It’s been three months since Hollywood’s dual strikes finally ended, with SAG-AFTRA reaching a deal some six weeks after their WGA counterparts, but the reverberations are continuing across the pond.
As producer John McVey told a Parliamentary inquiry into the state of the U.K.’s screen industry last month: “If America sneezes, we often catch a cold when it comes to things like strikes.”
Nowhere was that more clear than in the British Film Institute’s annual report, unveiled last week. It revealed that spending on film and high-end television production in the U.K. had dropped by an unprecedented 35% in 2023, largely due to the U.S. strikes. Among the films that were forced to delay production were Universal’s live-action adaptation of “How To Train Your Dragon” and Plan B’s “Hedda.”
Unlike the post-covid boom, which saw a glut of projects spring back into production...
As producer John McVey told a Parliamentary inquiry into the state of the U.K.’s screen industry last month: “If America sneezes, we often catch a cold when it comes to things like strikes.”
Nowhere was that more clear than in the British Film Institute’s annual report, unveiled last week. It revealed that spending on film and high-end television production in the U.K. had dropped by an unprecedented 35% in 2023, largely due to the U.S. strikes. Among the films that were forced to delay production were Universal’s live-action adaptation of “How To Train Your Dragon” and Plan B’s “Hedda.”
Unlike the post-covid boom, which saw a glut of projects spring back into production...
- 2/7/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The UK’s film and high-end TV production (Hetv) spend reached over £4.23bn in 2023, 32% down on 2022 in a year in which UK production was heavily impacted by the Hollywood strikes, but almost level with 2019 pre-covid production spend, according to statistics published (February 1) by the British Film Institute (BFI) .
Total film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK...
Total film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
The UK’s film and high-end TV production (Hetv) spend reached over £4.23bn in 2023, 35% down on 2022 in a year in which UK production was heavily impacted by the Hollywood strikes, but almost level with 2019 pre-covid production spend, according to statistics published (February 1) by the British Film Institute (BFI) .
Film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK in...
Film production reached £1.36bn, 31% down on 2022, while high-end TV stood at almost £2.9bn, 33% down on the record-breaking 2022 but still third highest annual spend since tax relief was introduced in 2013.
The £2.9bn spend on high-end TV includes £379m from 18 film productions made for streaming platforms.
US features in production in the UK in...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Prime Video’s big February drop is Mr. & Mrs. Smith! No, not the 2005 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie action movie, but a new TV series kinda based on it starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. The set up for the show version? Glover and Erskine are two strangers who both get jobs at a shady spy agency and are asked to get married so that they can pretend to be a couple undercover, but things get more complicated when they start falling in love for real. Uh oh!
If you’re in the mood for a movie or two this month, you can also check out the Prime debuts of Strays, Bottoms, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. In the meantime, here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month. Amazon Originals are accompanied by an asterisk!
New on Amazon Prime Video – February 2024
February 1
12 Angry Men...
If you’re in the mood for a movie or two this month, you can also check out the Prime debuts of Strays, Bottoms, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. In the meantime, here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month. Amazon Originals are accompanied by an asterisk!
New on Amazon Prime Video – February 2024
February 1
12 Angry Men...
- 2/1/2024
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Get ready to watch more Freevee this February! Most of the free streamer's new additions will come all at once on the first of the month, including the three-time Oscar nominee "A Soldier’s Story" directed by the recently departed Norman Jewison, the franchise-launching "How to Train Your Dragon," and more classics of the past four decades.
Check out The Streamable’s top picks for Freevee’s February additions, and continue below to see the full list!
Watch Now Free amazonfreevee.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Freevee in February 2024? “A Soldier’s Story” | Thursday, Feb. 1
Early-career Denzel Washington appears in a supporting role in this Oscar-nominated adaptation of Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Soldier’s Play.” But it’s Howard E. Rollings Jr. who leads the cast here as Captain Richard Davenport, a Black Army investigator who travels to a remote military base to look into...
Check out The Streamable’s top picks for Freevee’s February additions, and continue below to see the full list!
Watch Now Free amazonfreevee.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Freevee in February 2024? “A Soldier’s Story” | Thursday, Feb. 1
Early-career Denzel Washington appears in a supporting role in this Oscar-nominated adaptation of Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Soldier’s Play.” But it’s Howard E. Rollings Jr. who leads the cast here as Captain Richard Davenport, a Black Army investigator who travels to a remote military base to look into...
- 1/31/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Universal Orlando has shared the first official look and details of its highly anticipated new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, that the company expects to be a game changer.
Set to open in 2025, the park “invites guests to explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations,” Universal Orlando said in a blog post today. Specifically, five immersive worlds with 50 dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.
The lands are set within “the breathtaking gardens in the heart of Epic Universe” and start with Celestial Park, the first world visitors encounter, that serves as a portal the to the other four — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; and Dark Universe. Enough for a weeklong vacation destination, Universal is betting.
Brian Roberts, CEO of NBCUniversal parent Comcast, was pretty ecstatic about Universal’s fourth theme...
Set to open in 2025, the park “invites guests to explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations,” Universal Orlando said in a blog post today. Specifically, five immersive worlds with 50 dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.
The lands are set within “the breathtaking gardens in the heart of Epic Universe” and start with Celestial Park, the first world visitors encounter, that serves as a portal the to the other four — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic; Super Nintendo World; How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; and Dark Universe. Enough for a weeklong vacation destination, Universal is betting.
Brian Roberts, CEO of NBCUniversal parent Comcast, was pretty ecstatic about Universal’s fourth theme...
- 1/30/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Orlando Resorts has unveiled its plans for its upcoming grand theme park, which is planned for 2025. While Universal Studios was the park to make you feel like you’re in the movies, Universal Epic Universe aims to transport guests into the worlds of Universal’s much-beloved fantasy properties. The studio has released artist concept renderings of different segments that will make up the park. This includes portals into certain worlds in this epic universe, such as Harry Potter, Super Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and Dark Universe. Universal continues to rival Disney as the famous Disney World theme parks feature worlds for Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, etc. It can be assumed that Universal Epic Universe will expand with new themed portals in the future. But for now, get a first look at the planned opening attractions.
The official press release introducing the park reads,
In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort...
The official press release introducing the park reads,
In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort...
- 1/30/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed the first official look at one of five new lands slated to open as part of its Universal Epic Universe park, and confirmed the themes of three additional lands.
On Tuesday, the Florida-based NBCUniversal theme park and resort teased Celestial Park, a land that embodies the literal “park” experience with lush, living gardens, shimmering waterways and stroll-worthy paths alongside astronomical and mythological-inspired architecture. It also confirmed the themes of Epic Universe’s three previously unannounced parks beyond Super Nintendo World: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
“Universal Epic Universe marks a huge transformational moment for Universal Orlando Resort and it will change everything about our destination,” Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “This will be the exciting culmination...
On Tuesday, the Florida-based NBCUniversal theme park and resort teased Celestial Park, a land that embodies the literal “park” experience with lush, living gardens, shimmering waterways and stroll-worthy paths alongside astronomical and mythological-inspired architecture. It also confirmed the themes of Epic Universe’s three previously unannounced parks beyond Super Nintendo World: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
“Universal Epic Universe marks a huge transformational moment for Universal Orlando Resort and it will change everything about our destination,” Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “This will be the exciting culmination...
- 1/30/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s not only a new month but a new year, which means it’s time to watch some new movies. January 2024 has several exciting films coming to streaming, from true-story survival tales to sci-fi dramas to straight-up feel-good movies. We’ve rounded up the best new movies streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Hulu, Paramount+ and Peacock this month below. This guide is a curated list designed to help cut through the clutter and get you right to the good stuff. From bona fide new releases to great library titles that have freshly arrived on your favorite streaming services, there’s truly something for everyone.
Check out our list of the best new movies streaming in January 2024 below.
“Jackie Brown” Miramax
Netflix – Jan. 1
One of Quentin Tarantino’s very best and most underappreciated films, “Jackie Brown” was the writer/director’s feverishly anticipated follow-up to “Pulp Fiction.” When it...
Check out our list of the best new movies streaming in January 2024 below.
“Jackie Brown” Miramax
Netflix – Jan. 1
One of Quentin Tarantino’s very best and most underappreciated films, “Jackie Brown” was the writer/director’s feverishly anticipated follow-up to “Pulp Fiction.” When it...
- 1/26/2024
- by Adam Chitwood, Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The cast of How to Train Your Dragon just got bigger!
The upcoming live action adaptation, from writer and director Dean DeBlois, who made the original animated films, has added four more young actors to its cast to bring the characters to life.
Filming on the movie started last Monday, January 15th!
“Our first week was a rousing success! The shots are breathtaking, our crew is top notch, and our cast is amazing! Wait ‘til you see them in action – trust me, they’re Fantastic! More on the rest of them soon….
The upcoming live action adaptation, from writer and director Dean DeBlois, who made the original animated films, has added four more young actors to its cast to bring the characters to life.
Filming on the movie started last Monday, January 15th!
“Our first week was a rousing success! The shots are breathtaking, our crew is top notch, and our cast is amazing! Wait ‘til you see them in action – trust me, they’re Fantastic! More on the rest of them soon….
- 1/24/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie began shooting last week, and there have been a few new additions to the cast.
Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Masters of the Air), and Harry Trevaldwyn (The Bubble) have joined the cast of How to Train Your Dragon as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut, respectively. In the original animated movie, Fishlegs was voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Snotlout was voiced by Jonah Hill, Ruffnut was voiced by Kristen Wiig, and Tuffnut was voiced by T.J. Miller.
Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed all three of the animated movies, will return to write, direct, and produce the live-action movie. It was announced last year that Mason Thames (The Black Phone) would star as Hiccup alongside Nico Parker (The Last of Us) as Astrid. Gerard Butler is also set to reprise his role of Stoick the Vast, the character he voiced in the animated movies,...
Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Masters of the Air), and Harry Trevaldwyn (The Bubble) have joined the cast of How to Train Your Dragon as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut, respectively. In the original animated movie, Fishlegs was voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Snotlout was voiced by Jonah Hill, Ruffnut was voiced by Kristen Wiig, and Tuffnut was voiced by T.J. Miller.
Dean DeBlois, who wrote and directed all three of the animated movies, will return to write, direct, and produce the live-action movie. It was announced last year that Mason Thames (The Black Phone) would star as Hiccup alongside Nico Parker (The Last of Us) as Astrid. Gerard Butler is also set to reprise his role of Stoick the Vast, the character he voiced in the animated movies,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, and Harry Trevaldwyn have been cast as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut in Universal Pictures’ live-action take of DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon.
They join Mason Thames and Nico Parker who are set to star as Hiccup and Astrid in this adaptation from original How to Train Your Dragon filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who is also directing, writing and producing this new reboot.
Gerard Butler will reprise his role as Stoick the Vast and Nick Frost joins the franchise as Gobber the Belch.
Three-time Best Picture Oscar nominee Marc Platt will produce for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Adam Siegel, President of Marc Platt Productions.
The pic hits theaters on June 13, 2025.
Dennison just...
They join Mason Thames and Nico Parker who are set to star as Hiccup and Astrid in this adaptation from original How to Train Your Dragon filmmaker Dean DeBlois, who is also directing, writing and producing this new reboot.
Gerard Butler will reprise his role as Stoick the Vast and Nick Frost joins the franchise as Gobber the Belch.
Three-time Best Picture Oscar nominee Marc Platt will produce for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions alongside Adam Siegel, President of Marc Platt Productions.
The pic hits theaters on June 13, 2025.
Dennison just...
- 1/24/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The cast of Universal’s live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” movie is shaping up with the additions of Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn.
Dennison, Howell, James and Trevaldwyn have been respectively cast as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut in the live-action adaptation of the hit DreamWorks Animation movie.
The quartet join Mason Thames and Nico Parker, who are set to star as Hiccup and Astrid; Gerard Butler, who reprises his role from the animated movies as Stoick the Vast; and Nick Frost, who joins the franchise as Gobber the Belch. The animated entries, backed by Universal and DreamWorks and based on the books by Cressida Cowell, has generated more than $1.6 billion worldwide.
The new “How to Train Your Dragon” — which is set to hit theaters on June 13, 2025 — is written, directed and produced by Dean DeBlois, who earned three Oscar nominations for his work on the animated features.
Dennison, Howell, James and Trevaldwyn have been respectively cast as Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut in the live-action adaptation of the hit DreamWorks Animation movie.
The quartet join Mason Thames and Nico Parker, who are set to star as Hiccup and Astrid; Gerard Butler, who reprises his role from the animated movies as Stoick the Vast; and Nick Frost, who joins the franchise as Gobber the Belch. The animated entries, backed by Universal and DreamWorks and based on the books by Cressida Cowell, has generated more than $1.6 billion worldwide.
The new “How to Train Your Dragon” — which is set to hit theaters on June 13, 2025 — is written, directed and produced by Dean DeBlois, who earned three Oscar nominations for his work on the animated features.
- 1/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Universal’s Viking village is growing.
The studio has cast up-and-comers Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Nightsleeper), Bronwyn James (Masters of the Air) and Harry Trevaldwyn (Ten Percent) in its live-action adaptation of DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon.
Dean DeBlois, who co-wrote and directed the original and revered trilogy, is steering the new feature, returning as writer, director and producer.
The quartet join has Mason Thames (The Black Phone) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us), who are starring as Hiccup and Astrid, the young teens who befriend dragons. Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoick the Vast, the leader of the Viking clan and Hiccup’s father, is reprising his role in the flesh, while Nick Frost is playing Gobber the Belch, the trusted friend and adviser of Stoick.
The young thespians will play Fishlegs, Snotlout, and sister-brother duo Ruffnut and Tuffnut, respectively. The characters are part...
The studio has cast up-and-comers Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Nightsleeper), Bronwyn James (Masters of the Air) and Harry Trevaldwyn (Ten Percent) in its live-action adaptation of DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon.
Dean DeBlois, who co-wrote and directed the original and revered trilogy, is steering the new feature, returning as writer, director and producer.
The quartet join has Mason Thames (The Black Phone) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us), who are starring as Hiccup and Astrid, the young teens who befriend dragons. Gerard Butler, who voiced Stoick the Vast, the leader of the Viking clan and Hiccup’s father, is reprising his role in the flesh, while Nick Frost is playing Gobber the Belch, the trusted friend and adviser of Stoick.
The young thespians will play Fishlegs, Snotlout, and sister-brother duo Ruffnut and Tuffnut, respectively. The characters are part...
- 1/24/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was recently revealed that Universal Pictures is developing a new movie in the "Jurassic World" franchise, with David Koepp penning the screenplay. That was big news because Koepp, who has frequently collaborated with director Steven Spielberg during his long career, penned the script for the original "Jurassic Park." Given the love that movie still has more than 30 years later, it's a big deal. And, given that Koepp hasn't worked on this franchise since "The Lost World," it's a curious development. That part was, indeed, surprising. What should not surprise anyone, though, is the fact that Universe is making another movie set in this universe.
There are undoubtedly those amongst you who groaned when thinking about another one of these movies. To say that the "Jurassic World" trilogy is divisive would be an understatement. Critics generally hated the films (particularly "Fallen Kingdom" and "Dominion"), but all three of them were widely embraced by general audiences,...
There are undoubtedly those amongst you who groaned when thinking about another one of these movies. To say that the "Jurassic World" trilogy is divisive would be an understatement. Critics generally hated the films (particularly "Fallen Kingdom" and "Dominion"), but all three of them were widely embraced by general audiences,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Exclusive: WME has promoted Annabel Gualazzi, Max Maulitz, and Daniel Molina to Partner in the agency’s talent department, Deadline can exclusively reveal. The rising trio will continue to be based out of the agency’s Beverly Hills office.
Gualazzi has been with WME since 2007 and represents actors and directors alike. She brokered Selena Gomez’s deal for Hulu’s Emmy-winning murder mystery series Only Murders in the Building, catapulted Wednesday breakout Emma Myers into roles in the forthcoming Minecraft and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and recently closed Rami Malek’s deal for James Vanderbilt’s historical drama Nuremberg. Other notable clients include Justice Smith, who has been all over Sundance this year with The American Society of Magical Negroes (Focus Features) and I Saw the TV Glow (A24); Eliza Scanlen, who will next be seen in BBC One’s Dope Girls and New Line thriller Caddo Lake; and Sophie Wilde,...
Gualazzi has been with WME since 2007 and represents actors and directors alike. She brokered Selena Gomez’s deal for Hulu’s Emmy-winning murder mystery series Only Murders in the Building, catapulted Wednesday breakout Emma Myers into roles in the forthcoming Minecraft and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and recently closed Rami Malek’s deal for James Vanderbilt’s historical drama Nuremberg. Other notable clients include Justice Smith, who has been all over Sundance this year with The American Society of Magical Negroes (Focus Features) and I Saw the TV Glow (A24); Eliza Scanlen, who will next be seen in BBC One’s Dope Girls and New Line thriller Caddo Lake; and Sophie Wilde,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A handful of actors are now confirmed to take on iconic characters as a part of the cast of the upcoming live-action remake of Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon.
Universal Pictures confirmed work on a live-action remake of the classic Dreamworks animated film, which led to two sequels as the trilogy grossed a combined $1.64 billion at the global box office (per The Numbers).
Original trilogy director Dean DeBlois will also helm the live-action Berk-based bonanza, and after confirming on Instagram that his new movie started production on January 15, the clock is ticking as fans wait to learn more about the remake.
Read full article on The Direct.
Universal Pictures confirmed work on a live-action remake of the classic Dreamworks animated film, which led to two sequels as the trilogy grossed a combined $1.64 billion at the global box office (per The Numbers).
Original trilogy director Dean DeBlois will also helm the live-action Berk-based bonanza, and after confirming on Instagram that his new movie started production on January 15, the clock is ticking as fans wait to learn more about the remake.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 1/22/2024
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
The live-action remake was prepping for filming in July when the SAG-AFTRA strike began.
Universal Pictures’ How To Train Your Dragon will begin shooting in Northern Ireland in January 2024.
The live-action feature, which is an adaptation of the 2010 animation of the same name, had been prepping for filming at Belfast’s Titanic Studio in July when the SAG-AFTRA strike kicked in and caused production to be delayed.
Screen understands that camera tests will take place before Christmas while the film will officially go into production in January for four months.
How To Train Your Dragon is directed by Dean DeBlois...
Universal Pictures’ How To Train Your Dragon will begin shooting in Northern Ireland in January 2024.
The live-action feature, which is an adaptation of the 2010 animation of the same name, had been prepping for filming at Belfast’s Titanic Studio in July when the SAG-AFTRA strike kicked in and caused production to be delayed.
Screen understands that camera tests will take place before Christmas while the film will officially go into production in January for four months.
How To Train Your Dragon is directed by Dean DeBlois...
- 11/30/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
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