Frédéric Tcheng on celebrating Bethann Hardison: “I think it’s really important to see what Bethann did and the historical movement she created.” Photo: Oliviero Toscano, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
When I spoke with Tribeca Film Festival Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer on Zoom from Paris, months before the 22nd edition, he noted Frédéric Tcheng and Bethann Hardison’s Invisible Beauty (produced by Lisa Cortes of Harold Crooks and Judd Tully’s The Melt Goes on Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons) as one of the highlights to see and commented: “We play all the films by Frédéric Tcheng (Halston and the World première of Dior And I). He’s a great person, very elegant.” Frédéric also co-directed Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel with Lisa Immordino Vreeland and Bent-Jorge Perlmutt and was a co-editor with Bob Eisenhardt for Matt Tyrnauer’s Valentino: The Last Emperor.
Frédéric Tcheng...
When I spoke with Tribeca Film Festival Artistic Director Frédéric Boyer on Zoom from Paris, months before the 22nd edition, he noted Frédéric Tcheng and Bethann Hardison’s Invisible Beauty (produced by Lisa Cortes of Harold Crooks and Judd Tully’s The Melt Goes on Forever: The Art & Times of David Hammons) as one of the highlights to see and commented: “We play all the films by Frédéric Tcheng (Halston and the World première of Dior And I). He’s a great person, very elegant.” Frédéric also co-directed Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel with Lisa Immordino Vreeland and Bent-Jorge Perlmutt and was a co-editor with Bob Eisenhardt for Matt Tyrnauer’s Valentino: The Last Emperor.
Frédéric Tcheng...
- 10/14/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Exclusive: Hollywood vet Gianni Nunnari, producer on movies including the 300 franchise, Immortals, and From Dusk Til Dawn, is teaming with producer Simon Horsman to launch Euro Gang Entertainment.
The company plans to develop, finance and produce movies, scripted and unscripted TV series, stage productions and other live events.
The outfit will have offices in London, Rome and Madrid, while keeping a base in Los Angeles, and is affiliated to Nunnari’s long-time label Hollywood Gang Productions, which will continue to develop and service legacy projects.
Euro Gang says it has more than 30 projects in development across various genres, formats, and budget ranges, and this week it sealed a co-development agreement with Warner Music Group’s film and TV division Warner Music Entertainment, headed by Charlie Cohen.
Under terms of the pact, the companies will co-develop nine scripted projects, which include original concepts,...
The company plans to develop, finance and produce movies, scripted and unscripted TV series, stage productions and other live events.
The outfit will have offices in London, Rome and Madrid, while keeping a base in Los Angeles, and is affiliated to Nunnari’s long-time label Hollywood Gang Productions, which will continue to develop and service legacy projects.
Euro Gang says it has more than 30 projects in development across various genres, formats, and budget ranges, and this week it sealed a co-development agreement with Warner Music Group’s film and TV division Warner Music Entertainment, headed by Charlie Cohen.
Under terms of the pact, the companies will co-develop nine scripted projects, which include original concepts,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
For Hulu documentary executives Belisa Balaban and Beth Osisek, flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to the constant pivoting required by vérité and investigative projects — a quality that they say only strengthens unscripted storytelling.
“The hallmark of nonfiction is that you don’t always know where a story’s going to go,” Balaban, who serves as SVP of Hulu original documentaries and unscripted series told TheWrap for this week’s Office With a View. “That’s always the central challenge, and also opportunity of nonfiction filmmaking. And of course, that’s the challenge and opportunity for us — then we’ve got to pivot on our end as well — a story might shift, or the length might shift or characters might shift, and we’re there to support filmmakers through that process.”
As Balaban and Osisek, Hulu’s VP of documentaries, embrace feature-length documentaries and multi-part docuseries as what Osisek calls “living,...
“The hallmark of nonfiction is that you don’t always know where a story’s going to go,” Balaban, who serves as SVP of Hulu original documentaries and unscripted series told TheWrap for this week’s Office With a View. “That’s always the central challenge, and also opportunity of nonfiction filmmaking. And of course, that’s the challenge and opportunity for us — then we’ve got to pivot on our end as well — a story might shift, or the length might shift or characters might shift, and we’re there to support filmmakers through that process.”
As Balaban and Osisek, Hulu’s VP of documentaries, embrace feature-length documentaries and multi-part docuseries as what Osisek calls “living,...
- 6/16/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Hulu has set its next big true-crime doc project, a series following the notorious Sarah Lawrence College sex cult, just as its latest addition to the genre, Adam McKay’s “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty,” has achieved the title of Hulu’s most-watched documentary film to date.
The Disney-owned streamer, which does not release specific viewership figures for its content, confirmed to Variety that the new record set by “God Forbid,” and previously held by 2019’s “Fyre Fest,” counts all original and non-original docs and is based on hours streamed within the first three weeks.
Produced by Alfred Spellman’s Rakontur and McKay’s Hyperobject and directed by Billy Corben, “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty” centers on Giancarlo Granda, former pool attendant at the Fontainebleau Hotel, as he recounts the alleged events of his relationship with Becki Falwell and her husband,...
The Disney-owned streamer, which does not release specific viewership figures for its content, confirmed to Variety that the new record set by “God Forbid,” and previously held by 2019’s “Fyre Fest,” counts all original and non-original docs and is based on hours streamed within the first three weeks.
Produced by Alfred Spellman’s Rakontur and McKay’s Hyperobject and directed by Billy Corben, “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty” centers on Giancarlo Granda, former pool attendant at the Fontainebleau Hotel, as he recounts the alleged events of his relationship with Becki Falwell and her husband,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Rebecca Halpern on Chef Charlie Trotter: “He loved very challenging films like Fitzcarraldo by Werner Herzog. And he loved books by people like Ayn Rand, which are not that popular frankly.” Photo: courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment
Rebecca Halpern’s revealing and savoury Love, Charlie: The Rise And Fall Of Chef Charlie Trotter features on-camera in-person interviews with Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Grant Achatz, Norman Van Aken, Carrie Nahabedian, Rick Bayless, Della Gossett, Michelle Gayer, David LeFevre, Guillermo Tellez, Reggie Watkins, Rahm Emanuel, Gordon Sinclair, Art Smith, farmer Lee Jones, and Trotter’s ex-wife Lisa Ehrlich.
Rebecca is also the producer of Danny Lee’s Who is Stan Smith?, executive produced by LeBron James.
Rebecca Halpern with Anne-Katrin Titze on Charlie Trotter’s: “His vegetarian dishes were beautiful and multi-layered and nuanced and remarkable.”
I spoke with Chef Mauro Colagreco (featured in Vérane Frédiani and Franck Ribière’s...
Rebecca Halpern’s revealing and savoury Love, Charlie: The Rise And Fall Of Chef Charlie Trotter features on-camera in-person interviews with Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Grant Achatz, Norman Van Aken, Carrie Nahabedian, Rick Bayless, Della Gossett, Michelle Gayer, David LeFevre, Guillermo Tellez, Reggie Watkins, Rahm Emanuel, Gordon Sinclair, Art Smith, farmer Lee Jones, and Trotter’s ex-wife Lisa Ehrlich.
Rebecca is also the producer of Danny Lee’s Who is Stan Smith?, executive produced by LeBron James.
Rebecca Halpern with Anne-Katrin Titze on Charlie Trotter’s: “His vegetarian dishes were beautiful and multi-layered and nuanced and remarkable.”
I spoke with Chef Mauro Colagreco (featured in Vérane Frédiani and Franck Ribière’s...
- 11/17/2022
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
In just 13 yearsDOC NYC has become America’s most influential documentary festival.
The nine-day affair, which runs Nov. 9-17, will feature more than 124 short docus and 112 feature-length nonfiction films that will screen at New York City’s IFC Center, Sva Theater and Cinépolis Chelsea. (The 2022 version will be both in person in New York and accessible online across the U.S.)
One key factor in the festival’s success has to do with where it falls on the calendar — one month before the AMPAS documentary branch begins voting to determine the Oscar documentary shortlist. Then there’s Doc NYC’s 15-feature film shortlist, which has become famous for including docus that eventually earn Oscar nominations and/or wins.
“Summer of Soul,” “American Factory,” “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” “O.J.: Made in America,” “Amy,” “Citizenfour,” “20 Feet From Stardom,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and “Undefeated” are all films that won the Academy Award for...
The nine-day affair, which runs Nov. 9-17, will feature more than 124 short docus and 112 feature-length nonfiction films that will screen at New York City’s IFC Center, Sva Theater and Cinépolis Chelsea. (The 2022 version will be both in person in New York and accessible online across the U.S.)
One key factor in the festival’s success has to do with where it falls on the calendar — one month before the AMPAS documentary branch begins voting to determine the Oscar documentary shortlist. Then there’s Doc NYC’s 15-feature film shortlist, which has become famous for including docus that eventually earn Oscar nominations and/or wins.
“Summer of Soul,” “American Factory,” “Free Solo,” “Icarus,” “O.J.: Made in America,” “Amy,” “Citizenfour,” “20 Feet From Stardom,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and “Undefeated” are all films that won the Academy Award for...
- 11/10/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
The 49th Telluride Film Festival opens Friday in a much-awaited edition that is set to feature world premieres of Searchlight’s Oscar hopeful Empire of Light from director Sam Mendes, starring Olivia Coleman and Colin Firth; Women Talking from director Sarah Polley, starring Rooney Mara and Frances McDormand in the ensemble; Sebastian Lelio’s The Wonder, starring Florence Pugh; and Sony/Netflix’s sizzling new version of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover with Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell; among other films.
Considered a must stop on the awards circuit, Telluride also will feature Silver Medallion tributes to Cate Blanchett, docu filmmaker Mark Cousins and Polley. Netflix, Searchlight, Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are among those also throwing dinners and parties over the Labor Day weekend event, which runs September 2-5 in the Colorado Rockies town.
In addition to the world premieres,...
Considered a must stop on the awards circuit, Telluride also will feature Silver Medallion tributes to Cate Blanchett, docu filmmaker Mark Cousins and Polley. Netflix, Searchlight, Sony Pictures Classics, Amazon and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are among those also throwing dinners and parties over the Labor Day weekend event, which runs September 2-5 in the Colorado Rockies town.
In addition to the world premieres,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Telluride Film Festival’s official 2022 lineup has been announced, revealing world premieres of Sam Mendes’ “Empire of Light,” Sarah Polley’s “Women Talking,” Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” and Sebastián Lelio’s “The Wonder.”
In its 49th year, the festival will pay tribute to two-time Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, whose new film “TÁR,” from director Todd Field, will debut stateside after premiering at the Venice Film Festival.
In addition, the festival will also tribute Academy Award nominee Polley (adapted screenplay for 2006’s “Away from Her”) and acclaimed documentarian Marc Cousins, who has two films dropping at the fest. One is “My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock,” which is based on a fictional monologue between Cousins and the master of suspense. The other is “The March on Rome,” depicting the ascent of fascism in Europe during the 1930s.
Other Venice bows heading over to the Colorado Mountains are Luca Guadagnino’s...
In its 49th year, the festival will pay tribute to two-time Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, whose new film “TÁR,” from director Todd Field, will debut stateside after premiering at the Venice Film Festival.
In addition, the festival will also tribute Academy Award nominee Polley (adapted screenplay for 2006’s “Away from Her”) and acclaimed documentarian Marc Cousins, who has two films dropping at the fest. One is “My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock,” which is based on a fictional monologue between Cousins and the master of suspense. The other is “The March on Rome,” depicting the ascent of fascism in Europe during the 1930s.
Other Venice bows heading over to the Colorado Mountains are Luca Guadagnino’s...
- 9/1/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
A tribute to Cate Blanchett, a Sam Mendes romance set in a cinema house and a bumper crop of documentaries are on the agenda at the 49th edition of the Telluride Film Festival, which kicks off Friday in the Rockies and runs through Monday.
The intimate Colorado event serves as the unofficial stateside kickoff of awards season, but Telluride may be most notable this year for the arguments its movies start, says festival executive director Julie Huntsinger.
“There’s so many more divisive films,” says Huntsinger, who programs Telluride together with the festival’s sr. consultant, Tom Luddy. “There’s so much more angst. There’s just tumult and upheaval in the world, and it’s reflected in the films. People will fight about movies this year more than they ever have.”
Among the movies screening at Telluride that may spark furious debates...
A tribute to Cate Blanchett, a Sam Mendes romance set in a cinema house and a bumper crop of documentaries are on the agenda at the 49th edition of the Telluride Film Festival, which kicks off Friday in the Rockies and runs through Monday.
The intimate Colorado event serves as the unofficial stateside kickoff of awards season, but Telluride may be most notable this year for the arguments its movies start, says festival executive director Julie Huntsinger.
“There’s so many more divisive films,” says Huntsinger, who programs Telluride together with the festival’s sr. consultant, Tom Luddy. “There’s so much more angst. There’s just tumult and upheaval in the world, and it’s reflected in the films. People will fight about movies this year more than they ever have.”
Among the movies screening at Telluride that may spark furious debates...
- 9/1/2022
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”
Heidi Klum may have been one of the most famous models associated with Victoria’s Secret, but she says she turned down an invite to be interviewed for Hulu’s “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons.” “They asked me if I wanted to be part of it,” Klum tells me on this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast. “And I was like, ‘If you’re looking for a negative story, you’re barking up the wrong tree because I had the most wonderful time there.’”
Matt Tyrnauer’s three-episode series paints a picture of Victoria’s Secret as a company that was plagued by wide-spread misogyny and sexual misconduct. It also explores former CEO Les Wexner’s disturbing ties to the late child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Klum says she watched the first episode but “hardly anyone I knew was on that show,” she says.
Heidi Klum may have been one of the most famous models associated with Victoria’s Secret, but she says she turned down an invite to be interviewed for Hulu’s “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons.” “They asked me if I wanted to be part of it,” Klum tells me on this week’s “Just for Variety” podcast. “And I was like, ‘If you’re looking for a negative story, you’re barking up the wrong tree because I had the most wonderful time there.’”
Matt Tyrnauer’s three-episode series paints a picture of Victoria’s Secret as a company that was plagued by wide-spread misogyny and sexual misconduct. It also explores former CEO Les Wexner’s disturbing ties to the late child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Klum says she watched the first episode but “hardly anyone I knew was on that show,” she says.
- 8/24/2022
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Industry veteran Aghi Koh is joining Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios as a consultant to spearhead the company’s move into the family and young adult spaces across film and TV.
Koh, who has over 20 years experience as a creative executive in the kids, family and young adult space, has been a creative executive at DreamWorks TV Animation, Nickelodeon, and Universal Studios Kids and Family. Koh has also served as an executive producer on Disney animated feature “The Princess and the Frog’ and shepherded animated TV series “Curious George” and “Kinderwood,” and film “The Land Before Time: Journey of the Brave.”
AGC’s chief creative officer Lourdes Diaz said: “Aghi is a well-respected leader in the kids, family, and YA space who brings a wealth of experience and key knowledge to the AGC team. She has tremendous understanding of what resonates with young audiences globally and we are excited to...
Koh, who has over 20 years experience as a creative executive in the kids, family and young adult space, has been a creative executive at DreamWorks TV Animation, Nickelodeon, and Universal Studios Kids and Family. Koh has also served as an executive producer on Disney animated feature “The Princess and the Frog’ and shepherded animated TV series “Curious George” and “Kinderwood,” and film “The Land Before Time: Journey of the Brave.”
AGC’s chief creative officer Lourdes Diaz said: “Aghi is a well-respected leader in the kids, family, and YA space who brings a wealth of experience and key knowledge to the AGC team. She has tremendous understanding of what resonates with young audiences globally and we are excited to...
- 8/22/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Victoria's Secret is no secret anymore. The new three-part Hulu docuseries, "Victoria's Secret: Angels and Demons," which debuted on July 14, unravels the details behind the brand's billion-dollar empire, its founder, and how it ultimately lost touch with the modern consumer. The teaser trailer showed viewers a first look into not only the scandals but also how con-man and convicted sex-offender Jeffery Epstein played a large role in the brand's rise and fall.
Director and award-winning journalist Matt Tyrnauer, who's also known for documentaries that explored the life of Valentino Garavani and Studio 54, said his inspiration for taking on the project came from how unaware he was of the Victoria's Secret Angels over the last 20 years. "Clearly, I was not their target customer," Tyrnauer told Yahoo Entertainment. "And when I began to kind of see the entire, vastly influential marketing brand that everyone seems to know about, I had two reactions…...
Director and award-winning journalist Matt Tyrnauer, who's also known for documentaries that explored the life of Valentino Garavani and Studio 54, said his inspiration for taking on the project came from how unaware he was of the Victoria's Secret Angels over the last 20 years. "Clearly, I was not their target customer," Tyrnauer told Yahoo Entertainment. "And when I began to kind of see the entire, vastly influential marketing brand that everyone seems to know about, I had two reactions…...
- 7/18/2022
- by Emma Vallelunga
- Popsugar.com
Click here to read the full article.
Say this for Victoria’s Secret: The company knew exactly what story it wanted to tell.
According to ex-ceo Cindy Fedus-Fields, Les Wexner, the founder of parent company L Brands — which also owned Abercrombie & Fitch, Lane Bryant, Express, Structure and The Limited — believed the key to building a successful brand was having a story to serve as “not only your inspirational mechanism but also as your control mechanism.” The lingerie line certainly had that. It may have been a narrative about unattainable female physical perfection served barely-dressed for a leering male gaze, but it was coherent, consistent and, throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, extremely lucrative.
Matt Tyrnauer’s three-part Hulu docuseries Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons, on the other hand, has nobler intentions, but no such clarity of purpose. It’s a chronicle of the brand’s ascent and descent, a...
Say this for Victoria’s Secret: The company knew exactly what story it wanted to tell.
According to ex-ceo Cindy Fedus-Fields, Les Wexner, the founder of parent company L Brands — which also owned Abercrombie & Fitch, Lane Bryant, Express, Structure and The Limited — believed the key to building a successful brand was having a story to serve as “not only your inspirational mechanism but also as your control mechanism.” The lingerie line certainly had that. It may have been a narrative about unattainable female physical perfection served barely-dressed for a leering male gaze, but it was coherent, consistent and, throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, extremely lucrative.
Matt Tyrnauer’s three-part Hulu docuseries Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons, on the other hand, has nobler intentions, but no such clarity of purpose. It’s a chronicle of the brand’s ascent and descent, a...
- 7/13/2022
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Victoria’s Secret is a brand that — like all of the most successful retail companies — sold its customers something they didn’t yet know they wanted. And that audience’s outgrowing the fantasy would have, in and of itself, made for an interesting business story.
But director Matt Tyrnauer — known for superlative documentaries including “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood” — had still more to work with in his new series “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons.” The impossible-to-untangle stories of CEO Les Wexner, the retail genius behind a suite of stores in the peak-retail-era shopping mall, and of his seeming shadow, Jeffrey Epstein, make for an increasingly creepy tale of American ambition and overreach, all centered around the female body.
Through interviews and archival footage, Tyrnauer seeks not to solve but to examine this conundrum, depicting the brand’s rise from soft-core catalog to heavily leveraged fashion show and model showcase...
But director Matt Tyrnauer — known for superlative documentaries including “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood” — had still more to work with in his new series “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons.” The impossible-to-untangle stories of CEO Les Wexner, the retail genius behind a suite of stores in the peak-retail-era shopping mall, and of his seeming shadow, Jeffrey Epstein, make for an increasingly creepy tale of American ambition and overreach, all centered around the female body.
Through interviews and archival footage, Tyrnauer seeks not to solve but to examine this conundrum, depicting the brand’s rise from soft-core catalog to heavily leveraged fashion show and model showcase...
- 7/13/2022
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
The “Bridgerton” literary universe is expanding. Original series writer Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes, the executive producer of the romance series’ Netflix adaptation, are set to cowrite a new prequel novel set in the world of “Bridgerton.”
Currently untitled, the new book series is based on the universe of the TV series, and is an adaptation of the upcoming Netflix “Bridgerton” spinoff about a young Queen Charlotte. The book will tell the story of how Charlotte met and married King George, with a focus on how their love lead to a social shift that created the racially inclusive world seen in the television series.
“Queen Charlotte has been such a moving character to write and now having the opportunity to work with Julia to adapt this story into a book is such an exciting opportunity,” Rhimes said in a statement. “I can’t wait for fans of this universe to...
Currently untitled, the new book series is based on the universe of the TV series, and is an adaptation of the upcoming Netflix “Bridgerton” spinoff about a young Queen Charlotte. The book will tell the story of how Charlotte met and married King George, with a focus on how their love lead to a social shift that created the racially inclusive world seen in the television series.
“Queen Charlotte has been such a moving character to write and now having the opportunity to work with Julia to adapt this story into a book is such an exciting opportunity,” Rhimes said in a statement. “I can’t wait for fans of this universe to...
- 7/7/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
The Hulu original unscripted series “Captive Audience” has lived up to its name, earning record-breaking viewership for the streamer.
Hulu documentary chief Belisa Balaban told Variety exclusively that the show — which explores the harrowing kidnapping of 7-year-old Steven Stayner and its resulting media frenzy — has set a record for most-viewed nonfiction TV program in its first month of release.
Launched on April 21, “Captive Audience” is also the second-most watched unscripted series in Hulu’s history. Directed by Jessica Dimmock and produced by Wonderburst, High Five Content and Joe and Anthony Russo’s Agbo, the program is second only to “The Kardashians” in total viewership for its category.
“This is really a huge credit to that team, whose bold creative choices and empathy brought it to life. This project is a great example of what a Hulu true crime story is — not just the story of a family and what they’ve endured over the years,...
Hulu documentary chief Belisa Balaban told Variety exclusively that the show — which explores the harrowing kidnapping of 7-year-old Steven Stayner and its resulting media frenzy — has set a record for most-viewed nonfiction TV program in its first month of release.
Launched on April 21, “Captive Audience” is also the second-most watched unscripted series in Hulu’s history. Directed by Jessica Dimmock and produced by Wonderburst, High Five Content and Joe and Anthony Russo’s Agbo, the program is second only to “The Kardashians” in total viewership for its category.
“This is really a huge credit to that team, whose bold creative choices and empathy brought it to life. This project is a great example of what a Hulu true crime story is — not just the story of a family and what they’ve endured over the years,...
- 7/6/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The Tinder Swindler firm AGC Studios has launched an unscripted and non-fiction subsidiary that Magical Elves development chief Joel Zimmer will lead as President.
AGC Unwritten will house all of AGC’s unscripted output in one place, with Zimmer charged with developing, financing, producing and distributing a variety of shows and alternative programs, AGC Studios Chairman and CEO Stuart Ford announced. These will sit alongside AGC’s slate of features and scripted TV projects.
In the coming weeks, AGC Unwritten will unveil a slate of non-fiction content across film and television, including several projects currently being shepherded by Bj Levin, who is moving across AGC Studios to the new company as EVP of Non-Fiction Content. Zimmer is building out an executive team, which will also be announced soon.
AGC had one of the breakout doc hits of the year earlier in 2022 with The Tinder Swindler, which became Netflix’s most...
AGC Unwritten will house all of AGC’s unscripted output in one place, with Zimmer charged with developing, financing, producing and distributing a variety of shows and alternative programs, AGC Studios Chairman and CEO Stuart Ford announced. These will sit alongside AGC’s slate of features and scripted TV projects.
In the coming weeks, AGC Unwritten will unveil a slate of non-fiction content across film and television, including several projects currently being shepherded by Bj Levin, who is moving across AGC Studios to the new company as EVP of Non-Fiction Content. Zimmer is building out an executive team, which will also be announced soon.
AGC had one of the breakout doc hits of the year earlier in 2022 with The Tinder Swindler, which became Netflix’s most...
- 7/5/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Stuart Ford’s independent content studio AGC Studios is launching AGC Unwritten to bring its burgeoning unscripted and non-fiction output under one umbrella, the company unveiled on Tuesday.
Industry veteran Joel Zimmer will lead the new operation as president of AGC Unwritten, AGC Studios chairman and CEO Ford announced.
Zimmer has “a mandate to further deploy AGC’s robust resources to develop, finance, produce and distribute a variety of unscripted and alternative programming, mirroring AGC’s already expansive activities in feature films and scripted television shows,” the company said. “AGC will build on the success it has already garnered with their non-scripted projects. Earlier this year AGC Television’s documentary The Tinder Swindler was a breakout hit, becoming Netflix’s most watched documentary ever and the first to top Netflix’s list of its most popular films worldwide.”
AGC’s non-fiction lineup also...
Stuart Ford’s independent content studio AGC Studios is launching AGC Unwritten to bring its burgeoning unscripted and non-fiction output under one umbrella, the company unveiled on Tuesday.
Industry veteran Joel Zimmer will lead the new operation as president of AGC Unwritten, AGC Studios chairman and CEO Ford announced.
Zimmer has “a mandate to further deploy AGC’s robust resources to develop, finance, produce and distribute a variety of unscripted and alternative programming, mirroring AGC’s already expansive activities in feature films and scripted television shows,” the company said. “AGC will build on the success it has already garnered with their non-scripted projects. Earlier this year AGC Television’s documentary The Tinder Swindler was a breakout hit, becoming Netflix’s most watched documentary ever and the first to top Netflix’s list of its most popular films worldwide.”
AGC’s non-fiction lineup also...
- 7/5/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Tinder Swindler” production outfit AGC Studios has launched a new division for non-fiction and unscripted content, headed by former Magical Elves executive Joel Zimmer.
AGC Unwritten will develop, finance, produce and distribute the company’s burgeoning unscripted slate, with Zimmer serving as president. The intention is for the non-scripted arm to match AGC’s busy operations in the feature film and scripted TV arena.
Set up by Stuard Ford in 2018, AGC Studios’ non-fiction titles include the upcoming documentary series “Nobu,” about the famed restauranteur and entrepreneur Nobu Matsuhisa, from documentary director Matt Tyrnauer. The company has also co-financed three documentaries with CNN Films, including “Lady Boss: the Jackie Collins Story,” “John Lewis: Good Trouble” and “Scandalous: The True Story of the National Enquirer.”
The new company’s non-fiction slate across film and television will soon be announced. The roster includes several projects being shepherded by Bj Levin, who is moving...
AGC Unwritten will develop, finance, produce and distribute the company’s burgeoning unscripted slate, with Zimmer serving as president. The intention is for the non-scripted arm to match AGC’s busy operations in the feature film and scripted TV arena.
Set up by Stuard Ford in 2018, AGC Studios’ non-fiction titles include the upcoming documentary series “Nobu,” about the famed restauranteur and entrepreneur Nobu Matsuhisa, from documentary director Matt Tyrnauer. The company has also co-financed three documentaries with CNN Films, including “Lady Boss: the Jackie Collins Story,” “John Lewis: Good Trouble” and “Scandalous: The True Story of the National Enquirer.”
The new company’s non-fiction slate across film and television will soon be announced. The roster includes several projects being shepherded by Bj Levin, who is moving...
- 7/5/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
AGC Studios, Stuart Ford’s production company that is behind the hit Netflix documentary series “The Tinder Swindler,” has launched its own nonfiction and unscripted division and appointed executive Joel Zimmer as president to lead the team.
AGC Unwritten will be its own subsidiary company and will bring the indie studio’s unscripted and non-fiction output under one umbrella. Zimmer will have a mandate to develop, finance, produce and distribute a variety of unscripted and alternative programming.
AGC will announce a nonfiction slate of films and TV in the coming weeks, including several projects that are currently being shepherded by Bj Levin. Levin will move across AGC Studios to the new company Unwritten and serve as EVP of Non-Fiction Content. Zimmer is also building out an executive team which will also be announced shortly.
Also Read:
‘The Tinder Swindler’ Fact Check: What Happened to Simon Leviev and His Victims?
In addition to “The Tinder Swindler,...
AGC Unwritten will be its own subsidiary company and will bring the indie studio’s unscripted and non-fiction output under one umbrella. Zimmer will have a mandate to develop, finance, produce and distribute a variety of unscripted and alternative programming.
AGC will announce a nonfiction slate of films and TV in the coming weeks, including several projects that are currently being shepherded by Bj Levin. Levin will move across AGC Studios to the new company Unwritten and serve as EVP of Non-Fiction Content. Zimmer is also building out an executive team which will also be announced shortly.
Also Read:
‘The Tinder Swindler’ Fact Check: What Happened to Simon Leviev and His Victims?
In addition to “The Tinder Swindler,...
- 7/5/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
A four-part documentary series from “Tindler Swindler” producers AGC Television will delve into the world of renowned chef and hotelier Nobu Matsuhisa.
Titled “Nobu,” the series is co-produced with Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang and Altimeter, and is in pre-production. It will be directed by documentarian Matt Tyrnauer.
Matsuhisa is a pioneering restauranteur and businessman with 47 restaurants and 27 hotels bearing the ‘Nobu’ name. However, his path to success was unlikely and riddled with obstacles, adversity and tragedy. An official description for the series bills it as an “epic journey from Japan to Peru to the United States and many other points around the world that will be uncovered by exclusive access to Nobu, his global empire, and his key collaborators, friends and famous fans.”
Tyrnauer’s latest projects include “The Reagans,” a four-part documentary series for Showtime that re-examines Reagans’ America and the impact of their politics and policies, and...
Titled “Nobu,” the series is co-produced with Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang and Altimeter, and is in pre-production. It will be directed by documentarian Matt Tyrnauer.
Matsuhisa is a pioneering restauranteur and businessman with 47 restaurants and 27 hotels bearing the ‘Nobu’ name. However, his path to success was unlikely and riddled with obstacles, adversity and tragedy. An official description for the series bills it as an “epic journey from Japan to Peru to the United States and many other points around the world that will be uncovered by exclusive access to Nobu, his global empire, and his key collaborators, friends and famous fans.”
Tyrnauer’s latest projects include “The Reagans,” a four-part documentary series for Showtime that re-examines Reagans’ America and the impact of their politics and policies, and...
- 4/28/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu’s docuseries on Victoria’s Secret has been added to its summer slate. “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons” will debut on the streamer in July.
The docuseries dives deep into the brand and its former CEO, Les Wexner.
“Truth is not what it seems; as the underworld of fashion, the billionaire class, and Jeffrey Epstein are revealed to all be inextricably intertwined with the fall of this legendary brand,” a logline for the series reads.
Journalist Matt Tyrnauer directs the series. He also executive produces alongside his Altimeter Films partner Corey Reeser, as well as Elizabeth Rogers and Jennifer Ewing. Film 45’s Peter Berg, Matt Goldberg and Brandon Carroll also executive produce.
Prior to its launch on Hulu, “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons” will premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Festival June 18.
The series hits the streamer on July 14.
The series, originally titled “The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret,...
The docuseries dives deep into the brand and its former CEO, Les Wexner.
“Truth is not what it seems; as the underworld of fashion, the billionaire class, and Jeffrey Epstein are revealed to all be inextricably intertwined with the fall of this legendary brand,” a logline for the series reads.
Journalist Matt Tyrnauer directs the series. He also executive produces alongside his Altimeter Films partner Corey Reeser, as well as Elizabeth Rogers and Jennifer Ewing. Film 45’s Peter Berg, Matt Goldberg and Brandon Carroll also executive produce.
Prior to its launch on Hulu, “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons” will premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Festival June 18.
The series hits the streamer on July 14.
The series, originally titled “The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Katie Campione
- The Wrap
By Lee Pfeiffer
"Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood" is an acclaimed 2017 documentary by director Matt Tyrnauer, that centers on one Scotty Bowers, who passed away in 2019 but who lived to see the release of the film, which chronicles his rather eyebrow-raising adventures in Tinseltown. Who was Scotty Bowers? To the average person, his name won't ring any bells unless they read his autobiography, "Full Service" which was considered to be a "must" among movie fans who relish stories about the sex lives of legendary actors, actresses and directors. The film opens with Bowers, then in his 90s but seemingly as fit as a fiddle, enthusiastically promoting his book at signing sessions where he engages with appreciative admirers. Just what made Bowers unique enough to merit a feature-length documentary? He was always open about his experiences in old Hollywood in terms of providing sexual favors for both men and women,...
"Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood" is an acclaimed 2017 documentary by director Matt Tyrnauer, that centers on one Scotty Bowers, who passed away in 2019 but who lived to see the release of the film, which chronicles his rather eyebrow-raising adventures in Tinseltown. Who was Scotty Bowers? To the average person, his name won't ring any bells unless they read his autobiography, "Full Service" which was considered to be a "must" among movie fans who relish stories about the sex lives of legendary actors, actresses and directors. The film opens with Bowers, then in his 90s but seemingly as fit as a fiddle, enthusiastically promoting his book at signing sessions where he engages with appreciative admirers. Just what made Bowers unique enough to merit a feature-length documentary? He was always open about his experiences in old Hollywood in terms of providing sexual favors for both men and women,...
- 4/21/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Wavelength has a simple mantra — “tell great fucking stories” — but its intentions go much deeper than that. Founded in 2015 by Jenifer Westphal, the scrappy six-year-old company has been making waves with its mostly women executives developing a diverse slate of films that combine social relevance with compelling characters, while prioritizing first-time women directors and filmmakers of color.
At a time when Hollywood continues to struggle to find diverse talent behind the camera, companies like Wavelength provide essential case studies for how to lean into inclusivity from the earliest stages of the development process. Since its founding in 2015, Wavelength has produced over 30 feature films, curating a roster of award-winning, buzz-worthy titles including Sundance fare like Ekwa Msangi’s “Farewell Amor,” Jordana Spiro’s “Night Comes On,” and Tayarisha Poe’s “Selah and the Spades,” as well as high profile documentaries including Morgan Neville’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” which...
At a time when Hollywood continues to struggle to find diverse talent behind the camera, companies like Wavelength provide essential case studies for how to lean into inclusivity from the earliest stages of the development process. Since its founding in 2015, Wavelength has produced over 30 feature films, curating a roster of award-winning, buzz-worthy titles including Sundance fare like Ekwa Msangi’s “Farewell Amor,” Jordana Spiro’s “Night Comes On,” and Tayarisha Poe’s “Selah and the Spades,” as well as high profile documentaries including Morgan Neville’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” which...
- 6/24/2021
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
The Tribeca Festival 2021 has announced the full list of winners for each of its competition categories. Lauren Hadaway’s “The Novice” won for narrative feature, Levan Koguashvili’s “Brighton 4th” won for international feature and Jessica Kingdon’s “Ascension” won for documentary feature.
Awards were given out for the following competition categories: U.S. narrative, international narrative, documentary, short films, immersive, the Nora Ephron award and the first-ever podcast and games categories.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re so proud to honor the perseverance and dedication many of them displayed while working through the many obstacles that arose as a result of Covid-19,” Cara Cusumano, festival director and vice president of programming, said in a statement. “Each of these recipients truly embody the spirit of our creative community.”
The winners of the audience awards, which are determined by audience votes throughout the festival,...
Awards were given out for the following competition categories: U.S. narrative, international narrative, documentary, short films, immersive, the Nora Ephron award and the first-ever podcast and games categories.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re so proud to honor the perseverance and dedication many of them displayed while working through the many obstacles that arose as a result of Covid-19,” Cara Cusumano, festival director and vice president of programming, said in a statement. “Each of these recipients truly embody the spirit of our creative community.”
The winners of the audience awards, which are determined by audience votes throughout the festival,...
- 6/17/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
The 20th annual Tribeca Festival has announced the winners in the competition categories at this year’s awards ceremony out of Spring Studios in New York City. Awards were given in the following competition categories: U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary; Short Films, Immersive, the Nora Ephron Award, and the first-ever Podcast and Games categories. For the first time ever, Italian eyewear brand Persol presented the award to the 2021 Best Actor, U.S. Narrative, recipient.
The Festival, which had the honor of welcoming back in-person audiences, concludes on June 20.
The top honors in feature films went to “The Novice,” “Brighton 4th,” and “Ascension.”
Chanel James and Taylor Garron won the Nora Ephron Award and a $25,000 prize for “As of Yet.” The award, created nine years ago, honors a female writer or director embodying the late filmmaker.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re...
The Festival, which had the honor of welcoming back in-person audiences, concludes on June 20.
The top honors in feature films went to “The Novice,” “Brighton 4th,” and “Ascension.”
Chanel James and Taylor Garron won the Nora Ephron Award and a $25,000 prize for “As of Yet.” The award, created nine years ago, honors a female writer or director embodying the late filmmaker.
“It’s been a challenging time for filmmakers, storytellers, and actors, and we’re...
- 6/17/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
In February HBO released “Allen v. Farrow,” a four-part docuseries that examined the events that led up to Dylan Farrow’s sexual abuse allegations against her father, Woody Allen. That same month Skyhorse Publishing threatened a copyright infringement lawsuit against the premium cabler and the docuseries’ directors, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, over the series’ use of unauthorized audio excerpts from Allen’s 2020 memoir, “Apropos of Nothing.”
In the four months since Skyhorse publicly contemplated a lawsuit, one has yet to appear, ostensibly due to a legal doctrine called Fair Use. While it’s not a fixed exception with clearly defined borders, the Fair Use doctrine has successfully transformed the documentary landscape in the past two decades.
“Film is a visual medium and if key material, say a film clip, is exorbitantly priced and takes up an outsized fraction of your budget and [therefore can’t be used], the film suffers,” says director Matt Tyrnauer.
In the four months since Skyhorse publicly contemplated a lawsuit, one has yet to appear, ostensibly due to a legal doctrine called Fair Use. While it’s not a fixed exception with clearly defined borders, the Fair Use doctrine has successfully transformed the documentary landscape in the past two decades.
“Film is a visual medium and if key material, say a film clip, is exorbitantly priced and takes up an outsized fraction of your budget and [therefore can’t be used], the film suffers,” says director Matt Tyrnauer.
- 6/17/2021
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Sharon Stone, Patricia Arquette, Sanaa Lathan, Warrington Hudlin, Delroy Lindo, Elijah Wood, Bryan Cranston, Andre Holland, Margaret Cho and Hari Nef will serve as jury members for the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.
Tribeca, running from June 9 to June 20, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The jurors will select winning projects in the film, immersive, games and all-new podcasts competition sections. The fest has expanded to 14 competition categories.
“Storytellers rallying together, sharing their admiration and inspiring growth in one another;s work is one of the most inspiring parts of Tribeca,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises and the Tribeca Film Festival. “Our jury and incredible community of talented creators are coming back to gather in-person to surround their fellow artists with support.”
As previously announced, the festival will award the inaugural Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award to Stacey Abrams for her service and commitment to fighting against injustices.
Tribeca, running from June 9 to June 20, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
The jurors will select winning projects in the film, immersive, games and all-new podcasts competition sections. The fest has expanded to 14 competition categories.
“Storytellers rallying together, sharing their admiration and inspiring growth in one another;s work is one of the most inspiring parts of Tribeca,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises and the Tribeca Film Festival. “Our jury and incredible community of talented creators are coming back to gather in-person to surround their fellow artists with support.”
As previously announced, the festival will award the inaugural Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award to Stacey Abrams for her service and commitment to fighting against injustices.
- 6/3/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
A docuseries titled “The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret” has been ordered at Hulu, TheWrap has learned.
The show comes from “Valentino” and “The Reagans” director and former Vanity Fair journalist Matt Tyrnauer. It consists of three hourlong episodes about the fashion brand, which has been plagued by public criticism and internal complaints in recent years.
Per its official description, “‘The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret’ takes us behind the scenes through first-hand accounts and deep investigative research to reveal the inner workings of one of the country’s largest brands and cultural institutions.”
L Brands, which owns the lingerie company, scrapped the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2019.
“We think it’s important to evolve the messaging of Victoria’s Secret,” Stuart Burgdoerfer, L Brands chief financial officer, said in an interview with New York Magazine in November 2019. “We will be communicating to customers but...
The show comes from “Valentino” and “The Reagans” director and former Vanity Fair journalist Matt Tyrnauer. It consists of three hourlong episodes about the fashion brand, which has been plagued by public criticism and internal complaints in recent years.
Per its official description, “‘The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret’ takes us behind the scenes through first-hand accounts and deep investigative research to reveal the inner workings of one of the country’s largest brands and cultural institutions.”
L Brands, which owns the lingerie company, scrapped the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2019.
“We think it’s important to evolve the messaging of Victoria’s Secret,” Stuart Burgdoerfer, L Brands chief financial officer, said in an interview with New York Magazine in November 2019. “We will be communicating to customers but...
- 2/23/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret, a new docuseries from Peter Berg and Matt Tyrnauer, has landed at Hulu.
First revealed by Deadline back in March 2020, The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret will shed light on the inner workings of a once-powerful sector of the world of fashion, adding context to both the positive and negative aspects of a rapidly transforming industry. Tentatively set to for a 2020 launch, the Tyrnauer-directed docuseries is currently in production.
The series will chronicle the lingerie franchise’s start as a small mail order brand to its ascension as a a global juggernaut embroiled in controversies including the relationship between owner Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein.
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret joins Hulu’s growing slate of documentaries including Fyre Fraud, Minding The Gap, Ask Dr. Ruth, I Am Greta and Hillary.
The director recently executive produced and helmed The Reagans,...
First revealed by Deadline back in March 2020, The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret will shed light on the inner workings of a once-powerful sector of the world of fashion, adding context to both the positive and negative aspects of a rapidly transforming industry. Tentatively set to for a 2020 launch, the Tyrnauer-directed docuseries is currently in production.
The series will chronicle the lingerie franchise’s start as a small mail order brand to its ascension as a a global juggernaut embroiled in controversies including the relationship between owner Les Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein.
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret joins Hulu’s growing slate of documentaries including Fyre Fraud, Minding The Gap, Ask Dr. Ruth, I Am Greta and Hillary.
The director recently executive produced and helmed The Reagans,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu has ordered the three-part docuseries “The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret.”
From director and former Vanity Fair journalist Matt Tyrnauer, “The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret” takes viewers behind the scenes through first-hand accounts and investigative research to reveal the inner workings of one of the country’s largest brands and cultural institutions.
Tyrnauer, whose past credits include “Studio 54,” “Where’s My Roy Cohn,” and “The Reagans,” will direct all three episodes. Tyrnauer will also executive produce along with Corey Reeser under their Altimeter Films banner. Peter Berg, Matt Goldberg, and Brandon Carroll of Film 45 will also executive produce along with Elizabeth Rogers.
Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales on the docuseries, which is currently slated to be released on Hulu in early 2022. Production is currently underway.
Victoria’s Secret was originally founded in the 1970s and expanded into a retail powerhouse going into the 1990s.
From director and former Vanity Fair journalist Matt Tyrnauer, “The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret” takes viewers behind the scenes through first-hand accounts and investigative research to reveal the inner workings of one of the country’s largest brands and cultural institutions.
Tyrnauer, whose past credits include “Studio 54,” “Where’s My Roy Cohn,” and “The Reagans,” will direct all three episodes. Tyrnauer will also executive produce along with Corey Reeser under their Altimeter Films banner. Peter Berg, Matt Goldberg, and Brandon Carroll of Film 45 will also executive produce along with Elizabeth Rogers.
Endeavor Content is handling worldwide sales on the docuseries, which is currently slated to be released on Hulu in early 2022. Production is currently underway.
Victoria’s Secret was originally founded in the 1970s and expanded into a retail powerhouse going into the 1990s.
- 2/23/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu will dig into the history of one of the best-known fashion brands of the past 40 years with a documentary series about Victoria’s Secret.
The three-part series, The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret, comes from director and former Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer and Peter Berg’s Film 45. Production is underway for a planned debut in early 2022.
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret will go behind the scenes of the lingerie brand, using first-hand accounts and deep investigative research to reveal the inner workings of Victoria’s Secret the brand and the cultural institution.
The ...
The three-part series, The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret, comes from director and former Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer and Peter Berg’s Film 45. Production is underway for a planned debut in early 2022.
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret will go behind the scenes of the lingerie brand, using first-hand accounts and deep investigative research to reveal the inner workings of Victoria’s Secret the brand and the cultural institution.
The ...
- 2/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hulu will dig into the history of one of the best-known fashion brands of the past 40 years with a documentary series about Victoria’s Secret.
The three-part series, The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret, comes from director and former Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer and Peter Berg’s Film 45. Production is underway for a planned debut in early 2022.
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret will go behind the scenes of the lingerie brand, using first-hand accounts and deep investigative research to reveal the inner workings of Victoria’s Secret the brand and the cultural institution.
The ...
The three-part series, The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret, comes from director and former Vanity Fair writer Matt Tyrnauer and Peter Berg’s Film 45. Production is underway for a planned debut in early 2022.
The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret will go behind the scenes of the lingerie brand, using first-hand accounts and deep investigative research to reveal the inner workings of Victoria’s Secret the brand and the cultural institution.
The ...
- 2/23/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When James Brolin was first approached by producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan to play Ronald Reagan in their 2003 miniseries “The Reagans,” he said he wasn’t interested.
“Neil and Craig are old friends and I immediately said to them, ‘I guess everybody else turned it down,” Brolin recalls. “But they said, ‘No, we think you’re the guy.’ I wouldn’t even read it. I thought me playing Reagan was absurd.”
Zadan, who passed away in 2018, and Meron eventually convinced Brolin to read the first 20 pages of the script. “It just tickled me,” Brolin says. “I went, ‘Wow, this isn’t just saying some lines. There’s something more to this.’”
There certainly was. What Brolin nor anyone involved with the project could have predicted at the time was the political storm that “The Reagans” would create. The CBS series was still filming Reagan loyalists and GOP pundits attacked...
“Neil and Craig are old friends and I immediately said to them, ‘I guess everybody else turned it down,” Brolin recalls. “But they said, ‘No, we think you’re the guy.’ I wouldn’t even read it. I thought me playing Reagan was absurd.”
Zadan, who passed away in 2018, and Meron eventually convinced Brolin to read the first 20 pages of the script. “It just tickled me,” Brolin says. “I went, ‘Wow, this isn’t just saying some lines. There’s something more to this.’”
There certainly was. What Brolin nor anyone involved with the project could have predicted at the time was the political storm that “The Reagans” would create. The CBS series was still filming Reagan loyalists and GOP pundits attacked...
- 11/24/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
“The Reagans” is an unavoidable mirror. Matt Tyrnauer’s four-part series profiles a couple that held sway over a state and then a party and then the world, but the timeline very purposefully stops with their White House exit in 1989.
Even still, it’s nearly impossible to see the stances, coalitions, and maneuvers that helped Ronald Reagan ascend to the presidency as a precursor to what the United States has experienced over the last four years. The central question becomes: Does “The Reagans” feel so familiar because it’s being pitched to an audience living through 2020? Or are the echoes so unavoidable that any examination of the 1980s and what led to them can’t help but remind us of the headlines of the more recent past?
In practice, it’s a bit of both. Start looking for parallels to the now-outgoing administration and you’ll see them everywhere: disgruntled former employees writing tell-all memoirs,...
Even still, it’s nearly impossible to see the stances, coalitions, and maneuvers that helped Ronald Reagan ascend to the presidency as a precursor to what the United States has experienced over the last four years. The central question becomes: Does “The Reagans” feel so familiar because it’s being pitched to an audience living through 2020? Or are the echoes so unavoidable that any examination of the 1980s and what led to them can’t help but remind us of the headlines of the more recent past?
In practice, it’s a bit of both. Start looking for parallels to the now-outgoing administration and you’ll see them everywhere: disgruntled former employees writing tell-all memoirs,...
- 11/15/2020
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
By the time Showtime’s The Reagans debuts, it will be fewer than two weeks out from a presidential election unlike any other, and more than three decades since the documentary’s subjects vacated the Oval Office. Surprisingly, then, director Matt Tyrnauer spends little to no time arguing for the relevance of his four-part series, a well-trod overview of the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, from Hollywood to Sacramento to the White House.
“If you are not a good actor, you cannot be a good president,” journalist Lesley Stahl recalls Reagan himself saying in one of the doc’s many interviews. It’s ...
“If you are not a good actor, you cannot be a good president,” journalist Lesley Stahl recalls Reagan himself saying in one of the doc’s many interviews. It’s ...
- 11/13/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
By the time Showtime’s The Reagans debuts, it will be fewer than two weeks out from a presidential election unlike any other, and more than three decades since the documentary’s subjects vacated the Oval Office. Surprisingly, then, director Matt Tyrnauer spends little to no time arguing for the relevance of his four-part series, a well-trod overview of the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, from Hollywood to Sacramento to the White House.
“If you are not a good actor, you cannot be a good president,” journalist Lesley Stahl recalls Reagan himself saying in one of the doc’s many interviews. It’s ...
“If you are not a good actor, you cannot be a good president,” journalist Lesley Stahl recalls Reagan himself saying in one of the doc’s many interviews. It’s ...
- 11/13/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Documentary director Matt Tyrnauer, who in 2019 profiled Donald Trump’s late legal fixer in the documentary Where’s My Roy Cohn?, has turned to The Reagans, a four-part series debuting Nov. 15 on Showtime.
Tyrnauer examines how the machinery and milieu of Hollywood helped the couple reinvent themselves and Ronald’s presidency and how it in turn continues to define the conservative moment today.
Tyrnauer — whose other subjects have included fashion designer Valentino Garavani, urbanism activist Jane Jacobs and “male madame” to the stars Scotty Bowers — sees the titular couple as crafty charlatans, backed by wealthy right-wing ideologues and engaged ...
Tyrnauer examines how the machinery and milieu of Hollywood helped the couple reinvent themselves and Ronald’s presidency and how it in turn continues to define the conservative moment today.
Tyrnauer — whose other subjects have included fashion designer Valentino Garavani, urbanism activist Jane Jacobs and “male madame” to the stars Scotty Bowers — sees the titular couple as crafty charlatans, backed by wealthy right-wing ideologues and engaged ...
- 11/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Documentary director Matt Tyrnauer, who in 2019 profiled Donald Trump’s late legal fixer in the documentary Where’s My Roy Cohn?, has turned to The Reagans, a four-part series debuting Nov. 15 on Showtime.
Tyrnauer examines how the machinery and milieu of Hollywood helped the couple reinvent themselves and Ronald’s presidency and how it in turn continues to define the conservative moment today.
Tyrnauer — whose other subjects have included fashion designer Valentino Garavani, urbanism activist Jane Jacobs and “male madame” to the stars Scotty Bowers — sees the titular couple as crafty charlatans, backed by wealthy right-wing ideologues and engaged ...
Tyrnauer examines how the machinery and milieu of Hollywood helped the couple reinvent themselves and Ronald’s presidency and how it in turn continues to define the conservative moment today.
Tyrnauer — whose other subjects have included fashion designer Valentino Garavani, urbanism activist Jane Jacobs and “male madame” to the stars Scotty Bowers — sees the titular couple as crafty charlatans, backed by wealthy right-wing ideologues and engaged ...
- 11/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Donald Trump was not the first American president who owed his education to Hollywood, but he was the first who tried to turn it into a cult. As things turned out, even the stars of show business turned against their self-anointed protégé.
“Trump became obsessed that celebrity could become a cult,” said one corporate CEO who declined to be quoted.
A new Showtime series titled The Reagans forcefully reminds us that it was Ronald Reagan who set the stage for Trump, demonstrating how Hollywood fame could translate into votes. Still, it was not until after his death that the Reagan name assumed a cult-like status.
Early on, some in Hollywood saw Trump’s rise to power as a curious joy-ride. Where Reagan had been a movie star, Trump was a fringe attention-seeker who achieved TV stardom by preaching a doctrine of success. It soon became clear that Trump enjoyed firing...
“Trump became obsessed that celebrity could become a cult,” said one corporate CEO who declined to be quoted.
A new Showtime series titled The Reagans forcefully reminds us that it was Ronald Reagan who set the stage for Trump, demonstrating how Hollywood fame could translate into votes. Still, it was not until after his death that the Reagan name assumed a cult-like status.
Early on, some in Hollywood saw Trump’s rise to power as a curious joy-ride. Where Reagan had been a movie star, Trump was a fringe attention-seeker who achieved TV stardom by preaching a doctrine of success. It soon became clear that Trump enjoyed firing...
- 11/5/2020
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Chris Grismer will join Fox’s “Prodigal Son” as co-executive producing director, and Audible unveiled a multi-project deal with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company.
Dates
Apple TV Plus’ “Servant,” executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, will return for its second season Jan. 15. Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”), Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free (“Game of Thrones”) and Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter” franchise) will all reprise their roles for the new season.
Showtime announced that its new limited series “Your Honor,” starring Bryan Cranston, will premiere Dec. 6. The 10-episode legal thriller follows Michael Desiato (Cranston), a revered New Orleans judge whose teenage son Adam (Hunter Doohan) is involved in a hit-and-run. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Jimmy Baxter, a feared crime boss, opposite Hope Davis, who plays his wife. The saga unfolds as the characters face impossible decisions amid growing lies and the pursuit of justice.
Dates
Apple TV Plus’ “Servant,” executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, will return for its second season Jan. 15. Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”), Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free (“Game of Thrones”) and Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter” franchise) will all reprise their roles for the new season.
Showtime announced that its new limited series “Your Honor,” starring Bryan Cranston, will premiere Dec. 6. The 10-episode legal thriller follows Michael Desiato (Cranston), a revered New Orleans judge whose teenage son Adam (Hunter Doohan) is involved in a hit-and-run. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Jimmy Baxter, a feared crime boss, opposite Hope Davis, who plays his wife. The saga unfolds as the characters face impossible decisions amid growing lies and the pursuit of justice.
- 10/22/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, Showtime will dive into an exploration of the presidential myth with a new docuseries about Ronald and Nancy Reagan’s time in the White House.
Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, the four-part series “contextualizes the legacy of Ronald and Nancy a generation later while exploring the palace intrigue of the Reagan White House years,” according to Showtime.
The series will cover Reagan’s rise from movie star to politician and tackle “his questionable record on race, the administration’s near collapse amid the Iran-Contra scandal, and inaction in the face of the HIV pandemic” via interviews with family and friends, as well as people who worked with Reagan on the campaign trail and in the White House.
“By shining a light on the truths behind the Reagan myth and critically analyzing Ronald Reagan’s quest for power, his mode of governing, the ripple effects...
Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, the four-part series “contextualizes the legacy of Ronald and Nancy a generation later while exploring the palace intrigue of the Reagan White House years,” according to Showtime.
The series will cover Reagan’s rise from movie star to politician and tackle “his questionable record on race, the administration’s near collapse amid the Iran-Contra scandal, and inaction in the face of the HIV pandemic” via interviews with family and friends, as well as people who worked with Reagan on the campaign trail and in the White House.
“By shining a light on the truths behind the Reagan myth and critically analyzing Ronald Reagan’s quest for power, his mode of governing, the ripple effects...
- 10/22/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
AFI Fest is the surviving Hollywood film festival, a destination for late-breaking, Oscar-seeking movies such as Ava DuVernay’s “Selma,” Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” and Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper.” Last year, organizers decided to move the date from November to October. If there was ever a year to launch a film festival later than usual, 2020 was it — but AFI Fest held to its planned mid-October launch.
“I did not know what to expect,” said AFI Fest director Michael Lumpkin in a phone interview. “We made a pre-pandemic decision to do October, and then in March when everything shifted we did revisit that decision.”
After analyzing the pros and cons, he concluded that it’s easier to piggyback on the same publicity tour that brings talent to the Venice, Toronto, New York and London film festivals. “We decided keep it there,” he said.
Lumpkin and his programmers also had their hands full.
“I did not know what to expect,” said AFI Fest director Michael Lumpkin in a phone interview. “We made a pre-pandemic decision to do October, and then in March when everything shifted we did revisit that decision.”
After analyzing the pros and cons, he concluded that it’s easier to piggyback on the same publicity tour that brings talent to the Venice, Toronto, New York and London film festivals. “We decided keep it there,” he said.
Lumpkin and his programmers also had their hands full.
- 10/15/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
AFI Fest is the surviving Hollywood film festival, a destination for late-breaking, Oscar-seeking movies such as Ava DuVernay’s “Selma,” Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” and Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper.” Last year, organizers decided to move the date from November to October. If there was ever a year to launch a film festival later than usual, 2020 was it — but AFI Fest held to its planned mid-October launch.
“I did not know what to expect,” said AFI Fest director Michael Lumpkin in a phone interview. “We made a pre-pandemic decision to do October, and then in March when everything shifted we did revisit that decision.”
After analyzing the pros and cons, he concluded that it’s easier to piggyback on the same publicity tour that brings talent to the Venice, Toronto, New York and London film festivals. “We decided keep it there,” he said.
Lumpkin and his programmers also had their hands full.
“I did not know what to expect,” said AFI Fest director Michael Lumpkin in a phone interview. “We made a pre-pandemic decision to do October, and then in March when everything shifted we did revisit that decision.”
After analyzing the pros and cons, he concluded that it’s easier to piggyback on the same publicity tour that brings talent to the Venice, Toronto, New York and London film festivals. “We decided keep it there,” he said.
Lumpkin and his programmers also had their hands full.
- 10/15/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
As with many festivals this year, the AFI Fest, presented by Audi, will unspool virtually, but in its most important aspect, the celebration of cinematic art
is unchanged.
“How we get to it is a lot different,” says Michael Lumpkin, director of AFI Fest, running Oct. 15-22. “But the end product is very much what the festival has always been. People are getting excited about the program.”
The AFI film festival can be guaranteed to bring highly anticipated fare to eager audiences. This year’s special presentations include world premieres such as opening-night film “I’m Your Woman,” a thriller starring Rachel Brosnahan directed by Julia Hart; Kelly Oxford’s “Pink Skies Ahead”; parts one and two of Matt Tyrnauer’s four-part deep dig into “The Reagans”; drama “Really Love” from helmer Angel Kristi Williams; vibrant coming-of-age story “She Paradise” from Maya Cozier; and Lisa Rovner’s doc about the women who helped shape electronic music,...
is unchanged.
“How we get to it is a lot different,” says Michael Lumpkin, director of AFI Fest, running Oct. 15-22. “But the end product is very much what the festival has always been. People are getting excited about the program.”
The AFI film festival can be guaranteed to bring highly anticipated fare to eager audiences. This year’s special presentations include world premieres such as opening-night film “I’m Your Woman,” a thriller starring Rachel Brosnahan directed by Julia Hart; Kelly Oxford’s “Pink Skies Ahead”; parts one and two of Matt Tyrnauer’s four-part deep dig into “The Reagans”; drama “Really Love” from helmer Angel Kristi Williams; vibrant coming-of-age story “She Paradise” from Maya Cozier; and Lisa Rovner’s doc about the women who helped shape electronic music,...
- 10/15/2020
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) has today announced the full lineup of this year’s AFI Fest, including the World Cinema, New Auteurs, and Documentary sections. These titles, including buzzy festival features like “I Carry You with Me,” “Shadow in the Cloud,” “Jumbo,” “Farewell Amor,” “Wander Darkly,” “Tragic Jungle,” “Sound of Metal,” “Wolfwalkers,” “New Order,” and “Hopper/Welles,” join previously announced films, including Julia Hart’s “I’m Your Woman,” which will open the festival, and Errol Morris’ “My Psychedelic Love Story,” which will close it.
This year’s complete AFI Fest program includes 124 titles of which 53 percent are directed by women, 39 percent are directed by Bipoc, and 17 percent are directed by Lbgtq+.
“AFI Fest is committed to supporting diverse perspectives and new voices in cinema and this year is no different,” said Sarah Harris, Director of Programming, AFI Festivals, in an official statement. “While we wish we were able to be together in Hollywood,...
This year’s complete AFI Fest program includes 124 titles of which 53 percent are directed by women, 39 percent are directed by Bipoc, and 17 percent are directed by Lbgtq+.
“AFI Fest is committed to supporting diverse perspectives and new voices in cinema and this year is no different,” said Sarah Harris, Director of Programming, AFI Festivals, in an official statement. “While we wish we were able to be together in Hollywood,...
- 10/6/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The 2020 AFI Fest will close with Errol Morris’ documentary “My Psychedelic Love Story,” the American Film Institute announced on Monday.
“My Psychedelic Love Story” explores the dark side of Timothy Leary, High Priest of LSD, who was known for his strong advocacy of psychedelic drugs, and his doomed relationship with British socialite Joanna Harcourt-Smith.
AFI also announced the lineup for the Special Presentations section, which will include the world premieres of “Pink Skiews Ahead” (Kelly Oxford), “The Reagans” (Matt Tyrnauer), “Really Love” (Angel Kristi Williams), “The Father” (Florian Zeller), “Fireball” (Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer) and “A Suitable Boy” (Mira Nair).
“Celebrating the diversity of great cinematic storytelling, our Special Presentations offer our audience the opportunity to experience new stories and new voices at this year’s AFI Fest,” Michael Lumpkin, Director of AFI Festivals, said in a statement. “From first-time directors and established masters to fiction and nonfiction to series,...
“My Psychedelic Love Story” explores the dark side of Timothy Leary, High Priest of LSD, who was known for his strong advocacy of psychedelic drugs, and his doomed relationship with British socialite Joanna Harcourt-Smith.
AFI also announced the lineup for the Special Presentations section, which will include the world premieres of “Pink Skiews Ahead” (Kelly Oxford), “The Reagans” (Matt Tyrnauer), “Really Love” (Angel Kristi Williams), “The Father” (Florian Zeller), “Fireball” (Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer) and “A Suitable Boy” (Mira Nair).
“Celebrating the diversity of great cinematic storytelling, our Special Presentations offer our audience the opportunity to experience new stories and new voices at this year’s AFI Fest,” Michael Lumpkin, Director of AFI Festivals, said in a statement. “From first-time directors and established masters to fiction and nonfiction to series,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The 34th annual AFI Fest said Monday that Showtime’s Errol Morris-directed documentary My Psychedelic Love Story will close the festival next month.
The movie follows LSD high priest Timothy Leary and how he became a narc in 1974 and abandoned the millions he urged to turn on, tune in and drop out. Was his “perfect love” Joanna Harcourt-Smith a government pawn, as suggested by Allen Ginsberg? Morris and Harcourt-Smith reexamine the Leary saga: his period of exile, reimprisonment and subsequent cooperation with the authorities.
The docu is inspired by Harcourt-Smith’s memoir Tripping the Bardo With Timothy Leary: My Psychedelic Love Story.
In addition, AFI today unveiled the festival’s Special Presentations section offering an array of non-fiction and fiction features including the world debuts of Kelly Oxford’s comedy-drama Pink Skies Ahead, Matt Tyrnauer’s Showtime docu series The Reagans, and Angel Kristi Williams’ drama Really Love. Also...
The movie follows LSD high priest Timothy Leary and how he became a narc in 1974 and abandoned the millions he urged to turn on, tune in and drop out. Was his “perfect love” Joanna Harcourt-Smith a government pawn, as suggested by Allen Ginsberg? Morris and Harcourt-Smith reexamine the Leary saga: his period of exile, reimprisonment and subsequent cooperation with the authorities.
The docu is inspired by Harcourt-Smith’s memoir Tripping the Bardo With Timothy Leary: My Psychedelic Love Story.
In addition, AFI today unveiled the festival’s Special Presentations section offering an array of non-fiction and fiction features including the world debuts of Kelly Oxford’s comedy-drama Pink Skies Ahead, Matt Tyrnauer’s Showtime docu series The Reagans, and Angel Kristi Williams’ drama Really Love. Also...
- 9/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In keeping with the festival’s continuing tradition of showcasing television, AFI Fest has added filmmaker Errol Morris’ Showtime Documentary Films feature “My Psychedelic Love Story” as the virtual event’s closing night world premiere. The film explores the underbelly of LSD through the saga of Timothy Leary, and how his doomed relationship with Joanna Harcourt-Smith helped collapse the 1960s counterculture.
On the TV side, AFI also added the world premiere of Showtime’s “The Reagans,” a four-part documentary series directed by Matt Tyrnauer about President Ronald Reagan’s time in the Oval Office, and director Mira Nair’s BBC drama miniseries “A Suitable Boy,” which recently screened at TIFF and will bow on Netflix this year.
Additional world premieres will include Kelly Oxford’s mental health chronicle “Pink Skies Ahead” and Angel Kristi Williams’ romance “Really Love.” Read synopses provided by the festival below. As part of the Special Presentations lineup,...
On the TV side, AFI also added the world premiere of Showtime’s “The Reagans,” a four-part documentary series directed by Matt Tyrnauer about President Ronald Reagan’s time in the Oval Office, and director Mira Nair’s BBC drama miniseries “A Suitable Boy,” which recently screened at TIFF and will bow on Netflix this year.
Additional world premieres will include Kelly Oxford’s mental health chronicle “Pink Skies Ahead” and Angel Kristi Williams’ romance “Really Love.” Read synopses provided by the festival below. As part of the Special Presentations lineup,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Online event to open with world premiere of Julia Hart’s I’m Your Woman.
The world premiere of Errol Morris’ documentary My Psychedelic Love Story will close the 34th edition of AFI Fest.
The non-fiction maestro’s latest film explores the dark side of the Timothy Leary saga, and how his doomed relationship with Joanna Harcourt-Smith extinguished 1960s counterculture.
Festival heads also announced on Monday (September 21) world premieres of Kelly Oxford’s Pink Skies Ahead, Matt Tyrnauer’s The Reagans, and Angel Kristi Williams’ Really Love.
Florian Zeller’s The Father, Fireball from Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer, and...
The world premiere of Errol Morris’ documentary My Psychedelic Love Story will close the 34th edition of AFI Fest.
The non-fiction maestro’s latest film explores the dark side of the Timothy Leary saga, and how his doomed relationship with Joanna Harcourt-Smith extinguished 1960s counterculture.
Festival heads also announced on Monday (September 21) world premieres of Kelly Oxford’s Pink Skies Ahead, Matt Tyrnauer’s The Reagans, and Angel Kristi Williams’ Really Love.
Florian Zeller’s The Father, Fireball from Werner Herzog and Clive Oppenheimer, and...
- 9/21/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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