Executive turnover dialed up the palace intrigue in the Magic Kingdom this week.
Walt Disney Studios announced on Monday that 15-year veteran Sean Bailey would step down as president of its motion picture production group – a job in which he oversaw splashy live-action remakes of beloved animated properties. In his place, Searchlight Pictures co-head David Greenbaum was elevated and will report directly to top film boss Alan Bergman.
A creative shuffle amongst senior Disney film executives was always going to happen, many industry insiders who spoke with Variety said. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to aggressively cut costs amid a nasty proxy battle with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz – and the company’s movies suffer from an uncharacteristic box office slump and creative torpor – many saw a move like Bailey’s as inevitable.
“Disney film needs a shot in the arm, clearly,” said one top agent speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Walt Disney Studios announced on Monday that 15-year veteran Sean Bailey would step down as president of its motion picture production group – a job in which he oversaw splashy live-action remakes of beloved animated properties. In his place, Searchlight Pictures co-head David Greenbaum was elevated and will report directly to top film boss Alan Bergman.
A creative shuffle amongst senior Disney film executives was always going to happen, many industry insiders who spoke with Variety said. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to aggressively cut costs amid a nasty proxy battle with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz – and the company’s movies suffer from an uncharacteristic box office slump and creative torpor – many saw a move like Bailey’s as inevitable.
“Disney film needs a shot in the arm, clearly,” said one top agent speaking on the condition of anonymity.
- 2/28/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Sean Bailey, the producer turned executive who has overseen Walt Disney Studios’ live-action division for almost 15 years, is exiting the studio.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over in a newly created role of president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield takes sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
Per the studio’s announcement Monday, in this new role Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust collection of original and legacy projects unique to each for theatrical and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a jump for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong record in the prestige filmmaking space, along with his partner Greenfield.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over in a newly created role of president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield takes sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
Per the studio’s announcement Monday, in this new role Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust collection of original and legacy projects unique to each for theatrical and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a jump for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong record in the prestige filmmaking space, along with his partner Greenfield.
- 2/26/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Effective immediately, Walt Disney’s President of Motion Picture Studios Sean Bailey, who turned the company’s animation vault into a multibillion-dollar live-action movie business, is departing after 15 years on the lot. Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum will take on a newly created role. He’ll be president of Disney Live action and president of 20th Century Studios.
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Searchlight Pictures’ vice president of national publicity Diana Loomis is leaving the studio after nearly two decades as head of its East Coast office.
Loomis will depart at the end of the summer after completing work on “Flamin’ Hot,” “Theater Camp” and “Poor Things” to launch a consulting operation specializing in theatrical and streaming releases, and awards campaigns for motion picture and streaming companies.
“I’ve had some amazing years at Searchlight with incredible, unique films — truly innovative filmmakers gravitate to this place,” Loomis said in statement on Wednesday. “I’m grateful to Nancy Utley, Steve Gilula, David Greenbaum, Matthew Greenfield, Michelle Hooper, Rebecca Kearey and, of course, our New York and Los Angeles publicity teams and looking forward to new experiences in the industry with new and old friends and colleagues.”
Loomis began her tenure at the studio — known then as Fox Searchlight Pictures — in 2006 with the release of “Little Miss Sunshine.
Loomis will depart at the end of the summer after completing work on “Flamin’ Hot,” “Theater Camp” and “Poor Things” to launch a consulting operation specializing in theatrical and streaming releases, and awards campaigns for motion picture and streaming companies.
“I’ve had some amazing years at Searchlight with incredible, unique films — truly innovative filmmakers gravitate to this place,” Loomis said in statement on Wednesday. “I’m grateful to Nancy Utley, Steve Gilula, David Greenbaum, Matthew Greenfield, Michelle Hooper, Rebecca Kearey and, of course, our New York and Los Angeles publicity teams and looking forward to new experiences in the industry with new and old friends and colleagues.”
Loomis began her tenure at the studio — known then as Fox Searchlight Pictures — in 2006 with the release of “Little Miss Sunshine.
- 7/12/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has unveiled the cast for its coming-of-age sports drama Rez Ball, set in the world of Native American basketball, which Sydney Freeland (Marvel Studios’ Echo) boarded as director in 2021. Among those set to star are Jessica Matten (Dark Winds), Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Amber Midthunder (Prey), Kiowa Gordon (Dark Winds), Dallas Goldtooth (Reservation Dogs), Cody Lightning (Echo), Ernest Tsosie (Better Call Saul) and Kauchani Bratt.
The ensemble will also feature a big set of newcomers in Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind and Zoey Reyes. Production in New Mexico is now underway, with filming taking place on the Navajo Nation, with the permission and support of the local sovereign tribal nations.
(L-r) Jaren K. Robledo, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Jojo Jackson, Devin Sampson-Craig, Henry Wilson Jr., Kauchani Bratt, Kusem Goodwind, Avery Hale,...
The ensemble will also feature a big set of newcomers in Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind and Zoey Reyes. Production in New Mexico is now underway, with filming taking place on the Navajo Nation, with the permission and support of the local sovereign tribal nations.
(L-r) Jaren K. Robledo, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Jojo Jackson, Devin Sampson-Craig, Henry Wilson Jr., Kauchani Bratt, Kusem Goodwind, Avery Hale,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy’s Board of Governors announced on Tuesday.
She was elected at a virtual meeting of the 54-member board, which was selecting a successor to casting director David Rubin. While presidents can serve four consecutive one-year terms, Rubin had to leave the board because of term limits after serving three terms.
Yang is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch and for the past year had served as a vice president of the board and chair of the Membership Committee.
Yang is a producer of “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the recent Oscar-nominated animated feature “Over the Moon.” Born in New York City, she will be the Academy’s first president of Asian descent, and the fourth woman after Bette Davis (who resigned after two months in...
She was elected at a virtual meeting of the 54-member board, which was selecting a successor to casting director David Rubin. While presidents can serve four consecutive one-year terms, Rubin had to leave the board because of term limits after serving three terms.
Yang is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch and for the past year had served as a vice president of the board and chair of the Membership Committee.
Yang is a producer of “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the recent Oscar-nominated animated feature “Over the Moon.” Born in New York City, she will be the Academy’s first president of Asian descent, and the fourth woman after Bette Davis (who resigned after two months in...
- 8/2/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected 2022-2023 Board of Governors, who will help set the Academy’s strategic vision, preserve the organization’s financial health, and assure the fulfillment of its mission.
Among the 12 additions elected to the board for the first time are Oscar winner Marlee Matlin to the Actors Branch, three-time Best Picture nominee Jason Blum to the Producers Branch, and four-time nominee Jason Reitman to the Directors Branch.
By each joining one of the Academy’s 17 branches, which are each represented by three governors, they start the first of their three-year terms. Per Academy rules, the new governors are allowed to serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years.
The four incumbent governors reelected this year include...
Among the 12 additions elected to the board for the first time are Oscar winner Marlee Matlin to the Actors Branch, three-time Best Picture nominee Jason Blum to the Producers Branch, and four-time nominee Jason Reitman to the Directors Branch.
By each joining one of the Academy’s 17 branches, which are each represented by three governors, they start the first of their three-year terms. Per Academy rules, the new governors are allowed to serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years.
The four incumbent governors reelected this year include...
- 6/22/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, and past Oscar nominees producer Jason Blum and director Jason Reitman are among first-time members elected to the Board Of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as AMPAS announced its new 2022-2023 Board today.
In addition to Matlin for the Actors Branch, Reitman for Directors, and Blum for Producers, other newly elected first time Bog members are Richard Hicks (Casting), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers), Chris Hegedus (Documentary), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors), Megan Colligan (Marketing and Public Relations), Missy Parker (Production Design), Marlon West (Short Films and Feature Animation), Peter Devlin (Sound), and Paul Debevec (Visual Effects).
Incumbent Governors who have been reelected include Ruth E. Carter (Costume Designers), Donna Gigliotti (Executives), Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists), and Eric Roth (Writers). Returning to the Bog after a hiatus is Charles Fox (Music).
They all join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber,...
In addition to Matlin for the Actors Branch, Reitman for Directors, and Blum for Producers, other newly elected first time Bog members are Richard Hicks (Casting), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers), Chris Hegedus (Documentary), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors), Megan Colligan (Marketing and Public Relations), Missy Parker (Production Design), Marlon West (Short Films and Feature Animation), Peter Devlin (Sound), and Paul Debevec (Visual Effects).
Incumbent Governors who have been reelected include Ruth E. Carter (Costume Designers), Donna Gigliotti (Executives), Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists), and Eric Roth (Writers). Returning to the Bog after a hiatus is Charles Fox (Music).
They all join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the newly elected Board of Governors for the 2022-2023 year.
Elected to the board for the first time are Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, cinematographer Dion Beebe, director Jason Reitman, producer Jason Blum, casting director Richard Hicks and more. In addition, four incumbents were re-elected to the board, including Ruth E. Carter (costume designers), Donna Gigliotti (executives), Howard Berger (makeup artists and hairstylists) and Eric Roth (writers). In addition, Oscar nominee Charles Fox returns to the board after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber, Charles Bernstein, Susanne Bier, Jon Bloom, Gary C. Bourgeois, Rob Bredow, Brooke Breton, Paul Cameron, Eduardo Castro, Bill Corso, Teri E. Dorman, Tom Duffield, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Laura C. Kim, Christina Kounelias, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Stephen Rivkin,...
Elected to the board for the first time are Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, cinematographer Dion Beebe, director Jason Reitman, producer Jason Blum, casting director Richard Hicks and more. In addition, four incumbents were re-elected to the board, including Ruth E. Carter (costume designers), Donna Gigliotti (executives), Howard Berger (makeup artists and hairstylists) and Eric Roth (writers). In addition, Oscar nominee Charles Fox returns to the board after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber, Charles Bernstein, Susanne Bier, Jon Bloom, Gary C. Bourgeois, Rob Bredow, Brooke Breton, Paul Cameron, Eduardo Castro, Bill Corso, Teri E. Dorman, Tom Duffield, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Laura C. Kim, Christina Kounelias, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Stephen Rivkin,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The 54-person board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — comprised of three elected governors from each of the organization’s 17 branches and three “governors-at-large” appointed by the president — will look very different when it gathers next month than it did when it convened on Tuesday.
Following elections held over the past month, 12 people were elected to the board for the first time, including Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning star of Children of a Lesser God and this year’s best picture Oscar winner Coda, who will represent the actors branch; Jason Reitman, the second-generation filmmaker behind best picture Oscar nominees Juno and Up in the Air, who will serve the directors branch; and Jason Blum, the Blumhouse chief and producer of best picture Oscar nominee Get Out, who will advocate for the producers branch.
Other rookie governors will include...
The 54-person board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — comprised of three elected governors from each of the organization’s 17 branches and three “governors-at-large” appointed by the president — will look very different when it gathers next month than it did when it convened on Tuesday.
Following elections held over the past month, 12 people were elected to the board for the first time, including Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning star of Children of a Lesser God and this year’s best picture Oscar winner Coda, who will represent the actors branch; Jason Reitman, the second-generation filmmaker behind best picture Oscar nominees Juno and Up in the Air, who will serve the directors branch; and Jason Blum, the Blumhouse chief and producer of best picture Oscar nominee Get Out, who will advocate for the producers branch.
Other rookie governors will include...
- 6/22/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actress Marlee Matlin, director Jason Reitman and producer Jason Blum are among the 12 film professionals who have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors for the first time, the Academy announced on Wednesday.
Where Academy elections have typically found incumbents winning in nearly all branches, this year’s was a step in a dramatic remaking of the board that will take place over a few years.
While all four of the incumbents who ran for re-election did win, stricter terms limits meant that existing governors could not run again in 11 of the 17 races, and the incumbents chose not to run in an additional two races.
The change was set in motion by new, stricter limits on that were put in place in 2020. Previously, they had to leave the board after serving three consecutive three-year terms, but could return after spending a year away.
Where Academy elections have typically found incumbents winning in nearly all branches, this year’s was a step in a dramatic remaking of the board that will take place over a few years.
While all four of the incumbents who ran for re-election did win, stricter terms limits meant that existing governors could not run again in 11 of the 17 races, and the incumbents chose not to run in an additional two races.
The change was set in motion by new, stricter limits on that were put in place in 2020. Previously, they had to leave the board after serving three consecutive three-year terms, but could return after spending a year away.
- 6/22/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The nominees list for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Board of Governors has been revealed before its June 6-10 balloting.
The candidates are hoping to fill the open seats on the 54-member board. Up to four candidates are set for the open seat at each each branch, which carries three governors with staggered terms per branch.
Board members who have termed out include Academy president David Rubin (from the casting directors branch), Jan Pascale (production designers), Mark Johnson (producers) and Nancy Utley (PR).
Candidates vying for a seat include actress Marlee Matlin, composer Hans Zimmer, and executive Toby Emmerich.
The slate faces some crucial tests once installed, including selecting a new Academy president and new CEO to replace outgoing Dawn Hudson. The Academy also must overcome perceptions created in a rocky year, with its Will Smith Oscars slap incident and the uproar over what categories would make it into the Oscars broadcast.
The candidates are hoping to fill the open seats on the 54-member board. Up to four candidates are set for the open seat at each each branch, which carries three governors with staggered terms per branch.
Board members who have termed out include Academy president David Rubin (from the casting directors branch), Jan Pascale (production designers), Mark Johnson (producers) and Nancy Utley (PR).
Candidates vying for a seat include actress Marlee Matlin, composer Hans Zimmer, and executive Toby Emmerich.
The slate faces some crucial tests once installed, including selecting a new Academy president and new CEO to replace outgoing Dawn Hudson. The Academy also must overcome perceptions created in a rocky year, with its Will Smith Oscars slap incident and the uproar over what categories would make it into the Oscars broadcast.
- 6/2/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
I felt ill when the news broke May 11 that my go-to cinema, Landmark Theatres’ flagship Westside location on Pico Boulevard, was shutting down at the end of the month. I have been going to this complex religiously — call it my house of movie worship — ever since its founding 15 years ago. For at least the past decade, my partner and I would have date night there nearly every Saturday night after enjoying dinner downstairs from the theater at the now defunct Westside Tavern. It was a weekly ritual I always looked forward to, until the Covid pandemic kept us from going these past two years.
There is just so much I cherished about the theater. You could always catch the latest and greatest first run indie and foreign films there. The Landmark chain of cinemas was the first national art circuit in our country. The people who worked at the Pico...
There is just so much I cherished about the theater. You could always catch the latest and greatest first run indie and foreign films there. The Landmark chain of cinemas was the first national art circuit in our country. The people who worked at the Pico...
- 5/18/2022
- by Claudia Eller
- Variety Film + TV
“Shakespeare in Love” versus “Saving Private Ryan.”
“Crash” versus “Brokeback Mountain.”
“The Hurt Locker” versus “Avatar.”
“The King’s Speech” versus “The Social Network.”
“Moonlight” versus “La La Land.”
“Green Book” versus “Roma.”
“Parasite” versus “1917.”
When the 2022 Oscars crown its Best Picture winner, we’ll get to add “Coda” versus “The Power of the Dog” to that list of all-time Academy Awards battles.
What once seemed like a no-brainer win for “The Power of the Dog,” which led all films with 12 Oscar nominations, has become a toss-up race with no clear winner. While “The Power of the Dog” has proved sticky — it won Jane Campion a Best Director honor from the Directors Guild and earned top prizes at BAFTA and the Critics Choice Awards — no film since “Parasite” has arguably generated as much enthusiasm on the campaign trail as “Coda.” The Sundance 2021 hit about a deaf family and their hearing...
“Crash” versus “Brokeback Mountain.”
“The Hurt Locker” versus “Avatar.”
“The King’s Speech” versus “The Social Network.”
“Moonlight” versus “La La Land.”
“Green Book” versus “Roma.”
“Parasite” versus “1917.”
When the 2022 Oscars crown its Best Picture winner, we’ll get to add “Coda” versus “The Power of the Dog” to that list of all-time Academy Awards battles.
What once seemed like a no-brainer win for “The Power of the Dog,” which led all films with 12 Oscar nominations, has become a toss-up race with no clear winner. While “The Power of the Dog” has proved sticky — it won Jane Campion a Best Director honor from the Directors Guild and earned top prizes at BAFTA and the Critics Choice Awards — no film since “Parasite” has arguably generated as much enthusiasm on the campaign trail as “Coda.” The Sundance 2021 hit about a deaf family and their hearing...
- 3/21/2022
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
The Sundance Film Festival is always a snapshot of where the film industry goes next. For years, Searchlight Pictures (then Fox Searchlight) had its pick of the films most-likely-to-succeed with critics, movie audiences, and Oscar voters, from “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Brooklyn” to the ill-fated “Birth of a Nation” and its big 2021 buys, Rebecca Hall thriller “Night House” and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s concert documentary “Summer of Soul.” The pandemic put a crimp in those films’ theatrical performances but Hulu saved the day, as it did with Searchlight’s big Oscar-winner “Nomadland.”
Eyes are on the label Disney acquired from Twentieth Century Fox in 2019; since then, Searchlight has not only dropped the Fox but also said farewell to veteran co-chairs Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, who shepherded the specialty distributor to most of its 164 Oscar nominations and 43 wins (including five Best Picture winners). When they handed the co-presidency to production...
Eyes are on the label Disney acquired from Twentieth Century Fox in 2019; since then, Searchlight has not only dropped the Fox but also said farewell to veteran co-chairs Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, who shepherded the specialty distributor to most of its 164 Oscar nominations and 43 wins (including five Best Picture winners). When they handed the co-presidency to production...
- 2/3/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Sundance Film Festival is always a snapshot of where the film industry goes next. For years, Searchlight Pictures (then Fox Searchlight) had its pick of the films most-likely-to-succeed with critics, movie audiences, and Oscar voters, from “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Brooklyn” to the ill-fated “Birth of a Nation” and its big 2021 buys, Rebecca Hall thriller “Night House” and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s concert documentary “Summer of Soul.” The pandemic put a crimp in those films’ theatrical performances but Hulu saved the day, as it did with Searchlight’s big Oscar-winner “Nomadland.”
Eyes are on the label Disney acquired from Twentieth Century Fox in 2019; since then, Searchlight has not only dropped the Fox but also said farewell to veteran co-chairs Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, who shepherded the specialty distributor to most of its 164 Oscar nominations and 43 wins (including five Best Picture winners). When they handed the co-presidency to production...
Eyes are on the label Disney acquired from Twentieth Century Fox in 2019; since then, Searchlight has not only dropped the Fox but also said farewell to veteran co-chairs Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, who shepherded the specialty distributor to most of its 164 Oscar nominations and 43 wins (including five Best Picture winners). When they handed the co-presidency to production...
- 2/3/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Six months after departing from Searchlight Pictures, that studio’s former co-chairman Nancy Utley is opening the doors to a new production company, Lake Ellyn Entertainment, that will produce film and TV content in a first-look deal with Chernin Entertainment.
Chernin Entertainment has had a first-look deal with Netflix since April 2020, one of its big releases being the Fear Street trilogy this summer. Chernin’s pact with Netflix will now extend to Utley projects as well.
Jenno Topping, Chernin Entertainment’s President of Film and Television, made the announcement Wednesday.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive—smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight Pictures into one of the jewels of the film business; a company with an unparalleled record of achievement and a reputation for nurturing the finest filmmakers. I’m delighted to have her join Jenno and me and the rest of our team,” Chernin Entertainment chairman and CEO Peter Chernin said.
Chernin Entertainment has had a first-look deal with Netflix since April 2020, one of its big releases being the Fear Street trilogy this summer. Chernin’s pact with Netflix will now extend to Utley projects as well.
Jenno Topping, Chernin Entertainment’s President of Film and Television, made the announcement Wednesday.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive—smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight Pictures into one of the jewels of the film business; a company with an unparalleled record of achievement and a reputation for nurturing the finest filmmakers. I’m delighted to have her join Jenno and me and the rest of our team,” Chernin Entertainment chairman and CEO Peter Chernin said.
- 10/27/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Nancy Utley, the veteran movie executive who ran Searchlight Pictures, has launched a new content label and secured a first-look arrangement with Chernin Entertainment.
Utley’s Lake Ellyn Entertainment will produce film and television for Chernin, whose own first-look pact with Netflix will now include work from Utley. Jenno Topping, president of film and TV at Chernin, made the announcement on Wednesday.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive — smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight Pictures into one of the jewels of the film business; a company with an unparalleled record of achievement and a reputation for nurturing the finest filmmakers. I’m delighted to have her join Jenno and me and the rest of our team,” said Peter Chernin.
Under its agreement thus far, Chernin has produced the buzzy “Fear Street” film trilogy — a series of feature films that premiered over a series of weeks — for Netflix.
“After decades as a studio executive,...
Utley’s Lake Ellyn Entertainment will produce film and television for Chernin, whose own first-look pact with Netflix will now include work from Utley. Jenno Topping, president of film and TV at Chernin, made the announcement on Wednesday.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive — smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight Pictures into one of the jewels of the film business; a company with an unparalleled record of achievement and a reputation for nurturing the finest filmmakers. I’m delighted to have her join Jenno and me and the rest of our team,” said Peter Chernin.
Under its agreement thus far, Chernin has produced the buzzy “Fear Street” film trilogy — a series of feature films that premiered over a series of weeks — for Netflix.
“After decades as a studio executive,...
- 10/27/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Peter Chernin is reuniting with Nancy Utley, a beloved figurehead in the indie film world who formerly co-ran Searchlight Pictures.
Utley and her newly launched production company, Lake Ellyn Entertainment, has signed a first-look deal with Chernin Entertainment. The pact calls for Utley to produce film and TV content for Chernin’s prolific production company.
Chernin Entertainment president of film and television Jenno Topping announced the news. Terms were not disclosed.
Peter Chernin knew Utley when working at News Corp. and overseeing the 20th Century Fox film empire, which included Searchlight.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive—smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight ...
Utley and her newly launched production company, Lake Ellyn Entertainment, has signed a first-look deal with Chernin Entertainment. The pact calls for Utley to produce film and TV content for Chernin’s prolific production company.
Chernin Entertainment president of film and television Jenno Topping announced the news. Terms were not disclosed.
Peter Chernin knew Utley when working at News Corp. and overseeing the 20th Century Fox film empire, which included Searchlight.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive—smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight ...
- 10/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peter Chernin is reuniting with Nancy Utley, a beloved figurehead in the indie film world who formerly co-ran Searchlight Pictures.
Utley and her newly launched production company, Lake Ellyn Entertainment, has signed a first-look deal with Chernin Entertainment. The pact calls for Utley to produce film and TV content for Chernin’s prolific production company.
Chernin Entertainment president of film and television Jenno Topping announced the news. Terms were not disclosed.
Peter Chernin knew Utley when working at News Corp. and overseeing the 20th Century Fox film empire, which included Searchlight.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive—smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight ...
Utley and her newly launched production company, Lake Ellyn Entertainment, has signed a first-look deal with Chernin Entertainment. The pact calls for Utley to produce film and TV content for Chernin’s prolific production company.
Chernin Entertainment president of film and television Jenno Topping announced the news. Terms were not disclosed.
Peter Chernin knew Utley when working at News Corp. and overseeing the 20th Century Fox film empire, which included Searchlight.
“Nancy is the ultimate executive—smart, savvy, experienced, and kind. She built Searchlight ...
- 10/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
When Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley stepped down as co-chairmen of Searchlight Pictures in April, it was the end of one of the most enduring and successful double acts in independent film history. For more than two decades, the pair have shaped cinema history and set the gold standard for independent production, distribution, and awards campaigning.
“Just a few numbers for you: $5.3 billion in global box office, 43 Academy Awards, 47 BAFTAs…and four of the last eight best picture Oscars: 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, The Shape of Water, and Nomadland,” was how Cameron Bailey, artistic director and co-head of ...
“Just a few numbers for you: $5.3 billion in global box office, 43 Academy Awards, 47 BAFTAs…and four of the last eight best picture Oscars: 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, The Shape of Water, and Nomadland,” was how Cameron Bailey, artistic director and co-head of ...
Screen among TIFF Industry Conference media partners
An industry talk with former Searchlight Pictures co-heads Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula and the first look at Ava DuVernay’s Primetime selection and Netflix series on American Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick are among latest additions to Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) programming.
The five-day TIFF Industry Conference running September 9-13 includes panel discussions presented by Screen on toxic behaviour on set and the African film business, as well as a session on Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch programme.
Programmers have two films to Official Selection: John Michael McDonagh’s...
An industry talk with former Searchlight Pictures co-heads Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula and the first look at Ava DuVernay’s Primetime selection and Netflix series on American Football player and activist Colin Kaepernick are among latest additions to Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) programming.
The five-day TIFF Industry Conference running September 9-13 includes panel discussions presented by Screen on toxic behaviour on set and the African film business, as well as a session on Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch programme.
Programmers have two films to Official Selection: John Michael McDonagh’s...
- 8/13/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Studio veterans DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas have been tapped to head film production at Searchlight Pictures, overseeing all film development and production.
The announcement was made by Searchlight presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, who previously held the production post prior to being promoted in April after longtime Searchlight chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced they would retire. (Utley and Gilula departed the famed speciality division having earned the 2021 best picture Oscar for Nomadland.)
Nguyen has been with the studio since 2009 in the company’s U.S. office, while Goodson-Thomas is based in Searchlight’s U.K. office, where ...
The announcement was made by Searchlight presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, who previously held the production post prior to being promoted in April after longtime Searchlight chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced they would retire. (Utley and Gilula departed the famed speciality division having earned the 2021 best picture Oscar for Nomadland.)
Nguyen has been with the studio since 2009 in the company’s U.S. office, while Goodson-Thomas is based in Searchlight’s U.K. office, where ...
Studio veterans DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas have been tapped to head film production at Searchlight Pictures, overseeing all film development and production.
The announcement was made by Searchlight presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, who previously held the production post prior to being promoted in April after longtime Searchlight chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced they would retire. (Utley and Gilula departed the famed speciality division having earned the 2021 best picture Oscar for Nomadland.)
Nguyen has been with the studio since 2009 in the company’s U.S. office, while Goodson-Thomas is based in Searchlight’s U.K. office, where ...
The announcement was made by Searchlight presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, who previously held the production post prior to being promoted in April after longtime Searchlight chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced they would retire. (Utley and Gilula departed the famed speciality division having earned the 2021 best picture Oscar for Nomadland.)
Nguyen has been with the studio since 2009 in the company’s U.S. office, while Goodson-Thomas is based in Searchlight’s U.K. office, where ...
Electins and returning governers results in 31-23 female-male split.
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Electins and returning governers results in 31-23 female-male split.
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the results of the new elected Board of Governors for the 2021-2022 year, showing increasing progress within the Oscar ranks. The number of women increased from 26 to 31 while the number from underrepresented racial and ethnic communities grew from 12 to 15.
Elected to the board for the first time are actor Rita Wilson, composer Lesley Barber and screenwriter Howard A. Rodman and more. Four incumbents were reelected to the board, including the heads of the following branches — Susanne Bier (directors), Jennifer Todd (producers), Tom Duffield (production design) and Bonnie Arnold (short films and feature animation branch). Oscar winner Bill Corso (“Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”) returns to the board after a hiatus.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility...
Elected to the board for the first time are actor Rita Wilson, composer Lesley Barber and screenwriter Howard A. Rodman and more. Four incumbents were reelected to the board, including the heads of the following branches — Susanne Bier (directors), Jennifer Todd (producers), Tom Duffield (production design) and Bonnie Arnold (short films and feature animation branch). Oscar winner Bill Corso (“Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”) returns to the board after a hiatus.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility...
- 6/21/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday announced its newly elected 2021–2022 Board of Governors. Among the first-timers is Rita Wilson for the actors branch, while Oscar- and Emmy-winning director Susanne Bier returns for a new term in the directors branch, as does two-time Oscar show producer Jennifer Todd for the producers branch. Seven out of 12 governors elected for the first time are women, as are three out of four returning governors.
As a result of the election, the number of women Academy governors increases from 26 to 31, and the number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities increases from 12 to 15.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision,...
As a result of the election, the number of women Academy governors increases from 26 to 31, and the number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities increases from 12 to 15.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Bart: Like Anthony Hopkins, Most Of The Audience Skipped Awards Season; Will 2022 Be A Sequel?
Here’s the question haunting Hollywood about the Oscar show: Why expect next year to be different?
Anthony Hopkins’ no-show put a hole in the show last Sunday, but it was the slate of nominees that represented the biggest “hole.” Audience movies — films that register on some scale of awareness — were on the missing list. But will that change?
The majors are clearly panting to unleash their wannabe blockbusters like Black Widow and A Quiet Place Part II – pricey projects that were pushed back this year. The indies (those that survived) also wait nervously for theater openings and confirmed festival dates. “The pipelines are bulging at the moment but the delivery systems are still iffy,” observes one seasoned distributor.
Hollywood is trying to figure out what sort of product will define the majors in 2022, given their shifting hierarchies and redefined business models. Further, will those indie filmmakers who fueled the...
Anthony Hopkins’ no-show put a hole in the show last Sunday, but it was the slate of nominees that represented the biggest “hole.” Audience movies — films that register on some scale of awareness — were on the missing list. But will that change?
The majors are clearly panting to unleash their wannabe blockbusters like Black Widow and A Quiet Place Part II – pricey projects that were pushed back this year. The indies (those that survived) also wait nervously for theater openings and confirmed festival dates. “The pipelines are bulging at the moment but the delivery systems are still iffy,” observes one seasoned distributor.
Hollywood is trying to figure out what sort of product will define the majors in 2022, given their shifting hierarchies and redefined business models. Further, will those indie filmmakers who fueled the...
- 4/29/2021
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
No matter which film takes home Best Picture Sunday night, that title will be the lowest-grossing in Oscar history.
According to Comscore, Kathryn Bigelow’s 2009 title The Hurt Locker stands as the lowest-grossing Best Picture Oscar winner at the domestic B.O. with $17M. That title will likely be upset this Sunday by Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, which Searchlight didn’t report grosses on during its run, but industry estimates figure has grossed around $2.5M. An Oscar Best Picture win could easily push Nomadland to $3M.
Even if the Best Picture voting math throws Nomadland off from the big prize, the other noms have also posted small results as well, and will rank as the lowest-grossing Best Picture Oscar winner of all-time, including Focus Features’ Promising Young Woman ($6.4M), Warner Bros.’ Judas and the Black Messiah ($5.4M), A24’s Minari ($2.57M) and Sony Pictures Classics’ The Father ($1.6M). While Netflix...
According to Comscore, Kathryn Bigelow’s 2009 title The Hurt Locker stands as the lowest-grossing Best Picture Oscar winner at the domestic B.O. with $17M. That title will likely be upset this Sunday by Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, which Searchlight didn’t report grosses on during its run, but industry estimates figure has grossed around $2.5M. An Oscar Best Picture win could easily push Nomadland to $3M.
Even if the Best Picture voting math throws Nomadland off from the big prize, the other noms have also posted small results as well, and will rank as the lowest-grossing Best Picture Oscar winner of all-time, including Focus Features’ Promising Young Woman ($6.4M), Warner Bros.’ Judas and the Black Messiah ($5.4M), A24’s Minari ($2.57M) and Sony Pictures Classics’ The Father ($1.6M). While Netflix...
- 4/24/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Derek Chauvin remanded in custody until sentencing in two months’ time.
Reactions have poured out of Hollywood on Tuesday (April 20) after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of killing George Floyd after kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes.
Chauvin was led out of Hennepin County Courthouse in handcuffs and faces up to 40 years in prison after the jury reached unanimous guilty verdicts on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Stars and creators from film and TV took to Twitter after Judge Peter A. Cahill read out the verdicts.
Oscar nominee and...
Reactions have poured out of Hollywood on Tuesday (April 20) after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of killing George Floyd after kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes.
Chauvin was led out of Hennepin County Courthouse in handcuffs and faces up to 40 years in prison after the jury reached unanimous guilty verdicts on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Stars and creators from film and TV took to Twitter after Judge Peter A. Cahill read out the verdicts.
Oscar nominee and...
- 4/20/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
If you’ve loved Searchlight Pictures films over the years such as “Napoleon Dynamite,” “Black Swan,” “Birdman,” “Brooklyn,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Juno,” “28 Days Later,” “(500) Days of Summer” and “Sideways,” there are two people responsible for bringing them to the screen. Now, after 21 years, those voices are taking leave. In a somewhat surprising announcement, Steve Gilula & Nancy Utley are retiring from their roles as Searchlight Pictures chairman just days away from the studio potentially winning its fifth Best Picture Oscar under their stewardship.
Continue reading In A Surprise, Steve Gilula & Nancy Utley Retire From Searchlight Pictures at The Playlist.
Continue reading In A Surprise, Steve Gilula & Nancy Utley Retire From Searchlight Pictures at The Playlist.
- 4/20/2021
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Disney announced that Searchlight Pictures chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula are retiring from the specialty label after more than two decades. The company announced that they will be succeeded by their lieutenants, Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum.
Utley and Gilula, along with Peter Rice, joined Searchlight in 1999, with Rice as president. The pair were named presidents of the studio in 2009 after Rice left to join Fox’s television division. (He is now chairman of Walt Disney Television.) Utley and Gilula were made chairmen in July 2018, when Greenfield and Greenbaum were appointed to a shared role of presidents of film and television.
Greenfield and Greenbaum will now lead Searchlight, which has been under the Disney umbrella since the company acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019. They will report to Disney Studios Content chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios Content chief creative officer Alan Horn.
The announcement comes just days before the...
Utley and Gilula, along with Peter Rice, joined Searchlight in 1999, with Rice as president. The pair were named presidents of the studio in 2009 after Rice left to join Fox’s television division. (He is now chairman of Walt Disney Television.) Utley and Gilula were made chairmen in July 2018, when Greenfield and Greenbaum were appointed to a shared role of presidents of film and television.
Greenfield and Greenbaum will now lead Searchlight, which has been under the Disney umbrella since the company acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019. They will report to Disney Studios Content chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios Content chief creative officer Alan Horn.
The announcement comes just days before the...
- 4/20/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Matthew Greenfield, David Greenbaum both promoted to president. Expanded role for Searchlight Pictures International head Rebecca Kearey.
In a surprise announcement in the run-up to Sunday’s Oscars where Searchlight Pictures is in contention with awards heavyweight Nomadland, chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula are to retire from the specialty division after more than two decades.
Longtime Searchlight production heads Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company. They report to Disney Studios content chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios content chief creative officer Alan Horn.
The shake-up brings an...
In a surprise announcement in the run-up to Sunday’s Oscars where Searchlight Pictures is in contention with awards heavyweight Nomadland, chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula are to retire from the specialty division after more than two decades.
Longtime Searchlight production heads Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company. They report to Disney Studios content chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios content chief creative officer Alan Horn.
The shake-up brings an...
- 4/20/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Matthew Greenfield, David Greenbaum both promoted to president. Expanded role for Searchlight Pictures International head Rebecca Kearey.
In a surprise announcement, Searchlight Pictures chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula are to retire from the specialty division after more than two decades.
Longtime Searchlight production heads Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company. They report to Disney Studios content chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios content chief creative officer Alan Horn.
The shake-up brings an expanded role for respected president of Searchlight Pictures International Rebecca Kearey, who now adds business...
In a surprise announcement, Searchlight Pictures chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula are to retire from the specialty division after more than two decades.
Longtime Searchlight production heads Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company. They report to Disney Studios content chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios content chief creative officer Alan Horn.
The shake-up brings an expanded role for respected president of Searchlight Pictures International Rebecca Kearey, who now adds business...
- 4/20/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley will retire after more than two decades at the company, Disney announced on Tuesday.
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, the studio’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to president and will jointly run the company. They will report to Disney’s Content Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Disney Studios Content Chairman Alan Bergman.
“Thanks to the stewardship and pitch-perfect creative instincts of Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, Searchlight has cemented itself as one of the finest film studios in history, and we commend and thank them for their incredible leadership, especially throughout the integration of Searchlight at Disney,” Bergman and Horn said. “They are leaving the studio in the talented hands of Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, who have been a critical part of Searchlight’s success over many years and we’re confident they will...
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, the studio’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to president and will jointly run the company. They will report to Disney’s Content Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn and Disney Studios Content Chairman Alan Bergman.
“Thanks to the stewardship and pitch-perfect creative instincts of Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, Searchlight has cemented itself as one of the finest film studios in history, and we commend and thank them for their incredible leadership, especially throughout the integration of Searchlight at Disney,” Bergman and Horn said. “They are leaving the studio in the talented hands of Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, who have been a critical part of Searchlight’s success over many years and we’re confident they will...
- 4/20/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
A seismic shift here in the independent film sphere in the walk-up to Oscar Sunday: Longtime Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley (65) and Steve Gilula (70) have announced their retirement after a two decades-plus run with the classic label which Disney purchased from Fox.
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, the studio’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to President, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company. Greenbaum and Greenfield will report to Disney Studios Content Chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios Content Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn.
The news comes just before Oscar Sunday when Searchlight’s Nomadland starring Frances McDormand is expected to notch the Best Picture and Best Director win for filmmaker Chloe Zhao. Should Zhao win Best Director, she’ll be the second woman to do so at the Oscars and the first person of color. To date, Nomadland has won the PGA, DGA,...
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, the studio’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to President, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company. Greenbaum and Greenfield will report to Disney Studios Content Chairman Alan Bergman and Disney Studios Content Chief Creative Officer Alan Horn.
The news comes just before Oscar Sunday when Searchlight’s Nomadland starring Frances McDormand is expected to notch the Best Picture and Best Director win for filmmaker Chloe Zhao. Should Zhao win Best Director, she’ll be the second woman to do so at the Oscars and the first person of color. To date, Nomadland has won the PGA, DGA,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Indie film stalwarts Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula are retiring as co-chairmen of Searchlight Pictures.
The longtime executives and producers behind the unit, formerly Fox Searchlight, will be replaced by executives David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield. Utley and Gilula each served more than two decades at the label, offering consistency and prestige cinema through ownership changes and market transformation. The news comes as Searchlight’s “Nomadland” is heavily tipped to win Best Picture at this Sunday’s Oscars.
Greenbaum and Greenfield, equally long-serving heads of production, have been elevated to co-presidents and will report to Disney Studios Content chairman Alan Bergman and chief creative officer Alan Horn. The Walt Disney Company purchased Searchlight as part of its 2019 deal for the Murdoch family’s entertainment assets.
“Thanks to the stewardship and pitch-perfect creative instincts of Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, Searchlight has cemented itself as one of the finest film studios in history,...
The longtime executives and producers behind the unit, formerly Fox Searchlight, will be replaced by executives David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield. Utley and Gilula each served more than two decades at the label, offering consistency and prestige cinema through ownership changes and market transformation. The news comes as Searchlight’s “Nomadland” is heavily tipped to win Best Picture at this Sunday’s Oscars.
Greenbaum and Greenfield, equally long-serving heads of production, have been elevated to co-presidents and will report to Disney Studios Content chairman Alan Bergman and chief creative officer Alan Horn. The Walt Disney Company purchased Searchlight as part of its 2019 deal for the Murdoch family’s entertainment assets.
“Thanks to the stewardship and pitch-perfect creative instincts of Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, Searchlight has cemented itself as one of the finest film studios in history,...
- 4/20/2021
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In a stunning development on the eve of the Academy Awards, Disney announced Tuesday that longtime Searchlight Pictures chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula will be retiring from the specialty division, home of numerous Oscars.
At Sunday’s Oscar telecast, for example, Searchlight’s Nomadland is considered a frontrunner for best picture, among other top awards. Utley and Gilula told staffers of their looming exit in the coming weeks during a lunchtime town hall.
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, Searchlight’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company.
News of ...
At Sunday’s Oscar telecast, for example, Searchlight’s Nomadland is considered a frontrunner for best picture, among other top awards. Utley and Gilula told staffers of their looming exit in the coming weeks during a lunchtime town hall.
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, Searchlight’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company.
News of ...
- 4/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a stunning development on the eve of the Academy Awards, Disney announced Tuesday that longtime Searchlight Pictures chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula will be retiring from the specialty division, home of numerous Oscars.
At Sunday’s Oscar telecast, for example, Searchlight’s Nomadland is considered a frontrunner for best picture, among other top awards. Utley and Gilula told staffers of their looming exit in the coming weeks during a lunchtime town hall.
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, Searchlight’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company.
News of ...
At Sunday’s Oscar telecast, for example, Searchlight’s Nomadland is considered a frontrunner for best picture, among other top awards. Utley and Gilula told staffers of their looming exit in the coming weeks during a lunchtime town hall.
Searchlight veterans Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, Searchlight’s longtime heads of production, have both been promoted to president, Searchlight, and will jointly run the company.
News of ...
- 4/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.
‘Tis the season to offer your Oscar contenders for free for the whole world to see.
In a follow-up to last week’s column where I questioned how Searchlight’s so-called “world premiere,” as listed on the invite for the February 18 event for Nomadland, could possibly be touted as that since it has essentially been premiering in one form or another since its official “world premiere” on September 11, 2020 at Venice/Toronto/Telluride at the Rose Bowl, I now have the answer. A Searchlight exec called to explain the studio felt this was genuinely the world premiere of the much-lauded Oscar contender since they were offering it up to the entire world in one evening, and at no cost, before it hit Hulu and select theatres the following day. Semantics aside, having seen the film at that first premiere in September,...
‘Tis the season to offer your Oscar contenders for free for the whole world to see.
In a follow-up to last week’s column where I questioned how Searchlight’s so-called “world premiere,” as listed on the invite for the February 18 event for Nomadland, could possibly be touted as that since it has essentially been premiering in one form or another since its official “world premiere” on September 11, 2020 at Venice/Toronto/Telluride at the Rose Bowl, I now have the answer. A Searchlight exec called to explain the studio felt this was genuinely the world premiere of the much-lauded Oscar contender since they were offering it up to the entire world in one evening, and at no cost, before it hit Hulu and select theatres the following day. Semantics aside, having seen the film at that first premiere in September,...
- 2/20/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.
Will this now-eight-month awards season ever end?
In a normal year, the way it was originally planned, we’d be spending this Valentine’s Day weekend checking out the BAFTA Awards and prepping for the Oscars just two weeks from now. Instead Monday, the President’s Day holiday, is exactly one month away from the announcement of Oscar nominations, and we still have just a little less than two and a half long months until the Oscars themselves take place on their latest date ever, Sunday April 25, 2021, colliding directly with Emmy season in a never ending whirlwind of zoom panels, virtual screenings, and occasional invites out to a drive-in to see Ammonite. I miss the good old days.
Thanks you Covid 19. Thank you very much.
Nomadland Of Premieres
Does this season seem like Groundhog Day to you, or am I just too close to it?...
Will this now-eight-month awards season ever end?
In a normal year, the way it was originally planned, we’d be spending this Valentine’s Day weekend checking out the BAFTA Awards and prepping for the Oscars just two weeks from now. Instead Monday, the President’s Day holiday, is exactly one month away from the announcement of Oscar nominations, and we still have just a little less than two and a half long months until the Oscars themselves take place on their latest date ever, Sunday April 25, 2021, colliding directly with Emmy season in a never ending whirlwind of zoom panels, virtual screenings, and occasional invites out to a drive-in to see Ammonite. I miss the good old days.
Thanks you Covid 19. Thank you very much.
Nomadland Of Premieres
Does this season seem like Groundhog Day to you, or am I just too close to it?...
- 2/12/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Two days after picking up Sundance’s Documentary Grand Jury Prize, Summer of Soul has been picked up by Searchlight and Hulu.
The acquisition of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial debut is for worldwide rights, parent company Disney says, in a deal put together by Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan and brokered by Cinetic Media.
With appearances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, the Staples Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Glady Knight and the Pips, Max Roach, Abby Lincoln and many more, the music-themed documentary is set for a theatrical release as well as streaming on Hulu in America and internationally on Star and Star+.
A true time capsule of then and now, Summer of Soul is packed with newly unearthed footage of the nearly forgotten but star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. In that vein,...
The acquisition of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s directorial debut is for worldwide rights, parent company Disney says, in a deal put together by Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan and brokered by Cinetic Media.
With appearances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, the Staples Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Glady Knight and the Pips, Max Roach, Abby Lincoln and many more, the music-themed documentary is set for a theatrical release as well as streaming on Hulu in America and internationally on Star and Star+.
A true time capsule of then and now, Summer of Soul is packed with newly unearthed footage of the nearly forgotten but star-studded Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. In that vein,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” has become Sundance’s next major acquisition title, selling to Searchlight Pictures and Hulu.
An individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap it’s the biggest documentary sale in history, although no specifics were given. Another individual close to the transaction pegged the sale at $15 million. Buzz has been building around the film since its premiere last Thursday, sparking a bidding war for the documentary from The Roots bandleader Questlove. It was also the winner of the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Searchlight Pictures and Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan, acquired the worldwide rights to “Summer of Soul,” while Hulu will exclusively stream the doc domestically and Star and Star+ will stream it internationally.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,...
An individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap it’s the biggest documentary sale in history, although no specifics were given. Another individual close to the transaction pegged the sale at $15 million. Buzz has been building around the film since its premiere last Thursday, sparking a bidding war for the documentary from The Roots bandleader Questlove. It was also the winner of the Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Searchlight Pictures and Disney General Entertainment’s Bipoc Creator initiative, led by Tara Duncan, acquired the worldwide rights to “Summer of Soul,” while Hulu will exclusively stream the doc domestically and Star and Star+ will stream it internationally.
“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,...
- 2/5/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Change effective January 1, 2021.
Alan Bergman has been named chairman, Disney Studios Content, and Alan Horn will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on Monday (December 21).
The changes are effective January 1, 2021. The executives have led the Studios group as co-chairmen since May 2019, and both report to Chapek.
Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing, and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses the production hubs at Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, as well as Disney Theatrical Productions.
Horn will focus...
Alan Bergman has been named chairman, Disney Studios Content, and Alan Horn will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on Monday (December 21).
The changes are effective January 1, 2021. The executives have led the Studios group as co-chairmen since May 2019, and both report to Chapek.
Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing, and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses the production hubs at Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, as well as Disney Theatrical Productions.
Horn will focus...
- 12/21/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney this morning has named Alan Bergman as Chairman, Disney Studios Content, with Alan Horn continuing to serve as the division’s Chief Creative Officer.
The two previously served as Co-Chairmen since May 2019. News was swirling heading into Disney Investor Day on Dec. 10 that Horn might possibly retire, but that’s not the case for the motion picture industry vet of 50 years. He remains integral to the Disney production pipeline as the company will commit $14 billion-$16 billion to Disney+ streaming content over the next four years.
Both Bergman and Horn will continue to report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, and all production studio heads will continue to report in to Bergman and Horn as they oversee big-screen features and Disney+ movies and series.
Together Bergman and Horn have seen the 2012 integration of Lucasfilm and the 2019 absorption of 20th Century studios, and have propelled The Walt Disney Studios to industry box...
The two previously served as Co-Chairmen since May 2019. News was swirling heading into Disney Investor Day on Dec. 10 that Horn might possibly retire, but that’s not the case for the motion picture industry vet of 50 years. He remains integral to the Disney production pipeline as the company will commit $14 billion-$16 billion to Disney+ streaming content over the next four years.
Both Bergman and Horn will continue to report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, and all production studio heads will continue to report in to Bergman and Horn as they oversee big-screen features and Disney+ movies and series.
Together Bergman and Horn have seen the 2012 integration of Lucasfilm and the 2019 absorption of 20th Century studios, and have propelled The Walt Disney Studios to industry box...
- 12/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Casting director David Rubin has been re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by the organization’s board of governors. This will be the second one-year term for Rubin, who earlier in the day was nominated for an Emmy for his casting work on Big Little Lies.
The board also elected to officer positions the following:
Lois Burwell, First Vice President
(chair, Awards and Events Committee)
Larry Karaszewski, Vice President
(chair, Preservation and History Committee)
Isis Mussenden, Vice President
(chair, Museum Committee)
Wynn P. Thomas, Vice President
(chair, Education and Outreach Committee)
Jim Gianopulos, Treasurer
(chair, Finance Committee)
Janet Yang, Secretary
(chair, Membership and Governance Committee)
Burwell and Karaszewski were also re-elected to their positions, while Paramount chairman Jim Gianoulos is returning after a hiatus to the role of Treasurer, an office he previously held. He replaces Mark Johnson. Newly elected as first-time officers are Mussenden,...
The board also elected to officer positions the following:
Lois Burwell, First Vice President
(chair, Awards and Events Committee)
Larry Karaszewski, Vice President
(chair, Preservation and History Committee)
Isis Mussenden, Vice President
(chair, Museum Committee)
Wynn P. Thomas, Vice President
(chair, Education and Outreach Committee)
Jim Gianopulos, Treasurer
(chair, Finance Committee)
Janet Yang, Secretary
(chair, Membership and Governance Committee)
Burwell and Karaszewski were also re-elected to their positions, while Paramount chairman Jim Gianoulos is returning after a hiatus to the role of Treasurer, an office he previously held. He replaces Mark Johnson. Newly elected as first-time officers are Mussenden,...
- 7/28/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
(From L-r): Director/Writer Chloé Zhao, Director of Photography Joshua James Richards and Frances McDormand on the set of Nomadland. Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2020 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved
Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced today a series of global screenings to commemorate Chloé Zhao’s upcoming feature film Nomadland’s invitations to Venice, Toronto, Telluride, and New York Film Festivals.
Zhao’s third film, an exploration of modern-day van dwelling life on the road, will World Premiere with simultaneous screenings on September 11th at the 77th Venice International Film Festival and the 45th Toronto International Film Festival, both of which will feature virtual introductions by producer, writer, editor, and director Zhao, and producer and actor Frances McDormand. Telluride, which canceled its 47th edition due to the global pandemic, will host a special “Telluride from Los Angeles” drive-in screening in Southern California later in the evening,...
Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced today a series of global screenings to commemorate Chloé Zhao’s upcoming feature film Nomadland’s invitations to Venice, Toronto, Telluride, and New York Film Festivals.
Zhao’s third film, an exploration of modern-day van dwelling life on the road, will World Premiere with simultaneous screenings on September 11th at the 77th Venice International Film Festival and the 45th Toronto International Film Festival, both of which will feature virtual introductions by producer, writer, editor, and director Zhao, and producer and actor Frances McDormand. Telluride, which canceled its 47th edition due to the global pandemic, will host a special “Telluride from Los Angeles” drive-in screening in Southern California later in the evening,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chloé Zhao’s drama “Nomadland” will get a joint world premiere on September 11 via both the Venice and Toronto film festivals, with additional fall screenings from the Telluride and New York film festivals, Searchlight Pictures chairs Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced Monday.
While Telluride was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, executive director Julie Huntsinger plans to host a drive-in screening in Southern California later in the evening of Sept. 11, featuring in-person appearances by Zhao and star Frances McDormand. The film was also set as the centerpiece selection of the New York Film Festival.
The move is part of a “united platform” that the four major fall festivals announced earlier this month in response to the pandemic, vowing to move away from competing with each other for world premieres and specific films and to work together to keep the “film ecosystem” thriving.
Also Read: Fall Film Festivals Venice, Telluride,...
While Telluride was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, executive director Julie Huntsinger plans to host a drive-in screening in Southern California later in the evening of Sept. 11, featuring in-person appearances by Zhao and star Frances McDormand. The film was also set as the centerpiece selection of the New York Film Festival.
The move is part of a “united platform” that the four major fall festivals announced earlier this month in response to the pandemic, vowing to move away from competing with each other for world premieres and specific films and to work together to keep the “film ecosystem” thriving.
Also Read: Fall Film Festivals Venice, Telluride,...
- 7/27/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
The full lineup for the Venice Film Festival will be announced tomorrow morning in Rome, but today it was unveiled that Chloe Zhao’s upcoming feature Nomadland has been set to world premiere on September 11 on the Lido. It will also have a simultaneous screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, both of which will feature virtual introductions by producer, writer, editor, and director Zhao, and producer and star Frances McDormand.
In a show of solidarity amongst the major fall festivals, Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced today that Zhao’s third feature has also been invited to Telluride and New York. Telluride, which canceled its 47th edition due to the global coronavirus pandemic, will host a special “Telluride from Los Angeles” drive-in screening in Southern California later in the evening of September 11, featuring in-person appearances by Zhao and McDormand. Additionally, the New York Film Festival has...
In a show of solidarity amongst the major fall festivals, Searchlight Pictures Chairmen Nancy Utley and Steve Gilula announced today that Zhao’s third feature has also been invited to Telluride and New York. Telluride, which canceled its 47th edition due to the global coronavirus pandemic, will host a special “Telluride from Los Angeles” drive-in screening in Southern California later in the evening of September 11, featuring in-person appearances by Zhao and McDormand. Additionally, the New York Film Festival has...
- 7/27/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.