Screen International is teaming up with pre-eminent US entertainment newsletter The Ankler to publish a daily newsletter at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25), in addition to Screen’s regular festival coverage.
The special Ankler newsletter will curate a daily selection of breaking news, interviews, reviews and analysis from Screen International’s industry-leading coverage at Cannes and will be sent to The Ankler’s 71,000 subscribers. Screen will continue to publish its own daily newsletters during the festival.
The partnership will bring together Screen’s unrivalled expertise and understanding of the international independent film industry with The Ankler’s blue-chip North...
The special Ankler newsletter will curate a daily selection of breaking news, interviews, reviews and analysis from Screen International’s industry-leading coverage at Cannes and will be sent to The Ankler’s 71,000 subscribers. Screen will continue to publish its own daily newsletters during the festival.
The partnership will bring together Screen’s unrivalled expertise and understanding of the international independent film industry with The Ankler’s blue-chip North...
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Bafta has appointed Courtney Labarge Bell as the new executive director of its North America branch.
Taking over the role from Matthew Wiseman in March, Bell will oversee the teams in Los Angeles and New York as well as the organisation’s US initiatives including Breakthrough USA and the Newcomers program. She will work closely with UK-based Bafta CEO Jane Millichip and the recently appointed chair of the North America board of directors, Joyce Pierpoline.
Bell’s last role was a director of development at gender equality organisation Wif (Women In Film) where she headed fundraising and key partnerships.
Previously,...
Taking over the role from Matthew Wiseman in March, Bell will oversee the teams in Los Angeles and New York as well as the organisation’s US initiatives including Breakthrough USA and the Newcomers program. She will work closely with UK-based Bafta CEO Jane Millichip and the recently appointed chair of the North America board of directors, Joyce Pierpoline.
Bell’s last role was a director of development at gender equality organisation Wif (Women In Film) where she headed fundraising and key partnerships.
Previously,...
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Broadcast and Screen International have appointed Manori Ravindran as senior contributing editor, working across both titles.
Ravindran, a former Broadcast international editor and executive editor, international at Variety, is one of the leading B2B screen industry journalists in the UK.
Her primary focus for both titles will be producing high-quality long-form journalism, delivering a slate of analysis pieces throughout the year.
The role will give her the freedom to explore complex issues and represents a significant addition to the strong existing editorial teams working across Screen International and Broadcast
Ravindran will take up the freelance role with immediate effect.
Ravindran, a former Broadcast international editor and executive editor, international at Variety, is one of the leading B2B screen industry journalists in the UK.
Her primary focus for both titles will be producing high-quality long-form journalism, delivering a slate of analysis pieces throughout the year.
The role will give her the freedom to explore complex issues and represents a significant addition to the strong existing editorial teams working across Screen International and Broadcast
Ravindran will take up the freelance role with immediate effect.
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Variety won 22 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards at a ceremony in Universal City Sunday night, including a staff win for for entertainment website of the year. The 22 trophies represented the most scored by any publication at the event.
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
- 12/5/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Other jury members include Jenna Coleman, Philip Barantini, Kosar Ali and Sadie Frost.
UK actor Hayley Atwell will preside over the main jury for the 2022 British Independent Film Awards (Bifa).
Joining Atwell are fellow actors Daniel Kaluuya, Jenna Coleman, Kosar Ali, Ray Panthaki, Joanna Scanlan and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Boiling Point director and recent Big Screen winner Philip Barantini will also sit on the jury alongside The Souvenir producer Luke Schiller, filmmaker Sadie Frost and presenter Leila Latif.
The main jury will select the winners for best director, best screenplay and the new gender-neutral acting categories of best lead, best supporting,...
UK actor Hayley Atwell will preside over the main jury for the 2022 British Independent Film Awards (Bifa).
Joining Atwell are fellow actors Daniel Kaluuya, Jenna Coleman, Kosar Ali, Ray Panthaki, Joanna Scanlan and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
Boiling Point director and recent Big Screen winner Philip Barantini will also sit on the jury alongside The Souvenir producer Luke Schiller, filmmaker Sadie Frost and presenter Leila Latif.
The main jury will select the winners for best director, best screenplay and the new gender-neutral acting categories of best lead, best supporting,...
- 11/29/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
As Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera continues to see films and tinker with his selection before announcing the Lido lineup next week, several high-profile titles have emerged as either locked in or highly likely to be launching from the Lido.
As previously anticipated by Variety, U.S. studios and streamers are set to be disembarking at the fest in full force. Warner Bros. will be launching steamy psychological thriller “Don’t Worry Darling,” which is Olivia Wilde’s second directorial effort and stars Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. The pic is one of two movies starring the latter pop star to come out this fall (the other being Amazon Studios’ “My Policeman”).
Focus Features will be on the Lido with Todd Field’s “Tár,” which teams the “In the Bedroom” director with Cate Blanchett as the fictional Lydia Tár, one of the world’s greatest conductors and the first female...
As previously anticipated by Variety, U.S. studios and streamers are set to be disembarking at the fest in full force. Warner Bros. will be launching steamy psychological thriller “Don’t Worry Darling,” which is Olivia Wilde’s second directorial effort and stars Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. The pic is one of two movies starring the latter pop star to come out this fall (the other being Amazon Studios’ “My Policeman”).
Focus Features will be on the Lido with Todd Field’s “Tár,” which teams the “In the Bedroom” director with Cate Blanchett as the fictional Lydia Tár, one of the world’s greatest conductors and the first female...
- 7/21/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has promoted Manori Ravindran to Executive Editor of International and Senior Writer.
Ravindran joined Variety in 2020 as International Editor. In her new role, Ravindran will continue to lead Variety’s award-winning team of correspondents based around the world, while expanding the brand’s presence at key festivals and markets and growing Variety’s events outside the U.S., working closely with executive VP of content, Steven Gaydos. Covering both film and television, she will also continue her work as a reporter breaking industry news and contributing to a growing pipeline of investigative stories out of international.
“Under Manori’s great leadership, Variety has substantially grown our international business,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, Variety‘s CEO. “Variety is committed to covering the movie and TV industries around the world as the authoritative voice in entertainment journalism.”
Ravindran, who is based in London, reports to Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and incoming co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh.
Ravindran joined Variety in 2020 as International Editor. In her new role, Ravindran will continue to lead Variety’s award-winning team of correspondents based around the world, while expanding the brand’s presence at key festivals and markets and growing Variety’s events outside the U.S., working closely with executive VP of content, Steven Gaydos. Covering both film and television, she will also continue her work as a reporter breaking industry news and contributing to a growing pipeline of investigative stories out of international.
“Under Manori’s great leadership, Variety has substantially grown our international business,” said Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, Variety‘s CEO. “Variety is committed to covering the movie and TV industries around the world as the authoritative voice in entertainment journalism.”
Ravindran, who is based in London, reports to Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and incoming co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh.
- 7/20/2022
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
The richest man in the world is the subject of a new documentary series commissioned by the BBC.
“The Elon Musk Show” (working title) will speak to the South African billionaire’s friends, family members and business associates as well as including archive footage from Musk’s ascent through Silicon Valley to paint an intimate portrait of the tech tycoon. Marian Mohamed and Jeremy Llewellyn Jones will direct.
The three-part series, from 72 Films (“Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty”), is set to air on BBC 2 later this year and promises to “get to the heart of who Elon Musk really is.”
Musk, who counts PayPal, Tesla and SpaceX among the companies he has built, recently launched a controversial bid to buy social media site Twitter. He has been married three times including twice to “St Trinian’s” actor Talulah Riley. Musk has five sons from his first marriage, to author Justine Wilson,...
“The Elon Musk Show” (working title) will speak to the South African billionaire’s friends, family members and business associates as well as including archive footage from Musk’s ascent through Silicon Valley to paint an intimate portrait of the tech tycoon. Marian Mohamed and Jeremy Llewellyn Jones will direct.
The three-part series, from 72 Films (“Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty”), is set to air on BBC 2 later this year and promises to “get to the heart of who Elon Musk really is.”
Musk, who counts PayPal, Tesla and SpaceX among the companies he has built, recently launched a controversial bid to buy social media site Twitter. He has been married three times including twice to “St Trinian’s” actor Talulah Riley. Musk has five sons from his first marriage, to author Justine Wilson,...
- 5/5/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Talk
Emmy-nominated Michael Sheen (“Good Omens”) will join the upcoming TEDxSoho talk on May 30 at London’s Cambridge Theatre virtually via a pre-recorded session. The event will also feature an in-person talk from actor Ray Panthaki, recently BIFA-nominated for “Boiling Point,” while Brit and Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing.
Hosted by “The Battersea Poltergeist” podcast creator Danny Robins, the curated program of short inspirational talks features previously announced speakers including U.K Cinema Association CEO Phil Clapp, Variety international editor Manori Ravindran, author and computational biologist, autism advocate and winer of the 2020 Science Book Award, Dr. Camilla Pang, and a performance from ex-Razorlight guitarist David Ellis. Confirmed speakers also include Karl Lokko, a former gang leader turned activist, poet, public speaker, adventurer and personal advisor to Prince Harry; Professor Katy Shaw, author of a report into post-covid cultural recovery; restaurateur Paulo De Tarso; author and journalist Janet Wang; and art critic,...
Emmy-nominated Michael Sheen (“Good Omens”) will join the upcoming TEDxSoho talk on May 30 at London’s Cambridge Theatre virtually via a pre-recorded session. The event will also feature an in-person talk from actor Ray Panthaki, recently BIFA-nominated for “Boiling Point,” while Brit and Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing.
Hosted by “The Battersea Poltergeist” podcast creator Danny Robins, the curated program of short inspirational talks features previously announced speakers including U.K Cinema Association CEO Phil Clapp, Variety international editor Manori Ravindran, author and computational biologist, autism advocate and winer of the 2020 Science Book Award, Dr. Camilla Pang, and a performance from ex-Razorlight guitarist David Ellis. Confirmed speakers also include Karl Lokko, a former gang leader turned activist, poet, public speaker, adventurer and personal advisor to Prince Harry; Professor Katy Shaw, author of a report into post-covid cultural recovery; restaurateur Paulo De Tarso; author and journalist Janet Wang; and art critic,...
- 4/27/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
TEDxSoho has announced three exciting new speakers have been added to the upcoming event this May including Michael Sheen.
Joining Sheen, who will be taking part virtually via a pre-recorded talk, in-person talk will be actor Ray Panthaki, whilst singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing. They will be joining the previously announced speakers at the Cambridge Theatre on 30th May.
King of both stage and screen, acting legend Michael Sheen will be taking part virtually by means of a pre-recorded Ted Talk, exclusively for TEDxSoho, about levelling the cultural playing field. Known for his roles in Oscar-nominated projects such as ‘The Queen’ and ‘Frost/Nixon,’ Sheen has also conquered the small screen, most recently in Amazon Prime’s hit TV series ‘Good Omens.’
Also in news – Idris Elba partners with Apple TV for series ‘Hijack’
Previously a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and for Best Supporting Actor at the BIFAs for his performance...
Joining Sheen, who will be taking part virtually via a pre-recorded talk, in-person talk will be actor Ray Panthaki, whilst singer-songwriter Tom Odell will be performing. They will be joining the previously announced speakers at the Cambridge Theatre on 30th May.
King of both stage and screen, acting legend Michael Sheen will be taking part virtually by means of a pre-recorded Ted Talk, exclusively for TEDxSoho, about levelling the cultural playing field. Known for his roles in Oscar-nominated projects such as ‘The Queen’ and ‘Frost/Nixon,’ Sheen has also conquered the small screen, most recently in Amazon Prime’s hit TV series ‘Good Omens.’
Also in news – Idris Elba partners with Apple TV for series ‘Hijack’
Previously a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and for Best Supporting Actor at the BIFAs for his performance...
- 4/25/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Update: Michel Hazanavicius’s zombie comedy “Z (Comme Z),” which is set to open the Cannes Film Festival next month, has been renamed “Coupé” in France.
The decision to change the movie’s French title follows a letter from the Ukrainian Institute to the director and the Cannes Film Festival, as revealed by Variety, pointing out that “Z” is a pro-war symbol of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and had been used in pro-Russian demonstrations across Europe.
On Monday evening, local time, the Cannes Film Festival said it supports Hazanavicius and his partners’ decision to change the French title of the film.
“Originally, the film was called Z (comme Z) [sic], as a tribute to the genre film it echoes,” reads a statement from the festival. “Since the letter Z has taken on a warlike meaning with the war of aggression waged against Ukraine by the Russian government, there can be no such confusion or ambiguity.
The decision to change the movie’s French title follows a letter from the Ukrainian Institute to the director and the Cannes Film Festival, as revealed by Variety, pointing out that “Z” is a pro-war symbol of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and had been used in pro-Russian demonstrations across Europe.
On Monday evening, local time, the Cannes Film Festival said it supports Hazanavicius and his partners’ decision to change the French title of the film.
“Originally, the film was called Z (comme Z) [sic], as a tribute to the genre film it echoes,” reads a statement from the festival. “Since the letter Z has taken on a warlike meaning with the war of aggression waged against Ukraine by the Russian government, there can be no such confusion or ambiguity.
- 4/25/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Distribution
PBS Distribution will be the North American distribution partner for West Road Pictures and All3Media International series “Ridley.” It stars Adrian Dunbar (“Line of Duty”) as Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who has retired from the police after 20 years of dedicated service. Now working in a consultancy role, Ridley resumes his partnership with his former protégée, Di Carol Farman, when she turns to him for help on a complex murder investigation.
The series, which consists of four two-hour episodes, is currently filming across Northern England, and will premiere on ITV in the U.K. It has sold to Npo in the Netherlands, Vrt in Flemish Belgium, BritBox for exclusive Australia streaming, Pumpkin TV has China VOD rights, and Rlj Entertainment has secured DVD/Video rights for Australia and New Zealand.
“Ridley” is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson (“Vera”) and co-created by Jonathan Fisher (“Blood”), MD of West Road Pictures,...
PBS Distribution will be the North American distribution partner for West Road Pictures and All3Media International series “Ridley.” It stars Adrian Dunbar (“Line of Duty”) as Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who has retired from the police after 20 years of dedicated service. Now working in a consultancy role, Ridley resumes his partnership with his former protégée, Di Carol Farman, when she turns to him for help on a complex murder investigation.
The series, which consists of four two-hour episodes, is currently filming across Northern England, and will premiere on ITV in the U.K. It has sold to Npo in the Netherlands, Vrt in Flemish Belgium, BritBox for exclusive Australia streaming, Pumpkin TV has China VOD rights, and Rlj Entertainment has secured DVD/Video rights for Australia and New Zealand.
“Ridley” is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson (“Vera”) and co-created by Jonathan Fisher (“Blood”), MD of West Road Pictures,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has struck an exclusive editorial agreement with news service Film New Europe to augment its coverage of growing content markets across Eastern and Central Europe.
The partnership gives Variety access to Film New Europe’s roster of top journalists dedicated to reporting on the rapid expansion of media and entertainment in 18 countries, including Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria and Croatia. At a time when global markets have never been more vital to the business of Hollywood, the alliance with Film New Europe allows Variety to bring more essential news and analysis to its audience of industry professionals.
The pact is “a continuation of Variety‘s commitment to covering global show business which began, in essence, with our very first issue in 1905,” said Steven Gaydos, Variety‘s Executive Editor of Global Content, who spearheaded the deal. “If you study the history of Hollywood you see that the ties between Central...
The partnership gives Variety access to Film New Europe’s roster of top journalists dedicated to reporting on the rapid expansion of media and entertainment in 18 countries, including Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria and Croatia. At a time when global markets have never been more vital to the business of Hollywood, the alliance with Film New Europe allows Variety to bring more essential news and analysis to its audience of industry professionals.
The pact is “a continuation of Variety‘s commitment to covering global show business which began, in essence, with our very first issue in 1905,” said Steven Gaydos, Variety‘s Executive Editor of Global Content, who spearheaded the deal. “If you study the history of Hollywood you see that the ties between Central...
- 4/6/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television International chief Wayne Garvie has set his sights on European production, he revealed during a keynote discussion at MipTV on Monday afternoon.
Garvie was speaking alongside Bad Wolf co-founder Jane Tranter in a panel discussion moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. Sptv International acquired Bad Wolf, who have produced shows including “His Dark Materials,” in December.
During the discussion, Garvie said that Sptv International had almost accomplished its goal of becoming “the biggest drama studio in Britain” and was now setting its sights on European production. “We can see a demand for European content,” Garvie said.
Garvie and Tranter also discussed why Sptv International and Bad Wolf were a good fit for each other, with Garvie citing “the scale and ambition of the Bad Wolf team” and Tranter saying she had liked how Sptv International had grown another of the companies they had acquired in recent years,...
Garvie was speaking alongside Bad Wolf co-founder Jane Tranter in a panel discussion moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. Sptv International acquired Bad Wolf, who have produced shows including “His Dark Materials,” in December.
During the discussion, Garvie said that Sptv International had almost accomplished its goal of becoming “the biggest drama studio in Britain” and was now setting its sights on European production. “We can see a demand for European content,” Garvie said.
Garvie and Tranter also discussed why Sptv International and Bad Wolf were a good fit for each other, with Garvie citing “the scale and ambition of the Bad Wolf team” and Tranter saying she had liked how Sptv International had grown another of the companies they had acquired in recent years,...
- 4/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Mayer, co-ceo of Blackstone Group-backed Candle Media, discussed the company’s 360 IP-investment strategy at the MipTV conference in Cannes on Monday morning.
Mayer was appearing alongside Moonbug Entertainment co-founder René Rechtman on a panel moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. Candle Media purchased children-focused brand Moonbug last year for 3 billion.
They previously bought Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine for 900 million and also own a stake in Will Smith’s production and multimedia company Westbrook, which produces, among other things, Jada Pinkett Smith’s popular Red Table Talk show on Facebook.
Former Disney exec Mayer described these as Candle Media’s “anchor” companies under which other acquisitions will be housed, pointing to Moonbug’s recent acquisition of the Little Angel YouTube franchise and Hello Sunshine’s acquisition of The Home Edit, a home organization brand first promoted by Gwyneth Paltrow that has spawned a Netflix show, books, magazines and merchandise.
Mayer was appearing alongside Moonbug Entertainment co-founder René Rechtman on a panel moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. Candle Media purchased children-focused brand Moonbug last year for 3 billion.
They previously bought Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine for 900 million and also own a stake in Will Smith’s production and multimedia company Westbrook, which produces, among other things, Jada Pinkett Smith’s popular Red Table Talk show on Facebook.
Former Disney exec Mayer described these as Candle Media’s “anchor” companies under which other acquisitions will be housed, pointing to Moonbug’s recent acquisition of the Little Angel YouTube franchise and Hello Sunshine’s acquisition of The Home Edit, a home organization brand first promoted by Gwyneth Paltrow that has spawned a Netflix show, books, magazines and merchandise.
- 4/4/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Gillian Anderson knows that “The X-Files” fans would love to see more of FBI agent Dana Scully. That doesn’t mean she’s interested in taking it on again.
When she joined the original Fox series, which aired from 1993 to 2002, she was excited to take on the obscure role that was different from “pretty much everything else on television at the time,” says Anderson, who’s receiving Variety‘s Icon Award at CannesSeries.
“I don’t think it was as clear-cut in my mind as being, ‘Oh, this is a feminist character,’” she told Variety‘s Manori Ravindran. “I think that it was more of just, ‘This is a woman that I haven’t seen before on television, and she’s so unique.'”
She went on to describe the sexist world she entered at the time — something that caught her off guard.
“I was expected to walk behind [co-star nm0000141 autoDavid...
When she joined the original Fox series, which aired from 1993 to 2002, she was excited to take on the obscure role that was different from “pretty much everything else on television at the time,” says Anderson, who’s receiving Variety‘s Icon Award at CannesSeries.
“I don’t think it was as clear-cut in my mind as being, ‘Oh, this is a feminist character,’” she told Variety‘s Manori Ravindran. “I think that it was more of just, ‘This is a woman that I haven’t seen before on television, and she’s so unique.'”
She went on to describe the sexist world she entered at the time — something that caught her off guard.
“I was expected to walk behind [co-star nm0000141 autoDavid...
- 4/1/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
“Is bigger generally better?” was one of the hot button topics being debated at a Series Mania panel on Wednesday and the answer in general was there is always room for growth in a rapidly expanding market, albeit with some caveats.
Weighing in on the topic were the heads of Europe-based companies, each of which operate several labels across territories. They included Christian Vesper, president of global drama at Fremantle, Julie Meldal-Johnsen, executive VP of global content at ITV Studios, Federation Entertainment MD Lionel Uzan, Asacha Media Group co-founder and co-ceo Marina Williams and Lars Blomgren, head of scripted at Banijay. The panel was moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran.
“It’s not necessarily about just getting bigger, it’s about strategically, what do we need within the group to support our current producers as well as our distribution,” said Vesper. Meldal-Johnsen likened the 60 plus labels within the ITV...
Weighing in on the topic were the heads of Europe-based companies, each of which operate several labels across territories. They included Christian Vesper, president of global drama at Fremantle, Julie Meldal-Johnsen, executive VP of global content at ITV Studios, Federation Entertainment MD Lionel Uzan, Asacha Media Group co-founder and co-ceo Marina Williams and Lars Blomgren, head of scripted at Banijay. The panel was moderated by Variety international editor Manori Ravindran.
“It’s not necessarily about just getting bigger, it’s about strategically, what do we need within the group to support our current producers as well as our distribution,” said Vesper. Meldal-Johnsen likened the 60 plus labels within the ITV...
- 3/23/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Variety shined a spotlight on European talents at its jam-packed dinner cocktail party at Series Mania Festival in Lille, France.
The event, which was co-hosted by Variety and Series Mania Forum, celebrated Mo Abudu, the CEO of Nigeria’s EbonyLife Media who won the 2022 Woman in Series Award. The party also brought together the laureates of the Copro pitching sessions and over 800 international industry players.
Following an introduction by Series Mania Forum’s head Francesco Capurro, Variety‘s international editor Manori Ravindran welcomed on stage three rising series directors and creators who are part of Variety’s 10 European Talents to Watch: Chas Appeti and Junior Okoli, the cinematographer and director of “Jungle,” and Quoc Dang Tran, the creator, showrunner and writer of Disney Plus’ French original “Parallels.”
“Jungle” is an Amazon Original Series showcasing the creativity of the U.K.’s drill, grime and rap music. Comprising six 30-minute episodes,...
The event, which was co-hosted by Variety and Series Mania Forum, celebrated Mo Abudu, the CEO of Nigeria’s EbonyLife Media who won the 2022 Woman in Series Award. The party also brought together the laureates of the Copro pitching sessions and over 800 international industry players.
Following an introduction by Series Mania Forum’s head Francesco Capurro, Variety‘s international editor Manori Ravindran welcomed on stage three rising series directors and creators who are part of Variety’s 10 European Talents to Watch: Chas Appeti and Junior Okoli, the cinematographer and director of “Jungle,” and Quoc Dang Tran, the creator, showrunner and writer of Disney Plus’ French original “Parallels.”
“Jungle” is an Amazon Original Series showcasing the creativity of the U.K.’s drill, grime and rap music. Comprising six 30-minute episodes,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Acquisition
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has picked up South African detective drama “The Cane Field Killings” starring Kim Engelbrecht (“Bullet Proof”) and Iain Glen (“Game of Thrones”). The eight-episode series, which launched last year in South Africa, will launch on Channel 4 on Apr. 10. The drama tells the story of a brilliant criminal profiler, Reyka Gama (Engelbrecht), who is struggling to comes to terms with her dark past. Having been abducted as a child by farmer Angus Speelman (Glen), Reyka now channels that traumatic experience to enter into the mindset of Africa’s most notorious criminals. The series follows her investigation into a string of brutal murders committed by a serial killer in the sugar cane fields of Kwa-Zulu-Natal.
The show is produced by Serena Cullen for Serena Cullen Productions and Harriet Gavshon for Quizzical Pictures. “The Cane Field Killings” is a co-production between M-Net and Fremantle and is distributed internationally by Fremantle.
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has picked up South African detective drama “The Cane Field Killings” starring Kim Engelbrecht (“Bullet Proof”) and Iain Glen (“Game of Thrones”). The eight-episode series, which launched last year in South Africa, will launch on Channel 4 on Apr. 10. The drama tells the story of a brilliant criminal profiler, Reyka Gama (Engelbrecht), who is struggling to comes to terms with her dark past. Having been abducted as a child by farmer Angus Speelman (Glen), Reyka now channels that traumatic experience to enter into the mindset of Africa’s most notorious criminals. The series follows her investigation into a string of brutal murders committed by a serial killer in the sugar cane fields of Kwa-Zulu-Natal.
The show is produced by Serena Cullen for Serena Cullen Productions and Harriet Gavshon for Quizzical Pictures. “The Cane Field Killings” is a co-production between M-Net and Fremantle and is distributed internationally by Fremantle.
- 3/17/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Spin-off
BBC Three series “Munya and Filly Get Chilly,” a spin-off from BBC One‘s “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” produced by Hungry Bear Media, is set to offer a light-hearted take on the challenges of the main show, which will follow a group of celebrities facing a test of mental strength under the guidance of extreme athlete Wim Hof. In the spin-off, presenters, comedy stars Munya and Filly, will immerse themselves in sub-zero temperatures and take on Hof’s challenges, from breathing exercises to ice baths and beyond. It will be filmed within the tented village that the celebrities are inhabiting, alongside the filming of the BBC One series, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive access to the celebrities and hosts.
“Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” will be fronted by Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack and celebrities participating include musical theater practitioner Alfie Boe, songwriter and soccer player Chelcee Grimes,...
BBC Three series “Munya and Filly Get Chilly,” a spin-off from BBC One‘s “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” produced by Hungry Bear Media, is set to offer a light-hearted take on the challenges of the main show, which will follow a group of celebrities facing a test of mental strength under the guidance of extreme athlete Wim Hof. In the spin-off, presenters, comedy stars Munya and Filly, will immerse themselves in sub-zero temperatures and take on Hof’s challenges, from breathing exercises to ice baths and beyond. It will be filmed within the tented village that the celebrities are inhabiting, alongside the filming of the BBC One series, with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive access to the celebrities and hosts.
“Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof” will be fronted by Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack and celebrities participating include musical theater practitioner Alfie Boe, songwriter and soccer player Chelcee Grimes,...
- 3/11/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Variety won 26 National Art and Entertainment Journalism Awards, including entertainment publication for its 115th anniversary issue “Gamechangers” and two journalist of the year awards: senior vice president Tim Gray for print and deputy music editor Jem Aswad for online.
The venerable entertainment publication received 98 nominations.
The awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work created from July 2020 through June 2021, were handed out virtually Feb. 17 after an in-person event scheduled for Feb. 5 was canceled due to ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aswad picked up so many awards, presenters remarked on it throughout the event. He ended up with six more awards in addition to his online journalist of the year award. He won two awards for his story “Inside the Dirty Business of Hit Songwriting,” and one each for “Jason Derulo Cracked TikTok’s Code and Resurrected His Career,” “Learning to Be Ok With the Word ‘Vinyls,’” “These...
The venerable entertainment publication received 98 nominations.
The awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work created from July 2020 through June 2021, were handed out virtually Feb. 17 after an in-person event scheduled for Feb. 5 was canceled due to ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aswad picked up so many awards, presenters remarked on it throughout the event. He ended up with six more awards in addition to his online journalist of the year award. He won two awards for his story “Inside the Dirty Business of Hit Songwriting,” and one each for “Jason Derulo Cracked TikTok’s Code and Resurrected His Career,” “Learning to Be Ok With the Word ‘Vinyls,’” “These...
- 2/18/2022
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz has been selected as the 2022 recipient of the Variety International Achievement in Television Award, to be presented at global content market MipTV in Cannes in April. Frot-Coutaz was the Head of Emea at YouTube and CEO of Fremantle before joining Sky Studios last year.
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the international television marketplace. In her long and distinguished career, Frot-Coutaz has led some of the TV and streaming industry’s most forward-looking organizations as they evolve in the new media landscape.
This year will mark Frot-Coutaz’s first full year as CEO of Sky Studios, having joined the production arm of Comcast-backed pay-tv operator Sky in September 2021.
In addition to developing, commissioning and producing Sky Original comedy and drama, Frot-Coutaz has responsibility for Sky Studios’ factual output as well as its global portfolio of production companies. This extensive...
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the international television marketplace. In her long and distinguished career, Frot-Coutaz has led some of the TV and streaming industry’s most forward-looking organizations as they evolve in the new media landscape.
This year will mark Frot-Coutaz’s first full year as CEO of Sky Studios, having joined the production arm of Comcast-backed pay-tv operator Sky in September 2021.
In addition to developing, commissioning and producing Sky Original comedy and drama, Frot-Coutaz has responsibility for Sky Studios’ factual output as well as its global portfolio of production companies. This extensive...
- 1/25/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has scored 98 nominations for the 2021 National Art and Entertainment Journalism awards, leading all publications.
The awards are presented yearly by the Los Angeles Press Club.
“Thank you to the Naej for recognizing the hard and wonderful work of our great team of writers and editors. We’re so honored,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated twice for print entertainment publication, for its “Hitmakers” and “Gamechangers” issues. Variety.com was nominated for entertainment website. Senior vice president Tim Gray and features editor Chris Willman both earned nominations for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad is nominated for online journalist of the year.
Variety scored six nominations across the photography and art category, including two nods for cover art, for the “Death of Cable” and “Power of Women” covers. Photo director Jennifer Dorn, former creative director Raul Aguila and photographer Sophy Holland were...
The awards are presented yearly by the Los Angeles Press Club.
“Thank you to the Naej for recognizing the hard and wonderful work of our great team of writers and editors. We’re so honored,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated twice for print entertainment publication, for its “Hitmakers” and “Gamechangers” issues. Variety.com was nominated for entertainment website. Senior vice president Tim Gray and features editor Chris Willman both earned nominations for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad is nominated for online journalist of the year.
Variety scored six nominations across the photography and art category, including two nods for cover art, for the “Death of Cable” and “Power of Women” covers. Photo director Jennifer Dorn, former creative director Raul Aguila and photographer Sophy Holland were...
- 1/19/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
The European Film Market, which runs alongside the Berlin Film Festival, will be held online for the second consecutive year due to the pandemic. The festival, meanwhile, will be maintained as an in-person event, Variety can reveal.
Numerous sources are indicating that the EFM has quickly changed gears following a rise in Covid cases in Germany. The festival did not respond to requests for comment by press time, though it’s understood a formal announcement is imminent.
The EFM is the world’s second biggest film market following the Cannes Marché du Film.
The festival has been grappling with rising Covid cases in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases reported 56,335 new laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases on Thursday, as well as 264 deaths associated with the virus. Around 71.6% of the population have received both vaccines, but just 41.6% have received the booster.
At a major government briefing this afternoon, it’s believed...
Numerous sources are indicating that the EFM has quickly changed gears following a rise in Covid cases in Germany. The festival did not respond to requests for comment by press time, though it’s understood a formal announcement is imminent.
The EFM is the world’s second biggest film market following the Cannes Marché du Film.
The festival has been grappling with rising Covid cases in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases reported 56,335 new laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases on Thursday, as well as 264 deaths associated with the virus. Around 71.6% of the population have received both vaccines, but just 41.6% have received the booster.
At a major government briefing this afternoon, it’s believed...
- 1/7/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Theater
London’s West End is rallying to keep its audiences amid the surge of the Omicron variant. A new campaign entitled “Don’t Stop Me Now” is offering reduced tickets in the range of £10-£50 ($13-$67) for performances throughout January and February. The sale can be accessed through the Official London Theatre website. (Link: https://officiallondontheatre.com/new-year-sale/)
The West End was hard hit by the new Covid-19 variant in the thick of the holiday season. New shows such as “Cabaret,” starring Jessie Buckley and Eddie Redmayne, had to cancel blocks of performances, while productions like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cinderella” were pulled just before Christmas until February.
The “Don’t Stop Me Now” campaign has involved collaborations with the Mayor of London, Westminster City Council and various business improvement districts. Illustrating the faces of the theater workforce is a new exhibit by photographer Rankin that’s featured on...
London’s West End is rallying to keep its audiences amid the surge of the Omicron variant. A new campaign entitled “Don’t Stop Me Now” is offering reduced tickets in the range of £10-£50 ($13-$67) for performances throughout January and February. The sale can be accessed through the Official London Theatre website. (Link: https://officiallondontheatre.com/new-year-sale/)
The West End was hard hit by the new Covid-19 variant in the thick of the holiday season. New shows such as “Cabaret,” starring Jessie Buckley and Eddie Redmayne, had to cancel blocks of performances, while productions like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cinderella” were pulled just before Christmas until February.
The “Don’t Stop Me Now” campaign has involved collaborations with the Mayor of London, Westminster City Council and various business improvement districts. Illustrating the faces of the theater workforce is a new exhibit by photographer Rankin that’s featured on...
- 1/6/2022
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock announced on Monday that more episodes of “We Are Lady Parts” are officially on the way, renewing the music-infused comedy series for a second season.
“We Are Lady Parts” premiered on Peacock in May. The series follows a fictional Muslim female punk band that performs in London.
While Season 2 of “We Are Lady Parts” will arrive on Peacock in the U.S., new episodes will launch on Channel 4 in the U.K.
“I feel so incredibly lucky and excited to have the opportunity to make a second series of ‘We Are Lady Parts,'” series creator, director and writer Nida Manzoor said in a statement. “I can’t wait to delve back into the world of the band and go deeper into their lives. Expect more high jinks, more music, and more flights of fancy.”
“We Are Lady Parts” was recently nominated for two Gotham Awards, including breakthrough...
“We Are Lady Parts” premiered on Peacock in May. The series follows a fictional Muslim female punk band that performs in London.
While Season 2 of “We Are Lady Parts” will arrive on Peacock in the U.S., new episodes will launch on Channel 4 in the U.K.
“I feel so incredibly lucky and excited to have the opportunity to make a second series of ‘We Are Lady Parts,'” series creator, director and writer Nida Manzoor said in a statement. “I can’t wait to delve back into the world of the band and go deeper into their lives. Expect more high jinks, more music, and more flights of fancy.”
“We Are Lady Parts” was recently nominated for two Gotham Awards, including breakthrough...
- 11/22/2021
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: Marcus Ryder has revealed details of his meeting with BBC director general Tim Davie, which took place just prior to a speech delivered by the diversity campaigner on Tuesday.
Calling the meeting “very constructive,” Ryder said the BBC recognizes that there is a problem when it comes to the issue of due impartiality. He added that all broadcasters have problems with retention, with ethnic minorities leaving news organizations. Ryder is meeting Davie again in six months’ time. Action points haven’t yet been finalized, he said.
Last month, Ryder was at the center of a media storm over the BBC allegedly blocking his appointment to a senior news role. In his speech, the media figure spoke out about journalists of color fearing for their careers.
“Journalists of color are scared — I have spoken to journalists who literally — and I am using the word literally correctly here — literally look over...
Calling the meeting “very constructive,” Ryder said the BBC recognizes that there is a problem when it comes to the issue of due impartiality. He added that all broadcasters have problems with retention, with ethnic minorities leaving news organizations. Ryder is meeting Davie again in six months’ time. Action points haven’t yet been finalized, he said.
Last month, Ryder was at the center of a media storm over the BBC allegedly blocking his appointment to a senior news role. In his speech, the media figure spoke out about journalists of color fearing for their careers.
“Journalists of color are scared — I have spoken to journalists who literally — and I am using the word literally correctly here — literally look over...
- 11/9/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
IndieWire and Variety announced Wednesday a planned virtual panel discussion about curating content in the global marketplace in order to build a streaming audience, featuring executives from a range of domestic and international executives.
The online panel, titled “Succeeding in Global Content Discovery and Curation to Build Audiences,” is part of the Variety & IndieWire Streaming Room presented by Vuulr and will take place November 10 at 12:30Pm Est/9:30Am Pst. Moderated by Variety International Editor Manori Ravindran, the panel will feature Reemah Sakaan, CEO of BritBox International; Ian McKee, founder and CEO or Vuulr; Jason Kwong, chief strategy and digital officer of Redbox; Amy Kuessner, SVP of content strategy and global partnerships at ViacomCBS Streaming; and Filippa Wallestam, EVP and chief content officer of Nordic Entertainment Group.
Among the topics covered in the discussion will be how today’s TV channels are assessing the best content for their target...
The online panel, titled “Succeeding in Global Content Discovery and Curation to Build Audiences,” is part of the Variety & IndieWire Streaming Room presented by Vuulr and will take place November 10 at 12:30Pm Est/9:30Am Pst. Moderated by Variety International Editor Manori Ravindran, the panel will feature Reemah Sakaan, CEO of BritBox International; Ian McKee, founder and CEO or Vuulr; Jason Kwong, chief strategy and digital officer of Redbox; Amy Kuessner, SVP of content strategy and global partnerships at ViacomCBS Streaming; and Filippa Wallestam, EVP and chief content officer of Nordic Entertainment Group.
Among the topics covered in the discussion will be how today’s TV channels are assessing the best content for their target...
- 10/27/2021
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees’ crew members working in the U.K. are preparing to down tools if the strike goes ahead on Oct. 18, Variety has learned.
Bectu, which represents the U.K.’s below-the-line workers, has confirmed it has received calls from heads of department (HODs) on U.K. productions asking about replacing IATSE workers in the U.K. The British union will advise members not to replace any striking Ia members, said Spencer MacDonald, national secretary for the London production and regional production division of Bectu.
“Some HODs have been contacted about replacing Ia members in the U.K.,” said MacDonald. “It appears they can strike, so we will be sending out a note to all our members about not replacing striking Ia members.”
“Our members are fully behind IATSE,” said MacDonald. However, he said it was unlikely Bectu would strike in solidarity as that would...
Bectu, which represents the U.K.’s below-the-line workers, has confirmed it has received calls from heads of department (HODs) on U.K. productions asking about replacing IATSE workers in the U.K. The British union will advise members not to replace any striking Ia members, said Spencer MacDonald, national secretary for the London production and regional production division of Bectu.
“Some HODs have been contacted about replacing Ia members in the U.K.,” said MacDonald. “It appears they can strike, so we will be sending out a note to all our members about not replacing striking Ia members.”
“Our members are fully behind IATSE,” said MacDonald. However, he said it was unlikely Bectu would strike in solidarity as that would...
- 10/15/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“The Last Duel” star Jodie Comer is set to receive the Variety Outstanding Achievement Award, distributed in association with the Edinburgh TV Festival as part of the organization’s annual TV Awards.
The honor celebrates Comer’s extensive body of work, which ranges from BBC America’s “Killing Eve” to international blockbusters such as “Free Guy” and more recently, Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel.” The actor’s award will be paired with a wide-ranging conversation with Variety.
“Jodie Comer has never ceased to surprise with her extraordinary versatility and knack for selecting roles that really get under the skin,” said Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. “From her performances in the BBC’s ‘Thirteen’ and Channel 4’s ‘Help’ to playing one of television’s most entertaining villains in ‘Killing Eve’ and making her major film debut in ‘Free Guy,’ Jodie is wonderfully unpredictable and always electric on screen. We...
The honor celebrates Comer’s extensive body of work, which ranges from BBC America’s “Killing Eve” to international blockbusters such as “Free Guy” and more recently, Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel.” The actor’s award will be paired with a wide-ranging conversation with Variety.
“Jodie Comer has never ceased to surprise with her extraordinary versatility and knack for selecting roles that really get under the skin,” said Variety international editor Manori Ravindran. “From her performances in the BBC’s ‘Thirteen’ and Channel 4’s ‘Help’ to playing one of television’s most entertaining villains in ‘Killing Eve’ and making her major film debut in ‘Free Guy,’ Jodie is wonderfully unpredictable and always electric on screen. We...
- 10/14/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
“Succession” writer Lucy Prebble and “His Dark Materials” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” writer Jack Thorne did not mince their words while reacting to the proposed rules for ‘Britishness’ in content that were suggested in September.
The rules, which were proposed by John Whittingdale, then Minister for Media and Data, just before he was sacked, call for “content that contributes to British culture and allows U.K. audiences to see their own way of life and representations of themselves reflected on TV.” A white paper on the rules is meant to be introduced in the U.K. parliament this fall.
“Maybe foolishly I don’t believe it will happen, and that might be a terrible myopic sleepwalking into terrible fascism,” said Prebble. “I feel like it’s an empty gesture towards a fictional audience that the government wants to placate in order to look like they’re paying...
The rules, which were proposed by John Whittingdale, then Minister for Media and Data, just before he was sacked, call for “content that contributes to British culture and allows U.K. audiences to see their own way of life and representations of themselves reflected on TV.” A white paper on the rules is meant to be introduced in the U.K. parliament this fall.
“Maybe foolishly I don’t believe it will happen, and that might be a terrible myopic sleepwalking into terrible fascism,” said Prebble. “I feel like it’s an empty gesture towards a fictional audience that the government wants to placate in order to look like they’re paying...
- 10/7/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Talks with Edward Enninful, editor-in-chief of British Vogue and European editorial director of Vogue and Ed Guiney, producer of “Normal People” and “Room,” are among the highlights of the BFI London Film Festival’s industry program.
The festival’s Lff Connects strand, which celebrates the intersection between film and other creative industries, features Enninful and will explore how innovation, activism and inspiration meet within creative spaces to tell stories across all art forms.
The festival’s Spotlight strand conversation with Guiney, whose recent project, Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part II,” screens as the festival’s Londoner Gala, will discuss the formation of Element Pictures, which he co-founded, the creators he has worked with and what he sees for the future of production, distribution and exhibition. Another Spotlight conversation, with Doc Society chief executive Jess Search, will discuss how the world of documentary film has evolved through her time in the field.
The festival’s Lff Connects strand, which celebrates the intersection between film and other creative industries, features Enninful and will explore how innovation, activism and inspiration meet within creative spaces to tell stories across all art forms.
The festival’s Spotlight strand conversation with Guiney, whose recent project, Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part II,” screens as the festival’s Londoner Gala, will discuss the formation of Element Pictures, which he co-founded, the creators he has worked with and what he sees for the future of production, distribution and exhibition. Another Spotlight conversation, with Doc Society chief executive Jess Search, will discuss how the world of documentary film has evolved through her time in the field.
- 9/27/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
David Lowery’s “The Green Knight,” starring Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton, has been pulled from its scheduled Aug. 6 theatrical release in the U.K. at the last minute.
The A24 and Bron Studios film by writer-director David Lowery (“A Ghost Story”) was due to be released by Entertainment Film Distributors. The decision was the distributor’s and was prompted by the rising wave of Covid-19 cases in the U.K., Variety has confirmed.
The film’s simultaneous U.S. release on Aug. 6 is not believed to be affected.
Variety reached out to Entertainment Film Distributors for comment, but did not hear back by press time. It’s still unclear if and when the film might be rescheduled.
“The Green Knight” is a fantasy re-telling of the Arthurian medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson fully reopened the country, with most cinemas operating at capacity,...
The A24 and Bron Studios film by writer-director David Lowery (“A Ghost Story”) was due to be released by Entertainment Film Distributors. The decision was the distributor’s and was prompted by the rising wave of Covid-19 cases in the U.K., Variety has confirmed.
The film’s simultaneous U.S. release on Aug. 6 is not believed to be affected.
Variety reached out to Entertainment Film Distributors for comment, but did not hear back by press time. It’s still unclear if and when the film might be rescheduled.
“The Green Knight” is a fantasy re-telling of the Arthurian medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson fully reopened the country, with most cinemas operating at capacity,...
- 7/22/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Mubi, the London-based streamer and theatrical distributor, has acquired North America, U.K. and more territories on Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s “Lingui, The Sacred Bonds,” a highlight of the Cannes Film Festival competition.
The powerful Chadian abortion drama has received unanimous critical praise and is being talked about as a potential Palme d’Or winner at the midpoint of the festival. On top of the U.S. and the U.K., Mubi has acquired the film for Ireland, Latin America and Turkey.
Penned by Haroun, “Lingui, The Sacred Bonds” is set on the outskirts of N’djamena in Chad, where Amina lives with her 15-year-old daughter Maria. Her fragile world collapses when she discovers that her daughter is pregnant and does not want the pregnancy, in a country where abortion is not only condemned by religion, but also by law.
The film explores a bond between a mother and her daughter,...
The powerful Chadian abortion drama has received unanimous critical praise and is being talked about as a potential Palme d’Or winner at the midpoint of the festival. On top of the U.S. and the U.K., Mubi has acquired the film for Ireland, Latin America and Turkey.
Penned by Haroun, “Lingui, The Sacred Bonds” is set on the outskirts of N’djamena in Chad, where Amina lives with her 15-year-old daughter Maria. Her fragile world collapses when she discovers that her daughter is pregnant and does not want the pregnancy, in a country where abortion is not only condemned by religion, but also by law.
The film explores a bond between a mother and her daughter,...
- 7/13/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
While the Cannes Film Festival has served up punishing 80-plus degrees weather every day so far, that heat has yet to translate to the iconic festival’s film market.
At the halfway point, Cannes 2021 has not seen the expected flurry of deals at the festival’s concurrent Marché du Film. The only significant sales have come in the form of an eye-popping $75 million from STX for the global rights to Gerard Butler’s forthcoming “Greenland” sequel, and a multimillion-dollar pact from Netflix for the low-fi horror “Curs>R” with Asa Butterfield.
Numerous industry players who spoke with Variety noted the sluggish sales pace on the ground, especially considering many available titles pre-screened for buyers in June at the Cannes virtual market.
Top brokers, financiers and agents in the south of France, however, insisted that the market is rebounding following the easing of pandemic restrictions and is fully active — with only...
At the halfway point, Cannes 2021 has not seen the expected flurry of deals at the festival’s concurrent Marché du Film. The only significant sales have come in the form of an eye-popping $75 million from STX for the global rights to Gerard Butler’s forthcoming “Greenland” sequel, and a multimillion-dollar pact from Netflix for the low-fi horror “Curs>R” with Asa Butterfield.
Numerous industry players who spoke with Variety noted the sluggish sales pace on the ground, especially considering many available titles pre-screened for buyers in June at the Cannes virtual market.
Top brokers, financiers and agents in the south of France, however, insisted that the market is rebounding following the easing of pandemic restrictions and is fully active — with only...
- 7/11/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
On Sunday morning at the Cannes Film Festival, “Queen & Slim’s” Jodie Turner-Smith spoke out about the lack of opportunities and support afforded to women and people of color in the film industry, both above and below the line.
“I want to make my life about not only working with incredible directors, but working with women, working with women of color, using the opportunities that I have to give opportunities to people where the industry is being gate-kept to them or [who] are not being given the level of respect they deserve when they are extremely talented,” Turner-Smith said during Kering’s Women in Motion talk. The conversation was moderated by Variety’s international editor Manori Ravindran.
Turner-Smith is in Cannes with her latest project, the indie sci-fi film “After Yang.”
“People use the excuse, ‘Well, there aren’t that many female directors.’ The reality is there are very many talented female directors but,...
“I want to make my life about not only working with incredible directors, but working with women, working with women of color, using the opportunities that I have to give opportunities to people where the industry is being gate-kept to them or [who] are not being given the level of respect they deserve when they are extremely talented,” Turner-Smith said during Kering’s Women in Motion talk. The conversation was moderated by Variety’s international editor Manori Ravindran.
Turner-Smith is in Cannes with her latest project, the indie sci-fi film “After Yang.”
“People use the excuse, ‘Well, there aren’t that many female directors.’ The reality is there are very many talented female directors but,...
- 7/11/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Egyptian director and producer Ali El Arabi, who made a splash at virtual Sundance with doc “Captains of Zaatari,” about the soccer dreams of young Syrian refugees, is shooting another soccer-related project, this one centered on fan fever in the leadup to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Ashish’s Journey” (working title), El Arabi’s new high-profile doc, will chronicle the true tale of a young Indian (pictured in this exclusive first look image) who is a fervent soccer fan and — realizing that he can’t afford travel and ticket costs to attend 2022 World Cup, where he wants to meet a football icon of his — decides to apply for a job as a stadium worker in Qatar.
“We’ve been living with Ashish for a year now and will continue shooting until after the World Cup in 2022,” the director said. “What we hope to accomplish and are exploring is...
“Ashish’s Journey” (working title), El Arabi’s new high-profile doc, will chronicle the true tale of a young Indian (pictured in this exclusive first look image) who is a fervent soccer fan and — realizing that he can’t afford travel and ticket costs to attend 2022 World Cup, where he wants to meet a football icon of his — decides to apply for a job as a stadium worker in Qatar.
“We’ve been living with Ashish for a year now and will continue shooting until after the World Cup in 2022,” the director said. “What we hope to accomplish and are exploring is...
- 7/8/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
I have great admiration for people who refuse to fit in, go against type and live by their own rules and convictions. I applaud those who are bold, provocative and fearless in their life and career choices.
That is precisely why I count myself a devoted fan of Tilda Swinton and her daring, unpredictable nature and work. She is refreshingly quirky, an individualist in every respect. From her alluring androgynous looks and platinum locks to her chameleon-like performances in a diverse body of movie roles, Swinton is “A Singular Artist” — words I used to describe her in the headline of Manori Ravindran’s compelling profile of a performer who rejects labels like “actor,” let alone “actress.”
She tells our international editor that she prefers to think of herself as a “colleague,” someone who is part of a collective, or a “kindergarten” where people come to learn. As Ravindran puts it,...
That is precisely why I count myself a devoted fan of Tilda Swinton and her daring, unpredictable nature and work. She is refreshingly quirky, an individualist in every respect. From her alluring androgynous looks and platinum locks to her chameleon-like performances in a diverse body of movie roles, Swinton is “A Singular Artist” — words I used to describe her in the headline of Manori Ravindran’s compelling profile of a performer who rejects labels like “actor,” let alone “actress.”
She tells our international editor that she prefers to think of herself as a “colleague,” someone who is part of a collective, or a “kindergarten” where people come to learn. As Ravindran puts it,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Claudia Eller
- Variety Film + TV
Funding
“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Lesley Manville are among a host of British creative industries personalities calling for a levy on gadgets, the proceeds of which would to towards supporting the U.K. creative sector.
“As a coalition of creators and performers we support the Smart Fund, a new scheme that could help to bring cultural and economic renewal to the whole of the U.K. The fund could generate £250-£300 [$346-415] million a year for the creative sector, and boost a wider U.K. economic recovery, by placing a small levy on the sale of devices that enable people to store and download creative content, such as mobile phones, laptops and personal computers. This would provide a direct way for tech companies to invest in culture,” the artists wrote in a letter to U.K. newspaper The Times on Tuesday.
“In 2019 the creative industries contributed £111.7 billion to the...
“The Crown” stars Olivia Colman and Lesley Manville are among a host of British creative industries personalities calling for a levy on gadgets, the proceeds of which would to towards supporting the U.K. creative sector.
“As a coalition of creators and performers we support the Smart Fund, a new scheme that could help to bring cultural and economic renewal to the whole of the U.K. The fund could generate £250-£300 [$346-415] million a year for the creative sector, and boost a wider U.K. economic recovery, by placing a small levy on the sale of devices that enable people to store and download creative content, such as mobile phones, laptops and personal computers. This would provide a direct way for tech companies to invest in culture,” the artists wrote in a letter to U.K. newspaper The Times on Tuesday.
“In 2019 the creative industries contributed £111.7 billion to the...
- 6/29/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.