Netflix has acquired Sundance documentary Will & Harper, in which Will Ferrell embarks on a road trip with his longtime friend Harper who is coming out as a trans woman.
Josh Greenbaum’s film played in Premieres and earned a strong reception at its world premiere at The Eccles Theatre.
Ferrell produced with Rafael Marmor, Jessica Elbaum, Greenbaum, and Christopher Leggett
Netflix previously acquired It’s What’s Inside in the marquee deal of the festival at a reported $17m, as well as Daughters, and Ibelin.
More to follow…...
Josh Greenbaum’s film played in Premieres and earned a strong reception at its world premiere at The Eccles Theatre.
Ferrell produced with Rafael Marmor, Jessica Elbaum, Greenbaum, and Christopher Leggett
Netflix previously acquired It’s What’s Inside in the marquee deal of the festival at a reported $17m, as well as Daughters, and Ibelin.
More to follow…...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
“Will & Harper,” a heartfelt and heartbreaking documentary about Will Ferrell’s cross-country road trip with his best friend Harper Steele, who recently came out as transgender, sold to Netflix after its Sundance Film Festival debut. Financial terms of the pact were not disclosed, but “Will & Harper” was drawing interest from several buyers.
The film, directed by “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” filmmaker Josh Greenbaum, was warmly embraced in Park City with two standing ovations after the credits rolled.
“We are thrilled about how audiences received the movie with open arms at Sundance,” the filmmakers said in a statement. “It’s a movie about the power of friendship and acceptance, that we hope can help shift the culture, and so we are excited to have a partner in Netflix that has the ability to reach the largest possible audience worldwide.”
Ferrell and Steele were hired at...
The film, directed by “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” filmmaker Josh Greenbaum, was warmly embraced in Park City with two standing ovations after the credits rolled.
“We are thrilled about how audiences received the movie with open arms at Sundance,” the filmmakers said in a statement. “It’s a movie about the power of friendship and acceptance, that we hope can help shift the culture, and so we are excited to have a partner in Netflix that has the ability to reach the largest possible audience worldwide.”
Ferrell and Steele were hired at...
- 2/1/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The last of the Sundance buzz titles has landed. Netflix closed an 8-figure deal for Will & Harper, the documentary in which Will Ferrell takes a road trip with his lifelong pal Harper Steele after the latter transitioned. Sources said deal was 8-figures.
In the Josh Greenbaum-directed docu, Ferrell finds out his close friend of three decades came out as a trans woman. Steele is a longtime comedy writer who helped Ferrell gain the confidence for his outlandish comedy on SNL and film comedy hits. All this was completely new territory for Ferrell, as it is for many people who believe in tolerance but just don’t understand. What a great opportunity to have the amiable Ferrell take a cross country road trip with his buddy, and ask every question and process this new stage of their relationship in a portrait of friendship, transition and America.
Seems like a perfect...
In the Josh Greenbaum-directed docu, Ferrell finds out his close friend of three decades came out as a trans woman. Steele is a longtime comedy writer who helped Ferrell gain the confidence for his outlandish comedy on SNL and film comedy hits. All this was completely new territory for Ferrell, as it is for many people who believe in tolerance but just don’t understand. What a great opportunity to have the amiable Ferrell take a cross country road trip with his buddy, and ask every question and process this new stage of their relationship in a portrait of friendship, transition and America.
Seems like a perfect...
- 2/1/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Ferrell and longtime friend Harper Steele discussed the origins of their road-trip documentary Will & Harper at The Hollywood Reporter’s studio during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Ferrell and Steele have been best friends for 30 years and worked together at Saturday Night Live when they were both launching their Hollywood careers in comedy. Their new film documents the pair taking a cross-country road trip together following Steele coming out as a trans woman.
“The conception of the whole discussion, for some reason in my head, was a documentary,” Ferrell said. “Of course, I made it clear to Harper, ‘I don’t want to exploit our friendship, but this could, I think, be just a wonderful way for us to explore this topic. Obviously, for me to learn, ask all the questions that I have about what you’re going through and who you are, have you changed?'”
He continued,...
Ferrell and Steele have been best friends for 30 years and worked together at Saturday Night Live when they were both launching their Hollywood careers in comedy. Their new film documents the pair taking a cross-country road trip together following Steele coming out as a trans woman.
“The conception of the whole discussion, for some reason in my head, was a documentary,” Ferrell said. “Of course, I made it clear to Harper, ‘I don’t want to exploit our friendship, but this could, I think, be just a wonderful way for us to explore this topic. Obviously, for me to learn, ask all the questions that I have about what you’re going through and who you are, have you changed?'”
He continued,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Ferrell touched down at the Sundance Film Festival to world premiere the new documentary “Will & Harper,” which centers on the relationship between the beloved comedian and his best friend Harper Steele as they take a road trip. The two met during their days on “Saturday Night Live,” which Harper wrote for from 1995 to 2008. Harper came out as transgender in 2022.
“It was three summers ago in which Harper emailed a lot of her close friends with the headline: ‘Here’s a Weird One,'” Ferrell said at the Variety Studio presented by Audible. “She went on to explain she was going to transition and we were all of course excited to hear the news and surprised to hear the news. All of us were extremely supportive and expressed love…but that sort of opened the questions like, how can we help you? What do you need us to do?...
“It was three summers ago in which Harper emailed a lot of her close friends with the headline: ‘Here’s a Weird One,'” Ferrell said at the Variety Studio presented by Audible. “She went on to explain she was going to transition and we were all of course excited to hear the news and surprised to hear the news. All of us were extremely supportive and expressed love…but that sort of opened the questions like, how can we help you? What do you need us to do?...
- 1/22/2024
- by Zack Sharf and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Freeform dropped a teaser for Season 5 of “Good Trouble,” which premieres March 16 and will stream on Hulu the next day.
The series is a spin-off of “The Fosters,” and has followed the characters Callie and Mariana to Los Angeles. In the fifth season of the drama series, the roommates find relationship challenges as well as career opportunities, and “The Coterie” group must support each other as they navigate adulthood.
Season 5 features Cierra Ramirez, Tommy Martinez, Emma Hunton, Sherry Cola, Zuri Adele, Josh Pence, Bryan Craig and Booboo Stewart. Maia Mitchell, who left the show last season, will return for a short arc. The series is executive produced by showrunner Joanna Johnson as well as Christine Sacani, Greg Gugliotta, Jennifer Lopez, Benny Medina, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Cierra Ramirez.
Check out the teaser below.
Also in today’s TV news:
Trailers
Prime Video Sports dropped the official trailer for the new documentary “Reggie,...
The series is a spin-off of “The Fosters,” and has followed the characters Callie and Mariana to Los Angeles. In the fifth season of the drama series, the roommates find relationship challenges as well as career opportunities, and “The Coterie” group must support each other as they navigate adulthood.
Season 5 features Cierra Ramirez, Tommy Martinez, Emma Hunton, Sherry Cola, Zuri Adele, Josh Pence, Bryan Craig and Booboo Stewart. Maia Mitchell, who left the show last season, will return for a short arc. The series is executive produced by showrunner Joanna Johnson as well as Christine Sacani, Greg Gugliotta, Jennifer Lopez, Benny Medina, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Cierra Ramirez.
Check out the teaser below.
Also in today’s TV news:
Trailers
Prime Video Sports dropped the official trailer for the new documentary “Reggie,...
- 3/9/2023
- by Charna Flam and Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
Baseball Legend Reggie Jackson Shares His Story in First Teaser for Documentary ‘Reggie’ (Exclusive)
Baseball fans are getting a first look at “Reggie,” a new documentary which chronicles the life and career of MLB Hall of Fame player Reggie Jackson.
Described as the “definitive, first-hand account of the five-time World Series Champion, beloved New York icon and one of baseball’s most influential superstars,” “Reggie” will premiere March 24 on Prime Video.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Alexandria Stapleton (“Shut Up and Dribble” and FX’s “Pride”), the documentary chronicles the ’70s sports megastar’s story, in his own words, as he contemplates his legacy as a “trailblazing Black athlete fighting for dignity, respect and a seat at the table.”
Before Jackson became a five-time World Series champion and 14-time All-Star, he started his professional career in Birmingham at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He then moved to Oakland during the rise of the Black Panther Party before landing in New York City as...
Described as the “definitive, first-hand account of the five-time World Series Champion, beloved New York icon and one of baseball’s most influential superstars,” “Reggie” will premiere March 24 on Prime Video.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Alexandria Stapleton (“Shut Up and Dribble” and FX’s “Pride”), the documentary chronicles the ’70s sports megastar’s story, in his own words, as he contemplates his legacy as a “trailblazing Black athlete fighting for dignity, respect and a seat at the table.”
Before Jackson became a five-time World Series champion and 14-time All-Star, he started his professional career in Birmingham at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He then moved to Oakland during the rise of the Black Panther Party before landing in New York City as...
- 2/14/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
FX is stepping into the standup comedy ring, with comedy specials from Kate Berlant and Byron Bowers to premiere exclusively on Hulu on Sept. 15, the network announced.
“Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind” serves as the comedian’s first live solo standup special. Set in an intimate space, the “A League of Their Own” star takes on not only the audience, but also a mirrored reflection of herself in her absurdist show. As she challenges the crowd’s expectations of her comedy, Berlant analyzes her own need to perform, as well as her connection to the room.
Bo Burnham directed the special, which was filmed in 2019. He’s also attached as an executive producer alongside recent Emmy winner Jerrod Carmichael (“Rothaniel”), Chris Storer (“The Bear”) and Jeff Tomsic. “Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind” is produced by Rotten Science.
In his first standup special, Bowers examines his own identity following...
“Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind” serves as the comedian’s first live solo standup special. Set in an intimate space, the “A League of Their Own” star takes on not only the audience, but also a mirrored reflection of herself in her absurdist show. As she challenges the crowd’s expectations of her comedy, Berlant analyzes her own need to perform, as well as her connection to the room.
Bo Burnham directed the special, which was filmed in 2019. He’s also attached as an executive producer alongside recent Emmy winner Jerrod Carmichael (“Rothaniel”), Chris Storer (“The Bear”) and Jeff Tomsic. “Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind” is produced by Rotten Science.
In his first standup special, Bowers examines his own identity following...
- 9/13/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
In a first for FX, the network is bringing two comedy specials to Hulu featuring stand-ups Kate Berlant and Byron Bowers. Both of the specials will be available Thursday, September 15 on the streamer.
Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind marks the comedienne’s first live solo special. Filmed in 2019, Berlant performs an absurdist set in an intimate space, shared not only with the audience but the mirror reflection of herself. It is directed and executive produced by Bo Burnham, with new Emmy winner Jerrod Carmichael executive producing with Chris Storer (The Bear) and Jeff Tomsic. It’s produced by Rotten Science.
Byron Bowers: Spiritual N***a is also a first for the comedian. Directed by Alma Har’el, Bowers’ special talks about his long journey to his first comedy special, the stigma of mental health, and how tripping on mushrooms...
Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind marks the comedienne’s first live solo special. Filmed in 2019, Berlant performs an absurdist set in an intimate space, shared not only with the audience but the mirror reflection of herself. It is directed and executive produced by Bo Burnham, with new Emmy winner Jerrod Carmichael executive producing with Chris Storer (The Bear) and Jeff Tomsic. It’s produced by Rotten Science.
Byron Bowers: Spiritual N***a is also a first for the comedian. Directed by Alma Har’el, Bowers’ special talks about his long journey to his first comedy special, the stigma of mental health, and how tripping on mushrooms...
- 9/13/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
In this exclusive sneak peek from Apple ahead of Friday’s premiere of docuseries “They Call Me Magic,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson, recalls his notorious pool parties at the height of his fame with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Well you know, I was known for my parties,” the NBA legend laughs. “I had the best parties in Hollywood. Everybody wanted to come to the pool parties.”
Michael Cooper, a Lakers guard from 1978-1990, says, “It was fun, it was exciting. If you were a married guy, you’d get in trouble. If you were a single guy, you could get in trouble.”
There were plenty of beautiful women at these parties, but wives and girlfriends were not invited, which upset Johnson’s future wife Cookie so much, she walked out on him. The two eventually reunited and have now been married more than 30 years.
The four-part documentary event, which covers Johnson...
“Well you know, I was known for my parties,” the NBA legend laughs. “I had the best parties in Hollywood. Everybody wanted to come to the pool parties.”
Michael Cooper, a Lakers guard from 1978-1990, says, “It was fun, it was exciting. If you were a married guy, you’d get in trouble. If you were a single guy, you could get in trouble.”
There were plenty of beautiful women at these parties, but wives and girlfriends were not invited, which upset Johnson’s future wife Cookie so much, she walked out on him. The two eventually reunited and have now been married more than 30 years.
The four-part documentary event, which covers Johnson...
- 4/21/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
After making history at the DGA Awards for her debut feature “Honey Boy,” director Alma Har’el has announced her follow-up project.
Har’el is set to direct Walter Tevis’ science fiction classic “Mockingbird” for Searchlight Pictures, which is planning a theatrical release for the film.
“Mockingbird” is set in a world without art, children, or books where the human population relies on a love triangle between an android, a man, and a woman. The novel was nominated for the prestigious literary Nebula Award.
“I’ll never forget the first time I read ‘Mockingbird’ on the shore of the Sinai peninsula in Egypt when I was 24 years old,” Har’el said. “Walter Tevis wrote a novel that refuses genre and time, choosing instead to awaken every fiber of your being. This book has changed my life and I’ve been pursuing it for over a decade. I knew that Searchlight was...
Har’el is set to direct Walter Tevis’ science fiction classic “Mockingbird” for Searchlight Pictures, which is planning a theatrical release for the film.
“Mockingbird” is set in a world without art, children, or books where the human population relies on a love triangle between an android, a man, and a woman. The novel was nominated for the prestigious literary Nebula Award.
“I’ll never forget the first time I read ‘Mockingbird’ on the shore of the Sinai peninsula in Egypt when I was 24 years old,” Har’el said. “Walter Tevis wrote a novel that refuses genre and time, choosing instead to awaken every fiber of your being. This book has changed my life and I’ve been pursuing it for over a decade. I knew that Searchlight was...
- 4/20/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Alma Har’el is set to direct her passion project, the feature adaptation of Walter Tevis’ seminal science fiction novel Mockingbird, for Searchlight Pictures. Nightmare Alley producer J. Miles Dale and Iron Will producer Robert Schwartz are producing along with Har’el and her partner Christopher Leggett. Alejandro Laguette and Rafael Marmor are executive producing.
The novel was nominated for the prestigious Nebula Award, paints a perilous future of a declining human population, fueled by drugs and electronic bliss. A world without art, children, or books where humanity’s future hinges on a love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
“I’ll never forget the first time I read Mockingbird on the shore of the Sinai peninsula in Egypt when I was 24 years old. This book has changed my life and I’ve been pursuing it for over a decade. I knew that Searchlight was the perfect home...
The novel was nominated for the prestigious Nebula Award, paints a perilous future of a declining human population, fueled by drugs and electronic bliss. A world without art, children, or books where humanity’s future hinges on a love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
“I’ll never forget the first time I read Mockingbird on the shore of the Sinai peninsula in Egypt when I was 24 years old. This book has changed my life and I’ve been pursuing it for over a decade. I knew that Searchlight was the perfect home...
- 4/20/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Alma Har’el, the acclaimed filmmaker behind “Honey Boy,” will direct a feature adaptation of Walter Tevis’ science fiction novel, “Mockingbird,” for Searchlight Pictures. The film is a passion project for the director.
“Mockingbird” unfolds in future of a declining human population, which has turned to drugs and electronics for distraction. It’s also a world without art, children or books and one in which humanity’s future hinges on a love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
“I’ll never forget the first time I read ‘Mockingbird’ on the shore of the Sinai peninsula in Egypt when I was 24 years old,” said Har’el. “This book has changed my life and I’ve been pursuing it for over a decade. I knew that Searchlight was the perfect home for it and I’m thrilled they are partnering with me to bring this to the big screen. Walter Tevis...
“Mockingbird” unfolds in future of a declining human population, which has turned to drugs and electronics for distraction. It’s also a world without art, children or books and one in which humanity’s future hinges on a love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
“I’ll never forget the first time I read ‘Mockingbird’ on the shore of the Sinai peninsula in Egypt when I was 24 years old,” said Har’el. “This book has changed my life and I’ve been pursuing it for over a decade. I knew that Searchlight was the perfect home for it and I’m thrilled they are partnering with me to bring this to the big screen. Walter Tevis...
- 4/20/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Alma Har’el, the director of “Honey Boy,” is set to direct her passion project, a feature adaptation of the Walter Tevis science fiction novel “Mockingbird” at Searchlight Pictures.
Tevis’ seminal novel from 1980, paints a perilous future of a declining human population all fueled by drugs and electronic bliss. “Mockingbird” will depict a world without art, children or books where humanity’s future hinges on a love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
J. Miles Dale and Robert Schwartz are producing along with Har’el and her partner Christopher Leggett. Alejandro Laguette and Rafael Marmor are executive producing.
Taylor Friedman and Cornelia Burleigh are overseeing for Searchlight Pictures, reporting to heads of production and development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas. Searchlight is planning a theatrical release for the film.
“Mockingbird” is Har’el’s feature follow-up to her 2019 film “Honey Boy,” which made her the first woman to...
Tevis’ seminal novel from 1980, paints a perilous future of a declining human population all fueled by drugs and electronic bliss. “Mockingbird” will depict a world without art, children or books where humanity’s future hinges on a love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
J. Miles Dale and Robert Schwartz are producing along with Har’el and her partner Christopher Leggett. Alejandro Laguette and Rafael Marmor are executive producing.
Taylor Friedman and Cornelia Burleigh are overseeing for Searchlight Pictures, reporting to heads of production and development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas. Searchlight is planning a theatrical release for the film.
“Mockingbird” is Har’el’s feature follow-up to her 2019 film “Honey Boy,” which made her the first woman to...
- 4/20/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Studio planning theatrical release.
Honey Boy director Alma Har’el will make her passion project Mockingbird, the adaptation of the Walter Tevis sci-fi novel, at Searchlight Pictures.
Tevis’s novel takes place in a future of declining human population where drugs and electronic bliss hold sway and there is no art or children. The only thing that can save humanity is the love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
J. Miles Dale and Robert Schwartz are producing with Har’el and her partner Christopher Leggett, with Alejandro Laguette and Rafael Marmor on board as executive producers.
“I’ll...
Honey Boy director Alma Har’el will make her passion project Mockingbird, the adaptation of the Walter Tevis sci-fi novel, at Searchlight Pictures.
Tevis’s novel takes place in a future of declining human population where drugs and electronic bliss hold sway and there is no art or children. The only thing that can save humanity is the love triangle between an android, a man and a woman.
J. Miles Dale and Robert Schwartz are producing with Har’el and her partner Christopher Leggett, with Alejandro Laguette and Rafael Marmor on board as executive producers.
“I’ll...
- 4/20/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The 2021 Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, has today unveiled its short film lineup, which includes 46 films from 20 countries worldwide, 70 percent of which are world premieres. The short films will be presented in eight programs: two documentaries, two narratives, two hybrids (including both narrative and documentary), one animation, and one New York shorts program. Additionally, the festival will feature a special curated out-of-competition Juneteenth program and a live performance by Blondie, following the screening of the short film “Blondie: Vivir En La Habana.”
As the festival announced late last month, this year’s event will “transform prominent locations into an expansive 12-day multi-screen outdoor celebration” held June 9 to 20, and is believed to be first major North American film festival to mount such an in-person event. Director Jon M. Chu’s long-awaited “In the Heights,” adapted from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, will open the 20th anniversary edition of Tribeca...
As the festival announced late last month, this year’s event will “transform prominent locations into an expansive 12-day multi-screen outdoor celebration” held June 9 to 20, and is believed to be first major North American film festival to mount such an in-person event. Director Jon M. Chu’s long-awaited “In the Heights,” adapted from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, will open the 20th anniversary edition of Tribeca...
- 4/22/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
The 2021 Tribeca Festival, which announced its full lineup earlier this week, has unveiled a selection of 46 short films from 20 countries in narrative, documentary and animation.
Blondie will perform live following the North American Premiere of Blondie: Vivir En La Habana about the rock band’s first time performance in Havana, Cuba in 2019.
The Festival will run June 9-20 with live in-person events at outdoor venues across New York City’s five boroughs. Many of the films will be available for U.S. audiences to view online the day after they premiere in person through the Tribeca at Home virtual hub.
The 2020 Shorts Programs will also be screened at the 2021 Festival with 64 films in ten programs. Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind will perform after a screening of Rhythm of Life.
“As we curated these in-person programs, we thought a great deal about the challenges of the past year and what...
Blondie will perform live following the North American Premiere of Blondie: Vivir En La Habana about the rock band’s first time performance in Havana, Cuba in 2019.
The Festival will run June 9-20 with live in-person events at outdoor venues across New York City’s five boroughs. Many of the films will be available for U.S. audiences to view online the day after they premiere in person through the Tribeca at Home virtual hub.
The 2020 Shorts Programs will also be screened at the 2021 Festival with 64 films in ten programs. Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind will perform after a screening of Rhythm of Life.
“As we curated these in-person programs, we thought a great deal about the challenges of the past year and what...
- 4/22/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix has released the official trailer for “The Playbook,” a docuseries produced by LeBron James, and TBS announced John Cena and Nicole Byer as the hosts of “Wipeout.”
Casting
Shudder, AMC Networks‘ horror streaming service, announced that Anna Camp, Keith David, Ashley Laurence, Josh McDermitt and Adam Pally will star in episodes of the second season of its anthology series “Creepshow“ directed by executive producer and showrunner Greg Nicotero. The six-episode season just began production in Atlanta, Ga. and is set to premiere in 2021. The show’s first season broke Shudder’s records for number of viewers, new subscriber sign-ups and total minutes streamed, becoming the most-watched show in Shudder’s history. “Creepshow” is produced by The Cartel with Monster Agency Productions, Taurus Entertainment and Striker Entertainment.
TBS announced John Cena and Nicole Byer as the hosts of the revival of competition series “Wipeout,...
Casting
Shudder, AMC Networks‘ horror streaming service, announced that Anna Camp, Keith David, Ashley Laurence, Josh McDermitt and Adam Pally will star in episodes of the second season of its anthology series “Creepshow“ directed by executive producer and showrunner Greg Nicotero. The six-episode season just began production in Atlanta, Ga. and is set to premiere in 2021. The show’s first season broke Shudder’s records for number of viewers, new subscriber sign-ups and total minutes streamed, becoming the most-watched show in Shudder’s history. “Creepshow” is produced by The Cartel with Monster Agency Productions, Taurus Entertainment and Striker Entertainment.
TBS announced John Cena and Nicole Byer as the hosts of the revival of competition series “Wipeout,...
- 9/10/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
For Sama, Waad al-Kateab’s striking documentary about the start of the protests against the Assad regime in Syria, won the Best Feature prize at the International Documentary Association’s Ida Awards.
Al-Kateab shot hundreds of hours of footage over a course of the five-year siege that offered an unflinching view of life in war; the twentysomething economics student married one of the last doctors in her hometown of Aleppo, and they had a daughter, Sama, as the city crumbled around her.
Other winners Saturday at a ceremony on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles included HBO’s Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland, which won for Best Multipart Documentary, and Homecoming, Beyoncé’s Coachella concert film for Netflix.
Netflix won a leading three awards, including Best Director for American Factory co-directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert and Abstract: The Art of Design as Best Episodic Series.
Here’s the full...
Al-Kateab shot hundreds of hours of footage over a course of the five-year siege that offered an unflinching view of life in war; the twentysomething economics student married one of the last doctors in her hometown of Aleppo, and they had a daughter, Sama, as the city crumbled around her.
Other winners Saturday at a ceremony on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles included HBO’s Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland, which won for Best Multipart Documentary, and Homecoming, Beyoncé’s Coachella concert film for Netflix.
Netflix won a leading three awards, including Best Director for American Factory co-directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert and Abstract: The Art of Design as Best Episodic Series.
Here’s the full...
- 12/8/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
“For Sama,” Waad al-Kateab’s wrenching story of raising a young daughter in war-torn Syria, has been named the best nonfiction film of 2019 at the International Documentary Association’s 35th annual Ida Documentary Awards, which were handed out on Saturday night on the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles.
Al-Kateab, who directed “For Sama” with Edward Watts, also received the Ida Awards Courage Under Fire Award at the ceremony. Last week, the film also won the top award at the British Independent Film Awards, a rarity for a documentary.
Steven Bognar and Julie Reichert received the Best Director Award, the first time the Ida has handed out that particular prize, for their look at the culture clash when a Chinese company took over an American auto glass factory in Ohio in “American Factory.”
Also Read: 'For Sama' Film Review: Syrian Documentary Finds Wrenching Personal Take on Conflict
Two...
Al-Kateab, who directed “For Sama” with Edward Watts, also received the Ida Awards Courage Under Fire Award at the ceremony. Last week, the film also won the top award at the British Independent Film Awards, a rarity for a documentary.
Steven Bognar and Julie Reichert received the Best Director Award, the first time the Ida has handed out that particular prize, for their look at the culture clash when a Chinese company took over an American auto glass factory in Ohio in “American Factory.”
Also Read: 'For Sama' Film Review: Syrian Documentary Finds Wrenching Personal Take on Conflict
Two...
- 12/8/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Three documentaries that likely will be awards-season contenders begin their theatrical rollouts Friday. Magnolia Pictures is opening Sundance Film Festival pickup Mike Wallace Is Here in New York and Los Angeles. The company is hoping to tap the timeliness of the U.S. president’s ongoing attacks on the press to drive audiences to celebrate a legend of broadcast journalism. Neon’s Honeyland won big prizes at Sundance this year, including cinematography and the top World Cinema doc award. The company is giving the film a slow, curated rollout in one theater each in New York and L.A. PBS Distribution’s For Sama took prizes on the festival circuit including in Cannes, Hot Docs and SXSW. The label is opening the title in three cities Friday. On the narrative side, Kino Lorber is heading out with period drama The Mountain in a single location on each coast.
Other limited...
Other limited...
- 7/26/2019
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline Film + TV
If you thought Robert Durst was scary, wait until you meet the townspeople of Skidmore, Missouri. “I was glad he was dead. Killing him was the only way it was gonna stop,” sounds a woman’s voice in the first trailer for “No One Saw a Thing,” a new documentary crime series heading to SundanceTV in August, produced by Blumhouse.
Per the official synopsis: “A new six-episode true crime documentary series from Blumhouse Television and Delirio Films, ‘No One Saw A Thing’ examines an unsolved murder in the American Heartland and the corrosive effects of vigilantism in small town America. The case garnered international attention in the early 1980s after a so-called ‘town bully’ was shot dead in front of almost 60 townspeople in tiny Skidmore, Missouri. These witnesses deny having seen anything, to this very day.”
“That was the one mistake that they made, was that they didn’t kill his wife.
Per the official synopsis: “A new six-episode true crime documentary series from Blumhouse Television and Delirio Films, ‘No One Saw A Thing’ examines an unsolved murder in the American Heartland and the corrosive effects of vigilantism in small town America. The case garnered international attention in the early 1980s after a so-called ‘town bully’ was shot dead in front of almost 60 townspeople in tiny Skidmore, Missouri. These witnesses deny having seen anything, to this very day.”
“That was the one mistake that they made, was that they didn’t kill his wife.
- 7/21/2019
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix releases a trailer for the third season of “Dear White People,” and Disney casts Billy Campbell and Kathy Najimy in upcoming Disney Junior series, “The Rocketeer.”
Casting
Billy Campbell and Kathy Najimy have joined the cast of forthcoming animated series “The Rocketeer.” The seasoned actors will voice character Kitana Secord’s (Kitana Turnbull) parents, Dave and Sareena Secord in the Disney Junior series that follows Kit’s journey as she protects her town of Hughesville from danger.
First Looks
Netflix released a trailer for the third season of “Dear White People,“ which will launch on the streamer on Aug. 2. This season sees college-radio host, Sam White (Logan Browning), quitting her show and leaving the broadcasting to her close friend Joelle Brooks (Ashley Blaine Featherson). Meanwhile, a secret society makes plans to shake things up on campus, and Yvette Nicole Brown, Blair Underwood and Laverne Cox guest star.
Casting
Billy Campbell and Kathy Najimy have joined the cast of forthcoming animated series “The Rocketeer.” The seasoned actors will voice character Kitana Secord’s (Kitana Turnbull) parents, Dave and Sareena Secord in the Disney Junior series that follows Kit’s journey as she protects her town of Hughesville from danger.
First Looks
Netflix released a trailer for the third season of “Dear White People,“ which will launch on the streamer on Aug. 2. This season sees college-radio host, Sam White (Logan Browning), quitting her show and leaving the broadcasting to her close friend Joelle Brooks (Ashley Blaine Featherson). Meanwhile, a secret society makes plans to shake things up on campus, and Yvette Nicole Brown, Blair Underwood and Laverne Cox guest star.
- 7/19/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
A new six-episode true crime documentary series from Blumhouse Television and Delirio Films, No One Saw A Thing examines an unsolved murder in the American Heartland and the corrosive effects of vigilantism in small town America. The case garnered international attention in the early 1980s after a so-called “town bully” was shot dead in front of almost 60 townspeople in tiny Skidmore, Missouri. These witnesses deny having seen anything, to this very day. Award-winning Israeli filmmaker Avi Belkin directs and serves as executive producer of the six-episode series, which is also executive produced by Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, and Marci Wiseman and co-executive produced by Mary Lisio as part of Blumhouse Television. Delirio’s Rafael Marmor and Christopher Leggett also serve as executive producers. Follow @BlumhouseDocs and @SundanceTV for more on #NoOneSawAThing...
- 7/19/2019
- by Andrew Wendowski
- Age of the Nerd
The AFI Docs Festival has selected the Steven Bognar-Julia Reichert documentary “American Factory” as its centerpiece film, screening on June 21.
The event will take place at the Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
“American Factory” centers on the aftermath of the 2014 purchase of a General Motors plant in Dayton, Ohio, which had closed in 2008. A Chinese billionaire reopened the facility as Fuyao Glass America, with the promise of giving work to more than 2,000 local residents, along with bringing hundreds of Chinese workers to Ohio. Tensions mount among the Americans due to low wages and concerns about safety.
The festival revealed its full slate of films Wednesday for the 2019 edition, the 17th year, with 72 films representing 17 countries. The festival runs June 19–23 in Washington, DC, and Silver Spring, Md.
As previously announced, the festival will open with the world premiere of...
The event will take place at the Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
“American Factory” centers on the aftermath of the 2014 purchase of a General Motors plant in Dayton, Ohio, which had closed in 2008. A Chinese billionaire reopened the facility as Fuyao Glass America, with the promise of giving work to more than 2,000 local residents, along with bringing hundreds of Chinese workers to Ohio. Tensions mount among the Americans due to low wages and concerns about safety.
The festival revealed its full slate of films Wednesday for the 2019 edition, the 17th year, with 72 films representing 17 countries. The festival runs June 19–23 in Washington, DC, and Silver Spring, Md.
As previously announced, the festival will open with the world premiere of...
- 5/15/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios will release Alma Har’el’s critically acclaimed “Honey Boy” in select theaters on November 8, 2019, and will expand in the following weeks. Shia Labeouf wrote and stars alongside A Quiet Place’s Noah Jupe and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Lucas Hedges. Har’el received the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Vision and Craft at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
From a screenplay by Labeouf, based on his own experiences, award-winning filmmaker Alma Har’el brings to life a young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father through cinema and dreams. Fictionalizing his childhood’s ascent to stardom, and subsequent adult crash-landing into rehab and recovery, Har’el casts Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges as Otis Lort, navigating different stages in a frenetic career. Labeouf takes on the daring and therapeutic challenge of playing...
From a screenplay by Labeouf, based on his own experiences, award-winning filmmaker Alma Har’el brings to life a young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father through cinema and dreams. Fictionalizing his childhood’s ascent to stardom, and subsequent adult crash-landing into rehab and recovery, Har’el casts Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges as Otis Lort, navigating different stages in a frenetic career. Labeouf takes on the daring and therapeutic challenge of playing...
- 5/9/2019
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Exclusive: Amazon Studios will launch Alma Har’el’s Honey Boy in limited theaters on Nov. 8 and expand thereafter.
The film which stars and was written by Shia Labeouf based on his own experiences won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Vision and Craft at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Amazon snapped up worldwide rights to Honey Boy for a reported $5M
Filmmaker Alma Har’el, whose feature doc work Labeouf has produced, brings to life a young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father through cinema and dreams. Fictionalizing his childhood’s ascent to stardom, and subsequent adult crash-landing into rehab and recovery, Har’el casts Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges as Otis Lort, navigating different stages in a frenetic career. Labeouf takes on the daring and therapeutic challenge of playing a version of his own father,...
The film which stars and was written by Shia Labeouf based on his own experiences won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Vision and Craft at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Amazon snapped up worldwide rights to Honey Boy for a reported $5M
Filmmaker Alma Har’el, whose feature doc work Labeouf has produced, brings to life a young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father through cinema and dreams. Fictionalizing his childhood’s ascent to stardom, and subsequent adult crash-landing into rehab and recovery, Har’el casts Noah Jupe and Lucas Hedges as Otis Lort, navigating different stages in a frenetic career. Labeouf takes on the daring and therapeutic challenge of playing a version of his own father,...
- 5/9/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Birdman Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris among participants.
Nigel Sinclair, Celine Rattray and Thomas Benski are among speakers scheduled to attend the 11th annual Winston Baker TV & Film Finance Forum in New York on April 24 in association with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
The event will cover financial and creative perspectives in entertainment and address growth and innovation strategies for film and television investors, operators and content creators in an evolving marketplace.
Strategy executives from Viacom, Vine Alternative Investments, Alcon Media Group and Guggenheim Securities will speak on the state of the market, M&A strategies,...
Nigel Sinclair, Celine Rattray and Thomas Benski are among speakers scheduled to attend the 11th annual Winston Baker TV & Film Finance Forum in New York on April 24 in association with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
The event will cover financial and creative perspectives in entertainment and address growth and innovation strategies for film and television investors, operators and content creators in an evolving marketplace.
Strategy executives from Viacom, Vine Alternative Investments, Alcon Media Group and Guggenheim Securities will speak on the state of the market, M&A strategies,...
- 4/10/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Updated, 4:45 Pm: Hulu said today that it has moved back the premiere date for Ask Dr. Ruth by three weeks, from May 10 to June 1. Its theatrical release via Magnolia Pictures remains set for May 3.
Previously, November 29: One day after the Ask Dr. Ruth documentary was unveiled as one of the high-profile premieres at 2019 Sundance Film Festival, turns out the Ryan White directed pic has a very therapeutic fest afterlife with Hulu and Magnolia.
The now Disney-dominated streamer will air the docu on the famed sex therapist and Holocaust survivor next year after Sundance concludes. Additionally, with Magnolia as a distributor, Ask Dr. Ruth will also receive “the widest theatrical release for a Hulu Documentary to date,” according to the home of The Handmaid’s Tale. A move that means they are putting Netflix and others on notice in the race for the Oscars
Which is A-ok with Dr.
Previously, November 29: One day after the Ask Dr. Ruth documentary was unveiled as one of the high-profile premieres at 2019 Sundance Film Festival, turns out the Ryan White directed pic has a very therapeutic fest afterlife with Hulu and Magnolia.
The now Disney-dominated streamer will air the docu on the famed sex therapist and Holocaust survivor next year after Sundance concludes. Additionally, with Magnolia as a distributor, Ask Dr. Ruth will also receive “the widest theatrical release for a Hulu Documentary to date,” according to the home of The Handmaid’s Tale. A move that means they are putting Netflix and others on notice in the race for the Oscars
Which is A-ok with Dr.
- 3/19/2019
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has secured the North American distribution rights to Mike Wallace Is Here, the Avi Belkin-directed documentary on the veteran newsman and former lead reporter on 60 Minutes. The film had its debut at last month’s Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. documentary competition section. Magnolia is aiming for a theatrical release sometime this year.
The docu features never-before-seen footage from the 60 Minutes vault as it explores what drove and plagued Wallace, whose storied career was entwined with the evolution of journalism itself.
Belkin produced the film alongside Rafael Marmor, John Battsek, Peggy Drexler, and Christopher Leggett. Angus Wall served as executive producer.
Magnolia’s Dori Begley and John Von Thaden brokered the deal with CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmaker...
The docu features never-before-seen footage from the 60 Minutes vault as it explores what drove and plagued Wallace, whose storied career was entwined with the evolution of journalism itself.
Belkin produced the film alongside Rafael Marmor, John Battsek, Peggy Drexler, and Christopher Leggett. Angus Wall served as executive producer.
Magnolia’s Dori Begley and John Von Thaden brokered the deal with CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmaker...
- 2/13/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to the documentary “Mike Wallace is Here,” the distributor announced on Wednesday.
The film, directed by Avi Belkin, is a documentary about veteran newsman Mike Wallace, whose confrontational, no-holds-barred style of journalism influenced generations of reporters.
“Mike Wallace is Here” offers an unflinching look at the legendary reporter, who interrogated the 20th century’s biggest figures in his over fifty years on air, and his aggressive reporting style and showmanship that redefined what America came to expect from broadcasters. Unearthing decades of never-before-seen footage from the 60 Minutes vault, the film explores what drove and plagued Wallace, whose storied career was entwined with the evolution of journalism itself.
Also Read: 'Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am' Documentary Acquired by Magnolia Pictures
“Since I began work on this film three years ago, the attacks against the free press have only escalated. I’ve...
The film, directed by Avi Belkin, is a documentary about veteran newsman Mike Wallace, whose confrontational, no-holds-barred style of journalism influenced generations of reporters.
“Mike Wallace is Here” offers an unflinching look at the legendary reporter, who interrogated the 20th century’s biggest figures in his over fifty years on air, and his aggressive reporting style and showmanship that redefined what America came to expect from broadcasters. Unearthing decades of never-before-seen footage from the 60 Minutes vault, the film explores what drove and plagued Wallace, whose storied career was entwined with the evolution of journalism itself.
Also Read: 'Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am' Documentary Acquired by Magnolia Pictures
“Since I began work on this film three years ago, the attacks against the free press have only escalated. I’ve...
- 2/13/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Theatrical release planned for film about veteran broadcaster with confrontational style.
Magnolia Pictures has added North American rights on the documentary Mike Wallace Is Here to its pipeline.
The distributor is lining up a theatrical release this year on the recent Sundance world premiere about the broadcast newsman whose confrontational style when interviewing leading figures of the day stood out from the crowd.
Avi Belkin’s film premiered in the U.S. Documentary Competition in Park City, and is a Drexler Films Presentation of a Delirio Films Production in association with Passion Pictures and Rock Paper Scissors Entertainment.
Rafael Marmor,...
Magnolia Pictures has added North American rights on the documentary Mike Wallace Is Here to its pipeline.
The distributor is lining up a theatrical release this year on the recent Sundance world premiere about the broadcast newsman whose confrontational style when interviewing leading figures of the day stood out from the crowd.
Avi Belkin’s film premiered in the U.S. Documentary Competition in Park City, and is a Drexler Films Presentation of a Delirio Films Production in association with Passion Pictures and Rock Paper Scissors Entertainment.
Rafael Marmor,...
- 2/13/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures has taken the North American rights to Mike Wallace Is Here.
The doc premiered in the U.S. Doc Competition section, and tracks the career and personal life of the legendary 60 Minutes anchor. Israeli director Avi Belkin received access to the CBS archives and never-before-seen raw footage of Wallace’s famed interviews.
Rafael Marmor, John Battsek, Peggy Drexler, Christopher Leggett and Belkin produced, with Angus Wall acting as exec producer.
“Mike Wallace’s legacy in journalism is almost incalculable,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “Avi Belkin has done a masterful job in crafting an incredibly cinematic ...
The doc premiered in the U.S. Doc Competition section, and tracks the career and personal life of the legendary 60 Minutes anchor. Israeli director Avi Belkin received access to the CBS archives and never-before-seen raw footage of Wallace’s famed interviews.
Rafael Marmor, John Battsek, Peggy Drexler, Christopher Leggett and Belkin produced, with Angus Wall acting as exec producer.
“Mike Wallace’s legacy in journalism is almost incalculable,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “Avi Belkin has done a masterful job in crafting an incredibly cinematic ...
- 2/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Magnolia Pictures has taken the North American rights to Mike Wallace Is Here.
The doc premiered in the U.S. Doc Competition section, and tracks the career and personal life of the legendary 60 Minutes anchor. Israeli director Avi Belkin received access to the CBS archives and never-before-seen raw footage of Wallace’s famed interviews.
Rafael Marmor, John Battsek, Peggy Drexler, Christopher Leggett and Belkin produced, with Angus Wall acting as exec producer.
“Mike Wallace’s legacy in journalism is almost incalculable,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “Avi Belkin has done a masterful job in crafting an incredibly cinematic ...
The doc premiered in the U.S. Doc Competition section, and tracks the career and personal life of the legendary 60 Minutes anchor. Israeli director Avi Belkin received access to the CBS archives and never-before-seen raw footage of Wallace’s famed interviews.
Rafael Marmor, John Battsek, Peggy Drexler, Christopher Leggett and Belkin produced, with Angus Wall acting as exec producer.
“Mike Wallace’s legacy in journalism is almost incalculable,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “Avi Belkin has done a masterful job in crafting an incredibly cinematic ...
- 2/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ruth Westheimer, aka Dr. Ruth. is a legendary sex therapist known for her openness about the topic.
But while discussing the upcoming Hulu documentary that chronicles her life, “Ask Dr. Ruth,” during the Television Critics Association press tour Monday, Westheimer revealed she didn’t actually tell her own children about the birds and the bees — but she did give her now-adult grandson and his grade-school class a talk about the facts of life.
“The answer is no. I did not have the sex talk [with them]. I left that to my children,” she told reporters.
Also Read: Hulu Drops Trailers for Dr. Ruth Documentary, New Aidy Bryant Comedy 'Shrill' (Video)
“If there is nobody in the household who can do it, father or mother, whoever it is, then a grandmother should do it or an aunt,” she said. “I never did it, except in the film you will see my...
But while discussing the upcoming Hulu documentary that chronicles her life, “Ask Dr. Ruth,” during the Television Critics Association press tour Monday, Westheimer revealed she didn’t actually tell her own children about the birds and the bees — but she did give her now-adult grandson and his grade-school class a talk about the facts of life.
“The answer is no. I did not have the sex talk [with them]. I left that to my children,” she told reporters.
Also Read: Hulu Drops Trailers for Dr. Ruth Documentary, New Aidy Bryant Comedy 'Shrill' (Video)
“If there is nobody in the household who can do it, father or mother, whoever it is, then a grandmother should do it or an aunt,” she said. “I never did it, except in the film you will see my...
- 2/11/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Hulu has set premiere dates and released new trailers for the Aidy Bryant comedy “Shrill” and the feature documentary “Ask Dr. Ruth.”
Directed by Ryan White, “Ask Dr. Ruth” chronicles the incredible life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most famous sex therapist. It will hit Hulu on Friday, May 10, following a limited theatrical run the week prior.
Per Hulu, “With her diminutive frame, thick German accent and uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education, Dr. Ruth transformed the conversation around sexuality. As she approaches her 90th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down, Dr. Ruth revisits her painful past and unlikely path to a career at the forefront of the sexual revolution.”
Also Read: Vice Media Near Deal for New Show With Hulu, Executive Says (Exclusive)
Rafael Marmor, White, Jessica Hargrave and Christopher Leggett are producers on the film.
“Shrill,” slated to debut on Wednesday,...
Directed by Ryan White, “Ask Dr. Ruth” chronicles the incredible life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most famous sex therapist. It will hit Hulu on Friday, May 10, following a limited theatrical run the week prior.
Per Hulu, “With her diminutive frame, thick German accent and uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education, Dr. Ruth transformed the conversation around sexuality. As she approaches her 90th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down, Dr. Ruth revisits her painful past and unlikely path to a career at the forefront of the sexual revolution.”
Also Read: Vice Media Near Deal for New Show With Hulu, Executive Says (Exclusive)
Rafael Marmor, White, Jessica Hargrave and Christopher Leggett are producers on the film.
“Shrill,” slated to debut on Wednesday,...
- 2/11/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Hulu has slotted premiere dates for two new installments of its Into The Dark horror event series from Blumhouse Television: April Fools’ Day-themed I’m Just F*cking With You on Friday, April 5 and Mother’s Day-themed All That We Destroy on Friday, May 3. The premium cabler also set Friday, April 19 for the premiere of its new 10-episode comedy series Ramy.
From Jason Blum’s indie TV studio, the Into the Dark series includes 12 feature-length episodes, released each month and inspired by a holiday, featuring Blumhouse’s signature genre/thriller spin on the story.
I’m Just F*cking With You, which is an upcoming SXSW Narrative Spotlight feature, tells the story of a man and his sister on the way to a family wedding, who endure a night of increasingly frightening practical jokes during a one-night stay at a secluded motel.
The installment stars Keir O’Donnell, Hayes MacArthur and Jessica McNamee,...
From Jason Blum’s indie TV studio, the Into the Dark series includes 12 feature-length episodes, released each month and inspired by a holiday, featuring Blumhouse’s signature genre/thriller spin on the story.
I’m Just F*cking With You, which is an upcoming SXSW Narrative Spotlight feature, tells the story of a man and his sister on the way to a family wedding, who endure a night of increasingly frightening practical jokes during a one-night stay at a secluded motel.
The installment stars Keir O’Donnell, Hayes MacArthur and Jessica McNamee,...
- 2/11/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Agc International has nabbed international distribution rights to “Ask Dr. Ruth,” one of the hottest documentaries at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Indeed, the legendary sexologist Dr. Ruth Westheimer was one of the biggest celebrities at the mountainside retreat — no small feat for a gathering that attracted the likes of Shia Labeouf, Mindy Kaling, and Zac Efron.
Domestic rights for “Ask Dr. Ruth” previously sold to Hulu, which is partnering with Magnolia Pictures on a theatrical release. Agc International, is the foreign sales and distribution arm of Agc Studios, which was launched by former Im Global CEO Stuart Ford. In the year it has been in business, Agc Studios has been involved with such high-profile projects as Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9” and the Roland Emmerich World War II epic “Midway.”
“Ask Dr. Ruth” was directed by Emmy-nominee Ryan White and produced by Delirio Films’ Rafael Marmor and Christopher Leggett,...
Domestic rights for “Ask Dr. Ruth” previously sold to Hulu, which is partnering with Magnolia Pictures on a theatrical release. Agc International, is the foreign sales and distribution arm of Agc Studios, which was launched by former Im Global CEO Stuart Ford. In the year it has been in business, Agc Studios has been involved with such high-profile projects as Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 11/9” and the Roland Emmerich World War II epic “Midway.”
“Ask Dr. Ruth” was directed by Emmy-nominee Ryan White and produced by Delirio Films’ Rafael Marmor and Christopher Leggett,...
- 1/31/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Magnolia Pictures to distribute in Us in spring.
Agc International has acquired international rights to Sundance documentary Ask Dr. Ruth and will launch sales at the Efm in Berlin.
Ryan White directed the film, which explores the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, from her youth escaping the Holocaust on the Kindertransport, to her stint as a sniper in Israel’s war for independence, and rise to become a TV celebrity and sex therapist.
The film premiered in Documentary Premieres in Park City last Friday and screens again on Friday February 1 and Saturday. It will receive its Us theatrical release through...
Agc International has acquired international rights to Sundance documentary Ask Dr. Ruth and will launch sales at the Efm in Berlin.
Ryan White directed the film, which explores the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, from her youth escaping the Holocaust on the Kindertransport, to her stint as a sniper in Israel’s war for independence, and rise to become a TV celebrity and sex therapist.
The film premiered in Documentary Premieres in Park City last Friday and screens again on Friday February 1 and Saturday. It will receive its Us theatrical release through...
- 1/31/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
At age 90, Ruth Westheimer is plenty busy, what with teaching at Columbia University, writing a new edition of her definitive Sex for Dummies and starring in commercials for products like Sling TV.
So when producer Rafael Marmor called and asked her to collaborate on a documentary, the pint-sized sex therapist with a thick German accent said, “No thank you. I’ve had many, many offers, and I’m so busy,” she recalls.
But Marmor had a plan to team Westheimer with Emmy-nominated director Ryan White (The Case Against 8), so the feminist trailblazer who prides herself on “doing ...
So when producer Rafael Marmor called and asked her to collaborate on a documentary, the pint-sized sex therapist with a thick German accent said, “No thank you. I’ve had many, many offers, and I’m so busy,” she recalls.
But Marmor had a plan to team Westheimer with Emmy-nominated director Ryan White (The Case Against 8), so the feminist trailblazer who prides herself on “doing ...
- 1/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
At age 90, Ruth Westheimer is plenty busy, what with teaching at Columbia University, writing a new edition of her definitive Sex for Dummies and starring in commercials for products like Sling TV.
So when producer Rafael Marmor called and asked her to collaborate on a documentary, the pint-sized sex therapist with a thick German accent said, “No thank you. I’ve had many, many offers, and I’m so busy,” she recalls.
But Marmor had a plan to team Westheimer with Emmy-nominated director Ryan White (The Case Against 8), so the feminist trailblazer who prides herself on “doing ...
So when producer Rafael Marmor called and asked her to collaborate on a documentary, the pint-sized sex therapist with a thick German accent said, “No thank you. I’ve had many, many offers, and I’m so busy,” she recalls.
But Marmor had a plan to team Westheimer with Emmy-nominated director Ryan White (The Case Against 8), so the feminist trailblazer who prides herself on “doing ...
- 1/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will the recent box office success of documentaries impact sales at this year’s Sundance Film Festival? “Hell, yeah,” said Magnolia Pictures Eamonn Bowles, whose company released “Rbg,” one of last year’s top-grossing documentaries.
While documentaries have experienced greater theatrical market share and overall ticket sales in past years, 2018 will be remembered as the first time four independently-released nonfiction films earned more than $10 million, three of which premiered at Sundance.
Reflecting the widespread interest in uplifting real-life stories as an antidote to the dire political climate over the last 10 months, the four films reached a total box-office of nearly $60 million, while another seven documentaries surpassed $1 million. It’s this renewed appetite for entertaining nonfiction, along with more streaming companies outside of Netflix hitting a film festival that’s continually premiering the year’s top documentaries, that could propel Sundance 2019 into the record books.
Many industry insiders say bigger companies...
While documentaries have experienced greater theatrical market share and overall ticket sales in past years, 2018 will be remembered as the first time four independently-released nonfiction films earned more than $10 million, three of which premiered at Sundance.
Reflecting the widespread interest in uplifting real-life stories as an antidote to the dire political climate over the last 10 months, the four films reached a total box-office of nearly $60 million, while another seven documentaries surpassed $1 million. It’s this renewed appetite for entertaining nonfiction, along with more streaming companies outside of Netflix hitting a film festival that’s continually premiering the year’s top documentaries, that could propel Sundance 2019 into the record books.
Many industry insiders say bigger companies...
- 1/18/2019
- by Anthony Kaufman
- Indiewire
Film chronicles life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Holocaust survivor who become famous sex therapist.
Hulu, whose Minding The Gap was on Thursday named best documentary of the year by New York Film Critics Circle, has acquired 2019 Sundance selection Ask Dr. Ruth with Magnolia Pictures on board as theatrical partner.
Ryan White, chronicles the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most famous sex therapist. Despite her thick German accent, the diminutive therapist’s uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education transformed the conversation around sexuality.
Ask Dr. Ruth follows Dr. Ruth as she approaches her...
Hulu, whose Minding The Gap was on Thursday named best documentary of the year by New York Film Critics Circle, has acquired 2019 Sundance selection Ask Dr. Ruth with Magnolia Pictures on board as theatrical partner.
Ryan White, chronicles the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most famous sex therapist. Despite her thick German accent, the diminutive therapist’s uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education transformed the conversation around sexuality.
Ask Dr. Ruth follows Dr. Ruth as she approaches her...
- 11/29/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Ask Dr. Ruth,” a documentary about the revolutionary sex therapist, has sold theatrical and streaming rights to Hulu ahead of its Sundance Film Festival premiere.
Directed by Ryan White (Netflix’s “The Keepers”), the doc follows 90-year-old Dr. Ruth Westheimer — a groundbreaking and candid authority on American sexuality who became a cultural icon.
Hulu will pledge the widest theatrical release its ever attempted for an original documentary, a fledgling library the streamer is building which includes “Minding the Gap,” “Crime + Punishment,” and “Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie.”
“I’ve never really stopped to examine my life, so when I first saw Ask Dr. Ruth even I was amazed by what had transpired during my ninety years,” Dr. Ruth said in a statement. “I am delighted that audiences will be able to share that experience both on Hulu and in movie theaters around the U.S.”
The logline for the movie reads: “Ask Dr.
Directed by Ryan White (Netflix’s “The Keepers”), the doc follows 90-year-old Dr. Ruth Westheimer — a groundbreaking and candid authority on American sexuality who became a cultural icon.
Hulu will pledge the widest theatrical release its ever attempted for an original documentary, a fledgling library the streamer is building which includes “Minding the Gap,” “Crime + Punishment,” and “Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie.”
“I’ve never really stopped to examine my life, so when I first saw Ask Dr. Ruth even I was amazed by what had transpired during my ninety years,” Dr. Ruth said in a statement. “I am delighted that audiences will be able to share that experience both on Hulu and in movie theaters around the U.S.”
The logline for the movie reads: “Ask Dr.
- 11/29/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Hulu has acquired “Ask Dr. Ruth,” a documentary about famed sexual therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, which will premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, the streamer announced today.
The film will air on Hulu, and Magnolia Pictures will also distribute the film in theaters. “Ask Dr. Ruth” will receive the widest theatrical release for a Hulu documentary to date.
Directed by Ryan White, “Ask Dr. Ruth” chronicles the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most famous sex therapist. With her diminutive frame, thick German accent, and uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education, Dr. Ruth transformed the conversation around sexuality. As she approaches her 90th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down, the documentary follows Dr. Ruth as she revisits her painful past and unlikely path to a career at the forefront of the sexual revolution.
Also Read: More Than Half of 2019 Sundance Dramatic...
The film will air on Hulu, and Magnolia Pictures will also distribute the film in theaters. “Ask Dr. Ruth” will receive the widest theatrical release for a Hulu documentary to date.
Directed by Ryan White, “Ask Dr. Ruth” chronicles the life of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most famous sex therapist. With her diminutive frame, thick German accent, and uninhibited approach to sex therapy and education, Dr. Ruth transformed the conversation around sexuality. As she approaches her 90th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down, the documentary follows Dr. Ruth as she revisits her painful past and unlikely path to a career at the forefront of the sexual revolution.
Also Read: More Than Half of 2019 Sundance Dramatic...
- 11/29/2018
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Alma Har’el broke out big in 2011 when Bombay Beach hit the Berlin Film Festival. Winner of the Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival and nominated for the Independent Spirit “Truer than Fiction” award and Cinema Eye Honors “Best Film Debut” and “Best Cinematography” awards we’ve been patiently waiting for a follow up since. A good morsel of LoveTrue was divulged (this snip-it is pure beauty) this past April at Tribeca as a work-in-progress and naturally Berlin and Tribeca are both lieus where this could shore up, but Sundance could be a good fit as well. Shia Labeouf who performed for her in the music video for Sigur Rós, supported this project.
Gist: This offers a unique exploration of the challenges that love can present and how our past and present experiences shape the decisions we make when the fantasy of True Love dissipates. Using cinematic expressions of past memories and possible futures,...
Gist: This offers a unique exploration of the challenges that love can present and how our past and present experiences shape the decisions we make when the fantasy of True Love dissipates. Using cinematic expressions of past memories and possible futures,...
- 11/25/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
It’s been a couple months since the last edition of What’s Up Doc? placed Michael Moore’s surprise world premiere of Where To Invade Next at the top of this list and in the meantime much shuffling has taken place and much time has been spent on various new endeavors (namely my Buffalo-based film series, Cultivate Cinema Circle). Finally taking its rightful place at the top, D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hagedus’ Unlocking the Cage is in the midst of being scored by composer James Lavino, according to Lavino’s own personal site. Though the project has been taking shape at its own leisurely pace, I’d expect to see the film making its festival debut in early 2016.
Right behind, the American direct cinema masters is a Texan soon to make his non-fiction debut with Voyage of Time. Just two weeks ago indieWIRE reported that Ennio Morricone, who scored...
Right behind, the American direct cinema masters is a Texan soon to make his non-fiction debut with Voyage of Time. Just two weeks ago indieWIRE reported that Ennio Morricone, who scored...
- 11/5/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
The fall festival rush is upon us. Locarno is currently ramping up. Venice has released their line-up and Thom Powers and the Toronto International Film Festival team have dropped a bomb with a previously unannounced new feature from powerhouse docu-provocateur Michael Moore. It is truly a miracle that the production of a film such as Moore’s upcoming Where To Invade Next (see still above) managed to go completely undetected by the filmmaking community until it was literally announced to world premiere at one of the largest film festivals in the world. Programmed as a one of the key films in the Special Presentations section at Tiff, the film sees Moore telling “the Pentagon to ‘stand down’ — he will do the invading for America from now on.” Also announced to premiere at Tiff was Avi Lewis’ This Changes Everything, which has slowly been rising up this list, as well as...
- 8/7/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
It’s been a surprisingly interesting month of moving and shaking in terms of doc development. Just a month after making his first public funding pitch at Toronto’s Hot Docs Forum, legendary doc filmmaker Frederick Wiseman took to Kickstarter to help cover the remaining expenses for his 40th feature film In Jackson Heights (see the film’s first trailer below). Unrelentingly rigorous in his determination to capture the American institutional landscape on film, his latest continues down this thematic rabbit hole, taking on the immensely diverse New York City neighborhood of Jackson Heights as his latest subject. According to the Kickstarter page, Wiseman is currently editing the 120 hours of rushes he shot with hopes of having the film ready for a fall festival premiere (my guess would be Tiff, where both National Gallery and At Berkeley made their North American debut), though he’s currently quite a ways away from his $75,000 goal.
- 7/6/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
Well folks, after a rather long and brutal winter (at least for me here in Buffalo), we are finally heading into the wonderful warmth of summer, but with that blast of sunshine and steamy humidity comes the mid-year drought of major film fests. After the Sheffield Doc/Fest concludes on June 10th and AFI Docs wraps on June 21st, we likely won’t see any major influx in our charts until Locarno, Venice, Telluride and Tiff announce their line-ups in rapid succession. In the meantime, we can look forward to the intriguing onslaught of films making their debut in Sheffield, including Brian Hill’s intriguing examination of Sweden’s most notorious serial killer, The Confessions of Thomas Quick, and Sean McAllister’s film for which he himself was jailed in the process of making, A Syrian Love Story, the only two films world premiering in the festival’s main competition.
- 6/1/2015
- by Jordan M. Smith
- IONCINEMA.com
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