Filmmakers and executives, creatives of music, theater and art remembered Tom Luddy as friend and mentor, tastemaker and cultural force who deployed an astonishingly vast network to nurture talent and bring people and projects together over decades.
The co-founder of the Telluride Film Festival passed away in February.
“I am thinking of getting a tattoo of you on my arm,” said Irish director Mark Cousins at tribute event at the Paris Theatre over the weekend. “Here is Hitchcock on my arm, and here is and Kira Muratova. Maybe you would fit between the two?” He added, “For the rest of my life, I will see partly through your eyes. I miss you and I love you.”
“Tom Luddy was a constant presence. The sun around which so many of us have revolved,” said Ken Burns. The two met when Burns screened Huey Long at Telluride in 1985. “For the next 35-plus years,...
The co-founder of the Telluride Film Festival passed away in February.
“I am thinking of getting a tattoo of you on my arm,” said Irish director Mark Cousins at tribute event at the Paris Theatre over the weekend. “Here is Hitchcock on my arm, and here is and Kira Muratova. Maybe you would fit between the two?” He added, “For the rest of my life, I will see partly through your eyes. I miss you and I love you.”
“Tom Luddy was a constant presence. The sun around which so many of us have revolved,” said Ken Burns. The two met when Burns screened Huey Long at Telluride in 1985. “For the next 35-plus years,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Luddy wasn’t famous exactly. But he had a huge impact on film culture via Uc Berkeley’s Pacific Film Archive in the ’60s and the Telluride Film Festival in the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and up to his death in February at age 79. And while he was based in the Bay Area, a theater full of Luddy-philes from both coasts turned up for his tribute at New York’s packed Paris Theater on April 15. They represented the cross-cultural network that Luddy created over decades of introducing people, sharing his favorite film gems, and luring folks to Telluride by inviting their films or bringing them in as guest directors (like Stephen Sondheim or Salman Rushdie) or tributees (like Athol Fugard or Michael Powell). Once they came, they usually came back.
Five of the stalwarts in the Luddy family, who have supported the festival on the Telluride board of directors and in other ways,...
Five of the stalwarts in the Luddy family, who have supported the festival on the Telluride board of directors and in other ways,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Sideshow and Janus Films have bought North American rights for “Orlando, My Political Biography,” Paul B. Preciado’s film which won four awards at the Berlinale.
In “Orlando, My Political Biography,” Preciado sheds light on Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” the first novel in which the main character changes sex in the middle of the story. A century later, Preciado, who is a trans writer and activist, decides to send a film letter to Woolf, telling her that Orlando has come out of her fiction and is living a life she could have never imagined. Preciado organizes a casting and gathers 26 contemporary trans and non-binary people, from 8 to 70 years old, who embody Orlando.
The film was produced by Les Films du Poisson’s Yaël Fogiel and Laetitia Gonzalez and co-produced by 24images’ Annie Ohayon and Farid Rezkallah and Arte.
“Orlando, My Political Biography” world premiered in the Berlinale Encounters section and...
In “Orlando, My Political Biography,” Preciado sheds light on Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando,” the first novel in which the main character changes sex in the middle of the story. A century later, Preciado, who is a trans writer and activist, decides to send a film letter to Woolf, telling her that Orlando has come out of her fiction and is living a life she could have never imagined. Preciado organizes a casting and gathers 26 contemporary trans and non-binary people, from 8 to 70 years old, who embody Orlando.
The film was produced by Les Films du Poisson’s Yaël Fogiel and Laetitia Gonzalez and co-produced by 24images’ Annie Ohayon and Farid Rezkallah and Arte.
“Orlando, My Political Biography” world premiered in the Berlinale Encounters section and...
- 3/7/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
“The donkey is cute, but this is not a Disney movie,” said Jonathan Sehring, the former IFC Films head whose young distribution outlet Sideshow, with Janus Films, presents Jerzy Skolimowski’s Cannes Jury Prize winning Eo at two NYC theaters this weekend. “We launched Sideshow for great movies that would otherwise get overlooked to give them the best release that they can possibly get,” he told Deadline.
Eo hits the big screen a year after the partners opened Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car, tenderly leading the three hour-long Japanese film about a bereft theater director overseeing a production of Uncle Vanya through a decorated awards season expansion that garnered four Oscar nominations, a win for Best International Feature and some solid box office coin.
“It’s not something we invented. It was a very traditional platform release for, what we hoped when we acquired it, would be a critically acclaimed film.
Eo hits the big screen a year after the partners opened Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car, tenderly leading the three hour-long Japanese film about a bereft theater director overseeing a production of Uncle Vanya through a decorated awards season expansion that garnered four Oscar nominations, a win for Best International Feature and some solid box office coin.
“It’s not something we invented. It was a very traditional platform release for, what we hoped when we acquired it, would be a critically acclaimed film.
- 11/18/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Criterion laid off 20 of its staff on Wednesday, citing a “reorganization” of the company.
Sixteen out of more than 80 employees were dismissed from the home-video distribution and streaming service, according to Criterion president Peter Becker, who said the layoffs were prompted by new “challenges and opportunities” the company faces.
“Yesterday was a sad day at Criterion,” Becker told Indiewire via email of the Sept. 19 layoffs. “We had to part ways with a number of staffers across several departments as part of a reorganization intended to prepare the company for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, which are markedly different from the ones we had built ourselves up to address in the past.”
Also Read:
What’s New on DVD/Blu-ray in October: ‘Nope,’ ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies,’ ‘Dr. Jekyll’ Uncensored and More Halloween Fare
Becker did not clarify which departments were affected, but said no further changes were in the works.
Sixteen out of more than 80 employees were dismissed from the home-video distribution and streaming service, according to Criterion president Peter Becker, who said the layoffs were prompted by new “challenges and opportunities” the company faces.
“Yesterday was a sad day at Criterion,” Becker told Indiewire via email of the Sept. 19 layoffs. “We had to part ways with a number of staffers across several departments as part of a reorganization intended to prepare the company for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, which are markedly different from the ones we had built ourselves up to address in the past.”
Also Read:
What’s New on DVD/Blu-ray in October: ‘Nope,’ ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies,’ ‘Dr. Jekyll’ Uncensored and More Halloween Fare
Becker did not clarify which departments were affected, but said no further changes were in the works.
- 10/21/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Criterion has let go a number of staffers in a “reorganization” of the company that took place on Wednesday, October 19.
Criterion Collection President Peter Becker told IndieWire that the layoffs affected several departments — and about 20 percent of the company, with 16 employees laid off from a staff of over 80.
“Yesterday was a sad day at Criterion,” Becker said via email. “We had to part ways with a number of staffers across several departments as part of a reorganization intended to prepare the company for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, which are markedly different from the ones we had built ourselves up to address in the past.”
He added that there were no further staff changes planned. “We spoke personally with everyone impacted to express the company’s respect and our gratitude for their work, of which we all remain very proud,” he said.
Criterion representatives declined to comment further...
Criterion Collection President Peter Becker told IndieWire that the layoffs affected several departments — and about 20 percent of the company, with 16 employees laid off from a staff of over 80.
“Yesterday was a sad day at Criterion,” Becker said via email. “We had to part ways with a number of staffers across several departments as part of a reorganization intended to prepare the company for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, which are markedly different from the ones we had built ourselves up to address in the past.”
He added that there were no further staff changes planned. “We spoke personally with everyone impacted to express the company’s respect and our gratitude for their work, of which we all remain very proud,” he said.
Criterion representatives declined to comment further...
- 10/20/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson and Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
As Drive My Car sped from a best screenplay win and stellar reviews at Cannes to four Oscar nominations, distributor credits for the three-hour Japanese drama went to Sideshow/Janus Films – the former a little known new venture from Jonathan Sehring.
The longtime head of IFC Films said he launched Sideshow with “a group of friends.” Drive is its first project. Other are coming but “nothing we are ready to talk about yet.” The friends include Jonathan Turell and Peter Becker, partners in Janus Films. Turell is also CEO and Becker president of The Criterion Collection, a separate company that shares a leadership team and frequently works in concert with Janus. Their fathers, the late William Becker and Saul Turell, acquired Janus Films in 1965 and, Sehring said, gave him his first job out of college. “I worked for their dads. It’s almost like family to me,...
The longtime head of IFC Films said he launched Sideshow with “a group of friends.” Drive is its first project. Other are coming but “nothing we are ready to talk about yet.” The friends include Jonathan Turell and Peter Becker, partners in Janus Films. Turell is also CEO and Becker president of The Criterion Collection, a separate company that shares a leadership team and frequently works in concert with Janus. Their fathers, the late William Becker and Saul Turell, acquired Janus Films in 1965 and, Sehring said, gave him his first job out of college. “I worked for their dads. It’s almost like family to me,...
- 2/27/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Janus Films’ Peter Becker talks film’s theatrical roll-out.
Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Oscar-nominated Drive My Car has grossed more than $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the fllm’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session after the Oscar nominations were announced.
Drive My Car, which is nominated for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay, grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total. Janus plans...
Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Oscar-nominated Drive My Car has grossed more than $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the fllm’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session after the Oscar nominations were announced.
Drive My Car, which is nominated for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay, grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total. Janus plans...
- 2/14/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Janus Films’ Peter Becker talks film’s theatrical roll-out.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Japanese multiple Oscar nominee Drive My Car has crossed $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the three-hour drama’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session after the Oscar nominations were announced.
The contender for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total. Janus plans a larger expansion in...
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Japanese multiple Oscar nominee Drive My Car has crossed $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the three-hour drama’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session after the Oscar nominations were announced.
The contender for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total. Janus plans a larger expansion in...
- 2/14/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Janus Films’ Peter Becker talks film’s theatrical roll-out.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s multiple Oscar nominee Drive My Car has crossed $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the three-hour drama’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session after the Oscar nominations were announced.
The contender for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total. Janus plans a larger expansion in the...
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s multiple Oscar nominee Drive My Car has crossed $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the three-hour drama’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session after the Oscar nominations were announced.
The contender for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total. Janus plans a larger expansion in the...
- 2/14/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Janus Films’ Peter Becker talks film’s theatrical roll-out.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s multiple Oscar nominee Drive My Car has crossed $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the three-hour drama’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session following the Oscar nominations.
The contender for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total and Janus plans a larger expansion in the next...
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s multiple Oscar nominee Drive My Car has crossed $1m at the US box office and will debut on HBO Max on March 2 following an acquisition by WarnerMedia OneFifty.
Janus Films, the three-hour drama’s US theatrical distributor, launched Drive My Car exclusively in cinemas on November 24 and expanded the theatre count from 115 to 127 over the February 11-13 session following the Oscar nominations.
The contender for best picture, director, international feature and adapted screenplay grossed $192,949 for a $1.2m running total and Janus plans a larger expansion in the next...
- 2/14/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Janus Films has acquired North American rights to the documentary Faya Dayi, the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Jessica Beshir.
Janus is planning a theatrical release later in 2021 for the film, which premiered in January in World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The Mexican-Ethiopian Beshir returned to Harar, Ethiopia, where she had lived as a child, to make her documentary. It explores the generations, young and old, who cultivate khat, a flowering plant chewed as a stimulant that has vital cultural and economic impact on Ethiopia.
“Faya Dayi took our breath away,” commented Peter Becker, Janus partner and president of Criterion. “Jessica Beshir’s commanding love letter to Ethiopia is both a meticulously observed exploration of the economic, social, and psychological impact of the khat trade on her country, and shot for shot, one of the most gorgeously cinematic films we’ve ever seen.”
Becker continued,...
Janus is planning a theatrical release later in 2021 for the film, which premiered in January in World Cinema Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The Mexican-Ethiopian Beshir returned to Harar, Ethiopia, where she had lived as a child, to make her documentary. It explores the generations, young and old, who cultivate khat, a flowering plant chewed as a stimulant that has vital cultural and economic impact on Ethiopia.
“Faya Dayi took our breath away,” commented Peter Becker, Janus partner and president of Criterion. “Jessica Beshir’s commanding love letter to Ethiopia is both a meticulously observed exploration of the economic, social, and psychological impact of the khat trade on her country, and shot for shot, one of the most gorgeously cinematic films we’ve ever seen.”
Becker continued,...
- 4/6/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
If you’re a reader of our website, you are likely familiar with The Criterion Collection. Every month, like clockwork, we tend to highlight the additions to the coveted library of cinema titles that many film fans deem is the one-stop-shop for a true film education. That being said, as decades pass, another thing has become readily apparent, The Criterion Collection is far from complete and sadly not even close to diverse. And the man behind Criterion, Peter Becker, admits as much in a New York Times piece about the library’s startling lack of films from Black filmmakers.
Continue reading Criterion Comes Under Fire For Small Number Of Films From Black Filmmakers at The Playlist.
Continue reading Criterion Comes Under Fire For Small Number Of Films From Black Filmmakers at The Playlist.
- 8/21/2020
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
The Criterion Collection on Thursday joined the wave of industry supporters who’ve come out in the past week to help fight systemic racism, and help advocate for police reform and support protesters across America. From A24 to Bad Robot, film’s leading voices are stepping up in response to current events. In an email from Criterion president Peter Becker and CEO Jonathan Turell, the company announced a $25,000 initial contribution, followed by an ongoing $5,000 monthly commitment for organizations supporting Black Lives Matter.
But Criterion also announced that it’s lifting the paywall on select titles from Black filmmakers, and white filmmakers who’ve captured the Black experience through documentary, so that audiences at home can stream them for free, with no need for a subscription.
Titles streaming for free on Criterion Channel include Julie Dash’s “Daughters of the Dust,” Maya Angelou’s “Down in the Delta,” Shirley Clarke’s “Portrait of Jason,...
But Criterion also announced that it’s lifting the paywall on select titles from Black filmmakers, and white filmmakers who’ve captured the Black experience through documentary, so that audiences at home can stream them for free, with no need for a subscription.
Titles streaming for free on Criterion Channel include Julie Dash’s “Daughters of the Dust,” Maya Angelou’s “Down in the Delta,” Shirley Clarke’s “Portrait of Jason,...
- 6/4/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Over the past several days, we’ve seen a number of big companies respond to the death of George Floyd and the continued protests that have occurred all over the country in response to yet another unarmed Black person being killed by a police officer. And now, Criterion has joined the discussion.
Criterion President Peter Becker and CEO Jonathan Turell recently penned a statement to the film community about the steps the company is taking to help support the Black Lives Matter movement, along with the various other organizations that are fighting against systemic racism.
Continue reading Criterion Channel Makes A Number Of Films From Black Filmmakers Available For Free & Establishes Fund To Help Fight Racism at The Playlist.
Criterion President Peter Becker and CEO Jonathan Turell recently penned a statement to the film community about the steps the company is taking to help support the Black Lives Matter movement, along with the various other organizations that are fighting against systemic racism.
Continue reading Criterion Channel Makes A Number Of Films From Black Filmmakers Available For Free & Establishes Fund To Help Fight Racism at The Playlist.
- 6/4/2020
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Lyon, France — Germany’s film heritage sector is celebrating a new federal and state-funded initiative launching in January that will provide €10 million ($11.15 million) a year towards the digitization and preservation of feature films.
Rainer Rother, the artistic director of the Deutsche Kinemathek, outlined the plan at a panel discussion at the Lumière Festival’s International Classic Film Market (Mifc) in Lyon, France, as part of this year’s focus on Germany and the country’s heritage sector.
Rother, who also serves as head of the Berlin Film Festival’s Retrospective sidebar, said the initiative, which is overseen by the German Federal Film Board (Ffa), would initially run for 10 years and was based on three criteria: Exploitation interest from rights holders, such as producers or distributors; curatorial interest from film heritage institutions or film festivals; and preservation necessity in the case of damaged film material.
The new digitization support is limited to €40,000 per film.
Rainer Rother, the artistic director of the Deutsche Kinemathek, outlined the plan at a panel discussion at the Lumière Festival’s International Classic Film Market (Mifc) in Lyon, France, as part of this year’s focus on Germany and the country’s heritage sector.
Rother, who also serves as head of the Berlin Film Festival’s Retrospective sidebar, said the initiative, which is overseen by the German Federal Film Board (Ffa), would initially run for 10 years and was based on three criteria: Exploitation interest from rights holders, such as producers or distributors; curatorial interest from film heritage institutions or film festivals; and preservation necessity in the case of damaged film material.
The new digitization support is limited to €40,000 per film.
- 10/19/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Lyon, France — The Lumière Festival’s International Classic Film Market (Mifc) kicked off on Tuesday in Lyon, France, with a keynote address by Criterion Collection President Peter Becker.
The exec discussed the company’s storied history and evolution over the decades into a leading publisher of classic and contemporary films from around the world in high-quality editions and award-winning, original supplements.
Making his devotion to film culture clearly evident, Becker noted that Criterion’s focus was squarely on its films and less on the company itself.
“I never do this. We never come out and talk about Criterion. This is very rare. We did this for [Lumière Festival Director] Thierry Frémaux. … Everybody wants to see the movies. We let the movies carry the brand into the market place, so we don’t talk about the company very much.”
This year the group launched the Criterion Channel, a streaming library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films,...
The exec discussed the company’s storied history and evolution over the decades into a leading publisher of classic and contemporary films from around the world in high-quality editions and award-winning, original supplements.
Making his devotion to film culture clearly evident, Becker noted that Criterion’s focus was squarely on its films and less on the company itself.
“I never do this. We never come out and talk about Criterion. This is very rare. We did this for [Lumière Festival Director] Thierry Frémaux. … Everybody wants to see the movies. We let the movies carry the brand into the market place, so we don’t talk about the company very much.”
This year the group launched the Criterion Channel, a streaming library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films,...
- 10/16/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
The 7th Lumière Film Festival’s International Classic Film Market (Mifc) is expanding its international scope this year with more foreign companies than ever before taking part in the event, high-profile guests and an examination of Germany’s heritage cinema sector.
With 17 international firms from 25 countries at the event, the Mifc has reported a 20% increase over 2018 – so far the most international companies to ever to attend the market, according to Mifc project manager Gérald Duchaussoy.
Organizers have worked hard over the years to attract more international exhibitors, distributors, DVD/Blu-ray publishers, producers and other film professionals to the market, which examines the global prospects for heritage film in theatrical exhibition, video, TV and Svod.
Criterion Collection CEO Peter Becker opens this year’s Mifc on Tuesday, Oct. 15, with the event’s traditional Keynote of the Great Witness address. Criterion Collection’s distribution, DVD/Blu-ray publishing business and its recently launched...
With 17 international firms from 25 countries at the event, the Mifc has reported a 20% increase over 2018 – so far the most international companies to ever to attend the market, according to Mifc project manager Gérald Duchaussoy.
Organizers have worked hard over the years to attract more international exhibitors, distributors, DVD/Blu-ray publishers, producers and other film professionals to the market, which examines the global prospects for heritage film in theatrical exhibition, video, TV and Svod.
Criterion Collection CEO Peter Becker opens this year’s Mifc on Tuesday, Oct. 15, with the event’s traditional Keynote of the Great Witness address. Criterion Collection’s distribution, DVD/Blu-ray publishing business and its recently launched...
- 10/14/2019
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
“Women Make Film” has scored a clean sweep of deals for North America, with buyers taking theatrical, streaming and TV rights to Mark Cousins’ 14-hour opus about female filmmakers. Turner Classic Movies has snagged linear TV, the Criterion Collection has taken the first streaming window and Cohen Media has taken theatrical and ancillary rights to the Tilda Swinton exec-produced feature documentary.
Cousins wrote and directed “Women Make Film.” It spans 13 decades and five continents using almost a thousand film extracts to give a guided tour of the art and craft of movies as told by female filmmakers. The full story is told over 14 hours, but it is split into segments that can be watched as stand-alone pieces. The narrators include Adjoa Andoh, Kerry Fox, Jane Fonda, Thandie Newton, Tilda Swinton, Sharmila Tagore and Debra Winger.
“Women Make Film” is playing at Toronto in the Tiff Docs section. U.K.-based...
Cousins wrote and directed “Women Make Film.” It spans 13 decades and five continents using almost a thousand film extracts to give a guided tour of the art and craft of movies as told by female filmmakers. The full story is told over 14 hours, but it is split into segments that can be watched as stand-alone pieces. The narrators include Adjoa Andoh, Kerry Fox, Jane Fonda, Thandie Newton, Tilda Swinton, Sharmila Tagore and Debra Winger.
“Women Make Film” is playing at Toronto in the Tiff Docs section. U.K.-based...
- 9/8/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
The Criterion Collection has announced its July titles, with Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Brd Trilogy — “The Marriage of Maria Braun,” “Veronika Voss,” and “Lola” — leading the new additions. Also joining the Collection are Agniezka Holland’s “Europa Europa,” Alan J. Pakula’s “Klute,” Marcel Pagnol’s “The Baker’s Wife,” and Michael Radford’s adaptation of “1984,” with Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” getting upgraded from DVD to Blu-ray.
The news comes just a week after Criterion’s streaming service, the aptly named Criterion Channel, went live in the wake of FilmStruck’s closure late last year. “These audiences do need hubs,” the company’s president, Peter Becker, told IndieWire last week.
“If you’re lucky enough to live in a city like New York, which has hubs like the Film Forum and the Metrograph and Lincoln Center, then you actually have living, breathing, every-night film culture with great...
The news comes just a week after Criterion’s streaming service, the aptly named Criterion Channel, went live in the wake of FilmStruck’s closure late last year. “These audiences do need hubs,” the company’s president, Peter Becker, told IndieWire last week.
“If you’re lucky enough to live in a city like New York, which has hubs like the Film Forum and the Metrograph and Lincoln Center, then you actually have living, breathing, every-night film culture with great...
- 4/15/2019
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
The cinematic treasure trove that is The Criterion Channel launched yesterday, providing access to over 1,000 films from Criterion and Janus Films, along with gems from other studios of films both new and old. While one can browse their homepage–full of well-curated collections and detailed special features–the only other way to find titles is searching by keywords, year, or genre.
Many questioned if they would be adding an A-z list to browse all films, but we haven’t got official word yet if that feature will be available. Thankfully, some tech-savvy cinephiles took it into their own hands and we now have a number of ways to view a full list of titles, which we’ll detail below.
The Criterion Channel’s Official List
Update: The Criterion Channel has now launched their own official list of all films available on their service. At the moment, there’s no one-click...
Many questioned if they would be adding an A-z list to browse all films, but we haven’t got official word yet if that feature will be available. Thankfully, some tech-savvy cinephiles took it into their own hands and we now have a number of ways to view a full list of titles, which we’ll detail below.
The Criterion Channel’s Official List
Update: The Criterion Channel has now launched their own official list of all films available on their service. At the moment, there’s no one-click...
- 4/10/2019
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Criterion Collection president Peter Becker knew FilmStruck’s death was imminent, weeks in advance of news reports late last October. And long before industry luminaries ranging from Martin Scorsese to Bill Hader sent up flares to save the Turner Classic Movies streaming platform, Becker and his peers had a contingency plan to save FilmStruck’s Criterion Channel.
“Our question wasn’t, ‘What other big service are we turning to?’” said Becker in an interview from Criterion’s Park Avenue offices. “Our first question was, ‘Is it time to start our own channel?’”
By mid-November, the company announced plans for a freestanding streaming service that would launch in spring 2019. The Criterion Channel, now available to subscribers on nearly every major platform for $10.99 a month or $99.99 a year, hit that deadline with ease. When the Criterion Channel went live April 8, it meant that 1,634 films from one of the world’s most-revered film...
“Our question wasn’t, ‘What other big service are we turning to?’” said Becker in an interview from Criterion’s Park Avenue offices. “Our first question was, ‘Is it time to start our own channel?’”
By mid-November, the company announced plans for a freestanding streaming service that would launch in spring 2019. The Criterion Channel, now available to subscribers on nearly every major platform for $10.99 a month or $99.99 a year, hit that deadline with ease. When the Criterion Channel went live April 8, it meant that 1,634 films from one of the world’s most-revered film...
- 4/8/2019
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
In a strikingly quick turnaround by the standards of subscription streaming, the Criterion Channel officially launched today, just a few months after the late, lamented FilmStruck went dark.
Deadline spoke with Criterion Collection president Peter Becker about the relaunch, but before we get to the conversation, here is a brief recap. WarnerMedia has been reassessing its overall streaming portfolio under At&T’s ownership and preparing a major subscription service for launch later this year. In that context, it decided last fall to unplug FilmStruck. The collaboration between Turner Classic Movies and Criterion was a niche service, but among its most ardent fans were numerous A-list filmmakers and other Hollywood notables, who voiced their frustration in open letters. Amid the outcry, Criterion and WarnerMedia negotiated new deals for films and other programming on FilmStruck to be made available through the new Criterion Channel. The service costs $10.99 per month or $99.99 a year...
Deadline spoke with Criterion Collection president Peter Becker about the relaunch, but before we get to the conversation, here is a brief recap. WarnerMedia has been reassessing its overall streaming portfolio under At&T’s ownership and preparing a major subscription service for launch later this year. In that context, it decided last fall to unplug FilmStruck. The collaboration between Turner Classic Movies and Criterion was a niche service, but among its most ardent fans were numerous A-list filmmakers and other Hollywood notables, who voiced their frustration in open letters. Amid the outcry, Criterion and WarnerMedia negotiated new deals for films and other programming on FilmStruck to be made available through the new Criterion Channel. The service costs $10.99 per month or $99.99 a year...
- 4/8/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Criterion Channel launches Monday, replacing that void left in cinephile hearts everywhere after the shuttering of FilmStruck just four months ago.
Subscribers can expect very little difference on the new service that wasn’t previously available on the Criterion Collection’s home at FilmStruck.
The service’s core, permanent library available on launch day is the over 1,000 movies, 350 shorts and 3500 supplemental materials that make up the Janus Film library. These are the classic arthouse films that for decades have been a mainstay in DVD restorations as part of the Criterion Collection.
Also Read: Why the New Criterion Channel Streaming Service Won't Be a 'Netflix Killer'
Criterion President Peter Becker referred to The Criterion Channel as “an art house at your house,” adding that the library is made up of the “last name” filmmakers that any movie buff should know well: (Michelangelo) Antonioni, (Jean-Luc) Godard, (François) Truffaut, (Akira) Kurosawa,...
Subscribers can expect very little difference on the new service that wasn’t previously available on the Criterion Collection’s home at FilmStruck.
The service’s core, permanent library available on launch day is the over 1,000 movies, 350 shorts and 3500 supplemental materials that make up the Janus Film library. These are the classic arthouse films that for decades have been a mainstay in DVD restorations as part of the Criterion Collection.
Also Read: Why the New Criterion Channel Streaming Service Won't Be a 'Netflix Killer'
Criterion President Peter Becker referred to The Criterion Channel as “an art house at your house,” adding that the library is made up of the “last name” filmmakers that any movie buff should know well: (Michelangelo) Antonioni, (Jean-Luc) Godard, (François) Truffaut, (Akira) Kurosawa,...
- 4/8/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
It has been nearly seven — seven — years in the making. While The Tree of Life‘s theatrical release was expanding, rumor emerged that Terrence Malick had been fashioning a very long cut that “would mostly focus on the middle portion of the film where we follow Jack (Hunter McCracken) as he grows up in 1950s Texas under the guidance of Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain’s characters.” Somewhere between five and six films later, Malick is bringing it home: Criterion’s Peter Becker revealed to Variety that a 179-minute alternate take — not a director’s cut, but “a fresh view of the film that has a different rhythm and a different balance” — is coming to home video later this year, its focus “primarily on the lives of the O’Brien family and the backstory of Jack (Sean Penn).”
Giving credence to those old rumors is the fact that Becker’s...
Giving credence to those old rumors is the fact that Becker’s...
- 5/11/2018
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
The Academy has announced the new class of invited members for 2014 and, as is typical, many of which are among last year's nominees, which includes Barkhad Abdi, Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Lupita Nyong'o and June Squibb in the Actors branch not to mention curious additions such as Josh Hutcherson, Rob Riggle and Jason Statham, but, okay. The Directors branch adds Jay and Mark Duplass along with Jean-Marc Vallee, Denis Villeneuve and Thomas Vinterberg. I didn't do an immediate tally of male to female additions or other demographics, but at first glance it seems to be a wide spread batch of new additions on all fronts. The Academy is also clearly attempting to aggressively bump up the demographics as this is the second year in a row where they have added a large number of new members, well over the average of 133 new members from 2004 to 2012. As far as...
- 6/26/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 271 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2014.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2014 invitees are:
Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,...
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2014.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2014 invitees are:
Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,...
- 6/26/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave were two of the 271 artists and industry leaders invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which determines nominations and winners at the annual Oscars. The entire list of Academy membership—which numbers about 6,000—isn’t public information so the annual invitation list is often the best indication of the artists involved in the prestigious awards process. It’s worth noting that invitations need to be accepted in order for artists to become members; some artists, like two-time Best Actor winner Sean Penn, have declined membership over the years.
- 6/26/2014
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
Pop quiz: What do Chris Rock, Claire Denis, Eddie Vedder and Josh Hutcherson all have in common? Answer: They could all be Oscar voters very soon. The annual Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences invitation list always makes for interesting reading, shedding light on just how large and far-reaching the group's membership is -- or could be, depending on who accepts their invitations. This year, 271 individuals have been asked to join AMPAS, meaning every one of them could contribute to next year's Academy Awards balloting -- and it's as diverse a list as they've ever assembled. Think the Academy consists entirely of fusty retired white dudes? Not if recent Best Original Song nominee Pharrell Williams takes them up on their offer. Think it's all just a Hollywood insiders' game? Not if French arthouse titans Chantal Akerman and Olivier Assayas join the party. It's a list that subverts expectation at every turn.
- 6/26/2014
- by Guy Lodge
- Hitfix
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