Exclusive: Jessica Alba (Sin City), Russell Harvard (Fargo), and Daniel Durant (Coda) are attached to star in sports feature film Flash Before the Bang, inspired by the true story of an all-deaf high school track and field team in 1980’s Oregon.
The film heralds from deaf writer-director Jevon Whetter, on whose experience the story is based. Oscar winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are exec producers along with Fanshen Cox in association with Trujulo Productions. Jessica Alba is also an exec producer.
Production is due begin in September in Georgia on the project, in which more than half of the characters in the ensemble cast will deaf and portrayed by deaf actors. Brothers Jevon and Delbert (producer) Whetter are from a multigenerational deaf family, while actors Harvard and Durant are also deaf.
The Exchange is introducing the title to international buyers at the Cannes Film Market this week with UTA Independent Film Group representing U.
The film heralds from deaf writer-director Jevon Whetter, on whose experience the story is based. Oscar winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are exec producers along with Fanshen Cox in association with Trujulo Productions. Jessica Alba is also an exec producer.
Production is due begin in September in Georgia on the project, in which more than half of the characters in the ensemble cast will deaf and portrayed by deaf actors. Brothers Jevon and Delbert (producer) Whetter are from a multigenerational deaf family, while actors Harvard and Durant are also deaf.
The Exchange is introducing the title to international buyers at the Cannes Film Market this week with UTA Independent Film Group representing U.
- 5/17/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk, Little Emma on initial roster.
Toonz Feature Film Division president Ariel Veneziano and Gold Valley Films head of international Allen Tsang have announced a co-production and co-financing partnership on six animated features over the next three years and are joining forces on sales of their entire combined slates in Cannes.
Currently in production, Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk features the voice talent of musician will.i.am in the title role alongside Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus), Luis Guzmán, Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), rapper Snoop Dogg, and Whoopi Goldberg and Howie Mandel.
The quest story sees Pigeon-Hawk set out...
Toonz Feature Film Division president Ariel Veneziano and Gold Valley Films head of international Allen Tsang have announced a co-production and co-financing partnership on six animated features over the next three years and are joining forces on sales of their entire combined slates in Cannes.
Currently in production, Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk features the voice talent of musician will.i.am in the title role alongside Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus), Luis Guzmán, Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), rapper Snoop Dogg, and Whoopi Goldberg and Howie Mandel.
The quest story sees Pigeon-Hawk set out...
- 5/3/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Tara Nicole Whitaker will make her feature directorial debut with “Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk,” an upcoming musically-driven animated film which she will co-direct alongside John D. Eraklis.
The film’s cast includes such heavy-weight talents as Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Coolidge, Kenan Thompson, Howie Mandel, Luis Guzmán, Paul Blackthorne, Jamal Trulove, Domenick Lombardozzi, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson. Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson and Snoop Dogg recently joined the ensemble voice cast and will executive produce “Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk,” which is intended to promote diversity, inclusion, and community.
“I am beyond delighted to join this incredible team of artists, musicians and storytellers to explore Pierre’s world and bring this wonderfully vibrant and inspiring tale of self-discovery to life,” Whitaker said in a statement.
Whitaker’s involvement is a glass-ceiling shattering moment. She is one of the first Black women to direct a major animated movie, an important milestone for representation behind-the-camera. Whitaker is...
The film’s cast includes such heavy-weight talents as Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Coolidge, Kenan Thompson, Howie Mandel, Luis Guzmán, Paul Blackthorne, Jamal Trulove, Domenick Lombardozzi, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson. Will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson and Snoop Dogg recently joined the ensemble voice cast and will executive produce “Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk,” which is intended to promote diversity, inclusion, and community.
“I am beyond delighted to join this incredible team of artists, musicians and storytellers to explore Pierre’s world and bring this wonderfully vibrant and inspiring tale of self-discovery to life,” Whitaker said in a statement.
Whitaker’s involvement is a glass-ceiling shattering moment. She is one of the first Black women to direct a major animated movie, an important milestone for representation behind-the-camera. Whitaker is...
- 8/17/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Pearl Street Films and Exodus Film Group have boarded “Flash Before the Bang,” a sports drama about an all-deaf high school track team.
The film has been in development for some time and will star Troy Kotsur, who was recently seen in “Coda,” along with actress Deanne Bray and “Deaf U” host Nyle Dimarco.
“Flash Before the Bang” is a coming-of-age story inspired by the life of the film’s deaf writer and director Jevon Whetter. It follows a track and field team at the Oregon High School for the Deaf who in 1986 overcame discrimination and adversity to become state champions.
Kotsur in the film will play the team’s head coach, Dimarco an assistant coach, and Bray will portray the mother of one of the film’s young co-lead.
“Flash Before the Bang” will also now utilize an inclusion rider, which Pearl Street...
The film has been in development for some time and will star Troy Kotsur, who was recently seen in “Coda,” along with actress Deanne Bray and “Deaf U” host Nyle Dimarco.
“Flash Before the Bang” is a coming-of-age story inspired by the life of the film’s deaf writer and director Jevon Whetter. It follows a track and field team at the Oregon High School for the Deaf who in 1986 overcame discrimination and adversity to become state champions.
Kotsur in the film will play the team’s head coach, Dimarco an assistant coach, and Bray will portray the mother of one of the film’s young co-lead.
“Flash Before the Bang” will also now utilize an inclusion rider, which Pearl Street...
- 8/16/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Troy Kotsur (Coda), Nyle Dimarco (America’s Next Top Model) and Deanne Bray (Heroes) are attached to star in Flash Before The Bang, a groundbreaking sports pic from Pearl Street Films and Exodus Film Group.
The coming-of-age drama tells the true story of an all-deaf high school track & field team from the Oregon School for the Deaf. The team overcame discrimination and adversity on their way to an unprecedented victory against much larger Oregon public schools—becoming the Oregon State Track & Field Champions in 1986.
Kotsur will play the lead role of Coach Farrior, with Dimarco playing an assistant coach. Bray will portray Mrs. Warner, the mother of the film’s co-lead Jake, whose journey the film follows. Casting for other roles is currently underway, with an eye towards filming in the spring.
Flash Before the Bang showcases the Deaf experience in an unprecedented way: through the authentic lens of a...
The coming-of-age drama tells the true story of an all-deaf high school track & field team from the Oregon School for the Deaf. The team overcame discrimination and adversity on their way to an unprecedented victory against much larger Oregon public schools—becoming the Oregon State Track & Field Champions in 1986.
Kotsur will play the lead role of Coach Farrior, with Dimarco playing an assistant coach. Bray will portray Mrs. Warner, the mother of the film’s co-lead Jake, whose journey the film follows. Casting for other roles is currently underway, with an eye towards filming in the spring.
Flash Before the Bang showcases the Deaf experience in an unprecedented way: through the authentic lens of a...
- 8/16/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Hudson and Will.i.am joined the cast of Exodus Film Group’s animated feature “Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk.”
Directed by John D. Eraklis, the New York City-set animated comedy follows Pierre (Will.i.am) who was born out of forbidden love between a hawk (Whoopi Goldberg) and a pigeon (Howie Mandel). Rejected by both communities, he sets out on an adventure to find himself and makes some new friends along the way. His journey of self-discovery propels Pierre to promote the need for diversity, inclusion and community.
Pierre’s new friends include Ophelia, an Owl played by Hudson whose genius is outweighed by her madness. She’s part of a band of unlikely friends who have recently escaped from the Central Park Zoo. Also in the group are a pair of rag tag city squirrels: Scratch (Snoop Dogg) and Sniff (Keenan Thompson).
Hudson, Will.i.am and Snoop Dogg...
Directed by John D. Eraklis, the New York City-set animated comedy follows Pierre (Will.i.am) who was born out of forbidden love between a hawk (Whoopi Goldberg) and a pigeon (Howie Mandel). Rejected by both communities, he sets out on an adventure to find himself and makes some new friends along the way. His journey of self-discovery propels Pierre to promote the need for diversity, inclusion and community.
Pierre’s new friends include Ophelia, an Owl played by Hudson whose genius is outweighed by her madness. She’s part of a band of unlikely friends who have recently escaped from the Central Park Zoo. Also in the group are a pair of rag tag city squirrels: Scratch (Snoop Dogg) and Sniff (Keenan Thompson).
Hudson, Will.i.am and Snoop Dogg...
- 4/7/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
The John D. Eraklis-directed animated feature Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk is adding more A-listers to its already star-studded voice cast. Grammy Award winner will.i.am (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy award winner Jennifer Hudson, and multiplatinum-selling artist Snoop Dogg (The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run) have now on board, joining previously announced cast Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Coolidge, Kenan Thompson, Howie Mandel, Luis Guzmán, Domenick Lombardozzi, Paul Blackthorne, Jamal Trulove, Evan Ross, and Ashlee Simpson.
The film hails from Exodus Film Group. Set in NYC, the musically driven comedy centers on Pierre (will.i.am), born as a product of forbidden love between a hawk (Goldberg) and a pigeon (Mandel). Pierre is rejected by both communities. Tired of not fitting in, Pierre sets out on a mission to discover where he truly belongs.
During his adventure, he unites with a band of unlikely friends...
The film hails from Exodus Film Group. Set in NYC, the musically driven comedy centers on Pierre (will.i.am), born as a product of forbidden love between a hawk (Goldberg) and a pigeon (Mandel). Pierre is rejected by both communities. Tired of not fitting in, Pierre sets out on a mission to discover where he truly belongs.
During his adventure, he unites with a band of unlikely friends...
- 4/6/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Dolly Parton makes a donation for coronavirus cure, Howie Mandel and Ashlee Simpson join the voice cast of “Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk” and American Documentary launches an artists emergency fund.
Research Donation
Dolly Parton has donated $1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt Hospital to help aid research to find a cure for the coronavirus.
“My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure,” Parton said on Twitter on Wednesday. “I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations.”
Earlier this week, Dollywood and film marketing company Abramorama announced that beginning on April 2 at 7:00 pm Et, Parton will be reading a children’s book for bedtime in...
Research Donation
Dolly Parton has donated $1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt Hospital to help aid research to find a cure for the coronavirus.
“My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure,” Parton said on Twitter on Wednesday. “I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations.”
Earlier this week, Dollywood and film marketing company Abramorama announced that beginning on April 2 at 7:00 pm Et, Parton will be reading a children’s book for bedtime in...
- 4/2/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel, Luis Guzmán (Traffic), Paul Blackthorne (The CW’s Arrow), Jamal Trulove (The Last Black Man in San Francisco), Evan Ross (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2), and Ashlee Simpson (Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon) will lend their voice to the musically driven aminated feature Pierre The Pigeon Hawk from director John D. Eraklis. They are joining previously announced voice cast members Nick Cannon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Coolidge and Kenan Thompson.
The Exodus Film Group pic, financed by Sugar Water Entertainment in partnership with Toonz Media Group, is being produced and directed remotely and is in pre-production at Toonz Media studio in New Zealand.
More from Deadline'America's Got Talent': Gabrielle Union & Julianne Hough Out, Simon Cowell & Howie Mandel Back For Season 15Howie Mandel's Alevy Production Teams With Indigenous Media For '60 Second Docs: The Show'Nick Cannon, Whoopi Goldberg, Kenan Thompson & More...
The Exodus Film Group pic, financed by Sugar Water Entertainment in partnership with Toonz Media Group, is being produced and directed remotely and is in pre-production at Toonz Media studio in New Zealand.
More from Deadline'America's Got Talent': Gabrielle Union & Julianne Hough Out, Simon Cowell & Howie Mandel Back For Season 15Howie Mandel's Alevy Production Teams With Indigenous Media For '60 Second Docs: The Show'Nick Cannon, Whoopi Goldberg, Kenan Thompson & More...
- 4/1/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Project in pre-production at India’s Toonz Media Group studio in New Zealand.
Los Angeles-based Highland Film Group has boarded animated feature Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk for sales as it emerged that Howie Mandel has joined the voice cast.
The company plans to launch pre-sales around the time that Cannes takes place, either physically or virtually.
Luis Guzmán, Paul Blackthorne, Jamal Trulove, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson have also joined the project. Previously announced cast are Nick Cannon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Coolidge, and Kenan Thompson.
CAA Media Finance handles Us rights to Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk, which the filmmakers said is being...
Los Angeles-based Highland Film Group has boarded animated feature Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk for sales as it emerged that Howie Mandel has joined the voice cast.
The company plans to launch pre-sales around the time that Cannes takes place, either physically or virtually.
Luis Guzmán, Paul Blackthorne, Jamal Trulove, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson have also joined the project. Previously announced cast are Nick Cannon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Coolidge, and Kenan Thompson.
CAA Media Finance handles Us rights to Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk, which the filmmakers said is being...
- 4/1/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Nick Cannon and Whoopi Goldberg will star in the animated feature film “Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk,” which will be directed by Exodus Film Group’s John D. Eraklis.
Exodus and Nick Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment banner are teaming up to produce the full-length animated feature. Cannon will voice the lead character while also overseeing the music and producing alongside executive producer Michael Goldman.
Jennifer Coolidge and Kenan Thompson will also star.
Also Read: Whoopi Goldberg Details Serious Pneumonia Bout: 'I Came Very, Very Close to Leaving the Earth' (Video)
The film is being produced and financed by Ciaran Crampton and Chase Muratore of New York City-based Sugar Water Entertainment.
“Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk” is set in New York City and follows Pierre, who is a product of love between a hawk and a pigeon, so he’s rejected by both communities. He sets out on a mission to find where he belongs,...
Exodus and Nick Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment banner are teaming up to produce the full-length animated feature. Cannon will voice the lead character while also overseeing the music and producing alongside executive producer Michael Goldman.
Jennifer Coolidge and Kenan Thompson will also star.
Also Read: Whoopi Goldberg Details Serious Pneumonia Bout: 'I Came Very, Very Close to Leaving the Earth' (Video)
The film is being produced and financed by Ciaran Crampton and Chase Muratore of New York City-based Sugar Water Entertainment.
“Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk” is set in New York City and follows Pierre, who is a product of love between a hawk and a pigeon, so he’s rejected by both communities. He sets out on a mission to find where he belongs,...
- 3/12/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Nick Cannon, Egot-winner Whoopi Goldberg, Kenan Thompson, Jennifer Coolidge, and E.G. Daily (who best known for voicing Tommy Pickles in Nicktoons’ Rugrats series) have signed on as the voice cast of Pierre The Pigeon-Hawk, a musically driven animated feature from Exodus Film Group and Cannon’s Ncredible Entertainment. Exodus’ John D. Eraklis will direct the pic, while Wild ‘n Out and The Masked Singer host will oversee the music.
Ciaran Crampton and Chase Muratore of NYC based Sugar Water Entertainment are producing and financing the project.
Set in NYC, the comedy centers around Pierre (Cannon) who, born as a product of forbidden love between a hawk and a pigeon, is rejected by both the pigeon and hawk communities. Dejected and confused, Pierre sets out on a mission to find out where he belongs. During his adventure, he unites with a band of unlikely friends including a bear that has...
Ciaran Crampton and Chase Muratore of NYC based Sugar Water Entertainment are producing and financing the project.
Set in NYC, the comedy centers around Pierre (Cannon) who, born as a product of forbidden love between a hawk and a pigeon, is rejected by both the pigeon and hawk communities. Dejected and confused, Pierre sets out on a mission to find out where he belongs. During his adventure, he unites with a band of unlikely friends including a bear that has...
- 3/12/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UK outfit boards animation, readies production slate.
Moviehouse’s Cannes slate includes recent animation addition A Giant Adventure, which will feature the voices of John Goodman and Kelsey Grammar.
Goodman will play lumberjack Paul Bunyan who teams up with two adventurous kids to rescue a town from the developer’s evil clutches in this modern tale.
The deal was negotiated by Toonz Media Group CEO Kumar together with Moviehouse’ Managing Director, Mark Vennis and cements Moviehouse’s relationship with Toonz, which also produced upcoming Magnolia Us release The Hero Of Colour City, also sold by Moviehouse.
The film, which will be released in North America by Cinedigm, is produced in conjunction with U.S. animation company Exodus Film Group, whose principals, John Eraklis and Max Howard, will serve as producers together with Toonz’ CEO P. Jaya Kumar.
Simultaneously, Moviehouse is also developing a growing production slate, includingUK drama Grand Duet, about a classical...
Moviehouse’s Cannes slate includes recent animation addition A Giant Adventure, which will feature the voices of John Goodman and Kelsey Grammar.
Goodman will play lumberjack Paul Bunyan who teams up with two adventurous kids to rescue a town from the developer’s evil clutches in this modern tale.
The deal was negotiated by Toonz Media Group CEO Kumar together with Moviehouse’ Managing Director, Mark Vennis and cements Moviehouse’s relationship with Toonz, which also produced upcoming Magnolia Us release The Hero Of Colour City, also sold by Moviehouse.
The film, which will be released in North America by Cinedigm, is produced in conjunction with U.S. animation company Exodus Film Group, whose principals, John Eraklis and Max Howard, will serve as producers together with Toonz’ CEO P. Jaya Kumar.
Simultaneously, Moviehouse is also developing a growing production slate, includingUK drama Grand Duet, about a classical...
- 5/15/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Serena Williams will go down as one of the best players in the history of professional tennis with 29 Grand Slam titles under her belt, 16 in singles and 13 in doubles alongside her sister (and fellow tennis powerhouse) Venus Williams. Having accomplished all that she can in the world of professional tennis and then some, it’s now time for Serena to branch out in the world of animated motion pictures.
Heat Vision reports that Williams will be teaming up with Exodus Film Group (the group behind 2008′s animated feature Igor featuring the voice of John Cusack) for a tennis-themed cartoon called, erm, WimbleToad. The movie, based on an idea from Exodus Film Group’s John Eraklis, will tell the story of an orphaned toad named Henry Stokes who enters the WimbleToad tournament in order to win his freedom and stop a seedy businessman from taking it over. Williams will voice Lily,...
Heat Vision reports that Williams will be teaming up with Exodus Film Group (the group behind 2008′s animated feature Igor featuring the voice of John Cusack) for a tennis-themed cartoon called, erm, WimbleToad. The movie, based on an idea from Exodus Film Group’s John Eraklis, will tell the story of an orphaned toad named Henry Stokes who enters the WimbleToad tournament in order to win his freedom and stop a seedy businessman from taking it over. Williams will voice Lily,...
- 7/12/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
After just conquering the world of tennis (again) by winning her fifth Wimbledon title, Serena Williams is hoping to conquer the world of animation. Williams is partnering with Exodus Film Group, the makers of the 2008 animated feature Igor, on the tennis-themed animated project WimbleToad. Photos: Wimbledon 2012 Star Gazing: Dustin Hoffman, J.K. Rowling, Patrick Stewart Flock to Tennis Matches Williams will executive produce WimbleToad and also voice a role. She and Exodus Film Group principles John Eraklis, Joe Martin Jr. and Max Howard have created Amphibian Productions for the venture. Steve Bevilacqua is writing the screenplay based
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- 7/11/2012
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Blue Collar comedian Jeff Foxworthy ("Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?") will lend his voice to the role of Babe the Blue Ox in MGM and Exodus Group's "Bunyan & Babe." Eddie Griffin was thought to play this role. The animated family adventure comedy is directed by Tony Bancroft and Jim Rygiel. Julia Wall wrote the screenplay from the original story and screenplay by Michael A. Nickles. Also cast is Kelsey Grammer. John Eraklis and Max Howard are producing.
- 9/3/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jeff Foxworthy will be an ox.
The comedian will voice the role of Babe the Blue Ox in "Bunyan & Babe," the animated feature from MGM and Exodus Film Group.
The pic puts a modern twist on the classic folk tale of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick Babe, with the pair embarking on a mission to save a town from a rapacious real estate developer. John Goodman is set to voice Bunyan, and Kelsey Grammer is the developer.
Tony Bancroft and Jim Rygiel are directing the pic, with Exodus execs John Eraklis and Max Howard producing. MGM acquired the project this year and will look to release it in 2011.
The CAA- and Parallel Entertainment-repped Foxworthy, known for his populist brand of stand-up comedy, has had voice roles in 2006's "The Fox and the Hound 2" and other pics. He hosts the Fox quiz show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?...
The comedian will voice the role of Babe the Blue Ox in "Bunyan & Babe," the animated feature from MGM and Exodus Film Group.
The pic puts a modern twist on the classic folk tale of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick Babe, with the pair embarking on a mission to save a town from a rapacious real estate developer. John Goodman is set to voice Bunyan, and Kelsey Grammer is the developer.
Tony Bancroft and Jim Rygiel are directing the pic, with Exodus execs John Eraklis and Max Howard producing. MGM acquired the project this year and will look to release it in 2011.
The CAA- and Parallel Entertainment-repped Foxworthy, known for his populist brand of stand-up comedy, has had voice roles in 2006's "The Fox and the Hound 2" and other pics. He hosts the Fox quiz show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?...
- 9/2/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Exodus Film Group announced today that Bunyan & Babe , Exodus' new animated feature film, will be distributed in North America by MGM. The announcement was made by Exodus CEO, John Eraklis and Erik Lomis, President, Worldwide Theatrical Distribution, Home Entertainment & Acquisitions for MGM. Bunyan & Babe is a modern take on the folk story of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan (John Goodman) and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox, who work with two adventurous kids to rescue their town from the evil clutches of a demented property developer (Kelsey Grammer). "What Exodus has with 'Bunyan & Babe' is a new spin on a classic story. It is always a pleasure working with a company that is making this type of accessible family...
- 5/7/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Sony's Samuel L. Jackson thriller "Lakeview Terrace" captured the boxoffice flag this weekend with a solid $15.6 million in opening grosses.
Focus Features' Coen brothers comedy "Burn After Reading" finished second, dropping just 41% from week-earlier opening grosses to $11.3 million for this session and a 10-day cume of $36.4 million. Lionsgate's romantic comedy "My Best Friend's Girl," starring Dane Cook and Kate Hudson, bowed third with a limp $8.3 million.
The MGM-distributed animated feature "Igor" from Exodus Film Group debuted about as expected with $8 million in fourth place. But DreamWorks/Paramount's "Ghost Town" saw a disembodied debut of just $5.2 million in eighth place after Paramount cut distribution of the Ricky Gervais-Greg Kinnear comedy from a planned 2,000-plus playdates to only 1,505 engagements.
Among other second-week pics, Overture's Robert De Niro-Al Pacino starrer "Righteous Kill" fell 53% to $7.7 million in fifth place with a cume of $28.8 million.
"Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys" from...
Focus Features' Coen brothers comedy "Burn After Reading" finished second, dropping just 41% from week-earlier opening grosses to $11.3 million for this session and a 10-day cume of $36.4 million. Lionsgate's romantic comedy "My Best Friend's Girl," starring Dane Cook and Kate Hudson, bowed third with a limp $8.3 million.
The MGM-distributed animated feature "Igor" from Exodus Film Group debuted about as expected with $8 million in fourth place. But DreamWorks/Paramount's "Ghost Town" saw a disembodied debut of just $5.2 million in eighth place after Paramount cut distribution of the Ricky Gervais-Greg Kinnear comedy from a planned 2,000-plus playdates to only 1,505 engagements.
Among other second-week pics, Overture's Robert De Niro-Al Pacino starrer "Righteous Kill" fell 53% to $7.7 million in fifth place with a cume of $28.8 million.
"Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys" from...
- 9/21/2008
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- The first CG-animated film in the Weinstein Co. and Exodus Film Group's multi-picture, co-production pact will be the aquatic family comedy, Navy Seals.
In a story concept developed at Exodus and based on true Marine heroes, an elite group of U.S. Navy dolphins are captured. Their one chance at freedom depends on the help of a group of misfit seals.
The comedy-filled adventure is set to be scripted by Justin Eick. Exodus CEO John D. Eraklis will produce the feature and president Max Howard will executive produce. TWC production exec Eric Robinson is overseeing the project on behalf of his studio.
The TWC/Exodus pact, unveiled in May, has its roots in TWC's 2006 acquisition of worldwide distribution rights to Exodus' first CG-animated film Igor. Under the new pact, TWC and Exodus will develop, produce and finance animated features, DVDs and TV series, which TWC will distribute.
In a story concept developed at Exodus and based on true Marine heroes, an elite group of U.S. Navy dolphins are captured. Their one chance at freedom depends on the help of a group of misfit seals.
The comedy-filled adventure is set to be scripted by Justin Eick. Exodus CEO John D. Eraklis will produce the feature and president Max Howard will executive produce. TWC production exec Eric Robinson is overseeing the project on behalf of his studio.
The TWC/Exodus pact, unveiled in May, has its roots in TWC's 2006 acquisition of worldwide distribution rights to Exodus' first CG-animated film Igor. Under the new pact, TWC and Exodus will develop, produce and finance animated features, DVDs and TV series, which TWC will distribute.
- 9/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cusack and Sean Hayes have joined the voice cast of Exodus Film Group's CG-animated feature comedy Igor. The Weinstein Co. will distribute the film, which is being directed by Tony Leondis.
Cusack, who replaces Christian Slater on the project, will voice the title character of Igor, a gifted scientist who is born with a hunch on his back and is forced to serve a cruel scientist named Dr. Glickenstein. Hayes is playing Brian the Brain, a brain in a jar who is one of Igor's sidekicks and inventions.
The voice cast includes Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese.
Chris McKenna wrote the screenplay. Exodus' CEO John D. Eraklis is producing along with Exodus president Max Howard.
The film is set for an Oct. 24, 2008, release.
Cusack next will appear in the Weinstein Co.'s Grace Is Gone and Dimension's 1408. Hayes is best known for playing Jack on Will & Grace. He previously provided his voice for The Cat in the Hat and Cats & Dogs.
Both are repped by WMA.
Cusack, who replaces Christian Slater on the project, will voice the title character of Igor, a gifted scientist who is born with a hunch on his back and is forced to serve a cruel scientist named Dr. Glickenstein. Hayes is playing Brian the Brain, a brain in a jar who is one of Igor's sidekicks and inventions.
The voice cast includes Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese.
Chris McKenna wrote the screenplay. Exodus' CEO John D. Eraklis is producing along with Exodus president Max Howard.
The film is set for an Oct. 24, 2008, release.
Cusack next will appear in the Weinstein Co.'s Grace Is Gone and Dimension's 1408. Hayes is best known for playing Jack on Will & Grace. He previously provided his voice for The Cat in the Hat and Cats & Dogs.
Both are repped by WMA.
- 3/28/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Max Howard has been named president of Exodus Film Group, Exodus CEO John Eraklis said Wednesday.
Howard has held posts as president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation and senior vp at Disney Feature Animation.
"Max is one of the most talented and experienced animation executives in the business today," Eraklis said. "His track record of building outstanding animation teams worldwide is unparalleled."
During his 12 years at Disney, Howard collaborated on such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Lion King. At Warners, he oversaw The Iron Giant and Space Jam. More recently, he was an executive producer on DreamWorks Animation's Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Exodus is working on the CG-animated feature Igor, set for fall 2008 release by the Weinstein Co.
Igor, with a voice cast that includes Christian Slater, Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese, is a comic version of the classic monster tale about an evil scientist and his lab assistant. Tony Leondis is directing the screenplay by Chris McKenna.
Howard has held posts as president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation and senior vp at Disney Feature Animation.
"Max is one of the most talented and experienced animation executives in the business today," Eraklis said. "His track record of building outstanding animation teams worldwide is unparalleled."
During his 12 years at Disney, Howard collaborated on such films as Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Lion King. At Warners, he oversaw The Iron Giant and Space Jam. More recently, he was an executive producer on DreamWorks Animation's Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
Exodus is working on the CG-animated feature Igor, set for fall 2008 release by the Weinstein Co.
Igor, with a voice cast that includes Christian Slater, Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese, is a comic version of the classic monster tale about an evil scientist and his lab assistant. Tony Leondis is directing the screenplay by Chris McKenna.
Variety reports that Christian Slater, John Cleese and Steve Buscemi have signed on to join Jay Leno in lending their voices to Exodus Film Group and the Weinstein Co.'s upcoming animated feature Igor. The CGI comedy centers on a hunchbacked assistant to a mad scientist with dreams of winning the Evil Science Fair. Production is underway on the Chris McKenna-penned project produced by John D.Eraklis and Max Howard....
- 7/20/2006
- IMDbPro News
Los Angeles-based production company Exodus Film Group is venturing into the film funds market with the launch of a $50 million private placement. Offering 5,000 units priced at $10,000 apiece, the fund's money will be assigned to three in-house projects. Topping the slate is Igor, a $20 million CGI project about Dr. Frankenstein's hunchbacked lab assistant. "Igor is a huge figure, but never has the story been told from his perspective," said Exodus president John D. Eraklis, who co-founded Exodus Entertainment Group three years ago, following a 10-year stint in film financing, sales and acquisitions. Eraklis was most recently head of acquisitions and distribution at Galaxy Pictures. 55 Holly Star is a Capra-esque tale of a down-on-his-luck executive who, rather than getting what he wants, gets what he needs. The $10 million project will be directed by Michael A. Nickles (Desert Winds).
- 3/18/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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