Exclusive: Industry vet Paul Davidson has been tapped to head up Idw Media’s entertainment division as Executive Vice President, overseeing all development and production. He replaces Lydia Antonini, who is stepping down as President to return to producing. Davidson begins on July 19.
“Entertainment is a key part of Idw’s strategy so we are very fortunate to have someone with Paul’s pedigree assume this key position,” said Idw CEO Ezra Rosensaft. “As an independent Producer, Paul worked with our team and a roster of talented creators in 2020 to help develop television and feature film properties, so I have no doubt that he will seamlessly step into this new role.”
As EVP, Davidson will be charged with continuing to grow the television division, expanding the scope of Idw’s content business into the feature film, podcast and gaming verticals, and finding new creative and business opportunities for the company...
“Entertainment is a key part of Idw’s strategy so we are very fortunate to have someone with Paul’s pedigree assume this key position,” said Idw CEO Ezra Rosensaft. “As an independent Producer, Paul worked with our team and a roster of talented creators in 2020 to help develop television and feature film properties, so I have no doubt that he will seamlessly step into this new role.”
As EVP, Davidson will be charged with continuing to grow the television division, expanding the scope of Idw’s content business into the feature film, podcast and gaming verticals, and finding new creative and business opportunities for the company...
- 7/15/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Esbjørn Hazelius and Johan Hedin – the pragmatically named duo Hazelius Hedin – are soundchecking on the summit of Hafstadfjellet, 700 meters above the small town of Førde (rhymes with “murda,” approximately) on Norway’s west coast. To attend the show, you must hike up a steep switchback – an hour-long trek, if you’re in good shape – or a far steeper staired trail, so perilous even experienced climbers foreswear it; the descent must be taken in large part backwards. There’s one alternative, if you have a special permit, as the musicians and...
- 7/17/2018
- by Will Hermes
- Rollingstone.com
Kleenex should consider cutting Morgan Neville in on a commission. The Oscar-winner for his 2013 documentary “20 Feet From Stardom” is currently making audiences across the country weep with his documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” The film paints a loving tribute to Fred Rogers, the host of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” a man who believed in inherent goodness and preached the idea that everyone was special, just the way they are. A critical hit since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the movie is now playing across the country to packed houses – in two weeks, it’s already grossed close to $2 million despite never having played in more than 96 theaters.
When Neville set out to make the film in 2016, he was greeted with two common responses. “People would say, ‘You know, Fred Rogers was a sniper, right?’” Neville reveals, referring to theories that have bounced around about the host’s dark past.
When Neville set out to make the film in 2016, he was greeted with two common responses. “People would say, ‘You know, Fred Rogers was a sniper, right?’” Neville reveals, referring to theories that have bounced around about the host’s dark past.
- 6/19/2018
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Today would have marked the 90th birthday of Mr. Fred Rogers, who many children grew up watching on their televisions. In honor of the momentous day, Focus Features unveiled their trailer for the documentary about Mr. Rogers life entitled, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, which was a classic line from the children’s show. The film comes from Oscar winning Director Morgan Neville, who bought us such films as 20 Feet From Stardom, The Music of Strangers, and Johnny Cash’s America. He is also the executive producer for the television series Ugly Delicious that began streaming on Netflix late last month
First Look Mr. Rogers ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ Documentary...
First Look Mr. Rogers ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ Documentary...
- 3/20/2018
- by Tim Gerstenberger
- TVovermind.com
Los Angeles-based editor Helen Kearns has cuts seven documentary projects since 2013. She recently served as the editor on Netflix’s The Keepers, the tennis doc Serena and The Music of Strangers, a feature on Yo-Yo Ma’s the Silk Road Ensemble. Her most recent project as editor is Inventing Tomorrow, a doc on the students competing at the world’s largest high school science competition. The film, from director Laura Nix (The Yes Men Are Revolting), screened in competition at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Kearns shares her thoughts below on what drew her to the project. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up […]...
- 1/30/2018
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Following up on 2014's Creep, filmmaker Patrick Brice returns to the world of one very creepy, supposed serial killer in Creep 2, which The Orchard has announced for an October 24th digital release ahead of a Netflix premiere later this year:
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – August 30, 2017 – The Orchard announced today that the company will be releasing Creep 2, Patrick Brice’s follow-up to his hit 2014 thriller Creep, on all digital platforms on October 24th. The film will star Mark Duplass (reprising his role from the previous film) and Desiree Akhavan (“Girls,” Appropriate Behavior).
The screenplay for Creep 2 was written by Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass. Brice previously directed the first Creep, and the sex comedy The Overnight starring Taylor Schilling, Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman.
Creep 2 stars Akhavan as Sara, a video artist whose primary focus is creating intimacy with lonely men. After finding an ad online...
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – August 30, 2017 – The Orchard announced today that the company will be releasing Creep 2, Patrick Brice’s follow-up to his hit 2014 thriller Creep, on all digital platforms on October 24th. The film will star Mark Duplass (reprising his role from the previous film) and Desiree Akhavan (“Girls,” Appropriate Behavior).
The screenplay for Creep 2 was written by Patrick Brice and Mark Duplass. Brice previously directed the first Creep, and the sex comedy The Overnight starring Taylor Schilling, Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman.
Creep 2 stars Akhavan as Sara, a video artist whose primary focus is creating intimacy with lonely men. After finding an ad online...
- 8/30/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
- 6/17/2017
- by Clarence Moye
- AwardsDaily.com
04.27.17: This list is now final. While I may in the future see additional films that were released in the awards year of 2016, no more films will be added to this list. (I may add links to reviews of films listed here.)
This ranking includes only new theatrical releases viewed for the awards year of 2016 (for eligibility for the Academy Awards and the Ofcs and Awfj awards); some films released in the UK without Us releases (and so ineligible for those awards this year) may also be included, for my own bookkeeping purposes. Links go to my review. Numbers after each entry are Date First Viewed/NYC Release Date/London Release Date; year is 2016 unless otherwise noted.
worth paying multiplex prices for
[5 stars]
Arrival (10.10/11.11/11.10)
La La Land (10.07/12.09/01.13.17)
A Monster Calls (10.06/12.23/01.01.17)
The Lobster (07.16.15/05.13/10.16.15)
Zootropolis (aka Zootopia) (02.22/03.04/03.25)
A Bigger Splash (10.08.15/05.04/02.12)
Miss Sloane (11.20/11.25/05.12.17)
London Road (06.03.15/09.09/06.12.15)
The Girl with All the Gifts (07.26/02.24.17/09.23)
I, Daniel Blake...
This ranking includes only new theatrical releases viewed for the awards year of 2016 (for eligibility for the Academy Awards and the Ofcs and Awfj awards); some films released in the UK without Us releases (and so ineligible for those awards this year) may also be included, for my own bookkeeping purposes. Links go to my review. Numbers after each entry are Date First Viewed/NYC Release Date/London Release Date; year is 2016 unless otherwise noted.
worth paying multiplex prices for
[5 stars]
Arrival (10.10/11.11/11.10)
La La Land (10.07/12.09/01.13.17)
A Monster Calls (10.06/12.23/01.01.17)
The Lobster (07.16.15/05.13/10.16.15)
Zootropolis (aka Zootopia) (02.22/03.04/03.25)
A Bigger Splash (10.08.15/05.04/02.12)
Miss Sloane (11.20/11.25/05.12.17)
London Road (06.03.15/09.09/06.12.15)
The Girl with All the Gifts (07.26/02.24.17/09.23)
I, Daniel Blake...
- 4/27/2017
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
A kidnapping service lies at the center of Pat Healy's feature film directorial debut, Take Me, which will be released by The Orchard on May 5th following its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – February, 2016 – The Orchard announced today that the company will release director Pat Healy’s feature debut Take Me, starring Taylor Schilling opposite Healy. The Duplass Brothers serve as executive producers while Mel Eslyn and Sev Ohanian serve as producers of the film, which will have its world premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, followed by a theatrical and digital release May 5th.
The acquisition marks an ongoing relationship with the Duplass Brothers and The Orchard as part of an output deal. The Orchard has worldwide theatrical, digital rental and sales, cable/satellite VOD, airline, DVD and soundtrack rights. Netflix will be releasing the film on its worldwide streaming platform later this year.
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – February, 2016 – The Orchard announced today that the company will release director Pat Healy’s feature debut Take Me, starring Taylor Schilling opposite Healy. The Duplass Brothers serve as executive producers while Mel Eslyn and Sev Ohanian serve as producers of the film, which will have its world premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, followed by a theatrical and digital release May 5th.
The acquisition marks an ongoing relationship with the Duplass Brothers and The Orchard as part of an output deal. The Orchard has worldwide theatrical, digital rental and sales, cable/satellite VOD, airline, DVD and soundtrack rights. Netflix will be releasing the film on its worldwide streaming platform later this year.
- 3/7/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Kinan Azmeh: "When I was a little kid, I was the young clarinetist from Damascus." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
At the Grand Central Terminal multi-sensory Interactive Experience inside Vanderbilt Hall for Morgan Neville's The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble, Kinan Azmeh spoke with me on his work at refugee centres, being the "young clarinetist from Damascus", storytelling, and what home means to him.
Last year, Kinan was unable to perform at Lotus Club with Cristina Pato, Kojiro Umezaki, Colin Jacobsen, Shane Shanahan, Joseph Gramley, Evan Ziporyn, Johnny Gandelsman, Sandeep Das, Abigail Washburn, Logan Coale, Nicholas Cords, and Yo-Yo Ma because he was premiering the film at a refugee camp in Jordan. I brought up Gianfranco Rosi's Oscar nominated Fire At Sea (Fuocoammare) on the Lampedusa refugee crisis during our conversation.
A Music Of Strangers multi-sensory Interactive Experience with Anne-Katrin Titze Photo: Anne-Katrin...
At the Grand Central Terminal multi-sensory Interactive Experience inside Vanderbilt Hall for Morgan Neville's The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble, Kinan Azmeh spoke with me on his work at refugee centres, being the "young clarinetist from Damascus", storytelling, and what home means to him.
Last year, Kinan was unable to perform at Lotus Club with Cristina Pato, Kojiro Umezaki, Colin Jacobsen, Shane Shanahan, Joseph Gramley, Evan Ziporyn, Johnny Gandelsman, Sandeep Das, Abigail Washburn, Logan Coale, Nicholas Cords, and Yo-Yo Ma because he was premiering the film at a refugee camp in Jordan. I brought up Gianfranco Rosi's Oscar nominated Fire At Sea (Fuocoammare) on the Lampedusa refugee crisis during our conversation.
A Music Of Strangers multi-sensory Interactive Experience with Anne-Katrin Titze Photo: Anne-Katrin...
- 3/4/2017
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Cristina Pato: "Silk Road is a collective of musicians from all around the world." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Cristina Pato is featured in Morgan Neville's glorious The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble, along with Kinan Azmeh, Kayhan Kalhor, Wu Man, and Yo-Yo Ma himself. I first met Cristina at a performance hosted by Richard Gere, Barbara Kopple, and Darlene Love inside New York's Lotus Club last year following the premiere of the film, when she performed with fellow musicians Kojiro Umezaki, Colin Jacobsen, Shane Shanahan, Joseph Gramley, Evan Ziporyn, Johnny Gandelsman, Sandeep Das, Abigail Washburn, Logan Coale, Nicholas Cords with Yo-Yo Ma.
The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble at Grand Central Terminal Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Yesterday morning, we met up again, this time inside Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall, where a Music Of Strangers multi-sensory Interactive Experience was taking place.
Cristina Pato is featured in Morgan Neville's glorious The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble, along with Kinan Azmeh, Kayhan Kalhor, Wu Man, and Yo-Yo Ma himself. I first met Cristina at a performance hosted by Richard Gere, Barbara Kopple, and Darlene Love inside New York's Lotus Club last year following the premiere of the film, when she performed with fellow musicians Kojiro Umezaki, Colin Jacobsen, Shane Shanahan, Joseph Gramley, Evan Ziporyn, Johnny Gandelsman, Sandeep Das, Abigail Washburn, Logan Coale, Nicholas Cords with Yo-Yo Ma.
The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble at Grand Central Terminal Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Yesterday morning, we met up again, this time inside Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall, where a Music Of Strangers multi-sensory Interactive Experience was taking place.
- 3/1/2017
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
‘La La Land’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (Courtesy: Lionsgate; Summit Entertainment)
By: Carson Blackwelder
Managing Editor
The best sound editing category is going to be tough to call at this year’s Oscars, but the race is boiling down to Hacksaw Ridge versus La La Land. While we won’t know who won the Academy’s favor until Sunday, we already know the Motion Picture Sound Editors have honored these two films — among others — at their annual Golden Reel Awards. How often does this society of sound editors predict the corresponding category at the Academy Awards? Let’s take a look and find out.
Nominated alongside Hacksaw Ridge and La La Land in the best sound editing category at this year’s Oscars are Arrival, Sully, and Deepwater Horizon. The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg predicts that Damien Chazelle’s modern musical will take home the trophy by overtaking Mel Gibson’s big Hollywood return.
By: Carson Blackwelder
Managing Editor
The best sound editing category is going to be tough to call at this year’s Oscars, but the race is boiling down to Hacksaw Ridge versus La La Land. While we won’t know who won the Academy’s favor until Sunday, we already know the Motion Picture Sound Editors have honored these two films — among others — at their annual Golden Reel Awards. How often does this society of sound editors predict the corresponding category at the Academy Awards? Let’s take a look and find out.
Nominated alongside Hacksaw Ridge and La La Land in the best sound editing category at this year’s Oscars are Arrival, Sully, and Deepwater Horizon. The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg predicts that Damien Chazelle’s modern musical will take home the trophy by overtaking Mel Gibson’s big Hollywood return.
- 2/23/2017
- by Carson Blackwelder
- Scott Feinberg
Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge” earned the top two sound editing awards Sunday night at the 64th Mpse Golden Reel Awards, while Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land” and Disney’s “Moana” took musical and animation honors.
“The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble” and “Warcraft: The Beginning” won for documentary and score.
“Hacksaw Ridge” now becomes the favorite to beat “La La Land” in the Oscar battle.
TV winners included “Westworld” (for both long form and short form FX/Foley), “The Night of” “Part 1 The Beach,” “Penny Dreadful III” “Ebb Tide,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again,” and “Mozart in the Jungle.”
The Filmmaker and Career Achievement Awards were presented to Guillermo del Toro and Harry Cohen.
64th Mpse Golden Reel Award Highlights:
Best Sound Editing In Feature Film – Dialogue / Adr
Hacksaw Ridge
Crosscreek...
“The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble” and “Warcraft: The Beginning” won for documentary and score.
“Hacksaw Ridge” now becomes the favorite to beat “La La Land” in the Oscar battle.
TV winners included “Westworld” (for both long form and short form FX/Foley), “The Night of” “Part 1 The Beach,” “Penny Dreadful III” “Ebb Tide,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again,” and “Mozart in the Jungle.”
The Filmmaker and Career Achievement Awards were presented to Guillermo del Toro and Harry Cohen.
64th Mpse Golden Reel Award Highlights:
Best Sound Editing In Feature Film – Dialogue / Adr
Hacksaw Ridge
Crosscreek...
- 2/20/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Cinema Audio Society announced the winners of the 2017 Cas Awards last night and, no surprise, “La La Land” took the top prize.
Damien Chazelle‘s movie musical has pretty much dominated awards season and the industry guild honors. It’s nominated for both Sound Mixing and Sound Editing Oscars, although the Cinema Audio Society only recognizes Sound Mixing.
Read More: ‘La La Land’ Starring Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling Is An Absolute Triumph [Venice Review]
Other winners included “Finding Dory,” “Game Of Thrones,” “The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble,” “Modern Family” and “Grease Live!
Continue reading ‘La La Land’ And ‘Finding Dory’ Among 2017 Cas Awards Winners For Sound Mixing at The Playlist.
Damien Chazelle‘s movie musical has pretty much dominated awards season and the industry guild honors. It’s nominated for both Sound Mixing and Sound Editing Oscars, although the Cinema Audio Society only recognizes Sound Mixing.
Read More: ‘La La Land’ Starring Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling Is An Absolute Triumph [Venice Review]
Other winners included “Finding Dory,” “Game Of Thrones,” “The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble,” “Modern Family” and “Grease Live!
Continue reading ‘La La Land’ And ‘Finding Dory’ Among 2017 Cas Awards Winners For Sound Mixing at The Playlist.
- 2/19/2017
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
As expected, “La La Land” came away with the live-action sound mixing award at Saturday’s 53rd Cinema Audio Society (Cas) Awards. Damien Chazelle’s valentine to Hollywood musicals is now a sure bet to win the Best Sound Mixing Oscar. (Sound Editing is still a race.)
Meanwhile, Pixar’s “Finding Dory” upset Disney’s “Zootopia” for animated feature honors. And HBO’S “The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble” earned the first-ever Cas documentary award.
TV winners included “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (movie or miniseries), “Game of Thrones,” which grabbed its fourth consecutive award for “Battle of the Bastards” (one-hour), “Modern Family: The Storm” (1/2-hour), and “Grease Live!” (specials),
Oscar-nominated sound engineer John Pritchett (“Road to Perdition,” “Memories of a Geisha”) received the Career Achievement Award and Jon Favreau won the Filmmaker Award for “The Jungle Book’s” innovative sound.
Meanwhile, Pixar’s “Finding Dory” upset Disney’s “Zootopia” for animated feature honors. And HBO’S “The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble” earned the first-ever Cas documentary award.
TV winners included “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (movie or miniseries), “Game of Thrones,” which grabbed its fourth consecutive award for “Battle of the Bastards” (one-hour), “Modern Family: The Storm” (1/2-hour), and “Grease Live!” (specials),
Oscar-nominated sound engineer John Pritchett (“Road to Perdition,” “Memories of a Geisha”) received the Career Achievement Award and Jon Favreau won the Filmmaker Award for “The Jungle Book’s” innovative sound.
- 2/19/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The 53rd annual Cinema Audio Society Awards honoring outstanding achievement in sound mixing have wrapped, with La La Land taking home the top live action motion picture trophy, beating out other nominees Doctor Strange, Hacksaw Ridge, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Sully. Pixar’s Finding Dory was the big winner in the animated film category. And for the first time this year, Cas honored outstanding sound mixing for a motion picture documentary. The Music of Strangers: Y…...
- 2/19/2017
- Deadline TV
The 53rd annual Cinema Audio Society Awards honoring outstanding achievement in sound mixing have wrapped, with La La Land taking home the top live action motion picture trophy, beating out other nominees Doctor Strange, Hacksaw Ridge, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Sully. Pixar’s Finding Dory was the big winner in the animated film category. And for the first time this year, Cas honored outstanding sound mixing for a motion picture documentary. The Music of Strangers: Y…...
- 2/19/2017
- Deadline
“Arrival,” “Rogue One,” and “Hacksaw Ridge” each received three Mpse sound editing nominations (Dialogue/Adr, Effects/Foley, and Music) in the race for the 64th Golden Reel Awards (held February 19th at the Westin Bonaventure).
While the Oscars singled out Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi thriller, which boasts unique animal sounds and music as well as Mel Gibson’s powerful Okinawa World War II battles, they overlooked Gareth Edwards’ “Star Wars” standalone.
Right behind these three films with two nominations each were Marvel’s “Deadpool” (Dialogue/Adr, Effects/Foley) and “Doctor Strange” (Effects/Folley, Music), plus Disney’s “Moana” (Animation, Musical).
“La La Land” scored a Musical nomination, as did “Forest Foster Jenkins,” “Sing Street,” and DreamWorks’ animated “Trolls.”
Other animated contenders included Oscar nominees from Disney (“Zootopia”) Laika (“Kubo and the Two Strings”) and Studio Ghibli (“The Red Turtle”), plus Pixar’s “Finding Dory” and Netflix’s “The Little Prince.
While the Oscars singled out Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi thriller, which boasts unique animal sounds and music as well as Mel Gibson’s powerful Okinawa World War II battles, they overlooked Gareth Edwards’ “Star Wars” standalone.
Right behind these three films with two nominations each were Marvel’s “Deadpool” (Dialogue/Adr, Effects/Foley) and “Doctor Strange” (Effects/Folley, Music), plus Disney’s “Moana” (Animation, Musical).
“La La Land” scored a Musical nomination, as did “Forest Foster Jenkins,” “Sing Street,” and DreamWorks’ animated “Trolls.”
Other animated contenders included Oscar nominees from Disney (“Zootopia”) Laika (“Kubo and the Two Strings”) and Studio Ghibli (“The Red Turtle”), plus Pixar’s “Finding Dory” and Netflix’s “The Little Prince.
- 1/27/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Cinema Audio Society (Cas) on Tuesday announced nominees for the 53rd Annual Cas Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for 2016.
Final balloting for Outstanding Sound Mixing will open online on January 25 and ends February 12.
The awards will be presented on February 18 in Los Angeles, when the Cas Career Achievement Award will be presented to production mixer John Pritchett and the Cas Filmmaker Award will be presented to Jon Favreau.
Motion Picture – Live Action
Doctor Strange
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Sully
Motion Picture—Animated
Finding Dory
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
The Secret Life Of Pets
Zootopia
Motion Picture—Documentary
13th
Gleason
O.J.: Made In America
The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble
Television Movie or Mini-series
11.22.63: The Rabbit Hole
Black Mirror: San Junipero
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
The Night Manager: Episode 1
The People v. O.J. Simpson: [link...
Final balloting for Outstanding Sound Mixing will open online on January 25 and ends February 12.
The awards will be presented on February 18 in Los Angeles, when the Cas Career Achievement Award will be presented to production mixer John Pritchett and the Cas Filmmaker Award will be presented to Jon Favreau.
Motion Picture – Live Action
Doctor Strange
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Sully
Motion Picture—Animated
Finding Dory
Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
The Secret Life Of Pets
Zootopia
Motion Picture—Documentary
13th
Gleason
O.J.: Made In America
The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble
Television Movie or Mini-series
11.22.63: The Rabbit Hole
Black Mirror: San Junipero
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride
The Night Manager: Episode 1
The People v. O.J. Simpson: [link...
- 1/10/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Cinema Audio Society has announced its nominees for the 53rd Annual Cas Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for 2016 in seven categories.
On the film side, strong contenders like “La La Land,” “Rogue One” and “Zootopia” picked up nods, while television series like “Game of Thrones,” “blackish” and “Stranger Things” also received nominations. For the first year, the Cas is honoring Documentary films, with nods like “O.J.: Made in America” and “13th” rounding out this inaugural category.
Missing from the film nods are more than a few surprises, including “Deepwater Horizon,” “The Jungle Book” and “Silence.”
“We are blessed this year with a rich portfolio of Cinema Audio art applied. As the creative contributions of sound mixing to modern filmmaking becomes more obvious to the world at large, these productions truly represent the talents of our community,” said Mark Ulano, Cas President, of the announcement.
Read More: 2017 Oscar...
On the film side, strong contenders like “La La Land,” “Rogue One” and “Zootopia” picked up nods, while television series like “Game of Thrones,” “blackish” and “Stranger Things” also received nominations. For the first year, the Cas is honoring Documentary films, with nods like “O.J.: Made in America” and “13th” rounding out this inaugural category.
Missing from the film nods are more than a few surprises, including “Deepwater Horizon,” “The Jungle Book” and “Silence.”
“We are blessed this year with a rich portfolio of Cinema Audio art applied. As the creative contributions of sound mixing to modern filmmaking becomes more obvious to the world at large, these productions truly represent the talents of our community,” said Mark Ulano, Cas President, of the announcement.
Read More: 2017 Oscar...
- 1/10/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Tower co-executive producers Amy Rapp and Meredith Vieira (also with Steve Eckelman, Pamela Colloff, Luke Wilson, Sally Jo Fifer, Lois Vossen) Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Keith Maitland's Tower joins Richard Ladkani and Kief Davidson's The Ivory Game, Barbara Kopple's Miss Sharon Jones!; Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky's Defying The Nazis: The Sharps’ War; Ava Duvernay's 13th; Dawn Porter's Trapped; Andrew Rossi's The First Monday In May; Roger Ross Williams' Life, Animated; Gianfranco Rosi's Fire At Sea (Fuocoammare); Jim Jarmusch's Gimme Danger; Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley's Landfill Harmonic; Steven Cantor's Dancer; Morgan Neville's The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble; Ron Howard's The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years as a key contender for the 89th Academy Awards Oscar shortlist.
University of Texas Austin tower: "We are really immersing you in that day.
Keith Maitland's Tower joins Richard Ladkani and Kief Davidson's The Ivory Game, Barbara Kopple's Miss Sharon Jones!; Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky's Defying The Nazis: The Sharps’ War; Ava Duvernay's 13th; Dawn Porter's Trapped; Andrew Rossi's The First Monday In May; Roger Ross Williams' Life, Animated; Gianfranco Rosi's Fire At Sea (Fuocoammare); Jim Jarmusch's Gimme Danger; Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley's Landfill Harmonic; Steven Cantor's Dancer; Morgan Neville's The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma And The Silk Road Ensemble; Ron Howard's The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years as a key contender for the 89th Academy Awards Oscar shortlist.
University of Texas Austin tower: "We are really immersing you in that day.
- 11/20/2016
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
This soul-refreshing documentary celebrates difference as a beautiful thing vital to making great art, and for making a better world for everyone. I’m “biast” (pro): nothing
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Oh my god, I so needed this movie right now. And you do too: it is a wonderful respite in our divided times. Let veteran music documentarian Morgan Neville — he made the amazing 20 Feet from Stardom — introduce you to the Silk Road Ensemble. They are a sort of supergroup of musicians from countries along that ancient trading route who play traditional instruments — from different traditions, mind — in modern arrangements to produce gorgeous, lush music unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. (You get a lot of it in the film, and then you will want to instantly buy all their albums, because you Will. Need. More.)
You...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Oh my god, I so needed this movie right now. And you do too: it is a wonderful respite in our divided times. Let veteran music documentarian Morgan Neville — he made the amazing 20 Feet from Stardom — introduce you to the Silk Road Ensemble. They are a sort of supergroup of musicians from countries along that ancient trading route who play traditional instruments — from different traditions, mind — in modern arrangements to produce gorgeous, lush music unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. (You get a lot of it in the film, and then you will want to instantly buy all their albums, because you Will. Need. More.)
You...
- 11/18/2016
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Two years ago Morgan Neville was an Academy Award winner with Twenty Feet from Stardom, a film which used music as a prism to explore society, culture and politics – which he has sought to emulate with his latest offering The Music of Strangers. Though undoubtedly achieving all of the above, what transpires is […]
The post The Music of Strangers Review appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post The Music of Strangers Review appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 11/16/2016
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In its own way, the Governors Awards is the most important film event of the year. On the surface, it’s the Academy Awards rendered in miniature as the Academy Board of Governors presents honorary Oscars to veteran film artists. But in reality, this is the Oscar starting gun wrapped in tuxedos and Louboutins: There’s never greater proximity to Academy voters.
Launched in 2009 to present career awards while not extending the already-long Oscarcast, the Governors Awards are meant to evoke the more-intimate feel of early Academy Award ceremonies. However, Oscar consultants quickly saw the event as an odyssey in its own right, since it provides an opportunity for intimate, grade-a campaigning just at the start of Phase 1 — the period that defines the Oscar season up until nominations are announced.
It’s a moment that won’t be matched for the rest of the season, but it also makes for...
Launched in 2009 to present career awards while not extending the already-long Oscarcast, the Governors Awards are meant to evoke the more-intimate feel of early Academy Award ceremonies. However, Oscar consultants quickly saw the event as an odyssey in its own right, since it provides an opportunity for intimate, grade-a campaigning just at the start of Phase 1 — the period that defines the Oscar season up until nominations are announced.
It’s a moment that won’t be matched for the rest of the season, but it also makes for...
- 11/14/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
In its own way, the Governors Awards is the most important film event of the year. On the surface, it’s the Academy Awards rendered in miniature as the Academy Board of Governors presents honorary Oscars to veteran film artists. But in reality, this is the Oscar starting gun wrapped in tuxedos and Louboutins: There’s never greater proximity to Academy voters.
Launched in 2009 to present career awards while not extending the already-long Oscarcast, the Governors Awards are meant to evoke the more-intimate feel of early Academy Award ceremonies. However, Oscar consultants quickly saw the event as an odyssey in its own right, since it provides an opportunity for intimate, grade-a campaigning just at the start of Phase 1 — the period that defines the Oscar season up until nominations are announced.
It’s a moment that won’t be matched for the rest of the season, but it also makes for...
Launched in 2009 to present career awards while not extending the already-long Oscarcast, the Governors Awards are meant to evoke the more-intimate feel of early Academy Award ceremonies. However, Oscar consultants quickly saw the event as an odyssey in its own right, since it provides an opportunity for intimate, grade-a campaigning just at the start of Phase 1 — the period that defines the Oscar season up until nominations are announced.
It’s a moment that won’t be matched for the rest of the season, but it also makes for...
- 11/14/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
A total of 145 feature documentaries were submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration for the 89th Academy Awards.
Out of those films the members of the Academy’s documentary branch will select a shortlist of 15 features that will be announced in December, and the five nominations will be announced on January 24.
Read More: Documentary, Now: Three Rock Stars Who Run the Fast-Changing Non-Fiction World
Among the titles included in the list are Ava DuVernay’s “13th,” the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, Raoul Peck’s Toronto Film Festival Audience Award winner “I Am Not Your Negro,” the visually stunning “Voyage of Time: The Imax Experience” by Terrence Malik and Otto Bell’s “The Eagle Huntress.”
Read More: Oscars 2017: 10 Documentary Shorts Vie for Nominations
This year Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees’ film “Amy” about British singer Amy Winehouse...
Out of those films the members of the Academy’s documentary branch will select a shortlist of 15 features that will be announced in December, and the five nominations will be announced on January 24.
Read More: Documentary, Now: Three Rock Stars Who Run the Fast-Changing Non-Fiction World
Among the titles included in the list are Ava DuVernay’s “13th,” the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, Raoul Peck’s Toronto Film Festival Audience Award winner “I Am Not Your Negro,” the visually stunning “Voyage of Time: The Imax Experience” by Terrence Malik and Otto Bell’s “The Eagle Huntress.”
Read More: Oscars 2017: 10 Documentary Shorts Vie for Nominations
This year Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees’ film “Amy” about British singer Amy Winehouse...
- 10/29/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
The Academy will announce its list of Oscar-eligible documentaries this week, a field that counted just 82 entries in 2005; last year, there were 124. And along with this growth comes a new attribute for the much-admired/often ignored genre: Power.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the bailiwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the bailiwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
- 10/24/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy will announce its list of Oscar-eligible documentaries this week, a field that counted just 82 entries in 2005; last year, there were 124. And along with this growth comes a new attribute for the much-admired/often ignored genre: Power.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the balliwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
Under Sheila Nevins, HBO led the way in showing how documentaries could draw audiences with nonfiction programming that’s skillful, dynamic, and relevant. Under Lisa Nishimura, Netflix upped the ante with deep-pocketed algorithms that not only proved audiences craved this content (after all, documentaries are the original reality TV), but also guided exactly where those viewers could be found, and what they wanted to see. And while social justice has always been the balliwick of documentary filmmakers, Diane Weyermann at Participant has given that niche the financing and clout it deserves.
While their business models differ, they’re all producing documentaries that might not otherwise exist, making them better and getting them seen.
- 10/24/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Los Angeles, CA (October 10, 2016) . The Broadcast Film Critics Association (Bfca) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (Btja) have announced the nominees for the inaugural Critics. Choice Documentary Awards. The winners will be presented their awards at a gala event on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Bric, in Brooklyn, New York.
.It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,. said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin.
.This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism. We look forward to celebrating all these fine and important achievements at the first Critics. Choice Documentary Awards gala on November 3rd..
13th, 30 For 30: O.J.: Made in America...
.It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,. said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin.
.This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism. We look forward to celebrating all these fine and important achievements at the first Critics. Choice Documentary Awards gala on November 3rd..
13th, 30 For 30: O.J.: Made in America...
- 10/11/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Broadcast Film Critics Association (Bfca) and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (Btja) have announced the nominees for their inaugural Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, taking place next month at a first-time gala event in Brooklyn, New York. Ava DuVernay’s “13th,” Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made in America” and Clay Tweel’s “Gleason” lead the pack of nominees, with five nominations each. Other nominees include Kirsten Johnson’s “Cameraperson,” the gob-smacking “Weiner” and recent Netflix features “Amanda Knox” and “Audrie & Daisy.”
“It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,” said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin. “This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism.
“It is an amazing time for documentaries, with the ever-increasing number of platforms enabling producers to reach enthusiastic and growing audiences for non-fiction storytelling,” said Bfca and Btja President Joey Berlin. “This is clearly demonstrated in the depth and quality of our inaugural nominees. We have a wealth of brilliant creators who are bringing to light some of the most entertaining and illuminating stories being told today. Indeed, documentary filmmaking is modern investigative journalism.
- 10/10/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
That wailing you hear is all the best-documentary aspirants who did Not make the Doc NYC “Short List.” It’s considered one of several key steps for landing on the Academy doc branch’s eventual short list – which, like the Doc NYC list, also numbers 15.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
- 9/28/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
That wailing you hear is all the best-documentary aspirants who did Not make the Doc NYC “Short List.” It’s considered one of several key steps for landing on the Academy doc branch’s eventual short list – which, like the Doc NYC list, also numbers 15.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
The stats are impressive: In each of the past three years, the Doc NYC Short List had nine or 10 titles that overlapped with the subsequent Oscar Documentary Short List. For the last five years, Doc NYC screened the documentary that went on to win the Oscar: “Amy” (2015), “Citizenfour” (2014), “20 Feet From Stardom” (2013), “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012), and “Undefeated” (2011).
With such a wide field of contenders, respected festivals wield even more than their usual influence in turning movies into must-sees. Oscar documentary branch voters have to see more than 130 movies released theatrically in 2016; inevitably, the movies nabbing the best reviews and most attention move to the top of the queue.
- 9/28/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
While best documentary conversations start to take shape in January at the Sundance Film Festival, making the transition from rapturous festival play to awards-season contender is a harrowing road. A documentary must be truly extraordinary to make the final Oscar five.
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
- 9/23/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
While best documentary conversations start to take shape in January at the Sundance Film Festival, making the transition from rapturous festival play to awards-season contender is a harrowing road. A documentary must be truly extraordinary to make the final Oscar five.
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
The number of Sundance docs with awards potential is breathtaking: Breaking out of Sundance 2016 were U.S. Grand Jury Prize winner “Weiner” (IFC), an entertaining portrait of a politician brought down by his weakness for sexting, which turned into a summer hit; U.S. Documentary Directing Award winner “Life, Animated” (The Orchard), a moving portrait of an autistic child who grows up with Disney movies; and HBO’s Audience Award winner “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
Scoring great reviews were Ezra Edelman’s five-part movie “O.J.: Made in America” (Espn), an exhaustive examination of O.J. Simpson and race relations in Los Angeles from the ’60s through the Trial of...
- 9/23/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
By the time Ezra Edelman’s “O.J.: Made In America” aired on Espn in June, receiving near-universal acclaim from critics, Espn Films—which produced the documentary as part of the network’s popular “30 for 30” series—was already angling for attention from an Academy that, on the face of it, has nothing to do with TV. With one-week qualifying engagements at New York’s Cinema Village and Los Angeles’ Laemmle Monica Film Center, the exhaustive five-part portrait of O.J. Simpson’s life and times entered the campaign for Oscar.
It’s not alone. Of the eight other films Indiewire identifies as frontrunners in the race for Best Documentary Feature besides “O.J.: Made in America,” several have prominent connections to TV networks or streaming services: “Command and Control” (PBS); “Gleason” (Amazon); “Into the Inferno” (Netflix); “The Music of Strangers” (HBO); “Weiner” (Showtime); and “Zero Days” (Showtime). More than ever before, the resources...
It’s not alone. Of the eight other films Indiewire identifies as frontrunners in the race for Best Documentary Feature besides “O.J.: Made in America,” several have prominent connections to TV networks or streaming services: “Command and Control” (PBS); “Gleason” (Amazon); “Into the Inferno” (Netflix); “The Music of Strangers” (HBO); “Weiner” (Showtime); and “Zero Days” (Showtime). More than ever before, the resources...
- 9/21/2016
- by Anne Thompson and Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
Alejandra Amarilla with Recycled Orchestra members Noelia Ríos, Azucena Azcona and Ada Ríos Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
There is Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth's buoyant 20,000 Days On Earth on Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds with Kylie Minogue, Warren Ellis, Blixa Bargeld and Ray Winstone, and Morgan Neville's far-reaching The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. Now comes the Landfill Harmonic, directed by Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley, co-directed and co-produced by Juliana Peñaranda-Loftus, where the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay, conducted by Favio Chávez, meet Megadeth's David Ellefson, Dave Mustaine, Shawn Drover, and Chris Broderick to perform with them Symphony Of Destruction.
Producer and co-director Juliana Peñaranda-Loftus on Favio Chávez: "I saw the potential in Favio." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Juliana Peñaranda-Loftus, co-producer Alejandra Amarilla, musical director Favio Chávez and members of the Recycled Orchestra met with me for a conversation...
There is Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth's buoyant 20,000 Days On Earth on Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds with Kylie Minogue, Warren Ellis, Blixa Bargeld and Ray Winstone, and Morgan Neville's far-reaching The Music Of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. Now comes the Landfill Harmonic, directed by Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley, co-directed and co-produced by Juliana Peñaranda-Loftus, where the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay, conducted by Favio Chávez, meet Megadeth's David Ellefson, Dave Mustaine, Shawn Drover, and Chris Broderick to perform with them Symphony Of Destruction.
Producer and co-director Juliana Peñaranda-Loftus on Favio Chávez: "I saw the potential in Favio." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Juliana Peñaranda-Loftus, co-producer Alejandra Amarilla, musical director Favio Chávez and members of the Recycled Orchestra met with me for a conversation...
- 9/8/2016
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
This weekend brings a rare event as three very different specialty films face off nationally on between 800-900 theaters. Debuting “Southside With You” (Roadside Attractions) and “Hands of Stone” (Weinstein) go up against “Hell or High Water” (Lionsgate) in its third week.
The winner is “Hell or High Water,” which after this weekend’s success could wind up the year’s highest-grossing specialized release. “Southside With You” also scored high numbers, with “Hands of Stone” not up to its level.
Five Sundance releases are among this week’s new films, ranging from relatively wide opener “Southside” to Video on Demand entry “The Intervention.” As the Toronto Film Festival looms, the Park City event, despite offering half as many films, remains the biggest festival for acquisition titles.
Opening
“Southside With You” (Roadside Attractions) – Metacritic: 75; Festivals include: Sundance, San Francisco, Seattle 2016
$3,065,000 in 813 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $3,762
A strong initial result...
The winner is “Hell or High Water,” which after this weekend’s success could wind up the year’s highest-grossing specialized release. “Southside With You” also scored high numbers, with “Hands of Stone” not up to its level.
Five Sundance releases are among this week’s new films, ranging from relatively wide opener “Southside” to Video on Demand entry “The Intervention.” As the Toronto Film Festival looms, the Park City event, despite offering half as many films, remains the biggest festival for acquisition titles.
Opening
“Southside With You” (Roadside Attractions) – Metacritic: 75; Festivals include: Sundance, San Francisco, Seattle 2016
$3,065,000 in 813 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $3,762
A strong initial result...
- 8/28/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
After one of the best openings of the summer, Texas western “Hell or High Water” could become one of the strongest specialized releases of 2016. This bank robbery and pursuit thriller debuted at Cannes and scored among the best reviews of the year. CBS Films and Lionsgate opted to take the easier commercial route rather than chase awards via the standard September festival rollout.
Late summer has yielded a spate of arthouse successes including strong holdovers “Café Society” and “Indignation.”
Opening
“Hell or High Water” (Lionsgate) – Metacritic: 86; Festivals include: Cannes 2016
$592,000 in 32 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $18,500
A gamble paid off big-time for CBS Films, who acquired this independent Texas story of two struggling brothers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster) who rob a bank to save the family farm. Distributed by Lionsgate, “Hell or High Water” debuted well at Cannes. Knowing it had rave reviews, CBS decided to go broader than...
Late summer has yielded a spate of arthouse successes including strong holdovers “Café Society” and “Indignation.”
Opening
“Hell or High Water” (Lionsgate) – Metacritic: 86; Festivals include: Cannes 2016
$592,000 in 32 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $18,500
A gamble paid off big-time for CBS Films, who acquired this independent Texas story of two struggling brothers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster) who rob a bank to save the family farm. Distributed by Lionsgate, “Hell or High Water” debuted well at Cannes. Knowing it had rave reviews, CBS decided to go broader than...
- 8/14/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Summer is chugging along at the specialty box office.
Another acclaimed Sundance 2016 entry, Ira Sachs’ “Little Men” (Magnolia), showed a credible opening in New York and Los Angeles, as two of last week’s Park City 2016 premieres, “Indignation” (Roadside Attractions) and “Gleason” (Open Road), expanded this weekend to varying results.
The biggest recent success, Woody Allen’s “Café Society” continued to do well, but it’s still below three of his recent hits. Mike Birbiglia’s “Don’t Think Twice” continues to impress. Comedy is the common denominator in their broader appeal.
As usual, Netflix reported no grosses for its token theatrical dates for Mark Osborne’s animated feature “The Little Prince,” the children’s classic adaptation that was initially scheduled to be a Paramount release last March.
Opening
“Little Men” (Magnolia) – Metacritic: 86; Festivals include: Sundance 2016
$32,250 in 2 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $16,125
Ira Sachs’ most recent film joins the...
Another acclaimed Sundance 2016 entry, Ira Sachs’ “Little Men” (Magnolia), showed a credible opening in New York and Los Angeles, as two of last week’s Park City 2016 premieres, “Indignation” (Roadside Attractions) and “Gleason” (Open Road), expanded this weekend to varying results.
The biggest recent success, Woody Allen’s “Café Society” continued to do well, but it’s still below three of his recent hits. Mike Birbiglia’s “Don’t Think Twice” continues to impress. Comedy is the common denominator in their broader appeal.
As usual, Netflix reported no grosses for its token theatrical dates for Mark Osborne’s animated feature “The Little Prince,” the children’s classic adaptation that was initially scheduled to be a Paramount release last March.
Opening
“Little Men” (Magnolia) – Metacritic: 86; Festivals include: Sundance 2016
$32,250 in 2 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $16,125
Ira Sachs’ most recent film joins the...
- 8/7/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Three Sundance premieres are boosting the late summer specialty box office as “Indignation” (Roadside Attractions), “Equity” (Sony Pictures Classics) and “Gleason” (Amazon/Open Road) lead openers. Several more including Woody Allen’s “Café Society” (Amazon/Lionsgate) are holding well with positive results beyond just initial dates.
Several documentaries getting play continue to impress, and two more beyond “Gleason” scored initial New York attention: “Hieronymus Bosch: Touched by the Devil” (Kino Lorber) and “Miss Sharon Jones!” (Starz).
Opening
“Indignation” (Roadside Attractions) – Metacritic: 83; Festivals include: Sundance, Berlin, San Francisco, Seattle 2016
$89,072 in 4 theaters; PTA: $22,268
After a long career as a producer-screenwriter (Ang Lee’s”Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Brokeback Mountain”) and distributor (Focus Features before Universal revamped the company), James Schamus directed his adaptation of Philip Roth’s early 1950s Oberlin-set story of a Jewish working class kid trying to adapt. After his earlier run of success, the reaction to his debut is gratifying.
Several documentaries getting play continue to impress, and two more beyond “Gleason” scored initial New York attention: “Hieronymus Bosch: Touched by the Devil” (Kino Lorber) and “Miss Sharon Jones!” (Starz).
Opening
“Indignation” (Roadside Attractions) – Metacritic: 83; Festivals include: Sundance, Berlin, San Francisco, Seattle 2016
$89,072 in 4 theaters; PTA: $22,268
After a long career as a producer-screenwriter (Ang Lee’s”Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Brokeback Mountain”) and distributor (Focus Features before Universal revamped the company), James Schamus directed his adaptation of Philip Roth’s early 1950s Oberlin-set story of a Jewish working class kid trying to adapt. After his earlier run of success, the reaction to his debut is gratifying.
- 7/31/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Mike Birbiglia’s “Don’t Think Twice” (The Film Arcade) is the latest mid-summer hit, joining the recent turnaround in art house fortunes. Following his template for “Sleepwalk With Me,” Birbiglia & Co. boosted box office via frequent appearances at their New York cinema. The already strong film surged to a huge initial $90,000 number with many sold out shows on multiple screens.
Woody Allen’s “Cafe Society” (Lionsgate) continued to improve on the director’s recent performance, and could end up besting two other recent strong openers. “Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street) and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (The Orchard) continue to have strong expansions; both could end up over $10 million as well.
Asian wide-audience commercial releases are performing well in domestic play, with entries from South Korea, India, the Philippines along with China continuing to deliver strong niche results.
Opening
“Don’t Think Twice” (Film Arcade) – Metacritic: 83; Festivals include: South by Southwest,...
Woody Allen’s “Cafe Society” (Lionsgate) continued to improve on the director’s recent performance, and could end up besting two other recent strong openers. “Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street) and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (The Orchard) continue to have strong expansions; both could end up over $10 million as well.
Asian wide-audience commercial releases are performing well in domestic play, with entries from South Korea, India, the Philippines along with China continuing to deliver strong niche results.
Opening
“Don’t Think Twice” (Film Arcade) – Metacritic: 83; Festivals include: South by Southwest,...
- 7/24/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Mid-summer brings the biggest limited opening of 2016, with a return to form by Woody Allen as new distributor Amazon Studios and partner Lionsgate pushed “Café Society” to numbers unseen since last December. It’s not at Allen’s top level, but a huge leap above his last two films as well as anything else so far this year.
For a totally different market, Dinesh D’Souza doc “Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party” had a limited opening in Middle America with strong front-loaded initial numbers. The political doc goes wider this Friday and could see a better eventual total —via an entirely different audience—than Allen’s film.
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (The Orchard) from New Zealand leads the films in wider release as it continues to build word-of-mouth success. “Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street) boasted a decent second weekend expansion and could end up at a...
For a totally different market, Dinesh D’Souza doc “Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party” had a limited opening in Middle America with strong front-loaded initial numbers. The political doc goes wider this Friday and could see a better eventual total —via an entirely different audience—than Allen’s film.
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (The Orchard) from New Zealand leads the films in wider release as it continues to build word-of-mouth success. “Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street) boasted a decent second weekend expansion and could end up at a...
- 7/17/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Thanks to a well-reviewed movie star, Bleecker Street took “Captain Fantastic” to a now-rare, once-common $20,000-plus limited per theater opening. With all well-oiled cylinders at work, Bleecker filled the demand for older-audience films after two failed recent attempts by others at corralling the younger market (“Swiss Army Man” and “The Neon Demon”).
Two New York-only docs, “Under the Sun” (Icarus) and Sundance opener “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” (Music Box) both attracted interest.
A wider Bollywood release, Salman Khan-starrer “Sultan” (Yash Raj), achieved something few specialized films have managed in recent months: a Top Ten placement despite playing at fewer than 300 theaters.
Meantime, The Orchard’s “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” expanded again to strong numbers close to last weekend’s. This word-of-mouth hit could play all summer and expand wider. There is still an audience out there: it’s just more selective.
Opening
“Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street) – Metacritic: 70; Festivals include: Sundance,...
Two New York-only docs, “Under the Sun” (Icarus) and Sundance opener “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” (Music Box) both attracted interest.
A wider Bollywood release, Salman Khan-starrer “Sultan” (Yash Raj), achieved something few specialized films have managed in recent months: a Top Ten placement despite playing at fewer than 300 theaters.
Meantime, The Orchard’s “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” expanded again to strong numbers close to last weekend’s. This word-of-mouth hit could play all summer and expand wider. There is still an audience out there: it’s just more selective.
Opening
“Captain Fantastic” (Bleecker Street) – Metacritic: 70; Festivals include: Sundance,...
- 7/10/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
This weekend Dory swam easily past Captain America to become the biggest grossing Us hero of the year. (Captain America still leads internationally by a lot, which is funny if you think about it). That's quite impressive for a forgetful blue tang who could have gone 'straight to video' -- Wait, are we still saying that? If not, what's the new phrase. I'm scared of what this means for the future with all those cheapie animated sequels but it is what happened. The current top ten of 2016 includes only two originals (Zootopia & Central Intelligence) but otherwise it's all brand extensions / revisions. It didn't use to be this way but it's been a slow erosion. Consider by comparison: 2006's top ten had 5 originals; 1996 had 6; 1986 had 7. Since we get less original hits every year how soon until we have none?
It should be noted that an original won the weekend but since...
It should be noted that an original won the weekend but since...
- 7/10/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The Orchard's Paul Davidson, Morgan Neville, Yo-Yo Ma and Sony's Dennis Kooker Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Introducing Gay Talese, the author of The Voyeur's Motel (to be adapted for the screen by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, directed by Sam Mendes and produced by Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks) and Morgan Neville, the Oscar-winning director of 20 Feet From Stardom, at Lotos Club, created a Music Of Strangers conversation that lead to Alexander Payne's producer Jim Burke (Downsizing, The Descendants and Election) for A Beautiful Game, the Marx Brothers, Best Of Enemies, Keith Richards: Under the Influence and Joan Didion in Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A.
Gay Talese on The Music Of Strangers: "This is a major international film!" Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Darlene Love, Richard Gere and Barbara Kopple hosted the after party where Cristina Pato, Kojiro Umezaki, Colin Jacobsen, Shane Shanahan, Joseph Gramley, Evan Ziporyn, Johnny Gandelsman, Sandeep Das, Abigail Washburn, Logan Coale,...
Introducing Gay Talese, the author of The Voyeur's Motel (to be adapted for the screen by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, directed by Sam Mendes and produced by Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks) and Morgan Neville, the Oscar-winning director of 20 Feet From Stardom, at Lotos Club, created a Music Of Strangers conversation that lead to Alexander Payne's producer Jim Burke (Downsizing, The Descendants and Election) for A Beautiful Game, the Marx Brothers, Best Of Enemies, Keith Richards: Under the Influence and Joan Didion in Shotgun Freeway: Drives Through Lost L.A.
Gay Talese on The Music Of Strangers: "This is a major international film!" Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Darlene Love, Richard Gere and Barbara Kopple hosted the after party where Cristina Pato, Kojiro Umezaki, Colin Jacobsen, Shane Shanahan, Joseph Gramley, Evan Ziporyn, Johnny Gandelsman, Sandeep Das, Abigail Washburn, Logan Coale,...
- 7/7/2016
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The Independence Day weekend tends not to be a big one for specialized audiences. Upscale viewers, particularly in the biggest cities, often pursue other interests, many of them out of town. But prime theaters still need new product, offering opportunities for new releases to take their shot.
The best among the limited openers this weekend was the Polish-French nun story “The Innocents” (Music Box), bucking the recent trend of weak subtitled films. Next best among the limited new releases was the heart-tugging Sundance autism documentary “Life, Animated” (The Orchard) which nonetheless opened a little below some other recent docs.
Going wider initially was “Our Kind of Traitor,” the latest John le Carré thriller, which fell short of Roadside Attractions’ “A Most Wanted Man” two years ago.
Read More: Arthouse Audit: A24’s ‘Swiss Army Man’ Slices ‘The Neon Demon’
The limp second week expansion of “Swiss Army Man” (A24) showed...
The best among the limited openers this weekend was the Polish-French nun story “The Innocents” (Music Box), bucking the recent trend of weak subtitled films. Next best among the limited new releases was the heart-tugging Sundance autism documentary “Life, Animated” (The Orchard) which nonetheless opened a little below some other recent docs.
Going wider initially was “Our Kind of Traitor,” the latest John le Carré thriller, which fell short of Roadside Attractions’ “A Most Wanted Man” two years ago.
Read More: Arthouse Audit: A24’s ‘Swiss Army Man’ Slices ‘The Neon Demon’
The limp second week expansion of “Swiss Army Man” (A24) showed...
- 7/3/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
A24 is having a strong 2016. They started out winning Oscars for three films (“Room,” “Ex Machina” and “Amy”), took smart horror flick “The Witch” wide to great success, and now with “The Lobster ” and “Swiss Army Man,” can claim the two highest per theater average limited openings of the year. And they’ve done what other companies seem not to be able to do: reached a younger audience quite different from those that have elevated such adult hits as “Eye in the Sky” and “Hello, My Name Is Doris.”
Among the elevated number of prime openings fleshing out the summer specialized release schedule, the surprise second best was “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (The Orchard), a New Zealand countryside story that could become a sleeper success with wider audiences.
The other shocker: the complete failure of Nicolas Winding Refn’s “The Neon Demon” (Amazon Studios/Broad Green), which despite major advance...
Among the elevated number of prime openings fleshing out the summer specialized release schedule, the surprise second best was “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (The Orchard), a New Zealand countryside story that could become a sleeper success with wider audiences.
The other shocker: the complete failure of Nicolas Winding Refn’s “The Neon Demon” (Amazon Studios/Broad Green), which despite major advance...
- 6/26/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column.
– newportFILM announced today an impressive line up of world-class documentaries for their annual summer series newportFILM Outdoors.
The sunset screenings kick off on June 30 and run through September 1, with weekly Thursday night events that are accompanied by filmmaker conversations, food vendors and pre-film live music. This marks the series’ seventh summer season of hosting screenings at various outdoor picturesque locations, often thoughtfully paired with their film, around Newport, Ri.
Opening night will feature a special showing of “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” in the heart of downtown Newport in the Maya Lin designed Queen Anne Square. The program will continue throughout the season with a notable collection of documentaries including the following highlights: “The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble,” “Life, Animated,” “Betting on Zero,” “Jim: The James Foley Story,...
– newportFILM announced today an impressive line up of world-class documentaries for their annual summer series newportFILM Outdoors.
The sunset screenings kick off on June 30 and run through September 1, with weekly Thursday night events that are accompanied by filmmaker conversations, food vendors and pre-film live music. This marks the series’ seventh summer season of hosting screenings at various outdoor picturesque locations, often thoughtfully paired with their film, around Newport, Ri.
Opening night will feature a special showing of “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” in the heart of downtown Newport in the Maya Lin designed Queen Anne Square. The program will continue throughout the season with a notable collection of documentaries including the following highlights: “The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble,” “Life, Animated,” “Betting on Zero,” “Jim: The James Foley Story,...
- 6/23/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
It’s only June and it already feels like the dog days of summer. No breakouts. A slew of niche titles, including several documentaries. This week’s standout is Sundance doc hit “Tickled” (Magnolia), which is showing some potential.
This week’s range of titles is wide and diverse. Some boast high festival and/or review pedigrees, and many come from distributors who aren’t reporting numbers (we offer estimates; “Parched,” an Indian indie from Wolfe Releasing and “2016 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour” remained elusive).
Meantime, “Love & Friendship” (Roadside Attractions) and “The Lobster” (A24) continue to thrive ahead of other recent releases and “Maggie’s Plan” (Sony Pictures Classics) keeps going, along with doc standout “Weiner” (IFC).
Opening
“Tickled” (Magnolia) – Metacritic: 77; Festivals include: Sundance, San Francisco, Seattle 2016
$24,000 in 2 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $12,000
After its strong reaction contending at Sundance’s World Documentary competition, this expose of the...
This week’s range of titles is wide and diverse. Some boast high festival and/or review pedigrees, and many come from distributors who aren’t reporting numbers (we offer estimates; “Parched,” an Indian indie from Wolfe Releasing and “2016 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour” remained elusive).
Meantime, “Love & Friendship” (Roadside Attractions) and “The Lobster” (A24) continue to thrive ahead of other recent releases and “Maggie’s Plan” (Sony Pictures Classics) keeps going, along with doc standout “Weiner” (IFC).
Opening
“Tickled” (Magnolia) – Metacritic: 77; Festivals include: Sundance, San Francisco, Seattle 2016
$24,000 in 2 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $12,000
After its strong reaction contending at Sundance’s World Documentary competition, this expose of the...
- 6/19/2016
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Once again, a doc topped the Specialty box office, as Magnolia's Sundance pic Tickled tied up a decent debut in two theaters on both coasts, grossing $24K. Tickled showed some luster in an otherwise slow weekend for the limited release slate. TWC/Dimension opened thriller Clown in 100 theaters without much fanfare, while Wonder Films gave Seoul Searching a bow in a single location, grossing $6,780. The Orchard's doc The Music Of Strangers had a solid expansion in its…...
- 6/19/2016
- Deadline
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