The Film Independent Screenwriting Lab is 25 years old. Can you believe it? It’s officially old enough to rent a car! And sure, hardshell clams and giant tortoises can live for centuries, but you don’t reach the quarter-century mark as a Hollywood talent incubator without substance, value and tangible success.
But more than that, this year’s cohort of freshly announced Screenwriting Lab Fellows are special. Why? Because! We’re in the midst of celebrating #AD30, aka the 30th anniversary of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. And like its elder sibling Project Involve (which got the whole ball of wax rolling in ‘93), the Screenwriting Lab has been an essential industry resource, whether your looking to develop your own skills or tap new talent.
“We’re thrilled to support this exceptional group of filmmakers, who bring compassion, authenticity and curiosity to their work exploring unique communities and characters,” says Dea Vazquez,...
But more than that, this year’s cohort of freshly announced Screenwriting Lab Fellows are special. Why? Because! We’re in the midst of celebrating #AD30, aka the 30th anniversary of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs. And like its elder sibling Project Involve (which got the whole ball of wax rolling in ‘93), the Screenwriting Lab has been an essential industry resource, whether your looking to develop your own skills or tap new talent.
“We’re thrilled to support this exceptional group of filmmakers, who bring compassion, authenticity and curiosity to their work exploring unique communities and characters,” says Dea Vazquez,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Exclusive: Film Independent on Wednesday named the eight screenwriters set for the 25th edition of their Screenwriting Lab. The latest cohort of the intensive program, designed to provide individualized story and career development for screenwriters with fiction feature screenplays, includes Bri Brooks, Karina Dandashi, Thais Drassinower, Chloé Hung, Adam Meeks, Nat Moonhill, Veronica Moonhill and Richard Van.
Film Independent also today named Dandashi as the recipient of their latest Mpac Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship Grant, who will receive $10,000 in recognition of her script, Out of Water.
Over the course of the Lab, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Andrew Ahn, Javier Fuentes-León, Jeff Stockwell and Robin Swicord. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Angela Cheng Caplan, Kd Dávila, Greta Fuentes, Jordan Hart, Eliza Hittman, Ana Leocha, Ilyse McKimmie, Lauren Mann, Kiva Reardon, Pamela Ribon and Ellen Shanman.
“In our 30th year of...
Film Independent also today named Dandashi as the recipient of their latest Mpac Hollywood Bureau Writing Fellowship Grant, who will receive $10,000 in recognition of her script, Out of Water.
Over the course of the Lab, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Andrew Ahn, Javier Fuentes-León, Jeff Stockwell and Robin Swicord. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Angela Cheng Caplan, Kd Dávila, Greta Fuentes, Jordan Hart, Eliza Hittman, Ana Leocha, Ilyse McKimmie, Lauren Mann, Kiva Reardon, Pamela Ribon and Ellen Shanman.
“In our 30th year of...
- 4/26/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Film Independent has set Lanre Olabisi (A Storybook Ending), Sari Arambulo (Family Style), Sanford Jenkins (Joy and Pain), Rob Connolly (Lavender Country), Elise H. Greven (Silent Spring) and Phumi Morare (There is Salt in the Water) as the participants and projects for its 2022 Screenwriting Lab/
All of of this year’s participants are from communities underrepresented in film and half the participants are women. Over the course of the intensive program, they will workshop their feature projects under the guidance of creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Pamela Ribon, Ellen Shanman, Robin Swicord, and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Alex Camilleri, Angela Cheng Caplan, Kd Davila, Matthew Dy, Greta Fuentes, Sam Intili, Amanda Marshall, Alex Moratto, Sheila Hanahan Taylor and Elliott Whitton.
Film Independent also announced today that the inaugural Hyde Park Entertainment & Warner Music Group Screenwriting Fellowship is being awarded to Arambulo, who will...
All of of this year’s participants are from communities underrepresented in film and half the participants are women. Over the course of the intensive program, they will workshop their feature projects under the guidance of creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Pamela Ribon, Ellen Shanman, Robin Swicord, and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Alex Camilleri, Angela Cheng Caplan, Kd Davila, Matthew Dy, Greta Fuentes, Sam Intili, Amanda Marshall, Alex Moratto, Sheila Hanahan Taylor and Elliott Whitton.
Film Independent also announced today that the inaugural Hyde Park Entertainment & Warner Music Group Screenwriting Fellowship is being awarded to Arambulo, who will...
- 3/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Sundance Institute has set 10 fellows for its inaugural Producers Intensive, taking place virtually from October 21-22.
The artists and projects selected on the nonfiction side are Rachel Dickinson (Let the Little Light Shine), Alba Jaramillo (La Flaca), Rajeswari Ramanathan (The 1980 Civil Case), Chris Renteria (Chain of Rocks) and Shannon Sun-Higginson (You Lucky You Got a Mamma). Those chosen for the Fiction fellowship are Beverley Gordon (Experience), Lauren López de Victoria (forward), Breanne Thomas (In the Jackpot), Jesy Odio (Molokai’ Bound) and Ashley Chrisman (The Homesick).
The Producers Intensive was designed through a collaboration between Sundance’s Documentary Film and Feature Film Programs, as a means of providing creative, strategic and professional development support for emerging fiction and nonfiction producers from traditionally underrepresented communities.
The two-day program features interactive group sessions and round table conversations on topics including the producer/director collaboration, pitching, legal & business affairs, packaging and financing, and budgeting.
The artists and projects selected on the nonfiction side are Rachel Dickinson (Let the Little Light Shine), Alba Jaramillo (La Flaca), Rajeswari Ramanathan (The 1980 Civil Case), Chris Renteria (Chain of Rocks) and Shannon Sun-Higginson (You Lucky You Got a Mamma). Those chosen for the Fiction fellowship are Beverley Gordon (Experience), Lauren López de Victoria (forward), Breanne Thomas (In the Jackpot), Jesy Odio (Molokai’ Bound) and Ashley Chrisman (The Homesick).
The Producers Intensive was designed through a collaboration between Sundance’s Documentary Film and Feature Film Programs, as a means of providing creative, strategic and professional development support for emerging fiction and nonfiction producers from traditionally underrepresented communities.
The two-day program features interactive group sessions and round table conversations on topics including the producer/director collaboration, pitching, legal & business affairs, packaging and financing, and budgeting.
- 10/21/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Macro CEO Charles D. King tapped veteran producer James F. Lopez as president of Macro Film Studios, overseeing the company’s slate of projects in development, production and distribution.
Lopez previously served as president of Will Packer Productions and, in his new role, joins King, Macro executive vice president Poppy Hanks and vice president Greta Fuentes to spearhead the expansion of the multi-platform media company’s film business.
“James Lopez is an exceptional producer and leader,” King said, announcing Lopez’s hiring. “I respect him immensely. I trust his creative instincts and his understanding of the culture and his connection to artists are unparalleled. As Macro is at an exciting inflection point of expansion, I am thrilled to have him by my side as partner to lead the growth of our film business.”
During his tenure as president of Will Packer Productions, Lopez produced numerous films for Universal Pictures including the upcoming movie “Beast,...
Lopez previously served as president of Will Packer Productions and, in his new role, joins King, Macro executive vice president Poppy Hanks and vice president Greta Fuentes to spearhead the expansion of the multi-platform media company’s film business.
“James Lopez is an exceptional producer and leader,” King said, announcing Lopez’s hiring. “I respect him immensely. I trust his creative instincts and his understanding of the culture and his connection to artists are unparalleled. As Macro is at an exciting inflection point of expansion, I am thrilled to have him by my side as partner to lead the growth of our film business.”
During his tenure as president of Will Packer Productions, Lopez produced numerous films for Universal Pictures including the upcoming movie “Beast,...
- 9/8/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
James F. Lopez, who for the past three years was president of Will Packer Productions where he produced a string of hits including Girls Trip and Night School, has been hired as president of Macro Film Studios, the motion picture arm of Charles D. King’s Macro.
Lopez, who before joining Wpp in 2010 worked at Sony’s Screen Gems as SVP Production and helped steer hits including Think Like A Man, About Last Night, Think Like A Man Too, The Wedding Ringer, The Perfect Guy and When The Bough Breaks, will now oversee Macro’s slate of film projects in development, production and distribution following the success last year of the company’s Best Picture Oscar nominee Judas and the Black Messiah.
He joins a team that includes CEO King, EVP Poppy Hanks and VP Greta Fuentes as Macro expands its film business, which aims to tell diverse stories on a global scale.
Lopez, who before joining Wpp in 2010 worked at Sony’s Screen Gems as SVP Production and helped steer hits including Think Like A Man, About Last Night, Think Like A Man Too, The Wedding Ringer, The Perfect Guy and When The Bough Breaks, will now oversee Macro’s slate of film projects in development, production and distribution following the success last year of the company’s Best Picture Oscar nominee Judas and the Black Messiah.
He joins a team that includes CEO King, EVP Poppy Hanks and VP Greta Fuentes as Macro expands its film business, which aims to tell diverse stories on a global scale.
- 9/8/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-nominated producers are developing a feature about an American political insurrection.
Shaka King, Ryan Coogler and Charles D King, the Oscar-nominated producers of Judas And The Black Messiah, are reteaming to develop a new feature project.
Few details of the project have been revealed, beyond the fact that the story centres on an American political insurrection.
King will once again direct as well as serving as a producer along with Coogler, for his Proximity multimedia company, King, founder and CEO of Macro, and Lil Rel Howery, the actor-writer-producer known for films including Get Out.
Proximity’s Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler,...
Shaka King, Ryan Coogler and Charles D King, the Oscar-nominated producers of Judas And The Black Messiah, are reteaming to develop a new feature project.
Few details of the project have been revealed, beyond the fact that the story centres on an American political insurrection.
King will once again direct as well as serving as a producer along with Coogler, for his Proximity multimedia company, King, founder and CEO of Macro, and Lil Rel Howery, the actor-writer-producer known for films including Get Out.
Proximity’s Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler,...
- 7/7/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Judas and the Black Messiah director-producer and co-scribe Shaka King, producers Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King and star Lil Rel Howery are collaborating on an untitled original movie centering around an American political insurrection.
King will direct and also produce along side Coogler’s Proximity label and Charles D. King’s MacRo alongside Howery. Details are being kept secret, however, Shaka King will be part of the writing team which he is currently assembling. EPs are Proximity Media’s Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler; MacRo’s Poppy Hanks and Greta Fuentes; and Brandon Harris.
MacRo/Proximity/Warner Bros.’ Judas and the Black Messiah received six Oscar noms including Best Picture, and won for Daniel Kaluuya’s turn as Black Panthers chairman Fred Hampton and the original song “Fight for You” from H.E.R., D’Mile and Tiara Thomas. The pic repped the first time in history that an all-Black producing team...
King will direct and also produce along side Coogler’s Proximity label and Charles D. King’s MacRo alongside Howery. Details are being kept secret, however, Shaka King will be part of the writing team which he is currently assembling. EPs are Proximity Media’s Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler; MacRo’s Poppy Hanks and Greta Fuentes; and Brandon Harris.
MacRo/Proximity/Warner Bros.’ Judas and the Black Messiah received six Oscar noms including Best Picture, and won for Daniel Kaluuya’s turn as Black Panthers chairman Fred Hampton and the original song “Fight for You” from H.E.R., D’Mile and Tiara Thomas. The pic repped the first time in history that an all-Black producing team...
- 7/6/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryan Coogler, Shaka King, Charles D. King, and Lil Rel Howery are teaming on an original feature film about American political insurrection. Other plot details are being kept under wraps.
The project reunites “Judas and the Black Messiah” producers Coogler and Charles D. King with Shaka King, the director of the Oscar-nominated drama about Black Panther leader Fred Hampton. Howery also appeared in the film in a supporting role. Shaka King will once again direct the movie, as well as produce the new film. “Judas and the Black Messiah” was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning statues for best original song and best supporting actor for Daniel Kaluuya’s turn as Hampton. It made history as the first best picture nominee from an all-Black producing team.
Shaka King will produce the untitled project alongside Coogler for Proximity, Charles D. King for Macro and Howery. Executive producers include Proximity Media’s...
The project reunites “Judas and the Black Messiah” producers Coogler and Charles D. King with Shaka King, the director of the Oscar-nominated drama about Black Panther leader Fred Hampton. Howery also appeared in the film in a supporting role. Shaka King will once again direct the movie, as well as produce the new film. “Judas and the Black Messiah” was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning statues for best original song and best supporting actor for Daniel Kaluuya’s turn as Hampton. It made history as the first best picture nominee from an all-Black producing team.
Shaka King will produce the untitled project alongside Coogler for Proximity, Charles D. King for Macro and Howery. Executive producers include Proximity Media’s...
- 7/6/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Shaka King, Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King — the Oscar-nominated producing team behind “Judas and the Black Messiah” — have teamed with Lil Rel Howery to develop an original feature centered on an American political insurrection, the filmmakers announced on Tuesday.
King is attached to direct the untitled project, though details about the plot are scant. King will produce along with Coogler for Proximity Media, King for MacRo, and Lil Rel Howery.
The executive producers are Proximity Media’s Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler; MacRo’s Poppy Hanks and Greta Fuentes; and Brandon Harris.
On the heels of six Oscar nominations and two wins for “Judas and the Black Messiah” – including a momentous Best Picture nomination marking the first time in history an all-Black producing team has been recognized in this category – this project marks the highly anticipated second feature.
In addition to the Oscar recognition for “Judas and the Black Messiah,...
King is attached to direct the untitled project, though details about the plot are scant. King will produce along with Coogler for Proximity Media, King for MacRo, and Lil Rel Howery.
The executive producers are Proximity Media’s Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler; MacRo’s Poppy Hanks and Greta Fuentes; and Brandon Harris.
On the heels of six Oscar nominations and two wins for “Judas and the Black Messiah” – including a momentous Best Picture nomination marking the first time in history an all-Black producing team has been recognized in this category – this project marks the highly anticipated second feature.
In addition to the Oscar recognition for “Judas and the Black Messiah,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Emmy and Golden Globe winner America Ferrera is set to make her feature directorial debut with an adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by author Erika Sánchez, who will serve as a co-producer on the film. Anonymous Content and MacRo are producing the pic, which will be released on Netflix.
Linda Yvette Chávez, the co-creator behind the Netflix and MacRo series, Gentefied, adapted the screenplay. Anonymous Content optioned the rights to the book under the company’s first-look deal with Aevitas Creative Management.
Released in 2017, the story follows Julia Reyes, the precocious and strong-willed teenaged daughter of first-generation Mexican immigrants. She often clashes with her more traditional parents, who wish she were more like her sister Olga, the platonic ideal of a Mexican daughter. However, when Olga is killed in a tragic accident, it is up to Julia to hold her family together.
Linda Yvette Chávez, the co-creator behind the Netflix and MacRo series, Gentefied, adapted the screenplay. Anonymous Content optioned the rights to the book under the company’s first-look deal with Aevitas Creative Management.
Released in 2017, the story follows Julia Reyes, the precocious and strong-willed teenaged daughter of first-generation Mexican immigrants. She often clashes with her more traditional parents, who wish she were more like her sister Olga, the platonic ideal of a Mexican daughter. However, when Olga is killed in a tragic accident, it is up to Julia to hold her family together.
- 2/24/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
America Ferrera is making her feature film directorial debut with “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.” The film, adapted from Erika L. Sánchez’s novel, will debut on Netflix.
The YA story is about losing a sister and finding yourself amid the pressures, expectations and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home. It follows Julia Reyes, a strong-willed teenager to first-generation Mexican immigrants. She often argues with her parents, who wish Julia were more like her sister Olga. However, when Olga unexpectedly dies in an accident, Julia tries to hold her family together.
The script will be written by Linda Yvette Chávez.
“Years ago, I fell in love with Erika L. Sánchez’ stunning novel, ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,'” Ferrera said. “The depth, wit and searing intelligence of her writing, and her young Latina heroine, struck me to my core and left me wanting so much more.
The YA story is about losing a sister and finding yourself amid the pressures, expectations and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home. It follows Julia Reyes, a strong-willed teenager to first-generation Mexican immigrants. She often argues with her parents, who wish Julia were more like her sister Olga. However, when Olga unexpectedly dies in an accident, Julia tries to hold her family together.
The script will be written by Linda Yvette Chávez.
“Years ago, I fell in love with Erika L. Sánchez’ stunning novel, ‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,'” Ferrera said. “The depth, wit and searing intelligence of her writing, and her young Latina heroine, struck me to my core and left me wanting so much more.
- 2/24/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has acquired sci-fi thriller spec script Void from Chris Borrelli, with Macro on board to produce the feature.
The project, which is in early development with no director attached yet, follows a group of space crew members who begin to turn up dead while attempting to escape from a distant moon where their memories are erased by a magnetic burst every eight hours. The sci-fi murder mystery, I’m told, has elements of Knives Out, Sunshine and Memento.
Charles D. King and Poppy Hanks of Macro are producing. Greta Fuentes is EP. The screenplay went out as a spec and several folks were eyeing it. Macro was given all territories in the end.
Borrelli, is a prolific writer in the action/thriller/horror/sci-fi genre space, with eight spec sales and five produced movies under his belt, including exorcism thriller The Vatican Tapes and Eliza Dushku-starring Eloise. Currently,...
The project, which is in early development with no director attached yet, follows a group of space crew members who begin to turn up dead while attempting to escape from a distant moon where their memories are erased by a magnetic burst every eight hours. The sci-fi murder mystery, I’m told, has elements of Knives Out, Sunshine and Memento.
Charles D. King and Poppy Hanks of Macro are producing. Greta Fuentes is EP. The screenplay went out as a spec and several folks were eyeing it. Macro was given all territories in the end.
Borrelli, is a prolific writer in the action/thriller/horror/sci-fi genre space, with eight spec sales and five produced movies under his belt, including exorcism thriller The Vatican Tapes and Eliza Dushku-starring Eloise. Currently,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO is developing a hip hop vampire drama from Macro Television Studios and the writing team of Leah Benavides Rodriguez and Carlito Rodriguez.
Currently titled “Thirst,” the series tells the story of a brilliant but cocky Atlanta rapper who thinks he’s found his way to stardom when he links up with hip-hop’s hottest group. But he has no idea they are hiding a terrifying secret: They are a family of vampires with roots going back centuries.
“Music has been integral to both our lives, and ‘Thirst’ is the perfect opportunity to blend genres, while exploring the intersection of fame, culture and what it means to be American,” Benavides Rodriguez and Rodriguez said in a joint statement. “We’re excited to bring it to life with Macro Television Studios and the rest of our dope team, and thrilled it has found its home at HBO.”
The series is based...
Currently titled “Thirst,” the series tells the story of a brilliant but cocky Atlanta rapper who thinks he’s found his way to stardom when he links up with hip-hop’s hottest group. But he has no idea they are hiding a terrifying secret: They are a family of vampires with roots going back centuries.
“Music has been integral to both our lives, and ‘Thirst’ is the perfect opportunity to blend genres, while exploring the intersection of fame, culture and what it means to be American,” Benavides Rodriguez and Rodriguez said in a joint statement. “We’re excited to bring it to life with Macro Television Studios and the rest of our dope team, and thrilled it has found its home at HBO.”
The series is based...
- 9/17/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to writer/director Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou, from MacRo and Entertainment One (eOne) out of Cannes’ virtual market.
In addition to writing and directing the film, Chon (above), who has previously won multiple festival awards for Ms. Purple and Gook, also stars alongside Academy Award® winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl), Mark O’Brien (Arrival), Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen (Brooklyn). The film was financed by MacRo and eOne. Producers are Chon, Charles D. King (Mudbound), Kim Roth (Tigertail), and Poppy Hanks (Sorry To Bother You). Clara Wu, eOne’s Nick Meyer, Zev Foreman, and Eddie Rubin are executive producers. Greta Fuentes of MacRo and Yira Vilaro are also co-producers. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Blue Bayou tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the...
In addition to writing and directing the film, Chon (above), who has previously won multiple festival awards for Ms. Purple and Gook, also stars alongside Academy Award® winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl), Mark O’Brien (Arrival), Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen (Brooklyn). The film was financed by MacRo and eOne. Producers are Chon, Charles D. King (Mudbound), Kim Roth (Tigertail), and Poppy Hanks (Sorry To Bother You). Clara Wu, eOne’s Nick Meyer, Zev Foreman, and Eddie Rubin are executive producers. Greta Fuentes of MacRo and Yira Vilaro are also co-producers. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Blue Bayou tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the...
- 7/2/2020
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to “Blue Bayou,” the latest film from indie writer and director Justin Chon, the distributor announced Thursday.
The latest film from the director of “Ms. Purple” and “Gook” was acquired out of the Cannes Virtual Market from MacRo and Entertainment One, who financed “Blue Bayou.” Focus will distribute the film in the U.S., while Universal Pictures International will release it abroad.
Chon also co-stars in “Blue Bayou,” which he wrote and directed, along with Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen.
Also Read: Edgar Wright's 'Last Night in Soho' Gets New 2021 Release and First Look Image (Photo)
“Blue Bayou” tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
The latest film from the director of “Ms. Purple” and “Gook” was acquired out of the Cannes Virtual Market from MacRo and Entertainment One, who financed “Blue Bayou.” Focus will distribute the film in the U.S., while Universal Pictures International will release it abroad.
Chon also co-stars in “Blue Bayou,” which he wrote and directed, along with Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen.
Also Read: Edgar Wright's 'Last Night in Soho' Gets New 2021 Release and First Look Image (Photo)
“Blue Bayou” tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
- 7/2/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Blue Bayou,” the latest project from acclaimed independent filmmaker Justin Chon, has been acquired by Focus Features, Variety can report exclusively.
The studio brokered a worldwide deal for the film’s distribution rights out of the Cannes 2020 virtual market, which was financed by MacRo and Entertainment One. Focus will handle domestic rollout, while its parent company Universal will distribute internationally.
Chon, who wrote and directed the film, also stars alongside Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien (“Arrival”), Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen (“Brooklyn”).
The film tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
Chon got his early acting start in the “Twilight” Saga, and went on to create indie darlings like “Ms. Purple” and “Gook.”
“Justin...
The studio brokered a worldwide deal for the film’s distribution rights out of the Cannes 2020 virtual market, which was financed by MacRo and Entertainment One. Focus will handle domestic rollout, while its parent company Universal will distribute internationally.
Chon, who wrote and directed the film, also stars alongside Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien (“Arrival”), Linh Dan Pham and Emory Cohen (“Brooklyn”).
The film tells the heartbreaking story of Antonio LeBlanc, a Korean adoptee raised in the United States who is forced to confront his distant past and what it means for his own future and his family’s when he unexpectedly faces deportation.
Chon got his early acting start in the “Twilight” Saga, and went on to create indie darlings like “Ms. Purple” and “Gook.”
“Justin...
- 7/2/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: We hear that Neil Paik’s sci-fi short story, Rainbowfish: A Scumbag’s Guide to Stealing Water, Traversing Wormholes and Breaking Every Rule, is in development at Warner Bros. and Charles D. King’s MacRo. The studios won the IP in a competitive situation.
Rainbowfish, which was published on Six by Eight Press, takes place in a borderless future when the oceans have all but disappeared and the elusive Global Police enforces tyrannical laws. Their lives and that of a young water scavenger and a rebellious orphan collide in the most unexpected way. Paik will adapt his own short story for the screen.
MacRo’s Greta Fuentes will be an executive producer on Rainbowfish.
King’s MacRo, which has a first look deal with Warner Bros., has the untitled Fred Hampton movie at the studio. That’s being directed by Shaka King and follows Illinois Black Panther Party chairman Hampton and William O’Neal,...
Rainbowfish, which was published on Six by Eight Press, takes place in a borderless future when the oceans have all but disappeared and the elusive Global Police enforces tyrannical laws. Their lives and that of a young water scavenger and a rebellious orphan collide in the most unexpected way. Paik will adapt his own short story for the screen.
MacRo’s Greta Fuentes will be an executive producer on Rainbowfish.
King’s MacRo, which has a first look deal with Warner Bros., has the untitled Fred Hampton movie at the studio. That’s being directed by Shaka King and follows Illinois Black Panther Party chairman Hampton and William O’Neal,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals has announced its 2020 Jury and Special Award winners for this year’s film festival, despite it having been cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus earlier this month.
The SXSW Film Festival had several Special Awards juries set up, but after the cancellation, the organization expanded to the juried competitions.
“When we curated and announced our slate for the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, filled with an array of wonderful films we were excited to share with our unique audience, we had no idea of the unprecedented impact that Coronavirus would have on all our lives,” Janet Pierson, Director of Film, said. “Our hearts were broken for all the filmmakers who invested so much time and talent in their work, hoping for a transformative experience at our event. We’re honored to at least be able to present our juried and special awards.
The SXSW Film Festival had several Special Awards juries set up, but after the cancellation, the organization expanded to the juried competitions.
“When we curated and announced our slate for the 2020 SXSW Film Festival, filled with an array of wonderful films we were excited to share with our unique audience, we had no idea of the unprecedented impact that Coronavirus would have on all our lives,” Janet Pierson, Director of Film, said. “Our hearts were broken for all the filmmakers who invested so much time and talent in their work, hoping for a transformative experience at our event. We’re honored to at least be able to present our juried and special awards.
- 3/24/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Film Independent has announced the seven producers who been chosen for its 19th annual Producing Lab. The fellows will participate in a program set up to help develop their skills and further their careers by pairing them with film professionals who can advise on both the craft and business of independent producing.
Among the 2019 participants are include Camila Zavala, who also won the $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant to further develop her film, Malpelo, and Lebanese filmmaker Myriam Sassine, who is the recipient of the Global Media Makers Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational, and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s industry advisors include Lauren Craniotes (Gersh), Greta Fuentes (MacRo), Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), Valerie Stadler (Big Swing Productions) and Solome Williams (Bron Studios). In addition, mentors and guest speakers in the program include Rebecca Green (It...
Among the 2019 participants are include Camila Zavala, who also won the $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant to further develop her film, Malpelo, and Lebanese filmmaker Myriam Sassine, who is the recipient of the Global Media Makers Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational, and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s industry advisors include Lauren Craniotes (Gersh), Greta Fuentes (MacRo), Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), Valerie Stadler (Big Swing Productions) and Solome Williams (Bron Studios). In addition, mentors and guest speakers in the program include Rebecca Green (It...
- 10/15/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Justin Chon is continuing to champion Asian narratives with his lastest project Blue Bayou, which is being co-financed by Charles D. King ‘s MacRo and Entertainment One. Chon will also star in the film alongside Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien, Linh Dan Pham, and Emory Cohen.
The pic marks the third Asian familial-centric drama from the Twilight Saga actor, who found success with his last two films, Gook and Ms. Purple, with the latter performing solidly at the box office when it opened in Los Angeles earlier this year. Blue Bayou was written by Chon, who will also direct the piece as production will commence this month.
Inspired by true events, the plot tells the story of Antonio, a Korean adoptee raised in the Us who is...
The pic marks the third Asian familial-centric drama from the Twilight Saga actor, who found success with his last two films, Gook and Ms. Purple, with the latter performing solidly at the box office when it opened in Los Angeles earlier this year. Blue Bayou was written by Chon, who will also direct the piece as production will commence this month.
Inspired by true events, the plot tells the story of Antonio, a Korean adoptee raised in the Us who is...
- 10/14/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: MacRo is on board to finance and produce Blast Beat, a drama which is being directed by Esteban Arango, who also co-wrote the piece with Erick Castrillon. Moises Arias (Five Feet Apart) and Mateo Arias (Kickin’ It) are attached as the leads with Wilmer Valderrama (NCIS) and singer Kali Uchis confirmed to co-star. Daniel Dae Kim (The Good Doctor) is nearing a deal to join the film.
MacRo’s Charles D. King and Poppy Hanks are producing the project with Erick Castrillon and Ty Walker. It’s described as an energetic, youth-driven, metal-blasting coming of age story that follows two Colombian brothers as they adjust to life in the Us of A.
Greta Fuentes and Yira Vilaro will serve as executive producers on behalf of MacRo.
The Arias brothers are repped by Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associate and Myman, Greenspan, Fox, Rosenberg. Valderrama is repped by UTA and Silver Lining...
MacRo’s Charles D. King and Poppy Hanks are producing the project with Erick Castrillon and Ty Walker. It’s described as an energetic, youth-driven, metal-blasting coming of age story that follows two Colombian brothers as they adjust to life in the Us of A.
Greta Fuentes and Yira Vilaro will serve as executive producers on behalf of MacRo.
The Arias brothers are repped by Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associate and Myman, Greenspan, Fox, Rosenberg. Valderrama is repped by UTA and Silver Lining...
- 8/20/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
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