Ever since he was forced to flee his Moscow home in 2022 after rousing suspicion within Russia’s government for speaking out about his opposition to the war in Ukraine, Kyiv-born producer Alexander Rodnyansky feels more compelled than ever to help bring to screen stories that are “rooted in truth.”
Now living in between Los Angeles, Italy and Ukraine, the Oscar-nominated producer has been concentrating his efforts on “building a hub” of European and international talent and uniting them with Hollywood through his banner Ar Content.
“European cinema, particularly Eastern European cinema, has always been my area of expertise and I have worked with most of the important directors of the region, so this seemed like a growth opportunity for the company,” says Rodnyansky, who was forced to shutter his other company, Non-Stop Productions when he left Russia. “I don’t pretend to be a Hollywood producer, but I have experience...
Now living in between Los Angeles, Italy and Ukraine, the Oscar-nominated producer has been concentrating his efforts on “building a hub” of European and international talent and uniting them with Hollywood through his banner Ar Content.
“European cinema, particularly Eastern European cinema, has always been my area of expertise and I have worked with most of the important directors of the region, so this seemed like a growth opportunity for the company,” says Rodnyansky, who was forced to shutter his other company, Non-Stop Productions when he left Russia. “I don’t pretend to be a Hollywood producer, but I have experience...
- 5/20/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Sydney Sweeney is getting in the ring.
The breakout from, well, basically everything she’s done lately is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic directed by David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom”). Insert your own joke here about being a knockout. The script for the untitled project was written by Mirrah Foulkes and Michôd.
Martin was the most successful female boxer of the 1990s. She signed with Don King and is the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Martin became welterweight champion — but that was about the end of the good things in her life. Christy was physically abused by husband Jim Martin, who was eventually convicted of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Christy Martin’s life is documented in “Untold,” the excellent series of documentaries by Chaplain and Maclain Way. Her episode is subtitled “Deal with the Devil,...
The breakout from, well, basically everything she’s done lately is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic directed by David Michôd (“Animal Kingdom”). Insert your own joke here about being a knockout. The script for the untitled project was written by Mirrah Foulkes and Michôd.
Martin was the most successful female boxer of the 1990s. She signed with Don King and is the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Martin became welterweight champion — but that was about the end of the good things in her life. Christy was physically abused by husband Jim Martin, who was eventually convicted of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Christy Martin’s life is documented in “Untold,” the excellent series of documentaries by Chaplain and Maclain Way. Her episode is subtitled “Deal with the Devil,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The in-demand Sydney Sweeney, coming off hit rom-com Anyone But You and horror pic Immaculate, is shifting gears again as she is set to portray trailblazing boxer Christy Martin in a new biopic which could be a knockout for buyers at the Cannes market where Black Bear will be launching.
Under the direction of Oz filmmaker David Michôd, known for visceral movies such as Animal Kingdom and The King, the currently untitled project will chart the true story of Martin’s rise to become America’s most well known female boxer in the 1990s — the “female Rocky” in the words of the film’s producers. A naturally gifted fighter, her life transformed in 1989 when she met her manager, and later husband, Jim Martin. Breaking boundaries, she became the first woman to sign with iconic promoter Don King, and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Under the direction of Oz filmmaker David Michôd, known for visceral movies such as Animal Kingdom and The King, the currently untitled project will chart the true story of Martin’s rise to become America’s most well known female boxer in the 1990s — the “female Rocky” in the words of the film’s producers. A naturally gifted fighter, her life transformed in 1989 when she met her manager, and later husband, Jim Martin. Breaking boundaries, she became the first woman to sign with iconic promoter Don King, and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
- 5/8/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nicolas Cage, FKA twigs, Noah Jupe and Souheila Yacoub are set to star in Egyptian-American director Lotfy Nathan’s The Carpenter’s Son exploring the rarely told story of the childhood of Jesus with a horror take.
Paris-based Cinenovo and L.A.-based Spacemaker are producing. Goodfellas is overseeing international sales apart from in North America, which it will co-rep with Anonymous Content and WME.
Nathan has taken inspiration from the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas for the screenplay. Dating back to the 2nd Century Ad, the text recounts the childhood of Jesus.
Per the official synopsis, “The Carpenter’s Son tells the dark story of a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. The son, known only as ‘the Boy’, is driven to doubt by another mysterious child and rebels against his guardian, the Carpenter, revealing inherent powers and a fate beyond his comprehension. As he exercises his own power,...
Paris-based Cinenovo and L.A.-based Spacemaker are producing. Goodfellas is overseeing international sales apart from in North America, which it will co-rep with Anonymous Content and WME.
Nathan has taken inspiration from the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of Thomas for the screenplay. Dating back to the 2nd Century Ad, the text recounts the childhood of Jesus.
Per the official synopsis, “The Carpenter’s Son tells the dark story of a family hiding out in Roman Egypt. The son, known only as ‘the Boy’, is driven to doubt by another mysterious child and rebels against his guardian, the Carpenter, revealing inherent powers and a fate beyond his comprehension. As he exercises his own power,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Goodfellas has boarded upcoming war crime drama Occupation from Ukrainian writer-director Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi (The Tribe). The project, which will be produced by Loveless and Leviathan producer Alexander Rodnyansky alongside Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content, is being launched to buyers in Cannes this month with Goodfellas repping international sales rights and Anonymous Content and CAA Media Finance co-repping North American rights.
Occupation is based on Peter Pomerantsev’s May 2022 article for The Atlantic entitled “We Can Only Be Enemies”, which follows a Ukrainian family whose house is shelled at the onset of the war. Unable to reach Kyiv, they return to their village. Taking refuge in their bomb shelter, they have no choice but to cohabitate with the Russian solider responsible for the bombardment. Production will begin in Poland this fall.
Ar Content’s Michael Kupisk will exec produce the film alongside Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Linzee Troubh from The Atlantic and Eva Dottelonde,...
Occupation is based on Peter Pomerantsev’s May 2022 article for The Atlantic entitled “We Can Only Be Enemies”, which follows a Ukrainian family whose house is shelled at the onset of the war. Unable to reach Kyiv, they return to their village. Taking refuge in their bomb shelter, they have no choice but to cohabitate with the Russian solider responsible for the bombardment. Production will begin in Poland this fall.
Ar Content’s Michael Kupisk will exec produce the film alongside Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Linzee Troubh from The Atlantic and Eva Dottelonde,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Gangs of London’ star Joe Cole and ‘True Spirit’ and ‘Titans’ actor Teagan Croft have both just wrapped contemporary neo-noir thriller Override, the fourth feature from directing duo Natasha Merkulova and Alexey Chupov. It marks the English-language debut for the Russian helmers, whose Captain Volkonogov Escaped played in Venice’s Competition strand in 2021.
Paris-based sales and production outfit Charades has boarded international sales for title, which was shot in L.A. in March, while AC Independent and WME Independent will co-represent North American rights for the film. The project will be launched to buyers in Cannes next month.
Override, which is currently in post-production, follows Ron Camp (Cole), a 31-year-old taxi driver in L.A. and Becca (Croft), his 16-year-old passenger, as they are plunged into a modern-day nightmare. Unaware of Ron’s identity as a spree killer, Becca becomes entangled in a series of terrifying events.
Paris-based sales and production outfit Charades has boarded international sales for title, which was shot in L.A. in March, while AC Independent and WME Independent will co-represent North American rights for the film. The project will be launched to buyers in Cannes next month.
Override, which is currently in post-production, follows Ron Camp (Cole), a 31-year-old taxi driver in L.A. and Becca (Croft), his 16-year-old passenger, as they are plunged into a modern-day nightmare. Unaware of Ron’s identity as a spree killer, Becca becomes entangled in a series of terrifying events.
- 4/25/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Two of France’s fastest-rising young stars, Lyna Khoudri and Rio Vega, will lead the French voice cast of animated feature “In Waves,” an unconditional first love story, and tale of loss and memories adapting American illustrator Aj Dungo’s same-titled multi-prized graphic novel.
An anticipated banner prestige animation title from Paris-based Silex Films, “In Waves” lead producer, the feature also marks the first animated co-production of both Anonymous Content and Charades, behind sales of Jeremy Clapin’s “I Lost My Body” and Mamoru Hosoda’s “Mirai,” both Oscar nominated titles.
In Waves is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, a former student of French animation schools Gobelins and La Poudrière who helmed episodes of the Silex-produced animated series “Brazen” and was Oscar-shortlisted for her short “My Home,” “In Waves” has just been announced as one of five titles at the Annecy Animation Showcase, part of Cannes’ Animation Day on May...
An anticipated banner prestige animation title from Paris-based Silex Films, “In Waves” lead producer, the feature also marks the first animated co-production of both Anonymous Content and Charades, behind sales of Jeremy Clapin’s “I Lost My Body” and Mamoru Hosoda’s “Mirai,” both Oscar nominated titles.
In Waves is directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen, a former student of French animation schools Gobelins and La Poudrière who helmed episodes of the Silex-produced animated series “Brazen” and was Oscar-shortlisted for her short “My Home,” “In Waves” has just been announced as one of five titles at the Annecy Animation Showcase, part of Cannes’ Animation Day on May...
- 4/23/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Raoul Peck, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind 2016’s I Am Not Your Negro, is in production on his latest documentary, an investigation into the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise.
Tentatively titled The Hands That Held the Knives, Peck is not only directing but producing the film under his Velvet Films banner alongside Jigsaw Productions, with Imagine Documentaries, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent, who are also financing the project.
Peck’s take is being described as a “documentary thriller, in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré.” Per Monday’s announcement, Peck is going deep into the politics of Haiti, its relationship with the United States, and the corrupt business empires and criminal organizations that have now rendered the country a hellscape for its citizens.
The film will take audiences right up to the present moment, per the producers, “as ruthless gangs backed by oligarchs with well-paid lobbyists in Washington,...
Tentatively titled The Hands That Held the Knives, Peck is not only directing but producing the film under his Velvet Films banner alongside Jigsaw Productions, with Imagine Documentaries, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent, who are also financing the project.
Peck’s take is being described as a “documentary thriller, in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré.” Per Monday’s announcement, Peck is going deep into the politics of Haiti, its relationship with the United States, and the corrupt business empires and criminal organizations that have now rendered the country a hellscape for its citizens.
The film will take audiences right up to the present moment, per the producers, “as ruthless gangs backed by oligarchs with well-paid lobbyists in Washington,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmmaker Raoul Peck’s next documentary will delve into the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise. The film, tentatively titled “The Hands That Held the Knives,” has been in production for over two years.
The documentary will be a thriller “in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré,” according to a press release. It will offer access to people involved in the murder of Moise, who was shot inside his home in July 2021. It will also feature secret footage from Haiti’s prisons and an encounter with a fugitive who witnessed the killing.
“The Hands That Held the Knives” will attempt to unpack Haiti’s politics, its relationship with the United States, as well as corrupt business empires and criminal organizations that deal drugs and contraband throughout the Caribbean. Per the official announcement, “the film will take us right up to the present moment, as ruthless gangs backed...
The documentary will be a thriller “in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré,” according to a press release. It will offer access to people involved in the murder of Moise, who was shot inside his home in July 2021. It will also feature secret footage from Haiti’s prisons and an encounter with a fugitive who witnessed the killing.
“The Hands That Held the Knives” will attempt to unpack Haiti’s politics, its relationship with the United States, as well as corrupt business empires and criminal organizations that deal drugs and contraband throughout the Caribbean. Per the official announcement, “the film will take us right up to the present moment, as ruthless gangs backed...
- 3/18/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Director Raoul Peck, who helmed the 2016 documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” has announced his new documentary project. “The Hands That Held the Knives” will detail the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The documentary, which took over two years to make, is said to be in the same vein as the works of Graham Greene and John Le Carré. Peck was given access to the people involved in Moïse’s killing, and even secretly filmed in Haiti’s prison system. The documentary will lay out Haitian politics, its relationship to the U.S. and the corruption and criminality the country deals with, including drugs and weapons trafficking.
“I am eager to tell my country’s real story beyond the usual exotic clichés and preposterous clickbait,” Peck said in a prepared statement. “I want to reveal for once, without holding back, the core stories and real reasons for Haiti’s tragic situation.
The documentary, which took over two years to make, is said to be in the same vein as the works of Graham Greene and John Le Carré. Peck was given access to the people involved in Moïse’s killing, and even secretly filmed in Haiti’s prison system. The documentary will lay out Haitian politics, its relationship to the U.S. and the corruption and criminality the country deals with, including drugs and weapons trafficking.
“I am eager to tell my country’s real story beyond the usual exotic clichés and preposterous clickbait,” Peck said in a prepared statement. “I want to reveal for once, without holding back, the core stories and real reasons for Haiti’s tragic situation.
- 3/18/2024
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Raoul Peck is in production on his latest documentary The Hands That Held The Knives which explores the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise.
Haitian-born Peck is producing through his Velvet Films alongside Jigsaw Productions, with Imagine Documentaries, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent, who are also financing the project.
Editing is underway and shooting continues in Haiti, the US, Canada, France, and North Africa.
More than two years in the making, the documentary thriller is described as being in the vein of Graham Greene or John Le Carré and explores the politics of Haiti and its relationship with the United...
Haitian-born Peck is producing through his Velvet Films alongside Jigsaw Productions, with Imagine Documentaries, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent, who are also financing the project.
Editing is underway and shooting continues in Haiti, the US, Canada, France, and North Africa.
More than two years in the making, the documentary thriller is described as being in the vein of Graham Greene or John Le Carré and explores the politics of Haiti and its relationship with the United...
- 3/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Raoul Peck, the filmmaker behind Academy Award-nominated documentary I Am Not Your Negro, is in production on his next feature doc — an investigation into the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise, tentatively titled, The Hands That Held the Knives.
Over two years in the making, with unprecedented access to many of those involved, and including secret filming in Haiti’s prisons and an unexpected encounter with a fugitive who was an eyewitness to the murder, Peck’s film taking him back to his home country will be a documentary thriller, in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré.
His investigation takes him deep into the politics of Haiti, its relationship with the United States, and the corrupt business empires and criminal organizations — dealing drugs and contraband throughout the Caribbean, using weapons trafficked from the U.S. — which have now rendered the country a hellscape for its citizens. The...
Over two years in the making, with unprecedented access to many of those involved, and including secret filming in Haiti’s prisons and an unexpected encounter with a fugitive who was an eyewitness to the murder, Peck’s film taking him back to his home country will be a documentary thriller, in the tradition of Graham Greene or John Le Carré.
His investigation takes him deep into the politics of Haiti, its relationship with the United States, and the corrupt business empires and criminal organizations — dealing drugs and contraband throughout the Caribbean, using weapons trafficked from the U.S. — which have now rendered the country a hellscape for its citizens. The...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Match Factory has locked multi-territory deals on Berlinale titles Architecton by Victor Kossakovsky and Dying by Matthias Glasner, which picked up the festival’s Silver Bear for Best Screenplay.
Alongside the Silver Bear, Dying also picked up the Guild of German Arthouse Cinemas Prize and the Berliner Morgenpost Readers’ Jury Award. The pic has sold to France (Bodega Film), Italy (Satine Film), Benelux (September Film Distribution), Norway (Selmer Media As), Poland (Aurora), Cis (Provzglyad), Ex-Yugoslavia (McF MegaCom Film), Hungary (Cirko Films), Greece (Cinobo), Romania (Freealize), Taiwan (Andrews Film), and South Korea (Pancinema). Match Factory has said negotiations for additional territories are underway, with a UK deal already confirmed. Deadline’s Stephanie Bunbury described the film as a “deep and darkly funny family drama.” The film stars Lars Eidinger, Lilith Stangenberg, and Corinna Harfouch.
Elsewhere, Kossakovsky’s Architecton has sold to me Spain (Caramel Films), Italy (Be Water), Benelux (Cherry Pickers Filmdistributie...
Alongside the Silver Bear, Dying also picked up the Guild of German Arthouse Cinemas Prize and the Berliner Morgenpost Readers’ Jury Award. The pic has sold to France (Bodega Film), Italy (Satine Film), Benelux (September Film Distribution), Norway (Selmer Media As), Poland (Aurora), Cis (Provzglyad), Ex-Yugoslavia (McF MegaCom Film), Hungary (Cirko Films), Greece (Cinobo), Romania (Freealize), Taiwan (Andrews Film), and South Korea (Pancinema). Match Factory has said negotiations for additional territories are underway, with a UK deal already confirmed. Deadline’s Stephanie Bunbury described the film as a “deep and darkly funny family drama.” The film stars Lars Eidinger, Lilith Stangenberg, and Corinna Harfouch.
Elsewhere, Kossakovsky’s Architecton has sold to me Spain (Caramel Films), Italy (Be Water), Benelux (Cherry Pickers Filmdistributie...
- 2/26/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, and Dave Bautista all star in projects at one of the biggest Berlin markets in recent memory, post and pre-pandemic.
Whether this year’s high-rollers will sell is the crux at a 2024 European Film Market which AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford is describing as a “watershed market.”
The big question is: “Was the tepid AFM an anomaly brought about by the strikes and a broader industry pullback in 2023? Or was the AFM an indicator of a more sustained downturn?” he asks.
It’s early days in 2024 but “signs for Berlin are quite positive,” says Ford, who is bringing to market three new star-driven thrillers starring Will Smith –action movie “Sugar Bandits” – Sylvester Stallone and Michelle Yeoh.
“One week ago, I would have said this is going to be a dry market. Now it’s going to be a busy market,” agrees Martin Moszkowicz at Constantin Film,...
Whether this year’s high-rollers will sell is the crux at a 2024 European Film Market which AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford is describing as a “watershed market.”
The big question is: “Was the tepid AFM an anomaly brought about by the strikes and a broader industry pullback in 2023? Or was the AFM an indicator of a more sustained downturn?” he asks.
It’s early days in 2024 but “signs for Berlin are quite positive,” says Ford, who is bringing to market three new star-driven thrillers starring Will Smith –action movie “Sugar Bandits” – Sylvester Stallone and Michelle Yeoh.
“One week ago, I would have said this is going to be a dry market. Now it’s going to be a busy market,” agrees Martin Moszkowicz at Constantin Film,...
- 2/15/2024
- by John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy and Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar nominee Steve James (Hoop Dreams) has been set to direct Mind vs. Machine, a new docuseries on the lightning rod topic of artificial intelligence from Oscar winner Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, Closer Media, Anonymous Content, and Emmy-winning producers Alyssa Fedele & Zachary Fink of Collective Hunch.
Gibney comes to the project after working with Closer Media and Anonymous Content on the forthcoming documentary Musk, to be distributed by HBO/Universal. Within the last year, his Jigsaw has also teamed with the companies on the MGM+ acquired documentary In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon and the Raoul Peck-helmed Orwell on 1984 author George Orwell, to be distributed by Neon.
As artificial intelligence bursts onto the world stage – and into our lives – it may seem like a radical new life form has suddenly been created. But as Mind vs. Machine illustrates,...
Gibney comes to the project after working with Closer Media and Anonymous Content on the forthcoming documentary Musk, to be distributed by HBO/Universal. Within the last year, his Jigsaw has also teamed with the companies on the MGM+ acquired documentary In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon and the Raoul Peck-helmed Orwell on 1984 author George Orwell, to be distributed by Neon.
As artificial intelligence bursts onto the world stage – and into our lives – it may seem like a radical new life form has suddenly been created. But as Mind vs. Machine illustrates,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Steve James, the Oscar-nominated director behind Hoop Dreams and Life Itself, will tackle AI in the docuseries Mind vs. Machine, which has Alex Gibney on board as a producer.
Closer Media and Anonymous Content, which are working with Gibney on his upcoming Elon Musk doc Musk, are financing the project and also producing alongside James and Gibney, Alyssa Fedele and Zachary Fink of Collective Hunch.
New York Times technology correspondent Cade Metz will executive produce with Closer Media’s Zhang Xin, William Horberg, and Joey Marra, and Anonymous Content’s Nick Shumaker, Jessica Grimshaw, and David Levine.
According to the announcement, the project is described as “a five-part, landmark docuseries artfully crafted from a blend of interviews, archival footage, dramatic recreations, AI visualizations, and cutting-edge special effects, is definitive in its unparalleled access to key inventors, scientists, futurists, and thinkers including Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, Ray Kurzweil, Deborah Raji, and Meghan O’Gieblyn.
Closer Media and Anonymous Content, which are working with Gibney on his upcoming Elon Musk doc Musk, are financing the project and also producing alongside James and Gibney, Alyssa Fedele and Zachary Fink of Collective Hunch.
New York Times technology correspondent Cade Metz will executive produce with Closer Media’s Zhang Xin, William Horberg, and Joey Marra, and Anonymous Content’s Nick Shumaker, Jessica Grimshaw, and David Levine.
According to the announcement, the project is described as “a five-part, landmark docuseries artfully crafted from a blend of interviews, archival footage, dramatic recreations, AI visualizations, and cutting-edge special effects, is definitive in its unparalleled access to key inventors, scientists, futurists, and thinkers including Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun, Ray Kurzweil, Deborah Raji, and Meghan O’Gieblyn.
- 2/1/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher” documentarian Pippa Ehrlich is one of the voices behind a surprise A24 doc, streaming quietly on Prime Video since Friday, January 12.
Titled “My Mercury,” the film follows then-28-year-old conservationist Yves Chesselet, who sheds the comforts of modern living to relocate to the remote Mercury Island off the coast of Namibia. Chesselet is determined to bring 15,000 seals off the island and have Mercury Island solely be home to the critically endangered seabirds of the South Atlantic.
Chesselet’s sister Joelle Chesselet directed the documentary, with Ehrlich co-directing. Joelle said in a press statement, “My brother’s island saga has held me spellbound for three decades, challenging me to do justice to his tale of exhilaration, courage, positive masculinity and sacrifice. This journey has matured into what I see as a parable for our times, chronicling an intimate account of a re-wilding experiment and then zooming out to the choices we,...
Titled “My Mercury,” the film follows then-28-year-old conservationist Yves Chesselet, who sheds the comforts of modern living to relocate to the remote Mercury Island off the coast of Namibia. Chesselet is determined to bring 15,000 seals off the island and have Mercury Island solely be home to the critically endangered seabirds of the South Atlantic.
Chesselet’s sister Joelle Chesselet directed the documentary, with Ehrlich co-directing. Joelle said in a press statement, “My brother’s island saga has held me spellbound for three decades, challenging me to do justice to his tale of exhilaration, courage, positive masculinity and sacrifice. This journey has matured into what I see as a parable for our times, chronicling an intimate account of a re-wilding experiment and then zooming out to the choices we,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
On the eve of Sundance Film Festival’s kickoff, Nick Shumaker — the New York-based boss of AC Independent, the sales and finance division of Anonymous Content (“Spotlight”) — is feeling celebratory. The banner will celebrate its first birthday with five movies playing in Park City: “Kneecap” (pictured above), “Between the Temples,” “War Game,” “Union” and “Handling the Undead.”
Within a year, AC Independent has become a force in the indie film landscape, handling sales and financing for some major projects, such as Alex Gibney’s “Musk,” “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon” as well as the U.K. rights for A24’s “Talk to Me” and the recent Golden Globe-winning animated film “The Boy and the Heron.”
Shumaker, a former agent at UTA, talked to Variety about the company’s international DNA, his hopes for the theatrical market and optimism about the resilience of independent film — as illustrated by...
Within a year, AC Independent has become a force in the indie film landscape, handling sales and financing for some major projects, such as Alex Gibney’s “Musk,” “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon” as well as the U.K. rights for A24’s “Talk to Me” and the recent Golden Globe-winning animated film “The Boy and the Heron.”
Shumaker, a former agent at UTA, talked to Variety about the company’s international DNA, his hopes for the theatrical market and optimism about the resilience of independent film — as illustrated by...
- 1/18/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
MGM+ has announced the acquisition of the two-part docuseries “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, debuting on the streamer on March 17 and March 24 at 9 p.m. Edt/Pdt. It focuses on the career of musician Paul Simon.
Per the docuseries’ description, “In Restless Dreams” “juxtaposes Simon’s process of making a new album during the Covid-19 pandemic against archival material tracing Simon’s career and creative journey, including revelatory, previously unseen footage from such historic moments as the recording of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and ‘Graceland,’ Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable reunion concert in Central Park, and, 10 years later, Simon’s solo concert there, where he performed before 750,000 people.”
Making appearances in the docuseries are “Saturday Night Live” creator and producer Lorne Michaels, Simon’s wife and singer Edie Brickwell and composer Wynton Marsalis.
Alex Gibney (“The Inventor”) directs and produces, with Jigsaw, Closer Media and Anonymous Content jointly producing.
Per the docuseries’ description, “In Restless Dreams” “juxtaposes Simon’s process of making a new album during the Covid-19 pandemic against archival material tracing Simon’s career and creative journey, including revelatory, previously unseen footage from such historic moments as the recording of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and ‘Graceland,’ Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable reunion concert in Central Park, and, 10 years later, Simon’s solo concert there, where he performed before 750,000 people.”
Making appearances in the docuseries are “Saturday Night Live” creator and producer Lorne Michaels, Simon’s wife and singer Edie Brickwell and composer Wynton Marsalis.
Alex Gibney (“The Inventor”) directs and produces, with Jigsaw, Closer Media and Anonymous Content jointly producing.
- 12/6/2023
- by Jaden Thompson and Valerie Wu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Cameras are rolling on Stargazer, a new feature from artist-filmmaker Christian Neuman, which producers have described as a “modern psychic thriller” starring Rosalind Halstead and Poppy Delevingne.
The pic is Neuman’s second feature, following the 2019 horror feature Skin Walker, starring Udo Kier and Amber Anderson. The first week of principal photography has wrapped up in London, with the production now in Belgium and set to conclude in Luxembourg by mid-December.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Stargazer follows Fey Vilar, portrayed by Rosalind Halstead, a celebrated actress grappling with the abduction of her son, Paul. Using performance as a coping mechanism, Fey’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is offered a role in a play in which she must embody the character of Estelle Maar, Paul’s captor, in order to uncover the truth about her son’s disappearance. The film is said to explore themes of grief,...
The pic is Neuman’s second feature, following the 2019 horror feature Skin Walker, starring Udo Kier and Amber Anderson. The first week of principal photography has wrapped up in London, with the production now in Belgium and set to conclude in Luxembourg by mid-December.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Stargazer follows Fey Vilar, portrayed by Rosalind Halstead, a celebrated actress grappling with the abduction of her son, Paul. Using performance as a coping mechanism, Fey’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is offered a role in a play in which she must embody the character of Estelle Maar, Paul’s captor, in order to uncover the truth about her son’s disappearance. The film is said to explore themes of grief,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Animated feature will premiere in January in the Rotterdam Film Festival’s Bright Future section
Warsaw-based sales outfit New Europe Film Sales has taken on international sales for the upcoming English-language dystopian animation Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust by Ishan Shukla, with Anonymous Content will co-repping for North America.
Ishan Shukla’s debut will world premiere in January in the Rotterdam Film Festival’s Bright Future section, aimed at up-and-coming filmmakers with innovative, original and daring work.
The animated feature is based on the short film Schirkoa, which was also repped by New Europe and played at more than 120 international film festivals and won 33 awards,...
Warsaw-based sales outfit New Europe Film Sales has taken on international sales for the upcoming English-language dystopian animation Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust by Ishan Shukla, with Anonymous Content will co-repping for North America.
Ishan Shukla’s debut will world premiere in January in the Rotterdam Film Festival’s Bright Future section, aimed at up-and-coming filmmakers with innovative, original and daring work.
The animated feature is based on the short film Schirkoa, which was also repped by New Europe and played at more than 120 international film festivals and won 33 awards,...
- 11/23/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Anonymous Content, Red Bull Studios and Rise Films have partnered to produce new documentary feature The Balloonists following Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and English balloonist Brian Jones. BAFTA and Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker John Dower has come aboard to direct the project and Anonymous Content’s AC Independent will oversee sales.
The Balloonists follows the unlikely duo of Swiss explorer Piccard and British flying instructor Jones who, in 1999, took on the world’s leading aeronauts and ultra-rich adventurers in a race to become the first people to fly nonstop around the world in a hot air balloon. Many in the aviation community believed this to be an impossible feat, after years of failed attempts by balloonists from across the globe. More than most racing sports, ballooning is subject to the capricious whims of nature. An aeronaut must learn to accept the unexpected and respect their position in the hierarchy of the natural world,...
The Balloonists follows the unlikely duo of Swiss explorer Piccard and British flying instructor Jones who, in 1999, took on the world’s leading aeronauts and ultra-rich adventurers in a race to become the first people to fly nonstop around the world in a hot air balloon. Many in the aviation community believed this to be an impossible feat, after years of failed attempts by balloonists from across the globe. More than most racing sports, ballooning is subject to the capricious whims of nature. An aeronaut must learn to accept the unexpected and respect their position in the hierarchy of the natural world,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, sales agents and distributors are convening in Santa Monica this week in the hopes of reconnecting with buyers and kicking off deal discussions at the American Film Market.
After an underwhelming Toronto Film Festival, which saw little deal activity, there’s hope that a few of the starry packages being shopped at AFM will get picked up. But given the climate in Hollywood, many projects won’t officially hit the market until February at the European Film Market in Berlin. The marketplace is not only strained by the strike but the shifting appetites and belt-tightening at the major studios and streamers. At the same time, the return of buyers from China to AFM after several years away is seen as a positive sign.
“Given the strikes and the tough global climate, many of the top international sales agents and talent agencies are holding back...
After an underwhelming Toronto Film Festival, which saw little deal activity, there’s hope that a few of the starry packages being shopped at AFM will get picked up. But given the climate in Hollywood, many projects won’t officially hit the market until February at the European Film Market in Berlin. The marketplace is not only strained by the strike but the shifting appetites and belt-tightening at the major studios and streamers. At the same time, the return of buyers from China to AFM after several years away is seen as a positive sign.
“Given the strikes and the tough global climate, many of the top international sales agents and talent agencies are holding back...
- 10/31/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy and John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Pictures Content Group has acquired international rights to Elon Musk documentary “Musk,” directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney.
It was announced during Cannes earlier this year that HBO Documentary Films had come on board to join the production and will release the film in North America.
Gibney directed “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley,” the Oscar-nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” and Oscar winner “Taxi to the Dark Side.”
Helen Parker, exec VP, Universal Pictures Content Group, said: “We instantly wanted to attach to this feature as we are big fans of Alex’s previous work and feel confident that he will deliver an insightful portrayal of one of the centuries most provocative characters.”
The film is produced by Jigsaw Productions and jointly financed and produced by Closer Media, Anonymous Content via their recently launched sales and finance division AC Independent, and Double Agent.
It was announced during Cannes earlier this year that HBO Documentary Films had come on board to join the production and will release the film in North America.
Gibney directed “The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley,” the Oscar-nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” and Oscar winner “Taxi to the Dark Side.”
Helen Parker, exec VP, Universal Pictures Content Group, said: “We instantly wanted to attach to this feature as we are big fans of Alex’s previous work and feel confident that he will deliver an insightful portrayal of one of the centuries most provocative characters.”
The film is produced by Jigsaw Productions and jointly financed and produced by Closer Media, Anonymous Content via their recently launched sales and finance division AC Independent, and Double Agent.
- 10/2/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Universal Pictures Content Group has acquired international rights to Alex Gibney’s latest documentary Musk, about the lightning-rod entrepreneur and businessman.
Negotiations first began in Cannes with Black Bear International and the multimillion-dollar pact is among the biggest ever for a documentary out of the Cannes Market.
In another lucrative presale we revealed in the spring, HBO Documentary Films pre-bought North American streaming and TV rights to the project. A domestic theatrical release remains in play.
Taxi to the Dark Side Oscar winner and Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room nominee Gibney has been working on the project for months. It recently was described by the producers as “a definitive and unvarnished examination” of the provocative X (formerly Twitter) owner.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk recently reassumed his position as the world’s richest man with a net worth in the range of $187B, but the mercurial tech...
Negotiations first began in Cannes with Black Bear International and the multimillion-dollar pact is among the biggest ever for a documentary out of the Cannes Market.
In another lucrative presale we revealed in the spring, HBO Documentary Films pre-bought North American streaming and TV rights to the project. A domestic theatrical release remains in play.
Taxi to the Dark Side Oscar winner and Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room nominee Gibney has been working on the project for months. It recently was described by the producers as “a definitive and unvarnished examination” of the provocative X (formerly Twitter) owner.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk recently reassumed his position as the world’s richest man with a net worth in the range of $187B, but the mercurial tech...
- 10/2/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The Zurich Summit returned for another year bringing together some of the top creatives in the industry. More than 100 film pros took part in the all-day session that drilled down into the state of the industry.
Executives at the summit included Founder and CEO of Neon Tom Quinn, film producer Thomas Benski, Head of Anonymous Content independent Nick Shumaker and CEO of Leonine Studios Fred Kogel.
The conference gathers a line-up of film producers, sales executives and creators in film, TV and entertainment as well as technology entrepreneurs and financiers at The Dolder Grand. It offers a smart mix of knowledge transfer and inspiration, as well as ideal networking opportunities.
Panels at the summit included “Are Film Festivals Drifting Away From What Works In Cinemas,” “Rethinking Streaming,” “Streaming Scale Back,” “Now That Box Office Comes Back: What Are The Latest Business Strategies,” “What’s Behind the Success of Leonine,” “Are...
Executives at the summit included Founder and CEO of Neon Tom Quinn, film producer Thomas Benski, Head of Anonymous Content independent Nick Shumaker and CEO of Leonine Studios Fred Kogel.
The conference gathers a line-up of film producers, sales executives and creators in film, TV and entertainment as well as technology entrepreneurs and financiers at The Dolder Grand. It offers a smart mix of knowledge transfer and inspiration, as well as ideal networking opportunities.
Panels at the summit included “Are Film Festivals Drifting Away From What Works In Cinemas,” “Rethinking Streaming,” “Streaming Scale Back,” “Now That Box Office Comes Back: What Are The Latest Business Strategies,” “What’s Behind the Success of Leonine,” “Are...
- 10/1/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The future of working with streamers was on the table at the Zurich Summit on Saturday amid talk that the content bubble has burst as key markets such as the U.S. reach saturation point. Watch the panel above.
Responding to suggestions that streamers are pulling back in terms of investment, Netflix exec Sasha Bühler, who oversees German-speaking content, said this was not the case for her platform.
“We’re not slowing down by any means in any market. We’re just being a little bit more deliberate about what works for our members,” she said.
Bühler was joined on the panel by Picture Perfect Federation CEO Patrick Wachsberger; Axel Kuschevatzky, co-founder of London, Los Angeles and Buenos Aires-based production company Infinity Hill and Nick Shumaker, Head of Anonymous Content independent.
“Some territories are more saturated than others… Emea is a growth market for us for sure. We have not...
Responding to suggestions that streamers are pulling back in terms of investment, Netflix exec Sasha Bühler, who oversees German-speaking content, said this was not the case for her platform.
“We’re not slowing down by any means in any market. We’re just being a little bit more deliberate about what works for our members,” she said.
Bühler was joined on the panel by Picture Perfect Federation CEO Patrick Wachsberger; Axel Kuschevatzky, co-founder of London, Los Angeles and Buenos Aires-based production company Infinity Hill and Nick Shumaker, Head of Anonymous Content independent.
“Some territories are more saturated than others… Emea is a growth market for us for sure. We have not...
- 9/30/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all rights in North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand to Dk Welchman and Hugh Welchman’s “The Peasants,” the studio announced Friday.
Chosen by Poland as its official submission for the 2024 Oscars in the Best International Feature category, “The Peasants” will also enter the race for Best Animated Feature. No additional release plans were disclosed.
The animated film had its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Special Presentations section.
The film was initially shot as a live-action feature film, followed by an extensive two-year process involving a team of over 100 painters to create the intricate painting animation. This identical painting animation technique had previously been utilized in the filmmakers’ Oscar-nominated work “Loving Vincent.”
“The Peasants” tells the story of Jagna, a young woman determined to forge her own path within the confines...
Chosen by Poland as its official submission for the 2024 Oscars in the Best International Feature category, “The Peasants” will also enter the race for Best Animated Feature. No additional release plans were disclosed.
The animated film had its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Special Presentations section.
The film was initially shot as a live-action feature film, followed by an extensive two-year process involving a team of over 100 painters to create the intricate painting animation. This identical painting animation technique had previously been utilized in the filmmakers’ Oscar-nominated work “Loving Vincent.”
“The Peasants” tells the story of Jagna, a young woman determined to forge her own path within the confines...
- 9/29/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures has snapped up rights in North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand to The Peasants, the latest animated feature from Loving Vincent helmers Dk Welchman and Hugh Welchman, which world premiered in Special Presentations at this year’s Toronto Film Festival. Further details on release plans have not yet been disclosed.
Recently selected by Poland as its official entry for Best International Feature at the 2024 Oscars, and set to contend in the Best Animated Feature category, as well, The Peasants is based on the same-name, early 20th century novel by Polish author Władysław Reymont. The film tells the story of Jagna, a young woman determined to forge her own path within the confines of a late 19th century Polish village — a hotbed of gossip and ongoing feuds, held together, rich and poor, by pride in their land, adherence to colorful traditions and a deep-rooted patriarchy.
Recently selected by Poland as its official entry for Best International Feature at the 2024 Oscars, and set to contend in the Best Animated Feature category, as well, The Peasants is based on the same-name, early 20th century novel by Polish author Władysław Reymont. The film tells the story of Jagna, a young woman determined to forge her own path within the confines of a late 19th century Polish village — a hotbed of gossip and ongoing feuds, held together, rich and poor, by pride in their land, adherence to colorful traditions and a deep-rooted patriarchy.
- 9/29/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Studio Ghibli animation proved a box office hit in Japan and opened this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Elysian Film Group, Anonymous Content and Bleecker Street have jointly acquired the UK rights to The Boy And The Heron, the latest film from Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki, from sales agent Goodfellas.
Elysian Film Group will theatrically release the film in the UK later this year, following a screening at the BFI London Film Festival next month. The deal marks the first time US outfit Bleecker Street has directly invested in UK distribution and also marks its first-ever animated film.
Elysian Film Group, Anonymous Content and Bleecker Street have jointly acquired the UK rights to The Boy And The Heron, the latest film from Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki, from sales agent Goodfellas.
Elysian Film Group will theatrically release the film in the UK later this year, following a screening at the BFI London Film Festival next month. The deal marks the first time US outfit Bleecker Street has directly invested in UK distribution and also marks its first-ever animated film.
- 9/12/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Elysian Film Group, Anonymous Content and Bleecker Street have jointly acquired the U.K. rights to “The Boy and the Heron,” the first film from legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki in a decade. Elysian Film Group will release the film in U.K. cinemas later this year. “The Boy and the Heron” premiered to strong reviews at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where it was the opening night attraction.
The Studio Ghibli production already opened in Japan over the summer, where it surpassed the first four-day box office of “Spirited Away,” the 2001 film that is considered to be one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces. The film will have its U.K. Premiere as a special presentation at the London Film Festival next month.
“The Boy and the Heron” is a hand-drawn, original story written and directed by the Oscar-winning director. Set against the backdrop of World War II, if follows...
The Studio Ghibli production already opened in Japan over the summer, where it surpassed the first four-day box office of “Spirited Away,” the 2001 film that is considered to be one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces. The film will have its U.K. Premiere as a special presentation at the London Film Festival next month.
“The Boy and the Heron” is a hand-drawn, original story written and directed by the Oscar-winning director. Set against the backdrop of World War II, if follows...
- 9/12/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Elysian Film Group, Anonymous Content, and Bleecker Street have jointly acquired UK rights to The Boy and the Heron, the latest animated feature from celebrated Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki that opened the Toronto Film Festival.
Elysian will release the film in UK cinemas later this year. The Boy and the Heron will have its UK premiere as a special presentation at the London Film Festival next month and had its international premiere at TIFF last week.
The Boy and the Heron is Miyazaki’s first feature film in ten years and features a musical score from his long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi. The film’s plot follows a teenage boy and his psychological development through encounters with his friends and uncle. He enters a magical world with a talking gray heron after finding an abandoned tower in his new town.
In a break with tradition, Studio Ghibli released The Boy and the Heron...
Elysian will release the film in UK cinemas later this year. The Boy and the Heron will have its UK premiere as a special presentation at the London Film Festival next month and had its international premiere at TIFF last week.
The Boy and the Heron is Miyazaki’s first feature film in ten years and features a musical score from his long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi. The film’s plot follows a teenage boy and his psychological development through encounters with his friends and uncle. He enters a magical world with a talking gray heron after finding an abandoned tower in his new town.
In a break with tradition, Studio Ghibli released The Boy and the Heron...
- 9/12/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Veterans is launching international sales on upcoming UK period comedy Fackham Hall at Toronto and has unveiled first members of the ensemble cast.
In the first significant deal announced during TIFF, Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. rights for the film.
First signings include Hero Fiennes Tiffin (The Woman King), Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho), Emma Laird (A Haunting In Venice) and Katherine Waterston, who appears in this year’s TIFF title The End We Start From alongside Jodie Comer and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Written by comedian Jimmy Carr in his screenwriting feature debut with Patrick Carr and the Dawson Brothers (The Bubble), Fackham Hall pokes fun at traditional period dramas like Downton Abbey and Gosford Park. The production is described as being “in the tradition of classic joke-a-minute spoof comedies like The Naked Gun series and Airplane!”.
Fiennes Tiffin will play a new porter who embarks on...
In the first significant deal announced during TIFF, Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. rights for the film.
First signings include Hero Fiennes Tiffin (The Woman King), Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho), Emma Laird (A Haunting In Venice) and Katherine Waterston, who appears in this year’s TIFF title The End We Start From alongside Jodie Comer and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Written by comedian Jimmy Carr in his screenwriting feature debut with Patrick Carr and the Dawson Brothers (The Bubble), Fackham Hall pokes fun at traditional period dramas like Downton Abbey and Gosford Park. The production is described as being “in the tradition of classic joke-a-minute spoof comedies like The Naked Gun series and Airplane!”.
Fiennes Tiffin will play a new porter who embarks on...
- 9/7/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The conference is taking place from September 26-28.
Mubi’s Bobby Allen, Blueprint Pictures’ Peter Czernin, Killer Films’ Christine Vachon, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates’ Anna Higgs and Netflix’s Teresa Moneo will all attend the second annual Creative Investors’ Conference at the San Sebastian International Film Festival this month.
Organised in collaboration with CAA Media Finance, it is taking place at the festival from September 26-28 and will comprise of a series of panels and discussions open to industry badge holders, under the Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech strand.
Scroll down for the full list of participants
Roeg Sutherland, Benjamin Kramer and...
Mubi’s Bobby Allen, Blueprint Pictures’ Peter Czernin, Killer Films’ Christine Vachon, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates’ Anna Higgs and Netflix’s Teresa Moneo will all attend the second annual Creative Investors’ Conference at the San Sebastian International Film Festival this month.
Organised in collaboration with CAA Media Finance, it is taking place at the festival from September 26-28 and will comprise of a series of panels and discussions open to industry badge holders, under the Spanish Screenings: Financing & Tech strand.
Scroll down for the full list of participants
Roeg Sutherland, Benjamin Kramer and...
- 9/5/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Alex Gibney — who recently set his Elon Musk doc, Musk, at HBO — has wrapped his Paul Simon doc in time for an expected fall festival run.
The doc, titled In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, is three years in the making and follows Simon as he makes his latest album, Seven Psalms. According to the project’s description, it “poses questions about faith and mortality, during the pandemic and while dealing with his hearing loss.” The doc, which will also include his rise as a part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel and an award-winning solo artist, features rare footage of Simon, including outtakes from 1969 doc Songs of America and early rehearsals.
Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions produced alongside Closer Media and Anonymous Content, which also co-financed the project. (Gibney, Closer and Anonymous Content previously worked together on Musk.)
Erin Edeiken, David Rahtz and Svetlana Zill produced, with Jeff Kramer,...
The doc, titled In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, is three years in the making and follows Simon as he makes his latest album, Seven Psalms. According to the project’s description, it “poses questions about faith and mortality, during the pandemic and while dealing with his hearing loss.” The doc, which will also include his rise as a part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel and an award-winning solo artist, features rare footage of Simon, including outtakes from 1969 doc Songs of America and early rehearsals.
Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions produced alongside Closer Media and Anonymous Content, which also co-financed the project. (Gibney, Closer and Anonymous Content previously worked together on Musk.)
Erin Edeiken, David Rahtz and Svetlana Zill produced, with Jeff Kramer,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Following a three year shoot, award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney has just completed production on In Restless Dreams: The Music Of Paul Simon, the documentary about Paul Simon’s legendary Grammy Award-winning career. The film also follows Simon’s journey creating his new album Seven Psalms, which poses questions about faith and mortality, during the pandemic and while dealing with his hearing loss. The film is expected to be part of the fall film festival circuit.
In the film, Gibney and Simon journey through a dreamlike world of storytelling, an absorbing portrait of an artist, that transcends both time and space moving freely between present and past, showcasing both his music making in the here-and-now and a unique peek into his career, from Tom & Jerry to Simon & Garfunkel to the triumphs of Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints. Rarely seen or heard footage of Paul on his own in England...
In the film, Gibney and Simon journey through a dreamlike world of storytelling, an absorbing portrait of an artist, that transcends both time and space moving freely between present and past, showcasing both his music making in the here-and-now and a unique peek into his career, from Tom & Jerry to Simon & Garfunkel to the triumphs of Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints. Rarely seen or heard footage of Paul on his own in England...
- 7/11/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Altitude, UTA Independent Film Group, AC Independent jointly represent global rights.
Alex Gibney has completed the three-year production of In Restless Dreams: The Music Of Paul Simon, a documentary about the career of singer-songwriter Paul Simon for Jigsaw Productions, Closer Media and Anonymous Content.
The film is expected to land a world premiere slot on the fall festival circuit and charts Simon’s career from the days of Simon & Garfunkel to the solo triumphs of Graceland and Rhythm Of The Saints.
It also follows Simon while he recorded his latest album ‘Seven Psalms’, wrestling with issues of faith and mortality...
Alex Gibney has completed the three-year production of In Restless Dreams: The Music Of Paul Simon, a documentary about the career of singer-songwriter Paul Simon for Jigsaw Productions, Closer Media and Anonymous Content.
The film is expected to land a world premiere slot on the fall festival circuit and charts Simon’s career from the days of Simon & Garfunkel to the solo triumphs of Graceland and Rhythm Of The Saints.
It also follows Simon while he recorded his latest album ‘Seven Psalms’, wrestling with issues of faith and mortality...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Musk, Alex Gibney’s doc about the tech giant Elon Musk, has landed at HBO Documentary Films in North America.
Musk has been described as a “definitive and unvarnished examination” of the controversial and headline-making CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter. (When the doc was first announced, in characteristic fashion, Musk made a comment on Twitter, writing, “It’s a hit piece.”) Gibney, who earned an Oscar for the 2008 film Taxi to the Dark Side, is no stranger to controversial figures, having produced docs on Scientology, Wikileaks and Enron.
Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions produced the film alongside Closer Media, Anonymous Content and Double Agent, which is also financed the project.
HBO and Gibney have a long working relationship, which includes films about the opioid crisis The Crime of the Century, Elisabeth Homes doc The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley and Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.
Musk has been described as a “definitive and unvarnished examination” of the controversial and headline-making CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter. (When the doc was first announced, in characteristic fashion, Musk made a comment on Twitter, writing, “It’s a hit piece.”) Gibney, who earned an Oscar for the 2008 film Taxi to the Dark Side, is no stranger to controversial figures, having produced docs on Scientology, Wikileaks and Enron.
Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions produced the film alongside Closer Media, Anonymous Content and Double Agent, which is also financed the project.
HBO and Gibney have a long working relationship, which includes films about the opioid crisis The Crime of the Century, Elisabeth Homes doc The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley and Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.
- 5/11/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: HBO Documentary Films has pre-bought North American streaming and TV rights to Musk, Alex Gibney’s upcoming documentary about lightning rod entrepreneur and businessman Elon Musk.
Black Bear has boarded international sales rights on the eve of the Cannes market and will be shopping the high-end doc to overseas buyers.
Taxi To The Dark Side and Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room director Gibney has been working on the project for months. It was recently described by the producers as “a definitive and unvarnished examination” of the provocative Twitter owner.
The deal with HBO was negotiated with UTA’s Independent Film Group, AC Independent, and Double Agent. The door is seemingly ajar for a North American theatrical deal.
Tesla, Twitter and SpaceX CEO Musk recently reassumed his position as the world’s richest man with a net worth in the range of $187Bn, but the mercurial tech titan...
Black Bear has boarded international sales rights on the eve of the Cannes market and will be shopping the high-end doc to overseas buyers.
Taxi To The Dark Side and Enron: The Smartest Guys In The Room director Gibney has been working on the project for months. It was recently described by the producers as “a definitive and unvarnished examination” of the provocative Twitter owner.
The deal with HBO was negotiated with UTA’s Independent Film Group, AC Independent, and Double Agent. The door is seemingly ajar for a North American theatrical deal.
Tesla, Twitter and SpaceX CEO Musk recently reassumed his position as the world’s richest man with a net worth in the range of $187Bn, but the mercurial tech titan...
- 5/11/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Anonymous Content has come on board California surf-themed animated feature adapted from illustrator Aj Dungo’s celebrated graphic memoir, “In Waves.”
Produced by Paris-based Silex Films, “In Waves” marks the feature debut of Phuong Mai Nguyen (“Brazen”), and is being penned by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, whose screenwriting credits include “After Love” and “The Origin of Evil.”
The feature is produced by Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora, co-Founders of Silex Films, alongside Charades and Nick Shumaker, Garrett Kemble, and David Levine who will executive produce on behalf of Anonymous Content.
“We fell in love immediately with ‘In Waves’ on first read,” said Nick Shumaker on behalf of Anonymous Content. “Its themes of first love, loss, and memory will speak to worldwide audiences across age ranges and demographics, and is a needed anecdote to help inject positive emotion back into our everyday,” Shumaker continued. He pointed out the projects marks...
Produced by Paris-based Silex Films, “In Waves” marks the feature debut of Phuong Mai Nguyen (“Brazen”), and is being penned by Fanny Burdino and Samuel Doux, whose screenwriting credits include “After Love” and “The Origin of Evil.”
The feature is produced by Priscilla Bertin and Judith Nora, co-Founders of Silex Films, alongside Charades and Nick Shumaker, Garrett Kemble, and David Levine who will executive produce on behalf of Anonymous Content.
“We fell in love immediately with ‘In Waves’ on first read,” said Nick Shumaker on behalf of Anonymous Content. “Its themes of first love, loss, and memory will speak to worldwide audiences across age ranges and demographics, and is a needed anecdote to help inject positive emotion back into our everyday,” Shumaker continued. He pointed out the projects marks...
- 5/4/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Charades handles international sales.
Universal Pictures Content Group has snapped up most of the world from Charades to Zachary Wigon’s dark comedy Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The company picked up the world excluding the US, Canada, Italy, Cis, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Australia and New Zealand.
Neon will distribute theatrically in the US on May 19 and struck a US deal after the world premiere at TIFF last year.
Sanctuary is a Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios and stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught...
Universal Pictures Content Group has snapped up most of the world from Charades to Zachary Wigon’s dark comedy Sanctuary starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott.
The company picked up the world excluding the US, Canada, Italy, Cis, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Australia and New Zealand.
Neon will distribute theatrically in the US on May 19 and struck a US deal after the world premiere at TIFF last year.
Sanctuary is a Rumble Films production in association with Charades, Mosaic Films and Hype Studios and stars Qualley (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) as a dominatrix caught...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
William Sleator’s eerie dystopian 1974 YA sci-fi novel House of Stairs is getting an adaptation.
Before I Wake and Doctor Sleep actor Jacob Tremblay will star, Variety reports. Wi Ding Ho (Terrorizers) will direct.
Taking place in the near future, the dystopian genre film “follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under increasingly ominous situations.”
While House of Stairs is described as an “elevated genre movie,” this setup sounds like an absolute nightmare.
Matthew McInerney-Lacombe pens the screenplay for this adaptation.
“William Sleator’s books have inspired generations of young readers.
Before I Wake and Doctor Sleep actor Jacob Tremblay will star, Variety reports. Wi Ding Ho (Terrorizers) will direct.
Taking place in the near future, the dystopian genre film “follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under increasingly ominous situations.”
While House of Stairs is described as an “elevated genre movie,” this setup sounds like an absolute nightmare.
Matthew McInerney-Lacombe pens the screenplay for this adaptation.
“William Sleator’s books have inspired generations of young readers.
- 4/27/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
AC Independent and The Veterans are working together to bring an adaptation of William Sleator’s science fiction novel House of Stairs to the screen, and Variety reports that Jacob Tremblay (The Predator) has signed on to star in the film. Production is expected to take place in Canada later this year.
Wi Ding Ho (Cities of Last Things) is on board to direct House of Stairs from a screenplay by Matthew McInerney-Lacombe (the upcoming disaster film Icbm). The story is set in a dystopian America in the near future and follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness,...
Wi Ding Ho (Cities of Last Things) is on board to direct House of Stairs from a screenplay by Matthew McInerney-Lacombe (the upcoming disaster film Icbm). The story is set in a dystopian America in the near future and follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
AC Independent and The Veterans have teamed up on the film adaptation of William Sleator’s cult 1974 science fiction novel “House of Stairs.” The elevated genre movie will star Jacob Tremblay and will be directed by Wi Ding Ho, whose 2018 movie “Cities of Last Things” won a prize at Toronto in the competitive Platform section. “House of Stairs”‘s film adaptation is penned by Matthew McInerney-Lacombe (“Icbm”).
Set in a dystopian America in the near future, the high-concept film follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under increasingly ominous situations.
Anonymous Content...
Set in a dystopian America in the near future, the high-concept film follows five 16-year-old orphans who wake up to find themselves in a strange building with no walls, no ceiling, and no floor: nothing but endless flights of stairs leading in every direction, seemingly infinite. To find an exit, the five teenagers must learn to deal with the others’ disparate personalities, the lack of privacy and comfort, their clear helplessness, and a machine that only feeds them under increasingly ominous situations.
Anonymous Content...
- 4/27/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The official trailer has been released for Zachary Wigon’s dark thriller “Sanctuary,” starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. The film follows a dominatrix named Rebecca (Qualley) and her rich client Hal (Abbott) as disaster unfolds over the course of a single night in a hotel room.
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022 and will open in theaters in the U.S. on May 25.
In “Sancutary,” Abbott plays the son of luxe hotel chain owner who is the successor of the hotel and the rest of his father’s billion-dollar enterprise. Rebecca sees the opportunity to cash in on Hal’s soon-to-be fortune.
As Amy Nicholson wrote in Variety‘s review of the film, “What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class.”
“But who is he under the bluster?” Nicholson continued. “The dweeb...
The film first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022 and will open in theaters in the U.S. on May 25.
In “Sancutary,” Abbott plays the son of luxe hotel chain owner who is the successor of the hotel and the rest of his father’s billion-dollar enterprise. Rebecca sees the opportunity to cash in on Hal’s soon-to-be fortune.
As Amy Nicholson wrote in Variety‘s review of the film, “What comes next is a showdown between her force and his financial clout, between labor and the lordly class.”
“But who is he under the bluster?” Nicholson continued. “The dweeb...
- 4/12/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Margaret Qualley stars as a dominatrix that torments Christopher Abbot’s CEO in the first trailer to “Sanctuary” from Neon.
“This is not a good idea to keep doing this,” Abbot says in the trailer. “Your new job? You wouldn’t be able to do it without what I taught you,” Qualley’s dominatrix answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMahhnZMog
Also Read:
Neon Acquires Anne Hathaway Sundance Thriller ‘Eileen’
The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film festival and will open in select theaters on Friday, May 19, expanding wide on Friday, June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth...
“This is not a good idea to keep doing this,” Abbot says in the trailer. “Your new job? You wouldn’t be able to do it without what I taught you,” Qualley’s dominatrix answers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMahhnZMog
Also Read:
Neon Acquires Anne Hathaway Sundance Thriller ‘Eileen’
The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film festival and will open in select theaters on Friday, May 19, expanding wide on Friday, June 2.
Zachary Wigon directs from a script written by Micah Bloomberg.
In “Sanctuary,” a dominatrix (Qualley) and her wealthy client (Abbott) engage in a battle of wills inside a luxury hotel suite after he tries to end their relationship. Over the course of one emotionally fraught night, the balance of power swings back and forth...
- 4/12/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Neon has landed the North American rights to Orwell, the Raoul Peck- directed doc about the 1984 author.
The doc, which has the cooperation of the Orwell Estate and is currently in production, will tell the story of the English novelist who is known for his satirical and outright critiques of authoritarianism as seen in his two most famous works: Animal Farm and 1984.
Peck earned acclaim for his feature documentary that centered on the works of another author, James Baldwin, with 2016’s I Am Not Your Negro, which earned an Oscar nomination.
Alex Gibney produced the doc via his Jigsaw Productions, along with Peck for Velvet Films and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content. Stacey Offman, Richard Perello, Zhang Xin, Joey Marra, William Horberg, Jessica Grimshaw, Dawn Olmstead and David Levine, along with Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Courtney Sexton and Universal’s Johnny Fewings will executive produce.
“’Who controls the...
The doc, which has the cooperation of the Orwell Estate and is currently in production, will tell the story of the English novelist who is known for his satirical and outright critiques of authoritarianism as seen in his two most famous works: Animal Farm and 1984.
Peck earned acclaim for his feature documentary that centered on the works of another author, James Baldwin, with 2016’s I Am Not Your Negro, which earned an Oscar nomination.
Alex Gibney produced the doc via his Jigsaw Productions, along with Peck for Velvet Films and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content. Stacey Offman, Richard Perello, Zhang Xin, Joey Marra, William Horberg, Jessica Grimshaw, Dawn Olmstead and David Levine, along with Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Courtney Sexton and Universal’s Johnny Fewings will executive produce.
“’Who controls the...
- 3/9/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Documentary will examine the British writer’s life, work and legacy.
Neon has acquired North American rights to Orwell, director Raoul Peck’s documentary, currently in production, about author George Orwell.
Examining the British writer’s life, work and legacy and being made with the exclusive cooperation of the Orwell estate, the film is being produced by Alex Gibney for Jigsaw Productions, Peck for Velvet Films and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content. Stacey Offman and Richard Perello will executive produce for Jigsaw.
Zhang Xin, Joey Marra and William Horberg of Closer Media will serve as executive producers alongside Jessica Grimshaw,...
Neon has acquired North American rights to Orwell, director Raoul Peck’s documentary, currently in production, about author George Orwell.
Examining the British writer’s life, work and legacy and being made with the exclusive cooperation of the Orwell estate, the film is being produced by Alex Gibney for Jigsaw Productions, Peck for Velvet Films and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content. Stacey Offman and Richard Perello will executive produce for Jigsaw.
Zhang Xin, Joey Marra and William Horberg of Closer Media will serve as executive producers alongside Jessica Grimshaw,...
- 3/8/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Neon has acquired the North American rights to Academy Award-nominated and BAFTA-winning director, Raoul Peck’s (I Am Not Your Negro) documentary Orwell, the definitive feature-length documentary on visionary author George Orwell, with the exclusive cooperation of the Orwell Estate.
Producers include Alex Gibney for Jigsaw Productions, Raoul Peck for Velvet Films, and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content. Stacey Offman and Richard Perello will executive produce for Jigsaw. Zhang Xin, Joey Marra, and William Horberg will executive produce for Closer Media, alongside Jessica Grimshaw, Dawn Olmstead, and David Levine of Anonymous, and Jeff Skoll and Courtney Sexton of Participant. Johnny Fewings of Universal Pictures Content Group will serve as executive producer on the film, which is currently in production.
“’Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past…,’ wrote Orwell in his novel, 1984. Today, the “newspeak” of authoritarian rule is alive and well and in unexpected places,...
Producers include Alex Gibney for Jigsaw Productions, Raoul Peck for Velvet Films, and Nick Shumaker for Anonymous Content. Stacey Offman and Richard Perello will executive produce for Jigsaw. Zhang Xin, Joey Marra, and William Horberg will executive produce for Closer Media, alongside Jessica Grimshaw, Dawn Olmstead, and David Levine of Anonymous, and Jeff Skoll and Courtney Sexton of Participant. Johnny Fewings of Universal Pictures Content Group will serve as executive producer on the film, which is currently in production.
“’Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past…,’ wrote Orwell in his novel, 1984. Today, the “newspeak” of authoritarian rule is alive and well and in unexpected places,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles, March 7 (Ians) Elon Musk will be the centre of a new documentary from the unflinching Alex Gibney, the Oscar-winning director of ‘Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief’.
Already months into production, Gibney announced the project saying he was “hugely excited” about tackling Musk on film. It is described as a “definitive and unvarnished examination of multi-billionaire tech entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter”, reports ‘Variety’.
Tech mogul Musk reached peak saturation in late 2022 when he completed a $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, promising to upend the platform’s user experience as well as restore “balance” to its user body.
Jigsaw Productions is producing the film alongside Closer Media, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent, which is also financing the project. A distribution partner for the documentary has not yet been named.
As per ‘Variety’, for Jigsaw, Gibney and Jessie Deeter produce and Stacey Offman and Richard Perello will executive produce.
Already months into production, Gibney announced the project saying he was “hugely excited” about tackling Musk on film. It is described as a “definitive and unvarnished examination of multi-billionaire tech entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter”, reports ‘Variety’.
Tech mogul Musk reached peak saturation in late 2022 when he completed a $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, promising to upend the platform’s user experience as well as restore “balance” to its user body.
Jigsaw Productions is producing the film alongside Closer Media, Anonymous Content, and Double Agent, which is also financing the project. A distribution partner for the documentary has not yet been named.
As per ‘Variety’, for Jigsaw, Gibney and Jessie Deeter produce and Stacey Offman and Richard Perello will executive produce.
- 3/7/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
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