Exclusive: XYZ Films has acquired U.S. and Australia/Nz rights to distribute the TIFF sports drama Backspot, directed by first-time feature filmmaker D.W. Waterson and starring Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) and Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld).
XYZ Films will release the film domestically and has set a theatrical release for spring of 2024.
The rights deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group with James Emanuel Shapiro from XYZ Films.
In the film, an ambitious cheerleader (Jacobs) faces both new adversity and the increased drive for perfection and triumph when she and her girlfriend are selected for an all-star cheer squad with an overbearing head coach (Evan Rachel Wood).
The film was written by Joanne Sarazen with a story by D.W. Waterson, and is produced by Alona Metzer, D.W. Waterson, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and Martin Katz, and is executive-produced by Elliot Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, J.C. Davidson and Katisha Shaw,...
XYZ Films will release the film domestically and has set a theatrical release for spring of 2024.
The rights deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group with James Emanuel Shapiro from XYZ Films.
In the film, an ambitious cheerleader (Jacobs) faces both new adversity and the increased drive for perfection and triumph when she and her girlfriend are selected for an all-star cheer squad with an overbearing head coach (Evan Rachel Wood).
The film was written by Joanne Sarazen with a story by D.W. Waterson, and is produced by Alona Metzer, D.W. Waterson, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and Martin Katz, and is executive-produced by Elliot Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, J.C. Davidson and Katisha Shaw,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Wildling Pictures has launched a new TV division focusing high-end drama, kids, YA and family content.
The Toronto-based production company, whose feature film output includes Iris Apatow starrer “Young Wether” and David Bowie biopic “Stardust,” have unveiled their first scripted TV slate as part of the expansion.
Highlights include screen adaptations of novels “A Death at The Party” by Amy Stuart and “Clara Voyant” by Rachelle Delaney.
In “A Death at The Party” protagonist Nadine is in the middle of throwing a garden party when she finds herself face to face with a dead body in the basement. She soon embarks on a hunt for the truth. Screenwriter Joanne Sarazen (“Tammy’s Always Dying”) will adapt the novel into a series.
Delaney’s “Clara Voyant” is a coming-of-age about wannabe journalist and astrologer Clara, who is crushed when her student newspaper assigns her the horoscopes beat… until she realizes that she is actually clairvoyant.
The Toronto-based production company, whose feature film output includes Iris Apatow starrer “Young Wether” and David Bowie biopic “Stardust,” have unveiled their first scripted TV slate as part of the expansion.
Highlights include screen adaptations of novels “A Death at The Party” by Amy Stuart and “Clara Voyant” by Rachelle Delaney.
In “A Death at The Party” protagonist Nadine is in the middle of throwing a garden party when she finds herself face to face with a dead body in the basement. She soon embarks on a hunt for the truth. Screenwriter Joanne Sarazen (“Tammy’s Always Dying”) will adapt the novel into a series.
Delaney’s “Clara Voyant” is a coming-of-age about wannabe journalist and astrologer Clara, who is crushed when her student newspaper assigns her the horoscopes beat… until she realizes that she is actually clairvoyant.
- 11/10/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
What would a teen sports movie be without (deep breath): family troubles, physical trauma, classifiable disorders, emotional upheavals, demanding coaches, all-important final competitions, fraying romantic relationships, major intra-team drama, secrets, lies, drugs, drinking, partying, out of control ambition, and unchecked competitive spirit? But while all those elements might feel, sound, and look familiar, reoriented within D.W. Waterson’s feature filmmaking debut, they take on fresh power. You may think you know your sports movie tropes, but you’ve never seen them used quite this way — that is, within a queer cheerleading drama firmly focused on complex female characters — and Waterson’s “Backspot” delights in skewing such expectations for often (but not always) new ends.
Featuring “Reservation Dogs” star Devery Jacobs (who also produces the project) in yet another breakout role in a seeming string of them, “Backspot” won’t necessarily surprise its audience, but it will give them a...
Featuring “Reservation Dogs” star Devery Jacobs (who also produces the project) in yet another breakout role in a seeming string of them, “Backspot” won’t necessarily surprise its audience, but it will give them a...
- 9/9/2023
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
For years, D.W. Waterson’s go-to performance look for their DJ sets was a purple cheerleading uniform.
“For some reason, it just really gets the audience going,” Waterson tells Variety. “Cheerleaders are hype men — they’re the best people to get people excited.”
Waterson didn’t know too much about cheer itself, but they found that wearing the outfit — combined with growing up in a sports-heavy household — made them want to dive deeper into the world of cheer. “There’s a sense of cheerleaders being misrepresented that made me really curious,” Waterson says.
After creating and directing the award-winning web series “That’s My DJ,” Waterson had been searching for the right story for their feature-length debut — and found that there was a rather large gap in the oeuvre of films about cheerleading.
“Seeing what’s expected from these young girls when you’re throwing bodies super high in the...
“For some reason, it just really gets the audience going,” Waterson tells Variety. “Cheerleaders are hype men — they’re the best people to get people excited.”
Waterson didn’t know too much about cheer itself, but they found that wearing the outfit — combined with growing up in a sports-heavy household — made them want to dive deeper into the world of cheer. “There’s a sense of cheerleaders being misrepresented that made me really curious,” Waterson says.
After creating and directing the award-winning web series “That’s My DJ,” Waterson had been searching for the right story for their feature-length debut — and found that there was a rather large gap in the oeuvre of films about cheerleading.
“Seeing what’s expected from these young girls when you’re throwing bodies super high in the...
- 9/6/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Principal photography has kicked off on “Backspot,” the upcoming queer cheerleading film starring Devery Jacobs (“Reservation Dogs”) and newcomer Kudakwashe Rutendo as the leads. It will mark helmer D.W. Waterson (“That’s My DJ”) directorial feature debut. The film is expected to shoot until mid-March in the Toronto area.
The film hails from Elliot Page’s Page Boy Productions, Night is Y and Prospero Pictures, and was written by Joanne Sarazen, based on a story by Waterson. Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, John Davidson, and Katisha Shaw executive produce; Alona Metzer, Waterson, Jacobs and Martin Katz board as producers.
“Backspot” revolves around two young cheerleaders, Riley (Jacobs) and Amanda (Rutendo). Both are impressive members of their mid-level cheerleading squad until a professional coach gives them a chance to level up with The Thunderhawks. There, they must learn to “negotiate their space, find their voices, and come to an understanding with the...
The film hails from Elliot Page’s Page Boy Productions, Night is Y and Prospero Pictures, and was written by Joanne Sarazen, based on a story by Waterson. Page, Matthew Jordan Smith, John Davidson, and Katisha Shaw executive produce; Alona Metzer, Waterson, Jacobs and Martin Katz board as producers.
“Backspot” revolves around two young cheerleaders, Riley (Jacobs) and Amanda (Rutendo). Both are impressive members of their mid-level cheerleading squad until a professional coach gives them a chance to level up with The Thunderhawks. There, they must learn to “negotiate their space, find their voices, and come to an understanding with the...
- 2/15/2023
- by Amber Dowling
- Variety Film + TV
Elliot Page has his next project lined up.
The actor is set to executive produce “Backspot”, a cheerleading drama directed by D.W. Waterson.
The indie film is a joint production between Page’s Page Boy Productions and Devery Jacobs’ Night is Y banner, marking the debut film for Page’s studio.
Night is Y was launched with D.W. Waterson as an LGBTQ+ and Indigenous-owned production company in Toronto.
Read More: Elliot Page Should Replace Ezra Miller As ‘The Flash’ Amid Controversy, DC Fans Say
Jacobs stars in the film as Riley, a cheerleader in a competitive squad, as she navigates the world of competitive cheer alongside her teammate Amanda while romance blossoms between the two. Tensions rise as their identities as LGBTQ+ cheerleaders in the spotlight creates friction against their coach’s outdated views.
“We have been working on ‘Backspot’ for the past five years, and we are so...
The actor is set to executive produce “Backspot”, a cheerleading drama directed by D.W. Waterson.
The indie film is a joint production between Page’s Page Boy Productions and Devery Jacobs’ Night is Y banner, marking the debut film for Page’s studio.
Night is Y was launched with D.W. Waterson as an LGBTQ+ and Indigenous-owned production company in Toronto.
Read More: Elliot Page Should Replace Ezra Miller As ‘The Flash’ Amid Controversy, DC Fans Say
Jacobs stars in the film as Riley, a cheerleader in a competitive squad, as she navigates the world of competitive cheer alongside her teammate Amanda while romance blossoms between the two. Tensions rise as their identities as LGBTQ+ cheerleaders in the spotlight creates friction against their coach’s outdated views.
“We have been working on ‘Backspot’ for the past five years, and we are so...
- 10/13/2022
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Actor, producer and activist Elliot Page has boarded Backspot — a queer cheerleading drama that stars Devery Jacobs and is directed by D.W. Waterson — as an executive producer.
The indie film marks a debut feature for Page’s Page Boy Productions and Jacobs’ Night is Y banner, which she launched alongside D.W. Waterson as an LGBTQ+ and indigenous-owned production company based in Toronto.
Backspot will see Jacobs play Riley, who along with another character, Amanda, are members of a competitive cheerleading squad as they navigate athletic careers, their budding romance and a cheerleading coach’s antiquated ideas about what it means to be a queer woman in the spotlight.
The film’s title derives from a backspotter, or someone who lifts and throws a flyer, or top girl, in the air during cheerleading stunts. Jacobs and Waterson will produce Backspot alongside Martin Katz’s Prospero Pictures,...
Actor, producer and activist Elliot Page has boarded Backspot — a queer cheerleading drama that stars Devery Jacobs and is directed by D.W. Waterson — as an executive producer.
The indie film marks a debut feature for Page’s Page Boy Productions and Jacobs’ Night is Y banner, which she launched alongside D.W. Waterson as an LGBTQ+ and indigenous-owned production company based in Toronto.
Backspot will see Jacobs play Riley, who along with another character, Amanda, are members of a competitive cheerleading squad as they navigate athletic careers, their budding romance and a cheerleading coach’s antiquated ideas about what it means to be a queer woman in the spotlight.
The film’s title derives from a backspotter, or someone who lifts and throws a flyer, or top girl, in the air during cheerleading stunts. Jacobs and Waterson will produce Backspot alongside Martin Katz’s Prospero Pictures,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Co-financing, co-production forum takes place September 11-12.
New projects involving the producer of The Babadook, Game Of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin and Lemon Tree filmmaker Eran Riklis will be front and centre when the first in-person Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (Iff) in three years kicks off at TIFF next month.
Now in its 17th year, the two-day co-financing and co-production market takes place from September 11-12 in association with TIFF and features 42 feature film producer teams – 20 from Canada and 22 from as far afield as Australia, India, Norway, Scotland and the US.
The producers will participate in one-on-one producer...
New projects involving the producer of The Babadook, Game Of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin and Lemon Tree filmmaker Eran Riklis will be front and centre when the first in-person Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (Iff) in three years kicks off at TIFF next month.
Now in its 17th year, the two-day co-financing and co-production market takes place from September 11-12 in association with TIFF and features 42 feature film producer teams – 20 from Canada and 22 from as far afield as Australia, India, Norway, Scotland and the US.
The producers will participate in one-on-one producer...
- 8/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Co-financing, co-production forum takes place September 11-12.
New projects involving the producer of The Babadook, Game Of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin and Lemon Tree filmmaker Eran Riklis will be front and centre when the first in-person Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (Iff) in three years kicks off at TIFF next month.
Now in its 17th year, the two-day co-financing and co-production market takes place from September 11-12 in association with TIFF and features 42 feature film producer teams – 20 from Canada and 22 from as far afield as Australia, India, Norway, Scotland and the US.
The producers will participate in one-on-one producer...
New projects involving the producer of The Babadook, Game Of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin and Lemon Tree filmmaker Eran Riklis will be front and centre when the first in-person Ontario Creates International Financing Forum (Iff) in three years kicks off at TIFF next month.
Now in its 17th year, the two-day co-financing and co-production market takes place from September 11-12 in association with TIFF and features 42 feature film producer teams – 20 from Canada and 22 from as far afield as Australia, India, Norway, Scotland and the US.
The producers will participate in one-on-one producer...
- 8/29/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
They say you should never meet your heroes. But there are childhood heroes, and then there’s Amy Jo Johnson, the It Girl and the hero to practically every child who grew up during the 1990s. Johnson’s character of Kimberly Hart, aka the Pink Power Ranger on the kid’s television show “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers,” changed the landscape. It wasn’t just that she was peppy, bubbly, and a gymnast with the ability to kick butt. Johnson made the character relatable. She represented femininity in a way that seemed like someone you knew.
In the last few years Johnson became a director, fueled by the “Power Rangers” fandom. Her first feature, 2017’s “The Space Behind,” secured funding through an IndieGoGo campaign sponsored by her fans over the years. “I raised the money by the support of these kids who are now adults who have just followed me on my ride through…...
In the last few years Johnson became a director, fueled by the “Power Rangers” fandom. Her first feature, 2017’s “The Space Behind,” secured funding through an IndieGoGo campaign sponsored by her fans over the years. “I raised the money by the support of these kids who are now adults who have just followed me on my ride through…...
- 9/28/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Felicity Huffman has been in the news a lot over the last year or so, and not for her acting. There’s no need to get into the scandal she was involved in, since it has no bearing on her work here. However, it never hurts to have a showy performance to refocus audiences on your skills. At times, the drama Tammy’s Always Dying showcases Huffman at her best. At other times, sadly, it’s unfocused and doesn’t make proper use of her talents. It’s an uneven movie that sees the unevenness trickle down to all involved. Some elements work, some don’t. It ultimately creates a mixed bag that’s just shy of recommendation worthy. The film looks at the dramatic relationship between a troubled mother and daughter. For Catherine MacDonald (Anastasia Phillips) and her hard drinking/self destructive mother Tammy MacDonald (Huffman), the same routine...
- 4/30/2020
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Tammy, the forlorn protagonist of “Tammy’s Always Dying,” can never quite make it a whole month, her government assistance running dry just one or two days before the next check comes in, and she has a tendency to overspend on booze. But she’s figured out a way to make do: On the twenty-ninth day of each month, Tammy toddles off to a high bridge in her small Canadian town and readies to heave herself off of it, only to be rescued by her somewhat more stable adult daughter Catherine. The routine is already an old one by the time Amy Jo Johnson’s intriguing but often half-baked feature directorial debut opens, complete with staggering Tammy (Felicity Huffman) and resigned Catherine (Anastasia Phillips) going about their worn-in roles.
But what if something changed? More to the point: What if Tammy, who makes a mockery of suicidal ideation, was actually dying?...
But what if something changed? More to the point: What if Tammy, who makes a mockery of suicidal ideation, was actually dying?...
- 4/30/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Tammy’S Always Dying Quiver Distribution Reviewed for Shockya.com &BigAppleReviews.net linked from Rotten Tomatoes by: Harvey Karten Director: Amy Jo Johnson Screenwriter: Joanne Sarazen Cast: Felicity Huffman, Anastasia Phillips, Clark Johnson, Lauren Holly Screened at: Critics’ link, NYC, 4/15/20 Opens: May 1, 2020 Sometimes when a little kid cries apparently for no reason, her mother will […]
The post Tammy’s Always Dying Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Tammy’s Always Dying Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 4/26/2020
- by Harvey Karten
- ShockYa
Felicity Huffman plays a woman at her wits’ (and life’s) end in her new movie, Tammy’s Always Dying.
The Amy Jo Johnson-directed film stars the Desperate Housewives actress as the self-destructive and alcoholic mother Tammy to Anastasia Phillips’ grown (and fed-up) character, Catherine.
Their dysfunctional relationship only becomes more strained when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and is told she only has six to ten months left to live. The news forces Catherine to become her mother’s primary caretaker throughout Tammy’s last days.
“Taking care of me is the only thing you’ve ever been good at,...
The Amy Jo Johnson-directed film stars the Desperate Housewives actress as the self-destructive and alcoholic mother Tammy to Anastasia Phillips’ grown (and fed-up) character, Catherine.
Their dysfunctional relationship only becomes more strained when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and is told she only has six to ten months left to live. The news forces Catherine to become her mother’s primary caretaker throughout Tammy’s last days.
“Taking care of me is the only thing you’ve ever been good at,...
- 4/16/2020
- by Claudia Harmata
- PEOPLE.com
"Taking care of me is the only thing you've ever been good at." Quiver Distribution has released an official trailer for an indie dark comedy meets cancer drama titled Tammy's Always Dying, the latest film from filmmaker Amy Jo Johnson (The Space Between). This originally premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year, and is heading straight to VOD in early May for anyone interested. Based on a script by Joanne Sarazen, Felicity Huffman plays Tammy, a charismatic, yet endlessly self-destructive mother to 35-year-old Catherine, whose role as a caregiver changes when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Catherine eventually recruits a talk show agent to help profit from her mother's miserable life story. But, as Tammy's death becomes her daughter's only way out, one problem stands in the way: Tammy just won't die. The cast includes Anastasia Phillips, Lauren Holly, Clark Johnson, Aaron Ashmore, Jessica Greco, and Kristian Bruun.
- 4/16/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: Quiver Distribution has picked up the North American rights to Tammy’s Always Dying, the dark comedy directed by Amy Jo Johnson (best remembered as the original pink ranger on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as well as Julie Emrick on WB’s Felicity). Felicity Huffman stars as the titular character in the film, which will mark the first time the Desperate Housewives alumna will be seen onscreen since her release from an 11-day federal prison stint her role in the college bribery scheme last October.
The pic, which shot in 2018 and had its world premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, is set to roll out on digital platforms May 1. Additional co-stars include Anastasia Phillips, Clark Johnson, Lauren Holly, Aaron Ashmore, and Kristian Bruun
More from DeadlineLori Loughlin Wants College Bribery Scheme Case Tossed Out Over "Government Misconduct"; 50 Years In Prison For 'Full House' Star If...
The pic, which shot in 2018 and had its world premiere at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, is set to roll out on digital platforms May 1. Additional co-stars include Anastasia Phillips, Clark Johnson, Lauren Holly, Aaron Ashmore, and Kristian Bruun
More from DeadlineLori Loughlin Wants College Bribery Scheme Case Tossed Out Over "Government Misconduct"; 50 Years In Prison For 'Full House' Star If...
- 3/30/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
You have to give credit to any story that allows its despicable characters to be despicable without also demanding forgiveness from their victim. This is especially true in tales concerning a parent and child considering society seems to crave this ideal that the former is due some benefit of the doubt they’ve never earned. Screenwriter Joanne Sarazen refuses to go that route. She won’t pander to audiences by making Tammy MacDonald (Felicity Huffman) anything but the narcissistic, alcoholic screw-up devoid of self-control she is. It doesn’t matter that she’s flawed, unwell, or more often than not contrite in the fallout—sympathy must fly out the window at some point. And to the character’s credit, she knows this to be true. Self-pity doesn’t rule Tammy. Self-loathing does.
This doesn’t mean the ways her hate manifests won’t still hurt the target of her projection,...
This doesn’t mean the ways her hate manifests won’t still hurt the target of her projection,...
- 9/17/2019
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
“Tammy’s Always Dying” belongs to that peculiarly Canadian school of depressing sad-sack comedies about dysfunctional relationships between generally annoying people whom we’re nonetheless meant to somehow feel warm and fuzzy about. These films frequently debut at Tiff, then are little heard from again beyond the realms of the CBC and Air Canada movie playlists.
Neither better or worse than most of a generally meh subgenre, Amy Jo Johnson’s feature may attract a tad more attention due to top-billed Felicity Huffman, who didn’t do much to capitalize on her “Transamerica” Oscar nom 14 years ago and now sees her first notable big-screen lead in some time coincide with the high-profile college bribery scandal also involving fellow thesp Lori Loughlin. Whether that current notoriety will help or hinder “Tammy’s” prospects, .
We first encounter Hamilton resident Tammy (Huffman) as she’s drunkenly tottering atop spike heels over train tracks on a pedestrian bridge,...
Neither better or worse than most of a generally meh subgenre, Amy Jo Johnson’s feature may attract a tad more attention due to top-billed Felicity Huffman, who didn’t do much to capitalize on her “Transamerica” Oscar nom 14 years ago and now sees her first notable big-screen lead in some time coincide with the high-profile college bribery scandal also involving fellow thesp Lori Loughlin. Whether that current notoriety will help or hinder “Tammy’s” prospects, .
We first encounter Hamilton resident Tammy (Huffman) as she’s drunkenly tottering atop spike heels over train tracks on a pedestrian bridge,...
- 9/13/2019
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar nominee Felicity Huffman and Anastasia Phillips are starring in Tammy's Always Dying, the second feature from director Amy Jo Johnson, who played the original pink Power Ranger Kimberly Hart in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and in two subsequent feature films.
The dark comedy, based on a script by Joanne Sarazen, sees Huffman play Tammy, a charismatic, yet self-destructive mother to 35-year-old Catherine, played by Phillips, whose role as a caregiver changes when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Catherine eventually recruits a talk show agent to help profit from her mother's miserable life story. But as Tammy's death ...
The dark comedy, based on a script by Joanne Sarazen, sees Huffman play Tammy, a charismatic, yet self-destructive mother to 35-year-old Catherine, played by Phillips, whose role as a caregiver changes when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Catherine eventually recruits a talk show agent to help profit from her mother's miserable life story. But as Tammy's death ...
- 12/5/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar nominee Felicity Huffman and Anastasia Phillips are starring in Tammy's Always Dying, the second feature from director Amy Jo Johnson, who played the original pink Power Ranger Kimberly Hart in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and in two subsequent feature films.
The dark comedy, based on a script by Joanne Sarazen, sees Huffman play Tammy, a charismatic, yet self-destructive mother to 35-year-old Catherine, played by Phillips, whose role as a caregiver changes when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Catherine eventually recruits a talk show agent to help profit from her mother's miserable life story. But as Tammy's death ...
The dark comedy, based on a script by Joanne Sarazen, sees Huffman play Tammy, a charismatic, yet self-destructive mother to 35-year-old Catherine, played by Phillips, whose role as a caregiver changes when Tammy is diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Catherine eventually recruits a talk show agent to help profit from her mother's miserable life story. But as Tammy's death ...
- 12/5/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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