma. The gold statuette, which is a replica of Michelangelo’s David, is made by Bulgari. Vittorio De Sica, Walt Disney, and Gina Lollobrigida are among the year’s prizewinners.
1957: The Davids ceremony moves to Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theater, which will host the ceremony for many more years to come. Federico Fellini wins the best director prize for “Nights of Cabiria.”
1958: Anna Magnani wins best actress for George Cukor’s “Wild Is the Wind.” Marilyn Monroe is feted for her role in “The Prince and the Showgirl,” directed by Laurence Olivier.
Below are some milestones that provide a partial mini-history of postwar Italian cinema.
1956: The first David di Donatello awards ceremony takes place at Rome’s Cinema Fiamma. The gold statuette, which is a replica of Michelangelo’s David, is made by Bulgari. Vittorio De Sica, Walt Disney, and Gina Lollobrigida are among the year’s prizewinners.
1957: The Davids ceremony moves to Taormina’s Ancient Greek Theater, which will host the ceremony for many more years to come. Federico Fellini wins the best director prize for “Nights of Cabiria.”
1958: Anna Magnani wins best actress for George Cukor’s “Wild Is the Wind.” Marilyn Monroe is feted for her role in “The Prince and the Showgirl,” directed by Laurence Olivier.
- 5/8/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
My own private tribute to Italy and friends in the business.
We were so lucky in the Berlinale that no one seems to have contracted Covid 19. But my heart goes out to those returning home to lockdown. During this time of Corona, backward looks are common along with thoughts of those we love and need to connect with. All that may serve a purpose in redirecting our paths toward more important and even urgent ends when we return to a new normal.
One of my backward looks goes to 2009 when I attended Rotterdam Film Festival…part of this festival included a workshop for four chosen upcoming film critics. I needed someone to help me write articles and asked the four if any could help me. Two responded to my request but only one followed up with me after Rotterdam. Gaetano Maiorino and I thus became acquainted; he wrote a book...
We were so lucky in the Berlinale that no one seems to have contracted Covid 19. But my heart goes out to those returning home to lockdown. During this time of Corona, backward looks are common along with thoughts of those we love and need to connect with. All that may serve a purpose in redirecting our paths toward more important and even urgent ends when we return to a new normal.
One of my backward looks goes to 2009 when I attended Rotterdam Film Festival…part of this festival included a workshop for four chosen upcoming film critics. I needed someone to help me write articles and asked the four if any could help me. Two responded to my request but only one followed up with me after Rotterdam. Gaetano Maiorino and I thus became acquainted; he wrote a book...
- 5/1/2020
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Rome-based international sales outfit True Colours is launching a new platform which will enable festivals and event organizers around the world to program its films during the Covid-19 lockdown. Titled True Colours Virtual Cinema, it will be available to festivals, cultural and educational institutions, film clubs and indie exhibitors globally who are eager to continue offering product during the pandemic but do not have the technological infrastructure to set up online events.
True Colours was established in 2015 as a partnership between veteran Italian firms Lucky Red and Indigo Film. Its credits include Perfetti Sconosciuti (Perfect Strangers) which was a smash hit locally and has since become the most remade movie in history (the recent German version was that market’s No. 1 local pic of 2019). Among other catalogue titles are Edoardo De Angelis’ award winning Indivisible, Brazil’s Two Irenes, Spain’s The Open Door and genre pics The Nest and In The Trap,...
True Colours was established in 2015 as a partnership between veteran Italian firms Lucky Red and Indigo Film. Its credits include Perfetti Sconosciuti (Perfect Strangers) which was a smash hit locally and has since become the most remade movie in history (the recent German version was that market’s No. 1 local pic of 2019). Among other catalogue titles are Edoardo De Angelis’ award winning Indivisible, Brazil’s Two Irenes, Spain’s The Open Door and genre pics The Nest and In The Trap,...
- 4/27/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Oillataguerre, who previously served as President of Physical Production for MGM, has been named President of Production for Spyglass Media Group, LLC, where he will run theatrical production including creative development, physical production, and post-production. This move brings Oillataguerre back under the Spyglass label, after working in physical production at Spyglass Entertainment. The announcement was made by Gary Barber, Spyglass’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to whom Oillataguerre will be reporting to.
Oillataguerre is coming off of a 9-year stint at MGM where he was in charge of all aspects of physical production across the film and television units. Titles that he has worked on include the James Bond franchise, the Creed film, Tomb Raider, The Magnificent Seven, as well as TV series “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fargo,” “Vikings,” and “Get Shorty.”
More from Deadline'Ready or Not' Helmers Matthew Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett Directing The Next 'Scream' InstallmentIssa Rae To Write,...
Oillataguerre is coming off of a 9-year stint at MGM where he was in charge of all aspects of physical production across the film and television units. Titles that he has worked on include the James Bond franchise, the Creed film, Tomb Raider, The Magnificent Seven, as well as TV series “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fargo,” “Vikings,” and “Get Shorty.”
More from Deadline'Ready or Not' Helmers Matthew Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett Directing The Next 'Scream' InstallmentIssa Rae To Write,...
- 4/20/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
With Cannes and Venice both up in the air due to the coronavirus pandemic, Italy’s film promotion org. Filmitalia has teamed up with festival streaming platform Festival Scope Pro to launch its annual Italian Screenings market online in July.
Filmitalia, a unit of Italian national film entity Luce-Cinecittà, “is the first of Europe’s roughly 30 film promotion agencies to make a move into the virtual market space,” says its chief Carla Cattani.
She is organizing this year’s digital screenings — which will run July 21-24 in an expanded format — in tandem with the country’s film exporters’ union Unefa.
The Italian Screenings’ July 21-24 slot is strategic, situated in the calendar a month after the Cannes virtual market — where Italian movies will probably have “low visibility,” Cattani notes — and before Venice, which may or may not take place in early September.
“We have to kickstart the market cycle again...
Filmitalia, a unit of Italian national film entity Luce-Cinecittà, “is the first of Europe’s roughly 30 film promotion agencies to make a move into the virtual market space,” says its chief Carla Cattani.
She is organizing this year’s digital screenings — which will run July 21-24 in an expanded format — in tandem with the country’s film exporters’ union Unefa.
The Italian Screenings’ July 21-24 slot is strategic, situated in the calendar a month after the Cannes virtual market — where Italian movies will probably have “low visibility,” Cattani notes — and before Venice, which may or may not take place in early September.
“We have to kickstart the market cycle again...
- 4/15/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Thomas L. Miller, one of the co-founders of Miller-Boyett Productions who produced some of of the most influential sitcoms in television history such as “Family Matters” and “Full House,” has died of complications related to heart disease. He was 79.
Miller died on April 5 in Salisbury, Conn., according to his family and longtime partner Robert L. Boyett.
The extensive list of TV credits he accrued over his seven-decade career also includes other “Tgif” hits like “Perfect Strangers” and “Step by Step.” Via Miller-Boyet productions (which began as Miller-Milkis in 1969), he also had a hand in family-oriented hits such as “Bosom Buddies,” “Happy Days,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Laverne and Shirley.”
Miller moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment in 1962, scoring his break as a dialogue coach for legendary film director Billy Wilder. During his time with Wilder, Miller worked on such classic films as “Irma la Douce” and “The Fortune Cookie.
Miller died on April 5 in Salisbury, Conn., according to his family and longtime partner Robert L. Boyett.
The extensive list of TV credits he accrued over his seven-decade career also includes other “Tgif” hits like “Perfect Strangers” and “Step by Step.” Via Miller-Boyet productions (which began as Miller-Milkis in 1969), he also had a hand in family-oriented hits such as “Bosom Buddies,” “Happy Days,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Laverne and Shirley.”
Miller moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment in 1962, scoring his break as a dialogue coach for legendary film director Billy Wilder. During his time with Wilder, Miller worked on such classic films as “Irma la Douce” and “The Fortune Cookie.
- 4/8/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Thomas L. Miller, who produced several hit TV comedies over seven decades in the business, died April 5 of complications from heart disease in Salisbury, Ct. He was 79.
Through the years, Miller produced Full House, Bosom Buddies, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step as co-founder of Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions.
More from DeadlineJames Drury Dies: Star Of Long-Running Western 'The Virginian' Was 85Issa Rae To Write, Produce, Star In 'Perfect Strangers' Comedy For Spyglass Media Group & Eagle PicturesWarnerMedia Streamer Eyes Reboots Of Warner Bros TV Tgif Comedies Like 'Step by Step', 'Perfect Strangers' & 'Family Matters'
“Thomas Miller was born to entertain, infused with irrepressible passion and love for bringing joy to others through his life’s work,” Warner Bros Television Group said in a statement. “And what a skill set he possessed. He was at once a thoughtful and tasteful executive,...
Through the years, Miller produced Full House, Bosom Buddies, Family Matters, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step as co-founder of Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions.
More from DeadlineJames Drury Dies: Star Of Long-Running Western 'The Virginian' Was 85Issa Rae To Write, Produce, Star In 'Perfect Strangers' Comedy For Spyglass Media Group & Eagle PicturesWarnerMedia Streamer Eyes Reboots Of Warner Bros TV Tgif Comedies Like 'Step by Step', 'Perfect Strangers' & 'Family Matters'
“Thomas Miller was born to entertain, infused with irrepressible passion and love for bringing joy to others through his life’s work,” Warner Bros Television Group said in a statement. “And what a skill set he possessed. He was at once a thoughtful and tasteful executive,...
- 4/8/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Thomas L. Miller, the veteran Ep behind Tgif comedies Family Matters, Full House, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step and half of the powerhouse Miller/Boyett producing team, died Sunday of complications from heart disease. He was 79.
A source tells TVLine that Miler’s death was not coronavirus-related.
More from TVLineKilling Eve Team Answers Season 3's Biggest Question: Why Isn't Eve Dead?!Tiger King Gets Official Netflix After Show Hosted by Joel McHaleSaturday Night Live Returning With New Episode This Weekend
During his seven-decade career, Miller also developed (along with Garry Marshall) the classic ’70s sitcoms Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and Mork and Mindy.
A source tells TVLine that Miler’s death was not coronavirus-related.
More from TVLineKilling Eve Team Answers Season 3's Biggest Question: Why Isn't Eve Dead?!Tiger King Gets Official Netflix After Show Hosted by Joel McHaleSaturday Night Live Returning With New Episode This Weekend
During his seven-decade career, Miller also developed (along with Garry Marshall) the classic ’70s sitcoms Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and Mork and Mindy.
- 4/8/2020
- TVLine.com
Thomas L. Miller, a longtime TV producer known for hits including “Family Matters,” “Full House,” “Perfect Strangers” and “Step by Step,” died on Sunday from complications due to heart disease. He was 79.
Miller, who co-founded Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions, is one of the most successful TV producers. Along with the shows mentioned above, he produced other classics like “Bosom Buddies” (which he also co-created), “Happy Days,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “Laverne & Shirley.”
“Thomas Miller was born to entertain, infused with irrepressible passion and love for bringing joy to others through his life’s work. And what a skill set he possessed. He was at once a thoughtful and tasteful executive, an extremely talented writer, and a highly successful producer whose many hit series will live long in the collective memory of fans around the world. Everyone at Warner Bros. Television Group and the ‘Fuller...
Miller, who co-founded Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions, is one of the most successful TV producers. Along with the shows mentioned above, he produced other classics like “Bosom Buddies” (which he also co-created), “Happy Days,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “Laverne & Shirley.”
“Thomas Miller was born to entertain, infused with irrepressible passion and love for bringing joy to others through his life’s work. And what a skill set he possessed. He was at once a thoughtful and tasteful executive, an extremely talented writer, and a highly successful producer whose many hit series will live long in the collective memory of fans around the world. Everyone at Warner Bros. Television Group and the ‘Fuller...
- 4/8/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Thomas L. Miller, the legendary television producer behind such iconic sitcoms as Happy Days, Family Matters, Full House, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step, has died. He was 79.
Miller died Sunday in Salisbury, Connecticut, of complications from heart disease, his family and Robert L. Boyett, his partner of 40 years, announced. A private burial will take place in his hometown of Milwaukee.
In a career that spanned seven decades, Miller co-founded the TV production companies Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions, which were respectively behind some of the most loved and highest-rated shows of the ...
Miller died Sunday in Salisbury, Connecticut, of complications from heart disease, his family and Robert L. Boyett, his partner of 40 years, announced. A private burial will take place in his hometown of Milwaukee.
In a career that spanned seven decades, Miller co-founded the TV production companies Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions, which were respectively behind some of the most loved and highest-rated shows of the ...
Thomas L. Miller, the legendary television producer behind such iconic sitcoms as Happy Days, Family Matters, Full House, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, Perfect Strangers and Step by Step, has died. He was 79.
Miller died Sunday in Salisbury, Connecticut, of complications from heart disease, his family and Robert L. Boyett, his partner of 40 years, announced. A private burial will take place in his hometown of Milwaukee.
In a career that spanned seven decades, Miller co-founded the TV production companies Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions, which were respectively behind some of the most loved and highest-rated shows of the ...
Miller died Sunday in Salisbury, Connecticut, of complications from heart disease, his family and Robert L. Boyett, his partner of 40 years, announced. A private burial will take place in his hometown of Milwaukee.
In a career that spanned seven decades, Miller co-founded the TV production companies Miller/Boyett Productions, Miller/Boyett/Warren Productions and Miller-Milkis Productions, which were respectively behind some of the most loved and highest-rated shows of the ...
Editors’ Note: With full acknowledgment of the big-picture implications of a pandemic that has already claimed thousands of lives, cratered global economies and closed international borders, Deadline’s Coping With Covid-19 Crisis series is a forum for those in the entertainment space grappling with myriad consequences of seeing a great industry screech to a halt. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. If you have a story, email mike@deadline.com.
Heading into 2020, German producer-distributor Constantin Film was coming off a banner year that included the market’s No. 1 local picture, Perfect Strangers (Das Perfekte Geheimnis), a remake of the original 2016 Italian hit. Grossing €46 million, the title in part helped turn Germany’s box office fortunes around after a rough 2018. The company was...
Heading into 2020, German producer-distributor Constantin Film was coming off a banner year that included the market’s No. 1 local picture, Perfect Strangers (Das Perfekte Geheimnis), a remake of the original 2016 Italian hit. Grossing €46 million, the title in part helped turn Germany’s box office fortunes around after a rough 2018. The company was...
- 3/31/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian sales company True Colours has scored multiple sales at the Efm on several titles including Christmas comedy “Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem,” which was Italy’s top-grossing domestic title in 2019.
“Bethlehem,” which scored roughly $17 million domestically, toplines comic duo Ficarra and Picone as a thief and a priest who time-travel to Palestine in the year of Jesus’ birth. It has sold to Hungarian distributor Rtl, to Russian company Pilotkino and to Palace Film for Australia and New Zealand.
Palace Film also picked up director Guido Chiesa’s comedy “Say It Loud,” about a severely stressed 40-year-old named Giulia, who gets a life coach and starts venting her anger incessantly. Pic will be released in Italy by Medusa in March.
True Colours also sold rom-com “A Bookshop in Paris,” directed by Sergio Castellitto — who also stars alongside Berenice Bejo — to Stars Media for former Yugoslavia territories and to Andrews Film for Taiwan.
“Bethlehem,” which scored roughly $17 million domestically, toplines comic duo Ficarra and Picone as a thief and a priest who time-travel to Palestine in the year of Jesus’ birth. It has sold to Hungarian distributor Rtl, to Russian company Pilotkino and to Palace Film for Australia and New Zealand.
Palace Film also picked up director Guido Chiesa’s comedy “Say It Loud,” about a severely stressed 40-year-old named Giulia, who gets a life coach and starts venting her anger incessantly. Pic will be released in Italy by Medusa in March.
True Colours also sold rom-com “A Bookshop in Paris,” directed by Sergio Castellitto — who also stars alongside Berenice Bejo — to Stars Media for former Yugoslavia territories and to Andrews Film for Taiwan.
- 2/23/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Pictures International has signed a landmark distribution partnership with Italy’s leading independent distribution company Eagle Pictures. Under the deal, Eagle Pictures will release Paramount titles in the country starting in March with John Krasinski’s anticipated horror film “A Quiet Place 2.”
Since 2017, Paramount Pictures has had its films released by Fox in Italy, and prior to that, by Universal. Following the Disney/Fox merger, however, the U.S. studio has been searching for another solid partner among independent distributors in the region.
A number of distribution outfits were considered, including Medusa, Rai, Leone, Notorious and Lucky Red, according to an industry insider.
The timing is auspicious for Eagles Pictures, which has had a banner year. The outfit was Italy’s top distribution company, and the only local player ranking in the B.O.’s top 10, leading with “Green Book.” Eagle was also the only Italian banner to...
Since 2017, Paramount Pictures has had its films released by Fox in Italy, and prior to that, by Universal. Following the Disney/Fox merger, however, the U.S. studio has been searching for another solid partner among independent distributors in the region.
A number of distribution outfits were considered, including Medusa, Rai, Leone, Notorious and Lucky Red, according to an industry insider.
The timing is auspicious for Eagles Pictures, which has had a banner year. The outfit was Italy’s top distribution company, and the only local player ranking in the B.O.’s top 10, leading with “Green Book.” Eagle was also the only Italian banner to...
- 1/21/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Let’s be fair and say that you likely remember Mark Linn-Baker the best from Perfect Strangers as Cousin Larry and likely only because he and Bronson Pinchot worked so well together. Since that time he’s been acting steadily and is still listed as active though it doesn’t appear that he has anything pressing at the moment. The 65-year old actor has been around show business for a very long time now and has been underrated quite often despite his contributions but has appeared here and there throughout the years when least expected. In a way Mark is one of the
Whatever Happened to Mark Linn-Baker?...
Whatever Happened to Mark Linn-Baker?...
- 1/19/2020
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
If you've been wondering when Melissa McCarthy would return to the small screen, you'll be happy to know the Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actress has lined up her next TV gig. She will next appear opposite Nicole Kidman in Hulu's limited series Nine Perfect Strangers, TV Guide has confirmed. This
...
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com Melissa McCarthyNine Perfect Strangers...
...
Read More >
Other Links From TVGuide.com Melissa McCarthyNine Perfect Strangers...
- 1/7/2020
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Melissa McCarthy is set to star opposite Nicole Kidman in Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers, marking her first series-regular TV gig since Mike & Molly.
The limited series — which is based on Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty’s book of the same name — takes place at a swanky health and wellness resort where nine frazzled city dwellers go to unwind. Kidman was previously cast as resort director Masha, “a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies,” per the official synopsis. “However, these nine ‘perfect’ strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.”
More...
The limited series — which is based on Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty’s book of the same name — takes place at a swanky health and wellness resort where nine frazzled city dwellers go to unwind. Kidman was previously cast as resort director Masha, “a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies,” per the official synopsis. “However, these nine ‘perfect’ strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.”
More...
- 1/7/2020
- TVLine.com
It’s become a Bavarian rite of summer. With Germany and the rest of continental Europe swooning through the dog days of August, local audiences flock to the cinema to catch the latest capers of detective Franz Eberhofer, the star of a crime comedy franchise based on a series of best-selling novels. As temperature soar, so do ticket sales for what’s become one of Germany’s most sure-fire box office hits.
But don’t expect to catch “Leberkäsjunkie” (The Meatloaf Addict) anytime soon at a theater near you. The fifth installment in the Eberhofer franchise has hardly traveled beyond Bavaria, even as it’s become Germany’s second highest-grossing domestic film of 2019 ($10 million). “It’s a huge social event in parts of Bavaria,” says Martin Moszkowicz, executive chairman of Constantin Film, which distributes the film. “It’s a real phenomenon.”
That phenomenon is part of a broader trend across Europe,...
But don’t expect to catch “Leberkäsjunkie” (The Meatloaf Addict) anytime soon at a theater near you. The fifth installment in the Eberhofer franchise has hardly traveled beyond Bavaria, even as it’s become Germany’s second highest-grossing domestic film of 2019 ($10 million). “It’s a huge social event in parts of Bavaria,” says Martin Moszkowicz, executive chairman of Constantin Film, which distributes the film. “It’s a real phenomenon.”
That phenomenon is part of a broader trend across Europe,...
- 12/5/2019
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
“Insecure” star and co-creator Issa Rae is starring in, writing and producing the comedy “Perfect Strangers,” teaming with Spyglass Media Group and Eagle Pictures.
The project is an English-language adaptation of Paolo Genovese’s Italian feature film “Perfetti Sconosciuti.” The story centers on a dinner party where a group of friends decide to play a risky game where they place their phones face-up on the table and agree to make all texts and phone calls public in an attempt to prove they have nothing to hide.
Rae and Larry Wilmore created HBO’s “Insecure,” which follows the friendship of two women as they deal with their real-life flaws and a seemingly endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. The series has aired for three seasons, and was based partially on Rae’s own web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She is starring in Universal’s romantic drama “The Photograph” and Paramount’s “Lovebirds.
The project is an English-language adaptation of Paolo Genovese’s Italian feature film “Perfetti Sconosciuti.” The story centers on a dinner party where a group of friends decide to play a risky game where they place their phones face-up on the table and agree to make all texts and phone calls public in an attempt to prove they have nothing to hide.
Rae and Larry Wilmore created HBO’s “Insecure,” which follows the friendship of two women as they deal with their real-life flaws and a seemingly endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. The series has aired for three seasons, and was based partially on Rae’s own web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She is starring in Universal’s romantic drama “The Photograph” and Paramount’s “Lovebirds.
- 12/4/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Insecure star Issa Rae has signed on to write, produce and star in Perfect Strangers, a comedy film that will be produced by Spyglass Media Group, LLC, Eagle Pictures, and 3 Marys Entertainment. The pic is an English language adaptation of the 2016 Paolo Genovese-directed Italian feature Perfetti Sconosciuti, which won for best screenplay for an International Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival that same year.
The plot centers around a dinner party where a group of friends decide to play a risky game where they place their phones face-up on the table and agree to make all texts and phone calls public in an attempt to prove they have nothing to hide. The comedy about friendship, love and betrayal forces the friends to confront and discover they may actually be “perfect strangers.”
Issa Rae Productions’ Montrel Mckay will serve as an executive producer on Perfect Strangers, while Chris...
The plot centers around a dinner party where a group of friends decide to play a risky game where they place their phones face-up on the table and agree to make all texts and phone calls public in an attempt to prove they have nothing to hide. The comedy about friendship, love and betrayal forces the friends to confront and discover they may actually be “perfect strangers.”
Issa Rae Productions’ Montrel Mckay will serve as an executive producer on Perfect Strangers, while Chris...
- 12/4/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Spyglass Media and Eagle Pictures have teamed up to produce an English-language adaptation of Paolo Genovese’s Italian film “Perfetti Sconosciuti,” with “Insecure” star and co-creator Issa Rae attached to write, produce and star in the comedy.
The film, “Perfect Strangers,” centers around a dinner party in which a group of friends decide to play a risky game where they place their phones face-up on the table and agree to make all texts and phone calls public in an attempt to prove they have nothing to hide. The film takes a comedic approach to dealing with the friendship, love and betrayal that forces the friends to confront the fact that they may actually be “perfect strangers.”
“I’m really looking forward to bringing this funny and compelling story to a new demographic and could not be happier about partnering with the Spyglass team to make it happen,” Rae said in a statement.
The film, “Perfect Strangers,” centers around a dinner party in which a group of friends decide to play a risky game where they place their phones face-up on the table and agree to make all texts and phone calls public in an attempt to prove they have nothing to hide. The film takes a comedic approach to dealing with the friendship, love and betrayal that forces the friends to confront the fact that they may actually be “perfect strangers.”
“I’m really looking forward to bringing this funny and compelling story to a new demographic and could not be happier about partnering with the Spyglass team to make it happen,” Rae said in a statement.
- 12/4/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
James O'Keefe, the veteran sitcom producer and frequent Garry Marshall and Miller-Boyett collaborator who worked on Mork & Mindy, Perfect Strangers, Full House and Family Matters, has died. He was 76.
O'Keefe died Oct. 31 of heart disease at his home in Bel Air, his wife, former Sony Pictures Studios executive Jan Kelly, announced.
His father was Dennis O'Keefe, an actor in such movies as The Leopard Man (1943), Brewster's Millions (1945), Walk a Crooked Mile (1948) and Follow the Sun (1951), and his mother was Steffi Duna, an actress and dancer who appeared in ...
O'Keefe died Oct. 31 of heart disease at his home in Bel Air, his wife, former Sony Pictures Studios executive Jan Kelly, announced.
His father was Dennis O'Keefe, an actor in such movies as The Leopard Man (1943), Brewster's Millions (1945), Walk a Crooked Mile (1948) and Follow the Sun (1951), and his mother was Steffi Duna, an actress and dancer who appeared in ...
- 11/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Ryan Hendrick, the Scottish Bafta-nominated filmmaker, has signed with the UK wing of management firm Zero Gravity.
The news comes as Hendrick heads into production on feature movie Perfect Strangers, a Scotland-set Christmas tale about two strangers who find themselves stranded in the Scottish Highlands on Christmas Eve. Putting aside their own personal turmoil they reluctantly decide to team up to try and get home for Christmas.
The feature is based on Hendrick’s own short film of the same name, which was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA.
Cast includes Natalie Clark (Still Game), Kenny Boyle (Hero Worship), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit), Sanjeev Kohli (Stan & Ollie), Clare Grogan (Gregory’s Girl), Caitlin Blackwood (Dr Who), Frazer Hines (Outlander), Karen Bartke (Scot Squad), Nicolette McKeown (Convergence), theater actor Alasdair McCrone and newcomer Alexander Teunion.
The project comes from Hendrick’s own company Magic Monkey Films, which he founded with David Newman.
The news comes as Hendrick heads into production on feature movie Perfect Strangers, a Scotland-set Christmas tale about two strangers who find themselves stranded in the Scottish Highlands on Christmas Eve. Putting aside their own personal turmoil they reluctantly decide to team up to try and get home for Christmas.
The feature is based on Hendrick’s own short film of the same name, which was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA.
Cast includes Natalie Clark (Still Game), Kenny Boyle (Hero Worship), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit), Sanjeev Kohli (Stan & Ollie), Clare Grogan (Gregory’s Girl), Caitlin Blackwood (Dr Who), Frazer Hines (Outlander), Karen Bartke (Scot Squad), Nicolette McKeown (Convergence), theater actor Alasdair McCrone and newcomer Alexander Teunion.
The project comes from Hendrick’s own company Magic Monkey Films, which he founded with David Newman.
- 11/18/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Further deals secured for ‘The Nest,’ ‘The Most Beautiful Day In The World’ and ‘The Trap’.
Rome-based sales company True Colours has scored a series of deals on four films at Afm, including upcoming comedy drama Superheroes.
Directed by Paolo Genovese, whose credits include Perfect Strangers, Superheroes has been pre-sold to PROvzglyad for Russia and the Baltics, and Swallow Wings for Taiwan.
Principal photography began in September on the film, starring Jasmine Trinca and Alessandro Borghi as a young couple struggling to keep their relationship alive. It is set to be released in Italy by Medusa in the second half...
Rome-based sales company True Colours has scored a series of deals on four films at Afm, including upcoming comedy drama Superheroes.
Directed by Paolo Genovese, whose credits include Perfect Strangers, Superheroes has been pre-sold to PROvzglyad for Russia and the Baltics, and Swallow Wings for Taiwan.
Principal photography began in September on the film, starring Jasmine Trinca and Alessandro Borghi as a young couple struggling to keep their relationship alive. It is set to be released in Italy by Medusa in the second half...
- 11/12/2019
- by 1100976¦Gabriele Niola¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Further deals secured for ‘The Nest,’ ‘The Most Beautiful Day In The World’ and ‘The Trap’.
Rome-based sales company True Colours has scored a series of deals on four films at Afm, including upcoming comedy drama Superheroes.
Directed by Paolo Genovese, whose credits include Perfect Strangers, Superheroes has been pre-sold to PROvzglyad for Russia and the Baltics, and Swallow Wings for Taiwan.
Principal photography began in September on the film, starring Jasmine Trinca and Alessandro Borghi as a young couple struggling to keep their relationship alive. It is set to be released in Italy by Medusa in the second half...
Rome-based sales company True Colours has scored a series of deals on four films at Afm, including upcoming comedy drama Superheroes.
Directed by Paolo Genovese, whose credits include Perfect Strangers, Superheroes has been pre-sold to PROvzglyad for Russia and the Baltics, and Swallow Wings for Taiwan.
Principal photography began in September on the film, starring Jasmine Trinca and Alessandro Borghi as a young couple struggling to keep their relationship alive. It is set to be released in Italy by Medusa in the second half...
- 11/12/2019
- by 1100976¦Gabriele Niola¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang (300) is teaming with the producing arm of Leone Film Group, Lotus Productions, to co-produce Paolo Genovese’s upcoming English-language project The First Day Of My Life.
Pic is based on Genovese’s own novel. Kirk Jones (Everybody’s Fine) adapted the screenplay.
The story focuses on the lives of four struggling strangers. As each character grows increasingly despondent and seeks to end it all, they are offered a unique chance at redemption in the form of a disgruntled angel, who shows them what the world would be like without them.
The U.S.-Italy co-pro project is aiming to shoot in 2020. It will be filmed in English and dubbed into Italian for Italy.
Producers are Hollywood Gang and Lotus Productions Srl, the producing arm of the Leone Film Group run by Marco Belardi with Andrea and Raffaella Leone, the children of legendary Italian director Sergio Leone.
Pic is based on Genovese’s own novel. Kirk Jones (Everybody’s Fine) adapted the screenplay.
The story focuses on the lives of four struggling strangers. As each character grows increasingly despondent and seeks to end it all, they are offered a unique chance at redemption in the form of a disgruntled angel, who shows them what the world would be like without them.
The U.S.-Italy co-pro project is aiming to shoot in 2020. It will be filmed in English and dubbed into Italian for Italy.
Producers are Hollywood Gang and Lotus Productions Srl, the producing arm of the Leone Film Group run by Marco Belardi with Andrea and Raffaella Leone, the children of legendary Italian director Sergio Leone.
- 11/8/2019
- by Tom Grater and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.