Cinema Management Group has reported brisk sales on Kensuke’s Kingdom featuring Cillian Murphy on the back of wins at the British Animation Awards for best picture, best screenplay and best original music.
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired the film for North America; Modern Films for the UK & Ireland; Movies Inspired for Italy Periscoop for Benelux; Arthouse Traffic for Ukraine; New Horizon for Poland; Playarte for Brazil; and Cinetopia for Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. Encore Inflight acquired worldwide airline rights.
Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse) and adapted for screen by Frank Cottrell-Boyce,...
- 5/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Zayn Malik is writing new music for upcoming animated feature “10 Lives” and is set to perform a duet with “Bridgerton” star Simone Ashley for the film, Variety can confirm.
Malik and Ashley also both star in the film, with the former One Direction singer playing tough-guy twins Cameron and Kirk while Ashley voices student Rose. Malik, who is currently working on his next studio album with Mercury Records, is also an executive music producer on “10 Lives,” overseeing the film’s musical creative direction.
Directed by Chris Jenkins (“Surf’s Up”), “10 Lives” tells the story of a pampered and selfish cat who takes his many lives for granted. After carelessly losing his ninth live he begs for a second chance — and an opportunity to prove he can learn from his mistakes. When his wish is finally granted, however, he learns that it comes with some caveats.
Also lending their...
Malik and Ashley also both star in the film, with the former One Direction singer playing tough-guy twins Cameron and Kirk while Ashley voices student Rose. Malik, who is currently working on his next studio album with Mercury Records, is also an executive music producer on “10 Lives,” overseeing the film’s musical creative direction.
Directed by Chris Jenkins (“Surf’s Up”), “10 Lives” tells the story of a pampered and selfish cat who takes his many lives for granted. After carelessly losing his ninth live he begs for a second chance — and an opportunity to prove he can learn from his mistakes. When his wish is finally granted, however, he learns that it comes with some caveats.
Also lending their...
- 11/2/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire and The Green Knight leads the cast of Rabbit Trap, the latest horror film from Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah’s production company SpectreVision, and Deadline reports that the project recently completed filming on location in Wales. This film marks the feature directorial debut of Bryn Chainey and has the following synopsis:
Set in 1973, Rabbit Trap charts the story of married musicians Daphne and Darcy Davenport, who have relocated from London to an isolated cabin in Wales in order to complete their new record. When they accidentally make a field recording of a mystical sound never before heard by human ears, a strange child enters their lives who gradually untethers them from reality, and the couple soon find themselves caught between the ancient spirits of the natural world and the lives they once knew.
Patel is joined in the cast by Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean...
Set in 1973, Rabbit Trap charts the story of married musicians Daphne and Darcy Davenport, who have relocated from London to an isolated cabin in Wales in order to complete their new record. When they accidentally make a field recording of a mystical sound never before heard by human ears, a strange child enters their lives who gradually untethers them from reality, and the couple soon find themselves caught between the ancient spirits of the natural world and the lives they once knew.
Patel is joined in the cast by Rosy McEwen (Blue Jean...
- 10/20/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
A new animated feature adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost is on the way. Deadline reports today that Shout! Studios and Blue Fox have teamed up to bring The Canterville Ghost to theaters this Halloween.
While no release date has been set just yet, Deadline reports that Shout! Studios and Blue Fox “sets the film for a strategic rollout across multiple platforms, beginning with a theatrical launch timed for Halloween.” That might make this another great gateway horror entry for the whole family this spooky season.
The animated reimagining of Wilde’s short story tells “of a modern American family that moves to their recently purchased country home, Canterville Chase in England, only to find it is haunted by a ghost. Effectively, Sir Simon de Canterville (Stephen Fry) has been haunting the grounds of Canterville Chase successfully for over 300 years, but he meets his match when he tries...
While no release date has been set just yet, Deadline reports that Shout! Studios and Blue Fox “sets the film for a strategic rollout across multiple platforms, beginning with a theatrical launch timed for Halloween.” That might make this another great gateway horror entry for the whole family this spooky season.
The animated reimagining of Wilde’s short story tells “of a modern American family that moves to their recently purchased country home, Canterville Chase in England, only to find it is haunted by a ghost. Effectively, Sir Simon de Canterville (Stephen Fry) has been haunting the grounds of Canterville Chase successfully for over 300 years, but he meets his match when he tries...
- 8/28/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Shout! Studios and Blue Fox Entertainment have jointly acquired North American rights to the starry new animated feature The Canterville Ghost from Beverly Hills-based sales agent Cinema Management Group, Deadline has learned.
Emerging from a multi-year alliance between Shout! Studios and Blue Fox, the deal sets the film for a strategic rollout across multiple platforms, beginning with a theatrical launch timed for Halloween.
A Stephen Fry-led reimagining of the same-name short story by Oscar Wilde that screened as an Official Selection of the 2023 Annecy Animation Film Festival, The Canterville Ghost tells the story of a modern American family that moves to their recently purchased country home, Canterville Chase in England, only to find it is haunted by a ghost. Effectively, Sir Simon de Canterville (Fry) has been haunting the grounds of Canterville Chase successfully for over 300 years, but he meets his match when he tries to scare out the new arrivals.
Emerging from a multi-year alliance between Shout! Studios and Blue Fox, the deal sets the film for a strategic rollout across multiple platforms, beginning with a theatrical launch timed for Halloween.
A Stephen Fry-led reimagining of the same-name short story by Oscar Wilde that screened as an Official Selection of the 2023 Annecy Animation Film Festival, The Canterville Ghost tells the story of a modern American family that moves to their recently purchased country home, Canterville Chase in England, only to find it is haunted by a ghost. Effectively, Sir Simon de Canterville (Fry) has been haunting the grounds of Canterville Chase successfully for over 300 years, but he meets his match when he tries to scare out the new arrivals.
- 8/28/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers target autumn release ahead of Halloween.
Signature Entertainment has struck a deal with Cinema Management Group (Cmg) for all UK rights to the animated adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost featuring an all-star cast led by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Freddie Highmore.
The feature played at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival in Official Selection as a Special Event and the producers are targeting an autumn release ahead of Halloween.
The story takes place in 1900 as an American family moves into the infamous Canterville Chase, an ancestral home that has been haunted for 300 years by a cursed ghost,...
Signature Entertainment has struck a deal with Cinema Management Group (Cmg) for all UK rights to the animated adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost featuring an all-star cast led by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Freddie Highmore.
The feature played at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival in Official Selection as a Special Event and the producers are targeting an autumn release ahead of Halloween.
The story takes place in 1900 as an American family moves into the infamous Canterville Chase, an ancestral home that has been haunted for 300 years by a cursed ghost,...
- 7/12/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Blue Fox Entertainment has picked up U.S. rights to the stop-motion adventure comedy The Inventor, starring Stephen Fry as Leonardo da Vinci. Also starring Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, Gauthier Battoue and Matt Berry, the film is set for an exclusive release in theaters nationwide on August 25th.
World premiering in competition at last month’s Annecy Animation Film Festival, The Inventor marks the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated Ratatouille scribe Jim Capobianco. A co-production among the United States, France and Ireland, it follows inventor and artist Da Vinci as he leaves Italy to join the French court where he can freely experiment, invent flying contraptions and incredible machines, and study the human body. Joined in his adventures by the audacious Princess Marguerite (Ridley), Leonardo attempts to uncover the answer to the ultimate question: “What is the meaning of life?”
Capobianco directed from his own script, with Pierre-Luc Granjon serving as co-director.
World premiering in competition at last month’s Annecy Animation Film Festival, The Inventor marks the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated Ratatouille scribe Jim Capobianco. A co-production among the United States, France and Ireland, it follows inventor and artist Da Vinci as he leaves Italy to join the French court where he can freely experiment, invent flying contraptions and incredible machines, and study the human body. Joined in his adventures by the audacious Princess Marguerite (Ridley), Leonardo attempts to uncover the answer to the ultimate question: “What is the meaning of life?”
Capobianco directed from his own script, with Pierre-Luc Granjon serving as co-director.
- 7/10/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
mk2 handles international rights.
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired US rights to animated comedy adventure and Annecy selection The Inventor featuring a voice cast led by Stephen Fry, Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, Gauthier Battoue, and Matt Berry.
Directed by Oscar-nominated Ratatouille co-screenwriter Jim Capobianco in his feature debut, the stop-motion feature tells the story of Leonardo da Vinci (voiced by Fry) as he leaves Italy to join the French court where he can experiment, invent flying contraptions and other machines, and study the human body.
Joined in his adventure by the audacious Princess Marguerite (Ridley), da Vinci attempts to uncover...
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired US rights to animated comedy adventure and Annecy selection The Inventor featuring a voice cast led by Stephen Fry, Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, Gauthier Battoue, and Matt Berry.
Directed by Oscar-nominated Ratatouille co-screenwriter Jim Capobianco in his feature debut, the stop-motion feature tells the story of Leonardo da Vinci (voiced by Fry) as he leaves Italy to join the French court where he can experiment, invent flying contraptions and other machines, and study the human body.
Joined in his adventure by the audacious Princess Marguerite (Ridley), da Vinci attempts to uncover...
- 7/10/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“The Inventor,” a new stop-motion animated feature starring Daisy Ridley and Marion Cotillard, has secured U.S. theatrical distribution at Blue Fox Entertainment.
Having premiered in competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June, the feature is about Leonardo da Vinci and marks the directorial debut of Pixar vet Jim Capobianco. “The Inventor” will be released nationwide on Aug. 25.
Capobianco is a longtime animation stalwart who worked on movies during the so-called Disney Renaissance before moving to Pixar, where he wrote on “Ratatouille” (and was subsequently nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar) and worked in the story department for “Inside Out,” “Coco” and “Finding Dory.” Capobianco wrote “The Inventor” and directed alongside Pierre-Luc Granjon.
In addition to Ridley and Cotillard, the stop-motion film features the voices of Stephen Fry, Gauthier Battoue and Matt Berry, with the story following da Vinci as “he leaves Italy to join the...
Having premiered in competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June, the feature is about Leonardo da Vinci and marks the directorial debut of Pixar vet Jim Capobianco. “The Inventor” will be released nationwide on Aug. 25.
Capobianco is a longtime animation stalwart who worked on movies during the so-called Disney Renaissance before moving to Pixar, where he wrote on “Ratatouille” (and was subsequently nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar) and worked in the story department for “Inside Out,” “Coco” and “Finding Dory.” Capobianco wrote “The Inventor” and directed alongside Pierre-Luc Granjon.
In addition to Ridley and Cotillard, the stop-motion film features the voices of Stephen Fry, Gauthier Battoue and Matt Berry, with the story following da Vinci as “he leaves Italy to join the...
- 7/10/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Taost Entertainment, a London-based media production startup, has picked up Chinese distribution rights to the star-studded animated feature 10 Lives.
Taost acquired the rights to the pic, which features an expansive voice cast, including Zayn Malik, Simone Ashley, Mo Gilligan, Sophie Okonedo, Bill Nighy, and Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso) from the Chinese-based outfit Original Force. The pic is yet to receive approval from censors, at which point Taost will seek a distribution partner in China.
The deal is part of Taost’s plan to expand East. In addition to picking up 10 Lives, the startup is building a Web 3 platform that allows members to post, browse, vote, and engage with animation projects. The company will launch a closed beta at this year’s Annecy Animation Festival.
Directed by Chris Jenkins (Duck Duck Goose), producers on 10 Lives are Guy Collins and Sean Feeney for 10 Lives Productions, alongside Martin Metz...
Taost acquired the rights to the pic, which features an expansive voice cast, including Zayn Malik, Simone Ashley, Mo Gilligan, Sophie Okonedo, Bill Nighy, and Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso) from the Chinese-based outfit Original Force. The pic is yet to receive approval from censors, at which point Taost will seek a distribution partner in China.
The deal is part of Taost’s plan to expand East. In addition to picking up 10 Lives, the startup is building a Web 3 platform that allows members to post, browse, vote, and engage with animation projects. The company will launch a closed beta at this year’s Annecy Animation Festival.
Directed by Chris Jenkins (Duck Duck Goose), producers on 10 Lives are Guy Collins and Sean Feeney for 10 Lives Productions, alongside Martin Metz...
- 5/30/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Nantucket Film Festival, running June 21-26, with kick off with four films on its opening day lineup. For the 12th consecutive year, a Disney and Pixar movie will open the festival with “Elemental,” which premieres in May at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Also on Day 1 are Sophie Barthes’ “The Pod Generation,” coming off stops at Sundance and Sarasota — Barthes will also receive the inaugural Maria Mitchell Visionary Award for the film; SXSW-premiere documentary “Joan Baez I am a Noise,” with Baez herself in attendance; and Austrian documentary “Patrick and the Whale,” which premiered at TIFF 2022.
Recent Bleecker Street acquisition “Jules,” starring Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Jane Curtin, will be the closing-night film.
Guests announced to be in attendance include Michaela Watkins (“You Hurt My Feelings”), Allison Williams (“M3GAN”), Lola Tung (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”), Graham Greene (“Dances with Wolves”), and Julio Torres (“Problemista”).
Other films...
Also on Day 1 are Sophie Barthes’ “The Pod Generation,” coming off stops at Sundance and Sarasota — Barthes will also receive the inaugural Maria Mitchell Visionary Award for the film; SXSW-premiere documentary “Joan Baez I am a Noise,” with Baez herself in attendance; and Austrian documentary “Patrick and the Whale,” which premiered at TIFF 2022.
Recent Bleecker Street acquisition “Jules,” starring Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, and Jane Curtin, will be the closing-night film.
Guests announced to be in attendance include Michaela Watkins (“You Hurt My Feelings”), Allison Williams (“M3GAN”), Lola Tung (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”), Graham Greene (“Dances with Wolves”), and Julio Torres (“Problemista”).
Other films...
- 4/26/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
2023 Sundance is behind us, and mega deals for films like “Fair Play,” “Flora and Son,” and “Theater Camp” were back in a big way. And while the market was healthy, there still are a lot of films yet to find homes.
Here’s the latest deals we’re tracking after the festival.
Films Acquired After the Festival
Title: “Sometimes I Think About Dying”
Section: U.S. Dramatic
Distributor: Oscilloscope
“Sometimes I Think About Dying,” the Daisy Ridley drama that made its premiere in competition on the opening night of this year’s Sundance, was acquired by Oscilloscope for a theatrical release. O-Scope scooped up the U.S. rights to director Rachel Lambert’s film and will release it later this year.
The film is set on the dreary Oregon coast and follows a lonely woman who finds solace in her cubicle and the doldrums of office life. She is ghosting...
Here’s the latest deals we’re tracking after the festival.
Films Acquired After the Festival
Title: “Sometimes I Think About Dying”
Section: U.S. Dramatic
Distributor: Oscilloscope
“Sometimes I Think About Dying,” the Daisy Ridley drama that made its premiere in competition on the opening night of this year’s Sundance, was acquired by Oscilloscope for a theatrical release. O-Scope scooped up the U.S. rights to director Rachel Lambert’s film and will release it later this year.
The film is set on the dreary Oregon coast and follows a lonely woman who finds solace in her cubicle and the doldrums of office life. She is ghosting...
- 4/19/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Summer exclusive theatrical release planned.
Roadside Attractions and Vertical have acquired North American rights to Sophie Barthes’ 2023 Sundance Alfred P. Sloan feature prize-winner The Pod Generation.
The distribution partners plan a summer exclusive theatrical release on for the film, which is set in a near future where A.I. is all the rage as a New York couple participate in an initiative involving mobile, artificial wombs.
Emilia Clarke, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Vinette Robinson, and Jean-Marc Barr star in Barthes’ third film after Cold Souls and Madame Bovary.
Geneviève Lemal, Yann Zenou, Nadia Kamlichi, and Martin Metz served as producers, while the executive producers are Clarke,...
Roadside Attractions and Vertical have acquired North American rights to Sophie Barthes’ 2023 Sundance Alfred P. Sloan feature prize-winner The Pod Generation.
The distribution partners plan a summer exclusive theatrical release on for the film, which is set in a near future where A.I. is all the rage as a New York couple participate in an initiative involving mobile, artificial wombs.
Emilia Clarke, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Vinette Robinson, and Jean-Marc Barr star in Barthes’ third film after Cold Souls and Madame Bovary.
Geneviève Lemal, Yann Zenou, Nadia Kamlichi, and Martin Metz served as producers, while the executive producers are Clarke,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Director Sophie Barthes (“Madame Bovary”) futuristic comedy/drama “The Pod Generation” has been acquired by Roadside Attractions and Vertical after the feature’s Sundance debut back in January.
The feature follows Emilia Clarke’s Rachel and her partner Alvy (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an upscale New York couple living in a future world where natural childbirth is considered passe. When Rachel gets a coveted position at the city’s Womb Center, where children are birthed in egg-like pods, the couple decides to go on a journey towards parenthood that asks the question of what “natural childbirth” truly is.
“Today, every filmmaker dreams to have a theatrical release. Roadside Attractions and Vertical have made this dream possible,” Barthes said in a statement. “The Pod Generation could not have found a better home, with such a dedicated, innovative and experienced team. I’m thrilled to start this adventure with a team truly in love...
The feature follows Emilia Clarke’s Rachel and her partner Alvy (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an upscale New York couple living in a future world where natural childbirth is considered passe. When Rachel gets a coveted position at the city’s Womb Center, where children are birthed in egg-like pods, the couple decides to go on a journey towards parenthood that asks the question of what “natural childbirth” truly is.
“Today, every filmmaker dreams to have a theatrical release. Roadside Attractions and Vertical have made this dream possible,” Barthes said in a statement. “The Pod Generation could not have found a better home, with such a dedicated, innovative and experienced team. I’m thrilled to start this adventure with a team truly in love...
- 3/28/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Pod Generation — the sci-fi Sundance feature starring Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor — has landed at Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment in North America. It is palnned for a theatrical release this summer.
The feature, which won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at the Park City festival, is written and directed by Sophie Barthes and is set in the very near future world where AI has infiltrated all aspects of life.
The Pod Generation, according to the film’s synopsis, “follows Rachel (Clarke) and Alvy (Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to start a family. As a rising tech company executive, Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center, which offers couples the opportunity to share pregnancy on a more equal footing by way of mobile, artificial wombs, or pods. Alvy, a botanist and devoted purist about the natural environment, has doubts, but his love for...
The feature, which won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at the Park City festival, is written and directed by Sophie Barthes and is set in the very near future world where AI has infiltrated all aspects of life.
The Pod Generation, according to the film’s synopsis, “follows Rachel (Clarke) and Alvy (Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to start a family. As a rising tech company executive, Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center, which offers couples the opportunity to share pregnancy on a more equal footing by way of mobile, artificial wombs, or pods. Alvy, a botanist and devoted purist about the natural environment, has doubts, but his love for...
- 3/28/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Roadside Attractions and Vertical have nabbed North American rights to the futuristic fable The Pod Generation, starring 4x Emmy nominee Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Academy Award nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave), which opened this year’s Sundance Film Festival and claimed its Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize. It’s slated for release exclusively in theaters this summer.
The third feature written and directed by Barthes (Cold Souls) is set in the very near-future world where AI is all the rage and technology has trumped nature in nearly every aspect of life. Its protagonists are Rachel (Clarke) and Alvy (Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to start a family. As a rising tech company executive, Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center, which offers couples the opportunity to share pregnancy on a more equal footing by way of mobile, artificial wombs,...
The third feature written and directed by Barthes (Cold Souls) is set in the very near-future world where AI is all the rage and technology has trumped nature in nearly every aspect of life. Its protagonists are Rachel (Clarke) and Alvy (Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to start a family. As a rising tech company executive, Rachel lands a coveted spot at the Womb Center, which offers couples the opportunity to share pregnancy on a more equal footing by way of mobile, artificial wombs,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Bill Nighy (Living) and Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso) have signed on to join the voice cast of CG animated family comedy 10 Lives.
The pair will join already-announced cast members Mo Gilligan (That’s My Jam), Simone Ashley (Bridgerton), Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda), Dylan Llewellyn (Derry Girls), and musician Zayn Malik.
Nighy, who picked up an Oscar nom this week for his leading role in the Kazuo Ishiguro-scripted Living, will voice the character of Professor Craven, while Swift will lend his voice to a wise-cracking dog called Happy.
The pic tells the story of Beckett, a pampered and selfish cat who has taken the lives he’s been dealt for granted. After carelessly losing his ninth life, he begs to be given a second chance and an opportunity to show he can learn from his mistakes. Eventually, his wish is granted, but with certain stipulations.
The film is directed by...
The pair will join already-announced cast members Mo Gilligan (That’s My Jam), Simone Ashley (Bridgerton), Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda), Dylan Llewellyn (Derry Girls), and musician Zayn Malik.
Nighy, who picked up an Oscar nom this week for his leading role in the Kazuo Ishiguro-scripted Living, will voice the character of Professor Craven, while Swift will lend his voice to a wise-cracking dog called Happy.
The pic tells the story of Beckett, a pampered and selfish cat who has taken the lives he’s been dealt for granted. After carelessly losing his ninth life, he begs to be given a second chance and an opportunity to show he can learn from his mistakes. Eventually, his wish is granted, but with certain stipulations.
The film is directed by...
- 1/26/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Pod Generation” has garnered the first award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
Sophie Barthes directed the sci-fi film, which stars Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor as parents whose child is being grown in a pod. The dark comedy took home the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Sundance Institute Science-in-Film initiative top cash prize of 20,000. The prize is selected by a jury of film and science professionals and presented to an outstanding feature film focusing on science or technology as a theme, or depicting a scientist, engineer, or mathematician as a major character. The 2023 jury for Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize included Dr. Heather Berlin, Jim Gaffigan, Dr. Mandë Holford, Shalini Kantayya, and Lydia Dean Pilcher.
The jury shared that it selected “Sophie Barthes’ futuristic romantic comedy, ‘The Pod Generation,’ for its bold, visually-arresting depiction of a brave new parenthood in which AI and artificial wombs provide technological benefits...
Sophie Barthes directed the sci-fi film, which stars Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor as parents whose child is being grown in a pod. The dark comedy took home the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Sundance Institute Science-in-Film initiative top cash prize of 20,000. The prize is selected by a jury of film and science professionals and presented to an outstanding feature film focusing on science or technology as a theme, or depicting a scientist, engineer, or mathematician as a major character. The 2023 jury for Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize included Dr. Heather Berlin, Jim Gaffigan, Dr. Mandë Holford, Shalini Kantayya, and Lydia Dean Pilcher.
The jury shared that it selected “Sophie Barthes’ futuristic romantic comedy, ‘The Pod Generation,’ for its bold, visually-arresting depiction of a brave new parenthood in which AI and artificial wombs provide technological benefits...
- 1/24/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In Sophie Barthes’ third feature, sci-fi satire “The Pod Generation,” which plays in the Premieres strand at the Sundance Film Festival, the French-born director explores A.I., commodification, motherhood and our relationship to both technology and nature, as well as critiquing progress, consumerism and our way of life.
“The Pod Generation,” which Barthes also wrote and exec produced is the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize Winner, and follows Rachel (Emilia Clarke) and Alvy (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to take their relationship to the next level and start a family, embarking on a pregnancy journey via detachable artificial wombs.
“Although we conceived the technology, it should be here to help us, but I actually think it’s making us disconnect from our instincts” Barthes tells Variety. “We tend to put so much faith now in the fact that technology can do so many things for us.
“The Pod Generation,” which Barthes also wrote and exec produced is the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize Winner, and follows Rachel (Emilia Clarke) and Alvy (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a New York couple who are ready to take their relationship to the next level and start a family, embarking on a pregnancy journey via detachable artificial wombs.
“Although we conceived the technology, it should be here to help us, but I actually think it’s making us disconnect from our instincts” Barthes tells Variety. “We tend to put so much faith now in the fact that technology can do so many things for us.
- 1/21/2023
- by Tara Karajica
- Variety Film + TV
Feature inspired by work of René Goscinny, Jean-Jaques Sempé to open December 16.
Annecy best feature film winner Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be from France’s Foliascope and Luxembourg’s Bidibul Productions has secured a key distribution deal and will open in the US through Buffalo 8 on December 16.
Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre (I Lost My Body) directed the feature based on the bestselling French children’s book series Le Petit Nicholas. The 2D film takes place in 1960s Paris and weaves together the adventures of schoolboy Nicholas and his legendary creators, writer René Goscinny and cartoonist Jean-Jaques Sempé.
Goscinny...
Annecy best feature film winner Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be from France’s Foliascope and Luxembourg’s Bidibul Productions has secured a key distribution deal and will open in the US through Buffalo 8 on December 16.
Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre (I Lost My Body) directed the feature based on the bestselling French children’s book series Le Petit Nicholas. The 2D film takes place in 1960s Paris and weaves together the adventures of schoolboy Nicholas and his legendary creators, writer René Goscinny and cartoonist Jean-Jaques Sempé.
Goscinny...
- 12/9/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Feature inspired by work of René Goscinny, Jean-Jaques Sempé to open December 16.
Annecy best feature film winner Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be from France’s Foliascope and Luxembourg’s Bidibul Productions has secured a key distribution deal and will open in the US through Buffalo 8 on December 16.
Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre (I Lost My Body) directed the feature based on the bestselling French children’s book series Le Petit Nicholas. The 2D film takes place in 1960s Paris and weaves together the adventures of schoolboy Nicholas and his legendary creators, writer René Goscinny and cartoonist Jean-Jaques Sempé.
Goscinny...
Annecy best feature film winner Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be from France’s Foliascope and Luxembourg’s Bidibul Productions has secured a key distribution deal and will open in the US through Buffalo 8 on December 16.
Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre (I Lost My Body) directed the feature based on the bestselling French children’s book series Le Petit Nicholas. The 2D film takes place in 1960s Paris and weaves together the adventures of schoolboy Nicholas and his legendary creators, writer René Goscinny and cartoonist Jean-Jaques Sempé.
Goscinny...
- 12/9/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Titles include ’Aftersun’, ’Enys Men’, ‘Birchanger Green’ and ‘A Gaza Weekend’.
Cannes premieres Aftersun, sold by Charades, and Enys Men, sold by Protagonist Pictures, are among the titles selected for year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The other six titles are all in post-production.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2022 Great 8 showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
Unseen footage from all of the titles will be introduced by their filmmakers and screened on May 12 exclusively to buyers and festival programmers during the online-only showcase,...
Cannes premieres Aftersun, sold by Charades, and Enys Men, sold by Protagonist Pictures, are among the titles selected for year’s Great 8, the annual Cannes buyers’ showcase of UK films from emerging directors.
The other six titles are all in post-production.
Now in its fifth edition, the 2022 Great 8 showcase is funded and run by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4.
Unseen footage from all of the titles will be introduced by their filmmakers and screened on May 12 exclusively to buyers and festival programmers during the online-only showcase,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The BFI and British Council have revealed the line-up for this year’s Great8 showcase, which allows international distributors and festival programmers to get an early look at eight releases from emerging U.K. filmmakers in the run-up to Cannes Marché.
Now in its fifth year, the showcase on May 12 will allow filmmakers to screen unseen footage from the films, which will be available to buy during the market, which runs from May 17-28.
Of the eight films selected for the showcase, one has also been selected for the official Directors’ Fortnight and another for the Critics’ Week line-up. The remaining six films are in post-production.
The Great8 showcase is funded and organized by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4. It has previously presented films including “I Am Not A Witch” and “Calm with Horses.”
Neil Peplow, the BFI’s Director of Industry and International Affairs,...
Now in its fifth year, the showcase on May 12 will allow filmmakers to screen unseen footage from the films, which will be available to buy during the market, which runs from May 17-28.
Of the eight films selected for the showcase, one has also been selected for the official Directors’ Fortnight and another for the Critics’ Week line-up. The remaining six films are in post-production.
The Great8 showcase is funded and organized by the BFI and the British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4. It has previously presented films including “I Am Not A Witch” and “Calm with Horses.”
Neil Peplow, the BFI’s Director of Industry and International Affairs,...
- 5/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Good Luck To You, Leo Grande and Blazing Samurai backer Align has joined animated movie 10 Lives, which is being sold at the upcoming virtual EFM by Gfm Animation.
The duo recently teamed on starry animated film Blazing Samurai, which features the voices of Ricky Gervais, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Yeoh and Mel Brooks, and which will be released stateside by Paramount this summer. Align was most recently financier and producer on Sundance comedy Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, which was picked up this week by Searchlight. According to Gfm, budget on 10 Lives comes in at $26M with delivery scheduled for Q1, 2024. Helmed by Chris Jenkins (Duck Duck Goose), working with House of Cool (Spies in Disguise) and L’Atelier Animation (Ballerina), the film charts the story of a pampered and selfish cat who takes for granted the lives he has been dealt, only to be miraculously granted a whole new set of lives,...
The duo recently teamed on starry animated film Blazing Samurai, which features the voices of Ricky Gervais, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Yeoh and Mel Brooks, and which will be released stateside by Paramount this summer. Align was most recently financier and producer on Sundance comedy Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, which was picked up this week by Searchlight. According to Gfm, budget on 10 Lives comes in at $26M with delivery scheduled for Q1, 2024. Helmed by Chris Jenkins (Duck Duck Goose), working with House of Cool (Spies in Disguise) and L’Atelier Animation (Ballerina), the film charts the story of a pampered and selfish cat who takes for granted the lives he has been dealt, only to be miraculously granted a whole new set of lives,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Searchlight Pictures has acquired the U.S. rights to “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” a comedy and drama about sex and intimacy from director Sophie Hyde that premiered at Sundance and stars Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack.
Searchlight acquired the film to stream as an original film on Hulu in the U.S.
Searchlight previously picked up Mimi Cave’s “Fresh” ahead of its premiere at Sundance and will also stream the film on Hulu. “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” was also reportedly sold in a competitive situation in the range of $7.5 million.
Thompson in “Leo Grande” plays Nancy Stokes, a retired school teacher yearning for some adventure, but most importantly, some good sex. She hires a young sex worker named Leo Grande (McCormack) to help her have the good sex that has eluded her her entire life.
The film is a two-hander set primarily in a hotel...
Searchlight acquired the film to stream as an original film on Hulu in the U.S.
Searchlight previously picked up Mimi Cave’s “Fresh” ahead of its premiere at Sundance and will also stream the film on Hulu. “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” was also reportedly sold in a competitive situation in the range of $7.5 million.
Thompson in “Leo Grande” plays Nancy Stokes, a retired school teacher yearning for some adventure, but most importantly, some good sex. She hires a young sex worker named Leo Grande (McCormack) to help her have the good sex that has eluded her her entire life.
The film is a two-hander set primarily in a hotel...
- 1/26/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Searchlight Pictures has closed a deal around $7.5 million for U.S. rights to Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. the Sophie Hyde-directed film that stars Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack (The Wheel of Time & Peaky Blinders).
Deadline reported yesterday that Searchlight was poised to win the film that was bid on by several distributors, and the plan is to wage an awards-season campaign for Thompson in a standout turn. Searchlight will release through Hulu, in a deal similar to the pre-emptive one it made for another Sundance film, Fresh.
Hyde directed 52 Tuesdays and Animals. The new film is scripted by Katy Brand, whose credits include Nanny McPhee Returns, which starred Thompson, and Walking on Sunshine.
In Leo Grande, Nancy Stokes (Thompson) has led a full life. A retired schoolteacher and widower, she finds herself yearning for the one thing that has eluded her: a satisfying sexual experience. She...
Deadline reported yesterday that Searchlight was poised to win the film that was bid on by several distributors, and the plan is to wage an awards-season campaign for Thompson in a standout turn. Searchlight will release through Hulu, in a deal similar to the pre-emptive one it made for another Sundance film, Fresh.
Hyde directed 52 Tuesdays and Animals. The new film is scripted by Katy Brand, whose credits include Nanny McPhee Returns, which starred Thompson, and Walking on Sunshine.
In Leo Grande, Nancy Stokes (Thompson) has led a full life. A retired schoolteacher and widower, she finds herself yearning for the one thing that has eluded her: a satisfying sexual experience. She...
- 1/26/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Voice cast includes Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
UK sales outfit Bankside Films has released a first-look image from Kensuke’s Kingdom, directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.
The UK-Luxembourg-France co-production is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name, published in 1999. Morpurgo is also the author of War Horse.
The voice cast features Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Boyle is a director and animator who has previously worked on Ethel And Ernest and Space Jam. The screenplay has been penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
The film tells the...
UK sales outfit Bankside Films has released a first-look image from Kensuke’s Kingdom, directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry.
The UK-Luxembourg-France co-production is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel of the same name, published in 1999. Morpurgo is also the author of War Horse.
The voice cast features Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy.
Boyle is a director and animator who has previously worked on Ethel And Ernest and Space Jam. The screenplay has been penned by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
The film tells the...
- 10/28/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” starring Oscar and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson and emerging star Daryl McCormack, has been acquired by Lionsgate U.K.
The film is directed by Sophie Hyde (“Animals”) from an original screenplay by comedian and writer Katy Brand (“Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show”).
Thompson stars as Nancy Stokes, a 55-year-old widow yearning for some adventure, human connection and good sex, which she was robbed of in her stable but stale marriage. To make things right, the ex-teacher devises a plan and hires the services of Leo Grande, a sex worker in his early 20s, for a night of bliss.
“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” is the first joint project between Cornerstone and Genesius Pictures who are partners in The Reset Collective, the Australian production and distribution company that launched last year. Cornerstone is handling international sales and distribution, co-representing the U.S. sales...
The film is directed by Sophie Hyde (“Animals”) from an original screenplay by comedian and writer Katy Brand (“Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show”).
Thompson stars as Nancy Stokes, a 55-year-old widow yearning for some adventure, human connection and good sex, which she was robbed of in her stable but stale marriage. To make things right, the ex-teacher devises a plan and hires the services of Leo Grande, a sex worker in his early 20s, for a night of bliss.
“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” is the first joint project between Cornerstone and Genesius Pictures who are partners in The Reset Collective, the Australian production and distribution company that launched last year. Cornerstone is handling international sales and distribution, co-representing the U.S. sales...
- 10/11/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Cornerstone has unveiled the first look of Oscar and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson and emerging star Daryl McCormack in Sophie Hyde’s “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” ahead of the Cannes virtual market, where the company will also showcase footage from the film.
The film is directed by Sophie Hyde (“Animals”) from an original screenplay by comedian and writer Katy Brand (“Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show”).
Thompson stars as Nancy Stokes, a 55-year-old widow yearning for some adventure, human connection and good sex, which she was robbed of in her stable but stale marriage. To make things right, the ex-teacher devises a plan and hires the services of Leo Grande, a sex worker — or “sex therapist,” as he puts it — in his early 20s for a night of bliss.
Align is financing the film with principal Adrian Politowski producing alongside Debbie Gray from Genesius Pictures. Executive producers include Martin Metz,...
The film is directed by Sophie Hyde (“Animals”) from an original screenplay by comedian and writer Katy Brand (“Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show”).
Thompson stars as Nancy Stokes, a 55-year-old widow yearning for some adventure, human connection and good sex, which she was robbed of in her stable but stale marriage. To make things right, the ex-teacher devises a plan and hires the services of Leo Grande, a sex worker — or “sex therapist,” as he puts it — in his early 20s for a night of bliss.
Align is financing the film with principal Adrian Politowski producing alongside Debbie Gray from Genesius Pictures. Executive producers include Martin Metz,...
- 6/15/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Freddie Highmore to voice Oscar Wilde adaptation.
Production is underway on animated family feature The Canterville Ghost after closing financing with Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance Align.
Align joins India-based Toonz Media Group, which is producing the adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, and work has begun at Toonz Animation Studio in Trivandrum, India.
UK producers include Robert Chandler of Space Age Films as well as Gina Carter and Stephen Fry of Sprout Pictures. Politowski and Martin Metz will produce for Align. LA-based Cinema Management Group (Cmg) is handling worldwide sales.
Fry...
Production is underway on animated family feature The Canterville Ghost after closing financing with Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance Align.
Align joins India-based Toonz Media Group, which is producing the adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, and work has begun at Toonz Animation Studio in Trivandrum, India.
UK producers include Robert Chandler of Space Age Films as well as Gina Carter and Stephen Fry of Sprout Pictures. Politowski and Martin Metz will produce for Align. LA-based Cinema Management Group (Cmg) is handling worldwide sales.
Fry...
- 5/25/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Lionsgate has acquired North American rights to Collin Schiffli’s thriller, Die in a Gunfight, with plans to release it as a multi-platform title this summer.
In the film, starring Alexandra Daddario and Diego Boneta, an unpredictable collection of schemers and killers collide when Ben (Boneta) reconnects with his old flame Mary (Daddario) to fight for their love against cruel fate itself.
“Die in a Gunfight is a fresh and contemporary film packed with action, romance and twists at every turn,” said Lauren Bixby, VP of acquisitions and co-productions at Lionsgate. “Helmer Schiffli’s vivid and captivating style creates a high octane, edgy ride.”
“Audiences need fun, adrenaline fueled entertainment more so than ever,” added Schiffli. “I am thrilled and hopeful that Gunfight will deliver some heartfelt eye candy to everyone looking for a summer flick.”
Scripted by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, pic also stars also Billy Crudup,...
In the film, starring Alexandra Daddario and Diego Boneta, an unpredictable collection of schemers and killers collide when Ben (Boneta) reconnects with his old flame Mary (Daddario) to fight for their love against cruel fate itself.
“Die in a Gunfight is a fresh and contemporary film packed with action, romance and twists at every turn,” said Lauren Bixby, VP of acquisitions and co-productions at Lionsgate. “Helmer Schiffli’s vivid and captivating style creates a high octane, edgy ride.”
“Audiences need fun, adrenaline fueled entertainment more so than ever,” added Schiffli. “I am thrilled and hopeful that Gunfight will deliver some heartfelt eye candy to everyone looking for a summer flick.”
Scripted by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, pic also stars also Billy Crudup,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Umedia exec Adrian Politowski’s new company invests $6.5m into the animated feature.
Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance company Align has boarded Kensuke’s Kingdom, the animated adaptation of the best-selling 1999 novel by UK author Michael Morpurgo.
Sold by Bankside Films, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been put together as a UK-France-Luxembourg co-production. It is directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, and has Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy in the voice cast.
The film tells the story of a boy swept overboard with his dog during a storm while on a sailing trip with his family.
Adrian Politowski’s LA-based production and finance company Align has boarded Kensuke’s Kingdom, the animated adaptation of the best-selling 1999 novel by UK author Michael Morpurgo.
Sold by Bankside Films, Kensuke’s Kingdom has been put together as a UK-France-Luxembourg co-production. It is directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, and has Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe and Raffey Cassidy in the voice cast.
The film tells the story of a boy swept overboard with his dog during a storm while on a sailing trip with his family.
- 4/16/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Cornerstone is handling international sales and distribution.
Rising Irish actor Daryl McCormack has signed to star with Emma Thompson in Sophie Hyde’s Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, which will begin shooting in early March.
McCormack will play a sex worker in his 20s hired by a former teacher who longs for the adventure, human connection and good sex that were missing from her stable but stale marriage.
Filming will take place in Norwich, southern England. Cornerstone is handling international sales and distribution, having brought the film to market at November’s virtual American Film Market. CAA Media Finance co-represents US sales rights.
Rising Irish actor Daryl McCormack has signed to star with Emma Thompson in Sophie Hyde’s Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, which will begin shooting in early March.
McCormack will play a sex worker in his 20s hired by a former teacher who longs for the adventure, human connection and good sex that were missing from her stable but stale marriage.
Filming will take place in Norwich, southern England. Cornerstone is handling international sales and distribution, having brought the film to market at November’s virtual American Film Market. CAA Media Finance co-represents US sales rights.
- 2/25/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Saban Films is closing a deal for North American distribution rights to Love, Weddings & Other Disasters, a romantic comedy starring Oscar winners Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons. Dennis Dugan wrote and directed the film, which is about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for a loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy, and far from perfect.
Maggie Grace, Jesse McCartney, Chandra West, Diego Boneta, Andrew Bachelor, and Veronica Ferres round out the cast.
Dugan produced the film along with Align’s Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz, and Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros. Executive Producer is SquareOne Entertainment’s Al Munteanu.
Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban along with The Gersh Agency and Endeavor Content on behalf of the filmmakers. Fortitude International is handling foreign rights.
In addition to Love, Weddings & Other Disasters, Saban’s upcoming...
Maggie Grace, Jesse McCartney, Chandra West, Diego Boneta, Andrew Bachelor, and Veronica Ferres round out the cast.
Dugan produced the film along with Align’s Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz, and Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros. Executive Producer is SquareOne Entertainment’s Al Munteanu.
Bill Bromiley and Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban along with The Gersh Agency and Endeavor Content on behalf of the filmmakers. Fortitude International is handling foreign rights.
In addition to Love, Weddings & Other Disasters, Saban’s upcoming...
- 8/6/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Saban Films has bought North American distribution rights to Dennis Dugan’s “Love, Weddings & Other Disasters,” starring Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons.
The romantic comedy also stars Maggie Grace, Jesse McCartney, Chandra West, Diego Boneta, Andrew Bachelor and Veronica Ferres. Dugan, who penned the script, also served as a producer along with Align’s Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz, and Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros.
“Love, Weddings & Other Disasters” centers on wedding worker who work create the perfect day for a loving couple — while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far from perfect.
“Love” is Dugan’s first independent feature. His directing credits include “Happy Gilmore,” “Just Go With It,” “Big Daddy’ and the two “Grown Ups” titles with combined worldwide box office revenues topping $2 billion.
“Dennis Dugan is one of the most successful comedy directors of our time and we have been huge fans of his work,...
The romantic comedy also stars Maggie Grace, Jesse McCartney, Chandra West, Diego Boneta, Andrew Bachelor and Veronica Ferres. Dugan, who penned the script, also served as a producer along with Align’s Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz, and Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros.
“Love, Weddings & Other Disasters” centers on wedding worker who work create the perfect day for a loving couple — while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far from perfect.
“Love” is Dugan’s first independent feature. His directing credits include “Happy Gilmore,” “Just Go With It,” “Big Daddy’ and the two “Grown Ups” titles with combined worldwide box office revenues topping $2 billion.
“Dennis Dugan is one of the most successful comedy directors of our time and we have been huge fans of his work,...
- 8/6/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired the North American distribution rights to “Love, Weddings and Other Disasters,” a romantic comedy starring Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons, the distributor announced Thursday.
Dennis Dugan directs and wrote the comedy that also stars Maggie Grace, Jesse McCartney, Chandra West, Diego Boneta, Andrew Bachelor and Veronica Ferres. Saban Films will announce release plans at a later date.
“Love, Weddings and Other Disasters” is a multi-story romantic comedy about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for a loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far from perfect.
Also Read: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton Comedy Pitch 'Family Jewels' Acquired by New Republic Pictures
Dugan also served as a producer along with Align’s Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz, and Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros.
“Dennis Dugan is one of the most successful comedy directors of our...
Dennis Dugan directs and wrote the comedy that also stars Maggie Grace, Jesse McCartney, Chandra West, Diego Boneta, Andrew Bachelor and Veronica Ferres. Saban Films will announce release plans at a later date.
“Love, Weddings and Other Disasters” is a multi-story romantic comedy about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for a loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far from perfect.
Also Read: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton Comedy Pitch 'Family Jewels' Acquired by New Republic Pictures
Dugan also served as a producer along with Align’s Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz, and Fortitude International’s Nadine de Barros.
“Dennis Dugan is one of the most successful comedy directors of our...
- 8/6/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Cast is rounding out on counterfeiting comedy Queenpins ahead of a planned shoot in Los Angeles later this year, with Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser joining Leslie Jones and Kristen Bell in the pic.
Emmy-nominated husband and wife team Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly (Beneath The Harvest Sky) are writing and directing the movie, which is inspired by the true story of the largest coupon counterfeit in the history of the U.S.. When two suburban housewives stumble upon a way to make a little money with fake coupons, they soon find themselves in over their heads as their scheme grows to a $40M criminal venture.
Independent financier Align has joined AGC Studios, Aloe Entertainment, and Marquee Entertainment to provide financing and co-produce the project. AGC’s Head of Production Linda McDonough is producing via her Marquee Entertainment banner alongside Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz of Align, AGC, in...
Emmy-nominated husband and wife team Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly (Beneath The Harvest Sky) are writing and directing the movie, which is inspired by the true story of the largest coupon counterfeit in the history of the U.S.. When two suburban housewives stumble upon a way to make a little money with fake coupons, they soon find themselves in over their heads as their scheme grows to a $40M criminal venture.
Independent financier Align has joined AGC Studios, Aloe Entertainment, and Marquee Entertainment to provide financing and co-produce the project. AGC’s Head of Production Linda McDonough is producing via her Marquee Entertainment banner alongside Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz of Align, AGC, in...
- 7/7/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser have been cast alongside Kristen Bell and Leslie Jones in the caper comedy “Queenpins.”
Independent financier Align has joined AGC Studios, Aloe Entertainment and Marquee Entertainment to provide financing and co-produce. Pre-production will begin in late summer in Los Angeles.
“Queenpins” is written and will be directed by husband-wife team Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly (“Beneath The Harvest Sky”) from their own script. It’s inspired by the true story of the largest counterfeit coupon caper in the history of the U.S.
Bell and Jones will play suburban housewives and best friends stumbling upon a way to counterfeit coupons and make a little money — but they’re soon in over their heads as their scheme becomes more dangerous, growing into a $40 million criminal adventure.
AGC’s Head of Production Linda McDonough is producing via her Marquee Entertainment banner alongside Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz...
Independent financier Align has joined AGC Studios, Aloe Entertainment and Marquee Entertainment to provide financing and co-produce. Pre-production will begin in late summer in Los Angeles.
“Queenpins” is written and will be directed by husband-wife team Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly (“Beneath The Harvest Sky”) from their own script. It’s inspired by the true story of the largest counterfeit coupon caper in the history of the U.S.
Bell and Jones will play suburban housewives and best friends stumbling upon a way to counterfeit coupons and make a little money — but they’re soon in over their heads as their scheme becomes more dangerous, growing into a $40 million criminal adventure.
AGC’s Head of Production Linda McDonough is producing via her Marquee Entertainment banner alongside Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz...
- 7/7/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Rocket Science to handle international sales.
Independent financier Align has joined AGC Studios, Aloe Entertainment, and Marquee Entertainment to provide financing and co-produce high-stakes comedy caper Queenpins as Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser join the cast.
Pre-production has been scheduled to start in Los Angeles in late summer on the project starring previously announced Kristen Bell and Leslie Jones. Rocket Science handles international sales.
Husband-and-wife team Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly will direct from their screenplay inspired by the true story of the largest counterfeit coupon caper in Us history.
Bell and Jones will play suburban housewives and best...
Independent financier Align has joined AGC Studios, Aloe Entertainment, and Marquee Entertainment to provide financing and co-produce high-stakes comedy caper Queenpins as Vince Vaughn and Paul Walter Hauser join the cast.
Pre-production has been scheduled to start in Los Angeles in late summer on the project starring previously announced Kristen Bell and Leslie Jones. Rocket Science handles international sales.
Husband-and-wife team Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly will direct from their screenplay inspired by the true story of the largest counterfeit coupon caper in Us history.
Bell and Jones will play suburban housewives and best...
- 7/7/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Drama on track to be delivered for 2020 holiday season release.
The Exchange has closed key territories on Cannes virtual market screening A Gift From Bob starring Luke Treadaway, led by deals with Lionsgate UK, Leonine for Germany, and DDDream for China.
Brian O’Shea and his team have closed further sales in: Japan (Comstick), France (Ab), Italy (Notorious), Cis (Exponenta), Middle East (Selim Ramia & Co), Hong Kong (Lark), and Taiwan (CaiChang).
The film marks the sequel to 2016 release A Streecat Named Bob and is on track to complete post production at Twickenham Studios in time for a 2020 December holiday season release.
The Exchange has closed key territories on Cannes virtual market screening A Gift From Bob starring Luke Treadaway, led by deals with Lionsgate UK, Leonine for Germany, and DDDream for China.
Brian O’Shea and his team have closed further sales in: Japan (Comstick), France (Ab), Italy (Notorious), Cis (Exponenta), Middle East (Selim Ramia & Co), Hong Kong (Lark), and Taiwan (CaiChang).
The film marks the sequel to 2016 release A Streecat Named Bob and is on track to complete post production at Twickenham Studios in time for a 2020 December holiday season release.
- 6/23/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Drama on track to be delivered for 2020 holiday season release.
The Exchange has closed key territories on Cannes virtual market screening A Gift From Bob starring Luke Treadaway, led by deals with Lionsgate UK, Leonine for Germany, and DDDream for China.
Brian O’Shea and his team have closed further sales in: Japan (Comstick), France (Ab), Italy (Notorious), Cis (Exponenta), Middle East (Selim Ramia & Co), Hong Kong (Lark), and Taiwan (CaiChang).
The film marks the sequel to 2016 release A Streecat Named Bob and is on track to be delivered for a 2020 holiday season release.
The story returns to the life of James Bowen,...
The Exchange has closed key territories on Cannes virtual market screening A Gift From Bob starring Luke Treadaway, led by deals with Lionsgate UK, Leonine for Germany, and DDDream for China.
Brian O’Shea and his team have closed further sales in: Japan (Comstick), France (Ab), Italy (Notorious), Cis (Exponenta), Middle East (Selim Ramia & Co), Hong Kong (Lark), and Taiwan (CaiChang).
The film marks the sequel to 2016 release A Streecat Named Bob and is on track to be delivered for a 2020 holiday season release.
The story returns to the life of James Bowen,...
- 6/23/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: IFC Films has acquired the North American rights to Blithe Spirit starring Leslie Mann, Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher and Judi Dench.
Edward Hall directs a script written by Nick Moorcroft, Meg Leonard and Piers Ashworth which is based on the play of the same name by Noel Coward. The film also stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Emilia Fox, Adil Ray (Beecham Hosue) and James Fleet.
Blithe Spirit follows best-selling crime novelist Charles (Stevens) who is finishing his first screenplay but is suffering from a terrible case of writer’s block. His picture-perfect new wife Ruth (Isla Fisher) is doing her best to keep him focused so they can fulfill her dream of leaving London for Hollywood. Charles...
Edward Hall directs a script written by Nick Moorcroft, Meg Leonard and Piers Ashworth which is based on the play of the same name by Noel Coward. The film also stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Emilia Fox, Adil Ray (Beecham Hosue) and James Fleet.
Blithe Spirit follows best-selling crime novelist Charles (Stevens) who is finishing his first screenplay but is suffering from a terrible case of writer’s block. His picture-perfect new wife Ruth (Isla Fisher) is doing her best to keep him focused so they can fulfill her dream of leaving London for Hollywood. Charles...
- 6/11/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
James Faulkner has signed on to star in Andrew Hyatt’s comedy-drama All Those Small Things, the debut feature from Rebel Kat Productions and Hyatt’s Chi Rho Films. Hyatt is directing the film from his own script, about British game show host Jonathan Robbins who finds himself questioning his mortality and legacy after the recent death of a close friend. When he comes across an unexpected letter from a young fan, he heads into the backwoods of America in search of deeper meaning for his life.
Faulkner and Hyatt previously collaborated on Paul, Apostle of Christ, which was released last year via Sony. Hyatt and Caleb Applegate are producing the pic with Rich Cowan and Marc Dahlstrom of North by Northwest Productions, and Cory Pyke.
Rebecca Petriello and Nike Imoru of Rebel Kat will serve as executive producers on the film, which is currently shooting in Spokane,...
Faulkner and Hyatt previously collaborated on Paul, Apostle of Christ, which was released last year via Sony. Hyatt and Caleb Applegate are producing the pic with Rich Cowan and Marc Dahlstrom of North by Northwest Productions, and Cory Pyke.
Rebecca Petriello and Nike Imoru of Rebel Kat will serve as executive producers on the film, which is currently shooting in Spokane,...
- 11/16/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Keeley Hawes will star opposite Hugh Bonneville in a film about the Oscar-winner Patricia Neal and her husband, author Roald Dahl. Formerly known as “An Unquiet Life,” and based on Stephen Michael Shearer’s book of the same name, the family drama starts filming this week in Surrey, southern England.
John Hay directs. He co-wrote the script with David Logan. The movie has already scored a raft of presales.
Film and TV star Hawes returns to the big screen after the success of BBC/Netflix breakout hit “Bodyguard” and ITV/PBS drama “The Durrells.” She also set up her own banner this year, Buddy Club Productions, and has teed up several projects.
Neal, who died in 2010, starred in Hollywood classics such as “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” before winning an Oscar for 1963’s “Hud.” She was nominated again in the best actress category five...
John Hay directs. He co-wrote the script with David Logan. The movie has already scored a raft of presales.
Film and TV star Hawes returns to the big screen after the success of BBC/Netflix breakout hit “Bodyguard” and ITV/PBS drama “The Durrells.” She also set up her own banner this year, Buddy Club Productions, and has teed up several projects.
Neal, who died in 2010, starred in Hollywood classics such as “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” before winning an Oscar for 1963’s “Hud.” She was nominated again in the best actress category five...
- 11/13/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Production scheduled to start in London this month.
Luke Treadaway will reprise his lead role in A Gift From Bob, the sequel to drama A Street Cat Named Bob that The Exchange continues to pre-sell at Afm.
The sequel centres on the life of James Bowen, a busker and recovering addict whose life was transformed when he met a stray ginger cat. Charles Martin Smith will direct from a screenplay by Garry Jenkins.
Production is scheduled to start in London this month in time for a 2020 December holiday season release.
Adam Rolston, Tracy Jarvis and Steve Jarvis of Parkhouse Pictures are producing,...
Luke Treadaway will reprise his lead role in A Gift From Bob, the sequel to drama A Street Cat Named Bob that The Exchange continues to pre-sell at Afm.
The sequel centres on the life of James Bowen, a busker and recovering addict whose life was transformed when he met a stray ginger cat. Charles Martin Smith will direct from a screenplay by Garry Jenkins.
Production is scheduled to start in London this month in time for a 2020 December holiday season release.
Adam Rolston, Tracy Jarvis and Steve Jarvis of Parkhouse Pictures are producing,...
- 11/8/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Andrew Bachelor, a.k.a “King Bach”, has been added to the cast of Love, Weddings & Other Disasters, the indie rom-com with Jeremy Irons, Diane Keaton, and Maggie Grace. Dennis Dugan is directing the Boston-set feature which revolves around people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect. Bachelor will play Captain Richie, a man who gives historical duck boat tours in Boston. He’s obsessed with trying to find a woman who once took one of his tours and had a tattoo of a glass slipper on her neck. Nadine de Barros of Fortitude is producing with Mike Rachmill, Dan Reardon, Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz. Bachelor’s forthcoming film slate includes TXfilms’ thriller, Greenland starring Gerard Butler, Netflix comedy films, Coffee and Kareem, with Taraji P. Henson, and Holidate, opposite...
- 10/3/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Comedian Melinda Hill has joined the cast of Dennis Dugan’s Love, Weddings & Other Disasters starring Oscar winners Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons in the role of Svetlana.
The female-driven romantic comedy, which also stars Maggie Grace, follows the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple. However, their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect. Pic is currently in production in Boston.
Hill created, wrote and starred in the award-winning digital series Romantic Encounters with Melinda Hill and, along with comedian Maria Bamford, co-created, wrote and starred in The Program. This year she directed, wrote and performed her first stand-up comedy special Inappropriate which addresses moving from trauma bonding to trauma mending in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Other credits include the JJ Abrams and Cameron Crowe series Roadies for Showtime and Comedy Central shows Reno...
The female-driven romantic comedy, which also stars Maggie Grace, follows the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple. However, their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect. Pic is currently in production in Boston.
Hill created, wrote and starred in the award-winning digital series Romantic Encounters with Melinda Hill and, along with comedian Maria Bamford, co-created, wrote and starred in The Program. This year she directed, wrote and performed her first stand-up comedy special Inappropriate which addresses moving from trauma bonding to trauma mending in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Other credits include the JJ Abrams and Cameron Crowe series Roadies for Showtime and Comedy Central shows Reno...
- 9/30/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Maggie Grace is going from killing zombies on Fear the Walking Dead to navigating the world of wedding planning. The Lost alum is has joined the cast of Dennis Dugan’s Love, Weddings & Other Disasters.
Grace will star opposite Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons in the female-driven romantic comedy about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect.
Grace will play Jessie, an aspiring event planner who gets an unexpected opportunity to plan the high profile wedding of an influential gubernatorial candidate and his finance. Though Jessie’s methods are slapdash and unorthodox, she puts together a very warm and eclectic wedding, befriends Liz, impresses her professional idol Lawrence (Irons), and even finds a little romance for herself. Production is currently underway in Boston.
The movie features Todd Stashwick...
Grace will star opposite Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons in the female-driven romantic comedy about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect.
Grace will play Jessie, an aspiring event planner who gets an unexpected opportunity to plan the high profile wedding of an influential gubernatorial candidate and his finance. Though Jessie’s methods are slapdash and unorthodox, she puts together a very warm and eclectic wedding, befriends Liz, impresses her professional idol Lawrence (Irons), and even finds a little romance for herself. Production is currently underway in Boston.
The movie features Todd Stashwick...
- 9/23/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Dennis Staroselsky is joining Diane Keaton and Jeremy Irons for Dennis Dugan’s forthcoming indie comedy Love, Weddings & Other Disasters.
The story is about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect. Staroselsky will play Robert Barton, a conservative, handsome, old society guy who is running for the Mayor of Boston and at the same time planning his wedding.
In addition to Staroselsky, Keaton and Irons, the movie also features Todd Stashwick (12 Monkeys), Maggie Grace (Fear the Walking Dead) and Caroline Portu (Smilf). Dnce guitarist JinJoo Lee, Jesse McCartney and Veronica Ferres also co-star. Nadine de Barros of Fortitude is producing with Mike Rachmill, Dan Reardon, Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz. Executive producers are Lisa Wolofsky, Frank Buchs, Al Munteanu and Santosh Govindaraju.
The story is about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect. Staroselsky will play Robert Barton, a conservative, handsome, old society guy who is running for the Mayor of Boston and at the same time planning his wedding.
In addition to Staroselsky, Keaton and Irons, the movie also features Todd Stashwick (12 Monkeys), Maggie Grace (Fear the Walking Dead) and Caroline Portu (Smilf). Dnce guitarist JinJoo Lee, Jesse McCartney and Veronica Ferres also co-star. Nadine de Barros of Fortitude is producing with Mike Rachmill, Dan Reardon, Adrian Politowski and Martin Metz. Executive producers are Lisa Wolofsky, Frank Buchs, Al Munteanu and Santosh Govindaraju.
- 9/18/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Todd Stashwick has booked two films. The 12 Monkeys actor is set to appear in Justine Bateman’s Violet, opposite Olivia Munn, Justin Theroux, Luke Bracey as well as director Dennis Dugan’s Love, Weddings, and Other Disasters with Jeremy Irons, Bobby Moynihan, and Diane Keaton. Violet, which is produced by Bateman, Michael Jones and Larry Hummel, centers on a rising film executive (Munn) who lives according to the Voice (Theroux) in her head, until unexpectedly realizing the truth – it’s been lying about everything. Stashwick will play Rick, a disgruntled and judgmental manager of a Midwest car dealership who is intimidated by and jealous of his sister Violet’s career. Written by Larry Miller and Eileen Conn, Love, Weddings & Other Disasters is about the people who work on weddings to create the perfect day for the loving couple – while their own relationships are outlandish, odd, crazy and far, far from perfect.
- 9/12/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
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