Exclusive: Emmy nominee Rain Valdez (Razor Tongue) on Monday announced the launch of Rainbow Entertainment, an equity-centered and trans-led production company focused on elevating Bipoc and queer storytellers, both in front of and behind the camera.
Aiming to help create a new Hollywood, marked by accessibility, diversity, and equity, Rainbow Entertainment is currently in the process of financing When Jupiter Returns, Mahal, an indie rom-com expected to enter production in August. The film written, directed by and starring Valdez watches as Mahal, an impulsive and unknowingly lovable, Filipino trans woman, confronts the universe after the sudden death of her sister, only to meet Aarush, a mysterious inventor. As they fall in love, despite the universe’s prophecy, Mahal grapples with the question: Do we create our own destiny, or is it all fated in the stars?
A portion of proceeds from the pic’s release will kickstart a Community Film Fund,...
Aiming to help create a new Hollywood, marked by accessibility, diversity, and equity, Rainbow Entertainment is currently in the process of financing When Jupiter Returns, Mahal, an indie rom-com expected to enter production in August. The film written, directed by and starring Valdez watches as Mahal, an impulsive and unknowingly lovable, Filipino trans woman, confronts the universe after the sudden death of her sister, only to meet Aarush, a mysterious inventor. As they fall in love, despite the universe’s prophecy, Mahal grapples with the question: Do we create our own destiny, or is it all fated in the stars?
A portion of proceeds from the pic’s release will kickstart a Community Film Fund,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Note: the following blog piece ran earlier this year. We’re re-posting today in honor of Trans Awareness Week, November 12-18. Special thanks to author Adam Vargas.
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It’s no secret that the moving image can leave a lasting impact, both consciously and subconsciously. This is especially true regarding images of people engaged in struggle and/or enjoying wild success—a phenomenon that supports the necessity for thoughtful representation of people of all backgrounds and experiences in film.
Today, representation is too often conflated with diversity, but they’re not exactly the same thing. Representation goes beyond the surface inclusion of different types of people popular media—it’s about lived experience and authenticity. Of course there are all types of communities that haven’t received much authentic representations of themselves in traditional cinema. For example: the trans community, which is itself unique and disparate far beyond what has been rendered onscreen,...
***
It’s no secret that the moving image can leave a lasting impact, both consciously and subconsciously. This is especially true regarding images of people engaged in struggle and/or enjoying wild success—a phenomenon that supports the necessity for thoughtful representation of people of all backgrounds and experiences in film.
Today, representation is too often conflated with diversity, but they’re not exactly the same thing. Representation goes beyond the surface inclusion of different types of people popular media—it’s about lived experience and authenticity. Of course there are all types of communities that haven’t received much authentic representations of themselves in traditional cinema. For example: the trans community, which is itself unique and disparate far beyond what has been rendered onscreen,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Adam Vargas
- Film Independent News & More
Eliza Skinner had no idea that her Disney+ series Earth to Ned would be permanently taken off the platform until a text on the show’s writer group chat in mid-May shared an article about Disney removing more than 70 films and series from its streaming services that month. Among the disappearing titles was the comedic talk show — which launched in 2020 with Skinner as head writer — centering on an alien welcoming celebrities to his spaceship.
Due to its classification as a streaming variety series, Skinner says the writers and performers weren’t receiving residuals, although the show’s team had heard rumors blaming Disney’s tax bill. But while her loss isn’t a financial one, Earth to Ned can no longer serve as a calling card to help land future gigs for Skinner, who also doesn’t own a physical copy of the show.
“It’s part of this overall...
Due to its classification as a streaming variety series, Skinner says the writers and performers weren’t receiving residuals, although the show’s team had heard rumors blaming Disney’s tax bill. But while her loss isn’t a financial one, Earth to Ned can no longer serve as a calling card to help land future gigs for Skinner, who also doesn’t own a physical copy of the show.
“It’s part of this overall...
- 6/6/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just in time for Succession‘s end, let’s look at method acting. The Criterion Channel are highlighting the controversial practice in a 27-film series centered on Brando, Newman, Nicholson, and many other’s embodiment of “an intensely personal, internalized, and naturalistic approach to performance.” That series makes mention of Marilyn Monroe, who gets her own, 11-title highlight––the iconic commingling with deeper cuts.
Pride Month offers “Masc,” a consideration of “trans men, butch lesbians, and gender-nonconforming heroes” onscreen; the Michael Koresky-curated Queersighted returning with a study of the gay best friend; and the 20-film “LGBTQ+ Favorites.” Louis Garrel’s delightful The Innocent (about which I talked to him here), the director’s cut of Gregg Araki’s The Doom Generation, and Stanley Kwan’s hugely underseen Lan Yu make streaming premieres, while Araki’s Totally F***ed Up and Mysterious Skin also get a run. Criterion Editions include Five Easy Pieces,...
Pride Month offers “Masc,” a consideration of “trans men, butch lesbians, and gender-nonconforming heroes” onscreen; the Michael Koresky-curated Queersighted returning with a study of the gay best friend; and the 20-film “LGBTQ+ Favorites.” Louis Garrel’s delightful The Innocent (about which I talked to him here), the director’s cut of Gregg Araki’s The Doom Generation, and Stanley Kwan’s hugely underseen Lan Yu make streaming premieres, while Araki’s Totally F***ed Up and Mysterious Skin also get a run. Criterion Editions include Five Easy Pieces,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Sundance Prizewinning Trans Drama ‘Mutt’ Finds North American Home With Strand Releasing (Exclusive)
Strand Releasing has acquired all North American rights to Sundance award-winning trans drama “Mutt” in the run up to its screening on closing night of New Directors/New Films in New York.
Penned and directed by Vuk Lungulov-Klotz, “Mutt” world premiered at Sundance where it won a Special Jury Acting Award for Lio Mehiel. It went on to have its international premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
Described as an emotional drama overlapping past, present and future, “Mutt” follows Feña, a young trans man bustling through life in New York City. Over the course of a single hectic day, Feña is swept through the extremes of human emotion, when people who seemed to have disappeared when he transitioned are suddenly back in his life. He unexpectedly reconnects with an estranged ex-boyfriend (Cole Doman), is suddenly saddled with his wayward little sister (MiMi Ryder), and nervously awaits their father (Alejandro Goic...
Penned and directed by Vuk Lungulov-Klotz, “Mutt” world premiered at Sundance where it won a Special Jury Acting Award for Lio Mehiel. It went on to have its international premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
Described as an emotional drama overlapping past, present and future, “Mutt” follows Feña, a young trans man bustling through life in New York City. Over the course of a single hectic day, Feña is swept through the extremes of human emotion, when people who seemed to have disappeared when he transitioned are suddenly back in his life. He unexpectedly reconnects with an estranged ex-boyfriend (Cole Doman), is suddenly saddled with his wayward little sister (MiMi Ryder), and nervously awaits their father (Alejandro Goic...
- 4/7/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
“Mutt,” the Sundance prize-winning feature debut of New York-based filmmaker Vuk Lungulov-Klotz, has been boarded by Brussels-based company Best Friend Forever.
“Mutt,” which just won the Special Jury Award for actor Lío Mehiel (“WeCrashed”) at Sundance, will next play at the Berlin Film Festival in the Generation 14+ strand. CAA Media Finance is handling North American rights, while Best Friend Forever represents the rest of the world.
Lungulov-Klotz is a Chilean-Serbian filmmaker who previously participated in the Sundance Institute Labs, the Tribeca Film Institute, and the Ryan Murphy Half Initiative Program. His award winning trans-themed short film “Still Liam” played at several festivals and was championed by queer filmmakers Ira Sachs and Silas Howard, who have both become mentors.
Described as an emotional drama overlapping past, present and future, “Mutt” follows Feña, a young trans guy bustling through life in New York City. Over the course of a single hectic day,...
“Mutt,” which just won the Special Jury Award for actor Lío Mehiel (“WeCrashed”) at Sundance, will next play at the Berlin Film Festival in the Generation 14+ strand. CAA Media Finance is handling North American rights, while Best Friend Forever represents the rest of the world.
Lungulov-Klotz is a Chilean-Serbian filmmaker who previously participated in the Sundance Institute Labs, the Tribeca Film Institute, and the Ryan Murphy Half Initiative Program. His award winning trans-themed short film “Still Liam” played at several festivals and was championed by queer filmmakers Ira Sachs and Silas Howard, who have both become mentors.
Described as an emotional drama overlapping past, present and future, “Mutt” follows Feña, a young trans guy bustling through life in New York City. Over the course of a single hectic day,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
"Darby and the Dead", the supernatural teen comedy feature, directed by Silas Howard, stars Riele Downs as 'Darby Harper', Auli'i Cravalho, Chosen Jacobs, Asher Angel, Wayne Knight, Derek Luke and Tony Danza now streaming on Hulu:
".... 'Darby Harper' and her mother were swept by an ocean wave that drowned them. Darby was brought back to life, but her mother perished.
"Since then, Darby gained the ability to see and communicate with the dead, starting a side hustle to help 'Deados' move on to the afterlife by helping them take care of things they could not do while alive.
"This has caused her to become distant from everyone at school, including her former friend 'Capri Donahue', the popular cheerleader. Meanwhile, Darby's only true friend is the school's former janitor Gary, a 'Stayer' who is waiting for his wife 'Linda' to pass on so that he can move on too..."
Click the images to enlarge.
".... 'Darby Harper' and her mother were swept by an ocean wave that drowned them. Darby was brought back to life, but her mother perished.
"Since then, Darby gained the ability to see and communicate with the dead, starting a side hustle to help 'Deados' move on to the afterlife by helping them take care of things they could not do while alive.
"This has caused her to become distant from everyone at school, including her former friend 'Capri Donahue', the popular cheerleader. Meanwhile, Darby's only true friend is the school's former janitor Gary, a 'Stayer' who is waiting for his wife 'Linda' to pass on so that he can move on too..."
Click the images to enlarge.
- 1/24/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Strand Releasing releases the film in select theaters on Friday, August 18.
Though queer and trans visibility does have its limits, there’s no denying that trans men and transmasculine people have traditionally been sidelined in the fight for trans representation. Through no fault of queer and trans storytellers, mainstream media and the culture at large only had so much space for trans stories it found understandable and digestible. Now, coming up on almost ten years after what Time Magazine dubbed “The Transgender Tipping Point,” film and television is finally starting to tell trans stories that trans viewers and queer community can recognize as their own. Though it started long ago, it’s getting a healthy boost from this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Debuting in U.S. Dramatic Competition, “Mutt” follows a day in the life of...
Though queer and trans visibility does have its limits, there’s no denying that trans men and transmasculine people have traditionally been sidelined in the fight for trans representation. Through no fault of queer and trans storytellers, mainstream media and the culture at large only had so much space for trans stories it found understandable and digestible. Now, coming up on almost ten years after what Time Magazine dubbed “The Transgender Tipping Point,” film and television is finally starting to tell trans stories that trans viewers and queer community can recognize as their own. Though it started long ago, it’s getting a healthy boost from this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Debuting in U.S. Dramatic Competition, “Mutt” follows a day in the life of...
- 1/24/2023
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Peacock has set its recurring cast for Season 2 of Dr. Death, adding Rita Volk (Faking It) Judy Reyes ( (Succession), Jack Davenport (Ten Percent), Annika Boras (Succession), and Sandra Andreis (Snabba Cash).
Season 2 of the anthology series will feature the “Miracle Man” storyline based on the most recent third season of the Wondery podcast. Paolo Macchiarini, played by Edgar Ramirez, is a charming surgeon, renowned for his innovative operations that earn him the nickname “Miracle Man.” When investigative journalist Benita Alexander (Mandy Moore) approaches him for a story, the line between personal and professional begins to blur, changing her life forever. As she learns how far Paolo will go to protect his secrets, a group of doctors halfway across the world make shocking discoveries of their own that call everything about the “Miracle Man” into question.
Previously announced Season 2 cast also includes Luke Kirby, Ashley Madekwe and Gustaf Hammarsten.
Season one of Dr. Death,...
Season 2 of the anthology series will feature the “Miracle Man” storyline based on the most recent third season of the Wondery podcast. Paolo Macchiarini, played by Edgar Ramirez, is a charming surgeon, renowned for his innovative operations that earn him the nickname “Miracle Man.” When investigative journalist Benita Alexander (Mandy Moore) approaches him for a story, the line between personal and professional begins to blur, changing her life forever. As she learns how far Paolo will go to protect his secrets, a group of doctors halfway across the world make shocking discoveries of their own that call everything about the “Miracle Man” into question.
Previously announced Season 2 cast also includes Luke Kirby, Ashley Madekwe and Gustaf Hammarsten.
Season one of Dr. Death,...
- 1/23/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“L’Immensità,” the 1967 hit made famous by Don Backy and Johnny Dorelli, has the kind of lyrics that can make you cry just by reading them: “I am sure that in this great immensity/ someone thinks a little of me/ will not forget me./ Yes, I know it,/ all my life I won’t always be alone.”
It’s no wonder that the Italian filmmaker Emanuele Crialese (“Terraferma”) named his latest film after the song. “L’Immensità,” which Crialese co-wrote with Francesca Ranieri and Vittorio Moroni, is an aching and sumptuous ode to growing up and chafing against expectations. Making its North American premiere at Sundance after debuting in Venice, this is a film about adolescence and regression, defiance and surrender. By showing the tangled relationship between a mother and her dysphoric child, “L’Immensità” writes a love letter to the lonely.
The 13-year-old protagonist of “L’Immensità,” played by a stunning Luana Giuliani,...
It’s no wonder that the Italian filmmaker Emanuele Crialese (“Terraferma”) named his latest film after the song. “L’Immensità,” which Crialese co-wrote with Francesca Ranieri and Vittorio Moroni, is an aching and sumptuous ode to growing up and chafing against expectations. Making its North American premiere at Sundance after debuting in Venice, this is a film about adolescence and regression, defiance and surrender. By showing the tangled relationship between a mother and her dysphoric child, “L’Immensità” writes a love letter to the lonely.
The 13-year-old protagonist of “L’Immensità,” played by a stunning Luana Giuliani,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Lena Wilson
- The Wrap
Whenever you’re dealing with ghosts on screen, there are rules that must be followed. Each project has its own means of handling paranormal activity, and what spirits can or can’t do. And in the case of “Darby and the Dead,” director Silas Howard admits that it was hard following the rules he and his own team created.
“Darby and the Dead,” now streaming on Hulu, follows Darby Harper (Riele Downs) as she navigates through her teenage years, all while running a side hustle helping ghosts. Thanks to a near-death experience as a kid, Darby can not only see dead people, but communicate with them, so she assists them in taking care of their unfinished business so they can move on to the great beyond.
Unfortunately, a freak accident at school results in the death of Darby’s former best friend and current popular mean girl Capri Donahue (Auli’i Cravalho...
“Darby and the Dead,” now streaming on Hulu, follows Darby Harper (Riele Downs) as she navigates through her teenage years, all while running a side hustle helping ghosts. Thanks to a near-death experience as a kid, Darby can not only see dead people, but communicate with them, so she assists them in taking care of their unfinished business so they can move on to the great beyond.
Unfortunately, a freak accident at school results in the death of Darby’s former best friend and current popular mean girl Capri Donahue (Auli’i Cravalho...
- 12/16/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
This review originally ran January 22, 2022, in conjunction with the film’s world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
“Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past,” Machiavelli noted, and while “Framing Agnes” digs into the archives for a look at the lives of transgender people in post-wwii America, director Chase Joynt uses these case histories from the past to prompt fascinating and provocative insights into the way trans people live today.
As with “No Ordinary Man,” the portrait of trans jazz musician Billy Tipton that Joynt co-directed, this is a documentary that’s constantly breaking the fourth wall, with camera angles that show the boom mics and marks on the floor, where black-and-white footage of actors performing interview transcripts will cut to color footage of the performers and the director conferring with each other about syntax and motivation.
Rather than serving to distract or distance, however, Joynt’s...
“Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past,” Machiavelli noted, and while “Framing Agnes” digs into the archives for a look at the lives of transgender people in post-wwii America, director Chase Joynt uses these case histories from the past to prompt fascinating and provocative insights into the way trans people live today.
As with “No Ordinary Man,” the portrait of trans jazz musician Billy Tipton that Joynt co-directed, this is a documentary that’s constantly breaking the fourth wall, with camera angles that show the boom mics and marks on the floor, where black-and-white footage of actors performing interview transcripts will cut to color footage of the performers and the director conferring with each other about syntax and motivation.
Rather than serving to distract or distance, however, Joynt’s...
- 12/13/2022
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Shuming He didn’t make it easy for himself.
His first feature film as a director is a deeply personal dramedy about a widowed housewife as she steps out of her comfort zone by making a solo trip to South Korea. It stars a veteran Singaporean television actress in her first leading role and features a coming-out subplot in a country that has only recently legalized gay sex.
Nonetheless, “Ajoomma,” whose title translates to “Auntie” (a general term of respect as opposed to a family-specific designation), has been chosen as Singapore’s contender for this year’s Best International Feature Film. The filmmaker sat down with TheWrap’s Steve Pond to discuss the ins and (coming) outs of his deeply personal directorial debut.
“Korean drama was a phenomenon around eight years ago, a very recent thing,” noted He. “When I was growing up I watched a lot of Hong Kong dramas and,...
His first feature film as a director is a deeply personal dramedy about a widowed housewife as she steps out of her comfort zone by making a solo trip to South Korea. It stars a veteran Singaporean television actress in her first leading role and features a coming-out subplot in a country that has only recently legalized gay sex.
Nonetheless, “Ajoomma,” whose title translates to “Auntie” (a general term of respect as opposed to a family-specific designation), has been chosen as Singapore’s contender for this year’s Best International Feature Film. The filmmaker sat down with TheWrap’s Steve Pond to discuss the ins and (coming) outs of his deeply personal directorial debut.
“Korean drama was a phenomenon around eight years ago, a very recent thing,” noted He. “When I was growing up I watched a lot of Hong Kong dramas and,...
- 12/10/2022
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Nicole Maines’ character in “Darby and the Dead” is a lot of things. She’s quick-witted, addicted to texting, absolutely brutal in her insults — and she just happens to also be trans. That wasn’t always going to be the case, but, according to Maines and director Silas Howard, the opportunity to have that representation came too naturally to pass up.
The movie, now streaming on Hulu, follows Darby Harper (Riele Downs) as she navigates through her teenage years, all while running a side hustle serving actual ghosts. Thanks to a near-death experience as a kid, Darby can not only see dead people, but communicate with them, so she helps them take care of their unfinished business so they can move on to the great beyond.
Unfortunately, a freak accident at school results in the death of Darby’s former best friend and current popular mean girl Capri Donahue (Auli’i Cravalho...
The movie, now streaming on Hulu, follows Darby Harper (Riele Downs) as she navigates through her teenage years, all while running a side hustle serving actual ghosts. Thanks to a near-death experience as a kid, Darby can not only see dead people, but communicate with them, so she helps them take care of their unfinished business so they can move on to the great beyond.
Unfortunately, a freak accident at school results in the death of Darby’s former best friend and current popular mean girl Capri Donahue (Auli’i Cravalho...
- 12/10/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
For the most part, Darby Harper’s life resembles that of other teenage protagonists of comedy-dramas past and present: She lives with a parent whose sole function is to impart critical lessons in brief one-liners; she is an outcast at her high school, a place of perplexing social mores and calcified cliques; and she wields her acerbic humor to study and judge the world around her. Unlike the typical main characters, however, Darby (Riele Downs) can talk to the dead.
In Silas Howard’s endearing but uneven film Darby and the Dead, the heroine parlays her sixth sense into a side gig. After school, from her bedroom turned office, Darby helps irresolute ghosts make peace with their death and cross definitively to the other side. Her clients skew older, and their requests — to amend relationships with children, to remind spouses of their love...
For the most part, Darby Harper’s life resembles that of other teenage protagonists of comedy-dramas past and present: She lives with a parent whose sole function is to impart critical lessons in brief one-liners; she is an outcast at her high school, a place of perplexing social mores and calcified cliques; and she wields her acerbic humor to study and judge the world around her. Unlike the typical main characters, however, Darby (Riele Downs) can talk to the dead.
In Silas Howard’s endearing but uneven film Darby and the Dead, the heroine parlays her sixth sense into a side gig. After school, from her bedroom turned office, Darby helps irresolute ghosts make peace with their death and cross definitively to the other side. Her clients skew older, and their requests — to amend relationships with children, to remind spouses of their love...
- 12/5/2022
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In order to best explain the field of ethnomethodology, which studies how social order comes to happen through the actions of individuals, sociologist Harold Garfinkel set up “breaching experiments,” an invitation for researchers to break traditional societal rules and examine how people react to the disruption. For example: experimenters can act like they’re guests in their homes and tip their families for their “service,” or they can reach out to customers in stores and restaurants, “confusing” them for clerks and servers. With these social non-sequiturs, Garfinkel hoped people would see how they often are unconscious keepers of rules and referees of normalcy—therefore, beings with much more power than they imagined.
In 1958, while he was in the midst of defining ethnomethodology at UCLA, Garfinkel met Agnes, a 19-year-old who claimed to be intersex and arrived in hopes they would be eligible for genital surgery in order to live fully as a woman.
In 1958, while he was in the midst of defining ethnomethodology at UCLA, Garfinkel met Agnes, a 19-year-old who claimed to be intersex and arrived in hopes they would be eligible for genital surgery in order to live fully as a woman.
- 12/5/2022
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
Plot: After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school peers and prefers to spend time counseling lonely spirits who have unfinished business on earth. But all that changes when Capri, the Queen Bee of the school’s most exclusive clique, unexpectedly dies in a freak hair straightening accident, resulting in the obvious cancellation of her upcoming “Sweet 17.” Capri, however, pleads with Darby from the other side to intervene and convince Capri’s friends to proceed with the party as planned. In order to appease the wrath of the undead diva, Darby must emerge from her self-imposed exile and reinvent herself — which along the way allows her to find new joy back in the land of the living.
Review: There are two types of teen movies: good ones and bad ones.
Review: There are two types of teen movies: good ones and bad ones.
- 12/2/2022
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
In “Darby and the Dead,” the promise of its premise outweighs the delivered product. Director Silas Howard demonstrates his deft capabilities bringing an energetic irreverence and aesthetic buoyancy to the unfurling feature, which is centered on a tormented teen cajoled into helping a recently deceased mean girl get a new life in the afterlife. Unfortunately, despite the film’s undeniable charms and strong lead performances, the fabric it weaves frays as it wears on, undone by clunky character development, trite sentimentality and rushed resolutions.
High schooler Darby Harper (Riele Downs) sees dead people. But unlike Haley Joel Osment’s “Sixth Sense” character, she knows exactly how to help the deceased with their unfinished business. She’s turned it into a full-fledged job, paid only in gratitude, playing spiritual counselor to those she affectionately calls “Deados” who’ve passed away and are stuck in limbo. This special gift was bestowed on...
High schooler Darby Harper (Riele Downs) sees dead people. But unlike Haley Joel Osment’s “Sixth Sense” character, she knows exactly how to help the deceased with their unfinished business. She’s turned it into a full-fledged job, paid only in gratitude, playing spiritual counselor to those she affectionately calls “Deados” who’ve passed away and are stuck in limbo. This special gift was bestowed on...
- 12/1/2022
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
For a movie about a teen who communicates with ghosts, “Darby and the Dead” is awfully dispiriting. Writer Becca Greene (“Good Vibes”) and director Silas Howard (“Dickinson”) casually kill off Darby Harper’s mother in the first minute, spend most of the movie requiring Darby (Riele Downs) to change her entire personality, and then proceed to punish her for following the path they’ve set.
Though the film seems designed to exploit a new generation’s affection for movies like “Clueless,” “Mean Girls,” “Bring it On” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the filmmakers have missed the messages of those beloved classics altogether. Plus, there’s so much YA streaming content these days that lazily patched-together projects feel, well, extra lazy.
Even Downs, so appealing on Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger,” can’t fight the forces of this soulless script (which was based on a potentially promising story idea by Wenonah Wilms). As Darby,...
Though the film seems designed to exploit a new generation’s affection for movies like “Clueless,” “Mean Girls,” “Bring it On” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the filmmakers have missed the messages of those beloved classics altogether. Plus, there’s so much YA streaming content these days that lazily patched-together projects feel, well, extra lazy.
Even Downs, so appealing on Nickelodeon’s “Henry Danger,” can’t fight the forces of this soulless script (which was based on a potentially promising story idea by Wenonah Wilms). As Darby,...
- 12/1/2022
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
After my dad died, echoes of his raspy breathing haunted me for days. I knew he was gone, but my mind couldn't accept his absence. In dreams, he'd visit me, and I'd awake convinced he was alive. I kept asking an impossible question: would it be sadder to learn that ghosts exist or to learn they didn't? Do we want departed loved ones to surround us forever? Or is eternal rest kinder? Director Silas Howard's "Darby and the Dead" tenderly tackles this topic through a teen horror comedy lens without veering into the saccharine or pandering territory. Few filmmakers have crafted a film about grieving with as much delight, empathy, and candor.
When someone you love dies, people always ask if you want to talk about it, a well-meaning request, but nevertheless frustrating. Grief is a wily combination of confusion, rage, sorrow, guilt, relief, and longing — one hell of...
When someone you love dies, people always ask if you want to talk about it, a well-meaning request, but nevertheless frustrating. Grief is a wily combination of confusion, rage, sorrow, guilt, relief, and longing — one hell of...
- 12/1/2022
- by Cass Clarke
- Slash Film
Darby and the Dead Trailer — Silas Howard‘s Darby and the Dead (2022) movie trailer has been released by 20th Century Studios. The Darby and the Dead trailer stars Riele Downs, Auli’i Cravalho, Chosen Jacobs, Asher Angel, Wayne Knight, Derek Luke, and Tony Danza. Crew Becca Greene wrote the screenplay for Darby and the Dead, “based on [...]
Continue reading: Darby And The Dead (2022) Movie Trailer: Riele Downs Sees Dead People After a Near-death Decision...
Continue reading: Darby And The Dead (2022) Movie Trailer: Riele Downs Sees Dead People After a Near-death Decision...
- 11/18/2022
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
From 20th Century Studios, Riele Downs stars in the supernatural comedy Darby and the Dead, and the official trailer has arrived ahead of the film’s Hulu premiere on December 2.
Some people never truly leave you…alone. After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper (Downs) gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school peers and prefers to spend time counseling lonely spirits who have unfinished business on earth.
But all that changes when Capri (Auli’i Cravalho), the Queen Bee of the school’s most exclusive clique, unexpectedly dies in a freak hair straightening accident, resulting in the obvious cancellation of her upcoming “Sweet 17.” Capri, however, pleads with Darby from the other side to intervene and convince Capri’s friends to proceed with the party as planned.
In order to appease the wrath of the undead diva,...
Some people never truly leave you…alone. After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper (Downs) gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school peers and prefers to spend time counseling lonely spirits who have unfinished business on earth.
But all that changes when Capri (Auli’i Cravalho), the Queen Bee of the school’s most exclusive clique, unexpectedly dies in a freak hair straightening accident, resulting in the obvious cancellation of her upcoming “Sweet 17.” Capri, however, pleads with Darby from the other side to intervene and convince Capri’s friends to proceed with the party as planned.
In order to appease the wrath of the undead diva,...
- 11/17/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
20th Century Studios has unveiled the poster and trailer for their supernatural comedy Darby and the Dead, which is set to be released through the Hulu streaming service in the U.S. on December 2nd. (It will be released on Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.) The trailer can be seen in the embed above, and the poster is at the bottom of this article.
Directed by Silas Howard, whose credits include 22 episodes of the TV show Dickinson, from a screenplay written by Becca Greene (Good Vibes), working from a story by Wenonah Wilms (Fem 101), Darby and the Dead has the following synopsis:
After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school peers and prefers to spend time counseling lonely...
Directed by Silas Howard, whose credits include 22 episodes of the TV show Dickinson, from a screenplay written by Becca Greene (Good Vibes), working from a story by Wenonah Wilms (Fem 101), Darby and the Dead has the following synopsis:
After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school peers and prefers to spend time counseling lonely...
- 11/16/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
“Darby and the Dead” is a new teen horror comedy feature, directed by Silas Howard, stars Riele Downs, Tony Danza and Wayne Knight streaming December 2, 2022 on Hulu:
“…after suffering a near-death experience as a child, ‘Darby Harper’ is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time.
“But when an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and ‘Capri’, the most popular girl at school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in…”
Click the images to enlarge...
“…after suffering a near-death experience as a child, ‘Darby Harper’ is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time.
“But when an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and ‘Capri’, the most popular girl at school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in…”
Click the images to enlarge...
- 11/16/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"I think it's criminally good haunting." 20th Century Studios + Hulu have revealed an official trailer for a teen comedy titled Darby and the Dead, directed by Silas Howard. This is skipping theaters and will drop directly on Hulu in December for anyone to watch at home. This kind of sounds like The Sixth Sense but if it was a teenage girl high school comedy instead. After suffering from a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and prefers to spend time counseling lonely spirits who have unfinished business on earth. But all that changes when Capri, the "Queen Bee" of the school’s most exclusive clique, unexpectedly dies in a freak hair straightening accident. What a twist! Darby and the Dead stars Riele Downs, Auli'i Cravalho, Chosen Jacobs, Asher Angel, Wayne Knight, with Derek Luke and Tony Danza.
- 11/16/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
20th Century Studios has announced that its supernatural teen comedy Darby and the Dead, starring Riele Downs (Henry Danger), Auli’i Cravalho (Moana) and more, will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories on December 2nd.
Related Story Bryan Cranston's Showtime Drama ‘Your Honor’ Pushes Season 2 Premiere Date To 2023 Related Story 'The Other Black Girl': Eric McCormack & Bellamy Young Join Hulu Original Series From Onyx Related Story Jennifer Lawrence Backs Out Of Elizabeth Holmes Role, Cites Amanda Seyfried's "Terrific" Portrayal
The film formerly titled Darby Harper Wants You to Know is about a high school student who moonlights as a spiritual messenger. After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper (Downs) gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school...
Related Story Bryan Cranston's Showtime Drama ‘Your Honor’ Pushes Season 2 Premiere Date To 2023 Related Story 'The Other Black Girl': Eric McCormack & Bellamy Young Join Hulu Original Series From Onyx Related Story Jennifer Lawrence Backs Out Of Elizabeth Holmes Role, Cites Amanda Seyfried's "Terrific" Portrayal
The film formerly titled Darby Harper Wants You to Know is about a high school student who moonlights as a spiritual messenger. After suffering a near-death experience as a young girl, Darby Harper (Downs) gains the ability to see dead people. As a result, she becomes introverted and shut off from her high school...
- 11/3/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmakers Silas Howard and Naz Riahi focus on an under-appreciated local musician in their documentary short Madelynn Von Ritz Is Almost Famous, which they co-directed. The titular subject, who performs under the unassuming moniker Lynn Castle, once had a single chart on the U.S. Top 100 in 1967. The psychedelic-twinged song, “Lady Barber,” detailed the exploits of the singer/songwriter’s day job working as a hairdresser for some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated musicians of the era. Now 83, Von Ritz still has plenty of creative kick left in her, even if the critical recognition for her […]
The post “Our Culture…Rarely Celebrates Older Women”: Silas Howard and Naz Riahi on Madelynn Von Ritz is Almost Famous first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Our Culture…Rarely Celebrates Older Women”: Silas Howard and Naz Riahi on Madelynn Von Ritz is Almost Famous first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 7/22/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Filmmakers Silas Howard and Naz Riahi focus on an under-appreciated local musician in their documentary short Madelynn Von Ritz Is Almost Famous, which they co-directed. The titular subject, who performs under the unassuming moniker Lynn Castle, once had a single chart on the U.S. Top 100 in 1967. The psychedelic-twinged song, “Lady Barber,” detailed the exploits of the singer/songwriter’s day job working as a hairdresser for some of Los Angeles’ most celebrated musicians of the era. Now 83, Von Ritz still has plenty of creative kick left in her, even if the critical recognition for her […]
The post “Our Culture…Rarely Celebrates Older Women”: Silas Howard and Naz Riahi on Madelynn Von Ritz is Almost Famous first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Our Culture…Rarely Celebrates Older Women”: Silas Howard and Naz Riahi on Madelynn Von Ritz is Almost Famous first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 7/22/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Silas Howard and Harry Dodge, the intrepid duo that wrote, directed and starred in By Hook or by Crook, still possess a collaborative spark that has outlived their ability to make art together. After their groundbreaking, ultra low-budget queer film premiered at Sundance 20 years ago, Howard immediately enrolled in film school at UCLA; Dodge, on the other hand, found the festival landscape far too overwhelming for his taste and decided to focus on sculpture, video art and writing. While they both followed their respective paths after By Hook or by Crook, they remain very close friends and respected colleagues. […]
The post “Our Plan for Financial Security is, We’ll Become Famous Hollywood Filmmakers”: Silas Howard and Harry Dodge on By Hook or by Crook first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Our Plan for Financial Security is, We’ll Become Famous Hollywood Filmmakers”: Silas Howard and Harry Dodge on By Hook or by Crook first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 7/19/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Silas Howard and Harry Dodge, the intrepid duo that wrote, directed and starred in By Hook or by Crook, still possess a collaborative spark that has outlived their ability to make art together. After their groundbreaking, ultra low-budget queer film premiered at Sundance 20 years ago, Howard immediately enrolled in film school at UCLA; Dodge, on the other hand, found the festival landscape far too overwhelming for his taste and decided to focus on sculpture, video art and writing. While they both followed their respective paths after By Hook or by Crook, they remain very close friends and respected colleagues. […]
The post “Our Plan for Financial Security is, We’ll Become Famous Hollywood Filmmakers”: Silas Howard and Harry Dodge on By Hook or by Crook first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “Our Plan for Financial Security is, We’ll Become Famous Hollywood Filmmakers”: Silas Howard and Harry Dodge on By Hook or by Crook first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 7/19/2022
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Harry Dodge and Silas Howard in By Hook Or By Crook
They say that art flourishes within constraints. The way that LGBTQ+ stories have been pushed to the margins for most of the history of cinema has caused a lot of problems, but it has also enabled some remarkable talents to emerge within the niche which developed as a result, creating impressive pieces of art even with limited tools. One film which stands out even after 20 years, and which will shortly be receiving an anniversary screening at Outfest Los Angeles, is By Hook Or By Crook, the story or two young transmasculine people surviving in the big city and finding a way to live life on their own terms. I was delighted to have the opportunity to discuss it with writers/directors/stars Silas Howard and Harry Dodge, together with producer Steak House, in the run-up to the big event.
They say that art flourishes within constraints. The way that LGBTQ+ stories have been pushed to the margins for most of the history of cinema has caused a lot of problems, but it has also enabled some remarkable talents to emerge within the niche which developed as a result, creating impressive pieces of art even with limited tools. One film which stands out even after 20 years, and which will shortly be receiving an anniversary screening at Outfest Los Angeles, is By Hook Or By Crook, the story or two young transmasculine people surviving in the big city and finding a way to live life on their own terms. I was delighted to have the opportunity to discuss it with writers/directors/stars Silas Howard and Harry Dodge, together with producer Steak House, in the run-up to the big event.
- 7/16/2022
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
While Outfest has expanded its events to include exciting year-round programming supporting a variety of LGBTQ+ filmmakers, its flagship event will always be the summer film festival.
Based in Los Angeles, Outfest is one of the first pipelines into the industry for many queer filmmakers and talent, and it’s known as a friendly launching pad for those just starting out.
This year, the festival has attracted some of the biggest names in LGBTQ film, opening with Billy Porter’s directorial debut “Anything’s Possible” and celebrating the 20th anniversary of Todd Haynes’ Sirkian masterpiece “Far From Heaven” with a 35mm screening with Haynes, Julianne Moore, and Christine Vachon in attendance.
Beyond the flashy names and star-studded events, however, the curation team at Outfest always manages to spotlight a wide range of queer films from around the world. Whether hosting world premieres or giving a platform to titles that might...
Based in Los Angeles, Outfest is one of the first pipelines into the industry for many queer filmmakers and talent, and it’s known as a friendly launching pad for those just starting out.
This year, the festival has attracted some of the biggest names in LGBTQ film, opening with Billy Porter’s directorial debut “Anything’s Possible” and celebrating the 20th anniversary of Todd Haynes’ Sirkian masterpiece “Far From Heaven” with a 35mm screening with Haynes, Julianne Moore, and Christine Vachon in attendance.
Beyond the flashy names and star-studded events, however, the curation team at Outfest always manages to spotlight a wide range of queer films from around the world. Whether hosting world premieres or giving a platform to titles that might...
- 7/13/2022
- by Jude Dry and Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The LGBTQ+ organization Outfest announced the complete lineup of its 40th Anniversary Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival today.
The 200 films include feature narratives, documentaries, short films, and episodics. The roster also names an impressive 42 world premieres, films spanning every genre, and represents 29 countries.
Previously announced premieres include the Opening Night Gala world premiere of Billy Porter’s directorial debut “Anything’s Possible,” the Closing Night Gala’s screening of screenwriter John Logan’s directorial debut from Blumhouse, Peacock Original film “They/Them” (pronounced ‘They-slash-them’).
A 20th Anniversary screening of Todd Haynes’ “Far from Heaven” will take place, with Haynes, Julianne Moore, and producer Christine Vachon in person.
Also Read:
‘Wildhood’ Film Review: Indigenous LGBTQ Coming-of-Age Tale Follows Its Own Path
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our programming team has done to craft a lineup that celebrates the history of the Lgbtqia+ community and the art we create,...
The 200 films include feature narratives, documentaries, short films, and episodics. The roster also names an impressive 42 world premieres, films spanning every genre, and represents 29 countries.
Previously announced premieres include the Opening Night Gala world premiere of Billy Porter’s directorial debut “Anything’s Possible,” the Closing Night Gala’s screening of screenwriter John Logan’s directorial debut from Blumhouse, Peacock Original film “They/Them” (pronounced ‘They-slash-them’).
A 20th Anniversary screening of Todd Haynes’ “Far from Heaven” will take place, with Haynes, Julianne Moore, and producer Christine Vachon in person.
Also Read:
‘Wildhood’ Film Review: Indigenous LGBTQ Coming-of-Age Tale Follows Its Own Path
“I’m incredibly proud of the work our programming team has done to craft a lineup that celebrates the history of the Lgbtqia+ community and the art we create,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Hybrid feature will screen at NewFest in NYC on June 5.
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights from UTA Independent Film Group to Framing Agnes, Chase Joynt’s hybrid feature and Sundance Next award-winner.
The film marks the solo directorial debut of Joynt, who previously co-directed No Ordinary Man, and explores the experiences of trans people past and present through re-enactments of transcripts from a UCLA gender study conducted in the 1960s. It is based on Joynt’s 2020 short.
Framing Agnes is based on a screenplay by Joynt and Morgan M. Page. Joynt produced with Samantha Curley, and Shant Joshi.
Kino Lorber has picked up North American rights from UTA Independent Film Group to Framing Agnes, Chase Joynt’s hybrid feature and Sundance Next award-winner.
The film marks the solo directorial debut of Joynt, who previously co-directed No Ordinary Man, and explores the experiences of trans people past and present through re-enactments of transcripts from a UCLA gender study conducted in the 1960s. It is based on Joynt’s 2020 short.
Framing Agnes is based on a screenplay by Joynt and Morgan M. Page. Joynt produced with Samantha Curley, and Shant Joshi.
- 6/3/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Framing Agnes,” a hybrid narrative and documentary feature film that explores trans lives and history, has sold North American distribution rights to Kino Lorber.
Directed by Chase Joynt, the film closely and accurately depicts the journey of trans people past and present through reenactments of transcripts from a notable 1960s UCLA gender study. Based on a short by Joynt which premiered and nabbed awards at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, the project features a cast of trans performers and academics that includes Jules Gill-Peterson, Angelica Ross, Jen Richards, Zackary Drucker, Max Wolf Valerio, Silas Howard and Stephen Ira.
The film will make its New York premiere at NewFest on June 5, followed by a theatrical release from Kino Lorber in December. Joynt and Morgan M. Page wrote the script, produced by Joynt, Samantha Curley and Shant Joshi. Kino Lorber senior vice president Wendy Lidell negotiated on behalf of the label, with UTA...
Directed by Chase Joynt, the film closely and accurately depicts the journey of trans people past and present through reenactments of transcripts from a notable 1960s UCLA gender study. Based on a short by Joynt which premiered and nabbed awards at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, the project features a cast of trans performers and academics that includes Jules Gill-Peterson, Angelica Ross, Jen Richards, Zackary Drucker, Max Wolf Valerio, Silas Howard and Stephen Ira.
The film will make its New York premiere at NewFest on June 5, followed by a theatrical release from Kino Lorber in December. Joynt and Morgan M. Page wrote the script, produced by Joynt, Samantha Curley and Shant Joshi. Kino Lorber senior vice president Wendy Lidell negotiated on behalf of the label, with UTA...
- 6/3/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
NewFest, the New York film and media organizations has announced the full lineup for its second annual NewFest Pride event – a summer film series returning this year from June 2-6 in a hybrid format featuring a mix of exclusive in-person premieres/panels and virtual screenings. The announcement was made today by NewFest’s Executive Director David Hatkoff and Director of Programming Nick McCarthy.
NewFest Pride kicks off the month of Pride by showcasing five new feature films, three screenings of celebrated LGBTQ+ series – including the New York Premiere of the highly anticipated Peacock series “Queer As Folk” from creator/writer/director Stephen Dunn – as well as a Flashback Friday screening and a shorts documentary program focused on LGBTQ+ activists, community leaders and outspoken LGBTQ+ celebrities.
The five new feature films screening at NewFest Pride will include the previously announced world premiere of Andrew Ahn’s highly anticipated queer romantic comedy Fire Island,...
NewFest Pride kicks off the month of Pride by showcasing five new feature films, three screenings of celebrated LGBTQ+ series – including the New York Premiere of the highly anticipated Peacock series “Queer As Folk” from creator/writer/director Stephen Dunn – as well as a Flashback Friday screening and a shorts documentary program focused on LGBTQ+ activists, community leaders and outspoken LGBTQ+ celebrities.
The five new feature films screening at NewFest Pride will include the previously announced world premiere of Andrew Ahn’s highly anticipated queer romantic comedy Fire Island,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Wayne Knight (Jurassic Park) and Nicole Maines (Supergirl) have signed on for roles in 20th Century Studios’ film Darby Harper Wants You to Know for Hulu, which is currently in production in South Africa.
They’re set to star alongside previously announced cast members including Riele Downs, Auli’i’ Cravalho, Asher Angel, Chosen Jacobs, Derek Luke, Genneya Walton and Tony Danza.
The film from director Silas Howard follows Darby Harper (Downs), who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Knight will play Mel, a...
They’re set to star alongside previously announced cast members including Riele Downs, Auli’i’ Cravalho, Asher Angel, Chosen Jacobs, Derek Luke, Genneya Walton and Tony Danza.
The film from director Silas Howard follows Darby Harper (Downs), who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Knight will play Mel, a...
- 3/3/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tony Danza has joined the cast of Darby Harper Wants You to Know adaptation. The project is a 20th Century Studios film for Hulu that just started production. The film also stars Riele Downs, Auli’i’ Cravalho , Asher Angel, Chosen Jacobs and Derek Luke.
The story follows Darby Harper, who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Silas Howard is directing the pic which based on a script written by Wenonah Wilms and Becca Greene. Adam Saunders, Eddie Rubin and Mac Hendrickson of Footprint Features are producing.
The story follows Darby Harper, who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Silas Howard is directing the pic which based on a script written by Wenonah Wilms and Becca Greene. Adam Saunders, Eddie Rubin and Mac Hendrickson of Footprint Features are producing.
- 2/25/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: James Moses Black is the latest addition to the cast of Renfield, the Universal monster movie from director Chris McKay.
He joins an ensemble that includes Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Bess Rouss, as previously announced.
The film based on an original story outline by Robert Kirkman centers on Renfield (Hoult), who has grown sick and tired of his centuries as Dracula’s (Cage) lackey. The henchman finds a new lease on life and maybe even redemption when he falls for feisty, perennially angry traffic cop Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina).
Ryan Ridley wrote the script. McKay is producing the film shooting in New Orleans with Skybound Entertainment’s film team, including Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst and Sean Furst. His producing partner Samantha Nisenboim is serving as executive producer.
Black most recently found...
He joins an ensemble that includes Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Adrian Martinez, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Bess Rouss, as previously announced.
The film based on an original story outline by Robert Kirkman centers on Renfield (Hoult), who has grown sick and tired of his centuries as Dracula’s (Cage) lackey. The henchman finds a new lease on life and maybe even redemption when he falls for feisty, perennially angry traffic cop Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina).
Ryan Ridley wrote the script. McKay is producing the film shooting in New Orleans with Skybound Entertainment’s film team, including Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan Furst and Sean Furst. His producing partner Samantha Nisenboim is serving as executive producer.
Black most recently found...
- 2/23/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Riele Downs (“Henry Danger”), Auli’i’ Cravalho (“Moana”), Asher Angel (“Shazam”), Chosen Jacobs (“It”) and Derek Luke (“Captain America: The First Avenger”) have joined the cast of “Darby Harper Wants You to Know,” TheWrap has exclusively learned.
The project is a 20th Century Studios film for Hulu that just started production.
The story follows Darby Harper, who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Riele Downs is playing the title role of Darby Harper, replacing Storm Reid who is no longer attached to the project due to a scheduling conflict.
The project is a 20th Century Studios film for Hulu that just started production.
The story follows Darby Harper, who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
Riele Downs is playing the title role of Darby Harper, replacing Storm Reid who is no longer attached to the project due to a scheduling conflict.
- 2/10/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but when it comes to experimental archival documentaries, just because something worked once doesn’t mean it will work again. In the burgeoning canon of queer and trans documentaries, filmmakers face a unique challenge: How do you tell a story that has either been deliberately erased, or filtered through a lens that views you as abnormal at best, abhorrent at worst? It’s a dilemma that has been handled elegantly in recent documentaries like “Disclosure,” “The Lady and the Dale,” and “No Ordinary Man.” Unfortunately, “Framing Agnes”
Unsurprisingly, “Framing Agnes” has most in common with “No Ordinary Man,” which found meaning in conversations with trans actors as they attempt to re-animate the life of trans jazz musician Billy Tipton. Directed by Chase Joynt with Aisling Yin-Chee, Joynt steps out solo for his latest project, the similarly constructed “Framing Agnes.” In his second feature,...
Unsurprisingly, “Framing Agnes” has most in common with “No Ordinary Man,” which found meaning in conversations with trans actors as they attempt to re-animate the life of trans jazz musician Billy Tipton. Directed by Chase Joynt with Aisling Yin-Chee, Joynt steps out solo for his latest project, the similarly constructed “Framing Agnes.” In his second feature,...
- 1/28/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
On Wednesday morning, Apple TV Plus dropped a new documentary special to commemorate the final season of its historical series “Dickinson.” Titled “From Dickinson, With Love,” the special is now available to stream on Apple TV Plus and YouTube.
“From Dickinson, With Love” invites fans of the show behind the scenes. Series star and executive producer Hailee Steinfeld and series creator, writer and executive producer Alena Smith share memories from the production and reflect on its growth over its three-season run. Featuring words from numerous cast and crew members, “From Dickinson, With Love” offers viewers a chance to join the project’s creators in bidding farewell.
The third and final season of “Dickinson” premiered its last episode on Apple TV Plus in December 2021. The entire series is available to watch on the streamer.
In the show’s third season, Dickinson continues to work as an artist as the American Civil War is waged around her,...
“From Dickinson, With Love” invites fans of the show behind the scenes. Series star and executive producer Hailee Steinfeld and series creator, writer and executive producer Alena Smith share memories from the production and reflect on its growth over its three-season run. Featuring words from numerous cast and crew members, “From Dickinson, With Love” offers viewers a chance to join the project’s creators in bidding farewell.
The third and final season of “Dickinson” premiered its last episode on Apple TV Plus in December 2021. The entire series is available to watch on the streamer.
In the show’s third season, Dickinson continues to work as an artist as the American Civil War is waged around her,...
- 1/12/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
[This post originally appeared as part of Recommendation Machine, IndieWire’s daily TV picks feature.]
Where to Watch ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Okay’: Hulu (The series originally aired on Freeform.)
The pilot for “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” is still a marvel. What it accomplishes in such a short time — setting up a new family dynamic between Nicholas (Josh Thomas) and his two younger half-sisters (Kayla Cromer and Maeve Press) after their father dies unexpectedly — is paired so expertly with a perfect balance in tone. It’s more than your standard “there’s comedy in every tragedy” premise, where characters laugh through their grief. Watching that first episode, you can’t help but feel that something special is starting.
For two seasons, the intertwined lives of Nicholas, Matilda, and Genevieve powered their own emotional universe. Along with Nicholas’ eventual boyfriend Alex (Adam Faison), they formed the basis for the kind of show that could have easily stayed inside its cozy,...
Where to Watch ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Okay’: Hulu (The series originally aired on Freeform.)
The pilot for “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” is still a marvel. What it accomplishes in such a short time — setting up a new family dynamic between Nicholas (Josh Thomas) and his two younger half-sisters (Kayla Cromer and Maeve Press) after their father dies unexpectedly — is paired so expertly with a perfect balance in tone. It’s more than your standard “there’s comedy in every tragedy” premise, where characters laugh through their grief. Watching that first episode, you can’t help but feel that something special is starting.
For two seasons, the intertwined lives of Nicholas, Matilda, and Genevieve powered their own emotional universe. Along with Nicholas’ eventual boyfriend Alex (Adam Faison), they formed the basis for the kind of show that could have easily stayed inside its cozy,...
- 1/4/2022
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Spoiler Alert: The following story contains details from the series finale of Apple TV+’s Dickinson.
Apple TV+’s comedy series Dickinson wrapped up its third and final season Thursday night, with Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld) and her loved ones looking to the future.
As the episode titled “This Was a Poet -” opens, Emily is visited in her family’s garden by Death (Wiz Khalifa), who is donning a new suit and suggests that she herself is in need of “a new look” — a “uniform” befitting her work as a poet. From his perspective, she’s at a point where she should look to “go farther and deeper” in her writing than ever before, and she can do so only by separating herself from other peoples’ expectations, the strictures of which are embodied in the corset she’s long been forced to wear.
“Be who you are,” Death advises,...
Apple TV+’s comedy series Dickinson wrapped up its third and final season Thursday night, with Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld) and her loved ones looking to the future.
As the episode titled “This Was a Poet -” opens, Emily is visited in her family’s garden by Death (Wiz Khalifa), who is donning a new suit and suggests that she herself is in need of “a new look” — a “uniform” befitting her work as a poet. From his perspective, she’s at a point where she should look to “go farther and deeper” in her writing than ever before, and she can do so only by separating herself from other peoples’ expectations, the strictures of which are embodied in the corset she’s long been forced to wear.
“Be who you are,” Death advises,...
- 12/24/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 20th Century Studios has acquired the spec script Darby Harper Wants You to Know starring Storm Reid, with Footprint Features and A Seed & Wings set to produce. The film will be executive produced by A Seed & Wings, the multimedia production house founded by Reid and Robyn Simpson.
The story follows Darby Harper, who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
The spec was penned by Wenonah Wilms and Becca Greene and will be directed by Silas Howard. Adam Saunders, Eddie Rubin and Mac Hendrickson...
The story follows Darby Harper, who after suffering a near-death experience as a child is granted the ability to see ghosts. To combat the existential boredom of high school, she runs a side business counseling local spirits in her spare time. When an unexpected occurrence happens between Darby and Capri, the most popular girl at her high school, Darby reluctantly agrees to help her and in the process learns how to fit in with the living world again.
The spec was penned by Wenonah Wilms and Becca Greene and will be directed by Silas Howard. Adam Saunders, Eddie Rubin and Mac Hendrickson...
- 10/22/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
The second season of Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” reimagining will stream Nov. 24.
In the second season, Bayside High is back in session, despite the Season 1 finale teasing the emergence of Covid-19 in the world of the show. Now, the students are getting ready to compete in the Southern California School Spirit Competition, with Mac (Mitchell Hoog) seeing it as a way to finally get out of his father Zack’s (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) shadow. Meanwhile, Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) finds herself paying more attention to her love life than she wants to; Jamie (Belmont Cameli) leans on Lexi (Josie Totah) in the wake of his parents’ divorce — with Lexi struggling to be a more understanding girlfriend; Aisha (Alycia Pascual-Peña) looks for a new outlet after football gets canceled; DeVante (Dexter Darden) enters into a relationship with a rich Bayside girl; and Slater (Mario Lopez) and Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley Lauren) grow closer.
In the second season, Bayside High is back in session, despite the Season 1 finale teasing the emergence of Covid-19 in the world of the show. Now, the students are getting ready to compete in the Southern California School Spirit Competition, with Mac (Mitchell Hoog) seeing it as a way to finally get out of his father Zack’s (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) shadow. Meanwhile, Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) finds herself paying more attention to her love life than she wants to; Jamie (Belmont Cameli) leans on Lexi (Josie Totah) in the wake of his parents’ divorce — with Lexi struggling to be a more understanding girlfriend; Aisha (Alycia Pascual-Peña) looks for a new outlet after football gets canceled; DeVante (Dexter Darden) enters into a relationship with a rich Bayside girl; and Slater (Mario Lopez) and Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley Lauren) grow closer.
- 10/13/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma, Danielle Turchiano and Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
The third season of “Dickinson,” which will premiere Nov. 5, will be its final one, Apple TV Plus announced Thursday.
The third and final season welcomes new guest stars Ziwe (who also joined the writing staff this season) as Sojourner Truth, Billy Eichner as Walt Whitman and Chloe Fineman as Syliva Plath.
“When I set out to make ‘Dickinson,’ I envisioned the show as a three-season journey that would tell the origin story of America’s greatest female poet in a whole new way, highlighting Emily’s relevance and resonance to our society today,” said creator and showrunner Alena Smith in a statement. “In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined how rich and satisfying the experience of making this show would become and the incredible joy it has been to tell Emily’s story along with Hailee [Steinfeld] and our brilliant, passionate cast and crew. I can’t wait to...
The third and final season welcomes new guest stars Ziwe (who also joined the writing staff this season) as Sojourner Truth, Billy Eichner as Walt Whitman and Chloe Fineman as Syliva Plath.
“When I set out to make ‘Dickinson,’ I envisioned the show as a three-season journey that would tell the origin story of America’s greatest female poet in a whole new way, highlighting Emily’s relevance and resonance to our society today,” said creator and showrunner Alena Smith in a statement. “In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined how rich and satisfying the experience of making this show would become and the incredible joy it has been to tell Emily’s story along with Hailee [Steinfeld] and our brilliant, passionate cast and crew. I can’t wait to...
- 9/2/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Apple TV+ comedy “Dickinson” will end with the previously announced third season, the streaming service revealed on Thursday. We also now have a debut date for Season 3 — and a first-look teaser.
Watch that via the video above.
“Dickinson” Season 3 will premiere with its first three episodes on Friday, Nov. 5, on Apple TV+. The next seven episodes will roll out one at a time, each subsequent Friday. That means the series finale is set for Dec. 24 — Merry Christmas! (Eve!)
“Dickinson” creator, writer and executive producer Alena Smith will make her directorial debut in Season 3, Apple said. Smith has an overall deal with Apple TV+, where she is currently developing a slate of TV projects.
“When I set out to make ‘Dickinson,’ I envisioned the show as a three-season journey that would tell the origin story of America’s greatest female poet in a whole new way, highlighting Emily’s relevance and resonance to our society today,...
Watch that via the video above.
“Dickinson” Season 3 will premiere with its first three episodes on Friday, Nov. 5, on Apple TV+. The next seven episodes will roll out one at a time, each subsequent Friday. That means the series finale is set for Dec. 24 — Merry Christmas! (Eve!)
“Dickinson” creator, writer and executive producer Alena Smith will make her directorial debut in Season 3, Apple said. Smith has an overall deal with Apple TV+, where she is currently developing a slate of TV projects.
“When I set out to make ‘Dickinson,’ I envisioned the show as a three-season journey that would tell the origin story of America’s greatest female poet in a whole new way, highlighting Emily’s relevance and resonance to our society today,...
- 9/2/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
The Apple TV+ original series Dickinson won a Peabody Award for its first season, sparking to creator/writer/executive producer/showrunner Alena Smith’s contemporary take on the coming of age of American poet Emily Dickinson, played by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld.
Season 2 of the comedy, which dropped on the streamer in January, ups the stakes of the 19th century-, New England-set series as Emily moves from her private, literary life and into the public eye. “Whereas Season 1 was really all about Emily declaring to her father and mother that she was a writer and that there was nothing that they could do to stop her, Season 2 has her having won that right from her parents to have a voice and to express herself,” Smith said recently during Deadline’s Contenders TV. “But now confronting the issues of: Do I step into the spotlight? Do I try to publish? Do I seek fame?...
Season 2 of the comedy, which dropped on the streamer in January, ups the stakes of the 19th century-, New England-set series as Emily moves from her private, literary life and into the public eye. “Whereas Season 1 was really all about Emily declaring to her father and mother that she was a writer and that there was nothing that they could do to stop her, Season 2 has her having won that right from her parents to have a voice and to express herself,” Smith said recently during Deadline’s Contenders TV. “But now confronting the issues of: Do I step into the spotlight? Do I try to publish? Do I seek fame?...
- 6/23/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has swung the axe on another TV series.
The streamer on Thursday officially canceled Grand Army after a single season, almost nine months after its launch on the service.
The series "tunnels into a generation that’s raging and rising. Five students at the largest public high school in Brooklyn take on our chaotic world as they fight to succeed, survive, wild out, break free and seize the future," according to Netflix.
9 episodes comprised the first season, with So Yong Kim, Darnell Martin, Tina Mabry, Silas Howard, and Clement Virgo on board to bring the project to life.
Executive Producers include Katie Cappiello, Josh Donen, Nicolette Donen, Elizabeth Kling, Beau Willimon, and Jordan Tappis.
The expansive cast includes Odessa A'zion as Joey Del Marco, Odley Jean as Dominique (Dom) Pierre, Maliq Johnson as Jayson Jackson, Amalia Yoo as Leila Kwan Zimmer, Amir Bageria as Siddhartha (Sid) Pakam, Alphonso Jones as John Ellis,...
The streamer on Thursday officially canceled Grand Army after a single season, almost nine months after its launch on the service.
The series "tunnels into a generation that’s raging and rising. Five students at the largest public high school in Brooklyn take on our chaotic world as they fight to succeed, survive, wild out, break free and seize the future," according to Netflix.
9 episodes comprised the first season, with So Yong Kim, Darnell Martin, Tina Mabry, Silas Howard, and Clement Virgo on board to bring the project to life.
Executive Producers include Katie Cappiello, Josh Donen, Nicolette Donen, Elizabeth Kling, Beau Willimon, and Jordan Tappis.
The expansive cast includes Odessa A'zion as Joey Del Marco, Odley Jean as Dominique (Dom) Pierre, Maliq Johnson as Jayson Jackson, Amalia Yoo as Leila Kwan Zimmer, Amir Bageria as Siddhartha (Sid) Pakam, Alphonso Jones as John Ellis,...
- 6/18/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
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