Upcoming directing and producing projects are expanding Toni Collette’s creative horizons, according to the Australian actress speaking at Qumra this weekend.
She will soon star in A French Pursuit, a comedy feature directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Collette will produce the film through her Vocab Films company, alongside UK producer Christopher Simon’s New Sparta Films.
“Meeting the production team we’re working with in France, casting people – it’s stuff you don’t get to do as an actor, it’s incredibly satisfying,” said Collette, speaking in Doha where she gave a masterclass to emerging filmmakers and attending industry...
She will soon star in A French Pursuit, a comedy feature directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Collette will produce the film through her Vocab Films company, alongside UK producer Christopher Simon’s New Sparta Films.
“Meeting the production team we’re working with in France, casting people – it’s stuff you don’t get to do as an actor, it’s incredibly satisfying,” said Collette, speaking in Doha where she gave a masterclass to emerging filmmakers and attending industry...
- 3/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Actress Toni Collette discussed her journey from a working-class neighborhood in northwest Sydney to Hollywood star in a masterclass at the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra talent and project development event on Friday.
The Oscar-nominated Muriel’s Wedding, Little Miss Sunshine, Knives Out and Unbelievable acting star is among six top cinema professionals attending Qumra, alongside directors Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan and Jim Sheridan as well as sound editor and designer Martin Hernández.
Colette said she had been drawn to performance from an early age, firstly through musical theatre and tap dance.
“My father said I came out of the womb with jazz hands towards the light,” she joked.
Looking back on her early career, Collette recalled how she had dropped out of Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art Nida after being offered the part of Sonya in a 1992 stage production of Uncle Vanya by Neil Armfield.
This...
The Oscar-nominated Muriel’s Wedding, Little Miss Sunshine, Knives Out and Unbelievable acting star is among six top cinema professionals attending Qumra, alongside directors Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan and Jim Sheridan as well as sound editor and designer Martin Hernández.
Colette said she had been drawn to performance from an early age, firstly through musical theatre and tap dance.
“My father said I came out of the womb with jazz hands towards the light,” she joked.
Looking back on her early career, Collette recalled how she had dropped out of Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art Nida after being offered the part of Sonya in a 1992 stage production of Uncle Vanya by Neil Armfield.
This...
- 3/1/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Australian Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor and producer Toni Collette (Knives Out) has been announced as a Master at the 10th edition of the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra talent incubator, running from March 1 to 6.
She joins Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan, Martín Hernández, and Jim Sheridan who were previously announced as Masters for the 2024 edition of the meeting dedicated to supporting new voices from Arab and world cinema.
They join a long list of top professionals to have participated in Qumra since its launch in 2014, which has included James Schamus, Naomi Kawase, Asghar Farhadi, Gael Garcia Bernal and Tilda Swinton.
Additionally, the Dfi has also announced the 40 projects by emerging filmmakers from more than 20 countries, that will participate in the event. (scroll down for full details).
Under the Qumra format, the Masters give a masterclass and provide one-on-one mentorship the talents attached to the projects, alongside a...
She joins Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan, Martín Hernández, and Jim Sheridan who were previously announced as Masters for the 2024 edition of the meeting dedicated to supporting new voices from Arab and world cinema.
They join a long list of top professionals to have participated in Qumra since its launch in 2014, which has included James Schamus, Naomi Kawase, Asghar Farhadi, Gael Garcia Bernal and Tilda Swinton.
Additionally, the Dfi has also announced the 40 projects by emerging filmmakers from more than 20 countries, that will participate in the event. (scroll down for full details).
Under the Qumra format, the Masters give a masterclass and provide one-on-one mentorship the talents attached to the projects, alongside a...
- 2/17/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Naomie Harris, Jameela Jamil, Joel Fry and Olivia Lee have joined the cast of the British romantic comedy ‘Lola and Freddie.’
Described as a reimaging of 2012’s ‘Celeste and Jesse Forever,’ the story follows a couple who were once inseparable and totally in love but now, in their 40s and having grown in different directions, are getting a divorce. Lola is thriving in her career while Freddie continues to chase his dream of becoming a screenwriter. When a big studio hires Freddie and rekindles a relationship with an old flame, he matures and aligns more with what Lola desires in their marriage.
With Freddie’s change in fortune, Lola starts to miss a life she thought she no longer wanted. With newly separate worlds colliding again, Lola and Freddie are forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that they might still be in love with each other. But a major development...
Described as a reimaging of 2012’s ‘Celeste and Jesse Forever,’ the story follows a couple who were once inseparable and totally in love but now, in their 40s and having grown in different directions, are getting a divorce. Lola is thriving in her career while Freddie continues to chase his dream of becoming a screenwriter. When a big studio hires Freddie and rekindles a relationship with an old flame, he matures and aligns more with what Lola desires in their marriage.
With Freddie’s change in fortune, Lola starts to miss a life she thought she no longer wanted. With newly separate worlds colliding again, Lola and Freddie are forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that they might still be in love with each other. But a major development...
- 2/7/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Naomie Harris, Joel Fry, Jameela Jamil and Olivia Lee are set to star in upcoming romantic comedy “Lola and Freddie,” billed as a British reimagining of 2012’s “Celeste and Jesse Forever.”
The feature comes from writer/director Dean Craig, whose recent film credits include Netflix hit “Love, Wedding, Repeat,” plus “The Honeymoon” and “The Estate.”
Bankside Films is handling worldwide sales and will be launching the film — due to shoot on location in London — at the European Film Market in Berlin.
“Lola and Freddie” follows a couple who were once inseparable and totally in love but now, in their 40s and having grown in different directions, are getting a divorce. Lola is thriving in her career while Freddie continues to chase his dream of becoming a screenwriter. When Freddie is hired by a big studio and rekindles a relationship with an old flame, he matures and aligns more with what Lola desired in their marriage.
The feature comes from writer/director Dean Craig, whose recent film credits include Netflix hit “Love, Wedding, Repeat,” plus “The Honeymoon” and “The Estate.”
Bankside Films is handling worldwide sales and will be launching the film — due to shoot on location in London — at the European Film Market in Berlin.
“Lola and Freddie” follows a couple who were once inseparable and totally in love but now, in their 40s and having grown in different directions, are getting a divorce. Lola is thriving in her career while Freddie continues to chase his dream of becoming a screenwriter. When Freddie is hired by a big studio and rekindles a relationship with an old flame, he matures and aligns more with what Lola desired in their marriage.
- 2/6/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Toni Collette has been set as the lead for the upcoming comedy from ‘Twilight’ helmer Catherine Hardwicke, ‘A French Pursuit.’
Based on the French box office hit ‘Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes‘, the project is a heartwarming tale of a free-spirited woman on a journey of self-discovery as she pursues love.
The synopsis reads; “Zoe thus embarks on a daring pursuit of Jean-Louis in the picturesque Cévennes deep in the South of France. Accompanied by the determined donkey Napoleon, Zoe grapples with the absurdities and challenges of their journey. Along the way, they encounter new friends and perils that draw them closer, prompting Zoe to reevaluate her priorities, confront her life choices, and rediscover her joie de vivre.”
Also in news – Callum Turner & Alia Shawkat join Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Atropia’
Collette will take on the role of Zoe Turner, an unconventional and lively British art teacher who is head over heels for fellow rebel spirit Jean-Louis.
Based on the French box office hit ‘Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes‘, the project is a heartwarming tale of a free-spirited woman on a journey of self-discovery as she pursues love.
The synopsis reads; “Zoe thus embarks on a daring pursuit of Jean-Louis in the picturesque Cévennes deep in the South of France. Accompanied by the determined donkey Napoleon, Zoe grapples with the absurdities and challenges of their journey. Along the way, they encounter new friends and perils that draw them closer, prompting Zoe to reevaluate her priorities, confront her life choices, and rediscover her joie de vivre.”
Also in news – Callum Turner & Alia Shawkat join Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Atropia’
Collette will take on the role of Zoe Turner, an unconventional and lively British art teacher who is head over heels for fellow rebel spirit Jean-Louis.
- 2/5/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
UK sales outfit HanWay Films has taken worldwide rights to Catherine Hardwicke’s A French Pursuit, a re-imagining of France’s box office hit Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes, and starring Toni Colette.
The comedy is due to start shooting late spring, and marks the third creative alliance between Collette, Hardwicke and producer Christopher Simon. Simon will produce via New Sparta Productions alongside Collette with her outfit Vocab Films.
The trio previously worked together on Miss You Already and most recently on Mafia Mamma, while Hardwicke’s further directorial credits include Twilight and Thirteen.
The film is about a British art...
The comedy is due to start shooting late spring, and marks the third creative alliance between Collette, Hardwicke and producer Christopher Simon. Simon will produce via New Sparta Productions alongside Collette with her outfit Vocab Films.
The trio previously worked together on Miss You Already and most recently on Mafia Mamma, while Hardwicke’s further directorial credits include Twilight and Thirteen.
The film is about a British art...
- 2/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
HanWay Films has boarded sales on Catherine Hardwicke’s upcoming comedy drama A French Pursuit starring Toni Collette, ahead of the EFM.
The movie, which is due to start shooting later this spring, is described as “a reimagining” of Caroline Vignal’s 2020 French hit My Donkey, My Lover & I (Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes), starring Laura Calamy.
A French Pursuit marks the third creative collaboration between Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winning actress Toni Collette, Hardwicke and producer Christopher Simon.
In the new version, Collette plays unconventional and lively British art teacher Zoe who falls head over heels for fellow rebel spirit, Jean-Louis.
Their plans for a romantic getaway are dashed when he has to join his family on a donkey trek in the remote and picturesque region of the Cévennes in the south of France, leaving Zoe heartbroken.
Zoe is encouraged by her mother to seize the opportunity for...
The movie, which is due to start shooting later this spring, is described as “a reimagining” of Caroline Vignal’s 2020 French hit My Donkey, My Lover & I (Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes), starring Laura Calamy.
A French Pursuit marks the third creative collaboration between Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winning actress Toni Collette, Hardwicke and producer Christopher Simon.
In the new version, Collette plays unconventional and lively British art teacher Zoe who falls head over heels for fellow rebel spirit, Jean-Louis.
Their plans for a romantic getaway are dashed when he has to join his family on a donkey trek in the remote and picturesque region of the Cévennes in the south of France, leaving Zoe heartbroken.
Zoe is encouraged by her mother to seize the opportunity for...
- 2/5/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Toni Collette is set to star in “A French Pursuit,” a comedy based on the French box office hit “Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes,” from “Twilight” filmmaker Catherine Hardwicke. HanWay Films is selling worldwide distribution rights and will be taking the project to the European Film Market in Berlin.
The film, due to start shooting in late spring, will mark the third creative alliance between Collette, Hardwicke and Christopher Simon, who produces via New Sparta Productions alongside Collette with her Vocab Films production shingle. The three previously worked together on “Miss You Already” and, most recently, “Mafia Mamma.”
“A French Pursuit” is described as a heartwarming and whimsical tale about a free-spirited woman pursuing love, only to go on a surprising journey of self-discovery. Collette will play Zoe Turner, an unconventional and lively British art teacher who is head over heels for fellow rebel spirit Jean-Louis. But when their plans for a romantic getaway are dashed,...
The film, due to start shooting in late spring, will mark the third creative alliance between Collette, Hardwicke and Christopher Simon, who produces via New Sparta Productions alongside Collette with her Vocab Films production shingle. The three previously worked together on “Miss You Already” and, most recently, “Mafia Mamma.”
“A French Pursuit” is described as a heartwarming and whimsical tale about a free-spirited woman pursuing love, only to go on a surprising journey of self-discovery. Collette will play Zoe Turner, an unconventional and lively British art teacher who is head over heels for fellow rebel spirit Jean-Louis. But when their plans for a romantic getaway are dashed,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
13 titles have received funding in the latest round from the £7m per year UK Global Screen Fund.
A raft of UK Cannes titles are among the 13 features to receive awards given out by the British Film Institute (BFI) in the latest round of funding from the £7m per year UK Global Screen Fund (Ukgsf), supporting international opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector.
These include Jessica Hausner’s Club Zero, on which Good Chaos’ Mike Goodridge is the UK producer and will receive the award; Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex, with the funding going to Emily Leo...
A raft of UK Cannes titles are among the 13 features to receive awards given out by the British Film Institute (BFI) in the latest round of funding from the £7m per year UK Global Screen Fund (Ukgsf), supporting international opportunities for the UK’s independent screen sector.
These include Jessica Hausner’s Club Zero, on which Good Chaos’ Mike Goodridge is the UK producer and will receive the award; Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex, with the funding going to Emily Leo...
- 7/7/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: We can confirm that Neither Confirm Nor Deny has been acquired for North American distribution by Greenwich Entertainment. The company plans a theatrical release later this year for the documentary about a dramatic incident from the Cold War, which involved an attempt to capture an alluring prize on the ocean floor.
Philip Carter makes his directorial debut with the film, which premiered at Doc NYC last November.
“At the height of the Cold War, the CIA is tasked with an audacious covert mission: recovering a sunken Soviet nuclear submarine from the bottom of the ocean,” notes a description of the documentary. “The mission hangs in the balance as the agency and its activities are caught in a power play between the press and the White House. With firsthand accounts from the principal players, Neither Confirm Nor Deny is a timely look into America’s clandestine underbelly with a long history of questionable tactics.
Philip Carter makes his directorial debut with the film, which premiered at Doc NYC last November.
“At the height of the Cold War, the CIA is tasked with an audacious covert mission: recovering a sunken Soviet nuclear submarine from the bottom of the ocean,” notes a description of the documentary. “The mission hangs in the balance as the agency and its activities are caught in a power play between the press and the White House. With firsthand accounts from the principal players, Neither Confirm Nor Deny is a timely look into America’s clandestine underbelly with a long history of questionable tactics.
- 5/9/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Mafia Mamma coulda been a contender, a sharp idea to throw an unsuspecting wife, mother and frustrated businesswoman into a new life as the head of an Italian crime family. Instead, though blessed to have the wonderful Toni Collette in the title role, it becomes a pasta with too many ingredients. This is not to say general audiences won’t be pleased, but this is a movie that feels like we have seen it too many times before. You certainly will have a few laughs, admire the Roman scenery and root for Collette’s success, but it is pretty mild when it should have been wickedly smart with this kind of premise. Married to the Mob it is not.
Collette plays Kristin Balbano Jordan, an American in the midst of a life crisis. Her only son Domenick (Tommy Rodger) is going off to college, she catches her deadbeat husband Paul...
Collette plays Kristin Balbano Jordan, an American in the midst of a life crisis. Her only son Domenick (Tommy Rodger) is going off to college, she catches her deadbeat husband Paul...
- 4/12/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
With “Cocaine Bear” notching another win in Universal’s recent run of “silly cinema” hits alongside “Violent Night” and “M3gan,” Bleecker Street is offering up its own escapist high concept pitch. “Mafia Mamma” stars Toni Collette as an American who inherits her grandfather’s business in Italy only to discover that the family business is the mafia.
With help from the firm’s consigliere (Monica Bellucci), she is placed in the position of having to acclimate to her new role as the head of a crime family while avoiding war with a rival family. This trailer — which you can see below — focuses on its protagonist and fish-out-of-water scenario, including Collette admitting she’s never seen “The Godfather” and giving momentary thought to using her newfound crime powers to whack her cheating husband.
Also Read:
Toni Collette’s ‘Mafia Mamma’ Lands at Bleecker Street for Domestic Distribution
The film is being...
With help from the firm’s consigliere (Monica Bellucci), she is placed in the position of having to acclimate to her new role as the head of a crime family while avoiding war with a rival family. This trailer — which you can see below — focuses on its protagonist and fish-out-of-water scenario, including Collette admitting she’s never seen “The Godfather” and giving momentary thought to using her newfound crime powers to whack her cheating husband.
Also Read:
Toni Collette’s ‘Mafia Mamma’ Lands at Bleecker Street for Domestic Distribution
The film is being...
- 2/28/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
“Under the Tuscan Sun” meets “The Godfather” in the latest comedy from multi-hyphenate Toni Collette.
The “Hereditary” star plays an insecure American who inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy in “Mafia Mamma,” directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Guided by the firm’s trusted consigliere (Monica Bellucci), Collette hilariously defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business.
Giulio Corso, Francesco Mastroianni, Alfonso Perugini, Sophia Nomvete, Eduardo Scarpetta, Tim Daish, and Tommy Rodger also star.
Hardwicke directs from a script by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon. Lead star Collette produces along with Christopher Simon and Amanda Sthers.
Hardwicke previously told IndieWire’s Kate Erbland that she strives to emphasize “complex female characters” onscreen.
“I think now, as women, we want to see somebody that takes charge of their life and does the very best they can in their power to escape, fight back,...
The “Hereditary” star plays an insecure American who inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy in “Mafia Mamma,” directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Guided by the firm’s trusted consigliere (Monica Bellucci), Collette hilariously defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business.
Giulio Corso, Francesco Mastroianni, Alfonso Perugini, Sophia Nomvete, Eduardo Scarpetta, Tim Daish, and Tommy Rodger also star.
Hardwicke directs from a script by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon. Lead star Collette produces along with Christopher Simon and Amanda Sthers.
Hardwicke previously told IndieWire’s Kate Erbland that she strives to emphasize “complex female characters” onscreen.
“I think now, as women, we want to see somebody that takes charge of their life and does the very best they can in their power to escape, fight back,...
- 2/28/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Bleecker Street has dropped the first teaser trailer for Mafia Mamma, an action-comedy starring the great Toni Collette as an unlikely mob boss.
Mafia Mamma follows an insecure American woman who inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy. Guided by the firm’s trusted consigliere (Monica Bellucci), she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business. The film is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) and written by Michael J. Feldman & Debbie Jhoon. Toni Collette also serves as a producer on Mafia Mamma alongside Christopher Simon and Amanda Sthers. The concept might not have worked as well with another actor leading the movie, but we’ve Toni Collette rarely steers us wrong.
Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Knives Out, Namor, She-Ra, Spirited Away, 300
When Mafia Mamma was first announced, Catherine Hardwicke said: “Toni is one of the most...
Mafia Mamma follows an insecure American woman who inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire in Italy. Guided by the firm’s trusted consigliere (Monica Bellucci), she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business. The film is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) and written by Michael J. Feldman & Debbie Jhoon. Toni Collette also serves as a producer on Mafia Mamma alongside Christopher Simon and Amanda Sthers. The concept might not have worked as well with another actor leading the movie, but we’ve Toni Collette rarely steers us wrong.
Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Knives Out, Namor, She-Ra, Spirited Away, 300
When Mafia Mamma was first announced, Catherine Hardwicke said: “Toni is one of the most...
- 12/2/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Paramount Global is shaking up the way it communicates with Madison Avenue.
Karen Phillips, Chris Simon and David Lawenda were given new duties under a team that is now being directed by John Halley, who was named president of the operation in September. The moves effectively merge ad-sales teams that had been devoted separately to sales related to assets that had in the past been assigned to either the former CBS Corp. or Viacom Inc., the two companies that merged in late 2019 to form Paramount Global.
The new ad-sales team is being structured to that specific executives are assigned to work with individual media-buying agencies. Phillips, for example, will now overseeing Paramount’s relationships with Omnicom Media Group, GroupM, and Horizon Media, as well as the development of new business. Simon will supervise Paramount’s relationships with Interpublic Group, Dentsu and Publicis. Lawenda will serve as chief digital advertising officer,...
Karen Phillips, Chris Simon and David Lawenda were given new duties under a team that is now being directed by John Halley, who was named president of the operation in September. The moves effectively merge ad-sales teams that had been devoted separately to sales related to assets that had in the past been assigned to either the former CBS Corp. or Viacom Inc., the two companies that merged in late 2019 to form Paramount Global.
The new ad-sales team is being structured to that specific executives are assigned to work with individual media-buying agencies. Phillips, for example, will now overseeing Paramount’s relationships with Omnicom Media Group, GroupM, and Horizon Media, as well as the development of new business. Simon will supervise Paramount’s relationships with Interpublic Group, Dentsu and Publicis. Lawenda will serve as chief digital advertising officer,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Jo Ann Ross, the TV industry’s first female ad-sales chief, will take a new chairman role at Paramount Global, while John Halley will take on the position of president, overseeing U.S. sales — a major transition at the media company that aims to merge Ross’ close contact with clients with Halley’s expertise in new forms of digital advertising.
Halley will report directly to Paramount Global’s CEO, Bob Bakish, while Ross will “provide her expertise and experience in a strategic advisory role to ensure a smooth transition,” the company said in a statement.
Ross has been a trailblazer in the TV industry, taking over ad sales for the former CBS Corp. after the departure of Joe Abruzzese in 2002, when he exited to join Discovery Communications. Since that time, Ross has formed one of the most durable ad-sales teams in TV, with executives like Chris Simon, John Bogusz, Linda...
Halley will report directly to Paramount Global’s CEO, Bob Bakish, while Ross will “provide her expertise and experience in a strategic advisory role to ensure a smooth transition,” the company said in a statement.
Ross has been a trailblazer in the TV industry, taking over ad sales for the former CBS Corp. after the departure of Joe Abruzzese in 2002, when he exited to join Discovery Communications. Since that time, Ross has formed one of the most durable ad-sales teams in TV, with executives like Chris Simon, John Bogusz, Linda...
- 9/13/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Sthers, the critically acclaimed French author, filmmaker and producer, who’s at the Venice Film Festival with the feature documentary “Bonnie,” will produce “Love Birds,” an animated film with an inclusive message, aimed at family audiences.
Sthers will produce the big-budget feature through her recently launched L.A.-based outfit Idea(L) and has teamed up with one of France’s leading animation studios, Tat, whose credits include “The Jungle Bunch” franchise.
Based on Sthers’ idea, the English-language “Love Birds” is written by Debbie Jhoon and J. Michael Feldman, the writing duo behind “Mafia Mamma,” Catherine Hardwicke’s crime comedy with Toni Collette, which Sthers also created and is producing.
“Love Birds” revolves around a female lovebird who travels the country to find her crush. She travels with an annoying but amusing pigeon, and will discover that all forms of love exists in nature, from gay couples to single moms or stepfamilies,...
Sthers will produce the big-budget feature through her recently launched L.A.-based outfit Idea(L) and has teamed up with one of France’s leading animation studios, Tat, whose credits include “The Jungle Bunch” franchise.
Based on Sthers’ idea, the English-language “Love Birds” is written by Debbie Jhoon and J. Michael Feldman, the writing duo behind “Mafia Mamma,” Catherine Hardwicke’s crime comedy with Toni Collette, which Sthers also created and is producing.
“Love Birds” revolves around a female lovebird who travels the country to find her crush. She travels with an annoying but amusing pigeon, and will discover that all forms of love exists in nature, from gay couples to single moms or stepfamilies,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UK sales firm Cornerstone has sold out international territories on Catherine Hardwicke package Mafia Mamma starring Toni Collette.
The movie will follow a suburban American woman who inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire, and guided by the Firm’s trusted consigliere defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business. Twilight filmmaker Hardwicke is directing.
Monica Bellucci and Rob Huebel are also starring with production due to begin in Italy in late spring, 2022. Gomorrah producer Cattleya has newly boarded as an executive producer. Additional casting is in process.
Cornerstone has cut deals with Signature (UK), Square 1, Dea Planeta / Tripictures (Spain), Scanbox (Scandi), and Bf Distribution (Lat Am).
Pre-sales have also closed with Unicorn Media (Cis), Vertical (Eastern Europe), Monolith (Poland), Blitz (Former Yugoslavia), Belga (Benelux) and Tanweer (Greece and Turkey).
Sales to remaining territories including Australia and New Zealand, France,...
The movie will follow a suburban American woman who inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire, and guided by the Firm’s trusted consigliere defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business. Twilight filmmaker Hardwicke is directing.
Monica Bellucci and Rob Huebel are also starring with production due to begin in Italy in late spring, 2022. Gomorrah producer Cattleya has newly boarded as an executive producer. Additional casting is in process.
Cornerstone has cut deals with Signature (UK), Square 1, Dea Planeta / Tripictures (Spain), Scanbox (Scandi), and Bf Distribution (Lat Am).
Pre-sales have also closed with Unicorn Media (Cis), Vertical (Eastern Europe), Monolith (Poland), Blitz (Former Yugoslavia), Belga (Benelux) and Tanweer (Greece and Turkey).
Sales to remaining territories including Australia and New Zealand, France,...
- 11/22/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Toni Collette (Knives Out) and Monica Bellucci (Spectre) will star in Catherine Hardwicke’s comedy (Twilight) Mafia Mamma.
Hardwicke has also tapped Rob Huebel (The Descendants) to star alongside Collette and Bellucci.
Pic is a comedy about a suburban American woman who inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire, and guided by the Firm’s trusted consigliere defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business.
Cornerstone will handle international sales and begin deal-making at next month’s virtual American Film Market. CAA Media Finance is overseeing the U.S. sale.
The film is a Vocab Films, Idea(L) and New Sparta Production based on an original idea by French novelist, screenwriter and filmmaker Amanda Sthers. Producers are Collette (United States of Tara) under her Vocab Films banner together with Sthers (Madame) through Idea(L) and New Sparta’s Christopher Simon (The Killing of a Sacred Deer...
Hardwicke has also tapped Rob Huebel (The Descendants) to star alongside Collette and Bellucci.
Pic is a comedy about a suburban American woman who inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire, and guided by the Firm’s trusted consigliere defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business.
Cornerstone will handle international sales and begin deal-making at next month’s virtual American Film Market. CAA Media Finance is overseeing the U.S. sale.
The film is a Vocab Films, Idea(L) and New Sparta Production based on an original idea by French novelist, screenwriter and filmmaker Amanda Sthers. Producers are Collette (United States of Tara) under her Vocab Films banner together with Sthers (Madame) through Idea(L) and New Sparta’s Christopher Simon (The Killing of a Sacred Deer...
- 10/13/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Toni Collette has been cast in “Mafia Mamma,” an action comedy about a suburban mom who unexpectedly inherits her grandfather’s Mafia empire.
Catherine Hardwicke, the filmmaker of “Twilight” and “Thirteen,” is directing the movie, which is expected to begin production in Italy in late spring 2022. Debbie Jhoon and J. Michael Feldman wrote the screenplay. The cast also includes Monica Bellucci and Rob Huebel.
Collette is best known for her Academy Award-nominated turn in “The Sixth Sense,” as well as “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Hereditary” and “Knives Out.” In “Mafia Mamma,” she channels her comedic roots as Kristen, a mom who unwittingly finds herself as the new boss of the fiercest Mafia family in Southern Italy.
The logline reads: “Kristin is facing a slew of challenges. Her only son is desperate to leave for college, her boss is a sexist pig, and she just caught her unsuccessful, musician husband (Huebel) cheating with a groupie.
Catherine Hardwicke, the filmmaker of “Twilight” and “Thirteen,” is directing the movie, which is expected to begin production in Italy in late spring 2022. Debbie Jhoon and J. Michael Feldman wrote the screenplay. The cast also includes Monica Bellucci and Rob Huebel.
Collette is best known for her Academy Award-nominated turn in “The Sixth Sense,” as well as “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Hereditary” and “Knives Out.” In “Mafia Mamma,” she channels her comedic roots as Kristen, a mom who unwittingly finds herself as the new boss of the fiercest Mafia family in Southern Italy.
The logline reads: “Kristin is facing a slew of challenges. Her only son is desperate to leave for college, her boss is a sexist pig, and she just caught her unsuccessful, musician husband (Huebel) cheating with a groupie.
- 10/13/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Action-adventure feature stars Luke MacFarlane and D.J. “Shangela” Pierce.
Altitude Film Sales has boarded upcoming action-adventure film Lone Star Bull, which marks the feature debut of UK director David Stoddart and stars Luke MacFarlane and D.J. “Shangela” Pierce.
The London-based sales agent will handle worldwide rights to the film and is expected to launch sales later this year at the American Film Market (AFM).
A two-month shoot wraps in Savannah, Georgia today (July 9) on the feature, which is produced by Maggie Monteith through her US banner Southern Stories alongside Christopher Simon for the UK’s New Sparta Films and Seth Michaels.
Altitude Film Sales has boarded upcoming action-adventure film Lone Star Bull, which marks the feature debut of UK director David Stoddart and stars Luke MacFarlane and D.J. “Shangela” Pierce.
The London-based sales agent will handle worldwide rights to the film and is expected to launch sales later this year at the American Film Market (AFM).
A two-month shoot wraps in Savannah, Georgia today (July 9) on the feature, which is produced by Maggie Monteith through her US banner Southern Stories alongside Christopher Simon for the UK’s New Sparta Films and Seth Michaels.
- 7/9/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
“I got annoyed by Spike Lee. That’s all.”
Source: Wiki Commons
Charlotte Rampling
Charlotte Rampling was at the international Film Festival Rotterdam this week for the screening of Andrea Pallor’s Hannah.
In an interview with Screen International, she reflected on her work with Luchino Visconti and Woody Allen; spoke of her continuing pride in The Night Porter, expressed regret over her controversial remarks about the lack of black nominees in the 2016 Oscars, and explained why she didn’t want to discuss the #MeToo Movement.
Rampling again expressed her regret over “racist to whites” comments two years ago on an early morning radio show during the promotion campaign for 45 Years, for which she was nominated for an Oscar. “It was very early in the morning and everyone was asking questions about that. It was not a very sensible thing to say but I was very tired. My husband died two months before,” Rampling said on stage...
Source: Wiki Commons
Charlotte Rampling
Charlotte Rampling was at the international Film Festival Rotterdam this week for the screening of Andrea Pallor’s Hannah.
In an interview with Screen International, she reflected on her work with Luchino Visconti and Woody Allen; spoke of her continuing pride in The Night Porter, expressed regret over her controversial remarks about the lack of black nominees in the 2016 Oscars, and explained why she didn’t want to discuss the #MeToo Movement.
Rampling again expressed her regret over “racist to whites” comments two years ago on an early morning radio show during the promotion campaign for 45 Years, for which she was nominated for an Oscar. “It was very early in the morning and everyone was asking questions about that. It was not a very sensible thing to say but I was very tired. My husband died two months before,” Rampling said on stage...
- 1/29/2018
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Head of production Chris Simon will lead the production-finance outfit.
The managing director of London-based production outfit New Sparta Films, Nicki Hattingh, has resigned from the company as of Feb 1 2017.
Hattingh co-founded the company with Dr Jerome Booth in 2013 as part of Booth’s umbrella investment organisation New Sparta Group.
During her tenure, the company’s production and financing credits included Matteo Garrone’s Tale Of Tales, Catherine Hardwicke’s Miss You Already, Martin Koolhoven’s Brimstone, Juan Carlos Medina’s The Limehouse Golem and Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing Of A Sacred Deer.
In a statement to Screen, New Sparta said that Hattingh had handed in her resignation in October and had left the company to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Head of production Chris Simon, appointed to the role in 2015, has stepped into the position of managing director. There are no immediate plans to replace Hattingh at this time.
Chris Simon
Simon commented: “I am incredibly grateful...
The managing director of London-based production outfit New Sparta Films, Nicki Hattingh, has resigned from the company as of Feb 1 2017.
Hattingh co-founded the company with Dr Jerome Booth in 2013 as part of Booth’s umbrella investment organisation New Sparta Group.
During her tenure, the company’s production and financing credits included Matteo Garrone’s Tale Of Tales, Catherine Hardwicke’s Miss You Already, Martin Koolhoven’s Brimstone, Juan Carlos Medina’s The Limehouse Golem and Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Killing Of A Sacred Deer.
In a statement to Screen, New Sparta said that Hattingh had handed in her resignation in October and had left the company to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Head of production Chris Simon, appointed to the role in 2015, has stepped into the position of managing director. There are no immediate plans to replace Hattingh at this time.
Chris Simon
Simon commented: “I am incredibly grateful...
- 2/7/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Magnet Releasing announced that they have acquired Us rights to Ben Wheatley's High-Rise—the big screen adaptation of J.G. Ballard's thought-provoking 1975 novel of the same name. Starring Tom Hiddleston, Sienna Miller, and Luke Evans, High-Rise is slated for a 2016 theatrical release:
Press Release: New York, NY – December 7, 2015 – Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that they have acquired U.S. rights to High-rise, the highly-anticipated new film from acclaimed British genre-bending director Ben Wheatley (A Field In England, Sightseers, Kill List). The film, starring Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, Crimson Peak), Jeremy Irons (Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice), Sienna Miller (American Sniper), Luke Evans (Dracula Untold) and Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men), chronicles the savage breakdown of social order inside a giant residential apartment block. Written by Amy Jump based on J.G. Ballard's seminal 1975 sci-fi novel, High-rise world-premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.
High-rise stars Hiddleston as Dr.
Press Release: New York, NY – December 7, 2015 – Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that they have acquired U.S. rights to High-rise, the highly-anticipated new film from acclaimed British genre-bending director Ben Wheatley (A Field In England, Sightseers, Kill List). The film, starring Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers, Crimson Peak), Jeremy Irons (Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice), Sienna Miller (American Sniper), Luke Evans (Dracula Untold) and Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men), chronicles the savage breakdown of social order inside a giant residential apartment block. Written by Amy Jump based on J.G. Ballard's seminal 1975 sci-fi novel, High-rise world-premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.
High-rise stars Hiddleston as Dr.
- 12/7/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The genre distributor has acquired Us rights to Ben Wheatley’s latest film and plans a 2016 release.
High-Rise premiered in Toronto and stars Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans and Elizabeth Moss.
Amy Jump adapted the screenplay from Jg Ballard’s 1975 satirical novel about class and wealth that centres on the deadly internecine warfare that engulfs an apartment block.
Jeremy Thomas produced and Peter Watson, Thorsten Schumacher, Lizzie Francke, Sam Lavender, Anna Higgs, Gabriella Martinelli, Christopher Simon and Genevieve Lemal served as executive producers.
“I’m very excited about working with Magnet again,” said Wheatley. “They have the brains and the balls to handle the crazy beast that is High-Rise.” Magnet distributed Wheatley’s first film, Down Terrace.
Magnolia svp of acquisitions Dori Begley and Magnolia vp of acquisitions John Von Thaden brokered the deal with HanWay Films.
High-Rise premiered in Toronto and stars Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans and Elizabeth Moss.
Amy Jump adapted the screenplay from Jg Ballard’s 1975 satirical novel about class and wealth that centres on the deadly internecine warfare that engulfs an apartment block.
Jeremy Thomas produced and Peter Watson, Thorsten Schumacher, Lizzie Francke, Sam Lavender, Anna Higgs, Gabriella Martinelli, Christopher Simon and Genevieve Lemal served as executive producers.
“I’m very excited about working with Magnet again,” said Wheatley. “They have the brains and the balls to handle the crazy beast that is High-Rise.” Magnet distributed Wheatley’s first film, Down Terrace.
Magnolia svp of acquisitions Dori Begley and Magnolia vp of acquisitions John Von Thaden brokered the deal with HanWay Films.
- 12/7/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Our home grown talented Actor, Mem Ferda, attended the London premiere of Catherine Hardwicke’s emotive and rousing drama Miss You Already, alongside Hollywood greats Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette.
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Thirteen), "Miss You Already" portrays the relationship between Jess (Drew Barrymore) and Milly (Toni Collette), two childhood best friends. Both happily married, when suddenly their lives are transformed when one becomes pregnant and the other is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Milly, with her supportive husband in Kit (Dominic Cooper) and two charming young children, is undertaking a course of chemotherapy, struggling with the nausea that transpires, and the losing of her hair. In the meantime, Jess is wanting to celebrate the news that her IVF treatment has proven successful, and she’s to have her first child with her partner Jago (Paddy Considine) – though any such celebrations may well have to be put on hold,...
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Thirteen), "Miss You Already" portrays the relationship between Jess (Drew Barrymore) and Milly (Toni Collette), two childhood best friends. Both happily married, when suddenly their lives are transformed when one becomes pregnant and the other is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Milly, with her supportive husband in Kit (Dominic Cooper) and two charming young children, is undertaking a course of chemotherapy, struggling with the nausea that transpires, and the losing of her hair. In the meantime, Jess is wanting to celebrate the news that her IVF treatment has proven successful, and she’s to have her first child with her partner Jago (Paddy Considine) – though any such celebrations may well have to be put on hold,...
- 10/2/2015
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Exclusive: UK financier New Sparta Films appoints former Embargo exec to new role as it eyes growth.
New Sparta Films (Nsf), backer of Miss You Already and Brimstone, has appointed former Embargo Films producer Christopher Simon to the newly formed position of head of production.
Simon was main producer on Catherine Hardwicke’s comedy-drama Miss You Already, which gets its world premiere at Toronto today [Sept 12], and previously produced features including Still Life, The Sweeney and I, Anna.
Simon will work alongside Nsf founder and managing director Nicki Hattingh and look to boost the growing financier’s in-house production push.
The London-based company has recently appointed a head of development and will also bring in a business affairs executive.
Currently on the development slate for New Sparta Films, a subsidiary of Jerome Booth’s investment firm New Sparta, are Julia Taylor Stanley-produced drama Rough Diamonds, written by Mark C Marshall and Gary Martin; First World War drama...
New Sparta Films (Nsf), backer of Miss You Already and Brimstone, has appointed former Embargo Films producer Christopher Simon to the newly formed position of head of production.
Simon was main producer on Catherine Hardwicke’s comedy-drama Miss You Already, which gets its world premiere at Toronto today [Sept 12], and previously produced features including Still Life, The Sweeney and I, Anna.
Simon will work alongside Nsf founder and managing director Nicki Hattingh and look to boost the growing financier’s in-house production push.
The London-based company has recently appointed a head of development and will also bring in a business affairs executive.
Currently on the development slate for New Sparta Films, a subsidiary of Jerome Booth’s investment firm New Sparta, are Julia Taylor Stanley-produced drama Rough Diamonds, written by Mark C Marshall and Gary Martin; First World War drama...
- 9/12/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Felix Vossen, producer of The Sweeney and I, Anna, has been missing since March.
Fears are growing over the whereabouts of UK film producer Felix Vossen, 41, who disappeared three months ago.
Vossen, whose credits for London-based production firm Embargo Films, include Berlin entry I, Anna, crime-thriller Pusher and cop drama reboot The Sweeney, last made contact with colleagues on March 5 and has subsequently been registered as a missing person with authorities in London and Zurich, where he also lived.
A Facebook page named ‘Find Felix Vossen’ states that the former asset management executive travelled from London to Zurich on March 3 and that “one of his telephones was found in his Zurich apartment”.
“We got a cryptic email on March 5 and that was the last we heard from him,” said director Barnaby Southcombe, one of Vossen’s partners at Embargo alongside Christopher Simon.
“His phone rang through for about a month and now it doesn’t. As far as...
Fears are growing over the whereabouts of UK film producer Felix Vossen, 41, who disappeared three months ago.
Vossen, whose credits for London-based production firm Embargo Films, include Berlin entry I, Anna, crime-thriller Pusher and cop drama reboot The Sweeney, last made contact with colleagues on March 5 and has subsequently been registered as a missing person with authorities in London and Zurich, where he also lived.
A Facebook page named ‘Find Felix Vossen’ states that the former asset management executive travelled from London to Zurich on March 3 and that “one of his telephones was found in his Zurich apartment”.
“We got a cryptic email on March 5 and that was the last we heard from him,” said director Barnaby Southcombe, one of Vossen’s partners at Embargo alongside Christopher Simon.
“His phone rang through for about a month and now it doesn’t. As far as...
- 6/10/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman) michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Salt secures deal for Toni Colette, Drew Barrymore comedy-drama in Germany, France, Japan.
Following the Cannes market screening of Catherine Hardwicke’s (Twilight) romantic comedy-drama Miss You Already, starring Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore, UK sales outfit Salt has closed deals in Germany (Telepool), France (Ocean Films), Japan (Showgate), South Korea (Dreamwest Pictures) and Hong Kong (Panorama Entertainment).
In Miss You Already, produced by Christopher Simon and backed by New Sparta Films, the friendship between two life-long girlfriends is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.
Dominic Cooper, Paddy Considine and Jaqueline Bisset also star.
The film has already sold in UK and Australia (eOne) among other markets.
Following the Cannes market screening of Catherine Hardwicke’s (Twilight) romantic comedy-drama Miss You Already, starring Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore, UK sales outfit Salt has closed deals in Germany (Telepool), France (Ocean Films), Japan (Showgate), South Korea (Dreamwest Pictures) and Hong Kong (Panorama Entertainment).
In Miss You Already, produced by Christopher Simon and backed by New Sparta Films, the friendship between two life-long girlfriends is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.
Dominic Cooper, Paddy Considine and Jaqueline Bisset also star.
The film has already sold in UK and Australia (eOne) among other markets.
- 5/18/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Uberto Pasolini’s Still Life won four awards when it world premiered at the 2013 Venice Film Festival – the Orizzonti Award for Best Director, the Pasinetti Award for Best Film, Cinema D’Arte e d’Essai award, and the Civitas Vitae prossima for Best Film. Now Tribeca Film has acquired North American rights for the pic, which it plans to release theatrically on January 16. It will begin rolling out on cable/telco, satellite VOD and digital platforms beginning January 13.
Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky) and Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) star in the movie about a UK council worker (Marsan) whose job is to notify the next of kin when someone dies. Profoundly dedicated to his work, he believes that everyone deserves a dignified exit, and writes eulogies and organizes funerals for those who wouldn’t have them otherwise. But when a new case – an elderly alcoholic in a flat directly opposite his own – hits him harder than usual,...
Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky) and Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) star in the movie about a UK council worker (Marsan) whose job is to notify the next of kin when someone dies. Profoundly dedicated to his work, he believes that everyone deserves a dignified exit, and writes eulogies and organizes funerals for those who wouldn’t have them otherwise. But when a new case – an elderly alcoholic in a flat directly opposite his own – hits him harder than usual,...
- 11/6/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
Exclusive: Musician and up-and-coming thesp Tyson Ritter is cozying up to Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette for friendship comedy/drama Miss You Already. The All-American Rejects frontman and Parenthood actor is joining the shoot this weekend in London and will play the young love interest to one of the ladies.
Barrymore and Collette star as Milly and Jess, best friends who have shared everything since they were kids. Now, Milly has a high-flying job and lives in a beautiful townhouse with husband Kit (Dominic Cooper) and their two kids. Jess is a town planner and she and her boyfriend Jago (Paddy Considine) live on a bohemian houseboat on a London canal. Their friendship is tested when Jess struggles to have a baby and Milly finds out she has breast cancer. Jacqueline Bisset also stars as Milly’s mother.
Ritter says he’s “thrilled and humbled to be a part of this compelling project.
Barrymore and Collette star as Milly and Jess, best friends who have shared everything since they were kids. Now, Milly has a high-flying job and lives in a beautiful townhouse with husband Kit (Dominic Cooper) and their two kids. Jess is a town planner and she and her boyfriend Jago (Paddy Considine) live on a bohemian houseboat on a London canal. Their friendship is tested when Jess struggles to have a baby and Milly finds out she has breast cancer. Jacqueline Bisset also stars as Milly’s mother.
Ritter says he’s “thrilled and humbled to be a part of this compelling project.
- 10/3/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
Even the subject of the slight, likable doc This Ain't No Mouse Music would admit that he's not the most fascinating person in the picture. Chris Strachwitz has dedicated his life to recording, preserving, and releasing the deepest of roots musics, tracking down performers connected to the oldest of folk ways and bringing them to the world via Arhoolie Records, the label Strachwitz founded a half-century ago with Mance Lipscomb's Texas Sharecropper and Songster. If it had been titled like Strachwitz titles LPs, Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling's loose-limbed film could be named California Archivist, Music-Lover, and Record-Store Proprietor, which makes him an interesting guy, but once the people he documents turn up, This Ain't No Mouse Music b...
- 9/24/2014
- Village Voice
Reverse Shot, one of the best film criticism publications online or off for over a decade now, has not only relaunched with a new design, it's now also the official publication of the Museum of the Moving Image. With the relaunch comes a new symposium—on Martin Scorsese, no less. Also in today's roundup: John Sayles and Greil Marcus on Maureen Gosling and Chris Simon's This Ain’t No Mouse Music, the Quietus on Akira Kurosawa and Jim Jarmusch, Farran Nehme on Lauren Bacall and more. » - David Hudson...
- 9/19/2014
- Fandor: Keyframe
Reverse Shot, one of the best film criticism publications online or off for over a decade now, has not only relaunched with a new design, it's now also the official publication of the Museum of the Moving Image. With the relaunch comes a new symposium—on Martin Scorsese, no less. Also in today's roundup: John Sayles and Greil Marcus on Maureen Gosling and Chris Simon's This Ain’t No Mouse Music, the Quietus on Akira Kurosawa and Jim Jarmusch, Farran Nehme on Lauren Bacall and more. » - David Hudson...
- 9/19/2014
- Keyframe
This year’s European Film Awards are officially out of the gates with a not so lean 50 film submissions to select from. The 27th edition collects titles that date back to last year’s Venice and Toronto Int. Film Festivals moving into Sundance-Rotterdam-Berlin and finally Cannes of ’14. Among the 31 European countries represented, we’ve got likes of the Palme d’Or winner Nuri Bilge Ceylan leading the huge pack of contenders including Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin and Pawel Pawlikowski’s Ida. Here’s the complete list of 50!:
Alienation
ОТЧУЖДЕНИЕ (Otchujdenie)
Bulgaria
Directed By: Milko Lazarov
Written By: Milko Lazarov, Kitodar Todorov & Georgi Tenev
Produced By: Veselka Kiryakova
Amour Fou
Austria/Luxembourg/Germany
Written & Directed By: Jessica Hausner
Produced By: Martin Gschlacht, Antonin Svoboda, Bruno Wagner, Bady Minck, Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu & Philippe Bober
Beautiful Youth
Hermosa Juventud
Spain/France
Directed By: Jaime Rosales
Written By: Jaime Rosales & Enric Rufas
Produced By: Jaime Rosales,...
Alienation
ОТЧУЖДЕНИЕ (Otchujdenie)
Bulgaria
Directed By: Milko Lazarov
Written By: Milko Lazarov, Kitodar Todorov & Georgi Tenev
Produced By: Veselka Kiryakova
Amour Fou
Austria/Luxembourg/Germany
Written & Directed By: Jessica Hausner
Produced By: Martin Gschlacht, Antonin Svoboda, Bruno Wagner, Bady Minck, Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu & Philippe Bober
Beautiful Youth
Hermosa Juventud
Spain/France
Directed By: Jaime Rosales
Written By: Jaime Rosales & Enric Rufas
Produced By: Jaime Rosales,...
- 9/16/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Exclusive: Deals for Miss You Already, from Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, which starts shooting on Sunday.
The Salt Company has closed deals on comedy drama Miss You Already, which gets underway in London on Sunday [Sept 7].
Drew Barrymore, Dominic Cooper, Paddy Considine and Jacqueline Bisset have newly joined Toni Collette on the Catherine Hardwicke-directed film, written by Morwenna Banks, about two life-long girlfriends whose friendship is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.
Salt has sold the film to Dutch FilmWorks in Benelux; Filmcoopi in Switzerland; Odeon in Greece; Tanweer Films in India and Turkey; Front Row Filmed Entertainment in the Middle East; Sena in Iceland; Forum Film in Israel; and Nos Lusomundo in Portugal.
eOne has UK rights.
All deals were negotiated by Salt partner and head of international James Norrie. Salt and CAA rep Us.
Producers are Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films. Executive producers...
The Salt Company has closed deals on comedy drama Miss You Already, which gets underway in London on Sunday [Sept 7].
Drew Barrymore, Dominic Cooper, Paddy Considine and Jacqueline Bisset have newly joined Toni Collette on the Catherine Hardwicke-directed film, written by Morwenna Banks, about two life-long girlfriends whose friendship is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.
Salt has sold the film to Dutch FilmWorks in Benelux; Filmcoopi in Switzerland; Odeon in Greece; Tanweer Films in India and Turkey; Front Row Filmed Entertainment in the Middle East; Sena in Iceland; Forum Film in Israel; and Nos Lusomundo in Portugal.
eOne has UK rights.
All deals were negotiated by Salt partner and head of international James Norrie. Salt and CAA rep Us.
Producers are Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films. Executive producers...
- 9/6/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Deals for Miss You Already, which starts shooting on Sunday.
The Salt Company has closed deals on comedy drama Miss You Already, which gets underway in London on Sunday [Sept 7].
Drew Barrymore, Dominic Cooper, Paddy Considine and Jacqueline Bisset have newly joined Toni Collette on the Catherine Hardwicke-directed film, written by Morwenna Banks, about two life-long girlfriends whose friendship is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.
Salt has sold the film to Dutch FilmWorks in Benelux; Filmcoopi in Switzerland; Odeon in Greece; Tanweer Films in India and Turkey; Front Row Filmed Entertainment in the Middle East; Sena in Iceland; Forum Film in Israel; and Nos Lusomundo in Portugal.
eOne has UK rights.
All deals were negotiated by Salt partner and head of international James Norrie. Salt and CAA rep Us.
Producers are Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo. Executive producers are Morwenna Banks, Catherine Hardwicke, [link...
The Salt Company has closed deals on comedy drama Miss You Already, which gets underway in London on Sunday [Sept 7].
Drew Barrymore, Dominic Cooper, Paddy Considine and Jacqueline Bisset have newly joined Toni Collette on the Catherine Hardwicke-directed film, written by Morwenna Banks, about two life-long girlfriends whose friendship is put to the test when one starts a family and the other falls ill.
Salt has sold the film to Dutch FilmWorks in Benelux; Filmcoopi in Switzerland; Odeon in Greece; Tanweer Films in India and Turkey; Front Row Filmed Entertainment in the Middle East; Sena in Iceland; Forum Film in Israel; and Nos Lusomundo in Portugal.
eOne has UK rights.
All deals were negotiated by Salt partner and head of international James Norrie. Salt and CAA rep Us.
Producers are Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo. Executive producers are Morwenna Banks, Catherine Hardwicke, [link...
- 9/6/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Rachel Weisz and Toni Collette are set to headline an upcoming comedy drama titled Miss You Already with Variety reporting that Twilight and Red Riding Hood helmer Catherine Hardwicke will direct. Scripted by Morwenna Banks, Miss You Already follows two London-based best friends whose relationship falls apart when one becomes pregnant and the other becomes ill. Hardwicke most recently directed Plush , starring Emily Browning and Cam Gigandet. Weisz, meanwhile, last appeared in Sam Raimi's Oz The Great and Powerful while Colette can soon be seen starring opposite Thomas Haden Church in director Megan Griffiths' Lucky Them . Embargo Films' Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen will produce. (Photo Credit: DC5 / Joe Kan / WENN.com)...
- 4/22/2014
- Comingsoon.net
Exclusive: UK comedy-drama also starring Toni Collette readies for September 2014 shoot.
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke and Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz have newly boarded UK comedy-drama Miss You Already from writer Morwenna Banks.
Weisz will star alongside previously announced Toni Collette as vivacious best friends, inseparable since childhood, whose relationship is tested when one becomes pregnant and the other sick.
The UK production, due to shoot in September 2014, is produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films, producers of I, Anna, The Sweeney and Still Life.
The Salt Company is selling the film internationally with CAA co-repping North America. Salt, Exponential Media and Maven Pictures are co-producing.
Director Hardwicke said of Banks’ script: “When I met Morwenna Banks, and read her script, I really felt her passion for this story - this is something she lived through. She managed to take real life and turn it into a powerful, laugh- and cry-out-loud...
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke and Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz have newly boarded UK comedy-drama Miss You Already from writer Morwenna Banks.
Weisz will star alongside previously announced Toni Collette as vivacious best friends, inseparable since childhood, whose relationship is tested when one becomes pregnant and the other sick.
The UK production, due to shoot in September 2014, is produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films, producers of I, Anna, The Sweeney and Still Life.
The Salt Company is selling the film internationally with CAA co-repping North America. Salt, Exponential Media and Maven Pictures are co-producing.
Director Hardwicke said of Banks’ script: “When I met Morwenna Banks, and read her script, I really felt her passion for this story - this is something she lived through. She managed to take real life and turn it into a powerful, laugh- and cry-out-loud...
- 4/22/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: UK comedy-drama also starring Toni Collette readies for September 2014 shoot.
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke and Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz have newly boarded UK comedy-drama Miss You Already from writer Morwenna Banks.
Weisz will star alongside previously announced Toni Collette as vivacious best friends, inseparable since childhood, whose relationship is tested when one becomes pregnant and the other sick.
The UK production, due to shoot in September 2014, is produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films, producers of I, Anna, The Sweeney and Still Life.
The Salt Company is selling the film internationally with CAA co-repping North America. Salt, Exponential Media and Maven Pictures are co-producing.
Director Hardwicke said of Banks’ script: “When I met Morwenna Banks, and read her script, I really felt her passion for this story - this is something she lived through. She managed to take real life and turn it into a powerful, laugh- and cry-out-loud...
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke and Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz have newly boarded UK comedy-drama Miss You Already from writer Morwenna Banks.
Weisz will star alongside previously announced Toni Collette as vivacious best friends, inseparable since childhood, whose relationship is tested when one becomes pregnant and the other sick.
The UK production, due to shoot in September 2014, is produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films, producers of I, Anna, The Sweeney and Still Life.
The Salt Company is selling the film internationally with CAA co-repping North America. Salt, Exponential Media and Maven Pictures are co-producing.
Director Hardwicke said of Banks’ script: “When I met Morwenna Banks, and read her script, I really felt her passion for this story - this is something she lived through. She managed to take real life and turn it into a powerful, laugh- and cry-out-loud...
- 4/22/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
.
Wearing multiple hats, Gil Scrine is arranging a national cinema tour for controversial film Pandora's Promise, distributing Australian and international documentaries on DVD and Video-on-Demand, and selling films and docs direct to consumers.
Cinema Ventures, Scrine.s not-for-profit distribution company, is launching Pandora.s Promise in Melbourne on October 8, followed on consecutive days by screenings in Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.
Us director Robert Stone.s feature-length documentary, which premiered at Sundance, argues that nuclear energy should be reconsidered as the primary source to meet the country.s energy needs while limiting emissions that contribute to climate change.
.Pandora.s Promise is a fascinating documentary about nuclear power that argues it is the true green energy,. said Austin Chronicle critic Louis Black. .It would be hard to imagine a film more controversial than this one. Sure to push opponents of nuclear power into all kinds of rages, the...
Wearing multiple hats, Gil Scrine is arranging a national cinema tour for controversial film Pandora's Promise, distributing Australian and international documentaries on DVD and Video-on-Demand, and selling films and docs direct to consumers.
Cinema Ventures, Scrine.s not-for-profit distribution company, is launching Pandora.s Promise in Melbourne on October 8, followed on consecutive days by screenings in Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.
Us director Robert Stone.s feature-length documentary, which premiered at Sundance, argues that nuclear energy should be reconsidered as the primary source to meet the country.s energy needs while limiting emissions that contribute to climate change.
.Pandora.s Promise is a fascinating documentary about nuclear power that argues it is the true green energy,. said Austin Chronicle critic Louis Black. .It would be hard to imagine a film more controversial than this one. Sure to push opponents of nuclear power into all kinds of rages, the...
- 9/24/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
With its origin in music and a 20-year history of supporting mainstream and independent film, Austin’s SXSW creates a unique atmosphere where both universes sometimes collide to create splendid works of art. This year’s festival managed to once again create a unique melding of music and film via the documentary This Ain't No Mouse Music! It's a heartfelt movie that tells the story of Chris Strachwitz and his unique music label Arhoolie Records.
Directed by Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling, This Ain't No Mouse Music! spans a period of over 50 years. Strachwitz's story begins in the summer of 1960 when he travelled to Navasota, Texas to record songwriter and guitarist Mance Lipscomb. During the same trip, Chris also met and recorded legendary bluesman Lightnin' Hopkins. In order to promote these two legendary musicians, Chris founded his own record label, Arhoolie Records. It was all melody from there.
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Directed by Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling, This Ain't No Mouse Music! spans a period of over 50 years. Strachwitz's story begins in the summer of 1960 when he travelled to Navasota, Texas to record songwriter and guitarist Mance Lipscomb. During the same trip, Chris also met and recorded legendary bluesman Lightnin' Hopkins. In order to promote these two legendary musicians, Chris founded his own record label, Arhoolie Records. It was all melody from there.
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- 3/25/2013
- by Rod Paddock
- Slackerwood
Some of the best films of the 2012/2013 calender year from Richard Linklater, Harmony Korine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Bujalski, Jeff Nichols, David Gordon Green, Shane Carruth and Joshua Oppenheimer are among the headliner names for the 2013 edition of the South by Southwest Film Festival. With a little over 100 plus film line-up (a whopping 2000+ titles were submitted), almost 70 are world premieres: there is the highly anticipated sophomore film (that has been on our radar since it first went into production) with M. Blash’s (The Wait), Joe Swanberg who makes SXSW his second home will premiere Drinking Buddies, veteran indie filmmaker John Sayles saddles in with Go For Sisters, and rounding out the Narrative Spotlight section we’ve got The Bounceback from Bryan Poyser, Loves Her Gun from Geoff Marslett along with titles we thought might break into Park City, but found an Austin home instead with Jacob Vaughan’s Milo and...
- 2/1/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Mem Ferda Attends the World Premiere of Pusher at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2012!
Mem Ferda, who stars in the English remake of the 1996 feature film which propelled Nicholas Winding Refn (Drive) into the international spotlight, attended the world Premiere with Pusher director Luis Prieto and actor Richard Coyle. The sharp, fast-paced, gripping crime film played to a packed audience and was very well received. After the film Mem Ferda was invited to the stage to join director Luis and fellow actor Richard to answer questions asked by the audience. Mem commented afterwards: "this is the first time I have seen the film and I must say I'm completely bowled over by it. Luis has done an amazing job and the cast were simply superb." Also in attendance were producers Christopher Simon and Hubi Von Liel. Pusher features an atmospheric and rousing original score by Orbital. This film will be officially released in all UK Cinemas on October 12th, 2012, followed by a Us release...
- 7/4/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Jennifer Aniston will play one of the leading roles in ‘Miss You Already’, the new dramedy film from fast rising British writer/director Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton, The Cottage, Cherry Tree Lane).
Set in London, the film follows two lifelong female friends whose friendship goes tits up when one gets pregnant and the other gets seriously ill. Williams has co-wrote the script with British actress-writer-producer Morwenna Banks.
The film has been compared to 1980s tearjerker Beaches.
EntertainmentOne has pre-bought the UK, Australian and Canadian rights to the movie out in Berlin and the film will be produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films. They are attempting to sell the U.S. rights now.
The Hollywood Reporter says filming will begin in the summer for a release in 2013 and casting for the other roles is already underway. Presumably the co-lead to Aniston will be British with...
Set in London, the film follows two lifelong female friends whose friendship goes tits up when one gets pregnant and the other gets seriously ill. Williams has co-wrote the script with British actress-writer-producer Morwenna Banks.
The film has been compared to 1980s tearjerker Beaches.
EntertainmentOne has pre-bought the UK, Australian and Canadian rights to the movie out in Berlin and the film will be produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films. They are attempting to sell the U.S. rights now.
The Hollywood Reporter says filming will begin in the summer for a release in 2013 and casting for the other roles is already underway. Presumably the co-lead to Aniston will be British with...
- 2/13/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Jennifer Aniston is attached to star in Paul Andrew Williams' comedy-drama Miss You Already , says The Hollywood Reporter . Written by Williams and Morwenna Banks, the film "follows two lifelong friends whose friendship falls apart when one gets pregnant and the other becomes ill. Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films will produce. The project will be executive produced by Robert Bevan, Horley, James Norrie and Cyril Mégret for Salt, Barnaby Southcombe for Embargo and Kristin Hahn. The film is set to shoot this summer. (Photo Credit: FayesVision/WENN.com)...
- 2/13/2012
- Comingsoon.net
Jennifer Aniston (who is back with Wanderlust later this month) has just become attached to Miss You Already, an indie dramedy from director Paul Andrew Williams (London to Brighton). The movie, which was pre-bought by Entertainment One, has been written by the helmer and Morwenna Banks.
According to THR, Aniston will lead the story of two friends whose relationship begins to disintegrate following the pregnancy of one and the sickness of the other. No other details related to casting or plot, but we at least know that the film is being produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen at Embargo Films, the company responsible for the recently-bought Pusher remake.
Aniston has been alternating between larger films and smaller fare for some time now, with varying degrees of critical and financial success. Time will tell how this one turns out for her, but with an eye towards a summer start date,...
According to THR, Aniston will lead the story of two friends whose relationship begins to disintegrate following the pregnancy of one and the sickness of the other. No other details related to casting or plot, but we at least know that the film is being produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen at Embargo Films, the company responsible for the recently-bought Pusher remake.
Aniston has been alternating between larger films and smaller fare for some time now, with varying degrees of critical and financial success. Time will tell how this one turns out for her, but with an eye towards a summer start date,...
- 2/12/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Jennifer Aniston is attached to star in Paul Andrew Williams' comedy drama Miss You Already, giving the project a healthy glow for buyers at the Efm. Being touted by Samantha Horley's The Salt Co., the script is written by Williams (Song for Marion) and British actress-writer-producer Morwenna Banks. Entertainment One prebought U.K., Australian and Canadian rights to the movie, which follows two lifelong friends whose friendship falls apart when one gets pregnant and the other becomes ill. The film will be produced by Christopher Simon and Felix Vossen of Embargo Films. Aniston is repped by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and CAA,
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- 2/12/2012
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nicolas Winding Refn became a real commodity real fast, though his immense talent as a filmmaker more than explains a) why this happened and b) why we care. He does, however, have his name on one project that we haven’t paid much attention to: the British remake of his debut, 1996′s gritty crime film Pusher. Directed by Luis Prieto and executive produced by the original creator himself, Pusher follows the same story as its original, wherein a drug dealer has to pay back a kingpin after screwing up a job. This time, in England.
Production wrapped sometime in the last month, and Deadline reports that The Weinstein Company has — through their new outlet, Radius — picked up American rights to the picture. And, in a somewhat poetic turn, the acquisition was partially made by Tom Quinn and Jason Janego, who ran Magnolia when the studio put out Winding Refn‘s...
Production wrapped sometime in the last month, and Deadline reports that The Weinstein Company has — through their new outlet, Radius — picked up American rights to the picture. And, in a somewhat poetic turn, the acquisition was partially made by Tom Quinn and Jason Janego, who ran Magnolia when the studio put out Winding Refn‘s...
- 2/11/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
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