Related Images is a column in which filmmakers invite readers behind the scenes, into their sketchbooks, or otherwise through the looking glass to learn more about their creative processes.Rachel Walden's Lemon Tree is now showing exclusively on Mubi in many countries.Gordon Rocks (The Son). Photograph by Eli Freireich.Several years before I made Lemon Tree, my mother encouraged me to ask my grandfather about “the road trip he took with the orange tree." She said that it would make a great short film. This is the transcription of J. L. Burgess (a.k.a. Papa)—one of the best storytellers I have ever met—telling me that story, which I worked into an outline/beat sheet that would later become Lemon Tree. I decided not to work from a formal script, so we made the entire film off that outline. People always ask me where the lemon tree is in the movie.
- 5/20/2024
- MUBI
Disney CEO Bob Iger said that as the traditional pay-tv universe continues to shrink, the company is cutting its investment in programming for linear entertainment TV networks while amortizing overall content spending across streaming platforms.
The strategy is “to reduce pretty dramatically our investment in content specifically aimed at those traditional networks,” Iger said Wednesday at MoffettNathanson’s 2024 Media, Internet and Communications Conference in New York. The conclusion Iger reached after reviewing Disney’s TV business when he returned as CEO in the fall of 2022 was that “it’s not a growth business, but it could become an important component to our ability to basically engage with the consumer.”
Iger’s comments come a day after Disney’s big upfront presentation in New York announcing a slate of new shows across TV and streaming.
Iger gave credit to Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, who oversees the portfolio of linear networks,...
The strategy is “to reduce pretty dramatically our investment in content specifically aimed at those traditional networks,” Iger said Wednesday at MoffettNathanson’s 2024 Media, Internet and Communications Conference in New York. The conclusion Iger reached after reviewing Disney’s TV business when he returned as CEO in the fall of 2022 was that “it’s not a growth business, but it could become an important component to our ability to basically engage with the consumer.”
Iger’s comments come a day after Disney’s big upfront presentation in New York announcing a slate of new shows across TV and streaming.
Iger gave credit to Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, who oversees the portfolio of linear networks,...
- 5/15/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
If there were any lingering doubts that the Walt Disney Co. is now comfortable leaning into the edgier aspects of its increasingly aligned portfolio, they evaporated about 10 minutes into Tuesday’s upfront presentation when Ryan Reynolds promised that eventual Disney+ library member Deadpool & Wolverine would be a boon to advertisers targeting “testicular trauma” and “cocaine content.”
There was noticeably less cursing than during the week’s previous upfront events, at least until Jimmy Kimmel took the stage, but the embrace of Hard-r content was apparent from the pitch’s opening moments. Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning star of the Disney-produced Poor Things, was on hand to introduce Bob Iger — and, a month after he won his proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, voice her support for the recently embattled CEO.
“I think we’re incredibly fortunate to have a captain like Bob Iger at the helm of the Walt Disney Co., ensuring...
There was noticeably less cursing than during the week’s previous upfront events, at least until Jimmy Kimmel took the stage, but the embrace of Hard-r content was apparent from the pitch’s opening moments. Emma Stone, the Oscar-winning star of the Disney-produced Poor Things, was on hand to introduce Bob Iger — and, a month after he won his proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, voice her support for the recently embattled CEO.
“I think we’re incredibly fortunate to have a captain like Bob Iger at the helm of the Walt Disney Co., ensuring...
- 5/14/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
WME Independent has boarded the previously announced historical thriller Nuremberg starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon and will launch worldwide sales in Cannes.
James Vanderbilt is directing and production is underway in Hungary with a cast that includes Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek, and Andreas Pietschmann.
Nick Meyer’s Sierra Pictures is consulting on the sales and distribution of the film. Meyer and WME Independent co-head Alex Walton worked together at Paramount Vantage.
In Nuremberg, Malek will play American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with assessing the...
James Vanderbilt is directing and production is underway in Hungary with a cast that includes Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek, and Andreas Pietschmann.
Nick Meyer’s Sierra Pictures is consulting on the sales and distribution of the film. Meyer and WME Independent co-head Alex Walton worked together at Paramount Vantage.
In Nuremberg, Malek will play American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with assessing the...
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
From “Glee” to “The Golden Bachelor,” “Empire” to “The Dropout,” “Arrested Development” to “Abbott Elementary” and “24” to “9-1-1,” Shannon Ryan has played a critical role in the launch of countless TV
series over the past three decades.
Now president of marketing for Disney Entertainment Television, Ryan oversees marketing, publicity and communications for an unprecedented portfolio of more than 200 active series at any given time across Hulu, ABC, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Onyx Collective, Freeform and other platforms. In recognition of Ryan’s track record at Fox and Mouse House, as well as her commitment to mentorship programs for girls and young women, the executive received Variety’s inaugural Entertainment Marketing Icon Award, which was presented April 24 as part of Variety’s annual Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte at the Beverly Hilton.
Ryan credited the strength of Disney’s team and the creative ethos that drives the company’s...
series over the past three decades.
Now president of marketing for Disney Entertainment Television, Ryan oversees marketing, publicity and communications for an unprecedented portfolio of more than 200 active series at any given time across Hulu, ABC, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Onyx Collective, Freeform and other platforms. In recognition of Ryan’s track record at Fox and Mouse House, as well as her commitment to mentorship programs for girls and young women, the executive received Variety’s inaugural Entertainment Marketing Icon Award, which was presented April 24 as part of Variety’s annual Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte at the Beverly Hilton.
Ryan credited the strength of Disney’s team and the creative ethos that drives the company’s...
- 4/25/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Walden Media has promoted Julia Friley to Vice President of Scripted Development.
In her new role, Friley will create and develop commercial film and television projects with a focus on authentic characters rooted in stories of courage. Currently, she’s overseeing the development of several projects, including feature adaptations of the bestselling novels The Last Animal, Coyote Sunrise and The Sky Blues.
Most recently serving as Director of Development, Friley joined Walden Media as a creative executive in 2020. Since then, she’s also been involved in the creative development and production of projects like Apple TV+’s limited series Manhunt, Netflix’s Emmy winner The Baby-Sitters Club, and Apple TV+’s sci-fi pic Finch, starring Tom Hanks, which in 2021 brought the fledgling streamer its largest opening weekend ever.
Prior to her time at Walden, the Boston University alum worked in development at Paramount Animation, Fox Family, Columbia Pictures and Sony’s International Film Group.
In her new role, Friley will create and develop commercial film and television projects with a focus on authentic characters rooted in stories of courage. Currently, she’s overseeing the development of several projects, including feature adaptations of the bestselling novels The Last Animal, Coyote Sunrise and The Sky Blues.
Most recently serving as Director of Development, Friley joined Walden Media as a creative executive in 2020. Since then, she’s also been involved in the creative development and production of projects like Apple TV+’s limited series Manhunt, Netflix’s Emmy winner The Baby-Sitters Club, and Apple TV+’s sci-fi pic Finch, starring Tom Hanks, which in 2021 brought the fledgling streamer its largest opening weekend ever.
Prior to her time at Walden, the Boston University alum worked in development at Paramount Animation, Fox Family, Columbia Pictures and Sony’s International Film Group.
- 4/25/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Following Walden Media’s acquisition of rights to The Sky Blues, the debut novel of New York Times bestseller Robbie Couch, the indie studio has enlisted Jono Mitchell & Madison Hatfield to script a feature adaptation, bringing Michael Medico (Good Trouble) aboard to direct, in his feature debut.
Named a 2022 Barnes & Noble Young-Adult Book of the Year finalist and Junior Library Guild selection following its publication by Simon & Schuster Books in 2021, The Sky Blues follows high school senior Sky Baker, the only openly gay student at his Michigan high school. His big promposal plans for his crush, Ali, get derailed after an anonymous hacker sends a deeply homophobic and Islamophobic e-blast that quickly goes viral. Bt just when Sky considers skipping town altogether, his classmates give him a reason to fight back in a coming-of-age story about bravery, being yourself and embracing a chosen family that supports you through everything.
Named a 2022 Barnes & Noble Young-Adult Book of the Year finalist and Junior Library Guild selection following its publication by Simon & Schuster Books in 2021, The Sky Blues follows high school senior Sky Baker, the only openly gay student at his Michigan high school. His big promposal plans for his crush, Ali, get derailed after an anonymous hacker sends a deeply homophobic and Islamophobic e-blast that quickly goes viral. Bt just when Sky considers skipping town altogether, his classmates give him a reason to fight back in a coming-of-age story about bravery, being yourself and embracing a chosen family that supports you through everything.
- 3/12/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Edward Zwick, whose credits include About Last Night, Glory, Legends of the Fall, The Siege, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond, Defiance, Love & Other Drugs, Pawn Sacrifice, and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (not to mention co-creating Thirtysomething), recently published a memoir called Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood (pick up a copy Here). This book contains some very interesting passages – like the one on Zwick’s Jack Reacher regrets, and another where he reveals how impressed Denzel Washington was by Matt Damon’s performance when they were on the set of Zwick’s 1996 film Courage Under Fire.
Zwick wrote, “As we finished Matt’s coverage, Denzel caught my eye and nodded approvingly. Later, he took me aside. ‘Who is that kid?’ he asked. I told him it was Matt’s first big role. ‘Damn,’ he said. ‘Better get my game on. He almost blew me off the screen.
Zwick wrote, “As we finished Matt’s coverage, Denzel caught my eye and nodded approvingly. Later, he took me aside. ‘Who is that kid?’ he asked. I told him it was Matt’s first big role. ‘Damn,’ he said. ‘Better get my game on. He almost blew me off the screen.
- 3/6/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
“The Last Animal,” the award-winning bestselling novel from Ramona Ausubel, has been snatched up for film adaptation by production companies Walden Media and Big Beach.
Ry Russo-Young has been set to direct the feature based on the emotionally resonant story. Published in April 2023 by Riverhead Books at Penguin Random House, Ausubel’s work was named best book of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews and Oprah Daily, among others. A distributor has not yet been set.
“Last Animal” follows teenaged sisters Eve and Vera, unexpectedly spending summer vacation on their mother’s scientific expedition. Fooling around in the permafrost, the sisters accidentally uncover a perfectly preserved, four-thousand-year-old baby mammoth. The discovery sends mother and daughters from the slopes of Siberia to the shores of Iceland to an exotic animal farm in Italy, resulting in the birth of a creature that could change the world — or at least their family.
“I...
Ry Russo-Young has been set to direct the feature based on the emotionally resonant story. Published in April 2023 by Riverhead Books at Penguin Random House, Ausubel’s work was named best book of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews and Oprah Daily, among others. A distributor has not yet been set.
“Last Animal” follows teenaged sisters Eve and Vera, unexpectedly spending summer vacation on their mother’s scientific expedition. Fooling around in the permafrost, the sisters accidentally uncover a perfectly preserved, four-thousand-year-old baby mammoth. The discovery sends mother and daughters from the slopes of Siberia to the shores of Iceland to an exotic animal farm in Italy, resulting in the birth of a creature that could change the world — or at least their family.
“I...
- 3/1/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Colin Hanks and Mark O’Brien are set to star in “Nuremberg” from writer-director James Vanderbilt.
The pair round out an all-star cast that also includes Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek and Andreas Pietschmann.
O’Brien will play Colonel John Amen, one of the chief interrogators at the trial, while Hanks will play Dr. Gustav Gilbert, a military psychiatrist assigned to evaluate the Nazis. John Papsidera (“Oppenheimer”) is casting the film.
From Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media, the film is now set to begin principal photography in Hungary on Feb. 23. Adapted from the book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist” by Jack El-Hai, “Nuremberg” chronicles the eponymous trials held between 1945 and 1946 by the Allies against the defeated Nazi regime.
Bluestone Entertainment, Walden Media, and Széchenyi Funds acquired the rights to El-Hai’s book and Vanderbilt’s script and are financing the film.
The pair round out an all-star cast that also includes Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Lydia Peckham, Wrenn Schmidt, Lotte Verbeek and Andreas Pietschmann.
O’Brien will play Colonel John Amen, one of the chief interrogators at the trial, while Hanks will play Dr. Gustav Gilbert, a military psychiatrist assigned to evaluate the Nazis. John Papsidera (“Oppenheimer”) is casting the film.
From Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media, the film is now set to begin principal photography in Hungary on Feb. 23. Adapted from the book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist” by Jack El-Hai, “Nuremberg” chronicles the eponymous trials held between 1945 and 1946 by the Allies against the defeated Nazi regime.
Bluestone Entertainment, Walden Media, and Széchenyi Funds acquired the rights to El-Hai’s book and Vanderbilt’s script and are financing the film.
- 2/20/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
ABC is further reorganizing some of its business, moving the network’s news division into a group that also includes local stations and business operations.
Longtime Disney exec Debra OConnell will lead the new division as president news group and networks for Disney Entertainment. ABC News president Kim Godwin and Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, will report to her.
“Debra is an excellent executive who has succeeded in a wide range of leadership roles around our company and knows very well the extraordinary power of ABC News and its world-class journalists,” said Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden, to whom OConnell will report. “This new role gives her oversight across all our linear operations, where she will be able to optimize our iconic brands and shepherd them into the future. I look forward to having her lead these incredibly talented teams as we build on our success.”
Said OConnell,...
Longtime Disney exec Debra OConnell will lead the new division as president news group and networks for Disney Entertainment. ABC News president Kim Godwin and Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, will report to her.
“Debra is an excellent executive who has succeeded in a wide range of leadership roles around our company and knows very well the extraordinary power of ABC News and its world-class journalists,” said Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden, to whom OConnell will report. “This new role gives her oversight across all our linear operations, where she will be able to optimize our iconic brands and shepherd them into the future. I look forward to having her lead these incredibly talented teams as we build on our success.”
Said OConnell,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney veteran Debra OConnell has been elevated to the new role of president, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment.
In the restructure, OConnell adds ABC News to her existing purview that includes the ABC Owned Television Stations and P&l responsibilities across the Disney multiplatform linear entertainment networks, including ABC, Disney Channels, FX Networks, Freeform and National Geographic Channels. She will continue to report to Dana Walden, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment.
ABC News President Kim Godwin, who has extended her contract, will join Chad Matthews, president, ABC Owned Television Stations, in reporting to OConnell.
“Debra is an excellent executive who has succeeded in a wide range of leadership roles around our company and knows very well the extraordinary power of ABC News and its world-class journalists,” Walden said. “This new role gives her oversight across all our linear operations, where she will be able to optimize our iconic brands and shepherd them into the future.
In the restructure, OConnell adds ABC News to her existing purview that includes the ABC Owned Television Stations and P&l responsibilities across the Disney multiplatform linear entertainment networks, including ABC, Disney Channels, FX Networks, Freeform and National Geographic Channels. She will continue to report to Dana Walden, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment.
ABC News President Kim Godwin, who has extended her contract, will join Chad Matthews, president, ABC Owned Television Stations, in reporting to OConnell.
“Debra is an excellent executive who has succeeded in a wide range of leadership roles around our company and knows very well the extraordinary power of ABC News and its world-class journalists,” Walden said. “This new role gives her oversight across all our linear operations, where she will be able to optimize our iconic brands and shepherd them into the future.
- 2/14/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Another major media company is merging its news division and its local stations in hopes of wringing new profits from two businesses that are being hurt by the rise of streaming video.
Disney will place the veteran executive Debra OConnell atop a new division that encompasses ABC News and its local station operations, with ABC News President Kim Godwin and Stations President Chad Matthews reporting to her. The structure is similar to one Paramount Global put in place last year when it folded CBS News, local CBS stations and syndication under a single executive, Wendy McMahon.
As president of news group and networks for Disney Entertainment, OConnell will report to Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. Godwin, meanwhile, has renewed her contract to stay in her current role, even though she will have a new layer of management between her and top Disney executives.
“Debra is an excellent executive who...
Disney will place the veteran executive Debra OConnell atop a new division that encompasses ABC News and its local station operations, with ABC News President Kim Godwin and Stations President Chad Matthews reporting to her. The structure is similar to one Paramount Global put in place last year when it folded CBS News, local CBS stations and syndication under a single executive, Wendy McMahon.
As president of news group and networks for Disney Entertainment, OConnell will report to Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. Godwin, meanwhile, has renewed her contract to stay in her current role, even though she will have a new layer of management between her and top Disney executives.
“Debra is an excellent executive who...
- 2/14/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: James Vanderbilt has rounded out the cast for his historical drama Nuremberg, toplined by Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and Michael Shannon. New additions to the pic, commencing production in Hungary in February, include Richard E. Grant (Saltburn), Leo Woodall (The White Lotus), John Slattery (Mad Men), Lydia Peckham (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), Wrenn Schmidt (For All Mankind), Lotte Verbeek (Outlander) and Andreas Pietschmann (Dark).
Hailing from Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media, the film is set against the backdrop of post-war Germany and chronicles the eponymous trials held by the Allies against the defeated Nazi regime. Vanderbilt is directing from his script, adapted from the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai.
Grant will play Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, the British prosecuting attorney who worked alongside Justice Robert Jackson (Shannon), the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials. Woodall takes on the role of Sgt. Howie Triest,...
Hailing from Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media, the film is set against the backdrop of post-war Germany and chronicles the eponymous trials held by the Allies against the defeated Nazi regime. Vanderbilt is directing from his script, adapted from the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai.
Grant will play Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, the British prosecuting attorney who worked alongside Justice Robert Jackson (Shannon), the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials. Woodall takes on the role of Sgt. Howie Triest,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Emile Hirsch, the actor who rose to fame with movies like The Girl Next Door, and Into the Wild, has been missing in action over the past few years. Well, he has been making some films, but they are not as good as the ones I just mentioned. Hirsch acts like Leonardo DiCaprio, and I have seen the news that they are friends, so there should be no problem. But DiCaprio should avoid seeing Hirsch’s new film Walden, where it looks like he is doing a DiCaprio impression, almost mocking his intense look and insulting his intelligence. Walden is a story about Walden Dean, a devout Christian and a stenographer at the Georgia District Court who works under Judge Boyle. Walden gets news that he is suffering from a brain tumor, and this sparks a change in his mundane life, and he resolves to kill all those who he thinks have escaped justice.
- 12/17/2023
- by Ayush Awasthi
- Film Fugitives
What to Watch This Weekend: The Family Plan, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, Chick Flick, A Murder at the End of the World, and More! ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
Wondering what to watch this weekend? Koimoi is your personal set of Minions to curate that list; you are our big boss. While there aren’t bingeable series this week, we’ve got you covered with the latest episodes. In the movies section, dive into the life story of Elvis Presley’s wife in “Priscilla” or explore Taylor Swift’s journey with the “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” documentary. Need a laugh? Check out “The Family Plan,” a comedy about a Spy dad. Take a nostalgia trip with “Wonka” or venture into an unknown galaxy with “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire.” Discover more about these and other exciting flicks in our listicle.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Starring: Thandiwe Newton,...
Wondering what to watch this weekend? Koimoi is your personal set of Minions to curate that list; you are our big boss. While there aren’t bingeable series this week, we’ve got you covered with the latest episodes. In the movies section, dive into the life story of Elvis Presley’s wife in “Priscilla” or explore Taylor Swift’s journey with the “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” documentary. Need a laugh? Check out “The Family Plan,” a comedy about a Spy dad. Take a nostalgia trip with “Wonka” or venture into an unknown galaxy with “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire.” Discover more about these and other exciting flicks in our listicle.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Starring: Thandiwe Newton,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Hari P N
- KoiMoi
Russell Crowe and Rami Malek are to star in 'Nuremberg'.The pair have been cast in James Vanderbilt's historical drama that is set in post-war Germany and will start production in Hungary in February 2024.The movie tells the story of American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek), who has to decide whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their crimes during World War II, as he finds himself in a battle of wits with Adolf Hitler's right-hand man Hermann Goring (Crowe).Michael Shannon also stars as Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials.Vanderbilt has also penned the screenplay for the picture, which is based on Jack El Hai's book 'The Nazi and the Psychiatrist'.Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media acquired the rights to the book and are financing the flick.The 48-year-old filmmaker – who has written the movies 'Zodiac...
- 12/8/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Scream and Ready or Not producer James Vanderbilt is teaming up with Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon for Nuremberg, a historical drama set in post-war Germany. Arranged by Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media, the project is inspired by Jack El Hai’s book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. Vanderbilt directs from a script he wrote, with production starting in February in Hungary.
According to Deadline, Nuremberg “focuses on the American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man.” Shannon plays Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials.
“What an absolute honor it is to be working with such a tremendously talented group of actors,” said Vanderbilt. “Our partners at Bluestone and Walden have been incredibly supportive,...
According to Deadline, Nuremberg “focuses on the American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man.” Shannon plays Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials.
“What an absolute honor it is to be working with such a tremendously talented group of actors,” said Vanderbilt. “Our partners at Bluestone and Walden have been incredibly supportive,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Production earmarked for February start in Hungary.
Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon will star in Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media’s post-war historical drama Nuremberg.
James Vanderbilt will direct from his screenplay based on Jack El-Hai’s book The Nazi And The Psychiatrist, with production scheduled for a February start in Hungary.
Malek will play American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, whose job it is to assess whether Nazi prisoners are fit to participate in the Nuremberg trials, which took place in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Kelley finds himself in a battle of wits with Hermann Göring...
Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon will star in Bluestone Entertainment and Walden Media’s post-war historical drama Nuremberg.
James Vanderbilt will direct from his screenplay based on Jack El-Hai’s book The Nazi And The Psychiatrist, with production scheduled for a February start in Hungary.
Malek will play American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, whose job it is to assess whether Nazi prisoners are fit to participate in the Nuremberg trials, which took place in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Kelley finds himself in a battle of wits with Hermann Göring...
- 12/7/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Russell Crowe (Gladiator), Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals) are set to topline Nuremberg, a historical drama set in post-war Germany that marks the latest directorial outing for veteran writer-producer James Vanderbilt (Zodiac), on the heels of the Cate Blanchett-Robert Redford starrer Truth.
Hailing from Bluestone Entertainment (Slingshot) and Walden Media, the film based on Jack El Hai’s book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist is also written by Vanderbilt. Heading into production in Hungary in February, it tells the story of American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man. Shannon will play Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials.
Bluestone Entertainment, Walden Media, and Széchenyi Funds...
Hailing from Bluestone Entertainment (Slingshot) and Walden Media, the film based on Jack El Hai’s book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist is also written by Vanderbilt. Heading into production in Hungary in February, it tells the story of American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man. Shannon will play Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, the chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg trials.
Bluestone Entertainment, Walden Media, and Széchenyi Funds...
- 12/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger told employees of the company that his second turn as CEO has been more challenging than he anticipated, but that he is nonetheless “optimistic” about the entertainment giant’s future.
“I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back,” Iger said at an employee town hall Tuesday afternoon. “I won’t say that it was easy, but I’ve never second guessed the decision to come back, and being back still feels great.”
The veteran executive went on to say that “I had spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things … but I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again, and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
He added that, with the fixing behind him and the building ahead,...
“I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back,” Iger said at an employee town hall Tuesday afternoon. “I won’t say that it was easy, but I’ve never second guessed the decision to come back, and being back still feels great.”
The veteran executive went on to say that “I had spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things … but I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again, and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
He added that, with the fixing behind him and the building ahead,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bob Iger and top execs stressed a commitment to quality over quantity as the studio’s film slate has had a bumpy ride, talked up parks and ESPN and looked at the future of its television business at an anticipated all-hands-on-deck town hall today, one year after the Disney CEO returned to the helm.
“I spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things,” Iger said. “But I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
“in assessing some of our performance, recently, one of the reasons I believe it’s fallen off a bit is that we were making too much,” Iger said. “I think when it comes to creativity, quality is critical, of course, and quantity in many ways can destroy quality.
“I spent the year with the team fixing a lot of things,” Iger said. “But I feel that we’ve just emerged from a period of a lot of fixing to one of building again and I can tell you building is a lot more fun than fixing.”
“in assessing some of our performance, recently, one of the reasons I believe it’s fallen off a bit is that we were making too much,” Iger said. “I think when it comes to creativity, quality is critical, of course, and quantity in many ways can destroy quality.
- 11/28/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith, Anthony D'Alessandro and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Plot: Walden Dean an unassuming court stenographer in a small southern town, when he discovers he is dying, he decides to exact revenge on criminals who escaped their prosecution
Review: Emile Hirsch is one of those actors that, no matter the film, his performances stand out. While he plays the straight man very well, I’ve always enjoyed him more when he goes the more “out there” route. And his role as Walden is certainly a weird one. Walden Dean is a courtroom stenographer obsessed with breaking the typing world record. But when he’s told he’s dying, he decides he can no longer be an impartial observer, and takes matters into his own hands. And his sense of justice is quite…violent.
Don’t go into Walden expecting some kind of stereotypical trajectory of “Man takes justice into his own hands.” Sure, there are absolutely elements that feel...
Review: Emile Hirsch is one of those actors that, no matter the film, his performances stand out. While he plays the straight man very well, I’ve always enjoyed him more when he goes the more “out there” route. And his role as Walden is certainly a weird one. Walden Dean is a courtroom stenographer obsessed with breaking the typing world record. But when he’s told he’s dying, he decides he can no longer be an impartial observer, and takes matters into his own hands. And his sense of justice is quite…violent.
Don’t go into Walden expecting some kind of stereotypical trajectory of “Man takes justice into his own hands.” Sure, there are absolutely elements that feel...
- 11/10/2023
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
In select Theaters: November 10, 2023 On Digital and On Demand December 12, 2023 Starring: Emile Hirsch, Shane West, Kelli Garner, Tania Raymonde and David Keith Written and Directed by: Mick Davis Distributor: Uncork’d Entertainment Synopsis: Walden Dean is a stenographer, whose mind witnessed all types of injustices in the courtroom. After discovering he has …
The post Walden: In Select Theaters November 10, 2023 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
The post Walden: In Select Theaters November 10, 2023 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
- 10/18/2023
- by Janel Spiegel
- Horror News
"I hear innocence, and I hear evil. Sometimes... evil walks away." Uncork'd has revealed the trailer for a film called Walden, a revenge thriller written & directed by Mick Davis. This is getting a limited theatrical release in November before heading to VOD to watch. Walden Dean, an unassuming court stenographer in a small southern town, he discovers he is dying. So he decides to exact revenge on criminals who escaped their prosecution. The poster art for this has a "Dexter" vibe, which is probably what they're aiming for anyway. The "scales of justice" in blood is amusing, too. Starring Emile Hirsch as the titular Walden, with Shane West, Kelli Garner, Tania Raymonde, Steve Coulter, & David Keith. While this has a good concept, the footage looks like a made-for-tv Saturday night special presentation. Not much to worth watching here. // Continue Reading ›...
- 10/18/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
As is usually true in negotiations of this magnitude, Disney had to give a little to get a little. The company agreed to a new carriage deal with Spectrum on Monday of this week, just hours ahead of the first “Monday Night Football” broadcast of the 2023 NFL season.
The deal included some fascinating details, including access to Disney+ Basic for Spectrum Select TV customers at no additional charge and the creation of a new, sports-focused Spectrum plan that will give its subscribers login credentials for ESPN+ free.
Sign Up Now $7.99+ / month disneyplus.com
Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $12.99 a month ($13 savings).
Co-chairman of Disney Entertainment Dana Walden and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro both spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the deal this week. Walden spoke to Disney’s clear philosophy that it’s time to start moving away from linear TV channels, but also made clear that customers...
The deal included some fascinating details, including access to Disney+ Basic for Spectrum Select TV customers at no additional charge and the creation of a new, sports-focused Spectrum plan that will give its subscribers login credentials for ESPN+ free.
Sign Up Now $7.99+ / month disneyplus.com
Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $12.99 a month ($13 savings).
Co-chairman of Disney Entertainment Dana Walden and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro both spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about the deal this week. Walden spoke to Disney’s clear philosophy that it’s time to start moving away from linear TV channels, but also made clear that customers...
- 9/12/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Archer‘s 14th and final season had just premiered the night before on Fxx when on Aug. 31 all Disney cable networks, as well as the ABC owned-and-operated stations, went dark on Charter’s Spectrum cable system. Ten days and one new episode of Archer later, the bitter carriage dispute was resolved but Fxx was not restored on Spectrum.
That is because, in exchange for getting wide distribution for its ad-supported Disney+ service, Disney made a concession on the linear side. Eight cable networks, including Fxx, Fxm, Freeform, Disney Junior, Disney Xd and Nat Geo Wild, are being dropped from Spectrum, the No.2 cable operator in the U.S. with 14.7 million customers, with each net losing close to 20% of their reach.
While a significant portion of viewing for FX-branded programming comes from streamer Hulu, I hear FX brass are looking for ways to make the final season of Archer available...
That is because, in exchange for getting wide distribution for its ad-supported Disney+ service, Disney made a concession on the linear side. Eight cable networks, including Fxx, Fxm, Freeform, Disney Junior, Disney Xd and Nat Geo Wild, are being dropped from Spectrum, the No.2 cable operator in the U.S. with 14.7 million customers, with each net losing close to 20% of their reach.
While a significant portion of viewing for FX-branded programming comes from streamer Hulu, I hear FX brass are looking for ways to make the final season of Archer available...
- 9/12/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
With the ink still drying on a closely tracked carriage renewal with Charter, Disney execs Dana Walden and Jimmy Pitaro told Deadline in an interview that the agreement’s details suit the current streaming/linear hybrid environment.
The companies announced the settlement earlier today, a bit more than 10 days after their initial clash left 27 networks and ABC stations dark for the 14.7 million subscribers to the No. 2 U.S. cable system. The impasse ended just hours before the regular-season kickoff of Monday Night Football, an anticipated matchup between the Buffalo Bills and newly Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets.
While financial terms were not divulged, the main deal points had various puts and takes for both sides. Charter gains the right to take a wholesale fee in exchange for offering the ad-supported tier of Disney+ to its estimated 9.5 million Select video subscribers. It also will carry only a “curated” selection of networks,...
The companies announced the settlement earlier today, a bit more than 10 days after their initial clash left 27 networks and ABC stations dark for the 14.7 million subscribers to the No. 2 U.S. cable system. The impasse ended just hours before the regular-season kickoff of Monday Night Football, an anticipated matchup between the Buffalo Bills and newly Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets.
While financial terms were not divulged, the main deal points had various puts and takes for both sides. Charter gains the right to take a wholesale fee in exchange for offering the ad-supported tier of Disney+ to its estimated 9.5 million Select video subscribers. It also will carry only a “curated” selection of networks,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
If there is one key takeaway from the Walt Disney Co.-Charter Spectrum carriage dispute, it’s that the pay TV business is undergoing a period of significant change, and the distributors and entertainment companies will need to get creative in order to get deals done.
The result in the Disney-Spectrum dispute marks a major shift in linear bundled offerings, with the basic tier of Disney+ being included for Spectrum Select TV subscribers at no extra charge to them (Spectrum is paying Disney a “wholesale” rate) and ESPN+ being added to a new tier of TV service more focused on sports fans.
“I think if we’re learning anything in this moment, it is that we need to remain flexible, that these models are changing rapidly, that keeping up with technology and the consumer means we have to stay flexible and agile,” says Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, in...
The result in the Disney-Spectrum dispute marks a major shift in linear bundled offerings, with the basic tier of Disney+ being included for Spectrum Select TV subscribers at no extra charge to them (Spectrum is paying Disney a “wholesale” rate) and ESPN+ being added to a new tier of TV service more focused on sports fans.
“I think if we’re learning anything in this moment, it is that we need to remain flexible, that these models are changing rapidly, that keeping up with technology and the consumer means we have to stay flexible and agile,” says Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, in...
- 9/11/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney and Charter have decided to let ESPN sports take the field on traditional cable after all.
The two media giants, battling for the past week over a renewal for carriage of Disney’s various cable networks on Charter’s major-market cable systems, have come to new terms, according to the companies. The deal puts Disney networks like ESPN and ABC back on Charter’s cable service, but also allows Charter to drop several of them, even as Disney gains new distribution for some of its streaming services, hoping that new audiences will increase the value of such properties to advertisers. The squabble, even though settled, has the potential to echo in the media sector for months to come as distributors push back on major programmers like Disney that are increasingly putting more of their best content on stand-alone streaming services.
While cable networks were at the center of the fight between the two companies,...
The two media giants, battling for the past week over a renewal for carriage of Disney’s various cable networks on Charter’s major-market cable systems, have come to new terms, according to the companies. The deal puts Disney networks like ESPN and ABC back on Charter’s cable service, but also allows Charter to drop several of them, even as Disney gains new distribution for some of its streaming services, hoping that new audiences will increase the value of such properties to advertisers. The squabble, even though settled, has the potential to echo in the media sector for months to come as distributors push back on major programmers like Disney that are increasingly putting more of their best content on stand-alone streaming services.
While cable networks were at the center of the fight between the two companies,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
We are nearing the fourth month of the Writers’ Guild of America strikes that had officially gone into effect on May 2nd. A couple of months after the WGA started their picketing, SAG-AFTRA followed suit, and both have been in solidarity ever since. There have since been a couple of failed attempts at reaching a new agreement between the movie studios and the writers’ union, and the AMPTP had reportedly even hired the Levinson Group, a PR firm, to help soften their image in the public eye during the fray.
Deadline is now reporting that internal tensions have prompted the studio CEOs to set up a meeting among themselves today. Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Amazon Studios’ Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Universal’s Donna Langley, and Warner Bros Discovery’s ever-popular David Zaslav are some of the prominent names that are planning to...
Deadline is now reporting that internal tensions have prompted the studio CEOs to set up a meeting among themselves today. Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Amazon Studios’ Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Universal’s Donna Langley, and Warner Bros Discovery’s ever-popular David Zaslav are some of the prominent names that are planning to...
- 8/31/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Amid growing speculation of internal divisions within the C-suites and a lack of any apparent path forward to end the writers and actors strikes, the chiefs of Hollywood’s biggest studios are set to gather today.
Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Amazon Studios’ Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Universal’s Donna Langley, and Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav are among those scheduled to attend the virtual sit-down later Wednesday, we hear.
Mouse House CEO Bob Iger will not be participating in this meeting, reverting to his earlier stance of having Walden and Bergman be primarily hands-on over the labor actions. Part of that for Iger, we understand, was an overall CEO approach to keep some distance to be ready for the appropriate time to get more directly engaged.
It is unclear whether AMPTP President Carol Lombardini will be present at this afternoon’s meeting.
Disney’s Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, Amazon Studios’ Mike Hopkins and Jennifer Salke, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Universal’s Donna Langley, and Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav are among those scheduled to attend the virtual sit-down later Wednesday, we hear.
Mouse House CEO Bob Iger will not be participating in this meeting, reverting to his earlier stance of having Walden and Bergman be primarily hands-on over the labor actions. Part of that for Iger, we understand, was an overall CEO approach to keep some distance to be ready for the appropriate time to get more directly engaged.
It is unclear whether AMPTP President Carol Lombardini will be present at this afternoon’s meeting.
- 8/30/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Prince Harry’s “Spare” memoir made no shortage of noise when it was released back in January 2023. The Duke of Sussex, a former working royal under the royal family, broke away from his relatives alongside his wife, Meghan Markle, back in 2020. Less than three years later, he published his memoir, which served as a tell-all of his time growing up in the royal family.
However, the book came with plenty of confessions, including some that involved celebrities. And now, Piers Morgan’s wife, Celia Walden, thinks Harry’s celeb-status friends might be distancing themselves from the prince because they’re worried about him spilling things about their lives.
Prince Harry | Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Global Citizen Vax Live Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ memoir included a moment about Courteney Cox
In between all of the serious discussions that “Spare” held, there were moments of joy and amusement. One of which...
However, the book came with plenty of confessions, including some that involved celebrities. And now, Piers Morgan’s wife, Celia Walden, thinks Harry’s celeb-status friends might be distancing themselves from the prince because they’re worried about him spilling things about their lives.
Prince Harry | Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Global Citizen Vax Live Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’ memoir included a moment about Courteney Cox
In between all of the serious discussions that “Spare” held, there were moments of joy and amusement. One of which...
- 8/1/2023
- by Julia Mullaney
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Super producer Ryan Murphy, who has produced and written iconic projects such as Glee, American Horror Story and Scream Queens, is leaving Netflix for Disney to reconcile with his old friend, Dana Walden. Murphy worked with Walden when he was under contract with 20th Century Fox TV when she helmed the division.
Walden, a good friend of Murphy’s, is now the chairwoman of Disney Entertainment.
Murphy’s agreement with Netflix doesn’t finish until the end of June and when it does, he will be able to work again with his longtime partner, FX’s John Landgraf, who serves as the chairman of the organization, which is also part-owned by Disney.
ABC, another Disney network, paid for ownership of 9-1-1, a drama that Murphy developed for Fox in 2018.
The choice to exit Netflix for Disney comes five years after he joined the streamer in a blockbuster $300 million agreement.
Walden, a good friend of Murphy’s, is now the chairwoman of Disney Entertainment.
Murphy’s agreement with Netflix doesn’t finish until the end of June and when it does, he will be able to work again with his longtime partner, FX’s John Landgraf, who serves as the chairman of the organization, which is also part-owned by Disney.
ABC, another Disney network, paid for ownership of 9-1-1, a drama that Murphy developed for Fox in 2018.
The choice to exit Netflix for Disney comes five years after he joined the streamer in a blockbuster $300 million agreement.
- 6/23/2023
- by Bita Shokrian
- Uinterview
File this under the worst-kept secret in Hollywood. To the surprise of absolutely no one, uberproducer Ryan Murphy is racing back to his old stomping grounds, and in the process of re-joining longtime collaborator Dana Walden under a new overall deal at Disney.
The decision to reunite with Walden — now the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment — comes five years after Murphy ankled 20th Century Fox TV for a rich deal at Netflix that was reportedly valued at the time at between $250 million-$300 million. That deal came right before Disney acquired 20th Century Fox and Walden, who at the time was Fox Television Group chairman-ceo. There had been speculation that Murphy and Walden might join forces as partners in their own production venture, before Murphy moved to Netflix and Walden shifted over to Disney.
Now, Walden oversees Disney’s full portfolio of entertainment media, news and content businesses globally, including Disney’s streaming business,...
The decision to reunite with Walden — now the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment — comes five years after Murphy ankled 20th Century Fox TV for a rich deal at Netflix that was reportedly valued at the time at between $250 million-$300 million. That deal came right before Disney acquired 20th Century Fox and Walden, who at the time was Fox Television Group chairman-ceo. There had been speculation that Murphy and Walden might join forces as partners in their own production venture, before Murphy moved to Netflix and Walden shifted over to Disney.
Now, Walden oversees Disney’s full portfolio of entertainment media, news and content businesses globally, including Disney’s streaming business,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Joe Otterson and Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Ryan Murphy looks to be heading back to Disney.
Murphy is set to leave Netflix at the end of his five-year overall deal, which was understood to be worth around $300M. Deadline has confirmed that he’s in talks with Disney, although no deal is yet signed.
The move will reunite him with Dana Walden, who is now Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment.
The move is not a huge surprise as many around town have been openly discussing him returning to work with Walden – he was previously under an overall deal at 20th when Walden was there – before moving to the streamer in 2018.
After a slow start at Netflix, with shows such as Hollywood, Murphy has been responsible for some of its biggest recent hits including Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and The Watcher. Prior to Hollywood, he had made series such as Ratched and The Politician for the streamer, which...
Murphy is set to leave Netflix at the end of his five-year overall deal, which was understood to be worth around $300M. Deadline has confirmed that he’s in talks with Disney, although no deal is yet signed.
The move will reunite him with Dana Walden, who is now Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment.
The move is not a huge surprise as many around town have been openly discussing him returning to work with Walden – he was previously under an overall deal at 20th when Walden was there – before moving to the streamer in 2018.
After a slow start at Netflix, with shows such as Hollywood, Murphy has been responsible for some of its biggest recent hits including Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and The Watcher. Prior to Hollywood, he had made series such as Ratched and The Politician for the streamer, which...
- 6/20/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryan Murphy will depart Netflix at the end of his five-year, nine-figure overall deal, and is set to make a new home at Disney.
The producer behind hits including Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, 911 and American Horror Story is expecting to reunite with Dana Walden, who worked closely with Murphy when she headed what was then 20th Century Fox TV and he had a deal there. Walden, who is also one Murphy’s closest friends and confidants, is now co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. The new, not yet completed pact — Murphy’s Netflix deal doesn’t expire until the end of the month, after all — will bring Murphy back in-house with FX’s John Landgraf, with whom he has long had a close creative relationship, as well. Sources say the move has been in the works since well before the Writers Guild of America went on strike in May.
Disney declined to comment.
The producer behind hits including Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, 911 and American Horror Story is expecting to reunite with Dana Walden, who worked closely with Murphy when she headed what was then 20th Century Fox TV and he had a deal there. Walden, who is also one Murphy’s closest friends and confidants, is now co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. The new, not yet completed pact — Murphy’s Netflix deal doesn’t expire until the end of the month, after all — will bring Murphy back in-house with FX’s John Landgraf, with whom he has long had a close creative relationship, as well. Sources say the move has been in the works since well before the Writers Guild of America went on strike in May.
Disney declined to comment.
- 6/20/2023
- by Rick Porter and Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Arthouse distro Circle Collective has acquired worldwide rights to Luca Balser’s (Uncut Gems) NYC anthology film What Doesn’t Float, starring and produced by Pauline Chalamet (Sex Lives of College Girls), and shot by DPs Sean Price Williams (Good Time) and Hunter Zimny (Good Time).
The film is set to make its world premiere at the Lighthouse Film Festival this month and will be released theatrically in the U.S. from September with an international fest tour planned in the fall/winter.
What Doesn’t Float stars Chalamet, genre filmmaker and actor Larry Fessenden (Depraved), and Keith Poulson (Pvt Chat) as New Yorkers at their wit’s end. Script comes from Shauna Fitzgerald and Rachel Walden (Funny Pages) also produces.
The project is the first from NYC-based production company Gummy Films, headed by Chalamet, Balser and Walden who last month attended the Cannes Film Festival with their short film Lemon Tree...
The film is set to make its world premiere at the Lighthouse Film Festival this month and will be released theatrically in the U.S. from September with an international fest tour planned in the fall/winter.
What Doesn’t Float stars Chalamet, genre filmmaker and actor Larry Fessenden (Depraved), and Keith Poulson (Pvt Chat) as New Yorkers at their wit’s end. Script comes from Shauna Fitzgerald and Rachel Walden (Funny Pages) also produces.
The project is the first from NYC-based production company Gummy Films, headed by Chalamet, Balser and Walden who last month attended the Cannes Film Festival with their short film Lemon Tree...
- 6/6/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran marketing executive Steven Melnick is leaving Disney Television Studios. His position was eliminated during day 1 of Disney’s second wave of layoffs.
The Emmy-nominated Melnick oversaw the marketing team for 20th TV, 20th TV Animation and ABC Signature since 2019, when Disney acquired Fox. He was closely aligned with Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, who hired him for the SVP role.
Before joining Disney, the well-respected exec oversaw marketing and PR/comms for more than 19 years at 20th Century Fox TV, where he helped to launch mega-hits including Modern Family, Family Guy, Empire, The X-Files, New Girl, 24, Homeland, Arrested Development, This is Us, How I Met Your Mother, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Glee.
Melnick’s work alongside senior leadership like Walden, who then was co-chief of 20th Century Fox TV, helped to transform the formerly small studio into an industry-leading global content company. That also is where he...
The Emmy-nominated Melnick oversaw the marketing team for 20th TV, 20th TV Animation and ABC Signature since 2019, when Disney acquired Fox. He was closely aligned with Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, who hired him for the SVP role.
Before joining Disney, the well-respected exec oversaw marketing and PR/comms for more than 19 years at 20th Century Fox TV, where he helped to launch mega-hits including Modern Family, Family Guy, Empire, The X-Files, New Girl, 24, Homeland, Arrested Development, This is Us, How I Met Your Mother, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Glee.
Melnick’s work alongside senior leadership like Walden, who then was co-chief of 20th Century Fox TV, helped to transform the formerly small studio into an industry-leading global content company. That also is where he...
- 4/24/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company will begin the second round of its anticipated 7,000 layoffs Monday, bringing the total to 4,000 cuts by the end of the week.
In a memo sent to staff Monday, Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman laid out the plan introduced in February by CEO Bob Iger, indicating that a third and final round of the layoffs is expected to bring them to that mark before the summer.
“These are hard decisions and not ones we take lightly — but every decision has been made with considerable thought,” Walden and Bergman said in the memo.
This second round of the layoffs, which first began March 27, will be the largest of the three and will bring the company over the halfway mark of its 7,000-cut goal.
Also Read:
Disenchanted Disney Staffers See the Looming Mass Layoff as a Way Off the Roller Coaster
The layoffs are expected to...
In a memo sent to staff Monday, Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman laid out the plan introduced in February by CEO Bob Iger, indicating that a third and final round of the layoffs is expected to bring them to that mark before the summer.
“These are hard decisions and not ones we take lightly — but every decision has been made with considerable thought,” Walden and Bergman said in the memo.
This second round of the layoffs, which first began March 27, will be the largest of the three and will bring the company over the halfway mark of its 7,000-cut goal.
Also Read:
Disenchanted Disney Staffers See the Looming Mass Layoff as a Way Off the Roller Coaster
The layoffs are expected to...
- 4/24/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Another round of layoffs at The Walt Disney Co. will begin this week, and it will impact every corner of the company.
Disney sources say the latest round will begin today and continue through Thursday, and will include cuts at Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and elsewhere, impacting employees in California, New York, Connecticut and other places. The frontline operations roles at Disney’s theme parks and hotels are not expected to be impacted.
By the end of the week, the company is expected to have cut about 4,000 jobs, the sources say. In February, Disney CEO Bob Iger told employees and Wall Street analysts that the company expected to eliminate a total of 7,000 roles. A third round of cuts is expected before summer.
In a note to staff Monday morning, Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman acknowledged the cuts coming this week, and added that...
Disney sources say the latest round will begin today and continue through Thursday, and will include cuts at Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and elsewhere, impacting employees in California, New York, Connecticut and other places. The frontline operations roles at Disney’s theme parks and hotels are not expected to be impacted.
By the end of the week, the company is expected to have cut about 4,000 jobs, the sources say. In February, Disney CEO Bob Iger told employees and Wall Street analysts that the company expected to eliminate a total of 7,000 roles. A third round of cuts is expected before summer.
In a note to staff Monday morning, Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman acknowledged the cuts coming this week, and added that...
- 4/24/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former Epix exec Benjamin Tappan has joined Walden Media as president of production, overseeing the shingle’s TV and film development, as well as production. Tappan’s hire comes as Walden Media also looks to broaden its programming mix. Tappan will report to Walden Media president and CEO Frank Smith, who announced the hire on Tuesday.
“Ben’s vast experience as both a production executive and talent representative along with his great track record of making popular and critically praised content make him uniquely suited for leading our creative team,” Smith said in a statement. “We greatly look forward to his leadership and contributions as we build the Walden Media of the future.”
Tappan most recently served as a consultant focused on scripted development and production at his Tap/In Entertainment. He spent four years at Epix (now known as MGM+), joining in 2015 and helping launch the pay network’s first three straight-to-series productions.
“Ben’s vast experience as both a production executive and talent representative along with his great track record of making popular and critically praised content make him uniquely suited for leading our creative team,” Smith said in a statement. “We greatly look forward to his leadership and contributions as we build the Walden Media of the future.”
Tappan most recently served as a consultant focused on scripted development and production at his Tap/In Entertainment. He spent four years at Epix (now known as MGM+), joining in 2015 and helping launch the pay network’s first three straight-to-series productions.
- 4/18/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Getting up to speed in a new job is always a challenge — but Horacio Gutierrez joined Disney in 2022, as the industry as a whole continues to undergo seismic changes and the company itself was about to as well. Nonetheless, the lawyer has already hit his stride and is putting his tech background to work on the growing Disney+ streaming footprint, while also dealing with a major reorganization, guild negotiations, a certain governor who shall not be named, and more.
That’s why The Hollywood Reporter chose him as the 2023 Raising the Bar honoree. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden on Wednesday presented the award to Gutierrez, senior executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer of The Walt Disney Company, during a celebratory breakfast for the industry’s Power Lawyers.
Walden began by saying she had asked Gutierrez’s advice about speaking in front of a room full of lawyers,...
That’s why The Hollywood Reporter chose him as the 2023 Raising the Bar honoree. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden on Wednesday presented the award to Gutierrez, senior executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer of The Walt Disney Company, during a celebratory breakfast for the industry’s Power Lawyers.
Walden began by saying she had asked Gutierrez’s advice about speaking in front of a room full of lawyers,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jen Reberger is returning to The Walt Disney Company as senior vice president of Human Resources for Disney Entertainment Television, effective May 1. Dana Walden, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment, made the announcement in a note sent to staff. Reberger will join Walden’s leadership team.
Reberger will be stepping into the position previously held by Sonia Coleman, who was elevated to senior executive vice president and chief human resources officer for The Walt Disney Company in March. Reberger previously worked for the company for 15 years, serving in executive roles in Hr and DE&I across multiple businesses.
Reberger left Disney in 2022 for a role at Medtronic, where she served as Vice President/Head of Hr.
Read Walden’s full email below.
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Warner Bros. Discovery Shares Tumble 5% Amid Max Relaunch
Team,
Sonia Coleman and I are very happy to share that we have a familiar face returning to our organization. Jen...
Reberger will be stepping into the position previously held by Sonia Coleman, who was elevated to senior executive vice president and chief human resources officer for The Walt Disney Company in March. Reberger previously worked for the company for 15 years, serving in executive roles in Hr and DE&I across multiple businesses.
Reberger left Disney in 2022 for a role at Medtronic, where she served as Vice President/Head of Hr.
Read Walden’s full email below.
Also Read:
Warner Bros. Discovery Shares Tumble 5% Amid Max Relaunch
Team,
Sonia Coleman and I are very happy to share that we have a familiar face returning to our organization. Jen...
- 4/12/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
After a brief stint at healthcare product maker Medtronic, 15-year Disney veteran Jen Reberger is returning to the entertainment conglom as SVP Human Resources for Disney Entertainment Television. Her hire, effective May 1, was announced in a note to staff by Dana Walden, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment.
Reberger is assuming the position previously held by Sonia Coleman, who was elevated to SVP and chief human resources officer for The Walt Disney Company in March.
During her 15-year career at Disney, Reberger rose through the ranks, serving in human resources and DE&I leadership roles across multiple businesses, spanning consumer products, digital games, television and streaming content. She most recently was VP Human Resources for Disney’s TV operation.
“Jen’s experience, knowledge and passion for fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration will be invaluable to our organization,” Walden said in her memo. You can read it in full below:
Team,
Sonia...
Reberger is assuming the position previously held by Sonia Coleman, who was elevated to SVP and chief human resources officer for The Walt Disney Company in March.
During her 15-year career at Disney, Reberger rose through the ranks, serving in human resources and DE&I leadership roles across multiple businesses, spanning consumer products, digital games, television and streaming content. She most recently was VP Human Resources for Disney’s TV operation.
“Jen’s experience, knowledge and passion for fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration will be invaluable to our organization,” Walden said in her memo. You can read it in full below:
Team,
Sonia...
- 4/12/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden is turning to a trusted hand to lead human resources functions for the Disney Entertainment Television group.
Walden has tapped Jen Reberger to serve as senior VP of Hr for the division, which includes Disney’s TV studios, the ABC broadcast network, and cable channels like FX, Disney Channel and Nat Geo. Reberger succeeds Sonia Coleman, who last month was elevated to lead all Hr functions for The Walt Disney Co.
“In her role, Jen will be responsible for all Hr business support; diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; employee development and engagement; recruitment and compensation; talent acquisition; learning and talent development; and employee relations for our full portfolio of brands and groups,” Walden wrote in a memo to staff Wednesday afternoon. “As Sonia transitions into her new position, our goal was to find someone who could quickly step into her old role, working with all of us,...
Walden has tapped Jen Reberger to serve as senior VP of Hr for the division, which includes Disney’s TV studios, the ABC broadcast network, and cable channels like FX, Disney Channel and Nat Geo. Reberger succeeds Sonia Coleman, who last month was elevated to lead all Hr functions for The Walt Disney Co.
“In her role, Jen will be responsible for all Hr business support; diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; employee development and engagement; recruitment and compensation; talent acquisition; learning and talent development; and employee relations for our full portfolio of brands and groups,” Walden wrote in a memo to staff Wednesday afternoon. “As Sonia transitions into her new position, our goal was to find someone who could quickly step into her old role, working with all of us,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
He replaces the departing Michael Paull.
Disney has promoted Hulu president Joe Earley to lead all direct-to-consumer operations, replacing the departing Michael Paull.
Earley will have complete oversight of Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts across flagship brands Disney+ and Hulu, and will work with content teams to drive “impactful and resonant” programming. He will also continue to lead Hulu until Disney identifies a successor.
Paull, who is exiting Disney after six years with the company, has been D2C chief since early 2022, having previously served as president of Disney+ and ESPN+ for four years.
The senior shake-up comes after chief exec...
Disney has promoted Hulu president Joe Earley to lead all direct-to-consumer operations, replacing the departing Michael Paull.
Earley will have complete oversight of Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts across flagship brands Disney+ and Hulu, and will work with content teams to drive “impactful and resonant” programming. He will also continue to lead Hulu until Disney identifies a successor.
Paull, who is exiting Disney after six years with the company, has been D2C chief since early 2022, having previously served as president of Disney+ and ESPN+ for four years.
The senior shake-up comes after chief exec...
- 4/6/2023
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden have named Joe Earley as president of the company’s direct-to-consumer division.
Earley will be responsible for leading Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts, including Disney+ and Hulu, working closely with content teams around the company. In addition, he will continue leading Hulu until a successor is identified. Earley will report to Bergman and Walden.
“Joe has proven himself to be an extraordinary asset and is uniquely positioned for this role as we guide Disney’s streaming strategy into the future,” Bergman and Walden said in a statement. “His vast industry experience and deep understanding of what sets our prestigious portfolio of brands apart will be essential as we build on our robust direct-to-consumer efforts. Joe is a talented, passionate leader, committed to creative excellence, and we look forward to partnering with him in this next chapter.”
Earley succeeds Michael Paull, who is...
Earley will be responsible for leading Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts, including Disney+ and Hulu, working closely with content teams around the company. In addition, he will continue leading Hulu until a successor is identified. Earley will report to Bergman and Walden.
“Joe has proven himself to be an extraordinary asset and is uniquely positioned for this role as we guide Disney’s streaming strategy into the future,” Bergman and Walden said in a statement. “His vast industry experience and deep understanding of what sets our prestigious portfolio of brands apart will be essential as we build on our robust direct-to-consumer efforts. Joe is a talented, passionate leader, committed to creative excellence, and we look forward to partnering with him in this next chapter.”
Earley succeeds Michael Paull, who is...
- 4/5/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
In a shake-up of Disney’s streaming leadership ranks, the company is moving Hulu president Joe Earley into the role of president of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment effective immediately — succeeding Michael Paull, who is leaving Disney after six years.
In the new role, Earley will lead Disney Entertainment’s streaming businesses including Disney+ and Hulu, reporting to co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden. A former longtime Fox exec, Earley joined Disney in 2019 as was instrumental in the launch of Disney+. In addition, Earley will continue as the top exec in charge of Hulu until the company identifies a replacement. Disney+ is led by president Alisa Bowen, who was elevated to the post last fall after overseeing global business operations for Disney’s streaming platforms.
Paull, a former Amazon digital video exec, was originally tapped in 2017 as CEO of BAMTech, the video-streaming company previously jointly owned by Disney, Major League Baseball...
In the new role, Earley will lead Disney Entertainment’s streaming businesses including Disney+ and Hulu, reporting to co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden. A former longtime Fox exec, Earley joined Disney in 2019 as was instrumental in the launch of Disney+. In addition, Earley will continue as the top exec in charge of Hulu until the company identifies a replacement. Disney+ is led by president Alisa Bowen, who was elevated to the post last fall after overseeing global business operations for Disney’s streaming platforms.
Paull, a former Amazon digital video exec, was originally tapped in 2017 as CEO of BAMTech, the video-streaming company previously jointly owned by Disney, Major League Baseball...
- 4/5/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Disney has a new streaming boss.
Joe Earley, who was President of Hulu, has been promoted to President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. Michael Paull, who was previously in that role, is leaving the company.
The move comes after Bob Iger launched Disney Entertainment, the new division run by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, in February, a shakeup that saw the pair take over all of the company’s global streaming businesses and managing all content decisions for Disney+ and Disney-controlled Hulu. These functions previously sat under Kareem Daniel’s Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution division.
Earley will report directly to Walden and Bergman and will continue to lead Hulu until a successor is identified. In his new role, Earley will work closely with content teams around the company to continue to expand the streaming efforts across both Disney+ and Hulu.
Earley joined Disney in January 2019 to oversee Disney+ marketing and operations...
Joe Earley, who was President of Hulu, has been promoted to President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. Michael Paull, who was previously in that role, is leaving the company.
The move comes after Bob Iger launched Disney Entertainment, the new division run by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, in February, a shakeup that saw the pair take over all of the company’s global streaming businesses and managing all content decisions for Disney+ and Disney-controlled Hulu. These functions previously sat under Kareem Daniel’s Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution division.
Earley will report directly to Walden and Bergman and will continue to lead Hulu until a successor is identified. In his new role, Earley will work closely with content teams around the company to continue to expand the streaming efforts across both Disney+ and Hulu.
Earley joined Disney in January 2019 to oversee Disney+ marketing and operations...
- 4/5/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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