Picture Tree Intl. has boarded international sales for Constantin Film’s comedy fantasy blockbuster “Chantal and the Magic Kingdom,” which will receive its market premiere in Cannes.
The film has been No. 1 on Germany’s box office charts for four consecutive weeks since its release on March 28, and reached more than 2 million admissions, with a gross of $22.5 million.
“Chantal” is the latest German-language hit from writer-director Bora Dagtekin and producer Lena Schömann. The duo previously delivered “Turkish for Beginners,” the “Fuck You Goehte” franchise and the German remake of “Perfect Strangers,” which have collectively grossed more than $300 million worldwide.
In “Chantal,” the beloved “Fuck You Goehte” character Chantal and her best friend Zeynep are sent on a fantasy adventure into the world of fairytales with a comedic and contemporary twist.
Chantal, an influencer without followers, and Zeynep stumble into the fairytale world through an ancient magic mirror, which they mistake for a social media gimmick.
The film has been No. 1 on Germany’s box office charts for four consecutive weeks since its release on March 28, and reached more than 2 million admissions, with a gross of $22.5 million.
“Chantal” is the latest German-language hit from writer-director Bora Dagtekin and producer Lena Schömann. The duo previously delivered “Turkish for Beginners,” the “Fuck You Goehte” franchise and the German remake of “Perfect Strangers,” which have collectively grossed more than $300 million worldwide.
In “Chantal,” the beloved “Fuck You Goehte” character Chantal and her best friend Zeynep are sent on a fantasy adventure into the world of fairytales with a comedic and contemporary twist.
Chantal, an influencer without followers, and Zeynep stumble into the fairytale world through an ancient magic mirror, which they mistake for a social media gimmick.
- 4/24/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Dubai-based Front Row Productions has acquired all rights to the story of Sally Hafez, the young woman who, in order to pay for her sister’s cancer treatment, walked into a Beirut bank and used a toy gun to take money from her savings account which had been locked due to Lebanon’s financial crisis.
Front Row Productions – which is a joint venture between prominent Mena region distribution companies Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Beirut-based Empire Entertainment – is planning to explore different aspects of the Hafez story “through feature films, TV series, docuseries and a podcast series.” They will look at “the various angles of Sally’s unique but relatable journey from a patriotic activist to a disenfranchised citizen taking it upon herself to be divisive,” the company said in a statement.
Starting in 2019, as the country fell into a deep economic crisis involving the downfall of its currency, Lebanon...
Front Row Productions – which is a joint venture between prominent Mena region distribution companies Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Beirut-based Empire Entertainment – is planning to explore different aspects of the Hafez story “through feature films, TV series, docuseries and a podcast series.” They will look at “the various angles of Sally’s unique but relatable journey from a patriotic activist to a disenfranchised citizen taking it upon herself to be divisive,” the company said in a statement.
Starting in 2019, as the country fell into a deep economic crisis involving the downfall of its currency, Lebanon...
- 4/4/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Dubai-based Front Row Productions is planning a feature film and TV series based around Sally Hafez, a Lebanese woman who received international attention after storming a bank in 2022.
The company has acquired life rights from Hafez, who held staff hostage at the Blom Bank in Beirut on September 14, 2022, and demanded they allow her to withdraw her own savings to pay for her sister’s medical bills. The incident took place during a financial crisis in Lebanon that saw citizens illegally restricted from withdrawing from their accounts due to an unofficial capital control imposed by banks in the country.
In a statement,...
The company has acquired life rights from Hafez, who held staff hostage at the Blom Bank in Beirut on September 14, 2022, and demanded they allow her to withdraw her own savings to pay for her sister’s medical bills. The incident took place during a financial crisis in Lebanon that saw citizens illegally restricted from withdrawing from their accounts due to an unofficial capital control imposed by banks in the country.
In a statement,...
- 4/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film is launching a new initiative, bannered Cannes Remakes, aimed at fostering remake opportunities for European feature films that have proven successful in their home territories.
The inaugural program will include a pitching session of a curated selection of IP titles with potential, sourced from France, Spain and Italy. This will be followed by one-to-one meetings and a networking cocktail event for invited guests.
The new showcase is being organized in partnership with France’s National Cinema Centre (Cnc), which will host the half-day event on it’s Cnc beach at Cannes on May 20. The selection will be unveiled closer to the event.
The program aims to tap into the thriving IP remake market, which has blossomed in recent years, in large part thanks to increased investment from global streaming services.
European feature film properties that have done well on the remake market...
The inaugural program will include a pitching session of a curated selection of IP titles with potential, sourced from France, Spain and Italy. This will be followed by one-to-one meetings and a networking cocktail event for invited guests.
The new showcase is being organized in partnership with France’s National Cinema Centre (Cnc), which will host the half-day event on it’s Cnc beach at Cannes on May 20. The selection will be unveiled closer to the event.
The program aims to tap into the thriving IP remake market, which has blossomed in recent years, in large part thanks to increased investment from global streaming services.
European feature film properties that have done well on the remake market...
- 3/27/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
After scoring robust box office results regionally, Egyptian thriller “Flight 404,” starring Mona Zaki as a woman whose tainted past resurfaces as she is about to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca, is getting a small but significant rollout in the U.S. and Europe.
Directed by Hani Khalifa, “Flight 404” sees Zaki – who starred in the Arabic adaptation of hit dramedy “Perfect Strangers” – playing an Egyptian woman named Ghada who is about to board a flight to participate in the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy site of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to atone for past misdeeds, when she is forced to face a sudden emergency requiring lots of cash. This prompts Ghada to reconnect with shady people from her past from whom she had long distanced herself.
Since releasing in Egypt on Jan. 25, “Flight 404” has scored more than 450,000 admissions across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region,...
Directed by Hani Khalifa, “Flight 404” sees Zaki – who starred in the Arabic adaptation of hit dramedy “Perfect Strangers” – playing an Egyptian woman named Ghada who is about to board a flight to participate in the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy site of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to atone for past misdeeds, when she is forced to face a sudden emergency requiring lots of cash. This prompts Ghada to reconnect with shady people from her past from whom she had long distanced herself.
Since releasing in Egypt on Jan. 25, “Flight 404” has scored more than 450,000 admissions across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is currently the streaming service with the biggest subscriber base across 13 Arabic-speaking countries but will lose this leadership position by 2029, according to a new forecast.
There will be 26 million SVOD subscriptions across the 13 Arabic markets by 2029, up from 14 million in 2023, according to research company Digital TV Research. Global streamer Netflix had 3.8 million subscribers as of the end of 2023, followed by Shahid VIP, a streamer owned by Middle Eastern media powerhouse Mbc Group, with 3.5 million and StarzPlay with 3.0 million, according to the firm’s estimates. The Saudi government owns a majority stake in Mbc Group.
The subscriber picture will, however, change in the coming years. By 2029, Shahid VIP will lead the pack with 5.8 million subscribers in the Arabic-speaking countries, followed by Netflix with 5.6 million and StarzPlay with 5 million, Digital TV Research predicts.
Its forecast also projects that Disney+ and Amazon will each reach 3.2 million subscribers across the Arabic-speaking countries in...
There will be 26 million SVOD subscriptions across the 13 Arabic markets by 2029, up from 14 million in 2023, according to research company Digital TV Research. Global streamer Netflix had 3.8 million subscribers as of the end of 2023, followed by Shahid VIP, a streamer owned by Middle Eastern media powerhouse Mbc Group, with 3.5 million and StarzPlay with 3.0 million, according to the firm’s estimates. The Saudi government owns a majority stake in Mbc Group.
The subscriber picture will, however, change in the coming years. By 2029, Shahid VIP will lead the pack with 5.8 million subscribers in the Arabic-speaking countries, followed by Netflix with 5.6 million and StarzPlay with 5 million, Digital TV Research predicts.
Its forecast also projects that Disney+ and Amazon will each reach 3.2 million subscribers across the Arabic-speaking countries in...
- 2/19/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Strange pairings in TV Sitcoms are nothing new. Series like The Honeymooners would have the sort of violent buddy’s of Ralph and Ed, The Flintstones would have Barney and Fred, and of course The Odd Couple would have Oscar and Felix.
But in 1986 a new duo would be added to this list and Friday night TV viewing would never be the same. Cousin Larry and Balki would become a hit power couple for viewers who would fall in love with the quirky pair and their misadventures trying to make it in Chicago.
The series would become a favorite for a number of fans not only in the states but eventually around the world and would spawn a spin off that would become just as big a hit for ABC.
On this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten our destination is America or Burst as we look back on the sitcom classic,...
But in 1986 a new duo would be added to this list and Friday night TV viewing would never be the same. Cousin Larry and Balki would become a hit power couple for viewers who would fall in love with the quirky pair and their misadventures trying to make it in Chicago.
The series would become a favorite for a number of fans not only in the states but eventually around the world and would spawn a spin off that would become just as big a hit for ABC.
On this episode of Gone But Not Forgotten our destination is America or Burst as we look back on the sitcom classic,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
Over the past few years Italian cinema has been making strides in the global arena and 2024 looks likely to bolster its international standing. New works by top auteurs Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagnino will be launching from the festival circuit just as a fresh crop of directors comes to fore, starting with Margherita Vicario, whose first film “Gloria!” scored a Berlin competition slot.
Below is a compendium of new Italian movies set to hit this year’s fest circuit.
“Another End” – Gael García Bernal and Renate Reinsve (“The Worse Person in the World”) star as lovers caught in an unusual bind in Italian director Piero Messina’s sci-fi film “Another End” which is competing in Berlin. This second feature by Messina – whose first feature, “The Wait,” launched with a splash in the 2015 Venice competition – is set in a near-future when a new technology exists that can put the consciousness of...
Below is a compendium of new Italian movies set to hit this year’s fest circuit.
“Another End” – Gael García Bernal and Renate Reinsve (“The Worse Person in the World”) star as lovers caught in an unusual bind in Italian director Piero Messina’s sci-fi film “Another End” which is competing in Berlin. This second feature by Messina – whose first feature, “The Wait,” launched with a splash in the 2015 Venice competition – is set in a near-future when a new technology exists that can put the consciousness of...
- 2/17/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The Union of Italian Exporters Anica, which represents most of the country’s leading sales agents, has expressed concern about the launch of Rai Cinema’s new film sales operation.
Rai Cinema International Distribution makes its market debut at EFM this week with a slate of 10 films. It will handle new features, while existing TV and film sales distribution operation Rai Com will sell library titles.
In a statement issued exclusively to Screen, the Union noted its “concern about the entry into the market of a fully publicly funded operator” which it described as a “giant” compared to other Italian companies.
Rai Cinema International Distribution makes its market debut at EFM this week with a slate of 10 films. It will handle new features, while existing TV and film sales distribution operation Rai Com will sell library titles.
In a statement issued exclusively to Screen, the Union noted its “concern about the entry into the market of a fully publicly funded operator” which it described as a “giant” compared to other Italian companies.
- 2/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
Manolo Caro has entered a multi-year first look deal with Onyx Collective alongside Rafael Ley and Maria Jose Cordova of Woo Films, who produced Caro’s Netflix series “The House of Flowers.”
Along with “The House of Flowers,” which ran for three seasons from 2018 to 2020, Caro is known for creating Netflix’s 2020 limited series “Someone Has to Die” and directing films including 2016’s “Tales of an Immoral Couple” and 2018’s “Perfect Strangers.” Woo Films has been behind several of Caro’s projects as well as films the Netflix films “Noise” (2022) and “Where the Tracks End” (2023) and the Viggo Mortensen-led “Eureka” (2023).
“Manolo Caro is in a rare class of storytellers who blend heart and humor to reveal the essence of what makes us all human,” said Tara Duncan, president of Onyx Collective. “He is a proven hit maker, and we’re excited to bring his universal stories to the Hulu audience.
Along with “The House of Flowers,” which ran for three seasons from 2018 to 2020, Caro is known for creating Netflix’s 2020 limited series “Someone Has to Die” and directing films including 2016’s “Tales of an Immoral Couple” and 2018’s “Perfect Strangers.” Woo Films has been behind several of Caro’s projects as well as films the Netflix films “Noise” (2022) and “Where the Tracks End” (2023) and the Viggo Mortensen-led “Eureka” (2023).
“Manolo Caro is in a rare class of storytellers who blend heart and humor to reveal the essence of what makes us all human,” said Tara Duncan, president of Onyx Collective. “He is a proven hit maker, and we’re excited to bring his universal stories to the Hulu audience.
- 2/9/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Khaby Lame, the Senegalese-born Italian influencer who is the most-followed content creator on TikTok, is set to make his feature film debut playing a food delivery rider who is recruited by the CIA in an action-comedy that will take him around the world.
The English-language spy comedy working-titled “00Khaby” – and set in Italy, the U.S., Monte Carlo, Dubai and France’s Côte d’Azur, among other locations – will see Lame playing a JustEat rider who, after intersecting with a dissident scientist, is recruited by the CIA as bait to mislead enemy secret services. “While he runs away from arms traffickers and steals DNA samples, the clumsy secret agent must also deal with his jealous Italian Chinese girlfriend and her annoying little brother,” reads the film’s synopsis. “But in the end, thanks to a mix of cunning, luck and his unshakeable optimism, he will be able to foil no less than World War III.
The English-language spy comedy working-titled “00Khaby” – and set in Italy, the U.S., Monte Carlo, Dubai and France’s Côte d’Azur, among other locations – will see Lame playing a JustEat rider who, after intersecting with a dissident scientist, is recruited by the CIA as bait to mislead enemy secret services. “While he runs away from arms traffickers and steals DNA samples, the clumsy secret agent must also deal with his jealous Italian Chinese girlfriend and her annoying little brother,” reads the film’s synopsis. “But in the end, thanks to a mix of cunning, luck and his unshakeable optimism, he will be able to foil no less than World War III.
- 2/1/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has promoted Carolina Leconte to the position of senior director of content at its Mexican outpost. She steps into Roberto Stopello’s shoes, who has ankled.
Leconte has been with Netflix since 2021 where she held the position of director, original series, Latin America and spearheaded such hit productions as the second season of Colombian show, “The Marked Heart,” one of the most popular non-English TV series on Netflix in 2022; the racy tale “Fake Profile,” which stayed in the global Top 10 ranking for non-English series for six weeks in 2023 and posted the biggest bow of any non-English series last year; and “Love After Music,” a series based on the career of Argentinian musician Fito Paéz, among many other shows.
She previously worked on such titles as “Luis Miguel- The Series” (Seasons 2 and 3), “42 Days of Darkness” and Season 2 of “Control Z.”
Leconte’s 20-year experience in the biz includes work...
Leconte has been with Netflix since 2021 where she held the position of director, original series, Latin America and spearheaded such hit productions as the second season of Colombian show, “The Marked Heart,” one of the most popular non-English TV series on Netflix in 2022; the racy tale “Fake Profile,” which stayed in the global Top 10 ranking for non-English series for six weeks in 2023 and posted the biggest bow of any non-English series last year; and “Love After Music,” a series based on the career of Argentinian musician Fito Paéz, among many other shows.
She previously worked on such titles as “Luis Miguel- The Series” (Seasons 2 and 3), “42 Days of Darkness” and Season 2 of “Control Z.”
Leconte’s 20-year experience in the biz includes work...
- 1/23/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Crombie, best known for his disturbed character Crazy Joe Davola on Seinfeld, has passed away at the age of 71. While no specific details have been released, it’s said that Crombie died after a brief illness.
A standout character, Crazy Joe first appeared in season four’s “The Pitch”, launching his mission of vengeance after not being invited to Kramer’s party. The five-episode arc during the season found him dating – and stalking – Elaine and later attacking Jerry during a taping of his namesake show. With a mixture of dark comedy and intensity, Peter Crombie undoubtedly made Crazy Joe a standout in the gallery of Seinfeld antagonists.
Outside of Seinfeld, Peter Crombie appeared on a wealth of TV shows throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, including one-off stints on Perfect Strangers, As the World Turns, Law & Order, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, L.A. Law, N.Y.P.D. Blue, and more. His...
A standout character, Crazy Joe first appeared in season four’s “The Pitch”, launching his mission of vengeance after not being invited to Kramer’s party. The five-episode arc during the season found him dating – and stalking – Elaine and later attacking Jerry during a taping of his namesake show. With a mixture of dark comedy and intensity, Peter Crombie undoubtedly made Crazy Joe a standout in the gallery of Seinfeld antagonists.
Outside of Seinfeld, Peter Crombie appeared on a wealth of TV shows throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, including one-off stints on Perfect Strangers, As the World Turns, Law & Order, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, L.A. Law, N.Y.P.D. Blue, and more. His...
- 1/13/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Signature Entertainment has acquired UK & Ireland and Australia & New Zealand rights to Daniel Brühl (Rush) and Riccardo Scamarcio (John Wick: Chapter 2) rally racing film Race For Glory: Audi vs. Lancia from HanWay Films.
The film follows the true story of the fierce rivalry between Roland Gumpert and Cesare Fiorio, the two respective heads of Audi and Lancia’s motor racing teams, during the 1983 Rally World Championships.
Pic is produced by Scamarcio and Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas (The Last Emperor) and is directed by Stefano Mordini (The Invisible Witness) from a script written by Mordini, Scamarcio and Filippo Bologna (Perfect Strangers).
Also starring are Volker Bruch (The Reader), Haley Bennett (Cyrano) and Katie Clarkson-Hill (Hanna).
The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Director of Acquisitions and TV Elizabeth Williams and HanWay Films’ Head of Sales Nicole Mackey.
Signature will release the film in the UK next month from February...
The film follows the true story of the fierce rivalry between Roland Gumpert and Cesare Fiorio, the two respective heads of Audi and Lancia’s motor racing teams, during the 1983 Rally World Championships.
Pic is produced by Scamarcio and Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas (The Last Emperor) and is directed by Stefano Mordini (The Invisible Witness) from a script written by Mordini, Scamarcio and Filippo Bologna (Perfect Strangers).
Also starring are Volker Bruch (The Reader), Haley Bennett (Cyrano) and Katie Clarkson-Hill (Hanna).
The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s Director of Acquisitions and TV Elizabeth Williams and HanWay Films’ Head of Sales Nicole Mackey.
Signature will release the film in the UK next month from February...
- 1/12/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The The Langoliers episode of Wtf Happened to This Adaptation? was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Mike Conway, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian. Here is the text of Hatfield’s script:
Well, it’s time to let the King have his moment again. This is Stephen King’s second go around on the show and while Silver Bullet based on Cycle of the Werewolf is a minor cult classic, it’s not one of the bigger adaptations out of his overall catalogue. Today is going to an even deeper cut. While it seems that nearly everything has been adapted, there is a lot that has yet to be turned into a show, movie, or short film. Back in the 90s and early 2000s it felt like his made for TV miniseries were happening more frequently and had more hype to them,...
Well, it’s time to let the King have his moment again. This is Stephen King’s second go around on the show and while Silver Bullet based on Cycle of the Werewolf is a minor cult classic, it’s not one of the bigger adaptations out of his overall catalogue. Today is going to an even deeper cut. While it seems that nearly everything has been adapted, there is a lot that has yet to be turned into a show, movie, or short film. Back in the 90s and early 2000s it felt like his made for TV miniseries were happening more frequently and had more hype to them,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Lisa Kudrow is joining Ray Romano in No Good Deed, the newly announced Netflix comedy from Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman.
Fellow Dead to Me vet Linda Cardellini has also been cast, along with Luke Wilson (DC’s Stargirl), Teyonah Parris (The Marvels), Abbi Jacobson (A League of Their Own) and Poppy Liu (Hacks).
More from TVLineSheriff-Centric Fire Country Spinoff Eyed at CBS - Get Details on Lead RoleThe Crown Shows Us How Prince William and Kate Middleton's Love Story Began - Read RecapNine Perfect Strangers: Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski Join Season 2 Cast
Described as a dark,...
Fellow Dead to Me vet Linda Cardellini has also been cast, along with Luke Wilson (DC’s Stargirl), Teyonah Parris (The Marvels), Abbi Jacobson (A League of Their Own) and Poppy Liu (Hacks).
More from TVLineSheriff-Centric Fire Country Spinoff Eyed at CBS - Get Details on Lead RoleThe Crown Shows Us How Prince William and Kate Middleton's Love Story Began - Read RecapNine Perfect Strangers: Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski Join Season 2 Cast
Described as a dark,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich and Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Sony Pictures International Productions and Italy’s Eagle Pictures have announced psychological thriller “Il Corpo” (“The Body”), starring Claudia Gerini (“John Wick: Chapter 2”), as part of their local co-production partnership.
Principal photography recently wrapped on the film, which is co-written by its director Vincenzo Alfieri (“Mad Dog”) with Giuseppe G. Stasi, who recently made a splash in Italy as the writer and co-director of hit Amazon Prime Video series “The Bad Guy.”
Gerini (pictured in the first-look image above) plays a rich entrepreneur named Rebecca Zuin whose death, due to an alleged heart attack, raises suspicions on the part of a police inspector played by Giuseppe Battiston (“Perfect Strangers”) after her body disappears from the morgue. When her handsome young husband, played by Andrea Di Luigi (“Nuovo Olimpo”), becomes a suspect, he starts thinking she may have faked her death to sadistically torment him.
“We are delighted to bring...
Principal photography recently wrapped on the film, which is co-written by its director Vincenzo Alfieri (“Mad Dog”) with Giuseppe G. Stasi, who recently made a splash in Italy as the writer and co-director of hit Amazon Prime Video series “The Bad Guy.”
Gerini (pictured in the first-look image above) plays a rich entrepreneur named Rebecca Zuin whose death, due to an alleged heart attack, raises suspicions on the part of a police inspector played by Giuseppe Battiston (“Perfect Strangers”) after her body disappears from the morgue. When her handsome young husband, played by Andrea Di Luigi (“Nuovo Olimpo”), becomes a suspect, he starts thinking she may have faked her death to sadistically torment him.
“We are delighted to bring...
- 12/15/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Alexander Skarsgård is just a confused android… in Apple TV+’s Murderbot.
The Big Little Lies alum will headline and executive-produce the aforementioned 10-episode sci-fi series from creators/directors Chris and Paul Weitz (About a Boy, Mozart in the Jungle).
More from TVLineThe Buccaneers Stars Break Down That Finale Wedding Twist and What It Means for Nan, Theo and GuyNine Perfect Strangers: Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski Join Season 2 CastLisa Kudrow Joins Ray Romano in No Good Deed Netflix Comedy
Based on Martha Wells’ book series The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation is described as an “action-packed” story about “a self-hacking...
The Big Little Lies alum will headline and executive-produce the aforementioned 10-episode sci-fi series from creators/directors Chris and Paul Weitz (About a Boy, Mozart in the Jungle).
More from TVLineThe Buccaneers Stars Break Down That Finale Wedding Twist and What It Means for Nan, Theo and GuyNine Perfect Strangers: Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski Join Season 2 CastLisa Kudrow Joins Ray Romano in No Good Deed Netflix Comedy
Based on Martha Wells’ book series The Murderbot Diaries, the adaptation is described as an “action-packed” story about “a self-hacking...
- 12/14/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
As fans of movies and TV, we have seen thousands of guest stars grace our screens only to disappear forever after their purpose has been served. But once in a while a performer gives life to a character that can not be contained to just one or two episodes. Once in a while a performer brings to life a character that doesn’t just perform in a show, but comes to define it. Thus is the story of Steve Urkel, the lovable nerd from next door that was only meant for a single episode but in the hands of the talented Jaleel White became one of the most iconic characters in television history. But sometimes when you craft a character so beloved, it is hard to shake them, as audiences, and casting directors, only see that character in you. Sometimes you work so hard to shake that character from audiences...
- 12/8/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Filming is set to begin in spring 2024.
Dubai-based Front Row Productions has boarded Zaid Abu Hamdan’s Boomah, an upcoming Arab crime thriller starring Jordanian actress Rakeen Saad.
Front Row has joined forces with burgeoning Jordanian outfit Bounce Productions to make the feature, which is described as a “raw and unfiltered crime-thriller set in one of Jordan’s roughest cities”. The film is scheduled to start shooting in spring 2024 with a release to follow by early 2025.
Saad, who stars in Netflix hit AlRawabi School For Girls and Mbc Shahid’s The Giza Killer, will play the lead role of Boomah.
Dubai-based Front Row Productions has boarded Zaid Abu Hamdan’s Boomah, an upcoming Arab crime thriller starring Jordanian actress Rakeen Saad.
Front Row has joined forces with burgeoning Jordanian outfit Bounce Productions to make the feature, which is described as a “raw and unfiltered crime-thriller set in one of Jordan’s roughest cities”. The film is scheduled to start shooting in spring 2024 with a release to follow by early 2025.
Saad, who stars in Netflix hit AlRawabi School For Girls and Mbc Shahid’s The Giza Killer, will play the lead role of Boomah.
- 12/5/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Dubai-based Front Row Productions has come on board Jordanian director and producer Zaid Abu Hamdan’s second feature Boomah about a female street thug.
The company, a joint venture between Mena distributors Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Empire Entertainment, is joining forces with Bounce Productions, the film and TV company created by producer Ahmad Abu Koush in 2022.
Boomah will be Abu Hamdan’s second feature after award-winning 2021 drama Daughters of Abdul-Rahman, which world premiered at the Cairo Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award, and then played multiple festivals including the Red Sea Film Festival.
The production has also announced that Jordanian actress Rakeen Saad, who starred in Netflix show AlRawabi School for Girls and Mbc Shahid’s The Giza Killer, will play the lead role of Boomah.
Originally announced under the title The Zarqa Girl at the project stage, the production is a described as crime thriller set...
The company, a joint venture between Mena distributors Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Empire Entertainment, is joining forces with Bounce Productions, the film and TV company created by producer Ahmad Abu Koush in 2022.
Boomah will be Abu Hamdan’s second feature after award-winning 2021 drama Daughters of Abdul-Rahman, which world premiered at the Cairo Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award, and then played multiple festivals including the Red Sea Film Festival.
The production has also announced that Jordanian actress Rakeen Saad, who starred in Netflix show AlRawabi School for Girls and Mbc Shahid’s The Giza Killer, will play the lead role of Boomah.
Originally announced under the title The Zarqa Girl at the project stage, the production is a described as crime thriller set...
- 12/5/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The moves comes as the leading Mena distributor ramps up activity.
Dubai-based distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment has promoted Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban and Elie Touma to partners as the company increases activity in the region.
The trio joined in early 2019 as part of a revamp of the company, which is one of the leading distributors of independent and genre films in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). Torloting is Front Row’s COO, with Chaiban heading post-theatrical sales and Touma leading acquisitions and theatrical distribution.
The company, founded by Gianluca Chakra in 2003, handles the release of more than 200 films per year,...
Dubai-based distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment has promoted Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban and Elie Touma to partners as the company increases activity in the region.
The trio joined in early 2019 as part of a revamp of the company, which is one of the leading distributors of independent and genre films in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). Torloting is Front Row’s COO, with Chaiban heading post-theatrical sales and Touma leading acquisitions and theatrical distribution.
The company, founded by Gianluca Chakra in 2003, handles the release of more than 200 films per year,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region indie distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment is promoting company execs Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban and Elie Touma to partners as it ramps up operations.
The trio joined the company, headed by Gianluca Chakra, in early 2019 as part of an initial revamp. Torloting, a former Disney exec in the region, is currently Front Row’s COO, while Chaiban, who is an acquisitions and distribution expert, heads post-theatrical sales and Touma is in charge of acquisitions and theatrical distribution. The announcement was made during Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Red Sea Film Festival. Front Row recently scored big at the Saudi box office with the wrestling comedy “Sattar,” released by Front Row Arabia via its joint venture with leading local exhibitor Muvi Cinemas.
Amid the region’s rapidly evolving film distribution landscape, Front Row has grown to establish itself as one of the leading players in...
The trio joined the company, headed by Gianluca Chakra, in early 2019 as part of an initial revamp. Torloting, a former Disney exec in the region, is currently Front Row’s COO, while Chaiban, who is an acquisitions and distribution expert, heads post-theatrical sales and Touma is in charge of acquisitions and theatrical distribution. The announcement was made during Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Red Sea Film Festival. Front Row recently scored big at the Saudi box office with the wrestling comedy “Sattar,” released by Front Row Arabia via its joint venture with leading local exhibitor Muvi Cinemas.
Amid the region’s rapidly evolving film distribution landscape, Front Row has grown to establish itself as one of the leading players in...
- 12/4/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Pan Middle East and North African film distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment has promoted staffers Nicolas Torloting, Carine Chaiban and Elie Touma to partners.
The trio originally joined the Dubai-based company in early 2019 as part of a revamp.
Torloting is currently Front Row’s COO, while Chaiban heads post-theatrical sales and Touma is in charge of Acquisitions & Theatrical Distribution.
“It’s been and is an absolute joy to work with the guys who fully understand and support the Front Row vision and have been vital to the company’s expansion in both the distribution and production arena,” said Front Row founer and CEO Gianluca Chakra
Launched by Chakra, Front Row has successfully navigated the fast-changing Mena market over the past two decades to become one of the leading distributors in the region.
It was the first Mena distributor to premiere films day & date during the Covid pandemic and curate collections...
The trio originally joined the Dubai-based company in early 2019 as part of a revamp.
Torloting is currently Front Row’s COO, while Chaiban heads post-theatrical sales and Touma is in charge of Acquisitions & Theatrical Distribution.
“It’s been and is an absolute joy to work with the guys who fully understand and support the Front Row vision and have been vital to the company’s expansion in both the distribution and production arena,” said Front Row founer and CEO Gianluca Chakra
Launched by Chakra, Front Row has successfully navigated the fast-changing Mena market over the past two decades to become one of the leading distributors in the region.
It was the first Mena distributor to premiere films day & date during the Covid pandemic and curate collections...
- 12/4/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Hajjan’ director Abu Bakr Shawky and ‘Theeb’ producer’ Bassel Ghandour on initial clint roster.
Untamed Talent, a new management and production company led by former Mister Smith Entertainment executive Antone Saliba, has launched with the backing of Dubai-based Front Row Productions and unveiled its first roster of clients.
The firm will represent filmmakers from the established Middle East industry hubs of Egypt and Saudi as well as promoting talent from more underrepresented countries in South West Asia and North Africa such as Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran.
Front Row Productions, a joint venture of leading Middle East distribution...
Untamed Talent, a new management and production company led by former Mister Smith Entertainment executive Antone Saliba, has launched with the backing of Dubai-based Front Row Productions and unveiled its first roster of clients.
The firm will represent filmmakers from the established Middle East industry hubs of Egypt and Saudi as well as promoting talent from more underrepresented countries in South West Asia and North Africa such as Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran.
Front Row Productions, a joint venture of leading Middle East distribution...
- 12/1/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Former Mister Smith sales executive Antone Saliba has launched management and production company Untamed Talent, with the backing of Dubai-based Front Row Productions.
The latter company, which is a joint venture of leading Middle East distribution companies Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Empire Entertainment, will provide capital and strategic value for the new banner.
Saliba, who was a sales and acquisitions executive under David Garrett at Mister Smith, wants to create new content business models for the fast-growing entertainment sectors of the Swana region, covering Southwest Asia and North Africa.
As well as representing filmmakers from the established Mena industry hubs of Egypt and Saudi, the new company will also identify, develop, and promote talent from traditionally underrepresented countries within the region such as Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey and Iran.
The company will work on a non-exclusive basis with production and distribution parties in the region, as well as U.
The latter company, which is a joint venture of leading Middle East distribution companies Front Row Filmed Entertainment and Empire Entertainment, will provide capital and strategic value for the new banner.
Saliba, who was a sales and acquisitions executive under David Garrett at Mister Smith, wants to create new content business models for the fast-growing entertainment sectors of the Swana region, covering Southwest Asia and North Africa.
As well as representing filmmakers from the established Mena industry hubs of Egypt and Saudi, the new company will also identify, develop, and promote talent from traditionally underrepresented countries within the region such as Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey and Iran.
The company will work on a non-exclusive basis with production and distribution parties in the region, as well as U.
- 12/1/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Many of the titles coming to Winter Marathons on TBS and TNT are already available to stream on-demand on Max.
The onset of November puts the holiday taste in the mouths of many who have been waiting all year for the cooler weather. Suddenly there are less than eight weeks until Christmas, and the holiday programming lineup begins on TBS and TNT on Saturday, Nov. 4 with 24-hour movie marathons, holiday-themed episodes and more.
Christmas and holiday movies on TBS and TNT start Nov. 4, when the Will Ferrell comedy “Elf” kicks things off. Holiday content will continue all throughout the months of November and December. Titles like “Modern Family” and “American Dad” only stream elsewhere, but many of these Winter Marathon titles are on-demand on Max. 7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com
Get 20% Off Your Next Year of Max When Pre-Paid Annually
What Holiday Shows and Movies Can You Watch on TBS and TNT?...
The onset of November puts the holiday taste in the mouths of many who have been waiting all year for the cooler weather. Suddenly there are less than eight weeks until Christmas, and the holiday programming lineup begins on TBS and TNT on Saturday, Nov. 4 with 24-hour movie marathons, holiday-themed episodes and more.
Christmas and holiday movies on TBS and TNT start Nov. 4, when the Will Ferrell comedy “Elf” kicks things off. Holiday content will continue all throughout the months of November and December. Titles like “Modern Family” and “American Dad” only stream elsewhere, but many of these Winter Marathon titles are on-demand on Max. 7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com
Get 20% Off Your Next Year of Max When Pre-Paid Annually
What Holiday Shows and Movies Can You Watch on TBS and TNT?...
- 10/30/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Warning: This contains Major Spoilers for Our Flag Means Death season 2.
The tagline of Our Flag Means Death warned us to “prepare to have your ship wrecked”, but it didn’t prepare fans for the utter carnage and heartbreak of the season two finale.
While Blackbeard’s new career as a fisherman was thankfully short lived, he returned to discover the Republic of Pirates decimated by Prince Ricky and the navy, who had wiped out Zheng Yi Sao’s entire fleet, commandeered Spanish Jackie’s bar and imprisoned the crew of The Revenge ready for execution.
But no sooner had Stede (Rhys Darby) and Ed (Taika Waititi) got the swashbuckling romantic reunion of their dreams, and alongside Zheng Yi Sao come up with a perilous plan to defeat Prince Ricky’s naval fleet, we got the biggest plot gut punch of Our Flag Means Death yet: Blackbeard’s lovably foul-mouthed...
The tagline of Our Flag Means Death warned us to “prepare to have your ship wrecked”, but it didn’t prepare fans for the utter carnage and heartbreak of the season two finale.
While Blackbeard’s new career as a fisherman was thankfully short lived, he returned to discover the Republic of Pirates decimated by Prince Ricky and the navy, who had wiped out Zheng Yi Sao’s entire fleet, commandeered Spanish Jackie’s bar and imprisoned the crew of The Revenge ready for execution.
But no sooner had Stede (Rhys Darby) and Ed (Taika Waititi) got the swashbuckling romantic reunion of their dreams, and alongside Zheng Yi Sao come up with a perilous plan to defeat Prince Ricky’s naval fleet, we got the biggest plot gut punch of Our Flag Means Death yet: Blackbeard’s lovably foul-mouthed...
- 10/26/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Beta Film has announced a half-dozen sales to European public broadcasters on high-end period drama “La Storia,” which is Italian pubcaster Rai’s biggest event show of the year and is world premiering at the Rome Film Fest.
The sweeping eight-episode saga, set in Italy during the final years of World War II and its immediate aftermath, is based on a globally bestselling novel by the late great Elsa Morante, whom “My Brilliant Friend” author Elena Ferrante often cites as her primary literary reference.
Set mostly in Rome between 1940 and 1948, “La Storia” looks at fascism and Italy’s early postwar period through a female prism. Ida, a half Jewish widow with a teenage son named Nino, is raped by a drunken German soldier and gets pregnant with Useppe. The tale is centered on how she survives her predicament.
Ahead of the Rome Film Fest premiere of its first two episodes on Friday,...
The sweeping eight-episode saga, set in Italy during the final years of World War II and its immediate aftermath, is based on a globally bestselling novel by the late great Elsa Morante, whom “My Brilliant Friend” author Elena Ferrante often cites as her primary literary reference.
Set mostly in Rome between 1940 and 1948, “La Storia” looks at fascism and Italy’s early postwar period through a female prism. Ida, a half Jewish widow with a teenage son named Nino, is raped by a drunken German soldier and gets pregnant with Useppe. The tale is centered on how she survives her predicament.
Ahead of the Rome Film Fest premiere of its first two episodes on Friday,...
- 10/20/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Rome Film Fest opener “There’s Still Tomorrow,” a bold period dramedy that marks the directorial debut of popular Italian actor Paola Cortellesi, has scored a slew of international sales.
The film, shot in black-and-white and set in post-World War II Rome, riffs on Italy’s neorealist past, albeit with a female empowerment element angle and a contemporary A-list Italian cast.
Cortellesi, who is one of Italy’s biggest box office draws, stars as the pic’s protagonist Delia, who is seemingly resigned to her traditional role of wife and mother. Valerio Mastandrea (“Perfect Strangers”) plays her husband Ivano, who is the undisputed master of the family. Delia sees the engagement of her daughter Marcella (Romana Maggiora Vergano) to her middle-class boyfriend Giulio (Francesco Centorame) as Marcella’s big opportunity to avoid her same fate. But everything changes when a mysterious letter arrives and fires up Delia’s courage to...
The film, shot in black-and-white and set in post-World War II Rome, riffs on Italy’s neorealist past, albeit with a female empowerment element angle and a contemporary A-list Italian cast.
Cortellesi, who is one of Italy’s biggest box office draws, stars as the pic’s protagonist Delia, who is seemingly resigned to her traditional role of wife and mother. Valerio Mastandrea (“Perfect Strangers”) plays her husband Ivano, who is the undisputed master of the family. Delia sees the engagement of her daughter Marcella (Romana Maggiora Vergano) to her middle-class boyfriend Giulio (Francesco Centorame) as Marcella’s big opportunity to avoid her same fate. But everything changes when a mysterious letter arrives and fires up Delia’s courage to...
- 10/18/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains spoilers for Our Flag Means Death season 1.
The sitcom Our Flag Means Death has behaved in a very piratey way, quite frankly. When it burst onto the scene last year, it unexpectedly plundered fans’ hearts, leaving their new favorite ship – between Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard – wrecked, and left us stranded on a cliffhanger of a finale desperate for a second series.
Thankfully, the treasure that is season two of Our Flag Means Death is released on Max on Oct. 5, and it’s as adorable as ever, with a whole crew of new characters to fall in love with:
Let’s meet the new characters, and discover which returning cast members are back:
New Cast Ruibo Qian as Susan
Susan runs a soup stand in the Republic of Pirates, which she acquired by savage means, but she seems to have more depth...
The sitcom Our Flag Means Death has behaved in a very piratey way, quite frankly. When it burst onto the scene last year, it unexpectedly plundered fans’ hearts, leaving their new favorite ship – between Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard – wrecked, and left us stranded on a cliffhanger of a finale desperate for a second series.
Thankfully, the treasure that is season two of Our Flag Means Death is released on Max on Oct. 5, and it’s as adorable as ever, with a whole crew of new characters to fall in love with:
Let’s meet the new characters, and discover which returning cast members are back:
New Cast Ruibo Qian as Susan
Susan runs a soup stand in the Republic of Pirates, which she acquired by savage means, but she seems to have more depth...
- 10/5/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
U.S. actor Elena Kampouris (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”) is set to star in the Sicily-set “Here Now,” a romantic thriller marking Italian director Gabriele Muccino’s return to English-language filmmaking. Muccino’s Hollywood credits include the Will Smith-starrer “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Kampouris’ recent efforts comprise Netflix series “Jupiter’s Legacy” and the 2020 remake of “Children of the Corn.” In “Here Now” she plays Sophie, a young Californian who is traveling in Italy with her sister. During her last day of vacation in Palermo, Sicily, Sophie meets a boy named Giulio and his group of friends with whom she winds up spending “the most unpredictable, crazy, shocking, exciting, romantic and terrifying night of her life,” according to the film’s provided synopsis.
The movie’s other cast members include Saul Nanni, who starred in Netflix Italian original “Love & Gelato”; Lorenzo Richelmy, who toplined Netflix’s “Marco Polo...
Kampouris’ recent efforts comprise Netflix series “Jupiter’s Legacy” and the 2020 remake of “Children of the Corn.” In “Here Now” she plays Sophie, a young Californian who is traveling in Italy with her sister. During her last day of vacation in Palermo, Sicily, Sophie meets a boy named Giulio and his group of friends with whom she winds up spending “the most unpredictable, crazy, shocking, exciting, romantic and terrifying night of her life,” according to the film’s provided synopsis.
The movie’s other cast members include Saul Nanni, who starred in Netflix Italian original “Love & Gelato”; Lorenzo Richelmy, who toplined Netflix’s “Marco Polo...
- 9/29/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Three of Indonesia’s leading studios – MD Pictures, Falcon and Screenplay Films – explained their plans for taking local content international and how they’re juggling between producing for streamers and theatres, in a session at Apos.
Manoj Punjabi, founder of MD Pictures, said his studio switched to producing 90% for the streamers during the pandemic, working with global players as well as Tencent-owned Chinese streamer WeTV. Tencent acquired a 14.6% stake in MD Pictures during the pandemic, which Punjabi said helped the company reach “a different level with more potential for growth”.
However, Punjabi added that Indonesia is still a market where both studios and audiences support local movies in cinemas. Indonesian films had a record-breaking year in 2022 when cinemas reopened, taking a 60% market share, with hits including MD Pictures’ horror drama Kkn Di Desa Penari, which became Indonesia’s highest-grossing film of all time.
Punjabi explained how he waited two years during the pandemic,...
Manoj Punjabi, founder of MD Pictures, said his studio switched to producing 90% for the streamers during the pandemic, working with global players as well as Tencent-owned Chinese streamer WeTV. Tencent acquired a 14.6% stake in MD Pictures during the pandemic, which Punjabi said helped the company reach “a different level with more potential for growth”.
However, Punjabi added that Indonesia is still a market where both studios and audiences support local movies in cinemas. Indonesian films had a record-breaking year in 2022 when cinemas reopened, taking a 60% market share, with hits including MD Pictures’ horror drama Kkn Di Desa Penari, which became Indonesia’s highest-grossing film of all time.
Punjabi explained how he waited two years during the pandemic,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
The ‘Harry Potter’ star released a statement mourning the death of Sir Michael Gambon.
The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of one of its legendary actors, Sir Michael Gambon, known for his iconic portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” film series. The news of Gambon’s death has not only saddened fans across the globe but has also deeply affected those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Among them, Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular role of Harry Potter. The actor shared heartfelt words of remembrance and admiration for his late co-star.
In a statement released by Radcliffe, he expressed his profound grief over Gambon’s death, stating, “With the loss of Michael Gambon, the world just became considerably less fun.” Radcliffe’s poignant words offered a glimpse into the camaraderie and joyous moments they shared on the set of the beloved film franchise.
The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of one of its legendary actors, Sir Michael Gambon, known for his iconic portrayal of Professor Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” film series. The news of Gambon’s death has not only saddened fans across the globe but has also deeply affected those who had the privilege of working alongside him. Among them, Daniel Radcliffe, who played the titular role of Harry Potter. The actor shared heartfelt words of remembrance and admiration for his late co-star.
In a statement released by Radcliffe, he expressed his profound grief over Gambon’s death, stating, “With the loss of Michael Gambon, the world just became considerably less fun.” Radcliffe’s poignant words offered a glimpse into the camaraderie and joyous moments they shared on the set of the beloved film franchise.
- 9/28/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Michael Gambon, the BAFTA-winning British actor best known for portraying Professor Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film series, has died at the age of 82.
Gambon died following a bout with pneumonia, his publicist told the BBC. His family added in a statement, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside.”
One of the United Kingdom’s most decorated actors on both stage and screen, Gambon won the...
Gambon died following a bout with pneumonia, his publicist told the BBC. His family added in a statement, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon. Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside.”
One of the United Kingdom’s most decorated actors on both stage and screen, Gambon won the...
- 9/28/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Michael Gambon, the veteran Irish-English actor of stage and screen known internationally for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight Harry Potter films, died Thursday in hospital after a bout of pneumonia. He was 82.
A statement issued by the actor’s publicist Clair Dobbs said, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.”
“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
In recent years, Gambon was best known internationally for the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, which he played from 2004-11 after replacing the late Richard Harris.
Michael Gambon and Daniel Radcliffe in 2005’s ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...
A statement issued by the actor’s publicist Clair Dobbs said, “We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.”
“Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love.”
In recent years, Gambon was best known internationally for the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films, which he played from 2004-11 after replacing the late Richard Harris.
Michael Gambon and Daniel Radcliffe in 2005’s ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...
- 9/28/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Gambon, the Irish-English actor best known for his role as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the “Harry Potter” movies, has died, Variety has confirmed. He was 82.
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” his family said in a statement. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”
While it is easier for a character actor, often working in supporting roles, to rack up a large number of credits than it is for lead actors, Gambon was enormously prolific, with over 150 TV or film credits in an era when half that number would be impressive and unusual — and this for a man whose body of stage work was also prodigious.
He played two real kings of England: King Edward VII in “The Lost Prince” (2003) and his son, King George V,...
“We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon,” his family said in a statement. “Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia.”
While it is easier for a character actor, often working in supporting roles, to rack up a large number of credits than it is for lead actors, Gambon was enormously prolific, with over 150 TV or film credits in an era when half that number would be impressive and unusual — and this for a man whose body of stage work was also prodigious.
He played two real kings of England: King Edward VII in “The Lost Prince” (2003) and his son, King George V,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Labaki kicked off the TIFF Visionaries strand of on-stage discussions.
Lebanese director Nadine Labaki has discussed the modern challenges of cancel culture and restrictive regimes, saying “it’s becoming difficult for artists to spread their wings.”
Speaking at a Visionaries on-stage conversation at Toronto Film Festival, Labaki was asked about any backlash she had received to her films, especially in the context of portraying the queer Lebanese community.
“When you’re living in such a difficult situation – social pressure, religious pressure, religious authorities getting involved in everything, especially arts, and censoring whatever we need to say – there’s always backlash,...
Lebanese director Nadine Labaki has discussed the modern challenges of cancel culture and restrictive regimes, saying “it’s becoming difficult for artists to spread their wings.”
Speaking at a Visionaries on-stage conversation at Toronto Film Festival, Labaki was asked about any backlash she had received to her films, especially in the context of portraying the queer Lebanese community.
“When you’re living in such a difficult situation – social pressure, religious pressure, religious authorities getting involved in everything, especially arts, and censoring whatever we need to say – there’s always backlash,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Italian genre specialist Stefano Sollima – who is known in Hollywood for “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” “Without Remorse” and the TV series “Gomorrah” – is in the Venice competition for the first time with Rome-set crime drama “Adagio.”
This beautifully shot picture features an ensemble cast of Italian A-listers comprising Pierfrancesco Favino (“Nostalgia”), Toni Servillo (“The Great Beauty”), Valerio Mastandrea (“Perfect Strangers”) and Adriano Giannini (“The Ties”). It’s the tale of three old – and once mighty – mobsters searching for redemption in a cutthroat contemporary Rome that is literally burning. They find it in the form of a 16 year old named Manuel who is being blackmailed after venturing too deep in a rotting Roman underworld world that he doesn’t understand.
You often work from books such as “Gomorrah” but this is your original idea. How did it germinate?
“Adagio” – this is no secret – is a gift that I made to myself.
This beautifully shot picture features an ensemble cast of Italian A-listers comprising Pierfrancesco Favino (“Nostalgia”), Toni Servillo (“The Great Beauty”), Valerio Mastandrea (“Perfect Strangers”) and Adriano Giannini (“The Ties”). It’s the tale of three old – and once mighty – mobsters searching for redemption in a cutthroat contemporary Rome that is literally burning. They find it in the form of a 16 year old named Manuel who is being blackmailed after venturing too deep in a rotting Roman underworld world that he doesn’t understand.
You often work from books such as “Gomorrah” but this is your original idea. How did it germinate?
“Adagio” – this is no secret – is a gift that I made to myself.
- 9/7/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Penélope Cruz is set to star as Olga, a writer forced to give up her artistic ambitions when her husband suddenly leaves her and their two young daughters, in Isabel Coixet’s English-language adaptation of Italian author Elena Ferrante’s “The Days of Abandonment.”
The deal to make the film, which is now in development, was signed before the SAG-AFTRA strike. While Cruz did not attend the Venice Film Festival, she elicited raves from critics on the Lido for her performance in Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” as the angry, lonely, grief-ravaged Laura Ferrari, emotionally estranged from her husband Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver).
“The Days of Abandonment,” which will transpose the novel’s original Italian setting to America, reunites the two top Spanish talents following their collaboration on another U.S.-set film, the 2008 drama “Elegy” an adaptation of Philip Roth’s novella “The Dying Animal,” about an affair between a...
The deal to make the film, which is now in development, was signed before the SAG-AFTRA strike. While Cruz did not attend the Venice Film Festival, she elicited raves from critics on the Lido for her performance in Michael Mann’s “Ferrari” as the angry, lonely, grief-ravaged Laura Ferrari, emotionally estranged from her husband Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver).
“The Days of Abandonment,” which will transpose the novel’s original Italian setting to America, reunites the two top Spanish talents following their collaboration on another U.S.-set film, the 2008 drama “Elegy” an adaptation of Philip Roth’s novella “The Dying Animal,” about an affair between a...
- 9/6/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Barcelona-based indie studio Filmax has nabbed international sales rights to Joaquín Mazón’s “The Night My Dad Saved Christmas,” starring Spain’s king of comedy Santiago Segura (”Father There Is Only One”) and Ernesto Sevilla (“I Can Quit Whenever I Want”).
A Spain-Mexico co-production, the film teams Spain’s tax incentive structure La Navidad en Sus Manos Aie with three of Spain’s most successful film production companies: Nadie Es Perfecto, Esto También Pasará Producciones and Bowfinger International Pictures.
The family comedy, scripted by Francisco Arnal and Daniel Monedero, is set in the days leading up to Christmas, when Santa – played by Segura – has an accident on his sleigh, right in the middle of Madrid, and ends up in hospital, where he will have to stay until after Christmas.
Fortunately, Salva, the guy he’s sharing a room with at the hospital, is willing to step in and take on his all important Christmas work.
A Spain-Mexico co-production, the film teams Spain’s tax incentive structure La Navidad en Sus Manos Aie with three of Spain’s most successful film production companies: Nadie Es Perfecto, Esto También Pasará Producciones and Bowfinger International Pictures.
The family comedy, scripted by Francisco Arnal and Daniel Monedero, is set in the days leading up to Christmas, when Santa – played by Segura – has an accident on his sleigh, right in the middle of Madrid, and ends up in hospital, where he will have to stay until after Christmas.
Fortunately, Salva, the guy he’s sharing a room with at the hospital, is willing to step in and take on his all important Christmas work.
- 9/2/2023
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
After nearly a year and a half of waiting, Max’s pirate rom-com “Our Flag Means Death” will return on Oct. 5.
The first teaser for this new installment picks up right where Season 1 left off. Though the newly-in-love Stede (Rhys Darby) and Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) planned to run away together, a hostile encounter kept Stede away from the man he loves. Stede’s holdup caused Blackbeard to believe he had been abandoned.
The teaser starts with Stede tossing a bottled message into the ocean as his voiceover reads, “Dear Ed, I love everything about you. I love being near you, breathing the same air.”
As Stede waxes poetic about his new love, Blackbeard angrily growls “F–k you, Stede Bonnet.” The rest of the teaser bounces between Stede reading his love letter and defending Blackbeard and his heartbroken lover generally causing havoc in any way he can.
Watch the full teaser in the video above.
The first teaser for this new installment picks up right where Season 1 left off. Though the newly-in-love Stede (Rhys Darby) and Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) planned to run away together, a hostile encounter kept Stede away from the man he loves. Stede’s holdup caused Blackbeard to believe he had been abandoned.
The teaser starts with Stede tossing a bottled message into the ocean as his voiceover reads, “Dear Ed, I love everything about you. I love being near you, breathing the same air.”
As Stede waxes poetic about his new love, Blackbeard angrily growls “F–k you, Stede Bonnet.” The rest of the teaser bounces between Stede reading his love letter and defending Blackbeard and his heartbroken lover generally causing havoc in any way he can.
Watch the full teaser in the video above.
- 8/30/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
ReviewThis Malayalam film streaming on SonyLiv has a crowded cast, but the seamless screenplay, strong direction, smooth editing, and intelligent shot selection ensure that you understand each character.Screengrab / 1001 NunakalThe most popular maxim when it comes to marriage in India has to be the one about uttering even a thousand lies to make a wedding happen. Honesty, then, isn’t a virtue that’s traditionally recommended in the institution of marriage. Directed by Thamar Kv who co-wrote the film with Hashim Sulaiman, 1001 Nunakal is about the nature of truth and lies. Though we may automatically say that we prefer the former, can we really handle it? Perhaps Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men (1992) was onto something when he famously yelled, “You can’t handle the truth!” 1001 Nunakal is set in Dubai where the close-knit Nri Malayali community depends on each other in times of crises. An apartment fire triggers...
- 8/18/2023
- by MariaR
- The News Minute
InterviewThe element of suspense in the Malayalam film to be released in Ott platform begins when one among the friends suggests a game that is supposed to be fun but soon turns dark.A Dubai dweller for years, Thamar Kv is used to spending weekends with a circle of friends and family there, much like the protagonists of his film 1001 Nunakal. The story idea for the film, one he has been thinking about for long, came from these gatherings of friends, he tells Tnm in an interview. In the script he co-wrote with Hashim Sulaiman, he even used some of their names. Thamar, who has been making a living out of ad films for years, is no novice to the art of filmmaking. His well-made debut feature holds proof of this. "I have been lucky to get Salim Ahamed – a reputed filmmaker – on board as producer. I also got a...
- 8/16/2023
- by Cris
- The News Minute
Netflix is toasting Mexico’s National Day of Cinema on Aug. 15 with a slew of projects, many of them tapping the country’s wealth of literary classics and original storytellers. Working with some of the most prominent local filmmakers, the streaming giant is also reaffirming its $300 million commitment to Mexican cinema and series and its #QueMéxicoSeVea (“Let Mexico Be Seen”) initiative.
A teaser of its upcoming film “No voy a pedirle a nadie que me crea” (“I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me”) by Fernando Frías De La Parra (“I’m No Longer Here”) debuts exclusively on Variety.
An adaptation of what award-winning author Juan Pablo Villalobos describes as an ‘autobiographical fiction,’ Frias’ latest film follows the writer as he prepares to go to Barcelona with his girlfriend to study for a doctorate in literature. But he gets caught up in a criminal network that spurs him to write the...
A teaser of its upcoming film “No voy a pedirle a nadie que me crea” (“I Don’t Expect Anyone to Believe Me”) by Fernando Frías De La Parra (“I’m No Longer Here”) debuts exclusively on Variety.
An adaptation of what award-winning author Juan Pablo Villalobos describes as an ‘autobiographical fiction,’ Frias’ latest film follows the writer as he prepares to go to Barcelona with his girlfriend to study for a doctorate in literature. But he gets caught up in a criminal network that spurs him to write the...
- 8/14/2023
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
“Full House” creator Jeff Franklin is going down memory lane on Dave Coulier‘s new series, “Full House Rewind”. Franklin appeared on the first episode of the PodCo series, where he and Coulier reminisced about the pilot episode of the popular family comedy, which starred the late Bob Saget, John Stamos, Coulier, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.
During the episode, which Coulier dedicated to Saget, Franklin revealed Sweetin was the first actor cast on “Full House”. He shared that after they held the first cast table read, Stamos was ready to get off the show because he was concerned Sweetin and the younger actors would take the spotlight.
“I remembered our first table read,” Coulier said.
“Where there’s a room full of studio and network executives. They were all there to see Stamos, I think,” Franklin recalled.
“Jodie just stole the show,” Coulier remembered.
During the episode, which Coulier dedicated to Saget, Franklin revealed Sweetin was the first actor cast on “Full House”. He shared that after they held the first cast table read, Stamos was ready to get off the show because he was concerned Sweetin and the younger actors would take the spotlight.
“I remembered our first table read,” Coulier said.
“Where there’s a room full of studio and network executives. They were all there to see Stamos, I think,” Franklin recalled.
“Jodie just stole the show,” Coulier remembered.
- 7/22/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Jeff Franklin, the creator of Full House, is looking back at how the show began and recalled a moment when John Stamos almost backed out of the series.
The writer-producer-director appeared on the first episode of Dave Coulier’s new podcast, Full House Rewind, which they dedicated to the late Bob Saget.
While talking about the show’s first table read with the actors, Franklin noted that there was a “room full of studio and network executives and everybody who could possibly be there. They were all there to see Stamos, I think.”
But Franklin recalled that “Jodie [Sweetin] just stole the whole thing” with her humor, which he said left Stamos upset because he was afraid the younger stars were going to steal the spotlight.
Coulier chimed in and said he remembers “walking out with John” afterward when the Scream Queens actor told him, “The whole show’s gonna be her.
The writer-producer-director appeared on the first episode of Dave Coulier’s new podcast, Full House Rewind, which they dedicated to the late Bob Saget.
While talking about the show’s first table read with the actors, Franklin noted that there was a “room full of studio and network executives and everybody who could possibly be there. They were all there to see Stamos, I think.”
But Franklin recalled that “Jodie [Sweetin] just stole the whole thing” with her humor, which he said left Stamos upset because he was afraid the younger stars were going to steal the spotlight.
Coulier chimed in and said he remembers “walking out with John” afterward when the Scream Queens actor told him, “The whole show’s gonna be her.
- 7/22/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Banijay is expanding its footprint in Italy’s scripted production arena by partnering with Greenboo Production, the shingle recently founded by “Perfect Strangers” producer Marco Belardi.
Formerly known as Bamboo Production, Greenboo was launched last year by Belardi, who formerly headed the Leone Film Group’s film and TV company Lotus Production. Besides producing “Perfect Strangers,” the megahit concept dramedy that’s been remade in a dozen countries around the world, Belardi has also spawned a steady stream of other hits such as Gabriele Muccino’s “There Is No Place Like Home,” which in 2018 pulled in more than $10 million locally and has been spun off recently into a successful TV series for Sky. They also have high-end series “Lions of Sicily” coming up for Disney and a multi-picture deal with Netflix.
“Greenboo is a promising new venture, which, thanks to the experience of its founder, Marco, has already launched numerous...
Formerly known as Bamboo Production, Greenboo was launched last year by Belardi, who formerly headed the Leone Film Group’s film and TV company Lotus Production. Besides producing “Perfect Strangers,” the megahit concept dramedy that’s been remade in a dozen countries around the world, Belardi has also spawned a steady stream of other hits such as Gabriele Muccino’s “There Is No Place Like Home,” which in 2018 pulled in more than $10 million locally and has been spun off recently into a successful TV series for Sky. They also have high-end series “Lions of Sicily” coming up for Disney and a multi-picture deal with Netflix.
“Greenboo is a promising new venture, which, thanks to the experience of its founder, Marco, has already launched numerous...
- 7/20/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Once upon a time, in a world not so far away, if you wanted to make a phone call, you would have to find a claustrophobic box that housed the invention of Antonio Meucci, Elisha Gray and the one who actually owns the patent on the invention: Alexander Graham Bell: We’re talking of course about the Telephone. For many of you the idea that you couldn’t just reach into your pocket and grab your own personal device that allows you to communicate with anyone and everyone on this big blue planet is unfathomable, yet as recently as just twenty years ago, the sight of someone walking on a street talking to themselves was actually quite the peculiar spectacle. It is with that bit of knowledge that an idea thought up in the 60’s was given a modern day twist to focus on the last remaining telephone kiosk...
- 7/17/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Sorry Henry Rollins, we’re havin’ a TV party tonight, and we’ve got one name on the mind: Stephen King. Sit back and relax, Constant Listeners, as the Losers see what they can learn from TV’s treatment of King — the jokes, the references, and the shows that, if not for him, might not exist. Cheers to Perfect Strangers, Lost to Supernatural, Family Guy to Rick and Morty, the Losers unpack it all. No remote necessary.
Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers speak with Dr. Sonya Durney of the Maine Library Association, who will discuss the Kings’ recent keynote speech on the importance of libraries. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon).
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Stream the episode below and stay tuned next week when the Losers speak with Dr. Sonya Durney of the Maine Library Association, who will discuss the Kings’ recent keynote speech on the importance of libraries. For further adventures, join the Losers’ Club via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of exclusive content in The Barrens (Patreon).
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Patreon | Store
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- 7/14/2023
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
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