Joel Pearlman has stepped down from his role as CEO of Roadshow Films.
Pearlman has been with Village Roadshow for three decades. During his tenure, he oversaw a diverse slate of titles from partners including Warner Bros, Lionsgate, Village Roadshow Pictures, A24, FilmNation, Made Up Stories, and Arenamedia. Some of his credits in Anz include Harry Potter, Lord Of The Rings, Hunger Games, and The Dark Knight franchises.
Village Roadshow today said Pearlman was also instrumental in securing “strong strategic partnerships” for Village Roadshow, such as its investment in independent production, financing, and distribution company FilmNation. Village Roadshow owns a 31.03% stake in the company.
“My time at Village Roadshow has been such a remarkable chapter in my life and it is a bittersweet decision to move on to a new adventure,” Pearlman said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to have led this organization for many years and am...
Pearlman has been with Village Roadshow for three decades. During his tenure, he oversaw a diverse slate of titles from partners including Warner Bros, Lionsgate, Village Roadshow Pictures, A24, FilmNation, Made Up Stories, and Arenamedia. Some of his credits in Anz include Harry Potter, Lord Of The Rings, Hunger Games, and The Dark Knight franchises.
Village Roadshow today said Pearlman was also instrumental in securing “strong strategic partnerships” for Village Roadshow, such as its investment in independent production, financing, and distribution company FilmNation. Village Roadshow owns a 31.03% stake in the company.
“My time at Village Roadshow has been such a remarkable chapter in my life and it is a bittersweet decision to move on to a new adventure,” Pearlman said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to have led this organization for many years and am...
- 5/30/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Last Roadshow
Joel Pearlman, one of the best-known names in Australian cinema, is to step down from his role as CEO of Roadshow Films after 30 years with the Village Roadshow organization.
Pearlman’s tenure saw him oversee the organization as built a diverse slate from local and global studios, licensors, and production companies including Warner Bros, Lionsgate, Village Roadshow Pictures, A24, FilmNation, Made Up Stories and Arenamedia. He was also instrumental in Village Roadshow’s purchase of a 31% stake in financier and sales agent FilmNation and the establishment of television drama producer Roadshow Rough Diamond in association with John and Dan Edwards.
“It is a bittersweet decision to move on to a new adventure,” Pearlman said. “I am incredibly appreciative for the support from Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby, Village Roadshow chair Robert Kirby and also former CEO Graham Burke.”
Roadshow’s upcoming slate includes the Midnight Oil documentary “The Hardest Line,...
Joel Pearlman, one of the best-known names in Australian cinema, is to step down from his role as CEO of Roadshow Films after 30 years with the Village Roadshow organization.
Pearlman’s tenure saw him oversee the organization as built a diverse slate from local and global studios, licensors, and production companies including Warner Bros, Lionsgate, Village Roadshow Pictures, A24, FilmNation, Made Up Stories and Arenamedia. He was also instrumental in Village Roadshow’s purchase of a 31% stake in financier and sales agent FilmNation and the establishment of television drama producer Roadshow Rough Diamond in association with John and Dan Edwards.
“It is a bittersweet decision to move on to a new adventure,” Pearlman said. “I am incredibly appreciative for the support from Village Roadshow CEO Clark Kirby, Village Roadshow chair Robert Kirby and also former CEO Graham Burke.”
Roadshow’s upcoming slate includes the Midnight Oil documentary “The Hardest Line,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Animayo Gran Canaria’s top two winners this year, one from Iran, another Central American, touch on the same theme that is encapsulated in what a character says in Guatemalan Pablo León’s 2D animated short, “Remember Us,” winner of the festival’s best short film of Spanish-Speaking Nationality – Animation with Ñ.
“You fight your wars twice, first in the battlefield, then in your memory,” says the journalist in “Remember Us” who chronicles three stories of the civil war that tore El Salvador apart for 12 years.
“In the Shadow of the Cypress,” winner of Animayo’s Best International Short Film prize, centers on a war veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (Ptsd) who takes out his pent-up rage on his daughter until something unexpected washes up on the beach before their house.
With Animayo being the first and only animation festival in Spain designated a qualifying festival by the Academy...
“You fight your wars twice, first in the battlefield, then in your memory,” says the journalist in “Remember Us” who chronicles three stories of the civil war that tore El Salvador apart for 12 years.
“In the Shadow of the Cypress,” winner of Animayo’s Best International Short Film prize, centers on a war veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (Ptsd) who takes out his pent-up rage on his daughter until something unexpected washes up on the beach before their house.
With Animayo being the first and only animation festival in Spain designated a qualifying festival by the Academy...
- 5/27/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Production on Vin Diesel starrer Riddick: Furya has been scheduled to commence in Germany, Spain and the UK on August 26.
Rocket Science previously introduced the project to the market and has concluded key pre-sales. A UK deal will be announced shortly.
Sales have closed in: France (Metropolitan), Germany (Leonine), Spain and Latin America (Sun), Benelux (The Searchers), Poland (Kinoswiat), Canada (Elevation), Scandinavia (Scanbox), Portugal (Lusomundo), Switzerland (Ascot Elite), South Africa (Empire), Greece (Femeway), Middle East (Front Row), Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech/Slovak, Republic Former Yugoslavia (ProRom), Cis (Volga), and Thailand (Sahamongkhol).
CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
The...
Rocket Science previously introduced the project to the market and has concluded key pre-sales. A UK deal will be announced shortly.
Sales have closed in: France (Metropolitan), Germany (Leonine), Spain and Latin America (Sun), Benelux (The Searchers), Poland (Kinoswiat), Canada (Elevation), Scandinavia (Scanbox), Portugal (Lusomundo), Switzerland (Ascot Elite), South Africa (Empire), Greece (Femeway), Middle East (Front Row), Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech/Slovak, Republic Former Yugoslavia (ProRom), Cis (Volga), and Thailand (Sahamongkhol).
CAA Media Finance represents North American rights.
The...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Vin Diesel is set to enter production on Riddick: Furya, the anticipated fourth installment of the Riddick franchise, on August 26.
Shooting in Germany, Spain and the U.K., this follow-up to the sci-fi films Pitch Black (2000), The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) and Riddick (2013) reunites Diesel with writer-director David Twohy. Diesel reprises his role as the anti-hero Richard B. Riddick, a dangerous escaped convict wanted by every bounty hunter in the galaxy.
In Riddick: Furya, Riddick finally returns to his home world, a place he barely remembers and one he fears might be left in ruins. But there he finds other Furyans fighting for their existence against a new monster. And some of these Furyans are more like Riddick than he could have ever imagined.
Diesel will produce for One Race Films, alongside Samantha Vincent. Thorsten Schumacher for Rocket Science and Lars Sylvest for Thank You Studios will also produce alongside Joe Neurauter.
Shooting in Germany, Spain and the U.K., this follow-up to the sci-fi films Pitch Black (2000), The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) and Riddick (2013) reunites Diesel with writer-director David Twohy. Diesel reprises his role as the anti-hero Richard B. Riddick, a dangerous escaped convict wanted by every bounty hunter in the galaxy.
In Riddick: Furya, Riddick finally returns to his home world, a place he barely remembers and one he fears might be left in ruins. But there he finds other Furyans fighting for their existence against a new monster. And some of these Furyans are more like Riddick than he could have ever imagined.
Diesel will produce for One Race Films, alongside Samantha Vincent. Thorsten Schumacher for Rocket Science and Lars Sylvest for Thank You Studios will also produce alongside Joe Neurauter.
- 5/6/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount wasn’t messing around during their CinemaCon panel today, giving attendees previews of movies like Smile 2, Gladiator II, A Quiet Place: Day One, Transformers One, and If, revealing The Running Man casting news, and announcing several movies, including a live-action comedy from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Scary Movie 6, a Transformers / G.I. Joe crossover, and a live-action, R-rated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. They also unveiled several titles on their 2024 – 2026 slate, and we can’t possibly cover them all… so we have gone ahead and dropped the full list into this article. Scroll down to see what Paramount has in store for us over the next couple years.
If
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Written and Directed by: John Krasinski
Producers: Allyson Seeger, p.g.a., John Krasinski, p.g.a., Andrew Form, p.g.a., Ryan Reynolds
Executive Producers: John J. Kelly, George Dewey, Kimberly Nelson LoCascio
Cast: Cailey Fleming,...
If
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Written and Directed by: John Krasinski
Producers: Allyson Seeger, p.g.a., John Krasinski, p.g.a., Andrew Form, p.g.a., Ryan Reynolds
Executive Producers: John J. Kelly, George Dewey, Kimberly Nelson LoCascio
Cast: Cailey Fleming,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
A lively CinemaCon presentation closed out with spectacular first footage from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II as studio top brass mostly put speculation of mergers and acquisitions behind them to focus on a rich upcoming slate.
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025. There was no recorded segment of Cruise dangling from the International Space Station announcing the new title, and no sneak peaks.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins did however introduce a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal,...
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025. There was no recorded segment of Cruise dangling from the International Space Station announcing the new title, and no sneak peaks.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins did however introduce a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal,...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
A lively CinemaCon presentation closed out with spectacular first footage from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II as studio top brass mostly put speculation of mergers and acquisitions behind them to focus on a rich upcoming slate.
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins introduced a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Ahead of the November 22 release later this year, the...
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins introduced a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Ahead of the November 22 release later this year, the...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
After paying a reported $25m for North American rights to the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man, Paramount has set a December 25 exclusive release, expanding wide on January 17, 2025.
Paramount reportedly paid $25m for North American rights to the feature in early February and is building its stable of musicals or music-related films.
Bob Marley: One Love ranks number one in its second weekend on release in North America and has grossed $71m, while the Mean Girls musical ranked number one for three weekends in January and earned more than $72m.
Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman and produced Rocketman, directs Better Man,...
Paramount reportedly paid $25m for North American rights to the feature in early February and is building its stable of musicals or music-related films.
Bob Marley: One Love ranks number one in its second weekend on release in North America and has grossed $71m, while the Mean Girls musical ranked number one for three weekends in January and earned more than $72m.
Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman and produced Rocketman, directs Better Man,...
- 2/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount is polishing its crystal ball today and looking ahead at some of the films from the studio in the next few years. At least, that’s how it feels when Paramount earnings day comes along. The studio announced a 0.6% increase in stock today, with various release date announcements to whet investor’s whistles. Among the titles mentioned during today’s report, Paramount put dates on projects like Liam Neeson’s Naked Gun reboot, a sequel to 2023’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and more.
The Naked Gun reboot pratfalls into theaters on July 18, 2025, with Liam Neeson starring in the comedic role made famous by the late Leslie Neilsen. Akiva Schaffer directs, and executive produces the Naked Gun reboot, with Dan Gregor and Doug Man writing the script draft alongside Schaffer. One of the reasons this is exciting is that the trio partnered for the way-better-than-anticipated Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers film.
The Naked Gun reboot pratfalls into theaters on July 18, 2025, with Liam Neeson starring in the comedic role made famous by the late Leslie Neilsen. Akiva Schaffer directs, and executive produces the Naked Gun reboot, with Dan Gregor and Doug Man writing the script draft alongside Schaffer. One of the reasons this is exciting is that the trio partnered for the way-better-than-anticipated Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers film.
- 2/28/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Paramount dropped a slew of new release dates today. Chief of which is a Naked Gun reboot starring Liam Neeson is set for July 18, 2025. Akiva Schaffer will direct and executive produce. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer, with whom they partnered on the Primetime Emmy-winning film, Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. Project is based off the Naked Gun movies and Police Squad! TV series from Jim Abrahams & David Zucker & Jerry Zucker.
Of note, as Deadline told you first, the Robbie Williams original music feature, Better Man from filmmaker Michael Gracey is getting a Christmas Day release this year with an expansion over MLK weekend of Jan. 17, 2025.
On March 14, 2025 next year’s it’s Novocaine from filmmakers Robert Olsen and Dan Berk and starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder. High concept action movie...
Of note, as Deadline told you first, the Robbie Williams original music feature, Better Man from filmmaker Michael Gracey is getting a Christmas Day release this year with an expansion over MLK weekend of Jan. 17, 2025.
On March 14, 2025 next year’s it’s Novocaine from filmmakers Robert Olsen and Dan Berk and starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder. High concept action movie...
- 2/28/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Naked Gun reboot is about to make 2025 a good year.
Paramount Pictures announced release dates Wednesday for a number of upcoming films. This includes director Akiva Schaffer’s new untitled installment in the Naked Gun comedy franchise hitting theaters July 18, 2025. The movie, first announced back in 2022, stars Liam Neeson and includes Seth MacFarlane as a producer.
The studio also announced that Paw Patrol 3 will launch July 31, 2026, as a follow-up to the studio’s September sequel Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie that topped $200 million globally. The new film hails from Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies. Another animation feature — director Jeff Rowe’s Tmnt 2 — is set for Oct. 9, 2026, as a follow-up to the filmmaker’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which came out last August and collected $180 million worldwide.
Among other titles landing on the studio’s calendar is Novocaine starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder,...
Paramount Pictures announced release dates Wednesday for a number of upcoming films. This includes director Akiva Schaffer’s new untitled installment in the Naked Gun comedy franchise hitting theaters July 18, 2025. The movie, first announced back in 2022, stars Liam Neeson and includes Seth MacFarlane as a producer.
The studio also announced that Paw Patrol 3 will launch July 31, 2026, as a follow-up to the studio’s September sequel Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie that topped $200 million globally. The new film hails from Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies. Another animation feature — director Jeff Rowe’s Tmnt 2 — is set for Oct. 9, 2026, as a follow-up to the filmmaker’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which came out last August and collected $180 million worldwide.
Among other titles landing on the studio’s calendar is Novocaine starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A long-gestating reboot of the “Naked Gun” franchise with Liam Neeson is finally moving forward at Paramount, landing a release date of July 18, 2025.
The currently untitled project will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer, who co-wrote the draft script alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, reprising their partnership from the Emmy-winning film “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers.” Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. The new movie is based off the widely popular “Naked Gun” franchise and television series “Police Squad!” by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker.
Meanwhile, two successful animated franchises’ next films have also been added to Paramount’s release schedule. “Paw Patrol 3,” a Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Movies, is slated for July 31, 2026 with distribution from Paramount Pictures. The follow-up to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” from director Jeff Rowe and produced by Point Grey Pictures...
The currently untitled project will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer, who co-wrote the draft script alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, reprising their partnership from the Emmy-winning film “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers.” Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. The new movie is based off the widely popular “Naked Gun” franchise and television series “Police Squad!” by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker.
Meanwhile, two successful animated franchises’ next films have also been added to Paramount’s release schedule. “Paw Patrol 3,” a Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Movies, is slated for July 31, 2026 with distribution from Paramount Pictures. The follow-up to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” from director Jeff Rowe and produced by Point Grey Pictures...
- 2/28/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Buoyed by the overperformance of music-driven films Bob Marley: One Love and Mean Girls, Paramount Pictures has slotted Better Man for an exclusive qualifying release on December 25, followed by a wide theatrical release on January 17 in the heat of awards season. The film is an original musical by The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey, based on the life and music of singer Robbie Williams.
Paramount earlier this month made a $25 million commitment for North American rights to the film, one of the largest indie film rights deals in years. The studio believes it has a winner — it leaned into Bob Marley and the film has so far grossed north of $123M worldwide on a $70 million budget. The challenge on Better Man will come in the marketing: North America is about the only place on the planet where Williams is not a megastar singer, even though he spends most of his time in the U.
Paramount earlier this month made a $25 million commitment for North American rights to the film, one of the largest indie film rights deals in years. The studio believes it has a winner — it leaned into Bob Marley and the film has so far grossed north of $123M worldwide on a $70 million budget. The challenge on Better Man will come in the marketing: North America is about the only place on the planet where Williams is not a megastar singer, even though he spends most of his time in the U.
- 2/28/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Destin Daniel Cretton has signed on to direct a live-action film of classic manga Naruto. More on that below.
Live-action remakes are all the rage in Hollywood right now. Even 2016’s Moana is getting a live-action remake this year. Hollywood is also increasingly investing into live-action anime adaptation, the most recent one being Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender which premiered on 23rd February.
Now, Variety reports that Shang-Chi And The Legend Of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton has signed a deal with Lionsgate to direct a live-action film adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s classic manga Naruto.
The long-running manga series follows teenage ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader and protector of his village.
There has been a Naruto TV series and a whopping 11 theatrical films in the manga’s native Japan. The Hollywood version was announced back in 2015 and was originally supposed...
Live-action remakes are all the rage in Hollywood right now. Even 2016’s Moana is getting a live-action remake this year. Hollywood is also increasingly investing into live-action anime adaptation, the most recent one being Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender which premiered on 23rd February.
Now, Variety reports that Shang-Chi And The Legend Of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton has signed a deal with Lionsgate to direct a live-action film adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto’s classic manga Naruto.
The long-running manga series follows teenage ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader and protector of his village.
There has been a Naruto TV series and a whopping 11 theatrical films in the manga’s native Japan. The Hollywood version was announced back in 2015 and was originally supposed...
- 2/26/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
A live-action Naruto film has been in the works at Lionsgate for the better part of a decade, and now the studio announced that the adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto's hit Shonen Jump manga has a new writer and director. Destin Daniel Cretton—director of Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings —is on board to handle both duties for the production. Kishimoto had the following to say about the announcement, via Variety : “When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for ‘Naruto.’ After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for ‘Naruto.' “In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who...
- 2/23/2024
- by Joseph Luster
- Crunchyroll
Lionsgate has closed a deal with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” director Destin Daniel Cretton to write and direct a live-action film adaptation of the manga classic “Naruto.” The announcement was made today by Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
The movie will be based on the manga created by Masashi Kishimoto. “Naruto” has printed over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. It follows adolescent ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming his community’s protector and leader known as the village ninja.
“It was a true honor to meet Kishimoto-san in Tokyo and hear his expansive vision for his creation,” said Cretton. “We are very excited to collaborate and bring ‘Naruto’ to the big screen.”
Masashi Kishimoto said, “When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he...
The movie will be based on the manga created by Masashi Kishimoto. “Naruto” has printed over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories. It follows adolescent ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming his community’s protector and leader known as the village ninja.
“It was a true honor to meet Kishimoto-san in Tokyo and hear his expansive vision for his creation,” said Cretton. “We are very excited to collaborate and bring ‘Naruto’ to the big screen.”
Masashi Kishimoto said, “When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he...
- 2/23/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount received the best Valentine’s Day gift any studio could hope for when Bob Marley: One Love, the biopic about the legendary Jamaican musician, set a new midweek record for the holiday when jamming to $14 million and besting the $11.5 million grossed by The Vow in 2012.
But Valentine’s Day turned out to be only a warm-up act as the film transformed into an all-audience box office sensation in another win for the music biopic boom sweeping Hollywood. Iconic music artists — of which there is no shortage — are providing studios with much-needed IP as tried and true genres, namely superhero movies, lose their singing powers. Barely a week goes by without a new major studio project being announced, including this week’s news that Sony and Sam Mendes are embarking on an ambitious magical mystery tour that will see each of the four Beatles get their own feature film, all...
But Valentine’s Day turned out to be only a warm-up act as the film transformed into an all-audience box office sensation in another win for the music biopic boom sweeping Hollywood. Iconic music artists — of which there is no shortage — are providing studios with much-needed IP as tried and true genres, namely superhero movies, lose their singing powers. Barely a week goes by without a new major studio project being announced, including this week’s news that Sony and Sam Mendes are embarking on an ambitious magical mystery tour that will see each of the four Beatles get their own feature film, all...
- 2/21/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sundance dealmaking was buoyant, the awards season is coming to a head with a number of critically acclaimed movies having done well at the box office, and apparently peak TV is over. Whisper it quietly, but after years of movies being almost a dirty word compared to the lustre of TV, is independent theatrical film staging a comeback?
If the turbocharged and upbeat European Film Market (EFM) — which officially got underway today in Berlin, but has been in swing for a while — is anything to go by, the indie sales and production sectors are in decent health, at least.
Things were looking up even before the market. A week ago we broke news of the biggest North American deal in years for an indie movie when Paramount stumped up around $25M for Michael Gracey’s Better Man with a big theatrical commitment. “That gives you hope,” one movie financier texted at the time.
If the turbocharged and upbeat European Film Market (EFM) — which officially got underway today in Berlin, but has been in swing for a while — is anything to go by, the indie sales and production sectors are in decent health, at least.
Things were looking up even before the market. A week ago we broke news of the biggest North American deal in years for an indie movie when Paramount stumped up around $25M for Michael Gracey’s Better Man with a big theatrical commitment. “That gives you hope,” one movie financier texted at the time.
- 2/15/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
In a huge deal for a film originating in the independent marketplace, Paramount Pictures sources have confirmed the studio’s acquisition of North American rights to the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man.
Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman and produced Rocketman, will direct the film about the life of the former Take That band member who went on to become a solo star.
Paramount is eying an end of year theatrical release after negotiating the deal with CAA Media Finance and reportedly paying $25m. Rocket Science has sold out international rights.
The Better Man deal comes as Paramount continues...
Michael Gracey, who directed The Greatest Showman and produced Rocketman, will direct the film about the life of the former Take That band member who went on to become a solo star.
Paramount is eying an end of year theatrical release after negotiating the deal with CAA Media Finance and reportedly paying $25m. Rocket Science has sold out international rights.
The Better Man deal comes as Paramount continues...
- 2/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Paramount Pictures has stepped up for a $25 million commitment for North American theatrical rights to Better Man, a fantastical original musical directed by Michael Gracey, helmer of the blockbuster musical The Greatest Showman. The film is about the unlikely rise of celebrated singer-songwriter Robbie Williams.
The deal marks the year’s biggest North American deal for an independent film in years, and Paramount is going to give it a full theatrical release, eyeing later this year. Studio is coming off the success of Mean Girls, which led the box office last month and grossed $92 million worldwide so far. It also is aggressively rolling out globally Bob Marley: One Love, a film that bows February 14, as Paramount leans into films in the musical space.
Rolling out Better Man late in the year gives the studio plenty of time to address a challenge in the U.S. and Canada for the conundrum that is Robbie Williams.
The deal marks the year’s biggest North American deal for an independent film in years, and Paramount is going to give it a full theatrical release, eyeing later this year. Studio is coming off the success of Mean Girls, which led the box office last month and grossed $92 million worldwide so far. It also is aggressively rolling out globally Bob Marley: One Love, a film that bows February 14, as Paramount leans into films in the musical space.
Rolling out Better Man late in the year gives the studio plenty of time to address a challenge in the U.S. and Canada for the conundrum that is Robbie Williams.
- 2/6/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Chiara Gelardin has rejoined UK independent studio Rocket Science, as managing director.
Gelardin, who worked at Rocket Science from 2016 to 2021 as director of sales, will now be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at the company, working with COO Levi Woodward to lead the team, spearhead business development and drive the company’s vision.
Prior to joining Rocket Science in 2016, Gelardin was director of sales at HanWay Films. She has worked in business affairs at Recorded Picture Company and Momentum Pictures; is a qualified barrister; and a systemic coach working with individuals and organisations.
“Chiara has great relationships in the industry,...
Gelardin, who worked at Rocket Science from 2016 to 2021 as director of sales, will now be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at the company, working with COO Levi Woodward to lead the team, spearhead business development and drive the company’s vision.
Prior to joining Rocket Science in 2016, Gelardin was director of sales at HanWay Films. She has worked in business affairs at Recorded Picture Company and Momentum Pictures; is a qualified barrister; and a systemic coach working with individuals and organisations.
“Chiara has great relationships in the industry,...
- 1/24/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK sales firm Rocket Science has bolstered its team with the return of Chiara Gelardin, who has been appointed Managing Director.
In her new role, Gelardin will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, and working with COO Levi Woodward to lead the team and spearhead business development.
The London-based exec previously served as Director of Sales at Rocket Science from 2016-21, where her responsibilities included international sales, business affairs and facilitating production loan closings. Prior to that she was Director of Sales at HanWay Films and also held Business Affairs roles at Recorded Picture Company and Momentum Pictures. She is a qualified barrister-at-law and a systemic coach.
Rocket Science has Michael Gracey’s Robbie Williams biopic Better Man finishing post-production, Ali Abassi’s The Apprentice and Peter Cataneo’s The Penguin Lessons both recently wrapping principal photography, and the independently financed reboot of Cliffhanger, which is aiming to shoot later in the year.
In her new role, Gelardin will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, and working with COO Levi Woodward to lead the team and spearhead business development.
The London-based exec previously served as Director of Sales at Rocket Science from 2016-21, where her responsibilities included international sales, business affairs and facilitating production loan closings. Prior to that she was Director of Sales at HanWay Films and also held Business Affairs roles at Recorded Picture Company and Momentum Pictures. She is a qualified barrister-at-law and a systemic coach.
Rocket Science has Michael Gracey’s Robbie Williams biopic Better Man finishing post-production, Ali Abassi’s The Apprentice and Peter Cataneo’s The Penguin Lessons both recently wrapping principal photography, and the independently financed reboot of Cliffhanger, which is aiming to shoot later in the year.
- 1/24/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
In a surprising turn of events, the long-anticipated live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series, Naruto, has finally received a significant update nearly 10 years after its initial announcement.
Lionsgate announced the live-action Naruto movie back in July 2015, and fans got confirmation of the collaboration between Lionsgate, director Michael Gracey, and manga creator Masashi Kishimoto during the Jump Festa event in 2016. However, updates on the project were scarce, leaving fans in the dark for several years.
Despite sitting on the upcoming slate for an extended period, the film was confirmed to be actively in development in 2021, and in 2023, Lionsgate declared that the project was being fast-tracked with Masashi Kishimoto co-developing the film.
Recently breaking the silence surrounding the project, the live-action Naruto movie now has a new screenwriter, Tasha Huo. Known for her work on the upcoming Red Sonja and Tomb Raider adaptations, Huo brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Lionsgate announced the live-action Naruto movie back in July 2015, and fans got confirmation of the collaboration between Lionsgate, director Michael Gracey, and manga creator Masashi Kishimoto during the Jump Festa event in 2016. However, updates on the project were scarce, leaving fans in the dark for several years.
Despite sitting on the upcoming slate for an extended period, the film was confirmed to be actively in development in 2021, and in 2023, Lionsgate declared that the project was being fast-tracked with Masashi Kishimoto co-developing the film.
Recently breaking the silence surrounding the project, the live-action Naruto movie now has a new screenwriter, Tasha Huo. Known for her work on the upcoming Red Sonja and Tomb Raider adaptations, Huo brings a wealth of experience to the table.
- 11/27/2023
- by John Berty
- Anime Alert
The anime world is buzzing with excitement as Tasha Huo, renowned for her work on ‘Red Sonja’ and the ‘Tomb Raider’ animated series, has been announced to take on the script for Lionsgate’s live-action ‘Naruto‘ movie. This revelation came from Variety’s ‘10 Screenwriters to Watch for 2023,’ highlighting Huo’s rising prominence in the industry.
Lionsgate’s journey to adapt ‘Naruto’ has been a long and evolving process. The Tracking Board Hollywood news website first broke the news in 2015 that Lionsgate had secured the rights for the manga’s live-action film adaptation. They were in talks with Michael Gracey, known for directing ‘The Greatest Showman,’ to helm the project. A year later, at the Jump Festa event, it was confirmed that Lionsgate and Gracey were working on the film with the involvement of Masashi Kishimoto, the original creator of ‘Naruto.’
The production has seen various key figures involved over the years.
Lionsgate’s journey to adapt ‘Naruto’ has been a long and evolving process. The Tracking Board Hollywood news website first broke the news in 2015 that Lionsgate had secured the rights for the manga’s live-action film adaptation. They were in talks with Michael Gracey, known for directing ‘The Greatest Showman,’ to helm the project. A year later, at the Jump Festa event, it was confirmed that Lionsgate and Gracey were working on the film with the involvement of Masashi Kishimoto, the original creator of ‘Naruto.’
The production has seen various key figures involved over the years.
- 11/27/2023
- by Hrvoje Milakovic
- Fiction Horizon
Naruto‘s live-action adaptation is likely coming soon!
If you didn’t know, Naruto chronicles the life of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks to become the leader of his village.
The popular manga and anime series has now made progress on its upcoming project, which follows decades of films and TV shows based on the books.
Keep reading to find out more…
Tasha Huo, who previously developed scripts for animated versions of Naruto and Tomb Raider, will write the script for Naruto‘s live-action adaptation, Variety reports.
The movie will be produced by Lionsgate.
Initial reports of a live-action Naruto film arose in 2015. At the time, Michael Gracey was slated to direct, but it isn’t clear if he is still attached to the project.
Find out the 10 highest-grossing anime movies of all time!
If you didn’t know, Naruto chronicles the life of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks to become the leader of his village.
The popular manga and anime series has now made progress on its upcoming project, which follows decades of films and TV shows based on the books.
Keep reading to find out more…
Tasha Huo, who previously developed scripts for animated versions of Naruto and Tomb Raider, will write the script for Naruto‘s live-action adaptation, Variety reports.
The movie will be produced by Lionsgate.
Initial reports of a live-action Naruto film arose in 2015. At the time, Michael Gracey was slated to direct, but it isn’t clear if he is still attached to the project.
Find out the 10 highest-grossing anime movies of all time!
- 11/26/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
While Greta Gerwig’s girl-power blockbuster “Barbie” is ruling over the French box office, another much younger female-led franchise, “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” has managed to pull approximately €8 million ($8.9 million) at the local B.O., from more than 1.1 million tickets, since bowing on July 5.
Budgeted around $80 million and directed by Jeremy Zag, “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” ranks as one of France’s most ambitious animated films to date.
Featuring eight original songs and a postcard-worthy Parisian backdrop, the musical film broke ground as the first female-powered superhero movie set in the French capital. Even as it faces stiff competition from “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” has enough legs to match or surpass recent non-u.S. animated hits such as “Ballerina,” which sold 1.8 million tickets in France. It garnered 318,144 admissions on its opening day in theaters, a record for a French animated film. In Germany, the...
Budgeted around $80 million and directed by Jeremy Zag, “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” ranks as one of France’s most ambitious animated films to date.
Featuring eight original songs and a postcard-worthy Parisian backdrop, the musical film broke ground as the first female-powered superhero movie set in the French capital. Even as it faces stiff competition from “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” has enough legs to match or surpass recent non-u.S. animated hits such as “Ballerina,” which sold 1.8 million tickets in France. It garnered 318,144 admissions on its opening day in theaters, a record for a French animated film. In Germany, the...
- 7/24/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Clockwise from left: Beyond The Sea (Lionsgate), Blonde (Netflix), The Conqueror (Rko Radio Pictures), Gotti (Vertical Entertainment)Photo: The A.V. Club
Ever since Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in a blaze of color-tinted flames in George Méliès 1900 drama Joan Of Arc, biographical films, or biopics, have dramatized the lives of real-life people.
Ever since Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in a blaze of color-tinted flames in George Méliès 1900 drama Joan Of Arc, biographical films, or biopics, have dramatized the lives of real-life people.
- 7/19/2023
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
Exclusive: Vin Diesel and David Twohy are reuniting for Riddick: Furya, the fourth installment of the action series that launched with the 2000 hit Pitch Black.
Twohy will direct his script. Diesel will star and produce under his One Race Films banner alongside Samantha Vincent, who will also produce.
Rocket Science and CAA Media Finance will launch worldwide sales at this week’s EFM.
In the new film, Riddick finally returns to his home world of Furya, a place he barely remembers and one he fears might be left in ruins by the Necromongers. But there he finds other Furyans fighting for their existence against a new enemy. And some of these Furyans are more like Riddick than he could have ever imagined.
Diesel and Twohy followed Pitch Black with 2004’s The Chronicles of Riddick, and 2013’s Riddick.
“Our legion fans have demanded it for years, and now we’re finally...
Twohy will direct his script. Diesel will star and produce under his One Race Films banner alongside Samantha Vincent, who will also produce.
Rocket Science and CAA Media Finance will launch worldwide sales at this week’s EFM.
In the new film, Riddick finally returns to his home world of Furya, a place he barely remembers and one he fears might be left in ruins by the Necromongers. But there he finds other Furyans fighting for their existence against a new enemy. And some of these Furyans are more like Riddick than he could have ever imagined.
Diesel and Twohy followed Pitch Black with 2004’s The Chronicles of Riddick, and 2013’s Riddick.
“Our legion fans have demanded it for years, and now we’re finally...
- 2/11/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Steve Coogan is set to star in The Penguin Lessons, with The Full Monty’s Peter Cattaneo to direct the Jeff Pope-scripted adaptation of the Tom Michell nonfiction bestseller.
The management/production company 42 partners Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh will produce alongside Robert Walak. Rocket Science is handling international sales and will introduce the film at the European Film Market, with CAA Media Finance repping U.S. distribution rights.
The Penguin Lessons is the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, he discovered instead a complicated and divided nation – and a class of practically unteachable young boys. When he finds a small penguin washed up on an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside down – and the penguin becomes not only a valued friend, but also a teacher of life’s most important lessons, for Tom,...
The management/production company 42 partners Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh will produce alongside Robert Walak. Rocket Science is handling international sales and will introduce the film at the European Film Market, with CAA Media Finance repping U.S. distribution rights.
The Penguin Lessons is the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, he discovered instead a complicated and divided nation – and a class of practically unteachable young boys. When he finds a small penguin washed up on an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside down – and the penguin becomes not only a valued friend, but also a teacher of life’s most important lessons, for Tom,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Cast includes Anthony Carrigan.
Evan Rachel Wood, Josh Gad and Anthony Carrigan will star in Alex Winter’s The Adults, on which CAA Media Finance is arranging financing and Rocket Science will launch international sales at the EFM next week.
The feature follows a sister and brother who are barely hanging on in present-day America and whose lives are upended when they discover a body buried in their parent’s basement.
Winter, Scott Kroopf of Many Rivers Productions and Russell Hollander are producing and the executive producers are Connie Tavel. Novellist Michael M.B. Galvin wrote the screenplay.
CAA Media Finance represents US rights.
Evan Rachel Wood, Josh Gad and Anthony Carrigan will star in Alex Winter’s The Adults, on which CAA Media Finance is arranging financing and Rocket Science will launch international sales at the EFM next week.
The feature follows a sister and brother who are barely hanging on in present-day America and whose lives are upended when they discover a body buried in their parent’s basement.
Winter, Scott Kroopf of Many Rivers Productions and Russell Hollander are producing and the executive producers are Connie Tavel. Novellist Michael M.B. Galvin wrote the screenplay.
CAA Media Finance represents US rights.
- 2/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Elton John’s biopic, Rocketman, debuted to critical and commercial acclaim. Since its release, many fans have been trying to figure out which parts of Rocketman are facts, and which parts are fiction. Interestingly, Rocketman had been in development since the early 2000s. Director Michael Gracey was attached to direct it, and Tom Hardy was originally set to star as the lead. However, both Gracey and Hardy left in 2014, and the project was put on hold until Paramount Pictures and New Republic Pictures took over in April 2018. With filmmaker Dexter Fletcher at the helm, Rocketman was titled after John’s
How Much of Elton John’s ‘Rocketman’ Is Accurate?...
How Much of Elton John’s ‘Rocketman’ Is Accurate?...
- 1/21/2023
- by kgayle
- TVovermind.com
Record expenditure reported for the year to end of June 2022.
Australia’s production boom grew to a record 1.47bn (A2.29bn) spent on drama features and series in the year to June 2022.
According to the annual ‘Drama Report’, published by Screen Australia, a record 977m (A1.51bn) was spent on Australian titles and 503m (A777) on international productions during the 12-month period from 2021-2022.
This comprised 24 Australian theatrical features; 62 Australian TV and VOD drama titles; 11 Australian children’s titles; and 65 international projects.
Screen Australia chief executive Graeme Mason told Screen he was pleased two-thirds of expenditure went on Australian titles.
Australia’s production boom grew to a record 1.47bn (A2.29bn) spent on drama features and series in the year to June 2022.
According to the annual ‘Drama Report’, published by Screen Australia, a record 977m (A1.51bn) was spent on Australian titles and 503m (A777) on international productions during the 12-month period from 2021-2022.
This comprised 24 Australian theatrical features; 62 Australian TV and VOD drama titles; 11 Australian children’s titles; and 65 international projects.
Screen Australia chief executive Graeme Mason told Screen he was pleased two-thirds of expenditure went on Australian titles.
- 11/10/2022
- by Sandy George
- ScreenDaily
Robbie Williams has opened up about the forthcoming biopic Better Man.
The former Take That singer will star as himself in the film, which is due to be released next year.
Directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey, Better Man will also feature fictionalised depictions of his Take That bandmates Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Jason Orange.
According to Williams, a Take That reunion is very much on the cards, but it may depend on how his former bandmates react to the biopic.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “How [the band] receive it will have a lot to do with what happens next. If this film was my life from 2010 to 2022, it would be a love letter to Gary Barlow. But I speak in the film how I thought when I was 16, 17, 18.
“We have a very complicated relationship, me and the boys. A loving and jovial relationship, but...
The former Take That singer will star as himself in the film, which is due to be released next year.
Directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey, Better Man will also feature fictionalised depictions of his Take That bandmates Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Jason Orange.
According to Williams, a Take That reunion is very much on the cards, but it may depend on how his former bandmates react to the biopic.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “How [the band] receive it will have a lot to do with what happens next. If this film was my life from 2010 to 2022, it would be a love letter to Gary Barlow. But I speak in the film how I thought when I was 16, 17, 18.
“We have a very complicated relationship, me and the boys. A loving and jovial relationship, but...
- 9/11/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
The “History of a Pleasure Seeker” pilot is not moving forward and will not be be picked up to series at Hulu, Variety has learned exclusively.
The show was first ordered to pilot at the streaming service back in March 2022. It was based on the Richard Mason novel of the same name. Per the official logline, the show was a musical drama “set in Amsterdam in 1907, a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.”
The cast for the pilot included Carla Woodcock, Callum Kerr, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Olumide Olorunfemi, and Bebe Bettencourt.
“History of a Pleasure Seeker” was based on the Richard Mason novel of the same name. Mason adapted the novel for the screen and also served as an executive producer. Julie Anne Robinson directed and executive produced the pilot. Christopher Read executive produced in addition to serving as composer.
The show was first ordered to pilot at the streaming service back in March 2022. It was based on the Richard Mason novel of the same name. Per the official logline, the show was a musical drama “set in Amsterdam in 1907, a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.”
The cast for the pilot included Carla Woodcock, Callum Kerr, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Olumide Olorunfemi, and Bebe Bettencourt.
“History of a Pleasure Seeker” was based on the Richard Mason novel of the same name. Mason adapted the novel for the screen and also served as an executive producer. Julie Anne Robinson directed and executive produced the pilot. Christopher Read executive produced in addition to serving as composer.
- 9/2/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is in production on a documentary series about British pop singer and former Take That member, Robbie Williams.
The multi-part series will launch in 2023 and promises to be an “unfiltered, in-depth examination of a global icon and natural-born-entertainer who had to navigate the highs and lows of being in the limelight for more than 30 years.”
The series will cover Williams navigating media scrutiny throughout his career, as well as addiction, professional and personal break-ups, reunions, recovery and the impact all of this has had on the performer’s mental health.
Featuring 25 years’ worth of intimate, never-before-seen archive, and exclusive access to Williams, Netflix says the project will be a definitive series on the musician and a “no-holds-barred look” that will reveal a more nuanced and multifaceted Williams.
The series is directed by Joe Pearlman (“Bros: After the Screaming Stops”) and executive produced by Oscar-winning “Amy” director Asif Kapadia.
Also executive producing is Dominic Crossley-Holland.
The multi-part series will launch in 2023 and promises to be an “unfiltered, in-depth examination of a global icon and natural-born-entertainer who had to navigate the highs and lows of being in the limelight for more than 30 years.”
The series will cover Williams navigating media scrutiny throughout his career, as well as addiction, professional and personal break-ups, reunions, recovery and the impact all of this has had on the performer’s mental health.
Featuring 25 years’ worth of intimate, never-before-seen archive, and exclusive access to Williams, Netflix says the project will be a definitive series on the musician and a “no-holds-barred look” that will reveal a more nuanced and multifaceted Williams.
The series is directed by Joe Pearlman (“Bros: After the Screaming Stops”) and executive produced by Oscar-winning “Amy” director Asif Kapadia.
Also executive producing is Dominic Crossley-Holland.
- 8/25/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The ensemble for Jeff Nichols next feature film is continuing to grow as sources tell Deadline Michael Shannon, Boyd Holbrook and Damon Herriman have joined The Bikeriders at New Regency. Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy are already on board. Nichols will direct the pic, which is a fictional story inspired by the photography of Danny Lyon and his 1967 book The Bikeriders.
Sarah Green and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones are producing through Tri-State, the company they share with Nichols, alongside New Regency. Fred Berger is executive producing.
The film is an original story set in the 1960s following the rise of a fictional Midwestern motorcycle club. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.
Shannon and Nichols are thick as thieves...
Sarah Green and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones are producing through Tri-State, the company they share with Nichols, alongside New Regency. Fred Berger is executive producing.
The film is an original story set in the 1960s following the rise of a fictional Midwestern motorcycle club. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.
Shannon and Nichols are thick as thieves...
- 8/17/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: On the heels of us revealing their Katy Perry animated musical Melody, The Trial Of The Chicago 7 and The Pale Blue Eye outfit Cross Creek Pictures and animation specialist Zag have set an agreement to develop and produce a slate of ten animated, live-action and hybrid format features, the majority of which will be musicals.
Among the new projects is a collaboration with Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, with whom Zag and Cross Creek are also working on Melody.
The pact has been struck by Jeremy Zag, founder and CEO of LA and Paris-based Zag, and Tyler Thompson, producer, Cross Creek Pictures. Zag was at French animation festival Annecy this week to discuss the pact and other projects.
In addition to the Jeremy Zag-created and directed Melody, Zag and Cross Creek previously collaborated on big-budget upcoming animated musical Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie –the...
Among the new projects is a collaboration with Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman, with whom Zag and Cross Creek are also working on Melody.
The pact has been struck by Jeremy Zag, founder and CEO of LA and Paris-based Zag, and Tyler Thompson, producer, Cross Creek Pictures. Zag was at French animation festival Annecy this week to discuss the pact and other projects.
In addition to the Jeremy Zag-created and directed Melody, Zag and Cross Creek previously collaborated on big-budget upcoming animated musical Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir: The Movie –the...
- 6/17/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ato Blankson-Wood, star of Jeremy O. Harris’ Broadway show Slave Play, is the latest star added to Hulu’s musical pilot History of a Pleasure Seeker.
Blankson-Wood joins leads Carla Woodcock and Callum Kerr, Lesley-Ann Brandt, who Deadline revealed earlier this week, and Olumide Olorunfemi and Bebe Bettencourt in the project.
The project, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel, is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure and a gift for finding it. When his mother dies, Piet applies for a job as tutor to the troubled son of Europe’s leading hotelier – a child who refuses to leave his family’s mansion on one of Amsterdam’s grandest canals.
Blankson-Wood joins leads Carla Woodcock and Callum Kerr, Lesley-Ann Brandt, who Deadline revealed earlier this week, and Olumide Olorunfemi and Bebe Bettencourt in the project.
The project, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel, is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure and a gift for finding it. When his mother dies, Piet applies for a job as tutor to the troubled son of Europe’s leading hotelier – a child who refuses to leave his family’s mansion on one of Amsterdam’s grandest canals.
- 5/26/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lucifer’s Lesley-Ann Brandt is joining Hulu musical pilot History of a Pleasure Seeker.
The project, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel, is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure and a gift for finding it. When his mother dies, Piet applies for a job as tutor to the troubled son of Europe’s leading hotelier – a child who refuses to leave his family’s mansion on one of Amsterdam’s grandest canals. As Piet enters this glittering world, he learns its secrets and finds his life transformed.
Brandt will play Jacobina in the project. Powerful, beautiful and always in control, Jacobina has achieved everything her privileged childhood taught her to wish for.
The project, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel, is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure and a gift for finding it. When his mother dies, Piet applies for a job as tutor to the troubled son of Europe’s leading hotelier – a child who refuses to leave his family’s mansion on one of Amsterdam’s grandest canals. As Piet enters this glittering world, he learns its secrets and finds his life transformed.
Brandt will play Jacobina in the project. Powerful, beautiful and always in control, Jacobina has achieved everything her privileged childhood taught her to wish for.
- 5/24/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rocket Science has boarded worldwide sales on The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez, a film lifting the veil on one of surfing’s most enigmatic heroes, which will be introduced to potential buyers at the 2022 Cannes Market.
While most famously known as “Mr. Pipeline” for his mastery of one of the most dangerous waves in surfing, Gerry Lopez wrestled with a profound internal conflict; his fight to become the best surfer in the world with his dedication to yoga and Buddhist teachings. Gerry’s aggressive, unscrupulous surfing was in stark contrast to his calm demeanor in the tube. And this Zelig-like quality made Gerry wholly unique.
Gerry Lopez is as Zen as he is radical, and he transcends categorization. He’s an apex predator in the surf, one of the most influential surfers and surfboard shapers of all time, an entrepreneur, a family man, a movie star and a lifelong yogi.
While most famously known as “Mr. Pipeline” for his mastery of one of the most dangerous waves in surfing, Gerry Lopez wrestled with a profound internal conflict; his fight to become the best surfer in the world with his dedication to yoga and Buddhist teachings. Gerry’s aggressive, unscrupulous surfing was in stark contrast to his calm demeanor in the tube. And this Zelig-like quality made Gerry wholly unique.
Gerry Lopez is as Zen as he is radical, and he transcends categorization. He’s an apex predator in the surf, one of the most influential surfers and surfboard shapers of all time, an entrepreneur, a family man, a movie star and a lifelong yogi.
- 5/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Principal photography has begun on Better Man, and Deadline has the first image from production. This is the musical feature film based on the life of singer Robbie Williams, with Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey at the helm. Gracey’s debut film, The Greatest Showman, grossed over 435M at the global box office.
Williams makes his feature debut playing one of the iterations of himself, of which there are several. Another is played by rising UK star Jonno Davies, who plays Williams throughout his younger adult life, with British stage and screen veterans Steve Pemberton and Alison Steadman. The film’s Australian cast includes Damon Herriman (Judy & Punch), Kate Mulvany (Elvis) and Anthony Hayes (War Machine).
Currently filming in Melbourne, Australia, Better Man is an introspective look at the rise, fall and resurrection of UK superstar Robbie Williams,...
Williams makes his feature debut playing one of the iterations of himself, of which there are several. Another is played by rising UK star Jonno Davies, who plays Williams throughout his younger adult life, with British stage and screen veterans Steve Pemberton and Alison Steadman. The film’s Australian cast includes Damon Herriman (Judy & Punch), Kate Mulvany (Elvis) and Anthony Hayes (War Machine).
Currently filming in Melbourne, Australia, Better Man is an introspective look at the rise, fall and resurrection of UK superstar Robbie Williams,...
- 5/10/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Singer/songwriter Katy Perry will star as the title character in Melody, an animated musical feature created, directed and produced by Jeremy Zag. Cross Creek’s Tyler Thompson will produce alongside Perry, Zag and Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman director who helmed the upcoming big budget animated film Ladybug & Cat Noir Awakening, done by Zag’s Zagtoons.
Zag is also the director, producer and creator of the Miraculous Ladybug universe.
In this musical adventure, Melody is a kind-hearted, insecure singer who must overcome the evil plans of Rose Stellar, a jealous wicked pop queen who has vowed to destroy her. Set against the backdrop of New York City, Melody will take audiences on an adventure of song, laughter and heroic quest. In her arsenal, Melody has seven musical notes that set her apart and have magical qualities and help guide her moral compass. Perry is writing and performing songs for the film,...
Zag is also the director, producer and creator of the Miraculous Ladybug universe.
In this musical adventure, Melody is a kind-hearted, insecure singer who must overcome the evil plans of Rose Stellar, a jealous wicked pop queen who has vowed to destroy her. Set against the backdrop of New York City, Melody will take audiences on an adventure of song, laughter and heroic quest. In her arsenal, Melody has seven musical notes that set her apart and have magical qualities and help guide her moral compass. Perry is writing and performing songs for the film,...
- 5/10/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Singer Robbie Williams joked he didn’t “condone” director Michael Gracey’s decision for lead actor Jonno Davies to have to get n*de in his upcoming biopic ‘Better Man’ but said the film won’t hold anything back when it comes to his wild past. Speaking at a question and answer session with fans in Melbourne, Australia, The […]...
- 5/4/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
The Hulu musical drama pilot “History of a Pleasure Seeker” has added Olumide Olorunfemi and Bebe Bettencourt to its cast, Variety has learned.
The pair join previously announced cast members Carla Woodcock and Callum Kerr in the pilot, which is based on the Richard Mason novel of the same name.
“History of a Pleasure Seeker” is set in Amsterdam in 1907 and tells the tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
Olorunfemi will play Sisanda, a Xhosa woman raised in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. She’s used to being the most admired young lady in her village. She did not imagine she’d spend her life cleaning other people’s floors.
Olorunfemi was recently featured in the Marvel film “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” as the younger version of Naomie Harris’ character, Shriek. She is repped by Independent Talent Group.
The pair join previously announced cast members Carla Woodcock and Callum Kerr in the pilot, which is based on the Richard Mason novel of the same name.
“History of a Pleasure Seeker” is set in Amsterdam in 1907 and tells the tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
Olorunfemi will play Sisanda, a Xhosa woman raised in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. She’s used to being the most admired young lady in her village. She did not imagine she’d spend her life cleaning other people’s floors.
Olorunfemi was recently featured in the Marvel film “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” as the younger version of Naomie Harris’ character, Shriek. She is repped by Independent Talent Group.
- 4/27/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu pilot History Of A Pleasure Seeker continues to add to its cast.
Olumide Olorunfemi, who recently featured in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and Bebe Bettencourt, who starred in Australian drama series Eden, have joined.
The project, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel, is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure and a gift for finding it. When his mother dies, Piet applies for a job as tutor to the troubled son of Europe’s leading hotelier – a child who refuses to leave his family’s mansion on one of Amsterdam’s grandest canals. As Piet enters this glittering world, he learns its secrets and finds his life transformed.
Olumide Olorunfemi, who recently featured in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and Bebe Bettencourt, who starred in Australian drama series Eden, have joined.
The project, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel, is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure and a gift for finding it. When his mother dies, Piet applies for a job as tutor to the troubled son of Europe’s leading hotelier – a child who refuses to leave his family’s mansion on one of Amsterdam’s grandest canals. As Piet enters this glittering world, he learns its secrets and finds his life transformed.
- 4/27/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has acquired rights to the bestselling novel Nevermoor, with Michael Gracey attached to direct the musical adaptation. Gracey is creating original music for the film, with Drew Goddard adapting and producing alongside Sarah Esberg via their Goddard Textiles.
The original novel was penned by Jessica Townsend and tells the story of Morrigan Crow, a girl born on the unluckiest day and blamed for all local misfortune, from hailstorms to heart attacks. Morrigan’s curse dooms her to die on her next birthday. But in a narrow escape, she is spirited away by a man called Jupiter North to the magical city of Nevermoor. Morrigan has a chance to escape her fate and join the Wundrous Society, an elite group of remarkable people with remarkable talents — but only if she can triumph over hundreds of other children in a series of difficult, dangerous trials.
Gracey became one of the...
The original novel was penned by Jessica Townsend and tells the story of Morrigan Crow, a girl born on the unluckiest day and blamed for all local misfortune, from hailstorms to heart attacks. Morrigan’s curse dooms her to die on her next birthday. But in a narrow escape, she is spirited away by a man called Jupiter North to the magical city of Nevermoor. Morrigan has a chance to escape her fate and join the Wundrous Society, an elite group of remarkable people with remarkable talents — but only if she can triumph over hundreds of other children in a series of difficult, dangerous trials.
Gracey became one of the...
- 4/18/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
“Metropolis,” Apple TV+’s epic-scale series inspired by Fritz Lang’s classic silent era sci-fi film, is set to be produced in Australia. It is expected to make extensive use of a new ‘virtual production’ structure that is among the largest in the world.
“Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail is writer, director and showrunner of the eight-part project. It is being produced by NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group.
The story takes place in the futuristic city of Metropolis. While the city’s wealthy elite enjoy a lavish life of comfort and ease in penthouses and pleasure gardens, scores of workers labor at dangerous machinery in the bowels of the city to keep everything running. Freder Fredersen, the son of the most powerful man in Metropolis, has an awakening after meeting a young worker named Maria and witnessing a number of workers die in an industrial accident.
The project has been...
“Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail is writer, director and showrunner of the eight-part project. It is being produced by NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group.
The story takes place in the futuristic city of Metropolis. While the city’s wealthy elite enjoy a lavish life of comfort and ease in penthouses and pleasure gardens, scores of workers labor at dangerous machinery in the bowels of the city to keep everything running. Freder Fredersen, the son of the most powerful man in Metropolis, has an awakening after meeting a young worker named Maria and witnessing a number of workers die in an industrial accident.
The project has been...
- 4/14/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Carla Woodcock and Callum Kerr are starring in Hulu pilot History of a Pleasure Seeker.
The pair are set as the leads in the one-hour musical drama pilot, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel and will be directed by Bridgerton director Julie Anne Robinson.
2022 Hulu Pilots & Series Orders
Woodcock, who starred in Netflix series Free Rein and is set to star in ITV drama Tell Me Everything, will play Constance and Kerr, who stars in Fox drama Monarch and starred in Hulu’s Four Weddings and a Funeral, will play Piet.
Written and executive produced by Mason, History of a Pleasure Seeker is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure...
The pair are set as the leads in the one-hour musical drama pilot, which is based on Richard Mason’s novel and will be directed by Bridgerton director Julie Anne Robinson.
2022 Hulu Pilots & Series Orders
Woodcock, who starred in Netflix series Free Rein and is set to star in ITV drama Tell Me Everything, will play Constance and Kerr, who stars in Fox drama Monarch and starred in Hulu’s Four Weddings and a Funeral, will play Piet.
Written and executive produced by Mason, History of a Pleasure Seeker is a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907 — a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
The book, which was published in 2012 by Penguin Random House, follows Piet Barol, who has an instinctive appreciation for pleasure...
- 4/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Carla Woodcock and Callum Kerr are set to star in the Hulu pilot “History of a Pleasure Seeker,” Variety has learned.
The project is described as a a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907, a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
Woodcock will play Constance, the most magnetic girl in Amsterdam and the undisputed queen of the city’s gilded youth. Kerr will play Piet, tutor to a very troubled child and an extreme empath, with the confidence to back himself against the odds. His smile and sex appeal open doors, but his real superpower is his intuition.
Woodcock will next be seen in the UK series “Tell Me Everything” and the upcoming limited series “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin.” She is also set to star in the feature “The Colour Room” alongside Matthew Goode and Phoebe Dyvenor.
The project is described as a a musical drama set in Amsterdam in 1907, a tale of a charismatic young man’s explosive adventures through all the temptations of the Belle Époque.
Woodcock will play Constance, the most magnetic girl in Amsterdam and the undisputed queen of the city’s gilded youth. Kerr will play Piet, tutor to a very troubled child and an extreme empath, with the confidence to back himself against the odds. His smile and sex appeal open doors, but his real superpower is his intuition.
Woodcock will next be seen in the UK series “Tell Me Everything” and the upcoming limited series “Flowers in the Attic: The Origin.” She is also set to star in the feature “The Colour Room” alongside Matthew Goode and Phoebe Dyvenor.
- 4/7/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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