Growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles provided fertile inspiration for Michelle Morgan, director of the recent iTunes New Filmmaker Spotlight “It Happened in L.A.” (Click here to watch the film)
“I’m born and raised in La, so it’s a world that I know pretty well,” she said. “I lived in the city when I was a child and then I spent most of my young-adult years in the suburbs, so the city was always this mythical thing to us in the suburbs.”
“It Happened in L.A.” follows thirtysomething Annette (Morgan), her boyfriend, Elliot (Jorma Taccone), and her Bff, Baker (Dree Hemingway), as they navigate the perils of the bleak dating scene in Los Angeles. Is there such a thing as a perfect couple, or is that an urban myth?
“It Happened in L.A.,” which was Morgan’s feature directorial debut, premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival...
“I’m born and raised in La, so it’s a world that I know pretty well,” she said. “I lived in the city when I was a child and then I spent most of my young-adult years in the suburbs, so the city was always this mythical thing to us in the suburbs.”
“It Happened in L.A.” follows thirtysomething Annette (Morgan), her boyfriend, Elliot (Jorma Taccone), and her Bff, Baker (Dree Hemingway), as they navigate the perils of the bleak dating scene in Los Angeles. Is there such a thing as a perfect couple, or is that an urban myth?
“It Happened in L.A.,” which was Morgan’s feature directorial debut, premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival...
- 12/13/2017
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit platforms. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Allied (Robert Zemeckis)
That thing we can’t take for granted: a film whose many parts – period piece, war picture, blood-spattered actioner, deception-fueled espionage thriller, sexy romance, and, at certain turns, comedy – can gracefully move in conjunction and separate from each other, just as its labyrinthine-but-not-quite plot jumps from one setpiece to the next with little trouble in maintaining a consistency of overall pleasure. Another late-career triumph for Robert Zemeckis,...
Allied (Robert Zemeckis)
That thing we can’t take for granted: a film whose many parts – period piece, war picture, blood-spattered actioner, deception-fueled espionage thriller, sexy romance, and, at certain turns, comedy – can gracefully move in conjunction and separate from each other, just as its labyrinthine-but-not-quite plot jumps from one setpiece to the next with little trouble in maintaining a consistency of overall pleasure. Another late-career triumph for Robert Zemeckis,...
- 11/17/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Sundance Film Festival programmed it (Next section) back when it was called L.A. Times. Produced by Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Ryland Aldrich and Jared Stern, surrounded by cast (Kentucker Audley, Dree Hemingway, Jorma Taccone, Margarita Levieva et al.) and crew attended the post screening Q&A, where Michelle Morgan (who directed, wrote, stars in the pic) detailed her love and hate relationship for the city.
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- 11/14/2017
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
The coming-of-age-in-Los-Angeles genre is populated with plenty of movies, but few are as fresh as “It Happened In L.A.” Earning strong buzz out of Sundance this year, as the weather is getting cooler, this warm comedy is on the way to brighten the season.
Written, directed, and starring Michelle Morgan with Jorma Taccone, Dree Hemingway, and Kentucker Audley in support, the story follows a neurotic couple who look to their friends to see how their relationship is going.
Continue reading ‘It Happened In L.A.’ Clip: Go Deep Into Nature [Exclusive] at The Playlist.
Written, directed, and starring Michelle Morgan with Jorma Taccone, Dree Hemingway, and Kentucker Audley in support, the story follows a neurotic couple who look to their friends to see how their relationship is going.
Continue reading ‘It Happened In L.A.’ Clip: Go Deep Into Nature [Exclusive] at The Playlist.
- 11/7/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The best place to see “L.A. Times” is unquestionably L.A. — more to the point, probably the Los Feliz or the Vista theaters over by the hipster enclaves of Silver Lake and vicinity. But it’s safe to say that a very good second option would be the Sundance Film Festival, where writer-director-actor Michelle Morgan’s comedy had its world premiere on Friday night. “L.A. Times” is an indie rom-com for the 21st century, steeped in the trends and foibles of trendy Millennials who work in or around the entertainment industry. It’s a film made for audiences with personal experience negotiating Santa.
- 11/3/2017
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
"You know, I've never really thought about it before, but palm trees are actually very condescending." The Orchard has revealed a trailer for another indie comedy titled It Happened in L.A., formerly known as L.A. Times when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Written and directed by Michelle Morgan, and starring Morgan, the film is a classically styled comedy of manners set in Los Angeles about relationships. A thirty-something couple, played by Morgan and Jorma Taccone, try to determine whether ideal happiness exists in coupledom or if the perfectly suited couple is actually just an urban myth. This is a very odd, kooky little film with some off-beat humor that you'll either like or hate. Some of you will laugh your ass off, others will be uncomfortable by this, but that's why it's a unique comedy. Check this out below. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Michelle Morgan...
- 10/18/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
One of my favorite discoveries at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was Michelle Morgan’s It Happened in L.A. (then going by the Seo-unfriendly title L.A. Times). As writer, director, and star, her voice was among the most unique I saw at the festival, mixing Whit Stillman’s sensibilities with a Wes Anderson-esque visual approach to deliver a sweet, distinct romantic comedy. Also starring Jorma Taccone, Dree Hemingway, and Kentucker Audley, the first trailer has now arrived ahead of a release next month.
“In an age where the modus operandi of love-seeking is ever-changing, a film can feel immediately dated on its journey from script to screen, yet Morgan’s voice feels like one of the freshest on this particular topic in some time,” I said in my review. “Eschewing the insufferable nature of the bulk of today’s romantic comedies, It Happened in L.A. stands apart with...
“In an age where the modus operandi of love-seeking is ever-changing, a film can feel immediately dated on its journey from script to screen, yet Morgan’s voice feels like one of the freshest on this particular topic in some time,” I said in my review. “Eschewing the insufferable nature of the bulk of today’s romantic comedies, It Happened in L.A. stands apart with...
- 10/18/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: The Orchard has slated a release date for the Michelle Morgan written and directed comedy film, It Happened In L.A., which explores the ups and downs of a young dating couple. The pic will get a limited release beginning November 3 in New York and November 10 in Los Angles before its digital bow November 14. The company also dropped the first-look trailer, which can be viewed above. It follows Annette (Morgan) and Elliot (Jorma Taccone), a mostly happy…...
- 10/16/2017
- Deadline
The Orchard has acquired domestic rights to It Happened in L.A., Michelle Morgan's feature directorial debut. It will get a limited theatrical release in New York on Nov. 3 and in Los Angeles on Nov.10, and will be released on digital platforms on Nov. 14.
Morgan wrote the screenplay and also stars in the ensemble comedy with Jorma Taccone, Dree Hemingway and Kentucker Audley. It Happened in L.A. centers on a handful of misguided thirtysomething Angelenos and their professional and personal pursuits, and explores the search for elusive love in the 21st century. The film premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film...
Morgan wrote the screenplay and also stars in the ensemble comedy with Jorma Taccone, Dree Hemingway and Kentucker Audley. It Happened in L.A. centers on a handful of misguided thirtysomething Angelenos and their professional and personal pursuits, and explores the search for elusive love in the 21st century. The film premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film...
- 10/10/2017
- by Ashley Lee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The mere fact that “Dirty John” exists proves that John Michael Meehan is not the man we hear that he claimed to be. It’s part of the true crime series dilemma, knowing that the very fact that this story is being told means that trouble is on the way. But rather than approach the lives and times of “Dirty John” in a by-the-book manner, this long-form hybrid is another worthy addition to the ranks of true crime obsessions.
Meehan is the subject of the seven-part podcast feature series, produced by the La Times and distributed by Wondery, that looks at an unsettling past through the lens of his relationship with Debra Newell, a successful interior designer who made her home at different locations across southern California before and after meeting Meehan. As the story of Meehan’s past unfolds, the audience learns the truth along with Newell.
Newell’s story,...
Meehan is the subject of the seven-part podcast feature series, produced by the La Times and distributed by Wondery, that looks at an unsettling past through the lens of his relationship with Debra Newell, a successful interior designer who made her home at different locations across southern California before and after meeting Meehan. As the story of Meehan’s past unfolds, the audience learns the truth along with Newell.
Newell’s story,...
- 10/5/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Nathaniel welcomes our first all Los Angeles panel for this discussion of the 1985 film year. Comedian/Writer Louis Virtel (Billy on the Street), Producer/Writer Abdi Nazemian ("The Authentics"), Actress Nora Zehetner and Director/Writer Michelle Morgan (It Happened in L.A.). We just wrote about the Supporting Actress nominated performances of 1985 but now it's time to zoom out on the films and the film year itself when Oprah Winfrey and Madonna began their global takeovers, Anjelica Huston became a third generation Oscar favorite, and Out of Africa eventually won Best Picture.
Smackdown '85 Companion Podcast
(58 minutes)
00:01 Anjelica vs Oprah with a little Amy Madigan on the side
10:00 Our entire group has a Jane Fonda "problem" - shout-outs to Klute and lots of head-scratching over the plot of Agnes of God
20:00 Meg Tilly and Jennifer Tilly and Oscar trivia
22:00 Should they remake The Color Purple?
28:00 Syphilitic Out of Africa,...
Smackdown '85 Companion Podcast
(58 minutes)
00:01 Anjelica vs Oprah with a little Amy Madigan on the side
10:00 Our entire group has a Jane Fonda "problem" - shout-outs to Klute and lots of head-scratching over the plot of Agnes of God
20:00 Meg Tilly and Jennifer Tilly and Oscar trivia
22:00 Should they remake The Color Purple?
28:00 Syphilitic Out of Africa,...
- 10/3/2017
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Event to run in Los Angeles from August 10-13.
Seven films will screen at Sundance Next Fest at the Theatre at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles in August.
Quentin Tarantino and Mudbound and Pariah director Dee Rees will receive the Sundance Institute’s Vanguard Award.
The line-up features Janicza Bravo’s Lemon; the first seven episodes of Marvin Lemus’ comedic drama Gente-fied; Justin Chon’s Next 2017 audience award winner Gook; Marianna Palka’s Bitch starring Jason Ritter and Jaime King; documentary grand jury prize winner Dina from Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles; Alex Ross Perry’s Golden Exits; and Michelle Morgan’s L.A. Times.
Sundance Film Festival director John Cooper said: “This year’s weekend festival offers everything from a Sundance throwback to our first-ever Next Fest episodic screening; the perfect blend to give Angelenos a taste of our Park City festival. A majority of these movies, filmmakers and musicians are from Los Angeles, so it’s a...
Seven films will screen at Sundance Next Fest at the Theatre at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles in August.
Quentin Tarantino and Mudbound and Pariah director Dee Rees will receive the Sundance Institute’s Vanguard Award.
The line-up features Janicza Bravo’s Lemon; the first seven episodes of Marvin Lemus’ comedic drama Gente-fied; Justin Chon’s Next 2017 audience award winner Gook; Marianna Palka’s Bitch starring Jason Ritter and Jaime King; documentary grand jury prize winner Dina from Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles; Alex Ross Perry’s Golden Exits; and Michelle Morgan’s L.A. Times.
Sundance Film Festival director John Cooper said: “This year’s weekend festival offers everything from a Sundance throwback to our first-ever Next Fest episodic screening; the perfect blend to give Angelenos a taste of our Park City festival. A majority of these movies, filmmakers and musicians are from Los Angeles, so it’s a...
- 6/7/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Rooftop Films has announced its lineup for the 2017 Summer Series. This year’s series will feature more than 45 outdoor screenings in more than 10 venues, including films like Michael Showalter’s Sundance hit “The Big Sick” Ana Lily Amirpour’s “The Bad Batch,” (dates still Tbd).
The series kicks off on Friday, May 19 with “This is What We Mean by Short Films,” a collection of some of the most innovative, new short films of the past year. The screening will take place on the roof of The Old American Can Factory, in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The following night, Saturday, May 20, Rooftop will present a sneak preview screening of Zoe Lister-Jones’ 2017 Sundance entry, “Band Aid,” free and outdoors at House of Vans in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
The entire lineup so far is below. Tickets are already for sale.
Friday, May 19
“This is What We Mean by Short Films”
Saturday, May 20
“Band Aid” (Zoe Lister-Jones)
Saturday,...
The series kicks off on Friday, May 19 with “This is What We Mean by Short Films,” a collection of some of the most innovative, new short films of the past year. The screening will take place on the roof of The Old American Can Factory, in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The following night, Saturday, May 20, Rooftop will present a sneak preview screening of Zoe Lister-Jones’ 2017 Sundance entry, “Band Aid,” free and outdoors at House of Vans in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
The entire lineup so far is below. Tickets are already for sale.
Friday, May 19
“This is What We Mean by Short Films”
Saturday, May 20
“Band Aid” (Zoe Lister-Jones)
Saturday,...
- 5/5/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
New York City might be one of the most photographed and filmed cities on the planet, but few movies have truly captured the essence of the city quite like the romantic opening prologue to Woody Allen‘s “Manhattan.” One of the finest films ever directed by the filmmaker, it’s now looking better than ever and headed back to the big screen.
Read More: Michelle Morgan’s ‘L.A. Times’ Is A Funny, Woody Allen-Esque Look At Singlehood in Hollywood [Review]
Following screenings last year at the Berlin Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, Allen’s 1979 newly restored classic is now headed to the big screen in limited release.
Continue reading Re-Release Trailer For Woody Allen’s Newly Restored ‘Manhattan’ Will Make Fall In Love With New York All Over Again at The Playlist.
Read More: Michelle Morgan’s ‘L.A. Times’ Is A Funny, Woody Allen-Esque Look At Singlehood in Hollywood [Review]
Following screenings last year at the Berlin Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival, Allen’s 1979 newly restored classic is now headed to the big screen in limited release.
Continue reading Re-Release Trailer For Woody Allen’s Newly Restored ‘Manhattan’ Will Make Fall In Love With New York All Over Again at The Playlist.
- 2/27/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Change may be coming slowly to the entertainment industry, but at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, a desire for diversity and inclusion amongst female filmmakers went beyond buzzwords.
Thirty-four percent of all films that screened at Sundance this year were directed by women – in years past, the average has hovered around 25 percent – and female filmmakers were prominent across all sections, with women debuting films in not just the competition sections, but also the forward-thinking Next section, the wild Midnight category (which played home to the long-gestating anthology “Xx,” featuring four shorts directed by women) and even the starry Premieres docket.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
The rise of female-directed films was particularly felt at this year’s awards ceremony as two of the four juried competition directing awards went to women: “Beach Rats” helmer Eliza Hittman picked up the award in the U.
Thirty-four percent of all films that screened at Sundance this year were directed by women – in years past, the average has hovered around 25 percent – and female filmmakers were prominent across all sections, with women debuting films in not just the competition sections, but also the forward-thinking Next section, the wild Midnight category (which played home to the long-gestating anthology “Xx,” featuring four shorts directed by women) and even the starry Premieres docket.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
The rise of female-directed films was particularly felt at this year’s awards ceremony as two of the four juried competition directing awards went to women: “Beach Rats” helmer Eliza Hittman picked up the award in the U.
- 1/30/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Welcome to the first, hopefully annual, Weekend Warrior Sundance Awards, where I go through the couple dozen movies I had a chance to see over the course of the past week and pick some of my favorite things.
I ended up seeing roughly thirty movies in total, only walking out of a couple (that won’t be mentioned), and overall, it was a generally decent Sundance, although only a few movies really stood out and will be remembered later in the year when we start talking about next year’s Oscars.
Oddly, I missed many of the movies that won actual awards at Sundance, so I’ve decided to give a few of my own.
Salma Hayek as Beatriz in Beatriz At Dinner
Most Literal Use of a Movie Title
1. Beatriz at Dinner (starring Salma Hayek as a Mexican healer named Beatriz who is invited to stay for dinner at...
I ended up seeing roughly thirty movies in total, only walking out of a couple (that won’t be mentioned), and overall, it was a generally decent Sundance, although only a few movies really stood out and will be remembered later in the year when we start talking about next year’s Oscars.
Oddly, I missed many of the movies that won actual awards at Sundance, so I’ve decided to give a few of my own.
Salma Hayek as Beatriz in Beatriz At Dinner
Most Literal Use of a Movie Title
1. Beatriz at Dinner (starring Salma Hayek as a Mexican healer named Beatriz who is invited to stay for dinner at...
- 1/30/2017
- by Edward Douglas
- LRMonline.com
From working with non-professionals to writing roles for specific actors to hiring a top casting director, there is no one way to find a great cast for an independent film. IndieWire checked in with the Dramatic Competition and Next directors of Sundance 2017 to find out their secrets.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
Gillian Robespierre, “Landline” Jenny Slate was attached from the beginning. I wrote the role of Donna in “Obvious Child” for Jenny, and when sitting down to write the next project it was a no-brainer to write another role for her. We then built the family around her with the help of two incredible casting directors, Doug Aibel and Stephanie Holbrook.
Zoe Lister-Jones, “Band Aid” Almost all the actors in the film were either friends or people I had personal connections to, so it was a relatively easy process.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
Gillian Robespierre, “Landline” Jenny Slate was attached from the beginning. I wrote the role of Donna in “Obvious Child” for Jenny, and when sitting down to write the next project it was a no-brainer to write another role for her. We then built the family around her with the help of two incredible casting directors, Doug Aibel and Stephanie Holbrook.
Zoe Lister-Jones, “Band Aid” Almost all the actors in the film were either friends or people I had personal connections to, so it was a relatively easy process.
- 1/28/2017
- by Annakeara Stinson and Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
IndieWire’s Springboard column profiles up-and-comers in the film industry worthy of your attention.
Don’t let newly minted multi-hyphenate Michelle Morgan’s resume fool you — she always wanted to be a writer. Although Morgan’s first official forays into the industry included small parts on shows like “CSI: Miami” and, yes, even “Saved By the Bell: The New Class” and an arc on “American Dreams,” she originally went to school for screenwriting and simply fell into acting.
And it wasn’t necessarily something that fueled her creatively, which is why Morgan eventually returned to writing, penning the scripts for John Stockwell’s “Middle of Nowhere” and Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini’s “Girl Most Likely.” In 2013, she turned to directing, with her amusing short “K.I.T,” which screened at Sundance. This time around at the festival, Morgan has combined all of her skills, and she not only...
Don’t let newly minted multi-hyphenate Michelle Morgan’s resume fool you — she always wanted to be a writer. Although Morgan’s first official forays into the industry included small parts on shows like “CSI: Miami” and, yes, even “Saved By the Bell: The New Class” and an arc on “American Dreams,” she originally went to school for screenwriting and simply fell into acting.
And it wasn’t necessarily something that fueled her creatively, which is why Morgan eventually returned to writing, penning the scripts for John Stockwell’s “Middle of Nowhere” and Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini’s “Girl Most Likely.” In 2013, she turned to directing, with her amusing short “K.I.T,” which screened at Sundance. This time around at the festival, Morgan has combined all of her skills, and she not only...
- 1/28/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
L.A. Times plays like the flipside of the coin that is Whit Stillman’s aristocratic male-centric New York, where snoots court debutantes and intellectualize feeling superior. In writer/director/star, Michelle Morgan’s West Coast, a group of friends attempt to find love, happiness, or just plain contentment in the superficial landscape of L.A. - not Los Angeles, but L.A., as Thom Anderson would say. There’s Annette, who never fails to tell the harsh truth despite how that makes her friends feel. There’s her best friend, Baker, an unlucky-in-love bachelorette who can’t seem to get a date, at least not the kind you’d traditionally want. Then we have Elliot, the TV writer whom Annette has just dumped for no good reason, other than her suspicions that she might not...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 1/28/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Making ‘A Ghost Story’: How David Lowery Exorcised His Demons To Make The Best Film Of Sundance 2017
There were roughly 72 hours until the Sundance premiere of David Lowery’s latest feature, but I already knew that one pivotal scene — in which a bereaved Rooney Mara devours an entire pie during the course of a five-minute long-take — would be the talk of the festival. “She did one take of eating the whole thing,” Lowery said with a smile, sitting across the table from me in the Park City Marriott where we’re having coffee, “preceded by two takes of her coming into the house and eating the first couple of bites. So she ate a lot of pie.”
I pressed for more details. “It was a chocolate pudding pie. Vegan. Very low sugar content. I believe the crust was gluten-free,” he said. “Rooney told me beforehand that she had never had pie in her life, so it was a first in many regards.” Lowery looked to his right,...
I pressed for more details. “It was a chocolate pudding pie. Vegan. Very low sugar content. I believe the crust was gluten-free,” he said. “Rooney told me beforehand that she had never had pie in her life, so it was a first in many regards.” Lowery looked to his right,...
- 1/27/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
One of the great rewards of an event like the Sundance Film Festival is the chance to highlight the tiny, lasting moments. The chatter, the noisiness and the debate falls away and all that’s left is the people who make these films happen.
That’s why we bring you the fruits of our annual Sundance Portrait Studio, presented in partnership with Chase Sapphire. Photographer Daniel Bergeron was on hand during the festival to shoot some of the festival’s most engaging talent, from directors and cast members to producers and screenwriters. Collected below are some of the biggest newsmakers and voices from this year’s Sundance class.
Gallery: Our Favorite Casts from the 2017 Sundance Film Festival
Some of these are more candid, others are more calculated, but they all capture the feeling of excitement and catharsis that comes from finally being able to share a film with the world.
That’s why we bring you the fruits of our annual Sundance Portrait Studio, presented in partnership with Chase Sapphire. Photographer Daniel Bergeron was on hand during the festival to shoot some of the festival’s most engaging talent, from directors and cast members to producers and screenwriters. Collected below are some of the biggest newsmakers and voices from this year’s Sundance class.
Gallery: Our Favorite Casts from the 2017 Sundance Film Festival
Some of these are more candid, others are more calculated, but they all capture the feeling of excitement and catharsis that comes from finally being able to share a film with the world.
- 1/27/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
IndieWire reached out to the filmmakers behind the feature-length narrative and documentary films premiering this week to find out what cameras they used and why they chose them. Here are their responses.
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible – Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
Dramatic Competition & Next
Cory Finley, “Thoroughbred”
Arri Alexa Mini. Panavision G-Series lenses.
The Dp, Lyle Vincent, was very particular about getting a hold of both. They gave us flexibility in shooting and helped create the very precise, high-contrast, and slightly dreamy look we were going for.
Gillian Robespierre, “Landline”
Arri Alexa with some vintage lenses
“Landline” takes place in 1990’s Manhattan. My Dp Chris Teague and I talked a lot about what shooting a period movie from a recent period would look and feel like. Unfortunately, we were not able to shoot on film, and added a texture of LiveGrain during color...
Read More: The 2017 IndieWire Sundance Bible – Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During the Festival
Dramatic Competition & Next
Cory Finley, “Thoroughbred”
Arri Alexa Mini. Panavision G-Series lenses.
The Dp, Lyle Vincent, was very particular about getting a hold of both. They gave us flexibility in shooting and helped create the very precise, high-contrast, and slightly dreamy look we were going for.
Gillian Robespierre, “Landline”
Arri Alexa with some vintage lenses
“Landline” takes place in 1990’s Manhattan. My Dp Chris Teague and I talked a lot about what shooting a period movie from a recent period would look and feel like. Unfortunately, we were not able to shoot on film, and added a texture of LiveGrain during color...
- 1/25/2017
- by Annakeara Stinson and Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
If you’re going to attempt a quasi-farcical look at the behavior of thirtysomething strivers in Hollywood, you need to cut more sharply and dig more deeply than does L.A. Times. This mild confection focused on confused and misguided pretty young things is reasonably well constructed as far as it goes, but there’s nothing new here and the conceit of Hollywood scenesters as being uniformly vapid and creatively void is frankly rather tired at this point. Michelle Morgan’s debut feature is confidently made but doesn’t offer enough urgency or distinction to lift it above the mass of so many other indie...
- 1/25/2017
- by Todd McCarthy
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There’s a movie debuting at Sundance this year called “L.A. Times” — and no — it’s not about the newspaper of the same name. Starring Jorma Taccone, Michelle Morgan (who also wrote and directed), Dree Hemingway, the three spoke with TheWrap’s Steve Pond from this year’s film festival in Park City, Utah. The comedy is a plucky take on thirty-something romance in Los Angeles as they try to determine whether ideal happiness exists in coupledom or if the perfectly suited twosome is actually just an urban myth. Also Read: Buzzy Sundance Doc 'Step' Uncovers Hidden 'Reality' of Poverty...
- 1/22/2017
- by Meriah Doty
- The Wrap
Yes, Los Angeles is known as a city of artifice. “L.A. Times,” the debut feature from writer/director Michelle Morgan, follows a tradition of reveling in the tiny details of a particular La experience, while skewering the more unbearable traits of the city’s inhabitants. These episodes find comic sparks, but in the repetitive disappointments of its characters’ lives the film settles into a portrait of modern malaise with few distinguishing twists.
“L.A. Times” finds its core in Annette (Morgan), a once-aspiring author struggling to find fulfillment in her relationship with Elliot, a staff writer on a “Game of Thrones”-style hit show. Annette’s unhappy because she thinks other couples are happier; her single friend Baker (Dree Hemingway) is also unhappy, striking out with a series of men who include Jimmy (Adam Shapiro), the star of Elliot’s show. As the branches of Annette’s discontent grow, they snag...
“L.A. Times” finds its core in Annette (Morgan), a once-aspiring author struggling to find fulfillment in her relationship with Elliot, a staff writer on a “Game of Thrones”-style hit show. Annette’s unhappy because she thinks other couples are happier; her single friend Baker (Dree Hemingway) is also unhappy, striking out with a series of men who include Jimmy (Adam Shapiro), the star of Elliot’s show. As the branches of Annette’s discontent grow, they snag...
- 1/22/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
When a film is named after a city, it had better have something to say about the town — especially if it’s taking the name of one of the biggies, like London, Paris, or New York. Writer-director-star Michelle Morgan’s “L.A. Times” is unquestionably “a Los Angeles movie,” in that it makes great use of the hills, valleys, galleries, and bars around the city as the backdrop for an episodic romantic comedy.
Continue reading Michelle Morgan’s ‘L.A. Times’ Is A Funny, Woody Allen-Esque Look At Singlehood In Hollywood [Sundance Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading Michelle Morgan’s ‘L.A. Times’ Is A Funny, Woody Allen-Esque Look At Singlehood In Hollywood [Sundance Review] at The Playlist.
- 1/21/2017
- by Noel Murray
- The Playlist
Opening on intricately hand-painted, colorful postcards featuring Los Angeles sights, the distinct eye of Michelle Morgan immediately emerges. Her directorial debut, which she also wrote and leads, takes inspiration from a variety of sources, from these Wes Anderson-esque opening credits to the Whit Stillman-styled dialogue, but as the film progresses and a comedic rhythm clicks into place, L.A. Times blazes its own distinct, disenchanted trail of romance in the modern age.
Annette (Morgan) couldn’t ask for a nicer boyfriend than Elliot (Jorma Taccone, flexing more than capable dramatic muscles alongside the comedy), a TV writer for a Game of Thrones rip-off who pays all their bills. However, as Annette looks at the seemingly happier couples in their friend cricle and begins to nitpick Elliot’s actions — limited to making her walk uphill, help with taking in the garbage cans, and inquiring about the acting gig of a...
Annette (Morgan) couldn’t ask for a nicer boyfriend than Elliot (Jorma Taccone, flexing more than capable dramatic muscles alongside the comedy), a TV writer for a Game of Thrones rip-off who pays all their bills. However, as Annette looks at the seemingly happier couples in their friend cricle and begins to nitpick Elliot’s actions — limited to making her walk uphill, help with taking in the garbage cans, and inquiring about the acting gig of a...
- 1/21/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The best place to see “L.A. Times” is unquestionably L.A. — more to the point, probably the Los Feliz or the Vista theaters over by the hipster enclaves of Silver Lake and vicinity. But it’s safe to say that a very good second option would be the Sundance Film Festival, where writer-director-actor Michelle Morgan’s comedy had its world premiere on Friday night. “L.A. Times” is an indie rom-com for the 21st century, steeped in the trends and foibles of trendy Millennials who work in or around the entertainment industry. It’s a film made for audiences with personal experience negotiating Santa.
- 1/21/2017
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Five years ago, Michelle Morgan made her Sundance debut with the short film K.I.T. She returns to the festival in 2017 as the writer, director and star of her first feature, L.A. Times, a romantic comedy where she plays alongside Jorma Taccone of Lonely Island fame. Morgan hired Nicholas Wiesnet, a Dp known primarily for documentary and short film work, to shoot the picture. Below, Wiesnet discusses how he got the job, why he shot the film in anamorphic widescreen and his approach to lighting and blocking comedy. L.A. Times will screen six times during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Filmmaker: How and why did you […]...
- 1/20/2017
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Attendees of the Sundance Film Festival are in for a snowy week ahead, but the sunny comedy “L.A. Times” may warm them up when it hits the big screen in Park City. And today, we have some exclusive images from the movie.
Read More: The 30 Most Exciting Films In The Sundance 2017 Lineup
Written, directed, and starring Michelle Morgan, who is joined by a strong trio in Dree Hemingway, Jorma Taccone, and Kentucker Audley, the film is a contemporary look at relationships and dating set against the backdrop of Los Angeles.
Continue reading Sundance Exclusive: New Images From ‘L.A. Times’ Starring Michelle Morgan, Dree Hemingway & Jorma Taccone at The Playlist.
Read More: The 30 Most Exciting Films In The Sundance 2017 Lineup
Written, directed, and starring Michelle Morgan, who is joined by a strong trio in Dree Hemingway, Jorma Taccone, and Kentucker Audley, the film is a contemporary look at relationships and dating set against the backdrop of Los Angeles.
Continue reading Sundance Exclusive: New Images From ‘L.A. Times’ Starring Michelle Morgan, Dree Hemingway & Jorma Taccone at The Playlist.
- 1/19/2017
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Photographer and magazine founder Jeff Vespa unveils eight artists to watch at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Actress Margaret Qualley, “Novitiate” and “Sidney Hall” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Trevor Jackson, “Burning Sands” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Harris Dickinson, “Beach Rats” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Actress Danielle Macdonald, “Patti Cake$” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Lakeith Stanfield, “Crown Heights” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Haley Lu Richardson,”Columbus” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Actor Josh O’Connor, “God’s Own Country” Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap. Michelle Morgan, “L.A. Times...
- 1/18/2017
- by Photographed by Jeff Vespa for TheWrap
- The Wrap
2016 is nearly over and most people can’t wait to reach the finish line, so the Sundance Film Festival lineup couldn’t arrive at a better moment to give us something to anticipate for the new year.
Read More: Sundance 2017 Announces Competition and Next Lineups, Including Returning Favorites and Major Contenders
With the announcement of the U.S. and World Competition sections as well as the ever-tantalizing Next category of edgier fare, the first set of Sundance announcements kick off a wave of expectations from new talent and veterans alike. There will be much to dig through, from potential sales titles to breakthrough talent, and more announcements to come (the midnight section, short films, and forward-thinking New Frontiers section are all around the corner). In the meantime, we’ve dug through the initial Sundance blast to unearth a few standouts worthy of anticipation.
David Lowery’s Secret Movie Isn’t...
Read More: Sundance 2017 Announces Competition and Next Lineups, Including Returning Favorites and Major Contenders
With the announcement of the U.S. and World Competition sections as well as the ever-tantalizing Next category of edgier fare, the first set of Sundance announcements kick off a wave of expectations from new talent and veterans alike. There will be much to dig through, from potential sales titles to breakthrough talent, and more announcements to come (the midnight section, short films, and forward-thinking New Frontiers section are all around the corner). In the meantime, we’ve dug through the initial Sundance blast to unearth a few standouts worthy of anticipation.
David Lowery’s Secret Movie Isn’t...
- 11/30/2016
- by Eric Kohn and David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Kerry Washington Will Reminisce About Past Loves in Malcolm D. Lee's Wedding Romcom 'Is He the One?'
Kerry Washington has signed up to star Malcolm D. Lee's next feature film - the MGM romantic comedy titled "Is He The One?" Lee will direct from a script penned by DJ Richardson and Michelle Morgan ("Girl Most Likely"), which tells the tale of a bride (to be played by Washington) who remembers her past serious relationships, while getting ready for her wedding, although the audience won't find out who the lucky man is, until she meets him down the aisle at the wedding. MGM Motion Picture Group president Jonathan Glickman and senior vice president Cassidy Lange are overseeing the project. Todd Garner is producing. Lee...
- 10/7/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
"Scandal" star Kerry Washington has signed on to star in the romantic comedy "Is He The One?" for MGM Studios. Malcolm D. Lee directs from a screenplay by Michelle Morgan and D.J. Richardson, with Todd Garner producing.
The story begins with a bride (Washington) getting ready for her wedding, and ending with her walking down the aisle. The story is told through flashbacks that showcase the three major relationships the bride has been in throughout her life.
Meanwhile, veteran actor Martin Donovan ("Weeds," "Homeland") has reportedly scored a pivotal role in Marvel's "Ant-Man". No details were released for his character.
Donovan joins a cast that includes Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena and Corey Stoll. Peyton Reed is directing the film which is currently shooting.
Sources: Deadline & Heat Vision...
The story begins with a bride (Washington) getting ready for her wedding, and ending with her walking down the aisle. The story is told through flashbacks that showcase the three major relationships the bride has been in throughout her life.
Meanwhile, veteran actor Martin Donovan ("Weeds," "Homeland") has reportedly scored a pivotal role in Marvel's "Ant-Man". No details were released for his character.
Donovan joins a cast that includes Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena and Corey Stoll. Peyton Reed is directing the film which is currently shooting.
Sources: Deadline & Heat Vision...
- 10/7/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Kerry Washington is preparing to take a trip down the aisle. The "Scandal" star is in negotiations to play the lead role in "Is He the One," a new romantic comedy directed by "The Best Man Holiday" helmer Malcolm D. Lee, according to Deadline. Written by DJ Richardson and Michelle Morgan, the story begins with a woman dressing for her wedding day before flashing back to her last three relationships, leaving audiences to question which man she ultimately chose to marry. Washington's most recent big-screen appearance was in last year's Tyler Perry-produced comedy "Peeples" opposite Craig Robinson. She's a two-time Emmy nominee and one-time Golden Globe nominee for her role in "Scandal." Does "Is He the One" spark your interest? Let us know in the comments.
- 10/6/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Scandal star Kerry Washington has signed on as the lead in MGM's romantic comedy Is He The One, EW has confirmed. Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday) will direct from a script by DJ Richardson and Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely). The film opens with a bride (Washington) getting ready for her wedding. Through flashbacks, the film recounts her three serious relationships. It will end with her walking down the aisle, but who will greet her is unknown. MGM Motion Picture Group president Jonathan Glickman and senior vice president Cassidy Lange are overseeing the project. Todd Garner is producing.
- 10/6/2014
- by C. Molly Smith
- EW - Inside Movies
Exclusive: MGM has acquired Is He The One, a romantic comedy. Deal is being made to do this as a star vehicle for Emmy-nominated Scandal star Kerry Washington. They are working on that deal now. The film will be directed by Malcolm D. Lee, who is coming off the hits The Best Man and The Best Man Holiday. The script is by DJ Richardson and Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely). Todd Garner is producing.
The comedy begins with a woman dressing for her wedding, and it ends with a walk down the aisle. Washington plays the bride, and the story is told in flashbacks that cycle through the three major relationships of her life. The big question: Who’s at the end of that final walk, waiting for her at the altar? The film is being overseen by MGM Motion Picture Group President Jonathan Glickman and Svp Cassidy Lange.
Washington,...
The comedy begins with a woman dressing for her wedding, and it ends with a walk down the aisle. Washington plays the bride, and the story is told in flashbacks that cycle through the three major relationships of her life. The big question: Who’s at the end of that final walk, waiting for her at the altar? The film is being overseen by MGM Motion Picture Group President Jonathan Glickman and Svp Cassidy Lange.
Washington,...
- 10/6/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
The Lego Movie currently stands as the most successful film of 2014, and though that will definitely change by the year’s end, its $410 million haul at the global box office is nothing to shake a stick at. Warner Bros. were quick to capitalize on its monumental success and critical acclaim, immediately announcing a sequel for May 26th, 2017, which will be helmed by the first film’s co-animation director, Chris McKay.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be stepping into a producing role this time around, but with his experience on shows like Robot Chicken and Titan Maximum in addition to his role on The Lego Movie, McKay has proven that he’s got the chops to recapture the magic of the first film. Or so we hope.
One of the best parts of The Lego Movies was Will Arnett’s Batman, who served an important and scene-stealing role in the adventure.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be stepping into a producing role this time around, but with his experience on shows like Robot Chicken and Titan Maximum in addition to his role on The Lego Movie, McKay has proven that he’s got the chops to recapture the magic of the first film. Or so we hope.
One of the best parts of The Lego Movies was Will Arnett’s Batman, who served an important and scene-stealing role in the adventure.
- 4/10/2014
- by James Garcia
- We Got This Covered
(Cbr) Warner Bros. didn’t have to look far to find a director for its sequel "The Lego Movie": Deadline reports the studio has hired Chris McKay, who served as animation co-director on the original. Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who directed this year’s animated hit, will return to produce the follow-up, which is being written by Jared Stern ("Wreck-It Ralph") and Michelle Morgan ("Girl Most Likely"). It’s set for release on May 26, 2017. "The Lego Movie", which featured the voices of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman, has grossed more than $361 million worldwide since its premiere early last month.
- 3/13/2014
- by Kevin Melrose, Comic Book Resources
- Hitfix
If you had told us last year that "The Lego Movie" would not only be a box office success and a critical darling, but also one of the flat out best movies of 2014 so far, we wouldn't have believed. But over $360 million worldwide later, and still going strong, has made us believers. Well that, and the fact that the movie is clever and hilarious, turning multiple genre tropes upside while tossing in a third act twist that could've collapsed the whole thing. A sequel has already been set for 2017, and now has it someone to guide it. Deadline reports that Chris McKay, who co-directed "The Lego Movie," will get the sole credit on the next one, while Phil Lord and Chris Miller will stay on board the franchise in producer roles. Jared Stern (“The Internship,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”) and Michelle Morgan (“Girl Most Likely”) are penning the script, but for us,...
- 3/12/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Warner Bros. isn't wasting any time getting things rolling on a sequel to The Lego Movie, which, as of this post, has grossed over $362 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. The Lego Movie 2 has already been set for a May 26, 2017 release and now we learn co-animator and voice of Larry The Barrista in the first film, Chris McKay will direct. Jared Stern (Wreck-It Ralph) and Michelle Morgan are writing the script while co-writers and directors of the original film, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, will serve as producers. There are no plot details as of yet, but I expect the likes of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Alison Brie and others that provided voices for the first film to return. Deadline...
- 3/12/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The leaders of Warner Brothers animation have set Emmy winner Chris McKay (Robot Chicken) to direct the sequel to Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's original groundbreaking The Lego Movie, which hit theaters last month and has agreed with critics and fans all over the world. McKay was animation co-director on the first film. Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely) as well as Jared Stern (Wreck-it Ralph) are in progress for writing a script for the next installment of the film series. And if you're worried about the original directing crew not returning for the sequel, the dynamic duo are set to return as executive producers. ) The Lego Movie is in theaters now, and the sequel is set to land in theaters on May 26, 2017!
- 3/12/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
The Lego Movie's sequel has hired Chris McKay to direct.
McKay, who served as animation co-director on the first film, will replace Phil Lord and Chris Miller in the director's chair.
The duo will remain involved in The Lego Movie 2, producing the film while Michelle Morgan and Jared Stern craft a story for the follow-up.
According to Deadline, the Warner Bros movie will either be a straight sequel to this year's box office hit or focus on the Lego Ninjago range.
McKay's directing credits include TV shows Robot Chicken, Titan Maximum and Moral Orel.
The Lego Movie opened last month and has earned more than $360 million at the Us box office so far.
McKay, who served as animation co-director on the first film, will replace Phil Lord and Chris Miller in the director's chair.
The duo will remain involved in The Lego Movie 2, producing the film while Michelle Morgan and Jared Stern craft a story for the follow-up.
According to Deadline, the Warner Bros movie will either be a straight sequel to this year's box office hit or focus on the Lego Ninjago range.
McKay's directing credits include TV shows Robot Chicken, Titan Maximum and Moral Orel.
The Lego Movie opened last month and has earned more than $360 million at the Us box office so far.
- 3/12/2014
- Digital Spy
While it might sound like bad news that Phil Lord & Chris Miller won't be back to direct the sequel to their fantastic animated hit The Lego Movie, it's not all that disappointing. Deadline has word that while Lord & Miller won't be returning for the sequel to the brilliant Warner Animation Group film, but Chris McKay will be taking over directing duties. You may not know McKay, but he was a co-director with Lord & Miller, though the 21 Jump Street duo has been getting all the glory. And he's no stranger to animation having directed over 40 episodes of "Robot Chicken" including "Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III." Warner Bros. has already set a summer 2017 release date for their sequel, with Jared Stern (The Internship) and Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely) working on a treatment as we speak. However, it's up in the air as to how the sequel will unfold. Apparently there's...
- 3/12/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Warner Bros. Pictures has announced a May 26th 2017 release date for "The Lego Movie 2", meaning the film will hit a little over three years after the first.
Currently in cinemas, the first 'Lego' film has been a major domestic hit and has done very well in the global territories it has opened worldwide in so far.
Jared Stern ("The Internship," "The Watch") and Michelle Morgan ("Nancy Drew") are penning the screenplay, while Roy Lee and Dan Lin are producing. No word as yet if directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will return to the helm.
There's still no word on whether Warners will continue forward with a stand-alone animated "Lego Ninjago" adventure.
Source: THR...
Currently in cinemas, the first 'Lego' film has been a major domestic hit and has done very well in the global territories it has opened worldwide in so far.
Jared Stern ("The Internship," "The Watch") and Michelle Morgan ("Nancy Drew") are penning the screenplay, while Roy Lee and Dan Lin are producing. No word as yet if directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller will return to the helm.
There's still no word on whether Warners will continue forward with a stand-alone animated "Lego Ninjago" adventure.
Source: THR...
- 2/22/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Everything is awesome for Lego fans right now. The Lego Movie debuted to extremely positive reviews and has grossed over $200 million within just two weeks at the box office. It’s predicted to dominate again this weekend and today we have word that Warner Bros. is fast-tracking the sequel for a 2017 release. Before The Lego Movie even came out, the studio hired Jared Stern (Wreck-It Ralph) and Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely) to pen the sequel, which, according to Collider, has just been given the release date of May 26, 2017.
Awesome! More Lego is always a good thing, right? No word yet on who will direct the follow-up, but Chris Miller and Phil Lord have already said that they’d be willing to come back and produce. It’s unfortunate that they won’t be directing though, as a lot of what made the first film so great can be attributed to them.
Awesome! More Lego is always a good thing, right? No word yet on who will direct the follow-up, but Chris Miller and Phil Lord have already said that they’d be willing to come back and produce. It’s unfortunate that they won’t be directing though, as a lot of what made the first film so great can be attributed to them.
- 2/21/2014
- by James Garcia
- We Got This Covered
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Warner Bros. had hired Jared Stern (The Internship) and Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely) to write a sequel to The Lego Movie. Since being released in North America two weeks ago, the animated film has earned an incredible $200 million worldwide.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wrote the first movie, and the duo are expected to also helm the follow-up (although that has yet to be confirmed). Either way, the studio has now dated the sequel for a May 26th, 2017 release.
This is one of the first movies to be pencilled in for 2017, and it gives Lord and Miller plenty of time to fit the movie into their already packed out schedule (22 Jump Street is being released this year, and many are already speculating that a third instalment will soon be given the green light if the sequel is as successful as the first...
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wrote the first movie, and the duo are expected to also helm the follow-up (although that has yet to be confirmed). Either way, the studio has now dated the sequel for a May 26th, 2017 release.
This is one of the first movies to be pencilled in for 2017, and it gives Lord and Miller plenty of time to fit the movie into their already packed out schedule (22 Jump Street is being released this year, and many are already speculating that a third instalment will soon be given the green light if the sequel is as successful as the first...
- 2/21/2014
- by Josh Wilding
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Briefly: Just before The Lego Movie hit theaters and dominated the box office for two weekends in a row (it could be three after this weekend), we got word that Warner Bros. had already tapped Jared Stern (The Internship) to write the script, and he'll also have help from Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely). Though we don't know if the original film's writers and directors Phil Lord & Chris Miller (21 Jump Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) will return, the studio has announced a May 26th, 2017 release date for the animated sequel, which is big because that's the huge box office Memorial Day weekend. We just hope the sequel can deliver more originality and creative brilliance like the first film. Stay tuned for more.
- 2/21/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Time to get those plastic bricks and start building... excitement! The inevitable, and already-in-the-works "The Lego Movie" sequel now has a release date, so get out your day planners. Warner Bros. has set "The Lego Movie 2" for May 26, 2017. It's not yet know if Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be back to direct, but you can bet the studio will be lobbying hard and offering them the world to sign up again. Why? You shouldn't even have to ask; after only 2 weeks in release the film is over $200 million worldwide, and likely add much, much more before all is said and done. It's also been a smash hit with critics and audiences alike. What we do know is that Jared Stern (“The Internship,” “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”) and Michelle Morgan (“Girl Most Likely”) are working on the script, and already have a high bar to hit. So, until more info comes,...
- 2/21/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Film critics are heaping it with almost universal praise, with The Lego Movie sitting pretty at a 96 percent Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes thus far. Warner Bros. is wasting little time in greenlighting a second installment to what is expected to be an enormously successful opening weekend family film. Early predictions have The Lego Movie pushing $40m or more in first weekend gross, which suggests the movie will easily outpace its competitors, Vampire Academy and The Monuments Men. Screenwriters Jared Stern (Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Wreck-It-Ralph) and Michelle Morgan (Girl Most Likely) have been tapped by Warner Bros. for co-writing duty for the sequel. The Lego Movie is one of the first pieces in what is designed to be the studio’s return to prominence in animated fare, having last year hired a stable of writers and filmmakers to bolster their ranks in that department. Including Stern, they have onboarded Chris Miller and Phil Lord (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs), John Requa...
- 2/5/2014
- by Dustin Hucks
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
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