The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise can easily be called one of the most beloved and successful series of all time. The entire cast is full of massively talented actors, and every single aspect of the series is well thought-out, especially when it comes to the first three films.
Pirates of the Caribbean [Credit: Walt Disney Studios]Having been known as one of the best trilogies out there, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End are certainly regarded as the better parts of the series. This is especially true for the third film, as many fans adore the final sequence of the movie.
With this, many audiences would be surprised to know that when the 2007 film went into production, its script wasn’t even finished.
Two Films in Production at Once
When Disney...
Pirates of the Caribbean [Credit: Walt Disney Studios]Having been known as one of the best trilogies out there, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End are certainly regarded as the better parts of the series. This is especially true for the third film, as many fans adore the final sequence of the movie.
With this, many audiences would be surprised to know that when the 2007 film went into production, its script wasn’t even finished.
Two Films in Production at Once
When Disney...
- 5/22/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Herman “Hy” Levine, a 48-year veteran of the film industry who rose through the marketing ranks at Universal and Disney, died Dec. 27 in Rockville, Md. after suffering from pancreatic cancer. He was 87.
Levine was an executive Disney from 1986 to 1998, rising to the rank of Vice President of Co-Op Advertising at the time when the studio began stepping up its movie output under CEO Michael Eisner after a particularly fallow period in the early 1980s. In his position, Levine was responsible for print and outdoor advertising on all Disney features, including those that fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners.
Among the films Levine helped launch were such animated megahits as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as live-action titles such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” and “Beaches.” Levine worked closely with then film marketing chief Bob Levin as...
Levine was an executive Disney from 1986 to 1998, rising to the rank of Vice President of Co-Op Advertising at the time when the studio began stepping up its movie output under CEO Michael Eisner after a particularly fallow period in the early 1980s. In his position, Levine was responsible for print and outdoor advertising on all Disney features, including those that fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banners.
Among the films Levine helped launch were such animated megahits as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” as well as live-action titles such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” and “Beaches.” Levine worked closely with then film marketing chief Bob Levin as...
- 1/2/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Herman (Hy) Levine, who had a nearly 50-year career in the film industry and worked with Lew Wasserman, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Dick Cook, and many other prominent executives, has died at 87.
Levine died Dec. 27 in Rockville, MD, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his son, Stuart Levine, who is the VP editorial and media relations at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
Levine was at Disney from 1986-1998 and rose to VP of co-op advertising at the time when the studio was accelerating its film output after a particularly fallow period. In his position, Levine was responsible for the print and outdoor advertising for all the Disney features, which also fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banner.
Among the many films where Levine played a vital role in their success were The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Beaches.
Levine died Dec. 27 in Rockville, MD, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his son, Stuart Levine, who is the VP editorial and media relations at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
Levine was at Disney from 1986-1998 and rose to VP of co-op advertising at the time when the studio was accelerating its film output after a particularly fallow period. In his position, Levine was responsible for the print and outdoor advertising for all the Disney features, which also fell under the Touchstone and Hollywood Pictures banner.
Among the many films where Levine played a vital role in their success were The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Beaches.
- 1/2/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The movie industry gave the late Erik Lomis — the bold and shrewd studio distribution chief who released hundreds of movies during his career — a fitting sendoff Wednesday night.
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (Wrmppf) is honoring one of their biggest champs this year with a posthumous recognition: late MGM and United Artists Distribution Boss Erik Lomis. The honor will be recognized at the October 4 dinner at The Beverly Hilton.
Lomis, who was a force in getting movie theaters back open as Covid quelled, and a proponent of the theatrical window with the release of the 007 title No Time to Die, passed away suddenly at 64 on March 22. Lomis was also known for his relentless and passionate fundraising for Will Rogers.
Lomis hosted last year’s Pioneer dinner which honored James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose corporate leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds...
Lomis, who was a force in getting movie theaters back open as Covid quelled, and a proponent of the theatrical window with the release of the 007 title No Time to Die, passed away suddenly at 64 on March 22. Lomis was also known for his relentless and passionate fundraising for Will Rogers.
Lomis hosted last year’s Pioneer dinner which honored James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose corporate leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds...
- 8/4/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Turning Disney theme park attractions is a relatively new-ish concept, but the movies based on Disney attractions vary wildly in quality.
The story goes that Dick Cook, who at the time was running the Disney film studio with Nina Jacobson, had originally come up with the idea to “mine the theme parks for movie ideas” (as James B. Stewart put it in “Disney War”). They had made “The Country Bears” and were working on projects based on classic Disney attractions Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. At the time, Pirates was envisioned as a direct-to-video cheapie, more along the lines of “Tower of Terror,” which debuted as an inexpensive TV on “The Wonderful World of Disney.”
But during a meeting about whether Disney should invest in “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” an expensive Peter Weir movie starring Russell Crowe (they declined), the idea was...
The story goes that Dick Cook, who at the time was running the Disney film studio with Nina Jacobson, had originally come up with the idea to “mine the theme parks for movie ideas” (as James B. Stewart put it in “Disney War”). They had made “The Country Bears” and were working on projects based on classic Disney attractions Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. At the time, Pirates was envisioned as a direct-to-video cheapie, more along the lines of “Tower of Terror,” which debuted as an inexpensive TV on “The Wonderful World of Disney.”
But during a meeting about whether Disney should invest in “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” an expensive Peter Weir movie starring Russell Crowe (they declined), the idea was...
- 7/28/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
John Fithian, longtime head of the National Association of Theatre Owners, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Variety of Southern California as he prepares to step down after overseeing NATO through decades of transition.
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
The award from the children’s charity goes each year to an individual who has made a significant and profound charitable impact over the course of their career.
Fithian was named NATO president and CEO in 2000 after serving as outside counsel. Last fall, he announced plans to retire effective May 1 and will pass the baton to new chief Michael O’Leary at CinemaCon in Las Vegas later this month.
As NATO boss, Fithian guided theater owners through a transition to digital projection, fighting movie theft, implementing a voluntary movie ratings system, advocating for a healthy theatrical release window and maintaining strong relationships with creatives, producers, distributors and other trade organizations, including the Motion Picture Association. He...
- 4/5/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
James Cameron is, after all this time, the unquestioned king of blockbuster cinema. Between "Aliens," "Terminator," and "Titanic," the man has kind of done it all. But his biggest achievement and right to wear the crown all stems from his 2009 sci-fi mega-hit "Avatar," which remains the highest-grossing movie of all time. Now, some 13 years later, we're about to see if he can do it again with the long-awaited sequel, "Avatar: The Way of Water." The big difference? It's Disney releasing the sequel this time around, whereas Fox released the original. But thanks to the Disney/Fox merger in 2019, that's all changed. Though, in another near-to-us universe, Disney made the first "Avatar" rather than Fox.
Cameron recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter for an in-depth profile on "The Way of Water." In the piece, it's revealed Cameron and his longtime producing partner Jon Landau invited Disney CEO Bob Iger, studio chief Dick Cook,...
Cameron recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter for an in-depth profile on "The Way of Water." In the piece, it's revealed Cameron and his longtime producing partner Jon Landau invited Disney CEO Bob Iger, studio chief Dick Cook,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
It’s perhaps a Herculean task to take on the challenge of making a sequel to a movie an entire generation came up on. So, Adam Shankman decided to do it twice in one year. And, according to the filmmaker, the real challenge of making a sequel is realizing that fans don’t always want too much growth in their characters.
First, he executive produced “Hocus Pocus 2” for Disney+, and now, he’s celebrating the release of “Disenchanted,” which he directed. Of course, he celebrated very far away from social media for the first few days on the latter, so he can avoid seeing too many reactions, good or bad. He’s happy with what he made, and he simply hopes the people who came up on “Enchanted” are happy too.
“The reality is — and this is kind of, this strangely feathers into the movie — a lot of what...
First, he executive produced “Hocus Pocus 2” for Disney+, and now, he’s celebrating the release of “Disenchanted,” which he directed. Of course, he celebrated very far away from social media for the first few days on the latter, so he can avoid seeing too many reactions, good or bad. He’s happy with what he made, and he simply hopes the people who came up on “Enchanted” are happy too.
“The reality is — and this is kind of, this strangely feathers into the movie — a lot of what...
- 11/24/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
The director of Enchanted has said that “Hollywood politics” meant he was “uninvited” to take part in the sequel.
Kevin Lima’s musical romcom, starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey, was released in 2007 to box office success and praise from critics
The film’s sequel, titled Disenchanted, in which Adams and Dempsey reprise their roles, was released in November this year. The follow-up was directed by Adam Shankman instead of Lima.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lima opened up about not being asked to direct the new film.
Lima told the publication that he was “shocked” to not be asked to be involved in the movie, which has received less than favourable reviews from critics and fans.
He said: “A perfect storm of a change of executives and Hollywood politics made it so that I was uninvited to the party, unfortunately.
“It was a very, very sad turn.
Kevin Lima’s musical romcom, starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey, was released in 2007 to box office success and praise from critics
The film’s sequel, titled Disenchanted, in which Adams and Dempsey reprise their roles, was released in November this year. The follow-up was directed by Adam Shankman instead of Lima.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lima opened up about not being asked to direct the new film.
Lima told the publication that he was “shocked” to not be asked to be involved in the movie, which has received less than favourable reviews from critics and fans.
He said: “A perfect storm of a change of executives and Hollywood politics made it so that I was uninvited to the party, unfortunately.
“It was a very, very sad turn.
- 11/23/2022
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - Film
Click here to read the full article.
Fifteen years ago, Disney charmed viewers by sending up its own film catalog with Enchanted, and now its director is opening up about challenges in getting the movie made — and his surprise at not being asked to work on the new sequel, Disenchanted.
Enchanted’s origins date back to the late 1990s. The initial script, written by Bill Kelly (Blast From the Past), focused on Giselle, an animated woman who enjoys singing with animal friends (much like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty) but longs for a happily-ever-after. After Giselle and the prince of the magical kingdom fall in love, the evil queen banishes Giselle to a live-action New York City. Kelly tells The Hollywood Reporter of his initial inspiration: “How could you do a modern-day Sound of Music?”
Over the years, the script went through rewrites, and such directors as Rob Marshall, Jon Turteltaub...
Fifteen years ago, Disney charmed viewers by sending up its own film catalog with Enchanted, and now its director is opening up about challenges in getting the movie made — and his surprise at not being asked to work on the new sequel, Disenchanted.
Enchanted’s origins date back to the late 1990s. The initial script, written by Bill Kelly (Blast From the Past), focused on Giselle, an animated woman who enjoys singing with animal friends (much like Snow White or Sleeping Beauty) but longs for a happily-ever-after. After Giselle and the prince of the magical kingdom fall in love, the evil queen banishes Giselle to a live-action New York City. Kelly tells The Hollywood Reporter of his initial inspiration: “How could you do a modern-day Sound of Music?”
Over the years, the script went through rewrites, and such directors as Rob Marshall, Jon Turteltaub...
- 11/22/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
The word "Disney" brings so much to mind and has for going on 100 years now. While the sheer scope of what that word means in popular culture has evolved greatly, particularly in recent years with the likes of Lucasfilm, Marvel, The Muppets, and other big IPs being acquired by the House of Mouse, there's still that feeling when something is Disney. We all know it and recognize it instantly. Disney has used that to its advantage in recent years, remaking some of its biggest classics such as "Cinderella" and "The Jungle Book" in live-action to great profit.
But in 2007, the studio wisely took many of the elements that make a Disney movie feel like a Disney movie, threw them in a blender,...
The word "Disney" brings so much to mind and has for going on 100 years now. While the sheer scope of what that word means in popular culture has evolved greatly, particularly in recent years with the likes of Lucasfilm, Marvel, The Muppets, and other big IPs being acquired by the House of Mouse, there's still that feeling when something is Disney. We all know it and recognize it instantly. Disney has used that to its advantage in recent years, remaking some of its biggest classics such as "Cinderella" and "The Jungle Book" in live-action to great profit.
But in 2007, the studio wisely took many of the elements that make a Disney movie feel like a Disney movie, threw them in a blender,...
- 11/19/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
There was plenty of bonding Wednesday night as producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli received the 2022 Pioneer of the Year Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. It is the first time since the pandemic began that the gala celebration was able to resume.
For nearly three decades, Broccoli and Wilson, her half brother, have controlled the blockbuster James Bond franchise. The most recent installment, No Time to Die, was one of the most successful films of the pandemic, earning north of 774 million globally. The pic marked Craig’s fifth and final turn as the iconic spy. In 2012, his film Skyfall became the first title in the series to cross 1 billion at the global box office.
Craig made a surprise appearance at the dinner, where he and Michelle Yeoh — who starred in Tomorrow Never Dies, starring Pierce Brosnan as 007 — were...
There was plenty of bonding Wednesday night as producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli received the 2022 Pioneer of the Year Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. It is the first time since the pandemic began that the gala celebration was able to resume.
For nearly three decades, Broccoli and Wilson, her half brother, have controlled the blockbuster James Bond franchise. The most recent installment, No Time to Die, was one of the most successful films of the pandemic, earning north of 774 million globally. The pic marked Craig’s fifth and final turn as the iconic spy. In 2012, his film Skyfall became the first title in the series to cross 1 billion at the global box office.
Craig made a surprise appearance at the dinner, where he and Michelle Yeoh — who starred in Tomorrow Never Dies, starring Pierce Brosnan as 007 — were...
- 9/22/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Bond franchise architects Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have been set to receive the 2022 Pioneer of the Year Award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The honor will be bestowed September 21 during a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
The Pioneer of the Year Award honors leaders in the movie industry whose career achievements and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. The award, handed out for more than 70 years, is part of a gala to support the foundation’s Pioneers Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals in need in the distribution and exhibition community.
Wilson and Broccoli have produced nine 007 films together: GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and last year’s No Time to Die which marked the final Bond appearance by Daniel Craig.
“We are thrilled that Michael and Barbara will be receiving this well-deserved honor,...
The Pioneer of the Year Award honors leaders in the movie industry whose career achievements and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. The award, handed out for more than 70 years, is part of a gala to support the foundation’s Pioneers Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals in need in the distribution and exhibition community.
Wilson and Broccoli have produced nine 007 films together: GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and last year’s No Time to Die which marked the final Bond appearance by Daniel Craig.
“We are thrilled that Michael and Barbara will be receiving this well-deserved honor,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) has acquired the motion picture and television rights to Charles Wachter’s debut novel “The Twin Paradox,” Variety has learned exclusively.
“’The Twin Paradox’ is hands-down the best science thriller I have read,” Dcs chairman Dick Cook said. “Charles is not only a great producer and terrific person; he is an innovative and visionary storyteller who has come up with a brilliant edge-of-your-seat concept with twists and turns at every corner. Dcs couldn’t be more excited to work with Charles and share this remarkable story with audiences across the globe.
Wachter an Emmy-winning television writer and executive producer. In addition to writing novels, he has produced and created over thirty television series, most recently writing and show running ABC’s “Holey Moley” and “The Celebrity Dating Game.” His other credits include “Fear Factor,” “Planet of the Apps,” and “American Gladiators.” He is currently working on a sequel book,...
“’The Twin Paradox’ is hands-down the best science thriller I have read,” Dcs chairman Dick Cook said. “Charles is not only a great producer and terrific person; he is an innovative and visionary storyteller who has come up with a brilliant edge-of-your-seat concept with twists and turns at every corner. Dcs couldn’t be more excited to work with Charles and share this remarkable story with audiences across the globe.
Wachter an Emmy-winning television writer and executive producer. In addition to writing novels, he has produced and created over thirty television series, most recently writing and show running ABC’s “Holey Moley” and “The Celebrity Dating Game.” His other credits include “Fear Factor,” “Planet of the Apps,” and “American Gladiators.” He is currently working on a sequel book,...
- 4/27/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Award-winning and deeply divisive South Korean film director Kim Ki-duk has died of Covid-19-related complications while on a visit to Latvia.
Variety has confirmed Kim’s death with sources in Estonia who were working with him on a new project. The director died of coronavirus in a hospital in the Latvian capital of Riga on Thursday. He was 59. Due to European laws, the hospital won’t officially comment on the case.
The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had been informed of the death in hospital of a 59 year old Korean man, but declined to disclose his name. It said that it was helping with funeral arrangements. The Latvian Embassy in Seoul also confirmed reports of the death.
Kim Soon-mo of Kim Ki-Duk Film told local media that Kim’s family had been informed of the death by an interpreter.
The Latvian news portal Delfi said Kim...
Variety has confirmed Kim’s death with sources in Estonia who were working with him on a new project. The director died of coronavirus in a hospital in the Latvian capital of Riga on Thursday. He was 59. Due to European laws, the hospital won’t officially comment on the case.
The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had been informed of the death in hospital of a 59 year old Korean man, but declined to disclose his name. It said that it was helping with funeral arrangements. The Latvian Embassy in Seoul also confirmed reports of the death.
Kim Soon-mo of Kim Ki-Duk Film told local media that Kim’s family had been informed of the death by an interpreter.
The Latvian news portal Delfi said Kim...
- 12/11/2020
- by Patrick Frater and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Chris Grismer will join Fox’s “Prodigal Son” as co-executive producing director, and Audible unveiled a multi-project deal with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company.
Dates
Apple TV Plus’ “Servant,” executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, will return for its second season Jan. 15. Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”), Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free (“Game of Thrones”) and Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter” franchise) will all reprise their roles for the new season.
Showtime announced that its new limited series “Your Honor,” starring Bryan Cranston, will premiere Dec. 6. The 10-episode legal thriller follows Michael Desiato (Cranston), a revered New Orleans judge whose teenage son Adam (Hunter Doohan) is involved in a hit-and-run. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Jimmy Baxter, a feared crime boss, opposite Hope Davis, who plays his wife. The saga unfolds as the characters face impossible decisions amid growing lies and the pursuit of justice.
Dates
Apple TV Plus’ “Servant,” executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, will return for its second season Jan. 15. Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”), Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Free (“Game of Thrones”) and Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter” franchise) will all reprise their roles for the new season.
Showtime announced that its new limited series “Your Honor,” starring Bryan Cranston, will premiere Dec. 6. The 10-episode legal thriller follows Michael Desiato (Cranston), a revered New Orleans judge whose teenage son Adam (Hunter Doohan) is involved in a hit-and-run. Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Jimmy Baxter, a feared crime boss, opposite Hope Davis, who plays his wife. The saga unfolds as the characters face impossible decisions amid growing lies and the pursuit of justice.
- 10/22/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Pirates of the Caribbean was never meant to be a franchise. Not really. Of course one could also argue the concept was never meant to be a movie either. Originally a theme park ride which opened at Disneyland in 1967, Pirates of the Caribbean becoming a movie is the kind of high-concept thrown around by Disney execs huddled at a conference table. Indeed, it was creative executives Brigham Taylor, Michael Haynes, and Josh Harmon who brainstormed the basic plot for a Pirates movie during the same period the studio greenlit The Country Bears and The Haunted Mansion movies. However, what made the eventual Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl a classic came from the type of creative inspiration Disney couldn’t anticipate or control… yet.
Released in 2003 with modest expectations from the Mouse, and even more cynical predictions by the rest of the industry, the first Pirates of the Caribbean...
Released in 2003 with modest expectations from the Mouse, and even more cynical predictions by the rest of the industry, the first Pirates of the Caribbean...
- 8/27/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Mario Andreacchio, Dick Cook Studios Australia MD Kate McLean and Dick Cook.
Mario Andreacchio had to overcome severe health problems including a heart attack, a stroke and diabetes in his long quest to realise the dream of making The Alchemyst.
The executive director of Adelaide-based Ampco Studios, Andreacchio is now in excellent health — and confident he can make the fantasy feature based on a novel by Irishman Michael Scott as a co-production with Dick Cook’s new Australian-based production company.
“I got my health in order and I feel like a rock star,” he tells If, relating that he experienced a heart attack four years ago and a stroke two years ago. He lost 21 kg, reversed the diabetes and no longer needs insulin or heart tablets.
“Bad health seriously affects thinking and energy. I had no choice. Many things had to change,” he says.
The filmmaker acquired the rights to...
Mario Andreacchio had to overcome severe health problems including a heart attack, a stroke and diabetes in his long quest to realise the dream of making The Alchemyst.
The executive director of Adelaide-based Ampco Studios, Andreacchio is now in excellent health — and confident he can make the fantasy feature based on a novel by Irishman Michael Scott as a co-production with Dick Cook’s new Australian-based production company.
“I got my health in order and I feel like a rock star,” he tells If, relating that he experienced a heart attack four years ago and a stroke two years ago. He lost 21 kg, reversed the diabetes and no longer needs insulin or heart tablets.
“Bad health seriously affects thinking and energy. I had no choice. Many things had to change,” he says.
The filmmaker acquired the rights to...
- 10/28/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Afm’s 40th anniversary market runs November 6-13.
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
- 10/21/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Afm’s 40th anniversary market runs November 6-13.
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
- 10/21/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Former Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook is set to make two fantasy adventure films in Melbourne, Australia, through his production shingle Dick Cook Studios after securing upward of $20.5 million (Aus$30 million) in incentives from the Australian and Victoria region governments.
Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will establish its Asia-Pacific base at Docklands Studios Melbourne and will be headed up by Melbourne-born managing director Kate McLean.
The Docklands Studios Melbourne facility is set to expand with the construction of a $31.5 million, 3,700-square-meter soundstage, it was also announced. As one of the largest in the southern hemisphere ...
Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will establish its Asia-Pacific base at Docklands Studios Melbourne and will be headed up by Melbourne-born managing director Kate McLean.
The Docklands Studios Melbourne facility is set to expand with the construction of a $31.5 million, 3,700-square-meter soundstage, it was also announced. As one of the largest in the southern hemisphere ...
- 10/21/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Former Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook is set to make two fantasy adventure films in Melbourne, Australia, through his production shingle Dick Cook Studios after securing upward of $20.5 million (Aus$30 million) in incentives from the Australian and Victoria region governments.
Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will establish its Asia-Pacific base at Docklands Studios Melbourne and will be headed up by Melbourne-born managing director Kate McLean.
The Docklands Studios Melbourne facility is set to expand with the construction of a $31.5 million, 3,700-square-meter soundstage, it was also announced. As one of the largest in the southern hemisphere ...
Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will establish its Asia-Pacific base at Docklands Studios Melbourne and will be headed up by Melbourne-born managing director Kate McLean.
The Docklands Studios Melbourne facility is set to expand with the construction of a $31.5 million, 3,700-square-meter soundstage, it was also announced. As one of the largest in the southern hemisphere ...
- 10/21/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Artist sketch of Dockland Studios’ new sound stage.
In a dual boost for the Victorian screen industry, Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will shoot two big budgeted movies at Docklands Studios as the facility unveiled plans to build a sixth sound stage costing $46 million.
The production company founded by the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios will set up its Australian base at the lot, headed by Melbourne-born Kate McLean.
A former vice president, office of the CEO to Bob Iger and senior director of the business development group at the Walt Disney Company, McLean will oversee creative content, production, business strategy and operational plans for Dcs Australia. She will start recruiting full-time staff early next year with the aim to build towards 25 personnel.
In Melbourne for the announcement with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Paul Fletcher, Federal Minister for the Communications, Cyber Safety and Arts, Cook said Dcs Australia is...
In a dual boost for the Victorian screen industry, Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) will shoot two big budgeted movies at Docklands Studios as the facility unveiled plans to build a sixth sound stage costing $46 million.
The production company founded by the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios will set up its Australian base at the lot, headed by Melbourne-born Kate McLean.
A former vice president, office of the CEO to Bob Iger and senior director of the business development group at the Walt Disney Company, McLean will oversee creative content, production, business strategy and operational plans for Dcs Australia. She will start recruiting full-time staff early next year with the aim to build towards 25 personnel.
In Melbourne for the announcement with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Paul Fletcher, Federal Minister for the Communications, Cyber Safety and Arts, Cook said Dcs Australia is...
- 10/20/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Ranger’s Apprentice, The Alchemyst based on books.
Dick Cook, the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios, has struck a deal to establish the Asia Pacific headquarters of Dick Cook Studios at Melbourne and announced two projects that authorities said would inject A$200m (Usd $137m) into the state of Victoria.
At the same time it emerged that Docklands Studios Melbourne is to build a new “super stage” at its facility that is expected to be ready by late 2021. Construction will not affect work at the other five sound stages and filming will continue into 2020 on Apple TV+ show Shantaram,...
Dick Cook, the former chairman of Walt Disney Studios, has struck a deal to establish the Asia Pacific headquarters of Dick Cook Studios at Melbourne and announced two projects that authorities said would inject A$200m (Usd $137m) into the state of Victoria.
At the same time it emerged that Docklands Studios Melbourne is to build a new “super stage” at its facility that is expected to be ready by late 2021. Construction will not affect work at the other five sound stages and filming will continue into 2020 on Apple TV+ show Shantaram,...
- 10/20/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Dick Cook Studios (Dcs), an independent production company helmed by former Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook, will receive Aud $30 million in Australian government funding to produce two fantasy features in the country.
The funding is part of an Australian Location Incentive Program with a warchest of Aud $140 million. The fund was announced in May 2018 to lure foreign productions to Australia. Melbourne’s Docklands Studios will also receive government money to construct a massive new soundstage as part of that push. The government is backing a Aud $46 million, 3700-square-metre soundstage. Dcs will also establish an ongoing production office at the studio.
The new facility is being expanded to enable Docklands to compete with Sydney’s Fox Studios and the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios for foreign film projects. The project will be under construction for an estimated two years.
Dcs is planning on first producing Ranger’s Apprentice,...
The funding is part of an Australian Location Incentive Program with a warchest of Aud $140 million. The fund was announced in May 2018 to lure foreign productions to Australia. Melbourne’s Docklands Studios will also receive government money to construct a massive new soundstage as part of that push. The government is backing a Aud $46 million, 3700-square-metre soundstage. Dcs will also establish an ongoing production office at the studio.
The new facility is being expanded to enable Docklands to compete with Sydney’s Fox Studios and the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios for foreign film projects. The project will be under construction for an estimated two years.
Dcs is planning on first producing Ranger’s Apprentice,...
- 10/19/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The Disney empire has soared in value thanks to its inspired acquisitions, but some Disney veterans still cringe in recalling their company’s most troubling takeover: Miramax.
In empowering Harvey Weinstein with Disney money and muscle, the rulers of the Magic Kingdom in 1993 transformed a struggling indie distributor into an all-consuming producer-predator whose ultimate self-destruction is about to play out in the courtroom.
At a time when mega mergers involving Viacom and AT&T are taking center stage, the Miramax deal seems at once paltry, yet historically noteworthy. The acquisition involved $60 million, plus assumption of more than $40 million in debt.
The Harvey Weinstein of 1993 was broke and also desperate to find distribution for two obscure pickups — a sexually ambiguous film set in Northern Ireland, and a comedy made on a dime by a young, first-time filmmaker. While ill-kempt and fiercely aggressive, Weinstein was also shrewdly deferential. He always said “thank you” and opened doors for women.
In empowering Harvey Weinstein with Disney money and muscle, the rulers of the Magic Kingdom in 1993 transformed a struggling indie distributor into an all-consuming producer-predator whose ultimate self-destruction is about to play out in the courtroom.
At a time when mega mergers involving Viacom and AT&T are taking center stage, the Miramax deal seems at once paltry, yet historically noteworthy. The acquisition involved $60 million, plus assumption of more than $40 million in debt.
The Harvey Weinstein of 1993 was broke and also desperate to find distribution for two obscure pickups — a sexually ambiguous film set in Northern Ireland, and a comedy made on a dime by a young, first-time filmmaker. While ill-kempt and fiercely aggressive, Weinstein was also shrewdly deferential. He always said “thank you” and opened doors for women.
- 9/19/2019
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Elizabeth Banks will receive the Pioneer of the Year Award, “The Great Hack” launches a festival, Women In Media launch the CAMERAderie Initiative and UCLA, University of Michigan and USC are receiving $50 million.
Banks Honored
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has selected Elizabeth Banks as the recipient of its Pioneer of the Year Award.
The honor will be presented on Sept. 25 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Banks is the first female director to receive the honor, which is given to a member of the motion picture community who exemplifies professional leadership, service and commitment to philanthropy.
Banks made her directorial debut with Universal Pictures’ “Pitch Perfect 2,” the top grossing musical comedy of all time with $287 million. she is also currently directing, producing, co-writing and starring as Bosley in “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony Pictures and has starred in “The Hunger Games...
Banks Honored
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has selected Elizabeth Banks as the recipient of its Pioneer of the Year Award.
The honor will be presented on Sept. 25 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Banks is the first female director to receive the honor, which is given to a member of the motion picture community who exemplifies professional leadership, service and commitment to philanthropy.
Banks made her directorial debut with Universal Pictures’ “Pitch Perfect 2,” the top grossing musical comedy of all time with $287 million. she is also currently directing, producing, co-writing and starring as Bosley in “Charlie’s Angels” for Sony Pictures and has starred in “The Hunger Games...
- 6/21/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation announced today that actress, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks will receive the 2019 Pioneer of the Year Award on September 25, 2019 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Banks is the first female director to receive the honor.
The Pioneer of the Year Award is given to a respected member of the motion picture community whose professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. Banks will receive the Award at the Pioneer of the Year Dinner – the annual fundraiser benefiting the Wrmppf’s Pioneers Assistance Fund (Paf) which provides financial support and services to individuals in the theatrical entertainment community who are encountering an illness, injury or a life-changing event. There wasn’t a Pioneer of the Year Dinner at CinemaCon in Las Vegas back in April because the event was moved to Beverly Hills this fall.
Banks’ filmography counts $5.6 billion at the global box office.
The Pioneer of the Year Award is given to a respected member of the motion picture community whose professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy is exemplary. Banks will receive the Award at the Pioneer of the Year Dinner – the annual fundraiser benefiting the Wrmppf’s Pioneers Assistance Fund (Paf) which provides financial support and services to individuals in the theatrical entertainment community who are encountering an illness, injury or a life-changing event. There wasn’t a Pioneer of the Year Dinner at CinemaCon in Las Vegas back in April because the event was moved to Beverly Hills this fall.
Banks’ filmography counts $5.6 billion at the global box office.
- 6/20/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
A version of this story about the first 10 years of TheWrap first appeared in TheWrap’s Cannes magazine.
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The 62nd Cannes Film Festival got underway as stars, jury members, auteurs and executives walked the red carpet for “Up,” Disney/Pixar’s 10th collaboration. But even as everything kicked off with glitz and glamour, the 2009 edition wasn’t immune to a changing world.
jQuery(document).ready(function($){ var img = $('.aesop-parallax-sc.aesop-parallax-sc-3924024-1 .aesop-parallax-sc-img') , setHeight = function() { /* if height is not explicitly defined */ img.parent().imagesLoaded( function() { var imgHeight = img.height() , imgCont = img.parent() //imgCont.css('height',Math.round(imgHeight * 0.69)) imgCont.css('height',Math.round(imgHeight * (0.80-0.06*1))) if ( $(window).height img.height()) { $('.aesop-parallax-sc.aesop-parallax-sc-3924024-1').css('height',img.height()); $('#aesop-parallax-component-3924024-1').css('height',img.height()); } } $(window).load(function(){ setHeight(); }); $(window).resize(function(){ setHeight(); }); var img = $('.aesop-parallax-sc.aesop-parallax-sc-3924024-1 .aesop-parallax-sc-img'); img.parallax({speed: 0.1}); }); // end jquery doc ready Up, Up and Away
The 62nd Cannes Film Festival got underway as stars, jury members, auteurs and executives walked the red carpet for “Up,” Disney/Pixar’s 10th collaboration. But even as everything kicked off with glitz and glamour, the 2009 edition wasn’t immune to a changing world.
- 5/16/2019
- by Wrap Staff
- The Wrap
A profoundly grateful Tom Cruise received the pioneer of the year award from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation — the first actor to be so honored.
Cruise was feted Wednesday night on the third day of Cinemacon, the National Association of Theater Owners’ annual convention in Las Vegas. The pioneer of the year award is given to a member of the motion picture community to honor professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy.
“I grew up going to the movies, and I wanted to make movies since I was 4,” Cruise said in his acceptance speech. “I’m very proud to be part of this family. We take care of our own, that’s what families do. I love what I do, and I will cherish this beautiful award.”
Cruise spent most of the 15-minute speech offering thanks. He recalled one of the early instances of that came when Stanley...
Cruise was feted Wednesday night on the third day of Cinemacon, the National Association of Theater Owners’ annual convention in Las Vegas. The pioneer of the year award is given to a member of the motion picture community to honor professional leadership, service, and commitment to philanthropy.
“I grew up going to the movies, and I wanted to make movies since I was 4,” Cruise said in his acceptance speech. “I’m very proud to be part of this family. We take care of our own, that’s what families do. I love what I do, and I will cherish this beautiful award.”
Cruise spent most of the 15-minute speech offering thanks. He recalled one of the early instances of that came when Stanley...
- 4/26/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Two major Southern California public broadcasters are joining forces.
PBS SoCal and KCETLink Media announced plans Wednesday to merge. The move would join Southern California’s largest PBS member broadcaster with the nation’s largest independent public broadcaster, creating an entity that would reach more than 18 million people. The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2018, at which time the name of the new organization will be announced.
“Fifty years ago, a surge of innovation and inspiration created public television as we know it today,” said KCETLink board chair Dick Cook and Jim McCluney, chairman of the PBS SoCal board of trustees, in a joint statement. “In this dynamic time for media, this is exactly the right moment to marry the complementary core strengths of each of our organizations. Our new company combines PBS SoCal’s beloved quality programming and community engagement excellence with KCETLink’s passion for creating smart,...
PBS SoCal and KCETLink Media announced plans Wednesday to merge. The move would join Southern California’s largest PBS member broadcaster with the nation’s largest independent public broadcaster, creating an entity that would reach more than 18 million people. The merger is expected to close in the first half of 2018, at which time the name of the new organization will be announced.
“Fifty years ago, a surge of innovation and inspiration created public television as we know it today,” said KCETLink board chair Dick Cook and Jim McCluney, chairman of the PBS SoCal board of trustees, in a joint statement. “In this dynamic time for media, this is exactly the right moment to marry the complementary core strengths of each of our organizations. Our new company combines PBS SoCal’s beloved quality programming and community engagement excellence with KCETLink’s passion for creating smart,...
- 4/25/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
KCETLink Media Group (Kcet) and PBS SoCal (Koce), the flagship PBS outlet for Southern California, have agreed to merge the companies. The name of the new organization will be announced with the closing of the merger, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other unspecified but “customary” closing conditions, according to the announcement.
The union unites outlets with a reach of 18 million people in Southern California and will create opportunities for new original programs for multiple channels and platforms.
Kcet was the PBS flagship West Coast station for forty years, but went independent in 2011 when it failed to reach a new affiliate agreement with PBS. The disputes that caused the separation centered on fee reductions and greater programming flexibility. In 2012, Kcet merged with Link Media, an independent non-profit media company that operated the Link TV national satellite network and online international news portal,...
The union unites outlets with a reach of 18 million people in Southern California and will create opportunities for new original programs for multiple channels and platforms.
Kcet was the PBS flagship West Coast station for forty years, but went independent in 2011 when it failed to reach a new affiliate agreement with PBS. The disputes that caused the separation centered on fee reductions and greater programming flexibility. In 2012, Kcet merged with Link Media, an independent non-profit media company that operated the Link TV national satellite network and online international news portal,...
- 4/25/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Simon Brew Dec 18, 2017
With new exclusive behind the scenes pictures, director Kevin Lima takes us through Enchanted, as it hits its 10th birthday.
It’s been ten years since the terrific Enchanted arrived in UK cinemas, just under two months after it premiered at the London Film Festival. The film made a star of Amy Adams, brought back 2D animation from Disney to the big screen, and has a songbook that sits happily alongside the top end of Disney work. Plus, the film remains a flat out family treat.
“It has been a long time” Lima chuckled, apologising in advance if he couldn’t recall all the answers I was after. Turns out he didn’t do too badly. He spared me some time to look back over the film, the challenges of making it, and what happened next…
I’ve only just discovered that Enchanted actually had its premiere in the UK!
With new exclusive behind the scenes pictures, director Kevin Lima takes us through Enchanted, as it hits its 10th birthday.
It’s been ten years since the terrific Enchanted arrived in UK cinemas, just under two months after it premiered at the London Film Festival. The film made a star of Amy Adams, brought back 2D animation from Disney to the big screen, and has a songbook that sits happily alongside the top end of Disney work. Plus, the film remains a flat out family treat.
“It has been a long time” Lima chuckled, apologising in advance if he couldn’t recall all the answers I was after. Turns out he didn’t do too badly. He spared me some time to look back over the film, the challenges of making it, and what happened next…
I’ve only just discovered that Enchanted actually had its premiere in the UK!
- 12/17/2017
- Den of Geek
Tom Cruise will be receiving The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s 2018 Pioneer of the Year Award on April 25 at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Cruise is the first actor to receive the honor, as the award has traditionally been bestowed to industry executives. Past Pioneer of the Year honorees include Dick Cook, Cecil B. DeMille, Michael D. Eisner, Jim Gianopulos, Alan Horn, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Donna Langley, Sherry Lansing, Frank G. Mancuso…...
- 10/26/2017
- Deadline
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has picked its newly elected 2017–18 Board of Governors. Like the new 774 members invited to join the Academy this week, they are an eclectic and diverse group — and now, 38% of the board is female. Among them: Former Academy public relations executive Christina Kounelias, now at Participant Media, joins her boss David Linde on the board.
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has picked its newly elected 2017–18 Board of Governors. Like the new 774 members invited to join the Academy this week, they are an eclectic and diverse group — and now, 38% of the board is female. Among them: Former Academy public relations executive Christina Kounelias, now at Participant Media, joins her boss David Linde on the board.
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
Read More: The Film Academy Invited a Bunch of TV Stars to Vote for the Oscars, But They Won’t Admit It
Those elected to the Board for the first time are:
Whoopi Goldberg, Actors Branch
Mandy Walker, Cinematographers Branch
Isis Mussenden, Costume Designers Branch
Wynn P. Thomas, Designers Branch
Kimberly Peirce, Directors Branch
David Linde, Executives Branch
Christina Kounelias, Public Relations Branch
Thomas R. Sito, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch
Teri E. Dorman, Sound Branch
Larry Karaszewski, Writers Branch
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board include:
Lora Kennedy,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Earlier today, the Academy sent an email to all members with the final list of Board of Governors candidates. Conspicuously absent is Netflix CEO and Ted Sarandos, who hosted a recent Academy museum fundraiser and was hoping to get a chance to run for the board.
Also absent is Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the current president of AMPAS, who’s stepping down this August and not seeking a third three-year term on the 54-member board. You have to be on the board in order to run for President. Others no longer in the running are Sony Pictures Classics and CBS Films executives Michael Barker and Terry Press, producer Paula Wagner, director Brett Ratner and actors Queen Latifah and Lou Diamond Phillips. Actress Laura Dern is one current board member who is backed by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson and gaining support.
The final election begins Monday, June 19 and closes on Friday, June...
Also absent is Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the current president of AMPAS, who’s stepping down this August and not seeking a third three-year term on the 54-member board. You have to be on the board in order to run for President. Others no longer in the running are Sony Pictures Classics and CBS Films executives Michael Barker and Terry Press, producer Paula Wagner, director Brett Ratner and actors Queen Latifah and Lou Diamond Phillips. Actress Laura Dern is one current board member who is backed by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson and gaining support.
The final election begins Monday, June 19 and closes on Friday, June...
- 6/2/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Earlier today, the Academy sent an email to all members with the final list of Board of Governors candidates. Conspicuously absent is Netflix CEO and Ted Sarandos, who hosted a recent Academy museum fundraiser and was hoping to get a chance to run for the board.
Also absent is Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the current president of AMPAS, who’s stepping down this August and not seeking a third three-year term on the 54-member board. You have to be on the board in order to run for President. Others no longer in the running are Sony Pictures Classics and CBS Films executives Michael Barker and Terry Press, producer Paula Wagner, director Brett Ratner and actors Queen Latifah and Lou Diamond Phillips. Actress Laura Dern is one current board member who is backed by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson and gaining support.
The final election begins Monday, June 19 and closes on Friday, June...
Also absent is Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the current president of AMPAS, who’s stepping down this August and not seeking a third three-year term on the 54-member board. You have to be on the board in order to run for President. Others no longer in the running are Sony Pictures Classics and CBS Films executives Michael Barker and Terry Press, producer Paula Wagner, director Brett Ratner and actors Queen Latifah and Lou Diamond Phillips. Actress Laura Dern is one current board member who is backed by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson and gaining support.
The final election begins Monday, June 19 and closes on Friday, June...
- 6/2/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Mark Harrison May 25, 2017
The Pirates Of The Caribbean movies have not been easy films to make....
As Michael Bolton once belted out: “This is the tale of Captain Jack Sparrow.” The Pirates Of The Caribbean film was a surprise sleeper hit in 2003, astounding the higher-ups at Disney who had long been sceptical of how a pirate movie, based on a ride at Disneyland, would appeal to audiences.
Off the back of this success, the sequels only got more ambitious and expensive in scale, with their use of practical effects and convoluted character dynamics serving to complicate the adventure format, with mixed results. It shouldn't shock you then, to hear that each of the movies released so far had some serious behind-the-scenes battles to make them shipshape.
The fifth and apparently final instalment, Salazar's Revenge (or Dead Men Tell No Tales), has had some very public battles before it has even been released,...
The Pirates Of The Caribbean movies have not been easy films to make....
As Michael Bolton once belted out: “This is the tale of Captain Jack Sparrow.” The Pirates Of The Caribbean film was a surprise sleeper hit in 2003, astounding the higher-ups at Disney who had long been sceptical of how a pirate movie, based on a ride at Disneyland, would appeal to audiences.
Off the back of this success, the sequels only got more ambitious and expensive in scale, with their use of practical effects and convoluted character dynamics serving to complicate the adventure format, with mixed results. It shouldn't shock you then, to hear that each of the movies released so far had some serious behind-the-scenes battles to make them shipshape.
The fifth and apparently final instalment, Salazar's Revenge (or Dead Men Tell No Tales), has had some very public battles before it has even been released,...
- 5/24/2017
- Den of Geek
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of the Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, will step down in August. Nor is she seeking a third three-year term on the 54-member Academy Board of Governors. And with that, let the games begin.
The question of who will replace Isaacs is on the table. You have to be on the board in order to run for Academy president, who serves at the pleasure of the board for no more than four one-year terms.
And among those who are eyeing an active role on the board is none other than Ted Sarandos, content czar of Netflix — the same organization that spent the week shaking its fist at the Cannes Film Festival for “closing ranks” with a new ruling that only films that commit to French theatrical distribution may participate in future festivals.
Sarandos is the fox in the Academy henhouse, the disruptor who...
The question of who will replace Isaacs is on the table. You have to be on the board in order to run for Academy president, who serves at the pleasure of the board for no more than four one-year terms.
And among those who are eyeing an active role on the board is none other than Ted Sarandos, content czar of Netflix — the same organization that spent the week shaking its fist at the Cannes Film Festival for “closing ranks” with a new ruling that only films that commit to French theatrical distribution may participate in future festivals.
Sarandos is the fox in the Academy henhouse, the disruptor who...
- 5/12/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of the Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, will step down in August. Nor is she seeking a third three-year term on the 54-member Academy Board of Governors. And with that, let the games begin.
The question of who will replace Isaacs is on the table. You have to be on the board in order to run for Academy president, who serves at the pleasure of the board for no more than four one-year terms.
And among those who are eyeing an active role on the board is none other than Ted Sarandos, content czar of Netflix — the same organization that spent the week shaking its fist at the Cannes Film Festival for “closing ranks” with a new ruling that only films that commit to French theatrical distribution may participate in future festivals.
Sarandos is the fox in the Academy henhouse, the disruptor who...
The question of who will replace Isaacs is on the table. You have to be on the board in order to run for Academy president, who serves at the pleasure of the board for no more than four one-year terms.
And among those who are eyeing an active role on the board is none other than Ted Sarandos, content czar of Netflix — the same organization that spent the week shaking its fist at the Cannes Film Festival for “closing ranks” with a new ruling that only films that commit to French theatrical distribution may participate in future festivals.
Sarandos is the fox in the Academy henhouse, the disruptor who...
- 5/12/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Oscar-winning writer was delivering a talk at Toronto’s Script to Screen Summit.
The time is right for a black James Bond, and Eon producer Barbara Broccoli might be brave enough to hire one, said writer/director Paul Haggis, kicking off Friday’s Script to Screen Summit presented by Winston Baker here at Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 8-18).
Haggis, who wrote the screenplays for Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, noted he had no connection to Bond anymore but he said “I would go for a black Bond.
“Barbara [Broccoli] is really brave, and so is Michael [G Wilson], I think she might do it. “ He added that Broccoli already proved her bravery “and took a lot of heat” in hiring Daniel Craig as the first blond Bond. “She just didn’t care, she’s very brave, she’s wonderful.”
In his opening keynote talk, double Oscar-winner Haggis also spoke about the opportunities and challenges of the Western...
The time is right for a black James Bond, and Eon producer Barbara Broccoli might be brave enough to hire one, said writer/director Paul Haggis, kicking off Friday’s Script to Screen Summit presented by Winston Baker here at Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 8-18).
Haggis, who wrote the screenplays for Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, noted he had no connection to Bond anymore but he said “I would go for a black Bond.
“Barbara [Broccoli] is really brave, and so is Michael [G Wilson], I think she might do it. “ He added that Broccoli already proved her bravery “and took a lot of heat” in hiring Daniel Craig as the first blond Bond. “She just didn’t care, she’s very brave, she’s wonderful.”
In his opening keynote talk, double Oscar-winner Haggis also spoke about the opportunities and challenges of the Western...
- 9/9/2016
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Divisive South Korean auteur Kim Ki-duk, who’s won top prizes at several presitigious festivals and polarized critics throughout his career, is partnering with Dick Cook Studios and Film Carnival on “Who Is God?” An anti-war film marking Kim’s debut in China, the film is currently budgeted at approximately $37 million — an expontentially higher sum than any of his previous 20 features have been made for.
Read More: Review: Penis Mutilation, Rock Masturbation and More Distinguish Kim Ki-Duk’s Crazy ‘Moebius’
The news comes from Variety, who break down the math and estimate that, in fact, that figure may be three times more than the total budget of Kim’s entire corpus so far. That sum comes largely from the securities firm Huafeng Investment Consultation, which is based in Hangzhou.
Read More: Kim Ki-duk On Why the Shocking ‘Moebius’ Is a ‘Penis Journey’
Kim calls the project “the story of a...
Read More: Review: Penis Mutilation, Rock Masturbation and More Distinguish Kim Ki-Duk’s Crazy ‘Moebius’
The news comes from Variety, who break down the math and estimate that, in fact, that figure may be three times more than the total budget of Kim’s entire corpus so far. That sum comes largely from the securities firm Huafeng Investment Consultation, which is based in Hangzhou.
Read More: Kim Ki-duk On Why the Shocking ‘Moebius’ Is a ‘Penis Journey’
Kim calls the project “the story of a...
- 7/30/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Don that hat and grab your umbrella because Meryl Streep in in talks to join the sequel to Mary Poppins, Variety reports. If Streep should accept, the Oscar winner joins Emily Blunt (who plays the titular Poppins) in Mary Poppins Returns, which would reunite the two and director Rob Marshall from Into the Woods — not to mention The Devil Wears Prada for the acting duo. Set in Depression-era London and concerns Jane and Michael Banks, who are now all grown up and have suffered a personal loss when they get a visit from the titular character. There is no news on who will play either Banks, but Hamilton star Manuel Miranda has been cast as Jack, a streetlamp lighter and friend of Blunt’s Poppins who will assumedly play a pivotal role in helping her coax the family out of sadness. The script is penned by David Magee, who recently adapted Life of Pi,...
- 7/29/2016
- by Mike Mazzanti
- The Film Stage
Days after ScreenDaily reported from the China-us Motion Picture Summit that Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) was in talks with additional Asian investors including Film Carnival, the former Disney chairman has closed a half-billion slate financing deal with the Chinese company.
Film Carnival, which has business interests with lead Dcs investor Citic Guoan, will provide full financing on all Dcs films, while Cook and his team latter will develop, produce, market and distribute the slate worldwide.
First on the slate is Ranger’s Apprentice, a literary adaptation from the fantasy series by Australian author John Flanagan that Paul Haggis is set to direct later this year.
Dcs also will provide strategic assistance to Film Carnival, run by chairman Lou Xiaolou, as it seeks to build out its own slate of films in China.
And in what the parties have called an unprecedented move, Film Carnival will facilitate investment in single Dcs films by other Chinese entities.
Cook said: “We...
Film Carnival, which has business interests with lead Dcs investor Citic Guoan, will provide full financing on all Dcs films, while Cook and his team latter will develop, produce, market and distribute the slate worldwide.
First on the slate is Ranger’s Apprentice, a literary adaptation from the fantasy series by Australian author John Flanagan that Paul Haggis is set to direct later this year.
Dcs also will provide strategic assistance to Film Carnival, run by chairman Lou Xiaolou, as it seeks to build out its own slate of films in China.
And in what the parties have called an unprecedented move, Film Carnival will facilitate investment in single Dcs films by other Chinese entities.
Cook said: “We...
- 3/29/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Days after Screendaily reported from the China-us Motion Picture Summit that Dick Cook Studios (Dcs) was in talks with additional Asian investors including Film Carnival, the former Disney chairman has closed a half-billion slate financing deal with the Chinese company.
Film Carnival, which has business interests with lead Dcs investor Citic Guoan, will provide full financing on all Dcs films, while Cook and his team latter will develop, produce, market and distribute the slate worldwide.
First on the slate is Ranger’s Apprentice, a literary adaptation from the fantasy series by Australian author John Flanagan that Paul Haggis is set to direct later this year.
Dcs also will provide strategic assistance to Film Carnival, run by chairman Lou Xiaolou, as it seeks to build out its own slate of films in China.
And in what the parties have called an unprecedented move, Film Carnival will facilitate investment in single Dcs films by other Chinese entities.
Cook said: “We...
Film Carnival, which has business interests with lead Dcs investor Citic Guoan, will provide full financing on all Dcs films, while Cook and his team latter will develop, produce, market and distribute the slate worldwide.
First on the slate is Ranger’s Apprentice, a literary adaptation from the fantasy series by Australian author John Flanagan that Paul Haggis is set to direct later this year.
Dcs also will provide strategic assistance to Film Carnival, run by chairman Lou Xiaolou, as it seeks to build out its own slate of films in China.
And in what the parties have called an unprecedented move, Film Carnival will facilitate investment in single Dcs films by other Chinese entities.
Cook said: “We...
- 3/29/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Dick Cook Studios and Film Carnival have announced that they are entering a $500 million motion-picture pact. Under the agreement, China-based Film Carnival will finance 100 percent of Dcs motion pictures, while Dcs will be responsible for the development, production, worldwide distribution and marketing of films. Moreover, Dcs will help Film Carnival produce their own film slate in China. Through the agreement, other Chinese investors will have the opportunity to invest in Dick Cook Studios. Also Read: Wme-img Gets $250 Million Investment from SoftBank “We are thrilled to be working with Mr. Lou and his dynamic team at Film Carnival,” Cook stated, referring.
- 3/29/2016
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Former Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook and China's Film Carnival are teaming on a $500 million film financing fund in major boost for the veteran film executive's Dick Cook Studios and furthering his ties to Chinese money. Film Carnival has committed to fullly finance movies produced by Dcs. Cook's Burbank-based company will be responsible for the development, production, worldwide distribution and marketing of the titles. Also, Film Carnival will allow other Chinese investors to invest in those movies on an individual basis. The pact was announced Tuesday by Cook and Film Carnival chairman Lou Xiaolou. The first film to
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- 3/29/2016
- by Pamela McClintock, Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We heard it was in the works, and now the deal is done. Dick Cook Studios and Film Carnival have entered into a minimum $500M motion picture financing production agreement. Under terms of the agreement, Film Carnival has committed to finance 100% of Dcs motion pictures. Dcs will be responsible for the development, production, worldwide distribution and marketing of the movies. The first film under the agreement is Ranger's Apprentice co-written by Paul Haggis (Million Doll…...
- 3/29/2016
- Deadline
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