In the last year, Netflix has expanded its focus on original programming from acclaimed series like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black and Daredevil into full-length feature films. From the harrowing drama of Beasts of No Nation to the throwback silliness of Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, the streaming service has demonstrated an eye for material with a built-in appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences, even if some have balked at their eagerness to enter a multi-picture deal with Adam Sandler. Luckily, Tallulah is perhaps one of the more well-received Netflix original films to date.
Oscar-nominated actress Ellen Page stars as the title character, a vagabond who chooses to live out of her van on an indefinite cross-country road trip. However, when her boyfriend (Evan Jonigkeit) leaves her side, a chain of events is set in motion that sees Tallulah developing ties with both an abandoned toddler and...
Oscar-nominated actress Ellen Page stars as the title character, a vagabond who chooses to live out of her van on an indefinite cross-country road trip. However, when her boyfriend (Evan Jonigkeit) leaves her side, a chain of events is set in motion that sees Tallulah developing ties with both an abandoned toddler and...
- 7/29/2016
- by Robert Yaniz Jr.
- We Got This Covered
In 2006, Sian Heder, a writer for “Orange Is The New Black,” wrote and directed the short film, “Mother,” about a woman who hires a stranger to babysit her toddler. Ten years later, Heder has taken that premise and expanded it into her first feature, “Tallulah” — premiering theatrically and on Netflix — a gap-filled maternal character study that offers terrific performances to smooth over those cracks. The most troubled of the story’s mothers, a drunken mess named Carolyn (Tammy Blanchard), is hiding out from her unhappy marriage in a luxury hotel. Living only for male validation, she’s disinterested in...
- 7/28/2016
- by Dave White
- The Wrap
IndieWire’s Springboard column profiles up-and-comers in the film industry worthy of your attention.
Sian Heder’s path from actress to screenwriter and director wasn’t exactly traditional. Ask her to tell you the story of how she went from wannabe thespian to Sundance filmmaker, and she’ll laugh, “You mean my bullshit scam artist bartender story?” Yes, that one.
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in acting, Heder struggled to find herself — or her passion — in Hollywood. A storyteller by nature, Heder had often been told she should be a writer or a director, but she was determined to make the acting thing stick. But a chance encounter at her day job (bartender) pushed Heder to basically B.S. her way into what would become her first crack at writing and directing. In 2005, Heder completed her first short, “Mother,” inspired by a story that happened to one of her neighbors.
Sian Heder’s path from actress to screenwriter and director wasn’t exactly traditional. Ask her to tell you the story of how she went from wannabe thespian to Sundance filmmaker, and she’ll laugh, “You mean my bullshit scam artist bartender story?” Yes, that one.
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in acting, Heder struggled to find herself — or her passion — in Hollywood. A storyteller by nature, Heder had often been told she should be a writer or a director, but she was determined to make the acting thing stick. But a chance encounter at her day job (bartender) pushed Heder to basically B.S. her way into what would become her first crack at writing and directing. In 2005, Heder completed her first short, “Mother,” inspired by a story that happened to one of her neighbors.
- 7/28/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The first trailer for the Sian Heder-directed film “Tallulah” has just been released by Netflix.
The drama stars Ellen Page as Lu, a young vagabond who lives in a van, is fiercely independent and has just been left by her boyfriend. As she searches for her ex, she stumbles upon his mother, Margo (Allison Janney). When Lu impulsively “rescues” a baby from a negligent mom, she uses the child to get help from Margo, who thinks she is the baby’s grandmother. The two women form a lasting bond, that could be broken by Lu’s lies.
Read More: ‘Tallulah’ Producer Says Executives Told Her Stories About Women Were Not ‘Commercially Viable’
“Tallulah” was written by Heder and is based on her 2006 Cannes-nominated short film, “Mother.” The movie was acquired by Netflix before its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
The touching story takes a look at the hardships of being a parent,...
The drama stars Ellen Page as Lu, a young vagabond who lives in a van, is fiercely independent and has just been left by her boyfriend. As she searches for her ex, she stumbles upon his mother, Margo (Allison Janney). When Lu impulsively “rescues” a baby from a negligent mom, she uses the child to get help from Margo, who thinks she is the baby’s grandmother. The two women form a lasting bond, that could be broken by Lu’s lies.
Read More: ‘Tallulah’ Producer Says Executives Told Her Stories About Women Were Not ‘Commercially Viable’
“Tallulah” was written by Heder and is based on her 2006 Cannes-nominated short film, “Mother.” The movie was acquired by Netflix before its premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
The touching story takes a look at the hardships of being a parent,...
- 6/29/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Kate Plays ChristineThe lineup for the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, taking place between January 21 -31, has been announced.U.S. Dramatic COMPETITIONAs You Are (Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, USA): As You Are is the telling and retelling of a relationship between three teenagers as it traces the course of their friendship through a construction of disparate memories prompted by a police investigation. Cast: Owen Campbell, Charlie Heaton, Amandla Stenberg, John Scurti, Scott Cohen, Mary Stuart Masterson. World Premiere The Birth of a Nation (Nate Parker, USA): Set against the antebellum South, this story follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. After witnessing countless atrocities against fellow slaves, Nat devises a plan to lead his people to freedom. Cast: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, Mark Boone Jr. World PremiereChristine (Antonio Campos,...
- 12/7/2015
- by Notebook
- MUBI
They say write…what you know, and perhaps in this case, writing what is unknown. It’s the sort of the artistic philosophy that filmmaker Sian Heder might have applied in developing a project that landed at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival (walked away with the 3rd Prize Cinéfondation Ex-aequo prize) with the first iteration of the eventual feature being a short film called Mother. Fast forward almost a decade later and production was lined up this June with Ellen Page and Allison Janney toplining a true exploration of what it might mean to be a mother figure. Coming off the heals of her writing and producer gig with television’s “Orange Is the New Black”, Tallulah has got a strong producer Sundance alumni team supporting the Heder’s directorial debut. With such a long gestation period, we’re thinking that this might illicit a strong emotional response from future auds.
- 11/25/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Over the weekend, Jill Soloway brought her articulation and film smarts to the Cinefamily to promote Wifey.tv, a new digital platform for marginalized voices in media-making she co-founded in 2013 with Rebecca Odes. The video website is "a place where you can always go to watch something that's actually compelling. Complicated. Real. Funny. Sexy. Alive. Like you. Welcome," according to Soloway's "Womanfesto." (More on that here.) They partnered with bi-coastal female filmmaking collective Film Fatales to present six short films including Shaz Bennett’s “Alaska is a Drag,” Brooke Sebold’s “The Last Cigarette,” Sarah Gertrude Shapiro’s “Sequin Raze," Sian Heder’s “Mother,” Maggie Kiley’s “Some Boys Don’t Leave” and Jennifer Phang’s “Advantageous," which became a Sundance-winning feature now streaming on Netflix. Read More: Female Directors Pick Their Favorite Films Made By Women Soloway kicked off with a moving cry to action for female filmmakers, which.
- 7/27/2015
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Though there is always the chance that disappointment could once again rear its ugly head, it is difficult not to wonder whether the discussion around the topic of women in film has brought the issue to some kind of tipping point – a moment where perhaps conversation and rhetoric might finally give way to concrete action and results.
At the present time, the feminism-heavy Mad Max: Fury Road is engaged in a box-office tug of war with the female driven, female-directed Pitch Perfect 2. In addition, the female-driven movie Carol has taken the Cannes Film Festival by storm, as has the female-led Sicario, by Denis Villeneuve. These are films that actively centre on women, and are stories that occur outside of any comic book realm, or cohesive cinematic universe. Industry observers might be forgiven for thinking that this is just another passing phase, and that the discriminatory status quo will ultimately hold firm – but then,...
At the present time, the feminism-heavy Mad Max: Fury Road is engaged in a box-office tug of war with the female driven, female-directed Pitch Perfect 2. In addition, the female-driven movie Carol has taken the Cannes Film Festival by storm, as has the female-led Sicario, by Denis Villeneuve. These are films that actively centre on women, and are stories that occur outside of any comic book realm, or cohesive cinematic universe. Industry observers might be forgiven for thinking that this is just another passing phase, and that the discriminatory status quo will ultimately hold firm – but then,...
- 5/20/2015
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" won the Original Screenplay honor at the recently concluded Writers Guild Awards while Morten Tyldum's "The Imitation Game" took home the Adapted Screenplay trophy. "The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swarts" written by Brian Knappenberger won Documentary Screenplay award. The film is not nominated for an Academy award.
In TV land, HBO's "True Detective" won the Drama Series award and FX's "Louie" received the Comedy Series trophy.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 2015 Writers Guild Awards:
Feature Film
Original Screenplay
Boyhood, Written by Richard Linklater; IFC Films
Foxcatcher, Written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman; Sony Pictures Classics
The Grand Budapest Hotel, Screenplay by Wes Anderson; Story by Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness; Fox Searchlight Winner
Nightcrawler, Written by Dan Gilroy; Open Road Films
Whiplash, Written by Damien Chazelle; Sony Pictures Classics
Adapted Screenplay
American Sniper,...
In TV land, HBO's "True Detective" won the Drama Series award and FX's "Louie" received the Comedy Series trophy.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 2015 Writers Guild Awards:
Feature Film
Original Screenplay
Boyhood, Written by Richard Linklater; IFC Films
Foxcatcher, Written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman; Sony Pictures Classics
The Grand Budapest Hotel, Screenplay by Wes Anderson; Story by Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness; Fox Searchlight Winner
Nightcrawler, Written by Dan Gilroy; Open Road Films
Whiplash, Written by Damien Chazelle; Sony Pictures Classics
Adapted Screenplay
American Sniper,...
- 2/16/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Taking care of some pre-Mother’s Day duties, Jennifer Lopez showed up at the United Nations Foundation’s “Mom + Social” event in New York City last night (May 8).
Joined by her sister Lynda Lopez and Cindi Leive, the “Waiting for Tonight” songstress seemed to be having a blast as she chatted with fans at the 92Y Tribeca venue.
In career news, J. Lo has joined forces with producer RedOne for a new single called “Live It Up,” and is also the newest artist signed to his 2101 Records label.
RedOne told press, "This is like a dream come true for me. It was amazing to be able to work with Jennifer on so many great records over the past two years and now it is such an honor to have her on my label. She is a creative inspiration and a true global superstar artist who brings so much to everything she does.
Joined by her sister Lynda Lopez and Cindi Leive, the “Waiting for Tonight” songstress seemed to be having a blast as she chatted with fans at the 92Y Tribeca venue.
In career news, J. Lo has joined forces with producer RedOne for a new single called “Live It Up,” and is also the newest artist signed to his 2101 Records label.
RedOne told press, "This is like a dream come true for me. It was amazing to be able to work with Jennifer on so many great records over the past two years and now it is such an honor to have her on my label. She is a creative inspiration and a true global superstar artist who brings so much to everything she does.
- 5/9/2013
- GossipCenter
Chicago – One of the great events in Chicago to interact with celebrity favorites is at the “Hollywood Celebrities and Memorabilia Show.” In 2011, the autumn event took place on October 1st and 2nd, and featured the “Happy Days” TV gang Henry Winkler, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, plus Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The latest Hollywood Celebrities and Memorabilia Show was the last such event for founders Ray and Sharon McCourt, as they headed for retirement. The show will go on, however, as new ownership will bring “The Hollywood Show” to Chicago in March, 2012.
HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce was at the October show, and recorded the following slideshow of celebrities that participated. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
Celebrities1: Dominique Swain,...
The latest Hollywood Celebrities and Memorabilia Show was the last such event for founders Ray and Sharon McCourt, as they headed for retirement. The show will go on, however, as new ownership will bring “The Hollywood Show” to Chicago in March, 2012.
HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce was at the October show, and recorded the following slideshow of celebrities that participated. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
Celebrities1: Dominique Swain,...
- 12/28/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
This week’s Desperate Housewives had Susan going for the Psychotic Mother of the Year Award and her competition was Angie Bolen, if that’s Angie’s real name.
I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s recap!
Lynette’s Lie
Lynette and Tom reveal to the kids that they are about to get another set of siblings. How do Parker, Preston, and Penny take it? Parker thinks they were being irresponsible, Preston thinks it’s disgusting that they are still sexually active, and little Penny says she’s jumping ship if it’s another set of boys. So, would harshly fit the bill?
While Lynette preps herself to tell Carlos about her pregnancy, he promotes her to being his Senior VP, which Lynette refuses until he offers a 50% salary increase with the position. When Lynette asks why he didn’t give it to another woman up for the job,...
I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s recap!
Lynette’s Lie
Lynette and Tom reveal to the kids that they are about to get another set of siblings. How do Parker, Preston, and Penny take it? Parker thinks they were being irresponsible, Preston thinks it’s disgusting that they are still sexually active, and little Penny says she’s jumping ship if it’s another set of boys. So, would harshly fit the bill?
While Lynette preps herself to tell Carlos about her pregnancy, he promotes her to being his Senior VP, which Lynette refuses until he offers a 50% salary increase with the position. When Lynette asks why he didn’t give it to another woman up for the job,...
- 10/13/2009
- by Mark O. Estes
- TVovermind.com
All of us here at MTV are excited for Ridley Scott's "Alien" prequel. The director hasn't had anything to do with the series since the 1979 original, which is a bonafide classic. To honor Scott and his lasting contribution to badass women in film, we've paired up the lovely duo of MTV contributor Jenni Miller and Photoshop ninja/digital producer Sohyung Kang to produce a magical list of five leading ladies who could rock Ripley.
Although there aren't any hard and fast deets out there concerning Ridley Scott's prequel to "Alien," I've got my fingers crossed for a female badass to rival Sigourney Weaver's iconic Ripley. Since Weaver has stated publicly she doesn't think Ripley could be part of an "Alien" prequel, I have a few suggestions as to who could fulfill the role of cinema's favorite alien-killing, kitty-saving, space-feminist.
Remember when Angelina Jolie wasn't the second coming of Mother Theresa?...
Although there aren't any hard and fast deets out there concerning Ridley Scott's prequel to "Alien," I've got my fingers crossed for a female badass to rival Sigourney Weaver's iconic Ripley. Since Weaver has stated publicly she doesn't think Ripley could be part of an "Alien" prequel, I have a few suggestions as to who could fulfill the role of cinema's favorite alien-killing, kitty-saving, space-feminist.
Remember when Angelina Jolie wasn't the second coming of Mother Theresa?...
- 8/6/2009
- by Jenni Miller
- MTV Movies Blog
You've got to give it to Jennifer Aniston. Having been left for the beautiful Earth Mother goddess and her flock of babies, a weaker actress might have rethought the direction of her career. She might have eschewed starring in petsploitation films (Marley and Me) or He's Just Not That Into You. And a weaker woman definitely would have avoided signing onto a movie where she gets impregnated by a turkey baster, while Brangelina trots the twins 'round the world. But, God bless her, not Jen. Girlfriend is like, "Screw it."
Aniston has signed on to star opposite Jason Bateman in The Baster, a fertility comedy from the dudes who brought you Blades of Glory. Aniston plays a neurotic woman who wants to have a baby via artificial insemination. Bateman plays her best friend who secretly replaces her donor's semen with his own.
We can't wait for the press tour on this one.
Aniston has signed on to star opposite Jason Bateman in The Baster, a fertility comedy from the dudes who brought you Blades of Glory. Aniston plays a neurotic woman who wants to have a baby via artificial insemination. Bateman plays her best friend who secretly replaces her donor's semen with his own.
We can't wait for the press tour on this one.
- 2/6/2009
- by Hailey Eber
- Reelzchannel.com
- Well the Palmes are given out and it seems political correctness has won again. Everybody got something with the big prizes going to small films The Wind That Shakes The Barley, and Flanders that would have otherwise died at the box office. Volver got two Palmes for directing and acting but should have gotten the Golden one. Also "Babel" got the directing one which I knew it would get but it will collect many awards later this year along with "Volver".As Ken Loach said we live in political times and it didn't escape the jury, specially with China banning the controversial "Summer Place". Next year will be the 60th year of the festival and you can be sure, it will be a nice anniversary. A bientot.The AwardsPalme d'Or: "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" by Ken LoachGrand Prix (runner-up): "Flanders" by Bruno DumontPrix de la Mise
- 5/28/2006
- IONCINEMA.com
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