
Exclusive: Baby Driver and I Care a Lot actress Eiza González, Oscar-nominated/Emmy-winning director Matthew Heineman and Linden Entertainment have partnered with the estate of the iconic Mexican film star Maria Felix to bring her story to life. The team is looking for a Latin American writer to adapt Felix’s life for the screen.
González will portray Felix and also produce the film alongside Dana Harris and Nicole King for Linden Entertainment. Walter Rivera will executive produce the film on behalf of Felix’s estate.
Felix was one of the most successful Mexican stars of all time, and this is the first time her estate will be involved in telling her story. The actress starred in 47 movies in Mexico, France, Italy and Argentina and was the queen of the silver screen in Mexico, becoming known as “La Dona.” Felix’s story is one that follows her from the rough Northern town of Sonoa,...
González will portray Felix and also produce the film alongside Dana Harris and Nicole King for Linden Entertainment. Walter Rivera will executive produce the film on behalf of Felix’s estate.
Felix was one of the most successful Mexican stars of all time, and this is the first time her estate will be involved in telling her story. The actress starred in 47 movies in Mexico, France, Italy and Argentina and was the queen of the silver screen in Mexico, becoming known as “La Dona.” Felix’s story is one that follows her from the rough Northern town of Sonoa,...
- 8/2/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV

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It’s been a year and we’re still stuck in our homes, which means we’ve done more online shopping than ever — for clothes, for DVDs, for practical desk accessories, but also for things that seem silly at first but have actually been almost life-changing, like a fruit bowl with a built-in banana hanger or a car buffer that is almost as good as the super-expensive massager you hear advertised on all your favorite podcasts.
We polled the IndieWire staff to find out what Amazon purchases have made our lives significantly easier or better or just a little bit more bearable, in case you too didn’t realize that you needed stairs...
It’s been a year and we’re still stuck in our homes, which means we’ve done more online shopping than ever — for clothes, for DVDs, for practical desk accessories, but also for things that seem silly at first but have actually been almost life-changing, like a fruit bowl with a built-in banana hanger or a car buffer that is almost as good as the super-expensive massager you hear advertised on all your favorite podcasts.
We polled the IndieWire staff to find out what Amazon purchases have made our lives significantly easier or better or just a little bit more bearable, in case you too didn’t realize that you needed stairs...
- 2/20/2021
- by Jean Bentley
- Indiewire

[Editor’s note: This article contains major spoilers about the plot of “Mank.”]
“Mank” is a lot to take in. Diehard fans of classic Hollywood cinema and “Citizen Kane” obsessives alike may be well-suited to parse David Fincher’s complex portrait of world-weary screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, but even then, this intricate black-and-white drama draws on a lot of reference points that a many audience members may not grasp the first time around.
The movie tracks two dueling narratives: Mank’s experiences in Hollywood throughout the ’30s, as he undergoes a falling out with Hollywood and studio moguls over their politics, and his decision to use his experiences in that world to write his greatest work — inspired by his former proximity to media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who became the template for the affluent mystery at the center of “Citizen Kane.”
But there’s more to “Mank” than that: Fincher, who draws on a script written decades ago by his late father Jack,...
“Mank” is a lot to take in. Diehard fans of classic Hollywood cinema and “Citizen Kane” obsessives alike may be well-suited to parse David Fincher’s complex portrait of world-weary screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, but even then, this intricate black-and-white drama draws on a lot of reference points that a many audience members may not grasp the first time around.
The movie tracks two dueling narratives: Mank’s experiences in Hollywood throughout the ’30s, as he undergoes a falling out with Hollywood and studio moguls over their politics, and his decision to use his experiences in that world to write his greatest work — inspired by his former proximity to media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who became the template for the affluent mystery at the center of “Citizen Kane.”
But there’s more to “Mank” than that: Fincher, who draws on a script written decades ago by his late father Jack,...
- 12/5/2020
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
IndieWire is partnering with the International Documentary Association for its annual screenings series in Los Angeles. Now in its seventh year, the awards-season series expands to New York City with titles including “For Sama,” the Cannes favorite that chronicles a woman’s experience in war-torn Syria.
The series kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Century City 15 IMAX theater with a screening of “Apollo 11,” Todd Douglas Miller’s film that uses archival footage to offer a fresh perspective of the suspense and excitement of the first spaceflight that landed humans on the Moon. It was released earlier this year by Neon.
The series, most of which will be shown at the Landmark in West La. through November, allows both members of the public and voting members of industry guilds and organizations a chance to see more than 20 of the 2019’s most acclaimed documentaries. Each screening is free, with...
The series kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Century City 15 IMAX theater with a screening of “Apollo 11,” Todd Douglas Miller’s film that uses archival footage to offer a fresh perspective of the suspense and excitement of the first spaceflight that landed humans on the Moon. It was released earlier this year by Neon.
The series, most of which will be shown at the Landmark in West La. through November, allows both members of the public and voting members of industry guilds and organizations a chance to see more than 20 of the 2019’s most acclaimed documentaries. Each screening is free, with...
- 9/5/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
IndieWire has made a half-dozen hires across its film and television sections, adding a new video producer role and increasing its staff in New York and Los Angeles. The expansion comes as the site hits record traffic numbers in July.
The site crossed 11.3 million unique visitors, a record for the site in a month that included in-depth reporting from the TCAs, a week-long package that featured the best films and performances of the decade, and a major exclusive surrounding the behind-the-scenes drama of “Big Little Lies.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our entire team for hitting this benchmark,” said IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris. “The content that fueled this all-time traffic high also represents the unique place we occupy in covering the entertainment industry. Our hires will allow us to provide more in-depth coverage and curation in film and TV, across all platforms.”
IndieWire has added six new members to its...
The site crossed 11.3 million unique visitors, a record for the site in a month that included in-depth reporting from the TCAs, a week-long package that featured the best films and performances of the decade, and a major exclusive surrounding the behind-the-scenes drama of “Big Little Lies.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our entire team for hitting this benchmark,” said IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris. “The content that fueled this all-time traffic high also represents the unique place we occupy in covering the entertainment industry. Our hires will allow us to provide more in-depth coverage and curation in film and TV, across all platforms.”
IndieWire has added six new members to its...
- 8/6/2019
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire


Terry Crews is a man of many talents. IndieWire’s inaugural Consider This brunch gave him the chance to indulge his latest passion: hosting.
The “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star and host of “America’s Got Talent” took to the stage at the Liaison Restaurant + Lounge in Hollywood, sliding through the day’s assembled guests to the sound of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke.”
Taking the mic from IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris, Crews kicked off the Consider This brunch with a tribute to TV artisans across the board. The day will feature Above the Line, Top of the Line, and Spotlight conversations with talent from Comedy Central, Hulu, Paramount Network, Showtime, Starz, and TV Land.
Crews emphasized the contributions from people across the TV landscape, whether they are in front of or behind the camera. “The work that goes into this thing? It’s a family thing, it’s a team thing.
The “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star and host of “America’s Got Talent” took to the stage at the Liaison Restaurant + Lounge in Hollywood, sliding through the day’s assembled guests to the sound of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke.”
Taking the mic from IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris, Crews kicked off the Consider This brunch with a tribute to TV artisans across the board. The day will feature Above the Line, Top of the Line, and Spotlight conversations with talent from Comedy Central, Hulu, Paramount Network, Showtime, Starz, and TV Land.
Crews emphasized the contributions from people across the TV landscape, whether they are in front of or behind the camera. “The work that goes into this thing? It’s a family thing, it’s a team thing.
- 5/21/2019
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Murtada, Jason and I have all been attending Tribeca screenings (more reviews to come) but as per usual the winners mostly somehow escaped us. But here they are.
U.S. Narrative Competition
The jury members were: Lucy Alibar, Jonathan Ames, Cory Hardrict, Dana Harris, and Jenny Lumet.
Wendell Pierce as a troubled Louisiana preacher in "Burning Cane"
Feature: Burning Cane, directed by Phillip Youmans. which the jury calls "searingly original". Director Phillip Youman is just 19 years old and started making this movie two years ago in high school (!!!!!!!!) and also makes history as the first black man to win Tribeca!
Actress: Haley Bennett in Swallow who the jury calls "sensitive and engaging" (Special mention: Geetanjali Thapa in Stray Dolls). Our review here.
Actor: – Wendell Pierce in Burning Cane...
U.S. Narrative Competition
The jury members were: Lucy Alibar, Jonathan Ames, Cory Hardrict, Dana Harris, and Jenny Lumet.
Wendell Pierce as a troubled Louisiana preacher in "Burning Cane"
Feature: Burning Cane, directed by Phillip Youmans. which the jury calls "searingly original". Director Phillip Youman is just 19 years old and started making this movie two years ago in high school (!!!!!!!!) and also makes history as the first black man to win Tribeca!
Actress: Haley Bennett in Swallow who the jury calls "sensitive and engaging" (Special mention: Geetanjali Thapa in Stray Dolls). Our review here.
Actor: – Wendell Pierce in Burning Cane...
- 5/3/2019
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience

Phillip Youmans’ “Burning Cane” took home the Founders Award for best narrative feature at the 18th annual Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday, with star Wendell Pierce earning Best Actor.
Youmans, a 19-year-old freshman at NYU, is the first African-American director to win the Founders Award and the youngest director to have a feature in Tribeca — he was just 17 when he wrote, directed and shot the film, about the fractious relationship between a mother and son in rural Louisiana.
Korean director Bora Kim’s “House of Hummingbird” won for best international narrative feature, and Ji-hu Park won best international actress.
In addition, Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin won for their documentary feature “Scheme Birds.”
Here’s the complete list of winners.
Also Read: 'Xy Chelsea' Film Review: Doc Tackles Chelsea Manning's Very In-Progress Story
U.S. Narrative Competition Categories:
The jurors for the 2019 U.S. Narrative Competition were Lucy Alibar,...
Youmans, a 19-year-old freshman at NYU, is the first African-American director to win the Founders Award and the youngest director to have a feature in Tribeca — he was just 17 when he wrote, directed and shot the film, about the fractious relationship between a mother and son in rural Louisiana.
Korean director Bora Kim’s “House of Hummingbird” won for best international narrative feature, and Ji-hu Park won best international actress.
In addition, Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin won for their documentary feature “Scheme Birds.”
Here’s the complete list of winners.
Also Read: 'Xy Chelsea' Film Review: Doc Tackles Chelsea Manning's Very In-Progress Story
U.S. Narrative Competition Categories:
The jurors for the 2019 U.S. Narrative Competition were Lucy Alibar,...
- 5/2/2019
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap


The 18th Annual Tribeca Film Festival announced the winning filmmakers, storytellers, and actors in its competition categories at this year’s awards ceremony, which took place this evening at the Stella Artois Theatre at Bmcc Tpac. The top honors went to “Burning Cane” for the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, “House of Hummingbird” (Beol-sae) for Best International Narrative Feature, and “Scheme Birds” for Best Documentary Feature.
The winners were dominated by fresh faces, including “Burning Cane” director Phillip Youmans, who was just 17 when he made his film, making him the youngest director to have a feature play at Tribeca. Other first-time directors also won big, as both “House of Hummingbird” filmmaker Bora Kim and “Scheme Birds” filmmaking duo Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin all made feature directorial debuts with their Tribeca winners.
“I’m so proud to see our juries reward a group of winners that is...
The winners were dominated by fresh faces, including “Burning Cane” director Phillip Youmans, who was just 17 when he made his film, making him the youngest director to have a feature play at Tribeca. Other first-time directors also won big, as both “House of Hummingbird” filmmaker Bora Kim and “Scheme Birds” filmmaking duo Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin all made feature directorial debuts with their Tribeca winners.
“I’m so proud to see our juries reward a group of winners that is...
- 5/2/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire

Women claim four short film prizes.
Nineteen-year old Phillip Youmans became the first African American to win The Founders Award for best Us narrative feature at the Tribeca Film Festival when Burning Cane received the top honour on Thursday (2).
Youmans, 19, already the youngest filmmaker to have a feature in the festival (he was 17 when he directed the story of a troubled preacher starring best actor award-winner Wendell Pierce), receives $20,000 sponsored by At&T.
The jury of Lucy Alibar, Jonathan Ames, Cory Hardrict, Dana Harris, and Jenny Lumet said of Burning Cane: “The Founders Award goes to a voice that is searingly original.
Nineteen-year old Phillip Youmans became the first African American to win The Founders Award for best Us narrative feature at the Tribeca Film Festival when Burning Cane received the top honour on Thursday (2).
Youmans, 19, already the youngest filmmaker to have a feature in the festival (he was 17 when he directed the story of a troubled preacher starring best actor award-winner Wendell Pierce), receives $20,000 sponsored by At&T.
The jury of Lucy Alibar, Jonathan Ames, Cory Hardrict, Dana Harris, and Jenny Lumet said of Burning Cane: “The Founders Award goes to a voice that is searingly original.
- 5/2/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily


Angela Bassett, Debra Messing, and Chloë Sevingy are among the 50 actors, filmmakers, and entertainment industry professionals who will judge the Tribeca Film Festival. Now in its 18th year, the annual film celebration will unfold in downtown Manhattan from April 24 through May 5.
Other judges include director Rebecca Miller, comedian Tig Notaro, actor Justin Long, and IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris.
“At 18, we’re proud of our lineup of talented and diverse filmmakers and welcome our extraordinary jury,” Jane Rosenthal, co-Founder and CEO of the festival, said in a statement.
Angela Bassett will judge the International Narrative Competition contestants, while Chloë Sevigny and Debra Messing (“Will & Grace”) will be on the committee to hand out the Nora Ephron award, created in honor of the late filmmaker, journalist, and writer.
David Cross (“Arrested Development”) will judge the new documentary director competition, and Justin Long (“Frank and Lola”) will assess the contestants for new narrative director competition.
Other judges include director Rebecca Miller, comedian Tig Notaro, actor Justin Long, and IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris.
“At 18, we’re proud of our lineup of talented and diverse filmmakers and welcome our extraordinary jury,” Jane Rosenthal, co-Founder and CEO of the festival, said in a statement.
Angela Bassett will judge the International Narrative Competition contestants, while Chloë Sevigny and Debra Messing (“Will & Grace”) will be on the committee to hand out the Nora Ephron award, created in honor of the late filmmaker, journalist, and writer.
David Cross (“Arrested Development”) will judge the new documentary director competition, and Justin Long (“Frank and Lola”) will assess the contestants for new narrative director competition.
- 4/16/2019
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV


The Tribeca Film Festival today announced the jury members who will select winners in the film and immersive sections of its upcoming 18th gathering. The jurors will award work in ten categories.
This year’s jury features award-winning filmmakers, actors, producers, and cultural leaders, including Angela Bassett, Rebecca Miller, Orlando von Einsiedel, Steve Zaillian, Drake Doremus, Famke Janssen, Jenny Lumet, Tig Notaro, Chloë Sevigny, and more. The festival will take place in New York City from April 24-May 5.
In all, over 52 industry leaders have been selected to honor feature length and short film categories, comprised of narratives and documentary films, as well as Storyscapes, the juried section of the Virtual Arcade, presented by At&T.
The jurors will also present the Tribeca X Award, celebrating branded storytelling at the intersection of advertising and entertainment.
The festival additionally plans to announce the winner of the seventh annual Nora Ephron Award, created to...
This year’s jury features award-winning filmmakers, actors, producers, and cultural leaders, including Angela Bassett, Rebecca Miller, Orlando von Einsiedel, Steve Zaillian, Drake Doremus, Famke Janssen, Jenny Lumet, Tig Notaro, Chloë Sevigny, and more. The festival will take place in New York City from April 24-May 5.
In all, over 52 industry leaders have been selected to honor feature length and short film categories, comprised of narratives and documentary films, as well as Storyscapes, the juried section of the Virtual Arcade, presented by At&T.
The jurors will also present the Tribeca X Award, celebrating branded storytelling at the intersection of advertising and entertainment.
The festival additionally plans to announce the winner of the seventh annual Nora Ephron Award, created to...
- 4/16/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV


The Tribeca Film Festival has announced the jury members who will select the winners in 10 categories across the film and immersive competition sections.
The 51 jurors include Aaron Rodgers, Angela Bassett, Sheila Nevins, Tig Notaro, Debra Messing, Maureen Dowd and Topher Grace.
The U.S. narrative feature jurors are author Jonathan Ames, actor Cory Hardrict, IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris and Rachel Getting Married writer Jenny Lumet. The international narrative feature jurors are Bassett, actress Famke Janssen, director Baltasar Kormakur, writer-director Rebecca Miller and writer Steve Zaillian. The feature documentary jurors are director Drake Doremus, filmmaker Robert Greene, producer Julie Goldman, Wall ...
The 51 jurors include Aaron Rodgers, Angela Bassett, Sheila Nevins, Tig Notaro, Debra Messing, Maureen Dowd and Topher Grace.
The U.S. narrative feature jurors are author Jonathan Ames, actor Cory Hardrict, IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris and Rachel Getting Married writer Jenny Lumet. The international narrative feature jurors are Bassett, actress Famke Janssen, director Baltasar Kormakur, writer-director Rebecca Miller and writer Steve Zaillian. The feature documentary jurors are director Drake Doremus, filmmaker Robert Greene, producer Julie Goldman, Wall ...
- 4/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV


The Tribeca Film Festival has announced the jury members who will select the winners in 10 categories across the film and immersive competition sections.
The 51 jurors include Aaron Rodgers, Angela Bassett, Sheila Nevins, Tig Notaro, Debra Messing, Maureen Dowd and Topher Grace.
The U.S. narrative feature jurors are author Jonathan Ames, actor Cory Hardrict, IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris and Rachel Getting Married writer Jenny Lumet. The international narrative feature jurors are Bassett, actress Famke Janssen, director Baltasar Kormakur, writer-director Rebecca Miller and writer Steve Zaillian. The feature documentary jurors are director Drake Doremus, filmmaker Robert Greene, producer Julie Goldman, Wall ...
The 51 jurors include Aaron Rodgers, Angela Bassett, Sheila Nevins, Tig Notaro, Debra Messing, Maureen Dowd and Topher Grace.
The U.S. narrative feature jurors are author Jonathan Ames, actor Cory Hardrict, IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris and Rachel Getting Married writer Jenny Lumet. The international narrative feature jurors are Bassett, actress Famke Janssen, director Baltasar Kormakur, writer-director Rebecca Miller and writer Steve Zaillian. The feature documentary jurors are director Drake Doremus, filmmaker Robert Greene, producer Julie Goldman, Wall ...
- 4/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IndieWire’s annual Female Filmmakers Dinner at the Sundance Film Festival, presented by Canada Goose, took place on January 27 and celebrated women directors such as Kyra Sedgwick, Jennifer Kent, Lulu Wang, Nisha Ganatra, and Penny Lane. The event took place at the Canada Goose Basecamp on Main Street in the heart of Park City, Utah.
This year’s Sundance lineup was particularly impressive in the way it put women directors in the spotlight, with 53% of the films in the U.S. Dramatic Competition having been helmed by women. Some have even resulted in big-money deals, including A24’s acquisition of Lulu Wang’s delicate family dramedy “The Farewell” for $6 million and Amazon’s extraordinary $13 million payout for Nisha Ganatra’s Mindy Kaling-scripted comedy “Late Night.”
IndieWire editor in chief Dana Harris toasted these women in a speech at the start of the dinner saying, “I’m just taken by...
This year’s Sundance lineup was particularly impressive in the way it put women directors in the spotlight, with 53% of the films in the U.S. Dramatic Competition having been helmed by women. Some have even resulted in big-money deals, including A24’s acquisition of Lulu Wang’s delicate family dramedy “The Farewell” for $6 million and Amazon’s extraordinary $13 million payout for Nisha Ganatra’s Mindy Kaling-scripted comedy “Late Night.”
IndieWire editor in chief Dana Harris toasted these women in a speech at the start of the dinner saying, “I’m just taken by...
- 2/2/2019
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
On January 22, Netflix became the proud parents of 15 Oscar nominations. They weren’t even 12 hours old when, late in the day, the Motion Picture Association of America announced its own progeny: Netflix was its newest signatory, officially minting the streaming behemoth as a major studio.
At this point, arguing the question of whether Netflix is the biggest player in Hollywood becomes academic. (Spoiler: Yes.) Of course, Netflix and the MPAA share mutual interests about piracy, technological developments, and government lobbying; the MPAA also is eager to replace 20th Century Fox (and its $10 million-$12 million in annual dues) before it’s entirely consumed by Disney. However, that only scratches the surface of what’s happened here.
Above all else, the MPAA — best known to the public for its rating system — focuses on issues related to getting the films its members make into theaters. Netflix joining the club suggests that MPAA members...
At this point, arguing the question of whether Netflix is the biggest player in Hollywood becomes academic. (Spoiler: Yes.) Of course, Netflix and the MPAA share mutual interests about piracy, technological developments, and government lobbying; the MPAA also is eager to replace 20th Century Fox (and its $10 million-$12 million in annual dues) before it’s entirely consumed by Disney. However, that only scratches the surface of what’s happened here.
Above all else, the MPAA — best known to the public for its rating system — focuses on issues related to getting the films its members make into theaters. Netflix joining the club suggests that MPAA members...
- 1/24/2019
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
IndieWire, the media voice for creative independence, has named TV journalist Libby Hill as its new TV Awards Editor. In the role, Hill will oversee year-round TV awards coverage for IndieWire, from the Emmys and guilds through the Golden Globes. Hill will be based in IndieWire’s Los Angeles office and provide interviews, analysis, and in-depth reporting on the television awards beat.
“We are thrilled to welcome Libby to the IndieWire team and cement our role as a leader in in-depth TV awards coverage,” said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris. “Libby’s impressive background in covering the TV industry and wide contact network will make her a critical part of IndieWire’s growing editorial staff who provide the best in entertainment coverage for creative independence.”
“Television is my first love and I remain completely bewitched by the Emmys and their quixotic quest to honor the very best the medium can offer,...
“We are thrilled to welcome Libby to the IndieWire team and cement our role as a leader in in-depth TV awards coverage,” said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris. “Libby’s impressive background in covering the TV industry and wide contact network will make her a critical part of IndieWire’s growing editorial staff who provide the best in entertainment coverage for creative independence.”
“Television is my first love and I remain completely bewitched by the Emmys and their quixotic quest to honor the very best the medium can offer,...
- 1/14/2019
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire


Veteran independent film executive Mark Urman died Saturday after a short bout with cancer, IndieWire has confirmed. He was 66. His family requests privacy, and advised a statement will be coming in the next few days.
The Union College graduate started out in the international publicity department at United Artists in New York, followed by publicity posts at Columbia Pictures and the studio’s Triumph Films, and PR firm Dennis Davidson and Associates. In 1997, he left Dda to join Cinepix Film Properties, then just acquired by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., as the head of U.S. distribution.
That was the start of a passionate career in specialized film, including multiple Oscar contenders like “Monsters Ball,” “Affliction,” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.”
As distribution president at New York indie distributor ThinkFilm, Urman delivered seven Academy Award nominations in six years. Alex Gibney’s “Taxi to the Dark Side” and...
The Union College graduate started out in the international publicity department at United Artists in New York, followed by publicity posts at Columbia Pictures and the studio’s Triumph Films, and PR firm Dennis Davidson and Associates. In 1997, he left Dda to join Cinepix Film Properties, then just acquired by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., as the head of U.S. distribution.
That was the start of a passionate career in specialized film, including multiple Oscar contenders like “Monsters Ball,” “Affliction,” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.”
As distribution president at New York indie distributor ThinkFilm, Urman delivered seven Academy Award nominations in six years. Alex Gibney’s “Taxi to the Dark Side” and...
- 1/13/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood


Veteran independent film executive Mark Urman died Saturday after a short bout with cancer, IndieWire has confirmed. He was 66. His family requests privacy, and advised a statement will be coming in the next few days.
The Union College graduate started out in the international publicity department at United Artists in New York, followed by publicity posts at Columbia Pictures and the studio’s Triumph Films, and PR firm Dennis Davidson and Associates. In 1997, he left Dda to join Cinepix Film Properties, then just acquired by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., as the head of U.S. distribution.
That was the start of a passionate career in specialized film, including multiple Oscar contenders like “Monsters Ball,” “Affliction,” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.”
As distribution president at New York indie distributor ThinkFilm, Urman delivered seven Academy Award nominations in six years. Alex Gibney’s “Taxi to the Dark Side” and...
The Union College graduate started out in the international publicity department at United Artists in New York, followed by publicity posts at Columbia Pictures and the studio’s Triumph Films, and PR firm Dennis Davidson and Associates. In 1997, he left Dda to join Cinepix Film Properties, then just acquired by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., as the head of U.S. distribution.
That was the start of a passionate career in specialized film, including multiple Oscar contenders like “Monsters Ball,” “Affliction,” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.”
As distribution president at New York indie distributor ThinkFilm, Urman delivered seven Academy Award nominations in six years. Alex Gibney’s “Taxi to the Dark Side” and...
- 1/13/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire


Final ranked with storylines and reps info after noon post: The Black List, Hollywood’s annual rundown of unproduced screenplays, unveiled its titles today in Easter Egg fashion, hiding all 73 screenplay selections in a six minute-42 second second short The Last Days of Tj Staggs which starred Paul Scheer as an agent who pulls a Rip Van Winkle in 1998, wakes up 20 years later, and realizes how the town has changed.
The short was directed and co-written by Noga Pnueli (who also has the script Meet Cute on the list with 12 votes). Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan and Kevin Oeser also wrote as well and the short featured such talent as Sunita Mani, Constance Wu, Jay Ellis and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Topping this year’s list is a Social Network-like story, Elissa Karasik’s Frat Boy Genius, which follows a disgruntled employee of Snapchat who tells the story about the rise of her former Stanford classmate,...
The short was directed and co-written by Noga Pnueli (who also has the script Meet Cute on the list with 12 votes). Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan and Kevin Oeser also wrote as well and the short featured such talent as Sunita Mani, Constance Wu, Jay Ellis and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Topping this year’s list is a Social Network-like story, Elissa Karasik’s Frat Boy Genius, which follows a disgruntled employee of Snapchat who tells the story about the rise of her former Stanford classmate,...
- 12/17/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IndieWire has announced the lineup for its 2018 IndieWire Honors, including “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler and “Crazy Rich Asians” star Constance Wu.
Other honorees include Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Bill Hader, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Amandla Stenberg.
The awards ceremony takes place Nov. 1 in Los Angeles.
“For our second annual IndieWire Honors, we are delighted to commend these artists and the work they’ve created,” said IndieWire editor in chief Dana Harris. “IndieWire is the voice of creative independence, and these people are the visionaries at the forefront of our industry. We’re honored to host a celebration that recognizes their talents.”
“As IndieWire continues our dramatic growth in 2018 we’re beyond thrilled to wrap up the year by honoring these distinctive voices in film and TV,” said IndieWire publisher James Israel. “These creators all encompass some of the best in entertainment in the past year, whether it’s a complex studio blockbuster,...
Other honorees include Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Bill Hader, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Amandla Stenberg.
The awards ceremony takes place Nov. 1 in Los Angeles.
“For our second annual IndieWire Honors, we are delighted to commend these artists and the work they’ve created,” said IndieWire editor in chief Dana Harris. “IndieWire is the voice of creative independence, and these people are the visionaries at the forefront of our industry. We’re honored to host a celebration that recognizes their talents.”
“As IndieWire continues our dramatic growth in 2018 we’re beyond thrilled to wrap up the year by honoring these distinctive voices in film and TV,” said IndieWire publisher James Israel. “These creators all encompass some of the best in entertainment in the past year, whether it’s a complex studio blockbuster,...
- 10/24/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
IndieWire, the definitive outlet for creative independence in film and TV, today announced the honorees for their second annual IndieWire Honors. Selected by IndieWire’s editorial team, IndieWire Honors is a celebration of seven of the biggest names in entertainment and will be celebrated at an intimate cocktail reception taking place on November 1 in Los Angeles. Exclusive editorial content, including honoree profiles and video interviews, will also be featured on Indiewire.com beginning November 1 and will continue throughout the month of November.
“For our second annual IndieWire Honors, we are delighted to commend these artists and the work they’ve created,” said IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris. “IndieWire is the voice of creative independence, and these people are the visionaries at the forefront of our industry. We’re honored to host a celebration that recognizes their talents.”
“As IndieWire continues our dramatic growth in 2018 we’re beyond thrilled to...
“For our second annual IndieWire Honors, we are delighted to commend these artists and the work they’ve created,” said IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris. “IndieWire is the voice of creative independence, and these people are the visionaries at the forefront of our industry. We’re honored to host a celebration that recognizes their talents.”
“As IndieWire continues our dramatic growth in 2018 we’re beyond thrilled to...
- 10/23/2018
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire
IndieWire has added two key new members to its team ahead of this year’s New York Film Festival. Christian Blauvelt will serve as the new managing editor for the site, overseeing film and television news, and will have a strategic role in helping IndieWire achieve broader organizational goals. IndieWire is also bringing on veteran writer and filmmaker Tambay Obenson as a staff writer covering African-American film and television.
Blauvelt will be based in IndieWire’s New York offices, and Obenson will be moving from New York to Los Angeles. Both will report to Eric Kohn, who has been promoted to Executive Editor and Chief Critic from Deputy Editor and Chief Critic. Kohn now oversees the New York office’s editorial operations.
“We are thrilled to be adding two impressive and accomplished journalists in Christian Blauvelt and Tambay Obenson to our IndieWire team,” said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris. “Both Christian...
Blauvelt will be based in IndieWire’s New York offices, and Obenson will be moving from New York to Los Angeles. Both will report to Eric Kohn, who has been promoted to Executive Editor and Chief Critic from Deputy Editor and Chief Critic. Kohn now oversees the New York office’s editorial operations.
“We are thrilled to be adding two impressive and accomplished journalists in Christian Blauvelt and Tambay Obenson to our IndieWire team,” said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris. “Both Christian...
- 9/28/2018
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire


An unfamiliar sight at the Telluride Film Festival is Hollywood alpha male Scott Stuber. When given the chance to choose between running old-studio Paramount and new-studio Netflix, he was smart enough to choose the Silicon Valley disrupter of the entertainment industry led by Reed Hastings and chief content officer Ted Sarandos. Stuber’s still learning how to adapt, though, and what is fascinating to watch is how he is trying to merge everything he has learned at the top of the studio pyramid with the new Netflix order. There’s a struggle there, and Hollywood is watching closely to see what comes out of it.
At Telluride, it’s hard not to notice that Netflix is top dog. Sarandos and the mighty documentary content team led by Lisa Nishimura have been here before. But this time, the Netflix entourage is much engorged — including new staffers Oscar wrangler Lisa Taback and...
At Telluride, it’s hard not to notice that Netflix is top dog. Sarandos and the mighty documentary content team led by Lisa Nishimura have been here before. But this time, the Netflix entourage is much engorged — including new staffers Oscar wrangler Lisa Taback and...
- 9/1/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood


An unfamiliar sight at the Telluride Film Festival is Hollywood alpha male Scott Stuber. When given the chance to choose between running old-studio Paramount and new-studio Netflix, he was smart enough to choose the Silicon Valley disrupter of the entertainment industry led by Reed Hastings and chief content officer Ted Sarandos. Stuber’s still learning how to adapt, though, and what is fascinating to watch is how he is trying to merge everything he has learned at the top of the studio pyramid with the new Netflix order. There’s a struggle there, and Hollywood is watching closely to see what comes out of it.
At Telluride, it’s hard not to notice that Netflix is top dog. Sarandos and the mighty documentary content team led by Lisa Nishimura have been here before. But this time, the Netflix entourage is much engorged — including new staffers Oscar wrangler Lisa Taback and...
At Telluride, it’s hard not to notice that Netflix is top dog. Sarandos and the mighty documentary content team led by Lisa Nishimura have been here before. But this time, the Netflix entourage is much engorged — including new staffers Oscar wrangler Lisa Taback and...
- 9/1/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
IndieWire set a new traffic record in May 2018 with over 10.5 million unique readers for the month. The website’s pageview traffic represented growth of 57% compared to the same time period last year, while there was a 90% lift in unique visitors from May 2017 to May 2017, another new record for IndieWire.
“It is very satisfying to see that the effort we have put in to creating quality content has paid off with a dramatic increase in readers,” IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to maintaining this growth curve in the months ahead.”
Stories that contributed to IndieWire’s increase in traffic in May 2018 include coverage of the Cannes Film Festival and the Emmy races, the cancellations of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Roseanne,” and in-depth stories on summer movie titles such as “Solo” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” among other titles.
IndieWire is currently celebrating its 21st year. The...
“It is very satisfying to see that the effort we have put in to creating quality content has paid off with a dramatic increase in readers,” IndieWire editor-in-chief Dana Harris said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to maintaining this growth curve in the months ahead.”
Stories that contributed to IndieWire’s increase in traffic in May 2018 include coverage of the Cannes Film Festival and the Emmy races, the cancellations of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Roseanne,” and in-depth stories on summer movie titles such as “Solo” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” among other titles.
IndieWire is currently celebrating its 21st year. The...
- 6/12/2018
- by Indiewire Staff
- Indiewire


You’d think writing, producing, directing and starring on a television would give anyone frayed nerves. But Bill Hader says it’s nowhere near as exasperating as working on Saturday Night Live.
“It’s way less stressful than being on Saturday Night Live, because it’s not live and you’re not in front of the nation,” Hader said Sunday during the PGA’s Produced By conference. “I just went back to host and I was a nervous wreck.” Tulsa, Oklahoma native Hader appeared on SNL from 2005-2014. He said returning to the sketch comedy series for just one week earlier this year, made him want to “start smoking again.” Hader and Silicon Valley producer, Alec Berg, co-created Barry, a hit HBO dark comedy about a hit man questioning his career choice and trying to discover the actor inside of him. During Sunday’s conversation with Hader and Berg, moderated by Dana Harris,...
“It’s way less stressful than being on Saturday Night Live, because it’s not live and you’re not in front of the nation,” Hader said Sunday during the PGA’s Produced By conference. “I just went back to host and I was a nervous wreck.” Tulsa, Oklahoma native Hader appeared on SNL from 2005-2014. He said returning to the sketch comedy series for just one week earlier this year, made him want to “start smoking again.” Hader and Silicon Valley producer, Alec Berg, co-created Barry, a hit HBO dark comedy about a hit man questioning his career choice and trying to discover the actor inside of him. During Sunday’s conversation with Hader and Berg, moderated by Dana Harris,...
- 6/10/2018
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV

Juried prizes were presented tonight at the 25th annual Swsw Film Festival. Jim Gaffigan, in Austin to represent the Miranda Bailey-directed ensemble comedy “You Can Choose Your Family,” presided as host. The venue was the Paramount Theatre, a 103-year-old landmark just blocks from the Texas Capitol.
SXSW will continue screening films through Saturday, when most of the festival’s audience awards recipients will be announced. The exception is for the headlining films, such as “A Quiet Place,” “Blockers,” and “Ready Player One” — those verdicts follows on March 19.
This year’s line-up comprised 256 total features and shorts, culled from 8,183 submissions. Best narrative feature “Thunder Road” was adapted from the namesake, one-take short that won a Grand Jury award at Sundance in 2016.
Lena Dunham’s “Tiny Furniture” (2010) and Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Short Term 12” (2013) are among the best-known past jury victors at SXSW. IndieWire’s Dana Harris helped choose the Louis Black “Lone Star” honoree,...
SXSW will continue screening films through Saturday, when most of the festival’s audience awards recipients will be announced. The exception is for the headlining films, such as “A Quiet Place,” “Blockers,” and “Ready Player One” — those verdicts follows on March 19.
This year’s line-up comprised 256 total features and shorts, culled from 8,183 submissions. Best narrative feature “Thunder Road” was adapted from the namesake, one-take short that won a Grand Jury award at Sundance in 2016.
Lena Dunham’s “Tiny Furniture” (2010) and Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Short Term 12” (2013) are among the best-known past jury victors at SXSW. IndieWire’s Dana Harris helped choose the Louis Black “Lone Star” honoree,...
- 3/14/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Stormy Daniels, the Movie: We Suggest the Best Directors to Handle the Story of Trump’s Former Fling

Porn star Stormy Daniels has been in the news a lot lately, even as she hasn’t been able to speak up. Pre-election, the actress spoke at length with In Touch, where she offered a detailed account of an alleged affair with the future president after meeting him at a golf tournament (“I can describe his junk perfectly”). Reports that Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohn, paid Daniels $130,000 during the election to sign a non-disclosure agreement help explain why Daniels has remained quiet about the affair, even during a coy Jimmy Kimmel appearance when she danced around questions about her relationship with Trump.
That seems to have changed, in the wake of Trump’s lawyer saying that he personally paid Daniels to keep quiet and Daniels’ agent claiming that his declaration invalidates the Nda. “Everything is off now, and Stormy is going to tell her story,” Daniels’ agent told the AP.
That seems to have changed, in the wake of Trump’s lawyer saying that he personally paid Daniels to keep quiet and Daniels’ agent claiming that his declaration invalidates the Nda. “Everything is off now, and Stormy is going to tell her story,” Daniels’ agent told the AP.
- 2/14/2018
- by Eric Kohn, Dana Harris, Jamie Righetti, Kate Erbland, Zack Sharf, William Earl and Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
CAA has hired Danielle Shebby as an agent in the motion picture talent department, reuniting her with former colleague Dana Harris, who moved from Wme to CAA in April. Shebby began her career at Wme in 2010 and was promoted to agent in 2013. At Wme, she had a client list including “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” star Janelle Monáe, “Boardwalk Empire’s” Steve Buscemi, “It’s” Bill Skarsgård, “Lady Macbeth’s” Florence Pugh, “Asassination Nation’s” Odessa Young, “Power Rangers'” Naomi Scott, “Apostle’s” Kristine Froseth, “It Comes at Night’s” Kelvin Harrison Jr., “Hello Destroyer’s” Jared Abrahamson, “Iron Fist’s” Jessica Henwick,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
Talent agent Dana Harris has exited Wme after six years and set up shop at CAA, TheWrap has learned. Harris joins the Motion Picture Talent department, a space she’s been working in since her promotion to agent in 2014. Clients and accounts she handled at her previous gig include E. May Frye, screenwriter of Channing Tatum and Steve Carell’s “Foxcatcher.” Also Read: 'Justice League' Actor Ray Fisher Signs With CAA She also repped Jon Ronson (“Okja”), Otto Bathurst (“Robin Hood”), director Sarah Adina Smth (“Buster’s Mal Heart”) and Mary Mylod (“Game of Thrones”). Harris’ hire comes...
- 5/1/2017
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Motion Picture talent agent Dana Harris has movedto CAA from Wme, where she has worked for the past six years and was an agent for the past three. During her stint at her previous agency, she worked with writer E. Max Frye who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original screenplay for Foxcatcher (along with Dan Futterman) and was an Emmy-nominated writer for Band of Brothers. She also worked with Craig Shilowich who was nominated by the Independent Spirit Awards…...
- 4/27/2017
- Deadline
The Whitewater Roundtable strives to facilitate community-building within the independent film industry. Through a series of face-to-face, lunch-time discussions addressing the art and craft of filmmaking, industry professionals share the freshest information on a wide spectrum of topics.
Their most recent panel featured a lively discussion on the art and commerce of short films, presented in conjunction with the Hollyshorts Film Festival. Other Roundtables, featured in The Hollywood Reporter , The Huffington Post , The Wrap and Film Closings , have addressed: how to successfully market indie films in the post-print media era, the interplay of image and music, piracy and its effect on independent films, the rise of Transmedia, the impact casting continues to have on foreign pre-sales and domestic deals, and much more. Check out highlights from the State of Independent Film roundtable on Ondi Timoner's a Total Disruption.
The Whitewater Roundtable is moderated by a professional member of the press, previously Jeremy Kay of Screen International and our very own Dana Harris of Indiewire, and guests are encouraged to participate in the discussions that follow a lunch hosted by Rick Rosenthal and the team at Whitewater Films.
A special 5th Year Anniversary Whitewater Film Roundtable titled "#Tbt - Whitewater Films Roundtable - 5 Years Later How has Independent Film Changed," featuring the original panelists from the very first Whitewater Films Roundtable will take place on April 30, 2015 from 1- 3pm in the courtyard at Whitewater Films, 2013 Beloit Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
You can RSVP to rsvp@whitewaterfilms.com
Previous panelists have included:
Lynette Howell / Silverwood Films Liesl Copland / Wme Nadine DeBarros / Voltage Pictures Austin Wintory / Composer Anne Goursaud / Editor iZLER / Composer Jordan Passman / scoreAscore Jay Fernandez / Hollywood Reporter (moderator) Sharon Waxman / The Wrap (moderator) Jeremy Kay / Screen International (moderator) Sara Vizcarrondo / Boxoffice Magazine (moderator) Dana Harris / Indiewire (Moderator) Nancy Collet / Cinema Collet Eric d'Aberloff / Roadside Attractions Naomi Despres / Producer Tom Clary / Scoundrel FX Michael Cioni / Lightiron Digital David Cole / LaserPacific Sylvia Desrochers / Big Time PR Harris Done / Writer, director, cameraman Jacob Aaron Estes / Filmmaker And many more.....
Their most recent panel featured a lively discussion on the art and commerce of short films, presented in conjunction with the Hollyshorts Film Festival. Other Roundtables, featured in The Hollywood Reporter , The Huffington Post , The Wrap and Film Closings , have addressed: how to successfully market indie films in the post-print media era, the interplay of image and music, piracy and its effect on independent films, the rise of Transmedia, the impact casting continues to have on foreign pre-sales and domestic deals, and much more. Check out highlights from the State of Independent Film roundtable on Ondi Timoner's a Total Disruption.
The Whitewater Roundtable is moderated by a professional member of the press, previously Jeremy Kay of Screen International and our very own Dana Harris of Indiewire, and guests are encouraged to participate in the discussions that follow a lunch hosted by Rick Rosenthal and the team at Whitewater Films.
A special 5th Year Anniversary Whitewater Film Roundtable titled "#Tbt - Whitewater Films Roundtable - 5 Years Later How has Independent Film Changed," featuring the original panelists from the very first Whitewater Films Roundtable will take place on April 30, 2015 from 1- 3pm in the courtyard at Whitewater Films, 2013 Beloit Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
You can RSVP to rsvp@whitewaterfilms.com
Previous panelists have included:
Lynette Howell / Silverwood Films Liesl Copland / Wme Nadine DeBarros / Voltage Pictures Austin Wintory / Composer Anne Goursaud / Editor iZLER / Composer Jordan Passman / scoreAscore Jay Fernandez / Hollywood Reporter (moderator) Sharon Waxman / The Wrap (moderator) Jeremy Kay / Screen International (moderator) Sara Vizcarrondo / Boxoffice Magazine (moderator) Dana Harris / Indiewire (Moderator) Nancy Collet / Cinema Collet Eric d'Aberloff / Roadside Attractions Naomi Despres / Producer Tom Clary / Scoundrel FX Michael Cioni / Lightiron Digital David Cole / LaserPacific Sylvia Desrochers / Big Time PR Harris Done / Writer, director, cameraman Jacob Aaron Estes / Filmmaker And many more.....
- 4/22/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
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