When Demi Lovato went on tour for their punk-rock-leaning album Holy Fvck last year, they wanted to find a way to seamlessly incorporate their pop hits into the setlist in a way that felt natural: “How am I going to play ‘Sorry Not Sorry’ next to ‘Skin of My Teeth’?” they remember thinking.
With their band, Lovato reimagined their pop chart-toppers as rock bangers, featuring new arrangements that worked with the live show they had prepared. And it worked. “The fans loved it,” they tell Rolling Stone. “When I got home from tour,...
With their band, Lovato reimagined their pop chart-toppers as rock bangers, featuring new arrangements that worked with the live show they had prepared. And it worked. “The fans loved it,” they tell Rolling Stone. “When I got home from tour,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
The days of elastic budgets are over. The documentary arena is feeling the great contraction in the volume of content ordered by the largest networks and streamers as the entertainment industry reckons with its spending binge of the past decade.
The high-end nonfiction and documentary production community benefited enormously from the spike in demand for episodic series and evergreen films. In recent months, filmmakers, producers and buyers say strictures have tightened on producers to deliver highly accessible, easily promotable documentary content.
“Crime, food, music sports”: that’s how director and cinematographer Nicola Marsh describes the hot subject areas for docu makers in the present writers strike-disrupted marketplace.
Despite the momentarily sluggishness, spending on nonfiction and documentary content by the largest platforms is only poised to grow. These genres are too important to offset scripted programs and fill out a service with a varied content menu to keep subscribers in the tent.
The high-end nonfiction and documentary production community benefited enormously from the spike in demand for episodic series and evergreen films. In recent months, filmmakers, producers and buyers say strictures have tightened on producers to deliver highly accessible, easily promotable documentary content.
“Crime, food, music sports”: that’s how director and cinematographer Nicola Marsh describes the hot subject areas for docu makers in the present writers strike-disrupted marketplace.
Despite the momentarily sluggishness, spending on nonfiction and documentary content by the largest platforms is only poised to grow. These genres are too important to offset scripted programs and fill out a service with a varied content menu to keep subscribers in the tent.
- 6/30/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Following the release of her latest album, "Holy Fvck," Demi Lovato is entering a new career lane: directing for her first-ever film. Per a press release shared with Popsugar, the singer is set to make their directorial debut with a forthcoming documentary for Hulu, supposedly titled "Child Star," which will reportedly "deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world's most famous former child stars, including Lovato."
"There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story, which is close to home," Lovato said in a statement. "Our project sheds light on important messages about growing up in the public eye, learning to protect our boundaries, and becoming active advocates of our own destinies. I'm humbled to be able to learn from the individuals who have lived the unique experience of child stardom and share their stories in our film.
"There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story, which is close to home," Lovato said in a statement. "Our project sheds light on important messages about growing up in the public eye, learning to protect our boundaries, and becoming active advocates of our own destinies. I'm humbled to be able to learn from the individuals who have lived the unique experience of child stardom and share their stories in our film.
- 3/22/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Singer-actor Demi Lovato will make her directorial debut with ‘Child Star’, a feature-length documentary that aims to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato,” as per the official statement issued.
Lovato will co-direct alongside Nicola Marsh. Producers include Michael D. Ratner’s Obb Pictures, Lovato’s production banner Dlg and Scooter Braun’s Sb Projects, reports Variety.
The three companies have worked together before on the pop star’s docuseries ‘Dancing With the Devil’, which premiered at SXSW in 2021 and received critical acclaim. ‘Dancing With the Devil’ took a close look at Lovato’s personal life and struggles with addiction, particularly her near-fatal overdose in 2018.
The documentary will stream exclusively on Hulu in 2024.
The streaming service is notably owned by Disney, where Lovato got her start as a teen in...
Lovato will co-direct alongside Nicola Marsh. Producers include Michael D. Ratner’s Obb Pictures, Lovato’s production banner Dlg and Scooter Braun’s Sb Projects, reports Variety.
The three companies have worked together before on the pop star’s docuseries ‘Dancing With the Devil’, which premiered at SXSW in 2021 and received critical acclaim. ‘Dancing With the Devil’ took a close look at Lovato’s personal life and struggles with addiction, particularly her near-fatal overdose in 2018.
The documentary will stream exclusively on Hulu in 2024.
The streaming service is notably owned by Disney, where Lovato got her start as a teen in...
- 3/17/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
With a forthcoming Hulu documentary on the lives of child stars, Demi Lovato is making her directorial debut.
Read More: Demi Lovato Says ‘Having A Family Is Really Important’ As She Turns 30, Celebrates New Album
Lovato will co-direct the film with Nicola Marsh, whose working title is “Child Star.” According to the synopsis, the movie, which is scheduled to release in 2024 “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato. The film will explore how children are propelled to superstardom at a young age and how their rise to fame, fortune, and power affects their futures.”
Lovato will draw from her own experiences as a young actress who made a name for herself on the Disney Channel in shows and movies like “Sonny with a Chance” and the “Camp Rock” movies. The...
Read More: Demi Lovato Says ‘Having A Family Is Really Important’ As She Turns 30, Celebrates New Album
Lovato will co-direct the film with Nicola Marsh, whose working title is “Child Star.” According to the synopsis, the movie, which is scheduled to release in 2024 “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato. The film will explore how children are propelled to superstardom at a young age and how their rise to fame, fortune, and power affects their futures.”
Lovato will draw from her own experiences as a young actress who made a name for herself on the Disney Channel in shows and movies like “Sonny with a Chance” and the “Camp Rock” movies. The...
- 3/16/2023
- by Aashna Shah
- ET Canada
Demi Lovato will be making her directorial debut on a doc that will focus on the realities of child stardom for Hulu.
The project, currently titled Child Star, will have Lovato co-direct with Nicola Marsh. The feature, which is expected out in 2024, will, according to the synopsis, “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato. The film will explore how children are propelled to superstardom at a young age and how their rise to fame, fortune and power affects their futures.”
Lovato will draw on her own experiences as a child star, breaking out at a young age in Disney Channel films and series like the Camp Rock movies and Sonny With a Chance. The doc will feature a number of testimonials from child stars, with interviews conducted by Lovato.
“There...
The project, currently titled Child Star, will have Lovato co-direct with Nicola Marsh. The feature, which is expected out in 2024, will, according to the synopsis, “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato. The film will explore how children are propelled to superstardom at a young age and how their rise to fame, fortune and power affects their futures.”
Lovato will draw on her own experiences as a child star, breaking out at a young age in Disney Channel films and series like the Camp Rock movies and Sonny With a Chance. The doc will feature a number of testimonials from child stars, with interviews conducted by Lovato.
“There...
- 3/16/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Demi Lovato has already been the subject of a painfully honest documentary; now, the musician is going behind the camera to direct a new one.
Currently under the working title of “Child Star,” the film is co-directed by Lovato and Nicola Marsh, best known for her work on the Netflix docuseries “Song Exploder,” and represents Lovato’s debut project as a director. The film has already begun production, and is expected to release exclusively on Hulu sometime next year.
According to Hulu’s logline, the documentary focuses on the highs and lows of child stardom, looking at how the spotlight and fame affects their futures. Lovato will share her own experiences as a teen Disney Channel star in the feature, and the film will also feature interviews with other child stars, though other participants are currently being kept under wraps.
“There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story,...
Currently under the working title of “Child Star,” the film is co-directed by Lovato and Nicola Marsh, best known for her work on the Netflix docuseries “Song Exploder,” and represents Lovato’s debut project as a director. The film has already begun production, and is expected to release exclusively on Hulu sometime next year.
According to Hulu’s logline, the documentary focuses on the highs and lows of child stardom, looking at how the spotlight and fame affects their futures. Lovato will share her own experiences as a teen Disney Channel star in the feature, and the film will also feature interviews with other child stars, though other participants are currently being kept under wraps.
“There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Demi Lovato is stepping into the director’s chair.
The singer, songwriter and actor will make their directorial debut with “Child Star” (working title), a feature-length documentary that aims to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato,” according to a press release.
Lovato will co-direct alongside Nicola Marsh. Producers include Michael D. Ratner’s Obb Pictures, Lovato’s production banner Dlg and Scooter Braun’s Sb Projects. The three companies have worked together before on the pop star’s docuseries “Dancing With the Devil,” which premiered at SXSW in 2021 and received critical acclaim. “Dancing With the Devil” took a close look at Lovato’s personal life and struggles with addiction, particularly their near-fatal overdose in 2018.
The documentary will stream exclusively on Hulu in 2024. The streaming service is notably owned by Disney,...
The singer, songwriter and actor will make their directorial debut with “Child Star” (working title), a feature-length documentary that aims to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato,” according to a press release.
Lovato will co-direct alongside Nicola Marsh. Producers include Michael D. Ratner’s Obb Pictures, Lovato’s production banner Dlg and Scooter Braun’s Sb Projects. The three companies have worked together before on the pop star’s docuseries “Dancing With the Devil,” which premiered at SXSW in 2021 and received critical acclaim. “Dancing With the Devil” took a close look at Lovato’s personal life and struggles with addiction, particularly their near-fatal overdose in 2018.
The documentary will stream exclusively on Hulu in 2024. The streaming service is notably owned by Disney,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Demi Lovato is making her directorial debut with a Hulu original feature documentary about former child stars.
The film, which currently has the working title Child Star, will “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato,” and how “their rise to fame, fortune and power affects their futures.”
The other participants in the film have yet to be revealed. Their experience growing up in the limelight will be chronicled through intimate conversations led by Lovato, verité footage, and archival material.
“There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story, which is close to home,” said Lovato. “Our project sheds light on important messages about growing up in the public eye, learning to protect our boundaries, and becoming active advocates of our own destinies. I’m humbled...
The film, which currently has the working title Child Star, will “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars, including Lovato,” and how “their rise to fame, fortune and power affects their futures.”
The other participants in the film have yet to be revealed. Their experience growing up in the limelight will be chronicled through intimate conversations led by Lovato, verité footage, and archival material.
“There is no better film or topic for my directorial debut than this story, which is close to home,” said Lovato. “Our project sheds light on important messages about growing up in the public eye, learning to protect our boundaries, and becoming active advocates of our own destinies. I’m humbled...
- 3/16/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
There are some smart and even provocative ideas motivating Nicola B. Marsh’s four-part Showtime docuseries The 12th Victim, which aims to separate and rehabilitate Caril Ann Fugate from the legacy of notorious spree killer Charles Starkweather, whom she accompanied — whether willingly or unwillingly is the matter up for debate — on a multi-state rampage that left 11 people dead in 1958.
Fugate, still alive and now living in Michigan, has spent decades trying first to appeal her conviction, then for parole and finally for a full pardon. The 12th Victim, which features Oscar winner Morgan Neville among its producers, focuses less on clearing Fugate’s name in a legal sense and more on clearing her name in a cultural sense. The documentary targets the true crime genre and the way Hollywood’s mythologizing of society’s darkest and most unspeakable elements can become a proxy for the truth. This is especially true...
Fugate, still alive and now living in Michigan, has spent decades trying first to appeal her conviction, then for parole and finally for a full pardon. The 12th Victim, which features Oscar winner Morgan Neville among its producers, focuses less on clearing Fugate’s name in a legal sense and more on clearing her name in a cultural sense. The documentary targets the true crime genre and the way Hollywood’s mythologizing of society’s darkest and most unspeakable elements can become a proxy for the truth. This is especially true...
- 2/16/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Showtime is exploring an infamous teenage couple who were convicted of murdering 11 people in the 1950s in the network’s latest docuseries. The 12th Victim is a four-part docuseries following the crimes of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate.
Told through a stylistic blend of archival and recreated footage and countless film and television series inspired by the killings, the series reexamines Fugate’s guilty verdict, who was 14 years old at the time of the killings, through a modern lens, questioning the media and judicial system’s treatment of her despite her self-proclaimed innocence.
On Tuesday, Showtime released a trailer for the series and announced it will debut on February 17.
In 1958, a grisly string of murders terrified the Midwest, as 18-year-old Starkweather killed 11 victims in Nebraska and Wyoming with his girlfriend Fugate by his side. Fugate went on to become the youngest female in U.S. history to be tried...
Told through a stylistic blend of archival and recreated footage and countless film and television series inspired by the killings, the series reexamines Fugate’s guilty verdict, who was 14 years old at the time of the killings, through a modern lens, questioning the media and judicial system’s treatment of her despite her self-proclaimed innocence.
On Tuesday, Showtime released a trailer for the series and announced it will debut on February 17.
In 1958, a grisly string of murders terrified the Midwest, as 18-year-old Starkweather killed 11 victims in Nebraska and Wyoming with his girlfriend Fugate by his side. Fugate went on to become the youngest female in U.S. history to be tried...
- 1/24/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The pitch for high-profile skateboarder Leo Baker’s Netflix doc Stay on Board was seemingly simple: he’s trans and he’s going to the Olympics.
Yet, amid increasing interest in exploring the trans experience onscreen, the doc shatters its somewhat oversimplified hook. First, because Baker never actually goes to the Olympics — a decision viewers are taken behind the scenes of in the film. Second, because the documentary is as much a story about how skateboarding and competing for more than a decade — eventually at the top of his sport — shaped every element of who Baker could be, publicly and privately.
For as deeply personal as Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story is, the film — directed by Giovanni Reda and Nicola Marsh — is also a sweeping look at the uniquely complicated place a professional athlete like Baker can find themselves in. When...
The pitch for high-profile skateboarder Leo Baker’s Netflix doc Stay on Board was seemingly simple: he’s trans and he’s going to the Olympics.
Yet, amid increasing interest in exploring the trans experience onscreen, the doc shatters its somewhat oversimplified hook. First, because Baker never actually goes to the Olympics — a decision viewers are taken behind the scenes of in the film. Second, because the documentary is as much a story about how skateboarding and competing for more than a decade — eventually at the top of his sport — shaped every element of who Baker could be, publicly and privately.
For as deeply personal as Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story is, the film — directed by Giovanni Reda and Nicola Marsh — is also a sweeping look at the uniquely complicated place a professional athlete like Baker can find themselves in. When...
- 9/18/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Outfest has announced the award winners of its 40th Anniversary Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
Top prizes went to Amanda Kramer’s Please Baby Please, starring Andrea Riseborough, Henry Melling, Karl Glusman and Demi Moore, for Outstanding North American Narrative Feature; Gabriel Martins’ Brazilian family drama Mars One took the Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding International Narrative Feature, and the newly-named Paul D. Lerner and Stephen Reis Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding Documentary Feature went to Rita Baghdadi’s Sirens, about the Lebanese female thrash metal band Slave to Sirens. The Academy Award-qualifying festival’s two Grand Jury prizes for Narrative shorts went to April Maxey’s Work (Outstanding U.S. Narrative Short) and Dania Bedir’s Warsha, both of which are now Oscar eligible. Outstanding Documentary Short went to Brydie O’Connor’s Love, Barbara.
Audience awards went to Juan Felipe Zuleta’s crowd-pleasing Unidentified Objects, and documentary feature...
Top prizes went to Amanda Kramer’s Please Baby Please, starring Andrea Riseborough, Henry Melling, Karl Glusman and Demi Moore, for Outstanding North American Narrative Feature; Gabriel Martins’ Brazilian family drama Mars One took the Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding International Narrative Feature, and the newly-named Paul D. Lerner and Stephen Reis Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding Documentary Feature went to Rita Baghdadi’s Sirens, about the Lebanese female thrash metal band Slave to Sirens. The Academy Award-qualifying festival’s two Grand Jury prizes for Narrative shorts went to April Maxey’s Work (Outstanding U.S. Narrative Short) and Dania Bedir’s Warsha, both of which are now Oscar eligible. Outstanding Documentary Short went to Brydie O’Connor’s Love, Barbara.
Audience awards went to Juan Felipe Zuleta’s crowd-pleasing Unidentified Objects, and documentary feature...
- 7/27/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
“Please Baby Please” and “Mars One” are among the winners of the 40th Anniversary Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival. The organization announced the honorees during its award ceremony Wednesday.
The L.A.-based nonprofit, which promotes LGBTQ filmmakers and projects, ran its 40th edition festival from July 14-24. Over the course of the festival, 30,000 people attended its programming and more than 200 films screened, including 42 world premieres. The festival opened with Billy Porter’s directorial debut “Anything’s Possible” and closed with the LGBTQ slasher film “They/Them.”
“Please Baby Please,” directed by Amanda Kramer and starring Andrea Riseborough and Henry Melling, took the outstanding North American feature prize, while Brazilian director Gabriel Martins’ family drama “Mars One” won the outstanding international feature award. Audience award winners included “Unidentified Objects” by Juan Felipe Zuleta and documentary feature “Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story.” Select award winners will be available to stream...
The L.A.-based nonprofit, which promotes LGBTQ filmmakers and projects, ran its 40th edition festival from July 14-24. Over the course of the festival, 30,000 people attended its programming and more than 200 films screened, including 42 world premieres. The festival opened with Billy Porter’s directorial debut “Anything’s Possible” and closed with the LGBTQ slasher film “They/Them.”
“Please Baby Please,” directed by Amanda Kramer and starring Andrea Riseborough and Henry Melling, took the outstanding North American feature prize, while Brazilian director Gabriel Martins’ family drama “Mars One” won the outstanding international feature award. Audience award winners included “Unidentified Objects” by Juan Felipe Zuleta and documentary feature “Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story.” Select award winners will be available to stream...
- 7/27/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Remember Tower Records? The saga of the massive brick & mortar music retailer is a great story with marvelous characters. When you meet founder Russ Solomon it becomes obvious why the store clicked -- the guy knew how to turn music-brained hippies into motivated collaborators. With good extras... this docu generates genuine Good Vibes. All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records DVD FilmRise 2015 / Color / 1:78 enhanced widescreen / 94 min. / Street Date January 19, 2016 / 24.95 (also available on Blu-ray) Starring Russ Solomon, Chris Cornell, Heidi Cotler, Rudy Danzinger, Bob Delanoy, David Geffen, Stan Goman, Dave Grohl, Chris Hopson, Elton John Steve Knopper, Steve Nikkel, Bruce Springsteen, Jim Urie, Mark Viducich. Cinematography Neil Lisk, Nicola Marsh, Bridger Nielson Film Editor Darrin Roberts Original Music Bill Sherman Written by Steven Leckart Produced by Sean M. Stuart Directed by Colin Hanks
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
If you lived in a city with a Tower Records in the 1970s,...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
If you lived in a city with a Tower Records in the 1970s,...
- 2/16/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
1. Documentary Filmmaking Tips: During the "Let's Talk Docs" session at the 2014 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, non-fiction cinematographers Nicola Marsh ("20 Feet From Stardom," "Burn"), Rick Rowley ("Dirty Wars"), Nick Higgins ("The Crash Reel," "The Lion's Mouth") and Jerry Ricciotti (HBO’s "Vice") shared stories from the front line and provided good advice for their audience of (mostly) other filmmakers. Read their top tips here. 2. How to Pitch: Not sure how to pitch your next project? Read about how indie director Josh Boone pitched "The Fault in Their Stories" to Fox and got the gig here. 3. Shoot Cool Stuff. Get Paid.: "Maybe you're an independent filmmaker with hard drives full of unpublished footage. Maybe you're a dedicated hobbyist who takes video on your travels and adventures, or around your own city with friends. Maybe you film professionally for digital agencies or production companies and have a pile of unused 'B-roll' in your archives.
- 6/9/2014
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
At the Canon-sponsored panel “Let’s Talk Docs” session at the 2014 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, non-fiction cinematographers Nicola Marsh ("20 Feet From Stardom," "Burn"), Rick Rowley ("Dirty Wars"), Nick Higgins ("The Crash Reel," "The Lion's Mouth") and Jerry Ricciotti (HBO’s "Vice") shared stories from the frontlines. Even though each had a different approach to how they work in the typically run-and-gun atmosphere of documentary filmmaking, they all had good advice to disperse to the audience mostly full of other filmmakers. Here are their top tips: 1. Your gear should help, not hinder you -- and the best camera might not be the most expensive one. "The first thing I think about is how long the camera is going to be on my shoulder. It’s nice to shoot on a Pl lens, but I can’t have that on my shoulder all day. I don’t want to have...
- 6/9/2014
- by Valentina I. Valentini
- Indiewire
It's been awhile since last we heard anything regarding Christopher Denham's new film, Preservation, but with the European Film Market now looming in the distance, we have an update for you cats! Read on!
From the Press Release
Xyz Films announces that it has picked up worldwide sales rights to writer/director Christopher Denham’s latest horror/thriller, Preservation, starring Wrenn Schmidt ("Boardwalk Empire"), Aaron Staton ("Mad Men"), and Pablo Schreiber (HBO's upcoming "The Brink," "Orange Is the New Black").
Jennifer Dubin and Cora Olson of Present Pictures are producing, with executive producing duties handled by Connie Cummings and Anne Renton of Certainty Films. Preservation will be introduced to buyers by Xyz Films at the European Film Market in February.
In the film, Wit (Schmidt), a brainy anesthesiologist, heads out on a hunting trip in a forest preserve with her husband, Mike (Staton), a hedge fund manager, and his brother,...
From the Press Release
Xyz Films announces that it has picked up worldwide sales rights to writer/director Christopher Denham’s latest horror/thriller, Preservation, starring Wrenn Schmidt ("Boardwalk Empire"), Aaron Staton ("Mad Men"), and Pablo Schreiber (HBO's upcoming "The Brink," "Orange Is the New Black").
Jennifer Dubin and Cora Olson of Present Pictures are producing, with executive producing duties handled by Connie Cummings and Anne Renton of Certainty Films. Preservation will be introduced to buyers by Xyz Films at the European Film Market in February.
In the film, Wit (Schmidt), a brainy anesthesiologist, heads out on a hunting trip in a forest preserve with her husband, Mike (Staton), a hedge fund manager, and his brother,...
- 1/30/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
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