News for
Paula Wagner More at IMDbPro »

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2004 | 2003 | 2001

18 articles from 2009

---

Run DMC Broadway musical in the works?

24 October 2009 9:56 AM, PDT | Digitalspy | See recent digitalspy news »

Run Dmc are reportedly in talks to turn the story of their career into a Broadway musical. According to Stv, Reverend Run, Dmc and representatives of the estate of the group's third member DJ Jam-Master Jay have met with Hollywood producer Paula Wagner, who produced the films Mission: Impossible and Valkyrie, to discuss developing their story into a musical. Wagner said: "Run-dmc's lyrics (more) »

- By Marcell Minaya

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Run Dmc - The Musical

23 October 2009 4:50 AM, PDT | The Hollywood News | See recent The Hollywood News news »

Run Dmc are in talks to turn their story into a Broadway musical.

The two surviving members of the pioneering hip-hop group - Reverend Run and Dmc - have met with a Hollywood producer to discuss turning the story of their career into a musical.

The project is to being headed up by Paula Wagner - who produced Hollywood films 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Valkyrie'.

She said: "Run-dmc's lyrics and music are infectious. It's vibrant, it's alive.

"Who they are and what they did was a culturally defining moment. It embraced everybody.

"Their rise to fame is innately theatrical. It speaks to everybody."

Paula is meeting with Reverend Run, real name Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, real name Dmc and representatives of the estate of the group's third member, DJ Jam-Master Jay, real name Jason Mizell. Jay was murdered in 2002 on the verge of a Run-dmc reunion.

The »

- Paul

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Get Ready for "Miss Saigon" the Movie! It's About Darn Time!

22 October 2009 10:18 PM, PDT | Manny the Movie Guy | See recent Manny the Movie Guy news »

The Broadway hit "Miss Saigon" is getting ready for its big screen makeover! Former United Artists CEO, Paula Wagner, is spearheading the project. She has handpicked Lee Daniels to direct.

Picking Daniels is a great choice! His film "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" is a fantastic film, and sure to win some Oscar nods including Mo'Nique, yes, Mo'Nique, for Best Supporting Actress!

Wagner is producing the musical through her Chestnut Ridge Productions.

Cameron Mackintosh, the producer of the original Broadway musical, is producing the film with Wagner.

Variety is saying that depending on the script and financial discussions, the film will go into production next year for 2011 release.

Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil wrote the tragic tale of a Vietnamese bar girl who falls in love with an American soldier before the fall of Saigon in 1975.

I love "Miss Saigon!" I saw it, probably 5 times, and I memorized all the songs! »

- Manny

Permalink | Report a problem

---

'Precious' Director Might Make 'Miss Saigon' Musical

21 October 2009 10:47 AM, PDT | GetTheBigPicture.net | See recent Get The Big Picture news »

On the heels of the positive word of mouth brewing for his upcoming Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, producer and director Lee Daniels is in line for a major follow-up. Though nothing is official, former United Artists executive Paula Wagner wants Daniels for a big screen version of Miss Saigon.

There is, of course, a high degree of difficulty with that project, but there's also a ton of potential. Says Variety, "The movie will be faithful to Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's tragic love story of a Vietnamese bar girl and an American soldier before the fall of Saigon in 1975." »

- Colin Boyd

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Wagner to Produce 'Miss Saigon' Film

21 October 2009 10:27 AM, PDT | The Wrap | See recent The Wrap news »

By Variety

In what would be her first film producing project since leaving the CEO slot at United Artists in 2008, Paula Wagner is mobilizing a screen version of "Miss Saigon" as a directing vehicle for Lee Daniels.

Daniels is the director of "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."

Wagner will produce the film with Cameron Mackintosh, who oversaw the West End and Broadway musical.

Read more at Variety. »

- Brent Lang

Permalink | Report a problem

---

'Precious' Director Lee Daniels May Finally Bring 'Miss Saigon' To The Big Screen

21 October 2009 9:00 AM, PDT | MTV Movies Blog | See recent MTV Movies Blog news »

I may be the negative Nelly of this blog, but I always worry when a breakout indie filmmaker is tapped to follow up his/her critically acclaimed Sundance sensation with a proportionately epic Hollywood production. So I've been somewhat concerned with the rumors that Lee Daniels, hot right now for his multi-film festival-winner (and Oscar hopeful) "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire," may helm a long-awaited film version of the hit Broadway musical "Miss Saigon."

Daniels has been linked to the adaptation for awhile, but now Variety is officially reporting that he's the top choice to direct the Vietnam War-set musical. Apparently this is just one of multiple projects he's considering, however.

What is certain, and pretty exciting, is that "Miss Saigon" is finally making its way to the big screen thanks to producers Paula Wagner ("The Last Samurai") and Cameron Mackintosh. The latter produced the stage version »

- Christopher Campbell

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Precious Director Daniels Moving On To Miss Saigon

21 October 2009 7:48 AM, PDT | cinemablend.com | See recent Cinema Blend news »

Last week Coming Soon heard some hints from Precious director Lee Daniels that a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical Miss Saigon might be his next directing project. Now his reps have confirmed it in Variety, where they report that Paula Wagner will produce the film under her new Chestnut Ridge Productions. Cameron Mackintosh, who produced Saigon's Broadway run as well as just about every giant-budget Broadway show you can think of from the 90s, will be producing the screen version as well. The story follows the basic outline of the opera Madame Butterfly, with the setting updated to Saigon during the Vietnam War, and the romance taking place between an American soldier and a 17-year-old Vietnamese bartender. Things don't end well, of course, but lots of songs are sung and lots of love is declared before things wrap up. It sounds a little too overcooked and melodramatic to successfully »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Angelina Jolie to Wear Vintage Gucci for Ridley Scott?

21 October 2009 6:40 AM, PDT | Movieline | See recent Movieline news »

· Another day, another Stillborn Ridley Scott Project to look forward to -- except this time the filmmaker is merely recycling his long-rumored Gucci as opposed to piling on anything new. This time around Scott is reportedly in talks with the also-spread-thin Angelina Jolie, who would play the role of fashion bride and eventual Gucci-killer Patrizia Reggiano. Fox 2000 wants this to roll next year, but there's no real script, and the restless Scott will likely wind up optioning another 10 ideas before a draft comes through. But go ahead and get excited; this would certainly be a good one, and the payoff on those 500-1 odds against it getting made could afford you a nice vacation. [Variety]

More musical mayhem from Paula Wagner, one of our Verge honorees breaks even bigger, and more Hollywood Ink after the jump. »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Paula Wagner and Lee Daniels to team for Miss Saigon

21 October 2009 5:57 AM, PDT | Movie Jungle | See recent Movie Jungle news »

Marking her first film since leaving the CEO position of United Artists in 2008, Paula Wagner is mobilizing an adaptation of "Miss Saigon" as a directing vehicle for Lee Daniels. Daniels has alluded to the possibility in red carpet interviews, however, according to his reps, it's one of several projects her may take on. Daniels received praise for his direction of Lionsgate's drama “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.” Wagner is moving quickly under her new company Chestnut Ridge Productions and is to produce with Cameron Mackintosh, the producer of the Broadway musical. »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Miss Saigon movie moving ahead

21 October 2009 1:01 AM, PDT | Corona's Coming Attractions | See recent Corona's Coming Attractions news »

Tom Cruise's former business partner Paula Wagner is developing a feature film musical based on Miss Saigon, the West End/Broadway play that dominated the stage scene throughout the 1990s. Lee Daniels (Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire) is attached to helm the film.

Throughout the 1980s and into the 90s Wagner was Cruise's power agent at CAA, eventually leaving the company to form Cruise/Wagner productions when Tom wanted to get his own action franchise going with Mission: Impossible. Wagner stuck with Cruise when he went to run the new United Artists back in 2006, producing Valkyrie and Lions For Lambs before deciding to strike out as her own boss again. She's now set up her own production company, Chestnut Ridge Productions.

No screenwriter has been hired on the Miss Saigon movie yet but Wagner wants to have the project filming next year for a 2011 release. Also »

- Patrick Sauriol

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Lee Daniels planning Miss Saigon movie

21 October 2009 12:53 AM, PDT | TotalFilm | See recent TotalFilm news »

Lee Daniels, who is winning praise for his new film Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire, is mulling the idea of turning "Miss Saigon" into a film. While it's still to early to say if he'll commit to it as his next project, it looks like he'll have some major producing support - Paula Wagner is backing the film as her first job since leaving Tom Cruise's faltering United Artists. There's still the small matter of a script to be written, and whoever tackles the job will have to stay faithful to Claude-Michael Schonberg and Alain...

. »

- James White

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Movie Of Miss Saigon In Development?

21 October 2009 12:19 AM, PDT | EmpireOnline | See recent EmpireOnline news »

Calling all fans of musical theatre: put down those fabulous boas and pay attention, because it looks like Miss Saigon could be coming to the big screen. Yes, complete with lifesize helicopter and full chorus of dancing Communists. Paula Wagner, formerly Tom Cruise's producing partner and CEO of United Artists, is producing with original show producer Cameron Mackintosh. Lee Daniels, director of Precious*, may directThe musical, a reworking of the opera Madame Butterfly set during the Vietnam War, sees a young G.I. called Chris fall in love with bargirl Kim in 1975 Saigon. The two are in love, but Chris is about to head home to the Us and with the evacuation of the Us embassy in Saigon they are ripped apart. When Chris returns to find Kim years later, he discovers she has had a son. Based as it is on an opera, you'd be right to guess »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Paula Wagner Partners With Run-dmc

20 October 2009 10:54 AM, PDT | The Wrap | See recent The Wrap news »

By Variety

Paula Wagner, who earned big bucks working with Tom Cruise on the "Mission: Impossible" series, has a new partner -- Run-dmc. Wagner is poised to announce an original musical with the hip-hop act.

Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Darryl "Dmc" McDaniels will meet with the producer in New York to take in Broadway's musical offerings, presumably to get the wheels moving on their own new work.

Read more at Variety. »

- Brent Lang

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Opening Night: Star Power at the Chicago International Film Festival

9 October 2009 7:22 AM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – The big hitters were out on the red carpet, kicking off the 45th Chicago International Film Festival. Opening with Uma Thurman’s “Motherhood,” prominent artists, politicians and Uma herself graced the proceedings.

HollywoodChicago was there, both with the master lensing of photographer Joe Arce and a number of exclusive interviews with the red carpet attendees.

Uma Thurman, star of “Motherhood”

Ms. Thurman, a prominent film star ever since her unforgettable debut in “Dangerous Liasons” in 1988, and in 2003-4 stunned audiences with her audacious role as Beatrix Kiddo in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” series.

Uma Thurman at the Chicago International Film Festival, Opening Night, October 8, 2009.

Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com: What did you recognize in yourself as a working mother when you were making the film ‘Motherhood?’

Uma Thurman: I fell in love with the script because I identified with the script so much. »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Slideshow: Chicago Premiere of ‘Motherhood’ With Uma Thurman, Director Katherine Dieckmann, Mayor Daley

9 October 2009 12:10 AM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – This five-image slideshow contains our ace photographer Joe Arce’s shots from the red carpet for the Chicago premiere of “Motherhood” on Oct. 8, 2009.

Star Uma Thurman walked the red carpet for the opening night of the 45th-annual Chicago International Film Festival along with director Katherine Dieckmann, festival panelist Paula Wagner, actress and jury head Jacqueline Bisset and Chicago mayor Richard Daley.

“Motherhood” stars Uma Thurman, Minnie Driver, Anthony Edwards, David Schallipp, Matthew Schallipp, Jackie Stewart, Stephanie Szostak, Daisy Tahan and Jake M. Smith from writer and director Katherine Dieckmann. The film opens in Chicago on Oct. 23, 2009.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos are credited to Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto and HollywoodChicago.com. All rights reserved.

umathurman: Uma Thurman strikes a smoldering pose for the HollywoodChicago.com lens as she walks the red carpet on Oct. »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

Permalink | Report a problem

---

MGM Ousts Its CEO

19 August 2009 3:07 PM, PDT | Studio Briefing - Film News | See recent Studio Briefing - Film News news »

Metro Goldwyn Mayer on Tuesday ousted Harry Sloan as CEO of the studio, replacing him with an "office of CEO," but kept him in the position of chairman. The CEO duties will now be carried out by production head Mary Parent, Chief Financial Officer Bedi A. Singh and restructuring expert Stephen F. Cooper. Sloan's efforts to revive the studio's United Artists unit, included bringing in Tom Cruise and producing partner Paula Wagner to run it, a decision that proved costly. Wagner left the company one year ago, and MGM has not released a movie since Valkyrie, which starred Cruise, opened with so-so results last December. It is due to release a remake of the '70s' musical Fame on September 25. »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

134 New Names Invited to Join the Academy

1 July 2009 1:08 AM, PDT | Rope of Silicon | See recent Rope Of Silicon news »

Yesterday came the yearly announcement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as it extended 134 invitations to several artists and executives "who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures" read the press release. Of course all of them can decline, but I wouldn't necessarily expect that to happen as all who accept the invitation will be the only additions in 2009 to the Academy's roster of voting members. "These filmmakers have, over the course of their careers, captured the imagination of audiences around the world," said Academy President Sid Ganis. "It's this kind of talent and creativity that make up the Academy, and I welcome each of them to our ranks." The list follows below and reading around the best analysis I saw of it came from Nathaniel Rogers at The Film Experience who, among other things, pointed out the addition of longtime Darren Aronofsky's »

- Brad Brevet

Permalink | Report a problem

---

Academy Now Slightly Less Crotchety But Just As Chauvinistic

30 June 2009 2:26 PM, PDT | Vanity Fair | See recent Vanity Fair news »

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, that semi-secret council of elders whose ballot-filling housekeepers can be blamed for all baffling Oscar decisions, has just given itself a much-needed transfusion of fresh blood. In a press release dispatched this afternoon, AMPAS has announced the induction of 134 new members. Since the Academy’s number of lifelong voting members has been stable at just under 6,000 since 2003, the sad implication is that a bunch of them have taken the Great Way Out in recent months. To replace them, Academy President Sid Ganis and his Board of Governors have not only extended long-overdue invitations to widely respected film-industry bigwigs (i.e. producer Paula Wagner, writer John August, and costume designer Michael O’Connor), but have also proffered a hand to a greener crowd, especially in the acting category, where the average age of new members is 35. In an apparent bid to connect with modern filmgoers, »

Permalink | Report a problem

---

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2004 | 2003 | 2001

18 articles from 2009

---