For the last two years in a row, one of the major premieres at the Cannes Film Festival has been a mainstream film that works with the trappings and tropes of the Western genre. But there’s not much connection between Martin Scorsese’s Oklahoma-set 1920s period piece “Killers of the Flower Moon,” one of the hits of last year’s festival, and Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga,” which had its premiere at the Grand Theatre Lumiere on Sunday evening.
For Scorsese, approaching that location and time period meant thinking hard about what he could bring to a genre that he felt had peaked with directors like John Ford and Howard Hawks in the 1940s and ’50s, and essentially been ended by Sam Peckinpah’s revisionist Western “The Wild Bunch” in the late 1968s.
Costner, though, has little interest in revisionist thinking about the genre; “Horizon” is proudly,...
For Scorsese, approaching that location and time period meant thinking hard about what he could bring to a genre that he felt had peaked with directors like John Ford and Howard Hawks in the 1940s and ’50s, and essentially been ended by Sam Peckinpah’s revisionist Western “The Wild Bunch” in the late 1968s.
Costner, though, has little interest in revisionist thinking about the genre; “Horizon” is proudly,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Shailene Woodley, Ben Foster and Pablo Schreiber will join the previously announced Alan Ritchson in the action thriller “Motor City.”
Potsy Ponciroli will direct the picture. Production begins July 10 in New Jersey and AlUla, Saudi Arabia as part of Stampede Ventures’ 10-picture slate deal with Film AlUla.
Greg Silverman and Jon Berg will produce for Stampede Ventures, alongside Rohini Singh, Paramdeep Singh and Manmeet Singh of Astro Lion Pictures, and Cliff Roberts and Chad St. John, who also penned the script. Mike Tadross Jr. and Eric Hedayat will executive produce.
Black Bear represents international rights with WME Independent co-representing domestic rights with Stampede, and Sacker Entertainment Law overseeing production legal.
“Motor City” follows John Miller (Ritchson), a Detroit auto-worker whose life and girlfriend (Woodley) are taken away from him when he’s framed by a local gangster (Foster) and sent to prison. On his release, Miller unleashes a maelstrom of...
Potsy Ponciroli will direct the picture. Production begins July 10 in New Jersey and AlUla, Saudi Arabia as part of Stampede Ventures’ 10-picture slate deal with Film AlUla.
Greg Silverman and Jon Berg will produce for Stampede Ventures, alongside Rohini Singh, Paramdeep Singh and Manmeet Singh of Astro Lion Pictures, and Cliff Roberts and Chad St. John, who also penned the script. Mike Tadross Jr. and Eric Hedayat will executive produce.
Black Bear represents international rights with WME Independent co-representing domestic rights with Stampede, and Sacker Entertainment Law overseeing production legal.
“Motor City” follows John Miller (Ritchson), a Detroit auto-worker whose life and girlfriend (Woodley) are taken away from him when he’s framed by a local gangster (Foster) and sent to prison. On his release, Miller unleashes a maelstrom of...
- 5/10/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Diane Guerrero is set to lead horror movie “The Whistler” alongside Juan Pablo Raba.
The film, which has started shooting in Cali, Colombia, tells the story of grieving parents Nicole and Sebastian. Still reeling from losing their daughter, the couple unexpectedly inherit a remote farm in the Venezuelan plains where they are soon drawn into a nether world.
Diego Velasco (“This Fool”) is directing from a script by Carolina Paiz (“Orange Is The New Black”).
“Nicole and Sebastian arrive to find the farm overrun by mysterious squatters who claim they can conjure spirits,” reads the logline. “As Sebastian attempts to violently run them out, Nicole is lured into their world, desperate to contact her dead daughter…forcing the couple to deal not only with the spirit world, but their own inner demons.”
Hideout Pictures are producing the pic. Trevor O’Neil and Margaret Miller are producers with Shannon Houchins, Potsy Ponciroli...
The film, which has started shooting in Cali, Colombia, tells the story of grieving parents Nicole and Sebastian. Still reeling from losing their daughter, the couple unexpectedly inherit a remote farm in the Venezuelan plains where they are soon drawn into a nether world.
Diego Velasco (“This Fool”) is directing from a script by Carolina Paiz (“Orange Is The New Black”).
“Nicole and Sebastian arrive to find the farm overrun by mysterious squatters who claim they can conjure spirits,” reads the logline. “As Sebastian attempts to violently run them out, Nicole is lured into their world, desperate to contact her dead daughter…forcing the couple to deal not only with the spirit world, but their own inner demons.”
Hideout Pictures are producing the pic. Trevor O’Neil and Margaret Miller are producers with Shannon Houchins, Potsy Ponciroli...
- 3/28/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Signature Entertainment has picked up dark comedy Greedy People for UK-Ireland release, starring Lily James and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, from UK sales outfit Mister Smith Entertainment.
The feature explores what happens when the eccentric residents of a small, picturesque island town are faced with a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars next to the body, leading to a series of increasingly bad decisions that hilariously upend the once-peaceful community.
Himesh Patel, Uzo Aduba, Tim Blake Nelson, Jim Gaffigan and Simon Rex also star.
Zack Schiller, Dylan Sellers, Shannon Houchins, Chris Parker and David Boies produce, with US Old Henry filmmaker Potsy Ponciroli directing,...
The feature explores what happens when the eccentric residents of a small, picturesque island town are faced with a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars next to the body, leading to a series of increasingly bad decisions that hilariously upend the once-peaceful community.
Himesh Patel, Uzo Aduba, Tim Blake Nelson, Jim Gaffigan and Simon Rex also star.
Zack Schiller, Dylan Sellers, Shannon Houchins, Chris Parker and David Boies produce, with US Old Henry filmmaker Potsy Ponciroli directing,...
- 2/17/2024
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate has acquired domestic rights to the Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lily James and Himesh Patel comedy “Greedy People.”
The film explores what happens when the eccentric residents of a small, picturesque island town are faced with a sensational murder and the discovery of $1 million next to the body. This sparks a series of increasingly bad decisions that do a number on the peace and tranquility of the community.
“’Greedy People’ is a hugely entertaining crime thriller in every way,” said Allison Lynch, Lionsgate’s director of acquisitions and co-productions. “Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lily James, and Himesh Patel lead an incredible cast through twists and turns that range from the hilarious to the horrific – and the movie always keeps you guessing.”
The film’s starry ensemble also features Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”), Tim Blake Nelson (“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”), Jim Gaffigan (“Chappaquiddick”) and Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”).
Gordon-Levitt’s credits include “Flora and Son,...
The film explores what happens when the eccentric residents of a small, picturesque island town are faced with a sensational murder and the discovery of $1 million next to the body. This sparks a series of increasingly bad decisions that do a number on the peace and tranquility of the community.
“’Greedy People’ is a hugely entertaining crime thriller in every way,” said Allison Lynch, Lionsgate’s director of acquisitions and co-productions. “Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lily James, and Himesh Patel lead an incredible cast through twists and turns that range from the hilarious to the horrific – and the movie always keeps you guessing.”
The film’s starry ensemble also features Uzo Aduba (“Orange is the New Black”), Tim Blake Nelson (“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”), Jim Gaffigan (“Chappaquiddick”) and Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”).
Gordon-Levitt’s credits include “Flora and Son,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Following the showcase for his sophomore film Old Henry (2021) at the Venice Film Festival, Potsy Ponciroli next landed on Greedy People (formerly titled The Problem with Providence) back in May of this year. Shot in North Carolina, Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel topline what is being coined as a American comedy mystery film. Traci Lords, Joey Lauren Adams, Uzo Aduba, Jim Gaffigan, Simon Rex, Nina Arianda, Neva Howell, José María Yazpik and a return appearance of Tim Blake Nelson make up the rest of the shot in North Carolina ensemble. Ponciroli has a long rap sheet with several shorts, music videos and commercials under his belt.…...
- 11/12/2023
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Mister Smith Entertainment has clinched first key international sales on Weston Razooli’s “Riddle of Fire.”
Among major territories, Mister Smith has closed Japan (Klockworx), France (ASC Distribution) and Spain (Flamingo Films). Deals build on a co-u.S acquisition by Yellow Veil Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome, which plan a domestic theatrical bow in early 2024, releasing the film on 35mm.
“Riddle of Fire” has also been sold to Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), Greece (Odeon) and Femeway/The Film Group and Front Row Filmed Entertainment for the Middle East, Singapore (the Shaw Organization), ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz Film) and worldwide airlines and ships (Anuvu).
Razooli’s first feature made its debut in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and its North American premiere as the Toronto Festival’s Midnight Madness closing-night film.
A highlight on Mister Smith’s AFM slate, “Riddle of Fire” has additional territories in negotiations, which Mse will attempt to close in Santa Monica.
Shot...
Among major territories, Mister Smith has closed Japan (Klockworx), France (ASC Distribution) and Spain (Flamingo Films). Deals build on a co-u.S acquisition by Yellow Veil Pictures and Vinegar Syndrome, which plan a domestic theatrical bow in early 2024, releasing the film on 35mm.
“Riddle of Fire” has also been sold to Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), Greece (Odeon) and Femeway/The Film Group and Front Row Filmed Entertainment for the Middle East, Singapore (the Shaw Organization), ex-Yugoslavia (Blitz Film) and worldwide airlines and ships (Anuvu).
Razooli’s first feature made its debut in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and its North American premiere as the Toronto Festival’s Midnight Madness closing-night film.
A highlight on Mister Smith’s AFM slate, “Riddle of Fire” has additional territories in negotiations, which Mse will attempt to close in Santa Monica.
Shot...
- 11/1/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The American Film Market kicks off Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 5 in its new headquarters at the Le Meridien Delfina in Santa Monica. Industry screenings are set at theaters throughout the city and AFM’s conference series, the AFM Sessions, will take place at the Hilton Santa Monica Hotel. More than 245 companies and organizations are exhibiting at this year’s AFM, with national pavilions from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the U.K. In all, buyers from more than 65 countries are registered at the film market.
Here are some of the buzziest titles at AFM 2023:
Alphas
Director: Liam O’Donnell
Producers: Pierre Morel, Renee Tab, Christopher Tuffin, Matthew Chausse, Drew Bailey
Key cast: Martin Henderson
Story is set in a quiet surfing community where killer whales are enlisted to fend off great white sharks after a series of attacks. When the alpha great white shark proves too powerful to stop,...
Here are some of the buzziest titles at AFM 2023:
Alphas
Director: Liam O’Donnell
Producers: Pierre Morel, Renee Tab, Christopher Tuffin, Matthew Chausse, Drew Bailey
Key cast: Martin Henderson
Story is set in a quiet surfing community where killer whales are enlisted to fend off great white sharks after a series of attacks. When the alpha great white shark proves too powerful to stop,...
- 10/31/2023
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Restarted negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that could mean an end to the actors strike have raised hopes for this year’s American Film Market, which runs Oct. 31-Nov, 5 in Santa Monica. What everyone is hoping for is, in the words of one leading indie producer, that “we can all get back to business.”
Even without a new SAG-AFTRA deal, there is a healthy batch of new titles on offer — a mix of international features and U.S. indie films that have secured interim agreements from the union to begin production. “In the last few days we’ve seen a waterfall of lineups,” says Nadiia Zaionchkovska, Cco of newly-founded Ukraine distributor Green Light Films, which will be making its market debut at this year’s AFM. “Lots of theatrical films, lots either in post or in pre-production, ready to shoot in the first...
Even without a new SAG-AFTRA deal, there is a healthy batch of new titles on offer — a mix of international features and U.S. indie films that have secured interim agreements from the union to begin production. “In the last few days we’ve seen a waterfall of lineups,” says Nadiia Zaionchkovska, Cco of newly-founded Ukraine distributor Green Light Films, which will be making its market debut at this year’s AFM. “Lots of theatrical films, lots either in post or in pre-production, ready to shoot in the first...
- 10/30/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mister Smith Entertainment has hired Augusta Charlton as director, international sales and acquisitions.
Charlton will attend next week’s American Film Market, where Mister Smith’s slate includes “Greedy People,” a darkly comic crime thriller in the vein of the Coen Brothers, from the producers of “Palm Springs,” and featuring an ensemble cast including Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Himesh Patel and Tim Blake Nelson; “Joey Lauren Adams” from director Potsy Ponciroli (“Old Henry”); and the contemporary romantic comedy adaptation of Goethe’s 1774 novel “Young Werther,” starring Douglas Booth, Alison Pill, Patrick J. Adams and Iris Apatow, written and directed by José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço.
Charlton joins the company from Great Point Media, where she was an associate director in their investments team. Prior to that, she was a sales executive at Gpm representing them at international markets.
Charlton started her entertainment career in development and production working for CrossDay Productions and BBC Studios,...
Charlton will attend next week’s American Film Market, where Mister Smith’s slate includes “Greedy People,” a darkly comic crime thriller in the vein of the Coen Brothers, from the producers of “Palm Springs,” and featuring an ensemble cast including Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Himesh Patel and Tim Blake Nelson; “Joey Lauren Adams” from director Potsy Ponciroli (“Old Henry”); and the contemporary romantic comedy adaptation of Goethe’s 1774 novel “Young Werther,” starring Douglas Booth, Alison Pill, Patrick J. Adams and Iris Apatow, written and directed by José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço.
Charlton joins the company from Great Point Media, where she was an associate director in their investments team. Prior to that, she was a sales executive at Gpm representing them at international markets.
Charlton started her entertainment career in development and production working for CrossDay Productions and BBC Studios,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Mister Smith Entertainment has hired Augusta Charlton as Director, International Sales & Acquisitions.
Charlton joins the company from Great Point Media (Gpm), where she was an Associate Director in their Investments team, responsible for sourcing and structuring film and TV production finance opportunities in the UK and international markets. Prior to that, she was a sales executive at Gpm, representing the company at international markets. Charlton started her entertainment career in development and production, working for CrossDay Productions and BBC Studios.
During her previous tenure at Gpm, Charlton oversaw multiple film projects, including Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City; the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner, Scrapper, starring Harris Dickinson; Blue Jean, starring Rosy McEwen, who won the Best Lead Performance Award for the film at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards; and Rogue Agent starring James Norton and Gemma Arterton.
Charlton’s first sales market for Mister Smith Entertainment will be the upcoming AFM,...
Charlton joins the company from Great Point Media (Gpm), where she was an Associate Director in their Investments team, responsible for sourcing and structuring film and TV production finance opportunities in the UK and international markets. Prior to that, she was a sales executive at Gpm, representing the company at international markets. Charlton started her entertainment career in development and production, working for CrossDay Productions and BBC Studios.
During her previous tenure at Gpm, Charlton oversaw multiple film projects, including Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City; the 2023 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner, Scrapper, starring Harris Dickinson; Blue Jean, starring Rosy McEwen, who won the Best Lead Performance Award for the film at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards; and Rogue Agent starring James Norton and Gemma Arterton.
Charlton’s first sales market for Mister Smith Entertainment will be the upcoming AFM,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
To fully grasp the dire state of theatrical distribution of independent films, consider the words of John Sloss, founder and CEO of Cinetic Media, who recently told Variety:
“It’s imperative for all of us to get behind reigniting the theatrical experience because I don’t think the streamers are ever going to be behind the new voices and independent films. The only way to really get them out in the world is to put them in a theater where they can be reviewed and where they can sit long enough for word of mouth to really support them. That’s really the dangerous moment we are in, in terms of getting people back in the theaters.”
Suppose there’s a way out of the “dangerous moment” for independent cinema that Sloss describes. In that case, it will probably come about because of talented indie filmmakers like director Potsy Ponciroli and his experienced,...
“It’s imperative for all of us to get behind reigniting the theatrical experience because I don’t think the streamers are ever going to be behind the new voices and independent films. The only way to really get them out in the world is to put them in a theater where they can be reviewed and where they can sit long enough for word of mouth to really support them. That’s really the dangerous moment we are in, in terms of getting people back in the theaters.”
Suppose there’s a way out of the “dangerous moment” for independent cinema that Sloss describes. In that case, it will probably come about because of talented indie filmmakers like director Potsy Ponciroli and his experienced,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Steven Gaydos
- Variety Film + TV
Tim Blake Nelson is the newest addition to the cast of Dune: Part Two, Deadline can confirm.
Details as to the character he’ll be playing in the film, which wrapped production late last year, are under wraps. But he’s set to star alongside such fellow newcomers to the franchise as Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Léa Seydoux and Christopher Walken, as well as returning cast members Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgård and Javier Bardem.
Dune: Part Two is the second in a line of blockbusters, based on Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel, that Denis Villeneuve has directed for Warner Bros and Legendary Entertainment. The first, released in the fall of 2021, landed six Oscars and grossed over 402Mm worldwide.
Villeneuve directed the sequel from his script and produced with Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt,...
Details as to the character he’ll be playing in the film, which wrapped production late last year, are under wraps. But he’s set to star alongside such fellow newcomers to the franchise as Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Léa Seydoux and Christopher Walken, as well as returning cast members Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgård and Javier Bardem.
Dune: Part Two is the second in a line of blockbusters, based on Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel, that Denis Villeneuve has directed for Warner Bros and Legendary Entertainment. The first, released in the fall of 2021, landed six Oscars and grossed over 402Mm worldwide.
Villeneuve directed the sequel from his script and produced with Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt,...
- 1/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In a late addition to the roll call, Tim Blake Nelson has joined the high-flying cast of Dune: Part 2, Denis Villeneuve’s sprawling adaptation of the Frank Herbert sci-fi classic being made by Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment.
The actor, who becomes a first-time author when his debut novel, City of Blows, hits in February, joins Dune newcomers Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux and Christopher Walken on the project that officially wrapped shooting in mid-December.
The newcomers join returning actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem.
Character details for Nelson’s role are being kept deep in the sand. The sequel takes on the second half of Herbert’s 1965 novel, with Paul Atreides (Chalamet) teaming with the desert-dwelling Fremen to liberate the planet of Arrakis from the vicious House Harkonnen.
Dune: Part 2 will be released Nov. 3,. The first movie, Dune, opened simultaneously in domestic theaters and HBO Max Oct.
The actor, who becomes a first-time author when his debut novel, City of Blows, hits in February, joins Dune newcomers Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux and Christopher Walken on the project that officially wrapped shooting in mid-December.
The newcomers join returning actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem.
Character details for Nelson’s role are being kept deep in the sand. The sequel takes on the second half of Herbert’s 1965 novel, with Paul Atreides (Chalamet) teaming with the desert-dwelling Fremen to liberate the planet of Arrakis from the vicious House Harkonnen.
Dune: Part 2 will be released Nov. 3,. The first movie, Dune, opened simultaneously in domestic theaters and HBO Max Oct.
- 1/6/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Lionsgate’s Grindstone Entertainment Group has acquired North American rights to Dead Man’s Hand — a Western starring Stephen Dorff (True Detective), Jack Kilmer (The Nice Guys) and Cole Hauser (Yellowstone), which just recently wrapped production in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In the film from Milestone Studios, the retired gunslinger Reno (Kilmer) joins forces with a new marshal (Hauser) to take on the cruel cattle baron, Mayor Clarence Bishop (Dorff).
Reno, a newly married gunfighter, hangs up his six-shooters when he says “I do” to his bride, Vegas. But when Reno kills a bandit in self-defense, he finds himself pulled back into his old ways. The bandit’s brother, the ruthless Mayor Bishop, will not let his brother’s death go unpunished. As revenge, Bishop and his private army ambush Reno and Vegas, leaving the gunfighter near death and taking Reno’s wife prisoner. Reno then teams up with...
In the film from Milestone Studios, the retired gunslinger Reno (Kilmer) joins forces with a new marshal (Hauser) to take on the cruel cattle baron, Mayor Clarence Bishop (Dorff).
Reno, a newly married gunfighter, hangs up his six-shooters when he says “I do” to his bride, Vegas. But when Reno kills a bandit in self-defense, he finds himself pulled back into his old ways. The bandit’s brother, the ruthless Mayor Bishop, will not let his brother’s death go unpunished. As revenge, Bishop and his private army ambush Reno and Vegas, leaving the gunfighter near death and taking Reno’s wife prisoner. Reno then teams up with...
- 12/20/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tim Blake Nelson (Old Henry) will topline the boxing drama Bang Bang from director Vincent Grashaw (What Josiah Saw), which has wrapped production in Kentucky. (A first-look still from the pic can be found above.)
The film written by The Sopranos actor Will Janowitz follows Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski (Nelson), a bitter, retired boxer who’s tasked with caring for his grandson. He uses the opportunity to settle his oldest grudge by forcing his kin into embracing the sweet science. Others set to star include Glenn Plummer (Gifted), Andrew Liner (Vampire Academy), Erica Gimpel (Veronica Mars), Tony Award winner Nina Arianda (Being the Ricardos), Daniella Pineda (Jurassic World franchise) and Kevin Corrigan (The Departed).
Bang Bang marks Grashaw’s second production with Randomix Productions, which also produced his critically acclaimed Shudder Original, What Josiah Saw. The film is produced by Ran Namerode and Angelia Adzic (Randomix Productions), and Cole Payne...
The film written by The Sopranos actor Will Janowitz follows Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski (Nelson), a bitter, retired boxer who’s tasked with caring for his grandson. He uses the opportunity to settle his oldest grudge by forcing his kin into embracing the sweet science. Others set to star include Glenn Plummer (Gifted), Andrew Liner (Vampire Academy), Erica Gimpel (Veronica Mars), Tony Award winner Nina Arianda (Being the Ricardos), Daniella Pineda (Jurassic World franchise) and Kevin Corrigan (The Departed).
Bang Bang marks Grashaw’s second production with Randomix Productions, which also produced his critically acclaimed Shudder Original, What Josiah Saw. The film is produced by Ran Namerode and Angelia Adzic (Randomix Productions), and Cole Payne...
- 12/6/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Most independent producer/financiers would be glad to have one hot title up for sale in Toronto. Limelight arrives this week with three: the Jane Fonda/Lily Tomlin-led comedy-drama “Moving On,” plus a pair of distinctive coming-of-age dramas, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and “Wildflower.”
Now Limelight is developing the script for a comedy tentatively titled “Coachella,” written by Andy Siara (“Palm Springs”) and Joey Siara. The feature centers on teens who tell their parents they’re going on a church trip, but sneak off to the famed desert music festival instead. The Siara brothers are loosely drawing on their experiences playing the fest with their indie rock band, The Henry Clay People.
By any measure, Limelight partners Dylan Sellers, Chris Parker and Alex Dong are on a roll. Their comedy “Palm Springs” sold to Neon and Hulu for around 22 million in 2020, a record-breaking Sundance deal at the time.
Now Limelight is developing the script for a comedy tentatively titled “Coachella,” written by Andy Siara (“Palm Springs”) and Joey Siara. The feature centers on teens who tell their parents they’re going on a church trip, but sneak off to the famed desert music festival instead. The Siara brothers are loosely drawing on their experiences playing the fest with their indie rock band, The Henry Clay People.
By any measure, Limelight partners Dylan Sellers, Chris Parker and Alex Dong are on a roll. Their comedy “Palm Springs” sold to Neon and Hulu for around 22 million in 2020, a record-breaking Sundance deal at the time.
- 9/9/2022
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
Jerry Seinfeld has assembled a stellar cast for his Netflix comedy Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story, with Melissa McCarthy (God’s Favorite Idiot), Jim Gaffigan (Linoleum), Amy Schumer (Life & Beth), Hugh Grant (The Undoing) and James Marsden (Sonic the Hedgehog 2) signing on for roles, along with Jack McBrayer, Tom Lennon (Reno 911!), Adrian Martinez (iGilbert), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live), Max Greenfield (The Neighborhood), Christian Slater (Dr. Death) and Sarah Cooper (Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine). In addition to co-writing and directing the film, in his feature debut, Seinfeld is set to star, as we told you first.
Billed as a tale of ambition, betrayal, sugar and menacing milkmen, Unfrosted is set in 1963 Michigan. It will watch as sworn cereal rivals Kellogg’s and Post race to create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast forever. Information on the roles to be played...
Billed as a tale of ambition, betrayal, sugar and menacing milkmen, Unfrosted is set in 1963 Michigan. It will watch as sworn cereal rivals Kellogg’s and Post race to create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast forever. Information on the roles to be played...
- 6/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Simon Rex (Red Rocket) will join Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie in The Batman star Zoë Kravitz’s feature directorial debut, Pussy Island, for MGM.
The film written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum centers on Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime. Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Something she can’t quite put her finger on. Something terrifying. Rex will play Slater’s chef, trainer and oldest friend, Cody.
Pussy Island is a co-production between This Is Important, Free Association and Bruce Cohen Productions.
The film written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum centers on Frida (Ackie), a young and clever Los Angeles cocktail waitress who has her eyes set on the prize: philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Tatum). When she skillfully maneuvers her way into King’s inner circle and ultimately an intimate gathering on his private island, she is ready for a journey of a lifetime. Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Something she can’t quite put her finger on. Something terrifying. Rex will play Slater’s chef, trainer and oldest friend, Cody.
Pussy Island is a co-production between This Is Important, Free Association and Bruce Cohen Productions.
- 5/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Blake Nelson, Uzo Aduba, Simon Rex, Nina Arianda, Jim Gaffigan, José María Yazpik and Joey Lauren Adams have rounded out the cast of, Providence, a comedy from Dylan Sellers and Chris Parker’s Limelight and David Boies and Zack Schiller’s Boies Schiller Entertainment. Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel are set to star with Potsy Ponciroli directing. Michael Vukadinovich penned the script. Limelight and Bse will fully finance and produce, along with Shannon Houchins’ Hideout Pictures.
Between the previous three stars already announced and this new round, Limelight and Bse look have put together quite the cast for this comedy.
The story follows the eclectic residents of a small, picturesque island town who must navigate a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars as a series of increasingly bad decisions upends the once-peaceful community. Principal photography begins this week in North Carolina.
Sellers, Parker, Houchins,...
Between the previous three stars already announced and this new round, Limelight and Bse look have put together quite the cast for this comedy.
The story follows the eclectic residents of a small, picturesque island town who must navigate a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars as a series of increasingly bad decisions upends the once-peaceful community. Principal photography begins this week in North Carolina.
Sellers, Parker, Houchins,...
- 5/13/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel are set to star in Providence, a comedy from Dylan Sellers and Chris Parker’s Limelight and David Boies and Zack Schiller’s Boies Schiller Entertainment. Limelight and Bse will fully finance and produce, along with Shannon Houchins’ Hideout Pictures with Potsy Ponciroli directing. Michael Vukadinovich penned the script.
The story follows the eclectic residents of a small, picturesque island town who must navigate a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars as a series of increasingly bad decisions upends the once-peaceful community. Principal photography begins this week in North Carolina.
Sellers, Parker, Hutchins, Schiller and Boies will produce, with Vukadinovich, Tyler Zacharia, Sam Slater, Phil Keefe and Dane Eckerle executive producing. Cj Barbato will co-produce. Ponciroli recent collaboration with Hideout include Old Henry, which has been a critic’s darling since its premiere at Venice. Verve Ventures and UTA...
The story follows the eclectic residents of a small, picturesque island town who must navigate a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars as a series of increasingly bad decisions upends the once-peaceful community. Principal photography begins this week in North Carolina.
Sellers, Parker, Hutchins, Schiller and Boies will produce, with Vukadinovich, Tyler Zacharia, Sam Slater, Phil Keefe and Dane Eckerle executive producing. Cj Barbato will co-produce. Ponciroli recent collaboration with Hideout include Old Henry, which has been a critic’s darling since its premiere at Venice. Verve Ventures and UTA...
- 5/10/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stephen Dorff (Old Henry), John McEnroe (Ocean’s Eight), Gina Gershon (Emily the Criminal) and Luka Sabbat (Grown-ish) have signed on to star alongside Vito Schnabel in the dark comedy The Trainer, which Tony Kaye (American History X) is directing from a script by Schnabel and Jeff Solomon.
The film, heading into production Tuesday after nearly a decade in development, is based on an original story by Schnabel. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream. Julia Fox, Steven Van Zandt and Taylour Paige are also set to star. Details with regard to the characters the new additions to the cast will be playing have not been disclosed.
Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing, with George Paaswell serving as executive producer.
Dorff recently appeared in Potsy Ponciroli’s Western Old Henry, and on Fox’s Deputy. He’s also previously been seen in films including I’ll Find You, Leatherface, The Iceman, Somewhere, Public Enemies, World Trade Center, Cold Creek Manor, Zoolander, Blade and I Shot Andy Warhol. Additional TV credits include True Detective and Star.
McEnroe, the former pro tennis player, currently narrates Netflix’s coming-of-age comedy series Never Have I Ever. He’s previously appeared in films including Ocean’s Eight, Freak Show, Jack and Jill, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Wimbledon, Anger Management and Mr. Deeds, and on such series as Kenan, 30 Rock and Curb Your Enthusiasm. During his career in tennis, he established himself as the only male player to win upwards of 70 titles across singles and doubles competitions.
Gershon will soon be seen in the thriller Emily the Criminal from Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. She’s also appeared in such films as Rifkin’s Festival, Cagefighter, American Dresser, The Little Mermaid, Blockers, 9/11, Staten Island Summer, Killer Joe, P.S. I Love You, Slackers, The Insider, Guinevere, Palmetto, Face/Off, Showgirls, The Player, Cocktail and Pretty in Pink. Her TV credits include New Amsterdam, Betty, Riverdale, Red Oaks, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Z Nation, Elementary and Rescue Me. Other upcoming films in which Gershon is set to appear include Aleta Chappelle’s romance Love Extreme, Dylan K. Narang’s comedy Tapawingo and Eli Roth’s adaptation of the video game Borderlands.
Sabbat is best known for portraying Luca Hall on Freeform’s Grown-ish. Additional credits include Lena Dunham’s Sundance 2022 feature Sharp Stick and Jim Jarmusch’s zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die.
Dorff is represented by ICM Partners and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; McEnroe by Img and International Artists; Gershon by Artists First and Schreck Rose Dapello; and Sabbat by CAA and attorney Marios Rush.
The film, heading into production Tuesday after nearly a decade in development, is based on an original story by Schnabel. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream. Julia Fox, Steven Van Zandt and Taylour Paige are also set to star. Details with regard to the characters the new additions to the cast will be playing have not been disclosed.
Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing, with George Paaswell serving as executive producer.
Dorff recently appeared in Potsy Ponciroli’s Western Old Henry, and on Fox’s Deputy. He’s also previously been seen in films including I’ll Find You, Leatherface, The Iceman, Somewhere, Public Enemies, World Trade Center, Cold Creek Manor, Zoolander, Blade and I Shot Andy Warhol. Additional TV credits include True Detective and Star.
McEnroe, the former pro tennis player, currently narrates Netflix’s coming-of-age comedy series Never Have I Ever. He’s previously appeared in films including Ocean’s Eight, Freak Show, Jack and Jill, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Wimbledon, Anger Management and Mr. Deeds, and on such series as Kenan, 30 Rock and Curb Your Enthusiasm. During his career in tennis, he established himself as the only male player to win upwards of 70 titles across singles and doubles competitions.
Gershon will soon be seen in the thriller Emily the Criminal from Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. She’s also appeared in such films as Rifkin’s Festival, Cagefighter, American Dresser, The Little Mermaid, Blockers, 9/11, Staten Island Summer, Killer Joe, P.S. I Love You, Slackers, The Insider, Guinevere, Palmetto, Face/Off, Showgirls, The Player, Cocktail and Pretty in Pink. Her TV credits include New Amsterdam, Betty, Riverdale, Red Oaks, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Z Nation, Elementary and Rescue Me. Other upcoming films in which Gershon is set to appear include Aleta Chappelle’s romance Love Extreme, Dylan K. Narang’s comedy Tapawingo and Eli Roth’s adaptation of the video game Borderlands.
Sabbat is best known for portraying Luca Hall on Freeform’s Grown-ish. Additional credits include Lena Dunham’s Sundance 2022 feature Sharp Stick and Jim Jarmusch’s zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die.
Dorff is represented by ICM Partners and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; McEnroe by Img and International Artists; Gershon by Artists First and Schreck Rose Dapello; and Sabbat by CAA and attorney Marios Rush.
- 4/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has a new trailer for Alaskan Nets, a sports documentary executive produced by Chris Pratt and his production company Invisible Productions that Good Deed Entertainment is releasing on digital and VOD on April 8.
The film from director Jeff Harasimowicz takes viewers to an island that lies off the coast of Southeast Alaska. Remote and largely hidden from the outside world, it’s home to the Tsimshian natives of Alaska’s last remaining native reserve: Metlakatla. For more than a century, two sacred traditions have defined Metlakatla: fishing and basketball. Audiences will witness the improbable journey of cousins Danny Marsden and DJ King, fishermen and stars of the high school basketball team, as they lead their team and town toward their first state championship in more than 30 years—the only thing that will bring life back to an island that has undergone unimaginable tragedy.
Alaskan Nets made its world...
The film from director Jeff Harasimowicz takes viewers to an island that lies off the coast of Southeast Alaska. Remote and largely hidden from the outside world, it’s home to the Tsimshian natives of Alaska’s last remaining native reserve: Metlakatla. For more than a century, two sacred traditions have defined Metlakatla: fishing and basketball. Audiences will witness the improbable journey of cousins Danny Marsden and DJ King, fishermen and stars of the high school basketball team, as they lead their team and town toward their first state championship in more than 30 years—the only thing that will bring life back to an island that has undergone unimaginable tragedy.
Alaskan Nets made its world...
- 3/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker-actor Tim Blake Nelson commands the screen in the Western thriller “Old Henry,” written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli. Nelson’s intense performance as a man driven to extremes in order to protect his son in early 1900s Oklahoma drives the narrative.
What appealed to you most about the script?
I’ve always loved Westerns. It was a true meat-and-potatoes take on the genre, but my main connection to the material was as a dad, as I’ve got three ornery kids in New York City, two of whom are in college. Raising kids is tough because you always want to shield them from the challenges of the world, and I loved how Potsy’s script examined the real tension that comes with parenthood, and how parents always have to decide how much of the real world they should be exposing their children to.
Who is Potsy Ponciroli?
I didn...
What appealed to you most about the script?
I’ve always loved Westerns. It was a true meat-and-potatoes take on the genre, but my main connection to the material was as a dad, as I’ve got three ornery kids in New York City, two of whom are in college. Raising kids is tough because you always want to shield them from the challenges of the world, and I loved how Potsy’s script examined the real tension that comes with parenthood, and how parents always have to decide how much of the real world they should be exposing their children to.
Who is Potsy Ponciroli?
I didn...
- 1/15/2022
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
Tim Blake Nelson had a humorous response when he received an email one night while cooking dinner asking him if he wanted to play the title character in the atmospheric western, “Old Henry.” “So I said to my wife, ‘Well, it happened,” recalled Nelson during a recent Film Independent Zoom conversation. “’Now I’m playing old people!”’ But once he read director Potsy Ponciroli’s lean script, the actor was in.
He admired the tautness of “the storytelling and most of all how it explored what parenting is because I think that’s really at the heart of the story, the relationship between the father and the son. So much of what Henry does is motivated by his love for his kid. As the father of three boys, that’s something that spoke to me. I thought Potsy had really centered a great Western with a wonderfully intimate and in certain ways,...
He admired the tautness of “the storytelling and most of all how it explored what parenting is because I think that’s really at the heart of the story, the relationship between the father and the son. So much of what Henry does is motivated by his love for his kid. As the father of three boys, that’s something that spoke to me. I thought Potsy had really centered a great Western with a wonderfully intimate and in certain ways,...
- 12/30/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
In Old Henry, Tim Blake Nelson is the titular frontiersman, living a hermetic life, with only his son for company. His most central role since the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Blake portrays a man deeply bound by repression—that is, until a chance run-in with an injured stranger forces the emergence of Henry’s true self. Old Henry is part of the increasingly popular “elevated Western” genre, but Nelson actually coined the term “micro Western” to explain the film’s subtlety and its zooming in on personality and relationship dynamics. He describes his heartfelt decision to immerse himself in writer-director Potsy Ponciroli’s vision, and in Henry himself.
Deadline: How did it feel to be handed the lead protagonist role in this film?
Tim Blake Nelson: I think who and what I am, is a self-selective phenomenon, in terms of the roles I get offered.
And...
Deadline: How did it feel to be handed the lead protagonist role in this film?
Tim Blake Nelson: I think who and what I am, is a self-selective phenomenon, in terms of the roles I get offered.
And...
- 12/14/2021
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Corey Hawkins is incredibly grateful to know Denzel Washington, his legendary co-star in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” “I love that I get to walk in his footsteps, but I know I can never fill that man’s shoes,” Hawkins tells Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast. “To share space to sit down in his dressing room, and talk, pray, listen, talk sports, talk whatever – they say never to meet your heroes but to finally dispel that rumor because he is the greatest of all time.”
Listen to the full interview with actor Corey Hawkins in the latest edition of Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast below!
After breakout performances over the years in films such as “Straight Outta Compton” and “BlacKkKlansman,” Hawkins takes on the classic role as Macduff, the foil to the titular character in writer and director Joel Coen’s new, monochrome adaptation of the William Shakespeare play. Even more poetic,...
Listen to the full interview with actor Corey Hawkins in the latest edition of Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast below!
After breakout performances over the years in films such as “Straight Outta Compton” and “BlacKkKlansman,” Hawkins takes on the classic role as Macduff, the foil to the titular character in writer and director Joel Coen’s new, monochrome adaptation of the William Shakespeare play. Even more poetic,...
- 11/25/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“A privilege of acting is getting to learn new stuff and to embrace the demands of looking like you’ve been doing something all your life,” reveals Tim Blake Nelson about what he values about portraying new characters. As the star of writer/director Potsy Ponciroli‘s new Western drama “Old Henry,” Nelson spent months in pre-production preparing himself for the physical and emotional demands of playing a mysterious recluse and protective father in the Wild Wild West, who reveals an unexpected darker side when he is threatened by menacing outsiders.
“I demanded more of myself in terms of knowing where I am in the story,” he explains. “This felt like an extra challenge in this role, which is one of the reasons I wanted to do it, because in addition to being in the narrative trajectory, there’s this other unmasking that’s taking place that’s beyond the...
“I demanded more of myself in terms of knowing where I am in the story,” he explains. “This felt like an extra challenge in this role, which is one of the reasons I wanted to do it, because in addition to being in the narrative trajectory, there’s this other unmasking that’s taking place that’s beyond the...
- 11/5/2021
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Blue Bayou (Justin Chon)
After Antonio (Justin Chon) is wrongfully arrested in front of his wife Kathy (Alicia Vikander) and step-daughter Jessie (Sydney Kowalske), he’s surprised to learn he’s been flagged for deportation. Due to his adoptive parent’s oversight, Antonio, who was born in Korea but has lived in Louisiana since he was a toddler, doesn’t have citizenship. Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou is an amalgam of real stories like Antonio’s, among which there are thousands. – Gabrielle M. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Detention (John Hsu)
As a subversive poem (according to the Chinese Nationalist Party that ruled Taiwan under martial law during the period known as the White Terror from 1947 until 1987) read by Miss Yin...
Blue Bayou (Justin Chon)
After Antonio (Justin Chon) is wrongfully arrested in front of his wife Kathy (Alicia Vikander) and step-daughter Jessie (Sydney Kowalske), he’s surprised to learn he’s been flagged for deportation. Due to his adoptive parent’s oversight, Antonio, who was born in Korea but has lived in Louisiana since he was a toddler, doesn’t have citizenship. Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou is an amalgam of real stories like Antonio’s, among which there are thousands. – Gabrielle M. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Detention (John Hsu)
As a subversive poem (according to the Chinese Nationalist Party that ruled Taiwan under martial law during the period known as the White Terror from 1947 until 1987) read by Miss Yin...
- 10/8/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Kid Stays in the Picture: Ponciroli Goes Old Fashioned with Fan Fiction Western
At a certain point, revisionism strays so far into its own horizon it ends up full circle in resembling the format it’s progressing. Such is the case with Potsy Ponciroli’s sophomore film Old Henry, a character driven oater which suggests elements of fan fiction mining the urban legend of Billy the Kid. A certain historical awareness of the outlaw gunfighter, (nee Henry McCarty alias William H. Bonney) might add to the weight of Ponciroli’s conceit, which is otherwise as old fashioned a narrative as they come.…...
At a certain point, revisionism strays so far into its own horizon it ends up full circle in resembling the format it’s progressing. Such is the case with Potsy Ponciroli’s sophomore film Old Henry, a character driven oater which suggests elements of fan fiction mining the urban legend of Billy the Kid. A certain historical awareness of the outlaw gunfighter, (nee Henry McCarty alias William H. Bonney) might add to the weight of Ponciroli’s conceit, which is otherwise as old fashioned a narrative as they come.…...
- 10/5/2021
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
As an award nominee, Tim Blake Nelson usually hears the words “supporting” or “ensemble” associated with his achievements. The Gold Derby Awards, for instance, have nominated him three times in supporting and ensemble categories. Critics have called him the “Coen Brothers go-to hayseed.” But his only major win from an industry peer group has been an Album of the Year Grammy in 2002 for “O’ Brother Where Art Thou,” which he shared with 28 other artists.
But in “Old Henry,” out October 1, Nelson steps into a lead role. “It figures the first one would have ‘old’ in the title,” the 57-year-old New Yorker by way of Tulsa, Oklahoma, quipped about his starring role. Could he be an Independent Spirit leading actor nominee? Nelson talks about his career, Covid and the big reveal at the end of “Old Henry” he wants you to keep under your ten-gallon hat.
SEEAnn Dowd is early Oscars...
But in “Old Henry,” out October 1, Nelson steps into a lead role. “It figures the first one would have ‘old’ in the title,” the 57-year-old New Yorker by way of Tulsa, Oklahoma, quipped about his starring role. Could he be an Independent Spirit leading actor nominee? Nelson talks about his career, Covid and the big reveal at the end of “Old Henry” he wants you to keep under your ten-gallon hat.
SEEAnn Dowd is early Oscars...
- 10/5/2021
- by Bill McCuddy
- Gold Derby
Neon presents Julia Ducournau’s Titane, the lauded Palme d’Or winner set to test a stressed specialty market even as Messrs. Venom and Bond crash into wide release this weekend and next. The edgy, high octane French tale about a woman with a metal plate in her head and an automotive fetish hits 562 screens in top 10 top North American markets.
Ducournau (Raw) is only the second female director to take the Palme d’Or and the first for directing solo. She also wrote the 93% Certified Fresh film that took the Midnight Madness Audience Award at TIFF and last week played to sold out audiences with standing ovations at the New York Film Festival. Deadline review here called it a fascinating, shock-driven genre picture. The website of Titane – titanium in English — opens with only a definition: “A metal highly resistant to heat and corrosion, with high tensile strength alloys, often...
Ducournau (Raw) is only the second female director to take the Palme d’Or and the first for directing solo. She also wrote the 93% Certified Fresh film that took the Midnight Madness Audience Award at TIFF and last week played to sold out audiences with standing ovations at the New York Film Festival. Deadline review here called it a fascinating, shock-driven genre picture. The website of Titane – titanium in English — opens with only a definition: “A metal highly resistant to heat and corrosion, with high tensile strength alloys, often...
- 10/1/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Blake Nelson in the Western Old Henry. Courtesy of Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures.
The classic Western rides again, with Tim Blake Nelson playing a quiet widowed farmer with teen-aged son on a hardscrabble Oklahoma farm, who takes in a wounded man found with a bag full of money and soon finds trouble follows. Writer/director Potsy Ponciroli’s low-budget indie Western action film Old Henry sports a much better than expected cast, and is elevated greatly by Tim Blake Nelson in a rare lead role.
Old Henry evokes classic Westerns, with its tale of an aging widowed farmer with a teen-aged son, defending his homestead when a group of armed men come looking for the wounded stranger they took in, and the bag of loot he had with him. Both the stranger and the men who have come looking for him claim to be lawmen, leaving the farmer to decide who to believe.
The classic Western rides again, with Tim Blake Nelson playing a quiet widowed farmer with teen-aged son on a hardscrabble Oklahoma farm, who takes in a wounded man found with a bag full of money and soon finds trouble follows. Writer/director Potsy Ponciroli’s low-budget indie Western action film Old Henry sports a much better than expected cast, and is elevated greatly by Tim Blake Nelson in a rare lead role.
Old Henry evokes classic Westerns, with its tale of an aging widowed farmer with a teen-aged son, defending his homestead when a group of armed men come looking for the wounded stranger they took in, and the bag of loot he had with him. Both the stranger and the men who have come looking for him claim to be lawmen, leaving the farmer to decide who to believe.
- 10/1/2021
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Henry’s (Tim Blake Nelson) been living and farming his Oklahoma land for almost two decades, if not more—the last ten as a single father to the now-teenage Wyatt (Gavin Lewis). Despite having help from his brother-in-law down the way (Trace Adkins’ Al), this life isn’t an easy one and the kid is desperate to escape it as much because of the work as the stone wall his dad has become. Wyatt feels he’s still being treated like a child when he knows he deserves more; Henry won’t let him hold a gun, let alone learn to shoot one. Tensions rise, Henry’s refusal to bend grows, and you can sense Wyatt is readying to leave the first chance he gets. Then everything changes.
It starts with a horse: saddled but unmanned and covered in blood. Henry decides to head out and find the obviously injured rider,...
It starts with a horse: saddled but unmanned and covered in blood. Henry decides to head out and find the obviously injured rider,...
- 9/28/2021
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
The Mill Valley Film Festival will open with the California premiere of “Cyrano,” directed by Joe Wright and written by Erica Schmidt, adapted from Schmidt’s 2018 stage musical of the same name, which is based on Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Opening night takes place on Oct. 7 at the Sequoia Theatre and Smith Rafael Film Center.
Peter Dinklage stars as Cyrano de Bergerac, who, believing himself to be ugly, feels unworthy of the love of his friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett). Before he confesses his feelings, Roxanne falls in love at first sight with Christian. Bashir Salahuddin and Ben Mendelsohn also star. The film features music by Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner with lyrics by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Guy Heeley produce, with Cass Marks as co-producer and Enrico Ballarin as line producer.
The 44th annual Mill Valley Film Festival runs from Oct.
Peter Dinklage stars as Cyrano de Bergerac, who, believing himself to be ugly, feels unworthy of the love of his friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett). Before he confesses his feelings, Roxanne falls in love at first sight with Christian. Bashir Salahuddin and Ben Mendelsohn also star. The film features music by Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner with lyrics by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser. Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Guy Heeley produce, with Cass Marks as co-producer and Enrico Ballarin as line producer.
The 44th annual Mill Valley Film Festival runs from Oct.
- 9/8/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld and Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Sales
Vmi Worldwide has closed several major territory sales for western “Old Henry” from Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures. Sales buzz reached its fever pitch as the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday evening.
So far, Vmi has closed deals in Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lines), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures International) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
“Old Henry” was written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli (“Still the King”) and produced by Shannon Houchins and Michael Hagerty. Starring Tim Blake Nelson (“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”), Scott Haze (“Children of God”), Gavin Lewis (“Little Fires Everywhere”), Trace Adkins (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) and Stephen Dorff (“Blade”), the film turns on Henry, a farmer who helps an injured man with a bag of cash. Eventually, a gang shows up claiming to be the money’s rightful owners.
Vmi Worldwide has closed several major territory sales for western “Old Henry” from Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures. Sales buzz reached its fever pitch as the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday evening.
So far, Vmi has closed deals in Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lines), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures International) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
“Old Henry” was written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli (“Still the King”) and produced by Shannon Houchins and Michael Hagerty. Starring Tim Blake Nelson (“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”), Scott Haze (“Children of God”), Gavin Lewis (“Little Fires Everywhere”), Trace Adkins (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) and Stephen Dorff (“Blade”), the film turns on Henry, a farmer who helps an injured man with a bag of cash. Eventually, a gang shows up claiming to be the money’s rightful owners.
- 9/8/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Old Henry, the Tim Blake Nelson-starring Western action drama that had its world premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival last night, has secured a number of key international territory deals.
Vmi Worldwide has sold the Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures title for Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lins), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
From writer-director Potsy Ponciroli (best known for the Billy Ray Cyrus sitcom Still the King) and also starring Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, with Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff,...
Vmi Worldwide has sold the Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures title for Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lins), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
From writer-director Potsy Ponciroli (best known for the Billy Ray Cyrus sitcom Still the King) and also starring Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, with Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff,...
Old Henry, the Tim Blake Nelson-starring Western action drama that had its world premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival last night, has secured a number of key international territory deals.
Vmi Worldwide has sold the Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures title for Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lins), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
From writer-director Potsy Ponciroli (best known for the Billy Ray Cyrus sitcom Still the King) and also starring Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, with Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff,...
Vmi Worldwide has sold the Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures title for Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lins), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
From writer-director Potsy Ponciroli (best known for the Billy Ray Cyrus sitcom Still the King) and also starring Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, with Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff,...
Character actor Tim Blake Nelson may have found his niche in memorable turns recalling the heyday when Westerns ruled the roost in Hollywood. Or at least in Venice, where this film festival once again has shown a fondness for the star in a genre that rarely gets much of a closeup anymore. A couple of years ago, Nelson was unforgettable singing “When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings” in one of the vignettes of the Coen brothers’ anthology The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, which had its world premiere in Venice before going on to get an Oscar nomination for that very song. Now Nelson is back in his inimitable scruffy style as a live-off-the-land-looking guy bringing up a straight-arrow teenage son in the waning days of the old west as Old Henry, which debuted in an out of competition slot at Venice earlier today.
Set in 1906, Old Henry is...
Set in 1906, Old Henry is...
- 9/8/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Western is a film genre that has exerted an irresistible pull over the decades to filmmakers interested in action and adventure. But it’s also uniquely suited to deliver an elegy or a lament for days gone by, which is something Westerns have done indelibly from the final image of John Ford’s “The Searchers” to more recent films like Clint Eastwood’s monumental “Unforgiven” and Andrew Dominik’s luminous “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” There’s a reason why when Peter Bogdanovich wanted to capture the end of an era in “The Last Picture Show,” he used the final cattle drive in “Red River” — decades after their prime, Westerns can still have that impact.
Evoking days gone by, lone heroes and lives that could be snuffed out at any minute, Westerns by now carry an air of sadness to go along with their inevitable rip-roaring gunplay.
Evoking days gone by, lone heroes and lives that could be snuffed out at any minute, Westerns by now carry an air of sadness to go along with their inevitable rip-roaring gunplay.
- 9/7/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Tim Blake Nelson is a highly skilled and versatile actor (not to mention a terrific director), but for years now there has been one character he owns: the yokel, the snaggletoothed redneck runt, the leering hillbilly bumpkin who never met a big vocabulary word he didn’t like to chew on like tobacco. He has done variations on this role in films from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” to “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” and the thing about it is that each time Nelson goes Full Hick, you don’t feel like he’s acting; you feel like he just is. In truth, he’s acting up a storm, never more so than in “Old Henry,” in which he gives what I can only call the “Citizen Kane” of Tim Blake Nelson hayseed varmint performances.
Here’s what elevates this one. Most of the backwoods turns on Nelson’s resume have been unabashedly comic.
Here’s what elevates this one. Most of the backwoods turns on Nelson’s resume have been unabashedly comic.
- 9/7/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Tim Blake Nelson has a blast as a pig farmer with something to hide, but this low-aiming western is as familiar as refried beans
Old Henry premieres at the Sala Grande here at Venice, with the sea at its front and the gondolas at its back and it’s hard to imagine a less appropriate setting. Potsy Ponciroli’s film is a rootin’ tootin’ barrel of wild-west cliches, complete with bank robbers, a scared kid and a dastardly villain who wears a black hat. The programmers could at least have played ball and put some saloon doors at the entrance, sawdust on the floor, maybe a spittoon by each seat.
Tim Blake Nelson grabs a rare and deserved title role as Henry, an ornery old pig farmer who may (slight spoiler) be a stone-cold cowboy killer in flight from a past he’d rather not talk about, dagnammit. Even so,...
Old Henry premieres at the Sala Grande here at Venice, with the sea at its front and the gondolas at its back and it’s hard to imagine a less appropriate setting. Potsy Ponciroli’s film is a rootin’ tootin’ barrel of wild-west cliches, complete with bank robbers, a scared kid and a dastardly villain who wears a black hat. The programmers could at least have played ball and put some saloon doors at the entrance, sawdust on the floor, maybe a spittoon by each seat.
Tim Blake Nelson grabs a rare and deserved title role as Henry, an ornery old pig farmer who may (slight spoiler) be a stone-cold cowboy killer in flight from a past he’d rather not talk about, dagnammit. Even so,...
- 9/7/2021
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
The Woodstock Film Festival has announced the slate for its 22nd edition, with 11 world premieres among the 43 features on the bill.
The festival will take place September 29 to October 3 in three Hudson Valley communities about two hours north of New York City. In-person screenings and events will be featured throughout the fest’s five days, but online options will also enable attendees to connect amid the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.
Panels, concerts and comedy sets along with film screenings are planned in Woodstock, Kingston and Saugerties. Neon chief Tom Quinn is slated to receive the festival’s Honorary Trailblazer Award, an honor announced in 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic.
The festival will kick off with Fanny: The Right to Rock, a documentary about a pathbreaking Filipina-American garage band, with a performance by some of the band’s members following the screening. Music is an annual touchstone for Woodstock’s lineup,...
The festival will take place September 29 to October 3 in three Hudson Valley communities about two hours north of New York City. In-person screenings and events will be featured throughout the fest’s five days, but online options will also enable attendees to connect amid the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.
Panels, concerts and comedy sets along with film screenings are planned in Woodstock, Kingston and Saugerties. Neon chief Tom Quinn is slated to receive the festival’s Honorary Trailblazer Award, an honor announced in 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic.
The festival will kick off with Fanny: The Right to Rock, a documentary about a pathbreaking Filipina-American garage band, with a performance by some of the band’s members following the screening. Music is an annual touchstone for Woodstock’s lineup,...
- 9/1/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Old Henry Trailer — Potsy Ponciroli‘s Old Henry (2021) movie trailer has been released by Shout! Factory. The Old Henry trailer stars Tim Blake Nelson, Gavin Lewis, Scott Haze, Trace Adkins, and Stephen Dorff. Crew Potsy Ponciroli wrote the screenplay for the Old Henry. Jordan Lehning created the music for the film. John Matysiak crafted the [...]
Continue reading: Old Henry (2021) Movie Trailer: Retired Gunslinger Tim Blake Nelson Takes on Stephen Dorff & His Outlaw Gang...
Continue reading: Old Henry (2021) Movie Trailer: Retired Gunslinger Tim Blake Nelson Takes on Stephen Dorff & His Outlaw Gang...
- 8/31/2021
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
"You didn't hold that pistol like any farmer I've ever seen." Shout Factory has unveiled an official trailer for an indie western action film titled Old Henry, from Italian filmmaker Potsy Ponciroli. This is premiering at the 2021 Venice Film Festival kicking off next week, playing out of competition. The film is action western about a farmer who takes in an injured man with a satchel of cash. When a posse comes for the money, he must decide who to trust. Defending a siege, he reveals a gunslinging talent that calls his true identity into question. The always-badass Tim Blake Nelson stars as Henry, with a cast including Scott Haze, Gavin Lewis, Trace Adkins, and Stephen Dorff. Described by the filmmaker "micro western", adding that it's a "small, simple tale set in an alternate timeline where an authentic, historical character plays in a fictional world." Sounds pretty dang good. It almost...
- 8/27/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Written and Directed by Potsy Ponciroli, “Old Henry” is a Western that’s about to make its debut at the Venice International Film Festival next month. The cast is pretty impressive and the film features Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze Gavin Lewis, Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff
Read More: The 25 Best Westerns Of All Time
Here’s the official synopsis:
Read More: 8 Westerns Not Set In The Old West
Old Henry is an action-Western about a widowed farmer and his son who warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel of cash.
Continue reading ‘Old Henry’ Trailer: Tim Blake Nelson, Stephen Dorff, Trace Adkins Star In A Venice-Bound Western at The Playlist.
Read More: The 25 Best Westerns Of All Time
Here’s the official synopsis:
Read More: 8 Westerns Not Set In The Old West
Old Henry is an action-Western about a widowed farmer and his son who warily take in a mysterious, injured man with a satchel of cash.
Continue reading ‘Old Henry’ Trailer: Tim Blake Nelson, Stephen Dorff, Trace Adkins Star In A Venice-Bound Western at The Playlist.
- 8/27/2021
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Shout Studios and Hideout Pictures’ Old Henry has been set for a U.S. theatrical release on October 1. This will follow the western’s world premiere as an out of competition official selection title at the Venice Film Festival on September 7. Check out the trailer above.
Billed as an elevated action western, Old Henry is written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli. The film stars Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, with Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff.
A production of Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures, Old Henry follows Nelson’s mysterious titular character, a farmer who, along with his son (Lewis), takes in an injured man (Haze) with a satchel of cash. When a posse led by their fearless chief Ketchum (Dorff) comes for the money, Henry must decide whom to trust. Defending a siege, he reveals a gunslinging talent calling his true identity into question.
As Dorff...
Billed as an elevated action western, Old Henry is written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli. The film stars Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze and Gavin Lewis, with Trace Adkins and Stephen Dorff.
A production of Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures, Old Henry follows Nelson’s mysterious titular character, a farmer who, along with his son (Lewis), takes in an injured man (Haze) with a satchel of cash. When a posse led by their fearless chief Ketchum (Dorff) comes for the money, Henry must decide whom to trust. Defending a siege, he reveals a gunslinging talent calling his true identity into question.
As Dorff...
- 8/27/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Mymovies Chief Gianluca Guzzo on How Streaming Venice Pics Has Led to ‘Unique’ Biz Model (Exclusive)
The Venice Film Festival and Italy’s Mymovies streaming platform have devised what the streamer’s chief Gianluca Guzzo calls “a unique model.”
It’s an SVOD service called Biennale Cinema Channel that offers Italians Lido titles from past editions that never made it into local theaters and in September will also provide them with a selection of world premieres launching from Venice’s upcoming 78th edition.
It all started with Alberto Barbera’s second mandate at Venice 10 years ago, says Guzzo. Barbera wanted to give more visibility to films screening in the Horizons section dedicated to more cutting edge pics, and subsequently also to Biennale College titles, the micro budget works that Venice shepherds from development to distribution.
So Mymovies created a virtual screening room during the Venice fest with access limited to 2,500 spectators that recreated the collective cinema experience one gets in movie theaters.
Subsequently Guzzo and his...
It’s an SVOD service called Biennale Cinema Channel that offers Italians Lido titles from past editions that never made it into local theaters and in September will also provide them with a selection of world premieres launching from Venice’s upcoming 78th edition.
It all started with Alberto Barbera’s second mandate at Venice 10 years ago, says Guzzo. Barbera wanted to give more visibility to films screening in the Horizons section dedicated to more cutting edge pics, and subsequently also to Biennale College titles, the micro budget works that Venice shepherds from development to distribution.
So Mymovies created a virtual screening room during the Venice fest with access limited to 2,500 spectators that recreated the collective cinema experience one gets in movie theaters.
Subsequently Guzzo and his...
- 8/26/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The programme for the 2021 Venice Film Festival has been unveiled, and includes new films from Pedro Almodóvar, Jane Campion, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michelangelo Frammartino, Pablo Larraín, Paul Schrader, Ridley Scott, and more.Parallel MothersCOMPETITIONParallel Mothers (Pedro Almodóvar)Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (Ana Lily Amirpour)Un Autre Monde (Stephane Brize)The Power of the Dog (Jane Campion)America LatinaL’Evenement (Audrey Diwan)Official CompetitionThe Hole (Michelangelo Frammartino)Sundown (Michel Franco)Lost Illusions (Xavier Giannoli)The Lost Daughter (Maggie Gyllenhaal)Spencer (Pablo Larrain)Freaks Out (Gabriele Mainetti)Qui Rido Io (Mario Martone)On The Job: The Missing 8 (Erik Matti)Leave No Traces (Jan P. Matuszyński)Captain Volkonogov EscapedThe Card Counter (Paul Schrader)The Hand of God (Paolo Sorrentino)Reflection (Valentyn Vasyanovych)The Box (Lorenzo Vigas)Out Of COMPETITIONFeaturesDune (Denis Villeneuve)Il Bambino Nascosto (Roberto Andò)Les Choses Humaines (Yvan Attal)Ariaferma (Leonardo Di Costanzo)Halloween Kills (David Gordon Green...
- 8/3/2021
- MUBI
“The 78th Venice International Film Festival is organized by La Biennale di Venezia and directed by Alberto Barbera. It will take place at Venice Lido from 1 – 11 September 2021. The Festival is officially recognised by the Fiapf (International Federation of Film Producers Association). The aim of the Festival is to raise awareness and promote international cinema in all its forms as art, entertainment and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and dialogue. The Festival also organises retrospectives and tributes to major figures as a contribution towards a better understanding of the history of cinema.” Venezia 2021 – Competition Madres Paralelas, dir: Pedro Almodovar Mona Lisa And The Blood Moon, dir: Ana Lily Amirpour Un Autre Monde, dir: Stéphane Brizé The Power Of The Dog, dir: Jane Campion America Latina, dir: Damiano D’Innocenzo, Fabio D’Innocenzo L’Evénement, dir: Audrey Diwan Competencia Oficial, dirs: Gaston Duprat, Mariano Cohn Il Buco, dir: Michelangelo Frammartino Sundown,...
- 7/26/2021
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
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