Festival
The 65th BFI London Film Festival, which concluded Oct. 17, attracted crowds for in-person events and virtually. The festival unspooled over 12 days across London venues, 10 partner cinema venues around the U.K. and online. There were more than 139,000 physical attendances at screenings and events and over 152,000 virtual attendances.
The festival closed with the European premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at new festival venue, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with director Joel Coen and key cast, including Frances McDormand, in attendance.
There was a sting in the tail, however, as two people who attended the closing film and after party tested positive for Covid-19, compelling the BFI to send letters to attendees informing them about this. The positive tests came as no surprise as the U.K. is experiencing a dramatic surge in cases currently.
The array of celebrities who attended the festival in person included Jay Z,...
The 65th BFI London Film Festival, which concluded Oct. 17, attracted crowds for in-person events and virtually. The festival unspooled over 12 days across London venues, 10 partner cinema venues around the U.K. and online. There were more than 139,000 physical attendances at screenings and events and over 152,000 virtual attendances.
The festival closed with the European premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at new festival venue, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with director Joel Coen and key cast, including Frances McDormand, in attendance.
There was a sting in the tail, however, as two people who attended the closing film and after party tested positive for Covid-19, compelling the BFI to send letters to attendees informing them about this. The positive tests came as no surprise as the U.K. is experiencing a dramatic surge in cases currently.
The array of celebrities who attended the festival in person included Jay Z,...
- 10/25/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. rights to Geeta Malik’s “India Sweets and Spices,” premiering in theaters on Nov. 19.
The film, which debuted at Tribeca Film Festival, follows Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and turns their well-ordered life upside down. When she befriends Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery store, she invites him to a family dinner party where family secrets fly.
Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru also star in the humorous coming-of-age tale, produced and financed by Madison Wells and Sk Global Entertainment, and producers Naomi Despres, Sidney Kimmel, John Penotti and Gigi Pritzker. Adrian Alperovich, Kilian Kerwin, Mark O’Connor, Bruce Toll and Rachel Shane executive produce.
The deal was brokered between Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy of Bleecker Street and CAA,...
The film, which debuted at Tribeca Film Festival, follows Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) as she returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and turns their well-ordered life upside down. When she befriends Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery store, she invites him to a family dinner party where family secrets fly.
Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru also star in the humorous coming-of-age tale, produced and financed by Madison Wells and Sk Global Entertainment, and producers Naomi Despres, Sidney Kimmel, John Penotti and Gigi Pritzker. Adrian Alperovich, Kilian Kerwin, Mark O’Connor, Bruce Toll and Rachel Shane executive produce.
The deal was brokered between Kent Sanderson and Avy Eschenasy of Bleecker Street and CAA,...
- 9/13/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street announced on Monday that it acquired the rights to the coming-of-age comedy “India Sweets and Spices,” which is written and directed by Geeta Malik and stars “Uncharted” actress Sophia Ali. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is set for release on November 19.
Ali plays Alia Kapur, an Indian-American college student who returns to her upscale family in New Jersey and soon upends her family’s orderly life with her newfound independence, especially after she discovers secrets about her parents during a family dinner with the son of the local Indian grocery store owners. Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah, Deepti Gupta, and Ved Sapru also star.
“’India Sweets and Spices’ is a film so close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be working with such a passionate team at Bleecker Street,” said writer/director Geeta Malik. “I know we’re in great hands for...
Ali plays Alia Kapur, an Indian-American college student who returns to her upscale family in New Jersey and soon upends her family’s orderly life with her newfound independence, especially after she discovers secrets about her parents during a family dinner with the son of the local Indian grocery store owners. Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Rish Shah, Deepti Gupta, and Ved Sapru also star.
“’India Sweets and Spices’ is a film so close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to be working with such a passionate team at Bleecker Street,” said writer/director Geeta Malik. “I know we’re in great hands for...
- 9/13/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Bleecker Street has landed the U.S. rights to filmmaker Geeta Malik’s new comedy India Sweets and Spices, which made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. A theatrical release of November 19 has been set.
In the movie, Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and upends their well-ordered life with her brash independence. After befriending Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery, she invites his family to a dinner party where family secrets are revealed. Alia’s surprise turns to rebellion when she uncovers secrets about both her parents that push her toward a daring and ultimately hilarious confrontation. Also starring are Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru.
“India Sweets and Spices is a film so close to my heart, and...
In the movie, Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) returns to her family’s posh suburban New Jersey home after a year away at college and upends their well-ordered life with her brash independence. After befriending Varun (Rish Shah), the handsome son of the new owners of the local Indian grocery, she invites his family to a dinner party where family secrets are revealed. Alia’s surprise turns to rebellion when she uncovers secrets about both her parents that push her toward a daring and ultimately hilarious confrontation. Also starring are Manisha Koirala, Adil Hussain, Deepti Gupta and Ved Sapru.
“India Sweets and Spices is a film so close to my heart, and...
- 9/13/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios has bought rights from Stx and Mwm to Dave Bautista’s family comedy “My Spy” for exclusive streaming on Amazon Prime in the U.S. and some foreign markets.
No streaming date has been set yet. The deal takes place with U.S. movie theaters not expected to open for several more months with studios vacating most release dates until the mid-summer at the earliest.
On March 6, during the early stages of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, Stx had moved the North American release date back a month to April 17 in order to take advantage of a slot that had opened up after “Trolls World Tour” moved up open on April 10. At that point, Stx indicated that “My Spy,” which cost $18 million to produce, would benefit from expanded awareness.
In “My Spy,” Bautista finds himself forced to teach spycraft to a precocious 9-year-old girl, played by Chloe Coleman of “Big Little Lies.
No streaming date has been set yet. The deal takes place with U.S. movie theaters not expected to open for several more months with studios vacating most release dates until the mid-summer at the earliest.
On March 6, during the early stages of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, Stx had moved the North American release date back a month to April 17 in order to take advantage of a slot that had opened up after “Trolls World Tour” moved up open on April 10. At that point, Stx indicated that “My Spy,” which cost $18 million to produce, would benefit from expanded awareness.
In “My Spy,” Bautista finds himself forced to teach spycraft to a precocious 9-year-old girl, played by Chloe Coleman of “Big Little Lies.
- 4/8/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Dave Bautista’s “My Spy” is moving its North American release date back a month to April 17 in order to take advantage of a recently cleared slot for the family comedy.
After “No Time to Die” was pushed from April 10 to November due to the coronavirus slowing the global box office, “Trolls World Tour” moved up to take the movie’s former release date. This left the weekend of April 17 open for “My Spy,” which STXFilms moved on Friday, a week before the film would have opened on March 13.
The company indicated that “My Spy,” which cost $18 million to produce, has opened well in Australia and New Zealand and the studio believes the shift gives it an opportunity to expand awareness with an insignificant impact on its media spend.
The major titles opening on its former release date of March 13 are Sony’s action pic “Bloodshot” and Universal’s horror thriller “The Hunt.
After “No Time to Die” was pushed from April 10 to November due to the coronavirus slowing the global box office, “Trolls World Tour” moved up to take the movie’s former release date. This left the weekend of April 17 open for “My Spy,” which STXFilms moved on Friday, a week before the film would have opened on March 13.
The company indicated that “My Spy,” which cost $18 million to produce, has opened well in Australia and New Zealand and the studio believes the shift gives it an opportunity to expand awareness with an insignificant impact on its media spend.
The major titles opening on its former release date of March 13 are Sony’s action pic “Bloodshot” and Universal’s horror thriller “The Hunt.
- 3/7/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Setting out to solve both the harrowing murder case they’re working on, as well as their own perplexing origins, can be a daunting process for detectives who are determined to uncover the truth in all aspects of life. That’s certainly true for film auteur Edward Norton’s character, detective Lionel Essrog, in the new neo-noir crime […]
The post Exclusive Toronto International Film Festival 2019 Interview: Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich Talk Motherless Brooklyn (Digital and Blu-ray Release) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Exclusive Toronto International Film Festival 2019 Interview: Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich Talk Motherless Brooklyn (Digital and Blu-ray Release) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 1/3/2020
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Universal City, California, December 19, 2019 – With the clock ticking down, an NYPD detective is plunged into the midst of a large-scale conspiracy, while trying to bring forth justice in 21 Bridges, arriving on Digital February 4, 2020 and Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on February 18, 2020 from STXfilms and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. 21 Bridges is a gripping thriller that keeps audiences captivated with its twists and turns as the gray area between cop and criminal becomes more apparent. Hailed as a “battering ram of a movie” (The New York Times), the suspense and nonstop action of 21 Bridges allows viewers to take part in uncovering the many layers of the conspiracy themselves.
Led by Chadwick Boseman as the film’s fearless protagonist, 21 Bridges features an all-star cast with Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Emmy Award® winner Keith David with Taylor Kitsch and Oscar® winner J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is directed by Brian Kirk and written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Adam Mervis.
Led by Chadwick Boseman as the film’s fearless protagonist, 21 Bridges features an all-star cast with Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Emmy Award® winner Keith David with Taylor Kitsch and Oscar® winner J.K. Simmons. 21 Bridges is directed by Brian Kirk and written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Adam Mervis.
- 12/23/2019
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
The Full Metal Jacket and Law & Order: Criminal Intent actor will play American Southern Baptist pastor, televangelist, and conservative activist Jerry Falwell in Fox Searchlight’s The Eyes of Tammy Faye about the rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Bakker.
As production starts today in Charlotte, North Carolina, Searchlight also announced Vincent D’Onofrio joining the cast in addition to Gabriel Olds (Surrogates) as televangelist, media mogul and former Republican presidential candidate Pat Robertson, Mark Wystrach (Johnny Christ) as American actor and country music singer Gary Paxton.
They join previously announced cast Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker, Jessica Chastain (who is also producing) in the title role, Sam Jaeger as Roe Messner and Chandler Head as Little Tammy Faye, Cherry Jones as Tammy Faye’s mother Rachel, and Fredric Lehne as Tammy Faye’s step-father Fred,
Pic is based on Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s 2000 documentary of the same name.
As production starts today in Charlotte, North Carolina, Searchlight also announced Vincent D’Onofrio joining the cast in addition to Gabriel Olds (Surrogates) as televangelist, media mogul and former Republican presidential candidate Pat Robertson, Mark Wystrach (Johnny Christ) as American actor and country music singer Gary Paxton.
They join previously announced cast Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker, Jessica Chastain (who is also producing) in the title role, Sam Jaeger as Roe Messner and Chandler Head as Little Tammy Faye, Cherry Jones as Tammy Faye’s mother Rachel, and Fredric Lehne as Tammy Faye’s step-father Fred,
Pic is based on Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s 2000 documentary of the same name.
- 11/7/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls of New York’s power brokers, Lionel contends with thugs, corruption and the most dangerous man in the city to honor his friend and save the woman who might be his own salvation.
Oscar nominee Edward Norton directed, wrote, produced and stars in “Motherless Brooklyn.” The film’s journey to the screen began in 1999 when Norton saw the cinematic potential in Jonathan Lethem’s novel Motherless Brooklyn and its unforgettable central character.
Oscar nominee Edward Norton directed, wrote, produced and stars in “Motherless Brooklyn.” The film’s journey to the screen began in 1999 when Norton saw the cinematic potential in Jonathan Lethem’s novel Motherless Brooklyn and its unforgettable central character.
- 10/28/2019
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The official trailer for the upcoming Warner Bros. film “Motherless Brooklyn” written, directed by and starring Edward Norton has been released. You can view the trailer below: Director: Edward Norton Writer: Edward Norton, from the novel by Jonathan Lethem Producers: Bill Migliore, Edward Norton, Michael Bederman, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane, Executive Producers: Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Daniel Nadler, Robert F. Smith, Brian Niranjan Sheth Cast: Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Bobby Cannavale, Cherry Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams, Leslie Mann, Ethan Suplee, Dallas Roberts, Josh Pais, Robert Ray Wisdom, Fisher Stevens, with Alec Baldwin and Willem Dafoe About the film: Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, “Motherless Brooklyn” follows Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind,...
- 8/23/2019
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Watch intrigue and drama unfold in the trailer for Motherless Brooklyn, starring Writer/Director Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, with Alec Baldwin and Willem Dafoe. Only in theaters November 1.
It was announced that the movie will be the closing night selection at the 57th New York Film Festival.
https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff2019/films/motherless-brooklyn/
This is Oscar/Awards season bait… for sure! We can’t wait for this one!
Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls...
It was announced that the movie will be the closing night selection at the 57th New York Film Festival.
https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff2019/films/motherless-brooklyn/
This is Oscar/Awards season bait… for sure! We can’t wait for this one!
Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls...
- 8/22/2019
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Dave Bautista finds himself forced to teach spycraft to a 9-year-old girl in the first trailer for STXfilms’ comedy “My Spy.”
Bautista plays a tough-as-nails CIA operative who admits, “I’m just not that good with people, but there is one thing I’m good at,” followed by explosions and mayhem.
His superior (Ken Jeong) notes that the assignment was to gather intelligence, then adds, “but that’s kind of difficult now that you’ve killed everyone.”
Bautista is given a last chance to keep his job, and ordered to go undercover and surveil a family. But their daughter, portrayed by “Big Little Lies” actress Chloe Coleman, foils that plan by discovering the hidden cameras. She then blackmails him into teaching her how to be a spy — sealed with a pinky promise.
Coleman proves adept at the tricks of the trade, including beating a lie detector test and creating distractions,...
Bautista plays a tough-as-nails CIA operative who admits, “I’m just not that good with people, but there is one thing I’m good at,” followed by explosions and mayhem.
His superior (Ken Jeong) notes that the assignment was to gather intelligence, then adds, “but that’s kind of difficult now that you’ve killed everyone.”
Bautista is given a last chance to keep his job, and ordered to go undercover and surveil a family. But their daughter, portrayed by “Big Little Lies” actress Chloe Coleman, foils that plan by discovering the hidden cameras. She then blackmails him into teaching her how to be a spy — sealed with a pinky promise.
Coleman proves adept at the tricks of the trade, including beating a lie detector test and creating distractions,...
- 4/4/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Mwm Studios is joining poet-playwright Marcus Gardley on the upcoming film adaptation of his play “The House That Will Not Stand.”
Mwm producers Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane and producer Diane Nabatoff are on board Gardley’s historical comic drama. The play won Gardley the 2015 Glickman Award and was a finalist for the 2015 Kennedy Prize.
Set in Fauberg Treme in New Orleans in 1813, “The House That Will Not Stand” is loosely adapted from Garcia Lorca’s “House of Bernalda Alba” and examines the lives of the free women of color who became millionaires within the system of plaçage (the common-law marriages of white men and black Creole women) and fought against racial oppression.
“I am so excited to be working with Diane and the Mwm team to transform ‘The House That Will Not Stand’ into a film,” said Gardley. “I can’t wait to re-visit these characters and share more of their lives and world.
Mwm producers Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane and producer Diane Nabatoff are on board Gardley’s historical comic drama. The play won Gardley the 2015 Glickman Award and was a finalist for the 2015 Kennedy Prize.
Set in Fauberg Treme in New Orleans in 1813, “The House That Will Not Stand” is loosely adapted from Garcia Lorca’s “House of Bernalda Alba” and examines the lives of the free women of color who became millionaires within the system of plaçage (the common-law marriages of white men and black Creole women) and fought against racial oppression.
“I am so excited to be working with Diane and the Mwm team to transform ‘The House That Will Not Stand’ into a film,” said Gardley. “I can’t wait to re-visit these characters and share more of their lives and world.
- 11/27/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kristen Schaal is heading north to join Dave Bautista, Ken Jeong, Parisa Fitz-Henley and Chloe Coleman in STXfilms’ action-comedy My Spy, which is now filming in Toronto. Peter Segal is at the helm, directing from a screenplay by Jon and Erich Hoeber.
Bautista stars as a hardened CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
Chris Bender and Jake Weiner of Good Fear are producing with Gigi Pritzker of Mwm Studios, Bautista, Meisner and Segal. Executive producers include Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich (Mwm Studios), the Hoebers and Michael Flynn.
Schaal, repped by UTA and Morris Yorn, was recently tapped to headline an untitled ABC family comedy from Man Seeking Woman creator Simon Rich. Other credits include 30 Rock, The Daily Show, Walk in the Woods, Dinner for Schmucks and Boundaries.
Bautista stars as a hardened CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
Chris Bender and Jake Weiner of Good Fear are producing with Gigi Pritzker of Mwm Studios, Bautista, Meisner and Segal. Executive producers include Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich (Mwm Studios), the Hoebers and Michael Flynn.
Schaal, repped by UTA and Morris Yorn, was recently tapped to headline an untitled ABC family comedy from Man Seeking Woman creator Simon Rich. Other credits include 30 Rock, The Daily Show, Walk in the Woods, Dinner for Schmucks and Boundaries.
- 10/19/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Ken Jeong, Parisa Fitz-Henley, and Chloe Coleman have joined Dave Bautista’s action-comedy “My Spy” for STXFilms.
Peter Segal is directing the script penned by the writing team of brothers Jon and Erich Hoeber. Bautista plays a hardened CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family. The film is currently in production in Toronto.
“’My Spy’s the perfect vehicle to highlight Dave’s undeniable humor and charm, while continuing to stay true to his action roots,” Adam Fogelson, chairman of STXfilms, said. “His father/daughter-like chemistry with Chloe Coleman is a true pleasure to watch, and we could not have asked for a stronger roster of funny and talented co-stars to round out the cast of this wildly entertaining film.”
Good Fear’s Chris Bender and Jake Weiner are producing the project alongside Mwm Studios, Bautista,...
Peter Segal is directing the script penned by the writing team of brothers Jon and Erich Hoeber. Bautista plays a hardened CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family. The film is currently in production in Toronto.
“’My Spy’s the perfect vehicle to highlight Dave’s undeniable humor and charm, while continuing to stay true to his action roots,” Adam Fogelson, chairman of STXfilms, said. “His father/daughter-like chemistry with Chloe Coleman is a true pleasure to watch, and we could not have asked for a stronger roster of funny and talented co-stars to round out the cast of this wildly entertaining film.”
Good Fear’s Chris Bender and Jake Weiner are producing the project alongside Mwm Studios, Bautista,...
- 10/17/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ken Jeong, known for The Hangover films and most recently seen in Crazy Rich Asians, has come aboard STXfilms’ Dave Bautista-starring action-comedy, My Spy, along with Midnight, Texas star Parisa Fitz-Henley, who played Meghan Markle in the recent Lifetime movie, and Big Little Lies‘ Chloe Coleman.
Peter Segal is directing the pic, which currently shooting in Toronto. Written by Jon and Erich Hoeber, the plot follows a hardened CIA operative (Bautista) who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
Mwm Studios, which is producing Stx’s Chadwick Boseman-starrer, 17 Bridges, is producing My Spy along with Good Fear’s Chris Bender and Jake Weiner, Bautista, Jonathan Meisner, Segal, and Gigi Pritzker.
Exec Producers are Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber, Michael Flynn, as well as Mwm’s Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich with Stacy Calabrese serving as a co-producer on behalf of Mwm.
Peter Segal is directing the pic, which currently shooting in Toronto. Written by Jon and Erich Hoeber, the plot follows a hardened CIA operative (Bautista) who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
Mwm Studios, which is producing Stx’s Chadwick Boseman-starrer, 17 Bridges, is producing My Spy along with Good Fear’s Chris Bender and Jake Weiner, Bautista, Jonathan Meisner, Segal, and Gigi Pritzker.
Exec Producers are Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber, Michael Flynn, as well as Mwm’s Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich with Stacy Calabrese serving as a co-producer on behalf of Mwm.
- 10/17/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
STXfilms announced on Wednesday that the studio’s upcoming action-comedy “My Spy,” starring Dave Bautista, has added “Crazy Rich Asians”-actor Ken Jeong to the cast along with Parisa Fitz-Henley (“Luke Cage”) and Chloe Coleman (“Big Little Lies”).
“My Spy” follows a hardened CIA operative (Bautista) who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
The film, currently in production in Toronto, is being directed by Peter Segal (“Get Smart”) from a script penned by Jon and Erich Hoeber (“Red”).
Also Read: 'Fantasy Island': Dave Bautista in Talks to Join Film
“My Spy is the perfect vehicle to highlight Dave’s undeniable humor and charm, while continuing to stay true to his action roots,” said STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson in a statement. “His father/daughter-like chemistry with Chloe Coleman is a true pleasure to watch, and we could...
“My Spy” follows a hardened CIA operative (Bautista) who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
The film, currently in production in Toronto, is being directed by Peter Segal (“Get Smart”) from a script penned by Jon and Erich Hoeber (“Red”).
Also Read: 'Fantasy Island': Dave Bautista in Talks to Join Film
“My Spy is the perfect vehicle to highlight Dave’s undeniable humor and charm, while continuing to stay true to his action roots,” said STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson in a statement. “His father/daughter-like chemistry with Chloe Coleman is a true pleasure to watch, and we could...
- 10/17/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Production on action-comedy underway in Toronto.
Crazy Rich Asians star Ken Jeong, Parisa Fitz-Henley, and Chloe Coleman have joined Dave Bautista on STXfilms’ action-comedy My Spy.
Peter Segal is directing from a screenplay by Jon and Erich Hoeber about a hard-boiled CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious nine-year-old girl after he is sent undercover to protect her family. My Spy is currently in production in Toronto.
“My Spy is the perfect vehicle to highlight Dave’s undeniable humor and charm, while continuing to stay true to his action roots,” said STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson. “His...
Crazy Rich Asians star Ken Jeong, Parisa Fitz-Henley, and Chloe Coleman have joined Dave Bautista on STXfilms’ action-comedy My Spy.
Peter Segal is directing from a screenplay by Jon and Erich Hoeber about a hard-boiled CIA operative who finds himself at the mercy of a precocious nine-year-old girl after he is sent undercover to protect her family. My Spy is currently in production in Toronto.
“My Spy is the perfect vehicle to highlight Dave’s undeniable humor and charm, while continuing to stay true to his action roots,” said STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson. “His...
- 10/17/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Jamie Neumann, who can currently be seen on HBO’s “The Deuce” as Dorothy, has joined the cast of the Stx action movie “17 Bridges.” Sources also tell Variety she has landed a recurring role on Netflix’s “Jessica Jones” and “NOS4A2.”
“17 Bridges,” directed by Brian Kirk, stars Chadwick Boseman, J.K. Simmons, Taylor Kitsch, and Stephan James.
Boseman will portray a disgraced NYPD detective who, after being thrust into a citywide manhunt for a cop killer, is given a shot at redemption. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island.
Boseman, Logan Coles, and Joe and Anthony Russo are producing along with Mwm Studios. Gigi Pritzker (“Hell or High Water...
“17 Bridges,” directed by Brian Kirk, stars Chadwick Boseman, J.K. Simmons, Taylor Kitsch, and Stephan James.
Boseman will portray a disgraced NYPD detective who, after being thrust into a citywide manhunt for a cop killer, is given a shot at redemption. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island.
Boseman, Logan Coles, and Joe and Anthony Russo are producing along with Mwm Studios. Gigi Pritzker (“Hell or High Water...
- 10/16/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Stephan James is set to star opposite Chadwick Boseman, J.K. Simmons, Sienna Miller and Taylor Kitsch in 17 Bridges, an action thriller from STXfilms.
Directed by Brian Kirk, the film follows an embattled NYPD detective (Boseman) who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island. James and Kitsch will play the two suspects on the run.
James has a couple of highly anticipated forthcoming projects. The Toronto native stars in the Barry Jenkins film If Beale Street Could Talk, which premiered at Tiff and hits theaters in November. He also can be seen opposite Julia Roberts in Sam Esmail’s Amazon series Homecoming, also debuting next month.
17 Bridges,...
Directed by Brian Kirk, the film follows an embattled NYPD detective (Boseman) who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island. James and Kitsch will play the two suspects on the run.
James has a couple of highly anticipated forthcoming projects. The Toronto native stars in the Barry Jenkins film If Beale Street Could Talk, which premiered at Tiff and hits theaters in November. He also can be seen opposite Julia Roberts in Sam Esmail’s Amazon series Homecoming, also debuting next month.
17 Bridges,...
- 10/3/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons, Sienna Miller, and Friday Night Lights alum Taylor Kitsch are set to co-star in 17 Bridges, the action thriller that will be led by Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. The pic hails from STXfilms, which acquired the spec in 2016. Mwm Studios, the company behind the Oscar-nominated film, Hell or High Water, has come on board to produce the pic alongside Boseman as well as Joe and Anthony Russo.
Brian Kirk is directing from a screenplay by Adam Mervis with revisions by Matt Carnahan. The pic will hit theaters July 12.
The plot follows a disgraced NYPD detective (Boseman), who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers...
Brian Kirk is directing from a screenplay by Adam Mervis with revisions by Matt Carnahan. The pic will hit theaters July 12.
The plot follows a disgraced NYPD detective (Boseman), who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers...
- 9/26/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
J.K. Simmons, Sienna Miller and Taylor Kitsch have joined Chadwick Boseman’s action-thriller “17 Bridges” for STXfilms.
The mini-major announced in July that “Black Panther” star Boseman would produce and star in “17 Bridges.” Brian Kirk, whose credits include “Luther” and “Game of Thrones,” is directing from a script by Adam Mervis (“The Philly Kid”).
Boseman will portray a disgraced NYPD detective who, after being thrust into a citywide manhunt for a cop killer, is given a shot at redemption. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island.
STXfilms said Wednesday that Mwm Studios had joined previously announced producers Boseman, Logan Coles and Joe and Anthony Russo. Gigi Pritzker...
The mini-major announced in July that “Black Panther” star Boseman would produce and star in “17 Bridges.” Brian Kirk, whose credits include “Luther” and “Game of Thrones,” is directing from a script by Adam Mervis (“The Philly Kid”).
Boseman will portray a disgraced NYPD detective who, after being thrust into a citywide manhunt for a cop killer, is given a shot at redemption. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island.
STXfilms said Wednesday that Mwm Studios had joined previously announced producers Boseman, Logan Coles and Joe and Anthony Russo. Gigi Pritzker...
- 9/26/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winner J.K. Simmons, Sienna Miller and Taylor Kitsch have joined the cast of STXFilms’ upcoming action thriller “17 Bridges,” starring Chadwick Boseman.
“17 Bridges” stars Boseman as a disgraced NYPD detective who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy.
As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the island.
The studio, a division of Stx Entertainment, did not specify what roles Simmons, Miller or Kitsch will play.
Also Read: Chadwick Boseman Set as Star and Producer of Stx Action Thriller '17 Bridges'
Brian Kirk (“Luther”) is directing “17 Bridges” from a screenplay written by Adam Mervis, though Matt...
“17 Bridges” stars Boseman as a disgraced NYPD detective who is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy.
As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan as the authorities close all 17 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the island.
The studio, a division of Stx Entertainment, did not specify what roles Simmons, Miller or Kitsch will play.
Also Read: Chadwick Boseman Set as Star and Producer of Stx Action Thriller '17 Bridges'
Brian Kirk (“Luther”) is directing “17 Bridges” from a screenplay written by Adam Mervis, though Matt...
- 9/26/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Mwm Studios producing with Chadwick Boseman and Agbo’s Russo brothers.
J.K. Simmons, Sienna Miller and Taylor Kitsch have joined Chadwick Boseman on Stx’s action thriller 17 Bridges.
Mwm Studios is producing alongside Black Panther star Boseman, Logan Coles, and Joe and Anthony Russo of Agbo, and Gigi Pritzker.
Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich of Mwm Studios will serve as executive producers, alongside Mike Larocca for Agbo, and Mark Kamine.
Brian Kirk (Luther) is directing from a screenplay by Adam Mervis (with revisions by Matt Carnahan) about an embattled New York detective (Boseman) thrust into a citywide manhunt for...
J.K. Simmons, Sienna Miller and Taylor Kitsch have joined Chadwick Boseman on Stx’s action thriller 17 Bridges.
Mwm Studios is producing alongside Black Panther star Boseman, Logan Coles, and Joe and Anthony Russo of Agbo, and Gigi Pritzker.
Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich of Mwm Studios will serve as executive producers, alongside Mike Larocca for Agbo, and Mark Kamine.
Brian Kirk (Luther) is directing from a screenplay by Adam Mervis (with revisions by Matt Carnahan) about an embattled New York detective (Boseman) thrust into a citywide manhunt for...
- 9/26/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: David and Jessica Oyelowo and their production company Yoruba Saxon have sealed an exclusive, first-look deal with Mwm Studios to develop both film and television projects. Yoruba Saxon, founded in 2014, is the company behind such films as A United Kingdom (Fox Searchlight Pathe), Captive (Paramount), Nightingale (HBO) and Five Nights in Main (Filmrise).
Oyelowo, of course, is the actor who won international kudos for his brilliant portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma and who is also an acclaimed stage actor, having played everything from King Henry VI at the Royal Shakespeare Company in London to his recent turn as Othello opposite Daniel Craig in the New York Theatre Workshop.
Mwm Studios has had a great few years with its Emmy-nominated NatGeo series Genius with Imagine Television and its Academy Award nominated film Hell or High Water (with Ske). Mwm was formerly known as OddLot Entertainment before the...
Oyelowo, of course, is the actor who won international kudos for his brilliant portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma and who is also an acclaimed stage actor, having played everything from King Henry VI at the Royal Shakespeare Company in London to his recent turn as Othello opposite Daniel Craig in the New York Theatre Workshop.
Mwm Studios has had a great few years with its Emmy-nominated NatGeo series Genius with Imagine Television and its Academy Award nominated film Hell or High Water (with Ske). Mwm was formerly known as OddLot Entertainment before the...
- 5/31/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kroll & Co. Entertainment, the recently launched production company of producer Sue Kroll, has acquired the rights to Jonathan Lethem’s new novel, The Feral Detective, through her exclusive deal at Warner Bros. Pictures. The novel which will be published this November is Lethem’s first detective story since his New York Times bestseller Motherless Brooklyn, which Edward Norton is directing for the big screen with Kroll as executive producer. The Feral Detective furthers the collaborative relationship between the award-winning author and Kroll. Ecco, the imprint of HarperCollins, is the publisher of The Feral Detective.
Wme brokered the deal on behalf of Lethem and the novel. Stewart Brookman of Hansen, Jacobson negotiated on behalf of Kroll & Co.
The Feral Detective follows Phoebe Siegler, a sarcastic and garrulous woman who heads to California to try to find her best friend’s missing teenaged daughter. When a lead brings her to...
Wme brokered the deal on behalf of Lethem and the novel. Stewart Brookman of Hansen, Jacobson negotiated on behalf of Kroll & Co.
The Feral Detective follows Phoebe Siegler, a sarcastic and garrulous woman who heads to California to try to find her best friend’s missing teenaged daughter. When a lead brings her to...
- 5/30/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Warner Bros. global marketing and distribution boss Sue Kroll has announced her upcoming production slate in her new role as producer on the lot with her shingle Kroll & Co. Entertainment.
While it has already been announced that Kroll will be an Ep on the upcoming Oct. 5 Bradley Cooper movie A Star Is Born starring Cooper and Lady Gaga, her upcoming slate will include the sci-fi action thriller Nemesis, with producers Ridley Scott and Jules Daly; the Ya drama The Selection with producers Denise Di Novi and Pouya Shahbazian; an untitled comedy starring Sandra Bullock, who will also produce with Michael Bostick; and the action thriller The Six Billion Dollar Man, soon going into production starring Mark Wahlberg, who also produces alongside Stephen Levinson, Bill Gerber, Scott Faye and Karen Lauder. Six Billion Dollar Man was previously located at TWC-Dimension before the company came apart in recent months.
While it has already been announced that Kroll will be an Ep on the upcoming Oct. 5 Bradley Cooper movie A Star Is Born starring Cooper and Lady Gaga, her upcoming slate will include the sci-fi action thriller Nemesis, with producers Ridley Scott and Jules Daly; the Ya drama The Selection with producers Denise Di Novi and Pouya Shahbazian; an untitled comedy starring Sandra Bullock, who will also produce with Michael Bostick; and the action thriller The Six Billion Dollar Man, soon going into production starring Mark Wahlberg, who also produces alongside Stephen Levinson, Bill Gerber, Scott Faye and Karen Lauder. Six Billion Dollar Man was previously located at TWC-Dimension before the company came apart in recent months.
- 4/4/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jonathan Lethem adaptation begins New York shoot.
Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Alec Baldwin have joined Edward Norton’s noir Motherless Brooklyn as production got underway this week.
Norton directs the Jonathan Lethem adaptation about a 1950s detective with Tourette’s and produces alongside his Class 5 partner Bill Migliore, as well as Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane from Mwm Studios.
Warner Bros holds worldwide distribution rights to the feature, which also stars Willem Dafoe, Cherry Jones, Ethan Suplee, and Leslie Mann.
Executive producers are Michael Bederman, Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Robert F. Smith, Brian Sheth, and Daniel Nadler.
Norton adapted the screenplay. Motherless Brooklyn marks his second feature directorial outing after 2000’s Keeping The Faith.
Bruce Willis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Alec Baldwin have joined Edward Norton’s noir Motherless Brooklyn as production got underway this week.
Norton directs the Jonathan Lethem adaptation about a 1950s detective with Tourette’s and produces alongside his Class 5 partner Bill Migliore, as well as Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane from Mwm Studios.
Warner Bros holds worldwide distribution rights to the feature, which also stars Willem Dafoe, Cherry Jones, Ethan Suplee, and Leslie Mann.
Executive producers are Michael Bederman, Adrian Alperovich, Sue Kroll, Robert F. Smith, Brian Sheth, and Daniel Nadler.
Norton adapted the screenplay. Motherless Brooklyn marks his second feature directorial outing after 2000’s Keeping The Faith.
- 2/5/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
James Franco will play children's book author Shel Silverstein in a biopic that he will also direct.
Based on Lisa Rogak's book A Boy Named Shel, the movie will focus on the personal and professional struggles of the author behind the popular book The Giving Tree and collection of poems Where the Sidewalk Ends. Chris Shafer and Paul Vicknair will write the screenplay.
McG and Mary Viola will produce through their Wonderland banner, along with Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane for Mwm Studios, which was recently rebranded from Pritzker's OddLot Entertainment.
Franco will executive produce through Rowena Films with Vince Jolivette and Adrian Alperovich of Mwm, which will fully finance.
The...
Based on Lisa Rogak's book A Boy Named Shel, the movie will focus on the personal and professional struggles of the author behind the popular book The Giving Tree and collection of poems Where the Sidewalk Ends. Chris Shafer and Paul Vicknair will write the screenplay.
McG and Mary Viola will produce through their Wonderland banner, along with Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane for Mwm Studios, which was recently rebranded from Pritzker's OddLot Entertainment.
Franco will executive produce through Rowena Films with Vince Jolivette and Adrian Alperovich of Mwm, which will fully finance.
The...
- 12/1/2017
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Focus Features is returning to its roots and will merge with Universal Pictures International Productions (Upip) to form a global specialty brand with a burgeoning worldwide production and acquisitions pipeline.
Peter Kujawski, a Universal star who has served as managing director of Upip and scored hits for the studio with territory buys on The Wolf Of Wall Street, Boyhood and Room, will lead the new Focus Features as chairman.
Kujawski will transition into the role following the exit of Current Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel on April 1. Schlessel has worked on the merger over the last few months with Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley, who paid tribute to the executive said his departure was a mutual decision given that “his interests are not solely focused on the specialised film marketplace.”
Upip co-managing director Robert Walak will become president and illustrates the global perspective and filmmaker ties the studio is keen to foster. As former...
Peter Kujawski, a Universal star who has served as managing director of Upip and scored hits for the studio with territory buys on The Wolf Of Wall Street, Boyhood and Room, will lead the new Focus Features as chairman.
Kujawski will transition into the role following the exit of Current Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel on April 1. Schlessel has worked on the merger over the last few months with Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley, who paid tribute to the executive said his departure was a mutual decision given that “his interests are not solely focused on the specialised film marketplace.”
Upip co-managing director Robert Walak will become president and illustrates the global perspective and filmmaker ties the studio is keen to foster. As former...
- 2/4/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel will exit his post come April, as the studio division merges with Universal Pictures International Productions. Peter Kujawski, current Managing Director of Upip, will assume the role in the newly-integrated Focus as Chairman. The rebranding, announced by Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley, also sees Upip Co-Managing Director Robert Walak as President of the division and Universal Pictures’ Film Strategy Evp Abhijay Prakash named COO. Current Focus COO Adrian Alperovich, Marketing head Christine Birch and President of Acquisitions, Lia Buman, are all leaving in step with Schlessel. Also Read: Universal's Donna Langley Named 2016 Pioneer of Year...
- 2/4/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Sierra/Affinity has formalised a relationship with the Focus Features fold that was hinted at during the Afm and will represent international rights to select titles going forward.
The alliance will complement the activities of Universal Pictures International outside North America and marks another milestone for the ambitious Sierra/Affinity in the wake of Marc Butan’s arrival.
Sierra/Affinity CEO Nick Meyer will continue to service existing licensing deals on Kevin Macdonald’s Jude Law submarine thriller Black Sea and Kill The Messenger starring Jeremy Renner (pictured), two hot titles that the now defunct Focus Features International (Ffi) introduced in Berlin 2013.
“Nick and Marc [Schaberg, Sierra/Affinity co-president and COO] and the outstanding team at Sierra/Affinity have the sales strength, global expertise and creative savvy that make them a perfect partner for Focus Features as we progress into a new era,” said Focus COO Adrian Alperovich.
“Nick and Marc and the outstanding team at Sierra/Affinity have the sales strength, global...
The alliance will complement the activities of Universal Pictures International outside North America and marks another milestone for the ambitious Sierra/Affinity in the wake of Marc Butan’s arrival.
Sierra/Affinity CEO Nick Meyer will continue to service existing licensing deals on Kevin Macdonald’s Jude Law submarine thriller Black Sea and Kill The Messenger starring Jeremy Renner (pictured), two hot titles that the now defunct Focus Features International (Ffi) introduced in Berlin 2013.
“Nick and Marc [Schaberg, Sierra/Affinity co-president and COO] and the outstanding team at Sierra/Affinity have the sales strength, global expertise and creative savvy that make them a perfect partner for Focus Features as we progress into a new era,” said Focus COO Adrian Alperovich.
“Nick and Marc and the outstanding team at Sierra/Affinity have the sales strength, global...
- 2/5/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Incoming Focus CEO Peter Schlessel has announced several senior hires ahead of the January 2014 launch of the reconfigured company.
Film District’s Beth Lemberger will serve as evp of business affairs and joins Howard Meyers who is currently evp of business affairs, production at Focus Features. Both executives will report to Schlessel. FilmDistrict’s Kevin Monroe will serve as svp of business affairs for Focus, reporting to Lemberger.
Focus Features’ Robert T Gibson will continue as Focus’ CFO and svp of finance, reporting to newly appointed Focus Features COO Adrian Alperovich.
Brad Goldberg of FilmDistrict will serve as evp of marketing and reports to the newly appointed Focus Features president of marketing Christine Birch. FilmDistrict’s Tracy Pollard will become Focus’ svp of creative advertising and reports to Birch.
Joshua M McLaughlin will stay on with Focus and serve as svp of production reporting to Focus Features president of production Jeb Brody. Louis Phillips will remain...
Film District’s Beth Lemberger will serve as evp of business affairs and joins Howard Meyers who is currently evp of business affairs, production at Focus Features. Both executives will report to Schlessel. FilmDistrict’s Kevin Monroe will serve as svp of business affairs for Focus, reporting to Lemberger.
Focus Features’ Robert T Gibson will continue as Focus’ CFO and svp of finance, reporting to newly appointed Focus Features COO Adrian Alperovich.
Brad Goldberg of FilmDistrict will serve as evp of marketing and reports to the newly appointed Focus Features president of marketing Christine Birch. FilmDistrict’s Tracy Pollard will become Focus’ svp of creative advertising and reports to Birch.
Joshua M McLaughlin will stay on with Focus and serve as svp of production reporting to Focus Features president of production Jeb Brody. Louis Phillips will remain...
- 11/7/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Breaking: Peter Schlessel, who took over Focus Features after Universal swallowed his FilmDistrict label, has begun assimilating the staffs of those two companies for January’s company relaunch. This happens a day after the company formalized the widely expected news that Focus Features International would shutter. More of this mixing and matching will happen over the next few weeks, and we’ll get a sense of the final layoff count soon. For now, here’s who is staying: · FilmDistrict’s Beth Lemberger will be Evp Business Affairs, joining Howard Meyers who is currently Evp Business Affairs, Production at Focus Features. Both executives will report to Schlessel. FilmDistrict’s Kevin Monroe will also serve as Svp Business Affairs for Focus reporting to Lemberger. · Focus Features’ Robert T. Gibson will continue as Focus’ Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Finance, and report to newly appointed Focus Features Chief Operating Officer Adrian Alperovich.
- 11/7/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Focus Features is no longer Focus Features. It’s FilmDistrict — with a new owner and a new name. That’s the takeaway from Universal’s announcement on Tuesday, which unveiled the label’s new executive team. Former CEO James Schamus’ co-ceo Andrew Karpen will leave the company, which means neither of Focus’ leaders will have any involvement in the specialty division’s future operations. The two executives who ran FilmDistrict — CEO Schlessel and COO Adrian Alperovich — are taking their place. Most other top FilmDistrict executives will also transition to Focus, including the presidents of marketing (Christine Birch), distribution (Jim Orr...
- 10/16/2013
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Incoming Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel has announced his core team in the wake of the company’s merger with FilmDistrict as it emerged that senior executives Andrew Karpen, David Brooks and Jack Foley will be leaving the new set-up.
Current Focus Co-ceo Andrew Karpen was asked to relocate to Los Angeles but declined in order to keep his family in New York.
Karpen will remain in in his current role during the transition period, as will president of marketing David Brooks and president of distribution Jack Foley before they move on.
FilmDistrict COO Adrian Alperovich and president of marketing Christine Birch transition into the same respective roles at the new-look Focus, while FilmDistrict’s Jim Orr will head distribution and Lia Buman moves over to become president of acquisitions.
Current Focus Features president of publicity and evp of marketing Adriene Bowles will retain her current title and responsibilities, as will production president Jeb Brody.
Former [link=co...
Current Focus Co-ceo Andrew Karpen was asked to relocate to Los Angeles but declined in order to keep his family in New York.
Karpen will remain in in his current role during the transition period, as will president of marketing David Brooks and president of distribution Jack Foley before they move on.
FilmDistrict COO Adrian Alperovich and president of marketing Christine Birch transition into the same respective roles at the new-look Focus, while FilmDistrict’s Jim Orr will head distribution and Lia Buman moves over to become president of acquisitions.
Current Focus Features president of publicity and evp of marketing Adriene Bowles will retain her current title and responsibilities, as will production president Jeb Brody.
Former [link=co...
- 10/15/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Incoming Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel has announced his core team in the wake of the company’s merger with FilmDistrict as it emerged that senior executives Andrew Karpen, David Brooks and Jack Foley will be leaving the new set-up.
Current Focus Co-ceo Andrew Karpen was asked to relocate to Los Angeles but declined in order to keep his family in New York.
Karpen will remain in in his current role during the transition period, as will president of marketing David Brooks and president of distribution Jack Foley before they move on.
FilmDistrict COO Adrian Alperovich and president of marketing Christine Birch transition into the same respective roles at the new-look Focus, while FilmDistrict’s Jim Orr will head distribution and Lia Buman moves over to become president of acquisitions.
Current Focus Features president of publicity and evp of marketing Adriene Bowles will retain her current title and responsibilities, as will production president Jeb Brody.
Former [link=co...
Current Focus Co-ceo Andrew Karpen was asked to relocate to Los Angeles but declined in order to keep his family in New York.
Karpen will remain in in his current role during the transition period, as will president of marketing David Brooks and president of distribution Jack Foley before they move on.
FilmDistrict COO Adrian Alperovich and president of marketing Christine Birch transition into the same respective roles at the new-look Focus, while FilmDistrict’s Jim Orr will head distribution and Lia Buman moves over to become president of acquisitions.
Current Focus Features president of publicity and evp of marketing Adriene Bowles will retain her current title and responsibilities, as will production president Jeb Brody.
Former [link=co...
- 10/15/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Getting quickly down to business, new Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel has named key members of his management team. As expected, he's bringing with him several colleagues from FilmDistrict, the independent distribution company he founded with Graham King and Tim Headington. They include chief operating officer Adrian Alperovich, marketing chief Christine Birch, distribution head Jim Orr and acquisitions president Lia Buman (they will keep the same titles at Focus). Executives from Focus who have been asked to stay include president of publicity and executive vp marketing Adriene Bowles and president of production Jeb Brody, who is working on Fifty Shades
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- 10/15/2013
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FilmDistrict has made three marketing hires: Tracy Pollard as senior VP creative advertising, Brad Goldberg as senior VP media, and Anna Baxter as senior VP digital marketing. Additionally, longtime FilmDistrict executive Adrian Alperovich, most recently president of acquisitions and operations, has been promoted to chief operating officer. Most recently, FilmDistrict hired Christine Birch as president of marketing and Jim Orr as president of distribution. Pollard has worked on campaigns for “It’s Complicated,” “Despicable Me,” and most recently “Limitless,” “Haywire” and “Immortals.” Baxter was most recently at Universal McCann where she created campaigns for “Dear John,” “The Social Network,” “21 Jump Street,” “Think Like A Man,” and the Spider-Man franchise. Goldberg has more than a decade of media experience on the studio and agency...
- 5/31/2012
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Peter Schlessel has begun re-staffing FilmDistrict’s distribution operation, hiring Christine Birch to be president of marketing. He has pledged to have a distribution head in place by the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. All this to replace Bob Berney and Jeanne Berney, who departed right after Oscar season. Schlessel placed several of FilmDistrict properties with Open Road in the interim, but he clearly wants to put the label back as a distributor. Among his early releases were Drive and Insidious. Here’s the release on Schlessel’s first major hire: Los Angeles, March 23, 2012…Christine Birch has joined FilmDistrict as the mini-major’s president of marketing as announced by Peter Schlessel, FilmDistrict’s CEO. Birch will oversee and orchestrate all aspects of FilmDistrict’s domestic feature film marketing activities including creative advertising, media, publicity, promotion, digital marketing and administration. She will report directly to Schlessel. “We’re excited to have Christine join the FilmDistrict team,...
- 3/24/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
FilmDistrict has hired Lia Buman to be executive vice president of acquisitions for FilmDistrict. She will report to Adrian Alperovich, FilmDistrict's president of acquisitions and operations. Buman was veep at Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, where she worked for FilmDistrict chief Peter Schlessel. Buman helped in the acquisiton of the FilmDistrict hit Insidious as well as Moon, The Men Who Stare at Goats, Machete and Hanna. Buman started her career at Ibm before becoming a development exec for Schlessel at his consulting company before he brought her over to Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions. "Lia is an established world class acquisitions executive who understands how to acquire and manage product in order to achieve success," Alperovich said. FilmDistrict's Schlessel and Bob Berney have gotten off to a strong start with Insidious and Soul Surfer. They next release Don't Be Afraid of the Dark on Aug. 26, the Ryan Gosling-starrer Drive on Sept.
- 8/4/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group on Monday announced the launch of a new label, Stage 6 Films, to distribute 10-15 films annually with budgets of $10 million or less.
The banner plans to acquire and produce various films, including prequels and sequels like Starship Troopers: Marauder, that have high audience appeal and feature well-known actors.
SPWAG senior executive vp and GM Adrian Alperovich, who heads the new venture, said Stage 6's uniqueness is how it distributes the films.
"The distribution pattern for each movie is not decided beforehand," Alperovich said. "Some will go theatrically, but it's not determined who will distribute and how wide. That is dependent on the commercial potential of each film."
Industry expert Schuyler Moore said the label "sounds like a brilliant, daring, original move that will be wildly successful."
Another industry expert, Andrew Hurwitz, said it appeared to be more an extension of the Sony home video division.
"I think it's part of the ongoing evolution of the studio," Hurwitz said.
The banner plans to acquire and produce various films, including prequels and sequels like Starship Troopers: Marauder, that have high audience appeal and feature well-known actors.
SPWAG senior executive vp and GM Adrian Alperovich, who heads the new venture, said Stage 6's uniqueness is how it distributes the films.
"The distribution pattern for each movie is not decided beforehand," Alperovich said. "Some will go theatrically, but it's not determined who will distribute and how wide. That is dependent on the commercial potential of each film."
Industry expert Schuyler Moore said the label "sounds like a brilliant, daring, original move that will be wildly successful."
Another industry expert, Andrew Hurwitz, said it appeared to be more an extension of the Sony home video division.
"I think it's part of the ongoing evolution of the studio," Hurwitz said.
- 10/9/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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