Top News
According to IMDb data from the past week, the new Netflix series "Eric" was the most popular title on the site. The disturbing thriller—which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as a grieving father and puppeteer—has had sustained interest since its May 30th premiere, thanks to its polarizing effect on audiences, in addition to strong central performances by Cumberbatch and Gaby Hoffman (more on her later).
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ was the top movie among IMDb users last week, despite the fact that it was outperformed at the box office by both ‘The Garfield Movie’ and John Krasinski’s ‘IF’ during these sluggish early days of the 2024 summer movie season.
Gaby Hoffman was the top name on the site last week, thanks to her performance as Cassie Anderson in the aforementioned “Eric.” Hoffman started as a child actress in films like ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘Uncle Buck,’ but is more recently known for her role as Ali Pfefferman on Prime Video’s “Transparent,” a role that earned her two Emmy nominations. Other top names last week were Morena Baccarin, who celebrated a birthday and stars in the upcoming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ Nicola Coughlan of “Bridgerton” fame, and Anya Taylor-Joy of ‘Furiosa.’
Kaiju fans are also stomping over to IMDb to learn more about ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ which just landed on Netflix. The Oscar-winning Japanese film was a surprise hit, and movie fans who missed the theatrical run have been patiently waiting for a streaming release. The movie premiered way back in October 2023, an eternity in the streaming age.
Finally, horror aficionados are keeping the conversation around ‘The First Omen’ alive now that the prequel has arrived on Hulu. The spike in interest is no surprise after the film’s successful theatrical run, good word of mouth from critics and audiences, and a strong central performance from Nell Tiger Free. Could ‘The Second First Omen’ be on the table? Fingers crossed.
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ was the top movie among IMDb users last week, despite the fact that it was outperformed at the box office by both ‘The Garfield Movie’ and John Krasinski’s ‘IF’ during these sluggish early days of the 2024 summer movie season.
Gaby Hoffman was the top name on the site last week, thanks to her performance as Cassie Anderson in the aforementioned “Eric.” Hoffman started as a child actress in films like ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘Uncle Buck,’ but is more recently known for her role as Ali Pfefferman on Prime Video’s “Transparent,” a role that earned her two Emmy nominations. Other top names last week were Morena Baccarin, who celebrated a birthday and stars in the upcoming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ Nicola Coughlan of “Bridgerton” fame, and Anya Taylor-Joy of ‘Furiosa.’
Kaiju fans are also stomping over to IMDb to learn more about ‘Godzilla Minus One,’ which just landed on Netflix. The Oscar-winning Japanese film was a surprise hit, and movie fans who missed the theatrical run have been patiently waiting for a streaming release. The movie premiered way back in October 2023, an eternity in the streaming age.
Finally, horror aficionados are keeping the conversation around ‘The First Omen’ alive now that the prequel has arrived on Hulu. The spike in interest is no surprise after the film’s successful theatrical run, good word of mouth from critics and audiences, and a strong central performance from Nell Tiger Free. Could ‘The Second First Omen’ be on the table? Fingers crossed.
- 6/4/2024
- IMDb News
Family fare was evidently the preferred choice during the U.K. and Ireland school half-term holidays as Paramount’s “If” bounced up the charts to the top spot.
In its third weekend, “If” collected £1.5 million ($2 million) for a total of £9.5 million ($12.2 million). In its second weekend, in second place, Sony’s “The Garfield Movie” clawed another £1.3 million and now has a total of £6.2 million.
In third place, in its fourth weekend, Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” chest thumped to a further £1 million for a total of £13.2 million.
Warner Bros.’ “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” which was neck-and-neck with “Garfield” in its opening weekend, earned £963,976 in its second weekend in fourth place and now has a total of £4.5 million.
Rounding off the top five was Universal’s “The Fall Guy” that took in £524,320 in its fifth weekend for a total of £11.1 million.
There were three new entries in the Top 10. Warner Bros.
In its third weekend, “If” collected £1.5 million ($2 million) for a total of £9.5 million ($12.2 million). In its second weekend, in second place, Sony’s “The Garfield Movie” clawed another £1.3 million and now has a total of £6.2 million.
In third place, in its fourth weekend, Disney’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” chest thumped to a further £1 million for a total of £13.2 million.
Warner Bros.’ “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” which was neck-and-neck with “Garfield” in its opening weekend, earned £963,976 in its second weekend in fourth place and now has a total of £4.5 million.
Rounding off the top five was Universal’s “The Fall Guy” that took in £524,320 in its fifth weekend for a total of £11.1 million.
There were three new entries in the Top 10. Warner Bros.
- 6/4/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
Streaming giant Prime Video will release “Like a Dragon,” a live-action series adaptation of the Sega game franchise “Yakuza Like a Dragon.”
The six-part crime-suspense-action series is directed by Take Masaharu (“100 Yen Love”) and Takimoto Kengo (“Kamen Teacher”) and stars Takeuchi Ryoma (multiple “Kamen Rider” titles) as the lead character, Kiryu Kazuma.
It will upload to Prime Video in two batches of three episodes on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, with subtitled and dubbed versions in 30 languages.
The series’ story is set in two time periods, 1995 and 2005, and follows the life, childhood friends and the repercussions of the decisions of a...
The six-part crime-suspense-action series is directed by Take Masaharu (“100 Yen Love”) and Takimoto Kengo (“Kamen Teacher”) and stars Takeuchi Ryoma (multiple “Kamen Rider” titles) as the lead character, Kiryu Kazuma.
It will upload to Prime Video in two batches of three episodes on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, with subtitled and dubbed versions in 30 languages.
The series’ story is set in two time periods, 1995 and 2005, and follows the life, childhood friends and the repercussions of the decisions of a...
- 6/4/2024
- by Patrick Frater and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - TV News
Elle Fanning is going from great to bad. The actor known for The Great is in talks to star in Badlands, a new movie set in The Predator universe, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The Badlands is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the filmmaker who revamped the franchise with the 20th Century and Hulu feature Prey, which was set in 1719 and starred breakout Amber Midthunder as a young Comanche woman pitted against an alien hunter. The film was a critical success and broke viewing records for Hulu.
Trachtenberg reteamed with Prey scribe Patrick Aison for the Badlands story, with Aison penning the script. THR reported in February that in addition to Badlands, 20th Century has a number of Predator projects in development, with Trachtenberg at the center of a growing universe. 20th Century had no comment.
Predator originated with the 1987 movie starring Schwarzenegger. It was followed by the Danny Glover starrer Predator 2,...
The Badlands is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the filmmaker who revamped the franchise with the 20th Century and Hulu feature Prey, which was set in 1719 and starred breakout Amber Midthunder as a young Comanche woman pitted against an alien hunter. The film was a critical success and broke viewing records for Hulu.
Trachtenberg reteamed with Prey scribe Patrick Aison for the Badlands story, with Aison penning the script. THR reported in February that in addition to Badlands, 20th Century has a number of Predator projects in development, with Trachtenberg at the center of a growing universe. 20th Century had no comment.
Predator originated with the 1987 movie starring Schwarzenegger. It was followed by the Danny Glover starrer Predator 2,...
- 6/3/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sarah Snook has set her first TV starring role since the ending of “Succession.”
Snook will star in the series “All Her Fault,” which has been greenlit at Peacock. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Mara.
The official logline for the series states, “Marissa Irvine (Snook) arrives at 14 Arthur Avenue, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first playdate with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn’t a mother she recognizes. She isn’t the nanny. She doesn’t have Milo. And...
Snook will star in the series “All Her Fault,” which has been greenlit at Peacock. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Mara.
The official logline for the series states, “Marissa Irvine (Snook) arrives at 14 Arthur Avenue, expecting to pick up her young son Milo from his first playdate with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn’t a mother she recognizes. She isn’t the nanny. She doesn’t have Milo. And...
- 6/3/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
In a not-so-surprising twist, Sony's 'The Garfield Movie' overtook Warner Bros.' Mad Max prequel 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' to claim the top spot at the domestic box office this weekend. After an underwhelming Memorial Day weekend, the lazy, lasagna-loving cat pulled in $14 million from 4,108 theaters for a solid $51.5 million total after two weeks, bringing its worldwide gross to $152 million. Not a bad deal considering the films $60 million price tag.
Meanwhile, 'Furiosa' fell to third place with $10.7 million, bringing the films domestic haul to a disappointing $49.6 million. Warner Bros.' had high hopes for George Miller’s action epic, with stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth headlining, and it has fared slightly better overseas with $64.7 million for a $114 million worldwide total. But like its predecessor, 2015's 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' its path to profitability looks increasingly rocky with a budget of $168 million. Wedged between 'Garfield' and 'Furiosa' was John Krasinski's family film flick 'IF.' The Paramount release collected $10.8 million in its third week for an $80.4 million domestic tally.
Notable new releases over the weekend include 'Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle,' the big screen anime adaptation of the popular manga with $3.5 million, and IFC Films’ slasher flick 'In a Violent Nature,' which brought in $2.1 million.
Overall, it was another disappointing weekend at the movies. With no major new releases, the total box office was down a sobering 65% compared to the same weekend last year. After an encouraging post-pandemic season in 2023—fueled by the blockbuster duo of 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'—it’s a grim start to the summer movie season, with year-to-date revenues trailing 2023 by 24% so far. Hollywood is hoping the worst is behind it, though, as June and July have some (hopefully) guaranteed hits with Pixar’s 'Inside Out 2,' Illumination’s 'Despicable Me 4,' and the year's only Marvel movie, 'Deadpool & Wolverine.'
See all the weekend box office results at Box Office Mojo...
Meanwhile, 'Furiosa' fell to third place with $10.7 million, bringing the films domestic haul to a disappointing $49.6 million. Warner Bros.' had high hopes for George Miller’s action epic, with stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth headlining, and it has fared slightly better overseas with $64.7 million for a $114 million worldwide total. But like its predecessor, 2015's 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' its path to profitability looks increasingly rocky with a budget of $168 million. Wedged between 'Garfield' and 'Furiosa' was John Krasinski's family film flick 'IF.' The Paramount release collected $10.8 million in its third week for an $80.4 million domestic tally.
Notable new releases over the weekend include 'Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle,' the big screen anime adaptation of the popular manga with $3.5 million, and IFC Films’ slasher flick 'In a Violent Nature,' which brought in $2.1 million.
Overall, it was another disappointing weekend at the movies. With no major new releases, the total box office was down a sobering 65% compared to the same weekend last year. After an encouraging post-pandemic season in 2023—fueled by the blockbuster duo of 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'—it’s a grim start to the summer movie season, with year-to-date revenues trailing 2023 by 24% so far. Hollywood is hoping the worst is behind it, though, as June and July have some (hopefully) guaranteed hits with Pixar’s 'Inside Out 2,' Illumination’s 'Despicable Me 4,' and the year's only Marvel movie, 'Deadpool & Wolverine.'
See all the weekend box office results at Box Office Mojo...
- 6/3/2024
- by IMDb Editors
- IMDb News
The ninth season of Suits will head to Netflix on July 1, the streamer announced Sunday. The final installment of last year’s viral phenomenon was previously only available on Peacock.
The news came as castmembers Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Dulé Hill, Amanda Schull, Abigail Spencer and former USA Network president Jeff Wachtel gathered Sunday for a reunion panel presented by Tudum at the Atx TV Festival in Austin, Texas.
Suits, which originally premiered on USA Network from 2011 to 2019, followed Mike Ross (Adams), a college dropout with a photographic memory who is hired at a New York law firm by Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). The show’s first eight seasons debuted on Netflix last year to great success — by the end of 2023, it was the most streamed show of the year.
Following the newfound success of the series, NBC ordered a pilot for spinoff show Suits: L.A. earlier this year.
The news came as castmembers Patrick J. Adams, Sarah Rafferty, Dulé Hill, Amanda Schull, Abigail Spencer and former USA Network president Jeff Wachtel gathered Sunday for a reunion panel presented by Tudum at the Atx TV Festival in Austin, Texas.
Suits, which originally premiered on USA Network from 2011 to 2019, followed Mike Ross (Adams), a college dropout with a photographic memory who is hired at a New York law firm by Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). The show’s first eight seasons debuted on Netflix last year to great success — by the end of 2023, it was the most streamed show of the year.
Following the newfound success of the series, NBC ordered a pilot for spinoff show Suits: L.A. earlier this year.
- 6/2/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Following a test run at two Depeche Mode concerts in December, Aeg is implementing a full-time, reusable drinking cup program at its Crypto.com Arena and Peacock Theater buildings in Los Angeles, it was announced Tuesday.
Teaming with hospitality partner Levy, both venues will replace all single-use cups at its food and beverage destinations with products from r.World, a sustainability company.
Here’s how it works: Used plastic cups are collected in specially marked bins, then taken to a nearby r.World industrial wash hub facility, where they are cleaned and returned to Crypto.com.
“We are excited to be the first arena in Southern California to introduce a full-time, reusable-cup program as it came to us via our Aeg Sustainability team,” Lee Zeidman, president of Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater and L.A. Live, said in a statement.
An average of 15,000 cups are used per event at Crypto.
Teaming with hospitality partner Levy, both venues will replace all single-use cups at its food and beverage destinations with products from r.World, a sustainability company.
Here’s how it works: Used plastic cups are collected in specially marked bins, then taken to a nearby r.World industrial wash hub facility, where they are cleaned and returned to Crypto.com.
“We are excited to be the first arena in Southern California to introduce a full-time, reusable-cup program as it came to us via our Aeg Sustainability team,” Lee Zeidman, president of Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater and L.A. Live, said in a statement.
An average of 15,000 cups are used per event at Crypto.
- 6/4/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After Mexico City, Athens, Marrakech, Lecce, Seville, Chantilly and Los Angeles, Dior chose Edinburgh as its latest fashion show location, which with its verdant scenery, Gothic architecture and Celtic legends transformed the Dior Cruise fashion show into something magical and fascinating.
The 2025 collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri paraded in the gardens of the majestic Drummond Castle in the village of Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, built in 1491 and then rebuilt in the Victorian Age. It’s located about 9 miles from the Gleneagles hotel in the heart of the Scottish countryside, so beloved by Monsieur Dior himself, who presented his clothes to the Scottish nobility in 1955 in the hotel’s ballroom.
The fashion show opened with the sound of bagpipes, the unmistakable musical instrument typical of Scottish tradition, and then the unicorn and the thistle, symbols of Scotland, which are inserted in a new iteration of the house’s millefiori motif. The...
The 2025 collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri paraded in the gardens of the majestic Drummond Castle in the village of Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, built in 1491 and then rebuilt in the Victorian Age. It’s located about 9 miles from the Gleneagles hotel in the heart of the Scottish countryside, so beloved by Monsieur Dior himself, who presented his clothes to the Scottish nobility in 1955 in the hotel’s ballroom.
The fashion show opened with the sound of bagpipes, the unmistakable musical instrument typical of Scottish tradition, and then the unicorn and the thistle, symbols of Scotland, which are inserted in a new iteration of the house’s millefiori motif. The...
- 6/4/2024
- by Pino Gagliardi
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin have unveiled plans for a TLC reality series featuring their young family at home.
“We’re inviting you into our home, to experience the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the wild and the crazy,” Alec Baldwin said with his wife Hilaria at his side on Baldwin’s Instagram account. Amid a cacophony of happy and screaming children at play, the series, with a working title The Baldwins, is due for release in 2025.
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, who married 12 years ago, went on to have a growing young family of seven children.
The Baldwins
“This is the place we love the most,” Baldwin added in the raucous social media post. The announcement of the TLC reality series also comes ahead of Baldwin in July facing a trial stemming from manslaughter charges over the accidental shooting death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin, a producer on the low budget Western,...
“We’re inviting you into our home, to experience the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the wild and the crazy,” Alec Baldwin said with his wife Hilaria at his side on Baldwin’s Instagram account. Amid a cacophony of happy and screaming children at play, the series, with a working title The Baldwins, is due for release in 2025.
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, who married 12 years ago, went on to have a growing young family of seven children.
The Baldwins
“This is the place we love the most,” Baldwin added in the raucous social media post. The announcement of the TLC reality series also comes ahead of Baldwin in July facing a trial stemming from manslaughter charges over the accidental shooting death of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin, a producer on the low budget Western,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The gang is back for a summer full of hijinks.
Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for “That ’90s Show” Part 2, starring Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi and Sam Morelos.
The synopsis reads, “It’s 1996 and Leia Forman is back in Point Place for another summer of fun with her friends and grandparents, Kitty and Red. Leia and Jay are excited to be together again after nine months of long distance. But she’s on edge since Jay still doesn’t know she almost kissed Nate. Nate is concerned that his girlfriend,...
Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for “That ’90s Show” Part 2, starring Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi and Sam Morelos.
The synopsis reads, “It’s 1996 and Leia Forman is back in Point Place for another summer of fun with her friends and grandparents, Kitty and Red. Leia and Jay are excited to be together again after nine months of long distance. But she’s on edge since Jay still doesn’t know she almost kissed Nate. Nate is concerned that his girlfriend,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety - TV News
Nielsen, the long-time arbiter of ratings on traditional TV, is getting into the ad-supported streaming game.
The company has struck a deal with Lionsgate to provide measurement for the studio’s MovieSphere Fast channel. Both sides are touting the agreement as a first for a “major” Fast outlet as the free, ad-supported streaming market continues to grow.
“By bringing proven linear TV metrics to the Fast space, Nielsen is providing us with a valuable and innovative tool to benchmark performance, evaluate what’s working and respond quickly to our audiences,” said Jim Packer, president worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This is potentially a very significant development where our team can leverage viewer reach, duration, frequency, concentration and other audience indicators to help us shape our branded, general entertainment channels to better return value for our partners.”
MovieSphere features films from Lionsgate’s library, ranging from Oscar-winning and -nominated movies like...
The company has struck a deal with Lionsgate to provide measurement for the studio’s MovieSphere Fast channel. Both sides are touting the agreement as a first for a “major” Fast outlet as the free, ad-supported streaming market continues to grow.
“By bringing proven linear TV metrics to the Fast space, Nielsen is providing us with a valuable and innovative tool to benchmark performance, evaluate what’s working and respond quickly to our audiences,” said Jim Packer, president worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This is potentially a very significant development where our team can leverage viewer reach, duration, frequency, concentration and other audience indicators to help us shape our branded, general entertainment channels to better return value for our partners.”
MovieSphere features films from Lionsgate’s library, ranging from Oscar-winning and -nominated movies like...
- 6/4/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bravo is taking Watch What Happens Live into primetime for the show’s 15th anniversary.
The cable network will celebrate the Andy Cohen-hosted late night show with a special episode at 9 p.m. Et/Pt June 30 (a couple weeks shy of the actual 15th anniversary; Wwhl premiered on July 16, 2009). Guests will be announced closer to the airdate, but Bravo is promising a “jam-packed lineup” of celebrities and Bravo stars.
“We’ve been at this for 15 years and people recognize how differently we approach things than other late night shows — the whole high-low sensibility, how we get people to talk about things they won’t discuss anywhere else,” Cohen told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent cover story. He also discussed the chances of Watch What Happens Live getting its first Emmy nomination in the talk series field: “My people are like, “This year’s gonna be the year for us!
The cable network will celebrate the Andy Cohen-hosted late night show with a special episode at 9 p.m. Et/Pt June 30 (a couple weeks shy of the actual 15th anniversary; Wwhl premiered on July 16, 2009). Guests will be announced closer to the airdate, but Bravo is promising a “jam-packed lineup” of celebrities and Bravo stars.
“We’ve been at this for 15 years and people recognize how differently we approach things than other late night shows — the whole high-low sensibility, how we get people to talk about things they won’t discuss anywhere else,” Cohen told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent cover story. He also discussed the chances of Watch What Happens Live getting its first Emmy nomination in the talk series field: “My people are like, “This year’s gonna be the year for us!
- 6/4/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sean Baker’s screwball sex worker comedy Anora, which won the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, will receive a fall theatrical release by distributor Neon.
Baker’s film about a young sex worker’s romantic entanglement with the son of a Russian oligarch will get a theatrical release starting Oct. 18, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The fall release places Anora in contention for awards consideration.
The fall release for a top Cannes award winner has worked for Neon before, having had an impressive track record releasing earlier Palme d’Or winners like Parasite in 2019, Triangle of Sadness in 2022 and last year Anatomy of a Fall.
Baker’s past credits include The Florida Project and Red Rocket. The director’s low-budget features about people overlooked by society have become critical hits and awards season contenders.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s chief film critic David Rooney writes of Anora in...
Baker’s film about a young sex worker’s romantic entanglement with the son of a Russian oligarch will get a theatrical release starting Oct. 18, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The fall release places Anora in contention for awards consideration.
The fall release for a top Cannes award winner has worked for Neon before, having had an impressive track record releasing earlier Palme d’Or winners like Parasite in 2019, Triangle of Sadness in 2022 and last year Anatomy of a Fall.
Baker’s past credits include The Florida Project and Red Rocket. The director’s low-budget features about people overlooked by society have become critical hits and awards season contenders.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s chief film critic David Rooney writes of Anora in...
- 6/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin are inviting viewers into their chaotic home for a reality series airing on TLC in 2025.
The husband and wife duo announced the show (working title “The Baldwins”) in a video posted to Instagram, in which their seven children run around the house screaming.
“We’re inviting you into our home to experience the ups and downs; the good, the bad, the wild and the crazy,” Alec says in the video. “Home is the place we love to be most.”
As he attempts to wrangle a horde of kids, he adds, “We are the Baldwins, and we’re going to TLC!
The husband and wife duo announced the show (working title “The Baldwins”) in a video posted to Instagram, in which their seven children run around the house screaming.
“We’re inviting you into our home to experience the ups and downs; the good, the bad, the wild and the crazy,” Alec says in the video. “Home is the place we love to be most.”
As he attempts to wrangle a horde of kids, he adds, “We are the Baldwins, and we’re going to TLC!
- 6/4/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety - TV News
For the past few months, ever since Diddy sold his stake in the media company he co-founded, Revolt, there has been speculation about who the buyer was.
Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, revealed that the answer is not another high-flying media or music mogul, nor is it a larger company looking to fold Revolt into its portfolio.
Revolt’s new ownership group is being led by its own employees.
“I think there’s been a lot of speculation around who owned Revolt, who was going to own Revolt. And while we’ve been well aware of the rumors over the last several months, I would say that it was important for us to stay the course on this specific approach,” Samuels says. “What makes me excited about the news to share today is just the realization that we didn’t need anybody else, that we were...
Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, revealed that the answer is not another high-flying media or music mogul, nor is it a larger company looking to fold Revolt into its portfolio.
Revolt’s new ownership group is being led by its own employees.
“I think there’s been a lot of speculation around who owned Revolt, who was going to own Revolt. And while we’ve been well aware of the rumors over the last several months, I would say that it was important for us to stay the course on this specific approach,” Samuels says. “What makes me excited about the news to share today is just the realization that we didn’t need anybody else, that we were...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As Variety expands its coverage of gaming, Jennifer Maas has been promoted to senior business writer, TV and video games. She will lead the entertainment news brand’s heightened coverage of the video game industry with special emphasis on the convergence of game content and IP with TV shows, movies, books and other media.
With the promotion, Maas will drive enterprise reporting, features and breaking news coverage of gaming and related subjects, in addition to her duties covering TV business news. Variety’s focus on the growing gaming sector, estimated to be a $184 billion market globally in 2023 per research firm Newzoo,...
With the promotion, Maas will drive enterprise reporting, features and breaking news coverage of gaming and related subjects, in addition to her duties covering TV business news. Variety’s focus on the growing gaming sector, estimated to be a $184 billion market globally in 2023 per research firm Newzoo,...
- 6/4/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety - TV News
The trailer for Shondaland’s Black Barbie details the creation of the influential dolls, featuring interviews with the women who brought them to Mattel and others.
“If you go through life, and you’ve never seen anything made in your own image, there is damage done,” executive producer Shonda Rhimes says as she opens the trailer, later adding, “I thought Black Barbie felt magical.”
According to Netflix, Black Barbie celebrates the Black women at Mattel who had a massive impact on the evolution of the Barbie brand as it is today.
“Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination,” the logline reads.
Kitty Black Perkins, the designer of Black Barbie, says in the two-minute look at the upcoming documentary: “I...
“If you go through life, and you’ve never seen anything made in your own image, there is damage done,” executive producer Shonda Rhimes says as she opens the trailer, later adding, “I thought Black Barbie felt magical.”
According to Netflix, Black Barbie celebrates the Black women at Mattel who had a massive impact on the evolution of the Barbie brand as it is today.
“Through these charismatic insiders’ stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination,” the logline reads.
Kitty Black Perkins, the designer of Black Barbie, says in the two-minute look at the upcoming documentary: “I...
- 6/4/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Seriesmakers, twinning Series Mania, Europe’s biggest TV fest, and European film-tv powerhouse Beta Group, is opening up its selection criteria to embrace directors of box office smashes or hits at festivals beyond “A” list events.
Launching 2022 as a project-based mentorship program for film directors aiming to become TV series creators, Seriesmakers has fast consolidated as one of Europe’s top-notch training facilities.
“Game of Thrones” producer-director Frank Doelger, “Babylon Berlin” producer Stefan Arndt, Ron Leshem and “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato featured as speakers at its 2023-24 edition.
Led by Cannes Grand Prix winner Juho Kuosmanen (“Compartment No. 6”), seven of the 10 TV projects showcased at its first 2022-23 edition were from directors who had been selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
Now, as it prepares its third edition whose call for applications closes June 20, Seriesmakers is aiming for a larger inclusivity.
For its first and second editions, being chosen in...
Launching 2022 as a project-based mentorship program for film directors aiming to become TV series creators, Seriesmakers has fast consolidated as one of Europe’s top-notch training facilities.
“Game of Thrones” producer-director Frank Doelger, “Babylon Berlin” producer Stefan Arndt, Ron Leshem and “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato featured as speakers at its 2023-24 edition.
Led by Cannes Grand Prix winner Juho Kuosmanen (“Compartment No. 6”), seven of the 10 TV projects showcased at its first 2022-23 edition were from directors who had been selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
Now, as it prepares its third edition whose call for applications closes June 20, Seriesmakers is aiming for a larger inclusivity.
For its first and second editions, being chosen in...
- 6/4/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety - Film News
Seriesmakers, twinning Series Mania, Europe’s biggest TV fest, and European film-tv powerhouse Beta Group, is opening up its selection criteria to embrace directors of box office smashes or hits at festivals beyond “A” list events.
Launching 2022 as a project-based mentorship program for film directors aiming to become TV series creators, Seriesmakers has fast consolidated as one of Europe’s top-notch training facilities.
“Game of Thrones” producer-director Frank Doelger, “Babylon Berlin” producer Stefan Arndt, Ron Leshem and “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato featured as speakers at its 2023-24 edition.
Led by Cannes Grand Prix winner Juho Kuosmanen (“Compartment No. 6”), seven of...
Launching 2022 as a project-based mentorship program for film directors aiming to become TV series creators, Seriesmakers has fast consolidated as one of Europe’s top-notch training facilities.
“Game of Thrones” producer-director Frank Doelger, “Babylon Berlin” producer Stefan Arndt, Ron Leshem and “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato featured as speakers at its 2023-24 edition.
Led by Cannes Grand Prix winner Juho Kuosmanen (“Compartment No. 6”), seven of...
- 6/4/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety - TV News
20th Century Studios has released the first trailer for “Alien: Romulus,” the upcoming science fiction film in the long-running “Alien” franchise. It is set for a theatrical release on Aug. 16.
Directed by Fede Àlvarez, the film takes place between the events of Ridley Scott’s “Alien” and James Cameron’s popular sequel “Aliens.” Cailee Spaeny, who played Priscilla Presley in last year’s “Priscilla,” is set to star in the standalone movie.
The plot for the film, which has largely been kept mysterious, follows “a group of young people on a distant world, who find themselves in a confrontation with the most terrifying life form in the universe.” In addition to Spaeny, other cast members include Isabela Merced, Archie Renaux, David Jonsson, Aileen Wu and Spike Fearn.
The trailer returns to the horror roots of the franchise, as dark hallways filled with facehuggers await the crew. Several people get jumped by the face-sucking aliens,...
Directed by Fede Àlvarez, the film takes place between the events of Ridley Scott’s “Alien” and James Cameron’s popular sequel “Aliens.” Cailee Spaeny, who played Priscilla Presley in last year’s “Priscilla,” is set to star in the standalone movie.
The plot for the film, which has largely been kept mysterious, follows “a group of young people on a distant world, who find themselves in a confrontation with the most terrifying life form in the universe.” In addition to Spaeny, other cast members include Isabela Merced, Archie Renaux, David Jonsson, Aileen Wu and Spike Fearn.
The trailer returns to the horror roots of the franchise, as dark hallways filled with facehuggers await the crew. Several people get jumped by the face-sucking aliens,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety - Film News
Revolt has announced a new ownership structure after its founder, Sean “Diddy” Combs, stepped aside as chairman of the television and media company.
Current employees will become the largest shareholder group of Revolt as Combs’ shares of the company have been fully redeemed and retired.
“This is something that we’ve been looking to do, waiting to do, believing that the people who give this company their blood, sweat and tears should have some sort of upside opportunity if and when we win,” Samuels said in an interview with Variety. He added, “All of the data suggests that the companies...
Current employees will become the largest shareholder group of Revolt as Combs’ shares of the company have been fully redeemed and retired.
“This is something that we’ve been looking to do, waiting to do, believing that the people who give this company their blood, sweat and tears should have some sort of upside opportunity if and when we win,” Samuels said in an interview with Variety. He added, “All of the data suggests that the companies...
- 6/4/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety - TV News
The upcoming series adaptation of “The Chicken Sisters” at Hallmark has added Ektor Rivera to its cast, Variety has learned exclusively.
Variety exclusively reported in May that Hallmark had picked up the series, which is based on the Kj Dell’Antonia novel of the same name. Rivera joins previously announced cast members Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick. The series is currently in production and is slated to air later this year. Rivera will play the character Sergio.
The official logline for the series states that it is set in the fictional town of Merinac, “where a...
Variety exclusively reported in May that Hallmark had picked up the series, which is based on the Kj Dell’Antonia novel of the same name. Rivera joins previously announced cast members Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick. The series is currently in production and is slated to air later this year. Rivera will play the character Sergio.
The official logline for the series states that it is set in the fictional town of Merinac, “where a...
- 6/4/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
“Community” star Yvette Nicole Brown has been added to the list of Season 2 guest stars on Paramount+’s “Frasier” revival. Variety has learned that Brown will appear as the sister to Olivia, the character played by Toks Olagundoye.
Brown’s character, Monica, has been referenced several times on the show by Olivia as her sibling rival, but viewers haven’t met her until now. Monica is described as “part haughty professor, part Nancy Drew, the brilliant, biting, and delightfully deadpan Monica is Olivia’s perfect older sister. She has everything Olivia has and everything Olivia wants – and never misses a chance to remind her.
Brown’s character, Monica, has been referenced several times on the show by Olivia as her sibling rival, but viewers haven’t met her until now. Monica is described as “part haughty professor, part Nancy Drew, the brilliant, biting, and delightfully deadpan Monica is Olivia’s perfect older sister. She has everything Olivia has and everything Olivia wants – and never misses a chance to remind her.
- 6/4/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety - TV News
The first clip for Ben Sturgulewski’s documentary “Champions of the Golden Valley,” which is world premiering at the Tribeca Festival, has been unveiled.
In the film, across the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups who showcase their resourcefulness and skill on the
slopes. Equipped with minimal gear, makeshift skis, and no chairlift, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a ski race, uniting the community in joy and camaraderie. However, when their country falls to the Taliban, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, confronted with an uncertain future.
Sturgulewski told Variety: “The dreams of these athletes were shattered in 2021 when the country collapsed, and many of our subjects were displaced around the world. What the community had been working towards in Bamyan — what it was so close to achieving — took on a...
In the film, across the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups who showcase their resourcefulness and skill on the
slopes. Equipped with minimal gear, makeshift skis, and no chairlift, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a ski race, uniting the community in joy and camaraderie. However, when their country falls to the Taliban, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, confronted with an uncertain future.
Sturgulewski told Variety: “The dreams of these athletes were shattered in 2021 when the country collapsed, and many of our subjects were displaced around the world. What the community had been working towards in Bamyan — what it was so close to achieving — took on a...
- 6/4/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
It would certainly be unfair to say that all Star Wars stories have the same plot. Andor is not The Last Jedi and The Last Jedi is not The Phantom Menace, and each is more interesting for the new paths they cut across familiar territory. In broad strokes, though, a whole lot of them seem to come down to the same trusty formula: heroic Jedi freedom fighters versus dark-side imperialists, on and on across the galaxy for decades.
In that light, Disney+’s The Acolyte represents an intriguing shakeup. The spinoff, set roughly a century before the events of the films, finds the Jedi not as scrappy underdogs but as entrenched establishment. How precisely they’ve wielded that influence remains murky in the four 40ish-minute episodes sent to critics. But there are worse qualities for a new series to have than an overabundance of potential — and wherever this one ends up,...
In that light, Disney+’s The Acolyte represents an intriguing shakeup. The spinoff, set roughly a century before the events of the films, finds the Jedi not as scrappy underdogs but as entrenched establishment. How precisely they’ve wielded that influence remains murky in the four 40ish-minute episodes sent to critics. But there are worse qualities for a new series to have than an overabundance of potential — and wherever this one ends up,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Anora,” Sean Baker’s comic look at an exotic dancer and sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, will hit theaters next fall. The film will open in limited release on Oct. 18 from Neon.
It’s a lucky time of year for the indie studio. Neon previously launched “Parasite” on Oct. 11, debuted “Triangle of Sadness” on Oct. 7 and opened “Anatomy of a Fall” on Oct 13. Like “Anora,” all three of those films premiered at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top honor. “Anora” was the first U.S. film to earn the prize since 2011’s “Tree of Life” from director Terrence Malick.
In a rave review for Variety, Peter Debruge enthused that the film was the “uncut gem of this year’s Cannes competition,” adding that it is “a rowdy Safdie-style movie about two cultures (Russian and American), two languages (Russian and English...
It’s a lucky time of year for the indie studio. Neon previously launched “Parasite” on Oct. 11, debuted “Triangle of Sadness” on Oct. 7 and opened “Anatomy of a Fall” on Oct 13. Like “Anora,” all three of those films premiered at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top honor. “Anora” was the first U.S. film to earn the prize since 2011’s “Tree of Life” from director Terrence Malick.
In a rave review for Variety, Peter Debruge enthused that the film was the “uncut gem of this year’s Cannes competition,” adding that it is “a rowdy Safdie-style movie about two cultures (Russian and American), two languages (Russian and English...
- 6/4/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
Teri Hayden, an agent who guided the careers of such notable Irish actors as Gabriel Byrne, Ruth Negga, Brendan Gleeson and his son, Domhnall Gleeson, died April 18 in hospice care in Dublin after a long illness. She was 75.
In the early 1980s, Hayden, coming from a background in finance, anticipated the growth of Irish theater, television and film and with that an increasing demand for actors’ representation at home. It was Byrne who encouraged her to become a rep, and she launched The Agency.
“Never one to seek the limelight, she was however a fearless negotiator, determined to secure the best possible deal for her clients,” James Byron, a friend of her family, said in a statement. “She was also responsible for anonymously brokering projects even when she had no stake in the production.
“Despite the offer of a lucrative buyout by a major Hollywood agency, she refused to surrender her independence.
In the early 1980s, Hayden, coming from a background in finance, anticipated the growth of Irish theater, television and film and with that an increasing demand for actors’ representation at home. It was Byrne who encouraged her to become a rep, and she launched The Agency.
“Never one to seek the limelight, she was however a fearless negotiator, determined to secure the best possible deal for her clients,” James Byron, a friend of her family, said in a statement. “She was also responsible for anonymously brokering projects even when she had no stake in the production.
“Despite the offer of a lucrative buyout by a major Hollywood agency, she refused to surrender her independence.
- 6/4/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kanye West is under fire again after his former assistant Lauren Pisciotta filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, breach of contract and wrongful termination, according to reports from TMZ, Rolling Stone, the BBC and other outlets. She is also suing the rapper and his various companies, including Yeezy, for fraud, unpaid wages and intentional infliction of emotional distress, according to Rolling Stone, which viewed the court documents.
Pisciotta reportedly collaborated with West on his Yeezy women’s clothing line as well as on his 2021 album Donda. She said she was hired as his assistant in 2021, with a million-dollar annual salary, under the condition that she would be available to him “24/7,” Rolling Stone reports.
Pisciotta, who was already making the same annual income off OnlyFans and on social media, according to the lawsuit, said West was initially fine with her endeavor on the side. However, he then told her...
Pisciotta reportedly collaborated with West on his Yeezy women’s clothing line as well as on his 2021 album Donda. She said she was hired as his assistant in 2021, with a million-dollar annual salary, under the condition that she would be available to him “24/7,” Rolling Stone reports.
Pisciotta, who was already making the same annual income off OnlyFans and on social media, according to the lawsuit, said West was initially fine with her endeavor on the side. However, he then told her...
- 6/4/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill and Ben Kingsley are set to bring Jesus Christ’s adversaries to life in an animated feature inspired by a posthumously published story from Charles Dickens.
The three performers will portray villains as part of the star-studded voice cast for director Seong-ho “Jay” Jang’s The King of Kings. Hailing from South Korea-based animation house Mofac Animation, the film is loosely based on The Life of Our Lord, the Dickens short story that was published decades after the author’s death and focuses on the life and times of Christ.
Brosnan voices Pontius Pilate, the biblical figure who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion. Hamill will tackle the role of King Herod, who is described in the Bible as ordering the Massacre of the Innocents shortly after Jesus’ birth. Kingsley is taking on the part of High Priest Caiaphas, who presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus.
The King of Kings...
The three performers will portray villains as part of the star-studded voice cast for director Seong-ho “Jay” Jang’s The King of Kings. Hailing from South Korea-based animation house Mofac Animation, the film is loosely based on The Life of Our Lord, the Dickens short story that was published decades after the author’s death and focuses on the life and times of Christ.
Brosnan voices Pontius Pilate, the biblical figure who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion. Hamill will tackle the role of King Herod, who is described in the Bible as ordering the Massacre of the Innocents shortly after Jesus’ birth. Kingsley is taking on the part of High Priest Caiaphas, who presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus.
The King of Kings...
- 6/4/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alejandro Monteverde delivered Angel Studios its top hit ever with Sound of Freedom, one of 2023’s biggest theatrical success stories with more than $250 million at the global box office. Now, the faith-based outfit has signed the director to a rich overall deal with some curious terms, including the purchase of a multimillion-dollar home for him.
According to Angel Studios SEC filings that lay out the terms of the deal, Monteverde, 46, has inked a 10-year agreement with the faith-based studio that will see him direct five to 10 theatrical films. It comes during a time of industry contraction that is seeing traditional Hollywood companies jettison expensive overall deals.
But this deal comes with some interesting stipulations. The potential films from Monteverde will have to be deemed “theatrical worthy” in a rating system from the Angel Guild, the studio’s paid membership service that gives members (now numbering more than 300,000, per the company...
According to Angel Studios SEC filings that lay out the terms of the deal, Monteverde, 46, has inked a 10-year agreement with the faith-based studio that will see him direct five to 10 theatrical films. It comes during a time of industry contraction that is seeing traditional Hollywood companies jettison expensive overall deals.
But this deal comes with some interesting stipulations. The potential films from Monteverde will have to be deemed “theatrical worthy” in a rating system from the Angel Guild, the studio’s paid membership service that gives members (now numbering more than 300,000, per the company...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For this conversation, Kristen Wiig and Jon Hamm reunited only two weeks after appearing together on “Saturday Night Live” — Wiig, a regular on the show from 2005 to 2012, joined the Five-Timers Club as the host, and Hamm, her co-star in “Bridesmaids,” appeared as a special guest. The pair had plenty to celebrate: This past season, Wiig starred as a would-be socialite trying to claw her way into the in crowd on Apple TV+’s “Palm Royale.” Hamm also played a gleefully ambitious character for Apple, as an Elon Musk-type billionaire attempting to become a media mogul on the third season of “The Morning Show.
- 6/4/2024
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety - TV News
Brainstorm Media has nabbed the U.S. rights to the comedy I’ll Be Right There, which reteams Edie Falco with Nurse Jackie helmer Brendan Walsh.
The indie also stars Jeannie Berlin, Charlie Tahan, Kayli Carter, Michael Rapaport, Michael Beach, Sepideh Moafi and Bradley Whitford. Brainstorm Media plans a fall 2024 theatrical release.
I’ll Be Right There, based on a script by Jim Beggarly, has Falco playing Wanda, who has to juggle her pregnant daughter’s wedding plans, her mother’s health concerns, a wayward son and her own romantic dilemmas. As she navigates those challenges, Wanda discovers taking care of everyone leaves little time for herself, even if she has little idea what she’d do if not tending to the needs of others.
“We are delighted to bring this funny and relatable film to audiences nationwide. Edie Falco leads a terrific ensemble cast who deliver performances that will both make...
The indie also stars Jeannie Berlin, Charlie Tahan, Kayli Carter, Michael Rapaport, Michael Beach, Sepideh Moafi and Bradley Whitford. Brainstorm Media plans a fall 2024 theatrical release.
I’ll Be Right There, based on a script by Jim Beggarly, has Falco playing Wanda, who has to juggle her pregnant daughter’s wedding plans, her mother’s health concerns, a wayward son and her own romantic dilemmas. As she navigates those challenges, Wanda discovers taking care of everyone leaves little time for herself, even if she has little idea what she’d do if not tending to the needs of others.
“We are delighted to bring this funny and relatable film to audiences nationwide. Edie Falco leads a terrific ensemble cast who deliver performances that will both make...
- 6/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tribeca Festival 2024 has revealed the participants for this year’s Tribeca Festival Creators Market, which features a curated selection of creatives pitching feature, episodic, audio and immersive projects to a group of industry leaders. Companies in attendance for the pitch market include Sony Pictures Classics, Neon, Cinetic Media, Paramount+, Max, IFC Films and the Sundance Institute.
The 2024 Tribeca Festival Creators Market program includes narrative projects from Tallie Medel (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”) who will pitch her feature film “Ketchikan;” Lauren Minnerath, who will pitch her feature “Clare,” executive produced by Nia DaCosta (“The Marvels”); as well as Oliver Edwin, who will present his narrative feature “Situation #64.” Tisha Robinson-Daly and Jonathan Mason, who previously participated in the Creators Market and in Tribeca’s Epic Games Writing in Unreal program, will pitch their feature in production, “High.”
The documentary selection includes “Rebel Without a Pause,” directed by Maya Cueva and produced...
The 2024 Tribeca Festival Creators Market program includes narrative projects from Tallie Medel (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”) who will pitch her feature film “Ketchikan;” Lauren Minnerath, who will pitch her feature “Clare,” executive produced by Nia DaCosta (“The Marvels”); as well as Oliver Edwin, who will present his narrative feature “Situation #64.” Tisha Robinson-Daly and Jonathan Mason, who previously participated in the Creators Market and in Tribeca’s Epic Games Writing in Unreal program, will pitch their feature in production, “High.”
The documentary selection includes “Rebel Without a Pause,” directed by Maya Cueva and produced...
- 6/4/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
A new faith-based film fund has been set up by former Im Global executive Alexandros Potter and filmmaker Yelena Popovic, behind the hugely successful 2021 drama “Man of God,” about the Greek saint Nectarios of Aegina.
Simeon Faith, one of a number of new announcements in the faith-based film world in recent months, is a dedicated equity film fund focused on financing and producing what it describes as “talent-driven, high-end artistic and commercial fare with strong elements of faith for a global audience.”
The new fund aims to finance one to two films per year over the next four years. The first project on the slate is “Moses the Black,” a story of a gangster in modern day Chicago that is inspired by the fourth-century saint of the same name. The film is scheduled to go into production this year, with Popovic as writer and director.
Simeon Faith comes backed by...
Simeon Faith, one of a number of new announcements in the faith-based film world in recent months, is a dedicated equity film fund focused on financing and producing what it describes as “talent-driven, high-end artistic and commercial fare with strong elements of faith for a global audience.”
The new fund aims to finance one to two films per year over the next four years. The first project on the slate is “Moses the Black,” a story of a gangster in modern day Chicago that is inspired by the fourth-century saint of the same name. The film is scheduled to go into production this year, with Popovic as writer and director.
Simeon Faith comes backed by...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
The Max streaming platform has raised its prices for monthly and yearly ad-free plans.
Beginning Tuesday, the Max With Ads plan remains unchanged at $9.99 a month, or $99.99 for a year’s service. But the ad-free tiers will see their prices rise.
The monthly plan for Max without commercials will increase by $1 per month to $16.99 a month. And the yearly ad-free plan will jump by $20 to $169.99 for the year. And the Ultimate Ad-Free tier will also rise by $1 to a new price of $20.99 per month.
The yearly Ultimate Ad-Free plan will jump by $10 to $209.99 for the year. The new prices will apply to new subscriptions. Existing monthly and yearly subscribers will be told 30 days before their plan comes up for renewal of the new pricing.
Wbd is following a strategy pushed by other streamers in raising prices of the ad-free tier while keeping the ad tier the same price. The price...
Beginning Tuesday, the Max With Ads plan remains unchanged at $9.99 a month, or $99.99 for a year’s service. But the ad-free tiers will see their prices rise.
The monthly plan for Max without commercials will increase by $1 per month to $16.99 a month. And the yearly ad-free plan will jump by $20 to $169.99 for the year. And the Ultimate Ad-Free tier will also rise by $1 to a new price of $20.99 per month.
The yearly Ultimate Ad-Free plan will jump by $10 to $209.99 for the year. The new prices will apply to new subscriptions. Existing monthly and yearly subscribers will be told 30 days before their plan comes up for renewal of the new pricing.
Wbd is following a strategy pushed by other streamers in raising prices of the ad-free tier while keeping the ad tier the same price. The price...
- 6/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leading Barcelona-based production outfit Oberon Media has confirmed co-financiers on “The Turtles” (“Los Tortuga”), the anticipated sophomore feature by the multi-prized Spanish filmmaker Belén Funes (“A Thief’s Daughter”).
Besides sales agent Film Factory Entertainment and Spanish distributor A Contracorriente Films who came on board at an early stage, the round of co-financiers includes public broadcasters Rtve for Spain, Tvc (Televisió de Catalunya) for Catalonia and Andalusia’s Canal Sur, as well as Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator Movistar Plus+.
In post-production, the Spanish drama is supported by Spain’s national film agency Icaa and the Catalan government’s Icec, as well as the Junta de Andalucía, Diputación de Jaén and Ibermedia and Media. It is produced by Oberon Media’s Antonio Chavarrías with Olmo Figueredo Gonzàlez-Quevedo of Seville-based La Claqueta (“The Endless Trench”), in co-production with Chile’s Quijote Cine.
The pic will be pitched at the Last Push...
Besides sales agent Film Factory Entertainment and Spanish distributor A Contracorriente Films who came on board at an early stage, the round of co-financiers includes public broadcasters Rtve for Spain, Tvc (Televisió de Catalunya) for Catalonia and Andalusia’s Canal Sur, as well as Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator Movistar Plus+.
In post-production, the Spanish drama is supported by Spain’s national film agency Icaa and the Catalan government’s Icec, as well as the Junta de Andalucía, Diputación de Jaén and Ibermedia and Media. It is produced by Oberon Media’s Antonio Chavarrías with Olmo Figueredo Gonzàlez-Quevedo of Seville-based La Claqueta (“The Endless Trench”), in co-production with Chile’s Quijote Cine.
The pic will be pitched at the Last Push...
- 6/4/2024
- by Annika Pham
- Variety - Film News
“Ezra,” the story of a stand-up comic embarking on a road trip with his autistic son, is the kind of movie that Hollywood doesn’t make much anymore. It’s not based on a toy or a comic book; instead it’s a warm-hearted, deeply human story without much in the way of special effects. But the movie, which opened last weekend in the height of summer popcorn season, is exactly what Closer Media, the new film and television company that backed the production, was founded to champion.
“We want to tell stories from all over the world that are meaningful and that can bring people closer together,” says Zhang Xin, noting that Closer’s mission statement is right there in its name. “When a project comes to us, we ask does it move our heart and does it open our eyes?”
It’s a new challenge for Zhang, a...
“We want to tell stories from all over the world that are meaningful and that can bring people closer together,” says Zhang Xin, noting that Closer’s mission statement is right there in its name. “When a project comes to us, we ask does it move our heart and does it open our eyes?”
It’s a new challenge for Zhang, a...
- 6/4/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety - Film News
Warner Bros. Discovery has increased the price for the ad-free Max streaming plans just ahead of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 2 premiere on June 16.
Beginning Tuesday (June 4), Max’s ad-free tier in the U.S. will rise $1 from $15.99 to $16.99 per month, and the annual plan will jump from $149.99 to $169.99. The “ultimate” ad-free tier will also increase by $1 per month, rising to $20.99 per month, and by $10 per year, bringing the new annual cost to $209.99.
The Max ad-supported version’s price is unchanged at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
These increased prices are effective immediately for new subscriptions, while current customers will...
Beginning Tuesday (June 4), Max’s ad-free tier in the U.S. will rise $1 from $15.99 to $16.99 per month, and the annual plan will jump from $149.99 to $169.99. The “ultimate” ad-free tier will also increase by $1 per month, rising to $20.99 per month, and by $10 per year, bringing the new annual cost to $209.99.
The Max ad-supported version’s price is unchanged at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
These increased prices are effective immediately for new subscriptions, while current customers will...
- 6/4/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety - TV News
Tribeca Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal doesn’t follow a North Star as she and her team sift through tens of thousands of submissions each year. But as they whittle down those applicants to the 100 or so films comprising the final lineup, themes tend to emerge.
“It’s not like we set out to say, ‘This is what we want to do.’ As an activist film festival, we always look for [political] films,” says Rosenthal, who created Tribeca Festival with Robert De Niro in the wake of 9/11. “This year, there’s a mental health narrative. I don’t know if that’s a post-covid thing.”
Tribeca, now in its 23rd year, will take place from June 5-16 and highlight films led by Kristen Stewart, Lily Gladstone and Jenna Ortega. “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge,” a look at the fashion icon and entrepreneur, will open the festival, with anticipated documentaries about Prince,...
“It’s not like we set out to say, ‘This is what we want to do.’ As an activist film festival, we always look for [political] films,” says Rosenthal, who created Tribeca Festival with Robert De Niro in the wake of 9/11. “This year, there’s a mental health narrative. I don’t know if that’s a post-covid thing.”
Tribeca, now in its 23rd year, will take place from June 5-16 and highlight films led by Kristen Stewart, Lily Gladstone and Jenna Ortega. “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge,” a look at the fashion icon and entrepreneur, will open the festival, with anticipated documentaries about Prince,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety - Film News
IllumiNative has formed a new executive team to lead the Native woman-led racial and social justice organization in its expansion. Founder Crystal Echo Hawk joins as CEO, Michael Johnson as president, Angel Charley as inaugural executive director and Jennifer Van der Heide as vice president of advocacy and engagement.
Among other duties, the executive team will oversee the non-profit organization IllumiNative, Inc., and IllumiNative’s new media and production company IllumiNative Media, LLC.
“When I started this organization in 2018 I had no idea where it would take me, but the growth and impact we’ve achieved in the last five years has surpassed my wildest expectations,” said Hawk. “The creation of IllumiNative Media is a huge step for our organization and the future of Native representation, and will allow us to invest in and support Native creatives both in front of and behind the screen to raise cultural awareness and promote authentic Native storytelling.
Among other duties, the executive team will oversee the non-profit organization IllumiNative, Inc., and IllumiNative’s new media and production company IllumiNative Media, LLC.
“When I started this organization in 2018 I had no idea where it would take me, but the growth and impact we’ve achieved in the last five years has surpassed my wildest expectations,” said Hawk. “The creation of IllumiNative Media is a huge step for our organization and the future of Native representation, and will allow us to invest in and support Native creatives both in front of and behind the screen to raise cultural awareness and promote authentic Native storytelling.
- 6/4/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay and Jack Dunn
- Variety - Film News
Andrea Arnold’s drama “Bird,” starring Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski and a recent contender for the Palme d’Or in Cannes, has been sold around the world by Cornerstone.
With Mubi having snapped up the film before Cannes for the U.K and Ireland and during the fest for North America and Turkey, the new deals include Mfa (Germany), Lucky Red (Italy), Avalon (Spain), Benelux (Cineart), Cinobo (Greece), New Cinema (Israel), Front Row (Middle East), Lusomundo (Portugal), Nonstop (Scandinavia), Frenetic (Switzerland), Discovery, Provzglyad (C.I.S), Aerofilm, Impacto Cine (Latin America), New Select (Japan) and Challan (South Korea). As previously announced, Ad Vitam is the French distributor.
Written and directed by Arnold, “Bird” sees the director return to the social realist world of her dramas “Red Road” and “Fish Tank” (both of them Cannes jury prize winners). The film sees Keoghan play Bug, a tattoo-covered young father living by the British...
With Mubi having snapped up the film before Cannes for the U.K and Ireland and during the fest for North America and Turkey, the new deals include Mfa (Germany), Lucky Red (Italy), Avalon (Spain), Benelux (Cineart), Cinobo (Greece), New Cinema (Israel), Front Row (Middle East), Lusomundo (Portugal), Nonstop (Scandinavia), Frenetic (Switzerland), Discovery, Provzglyad (C.I.S), Aerofilm, Impacto Cine (Latin America), New Select (Japan) and Challan (South Korea). As previously announced, Ad Vitam is the French distributor.
Written and directed by Arnold, “Bird” sees the director return to the social realist world of her dramas “Red Road” and “Fish Tank” (both of them Cannes jury prize winners). The film sees Keoghan play Bug, a tattoo-covered young father living by the British...
- 6/4/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
Andrea Arnold’s Bird is soaring to new heights, securing distribution deals worldwide following its successful premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Cornerstone Films, which is handling international sales, confirmed the coming-of-age drama has been picked up across several major territories including Germany (Mfa), Italy (Lucky Red), Spain (Avalon), Japan (New Select), and South Korea (Challan). Cornerstone also struck with Benelux, Scandinavia, Latin America, and others. Arthouse streamer Mubi previously picked up the rights for Bird for North America, in a deal co-repped between Cornerstone and CAA Media Finance, as well for the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey. Ad Vitam is releasing the film in France.
Newcomer Nykiya Adams stars in Bird as Bailey, a 12-year-old girl living in a squat in North Kent with her single dad (Barry Keoghan) and brother (Jason Buda), who is struggling to protect her younger siblings and herself from domestic violence while seeing connection...
Cornerstone Films, which is handling international sales, confirmed the coming-of-age drama has been picked up across several major territories including Germany (Mfa), Italy (Lucky Red), Spain (Avalon), Japan (New Select), and South Korea (Challan). Cornerstone also struck with Benelux, Scandinavia, Latin America, and others. Arthouse streamer Mubi previously picked up the rights for Bird for North America, in a deal co-repped between Cornerstone and CAA Media Finance, as well for the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey. Ad Vitam is releasing the film in France.
Newcomer Nykiya Adams stars in Bird as Bailey, a 12-year-old girl living in a squat in North Kent with her single dad (Barry Keoghan) and brother (Jason Buda), who is struggling to protect her younger siblings and herself from domestic violence while seeing connection...
- 6/4/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Investors in Paramount Global are waiting for word on whether the latest merger offer from Skydance Media is a go. But they didn’t get any update at the media conglomerate’s awkwardly timed annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at the end of April for the ousted Bob Bakish: CBS’s George Cheeks, Paramount Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.
“While we recognize this is not a traditional management structure,” Redstone said, the three-in-a-box leadership team is intended to help the company “move...
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at the end of April for the ousted Bob Bakish: CBS’s George Cheeks, Paramount Pictures’ Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy, head of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios.
“While we recognize this is not a traditional management structure,” Redstone said, the three-in-a-box leadership team is intended to help the company “move...
- 6/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - Film News
Investors in Paramount Global are waiting for word on whether the latest merger offer from Skydance Media is a go. But they didn’t get any update at the media conglomerate’s awkwardly timed annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at...
Shari Redstone, Paramount Global’s chair and controlling shareholder, in her introductory remarks at the virtual shareholders meeting, did not mention the pending Skydance offer. Instead, she touted the company’s content assets and leadership across CBS, Paramount Pictures and its cable networks — and turned the floor over to the three members of its “Office of the CEO,” who took over at...
- 6/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - TV News
Twenty-five years after its debut, “Walking with Dinosaurs” is set to return in a fresh BBC Studios production, slated for a 2025 release on BBC and PBS.
The six-part series, co-produced with Zdf and France Télévisions, aims to be an immersive journey into the prehistoric era, uncovering the lives of the ancient giants.
This reimagined series will spotlight individual dinosaurs, with each episode focusing on the dramatic tale of a specific creature currently being excavated by top paleontologists. Enhanced by cutting-edge scientific insights, the show aims to depict the daily lives of these dinosaurs with unprecedented accuracy. Viewers can expect state-of-the-art...
The six-part series, co-produced with Zdf and France Télévisions, aims to be an immersive journey into the prehistoric era, uncovering the lives of the ancient giants.
This reimagined series will spotlight individual dinosaurs, with each episode focusing on the dramatic tale of a specific creature currently being excavated by top paleontologists. Enhanced by cutting-edge scientific insights, the show aims to depict the daily lives of these dinosaurs with unprecedented accuracy. Viewers can expect state-of-the-art...
- 6/4/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - TV News
Paramount Global’s new trio of co-CEOs laid out their vision for the Hollywood studio as the controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, mulls a sweetened takeover offer from a buyer consortium led by Skydance and RedBird Capital.
Redstone addressed the investors as the meeting began, indicating the company’s most important goal was “driving value for all our shareholders,” which would come by reducing overall debt to strengthen the balance sheet and continue to invest in “best-in-class content.”
Redstone also addressed the new leadership structure at the studio with three co-CEOs. “While we recognize that this is not a traditional management structure, we are confident that it will enable them to move quickly to implement best practices throughout the company to drive improved performance,” Redstone added.
This opened the way for the new trio of executives – George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios; and Brian Robbins,...
Redstone addressed the investors as the meeting began, indicating the company’s most important goal was “driving value for all our shareholders,” which would come by reducing overall debt to strengthen the balance sheet and continue to invest in “best-in-class content.”
Redstone also addressed the new leadership structure at the studio with three co-CEOs. “While we recognize that this is not a traditional management structure, we are confident that it will enable them to move quickly to implement best practices throughout the company to drive improved performance,” Redstone added.
This opened the way for the new trio of executives – George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios; and Brian Robbins,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis is getting into a new ring: Unscripted TV. Lennox and executive producer Eric Van Wagenen are developing a boxing-related competition that “aims to bring boxing back to its roots as fighters from across the country are highlighted in a tournament style.”
The unscripted project is the first to come out of a new strategic partnership announced by Paul Telegdy’s The Whole Spiel shingle and management house 3Point0 Labs, led by Marquel Martin. “Lennox Lewis is a titan of the boxing world,” Telegdy said. “We couldn’t be more excited to...
The unscripted project is the first to come out of a new strategic partnership announced by Paul Telegdy’s The Whole Spiel shingle and management house 3Point0 Labs, led by Marquel Martin. “Lennox Lewis is a titan of the boxing world,” Telegdy said. “We couldn’t be more excited to...
- 6/4/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety - TV News
IllumiNative founder Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee) is bringing on colleagues as her Native justice organization grows.
Michael Johnson (Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota) is joining as president, Angel Charley (Pueblo of Laguna and Navajo Nation) as IllumiNative’s first-ever executive director and Jennifer Van der Heide as vice president of the new advocacy and engagement department.
“I am honored to join Crystal and the talented IllumiNative team as president as we embark on this journey of community-directed radical movement building and the acknowledgement and celebration of self-determination to increase the visibility of Native peoples,” Johnson said in a statement. “Research is IllumiNative’s DNA – it’s what the organization was founded on in 2018 and it continues to be the driving force behind our ability to create change and respond to the evolving needs of our communities, which is why we’ll be releasing brand new research this year to...
Michael Johnson (Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota) is joining as president, Angel Charley (Pueblo of Laguna and Navajo Nation) as IllumiNative’s first-ever executive director and Jennifer Van der Heide as vice president of the new advocacy and engagement department.
“I am honored to join Crystal and the talented IllumiNative team as president as we embark on this journey of community-directed radical movement building and the acknowledgement and celebration of self-determination to increase the visibility of Native peoples,” Johnson said in a statement. “Research is IllumiNative’s DNA – it’s what the organization was founded on in 2018 and it continues to be the driving force behind our ability to create change and respond to the evolving needs of our communities, which is why we’ll be releasing brand new research this year to...
- 6/4/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios and PBS are teaming up to bring back Walking With Dinosaurs to screens 25 years after the series first aired.
In 1999, the BBC’s documentary-style miniseries became a cultural phenomenon thanks in part to its state-of-the-art CGI creatures. Narrated by Kenneth Branagh, the show won two BAFTAs and three Emmys (Discovery Channel aired it in the U.S.), spawning a companion book and an arena show that toured the globe.
The new six-part series, co-produced with Zdf and France Télévisions, will take audiences on a “unique journey back through time, revealing the incredible life stories of these long-lost giants” across the land in Morocco, North America, and Portugal.
Arriving in 2025, each episode of Walking With Dinosaurs will tell the dramatic story of an individual dinosaur whose remains are currently being unearthed by the world’s leading dinosaur hunters. Thanks to cutting-edge science, experts can reveal how the creatures lived,...
In 1999, the BBC’s documentary-style miniseries became a cultural phenomenon thanks in part to its state-of-the-art CGI creatures. Narrated by Kenneth Branagh, the show won two BAFTAs and three Emmys (Discovery Channel aired it in the U.S.), spawning a companion book and an arena show that toured the globe.
The new six-part series, co-produced with Zdf and France Télévisions, will take audiences on a “unique journey back through time, revealing the incredible life stories of these long-lost giants” across the land in Morocco, North America, and Portugal.
Arriving in 2025, each episode of Walking With Dinosaurs will tell the dramatic story of an individual dinosaur whose remains are currently being unearthed by the world’s leading dinosaur hunters. Thanks to cutting-edge science, experts can reveal how the creatures lived,...
- 6/4/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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