Jane Alsobrook, a marketing and publicity specialist who coordinated the U.S. campaigns for numerous successful independent and foreign films in the 1970s and 1980s, has died. She was 78.
It was revealed today that Alsobrook died December 13 at her home in Sedona, Az on after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
While doing post-graduate work at USC in the early 1970s, Alsobrook joined Gary Essert and Gary Abrahams to help launch the Los Angeles Film Exposition, aka Filmex, the city’s first film festival.
She then joined Roger Corman’s New World Pictures to handle marketing and publicity, notably for Fellini’s Amarcord, which won the Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1975. The following year she shifted gears to become national publicity director for ABC Records, and in the late ’70s she helped engineer the launch of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, starring The Ramones, which Corman released.
In the early 1980s,...
It was revealed today that Alsobrook died December 13 at her home in Sedona, Az on after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
While doing post-graduate work at USC in the early 1970s, Alsobrook joined Gary Essert and Gary Abrahams to help launch the Los Angeles Film Exposition, aka Filmex, the city’s first film festival.
She then joined Roger Corman’s New World Pictures to handle marketing and publicity, notably for Fellini’s Amarcord, which won the Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1975. The following year she shifted gears to become national publicity director for ABC Records, and in the late ’70s she helped engineer the launch of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, starring The Ramones, which Corman released.
In the early 1980s,...
- 1/10/2022
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
The state government of Queensland, Australia, has announced its backing for the construction of new film and TV studios in Brisbane.
The government said it is committing $9.2 million (A$12 million) to the project and described it as establishing “a fit-for-purpose studio for small film and television productions.” The location and initial tenants will be announced in the next financial year.
The announcement was made by state premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, in Los Angeles where she is on a trade mission. Her meetings have also included Disney, Netflix and Technicolor. Other announcements during the trip have included Screen Queensland funding for the second season of “Harrow” and its producer Hoodlum Entertainment; and Queensland resident Darren Paul Fisher being awarded the 2018 Greg Coote Scholarship.
“Queensland’s screen industry is thriving, and my Government’s support for this new studio will bring a new wave of investment in the creative jobs of the future,...
The government said it is committing $9.2 million (A$12 million) to the project and described it as establishing “a fit-for-purpose studio for small film and television productions.” The location and initial tenants will be announced in the next financial year.
The announcement was made by state premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, in Los Angeles where she is on a trade mission. Her meetings have also included Disney, Netflix and Technicolor. Other announcements during the trip have included Screen Queensland funding for the second season of “Harrow” and its producer Hoodlum Entertainment; and Queensland resident Darren Paul Fisher being awarded the 2018 Greg Coote Scholarship.
“Queensland’s screen industry is thriving, and my Government’s support for this new studio will bring a new wave of investment in the creative jobs of the future,...
- 6/7/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Lucas Taylor..
Brisbane-based screenwriter and director Lucas Taylor is off to Europe later this year, having been named the 2017 recipient of Greg Coote Scholarship.
The scholarship will put Taylor in writers rooms with UK and European producers from FremantleMedia..
In Europe, FreemantleMedia owns Ufa in Germany (Deutschland 83), Wildside in Italy (The Young Pope), Miso Film in Denmark, Sweden and Norway (Modus), Kwai in France (Baron Noir), and Euston Films in the UK (Hard Sun).
Fremantle.s director of global drama Sarah Doole said the company believes passionately in supporting a new generation of writers. .
.Lucas [will] have access to our family of award-winning producer across the UK and Europe which will help him to not only further develop his already impressive skills, but also to gain first-hand knowledge of the international industry..
Taylor, a former creative director at Hoodlum, has worked on projects such as.The Bourne Legacy, Salt, Dance Academy,...
Brisbane-based screenwriter and director Lucas Taylor is off to Europe later this year, having been named the 2017 recipient of Greg Coote Scholarship.
The scholarship will put Taylor in writers rooms with UK and European producers from FremantleMedia..
In Europe, FreemantleMedia owns Ufa in Germany (Deutschland 83), Wildside in Italy (The Young Pope), Miso Film in Denmark, Sweden and Norway (Modus), Kwai in France (Baron Noir), and Euston Films in the UK (Hard Sun).
Fremantle.s director of global drama Sarah Doole said the company believes passionately in supporting a new generation of writers. .
.Lucas [will] have access to our family of award-winning producer across the UK and Europe which will help him to not only further develop his already impressive skills, but also to gain first-hand knowledge of the international industry..
Taylor, a former creative director at Hoodlum, has worked on projects such as.The Bourne Legacy, Salt, Dance Academy,...
- 4/12/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Winner of the inaugural Greg Cootes Scholarship Megan Doneman (r) with the subject of her 2008 documentary, 'Kiran Bedi' (l). . Applications are now open for the Greg Coote Scholarship, which this year offers an experienced Queensland creative a placement in a FremantleMedia writers room based in London or Europe.. . The scholarship is presented by Screen Queensland in partnership with Australians in Film, the Queensland Writers Centre and FremantleMedia. . .We are so thrilled to be announcing the return of this scholarship, which was inspired by one of Australia.s greatest screen industry leaders, Greg Coote, and to have FremantleMedia on board as an official partner,. said Screen Queensland chair Linda Apelt. . .The foundation of this Scholarship is to honour Greg.s work in opening doors for Australians in international markets and give them the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, as well as international connections by being a part...
- 12/1/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Megan Doneman (r) with the subject of her 2008 documentary, Kiran Bedi (l).
Queensland writer/producer Megan Doneman has been awarded the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship, established by Screen Queensland and Australians in Film.
The scholarship, launched in 2014 and worth $30,000, will see Doneman mentored by executive producer Shane Brennan, creator of CBS's.NCIS: Los Angeles, in the show's La writers room.
Doneman started her career as an assistant editor on films such as Dark City, Babe: Pig in the City and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
She also wrote, directed and produced the 2008 documentary Kiran Bedi: Yes Madam, Sir, which was narrated by Helen Mirren and premiered at Tiff in 2010.
"Megan is an outstanding talent, who combines powerful storytelling with a determined work ethic," Screen Queensland Chair Linda Apelt said. "The opportunity to learn from the best of the best in the United States - at the...
Queensland writer/producer Megan Doneman has been awarded the inaugural Greg Coote Scholarship, established by Screen Queensland and Australians in Film.
The scholarship, launched in 2014 and worth $30,000, will see Doneman mentored by executive producer Shane Brennan, creator of CBS's.NCIS: Los Angeles, in the show's La writers room.
Doneman started her career as an assistant editor on films such as Dark City, Babe: Pig in the City and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
She also wrote, directed and produced the 2008 documentary Kiran Bedi: Yes Madam, Sir, which was narrated by Helen Mirren and premiered at Tiff in 2010.
"Megan is an outstanding talent, who combines powerful storytelling with a determined work ethic," Screen Queensland Chair Linda Apelt said. "The opportunity to learn from the best of the best in the United States - at the...
- 7/5/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Australian film and TV animation pioneer Yoram Gross died on Monday night, aged 88, of natural causes.
The co-founder of Yoram Gross Film Studios with his wife Sandra, his legacy lives on in Flying Bark Productions, the rebranded company formerly known as Yoram Gross-Em.TV Pty Ltd.
It is fitting that a new cinema version of Blinky Bill, his most famous and enduring character, Flying Bark.s Blinky Bill: The Movie, opened in Australian cinemas last week.
Born in Kraków Poland in 1926, he studied music and musicology at Krakow University. He first entered the film industry in 1947 when, aged 20, he was one of the first film students of Jerzy Toeplitz, who founded the Polish Film Institute.
He endured World War II under the Nazi regime. His family was on Oskar Schindler.s infamous list but chose to make their own risky escape, moving hiding places 72 times.
He was a...
The co-founder of Yoram Gross Film Studios with his wife Sandra, his legacy lives on in Flying Bark Productions, the rebranded company formerly known as Yoram Gross-Em.TV Pty Ltd.
It is fitting that a new cinema version of Blinky Bill, his most famous and enduring character, Flying Bark.s Blinky Bill: The Movie, opened in Australian cinemas last week.
Born in Kraków Poland in 1926, he studied music and musicology at Krakow University. He first entered the film industry in 1947 when, aged 20, he was one of the first film students of Jerzy Toeplitz, who founded the Polish Film Institute.
He endured World War II under the Nazi regime. His family was on Oskar Schindler.s infamous list but chose to make their own risky escape, moving hiding places 72 times.
He was a...
- 9/22/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Oscar winning producer Bruna Papandrea is set to recieve this year's Orry Kelly International Award at the Australians in Film Awards in Los Angeles.
On October 25, Australians in Film will host its annual AiF Awards and Benefit Gala at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles..
Actor, Elizabeth Debicki, has taken out the Breakthrough Talent of 2015 Award..
Presenter Carrie Bickmore will be master of ceremonies at this year.s awards, which celebrates the achievements of Australians working in Hollywood and also recognises the contribution of individuals to the Australian film industry.
.The Orry Kelly International Award is given to an Australian who has paved the way for other Australians in the entertainment industry and who has provided much support, mentoring and inspiration to others..
Papandrea's credits include Milk, Wild and Gone Girl.
Previous Orry Kelly honorees have included director Baz Luhrmann, film executive Greg Coote and filmmaking collective, Blue Tongue Films.
On October 25, Australians in Film will host its annual AiF Awards and Benefit Gala at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles..
Actor, Elizabeth Debicki, has taken out the Breakthrough Talent of 2015 Award..
Presenter Carrie Bickmore will be master of ceremonies at this year.s awards, which celebrates the achievements of Australians working in Hollywood and also recognises the contribution of individuals to the Australian film industry.
.The Orry Kelly International Award is given to an Australian who has paved the way for other Australians in the entertainment industry and who has provided much support, mentoring and inspiration to others..
Papandrea's credits include Milk, Wild and Gone Girl.
Previous Orry Kelly honorees have included director Baz Luhrmann, film executive Greg Coote and filmmaking collective, Blue Tongue Films.
- 9/9/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
The late Village Roadshow executive Greg Coote, Anthony Lapaglia and rising stars Margot Robbie and Brenton Thwaites will be honoured in the annual Australians in Film (AiF) awards.
Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian and veteran 20th Century Fox production executive Fred Baron will also be feted at the AiF.s gala dinner in Los Angeles on October 26.
Coote, who passed away in June, is a former chairman and CEO of Dune Entertainment, which co-financed more than 60 movies with Fox. He is the recipient of the AiF Orry-Kelly Award, which recognises Australians who have contributed to the success of other Australians in the industry.
.Greg Coote was an important advisor to Australians in Film from the beginning, helping to shape our early strategy, with a particular focus on supporting emerging Australian talent in Hollywood,. said AiF president Simonne Overend.
.He played such a major part in our success and really did...
Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian and veteran 20th Century Fox production executive Fred Baron will also be feted at the AiF.s gala dinner in Los Angeles on October 26.
Coote, who passed away in June, is a former chairman and CEO of Dune Entertainment, which co-financed more than 60 movies with Fox. He is the recipient of the AiF Orry-Kelly Award, which recognises Australians who have contributed to the success of other Australians in the industry.
.Greg Coote was an important advisor to Australians in Film from the beginning, helping to shape our early strategy, with a particular focus on supporting emerging Australian talent in Hollywood,. said AiF president Simonne Overend.
.He played such a major part in our success and really did...
- 9/18/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The Australians in Film will honor Margot Robbie, Brenton Thwaites, Anthony Lapaglia and the late Dune Entertainment Chairman Greg Coote at its annual gala in Los Angeles on Oct. 26. recognizing contributions to the Australian screen industry. The AiF breakthrough awards will be presented to Robbie (“Wolf of Wall Street”) and Thwaites (“The Giver”). Robbie will be seen in the upcoming “Focus,” alongside Will Smith, and in Warner Bros.’ “Tarzan.” Thwaites has been cast in a leading role in “Gods of Egypt,” which also stars Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Also read: Margot Robbie in Talks to Star in DreamWorks’ ‘Ghost in the Shell...
- 9/18/2014
- by Gina Hall
- The Wrap
Greg Coote was remembered as the .heart and soul. of the Australian film renaissance of the 1970s and 80s at a celebration of his life and career on Sunday. Hundreds of family, friends and former colleagues gathered at Village Roadshow.s Sydney offices to pay homage to the film and TV industry executive and producer who died at his home in Los Angeles on June 27, aged 72. .Like so many filmmakers I owe my career to Greg Coote,. said Newsfront director Phillip Noyce in a message read by David Elfick, who produced that 1978 classic.
Noyce credited Coote with championing the film from the script stage right through the shoot, editing and the theatrical release. .He was the heart and soul of the new wave of Australian cinema in the 1970s and 80s,. the director said. Village Roadshow co-chairman/co-ceo Graham Burke noted that his long-time friend and former colleague spent 58 years in the screen industry,...
Noyce credited Coote with championing the film from the script stage right through the shoot, editing and the theatrical release. .He was the heart and soul of the new wave of Australian cinema in the 1970s and 80s,. the director said. Village Roadshow co-chairman/co-ceo Graham Burke noted that his long-time friend and former colleague spent 58 years in the screen industry,...
- 7/20/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
In a statement to the media, Coote's family said, “To his community, Greg Coote was an extraordinary leader and advocate for the arts in the public schools. He founded an arts endowment campaign to fund arts programs in perpetuity and to create a model for other school districts around the state and country. He was a generous and strong individual who was able to bring people along with him when it came to making sure that the arts remained part of the public school curriculum.”
Here is a poem by W.H. Auden
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was our North, our South, our East and West,
Our working week and our Sunday rest,
Our noon, our midnight, our talk, our song;
We thought that love would last for ever: We were wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
He is survived by his girlfriend Amanda Pryce, two brothers, four children, four grandchildren, and his first and second wives. His funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 2, in Santa Monica, with a second service as yet unscheduled in Sydney, Australia.
The former CEO of Dune Entertainment and Village Roadshowchief died today of cancer in Los Angeles. Greg Coote was 72. He was a key player in the emergence of the Australian film industry, starting in the mailroom at Aussie distributor Village Roadshow and working his way up to Managing Director. “Greg was a champion of Australian films from the early 1970s, and he continued being a great supporter of Australian filmmakers,” said Screen Producers Australia president Brian Rosen. After a stint at Ten Network during which its ratings soared, Coote relocated to La as President of Columbia Pictures’ international division, where he oversaw worldwide distribution, acquisitions and marketing. He later became the founding President and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures in Los Angeles, and the company helped finance films including The Matrix. Later, when Coote was Chairman and CEO of Dune Entertainment, the company co-financed dozens of movies including Avatar, which went on to be the top-grossing film in history.
Coote also chaired China Lion Film Distribution and ScreenSingapore; served as a non-executive director of Bollywood producer Eros International; partnered with Leon Tan in the Malaysian-based DragonSlate; and was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the advisory board of the Singapore Government’s Media Development Authority. He teamed with David Calvert-Jones to launch the Century City-based development and production company Larrikin Entertainment, working there until his death. A funeral is set for July 2 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica.
Here is a poem by W.H. Auden
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was our North, our South, our East and West,
Our working week and our Sunday rest,
Our noon, our midnight, our talk, our song;
We thought that love would last for ever: We were wrong.
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
He is survived by his girlfriend Amanda Pryce, two brothers, four children, four grandchildren, and his first and second wives. His funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 2, in Santa Monica, with a second service as yet unscheduled in Sydney, Australia.
The former CEO of Dune Entertainment and Village Roadshowchief died today of cancer in Los Angeles. Greg Coote was 72. He was a key player in the emergence of the Australian film industry, starting in the mailroom at Aussie distributor Village Roadshow and working his way up to Managing Director. “Greg was a champion of Australian films from the early 1970s, and he continued being a great supporter of Australian filmmakers,” said Screen Producers Australia president Brian Rosen. After a stint at Ten Network during which its ratings soared, Coote relocated to La as President of Columbia Pictures’ international division, where he oversaw worldwide distribution, acquisitions and marketing. He later became the founding President and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures in Los Angeles, and the company helped finance films including The Matrix. Later, when Coote was Chairman and CEO of Dune Entertainment, the company co-financed dozens of movies including Avatar, which went on to be the top-grossing film in history.
Coote also chaired China Lion Film Distribution and ScreenSingapore; served as a non-executive director of Bollywood producer Eros International; partnered with Leon Tan in the Malaysian-based DragonSlate; and was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the advisory board of the Singapore Government’s Media Development Authority. He teamed with David Calvert-Jones to launch the Century City-based development and production company Larrikin Entertainment, working there until his death. A funeral is set for July 2 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica.
- 6/28/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The former CEO of Dune Entertainment and Village Roadshow chief died today of cancer in Los Angeles. Greg Coote was 72. He was a key player in the emergence of the Australian film industry, starting in the mailroom at Aussie distributor Village Roadshow and working his way up to Managing Director. “Greg was a champion of Australian films from the early 1970s, and he continued being a great supporter of Australian filmmakers,” said Screen Producers Australia president Brian Rosen. After a stint at Ten Network during which its ratings soared, Coote relocated to La as President of Columbia Pictures’ international […]...
- 6/28/2014
- Deadline
Former Dune Entertainment chairman Greg Coote has died. He was 72. During his time heading Dune, Coote co-financed more than 60 20th Century Fox movies, including James Cameron's Avatar. He was also founding president and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures and oversaw its partnership with Warner Bros., which resulted in The Matrix and other films. Coote was an Australian native but was based in the U.S. During his long career, the veteran producer also served as managing director of Ten Network, and worked as president of Columbia Pictures' International Theatrical division, where he oversaw worldwide acquisition, marketing
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- 6/28/2014
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Greg Coote, who was born in Australia and rose through the ranks of the entertainment industry first in his home country before coming to the United States, died in Los Angeles on June 27, according to media reports. He was 72. As CEO of film financier Dune Entertainment, Coote co-invested with 20th Century Fox in more than 60 major movies like “Avatar” and “Marley & Me.” Since leaving, Coote has remained active in Hollywood, while also taking a vested interest in Asian entertainment markets. Also read: Village Roadshow Nears Deal to Co-Finance Sony Movies This past December, he launched DragonSlate Media, a Malaysian-based...
- 6/28/2014
- by Jason Hughes
- The Wrap
The new company plans to produce and deliver family-friendly content across multiple platforms. Larrikin Entertainment, the production entity founded last year by Greg Coote and David Calvert-Jones, has joined with Emmy-winning writer-producer Dan Angel (Door To Door) and former Shaftesbury Film exec Tom Mazza on the venture. Angel is set as Chief Content Officer and Mazza as CEO of the La-based EveryWhere Studios, whose management ranks also include VP Development Lori Nelson, a former development executive at The Hatchery. Larrikin’s David Putt and Robert Lundberg also will be involved. EveryWhere is working on its first production and distribution deal, which is due to be announced in the coming weeks. “In a world where TV is everywhere, Everywhere Studios is designed to deliver high-quality programming to audiences ‘everywhere’ via television, computer, tablet, or phone,” Mazza said in a statement. “With established partners around the world, EveryWhere Studios offers producers a...
- 4/1/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
We haven't heard much about John Soto's new film The Reckoning lately, but here to kick off your holiday week we have the new teaser trailer and some additional artwork to share.
Jonathan Lapaglia and Luke Hemsworth star in the Australian crime thriller The Reckoning, written and directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush). It co-stars Viva Bianca, Hanna Mangan Lawrence, and Alex Williams.
Deidre Kitcher produced with Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill, and Kim Savill executive producing.
Synopsis:
After his partner is murdered, a detective must track down two runaway teens whose camera holds the identity of the killer.
For more info be sure to "like" The Reckoning on Facebook.
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Be reckoned with in the comments section below!
Jonathan Lapaglia and Luke Hemsworth star in the Australian crime thriller The Reckoning, written and directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush). It co-stars Viva Bianca, Hanna Mangan Lawrence, and Alex Williams.
Deidre Kitcher produced with Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill, and Kim Savill executive producing.
Synopsis:
After his partner is murdered, a detective must track down two runaway teens whose camera holds the identity of the killer.
For more info be sure to "like" The Reckoning on Facebook.
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Be reckoned with in the comments section below!
- 12/23/2013
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
Former Village Roadshow Pictures CEO Greg Coote and Malaysian producer Leon Tan have launched DragonSlate Media.
The entity is backed by strategic investment from the Malaysia Venture Capital Management (Mavcap) and the plan is to create a Malaysia-based pipeline of film and TV properties.
Coote and Tan (pictured) aim to put at least two projects into production in 2014 and will announce the first pair shortly.
La-based Coote most recently served as chairman and CEO of fox’s former financing partner Dune Entertainment and was a founding president and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures.
Tan serves as CEO of animation and post-production company Tripod Entertainment and produced Malaysia’s 3D animation War Of The Worlds: Goliath.
“Malaysia has dynamic and hungry filmmakers, award-winning expertise and talent, and a conducive environment to nurture a world-class film and TV production hub, backed by both public and private sectors,” said Coote.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this new venture...
The entity is backed by strategic investment from the Malaysia Venture Capital Management (Mavcap) and the plan is to create a Malaysia-based pipeline of film and TV properties.
Coote and Tan (pictured) aim to put at least two projects into production in 2014 and will announce the first pair shortly.
La-based Coote most recently served as chairman and CEO of fox’s former financing partner Dune Entertainment and was a founding president and CEO of Village Roadshow Pictures.
Tan serves as CEO of animation and post-production company Tripod Entertainment and produced Malaysia’s 3D animation War Of The Worlds: Goliath.
“Malaysia has dynamic and hungry filmmakers, award-winning expertise and talent, and a conducive environment to nurture a world-class film and TV production hub, backed by both public and private sectors,” said Coote.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this new venture...
- 12/10/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Two Australian production companies have formed co-ventures with China which will see seven animated feature films produced over the next three years. In a related move, the major Chinese partner in the co-productions, Shanghai Hippo Animation Design, intends to launch a fund in Australia which will co-finance animated films. The projects were announced at the Screen Forever conference on Wednesday during a panel session entitled Working with China: Where Are We At? The Australian producers are the Zac Media Group and Alan Lindsay.s Vue Group. Xu Kerr, Shanghai Hippo Animation Design CEO, said the Chinese partners will fund 80% of the seven projects with the balance from Australia, presumably using the 40% producer offset. He told If the film fund will aim to raise $10 million initially, with an eventual target of $50 million, and it would invest in projects from development through production. Zac Media Group founder/CEO/producer Troy Zafer said...
- 11/20/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The Weinstein Company has secured first-look privileges on the $50m fund announced by former Dune Entertainment chairman Greg Coote and private equity executive David Calvert-Jones.
Under the deal Harvey Weinstein, a longtime friend of Australian entrepreneur Coote (pictured), will take his place on the greenlight committee and gets first dibs to distribute and handle international sales on projects backed by Larrikin Entertainment’s new vehicle.
Catalina Capital will finance studio and independent product. The first project is currently in development and will be announced shortly.
Former Silicon Valley Banker and venture capital expert Larry Lopez will lead the company’s finance division and assume responsibility for raising capital with bases in California’s Silicon Valley and Perth, Western Australia.
“There is a need in the marketplace for a well-informed, independent fund,” said Coote. “With the tremendous expertise that the Weinstein Company brings to the table, I predict a bright and profitable future for the Catalina Capital Fund.”
“Having...
Under the deal Harvey Weinstein, a longtime friend of Australian entrepreneur Coote (pictured), will take his place on the greenlight committee and gets first dibs to distribute and handle international sales on projects backed by Larrikin Entertainment’s new vehicle.
Catalina Capital will finance studio and independent product. The first project is currently in development and will be announced shortly.
Former Silicon Valley Banker and venture capital expert Larry Lopez will lead the company’s finance division and assume responsibility for raising capital with bases in California’s Silicon Valley and Perth, Western Australia.
“There is a need in the marketplace for a well-informed, independent fund,” said Coote. “With the tremendous expertise that the Weinstein Company brings to the table, I predict a bright and profitable future for the Catalina Capital Fund.”
“Having...
- 11/20/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Larrkin Entertainment had announced the formation of Catalina Capital, the first of what is expected to be a series of film financing funds, with ties to Weinstein Company. Greg Coote, veteran producer and former chairman of Dune Entertainment, and David Calvert-Jones, an experienced private equity executive, expect to raise $50 million to fund Catalina Capital, which will invest in both studio and independent movies. Harvey Weinstein will take a personal role in helping select the movies that are funded by Catalina Capital as a member of the greenlight committee; and the Weinstein Company has an option for a first
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- 11/20/2013
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Larrikin Entertainment, the media production company founded last year by former Dune Entertainment Chairman Greg Coote and private equity executive David Calvert-Jones has announced the formation of Catalina Capital, a $50 million film finance fund. The Weinstein Company is enjoining and assuming a first look position, providing Catalina with a first look option on domestic distribution and international sales. The fund’s first project has been identified and is currently in development, though details are being kept under wraps for now. Catalina Capital will be a financier to both studio and independent product intended for worldwide audiences. Also Read: Exclusive: Chinese Media Conglomerate Dmg.
- 11/20/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Big screen adaptations of popular novels by Irishman Michael Scott and Englishman Tom Holt are to be produced in Australia. Mario Andreacchio bought the rights to The Alchemyst, the first in the series of Scott.s six fantasy novels entitled The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. Andreacchio will serve as one of the producers on the $75 million film along with Los Angeles-based Greg Coote and other partners who are yet to be revealed. Todd Fellman (Bait, Mental, A Few Best Men) will produce a family film adapted from Holt.s novel The Portable Door for the Jim Henson Co. Both projects came to light on Tuesday at the session Working with the USA- The Eagle & The Kangaroo: Co-financing Across the Pacific at the Screen Forever conference. Coote told the session Andreacchio bought the rights and brought the project to him. He said it would be an Australian production, thus qualifying for the 40% producer offset,...
- 11/19/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Co-financing with Us production companies and selling Australian formats internationally will be among the key topics on the agenda at Spaa.s Screen Forever conference.
Among the other sessions at the November 18-21 event in Melbourne will be a focus on deal making in the broadcast, theatrical and online sectors amid fast-changing release windows; an update on international digital distribution and Video-on-Demand; and ABC TV Director Richard Finlayson outlining his vision for the network.
A panel of Hollywood-based executives will explore ways of using the producer offset to raise finance in the Us via equity, distribution guarantees, P&A and debt in the session entitled Working with the USA: The Eagle and The Kangaroo . Co-financing Across The Pacific.
It will also focus on the issues of significant Australian content, copyright and the extent to which the offset can or should be considered equity. Speaking will be Tracey Vieira, Executive Vice President,...
Among the other sessions at the November 18-21 event in Melbourne will be a focus on deal making in the broadcast, theatrical and online sectors amid fast-changing release windows; an update on international digital distribution and Video-on-Demand; and ABC TV Director Richard Finlayson outlining his vision for the network.
A panel of Hollywood-based executives will explore ways of using the producer offset to raise finance in the Us via equity, distribution guarantees, P&A and debt in the session entitled Working with the USA: The Eagle and The Kangaroo . Co-financing Across The Pacific.
It will also focus on the issues of significant Australian content, copyright and the extent to which the offset can or should be considered equity. Speaking will be Tracey Vieira, Executive Vice President,...
- 10/11/2013
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
The inaugural International Partnership Market at this year.s Spaa conference Screen Forever will give producers the chance to meet producers and executives from the Us, UK, Canada and Israel.
Applications are now open and close on October 18. The market will enable Australian feature film and TV producers the chance to create, build upon and develop relationships with international film and television producers who are looking for co-venture or co-production opportunities.
Australian producers can also connect with local and foreign sales agents, distributors and financiers attending the market.
The international contingent includes: Kate Harwood (Head of Drama, BBC); Hal Vogel (Executive Producer, Daybreak Pictures); Greg Coote (Executive Producer, Larrikin Entertainment & Chairman, China Lion Film Distribution); John Zois (Director, Acquisitions & Production, FilmNation Entertainment); Clay Epstein (Svp Sales & Acquisitions, Arclight Films); Avi Armoza (CEO Armoza Formats); Steven T. Seagle, Joe Kelly & Duncan Rouleau, (creators from the Man of Action Studios) and a delegation of 16 Canadian producers.
Applications are now open and close on October 18. The market will enable Australian feature film and TV producers the chance to create, build upon and develop relationships with international film and television producers who are looking for co-venture or co-production opportunities.
Australian producers can also connect with local and foreign sales agents, distributors and financiers attending the market.
The international contingent includes: Kate Harwood (Head of Drama, BBC); Hal Vogel (Executive Producer, Daybreak Pictures); Greg Coote (Executive Producer, Larrikin Entertainment & Chairman, China Lion Film Distribution); John Zois (Director, Acquisitions & Production, FilmNation Entertainment); Clay Epstein (Svp Sales & Acquisitions, Arclight Films); Avi Armoza (CEO Armoza Formats); Steven T. Seagle, Joe Kelly & Duncan Rouleau, (creators from the Man of Action Studios) and a delegation of 16 Canadian producers.
- 10/8/2013
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
James Packer is re-entering the high stakes game of co-financing Hollywood movies starting with Gravity, the outer space saga starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, which opens in Australia on Thursday.
Packer is part of a triumvirate which will co-fund the majority of the films on. Warner Bros.' slate for four years.
His partners in the deal worth up to $US450 million are filmmaker Brett Ratner, with whom he formed the production co-venture RatPac Entertainment last December, and Steven Mnuchin.s Dune Entertainment.
RatPac will develop its own movies outside the Warner Bros deal, including films for the vast and increasingly lucrative Chinese-speaking markets.
Ratner, who is directing Dwayne Johnson in the MGM/Paramount film Hercules: The Thracian Wars, told Deadline.com, .We are already developing some movies we feel will work in the Asian market..
The Packer family has long shown an appetite for Hollywood dealmaking. Kerry Packer...
Packer is part of a triumvirate which will co-fund the majority of the films on. Warner Bros.' slate for four years.
His partners in the deal worth up to $US450 million are filmmaker Brett Ratner, with whom he formed the production co-venture RatPac Entertainment last December, and Steven Mnuchin.s Dune Entertainment.
RatPac will develop its own movies outside the Warner Bros deal, including films for the vast and increasingly lucrative Chinese-speaking markets.
Ratner, who is directing Dwayne Johnson in the MGM/Paramount film Hercules: The Thracian Wars, told Deadline.com, .We are already developing some movies we feel will work in the Asian market..
The Packer family has long shown an appetite for Hollywood dealmaking. Kerry Packer...
- 9/30/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Jonathan Lapaglia and Luke Hemsworth are joining The Reckoning, a film from Lightning Entertainment. The film will be directed John V. Soto (Crush). Hemsworth, much like the third Manning brother, is the lesser known of the Hemsworth clan, that has Thor and Gale as the other members. Lapaglia is the son of Without A Trace star Anthony Lapaglia. Check the press release for more deets on the film.
Los Angeles – Jonathan Lapaglia and Luke Hemsworth will star in the crime thriller The Reckoning, written and to be directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush), it was announced today by Robert Beaumont, President of Lightning Entertainment who is set to handle International sales rights to the film.
The Reckoning will start principal photography on April 29th on location in Australia. Deidre Kitcher (Needle, Crush) is producing. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill and Kim Savill will executive produce the film.
Los Angeles – Jonathan Lapaglia and Luke Hemsworth will star in the crime thriller The Reckoning, written and to be directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush), it was announced today by Robert Beaumont, President of Lightning Entertainment who is set to handle International sales rights to the film.
The Reckoning will start principal photography on April 29th on location in Australia. Deidre Kitcher (Needle, Crush) is producing. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill and Kim Savill will executive produce the film.
- 3/30/2013
- by Andy Greene
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
We first told you about the new film from the director of the 2010 Australian supernatural film Needle, John V. Soto, entitled The Reckoning, way back in October; and we now have an update on the film's progression for you!
From the Press Release
Jonathan Lapaglia (pictured) and Luke Hemsworth will star in the crime thriller The Reckoning, written and to be directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush), it was announced today by Robert Beaumont, President of Lightning Entertainment, who is set to handle international sales rights to the film.
The Reckoning will start principal photography on April 29th on location in Australia. Deidre Kitcher (Needle, Crush) is producing. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill, and Kim Savill will executive produce the film.
The story revolves around a detective who discovers footage at a murder scene, shot by two teenagers, that provides clues to the identity of a killer.
From the Press Release
Jonathan Lapaglia (pictured) and Luke Hemsworth will star in the crime thriller The Reckoning, written and to be directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush), it was announced today by Robert Beaumont, President of Lightning Entertainment, who is set to handle international sales rights to the film.
The Reckoning will start principal photography on April 29th on location in Australia. Deidre Kitcher (Needle, Crush) is producing. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill, and Kim Savill will executive produce the film.
The story revolves around a detective who discovers footage at a murder scene, shot by two teenagers, that provides clues to the identity of a killer.
- 3/25/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Jonathan Lapaglia and Luke Hemsworth will star in the crime thriller The Reckoning, written and to be directed by John V. Soto (Needle, Crush), it was announced today by Robert Beaumont, President of Lightning Entertainment who is set to handle International sales rights to the film.
The Reckoning will start principal photography on April 29th on location in Australia. Deidre Kitcher (Needle, Crush) is producing. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill and Kim Savill will executive produce the film.
The story revolves around a detective who discovers footage at a murder scene, shot by two teenagers, that provides clues to the identity of a killer. The teens have since gone missing, and as the detective retraces their journey, he soon uncovers a trail of deceit and murder that leads all the way back to him.
Kitcher says that the thriller is “best described as Memento meets Kalifornia.”
A Filmscope Entertainment production,...
The Reckoning will start principal photography on April 29th on location in Australia. Deidre Kitcher (Needle, Crush) is producing. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote, David Calvert-Jones, Roger Savill and Kim Savill will executive produce the film.
The story revolves around a detective who discovers footage at a murder scene, shot by two teenagers, that provides clues to the identity of a killer. The teens have since gone missing, and as the detective retraces their journey, he soon uncovers a trail of deceit and murder that leads all the way back to him.
Kitcher says that the thriller is “best described as Memento meets Kalifornia.”
A Filmscope Entertainment production,...
- 3/25/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Gérard Depardieu Embraces Russia Citizenship Offer Actor Gérard Depardieu has hailed Russia’s decision to grant him citizenship following a tax spat with the government of his native France. In an open letter broadcast on Russian TV Depardieu said, “I filed a passport application and I am pleased that it was accepted. I love your country, Russia — its people, its history, its writers. I love your culture, your intelligence.” The actor said he had spoken to French President Francois Hollande and told him Russia was “a great democracy, and not a country where the prime minister calls one of its citizens shabby” — referring to how French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault described Depardieu’s decision to leave the country. Depardieu’s tax feud began last year after Hollande moved to raise taxes to 75% for those earning more than €1M ($1.6M). The actor accused the new socialist government of punishing “success, creation...
- 1/4/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
John V. Soto, director of the 2010 Australian supernatural film Needle, got in touch to tip us off to his latest Filmscope Entertainment feature, The Reckoning, as well as to provide us a peek at its key art.
Written, co-produced (with Deidre Kitcher) and to be directed by Soto, The Reckoning is set to star Callan McAuliffe (The Great Gatsby, I Am Number Four), with principal photography slated to start this February Down Under. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote and David Calvert-Jones will executive produce the film, which will be shot on the 2K and revolves around (according to the official synopsis) “a detective investigating the roadside execution-style murder of his partner [who] discovers a video, shot by two teenagers, about the death of their sibling in an unsolved hit and run case. The teens have since gone missing, and as the detective retraces their journey, he soon uncovers a trail of murder...
Written, co-produced (with Deidre Kitcher) and to be directed by Soto, The Reckoning is set to star Callan McAuliffe (The Great Gatsby, I Am Number Four), with principal photography slated to start this February Down Under. Robert Lundberg, Greg Coote and David Calvert-Jones will executive produce the film, which will be shot on the 2K and revolves around (according to the official synopsis) “a detective investigating the roadside execution-style murder of his partner [who] discovers a video, shot by two teenagers, about the death of their sibling in an unsolved hit and run case. The teens have since gone missing, and as the detective retraces their journey, he soon uncovers a trail of murder...
- 10/12/2012
- by Sean Decker
- DreadCentral.com
The Australian Independent Distributor.s Association has presented its Independent Spirit Award to industry veteran John Politzer.
The award was presented at the Australian International Movie Convention by last year.s recipient, Bob Parr, and accepted on Politzer.s behalf by entertainment publicist Fiona Nix. The award recognises individuals who have devoted much of their lives to independent film.
.We.re sorry John cannot be here tonight . he is a great champion of Australian cinema,. Parr said.
.John started working at Twentieth Century Fox in the late-50s and moved into distribution at Village Roadshow when Greg Coote offered him a job. From there he went into exhibition at Greater Union from 1979 . 1995 as the programming manager. His love of and commitment to Australian films and the local industry became evident. John secured screens for Australian films so producers and distributors could be confident of strong, wide releases and was a...
The award was presented at the Australian International Movie Convention by last year.s recipient, Bob Parr, and accepted on Politzer.s behalf by entertainment publicist Fiona Nix. The award recognises individuals who have devoted much of their lives to independent film.
.We.re sorry John cannot be here tonight . he is a great champion of Australian cinema,. Parr said.
.John started working at Twentieth Century Fox in the late-50s and moved into distribution at Village Roadshow when Greg Coote offered him a job. From there he went into exhibition at Greater Union from 1979 . 1995 as the programming manager. His love of and commitment to Australian films and the local industry became evident. John secured screens for Australian films so producers and distributors could be confident of strong, wide releases and was a...
- 8/20/2012
- by Staff reporter
- IF.com.au
A musical from Red Dog director Kriv Stenders, a feature about the choir of hard knocks directed by Jonathan Teplitzky and an untitled project from Joel and Nash Edgerton are three of 16 features that have received a share of $400,000 in development support from Screen Australia. Of these 16 projects, ten are new additions to the development slate, while the remaining six have been receiving ongoing assistance. Screen Australia.s head of development Martha Coleman said in a statement that the calibre of features was outstanding. .There.s a general acknowledgement from the marketplace that our filmmakers have raised the bar and I think the next wave of films in the coming years will be really interesting..
Synchronicity, which is written by Marissa Goodhill,. produced by Leesa Kahn and Catriona Hughes and has Kriv Stenders attached as director, is a musical set to the songs of Kylie Minogue. It follows 17-year-old Kylie...
Synchronicity, which is written by Marissa Goodhill,. produced by Leesa Kahn and Catriona Hughes and has Kriv Stenders attached as director, is a musical set to the songs of Kylie Minogue. It follows 17-year-old Kylie...
- 5/15/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
Some of Australia’s biggest names in film-making have received funding for new projects in the latest round of Screen Australia’s single-project feature development.
The funding round for script development has supported 16 projects totalling $400,000, ten new projects and six which receive continued support.
Martha Coleman, Screen Australia’s head of development said: “The calibre of feature projects coming to the Development Department is outstanding. There’s a general acknowledgement from the marketplace that our film-makers have raised the bar and I think the next wave of films in the coming years will be really interesting.”
Film-makers include Julia Leigh, the Edgerton brothers, Abe Forsythe and Kriv Stenders.
Julia Leigh is to direct her second film, Disquiet following on from Sleeping Beauty, which won best direction in a feature film at the Australian Director’s Guild Awards on Friday night. The psychological horror will be adapted by Leigh from her book of the same name.
The funding round for script development has supported 16 projects totalling $400,000, ten new projects and six which receive continued support.
Martha Coleman, Screen Australia’s head of development said: “The calibre of feature projects coming to the Development Department is outstanding. There’s a general acknowledgement from the marketplace that our film-makers have raised the bar and I think the next wave of films in the coming years will be really interesting.”
Film-makers include Julia Leigh, the Edgerton brothers, Abe Forsythe and Kriv Stenders.
Julia Leigh is to direct her second film, Disquiet following on from Sleeping Beauty, which won best direction in a feature film at the Australian Director’s Guild Awards on Friday night. The psychological horror will be adapted by Leigh from her book of the same name.
- 5/14/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Craig T. Mathew China Lion Chairman Greg Coote, AMC President of Programming Robert J. Lenihan, China Lion President Jiang Yanming and China Lion CEO Milt Barlow
Huayi Brothers Media Corp. and Bona Film Group Ltd., two of China’s largest film production companies, said Sunday they were each acquiring up to 20% of start-up distribution company China Lion Film Distribution, with the goal of introducing more of their films to the U.S. market. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Huayi Brothers Media Corp. and Bona Film Group Ltd., two of China’s largest film production companies, said Sunday they were each acquiring up to 20% of start-up distribution company China Lion Film Distribution, with the goal of introducing more of their films to the U.S. market. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
- 10/31/2011
- by Michelle Kung
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Rgm Media chairman Greg Coote has resigned from the Singapore-based talent agent and production house. In a statement released by the company, Coote.said: .Due to emerging commitments I am now unable to devote the necessary time to the Rgm Media board.. His stint. on the board ends after less than a year..The respected film executive was encouraged to join the company by the Singapore government's.Media Development Authority, where he sits on an advisory board. In May, he also oversaw the inaugural ScreenSingapore event, which was aimed at promoting the region as a new cinematic hub. Coote did not name his other commitments but he has previously said he is actively pursuing projects to produce. After years of delays and millions of dollars...
- 9/23/2011
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
An Australian Film Institute (AFI)-hosted launch party this evening named Geoffrey Rush founding president of the newly titled Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta), at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay.
Introducing Rush, AFI patron Dr George Miller said, “There is a handful of people who have won the triple crown acting, the Oscar, Emmy and Tony, and he’s the only one to win these awards and an AFI.”
As president, or ‘prez’ as he called himself, Rush announced the name of the new academy, the Australia Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta), which he suggested sounded like a Sydney drag queen.
Addressing the launch, Rush said, “I am honoured to represent our industry as president of the newly-formed Australian Academy. Over half a century ago the AFI was founded and since that time our film and television industries have developed beyond our wildest imaginings.
Introducing Rush, AFI patron Dr George Miller said, “There is a handful of people who have won the triple crown acting, the Oscar, Emmy and Tony, and he’s the only one to win these awards and an AFI.”
As president, or ‘prez’ as he called himself, Rush announced the name of the new academy, the Australia Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (Aacta), which he suggested sounded like a Sydney drag queen.
Addressing the launch, Rush said, “I am honoured to represent our industry as president of the newly-formed Australian Academy. Over half a century ago the AFI was founded and since that time our film and television industries have developed beyond our wildest imaginings.
- 8/18/2011
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Greg Coote is one of Australia.s film pioneers . his extensive media-heavy.resume includes stints as joint managing director of Roadshow Distributors, executive vice president of Columbia Pictures and managing director of Network Ten. Today, the Los Angeles-based Australian views emerging markets with the same pioneering fervour. .Going into India and China is like walking the plank . it.s fraught with all sorts of danger but the rewards are equally huge,. Coote tells If. .There are 300 . imagine this . 300 cities in China with a population of around a million, which don.t have one cinema screen. Isn.t that extraordinary?. Both China and India are undergoing rapid industrialisation and both represent...
- 5/25/2011
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
More importantly, the Singapore market will be held between June 7-9. ScreenSingapore aims to become the market and launch platform for international film releases in Asia. The event is being led by the island's Media Development Authority. Greg Coote, CEO of Avatar financier Dune Entertainment, is chairing the board. Other board members include Michael Werner, CEO of Fortissimo Film Sales, and Ashok Amritraj, CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment. Given that Hong Kong’s Filmart already takes place each March -- pretty much followed by Cannes -- it will be interesting to see whether there's any appetite for a new event in June.
- 8/16/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
The island has announced that it is going to stage a film and entertainment technology market in June next year. ScreenSingapore aims to become the market and launch platform for international film releases in Asia. Hollywood will also be able to showcase its summer product in what is the world’s fastest growing region. Greg Coote, CEO of Avatar financier Dune Entertainment, is chairing the board. Other board members include Michael Werner, CEO of Fortissimo Film Sales, and Ashok Amritraj, CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment. Given that Hong Kong’s Filmart already takes place each March -- pretty much followed by Cannes [...]...
- 5/13/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
April is the time for spring cleaning for the major studios: They clear their vaults of the debris that's been lying around in preparation for the onslaught of the big guns of summer.
The latest example is this misbegotten Tarzan flick, the kind of B-programmer that used to appear with regularity from the likes of American International Pictures. Starring hunk du jour Casper Van Dien ("Starship Troopers") as the Edgar Rice Burroughs-penned character, this effort won't make anyone forget Miles O'Keeffe, let alone Johnny Weissmuller.
This adventure takes place after Tarzan, a k a Lord Greystoke, has settled in England and is preparing for his nuptials to the beautiful Jane (Jane March of "The Lover"). Suddenly seeing a vision of his childhood home consumed by flames, Tarzan immediately sets off for Africa, much to Jane's consternation. She gets over it quickly, though, and follows him there.
It isn't long before the two are engaged in a desperate struggle against the villainous Nigel Ravens (Steven Waddington), who wants to loot the legendary lost city of Opar. Along the way they find time to dance a waltz in the jungle and rescue trapped animals: "Sounds like an elephant in trouble!" Tarzan exclaims at one point.
Tired, formulaic, cheap looking, filled with men in monkey suits, and dialogue on the order of "Get out of this one, ape man!" this "Tarzan" is an unfortunate addition to the venerable series, and will absolutely fail to draw modern day audiences to this classic character.
This, despite the physical appeal of the sexy leads: Van Dien is the picture of toned perfection in his loincloth and Jane March, as a particularly physical Jane who drinks whisky, smokes cigars, shoots firearms and swings on vines with the best of them, is also quite ravishing.
TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY
Warner Bros.
Director: Carl Schenkel
Screenplay: Bayard Johnson, J. Anderson Black
Producers: Stanley Canter, Dieter Geissler, Michael Lake
Executive producers: Greg Coote, Peter Ziegler, Kurt: Silberschneider, Lawrence Mortorff
Director of photography: Paul Gilpin
Editor: Harry Hitner
Production designer: Herbert Pinter
Music: Christopher Franke
Color/stereo
Cast:
Tarzan: Casper Van Dien
Jane: Jane March
Nigel Ravens: Steve Waddington
Running time -- 83 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
The latest example is this misbegotten Tarzan flick, the kind of B-programmer that used to appear with regularity from the likes of American International Pictures. Starring hunk du jour Casper Van Dien ("Starship Troopers") as the Edgar Rice Burroughs-penned character, this effort won't make anyone forget Miles O'Keeffe, let alone Johnny Weissmuller.
This adventure takes place after Tarzan, a k a Lord Greystoke, has settled in England and is preparing for his nuptials to the beautiful Jane (Jane March of "The Lover"). Suddenly seeing a vision of his childhood home consumed by flames, Tarzan immediately sets off for Africa, much to Jane's consternation. She gets over it quickly, though, and follows him there.
It isn't long before the two are engaged in a desperate struggle against the villainous Nigel Ravens (Steven Waddington), who wants to loot the legendary lost city of Opar. Along the way they find time to dance a waltz in the jungle and rescue trapped animals: "Sounds like an elephant in trouble!" Tarzan exclaims at one point.
Tired, formulaic, cheap looking, filled with men in monkey suits, and dialogue on the order of "Get out of this one, ape man!" this "Tarzan" is an unfortunate addition to the venerable series, and will absolutely fail to draw modern day audiences to this classic character.
This, despite the physical appeal of the sexy leads: Van Dien is the picture of toned perfection in his loincloth and Jane March, as a particularly physical Jane who drinks whisky, smokes cigars, shoots firearms and swings on vines with the best of them, is also quite ravishing.
TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY
Warner Bros.
Director: Carl Schenkel
Screenplay: Bayard Johnson, J. Anderson Black
Producers: Stanley Canter, Dieter Geissler, Michael Lake
Executive producers: Greg Coote, Peter Ziegler, Kurt: Silberschneider, Lawrence Mortorff
Director of photography: Paul Gilpin
Editor: Harry Hitner
Production designer: Herbert Pinter
Music: Christopher Franke
Color/stereo
Cast:
Tarzan: Casper Van Dien
Jane: Jane March
Nigel Ravens: Steve Waddington
Running time -- 83 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 4/27/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Filmmaker Bruce Beresford is one of those people who seems to profit during wartime.
After a series of recent screen missteps, the Academy Award-nominated director of "Breaker Morant" (set against the backdrop of the Boer War) has regained his footing with the masterful "Paradise Road", a quietly accomplished work that takes its cue from the real-life exploits of a highly diverse group of women interred in a Japanese prison camp during World War II.
Powerfully executed in every aspect and boasting an exceptional all-female ensemble anchored by a remarkable performance by Glenn Close, this moving portrait of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity deserves, with a little TLC from Fox Searchlight, an audience beyond the specialty arena. Hopefully its many merits won't be forgotten come Oscar time.
Beresford wastes little time before immersing the viewer in the experience. The film begins in the ballroom of Singapore's famed Raffles Hotel during the idyllic moments leading up to the mortar fire signaling Japanese occupation. The viewer is right alongside Englishwoman Adrienne Pargiter as she hastily boards a ship full of women and children that is subsequently bombed by enemy fighter planes, forcing her and others to dive into the open sea and swim to the shores of Sumatra.
Of course, their welcome is less than cordial as they are herded along with hundreds of other Europeans, Australians and Americans from all walks of life into a prisoner-of-war camp, where their Japanese hosts have very definite ideas of how women, especially enemy Western women, are supposed to behave.
Among those assembled are a spirited missionary (Pauline Collins), an American (Julianna Margulies) and a matter-of-fact German-Jewish doctor (Frances McDormand). As their survival instincts become worn down over time, Pargiter and missionary Margaret "Daisy" Drummond decide to form a vocal orchestra, reconstructing by memory complex arrangements of classical works by composers such as Dvorak and Ravel.
Practicing in small groups so as not to arouse the suspicions of their captors, the women's voices are ultimately brought together, creating a spine-tingling, ethereally uplifting sound that holds their hope aloft in the face of bleak uncertainty.
Despite the potentially oppressive nature of the material, Beresford takes advantage of the ample opportunities for humor, given the various ethnic and social differences of the prisoners. Those diverse attributes are expertly conveyed by this wonderful cast.
Close turns in one of the finest performances of her career as the choir's conductor and the group's unofficial spiritual leader. It's a portrayal that radiates tremendous pride, fearlessness, warmth and vulnerability. Also terrific is Collins, doing her best big screen work since "Shirley Valentine", as well as McDormand (despite an occasionally shaky German accent that sounds as if it came from studying Marlene Dietrich recordings) as the stoically ironic Dr. Verstak.
Behind-the-scenes work is just as impressive, including the vivid lenswork of frequent Beresford collaborator Peter James ("Driving Miss Daisy") and production designer Herbert Pinter (Beresford's "Black Robe"). While Ross Edwards' score is similarly effective, it's understandably overshadowed by those remarkable vocal orchestrations, which have been recreated from the original handwritten notes smuggled out of the camps. It's a sound that remains long after the images fade.
PARADISE ROAD
Fox Searchlight Pictures
A Village Roadshow Pictures/YTC Pictures production
in association with Planet Pictures
Director-screenwriter:Bruce Beresford
Producers:Sue Milliken, Greg Coote
Executive producers:Andrew Yap and Graham Burke
Based on a story by:David Giles and Martin Meader
Director of photography:Peter James
Production designer:Herbert Pinter
Editor:Timothy Wellburn
Costume designer:Terry Ryan
Music:Ross Edwards
Color/stereo
Cast:
Adrienne Pargiter:Glenn Close
Margaret Drummond:Pauline Collins
Susan Macarthy:Cate Blanchett
Dr. Verstak:Frances McDormand
Topsy Merritt:Julianna Margulies
Rosemary Leighton-Jones:Jennifer Ehle
Mrs. Roberts:Elizabeth Spriggs
Sister Wilhelminia:Joanna Ter Steege
Mrs. Dickson:Wendy Hughes
Running time -- 123 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
After a series of recent screen missteps, the Academy Award-nominated director of "Breaker Morant" (set against the backdrop of the Boer War) has regained his footing with the masterful "Paradise Road", a quietly accomplished work that takes its cue from the real-life exploits of a highly diverse group of women interred in a Japanese prison camp during World War II.
Powerfully executed in every aspect and boasting an exceptional all-female ensemble anchored by a remarkable performance by Glenn Close, this moving portrait of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity deserves, with a little TLC from Fox Searchlight, an audience beyond the specialty arena. Hopefully its many merits won't be forgotten come Oscar time.
Beresford wastes little time before immersing the viewer in the experience. The film begins in the ballroom of Singapore's famed Raffles Hotel during the idyllic moments leading up to the mortar fire signaling Japanese occupation. The viewer is right alongside Englishwoman Adrienne Pargiter as she hastily boards a ship full of women and children that is subsequently bombed by enemy fighter planes, forcing her and others to dive into the open sea and swim to the shores of Sumatra.
Of course, their welcome is less than cordial as they are herded along with hundreds of other Europeans, Australians and Americans from all walks of life into a prisoner-of-war camp, where their Japanese hosts have very definite ideas of how women, especially enemy Western women, are supposed to behave.
Among those assembled are a spirited missionary (Pauline Collins), an American (Julianna Margulies) and a matter-of-fact German-Jewish doctor (Frances McDormand). As their survival instincts become worn down over time, Pargiter and missionary Margaret "Daisy" Drummond decide to form a vocal orchestra, reconstructing by memory complex arrangements of classical works by composers such as Dvorak and Ravel.
Practicing in small groups so as not to arouse the suspicions of their captors, the women's voices are ultimately brought together, creating a spine-tingling, ethereally uplifting sound that holds their hope aloft in the face of bleak uncertainty.
Despite the potentially oppressive nature of the material, Beresford takes advantage of the ample opportunities for humor, given the various ethnic and social differences of the prisoners. Those diverse attributes are expertly conveyed by this wonderful cast.
Close turns in one of the finest performances of her career as the choir's conductor and the group's unofficial spiritual leader. It's a portrayal that radiates tremendous pride, fearlessness, warmth and vulnerability. Also terrific is Collins, doing her best big screen work since "Shirley Valentine", as well as McDormand (despite an occasionally shaky German accent that sounds as if it came from studying Marlene Dietrich recordings) as the stoically ironic Dr. Verstak.
Behind-the-scenes work is just as impressive, including the vivid lenswork of frequent Beresford collaborator Peter James ("Driving Miss Daisy") and production designer Herbert Pinter (Beresford's "Black Robe"). While Ross Edwards' score is similarly effective, it's understandably overshadowed by those remarkable vocal orchestrations, which have been recreated from the original handwritten notes smuggled out of the camps. It's a sound that remains long after the images fade.
PARADISE ROAD
Fox Searchlight Pictures
A Village Roadshow Pictures/YTC Pictures production
in association with Planet Pictures
Director-screenwriter:Bruce Beresford
Producers:Sue Milliken, Greg Coote
Executive producers:Andrew Yap and Graham Burke
Based on a story by:David Giles and Martin Meader
Director of photography:Peter James
Production designer:Herbert Pinter
Editor:Timothy Wellburn
Costume designer:Terry Ryan
Music:Ross Edwards
Color/stereo
Cast:
Adrienne Pargiter:Glenn Close
Margaret Drummond:Pauline Collins
Susan Macarthy:Cate Blanchett
Dr. Verstak:Frances McDormand
Topsy Merritt:Julianna Margulies
Rosemary Leighton-Jones:Jennifer Ehle
Mrs. Roberts:Elizabeth Spriggs
Sister Wilhelminia:Joanna Ter Steege
Mrs. Dickson:Wendy Hughes
Running time -- 123 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
In scrutinizing a historical footnote to World War II, this Australian film paints a harrowing portrait of war crimes and political power.
Brilliantly acted and photographed, ''Prisoners'' nevertheless faces an uncertain boxoffice in the United States, where the grim nature of the subject matter will tempt only the most serious adult moviegoer. Yet if ever there were a time for a film which demonstrates that making peace is a trickier business than waging war, it's now.
Brian A.Williams, who co-authored the script with Denis Whitburn, bases the story on his father's experiences as an Australian military lawyer prosecuting Japanese war criminals on the little-known Indonesian island of Ambon.
After the Japanese surrender in 1945, Australian liberators uncovered a mass grave on the island containing the remains of hundreds of Australian prisoners of war. The Australians put on trial all the Japanese officers and soldiers who controlled the POW camp in hopes of bringing forth evidence of who was truly responsible.
The fictional counterpart of Williams' father, Capt. Cooper, played with smoldering anger by Bryan Brown, is after a big fish -- Vice Adm. Baron Takahashi (''Star Trek's'' George Takei). The Oxford-educated aristocrat, who commanded the camp, clearly had to be the one who ordered the tortures and executions of the POWs. But Cooper has no real evidence.
Soon Cooper becomes aware of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering in which not only his commanding officer (John Bach) but an American major (Terry O'Quinn) are working to make certain Takahashi is acquitted.
The Americans in Tokyo have postwar plans for the Admiral. And they don't want the embarrassment of a conviction for brutal war crimes to interfere with those plans.
The script lays out the issues coolly, letting the images of unearthed, beheaded skeletons and looks on the faces of Australians and Japanese alike tell the emotional story.
Director Stephen Wallace gains excellent performances from a talented cast. As he did in his 1980 prison drama, ''Stir, '' Wallace shows a flair for dramatizing issues among tough men in claustrophobic situations.
Cinematographer Russell Boyd, one of Australia's best, catches the vivid colors of the dark jungles and sweaty barracks. (The film was shot in and around the Warner Roadshow Studio complex in Queensland.)
The film does bog down in the talkier passages. And none of the characters achieves a larger-than-life dimension. Only the situation makes them interesting people.
This docudrama is more docu than drama. Williams, who also co-produced, may have felt a need to stick to the historical record at the expense of a fiction which might have achieved a greater truth.
Whatever the case, ''Prisoners'' offers an illuminating chapter on the always sad tale of men and warfare.
PRISONERS OF THE SUN
Skouras Pictures
Director Stephen Wallace
Producers Charles Waterstreet, Denis Whitburn, Brian A. Williams
Executive producers Graham Burke, Greg Coote, John Tarnoff
Writers Denis Whitburn, Brian A. Williams
Director of photography Russell Boyd
Production designer Bernard Hides
Music David McHugh
Editor Nicholas Beauman
Costume designer Roger Kirk
Color
Cast:
Capt. Robert Cooper Bryan Brown
Vice Adm. Baron Takahashi George Takei
Maj. Tom Beckett Terry O'Quinn
Maj. Frank Roberts John Bach
Lt. Hideo Tanaka Toshi Shioya
Capt. Wadami Ikeuchi Tetsu Watanabe
Pvt. Jimmy Fenton John Polson
Sister Carol Littel lDeborah Unger
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
(c) The Hollywood Reporter...
Brilliantly acted and photographed, ''Prisoners'' nevertheless faces an uncertain boxoffice in the United States, where the grim nature of the subject matter will tempt only the most serious adult moviegoer. Yet if ever there were a time for a film which demonstrates that making peace is a trickier business than waging war, it's now.
Brian A.Williams, who co-authored the script with Denis Whitburn, bases the story on his father's experiences as an Australian military lawyer prosecuting Japanese war criminals on the little-known Indonesian island of Ambon.
After the Japanese surrender in 1945, Australian liberators uncovered a mass grave on the island containing the remains of hundreds of Australian prisoners of war. The Australians put on trial all the Japanese officers and soldiers who controlled the POW camp in hopes of bringing forth evidence of who was truly responsible.
The fictional counterpart of Williams' father, Capt. Cooper, played with smoldering anger by Bryan Brown, is after a big fish -- Vice Adm. Baron Takahashi (''Star Trek's'' George Takei). The Oxford-educated aristocrat, who commanded the camp, clearly had to be the one who ordered the tortures and executions of the POWs. But Cooper has no real evidence.
Soon Cooper becomes aware of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering in which not only his commanding officer (John Bach) but an American major (Terry O'Quinn) are working to make certain Takahashi is acquitted.
The Americans in Tokyo have postwar plans for the Admiral. And they don't want the embarrassment of a conviction for brutal war crimes to interfere with those plans.
The script lays out the issues coolly, letting the images of unearthed, beheaded skeletons and looks on the faces of Australians and Japanese alike tell the emotional story.
Director Stephen Wallace gains excellent performances from a talented cast. As he did in his 1980 prison drama, ''Stir, '' Wallace shows a flair for dramatizing issues among tough men in claustrophobic situations.
Cinematographer Russell Boyd, one of Australia's best, catches the vivid colors of the dark jungles and sweaty barracks. (The film was shot in and around the Warner Roadshow Studio complex in Queensland.)
The film does bog down in the talkier passages. And none of the characters achieves a larger-than-life dimension. Only the situation makes them interesting people.
This docudrama is more docu than drama. Williams, who also co-produced, may have felt a need to stick to the historical record at the expense of a fiction which might have achieved a greater truth.
Whatever the case, ''Prisoners'' offers an illuminating chapter on the always sad tale of men and warfare.
PRISONERS OF THE SUN
Skouras Pictures
Director Stephen Wallace
Producers Charles Waterstreet, Denis Whitburn, Brian A. Williams
Executive producers Graham Burke, Greg Coote, John Tarnoff
Writers Denis Whitburn, Brian A. Williams
Director of photography Russell Boyd
Production designer Bernard Hides
Music David McHugh
Editor Nicholas Beauman
Costume designer Roger Kirk
Color
Cast:
Capt. Robert Cooper Bryan Brown
Vice Adm. Baron Takahashi George Takei
Maj. Tom Beckett Terry O'Quinn
Maj. Frank Roberts John Bach
Lt. Hideo Tanaka Toshi Shioya
Capt. Wadami Ikeuchi Tetsu Watanabe
Pvt. Jimmy Fenton John Polson
Sister Carol Littel lDeborah Unger
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
(c) The Hollywood Reporter...
- 7/18/1991
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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