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Paramount has optioned the rights to immersive role-playing game Alice Is Missing, with Becca Gleason, a writer and consulting producer on Amazon’s just-released YA series The Summer I Turned Pretty, attached to direct and co-write the adaptation.
Joining Gleason to co-write is Spenser Starke, the designer of the game published by Hunters Entertainment, the tabletop game studio behind popular RPGs such as The Altered Carbon RPG, Kids on Bikes, Icarus and Outbreak: Undead.
Temple Hill, the banner behind major YA movies ranging from the recent Emergency and The Fault in Our Stars to franchise plays such as The Maze Runner and Twilight, will produce along with Gleason.
Alice is an immersive and so-called silent RPG played entirely via text message. The premise involves the disappearance of a teen named Alice Briarwood, a high school junior in the small town of Silent Falls.
Paramount has optioned the rights to immersive role-playing game Alice Is Missing, with Becca Gleason, a writer and consulting producer on Amazon’s just-released YA series The Summer I Turned Pretty, attached to direct and co-write the adaptation.
Joining Gleason to co-write is Spenser Starke, the designer of the game published by Hunters Entertainment, the tabletop game studio behind popular RPGs such as The Altered Carbon RPG, Kids on Bikes, Icarus and Outbreak: Undead.
Temple Hill, the banner behind major YA movies ranging from the recent Emergency and The Fault in Our Stars to franchise plays such as The Maze Runner and Twilight, will produce along with Gleason.
Alice is an immersive and so-called silent RPG played entirely via text message. The premise involves the disappearance of a teen named Alice Briarwood, a high school junior in the small town of Silent Falls.
- 6/29/2022
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Players has optioned eight novels from author Gregg Hurwitz’s “Marked Man” series of books, with plans to adapt them for a series of feature films.
The division of the ViacomCBS-owned studio, run by Jeremy Kramer, is eyeing lower budgets for the contemporary noir thrillers and specifically looking for diverse and perhaps first-time writers and directors to create the world.
Hurwitz is the bestselling author of “Orphan X” and will produce the films alongside Emmy winner Scott Frank, producer of Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit.” The latter brought the books to the studio. While not connected by a central character, Hurwitz’s novels are among the most praised of the pot-boiler genre — usually invoking heinous crimes or geopolitical intrigue. The film adaptations are said to be connected thematically.
Full titles being optioned include “Do No Harm,” “The Crime Writer,” “Trust No One,” “They’re Watching,” “You’re Next,” “The Survivor,...
The division of the ViacomCBS-owned studio, run by Jeremy Kramer, is eyeing lower budgets for the contemporary noir thrillers and specifically looking for diverse and perhaps first-time writers and directors to create the world.
Hurwitz is the bestselling author of “Orphan X” and will produce the films alongside Emmy winner Scott Frank, producer of Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit.” The latter brought the books to the studio. While not connected by a central character, Hurwitz’s novels are among the most praised of the pot-boiler genre — usually invoking heinous crimes or geopolitical intrigue. The film adaptations are said to be connected thematically.
Full titles being optioned include “Do No Harm,” “The Crime Writer,” “Trust No One,” “They’re Watching,” “You’re Next,” “The Survivor,...
- 10/26/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Players’ upcoming adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel “Razorblade Tears” has found its screenwriter in Sherman Payne.
Payne, best known for the HBO Max original “Charm City Kings,” will adapt S.A. Cosby’s acclaimed novel for the studio division. The book is described as a Southern noir about two men who team up to seek vengeance for their murdered sons in the face of intolerance and prejudice in the rural South, finding redemption along the way.
Payne’s credits include “Shameless” and MTV’s series adaptation of the iconic “Scream” franchise. Amazon Studios is in post-production on his original script “Black as Night,” about a young woman who becomes an unwitting vampire slayer in modern day New Orleans. Payne is repped by APA, Management 360, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead, Llp.
“Razorblade Tears” was published last month by Flatiron Books. Paramount Players won the rights in a competitive situation,...
Payne, best known for the HBO Max original “Charm City Kings,” will adapt S.A. Cosby’s acclaimed novel for the studio division. The book is described as a Southern noir about two men who team up to seek vengeance for their murdered sons in the face of intolerance and prejudice in the rural South, finding redemption along the way.
Payne’s credits include “Shameless” and MTV’s series adaptation of the iconic “Scream” franchise. Amazon Studios is in post-production on his original script “Black as Night,” about a young woman who becomes an unwitting vampire slayer in modern day New Orleans. Payne is repped by APA, Management 360, and McKuin Frankel Whitehead, Llp.
“Razorblade Tears” was published last month by Flatiron Books. Paramount Players won the rights in a competitive situation,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
In a competitive situation, Paramount Players has won the adaptive rights to the new novel from bestselling author S.A. Cosby.
Titled “Razorblade Tears,” the book is set for release this July from Flatiron Books. Cosby is the author of “Blacktop Wasteland,” the top seller in mystery thrillers on Amazon in 2020, which was also named a New York Times notable book of the year.
“Razorblade Tears” is a Southern noir about two men who team up to seek vengeance for their murdered sons in the face of intolerance and prejudice in the rural South, finding redemption along the way.
Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman are producing the feature, which has yet to attach a director. Melissa Reid brought the book in for Jerry Bruckheimer Films.
This is the second high-profile score from newly minted Paramount Players President Jeremy Kramer, whose division at the iconic studio is committed to creating hit genre films from unique,...
Titled “Razorblade Tears,” the book is set for release this July from Flatiron Books. Cosby is the author of “Blacktop Wasteland,” the top seller in mystery thrillers on Amazon in 2020, which was also named a New York Times notable book of the year.
“Razorblade Tears” is a Southern noir about two men who team up to seek vengeance for their murdered sons in the face of intolerance and prejudice in the rural South, finding redemption along the way.
Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman are producing the feature, which has yet to attach a director. Melissa Reid brought the book in for Jerry Bruckheimer Films.
This is the second high-profile score from newly minted Paramount Players President Jeremy Kramer, whose division at the iconic studio is committed to creating hit genre films from unique,...
- 1/13/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Players has hired former Overbrook Entertainment executive Clarence Hammond as senior vice president of production.
Hammond will report to Paramount Players President Jeremy Kramer and begin his new position effective Nov. 30. In his new role, Hammond will help oversee the development and production of films made under the Paramount Players label, which is focused on genre films from unique, contemporary voices and properties.
Kramer, said, “With his eye for original stories and a track record for championing talented, up-and-coming filmmakers, Clarence will be a great addition to Players.”
Hammond spent over a decade at Overbrook Entertainment, which was founded by Will Smith and James Lassiter in 1998. He most recently served as vice president of production. During his tenure, Hammond developed and produced several projects including “Life in a Year,” starring Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, which will be available on Amazon Prime on Thanksgiving.
Hammond most recently produced “Charm City Kings,...
Hammond will report to Paramount Players President Jeremy Kramer and begin his new position effective Nov. 30. In his new role, Hammond will help oversee the development and production of films made under the Paramount Players label, which is focused on genre films from unique, contemporary voices and properties.
Kramer, said, “With his eye for original stories and a track record for championing talented, up-and-coming filmmakers, Clarence will be a great addition to Players.”
Hammond spent over a decade at Overbrook Entertainment, which was founded by Will Smith and James Lassiter in 1998. He most recently served as vice president of production. During his tenure, Hammond developed and produced several projects including “Life in a Year,” starring Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, which will be available on Amazon Prime on Thanksgiving.
Hammond most recently produced “Charm City Kings,...
- 11/20/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Overbrook Entertainment executive Clarence Hammond is joining Paramount Players as SVP Production, reporting to Paramount Players president Jeremy Kramer. Hammond starts on November 30.
In his new role, Hammond will help oversee the development and production of the label’s contemporary genre fare.
Says Kramer, “With his eye for original stories and a track record for championing talented, up-and-coming filmmakers, Clarence will be a great addition to Players.”
Previously, Hammond spent more than a decade at Overbrook, where he most recently served as VP Production. During his tenure, Hammond developed and produced movies including Life in a Year, starring Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, which will be streaming on Amazon this Thanksgiving. He also produced Charm City Kings, which was released on HBO Max in October. The film won a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Acting at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Hammond also produced Hala, which appeared in the U.
In his new role, Hammond will help oversee the development and production of the label’s contemporary genre fare.
Says Kramer, “With his eye for original stories and a track record for championing talented, up-and-coming filmmakers, Clarence will be a great addition to Players.”
Previously, Hammond spent more than a decade at Overbrook, where he most recently served as VP Production. During his tenure, Hammond developed and produced movies including Life in a Year, starring Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne, which will be streaming on Amazon this Thanksgiving. He also produced Charm City Kings, which was released on HBO Max in October. The film won a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble Acting at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Hammond also produced Hala, which appeared in the U.
- 11/20/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Players has tapped former Overbrook Entertainment executive Clarence Hammond as its senior vp of production.
Hammond will report to Jeremy Kramer, who was recently named as president of the Paramount Players studio. Started by Brian Robbins, Paramount Players had been without a head since Robbins left for Nickelodeon in 2018.
The label’s movies include What Men Want and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. In his new role, Hammond will help develop and produce films made under the Paramount Players label, which is committed to creating genre films from unique, contemporary voices and properties.
“With his eye for original ...
Hammond will report to Jeremy Kramer, who was recently named as president of the Paramount Players studio. Started by Brian Robbins, Paramount Players had been without a head since Robbins left for Nickelodeon in 2018.
The label’s movies include What Men Want and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. In his new role, Hammond will help develop and produce films made under the Paramount Players label, which is committed to creating genre films from unique, contemporary voices and properties.
“With his eye for original ...
- 11/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paramount Players has tapped former Overbrook Entertainment executive Clarence Hammond as its senior vp of production.
Hammond will report to Jeremy Kramer, who was recently named as president of the Paramount Players studio. Started by Brian Robbins, Paramount Players had been without a head since Robbins left for Nickelodeon in 2018.
The label’s movies include What Men Want and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. In his new role, Hammond will help develop and produce films made under the Paramount Players label, which is committed to creating genre films from unique, contemporary voices and properties.
“With his eye for original ...
Hammond will report to Jeremy Kramer, who was recently named as president of the Paramount Players studio. Started by Brian Robbins, Paramount Players had been without a head since Robbins left for Nickelodeon in 2018.
The label’s movies include What Men Want and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. In his new role, Hammond will help develop and produce films made under the Paramount Players label, which is committed to creating genre films from unique, contemporary voices and properties.
“With his eye for original ...
- 11/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Charm City Kings” may be set in Baltimore, but the writers, director and stars of the film say it’s a universal coming of age story that they hope can provide guidance to kids from marginalized communities around the world.
“This story in Baltimore is not just a Baltimore story,” Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto told TheWrap at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film premiered in January. “There is a Baltimore in every state. Puerto Rico is its own Baltimore in the middle of the Caribbean. This is the life that a lot of people face in marginalized communities.”
“Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), who desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax (Meek Mill), takes the 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon...
“This story in Baltimore is not just a Baltimore story,” Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto told TheWrap at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film premiered in January. “There is a Baltimore in every state. Puerto Rico is its own Baltimore in the middle of the Caribbean. This is the life that a lot of people face in marginalized communities.”
“Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), who desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax (Meek Mill), takes the 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon...
- 10/8/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“Charm City Kings” may be set in Baltimore, but the writers, director and stars of the film say it’s a universal coming of age story that they hope can provide guidance to kids from marginalized communities around the world. “This story in Baltimore is not just a Baltimore story,” Puerto Rican director Angel Manuel Soto told TheWrap at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. “There is a Baltimore in every state. Puerto Rico is its own Baltimore in the middle of the Caribbean. This is the life that a lot of people face in marginalized communities.” “Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston), who desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader, Blax (Meek Mill), takes the 14-year-old Mouse under his wing, Mouse soon finds himself torn between...
- 10/8/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Quibi is putting a well-deserved spotlight on the amazing women in this country creating change with their voices and actions — and Angela Rye is here to amplify their stories with the five-part docuseries All Her With Angela Rye.
Rye will host the docuseries which comes from SoulPancake, Overbrook and 206 Productions. Women have always been on the front lines when it comes to fighting a broken system that has done little or nothing to change pressing issues impacting this country including gender inequality, racism, health inequality, xenophobia, homelessness, income inequality, and more. Rye will shine a light on incredible, everyday women across the country that are standing up and speaking out against injustice in all its forms. As each woman shares her story, audiences will come to understand the history that can be made when we each do our part to tackle what needs changing in our world today — and...
Rye will host the docuseries which comes from SoulPancake, Overbrook and 206 Productions. Women have always been on the front lines when it comes to fighting a broken system that has done little or nothing to change pressing issues impacting this country including gender inequality, racism, health inequality, xenophobia, homelessness, income inequality, and more. Rye will shine a light on incredible, everyday women across the country that are standing up and speaking out against injustice in all its forms. As each woman shares her story, audiences will come to understand the history that can be made when we each do our part to tackle what needs changing in our world today — and...
- 9/15/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Charm City Kings” producer Caleeb Pinkett has teamed up with production company Rebel Maverick for a film based on Alyssa Keli Rose’s Medium article “The Dunbar Heist,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Pinkett, the brother of Jada Pinkett Smith, will produce the project with Clarence Hammond and Dougie Cash. Rebel Maverick’s Matt Nicholas and Nastassja Kayln will also be producing, with Jane Kim Yang overseeing for their company. Norman Towns (“Insecure”) brought in the project and will be executive producing.
Nicholas and Kayln are adapting the script with screenwriter Leon Langford.
The 1997 robbery took place at the Dunbar Armored facility in Los Angeles — five men stole $18.9 million in under 30 minutes. Allen Pace III, a fired employee of the Dunbar depot, was the mastermind who planned the robbery for two years and recruited four of his closest friends. After four years of thwarting law enforcement, the scheme fell apart after one of the robbers,...
Pinkett, the brother of Jada Pinkett Smith, will produce the project with Clarence Hammond and Dougie Cash. Rebel Maverick’s Matt Nicholas and Nastassja Kayln will also be producing, with Jane Kim Yang overseeing for their company. Norman Towns (“Insecure”) brought in the project and will be executive producing.
Nicholas and Kayln are adapting the script with screenwriter Leon Langford.
The 1997 robbery took place at the Dunbar Armored facility in Los Angeles — five men stole $18.9 million in under 30 minutes. Allen Pace III, a fired employee of the Dunbar depot, was the mastermind who planned the robbery for two years and recruited four of his closest friends. After four years of thwarting law enforcement, the scheme fell apart after one of the robbers,...
- 9/1/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The New York Latino Film Festival (Nylff) has set their lineup for their forthcoming hybrid edition of its fest which will take place September 14-20.
In the wake of the pandemic, many festivals have either canceled or pivoted to an entirely virtual program. Nylff is one of the Latinx-based film fests that have continued with plans for their annual fest — with the appropriate changes. The 21st edition will be a combination of virtual events and in-person, drive-in screenings that celebrates Latinx creators. The fest will also host the first Latino drive-in experience to take place both in New York and in The Bronx.
This year’s festival features nearly 75 films representing more than 10 countries, spanning all genres including features, shorts, documentaries, web series and experimental films.
“Inspired by the resilience of the Latino community, Nylff is proud to return with a fresh format featuring our first-ever drive-in experiences,” said Calixto Chinchilla,...
In the wake of the pandemic, many festivals have either canceled or pivoted to an entirely virtual program. Nylff is one of the Latinx-based film fests that have continued with plans for their annual fest — with the appropriate changes. The 21st edition will be a combination of virtual events and in-person, drive-in screenings that celebrates Latinx creators. The fest will also host the first Latino drive-in experience to take place both in New York and in The Bronx.
This year’s festival features nearly 75 films representing more than 10 countries, spanning all genres including features, shorts, documentaries, web series and experimental films.
“Inspired by the resilience of the Latino community, Nylff is proud to return with a fresh format featuring our first-ever drive-in experiences,” said Calixto Chinchilla,...
- 9/1/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max has acquired the worldwide rights to “Charm City Kings” from distributor Sony Pictures Entertainment and will release it on the new streaming service at some point this year, HBO Max announced Tuesday. The streaming service launches on May 27.
“Charm City Kings,” from director Angel Manuel Soto, won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Acting when it made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
Sony Pictures Classics was originally set to release “Charm City Kings” for Sony Pictures Entertainment in theaters on April 10, 2020, and this actually makes the second Sony film to head over to HBO Max in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The new streamer previously picked up Seth Rogen’s “An American Pickle” from Sony’s Columbia Pictures.
Also Read: 'Charm City Kings' Crew Hope Coming of Age Story Brings 'Mentorship' to Marginalized Kids (Video)
“Charm City Kings” stars “Queen & Slim...
“Charm City Kings,” from director Angel Manuel Soto, won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Acting when it made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
Sony Pictures Classics was originally set to release “Charm City Kings” for Sony Pictures Entertainment in theaters on April 10, 2020, and this actually makes the second Sony film to head over to HBO Max in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The new streamer previously picked up Seth Rogen’s “An American Pickle” from Sony’s Columbia Pictures.
Also Read: 'Charm City Kings' Crew Hope Coming of Age Story Brings 'Mentorship' to Marginalized Kids (Video)
“Charm City Kings” stars “Queen & Slim...
- 5/5/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures Classics announced Tuesday that it will release “Charm City Kings,” one of the films playing this year in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance, on April 10, 2020.
The film by Angel Manuel Soto stars the rapper Meek Mill in his film debut, and it will open in North America on April 10 followed by a wide release on April 17 after its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Sherman Payne wrote the screenplay that comes from a story by Chris Boyd, Kirk Sullivan and “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, and it’s inspired by a 2013 documentary of the same name by Lofty Nathan.
Also Read: Taylor Swift, Viggo Mortensen and Tessa Thompson Lead Diverse 2020 Sundance Lineup
“Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader,...
The film by Angel Manuel Soto stars the rapper Meek Mill in his film debut, and it will open in North America on April 10 followed by a wide release on April 17 after its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Sherman Payne wrote the screenplay that comes from a story by Chris Boyd, Kirk Sullivan and “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, and it’s inspired by a 2013 documentary of the same name by Lofty Nathan.
Also Read: Taylor Swift, Viggo Mortensen and Tessa Thompson Lead Diverse 2020 Sundance Lineup
“Charm City Kings” is the story of Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) desperately wants to join Baltimore’s infamous Midnight Clique, a fearless group of dirt bike riders who rule the summertime streets. When Midnight’s leader,...
- 12/17/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Will Smith among producers on dirt bike drama.
Sony Pictures Classics will distribute Angel Manuel Soto’s Sundance selection Charm City Kings in North America on April 10, 2020.
The drama, which Sony produced with James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, will expand wide a week later.
Soto directed from a screenplay by Sherman Payne from a story by Chris Boyd and Kirk Sullivan and Moonlight director Barry Jenkins, inspired by Lotfy Nathan’s 2013 documentary 12 O’Clock Boys.
Jahi Di’Allo Winston, newcomer Meek Mill, Will Catlett, Teyonah Parris, Donielle Tremaine Hansley, and Kezii Curtis star in the...
Sony Pictures Classics will distribute Angel Manuel Soto’s Sundance selection Charm City Kings in North America on April 10, 2020.
The drama, which Sony produced with James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment, will expand wide a week later.
Soto directed from a screenplay by Sherman Payne from a story by Chris Boyd and Kirk Sullivan and Moonlight director Barry Jenkins, inspired by Lotfy Nathan’s 2013 documentary 12 O’Clock Boys.
Jahi Di’Allo Winston, newcomer Meek Mill, Will Catlett, Teyonah Parris, Donielle Tremaine Hansley, and Kezii Curtis star in the...
- 12/17/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
The feature film lineup at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival has been unveiled, featuring 118 films. Among the highly-anticipated premieres we have Josephine Decker’s Shirley, Miranda July’s Kajillionaire, Eliza Hittman’s Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Janicza Bravo’s Zola, Kirsten Johnson’s Dick Johnson Is Dead, Brandon Cronenberg’s Possessor, Julie Taymor’s The Glorias, Dee Rees’ The Last Thing He Wanted, Sean Durkin’s The Nest, Michael Almereyda’s Tesla, Benh Zeitlin’s Wendy, and more.
Check out the list below and return for our coverage from January 23-February 2, 2020.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
Presenting the world premieres of 16 narrative feature films, the Dramatic Competition offers Festivalgoers a first look at groundbreaking new voices in American independent film. Films that have premiered in this category in recent years include The Farewell, Honey Boy, Clemency, Eighth Grade, Sorry to Bother You and The Miseducation of Cameron Post. 47% of the directors in this year’s U.
Check out the list below and return for our coverage from January 23-February 2, 2020.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
Presenting the world premieres of 16 narrative feature films, the Dramatic Competition offers Festivalgoers a first look at groundbreaking new voices in American independent film. Films that have premiered in this category in recent years include The Farewell, Honey Boy, Clemency, Eighth Grade, Sorry to Bother You and The Miseducation of Cameron Post. 47% of the directors in this year’s U.
- 12/4/2019
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Since its November 1 launch, Apple’s new streaming platform Apple TV+ has provoked conversation around new shows “Dickinson,” “The Morning Show,” and “See.” Now, it’s gearing up to launch its original film slate, which began with documentary “The Elephant Queen” and will continue with “Hala.”
Apple bought rights to the film following its buzzy Sundance Film Festival premiere earlier this year, where it earned critical praise for its sensitive coming-of-age tale and strong lead performance. “Hala” is a semi-autobiographical offering from Minhal Baig, a writer on hit TV series “Bojack Horseman” and “Ramy.”
The official synopsis reads: “Seventeen-year-old Pakistani American teenager Hala (Geraldine Viswanathan) struggles to balance desire with her familial, cultural and religious obligations. As she comes into her own, she grapples with a secret that threatens to unravel her family.” “Hala” also stars Jack Kilmer as Hala’s love interest, and the film also boasts supporting turns from Gabriel Luna,...
Apple bought rights to the film following its buzzy Sundance Film Festival premiere earlier this year, where it earned critical praise for its sensitive coming-of-age tale and strong lead performance. “Hala” is a semi-autobiographical offering from Minhal Baig, a writer on hit TV series “Bojack Horseman” and “Ramy.”
The official synopsis reads: “Seventeen-year-old Pakistani American teenager Hala (Geraldine Viswanathan) struggles to balance desire with her familial, cultural and religious obligations. As she comes into her own, she grapples with a secret that threatens to unravel her family.” “Hala” also stars Jack Kilmer as Hala’s love interest, and the film also boasts supporting turns from Gabriel Luna,...
- 11/5/2019
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Meet Hala, a Pakistani American teenager who loves skateboarding and finds herself grappling with her parents’ strict cultural and religious upbringing.
Her coming of age story is unveiled in the first trailer for “Hala,” which made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and played at Tiff but is now set to debut on Apple TV+ beginning on Dec. 6.
Minhal Baig wrote and directed the drama that stars “Blockers” star Geraldine Viswanathan as Hala. She’s a 17-year-old Pakistani American teenager who struggles to balance desire with her familial, cultural and religious obligations. As she comes into her own, she grapples with a secret that threatens to unravel her family.
“You said that I could tell you if something’s going on,” Hala asks in the trailer. “Something’s going on.”
Also Read: Anthony Mackie and Samuel L Jackson Buy Up White America in 'The Banker' Trailer (Video...
Her coming of age story is unveiled in the first trailer for “Hala,” which made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and played at Tiff but is now set to debut on Apple TV+ beginning on Dec. 6.
Minhal Baig wrote and directed the drama that stars “Blockers” star Geraldine Viswanathan as Hala. She’s a 17-year-old Pakistani American teenager who struggles to balance desire with her familial, cultural and religious obligations. As she comes into her own, she grapples with a secret that threatens to unravel her family.
“You said that I could tell you if something’s going on,” Hala asks in the trailer. “Something’s going on.”
Also Read: Anthony Mackie and Samuel L Jackson Buy Up White America in 'The Banker' Trailer (Video...
- 11/5/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Apple is kicking off its foray into film by playing ball with Hollywood. The tech giant on Friday announced theatrical release dates for its first three films, coming this fall.
First comes the company’s acclaimed wildlife documentary “The Elephant Queen,” which will open in theaters on Oct. 18 before landing on Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service Nov. 1.
The documentary, which Apple describes as “a genre-redefining film,” follows Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their watering hole. “The Elephant Queen” is a story of love, loss and coming home, and is a timely love letter to a species that could be gone from our planet in a generation.
Also Read: Apple's Movies Will Hit Theaters Weeks Before Its New Streaming Service (Report)
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble...
First comes the company’s acclaimed wildlife documentary “The Elephant Queen,” which will open in theaters on Oct. 18 before landing on Apple’s Apple TV+ streaming service Nov. 1.
The documentary, which Apple describes as “a genre-redefining film,” follows Athena, an elephant matriarch who will do everything in her power to protect her family when they are forced to leave their watering hole. “The Elephant Queen” is a story of love, loss and coming home, and is a timely love letter to a species that could be gone from our planet in a generation.
Also Read: Apple's Movies Will Hit Theaters Weeks Before Its New Streaming Service (Report)
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife documentarians Victoria Stone and Mark Deeble...
- 9/27/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Apple has charted the first round of release dates for its original film slate — which includes the tech giant’s grand entrance into American movie theaters.
With the help of three boutique distribution companies, Apple will be taking titles including Anthony Mackie’s “The Banker,” Minhal Baig’s “Hala” and the buzzy wildlife doc “The Elephant Queen” into select cities nationwide before the titles upload to Apple TV Plus, Variety can report exclusively.
“The Banker,” which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as unlikely real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, will open in the awards corridor on December 6. New York-based distributor Bleecker Street is consulting on the release, two insiders close to the project said. It’s expected to hit Apple TV Plus in January.
“The Elephant Queen,” which premiered in New York this week, will open in theaters October 18 and be available for Apple’s...
With the help of three boutique distribution companies, Apple will be taking titles including Anthony Mackie’s “The Banker,” Minhal Baig’s “Hala” and the buzzy wildlife doc “The Elephant Queen” into select cities nationwide before the titles upload to Apple TV Plus, Variety can report exclusively.
“The Banker,” which stars Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as unlikely real estate and finance moguls in the Jim Crow era, will open in the awards corridor on December 6. New York-based distributor Bleecker Street is consulting on the release, two insiders close to the project said. It’s expected to hit Apple TV Plus in January.
“The Elephant Queen,” which premiered in New York this week, will open in theaters October 18 and be available for Apple’s...
- 9/27/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Actor and rap artist Tip “T.I.” Harris and John Ortiz have signed to topline Flint, a feature set against the backdrop of the Flint, Michigan water crisis written by Malcolm M. Mays, who will also direct. The project hails from Will Smith and James Lassiter-founded Overbrook Entertainment. Clarence Hammond and Dougie Cash will produce on behalf of Overbrook along with Tommy Oliver.
Flint is about a spiritually reformed ex-convict who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery, set upon by his ex-lover and a young mentee that unravels the very fabric of the water crisis afflicting the community he grew up in.
Overbrook’s Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett will serve as executive producers alongside Harris and Brian Sher from Grand Hustle Films as well as the late auteur John Singleton, a longtime mentor and friend of Mays, who helped bring the film to fruition.
Flint is about a spiritually reformed ex-convict who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery, set upon by his ex-lover and a young mentee that unravels the very fabric of the water crisis afflicting the community he grew up in.
Overbrook’s Lassiter and Caleeb Pinkett will serve as executive producers alongside Harris and Brian Sher from Grand Hustle Films as well as the late auteur John Singleton, a longtime mentor and friend of Mays, who helped bring the film to fruition.
- 6/11/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Tech monolith Apple made its first purchase at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on Monday, in the coming-of-age drama “Hala.”
The film, from writer-director Minhal Baig and executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, sold for an undisclosed amount. It is unclear if the company intends to send it straight to the iTunes store or roll the drama out in theaters.
Baig’s project centers on 17-year-old Hala, who’s navigating the conflicting worlds of her traditional Muslim household and her modern high school. As she struggles with her identity, she uncovers a secret that threatens to destroy her nuclear family.
Geraldine Viswanathan (“Blockers”) plays the title role. Her co-stars include Purbi Joshi, Azad Khan, Gabriel Luna, Anna Chlumsky, and Jack Kilmer.
From Endeavor Content and Overbrook Entertainment, “Hala’s” produced by Baig, Clarence Hammond, and Jamal Watson. Jana Babatunde-Bey, Marsha Swinton, James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett, Ari Lubet, and Aaron Carr are executive producers.
The film, from writer-director Minhal Baig and executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, sold for an undisclosed amount. It is unclear if the company intends to send it straight to the iTunes store or roll the drama out in theaters.
Baig’s project centers on 17-year-old Hala, who’s navigating the conflicting worlds of her traditional Muslim household and her modern high school. As she struggles with her identity, she uncovers a secret that threatens to destroy her nuclear family.
Geraldine Viswanathan (“Blockers”) plays the title role. Her co-stars include Purbi Joshi, Azad Khan, Gabriel Luna, Anna Chlumsky, and Jack Kilmer.
From Endeavor Content and Overbrook Entertainment, “Hala’s” produced by Baig, Clarence Hammond, and Jamal Watson. Jana Babatunde-Bey, Marsha Swinton, James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett, Ari Lubet, and Aaron Carr are executive producers.
- 1/29/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Apple has picked up the worldwide rights to Minhal Baig’s coming-of-age pic Hala which is executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith. The movie follows 17-year old Hala as she navigates her senior year of high school and starts to develop feelings for her classmate, Jesse. Raised in a conservative Muslim household by her mother, Eram (Purbi Joshi) and father, Zahid (Azad Khan), her growing feelings are at odds with her traditional upbringing. At the same time, she finds herself grappling with the knowledge of a secret that threatens to unravel her family. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s Gabriel Luna and Veep‘s Anna Chlumsky also star. Baig, who was a directing mentee for Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative – Director Mentorship Program, expanded Hala from a short film that the filmmaker made in 2016. The screenplay for the feature was...
- 1/29/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple has acquired the global rights to Minhal Baig’s cross-cultural coming-of-age film “Hala” following its premiere during the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
Written and directed by Baig, “Hala” follows seventeen-year old Hala, played by Geraldine Viswanathan (“Blockers”) as she navigates her senior year of high school and starts to develop feelings for her classmate, Jesse, played by Jack Kilmer (“Palo Alto”).
Raised in a conservative Muslim household by her mother, Eram (Purbi Joshi) and father, Zahid (Azad Khan), her growing feelings are at odds with her traditional upbringing. At the same time, she finds herself grappling with the knowledge of a secret that threatens to unravel her family.
Also Read: Lupita Nyong'o Zombie Comedy 'Little Monsters' Acquired by Neon, Hulu
Gabriel Luna (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”) round out the main cast.
Executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, “Hala...
Written and directed by Baig, “Hala” follows seventeen-year old Hala, played by Geraldine Viswanathan (“Blockers”) as she navigates her senior year of high school and starts to develop feelings for her classmate, Jesse, played by Jack Kilmer (“Palo Alto”).
Raised in a conservative Muslim household by her mother, Eram (Purbi Joshi) and father, Zahid (Azad Khan), her growing feelings are at odds with her traditional upbringing. At the same time, she finds herself grappling with the knowledge of a secret that threatens to unravel her family.
Also Read: Lupita Nyong'o Zombie Comedy 'Little Monsters' Acquired by Neon, Hulu
Gabriel Luna (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”) round out the main cast.
Executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, “Hala...
- 1/29/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Endeavor Content co-financed. Inclusion rider policy was applied during production.
Apple has closed its first Sundance acquisition and taken worldwide rights in Park City to the coming-of-age drama Hala, capping off an active few days for digital platforms that has already seen two marquee deals involving Amazon Studios and a play by Hulu.
Jada Pinkett Smith served as executive producer on the feature from Endeavor Content and Overbrook Entertainment. Minhal Baig wrote and directed from her Black List 2016 screenplay, inspired by a short film she made in 2016.
The deal is not part of the partnership with A24 and at time...
Apple has closed its first Sundance acquisition and taken worldwide rights in Park City to the coming-of-age drama Hala, capping off an active few days for digital platforms that has already seen two marquee deals involving Amazon Studios and a play by Hulu.
Jada Pinkett Smith served as executive producer on the feature from Endeavor Content and Overbrook Entertainment. Minhal Baig wrote and directed from her Black List 2016 screenplay, inspired by a short film she made in 2016.
The deal is not part of the partnership with A24 and at time...
- 1/28/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Endeavor Content co-financed. Inclusion rider policy was applied during production.
Apple has closed its first Sundance acquisition and taken worldwide rights in Park City to the coming-of-age drama Hala, capping off an active few days for digital platforms that has already seen two marquee deals involving Amazon Studios.
Jada Pinkett Smith served as executive producer on the feature from Endeavor Content and Overbrook Entertainment. Minhal Baig wrote and directed from her Black List 2016 screenplay, inspired by a short film she made in 2016.
At time of writing Apple declined to elaborate on whether the film would receive a theatrical release. Endeavor Content co-financed,...
Apple has closed its first Sundance acquisition and taken worldwide rights in Park City to the coming-of-age drama Hala, capping off an active few days for digital platforms that has already seen two marquee deals involving Amazon Studios.
Jada Pinkett Smith served as executive producer on the feature from Endeavor Content and Overbrook Entertainment. Minhal Baig wrote and directed from her Black List 2016 screenplay, inspired by a short film she made in 2016.
At time of writing Apple declined to elaborate on whether the film would receive a theatrical release. Endeavor Content co-financed,...
- 1/28/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
It’s time to get a peek at the major films of next year. The 2019 Sundance Film Festival have unveiled their lineup today, which can be seen below along with stills where available. Check back in January for our coverage from the festival.
U.S. Dramatic Competition
Presenting the world premieres of 16 narrative feature films, the Dramatic Competition offers Festivalgoers a first look at groundbreaking new voices in American independent film. Films that have premiered in this category in recent years include Wildlife, Eighth Grade, Sorry to Bother You, The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Swiss Army Man. 53% of the directors in this year’s U.S. Dramatic Competition are women; 41% are people of color; 18% identify as Lgbtqia+.
Before You Know It / U.S.A. — A long-kept family secret thrusts codependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera. A journey that proves that you really can come of age,...
U.S. Dramatic Competition
Presenting the world premieres of 16 narrative feature films, the Dramatic Competition offers Festivalgoers a first look at groundbreaking new voices in American independent film. Films that have premiered in this category in recent years include Wildlife, Eighth Grade, Sorry to Bother You, The Miseducation of Cameron Post and Swiss Army Man. 53% of the directors in this year’s U.S. Dramatic Competition are women; 41% are people of color; 18% identify as Lgbtqia+.
Before You Know It / U.S.A. — A long-kept family secret thrusts codependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera. A journey that proves that you really can come of age,...
- 11/28/2018
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Rapper Meek Mill has joined Teyonah Parris, Jahi Winston, and Will Catlett in the feature adaptation to Lotfy Nathan’s 2013 documentary, 12 O’Clock Boys, from Sony and Overbrook Entertainment. Currently in production, the film is being directed by Angel Manuel Soto.
Barry Jenkins penned the initial draft for the script, with rewrites from Sherman Payne. The pic centers on Mouse (Winston), a young boy who wants nothing more than to be a part of the Midnight Clique, a tough group of Baltimore bike riders who rule the summertime streets. As he navigates the challenges of coming of age in a complicated world, he learns the hard way that the choices you make early on can change your life forever.
Mill’s character is the leader of the Midnight Clique and a legend in the eyes of Mouse.
Overbrook’s Jada Pinkett Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, Marc Bienstock, and Clarence Hammond are producing the project.
Barry Jenkins penned the initial draft for the script, with rewrites from Sherman Payne. The pic centers on Mouse (Winston), a young boy who wants nothing more than to be a part of the Midnight Clique, a tough group of Baltimore bike riders who rule the summertime streets. As he navigates the challenges of coming of age in a complicated world, he learns the hard way that the choices you make early on can change your life forever.
Mill’s character is the leader of the Midnight Clique and a legend in the eyes of Mouse.
Overbrook’s Jada Pinkett Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, Marc Bienstock, and Clarence Hammond are producing the project.
- 10/1/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Teyonah Parris, Jahi Winston, and Will Catlett are attached to star in the dirt-bike drama, 12 O’Clock Boys, with Puerto Rican filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto at the helm. Moonlight‘s Barry Jenkins wrote the initial draft for the script, while Sherman Payne did the rewrites.
Jada Pinkett Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, Marc Bienstock, and Clarence Hammond of Overbrook Entertainment are producing the pic with Sony serving as the studio. Filming will begin next month.
The film is based on the Lotfy Nathan-directed documentary of the same title. It follows Mouse, a young boy who wants nothing more than to be a part of the Midnight Clique, a tough group of Baltimore bike riders who rule the summertime streets. As he navigates the challenges of coming of age in a complicated world,...
Jada Pinkett Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, Marc Bienstock, and Clarence Hammond of Overbrook Entertainment are producing the pic with Sony serving as the studio. Filming will begin next month.
The film is based on the Lotfy Nathan-directed documentary of the same title. It follows Mouse, a young boy who wants nothing more than to be a part of the Midnight Clique, a tough group of Baltimore bike riders who rule the summertime streets. As he navigates the challenges of coming of age in a complicated world,...
- 9/24/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony has greenlit a feature adaptation of the 2013 documentary 12 O’Clock Boys, about urban dirt-bike riders in Baltimore, from Overbrook Entertainment. The film is being produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, Caleeb Pinkett and Clarence Hammond of Overbrook. Casting is currently underway with a production start date aim for October.
Directed by Lotfy Nathan, the doc centered on Pug, a kid from the Westside eager to join the 12 O’Clock Boys’ ranks. Pug, who was filmed over a three year period starting when he was 13, reveres the Boys’ every move, and Nathan follows this young man through some of the most pivotal years of his life, providing a personal story within the broader depiction of the wild, dynamic world of the 12 O’Clock Boys.
The doc premiered at SXSW and was acquired by Oscilloscope Laboratories. It’s currently available to screen on Hulu.
Sony and Overbrook have previously worked together on film’s like Hitch,...
Directed by Lotfy Nathan, the doc centered on Pug, a kid from the Westside eager to join the 12 O’Clock Boys’ ranks. Pug, who was filmed over a three year period starting when he was 13, reveres the Boys’ every move, and Nathan follows this young man through some of the most pivotal years of his life, providing a personal story within the broader depiction of the wild, dynamic world of the 12 O’Clock Boys.
The doc premiered at SXSW and was acquired by Oscilloscope Laboratories. It’s currently available to screen on Hulu.
Sony and Overbrook have previously worked together on film’s like Hitch,...
- 9/19/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
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