Exterior. Establishing: Film Independent HQ. Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. Prelap the sounds of passionate conversation and laughter. Cut To: Interior, Conference Room, Film Independent HQ. Seven new screenwriting Fellows are arrayed around a table, the Hollywood Sign visible on the distant hills outside the window. They’re here to develop six deeply personal and wholly original feature film projects under the steady guiding hand of Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab. A fun, creative, safe space.
The End.
(Roll credits)
Sorry–we wish our story could’ve been longer but there wasn’t really any dramatic conflict at the Screenwriting Lab this year, just a lot of productive discussion and writing workshops with lead creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy,...
The End.
(Roll credits)
Sorry–we wish our story could’ve been longer but there wasn’t really any dramatic conflict at the Screenwriting Lab this year, just a lot of productive discussion and writing workshops with lead creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Exclusive: Film Independent has named Omer Ben Shachar, Mary Dauterman, Mg Evangelista, Naomi Iwamoto, Thomas Kivney, Juan Paulo Laserna and Jhanvi Motla as the screenwriters selected for the 26th edition of its Screenwriting Lab, an intensive program designed to provide individualized story and career development for screenwriters with fiction feature scripts.
Over the course of the program, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy, Amanda Marshall, Josh Peters, Jon Schumacher, Ellen Shanman, Lauren Shelton and Caddy Vanasirikul.
“We are honored to provide the tools and support necessary for these exceptional filmmakers to propel their projects and careers forward,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs for Film Independent.
Over the course of the program, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy, Amanda Marshall, Josh Peters, Jon Schumacher, Ellen Shanman, Lauren Shelton and Caddy Vanasirikul.
“We are honored to provide the tools and support necessary for these exceptional filmmakers to propel their projects and careers forward,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs for Film Independent.
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Benjamin Ree’s gamer documentary Ibelin led the winners at Tromso International Film Festival (TIFF) on Saturday, January 20; after Norwegian feature Grandmonster took the Fiction Norway pitching prize last week.
Ibelin took the audience award, playing at Tromso the day after its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival. The Norwegian title follows the story of Mats Steen, a gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease aged 25; after which his parents began to receive messages from online friends around the world. Netflix acquired US distribution and worldwide streaming rights on the title following its Sundance premiere.
Scroll down for the...
Ibelin took the audience award, playing at Tromso the day after its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival. The Norwegian title follows the story of Mats Steen, a gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease aged 25; after which his parents began to receive messages from online friends around the world. Netflix acquired US distribution and worldwide streaming rights on the title following its Sundance premiere.
Scroll down for the...
- 1/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Plan B Entertainment has started a new micro budget film finance initiative to produce and finance lower cost films which will be led by newly hired Caddy Vanasirikul. The veteran film producer and acquisition and production executive will manage Plan B’s forthcoming slate in this sector.
The first film under this new initiative is Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke’s Olmo, which recently completed shooting in New Mexico under an interim agreement. Co-written with Vanesa Garnica and directed by Eimbcke, and produced with Erendira Nunez LariosEréndira Núñez Larios and Michel Franco’s Teorema, the bilingual story is about 14 year-old Olmo, who must take care of his bedridden father who has Multiple Sclerosis. But when Olmo’s goddess neighbor Nina Sandoval invites him to a party, his world is turned upside down.
Eimbcke’s feature directorial debut Temporada de patos (Duck Season) premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won...
The first film under this new initiative is Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke’s Olmo, which recently completed shooting in New Mexico under an interim agreement. Co-written with Vanesa Garnica and directed by Eimbcke, and produced with Erendira Nunez LariosEréndira Núñez Larios and Michel Franco’s Teorema, the bilingual story is about 14 year-old Olmo, who must take care of his bedridden father who has Multiple Sclerosis. But when Olmo’s goddess neighbor Nina Sandoval invites him to a party, his world is turned upside down.
Eimbcke’s feature directorial debut Temporada de patos (Duck Season) premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won...
- 12/1/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Indie distributor Brainstorm Media has locked down North American rights to Laroy, a darkly comedic thriller starring John Magaro (First Cow), Steve Zahn (The White Lotus) and Dylan Baker (Happiness) that world premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Festival and nabbed three awards at the Deauville American Film Festival, including the Grand Prix, Audience Award, and Critics Award.
The film is the first from writer-director Shane Atkinson and is set for release in theaters and on digital in 2024.
Hailing from Next Productions, Laroy follows a down-and-out man who is mistaken for a hired killer, leading him to play a dangerous game with dire consequences. Magaro leads the ensemble as Ray, who, after discovering his wife is cheating on him, decides to kill himself. He buys a gun, drives to the seedy motel where she and her lover are entangled, and is about to do the deed — but before he can pull the trigger,...
The film is the first from writer-director Shane Atkinson and is set for release in theaters and on digital in 2024.
Hailing from Next Productions, Laroy follows a down-and-out man who is mistaken for a hired killer, leading him to play a dangerous game with dire consequences. Magaro leads the ensemble as Ray, who, after discovering his wife is cheating on him, decides to kill himself. He buys a gun, drives to the seedy motel where she and her lover are entangled, and is about to do the deed — but before he can pull the trigger,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tubi has begun principal photography on dark western thriller The Thicket, based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same name, starring and produced by Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage. Production is underway in Calgary, Canada.
A longtime passion project for Dinklage, The Thicket also stars Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), Leslie Grace (In The Heights), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Old Man), Macon Blair (I Care A Lot), James Hetfield (Metallica), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders), Andrew Schulz (Infamous), and Arliss Howard (Mank).
Set at the turn-of-the-century, The Thicket follows an innocent young man, Jack (Hawke), who goes on an epic quest to rescue his sister Lula (Creed-Miles) after she has been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill (Lewis) and her gang. To save her, Jack enlists the help of a crafty bounty hunter named Reginald Jones (Dinklage), a grave-digging alcoholic...
A longtime passion project for Dinklage, The Thicket also stars Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), Leslie Grace (In The Heights), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Old Man), Macon Blair (I Care A Lot), James Hetfield (Metallica), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders), Andrew Schulz (Infamous), and Arliss Howard (Mank).
Set at the turn-of-the-century, The Thicket follows an innocent young man, Jack (Hawke), who goes on an epic quest to rescue his sister Lula (Creed-Miles) after she has been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill (Lewis) and her gang. To save her, Jack enlists the help of a crafty bounty hunter named Reginald Jones (Dinklage), a grave-digging alcoholic...
- 3/2/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar winner Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Emmy winner Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) and Emmy nominee Lucy Liu (Shazam: Fury of the Gods) are attached to lead the high-concept comedy Nobody Nothing Nowhere, which The Exchange is launching for sales at the upcoming European Film Market.
Filming is slated for summer 2023 on the project, which is “the story of Ruth, one of the Non-People, human-looking beings designed and trained for the sole purpose of filling in a realistic world for a bland guy named Dave, the only person that actually exists on Earth. Tired of serving as an extra in someone else’s life, Ruth is ready to demand a life of her own.”
A 2018 Black List and Sundance Screenwriter Labs script written and to be directed by Rachel Wolther and Alex H. Fischer, pic is being produced by veteran producers Josh Penn and Michael Gottwald of the Department of Motion Pictures,...
Filming is slated for summer 2023 on the project, which is “the story of Ruth, one of the Non-People, human-looking beings designed and trained for the sole purpose of filling in a realistic world for a bland guy named Dave, the only person that actually exists on Earth. Tired of serving as an extra in someone else’s life, Ruth is ready to demand a life of her own.”
A 2018 Black List and Sundance Screenwriter Labs script written and to be directed by Rachel Wolther and Alex H. Fischer, pic is being produced by veteran producers Josh Penn and Michael Gottwald of the Department of Motion Pictures,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Rachel Wolther, Alex H. Fischer to direct from 2018 Blacklist screenplay.
Octavia Spencer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lucy Liu are attached to star in the comedy Nobody Nothing Nowhere, which The Exchange is introducing to EFM buyers in Berlin this month.
Rachel Wolther and Alex H. Fischer will direct from their 2018 Blacklist and Sundance Screenwriter Labs original screenplay about Ruth, one of the Non-People, human-looking beings designed and trained for the sole purpose of filling in a realistic world for a bland guy named Dave, the only person that actually exists on Earth.
Tired of serving as an extra in someone else’s life,...
Octavia Spencer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lucy Liu are attached to star in the comedy Nobody Nothing Nowhere, which The Exchange is introducing to EFM buyers in Berlin this month.
Rachel Wolther and Alex H. Fischer will direct from their 2018 Blacklist and Sundance Screenwriter Labs original screenplay about Ruth, one of the Non-People, human-looking beings designed and trained for the sole purpose of filling in a realistic world for a bland guy named Dave, the only person that actually exists on Earth.
Tired of serving as an extra in someone else’s life,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Kaley Cuoco has perfected the meet-cute through endless starts to a budding romance with Pete Davidson.
Peacock original film “Meet Cute” is a time-traveling romantic comedy starring “The Flight Attendant” Emmy nominee Cuoco as Sheila, a perfectionist who is looking for her ideal happily ever after with Gary (Davidson). The modern twist on “Groundhog Day” takes a dark turn as Sheila reveals in the trailer she has to kill her other self to not exist in the same timeline, and that she hopes to take away Gary’s painful trauma to make him the perfect partner. “Meet Cute” premieres September 21 on Peacock.
The official synopsis reads: “When Sheila and Gary meet, it’s love at first sight — until we realize their magical date wasn’t fate at all. Sheila’s got a time machine, and they’ve been falling in love over and over again. But when the perfect night is never quite enough,...
Peacock original film “Meet Cute” is a time-traveling romantic comedy starring “The Flight Attendant” Emmy nominee Cuoco as Sheila, a perfectionist who is looking for her ideal happily ever after with Gary (Davidson). The modern twist on “Groundhog Day” takes a dark turn as Sheila reveals in the trailer she has to kill her other self to not exist in the same timeline, and that she hopes to take away Gary’s painful trauma to make him the perfect partner. “Meet Cute” premieres September 21 on Peacock.
The official synopsis reads: “When Sheila and Gary meet, it’s love at first sight — until we realize their magical date wasn’t fate at all. Sheila’s got a time machine, and they’ve been falling in love over and over again. But when the perfect night is never quite enough,...
- 9/9/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Peacock has released the official trailer for the forthcoming rom-com “Meet Cute.” Starring Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco, the Peacock original film premieres exclusively on the streamer Sept. 21.
“Meet Cute” follows the story of Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson), who seemingly fall in love at first sight. In reality, Sheila has a time machine that she uses to make the pair fall for each other over and over again. When she isn’t satisfied with their “perfect night,” Sheila travels to Gary’s past to transform him into her ideal man. The romantic comedy is directed by Alex Lehmann and written by Noga Pneuli, who also serves as an executive producer.
“If I had a time machine right now I’d be torn. Do I skip ahead to our release date or do I go back and relive the joy it was making this film? Lucky for me it’s...
“Meet Cute” follows the story of Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson), who seemingly fall in love at first sight. In reality, Sheila has a time machine that she uses to make the pair fall for each other over and over again. When she isn’t satisfied with their “perfect night,” Sheila travels to Gary’s past to transform him into her ideal man. The romantic comedy is directed by Alex Lehmann and written by Noga Pneuli, who also serves as an executive producer.
“If I had a time machine right now I’d be torn. Do I skip ahead to our release date or do I go back and relive the joy it was making this film? Lucky for me it’s...
- 9/8/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock has unveiled the trailer for their new original film Meet Cute starring Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco. Directed by Alex Lehmann, the movie will premiere on Wednesday, September 21 on the streaming service.
“If I had a time machine right now I’d be torn. Do I skip ahead to our release date or do I go back and relive the joy it was making this film? Lucky for me it’s a decision I don’t get to make,” said director Alex Lehmann. “I’m excited for audiences to get swept away on this wild romantic ride exclusively on Peacock.”
Meet Cute revolves around when Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson) meet and it’s love at first sight. However, the audience will soon realize their magical date wasn’t fate at all. Sheila’s got a time machine, and they’ve been falling in love over and over again.
“If I had a time machine right now I’d be torn. Do I skip ahead to our release date or do I go back and relive the joy it was making this film? Lucky for me it’s a decision I don’t get to make,” said director Alex Lehmann. “I’m excited for audiences to get swept away on this wild romantic ride exclusively on Peacock.”
Meet Cute revolves around when Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson) meet and it’s love at first sight. However, the audience will soon realize their magical date wasn’t fate at all. Sheila’s got a time machine, and they’ve been falling in love over and over again.
- 9/8/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Next Productions, a subsidiary of sales agency The Exchange, has boarded production, financing and sales of concentration camp survival and escape drama Untold, with Oscar-winning director Aaron Schneider attached to direct.
Untold is based on the autobiography I Escaped From Auschwitz by Holocaust survivor and documenter Rudi Vrba. Next Productions and parent company The Exchange have jointly optioned feature script and book rights.
Award-winning actor Alex Wolff is set to star as Vrba and casting is underway for other major roles, ahead of a potential early 2023 shoot.
Schneider’s recent credits include Academy Award and Bafta-nominated Apple TV World War Two drama Greyhound starring Tom Hanks, while the director won the Oscar for the best live-action short in 2003 for Two Soldiers.
Vrba’s memoir has been adapted by Black List screenwriters Evan Parter and Paul Hilborn in partnership with producer Ben Shields Catlin at Story in the Sky,...
Untold is based on the autobiography I Escaped From Auschwitz by Holocaust survivor and documenter Rudi Vrba. Next Productions and parent company The Exchange have jointly optioned feature script and book rights.
Award-winning actor Alex Wolff is set to star as Vrba and casting is underway for other major roles, ahead of a potential early 2023 shoot.
Schneider’s recent credits include Academy Award and Bafta-nominated Apple TV World War Two drama Greyhound starring Tom Hanks, while the director won the Oscar for the best live-action short in 2003 for Two Soldiers.
Vrba’s memoir has been adapted by Black List screenwriters Evan Parter and Paul Hilborn in partnership with producer Ben Shields Catlin at Story in the Sky,...
- 8/24/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
If you could go back in time and relive the first date you had with the love of your life, would you do it? Would you tell this person that they're not a stranger to you, the way you are to them? What would the consequences be for the rest of your lives if one small thing changes?
Time travel can be a sticky situation in fiction, and it's about to be explored again in the new feature film "Meet Cute" starring Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson. In the film, Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson) find love at first sight, or so it appears. What is really happening, however, is that Sheila has a time machine, allowing her to go...
If you could go back in time and relive the first date you had with the love of your life, would you do it? Would you tell this person that they're not a stranger to you, the way you are to them? What would the consequences be for the rest of your lives if one small thing changes?
Time travel can be a sticky situation in fiction, and it's about to be explored again in the new feature film "Meet Cute" starring Kaley Cuoco and Pete Davidson. In the film, Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson) find love at first sight, or so it appears. What is really happening, however, is that Sheila has a time machine, allowing her to go...
- 8/17/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco’s upcoming romantic comedy film will premiere exclusively on Peacock Sept. 21, the streamer announced Tuesday.
Titled “Meet Cute,” after the well know rom-com trope, the film focuses on Sheila (Cuoco), a woman who uses a time machine to repeat a first meeting between her and Gary (Davidson) in order to engineer a love at first sight date. But when Gary can’t measure up to Sheila’s vision of perfection in the days following their magical night, she heads further back in time to shape him into her dream man.
“Meet Cute” is directed by Alex Lehmann, who previously helmed the films “Acidman,” “Paddleton” and “Blue Jay.” Weed Road Pictures produces the film, with Akiva Goldsman, Rachel Reznick Wizenberg, Gregory Lessans, Santosh Govindaraju and Dan Reardon serving as producers. Noga Pnueli wrote the script and executive produces with Davidson, Cuoco, Blair Ward, Art Robinson, Anders Erdén,...
Titled “Meet Cute,” after the well know rom-com trope, the film focuses on Sheila (Cuoco), a woman who uses a time machine to repeat a first meeting between her and Gary (Davidson) in order to engineer a love at first sight date. But when Gary can’t measure up to Sheila’s vision of perfection in the days following their magical night, she heads further back in time to shape him into her dream man.
“Meet Cute” is directed by Alex Lehmann, who previously helmed the films “Acidman,” “Paddleton” and “Blue Jay.” Weed Road Pictures produces the film, with Akiva Goldsman, Rachel Reznick Wizenberg, Gregory Lessans, Santosh Govindaraju and Dan Reardon serving as producers. Noga Pnueli wrote the script and executive produces with Davidson, Cuoco, Blair Ward, Art Robinson, Anders Erdén,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
The Kaley Cuoco-Pete Davidson romantic comedy movie we first told you about, Meet Cute, will hit Peacock on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
The Weed Pictures production follows the story of Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson). When they meet, it’s love at first sight – until we realize their magical date wasn’t fate at all. Sheila’s got a time machine, and they’ve been falling in love over and over again.
“If I had a time machine right now I’d be torn. Do I skip ahead to our release date or do I go back and relive the joy it was making this film? Lucky for me it’s a decision I don’t get to make,” said director Alex Lehmann about the movie. “I’m excited for audiences to get swept away on this wild romantic ride exclusively on Peacock.”
“We are thrilled to add Meet Cute to our...
The Weed Pictures production follows the story of Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson). When they meet, it’s love at first sight – until we realize their magical date wasn’t fate at all. Sheila’s got a time machine, and they’ve been falling in love over and over again.
“If I had a time machine right now I’d be torn. Do I skip ahead to our release date or do I go back and relive the joy it was making this film? Lucky for me it’s a decision I don’t get to make,” said director Alex Lehmann about the movie. “I’m excited for audiences to get swept away on this wild romantic ride exclusively on Peacock.”
“We are thrilled to add Meet Cute to our...
- 8/16/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Meet Cute,” the romantic comedy starring Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco, has landed at Peacock, where it will premiere Sept. 21.
The “SNL” alum and “The Flight Attendant” star play Gary and Sheila, who fall in love at first sight and spend a perfect evening together. If their meet-cute sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is: it turns out Sheila has a time machine, and she’s been using it to relive the night over and over again. When their first date leaves them wanting more, Sheila travels back into Gary’s past to try to change him into the perfect man.
Alex Lehmann (“Paddleton”) directed from a script by Noga Pnueli (“Deborah”), who also executive produces alongside Davidson and Cuoco.
Also Read:
Kaley Cuoco to Star in Craig Rosenberg’s Comedic Thriller ‘Based on a True Story’
Akiva Goldsman, Rachel Reznick Wizenberg, Gregory Lessans produced on behalf of Weed Road Pictures.
The “SNL” alum and “The Flight Attendant” star play Gary and Sheila, who fall in love at first sight and spend a perfect evening together. If their meet-cute sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is: it turns out Sheila has a time machine, and she’s been using it to relive the night over and over again. When their first date leaves them wanting more, Sheila travels back into Gary’s past to try to change him into the perfect man.
Alex Lehmann (“Paddleton”) directed from a script by Noga Pnueli (“Deborah”), who also executive produces alongside Davidson and Cuoco.
Also Read:
Kaley Cuoco to Star in Craig Rosenberg’s Comedic Thriller ‘Based on a True Story’
Akiva Goldsman, Rachel Reznick Wizenberg, Gregory Lessans produced on behalf of Weed Road Pictures.
- 8/16/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Formed in April 2021 to help ease the financial challenges placed on independent film productions in the Covid era, Project Indie Hope has launched the non-profit Project Indie Hope Foundation as it looks to expand. Gerry Pass, CEO and founder of Project Indie Hope and Chrome Entertainment, says the organization has already aided almost 200 films in its first year and still has plenty of work to do.
Speaking on a panel at the American Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival this week, Pass and Project Indie Hope’s National Project Manager Charlie Phoenix discussed the company’s mandate as well as issues facing the indie sector alongside Aimee Schoof, co-founder of Intrinsic Value Films; and Caddy Vanasirikul, Head of Acquisitions for The Exchange. You can watch the panel in full below.
While there’s optimism here on the ground as projects flood an energized Cannes market, and as return to work...
Speaking on a panel at the American Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival this week, Pass and Project Indie Hope’s National Project Manager Charlie Phoenix discussed the company’s mandate as well as issues facing the indie sector alongside Aimee Schoof, co-founder of Intrinsic Value Films; and Caddy Vanasirikul, Head of Acquisitions for The Exchange. You can watch the panel in full below.
While there’s optimism here on the ground as projects flood an energized Cannes market, and as return to work...
- 5/21/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Ann Dowd will star in “The Undertaker’s Children.” The thriller is currently in pre-production. The Exchange will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2022 Cannes Film Market.
Dowd stars as a secretive undertaker forced to take in two orphans. When her sinister plan for getting rid of the kids in her care is revealed, the children plan a daring escape and find themselves facing evil forces.
Dowd is no stranger to ratcheting up the tension. She is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Lydia on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” in which she is a stern enforcer of dystopian discipline. For her performance, Dowd won a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series in 2017. This year, Dowd was nominated for a BAFTA for best supporting actress for her searing work in “Mass,” a look at the fallout from a school shooting.
“The Undertaker’s...
Dowd stars as a secretive undertaker forced to take in two orphans. When her sinister plan for getting rid of the kids in her care is revealed, the children plan a daring escape and find themselves facing evil forces.
Dowd is no stranger to ratcheting up the tension. She is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Lydia on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” in which she is a stern enforcer of dystopian discipline. For her performance, Dowd won a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series in 2017. This year, Dowd was nominated for a BAFTA for best supporting actress for her searing work in “Mass,” a look at the fallout from a school shooting.
“The Undertaker’s...
- 5/6/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Emmy-winning The Handmaid’s Tale actress Ann Dowd has joined the Amy Rice-directed political thriller The Independent, which Relativity Media and Rogue Pictures have also acquired North American rights on.
The movie stars Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Brian Cox (Succession), and John Cena (Suicide Squad) and is written by Evan Parter. The pic is currently shooting in New York and scheduled for a theatrical release in 2022.
Set during the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history, The Independent follows an idealistic young journalist (Turner-Smith) who teams up with her idol (Cox) to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands. Cena and Dowd play opposing Presidential candidates. Dowd, who was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award this week for Mass, replaces Kathy Bates who departed the production due to scheduling conflicts.
Said Lex Miron,...
The movie stars Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Brian Cox (Succession), and John Cena (Suicide Squad) and is written by Evan Parter. The pic is currently shooting in New York and scheduled for a theatrical release in 2022.
Set during the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history, The Independent follows an idealistic young journalist (Turner-Smith) who teams up with her idol (Cox) to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands. Cena and Dowd play opposing Presidential candidates. Dowd, who was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award this week for Mass, replaces Kathy Bates who departed the production due to scheduling conflicts.
Said Lex Miron,...
- 12/15/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When Brian O’Shea founded the worldwide film sales and finance company The Exchange in 2011, streaming was still in its infancy, release windows were numerous and robust and DVD pre-sales could still provide a big chunk of a movie’s budget. In the ensuing decade, the landscape has undergone a rapid series of dramatic shifts, but the L.A.-based company has survived and prospered, acquiring, financing and selling more than 200 films, with budgets ranging from $5 million to $90 million, including Universal’s “2 Guns,” starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg; Sundance Award-winners “The Spectacular Now” and “Obvious Child,” and doc “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street.”
“We’ve had success in keeping all options open and maintaining relationships and building new relationships along the way,” says Nat McCormick, exec VP of worldwide distribution for The Exchange. “Always having our ear to the ground, we know how to best navigate things,...
“We’ve had success in keeping all options open and maintaining relationships and building new relationships along the way,” says Nat McCormick, exec VP of worldwide distribution for The Exchange. “Always having our ear to the ground, we know how to best navigate things,...
- 10/28/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winner Kathy Bates and former WWE star John Cena (F9: The Fast Saga) are joining Brian Cox (Succession) and Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) in political thriller feature The Independent.
Set during “the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history,” the movie will follow an idealistic young journalist (Turner-Smith) who teams up with her idol (Cox) to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands. The Suicide Squad star Cena and Misery and Richard Jewell star Bates both play Presidential candidates.
The Black List script is due to film in November of this year in NYC. Director is Amy Rice (By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama), who is currently wrapping documentary Broadway Rising. Pic is written by Evan Parter, who is currently writing the untitled John Dean movie with Chris Pine for Amazon.
Set during “the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history,” the movie will follow an idealistic young journalist (Turner-Smith) who teams up with her idol (Cox) to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands. The Suicide Squad star Cena and Misery and Richard Jewell star Bates both play Presidential candidates.
The Black List script is due to film in November of this year in NYC. Director is Amy Rice (By The People: The Election Of Barack Obama), who is currently wrapping documentary Broadway Rising. Pic is written by Evan Parter, who is currently writing the untitled John Dean movie with Chris Pine for Amazon.
- 9/24/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Kaley Cuoco, Pete Davidson’s Romantic Comedy ‘Meet Cute’ Boarded by Orogen, The Exchange (Exclusive)
Film financier Orogen Entertainment has boarded romantic comedy “Meet Cute,” starring “The Flight Attendant” and “The Big Bang Theory” star Kaley Cuoco and “Saturday Night Live’s” Pete Davidson, recently seen in “The King of Staten Island” and “The Suicide Squad.” The Exchange acquired the international sales rights; ICM is handling U.S. The Exchange will introduce the movie to international buyers during Toronto Film Festival.
“Meet Cute” is directed by Alex Lehman, based on an original screenplay by Noga Pnueli. It has just wrapped filming in New York City, as Cuoco informed followers on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kaley Cuoco (@kaleycuoco)
The movie follows the story of Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson). When Sheila (Cuoco) finds a time machine in a downtown Manhattan nail salon, she uses it to repeatedly travel back in time to relive the best date of her life and...
“Meet Cute” is directed by Alex Lehman, based on an original screenplay by Noga Pnueli. It has just wrapped filming in New York City, as Cuoco informed followers on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kaley Cuoco (@kaleycuoco)
The movie follows the story of Sheila (Cuoco) and Gary (Davidson). When Sheila (Cuoco) finds a time machine in a downtown Manhattan nail salon, she uses it to repeatedly travel back in time to relive the best date of her life and...
- 8/30/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Facinelli has signed on to direct his third feature film Headhunter, a crime thriller distributed by The Exchange.
The film tells the story of a twisted murder who sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation revealing dark secrets and turning everyone into a possible suspect. The Exchange, holding world sales rights, will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2021 virtual Cannes Market. The film is produced by Rj Collins and Sean Lydiard and Mainstay Entertainment’s Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem. Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange will exec produce. Rich Ronat penned the script.
“We are very excited to be working again with Peter again, not only is he a consummate professional and pleasant to work with, but after my buyers screened The Vanished during the Berlin Market they wanted to know what he had coming out next. To me that is...
The film tells the story of a twisted murder who sends three detectives on a whirlwind investigation revealing dark secrets and turning everyone into a possible suspect. The Exchange, holding world sales rights, will introduce the title to buyers at the upcoming 2021 virtual Cannes Market. The film is produced by Rj Collins and Sean Lydiard and Mainstay Entertainment’s Ray Moheet and Norman Aladjem. Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange will exec produce. Rich Ronat penned the script.
“We are very excited to be working again with Peter again, not only is he a consummate professional and pleasant to work with, but after my buyers screened The Vanished during the Berlin Market they wanted to know what he had coming out next. To me that is...
- 5/20/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
By forging key partnerships with filmmakers, financiers and distributors through the years, The Exchange, founded by veteran sales executive and CEO Brian O’Shea, has grown to become a leading worldwide sales and finance company. Together with VP of acquisitions & production Caddy Vanasirikul, and the rest of the team, The Exchange has backed a diverse slate of films that include three Bruce Willis movies, a Sesame Street documentary and a movie with a transgender woman in the lead, “Monica,” by Andrea Pallaoro. They have formed a new development/production company, Next, backed by Canadian investors, which Vanasirikul will be heading. The Exchange’s current line-up includes Liev Schreiber’s “Across the River and Into the Trees,” Oliva Munn-led “Replay,” “The Thicket” with Peter Dinklage and Noomi Rapace, and acclaimed documentary “Welcome to Chechnya.”
The Exchange has handled a pretty diversified slate. What are the advantages and, if any, caveats, to handling such a varied slate?...
The Exchange has handled a pretty diversified slate. What are the advantages and, if any, caveats, to handling such a varied slate?...
- 3/4/2021
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Finance firm Orogen Entertainment is partnering with sales agency The Exchange to create a stand-alone development and movie production company Next Prods., which has a slate of projects in development.
The partnership, which will have a three-year term, will develop at least 15 film projects. It will be headed by Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange.
Among the projects in development are “The Independent,” with a screenplay by Evan Parter (Amazon’s untitled Chris Pine Watergate project), and to be directed by Amy Rice (“By the People: The Election of Barack Obama”). It is being produced with Anonymous Content and Park Pictures.
Also on the slate is “Middle Man,” being written by Peter Steinfeld, and produced with Red Hour, Votiv Films and Needle’s Eye Prods.
Another project is “Stooges,” by Quinn Beswick, Josh Margolin, Benjamin Smolen and Nikolai Von Keller. The film, described as a “reimagination” of the 20th Century Fox’s “The Three Stooges,...
The partnership, which will have a three-year term, will develop at least 15 film projects. It will be headed by Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange.
Among the projects in development are “The Independent,” with a screenplay by Evan Parter (Amazon’s untitled Chris Pine Watergate project), and to be directed by Amy Rice (“By the People: The Election of Barack Obama”). It is being produced with Anonymous Content and Park Pictures.
Also on the slate is “Middle Man,” being written by Peter Steinfeld, and produced with Red Hour, Votiv Films and Needle’s Eye Prods.
Another project is “Stooges,” by Quinn Beswick, Josh Margolin, Benjamin Smolen and Nikolai Von Keller. The film, described as a “reimagination” of the 20th Century Fox’s “The Three Stooges,...
- 3/1/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Jamie Babbit directed from screenplay by Sam Bain (Four Lions).
Saban Films has acquired North American rights to Drew Barrymore dual role comedy and official Tribeca Film Festival selection The Stand-In.
The Exchange handles international sales on the story about a disaffected comedy actress who uses her adoring stand-in to play her in life as she tries to escape from the demands of fame.
Eventually, the stand-in takes over the actress’s identity, career and boyfriend, and kicks her out of her own house.
Jamie Babbit directed The Stand-In from a screenplay by Sam Bain (Four Lions), and the cast includes Michael Zegen,...
Saban Films has acquired North American rights to Drew Barrymore dual role comedy and official Tribeca Film Festival selection The Stand-In.
The Exchange handles international sales on the story about a disaffected comedy actress who uses her adoring stand-in to play her in life as she tries to escape from the demands of fame.
Eventually, the stand-in takes over the actress’s identity, career and boyfriend, and kicks her out of her own house.
Jamie Babbit directed The Stand-In from a screenplay by Sam Bain (Four Lions), and the cast includes Michael Zegen,...
- 7/15/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Saban Films announced Wednesday it has acquired the North American rights to “The Stand-In,” a comedy from Jamie Babbit that stars Drew Barrymore and Drew Barrymore in a dual lead role.
Babbit’s film was a selection of Tribeca and co-stars Michael Zegen, Ellie Kemper, T.J. Miller and Holland Taylor. Sam Bain wrote the script.
“The Stand-In” is the story of a disaffected comedy actress busted for tax evasion and her adoring, ambitious stand-in who she hires to do community service in her place. A co-dependent relationship ensues as the actress begins to use the stand-in in all parts of her life to escape from the stressful demands of fame. Eventually, the stand-in starts to take the actress’s identity, career and boyfriend and finally kicks her out of her own house.
Also Read: 'Steve Harvey' Vet Jason Kurtz Tapped to Run 'Drew Barrymore Show' This Fall
“Drew...
Babbit’s film was a selection of Tribeca and co-stars Michael Zegen, Ellie Kemper, T.J. Miller and Holland Taylor. Sam Bain wrote the script.
“The Stand-In” is the story of a disaffected comedy actress busted for tax evasion and her adoring, ambitious stand-in who she hires to do community service in her place. A co-dependent relationship ensues as the actress begins to use the stand-in in all parts of her life to escape from the stressful demands of fame. Eventually, the stand-in starts to take the actress’s identity, career and boyfriend and finally kicks her out of her own house.
Also Read: 'Steve Harvey' Vet Jason Kurtz Tapped to Run 'Drew Barrymore Show' This Fall
“Drew...
- 7/15/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Saban Films has secured the North American distribution rights to The Stand-In, the Jamie Babbit-directed comedy starring Drew Barrymore in duel roles alongside Michael Zegen, Ellie Kemper, T.J. Miller, and Emmy award winner Holland Taylor. The pic was an official selection of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival
Written by Sam Bain, the plot centers on a disaffected comedy actress who is busted for tax evasion and her adoring, ambitious stand-in who she hires to do community service in her place. A co-dependent relationship ensues as the actress begins to use the stand-in in all parts of her life to escape from the stressful demands of fame. Eventually, the stand-in starts to take the actress’s identity, career and boyfriend and finally kicks her out of her own house.
Caddy Vanasirikul and Brian O’Shea of The Exchange produced the comedy with Flower Films’ Ember Truesdell and Chris Miller and Tom McNulty.
Written by Sam Bain, the plot centers on a disaffected comedy actress who is busted for tax evasion and her adoring, ambitious stand-in who she hires to do community service in her place. A co-dependent relationship ensues as the actress begins to use the stand-in in all parts of her life to escape from the stressful demands of fame. Eventually, the stand-in starts to take the actress’s identity, career and boyfriend and finally kicks her out of her own house.
Caddy Vanasirikul and Brian O’Shea of The Exchange produced the comedy with Flower Films’ Ember Truesdell and Chris Miller and Tom McNulty.
- 7/15/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Breaking Through The Lens, an initiative launched three years ago to promote emerging female directors, has unveiled the shortlist of projects vying to participate in the 3rd edition of its pitching platform set to take place during the Cannes Film Festival.
The selected projects, which will be pitched to over 100 financiers and key industry people during Cannes, were announced during the European Film Market on Feb. 25.
Spanning 13 countries, this year’s shortlist of 20 titles includes Tamika Guishard’s African dance-driven feature “Rhythm in Blues;” Daresha Kyi’s U.S. documentary “Mama Bears” which follows conservative Christian mothers whose lives are transformed as they accept their Lgbtq children; Ahd Kamel’s Saudi Arabian feature “My Driver and I” set in 80s and 90s and centering on an unlikely friendship between a privileged Saudi girl and her Nubian driver; and Laura Moss’ feature debut “Birth/Rebirth,” a female-driven Frankenstein adaptation.
Set to be announced in early April,...
The selected projects, which will be pitched to over 100 financiers and key industry people during Cannes, were announced during the European Film Market on Feb. 25.
Spanning 13 countries, this year’s shortlist of 20 titles includes Tamika Guishard’s African dance-driven feature “Rhythm in Blues;” Daresha Kyi’s U.S. documentary “Mama Bears” which follows conservative Christian mothers whose lives are transformed as they accept their Lgbtq children; Ahd Kamel’s Saudi Arabian feature “My Driver and I” set in 80s and 90s and centering on an unlikely friendship between a privileged Saudi girl and her Nubian driver; and Laura Moss’ feature debut “Birth/Rebirth,” a female-driven Frankenstein adaptation.
Set to be announced in early April,...
- 2/25/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
UTA Independent Film Group, CAA handle Us sales.
With the Efm in Berlin looming on the horizon, Flower Films and The Exchange announced on Wednesday (23) that production has begun on Jamie Babbit’s romantic comedy The Stand-In, produced by and starring Drew Barrymore.
The shoot is scheduled to take place in New York and continue at the Wrigley Media Group Studios in Lexington, Kentucky. The Exchange is among the producers and represents international sales.
Emmy-nominated TV director Babbit directs Barrymore in a dual lead role as Candy, a disillusioned comedy actress, and Paula, her ambitious and unemployed stand-in.
After Candy...
With the Efm in Berlin looming on the horizon, Flower Films and The Exchange announced on Wednesday (23) that production has begun on Jamie Babbit’s romantic comedy The Stand-In, produced by and starring Drew Barrymore.
The shoot is scheduled to take place in New York and continue at the Wrigley Media Group Studios in Lexington, Kentucky. The Exchange is among the producers and represents international sales.
Emmy-nominated TV director Babbit directs Barrymore in a dual lead role as Candy, a disillusioned comedy actress, and Paula, her ambitious and unemployed stand-in.
After Candy...
- 1/23/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
In a pre-Cannes Film Festival move, production-financing-sales company the Exchange and specialty finance company Forest Road are launching their $50 million fund, Roadrunner Capital.
The fund has already provided capital for the SXSW project “Shotgun,” helmed by Hannah Marks and Joey Power. Roadrunner will be co-managed by the Exchange and Forest Road executives, with offices in New York and Los Angeles.
The sole purpose of the joint venture fund is to lend capital to responsible production companies at below-market rates in a seamless manner. As a sales-distribution outfit, the Exchange will sell some of the fund’s projects, but not all.
Forest Road offers low-cost financing options for tax-related collateral among various industries and subsectors, and this partnership is aimed at accelerating its expansion into independent film and television financing.
“Even at its infancy, we’re already seeing how Roadrunner has a competitive advantage in the marketplace. We’re very excited...
The fund has already provided capital for the SXSW project “Shotgun,” helmed by Hannah Marks and Joey Power. Roadrunner will be co-managed by the Exchange and Forest Road executives, with offices in New York and Los Angeles.
The sole purpose of the joint venture fund is to lend capital to responsible production companies at below-market rates in a seamless manner. As a sales-distribution outfit, the Exchange will sell some of the fund’s projects, but not all.
Forest Road offers low-cost financing options for tax-related collateral among various industries and subsectors, and this partnership is aimed at accelerating its expansion into independent film and television financing.
“Even at its infancy, we’re already seeing how Roadrunner has a competitive advantage in the marketplace. We’re very excited...
- 4/23/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Brian O’Shea and team will sell select projects.
Heading into Cannes, Los Angeles-based production, film financing and sales company The Exchange and specialty finance company Forest Road have launched a $50m fund.
The Roadrunner Capital fund has already provided capital for projects such as SXSW selection Shotgun directed by Hannah Marks and Joey Power. The Exchange and Forest Road executives will jointly manage Roadrunner from offices in New York and Los Angeles.
The joint venture fund will lend capital to responsible production companies at below market rates and The Exchange, led by CEO Brian O’Shea, will sell some...
Heading into Cannes, Los Angeles-based production, film financing and sales company The Exchange and specialty finance company Forest Road have launched a $50m fund.
The Roadrunner Capital fund has already provided capital for projects such as SXSW selection Shotgun directed by Hannah Marks and Joey Power. The Exchange and Forest Road executives will jointly manage Roadrunner from offices in New York and Los Angeles.
The joint venture fund will lend capital to responsible production companies at below market rates and The Exchange, led by CEO Brian O’Shea, will sell some...
- 4/23/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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