Apple has landed a multi-year, first look deal with David and Jessica Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon banner.
As part of the deal, Yoruba Saxon will exclusively develop and produce both features and series for Apple TV+ on a first-look basis.
Previous and upcoming film and television projects from the studio, which is headed by the Emmy-nominated actor, producer, and director alongside his wife, who also serves as an actress, writer and producer, include: “Nightingale,” “Captive,” “A United Kingdom,” “Come Away,” “Five Nights in Maine,” “The Water Man,” “Ferguson Rises,” “Solitary,” “The Return of The Rocketeer,” “Onyeka and The Academy of the Sun,” “The After,” “Biafra,” and Apple’s upcoming “Government Cheese.”
Most recently, the studio developed Paramount’s “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” Starring and executive produced by the “Silo” alum, the new series scored more than strong opening numbers, setting a record as the most-watched global series premiere of the year for Paramount+.
As part of the deal, Yoruba Saxon will exclusively develop and produce both features and series for Apple TV+ on a first-look basis.
Previous and upcoming film and television projects from the studio, which is headed by the Emmy-nominated actor, producer, and director alongside his wife, who also serves as an actress, writer and producer, include: “Nightingale,” “Captive,” “A United Kingdom,” “Come Away,” “Five Nights in Maine,” “The Water Man,” “Ferguson Rises,” “Solitary,” “The Return of The Rocketeer,” “Onyeka and The Academy of the Sun,” “The After,” “Biafra,” and Apple’s upcoming “Government Cheese.”
Most recently, the studio developed Paramount’s “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” Starring and executive produced by the “Silo” alum, the new series scored more than strong opening numbers, setting a record as the most-watched global series premiere of the year for Paramount+.
- 12/12/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The After, the debut short from photographer Misan Harriman, best known for his portraits of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, will debut on Netflix on October 25 after screening at the London Film Festival.
The Oscar-qualified short stars David Oyelowo and comes from a story by Harriman, with a screenplay by writer John Julius Schwabach. The story follows Dayo (Oyelowo), a Londoner who has to reconnect with himself and society after witnessing a devastating random attack in the capital.
Si Bell Bsc served as DoP while Nicky Bentham of Neon Films, and Oyelowo via his Yoruba Saxon Productions produced.
The After is Harriman’s first narrative film project. A self-taught photographer, he is the first black person to shoot the September cover of British Vogue. His photography work has also been featured in Vanity Fair,...
The Oscar-qualified short stars David Oyelowo and comes from a story by Harriman, with a screenplay by writer John Julius Schwabach. The story follows Dayo (Oyelowo), a Londoner who has to reconnect with himself and society after witnessing a devastating random attack in the capital.
Si Bell Bsc served as DoP while Nicky Bentham of Neon Films, and Oyelowo via his Yoruba Saxon Productions produced.
The After is Harriman’s first narrative film project. A self-taught photographer, he is the first black person to shoot the September cover of British Vogue. His photography work has also been featured in Vanity Fair,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Bass Reeves’: Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis Among 5 Cast In Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ Series
Exclusive: Joaquina Kalukango (Lovecraft Country), Lonnie Chavis (This is Us), Rob Morgan (Mudbound), Ryan O’Nan (Queen of the South) and Justin Hurtt-Dunkley (Mare of Easttown) have been tapped for key recurring roles opposite David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid in Bass Reeves, from Yellowstone co-creator/showrunner Taylor Sheridan.
Related Story ‘Yellowstone’ Shocker: Kevin Costner Cowboy Drama Series Plots End As Taylor Sheridan Eyes Franchise Extension With Matthew McConaughey Related Story Shea Whigham Joins David Oyelowo In Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' For Paramount+ Related Story Grantham Coleman Joins Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' Series For Paramount+
Bass Reeves, which is in production in Texas, brings the legendary lawman of the Wild West to life. Reeves (Oyelowo), known as the greatest frontier hero in American history, worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing more than 3,000 of dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.
Related: 2023 Paramount+ Pilots...
Related Story ‘Yellowstone’ Shocker: Kevin Costner Cowboy Drama Series Plots End As Taylor Sheridan Eyes Franchise Extension With Matthew McConaughey Related Story Shea Whigham Joins David Oyelowo In Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' For Paramount+ Related Story Grantham Coleman Joins Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' Series For Paramount+
Bass Reeves, which is in production in Texas, brings the legendary lawman of the Wild West to life. Reeves (Oyelowo), known as the greatest frontier hero in American history, worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing more than 3,000 of dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.
Related: 2023 Paramount+ Pilots...
- 3/17/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Amiah Miller of the upcoming film My Best Friend’s Exorcism and Bill Heck of Locke & Key are joining previously announced lead Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story) in the horror thriller Dust, which will be released as a Hulu Original in the United States. Also in the cast are Annaleigh Ashford (Masters of Sex) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher). Filming is currently underway in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Coming to us from Searchlight Pictures, Dust marks the feature directorial debut of directors William Joines and Karrie Crouse. Crouse wrote the screenplay for the film, which will tell the story of
a woman who is trapped by increasingly perilous dust storms and is haunted by her past encounters with a threatening presence and takes extraordinary measures to protect her family.
Variety adds that the film is set in 1930s Oklahoma.
Alix Madigan and Lucas Joaquin are producing Dust, with Paulson serving as executive producer.
Coming to us from Searchlight Pictures, Dust marks the feature directorial debut of directors William Joines and Karrie Crouse. Crouse wrote the screenplay for the film, which will tell the story of
a woman who is trapped by increasingly perilous dust storms and is haunted by her past encounters with a threatening presence and takes extraordinary measures to protect her family.
Variety adds that the film is set in 1930s Oklahoma.
Alix Madigan and Lucas Joaquin are producing Dust, with Paulson serving as executive producer.
- 9/1/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Amiah Miller and Bill Heck are rounding out the cast of Searchlight Pictures’ upcoming horror thriller film “Dust.”
The film stars Sarah Paulson of “American Horror Story,” Annaleigh Ashford and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in a story set in 1930s Oklahoma. It follows a woman who, during the region’s increasingly perilous dust storms, is convinced that a sinister presence is threatening her family. The film is directed by Will Joines and Karrie Crouse, and Crouse penned the script. “Dust” commenced principal photography this week in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Miller previously starred as Nova in the 2017 film from 20th Century Studios “War for the Planet of the Apes” alongside Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn. In 2020, she was also seen in David Oyelowo’s feature directorial debut “The Water Man.”
Heck recently starred in 2020’s “I’m Your Woman” alongside Rachel Brosnahan. He was also seen in Joel and Ethan Coen...
The film stars Sarah Paulson of “American Horror Story,” Annaleigh Ashford and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in a story set in 1930s Oklahoma. It follows a woman who, during the region’s increasingly perilous dust storms, is convinced that a sinister presence is threatening her family. The film is directed by Will Joines and Karrie Crouse, and Crouse penned the script. “Dust” commenced principal photography this week in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Miller previously starred as Nova in the 2017 film from 20th Century Studios “War for the Planet of the Apes” alongside Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn. In 2020, she was also seen in David Oyelowo’s feature directorial debut “The Water Man.”
Heck recently starred in 2020’s “I’m Your Woman” alongside Rachel Brosnahan. He was also seen in Joel and Ethan Coen...
- 9/1/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has debuted the trailer for ‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism,’ based on the novel from New York Times best-selling author Grady Hendrix.
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious.
The movie pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship.
Directed by Damon Thomas and written by Jenna Lamia, the film stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Cathy Ang, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Cheer for Your Life), and Christopher Lowell.
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious.
The movie pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship.
Directed by Damon Thomas and written by Jenna Lamia, the film stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Cathy Ang, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Cheer for Your Life), and Christopher Lowell.
- 8/26/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"My Best Friend’s Exorcism is directed by Damon Thomas and written by Jenna Lamia from the book by Grady Hendrix (Satanic Panic). The film stars Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Cathy Ang, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (Cheer for Your Life), and Christopher Lowell.
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious, My Best Friend’s Exorcism pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship. Based on Grady Hendrix’s best-selling novel."
Available...
Surviving the teenage years isn’t easy, especially when you’re possessed by a demon. It’s 1988, and best friends Abby (Elsie Fisher) and Gretchen (Amiah Miller) are navigating boys, pop culture, and a paranormal force clinging to Gretchen like a pair of neon legwarmers. With assistance from overly confident mall exorcist Christian Lemon (Christopher Lowell), Abby is determined to compel the demon back to the pits of hell—if it doesn’t kill Gretchen first. At turns horrifying and hilarious, My Best Friend’s Exorcism pays homage to 1980s pop culture with a totally timeless tale of terror and true friendship. Based on Grady Hendrix’s best-selling novel."
Available...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Rlje Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, has acquired “Old Man” and is planning to release the thriller this fall.
The movie from director Lucky McKee (“All Cheerleaders Die”) stars Stephen Lang, who is best known for his work as the chief villain in “Avatar.” It marks the screenwriting debut of Joel Veach and co-sters Marc Senter (“Starry Eyes”), Liana Wright-Mark (“Ocean’s 8”), and Patch Darragh (“Succession”). The film will be debut in theaters, as well as on demand and across digital platforms on Oct. 14, 2022.
“We’re excited to work with Lucky McKee, Stephen Lang and the film’s producing team on another project that is certain to thrill audiences,” said Mark Ward, chief acquisitions officer of Rlje Films. “The incredibly talented team behind this film has entertained genre film enthusiasts over the years and ‘Old Man’ is no exception.”
The film unfolds as a lost hiker stumbles upon...
The movie from director Lucky McKee (“All Cheerleaders Die”) stars Stephen Lang, who is best known for his work as the chief villain in “Avatar.” It marks the screenwriting debut of Joel Veach and co-sters Marc Senter (“Starry Eyes”), Liana Wright-Mark (“Ocean’s 8”), and Patch Darragh (“Succession”). The film will be debut in theaters, as well as on demand and across digital platforms on Oct. 14, 2022.
“We’re excited to work with Lucky McKee, Stephen Lang and the film’s producing team on another project that is certain to thrill audiences,” said Mark Ward, chief acquisitions officer of Rlje Films. “The incredibly talented team behind this film has entertained genre film enthusiasts over the years and ‘Old Man’ is no exception.”
The film unfolds as a lost hiker stumbles upon...
- 8/17/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The script of "Jennifer's Body" said it best, "Hell is a teenage girl." In the latest addition to the teen girl horror movie collection, Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller star as besties Abby and Gretchen in "My Best Friend's Exorcism," and one of them may or may not be possessed by a demon. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Grady Hendrix "My Best Friend's Exorcism" takes a page out of the Christopher Pike-esque teenage horror novels of the 1980s,...
The post My Best Friend's Exorcism First Look: Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller Possess the 1980s appeared first on /Film.
The post My Best Friend's Exorcism First Look: Elsie Fisher and Amiah Miller Possess the 1980s appeared first on /Film.
- 8/10/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Two-time Primetime Emmy nominee David Oyelowo will star opposite Kaley Cuoco in the Studiocanal and Picture Company high-concept thriller Role Play, which we hear will roll cameras in four weeks in Berlin. We also hear that Amazon Prime Video is in final talks to take the US and several major offshore territories.
Role Play centers around a married couple whose life turns upside down when secrets come out about each other’s pasts. Oyelowo will play Cuoco’s husband in the film. Thomas Vincent is directing off a screenplay by Seth Owen.
The Picture Company partners Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona are producing through their long term overall deal at Studiocanal.
Emmy nominated Cuoco, whose second season of HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant recently finished, is producing through her Yes Norman Productions. George Heller will executive produce the film. Role Play is the fourth co-production between Studiocanal and...
Role Play centers around a married couple whose life turns upside down when secrets come out about each other’s pasts. Oyelowo will play Cuoco’s husband in the film. Thomas Vincent is directing off a screenplay by Seth Owen.
The Picture Company partners Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona are producing through their long term overall deal at Studiocanal.
Emmy nominated Cuoco, whose second season of HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant recently finished, is producing through her Yes Norman Productions. George Heller will executive produce the film. Role Play is the fourth co-production between Studiocanal and...
- 6/6/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Lonnie Chavis, Ezra Dewey, Micah Hauptman, Kristin Bauer van Straten | Written and Directed by David Charbonier, Justin Powell
Although The Djinn beat it to release in the US by a few months, The Boy Behind the Door is writer/director David Charbonier and Justin Powell’s first feature. Unlike that film, this has a plot rooted in the all too real horrors of child abductions and human trafficking. And it’s all the more shocking and disturbing for it.
The film opens with Bobby and Kevin (Ezra Dewey; The Djinn) in the trunk of a car. A brief flashback shows their violent abduction from a park. Back in the present Kevin is taken from the trunk by the unseen and unnamed Creep. Left alone Bobby manages to escape the car’s trunk, only to find himself in the middle of nowhere.
Before he can make an escape he hears Kevin screaming inside the house.
Although The Djinn beat it to release in the US by a few months, The Boy Behind the Door is writer/director David Charbonier and Justin Powell’s first feature. Unlike that film, this has a plot rooted in the all too real horrors of child abductions and human trafficking. And it’s all the more shocking and disturbing for it.
The film opens with Bobby and Kevin (Ezra Dewey; The Djinn) in the trunk of a car. A brief flashback shows their violent abduction from a park. Back in the present Kevin is taken from the trunk by the unseen and unnamed Creep. Left alone Bobby manages to escape the car’s trunk, only to find himself in the middle of nowhere.
Before he can make an escape he hears Kevin screaming inside the house.
- 4/28/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Exclusive: Rlje Films has acquired North American rights to the Western Murder at Yellowstone City, directed by Richard Gray (Robert the Bruce), for release in theaters and on demand on June 24.
The film written by Eric Belgau (Robert the Bruce) sees a former slave arrive in Yellowstone City, Montana—a desolate former boomtown now on the decline—looking for a place to call home. On that same day, a local prospector discovers gold—and is murdered. It was the first production to be shot on a new Western backlot at the site that was once the real Yellowstone City. Gabriel Byrne (Hereditary), Thomas Jane (The Expanse), Isaiah Mustafa (It Chapter Two), Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Nat Wolff (The Fault in Our Stars), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Aimee Garcia (Lucifer), Emma Kenney (The Conners) and Zach McGowan (Shameless) star.
Murder at Yellowstone City was produced by Gray, Robert Menzies (The Blackcoat’s Daughter...
The film written by Eric Belgau (Robert the Bruce) sees a former slave arrive in Yellowstone City, Montana—a desolate former boomtown now on the decline—looking for a place to call home. On that same day, a local prospector discovers gold—and is murdered. It was the first production to be shot on a new Western backlot at the site that was once the real Yellowstone City. Gabriel Byrne (Hereditary), Thomas Jane (The Expanse), Isaiah Mustafa (It Chapter Two), Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Nat Wolff (The Fault in Our Stars), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Aimee Garcia (Lucifer), Emma Kenney (The Conners) and Zach McGowan (Shameless) star.
Murder at Yellowstone City was produced by Gray, Robert Menzies (The Blackcoat’s Daughter...
- 4/21/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and David Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon have partnered with Netflix to produce the film adaptation of “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.”
Based on the upcoming book by British-Nigerian author, journalist and hair care educator Tọlá Okogwu, “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” tells the tale of a teenager who learns she has powers and travels to Nigeria to learn more about her origins, where she discovers a threat to her newfound magical community.
Described as “Black Panther” meets “X-Men” or “Percy Jackson,” the book is the first in an action-packed series for middle-grade children and will be published by Simon & Schuster in the U.S. and U.K. this June. Okogwu is represented by CAA and Claire Wilson at Rcw Literary Agency.
Ola Shokunbi is set to write the film adaptation after helping to bring “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” to Netflix.
Based on the upcoming book by British-Nigerian author, journalist and hair care educator Tọlá Okogwu, “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” tells the tale of a teenager who learns she has powers and travels to Nigeria to learn more about her origins, where she discovers a threat to her newfound magical community.
Described as “Black Panther” meets “X-Men” or “Percy Jackson,” the book is the first in an action-packed series for middle-grade children and will be published by Simon & Schuster in the U.S. and U.K. this June. Okogwu is represented by CAA and Claire Wilson at Rcw Literary Agency.
Ola Shokunbi is set to write the film adaptation after helping to bring “Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun” to Netflix.
- 2/16/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Shooting on “Bass Reeves” won’t start for a few months, but David Oyelowo is already prepping to play the legendary U.S. marshal whose exploits are said to have been the inspiration for the Lone Ranger.
We caught a glimpse of the western hero in HBO’s “Watchmen” (as played by Jamal Akakpo), but Oyelowo and “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan are giving us a whole limited series about the Black lawman whose story is long overdue. Oyelowo is producing through his Yoruba Saxon production company, along with Sheridan and 101 Studios, as part of his overall deal with ViacomCBS – just one of the many deals and projects on the busy “Selma” star’s plate.
“Some of my dream projects are coming to fruition, so it’s a very, very nice moment,” the actor told TheWrap during a recent interview.
Oyelowo, who currently stars in HBO Max’s “The Girl Before,...
We caught a glimpse of the western hero in HBO’s “Watchmen” (as played by Jamal Akakpo), but Oyelowo and “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan are giving us a whole limited series about the Black lawman whose story is long overdue. Oyelowo is producing through his Yoruba Saxon production company, along with Sheridan and 101 Studios, as part of his overall deal with ViacomCBS – just one of the many deals and projects on the busy “Selma” star’s plate.
“Some of my dream projects are coming to fruition, so it’s a very, very nice moment,” the actor told TheWrap during a recent interview.
Oyelowo, who currently stars in HBO Max’s “The Girl Before,...
- 2/10/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Ahead of the film's March premiere at SXSW, Shudder has acquired The Cellar, with plans to release it on streaming services this April!
Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, announced today the acquisition of The Cellar, from critically-acclaimed Irish writer-director Brendan Muldowney and starring Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken, ahead of the film’s world premiere at SXSW. The film is also the closing film of FrightFest Glasgow. The Cellar will have a day-and-date premiere on April 15th, streaming exclusively on Shudder in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand with a U.S. theatrical release through Rlje Films, a business unit of AMC Networks.
Filmed on location in Roscommon, Ireland, The Cellar tells the story of Keira Woods (Cuthbert), whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. Keira soon discovers there is an ancient and...
Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, announced today the acquisition of The Cellar, from critically-acclaimed Irish writer-director Brendan Muldowney and starring Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken, ahead of the film’s world premiere at SXSW. The film is also the closing film of FrightFest Glasgow. The Cellar will have a day-and-date premiere on April 15th, streaming exclusively on Shudder in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand with a U.S. theatrical release through Rlje Films, a business unit of AMC Networks.
Filmed on location in Roscommon, Ireland, The Cellar tells the story of Keira Woods (Cuthbert), whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. Keira soon discovers there is an ancient and...
- 2/4/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
AMC+ and Rlje Films have acquired worldwide rights to the holiday comedy Christmas with the Campbells, starring Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect franchise), Justin Long (He’s Just Not That Into You), Alex Moffat (Saturday Night Live), Julia Duffy (Newhart), George Wendt (Cheers) and JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sweet Magnolias). The film produced by Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Picture Show will simultaneously hit theaters and AMC+ in the U.S. in late fall.
Christmas with the Campbells is billed as a traditional holiday romance story executed with unfiltered adult humor. Specifics as far as its plot are being kept under wraps.
Clare Niederpruem is directing from a script by Vaughn, Dan Lagana (American Vandal) and Barbara Kymlicka. Vaughn and Lagana are also producing alongside Peter Billingsley (Couples Retreat) under their Wild West Picture Show banner, with Stan Spry (Creepshow) exec producing. The feature is the second from Rlje and Wild West, on...
Christmas with the Campbells is billed as a traditional holiday romance story executed with unfiltered adult humor. Specifics as far as its plot are being kept under wraps.
Clare Niederpruem is directing from a script by Vaughn, Dan Lagana (American Vandal) and Barbara Kymlicka. Vaughn and Lagana are also producing alongside Peter Billingsley (Couples Retreat) under their Wild West Picture Show banner, with Stan Spry (Creepshow) exec producing. The feature is the second from Rlje and Wild West, on...
- 2/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Following its world premiere at this year's virtual Sundance Film Festival, Riley Stearns' Dual has been acquired for US distribution by Rlje Films.
Dual will have a theatrical release sometime this year. We have the official press release with additional details below, and in case you missed it, read Heather Wixson's interview with Stearns, along with the rest of our Sundance 2022 coverage!
Press Release: XYZ Films, CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group closed the deal with Rlje Films last night in a competitive bidding situation. XYZ is also handling world rights outside the US.
The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2022. XYZ Films and Rlje Films previously collaborated on the successful theatrical release of Sundance film Mandy starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Panos Cosmatos.
Dual stars Karen Gillan (Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle), Aaron Paul (“El Camino: A Breaking Bad Film” and “Westworld...
Dual will have a theatrical release sometime this year. We have the official press release with additional details below, and in case you missed it, read Heather Wixson's interview with Stearns, along with the rest of our Sundance 2022 coverage!
Press Release: XYZ Films, CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group closed the deal with Rlje Films last night in a competitive bidding situation. XYZ is also handling world rights outside the US.
The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2022. XYZ Films and Rlje Films previously collaborated on the successful theatrical release of Sundance film Mandy starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Panos Cosmatos.
Dual stars Karen Gillan (Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle), Aaron Paul (“El Camino: A Breaking Bad Film” and “Westworld...
- 1/25/2022
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Rlje Films last night acquired U.S. rights to Riley Stearns’ thriller Dual in a competitive bidding situation, striking a low-mid seven figure deal for the film, which recently premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival.
XYZ Films, CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group closed the deal with Rlje Films, with the former company also handling world rights outside of the U.S. The film is slated for release in theaters this year.
Dual centers on Sarah (Karen Gillan), a woman who, upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, opts for a cloning procedure to ease her loss on her friends and family. When she makes a sudden and miraculous recovery, her attempts to have her clone decommissioned fail and lead to a court-mandated duel to the death.
Aaron Paul and Beulah Koale also star in the film produced by Stearns, XYZ and Resolute Films and Entertainment.
XYZ Films, CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group closed the deal with Rlje Films, with the former company also handling world rights outside of the U.S. The film is slated for release in theaters this year.
Dual centers on Sarah (Karen Gillan), a woman who, upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, opts for a cloning procedure to ease her loss on her friends and family. When she makes a sudden and miraculous recovery, her attempts to have her clone decommissioned fail and lead to a court-mandated duel to the death.
Aaron Paul and Beulah Koale also star in the film produced by Stearns, XYZ and Resolute Films and Entertainment.
- 1/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
February 26 show will air live but without audience.
Jeymes Samuel’s western The Harder They Fall has earned 12 nods to lead the field in the 2022 NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards nominations with Jennifer Hudson, Will Smith and Rebecca Hall also among the contenders.
The Harder They Fall was nominated on Tuesday (January 18) for outstanding motion picture along with last season’s Oscar contender Judas And The Black Messiah, King Richard, Respect, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
The western’s Jonathan Majors is in the running for outstanding actor as are Denzel Washington for The Tragedy Of Macbeth,...
Jeymes Samuel’s western The Harder They Fall has earned 12 nods to lead the field in the 2022 NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards nominations with Jennifer Hudson, Will Smith and Rebecca Hall also among the contenders.
The Harder They Fall was nominated on Tuesday (January 18) for outstanding motion picture along with last season’s Oscar contender Judas And The Black Messiah, King Richard, Respect, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
The western’s Jonathan Majors is in the running for outstanding actor as are Denzel Washington for The Tragedy Of Macbeth,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo are joining the cast of the Apple series adaptation of Hugh Howey’s “Wool” novels, Variety has learned.
The pair joins previously announced cast members Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins. “Wool” is a set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Oyelowo will star as Holston, the Silo’s sheriff. Jones will play Allison, his wife who also works in It for the Silo.
News of Oyelowo’s casting comes shortly after it was announced he and his Yoruba Saxon production banner had signed a TV overall deal with ViacomCBS and MTV Entertainment. Under that deal, Oyelowo is attached to star in and executive produce a series about legendary Old West lawman Bass Reeves. He...
The pair joins previously announced cast members Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins. “Wool” is a set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Oyelowo will star as Holston, the Silo’s sheriff. Jones will play Allison, his wife who also works in It for the Silo.
News of Oyelowo’s casting comes shortly after it was announced he and his Yoruba Saxon production banner had signed a TV overall deal with ViacomCBS and MTV Entertainment. Under that deal, Oyelowo is attached to star in and executive produce a series about legendary Old West lawman Bass Reeves. He...
- 9/22/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo have joined the cast of Apple TV+’s upcoming adaptation of “Wool,” a world-building drama series based on Hugh Howey’s trilogy of dystopian novels, the streaming service said Wednesday.
Per Apple, “Wool” is set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Jones and Oyelowo will play a married couple on the series, with the “#blackAF” star set as Allison, “Holston’s wife who works at It,” and the “Selma” star in the role of Holston, “the Silo’s sheriff.”
They join Rebecca Ferguson, who stars as Juliette, “an independent and hardworking engineer,” and Tim Robbins who will play Bernard, “the head of It for the Silo.”
Graham Yost, who is also currently writing for...
Per Apple, “Wool” is set in a ruined and toxic future where a community exists in a giant silo underground, hundreds of stories deep. There, men and women live in a society full of regulations they believe are meant to protect them.
Jones and Oyelowo will play a married couple on the series, with the “#blackAF” star set as Allison, “Holston’s wife who works at It,” and the “Selma” star in the role of Holston, “the Silo’s sheriff.”
They join Rebecca Ferguson, who stars as Juliette, “an independent and hardworking engineer,” and Tim Robbins who will play Bernard, “the head of It for the Silo.”
Graham Yost, who is also currently writing for...
- 9/22/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
ViacomCBS and MTV Entertainment Studios have struck an exclusive overall deal with Emmy-nominated actor David Oyelowo and his wife, actress, writer and producer Jessica Oyelowo, for original scripted and unscripted series via their Yoruba Saxon productions. 101 Studios will serve as production partner on all projects.
In their first project under the pact, David Oyelowo is attached to star in the titular role in Bass Reeves, a limited series about the legendary lawman of the wild West, produced by Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan, who also is under a deal with ViacomCBS. Reeves was known as the greatest frontier hero in American history and is also believed to be the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Reeves worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.
“David and Jessica are incredibly talented artists and we’re...
In their first project under the pact, David Oyelowo is attached to star in the titular role in Bass Reeves, a limited series about the legendary lawman of the wild West, produced by Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan, who also is under a deal with ViacomCBS. Reeves was known as the greatest frontier hero in American history and is also believed to be the inspiration for The Lone Ranger. Reeves worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.
“David and Jessica are incredibly talented artists and we’re...
- 9/9/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rosario Dawson has been set to join Lakeith Stanfield and Tiffany Haddish in Haunted Mansion, Disney’s latest live-action film based on one of its theme park attractions. Justin Simien is directing a script from Katie Dippold, and the pic, which also recently added Owen Wilson to the cast, is now gearing up to begin shooting next month.
The plot is under wraps and comes after Disney’s 2003 moderately successful movie based on the Disneyland and Walt Disney World attraction that starred Eddie Murphy. That came the same year as another Disney theme park ride-turned-movie arrived: that would be Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, which spawned four sequels and grossed more than $4.5 billion at the global box office.
Most recently, Disney took another ride adapting Jungle Cruise, with the Dwayne Johnson-Emily Blunt action adventure movie finally hitting big screens at the end of July,...
The plot is under wraps and comes after Disney’s 2003 moderately successful movie based on the Disneyland and Walt Disney World attraction that starred Eddie Murphy. That came the same year as another Disney theme park ride-turned-movie arrived: that would be Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, which spawned four sequels and grossed more than $4.5 billion at the global box office.
Most recently, Disney took another ride adapting Jungle Cruise, with the Dwayne Johnson-Emily Blunt action adventure movie finally hitting big screens at the end of July,...
- 9/9/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney is reviving a cult classic favorite, The Rocketeer, with a new Disney+ movie titled The Return of the Rocketeer. David and Jessica Oyelowo are producing under their Yoruba Saxon banner. The project, written by Ed Ricourt, will also be a possible starring project for the Selma actor.
The original movie, released in 1991, was directed by Joe Johnston and adapted from Dave Stevens’ graphic novel. In that film, which made close to $47 million at the domestic box office and became a fan fave for the studio, a young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high-flying masked hero.
The Return of the Rocketeer will have an all-new creative directive, with Ricourt’s story focusing on a retired Tuskegee airman who takes up the Rocketeer mantle.
Brigham Taylor is also producing alongside Yoruba Saxon. Mortal Media exec producing. This is the first film under Yoruba...
The original movie, released in 1991, was directed by Joe Johnston and adapted from Dave Stevens’ graphic novel. In that film, which made close to $47 million at the domestic box office and became a fan fave for the studio, a young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high-flying masked hero.
The Return of the Rocketeer will have an all-new creative directive, with Ricourt’s story focusing on a retired Tuskegee airman who takes up the Rocketeer mantle.
Brigham Taylor is also producing alongside Yoruba Saxon. Mortal Media exec producing. This is the first film under Yoruba...
- 8/30/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Water Man, David Oyelowo’s feature film directorial debut, is not, it turns out, the British-born actor’s long-gestating passion project sequel to 1998’s Adam Sandler comedy The Waterboy, in which the socially inept Bobby Boucher has become a grizzled football mentor figure struggling with post-concussive symptoms in a world in which myriad advances to basic hydration have […]
The post Blu-ray/DVD Column: The Water Man, Lost Course, Perfumes, Four Frightened People appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Blu-ray/DVD Column: The Water Man, Lost Course, Perfumes, Four Frightened People appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 8/27/2021
- by Brent Simon
- ShockYa
When David Oyelowo decided to step behind the camera to direct the family adventure film “The Water Man,” the Emmy, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actor and producer had already overcome several hurdles just to get the movie made. Then the pandemic struck, forcing the movie into the turbulent rapids of the ever-changing film distribution landscape.
But “The Water Man” has found its audience in the form of streaming.
Since the movie’s launch on Netflix earlier this summer, “The Water Man” has climbed onto the streamer’s top 10 list in 38 countries, including the Philippines, Romania, Colombia, Spain, Kenya, Nigeria, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, France, Israel, Kuwait, Thailand, South Africa, Ecuador and Panama.
“I feel elated and vindicated, really,” Oyelowo told Variety.
“‘The Water Man, as a script was, was one of those pieces that, anywhere we went to initially there was a bit of trepidation around this quite lazy phrase, which is,...
But “The Water Man” has found its audience in the form of streaming.
Since the movie’s launch on Netflix earlier this summer, “The Water Man” has climbed onto the streamer’s top 10 list in 38 countries, including the Philippines, Romania, Colombia, Spain, Kenya, Nigeria, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, France, Israel, Kuwait, Thailand, South Africa, Ecuador and Panama.
“I feel elated and vindicated, really,” Oyelowo told Variety.
“‘The Water Man, as a script was, was one of those pieces that, anywhere we went to initially there was a bit of trepidation around this quite lazy phrase, which is,...
- 8/26/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
People must often embark on difficult struggles in order to discover who they really are and where they belong in the world. That’s certainly true for the young characters, who are played by Lonnie Chavis and Amiah Miller, in the family adventure movie, ‘The Water Man.’ Rlje Films is distributing the feature today, August 17, […]
The post Lonnie Chavis Sets Out on a Quest to Save His Ill Mother in The Water Man Blu-ray Giveaway appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Lonnie Chavis Sets Out on a Quest to Save His Ill Mother in The Water Man Blu-ray Giveaway appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 8/17/2021
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
David Oyelowo's feature film debut The Water Man will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 17th. The Water Man stars David Oyelowo, Rosario Dawson, Lonnie Chavis, Amiah Miller, Alfred Molina, and Maria Bello. ScreenAnarchy has four Blu-rays to give away this week. Find out more about how to enter below. Gunner (Chavis) sets out on a quest to save his ill mother (Dawson) by searching for a mythic figure who possesses the secret to immortality, the Water Man. After enlisting the help of a mysterious local girl, Jo (Miller), they journey together into the remote Wild Horse forest -- but the deeper they venture, the stranger and more dangerous the forest becomes. Their only hope for rescue is Gunner’s father (Oyelowo),...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 8/11/2021
- Screen Anarchy
The Water Man stars the ensemble cast of David Oyelowo (Selma), Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds), Lonnie Chavis (“This Is Us”), Amiah Miller (War for the Planet of the Apes), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), and Maria Bello (“NCIS”). Check out the trailer:
Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of The Water Man. We Are Movie Geeks has three to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie co-starring David Oyelowo is sets out on a quest to save his ill mother (Dawson) by searching for a mythic figure who possesses the secret to immortality, the Water Man. After enlisting the help of a mysterious local girl, Jo (Miller), they journey together into the remote Wild Horse forest — but the deeper they venture, the stranger and more dangerous the forest becomes. Their only hope for rescue is Gunner’s father (Oyelowo), who will stop at nothing...
Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of The Water Man. We Are Movie Geeks has three to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite movie co-starring David Oyelowo is sets out on a quest to save his ill mother (Dawson) by searching for a mythic figure who possesses the secret to immortality, the Water Man. After enlisting the help of a mysterious local girl, Jo (Miller), they journey together into the remote Wild Horse forest — but the deeper they venture, the stranger and more dangerous the forest becomes. Their only hope for rescue is Gunner’s father (Oyelowo), who will stop at nothing...
- 8/9/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
New Indie
We’ll probably spend the next decade or so speculating on the impact certain films might have made had they not been released in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. One movie that could have had a bigger splash was “The Water Man” (Rlje Films), David Oyelowo’s impressive directorial debut. It’s a rousing kid adventure and a poignant family tale, and he very skillfully threads the needle between those two genres. Like many an actor-turned-director before him, Oyelowo displays a sure hand with the fine ensemble he’s assembled, including young actors Lonnie Chavis and Amiah Miller and veterans Rosario Dawson, Alfred Molina and Maria Bello.
Also available: The Criterion Collection continues to preserve the best Netflix originals to physical media, the latest being the intense “Beasts of No Nation,” starring Abraham Attah and Idris Elba in an appropriately brutal tale of child soldiers; “Overwhelm the...
We’ll probably spend the next decade or so speculating on the impact certain films might have made had they not been released in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. One movie that could have had a bigger splash was “The Water Man” (Rlje Films), David Oyelowo’s impressive directorial debut. It’s a rousing kid adventure and a poignant family tale, and he very skillfully threads the needle between those two genres. Like many an actor-turned-director before him, Oyelowo displays a sure hand with the fine ensemble he’s assembled, including young actors Lonnie Chavis and Amiah Miller and veterans Rosario Dawson, Alfred Molina and Maria Bello.
Also available: The Criterion Collection continues to preserve the best Netflix originals to physical media, the latest being the intense “Beasts of No Nation,” starring Abraham Attah and Idris Elba in an appropriately brutal tale of child soldiers; “Overwhelm the...
- 8/6/2021
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
The sheer number of films streaming on Netflix on any given day can make finding and deciding which films to watch an arduous journey through an overabundance of content, navigating with an interface that’s not exactly the most conducive to discovery.
To assist on this cinematic journey, IndieWire runs a monthly series that highlights movies and television shows worth streaming on every major platform in the U.S., including Netflix. But, as an extension of that popular ongoing series, we’ve also curated lists of films that specifically tell Black stories and are streaming on those same major streaming platforms.
Among August’s offerings on Netflix: several feature directorial debuts, including Stefon Bristol’s time-travel adventure, “See You Yesterday” (produced by Spike Lee), and Gerard McMurray’s fraternity hazing drama “Burning Sands,” as well as actors David Oyelowo (“The Water Man”) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind...
To assist on this cinematic journey, IndieWire runs a monthly series that highlights movies and television shows worth streaming on every major platform in the U.S., including Netflix. But, as an extension of that popular ongoing series, we’ve also curated lists of films that specifically tell Black stories and are streaming on those same major streaming platforms.
Among August’s offerings on Netflix: several feature directorial debuts, including Stefon Bristol’s time-travel adventure, “See You Yesterday” (produced by Spike Lee), and Gerard McMurray’s fraternity hazing drama “Burning Sands,” as well as actors David Oyelowo (“The Water Man”) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind...
- 7/31/2021
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Bleecker Street and ShivHans have secured U.S. rights to “Golda,” a biopic about Israel’s only female prime minister, Golda Meir.
The film stars Helen Mirren, an expert at revealing the inner lives of public figures in films like “The Queen.” It will be directed by Guy Nattiv, an Oscar winner for his short film “Skin,” with a script from “Florence Foster Jenkins” writer Nicholas Martin. The film will begin shooting in October in Europe.
The movie is described as a “ticking-clock thriller following the intensely dramatic events, high-stake responsibilities and controversial decisions which Meir faced during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.” It also gives Mirren a splashy, Oscar-bait-y role. Mirren’s recent credits include “F9” and HBO’s “Catherine the Great.” She will next appear in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”
ICM Partners and CAA Media Finance negotiated the U.S. presale on behalf of producer Michael Kuhn...
The film stars Helen Mirren, an expert at revealing the inner lives of public figures in films like “The Queen.” It will be directed by Guy Nattiv, an Oscar winner for his short film “Skin,” with a script from “Florence Foster Jenkins” writer Nicholas Martin. The film will begin shooting in October in Europe.
The movie is described as a “ticking-clock thriller following the intensely dramatic events, high-stake responsibilities and controversial decisions which Meir faced during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.” It also gives Mirren a splashy, Oscar-bait-y role. Mirren’s recent credits include “F9” and HBO’s “Catherine the Great.” She will next appear in “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”
ICM Partners and CAA Media Finance negotiated the U.S. presale on behalf of producer Michael Kuhn...
- 7/14/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street and ShivHans have secured U.S. rights to Golda by Oscar-winning director Guy Nattiv’s (Skin), about Israel’s legendary and only female Prime Minister, Golda Meir.
Helen Mirren (The Queen) will star as “The Iron Lady of Israel.” The film shoots in October in Europe.
Written by Nicholas Martin (Florence Foster Jenkins), Golda is a ticking-clock thriller following the intensely dramatic events and controversial decisions Meir faced during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Her blend of tough leadership, plain speech and compassion, in impossible circumstances, would ultimately decide the fate of millions of lives.
Producer Michael Kuhn of Qwerty, says; “History recalls Meir gracefully accepted her role as political scapegoat for the Yom Kippur War – and, in revisiting her story, Golda intimately draws the cinema audience up-close and personal to a globally influential woman facing the pressure of saving her people and, in never shying away from her own failings,...
Helen Mirren (The Queen) will star as “The Iron Lady of Israel.” The film shoots in October in Europe.
Written by Nicholas Martin (Florence Foster Jenkins), Golda is a ticking-clock thriller following the intensely dramatic events and controversial decisions Meir faced during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Her blend of tough leadership, plain speech and compassion, in impossible circumstances, would ultimately decide the fate of millions of lives.
Producer Michael Kuhn of Qwerty, says; “History recalls Meir gracefully accepted her role as political scapegoat for the Yom Kippur War – and, in revisiting her story, Golda intimately draws the cinema audience up-close and personal to a globally influential woman facing the pressure of saving her people and, in never shying away from her own failings,...
- 7/14/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
To celebrate the release of The Water Man, which arrives on Netflix this week, we went on an epic interview quest with the film’s director David Oyelowo to find out more.
Having made his name in films such as Selma, A Most Violent Year, and A United Kingdom, Oyelowo steps behind the camera for the first time for a film and, let us be frank, we couldn’t be more excited. Having produced a few films over his career, directing was always his next step but was waiting for the right time and the film story to do so, and after agreeing to appear in The Water Man, it eventually turned into a perfect project.
During our extended chat with the actor and filmmaker, Oyelowo talks about bringing some of his favourite childhood “quest” films – Willow, Labyrinth, and, of course, The Goonies – back to the screen and, through them,...
Having made his name in films such as Selma, A Most Violent Year, and A United Kingdom, Oyelowo steps behind the camera for the first time for a film and, let us be frank, we couldn’t be more excited. Having produced a few films over his career, directing was always his next step but was waiting for the right time and the film story to do so, and after agreeing to appear in The Water Man, it eventually turned into a perfect project.
During our extended chat with the actor and filmmaker, Oyelowo talks about bringing some of his favourite childhood “quest” films – Willow, Labyrinth, and, of course, The Goonies – back to the screen and, through them,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
AMC Theaters announced on Wednesday that it will screen a series of films from Black directors from June 18-24 at select locations to mark Juneteenth festivities, including Barry Jenkins’ Best Picture Oscar-winning drama “Moonlight.”
The other films that will be featured in the showcase are Spike Lee’s acclaimed Brooklyn dramedy “Do the Right Thing,” Denzel Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s “Fences,” Gina Prince-Bythewood’s debut film “Love & Basketball,” Malcolm D. Lee’s comedy threequel “Barbershop: The Next Cut,” David Oyelowo’s directorial debut “The Water Man,” and Kasi Lemmons’ biopic “Harriet” starring Cynthia Erivo in an Oscar-nominated performance as Harriet Tubman.
In a statement, AMC CEO Adam Aron thanked the members of an advisory council created by the theater chain last summer to help strengthen its diversity efforts.
“This is a proud and historic moment for AMC, that could not have happened without the influence of...
The other films that will be featured in the showcase are Spike Lee’s acclaimed Brooklyn dramedy “Do the Right Thing,” Denzel Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s “Fences,” Gina Prince-Bythewood’s debut film “Love & Basketball,” Malcolm D. Lee’s comedy threequel “Barbershop: The Next Cut,” David Oyelowo’s directorial debut “The Water Man,” and Kasi Lemmons’ biopic “Harriet” starring Cynthia Erivo in an Oscar-nominated performance as Harriet Tubman.
In a statement, AMC CEO Adam Aron thanked the members of an advisory council created by the theater chain last summer to help strengthen its diversity efforts.
“This is a proud and historic moment for AMC, that could not have happened without the influence of...
- 6/16/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
AMC Entertainment will present a weeklong AMC Black Picture Showcase at select theaters nationwide starting Friday to celebrate Juneteenth.
The newly established national holiday commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the U.S. The exhibitor said tickets will cost $5 to shows of “classic, contemporary and culturally relevant, black-led films.”
The seven films in the lineup include: Do The Right Thing; Harriet; The Water Man; Fences; Moonlight; Barbershop: The Next Cut; and Love & Basketball.
“This is a proud and historic moment for AMC, that could not have happened without the influence of our African American associates who used their voices to underscore the importance of honoring Juneteenth as a bedrock of American history,” said AMC CEO Adam Aron. “This opportunity is a celebration of the impact and accomplishments of African Americans in cinema.”
He said the showcase is part of a larger Dei effort to strengthen the company’s cultural awareness,...
The newly established national holiday commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the U.S. The exhibitor said tickets will cost $5 to shows of “classic, contemporary and culturally relevant, black-led films.”
The seven films in the lineup include: Do The Right Thing; Harriet; The Water Man; Fences; Moonlight; Barbershop: The Next Cut; and Love & Basketball.
“This is a proud and historic moment for AMC, that could not have happened without the influence of our African American associates who used their voices to underscore the importance of honoring Juneteenth as a bedrock of American history,” said AMC CEO Adam Aron. “This opportunity is a celebration of the impact and accomplishments of African Americans in cinema.”
He said the showcase is part of a larger Dei effort to strengthen the company’s cultural awareness,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“Wrath of Man” (United Artists), starring Jason Statham as an armored truck company employee with mob connections, topped all Video on Demand charts its first week out. The Premium $19.99 offering led on both FandangoNow and Vudu (which calculate by revenue brought in), and Apple TV/iTunes and GooglePlay (listed by number of transactions).
The film, which has grossed about $23 million in theaters, received a PVOD release just after its third weekend in theaters. That’s the Universal/Focus model. This quick transition came against the backdrop of a Memorial Day weekend in which “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount) and “Cruella” (Disney) led theaters to their strongest weekend in over a year.
Both “Wrath” and “Spiral” (Lionsgate) have chosen to cash in on at-home potential, even as theaters rebound, rather than wait and continue to add to their theatrical take. For “Wrath,” we have no sense other than relative position of its success.
The film, which has grossed about $23 million in theaters, received a PVOD release just after its third weekend in theaters. That’s the Universal/Focus model. This quick transition came against the backdrop of a Memorial Day weekend in which “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount) and “Cruella” (Disney) led theaters to their strongest weekend in over a year.
Both “Wrath” and “Spiral” (Lionsgate) have chosen to cash in on at-home potential, even as theaters rebound, rather than wait and continue to add to their theatrical take. For “Wrath,” we have no sense other than relative position of its success.
- 6/1/2021
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Burning (Lee Chang-dong)
After Poetry, it makes sense that Lee Chang-dong would find himself interested in deconstructing another literary genre: the murder mystery. Adapting Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning” for the screen, the South Korean master has created something that feels akin to a real page turner, with each cut, the tensions, and the mystery rise as we become desperate to know whatever happened to Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), the young woman who went missing, leaving her childhood friend Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) searching for her. With pulpy characters, including a delicious Steven Yeun as a mysterious Gatsby-like figure, and a dark sense of humor, the film also serves as a study of class and the way in which the...
Burning (Lee Chang-dong)
After Poetry, it makes sense that Lee Chang-dong would find himself interested in deconstructing another literary genre: the murder mystery. Adapting Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning” for the screen, the South Korean master has created something that feels akin to a real page turner, with each cut, the tensions, and the mystery rise as we become desperate to know whatever happened to Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), the young woman who went missing, leaving her childhood friend Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) searching for her. With pulpy characters, including a delicious Steven Yeun as a mysterious Gatsby-like figure, and a dark sense of humor, the film also serves as a study of class and the way in which the...
- 5/28/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Selma not only defined David Oyelowo’s career as an actor, but it also shaped him into the producer he is today. Even though he wasn’t actually credited as a producer on Selma, Oyelowo was instrumental in bringing Ava DuVernay’s film to the big screen after seven years of development. And once Selma‘s awards season run concluded in 2015, Oyelowo turned his attention to a script on The Black List called The Water Man. He knew he wanted to produce a movie that was reminiscent of E.T. and The Goonies, but he had no idea that it would eventually lead ...
- 5/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Selma not only defined David Oyelowo’s career as an actor, but it also shaped him into the producer he is today. Even though he wasn’t actually credited as a producer on Selma, Oyelowo was instrumental in bringing Ava DuVernay’s film to the big screen after seven years of development. And once Selma‘s awards season run concluded in 2015, Oyelowo turned his attention to a script on The Black List called The Water Man. He knew he wanted to produce a movie that was reminiscent of E.T. and The Goonies, but he had no idea that it would eventually lead ...
- 5/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Photo: ‘The Water Man’/Rlje Films A Family Drama with a Fantastical Edge ‘The Water Man’ follows a young boy named Gunner (Lonnie Chavis) as he seeks out the fabled immortal Water Man, hoping to glean some knowledge from his powers in order to help his dying mother, Mary (Rosario Dawson). During this family affair, wrought with stress and uncertainty, Gunner’s father Amos (David Oyelowo) moves back into the house, with tensions arising between him and his son. Amos’ inability to understand Gunner, especially with the boy’s interest in books and art, causes a rift to form between them. Ultimately, ‘The Water Man’ is a heartwarming family drama about what life is really about. In the end, the film stands by the notion that it’s about loving each other, no matter how short of time you have. Related article: Is this the Return of High Fantasy? ‘Shadow and Bone...
- 5/11/2021
- by Lana Nguyen
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
It’s a studio ritual almost as old as Hollywood: announce a production deal right before the release of a filmmaker’s new movie. For David and Jessica Oyelowo’s Yoruba/Saxon, the twinning of “The Water Man” and a two-year first-look Disney deal is more than industry rite. After seven years and six films, it means that the industry has started to catch up to them.
Like many actors, the Oyelowos created a company to improve their own opportunities. In their case, the struggles they faced mirrored a much larger one. “One of the main reasons we wanted to start the company was to have a voice and to provide a place for voices that weren’t being heard,” Jessica said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “For Hollywood to finance certain projects, they required a certain perspective on someone else’s story. We were looking at this as actors thinking,...
Like many actors, the Oyelowos created a company to improve their own opportunities. In their case, the struggles they faced mirrored a much larger one. “One of the main reasons we wanted to start the company was to have a voice and to provide a place for voices that weren’t being heard,” Jessica said in a recent interview with IndieWire. “For Hollywood to finance certain projects, they required a certain perspective on someone else’s story. We were looking at this as actors thinking,...
- 5/11/2021
- by Aramide A Tinubu
- Indiewire
(Interactive chart with estimates below)
Vertical Entertainment’s Four Good Days claimed the highest total over Mother’s Day weekend. It was a remarkably slow three-day stretch at the specialty box office with the Glenn Close and Mila Kunis-starring drama being the only film to break the $200K mark.
Though Four Good Days grossed almost $100K less than its opening weekend, the Rodrigo García-directed movie hauled over $618K in the last 2 weeks and expanded to 489 theaters. The per screen average dropped to $444 after opening to $1,017 per screen last week.
David Oyelowo made his directorial debut this week with The Water Man, distributed by Rlje Films. The sci-fi adventure tale, which premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, is about a boy on a quest to save his mother’s life by finding a mythical creature who has the ability to cheat death. Oyelowo also stars alongside Rosario Dawson and Lonnie Chavis.
Vertical Entertainment’s Four Good Days claimed the highest total over Mother’s Day weekend. It was a remarkably slow three-day stretch at the specialty box office with the Glenn Close and Mila Kunis-starring drama being the only film to break the $200K mark.
Though Four Good Days grossed almost $100K less than its opening weekend, the Rodrigo García-directed movie hauled over $618K in the last 2 weeks and expanded to 489 theaters. The per screen average dropped to $444 after opening to $1,017 per screen last week.
David Oyelowo made his directorial debut this week with The Water Man, distributed by Rlje Films. The sci-fi adventure tale, which premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, is about a boy on a quest to save his mother’s life by finding a mythical creature who has the ability to cheat death. Oyelowo also stars alongside Rosario Dawson and Lonnie Chavis.
- 5/9/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
So far, we know that the post-pandemic theatrical audiences likes testosterone action movies and animated family films. This weekend, Guy Ritchie’s “Wrath of Man” became the latest R-rated action-based film to see credible results with $8.1 million against little in the way of competition. Only in a year like this one would it reach theaters in early May, traditionally the starting gun for summer-movie blockbusters.
While that’s not a breakout hit, what’s encouraging is it surpassed the $6.8 million that “Nobody” grossed six weeks ago. That genre peer grossed about $25 million to date, and now thrives on Premium VOD. The gross improvement testifies to the increase in open theaters and shows that films with core appeal can reach their audience. In turn, this encourages distributors that it’s safe to return. Regal added around 200 more sites this weekend, with many more planned for May 28 when “A Quiet Place Part II” debuts.
While that’s not a breakout hit, what’s encouraging is it surpassed the $6.8 million that “Nobody” grossed six weeks ago. That genre peer grossed about $25 million to date, and now thrives on Premium VOD. The gross improvement testifies to the increase in open theaters and shows that films with core appeal can reach their audience. In turn, this encourages distributors that it’s safe to return. Regal added around 200 more sites this weekend, with many more planned for May 28 when “A Quiet Place Part II” debuts.
- 5/9/2021
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Previous | Image 1 of 4 | NextHappy Birthday ... May 9th ... to Rosario Dawson!
Chicago – With a new film, “The Water Man,” released on Friday, May 7th, and a birthday Today on May 9th, what better time to showcase an unpublished Slideshow of Exclusive Photos of actor Rosario Dawson. With a career that began in 1995 with her feature debut “Kids,” Dawson has performed a variety of roles in all kinds of film genres including drama, comedy and action.
She was discovered for the cult film “Kids” by director Larry Clark and scriptwriter Harmony Korine sitting on her front porch. From there, she carved out a varied history of roles on TV and film, including “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001), “Men in Black II” (2002), “Sin City” (2005), “Grindhouse” (2007), “Top Five” (2014), “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) and “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” (2019). She does voiceover work for DC films and was part of the Marvel Universe as Clare Temple in various TV shows.
Chicago – With a new film, “The Water Man,” released on Friday, May 7th, and a birthday Today on May 9th, what better time to showcase an unpublished Slideshow of Exclusive Photos of actor Rosario Dawson. With a career that began in 1995 with her feature debut “Kids,” Dawson has performed a variety of roles in all kinds of film genres including drama, comedy and action.
She was discovered for the cult film “Kids” by director Larry Clark and scriptwriter Harmony Korine sitting on her front porch. From there, she carved out a varied history of roles on TV and film, including “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001), “Men in Black II” (2002), “Sin City” (2005), “Grindhouse” (2007), “Top Five” (2014), “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) and “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” (2019). She does voiceover work for DC films and was part of the Marvel Universe as Clare Temple in various TV shows.
- 5/9/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Belgian composer Peter Baert had never worked on feature film scoring until a chance encounter with actor and filmmaker David Oyelowo changed that.
The two first met when Oyelowo was in Brussels shooting “Les Miserables” and needed a studio to record a voiceover narration for Penguin Books’ “Spot the Dog.” Oyelowo recorded at Baert’s studio. “Between takes, we talked about the film and his producing work,” Baert says. “I told him my big ambition was music and film music in particular, and we kept in touch,”
When they connected again soon after, Oyelowo mentioned he was eying “The Water Man,” a coming-of-age movie with throwbacks to ’80s family adventure films in which Gunner, a young boy, goes in search of the mythical “water man,” rumored to have healing powers.
As soon as Baert heard about it, he started putting ideas together and presented them to Oyelowo before he had even started shooting.
The two first met when Oyelowo was in Brussels shooting “Les Miserables” and needed a studio to record a voiceover narration for Penguin Books’ “Spot the Dog.” Oyelowo recorded at Baert’s studio. “Between takes, we talked about the film and his producing work,” Baert says. “I told him my big ambition was music and film music in particular, and we kept in touch,”
When they connected again soon after, Oyelowo mentioned he was eying “The Water Man,” a coming-of-age movie with throwbacks to ’80s family adventure films in which Gunner, a young boy, goes in search of the mythical “water man,” rumored to have healing powers.
As soon as Baert heard about it, he started putting ideas together and presented them to Oyelowo before he had even started shooting.
- 5/8/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The theme at the heart of David Oyelowo’s directorial debut, “The Water Man,” is the strength of families. Opening May 7, the feature revolves around Gunner (Lonnie Chavis), a boy who ventures out to find the Water Man — a mythical figure with healing powers who might be able to cure his terminally ill mother, Mary, played by Rosario Dawson.
Family also played a central role when it came to creating the film’s sonic landscape. While composer Peter Baert crafted much of the film’s score, Oyelowo’s wife, Jessica, had already contributed some songs.
“David wanted my character, Missus Bakemeyer, to be playing the piano when Gunner comes to the bookstore,” explains Jessica Oyelowo, a musician and composer who makes a cameo appearance. “We were trying to find a piece of music that I could play where we wouldn’t have to deal with all the licensing. I said,...
Family also played a central role when it came to creating the film’s sonic landscape. While composer Peter Baert crafted much of the film’s score, Oyelowo’s wife, Jessica, had already contributed some songs.
“David wanted my character, Missus Bakemeyer, to be playing the piano when Gunner comes to the bookstore,” explains Jessica Oyelowo, a musician and composer who makes a cameo appearance. “We were trying to find a piece of music that I could play where we wouldn’t have to deal with all the licensing. I said,...
- 5/7/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Game of Thrones alum Emilia Clarke toplines Lionsgate’s Above Suspicion, the Phillip Noyce-directed crime thriller that debuts in select theaters and on digital and on-demand platforms Friday. Jack Huston, Sophie Lowe, Austin Hébert, Karl Glusman, Chris Mulkey, Omar Miller, Kevin Dunn, Thora Birch and Johnny Knoxville also co-star in the film, which is based on a true story of one of the most notorious crimes in FBI history.
Clarke plays Susan Smith, a woman desperate to escape a seedy life of crime and drugs in a Kentucky coal mining town. When newly minted FBI agent Mark Putnam (Huston) recruits Susan as his informant for a high-profile case, she believes her bad luck may finally be changing. But as Susan and Putnam’s relationship deepens, so does the danger, setting them both on a collision course with deadly consequences.
“Shot in the area in which the real story took...
Clarke plays Susan Smith, a woman desperate to escape a seedy life of crime and drugs in a Kentucky coal mining town. When newly minted FBI agent Mark Putnam (Huston) recruits Susan as his informant for a high-profile case, she believes her bad luck may finally be changing. But as Susan and Putnam’s relationship deepens, so does the danger, setting them both on a collision course with deadly consequences.
“Shot in the area in which the real story took...
- 5/7/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: AMC Networks’ Rlje Films has taken North American rights to the Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby dramatic thriller No Man of God, based on real transcripts and conversations between serial killer Ted Bundy and FBI agent Bill Hagmaier. The deal for the Amber Sealey-directed feature went down ahead of the pic’s Tribeca Film Festival premiere in June. The pic is now scheduled to hit theaters in August.
In 1980, Bundy (Kirby) was sentenced to death by electrocution. In the years that followed, he agreed to disclose the details of his crimes, but only to one man, that being Hagmaier (Wood). Aleksa Palladino and Robert Patrick also star in the Kit Lesser-scripted feature.
No Man of God was produced by Wood, Daniel Noah, Lisa Whalen and Kim Sherman. Ward and Jess De Leo of Rlje Films negotiated the deal with Whalen and Stacy Jorgensen on behalf of Company X/SpectreVision and the filmmakers.
In 1980, Bundy (Kirby) was sentenced to death by electrocution. In the years that followed, he agreed to disclose the details of his crimes, but only to one man, that being Hagmaier (Wood). Aleksa Palladino and Robert Patrick also star in the Kit Lesser-scripted feature.
No Man of God was produced by Wood, Daniel Noah, Lisa Whalen and Kim Sherman. Ward and Jess De Leo of Rlje Films negotiated the deal with Whalen and Stacy Jorgensen on behalf of Company X/SpectreVision and the filmmakers.
- 5/6/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
XYZ Films handles international sales.
Rlje Films has acquired North American rights to Ted Bundy drama No Man Of God starring Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby ahead of its Tribeca Festival world premiere in June.
Based on real transcripts and conversations between serial killer Bundy (Kirby) and FBI agent Bill Hagmaier (Wood), the film centres on the complicated relationship that evolved between the men while Bundy was on Death Row awaiting execution.
Amber Sealey (No Light And No Land Anywhere) directed the feature from a screenplay by Kit Lesser. Rounding out the cast are Aleksa Palladino and Robert Patrick.
Producers are Wood,...
Rlje Films has acquired North American rights to Ted Bundy drama No Man Of God starring Elijah Wood and Luke Kirby ahead of its Tribeca Festival world premiere in June.
Based on real transcripts and conversations between serial killer Bundy (Kirby) and FBI agent Bill Hagmaier (Wood), the film centres on the complicated relationship that evolved between the men while Bundy was on Death Row awaiting execution.
Amber Sealey (No Light And No Land Anywhere) directed the feature from a screenplay by Kit Lesser. Rounding out the cast are Aleksa Palladino and Robert Patrick.
Producers are Wood,...
- 5/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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