Civil rights icon and labor leader Dolores Huerta is getting the biopic treatment in a new film.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Gregory Nava is set to direct. He will also write and produce alongside the Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated Barbara Martinez.
Huerta, who turns 94 today, is a renowned American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers Union alongside Cesar Chavez. She is the originator of the famous rallying cry “Sí, se puede,” which means “Yes, we can.”
She has received numerous awards, including the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from President Clinton in 1998, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2012.
Her work has continues today as she advocates for the working poor, women and children through her Dolores Huerta Foundation.
The biopic film will dramatize Huerta’s life for the first time, delivering a multi-faceted portrait of woman who became a movement leader, political activist,...
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Gregory Nava is set to direct. He will also write and produce alongside the Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated Barbara Martinez.
Huerta, who turns 94 today, is a renowned American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers Union alongside Cesar Chavez. She is the originator of the famous rallying cry “Sí, se puede,” which means “Yes, we can.”
She has received numerous awards, including the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from President Clinton in 1998, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2012.
Her work has continues today as she advocates for the working poor, women and children through her Dolores Huerta Foundation.
The biopic film will dramatize Huerta’s life for the first time, delivering a multi-faceted portrait of woman who became a movement leader, political activist,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Reporter thanks the following 322 members of the global film community — listed alphabetically — for taking the time to cast a ballot to help us determine the 100 greatest film books of all time.
Seth Abramovitch
The Hollywood Reporter journalist/It Happened in Hollywood podcast host
Jo Addy
Soho House group film and entertainment director
Casey Affleck
Oscar-winning actor
Rutanya Alda
Author/actress
Stephanie Allain
Filmmaker
Victoria Alonso
Filmmaker/executive
Tony Angellotti
Publicist
Bonnie Arnold
Filmmaker/executive
Miguel Arteta
Filmmaker
Chris Auer
Filmmaker/film professor
John Badham
Filmmaker/film professor
Amy Baer
Executive
Matt Baer
Filmmaker
Lindsey Bahr
Journalist
Ramin Bahrani
Oscar-nominated filmmaker
Cameron Bailey
Toronto International Film Festival CEO/former film critic
John Bailey
Cinematographer/former Academy president
Bela Bajaria
Executive
Sean Baker
Filmmaker
Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated actor/author
Tino Balio
Author/film professor
Jeffrey Barbakow
Executive
Michael Barker
Executive
Mike Barnes
The Hollywood Reporter journalist
Jeanine Basinger
Author/film...
Seth Abramovitch
The Hollywood Reporter journalist/It Happened in Hollywood podcast host
Jo Addy
Soho House group film and entertainment director
Casey Affleck
Oscar-winning actor
Rutanya Alda
Author/actress
Stephanie Allain
Filmmaker
Victoria Alonso
Filmmaker/executive
Tony Angellotti
Publicist
Bonnie Arnold
Filmmaker/executive
Miguel Arteta
Filmmaker
Chris Auer
Filmmaker/film professor
John Badham
Filmmaker/film professor
Amy Baer
Executive
Matt Baer
Filmmaker
Lindsey Bahr
Journalist
Ramin Bahrani
Oscar-nominated filmmaker
Cameron Bailey
Toronto International Film Festival CEO/former film critic
John Bailey
Cinematographer/former Academy president
Bela Bajaria
Executive
Sean Baker
Filmmaker
Alec Baldwin
Oscar-nominated actor/author
Tino Balio
Author/film professor
Jeffrey Barbakow
Executive
Michael Barker
Executive
Mike Barnes
The Hollywood Reporter journalist
Jeanine Basinger
Author/film...
- 10/12/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
German powerhouse Constantin Film and Frank Spotnitz’s Big Light Productions have teamed to make a high-end drama series about the events surrounding the Nuremberg Trials.
The drama, currently unnamed, follows the prosecution of Nazi officials after World War II, the first time in history that people were held accountable for war crimes, exploring characters from all sides of the trials.
The series will be executive produced by Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer for Constantin Film, Spotnitz and Emily Feller for Big Light, and Ron Maxwell (Gettysburg) along with Jeff Berg of Northside Services.
“This series is a real powerhouse,” said Spotnitz. “It’s an investigative mystery, a suspense thriller set both in a courtroom and on the global stage, and one of the most searing moral dramas imaginable. The characters and the issues all seem startlingly relevant and contemporary.”
“On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies,...
The drama, currently unnamed, follows the prosecution of Nazi officials after World War II, the first time in history that people were held accountable for war crimes, exploring characters from all sides of the trials.
The series will be executive produced by Oliver Berben and Robert Kulzer for Constantin Film, Spotnitz and Emily Feller for Big Light, and Ron Maxwell (Gettysburg) along with Jeff Berg of Northside Services.
“This series is a real powerhouse,” said Spotnitz. “It’s an investigative mystery, a suspense thriller set both in a courtroom and on the global stage, and one of the most searing moral dramas imaginable. The characters and the issues all seem startlingly relevant and contemporary.”
“On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies,...
- 10/5/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Constantin Film, the German powerhouse behind the Resident Evil franchise, is partnering with U.K.-based Big Light Productions, founded by Frank Spotnitz (The Man in the High Castle, The X-Files, Medici, Leonardo), to develop a high-end drama series about the world-changing Nuremberg Trials.
The project will dive into the events surrounding the prosecution of Nazi officials following WWII, the first time in history that people were held accountable for war crimes, exploring characters from all sides of the trials, showing how not only justice was at stake but the global balance of power.
“This series is a real powerhouse,” said Spotnitz. “It’s an investigative mystery, a suspense thriller set both in a courtroom and on the global stage, and one of the most searing moral dramas imaginable. The characters and the issues all seem startlingly relevant and contemporary.”
“We are delighted...
Constantin Film, the German powerhouse behind the Resident Evil franchise, is partnering with U.K.-based Big Light Productions, founded by Frank Spotnitz (The Man in the High Castle, The X-Files, Medici, Leonardo), to develop a high-end drama series about the world-changing Nuremberg Trials.
The project will dive into the events surrounding the prosecution of Nazi officials following WWII, the first time in history that people were held accountable for war crimes, exploring characters from all sides of the trials, showing how not only justice was at stake but the global balance of power.
“This series is a real powerhouse,” said Spotnitz. “It’s an investigative mystery, a suspense thriller set both in a courtroom and on the global stage, and one of the most searing moral dramas imaginable. The characters and the issues all seem startlingly relevant and contemporary.”
“We are delighted...
- 10/5/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Stephen Kronish and Jon Cassar, showrunner and director-producer respectively of “24,” the ratings and critical hit which ran on Fox network for nine seasons, have boarded upcoming thriller series “Barcelona.”
The news was jointly announced by transatlantic production company El Estudio, Jeff Berg’s Northside Services, Todd Slater’s Convoke Media (“King of Killers”) and Karen and Howard Baldwin (“Ray”) of Kemb Prods. who have teamed up to produce the ambitious project.
“Barcelona” is one of 10 series being presented at the inaugural Co-Production and Financing Forum at Madrid’s 2nd Iberseries & Platino Industria TV event.
Based on Irish writer David Fennelly’s trilogy of novels, the three-season series set in Barcelona is described as a cross between “Homeland” and “Fauda” and “explores the origins of terrorism in Barcelona.” Fennelly and his manager Larry Levitsky also form part of the pool of producers on the project.
“This is a step forward in our growth strategy.
The news was jointly announced by transatlantic production company El Estudio, Jeff Berg’s Northside Services, Todd Slater’s Convoke Media (“King of Killers”) and Karen and Howard Baldwin (“Ray”) of Kemb Prods. who have teamed up to produce the ambitious project.
“Barcelona” is one of 10 series being presented at the inaugural Co-Production and Financing Forum at Madrid’s 2nd Iberseries & Platino Industria TV event.
Based on Irish writer David Fennelly’s trilogy of novels, the three-season series set in Barcelona is described as a cross between “Homeland” and “Fauda” and “explores the origins of terrorism in Barcelona.” Fennelly and his manager Larry Levitsky also form part of the pool of producers on the project.
“This is a step forward in our growth strategy.
- 9/26/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Almost nine months to the day after the surprise Deadline scoop that CAA would acquire ICM Partners, the deal finally got government approval and closed. This creates a mega agency in the biggest linkup in the space since the Wma-Endeavor merger. Sources close to the situation said the Department of Justice finally approved the deal late last night or this morning, and it closed. It is valued around 750 million, and a combined enterprise value around 5 billion. The merged company’s leadership is expected to address staff at a town hall Thursday, with the newly combined departments set to begin their integration process with get-togethers on July 11, we hear.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
- 6/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Marvin Josephson, founder of ICM Partners, died Tuesday in New York. He was 95 years old.
A cause of death was not immediately available.
“We mourn the loss of Marvin Josephson, one of the founders of ICM, who was universally respected as an agent, a leader and a man,” ICM Partners said in a statement. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Born on March 6, 1927 in Atlantic City, N.J., Josephson was raised by immigrant parents. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the twilight of World War II, Josephson returned to the United States to attend Cornell University and then night law school at New York University School of Law. Upon receiving his degree in 1962, Josephson started a job in the CBS legal department.
In 1955, Josephson began his own personal management company, drawing clients such as “Captain Kangaroo” producer and star Bob Keeshan. Josephson would convert his management company...
A cause of death was not immediately available.
“We mourn the loss of Marvin Josephson, one of the founders of ICM, who was universally respected as an agent, a leader and a man,” ICM Partners said in a statement. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Born on March 6, 1927 in Atlantic City, N.J., Josephson was raised by immigrant parents. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the twilight of World War II, Josephson returned to the United States to attend Cornell University and then night law school at New York University School of Law. Upon receiving his degree in 1962, Josephson started a job in the CBS legal department.
In 1955, Josephson began his own personal management company, drawing clients such as “Captain Kangaroo” producer and star Bob Keeshan. Josephson would convert his management company...
- 5/19/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Linn Bjornland, Eric Roberts, Justin Gordon, Jeff Berg, Alexander Leeb, Robert Okumu, Leonard Kelly-Young, Charles Chiyangwa, Lamont Hendrix, Jeff Grays, Delpaneaux Wills, Guru Singh | Written and Directed by Ted Betz
Escape Through Africa, that’s a title that conjures up visions of films from a bygone era – where soldiers took on the rough terrain and vicious locals of the vast continent, usually with stiff upper lips and a bravado that time and time again was the downfall of many a character. And that’s exactly what writer/director Ted Betz gives us with his film!
Set in 1914, Escape Through Africa follows a British nurse, Anne Corringfield (Linn Bjornland) escapes an attack on the African outpost controlled by her uncle Captain Lockwood (Eric Roberts). When Harold (Jeff Berg) arrives at the outpost and tells of a massacre – as seen in the film’s opening – of a British patrol by locals...
Escape Through Africa, that’s a title that conjures up visions of films from a bygone era – where soldiers took on the rough terrain and vicious locals of the vast continent, usually with stiff upper lips and a bravado that time and time again was the downfall of many a character. And that’s exactly what writer/director Ted Betz gives us with his film!
Set in 1914, Escape Through Africa follows a British nurse, Anne Corringfield (Linn Bjornland) escapes an attack on the African outpost controlled by her uncle Captain Lockwood (Eric Roberts). When Harold (Jeff Berg) arrives at the outpost and tells of a massacre – as seen in the film’s opening – of a British patrol by locals...
- 4/20/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Exclusive: John Burnham, a cornerstone talent and literary agent who has spent more than 25 years at ICM Partners, is leaving to become a manager and partner at Atlas Artists and Atlas Literary, the Atlas Entertainment subsidiary. The exit is amicable, and Burnham will bring with him a client list of renowned writers, filmmakers and actors he now will represent as a manager.
The long list of clients that will follow him includes Oscar, Emmy and Pulitzer winners. The roster includes Brandon Cronenberg, John Cusack, Stephen Dorff, Diane English, Kleber Mendonca Filho, Stephen Frears, Walter Hill, Felicity Huffman, Adrian Lyne, Sophia Macy, William H. Macy, Clara Mamet, David Mamet, Joe Mantegna, Nicholas Martin, Elaine May, Malcolm Mays, Takashi Miike, Pat McKinley, Keith McNally, David Milch, Rob Reiner, Emma Tammi, Caroline Thompson, David Twohy, Wayne Wang, Peter Weir, Alice Winn, John Woo and Terry Zwigoff. Others will follow as his exit gets sorted.
The long list of clients that will follow him includes Oscar, Emmy and Pulitzer winners. The roster includes Brandon Cronenberg, John Cusack, Stephen Dorff, Diane English, Kleber Mendonca Filho, Stephen Frears, Walter Hill, Felicity Huffman, Adrian Lyne, Sophia Macy, William H. Macy, Clara Mamet, David Mamet, Joe Mantegna, Nicholas Martin, Elaine May, Malcolm Mays, Takashi Miike, Pat McKinley, Keith McNally, David Milch, Rob Reiner, Emma Tammi, Caroline Thompson, David Twohy, Wayne Wang, Peter Weir, Alice Winn, John Woo and Terry Zwigoff. Others will follow as his exit gets sorted.
- 4/11/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Alan Ladd Jr., the revered Hollywood producer and studio executive who saved Star Wars when Fox wanted to shut down production and gained vindication when he received an Oscar for Braveheart after being dumped by MGM, has died. He was 84.
Ladd, who headed production at Fox, Pathe Entertainment and MGM (in two stints) and ran his own outfit, The Ladd Co., with great success, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that on March 2, 2022, Alan Ladd, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family,” his daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones wrote on social media. “Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on films and filmmaking will live on in his absence.”
As a studio executive and producer, Ladd — the son of screen idol Alan Ladd (This Gun for Hire, Shane) — had a hand in 14 best picture nominees. His imprint...
Ladd, who headed production at Fox, Pathe Entertainment and MGM (in two stints) and ran his own outfit, The Ladd Co., with great success, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we announce that on March 2, 2022, Alan Ladd, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family,” his daughter Amanda Ladd-Jones wrote on social media. “Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on films and filmmaking will live on in his absence.”
As a studio executive and producer, Ladd — the son of screen idol Alan Ladd (This Gun for Hire, Shane) — had a hand in 14 best picture nominees. His imprint...
- 3/2/2022
- by Mike Barnes and Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated: CAA has made it official, this blockbuster deal we have chased all weekend. Find release below the original Deadline scoop.
Exclusive: Creative Artists Agency is acquiring ICM Partners, a mammoth deal that would be the biggest joining forces of two major agencies since Wma and Endeavor. Expectation is that the deal will be completed before the year is out.
Many details need to be worked out, as this came together lightning quick. There will surely be reaction from guilds and on antitrust matters. But in a moment where content creators are getting bigger in M&a deals, why not agencies? The intention here is, after all of the drama of the pandemic and the ending of the packaging business after a prolonged dispute with the WGA, CAA is doubling down on its commitment to the representation business. That includes not only film and television, but also sports, publishing and ancillary businesses.
Exclusive: Creative Artists Agency is acquiring ICM Partners, a mammoth deal that would be the biggest joining forces of two major agencies since Wma and Endeavor. Expectation is that the deal will be completed before the year is out.
Many details need to be worked out, as this came together lightning quick. There will surely be reaction from guilds and on antitrust matters. But in a moment where content creators are getting bigger in M&a deals, why not agencies? The intention here is, after all of the drama of the pandemic and the ending of the packaging business after a prolonged dispute with the WGA, CAA is doubling down on its commitment to the representation business. That includes not only film and television, but also sports, publishing and ancillary businesses.
- 9/27/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Steve Alexander has left ICM Partners after seven years as a partner on the heels of an expose in the Los Angeles Times that included allegations of sexual misconduct against the veteran agent.
Alexander is accused of having exposed himself to a male industry executive while the two were driving in Alexander’s car in 2016. The executive was said to have reported the allegations to ICM, which put Alexander on a temporary leave at the time. Sources close to the agency said that although the situation had been formally addressed with Alexander in 2016, it became a PR problem for the agency amid the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct, especially after the allegation was reported by the Times in May.
An ICM Partners spokesman would not elaborate on the reason for Alexander’s departure.
“Steve Alexander is no longer employed at ICM,” the spokesman said. Alexander could not immediately be reached for comment.
Alexander is accused of having exposed himself to a male industry executive while the two were driving in Alexander’s car in 2016. The executive was said to have reported the allegations to ICM, which put Alexander on a temporary leave at the time. Sources close to the agency said that although the situation had been formally addressed with Alexander in 2016, it became a PR problem for the agency amid the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct, especially after the allegation was reported by the Times in May.
An ICM Partners spokesman would not elaborate on the reason for Alexander’s departure.
“Steve Alexander is no longer employed at ICM,” the spokesman said. Alexander could not immediately be reached for comment.
- 7/29/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran talent agent Joey Stanton is exiting ICM Partners to become a manager and producer, sources told Variety.
Known as a shepherd to top young Hollywood talent, insiders familiar with his plans said the exit is amicable and he’ll stay on in the coming weeks to help his department with the transition. While it’s unclear what clients he’ll take with him to manage, his current portfolio includes Caleb Landry Jones, Taylor John Smith, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Orlando Bloom, Sheila Vand, Jacob Scipio and Griffin Johnson.
Stanton joined ICM from CAA in 2017, where he repped clients including Bella Thorne, “The Walking Dead” star Norman Reedus, “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Glen Powell, and Nina Dobrev. He previously held positions at Paradigm and Jeff Berg’s shuttered talent and literary agency Resolution.
The agency business has been hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic and the triumph of the Writers Guild of...
Known as a shepherd to top young Hollywood talent, insiders familiar with his plans said the exit is amicable and he’ll stay on in the coming weeks to help his department with the transition. While it’s unclear what clients he’ll take with him to manage, his current portfolio includes Caleb Landry Jones, Taylor John Smith, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Orlando Bloom, Sheila Vand, Jacob Scipio and Griffin Johnson.
Stanton joined ICM from CAA in 2017, where he repped clients including Bella Thorne, “The Walking Dead” star Norman Reedus, “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Glen Powell, and Nina Dobrev. He previously held positions at Paradigm and Jeff Berg’s shuttered talent and literary agency Resolution.
The agency business has been hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic and the triumph of the Writers Guild of...
- 6/24/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Universal and DreamWorks Animation have tweaked their 2021 release schedule, moving the sequel The Boss Baby: Family Business from March to September. The shift to the new release date, September 17, had been the spot for Dwa’s The Bad Guys, which is unset for now and will get a 2022 release. Universal made the announcement Monday.
Boss Baby 2 had been set for a March 26, 2021 release but most theatrical releases are in flux owing to the coronavirus pandemic that has decimated the domestic exhibition business, which as of now has only 60% of its screens in operation in the U.S. and Canada — and none in the key Los Angeles and New York City markets.
Tom McGrath returns to direct the second installment of the Boss Baby franchise; the first pic grossed more than $500 million worldwide and earned an Animated Feature Oscar nomination. Alec Baldwin also returns as the lead voice for the new...
Boss Baby 2 had been set for a March 26, 2021 release but most theatrical releases are in flux owing to the coronavirus pandemic that has decimated the domestic exhibition business, which as of now has only 60% of its screens in operation in the U.S. and Canada — and none in the key Los Angeles and New York City markets.
Tom McGrath returns to direct the second installment of the Boss Baby franchise; the first pic grossed more than $500 million worldwide and earned an Animated Feature Oscar nomination. Alec Baldwin also returns as the lead voice for the new...
- 12/28/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Much will be said about the memory and accomplishments of Tom Pollock, who passed away at age 77. He presided over Universal Pictures in a strong period in the ’80s and early ’90s when the studio released 200 pictures that globally grossed $10 billion and released Steven Spielberg’s then all time box office champ Jurassic Park and Best Picture Oscar winner Schindler’s List back to back. He and Ivan Reitman built a successful company in The Montecito Picture Company. But Pollock’s singular accomplishment is being the lawyer who made the greatest deal ever for a filmmaker, his first client George Lucas when Pollock started the firm Pollock, Rigrod, and Bloom, which later became Pollock, Bloom and Dekom, and then Bloom Hergott. Back when Star Wars was being relaunched by LucasFilm and JJ Abrams, Deadline got Pollock to explain how it all happened. Here is the interview from 2015:
***
Behind many a...
***
Behind many a...
- 8/3/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
A3 Artists Agency has brought in four former Paradigm agents to reestablish a literary division. Veterans Andy Patman and Adam Kanter have come on board as A3 partners and Co-Head of Television Content and Motion Pictures, respectively. They are being joined by fellow former Paradigm agents Katt Riley and Martin To on the lit team, with plans to hire more agents, coordinators and assistants while many talent agencies have been contracting in the face of the coronavirus-related Hollywood production shutdown.
That includes Paradigm, which in late March instituted temporary layoffs for 250 employees. The list included Kanter, Riley and To, sources said, while Patman left Paradigm last week, I hear.
Meanwhile, A3 chairman Adam Bold said that he and the rest of the agency’s leadership, CEO Robert Attermann and President Brian Cho, who acquired and subsequently rebranded Abrams Artists Agency, took time during the pandemic to “step back and analyze...
That includes Paradigm, which in late March instituted temporary layoffs for 250 employees. The list included Kanter, Riley and To, sources said, while Patman left Paradigm last week, I hear.
Meanwhile, A3 chairman Adam Bold said that he and the rest of the agency’s leadership, CEO Robert Attermann and President Brian Cho, who acquired and subsequently rebranded Abrams Artists Agency, took time during the pandemic to “step back and analyze...
- 7/6/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Show will capture life of female cinema pioneer who created one of the first Us studios.
UK screenwriter Tim Loane has joined the creative team of French director Jean-Jacques Annaud’s previously announced upcoming series The Girl In The Picture, about pioneering filmmaker and Us studio boss Alice Guy.
Belfast-based writer Loane’s recent credits include German series Das Boot and racy French costume drama series Versailles, on which he was a screenwriter and showrunner.
He will co-write the series with Annaud, adapting the 2015 autobiography Alice Guy by French writer Emmanuelle Gaume.
The show will follow Guy’s trajectory from illegitimate,...
UK screenwriter Tim Loane has joined the creative team of French director Jean-Jacques Annaud’s previously announced upcoming series The Girl In The Picture, about pioneering filmmaker and Us studio boss Alice Guy.
Belfast-based writer Loane’s recent credits include German series Das Boot and racy French costume drama series Versailles, on which he was a screenwriter and showrunner.
He will co-write the series with Annaud, adapting the 2015 autobiography Alice Guy by French writer Emmanuelle Gaume.
The show will follow Guy’s trajectory from illegitimate,...
- 6/29/2020
- by 1100388¦Melanie Goodfellow¦69¦
- ScreenDaily
Veteran ICM Partners executive Rick Levy has stepped down from his duties as chief operating officer and will transition out of the agency at the end of 2020, insiders familiar with the company told Variety.
Levy added the title of COO to his long-standing role of general counsel in October, following the short-lived tenure of former Tribune Publishing executive Justin Dearborn. He remains general counsel and will work closely with agency chief Chris Silbermann through the end of the year.
Levy, who announced his departure at an all company staff meeting on January 27, is leaving by choice, which an ICM spokesman confirmed.
The COO job was effectively dissolved in January, according to a source, when the duties of that office were split between agency co-presidents Kevin Crotty and Sloan Harris. Levy’s intent to wind down was announced at that time, though word has circulated anew amid the coronavirus pandemic. He...
Levy added the title of COO to his long-standing role of general counsel in October, following the short-lived tenure of former Tribune Publishing executive Justin Dearborn. He remains general counsel and will work closely with agency chief Chris Silbermann through the end of the year.
Levy, who announced his departure at an all company staff meeting on January 27, is leaving by choice, which an ICM spokesman confirmed.
The COO job was effectively dissolved in January, according to a source, when the duties of that office were split between agency co-presidents Kevin Crotty and Sloan Harris. Levy’s intent to wind down was announced at that time, though word has circulated anew amid the coronavirus pandemic. He...
- 5/27/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. and El Estudio, a major new independent production player in the Spanish-speaking world, are teaming to produce a Mexican version of breakout Cuban feature “Juan of the Dead,” with Emilio Portés directing.
Chronicling a U.S. zombie invasion of Mexico, the remake marks one in a strong first slate of titles from El Estudio, launched at the Berlin Festival by three of the most connected producers in the Spanish-speaking world: Ex-Canana producer-partner Pablo Cruz, “The Impossible” producer Enrique López Lavigne and former Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. head Diego Suárez Chialvo.
Based out of Mexico, Los Angeles and Madrid, El Estudio has 63 projects in development or production. El Estudio is represented by CAA. Partners on early titles include Sony Pictures Intl. Prods., Netflix, HBO, Lionsgate, Viacom Intl. Pictures, Movistar Plus and Beta Film, El Estudio told Variety, announcing some of its 2020-21 projects:
“Verguenza” stars Mexico’s...
Chronicling a U.S. zombie invasion of Mexico, the remake marks one in a strong first slate of titles from El Estudio, launched at the Berlin Festival by three of the most connected producers in the Spanish-speaking world: Ex-Canana producer-partner Pablo Cruz, “The Impossible” producer Enrique López Lavigne and former Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. head Diego Suárez Chialvo.
Based out of Mexico, Los Angeles and Madrid, El Estudio has 63 projects in development or production. El Estudio is represented by CAA. Partners on early titles include Sony Pictures Intl. Prods., Netflix, HBO, Lionsgate, Viacom Intl. Pictures, Movistar Plus and Beta Film, El Estudio told Variety, announcing some of its 2020-21 projects:
“Verguenza” stars Mexico’s...
- 2/21/2020
- by John Hopewell and Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Wild Bunch TV, 68productions team on new production with agent Jeff Berg.
French director Jean-Jacques Annaud is set to direct an international drama series about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy, the first woman to direct a fiction film in the late 1890s who then went on to set up one of the first studios in the Us.
Paris-based Wild Bunch TV and 68Productions and talent agent Jeff Berg are partnering on the series, adapted from the 2015 autobiography Alice Guy by French writer Emmanuelle Gaume.
It will be the second foray into TV for Wolf Totem and The Name Of The Rose...
French director Jean-Jacques Annaud is set to direct an international drama series about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy, the first woman to direct a fiction film in the late 1890s who then went on to set up one of the first studios in the Us.
Paris-based Wild Bunch TV and 68Productions and talent agent Jeff Berg are partnering on the series, adapted from the 2015 autobiography Alice Guy by French writer Emmanuelle Gaume.
It will be the second foray into TV for Wolf Totem and The Name Of The Rose...
- 2/4/2020
- by 1100388¦Melanie Goodfellow¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Wild Bunch TV, 68productions team on new production with agent Jeff Berg.
French director Jean-Jacques Annaud is set to direct an international drama series about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy, the first woman to direct a fiction film in the late1890s who then went to set up one of the first studios in the Us.
Paris-based Wild Bunch TV and 68Productions and talent agent Jeff Berg are partnering on the series, adapted from the 2015 autobiography Alice Guy by French writer Emmanuelle Gaume.
It will the second foray into TV for Wolf Totem and The Name Of The Rose director Annaud...
French director Jean-Jacques Annaud is set to direct an international drama series about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy, the first woman to direct a fiction film in the late1890s who then went to set up one of the first studios in the Us.
Paris-based Wild Bunch TV and 68Productions and talent agent Jeff Berg are partnering on the series, adapted from the 2015 autobiography Alice Guy by French writer Emmanuelle Gaume.
It will the second foray into TV for Wolf Totem and The Name Of The Rose director Annaud...
- 2/4/2020
- by 1100388¦Melanie Goodfellow¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair’s Jean-Jacques Annaud is to direct a TV series about Alice Guy, the world’s first female filmmaker.
Annaud, who directed the Patrick Dempsey miniseries for Epix, has teamed up with Wild Bunch TV, the company behind John Turturro’s The Name of the Rose, 68productions and former ICM Chairman Jeff Berg to develop the series.
Based on Emmanuelle Gaume’s book Alice Guy, the series will feature an international cast, and will tell the story of Guy, who between 1896 and 1906 was thought to be the only female director in the world. Guy was an illegitimate, mixed race child, rejected by an abusive and violent father who kidnaps her from her mother, and raised between Chile, Switzerland and France. At the dawn of the 20th century, in a world controlled by men and amid the hustle and bustle of the emerging art form that is cinema,...
Annaud, who directed the Patrick Dempsey miniseries for Epix, has teamed up with Wild Bunch TV, the company behind John Turturro’s The Name of the Rose, 68productions and former ICM Chairman Jeff Berg to develop the series.
Based on Emmanuelle Gaume’s book Alice Guy, the series will feature an international cast, and will tell the story of Guy, who between 1896 and 1906 was thought to be the only female director in the world. Guy was an illegitimate, mixed race child, rejected by an abusive and violent father who kidnaps her from her mother, and raised between Chile, Switzerland and France. At the dawn of the 20th century, in a world controlled by men and amid the hustle and bustle of the emerging art form that is cinema,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
DreamWorks Animation has added two more feature toons to its 2021 slate, the Untitled Spirit Riding Free movie based on its Netflix series on May 14, and The Bad Guys on September 17 based on Aaron Blabey’s bestselling Scholastic book series. This raises the Glendale studio’s release count for that year to three titles, the other being The Boss Baby 2 on March 26, 2021. Spooky Jack, previously dated for September 17, 2021, is now unset. The global distribution of Dwa titles is overseen by Universal.
Spirit Riding Free‘s origins go back to the 2002 Oscar-nominated movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron ($122.5M global box office). In 2017, that feature was reimagined by DreamWorks Animation Television as a Netflix original series, Spirit Riding Free, thus igniting interest in the IP among a new generation of young girls.
The new pic will follow headstrong Lucky Prescott, who is forced to move from her big-city home to a small frontier town,...
Spirit Riding Free‘s origins go back to the 2002 Oscar-nominated movie Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron ($122.5M global box office). In 2017, that feature was reimagined by DreamWorks Animation Television as a Netflix original series, Spirit Riding Free, thus igniting interest in the IP among a new generation of young girls.
The new pic will follow headstrong Lucky Prescott, who is forced to move from her big-city home to a small frontier town,...
- 10/7/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures are in the works on animated films based on the TV series “Spirit Riding Free” and “The Bad Guys” book series, both of which are set to be released in 2021, the studios announced on Monday.
The untitled “Spirit Riding Free” film, based on the Netflix original series from DreamWorks Animation Television, will open wide on May 14, 2021. “The Bad Guys,” based on the 10-book children’s series from author Aaron Blabey, will open on Sept. 17, 2021.
“The Bad Guys” will take the spot of “Spooky Jack,” a collaboration between DreamWorks and Blumhouse, which is now unset.
Also Read: All 36 DreamWorks Animation Movies Ranked From Worst to Best (Photos)
“Spirit Riding Free” follows the unbreakable bond between a free-spirited girl and her wild stallion companion. The show has run for 52 episodes since May 2017, all of which are available on Netflix, and more episodes and content are on the...
The untitled “Spirit Riding Free” film, based on the Netflix original series from DreamWorks Animation Television, will open wide on May 14, 2021. “The Bad Guys,” based on the 10-book children’s series from author Aaron Blabey, will open on Sept. 17, 2021.
“The Bad Guys” will take the spot of “Spooky Jack,” a collaboration between DreamWorks and Blumhouse, which is now unset.
Also Read: All 36 DreamWorks Animation Movies Ranked From Worst to Best (Photos)
“Spirit Riding Free” follows the unbreakable bond between a free-spirited girl and her wild stallion companion. The show has run for 52 episodes since May 2017, all of which are available on Netflix, and more episodes and content are on the...
- 10/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: NBCUniversal International Studios has bolstered its scripted ranks with the hire of Hellboy and Lost in Space producer Marc Helwig.
Helwig has joined this month as Executive Vice President, Scripted and is based in the company’s La division, reporting to London-based International Studios President Jeff Wachtel.
He is coming off the back of a first-look producing deal at Legendary, where he served as exec produced on Netflix’s Lost in Space, which launched last year and has been picked up for a second season, and Mike Mignola’s feature of reboot of Hellboy for Lionsgate. Helwig (left) will work closely with International Studios’ development teams and production companies including Downton Abbey producer Carnival, Matchbox Pictures, Heyday Television, Working Title TV and Lark Productions to support U.S. based development, sales and production. He will also lead the company’s relationship with U.S. networks and Svod buyers.
Prior to producing,...
Helwig has joined this month as Executive Vice President, Scripted and is based in the company’s La division, reporting to London-based International Studios President Jeff Wachtel.
He is coming off the back of a first-look producing deal at Legendary, where he served as exec produced on Netflix’s Lost in Space, which launched last year and has been picked up for a second season, and Mike Mignola’s feature of reboot of Hellboy for Lionsgate. Helwig (left) will work closely with International Studios’ development teams and production companies including Downton Abbey producer Carnival, Matchbox Pictures, Heyday Television, Working Title TV and Lark Productions to support U.S. based development, sales and production. He will also lead the company’s relationship with U.S. networks and Svod buyers.
Prior to producing,...
- 7/19/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Luciana Faulhaber, Jeff Berg, Jarrod Robbins, Curtis K. Case, Lindsay Eshelman, Javier E. Gómez | Written by Jessica Boucher, Danielle Killay | Directed by Luciana Faulhaber
The title Don’t Look does feel like one I’ve heard before or one that really should have been used before now. It’s so generic it could be used for a ghost story, a home invasion or, like it has here, a standard slasher…
This though is the problem with Don’t Look. It’s a slasher movie and there a hundreds, maybe even thousands of them for horror fans to watch, so to get them to watch a new one you need to have something to grab peoples attention. Something to make you stand out from the pack. This is something that Don’t Look struggles to do.
To start with, the story is just your basic “young adults off to a...
The title Don’t Look does feel like one I’ve heard before or one that really should have been used before now. It’s so generic it could be used for a ghost story, a home invasion or, like it has here, a standard slasher…
This though is the problem with Don’t Look. It’s a slasher movie and there a hundreds, maybe even thousands of them for horror fans to watch, so to get them to watch a new one you need to have something to grab peoples attention. Something to make you stand out from the pack. This is something that Don’t Look struggles to do.
To start with, the story is just your basic “young adults off to a...
- 5/22/2019
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
Director Miles Doleac's next film Hallowed Ground hits theaters on June 7th and VOD and DVD, just a few days later, on June 11th. Also in today's Horror Highlights: Don't Look release details and the world premiere of Friday Night Death Slots.
Don't Look VOD and DVD Release Details: "This May, take a wrong turn to hell.
Luciana Faulhaber’s unique, female-directed twist on horror films “Don’t Look” releases on VOD and DVD May 14 from Wild Eye Releasing.
Scripted by Jessica Boucher and Danielle Killay, “Don’t Look” centers on five New York City Millennials who escape the big city for a rustic Thanksgiving weekend in the country. But as will happen in horror, something threatens to shatter their peaceful getaway and they are targeted for murder.
The film, Faulhaber’s debut, recreates “the pure fun of 80's classics like Friday the 13th, The Burning or April Fool's Day...
Don't Look VOD and DVD Release Details: "This May, take a wrong turn to hell.
Luciana Faulhaber’s unique, female-directed twist on horror films “Don’t Look” releases on VOD and DVD May 14 from Wild Eye Releasing.
Scripted by Jessica Boucher and Danielle Killay, “Don’t Look” centers on five New York City Millennials who escape the big city for a rustic Thanksgiving weekend in the country. But as will happen in horror, something threatens to shatter their peaceful getaway and they are targeted for murder.
The film, Faulhaber’s debut, recreates “the pure fun of 80's classics like Friday the 13th, The Burning or April Fool's Day...
- 5/1/2019
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
“We knew how good we had it.”
John Milius, 33 years old, said that to the Los Angeles Times in 1977. At the time, he was shooting Big Wednesday, his third full-blown feature film as a director. Supposedly, it was about surfing in Southern California. In truth, the movie was about John, and that one glorious moment in his life – those years on the beach, in the early 1960s – when he was briefly at one with the times.
Milius was back on the beach Wednesday, where he anchored a gathering at Duke’s, in Malibu. The occasion was a memorial service for Jan-Michael Vincent, who died last February after a long, troubled life that was only briefly interrupted by his role as surf legend Matt Johnson in Big Wednesday.
“He was a good bad boy,” said actress Lee Purcell, who played his wife and lover in Big Wednesday,...
John Milius, 33 years old, said that to the Los Angeles Times in 1977. At the time, he was shooting Big Wednesday, his third full-blown feature film as a director. Supposedly, it was about surfing in Southern California. In truth, the movie was about John, and that one glorious moment in his life – those years on the beach, in the early 1960s – when he was briefly at one with the times.
Milius was back on the beach Wednesday, where he anchored a gathering at Duke’s, in Malibu. The occasion was a memorial service for Jan-Michael Vincent, who died last February after a long, troubled life that was only briefly interrupted by his role as surf legend Matt Johnson in Big Wednesday.
“He was a good bad boy,” said actress Lee Purcell, who played his wife and lover in Big Wednesday,...
- 4/25/2019
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Media rights agent Rich Green has joined The Gotham Group after four years at ICM Partners. He will continue to rep IP for TV and film. Green joined ICM Partners in 2014 before being named the head of their Media Rights department last year.
“Rich has been an incredibly valuable team player for ICM for many years, with an exceptional eye for compelling intellectual property and its value in the media ecosystem,” said ICM Partners in a statement to Deadline. “Although we hate to see him leave, we are confident that we’ll work closely with him for the years to come and we look forward to doing so.”
Gotham CEO Ellen Goldsmith-Vein noted: “We couldn’t be happier to have Rich join the Gotham family. He has exceptional relationships and a keen eye for talent and great IP. We look forward to being able to continue to serve writers,...
“Rich has been an incredibly valuable team player for ICM for many years, with an exceptional eye for compelling intellectual property and its value in the media ecosystem,” said ICM Partners in a statement to Deadline. “Although we hate to see him leave, we are confident that we’ll work closely with him for the years to come and we look forward to doing so.”
Gotham CEO Ellen Goldsmith-Vein noted: “We couldn’t be happier to have Rich join the Gotham family. He has exceptional relationships and a keen eye for talent and great IP. We look forward to being able to continue to serve writers,...
- 1/14/2019
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran talent agent Jeff Berg is among a group of entertainment industry executives who’ve been quietly advising Lantern Capital on a plan to move forward, should the stalking horse bidder emerge with The Weinstein Co.’s film and television assets.
The Dallas-based private equity firm, whose diverse holdings include luxury hotels, automotive dealerships and zinc recycling operations, is seeking industry expertise as it prepares to make its initial investment in the entertainment business.
Lantern’s executives have been traveling from New York to Los Angeles, meeting with talent and studio and network executives, as it maps out the studio’s future. It hopes to preserve the Weinstein Co.’s assets, some of which have escaped the bankruptcy auction.
The private equity firm’s co-founders, Andy Mitchell and Milos Brajovic, haven’t spoken publicly about their plans for the studio, other in broad brush strokes — saying they hope to position...
The Dallas-based private equity firm, whose diverse holdings include luxury hotels, automotive dealerships and zinc recycling operations, is seeking industry expertise as it prepares to make its initial investment in the entertainment business.
Lantern’s executives have been traveling from New York to Los Angeles, meeting with talent and studio and network executives, as it maps out the studio’s future. It hopes to preserve the Weinstein Co.’s assets, some of which have escaped the bankruptcy auction.
The private equity firm’s co-founders, Andy Mitchell and Milos Brajovic, haven’t spoken publicly about their plans for the studio, other in broad brush strokes — saying they hope to position...
- 4/12/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Set to premiere at the North Hollywood CineFest next month, here’s the first trailer for director Luciana Faulhaber’s forthcoming slasher movie Don’t Look, which stars Faulhaber alongside Lindsay Difulvio, Javier E. Gomez, Jeff Berg, and Curtis Case. Check it out below:
Don’t Look centers on five New York City Millennials who escape the big city for a rustic Thanksgiving weekend in country. But as will happen in horror, something threatens to shatter their peaceful getaway and they are targeted for murder.
Don’t Look centers on five New York City Millennials who escape the big city for a rustic Thanksgiving weekend in country. But as will happen in horror, something threatens to shatter their peaceful getaway and they are targeted for murder.
- 2/27/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Here at Comics on Film, the odyssey of Warner Bros. Pictures attempting to orient their DC Comics-based movies for success akin to the kind enjoyed by Disney and Marvel Studios has been a relatively regular topic. That's because the journey WB seems to be taking is definitely haphazard, full of trial and error (perhaps with a little too much error), and frankly, it's pretty fascinating. Recently, we told you about the apparent new ire at WB over the box office stumble of Justice League, first developed by Zack Snyder and finished by Joss Whedon, and how they were unfairly punishing DC Comics legend Geoff Johns and fellow producer Jeff Berg for the studio's own failings in both A) sticking to the November 17th release date, and B) doubling down on Zack Snyder even...
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- 1/5/2018
- by Chris Clow
- Movies.com
Before Glenn Whipp broke the story of James Toback’s serial sexual harassment with testimonies from 31 women, there was “Doctor Strange” director Scott Derrickson’s Twitter feed. He has nearly 67,000 followers who love his films as well as his passionate takedowns of sexism. When the Harvey Weinstein story first broke in early October, Derrickson cheered on the women who told their stories and the journalists who reported them — and soon he received a Dm from a follower, actress Selma Blair, who had a Toback story to tell.
Derrickson is good friends with Glenn Whipp, a longtime entertainment reporter at the paper. “[Blair] was scared, because she’s a single mother, and she didn’t want to be sued,” Whipp said in an interview with IndieWire on November 3. “With the Times, we can’t offer legal protection, but typically what happens is that the news organization — not the individual — is sued, and...
Derrickson is good friends with Glenn Whipp, a longtime entertainment reporter at the paper. “[Blair] was scared, because she’s a single mother, and she didn’t want to be sued,” Whipp said in an interview with IndieWire on November 3. “With the Times, we can’t offer legal protection, but typically what happens is that the news organization — not the individual — is sued, and...
- 11/7/2017
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
On October 22, after reading Glenn Whipp’s incendiary James Toback investigation in the La Times, Becky Wahlstrom scoured her journals. A veteran actress whose credits include “Joan of Arcadia” and “Mad Men,” she was 23 when she wrote a seven-and-a-half page entry on August 13, 1998 that described meeting Toback at the Beverly Hills Hotel for approximately five hours the night before.
Ostensibly, it was an audition for his film “Black and White”; Toback requested the meeting after seeing her deliver two lines in Don Roos’ “The Opposite of Sex.” She went to the audition without sides; she loved the idea that Toback liked to build his roles around his actors, a philosophy she embraced while studying at the Piven Theatre Workshop in Chicago.
Read More: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director James Gunn Says He Knows At Least 15 Women Who’ve Been Accosted by James Toback
At the hotel, she met Toback in...
Ostensibly, it was an audition for his film “Black and White”; Toback requested the meeting after seeing her deliver two lines in Don Roos’ “The Opposite of Sex.” She went to the audition without sides; she loved the idea that Toback liked to build his roles around his actors, a philosophy she embraced while studying at the Piven Theatre Workshop in Chicago.
Read More: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Director James Gunn Says He Knows At Least 15 Women Who’ve Been Accosted by James Toback
At the hotel, she met Toback in...
- 11/7/2017
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
The Los Angeles Times sent shockwaves through Hollywood with its October 22 report on James Toback’s alleged history of sexual harassment. 38 women were included in the initial report, with many of them sharing similar stories of Toback reportedly meeting young women on the street or in parks in New York and Los Angeles and inviting them to a hotel room, where the “work interview” would quickly turned sexual. Within two days of the article’s publication, the La Times reports that over 200 additional women have come forward with accusations against Toback.
Read More:James Toback Accused of Sexual Harassment by Nearly 40 Women
Some of the women have shared their stories on social media, such as “Access Hollywood” host Natalie Morales, who tweeted that she had a similar encounter with Toback in Central Park early in her career. Morales told the newspaper that until the accusations against Toback started coming to light,...
Read More:James Toback Accused of Sexual Harassment by Nearly 40 Women
Some of the women have shared their stories on social media, such as “Access Hollywood” host Natalie Morales, who tweeted that she had a similar encounter with Toback in Central Park early in her career. Morales told the newspaper that until the accusations against Toback started coming to light,...
- 10/24/2017
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
James Toback is no longer being represented by his agent Jeff Berg, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Berg is the chairman of Northside Services; the agency represents directors Roman Polanski and Paul Schrader. (Berg previously was ICM chief before launching his own agency, Resolution, which folded in 2014 after less than two years.)
Berg confirmed to THR he no longer represents Toback but did not say when the representation ended.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported that 38 women had come forward to accuse Toback of sexual harassment and misconduct, allegations that span decades.
Toback, who helmed the...
Berg is the chairman of Northside Services; the agency represents directors Roman Polanski and Paul Schrader. (Berg previously was ICM chief before launching his own agency, Resolution, which folded in 2014 after less than two years.)
Berg confirmed to THR he no longer represents Toback but did not say when the representation ended.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported that 38 women had come forward to accuse Toback of sexual harassment and misconduct, allegations that span decades.
Toback, who helmed the...
- 10/23/2017
- by Abid Rahman,Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hollywood’s real leading lady is telling all.
Sherry Lansing, the first woman to ever head a major movie studio, is the subject of Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker, a biography by Stephen Galloway that details her rise from struggling actress to Hollywood power player.
The Illinois native worked at MGM as a script reader and briefly worked at Columbia Pictures before becoming 20th Century Fox’s first female president in 1980. She then went on to become CEO of Paramount Pictures in 1992.
Lansing, who greenlit smash hits such as Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump...
Sherry Lansing, the first woman to ever head a major movie studio, is the subject of Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker, a biography by Stephen Galloway that details her rise from struggling actress to Hollywood power player.
The Illinois native worked at MGM as a script reader and briefly worked at Columbia Pictures before becoming 20th Century Fox’s first female president in 1980. She then went on to become CEO of Paramount Pictures in 1992.
Lansing, who greenlit smash hits such as Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump...
- 4/25/2017
- by Ale Russian
- PEOPLE.com
Mel Gibson's Braveheart is one of my favorite movies of all time. That movie holds my record of most times I've watched a movie in a theater at a solid eight times! Then I've watched it countless times on VHS and DVD and Blu-ray.
Mel Gibson not only did an incredible job directing the movie, but he also gave an amazing performance as William Wallace. It turns out that he wasn't originally going to take on the role. Gibson and the studio were actually looking at casting Brad Pitt in the role, which would have been so weird!
It's hard to imagine Pitt in the role, but in the beginning, they felt they needed a younger actor to play Wallace. Pitt would have made the film around the same that he made Legends of the Fall. I'm actually curious to know what Braveheart would've been like had Pitt starred in the film,...
Mel Gibson not only did an incredible job directing the movie, but he also gave an amazing performance as William Wallace. It turns out that he wasn't originally going to take on the role. Gibson and the studio were actually looking at casting Brad Pitt in the role, which would have been so weird!
It's hard to imagine Pitt in the role, but in the beginning, they felt they needed a younger actor to play Wallace. Pitt would have made the film around the same that he made Legends of the Fall. I'm actually curious to know what Braveheart would've been like had Pitt starred in the film,...
- 4/19/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried will star for Killer Films in Paul Schrader’s First Reformed, which Arclight is financing and introducing to worldwide buyers here.
Hawke will play a former military chaplain tortured by the loss of a son in the Armed Forces.
When the man befriends a young parishioner played by Seyfried and her radical environmentalist husband, he uncovers corruption in the Church.
”First Reformed is a script I’ve been moving toward for almost fifty years,” said Schrader, who will attend Toronto for the September 16 North American premiere of Dog Eat Dog following its world premiere in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
“Ethan Hawke’s image appeared to me while I was writing and he responded days after reading the script. Now we are delighted to be able to add Amanda Seyfried. These are unique performers with a special charisma.”
“Following Dog Eat Dog, we’re excited to be working with Paul again,” said Arclight...
Hawke will play a former military chaplain tortured by the loss of a son in the Armed Forces.
When the man befriends a young parishioner played by Seyfried and her radical environmentalist husband, he uncovers corruption in the Church.
”First Reformed is a script I’ve been moving toward for almost fifty years,” said Schrader, who will attend Toronto for the September 16 North American premiere of Dog Eat Dog following its world premiere in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
“Ethan Hawke’s image appeared to me while I was writing and he responded days after reading the script. Now we are delighted to be able to add Amanda Seyfried. These are unique performers with a special charisma.”
“Following Dog Eat Dog, we’re excited to be working with Paul again,” said Arclight...
- 9/10/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Boutique Hollywood talent agency Equitable Stewardship for Artists has been hit with a civil suit for sexual harassment and wrongful termination for firing its only female agent after she complained of mistreatment in 2014. Founded in 2012 by veteran ICM television agent Paul Alan Smith, the company handles clients like Harry Belafonte, “Game of Thrones” director Alik Sakharov and Neils Arden Oplev, Sony’s director for the upcoming “Flatliners” remake with Ellen Page and Diego Luna. Rachel Sheedy was the only female agent at the male-run agency when she joined from Jeff Berg‘s defunct Resolution, according to documents filed last Thursday in Los Angeles Superior.
- 4/21/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Jim Seibel and Bill Johnson will commence sales in Cannes on the Starz original TV series adaptation starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Olga Kurylenko, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Danny Huston, and Kelly Lynch.
Len Blavatnik of AI Film, Brett Ratner of RatPac, Gerry Schwartz of Onex Corporation and Jacky Bibliowicz will produce and finance.
Steve Bing of Shangri-La Entertainment, Alan J Helene and Mitch Glazer produce. CAA represents Us rights with Jeff Berg.
Magic City was originally introduced by Qed International at Afm and takes place in 1962 Miami as a powerful Miami Beach hotel owner fights the mob, CIA and Cuban mercenaries.
Production is scheduled to begin in August.
Lotus Entertainment’s slate includes: Sacha Gervasi’s November Criminals with Chloë Grace Moretz and Ansel Elgort; Xavier Gens’ thriller The Crucifixion; Shekhar Kapur’s adventure Tiger’s Curse; and Tanya Wexler’s Replicas starring Keanu Reeves.
The company is in post on Luis Prieto’s Kidnap starring [link=nm...
Len Blavatnik of AI Film, Brett Ratner of RatPac, Gerry Schwartz of Onex Corporation and Jacky Bibliowicz will produce and finance.
Steve Bing of Shangri-La Entertainment, Alan J Helene and Mitch Glazer produce. CAA represents Us rights with Jeff Berg.
Magic City was originally introduced by Qed International at Afm and takes place in 1962 Miami as a powerful Miami Beach hotel owner fights the mob, CIA and Cuban mercenaries.
Production is scheduled to begin in August.
Lotus Entertainment’s slate includes: Sacha Gervasi’s November Criminals with Chloë Grace Moretz and Ansel Elgort; Xavier Gens’ thriller The Crucifixion; Shekhar Kapur’s adventure Tiger’s Curse; and Tanya Wexler’s Replicas starring Keanu Reeves.
The company is in post on Luis Prieto’s Kidnap starring [link=nm...
- 5/1/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Five CAA agents -- Jason Heyman, Martin Lesak, Greg Cavic, Nick Nuciforo and Gregory McKnight -- have resigned in order to join UTA as partners. The move is a major shake-up in the agency world and is said to be the biggest defection since Ari Emanuel, Rick Rosen, Tom Strickler, and David Greenblatt left ICM to start the Endeavor Talent Agency. In the latter case, the planned defection was discovered by ICM's chairman Jeff Berg. It is unclear how long this exodus had been in the works. “Jason, Marty, Gregory, Greg and Nick are among the most respected agents in our industry,” said UTA managing directors David Kramer, Jay Sures
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- 3/31/2015
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Wme has signed Oscar-nominated, Emmy- and Tony-winning multi-hyphenate Julie Taymor. Her screen credits range from Frida to Across The Universe, Titus and The Tempest, and her stage work includes The Lion King and Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. She is now preparing to direct Anne Hathaway off-Broadway in Grounded, which opens at the Public in April. Taymor had been a longtime client of Jeff Berg. With all the talk about a paucity of bold female directors…...
- 3/4/2015
- Deadline
Emmy nominated director Neil Marshall (Game Of Thrones) and his longtime agent Marc Helwig have formed a TV/film production company, Applebox Entertainment, which has signed a two-year overall deal with Legendary TV. The English-born duo will develop scripted dramas with focus on elevated genre fare and projects with worldwide appeal. Helwig had been Marshall’s agent for 16 years, first in London, then at ICM and most recently at Jeff Berg's Resolution. When that company…...
- 2/18/2015
- Deadline TV
The first rule of China is you don’t talk about China. Unless, of course, you live in Hollywood, in which case all you do is talk about China as execs find themselves in the midst of a historic shift in the global balance of power.
After more than a century, the studios are no longer the senior partner at the table, able to dictate terms at will, at least with respect to what will soon be the world’s largest single theatrical market. China’s box office, which annually grows at a rate of about 30%, is expected to border on $5B this year as local and Hollywood films share (government regulated) space on 18,000+ screens across a country of 1.3 billion people. The Middle Kingdom box office growth is even more profound when compared to the relatively static movement in the North American market. It is unprecedented for studio execs to...
After more than a century, the studios are no longer the senior partner at the table, able to dictate terms at will, at least with respect to what will soon be the world’s largest single theatrical market. China’s box office, which annually grows at a rate of about 30%, is expected to border on $5B this year as local and Hollywood films share (government regulated) space on 18,000+ screens across a country of 1.3 billion people. The Middle Kingdom box office growth is even more profound when compared to the relatively static movement in the North American market. It is unprecedented for studio execs to...
- 11/28/2014
- by Ali Jaafar and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Olga Kurylenko, Danny Huston and Kelly Lynch will star in the adaptation that Qed will introduce at Afm.
Len Blavatnik of AI Film, Brett Ratner of RatPac and Gerry Schwartz of Onex Corporation will produce and finance with Steve Bing of Shangri-La Entertainment, Alan J Helene and Glazer producing.
Mitch Glazer, who created the Starz drama series, will write and direct the 1962-set tale of a Miami Beach hotel owner fighting to succeed against a backdrop of gangsters, hoteliers, spies and socialites.
Glazer most recently wrote and produced with Qed the upcoming 2015 release Rock The Kasbah. He previously directed Passion Play and has written such films as Scrooged, The Recruit and Great Expectations.
“Mitch is a fantastic creative partner and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him again,” said Qed CEO Bill Block. “We loved Magic City the series and know that with Mitch’s sensational script and this outstanding...
Len Blavatnik of AI Film, Brett Ratner of RatPac and Gerry Schwartz of Onex Corporation will produce and finance with Steve Bing of Shangri-La Entertainment, Alan J Helene and Glazer producing.
Mitch Glazer, who created the Starz drama series, will write and direct the 1962-set tale of a Miami Beach hotel owner fighting to succeed against a backdrop of gangsters, hoteliers, spies and socialites.
Glazer most recently wrote and produced with Qed the upcoming 2015 release Rock The Kasbah. He previously directed Passion Play and has written such films as Scrooged, The Recruit and Great Expectations.
“Mitch is a fantastic creative partner and we’re thrilled to collaborate with him again,” said Qed CEO Bill Block. “We loved Magic City the series and know that with Mitch’s sensational script and this outstanding...
- 10/31/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
It’s almost impossible to top either film clips or Mel Brooks at an event, which is probably why the organizers behind Paul Mazursky’s memorial Sept. 5 at the Writers Guild Theater wisely saved them for last. The 84 year-old actor/writer/director died of cardiac arrest June 30 at La’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The late afternoon/early evening tribute and reception was emceed by Sam Wasson, the author of the 2011 book Paul on Mazursky, who spoke to a crowd of roughly 300 that included Buck Henry, Elliott Gould, Hawk Koch, Jeff Berg, Ed Begley Jr., Nick Nolte, Jeff Garlin, Jerry
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- 9/6/2014
- by Bill Higgins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don't Look, a new feature length horror film that was successfully crowdfunded by over 500 backers from across the country, began shooting on location last week in Berks County, Pa, and we have more details plus a few behind-the-scenes photos.
From the Press Release:
Don't Look, the story of five friends, an inherited farm, a secret past, and a bloody wrath, is being filmed on location on a 100-acre farm in Robeson Township, Pennsylvania.
The location includes a lake, boathouse, forest, cornfields, apple orchards, cow pasture, century-old cabins, barns, and other facilities that help frame the frightening story.
Produced by Enuff Productions, Inc., Don't Look is directed by Bryan Killay. The project has assembled a strong production and acting crew from New York, Los Angeles, and the Pennsylvania area. The film stars Bella Plotkin, Lindsay Difulvio, Luciana Faulhaber, Jeff Berg, Curtis K. Case, and Javier E. Gomez.
The executive producers are Jessica Boucher,...
From the Press Release:
Don't Look, the story of five friends, an inherited farm, a secret past, and a bloody wrath, is being filmed on location on a 100-acre farm in Robeson Township, Pennsylvania.
The location includes a lake, boathouse, forest, cornfields, apple orchards, cow pasture, century-old cabins, barns, and other facilities that help frame the frightening story.
Produced by Enuff Productions, Inc., Don't Look is directed by Bryan Killay. The project has assembled a strong production and acting crew from New York, Los Angeles, and the Pennsylvania area. The film stars Bella Plotkin, Lindsay Difulvio, Luciana Faulhaber, Jeff Berg, Curtis K. Case, and Javier E. Gomez.
The executive producers are Jessica Boucher,...
- 5/12/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
Knowing that the Latino community is a pivotal element for its success today, Hollywood has finally adapted open spaces for content and talent that speak directly to an underrepresented sector of the population. However, despite the current outpouring of interest, this was not always the case. Only a few decades ago the Latino market consisted of a few individuals trying to bring attention to projects, actors, and filmmakers that could connect with people that rarely saw their stories on the screen. One of those pioneers was Isabel Echeverry who, through her unceasing efforts, has managed to make a success out of meeting the developing need for Latino talent in both film and advertising.
Together with her business partner Erika Olmos, who is known for her work in different facets of the film industry, Echeverry merged her company, Kontakto Rep with the Olmos Talent Management, forming what is now Olmos Kontakto. This unique new venture aims to provide support and representation to Latino talent working in all aspects of the business. Both powerhouse women saw the potential of the Latino market long before it became a consistent part of the entertainment industry. They share a particular perspective on the ins-and-out of how to create a successful career out of one’s passion.
Echeverry believes dreams are still attainable in Hollywood today when the dreamer is provided with the adequate tools. That’s what Olmos Kontakto wants to do, to offer that support and expose hidden Latino talent to an industry and audiences eager for new and innovative works.
Here is what Isabel Echeverry told us about her journey and this new fantastic project:
Aguilar: How did you get started in the entertainment industry, and how did Olmos Kontakto come about?
Isabel Echeverry: I started out about thirteen years ago working at ICM for Jeff Berg, as an agent trainee, and while I was there I offered the idea of starting the Latin American department. At the time Jennifer Lopez had just done Selena, and it was a big hit of course. They were kind of interested, but really it was too early. Thirteen years ago the Latin market was just starting in terms of people being interested in the power of the Latinos, etc. I remember bringing Sofía Vergara and they passed on her, so funny [Laughs]. After three years at ICM, I left to work with Reber Covington who represents directors in the general market for advertising and production company editors among others. While I was there they said, “Look we have one director who is Colombian, Simon Brand. Since you speak Spanish, why don’t you see if you can start him at Dieste? Dieste was the only company back then that was big in terms of productions for advertising. It was the only company that general production companies also would go after. So I started selling him, and that’s how I started with the Latin market as it grew.
In my six years at Reber Covington I created the successful Hispanic division. Everybody wanted me to represent them, all the general market companies and the Latino companies alike. It was amazing! Then, five years ago I went on my own and created Kontakto Reps., which had been a huge success. I moved back to Miami where I had my three babies, then came back here in June of last year because I have a script, a personal story, that I want to get off the ground. So I thought “I have to be in L.A for this. This is were the whole market for film is” The advertising part of my job I could do from anywhere, but for film you have to be in L.A. My script is actually at CAA right now, I’m very happy.
I always wanted to expand the focus on getting Latinos into film, like I originally did at ICM. So I started asking people in the industry that are Latinos, “Who do you think that I could partner with? I want to expand and invest into a company that is Latino focused and has talent.” Therefore, it was perfect to meet Erika Olmos because she had a wealth of around 25 great actors and actresses; she was also starting with Asher - a project in pre-production right now - so it was a great fit. We get along great and it has been a great success ever since we merged. We named our company Olmos Kontakto. She focuses more on the day-to-day management aspect for the actors, and I continue focusing on the advertising side: directors, editors, etc. We are fully immersed in everything that is Latino, both in Hollywood and in advertising in the U.S.
We have these two great companies and we benefit from each other with our projects. For example, recently one of my clients was shooting a commercial and he said, “I need a Latin actress”. We sent him an actress for casting and he booked her. That works as a vice-versa situation with anything anybody might need. Our main focus is to get people to think of Olmos Kontakto whenever they think about anything Latino.
Aguilar: What do you think has allowed the Latino market to evolve into the highly profitable industry it is today?
Isabel Echeverry: The population has grown, so it is really about the numbers. There are over 50 million Latinos in the U.S. and the number is growing. It has also changed creatively because of the power of the Latino audience who access content in different platforms and have the discretionary spending money to buy tickets and products. All these demographics have affected the investment in brands for this market. Everybody wants to invest in this market right now. There is more money, and both the quality and the demand have increased. There is an awareness of the power of Latinos and what they can offer the general market creatively. It is really powerful!
Aguilar: I understand your focus is on Latino talent here in the U.S. Are there any plans to expand into representing talent from their native countries?
Isabel Echeverry: It is very important that our talent speaks English, like you and I; we are bilingual. That’s who we are. If they do speak English, and we meet them on a trip or someone recommends them, and of course, if they have what it takes, of course we are open. For example, I was in Miami and one of our Venezuelan editors introduced me to an actor. I met him and spoke to him in English, and he is perfect, so we are going to represent him out of L.A. but will find him work in Miami as well. We are going to send him to auditions; we’ll get him an agent and get him working. It is possible to do this anywhere in the U.S. with any Latin talent. There is another actress who lives in Uruguay right now; she wants to move to L.A, and we really believe in her so we are sponsoring her. This is something we will consider case by case, but we are committed. If we see the talent and we believe we can get them a job, we will do anything to help them establish themselves. We really want to help people fulfill their dreams.
Since we started our company we’ve booked three series regulars, that’s very big. The last one was Octavio Pisano, who has a Mexican background. He just booked a series regular job on Tyler Perry’s new TV show. Then two other Mexican-American actors have just booked roles for several seasons in Hulu’s East Los High.
Aguilar: Can you tell us about the current projects being developed through Olmos Kontakto?
Isabel Echeverry: We have a TV project slate and we have a feature slate. On the feature site we have about eight projects that are in the creative development stage. One of them is Asher, directed by Francisco Ordonez, which is getting ready to shoot in New York. We have the funding in place, Danny Glover, Mekhi Phifer, and others are attached to the project.
Then we have Allegro, my personal story. I hired Michael Gottlieb, the director of Mannequin and he has been mentoring me. He sat down with me for five months and showed me how to write the script. It’s about “brujeria” (witchcraft),which is a very Latino subject. It’s now at CAA and they loved it. They sent me a list of writers that they are considering to polish the script, and then they will attach an actress and a director. Lastly, we have Chasing Rubi, which is about Porfirio Rubiosa, a diplomat from the Dominican Republic who was also known for being a playboy. We have a file from the FBI and information on his case, so it’s going to be a really interesting story. That will be a bigger budgeted film.
In terms of TV we have a few unscripted reality shows. One of them is I Am Genie. We have attached Richard Devinki, a producer who worked on The Apprentice. We're moving a lot, there is so much happening. We are overwhelmed with how our company has become a big success so quickly because of the buzz. People are reaching out to us, which is amazing!
Aguilar: Is there anything else about this new venture you would like to share?
Isabel Echeverry: Here is what I want to share. We want to be a bridge or pathway to anyone in the Latino community who has a project and who is talented. It’s a very a hard business to get into. We have the contacts; we know what it takes for anyone to be a director in commercials, in features, an editor, effects, color correction, a writer, actors who want to get their careers to where they need to be, and also anyone needing help with creative development. We have a lot of talent and projects that come to us, but my main focus is offering people an amazing opportunity. That’s really what I love to do; I love making people’s dreams come true. Since I was sixteen when I got into this business to pursue my own acting career (and it was very hard), I have done everything. I have worked at agencies, I have worked as an assistant, I was acting, and I learned the hard way. I’m here to offer people my knowledge. This is my way of giving back.
For more information on Olmos Kontakto you can visit Here...
Together with her business partner Erika Olmos, who is known for her work in different facets of the film industry, Echeverry merged her company, Kontakto Rep with the Olmos Talent Management, forming what is now Olmos Kontakto. This unique new venture aims to provide support and representation to Latino talent working in all aspects of the business. Both powerhouse women saw the potential of the Latino market long before it became a consistent part of the entertainment industry. They share a particular perspective on the ins-and-out of how to create a successful career out of one’s passion.
Echeverry believes dreams are still attainable in Hollywood today when the dreamer is provided with the adequate tools. That’s what Olmos Kontakto wants to do, to offer that support and expose hidden Latino talent to an industry and audiences eager for new and innovative works.
Here is what Isabel Echeverry told us about her journey and this new fantastic project:
Aguilar: How did you get started in the entertainment industry, and how did Olmos Kontakto come about?
Isabel Echeverry: I started out about thirteen years ago working at ICM for Jeff Berg, as an agent trainee, and while I was there I offered the idea of starting the Latin American department. At the time Jennifer Lopez had just done Selena, and it was a big hit of course. They were kind of interested, but really it was too early. Thirteen years ago the Latin market was just starting in terms of people being interested in the power of the Latinos, etc. I remember bringing Sofía Vergara and they passed on her, so funny [Laughs]. After three years at ICM, I left to work with Reber Covington who represents directors in the general market for advertising and production company editors among others. While I was there they said, “Look we have one director who is Colombian, Simon Brand. Since you speak Spanish, why don’t you see if you can start him at Dieste? Dieste was the only company back then that was big in terms of productions for advertising. It was the only company that general production companies also would go after. So I started selling him, and that’s how I started with the Latin market as it grew.
In my six years at Reber Covington I created the successful Hispanic division. Everybody wanted me to represent them, all the general market companies and the Latino companies alike. It was amazing! Then, five years ago I went on my own and created Kontakto Reps., which had been a huge success. I moved back to Miami where I had my three babies, then came back here in June of last year because I have a script, a personal story, that I want to get off the ground. So I thought “I have to be in L.A for this. This is were the whole market for film is” The advertising part of my job I could do from anywhere, but for film you have to be in L.A. My script is actually at CAA right now, I’m very happy.
I always wanted to expand the focus on getting Latinos into film, like I originally did at ICM. So I started asking people in the industry that are Latinos, “Who do you think that I could partner with? I want to expand and invest into a company that is Latino focused and has talent.” Therefore, it was perfect to meet Erika Olmos because she had a wealth of around 25 great actors and actresses; she was also starting with Asher - a project in pre-production right now - so it was a great fit. We get along great and it has been a great success ever since we merged. We named our company Olmos Kontakto. She focuses more on the day-to-day management aspect for the actors, and I continue focusing on the advertising side: directors, editors, etc. We are fully immersed in everything that is Latino, both in Hollywood and in advertising in the U.S.
We have these two great companies and we benefit from each other with our projects. For example, recently one of my clients was shooting a commercial and he said, “I need a Latin actress”. We sent him an actress for casting and he booked her. That works as a vice-versa situation with anything anybody might need. Our main focus is to get people to think of Olmos Kontakto whenever they think about anything Latino.
Aguilar: What do you think has allowed the Latino market to evolve into the highly profitable industry it is today?
Isabel Echeverry: The population has grown, so it is really about the numbers. There are over 50 million Latinos in the U.S. and the number is growing. It has also changed creatively because of the power of the Latino audience who access content in different platforms and have the discretionary spending money to buy tickets and products. All these demographics have affected the investment in brands for this market. Everybody wants to invest in this market right now. There is more money, and both the quality and the demand have increased. There is an awareness of the power of Latinos and what they can offer the general market creatively. It is really powerful!
Aguilar: I understand your focus is on Latino talent here in the U.S. Are there any plans to expand into representing talent from their native countries?
Isabel Echeverry: It is very important that our talent speaks English, like you and I; we are bilingual. That’s who we are. If they do speak English, and we meet them on a trip or someone recommends them, and of course, if they have what it takes, of course we are open. For example, I was in Miami and one of our Venezuelan editors introduced me to an actor. I met him and spoke to him in English, and he is perfect, so we are going to represent him out of L.A. but will find him work in Miami as well. We are going to send him to auditions; we’ll get him an agent and get him working. It is possible to do this anywhere in the U.S. with any Latin talent. There is another actress who lives in Uruguay right now; she wants to move to L.A, and we really believe in her so we are sponsoring her. This is something we will consider case by case, but we are committed. If we see the talent and we believe we can get them a job, we will do anything to help them establish themselves. We really want to help people fulfill their dreams.
Since we started our company we’ve booked three series regulars, that’s very big. The last one was Octavio Pisano, who has a Mexican background. He just booked a series regular job on Tyler Perry’s new TV show. Then two other Mexican-American actors have just booked roles for several seasons in Hulu’s East Los High.
Aguilar: Can you tell us about the current projects being developed through Olmos Kontakto?
Isabel Echeverry: We have a TV project slate and we have a feature slate. On the feature site we have about eight projects that are in the creative development stage. One of them is Asher, directed by Francisco Ordonez, which is getting ready to shoot in New York. We have the funding in place, Danny Glover, Mekhi Phifer, and others are attached to the project.
Then we have Allegro, my personal story. I hired Michael Gottlieb, the director of Mannequin and he has been mentoring me. He sat down with me for five months and showed me how to write the script. It’s about “brujeria” (witchcraft),which is a very Latino subject. It’s now at CAA and they loved it. They sent me a list of writers that they are considering to polish the script, and then they will attach an actress and a director. Lastly, we have Chasing Rubi, which is about Porfirio Rubiosa, a diplomat from the Dominican Republic who was also known for being a playboy. We have a file from the FBI and information on his case, so it’s going to be a really interesting story. That will be a bigger budgeted film.
In terms of TV we have a few unscripted reality shows. One of them is I Am Genie. We have attached Richard Devinki, a producer who worked on The Apprentice. We're moving a lot, there is so much happening. We are overwhelmed with how our company has become a big success so quickly because of the buzz. People are reaching out to us, which is amazing!
Aguilar: Is there anything else about this new venture you would like to share?
Isabel Echeverry: Here is what I want to share. We want to be a bridge or pathway to anyone in the Latino community who has a project and who is talented. It’s a very a hard business to get into. We have the contacts; we know what it takes for anyone to be a director in commercials, in features, an editor, effects, color correction, a writer, actors who want to get their careers to where they need to be, and also anyone needing help with creative development. We have a lot of talent and projects that come to us, but my main focus is offering people an amazing opportunity. That’s really what I love to do; I love making people’s dreams come true. Since I was sixteen when I got into this business to pursue my own acting career (and it was very hard), I have done everything. I have worked at agencies, I have worked as an assistant, I was acting, and I learned the hard way. I’m here to offer people my knowledge. This is my way of giving back.
For more information on Olmos Kontakto you can visit Here...
- 5/7/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
All weekend long, the stars stepped out to countless glittering events celebrating the Oscars. The Hollywood Reporter was on hand at all of the A-list bashes around town. Find notes from inside the action below. Photos: Photos: Oscars 2014 Red Carpet Arrivals Sunday, March 2 The Vanity Fair Party 10:52 p.m. Paul Rudd laughing with Martin Short just inside the Vanity Fair party. Graydon Carter chatting with Bob Iger and Willow Bay. Robert Towne bends Jeff Berg's ear as Donatella Versace, Barry Diller, Glenn Close, Annie Leibovitz, Reese Witherspoon, U2's The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. congregate nearby. 11:01
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- 2/28/2014
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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