Exclusive: Al Pacino, Diego Boneta, Xolo Maridueña, KiKi Layne, Alexander Ludwig, Ron Livingston, Kendrick Sampson, Nicole Beharie, Logan Marshall Green and Titus Welliver will star in Killing Castro. Eif Rivera will direct the movie from a script by Leon Hendrix, Thomas DeGrezia and Colin Bateman. This will be Rivera’s first feature film.
Killing Castro will be produced by Romulus Entertainment’s Brad Feinstein, along with Christina Weiss Lurie of Fourth and Twenty-Eight Films. Romulus will also finance. Principal photography will take place in Newark, NJ.
Based on true events, the film is set in 1960. Shortly after winning the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro travels to New York City to deliver his first speech to the United Nations. When met with hostility at his original hotel, Castro meets Malcolm X who invites him to stay at famed Hotel Theresa in Harlem. With the eyes of the world watching, a rookie undercover...
Killing Castro will be produced by Romulus Entertainment’s Brad Feinstein, along with Christina Weiss Lurie of Fourth and Twenty-Eight Films. Romulus will also finance. Principal photography will take place in Newark, NJ.
Based on true events, the film is set in 1960. Shortly after winning the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro travels to New York City to deliver his first speech to the United Nations. When met with hostility at his original hotel, Castro meets Malcolm X who invites him to stay at famed Hotel Theresa in Harlem. With the eyes of the world watching, a rookie undercover...
- 12/4/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion department today announced the opening of applications for three unique writing experiences: the Universal Writers Lab; the Universal Animation Writers Program; and the brand new Universal Global Writers Program, being put together in partnership with Working Title.
The Universal Global Writers Program, marking Gtdi’s first talent program to be headquartered internationally, will work with both experienced and up-and-coming writers based in the United Kingdom who are pursuing careers on the feature side. The program will look to develop storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in their writing and provides them with creative guidance from executives, producers and/or designated creative consultants to help shape their material.
As Uni’s first and flagship Dei program, the Universal Writers Lab aims to increase participants’ knowledge of the studio system, expand their networks both within NBCUniversal and industry-wide, as well as enhance their ability...
The Universal Global Writers Program, marking Gtdi’s first talent program to be headquartered internationally, will work with both experienced and up-and-coming writers based in the United Kingdom who are pursuing careers on the feature side. The program will look to develop storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in their writing and provides them with creative guidance from executives, producers and/or designated creative consultants to help shape their material.
As Uni’s first and flagship Dei program, the Universal Writers Lab aims to increase participants’ knowledge of the studio system, expand their networks both within NBCUniversal and industry-wide, as well as enhance their ability...
- 8/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion today announced the debut of the Universal Writers Lab. The new initiative is mean to elevate the Universal Writers Program experience, which the studio launched in 2014.
The lab – one of the only studio writing programs dedicated to feature films – aims to increase the participants’ knowledge of the studio system, expand their networks both within NBCUniversal and the industry at large, as well as enhance their ability to deliver commercially-appealing concepts and scripts, setting them up for increased job opportunities and career momentum during and after their tenure.
Today’s announcement includes the reveal of the six candidates chosen as the first Writers Lab cohort. They are Brandon Collins, Jorge Alfonso Granera, Taryn Hillin, Diana Ly, Arun Narayanan and Joey Rayburn. Representing the Aapi, Black, Indigenous and Latino/Hispanic communities, they will spend the year partnering closely with producer advisors, which include Malcolm D. Lee’s Blackmaled Productions,...
The lab – one of the only studio writing programs dedicated to feature films – aims to increase the participants’ knowledge of the studio system, expand their networks both within NBCUniversal and the industry at large, as well as enhance their ability to deliver commercially-appealing concepts and scripts, setting them up for increased job opportunities and career momentum during and after their tenure.
Today’s announcement includes the reveal of the six candidates chosen as the first Writers Lab cohort. They are Brandon Collins, Jorge Alfonso Granera, Taryn Hillin, Diana Ly, Arun Narayanan and Joey Rayburn. Representing the Aapi, Black, Indigenous and Latino/Hispanic communities, they will spend the year partnering closely with producer advisors, which include Malcolm D. Lee’s Blackmaled Productions,...
- 6/16/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
On Tuesday, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group announced that it is launching a new Animation Writers Program, aimed at uplifting underrepresented voices in film and television.
The writers selected for the program’s inaugural cohort are Shari Coleman, Kiana Johnson, Senibo Myers, David Ngo and Joe Winters. Each was selected for one of three writing tracks: a Film Track, or one of two TV Tracks catered towards different demographics (Preschool ages 3-5 or Kids ages 6-11).
The Universal Animation Writers Program was conceived by NBCUniversal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion team, the goal being to identify and develop an inclusive group of talent who can build upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories with unique narratives that appeal to and reflect the vast diversity of its audiences.
The first five writers in the one-year paid program will benefit from professional development, as well as an immersive experience of the Studio’s production process,...
The writers selected for the program’s inaugural cohort are Shari Coleman, Kiana Johnson, Senibo Myers, David Ngo and Joe Winters. Each was selected for one of three writing tracks: a Film Track, or one of two TV Tracks catered towards different demographics (Preschool ages 3-5 or Kids ages 6-11).
The Universal Animation Writers Program was conceived by NBCUniversal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion team, the goal being to identify and develop an inclusive group of talent who can build upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories with unique narratives that appeal to and reflect the vast diversity of its audiences.
The first five writers in the one-year paid program will benefit from professional development, as well as an immersive experience of the Studio’s production process,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Global Talent Development & Inclusion (Gtdi) team at NBCUniversal has officially opened the gates for applications for the annual Universal Writers Program. Submissions will be accepted starting today through February 21.
The program identifies experienced and up-and-coming screenwriters with unique points of view that build upon NBCUniversal’s commitment to telling diverse and inclusive stories that reflect its audiences. Writers selected for the one-year, paid program will be given the opportunity to develop two feature scripts under the guidance of Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation production executives, as well as the studio’s first-look producers.
The Gtdi team, which recently added television and streaming to its program, has cultivated the Universal Writers Program since the program’s redesign in 2017. Over the last few years, the submissions received for each cycle have increased consistently in number and in global reach. Last year, Gtdi garnered its biggest application pool since the...
The program identifies experienced and up-and-coming screenwriters with unique points of view that build upon NBCUniversal’s commitment to telling diverse and inclusive stories that reflect its audiences. Writers selected for the one-year, paid program will be given the opportunity to develop two feature scripts under the guidance of Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation production executives, as well as the studio’s first-look producers.
The Gtdi team, which recently added television and streaming to its program, has cultivated the Universal Writers Program since the program’s redesign in 2017. Over the last few years, the submissions received for each cycle have increased consistently in number and in global reach. Last year, Gtdi garnered its biggest application pool since the...
- 1/25/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal has opened applications for its 2021 writers program. The initiative, which is operated by the company’s global talent development and inclusion team, will accept submissions via its website through Feb. 21.
Universal Writers Program aims to find rising screenwriters who have unique points of view. Those selected for the one-year, paid program will be given the opportunity to develop two feature scripts under the guidance of Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation production executives, as well as producers who have first-look deals with the studio.
Janelle Monae, Chris Pratt, “Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow and “Aladdin” producer Dan Lin served as producers to the current class of writers. Kasi Lemmons, Will Packer and Amy Pascal joined the 2020 cycle as program ambassadors, a new component to the program.
NBCU’s global talent development and inclusion team revamped the writers program in 2017 and has seen a steady increase in submissions in subsequent years.
Universal Writers Program aims to find rising screenwriters who have unique points of view. Those selected for the one-year, paid program will be given the opportunity to develop two feature scripts under the guidance of Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation production executives, as well as producers who have first-look deals with the studio.
Janelle Monae, Chris Pratt, “Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow and “Aladdin” producer Dan Lin served as producers to the current class of writers. Kasi Lemmons, Will Packer and Amy Pascal joined the 2020 cycle as program ambassadors, a new component to the program.
NBCU’s global talent development and inclusion team revamped the writers program in 2017 and has seen a steady increase in submissions in subsequent years.
- 1/25/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Universal has selected participants for the studio’s 2020 Writers Program, a paid initiative that spotlights up-and-coming scribes.
Universal’s Global Talent Development and Inclusion, the division that runs the program, said 1,500 people applied, making it the biggest applicant pool since the program started six years ago. Jennifer Coates, Angela Delgado, Satinder Kaur and Larry Santana were selected, and 2019 program alumni Nandita Seshadri and Derek Asaff are extending their time with the program to continue developing concepts.
The program is adding a new component this year, enlisting powerful industry figures to advise and mentor the class. Kasi Lemmons, Will Packer and Amy Pascal will join the 2020 cycle as program ambassadors. In their roles, they will work closely with the writers and help them increase industry exposure through workshops, master classes, curated film discussions and conversations with big names in the business.
“Storytelling from different world views is more powerful than ever...
Universal’s Global Talent Development and Inclusion, the division that runs the program, said 1,500 people applied, making it the biggest applicant pool since the program started six years ago. Jennifer Coates, Angela Delgado, Satinder Kaur and Larry Santana were selected, and 2019 program alumni Nandita Seshadri and Derek Asaff are extending their time with the program to continue developing concepts.
The program is adding a new component this year, enlisting powerful industry figures to advise and mentor the class. Kasi Lemmons, Will Packer and Amy Pascal will join the 2020 cycle as program ambassadors. In their roles, they will work closely with the writers and help them increase industry exposure through workshops, master classes, curated film discussions and conversations with big names in the business.
“Storytelling from different world views is more powerful than ever...
- 8/20/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: David Ayer and Chris Long’s Cedar Park, Tucker Tooley’s Tooley Entertainment and Entertainment One are teaming to produce Major Crimes, an original anthology series which will follow the most daring heists, robberies, and crimes in Los Angeles history. Chris Collins will pen the project and serve as showrunner. Christian Gudegast, writer-director of Den of Thieves, which was produced by Tooley, is attached to direct several episodes. Ayer also is expected to direct several episodes.
Each season of Major Crimes will be built around a single crime and take an in-depth look at both the detectives and criminals behind the case.
Ayer and Long will executive produce alongside Tooley Entertainment’s Tucker Tooley. eOne, where both Tooley Entertainment and Cedar Park, are under multi-year deals, is the studio and controls worldwide rights.
“We are thrilled to bring our partners at Cedar Park and Tooley...
Each season of Major Crimes will be built around a single crime and take an in-depth look at both the detectives and criminals behind the case.
Ayer and Long will executive produce alongside Tooley Entertainment’s Tucker Tooley. eOne, where both Tooley Entertainment and Cedar Park, are under multi-year deals, is the studio and controls worldwide rights.
“We are thrilled to bring our partners at Cedar Park and Tooley...
- 7/8/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment One has inked a two-year first-look deal with David Ayer and Chris Long’s recently launched production shingle Cedar Park Entertainment. Under the pact, Ayer and Long will develop and produce original programming with eOne.
“David and Chris have a proven track record of creating content that engages and entertains audiences,” noted Mark Gordon, eOne’s President and Chief Content Officer of Film, Television and Digital, and Peter Micelli, eOne’s Chief Strategy Officer of Film, Television and Digital. “We’re excited to support a company with two accomplished and talented principals to continue to produce world-class programming.”
Long most recently served as programming chief at Audience Network which he ran for 18 years and oversaw such shows as Mr. Mercedes, Kingdom, You Me Her, Religion of Sports, Loudermilk and Hit the Road, along with the upcoming Condor and Give Us This Day.
Ayer most recently directed Netflix’s hit...
“David and Chris have a proven track record of creating content that engages and entertains audiences,” noted Mark Gordon, eOne’s President and Chief Content Officer of Film, Television and Digital, and Peter Micelli, eOne’s Chief Strategy Officer of Film, Television and Digital. “We’re excited to support a company with two accomplished and talented principals to continue to produce world-class programming.”
Long most recently served as programming chief at Audience Network which he ran for 18 years and oversaw such shows as Mr. Mercedes, Kingdom, You Me Her, Religion of Sports, Loudermilk and Hit the Road, along with the upcoming Condor and Give Us This Day.
Ayer most recently directed Netflix’s hit...
- 6/21/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Cedar Park, the independent studio formed by Chris Long and David Ayer, is partnering with Jose Daniel Freixas, Tony Gonzalez and author T.J. English, the trio behind The Corporation: An Epic Story of the Cuban American Underworld, to develop Cuban-focused The Exiles as a television series.
Emmy-nominated Cynthia Cidre is attached to pen the series and will also serve as executive producer with Ayer and Long, Exilium’s Freixas and Gonzalez, and English.
Based on research and other materials, The Exiles is described as a a multi-layered saga spanning half a century, encompassing the most significant political events of the late 20th century. The potential series follows members of the CIA as well as the Cuban exiles they recruit to carry out clandestine operations, and the games of manipulation they play with one another in the interest of patriotism, the ongoing Cold War against Communism, and the relentless pursuit of revenge against Fidel Castro.
Emmy-nominated Cynthia Cidre is attached to pen the series and will also serve as executive producer with Ayer and Long, Exilium’s Freixas and Gonzalez, and English.
Based on research and other materials, The Exiles is described as a a multi-layered saga spanning half a century, encompassing the most significant political events of the late 20th century. The potential series follows members of the CIA as well as the Cuban exiles they recruit to carry out clandestine operations, and the games of manipulation they play with one another in the interest of patriotism, the ongoing Cold War against Communism, and the relentless pursuit of revenge against Fidel Castro.
- 4/3/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
A shot of Jimi Hendrix jamming on his guitar is popping up on all sorts of merchandise, but the guy who took the pic says Jimi's family ripped him off. David Sygall says he did a photo shoot with Jimi back in the '60s during a rehearsal -- he captured the guitar god strumming his Fender axe, with eyes closed. Kinda the classic Hendrix pose, and it was even featured in Guitar World magazine...
- 3/28/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Cedar Park, the recently launched indie studio from David Ayer and Chris Long, has optioned the script for the real-life political drama Cointelpro.
Set in 1960s Chicago, the feature will chronicle a campaign of lies, sabotage and assassination intended to tear apart the young Civil Rights movement from the inside. "Cointelpro" was the name of a massive rogue spy operation conducted by the FBI targeting progressive political activists.
Cointelpro comes from writing partners Leon Hendrix and Ajani Jackson, who met in Columbia University’s Mfa Film program.
Long and Ayer are set to produce the film via Cedar Park, which launched at the...
Set in 1960s Chicago, the feature will chronicle a campaign of lies, sabotage and assassination intended to tear apart the young Civil Rights movement from the inside. "Cointelpro" was the name of a massive rogue spy operation conducted by the FBI targeting progressive political activists.
Cointelpro comes from writing partners Leon Hendrix and Ajani Jackson, who met in Columbia University’s Mfa Film program.
Long and Ayer are set to produce the film via Cedar Park, which launched at the...
- 3/15/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Year 3 of Universal Pictures’ Emerging Writers Fellowship has its winners. The 2016-17 fellows are Brian Buccellato, Josephine Green, Leon Hendrix, Rose McAleese and Juel Taylor. The homegrown program looks to identify and cultivate new and unique voices with a passion for storytelling. It’s designed to bolster the diverse talent within the studio's workforce, both in front of and behind the camera. "We continue to be thrilled with the extraordinary talent and commitment…...
- 9/16/2016
- Deadline
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