Exclusive: Vespucci, the company behind audio series such as Nikolaj Coster-Waldau’s Radioman, has launched a new podcast commissioning fund and has set a number of projects.
The company, which is also behind Showtime documentary 2nd Chance, is launching One Click: Ashley Madison, hosted by Elle Fanning and Space Cadets, about a controversial British reality show that tricked people into thinking they were going into space, as the first two shows from the fund.
The fund, which moves Vespucci into originals, after partnering with the likes of Audible and Spotify, will produce ten series over the next two years.
One Click: Ashley Madison tells the inside story of the 2015 Ashley Madison hack that exposed tens of thousands of cheating spouses. It features access to the company, and users whose lives were turned upside down by the leak. It is the follow up to Fanning-hosted One Click, about a wonder diet pill.
The company, which is also behind Showtime documentary 2nd Chance, is launching One Click: Ashley Madison, hosted by Elle Fanning and Space Cadets, about a controversial British reality show that tricked people into thinking they were going into space, as the first two shows from the fund.
The fund, which moves Vespucci into originals, after partnering with the likes of Audible and Spotify, will produce ten series over the next two years.
One Click: Ashley Madison tells the inside story of the 2015 Ashley Madison hack that exposed tens of thousands of cheating spouses. It features access to the company, and users whose lives were turned upside down by the leak. It is the follow up to Fanning-hosted One Click, about a wonder diet pill.
- 4/25/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Brett Morgen’s Moonage Daydream wins for documentary screenplay.
Everything Everywhere All At Once added another senior honour to its awards circuit haul en route to next weekend’s Oscars, taking the prize for best original screenplay at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday night (March 5).
The win for Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert caps another momentous week for A24’s metaverse adventure following triumphs at Saturday’s Spirit Awards and last weekend’s historical SAG Awards.
Original screenplay is one of 11 nominations the Everything team will be looking to convert at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12. Final voting...
Everything Everywhere All At Once added another senior honour to its awards circuit haul en route to next weekend’s Oscars, taking the prize for best original screenplay at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday night (March 5).
The win for Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert caps another momentous week for A24’s metaverse adventure following triumphs at Saturday’s Spirit Awards and last weekend’s historical SAG Awards.
Original screenplay is one of 11 nominations the Everything team will be looking to convert at the 95th Academy Awards on March 12. Final voting...
- 3/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sunday’s 75th Writers Guild of America Awards will conclude the guild season (and a four-guild kudos weekend). Will they portend good things to come at the Oscars for the winners?
“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, and “Women Talking,” written by Sarah Polley, are projected to win the Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay prizes, respectively. The caveat, of course, is that neither is facing its top Oscar competition at WGA due to the guild’s eligibility requirements. Martin McDonagh‘s “The Banshees of Inisherin” script, which won the Golden Globe and BAFTA, is Awol in original, as is Oscar nominee “Triangle of Sadness.” And BAFTA’s adapted screenplay champ “All Quiet on the Western Front,” written by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson and Ian Stokell, is ineligible, along with Oscar nominee “Living.”
Over on the small screen side of things, “Better Call Saul...
“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, and “Women Talking,” written by Sarah Polley, are projected to win the Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay prizes, respectively. The caveat, of course, is that neither is facing its top Oscar competition at WGA due to the guild’s eligibility requirements. Martin McDonagh‘s “The Banshees of Inisherin” script, which won the Golden Globe and BAFTA, is Awol in original, as is Oscar nominee “Triangle of Sadness.” And BAFTA’s adapted screenplay champ “All Quiet on the Western Front,” written by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson and Ian Stokell, is ineligible, along with Oscar nominee “Living.”
Over on the small screen side of things, “Better Call Saul...
- 3/6/2023
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Don’t look for four of the 10 Oscar nominees for screenplay (the original scripts for “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “Triangle of Sadness” plus the adaptations of “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Living” ) on the list of 2023 Writers Guild of America Awards nominations announced January 25. They didn’t qualify for consideration under the guild’s guidelines or those of its international partners.
The Original Screenplay frontrunner “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is in contention for this guild award as are two of its Oscar rivals: “The Fabelmans” and “Tar.” The WGA race is rounded out by the scripts for “The Menu” and “Nope.”
Likewise our predicted winner for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars — “Women Talking” — is vying for this award too. It faces off against a pair of Oscar nominees — “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and “Top Gun: Maverick” — plus “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “She Said....
The Original Screenplay frontrunner “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is in contention for this guild award as are two of its Oscar rivals: “The Fabelmans” and “Tar.” The WGA race is rounded out by the scripts for “The Menu” and “Nope.”
Likewise our predicted winner for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars — “Women Talking” — is vying for this award too. It faces off against a pair of Oscar nominees — “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” and “Top Gun: Maverick” — plus “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “She Said....
- 1/25/2023
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) and Writers Guild of America West (Wgaw) announced the outstanding screenplay nominees for their annual Writers Guild Awards just one day after the 2023 Oscars nominations came out. Given the organization’s strict eligibility rules, the WGA has created interesting differences between its choices and the Academy’s this year.
Looking at the five WGA Original Screenplay nominees, only three were nominated for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar: “The Fabelmans,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “TÁR.” The difference could easily be chalked up to the fact that Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin” and Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness” were not eligible, as they were not written under the WGA’s Minimum Basic Agreement (Mba) or under a bona fide collective bargaining agreement of an international affiliate Guild.
The other two WGA Original Screenplay nominees, Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and Seth Reiss...
Looking at the five WGA Original Screenplay nominees, only three were nominated for the Best Original Screenplay Oscar: “The Fabelmans,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “TÁR.” The difference could easily be chalked up to the fact that Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees of Inisherin” and Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness” were not eligible, as they were not written under the WGA’s Minimum Basic Agreement (Mba) or under a bona fide collective bargaining agreement of an international affiliate Guild.
The other two WGA Original Screenplay nominees, Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and Seth Reiss...
- 1/25/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Awards ceremony in New York and Los Angeles to take place on March 5
The 2023 Writers Guild Of America (Ega) screenplay nominations have been announced and the field includes Jordan Peele’s Nope in the original category, Sarah Polley’s Women Talking in adapted, and Brett Morgen’s Moonage Daydream in documentary.
Besides the aforementioned, anticipated heavyweight nominees include The Fablemans by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, Everything Everywhere All At Once by the Daniels, Tár by Todd Field, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery by Rian Johnson.
Winners...
The 2023 Writers Guild Of America (Ega) screenplay nominations have been announced and the field includes Jordan Peele’s Nope in the original category, Sarah Polley’s Women Talking in adapted, and Brett Morgen’s Moonage Daydream in documentary.
Besides the aforementioned, anticipated heavyweight nominees include The Fablemans by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, Everything Everywhere All At Once by the Daniels, Tár by Todd Field, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery by Rian Johnson.
Winners...
- 1/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Oscar-nominated screenplays “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tár,” “Glass Onion,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Women Talking” are among this year’s Writers Guild of America Awards nominees.
Nominated screenplays such as “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Living” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” were not eligible by the guild.
Some inspired inclusions this year were the bloody chef flick “The Menu” and the sci-fi UFO chaser “Nope” in original screenplay.
On the adapted side, the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, in addition to the depiction of the Harvey Weinstein scandal in “She Said.”
The film and TV winners will be honored at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards ceremonies on Sunday, March 5.
Original Screenplay
“Everything Everywhere All At Once” (A24) — Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
“The Fabelmans” (Universal Pictures) — Written by Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner
“The Menu” (Searchlight Pictures...
Nominated screenplays such as “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Living” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” were not eligible by the guild.
Some inspired inclusions this year were the bloody chef flick “The Menu” and the sci-fi UFO chaser “Nope” in original screenplay.
On the adapted side, the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, in addition to the depiction of the Harvey Weinstein scandal in “She Said.”
The film and TV winners will be honored at the 2023 Writers Guild Awards ceremonies on Sunday, March 5.
Original Screenplay
“Everything Everywhere All At Once” (A24) — Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
“The Fabelmans” (Universal Pictures) — Written by Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner
“The Menu” (Searchlight Pictures...
- 1/25/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
‘The Fabelmans,’ ‘Women Talking,’ ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Land Writers Guild Nominations
“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Women Talking” and “The Fabelmans” are among the films nominated in the film categories for the 75th annual Writers Guild Awards, the WGA, West and WGA, East announced on Wednesday.
In the Adapted Screenplay category, the guild went for Oscar nominees “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Women Talking,” along with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “She Said.”
In Original Screenplay, Oscar nominees “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans” and “Tar” were nominated, as were “The Menu” and “Nope.”
Also Read:
Oscar Nominations 2023: Andrea Riseborough, Brian Tyree Henry and Paul Mescal Break Into the Race (Complete List)
It is unusual for the Writers Guild to announce its nominations after the Oscar nominations. The two bodies often differ because of WGA eligibility rules that restrict eligibility to screenplays that were written under the guild’s Minimum Basic...
In the Adapted Screenplay category, the guild went for Oscar nominees “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Women Talking,” along with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “She Said.”
In Original Screenplay, Oscar nominees “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans” and “Tar” were nominated, as were “The Menu” and “Nope.”
Also Read:
Oscar Nominations 2023: Andrea Riseborough, Brian Tyree Henry and Paul Mescal Break Into the Race (Complete List)
It is unusual for the Writers Guild to announce its nominations after the Oscar nominations. The two bodies often differ because of WGA eligibility rules that restrict eligibility to screenplays that were written under the guild’s Minimum Basic...
- 1/25/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Sundance’s return to in person events after two years due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has been much celebrated since the annual festival kicked off on Jan. 19 in Park City, Utah.
But the 2023 iteration isn’t just an exciting return for the organizers or attendees. For A Little Prayer producer Ramin Bahrani, it’s been a “wonderful” experience following his appearance at last year’s virtual festival, which featured a premiere screening of his documentary 2nd Chance, about Richard Davis, the inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest.
It’s a movie the Oscar-nominated Bahrani, who is also behind The White Tiger and 99 Holmes, acknowledges has a thematic overlap with director Angus MacLachlan’s film in its examination of men and larger social issues. “For A Little Prayer, I’m thrilled that Angus and his team will enjoy an in-person festival because the humor and emotional ending of his film...
But the 2023 iteration isn’t just an exciting return for the organizers or attendees. For A Little Prayer producer Ramin Bahrani, it’s been a “wonderful” experience following his appearance at last year’s virtual festival, which featured a premiere screening of his documentary 2nd Chance, about Richard Davis, the inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest.
It’s a movie the Oscar-nominated Bahrani, who is also behind The White Tiger and 99 Holmes, acknowledges has a thematic overlap with director Angus MacLachlan’s film in its examination of men and larger social issues. “For A Little Prayer, I’m thrilled that Angus and his team will enjoy an in-person festival because the humor and emotional ending of his film...
- 1/23/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At the Variety and Rolling Stone Truth Seekers Summit presented by Showtime Documentary Films, journalists, filmmakers, comedians and producers took part in extensive conversations about pursuing the truth in different formats like documentaries, news programming and comedy. The summit took place on Thursday in New York, and was additionally streamed to coincide with the launch of the Truth Seekers journal, a special issue collaboration between Variety and Rolling Stone.
With keynote conversations, interviews and roundtables from the likes of Barbara Kopple, Lesley Stahl, W. Kamau Bell, Ramin Bahrani and more, here are our top takeaways from the summit:
Barbara Kopple: Capturing the human condition through documentaries
Documentary filmmaker Kopple received the Truth Seekers Award for Documentary Filmmaking, and talked at length about her body of work, including films like “Harlan County, USA” and “American Dream.” Kopple discussed with Variety contributor Thelma Adams the danger in capturing the subjects in her documentaries,...
With keynote conversations, interviews and roundtables from the likes of Barbara Kopple, Lesley Stahl, W. Kamau Bell, Ramin Bahrani and more, here are our top takeaways from the summit:
Barbara Kopple: Capturing the human condition through documentaries
Documentary filmmaker Kopple received the Truth Seekers Award for Documentary Filmmaking, and talked at length about her body of work, including films like “Harlan County, USA” and “American Dream.” Kopple discussed with Variety contributor Thelma Adams the danger in capturing the subjects in her documentaries,...
- 8/26/2022
- by EJ Panaligan, Wilson Chapman, Carson Burton and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
For those looking to experience the best that indie filmmaking has to offer, an eclectic NYC festival is now back in full force this month. After a consolidated, virtual edition last year, BAMcinemaFest is now returning for a complete, in-person edition taking place at Bam Rose Cinemas beginning June 23. Ahead of the launch, we’re pleased to exclusively debut the trailer.
With a lineup that opens with the award-winning Aftershock, and includes the Lily Gladstone-led The Unknown Country, Free Chol Soo Lee from Julie Ha & Eugene Yi, Tyler Taormina’s Happer’s Comet, and Ramin Bahrani’s 2nd Chance, and more, the trailer takes a playful look at this years’ offerings. Watch below and learn more here.
See the lineup below.
Thu, Jun 23 at 7pm: Aftershock
Fri, June 24 at 6:45pm: Cheee
Fri, June 24 at 9:30pm: Ferny & Luca
Sat, June 25 at 1:30pm: BAMcinemaFest Shorts Program 1
Sat, June...
With a lineup that opens with the award-winning Aftershock, and includes the Lily Gladstone-led The Unknown Country, Free Chol Soo Lee from Julie Ha & Eugene Yi, Tyler Taormina’s Happer’s Comet, and Ramin Bahrani’s 2nd Chance, and more, the trailer takes a playful look at this years’ offerings. Watch below and learn more here.
See the lineup below.
Thu, Jun 23 at 7pm: Aftershock
Fri, June 24 at 6:45pm: Cheee
Fri, June 24 at 9:30pm: Ferny & Luca
Sat, June 25 at 1:30pm: BAMcinemaFest Shorts Program 1
Sat, June...
- 6/7/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Previous | Image 1 of 13 | NextAmy Landecker, Patton Oswalt, James Morosini and Claudia Sulewski of ‘I Love My Dad.’
Chicago – The 9th Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) wrapped on May 19th, 2022, with the featured Closing Night film, “I Love My Dad.” The film stars Patton Oswalt and James Morosini (who also wrote and directed the film), and both appeared on behalf of the film, in addition to cast members Claudia Sulewski and Amy Landecker. Photographer Joe Arce took Exclusive Portraits of the cast and director, accessible in the Slideshow below.
Inspired by writer/director/lead actor James Morosini’s true life experience, “I Love My Dad” follows Chuck (Patton Oswalt), an estranged father who desperately wants to reconnect with his depressive son, Franklin (Morosini). Blocked on social media and concerned for his son’s life, Chuck impersonates a waitress named Becca (Claudia Sulewski) online and starts checking in with Franklin, unbeknownst to...
Chicago – The 9th Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff) wrapped on May 19th, 2022, with the featured Closing Night film, “I Love My Dad.” The film stars Patton Oswalt and James Morosini (who also wrote and directed the film), and both appeared on behalf of the film, in addition to cast members Claudia Sulewski and Amy Landecker. Photographer Joe Arce took Exclusive Portraits of the cast and director, accessible in the Slideshow below.
Inspired by writer/director/lead actor James Morosini’s true life experience, “I Love My Dad” follows Chuck (Patton Oswalt), an estranged father who desperately wants to reconnect with his depressive son, Franklin (Morosini). Blocked on social media and concerned for his son’s life, Chuck impersonates a waitress named Becca (Claudia Sulewski) online and starts checking in with Franklin, unbeknownst to...
- 5/24/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
One of the most well-curated festivals spotlighting indie filmmaking comes courtesy of Bam and their annual BAMcinemaFest, which takes place in person at Bam Rose Cinemas on June 23-30 this year. The lineup has now been announced, which includes some of our recent festival favorites: the Lily Gladstone-led The Unknown Country, Free Chol Soo Lee from Julie Ha & Eugene Yi, Tyler Taormina’s Happer’s Comet, and Ramin Bahrani’s 2nd Chance.
“I’m thrilled to have BAMcinemaFest back in person and to spotlight this incredible lineup of filmmakers,” said Jesse Trussell, festival programmer and senior programmer for film at Bam. “As we close in on a year since Bam Rose Cinemas reopened, it’s a joy to be able to gather and celebrate this art form as a collective experience.”
See the lineup below and learn more here.
Aftershock (2022) Dirs. Paula Eiselt & Tonya Lewis Lee. Shamony Gibson and...
“I’m thrilled to have BAMcinemaFest back in person and to spotlight this incredible lineup of filmmakers,” said Jesse Trussell, festival programmer and senior programmer for film at Bam. “As we close in on a year since Bam Rose Cinemas reopened, it’s a joy to be able to gather and celebrate this art form as a collective experience.”
See the lineup below and learn more here.
Aftershock (2022) Dirs. Paula Eiselt & Tonya Lewis Lee. Shamony Gibson and...
- 5/5/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
The 2022 BAMcinemaFest has officially unveiled its lineup. IndieWire can exclusively announce that Sundance breakout documentary “Aftershock” will make its New York Premiere on the opening night of the festival, which kicks off June 23 and runs through June 30.
The fully in-person event will begin with Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee’s critically acclaimed documentary. The film exposes the failures of the maternal healthcare system that have led to a disproportionate amount of Black women dying in childbirth. “Aftershock” won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Impact for Change at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Fellow Sundance selection “2nd Chance” is set to make its New York Premiere, as well as breakthrough filmmaker Andrew Infante’s “Ferny and Luca,” a fresh take on the ebbs and flows of a young Brooklyn relationship.
BAMcinemaFest will also mark the world premiere of Amber Bemak’s performative documentary “100 Ways to Touch the Border,” which...
The fully in-person event will begin with Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee’s critically acclaimed documentary. The film exposes the failures of the maternal healthcare system that have led to a disproportionate amount of Black women dying in childbirth. “Aftershock” won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Impact for Change at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Fellow Sundance selection “2nd Chance” is set to make its New York Premiere, as well as breakthrough filmmaker Andrew Infante’s “Ferny and Luca,” a fresh take on the ebbs and flows of a young Brooklyn relationship.
BAMcinemaFest will also mark the world premiere of Amber Bemak’s performative documentary “100 Ways to Touch the Border,” which...
- 5/5/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Sundance Film Festival is crossing its fingers that after two fully online events, this will be the year it returns to an in-person format. It has set the dates for a hybrid festival in Park City, Utah, Salt Lake City and beyond for Jan. 19-29, 2023.
But it’s not ditching its online presence and is still planning for a hybrid format, just as it had originally done in 2022 before the Omicron variant of Covid forced the festival to go fully virtual for the second year in a row.
Sundance also says that its 2023 program will be even larger than what has been presented digitally the past two years. Pass and package information for online and in-person participation will be shared closer to the festival, as will detailed health safety and vaccination guidance.
“We can’t wait to return to our home in Park City and present exciting new work...
But it’s not ditching its online presence and is still planning for a hybrid format, just as it had originally done in 2022 before the Omicron variant of Covid forced the festival to go fully virtual for the second year in a row.
Sundance also says that its 2023 program will be even larger than what has been presented digitally the past two years. Pass and package information for online and in-person participation will be shared closer to the festival, as will detailed health safety and vaccination guidance.
“We can’t wait to return to our home in Park City and present exciting new work...
- 5/3/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, we’re talking with British multi-hyphenate Charles Dorfman, who, through his two banners Samuel Marshall Films and Media Finance Capital, has worked across a range of titles from The Lost Daughter to 2nd Chance and his own directorial debut Barbarians. In his first major interview, he outlines his ambitions as a writer-director and as a financier-producer.
Charles Dorfman is coming off the back of a banner few months. Not only did the British writer-director-producer see the release of his debut feature Barbarians earlier this month but he also was a quiet fixture during the Oscar race this year, having produced Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut The Lost Daughter.
Barbarians, which recently won the Jury’s Special Award at the Fantasporto...
Charles Dorfman is coming off the back of a banner few months. Not only did the British writer-director-producer see the release of his debut feature Barbarians earlier this month but he also was a quiet fixture during the Oscar race this year, having produced Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut The Lost Daughter.
Barbarians, which recently won the Jury’s Special Award at the Fantasporto...
- 4/20/2022
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Blue Finch Barbarians Sales
UK sales and distribution outfit Blue Finch Films has struck some key territory deals on Barbarians, the directing debut of British filmmaker Charles Dorfman, who also penned the script. The film has sold to the Middle East (Front Row), Scandinavia (NonStop Entertainment) and will join the Sky Original film line-up on Sky Cinema in the UK and Ireland on April 3. The pic previously sold to the U.S. with IFC Midnight, which will release the film in theaters and on demand on April 1. Barbarians stars Iwan Rheon (Game Of Thrones), Tom Cullen (Downton Abbey), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full Of Grace), Connor Swindells (Sex Education) and Inès Spiridonov (Section Zero). It follows two couples celebrating a birthday at an intimate dinner party. As the night progresses, secrets begin to unravel, and an unexpected knock at the door sends the evening of celebration into a dark night of terror.
UK sales and distribution outfit Blue Finch Films has struck some key territory deals on Barbarians, the directing debut of British filmmaker Charles Dorfman, who also penned the script. The film has sold to the Middle East (Front Row), Scandinavia (NonStop Entertainment) and will join the Sky Original film line-up on Sky Cinema in the UK and Ireland on April 3. The pic previously sold to the U.S. with IFC Midnight, which will release the film in theaters and on demand on April 1. Barbarians stars Iwan Rheon (Game Of Thrones), Tom Cullen (Downton Abbey), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full Of Grace), Connor Swindells (Sex Education) and Inès Spiridonov (Section Zero). It follows two couples celebrating a birthday at an intimate dinner party. As the night progresses, secrets begin to unravel, and an unexpected knock at the door sends the evening of celebration into a dark night of terror.
- 3/31/2022
- by Tom Grater and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Lest there be any lingering doubt, director Ramin Bahrani intones in narration over his first documentary feature “2nd Chance” that this is a metaphor for America. This isn’t particularly surprising given that his subject Richard Davis, a pioneer of the concealable bulletproof vest, straddles the country’s dark fascinations with violence and capitalism. But it also isn’t entirely accurate, either. The line feels like a holdover from an earlier incarnation of the film Bahrani couldn’t bear to excise.
Continue reading ‘2nd Chance’ Review: Ramin Bahrani’s First Documentary Muddles Its Metaphor [True/False Film Festival] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘2nd Chance’ Review: Ramin Bahrani’s First Documentary Muddles Its Metaphor [True/False Film Festival] at The Playlist.
- 3/9/2022
- by Marshall Shaffer
- The Playlist
It’s the first documentary feature directed by Ramin Bahrani, who has often brought a real-world edge to his dramas, and the figure at the film’s center could be a true-life character out of Morris land — one of those rational-on-the-surface, only-in-America compartmentalized crackpot geeks whose hidden dark depths just about scream, “Look out, I‘m a walking nonfiction metaphor!”
In “2nd Chance,” that character is one Richard Davis, who invented the bulletproof vest as we know it. He did it in the 1970s, and the way he did it was very ’70s: by putting on a prototype version of his invention, grabbing a gun with both hands, and shooting himself in the chest. He did that (and filmed it) 192 times — as a scientific demonstration, as a publicity stunt, and as a way to hawk his vests to U.S. law enforcement and the military. Each time he did it,...
In “2nd Chance,” that character is one Richard Davis, who invented the bulletproof vest as we know it. He did it in the 1970s, and the way he did it was very ’70s: by putting on a prototype version of his invention, grabbing a gun with both hands, and shooting himself in the chest. He did that (and filmed it) 192 times — as a scientific demonstration, as a publicity stunt, and as a way to hawk his vests to U.S. law enforcement and the military. Each time he did it,...
- 3/4/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
2nd Chance Review — 2nd Chance (2022) Film Review from the 45th Annual Sundance Film Festival, a documentary written and directed by Ramin Bahrani, featuring Richard Davis. 2nd Chance opens with (and continues to fall back on) its selling point of bulletproof vest manufacturer Richard Davis being the only man in the [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: 2Nd Chance: The Contradictions of the American Psyche By Way of a Midwestern Armor Dealer [Sundance 2022]...
Continue reading: Film Review: 2Nd Chance: The Contradictions of the American Psyche By Way of a Midwestern Armor Dealer [Sundance 2022]...
- 2/6/2022
- by Jacob Mouradian
- Film-Book
Who would've thought that a documentary about some bozo that invented a new bulletproof vest would be this fascinating and this unsettling?! But that's exactly why I had to watch this film and find out what it's all about and holy sh*t, it's totally nuts! This guy is nuts! But that is the story, that's the entire point of making this film. Another tale of the "American Dream" gone wrong. Iranian-American filmmaker Ramin Bahrani has cooked up his version "Tiger King" with this documentary called 2nd Chance, which just premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The engrossing documentary tells the story of Richard Davis, a doofus from Michigan that somehow invented some lightweight bulletproof vests as part of a police fanboy fantasy. The way it plays out from there is totally crazy, and it gets even crazier as ...
- 2/4/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
This year’s Sundance Film Festival abandoned its plans for an in-person event due to rising Covid cases, but the latest edition still provided a rich selection of new films, television series, VR projects, and much more. And while IndieWire would have loved to be (literally) on the ground, we covered the festival from reviews to interviews, features to breaking news, and a truly delightful array of “in-studio” visits with some of our favorite talents.
For everything Sundance we’ve published over the past few days (and the weeks leading up to the festival) check this out,, but what did you really want to see out of Sundance? We’ve got a pretty good idea.
Our preview of hot sales titles (heavy on the genre films and documentaries) was of big interest and our top pick, Cooper Raiff’s “Cha Cha Real Smooth” sold to Apple for a hefty $15 million.
For everything Sundance we’ve published over the past few days (and the weeks leading up to the festival) check this out,, but what did you really want to see out of Sundance? We’ve got a pretty good idea.
Our preview of hot sales titles (heavy on the genre films and documentaries) was of big interest and our top pick, Cooper Raiff’s “Cha Cha Real Smooth” sold to Apple for a hefty $15 million.
- 1/30/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Netflix takes Sundance doc ‘Descendant’, Warner Bros/HBO Max, Showtime, Mubi also in action (update)
Festival runs through January 30.
Updated January 29: Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant on Friday (28), which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Showtime Documentary Films moved on Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and on Saturday Warner Bros and HBO Max took worldwide rights to Dakota Johnson drama Am I Ok? and Mubi picked up Free Choi Soo Lee.
Margaret Brown’s Descendant premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community...
Updated January 29: Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to Participant’s Sundance documentary Descendant on Friday (28), which Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground will present alongside the streamer.
Showtime Documentary Films moved on Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and on Saturday Warner Bros and HBO Max took worldwide rights to Dakota Johnson drama Am I Ok? and Mubi picked up Free Choi Soo Lee.
Margaret Brown’s Descendant premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition and follows members of Africatown, a small community in Alabama, as they share their personal stories and community...
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Showtime Documentary Films has acquired the rights to “2nd Chance” out of Sundance, Ramin Bahrani’s documentary about the inventor of the bulletproof vest.
Bahrani’s film, his documentary feature debut, tracks the life of Richard Davis, who shot himself 192 times in demonstration of his invention’s safety. Showtime is planning a theatrical release of “2nd Chance” followed by a premiere on the network later this year heading into awards season.
Bahrani grapples with the pursuit of the American Dream, as he has done in many of his films, by juxtaposing the complexities of one man’s supposed virtue while speaking to the nature of power and impunity in America.
“2nd Chance” is written, directed and produced by Bahrani. Daniel Turcan and Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik also serve as producers. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang.
Bahrani’s film, his documentary feature debut, tracks the life of Richard Davis, who shot himself 192 times in demonstration of his invention’s safety. Showtime is planning a theatrical release of “2nd Chance” followed by a premiere on the network later this year heading into awards season.
Bahrani grapples with the pursuit of the American Dream, as he has done in many of his films, by juxtaposing the complexities of one man’s supposed virtue while speaking to the nature of power and impunity in America.
“2nd Chance” is written, directed and produced by Bahrani. Daniel Turcan and Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik also serve as producers. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang.
- 1/29/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
WME Independent to launch international sales at the upcoming EFM.
Showtime Documentary Films has acquired North American rights to Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and plans a theatrical release ahead of the network premiere later this year leading into awards season.
‘2nd Chance’: Sundance Review
WME Independent will launch international sales at the upcoming EFM on Bahrani’s latest film about the life and legacy of Richard Davis, inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked.
Bahrani, Daniel Turcan and Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik served as producers.
Showtime Documentary Films has acquired North American rights to Ramin Bahrani’s Sundance Premieres entry 2nd Chance and plans a theatrical release ahead of the network premiere later this year leading into awards season.
‘2nd Chance’: Sundance Review
WME Independent will launch international sales at the upcoming EFM on Bahrani’s latest film about the life and legacy of Richard Davis, inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked.
Bahrani, Daniel Turcan and Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik served as producers.
- 1/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Showtime Documentary Films has acquired “2nd Chance,” about the life and legacy of Richard Davis, from director and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Ramin Bahrani.
The feature length-documentary centers on Davis, the charming and brash inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest, who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked.
“Richard Davis is a fascinating documentary subject whose character reveals a deeper metaphor for America today,” said Bahrani. “I am very thankful to the producers and entire filmmaking team for being part of such a thought provoking and timely film. We are thrilled to partner with Showtime and look forward to bringing ‘2nd Chance’ to audiences.”
Written, directed, and produced by Bahrani, “2nd Chance” is produced by Daniel Turcan & Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang. Endeavor Content and Samuel Marshall Films produced and financed the film.
The feature length-documentary centers on Davis, the charming and brash inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest, who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked.
“Richard Davis is a fascinating documentary subject whose character reveals a deeper metaphor for America today,” said Bahrani. “I am very thankful to the producers and entire filmmaking team for being part of such a thought provoking and timely film. We are thrilled to partner with Showtime and look forward to bringing ‘2nd Chance’ to audiences.”
Written, directed, and produced by Bahrani, “2nd Chance” is produced by Daniel Turcan & Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang. Endeavor Content and Samuel Marshall Films produced and financed the film.
- 1/29/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime Documentary Films has acquired North American rights to the Sundance Film Festival documentary 2nd Chance, from director and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Ramin Bahrani.
Bahrani’s feature-length documentary debut, is an exploration of the life and legacy of Richard Davis, the charming and brash inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked. The film juxtaposes Davis’ actions with those of his righteous right-hand man, Aaron Westrick. Unwilling to passively present questionable truths, Bahrani instead lays bare the complexities of one man’s supposed virtue while speaking to the nature of power and impunity in America.
The pay cable channel is planning a theatrical release ahead of a network premiere later his year, leading into awards season.
Pic is written, directed, and produced by Bahrani. Daniel Turcan & Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik also serve as producers. The film is executive produced...
Bahrani’s feature-length documentary debut, is an exploration of the life and legacy of Richard Davis, the charming and brash inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked. The film juxtaposes Davis’ actions with those of his righteous right-hand man, Aaron Westrick. Unwilling to passively present questionable truths, Bahrani instead lays bare the complexities of one man’s supposed virtue while speaking to the nature of power and impunity in America.
The pay cable channel is planning a theatrical release ahead of a network premiere later his year, leading into awards season.
Pic is written, directed, and produced by Bahrani. Daniel Turcan & Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik also serve as producers. The film is executive produced...
- 1/29/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The IndieWire Sundance 2022 Bible: Every Review, Interview, and News Item Posted During the Festival
Film and Television Reviews
‘Emily the Criminal’ Review: Aubrey Plaza Is Riveting in a Pitch-Black Heist Thriller
‘Am I Ok?’ Review: Dakota Johnson Charms Her Way Through a New Kind of Sex Comedy
‘Jihad Rehab’ Review: A Provocative Look Inside the Spa-Like Saudi Facility that Tries to Re-Educate Terrorists
‘Navalny’ Review: CNN’s Thriller-Like Doc Goes Inside Putin’s Failed Attempt to Assassinate His Rival
Sundance Indie Episodic Program Looks to the Past to Escape a Grim Present
‘Blood’ Review: ‘Wetlands’ Star Carla Juri Grieves Through a Meandering Soul Search in Japan
‘Dos Estaciones’ Review: The Owner of a Tequila Factory Struggles to Stay Afloat in Sobering Docudrama
‘My Old School’ Review: A One-of-a-Kind Alan Cumming Performance Undone by Shrug-Worthy Hoax
‘Happening’ Review: Captivating Venice Winner Takes a Clear-Eyed View of Abortion
‘Palm Trees and Power Lines’ Review: Breakout Lily McInerny Boosts Painfully Honest Coming-of-Age Tale
‘The American Dream and...
‘Emily the Criminal’ Review: Aubrey Plaza Is Riveting in a Pitch-Black Heist Thriller
‘Am I Ok?’ Review: Dakota Johnson Charms Her Way Through a New Kind of Sex Comedy
‘Jihad Rehab’ Review: A Provocative Look Inside the Spa-Like Saudi Facility that Tries to Re-Educate Terrorists
‘Navalny’ Review: CNN’s Thriller-Like Doc Goes Inside Putin’s Failed Attempt to Assassinate His Rival
Sundance Indie Episodic Program Looks to the Past to Escape a Grim Present
‘Blood’ Review: ‘Wetlands’ Star Carla Juri Grieves Through a Meandering Soul Search in Japan
‘Dos Estaciones’ Review: The Owner of a Tequila Factory Struggles to Stay Afloat in Sobering Docudrama
‘My Old School’ Review: A One-of-a-Kind Alan Cumming Performance Undone by Shrug-Worthy Hoax
‘Happening’ Review: Captivating Venice Winner Takes a Clear-Eyed View of Abortion
‘Palm Trees and Power Lines’ Review: Breakout Lily McInerny Boosts Painfully Honest Coming-of-Age Tale
‘The American Dream and...
- 1/28/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
This is the story of Richard Davis. After not one but two different pizza shops owned by Davis burned to the ground in 1969, Davis moved on to something different: Inventing the modern-day bulletproof vest. To prove it worked when he was just getting started out, Davis staged demonstrations in which he would slap on the vest and then shoot himself point-blank in the chest. Over the years, he did this a total of 192 times, which is obviously a record, and one that the documentary "2nd Chance" leads with.
Ramin Bahrani's doc follows Davis' strange path to success, with Davis himself front...
The post 2nd Chance Review: The Wild True Story Of the Inventor of the Bulletproof Vest [Sundance 2022] appeared first on /Film.
Ramin Bahrani's doc follows Davis' strange path to success, with Davis himself front...
The post 2nd Chance Review: The Wild True Story Of the Inventor of the Bulletproof Vest [Sundance 2022] appeared first on /Film.
- 1/24/2022
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Sundance may have been forced to cancel its plans to host an in-person festival, but the shift to a virtual event isn’t likely to stifle dealmaking. After all, the 2021 edition of Sundance saw films like “Passing,” “Summer of Soul” and “Coda” score record-breaking pacts despite the fact that all-night bidding wars were conducted over Zoom.
This year’s festival has a number of high-profile features that should attract buyers’ attention, either because they feature A-list stars like Lena Dunham, Dakota Johnson and Regina Hall or because they deal with hot topics like abortion rights and religion. There are also a number of documentaries exploring everything from the rise of TikTok to the fight to prevent a climate change catastrophe that could score major sales. With streaming services such as Disney Plus and HBO Max on the prowl for content and digital veterans like Amazon and Netflix still swinging their checkbooks around,...
This year’s festival has a number of high-profile features that should attract buyers’ attention, either because they feature A-list stars like Lena Dunham, Dakota Johnson and Regina Hall or because they deal with hot topics like abortion rights and religion. There are also a number of documentaries exploring everything from the rise of TikTok to the fight to prevent a climate change catastrophe that could score major sales. With streaming services such as Disney Plus and HBO Max on the prowl for content and digital veterans like Amazon and Netflix still swinging their checkbooks around,...
- 1/21/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
For their 2022 edition, the Sundance Film Festival has once again adapted to the ever-shifting pandemic landscape. Having recently scrapping their in-person plans, they’ve shifted to a virtual-only lineup that will begin this Thursday and last through January 30, offering the first glimpse at the year in cinema.
We’ll have extensive coverage from the festival (which one can follow here or on Twitter). Before reviews arrive, we’re highlighting the premieres that should be on your radar. If you’re interested in experiencing Sundance from home, one can see available tickets here.
2nd Chance (Ramin Bahrani)
As his early films exuded a documentary-like approach to riveting character studies, it’s not surprising that Ramin Bahrani’s first fully fledged non-fiction feature is a wildly entertaining look at a complicated figure. 2nd Chance explores the life and career ambitions of Richard Davis, a pizzeria owner who built a bulletproof-vest empire. Full of twists,...
We’ll have extensive coverage from the festival (which one can follow here or on Twitter). Before reviews arrive, we’re highlighting the premieres that should be on your radar. If you’re interested in experiencing Sundance from home, one can see available tickets here.
2nd Chance (Ramin Bahrani)
As his early films exuded a documentary-like approach to riveting character studies, it’s not surprising that Ramin Bahrani’s first fully fledged non-fiction feature is a wildly entertaining look at a complicated figure. 2nd Chance explores the life and career ambitions of Richard Davis, a pizzeria owner who built a bulletproof-vest empire. Full of twists,...
- 1/18/2022
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
The UK company will launch sales at next month’s online EFM.
UK sales outfit Blue Finch Films has acquired international sales rights, excluding North America, to home invasion thriller Barbarians, the directorial debut from The Lost Daughter’s UK producer, Charles Dorfman.
IFC Midnight is releasing the film in North America, in theatres and on demand, on April 1.
The UK feature premiered at the US’ Fantastic Fest 2021 and follows two couples celebrating a birthday with an intimate dinner party, which is then interrupted by an unexpected knock at the door. Iwan Rheon, Tom Cullen, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Connor Swindells star.
UK sales outfit Blue Finch Films has acquired international sales rights, excluding North America, to home invasion thriller Barbarians, the directorial debut from The Lost Daughter’s UK producer, Charles Dorfman.
IFC Midnight is releasing the film in North America, in theatres and on demand, on April 1.
The UK feature premiered at the US’ Fantastic Fest 2021 and follows two couples celebrating a birthday with an intimate dinner party, which is then interrupted by an unexpected knock at the door. Iwan Rheon, Tom Cullen, Catalina Sandino Moreno and Connor Swindells star.
- 1/17/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
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