Netflix on Wednesday unveiled the voice cast of CG animated feature film That Christmas from Locksmith Animation (Ron’s Gone Wrong) and director Simon Otto’s (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy). The movie will star Brian Cox as Santa, Fiona Shaw as Ms. Trapper, Jodie Whittaker as Mrs. Williams, and Bill Nighy as Bill.
They are the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The film will debut on Netflix later this year.
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series (The Empty Stocking, Snow Day and That Christmas) written by BAFTA Award-winning and Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday). “A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’ first animation project as well as the directorial debut for animation veteran Otto,” Netflix said.
The film also stars Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen,...
They are the residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The film will debut on Netflix later this year.
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series (The Empty Stocking, Snow Day and That Christmas) written by BAFTA Award-winning and Oscar-nominated writer and director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday). “A film of firsts, it marks Curtis’ first animation project as well as the directorial debut for animation veteran Otto,” Netflix said.
The film also stars Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to your weekly rundown of the biggest stories from Netflix’s top 10 hourly figures drop for the week ending December 10th, 2023. Lots to cover again this week with titles covered including Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, Yu Yu Hakusho, Leave the World Behind, Obliterated, Car Masters, and another look at the Big Netflix Data Dump
In case you didn’t know, every Tuesday, Netflix updates its top 10 stats page with 40 new hourly figures of the top movies and shows of the past seven days.
Note: In this report of Netflix’s hours viewed from December 11th, 2023 to December 18th, 2023, we’ll use “Complete Viewings Equivalent,” or Cve, expressed in millions. That means we divide the hours viewed announced by Netflix by the runtime of films or series. It allows for better comparisons between films and series, but it’s not an audience metric. It is the minimum number...
In case you didn’t know, every Tuesday, Netflix updates its top 10 stats page with 40 new hourly figures of the top movies and shows of the past seven days.
Note: In this report of Netflix’s hours viewed from December 11th, 2023 to December 18th, 2023, we’ll use “Complete Viewings Equivalent,” or Cve, expressed in millions. That means we divide the hours viewed announced by Netflix by the runtime of films or series. It allows for better comparisons between films and series, but it’s not an audience metric. It is the minimum number...
- 12/20/2023
- by Frédéric Durand
- Whats-on-Netflix
Thanksgiving weekend featured an animation face-off between a titan of the industry, the 100-year-old Walt Disney Animation Studios, and a relative upstart, Netflix, which only started releasing its own animated features in 2019.
Disney’s holiday movie, “Wish,” was a musical extravaganza featuring the watercolor backgrounds of the studio’s past combined with cutting-edge CGI, while Netflix’s “Leo” was a more budget-conscious musical set in modern-day Florida.
It was a showdown of theatrical versus streaming, legacy studio versus blustery upstart, fairy tale versus contemporary storytelling. And the results were startling.
While “Wish” came in third at the box office with a disappointing $31.6 million, the Adam Sandler-starring “Leo” debuted to 34.6 million views (which is hours viewed divided by total runtime), according to Netflix, which in box office terms equaled a haul of around $500 million for its opening weekend, one insider with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. “Leo” has been...
Disney’s holiday movie, “Wish,” was a musical extravaganza featuring the watercolor backgrounds of the studio’s past combined with cutting-edge CGI, while Netflix’s “Leo” was a more budget-conscious musical set in modern-day Florida.
It was a showdown of theatrical versus streaming, legacy studio versus blustery upstart, fairy tale versus contemporary storytelling. And the results were startling.
While “Wish” came in third at the box office with a disappointing $31.6 million, the Adam Sandler-starring “Leo” debuted to 34.6 million views (which is hours viewed divided by total runtime), according to Netflix, which in box office terms equaled a haul of around $500 million for its opening weekend, one insider with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. “Leo” has been...
- 12/11/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Actor and comedian Ken Jeong, who is currently a judge on Fox’s “The Masked Singer,” is developing a talk show with an eye toward a 2024 launch, according to media reports on Friday.
He taped a test show in New York on Friday, Deadline reported. That’s not a SAG strike violation as talk show hosts are under a different contract and no longer a WGA red flag — as it was for Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher — as writers have gone back to work after successfully negotiating a new contract with the AMPTP.
Jim Biederman of “The Kids in the Hall” will serve as showrunner, writer and director. He’ll also executive produce alongside Jeong for Debmar-Mercury, the company behind “The Wendy Williams Show” and “The Nick Cannon Show.”
Prior to joining “The Masked Singer,” Jeong starred in the ABC sitcom “Dr. Ken.” He also played Ben Chang on NBC...
He taped a test show in New York on Friday, Deadline reported. That’s not a SAG strike violation as talk show hosts are under a different contract and no longer a WGA red flag — as it was for Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher — as writers have gone back to work after successfully negotiating a new contract with the AMPTP.
Jim Biederman of “The Kids in the Hall” will serve as showrunner, writer and director. He’ll also executive produce alongside Jeong for Debmar-Mercury, the company behind “The Wendy Williams Show” and “The Nick Cannon Show.”
Prior to joining “The Masked Singer,” Jeong starred in the ABC sitcom “Dr. Ken.” He also played Ben Chang on NBC...
- 10/13/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
“Moana” and “Raya and the Last Dragon” producer Osnat Shurer has left the Magic Kingdom.
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
She has joined Baobab Studios, where she will serve as co-chief creative officer alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell, a DreamWorks veteran who worked as a director on “Antz” and every “Madagascar” film (including “Penguins of Madagascar”).
Shurer joined Disney more than a decade ago as a VP of development, having come from Pixar where she oversaw short films like the Oscar-nominated “Boundin’” and “Lifted.” She also worked on shorts that appeared on the studio’s home video releases like “Jack Jack Attack,” written and directed by Brad Bird, which appeared on the home video release of “The Incredibles.”
Baobab Studios describes itself as “the leading interactive animation studio” and has produced a number of award-winning VR experiences. At Baobab Shurer joins Maureen Fan, the chief creative officer (she is a veteran of game...
- 9/27/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Indie animation studio Baobab Studios has brought in Oscar-nominated producer Osnat Shurer (Moana) to serve as Co-Chief Creative Officer alongside Cco Eric Darnell (Madagascar).
Boasting 30+ years of experience in animation, Shurer comes to the company from Walt Disney Feature Animation, where she served as VP of Development, having simultaneously held a role as the executive producer of the short films group at Pixar. Going forward, she’ll be part of a creative brain trust which includes Darnell and Kane Lee (Chief Content Officer), and such advisors and investors as Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning filmmaker Glen Keane, among others.
Among the first projects Shurer will work on at Baobab are the Momoguro multiplatform franchise, which includes a digital collectibles game, an upcoming Roblox game, and a TV series in development, and two falling under a TV development deal with Disney+.
Boasting 30+ years of experience in animation, Shurer comes to the company from Walt Disney Feature Animation, where she served as VP of Development, having simultaneously held a role as the executive producer of the short films group at Pixar. Going forward, she’ll be part of a creative brain trust which includes Darnell and Kane Lee (Chief Content Officer), and such advisors and investors as Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning filmmaker Glen Keane, among others.
Among the first projects Shurer will work on at Baobab are the Momoguro multiplatform franchise, which includes a digital collectibles game, an upcoming Roblox game, and a TV series in development, and two falling under a TV development deal with Disney+.
- 9/27/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
For director Anthony Stacchi (“The Box Trolls”), re-energizing the 16th-century Chinese novel “Journey to the West” for Netflix’s animated feature “The Monkey King” meant turning the titular character into something very modern: an antihero. This was supported by executive producer Stephen Chow (“Kung Fu Hustle”), who previously directed a live-action version of “Journey to the West.”
“Stephen Chow has made a career of making heroes out of really unlikeable jerks,” Stacchi told IndieWire. “And you stick with ’em on their journey ’cause you know why they are the way they are, and you’re hoping for them to redeem themselves. So we did that here. He is a selfish, arrogant jerk from the beginning, and that way through the end. But you understand why he’s fighting for acceptance, you know where his anti-authoritarian attitude comes from.”
They also emphasized a goofy tone throughout the journey, in which Monkey King...
“Stephen Chow has made a career of making heroes out of really unlikeable jerks,” Stacchi told IndieWire. “And you stick with ’em on their journey ’cause you know why they are the way they are, and you’re hoping for them to redeem themselves. So we did that here. He is a selfish, arrogant jerk from the beginning, and that way through the end. But you understand why he’s fighting for acceptance, you know where his anti-authoritarian attitude comes from.”
They also emphasized a goofy tone throughout the journey, in which Monkey King...
- 8/18/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The 16th century literary classic Journey to the West is the mother of all Chinese fantasy. The mythological saga has spawned countless adaptations in various media across Asia and beyond, from the cult late ‘70s Japanese TV series to Peking Opera, videogames, graphic novels and a stage spectacle with a score by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and design elements by Gorillaz illustrator Jamie Hewlett.
Prominent among the innumerable film versions is the 2013 blockbuster Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, directed by Stephen Chow. A similar livewire action-comedy energy infuses Netflix’s The Monkey King, a children’s animated feature based on the sprawling novel’s most popular strand, on which Chow serves as executive producer.
Following well-received originals like Klaus, Over the Moon, My Father’s Dragon, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio and Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood — plus such smart acquisitions as The Mitchells vs. the Machines...
Prominent among the innumerable film versions is the 2013 blockbuster Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons, directed by Stephen Chow. A similar livewire action-comedy energy infuses Netflix’s The Monkey King, a children’s animated feature based on the sprawling novel’s most popular strand, on which Chow serves as executive producer.
Following well-received originals like Klaus, Over the Moon, My Father’s Dragon, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio and Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood — plus such smart acquisitions as The Mitchells vs. the Machines...
- 8/15/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The producer also begins her fifth year as an Ampas governor-at-large.
Producer Janet Yang has been elected to a second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) by the US organisation’s board of governors.
Yang, first elected Ampas president this time last year, is also beginning her fifth year as a governor-at-large for the Academy.
A member of the Academy’s producers branch since 2002, Yang’s producing credits include The Joy Luck Club, The People vs Larry Flynt and animated feature Over the Moon.
Also elected to the Ampas board, as vice-presidents and chairs of their respective committees,...
Producer Janet Yang has been elected to a second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) by the US organisation’s board of governors.
Yang, first elected Ampas president this time last year, is also beginning her fifth year as a governor-at-large for the Academy.
A member of the Academy’s producers branch since 2002, Yang’s producing credits include The Joy Luck Club, The People vs Larry Flynt and animated feature Over the Moon.
Also elected to the Ampas board, as vice-presidents and chairs of their respective committees,...
- 8/2/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Janet Yang has been re-elected as president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Her second-term re-election was made by the Academy’s board of governors who additionally elected a number of officer positions for 2023-2024.
Yang is an Emmy-winning producer with credits on projects including “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Zero Effect,” “High Crimes,” “Dark Matter,” “Shanghai Calling” and “Over the Moon.” She climbed to her success in Hollywood after working under Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy who helped show her the ropes at Amblin.
“I’ve felt like an outsider many times throughout my life,” Yang said this year at the Oscars. “It’s wonderful to have a sense of belonging, and terrible not to … If I can help open the door for other women and people of color, I’m thrilled.
Since 2002, she has been a member of the Academy’s...
Yang is an Emmy-winning producer with credits on projects including “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Zero Effect,” “High Crimes,” “Dark Matter,” “Shanghai Calling” and “Over the Moon.” She climbed to her success in Hollywood after working under Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy who helped show her the ropes at Amblin.
“I’ve felt like an outsider many times throughout my life,” Yang said this year at the Oscars. “It’s wonderful to have a sense of belonging, and terrible not to … If I can help open the door for other women and people of color, I’m thrilled.
Since 2002, she has been a member of the Academy’s...
- 8/1/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Janet Yang has been elected to her second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, AMPAS announced Tuesday. Yang was chosen by the Academy’s 55-member Board of Governors at the first meeting of the 2023-2024 board, which was elected in June.
Yang is the fourth woman to serve as Academy president, and the first Asian-American. She is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch, with a filmography that includes “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the animated feature “Over the Moon.”
Yang is a one of three Governors-at-Large. Where most of the AMPAS governors are elected by specific branches, the at-large positions are nominated by the Academy president and elected by the board. She was first nominated for the board by then-president John Bailey in 2019 and nominated again by David Rubin in 2022, putting her in the second year of her second three-year term.
Yang is the fourth woman to serve as Academy president, and the first Asian-American. She is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch, with a filmography that includes “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the animated feature “Over the Moon.”
Yang is a one of three Governors-at-Large. Where most of the AMPAS governors are elected by specific branches, the at-large positions are nominated by the Academy president and elected by the board. She was first nominated for the board by then-president John Bailey in 2019 and nominated again by David Rubin in 2022, putting her in the second year of her second three-year term.
- 8/1/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that its Board of Governors has re-elected producer Janet Yang as president of the organization. Members elected new people to fill the majority of officer positions as well, with only Lynette Howell Taylor and Kim Taylor-Coleman returning to their posts.
CEO Bill Kramer, who started his role around the same time as Yang last year, said in a statement, “I am thrilled to welcome this year’s board officers. Under Janet’s esteemed leadership, these dedicated governors will guide the Academy’s ongoing efforts to elevate the work of our global membership and film community, highlight our industry’s rich history, foster meaningful dialogue, and continue to build equity and inclusion in every aspect of our organization.”
Yang will now be in her second term as president, and her fifth year as a Governor-at-Large, having made history as the first Asian-American,...
CEO Bill Kramer, who started his role around the same time as Yang last year, said in a statement, “I am thrilled to welcome this year’s board officers. Under Janet’s esteemed leadership, these dedicated governors will guide the Academy’s ongoing efforts to elevate the work of our global membership and film community, highlight our industry’s rich history, foster meaningful dialogue, and continue to build equity and inclusion in every aspect of our organization.”
Yang will now be in her second term as president, and her fifth year as a Governor-at-Large, having made history as the first Asian-American,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Janet Yang has been re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organization’s Board of Governors.
The producer will be serving her second consecutive one-year term and was widely expected to take the reins once again. Presidents can serve up to four consecutive one-year terms as long as they are eligible, and Yang is only in her fifth year as a Governor-at-Large and thus conceivably could run again in 2024 and 2025. AMPAS presidents almost always are re-elected without much controversy.
Board officers also were elected, and it will be a group with a lot of new faces compared to 2022. The lineup is as follows:
Bonnie Arnold, Vice President
Howard Berger, Vice President
Brooke Breton, Vice President
Tom Dufffield, Vice President/Treasurer
DeVon Franklin, Vice President
Lynette Howell Taylor,...
The producer will be serving her second consecutive one-year term and was widely expected to take the reins once again. Presidents can serve up to four consecutive one-year terms as long as they are eligible, and Yang is only in her fifth year as a Governor-at-Large and thus conceivably could run again in 2024 and 2025. AMPAS presidents almost always are re-elected without much controversy.
Board officers also were elected, and it will be a group with a lot of new faces compared to 2022. The lineup is as follows:
Bonnie Arnold, Vice President
Howard Berger, Vice President
Brooke Breton, Vice President
Tom Dufffield, Vice President/Treasurer
DeVon Franklin, Vice President
Lynette Howell Taylor,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Blue Whales: Return Of The Giants 3D takes viewers on a journey of a lifetime to explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from its near extinction. Following two scientific expeditions—one to find a missing population of blues off the exotic Seychelles Islands, the other to chronicle whale families in Mexico’s stunning Gulf of California—the film transforms our understanding of the largest animal ever to have lived. From its almost incomprehensible size to its spectacular feeding habits; from the surprising role it plays in the health of our oceans to its awesome long-distance communications, the film provides an unforgettable window into the lives these animals live—and the extremes scientists must endure to study them. Joined by a cast of supporting characters—from dolphins and sperm whales to sea lions and orcas—the blue whale finally gets its star turn … in life size,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Producer Pellin Chou set to attend special screening.
Netflix animation The Monkey King has been set as the closing film of the 22nd New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff), marking the first time the festival has partnered with the streaming giant.
The special screening will take place on July 30, more than two weeks before the August 18 premiere on Netflix worldwide. It will be attended by Netflix Animation producer Peilin Chou, a former Oriental Dreamworks executive who produced Abominable and was Oscar-nominated for Over The Moon.
The feature is directed by Anthony Stacchi, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2015 for co-directing The Boxtrolls,...
Netflix animation The Monkey King has been set as the closing film of the 22nd New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff), marking the first time the festival has partnered with the streaming giant.
The special screening will take place on July 30, more than two weeks before the August 18 premiere on Netflix worldwide. It will be attended by Netflix Animation producer Peilin Chou, a former Oriental Dreamworks executive who produced Abominable and was Oscar-nominated for Over The Moon.
The feature is directed by Anthony Stacchi, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2015 for co-directing The Boxtrolls,...
- 7/18/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Jimmy O. Yang, Bowen Yang, Jo Koy, Stephanie Hsu and Bd Wong voice star in Netflix’s new comedic action-adventure The Monkey King, which sees its titular character battling demons, dragons and his own ego.
Dropping Monday, the animated family film’s more-than-two-minute first look teases Yang’s “most spectacul-errific, amazing-derful” hero Monkey King, in a story set in a time of ancient gods and demons. An outsider in his own community, the Monkey King, along with his trusty companion “stick (voiced by Nan Li),” takes on the challenge of defeating 100 demons and garnering the attention of “the immortal ones.”
With little support from those he grew up around, the Monkey King ventures to a human village, where he accepts the challenge of protecting the community from a fiery demon known as Red Girl (Sophie Wu). After nearly destroying the entire community in the process, he garners the attention of...
Dropping Monday, the animated family film’s more-than-two-minute first look teases Yang’s “most spectacul-errific, amazing-derful” hero Monkey King, in a story set in a time of ancient gods and demons. An outsider in his own community, the Monkey King, along with his trusty companion “stick (voiced by Nan Li),” takes on the challenge of defeating 100 demons and garnering the attention of “the immortal ones.”
With little support from those he grew up around, the Monkey King ventures to a human village, where he accepts the challenge of protecting the community from a fiery demon known as Red Girl (Sophie Wu). After nearly destroying the entire community in the process, he garners the attention of...
- 7/17/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The contradictions are extreme and resonate to me in the current unsettling political situation,” admits Bradley Whitford about the bleak reality of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” For our recent webchat he continues, “There seems to be a backlash to what should be described as liberal democracy. It’s interesting to see how a character like this is trying to navigate that world.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
The dystopian drama for five seasons has explored a world where low fertility rates have led to the east coast of America being run as a religious totalitarian government under the name ‘Gilead.’ With women forced to live as concubines and slaves. The most recent season sees June (Elisabeth Moss) continuing to live as a refugee in Canada.
SEEYvonne Strahovski interview: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
The former “West Wing” star plays Commander Joseph Lawrence, one of Gilead’s architects. At times he has shown compassion,...
The dystopian drama for five seasons has explored a world where low fertility rates have led to the east coast of America being run as a religious totalitarian government under the name ‘Gilead.’ With women forced to live as concubines and slaves. The most recent season sees June (Elisabeth Moss) continuing to live as a refugee in Canada.
SEEYvonne Strahovski interview: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
The former “West Wing” star plays Commander Joseph Lawrence, one of Gilead’s architects. At times he has shown compassion,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Matt Noble
- Gold Derby
“Nimona” took a twisty road to the big screen. But now it’s ready for its debut at Annecy Animation Film Festival. Pictured above is an exclusive still from the anticipated fantasy adventure.
Based on the graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, the feature follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. The only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.
“Nimona” started out at 20th Century Fox’s animation shingle Blue Sky Studios, which optioned the novel in 2015. Nick Bruno and Troy Quane were brought onboard in 2020 when creative direction of the film changed. The film continued production apace even after Disney completed its $71.9 billion merger with 20th Century Fox in 2019.
Production continued during the pandemic as well, but then in 2021, Disney shuttered Blue Sky.
Based on the graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, the feature follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. The only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.
“Nimona” started out at 20th Century Fox’s animation shingle Blue Sky Studios, which optioned the novel in 2015. Nick Bruno and Troy Quane were brought onboard in 2020 when creative direction of the film changed. The film continued production apace even after Disney completed its $71.9 billion merger with 20th Century Fox in 2019.
Production continued during the pandemic as well, but then in 2021, Disney shuttered Blue Sky.
- 6/11/2023
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is a real studio now.
The once and seemingly future king of streaming has taken home its first Oscar for Best Animated Feature for “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” a stop-motion animated film that reimagines Carlo Collodi’s classic tale about a wooden puppet who comes to life.
Directed by del Toro, now a three-time Oscar winner, and Mark Gustafson, the film features the voices of Gregory Mann and David Bradley as Pinocchio and his father, the carpenter Geppetto, respectively, while Cate Blanchett, nominated for Best Actress again this year for her work in “TÁR,” voices the mistreated monkey Spazzatura. A visually stunning interpretation of the source material that leans into darker themes about life and death, the film fiercely proves that, despite some viewers’ preconceived notions and a frequent focus on kid-friendly stories, the animation genre is not just for children.
Following positive reviews from critics for its visuals and emotional storytelling,...
The once and seemingly future king of streaming has taken home its first Oscar for Best Animated Feature for “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” a stop-motion animated film that reimagines Carlo Collodi’s classic tale about a wooden puppet who comes to life.
Directed by del Toro, now a three-time Oscar winner, and Mark Gustafson, the film features the voices of Gregory Mann and David Bradley as Pinocchio and his father, the carpenter Geppetto, respectively, while Cate Blanchett, nominated for Best Actress again this year for her work in “TÁR,” voices the mistreated monkey Spazzatura. A visually stunning interpretation of the source material that leans into darker themes about life and death, the film fiercely proves that, despite some viewers’ preconceived notions and a frequent focus on kid-friendly stories, the animation genre is not just for children.
Following positive reviews from critics for its visuals and emotional storytelling,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
The guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, which is posting the day before the 95th Oscars takes place in Hollywood and airs on ABC, is Janet Yang, the first-term president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Yang, the Queens-born daughter of Chinese immigrants, is only the 36th person — and just the fourth female, second person of color and first person of Asian descent — to lead Hollywood’s most powerful organization, following in the footsteps of luminaries like Douglas Fairbanks, Frank Capra, Bette Davis, George Stevens, Gregory Peck, Robert Wise and Karl Malden.
Over the course of a conversation at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, where Yang has been staying this week in order to oversee preparations for the Oscars at the adjacent Dolby Theatre, the 66-year-old reflected on a life and career that has defied the odds at every turn.
Yang speaks...
Over the course of a conversation at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, where Yang has been staying this week in order to oversee preparations for the Oscars at the adjacent Dolby Theatre, the 66-year-old reflected on a life and career that has defied the odds at every turn.
Yang speaks...
- 3/11/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Avantika (Senior Year), Christopher Briney (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Bebe Wood have landed major roles in Paramount Pictures’ film adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway hit, Mean Girls, which is itself based on the classic Paramount comedy of the same name.
The actors join an ensemble for the Paramount+-bound feature that also includes Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey, as previously announced.
Mean Girls choreographer Kyle Hanagami
The original film adapted by Tina Fey from the Rosalind Wiseman book Queen Bees and Wannabes follows high school new girl Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) in her attempt to fit in with A-list girl clique, The Plastics. The effort is sabotaged when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. Premiering on stage at Washington, D.C.’s National Theatre in 2017 and jumping to Broadway the following year,...
The actors join an ensemble for the Paramount+-bound feature that also includes Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey, as previously announced.
Mean Girls choreographer Kyle Hanagami
The original film adapted by Tina Fey from the Rosalind Wiseman book Queen Bees and Wannabes follows high school new girl Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) in her attempt to fit in with A-list girl clique, The Plastics. The effort is sabotaged when she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George. Premiering on stage at Washington, D.C.’s National Theatre in 2017 and jumping to Broadway the following year,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has laid off 30 staffers from its Film Animation teams, IndieWire has confirmed.
Earlier this year, Netflix unveiled new leadership for its Animation Film team: vice president of Animation Film Content Karen Toliver and VP of Animation Film Production Traci Balthazor. Wednesday’s changes organize the animated-film production business under Balthazor, a person with knowledge of the plans told us. The 30 roles in question were no longer needed, the person said.
Netflix has had seven animated projects nominated for Oscars over the past five years, including a win for “If Anything Happens, I Love You” (Best Animated Short Film). The other nominated animated films include 2022 nominees “Robin Robin” (Best Animated Short) and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” (Best Animated Feature), 2021’s “Over The Moon” (Best Animated Feature Film) and “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” (Best Animated Feature), and 2020’s “I Lost My Body” (Best Animated Feature) and “Klaus” (Best...
Earlier this year, Netflix unveiled new leadership for its Animation Film team: vice president of Animation Film Content Karen Toliver and VP of Animation Film Production Traci Balthazor. Wednesday’s changes organize the animated-film production business under Balthazor, a person with knowledge of the plans told us. The 30 roles in question were no longer needed, the person said.
Netflix has had seven animated projects nominated for Oscars over the past five years, including a win for “If Anything Happens, I Love You” (Best Animated Short Film). The other nominated animated films include 2022 nominees “Robin Robin” (Best Animated Short) and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” (Best Animated Feature), 2021’s “Over The Moon” (Best Animated Feature Film) and “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” (Best Animated Feature), and 2020’s “I Lost My Body” (Best Animated Feature) and “Klaus” (Best...
- 9/14/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Netflix Animation has laid off 30 employees, Variety has confirmed.
The news comes after recent executive shake-ups, with Netflix earlier this year appointing Karen Toliver as vice president of animated film content and Traci Balthazor as vice president of animated film production.
The layoffs are a result of Netflix consolidating its animation film production team under one central leader, Balthazor, as she continues to work closely with Toliver.
The downsizing does not signal a decrease in output from Netflix Animation, which has earned seven Oscar nominations since 2020, winning for “If Anything Happens, I Love You.”
The streamer’s slate of animated features and shorts includes “Robin,” “Klaus,” “Over the Moon, Back to the Outback,” Richard Linklater’s “Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood” and Chris Williams’ “The Sea Beast.” Coming soon are Henry Selick and Jordan Peele’s “Wendell & Wild,” Nora Twomey’s “My Father’s Dragon,” Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio,...
The news comes after recent executive shake-ups, with Netflix earlier this year appointing Karen Toliver as vice president of animated film content and Traci Balthazor as vice president of animated film production.
The layoffs are a result of Netflix consolidating its animation film production team under one central leader, Balthazor, as she continues to work closely with Toliver.
The downsizing does not signal a decrease in output from Netflix Animation, which has earned seven Oscar nominations since 2020, winning for “If Anything Happens, I Love You.”
The streamer’s slate of animated features and shorts includes “Robin,” “Klaus,” “Over the Moon, Back to the Outback,” Richard Linklater’s “Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood” and Chris Williams’ “The Sea Beast.” Coming soon are Henry Selick and Jordan Peele’s “Wendell & Wild,” Nora Twomey’s “My Father’s Dragon,” Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Netflix Animation overhaul continues with the exit of 30 employees, Deadline has confirmed. This comes after Netflix set new leadership for the Animation Film team with Karen Toliver (VP Animation Film Content) and Traci Balthazor (VP Animation Film Production). They have been tasked with streamlining the animation team, which explains the attrition.
This does not signal a downturn in animation output for a division that in five years had seven Oscar nominees, with a win for If Anything Happens, I Love You.
Netflix’s original animation productions includes Robin, Robin, Klaus, Kris Pearn’s The Willoughbys, Over the Moon, Back to the Outback, Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood from Richard Linklater, and the recently released The Sea Beast directed by Chris Williams. Upcoming releases including Henry Selick’s Wendell & Wild, Nora Twomey’s My Father’s Dragon, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Wendy Rogers’ The Magician’s Elephant,...
This does not signal a downturn in animation output for a division that in five years had seven Oscar nominees, with a win for If Anything Happens, I Love You.
Netflix’s original animation productions includes Robin, Robin, Klaus, Kris Pearn’s The Willoughbys, Over the Moon, Back to the Outback, Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood from Richard Linklater, and the recently released The Sea Beast directed by Chris Williams. Upcoming releases including Henry Selick’s Wendell & Wild, Nora Twomey’s My Father’s Dragon, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Wendy Rogers’ The Magician’s Elephant,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video has debuted the trailer for ‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism,’ based on the novel from New York Times best-selling author Grady Hendrix.
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious.
The movie pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship.
Directed by Damon Thomas and written by Jenna Lamia, the film stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Cathy Ang, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Cheer for Your Life), and Christopher Lowell.
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious.
The movie pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship.
Directed by Damon Thomas and written by Jenna Lamia, the film stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Cathy Ang, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Cheer for Your Life), and Christopher Lowell.
- 8/26/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"My Best Friend’s Exorcism is directed by Damon Thomas and written by Jenna Lamia from the book by Grady Hendrix (Satanic Panic). The film stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Cathy Ang, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Cheer for Your Life), and Christopher Lowell.
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious, My Best Friend’s Exorcism pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship. Based on Grady Hendrix’s best-selling novel."
Available...
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious, My Best Friend’s Exorcism pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship. Based on Grady Hendrix’s best-selling novel."
Available...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its new president today, and the honor goes to Emmy-winning producer Janet Yang. Yang was elected by the Oscar voting organization's Board of Governors, and the exec behind movies like "The Joy Luck Club" and "Over the Moon" is the third woman and second person of color to hold the prestigious title, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Yang has been a part of the producers' branch of the Oscars since 2002, but her career began much earlier. She was a credited project consultant on "Empire of the Sun" in 1987, before moving on to a...
The post Producer Janet Yang Was Just Elected President Of The Academy appeared first on /Film.
Yang has been a part of the producers' branch of the Oscars since 2002, but her career began much earlier. She was a credited project consultant on "Empire of the Sun" in 1987, before moving on to a...
The post Producer Janet Yang Was Just Elected President Of The Academy appeared first on /Film.
- 8/3/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Teri E. Dorman, Lynette Howell Taylor, Kim Taylor-Coleman to serve first terms on board.
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy, the board announced on Tuesday (August 2).
Yang begins her first term as president and her second as a governor-at-large, a role for which she was nominated by David Rubin, the current incumbent who has reached the end of his third term and would only be able to stand for re-election if he took a hiatus.
Yang has been a member of the producers branch since 2002 and until recently served on the board as vice-president and chair of the membership committee,...
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy, the board announced on Tuesday (August 2).
Yang begins her first term as president and her second as a governor-at-large, a role for which she was nominated by David Rubin, the current incumbent who has reached the end of his third term and would only be able to stand for re-election if he took a hiatus.
Yang has been a member of the producers branch since 2002 and until recently served on the board as vice-president and chair of the membership committee,...
- 8/2/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Teri E. Dorman, Lynette Howell Taylor, Kim Taylor-Coleman to serve first terms on board.
Producer Janet Yang has become the first Asian to be elected president of the Academy succeeding David Rubin, the board announced on Tuesday (August 2).
Yang begins her first term as president and her second as a governor-at-large, a role for which she was nominated by Rubin – who is completing his third term as president and cannot stand for re-election until after a hiatus – and confirmed by the board.
She has been a member of the producers branch since 2002 and until recently served on the board as...
Producer Janet Yang has become the first Asian to be elected president of the Academy succeeding David Rubin, the board announced on Tuesday (August 2).
Yang begins her first term as president and her second as a governor-at-large, a role for which she was nominated by Rubin – who is completing his third term as president and cannot stand for re-election until after a hiatus – and confirmed by the board.
She has been a member of the producers branch since 2002 and until recently served on the board as...
- 8/2/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Teri E. Dorman, Lynette Howell Taylor, Kim Taylor-Coleman to serve first terms on board.
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy succeeding David Rubin, the board announced on Tuesday (August 2).
Yang begins her first term as president and her second as a governor-at-large, a role for which she was nominated by Rubin – who is completing his third term as president and cannot stand for re-election until after a hiatus – and confirmed by the board.
She has been a member of the producers branch since 2002 and until recently served on the board as vice-president and chair of the membership committee,...
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy succeeding David Rubin, the board announced on Tuesday (August 2).
Yang begins her first term as president and her second as a governor-at-large, a role for which she was nominated by Rubin – who is completing his third term as president and cannot stand for re-election until after a hiatus – and confirmed by the board.
She has been a member of the producers branch since 2002 and until recently served on the board as vice-president and chair of the membership committee,...
- 8/2/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
At their Tuesday board meeting, as expected the Academy Board of Governors elected producer Janet Yang president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Yang begins her first term as president and her second term as a Governor-at-Large, a position for which she was nominated by the sitting Academy President David Rubin and elected by the Board of Governors.
Donna Gigliotti, Larry Karaszewski, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, and Wynn Thomas were re-elected as Board of Governor officers. It will be the first officer stint for Teri E. Dorman, 2020 Oscar show co-producer Lynette Howell Taylor, and Kim Taylor-Coleman.
Yang’s producing credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Zero Effect,” “High Crimes,” “Dark Matter,” “Shanghai Calling” and the Oscar-nominated animated feature “Over the Moon.” She won an Emmy for the HBO film “Indictment: The McMartin Trial.” A member of the Academy’s Producers Branch since...
Donna Gigliotti, Larry Karaszewski, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, and Wynn Thomas were re-elected as Board of Governor officers. It will be the first officer stint for Teri E. Dorman, 2020 Oscar show co-producer Lynette Howell Taylor, and Kim Taylor-Coleman.
Yang’s producing credits include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Zero Effect,” “High Crimes,” “Dark Matter,” “Shanghai Calling” and the Oscar-nominated animated feature “Over the Moon.” She won an Emmy for the HBO film “Indictment: The McMartin Trial.” A member of the Academy’s Producers Branch since...
- 8/2/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Hollywood producer Janet Yang has been named the new president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organization’s Board of Governors. Yang, who is of Chinese descent, is the first Asian person ever to hold the position and the fourth woman behind Fay Kanin (1979-1983), Cheryl Boone Isaacs (2013-2017) and Bette Davis (Davis resigned after two months in 1941).
Yang is beginning her first term as president and her second term as a Governor-at-Large. The Board also voted on the officers, electing:
Teri E. Dorman, Vice President Donna Gigliotti, Vice President/Secretary Lynette Howell Taylor, Vice President Larry Karaszewski, Vice President David Linde, Vice President/Treasurer Isis Mussenden, Vice President Kim Taylor-Coleman, Vice President Wynn P. Thomas, Vice President
“Janet is a tremendously dedicated and strategic leader who has an incredible record of service at the Academy,” said Bill Kramer, Academy CEO. “I am thrilled that...
Yang is beginning her first term as president and her second term as a Governor-at-Large. The Board also voted on the officers, electing:
Teri E. Dorman, Vice President Donna Gigliotti, Vice President/Secretary Lynette Howell Taylor, Vice President Larry Karaszewski, Vice President David Linde, Vice President/Treasurer Isis Mussenden, Vice President Kim Taylor-Coleman, Vice President Wynn P. Thomas, Vice President
“Janet is a tremendously dedicated and strategic leader who has an incredible record of service at the Academy,” said Bill Kramer, Academy CEO. “I am thrilled that...
- 8/2/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy’s Board of Governors announced on Tuesday.
She was elected at a virtual meeting of the 54-member board, which was selecting a successor to casting director David Rubin. While presidents can serve four consecutive one-year terms, Rubin had to leave the board because of term limits after serving three terms.
Yang is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch and for the past year had served as a vice president of the board and chair of the Membership Committee.
Yang is a producer of “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the recent Oscar-nominated animated feature “Over the Moon.” Born in New York City, she will be the Academy’s first president of Asian descent, and the fourth woman after Bette Davis (who resigned after two months in...
She was elected at a virtual meeting of the 54-member board, which was selecting a successor to casting director David Rubin. While presidents can serve four consecutive one-year terms, Rubin had to leave the board because of term limits after serving three terms.
Yang is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch and for the past year had served as a vice president of the board and chair of the Membership Committee.
Yang is a producer of “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the recent Oscar-nominated animated feature “Over the Moon.” Born in New York City, she will be the Academy’s first president of Asian descent, and the fourth woman after Bette Davis (who resigned after two months in...
- 8/2/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organization’s Board of Governors at a meeting held Tuesday.
She replaces David Rubin, who has served as president for the past three years but has termed out because he has reached the end of the maximum number of years he can serve on the board without taking a hiatus, per Academy rules.
Related Story A Tuesday Wish For The Film Academy: Elect A Great Communicator Related Story Watch For The Curve In This Year's Film Awards Season Related Story Peter Bart: Movie Academy Members Weigh Policy Shifts That May Push Hollywood Back Into The Culture Wars
Yang’s victory comes as no surprise since she had been the key name floated for the position in recent weeks and was honored at the Academy Museum earlier this summer.
“Janet is a tremendously...
She replaces David Rubin, who has served as president for the past three years but has termed out because he has reached the end of the maximum number of years he can serve on the board without taking a hiatus, per Academy rules.
Related Story A Tuesday Wish For The Film Academy: Elect A Great Communicator Related Story Watch For The Curve In This Year's Film Awards Season Related Story Peter Bart: Movie Academy Members Weigh Policy Shifts That May Push Hollywood Back Into The Culture Wars
Yang’s victory comes as no surprise since she had been the key name floated for the position in recent weeks and was honored at the Academy Museum earlier this summer.
“Janet is a tremendously...
- 8/2/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Janet Yang, the Queens-born daughter of Chinese immigrants, has been elected the 36th president in the 95-year history of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The 66-year-old, who broke into showbiz by connecting key players in the Chinese and Hollywood film industries to make possible films like Empire of the Sun before becoming a producer of films including The Joy Luck Club and The People vs. Larry Flynt, is just the fourth female (after Bette Davis, Fay Kanin and Cheryl Boone Isaacs) and second person of color (after Boone Isaacs) ever tapped by the Academy’s board to hold the board’s top job.
A member of the producers branch since 2002, Yang defeated DeVon Franklin, a member of the executives branch since 2016. Both candidates have served on the Academy’s board of governors since 2019 as governors-at-large. Three seats for governors-at-large were...
Janet Yang, the Queens-born daughter of Chinese immigrants, has been elected the 36th president in the 95-year history of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The 66-year-old, who broke into showbiz by connecting key players in the Chinese and Hollywood film industries to make possible films like Empire of the Sun before becoming a producer of films including The Joy Luck Club and The People vs. Larry Flynt, is just the fourth female (after Bette Davis, Fay Kanin and Cheryl Boone Isaacs) and second person of color (after Boone Isaacs) ever tapped by the Academy’s board to hold the board’s top job.
A member of the producers branch since 2002, Yang defeated DeVon Franklin, a member of the executives branch since 2016. Both candidates have served on the Academy’s board of governors since 2019 as governors-at-large. Three seats for governors-at-large were...
- 8/2/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has been home to some incredible animated feature films as of late, including "Klaus," "Vivo," "Over the Moon," and "The Mitchells vs. The Machines." In their latest, wholly original production, Disney alum Chris Williams takes audiences on a nautical adventure sailing the seas and battling larger-than-life monsters. The co-director of "Bolt," "Big Hero 6," and "Moana" is setting sail on "The Sea Beast," due out on Netflix this summer, on July 8, 2022. The film is about a legendary sea monster hunter named Jacob Holland (Karl Urban) who, during his most dangerous hunting expedition, discovers a...
The post The Sea Beast Director Chris Williams Wants You to Remember Why We Love Gigantic Monster Movies [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post The Sea Beast Director Chris Williams Wants You to Remember Why We Love Gigantic Monster Movies [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 5/18/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Anu Bhatia has been hired by WME as their Head of Film Client Marketing.
In his role, Bhatia will work with WME’s agents and filmmaker and talent clients on their marketing and distribution strategies for features.
Bhatia joins WME from Netflix, where he played an integral role in growing the streamer’s film marketing initiative.
During his nearly four years at Netflix, he worked on a diverse set of titles, leading the strategic, creative and digital efforts for each campaign.
Those campaigns Bhatia oversaw include the Ott service’s top ten all-time films, i.e. Red Notice, The Adam Project and 6 Underground.
He also ushered the campaigns for projects including The Trial of the Chicago 7, Mank and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
In addition, Bhatia helped launch Netflix’s animated feature efforts, overseeing the marketing campaigns for the Oscar-nominated...
In his role, Bhatia will work with WME’s agents and filmmaker and talent clients on their marketing and distribution strategies for features.
Bhatia joins WME from Netflix, where he played an integral role in growing the streamer’s film marketing initiative.
During his nearly four years at Netflix, he worked on a diverse set of titles, leading the strategic, creative and digital efforts for each campaign.
Those campaigns Bhatia oversaw include the Ott service’s top ten all-time films, i.e. Red Notice, The Adam Project and 6 Underground.
He also ushered the campaigns for projects including The Trial of the Chicago 7, Mank and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
In addition, Bhatia helped launch Netflix’s animated feature efforts, overseeing the marketing campaigns for the Oscar-nominated...
- 5/16/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max's "Hacks" already boasts one of the funniest casts on TV, but the series is upping the ante in season two with the announcement of four new actors. Variety reports that Laurie Metcalf, Martha Kelly, and Ming-Na Wen will be joining the show as recurring guest stars, with Margaret Cho also guest starring. Wayne Newton will also reportedly be appearing in season two.
Metcalf, Wen ("The Book of Boba Fett"), and Cho ("Over The Moon") are all fantastic additions to a show that's all about valuing the stories of funny women who have put in years...
The post Hacks Season 2 Adds Ming-Na Wen, Laurie Metcalf, & More to Recurring Cast appeared first on /Film.
Metcalf, Wen ("The Book of Boba Fett"), and Cho ("Over The Moon") are all fantastic additions to a show that's all about valuing the stories of funny women who have put in years...
The post Hacks Season 2 Adds Ming-Na Wen, Laurie Metcalf, & More to Recurring Cast appeared first on /Film.
- 3/20/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
We find ourselves in an exciting moment for American cinema telling Chinese stories, with movies such as Turning Red refusing to pander to the authoritarian regime
Pixar’s love letter to second-generation Chinese immigrant families, Turning Red, marks a milestone for Hollywood, seemingly signalling the end of its predictably doomed love affair with China. We are now two years on from the backlash against Disney’s live action Mulan remake, a film mired in controversy from its shooting on location near Xinjiang internment camps and thanking members of the Chinese Communist party’s propaganda department, to its title star supporting police violence during protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
Subsequent Hollywood-China coproductions saw a similar blowback for this form of kowtowing to China. Dreamworks’ Abominable (2019) was boycotted by Vietnamese and Malaysian audiences for its blatant support of China’s geopolitical ambitions. Netflix’s Over the Moon (2020) was praised for its attempt to represent Chinese culture,...
Pixar’s love letter to second-generation Chinese immigrant families, Turning Red, marks a milestone for Hollywood, seemingly signalling the end of its predictably doomed love affair with China. We are now two years on from the backlash against Disney’s live action Mulan remake, a film mired in controversy from its shooting on location near Xinjiang internment camps and thanking members of the Chinese Communist party’s propaganda department, to its title star supporting police violence during protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
Subsequent Hollywood-China coproductions saw a similar blowback for this form of kowtowing to China. Dreamworks’ Abominable (2019) was boycotted by Vietnamese and Malaysian audiences for its blatant support of China’s geopolitical ambitions. Netflix’s Over the Moon (2020) was praised for its attempt to represent Chinese culture,...
- 3/14/2022
- by Jingan Young
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Multi-hyphenate Jessica Lowndes has signed a four-picture deal to star in, write, direct and executive produce original films for Gac Family.
The announcement follows the weekend premiere of Harmony From The Heart, in which Lowndes starred with Jesse Metcalfe. She also wrote the original screenplay and executive produced the film.
Lowndes is also the latest Hallmark Channel alum to sign a deal with Gac Family, which is run by Bill Abbott, former CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, parent of Hallmark Channel. Abbott has been bringing in established Hallmark Channel talent he worked with while running the network. Lowndes joins fellow Hallmark Channel vets including Jen Lilley, Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan, all of whom have signed multi-picture deals with Gac Family. Additionally, When Calls the Heart alums Lori Loughlin and Daniel Lissing reunited for the return of spinoff When Hope Calls on Gac Family.
Harmony From The Heart...
The announcement follows the weekend premiere of Harmony From The Heart, in which Lowndes starred with Jesse Metcalfe. She also wrote the original screenplay and executive produced the film.
Lowndes is also the latest Hallmark Channel alum to sign a deal with Gac Family, which is run by Bill Abbott, former CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, parent of Hallmark Channel. Abbott has been bringing in established Hallmark Channel talent he worked with while running the network. Lowndes joins fellow Hallmark Channel vets including Jen Lilley, Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan, all of whom have signed multi-picture deals with Gac Family. Additionally, When Calls the Heart alums Lori Loughlin and Daniel Lissing reunited for the return of spinoff When Hope Calls on Gac Family.
Harmony From The Heart...
- 2/15/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Karen Toliver has joined Netflix as vice president of animated film, Variety has learned exclusively.
The former Sony Pictures Animation senior vice president will join the streamer in March reporting to Melissa Cobb, VP of the kids and family division. She’ll be responsible for two to three animated features annually and will work alongside fellow animation VP Gregg Taylor.
“It has been an absolute dream working with Kristine Belson and her game-changing team at Sony Pictures Animation. The experience has been instrumental in shaping how I approach producing. Storytelling in animation continues to evolve and expand, and I am excited to join the team at Netflix to continue to break new ground,” Toliver told Variety.
Toliver is credited with the development of the Oscar-nominated “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” as well as a producer on the Oscar-winning short “Hair Love.” Prior to Spa, she had a long run at...
The former Sony Pictures Animation senior vice president will join the streamer in March reporting to Melissa Cobb, VP of the kids and family division. She’ll be responsible for two to three animated features annually and will work alongside fellow animation VP Gregg Taylor.
“It has been an absolute dream working with Kristine Belson and her game-changing team at Sony Pictures Animation. The experience has been instrumental in shaping how I approach producing. Storytelling in animation continues to evolve and expand, and I am excited to join the team at Netflix to continue to break new ground,” Toliver told Variety.
Toliver is credited with the development of the Oscar-nominated “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” as well as a producer on the Oscar-winning short “Hair Love.” Prior to Spa, she had a long run at...
- 2/10/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Animated films including Netflix’s “Over the Moon” have gone high fashion in the past few years, with computer-generated costumes created by notable fashion designers.
“Sing 2,” now available on-demand, is the latest to recruit high-fashion names to outfit the CGI characters.
Rodarte sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy brought their designs to the film, the sequel to the 2016 animated jukebox musical. An addition to the cast of anthropomorphic animals is Clay Calloway, a lion voiced by U2’s Bono. Clay is a reclusive rock legend who is persuaded by koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) and porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson) to come out of retirement and perform onstage one more time.
Clay’s musical past is only alluded to in the film, so the design for his costumes needed to fill out his backstory as a timeless talent. “He was this incredible musician and songwriter, and so we were going to resurrect that stage persona,...
“Sing 2,” now available on-demand, is the latest to recruit high-fashion names to outfit the CGI characters.
Rodarte sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy brought their designs to the film, the sequel to the 2016 animated jukebox musical. An addition to the cast of anthropomorphic animals is Clay Calloway, a lion voiced by U2’s Bono. Clay is a reclusive rock legend who is persuaded by koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) and porcupine Ash (Scarlett Johansson) to come out of retirement and perform onstage one more time.
Clay’s musical past is only alluded to in the film, so the design for his costumes needed to fill out his backstory as a timeless talent. “He was this incredible musician and songwriter, and so we were going to resurrect that stage persona,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Before “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” smashed through CG animation barriers and won the Oscar, there was Spanish animator Alberto Mielgo. Hired very early on to serve as a production designer on “Spider-Verse,” the influence of Mielgo’s work can be seen throughout the final film, including the standout “leap of faith” moment for which he provided early storyboards. While working on “Spider-Verse,” Mielgo made a short called “The Windshield Wiper,” which he says influenced a lot of the work he did on the superhero film. It has been Oscar shortlisted and is available online at Short of the Week’s YouTube Channel through February 8.
“Both films have the same art source, so they fed off each other,” said Mielgo. “I was working on ‘The Windshield Wiper’ a couple of years before I joined Sony for ‘Spider-Man’ and worked on the short on and off during my time there, so I...
“Both films have the same art source, so they fed off each other,” said Mielgo. “I was working on ‘The Windshield Wiper’ a couple of years before I joined Sony for ‘Spider-Man’ and worked on the short on and off during my time there, so I...
- 1/27/2022
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Indiewire
Rich Ting (“Warrior”), Darren Barnet (“Never Have I Ever”) and Keiko Agena (“Better Call Saul”) have been tapped to lead the voice cast for the English-language dub of Netflix’s “The Summit of the Gods,” from César award-winning filmmaker Patrick Imbert.
Based on the acclaimed manga by Jirô Taniguchi and the novel by Baku Yumemakura, “The Summit of the Gods” poses the question, “Were George Mallory and his companion Andrew Irvine the first men to scale Everest on June 8th, 1924? Only the little Vestpocket Kodak camera they took with them might reveal the truth.”
“The Summit of the Gods” picks up in Kathmandu, 70 years after Mallory and Irvine’s journey, when a young Japanese reporter named Fukamachi Makoto (Barnet) recognizes the camera in the hands of the mysterious Habu Joji (Ting), an outcast climber believed missing for years. As the plot progresses, Fukamachi enters a world of obsessive mountaineers on...
Based on the acclaimed manga by Jirô Taniguchi and the novel by Baku Yumemakura, “The Summit of the Gods” poses the question, “Were George Mallory and his companion Andrew Irvine the first men to scale Everest on June 8th, 1924? Only the little Vestpocket Kodak camera they took with them might reveal the truth.”
“The Summit of the Gods” picks up in Kathmandu, 70 years after Mallory and Irvine’s journey, when a young Japanese reporter named Fukamachi Makoto (Barnet) recognizes the camera in the hands of the mysterious Habu Joji (Ting), an outcast climber believed missing for years. As the plot progresses, Fukamachi enters a world of obsessive mountaineers on...
- 11/23/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Pearl Studio alum Frank Zhu has joined Riot Games as the League of Legends and Valorant publisher’s Managing Director of China Entertainment.
“I’m very excited to join the Riot Games family,” Zhu said. “I look forward to working with Riot Games China and global teams, and helping grow the best-in-class entertainment company in the 21st century.”
Riot Games’ Global President of Entertainment Shauna Spenley, to whom Zhu will report, announced the hiring on Tuesday.
In his role, Zhu will collaborate with Spenley and Vice President and head of Riot Games China to help define the overall strategy for Riot Entertainment in China. He will also help assemble a roster of talent for Riot to create content that resonates with both players and Chinese audiences. He will also work to build ties with Riot’s critical partners in China to develop and launch entertainment product.
Spenley said: “We are...
“I’m very excited to join the Riot Games family,” Zhu said. “I look forward to working with Riot Games China and global teams, and helping grow the best-in-class entertainment company in the 21st century.”
Riot Games’ Global President of Entertainment Shauna Spenley, to whom Zhu will report, announced the hiring on Tuesday.
In his role, Zhu will collaborate with Spenley and Vice President and head of Riot Games China to help define the overall strategy for Riot Entertainment in China. He will also help assemble a roster of talent for Riot to create content that resonates with both players and Chinese audiences. He will also work to build ties with Riot’s critical partners in China to develop and launch entertainment product.
Spenley said: “We are...
- 8/31/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
“Hamilton” star Phillipa Soo took her final bow on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on July 9, 2016, just days after recording what would become 2020’s “Hamilton” movie on Disney Plus. That film, a streaming smash that received 12 Emmy nominations this year — including one in the Best Movie/Limited Supporting Actress category for Soo — has allowed its all-star cast an opportunity rare among Broadway performers.
“It’s so unique to be able to revisit it and watch it in that way,” Soo tells Gold Derby in a new interview (watch the exclusive video above). “Usually when I’m done with the show it lives in my memory and photographs and maybe a soundtrack. For me, watching it for the first time, I was very emotional and so excited to see the nuances and the energy and the collaboration between the cast and ensemble.”
SEEDaveed Diggs interview: ‘Hamilton’
Soo is one of...
“It’s so unique to be able to revisit it and watch it in that way,” Soo tells Gold Derby in a new interview (watch the exclusive video above). “Usually when I’m done with the show it lives in my memory and photographs and maybe a soundtrack. For me, watching it for the first time, I was very emotional and so excited to see the nuances and the energy and the collaboration between the cast and ensemble.”
SEEDaveed Diggs interview: ‘Hamilton’
Soo is one of...
- 8/18/2021
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
It’s surely not her first time, but Margaret Cho is headed to “Fire Island.”
The Emmy-nominated actor and comedian has joined the cast of the upcoming Searchlight Pictures film opposite Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang. She’ll play a key role as a homeowner and host on the notorious LGBTQ-friendly island.
Variety first reported that the project will be directed by Andrew Ahn, the Sundance breakout behind “Spa Night.'” Booster also wrote the script, described as a modern gay take on “Pride and Prejudice.” It follows two best friends who set out to have a legendary week-long summer vacation with the help of cheap rosé and a cadre of eclectic friends.
Jax Media is producing and the film, which will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. and on Star abroad, both owned by Disney. John Hodges, Brooke Posch and Tony Hernandez are overseeing for Jax,...
The Emmy-nominated actor and comedian has joined the cast of the upcoming Searchlight Pictures film opposite Joel Kim Booster and Bowen Yang. She’ll play a key role as a homeowner and host on the notorious LGBTQ-friendly island.
Variety first reported that the project will be directed by Andrew Ahn, the Sundance breakout behind “Spa Night.'” Booster also wrote the script, described as a modern gay take on “Pride and Prejudice.” It follows two best friends who set out to have a legendary week-long summer vacation with the help of cheap rosé and a cadre of eclectic friends.
Jax Media is producing and the film, which will stream exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. and on Star abroad, both owned by Disney. John Hodges, Brooke Posch and Tony Hernandez are overseeing for Jax,...
- 7/28/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
TV kids… they grow up so fast, don’t they?
HBO Max’s upcoming Sex and the City revival has added Niall Cunningham (Life in Pieces) and Cathy Ang (Ramy) to play the grown-up versions of Miranda and Steve’s son Brady Hobbes and Charlotte and Harry’s daughter Lily Goldenblatt, TVLine has learned. We saw Miranda give birth to Brady in a 2002 episode, and Charlotte and Harry adopted Lily from China in the 2004 series finale, so both should be approaching full adulthood by now… as alarming as that is to contemplate.
More from TVLinePretty Little Liars: Bailee Madison to...
HBO Max’s upcoming Sex and the City revival has added Niall Cunningham (Life in Pieces) and Cathy Ang (Ramy) to play the grown-up versions of Miranda and Steve’s son Brady Hobbes and Charlotte and Harry’s daughter Lily Goldenblatt, TVLine has learned. We saw Miranda give birth to Brady in a 2002 episode, and Charlotte and Harry adopted Lily from China in the 2004 series finale, so both should be approaching full adulthood by now… as alarming as that is to contemplate.
More from TVLinePretty Little Liars: Bailee Madison to...
- 7/27/2021
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Cathy Ang, Niall Cunningham, Alexa Swinton and Cree Cicchino have joined the cast of the HBO Max original series and revival of “Sex and the City.” Entitled “And Just Like That…,” the 10-episode TV sequel follows Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) as they navigate the journey from the complicated reality of life and friendship in their 30s to the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s. The groundbreaking HBO series “Sex and the City” was created by Darren Star and based on the book “Sex and the City” by Candace Bushnell.
The half-hour series is currently shooting in New York and is executive produced by Parker, Davis, Nixon and Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky, John Melfi and Michael Patrick King. Writers include King, Samantha Irby, Rachna Fruchbom, Keli Goff, Rottenberg and Zuritsky. The previously announced cast includes Sara Ramírez, Sarita Choudhury,...
The half-hour series is currently shooting in New York and is executive produced by Parker, Davis, Nixon and Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky, John Melfi and Michael Patrick King. Writers include King, Samantha Irby, Rachna Fruchbom, Keli Goff, Rottenberg and Zuritsky. The previously announced cast includes Sara Ramírez, Sarita Choudhury,...
- 7/27/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
The Sex and the City revival series And Just Like That… continues to bulk up its roster of talent with the newly announced casting of Cree Cicchino, Cathy Ang and Niall Cunningham.
Ang is confirmed to portray the character of Lily Goldenblatt, the eldest daughter of Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) and her devoted husband Harry (Evan Handler). Cunningham is bringing to life Brady Hobbes, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve’s (David Eigenberg) grown-up son. Cicchino stars as Brady’s girlfriend, Luisa Torres.
Ang was photographed on location at the Manhattan School for Music in New York City this weekend shooting a festive scene with Alexa Swinton, who Deadline confirmed plays her younger sister Rose. Also spotted on site were Davis, Handler, Cunningham, Nixon, Eigenberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Willie Garson and Mario Cantone.
2020-21 HBO Max...
Ang is confirmed to portray the character of Lily Goldenblatt, the eldest daughter of Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) and her devoted husband Harry (Evan Handler). Cunningham is bringing to life Brady Hobbes, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve’s (David Eigenberg) grown-up son. Cicchino stars as Brady’s girlfriend, Luisa Torres.
Ang was photographed on location at the Manhattan School for Music in New York City this weekend shooting a festive scene with Alexa Swinton, who Deadline confirmed plays her younger sister Rose. Also spotted on site were Davis, Handler, Cunningham, Nixon, Eigenberg, Sarah Jessica Parker, Willie Garson and Mario Cantone.
2020-21 HBO Max...
- 7/27/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
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