Anthony Hopkins, who has embodied a cast of real-life characters in his long career, ranging from Richard Nixon (in Nixon) and Sigmund Freund (Freud’s Last Session) to Alfred Hitchcock (Hitchcock), and Adolf Hitler (1981 TV movie The Bunker), is set to play composer George Frideric Handel in the upcoming feature The King of Covent Garden.
Minamata filmmaker Andrew Levitas is attached to direct the biopic focused on how the German-British Baroque composer created his 1741 masterpiece Messiah. Tim Slover wrote the screenplay. Dan Lupovitz and Kevan Van Thompson will produce.
Opera star Katherine Jenkins is attached as an executive producer on the project and will be involved as a musical advisor on the project as well as helping with future marketing efforts. Peter Touche (Military Wives, The Son) is also executive producing.
Embankment Films is handling global pre-sales on The King of Covent Garden and will be pitching it to buyers at...
Minamata filmmaker Andrew Levitas is attached to direct the biopic focused on how the German-British Baroque composer created his 1741 masterpiece Messiah. Tim Slover wrote the screenplay. Dan Lupovitz and Kevan Van Thompson will produce.
Opera star Katherine Jenkins is attached as an executive producer on the project and will be involved as a musical advisor on the project as well as helping with future marketing efforts. Peter Touche (Military Wives, The Son) is also executive producing.
Embankment Films is handling global pre-sales on The King of Covent Garden and will be pitching it to buyers at...
- 5/2/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anthony Hopkins is taking on yet another iconic figure, this time from the world of music.
The stage and screen legend — a two-time Academy Award winner — is attached to star as George Frideric Handel in “The King of Covent Garden,” set during the period the famed opera composer worked on his choral masterpiece “Messiah.” Embankment Films has launched global pre-sales on the project, which is scheduled for a late fall 2025 release.
Andrew Levitas (“Minimata”) will direct “The King of Covent Garden” from a script by Tim Slover, with the filmmakers pitching the feature as “a powerfully majestic celebration of genius breaking all the rules to create an anthem inspiring the popular imagination of global audiences.” Dan Lupovitz (“Death Defying Acts,” “Simpatico”) and Kevan Van Thompson (“Ballerina,” “Jojo Rabbit”) will produce.
Global operatic mezzo-soprano star Katherine Jenkins joins Peter Touche (“Military Wives,” “Blinded by the Light”) as executive producer, adding her musical performance,...
The stage and screen legend — a two-time Academy Award winner — is attached to star as George Frideric Handel in “The King of Covent Garden,” set during the period the famed opera composer worked on his choral masterpiece “Messiah.” Embankment Films has launched global pre-sales on the project, which is scheduled for a late fall 2025 release.
Andrew Levitas (“Minimata”) will direct “The King of Covent Garden” from a script by Tim Slover, with the filmmakers pitching the feature as “a powerfully majestic celebration of genius breaking all the rules to create an anthem inspiring the popular imagination of global audiences.” Dan Lupovitz (“Death Defying Acts,” “Simpatico”) and Kevan Van Thompson (“Ballerina,” “Jojo Rabbit”) will produce.
Global operatic mezzo-soprano star Katherine Jenkins joins Peter Touche (“Military Wives,” “Blinded by the Light”) as executive producer, adding her musical performance,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
The UK’s Embankment Films has launched global pre-sales on The King Of Covent Garden starring Anthony Hopkins as composer George Frideric Handel.
The film is billed as a celebration of the genius of the Baroque composer, who was born in what is modern-day Germany before moving to London in 1712. While living in the UK he composed his masterpiece Messiah in 1741, taking inspiration from a singer named Susannah, who is yet to be cast.
US filmmaker Andrew Levitas directs from a script by Tim Slover. US-based Dan Lupovitz and Kevan Van Thompson produce.
“The storytelling is hinged upon an unlikely pair,...
The film is billed as a celebration of the genius of the Baroque composer, who was born in what is modern-day Germany before moving to London in 1712. While living in the UK he composed his masterpiece Messiah in 1741, taking inspiration from a singer named Susannah, who is yet to be cast.
US filmmaker Andrew Levitas directs from a script by Tim Slover. US-based Dan Lupovitz and Kevan Van Thompson produce.
“The storytelling is hinged upon an unlikely pair,...
- 5/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
The sci-fi adventure horror film The Devil Conspiracy is set to reach over 1000 screens in the United States on January 13th, and the folks at distributor Third Day Productions have chosen to add some creepiness to this holiday season by releasing a clip from the film that previews the events of a “silent night, unholy night”. You can check it out in the embed above.
Directed by Nathan Frankowski from a script written by producer Ed Alan, the film has the following synopsis: A powerful biotech company has breakthrough technology allowing them to clone history’s most influential people with just a few fragments of DNA. Behind this company is a cabal of Satanists that steals the shroud of Christ putting them in possession of Jesus’ DNA. The clone will serve as the ultimate offering to the devil. Archangel Michael comes to earth and will stop at nothing to end the devil’s conspiracy.
Directed by Nathan Frankowski from a script written by producer Ed Alan, the film has the following synopsis: A powerful biotech company has breakthrough technology allowing them to clone history’s most influential people with just a few fragments of DNA. Behind this company is a cabal of Satanists that steals the shroud of Christ putting them in possession of Jesus’ DNA. The clone will serve as the ultimate offering to the devil. Archangel Michael comes to earth and will stop at nothing to end the devil’s conspiracy.
- 12/29/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Devil Conspiracy Trailer — Nathan Frankowski‘s The Devil Conspiracy (2022) movie trailer has been released by Goldwyn Films. The The Devil Conspiracy trailer stars Alice Orr-Ewing, Joe Doyle, Eveline Hall, Peter Mensah, Joe Anderson, Brian Caspe, and James Faulkner. Crew Ed Alan wrote the screenplay for The Devil Conspiracy. “Exec produced by Kevan Van Thompson, Vaclav [...]
Continue reading: The Devil Conspiracy (2022) Movie Trailer: A Cabal of Satanists try to Clone Jesus’ DNA...
Continue reading: The Devil Conspiracy (2022) Movie Trailer: A Cabal of Satanists try to Clone Jesus’ DNA...
- 11/25/2022
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
The sci-fi adventure horror film The Devil Conspiracy will be getting a theatrical release on over 1000 screens in the United States on January 13th, and with that date just a month and a half away we have gotten our hands on the film’s trailer. Check it out in the embed above!
The theatrical release for The Devil Conspiracy is being handled by Third Day Productions. Samuel Goldwyn Films holds the North American digital rights to the film and will be giving it a digital release sometime later in 2023.
Directed by Nathan Frankowski from a script written by producer Ed Alan, the film has the following synopsis: A powerful biotech company has breakthrough technology allowing them to clone history’s most influential people with just a few fragments of DNA. Behind this company is a cabal of Satanists that steals the shroud of Christ putting them in possession of Jesus’ DNA.
The theatrical release for The Devil Conspiracy is being handled by Third Day Productions. Samuel Goldwyn Films holds the North American digital rights to the film and will be giving it a digital release sometime later in 2023.
Directed by Nathan Frankowski from a script written by producer Ed Alan, the film has the following synopsis: A powerful biotech company has breakthrough technology allowing them to clone history’s most influential people with just a few fragments of DNA. Behind this company is a cabal of Satanists that steals the shroud of Christ putting them in possession of Jesus’ DNA.
- 11/22/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. rights to actor Avan Jogia’s first feature Door Mouse from Highland Film Group. The thriller starring Hayley Law (Riverdale), Keith Powers (The Tomorrow War), Famke Janssen (Long Slow Exhale), Donal Logue (Gotham) and Jogia (Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City) is slated for release in theaters and on demand on January 13.
Pic follows Mouse (Law), an irreverent dancer at a dead-end burlesque club run by Mama (Janssen). When Mouse’s only friends and fellow club dancers go missing under mysterious circumstances, nobody at the club seems too concerned about them, and the police couldn’t care less. Mouse and her constant sidekick Ugly (Powers) quickly realize that it’s up to them to dig up all the dirt and start the hunt for the culprits.
Jogia directed from his script, with Kyle Mann producing for Independent Edge, along with Jason Ross Jallet from Cause and Effect Entertainment.
Pic follows Mouse (Law), an irreverent dancer at a dead-end burlesque club run by Mama (Janssen). When Mouse’s only friends and fellow club dancers go missing under mysterious circumstances, nobody at the club seems too concerned about them, and the police couldn’t care less. Mouse and her constant sidekick Ugly (Powers) quickly realize that it’s up to them to dig up all the dirt and start the hunt for the culprits.
Jogia directed from his script, with Kyle Mann producing for Independent Edge, along with Jason Ross Jallet from Cause and Effect Entertainment.
- 11/18/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Here’s a first look at Nathan Frankowski’s horror feature dEVIL, which stars Alice Orr-Ewing (The Theory of Everything).
Film Mode Entertainment is handling sales on the title and will be screening it for the first time during this month’s virtual European Film Market.
Also starring are Joe Doyle (Salem), Eveline Hall (Whiskey Cavalier), Peter Mensah (Spartacus), Joe Anderson (Hangman), Spencer Wilding (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Brian Caspe (Jojo Rabbit) and David Faulkner.
In the film, the hottest biotech company in the world has discovered they can clone history’s most influential people from the dead. Now, they are auctioning clones of Michelangelo, Galileo, Vivaldi, and others for tens of millions of dollars to the world’s ultra-rich. But when they steal the Shroud of Turin and clone the DNA of Jesus Christ, all hell breaks loose.
Ed Alan wrote and produced the feature. Executive producers include Kevan Van Thompson,...
Film Mode Entertainment is handling sales on the title and will be screening it for the first time during this month’s virtual European Film Market.
Also starring are Joe Doyle (Salem), Eveline Hall (Whiskey Cavalier), Peter Mensah (Spartacus), Joe Anderson (Hangman), Spencer Wilding (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Brian Caspe (Jojo Rabbit) and David Faulkner.
In the film, the hottest biotech company in the world has discovered they can clone history’s most influential people from the dead. Now, they are auctioning clones of Michelangelo, Galileo, Vivaldi, and others for tens of millions of dollars to the world’s ultra-rich. But when they steal the Shroud of Turin and clone the DNA of Jesus Christ, all hell breaks loose.
Ed Alan wrote and produced the feature. Executive producers include Kevan Van Thompson,...
- 2/10/2022
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Johnny Depp movie Minamata is finally getting a U.S. release, we can reveal, but not from MGM which had previously acquired the film.
Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment (Ilbe) are now teaming up with Samuel Goldwyn Films to give the movie a North American release in theaters beginning December 15. The platformed release is due to extend across U.S. and Canada into 2022 and the team are looking to position it for awards consideration.
This update comes after the film’s director, Andrew Levitas, complained earlier this year that MGM was “burying” Minamata due to Depp’s well publicized off-screen issues. You can read the filmmaker’s impassioned letter to the studio here. Depp also decried the non-release in an interview in August in which he said the film deserved to be seen but was shelved because he was being “boycotted” by Hollywood.
Minamata charts the true story of...
Iervolino and Lady Bacardi Entertainment (Ilbe) are now teaming up with Samuel Goldwyn Films to give the movie a North American release in theaters beginning December 15. The platformed release is due to extend across U.S. and Canada into 2022 and the team are looking to position it for awards consideration.
This update comes after the film’s director, Andrew Levitas, complained earlier this year that MGM was “burying” Minamata due to Depp’s well publicized off-screen issues. You can read the filmmaker’s impassioned letter to the studio here. Depp also decried the non-release in an interview in August in which he said the film deserved to be seen but was shelved because he was being “boycotted” by Hollywood.
Minamata charts the true story of...
- 12/1/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan,” the Czech Republic’s official entry in the International Feature Film category of the 93rd Academy Awards, has been acquired for distribution in the U.K. and Ireland by AX1 from international sales agency Films Boutique. Variety spoke to the Oscar nominated filmmaker – who was recently elected president of the European Film Academy – about the project, challenges facing independent cinema, and the fall of President Donald Trump.
“Charlatan,” which premiered in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the Berlin Film Festival, and received a best director nomination at the European Film Awards, is based on the true story of Czech healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to treating the sick using medicinal plants. Throughout the turmoil of the 20th century, he has to choose between his calling and his conscience.
Speaking to Variety, Holland noted that the same flaw that led to Mikolášek’s downfall...
“Charlatan,” which premiered in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the Berlin Film Festival, and received a best director nomination at the European Film Awards, is based on the true story of Czech healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to treating the sick using medicinal plants. Throughout the turmoil of the 20th century, he has to choose between his calling and his conscience.
Speaking to Variety, Holland noted that the same flaw that led to Mikolášek’s downfall...
- 1/12/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
MGM has bought the Johnny Depp drama “Minamata” and has set an awards-season release of Feb. 5, 2021, through its revived American International Pictures label.
MGM also acquired all rights to “Minamata” in Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February.
Set in 1971, Depp portrays photojournalist Eugene Smith, who’s become a recluse and disconnected from the world he once shot. After receiving one final assignment from Life Magazine editor Robert Hayes (played by Bill Nighy), he must travel to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning. Assisted by an impassioned Japanese translator and encouraged by local villagers, his powerful images expose decades of gross negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation.
“Minamata” also stars Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Tadanobu Asano and Akiko Iwase. Andrew Levitas directed the film from a screenplay by Levitas, David K. Kessler, Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman.
MGM also acquired all rights to “Minamata” in Canada, Germany and Switzerland. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February.
Set in 1971, Depp portrays photojournalist Eugene Smith, who’s become a recluse and disconnected from the world he once shot. After receiving one final assignment from Life Magazine editor Robert Hayes (played by Bill Nighy), he must travel to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning. Assisted by an impassioned Japanese translator and encouraged by local villagers, his powerful images expose decades of gross negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation.
“Minamata” also stars Jun Kunimura, Ryo Kase, Tadanobu Asano and Akiko Iwase. Andrew Levitas directed the film from a screenplay by Levitas, David K. Kessler, Stephen Deuters and Jason Forman.
- 10/30/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
MGM has acquired “Minamata” starring Johnny Depp that will be released by MGM’s American International Pictures (Aip) label on Feb. 5, 2021, according to an individual with knowledge of the project. Additionally, MGM also acquired all rights to “Minamata” in Canada, Germany and Switzerland
The film received its World Premiere as a Berlinale Special Gala as part of the Berlin International Film Festival 2020. Depp received some of the best reviews of his career for portraying photojournalist Eugene Smith.
Per the film’s description, inspired by a true story, Depp plays W. Eugene Smith, a war photographer from World War II, who in 1971, goes up against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor Ralph Graves...
The film received its World Premiere as a Berlinale Special Gala as part of the Berlin International Film Festival 2020. Depp received some of the best reviews of his career for portraying photojournalist Eugene Smith.
Per the film’s description, inspired by a true story, Depp plays W. Eugene Smith, a war photographer from World War II, who in 1971, goes up against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor Ralph Graves...
- 10/30/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: MGM has acquired the Johnny Depp-starrer Minamata, through its American International Pictures label. The Andrew Levitas-directed drama has been set for a February 5 release, dropping into the extended awards season as a theatrical and day and date PVOD release. The film made its world premiere during the Berlin International Film Festival last February. In addition to U.S. rights, MGM acquired Canada, Germany and Switzerland.
While the recent focus on Depp has come for all the wrong reasons in a libel case he pressed against the Rupert Murdoch British tabloid The Sun for calling him a “wife beater” (a court ruling is expected Monday), this is a chance for the focus to swing back to his chameleonic screen work.
In a drama inspired by a true story, Depp plays Eugene Smith, a famed photojournalist who has disconnected from the world but takes a final assignment from his...
While the recent focus on Depp has come for all the wrong reasons in a libel case he pressed against the Rupert Murdoch British tabloid The Sun for calling him a “wife beater” (a court ruling is expected Monday), this is a chance for the focus to swing back to his chameleonic screen work.
In a drama inspired by a true story, Depp plays Eugene Smith, a famed photojournalist who has disconnected from the world but takes a final assignment from his...
- 10/30/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The Czech Film and Television Academy has selected Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan” to be its official entry in the International Feature Film category of the 93rd Academy Awards.
Its decision follows recent submissions by Singapore, Kosovo and Georgia. Other countries to have selected their entries include Bhutan, Taiwan, Ukraine, Bosnia, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Poland and Switzerland.
“Charlatan,” which premiered in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the Berlin Film Festival, is based on the true story of Czech healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to treating the sick using medicinal plants. Throughout the war and turmoil of the 20th century he has to choose between his calling and his conscience.
Holland told Variety: “‘Charlatan’ tells the story of Mikolášek’s rise and fall. Of his moral fall and of his constant fight with the darkness inside him. It is the story of the mystery of a man, of the mystery of his special gift,...
Its decision follows recent submissions by Singapore, Kosovo and Georgia. Other countries to have selected their entries include Bhutan, Taiwan, Ukraine, Bosnia, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Poland and Switzerland.
“Charlatan,” which premiered in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the Berlin Film Festival, is based on the true story of Czech healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to treating the sick using medicinal plants. Throughout the war and turmoil of the 20th century he has to choose between his calling and his conscience.
Holland told Variety: “‘Charlatan’ tells the story of Mikolášek’s rise and fall. Of his moral fall and of his constant fight with the darkness inside him. It is the story of the mystery of a man, of the mystery of his special gift,...
- 10/13/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Johnny Depp’s “Minamata and “Crock of Gold” get U.K., Ireland release; a brace of Princess Diana TV documentaries in the works; and MTV debuts short form series.
Vertigo Releasing has acquired U.K. and Ireland distribution rights from HanWay Films for Berlin Film Festival title Andrew Levitas’ “Minamata,” starring Johnny Depp, Hiroyuki Sanada, Minami and Tadanobu Asano, and will release the film Feb. 12, 2021.
Depp plays war photographer W. Eugene Smith who travels to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.
The film was developed by Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and produced through Metalwork Pictures. Producers are Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson, Gabrielle Tana, Kevan Van Thompson, David K. Kessler, Zach Avery, Levitas and Depp.
HanWay Films, which is overseeing international sales and distribution, has also closed deals with Eagle Pictures (Italy), Swift Distribution (France), Odeon S.A. (Greece), Films...
Vertigo Releasing has acquired U.K. and Ireland distribution rights from HanWay Films for Berlin Film Festival title Andrew Levitas’ “Minamata,” starring Johnny Depp, Hiroyuki Sanada, Minami and Tadanobu Asano, and will release the film Feb. 12, 2021.
Depp plays war photographer W. Eugene Smith who travels to Japan where he documents the devastating effect of mercury poisoning in coastal communities.
The film was developed by Depp’s Infinitum Nihil and produced through Metalwork Pictures. Producers are Sam Sarkar, Bill Johnson, Gabrielle Tana, Kevan Van Thompson, David K. Kessler, Zach Avery, Levitas and Depp.
HanWay Films, which is overseeing international sales and distribution, has also closed deals with Eagle Pictures (Italy), Swift Distribution (France), Odeon S.A. (Greece), Films...
- 10/8/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Andrew Levitas’ historical drama premiered as a Special title at the 2020 Berlinale.
HanWay Films has secured multiple key deals on Andrew Levitas’ historical drama Minamata starring Johnny Depp.
Vertigo Releasing has acquired UK and Ireland rights on the title, and is planning a theatrical release for February 12, 2021.
HanWay has also confirmed sales for Italy (Eagle Pictures), France (Swift Distribution), Greece (Odeon S.A.), Portugal (Films4U), Turkey (Bg Filmcilik), Bulgaria (Beta Film), former Yugoslavia (Discovery Film), Poland (Film Forum), Cis (Exponenta Film), Middle East (FrontRow Filmed Ent), Australia-New Zealand (Rialto Distribution), Japan (Longride Inc), Hong Kong (Intercontinental Films), India (PVR), Singapore...
HanWay Films has secured multiple key deals on Andrew Levitas’ historical drama Minamata starring Johnny Depp.
Vertigo Releasing has acquired UK and Ireland rights on the title, and is planning a theatrical release for February 12, 2021.
HanWay has also confirmed sales for Italy (Eagle Pictures), France (Swift Distribution), Greece (Odeon S.A.), Portugal (Films4U), Turkey (Bg Filmcilik), Bulgaria (Beta Film), former Yugoslavia (Discovery Film), Poland (Film Forum), Cis (Exponenta Film), Middle East (FrontRow Filmed Ent), Australia-New Zealand (Rialto Distribution), Japan (Longride Inc), Hong Kong (Intercontinental Films), India (PVR), Singapore...
- 10/8/2020
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
U.K.-Irish production company Film and Music Entertainment (Fame), in Berlin with Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan” and Ivan Ostrochovsky’s “Servants,” has unveiled five new film projects from its Irish division, including new films by Georgian helmer Marian Khatchvani and Albanian director Fatmir Koci.
“Charlatan,” which Fame co-produced with Prague-based Marlene Film Production and Kevan Van Thompson (“Jojo Rabbit”), premieres in Berlin’s Gala Special Screenings on Thursday. The pic’s co-producers include Poland’s Madants Film, Czech Television, Barrandov Studios and Radio and Television Slovakia. Films Boutique is handling world sales.
“Servants,” which unspooled Sunday in Berlin’s new Encounters section, tells the story of 17-year-old best friends Michal and Juraj, who leave their home village of Spis in communist Slovakia to join a Catholic seminary in Bratislava. Fame co-produced the film with Ostrochovsky’s Bratislava-based Punkchart Films. Laurent Danielou’s Loco Films is selling “Servants” internationally; the...
“Charlatan,” which Fame co-produced with Prague-based Marlene Film Production and Kevan Van Thompson (“Jojo Rabbit”), premieres in Berlin’s Gala Special Screenings on Thursday. The pic’s co-producers include Poland’s Madants Film, Czech Television, Barrandov Studios and Radio and Television Slovakia. Films Boutique is handling world sales.
“Servants,” which unspooled Sunday in Berlin’s new Encounters section, tells the story of 17-year-old best friends Michal and Juraj, who leave their home village of Spis in communist Slovakia to join a Catholic seminary in Bratislava. Fame co-produced the film with Ostrochovsky’s Bratislava-based Punkchart Films. Laurent Danielou’s Loco Films is selling “Servants” internationally; the...
- 2/25/2020
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
When it comes to feature film output in Central and Eastern Europe, it’s all about marshaling indie forces and breaking out of familiar tropes this year, say producers and filmmakers.
It’s also about relationships in the increasingly interconnected region, as Katarina Tomkova, one of the Slovak producers for “Servants,” says of the
communist-era drama focused on priests facing pressure to spy for the state. The fact-based idea — a Slovak, Czech, Romanian and Irish co-production that premieres in Berlinale’s Encounters section — grew out of a deal structure created “very organically, and was based on personal relationships and friendships,” says Tomkova of Slovakia’s Punkchart.
“Servants” star Vlad Ivanov was a juror at the Vilnius fest, which awarded Ivan Ostrochovsky’s previous film, “Koza,” which led to Romanian producers Oana Bujgoi Giurgiu and Tudor Giurgiu — and later composer Cristi Lolea — joining the project.
Czech producer Pavel Strnad of Negativ...
It’s also about relationships in the increasingly interconnected region, as Katarina Tomkova, one of the Slovak producers for “Servants,” says of the
communist-era drama focused on priests facing pressure to spy for the state. The fact-based idea — a Slovak, Czech, Romanian and Irish co-production that premieres in Berlinale’s Encounters section — grew out of a deal structure created “very organically, and was based on personal relationships and friendships,” says Tomkova of Slovakia’s Punkchart.
“Servants” star Vlad Ivanov was a juror at the Vilnius fest, which awarded Ivan Ostrochovsky’s previous film, “Koza,” which led to Romanian producers Oana Bujgoi Giurgiu and Tudor Giurgiu — and later composer Cristi Lolea — joining the project.
Czech producer Pavel Strnad of Negativ...
- 2/23/2020
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been given exclusive access to the trailer for Oscar nominee Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan,” which premieres in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the Berlin Film Festival.
The film is based on the true story of Czech healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to treat the sick using medicinal plants. Throughout the war and turmoil of the 20th century he has to choose between his calling and his conscience.
Holland comments: “‘Charlatan’ tells the story of Mikolášek’s rise and fall. Of his moral fall and of his constant fight with the darkness inside him. It is the story of the mystery of a man, of the mystery of his special gift, of the prize he was ready to pay for it; the story of the paradox of strength and weakness, of love and hate.”
Explaining her approach, Holland says: “To tell this story with an epic scope – dozens of years,...
The film is based on the true story of Czech healer Jan Mikolášek, who dedicated his life to treat the sick using medicinal plants. Throughout the war and turmoil of the 20th century he has to choose between his calling and his conscience.
Holland comments: “‘Charlatan’ tells the story of Mikolášek’s rise and fall. Of his moral fall and of his constant fight with the darkness inside him. It is the story of the mystery of a man, of the mystery of his special gift, of the prize he was ready to pay for it; the story of the paradox of strength and weakness, of love and hate.”
Explaining her approach, Holland says: “To tell this story with an epic scope – dozens of years,...
- 2/11/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
“Minamata,” starring Johnny Depp, Nanette Burstein’s documentary series about Hillary Clinton, “Hillary,” and Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan” have been selected to play in the Berlinale Special section of the Berlin Film Festival, the event said Tuesday.
Also selected in the section are two documentary features, Jóhann Jóhannsson’s “Last and First Men,” narrated by Tilda Swinton, and Jia Zhang-ke’s “Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue.”
These five titles join Matteo Garrone “Pinocchio” in Berlinale Special, whose selection was announced last month.
Depp plays celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith in Andrew Levitas’ “Minamata,” which follows Smith as he takes on a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan, in 1971.
The film is based on Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith’s book “Minamata,” which has been adapted by David K. Kessler (“A Hard Day’s Day”).
HanWay Films is handling international sales on “Minamata,...
Also selected in the section are two documentary features, Jóhann Jóhannsson’s “Last and First Men,” narrated by Tilda Swinton, and Jia Zhang-ke’s “Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue.”
These five titles join Matteo Garrone “Pinocchio” in Berlinale Special, whose selection was announced last month.
Depp plays celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith in Andrew Levitas’ “Minamata,” which follows Smith as he takes on a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan, in 1971.
The film is based on Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith’s book “Minamata,” which has been adapted by David K. Kessler (“A Hard Day’s Day”).
HanWay Films is handling international sales on “Minamata,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Charlatan
Polish director Agnieszka Holland remains as busy as ever, leaving behind the horrors of the Holodomor in her 2019 biopic Mr. Jones for a different kind of period piece altogether with Charlatan. Produced by Sarka Cimbalova and Kevan Van Thompson, Holland reunites with her Burning Bush (read review) actor Ivan Trojan, as well as her composer Antoni Komasa-Lazarkiewicz. Notably, the project is lensed by Martin Strba (a 14 time Czech Lion nominee), with costume design by his wife Katarina Strbova Bielikova. Having directed numerous features and television shows in her forty plus years as director, Holland is perhaps most notable for her 1990 work Europa Europa (which scored an Oscar nod for Best Writing), while her 2011 title In Darkness was nominated for Best Foreign Language feature.…...
Polish director Agnieszka Holland remains as busy as ever, leaving behind the horrors of the Holodomor in her 2019 biopic Mr. Jones for a different kind of period piece altogether with Charlatan. Produced by Sarka Cimbalova and Kevan Van Thompson, Holland reunites with her Burning Bush (read review) actor Ivan Trojan, as well as her composer Antoni Komasa-Lazarkiewicz. Notably, the project is lensed by Martin Strba (a 14 time Czech Lion nominee), with costume design by his wife Katarina Strbova Bielikova. Having directed numerous features and television shows in her forty plus years as director, Holland is perhaps most notable for her 1990 work Europa Europa (which scored an Oscar nod for Best Writing), while her 2011 title In Darkness was nominated for Best Foreign Language feature.…...
- 1/1/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
After 38 days of filming, the final clapperboard has been snapped shut on “Charlatan,” Oscar-nominated Polish director Agnieszka Holland’s latest film, and it’s a wrap. The film will premiere on Feb. 20, 2020, which offers the possibility of a launch at the Berlin Film Festival (Feb. 20-March 1).
“Charlatan” was shot in several locations in the Czech Rep. in April and June. Holland, producer Sarka Cimbalova of Czech Rep.’s Marlene Film Production and the Czech screenwriter, Marek Epstein, will attend the Karlovy Vary Film Festival Wednesday to present the project live on Czech Television, which backed the movie.
The film is inspired by the true story of healer Jan Mikolasek, who dedicated himself to caring for the sick, in spite of the huge obstacles he faced in his private and public life.
“From the moment I read the script I thought the story was quite strong, full of a certain mystery,...
“Charlatan” was shot in several locations in the Czech Rep. in April and June. Holland, producer Sarka Cimbalova of Czech Rep.’s Marlene Film Production and the Czech screenwriter, Marek Epstein, will attend the Karlovy Vary Film Festival Wednesday to present the project live on Czech Television, which backed the movie.
The film is inspired by the true story of healer Jan Mikolasek, who dedicated himself to caring for the sick, in spite of the huge obstacles he faced in his private and public life.
“From the moment I read the script I thought the story was quite strong, full of a certain mystery,...
- 7/3/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Agnieszka Holland, the director of Oscar nominated films “Europa Europa” and “In Darkness,” has begun shooting her latest pic, “Charlatan.” Films Boutique is handling foreign sales.
The Polish director, whose last film “Mr. Jones” premiered in competition at Berlin Film Festival in February, started to lens the pic Monday in Mladá Boleslav prison in the Czech Republic. The crew will spend most of this month on location in the Central Bohemia region of the country.
The pic, about an herbalist who devotes his life to caring for the sick despite many difficulties, is inspired by the real-life figure of Jan Mikolášek, whose story was adapted for the screen by Marek Epstein. Ivan Trojan, six-time winner of the Czech Lion award, plays Mikolášek.
In a statement, Holland said: “I have always been interested in healing… the fact somebody is able to look so deep into the body and soul of another person,...
The Polish director, whose last film “Mr. Jones” premiered in competition at Berlin Film Festival in February, started to lens the pic Monday in Mladá Boleslav prison in the Czech Republic. The crew will spend most of this month on location in the Central Bohemia region of the country.
The pic, about an herbalist who devotes his life to caring for the sick despite many difficulties, is inspired by the real-life figure of Jan Mikolášek, whose story was adapted for the screen by Marek Epstein. Ivan Trojan, six-time winner of the Czech Lion award, plays Mikolášek.
In a statement, Holland said: “I have always been interested in healing… the fact somebody is able to look so deep into the body and soul of another person,...
- 4/3/2019
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The sleepy Japanese town of Minamata was the scene of one of the world’s greatest environmental disasters when it was poisoned by mercury in the 1970s. It was also the setting for a groundbreaking international treaty designed to control use of the deadly metal.
U.K. sales agent HanWay Films will use its platform at FilMart to unveil updates on “Minamata,” its drama-thriller about the celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith. His images from the toxic town gave the eco-disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and put reckless big business on front pages around the world.
Johnny Depp stars as Smith, a colorful character who was a celebrated WWII photographer and later became close to jazz great Thelonious Monk. Smith ventured to Minamata near the end of his life, accompanied by his Japanese wife Aileen Mioko Smith.
“At that point, Gene [Smith] was about to give up. He wasn’t sure it was worth it,...
U.K. sales agent HanWay Films will use its platform at FilMart to unveil updates on “Minamata,” its drama-thriller about the celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith. His images from the toxic town gave the eco-disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and put reckless big business on front pages around the world.
Johnny Depp stars as Smith, a colorful character who was a celebrated WWII photographer and later became close to jazz great Thelonious Monk. Smith ventured to Minamata near the end of his life, accompanied by his Japanese wife Aileen Mioko Smith.
“At that point, Gene [Smith] was about to give up. He wasn’t sure it was worth it,...
- 3/19/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Principal Photography has begun on Minamata, directed by filmmaker, writer, and acclaimed artist Andrew Levitas and starring three-time Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe winner Johnny Depp as celebrated war photographer W. Eugene Smith.
Bill Nighy has joined the cast of Minamata which will co-star Minami (Vision), acclaimed actor Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase, and Jun Kunimura. The famed Yôko Narahashi is the casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp will also produce along with Infinitum Nihil’s Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Academy Award® nominee Gabrielle Tana. Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry and Peter Hampden will executive produce. Heads of department include César Award nominated cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, production designer Tom Foden and...
Bill Nighy has joined the cast of Minamata which will co-star Minami (Vision), acclaimed actor Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, Ryo Kase, and Jun Kunimura. The famed Yôko Narahashi is the casting director on the film which is currently underway in locations in Japan, Serbia, and Montenegro.
Developed by Depp’s production entity Infinitum Nihil, Depp will also produce along with Infinitum Nihil’s Sam Sarkar, Levitas under his Metalwork Pictures banner and Academy Award® nominee Gabrielle Tana. Jason Forman, Stephen Deuters, Peter Watson, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Gabrielle Stewart, Stephen Spence, Peter Touche, Norman Merry and Peter Hampden will executive produce. Heads of department include César Award nominated cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, production designer Tom Foden and...
- 1/31/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Poland’s pending film incentives law, offering filmmakers both foreign and domestic 30% cash back on production spends, has been the subject of intense scrutiny of late.
Polish producers, who have been at a disadvantage in a region of Europe where others have long had incentives, are concerned that Poland’s package be competitive, say industry insiders. Meanwhile, finer points in the law are still being negotiated, says the Polish Film Institute’s Anna Dziedzic. The organization, charged with leading the incentive formulation efforts, serves as a keystone in Poland’s film production sector.
“The bill is now in the final stage,” says Dziedzic. “Parliament is working on the last corrections.” Final adjustments are now being drafted, she adds, but says the Pfi is urging that the law be as user-friendly as possible.
In addition, the Pfi, under the administration of Radoslaw Smigulski, is taking on new roles. “Some changes in...
Polish producers, who have been at a disadvantage in a region of Europe where others have long had incentives, are concerned that Poland’s package be competitive, say industry insiders. Meanwhile, finer points in the law are still being negotiated, says the Polish Film Institute’s Anna Dziedzic. The organization, charged with leading the incentive formulation efforts, serves as a keystone in Poland’s film production sector.
“The bill is now in the final stage,” says Dziedzic. “Parliament is working on the last corrections.” Final adjustments are now being drafted, she adds, but says the Pfi is urging that the law be as user-friendly as possible.
In addition, the Pfi, under the administration of Radoslaw Smigulski, is taking on new roles. “Some changes in...
- 11/4/2018
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
Johnny Depp has been set to star as celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith in movie Minamata, which HanWay Films will launch at the upcoming Afm.
Andrew Levitas (Lullaby) will direct Minamata based on the book of the same name by Aileen Mioko Smith and Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler (A Hard Day’s Day). Shoot is due to begin in Japan followed by Serbia in January 2019.
The film will follow the reclusive Smith after his celebrated exploits during the Second World War as he travels to Japan in the 1970s to fulfill a commission from Life editor Ralph Graves. Armed with only his trusted Nikon camera he goes there to document the Minamata disease scandal: an annihilation of a coastal community by the Chisso Corporation’s negligent mercury poisoning and local police and government cover-ups. The victims’ case against the corporation responsible for the environmental disaster represents one...
Andrew Levitas (Lullaby) will direct Minamata based on the book of the same name by Aileen Mioko Smith and Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler (A Hard Day’s Day). Shoot is due to begin in Japan followed by Serbia in January 2019.
The film will follow the reclusive Smith after his celebrated exploits during the Second World War as he travels to Japan in the 1970s to fulfill a commission from Life editor Ralph Graves. Armed with only his trusted Nikon camera he goes there to document the Minamata disease scandal: an annihilation of a coastal community by the Chisso Corporation’s negligent mercury poisoning and local police and government cover-ups. The victims’ case against the corporation responsible for the environmental disaster represents one...
- 10/23/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Johnny Depp will star as a real-life war photographer W. Eugene Smith in “Minamata,” which takes place in Japan in 1971.
Andrew Levitas will direct the film based on the book of the same name by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler.
“Minamata” will start principal production in Japan and then in Serbia in January 2019.
Also Read: Johnny Depp to Produce and Star in 'Waiting for the Barbarians' in Production Partnership with Andrea Iervolino
Per the film’s description, Depp plays W. Eugene Smith, a war photographer from World War II, who in 1971, goes up against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor Ralph Graves...
Andrew Levitas will direct the film based on the book of the same name by Aileen Mioko Smith and W. Eugene Smith and adapted by David K. Kessler.
“Minamata” will start principal production in Japan and then in Serbia in January 2019.
Also Read: Johnny Depp to Produce and Star in 'Waiting for the Barbarians' in Production Partnership with Andrea Iervolino
Per the film’s description, Depp plays W. Eugene Smith, a war photographer from World War II, who in 1971, goes up against a powerful corporation responsible for poisoning the people of Minamata, Japan. With the glory days of World War II far behind him, Smith has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But an old friend and a commission from “Life Magazine” editor Ralph Graves...
- 10/23/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic – Czech film producers are demanding the government step up its game if the country wants to have any chance of remaining competitive as an international filming location.
“We used to be the leaders,” said Kevan Van Thompson of Prague’s Czech Anglo Productions, a company with a long record of partnering with Western producers. “Now we are following.”
Speaking at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival at a conference of the Audiovisual Producers Association, the primary Czech film industry org, Van Thompson and other local leaders said the production rebate incentives passed in Prague in 2011, which remain at 20%, are no longer enough.
With Romania having just passed a 35% incentives scheme and Hungary doing brisk business for years with rates of 25% and more, Czech producers are now lobbying their parliament to kick in for additional sweeteners.
Overall feature film production is down slightly for the second year running in the Czech Republic,...
“We used to be the leaders,” said Kevan Van Thompson of Prague’s Czech Anglo Productions, a company with a long record of partnering with Western producers. “Now we are following.”
Speaking at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival at a conference of the Audiovisual Producers Association, the primary Czech film industry org, Van Thompson and other local leaders said the production rebate incentives passed in Prague in 2011, which remain at 20%, are no longer enough.
With Romania having just passed a 35% incentives scheme and Hungary doing brisk business for years with rates of 25% and more, Czech producers are now lobbying their parliament to kick in for additional sweeteners.
Overall feature film production is down slightly for the second year running in the Czech Republic,...
- 7/3/2018
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
“This one is so different, so weird and has this Python-esque style to it.”
Director Taika Waititi has revealed more details of his upcoming projects Jojo Rabbit and Bubbles.
Waititi told Screen at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival that the Fox Searchlight WW2 comedy Jojo Rabbit, which has three weeks of filming left in Prague, is inspired by the “great satires of the past like Doctor Strangelove or The Great Dictator”.
“There’s a message behind it, it’s very much an anti-war film, it’s got a real contemporary feel and contemporary sense of humour to it as well.
Director Taika Waititi has revealed more details of his upcoming projects Jojo Rabbit and Bubbles.
Waititi told Screen at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival that the Fox Searchlight WW2 comedy Jojo Rabbit, which has three weeks of filming left in Prague, is inspired by the “great satires of the past like Doctor Strangelove or The Great Dictator”.
“There’s a message behind it, it’s very much an anti-war film, it’s got a real contemporary feel and contemporary sense of humour to it as well.
- 7/2/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
“This one is so different, so weird and has this Python-esque style to it.”
Director Taika Waititi has revealed more details of his upcoming projects Jojo Rabbit and Bubbles.
Waititi told Screen at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival that the Fox Searchlight WW2 comedy Jojo Rabbit, which has three weeks of filming left in Prague, is inspired by the “great satires of the past like Doctor Strangelove or The Great Dictator”.
“There’s a message behind it, it’s very much an anti-war film, it’s got a real contemporary feel and contemporary sense of humour to it as well.
Director Taika Waititi has revealed more details of his upcoming projects Jojo Rabbit and Bubbles.
Waititi told Screen at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival that the Fox Searchlight WW2 comedy Jojo Rabbit, which has three weeks of filming left in Prague, is inspired by the “great satires of the past like Doctor Strangelove or The Great Dictator”.
“There’s a message behind it, it’s very much an anti-war film, it’s got a real contemporary feel and contemporary sense of humour to it as well.
- 7/2/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Brit writer, director and actor Stephen Merchant has joined Taika Waititi’s starry WWII satire Jojo Rabbit as Gestapo agent ‘Captain Deertz’.
Merchant, who played Caliban in X-Men spinoff Logan and who was co-writer of Brit sitcom The Office, posted his casting on Instagram with the following message: ‘Here’s me trying to look German for my part in JoJo Rabbit, new satirical comedy from the wonderful @taikawaititi. @jojorabbitmovie‘:
Jojo Rabbit follows an awkward young German boy (Roman Griffin) raised by a single mother (Scarlett Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary best friend (Waititi), a version of Hitler. His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (Thomasin McKenzie) who upends his world views, forcing him to face his biggest fears. Sam Rockwell plays the Nazi captain of the young boy’s Hitler Youth camp and Alfie Allen will play Finkel, second in command to Rockwell’s Captain Klenzendorf.
Merchant, who played Caliban in X-Men spinoff Logan and who was co-writer of Brit sitcom The Office, posted his casting on Instagram with the following message: ‘Here’s me trying to look German for my part in JoJo Rabbit, new satirical comedy from the wonderful @taikawaititi. @jojorabbitmovie‘:
Jojo Rabbit follows an awkward young German boy (Roman Griffin) raised by a single mother (Scarlett Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary best friend (Waititi), a version of Hitler. His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (Thomasin McKenzie) who upends his world views, forcing him to face his biggest fears. Sam Rockwell plays the Nazi captain of the young boy’s Hitler Youth camp and Alfie Allen will play Finkel, second in command to Rockwell’s Captain Klenzendorf.
- 6/19/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor and Thor: Ragnarok helmer Taika Waititi inserts himself into his latest directorial effort in a rather memorable way. Having done such double duty on his films including Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows, he now is playing the role of the Man Who Wanted to Rule the World.
Waititi posted a photo on social media today of him in character as a version of Adolf Hitler. It shows the Fuhrer sitting at a dinner table with Scarlett Johansson — is he checking her out? — and Roman Griffin Davis, who plays a German boy in his imaginary friend Hitler’s army who discovers that his mother (Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home.
Oscar winner Sam Rockwell and Rebel Wilson co-star in the film, which Fox Searchlight will distribute.
Waititi, who fielded multiple offers after last year’s...
Waititi posted a photo on social media today of him in character as a version of Adolf Hitler. It shows the Fuhrer sitting at a dinner table with Scarlett Johansson — is he checking her out? — and Roman Griffin Davis, who plays a German boy in his imaginary friend Hitler’s army who discovers that his mother (Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home.
Oscar winner Sam Rockwell and Rebel Wilson co-star in the film, which Fox Searchlight will distribute.
Waititi, who fielded multiple offers after last year’s...
- 6/11/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Disney is developing “Flora and Ulysses” for its streaming service, Luke Wilson’s “The S—heads” gets distribution and Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” rounds out its cast.
Family Drama
Disney is in early development of a family drama based on Kate Dicamillo’s novel “Flora and Ulysses” for its upcoming Disney Dtc (direct-to-consumer) service, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Flora and Ulysses” centers on a cynical girl who spends her time reading comic books and a squirrel who is run over by the neighbor’s vacuum cleaner. The squirrel’s brush with death causes him to develop superpowers.
The book won the John Newbery Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. Gil Netter is producing and Lena Khan will direct from a Brad Copeland adapted script. Sam Dickerman is the Disney exec.
The Disney-branded Dtc streaming service will launch in the latter...
Family Drama
Disney is in early development of a family drama based on Kate Dicamillo’s novel “Flora and Ulysses” for its upcoming Disney Dtc (direct-to-consumer) service, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Flora and Ulysses” centers on a cynical girl who spends her time reading comic books and a squirrel who is run over by the neighbor’s vacuum cleaner. The squirrel’s brush with death causes him to develop superpowers.
The book won the John Newbery Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. Gil Netter is producing and Lena Khan will direct from a Brad Copeland adapted script. Sam Dickerman is the Disney exec.
The Disney-branded Dtc streaming service will launch in the latter...
- 6/1/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Thomasin McKenzie, newcomer Roman Griffin Davis star.
Fox Searchlight executives said on Thursday that production has begun in and around Prague in the Czech Republic on the Second World War satire Jojo Rabbit, Taika Waititi’s feature follow-up to global hit Thor: Ragnarok.
Scarlett Johansson stars with Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Thomasin McKenzie from Leave No Trace, newcomer Roman Griffin Davis in the lead role, and Waititi himself as Adolf Hitler.
Jojo Rabbit centres on a young German boy living with his single mother and his imaginary friend Hitler. The youngster’s views are...
Fox Searchlight executives said on Thursday that production has begun in and around Prague in the Czech Republic on the Second World War satire Jojo Rabbit, Taika Waititi’s feature follow-up to global hit Thor: Ragnarok.
Scarlett Johansson stars with Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Thomasin McKenzie from Leave No Trace, newcomer Roman Griffin Davis in the lead role, and Waititi himself as Adolf Hitler.
Jojo Rabbit centres on a young German boy living with his single mother and his imaginary friend Hitler. The youngster’s views are...
- 5/31/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Thomasin McKenzie is set to co-star opposite Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Rebel Wilson in Fox Searchlight’s Jojo Rabbit, written and directed by Thor: Ragnarok helmer Taika Waititi, who will also star in the film. Newcomer Roman Griffin has been tapped for the title role in this film which is currently in production.
The plot follows an awkward young German boy (Griffin) raised by a single mother (Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary friend Hitler (Waititi). His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (McKenzie) who upends his worldviews, forcing him to face his biggest fears.
Waititi is producing the project with Carthew Neal and Chelsea Winstanley while Kevan Van Thompson will serve as executive producer.
McKenzie last appeared in the Sundance film, Leave No Trace, and will next be seen in the Justin Kurzel-directed feature True History of the Kelly Gang with Russell Crowe,...
The plot follows an awkward young German boy (Griffin) raised by a single mother (Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary friend Hitler (Waititi). His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (McKenzie) who upends his worldviews, forcing him to face his biggest fears.
Waititi is producing the project with Carthew Neal and Chelsea Winstanley while Kevan Van Thompson will serve as executive producer.
McKenzie last appeared in the Sundance film, Leave No Trace, and will next be seen in the Justin Kurzel-directed feature True History of the Kelly Gang with Russell Crowe,...
- 5/31/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Billed as a female-led, Jason Bourne-styled thriller, Michael Apted’s new film “Unlocked” sets burgeoning action star Noomi Rapace as the unwitting key player in a major terrorism plot, with bonus Orlando Bloom to boot.
Read More: Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace to Star in Robert Budreau’s Thriller ‘Stockholm’
“Unlocked” follows the story of Alice Racine (Rapace), a CIA interrogator, whose mission becomes compromised after she is tricked into giving terrorists vital information. Her mistake may put an American target in London at risk of a major biological terrorist attack. Alice has to team up with an MI5 agent, played by Bloom, to investigate the infiltration and prevent the attack.
“Unlocked” features a top-notch cast that also includes Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich.
Read More: Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning Turn on Each Other in ‘The Beguiled’ – Trailer
The thriller is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Claudia Bluemhuber.
Read More: Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace to Star in Robert Budreau’s Thriller ‘Stockholm’
“Unlocked” follows the story of Alice Racine (Rapace), a CIA interrogator, whose mission becomes compromised after she is tricked into giving terrorists vital information. Her mistake may put an American target in London at risk of a major biological terrorist attack. Alice has to team up with an MI5 agent, played by Bloom, to investigate the infiltration and prevent the attack.
“Unlocked” features a top-notch cast that also includes Michael Douglas, Toni Collette, and John Malkovich.
Read More: Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning Turn on Each Other in ‘The Beguiled’ – Trailer
The thriller is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Claudia Bluemhuber.
- 2/10/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
Frost/Nixon star to be joined by Andrew Scott and Kelly Macdonald in a biopic of the 1920s British mountaineer.
Michael Sheen has signed on to play British climber George Mallory in upcoming biopic In High Places, billed as the first film to tell the full story of the tragic 1920s mountaineer.
Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire) is attached to play Mallory’s wife, Ruth, while Andrew Scott, best known for playing the villainous Moriarty in BBC drama series Sherlock, will play his friend and fellow climber Noel Odell.
Writer/director James McEachen is due to begin shooting this September. Locations include South Tyrol, India, London and Cologne.
Mallory took part in the first three British expeditions to Mount Everest in the early 1920s.
During the 1924 British Mount Everest expedition, Mallory and his climbing partner Andrew “Sandy” Irvine both disappeared. They were last seen when they were about 800 feet from the summit. His body was...
Michael Sheen has signed on to play British climber George Mallory in upcoming biopic In High Places, billed as the first film to tell the full story of the tragic 1920s mountaineer.
Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire) is attached to play Mallory’s wife, Ruth, while Andrew Scott, best known for playing the villainous Moriarty in BBC drama series Sherlock, will play his friend and fellow climber Noel Odell.
Writer/director James McEachen is due to begin shooting this September. Locations include South Tyrol, India, London and Cologne.
Mallory took part in the first three British expeditions to Mount Everest in the early 1920s.
During the 1924 British Mount Everest expedition, Mallory and his climbing partner Andrew “Sandy” Irvine both disappeared. They were last seen when they were about 800 feet from the summit. His body was...
- 4/7/2015
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Famke Janssen has joined John Cusack and supporting cast members Sean Astin, Mischa Barton, Michael Biehn, John Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stelio Savante, Tom Sizemore and Sean Young in the crime thriller Kickback . Written and directed by Raza Mallal, the film follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. Based on a true story, the espionage themed thriller is due to start filming in March in Canada and Europe through Talking Lens Productions. Mallal is also co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)...
- 11/15/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Famke Janssen has joined the Kickback thriller from director and writer Raza Mallal. John Cusack stars, with a supporting cast including Sean Astin, Misha Barton, Michael Biehn, John Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stelio Savante, Tom Sizemore and Sean Young. Kickback follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. Based on a true story, the espionage themed thriller is due to start filming in March in Canada and Europe through Talking Lens Productions. Kevan Van Thompson co-produces alongside Mallal while Scene Bridge Entertainment's Ilja Rosendahl serves as executive producer.
- 11/15/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Dutch star takes her place on the crime thriller alongside John Cusack, Sean Astin, Misha Barton, Michael Biehn, John Hannah, Rutger Hauer, Stelio Savante, Tom Sizemore and Sean Young.
Raza Mallal will direct from his screenplay about a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist.
Production on the story is set to begin in March in Canada and Europe through Talking Lens Productions of Leeds, England.
Mallal also serves as co-producer with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Nevada-based Scene Bridge Entertainment.
Raza Mallal will direct from his screenplay about a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist.
Production on the story is set to begin in March in Canada and Europe through Talking Lens Productions of Leeds, England.
Mallal also serves as co-producer with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Nevada-based Scene Bridge Entertainment.
- 11/14/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Rutger Hauer joins UK thriller Kickback with John Cusack, Sean Young.
Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer is the latest name attached to UK thriller Kickback.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal of Yorkshire-based Talking Lens Productions, the crime-thriller, previously known as Shoot the Breeze, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist.
Also attached are John Cusack in the lead role, Sean Young, Karen David, Sean Astin, Mischa Barton, Michael Biehn, Tom Sizemore and John Hannah.
DoP Douglas Milsome is also attached.
Kickback marks Mallal’s directorial debut. He is co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment.
War Inc. writer Mark Leyner is currently working on the script with Raza and the film’s latest provisional start date is March in Prague.
Kickback would mark the first on-screen reunion for Blade Runner stars Hauer and Young.
According to the production, funding for the...
Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer is the latest name attached to UK thriller Kickback.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal of Yorkshire-based Talking Lens Productions, the crime-thriller, previously known as Shoot the Breeze, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist.
Also attached are John Cusack in the lead role, Sean Young, Karen David, Sean Astin, Mischa Barton, Michael Biehn, Tom Sizemore and John Hannah.
DoP Douglas Milsome is also attached.
Kickback marks Mallal’s directorial debut. He is co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment.
War Inc. writer Mark Leyner is currently working on the script with Raza and the film’s latest provisional start date is March in Prague.
Kickback would mark the first on-screen reunion for Blade Runner stars Hauer and Young.
According to the production, funding for the...
- 10/17/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Blade Runner, Saving Private Ryan stars join UK spy thriller.
Saving Private Ryan and Hawaii Five-o actor Tom Sizemore and Blade Runner star Sean Young are newly attached to UK spy-thriller Kickback.
For full production details visit
Kickback
Earlier this month, ScreenDaily reported the attachment of John Cusack to the project, which also has Mischa Barton and Sean Astin on board.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal of Yorkshire-based Talking Lens Productions, the crime-thriller, also known as Shoot the Breeze, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
It marks Mallal’s directorial debut and he is co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment. DoP Douglas Milsome is attached.
The revised shoot date for the production is winter 2013 with script amendments currently underway.
According to the...
Saving Private Ryan and Hawaii Five-o actor Tom Sizemore and Blade Runner star Sean Young are newly attached to UK spy-thriller Kickback.
For full production details visit
Kickback
Earlier this month, ScreenDaily reported the attachment of John Cusack to the project, which also has Mischa Barton and Sean Astin on board.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal of Yorkshire-based Talking Lens Productions, the crime-thriller, also known as Shoot the Breeze, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
It marks Mallal’s directorial debut and he is co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment. DoP Douglas Milsome is attached.
The revised shoot date for the production is winter 2013 with script amendments currently underway.
According to the...
- 8/28/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The Frozen Ground star in talks to join crime-thriller about renegade detective.
John Cusack is in negotiations to star in UK spy thriller Kickback.
Written and to be directed by Raza Mallal of Yorkshire-based Talking Lens Productions, the crime-thriller has been in the works for some time but has new impetus with the interest of the Con Air and High Fidelity star, who joins attached cast including Mischa Barton, Sean Astin, Michael Biehn, Noureen DeWulf, John Hannah and Tamer Hassan.
Kickback, also known as Shoot the Breeze, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
It marks Mallal’s directorial debut and he is co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment. DoP Douglas Milsome is attached.
Raza described Cusack’s interest as “the last piece...
John Cusack is in negotiations to star in UK spy thriller Kickback.
Written and to be directed by Raza Mallal of Yorkshire-based Talking Lens Productions, the crime-thriller has been in the works for some time but has new impetus with the interest of the Con Air and High Fidelity star, who joins attached cast including Mischa Barton, Sean Astin, Michael Biehn, Noureen DeWulf, John Hannah and Tamer Hassan.
Kickback, also known as Shoot the Breeze, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
It marks Mallal’s directorial debut and he is co-producing with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl of Scene Bridge Entertainment. DoP Douglas Milsome is attached.
Raza described Cusack’s interest as “the last piece...
- 8/14/2013
- ScreenDaily
Mischa Barton, Sean Astin, John Hannah, Michael Biehn, Stelio Savante and Noureen DeWulf have joined the cast of thriller Kickback.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal and made by Talking Lens Productions, the crime thriller begins filming in Europe this autumn.
Based on a true story, Kickback follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
Mallal is co-producing the film with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl. Director of photography is Douglas Milsome.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal and made by Talking Lens Productions, the crime thriller begins filming in Europe this autumn.
Based on a true story, Kickback follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
Mallal is co-producing the film with Kevan Van Thompson and executive producer Ilja Rosendahl. Director of photography is Douglas Milsome.
- 7/16/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Mischa Barton, Sean Astin, John Hannah, Michael Biehn, Stelio Savante and Noureen DeWulf have joined the cast of Kickback.
Based on a true story, Kickback follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal and brought to the screen by Talking Lens Productions, the reconnaissance thriller begins filming in Europe this fall.
Raza Mallal, is co-producing the film with Kevan Van Thompson and Executive Producer Ilja Rosendahl.
Source: Talking Lens Productions
...
Based on a true story, Kickback follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist. He becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare, and the assassination of the Russian president.
Written and directed by Raza Mallal and brought to the screen by Talking Lens Productions, the reconnaissance thriller begins filming in Europe this fall.
Raza Mallal, is co-producing the film with Kevan Van Thompson and Executive Producer Ilja Rosendahl.
Source: Talking Lens Productions
...
- 7/16/2013
- by Philip Sticco
- LRMonline.com
We have some amazing things we're about to announce for Cinelinx, and we've been working our tails off in order to get them done. While this is great, it unfortunately means that I haven't kept up with my press releases like I should have been. There's been a few things going on in the Indie world, so I've decided to bring them all together, News Bits style, for your enjoyment. Come inside for casting news on Kickback, a new trailer for Entity, and a North American release date for Silent Cry!
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we have Indie Beat where we highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we have Indie Beat where we highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.
- 7/9/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Sean Astin, Mischa Barton, Michael Biehn, Noureen DeWulf, John Hannah and Stelio Savante have joined the cast of Raza Mallal's thriller "Kickback" at Talking Lens Productions.
Mallal penned and directs the true story about a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist who becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare and the assassination of the Russian president.
Mallal and Kevan Van Thompson will produce. Shooting begins this Fall in Prague and London.
Source: Coming Soon...
Mallal penned and directs the true story about a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist who becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare and the assassination of the Russian president.
Mallal and Kevan Van Thompson will produce. Shooting begins this Fall in Prague and London.
Source: Coming Soon...
- 7/9/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Talking Lens Productions has announced that Mischa Barton (picture at left), Sean Astin, John Hannah, Michael Biehn, Stelio Savante and Noureen DeWulf have joined the cast of Raza Mallal's thriller Kickback . Based on a true story, the movie written and directed by Mallal, follows a renegade Moscow detective investigating the murder of a female war journalist who becomes embroiled in a web of counter espionage involving chemical warfare and the assassination of the Russian president. Mallal is co-producing the film with Kevan Van Thompson and Executive Producer Ilja Rosendahl with plans to start filming in Prague, London and other cities in the fall. (Photo source: WENN.com)...
- 7/8/2013
- Comingsoon.net
See the trailer for Coriolanus, directed and starring Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler and Vanessa Redgrave Written by John Logan based on the play by William Shakespeare, the drama is produced by star Ralph Fiennes as well as John Logan, Gabrielle Tana, Julia Taylor-Stanley, Colin Vaines, Marko Miskovic, Will Young, Robert Whitehouse, Christopher Figg, Norman Merry, Christine Langan, Anthony Buckner and Kevan Van Thompson. Weinstein Co sends the film to theaters on December 2nd with a talented cast including Brian Cox, Jessica Chastain and James Nesbitt on board as well.
- 10/7/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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