Abbott Elementary, Atlanta and Better Call Saul are among the winners from the fourth night of the NAACP Image Awards‘ non-televised ceremonies.
Winners during Thursday’s night virtual ceremony encompassed the TV writing, TV directing and podcasting categories.
Brittani Nichols won best writing in a comedy series for Abbott Elementary, while Marissa Jo Cerar took the drama series writing award for Women of the Movement.
Angela Barnes won directing honors for the comedy series Atlanta, while Giancarlo Esposito won an NAACP Image Award for directing Better Call Saul.
Winners in the the podcasting categories included The Daily Show and LeVar Burton.
NAACP recognized winners in non-televised categories in virtual ceremonies over multiple nights. Beyoncé and Rihanna were among the winners from night one; Jennifer Hudson, Trevor Noah and Viola Davis were among those winning during night two; and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Quinta Brunson and Keke Palmer were among the night three winners.
Winners during Thursday’s night virtual ceremony encompassed the TV writing, TV directing and podcasting categories.
Brittani Nichols won best writing in a comedy series for Abbott Elementary, while Marissa Jo Cerar took the drama series writing award for Women of the Movement.
Angela Barnes won directing honors for the comedy series Atlanta, while Giancarlo Esposito won an NAACP Image Award for directing Better Call Saul.
Winners in the the podcasting categories included The Daily Show and LeVar Burton.
NAACP recognized winners in non-televised categories in virtual ceremonies over multiple nights. Beyoncé and Rihanna were among the winners from night one; Jennifer Hudson, Trevor Noah and Viola Davis were among those winning during night two; and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Quinta Brunson and Keke Palmer were among the night three winners.
- 2/24/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The participants for Disney General Entertainment Content (Dge) have been selected for the 2022-2023 Dge Directing Program.
“We’re pleased to once again guarantee episodes to talented, first-time television directors via our Directing Program,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of our participating Disney productions, showrunners and producers, and our creative executives and senior leaders, who remain committed to fostering and championing diverse directing talent at our company.”
Launched in 2001 and run by Dge’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) department, the Dge Directing Program previously provided access, mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development to directors on the cusp of episodic television directing.
In partnership with participating Disney series, this year’s program will commit episodes to directors on the following shows: Bunk’D (Disney Branded Television), The Chi (20th Television), General Hospital (ABC), The Good Doctor...
“We’re pleased to once again guarantee episodes to talented, first-time television directors via our Directing Program,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of our participating Disney productions, showrunners and producers, and our creative executives and senior leaders, who remain committed to fostering and championing diverse directing talent at our company.”
Launched in 2001 and run by Dge’s Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi) department, the Dge Directing Program previously provided access, mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development to directors on the cusp of episodic television directing.
In partnership with participating Disney series, this year’s program will commit episodes to directors on the following shows: Bunk’D (Disney Branded Television), The Chi (20th Television), General Hospital (ABC), The Good Doctor...
- 11/15/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance Institute and Hartbeat have selected Mayanna Berrin, Kiana Butler Jabangwe and Danielle Solomon as the recipients of the “Women Write Now” fellowship for Black female comedic screenwriters.
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
Logan Browning, Tika Sumpter and Nicole Byer have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart. Script mentors will include Leigh Davenport (“Run the World”), Kay Oyegun (“This Is Us”), and Yamara Taylor (“Black-ish”). The company’s Head of Film, Candace Cherry Wilson and its VP of TV Development Tiffany Brown will serve as creative advisors at the program’s career development lab.
Also Read:
‘Last Night in Soho’s’ Thomasin McKenzie to Star in Sundance Now Series ‘Totally Completely Fine’
They are joined by Producer Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and the Sundance Institute today named Mayanna Berrin (Power Dynamics), Kiana Butler Jabangwe (Night Off) and Danielle Solomon (Hey Boo) as the recipients of this year’s Women Write Now comedic screenwriting fellowship, designed to elevate the next generation of Black women in comedy.
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
The Fellows, whose short film scripts were selected from a pool of hundreds submissions, will now further develop their material under the guidance of Hartbeat’s panel of script mentors and creative advisors including Leigh Davenport (Starz’s Run the World), Kay Oyegun (NBC’s This Is Us) and Yamara Taylor (ABC’s Black-ish). As part of the development process, each will also participate in an immersive career development lab, where they’ll receive mentorship from creative advisors including Hartbeat’s Head of Film Candice Wilson Cherry and VP, TV Development Tiffany Brown, as well as such industry veterans as Dear White People EP Stephanie Allain,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Hart’s multi-platform media company Hartbeat today announced the return of its screenwriting fellowship and talent development initiative Women Write Now, created to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy through mentorship, advocacy, production and exhibition. The fellowship developed in partnership with the Sundance Institute will support three writers in developing short comedic scripts under the guidance of some of the most influential Black women in comedy.
With the support of Hartbeat executives and veteran industry mentors, this year’s fellowship recipients will earn the opportunity to bring their projects to life at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where they will premiere at a private screening. Following their premiere, the films will be distributed across HartBeat’s Lol Network. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a year-long first-look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for production consideration with Hartbeat, and distribution across its Lol Network.
With the support of Hartbeat executives and veteran industry mentors, this year’s fellowship recipients will earn the opportunity to bring their projects to life at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where they will premiere at a private screening. Following their premiere, the films will be distributed across HartBeat’s Lol Network. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a year-long first-look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for production consideration with Hartbeat, and distribution across its Lol Network.
- 5/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, 12:23 Pm: South by Southwest Conference and Festivals today announced the Audience Award winners for the 29th SXSW Film Festival, with the Patton Oswalt comedy I Love My Dad, FX’s comedy series Atlanta, Sony Pictures Classics’ music doc The Return of Tanya Tucker – Featuring Brandi Carlile and AMC’s drama series 61st Street coming in as notable recipients.
I Love My Dad was previously awarded the Narrative Feature Competition Grand Jury Award, and today took home the Narrative Feature Competition Audience Award. Atlanta won out in the Headliners section, with The Return of Tanya Tucker prevailing in 24 Beats Per Second, and 61st Street taking the Audience Award for Episodic Premieres.
The SXSW Audience Awards follow the previously-announced 2022 Jury Awards, as well as the 40 Years of Massive Talent Award, which was presented to Nicolas Cage at the festival screening of his Lionsgate pic The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on Saturday night.
I Love My Dad was previously awarded the Narrative Feature Competition Grand Jury Award, and today took home the Narrative Feature Competition Audience Award. Atlanta won out in the Headliners section, with The Return of Tanya Tucker prevailing in 24 Beats Per Second, and 61st Street taking the Audience Award for Episodic Premieres.
The SXSW Audience Awards follow the previously-announced 2022 Jury Awards, as well as the 40 Years of Massive Talent Award, which was presented to Nicolas Cage at the festival screening of his Lionsgate pic The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on Saturday night.
- 3/23/2022
- by Valerie Complex and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney General Entertainment’s directing program is putting its money where its Mouse is: on the actual screen. For the first time, participants in the Disney Directing Program will be given guaranteed slots to direct episodes of some of the studio’s biggest shows, including ABC’s “Black-ish,” Freeform’s “Good Trouble” and FX’s “Snowfall.”
That’s in addition to the program’s offerings of mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development. Aspiring directors in the program, which launched in 2001, have never before additionally been promised such directing slots. The announcement was made by Tim McNeal, senior vice president, creative talent development and inclusion.
“We are proud to evolve our directing program this season into a dedicated pipeline that will guarantee episodes to first-time TV directors, a critical stepping stone for professional advancement and opportunity,” McNeal said. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of our participating Disney productions,...
That’s in addition to the program’s offerings of mentorship, shadowing assignments and advanced professional development. Aspiring directors in the program, which launched in 2001, have never before additionally been promised such directing slots. The announcement was made by Tim McNeal, senior vice president, creative talent development and inclusion.
“We are proud to evolve our directing program this season into a dedicated pipeline that will guarantee episodes to first-time TV directors, a critical stepping stone for professional advancement and opportunity,” McNeal said. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of our participating Disney productions,...
- 9/2/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Directors Guild of America announced its new Women’s Steering Committee Squad Mentorship Program along with its first class of mentees. In the program, 10 mid-career directors are each paired with filmmakers that are well established in the field.
The Wsc Squad will last for six months. Mentors will not only discuss craft and artistic opportunities with their mentees, but will also provide guidance on the unique challenges involved with navigating the film industry as women. A second round of the Wsc Squad will begin in Jan. 2022.
“We started this program because the need for mentorship and community never goes away, even when you are working at very high levels in the industry. Women-identifying directors deal with particular situations and it was our goal to forge a sort of sisterhood of mid-career directors,” said Amber Sealey, co-chair of the program. “We purposely paired them with mentors who can offer advice...
The Wsc Squad will last for six months. Mentors will not only discuss craft and artistic opportunities with their mentees, but will also provide guidance on the unique challenges involved with navigating the film industry as women. A second round of the Wsc Squad will begin in Jan. 2022.
“We started this program because the need for mentorship and community never goes away, even when you are working at very high levels in the industry. Women-identifying directors deal with particular situations and it was our goal to forge a sort of sisterhood of mid-career directors,” said Amber Sealey, co-chair of the program. “We purposely paired them with mentors who can offer advice...
- 8/4/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
It was 2019 when audiences examined the shifting face of “Modern Love” with Amazon Prime Video’s anthology series, and after everything in the last year that feels like a lifetime ago. But “Modern Love” is back with a second season that aims to examine how we can connect with each other after everything that’s happened.
The new season will star Gbenga Akinnagbe, Lucy Boynton, Tom Burke, Minnie Driver, newcomer Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback, Zoë Chao, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Tobias Menzies, Sophie Okonedo, Zane Pais, Anna Paquin, Isaac Powell, Marquis Rodriguez, and Lulu Wilson.
John Crowley, Marta Cunningham, Jesse Peretz, and Andrew Rannells will each direct an episode while Celine Held and Logan George will co-direct an episode. Todd Hoffman, Trish Hofmann, and Anthony Bregman serve as executive producers on Season 2, along with Choire Sicha and Caitlin Roper of The New York Times, with Sean Fogel and Miriam Mintz serving as producers.
The new season will star Gbenga Akinnagbe, Lucy Boynton, Tom Burke, Minnie Driver, newcomer Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback, Zoë Chao, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Tobias Menzies, Sophie Okonedo, Zane Pais, Anna Paquin, Isaac Powell, Marquis Rodriguez, and Lulu Wilson.
John Crowley, Marta Cunningham, Jesse Peretz, and Andrew Rannells will each direct an episode while Celine Held and Logan George will co-direct an episode. Todd Hoffman, Trish Hofmann, and Anthony Bregman serve as executive producers on Season 2, along with Choire Sicha and Caitlin Roper of The New York Times, with Sean Fogel and Miriam Mintz serving as producers.
- 7/15/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Amazon Prime Video released a trailer for Season 2 of “Modern Love,” which launches Aug. 13 on the streamer.
The anthology will feature eight new episodes showcasing individual stories about relationships, connections, betrayals and revelations. Each episode is inspired by the true events from the New York Times column of the same name.
John Carney serves as writer, director and executive producer of “Modern Love.” The cast includes Gbenga Akinnagbe, Lucy Boynton, Tom Burke, Zoë Chao, Minnie Driver, Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Tobias Menzies, Sophie Okonedo, Zane Pais, Anna Paquin, Isaac Powell, Marquis Rodriguez and Lulu Wilson. John Crowley, Marta Cunningham, Jesse Peretz, Andrew Rannells, Celine Held, and Logan George also direct episodes this season.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Paramount Plus will premiere Madonna’s new documentary, “Madame X,” on Oct. 8. From MTV Entertainment Studios and directors Ricardo Gomes and Sknx,...
The anthology will feature eight new episodes showcasing individual stories about relationships, connections, betrayals and revelations. Each episode is inspired by the true events from the New York Times column of the same name.
John Carney serves as writer, director and executive producer of “Modern Love.” The cast includes Gbenga Akinnagbe, Lucy Boynton, Tom Burke, Zoë Chao, Minnie Driver, Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Tobias Menzies, Sophie Okonedo, Zane Pais, Anna Paquin, Isaac Powell, Marquis Rodriguez and Lulu Wilson. John Crowley, Marta Cunningham, Jesse Peretz, Andrew Rannells, Celine Held, and Logan George also direct episodes this season.
Watch the trailer below.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Paramount Plus will premiere Madonna’s new documentary, “Madame X,” on Oct. 8. From MTV Entertainment Studios and directors Ricardo Gomes and Sknx,...
- 7/15/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max’s “Generation” will return with new episodes starting June 17.
Rounding out Part 2 of Season 1, the series will launch three episodes on June 17, two on June 24 and two on July 1, with the finale premiering on July 8.
The half-hour dramedy series follows a diverse group of high school students exploring themselves and their sexuality in a conservative community.
The ensemble cast includes Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell, Haley Sanchez, Uly Schlesinger, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Chase Sui Wonders, Justice Smith and Martha Plimpton, with recurring guest stars J. August Richards, Mary Birdsong, Alicia Coppola, Patricia De Leon, Diego Josef, Anthony Kevyan, Sydney Mae Diaz, John Ross Bowie, Marwan Salama, Marisela Zumbado and Sam Trammell.
“Generation” is created by Zelda Barnz and Daniel Barnz, who executive produce with Ben Barnz for We’re Not Brothers Productions, Lena Dunham for Good Thing Going Productions, Sharr White and John Melfi. Sono Patel co-executive produces,...
Rounding out Part 2 of Season 1, the series will launch three episodes on June 17, two on June 24 and two on July 1, with the finale premiering on July 8.
The half-hour dramedy series follows a diverse group of high school students exploring themselves and their sexuality in a conservative community.
The ensemble cast includes Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell, Haley Sanchez, Uly Schlesinger, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Chase Sui Wonders, Justice Smith and Martha Plimpton, with recurring guest stars J. August Richards, Mary Birdsong, Alicia Coppola, Patricia De Leon, Diego Josef, Anthony Kevyan, Sydney Mae Diaz, John Ross Bowie, Marwan Salama, Marisela Zumbado and Sam Trammell.
“Generation” is created by Zelda Barnz and Daniel Barnz, who executive produce with Ben Barnz for We’re Not Brothers Productions, Lena Dunham for Good Thing Going Productions, Sharr White and John Melfi. Sono Patel co-executive produces,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon has set Friday, August 13 for the Season 2 premiere of Modern Love, its half-hour romantic anthology series, inspired by The New York Times column. All eight half-hour episodes will be released at once.
Additionally, Tobias Menzies (The Crown) and Sophie Okonedo (Ratched) have joined the Season 2 cast. They appear in an episode directed by John Carney, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. The episode and series recently wrapped filming in Dublin, Ireland. Season 2 also was filmed in Albany, New York City, Schenectady, and Troy, New York.
Developed by Carney, Modern Love explores love in all of its complicated and beautiful forms, as each standalone episode brings some of the Nyt column’s best known stories to life with an A-list cast.
Previously announced Season 2 cast includes Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Deuce), Susan Blackwell (Madam Secretary), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), Tom Burke (Mank), Zoe Chao (Love Life), Maria Dizzia (Orange is the New Black...
Additionally, Tobias Menzies (The Crown) and Sophie Okonedo (Ratched) have joined the Season 2 cast. They appear in an episode directed by John Carney, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. The episode and series recently wrapped filming in Dublin, Ireland. Season 2 also was filmed in Albany, New York City, Schenectady, and Troy, New York.
Developed by Carney, Modern Love explores love in all of its complicated and beautiful forms, as each standalone episode brings some of the Nyt column’s best known stories to life with an A-list cast.
Previously announced Season 2 cast includes Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Deuce), Susan Blackwell (Madam Secretary), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), Tom Burke (Mank), Zoe Chao (Love Life), Maria Dizzia (Orange is the New Black...
- 5/26/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has set the premiere date for the second season of “Modern Love” and added “The Crown” star Tobias Menzies and “Ratched” actress Sophie Okonedo to the already lengthy lineup of cast members for Season 2 of the romantic anthology series.
“Modern Love,” which is inspired by The New York Times column of the same name, will debut its eight-episode second season on Friday, Aug. 13. All off the season’s episodes, which are each 30 minutes, will be released that day.
Per Amazon’s Wednesday announcement, Menzies and Okonedo will star in a Season 2 episode directed by showrunner John Carney, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Menzies and Okonedo join a lineup of “Modern Love” Season 2 stars that includes Gbenga Akinnagbe, Susan Blackwell. Lucy Boynton. Tom Burke, Zoe Chao, Maria Dizzia, Minnie Driver, Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback, Kathryn Gallagher, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Telci Huynh, Nikki M. James,...
“Modern Love,” which is inspired by The New York Times column of the same name, will debut its eight-episode second season on Friday, Aug. 13. All off the season’s episodes, which are each 30 minutes, will be released that day.
Per Amazon’s Wednesday announcement, Menzies and Okonedo will star in a Season 2 episode directed by showrunner John Carney, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Menzies and Okonedo join a lineup of “Modern Love” Season 2 stars that includes Gbenga Akinnagbe, Susan Blackwell. Lucy Boynton. Tom Burke, Zoe Chao, Maria Dizzia, Minnie Driver, Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback, Kathryn Gallagher, Kit Harington, Garrett Hedlund, Telci Huynh, Nikki M. James,...
- 5/26/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Showtime has ordered the anthology series “Cinema Toast” from creator Jeff Baena and executive producers the Duplass brothers.
The series is described as a post-modernist reinvention of older movies that turns pre-existing imagery from the public domain on its head to tell brand new unique stories. It will feature the voices of actors like Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, John Early, Christina Ricci, Megan Mullally, Chloe Fineman and Chris Meloni. Directors include Baena, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Alex Ross Perry, Marta Cunningham, Aubrey Plaza, Numa Perrier, Jordan Firstman, Kris Rey and David Lowery. Showtime has ordered 10 episodes, which will premiere all at once on Showtime on-demand streaming and partner platforms on April 20.
Episodes will cover a range of genres, including horror, comedy, and drama. Plaza’s psychological thriller “Quiet Illness” pieces together footage of Loretta Young to create a portrait of an emotionally tortured modern woman, while Cunningham’s...
The series is described as a post-modernist reinvention of older movies that turns pre-existing imagery from the public domain on its head to tell brand new unique stories. It will feature the voices of actors like Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, John Early, Christina Ricci, Megan Mullally, Chloe Fineman and Chris Meloni. Directors include Baena, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Alex Ross Perry, Marta Cunningham, Aubrey Plaza, Numa Perrier, Jordan Firstman, Kris Rey and David Lowery. Showtime has ordered 10 episodes, which will premiere all at once on Showtime on-demand streaming and partner platforms on April 20.
Episodes will cover a range of genres, including horror, comedy, and drama. Plaza’s psychological thriller “Quiet Illness” pieces together footage of Loretta Young to create a portrait of an emotionally tortured modern woman, while Cunningham’s...
- 4/12/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Showtime has ordered a new anthology series, Cinema Toast, created by Jeff Baena (The Little Hours) and produced by the Duplass Brothers (Room 104), set to stream later this month. The series is described as a post-modernist reinvention of older movies that turns pre-existing imagery from the public domain on its head to tell new unique stories. All 10 episodes of Cinema Toast will premiere on Showtime’s on-demand streaming and partner platforms on Tuesday, April 20.
Directors of the series include Baena, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Alex Ross Perry, Marta Cunningham, Aubrey Plaza, Numa Perrier, Jordan Firstman, Kris Rey and David Lowery. The episodes are voiced by actors including Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, John Early, Christina Ricci, Megan Mullally, Chloe Fineman and Chris Meloni.
“When the pandemic first hit and all paths to traditional production seemed unlikely at best, I racked my brain to find a way to still create,...
Directors of the series include Baena, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Alex Ross Perry, Marta Cunningham, Aubrey Plaza, Numa Perrier, Jordan Firstman, Kris Rey and David Lowery. The episodes are voiced by actors including Alison Brie, Nick Offerman, Fred Armisen, John Early, Christina Ricci, Megan Mullally, Chloe Fineman and Chris Meloni.
“When the pandemic first hit and all paths to traditional production seemed unlikely at best, I racked my brain to find a way to still create,...
- 4/12/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Julia Hart-directed Disney feature sequel to Stargirl continues to expand its cast with comedian Al Madrigal, Sarayu Blue, Chris Williams and Nija Okoro joining.
Stargirl 2 follows Grace VanderWaal’s title protagonist as she journeys out of Mica into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibility. The script is based on the original character from Jerry Spinelli’s bestselling book. VanderWaal will write and perform new original music for the sequel. Hart co-wrote with her husband Jordan Horowitz.
The four new actors join a cast that includes Uma Thurman, Judy Greer (Stargirl’s mom), Judd Hirsch (Stargirl’s neighbor Mr. Mitchell), Elijah Richardson (Stargirl’s beau Evan) and Tyrel Jackson Williams.
Madrigal will play Iggy, the Mc at a local music club. Blue will play Alex, an up-and-coming film producer. Williams and Okoro will play George and Daphne,...
Stargirl 2 follows Grace VanderWaal’s title protagonist as she journeys out of Mica into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibility. The script is based on the original character from Jerry Spinelli’s bestselling book. VanderWaal will write and perform new original music for the sequel. Hart co-wrote with her husband Jordan Horowitz.
The four new actors join a cast that includes Uma Thurman, Judy Greer (Stargirl’s mom), Judd Hirsch (Stargirl’s neighbor Mr. Mitchell), Elijah Richardson (Stargirl’s beau Evan) and Tyrel Jackson Williams.
Madrigal will play Iggy, the Mc at a local music club. Blue will play Alex, an up-and-coming film producer. Williams and Okoro will play George and Daphne,...
- 4/1/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Midori Francis (Dash & Lily), Gavin Leatherwood (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Christopher Meyer (Tell Me A Story), Ilia Isorelýs Paulino (Queenpins), Lauren “Lolo” Spencer (Give Me Liberty) and Renika Williams (Modern Love) are set as series regulars in The Sex Lives of College Girls, Mindy Kaling’s upcoming comedy series at HBO Max. They join previously announced Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott who star as four roommates and students at the prestigious New England Essex College.
Francis plays “Alicia,” Leatherwood portrays “Nico,” Meyer is “Canaan,” Paulino plays “Lila,” Spencer portrays “Jocelyn,” and Willams plays “Willow,” all students at Essex College.
Kaling and showrunner Justin Noble co-wrote the first episode and executive produce with Howard Klein. The series is produced by Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Midori will next be seen starring in the Netflix feature Afterlife of the Party opposite...
Francis plays “Alicia,” Leatherwood portrays “Nico,” Meyer is “Canaan,” Paulino plays “Lila,” Spencer portrays “Jocelyn,” and Willams plays “Willow,” all students at Essex College.
Kaling and showrunner Justin Noble co-wrote the first episode and executive produce with Howard Klein. The series is produced by Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Midori will next be seen starring in the Netflix feature Afterlife of the Party opposite...
- 3/13/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon has set the Season 2 cast for its half-hour romantic anthology series Modern Love, based on The New York Times column. The new season was filmed in Albany, New York City, Schenectady, and Troy, New York and Dublin, Ireland, and will premiere on Prime Video later this year in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Joining the Season 2 cast are Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Deuce), Susan Blackwell (Madam Secretary), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), Tom Burke (Mank), Zoe Chao (Love Life), Maria Dizzia (Orange is the New Black), Minnie Driver (Cinderella), newcomer Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah), Kathryn Gallagher (Jagged Little Pill), Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound), Telci Huynh (God Friended Me), Nikki M. James (Book of Mormon), Aparna Nancherla (Corporate), Larry Owens (High Maintenance), Zane Pais (Room 104), Anna Paquin (Flack), Isaac Powell (Dear Evan Hansen), Ben Rappaport (For the People), Milan Ray (Troop Zero...
Joining the Season 2 cast are Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Deuce), Susan Blackwell (Madam Secretary), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), Tom Burke (Mank), Zoe Chao (Love Life), Maria Dizzia (Orange is the New Black), Minnie Driver (Cinderella), newcomer Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback (Judas and the Black Messiah), Kathryn Gallagher (Jagged Little Pill), Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound), Telci Huynh (God Friended Me), Nikki M. James (Book of Mormon), Aparna Nancherla (Corporate), Larry Owens (High Maintenance), Zane Pais (Room 104), Anna Paquin (Flack), Isaac Powell (Dear Evan Hansen), Ben Rappaport (For the People), Milan Ray (Troop Zero...
- 2/22/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The Amazon anthology series “Modern Love” has announced its main cast for Season 2.
Season 2 of the series will feature episodes starring: Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Deuce”), Susan Blackwell (“Madam Secretary”), Lucy Boynton (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), Tom Burke (“Mank”), Zoe Chao (“Love Life”), Maria Dizzia (“Orange is the New Black”), newcomer Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Kathryn Gallagher (“Jagged Little Pill”), Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”), Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound”), Telci Huynh (“God Friended Me”), Nikki M. James (“Book of Mormon”), Aparna Nancherla (“Corporate”), Larry Owens (“High Maintenance”), Zane Pais (“Room 104”), Anna Paquin (“Flack”), Isaac Powell (“Dear Evan Hansen”), Ben Rappaport (“For the People”), Milan Ray (“Troop Zero”), Jack Reynor (“Midsommar”), Miranda Richardson (“Stronger”), Marquis Rodriguez (“When They See Us”), James Scully (“You”), Zuzanna Szadkowski (“Gossip Girl”), Lulu Wilson (“The Glorias”), Don Wycherley (“Wild Mountain Thyme”), and Jeena Yi (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”).
Variety exclusively reported last week that Minnie Driver...
Season 2 of the series will feature episodes starring: Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Deuce”), Susan Blackwell (“Madam Secretary”), Lucy Boynton (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), Tom Burke (“Mank”), Zoe Chao (“Love Life”), Maria Dizzia (“Orange is the New Black”), newcomer Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Kathryn Gallagher (“Jagged Little Pill”), Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”), Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound”), Telci Huynh (“God Friended Me”), Nikki M. James (“Book of Mormon”), Aparna Nancherla (“Corporate”), Larry Owens (“High Maintenance”), Zane Pais (“Room 104”), Anna Paquin (“Flack”), Isaac Powell (“Dear Evan Hansen”), Ben Rappaport (“For the People”), Milan Ray (“Troop Zero”), Jack Reynor (“Midsommar”), Miranda Richardson (“Stronger”), Marquis Rodriguez (“When They See Us”), James Scully (“You”), Zuzanna Szadkowski (“Gossip Girl”), Lulu Wilson (“The Glorias”), Don Wycherley (“Wild Mountain Thyme”), and Jeena Yi (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”).
Variety exclusively reported last week that Minnie Driver...
- 2/22/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon has added 29 actors to the cast of “Modern Love” Season 2, which is shaping up to be as star-studded as the first season of the romantic anthology was, with names like Kit Harington, Anna Paquin and Minnie Driver, just to name a few.
Along with those three, other stars of Season 2 include Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Deuce”), Susan Blackwell (“Madam Secretary”), Lucy Boynton (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), Tom Burke (“Mank”), Zoe Chao (“Love Life”), Maria Dizzia (“Orange is the New Black”), Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Kathryn Gallagher (“Jagged Little Pill”), Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound”), Telci Huynh (“God Friended Me”), Nikki M. James (“Book of Mormon”), Aparna Nancherla (“Corporate”), Larry Owens (“High Maintenance”), Zane Pais (“Room 104”), Isaac Powell (“Dear Evan Hansen”), Ben Rappaport (“For the People”), Milan Ray (“Troop Zero”), Jack Reynor (“Midsommar”), Miranda Richardson (“Stronger”), Marquis Rodriguez (“When They See Us”), James Scully (“You” S2), Zuzanna Szadkowski (“Gossip Girl...
Along with those three, other stars of Season 2 include Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Deuce”), Susan Blackwell (“Madam Secretary”), Lucy Boynton (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), Tom Burke (“Mank”), Zoe Chao (“Love Life”), Maria Dizzia (“Orange is the New Black”), Grace Edwards, Dominique Fishback (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Kathryn Gallagher (“Jagged Little Pill”), Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound”), Telci Huynh (“God Friended Me”), Nikki M. James (“Book of Mormon”), Aparna Nancherla (“Corporate”), Larry Owens (“High Maintenance”), Zane Pais (“Room 104”), Isaac Powell (“Dear Evan Hansen”), Ben Rappaport (“For the People”), Milan Ray (“Troop Zero”), Jack Reynor (“Midsommar”), Miranda Richardson (“Stronger”), Marquis Rodriguez (“When They See Us”), James Scully (“You” S2), Zuzanna Szadkowski (“Gossip Girl...
- 2/22/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“Room 104” comes to an end this week after a four-year run unlike any other in TV history. Its anthology framework wasn’t new, its roster of writers and directors included plenty of experienced TV vets, and many of these episodes had foundations in genres that have been on screens for decades.
Over 48 episodes, what this show did have was Room 104 itself, a drab four-wall set — and a blank canvas for anyone lucky enough to get the chance to play inside. Whether the storytellers that came through used that vague premise as an experiment, a challenge, or a chance to tell a story that could only exist within those confines, each new chapter was worth watching to see which path it took.
In fact, even though we’ve explained why we picked the 10 episodes below as some of the show’s best, it’s almost worth going in without...
Over 48 episodes, what this show did have was Room 104 itself, a drab four-wall set — and a blank canvas for anyone lucky enough to get the chance to play inside. Whether the storytellers that came through used that vague premise as an experiment, a challenge, or a chance to tell a story that could only exist within those confines, each new chapter was worth watching to see which path it took.
In fact, even though we’ve explained why we picked the 10 episodes below as some of the show’s best, it’s almost worth going in without...
- 10/9/2020
- by Steve Greene and Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Women in Film, ReFrame and IMDbPro have teamed on a short-film contest for the coronavirus era. They have launched the Curbside Shorts Filmmaking Challenge, in which women and non-binary filmmakers from North America create a brief movie inspired by life while sheltering in place.
All genres are welcome, and filmmakers can employ smartphones and/or Dslr cameras, animation, lighting, camera equipment and editing tools as available “at home” to create a two-minute film — give or take 20 seconds.
Among the potential subjects mentioned by the organizers: What have you discovered about yourself, home or neighborhood? How do you envision the future coming out of this pandemic? Have you imagined a new character or superhero or perhaps been inspired by a real-life hero working on the front lines?
Submissions are being accepted through May 26, and the contest will be judged in two rounds. Audience voting will be done May 26-June 2, and the 10 pics with the most votes,...
All genres are welcome, and filmmakers can employ smartphones and/or Dslr cameras, animation, lighting, camera equipment and editing tools as available “at home” to create a two-minute film — give or take 20 seconds.
Among the potential subjects mentioned by the organizers: What have you discovered about yourself, home or neighborhood? How do you envision the future coming out of this pandemic? Have you imagined a new character or superhero or perhaps been inspired by a real-life hero working on the front lines?
Submissions are being accepted through May 26, and the contest will be judged in two rounds. Audience voting will be done May 26-June 2, and the 10 pics with the most votes,...
- 5/20/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix dropped the trailer for its upcoming 10-episode dramatic comedy series “Gentefied” on Tuesday, showing three Mexican American cousins trying to save their family’s taco shop in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The series, which premieres Feb. 21, is produced by “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera and “That ’70s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama, both of whom will also guest star. Ferrera also directs two episodes along with co-creator Marvin Lemus, Marta Cunningham, Agora Guerra and Andrew Ahn.
“Gentefied” was created by two first-generation Chicano writers, Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, and was adapted from their 2017 Sundance film of the same name.
Also Read: Yes, 'The Circle' Star Shubham Goel Really Ran for Governor of California - And Didn't Finish Last
Here is Netflix’s description of the series:
In this badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, three...
The series, which premieres Feb. 21, is produced by “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera and “That ’70s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama, both of whom will also guest star. Ferrera also directs two episodes along with co-creator Marvin Lemus, Marta Cunningham, Agora Guerra and Andrew Ahn.
“Gentefied” was created by two first-generation Chicano writers, Lemus and Linda Yvette Chávez, and was adapted from their 2017 Sundance film of the same name.
Also Read: Yes, 'The Circle' Star Shubham Goel Really Ran for Governor of California - And Didn't Finish Last
Here is Netflix’s description of the series:
In this badass bilingual series about family, community, brown love, and the displacement that disrupts it all, three...
- 1/21/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
“Dear White People” is returning for its third season later this year with a slate of directors that pays homage to its indie film roots. Ranging from the returning Kimberly Peirce to relative TV newcomers like Justin Tipping, the show continues to give gifted filmmakers a platform to shine.
“I’m so proud of how many female directors we have this season. It’s amazing,” said cast member Ashley Blaine Featherson during a Television Critics Association set visit. Series creator Justin Simien added, “I don’t need the mandate. It’s in the way I live my life. It’s a given to me that black women need to be telling these stories because black women make up the majority of our audience. “
Simien was excited to swoop in on two directors that some people may not have heard of. “Tiffany Johnson, who is amazing — you will be very aware of her.
“I’m so proud of how many female directors we have this season. It’s amazing,” said cast member Ashley Blaine Featherson during a Television Critics Association set visit. Series creator Justin Simien added, “I don’t need the mandate. It’s in the way I live my life. It’s a given to me that black women need to be telling these stories because black women make up the majority of our audience. “
Simien was excited to swoop in on two directors that some people may not have heard of. “Tiffany Johnson, who is amazing — you will be very aware of her.
- 2/13/2019
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
[Editor’s Note: This article is presented in partnership with HBO in support of Room 104, which premieres onJuly 28 at 11:30 p.m. Et.]
“Room 104” isn’t like anything else you’ll see on television this year. The new half-hour, genre-bending HBO series features a number of unique facets, but they all relate back, in one way or another, to the creative minds of Mark and Jay Duplass.
The writers, producers, directors, and actors known for breakout independent films like “The Puffy Chair” and “Cyrus” as well as award-winning television like “Togetherness” and “Transparent” have come together to create the latest exciting original series on the Home Box Office network.
Set in a single room in your typical American motel chain, each week tells a different story and all 12 episodes of Season 1 were produced by the Duplass Brothers. The tone, characters, and era can all change week-to-week, and viewers should be ready for drama, comedy, horror, and at the start of each new entry. What unites each story is the common search for...
“Room 104” isn’t like anything else you’ll see on television this year. The new half-hour, genre-bending HBO series features a number of unique facets, but they all relate back, in one way or another, to the creative minds of Mark and Jay Duplass.
The writers, producers, directors, and actors known for breakout independent films like “The Puffy Chair” and “Cyrus” as well as award-winning television like “Togetherness” and “Transparent” have come together to create the latest exciting original series on the Home Box Office network.
Set in a single room in your typical American motel chain, each week tells a different story and all 12 episodes of Season 1 were produced by the Duplass Brothers. The tone, characters, and era can all change week-to-week, and viewers should be ready for drama, comedy, horror, and at the start of each new entry. What unites each story is the common search for...
- 7/28/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Jay and Mark Duplass are creators who don’t like to be put in a box, even if they’re making six hours of television set within the same four walls.
“Room 104,” the new HBO anthology series from the Duplass brothers, tells individual, episodic stories in each of its 12 half-hour installments, and all 12 are set within the same cheap, dingy hotel room. The first episode, which premiered at the Atx TV Festival Saturday evening, is a lot closer to Mark Duplass’ work in indie films “Creep” and “The One I Love” than the brothers’ former HBO comedy.
During a panel discussion following the episode, Duplass said he felt inspired by the constraints of the premise.
“I have something like 218 ideas in a Word document on my computer,” Duplass said.
Noting how it felt like he was back making low-budget indie films, Duplass said he wrote seven of the 12 episodes...
“Room 104,” the new HBO anthology series from the Duplass brothers, tells individual, episodic stories in each of its 12 half-hour installments, and all 12 are set within the same cheap, dingy hotel room. The first episode, which premiered at the Atx TV Festival Saturday evening, is a lot closer to Mark Duplass’ work in indie films “Creep” and “The One I Love” than the brothers’ former HBO comedy.
During a panel discussion following the episode, Duplass said he felt inspired by the constraints of the premise.
“I have something like 218 ideas in a Word document on my computer,” Duplass said.
Noting how it felt like he was back making low-budget indie films, Duplass said he wrote seven of the 12 episodes...
- 6/11/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
The film industry’s gender divide is well known at this point, but action is often slow to follow knowledge. Fox took a step toward closing that gap with its Global Directors Initiative, which is “dedicated to cultivating emerging and established directors with diverse voices, backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives spanning episodic broadcast and cable television, filmed entertainment, sports and digital media.” The Fdi launched with an introductory video called simply “Fox Directors.” Watch below.
Read More: Adult Swim Creative Director on ‘Limiting Female Projects’: ‘Women Don’t Tend to Like Conflict’
Among the featured filmmakers are Hannah Fidell (“A Teacher”), Anja Marquardt (“She’s Lost Control”), Amanda Marsalis (“Echo Park”), Marta Cunningham (“Valentine Road”), and Cherien Dabis (“May in the Summer”), all of whom briefly discuss their work and their experiences within the industry. The video is directed by Jessica Sanders, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose documentary “After Innocence...
Read More: Adult Swim Creative Director on ‘Limiting Female Projects’: ‘Women Don’t Tend to Like Conflict’
Among the featured filmmakers are Hannah Fidell (“A Teacher”), Anja Marquardt (“She’s Lost Control”), Amanda Marsalis (“Echo Park”), Marta Cunningham (“Valentine Road”), and Cherien Dabis (“May in the Summer”), all of whom briefly discuss their work and their experiences within the industry. The video is directed by Jessica Sanders, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose documentary “After Innocence...
- 10/9/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Top row: Andrew Ahn, Shaz Bennett, Bernado Britto, Steve Caple Jr, Jonas Carpignano, Marta Cunningham, Alistair Banks Griffin. Bottom row: Siân Heder, Marielle Heller, Anna Rose Holmer, Crystal Moselle, Felix Thompson, Yared Zeleke Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute Sundance Institute has announced a new FilmTwo Inititative, which aims to help second-time feature filmmakers, in a bid to address what it describes in its press release as "a growing need in the field of independent storytelling, especially for women and filmmakers of colour".
Second films have long been known as tricky territory and the initiative, with support from founding Partner NBCUniversal, will offer a lucky 13 directors specialist creative and tactical guidance in navigating the unique challenges of making their sophomore movies, such as identifying and/or writing their second project, defining their voice and scaling up and creating more ambitious projects in terms of budget and scope. Through the initiative, four...
Second films have long been known as tricky territory and the initiative, with support from founding Partner NBCUniversal, will offer a lucky 13 directors specialist creative and tactical guidance in navigating the unique challenges of making their sophomore movies, such as identifying and/or writing their second project, defining their voice and scaling up and creating more ambitious projects in terms of budget and scope. Through the initiative, four...
- 5/18/2016
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
While making a first film is notoriously difficult, making a second film can often be even more challenging. To help a talented crop of filmmakers avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump,” the Sundance Institute today unveiled the FilmTwo Initiative. Led by the Institute’s Feature Film Program, with support from Founding Partner NBCUniversal, the FilmTwo Initiative will offer 13 directors creative and strategic guidance in navigating the unique challenges of making their second feature films. The inaugural FilmTwo Fellows are Andrew Ahn (Spa Night), Shaz Bennett (Alaska is a Drag), Bernardo Britto (Jacqueline (Argentine)), Steven Caple Jr. (The Land), Jonas Carpignano (Mediterranea), Marta Cunningham […]...
- 5/17/2016
- by Paula Bernstein
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
On February 12th, 2008, a 14 year old boy stood up in class and shot a fellow student twice in the back of the head. He fled the scene, was caught two blocks away and taken into custody. It was the beginning of a saga that rocked the suburban domiciles of Oxnard, California to their very core. The victim, one Lawrence “Larry” King, was a 15 year old who had recently come out as gay, the shooter was Brandon McInerny – they were both born of broken homes into a broken system.
And that’s the story that Valentine Road really tells, the tale of a country and a debate packed with people obsessed with being on one side of the fence or the other. The film tries very hard indeed to convince you that it’s towing the fine line in between, but ends up as a piece of biased, tonally uneven and...
And that’s the story that Valentine Road really tells, the tale of a country and a debate packed with people obsessed with being on one side of the fence or the other. The film tries very hard indeed to convince you that it’s towing the fine line in between, but ends up as a piece of biased, tonally uneven and...
- 3/29/2014
- by Dominic Mill
- We Got This Covered
Last night, the Hollywood Black Collaborative (Hbc) hosted an informative panel discussion on the distribution methods of black independent films. Moderated by SAGIndie National Director Darrien Michelle Gipson, the panel included filmmakers Charles Murray (Things Never Said), Matthew Cherry (The Last Fall), Marta Cunningham (Valentine Road), Sheldon Candis (Luv), and Effie T. Brown, who produced the recent Sundance hit Dear White People. Panelists discussed the various funding models for their films, highlighting the roles of personal investment and working with investors and influencers. They also shared the importance of staying active and involved when working with a...
- 2/20/2014
- by Nijla Mumin
- ShadowAndAct
Laverne Cox recently spoke about how popular media narratives on trans people are limiting, too often only comfortable defining them as victims or statistics. The 2008 murder of Larry King was a case in point. According to the prevailing story, Larry was a 15 year old (generally labelled as gay or "cross dressing" rather than trans) who had recently begun wearing make-up and high heels to school and asking to be addressed by various female names. On February 12th, he asked a classmate, Brandon McInerney, to be his valentine. The next day, Brandon shot him dead. People around the world were shocked, but for Marta Cunningham, then an actor living in La, such a reaction was only the beginning. The more she looked into the case, the more she uncovered a web of complications and nuance that just wasn’t being given a fair hearing by the media, let alone the courts.
- 2/6/2014
- by Matthew Hammett Knott
- Indiewire
(From Sundance Institue Newsletter)
New research shows Sundance Institute lab projects helmed by women succeed at just shy of equal rates as male-helmed projects in production and top festival exhibition. Collaborative initiative now includes deepened mentorship program, financing intensives, expanded network of allied organizations and updated research. Study conducted by Stacy L. Smith, Ph.D., Katherine Pieper, Ph.D. and Marc Choueiti at Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California.
At a gathering of filmmakers, producers and members of the film distribution industry, at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute, and Cathy Schulman, President, Women In Film Los Angeles, announced significant growth of a collaborative initiative designed to achieve gender parity and sustainable careers for women working in filmed entertainment.
Recent expansions of the initiative, which launched two years ago, include a deepened mentorship program, new financing intensives, an expanded network of allied organizations and new and updated research, the results of which were also released today. The study was commissioned by Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles and was conducted by Stacy L. Smith, Ph.D., Katherine Pieper, Ph.D. and Marc Choueiti at Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California.
Putnam said, “Our collaborative initiative has furthered the dialogue around the importance of women behind the camera. We are grateful to the researchers and allied organizations in lending their analysis and expertise to help us identify the most productive next steps to address existing challenges.”
Schulman said of the results, “In terms of our committed course of change for women, this year's study is another invaluable tool in understanding how Sundance and Women In Film can help guide the industry to institutionalize permanent progress through our programs and collective influence."
The research documented the gender distribution of filmmakers participating in Sundance Institute Feature Film Program (Ffp) and Documentary Film Program (Dfp) Labs between 2002 and 2013 to determine how many emerging female writers, directors and producers receive critical artistic support as part of their filmmaking background, and how this may affect their careers and the pipeline overall. It also updated last year’s inaugural study by quantitatively examining the gender of 1,163 content creators (directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, and editors) across 82 U.S. films selected and screened at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Lastly, the research delved deeper into the original qualitative interviews to further explore obstructions facing female directors and producers in the narrative space.
Key findings include:
Artist Support Through Sundance Institute Labs •Female storytellers compete and flourish at Sundance Institute labs. Of the 432 lab fellows between 2002 and 2013, 42.6% were female. Women comprised 39.3% of fellows in the Feature Film Program (Ffp) and 54.5% of fellows in the Documentary Film Program (Dfp).
•Sundance Institute Lab projects helmed by women succeed at just shy of equal rates as male-helmed projects in production and top festival exhibition. The percentage of Ffp lab projects completed did not vary by gender; roughly 41% of male-helmed and female-helmed projects were finished. 81.3% of all finished Ffp films went on to play at the top 10 festivals worldwide, and of these, no gender differences emerged.
Barriers Facing Female FilmmakersThe initial report revealed career obstacles that face female filmmakers, including gendered financial barriers, male-dominated industry networks, and stereotyping on set. We analyzed a subset of the original 51 interviews with industry thought leaders and seasoned content creators.
•When industry leaders think director, they think male. Traits were gathered from 34 narrative and documentary decision-makers and filmmakers. We explored whether attributes of successful directors reflect stereotypical characteristics of men or women. Nearly one-third of traits (32.1%) were coded as masculine and 19.3% feminine. Conceiving of the directing role in masculine terms may limit the extent to which different women are considered for the job.
•Putting female directors on studio lists is limited by stereotypes. A group of 12 individuals working in the narrative realm were asked specifically about hiring directors into top commercial jobs. Two-thirds (66.7%) indicated that there is a smaller pool of qualified female directors. Half mentioned that stereotypically male films (i.e., action, horror) may not appeal as job opportunities to female directors. These findings illustrate how a reliance on stereotypes creates decision-making biases that weaken women’s opportunities.
Updates To Last Year’S Study•Of the 1,163 content creators working behind the camera on 82 U.S. films at Sff in 2013, 28.9% were women and 71.1% were men. The presence of women differed by storytelling genre: 23.8% of content creators were women in narrative films whereas 40.4% were women in documentary films.
•2013 was an extraordinary year for women in documentary filmmaking at Sff. 42.2% of documentary directors and 49.2% of documentary producers were women at the 2013 Festival. Focusing on directors specifically by program category, 46.4% of U.S. documentary competition directors were female as were 30.8% of documentary premiere helmers.
•Female narrative directors saw gains and losses in 2013, but little overall change. For the first time, gender parity was achieved in U.S. dramatic competition movies in 2013 with 50% of all helmers being female. In contrast, only one of the 18 directors in the premieres section was a woman.
•Narrative directors at the 2013 Festival continued to outperform directors in the top 100 box office: Turning to the 100 top-grossing films of 2013, only 2 (1.9%) of the 108 helmers were female. This represents a 48.1% drop from the percentage of female directors in the Festival’s U.S. Dramatic Competition films.
•Examining female participation at the Festival as directors and producers from 2002 to 2013 revealed no meaningful change over time. Instead, the percentages of female participation often fluctuate but no continuous and sustained increases or decreases were observed across the 12 years. For dramatic features, females accounted for 24.4% of all competition helmers and 13.9% of all non-competition helmers. In documentaries, the percentage of female competition directors is 41.7% and 25% of non-competition helmers.From 2002-2013 17.1% of directors of U.S. narrative films and 35.3% of directors of U.S. documentary films at Sff were female.
This year’s mentorship fellows include Producer Brenda Coughlin (Dirty Wars), Director Marta Cunningham (Valentine Road), Director Mari Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl), Director Shola Lynch (Free Angela and All Political Prisoners), Producer Jordana Mollick (Life Partners) and Producer Kim Sherman (A Teacher).
The Dove short film fellow is Cynthia Wade, who directed a short film entitled Selfie, with producer Sharon Liese. Cynthia was mentored by Academy Award-winning documentarian Barbara Kopple.
In addition, this past year Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles launched a Finance Forum in Los Angeles, where 68 female filmmakers with 58 industry advisors and guests participated. A second financing intensive will be presented in April 2014 in New York.
Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles also continued to meet with leading organizations working on gender in media. Allied Organizations involved in and lending counsel to the collaborative project include: AFI Conservatory; Alliance of Women Directors; Athena Film Festival; Chapman University; Chicken & Egg Pictures; Creative Capital; Film Independent; Fledgling Fund; Ford Foundation; Fusion Film Festival at Nyu; Gamechanger Films; Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media; Ifp; Ifp New York; Impact Partners Women's Fund; Loreen Arbus Foundation; Los Angeles Film Festival; Loyola Marymount University; Nyu; Paley Center for Media; Producers Guild of America; Reel Image Inc.; Tangerine; The Harnisch Foundation; Time Warner Foundation; UCLA; USC; USC/Annenberg; Writers Guild of America; Women and Hollywood; Women In Film Nywift; Women In Film; Wifv (DC); Women Make Movies; Women Moving Millions and Women's Media Center.
The Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles collaboration is supported by Dove, Norlien Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, The Gruber Family Foundation, J. Manus Foundation, Bhakti Chai, and The Harnisch Foundation.
New research shows Sundance Institute lab projects helmed by women succeed at just shy of equal rates as male-helmed projects in production and top festival exhibition. Collaborative initiative now includes deepened mentorship program, financing intensives, expanded network of allied organizations and updated research. Study conducted by Stacy L. Smith, Ph.D., Katherine Pieper, Ph.D. and Marc Choueiti at Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California.
At a gathering of filmmakers, producers and members of the film distribution industry, at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, Keri Putnam, Executive Director, Sundance Institute, and Cathy Schulman, President, Women In Film Los Angeles, announced significant growth of a collaborative initiative designed to achieve gender parity and sustainable careers for women working in filmed entertainment.
Recent expansions of the initiative, which launched two years ago, include a deepened mentorship program, new financing intensives, an expanded network of allied organizations and new and updated research, the results of which were also released today. The study was commissioned by Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles and was conducted by Stacy L. Smith, Ph.D., Katherine Pieper, Ph.D. and Marc Choueiti at Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California.
Putnam said, “Our collaborative initiative has furthered the dialogue around the importance of women behind the camera. We are grateful to the researchers and allied organizations in lending their analysis and expertise to help us identify the most productive next steps to address existing challenges.”
Schulman said of the results, “In terms of our committed course of change for women, this year's study is another invaluable tool in understanding how Sundance and Women In Film can help guide the industry to institutionalize permanent progress through our programs and collective influence."
The research documented the gender distribution of filmmakers participating in Sundance Institute Feature Film Program (Ffp) and Documentary Film Program (Dfp) Labs between 2002 and 2013 to determine how many emerging female writers, directors and producers receive critical artistic support as part of their filmmaking background, and how this may affect their careers and the pipeline overall. It also updated last year’s inaugural study by quantitatively examining the gender of 1,163 content creators (directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, and editors) across 82 U.S. films selected and screened at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Lastly, the research delved deeper into the original qualitative interviews to further explore obstructions facing female directors and producers in the narrative space.
Key findings include:
Artist Support Through Sundance Institute Labs •Female storytellers compete and flourish at Sundance Institute labs. Of the 432 lab fellows between 2002 and 2013, 42.6% were female. Women comprised 39.3% of fellows in the Feature Film Program (Ffp) and 54.5% of fellows in the Documentary Film Program (Dfp).
•Sundance Institute Lab projects helmed by women succeed at just shy of equal rates as male-helmed projects in production and top festival exhibition. The percentage of Ffp lab projects completed did not vary by gender; roughly 41% of male-helmed and female-helmed projects were finished. 81.3% of all finished Ffp films went on to play at the top 10 festivals worldwide, and of these, no gender differences emerged.
Barriers Facing Female FilmmakersThe initial report revealed career obstacles that face female filmmakers, including gendered financial barriers, male-dominated industry networks, and stereotyping on set. We analyzed a subset of the original 51 interviews with industry thought leaders and seasoned content creators.
•When industry leaders think director, they think male. Traits were gathered from 34 narrative and documentary decision-makers and filmmakers. We explored whether attributes of successful directors reflect stereotypical characteristics of men or women. Nearly one-third of traits (32.1%) were coded as masculine and 19.3% feminine. Conceiving of the directing role in masculine terms may limit the extent to which different women are considered for the job.
•Putting female directors on studio lists is limited by stereotypes. A group of 12 individuals working in the narrative realm were asked specifically about hiring directors into top commercial jobs. Two-thirds (66.7%) indicated that there is a smaller pool of qualified female directors. Half mentioned that stereotypically male films (i.e., action, horror) may not appeal as job opportunities to female directors. These findings illustrate how a reliance on stereotypes creates decision-making biases that weaken women’s opportunities.
Updates To Last Year’S Study•Of the 1,163 content creators working behind the camera on 82 U.S. films at Sff in 2013, 28.9% were women and 71.1% were men. The presence of women differed by storytelling genre: 23.8% of content creators were women in narrative films whereas 40.4% were women in documentary films.
•2013 was an extraordinary year for women in documentary filmmaking at Sff. 42.2% of documentary directors and 49.2% of documentary producers were women at the 2013 Festival. Focusing on directors specifically by program category, 46.4% of U.S. documentary competition directors were female as were 30.8% of documentary premiere helmers.
•Female narrative directors saw gains and losses in 2013, but little overall change. For the first time, gender parity was achieved in U.S. dramatic competition movies in 2013 with 50% of all helmers being female. In contrast, only one of the 18 directors in the premieres section was a woman.
•Narrative directors at the 2013 Festival continued to outperform directors in the top 100 box office: Turning to the 100 top-grossing films of 2013, only 2 (1.9%) of the 108 helmers were female. This represents a 48.1% drop from the percentage of female directors in the Festival’s U.S. Dramatic Competition films.
•Examining female participation at the Festival as directors and producers from 2002 to 2013 revealed no meaningful change over time. Instead, the percentages of female participation often fluctuate but no continuous and sustained increases or decreases were observed across the 12 years. For dramatic features, females accounted for 24.4% of all competition helmers and 13.9% of all non-competition helmers. In documentaries, the percentage of female competition directors is 41.7% and 25% of non-competition helmers.From 2002-2013 17.1% of directors of U.S. narrative films and 35.3% of directors of U.S. documentary films at Sff were female.
This year’s mentorship fellows include Producer Brenda Coughlin (Dirty Wars), Director Marta Cunningham (Valentine Road), Director Mari Heller (Diary of a Teenage Girl), Director Shola Lynch (Free Angela and All Political Prisoners), Producer Jordana Mollick (Life Partners) and Producer Kim Sherman (A Teacher).
The Dove short film fellow is Cynthia Wade, who directed a short film entitled Selfie, with producer Sharon Liese. Cynthia was mentored by Academy Award-winning documentarian Barbara Kopple.
In addition, this past year Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles launched a Finance Forum in Los Angeles, where 68 female filmmakers with 58 industry advisors and guests participated. A second financing intensive will be presented in April 2014 in New York.
Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles also continued to meet with leading organizations working on gender in media. Allied Organizations involved in and lending counsel to the collaborative project include: AFI Conservatory; Alliance of Women Directors; Athena Film Festival; Chapman University; Chicken & Egg Pictures; Creative Capital; Film Independent; Fledgling Fund; Ford Foundation; Fusion Film Festival at Nyu; Gamechanger Films; Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media; Ifp; Ifp New York; Impact Partners Women's Fund; Loreen Arbus Foundation; Los Angeles Film Festival; Loyola Marymount University; Nyu; Paley Center for Media; Producers Guild of America; Reel Image Inc.; Tangerine; The Harnisch Foundation; Time Warner Foundation; UCLA; USC; USC/Annenberg; Writers Guild of America; Women and Hollywood; Women In Film Nywift; Women In Film; Wifv (DC); Women Make Movies; Women Moving Millions and Women's Media Center.
The Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles collaboration is supported by Dove, Norlien Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, The Gruber Family Foundation, J. Manus Foundation, Bhakti Chai, and The Harnisch Foundation.
- 1/22/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Continued from picks 20 to 16….
20. Fruitvale Station – Ryan Coogler
19. Cutie and the Boxer – Zachary Heinzerling
18. Valentine Road – Marta Cunningham
17. Dirty Wars – Rick Rowley
16. Leviathan – Lucien Castaing-Taylor & Véréna Paravel
15. American Hustle – David O. Russell
Doing his best Goodfellas impression, Russell has put together a lovably silly, surprisingly grim conman caper that has been wrongly billed as an outright period farce. Yes, Bradley Cooper in curlers, Christian Bale with a beer gut and classic comb-over, and Jessica Laurence as a headstrong, bellicose homemaker are the stuff of comedy gold, but this not a film stacked with one liners and physical gags. Instead, the awkwardly induced laughs are generally played as masterful characterial counterpoints to the increasingly complex and socially succinct narrative. Layered in the bungled schemes of Cooper’s power crazed FBI agent, Richie Dimaso, there is a scarily poignant depiction of the judicial system overreaching their means to the detriment of the American public at large.
20. Fruitvale Station – Ryan Coogler
19. Cutie and the Boxer – Zachary Heinzerling
18. Valentine Road – Marta Cunningham
17. Dirty Wars – Rick Rowley
16. Leviathan – Lucien Castaing-Taylor & Véréna Paravel
15. American Hustle – David O. Russell
Doing his best Goodfellas impression, Russell has put together a lovably silly, surprisingly grim conman caper that has been wrongly billed as an outright period farce. Yes, Bradley Cooper in curlers, Christian Bale with a beer gut and classic comb-over, and Jessica Laurence as a headstrong, bellicose homemaker are the stuff of comedy gold, but this not a film stacked with one liners and physical gags. Instead, the awkwardly induced laughs are generally played as masterful characterial counterpoints to the increasingly complex and socially succinct narrative. Layered in the bungled schemes of Cooper’s power crazed FBI agent, Richie Dimaso, there is a scarily poignant depiction of the judicial system overreaching their means to the detriment of the American public at large.
- 1/7/2014
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
20. Fruitvale Station – Ryan Coogler
Sundance has left a lasting impression this year. Among the lucky few who attended the world premiere of Ryan Coogler’s Grand Jury Prize winning debut feature in Park City, to say the least, I was completely blindsided by its overwhelming emotional power and distinguished empathy. Coogler’s fictionalization of Oscar Grant III’s last day before being murdered in cold blood by a Bay Area police officer breathes life back into the man – a father, lover, son, and former inmate – by all accounts accurately illustrating him with warmth and understanding of his sometimes fiery personality. With a promising young director behind the camera and a set of vibrant new talents before it in Michael B. Jordan’s wholly fleshed out depiction of Oscar and Melonie Diaz as his girlfriend and mother of their child, Fruitvale Station is a devastating and culturally crucial work. [July 12th NYC & L.A Release - Fox Searchlight]
19. Cutie and the Boxer...
Sundance has left a lasting impression this year. Among the lucky few who attended the world premiere of Ryan Coogler’s Grand Jury Prize winning debut feature in Park City, to say the least, I was completely blindsided by its overwhelming emotional power and distinguished empathy. Coogler’s fictionalization of Oscar Grant III’s last day before being murdered in cold blood by a Bay Area police officer breathes life back into the man – a father, lover, son, and former inmate – by all accounts accurately illustrating him with warmth and understanding of his sometimes fiery personality. With a promising young director behind the camera and a set of vibrant new talents before it in Michael B. Jordan’s wholly fleshed out depiction of Oscar and Melonie Diaz as his girlfriend and mother of their child, Fruitvale Station is a devastating and culturally crucial work. [July 12th NYC & L.A Release - Fox Searchlight]
19. Cutie and the Boxer...
- 1/6/2014
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Woefully underreported by major news outlets to date is the fact that this year, there are at least five feature documentaries directed by black women qualifying for Academy Award consideration, including Gideon's Army by Dawn Porter; Free Angela and All Political Prisoners by Shola Lynch; Valentine Road by Marta Cunningham; The New Black by Yoruba Richen; and American Promise by Michele Stephenson. I've written often here on S&A about the work being done in the documentary world and how it tends to fly under the radar. Even critically acclaimed docs tend to receive less attention,...
- 11/12/2013
- by Jai Tiggett
- ShadowAndAct
Larry King, the 15 year-old boy who’s murder became the genesis for Marta Cunningham’s jaw-dropping, tear-jerking powerhouse investigative debut, Valentine Road, is memorialized through his loving illustration in the words of the many who loved him. With that in mind, the film stands firmly on the notion that neither murder nor the lengthy imprisonment of a 15 year old murderer is justifiable. Seeking the origins of hate that led Brandon McInerney to shoot his classmate before his fellow students, Cunningham stares sternly into the horrifying gaze of unabashed, home grown prejudice and let’s those willing to speak their mind in juxtaposition to the testimony of those still mourning Larry’s passing.
Cunningham has come from the opposite side of the lens, initially making her way in the film business as an actress and dancer. Now a mother of two, she is spending her time behind the camera, both directing...
Cunningham has come from the opposite side of the lens, initially making her way in the film business as an actress and dancer. Now a mother of two, she is spending her time behind the camera, both directing...
- 10/7/2013
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Sure, Sunday tends to be overcrowded with high-end TV, including "Boardwalk Empire," "Eastbound and Down," "Homeland," "Masters of Sex" and more, but what to watch the rest of the time? Every Monday, we bring you five noteworthy highlights from the other six days of the week. "Valentine Road": Television Premiere Monday, October 7th at 9pm on HBO Coming to HBO off of a premiere at Sundance earlier this year, Marta Cunningham's documentary looks at the murder of eighth grader Larry King by his classmate Brandon McInerney, unpacking a story of Lgbt discrimination, bullying and two kids coming from abusive backgrounds and meeting in tragedy. "Pov": "Brooklyn Castle" Monday, October 7th at 10pm on PBS Katie Dellamaggiore's quiet charmer of a doc about an inner city school's champ chess team comes to PBS this week. The film follows students from I.S. 138's program as they face national championships and budget cuts,...
- 10/7/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
Communal Intolerance: Cunningham Finds Apathy and Heartbreak In The Wake of Larry King’s Murder
On February 12, 2008, in Oxnard, California, an openly gay 15-year-old student named Larry King was shot in the back of the head at point-blank range in front of a classroom full of fellow students by his classmate and repulsed love interest Brandon McInerney, then all of 14. After this community shattering moment of horror, blame was tossed between parties, careers were ended and lives forever altered, but strangely, the shooting that occurred at the E.O. Green Junior High School was not the next Columbine, destined to remain ingrained in societal memory. King’s murder and McInerney’s subsequent trial, where he was tried as an adult with the possibility of life in prison, only received minimal attention in the national press. Despite living within miles of the event, director Marta Cunningham was shocked and appalled to...
On February 12, 2008, in Oxnard, California, an openly gay 15-year-old student named Larry King was shot in the back of the head at point-blank range in front of a classroom full of fellow students by his classmate and repulsed love interest Brandon McInerney, then all of 14. After this community shattering moment of horror, blame was tossed between parties, careers were ended and lives forever altered, but strangely, the shooting that occurred at the E.O. Green Junior High School was not the next Columbine, destined to remain ingrained in societal memory. King’s murder and McInerney’s subsequent trial, where he was tried as an adult with the possibility of life in prison, only received minimal attention in the national press. Despite living within miles of the event, director Marta Cunningham was shocked and appalled to...
- 10/7/2013
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Most documentaries addressing social injustice do so with the intent to create discussion and inspire change, but the director and producers of HBO’s Valentine Road – about the shooting death of 15-year-old Larry King – took that intent one step further Wednesday night. Following a screening of the documentary at the Museum of Tolerance, director Marta Cunningham was part of a panel discussion that led the audience in a dialogue about race, tolerance, abuse and how to make change. Cunningham’s unflinching exploration of the King case – in which his classmate, Brandon McInerney, shot him at point-blank
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- 9/25/2013
- by Carly Milne
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Moore’s Law has continued to raise the quality and lower the cost of Av equipment, and more fledgling filmmakers have dipped their feet in the fountain of non-fiction, there’s been much talk about us being in the midst of a new golden age of documentary filmmaking. Now, lofty statements like these generally wind up being little more than buzzword attractions meant to set the blogosphere aflame, but this year has undoubtedly been a stellar year for the non-fiction form. From politically shattering investigations to form flexing art films to immensely personal portraits, not only are documentaries making a major impact on the ol’ festival circuit – Sundance, Tribeca, Hot Docs, SXSW, AFI Docs – many fest favorites from last year have had considerable success this year in art house theatres, not just in NYC & La, but in some cases nationwide – not an easy feat.
Of the lengthy list of...
Of the lengthy list of...
- 7/29/2013
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Espn isn't the only network announcing its fall doc lineup -- HBO announced its own new set of nonfiction films set to air in the upcoming months today, among them the Alec Baldwin and James Toback Cannes feature "Seduced and Abandoned," Whoopi Goldberg's directorial debut on Moms Mabley and the David Cronenberg-narrated "Tales From the Organ Trade." Here's the full list, with descriptions courtesy of the network: Valentine Road (debuting Oct. 7) unravels the school shooting of a young teenager who had begun exploring his gender identity, detailing the circumstances that led to his murder by a fellow student, as well as its complicated aftermath. Directed and produced by first-time filmmaker Marta Cunningham and produced by Sasha Alpert (HBO’s “Autism: The Musical”) and Eddie Schmidt (HBO’s “Twist of Faith”), the powerful and disturbing documentary raises questions about the safety of Lgbt teens, while challenging the efficacy of...
- 7/26/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
HBO will debut a series of documentaries in the fall, including Alec Baldwin and James Toback's "Seduced and Abandoned," Whoopi Goldberg's portrait of pioneering performer Moms Mabley, and a Stephen Sondheim profile featuring the work of director Todd Haynes and others. The documentaries will come from a range of filmmakers including James Lapine, Sean and Andrea Fine, Cynthia Wade, Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill, James Redford and Marta Cunningham. The first film, Cunningham's "Valentine Road," debuts Oct. 7, and at least one film will premiere on each of the next nine...
- 7/25/2013
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Frameline Film Festival 2013 Winners: 'Out in the Dark,' 'Concussion,' 'Big Joy' and More (Trailers)
Frameline, the world's longest running Lgbt film festival, announced its 2013 winners for both audience and juried awards after wrapping up its 37th year this past Sunday. Michael Mayer's gay Israeli-Palestinian drama "Out in the Dark" received the Outstanding First Feature prize from jury members Robert Hawk, Joao Federici (Mix Brasil fest director) and Mel Pritchard (BuskFilms). Stacie Passon's indie tale of lesbian ennui "Concussion" -- well-reviewed at Tiff and Sundance -- garnered an honorable mention. Both of these films will screen in La at Outfest in July. (Read a fascinating interview with Passon via Women and Hollywood here.) Jury members M.T. Silva (Pixar), Masashi Niwao (CAAMFest director) and Joachim Post (programmer of the Hamburg Queer Film Festival) awarded Outstanding Documentary to Marta Cunningham's portrait of Lgbt violence "Valentine Road." Runners-up were Yoruba Richen's "The New Black" and SXSW hit "Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton" --.
- 7/2/2013
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Valentine Road
Directed by Marta Cunningham
2013, Usa
This gripping American documentary focus’ on a school shooting in 2008 where a student was shot for allegedly being an Lgbt person. The film is essentially split up into three phases: the retelling of the incident, character studies of the two boys and societal critiques of the legal and schools systems. A large majority of the film is made up of interviews with relevant individuals.
A good documentary has the director talking to the right people, asking the right questions and editing intelligently and ethically to keep the film cohesive. This film does all three and in fact does them all well. With a premise like this one might expect the film to be very one sided about the whole affair, but in fact its incredibly fair about showing both sides of the story in depth. It really isn’t as simple as ‘he...
Directed by Marta Cunningham
2013, Usa
This gripping American documentary focus’ on a school shooting in 2008 where a student was shot for allegedly being an Lgbt person. The film is essentially split up into three phases: the retelling of the incident, character studies of the two boys and societal critiques of the legal and schools systems. A large majority of the film is made up of interviews with relevant individuals.
A good documentary has the director talking to the right people, asking the right questions and editing intelligently and ethically to keep the film cohesive. This film does all three and in fact does them all well. With a premise like this one might expect the film to be very one sided about the whole affair, but in fact its incredibly fair about showing both sides of the story in depth. It really isn’t as simple as ‘he...
- 6/4/2013
- by Taegan J. Brown
- SoundOnSight
Amir here, reporting from the Hot Docs documentary festival in Toronto. There are a few films at the festival this year that deal with Lgbt issues. Paolo has already reviewed one of them – though I’m using the term “issue” very loosely with regards to that one - but on a more serious note, here are three more documentaries about the gay community.
First up is Valentine Road, which explores the story of a 15 year old student, named Larry King, in Oxnard, California who was fatally shot by a classmate, Brandon McInerney, during school hours for confessing his love for him in front of a group of friends. Larry, a biracial boy who had always shown female tendencies, had begun to dress in girls’ clothing and put on heels and make-up to school. On the face of it, the crime is one born of hatred, homophobia and racism, but director...
First up is Valentine Road, which explores the story of a 15 year old student, named Larry King, in Oxnard, California who was fatally shot by a classmate, Brandon McInerney, during school hours for confessing his love for him in front of a group of friends. Larry, a biracial boy who had always shown female tendencies, had begun to dress in girls’ clothing and put on heels and make-up to school. On the face of it, the crime is one born of hatred, homophobia and racism, but director...
- 5/5/2013
- by Amir S.
- FilmExperience
Coming on the heels of some exceptionally strong Lgbt docs at both Sundance (Marta Cunningham's "Valentine Road" and Roger Ross Williams' "God Loves Uganda") and Berlin (Sébastien Lifshitz's "Bambi" and Angela Christlieb's "Naked Opera"), SXSW continued what is clearly shaping up to become a banner year. In its previous two editions, SXSW was the theatrical birthplace of both Andrew Haigh's romantic drama "Weekend" and Jonathan Lisecki's gay man/straight girl romantic comedy "Gayby," establishing the festival as just as reliable a place to find quality queer narrative films as its two aforementioned predecessors. But this year was all about non-fiction. Three documentaries -- Malcolm Ingram's "Continental," Jeffrey Schwarz's "I Am Divine" and Pj Raval's "Before You Know It" -- each premiered at the fest, and each will deservedly be a highlight at the scores of doc and Lgbt-focused festivals they'll surely...
- 3/15/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Non-profit Chicken & Egg Pictures, which supports women doc filmmakers, announces $220,000 in grants going to 25 filmmakers, both emerging and established. To date, Chicken & Egg has given over $2.7 million to women filmmakers since its inception in 2005. Three of the films receiving support will premiere at Sundance. They are: Martha Shane and Lana Wilson's "After Tiller," Jehane Noujaim's "The Square" and Marta Cunningham's "Valentine Road." Chicken & Egg's Celebration grant honors trailblazing veterans who push creative boundaries. This year the grant goes to Lourdes Portillo, who also recently has a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art. The grant recipients are detailed below: Grant categories include: I Believe In You grants, early development funding for production that enables filmmakers to “greenlight” their project; Liberty grants allow filmmakers to focus on the creative side of...
- 12/13/2012
- by Sophia Savage
- Thompson on Hollywood
The 2013 Sundance Film Festival runs from January 17-27 and today the fest unveiled their competition slates including film in the Dramatic, Documentary, World Cinema Dramatic, Word Cinema Documentary and Next competitions. As always, these lineups are incredibly hard to predict, but amid this group there are a few interesting titles. The Dramatic competition includes Jill Soloway's Afternoon Delight, a dark comedy starring Kathryn Hahn, Juno Temple, Josh Radnor and Jane Lynch that centers on a L.A. housewife who hires a stripper as a live-in nanny. I had not heard of David Lowery's Ain't Them Bodies Saints, but a cast that includes Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Nate Parker and Keith Carradine is immediately appealing, while the plot compares itself to Terrence Malick's Badlands and Bonnie & Clyde telling a story of Bob Muldoon and Ruth Guthrie, two young outlaws who are brought down by the authorities in the hills of Texas.
- 11/28/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
British actor James Frain, who has arrived in True Blood's Bon Temps as bloodsucking baddie Franklin Mott, says he wants to swap vampire tips with Twilight's Robert Pattinson.
Frain appears alongside Pattinson in the upcoming film adaptation of circus tale Water For Elephants.
But he regrets that they didn't get chance to talk about their more toothy roles.
Frain says: "I did have scenes with Robert in Water for Elephants but I'm sorry to say we didn't swap vampire stories. I wish we had, people can't believe there's going to be a scene in the movie with a Twilight vampire talking to a True Blood vampire and that we didn't spend our time chatting about that.
"I wish I'd got vampire tips from him, I wish I'd gone, 'Oi, Bob mate, any tips?'" he says, in a mock British accent.
James debuted in True Blood on UK screens...
Frain appears alongside Pattinson in the upcoming film adaptation of circus tale Water For Elephants.
But he regrets that they didn't get chance to talk about their more toothy roles.
Frain says: "I did have scenes with Robert in Water for Elephants but I'm sorry to say we didn't swap vampire stories. I wish we had, people can't believe there's going to be a scene in the movie with a Twilight vampire talking to a True Blood vampire and that we didn't spend our time chatting about that.
"I wish I'd got vampire tips from him, I wish I'd gone, 'Oi, Bob mate, any tips?'" he says, in a mock British accent.
James debuted in True Blood on UK screens...
- 2/2/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
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