In 2015, producer Kevin J. Walsh was clearing out a last-minute parking lot location for Manchester by the Sea’s most memorable scene, and just seven years later, he found himself on one of several battlefields that would define Ridley Scott’s latest historical epic, Napoleon.
Financed by Apple Original Films and distributed by Sony, the Joaquin Phoenix-led film just outperformed expectations with $32.7 million over the five-day Thanksgiving window, and Walsh believes that Napoleon’s production and distribution arrangement is the ideal way forward for streamers who want to make big-budget plays. With the possible exception of Netflix, the remaining streamers haven’t been able to justify the expense of streaming-exclusive blockbusters, but Napoleon has now established that streaming services and traditional studios can work together in mutually beneficial ways.
“We have two studios that are the best at what they do, and they’re working together. So, for us,...
Financed by Apple Original Films and distributed by Sony, the Joaquin Phoenix-led film just outperformed expectations with $32.7 million over the five-day Thanksgiving window, and Walsh believes that Napoleon’s production and distribution arrangement is the ideal way forward for streamers who want to make big-budget plays. With the possible exception of Netflix, the remaining streamers haven’t been able to justify the expense of streaming-exclusive blockbusters, but Napoleon has now established that streaming services and traditional studios can work together in mutually beneficial ways.
“We have two studios that are the best at what they do, and they’re working together. So, for us,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actress Tessa Thompson has officially joined the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.
The “Creed” actress and producer, along with documentarian Pete Nicks and producers Nina Fialkow and Kimberly Steward, comprise the new additions to the Board. Per an official press release, the foursome are now among the “leaders who guide and steer the entire organization and also act in an advisory capacity.”
Thompson said in a statement, “Both the Sundance Film Festival and the Institute have served as an artistic home for me throughout my career. I’m proud to expand this journey by joining the board to eagerly serve a community that has been so incredibly impactful to me and countless others.”
The new trustees will closely work with Board Chair Ebs Burnough and CEO Joana Vicente to usher in the next wave of rising filmmakers.
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists,...
The “Creed” actress and producer, along with documentarian Pete Nicks and producers Nina Fialkow and Kimberly Steward, comprise the new additions to the Board. Per an official press release, the foursome are now among the “leaders who guide and steer the entire organization and also act in an advisory capacity.”
Thompson said in a statement, “Both the Sundance Film Festival and the Institute have served as an artistic home for me throughout my career. I’m proud to expand this journey by joining the board to eagerly serve a community that has been so incredibly impactful to me and countless others.”
The new trustees will closely work with Board Chair Ebs Burnough and CEO Joana Vicente to usher in the next wave of rising filmmakers.
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The nonprofit Sundance Institute today announced four newly appointed additions to the Institute’s Board of Trustees. Tessa Thompson, Pete Nicks, Nina Fialkow, and Kimberly Steward have joined the leaders who guide the entire organization and also act in an advisory capacity. They add to the Institute’s Board of values-based leaders, building an enduring, evolving community for storytellers. The distinguished new Trustees will work closely with Board Chair Ebs Burnough and CEO Joana Vicente and bring invaluable experience.
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists, we welcome these new members of our Board, each of whom has an incredible commitment to independent film and a long history with the Institute,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough. “Together, the Board is poised to identify new and strengthened ways to uplift independent storytellers.”
“We are so pleased to have Tessa, Pete, Nina, and Kimberly join...
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists, we welcome these new members of our Board, each of whom has an incredible commitment to independent film and a long history with the Institute,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough. “Together, the Board is poised to identify new and strengthened ways to uplift independent storytellers.”
“We are so pleased to have Tessa, Pete, Nina, and Kimberly join...
- 10/19/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive, Updated with PGA statement: More than 2,300 film and TV producers on Tuesday are delivering a message to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers: leave us out. The group delivered a petition to AMPTP President Carol Lombardini this morning demanding the dropping of the “P” from the acronym of the organization that just concluded a brutal negotiation with the WGA, and hopefully is in the final stages of a SAG-AFTRA deal after one of the longest strikes in Hollywood history.
Taking them out of a labor fight they were never part of is just the first step in what producers hope will lead to a redrawing of rules that leave them without health care, and being the last to be paid despite them being the early catalysts for film and TV projects.
The producers have amassed 2,338 signatures since June, when they first posted a petition on Change.
Taking them out of a labor fight they were never part of is just the first step in what producers hope will lead to a redrawing of rules that leave them without health care, and being the last to be paid despite them being the early catalysts for film and TV projects.
The producers have amassed 2,338 signatures since June, when they first posted a petition on Change.
- 10/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Travis Knight, president and CEO of animation studio Laika, has been appointed to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Board of Trustees. Additionally, the museum announced the appointment of motion picture producer and former chair of the Academy Museum Inclusion Advisory Committee, Effie T. Brown, as an honorary trustee (a lifetime position), effective July 1, 2023.
According to an official statement from the museum: “As the governing body of the Academy Museum, the Board leads the museum toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, in addition to securing adequate resources to advance the museum’s mission. Knight and Brown will help continue the success of the museum and its social impact for audiences worldwide.”
Additionally, the Academy Museum’s Board of Trustees has also re-elected Patricia Bellinger Balzer, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter, Ryan Murphy, Regina Scully, whose current terms end June 30, 2023, for another three-year term.
According to an official statement from the museum: “As the governing body of the Academy Museum, the Board leads the museum toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, in addition to securing adequate resources to advance the museum’s mission. Knight and Brown will help continue the success of the museum and its social impact for audiences worldwide.”
Additionally, the Academy Museum’s Board of Trustees has also re-elected Patricia Bellinger Balzer, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter, Ryan Murphy, Regina Scully, whose current terms end June 30, 2023, for another three-year term.
- 6/21/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
A year and a half ago, we heard that M. Night Shyamalan was producing the thriller The Vanishings at Caddo Lake, which was being directed by the duo of Celine Held and Logan George – who made their feature directorial debut with the 2020 drama Topside and went on to direct episodes of Shyamalan’s Apple TV+ series Servant. That movie, which now has the shorter title Caddo Lake, still doesn’t have a release date… but it does have a rating. The Motion Picture Association’s ratings board has given Caddo Lake a PG-13 for some disturbing/bloody images, thematic elements, and brief strong language.
Shyamalan has only made two R-rated movies (The Happening and Knock at the Cabin), so it’s not surprising to hear that this Shyamalan-produced project has earned a PG-13.
Held and George wrote the screenplay for the film, crafting the following story: When an 8-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes on Caddo Lake,...
Shyamalan has only made two R-rated movies (The Happening and Knock at the Cabin), so it’s not surprising to hear that this Shyamalan-produced project has earned a PG-13.
Held and George wrote the screenplay for the film, crafting the following story: When an 8-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes on Caddo Lake,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
On Saturday night, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (Ctaop) hosted the annual Block Party 2023, raising over $900,000 for Ctaop.
Alan Ritchson, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez and Sung Kang with Ctaop auction winner (2nd from L) speak on stage during Charlize Theron's Africa Outreach Project Block Party
Credit/Copyright: Presley Ann/Getty Images for Ctaop
The event brought together over 350 guests for a night of food, music, and fun to benefit Ctaop’s work supporting the health, education, and safety of youth in Southern Africa.
The evening’s live programming included a special drag show featuring performances by drag queens Luxx and Salina EsTitties, an onstage trivia game with the cast of Fast X, hosted by Aisha Tyler, and a live auction.
Charlize Theron is the founder of Ctaop, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and safety of youth in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on her home country of South Africa.
Alan Ritchson, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez and Sung Kang with Ctaop auction winner (2nd from L) speak on stage during Charlize Theron's Africa Outreach Project Block Party
Credit/Copyright: Presley Ann/Getty Images for Ctaop
The event brought together over 350 guests for a night of food, music, and fun to benefit Ctaop’s work supporting the health, education, and safety of youth in Southern Africa.
The evening’s live programming included a special drag show featuring performances by drag queens Luxx and Salina EsTitties, an onstage trivia game with the cast of Fast X, hosted by Aisha Tyler, and a live auction.
Charlize Theron is the founder of Ctaop, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and safety of youth in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on her home country of South Africa.
- 5/22/2023
- Look to the Stars
Blumhouse and K Period Media have announced the inaugural fellows for the “Screamwriting” program for emerging horror film and TV writers from underrepresented groups.
The program, in partnership with the Sundance Institute, provides mentorship for the participants from industry leaders including Ryan Murphy, Bridget Savage Cole, Danielle Krudy, Mike Flanagan and Crystal Liu.
“Some of the most daring storytelling is being created today in the horror genre,” said Michelle Satter, founding senior director of Sundance Institute’s artist programs, in a statement. “This great collaboration with K Period Media Foundation and Blumhouse is an opportunity for Sundance to continue and expand on our existing work and support their creation of the ‘Screamwriting’ fellowship.”
K Period Media Foundations, part of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, runs the program with independent producer Kimberly Parker Zox directing it. The fellows are set to participate in a week-long intensive in Los Angeles followed by year-long mentorship and support.
The program, in partnership with the Sundance Institute, provides mentorship for the participants from industry leaders including Ryan Murphy, Bridget Savage Cole, Danielle Krudy, Mike Flanagan and Crystal Liu.
“Some of the most daring storytelling is being created today in the horror genre,” said Michelle Satter, founding senior director of Sundance Institute’s artist programs, in a statement. “This great collaboration with K Period Media Foundation and Blumhouse is an opportunity for Sundance to continue and expand on our existing work and support their creation of the ‘Screamwriting’ fellowship.”
K Period Media Foundations, part of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, runs the program with independent producer Kimberly Parker Zox directing it. The fellows are set to participate in a week-long intensive in Los Angeles followed by year-long mentorship and support.
- 3/8/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Blumhouse and K Period Media, the production company founded by Kimberly Steward, revealed their inaugural cohort of nine fellows selected to participate in the first annual Blumhouse and K Period Media Screamwriting Fellowship, the companies announced on Tuesday.
The program, created in partnership with the Sundance Institute, was established to provide support and mentorship to underrepresented emerging film and television writers aspiring to work in the horror genre.
The week-long intensive lab kicks off today in Los Angeles with the generous support of advisors Karen Joseph Adcock, Simon Barrett, Dwight Caines, Jacob Chase, Bridget Savage Cole, Mike Flanagan, Christine D’Souza Gelb, Alayna Glasthal, Josh Godfrey, Disney Hall, Walter Hamada, Cindy Holland, Danielle Krudy, Chris Landon, Nick Lazo, Keith Levine, Damon Lindelof, Crystal Liu, Grant Moninger, Ryan Murphy, Couper Samuelson, Rob Savage, Ryan Turek and Kevin Williamson.
Also Read:
‘Dead by Daylight’ Movie in the Works at Blumhouse, James Wan’s...
The program, created in partnership with the Sundance Institute, was established to provide support and mentorship to underrepresented emerging film and television writers aspiring to work in the horror genre.
The week-long intensive lab kicks off today in Los Angeles with the generous support of advisors Karen Joseph Adcock, Simon Barrett, Dwight Caines, Jacob Chase, Bridget Savage Cole, Mike Flanagan, Christine D’Souza Gelb, Alayna Glasthal, Josh Godfrey, Disney Hall, Walter Hamada, Cindy Holland, Danielle Krudy, Chris Landon, Nick Lazo, Keith Levine, Damon Lindelof, Crystal Liu, Grant Moninger, Ryan Murphy, Couper Samuelson, Rob Savage, Ryan Turek and Kevin Williamson.
Also Read:
‘Dead by Daylight’ Movie in the Works at Blumhouse, James Wan’s...
- 3/7/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
For the last few years, Sundance has had a strong record for premiering Asian titles that would overtake the film festival circuit. Asian diaspora and titles from Asia alike dominated the slate last year, with Indian documentary “All That Breathes” taking home the Grand Jury Prize in World Cinema Documentary; Christine Choy-starring “The Exiles” walking away with the Grand Jury Prize in US Documentary; and Kogonada’s quiet sci-fi “After Yang” winning the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize. Other productions have made a splash on the circuit as well, like the Martika Ramirez Escobar’s stunning debut “Leonor Will Never Die” and Julie Ha and Eugene Yi’s well-researched documentary “Free Chol Soo Lee.” The successes of the previous years have ramped up our own excitement for what is to come in 2023 — which will be, for the first time in the last 2 years, premiere in-person,...
- 12/11/2022
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
Setting the stage for the year in cinema, the 2023 Sundance Film Festival will take place January 19-29, both in person in Utah as well as virtual viewings kicking off five days into the festival. Ahead of next month’s festivities, the festival has now unveiled its features lineup, which features 99 films.
Initial highlights of the lineup include Ira Sachs’ Passages, starring Franz Rogowski, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Ben Whishaw, William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth follow-up Eileen, Raven Jackson’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, produced by Barry Jenkins, Bad Behaviour, the directorial debut of Jane Campion’s daughter Alice Englert, Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, Nicole Holofcener’s’ You Hurt My Feelings starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
The 12 films in this section are all world premieres. All 12 will be available to stream online.
The Accidental Getaway Driver (Director and Screenwriter: Sing J. Lee,...
Initial highlights of the lineup include Ira Sachs’ Passages, starring Franz Rogowski, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Ben Whishaw, William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth follow-up Eileen, Raven Jackson’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, produced by Barry Jenkins, Bad Behaviour, the directorial debut of Jane Campion’s daughter Alice Englert, Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, Nicole Holofcener’s’ You Hurt My Feelings starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
The 12 films in this section are all world premieres. All 12 will be available to stream online.
The Accidental Getaway Driver (Director and Screenwriter: Sing J. Lee,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Sundance Institute has announced the feature film lineup for the 2023 festival, taking place January 19 – 29, 2023, in person in Utah, along with a selection of films available online across the country January 24 – 29. The selection includes Competition titles, the Premieres section, and the Midnight section, with 101 feature-length films representing 23 countries, 94 percent of which are world premieres.
This year’s program includes plenty of familiar names, with new films from Nicole Holofcener, Ira Sachs, Brandon Cronenberg, Sebastian Silva, Cory Finley, Justin Chon, Nicole Newnham, Maite Alberdi, Roger Ross Williams, Sophie Barthes, Lana Wilson, Davis Guggenheim, Rebecca Zlotowski, Anton Corbijn, and many more.
Notable actors at this year’s festival range from Jonathan Majors in “Magazine Dreams,” Daisy Ridley in “Sometimes I Think About Dying,” and Sarah Snook in midnight opener “Run Rabbit Run.” Other notable names found throughout the lineup include Ben Whishaw, Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat, Thomasin McKenzie,...
This year’s program includes plenty of familiar names, with new films from Nicole Holofcener, Ira Sachs, Brandon Cronenberg, Sebastian Silva, Cory Finley, Justin Chon, Nicole Newnham, Maite Alberdi, Roger Ross Williams, Sophie Barthes, Lana Wilson, Davis Guggenheim, Rebecca Zlotowski, Anton Corbijn, and many more.
Notable actors at this year’s festival range from Jonathan Majors in “Magazine Dreams,” Daisy Ridley in “Sometimes I Think About Dying,” and Sarah Snook in midnight opener “Run Rabbit Run.” Other notable names found throughout the lineup include Ben Whishaw, Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat, Thomasin McKenzie,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
2023 Sundance Film Festival Line-Up: Michael J. Fox Doc, New Nicole Holofcener Film and ‘Cat Person’
Click here to read the full article.
Take two.
After last year’s in-person festival was canceled at the last minute because of the winter Covid-19 surge due to the Omicron variant, the Sundance Film Festival is returning to Park City for the first time since 2020 with a line-up of 101 feature-length films, representing 23 countries, that was annoucned today.
The U.S. Dramatic Competition section features thirteen titles. The Jonathan Majors-fronted Magazine Dreams, Randall Park’s directorial debut Shortcomings, and the latest from Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum’s Gloria Sanchez, Theater Camp, are among those vying for the top festival prize.
As for non-fiction, several bio-docs centered on big-name talent are festival bound, including Michael J. Fox (Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie), Brooke Shields (Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields), Little Richard (Little Richard: I Am Everything), and Judy Blume (Judy Blume Forever). Years past have seen docs on Taylor Swift,...
Take two.
After last year’s in-person festival was canceled at the last minute because of the winter Covid-19 surge due to the Omicron variant, the Sundance Film Festival is returning to Park City for the first time since 2020 with a line-up of 101 feature-length films, representing 23 countries, that was annoucned today.
The U.S. Dramatic Competition section features thirteen titles. The Jonathan Majors-fronted Magazine Dreams, Randall Park’s directorial debut Shortcomings, and the latest from Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum’s Gloria Sanchez, Theater Camp, are among those vying for the top festival prize.
As for non-fiction, several bio-docs centered on big-name talent are festival bound, including Michael J. Fox (Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie), Brooke Shields (Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields), Little Richard (Little Richard: I Am Everything), and Judy Blume (Judy Blume Forever). Years past have seen docs on Taylor Swift,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After two weeks of solid showings at the box office, excellent reviews and passionate fan responses, “The Woman King” has become one of the year’s standout hits, with plans to be competitive in the awards races for both major and artisan category attention.
One of the film’s standout stars, Thuso Mbedu, who plays the young Nawi, will be campaigning for supporting actress attention, Variety has learned. Academy Award winner Viola Davis (“Fences”) will be the sole actress campaigning for lead actress.
Mbedu, who was the breakout sensation of 2021’s Emmy-nominated series “The Underground Railroad” from director Barry Jenkins, will compete in supporting alongside her co-stars Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Adrienne Warren and most prominent, Lashana Lynch. All of the male actors, including John Boyega, will be competing in supporting actor.
Beginning with “Gone with the Wind” (1939) duo Olivia de Havilland and winner Hattie McDaniel, who became the first...
One of the film’s standout stars, Thuso Mbedu, who plays the young Nawi, will be campaigning for supporting actress attention, Variety has learned. Academy Award winner Viola Davis (“Fences”) will be the sole actress campaigning for lead actress.
Mbedu, who was the breakout sensation of 2021’s Emmy-nominated series “The Underground Railroad” from director Barry Jenkins, will compete in supporting alongside her co-stars Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Adrienne Warren and most prominent, Lashana Lynch. All of the male actors, including John Boyega, will be competing in supporting actor.
Beginning with “Gone with the Wind” (1939) duo Olivia de Havilland and winner Hattie McDaniel, who became the first...
- 9/26/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute has announced details about the incoming group of Women at Sundance | Adobe Fellows. The eight recipients of the fellowship work across disciplines and stood out for their boundary-pushing work in fiction, documentary, and episodic.
All eight fellows will receive bespoke support throughout the year, including mentorship from the Sundance Institute and Adobe executives, two skill-building workshops, referrals to career development opportunities, coaching, a 6,250 cash grant, introductions to industry contacts and advisors, a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, and a one-year membership to Sundance Collab. Each of the fellows has already participated in a Sundance Institute Lab or program relevant to their career path.
Created in 2020, the fellowship was formed by the Institute and Adobe around a shared commitment to champion underrepresented voices. Filmmakers are nominated from across Sundance Artist Programs including the Documentary Film Program, the Episodic Program, the Feature Film Program, the Indigenous Program, and Women at Sundance.
All eight fellows will receive bespoke support throughout the year, including mentorship from the Sundance Institute and Adobe executives, two skill-building workshops, referrals to career development opportunities, coaching, a 6,250 cash grant, introductions to industry contacts and advisors, a one-year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, and a one-year membership to Sundance Collab. Each of the fellows has already participated in a Sundance Institute Lab or program relevant to their career path.
Created in 2020, the fellowship was formed by the Institute and Adobe around a shared commitment to champion underrepresented voices. Filmmakers are nominated from across Sundance Artist Programs including the Documentary Film Program, the Episodic Program, the Feature Film Program, the Indigenous Program, and Women at Sundance.
- 6/21/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Celine Held and Logan George’s feature directorial debut Topside, slating it for a day-and-date release on March 25.
The award-winning drama starring Held, Zhaila Farmer, Jared Abrahamson and musician Fatlip is inspired by true events. It follows five-year-old Little (Farmer) and her mother Nikki (Held), who live underneath the streets of New York City, in a community that has claimed long-abandoned subway tunnels as its home. When the pair are forced to flee above ground into a cold winter night, they are plunged into a challenging world of chaos and tragedy that makes their uncertain underground life seem idyllic by comparison.
Topside claimed SXSW’s Special Jury Award for Narrative Feature when it premiered there in 2020, subsequently going on to win the Venice Film Festival’s Mario Serandrei Award for Best Technical Achievement. Held and George penned the film, with Anthony Bregman,...
The award-winning drama starring Held, Zhaila Farmer, Jared Abrahamson and musician Fatlip is inspired by true events. It follows five-year-old Little (Farmer) and her mother Nikki (Held), who live underneath the streets of New York City, in a community that has claimed long-abandoned subway tunnels as its home. When the pair are forced to flee above ground into a cold winter night, they are plunged into a challenging world of chaos and tragedy that makes their uncertain underground life seem idyllic by comparison.
Topside claimed SXSW’s Special Jury Award for Narrative Feature when it premiered there in 2020, subsequently going on to win the Venice Film Festival’s Mario Serandrei Award for Best Technical Achievement. Held and George penned the film, with Anthony Bregman,...
- 2/9/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
M. Night Shyamalan will be producing the upcoming pic The Vanishings at Caddo Lake through his Blinding Edge Pictures banner. Writing-directing team Celine Held & Logan George penned the screenplay based on an original idea and will also co-direct the film. The pic will star Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen and Lauren Ambrose. Eric Lange, Sam Hennings and Diana Hopper round out the cast
The plot: When an 8-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, forever altering a broken family’s history.
Shyamalan and Ashwin Rajan will produce under Shyamalan’s Blinding Edge banner alongside Kara Durrett and K Period’s Josh Godfrey. Kimberly Steward, Harrison Huffman and Will Greenfield will serve as executive producers. Production on the mystery-thriller has commenced in Shreveport, LA.
The film marks Held and George’s second feature-length film; Topside, their first feature, had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
The plot: When an 8-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, forever altering a broken family’s history.
Shyamalan and Ashwin Rajan will produce under Shyamalan’s Blinding Edge banner alongside Kara Durrett and K Period’s Josh Godfrey. Kimberly Steward, Harrison Huffman and Will Greenfield will serve as executive producers. Production on the mystery-thriller has commenced in Shreveport, LA.
The film marks Held and George’s second feature-length film; Topside, their first feature, had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
- 10/4/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
On Tuesday morning, just before President Biden addressed the United Nations for the first time, more than 80 celebrities and entertainment figures issued an open letter to world leaders calling for them to end “the Covid-19 pandemic now.”
The letter, which mentioned the United Nations General Assembly Session specifically, was posted on the website of Care, an organization dedicated to ending poverty worldwide. It was signed by a raft of boldfaced names, including Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Alyssa Milano, Anne Hathaway, Malin Akerman, Debbie Allen, Jordana Brewster, Connie Britton, Ciara, Peter Dinklage, Richard Gere, Dolores Huerta, Joel McHale, Iman, Edward James Olmos, Laura Linney, Julianna Margulies, Joel McHale, Idina Menzel, Ana Ortiz, Adam Shankman, Michael Sheen, Adam Shulman and Sarah Silverman. For a full list of signatories, see below.
Specifically, the letter calls Covid “a manmade pandemic of apathy.” It states that “Only 2% of people in low-income countries have received a single dose.
The letter, which mentioned the United Nations General Assembly Session specifically, was posted on the website of Care, an organization dedicated to ending poverty worldwide. It was signed by a raft of boldfaced names, including Eva Longoria, Debra Messing, Alyssa Milano, Anne Hathaway, Malin Akerman, Debbie Allen, Jordana Brewster, Connie Britton, Ciara, Peter Dinklage, Richard Gere, Dolores Huerta, Joel McHale, Iman, Edward James Olmos, Laura Linney, Julianna Margulies, Joel McHale, Idina Menzel, Ana Ortiz, Adam Shankman, Michael Sheen, Adam Shulman and Sarah Silverman. For a full list of signatories, see below.
Specifically, the letter calls Covid “a manmade pandemic of apathy.” It states that “Only 2% of people in low-income countries have received a single dose.
- 9/21/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
On September 17, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (Etaf) honored Billy Porter, Dr. Anthony Fauci, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and Sandra Thurman with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award at The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS fundraising gala.
Rising singer-songwriter, Jake Wesley Rogers performed at the event. The evening was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor, Gilead Sciences, Inc. Additional sponsors for the event were Diamond Sponsor Bvlgari and American Airlines, Etaf’s official airline.
During his speech, Billy Porter shared, “I came out in 1985. It was at the beginning of the AIDS crisis. We’ve been fighting for our lives ever since and I am proud to stand here, but I will say that in 2007, I had a secret – a secret that was so shameful that I held it in for 14 years. I had all the information, I was supposed to know better, and I got this anyway.
Rising singer-songwriter, Jake Wesley Rogers performed at the event. The evening was generously supported by Presenting Sponsor, Gilead Sciences, Inc. Additional sponsors for the event were Diamond Sponsor Bvlgari and American Airlines, Etaf’s official airline.
During his speech, Billy Porter shared, “I came out in 1985. It was at the beginning of the AIDS crisis. We’ve been fighting for our lives ever since and I am proud to stand here, but I will say that in 2007, I had a secret – a secret that was so shameful that I held it in for 14 years. I had all the information, I was supposed to know better, and I got this anyway.
- 9/21/2021
- Look to the Stars
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (Etaf) today announced actor, activist and fashion icon Billy Porter will be honored at The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS fundraising gala on September 17, 2021, joining previously announced honorees Dr. Anthony Fauci, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and Sandra Thurman.
All four will be honored with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. Rising singer-songwriter, Jake Wesley Rogers will perform at the event, which will be generously supported by Presenting Sponsor, Gilead Sciences, Inc. Additional sponsors for the event are Diamond Sponsor Bvlgari and American Airlines, Etaf’s official airline.
Billy Porter is an Emmy, Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright. His electric portrayal of ‘Pray Tell’ in the FX’s breakthrough series “Pose,” earned him the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as well as Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, and Television Critics Association nominations.
All four will be honored with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award. Rising singer-songwriter, Jake Wesley Rogers will perform at the event, which will be generously supported by Presenting Sponsor, Gilead Sciences, Inc. Additional sponsors for the event are Diamond Sponsor Bvlgari and American Airlines, Etaf’s official airline.
Billy Porter is an Emmy, Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright. His electric portrayal of ‘Pray Tell’ in the FX’s breakthrough series “Pose,” earned him the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as well as Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, and Television Critics Association nominations.
- 9/2/2021
- Look to the Stars
Matt Damon has his audience in stitches during his Cannes Film Festival masterclass today.
The actor, here premiering Stillwater, discussed how he had turned down the lead role in mega-blockbuster Avatar, despite James Cameron offering him a chunk of the film’s profits (it would go on to gross $2.8Bn globally).
“I was offered a little movie called Avatar, James Cameron offered me 10% of it,” he recalled. “I will go down in history… you will never meet an actor who turned down more money.”
Damon said he couldn’t do the movie because he was shooting the Jason Bourne movies and took the “moral” decision not leave that franchise in the lurch. Cameron instead cast the then relatively under-the-radar Sam Worthington, who is onboard for the sequels but presumably didn’t get 10% of the original’s profits.
He also recounted the first time he shared that story with regular collaborator John Krasinski.
The actor, here premiering Stillwater, discussed how he had turned down the lead role in mega-blockbuster Avatar, despite James Cameron offering him a chunk of the film’s profits (it would go on to gross $2.8Bn globally).
“I was offered a little movie called Avatar, James Cameron offered me 10% of it,” he recalled. “I will go down in history… you will never meet an actor who turned down more money.”
Damon said he couldn’t do the movie because he was shooting the Jason Bourne movies and took the “moral” decision not leave that franchise in the lurch. Cameron instead cast the then relatively under-the-radar Sam Worthington, who is onboard for the sequels but presumably didn’t get 10% of the original’s profits.
He also recounted the first time he shared that story with regular collaborator John Krasinski.
- 7/9/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Eva Longoria and Sid Ganis Appointed to Academy Museum Board of Trustees
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced that Eva Longoria has been appointed to its board of trustees, while Sid Ganis will become the museum’s first honorary trustee.
Since starring in “Desperate Housewives,” Longoria has led the charge for female representation in Hollywood and cemented herself as an entertainment industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera. Ganis, a film executive and producer, has been integral to securing the future of the Academy Museum. He will now serve on the board in a lifetime position.
Longoria and Ganis join existing board members Ted Sarandos, chair; Miky Lee (Mie Kyung Lee) vice-chair; Kimberly Steward, secretary; Jim Gianopulos, treasurer; Patricia S. Bellinger, Jason Blum, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Laura Dern, David Dolby, Sidonie Seydoux Dumas, Ray Halbritter, Tom Hanks, Dawn Hudson, Bill Kramer,...
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced that Eva Longoria has been appointed to its board of trustees, while Sid Ganis will become the museum’s first honorary trustee.
Since starring in “Desperate Housewives,” Longoria has led the charge for female representation in Hollywood and cemented herself as an entertainment industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera. Ganis, a film executive and producer, has been integral to securing the future of the Academy Museum. He will now serve on the board in a lifetime position.
Longoria and Ganis join existing board members Ted Sarandos, chair; Miky Lee (Mie Kyung Lee) vice-chair; Kimberly Steward, secretary; Jim Gianopulos, treasurer; Patricia S. Bellinger, Jason Blum, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Laura Dern, David Dolby, Sidonie Seydoux Dumas, Ray Halbritter, Tom Hanks, Dawn Hudson, Bill Kramer,...
- 6/29/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood doesn’t have an especially favorable history when it comes to supporting Black filmmakers. Representation has improved over the last decade, however, and now “Judas and the Black Messiah” could take that one step further. The Warner Bros. release tells the true story of the FBI’s assassination of Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton (played by Daniel Kaluuya), and if it’s nominated for Best Picture it would be the first film ever nominated with exclusively Black producers.
Director and co-writer Shaka King is one of the film’s producers, along with Charles D. King and Ryan Coogler. This would be the first Oscar nomination for all three, though a couple have been in the awards conversation before. Charles D. King worked on Oscar contenders “Fences” (2016), “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2017), “Mudbound” (2017) and “Harriet” (2019). And Coogler directed Oscar nominees “Creed” (2015) and “Black Panther” (2018).
See‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Oscar...
Director and co-writer Shaka King is one of the film’s producers, along with Charles D. King and Ryan Coogler. This would be the first Oscar nomination for all three, though a couple have been in the awards conversation before. Charles D. King worked on Oscar contenders “Fences” (2016), “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2017), “Mudbound” (2017) and “Harriet” (2019). And Coogler directed Oscar nominees “Creed” (2015) and “Black Panther” (2018).
See‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Oscar...
- 3/4/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: David Steward II’s Lion Forge Films, which won an Oscar last year for short film Hair Love, has inked a deal with Scott 34 Racing to make films, TV series, digital content and games based on the life of sporting pioneer Wendell Scott, NASCAR’s first Black racer and owner.
Scott’s story is a remarkable one. Born in rural Virginia in 1921 when racial segregation was enforced by law, his love and knowledge of cars was passed down from his father, and after serving as a mechanic in WWII (in a segregated division), he was denied access to NASCAR due to the color of his skin.
Scott spent nine years in the “Dixie Circuit,” a smaller regional competitor to NASCAR, until he was finally able to persuade the organization to grant him a license to race in 1953 – officially breaking the sport’s color barrier.
The pioneering racer won the...
Scott’s story is a remarkable one. Born in rural Virginia in 1921 when racial segregation was enforced by law, his love and knowledge of cars was passed down from his father, and after serving as a mechanic in WWII (in a segregated division), he was denied access to NASCAR due to the color of his skin.
Scott spent nine years in the “Dixie Circuit,” a smaller regional competitor to NASCAR, until he was finally able to persuade the organization to grant him a license to race in 1953 – officially breaking the sport’s color barrier.
The pioneering racer won the...
- 2/11/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
A movie cooked up and shot during Covid-19 could be a gamble in this climate — but introduce it with the invigorating talents of John David Washington and Zendaya, and you could have a winning recipe for success, maybe even at the Academy Awards. “Malcolm & Marie” is an actor’s showcase, utilizing the most exquisite instincts and sensibilities of its performers, both of which could find room to squeeze into the lead acting races.
Written and directed by Sam Levinson, the film tells the story of Malcolm, a director, and his girlfriend Marie, who, over the course of an evening following the premiere of his latest movie, examine the highs and lows of their relationship as they await critics’ responses.
Do you know what the Oscars love more than movies? Movies about “the movies.” Sprinkle in a struggling director fighting to express his art through cinema, and Academy voters, especially male ones,...
Written and directed by Sam Levinson, the film tells the story of Malcolm, a director, and his girlfriend Marie, who, over the course of an evening following the premiere of his latest movie, examine the highs and lows of their relationship as they await critics’ responses.
Do you know what the Oscars love more than movies? Movies about “the movies.” Sprinkle in a struggling director fighting to express his art through cinema, and Academy voters, especially male ones,...
- 1/9/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has exceeded its pre-opening fundraising goal of $388 million, director and president Bill Kramer announced Friday. A donation from film production company Laika closed out the campaign goal, the total of which encompasses capital gifts endowments, funding for education programs and other special gifts.
More than 13,000 donors contributed to the campaign, which is headed by chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks, including individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities.
“Closing this fundraising campaign is an important and exciting milestone for the Academy Museum,” Kramer said. “We are deeply grateful to our campaign leadership and to our Trustees, donors, and partners who have made important commitments to the campaign. Their support is helping to make the Academy’s long-held dream of building the world’s premier film museum a reality.”
The Academy announced in January that it had reached 95% of the $388 million goal.
More than 13,000 donors contributed to the campaign, which is headed by chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks, including individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities.
“Closing this fundraising campaign is an important and exciting milestone for the Academy Museum,” Kramer said. “We are deeply grateful to our campaign leadership and to our Trustees, donors, and partners who have made important commitments to the campaign. Their support is helping to make the Academy’s long-held dream of building the world’s premier film museum a reality.”
The Academy announced in January that it had reached 95% of the $388 million goal.
- 11/13/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan and Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures just got a boost from Oregon animation studio Laika that put it over the top in fulfilling its pre-opening fundraising goal of $388 million and also has assured AMPAS members that it is on track to meet its planned April 30 opening date. Museum director and president Bill Kramer made the fundraising announcement today.
The total includes capital gifts, endowments, funding for education programs and other special gifts for the campaign, launched in 2012 and chaired by Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks. More than 13,000 donors contributed to the campaign, with the biggest sum coming from Cheryl and Haim Saban, who donated $50 million and in return will have the (former May Company) building renamed the Saban Building.
“This is a great day for the Academy Museum and the entire world of film,” Iger said. “Thanks to the wonderful generosity of a broad community of donors,...
The total includes capital gifts, endowments, funding for education programs and other special gifts for the campaign, launched in 2012 and chaired by Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks. More than 13,000 donors contributed to the campaign, with the biggest sum coming from Cheryl and Haim Saban, who donated $50 million and in return will have the (former May Company) building renamed the Saban Building.
“This is a great day for the Academy Museum and the entire world of film,” Iger said. “Thanks to the wonderful generosity of a broad community of donors,...
- 11/13/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Vertical Entertainment has brokered a deal for the North American distribution rights to The True Adventures of Wolfboy, starring Knives Out and It actor Jaeden Martell (formerly credited as Jaeden Lieberher), Sophie Giannamore (The L Word Generation Q), Chris Messina (Away We Go), Eve Hewson (Bridge of Spies), and John Turturro (The Night Of). Czech-born filmmaker and first-time feature helmer Martin Krejci directed the pic, which will be released on-demand and digital release on Oct. 30.
Written by Olivia Dufault, the drama follows Paul (Martell) who lives an isolated life with his father in upstate New York. He finds making friends impossible due to a rare condition he has known as congenital hypertrichosis – an affliction that causes an abnormal amount of hair growth all over his face and body. On his 13th birthday, Paul receives a mysterious gift that compels him to run away and seek out the mother he has never known.
Written by Olivia Dufault, the drama follows Paul (Martell) who lives an isolated life with his father in upstate New York. He finds making friends impossible due to a rare condition he has known as congenital hypertrichosis – an affliction that causes an abnormal amount of hair growth all over his face and body. On his 13th birthday, Paul receives a mysterious gift that compels him to run away and seek out the mother he has never known.
- 9/24/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Board of Trustees said Tuesday that it has elected Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos as its chairman, a move that comes after previous chair Ron Meyer stepped down last month.
Sarandos had been the board’s vice-chair when he was named acting chair in the wake the departure of Meyer, who abruptly exited as vice chairman of NBCUniversal.
“Growing up a movie lover, I always wished for a place like the Academy Museum—somewhere I could lose myself in the magic of film,” Sarandos said today. “I am both honored and inspired to serve as chair, alongside the magnificent board of trustees and museum staff, as we work towards our April 2021 opening.”
In other Academy Museum voting, Miky Lee (Mie Kyung Lee) was elected vice-chair, and Paramount’s Jim Gianopulos was elected Treasurer. Kimberly Steward was re-elected to her role as Secretary.
The museum’s governing body,...
Sarandos had been the board’s vice-chair when he was named acting chair in the wake the departure of Meyer, who abruptly exited as vice chairman of NBCUniversal.
“Growing up a movie lover, I always wished for a place like the Academy Museum—somewhere I could lose myself in the magic of film,” Sarandos said today. “I am both honored and inspired to serve as chair, alongside the magnificent board of trustees and museum staff, as we work towards our April 2021 opening.”
In other Academy Museum voting, Miky Lee (Mie Kyung Lee) was elected vice-chair, and Paramount’s Jim Gianopulos was elected Treasurer. Kimberly Steward was re-elected to her role as Secretary.
The museum’s governing body,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Miky Lee elected vice-chair, Paramount CEO and chairman Jim Gianopulos treasurer.
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos has been named chair of the Academy Museum board of trustees in the wake of embattled former studio head Ron Meyer’s exit from the role last month.
Sarandos most recently served as vice-chair and stepped in as acting chair last month after Meyer quit the Academy Museum and his post as NBCUniversal vice-chairman after reports involving an affair.
Following the board meeting today (September 15) Miky Lee has been named vice-chair, Paramount CEO and chairman Jim Gianopulos treasurer, and Kimberly Steward has been re-elected secretary.
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos has been named chair of the Academy Museum board of trustees in the wake of embattled former studio head Ron Meyer’s exit from the role last month.
Sarandos most recently served as vice-chair and stepped in as acting chair last month after Meyer quit the Academy Museum and his post as NBCUniversal vice-chairman after reports involving an affair.
Following the board meeting today (September 15) Miky Lee has been named vice-chair, Paramount CEO and chairman Jim Gianopulos treasurer, and Kimberly Steward has been re-elected secretary.
- 9/15/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos has been elected chairman of the board of trustees of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
The trustees made the announcement on Tuesday, a month after Ron Meyer stepped down from the post in the wake of his resignation from NBCUniversal. Sarandos was vice chair of the museum’s board and served as acting chair following Meyer’s resignation.
“Growing up a movie lover, I always wished for a place like the Academy Museum — somewhere I could lose myself in the magic of film,” Sarandos said in a statement. “I am both honored and inspired to serve as Chair, alongside the magnificent Board of Trustees and museum staff, as we work towards our April 2021 opening.”
Meyer resigned after admitting to his bosses at NBCUniversal that he had an affair eight years ago and had paid a settlement to the woman to keep it quiet. The woman...
The trustees made the announcement on Tuesday, a month after Ron Meyer stepped down from the post in the wake of his resignation from NBCUniversal. Sarandos was vice chair of the museum’s board and served as acting chair following Meyer’s resignation.
“Growing up a movie lover, I always wished for a place like the Academy Museum — somewhere I could lose myself in the magic of film,” Sarandos said in a statement. “I am both honored and inspired to serve as Chair, alongside the magnificent Board of Trustees and museum staff, as we work towards our April 2021 opening.”
Meyer resigned after admitting to his bosses at NBCUniversal that he had an affair eight years ago and had paid a settlement to the woman to keep it quiet. The woman...
- 9/15/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy Museum’s board of trustees has elected Netflix’s Ted Sarandos as chair, as well as elected Miky Lee as vice-chair and Jim Gianopulos as treasurer. Kimberly Steward has been re-elected as secretary.
The Academy Museum is working toward an opening on April 2021 following next year’s Oscars after years of delays. Sarandos fills the role after former NBCUniversal executive Ron Meyer stepped down from his role as trustees chair. Meyer had served in the role since its creation in 2017. Sarandos served in the role in the interim after previously being the museum’s vice chair.
“Growing up a movie lover, I always wished for a place like the Academy Museum–somewhere I could lose myself in the magic of film. I am both honored and inspired to serve as chair, alongside the magnificent Board of Trustees and museum staff, as we work towards our April 2021 opening,” Sarandos,...
The Academy Museum is working toward an opening on April 2021 following next year’s Oscars after years of delays. Sarandos fills the role after former NBCUniversal executive Ron Meyer stepped down from his role as trustees chair. Meyer had served in the role since its creation in 2017. Sarandos served in the role in the interim after previously being the museum’s vice chair.
“Growing up a movie lover, I always wished for a place like the Academy Museum–somewhere I could lose myself in the magic of film. I am both honored and inspired to serve as chair, alongside the magnificent Board of Trustees and museum staff, as we work towards our April 2021 opening,” Sarandos,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
As the Academy Museum continues ramping up for its eventual opening, now slated for next year after numerous delays, its leadership is getting added strength from many different areas, both inside and outside of the motion picture industry.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures today announced the addition of six new members to its Board of Trustees: Patricia S. Bellinger, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter, Ryan Murphy, and Regina K. Scully. As the governing body of the Academy Museum, the board oversees the organization’s strategic vision, maintains its financial health, and ensures the institution fulfills its mission to create the preeminent motion picture museum for film lovers.
Ron Meyer, board chair and vice chairman of NBCUniversal, said, “We are thrilled to welcome these six remarkable leaders to our board of trustees. Their achievements in their respective fields demonstrate the passion and leadership that they will contribute to the Academy Museum.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures today announced the addition of six new members to its Board of Trustees: Patricia S. Bellinger, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter, Ryan Murphy, and Regina K. Scully. As the governing body of the Academy Museum, the board oversees the organization’s strategic vision, maintains its financial health, and ensures the institution fulfills its mission to create the preeminent motion picture museum for film lovers.
Ron Meyer, board chair and vice chairman of NBCUniversal, said, “We are thrilled to welcome these six remarkable leaders to our board of trustees. Their achievements in their respective fields demonstrate the passion and leadership that they will contribute to the Academy Museum.
- 7/9/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has added Emmy-winner Ryan Murphy and five other new members to its Board of Trustees, AMPAS announced on Thursday.
The other new members for the museum, set to open on April 30, 2021, are Patricia S. Bellinger, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter and Regina K. Scully.
The board oversees the museum’s strategic vision, maintains its financial health and ensures the museum meets its mission of serving film lovers.
Also Read: Spike Lee, Pedro Almodóvar to Curate Inaugural Academy Museum Exhibitions
“We are thrilled to welcome these six remarkable leaders to our board of trustees. Their achievements in their respective fields demonstrate the passion and leadership that they will contribute to the Academy Museum. We look forward to working together on the world’s premier institution dedicated to the art and science of movies,” Ron Meyer, board chair and vice chairman of NBCUniversal, said in a statement.
The other new members for the museum, set to open on April 30, 2021, are Patricia S. Bellinger, Arnaud Boetsch, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter and Regina K. Scully.
The board oversees the museum’s strategic vision, maintains its financial health and ensures the museum meets its mission of serving film lovers.
Also Read: Spike Lee, Pedro Almodóvar to Curate Inaugural Academy Museum Exhibitions
“We are thrilled to welcome these six remarkable leaders to our board of trustees. Their achievements in their respective fields demonstrate the passion and leadership that they will contribute to the Academy Museum. We look forward to working together on the world’s premier institution dedicated to the art and science of movies,” Ron Meyer, board chair and vice chairman of NBCUniversal, said in a statement.
- 7/9/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
According to The United Nations Population Fund, six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence across the globe.
The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (Ctaop), Care, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (Eif) launched Together For Her last month to deploy funds, address the dire need for resources, and support the global response against domestic violence amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since announcing Together For Her on April 22, more than 50 female role models from across film and entertainment, sports, fashion, and business have pledged a financial gift and are standing in solidarity with women and girls around the world, who become even more vulnerable during times of crisis.
Women standing #TogetherForHer include:
Aisha Tyler
Alexandra Daddario
Allison Janney
Alyssa Milano
America Ferrera
Amy Schumer
Anne Hathaway
Annie Lennox
Arianna Huffington
Awkwafina
Bellamy Young
Connie Britton
Courteney Cox
Claire Danes
Danai Gurira
Diane von Furstenberg
Gabby Williams...
The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (Ctaop), Care, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (Eif) launched Together For Her last month to deploy funds, address the dire need for resources, and support the global response against domestic violence amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since announcing Together For Her on April 22, more than 50 female role models from across film and entertainment, sports, fashion, and business have pledged a financial gift and are standing in solidarity with women and girls around the world, who become even more vulnerable during times of crisis.
Women standing #TogetherForHer include:
Aisha Tyler
Alexandra Daddario
Allison Janney
Alyssa Milano
America Ferrera
Amy Schumer
Anne Hathaway
Annie Lennox
Arianna Huffington
Awkwafina
Bellamy Young
Connie Britton
Courteney Cox
Claire Danes
Danai Gurira
Diane von Furstenberg
Gabby Williams...
- 5/11/2020
- Look to the Stars
China’s Starlight Media, which has previously backed Hollywood directors including Sylvester Stallone, Robert Zemeckis and James Wan, has formed a multi-year, multi-project joint venture with David Steward II’s Lion Forge Animation.
The two companies say they will co-finance and co-produce a slate of original animated films as well as projects based on Lion Forge IP.
More from Deadline'Grace & Frankie' Set Online Table Read This Week Of Script From Next Year's Final Season; Will Raise Money For Charity During Coronavirus CrisisAmerican Theatre Wing Establishes Covid-19 Response Effort For Off Broadway & Regional TheaterScreenPlus Partners With Vista Group To Launch Streaming Platform In Response To Theater Shutdown
The first two projects will be a feature re-imagining of classic Chinese novel Journey To The West and an original animated short film inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic. Production on the latter is being fast tracked to start this month.
Under the Jv, Starlight will maintain distribution,...
The two companies say they will co-finance and co-produce a slate of original animated films as well as projects based on Lion Forge IP.
More from Deadline'Grace & Frankie' Set Online Table Read This Week Of Script From Next Year's Final Season; Will Raise Money For Charity During Coronavirus CrisisAmerican Theatre Wing Establishes Covid-19 Response Effort For Off Broadway & Regional TheaterScreenPlus Partners With Vista Group To Launch Streaming Platform In Response To Theater Shutdown
The first two projects will be a feature re-imagining of classic Chinese novel Journey To The West and an original animated short film inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic. Production on the latter is being fast tracked to start this month.
Under the Jv, Starlight will maintain distribution,...
- 4/7/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences added more details Monday to the news relayed at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon by president David Rubin that the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has reached 95% of its funding goal. AMPAS said the institution has raised more than $368 million in pledges and cash, near its $388 million pre-opening campaign goal.
The Campaign for the Academy Museum was launched in 2012, headed by chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks. Rubin gave Iger a shout-out today at the luncheon at the Ray Dolby Ballroom.
The Academy Museum is still targeting a 2020 open date for its Mid-Wilshire District home, saying the 300,000 square-foot public and exhibition space is in its final exhibition design, build-out, and testing stages.
“The motion picture community and movie fans from around the world know how much the Academy Museum will mean for the global appreciation and enjoyment of the movies,...
The Campaign for the Academy Museum was launched in 2012, headed by chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks. Rubin gave Iger a shout-out today at the luncheon at the Ray Dolby Ballroom.
The Academy Museum is still targeting a 2020 open date for its Mid-Wilshire District home, saying the 300,000 square-foot public and exhibition space is in its final exhibition design, build-out, and testing stages.
“The motion picture community and movie fans from around the world know how much the Academy Museum will mean for the global appreciation and enjoyment of the movies,...
- 1/28/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Fundraising for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has reached more than $368 million in pledges and cash, making up 95% of its $388 million campaign goal.
The announcement was by Academy President David Rubin at the nominees luncheon on Monday, less than two weeks before the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9. The Academy also said the facility would open later this year at Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, where the former May Co. department store was located, following final exhibition design, build-out and testing. It gave no specific date.
The museum was first announced in 2012 with chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks, when the Academy unveiled plans by architect Renzo Piano, and projected that the museum would open in 2016. The Academy launched a $250 million fundraising campaign and collected $200 million in pledges. After that, however, fundraising stalled and costs ballooned.
Museum director Bill Kramer said, “The motion picture community...
The announcement was by Academy President David Rubin at the nominees luncheon on Monday, less than two weeks before the 92nd Academy Awards on Feb. 9. The Academy also said the facility would open later this year at Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, where the former May Co. department store was located, following final exhibition design, build-out and testing. It gave no specific date.
The museum was first announced in 2012 with chair Bob Iger and co-chairs Annette Bening and Tom Hanks, when the Academy unveiled plans by architect Renzo Piano, and projected that the museum would open in 2016. The Academy launched a $250 million fundraising campaign and collected $200 million in pledges. After that, however, fundraising stalled and costs ballooned.
Museum director Bill Kramer said, “The motion picture community...
- 1/27/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Laura Dern and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president David Rubin have joined the board of trustees of the new $388 million Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which will open sometime next year, although no firm date has been set yet.
Also joining the museum’s board, which oversees its strategic vision, finances and mission, are producer Mark Johnson; David Dolby, director of Dolby Laboratories; Gaumont vice chair and CEO Sidonie Seydoux Dumas; the Cj Group’s vice chair Miky Lee; and media and entertainment executive Katherine Oliver. Dern, Rubin and Johnson also serve on the Academy’s board of governors.
“It is an honor to welcome this remarkable group of leaders, who contribute so much to their own industries, to the Board of Trustees,” said Ron Meyer, the museum’s chairman of the Board of Trustees and vice chairman of NBCUniversal, in a statement Wednesday. “Their expertise and...
Also joining the museum’s board, which oversees its strategic vision, finances and mission, are producer Mark Johnson; David Dolby, director of Dolby Laboratories; Gaumont vice chair and CEO Sidonie Seydoux Dumas; the Cj Group’s vice chair Miky Lee; and media and entertainment executive Katherine Oliver. Dern, Rubin and Johnson also serve on the Academy’s board of governors.
“It is an honor to welcome this remarkable group of leaders, who contribute so much to their own industries, to the Board of Trustees,” said Ron Meyer, the museum’s chairman of the Board of Trustees and vice chairman of NBCUniversal, in a statement Wednesday. “Their expertise and...
- 11/6/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Laura Dern, David Dolby, Sidonie Seydoux Dumas, Mark Johnson, Miky Lee, Katherine Oliver and David Rubin have been added to the Board of Trustees at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Academy announced Wednesday.
The seven new trustees join the existing board members led by chair Ron Meyer, vice chairman of NBC Universal. The group oversees the museum’s strategic vision, maintains its financial health and more.
“It is an honor to welcome this remarkable group of leaders, who contribute so much to their own industries, to the Board of Trustees. Their expertise and commitment will help our board effectively steer the museum toward its 2020 opening,” Meyer said in a statement.
Also Read: Academy Museum Appoints Bill Kramer as New Director
Bill Kramer, who will be joining the Academy Museum as its new director at the start of next year, said in a statement, “I couldn’t be more...
The seven new trustees join the existing board members led by chair Ron Meyer, vice chairman of NBC Universal. The group oversees the museum’s strategic vision, maintains its financial health and more.
“It is an honor to welcome this remarkable group of leaders, who contribute so much to their own industries, to the Board of Trustees. Their expertise and commitment will help our board effectively steer the museum toward its 2020 opening,” Meyer said in a statement.
Also Read: Academy Museum Appoints Bill Kramer as New Director
Bill Kramer, who will be joining the Academy Museum as its new director at the start of next year, said in a statement, “I couldn’t be more...
- 11/6/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Husband-and-wife team Celine Held and Logan George wrote, directed feature debut.
Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales on the New York-set drama Topside, produced by Likely Story, K Period Media, Level Forward and Red Crown Productions.
Husband-and-wife team Celine Held and Logan George wrote and directed the feature debut, about a five year-old girl and her mother who live under the streets of New York City and are forced to go above ground when they are evicted by police.
Topside shot recently in New York City and Rochester, New York, and is being produced by Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron of Likely Story,...
Endeavor Content will handle worldwide sales on the New York-set drama Topside, produced by Likely Story, K Period Media, Level Forward and Red Crown Productions.
Husband-and-wife team Celine Held and Logan George wrote and directed the feature debut, about a five year-old girl and her mother who live under the streets of New York City and are forced to go above ground when they are evicted by police.
Topside shot recently in New York City and Rochester, New York, and is being produced by Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron of Likely Story,...
- 7/18/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
It’s true what they say about Batman being a loner. On Saturday night, Robert Pattinson made his first public appearance since being cast as the new Dark Knight at this year’s Vanity Fair Party at the Cannes Film Festival. But while all the other A-list guests mingled and worked the crowd at the restaurant of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Pattinson kept to himself in a corner, making small talk with a few friends.
At around midnight, Shailene Woodley approached Pattinson and they launched into a long conversation. Woodley had come from the dance floor, where she’d been tearing it up with a male friend dressed in a golden Gucci jacket. As Woodley made a few jokes, Pattinson finally cracked a smile. Maybe the new Batman will do the same.
The Vanity Fair party at Cannes is a tradition, and this was the first one hosted by editor-in-chief Radhika Jones,...
At around midnight, Shailene Woodley approached Pattinson and they launched into a long conversation. Woodley had come from the dance floor, where she’d been tearing it up with a male friend dressed in a golden Gucci jacket. As Woodley made a few jokes, Pattinson finally cracked a smile. Maybe the new Batman will do the same.
The Vanity Fair party at Cannes is a tradition, and this was the first one hosted by editor-in-chief Radhika Jones,...
- 5/19/2019
- by Ramin Setoodeh
- Variety Film + TV
In the Academy Awards’ 90-year history, just nine black women have won Oscars. But here’s where it gets worse: Only one of those nine won in a non-acting category, Irene Cara, who co-wrote Best Original Song winner “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” (1983). Cara could get some long overdue company this year from three people — all from the same film, “Black Panther.”
Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.
Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...
Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.
Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...
- 2/17/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Indie films can still succeed in theaters, but producers and directors must be more creative in selling their films and cooking up stories that will resonate with audiences.
That’s the takeaway from a panel on theatrical distribution that was held at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, a gathering that brought together producers, agents, and distributors.
“You have to really know what your audience is,” said Jim Meenaghan, co-head of UTA’s Independent Film Group. “There has to be sort of that why is this movie getting made? Why does it have to be distributed in theaters?”
The panel was sponsored by the National Association of Theatre Owners, an exhibition industry lobbying group. The organization’s spokesman Patrick Corcoran kicked off the gathering by noting that theaters need to attract a wide variety of different audiences — they need arthouse movies as well as comic book adventures if they’re...
That’s the takeaway from a panel on theatrical distribution that was held at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, a gathering that brought together producers, agents, and distributors.
“You have to really know what your audience is,” said Jim Meenaghan, co-head of UTA’s Independent Film Group. “There has to be sort of that why is this movie getting made? Why does it have to be distributed in theaters?”
The panel was sponsored by the National Association of Theatre Owners, an exhibition industry lobbying group. The organization’s spokesman Patrick Corcoran kicked off the gathering by noting that theaters need to attract a wide variety of different audiences — they need arthouse movies as well as comic book adventures if they’re...
- 1/29/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Before Oscar nominations I speculated about whether Jordan Peele could pull a Ben Affleck by winning an Oscar for writing and then one for Best Picture (“BlacKkKlansman”). But Peele made history just by being nominated this year. He now has more Best Picture nominations than any other black producer in history.
When Peele was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for “Get Out” last year he was the first black filmmaker ever to be nominated in those three fields in a single year. Now he’s back in the running as one of the producers of Spike Lee‘s “Klansman.” That brings the total of black nominees for Best Picture to 11, but Peele is the only repeat contender.
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The full list of nominated black producers is as follows:
1985: Quincy Jones for “The Color Purple”
2009:...
When Peele was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for “Get Out” last year he was the first black filmmaker ever to be nominated in those three fields in a single year. Now he’s back in the running as one of the producers of Spike Lee‘s “Klansman.” That brings the total of black nominees for Best Picture to 11, but Peele is the only repeat contender.
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The full list of nominated black producers is as follows:
1985: Quincy Jones for “The Color Purple”
2009:...
- 1/28/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Doing good for humankind while making bank at the box office can be tricky business, but producer Scott Budnick’s activist content company One Community has received millions of dollars in fresh financing and kicked off development on an action thriller with Margot Robbie.
Budnick, an executive producer on hit comedy franchise “The Hangover,” set up shop this January with Endeavor Content leading an initial $25 million investment. Originally named Good Films, the operation now has $50 million in slate financing thanks to a few new key players.
Live Nation Entertainment and its CEO, Michael Rapino (through his eponymous family foundation), join Kimberly Steward’s K Period Media as investors, alongside Pmc stakeholder Dan Loeb, former hedge fund manager and bitcoin billionaire Mike Novogratz, Starwood Capital CEO Barry Sternlicht and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin among others.
Budnick has also made key hires in content and strategy, which fulfill what the executive...
Budnick, an executive producer on hit comedy franchise “The Hangover,” set up shop this January with Endeavor Content leading an initial $25 million investment. Originally named Good Films, the operation now has $50 million in slate financing thanks to a few new key players.
Live Nation Entertainment and its CEO, Michael Rapino (through his eponymous family foundation), join Kimberly Steward’s K Period Media as investors, alongside Pmc stakeholder Dan Loeb, former hedge fund manager and bitcoin billionaire Mike Novogratz, Starwood Capital CEO Barry Sternlicht and Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin among others.
Budnick has also made key hires in content and strategy, which fulfill what the executive...
- 11/14/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Several of Hollywood’s most successful filmmakers, producers, writers and showrunners appeared at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on Friday to discuss the various ways they’re revolutionizing the industry by working their own perspectives into the mainstream — and making room for other underrepresented voices to do the same.
Historically, that hasn’t been the easiest thing to do in this business, said Skydance Television president Marcy Ross, who had to fight to get the Netflix comedy “Grace & Frankie” in front of viewers even with all of the proven talent attached.
“[When] we were developing it, Marta Kauffman, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and my brilliant partners at Skydance — All women, that was by design — We took it to an agency at that time, a room full of men,” said Ross. “We presented the package, where we’re going to go with it, the whole theme of disenfranchised older women, and they started to laugh.
Historically, that hasn’t been the easiest thing to do in this business, said Skydance Television president Marcy Ross, who had to fight to get the Netflix comedy “Grace & Frankie” in front of viewers even with all of the proven talent attached.
“[When] we were developing it, Marta Kauffman, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and my brilliant partners at Skydance — All women, that was by design — We took it to an agency at that time, a room full of men,” said Ross. “We presented the package, where we’re going to go with it, the whole theme of disenfranchised older women, and they started to laugh.
- 11/2/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Everyone knows Halle Berry is still the only black Best Actress winner, but there’s a more alarming stat in Oscar history: Only one black woman has won a non-acting Oscar. That was Irene Cara, who co-wrote Best Original Song winner “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” (1983). She could finally be joined by three more this year — two at once — and all for the same film: “Mudbound.”
Of “Mudbound”’s four nominations, three of the nominees are black women: director/co-writer Dee Rees in Best Adapted Screenplay, and “Mighty River” songwriters Taura Stinson and Mary J. Blige, who’s also up for Best Supporting Actress. (Virgil Williams co-wrote the script and Raphael Saddiq also co-wrote the Best Original Song nominee.)
Rees and Blige have already made Oscar history, with the former being the first black woman nominated in Best Adapted Screenplay and the latter being the first black woman to...
Of “Mudbound”’s four nominations, three of the nominees are black women: director/co-writer Dee Rees in Best Adapted Screenplay, and “Mighty River” songwriters Taura Stinson and Mary J. Blige, who’s also up for Best Supporting Actress. (Virgil Williams co-wrote the script and Raphael Saddiq also co-wrote the Best Original Song nominee.)
Rees and Blige have already made Oscar history, with the former being the first black woman nominated in Best Adapted Screenplay and the latter being the first black woman to...
- 2/7/2018
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”) is a shoo-in for a nomination for Best Actress next week, but she could end up making Oscars history in another category as well as was recently reported by one of our Experts, Sasha Stone (Awards Daily). Robbie is also a producer of the film, so if “I, Tonya” also receives a Best Picture nomination she would be the first actress to receive acting and producing nominations for the same film. After a year that saw actresses Nicole Kidman (“Big Little Lies”), Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”) all win Emmys as both actors and producers of TV programs, it would be fitting for Robbie’s passion project to go the distance with a pair of historic Oscar nominations.
It has been an incredible year for female stories, both real and fictional. The “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements have shined...
It has been an incredible year for female stories, both real and fictional. The “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements have shined...
- 1/20/2018
- by Ronnie Boadu
- Gold Derby
The new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has completed the creation of a new board of trustees to be headed by chair Ron Meyer, vice chairman of NBCUniversal; vice chair Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer; secretary Kimberly Steward, producer and philanthropist; and treasurer Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions.
The board, which held its inaugural meeting Monday and the membership of which was unveiled Tuesday, will assume responsibility for overseeing the museum, which is scheduled to open in 2019.
Additionally, the newly constituted board includes Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson and several members of...
The board, which held its inaugural meeting Monday and the membership of which was unveiled Tuesday, will assume responsibility for overseeing the museum, which is scheduled to open in 2019.
Additionally, the newly constituted board includes Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson and several members of...
- 12/5/2017
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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