Premiering on October 25, 1997, Under Wraps was the inaugural Disney Channel Original Movie. The cornerstone of the network’s programming proved to be as close to appointment viewing as it got for ‘90s kids, along with the likes of ABC’s Tgif and Nickelodeon’s Snick. Moreover, Under Wraps served as a gateway to horror for many millennials. Before the age of streaming, catching a mummy movie on the same channel where you watched Disney cartoons and Boy Meets World reruns could have been your first exposure to the macabre.
Disney attempted to recapture the magic with last year’s Under Wraps remake. The original movie was successful — and continues to hold up 25 years later — for several reasons; relatable kid leads, a great Halloween atmosphere, and a sense of humor chief among them. Director/co-writer Alex Zamm and co-writer William Robertson (Inspector Gadget 2) smartly maintained those elements for the new iteration.
Disney attempted to recapture the magic with last year’s Under Wraps remake. The original movie was successful — and continues to hold up 25 years later — for several reasons; relatable kid leads, a great Halloween atmosphere, and a sense of humor chief among them. Director/co-writer Alex Zamm and co-writer William Robertson (Inspector Gadget 2) smartly maintained those elements for the new iteration.
- 9/21/2022
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Click here to read the full article.
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
- 9/10/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Retiring ABC series “Black-ish” picked up one more honor on Friday, a Humanitas Prize for comedy teleplay, while Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” and ABC’s “Women of the Movement” also were recognized at the event.
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore, the 46th annual Humanitas Prize event centered on awards and 10,000 cash prizes to screenwriters across ten categories. In addition, Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks presented Filmmakers for Ukraine with the Kieser Award “in recognition of their work to connect the Ukrainian film and TV community impacted by the Russo-Ukrainian War with resources, jobs, and funding to meet basic needs.”
And Jasmine Cephas Jones presented Starz with Voice for Change Award for its #TakeTheLead initiative. Starz president/CEO Jeffrey Hirsch accepted the prize on the network’s behalf. Nkechi Okoro Carroll oversaw the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Award presentations.
Here are this...
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore, the 46th annual Humanitas Prize event centered on awards and 10,000 cash prizes to screenwriters across ten categories. In addition, Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks presented Filmmakers for Ukraine with the Kieser Award “in recognition of their work to connect the Ukrainian film and TV community impacted by the Russo-Ukrainian War with resources, jobs, and funding to meet basic needs.”
And Jasmine Cephas Jones presented Starz with Voice for Change Award for its #TakeTheLead initiative. Starz president/CEO Jeffrey Hirsch accepted the prize on the network’s behalf. Nkechi Okoro Carroll oversaw the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Award presentations.
Here are this...
- 9/10/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: ICM Partners veterans Chris von Goetz and James Robins Early have teamed to launch Adventure Media, an artist-driven management and production company. Aaliyah Williams has joined the company as a founding partner, manager and producer.
Von Goetz, Robins Early and Williams bring different experience to the partnership. Von Goetz is transitioning to management after becoming one of the business’ top TV lit agents during 25-year career at ICM Partners and predecessor Bwcs. During his 12-year tenure at ICM, Robins Early worked in feature film in addition to scripted TV, while Williams is a Peabody-nominated TV and film producer who most recently has been under a first-look deat at CBS Studios for her company Just A Rebel. The trio knew each other from ICM where Von Goetz and Robins Early worked and Williams was a client.
Adventure is starting with an extensive roster of talent — including most of Von Goetz...
Von Goetz, Robins Early and Williams bring different experience to the partnership. Von Goetz is transitioning to management after becoming one of the business’ top TV lit agents during 25-year career at ICM Partners and predecessor Bwcs. During his 12-year tenure at ICM, Robins Early worked in feature film in addition to scripted TV, while Williams is a Peabody-nominated TV and film producer who most recently has been under a first-look deat at CBS Studios for her company Just A Rebel. The trio knew each other from ICM where Von Goetz and Robins Early worked and Williams was a client.
Adventure is starting with an extensive roster of talent — including most of Von Goetz...
- 8/17/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Released in 1997, the Disney Channel Original Movie Under Wraps got a modern remake this past Halloween, and Under Wraps 2 is coming to the Disney Channel this year.
Under Wraps 2 premieres Sunday, September 25. Watch the trailer below.
Alex Zamm returned to direct Under Wraps 2, which introduces an evil mummy.
“Amy is preparing for her father’s Halloween-themed wedding to his fiancé Carl when Amy, Gilbert and Marshall discover that their mummy friend Harold and his beloved Rose may be in danger. Stobek, an evil mummy with a thousand-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned bitter rival Harold, is unexpectedly awakened and out for revenge.
“With help from his hypnotized lacky Larry, Sobek kidnaps Rose, and Amy, Gilbert, Marshall, Buzzy, and Harold must use their skills once again to save her and get back in time to attend the wedding.”
Malachi Barton, Christian J. Simon, Sophia Hammons, and Phil Wright are back,...
Under Wraps 2 premieres Sunday, September 25. Watch the trailer below.
Alex Zamm returned to direct Under Wraps 2, which introduces an evil mummy.
“Amy is preparing for her father’s Halloween-themed wedding to his fiancé Carl when Amy, Gilbert and Marshall discover that their mummy friend Harold and his beloved Rose may be in danger. Stobek, an evil mummy with a thousand-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned bitter rival Harold, is unexpectedly awakened and out for revenge.
“With help from his hypnotized lacky Larry, Sobek kidnaps Rose, and Amy, Gilbert, Marshall, Buzzy, and Harold must use their skills once again to save her and get back in time to attend the wedding.”
Malachi Barton, Christian J. Simon, Sophia Hammons, and Phil Wright are back,...
- 8/12/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Humanitas has revealed the nominees for this year’s Humanitas Prizes, which recognize “television and film writers whose work explores the human condition in a nuanced way.” The award is given out in nine categories, including comedy, drama and limited series.
This year’s nominees include “Maid,” “This Is Us,” “Queen Sugar,” “Pachinko,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Somebody Somewhere” and “Black-ish.” Winners will be announced at an in-person awards luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2022.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Michelle Franke, Humanitas Executive Director. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and responsibility to each other in the present as well as possibilities for the future. Especially during challenging times, writers dedicate themselves to the stories that connect and entertain us.”
Here...
This year’s nominees include “Maid,” “This Is Us,” “Queen Sugar,” “Pachinko,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Somebody Somewhere” and “Black-ish.” Winners will be announced at an in-person awards luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2022.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Michelle Franke, Humanitas Executive Director. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and responsibility to each other in the present as well as possibilities for the future. Especially during challenging times, writers dedicate themselves to the stories that connect and entertain us.”
Here...
- 6/27/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
After a two-year hiatus, Humanitas has revealed the nominations for its 2022 Humanitas Prizes in nine categories
Winners will receive their trophies during a September 9 in-person ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
Launched in 1974, the Humanitas Prizes honor film and television writers whose work explores the human condition, with recipients receiving a trophy and a cash prize.
Here are the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prize:
Children’s Teleplay
El Deafo: Written by Cece Bell and Will McRobb
Karma’s World: “Hair Comes Trouble” – Written by Kellie R. Griffin and Halcyon Person
Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love: Written by Alex Galatis
The Babysitters Club: “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye” – Written by Sascha Rothchild
Comedy Feature Film
Don’t Look Up: Written by Adam McKay
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Queen Bees: Written by Donald Martin
tick, tick…Boom!:...
Winners will receive their trophies during a September 9 in-person ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
Launched in 1974, the Humanitas Prizes honor film and television writers whose work explores the human condition, with recipients receiving a trophy and a cash prize.
Here are the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prize:
Children’s Teleplay
El Deafo: Written by Cece Bell and Will McRobb
Karma’s World: “Hair Comes Trouble” – Written by Kellie R. Griffin and Halcyon Person
Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love: Written by Alex Galatis
The Babysitters Club: “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye” – Written by Sascha Rothchild
Comedy Feature Film
Don’t Look Up: Written by Adam McKay
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Queen Bees: Written by Donald Martin
tick, tick…Boom!:...
- 6/27/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Humanitas has announced the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes, which celebrates the craft of screenwriting. Across nine juried categories, which include both television and film, 45 writers are nominated for their work.
Among the nominees are Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson (comedy teleplay) and Academy Award-winning Coda writer-director Sian Heder (drama feature film). Adam McKay, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, also received a nom for comedy feature film, along with Everything Everywhere All At Once scribes and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke in a statement. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and...
Humanitas has announced the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes, which celebrates the craft of screenwriting. Across nine juried categories, which include both television and film, 45 writers are nominated for their work.
Among the nominees are Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson (comedy teleplay) and Academy Award-winning Coda writer-director Sian Heder (drama feature film). Adam McKay, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, also received a nom for comedy feature film, along with Everything Everywhere All At Once scribes and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke in a statement. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and...
- 6/27/2022
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.K. actor Meera Syal (“Yesterday”) and India’s Abhay Deol (“Chopsticks”) have joined the cast of Disney Channel Original Movie “Spin,” directed by Manjari Makijany (“Desert Dolphin”).
“Spin” follows an Indian-American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. She discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music but must find the courage to follow her true inner talent.
Avantika Vandanapu (“Diary of a Future President”) plays the lead, and the cast also includes Aryan Simhadri (“Adventures in Wonder Park”), Michael Bishop (“Grace Beside Me”), Jahbril Cook (“A Week Away”), Kerri Medders (“Alexa & Katie”) and Anna Cathcart (“Zoe Valentine”).
” ‘Spin’ is a special project that is giving me an opportunity to introduce my culture in a very authentic way,” said Makijany. “The team at Disney is committed and...
“Spin” follows an Indian-American teen who learns she has a passion for creating DJ mixes that blend the textures of her Indian heritage and the world around her. She discovers that she has a natural gift for creating beats and producing music but must find the courage to follow her true inner talent.
Avantika Vandanapu (“Diary of a Future President”) plays the lead, and the cast also includes Aryan Simhadri (“Adventures in Wonder Park”), Michael Bishop (“Grace Beside Me”), Jahbril Cook (“A Week Away”), Kerri Medders (“Alexa & Katie”) and Anna Cathcart (“Zoe Valentine”).
” ‘Spin’ is a special project that is giving me an opportunity to introduce my culture in a very authentic way,” said Makijany. “The team at Disney is committed and...
- 9/29/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne, Robbie Amell, Bianca A. Santos, Skyler Samuels, Romany Malco, Nick Eversman, Chris Wylde, Ken Jeong, Allison Janney | Written by Josh A. Cagan | Directed by Ari Sandel
Bianca (Mae Whitman) is a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends. Now, despite the words of caution from her favourite teacher (Ken Jeong), she enlists the slick but charming Wesley (Robbie Amell), to help take back her ‘label’ and overthrow the school’s resident mean girl Madison (Bella Thorne) reminding everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone’s Duff.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If there’s one genre I have a soft spot for, even as a thirty-odd year old man, it’s the teen movie.
Bianca (Mae Whitman) is a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends. Now, despite the words of caution from her favourite teacher (Ken Jeong), she enlists the slick but charming Wesley (Robbie Amell), to help take back her ‘label’ and overthrow the school’s resident mean girl Madison (Bella Thorne) reminding everyone that no matter what people look or act like, we are all someone’s Duff.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If there’s one genre I have a soft spot for, even as a thirty-odd year old man, it’s the teen movie.
- 8/16/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The Duff
Written by Josh A. Cagan (based on a novel by Kody Keplinger)
Directed by Ari Sandel
USA, 2015
The Duff takes the geek-gets-a-makeover high school formula and tweaks it mostly muddled results. A few naturalistic romance scenes and the efforts of its very able leads, buoy this into watchable territory. However overall this is a film plagued by confusion and several nonsensical plot twists.
Bianca (Parenthood’s Mae Whitman) lacks style and popularity, but living in the orbit of her two popular best friends, fashionista Jess (Skyler Samuels) and athlete Casey (Bianca Santos), she barely notices. The film opens with a Breakfast-Club-esque voiceover from Bianca about how high school used to be broken down into the jock, the nerd, the criminal, the princess, and the basket case, but now that it’s the 21st century, geeks rule the world, jocks play video games, and most of the old social stratifications no longer exist.
Written by Josh A. Cagan (based on a novel by Kody Keplinger)
Directed by Ari Sandel
USA, 2015
The Duff takes the geek-gets-a-makeover high school formula and tweaks it mostly muddled results. A few naturalistic romance scenes and the efforts of its very able leads, buoy this into watchable territory. However overall this is a film plagued by confusion and several nonsensical plot twists.
Bianca (Parenthood’s Mae Whitman) lacks style and popularity, but living in the orbit of her two popular best friends, fashionista Jess (Skyler Samuels) and athlete Casey (Bianca Santos), she barely notices. The film opens with a Breakfast-Club-esque voiceover from Bianca about how high school used to be broken down into the jock, the nerd, the criminal, the princess, and the basket case, but now that it’s the 21st century, geeks rule the world, jocks play video games, and most of the old social stratifications no longer exist.
- 2/25/2015
- by Claire Hellar
- SoundOnSight
Mae Whitman is one of those enormously talented young actors that has been waiting in the wings for a lead role for some time. The 26-year-old already has 119 IMDb credits to her name, breaking out in the mid-1990s with small turns as George Clooney and Bill Pullman’s daughter in One Fine Day and Independence Day, respectively. She has chops for both comedy and drama, and is able to squeeze out droll laughs as the nondescript Ann Veal on Arrested Development and then break your heart as the insecure Mary Elizabeth in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Whitman has such tremendous ability on the screen that it is a pity her first major leap above the marquee is in such a mediocre film. The Duff, based on Kody Keplinger’s novel, is a silly, clichéd and rarely convincing high-school comedy – perhaps because Whitman is too fresh and beautiful...
Whitman has such tremendous ability on the screen that it is a pity her first major leap above the marquee is in such a mediocre film. The Duff, based on Kody Keplinger’s novel, is a silly, clichéd and rarely convincing high-school comedy – perhaps because Whitman is too fresh and beautiful...
- 2/18/2015
- by Jordan Adler
- We Got This Covered
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 40 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new “Mean Girls”- and “Easy A”-like comedy “The Duff” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) starring Mae Whitman, Bella Thorne and Ken Jeong!
“The Duff,” which opens on Feb. 20, 2015 and is rated “PG-13,” also stars Allison Janney, Bianca Santos, Robbie Amell, Skyler Samuels, Romany Malco, Agnes Mayasari, Nick Eversman and Gabriela Fraile from director Ari Sandel and writer Josh A. Cagan based on the novel by Kody Keplinger.
To win your free “The Duff” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of...
“The Duff,” which opens on Feb. 20, 2015 and is rated “PG-13,” also stars Allison Janney, Bianca Santos, Robbie Amell, Skyler Samuels, Romany Malco, Agnes Mayasari, Nick Eversman and Gabriela Fraile from director Ari Sandel and writer Josh A. Cagan based on the novel by Kody Keplinger.
To win your free “The Duff” passes courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of...
- 2/15/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The teaser trailer is now online for CBS Films' The Duff, which is based on the novel by Kody Keplinger. The film stars Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, Bianca Santos, Skyler Samuels, Nick Eversman, Alison Janney, Romany Malco, and Ken Jeong.
The Duff is directed by Ari Sandel from a screenplay written by Josh Cagan.
The film follows Bianca (Mae Whitman), a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as 'The Duff' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends (Skyler Samuels & Bianca Santos). Now, despite the words of caution from her favorite teacher (Ken Jeong), she puts aside the potential distraction of her crush, Toby (Nick Eversman), and enlists Wesley (Robbie Amell), a slick but charming jock, to help reinvent herself.
To save her senior year from turning into a total disaster, Bianca must...
The Duff is directed by Ari Sandel from a screenplay written by Josh Cagan.
The film follows Bianca (Mae Whitman), a content high school senior whose world is shattered when she learns the student body knows her as 'The Duff' (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends (Skyler Samuels & Bianca Santos). Now, despite the words of caution from her favorite teacher (Ken Jeong), she puts aside the potential distraction of her crush, Toby (Nick Eversman), and enlists Wesley (Robbie Amell), a slick but charming jock, to help reinvent herself.
To save her senior year from turning into a total disaster, Bianca must...
- 11/18/2014
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
The deal comes as CBS Films retracts its distribution activity. As part of the arrangement, Lionsgate takes exclusive international sales rights.
The multi-year agreement kicks off in 2015 with teen comedy The Duff, which Sierra/Affinity is selling internationally according to a prior agreement.
CBS Films will continue to acquire, produce and self-distribute its own limited releases.
“Making movies is only half of the equation – today’s marketplace demands a strategic approach to marketing and distribution that is fluid and creative, and no company has demonstrated more vision and innovation than Lionsgate,” said CBS Films president Terry Press.
“As we build our home-grown slate and expand our efforts in the acquisition space, we’re thrilled to partner with the outstanding Lionsgate team on a plan that provides the flexibility to handle these ambitions.”
“CBS Films has emerged as a creative force that will serve as a commercially exciting and reliable source of quality mainstream theatrical releases for years...
The multi-year agreement kicks off in 2015 with teen comedy The Duff, which Sierra/Affinity is selling internationally according to a prior agreement.
CBS Films will continue to acquire, produce and self-distribute its own limited releases.
“Making movies is only half of the equation – today’s marketplace demands a strategic approach to marketing and distribution that is fluid and creative, and no company has demonstrated more vision and innovation than Lionsgate,” said CBS Films president Terry Press.
“As we build our home-grown slate and expand our efforts in the acquisition space, we’re thrilled to partner with the outstanding Lionsgate team on a plan that provides the flexibility to handle these ambitions.”
“CBS Films has emerged as a creative force that will serve as a commercially exciting and reliable source of quality mainstream theatrical releases for years...
- 11/13/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Sierra/Affinity has come on to handle international sales on CBS Films’ The Duff starring Mae Whitman, Bianca Santos, Skyler Samuels and Ken Jeong.
The Duff is based on Kody Keplinger’s novel and centres on a high school student’s campaign to reinvent herself.
Bella Thorne, Allison Janney, Robbie Amell, Skyler Samuels and Nick Eversman round out the key cast.
Ari Sandel directed from Josh Cagan’s adapted screenplay. McG, Mary Viola, Susan Cartsonis are producing with Lane Bishop serving as executive producer on the comedy.
CBS Films will release The Duff wide in North America on February 20, 2015.
The Duff is based on Kody Keplinger’s novel and centres on a high school student’s campaign to reinvent herself.
Bella Thorne, Allison Janney, Robbie Amell, Skyler Samuels and Nick Eversman round out the key cast.
Ari Sandel directed from Josh Cagan’s adapted screenplay. McG, Mary Viola, Susan Cartsonis are producing with Lane Bishop serving as executive producer on the comedy.
CBS Films will release The Duff wide in North America on February 20, 2015.
- 9/5/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The onslaught of adaptations of Young Adult fiction continues with The D.U.F.F – an upcoming movie from CBS Films, which has just added award-winning Allison Janney to its cast. Based on the debut novel of author Kody Keplinger, the film has Academy Award winner Ari Sandel (Aim High) on board to direct, from a screenplay penned by Josh A. Cagan (Undergrads).
With Mae Whitman (Arrested Development) in the lead role, the story sees a high school senior devastated as her happy world is shaken by the realization that her fellow students routinely refer to her as The D.U.F.F (Designated Ugly Fat Friend to pretty students). Incensed, she drafts in the help of a male friend (Robbie Amell from The Tomorrow People) to aid in her personal reinvention, as she moves to undermine the school’s ruthless label maker (Bella Thorne from Blended).
The cast also...
With Mae Whitman (Arrested Development) in the lead role, the story sees a high school senior devastated as her happy world is shaken by the realization that her fellow students routinely refer to her as The D.U.F.F (Designated Ugly Fat Friend to pretty students). Incensed, she drafts in the help of a male friend (Robbie Amell from The Tomorrow People) to aid in her personal reinvention, as she moves to undermine the school’s ruthless label maker (Bella Thorne from Blended).
The cast also...
- 6/11/2014
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
“Community” may have been cancelled but Ken Jeong has landed a new teaching gig, as he has closed a deal to join the cast of CBS Films’ comedy “The Duff,” TheWrap has learned. Ari Sandel is directing from a script by Josh A. Cagan, who adapted the novel by Kody Keplinger. Also read: Disney Channel Star Bella Thorne Set for New ‘Amityville’ Horror Movie (Exclusive) Story follows Bianca (Mae Whitman), a high school senior whose world is turned upside down when she discovers she's been labeled her social group's Duff (designated ugly fat friend), a sidekick of sorts to her prettier,...
- 5/12/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Bella Thorne may have graduated from the Disney Channel but she's heading back to high school for her next movie, as she's nearing a deal to star alongside Mae Whitman in CBS Films’ comedy “The Duff,” TheWrap has learned. Ari Sandel is directing from a script by Josh A. Cagan, who adapted the novel by Kody Keplinger. Story follows Bianca (Whitman), a high school senior whose world is turned upside down when she discovers she's been labeled her social group's Duff (designated ugly fat friend), a sidekick of sorts.
- 4/30/2014
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
School can be a tough time for many people – especially if you’re in a Us high school film and not among the popular crowd. Arrested Development/Scott Pilgrim’s Mae Whitman is about to have that experience, entering negotiations to star in The D.U.F.F.Adapted from Kody Keplinger’s coming of age tome by Josh A. Cagan, The D.U.F.F. focuses on a high school senior who has her world rocked when she learns that she has been labelled the Designated Ugly Fat Friend, the one who never quite matches up to her prettier, more popular pals.In a drive to combat this obnoxious stereotype, she kicks off an attempt and re-invention, and leads her fellow D.U.F.F.s in a campaign to challenge the school’s chilly evil queen. Evil in this case being the smug, self-satisfied leader of the popular set, not an...
- 4/9/2014
- EmpireOnline
Ari Sandel won an Oscar in 2007 for his live-action short film "West Bank Story" and now he's attached to direct "The Duff" for CBS Films, TheWrap has learned. Josh A. Cagan ("Bandslam") adapted the coming-of-age novel by Kody Keplinger. Story follows a 17 year-old girl who believes she is the "designated ugly fat friend." She subsequently struggles to maintain her sense of identity while juggling a tumultuous home life. McG and Mary Viola are producing the high school movie for Wonderland Sound and Vision. The film will be executive produced by Vast...
- 5/17/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
On Thursday (Oct. 27), the classic Halloween animated special "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" ran on ABC, as it has for decades. It even attracted a decent audience, considering it ran opposite the World Series -- 7.4 million viewers, beating NBC's "Community" and "Parks and Recreation" competition.
But perhaps the best thing to come out of the annual airing is Friday's trending Twitter hashtag, #RejectedPeanutsSpecials, in which the massive brain trust that is the tweeting public turns its collective attention to snarking at pop culture.
We've chosen some of our favorites from the thousands of suggestions.
'Lost' showrunner Damon Lindelof put out his psychiatrist shingle to psycho-analyze Lucy Van Pelt:
@DamonLindelof
Damon Lindelof "I Pull The Football Away Because My Parents Love My Brother More Than Me, Charlie Brown" #RejectedPeanutsSpecials
Oct 28 via webFavoriteRetweetReply
Zach Braff snuck in a reference to a trendy gross-out flick:
@zachbraff
Zach Braff#RejectedPeanutsSpecials "A...
But perhaps the best thing to come out of the annual airing is Friday's trending Twitter hashtag, #RejectedPeanutsSpecials, in which the massive brain trust that is the tweeting public turns its collective attention to snarking at pop culture.
We've chosen some of our favorites from the thousands of suggestions.
'Lost' showrunner Damon Lindelof put out his psychiatrist shingle to psycho-analyze Lucy Van Pelt:
@DamonLindelof
Damon Lindelof "I Pull The Football Away Because My Parents Love My Brother More Than Me, Charlie Brown" #RejectedPeanutsSpecials
Oct 28 via webFavoriteRetweetReply
Zach Braff snuck in a reference to a trendy gross-out flick:
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Zach Braff#RejectedPeanutsSpecials "A...
- 10/29/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Chicago – Movies with teenagers that don’t talk down to them and presents them in lovable, realistic ways are so few and far between that seeing one can almost send chills up a cynical critic’s spine. I don’t mean to over-praise what is ultimately a light film but with all the junk aimed at kids nowadays, the incredibly smart “Bandslam” practically feels like a revelation. Those of you buying “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” should be forced to pick this one up too. You won’t regret it.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
So many movies pretend to be like the teenager flicks of my youth a la John Hughes or Cameron Crowe but so few actually get what made those movies modern classics. For the most part, “Bandslam” director Todd Graff and co-writer Josh A. Cagan get it. Not all teenagers are sex-obsessed morons and some can intellectually discuss their...
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
So many movies pretend to be like the teenager flicks of my youth a la John Hughes or Cameron Crowe but so few actually get what made those movies modern classics. For the most part, “Bandslam” director Todd Graff and co-writer Josh A. Cagan get it. Not all teenagers are sex-obsessed morons and some can intellectually discuss their...
- 3/23/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Seen on: August 14, 2009
The players: Director: Todd Graff, Writers: Todd Graff, Josh A. Cagan, Cast: Alyson Michalka, Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow
Facts of interest: None.
The plot: A high school outsider moves to a new town and school and assembles a band just in time for the Bandslam competition.
Our thoughts: An outsider with a passion for music heads to a new town and high school and puts together an awesome rock band just in time for a popular onstage competition. Oh, and while all this is going on, he also learns how to deal with his dark past, how to kiss a girl, and of course, how to fall in love. Did I mention he also writes letters to David Bowie?...
The players: Director: Todd Graff, Writers: Todd Graff, Josh A. Cagan, Cast: Alyson Michalka, Gaelan Connell, Vanessa Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow
Facts of interest: None.
The plot: A high school outsider moves to a new town and school and assembles a band just in time for the Bandslam competition.
Our thoughts: An outsider with a passion for music heads to a new town and high school and puts together an awesome rock band just in time for a popular onstage competition. Oh, and while all this is going on, he also learns how to deal with his dark past, how to kiss a girl, and of course, how to fall in love. Did I mention he also writes letters to David Bowie?...
- 8/15/2009
- by Franck Tabouring
- screeninglog.com
It’s official: rock ’n’ roll has been tamed. It must be if Walden Media (see: the Narnia movies), the movie company known for its family-values agenda (that is, one that adheres to the stereotypical narrow ideas about what constitutes both “family” and “values”) is taking it on. That’s how you get a rock ’n’ roll movie this calculated for sweet, feel-good blandness. And not the rock ’n’ roll kind of feel-good, either, unless you think the Jonas Brothers rock hard. Instantly forgettable but inoffensive, this is the tale of misfit teen Will Burton (the Shia Labeouf-esque newcomer Gaelan Connell), who moves to a new high school that isn’t quite so much like “Guantanamo with a lunch period” as the old one, makes new friends, and starts managing a high-school band in preparation for the titular competition. Adolescent bumps in the road are struck, of course, but...
- 8/14/2009
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Los Angeles premiere for Todd Graff-directed movie "Bandslam" was held on August 6. Red carpet was rolled out in front of Mann's Village Theatre in Westwood, California to welcome celebrities coming to the event.
Among those attending the premiere were the film's major cast Vanessa Hudgens, 78violet's Alyson Michalka and Gaelan Connell. Vanessa wore a strapless silver bubble dress, Alyson donned all black outfits, while Gaelan came in a suit. They posed individually for the photographers before then striking a pose together with Vanessa sandwiched by Alyson and Gaelan.
Other "Bandslam" stars who came to the affair were Lisa Kudrow, Ryan Donowho and Tim Jo. Joining them on the red carpet were musicians involved in the making of the movie's soundtrack. They were the four personnel of band Honor Society, Michael Bruno, Andrew Lee, Jason Rosen and Alexander Noyes, as well as the other member of 78violet, Amanda Michalka who is also Alyson's sister.
Among those attending the premiere were the film's major cast Vanessa Hudgens, 78violet's Alyson Michalka and Gaelan Connell. Vanessa wore a strapless silver bubble dress, Alyson donned all black outfits, while Gaelan came in a suit. They posed individually for the photographers before then striking a pose together with Vanessa sandwiched by Alyson and Gaelan.
Other "Bandslam" stars who came to the affair were Lisa Kudrow, Ryan Donowho and Tim Jo. Joining them on the red carpet were musicians involved in the making of the movie's soundtrack. They were the four personnel of band Honor Society, Michael Bruno, Andrew Lee, Jason Rosen and Alexander Noyes, as well as the other member of 78violet, Amanda Michalka who is also Alyson's sister.
- 8/7/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
First of, I love "Bandslam." I didn't know what to expect walking in, and I was clapping like a true fan walking out!
From the production company that gave us "Twilight," Summit Entertainment continues to delight this summer ("The Hurt Locker" is also from Summit, and one of the best films this year).
Gaelan Connell stars as Will Burton, a high school student with extensive knowledge in music. When Will and his mom Karen (Lisa Kudrow) move to New Jersey, his musical dreams come true.
Will, together with the school's most popular girl, Charlotte (Alyson Michalka of Aly & Aj), assemble a fledgling rock band. Now, they much compete against the best of the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Bandslam!
But first, Will must profess his true love for Sa5m (the 5 is silent), a quirky young girl played sweetly by "High School Musical's" Vanessa Hudgens.
From the production company that gave us "Twilight," Summit Entertainment continues to delight this summer ("The Hurt Locker" is also from Summit, and one of the best films this year).
Gaelan Connell stars as Will Burton, a high school student with extensive knowledge in music. When Will and his mom Karen (Lisa Kudrow) move to New Jersey, his musical dreams come true.
Will, together with the school's most popular girl, Charlotte (Alyson Michalka of Aly & Aj), assemble a fledgling rock band. Now, they much compete against the best of the best in the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Bandslam!
But first, Will must profess his true love for Sa5m (the 5 is silent), a quirky young girl played sweetly by "High School Musical's" Vanessa Hudgens.
- 8/6/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Check out the new one-sheet from Summit Entertainment's "Bandslam," starring Gaelan Connell, Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow, Charlie Saxton, Tim Jo, Scott Porter, David Bowie, D.J. Castillo and Michael Cuomo. The music comedy is helmed by Todd Graff, a one-time director of 2003's "Camp" comedy musical. Graff directs from his own screenplay written alongside Josh A. Cagan. From Walden Media, Summit and Golsmith-Thomas Productions. What's it about? When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banksasks new kid in town Will Burton to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Against all odds, their band develops...
- 6/4/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out the new one-sheet from Summit Entertainment's "Bandslam," starring Gaelan Connell, Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow, Charlie Saxton, Tim Jo, Scott Porter, David Bowie, D.J. Castillo and Michael Cuomo. The music comedy is helmed by Todd Graff, a one-time director of 2003's "Camp" comedy musical. Graff directs from his own screenplay written alongside Josh A. Cagan. From Walden Media, Summit and Golsmith-Thomas Productions. What's it about? When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banksasks new kid in town Will Burton to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Against all odds, their band develops...
- 6/4/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Lisa Kudrow and Liam Aiken have come aboard to star in Will, the musical coming-of-age dramedy that Walden Media and Summit Entertainment will co-finance.
David Bowie also is in talks to join the cast, which includes Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka and Scott Porter.
Written by Todd Graff and Josh Cagan, the script centers on a high school outcast and a popular girl who form an unlikely bond through their shared love of music. They assemble a like-minded crew of misfits and form a rock group to perform in a battle of the bands competition at their school.
Aiken is playing the title character, while Kudrow will play his mother.
Graff also is directing with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas producing.
Summit will handle the worldwide distribution of the film, set to begin production next month.
Aiken is repped by Abrams Artists Agency and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Kudrow is repped by Endeavor. Bowie is repped by CAA.
David Bowie also is in talks to join the cast, which includes Vanessa Hudgens, Aly Michalka and Scott Porter.
Written by Todd Graff and Josh Cagan, the script centers on a high school outcast and a popular girl who form an unlikely bond through their shared love of music. They assemble a like-minded crew of misfits and form a rock group to perform in a battle of the bands competition at their school.
Aiken is playing the title character, while Kudrow will play his mother.
Graff also is directing with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas producing.
Summit will handle the worldwide distribution of the film, set to begin production next month.
Aiken is repped by Abrams Artists Agency and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Kudrow is repped by Endeavor. Bowie is repped by CAA.
MGM has snapped up Josh A. Cagan's spec Gotta Dance, plunking down $300,000 against $650,000. Walter Hamada, Chris Fenton and Jonathan Hung of H2F Entertainment are attached to produce. The story, described as a broad comedic male version of Flashdance, centers on an overweight construction worker who finds out that he is the long-lost son of the greatest ballet dancer in history. He is torn between his blue-collar macho world and the life of a ballet dancer when he's called upon to save his late mother's dance company. Overseeing the project are MGM's Erik Baiers and Elizabeth Ingold. The script sale is Cagan's second spec sale in as many weeks; he sold his first feature, Will, to Revolution with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas producing. New York-based Cagan wrote for the MTV animated series Undergrads. He is repped by Paradigm, H2F and Colden, McKuin and Frankel.
- 4/13/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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