Exterior. Establishing: Film Independent HQ. Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. Prelap the sounds of passionate conversation and laughter. Cut To: Interior, Conference Room, Film Independent HQ. Seven new screenwriting Fellows are arrayed around a table, the Hollywood Sign visible on the distant hills outside the window. They’re here to develop six deeply personal and wholly original feature film projects under the steady guiding hand of Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab. A fun, creative, safe space.
The End.
(Roll credits)
Sorry–we wish our story could’ve been longer but there wasn’t really any dramatic conflict at the Screenwriting Lab this year, just a lot of productive discussion and writing workshops with lead creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy,...
The End.
(Roll credits)
Sorry–we wish our story could’ve been longer but there wasn’t really any dramatic conflict at the Screenwriting Lab this year, just a lot of productive discussion and writing workshops with lead creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
Exclusive: Film Independent has named Omer Ben Shachar, Mary Dauterman, Mg Evangelista, Naomi Iwamoto, Thomas Kivney, Juan Paulo Laserna and Jhanvi Motla as the screenwriters selected for the 26th edition of its Screenwriting Lab, an intensive program designed to provide individualized story and career development for screenwriters with fiction feature scripts.
Over the course of the program, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy, Amanda Marshall, Josh Peters, Jon Schumacher, Ellen Shanman, Lauren Shelton and Caddy Vanasirikul.
“We are honored to provide the tools and support necessary for these exceptional filmmakers to propel their projects and careers forward,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs for Film Independent.
Over the course of the program, Fellows will workshop their projects under the guidance of creative advisors Javier Fuentes-León, Phil Hay, Matt Manfredi, Jessica Sharzer, Jeff Stockwell and Christopher Makoto Yogi. Additional guest speakers and advisors will include Ruth Atkinson, Danielle Renfrew Behrens, Bridget Savage Cole, Lauren Craniotes, Ellie Foumbi, Priyanka Kapoor, Danielle Krudy, Amanda Marshall, Josh Peters, Jon Schumacher, Ellen Shanman, Lauren Shelton and Caddy Vanasirikul.
“We are honored to provide the tools and support necessary for these exceptional filmmakers to propel their projects and careers forward,” said Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs for Film Independent.
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
You can always expect Allison Janney to deliver a great performance any time she shows up in a movie or TV show, and she even won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the 2018 film I, Tonya. Next up on the list of projects she’ll be gracing with her presence is A Simple Favor 2, which reteams Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters director Paul Feig with his A Simple Favor stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. Filming is expected to begin this spring, and the film is heading for a streaming release on Prime Video.
There are several more returning cast members this sequel. In addition to Lively and Kendrick, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack will all be reprising their roles from the first movie. Variety reports that Janney’s fellow new additions include Elena Sofia Ricci (Loose Cannons), Michele Morrone (365 Days...
There are several more returning cast members this sequel. In addition to Lively and Kendrick, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack will all be reprising their roles from the first movie. Variety reports that Janney’s fellow new additions include Elena Sofia Ricci (Loose Cannons), Michele Morrone (365 Days...
- 3/29/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Allison Janney is joining the cast of Amazon MGM Studios’ “A Simple Favor 2.” The actor will join returning cast members Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in the sequel to Paul Feig’s 2018 mystery-comedy film.
The sequel will follow Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, murder and betrayal swirl at a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, Kelly McCormack and Aparna Nancherla will also reprise their roles in the film, which is targeting a spring start-of-production. The cast is rounded out by Elena Sofia Ricci, Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, Alex Newell, Taylor Ortega and Lorenzo de Moor.
Janney, who has racked up an Oscar, seven Emmys,...
The sequel will follow Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, murder and betrayal swirl at a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, Kelly McCormack and Aparna Nancherla will also reprise their roles in the film, which is targeting a spring start-of-production. The cast is rounded out by Elena Sofia Ricci, Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, Alex Newell, Taylor Ortega and Lorenzo de Moor.
Janney, who has racked up an Oscar, seven Emmys,...
- 3/29/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following recent confirmation from Amazon MGM Studios and Lionsgate that A Simple Favor 2 is a go, the film has added seven new cast members: Elena Sofia Ricci, Michele Morrone (365 Days), Elizabeth Perkins (Minx), Alex Newell (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Taylor Ortega (Grand Death Lotto), Lorenzo de Moor, and Aparna Nancherla (The Drop).
While Nancherla reprises her role as Sona, all other roles are new and under wraps for now.
Deadline was first to report on the sequel two years ago, as stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively and director Paul Feig signed on to return. Others set to reprise include Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack.
Released by Lionsgate in 2018 to critical acclaim and more than $97 million at the worldwide box office, A Simple Favor is a mystery thriller that adapts the same-name novel by Darcey Bell. The first film introduces...
While Nancherla reprises her role as Sona, all other roles are new and under wraps for now.
Deadline was first to report on the sequel two years ago, as stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively and director Paul Feig signed on to return. Others set to reprise include Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack.
Released by Lionsgate in 2018 to critical acclaim and more than $97 million at the worldwide box office, A Simple Favor is a mystery thriller that adapts the same-name novel by Darcey Bell. The first film introduces...
- 3/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A Simple Favour 2 is moving forward at Prime Video, with director Paul Feig and stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively all making a return.
A Simple Favour did decent business relative to its outlay in 2018, grossing $97m worldwide on a $20m budget. Paul Feig directed the darkly comic mystery about a vlogger (Anna Kendrick) who investigates the disappearance of her elegant (and enigmatic) new best friend (Blake Lively).
A sequel has been in development for years; Simon Brew spoke to Feig about the first film on the Film Stories podcast in 2018 and discussed the sequel when Feig was our guest at a live podcast recording in 2022.
We also have a synopsis for the sequel, per Deadline:
In Part Two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman.
A Simple Favour did decent business relative to its outlay in 2018, grossing $97m worldwide on a $20m budget. Paul Feig directed the darkly comic mystery about a vlogger (Anna Kendrick) who investigates the disappearance of her elegant (and enigmatic) new best friend (Blake Lively).
A sequel has been in development for years; Simon Brew spoke to Feig about the first film on the Film Stories podcast in 2018 and discussed the sequel when Feig was our guest at a live podcast recording in 2022.
We also have a synopsis for the sequel, per Deadline:
In Part Two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman.
- 3/28/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick star in ‘A Simple Favor’ (Photo Credit: Lionsgate)
It’s officially official. Not only is there A Simple Favor sequel in the works, but Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are confirmed to return as Stephanie and Emily. Feel free to squeal now, as Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also on board to reprise their roles in A Simple Favor 2.
“In the film, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman,” reads Amazon MGM Studios’ synopsis. “Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.”
Paul Feig will return...
It’s officially official. Not only is there A Simple Favor sequel in the works, but Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are confirmed to return as Stephanie and Emily. Feel free to squeal now, as Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also on board to reprise their roles in A Simple Favor 2.
“In the film, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman,” reads Amazon MGM Studios’ synopsis. “Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.”
Paul Feig will return...
- 3/27/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Today, Amazon MGM Studios announced that Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are set to reprise their roles in A Simple Favor 2, with Paul Feig returning to direct.
The sequel is a co-production with Lionsgate and follows the studio’s 2018 release of A Simple Favor, which was a critical and commercial success. It earned more than $97 million at the worldwide box office and achieved Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes.
The script for A Simple Favor 2, based on characters by Darcy Bell, was written by Jessica Sharzer, who wrote the first film, with revisions by Laeta Kalogridis and Paul Feig.
Feigco Entertainment’s Paul Feig and Laura Fischer are producing A Simple Favor 2, with Jessica Sharzer executive producing.
In the new movie, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as they head...
The sequel is a co-production with Lionsgate and follows the studio’s 2018 release of A Simple Favor, which was a critical and commercial success. It earned more than $97 million at the worldwide box office and achieved Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes.
The script for A Simple Favor 2, based on characters by Darcy Bell, was written by Jessica Sharzer, who wrote the first film, with revisions by Laeta Kalogridis and Paul Feig.
Feigco Entertainment’s Paul Feig and Laura Fischer are producing A Simple Favor 2, with Jessica Sharzer executive producing.
In the new movie, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) as they head...
- 3/27/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Back in 2018, Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters director Paul Feig brought us the mystery A Simple Favor, which starred Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in the story of “mommy blogger Stephanie (Kendrick), who befriends Emily (Lively), a secretive upper-class woman who has a child at the same elementary school. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate.” A couple years ago, we heard that Amazon MGM Studios and Lionsgate were teaming up to produce a sequel to A Simple Favor… and now The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Feig, Lively, and Kendrick are all coming back for A Simple Favor 2. Filming is expected to begin this spring, and the film is heading for a streaming release on Prime Video.
Jessica Sharzer, who wrote the screenplay for the first film (which was based on the 2017 novel of the same name by author Darcey Bell), returned to write the sequel, with...
Jessica Sharzer, who wrote the screenplay for the first film (which was based on the 2017 novel of the same name by author Darcey Bell), returned to write the sequel, with...
- 3/27/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
A Simple Favor, the 2018 hit dark comedy, is officially getting a sequel!
Amazong MGM Studios announced that the project has been greenlit and will begin production sometime in the spring. Paul Feig will return to direct with Jessica Sharzer penning the second film. She also wrote the first movie!
The film will be released via Prime Video, and the cast has also been confirmed.
Keep reading to see which stars are returning from the first movie…...
Amazong MGM Studios announced that the project has been greenlit and will begin production sometime in the spring. Paul Feig will return to direct with Jessica Sharzer penning the second film. She also wrote the first movie!
The film will be released via Prime Video, and the cast has also been confirmed.
Keep reading to see which stars are returning from the first movie…...
- 3/27/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Deadline already told you two years ago that A Simple Favor 2 was happening with Paul Feig back in the director’s chair and Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick starring, but today Amazon MGM Studios has made it official that the movie is a go and with the original cast members returning, read Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack.
Lionsgate is co-producing the sequel to the 2018 black comedy which minted $97M off a $20M budget. Cameras roll this spring. A streaming release on Prime Video in 240 countries is planned.
In part two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than...
Lionsgate is co-producing the sequel to the 2018 black comedy which minted $97M off a $20M budget. Cameras roll this spring. A streaming release on Prime Video in 240 countries is planned.
In part two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than...
- 3/27/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s time to raise an Aviation gin martini to toast Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively returning for another glamorous mystery with A Simple Favor 2 from director Paul Feig.
Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday that the sequel movie, which is a co-production with Lionsgate, is looking to begin shooting this spring and will stream on Prime Video. Feig is back to helm the follow-up to his 2018 dark comedy, with Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho and Kelly McCormack all reprising their roles from the first feature.
Jessica Sharzer, who penned the initial movie, returned to write the sequel, with Feig and Laeta Kalogridis also contributing to the script. Sharzer’s screenplay for the original film was based on the 2017 novel of the same name by author Darcey Bell.
A Simple Favor 2 sees Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) heading to the island of Capri for Emily’s lavish wedding.
Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday that the sequel movie, which is a co-production with Lionsgate, is looking to begin shooting this spring and will stream on Prime Video. Feig is back to helm the follow-up to his 2018 dark comedy, with Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho and Kelly McCormack all reprising their roles from the first feature.
Jessica Sharzer, who penned the initial movie, returned to write the sequel, with Feig and Laeta Kalogridis also contributing to the script. Sharzer’s screenplay for the original film was based on the 2017 novel of the same name by author Darcey Bell.
A Simple Favor 2 sees Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) heading to the island of Capri for Emily’s lavish wedding.
- 3/27/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Film Independent has set 26 filmmakers from 15 nations to participate in the 2023 edition of their Global Media Makers LA Residency, which is being held in person this month.
A mentoring initiative and cultural exchange program that connects American filmmakers and industry pros with filmmakers spread across the globe, Gmm sees Fellows participate in filmmaking tracks focused on screenwriting, directing, creative development and documentary filmmaking, where they develop their current projects alongside a team of U.S. mentors.
The program, presented by Film Independent and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, further bolsters up-and-comers by providing access to master classes, industry sessions and field trips, as well as cultural engagement and networking opportunities.
This edition of Gmm is the eighth put on since 2016, and as always, the selection process was highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of media makers, with the countries of Angola, Libya,...
A mentoring initiative and cultural exchange program that connects American filmmakers and industry pros with filmmakers spread across the globe, Gmm sees Fellows participate in filmmaking tracks focused on screenwriting, directing, creative development and documentary filmmaking, where they develop their current projects alongside a team of U.S. mentors.
The program, presented by Film Independent and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, further bolsters up-and-comers by providing access to master classes, industry sessions and field trips, as well as cultural engagement and networking opportunities.
This edition of Gmm is the eighth put on since 2016, and as always, the selection process was highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of media makers, with the countries of Angola, Libya,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” was published in 2012 with huge success, and two years later it was adapted into an equally successful movie. The Oscar-nominated film saw great performances from lead actors Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.
“Gone Girl,” a postmodern mystery film directed by David Fincher, starring Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Carrie Coon in major roles. The movie follows the events that unfold in Nick Dunne’s (Affleck) life when his wife, Amy (Pike), mysteriously vanishes. Things turn for the worse when Nick becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.
“Gone Girl” is much-loved by fans for several reasons. Firstly, the story plot is intense and unforgettable due to its unanticipated climax. Secondly, both the book and movie offer a female protagonist who is complex and resourceful beyond measure. If you’re yet to watch it, we recommend that you do so. And finally, for...
“Gone Girl,” a postmodern mystery film directed by David Fincher, starring Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, and Carrie Coon in major roles. The movie follows the events that unfold in Nick Dunne’s (Affleck) life when his wife, Amy (Pike), mysteriously vanishes. Things turn for the worse when Nick becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance.
“Gone Girl” is much-loved by fans for several reasons. Firstly, the story plot is intense and unforgettable due to its unanticipated climax. Secondly, both the book and movie offer a female protagonist who is complex and resourceful beyond measure. If you’re yet to watch it, we recommend that you do so. And finally, for...
- 11/17/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Director Paul Feig‘s critically acclaimed “A Simple Favor” made a big splash back in 2018 as the satirical thriller made an impressive 97.6 million on a budget of 20 million.
And now, who would have thunk, it’s getting another installment with a sequel officially on the horizon. Deadline reports that a second movie is now set at Lionsgate and Amazon with screenwriter Jessica Sharzer (“American Horror Story“) back writing the screenplay and Feig at the helm.
Continue reading ‘A Simple Favor’ Sequel Set At Amazon With Paul Feig, Anna Kendrick & Blake Lively Returning at The Playlist.
And now, who would have thunk, it’s getting another installment with a sequel officially on the horizon. Deadline reports that a second movie is now set at Lionsgate and Amazon with screenwriter Jessica Sharzer (“American Horror Story“) back writing the screenplay and Feig at the helm.
Continue reading ‘A Simple Favor’ Sequel Set At Amazon With Paul Feig, Anna Kendrick & Blake Lively Returning at The Playlist.
- 5/11/2022
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Here's some unexpected news: Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are re-teaming with director Paul Feig to star in a sequel to their 2018 crime comedy-thriller "A Simple Favor." Per a report from Deadline, the film is being backed as a joint venture by Lionsgate and Amazon Studios, with Jessica Sharzer (who wrote the first movie based on Darcey Bell's 2017 novel) once again penning the script.
"A Simple Favor" stars Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, a single, humble mother (though not one who's hurting for secrets) with a parenting vlog who befriends Emily Nelson (Lively), the mother of one of her son's schoolmates...
The post A Simple Favor 2 Will Reunite Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Director Paul Feig appeared first on /Film.
"A Simple Favor" stars Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, a single, humble mother (though not one who's hurting for secrets) with a parenting vlog who befriends Emily Nelson (Lively), the mother of one of her son's schoolmates...
The post A Simple Favor 2 Will Reunite Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Director Paul Feig appeared first on /Film.
- 5/11/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are set to return to a sequel to 2018 black comedy-thriller “A Simple Favor” for Amazon Studios and Lionsgate, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Paul Feig will also return to direct the sequel and produce with Laura Fischer.
Jessica Sharzer is writing the screenplay.
Feigco Entertainment is set to produce. Sharzer will executive produce.
“A Simple Favor” centered on Stephanie (Kendrick), a widowed, single mother who works as a vlogger in Connecticut. Her best friend, Emily (Lively), seems to have it all — a successful career, a loving family and a glamorous lifestyle. When Emily mysteriously disappears one day, Stephanie launches her own investigation by digging into her friend’s past — and finding a few surprises along the way.
The first film was a critical and commercial success for Lionsgate, earning more than 97 million at the worldwide box office and achieving Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes.
Paul Feig will also return to direct the sequel and produce with Laura Fischer.
Jessica Sharzer is writing the screenplay.
Feigco Entertainment is set to produce. Sharzer will executive produce.
“A Simple Favor” centered on Stephanie (Kendrick), a widowed, single mother who works as a vlogger in Connecticut. Her best friend, Emily (Lively), seems to have it all — a successful career, a loving family and a glamorous lifestyle. When Emily mysteriously disappears one day, Stephanie launches her own investigation by digging into her friend’s past — and finding a few surprises along the way.
The first film was a critical and commercial success for Lionsgate, earning more than 97 million at the worldwide box office and achieving Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes.
- 5/11/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: After the original’s box office success and critical acclaim, Lionsgate and Amazon Studios are getting the gang back together for a sequel to A Simple Favor. Sources tell Deadline the studios will partner on the sequel with stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively set to reprise their roles and Paul Feig returning to direct as well as produce with Laura Fischer. Jessica Sharzer is writing the screenplay.
Feigco Entertainment is set to produce. Sharzer will executive produce. The first film followed a single mother with a parenting vlog who befriends a secretive upper-class woman who has a child at the same elementary school. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate.
The pic was a critical and commercial success for Lionsgate, earning more than 97 million at the worldwide box office, achieving Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes and attracting a strong base that has been...
Feigco Entertainment is set to produce. Sharzer will executive produce. The first film followed a single mother with a parenting vlog who befriends a secretive upper-class woman who has a child at the same elementary school. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate.
The pic was a critical and commercial success for Lionsgate, earning more than 97 million at the worldwide box office, achieving Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes and attracting a strong base that has been...
- 5/11/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
In June 2021, Oscar-nominee and Emmy-winner Riz Ahmed and Pillars Fund’s Kashif Shaikh and Arij Mikati outlined the urgent need for more Muslim representation in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, during an extensive interview with Variety.
The trio announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative, dubbed the Pillars Artist Fellowship, with a mission to provide resources and mentorship to a group of talented Muslim artists to help them use their talents to change the game in the film and television industries. Today, Pillars Fund, Ahmed and his Left Handed Films banner unveil the inaugural cohort of fellows.
“We spent months getting to know many talented candidates,” stated Shaikh, Pillars Fund’s co-founder and president. “We are honored to work with these incredible artists and are excited to provide them resources to reach even greater heights in the coming year.”
Sponsored by Netflix and Amazon Studios,...
The trio announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative, dubbed the Pillars Artist Fellowship, with a mission to provide resources and mentorship to a group of talented Muslim artists to help them use their talents to change the game in the film and television industries. Today, Pillars Fund, Ahmed and his Left Handed Films banner unveil the inaugural cohort of fellows.
“We spent months getting to know many talented candidates,” stated Shaikh, Pillars Fund’s co-founder and president. “We are honored to work with these incredible artists and are excited to provide them resources to reach even greater heights in the coming year.”
Sponsored by Netflix and Amazon Studios,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Institute has set Marissa Chibás (72), Walé Oyéjidé, Esq. (Chiaroscuro), Glenn Kaino (Fox & Stork), Mamoudou N’Diaye (Freelancers), Gabby Rivera (Juliet Takes a Breath), Nuhash Hamuyun (Moving Bangladesh), Tania Taiwo (Pharmacopeia), Andre Muir and Jake Hutton (The Predicament), Tommy Pico and Tazbah Rose Chavez (Sometimes), A.K. Espada (This Is Our Home) and Ramzi I. Bashour (Tomahawk Springs) as the participants for its tenth annual, two-day Screenwriters Intensive, taking place virtually through tomorrow.
During the workshop, these emerging creatives from historically marginalized communities will develop their first fiction features under the guidance of established writers and the Institute’s Feature Film Program, led by Michelle Satter and the Feature Film Program’s deputy director, Ilyse McKimmie.
Creatives serving as advisors for the intensive include Andrew Ahn, Lucy Alibar, Julia Camara, DeMane Davis, Nisha Ganatra, John Gatins, Tanya Hamilton, James Ponsoldt, Jon Raymond, Jessica Sharzer,...
During the workshop, these emerging creatives from historically marginalized communities will develop their first fiction features under the guidance of established writers and the Institute’s Feature Film Program, led by Michelle Satter and the Feature Film Program’s deputy director, Ilyse McKimmie.
Creatives serving as advisors for the intensive include Andrew Ahn, Lucy Alibar, Julia Camara, DeMane Davis, Nisha Ganatra, John Gatins, Tanya Hamilton, James Ponsoldt, Jon Raymond, Jessica Sharzer,...
- 3/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Sundance Institute has announced the 13 writers selected for its 2022 Screenwriters Intensive.
Now in its 10th year, the Screenwriters Intensive is an annual two-day workshop that invites emerging creatives from historically marginalized backgrounds to develop their first full-length feature film scripts under the guidance of the Institute’s Feature Film Program. The workshop is led by Michelle Satter, the founding senior director of the Sundance Institute’s Artist Programs, as well as Ilyse McKimmie, the deputy director of the Feature Film Program.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing together such a dynamic and memorable group of storytellers developing work with bold vision and unique, necessary perspectives,” McKimmie said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our creative and strategic support of them as they develop their debut features, and we’re excited to welcome them into the vibrant community of Sundance artists.”
The fellows selected for this year are:
Marissa Chibás,...
Now in its 10th year, the Screenwriters Intensive is an annual two-day workshop that invites emerging creatives from historically marginalized backgrounds to develop their first full-length feature film scripts under the guidance of the Institute’s Feature Film Program. The workshop is led by Michelle Satter, the founding senior director of the Sundance Institute’s Artist Programs, as well as Ilyse McKimmie, the deputy director of the Feature Film Program.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing together such a dynamic and memorable group of storytellers developing work with bold vision and unique, necessary perspectives,” McKimmie said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our creative and strategic support of them as they develop their debut features, and we’re excited to welcome them into the vibrant community of Sundance artists.”
The fellows selected for this year are:
Marissa Chibás,...
- 3/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Tony Scott was no stranger to remakes, having provided his take on 1974 classic The Taking of Pelham 123, and even considered updates on The Warriors and The Wild Bunch before he sadly took his own life in 2012. Now, with a sequel to his mega-hit Top Gun arriving later this year, his debut film The Hunger is also being revisited in the form of a remake.
Deadline reports that Angela Robinson (Professor Marston and the Wonder Women) will direct the project while Jessica Sharzer will be scripting. The 1983 original, led by Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon (with a brief appearance by Willem Dafoe in one of his very first roles) follows a love triangle between a couple that happens to be vampires and a doctor who is dedicated to sleep and aging research.
Based on the novel by Whitley Strieber, there’s no word yet on the approach for this remake,...
Deadline reports that Angela Robinson (Professor Marston and the Wonder Women) will direct the project while Jessica Sharzer will be scripting. The 1983 original, led by Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon (with a brief appearance by Willem Dafoe in one of his very first roles) follows a love triangle between a couple that happens to be vampires and a doctor who is dedicated to sleep and aging research.
Based on the novel by Whitley Strieber, there’s no word yet on the approach for this remake,...
- 5/19/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Warner Bros. has set a remake to the 1983 cult classic “The Hunger” with Angela Robinson in final talks to direct, Variety has confirmed.
The remake will be written by Jessica Sharzer and produced by Berlanti Schechter Productions’ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, with Mike McGrath executive producing.
The original film, an erotic vampire horror movie based on the novel by Whitley Strieber, starred Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon and was directed by Tony Scott. Deneuve played Miriam Blaylock, a vampire who has lived for thousands of years, drinking the blood of her victims and convincing her lovers they will live forever after she injects them with her own blood. Bowie played John Blaylock, Miriam’s lover who eventually starts aging rapidly and seeks the help of a scientist, Sarah (Sarandon), who believes she can reverse his decrepitude. Soon, Miriam seduces Sarah, initiating a steamy love triangle.
While it...
The remake will be written by Jessica Sharzer and produced by Berlanti Schechter Productions’ Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, with Mike McGrath executive producing.
The original film, an erotic vampire horror movie based on the novel by Whitley Strieber, starred Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon and was directed by Tony Scott. Deneuve played Miriam Blaylock, a vampire who has lived for thousands of years, drinking the blood of her victims and convincing her lovers they will live forever after she injects them with her own blood. Bowie played John Blaylock, Miriam’s lover who eventually starts aging rapidly and seeks the help of a scientist, Sarah (Sarandon), who believes she can reverse his decrepitude. Soon, Miriam seduces Sarah, initiating a steamy love triangle.
While it...
- 5/18/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Warner Bros has set a remake The Hunger, the 1983 steamy vampire film that started the rise of the late Top Gun director Tony Scott. Angela Robinson is in final talks to direct, with Jessica Sharzer writing the script. The film will be produced by Berlanti Schechter’s Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter. Mike McGrath will be exec producer.
The original film starred Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon. Deneuve played Miriam Blaylock, the last of a race of vampires who’ve lived thousands of years, feeding off the blood of victims. The bloodsucker has told her lovers she will give them immortality by injecting them with her extraordinary blood. In truth, eventually they age and when it does it happens rapidly, sending them toward an eternal undead state. When the vampire’s lover begins to show signs of aging, she seeks the help of a scientist who specializes...
The original film starred Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon. Deneuve played Miriam Blaylock, the last of a race of vampires who’ve lived thousands of years, feeding off the blood of victims. The bloodsucker has told her lovers she will give them immortality by injecting them with her extraordinary blood. In truth, eventually they age and when it does it happens rapidly, sending them toward an eternal undead state. When the vampire’s lover begins to show signs of aging, she seeks the help of a scientist who specializes...
- 5/18/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Image Source: Courtesy of Artingstall's
When director Paul Feig finishes a project, whether it's a film like Bridesmaids or A Simple Favor or an episode of television the likes of The Office or Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, he rewards himself with a martini. "When I got into cocktail culture, you'd go to a bar and order a martini, and people would assume you wanted a vodka martini. But I read that basically a real martini is gin, not vodka. That's an imposter martini," Feig told Popsugar. It was this discovery that led him on a 25-year quest for the perfect gin and to the creation of Artingstall's Brilliant London Dry Gin, which he launched in February 2020. "I got to make the gin that I always wanted to make. And now, I'll admit, it's really hard for me to drink another gin."
When it comes to drinking buddies, it was almost...
When director Paul Feig finishes a project, whether it's a film like Bridesmaids or A Simple Favor or an episode of television the likes of The Office or Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, he rewards himself with a martini. "When I got into cocktail culture, you'd go to a bar and order a martini, and people would assume you wanted a vodka martini. But I read that basically a real martini is gin, not vodka. That's an imposter martini," Feig told Popsugar. It was this discovery that led him on a 25-year quest for the perfect gin and to the creation of Artingstall's Brilliant London Dry Gin, which he launched in February 2020. "I got to make the gin that I always wanted to make. And now, I'll admit, it's really hard for me to drink another gin."
When it comes to drinking buddies, it was almost...
- 4/30/2021
- by Grayson Gilcrease
- Popsugar.com
There’s almost no way to talk about “Amazing Stories” without invoking “The Twilight Zone.” Both shows, with initial seasons released less than a year apart, are reworkings of TV anthologies of decades past, executive produced by household name filmmakers, and exist as a gambit to cement another corner of a potential subscriber base for a streaming service.
Both also launched with a single entry, intended to kickstart a place in the cultural consciousness. For “Amazing Stories,” that opening is “The Cellar,” a romantic time travel story designed to ease viewers into the show rather than take them to uncharted territory.
“The Cellar” cribs generously from time-travel rom-com premises — most recognizably the 1980 Jane Seymour-Christopher Reeve gem “Somewhere in Time” — perhaps for the sake of simplicity. Boy joins his brother on a fixer-upper house-flipping gig. Boy gets trapped in a storm cellar during a once-in-three-generations storm. Boy hurtles back a century.
Both also launched with a single entry, intended to kickstart a place in the cultural consciousness. For “Amazing Stories,” that opening is “The Cellar,” a romantic time travel story designed to ease viewers into the show rather than take them to uncharted territory.
“The Cellar” cribs generously from time-travel rom-com premises — most recognizably the 1980 Jane Seymour-Christopher Reeve gem “Somewhere in Time” — perhaps for the sake of simplicity. Boy joins his brother on a fixer-upper house-flipping gig. Boy gets trapped in a storm cellar during a once-in-three-generations storm. Boy hurtles back a century.
- 3/6/2020
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
After putting their own spin on many a fairy tale, Once Upon a Time creators Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis are now ready to tell some Amazing Stories, in Apple TV+’s revival of the 1980s anthology created by Steven Spielberg.
Debuting Friday, March 6, the new anthology kicks off with “The Cellar,” which stars Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf), Victoria Pedretti (Haunting of Hill House) and Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli & Isles), followed by weekly releases. Subsequent episodes include, in no particular order, “The Heat,” “The Rift,” “Signs of Life” and “Dynoman and the Volt,” which features the late Robert Forster (Karen...
Debuting Friday, March 6, the new anthology kicks off with “The Cellar,” which stars Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf), Victoria Pedretti (Haunting of Hill House) and Sasha Alexander (Rizzoli & Isles), followed by weekly releases. Subsequent episodes include, in no particular order, “The Heat,” “The Rift,” “Signs of Life” and “Dynoman and the Volt,” which features the late Robert Forster (Karen...
- 3/5/2020
- TVLine.com
Apple TV+ will tell more Amazing Stories in just a few weeks, but you won’t have to wait that long for a glimpse at the forthcoming reboot.
In a new trailer released on Monday, the streamer offers a sneak peek of the first season’s five self-contrained episodes. Per the official logline, this version of Amazing Stories is described as a “reimagining” of the Emmy-winning original anthology (which ran on NBC for two seasons in the mid-1980s) that will “transport everyday characters into worlds of wonder, possibility and imagination.”
More from TVLineCecily Strong to Star in Musical Comedy...
In a new trailer released on Monday, the streamer offers a sneak peek of the first season’s five self-contrained episodes. Per the official logline, this version of Amazing Stories is described as a “reimagining” of the Emmy-winning original anthology (which ran on NBC for two seasons in the mid-1980s) that will “transport everyday characters into worlds of wonder, possibility and imagination.”
More from TVLineCecily Strong to Star in Musical Comedy...
- 2/17/2020
- TVLine.com
Under Childhood is a monthly column on children’s cinema—movies about and for kids.1In a notorious bit from his 2004 comedy show For What It’s Worth, comedian Dave Chappelle stops to consider the child pornography charges raised against R&B singer R. Kelly, asking his audience, “How old is fifteen [the age of Kelly’s victim], really?” The contingencies—fifteen years, depending on the situation, are too little or too many—are perplexing even for Chappelle. The problem at hand, he suggests, is not limited to R. Kelly’s actions but the legal and moral discrepancies in how society categorizes the event. If a fifteen-year-old can so sporadically be either an adult or a child, Chappelle wonders, who is to say that fifteen is too young to consent to mature activities? The murkiness of the invisible loopholes is puzzling. But when seen in retrospect, the argument raised by his act seems less a provocation...
- 4/4/2019
- MUBI
ReFrame, the coalition formed by Women in Film, the Sundance Institute and IMDbPro, has designated a total of 20 films among 2018’s 100 highest-grossing titles to receive the ReFrame Stamp, which recognize standout, gender-balanced films.
The list released Wednesday includes Fox Searchlight’s Oscar Best Picture-nominated The Favourite, Paramount’s Transformers pic Bumblebee, Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time, Stx’s I Feel Pretty and Lionsgate’s The Spy Who Dumped Me. Nine additional films outside the top 100 were awarded stamps after applying (see the full lists below).
The stamp, launched last June, awarded 12 film stamps in 2017. But the group’s 2018 study found continued disparities in female representation and women of color, with just 4% of the top 100 films directed by a female (down from 6% a year ago), and 23% written by a female. A total of 37% featured female leads, with only 9% being women of color.
“While 2017 saw an uptick in films directed by women,...
The list released Wednesday includes Fox Searchlight’s Oscar Best Picture-nominated The Favourite, Paramount’s Transformers pic Bumblebee, Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time, Stx’s I Feel Pretty and Lionsgate’s The Spy Who Dumped Me. Nine additional films outside the top 100 were awarded stamps after applying (see the full lists below).
The stamp, launched last June, awarded 12 film stamps in 2017. But the group’s 2018 study found continued disparities in female representation and women of color, with just 4% of the top 100 films directed by a female (down from 6% a year ago), and 23% written by a female. A total of 37% featured female leads, with only 9% being women of color.
“While 2017 saw an uptick in films directed by women,...
- 3/7/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The ReFrame coalition of industry leaders and IMDBPro have unveiled 20 movies certified as gender-balanced productions among the top 100 box office films released in 2018.
The list includes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” Paramount Pictures’ “Bumblebee,” Fox Searchlight Pictures’ “The Favourite,” Stx’s “I Feel Pretty,” Lionsgate’s “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” Fox’s “The Hate U Give,” and Warner Bros.’ “Crazy Rich Asians.”
ReFrame, founded by Women in Film and the Sundance Institute, launched the data initiative last June in an effort to recognize and promote gender-balanced films and television shows. It said Wednesday that the increase in recipients of the ReFrame Stamp from 12 in 2017 to 20 stemmed from gains in the roles of department heads and women-of-color leads and co-leads. Still, the report noted that there remained shortfalls in several key areas.
“This positive news within the top 100 films is offset by the significant discrepancy in female hires with...
The list includes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” Paramount Pictures’ “Bumblebee,” Fox Searchlight Pictures’ “The Favourite,” Stx’s “I Feel Pretty,” Lionsgate’s “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” Fox’s “The Hate U Give,” and Warner Bros.’ “Crazy Rich Asians.”
ReFrame, founded by Women in Film and the Sundance Institute, launched the data initiative last June in an effort to recognize and promote gender-balanced films and television shows. It said Wednesday that the increase in recipients of the ReFrame Stamp from 12 in 2017 to 20 stemmed from gains in the roles of department heads and women-of-color leads and co-leads. Still, the report noted that there remained shortfalls in several key areas.
“This positive news within the top 100 films is offset by the significant discrepancy in female hires with...
- 3/6/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, Rupert Friend | Written by Jessica Sharzer | Directed by Paul Feig
Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor is understandably an interesting direction for the director to take after a string of highly successful and critically acclaimed comedies. Deviating from the more traditional Feig style of over the top humour and marketed as a low-brow stylish thriller and only the second dramatic entry into his filmography after I am David in 2003, certainly got tongues wagging in the film hemisphere, considering the completely bizarre and ridiculous marketing, as well as the splendid cast list with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, but unfortunately the returns are a catastrophic bore.
The biggest compliment one can give is the terrific performance of Lively, who is gaining significant traction and plaudits with this specific role as if she’s never acted before, surprisingly so as Lively...
Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor is understandably an interesting direction for the director to take after a string of highly successful and critically acclaimed comedies. Deviating from the more traditional Feig style of over the top humour and marketed as a low-brow stylish thriller and only the second dramatic entry into his filmography after I am David in 2003, certainly got tongues wagging in the film hemisphere, considering the completely bizarre and ridiculous marketing, as well as the splendid cast list with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, but unfortunately the returns are a catastrophic bore.
The biggest compliment one can give is the terrific performance of Lively, who is gaining significant traction and plaudits with this specific role as if she’s never acted before, surprisingly so as Lively...
- 9/22/2018
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, Rupert Friend | Written by Jessica Sharzer | Directed by Paul Feig
With its gleeful, primary-coloured, ‘60s-style opening titles, complete with jaunty French pop, you might think you’re watching a breezy rom-com. Then we see vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) breaking down in tears live on camera. Moments later she’s in the midst of a farcical meet-awkward with her new hero, Emily (Blake Lively). Tone wavering like a drunk opera singer, we can quickly see the problem with Paul Feig’s confused foray into “serious movie” territory.
Through her “Hi, Moms!” online channel, Steph announces that her (supposed) best friend Emily has gone missing. We’re told the story of how Steph and Emily met and became close. Steph was seduced by Emily’s confident, carefree charms, and her elegant brand of elegant housewife alcoholism.
There’s a solid triangle at the film’s core.
With its gleeful, primary-coloured, ‘60s-style opening titles, complete with jaunty French pop, you might think you’re watching a breezy rom-com. Then we see vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) breaking down in tears live on camera. Moments later she’s in the midst of a farcical meet-awkward with her new hero, Emily (Blake Lively). Tone wavering like a drunk opera singer, we can quickly see the problem with Paul Feig’s confused foray into “serious movie” territory.
Through her “Hi, Moms!” online channel, Steph announces that her (supposed) best friend Emily has gone missing. We’re told the story of how Steph and Emily met and became close. Steph was seduced by Emily’s confident, carefree charms, and her elegant brand of elegant housewife alcoholism.
There’s a solid triangle at the film’s core.
- 9/21/2018
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Chicago – As the secrets are revealed in “A Simple Favor,” filtered through the witty and entertaining directorial style of Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”), the story moves with charm and energy for three-quarters of its running time. But as the mystery gets solved, the conclusion doesn’t live up to the promising beginning.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Feig unusually adapted this from a novel (by Darcey Bell), so the plot was set in a stone and structure within the screenplay by Jessica Sharzer. The top of the film is a study in contrasts, as a “perfect Mom” encounters a less-than-caring mother in their children’s school. The Mom of Perfection is looking to jumpstart her life of mendacity, and the other Mum provides that path with her afternoon boozing and sex conversations. This is the strength of the film, Anna Kendrick (as perfect Mom) is essential casting against Blake Lively’s wild mater. But the...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Feig unusually adapted this from a novel (by Darcey Bell), so the plot was set in a stone and structure within the screenplay by Jessica Sharzer. The top of the film is a study in contrasts, as a “perfect Mom” encounters a less-than-caring mother in their children’s school. The Mom of Perfection is looking to jumpstart her life of mendacity, and the other Mum provides that path with her afternoon boozing and sex conversations. This is the strength of the film, Anna Kendrick (as perfect Mom) is essential casting against Blake Lively’s wild mater. But the...
- 9/15/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
“The Predator” is about to take a bite out of the box office.
Fox’s thriller reboot is on its way to an estimated $25 million debut from 4,037 North American sites. The projection is on the lower end of earlier forecasts, which had placed it in the $23 million to $32 million range. The film earned an estimated $10.45 million on Friday.
Directed by Shane Black, “The Predator” stars Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Alfie Allen, Thomas Jane, and Sterling K. Brown. The fourth installment of the “Predator” franchise follows a group of former soldiers and a biologist who have to face alien Predators that land in the Georgian backwoods. It has a 34% Rotten Tomatoes score and C+ CinemaScore. “The Predator” faced controversy after Black hired Steven Wilder Striegel, a registered sex offender, to act in the film without the knowledge of the cast or crew. Black has since apologized and...
Fox’s thriller reboot is on its way to an estimated $25 million debut from 4,037 North American sites. The projection is on the lower end of earlier forecasts, which had placed it in the $23 million to $32 million range. The film earned an estimated $10.45 million on Friday.
Directed by Shane Black, “The Predator” stars Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Alfie Allen, Thomas Jane, and Sterling K. Brown. The fourth installment of the “Predator” franchise follows a group of former soldiers and a biologist who have to face alien Predators that land in the Georgian backwoods. It has a 34% Rotten Tomatoes score and C+ CinemaScore. “The Predator” faced controversy after Black hired Steven Wilder Striegel, a registered sex offender, to act in the film without the knowledge of the cast or crew. Black has since apologized and...
- 9/15/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
As he proved with Bridesmaids, Spy and The Heat, director Paul Feig knows how to bring out the scrappy best in actresses (he’s a modern-day George Cukor). And in A Simple Favor, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively shine as they rarely have before. True, the script, adapted by Jessica Sharzer from the Darcey Bell novel, meets at a crossroads between comedy and thriller without deciding which direction to go (our vote: head for the giggles). But until an ending that flies ruinously off the rails, A Simple Favor is...
- 9/14/2018
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
“The Predator” has found its next feast: its box office competitors.
The Fox release is invading North American multiplexes with an estimated $25 million opening weekend at 4,307 sites, early estimates showed Friday.
The alien franchise film is coming in at the lower end of expectations, which had ranged from $25 million to $32 million. “The Predator” should be able to top the second weekend of Warner Bros.’ supernatural horror hit “The Nun,” which is projected to finish at about $20 million for a 63% decline.
Lionsgate’s opening of mystery-comedy “A Simple Favor” is heading for a sold third place with $18 million at 3,102 sites, coming in well above forecasts in the $12 million to $15 million range. Sony-Studio 8 crime drama “White Boy Rick” is also projected to top recent forecasts at about $10 million from 2,500 screens, battling for fourth place with the fifth frame of rom-com hit “Crazy Rich Asians” and the second weekend of Jennifer Garner’s thriller “Peppermint.
The Fox release is invading North American multiplexes with an estimated $25 million opening weekend at 4,307 sites, early estimates showed Friday.
The alien franchise film is coming in at the lower end of expectations, which had ranged from $25 million to $32 million. “The Predator” should be able to top the second weekend of Warner Bros.’ supernatural horror hit “The Nun,” which is projected to finish at about $20 million for a 63% decline.
Lionsgate’s opening of mystery-comedy “A Simple Favor” is heading for a sold third place with $18 million at 3,102 sites, coming in well above forecasts in the $12 million to $15 million range. Sony-Studio 8 crime drama “White Boy Rick” is also projected to top recent forecasts at about $10 million from 2,500 screens, battling for fourth place with the fifth frame of rom-com hit “Crazy Rich Asians” and the second weekend of Jennifer Garner’s thriller “Peppermint.
- 9/14/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Fox’s “The Predator” invaded the Thursday night box office with $2.5 million.
“A Simple Favor,” starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, reeled in $900,000 from Thursday night previews in North America. “White Boy Rick,” meanwhile, grossed $575,000 in previews.
“The Predator” has been pegged to top the domestic box office with $25 million to $32 million in its opening weekend at 4,037 sites. Its preview number fell short of “Alien: Covenant,” which made $4.2 million on Thursday night on its way to a $36 million launch last year.
The sophomore frame of “The Nun,” which has grossed $64 million in its first six days, may challenge the new installment of the “Predator” franchise for first place. Lionsgate’s mystery thriller “A Simple Favor” will likely open between $12 million and $15 million at 3,102 venues. Sony and Studio 8’s crime drama “White Boy Rick” is projected to make between $6 million and $10 million from 2,500 screens, battling for fourth place with the...
“A Simple Favor,” starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, reeled in $900,000 from Thursday night previews in North America. “White Boy Rick,” meanwhile, grossed $575,000 in previews.
“The Predator” has been pegged to top the domestic box office with $25 million to $32 million in its opening weekend at 4,037 sites. Its preview number fell short of “Alien: Covenant,” which made $4.2 million on Thursday night on its way to a $36 million launch last year.
The sophomore frame of “The Nun,” which has grossed $64 million in its first six days, may challenge the new installment of the “Predator” franchise for first place. Lionsgate’s mystery thriller “A Simple Favor” will likely open between $12 million and $15 million at 3,102 venues. Sony and Studio 8’s crime drama “White Boy Rick” is projected to make between $6 million and $10 million from 2,500 screens, battling for fourth place with the...
- 9/14/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
A familiar group of monsters are returning to invade multiplexes this weekend.
Fox’s “The Predator,” the fourth installment in the sci-fi series, looks to top a trio of fellow new offerings — “A Simple Favor,” “White Boy Rick,” and “Unbroken: Path to Redemption” — at the domestic box office. The No. 1 spot, however, could be a close call depending on the staying power of Warner Bros.’ “The Nun,” which led North America last weekend with its sizable debut. Another factor that could impact the weekend box office is Hurricane Florence, the category four storm that is targeting the east coast, specifically the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. It’s too soon to tell the potential damage, though storm surges and heavy winds could close theaters.
Estimates show Shane Black’s “The Predator” could earn between $25 million and $32 million when it launches in more than 3,900 venues. A debut over $25 million would rank as...
Fox’s “The Predator,” the fourth installment in the sci-fi series, looks to top a trio of fellow new offerings — “A Simple Favor,” “White Boy Rick,” and “Unbroken: Path to Redemption” — at the domestic box office. The No. 1 spot, however, could be a close call depending on the staying power of Warner Bros.’ “The Nun,” which led North America last weekend with its sizable debut. Another factor that could impact the weekend box office is Hurricane Florence, the category four storm that is targeting the east coast, specifically the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. It’s too soon to tell the potential damage, though storm surges and heavy winds could close theaters.
Estimates show Shane Black’s “The Predator” could earn between $25 million and $32 million when it launches in more than 3,900 venues. A debut over $25 million would rank as...
- 9/11/2018
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
On the surface, there seems to be very little funny about A Simple Favor, the film that brings together Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Certainly not the plot, which centers around Stephanie (Anna), a mommy blogger who is determined to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's (Blake) sudden disappearance from their small town after being asked to pick her son up from school. From there, the story includes betrayals and reversals, a dead body, and the question soon to be asked by pretty much everyone: who is duping whom? But then, when you hear that the film is directed by Paul Feig (Ghostbusters: Answer the Call), it at least provides an explanation of why there's plenty of dark humor here as well. "Thrillers are my favorite thing to watch, because as an audience you're engaged, you're being pulled along, you're being surprised, and you're having the rug pulled out from under you occasionally,...
- 9/10/2018
- by Ed Gross
- Closer Weekly
By the third act of Paul Feig’s remarkably campy “A Simple Favor,” the cliches have piled up at such an alarming rate that it may prove best for audiences to start taking notes, just to keep track. There’s the haunted mansion, the boozed-out matriarch, the creepy religious summer camp, incest, a remarkable closet, a whole mess of drugs, blackmail, something about an abusive father, and those are just the bits that can be mentioned without unraveling the bigger pieces of a convoluted story that never rests.
However, such note-taking would amount to the most thinking the film will require of its audience, a late-season entry into the race of summer’s biggest “guilty pleasure,” a film that is both very entertaining and exceedingly stupid. No surprise here: The final moments all but scream, “Greenlight the sequel!”
And perhaps they should, because for all its bonkers plotting and knee-slapping line delivery,...
However, such note-taking would amount to the most thinking the film will require of its audience, a late-season entry into the race of summer’s biggest “guilty pleasure,” a film that is both very entertaining and exceedingly stupid. No surprise here: The final moments all but scream, “Greenlight the sequel!”
And perhaps they should, because for all its bonkers plotting and knee-slapping line delivery,...
- 9/9/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
With a jangle of French pop, Paul Feig’s suburban noir “A Simple Favor” begins. The detective is mommy blogger Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick). The case, as she tells her few thousand viewers, is her missing best friend Emily (Blake Lively), who vanished after asking Stephanie to watch her son (Ian Ho). The flashback tells the truth: Emily was no one’s friend. She was a bully, a drunk, and a narcissist. In this clever, knotty, and sporadically sexy thriller, flashbacks are the only thing that tell the truth, rushing to correct sidesteps and lies while the speaker is still talking, and even early on revealing a dark truth about Stephanie that suddenly exposes her character as not just a cardigan-clad Stepford caricature, but the Antigone of after-school snacks.
Paul Feig films are about women discovering they’re capable of summoning awesome, terrifying powers. They can become spies, bust ghosts,...
Paul Feig films are about women discovering they’re capable of summoning awesome, terrifying powers. They can become spies, bust ghosts,...
- 9/9/2018
- by Amy Nicholson
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Feig, lionized creator of the cult favorite “Freaks and Geeks,” director of female-driven box-office juggernauts “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat” and “Spy,” and helmer of iconic television series such as “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Mad Men,” strolls through his Burbank office in a pinstriped, two-piece Ralph Lauren suit. Normally, the perennially dapper Feig wears a three-piece suit — Anderson & Sheppard on London’s Savile Row is his go-to for bespoke tailoring — but, as the filmmaker notes, “we’re in the middle of a heat wave and even though this place is beautifully air conditioned, you step outside and it’s like a wet hot blanket on top of you.”
Feig brings this expertly curated aesthetic — his line of anti-bullying men’s wear for J. Crew sold out in a flash last year — to his latest feature, “A Simple Favor,” a darkly comic heroine-driven murder mystery in the vein of Hitchcock-meets-“Gone Girl” that premieres Sept.
Feig brings this expertly curated aesthetic — his line of anti-bullying men’s wear for J. Crew sold out in a flash last year — to his latest feature, “A Simple Favor,” a darkly comic heroine-driven murder mystery in the vein of Hitchcock-meets-“Gone Girl” that premieres Sept.
- 9/6/2018
- by Malina Saval
- Variety Film + TV
ReFrame, the coalition formed by Women in Film and the Sundance Institute, and IMDbPro have added 22 more titles to the list of movies earning the ReFrame Stamp, which recognize standout, gender-balanced films. The program launched June 8 with 12 films on the list from a group comprising the top 100 domestic-grossing films of 2017, with Warner Bros’ Wonder Woman, Universal’s Girls Trip, A24’s Lady Bird and Fox’s The Post among them.
The stamp progam has since been expanded to studio and independent films that have U.S. domestic theatrical or streaming distribution. Newcomers unveiled today include Warners’ recent hit Crazy Rich Asians, IFC’s Mary Shelley and Spc’s Glenn Close starrer The Wife among 2018 releases, and Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart and Justin Baldoni’s Five Feet Apart among 2019 pics. (See the full list of new films below.)
The stamp is intended as a mark of distinction for projects that have...
The stamp progam has since been expanded to studio and independent films that have U.S. domestic theatrical or streaming distribution. Newcomers unveiled today include Warners’ recent hit Crazy Rich Asians, IFC’s Mary Shelley and Spc’s Glenn Close starrer The Wife among 2018 releases, and Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart and Justin Baldoni’s Five Feet Apart among 2019 pics. (See the full list of new films below.)
The stamp is intended as a mark of distinction for projects that have...
- 8/28/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox’s “The Predator” should dominate the domestic box office with $25 million to $30 million in its opening weekend on Sept. 14-16, early tracking showed on Thursday.
The tracking services also showed that Lionsgate’s mystery thriller “A Simple Favor” will likely open between $12 million and $15 million that weekend, while Studio 8’s crime drama “White Boy Rick” has been pegged to launch between $5 million and $9 million with Sony handling the release. The newcomers will likely see strong competition from the second weekend of Warner Bros.’ horror entry “The Nun,” which is currently heading for a debut in the $32 million to $40 million range on Sept. 7-9.
Shane Black’s new installment of the “Predator” franchise follows the titular aliens, who return to Earth, now deadlier than ever before after taking the DNA of other species. Jacob Tremblay’s character accidentally triggers an alert that brings the Predators back to Earth.
Black...
The tracking services also showed that Lionsgate’s mystery thriller “A Simple Favor” will likely open between $12 million and $15 million that weekend, while Studio 8’s crime drama “White Boy Rick” has been pegged to launch between $5 million and $9 million with Sony handling the release. The newcomers will likely see strong competition from the second weekend of Warner Bros.’ horror entry “The Nun,” which is currently heading for a debut in the $32 million to $40 million range on Sept. 7-9.
Shane Black’s new installment of the “Predator” franchise follows the titular aliens, who return to Earth, now deadlier than ever before after taking the DNA of other species. Jacob Tremblay’s character accidentally triggers an alert that brings the Predators back to Earth.
Black...
- 8/23/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
This week, IndieWire is rolling out our annual fall preview, including the very best indie movies coming out this year, all the awards contenders you need to know about, and even some blockbuster fare that will please the most discerning viewers. Check back every day for a new look at the best the season has to offer. Be sure to check out our list of indie gems and festival favorites to see this season, too.
“A Simple Favor” (September 14)
Paul Feig has spent much of this decade directing films written by and starring women. Yet “A Simple Favor,” his latest example, hinges on more danger and intrigue than his signature comedies. Oscar and Tony nominee Anna Kendrick portrays Stephanie, a “mommy blogger” who idolizes, then befriends fellow parent Emily (Blake Lively), her glamorous, nonchalant opposite. Emily goes Mia after asking Stephanie to retrieve her son from school. Police locate what...
“A Simple Favor” (September 14)
Paul Feig has spent much of this decade directing films written by and starring women. Yet “A Simple Favor,” his latest example, hinges on more danger and intrigue than his signature comedies. Oscar and Tony nominee Anna Kendrick portrays Stephanie, a “mommy blogger” who idolizes, then befriends fellow parent Emily (Blake Lively), her glamorous, nonchalant opposite. Emily goes Mia after asking Stephanie to retrieve her son from school. Police locate what...
- 8/15/2018
- by Kate Erbland, David Ehrlich, Jude Dry, Michael Nordine and Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
The new teaser for A Simple Favor tells us it’s “from the darker side of director Paul Feig.” And his follow-up to Ghostbusters certainly is a left turn.
The film stars Anna Kendrick as Stephanie, a small-town mommy blogger whose new bestie Emily (Blake Lively) vanishes suddenly — after we hear a snippet of a phone call in which she says, “Stephanie, I need just a simple favor.” Next thing you know, the police are at the door.
So what happened? Where’d she go? That’s what the cops want to know, though they’re not getting many clues from the stylish, booze-soaked and cryptic trailer — visually, it’s something like James Bond meets Catch Me If You Can. One image gives new meaning to “stiletto heel.”
Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Jean Smart, Rupert Friend and Feig’s old Freeks & Geeks colleague Linda Cardellini co-star in the murder-mystery thriller scripted by Jessica Sharzer.
The film stars Anna Kendrick as Stephanie, a small-town mommy blogger whose new bestie Emily (Blake Lively) vanishes suddenly — after we hear a snippet of a phone call in which she says, “Stephanie, I need just a simple favor.” Next thing you know, the police are at the door.
So what happened? Where’d she go? That’s what the cops want to know, though they’re not getting many clues from the stylish, booze-soaked and cryptic trailer — visually, it’s something like James Bond meets Catch Me If You Can. One image gives new meaning to “stiletto heel.”
Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Jean Smart, Rupert Friend and Feig’s old Freeks & Geeks colleague Linda Cardellini co-star in the murder-mystery thriller scripted by Jessica Sharzer.
- 5/24/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Studio also dates Paul Feig thriller A Simple Favor.
Following a strong response from international buyers at the Efm in Berlin, Lionsgate has moved the Us launch of Summit Entertainment’s Robin Hood from September 21 to a November 21 Thanksgiving weekend slot.
Otto Bathurst directs Taron Egerton (The Kingsman franchise) in the lead role, alongside Jamie Foxx as Little John, Eve Hewson as Maid Marian, and cast members Jamie Dornan and Ben Mendelsohn.
Studio executives believe the film has strong four-quadrant appeal and is well suited to a holiday season commercial release.
Meanwhile Paul Feig’s thriller A Simple Favor has got a September 14 wide release date
Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively and Henry Golding star in the story about a vlogger and mother who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend’s sudden disappearance from their small town.
Jessica Sharzer wrote the screenplay.
Following a strong response from international buyers at the Efm in Berlin, Lionsgate has moved the Us launch of Summit Entertainment’s Robin Hood from September 21 to a November 21 Thanksgiving weekend slot.
Otto Bathurst directs Taron Egerton (The Kingsman franchise) in the lead role, alongside Jamie Foxx as Little John, Eve Hewson as Maid Marian, and cast members Jamie Dornan and Ben Mendelsohn.
Studio executives believe the film has strong four-quadrant appeal and is well suited to a holiday season commercial release.
Meanwhile Paul Feig’s thriller A Simple Favor has got a September 14 wide release date
Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively and Henry Golding star in the story about a vlogger and mother who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend’s sudden disappearance from their small town.
Jessica Sharzer wrote the screenplay.
- 2/26/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The original 1987 Dirty Dancing is a movie that worked against all odds. Eighties sensibility (and hairstyles and theme song) shoehorned into a Sixties nostalgia piece, a miniscule budget, a cast of unknowns, and a troubled production – not to mention a heroine named … Baby. And yet it positively crackled, thanks to Eleanor Bergstein's deeply personal script, crazy chemistry between leads Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, and the ethereal gyrations of the late, great Swayze.
So how do you re-create that magic? The short answer is: You don't. The long, much...
So how do you re-create that magic? The short answer is: You don't. The long, much...
- 5/25/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Paramount Pictures has acquired the thriller pitch Gasp for Jennifer Gibgot and Adam Shankman’s Offspring Entertainment. The script will be written by Mario Celaya, and American Horror Story‘s Jessica Sharzer will supervise the scribe and co-produce, with Gibgot and Shankman producing. Paramount’s Vanessa Joyce made the deal. The thriller premise is topical, even though the model is Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct. The pic is inspired by several true…...
- 2/8/2017
- Deadline
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