Portuguese auteur Miguel Gomes deepens his brand of unclassifiable, globetrotting cinema with Grand Tour, a period drama that’s not really a period drama at all, or is it?
Set in Southeast Asia circa 1918, and following the trajectories of a British civil servant and his fiancée as they trace similar paths across the continent, the film hops between present-day documentary footage and historical recreations, with voiceovers in several local languages and a plot that slowly nudges along. Fans of Gomes’ breakthrough 2012 feature, Tabu, will find much to love here as well, and in terms of craft his latest offers some truly beguiling moments. But anyone looking for a good story, or characters to get hooked on, may find themselves admiring the scenery without ever relishing it.
Despite a simple pitch, Grand Tour is, at least aesthetically speaking, anything but simple, jumping between epochs, genres, color and black-and-white without warning. Gomes...
Set in Southeast Asia circa 1918, and following the trajectories of a British civil servant and his fiancée as they trace similar paths across the continent, the film hops between present-day documentary footage and historical recreations, with voiceovers in several local languages and a plot that slowly nudges along. Fans of Gomes’ breakthrough 2012 feature, Tabu, will find much to love here as well, and in terms of craft his latest offers some truly beguiling moments. But anyone looking for a good story, or characters to get hooked on, may find themselves admiring the scenery without ever relishing it.
Despite a simple pitch, Grand Tour is, at least aesthetically speaking, anything but simple, jumping between epochs, genres, color and black-and-white without warning. Gomes...
- 5/22/2024
- by Jordan Mintzer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
THR puts the spotlight on the best films from the festival circuit that have yet to land a U.S. distribution deal.
La Cocina
Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios
Sales WME Independent, Fifth Season
From Anthony Bourdain giving American readers an inside look at the rock ’n’ roll restaurant industry in Kitchen Confidential to Nancy Meyers’ citrus-dotted white marble countertops in enviable home kitchens, modern American audiences have had an infatuation with cookery. Though previously largely reserved for the nonfiction space with entries like Bourdain’s No Reservations and Netflix’s operatic Chef’s Table, the narrative possibilities of the dark underbelly of back-of-house restaurant staff have began to emerge lately. The Bear, the anxiety-inducing FX series about a Chicago Italian beef joint, swept the Emmys in January and is poised to do the same this go-around. Enter director Ruizpalacios’ La Cocina. “Think The Bear on cocaine with a Red Bull chaser...
La Cocina
Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios
Sales WME Independent, Fifth Season
From Anthony Bourdain giving American readers an inside look at the rock ’n’ roll restaurant industry in Kitchen Confidential to Nancy Meyers’ citrus-dotted white marble countertops in enviable home kitchens, modern American audiences have had an infatuation with cookery. Though previously largely reserved for the nonfiction space with entries like Bourdain’s No Reservations and Netflix’s operatic Chef’s Table, the narrative possibilities of the dark underbelly of back-of-house restaurant staff have began to emerge lately. The Bear, the anxiety-inducing FX series about a Chicago Italian beef joint, swept the Emmys in January and is poised to do the same this go-around. Enter director Ruizpalacios’ La Cocina. “Think The Bear on cocaine with a Red Bull chaser...
- 5/19/2024
- by Scott Roxborough and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CNN aims to return to the recipe that gave its viewers explorers of international cuisine such as Anthony Bourdain and Stanley Tucci.
After announcing in October of 2022 that the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet would pull back on the efforts that made it a name in original documentary series and films — ostensibly to cut costs at a time when its corporate parent was grappling with significant debt — CNN wants to get back into the business of developing original non-fiction series and movies.
“I think we are very much in the rebuild phase,” Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content, tells Variety during a recent interview.
Mark Thompson, named in August to oversee CNN following a tumultuous run under predecessor Chris Licht, has articulated a strategy of building out new areas and verticals that can help the company win more customers and viewers. Original series would seem to be one of them.
After announcing in October of 2022 that the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet would pull back on the efforts that made it a name in original documentary series and films — ostensibly to cut costs at a time when its corporate parent was grappling with significant debt — CNN wants to get back into the business of developing original non-fiction series and movies.
“I think we are very much in the rebuild phase,” Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content, tells Variety during a recent interview.
Mark Thompson, named in August to oversee CNN following a tumultuous run under predecessor Chris Licht, has articulated a strategy of building out new areas and verticals that can help the company win more customers and viewers. Original series would seem to be one of them.
- 5/15/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Erik Osterholm, longtime Bourdain producer/director and Down To Earth co-creator Michael Simkin launch Ultra Boom Media. The two producers are joining forces to create Ultra Boom Media alongside Oscar/Emmy nominated filmmaker Omar Mullick and veteran media and creative exec Carrie Kaylor.
Osterholm previously served as director/producer on both iconic unscripted series, Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and Vice’s Emmy-winning HBO series. As a former SVP of development at Zero Point Zero, Erik developed and produced a number of series, including The Business of Drugs, Emmy Nominated Connected with Latif Nasser for Netflix, and the CNN original series Nomad with Carlton McCoy.
As the Co-creator and showrunner of Netflix’s Emmy award-winning documentary series Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Simkin also steered Zac Efron’s production company, Ninja’s Runnin Wild, producing scripted films like Extremely, Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, That Awkward Moment and Dirty Grandpa with Robert DeNiro.
Osterholm previously served as director/producer on both iconic unscripted series, Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and Vice’s Emmy-winning HBO series. As a former SVP of development at Zero Point Zero, Erik developed and produced a number of series, including The Business of Drugs, Emmy Nominated Connected with Latif Nasser for Netflix, and the CNN original series Nomad with Carlton McCoy.
As the Co-creator and showrunner of Netflix’s Emmy award-winning documentary series Down to Earth with Zac Efron, Simkin also steered Zac Efron’s production company, Ninja’s Runnin Wild, producing scripted films like Extremely, Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, That Awkward Moment and Dirty Grandpa with Robert DeNiro.
- 5/6/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
A group of documentary filmmakers, producers, and archivists has written a series of guidelines on how they believe filmmakers should — and should not — use generative AI in their documentary movies.
While the AI guidelines for many entertainment folks may go something like this: “never, ever, a billion times no,” the reality is that generative AI has already crept into documentary filmmaking and is likely here to stay. An organization called the Archival Producers Alliance has outlined its best practices for filmmakers when it comes to handling consent, being transparent, and preserving history and truth.
“We recognize that AI is here, and it is here to stay. And we recognize that it brings with it potential for amazing creative opportunities,” APA co-founder Jennifer Petrucelli (“Crip Camp”) said at the IDA’s Getting Real event on Wednesday. “At the same time, we want to really encourage people to take a collective breath...
While the AI guidelines for many entertainment folks may go something like this: “never, ever, a billion times no,” the reality is that generative AI has already crept into documentary filmmaking and is likely here to stay. An organization called the Archival Producers Alliance has outlined its best practices for filmmakers when it comes to handling consent, being transparent, and preserving history and truth.
“We recognize that AI is here, and it is here to stay. And we recognize that it brings with it potential for amazing creative opportunities,” APA co-founder Jennifer Petrucelli (“Crip Camp”) said at the IDA’s Getting Real event on Wednesday. “At the same time, we want to really encourage people to take a collective breath...
- 4/17/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
As filmmakers start to incorporate more generative artificial intelligence into documentary production, leading to mounting concern over the use of “fake archival” materials, a group of producers is pushing ahead in their efforts to establish guardrails around the use of the technology in fact-based storytelling.
On Tuesday, leaders of the Archival Producers Alliance — a group of roughly 300 researchers and producers working in documentary internationally, including Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmakers — presented their first draft of a set of proposed best practices for the use of generative AI in their field. (Archival producers find and license appropriate archival materials like historical photos and video footage for nonfiction projects.) During the session at the International Documentary Association’s biennial Getting Real Conference in Los Angeles, APA founders Rachel Antell and Jennifer Petrucelli (Crip Camp) and Stephanie Jenkins (Muhammad Ali) presented an initial outline for how filmmakers might handle consent, primary sources and transparency...
On Tuesday, leaders of the Archival Producers Alliance — a group of roughly 300 researchers and producers working in documentary internationally, including Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmakers — presented their first draft of a set of proposed best practices for the use of generative AI in their field. (Archival producers find and license appropriate archival materials like historical photos and video footage for nonfiction projects.) During the session at the International Documentary Association’s biennial Getting Real Conference in Los Angeles, APA founders Rachel Antell and Jennifer Petrucelli (Crip Camp) and Stephanie Jenkins (Muhammad Ali) presented an initial outline for how filmmakers might handle consent, primary sources and transparency...
- 4/17/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Morgan Neville is an Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winning documentarian who has a knack for going deep inside the worlds of various entertainment and media figures in memorable films like the Academy Award winner 20 Feet From Stardom about backup singers; Won’t You Be My Neighbor about Fred Rogers; The Best Of Enemies focused on the rivalry of William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal; Roadrunner which delved into the world of Anthony Bourdain; and films on everyone from Orson Welles to Keith Richards and many others. But in getting Steve Martin to finally commit to a documentary on his life and extraordinary career as groundbreaking stand up comedian to movie star, author, playwright, and musician, Neville got even more than he could have imagined. After HBO’s Defending My Life, Rob Reiner’s recent terrific documentary on a similar comic and film genius Albert Brooks, this insightful and fascinating...
- 3/26/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Bill Maher’s long-running “Real Time” is getting more time across the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.
CNN will start running episodes of the program on Saturday nights at 8 p.m., a day after their original broadcasts on HBO. The show will also continue to be available live and on demand on the streaming platform Max.
“The addition of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, original programming and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
CNN had been airing segments from “OverTime,” a YouTube-streamed “after-show” Maher hosts with his “Real Time” guests,...
CNN will start running episodes of the program on Saturday nights at 8 p.m., a day after their original broadcasts on HBO. The show will also continue to be available live and on demand on the streaming platform Max.
“The addition of ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ to CNN’s weekend primetime lineup marks the start of a commitment and investment into topical entertainment programming that we’re bringing to the weekends,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, original programming and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “We’ve seen that audiences enjoy Bill’s perspective and approach to news and information, and we’re looking forward to the show now being on CNN.”
CNN had been airing segments from “OverTime,” a YouTube-streamed “after-show” Maher hosts with his “Real Time” guests,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
If it weren’t for Ratatouille, Patton Oswalt and the late Anthony Bourdain may not have been friends.
Oswalt stopped by Watch What Happens Live recently to promote his upcoming role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and was asked how he and the American chef and author originally connected.
“I became friends with him because he was a huge fan of Ratatouille,” Oswalt said, “He was like, ‘They got kitchens and chefs right. It’s very, very accurate.'”
The actor voices the Pixar animated film’s main character, Remy, a Parisian rat with a passion and talent for cooking, who joins forces with a garbage boy at a fine-dining restaurant, and together, they become a dynamic chef duo.
Oswalt also recalled reaching out to Bourdain for recommendations when he and his wife were going to honeymoon in Paris, and the chef’s response was sweet but only worked for him.
Oswalt stopped by Watch What Happens Live recently to promote his upcoming role in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and was asked how he and the American chef and author originally connected.
“I became friends with him because he was a huge fan of Ratatouille,” Oswalt said, “He was like, ‘They got kitchens and chefs right. It’s very, very accurate.'”
The actor voices the Pixar animated film’s main character, Remy, a Parisian rat with a passion and talent for cooking, who joins forces with a garbage boy at a fine-dining restaurant, and together, they become a dynamic chef duo.
Oswalt also recalled reaching out to Bourdain for recommendations when he and his wife were going to honeymoon in Paris, and the chef’s response was sweet but only worked for him.
- 3/15/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new CNN documentary series that examines the 2003 Space Shuttle disaster is the latest effort by the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet to help its original-production arm regain momentum.
“Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” relies on footage that has never been broadcast before as well as exclusive interviews. The four-part series will air Sunday April 7 and Sunday April 14,both at 9 p.m. eastern, with two hours broadcast each evening. The program is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions.
“This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nation’s attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is...
“Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” relies on footage that has never been broadcast before as well as exclusive interviews. The four-part series will air Sunday April 7 and Sunday April 14,both at 9 p.m. eastern, with two hours broadcast each evening. The program is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions.
“This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nation’s attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is...
- 3/7/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
At the start of an interview with Phil Rosenthal about his food and travel series Somebody Feed Phil, I’m introduced as “Richard” (the company email I used to set up our chat displays my full name). I tell Rosenthal that I go by Rick.
“Ok, good,” he replies. “Because you know, I’m not partial to the name Richard” — which is the name of Rosenthal’s brother, Somebody Feed Phil executive producer and occasional on-camera tormentor Rich Rosenthal.
The tone is thus set for a diverting interview about season seven of Somebody Feed Phil, which premiered March 1 on Netflix. The series has become one of the streamer’s longer-running nonfiction shows, with the eight episodes of the current season bringing its total to 41. The new batch of episodes follows Rosenthal to Mumbai, Washington, D.C., Kyoto, Iceland, Dubai, the “real” Orlando, Taipei and Scotland.
Rosenthal talked with The Hollywood Reporter...
“Ok, good,” he replies. “Because you know, I’m not partial to the name Richard” — which is the name of Rosenthal’s brother, Somebody Feed Phil executive producer and occasional on-camera tormentor Rich Rosenthal.
The tone is thus set for a diverting interview about season seven of Somebody Feed Phil, which premiered March 1 on Netflix. The series has become one of the streamer’s longer-running nonfiction shows, with the eight episodes of the current season bringing its total to 41. The new batch of episodes follows Rosenthal to Mumbai, Washington, D.C., Kyoto, Iceland, Dubai, the “real” Orlando, Taipei and Scotland.
Rosenthal talked with The Hollywood Reporter...
- 3/1/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Inspired by Arnold Wesker’s 1957 stage play, “The Kitchen,” Alonso Ruizpalacios’ “La Cocina” dives deep into the bowels of the industrial-size kitchen of a restaurant in New York City’s Times Square where food is churned out to serve throngs of diners, mostly tourists.
For Ruizpalacios, whose feature debut, “Güeros,” won the best first feature award at the Berlinale nearly 10 years ago, “La Cocina” (“The Kitchen”) is basically an anti-food-porn movie. “I wanted to show the other side of the food industry where expediency is more important than the quality of the food. It’s a metaphor for corporate capitalism,” he says.
The story takes place at the fictional The Grill in Manhattan, where cash has gone missing from the register. All the undocumented cooks, hailing from a diversity of countries, are placed under scrutiny, particularly Pedro (Raúl Briones), who is already on the line for his troublemaking.
Pedro is...
For Ruizpalacios, whose feature debut, “Güeros,” won the best first feature award at the Berlinale nearly 10 years ago, “La Cocina” (“The Kitchen”) is basically an anti-food-porn movie. “I wanted to show the other side of the food industry where expediency is more important than the quality of the food. It’s a metaphor for corporate capitalism,” he says.
The story takes place at the fictional The Grill in Manhattan, where cash has gone missing from the register. All the undocumented cooks, hailing from a diversity of countries, are placed under scrutiny, particularly Pedro (Raúl Briones), who is already on the line for his troublemaking.
Pedro is...
- 2/16/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Editor’s note: Following the publishing of our review, we received word from Brenden Dawes, who developed the generative system used by the filmmakers of Eno, that while the film teases the possibilities of AI and generative technology in an art practice, the film itself consists entirely of filmed new and archival materials with no AI-generated content.
A film of infinite possibilities thanks in part to a generative AI hook, Gary Hustwit’s Eno is partially a straightforward biopic featuring interviews and archival footage with composer Brian Eno, the experiential musician and artist whose credits include playing the synthesizer in Roxy Music to creating the start-up sound for Windows PCs. The film is assembled at random, with a set beginning and ending, inspired seemingly by a deck of “Oblique Strategies” cards that Eno and David Bowie used to create tension and contractions within their collaborations.
Of course, Eno is not...
A film of infinite possibilities thanks in part to a generative AI hook, Gary Hustwit’s Eno is partially a straightforward biopic featuring interviews and archival footage with composer Brian Eno, the experiential musician and artist whose credits include playing the synthesizer in Roxy Music to creating the start-up sound for Windows PCs. The film is assembled at random, with a set beginning and ending, inspired seemingly by a deck of “Oblique Strategies” cards that Eno and David Bowie used to create tension and contractions within their collaborations.
Of course, Eno is not...
- 1/25/2024
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Martha Stewart didn’t talk to CNN for a new original documentary series the news outlet has produced about her. But she’s still the star of the show.
“The Many Lives of Martha Stewart” is a four-part series produced by CNN Studios, a division devoted to longer-form and enterprise programming in the wake of a strategic decision made in 2022 to scale back big ambitions to compete in the documentary arena. Under previous leader Jeff Zucker, CNN extended its aegis to the world of film festivals and documentary series led by notables such as Anthony Bourdain, Lisa Ling and W. Kamau Bell.
A good chunk of that work was scrapped after Warner Bros. Discovery, a big player in the world of cost-conscious reality programming, took over CNN, and installed a leader, Chris Licht, who had a mandate to pare operations. Months later, CNN would win an Oscar for a documentary...
“The Many Lives of Martha Stewart” is a four-part series produced by CNN Studios, a division devoted to longer-form and enterprise programming in the wake of a strategic decision made in 2022 to scale back big ambitions to compete in the documentary arena. Under previous leader Jeff Zucker, CNN extended its aegis to the world of film festivals and documentary series led by notables such as Anthony Bourdain, Lisa Ling and W. Kamau Bell.
A good chunk of that work was scrapped after Warner Bros. Discovery, a big player in the world of cost-conscious reality programming, took over CNN, and installed a leader, Chris Licht, who had a mandate to pare operations. Months later, CNN would win an Oscar for a documentary...
- 1/3/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Stanley Tucci has found a new recipe for the popular docuseries exploring Italian cuisine he once whipped up for CNN.
The actor has struck a production deal with Disney’s National Geographic that calls for a new ten-part docuseries, “Tucci – The Heart of Italy,” to appear on the Nat Geo cable network. Tucci will explore the cuisine and culture in ten different regions of Italy. The series is produced by BBC Studios’, Specialist Factual Productions, alongside Tucci’s Salt Productions. Production will begin in January 2024.
“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci, in a prepared statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and I’m more than excited to begin the process in partnership with BBC Studios.”
Tucci had led two cycles of...
The actor has struck a production deal with Disney’s National Geographic that calls for a new ten-part docuseries, “Tucci – The Heart of Italy,” to appear on the Nat Geo cable network. Tucci will explore the cuisine and culture in ten different regions of Italy. The series is produced by BBC Studios’, Specialist Factual Productions, alongside Tucci’s Salt Productions. Production will begin in January 2024.
“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci, in a prepared statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and I’m more than excited to begin the process in partnership with BBC Studios.”
Tucci had led two cycles of...
- 12/14/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exactly one year after CNN canceled his popular travel food series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, the actor will hit the Autostrade once more, this time for National Geographic.
The Disney-owned nonfiction content company has ordered a new 10-part docuseries called Tucci — The Heart of Italy. The series bears a striking similarity to his late CNN series, following Tucci “as he unlocks the distinct flavors that define each region and discovers the rich versatility of Italy through those he meets along the journey.”
Tucci’s Salt Productions and BBC Studios’ Factual Productions are producing the series for National Geographic, with production set to begin next month.
“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci in a statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and...
The Disney-owned nonfiction content company has ordered a new 10-part docuseries called Tucci — The Heart of Italy. The series bears a striking similarity to his late CNN series, following Tucci “as he unlocks the distinct flavors that define each region and discovers the rich versatility of Italy through those he meets along the journey.”
Tucci’s Salt Productions and BBC Studios’ Factual Productions are producing the series for National Geographic, with production set to begin next month.
“National Geographic is all about adventure and exploration, and I am honored to take viewers once again to explore Italy through the lens of food,” said Tucci in a statement. “In Italy’s many distinct regions there is always something new to discover and...
- 12/14/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
During the SAG and WGA contract negotiations, conversation swirled around Hollywood’s use of artificial intelligence as the industry wrestled with what the new tech could mean for the future of entertainment. Now, a group of documentary producers are hoping to bring attention to the use of generative AI in nonfiction filmmaking, specifically as it pertains to archival work.
“It is time for the industry to establish standards in response to the new technology, so that trust with our viewers will remain unbroken,” reads the open letter from the newly established Archival Producers Alliance. The Alliance is made up of over 100 documentarians that include Emmy- and Oscar-winning filmmakers who have worked across studios and streamers.
As the nonfiction market has boomed, largely thanks to streaming supercharging the once sleepy industry, there have been growing ethical concerns among those in the doc community. These concerns have ranged from subjects acting as...
“It is time for the industry to establish standards in response to the new technology, so that trust with our viewers will remain unbroken,” reads the open letter from the newly established Archival Producers Alliance. The Alliance is made up of over 100 documentarians that include Emmy- and Oscar-winning filmmakers who have worked across studios and streamers.
As the nonfiction market has boomed, largely thanks to streaming supercharging the once sleepy industry, there have been growing ethical concerns among those in the doc community. These concerns have ranged from subjects acting as...
- 11/27/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Having worked with David Fincher on three films and remained friends since fier working together nearly 30 years ago, Brad Pitt can be considered something of an authority on the director. As such, Pitt has some thoughts about Fincher’s methods, teasing his friend but also offering some insight into his style.
Speaking at the Lacma Art+Film Gala over the weekend, Pitt offered some quotes from the mouth of Fincher. “Here’s some things you will hear on a David Fincher shoot: ‘Let’s shoot this now before we all lose interest in living.’ ‘Ok, we have the out-of-focus version. Now let’s try one that’s in focus.’ ‘That was shit through no fault of my own.’ And a personal fave: ‘I want you guys to enjoy yourselves, but that’s what Saturdays and Sundays are for.’” In other words, Fincher knows filmmaking is tough, he’s a perfectionist and sets are for working.
Speaking at the Lacma Art+Film Gala over the weekend, Pitt offered some quotes from the mouth of Fincher. “Here’s some things you will hear on a David Fincher shoot: ‘Let’s shoot this now before we all lose interest in living.’ ‘Ok, we have the out-of-focus version. Now let’s try one that’s in focus.’ ‘That was shit through no fault of my own.’ And a personal fave: ‘I want you guys to enjoy yourselves, but that’s what Saturdays and Sundays are for.’” In other words, Fincher knows filmmaking is tough, he’s a perfectionist and sets are for working.
- 11/7/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
HBO Max’s The Janes was among the top winners at the 44th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards on Wednesday, with the film — centered on a pre-Roe v. Wade abortion network in Chicago — taking home best documentary as well as best social issue documentary.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) presented the Documentary category winners during a live ceremony at the Palladium Times Square in New York City and streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform powered by Vimeo, the second of a two-night celebration. The News category winners were announced in a ceremony held at the Palladium on Wednesday.
Scheduled presenters at the Thursday night Docs ceremony included HBO Documentary & Family Programming’s Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, reporter Jelani Cobb, Nothing Compares director Kathryn Ferguson, NPR host and Is That Black Enough for You?!? writer-director Elvis Mitchell, Doc NYC co-founder Thom Powers and National Geographic correspondent Mariana van Zeller.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) presented the Documentary category winners during a live ceremony at the Palladium Times Square in New York City and streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform powered by Vimeo, the second of a two-night celebration. The News category winners were announced in a ceremony held at the Palladium on Wednesday.
Scheduled presenters at the Thursday night Docs ceremony included HBO Documentary & Family Programming’s Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, reporter Jelani Cobb, Nothing Compares director Kathryn Ferguson, NPR host and Is That Black Enough for You?!? writer-director Elvis Mitchell, Doc NYC co-founder Thom Powers and National Geographic correspondent Mariana van Zeller.
- 9/29/2023
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Since the TV academy officially established a distinction between informational and documentary programs in 2013, the former genre’s Emmy category – which eventually became known as Best Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special – has been dominated by multi-winners Anthony Bourdain, Leah Remini, and Stanley Tucci. As the presenter and co-executive producer of “Searching for Italy” (which is in need of a home after being dropped by CNN), Tucci is currently seeking his third consecutive win in the category along with an even mix of old and new co-nominees.
Best Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special differs from most Primetime Emmys in that it is a non-competitive area award that is given to any nominee that earns the approval of 90% of voters in the academy’s documentary peer group. This means that the five programs in the 2023 lineup are not vying for a single trophy and could all potentially prevail. However, given the fact...
Best Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special differs from most Primetime Emmys in that it is a non-competitive area award that is given to any nominee that earns the approval of 90% of voters in the academy’s documentary peer group. This means that the five programs in the 2023 lineup are not vying for a single trophy and could all potentially prevail. However, given the fact...
- 8/7/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Nobody can be both the magnifying glass and the ant burning up under its glare. Nobody, that is, except shaggy Romanian shaman Radu Jude who, with his Locarno competition entry “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World,” follows up 2021’s Berlinale-winning “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn” with a dizzying, dazzling feat of social critique, an all-fronts-at-once attack on the zeitgeist, and a mischievous, often hilarious work of art about the artifice of work. Funny and furious, crude and subtle, unkempt and thoroughly disciplined, this deranged movie is also maybe the sanest film of the year: a multifaceted manifesto exposing the absurd internalized fallacy that one must work in order to live, when it’s work — as in, the pitiless daily grind — that will be the death of us all.
Life is short but art is long, the saying goes. And at two hours 43 minutes, “Do Not Expect…...
Life is short but art is long, the saying goes. And at two hours 43 minutes, “Do Not Expect…...
- 8/7/2023
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Writers and actors aren’t the only people in Hollywood grappling with the impact generative artificial intelligence will have on the entertainment industry. Documentarians are also concerned about AI and what it means for the ethical standards and practices of nonfiction filmmaking.
Many have used AI to transcribe interviews in the past few years and in recent months generative-ai models including ChatGPT and Midjourney have helped docu assistant editors create spreadsheets and visual placeholders as well as extract and catalogue metadata. But recent advancements in AI, such as the ability to generate fake photographs and only needing three seconds of someone’s voice to create synthesized audio of that person saying anything, have filmmakers like Dawn Porter (“The ‘Lady Bird Diaries”) worried.
“We are supposed to be the truth, and it might be the truth as we see it, but we are also supposed to be transparent,” says Porter. “I...
Many have used AI to transcribe interviews in the past few years and in recent months generative-ai models including ChatGPT and Midjourney have helped docu assistant editors create spreadsheets and visual placeholders as well as extract and catalogue metadata. But recent advancements in AI, such as the ability to generate fake photographs and only needing three seconds of someone’s voice to create synthesized audio of that person saying anything, have filmmakers like Dawn Porter (“The ‘Lady Bird Diaries”) worried.
“We are supposed to be the truth, and it might be the truth as we see it, but we are also supposed to be transparent,” says Porter. “I...
- 8/1/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has announced its nominees for the 44th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards, which will be presented at two individual ceremonies: news on Sept. 27 and documentary on Sept. 28.
The News and Documentary Emmys will be handed out at the Palladium Times Square in New York City and will be streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform, powered by Vimeo. The livestream will be available at watch.theemmys.tv and via The Emmys apps for iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV and Roku.
“The News & Documentary Emmy Awards honor the work of dedicated professionals working at the highest level of the broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking professions,” said Adam Sharp, president and CEO, NATAS, in a statement. “They pay tribute to the journalists who bring us up-to-the-minute reporting on the critical stories of our time and the documentary storytellers who explore important social, cultural and political issues in great depth.
The News and Documentary Emmys will be handed out at the Palladium Times Square in New York City and will be streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform, powered by Vimeo. The livestream will be available at watch.theemmys.tv and via The Emmys apps for iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV and Roku.
“The News & Documentary Emmy Awards honor the work of dedicated professionals working at the highest level of the broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking professions,” said Adam Sharp, president and CEO, NATAS, in a statement. “They pay tribute to the journalists who bring us up-to-the-minute reporting on the critical stories of our time and the documentary storytellers who explore important social, cultural and political issues in great depth.
- 7/27/2023
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One notable thing about the headlines coming out of CNN in recent weeks is something they don’t include: news about CNN itself.
Since the exit of former chief Chris Licht in June after a tenure marked by tumult and unwanted publicity, the gossip mill around the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet has ceased its once-dependable roar. There are no leaks about what happened at CNN’s morning editorial meeting, or chatter about how current leaders Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling talk (or don’t) to the staff. There is even less hubbub about David Leavy, the longtime consigliere who was recently installed to oversee business affairs. and is a longtime consigliere to Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav,
People familiar with the network say there is a sense of “relief” within its ranks. It won’t last for very long.
To be sure, CNN still has work to do.
Since the exit of former chief Chris Licht in June after a tenure marked by tumult and unwanted publicity, the gossip mill around the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet has ceased its once-dependable roar. There are no leaks about what happened at CNN’s morning editorial meeting, or chatter about how current leaders Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling talk (or don’t) to the staff. There is even less hubbub about David Leavy, the longtime consigliere who was recently installed to oversee business affairs. and is a longtime consigliere to Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav,
People familiar with the network say there is a sense of “relief” within its ranks. It won’t last for very long.
To be sure, CNN still has work to do.
- 7/19/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Ray Liotta’s performances live on, as the late actor received a posthumous 2023 Emmy nomination for his role in Apple TV+’s Black Bird drama.
Liotta, best known for his turn as hustler-turned-mob rat Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, died on May 26, 2022. He was 67 years old at the time.
On Wednesday, Liotta received his posthumous Emmy nomination in the best supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie category for one of his final roles in the limited TV series for Apple Studios, where he played ex-cop Big Jim Keene.
Liotta’s daughter, Karsen, in a statement welcomed the posthumous recognition of her late father for one of his final roles. “I am so grateful to the members of the Television Academy for honoring my Dad with this nomination. He was so incredibly proud of his performance in Black Bird, and it would mean the world...
Liotta, best known for his turn as hustler-turned-mob rat Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, died on May 26, 2022. He was 67 years old at the time.
On Wednesday, Liotta received his posthumous Emmy nomination in the best supporting actor in a limited or anthology series or movie category for one of his final roles in the limited TV series for Apple Studios, where he played ex-cop Big Jim Keene.
Liotta’s daughter, Karsen, in a statement welcomed the posthumous recognition of her late father for one of his final roles. “I am so grateful to the members of the Television Academy for honoring my Dad with this nomination. He was so incredibly proud of his performance in Black Bird, and it would mean the world...
- 7/12/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ray Liotta received a posthumous Emmy nomination for his role as Big Jim Keene in Dennis Lehane’s “Black Bird,” the Apple TV+ true crime series based on the real life of serial killer Larry Hall.
Liotta was nominated for best supporting actor in a limited series alongside his costar Paul Water Hauser, Richard Jenkins , Murray Bartlett, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino and Jesse Plemons..
Liotta joins the small list of actors who have received posthumous Primetime Emmy nominations, including last year’s nomination of Chadwick Boseman (“What If…?”), Norm MacDonald (“Nothing Special”) and Jessica Walters (“Archer”) and the previous nominations of Carrie Fisher (“Catastrophe”), Audrey Hepburn (“Gardens of the World With Audrey Hepburn”), Anthony Bourdain (Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown”) and Fred Willard (“Modern Family”).
Liotta starred in “Black Bird” opposite Taron Egerton as his character’s son, Jimmy Keene, and Paul Walter Hauser as the infamous Larry Hall. The cast...
Liotta was nominated for best supporting actor in a limited series alongside his costar Paul Water Hauser, Richard Jenkins , Murray Bartlett, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino and Jesse Plemons..
Liotta joins the small list of actors who have received posthumous Primetime Emmy nominations, including last year’s nomination of Chadwick Boseman (“What If…?”), Norm MacDonald (“Nothing Special”) and Jessica Walters (“Archer”) and the previous nominations of Carrie Fisher (“Catastrophe”), Audrey Hepburn (“Gardens of the World With Audrey Hepburn”), Anthony Bourdain (Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown”) and Fred Willard (“Modern Family”).
Liotta starred in “Black Bird” opposite Taron Egerton as his character’s son, Jimmy Keene, and Paul Walter Hauser as the infamous Larry Hall. The cast...
- 7/12/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
“Singapore is Asia for beginners,” says Cher and the Loneliest Elephant director Jonathan Finnigan, “because it’s so safe, it’s so organized, and English is the national language. Everything works, and you’re never going to struggle for good food — there’s too much almost.”
The island urban jungle at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia is a refined mashup of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures — and flavors — with some Indonesian, Thai and English influence for good measure. The Garden City, as it’s known, is also a newly certified sustainable destination by Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Destination Criteria.
2023 is set to be a huge year in the luxury hospitality realm: The 190-room Singapore Edition Hotel is expected to bow, as is the Artyzen Singapore, which promises plenty of flora worthy of the city’s green reputation. The Standard, Singapore, is in the works with 143 keys anticipated in early 2024, too,...
The island urban jungle at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia is a refined mashup of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures — and flavors — with some Indonesian, Thai and English influence for good measure. The Garden City, as it’s known, is also a newly certified sustainable destination by Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Destination Criteria.
2023 is set to be a huge year in the luxury hospitality realm: The 190-room Singapore Edition Hotel is expected to bow, as is the Artyzen Singapore, which promises plenty of flora worthy of the city’s green reputation. The Standard, Singapore, is in the works with 143 keys anticipated in early 2024, too,...
- 7/8/2023
- by Kathryn Romeyn
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Fourth of July marks one of the busiest travel times in the U.S., but our guide to the best travelogue shows means you can go on an escapade without leaving the comforts of your own home. Anthony Bourdain set the bar high for such jaunts with Parts Unknown, combining curiosity, empathy, and passion. While there are a few chef-driven efforts on our list, you'll also find actors roving through their ancestral homelands and a gangly talk show host balancing his great sense of humor with a growing sense of adventure. And, because these virtual voyages are of varying lengths, you'll still have time to get some fresh air and/or some barbecue, should you absolutely desire it.
- 7/1/2023
- by Primetimer Staff
- Primetimer
Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen knows the industry is “being much more bullish” about adult animation than when his popular programming block premiered in 2001 on Cartoon Network. It’s a noteworthy shift for Western audiences, who’ve spent decades watching mostly family sitcoms dominate the medium.
“Without people making animation synonymous with kids only, I don’t even know if we’d ever use the term ‘adult animation.’ It’s a term that’s in negation of a perception. Animation is not one thing. It’s a production method that allows for a lot of things that other production methods don’t allow for,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “There’s something secret about animation that allows it to last longer, travel more and mean more to people — for them to wear it as their identity a little easier — than other production methods.”
During a Friday panel at the Annecy...
“Without people making animation synonymous with kids only, I don’t even know if we’d ever use the term ‘adult animation.’ It’s a term that’s in negation of a perception. Animation is not one thing. It’s a production method that allows for a lot of things that other production methods don’t allow for,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “There’s something secret about animation that allows it to last longer, travel more and mean more to people — for them to wear it as their identity a little easier — than other production methods.”
During a Friday panel at the Annecy...
- 6/16/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some people only get one chance to run CNN. Amy Entelis is about to embark on her second.
The veteran news executive was one of three who took the reins at the Warner Bros. Discovery news outlet when Jeff Zucker, the previous chief, was forced out in February of last year after acknowledging a romantic relationship with Allison Gollust, once CNN’s chief marketing officer. Now Entelis will be part of a new trio leading the news giant after the Wednesday departure of former CEO Chris Licht.
The challenges facing CNN have not diminished. Entelis will guide CNN’s news operations along with Virginia Moseley, recently named to oversee editorial operations, and Eric Sherling, recently appointed head of U.S. programming. David Leavy, a longtime Zaslav lieutenant who was named chief operating officer at CNN last week, will oversee business activities. The entire group must keep CNN moving forward as...
The veteran news executive was one of three who took the reins at the Warner Bros. Discovery news outlet when Jeff Zucker, the previous chief, was forced out in February of last year after acknowledging a romantic relationship with Allison Gollust, once CNN’s chief marketing officer. Now Entelis will be part of a new trio leading the news giant after the Wednesday departure of former CEO Chris Licht.
The challenges facing CNN have not diminished. Entelis will guide CNN’s news operations along with Virginia Moseley, recently named to oversee editorial operations, and Eric Sherling, recently appointed head of U.S. programming. David Leavy, a longtime Zaslav lieutenant who was named chief operating officer at CNN last week, will oversee business activities. The entire group must keep CNN moving forward as...
- 6/7/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
CNN keeps feeding the mouths that bite it.
As Warner Bros. Discovery has orchestrated massive changes and cuts to the popular news giant, a stream of producers, anchors and executives have left — some of their own volition, and many of them not. But no matter the case, a growing number of these now-former CNN die-hards are being scooped up by rivals including MSNBC, ABC News and CBS News.
CBS News on Wednesday announced it had lined up Lisa Ling as a contributor. The veteran journalist spent eight years at CNN leading viewers through interesting issues as host of the documentary series, This Is Life,” which was cancelled amid a cutback of original programming that uses outside partners. ABC News on Wednesday announced that Brooke Bower, who had been managing editor of CNN Politics, was joining as executive producer of the Sunday politics show “This Week.”
Warner Bros. Discovery took over...
As Warner Bros. Discovery has orchestrated massive changes and cuts to the popular news giant, a stream of producers, anchors and executives have left — some of their own volition, and many of them not. But no matter the case, a growing number of these now-former CNN die-hards are being scooped up by rivals including MSNBC, ABC News and CBS News.
CBS News on Wednesday announced it had lined up Lisa Ling as a contributor. The veteran journalist spent eight years at CNN leading viewers through interesting issues as host of the documentary series, This Is Life,” which was cancelled amid a cutback of original programming that uses outside partners. ABC News on Wednesday announced that Brooke Bower, who had been managing editor of CNN Politics, was joining as executive producer of the Sunday politics show “This Week.”
Warner Bros. Discovery took over...
- 5/31/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
As HBO Max fades in favor of its revamped cousin — Max — subscribers with a little extra cash to spend can get a sharper image. Subscribers to the “ultimate” tier ($19.99/month) will have access to more than 1,000 4K Uhd titles.
7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com
Get 20% Off Your Next Year of Max When Pre-Paid Annually
The 4K library will include “The Last of Us,” “Game of Thrones,” “The House of the Dragon,” the Harry Potter films, “Dune,” The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Dark Knight trilogy, and more. Strangely, the list includes “Superman,” but not the beloved “Superman II.” You can stream “It: Chapter Two” in 4K, but not the original. Only half of “Barry” is available in 4K. The company reports it plans to add more 4K titles each month.
The ultimate tier also offers four concurrent streams, up to 100 offline downloads and Dolby Atmos and Vision...
7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com
Get 20% Off Your Next Year of Max When Pre-Paid Annually
The 4K library will include “The Last of Us,” “Game of Thrones,” “The House of the Dragon,” the Harry Potter films, “Dune,” The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Dark Knight trilogy, and more. Strangely, the list includes “Superman,” but not the beloved “Superman II.” You can stream “It: Chapter Two” in 4K, but not the original. Only half of “Barry” is available in 4K. The company reports it plans to add more 4K titles each month.
The ultimate tier also offers four concurrent streams, up to 100 offline downloads and Dolby Atmos and Vision...
- 5/22/2023
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
I’m an ‘80s baby, so I grew up with Margot Kidder as my Lois Lane, even though I’m not sure that I watched those Superman movies until much later in life. But the first time I saw Margot Kidder, the first time I really took her all in, was sometime in the ‘90s, when I watched 1974’s Black Christmas, the Canadian thriller that many consider to be the first true slasher flick.
I loved her from the very first frame.
Even then, at just over 25, Kidder had her own unique charm.
I loved her from the very first frame.
Even then, at just over 25, Kidder had her own unique charm.
- 5/21/2023
- by Mike McClelland
- Rollingstone.com
Over two decades, Bravo’s Top Chef has introduced viewers to nearly 300 food luminaries — making and breaking careers with what the culinary community has come to regard as the most prestigious (or at least the most taxing) cooking competition.
THR spent months speaking with dozens of the executives, producers, talent and chefs who’ve worked on the show over its 20-season run, and the result is a definitive oral history of the landmark reality competition. Previously untold anecdotes about that frantic first season and early days of “too much” reality drama and testimonials of its reshaping of food media — “Food Network should be paying Bravo residuals!” — and incalculable impact on American dining tell the story of how Top Chef elevated itself from mere genre TV to become an institution.
“But You Can’T Taste The Food …”
Amid a flurry of mergers and acquisitions, Barry Diller’s Universal Television portfolio is...
THR spent months speaking with dozens of the executives, producers, talent and chefs who’ve worked on the show over its 20-season run, and the result is a definitive oral history of the landmark reality competition. Previously untold anecdotes about that frantic first season and early days of “too much” reality drama and testimonials of its reshaping of food media — “Food Network should be paying Bravo residuals!” — and incalculable impact on American dining tell the story of how Top Chef elevated itself from mere genre TV to become an institution.
“But You Can’T Taste The Food …”
Amid a flurry of mergers and acquisitions, Barry Diller’s Universal Television portfolio is...
- 5/18/2023
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Greg Brockman, the president and co-founder of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, was recently extolling the capabilities of artificial intelligence, he turned to “Game of Thrones.”
Imagine, he said, if you could use AI to rewrite the ending of that not-so-popular finale. Maybe even put yourself into the show.
“That is what entertainment will look like,” said Brockman.
Not six months since the release of ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence is already prompting widespread unease throughout Hollywood. Concern over chatbots writing or rewriting scripts is one of the leading reasons TV and film screenwriters took to picket lines earlier this week.
Though the Writers Guild of America is striking for better pay in an industry where streaming has upended many of the old rules, AI looms as rising anxiety.
“AI is terrifying,” said Danny Strong, the “Dopesick” and “Empire” creator. “Now, I’ve seen some of ChatGPT’s writing and as of...
Imagine, he said, if you could use AI to rewrite the ending of that not-so-popular finale. Maybe even put yourself into the show.
“That is what entertainment will look like,” said Brockman.
Not six months since the release of ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence is already prompting widespread unease throughout Hollywood. Concern over chatbots writing or rewriting scripts is one of the leading reasons TV and film screenwriters took to picket lines earlier this week.
Though the Writers Guild of America is striking for better pay in an industry where streaming has upended many of the old rules, AI looms as rising anxiety.
“AI is terrifying,” said Danny Strong, the “Dopesick” and “Empire” creator. “Now, I’ve seen some of ChatGPT’s writing and as of...
- 5/5/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Every creator on earth now feels the guiding hand of AI.
On social media, TikTokers are rewarded with massive views for tailoring content to an algorithm that is meticulously designed to trigger dopamine release. In Hollywood, producers are rewarded with lucrative film deals for developing projects that feed the black box AI at studios and streaming platforms, which keep valuable viewership data insights to themselves. That viewership data is built via feedback loops created by recommendation engines reinforced by the very viewer behaviors they shape in the first place. It is value creation increasingly usurped by machines, and between TikTok and streaming platforms, the precious space that allows for human-first innovation is closing. TikTokification is metastasizing.
The Writers Guild is right to push for protections against AI, but nowhere are these protections more urgent than in the documentary and nonfiction space, where I have worked both as a producer and a writer.
On social media, TikTokers are rewarded with massive views for tailoring content to an algorithm that is meticulously designed to trigger dopamine release. In Hollywood, producers are rewarded with lucrative film deals for developing projects that feed the black box AI at studios and streaming platforms, which keep valuable viewership data insights to themselves. That viewership data is built via feedback loops created by recommendation engines reinforced by the very viewer behaviors they shape in the first place. It is value creation increasingly usurped by machines, and between TikTok and streaming platforms, the precious space that allows for human-first innovation is closing. TikTokification is metastasizing.
The Writers Guild is right to push for protections against AI, but nowhere are these protections more urgent than in the documentary and nonfiction space, where I have worked both as a producer and a writer.
- 5/4/2023
- by Emmet McDermott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For further proof that Elon Musk’s approach to verification on Twitter can change on a whim, some top users on the social platform with significant followings — including stars who have died — were reverified over the weekend with no explanation from the company.
The reverification comes after Twitter mass removed blue verification check marks from legacy users on April 20, impacting a whole slew of public figures — including Kim Kardashian and the Pope — and journalists without the badge. That same day, however, Musk claimed he was personally paying for three users — LeBron James, Stephen King and William Shatner — to retain their verification.
At the time, a source close to James told The Hollywood Reporter that the NBA star had received an email from Twitter offering a comped subscription, but James had never responded to it to accept the subscription.
By Sunday, the platform appeared to reverse course, adding the blue check...
The reverification comes after Twitter mass removed blue verification check marks from legacy users on April 20, impacting a whole slew of public figures — including Kim Kardashian and the Pope — and journalists without the badge. That same day, however, Musk claimed he was personally paying for three users — LeBron James, Stephen King and William Shatner — to retain their verification.
At the time, a source close to James told The Hollywood Reporter that the NBA star had received an email from Twitter offering a comped subscription, but James had never responded to it to accept the subscription.
By Sunday, the platform appeared to reverse course, adding the blue check...
- 4/23/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At first, the signs were subtle. There was the “I am cringe, but I am free” meme, and the T-shirts from Gen Z e-commerce brand Ogbff emblazoned with “Too cringe for NY, too based for LA.” Niche creators like Neve Pratt (awkward dad-joker) and Michael Thomas White (heartfelt himbo) began to amass cult fandoms by being authentically themselves. So-called Pov TikTokers such as Devin Caherly and Emma Norton, who act out imaginary skits and were once viciously bashed by commenters, are now being embraced by the entertainment world, getting brand deals,...
- 4/23/2023
- by Taylor Lorenz
- Rollingstone.com
It’s another day, and there’s another bizarre glitch in the Twitterverse. This time it involves paid Twitter Blue badges suddenly proliferating on accounts that reportedly have at least one million followers, except the account holders have not enrolled in the subscription service. In fact, some of the account holders are dead.
On Saturday, multiple users with reportedly at least a million Twitter followers noticed that their blue checks that had vanished on Friday, April 20 during Elon Musk’s purge (which has predictably not gone well) of the legacy blue check verified accounts,...
On Saturday, multiple users with reportedly at least a million Twitter followers noticed that their blue checks that had vanished on Friday, April 20 during Elon Musk’s purge (which has predictably not gone well) of the legacy blue check verified accounts,...
- 4/23/2023
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
John Leguizamo’s Latino crusade goes back decades. Over the past 30 years, his performances and outspoken off-screen presence have merged autobiography and activism, as he delivers assertive Latino personalities while advocating for more representation. From his acerbic and autobiographical one-man shows to dynamic screen roles such as “To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newman,” “Carlito’s Way,” and “Moulin Rouge!”, Leguizamo’s persona has essentially become a brand transferrable to any number of pop culture templates. In the last few years, he’s played the “Bruno” in “Encanto” earworm “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, an obnoxious celebrity in the horror-satire “The Menu,” and Gor Koresh on “The Mandalorian.”
Now Leguizamo has added another notch to his resume: TV host. With MSNBC’s “Leguizamo Does America,” the 62-year-old travels across the country visiting Latino communities in cities ranging from New York to San Francisco. Leguizamo’s template is equal parts Anthony Bourdain and Rick Steves,...
Now Leguizamo has added another notch to his resume: TV host. With MSNBC’s “Leguizamo Does America,” the 62-year-old travels across the country visiting Latino communities in cities ranging from New York to San Francisco. Leguizamo’s template is equal parts Anthony Bourdain and Rick Steves,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Rachael Leigh Cook has done all that: She’s been a teen breakout star in an iconic high school comedy (“She’s All That”), transitioned to cringe sponsored movies (“Spirit Halloween”), and made the leap to Hallmark Christmas queen (“Tis the Season to Be Merry”). Now, she’s deftly parlayed her everywoman likability into the sweet made-for-Netflix movie “A Tourist’s Guide for Love.”
Yes, “made-for-Netflix” is a category all on its own. While “The Irishman” is considered to be a Netflix Original, “made-for-Netflix” separates the mass-produced movies like the nearly-perfect “Falling for Christmas” and calming background noise of “Murder Mystery 2” from the real Oscar contenders. It’s a sliding scale of quality under the streaming titan’s content umbrella, and Cook’s latest film, “A Tourist’s Guide to Love,” feels like an adaptation of a sweet viral BookTok romance novel — in the best way possible.
Cook stars as...
Yes, “made-for-Netflix” is a category all on its own. While “The Irishman” is considered to be a Netflix Original, “made-for-Netflix” separates the mass-produced movies like the nearly-perfect “Falling for Christmas” and calming background noise of “Murder Mystery 2” from the real Oscar contenders. It’s a sliding scale of quality under the streaming titan’s content umbrella, and Cook’s latest film, “A Tourist’s Guide to Love,” feels like an adaptation of a sweet viral BookTok romance novel — in the best way possible.
Cook stars as...
- 4/21/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Welcome to Creators on the Rise, where we find and profile breakout creators who are in the midst of extraordinary growth.
Karissa Dumbacher loves to eat.
Tune in to any one of her videos and you’re likely to see her consuming a variety of dishes, from one-bite street snacks to full spreads, all with a beaming smile and a bright voiceover that’s so openly joyful it’s almost impossible not to go out and get one of whatever she’s eating for yourself.
Dumbacher’s inspired by people like Anthony Bourdain and Mark Wiens, “these guys who just travel around and eat everything, they’re not afraid,” she says. Their particular fearlessness is something she wants to embrace in her videos–especially because woman are still pressured to eat small and eat neat. They’re still told, “Eat to live, don’t live to eat.”
Well, Dumbacher’s...
Karissa Dumbacher loves to eat.
Tune in to any one of her videos and you’re likely to see her consuming a variety of dishes, from one-bite street snacks to full spreads, all with a beaming smile and a bright voiceover that’s so openly joyful it’s almost impossible not to go out and get one of whatever she’s eating for yourself.
Dumbacher’s inspired by people like Anthony Bourdain and Mark Wiens, “these guys who just travel around and eat everything, they’re not afraid,” she says. Their particular fearlessness is something she wants to embrace in her videos–especially because woman are still pressured to eat small and eat neat. They’re still told, “Eat to live, don’t live to eat.”
Well, Dumbacher’s...
- 4/19/2023
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
Free Turn Entertainment and Screen Yorkshire announce the launch of Loop; the UK’s first audio drama fund offering paid development for writing talent who live, work or are from the North of England. The initiative is aimed at published writers in film, TV, theatre, games, radio, or literature, who have not yet been exposed to the incredible new creative opportunities presented by the rapidly growing immersive audio drama space.
The initiative, which will be delivered through a series of online and in-person sessions in Leeds will run for five months from August 2023. Loop will offer writers from the North of England a best-in-class programme of paid development and mentoring to develop, pitch and create genre-spanning audio, for global audiences.
Applications open today via Screen Yorkshire’s website www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/loop/, with ten writers being selected to work with a panel of UK audio drama experts, including commissioners,...
The initiative, which will be delivered through a series of online and in-person sessions in Leeds will run for five months from August 2023. Loop will offer writers from the North of England a best-in-class programme of paid development and mentoring to develop, pitch and create genre-spanning audio, for global audiences.
Applications open today via Screen Yorkshire’s website www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/loop/, with ten writers being selected to work with a panel of UK audio drama experts, including commissioners,...
- 4/18/2023
- Podnews.net
In 2021, director Morgan Neville made headlines when he revealed that he and his team had built an AI model of the late Anthony Bourdain's voice for his documentary "Roadrunner," and Neville had secretly slipped AI-generated narration into the doc alongside narrations that Bourdain himself actually read aloud. In this case, the AI narrations were for lines the acclaimed chef and television personality had written in books or articles but never physically recorded, but controversy swirled about the ethics of that decision.
In 2022, actor James Earl Jones, who has provided the voice of Darth Vader since the original "Star Wars" in 1977, made his own headlines when he allowed a start-up company called Respeecher to use artificial intelligence to generate new vocal performances using his early archival recordings as source material, letting Lucasfilm retain a consistency to Darth Vader's iconic intonations instead of recasting the role. Jones, now 92 years old, reportedly...
In 2022, actor James Earl Jones, who has provided the voice of Darth Vader since the original "Star Wars" in 1977, made his own headlines when he allowed a start-up company called Respeecher to use artificial intelligence to generate new vocal performances using his early archival recordings as source material, letting Lucasfilm retain a consistency to Darth Vader's iconic intonations instead of recasting the role. Jones, now 92 years old, reportedly...
- 4/11/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
[Editor’s note: The following story contains spoilers for “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”]
A good “Dungeons & Dragons” session always features some memorable NPCs (that’s a “non-playable character” for you newbies) and supporting characters for the central party to encounter. In the new film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” our heroes come across plenty of allies and enemies, but none make quite as immediate an impression as Marlomen, the ex-lover of barbarian Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) who is played in an unexpected one-scene cameo by Mr. Jackson Maine himself: Bradley Cooper.
The scene is a delightful surprise for many reasons, starting with the fact that Marlomen is a diminutive halfling, only reaching the ripped Holga’s belly button. Then there’s a fact that he’s pretty clearly patterned off of the Hobbits from “Lord of the Rings,” living in a cottage that brings The Shire immediately to mind.
But, while there’s definitely a kick from...
A good “Dungeons & Dragons” session always features some memorable NPCs (that’s a “non-playable character” for you newbies) and supporting characters for the central party to encounter. In the new film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” our heroes come across plenty of allies and enemies, but none make quite as immediate an impression as Marlomen, the ex-lover of barbarian Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) who is played in an unexpected one-scene cameo by Mr. Jackson Maine himself: Bradley Cooper.
The scene is a delightful surprise for many reasons, starting with the fact that Marlomen is a diminutive halfling, only reaching the ripped Holga’s belly button. Then there’s a fact that he’s pretty clearly patterned off of the Hobbits from “Lord of the Rings,” living in a cottage that brings The Shire immediately to mind.
But, while there’s definitely a kick from...
- 4/1/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Good Trip Studios has entered production on a sequel to the 2020 documentary “Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics.”
A distribution deal has yet to be finalized, though the first film — directed by Donick Cary and hosted by Adam Scott and Nick Offerman — streamed on Netflix.
Like the first film, “Have a Good Trip 2: Adventures in Psychedelics” explores the current state of psychedelic drugs in society as well as their scientific potential to treat mental health issues including Ptsd, depression and addiction. Comedians and celebrities are featured in re-tellings and re-enactments of true experiences with psychedelics, while leading experts share facts and harm reduction methods.
Guests interviewed in the first film include Carrie Fisher, Ben Stiller, Sting, Natasha Lyonne, A$AP Rocky, Rosie Perez, Sarah Silverman, Anthony Bourdain, Will Forte, Adam “Ad Rock” Horovitz, Reggie Watts, Brett Gelman, Maya Erskine, Nick Kroll, David Cross, Rob Corddry, Paul Scheer, Bill Kreutzmann,...
A distribution deal has yet to be finalized, though the first film — directed by Donick Cary and hosted by Adam Scott and Nick Offerman — streamed on Netflix.
Like the first film, “Have a Good Trip 2: Adventures in Psychedelics” explores the current state of psychedelic drugs in society as well as their scientific potential to treat mental health issues including Ptsd, depression and addiction. Comedians and celebrities are featured in re-tellings and re-enactments of true experiences with psychedelics, while leading experts share facts and harm reduction methods.
Guests interviewed in the first film include Carrie Fisher, Ben Stiller, Sting, Natasha Lyonne, A$AP Rocky, Rosie Perez, Sarah Silverman, Anthony Bourdain, Will Forte, Adam “Ad Rock” Horovitz, Reggie Watts, Brett Gelman, Maya Erskine, Nick Kroll, David Cross, Rob Corddry, Paul Scheer, Bill Kreutzmann,...
- 3/30/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
We Americans are fascinated with food and the people who prepare and serve it. A quick glance at all of the reality cooking/competition shows on television will confirm this. You’ve got everything from “Master Chef” to “Iron Chef” to “Next Level Chef” to “Chef’s Table,” “Chopped,” “The Great British Bake-Off” and “The American Barbecue Showdown,” for starters. But the legacy of scripted TV shows about cooking and restaurant-ing isn’t nearly as epic, which is why FX on Hulu’s “The Bear” was such a revelation when it launched last summer.
“The Bear” introduced up to the pressure-cooker life inside an Italian beef sandwich shop in Chicago. It captured the visceral, adrenalin-pumping chaos of the food industry in a way nothing had before, showing us just how unglamorous and dangerous (and yet colorful and compelling) a kitchen can be. After just eight episodes, it’s already probably the...
“The Bear” introduced up to the pressure-cooker life inside an Italian beef sandwich shop in Chicago. It captured the visceral, adrenalin-pumping chaos of the food industry in a way nothing had before, showing us just how unglamorous and dangerous (and yet colorful and compelling) a kitchen can be. After just eight episodes, it’s already probably the...
- 3/29/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Kansas City may be famous for its mouth-watering BBQ, but Jason Sudeikis has a few other favorite hot spots whenever he’s in his hometown. The Ted Lasso star once revealed that a local taco joint is one of his preferred restaurants in the city.
Here’s a peek at where Sudeikis dines when he’s not in the mood for BBQ in his hometown.
Jason Sudeikis | Emma McIntyre/WireImage ‘Ted Lasso’ star reveals his favorite restaurant in Kansas City
When it comes to food, Kansas City is easily most famous for its delicious BBQ. But in 2021, Sudeikis actually recommended a restaurant outside of the genre when the U.S. men’s national soccer team asked him for a quick suggestion.
Taking to his Ted Lasso Twitter account, Sudeikis responded by first mentioning the most popular BBQ spots in Kansas City. For a more personalized recommendation, however, the actor brought...
Here’s a peek at where Sudeikis dines when he’s not in the mood for BBQ in his hometown.
Jason Sudeikis | Emma McIntyre/WireImage ‘Ted Lasso’ star reveals his favorite restaurant in Kansas City
When it comes to food, Kansas City is easily most famous for its delicious BBQ. But in 2021, Sudeikis actually recommended a restaurant outside of the genre when the U.S. men’s national soccer team asked him for a quick suggestion.
Taking to his Ted Lasso Twitter account, Sudeikis responded by first mentioning the most popular BBQ spots in Kansas City. For a more personalized recommendation, however, the actor brought...
- 3/25/2023
- by Perry Carpenter
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Cineflix Productions has confirmed it is in development with comedian Bonnie McFarlane on a scripted comedy series based on her 2016 memoir, “You’re Better Than Me.”
The project is inspired by McFarlane’s time as a high schooler in Cold Lake, Alberta, in the mid-1980s.
McFarlane serves as the creator and writer for the half-hour series, which takes place on a farm “294 kilometres outside the nearest pizza delivery zone.” There, a 16-year-old Bonnie flexes her smart mouth, hangs out with her Bff bovine, and recognizes that she’s not the easiest person to get along with.
“Neither she nor her cow are part of the ‘in’ crowd,” reads a show description. “Bonnie is desperate to escape her farm and see the world. There’s just one thing stopping her: herself…And a bunch of other stuff.”
McFarlane, whose credits include radio and television gigs, has an HBO special, two Comedy Central specials,...
The project is inspired by McFarlane’s time as a high schooler in Cold Lake, Alberta, in the mid-1980s.
McFarlane serves as the creator and writer for the half-hour series, which takes place on a farm “294 kilometres outside the nearest pizza delivery zone.” There, a 16-year-old Bonnie flexes her smart mouth, hangs out with her Bff bovine, and recognizes that she’s not the easiest person to get along with.
“Neither she nor her cow are part of the ‘in’ crowd,” reads a show description. “Bonnie is desperate to escape her farm and see the world. There’s just one thing stopping her: herself…And a bunch of other stuff.”
McFarlane, whose credits include radio and television gigs, has an HBO special, two Comedy Central specials,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Amber Dowling
- Variety Film + TV
BFI Flare festival
Isaac Krasner delivers a sublime breakout performance as a lovestruck teen in Corey Sherman’s restrained but magical debut
With its come-on of a title, its coming-of-age narrative and its teen hero on the verge of coming out, Big Boys sounds like the sort of Lgbtqia+ fare that grows on trees. In fact, this debut from the writer-director Corey Sherman is a real four-leaf clover: delicate, unique and subtly magical.
In its 16-year-old lead actor, Isaac Krasner, the film boasts a star and a breakthrough performance reminiscent of Jason Schwartzman in Rushmore. His 14-year-old character, Jamie, also exudes the studied charm and comic fastidiousness of Rushmore’s hero Max Fischer. Preparing for a long weekend at Lake Arrowhead, California, with his loutish brother Will (Taj Cross) and their doting older cousin, Allie (Dora Madison), Jamie – whose hero is Anthony Bourdain – packs an array of spices to season the campfire meat.
Isaac Krasner delivers a sublime breakout performance as a lovestruck teen in Corey Sherman’s restrained but magical debut
With its come-on of a title, its coming-of-age narrative and its teen hero on the verge of coming out, Big Boys sounds like the sort of Lgbtqia+ fare that grows on trees. In fact, this debut from the writer-director Corey Sherman is a real four-leaf clover: delicate, unique and subtly magical.
In its 16-year-old lead actor, Isaac Krasner, the film boasts a star and a breakthrough performance reminiscent of Jason Schwartzman in Rushmore. His 14-year-old character, Jamie, also exudes the studied charm and comic fastidiousness of Rushmore’s hero Max Fischer. Preparing for a long weekend at Lake Arrowhead, California, with his loutish brother Will (Taj Cross) and their doting older cousin, Allie (Dora Madison), Jamie – whose hero is Anthony Bourdain – packs an array of spices to season the campfire meat.
- 3/18/2023
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
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