Vertical has acquired U.S. rights to the sci-fi thriller, Elevation, helmed by director George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau) and from A Quiet Place and The Purge franchise producer Brad Fuller. With a screenplay penned by the creative minds of John Glenn (Eagle Eye), Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan (Seal Team), the film is set in a post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, where a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy. Starring Anthony Mackie (Marvel’s Captain America Franchise), Morena Baccarin (Deadpool franchise), Maddie Hasson (Malignant), and Danny Boyd Jr. (Bruised), the film is set to release in U.S. theaters later this year.
Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey commented, “Elevation brings together a world-class group of seasoned professionals, who have combined the fruits of their craft to deliver a film that is not only thrilling...
Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey commented, “Elevation brings together a world-class group of seasoned professionals, who have combined the fruits of their craft to deliver a film that is not only thrilling...
- 5/18/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Elevation: Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin creature feature secures theatrical release from Vertical
The creature feature Elevation, which stars Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and Morena Baccarin (Deadpool), went into production in the second half of 2022 with director George Nolfi, who previously worked with Mackie on the films The Banker and The Adjustment Bureau, at the helm. Now it has finally secured a theatrical distributor in the U.S., with a press release announcing that Vertical is planning to bring the film to the big screen sometime later this year.
Scripted by John Glenn (Eagle Eye) and Seal Team duo Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan, Elevation is set in a post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, where a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.
Mackie and Baccarin are joined in the cast by Maddie Hasson (Malignant) and Danny Boyd Jr. (Bruised).
Nolfi, Mackie, and Glenn...
Scripted by John Glenn (Eagle Eye) and Seal Team duo Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan, Elevation is set in a post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, where a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.
Mackie and Baccarin are joined in the cast by Maddie Hasson (Malignant) and Danny Boyd Jr. (Bruised).
Nolfi, Mackie, and Glenn...
- 5/17/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Vertical has snapped up U.S. rights to Elevation, a new sci-fi thriller starring Anthony Mackie (Captain America franchise) and Morena Baccarin (Deadpool franchise). Directed by George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau) and produced by Brad Fuller, the film will be released in theaters later this year.
Elevation is set in a post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, where a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.
Also starring Maddie Hasson (Malignant) and Danny Boyd Jr. (Bruised), the film was penned by John Glenn (Eagle Eye), Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan (Seal Team). In addition to Fuller, producers included Nolfi, John Glenn, Lyrical Media’s Alex Black and Natalie Sellers, Jeremy Kipp Walker, Joel Viertel and Mackie. Lyrical’s Jon Rosenberg served as executive producer, with his company leading the development, production, and financing of the project.
Elevation is set in a post-apocalyptic Rocky Mountains, where a single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.
Also starring Maddie Hasson (Malignant) and Danny Boyd Jr. (Bruised), the film was penned by John Glenn (Eagle Eye), Jacob Roman and Kenny Ryan (Seal Team). In addition to Fuller, producers included Nolfi, John Glenn, Lyrical Media’s Alex Black and Natalie Sellers, Jeremy Kipp Walker, Joel Viertel and Mackie. Lyrical’s Jon Rosenberg served as executive producer, with his company leading the development, production, and financing of the project.
- 5/17/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The creature feature Elevation, which stars Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and is directed by George Nolfi, who previously worked with Mackie on the films The Banker and The Adjustment Bureau, is already filming in Colorado right now… but don’t expect to see it very soon. In a new report on Deadline, it’s mentioned that Elevation isn’t expected to receive a worldwide release until sometime in 2024. The good news is, the movie has already secured distribution in many territories.
According to Deadline, Mossbank has sold the film to over twenty-five markets. That includes “Signature for the UK, Ireland, Australia and Nz, Metropolitan for France, Idc for Latin America, Vvs Films for Canada, Tripictures and DeaPlaneta for Spain, Mis. Label for Scandinavia, The Searchers for Benelux and Seven.One for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Prorom and Kino Swiat have taken Eastern Europe and Poland, Phars bought Middle East,...
According to Deadline, Mossbank has sold the film to over twenty-five markets. That includes “Signature for the UK, Ireland, Australia and Nz, Metropolitan for France, Idc for Latin America, Vvs Films for Canada, Tripictures and DeaPlaneta for Spain, Mis. Label for Scandinavia, The Searchers for Benelux and Seven.One for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Prorom and Kino Swiat have taken Eastern Europe and Poland, Phars bought Middle East,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
While gearing up to reprise the role of his Marvel Cinematic Universe hero Sam Wilson – who has now taken on the mantle of Captain America – in Captain America: New World Order, Anthony Mackie has also taken the opportunity to sign on to star in the post-apocalyptic thriller Elevation. Deadline reports that Mackie will be joined in the cast of Elevation by Maddie Hasson (Malignant) and Morena Baccarin (Deadpool).
George Nolfi, who previously worked with Mackie on the films The Banker and The Adjustment Bureau, will be directing Elevation from a screenplay by Kenny Ryan and Jacob Roman. The project is described as being a “high-concept, thematically driven action piece set in the Rocky Mountains”. The story centers on
a single father and two women who must venture from the safety of their home to face monstrous creatures in order to save the life of a child.
Nolfi and Mackie are...
George Nolfi, who previously worked with Mackie on the films The Banker and The Adjustment Bureau, will be directing Elevation from a screenplay by Kenny Ryan and Jacob Roman. The project is described as being a “high-concept, thematically driven action piece set in the Rocky Mountains”. The story centers on
a single father and two women who must venture from the safety of their home to face monstrous creatures in order to save the life of a child.
Nolfi and Mackie are...
- 10/13/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: George Nolfi will direct Lyrical Media’s post-apocalyptic action thriller Elevation with Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin and Maddie Hasson set to star. Brad Fuller is on board to produce with John Glenn and writing duo Kenny Ryan and Jacob Roman penning the script. The film is billed as a high-concept, thematically driven action piece set in the Rocky Mountains. The plot is being kept under wraps, but the story is said to follow a single father and two women who must venture from the safety of their home to face monstrous creatures in order to save the life of a child.
Producing alongside Fuller is Mackie, Glenn, Lyrical Media’s Founder Alex Black, Jeremy Kipp Walker, Joel Viertel, and Nolfi. Lyrical will finance the pic. Jon Rosenberg, Alex Ginno of Fuller Media and Natalie Sellers of Lyrical serve as executive producer as well as Jason Spire from Inspire Entertainment.
Producing alongside Fuller is Mackie, Glenn, Lyrical Media’s Founder Alex Black, Jeremy Kipp Walker, Joel Viertel, and Nolfi. Lyrical will finance the pic. Jon Rosenberg, Alex Ginno of Fuller Media and Natalie Sellers of Lyrical serve as executive producer as well as Jason Spire from Inspire Entertainment.
- 10/13/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
After abruptly pulling the George Nolfi-directed The Banker on the eve of its closing-night berth at AFI Fest last year and indefinitely postponing the December 6 release that was to mark Apple’s debut as a theatrical distributor, Apple has finally come forward and dated the period film for a March 6 theatrical release before it is placed on the Apple TV+ streaming service March 20.
Apple’s PR has steadfastly been ducking calls on this situation, which cropped up after allegations were made of sexual assault by Cynthia Garrett, who said her brother Bernard Garrett Jr molested both she and her sister when they were children.
The film tells the story of two black entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett Sr (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who after becoming millionaires through Los Angeles real estate dealings banded together to buy banks in Texas, a perilous pursuit in the Jim Crow South.
Apple’s PR has steadfastly been ducking calls on this situation, which cropped up after allegations were made of sexual assault by Cynthia Garrett, who said her brother Bernard Garrett Jr molested both she and her sister when they were children.
The film tells the story of two black entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett Sr (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who after becoming millionaires through Los Angeles real estate dealings banded together to buy banks in Texas, a perilous pursuit in the Jim Crow South.
- 1/16/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Banker” director George Nolfi and the movie’s cast, crew, producers, and writers signed an open letter published Monday defending the film based on the life of African American businessman Bernard Garrett. Distributor Apple delayed its release last month after Garrett’s daughter Cynthia Garrett accused her half brother Bernard Garrett Jr., one of the film’s producers, of sexual abuse and helping craft an inaccurate narrative of their father’s life. The filmmakers in their letter wrote the film was based not on the memories of the Garrett children, but from interviews with Garrett himself, and transcripts, court rulings, and media reports. (Via Variety).
In the statement, Nolfi, cast members Anthony Mackie (who protrays Garrett), Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and others, expressed sympathy for Cynthia Garrett in light of allegations that Garrett Jr. sexually abused her as a child, but defended the film and “its positive message of empowerment.
In the statement, Nolfi, cast members Anthony Mackie (who protrays Garrett), Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and others, expressed sympathy for Cynthia Garrett in light of allegations that Garrett Jr. sexually abused her as a child, but defended the film and “its positive message of empowerment.
- 12/2/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The cast and crew of “The Banker” are rising to the defense of the film after Apple delayed its release. The technology giant had originally planned to debut “The Banker” in the height of awards season, giving it a prime release date as it moves more aggressively into the content space. However, things changed after Cynthia Garrett, the daughter of the film’s protagonist, Bernard Garrett, accused Bernard Garrett, Jr., one of the film’s producers and her half-brother, of sexual abuse.
In a statement, the film’s director, writer, and producer George Nolfi, as well as cast members such as Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and other key talent say they stand by the film and “its positive message of empowerment.” While expressing sympathy for Cynthia Garrett, they note that the film is not based on the memories of Garrett’s children, but on interviews with Garrett himself,...
In a statement, the film’s director, writer, and producer George Nolfi, as well as cast members such as Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and other key talent say they stand by the film and “its positive message of empowerment.” While expressing sympathy for Cynthia Garrett, they note that the film is not based on the memories of Garrett’s children, but on interviews with Garrett himself,...
- 12/2/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Breaking: On the week that their film was supposed to open in theaters as Apple’s first theatrical release, the makers of The Banker — above and below the line — have issued a statement in solidarity and support for the message contained within a feature film that became embattled when Apple abruptly pulled it from the coveted AFI closing night slot and indefinitely postponed its theatrical release. Apple took those steps after allegations were made in social media posts by Cynthia Garrett — daughter of the film’s main character Bernard Garrett Sr — that her half brother Bernard Garrett Jr (who was listed as co-producer) molested her and her sister decades ago. Garrett Jr has denied those charges and his name immediately disappeared from the producing credits, which he said was his decision. Garrett Jr’s name also doesn’t appear among the 53 who signed the statement below.
Cynthia Garrett has also...
Cynthia Garrett has also...
- 12/2/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
[Editor’s Note: The story originally published early on November 21 has been updated to reflect new information November 22.]
On the afternoon of Friday November 22, Apple Originals announced what was widely expected: the release of George Nolfi’s “The Banker” has been delayed indefinitely. The film, scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 6 with the assistance of Bleecker Street, already had its AFI Fest closing-night premiere November 21 canceled abruptly the day before. Apple cited “concerns” about the film that stars Anthony Mackie as Bernard Garrett, Sr., a man who launched a financial institution that gave loans to African Americans when few banks in the U.S. would. A streaming release on Apple TV+ also now seems very much in doubt.
However, a comment on IndieWire’s article about a panel discussion for the film held at our own Consider This Fyc Brunch on November 5 in Los Angeles pointed to what those “concerns” might be.
Cynthia Garrett, a former VH1 and MTV broadcaster, wrote a lengthy statement about how...
On the afternoon of Friday November 22, Apple Originals announced what was widely expected: the release of George Nolfi’s “The Banker” has been delayed indefinitely. The film, scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 6 with the assistance of Bleecker Street, already had its AFI Fest closing-night premiere November 21 canceled abruptly the day before. Apple cited “concerns” about the film that stars Anthony Mackie as Bernard Garrett, Sr., a man who launched a financial institution that gave loans to African Americans when few banks in the U.S. would. A streaming release on Apple TV+ also now seems very much in doubt.
However, a comment on IndieWire’s article about a panel discussion for the film held at our own Consider This Fyc Brunch on November 5 in Los Angeles pointed to what those “concerns” might be.
Cynthia Garrett, a former VH1 and MTV broadcaster, wrote a lengthy statement about how...
- 11/22/2019
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Apple is kicking off its foray into film by playing ball with Hollywood. The tech giant on Friday announced theatrical release dates for its first three films, coming this fall.
First comes the company’s acclaimed wildlife documentary “The Elephant Queen,” which will open in theaters on Oct. 18 before landing on Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service Nov. 1.
The documentary, which Apple describes as “a genre-redefining film,” follows Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their watering hole. “The Elephant Queen” is a story of love, loss and coming home, and is a timely love letter to a species that could be gone from our planet in a generation.
Also Read: Apple's Movies Will Hit Theaters Weeks Before Its New Streaming Service (Report)
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble...
First comes the company’s acclaimed wildlife documentary “The Elephant Queen,” which will open in theaters on Oct. 18 before landing on Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service Nov. 1.
The documentary, which Apple describes as “a genre-redefining film,” follows Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their watering hole. “The Elephant Queen” is a story of love, loss and coming home, and is a timely love letter to a species that could be gone from our planet in a generation.
Also Read: Apple's Movies Will Hit Theaters Weeks Before Its New Streaming Service (Report)
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble...
- 9/27/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Apple has charted the first round of release dates for its original film slate — which includes the tech giant’s grand entrance into American movie theaters.
With the help of three boutique distribution companies, Apple will be taking titles including Anthony Mackie’s “The Banker,” Minhal Baig’s “Hala” and the buzzy wildlife doc “The Elephant Queen” into select cities nationwide before the titles upload to Apple TV Plus, Variety can report exclusively.
“The Banker,” which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as unlikely real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, will open in the awards corridor on December 6. New York-based distributor Bleecker Street is consulting on the release, two insiders close to the project said. It’s expected to hit Apple TV Plus in January.
“The Elephant Queen,” which premiered in New York this week, will open in theaters October 18 and be available for Apple’s...
With the help of three boutique distribution companies, Apple will be taking titles including Anthony Mackie’s “The Banker,” Minhal Baig’s “Hala” and the buzzy wildlife doc “The Elephant Queen” into select cities nationwide before the titles upload to Apple TV Plus, Variety can report exclusively.
“The Banker,” which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as unlikely real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, will open in the awards corridor on December 6. New York-based distributor Bleecker Street is consulting on the release, two insiders close to the project said. It’s expected to hit Apple TV Plus in January.
“The Elephant Queen,” which premiered in New York this week, will open in theaters October 18 and be available for Apple’s...
- 9/27/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Neon is re-releasing “Apollo 11”; “Sesame Street” gets moved; “Supersize Me 2” is set for Sept. 13; Will Ropp gets a “Silk Road” deal; and Apple makes a movie deal.
Re-launch
Neon will re-release Todd Douglas Miller’s documentary “Apollo 11” in theaters on July 20, the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
The run will also include weeklong engagements and special one-off showings in more than 100 theaters across top markets including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami.
“Apollo 11,” which was crafted from a newly discovered trove of 65mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings, premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it won the editing prize. The film, which opened in theaters on March 1, will cross $9 million after the weekend’s anniversary re-launch and remains the top grossing documentary of the year.
Re-launch
Neon will re-release Todd Douglas Miller’s documentary “Apollo 11” in theaters on July 20, the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
The run will also include weeklong engagements and special one-off showings in more than 100 theaters across top markets including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami.
“Apollo 11,” which was crafted from a newly discovered trove of 65mm footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings, premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it won the editing prize. The film, which opened in theaters on March 1, will cross $9 million after the weekend’s anniversary re-launch and remains the top grossing documentary of the year.
- 7/17/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Apple is adding the historic Jim Crow-era drama “The Banker” to its Apple TV+ slate, further beefing up its planned original streaming offerings likely for theatrical release and awards consideration.
Per usual, the tech giant is tight-lipped about its plans for the George Nolfi-helmed film. An Apple spokeswoman confirmed the company is still planning to launch its streaming service in the fall, but declined to say when this or other high-profile films on its slate would be released.
Starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long, and Nicholas Hoult, “The Banker” is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs who seek to thwart the racial limitations of the 1950s.
Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson) recruit working-class white man Matt Steiner (Hoult) to pose as the head of their business empire while the two moguls act as a janitor and chauffeur. After making it big in California real estate,...
Per usual, the tech giant is tight-lipped about its plans for the George Nolfi-helmed film. An Apple spokeswoman confirmed the company is still planning to launch its streaming service in the fall, but declined to say when this or other high-profile films on its slate would be released.
Starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long, and Nicholas Hoult, “The Banker” is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs who seek to thwart the racial limitations of the 1950s.
Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson) recruit working-class white man Matt Steiner (Hoult) to pose as the head of their business empire while the two moguls act as a janitor and chauffeur. After making it big in California real estate,...
- 7/16/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Apple is partnering with the director and producers of “The Banker,” a dramatic film from director George Nolfi starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long, to release the movie on their upcoming Apple TV+ service, the company announced Tuesday.
“The Banker” will join the slate of films and shows on Apple TV+, the tech company’s new streaming service launching this fall.
Based on true story of two African American entrepreneurs, “The Banker” follows Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who try to circumvent the racial limitations of the 1950s by recruiting a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Hoult), to pose as the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and a chauffeur to monitor their businesses. Bernard’s wife Eunice (Long), plays a key role in setting up the enterprise. Garrett and Morris become extremely wealthy real estate investors...
“The Banker” will join the slate of films and shows on Apple TV+, the tech company’s new streaming service launching this fall.
Based on true story of two African American entrepreneurs, “The Banker” follows Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who try to circumvent the racial limitations of the 1950s by recruiting a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Hoult), to pose as the head of their business empire while they pose as a janitor and a chauffeur to monitor their businesses. Bernard’s wife Eunice (Long), plays a key role in setting up the enterprise. Garrett and Morris become extremely wealthy real estate investors...
- 7/16/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In a move that might well put Apple in the awards season conversation, the company has made a big worldwide rights acquisition of The Banker, a fact-based period drama that George Nolfi directed and co-wrote.
Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson play entrepreneurs who tried to circumvent the racial limitations of the 1950s as they turned their business savvy into social activism and decided to help African Americans get loans in Texas. They enlisted a working class white man named Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult) to be their front man, educating him on what to say and how to conduct himself. The masterminds — Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson) — posed as a janitor and chauffeur, and Garrett’s wife (Nia Long) played a key role in setting up the enterprise. After becoming very wealthy real estate investors in California, they covertly purchased two banks in Texas, unheard of in...
Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson play entrepreneurs who tried to circumvent the racial limitations of the 1950s as they turned their business savvy into social activism and decided to help African Americans get loans in Texas. They enlisted a working class white man named Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult) to be their front man, educating him on what to say and how to conduct himself. The masterminds — Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson) — posed as a janitor and chauffeur, and Garrett’s wife (Nia Long) played a key role in setting up the enterprise. After becoming very wealthy real estate investors in California, they covertly purchased two banks in Texas, unheard of in...
- 7/16/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Service declines to comment on possible theatrical release plans.
Apple has acquired drama The Banker starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long and Nicholas Hoult and is understood to be lining up an awards run for the feature this year.
The film joins a growing feature slate that includes Sundance acquisitions Hala and The Elephant Queen, the animation Wolfwalkers, and Sofia Coppola’s On The Rocks in partnership with A24.
The Banker will debut on Apple TV+ when the service launches in 100 countries in autumn. Apple did not comment on its awards-qualifying theatrical distribution plans. Academy rules stipulate a...
Apple has acquired drama The Banker starring Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long and Nicholas Hoult and is understood to be lining up an awards run for the feature this year.
The film joins a growing feature slate that includes Sundance acquisitions Hala and The Elephant Queen, the animation Wolfwalkers, and Sofia Coppola’s On The Rocks in partnership with A24.
The Banker will debut on Apple TV+ when the service launches in 100 countries in autumn. Apple did not comment on its awards-qualifying theatrical distribution plans. Academy rules stipulate a...
- 7/16/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Film sold to Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America, Scandinavia and Spain.
Mister Smith Entertainment has secured multiple international territory deals on George Nolfi’s The Banker, which stars Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long.
The film has sold to Germany (Constantin Film), Italy (Bim), Japan (Hakuhodo Dy MaP), Latin America (Sun Distribution), Scandinavia (Nordisk), and Spain (DeaPlaneta).
It is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs who, during the 1950s, tried to circumvent the racial limitations of the era by recruiting a working class white man and training him to pose as the...
Mister Smith Entertainment has secured multiple international territory deals on George Nolfi’s The Banker, which stars Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long.
The film has sold to Germany (Constantin Film), Italy (Bim), Japan (Hakuhodo Dy MaP), Latin America (Sun Distribution), Scandinavia (Nordisk), and Spain (DeaPlaneta).
It is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs who, during the 1950s, tried to circumvent the racial limitations of the era by recruiting a working class white man and training him to pose as the...
- 2/8/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Adam Ray is set to star as the lead in the upcoming film The Bellmen directed by Cameron Fife. The movie follows a charming bell captain at a popular Arizona resort who decides becoming a manager is the only way to win the girl of his dreams
The cast of The Bellmen also includes Josh Zuckerman, Jonathan Kite, Andrew Caldwell, Alphonzo McAuley, Willie Garson, Kelen Coleman, Anjali Bhimani, Richard Kind, and Thomas Lennon. Jason Adler, who developed the script with Fife, is producing under his production company Park Avenue Creative, along with June Street Productions. Kim Waltrip is executive producing.
Ray can be seen in Ballers as well as the second season of American Vandal which is currently streaming on Netflix. He can also be seen in the forthcoming Jennifer Lopez comedy Second Act. His previous credits include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and the Netflix film Game Over Man.
The cast of The Bellmen also includes Josh Zuckerman, Jonathan Kite, Andrew Caldwell, Alphonzo McAuley, Willie Garson, Kelen Coleman, Anjali Bhimani, Richard Kind, and Thomas Lennon. Jason Adler, who developed the script with Fife, is producing under his production company Park Avenue Creative, along with June Street Productions. Kim Waltrip is executive producing.
Ray can be seen in Ballers as well as the second season of American Vandal which is currently streaming on Netflix. He can also be seen in the forthcoming Jennifer Lopez comedy Second Act. His previous credits include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and the Netflix film Game Over Man.
- 10/17/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka and Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Director George Nolfi has set Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long to star in The Banker, a fact based drama that Nolfi wrote with Niceole Levy. Romulus Entertainment is financing the film, with Brad Feinstein of Romulus producing.
The drama is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who during the 1950’s tried to circumvent the racial limitations of the era and take on the establishment by recruiting a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Hoult) and training him to pose as the head of their business empire while they posed as a janitor and a chauffeur. Bernard’s wife Eunice (Nia Long), plays a key role in setting up the enterprise. Garrett and Morris become two of the wealthiest and most successful real estate owners in the country with Steiner as their front man,...
The drama is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs, Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson), who during the 1950’s tried to circumvent the racial limitations of the era and take on the establishment by recruiting a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Hoult) and training him to pose as the head of their business empire while they posed as a janitor and a chauffeur. Bernard’s wife Eunice (Nia Long), plays a key role in setting up the enterprise. Garrett and Morris become two of the wealthiest and most successful real estate owners in the country with Steiner as their front man,...
- 10/9/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Loosely inspired by true events, and particularly an article by Michael Dorgan, which was first published on Official Karate in 1980, “Birth of the Dragon” attempts a recreation of the events that led to the infamous fight between Bruce Lee and Wong Jack Man in San Francisco, in 1964.
Birth of The Dragon is being released in UK cinemas from Altitude Film Entertainment, starting February 23rd
At the time the film takes place, 24-year-old Bruce Lee owns and operates a martial arts school, and is on the verge of making a break into the show business, with “Green Hornet”. He is hip, cocky, and willing to go to extremes to introduce himself and kung fu to the world. However, everything changes when Wong Jack Man, a Buddhist monk who is also a martial arts master and a man, who, according to Lee, can unravel everything he has accomplished, arrives in town. Lee...
Birth of The Dragon is being released in UK cinemas from Altitude Film Entertainment, starting February 23rd
At the time the film takes place, 24-year-old Bruce Lee owns and operates a martial arts school, and is on the verge of making a break into the show business, with “Green Hornet”. He is hip, cocky, and willing to go to extremes to introduce himself and kung fu to the world. However, everything changes when Wong Jack Man, a Buddhist monk who is also a martial arts master and a man, who, according to Lee, can unravel everything he has accomplished, arrives in town. Lee...
- 2/22/2018
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Author: Euan Franklin
Biopics never have a firm grasp on the truth, and any reasonably intelligent moviegoer understands this. Often, it’s obvious (merely by watching) what’s fact and what’s fantasy and it doesn’t hinder our enjoyment. In George Nolfi’s Birth of the Dragon, facts are kicked into the dirt of gangster-ridden Chinatown.
Set nine years before the release of Enter the Dragon, a young Bruce Lee (Philip Ng) is a martial-arts teacher (known as a sifu) in San Francisco. He is performative and egotistical, eager to introduce kung-fu to the Western world. But when Wong Jack Man (Xiu Yu) arrives in San Francisco, as penance for a sin committed in China, he threatens Lee’s aspirations – believing kung-fu shouldn’t be taught to Westerners. This builds to the famous (real) fight between the two of them – the results from which remain ambiguous.
The fantasies of...
Biopics never have a firm grasp on the truth, and any reasonably intelligent moviegoer understands this. Often, it’s obvious (merely by watching) what’s fact and what’s fantasy and it doesn’t hinder our enjoyment. In George Nolfi’s Birth of the Dragon, facts are kicked into the dirt of gangster-ridden Chinatown.
Set nine years before the release of Enter the Dragon, a young Bruce Lee (Philip Ng) is a martial-arts teacher (known as a sifu) in San Francisco. He is performative and egotistical, eager to introduce kung-fu to the Western world. But when Wong Jack Man (Xiu Yu) arrives in San Francisco, as penance for a sin committed in China, he threatens Lee’s aspirations – believing kung-fu shouldn’t be taught to Westerners. This builds to the famous (real) fight between the two of them – the results from which remain ambiguous.
The fantasies of...
- 2/21/2018
- by Euan Franklin
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Ballad of Franks and Beans: Stephens’ Dips Toes and Other Bits into Political Scandal
It is still very much a man’s world, or so the expectedly corrupt judicial landscape seems to be sighing as it unrolls before our eyes with near clinical precision and predictability in Mora Stephens’ sophomore feature Zipper. Another politically minded effort, her first feature in a decade since 2005’s Democrat/Republican ideals face-off Conventioneers, this thriller skirts in and out of issue concerning addiction and the abuse of power without really delving into either beyond superficialities. Featuring a notable, comely cast and co-written by Stephens’ spouse Joel Viertel, there’s a dark cynicism managing to rear its face from time to time, but given we’re never surprised or endeared towards this group of slow-to-strike piranhas, this scandal sheet is a tale as old as time.
Sam Ellis (Patrick Wilson) is a federal prosecutor...
It is still very much a man’s world, or so the expectedly corrupt judicial landscape seems to be sighing as it unrolls before our eyes with near clinical precision and predictability in Mora Stephens’ sophomore feature Zipper. Another politically minded effort, her first feature in a decade since 2005’s Democrat/Republican ideals face-off Conventioneers, this thriller skirts in and out of issue concerning addiction and the abuse of power without really delving into either beyond superficialities. Featuring a notable, comely cast and co-written by Stephens’ spouse Joel Viertel, there’s a dark cynicism managing to rear its face from time to time, but given we’re never surprised or endeared towards this group of slow-to-strike piranhas, this scandal sheet is a tale as old as time.
Sam Ellis (Patrick Wilson) is a federal prosecutor...
- 8/28/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Resolutely striving to satisfy both your personal and professional desires and needs, no matter how drastically they contradict each other, can be a strenuous challenge that not everyone has the audacity to pursue. But ruthless attorneys and politicians are often believed to have the fierce personality to relentlessly seek their goals, no matter what consequences they’re forced to face as a result. Those conflicting ambitions are intriguingly examined in the new political drama, ‘Zipper,’ which is set to be released in select theaters and On Demand on Friday. Director Mora Stephens reunited with her husband, Joel Viertel, after they penned the script for the 2005 comedy, ‘Conventioneers,’ to once again [ Read More ]
The post Interview: Mora Stephens Talks Zipper (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Interview: Mora Stephens Talks Zipper (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 8/25/2015
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
The Sundance Film Festival has, over the course of its run, become a ripe place for films to get attention even without explicitly winning awards. One such film in the 2015 incarnation of the festival was Zipper. The second feature from director Mora Stephens was also co-written by Stephens, alongside Joel Viertel. The synopsis is as follows.
Sam Ellis is a man on the rise – a federal prosecutor on the cusp of a bright political future. But what was meant to be a one-time experience with a high-end escort instead turns into a growing addiction. His moral compass unraveling, his new demon threatens to destroy his life, family and career.
Patrick Wilson stars as the lead character, with a supporting cast that includes Lena Headey, Dianna Agron, Ray Winstone, John Cho, and Richard Dreyfuss. The film is set to be released in American theatres and VOD on August 28th, and it now has a trailer.
Sam Ellis is a man on the rise – a federal prosecutor on the cusp of a bright political future. But what was meant to be a one-time experience with a high-end escort instead turns into a growing addiction. His moral compass unraveling, his new demon threatens to destroy his life, family and career.
Patrick Wilson stars as the lead character, with a supporting cast that includes Lena Headey, Dianna Agron, Ray Winstone, John Cho, and Richard Dreyfuss. The film is set to be released in American theatres and VOD on August 28th, and it now has a trailer.
- 7/23/2015
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
Indie distributor Alchemy has snapped up North American rights to Mora Stephens' political thriller "Zipper," a 2015 Sundance premiere starring Patrick Wilson, Lena Headey, Ray Winstone, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cho, Dianna Agron, Christopher McDonald, Alexandra Breckenridge and Penelope Mitchell. Co-written by Stephens and Joel Viertel, "Zipper" will hit theaters and VOD later in 2015. Here's the synopsis: Sam Ellis (Wilson) is a man on the rise — a hotshot federal prosecutor on the cusp of a bright political future. But what was meant to be a one-time experience with an escort turns into a growing addiction threatening to destroy his life, family, and career. In a relatively strong Sundance for female-directed films, "Zipper" garnered mixed reviews upon its Park City premiere, though CraveOnline calls it "The grown-up thriller of the year," akin to David Fincher's "Gone Girl." The Guardian says there are elements to admire...
- 2/3/2015
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Just as sex scandals are pretty much as old as politics themselves, as long as we've had films, we've had cinematic depictions of sex scandals, usually serious and sometimes comedic. Whether filmmakers have had to be coy about the nature of the scandals -- see "The Best Man" or "Advise and Consent" -- or whether filmmakers have been able to directly tear sex scandals from the headlines -- see "Primary Colors" -- the ground has been fertile. Fortunately -- Unfortunately? -- sex scandals just keep coming along and we keep lapping them up, from Eliot Spitzer to John Edwards to Anthony Weiner. Bringing the genre to Sundance this year was "Zipper," a largely straight-faced approach to a plausibly finger-on-the-pulse topic, which falls flat because of a middle act in which the drama spirals into dated addiction craziness. When it's a political thriller, "Zipper" is respectably acted and presented and has some merit.
- 2/3/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
In a pair of late-breaking North American deals from Sundance, Alchemy has acquired political thriller Zipper while The Orchard has taken Finders Keepers.
Mora Stephens’ Zipper (pictured) stars Patrick Wilson, Lena Headey and Ray Winstone in the tale of a philandering attorney with political ambitions.
Cargo will represent international sales at the Efm later this week. Alchemy brokered the deal with CAA and Cinetic on behalf of the film-makers.
Stephens co-wrote with Joel Viertel and the producers are R Bryan Wright, Amy Mitchell-Smith, Mark Heyman, Joel Viertel and Marina Grasic.
Scott Franklin, Ari Handel, Darren Aronofsky, Danya Duffy, Jan Korbelin, Beau Chaney and Christian Oliver served as executive producers.
Richard Dreyfuss, John Cho, Dianna Agron, Christopher McDonald, Alexandra Breckenridge and Penelope Mitchell round out the key cast and Alchemy plans a theatrical and VOD release later this year.
The Orchard brokered the deal for Finders Keepers with Wme Global and plans a theatrical and digital release in 2015.
Clay...
Mora Stephens’ Zipper (pictured) stars Patrick Wilson, Lena Headey and Ray Winstone in the tale of a philandering attorney with political ambitions.
Cargo will represent international sales at the Efm later this week. Alchemy brokered the deal with CAA and Cinetic on behalf of the film-makers.
Stephens co-wrote with Joel Viertel and the producers are R Bryan Wright, Amy Mitchell-Smith, Mark Heyman, Joel Viertel and Marina Grasic.
Scott Franklin, Ari Handel, Darren Aronofsky, Danya Duffy, Jan Korbelin, Beau Chaney and Christian Oliver served as executive producers.
Richard Dreyfuss, John Cho, Dianna Agron, Christopher McDonald, Alexandra Breckenridge and Penelope Mitchell round out the key cast and Alchemy plans a theatrical and VOD release later this year.
The Orchard brokered the deal for Finders Keepers with Wme Global and plans a theatrical and digital release in 2015.
Clay...
- 2/2/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The 2015 Sundance Film Festival has been slowly unveiling the films that will screen in Park City, Ut from January 22-February 1. We’ve already listed the midnight line up as well as the list of films in competition. Now, the Premieres have been revealed and the event is looking more and more promising. The entire slate include films directed by Noah Baumbach, James Ponsoldt, Paul Weitz, Jared Hess, Joe Swanberg, Charles Stone III and others. Here is the full list.
Premieres
A showcase of world premieres of some of the most highly anticipated narrative films of the coming year.
Brooklyn / United Kingdom (Director: John Crowley, Screenwriter: Nick Hornby, based on the book by Colm Tóibín) — 1950s Ireland: Eilis must confront a terrible dilemma — a heartbreaking choice between two men and two countries, between duty and true love. Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent.
Digging for Fire / U.
Premieres
A showcase of world premieres of some of the most highly anticipated narrative films of the coming year.
Brooklyn / United Kingdom (Director: John Crowley, Screenwriter: Nick Hornby, based on the book by Colm Tóibín) — 1950s Ireland: Eilis must confront a terrible dilemma — a heartbreaking choice between two men and two countries, between duty and true love. Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent.
Digging for Fire / U.
- 12/9/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Last year’s slate of seventeen Narrative Premieres (excluding secret screenings of Boyhood and Nymphomaniac: Vol. I) refreshingly included works from first time filmmakers. I hadn’t seen it coming but Little Accidents and The One I Love were included among the likes of Calvary, Frank and Love is Strange. 2015 will be a true we Swanberg family affair with Joe Swanberg joining wife Kris (Unexpected) with a feature as well in Digging for Fire. James Ponsoldt is officially four for four with Sundance — his latest End of the Tour should be a slam dunk for the Eccles. Sticking to the numbers game… we’ll have a lovely bedfellow pairings of Kyle Patrick Alvarez’s already announced The Stanford Prison Experiment which is going to be mentioned in many loglines alongside Michael Almereyda’s Experimenter - about the Milgram experiment. Among the filmmaking duos we were expecting, we find Mississippi Grind...
- 12/8/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
The Sundance Institute effectively filled out its slate for the 2015 Sundance Film Festival with the announcement of the always star-friendly premieres category. It's also where many former Sundance filmmakers bring their second, third and even fourth films back to the fest. This year the category features 16 world premieres and almost all of them are from Sundance alumni, including Ryan Fleck ("Half Nelson"), Noah Baumbach ("The Squid and the Whale"), Joe Swanberg ("VHS"), Jared Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite"), James Ponsoldt ("The Spectacular Now"), Michael Almereyda (2000's "Hamlet"), Rodrigo Garcia ("Nine Lives"), Benson Lee ("Miss Monday"), Leslye Headland ("Bachelorette"), and Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman ("American Splendor"). Some of the intriguing titles include Paul Weitz's "Grandma" with Lily Tomlin and Laverne Cox, Ryan Fleck and Anna Bowden's "Mississippi Grind" with Ryan Reynolds and Sienna Miller, Garcia's "Last Days in the Desert" featuring Ewan McGregor as Jesus, Charles Stone III's "Lila...
- 12/8/2014
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Exclusive: Richard Dreyfuss has joined the TBS comedy pilot Your Family Or Mine, from Greg Malins, Sony Pictures TV and Fanfare. Based on an Israeli format, the show centers on Oliver and Kelli, who are living proof of the adage “When you marry someone, you don’t just marry them, you marry their whole family.” It is a family comedy with an unusual structure — each episode focuses on a different side of the family: one week featuring the couple dealing with Kelli’s family, the next spent with Oliver’s. Dreyfuss, repped by Apa and The Schiff Co., will play Ricky, Oliver’s father, opposite JoBeth Williams’ Louis. This marks the first series-regular role for Oscar-winner Dreyfuss since his starring turn on the 2001 CBS drama The Education Of Max Bickford. Over the past decade he’s done arcs on Showtime’s Weeds and NBC’s Parenthood. He most recently wrapped...
- 3/31/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Ray Winstone has joined Patrick Wilson on the cast of the political thriller from 33 Pictures, Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures and Cargo Entertainment.
Shooting is underway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the story of a powerful attorney with political ambitions whose addiction to high-end escorts threatens to bring his career down in flames.
Winstone plays an investigative reporter and Lena Headey, Dianna Agron and Richard Dreyfuss round out the key cast.
Mora Stephens directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Joel Viertel.
Marina Grasic, Mark Heyman, R Bryan Wright, Joel Viertel and Amy Mitchell- Smith produce and Protozoa’s Darren Aronofsky and Scott Franklin are the executive producers.
Winstone will next be seen in the March 28 release of Aronofsky’s Noah for Paramount.
Shooting is underway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on the story of a powerful attorney with political ambitions whose addiction to high-end escorts threatens to bring his career down in flames.
Winstone plays an investigative reporter and Lena Headey, Dianna Agron and Richard Dreyfuss round out the key cast.
Mora Stephens directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Joel Viertel.
Marina Grasic, Mark Heyman, R Bryan Wright, Joel Viertel and Amy Mitchell- Smith produce and Protozoa’s Darren Aronofsky and Scott Franklin are the executive producers.
Winstone will next be seen in the March 28 release of Aronofsky’s Noah for Paramount.
- 2/21/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Political corruption, sex scandals and their related personal problems are subjects that filmmakers are drawn to like moths to a flame. But get it wrong, or go too far and you can fall just as badly as those who embarrass themselves while in power. Patrick Wilson, Richard Dreyfuss and Lena Headey will be hoping to make it work with Zipper.Though it sounds like it’s a scathing black comedy (or even a screwball sex farce), Zipper is actually a drama focused on Sam Ellis (Wilson) a successful family man and smooth politician who puts it all in jeopardy because he just can’t stop having affairs. Dreyfuss is set as George Hiller, a political operator who thinks he can repair the damage. Headey’s role isn’t specified, but we’d pay good money to see her discovering Wilson’s actions as his wife and going full Queen Gorgo on him.
- 2/12/2014
- EmpireOnline
Richard Dreyfuss has signed on to star opposite Patrick Wilson and Lena Headey in the indie political drama Zipper. Darren Aronofsky's Protozoa Pictures is producing the film, which currently is shooting in Baton Rouge, La. Mora Stephens is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Joel Viertel. In a story that echoes the real-life scandals of former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, Zipper centers on the life of Sam Ellis (Wilson), a successful family man who presumably has it all until he risks losing everything due to his inability to fight off his
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- 2/12/2014
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cinema Libre Studio
NEW YORK -- A clever, original combination of cinema verite and fictional narrative (OK, "Medium Cool", among others, got there first), "Conventioneers" is a love story set amid the 2004 Republican National Convention. While the screenplay by director Mora Stephens and Joel Viertel has its contrived, predictable elements, the novelty of the setting and ingenuity of the filmmakers give the work a genuine immediacy.
The story centers on the tortured rekindling of a romance between David (Matthew Mabe), a married Republican delegate from Texas, and former girlfriend Lea (Woodwyn Koons), a liberal activist working for the Democrats. Reuniting after many years, the couple finds that their political differences, though an obstacle at first, prove not to be a hindrance in the bedroom.
An intriguing subplot involves Dylan (Alek Friedman), a liberal Democrat who, having been hired to provide sign language during the president's acceptance speech, decides to make a political statement by disrupting the proceedings.
Shot during the convention, the film skillfully incorporates documentary-style footage, with its characters seamlessly blended into the action. Particularly fascinating is the footage of Friedman's character because the actor did serve as Bush's translator for the event.
Although its portraits of the politically opposed characters are reasonably balanced and sympathetic, the film's underlying political orientation is not too subtly conveyed by the fact that it is only Mabe's Republican delegate who finds his beliefs newly challenged by his experiences.
Although it suffers from its dark and melodramatic ending, "Conventioneers" offers plenty of food for thought.
NEW YORK -- A clever, original combination of cinema verite and fictional narrative (OK, "Medium Cool", among others, got there first), "Conventioneers" is a love story set amid the 2004 Republican National Convention. While the screenplay by director Mora Stephens and Joel Viertel has its contrived, predictable elements, the novelty of the setting and ingenuity of the filmmakers give the work a genuine immediacy.
The story centers on the tortured rekindling of a romance between David (Matthew Mabe), a married Republican delegate from Texas, and former girlfriend Lea (Woodwyn Koons), a liberal activist working for the Democrats. Reuniting after many years, the couple finds that their political differences, though an obstacle at first, prove not to be a hindrance in the bedroom.
An intriguing subplot involves Dylan (Alek Friedman), a liberal Democrat who, having been hired to provide sign language during the president's acceptance speech, decides to make a political statement by disrupting the proceedings.
Shot during the convention, the film skillfully incorporates documentary-style footage, with its characters seamlessly blended into the action. Particularly fascinating is the footage of Friedman's character because the actor did serve as Bush's translator for the event.
Although its portraits of the politically opposed characters are reasonably balanced and sympathetic, the film's underlying political orientation is not too subtly conveyed by the fact that it is only Mabe's Republican delegate who finds his beliefs newly challenged by his experiences.
Although it suffers from its dark and melodramatic ending, "Conventioneers" offers plenty of food for thought.
- 11/7/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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