“Civil War,” the A24 action-thriller about a violently divided United States, isn’t offering up much in the way of escapism. Though it takes place in the dystopian future, it not-so-subtly feeds into the blue-state/red-state rift that’s sure to widen as the race for the White House heats up.
That strategy is prominent in the movie’s patriotic-tinged marketing materials, which include a blood-soaked trailer featuring a missile that blows up the Lincoln Memorial, a poster of soldiers sandbagging the Statue of Liberty’s flame and references to successionist forces of California and Texas.
Yet elsewhere in Hollywood, movie studios are trying desperately to steer clear of promotional efforts that seem even remotely political — lest they find themselves unwittingly embroiled in a cultural firestorm. It’s a fair concern. Long before the country started preparing for one of the most polarizing presidential elections in its history, several movies...
That strategy is prominent in the movie’s patriotic-tinged marketing materials, which include a blood-soaked trailer featuring a missile that blows up the Lincoln Memorial, a poster of soldiers sandbagging the Statue of Liberty’s flame and references to successionist forces of California and Texas.
Yet elsewhere in Hollywood, movie studios are trying desperately to steer clear of promotional efforts that seem even remotely political — lest they find themselves unwittingly embroiled in a cultural firestorm. It’s a fair concern. Long before the country started preparing for one of the most polarizing presidential elections in its history, several movies...
- 3/28/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Despite what the splashy yacht parties in Cannes suggest, media companies really are trying to save money right now. Really!
Top execs at Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Netflix, Paramount Global, Amazon and NBCUniversal parent Comcast have all promised shareholders during recent quarterly earnings calls that they’ll be spending wisely amid the economic downturn. Sweeping layoffs and other cost-cutting strategies, including the removal of underperforming content from some streaming services, has been among the first orders of business in 2023.
But no matter how many jobs these Hollywood heavyweights cut, reaching an outlandish savings target (nearly $4 billion for the post-merger Warner Bros. Discovery) is going to require pinching pennies in more areas than staff headcount. While CFOs are shredding budgets to ribbons, TV’s latest FYC season poses another quandary: What is the cost vs. benefit of an Emmy this year? And does the statuette’s symbolic value go down if...
Top execs at Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, Netflix, Paramount Global, Amazon and NBCUniversal parent Comcast have all promised shareholders during recent quarterly earnings calls that they’ll be spending wisely amid the economic downturn. Sweeping layoffs and other cost-cutting strategies, including the removal of underperforming content from some streaming services, has been among the first orders of business in 2023.
But no matter how many jobs these Hollywood heavyweights cut, reaching an outlandish savings target (nearly $4 billion for the post-merger Warner Bros. Discovery) is going to require pinching pennies in more areas than staff headcount. While CFOs are shredding budgets to ribbons, TV’s latest FYC season poses another quandary: What is the cost vs. benefit of an Emmy this year? And does the statuette’s symbolic value go down if...
- 6/20/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Jock Zonfrillo, a Scottish TV presenter and former chef, known for his recent role as a judge on “MasterChef Australia,” has died suddenly. He was 46.
Zonfrillo died on April 30 in Melbourne, TV broadcaster Network Ten said in a statement on Monday. No cause of death was disclosed.
The network was due to begin screening a new season of the show with Jamie Oliver as a guest judge. The broadcaster said that “MasterChef Australia” will not air this week.
“With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” said Zonfrillo’s family in a statement carried as part of a Network Ten news release. “So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path,...
Zonfrillo died on April 30 in Melbourne, TV broadcaster Network Ten said in a statement on Monday. No cause of death was disclosed.
The network was due to begin screening a new season of the show with Jamie Oliver as a guest judge. The broadcaster said that “MasterChef Australia” will not air this week.
“With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” said Zonfrillo’s family in a statement carried as part of a Network Ten news release. “So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path,...
- 5/1/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
9 Network and Endemol Shine Australia have unveiled a new travel adventure series entitled “Rush,” hosted by “Australian Survivor” star David Genat.
“Rush,” an original concept developed by the Banijay Group-owned Esa and Nine, follows 12 contestants deprived of all their senses who are then dropped into exotic locations and festivals around the world and must work together to complete the mission and reach a designated escape zone before they can continue on their global adventure where team members are progressively eliminated until one winner remains.
“It’s a spectacular take on the travel reality series on a scale never attempted on Australian TV,” said Peter Newman, Endemol Shine Australia CEO, speaking exclusively with Variety at their Sydney office.
Newman has led Esa’s creative teams to deliver some of the biggest hits on Australian television over the last decade, including “MasterChef,” “Australian Survivor,” “Married At First Sight,” “Big Brother,...
“Rush,” an original concept developed by the Banijay Group-owned Esa and Nine, follows 12 contestants deprived of all their senses who are then dropped into exotic locations and festivals around the world and must work together to complete the mission and reach a designated escape zone before they can continue on their global adventure where team members are progressively eliminated until one winner remains.
“It’s a spectacular take on the travel reality series on a scale never attempted on Australian TV,” said Peter Newman, Endemol Shine Australia CEO, speaking exclusively with Variety at their Sydney office.
Newman has led Esa’s creative teams to deliver some of the biggest hits on Australian television over the last decade, including “MasterChef,” “Australian Survivor,” “Married At First Sight,” “Big Brother,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Katherine Tulich
- Variety Film + TV
As the possibility of a writers’ strike looms, studios are bracing for the fallout. The Writers Guild of America’s contract with studios expires on May 1, and if the two parties can’t reach a compromise before then, Hollywood could essentially shut down. A strike would put many projects at risk of delays or even cancellation because the schedules of actors, directors, and production employees are set months or even years in advance. Therefore, through a variety of backup plans, including accelerating production schedules, stockpiling scripts, and increasing foreign productions, studios, networks, and producers are planning and preparing for the worst.
“The entire town is dealing with fear, anxiety and depression, and that’s without there being a massive strike,” Peter Newman, head of NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Mba/ Mfa program, told Variety. “Companies are bleeding money, and no one has figured out a cogent business plan for the next decade.
“The entire town is dealing with fear, anxiety and depression, and that’s without there being a massive strike,” Peter Newman, head of NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Mba/ Mfa program, told Variety. “Companies are bleeding money, and no one has figured out a cogent business plan for the next decade.
- 3/17/2023
- by Jessica Lerner
- The Streamable
Pink was once in the running to play Janis Joplin in a movie about the classic rock musician’s life. She withdrew from the project because she heard other stars like Lindsay Lohan and Scarlett Johansson were also being considered for the part. Here’s why it has been so difficult for filmmakers to create a Janis Joplin biopic and what Pink said about the casting process.
Pink | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Pink was going to play Janis Joplin in a movie, but she dropped out because Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, and others were considered for the role
For decades, filmmakers have been trying to put together a biopic about legendary rock singer Janis Joplin. Several entertainers have attempted to snag the coveted lead role, including pop star Pink. Director Penelope Spheeris, who has been called a “rock ‘n roll anthropologist,” reportedly said that Pink was the frontrunner to star in...
Pink | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Pink was going to play Janis Joplin in a movie, but she dropped out because Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johansson, and others were considered for the role
For decades, filmmakers have been trying to put together a biopic about legendary rock singer Janis Joplin. Several entertainers have attempted to snag the coveted lead role, including pop star Pink. Director Penelope Spheeris, who has been called a “rock ‘n roll anthropologist,” reportedly said that Pink was the frontrunner to star in...
- 2/10/2023
- by Grace Turney
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Longtime readers of Arrow in the Head will probably remember the article series The Test of Time. Now The Test of Time has been revived as a video series, and you can check out the new episode in the embed above! Christmas Day has come and gone, but the holiday festivities continue with this episode, as the film we’re looking at is the 1980 holiday horror cult classic Christmas Evil (watch it Here)!
Written and directed by Lewis Jackson, Christmas Evil has the following synopsis:
As a boy, he saw mommy making love to Santa Claus. As an adult, he is a crazed killer who has kept a list of all the girls who have been good, and a list of all the girls who have been bad. It’s Christmas time, and all the bad girls are in trouble. A man dressed as Santa Claus is stalking the streets,...
Written and directed by Lewis Jackson, Christmas Evil has the following synopsis:
As a boy, he saw mommy making love to Santa Claus. As an adult, he is a crazed killer who has kept a list of all the girls who have been good, and a list of all the girls who have been bad. It’s Christmas time, and all the bad girls are in trouble. A man dressed as Santa Claus is stalking the streets,...
- 12/26/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The U.S. theatrical market has never been more volatile for specialty films, even star-studded ones, but the appeal of Hollywood A-listers hasn’t faded — at least when it comes to finding investors.
Brad Pitt’s Plan B is the latest star-driven production company to be scooped up by deep-pocketed buyers, joining After Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Inc.
A majority stake of the company, which largely produces movies that often win laurels but seldom turn a profit, was acquired by Mediawan in a deal valued at approximately 300 million. Half of it was paid in cash and the other half in shares of Mediawan.
“We’re seeing some huge acquisition prices for companies that are fronted by a very well known, bankable star, so this is part of a trend where the value is really always linked to the talent,” said Claire Enders at London-based Enders Analysis.
Brad Pitt’s Plan B is the latest star-driven production company to be scooped up by deep-pocketed buyers, joining After Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Inc.
A majority stake of the company, which largely produces movies that often win laurels but seldom turn a profit, was acquired by Mediawan in a deal valued at approximately 300 million. Half of it was paid in cash and the other half in shares of Mediawan.
“We’re seeing some huge acquisition prices for companies that are fronted by a very well known, bankable star, so this is part of a trend where the value is really always linked to the talent,” said Claire Enders at London-based Enders Analysis.
- 12/14/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
ITV in the U.K. has acquired “Bali 2002,” a new four-part drama exploring the everyday heroes directly impacted by the terrorist bombings on the Indonesian island’s tourist hotspots 20 years ago. Represented by Banijay Rights, the drama stars Rachel Griffiths (“Total Control”), Richard Roxburgh (“Rake”) and Claudia Jesse (“Bridgerton”). It will air on the new streaming service Itvx next year.
“Bali 2002” was co-produced by Banijay labels, Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime, and marked the first original drama co-commissioned by the Australian streamer Stan and commercial TV group 9Network. The series premiered last month on Stan.
“Bali 2002” recounts the tragic events of October 12, 2002, when the island was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs. Local Balinese, as well as Australian and British tourists, scrambled to rescue the injured, while the Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilized to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place.
“Bali 2002” was co-produced by Banijay labels, Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime, and marked the first original drama co-commissioned by the Australian streamer Stan and commercial TV group 9Network. The series premiered last month on Stan.
“Bali 2002” recounts the tragic events of October 12, 2002, when the island was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs. Local Balinese, as well as Australian and British tourists, scrambled to rescue the injured, while the Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilized to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place.
- 10/19/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The streaming revolution was supposed to usher in a big, bright, beautiful future for media conglomerates. Instead, increased competition, rising interest rates, a looming recession and the mountain of debt that these corporations amassed to fuel a wave of consolidation has left everyone from Netflix to Warner Bros. Discovery scrambling to revise their pitch to shareholders.
After spending tens of billions of dollars to ramp up programming for subscription-based streamers, media giants have discovered that the growth potential of the venture may be reaching its end. Consumers purchase only two, maybe three, of these services, and it’s getting harder for certain subscription companies to convince people to sign up for what they’re streaming. At the same time, customers are cutting the cable cord at a faster rate and imperiling a once lucrative revenue source for media conglomerates. Investors have taken note, causing shares of Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros.
After spending tens of billions of dollars to ramp up programming for subscription-based streamers, media giants have discovered that the growth potential of the venture may be reaching its end. Consumers purchase only two, maybe three, of these services, and it’s getting harder for certain subscription companies to convince people to sign up for what they’re streaming. At the same time, customers are cutting the cable cord at a faster rate and imperiling a once lucrative revenue source for media conglomerates. Investors have taken note, causing shares of Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros.
- 10/13/2022
- by Brent Lang and Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry Maguire), Michael Pare, Bonnie Aarons, and Mike Ferguson (Amityville Uprising) currently filming new horror movie, Camp Pleasant Lake.
Bonnie Aarons plays Esmeralda and her sons are Mike Ferguson as Lou and Robert Lasardo as Angel. Also included in the cast are DeVanny Pinn as Harper.
The cast also features Raf Adame, Peter Newman, Rudy Ledbetter, Sajid Ali, Greg Tally, Jeff A. Cooper, Jeffrey Bele, Jason Van Loo, Timothy Skyler Dunigan, Carissa Goble, Denny Nolan, and Marcus Spencer for making this film possible.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/CampPleasantLakeMovie
It’s Scream meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre and filming starts on August 29, 2022 from film production companies: Safier Entertainment, PhilaDreams Films, Lux Angeles Studios, and Mahal Empire.
Synopsis:
An enterprising couple, ‘the Rutherfords’ who decide to open a horror camp on the abandoned camp property (Camp Pleasant Lake) where a young girl ‘Echo Meadows’ was kidnapped, and her...
Bonnie Aarons plays Esmeralda and her sons are Mike Ferguson as Lou and Robert Lasardo as Angel. Also included in the cast are DeVanny Pinn as Harper.
The cast also features Raf Adame, Peter Newman, Rudy Ledbetter, Sajid Ali, Greg Tally, Jeff A. Cooper, Jeffrey Bele, Jason Van Loo, Timothy Skyler Dunigan, Carissa Goble, Denny Nolan, and Marcus Spencer for making this film possible.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/CampPleasantLakeMovie
It’s Scream meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre and filming starts on August 29, 2022 from film production companies: Safier Entertainment, PhilaDreams Films, Lux Angeles Studios, and Mahal Empire.
Synopsis:
An enterprising couple, ‘the Rutherfords’ who decide to open a horror camp on the abandoned camp property (Camp Pleasant Lake) where a young girl ‘Echo Meadows’ was kidnapped, and her...
- 9/8/2022
- by Michael Joy
- Horror Asylum
Amazon’s Prime Video is going big with fall TV, launching the most expensive TV series in history, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” and taking full control of NFL’s “Thursday Night Football.” But on the film side, things are a little less groundbreaking and more in flux as the industry waits to see what the e-commerce giant plans to do with MGM and which top movie-studio exec Amazon will select to run its film business.
Among those whom Variety hears Amazon has spoken with in recent weeks are Netflix film chief Scott Stuber, Paramount Pictures alum Emma Watts and Warner Bros. vet Toby Emmerich. But according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, though Amazon “loved” Watts and doesn’t see Stuber as being interested in this type of role, deliberations are far from over and Amazon still has distance to go before the top film exec is chosen.
Among those whom Variety hears Amazon has spoken with in recent weeks are Netflix film chief Scott Stuber, Paramount Pictures alum Emma Watts and Warner Bros. vet Toby Emmerich. But according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, though Amazon “loved” Watts and doesn’t see Stuber as being interested in this type of role, deliberations are far from over and Amazon still has distance to go before the top film exec is chosen.
- 8/23/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
What is going to happen to the unscripted department at HBO Max? It’s a question that the TV industry had been asking before Discovery and WarnerMedia even tied the knot in April to become Warner Bros. Discovery. But after recently crossing the 100-day post-merger-mark and approaching the company’s second quarter earnings reveal next Thursday, the question is being raised more and more by those outside and within the David Zaslav-run company — which has more cooks in its unscripted programming kitchen than it needs — especially if it’s still intent on hitting its promised 3 billion cost-saving synergies over the next three years, and working to reduce its approximately 55 billion debt load on a market cap of 36.3 billion.
“David Zaslav is both a very clever and smart man and, some would say, I’m not saying it, some would say, also a ruthless business man,” Peter Newman, head of...
“David Zaslav is both a very clever and smart man and, some would say, I’m not saying it, some would say, also a ruthless business man,” Peter Newman, head of...
- 7/28/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Is Comcast poised to make a big move?
The cable and media giant has missed out on some snazzy acquisitions in recent years, failing to outmaneuver Disney to buy the bulk of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets and falling just short of nabbing WarnerMedia. Losing out on the latter stunned Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, who were enmeshed in planning how WarnerMedia would be integrated into their operations until Discovery landed their prize.
And the company has been looking at Electronic Arts, though it appears that efforts to acquire the game-maker have stalled. Those talks may have fallen apart earlier this year, but Roberts is bullish on gaming. He named his 32-year-old son Tucker the president of Comcast’s Spectator Gaming division in 2018, overseeing a competitive video gaming league and the arena attractions that house them.
In recent weeks, Shell has told confidants that he’d love to buy Netflix,...
The cable and media giant has missed out on some snazzy acquisitions in recent years, failing to outmaneuver Disney to buy the bulk of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets and falling just short of nabbing WarnerMedia. Losing out on the latter stunned Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, who were enmeshed in planning how WarnerMedia would be integrated into their operations until Discovery landed their prize.
And the company has been looking at Electronic Arts, though it appears that efforts to acquire the game-maker have stalled. Those talks may have fallen apart earlier this year, but Roberts is bullish on gaming. He named his 32-year-old son Tucker the president of Comcast’s Spectator Gaming division in 2018, overseeing a competitive video gaming league and the arena attractions that house them.
In recent weeks, Shell has told confidants that he’d love to buy Netflix,...
- 6/14/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Chapek is facing a crisis of confidence in his leadership that is fueling an atypical level of turmoil at the top of the world’s largest entertainment company.
Though Chapek’s current employment contract, expiring next February, is expected to be renewed soon, according to sources, his tenure as CEO has been marked by upheaval since he was named to the job in February 2020. Some of the disruption has been far out of his control, such as a global pandemic. But Chapek’s own missteps reflect his tendency to keep counsel with a small group of senior executives rather than solicit wider opinions on key decisions.
“Chapek has had to deal with a series of catastrophes,” notes Peter Newman, the head of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts’ Mba/Mfa program, who observes that Chapek took over the company when Covid was upending...
Though Chapek’s current employment contract, expiring next February, is expected to be renewed soon, according to sources, his tenure as CEO has been marked by upheaval since he was named to the job in February 2020. Some of the disruption has been far out of his control, such as a global pandemic. But Chapek’s own missteps reflect his tendency to keep counsel with a small group of senior executives rather than solicit wider opinions on key decisions.
“Chapek has had to deal with a series of catastrophes,” notes Peter Newman, the head of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts’ Mba/Mfa program, who observes that Chapek took over the company when Covid was upending...
- 3/23/2022
- by Brent Lang and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Leonine And Lionsgate Strike Germany/Austria Film Deal
Leonine Studios has extended its relationship with Lionsgate by securing the rights to a premium feature film slate for Germany and Austria. The blockbuster deal incorporates high-profile titles for the region such as Keanu Reeves’ John Wick: Chapter 4, the Ana De Armas-starring Ballerina, Sebastian Maniscalco’s About My Father, Kerry Washington’s Shadow Force and a new comedy from Crazy Rich Asian’s Adele Lim. “All the films we release in cooperation with Lionsgate are made for the big screen,” said Leonine CEO Fred Kogel. “We’re delighted to be able to offer this excellent new slate of high-profile titles to both audiences and our licensing partners alike.” Lionsgate International President Helen Lee-Kim praised Leonine for “building a world-class content and distribution studio.”
Channel 4 Goes Big On ‘Married At First Sight UK’
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has agreed a two-series deal...
Leonine Studios has extended its relationship with Lionsgate by securing the rights to a premium feature film slate for Germany and Austria. The blockbuster deal incorporates high-profile titles for the region such as Keanu Reeves’ John Wick: Chapter 4, the Ana De Armas-starring Ballerina, Sebastian Maniscalco’s About My Father, Kerry Washington’s Shadow Force and a new comedy from Crazy Rich Asian’s Adele Lim. “All the films we release in cooperation with Lionsgate are made for the big screen,” said Leonine CEO Fred Kogel. “We’re delighted to be able to offer this excellent new slate of high-profile titles to both audiences and our licensing partners alike.” Lionsgate International President Helen Lee-Kim praised Leonine for “building a world-class content and distribution studio.”
Channel 4 Goes Big On ‘Married At First Sight UK’
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has agreed a two-series deal...
- 2/1/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Movie theater owners had hoped that shots in the arms and declining Covid rates would lead to a box office revival this summer.
Those dreams may be deferred, at least for a few more months. Instead, the movie theater industry is spending the second half of popcorn season, the term for the escapist fare that pops up in multiplexes from May through August, grappling with an all-too-real situation. A worsening public health picture — one exacerbated by anti-vaccine conspiracy theories — and a maze of day-and-date distribution strategies that appear to be cannibalizing ticket sales, are raising questions about the viability of a theatrical comeback.
Both Disney’s “Black Widow” and Warner Bros.’ “Space Jam: A New Legacy” suffered steeper-than-normal declines in their second weekends of release, with revenues falling more than 70% after opening to stronger-than-expected results. In a sign of the new world order, “Black Widow” debuted simultaneously in theaters and on Disney Plus,...
Those dreams may be deferred, at least for a few more months. Instead, the movie theater industry is spending the second half of popcorn season, the term for the escapist fare that pops up in multiplexes from May through August, grappling with an all-too-real situation. A worsening public health picture — one exacerbated by anti-vaccine conspiracy theories — and a maze of day-and-date distribution strategies that appear to be cannibalizing ticket sales, are raising questions about the viability of a theatrical comeback.
Both Disney’s “Black Widow” and Warner Bros.’ “Space Jam: A New Legacy” suffered steeper-than-normal declines in their second weekends of release, with revenues falling more than 70% after opening to stronger-than-expected results. In a sign of the new world order, “Black Widow” debuted simultaneously in theaters and on Disney Plus,...
- 7/26/2021
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
For Samantha Follows, a 54-year-old bartender in Los Angeles, the frustration has become routine. A friend will recommend a movie to watch, and thus begins an arduous mission to find out where she can actually view said movie.
“It drives me crazy,” Follows says. “I’ll go through a ridiculous experience of going online… it says it’s on Netflix but it’s not there, and then a friend says it’s actually on HBO Max. I get resentful. Not only can I not afford to sign up for every streaming platform, but I also don’t want to have to do that.”
Follows’ exasperation is all too common in an age where new movie distribution patterns are regularly being established, fractured and reset. For decades, there was one way for audiences to experience a new film: in theaters. Now, the blurring line between streaming and theatrical releases is putting...
“It drives me crazy,” Follows says. “I’ll go through a ridiculous experience of going online… it says it’s on Netflix but it’s not there, and then a friend says it’s actually on HBO Max. I get resentful. Not only can I not afford to sign up for every streaming platform, but I also don’t want to have to do that.”
Follows’ exasperation is all too common in an age where new movie distribution patterns are regularly being established, fractured and reset. For decades, there was one way for audiences to experience a new film: in theaters. Now, the blurring line between streaming and theatrical releases is putting...
- 6/24/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Endemol Shine Australia has made a number of promotions as part of a restructure of its executive management team.
The shuffle follows on from Banijay’s recent acquisition of the Endemol Shine Group and Peter Newman stepping into the Esa CEO role after the departure of Mark and Carl Fennessy.
Executive producer Amelia Fisk will take on the position of director of content, Sydney, while MasterChef Australia EP Marty Benson will become director of content, Melbourne.
Current commercial director, Scott Howard, has been upped to chief operating officer, and Jane Macaulay, currently director of production, has been promoted to director of production and post production.
Elliot Spencer, director of development and creative services, has been promoted to the newly-created role of creative director, which will see him also work on the creative architecture of Esa’s programs and branding.
Elliott Spencer, Jane Macaulay and Scott Howard.
Megan Rees, who joined the business last year,...
The shuffle follows on from Banijay’s recent acquisition of the Endemol Shine Group and Peter Newman stepping into the Esa CEO role after the departure of Mark and Carl Fennessy.
Executive producer Amelia Fisk will take on the position of director of content, Sydney, while MasterChef Australia EP Marty Benson will become director of content, Melbourne.
Current commercial director, Scott Howard, has been upped to chief operating officer, and Jane Macaulay, currently director of production, has been promoted to director of production and post production.
Elliot Spencer, director of development and creative services, has been promoted to the newly-created role of creative director, which will see him also work on the creative architecture of Esa’s programs and branding.
Elliott Spencer, Jane Macaulay and Scott Howard.
Megan Rees, who joined the business last year,...
- 1/22/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Endemol Shine Australia’s co-CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy are leaving the company after more than 10 years following Banijay’s takeover.
The leading lights in Australian TV helped Elisabeth Murdoch establish Shine Australia in 2009 and oversaw its merger with Endemol in 2014. The former Fremantle executives have made hit shows including MasterChef and Married At First Sight.
Endemol Shine Australia’s chief content officer Peter Newman will step up to become CEO after an eight-year spell at the company. The British executive has been chief content officer since 2018.
In a statement, the Fennessy brothers said they would be taking a “much-needed break” before embarking on their “next adventure,” suggesting that they are not leaving the industry just yet.
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti added: “The Fennessy brothers have long-served as commendable businessmen at the forefront of the country’s creative industry and we wish them all the best with where their artistic journey takes them next.
The leading lights in Australian TV helped Elisabeth Murdoch establish Shine Australia in 2009 and oversaw its merger with Endemol in 2014. The former Fremantle executives have made hit shows including MasterChef and Married At First Sight.
Endemol Shine Australia’s chief content officer Peter Newman will step up to become CEO after an eight-year spell at the company. The British executive has been chief content officer since 2018.
In a statement, the Fennessy brothers said they would be taking a “much-needed break” before embarking on their “next adventure,” suggesting that they are not leaving the industry just yet.
Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti added: “The Fennessy brothers have long-served as commendable businessmen at the forefront of the country’s creative industry and we wish them all the best with where their artistic journey takes them next.
- 9/22/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark and Carl Fennessy.
Endemol Shine Australia co-CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy are departing after leading the company for 10 years, with chief content officer Peter Newman taking over as CEO.
This follows the $US2.2 billion global takeover of Endemol Shine Group by the European production and distribution giant Banijay Group.
Meanwhile, Rory Callaghan continues as CEO of Banijay-owned Screentime, which is yet to be integrated with Endemol Shine. Its slate includes Sas: Who Dares Wins, Rbt and Anh’s Brush with Fame.
Business partners for 26 years after founding indie producer Crackerjack, the Fennessys say they are looking forward to taking a long break. No date has yet been revealed for the handover to Newman, who joined Shine in 2012 as creative director and was upped to chief content officer in 2018.
Newman has overseen one of the world’s biggest unscripted production slates including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Gogglebox Australia, Australian Survivor,...
Endemol Shine Australia co-CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy are departing after leading the company for 10 years, with chief content officer Peter Newman taking over as CEO.
This follows the $US2.2 billion global takeover of Endemol Shine Group by the European production and distribution giant Banijay Group.
Meanwhile, Rory Callaghan continues as CEO of Banijay-owned Screentime, which is yet to be integrated with Endemol Shine. Its slate includes Sas: Who Dares Wins, Rbt and Anh’s Brush with Fame.
Business partners for 26 years after founding indie producer Crackerjack, the Fennessys say they are looking forward to taking a long break. No date has yet been revealed for the handover to Newman, who joined Shine in 2012 as creative director and was upped to chief content officer in 2018.
Newman has overseen one of the world’s biggest unscripted production slates including MasterChef Australia, Big Brother, Gogglebox Australia, Australian Survivor,...
- 9/22/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Paul Auster on who was originally cast in the role Willem Dafoe plays in Lulu On The Bridge: "I had wanted Salman Rushdie to play the part."
Paul Auster's journey with putting together the production of his solo directorial début Lulu On The Bridge, was a challenging one for him and his producers Peter Newman and Greg Johnson. The film stars Harvey Keitel, Mira Sorvino and Willem Dafoe with Gina Gershon, Mandy Patinkin, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Edson, Don Byron, Victor Argo, Kevin Corrigan, Sophie Auster, Lou Reed and David Byrne.
At Eternity's Gate with Louise Kugelberg, Jean-Claude Carrière, Julian Schnabel, Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaac, and Rupert Friend at the 56th New York Film Festival Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
In the second instalment of my conversation with Paul Auster on his film career, we discuss the pitfalls that had to be overcome, the reaction to casting Salman Rushdie, Golden Globe nominee...
Paul Auster's journey with putting together the production of his solo directorial début Lulu On The Bridge, was a challenging one for him and his producers Peter Newman and Greg Johnson. The film stars Harvey Keitel, Mira Sorvino and Willem Dafoe with Gina Gershon, Mandy Patinkin, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Edson, Don Byron, Victor Argo, Kevin Corrigan, Sophie Auster, Lou Reed and David Byrne.
At Eternity's Gate with Louise Kugelberg, Jean-Claude Carrière, Julian Schnabel, Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaac, and Rupert Friend at the 56th New York Film Festival Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
In the second instalment of my conversation with Paul Auster on his film career, we discuss the pitfalls that had to be overcome, the reaction to casting Salman Rushdie, Golden Globe nominee...
- 12/6/2018
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Michael Larnell and I spoke by phone today. We had met several years ago when we spoke at his graduate film class at Nyu, which was taught by our friend the producer Peter Newman.
Michael carefully chose to do his graduate studies at Nyu after researching schools and finding the films of Nyu grads were most interesting to him. Another professor there was Spike Lee.
“Cronies” was his thesis film there.
Spike Lee liked the early stages of the project and his yearly grant went to Michael along with Spike becoming the Executive Producer and he brought ICM into the picture. ICM is repping the film for both U.S. and international distribution.
Regarding domestic distribution, Michael says that “there are couple of options. We have a couple of offers, but I’m thinking of alternative ways of distributing which in turn will help pave the way for the next group of filmmakers. Nyu is working on providing its filmmakers with film funding and distribution services.”
Sundance has its digital services and branding too.
On the international side, he is soon to hear from some festivals which will launch the film abroad. “It’s exciting because I’ve never been in Europe before.”
Shows love - comedy to show men struggling with showing their emotions.
“Cronies” is a character piece about twenty-two-year-old Louis who doesn’t know whether his childhood friendship with “Loose Cannon Jack” will last as he sets a new path for his life. When a new buddy, Andrew, is introduced, emotions such as jealousy set in motion a struggle of the three to express emotions, something they are not used to doing.
This comedy about love and men struggling to express it stars first time local actors George Sample III, Zurich Buckner and Brian Kowalski. Zurich has been in shorts and along with George and Brian must now decide how to proceed with their acting careers. Perhaps the L.A. premiere will bring some clarity when the film is seen by agents and producers.
Michael filmed in his hometown St. Louis, Mo. It is a small city – not a town -- big enough for sports teams, etc. However, George, Zurich and Brian will probably have to decide to leave it if they want to pursue their acting careers. What is good about St. Louis when compared to New York is that in NYC kids grow up fast and in St. Louis they can grow up more slowly.
Michael did his undergraduate studies in St. Louis, majoring in business. Afterward he went to work for several years in corporate insurance. He added part-time jobs in other areas of interest. This was at the time that YouTube was becoming popular and he and a friend began shooting and editing shorts. It intrigued Michael to see how stories came together through editing and he decided to learn more by returning to school. Nyu offered the best program for him.
Since showing the film at Sundance and later at Tribeca with two very different audiences – quiet in Slc and very vocal in NYC, Wme has come on as his agent. Wme is helping him with his next script, now in process.
Los Angeles Premiere at Next Fest
“Cronies” director Michael Larnell will have a conversation after the screening with Robert Townsend, one of the “Godfathers of the Independent Film World” an actor, writer, director and producer, first of “Hollywood Shuffle” followed by many other films. He chosen by the filmmaker when Sundance asked Michale who was influential and who would they want to see their film.
When Michael first started making films he moved to Chicago and then to New York. Robert is from Chicago where they have a big indie world which makes the films they want to make without caring about who will see them.
Michael took that ethos with him to New York. He never met Robert Townsend, so this conversation will be very interesting to him and to us in the audience.
Michael also likes Tarantino and the Hughes Brothers. Larry Clark is also an inspiration to him. All these filmmakers have influenced various parts of this film.
We welcome Michael to L.A. and are eager to see his film and meet him again.
Michael carefully chose to do his graduate studies at Nyu after researching schools and finding the films of Nyu grads were most interesting to him. Another professor there was Spike Lee.
“Cronies” was his thesis film there.
Spike Lee liked the early stages of the project and his yearly grant went to Michael along with Spike becoming the Executive Producer and he brought ICM into the picture. ICM is repping the film for both U.S. and international distribution.
Regarding domestic distribution, Michael says that “there are couple of options. We have a couple of offers, but I’m thinking of alternative ways of distributing which in turn will help pave the way for the next group of filmmakers. Nyu is working on providing its filmmakers with film funding and distribution services.”
Sundance has its digital services and branding too.
On the international side, he is soon to hear from some festivals which will launch the film abroad. “It’s exciting because I’ve never been in Europe before.”
Shows love - comedy to show men struggling with showing their emotions.
“Cronies” is a character piece about twenty-two-year-old Louis who doesn’t know whether his childhood friendship with “Loose Cannon Jack” will last as he sets a new path for his life. When a new buddy, Andrew, is introduced, emotions such as jealousy set in motion a struggle of the three to express emotions, something they are not used to doing.
This comedy about love and men struggling to express it stars first time local actors George Sample III, Zurich Buckner and Brian Kowalski. Zurich has been in shorts and along with George and Brian must now decide how to proceed with their acting careers. Perhaps the L.A. premiere will bring some clarity when the film is seen by agents and producers.
Michael filmed in his hometown St. Louis, Mo. It is a small city – not a town -- big enough for sports teams, etc. However, George, Zurich and Brian will probably have to decide to leave it if they want to pursue their acting careers. What is good about St. Louis when compared to New York is that in NYC kids grow up fast and in St. Louis they can grow up more slowly.
Michael did his undergraduate studies in St. Louis, majoring in business. Afterward he went to work for several years in corporate insurance. He added part-time jobs in other areas of interest. This was at the time that YouTube was becoming popular and he and a friend began shooting and editing shorts. It intrigued Michael to see how stories came together through editing and he decided to learn more by returning to school. Nyu offered the best program for him.
Since showing the film at Sundance and later at Tribeca with two very different audiences – quiet in Slc and very vocal in NYC, Wme has come on as his agent. Wme is helping him with his next script, now in process.
Los Angeles Premiere at Next Fest
“Cronies” director Michael Larnell will have a conversation after the screening with Robert Townsend, one of the “Godfathers of the Independent Film World” an actor, writer, director and producer, first of “Hollywood Shuffle” followed by many other films. He chosen by the filmmaker when Sundance asked Michale who was influential and who would they want to see their film.
When Michael first started making films he moved to Chicago and then to New York. Robert is from Chicago where they have a big indie world which makes the films they want to make without caring about who will see them.
Michael took that ethos with him to New York. He never met Robert Townsend, so this conversation will be very interesting to him and to us in the audience.
Michael also likes Tarantino and the Hughes Brothers. Larry Clark is also an inspiration to him. All these filmmakers have influenced various parts of this film.
We welcome Michael to L.A. and are eager to see his film and meet him again.
- 8/7/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Global content creator, producer and distributor, Endemol Shine Group, has made a raft of senior appointments to coincide with the formal launch its Australian arm.
Endemol Shine Australia, now the largest television production house in the country, will bring together Shine Australia and Endemol Australia..
It will be will be led by chief executives, Mark and Carl Fennessy, as announced in May.
Peter Newman will leading the unscripted content team as managing director, unscripted content.
Newman was promoted from his current Shine Australia role as director of programming, where he oversaw major formats such as MasterChef, The Bachelor, Gogglebox, The Biggest Loser, Shark Tank and Australia's Next Top Model.
Margaret Bashfield has been promoted to the role of supervising executive producer, unscripted content. She will report to Peter Newman.
Endemol Shine Australia will bring together Australian drama producers, John Edwards (Offspring, Puberty Blues, Love My Way), Imogen Banks (Offspring, Puberty Blues) and Mimi Butler (Rush,...
Endemol Shine Australia, now the largest television production house in the country, will bring together Shine Australia and Endemol Australia..
It will be will be led by chief executives, Mark and Carl Fennessy, as announced in May.
Peter Newman will leading the unscripted content team as managing director, unscripted content.
Newman was promoted from his current Shine Australia role as director of programming, where he oversaw major formats such as MasterChef, The Bachelor, Gogglebox, The Biggest Loser, Shark Tank and Australia's Next Top Model.
Margaret Bashfield has been promoted to the role of supervising executive producer, unscripted content. She will report to Peter Newman.
Endemol Shine Australia will bring together Australian drama producers, John Edwards (Offspring, Puberty Blues, Love My Way), Imogen Banks (Offspring, Puberty Blues) and Mimi Butler (Rush,...
- 7/27/2015
- by Brian Karlovsky
- IF.com.au
Alec Bojalad Jul 4, 2019
Stranger Things Season 3 continues the strong tradition of compelling Russian characters in pop culture.
The following contains Stranger Things Season 3 spoilers.
In hindsight, it's a little surprising that it took Stranger Things this long to introduce "The Russians."
Stranger Things is infamously a nostalgic throwback to '80s culture - both real and pop - and there are fewer important mainstays in '80s pop art than the ever-nefarious Russian. Stranger Things Season 3 finally decides to live up to its Red Dawn and Rocky IV '80s forefathers by introducing some Soviets of its own.
further reading: Stranger Things Season 3 - Inside the Summer of Strange
In Stranger Things Season 3, the Soviet government and Russian soldiers and scientists fulfill the role of the boogeyman as they so frequently did throughout the Cold War era. In fact, Russians of many dispositions have been mainstays in American art for a long time.
Stranger Things Season 3 continues the strong tradition of compelling Russian characters in pop culture.
The following contains Stranger Things Season 3 spoilers.
In hindsight, it's a little surprising that it took Stranger Things this long to introduce "The Russians."
Stranger Things is infamously a nostalgic throwback to '80s culture - both real and pop - and there are fewer important mainstays in '80s pop art than the ever-nefarious Russian. Stranger Things Season 3 finally decides to live up to its Red Dawn and Rocky IV '80s forefathers by introducing some Soviets of its own.
further reading: Stranger Things Season 3 - Inside the Summer of Strange
In Stranger Things Season 3, the Soviet government and Russian soldiers and scientists fulfill the role of the boogeyman as they so frequently did throughout the Cold War era. In fact, Russians of many dispositions have been mainstays in American art for a long time.
- 2/18/2015
- Den of Geek
Paul Franklin is re-joining Shine Australia early next year in the newly-created role of director of content.
Starting in February, he will oversee part of Shine.s unscripted and scripted programming, working alongside director of programming Peter Newman.
Shine Australia has not yet specified how Franklin and Newman will divide responsibility for the company.s burgeoning slate. But it.s considered likely that Franklin will take charge of The Voice and The Voice: Kids, which had been overseen by Julie Ward, who confirmed in August she was departing as director of entertainment.
For the past two and a half years Franklin has served as executive VP, programming, for Shine America, where he helped launch the unscripted programming department.
As executive producer he oversaw a raft of shows including MasterChef and MasterChef Junior (Fox), The Biggest Loser (NBC), The Face (Oxygen), Tabatha Takes Over (Bravo), Minute To Win It (Gsn...
Starting in February, he will oversee part of Shine.s unscripted and scripted programming, working alongside director of programming Peter Newman.
Shine Australia has not yet specified how Franklin and Newman will divide responsibility for the company.s burgeoning slate. But it.s considered likely that Franklin will take charge of The Voice and The Voice: Kids, which had been overseen by Julie Ward, who confirmed in August she was departing as director of entertainment.
For the past two and a half years Franklin has served as executive VP, programming, for Shine America, where he helped launch the unscripted programming department.
As executive producer he oversaw a raft of shows including MasterChef and MasterChef Junior (Fox), The Biggest Loser (NBC), The Face (Oxygen), Tabatha Takes Over (Bravo), Minute To Win It (Gsn...
- 11/28/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Producer Peter Newman has wanted to get a Janis Joplin biopic together for quite a while now. For years it was at the top of his to-do list, but despite his efforts, actresses like Pink and Zoe Deschanel floated in and out of the project without it ever actually getting made. Things even got so bad that Newman gave up on the film for a while and pursued a career in academia; but two big developments have pulled him back into the world of film production and put this Joplin project back into development. The first is interest from director Sean Durkin, who made waves with a phenomenal first film last year, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and who has signed on to put this film together with a modest budget of $20 million. The second is the revelation that Newman had when he saw actress Nina Arianda give a Tony-winning performance in Venus in Furs. Newman...
- 7/11/2012
- by Nathan Adams
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Janis Joplin is getting the big screen treatment and will be brought to life through Tony Award winning actress Nina Arianda (she won for "Venus in Fur"). "Martha Marcy May Marlene" director Sean Durkin will helm the project, which is scheduled to begin in early 2013. Producer Peter Newman & co. have spent over a decade putting the project together and getting exclusive rights to twenty-one of the icon's most popular songs, which Arianda will sing herself. While Arianda is not as familliar as other well-known actresses that were attached at various stage -- most notably Amy Adams and Renee Zellweger -- Hollywood needs to stop treating that like a bad thing. If she has the voice like Newman says she does, Arianda's less familliar face (though some will remember her hilarious turn in "Midnight in Paris") will help channel Joplin more believably. Arianda certainly got fans from Broadway. Check out what...
- 7/10/2012
- by Sophia Savage
- Thompson on Hollywood
By Meg Malone
Exciting news today for Janis Joplin fans wishing to see the gravelly-voiced "Me and Bobby McGee" rocker grace the big-screen in her very own biopic.
According to a report by Deadline, Sean Durkin will direct "Joplin," with recent Tony-award winning actress Nina Arianda playing the titular singer. The film is set to primarily portray Joplin in the final months before her tragic overdose death at age 27, but will include flashbacks as well.
Durkin directed last year's well-received "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which screened at Sundance and helped launch actress Elizabeth Olsen into the limelight.
In June, Arianda won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Vanda in "Venus in Fur" and has had small parts in a few films. Arianda's performance in "Venus in Fur" was seen by Peter Newman, who is a producer on "Joplin." "I've never in my life...
Exciting news today for Janis Joplin fans wishing to see the gravelly-voiced "Me and Bobby McGee" rocker grace the big-screen in her very own biopic.
According to a report by Deadline, Sean Durkin will direct "Joplin," with recent Tony-award winning actress Nina Arianda playing the titular singer. The film is set to primarily portray Joplin in the final months before her tragic overdose death at age 27, but will include flashbacks as well.
Durkin directed last year's well-received "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which screened at Sundance and helped launch actress Elizabeth Olsen into the limelight.
In June, Arianda won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Vanda in "Venus in Fur" and has had small parts in a few films. Arianda's performance in "Venus in Fur" was seen by Peter Newman, who is a producer on "Joplin." "I've never in my life...
- 7/10/2012
- by MTV Movies Team
- MTV Movies Blog
After nearly everyone from Zooey Deschanel to Pink was considered for role of Janis Joplin, an actress has finally been found. Tony winner Nina Arianda will play the rock icon in "Joplin," reports Deadline.com. The biopic, which is being helmed by "Martha Marcy May Marlene" director Sean Durkin, will chronicle the last six months of the singer's life.
The $20 million production will contain "exclusive use of 21 of Joplin’s best-known songs," so fortunately, this production won't have to rely on the Beatles' catalog like the Jimi Hendrix biopic, "All Is By My Side." The producers are reportedly confident in Arianda's Broadway chops -- and they should be.
Only a few short years after receiving her Mfa from New York University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, the 27-year-old took home a Tony for her role as actress-seductress Vanda in the Off-Broadway play, "Venus in Fur." Arianda has also played...
The $20 million production will contain "exclusive use of 21 of Joplin’s best-known songs," so fortunately, this production won't have to rely on the Beatles' catalog like the Jimi Hendrix biopic, "All Is By My Side." The producers are reportedly confident in Arianda's Broadway chops -- and they should be.
Only a few short years after receiving her Mfa from New York University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, the 27-year-old took home a Tony for her role as actress-seductress Vanda in the Off-Broadway play, "Venus in Fur." Arianda has also played...
- 7/10/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Nina Arianda, who just won the Best Actress Tony for her work on the stage in "Venus In Fur", will make her screen debut as 1960's rock icon Janis Joplin in a new biopic about the singer reports Deadline.
"Martha Marcy May Marlene" director Sean Durkin will helm the sub-$20 million project which deals with the final six months of the singer’s life with flashbacks to her early career.
Arianda will sing Joplin’s tunes in the film and Peter Newman will produce with shooting to kick off early next year.
"Martha Marcy May Marlene" director Sean Durkin will helm the sub-$20 million project which deals with the final six months of the singer’s life with flashbacks to her early career.
Arianda will sing Joplin’s tunes in the film and Peter Newman will produce with shooting to kick off early next year.
- 7/10/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Nina Arianda will play rock icon Janis Joplin in a biopic from Martha Marcy May Marlene director Sean Durkin. Arianda, who won a Tony earlier this year for her role in Venus in Fur, is to take on the lead role in Joplin, reports Deadline. The actress's previous film credits include Win Win, Midnight in Paris and Tower Heist. Arianda will perform Joplin's songs herself in the movie, which focuses on the last six months of the singer's life and flashes back to her early career. Producer Peter Newman said of Arianda's (more)...
- 7/10/2012
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
A troubled, misguided woman gets caught up with unruly sorts and squanders all her potential. Is that the plot of Martha Marcy May Marlene, or the story of Janis Joplin?
You might think it’s weird for Sean Durkin to follow-up his acclaimed and incisive indie with a biopic of the iconic ’60s rock singer — but, yeah, the connections are there. Deadline reports that he’s zeroing in on Joplin, which focuses on the singer-songwriter’s last days and, of course, tragic heroin overdose. Nina Arianda — film-wise, best known for Midnight in Paris, but who also just won a Tony for Venus in Fur — will make the film her first onscreen starring role.
When talking to Deadline, producer Peter Newman said that very performance convinced everyone she was the right choice; it, apparently, displayed “the duality of vulnerability with overheated sexuality” he feels exemplified the singer-songwriter. It’s a pretty...
You might think it’s weird for Sean Durkin to follow-up his acclaimed and incisive indie with a biopic of the iconic ’60s rock singer — but, yeah, the connections are there. Deadline reports that he’s zeroing in on Joplin, which focuses on the singer-songwriter’s last days and, of course, tragic heroin overdose. Nina Arianda — film-wise, best known for Midnight in Paris, but who also just won a Tony for Venus in Fur — will make the film her first onscreen starring role.
When talking to Deadline, producer Peter Newman said that very performance convinced everyone she was the right choice; it, apparently, displayed “the duality of vulnerability with overheated sexuality” he feels exemplified the singer-songwriter. It’s a pretty...
- 7/10/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: After recently winning the Tony for best actress in a play for Venus In Fur, Nina Arianda will make her screen-starring debut playing 1960s rock icon Janis Joplin. Joplin, a film that looks back on the final six months of the singer’s life with flashbacks to her early career, will be directed by Sean Durkin, whose feature debut Martha Marcy May Marlene won him a slew of festival acclaim including Best Director at Sundance. Joplin will be made for a budget under $20 million, with production to start early next year, said producer Peter Newman, who with his partners have spent the last 12 years trying to put an indie film together with rights that include exclusive use of 21 of Joplin’s best-known songs. He said Arianda will sing Joplin’s tunes in the film, and that she has the chops to do justice to Joplin’s signature gritty sound.
- 7/9/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
With her troubled life and influential rock career, there are already at least two biopics about Janis Joplin bubbling away in the giant Hollywood development vats. Now one of them has switched out both its director and leading lady, with Martha Marcy May Marlene director Sean Durkin planning to put theatre star Nina Arianda onscreen in Joplin. According to Deadline, the film will chronicle the final six months of Joplin’s life before her death from a heroin overdose at the shockingly early age of 27 in 1970. But there will also be flashbacks to her earlier days.The real powerhouse behind this one is producer Peter Newman, who has been struggling for 12 years to get the project up and running. He has several key elements helping his case, including the exclusive rights to 21 of Joplin’s best-loved songs, letters from the singer that were published by her sister Laura, and David Dalton...
- 7/9/2012
- EmpireOnline
Peter Newman, the man behind Sbs hit show Go Back To Where You Came From, has joined News Corp-affiliated production company Shine Australia.
He joins as creative director from Wtfn, a production house he joined from Sbs less then six months ago.
At Wtfn, Newman was behind Ten’s new Amanda Keller-hosted lifestyle and entertainment show The Living Room.
Newman will be responsible for all unscripted content including MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.
Shine Network and CEO of Shine Australia Mark Fennessy said: “Peter is universally respected as a gifted content creator and program maker. He’s an exceptional talent and we’re excited to welcome him to Shine.”
Newman will report to Shine MD Matt Campbell.
Before moving to Australia four years ago, Newman was head of development at UK production house Outline Productions. He has also worked for BBC Sport on broadcast events such as The Olympics,...
He joins as creative director from Wtfn, a production house he joined from Sbs less then six months ago.
At Wtfn, Newman was behind Ten’s new Amanda Keller-hosted lifestyle and entertainment show The Living Room.
Newman will be responsible for all unscripted content including MasterChef and The Biggest Loser.
Shine Network and CEO of Shine Australia Mark Fennessy said: “Peter is universally respected as a gifted content creator and program maker. He’s an exceptional talent and we’re excited to welcome him to Shine.”
Newman will report to Shine MD Matt Campbell.
Before moving to Australia four years ago, Newman was head of development at UK production house Outline Productions. He has also worked for BBC Sport on broadcast events such as The Olympics,...
- 3/6/2012
- by Robin Hicks
- Encore Magazine
Beware of the evil temptress that is Pam (Amber Nash) because she is such a great lay that you will forget about all of your responsibilities. But then again, we’re talking about Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) here.
Who knew a night of Green Russians and strip clubs–the only way to grieve–after a co-worker’s wake–would lead to a hot, steamy sex, which Archer claims to be the best he’s ever had? Considering the conquests he’s had over the years, including Lana (Aisha Tyler), that was a bold statement; so when he opened his door to find Pam sitting on the toilet making bread, well that’s the kind of horrifying reveal that lets you know this was going to be a memorable episode.
The hook-ups on Archer rarely ever surprise (at this point), but this is one of those rare times when it shocked you at first,...
Who knew a night of Green Russians and strip clubs–the only way to grieve–after a co-worker’s wake–would lead to a hot, steamy sex, which Archer claims to be the best he’s ever had? Considering the conquests he’s had over the years, including Lana (Aisha Tyler), that was a bold statement; so when he opened his door to find Pam sitting on the toilet making bread, well that’s the kind of horrifying reveal that lets you know this was going to be a memorable episode.
The hook-ups on Archer rarely ever surprise (at this point), but this is one of those rare times when it shocked you at first,...
- 3/2/2012
- by Ernie Estrella
- BuzzFocus.com
Following the success of ThunderCats, Rankin/Bass released another animated series called SilverHawks. In this show, bionic policeman Commander Stargazer recruits the SilverHawks, a team of heroes who are "partly metal, partly real." They fight the evil Mon*Star, an escaped alien mob boss who transforms into an enormous armor-plated creature.
SilverHawks ran for 65 episodes in first-run syndication in 1986. The voice cast features many of the same talents who starred in ThunderCats. The cast includes Peter Newman, Adolph Caesar, Earl Hammond, Bob McFadden, Maggie Wheeler, Doug Preis, Peter Newman, and Larry Kenney.
The second and final volume of the animated series has just been released as part of a four DVD set. You can purchase all 33 episodes in SilverHawks: Season 1, Volume 2 or you can try to win a copy here. To enter, you need to merely post a comment below. You can...
SilverHawks ran for 65 episodes in first-run syndication in 1986. The voice cast features many of the same talents who starred in ThunderCats. The cast includes Peter Newman, Adolph Caesar, Earl Hammond, Bob McFadden, Maggie Wheeler, Doug Preis, Peter Newman, and Larry Kenney.
The second and final volume of the animated series has just been released as part of a four DVD set. You can purchase all 33 episodes in SilverHawks: Season 1, Volume 2 or you can try to win a copy here. To enter, you need to merely post a comment below. You can...
- 11/7/2011
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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.