Sony Pictures International Productions and Italy’s Eagle Pictures have announced psychological thriller “Il Corpo” (“The Body”), starring Claudia Gerini (“John Wick: Chapter 2”), as part of their local co-production partnership.
Principal photography recently wrapped on the film, which is co-written by its director Vincenzo Alfieri (“Mad Dog”) with Giuseppe G. Stasi, who recently made a splash in Italy as the writer and co-director of hit Amazon Prime Video series “The Bad Guy.”
Gerini (pictured in the first-look image above) plays a rich entrepreneur named Rebecca Zuin whose death, due to an alleged heart attack, raises suspicions on the part of a police inspector played by Giuseppe Battiston (“Perfect Strangers”) after her body disappears from the morgue. When her handsome young husband, played by Andrea Di Luigi (“Nuovo Olimpo”), becomes a suspect, he starts thinking she may have faked her death to sadistically torment him.
“We are delighted to bring...
Principal photography recently wrapped on the film, which is co-written by its director Vincenzo Alfieri (“Mad Dog”) with Giuseppe G. Stasi, who recently made a splash in Italy as the writer and co-director of hit Amazon Prime Video series “The Bad Guy.”
Gerini (pictured in the first-look image above) plays a rich entrepreneur named Rebecca Zuin whose death, due to an alleged heart attack, raises suspicions on the part of a police inspector played by Giuseppe Battiston (“Perfect Strangers”) after her body disappears from the morgue. When her handsome young husband, played by Andrea Di Luigi (“Nuovo Olimpo”), becomes a suspect, he starts thinking she may have faked her death to sadistically torment him.
“We are delighted to bring...
- 12/15/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar winning actress was Saudi Arabia to deliver Red Sea masterclass.
Oscar winner Halle Berry told a Red Sea International Film Festival audience that she might return to Saudi Arabia to shoot upcoming action thriller Maude v Maude with fellow co-star and co-producer Oscar winner Angelina Jolie.
Speaking in a masterclass at the festival, Berry revealed that she had scouted some locations in Jeddah’s historic old town and had some ideas that might be useful. “Warner Bros bought our screenplay, so we have the chance to go around the world and we want to go into places that have...
Oscar winner Halle Berry told a Red Sea International Film Festival audience that she might return to Saudi Arabia to shoot upcoming action thriller Maude v Maude with fellow co-star and co-producer Oscar winner Angelina Jolie.
Speaking in a masterclass at the festival, Berry revealed that she had scouted some locations in Jeddah’s historic old town and had some ideas that might be useful. “Warner Bros bought our screenplay, so we have the chance to go around the world and we want to go into places that have...
- 12/7/2023
- by Mona Sheded
- ScreenDaily
International execs note the quality of projects on offer and growth potential of Saudi industry
A significant number of international executives have beaten a path to the Red Sea International Film Festival’s market over the past week to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing Saudi film market.
The Souk took place for four busy days from December 2-5. All the major Saudi players were on the ground, firming up its reputation as the place to learn about the local industry and to strike up relationships.
Red Sea managing director Shivani Pandya Malhotra said industry accreditation was up by 10% on last year,...
A significant number of international executives have beaten a path to the Red Sea International Film Festival’s market over the past week to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing Saudi film market.
The Souk took place for four busy days from December 2-5. All the major Saudi players were on the ground, firming up its reputation as the place to learn about the local industry and to strike up relationships.
Red Sea managing director Shivani Pandya Malhotra said industry accreditation was up by 10% on last year,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Eagle Pictures and Studios de Paris owner says he is looking to partner with Saudi executives on film industry investments in the country
One of the most prominent international figures attending this year’s Red Sea is Tunisian-French producer, distributor and studio-owner Tarak Ben Ammar.
Ben Ammar, who brought over 60 movies such as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Life of Brian to shoot in Tunisia, owns Italy’s production and distribution banner Eagle Pictures and French production facility Studios de Paris. Eagle Pictures recently co-produced The Equaliser 3 with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Speaking to Screen, Ben Ammar compared...
One of the most prominent international figures attending this year’s Red Sea is Tunisian-French producer, distributor and studio-owner Tarak Ben Ammar.
Ben Ammar, who brought over 60 movies such as Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Life of Brian to shoot in Tunisia, owns Italy’s production and distribution banner Eagle Pictures and French production facility Studios de Paris. Eagle Pictures recently co-produced The Equaliser 3 with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Speaking to Screen, Ben Ammar compared...
- 12/6/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival launched its third edition on Thursday evening with a characteristically starry red carpet featuring the likes of Michelle Williams, Johnny Depp, Sharon Stone and Will Smith.
The kick-off had more of a local feel than the first two editions, however, with an Arabic-language film, the fantasy adventure Hwjn, opening the festival for the first time.
Set against the backdrop of the festival’s home city of Jeddah, the drama stars rising Saudi actor Baraa Alem, as an endearing young djinn who falls for a young woman, played by emerging actress Nour Alkhadra.
Its selection as the opening title is seen as a sign of the growing strength of the film and TV business in Saudi Arabia, just six years after the lifting of the country’s 35-year cinema ban as part of its 2030 strategy aimed at moving the economy away from oil.
Directed...
The kick-off had more of a local feel than the first two editions, however, with an Arabic-language film, the fantasy adventure Hwjn, opening the festival for the first time.
Set against the backdrop of the festival’s home city of Jeddah, the drama stars rising Saudi actor Baraa Alem, as an endearing young djinn who falls for a young woman, played by emerging actress Nour Alkhadra.
Its selection as the opening title is seen as a sign of the growing strength of the film and TV business in Saudi Arabia, just six years after the lifting of the country’s 35-year cinema ban as part of its 2030 strategy aimed at moving the economy away from oil.
Directed...
- 12/1/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Tarak Ben Ammar, the president of Eagle Pictures, strolls into The Hollywood Reporter Roma studio at the Venice Film Festival in casual dress, polo shirt and pants, all in the same matching grey, except for pitch-black loafers.
“I love to walk,” he says, tutting about the state of disrepair of Lido landmark The Excelsior, which he just passed by and which is in dire need of renovation. “The Excelsior can no longer be called a luxury hotel,” he argues, before taking a seat to talk about his storied life in the movie business.
The Tunisian-French media mogul knows a few things about rebuilding. Ben Ammar acquired Eagle Pictures in 2007 and has turned the Milan-based production and distribution group into a European powerhouse. Exclusive distribution deals with Paramount and Sony Pictures have made Eagle Italy’s largest independent distributor, and Ben Ammar has leveraged his Sony deal to co-produce with the studio,...
“I love to walk,” he says, tutting about the state of disrepair of Lido landmark The Excelsior, which he just passed by and which is in dire need of renovation. “The Excelsior can no longer be called a luxury hotel,” he argues, before taking a seat to talk about his storied life in the movie business.
The Tunisian-French media mogul knows a few things about rebuilding. Ben Ammar acquired Eagle Pictures in 2007 and has turned the Milan-based production and distribution group into a European powerhouse. Exclusive distribution deals with Paramount and Sony Pictures have made Eagle Italy’s largest independent distributor, and Ben Ammar has leveraged his Sony deal to co-produce with the studio,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Pino Gagliardi
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nicola Maccanico, a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec, has been spearheading the radical overhaul of Rome’s Cinecittà Studios since June 2021, when the government-owned facilities secured a multi-million dollar loan provided by the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund to upgrade and expand the iconic facilities.
Under Maccanico’s watch, the studios – which now boast 20 state-of-the-art soundstages and one of Europe’s largest LED walls – have become a magnet for Hollywood productions, such as Netflix’s period soap “The Decameron” and Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die,” which is still currently shooting.
But, of course, the SAG-AFTRA strike is starting to slow things down and could “become a big problem,” as Maccanico tells Variety below.
You were just at Venice where several films shot at Cinecittà launched, one being Saverio Costanzo’s “Finally Dawn.” How are the studios doing? Are you feeling the pain of the SAG-AFTRA strike?...
Under Maccanico’s watch, the studios – which now boast 20 state-of-the-art soundstages and one of Europe’s largest LED walls – have become a magnet for Hollywood productions, such as Netflix’s period soap “The Decameron” and Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die,” which is still currently shooting.
But, of course, the SAG-AFTRA strike is starting to slow things down and could “become a big problem,” as Maccanico tells Variety below.
You were just at Venice where several films shot at Cinecittà launched, one being Saverio Costanzo’s “Finally Dawn.” How are the studios doing? Are you feeling the pain of the SAG-AFTRA strike?...
- 9/13/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Italian film producer Andrea Iervolino, whose credits include the Oscar-nominated Tell It Like a Woman and Michael Mann’s upcoming Ferrari biopic, is laying plans for a new film studio complex in Tuscany.
Iervolino says the $55 million (€50 million) backlot, Tuscany Film Studios, will be located outside Florence and could begin operation as early as fall 2024.
“My idea is simple,” Iervolino told THR Roma. “To create an avant-garde film hub in a place that is, in itself, one of the most beautiful in the world, where stars would gladly come to shoot … I was in Rome the other day, dining with James Franco. I told him about the project, which is already in the operational phase, and he said, ‘I would come to shoot there tomorrow!”
Italy is enjoying a bit of a production boom at the moment, thanks to the country’s generous 40 percent tax incentive for international shoots and...
Iervolino says the $55 million (€50 million) backlot, Tuscany Film Studios, will be located outside Florence and could begin operation as early as fall 2024.
“My idea is simple,” Iervolino told THR Roma. “To create an avant-garde film hub in a place that is, in itself, one of the most beautiful in the world, where stars would gladly come to shoot … I was in Rome the other day, dining with James Franco. I told him about the project, which is already in the operational phase, and he said, ‘I would come to shoot there tomorrow!”
Italy is enjoying a bit of a production boom at the moment, thanks to the country’s generous 40 percent tax incentive for international shoots and...
- 8/6/2023
- by Giovanni Bogani
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rome’s Cinecittà Studios are in the midst of a radical overhaul that started in June 2021, when the government-owned facilities, headed by Nicola Maccanico — who is a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec — secured a multi-million dollar loan provided by the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund to upgrade and expand the studios.
Productions that recently set up camp on its iconic backlot, lured in part by Italy’s generous 40% cash-back tax credit, include Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die,” which is currently shooting, and Luca Guadagnino’s recently wrapped William Burroughs adaptation “Queer” starring Daniel Craig. The Cinecittà revamp plan originally entailed an expansion through a deal to acquire a 76-acre plot of land adjacent to the studios on which eight additional sound stages were meant to be built. However, this deal has been halted in recent months after part of the land was...
Productions that recently set up camp on its iconic backlot, lured in part by Italy’s generous 40% cash-back tax credit, include Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die,” which is currently shooting, and Luca Guadagnino’s recently wrapped William Burroughs adaptation “Queer” starring Daniel Craig. The Cinecittà revamp plan originally entailed an expansion through a deal to acquire a 76-acre plot of land adjacent to the studios on which eight additional sound stages were meant to be built. However, this deal has been halted in recent months after part of the land was...
- 8/3/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Tarak Ben Ammar has big plans for Italy. The Franco-Tunisian film and TV mogul is already a major player in the Italian industry thanks to Eagle Pictures, the production and distribution group he acquired in 2007 that is now Italy’s largest independent distributor due to exclusive distribution deals with Paramount and Sony Pictures for the territory. Ben Ammar joined Tom Cruise on the Rome red carpet for the June 19 world premiere of Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and later introduced Cruise to new Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. “The meeting [between Cruise and Meloni] was very interesting. The prime minister knows a lot about cinema,” says Ben Ammar about the far-right leader.
Alongside Eagle’s distribution deals, the company has also partnered with Sony to co-produce six films together, including The Equalizer 3, the latest in Antoine Fuqua’s action franchise starring Denzel Washington that was shot entirely in Italy.
Alongside Eagle’s distribution deals, the company has also partnered with Sony to co-produce six films together, including The Equalizer 3, the latest in Antoine Fuqua’s action franchise starring Denzel Washington that was shot entirely in Italy.
- 8/3/2023
- by Pino Gagliardi
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Franco-Tunisian film and TV entrepreneur Tarak Ben Ammar is expanding the scope of his Italian operations by buying local unscripted production outfit Blu Yazmine, while also entering talks to build a large studio complex in Rome.
Though Ben Ammar’s ambitious plans to build sprawling new filming facilities in the Italian capital are in advanced talks but not fully concrete, the purchase of a majority stake in Blu Yazmine via his Rome-based Eagle Pictures has been closed.
Eagle Pictures, which is headed by former Mediaset exec Andrea Goretti, is Italy’s top indie film distributor thanks to its deals with Paramount and Sony Pictures, whose titles they release exclusively in Italian cinemas. The Rome-based company is also becoming increasingly active in the TV sphere.
The deal that Eagle has with Sony also involves a partnership to co-produce six pictures, one of which is the upcoming Denzel Washington-starrer “The Equalizer 3,...
Though Ben Ammar’s ambitious plans to build sprawling new filming facilities in the Italian capital are in advanced talks but not fully concrete, the purchase of a majority stake in Blu Yazmine via his Rome-based Eagle Pictures has been closed.
Eagle Pictures, which is headed by former Mediaset exec Andrea Goretti, is Italy’s top indie film distributor thanks to its deals with Paramount and Sony Pictures, whose titles they release exclusively in Italian cinemas. The Rome-based company is also becoming increasingly active in the TV sphere.
The deal that Eagle has with Sony also involves a partnership to co-produce six pictures, one of which is the upcoming Denzel Washington-starrer “The Equalizer 3,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Italy has just hosted Summit for US and French producers, is taking major delegation to Tokyo Film Festival and will be Country in Focus at Berlinale’s EFM.
Italy has embarked on a major campaign to promote its filmmakers and movies around the world and to attract international productions to the country.
Last week, the country hosted the Audiovisual Producer’s Summit in Trieste, inviting leading US producers and studio executives as well as a significant French delegation to meet with Italian producers and industry figures. This follows Italy being the guest of honour at Mexico’s Guadalajara Film Festival in June.
Italy has embarked on a major campaign to promote its filmmakers and movies around the world and to attract international productions to the country.
Last week, the country hosted the Audiovisual Producer’s Summit in Trieste, inviting leading US producers and studio executives as well as a significant French delegation to meet with Italian producers and industry figures. This follows Italy being the guest of honour at Mexico’s Guadalajara Film Festival in June.
- 7/28/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Amid the U.S. industry’s historic double strike of actors and writers, a top Hollywood executive is weighing in on how the two sides could work to resolve the labor impasse.
“We want to find a deal. We need to come to a deal. Even if the newspapers wrote otherwise. We want to go back to the table and resolve this issue quickly,” Tony Vinciquerra, chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said during the Audio-Visual Producers Summit in Trieste, Italy on Friday.
“It’s not true that we don’t want to negotiate,” said the executive, referring to the failed talks with SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union that has been on strike since July 13. “It’s exactly the opposite. We are sorry for the strike. We are aware of the importance of screenwriters and actors, who are key partners in the production of films and series. The problem must be solved.
“We want to find a deal. We need to come to a deal. Even if the newspapers wrote otherwise. We want to go back to the table and resolve this issue quickly,” Tony Vinciquerra, chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said during the Audio-Visual Producers Summit in Trieste, Italy on Friday.
“It’s not true that we don’t want to negotiate,” said the executive, referring to the failed talks with SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union that has been on strike since July 13. “It’s exactly the opposite. We are sorry for the strike. We are aware of the importance of screenwriters and actors, who are key partners in the production of films and series. The problem must be solved.
- 7/21/2023
- by Martina Barone
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran producer is creating new studio in Rome.
There’s a big need for more studios in France and Italy while the UK market is “saturated” with too many sound stages, according to veteran producer and Eagle Pictures president Tarak Ben Ammar.
Last month, the Tunisian-French film producer announced plans to invest €40-50 million to create new production studios in Rome which he hopes to open in 2024.
Speaking at the Audiovisual Producers Summit in Trieste, Ben Ammar said that the Italian market requires more studios space, noting that the legendary Cinecitta film studios are “full” and that it had put...
There’s a big need for more studios in France and Italy while the UK market is “saturated” with too many sound stages, according to veteran producer and Eagle Pictures president Tarak Ben Ammar.
Last month, the Tunisian-French film producer announced plans to invest €40-50 million to create new production studios in Rome which he hopes to open in 2024.
Speaking at the Audiovisual Producers Summit in Trieste, Ben Ammar said that the Italian market requires more studios space, noting that the legendary Cinecitta film studios are “full” and that it had put...
- 7/21/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Studio boss addresses strike at Audiovisual Producers Summit in Trieste.
Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra has stressed that studios want to get back into the negotiating room with the actors’ and writers’ unions in a bid to bring the strike to an end.
Speaking at the Audiovisual Producers Summit in Trieste, Vinciquerra said: “We are very dismayed by these strikes, we entered negotiations with WGA and SAG intending to make a deal, wanting to make a deal. There are lots of headlines saying the opposite, that is absolutely untrue. We need to do a deal, we want to do a deal.
Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra has stressed that studios want to get back into the negotiating room with the actors’ and writers’ unions in a bid to bring the strike to an end.
Speaking at the Audiovisual Producers Summit in Trieste, Vinciquerra said: “We are very dismayed by these strikes, we entered negotiations with WGA and SAG intending to make a deal, wanting to make a deal. There are lots of headlines saying the opposite, that is absolutely untrue. We need to do a deal, we want to do a deal.
- 7/21/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Tony Vinciquerra, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, took a guarded tone in talking about the SAG-AFTRA strike during an industry panel in Italy on Friday. But it was clear that he hopes it will be over soon.
“We are very dismayed about having these strikes” said Vinciquerra, referring to the combined WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that mark the second time in Hollywood history that actors have joined writers on the picket lines.
“We want to make a deal,” the Sony chief went on, adding: “Even though there have been a lot of headlines saying the opposite.”
“We need to make a deal and we want to make a deal,” Vinciquerra reiterated. “We value our actors because obviously they are very important partners to us. We want to go back to the table and get this settled quickly.”
“The thing that really troubles me though,” the Sony chief said,...
“We are very dismayed about having these strikes” said Vinciquerra, referring to the combined WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that mark the second time in Hollywood history that actors have joined writers on the picket lines.
“We want to make a deal,” the Sony chief went on, adding: “Even though there have been a lot of headlines saying the opposite.”
“We need to make a deal and we want to make a deal,” Vinciquerra reiterated. “We value our actors because obviously they are very important partners to us. We want to go back to the table and get this settled quickly.”
“The thing that really troubles me though,” the Sony chief said,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Principal photography has wrapped in Italy on Sony Pictures International Productions and Eagle Pictures’ local-language romantic comedy You’ve Got Hotspot (Hotspot – Amore Senza Rete). From director Giulio Manfredonia, this is the first of five Italian projects that will see the partners equally involved in production.
Francesco Arca (Allacciate le Cinture, Gli Idoli delle Donne, Resta con Me) and Denise Tantucci (Tre Piani, Io e Mio Fratello) star in the pic co-written by Roberto Proia (Come non Detto, Sul Più Bello trilogy, Backstage – Dietro le Quinte) and Mauro Graiani (Poli Opposti, Copperman).
The story follows Tina (Tantucci), a young dancer with big dreams. While waiting for her flight at a London airport, she realizes that the application for a very important audition for the San Carlo Theatre in Naples is about to expire and she has 20 minutes to send the email, but...
Francesco Arca (Allacciate le Cinture, Gli Idoli delle Donne, Resta con Me) and Denise Tantucci (Tre Piani, Io e Mio Fratello) star in the pic co-written by Roberto Proia (Come non Detto, Sul Più Bello trilogy, Backstage – Dietro le Quinte) and Mauro Graiani (Poli Opposti, Copperman).
The story follows Tina (Tantucci), a young dancer with big dreams. While waiting for her flight at a London airport, she realizes that the application for a very important audition for the San Carlo Theatre in Naples is about to expire and she has 20 minutes to send the email, but...
- 6/30/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
One of France’s largest studio complexes, the Studios of Bry-sur-Marne, have been bought by Axa Im Alts from Nexity.
The Bry-sur-Marne studios, which boast eight stages, hosts the filming of roughly half of all French productions, notably this year’s highest grossing local film “Asterix and Obelix: the Middle Kingdom,” and the Canal+ series “Marie-Antoinette.” The studios facility is part of the 12 acres of land acquired by Axa Im Alts, an asset manager and investment vehicle for Axa, the global insurance company.
As part of the deal, the studios will now be managed by Guillaume de Menthon, the former boss of Telfrance, a prominent producer of TV content such as the daily soap “Demain tout commence.” De Menthon will strive to double the site’s production capacity.
It marks Axa Im Alts’ first venture in the fast-growing studio sector. The company stated that it anticipates the “rapid growth in...
The Bry-sur-Marne studios, which boast eight stages, hosts the filming of roughly half of all French productions, notably this year’s highest grossing local film “Asterix and Obelix: the Middle Kingdom,” and the Canal+ series “Marie-Antoinette.” The studios facility is part of the 12 acres of land acquired by Axa Im Alts, an asset manager and investment vehicle for Axa, the global insurance company.
As part of the deal, the studios will now be managed by Guillaume de Menthon, the former boss of Telfrance, a prominent producer of TV content such as the daily soap “Demain tout commence.” De Menthon will strive to double the site’s production capacity.
It marks Axa Im Alts’ first venture in the fast-growing studio sector. The company stated that it anticipates the “rapid growth in...
- 6/5/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi’s upcoming drama “The Teacher,” which is shot and set in Palestine’s West Bank, has been acquired by top Italian indie distributor Eagle Pictures just as Vincent Maraval’s Goodfellas launches sales on the timely title in Cannes.
Goodfellas, formerly known as Wild Bunch, on Thursday will be presenting to buyers the almost completed film that takes its cue from a real prisoners swap that took place in 2011 when Israel freed more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one soldier who had been kidnapped by Palestinian militants.
In “The Teacher” a Palestinian school teacher played by Saleh Bakri struggles to reconcile his commitment to political resistance with his emotional support for one of his students. There is also a subplot involving his romantic relationship with a British volunteer worker, played by Imogen Poots (“The Father”).
“It takes place at a moment where an Israeli-Jewish-American soldier...
Goodfellas, formerly known as Wild Bunch, on Thursday will be presenting to buyers the almost completed film that takes its cue from a real prisoners swap that took place in 2011 when Israel freed more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for one soldier who had been kidnapped by Palestinian militants.
In “The Teacher” a Palestinian school teacher played by Saleh Bakri struggles to reconcile his commitment to political resistance with his emotional support for one of his students. There is also a subplot involving his romantic relationship with a British volunteer worker, played by Imogen Poots (“The Father”).
“It takes place at a moment where an Israeli-Jewish-American soldier...
- 5/18/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington returns for one final outing as Robert McCall in Columbia Pictures’ The Equalizer 3. The third film of the action franchise’s intense official trailer shows the former government assassin is just as lethal now as he was when Washington first played him in the 2014 film.
The third and final film reunites Washington with his Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning nearly 20 years after they made that action movie together.
Antoine Fuqua directed The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, and returns to direct The Equalizer 3. Richard Wenk, screenwriter of the first two films, also returns. Fuqua, Washington, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, and Tony Eldridge produce, with David Bloomfield, Tarak Ben Ammar, and Andy Mitchell executive producing.
‘The Equalizer 3’ stars Gaia Scodellaro, Denzel Washington, and Dakota Fanning. (Photo by: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi)
The Equalizer 3 Plot:
Since giving up his life as a government assassin,...
The third and final film reunites Washington with his Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning nearly 20 years after they made that action movie together.
Antoine Fuqua directed The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, and returns to direct The Equalizer 3. Richard Wenk, screenwriter of the first two films, also returns. Fuqua, Washington, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Clayton Townsend, Alex Siskin, and Tony Eldridge produce, with David Bloomfield, Tarak Ben Ammar, and Andy Mitchell executive producing.
‘The Equalizer 3’ stars Gaia Scodellaro, Denzel Washington, and Dakota Fanning. (Photo by: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi)
The Equalizer 3 Plot:
Since giving up his life as a government assassin,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
American musical comedy film “Lyle Lyle Crocodile,” is set to release in mainland China cinemas, having received approvals for import and distribution from Chinese authorities. It will play in China from April 15, 2023.
The film was released in North America in early October last year and many other territories at the end of 2022. Parts of Asia have been later to receive the title with Korea and Taiwan play it from January and Japan set to open it from March 24.
The film has grossed $108 million worldwide, with $60.9 million of that coming from international markets and $46.8 million from the North American domestic market, studio backer Sony Pictures reported.
The film which mixes animation and live action is based on a best-selling book series by Bernard Waber.
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes...
The film was released in North America in early October last year and many other territories at the end of 2022. Parts of Asia have been later to receive the title with Korea and Taiwan play it from January and Japan set to open it from March 24.
The film has grossed $108 million worldwide, with $60.9 million of that coming from international markets and $46.8 million from the North American domestic market, studio backer Sony Pictures reported.
The film which mixes animation and live action is based on a best-selling book series by Bernard Waber.
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes...
- 3/9/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony Pictures International Productions has acquired global rights to the award-winning comedy Americanish, marking the feature directorial debut of Iman Zawahry. Specifics as to plans for the pic’s distribution have not yet been disclosed.
Written by Aizzah Fatima and Zawahry, Americanish follows sisters Sam (Aizzah Fatima) and Maryam Khan (Salena Qureshi), and their cousin Ameera (Shenaz Treasury), as they navigate love, careers and familial pressures in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Zawahry’s first feature won the Audience Award in its 2021 world premiere at San Francisco’s CAAMFest before going on to win a total of 25 awards at festivals around the world. Pic’s cast also includes Mo‘s Mo Amer, as well as Lillette Dubey (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Kapil Talwalkar (Charmed), Ajay Naidu (The Good Nurse), Godfrey (South Side), George Wendt (Christmas with the Campbells), David Rasche (Succession), Natasha Chandel (Seal Team), Purva Bedi (One Of Us Is Lying...
Written by Aizzah Fatima and Zawahry, Americanish follows sisters Sam (Aizzah Fatima) and Maryam Khan (Salena Qureshi), and their cousin Ameera (Shenaz Treasury), as they navigate love, careers and familial pressures in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Zawahry’s first feature won the Audience Award in its 2021 world premiere at San Francisco’s CAAMFest before going on to win a total of 25 awards at festivals around the world. Pic’s cast also includes Mo‘s Mo Amer, as well as Lillette Dubey (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Kapil Talwalkar (Charmed), Ajay Naidu (The Good Nurse), Godfrey (South Side), George Wendt (Christmas with the Campbells), David Rasche (Succession), Natasha Chandel (Seal Team), Purva Bedi (One Of Us Is Lying...
- 1/11/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
There have been reports over the last 24 hours of a drugs raid implicating production staff involved in the Italian shoot of The Equalizer 3 on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Deadline is hearing from close sources, however, that the arrested parties worked for a catering company which was an independent contractor and would likely be replaced.
They add that the men were arrested after a private gathering on a day off for the country’s November 1 All Saints’ public holiday and were not on set when their alleged crimes took place.
According to reports in the Italian press, Italian paramilitary police raided the accommodation where the men were staying Tuesday and seized 120 grams of cocaine.
Local carabinieri captain Umberto D’Angelantonio said two Roman caterers had been arrested and charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of dealing and were now being held under house arrest at their hotel in the coastal town of Maiori.
Deadline is hearing from close sources, however, that the arrested parties worked for a catering company which was an independent contractor and would likely be replaced.
They add that the men were arrested after a private gathering on a day off for the country’s November 1 All Saints’ public holiday and were not on set when their alleged crimes took place.
According to reports in the Italian press, Italian paramilitary police raided the accommodation where the men were staying Tuesday and seized 120 grams of cocaine.
Local carabinieri captain Umberto D’Angelantonio said two Roman caterers had been arrested and charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of dealing and were now being held under house arrest at their hotel in the coastal town of Maiori.
- 11/2/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow and Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Eagle Pictures Seals Italy Distribution & Production Deal With Sony
Tarak Ben Ammar’s Italian distribution and production house Eagle Pictures has sealed a distribution and production deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment which will take effect from 2023. “The deal with Sony represents an important step in consolidating the company as one of the biggest players in the sector alongside Disney, Universal and Warner Bros Italia,” said Ben Ammar in a release. Eagle Pictures was Italy’s top-performing distributor in the second quarter of 2022, thanks in part to its long-standing relationship with Paramount which saw it handle the Italian release of Top Gun: Maverick. Under the deal, Eagle Pictures will handle the Italian release of Spe features and the partners will also produce five Italian and European films together, which will then be distributed internationally via Sony’s worldwide distribution network. Ben Ammar is already collaborating with Sony on two international productions,...
Tarak Ben Ammar’s Italian distribution and production house Eagle Pictures has sealed a distribution and production deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment which will take effect from 2023. “The deal with Sony represents an important step in consolidating the company as one of the biggest players in the sector alongside Disney, Universal and Warner Bros Italia,” said Ben Ammar in a release. Eagle Pictures was Italy’s top-performing distributor in the second quarter of 2022, thanks in part to its long-standing relationship with Paramount which saw it handle the Italian release of Top Gun: Maverick. Under the deal, Eagle Pictures will handle the Italian release of Spe features and the partners will also produce five Italian and European films together, which will then be distributed internationally via Sony’s worldwide distribution network. Ben Ammar is already collaborating with Sony on two international productions,...
- 11/2/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Bernard Waber’s “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” book series is now a major motion picture. The live action/CGI musical comedy stars a whole host of names, including one Canadian singer as the voice of a talented crocodile. The film will feature songs performed by star Shawn Mendes and written by the songwriting team behind “The Greatest Showman” — Benj Pasek and Justin Paul — with an ensemble cast that includes Javier Bardem and Constance Wu.
For “Lyle,” Pasek and Paul are joined by Ari Afsar, Emily Gardner, Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick and Joriah Kwamé. Will Speck and Josh Gordon directed and produced the film, with a screenplay by Will Davies. Hutch Parker also produces, and executive producers include Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell.
For those wondering how to watch “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” we have the information below, along with who is in the film,...
For “Lyle,” Pasek and Paul are joined by Ari Afsar, Emily Gardner, Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick and Joriah Kwamé. Will Speck and Josh Gordon directed and produced the film, with a screenplay by Will Davies. Hutch Parker also produces, and executive producers include Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell.
For those wondering how to watch “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” we have the information below, along with who is in the film,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Grammy nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes debuted his new song, “Heartbeat”. The track was written by Shawn, Jon Bellion, Amy Allen, Scott Harris, Jason ‘Tenroc’ Cornet, Clyde Lawrence and Jordan Cohen and produced by Shawn, Jon Bellion, TenRoc, and The Diner. The song will appear in the end title of Sony Pictures’ upcoming live action/CGI musical comedy, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, out in theaters on October 7th.
Alongside the song, it was also announced the original motion picture soundtrack will be released on October 7th. The tracklist for the film was revealed last week. The soundtrack was written by Oscar winning duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and features Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John, as well as co-stars, Constance Wu, Javier Bardem, and Anthony Ramos.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, starring Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Shawn Mendes,...
Alongside the song, it was also announced the original motion picture soundtrack will be released on October 7th. The tracklist for the film was revealed last week. The soundtrack was written by Oscar winning duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and features Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John, as well as co-stars, Constance Wu, Javier Bardem, and Anthony Ramos.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, starring Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Shawn Mendes,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Franco-Tunisian film entrepreneur Tarak Ben Ammar’s Italian distribution and production outfit Eagle Pictures is beefing up its production side with the purchase of film and TV startup 302 Original Content.
The Milan-based 302 is headed by emerging producer Giuseppe Saccà who shepherded the 2020 Berlin-prizewinning drama “Bad Tales” by Italy’s Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo when he was working with his father, veteran producer and former Rai head of drama Agostino Sacca, under their Pepito Produzioni shingle.
Saccà, who left Pepito and joined 302 Original Content in July 2021, will stay on board as its managing director.
302, which was founded by veteran TV exec Piero Crispino — who has since exited — got traction in Italy’s kids’ space by producing shows for Disney that have travelled internationally, such as “Alex & Co” and “Penny on M.A.R.S.,” but also various types of content for local broadcasters Rai, Mediaset, Sky, Viacom and Discovery.
Under Saccà’s guidance, the...
The Milan-based 302 is headed by emerging producer Giuseppe Saccà who shepherded the 2020 Berlin-prizewinning drama “Bad Tales” by Italy’s Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo when he was working with his father, veteran producer and former Rai head of drama Agostino Sacca, under their Pepito Produzioni shingle.
Saccà, who left Pepito and joined 302 Original Content in July 2021, will stay on board as its managing director.
302, which was founded by veteran TV exec Piero Crispino — who has since exited — got traction in Italy’s kids’ space by producing shows for Disney that have travelled internationally, such as “Alex & Co” and “Penny on M.A.R.S.,” but also various types of content for local broadcasters Rai, Mediaset, Sky, Viacom and Discovery.
Under Saccà’s guidance, the...
- 8/4/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Leading Italian theatrical distribution and production house Eagle Pictures has acquired a 100 stake in emerging independent film and TV production start-up 302 Original Content.
Giuseppe Saccà launched 302 Original Content in July 2021 and will stay on as its managing director.
Saccà previously produced alongside his father Agostino Sacca under the banner of Pepito Produzioni, the Rome-based company behind films such as Gianni Amelio’s Hammamet and Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo’s Bad Tales.
302 Original Content’s credits to date include Calabria-set romantic comedy My Brother And I about a brother and sister fighting for the love of the same woman, and the Marta & Eva teen series produced with Rai Ragazzi for Rai Gulp/RaiPlay.
“The acquisition of 302 further expands Eagle Pictures’ business in a constantly evolving audiovisual market,” said Eagle Pictures president and owner Tarak Ben Ammar.
Eagle Pictures was Italy’s top performing distributor in the second quarter of 2022 with a 22.5 share of the market,...
Giuseppe Saccà launched 302 Original Content in July 2021 and will stay on as its managing director.
Saccà previously produced alongside his father Agostino Sacca under the banner of Pepito Produzioni, the Rome-based company behind films such as Gianni Amelio’s Hammamet and Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo’s Bad Tales.
302 Original Content’s credits to date include Calabria-set romantic comedy My Brother And I about a brother and sister fighting for the love of the same woman, and the Marta & Eva teen series produced with Rai Ragazzi for Rai Gulp/RaiPlay.
“The acquisition of 302 further expands Eagle Pictures’ business in a constantly evolving audiovisual market,” said Eagle Pictures president and owner Tarak Ben Ammar.
Eagle Pictures was Italy’s top performing distributor in the second quarter of 2022 with a 22.5 share of the market,...
- 8/4/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Lyle takes a trip through New York in Columbia Pictures Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Photo by: Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Watch the new trailer for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem and Constance Wu.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show...
Watch the new trailer for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem and Constance Wu.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show...
- 6/23/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
What exactly is “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile?” It’s a kids musical about a crocodile! He wears a scarf, and he can sing! And he’s voiced by pop artist Shawn Mendes.
On Wednesday, Sony Pictures released the first trailer for “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” which is a live-action movie featuring Mendes as the singing, dancing, CGI reptile based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber.
The film follows the Primm family, played by Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy and Winslow Fegley, as they move to New York City and find waiting for them in their bathroom tub Lyle… who we’ll remind you is a CGI singing crocodile. He also loves caviar. And the trailer shows the Primm family at one point making a painting of Lyle, as well as him sticking his head out a NYC cab like a puppy while wearing a Florida Gators jersey, causing countless unseen car wrecks.
On Wednesday, Sony Pictures released the first trailer for “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” which is a live-action movie featuring Mendes as the singing, dancing, CGI reptile based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber.
The film follows the Primm family, played by Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy and Winslow Fegley, as they move to New York City and find waiting for them in their bathroom tub Lyle… who we’ll remind you is a CGI singing crocodile. He also loves caviar. And the trailer shows the Primm family at one point making a painting of Lyle, as well as him sticking his head out a NYC cab like a puppy while wearing a Florida Gators jersey, causing countless unseen car wrecks.
- 6/22/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Shortly after Harvey Weinstein was exposed as a sexual predator in October 2017, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched a civil rights investigation into The Weinstein Company. Four months later — with the goal of publicly identifying Weinstein’s enablers and ensuring that his survivors would be compensated — the Ag’s office filed a lawsuit that offered a blistering assessment of Weinstein’s inner circle, singling out Harvey’s brother, Bob Weinstein, TWC management, and the TWC board for “failing to investigate or stop [Harvey Weinstein’s abuse].”
Still, in the wake of The Weinstein Company’s collapse,...
Still, in the wake of The Weinstein Company’s collapse,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: Jonathan Glickman has launched Panoramic Media, a multi-platform content venture. The former MGM Motion Picture Group President launches with investment from Gary Barber, Spyglass Media Group, Eagle Pictures, Lantern Entertainment, Pinky Promise and United Talent Agency. Glickman wasn’t putting a number on the investment, but it is significant for the startup, which will be platform agnostic with the financial resources to develop projects across all platforms.
The new capital will fund IP creation across film, television, podcast and digital platforms. Glickman, founder and CEO of the new venture, spent the last two years putting together the funding, a creative team and projects that will be unfurled over time. The new company will expand upon Glickman’s existing slate of projects set up at Netflix, Amazon, MGM, Warner Media, Paramount, and MRC, as well as a joint podcast venture with iHeartMedia.
In its first key hire, Panoramic Media has...
The new capital will fund IP creation across film, television, podcast and digital platforms. Glickman, founder and CEO of the new venture, spent the last two years putting together the funding, a creative team and projects that will be unfurled over time. The new company will expand upon Glickman’s existing slate of projects set up at Netflix, Amazon, MGM, Warner Media, Paramount, and MRC, as well as a joint podcast venture with iHeartMedia.
In its first key hire, Panoramic Media has...
- 3/8/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Barber, Lantern Entertainment, Pinky Promise among strategic investors.
Tarak Ben Ammar’s Italian distributor Eagle Pictures, Spyglass Media Group and Hollywood agency UTA are among backers of Rush Hour franchise and Creed III producer Jonathan Glickman’s new venture Panoramic Media.
Strategic investors for Glickman, the former president of MGM film group, include longtime associate Gary Barber, Lantern Entertainment and Pinky Promise as the producer targets a broad content slate encompassing film, television, digital and podcast. The Panoramic pipeline will expand upon Glickman’s existing slate of projects at Netflix, Amazon, MGM, Warner Media, Paramount and MRC, as well...
Tarak Ben Ammar’s Italian distributor Eagle Pictures, Spyglass Media Group and Hollywood agency UTA are among backers of Rush Hour franchise and Creed III producer Jonathan Glickman’s new venture Panoramic Media.
Strategic investors for Glickman, the former president of MGM film group, include longtime associate Gary Barber, Lantern Entertainment and Pinky Promise as the producer targets a broad content slate encompassing film, television, digital and podcast. The Panoramic pipeline will expand upon Glickman’s existing slate of projects at Netflix, Amazon, MGM, Warner Media, Paramount and MRC, as well...
- 3/8/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Tunisian-French film producer Tarak Ben Ammar has finalized a deal to purchase Studios de Paris, the production facility outside the French capital which recently housed the Netflix series Emily In Paris and Netflix’s Murder Mystery 2, Deadline can confirm.
Ben Ammar co-founded and part-owned the site since 2012 with Luc Besson of EuropaCorp alongside Euromedia and Bleufontaine.
Now, Ben Ammar has acquired the shares owned by all three other partners in a deal completed via Eagle Pictures France, a subsidiary of the Italy outfit controlled by the producer.
Studios de Paris has nine sound stages and a total surface area of 9,725 m2. In a statement released by EuropaCorp to investors, the company said the facility would “continue to represent a center of excellence for the French film industry and be an attractive factor for the entire sector”.
The statement put the deal at $37M (€33M).
Embattled production outfit EuropaCorp, which...
Ben Ammar co-founded and part-owned the site since 2012 with Luc Besson of EuropaCorp alongside Euromedia and Bleufontaine.
Now, Ben Ammar has acquired the shares owned by all three other partners in a deal completed via Eagle Pictures France, a subsidiary of the Italy outfit controlled by the producer.
Studios de Paris has nine sound stages and a total surface area of 9,725 m2. In a statement released by EuropaCorp to investors, the company said the facility would “continue to represent a center of excellence for the French film industry and be an attractive factor for the entire sector”.
The statement put the deal at $37M (€33M).
Embattled production outfit EuropaCorp, which...
- 2/23/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Tarak Ben Ammar has finalized his acquisition of the Studios of Paris, the vast studio facility located on the outskirts of Paris where Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler are currently filming Netflix’s “Murder Mystery 2.” The deal is estimated in the $35-million range.
Ben Ammar, who co-founded the Studios with “Valerian” director Luc Besson a decade ago and owned a 25-percent stake in it, completed the acquisition via Eagle Pictures France, a subsidiary of the Italian production and distribution powerhouse.
The businessman has taken full ownership of the Studios from its shareholders, including Besson, who owned a 9.9% stake in the complex through his holding company Frontline. The other shareholders who are set to exit the studios are EuropaCorp, Besson’s former production banner which is now mainly owned by Vine Alternative and has a 40% stake in the property, as well as Euromedia, a broadcast facilities provider who has a 25% stake.
Ben Ammar, who co-founded the Studios with “Valerian” director Luc Besson a decade ago and owned a 25-percent stake in it, completed the acquisition via Eagle Pictures France, a subsidiary of the Italian production and distribution powerhouse.
The businessman has taken full ownership of the Studios from its shareholders, including Besson, who owned a 9.9% stake in the complex through his holding company Frontline. The other shareholders who are set to exit the studios are EuropaCorp, Besson’s former production banner which is now mainly owned by Vine Alternative and has a 40% stake in the property, as well as Euromedia, a broadcast facilities provider who has a 25% stake.
- 2/22/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The Studios de Paris, the vast studio facility where Netflix’s hit show “Emily in Paris” has been filming on the outskirts of the French capital, has been put to market by its shareholders, including “Valerian” director Luc Besson.
After several weighty offers from U.S. funds such as Oaktree Capital Management and Tpg Real Estate came in, French-Tunisian businessman Tarak Ben Ammar — who co-founded the Studios with Besson and owns a 25-percent stake — decided he didn’t want to sell his stake anymore and instead opted to use his pre-emptive right as shareholder to take full ownership of the Studios de Paris, Variety has confirmed. The news was first reported in the French magazine Capital, based on a court document obtained by Variety.
As per the shareholders agreement, Ben Ammar’s company Bleufontaine, which is presided over by his son Jad, had the right to make an offer matching...
After several weighty offers from U.S. funds such as Oaktree Capital Management and Tpg Real Estate came in, French-Tunisian businessman Tarak Ben Ammar — who co-founded the Studios with Besson and owns a 25-percent stake — decided he didn’t want to sell his stake anymore and instead opted to use his pre-emptive right as shareholder to take full ownership of the Studios de Paris, Variety has confirmed. The news was first reported in the French magazine Capital, based on a court document obtained by Variety.
As per the shareholders agreement, Ben Ammar’s company Bleufontaine, which is presided over by his son Jad, had the right to make an offer matching...
- 12/28/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: Tarak Ben Ammar’s Eagle Pictures is in talks with “Green Book” director Peter Farrelly to team up on the film adaptation of French author Guillaume Musso’s bestselling novel “Seras-tu là,” Variety has learned.
“Seras-tu là” revolves around Elliott, a 60-year old widowed and renowned surgeon who lives in San Francisco and has a daughter, Angie. Although he leads a successful life, he never totally recovered from the death of his beloved wife 30 years prior. One day, he meets a man who gives him the opportunity to travel back in time. Elliott embarks on a journey to change his wife’s fate and do things differently, traveling back and forth between 2006 and 1976.
Ben Ammar has optioned the 2006 book’s English-language audiovisual rights for a duration of four years and is in negotiations with Farrelly to have him be involved as co-writer and director. Ben Ammar will be producing the film with Mark Burg,...
“Seras-tu là” revolves around Elliott, a 60-year old widowed and renowned surgeon who lives in San Francisco and has a daughter, Angie. Although he leads a successful life, he never totally recovered from the death of his beloved wife 30 years prior. One day, he meets a man who gives him the opportunity to travel back in time. Elliott embarks on a journey to change his wife’s fate and do things differently, traveling back and forth between 2006 and 1976.
Ben Ammar has optioned the 2006 book’s English-language audiovisual rights for a duration of four years and is in negotiations with Farrelly to have him be involved as co-writer and director. Ben Ammar will be producing the film with Mark Burg,...
- 10/7/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Rtl-owned production and distribution giant Fremantle, which has two films in competition in Venice, has entered exclusive negotiations to buy Italy’s Lux Vide, the prominent TV production company behind, most recently, the high-end “Medici,” “Devils” and “Leonardo” skeins.
Sources have confirmed to Variety a report in Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore that Fremantle, which already owns two other Italian production companies — Wildside and The Apartment, the shingle behind Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God” and “America Latina” by the D’Innocenzo brothers — is in advanced talks to buy Lux.
Fremantle and Lux Vide declined to comment on Friday.
The two companies have entered exclusive negotiations which, if all goes well, will take some time to close. The Fremantle/Lux deal is not expected to close this month, as Sole reported, but rather by year’s end. The sale is being managed by global investment bank Gca Altium.
Sources have confirmed to Variety a report in Italian financial daily Il Sole 24 Ore that Fremantle, which already owns two other Italian production companies — Wildside and The Apartment, the shingle behind Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God” and “America Latina” by the D’Innocenzo brothers — is in advanced talks to buy Lux.
Fremantle and Lux Vide declined to comment on Friday.
The two companies have entered exclusive negotiations which, if all goes well, will take some time to close. The Fremantle/Lux deal is not expected to close this month, as Sole reported, but rather by year’s end. The sale is being managed by global investment bank Gca Altium.
- 9/3/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Mars Films, the Paris-based distribution company that released Oscar winners “12 Years a Slave” and “Moonlight,” has finalized its restructuring plan with minority shareholder Vivendi Content, a branch of Universal Music Group and Canal Plus Group’s parent company.
Founded by Stephane Celerier and Valerie Garcia in 2007, the once thriving company has been in the process of financial restructuring and monitoring since Aug. 2019.
Vivendi, which had acquired a 30% stake in the company back in 2015, will convert its €11.2 million ($13 million) debt into equity and is acquiring Mars Films’ library of more than 200 titles for all rights in France.
The Mars catalogue includes hit French co-productions such as “La Famille Belier,” the hit French heart-warming comedy that was remade into “Coda,” “Two is a Family” with Omar Sy, Fred Cavayé’s “Le jeu”; and award-winning indies such as Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight,” Asif Kapadia’s “Amy,...
Founded by Stephane Celerier and Valerie Garcia in 2007, the once thriving company has been in the process of financial restructuring and monitoring since Aug. 2019.
Vivendi, which had acquired a 30% stake in the company back in 2015, will convert its €11.2 million ($13 million) debt into equity and is acquiring Mars Films’ library of more than 200 titles for all rights in France.
The Mars catalogue includes hit French co-productions such as “La Famille Belier,” the hit French heart-warming comedy that was remade into “Coda,” “Two is a Family” with Omar Sy, Fred Cavayé’s “Le jeu”; and award-winning indies such as Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight,” Asif Kapadia’s “Amy,...
- 8/20/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Films covered in the deal include The King’s Speech, Paddington and a Quentin Tarantino trio.
Lionsgate has acquired most of the 200-title Spyglass Media Group film library and formed a strategic content partnership with the development, finance and production company headed by Gary Barber.
The deal gives Lionsgate a 20% stake in Spyglass, whose other strategic investors include Italian producer-distributor Eagle Pictures, UK-headquartered exhibition giant Cineworld Group and Warner Bros.
The agreement also includes a multi-year first-look television deal between Lionsgate and Spyglass.
Chairman and CEO Barber and his senior leadership team will remain in place and continue to run Spyglass,...
Lionsgate has acquired most of the 200-title Spyglass Media Group film library and formed a strategic content partnership with the development, finance and production company headed by Gary Barber.
The deal gives Lionsgate a 20% stake in Spyglass, whose other strategic investors include Italian producer-distributor Eagle Pictures, UK-headquartered exhibition giant Cineworld Group and Warner Bros.
The agreement also includes a multi-year first-look television deal between Lionsgate and Spyglass.
Chairman and CEO Barber and his senior leadership team will remain in place and continue to run Spyglass,...
- 7/16/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate has taken a 20% stake in Spyglass Media, and the companies together have formed a strategic content partnership. Lionsgate has also acquired most of the studio’s 200-film library, which includes roughly 200 titles such as “Scream 4,” “The King’s Speech” and several Quentin Tarantino films.
The two companies announced the news jointly on Thursday, and the agreement gives Lionsgate a 20% investment stake in the Spyglass, whose major assets include the next “Scream” film due out January 14, 2022, as well as the fashion competition series “Project Runway” and a revival of the “Hellraiser” franchise, which is currently in pre-production.
The agreement also includes a multi-year first-look TV deal between Lionsgate Television and Spyglass.
Among some of the movies that Lionsgate has now acquired, adding to Lionsgate’s already 17,000 strong library of film and TV titles, include “Fruitvale Station,” “Scream 4,” “Scary Movie 5,” “Spy Kids 4,” “Paddington,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Lee Daniel’s...
The two companies announced the news jointly on Thursday, and the agreement gives Lionsgate a 20% investment stake in the Spyglass, whose major assets include the next “Scream” film due out January 14, 2022, as well as the fashion competition series “Project Runway” and a revival of the “Hellraiser” franchise, which is currently in pre-production.
The agreement also includes a multi-year first-look TV deal between Lionsgate Television and Spyglass.
Among some of the movies that Lionsgate has now acquired, adding to Lionsgate’s already 17,000 strong library of film and TV titles, include “Fruitvale Station,” “Scream 4,” “Scary Movie 5,” “Spy Kids 4,” “Paddington,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Lee Daniel’s...
- 7/15/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Lionsgate has acquired the vast majority of the Spyglass Media Group’s feature film library of approximately 200 titles and formed a strategic content partnership, the two companies announced today. The agreement gives Lionsgate a 20% investment stake in Spyglass. whose major assets include the latest installment of the Scream blockbuster horror franchise to be released January 14, 2022, the hit movie The Upside, the iconic fashion competition series Project Runway, and the revival of the Hellraiser franchise, currently in pre-production.
The agreement also includes a multiyear first-look television deal between Lionsgate Television and Spyglass. The library titles acquired by Lionsgate encompass a broad range of critically-acclaimed commercial blockbusters including Fruitvale Station, The King’s Speech, Scream 4, Scary Movie 5, Spy Kids 4, Paddington, Silver Linings Playbook, Lee Daniel’s The Butler and, adding to the Company’s large and growing portfolio of Quentin Tarantino titles, Django Unchained, Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight.
Gary Barber...
The agreement also includes a multiyear first-look television deal between Lionsgate Television and Spyglass. The library titles acquired by Lionsgate encompass a broad range of critically-acclaimed commercial blockbusters including Fruitvale Station, The King’s Speech, Scream 4, Scary Movie 5, Spy Kids 4, Paddington, Silver Linings Playbook, Lee Daniel’s The Butler and, adding to the Company’s large and growing portfolio of Quentin Tarantino titles, Django Unchained, Inglourious Basterds and The Hateful Eight.
Gary Barber...
- 7/15/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
“American Skin,” the film written, directed by and starring actor Nate Parker, will land on BET+ next week following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and an on-demand run through Vertical Entertainment. The film will debut on the streaming platform April 15.
“American Skin” stars Parker and Omari Hardwick and follows a Black Iraq War veteran, Lincoln Jefferson (Parker), who after being denied a fair trial following the shooting death of his teenage son by a white police officer, desperately seeks justice and accountability for his son’s death.
Parker is the director of “The Birth of a Nation,” which was released at the height of #OscarsSoWhite and won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for its depiction of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. It was bought by Fox Searchlight for a festival record $17.5 million and was expected to be a major Oscar contender.
But the...
“American Skin” stars Parker and Omari Hardwick and follows a Black Iraq War veteran, Lincoln Jefferson (Parker), who after being denied a fair trial following the shooting death of his teenage son by a white police officer, desperately seeks justice and accountability for his son’s death.
Parker is the director of “The Birth of a Nation,” which was released at the height of #OscarsSoWhite and won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for its depiction of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. It was bought by Fox Searchlight for a festival record $17.5 million and was expected to be a major Oscar contender.
But the...
- 4/8/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In the wake of receiving two Golden Globe nominations for its Sia-directed movie Music, Vertical Entertainment can boast that its Nate Parker feature American Skin has become one of the distributor’s highest grossing titles on PVOD with $4M over two weeks. American Skin debuted on Jan. 15 in select cinemas and on on-demand platforms such as Apple, Amazon, Vudu, and Google Play. American Skin‘s two-week figure bests the $2.5M+ that it accumulated over ten days for last summer’s Capone, a previous Vertical Entertainment high point.
I’m told that American Skin‘s PVOD success is largely due to a strategized social media initiative which received great support from the Black community who embraced the film with tastemakers such as Lebron James, Diddy, E40, David Oyelowo, and more.
In the spirit of Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon, American Skin follows a Black Iraqi War Vet,...
I’m told that American Skin‘s PVOD success is largely due to a strategized social media initiative which received great support from the Black community who embraced the film with tastemakers such as Lebron James, Diddy, E40, David Oyelowo, and more.
In the spirit of Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon, American Skin follows a Black Iraqi War Vet,...
- 2/6/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Eagle Pictures, a leading Italian distribution and production company, has signed a home entertainment distribution deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment Italia. Kicking off April 1, the deal covers the distribution of feature films and TV series on DVD and Blu-ray Discs in Italy.
Eagle Pictures already boasts distribution deals with Paramount Pictures International and MGM to release their movies in Italy. Presided by Tarak Ben Ammar and headed by Andrea Goretti, Eagle Pictures also handles home entertainment releases for fellow Italian distribution companies such as Leone Film Group, Lucky Red, Notorious Pictures and Rai Cinema.
Upcoming Sony Pictures titles include “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, “Peter Rabbit 2,” “Uncharted,” the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters films “Morbius” and “Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage” and the third film in the “Spider-Man: Homecoming” series (pictured).
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s vast library comprises titles such as “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, “Blade Runner 2049...
Eagle Pictures already boasts distribution deals with Paramount Pictures International and MGM to release their movies in Italy. Presided by Tarak Ben Ammar and headed by Andrea Goretti, Eagle Pictures also handles home entertainment releases for fellow Italian distribution companies such as Leone Film Group, Lucky Red, Notorious Pictures and Rai Cinema.
Upcoming Sony Pictures titles include “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, “Peter Rabbit 2,” “Uncharted,” the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters films “Morbius” and “Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage” and the third film in the “Spider-Man: Homecoming” series (pictured).
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s vast library comprises titles such as “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, “Blade Runner 2049...
- 2/3/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Park City, Utah is home to some stunning $25 million mountain estates — but it’s a jaw-dropping price for an indie movie to come out of the ski town’s preeminent American film festival, Sundance.
But there was “Coda,” a touching drama that kicked off 2021’s virtual edition of the event, landing a record-smashing $25 million deal from Apple Studios, or the cost of one of those palatial getaways. The victory followed a bidding war that, according to nearly a dozen sources who spoke to Variety, revealed much about Hollywood’s priorities, cashflow and boundaries in this moment of streaming disruption and pandemic chaos. It also encapsulated the way that the old indie film business, one that relies on box office performance and television licensing, is being subsumed by the rise of streaming services that aren’t as dependent on those totems of success.
Heading into the festival, multiple sales agents earmarked...
But there was “Coda,” a touching drama that kicked off 2021’s virtual edition of the event, landing a record-smashing $25 million deal from Apple Studios, or the cost of one of those palatial getaways. The victory followed a bidding war that, according to nearly a dozen sources who spoke to Variety, revealed much about Hollywood’s priorities, cashflow and boundaries in this moment of streaming disruption and pandemic chaos. It also encapsulated the way that the old indie film business, one that relies on box office performance and television licensing, is being subsumed by the rise of streaming services that aren’t as dependent on those totems of success.
Heading into the festival, multiple sales agents earmarked...
- 2/3/2021
- by Matt Donnelly, Elsa Keslassy and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The attorneys and professionals in the Weinstein Co. bankruptcy case have received $26 million in fees thus far, considerably more than the $17.1 million that Harvey Weinstein’s victims will receive.
The legal bills are still coming in, and will likely exhaust the $3.3 million remaining in the company’s accounts, according to testimony from Robert Peck, the company’s former controller.
The fees represent a sizable chunk of the cost of resolving the case, but have received far less attention than the payouts to other stakeholders.
Last Monday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath approved a $35.2 million settlement, which includes the $17.1 million fund that will be paid out to more than 50 of Weinstein’s sexual misconduct accusers. The plan, which is funded by insurance policies, will also pay $9.7 million to cover defense costs for Weinstein Co. directors and officers, and $8.4 million to the company’s trade creditors, including law firms and other entertainment companies.
The legal bills are still coming in, and will likely exhaust the $3.3 million remaining in the company’s accounts, according to testimony from Robert Peck, the company’s former controller.
The fees represent a sizable chunk of the cost of resolving the case, but have received far less attention than the payouts to other stakeholders.
Last Monday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath approved a $35.2 million settlement, which includes the $17.1 million fund that will be paid out to more than 50 of Weinstein’s sexual misconduct accusers. The plan, which is funded by insurance policies, will also pay $9.7 million to cover defense costs for Weinstein Co. directors and officers, and $8.4 million to the company’s trade creditors, including law firms and other entertainment companies.
- 2/1/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly three years after the Weinstein Co. declared bankruptcy, a judge on Monday confirmed a liquidation plan that provides a $17.1 million fund for Weinstein’s sexual misconduct victims.
The plan also provides $9.7 million to the former officers and directors of the Weinstein Co., allowing them to pay a portion of their legal bills over the last several years. The directors and officers — who include Weinstein’s brother, Bob, as well as James Dolan, Tarak Ben Ammar and Lance Maerov — also received releases that absolve them of any potential liability for enabling Weinstein’s conduct.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath approved the plan after a hearing in Delaware, saying that without the settlement, Weinstein’s victims would get “minimal, if any, recovery.”
The liquidation plan wraps up a contentious and long-running legal fight over the remnants of Weinstein’s independent studio. The company collapsed in late 2017, following the disclosure of dozens of allegations of rape,...
The plan also provides $9.7 million to the former officers and directors of the Weinstein Co., allowing them to pay a portion of their legal bills over the last several years. The directors and officers — who include Weinstein’s brother, Bob, as well as James Dolan, Tarak Ben Ammar and Lance Maerov — also received releases that absolve them of any potential liability for enabling Weinstein’s conduct.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath approved the plan after a hearing in Delaware, saying that without the settlement, Weinstein’s victims would get “minimal, if any, recovery.”
The liquidation plan wraps up a contentious and long-running legal fight over the remnants of Weinstein’s independent studio. The company collapsed in late 2017, following the disclosure of dozens of allegations of rape,...
- 1/25/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Nate Parker’s police brutality drama “American Skin,” which world premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and won the Sconfini section’s best film award.
Vertical is planning a theatrical and digital release for January 2021, which would make the movie eligible for the Oscars. Parker directed, wrote and stars in the film as an Iraq War vet who seeks justice after his only son is killed by a white police officer. Omari Hardwick, Theo Rossi and Beau Knapp complete the cast.
The film was independently financed by Mark Burg and Tarak Ben Ammar’s Eagle Pictures, and is being presented by Spike Lee.
“American Skin” earned a warm critical response and standing ovation at Venice, but its inclusion in the festival’s lineup stirred controversy. Parker was accused and acquitted of raping a woman in 2001. The scandal resurfaced four years ago after his feature debut,...
Vertical is planning a theatrical and digital release for January 2021, which would make the movie eligible for the Oscars. Parker directed, wrote and stars in the film as an Iraq War vet who seeks justice after his only son is killed by a white police officer. Omari Hardwick, Theo Rossi and Beau Knapp complete the cast.
The film was independently financed by Mark Burg and Tarak Ben Ammar’s Eagle Pictures, and is being presented by Spike Lee.
“American Skin” earned a warm critical response and standing ovation at Venice, but its inclusion in the festival’s lineup stirred controversy. Parker was accused and acquitted of raping a woman in 2001. The scandal resurfaced four years ago after his feature debut,...
- 12/8/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After and After We Collided seller and exec-producer Voltage Pictures is launching world sales (excluding Italy) on Eagle Pictures’ YA romantic dramedy Out Of My League (Sul Piu Bello), the company’s first Italian-language pic.
Director Alice Filippi’s (’78: The Getaway) movie, which will be released by Eagle in Italy on October 21, charts the story of a teenage orphan suffering from a major illness who refuses to let her tough hand get the better of her. Armed with a sharp wit and a heap of positivity she goes after the most handsome boy in the neighbourhood.
We can also reveal that the film will get its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival in the Alice In The City section.
Starring are rising Italian actor Giuseppe Maggio (Baby), newcomer Ludovica Francesconi and Eleonora Gaggero (Unique Brothers). Above is the film’s subtitled trailer.
Roberto Proia (Tell No One...
Director Alice Filippi’s (’78: The Getaway) movie, which will be released by Eagle in Italy on October 21, charts the story of a teenage orphan suffering from a major illness who refuses to let her tough hand get the better of her. Armed with a sharp wit and a heap of positivity she goes after the most handsome boy in the neighbourhood.
We can also reveal that the film will get its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival in the Alice In The City section.
Starring are rising Italian actor Giuseppe Maggio (Baby), newcomer Ludovica Francesconi and Eleonora Gaggero (Unique Brothers). Above is the film’s subtitled trailer.
Roberto Proia (Tell No One...
- 10/1/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
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