Exclusive: Multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated actor, producer and director David Oyelowo and his wife, actress, writer and producer Jessica Oyelowo, have signed a two-year first-look deal with Walt Disney Pictures for feature length films across all platforms at the studio.
The Oyelowos will produce through their Yoruba Saxon banner, which is focused on creating values-based content for all quadrants, with an aim to shift the culture and color outside the lines.
Yoruba Saxon’s most recent film and sixth is the upcoming family adventure The Water Man, which marks David’s feature length directorial debut, in which he stars and also features Jessica. The Water Man follows a boy who sets out on a quest to save his ill mother by searching for a mythic figure said to have magical healing powers. Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello and Alfred Molina also star. The pic originally made its world premiere at TIFF last September.
The Oyelowos will produce through their Yoruba Saxon banner, which is focused on creating values-based content for all quadrants, with an aim to shift the culture and color outside the lines.
Yoruba Saxon’s most recent film and sixth is the upcoming family adventure The Water Man, which marks David’s feature length directorial debut, in which he stars and also features Jessica. The Water Man follows a boy who sets out on a quest to save his ill mother by searching for a mythic figure said to have magical healing powers. Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello and Alfred Molina also star. The pic originally made its world premiere at TIFF last September.
- 5/4/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s Launchpad, a new filmmaking program dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, has unveiled the trailer for six original short films coming to Disney Plus.
All six short films, each centering on the theme of “discover,” will launch on Disney Plus on May 28. The program’s inaugural year features stories by Ann Marie Pace, Aqsa Altaf, Hao Zheng, Jessica Mendez Siqueiros, Moxie Peng and Stefanie Abel Horowitz.
“As a first-generation Muslim Bangladeshi woman, I know how important it is for communities to see themselves on screen, and to empower emerging filmmakers,” said Mahin Ibrahim, director of Disney’s diversity and inclusion, market, who oversees the Launchpad program. “Our goal with the Disney Launchpad Shorts Incubator is to tell six deeply meaningful personal stories straight from the filmmakers’ heart, amplified with the scale and reach that only Disney has.”
Disney plans to continue its Launchpad program, with the theme of “connection” to anchor the second season.
All six short films, each centering on the theme of “discover,” will launch on Disney Plus on May 28. The program’s inaugural year features stories by Ann Marie Pace, Aqsa Altaf, Hao Zheng, Jessica Mendez Siqueiros, Moxie Peng and Stefanie Abel Horowitz.
“As a first-generation Muslim Bangladeshi woman, I know how important it is for communities to see themselves on screen, and to empower emerging filmmakers,” said Mahin Ibrahim, director of Disney’s diversity and inclusion, market, who oversees the Launchpad program. “Our goal with the Disney Launchpad Shorts Incubator is to tell six deeply meaningful personal stories straight from the filmmakers’ heart, amplified with the scale and reach that only Disney has.”
Disney plans to continue its Launchpad program, with the theme of “connection” to anchor the second season.
- 4/14/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, Disney Plus announced that 1997’s “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, would begin streaming Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long awaited by fans who urged Disney Plus to rerelease the musical, which was originally televised as a “Wonderful World of Disney” special on ABC.
“I feel like it’s divine timing,” Brandy tells Variety, saying she learned that the film would come to streaming just over a week ago. “This is the month of love; this is a month of Black history. This is just the perfect time for this product to be shared with everyone.”
Brandy made the public announcement on ABC’s “The View,” where she reunited with “Cinderella” cast mate Whoopi Goldberg, who plays Queen Constantina in the film. Houston famously played the Fairy Godmother.
“I don’t think it’ll hit all the way home until it’s actually out there,...
The movie’s streaming debut has been long awaited by fans who urged Disney Plus to rerelease the musical, which was originally televised as a “Wonderful World of Disney” special on ABC.
“I feel like it’s divine timing,” Brandy tells Variety, saying she learned that the film would come to streaming just over a week ago. “This is the month of love; this is a month of Black history. This is just the perfect time for this product to be shared with everyone.”
Brandy made the public announcement on ABC’s “The View,” where she reunited with “Cinderella” cast mate Whoopi Goldberg, who plays Queen Constantina in the film. Houston famously played the Fairy Godmother.
“I don’t think it’ll hit all the way home until it’s actually out there,...
- 2/10/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Over the years, fans of singer and actor Brandy have learned to “never say never” or believe that something’s “impossible” — and their patience and perseverance has been rewarded. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” the 1997 TV movie that stars Brandy and Whitney Houston, is officially coming to Disney Plus.
Disney announced Thursday that the beloved musical movie will launch on the streaming service “at the stroke of midnight” on Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long-awaited by fans, and Brandy herself, who urged the streamer to pick up the rights to the project last summer, while promoting her latest album, B7. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy reunited with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for ‘Cinderella’ to be re-released for almost 24 years.
Disney announced Thursday that the beloved musical movie will launch on the streaming service “at the stroke of midnight” on Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long-awaited by fans, and Brandy herself, who urged the streamer to pick up the rights to the project last summer, while promoting her latest album, B7. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy reunited with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for ‘Cinderella’ to be re-released for almost 24 years.
- 2/4/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Animation house Black Women Animate (Bwa) will team with Cartoon Network Studios to launch the first ever Black in Animation Awards Show. The virtual ceremony seeks to celebrate Black people who have paved the way and continue to do so in the animation industry.
“Three years into our start up, we are continually dismayed at the lack of knowledge people have about Black legends in animation,” reflected Bwa Studios Founder and CEO Taylor K. Shaw and Founding and Managing Partner JLove Calderón. “Prior to this show, there was no place to really honor and acknowledge the incredible role that Black folx have had in the animation industry. Keeping to our motto: if you don’t see it, create it! Thus, the first ever Black in Animation Award Show was established.”
The inaugural ceremony honor Vanessa Morrison, President of Streaming at Walt Disney Studios with the Trailblazer Award; Bruce Smith, EP...
“Three years into our start up, we are continually dismayed at the lack of knowledge people have about Black legends in animation,” reflected Bwa Studios Founder and CEO Taylor K. Shaw and Founding and Managing Partner JLove Calderón. “Prior to this show, there was no place to really honor and acknowledge the incredible role that Black folx have had in the animation industry. Keeping to our motto: if you don’t see it, create it! Thus, the first ever Black in Animation Award Show was established.”
The inaugural ceremony honor Vanessa Morrison, President of Streaming at Walt Disney Studios with the Trailblazer Award; Bruce Smith, EP...
- 11/24/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Walt Disney Studios has made made two significant promotions to bolster its film group, following the exit of 20th Century Studios vice chairman Emma Watts in January.
Steve Asbell, 20th’s executive vice president of production, has been promoted to president. He will report directly to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative cfficer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Asbell has been with the company since 2002, before Disney acquired Fox’s film and TV assets, and has fulfilled his Evp role since 2012.
Vanessa Morrison, the president of the Fox Family division, has been promoted to head of all streaming production under the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures label. She will oversee development and production for Disney Plus films, fed by the Disney live action label and the 20th Century label. Morrison will report to Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey. Prior to her Fox Family role,...
Steve Asbell, 20th’s executive vice president of production, has been promoted to president. He will report directly to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative cfficer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman. Asbell has been with the company since 2002, before Disney acquired Fox’s film and TV assets, and has fulfilled his Evp role since 2012.
Vanessa Morrison, the president of the Fox Family division, has been promoted to head of all streaming production under the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures label. She will oversee development and production for Disney Plus films, fed by the Disney live action label and the 20th Century label. Morrison will report to Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey. Prior to her Fox Family role,...
- 3/12/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Philip Steuer, Randi Hiller also rise amid executive reshuffle.
Steve Asbell has been named president of production at 20th Century Studios following the recent departure of Emma Watts.
Asbell has served as executive vice-president of production, at the studio since 2012 and joined in 2002. He reports to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Vanessa Morrison has been named president of streaming at Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production and will oversee development and production of Disney+ film content from The Walt Disney Studios for both Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
Morrison...
Steve Asbell has been named president of production at 20th Century Studios following the recent departure of Emma Watts.
Asbell has served as executive vice-president of production, at the studio since 2012 and joined in 2002. He reports to Walt Disney Studios co-chairman and chief creative officer Alan Horn and co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Vanessa Morrison has been named president of streaming at Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production and will oversee development and production of Disney+ film content from The Walt Disney Studios for both Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
Morrison...
- 3/12/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Disney has finally found a successor to lead 20th Century Studios, tapping 18-year vet Steve Asbell, according to an individual familiar with the leadership change.
Asbell’s appointment comes after former head of the studio Emma Watts stepped down in February. He’ll take over as president of production for 20th Century Studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Watts, who spent two decades at Fox, left the studio after Disney acquired the TV and film entertainment assets from Fox last March for $71.3 billion.
Also Read: Inside Bob Iger's Sudden Disney Departure as CEO and Hollywood's Surprised Response
An individual familiar with Watts’ thinking told TheWrap at the time that the executive wasn’t forced out or asked to leave, but instead realized that the culture and focus at Disney was different and that the job she was promised,...
Asbell’s appointment comes after former head of the studio Emma Watts stepped down in February. He’ll take over as president of production for 20th Century Studios, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Watts, who spent two decades at Fox, left the studio after Disney acquired the TV and film entertainment assets from Fox last March for $71.3 billion.
Also Read: Inside Bob Iger's Sudden Disney Departure as CEO and Hollywood's Surprised Response
An individual familiar with Watts’ thinking told TheWrap at the time that the executive wasn’t forced out or asked to leave, but instead realized that the culture and focus at Disney was different and that the job she was promised,...
- 3/12/2020
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Following the departure of Emma Watts at 20th Century Studios last month, the label’s 18-year vet Steve Asbell has been named President, Production, of the Disney-owned film division, Deadline has learned. He’ll report to Walt Disney Studios Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
Asbell previously served as Evp, Production, 20th Century Studios (20th Century Fox), since 2012 and has been with the studio since 2002. He is deeply respected by filmmakers including James Mangold, with whom he worked on The Wolverine, Logan, and the two-time Oscar-winning and $225M+ grossing Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott, with whom he has worked on the 7x Oscar nominee The Martian and the upcoming The Last Duel, currently dated for a Christmas release.
More from DeadlineDisney Closes California Theme Parks From March 14 Through End Of MonthDisneyland To Close Through March Over Coronavirus Fears - UpdateNBA, Sports Risk Spark...
Asbell previously served as Evp, Production, 20th Century Studios (20th Century Fox), since 2012 and has been with the studio since 2002. He is deeply respected by filmmakers including James Mangold, with whom he worked on The Wolverine, Logan, and the two-time Oscar-winning and $225M+ grossing Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott, with whom he has worked on the 7x Oscar nominee The Martian and the upcoming The Last Duel, currently dated for a Christmas release.
More from DeadlineDisney Closes California Theme Parks From March 14 Through End Of MonthDisneyland To Close Through March Over Coronavirus Fears - UpdateNBA, Sports Risk Spark...
- 3/12/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Steve Asbell has been named president of production at 20th Century Studios, taking over for Emma Watts, who departed the post last month.
Asbell has served as executive vp production at the studio formerly known as 20th Century Fox since 2012, and has been with the studio since 2002. He has worked on the studio's big-budgeted productions, including James Mangold's Logan and Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott's The Martian. Asbell is currently overseeing production on Scott's The Last Duel and the Murder on the Orient Express follow-up Death on the Nile.
In his new ...
Asbell has served as executive vp production at the studio formerly known as 20th Century Fox since 2012, and has been with the studio since 2002. He has worked on the studio's big-budgeted productions, including James Mangold's Logan and Ford v Ferrari, and Ridley Scott's The Martian. Asbell is currently overseeing production on Scott's The Last Duel and the Murder on the Orient Express follow-up Death on the Nile.
In his new ...
- 3/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
This year, there’s no elephant in the room at CinemaCon; it’s a herd of pachyderms, and they don’t include “Dumbo.” With nearly every major studio investing billions toward building their own streaming businesses, Netflix is no longer the only streamer to threaten the cozy partnership between the studios and the brick-and-mortar theaters that play their movies. That means pressure on the theater owners has never been greater to finally shorten their precious theatrical windows.
This challenge isn’t new; backroom negotiations between the theaters and exhibitors broke down when Disney announced its acquisition of Fox. “It’s such a moving target,” said one studio chief. “It’s gone on for years. The problem is you take one step forward and two steps back and it never gets anywhere. Everyone is pushing the envelope as hard as they can. The theaters are at the losing end of this fight.
This challenge isn’t new; backroom negotiations between the theaters and exhibitors broke down when Disney announced its acquisition of Fox. “It’s such a moving target,” said one studio chief. “It’s gone on for years. The problem is you take one step forward and two steps back and it never gets anywhere. Everyone is pushing the envelope as hard as they can. The theaters are at the losing end of this fight.
- 3/29/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
This year, there’s no elephant in the room at CinemaCon; it’s a herd of pachyderms, and they don’t include “Dumbo.” With nearly every major studio investing billions toward building their own streaming businesses, Netflix is no longer the only streamer to threaten the cozy partnership between the studios and the brick-and-mortar theaters that play their movies. That means pressure on the theater owners has never been greater to finally shorten their precious theatrical windows.
This challenge isn’t new; backroom negotiations between the theaters and exhibitors broke down when Disney announced its acquisition of Fox. “It’s such a moving target,” said one studio chief. “It’s gone on for years. The problem is you take one step forward and two steps back and it never gets anywhere. Everyone is pushing the envelope as hard as they can. The theaters are at the losing end of this fight.
This challenge isn’t new; backroom negotiations between the theaters and exhibitors broke down when Disney announced its acquisition of Fox. “It’s such a moving target,” said one studio chief. “It’s gone on for years. The problem is you take one step forward and two steps back and it never gets anywhere. Everyone is pushing the envelope as hard as they can. The theaters are at the losing end of this fight.
- 3/29/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Los Angeles branch of Women in Film has elected five industry leaders to its board of directors. They are:
Tracy McGrath, a senior physical production executive for Amazon's Original Movies division. She previously oversaw productions at New Regency, Miramax/Dimension and Buena Vista Pictures, and was the first senior vp physical production at CBS Films.
Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Family. She also serves on the Women in Animation Advisory Board and Uc Berkeley Office of the Chancellor's Board of Visitors, and is a recipient of the African-American Film Critics Association's Ashley Boone Award for execs.
Andrea Nelson Meigs, a senior ...
Tracy McGrath, a senior physical production executive for Amazon's Original Movies division. She previously oversaw productions at New Regency, Miramax/Dimension and Buena Vista Pictures, and was the first senior vp physical production at CBS Films.
Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Family. She also serves on the Women in Animation Advisory Board and Uc Berkeley Office of the Chancellor's Board of Visitors, and is a recipient of the African-American Film Critics Association's Ashley Boone Award for execs.
Andrea Nelson Meigs, a senior ...
- 3/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Los Angeles branch of Women in Film has elected five industry leaders to its board of directors. They are:
Tracy McGrath, a senior physical production executive for Amazon's Original Movies division. She previously oversaw productions at New Regency, Miramax/Dimension and Buena Vista Pictures, and was the first senior vp physical production at CBS Films.
Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Family. She also serves on the Women in Animation Advisory Board and Uc Berkeley Office of the Chancellor's Board of Visitors, and is a recipient of the African-American Film Critics Association's Ashley Boone Award for execs.
Andrea Nelson Meigs, a senior ...
Tracy McGrath, a senior physical production executive for Amazon's Original Movies division. She previously oversaw productions at New Regency, Miramax/Dimension and Buena Vista Pictures, and was the first senior vp physical production at CBS Films.
Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Family. She also serves on the Women in Animation Advisory Board and Uc Berkeley Office of the Chancellor's Board of Visitors, and is a recipient of the African-American Film Critics Association's Ashley Boone Award for execs.
Andrea Nelson Meigs, a senior ...
- 3/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Women In Film, Los Angeles announced today that they have elected five new members to its Board of Directors. Syrinthia Studer, Andrea Nelson Meigs, Talitha Watkins, Vanessa Morrison and Tracy McGrath have joined the board of industry leaders who represent diverse aspects of the screen industries.
“The 2019 Board of Directors will bring valuable guidance to our organization’s programming and advocacy work,” said Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer. “They share our commitment to the mission of enacting change to make the entertainment industry equitable for all women, in front of and behind the camera.”
Board President Amy Baer added, “With the election of these new members, the Board gains the invaluable expertise of five of our esteemed colleagues in the screen industries. Each has established herself as an influential figure in our industry, leading to an improved and expanded definition of how women are represented on-screen, off-screen, and in positions of corporate leadership.
“The 2019 Board of Directors will bring valuable guidance to our organization’s programming and advocacy work,” said Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer. “They share our commitment to the mission of enacting change to make the entertainment industry equitable for all women, in front of and behind the camera.”
Board President Amy Baer added, “With the election of these new members, the Board gains the invaluable expertise of five of our esteemed colleagues in the screen industries. Each has established herself as an influential figure in our industry, leading to an improved and expanded definition of how women are represented on-screen, off-screen, and in positions of corporate leadership.
- 3/26/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
’Each has established herself as an influential figure in our industry.’
Women In Film, Los Angeles said on Monday (25) it had elected five members to its board of directors including Paramount head of worldwide acquisitions Syrinthia Struder.
Besides Struder, the new intake includes Amazon Studios Original Movies senior physical production executive Tracy McGrath, president of Fox Family Vanessa Morrison, ICM Partners senior talent and lit agent Andrea Nelson Meigs, and CAA motion picture talent agent Talitha Watkins.
Wif executive director Kirsten Schaffer said, “The 2019 board of directors will bring valuable guidance to our organization’s programming and advocacy work. They...
Women In Film, Los Angeles said on Monday (25) it had elected five members to its board of directors including Paramount head of worldwide acquisitions Syrinthia Struder.
Besides Struder, the new intake includes Amazon Studios Original Movies senior physical production executive Tracy McGrath, president of Fox Family Vanessa Morrison, ICM Partners senior talent and lit agent Andrea Nelson Meigs, and CAA motion picture talent agent Talitha Watkins.
Wif executive director Kirsten Schaffer said, “The 2019 board of directors will bring valuable guidance to our organization’s programming and advocacy work. They...
- 3/25/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The beleaguered film staff of the various divisions of Fox had to know they would be in for a hellish Thursday when they walked through the gold doors of Building 88 to their offices and noticed something different. The 20th Century Fox logo stenciled on the doors was gone. It was replaced by the blue Fox logo that signifies the part of the company that was kept by Rupert Murdoch and led by his son Lachlan. Talk about an omen.
Now, the Murdochs own the lot and they control the space even if they did lease office space to Disney because the Mouse House isn’t big enough to absorb those film and TV staffers who will be left after the bloodletting that began today. And Fox execs couldn’t help but notice that lady who came to those offices awhile ago with a tape measure, sizing up the place.
Now, the Murdochs own the lot and they control the space even if they did lease office space to Disney because the Mouse House isn’t big enough to absorb those film and TV staffers who will be left after the bloodletting that began today. And Fox execs couldn’t help but notice that lady who came to those offices awhile ago with a tape measure, sizing up the place.
- 3/21/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with more names: Fox’s International Theatrical Distribution president Andrew Cripps was also among the Fox senior brass pink-slipped Wednesday as Disney absorbs the rival studio.
Cripps, like Fox Domestic Distribution boss Chris Aronson who was also laid off today, is also a platinum executive in his field with a three-decade-plus track record having previously served as president of Imax International, president of Paramount Pictures International from 2007-2011, and president and COO of United International Pictures. His international exposure includes 19 years in Japan as part of his Uip tenure.
Cripps moved to Fox International from London in 2017 and oversaw all strategic and managerial international theatrical distribution activities for the studio. He was also involved with developing business opportunities in the offshore marketplace, including established territories as well as newer areas.
Cripps succeeded Paul Hanneman, who was Fox’s co-president of Worldwide Theatrical Marketing and Distribution.
During Cripps’ short run at Fox,...
Cripps, like Fox Domestic Distribution boss Chris Aronson who was also laid off today, is also a platinum executive in his field with a three-decade-plus track record having previously served as president of Imax International, president of Paramount Pictures International from 2007-2011, and president and COO of United International Pictures. His international exposure includes 19 years in Japan as part of his Uip tenure.
Cripps moved to Fox International from London in 2017 and oversaw all strategic and managerial international theatrical distribution activities for the studio. He was also involved with developing business opportunities in the offshore marketplace, including established territories as well as newer areas.
Cripps succeeded Paul Hanneman, who was Fox’s co-president of Worldwide Theatrical Marketing and Distribution.
During Cripps’ short run at Fox,...
- 3/21/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Andrew Cripps.
Andrew Cripps, Chris Aronson, Heather Phillips, Mike Dunn and Greg Meidel are among the first wave of senior layoffs at 20th Century Fox following the Walt Disney Co’s $US71.3 billion purchase of Fox’s crown jewels.
A former executive at Paramount, IMAX and United International Pictures, the highly regarded Cripps was hired as Fox’s international theatrical distribution president in 2017.
During his reign the home runs in international markets included Bohemian Rhapsody ($663.7 million), The Greatest Showman ($260.6 million), Deadpool 2 ($460.4 million), Murder on the Orient Express ($250 million) and The Kingsman: The Golden Circle ($310.7 million).
While the $170 million James Cameron production Alita: Battle Angel has struggled in the Us, taking $81 million, the Cripps-led international team was far more effective, generating $312.2 million.
Aronson was the president of domestic distribution, Phillips was executive VP and head of domestic publicity, Dunn was president of product strategy and consumer business development and Meidel was president of Twentieth Television.
Andrew Cripps, Chris Aronson, Heather Phillips, Mike Dunn and Greg Meidel are among the first wave of senior layoffs at 20th Century Fox following the Walt Disney Co’s $US71.3 billion purchase of Fox’s crown jewels.
A former executive at Paramount, IMAX and United International Pictures, the highly regarded Cripps was hired as Fox’s international theatrical distribution president in 2017.
During his reign the home runs in international markets included Bohemian Rhapsody ($663.7 million), The Greatest Showman ($260.6 million), Deadpool 2 ($460.4 million), Murder on the Orient Express ($250 million) and The Kingsman: The Golden Circle ($310.7 million).
While the $170 million James Cameron production Alita: Battle Angel has struggled in the Us, taking $81 million, the Cripps-led international team was far more effective, generating $312.2 million.
Aronson was the president of domestic distribution, Phillips was executive VP and head of domestic publicity, Dunn was president of product strategy and consumer business development and Meidel was president of Twentieth Television.
- 3/21/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Thousands of lay-offs to come once full integration plan is established.
Disney has closed its $71.3bn acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox, reducing the number of Us majors to five in an historic change that will have broad repercussions for Hollywood and the global media landscape.
The deal officially closed at12:02am Et on Wednesday (20). As analysts anticipate thousands of lay-offs in the coming year or so – possibly as much as 10,000 over time, according to analyst Rich Greenfield of Btig, who is notably antagonistic towards Disney and legacy media – the fate of many senior executives at...
Disney has closed its $71.3bn acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox, reducing the number of Us majors to five in an historic change that will have broad repercussions for Hollywood and the global media landscape.
The deal officially closed at12:02am Et on Wednesday (20). As analysts anticipate thousands of lay-offs in the coming year or so – possibly as much as 10,000 over time, according to analyst Rich Greenfield of Btig, who is notably antagonistic towards Disney and legacy media – the fate of many senior executives at...
- 3/20/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Thousands of lay-offs to come once full integration plan is established.
Disney has closed its $71.3bn acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox, reducing the number of Us majors to five in an historic change that will have broad repercussions for Hollywood and the global media landscape.
The deal officially closed at12:02am Et on Wednesday (20). As analysts anticipate thousands of lay-offs in the coming year or so – possibly as much as 10,000 over time, according to analyst Rich Greenfield of Btig, who is notably antagonistic towards Disney and legacy media – the fate of many senior executives at...
Disney has closed its $71.3bn acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox, reducing the number of Us majors to five in an historic change that will have broad repercussions for Hollywood and the global media landscape.
The deal officially closed at12:02am Et on Wednesday (20). As analysts anticipate thousands of lay-offs in the coming year or so – possibly as much as 10,000 over time, according to analyst Rich Greenfield of Btig, who is notably antagonistic towards Disney and legacy media – the fate of many senior executives at...
- 3/20/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: DeVon Franklin, the producer behind faith-based films like Miracles from Heaven, The Star, and the forthcoming Breakthrough, has teamed with Fox Family for a live-action/ CGI musical twist on the story of the Garden of Eden, the biblical paradise introduced in the book of Genesis. The Garden will follow how the first animals and people discover the meaning of friendship, community, and unity in a world that is completely new.
The film is based on a pitch by Michael Weiss and Greg Ostrin.
“Most of us know a version of the story of the Garden of Eden, but never before has this story been told in such a unique way and it’s the first time we have the technology to see this story come to life like never before,” said Franklin, who holds an overall deal at Fox via his Franklin Entertainment shingle along with film and television producer Karen A.
The film is based on a pitch by Michael Weiss and Greg Ostrin.
“Most of us know a version of the story of the Garden of Eden, but never before has this story been told in such a unique way and it’s the first time we have the technology to see this story come to life like never before,” said Franklin, who holds an overall deal at Fox via his Franklin Entertainment shingle along with film and television producer Karen A.
- 1/24/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
With gender parity a hot topic in the film and TV business, Cartoon Network is throwing its considerable weight behind efforts to help the next generation of animation talent break through.
The Turner network is one of the big three kids channel operators globally alongside Disney and Nickelodeon. As the Annecy Animation Festival and Mifa market get underway it said it will fund a female animation student. The effort to discover and support more female talent is part of a focus at Annecy on women in the business.
Cartoon will also have a session at the festival celebrating the best work from women in the industry. As part of that, British animator Julia Pott will give attendees a first sneak peek at Cartoon Network special “Summer Camp Island.” Eva Lee Wallberg, creator of Cartoon Network Original “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe” and Lauren Sassen, creative director of...
The Turner network is one of the big three kids channel operators globally alongside Disney and Nickelodeon. As the Annecy Animation Festival and Mifa market get underway it said it will fund a female animation student. The effort to discover and support more female talent is part of a focus at Annecy on women in the business.
Cartoon will also have a session at the festival celebrating the best work from women in the industry. As part of that, British animator Julia Pott will give attendees a first sneak peek at Cartoon Network special “Summer Camp Island.” Eva Lee Wallberg, creator of Cartoon Network Original “The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivandoe” and Lauren Sassen, creative director of...
- 6/11/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Annecy, France— Women in Animation (Wia) and Les Femmes s’Animent (Lfa) will celebrate the second annual Women in Animation World Summit in partnership with the 2018 Annecy International Animation Festival and Mifa Market. The event will take place on Monday, June 11 at the Impérial Palace hotel.
Wia will also receive the 2018 Mifa Animation Industry Award. It’s the first time such acknowledgment has been granted to an organization or institution.
The day-long symposium features panels and discussions. The first panel will be devoted to “Inclusion and Intersectionality.” Moderated by Julie Ann Crommett, VP of multicultural engagement at Walt Disney Studios, the event will include input from head of studio, Ellation, and Wia president Marge Dean, Corinne Kouper, director of development at TeamTO and Lfa president, and Mickaël Marin, managing director of Citia, which organizes the Annecy Festival.
A second panel will be also hosted by Crommett, which will focus on...
Wia will also receive the 2018 Mifa Animation Industry Award. It’s the first time such acknowledgment has been granted to an organization or institution.
The day-long symposium features panels and discussions. The first panel will be devoted to “Inclusion and Intersectionality.” Moderated by Julie Ann Crommett, VP of multicultural engagement at Walt Disney Studios, the event will include input from head of studio, Ellation, and Wia president Marge Dean, Corinne Kouper, director of development at TeamTO and Lfa president, and Mickaël Marin, managing director of Citia, which organizes the Annecy Festival.
A second panel will be also hosted by Crommett, which will focus on...
- 6/11/2018
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
Signaling a change of leadership at its animation division, Twentieth Century Fox Film announced today that Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird have been named co-presidents of Fox Animation. In their new roles, Miloro and Baird will oversee Fox Animation and have direct oversight of Blue Sky Studios. They will also collaborate closely with the leadership team at Locksmith Animation, the U.K.-based animation house that recently inked a partnership with Tcff.
The announcement was made jointly by Tcff chairman Stacey Snider and vice chairman Emma Watts to whom Baird and Miloro will report. They succeed Vanessa Morrison, who’s moving into a...
The announcement was made jointly by Tcff chairman Stacey Snider and vice chairman Emma Watts to whom Baird and Miloro will report. They succeed Vanessa Morrison, who’s moving into a...
- 10/30/2017
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vanessa Morrison, who has served as president of Fox Animation since 2007, is moving into a new role at Twentieth Century Fox Film, where she will serve as president of Fox Family, a newly created division within Tcff that will develop and produce films aimed specifically at family audiences. The announcement was made jointly by chairman and CEO Stacey Snider and vice chairman Emma Watts, to whom Morrison will continue to report. Her appointment is effective immediately.
As part of her new role, Morrison will also oversee a ramp-up of the studio’s family animated television business, which to date has...
As part of her new role, Morrison will also oversee a ramp-up of the studio’s family animated television business, which to date has...
- 10/30/2017
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Twentieth Century Fox Film has acquired Rock the Bells, a pitch from Girls Trip director Malcolm D. Lee. He will direct the hybrid Christmas family comedy, which will be written by Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson. Lee and Tajamika Paxton will produce under Lee's Blackmaled Productions banner. Melanie Clark, VP Production and Development for Blackmaled Productions, will oversee. Vanessa Morrison, Nate Hopper and Karen Toliver will oversee for the studio. They…...
- 9/27/2017
- Deadline
Brentwood's elite private school, The Archer School for Girls, has landed some major Hollywood names for featured gigs as keynote speakers during the past five years of the Archer Film Festival. The sixth annual edition, which kicked off Wednesday night at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, was no different.
Lucasfilm president and uber producer Kathleen Kennedy delivered opening remarks to open this year's fest, following in the footsteps of previous keynote speakers including J.J. Abrams, producer Nina Jacobson, Fox Animation's Vanessa Morrison, and writers Melissa Rosenberg and Amanda Brown. But Hollywood's boldfaced names aren't the only stars at this event....
Lucasfilm president and uber producer Kathleen Kennedy delivered opening remarks to open this year's fest, following in the footsteps of previous keynote speakers including J.J. Abrams, producer Nina Jacobson, Fox Animation's Vanessa Morrison, and writers Melissa Rosenberg and Amanda Brown. But Hollywood's boldfaced names aren't the only stars at this event....
- 4/27/2017
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Even with the defection of more than 50 advertisers, Bill O’Reilly is weathering his latest sexual-harassment scandal. Ratings for “The O’Reilly Factor” are up, his new book “Old School” is a bestseller, and he just signed a rich new deal with Fox News Channel.
That makes this an even tougher test for corporate parent 21st Century Fox, and leaders James and Lachlan Murdoch. While O’Reilly is apparently immune to dishonor (and to fleeing sponsors, as long as his faithful viewers tune in), the corporation’s reputation is on the line. And the Murdochs haven’t done much to condemn the allegations of sexual harassment, or detail how they plan to expand efforts to make sure employees, and particularly women, feel safe in the workplace. A hotline isn’t enough.
Ironically, the company has recently made great strides in naming women to high-profile posts on the film side. Stacey Snider...
That makes this an even tougher test for corporate parent 21st Century Fox, and leaders James and Lachlan Murdoch. While O’Reilly is apparently immune to dishonor (and to fleeing sponsors, as long as his faithful viewers tune in), the corporation’s reputation is on the line. And the Murdochs haven’t done much to condemn the allegations of sexual harassment, or detail how they plan to expand efforts to make sure employees, and particularly women, feel safe in the workplace. A hotline isn’t enough.
Ironically, the company has recently made great strides in naming women to high-profile posts on the film side. Stacey Snider...
- 4/7/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Ten Hollywood distributors flew in talent and created video reels at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Amid the non-stop four-day rush of showbiz razzle-dazzle and box office posturing, there was real information to be gleaned.
Here’s who came out on top — and who did not.
1. Disney is king, and Jack Sparrow lives
Thanks to CEO Bob Iger’s bets on Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, Disney really didn’t have to do more than boast about their market share dominance and show the fifth installment of what many perceive as a tired franchise: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (May 26).
Many of us were agreeably surprised. Instead of the usual hodgepodge of overwrought action set pieces, Disney, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writer Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can”) actually devised a semi-coherent, engaging narrative that reunites Johnny Depp as graceful drunk Captain Jack...
Here’s who came out on top — and who did not.
1. Disney is king, and Jack Sparrow lives
Thanks to CEO Bob Iger’s bets on Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, Disney really didn’t have to do more than boast about their market share dominance and show the fifth installment of what many perceive as a tired franchise: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (May 26).
Many of us were agreeably surprised. Instead of the usual hodgepodge of overwrought action set pieces, Disney, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writer Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can”) actually devised a semi-coherent, engaging narrative that reunites Johnny Depp as graceful drunk Captain Jack...
- 4/1/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Ten Hollywood distributors flew in talent and created video reels at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Amid the non-stop four-day rush of showbiz razzle-dazzle and box office posturing, there was real information to be gleaned.
Here’s who came out on top — and who did not.
1. Disney is king, and Jack Sparrow lives
Thanks to CEO Bob Iger’s bets on Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, Disney really didn’t have to do more than boast about their market share dominance and show the fifth installment of what many perceive as a tired franchise: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (May 26).
Many of us were agreeably surprised. Instead of the usual hodgepodge of overwrought action set pieces, Disney, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writer Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can”) actually devised a semi-coherent, engaging narrative that reunites Johnny Depp as graceful drunk Captain Jack...
Here’s who came out on top — and who did not.
1. Disney is king, and Jack Sparrow lives
Thanks to CEO Bob Iger’s bets on Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, Disney really didn’t have to do more than boast about their market share dominance and show the fifth installment of what many perceive as a tired franchise: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (May 26).
Many of us were agreeably surprised. Instead of the usual hodgepodge of overwrought action set pieces, Disney, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and writer Jeff Nathanson (“Catch Me If You Can”) actually devised a semi-coherent, engaging narrative that reunites Johnny Depp as graceful drunk Captain Jack...
- 4/1/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Best In Show for CinemaCon 2017 goes to Twentieth Century Fox, which closed out its presentation with a full-throttle Hugh Jackman seduction in honor of his P.T. Barnum biopic, “The Greatest Showman,” which will be released Christmas Day.
Jackman turned on his Broadway charm for the exhibitors, walking them through the passion-project original musical directed by newcomer Michael Gracey. There was extended footage from the film (complete with music by Oscar-winning “La La Land” lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Pasek), which stars Jackman as Barnum, Michelle Williams as Barnum’s rags-to-riches wife, and Zac Efron as an acrobat who soars through the air with the greatest of ease. And then there were the audience members/Fox employees who brought it home by singing and dancing in the aisles.
It was nice to see that even $4 billion in global box office doesn’t mean resting on your laurels. Commandeering the show — and...
Jackman turned on his Broadway charm for the exhibitors, walking them through the passion-project original musical directed by newcomer Michael Gracey. There was extended footage from the film (complete with music by Oscar-winning “La La Land” lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Pasek), which stars Jackman as Barnum, Michelle Williams as Barnum’s rags-to-riches wife, and Zac Efron as an acrobat who soars through the air with the greatest of ease. And then there were the audience members/Fox employees who brought it home by singing and dancing in the aisles.
It was nice to see that even $4 billion in global box office doesn’t mean resting on your laurels. Commandeering the show — and...
- 3/30/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Best In Show for CinemaCon 2017 goes to Twentieth Century Fox, which closed out its presentation with a full-throttle Hugh Jackman seduction in honor of his P.T. Barnum biopic, “The Greatest Showman,” which will be released Christmas Day.
Jackman turned on his Broadway charm for the exhibitors, walking them through the passion-project original musical directed by newcomer Michael Gracey. There was extended footage from the film (complete with music by Oscar-winning “La La Land” lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Pasek), which stars Jackman as Barnum, Michelle Williams as Barnum’s rags-to-riches wife, and Zac Efron as an acrobat who soars through the air with the greatest of ease. And then there were the audience members/Fox employees who brought it home by singing and dancing in the aisles.
It was nice to see that even $4 billion in global box office doesn’t mean resting on your laurels. Commandeering the show — and...
Jackman turned on his Broadway charm for the exhibitors, walking them through the passion-project original musical directed by newcomer Michael Gracey. There was extended footage from the film (complete with music by Oscar-winning “La La Land” lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Pasek), which stars Jackman as Barnum, Michelle Williams as Barnum’s rags-to-riches wife, and Zac Efron as an acrobat who soars through the air with the greatest of ease. And then there were the audience members/Fox employees who brought it home by singing and dancing in the aisles.
It was nice to see that even $4 billion in global box office doesn’t mean resting on your laurels. Commandeering the show — and...
- 3/30/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
In a move that stabilizes Fox’s film production division after last year’s Jim Gianopulos exit, 20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Stacey Snider has signed Emma Watts to a new deal that makes her Vice Chairman as well as President of Production. The new deal extends her oversight to animation and international productions, as well as physical production, postproduction, visual effects and music. Fox Animation president Vanessa Morrison will report to Snider and Watts…...
- 2/9/2017
- Deadline
Chairman and CEO Stacey Snider announced the long-time executive’s promotion on Thursday.
Watts will continue to serve a president of production, a role she has held since 2007, and continues to report to Snider.
She will now oversee a restructured group that brings together all of Twentieth Century Fox’s films and include physical production, post-production, visual effects and music.
Fox Animation will continue to be led by president Vanessa Morrison, who will now report to Snider and Watts.
Fox International Productions president Tomas Jegeus will now report to Watts and Andrew Cripps, the studio’s new president of international distribution.
Fox Searchlight Pictures and Fox 2000 will continue to report to Snider, as will the studio’s marketing, distribution and other functional departments.
“Emma’s work over the past 20 years speaks for itself – she’s simply the best in the industry,” said Snider. “On a personal level, I am thrilled to have her in this new role...
Watts will continue to serve a president of production, a role she has held since 2007, and continues to report to Snider.
She will now oversee a restructured group that brings together all of Twentieth Century Fox’s films and include physical production, post-production, visual effects and music.
Fox Animation will continue to be led by president Vanessa Morrison, who will now report to Snider and Watts.
Fox International Productions president Tomas Jegeus will now report to Watts and Andrew Cripps, the studio’s new president of international distribution.
Fox Searchlight Pictures and Fox 2000 will continue to report to Snider, as will the studio’s marketing, distribution and other functional departments.
“Emma’s work over the past 20 years speaks for itself – she’s simply the best in the industry,” said Snider. “On a personal level, I am thrilled to have her in this new role...
- 2/9/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Fox Animation will turn the Peter, Paul and Mary song “Puff the Magic Dragon” into a hybrid live action/animated feature that will be directed by Trolls helmer Mike Mitchell. The film will be produced by Safehouse partners Tory Tunnell and Joby Harold and Weed Road’s Akiva Goldsman. They secured the rights to the song, which has lyrics by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton. Vanessa Morrison and Nate Hopper are overseeing for the studio. At a time when Hollywood has…...
- 12/9/2016
- Deadline
Keep up with the glitzy film awards world with our weekly Awards Roundup column.
-Natalie Portman will receive the Hollywood Actress Award for her role as Jacqueline Kennedy in “Jackie” at the annual Hollywood Film Awards. Comedian James Corden will host the event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and takes place in Beverly Hills on November 6. Also being honored at the awards are actress Janelle Monáe, who will receive the Hollywood Spotlight Award for her breakout role in “Hidden Figures,” and the cast of the film “Gold,” including Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, Golden Globe Award-nominated actress Bryce Dallas Howard, Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Edgar Ramirez and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Stacy Keach, all of whom will receive the Hollywood Ensemble Award.
-The African American Film Critics Association will honor Oscar-Nominated producer-director Lee Daniels with the Aafca Cinema Vanguard award at its Special Achievement Awards ceremony...
-Natalie Portman will receive the Hollywood Actress Award for her role as Jacqueline Kennedy in “Jackie” at the annual Hollywood Film Awards. Comedian James Corden will host the event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and takes place in Beverly Hills on November 6. Also being honored at the awards are actress Janelle Monáe, who will receive the Hollywood Spotlight Award for her breakout role in “Hidden Figures,” and the cast of the film “Gold,” including Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, Golden Globe Award-nominated actress Bryce Dallas Howard, Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Edgar Ramirez and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Stacy Keach, all of whom will receive the Hollywood Ensemble Award.
-The African American Film Critics Association will honor Oscar-Nominated producer-director Lee Daniels with the Aafca Cinema Vanguard award at its Special Achievement Awards ceremony...
- 10/28/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
“Introducing the Academy class of 2016,” reads the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences website announcement of its invited new members Wednesday. And while joining that august organization is a singular honor, many say they were surprised to learn of their inclusion — mainly because they hadn’t applied for membership. Traditionally, that’s a laborious process that can take years before you get recommended by peers, vetted by your branch, and finally invited. Every year it’s a shock that someone like, say Tina Fey, IFC’s Arianna Bocco, last year’s Oscar-winner Margaret Sixel (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), or Oscar marketer Lisa Taback, wasn’t already a member.
Read More: Oscars So White: 8 Ways to Solve the Academy’s Diversity Problem
At the heart of the Academy’s complex diversity issue is how much the Oscars reflect the way that the Academy likes to view itself. Believe me, they were horrified when,...
Read More: Oscars So White: 8 Ways to Solve the Academy’s Diversity Problem
At the heart of the Academy’s complex diversity issue is how much the Oscars reflect the way that the Academy likes to view itself. Believe me, they were horrified when,...
- 6/29/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
“Introducing the Academy class of 2016,” reads the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences website announcement of its invited new members Wednesday. And while joining that august organization is a singular honor, many say they were surprised to learn of their inclusion — mainly because they hadn’t applied for membership. Traditionally, that’s a laborious process that can take years before you get recommended by peers, vetted by your branch, and finally invited. Every year it’s a shock that someone like, say Tina Fey, IFC’s Arianna Bocco, last year’s Oscar-winner Margaret Sixel (“Mad Max: Fury Road”), or Oscar marketer Lisa Taback, wasn’t already a member.
Read More: Oscars So White: 8 Ways to Solve the Academy’s Diversity Problem
At the heart of the Academy’s complex diversity issue is how much the Oscars reflect the way that the Academy likes to view itself. Believe me, they were horrified when,...
Read More: Oscars So White: 8 Ways to Solve the Academy’s Diversity Problem
At the heart of the Academy’s complex diversity issue is how much the Oscars reflect the way that the Academy likes to view itself. Believe me, they were horrified when,...
- 6/29/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
At the 2014 New York Film Festival premiere of “Gone Girl,” Twentieth Century Fox Film Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos seemed visibly relieved to have Stacey Snider finally join the studio, after months of speculation that this capable executive would join him from DreamWorks. Now, almost two years later —and after a 25-year career at Fox —the studio has confirmed that Gianopulos’ contract will not be renewed after it expires on June 30, 2017, when he will graduate “upstairs” into an executive role at parent company 21st Century Fox.
This follows a transition for Snider that has not been smooth. While the veteran exec has the right mix of skills to run a studio (and did so at Universal with Ron Meyer), knows how to manage a team of executives, and how to develop, produce, and release movies that are smart and four-quadrant friendly, entering the Fox landscape proved to be a challenge.
This follows a transition for Snider that has not been smooth. While the veteran exec has the right mix of skills to run a studio (and did so at Universal with Ron Meyer), knows how to manage a team of executives, and how to develop, produce, and release movies that are smart and four-quadrant friendly, entering the Fox landscape proved to be a challenge.
- 6/17/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
At the 2014 New York Film Festival premiere of “Gone Girl,” Twentieth Century Fox Film Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos seemed visibly relieved to have Stacey Snider finally join the studio, after months of speculation that this capable executive would join him from DreamWorks. Now, almost two years later —and after a 25-year career at Fox —the studio has confirmed that Gianopulos’ contract will not be renewed after it expires on June 30, 2017, when he will graduate “upstairs” into an executive role at parent company 21st Century Fox.
This follows a transition for Snider that has not been smooth. While the veteran exec has the right mix of skills to run a studio (and did so at Universal with Ron Meyer), knows how to manage a team of executives, and how to develop, produce, and release movies that are smart and four-quadrant friendly, entering the Fox landscape proved to be a challenge.
This follows a transition for Snider that has not been smooth. While the veteran exec has the right mix of skills to run a studio (and did so at Universal with Ron Meyer), knows how to manage a team of executives, and how to develop, produce, and release movies that are smart and four-quadrant friendly, entering the Fox landscape proved to be a challenge.
- 6/17/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The executive will assume the role of chairman and CEO of Twentieth Century Fox Film after current incumbent Jim Gianopulos steps down on June 30, 2017.
Gianopulos will continue in what a company press release on Thursday called “a new strategic role” and will continue to report to 21st Century Fox executive chairman Lachlan Murdoch and CEO James Murdoch.
Snider’s rise continues, despite reports that her transition has not been easy since she moved to the studio as co-chairman in November 2014 and relationships with some senior executives have been testy.
The arrival of the former CEO and co-chairman of DreamWorks Studios...
Gianopulos will continue in what a company press release on Thursday called “a new strategic role” and will continue to report to 21st Century Fox executive chairman Lachlan Murdoch and CEO James Murdoch.
Snider’s rise continues, despite reports that her transition has not been easy since she moved to the studio as co-chairman in November 2014 and relationships with some senior executives have been testy.
The arrival of the former CEO and co-chairman of DreamWorks Studios...
- 6/16/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced new additions to its leadership on Tuesday in the wake of this year’s #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs appointed Reginald Hudlin (directors branch), Gregory Nava (writers branch), and Jennifer Yuh Nelson (short films and feature animation branch) to join the Academy’s 51-seat Board of Governors for three-year terms. The Board of Governors also selected seven members of the Academy to join six existing Board committees. Actor Gael García Bernal (“Mozart in the Jungle”) joins the awards and events committee; cinematographer Amy Vincent (“Wayward Pines”) joins the preservation and history committee; producer Effie Brown (“Dear White People”) joins the museum committee; executive Marcus Hu (“Bad Actress”) and animator Floyd Norman (“Monsters, Inc.”) join the education and outreach committee; executive of 20th Century Fox’s animation division Vanessa Morrison joins the finance committee; and producer Stephanie Allain (“Beyond the Lights...
- 3/16/2016
- backstage.com
On a day when the Academy unveiled new governors to reflect a more diverse representation, the body was forced to apologise on Tuesday for racially insensitive elements in its recent Oscar broadcast.
Two episodes during the 88th Academy Awards on February 28 prompted 24 Academy members of Asian lineage including George Takei and Ang Lee to complain on Tuesday.
In one, host Chris Rock introduced three Asian children on stage wearing suits and carrying briefcases and described them as auditors from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the accountancy firm that validates the Academy’s voting ballots.
In another, Sacha Baron Cohen mocked the size of Asian people’s genetalia during a stint as a presenter.
“The Academy appreciates the concerns stated, and regrets that any aspect of the Oscar telecast was offensive,” an Academy spokesperson said on Tuesday after Academy CEO Dawn Hudson sent a letter of apology to each of the 24 members.
“We are committed to doing our best to ensure...
Two episodes during the 88th Academy Awards on February 28 prompted 24 Academy members of Asian lineage including George Takei and Ang Lee to complain on Tuesday.
In one, host Chris Rock introduced three Asian children on stage wearing suits and carrying briefcases and described them as auditors from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the accountancy firm that validates the Academy’s voting ballots.
In another, Sacha Baron Cohen mocked the size of Asian people’s genetalia during a stint as a presenter.
“The Academy appreciates the concerns stated, and regrets that any aspect of the Oscar telecast was offensive,” an Academy spokesperson said on Tuesday after Academy CEO Dawn Hudson sent a letter of apology to each of the 24 members.
“We are committed to doing our best to ensure...
- 3/15/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Fox Animation has secured the motion pictures rights to the iconic Mr. Men Little Miss characters.
Shawn Levy - the producer and director of the blockbuster family franchise Night At The Museum, among others – will produce through his Fox-based 21 Laps Entertainment. There is no director or writer yet attached to the project. Fox Animation Production VP Ralph Millero is overseeing Mr. Men Little Miss for the studio. Will Rack and Emily Morris are overseeing for 21 Laps.
Commented Levy: “I loved reading these books as a kid, and now I love reading them to my own kids. Their humor, wit and uniquely specific tone make this a truly classic series. I can’t wait to help shepherd them to the big screen.”
The Mr. Men Little Miss series of timeless characters originated in books created by Roger Hargreaves in 1971 in the U.K. Each of the 85 characters is named after his or her unique personality traits,...
Shawn Levy - the producer and director of the blockbuster family franchise Night At The Museum, among others – will produce through his Fox-based 21 Laps Entertainment. There is no director or writer yet attached to the project. Fox Animation Production VP Ralph Millero is overseeing Mr. Men Little Miss for the studio. Will Rack and Emily Morris are overseeing for 21 Laps.
Commented Levy: “I loved reading these books as a kid, and now I love reading them to my own kids. Their humor, wit and uniquely specific tone make this a truly classic series. I can’t wait to help shepherd them to the big screen.”
The Mr. Men Little Miss series of timeless characters originated in books created by Roger Hargreaves in 1971 in the U.K. Each of the 85 characters is named after his or her unique personality traits,...
- 1/28/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The studio has confirmed that the widely respected former CEO and co-chairman of DreamWorks Studios has come on board as co-chairman of the film studio, effective immediately.
Snider will oversee production and development for Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions and Fox Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Twentieth Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Together with Gianopulos she will jointly oversee the studio’s global theatrical marketing and distribution.
Elizabeth Gabler will continue to oversee productions for Fox 2000 Pictures and along with the remaining functions of the studio will continue to report to Gianopulos.
The senior film hierarchy at Fox comprises co-presidents of worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution Paul Hanneman and Tomas Jegeus, Twentieth Century Fox production chief Emma Watts, Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios head Vanessa Morrison, Fox Searchlight co-heads Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley and Fox International Productions head Sanford Panitch.
“We are very...
Snider will oversee production and development for Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions and Fox Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Twentieth Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Together with Gianopulos she will jointly oversee the studio’s global theatrical marketing and distribution.
Elizabeth Gabler will continue to oversee productions for Fox 2000 Pictures and along with the remaining functions of the studio will continue to report to Gianopulos.
The senior film hierarchy at Fox comprises co-presidents of worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution Paul Hanneman and Tomas Jegeus, Twentieth Century Fox production chief Emma Watts, Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios head Vanessa Morrison, Fox Searchlight co-heads Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley and Fox International Productions head Sanford Panitch.
“We are very...
- 11/3/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Family of creator Charles Schulz will support film marking 65th anniversary of first appearance of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and co
• Joe Queenan in praise of Peanuts
Peanuts, the long-running comic strip that introduced Snoopy and Charlie Brown to the world, is to get a big-screen outing with support from the family of its late creator, Charles Schulz.
Twentieth Century Fox Animation's Blue Sky Studios will release the film on 25 November 2015, in line with the 65th anniversary of Peanuts' debut and the 50th anniversary of the TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. Schulz's son Craig and grandson Bryan will write the screenplay alongside Cornelius Uliano; the movie will be directed by Steve Martino. The latter's credits include Ice Age 4: Continental Drift and Dr Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!
"We are thrilled to partner with the Schulz family and Iconix and honoured to bring the Peanuts characters to the big screen,...
• Joe Queenan in praise of Peanuts
Peanuts, the long-running comic strip that introduced Snoopy and Charlie Brown to the world, is to get a big-screen outing with support from the family of its late creator, Charles Schulz.
Twentieth Century Fox Animation's Blue Sky Studios will release the film on 25 November 2015, in line with the 65th anniversary of Peanuts' debut and the 50th anniversary of the TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. Schulz's son Craig and grandson Bryan will write the screenplay alongside Cornelius Uliano; the movie will be directed by Steve Martino. The latter's credits include Ice Age 4: Continental Drift and Dr Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!
"We are thrilled to partner with the Schulz family and Iconix and honoured to bring the Peanuts characters to the big screen,...
- 10/10/2012
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Charles Schulz’s iconic “Peanuts” comic strip, which featured Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Pig Pen, are among the most recognized characters in the world, and today, Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (Icon) announced that the entire gang are heading for the big screen. The joint venture with Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates will release a Peanuts feature film worldwide in 2015.
The as yet untitled animated event will be released on November 25, 2015, which marks the 65th anniversary of the debut of the “Peanuts” comic strip and the 50th anniversary of the landmark television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The Peanuts screenplay has been written and will be produced by Craig Schulz, son of Charles Schulz along with his own son, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano. Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios have been chosen by the Schulz family to distribute, produce and animate the new Peanuts movie. Steve Martino will direct; previously,...
The as yet untitled animated event will be released on November 25, 2015, which marks the 65th anniversary of the debut of the “Peanuts” comic strip and the 50th anniversary of the landmark television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The Peanuts screenplay has been written and will be produced by Craig Schulz, son of Charles Schulz along with his own son, Bryan Schulz and Cornelius Uliano. Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios have been chosen by the Schulz family to distribute, produce and animate the new Peanuts movie. Steve Martino will direct; previously,...
- 10/9/2012
- by Robert Falconer
- CinemaSpy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.