The sophisticated Beatles fan can sometimes tell which Beatle wrote which song just by listening to it. The Beatles’ “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da” doesn’t sound like it was written by John Lennon and it wasn’t. However, Paul McCartney said John was behind one of the most important parts of the song. Here’s why that matters.
The Beatles’ ‘Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da’ broke a stereotype
One of the major stereotypes surrounding The Beatles is that John was behind the darker or more experimental tunes while Paul wrote sentimental pop tunes. This theory is not without evidence. After all, Paul was the writer behind “The Long and Winding Road,” “Blackbird,” and “And I Love Her,” while John gave us “Revolution 9,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “Across the Universe.” However, there are exceptions to every rule, such as when John added a key component to “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da.”
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now,...
The Beatles’ ‘Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da’ broke a stereotype
One of the major stereotypes surrounding The Beatles is that John was behind the darker or more experimental tunes while Paul wrote sentimental pop tunes. This theory is not without evidence. After all, Paul was the writer behind “The Long and Winding Road,” “Blackbird,” and “And I Love Her,” while John gave us “Revolution 9,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “Across the Universe.” However, there are exceptions to every rule, such as when John added a key component to “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da.”
In the 1997 book Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
2024 marks 20 years since Ubisoft’s Far Cry series entered the fray. The franchise’s memorable antagonists were one of the key ingredients to its success. Each game boasts a unique villain, from Far Cry 4‘s ruthlessly charming Pagan Min to the fanatical Seed family of Far Cry 5. Ubisoft has consistently delivered captivating villains in its Far Cry games, but how have they fared over the years? And with two new Far Cry projects on the horizon, which prior villain should they strive to surpass? We take a look back at every Far Cry antagonist, and see who comes out on top.
SUGGESTEDFar Cry Project Maverick and Blackbird: Everything We Know So Far – Gameplay to Release Date
8. Dr. Krieger (Far Cry) Dr. Krieger in Far Cry
Even if you could forgive Dr. Krieger for the clichéd “mad German scientist” trope on account of it being the very first game, he still manages to fall flat.
SUGGESTEDFar Cry Project Maverick and Blackbird: Everything We Know So Far – Gameplay to Release Date
8. Dr. Krieger (Far Cry) Dr. Krieger in Far Cry
Even if you could forgive Dr. Krieger for the clichéd “mad German scientist” trope on account of it being the very first game, he still manages to fall flat.
- 2/25/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
The Far Cry franchise is a core pillar of Ubisoft’s library, but it’s fallen flat in recent years. 2021’s Far Cry 6 was commercially successful, but critically mixed. The series faces mounting (and valid) criticism from fans and critics alike, pointing out the monotony of Ubisoft’s open-world formula, which is more or less unchanged since Far Cry 3.
A change of course for Far Cry is undeniably necessary, and potential solutions may be brewing in the form of two rumored projects currently in active development at Ubisoft Montreal. These projects could offer the refresh the franchise desperately needs.
Suggested“Ubisoft has become the king of the bargain bin”: After Skull and Bones’ Launch, Fans Are Picking Apart the Recent Ubisoft Library, From Assassin’s Creed to Watch Dogs
Project Maverick: Departure From The Norm?
Far Cry 5 in-game screenshot
Details about Project Maverick are currently scarce, but rumors suggest it...
A change of course for Far Cry is undeniably necessary, and potential solutions may be brewing in the form of two rumored projects currently in active development at Ubisoft Montreal. These projects could offer the refresh the franchise desperately needs.
Suggested“Ubisoft has become the king of the bargain bin”: After Skull and Bones’ Launch, Fans Are Picking Apart the Recent Ubisoft Library, From Assassin’s Creed to Watch Dogs
Project Maverick: Departure From The Norm?
Far Cry 5 in-game screenshot
Details about Project Maverick are currently scarce, but rumors suggest it...
- 2/24/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
Neon Intl. has added to its growing EFM slate with Jason Buxton’s “Sharp Corner,” starring Ben Foster and Cobie Smulders. The company, launched last year as the sales arm of Neon, will launch the project in Berlin.
The under-the-radar feature, now in post-production, is based on the short story from Russell Wangersky’s Giller Prize-shortlisted collection “Whirl Away,” and marks Buxton’s follow up to his debut film, 2012’s ”Blackbird,” which won the best first feature in Toronto and picked up the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes Écrans Juniors.
“Sharp Corner” follows a dedicated family man who becomes obsessed with saving the lives of the car accident victims on the sharp corner in front of his house — an obsession that could cost him everything.
The film, a Canadian-Irish co-production, is produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, Screen Nova Scotia, Ontario Creates and in association with Bell Media/Crave.
The under-the-radar feature, now in post-production, is based on the short story from Russell Wangersky’s Giller Prize-shortlisted collection “Whirl Away,” and marks Buxton’s follow up to his debut film, 2012’s ”Blackbird,” which won the best first feature in Toronto and picked up the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes Écrans Juniors.
“Sharp Corner” follows a dedicated family man who becomes obsessed with saving the lives of the car accident victims on the sharp corner in front of his house — an obsession that could cost him everything.
The film, a Canadian-Irish co-production, is produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, Screen Nova Scotia, Ontario Creates and in association with Bell Media/Crave.
- 2/14/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Blackbird Lands In Osaka
The Osaka Asian Film Festival has added eight more titles to its line-up, including the award-winning Georgian drama “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry,” which will play in competition.
Elene Naveriani’s “Blackbird,” about a middle-aged woman’s relationship decision, has had wide festival play in Europe and earned multiple prizes for lead actor Eka Chavleishvili.
Other additions are Cambodian directing duo Inrasothythep Neth and Sokyou Chea’s “Tenement”; the world premiere of Hong Kong director Ricky Ko’s “Out of the Shadow”; “Supposed,” by Thanakorn Pongsuwan and “Death Whisperer,” by Taweewat Wantha, which expand the festival’s selection of Thai films to eight; and “The Winter of 1905,” a 1981 film by Hong Kong director Yu Wei-Cheng, which joins the Taiwan: Movies on the Move 2024 special section.
Other revival inclusions are: the 4K restored director’s cut of Patrick Tam’s 1982 Hong Kong movie “Nomad” and “240 Hours in One Day,...
The Osaka Asian Film Festival has added eight more titles to its line-up, including the award-winning Georgian drama “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry,” which will play in competition.
Elene Naveriani’s “Blackbird,” about a middle-aged woman’s relationship decision, has had wide festival play in Europe and earned multiple prizes for lead actor Eka Chavleishvili.
Other additions are Cambodian directing duo Inrasothythep Neth and Sokyou Chea’s “Tenement”; the world premiere of Hong Kong director Ricky Ko’s “Out of the Shadow”; “Supposed,” by Thanakorn Pongsuwan and “Death Whisperer,” by Taweewat Wantha, which expand the festival’s selection of Thai films to eight; and “The Winter of 1905,” a 1981 film by Hong Kong director Yu Wei-Cheng, which joins the Taiwan: Movies on the Move 2024 special section.
Other revival inclusions are: the 4K restored director’s cut of Patrick Tam’s 1982 Hong Kong movie “Nomad” and “240 Hours in One Day,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
It’s not as if New Orleans necessarily needs to gift the world any more culture than it already has. But the birthplace of jazz music, Gullah cuisine and writers ranging from Anne Rice to John Kennedy Toole is quickly becoming—in addition to its many other virtues—something of an indie film hotspot. From platforming local creators to providing a can’t-miss stop along the international auteur circuit, Nola’s film festival scene is in the middle of an epic flex.
Chief among these, the city’s namesake New Orleans Film Festival has been bringing the best independent cinema to the ochre shores of the Mississippi River since 1989. This week, Film Independent’s Festival Visions series—our ongoing spotlight of the best programming picks from regional and specialty festivals nationwide—continues, with an online showing of the Lgbtqia+ short documentary House of Tulip, screening online and for free, July...
Chief among these, the city’s namesake New Orleans Film Festival has been bringing the best independent cinema to the ochre shores of the Mississippi River since 1989. This week, Film Independent’s Festival Visions series—our ongoing spotlight of the best programming picks from regional and specialty festivals nationwide—continues, with an online showing of the Lgbtqia+ short documentary House of Tulip, screening online and for free, July...
- 7/25/2023
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
Tl;Dr:
Neil Diamond said The Beatles had a huge impact on how songwriters were treated. He said The Monkees changed his career as well. Diamond sang a medley of The Beatles’ tracks “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End.”
Neil Diamond said The Beatles helped give him a career. Notably, he wrote a massive hit for a band inspired by The Beatles. In addition, he put his own spin on several Beatles songs.
Neil Diamond was able to give The Monkees his song ‘I’m a Believer’ because of The Beatles
Diamond wrote The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” During a 2023 interview with NPR, Diamond said this came about because of his tune “Cherry, Cherry.” “And because of that hit, the people who were producing The Monkees called and said, we like ‘Cherry, Cherry,'” he said. “‘Do you have any other songs?'” He then gave them “I’m a Believer.
Neil Diamond said The Beatles had a huge impact on how songwriters were treated. He said The Monkees changed his career as well. Diamond sang a medley of The Beatles’ tracks “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End.”
Neil Diamond said The Beatles helped give him a career. Notably, he wrote a massive hit for a band inspired by The Beatles. In addition, he put his own spin on several Beatles songs.
Neil Diamond was able to give The Monkees his song ‘I’m a Believer’ because of The Beatles
Diamond wrote The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” During a 2023 interview with NPR, Diamond said this came about because of his tune “Cherry, Cherry.” “And because of that hit, the people who were producing The Monkees called and said, we like ‘Cherry, Cherry,'” he said. “‘Do you have any other songs?'” He then gave them “I’m a Believer.
- 7/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The nominations for the 75th Emmy Awards were announced on Wednesday with “Succession” and HBO leading the pack.
Accounting for total Emmys, “Succession” scored 27 nominations, five of which were in major categories. That was then followed by “The Last of Us,” which scored 24 noms, “The White Lotus” with 23, “Barry” with 11 and “House of the Dragon” with eight. “Being Mary Tyler Moore,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “The Other Two,” “100 Foot Wave,” “Moonage Daydream,” “Love and Death” and “Perry Mason” also received nominations, bringing the network’s total nominations up to 127.
On the drama side of things, “Succession,” “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” stand as the most-nominated frontrunners. For comedies, Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” led the pack with 21 nominations followed by Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (14) and FX’s “The Bear” (13). Finally, Netflix dominated the Limited Series category. Both...
Accounting for total Emmys, “Succession” scored 27 nominations, five of which were in major categories. That was then followed by “The Last of Us,” which scored 24 noms, “The White Lotus” with 23, “Barry” with 11 and “House of the Dragon” with eight. “Being Mary Tyler Moore,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “The Other Two,” “100 Foot Wave,” “Moonage Daydream,” “Love and Death” and “Perry Mason” also received nominations, bringing the network’s total nominations up to 127.
On the drama side of things, “Succession,” “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” stand as the most-nominated frontrunners. For comedies, Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” led the pack with 21 nominations followed by Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (14) and FX’s “The Bear” (13). Finally, Netflix dominated the Limited Series category. Both...
- 7/12/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Rainn Wilson is opening up about his mental health during the years he was filming The Office.
The actor who gave life to Dwight Schrute throughout the nine seasons of the U.S. remake of the British sitcom created by Ricky Gervais was on the Bill Maher podcast Club Random where he revealed that being on the show felt like “wasn’t enough” to him professionally.
“When I was in The Office, I spent several years really mostly unhappy because it wasn’t enough,” Wilson said.
He added, “I’m on one of the great TV shows. People love it. I wasn’t enjoying it. I was thinking about, ‘Why am I not a movie star? Why am I not the next Jack Black or the next Will Ferrell? How come I can’t have a movie career? Why don’t I have this development deal?'”
Wilson noted that...
The actor who gave life to Dwight Schrute throughout the nine seasons of the U.S. remake of the British sitcom created by Ricky Gervais was on the Bill Maher podcast Club Random where he revealed that being on the show felt like “wasn’t enough” to him professionally.
“When I was in The Office, I spent several years really mostly unhappy because it wasn’t enough,” Wilson said.
He added, “I’m on one of the great TV shows. People love it. I wasn’t enjoying it. I was thinking about, ‘Why am I not a movie star? Why am I not the next Jack Black or the next Will Ferrell? How come I can’t have a movie career? Why don’t I have this development deal?'”
Wilson noted that...
- 7/11/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
When Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels thinks of those who inspired him, Patrik-Ian Polk easily comes to mind.
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
- 6/14/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Beatles often experimented with recording techniques to improve their sound. However, the band never perfected the new music technologies that were emerging then, leading to some sloppy versions of their songs. One Beatles song, in particular, got “destroyed” by the constant tampering of it, according to John Lennon.
John Lennon said ‘Revolution’ got ‘destroyed’ by a change in speed The Beatles | Santi Visalli/Getty Images
“Revolution” was released in 1968 as the B-side to “Hey Jude.” While the song got Lennon’s political views out there, it wasn’t the version he liked. The track has been released multiple times with different variations. “Revolution 1” was recorded before the official release and is noticeably slower. Paul McCartney and George Harrison believed “Revolution 1” was too slow to be a single, so they released a faster version.
In a 1974 interview for New York’s Wnew-FM, Lennon acknowledged many differences between stereo and...
John Lennon said ‘Revolution’ got ‘destroyed’ by a change in speed The Beatles | Santi Visalli/Getty Images
“Revolution” was released in 1968 as the B-side to “Hey Jude.” While the song got Lennon’s political views out there, it wasn’t the version he liked. The track has been released multiple times with different variations. “Revolution 1” was recorded before the official release and is noticeably slower. Paul McCartney and George Harrison believed “Revolution 1” was too slow to be a single, so they released a faster version.
In a 1974 interview for New York’s Wnew-FM, Lennon acknowledged many differences between stereo and...
- 6/10/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Text written on June 6, 2023 by Jean-Marc Thérouanne
Asia in the juries :
Franco-Afghan writer and director Atiq Rahimi was the only Asian member of the prestigious jury at the 76th Cannes Film Festival
Fench-Cambodian director Davy Chou was the only Asia-related member of the Un Certain Regard jury
Davy Chou
Shlomi Elkabetz was the only member of the short film jury and the Cinef with a connection to geographical Asia.
Asia in the selections:
Asia, from the Near to the Far East, was present with 31 features and 13 shorts in all the official and parallel sections of the 76th Cannes Film Festival.
In compétition :
– China: Youth (Spring) by Wang Bing
– Japan: Monster by Kore-eda Hirokazu,
Kim Dong-ho, Hirokazu Koreeda
– Turkey: About Dry Grasses by Nuri Bilge Ceylan,
and The Pot-au-feu by French-Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung and Wim Wenders' Perfect Days, set in Japan.
Out of compétition :
– Korea: Cobweb by Kim Jee-won,...
Asia in the juries :
Franco-Afghan writer and director Atiq Rahimi was the only Asian member of the prestigious jury at the 76th Cannes Film Festival
Fench-Cambodian director Davy Chou was the only Asia-related member of the Un Certain Regard jury
Davy Chou
Shlomi Elkabetz was the only member of the short film jury and the Cinef with a connection to geographical Asia.
Asia in the selections:
Asia, from the Near to the Far East, was present with 31 features and 13 shorts in all the official and parallel sections of the 76th Cannes Film Festival.
In compétition :
– China: Youth (Spring) by Wang Bing
– Japan: Monster by Kore-eda Hirokazu,
Kim Dong-ho, Hirokazu Koreeda
– Turkey: About Dry Grasses by Nuri Bilge Ceylan,
and The Pot-au-feu by French-Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hung and Wim Wenders' Perfect Days, set in Japan.
Out of compétition :
– Korea: Cobweb by Kim Jee-won,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Charles Manson and other members of the Manson Family were obsessed with The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Lyrics of the song may have inspired the Manson Family’s actions. Paul McCartney said The Beatles’ “Blackbird” was supposed to be uplifting. The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer
Charles Manson felt The Beatles‘ “Blackbird” was supposed to encourage violence. It was one of several songs from the same Beatles album that intrigued the cult leader. Subsequently, Paul McCartney revealed that Manson partly understood one aspect of “Blackbird.”
Charles Manson thought The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ was about a coming race war
Members of the Manson Family infamously obsessed with The White Album. According to the book Helter Skelter, they were particularly fixated on five tunes from the record: “Piggies,” “Helter Skelter,” “Revolution 1,” “Revolution 9,” and “Blackbird.”
Manson felt a race war between Black and white Americans was on the horizon. He thought The Beatles were using the song “Blackbird” to encourage the war.
Charles Manson felt The Beatles‘ “Blackbird” was supposed to encourage violence. It was one of several songs from the same Beatles album that intrigued the cult leader. Subsequently, Paul McCartney revealed that Manson partly understood one aspect of “Blackbird.”
Charles Manson thought The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ was about a coming race war
Members of the Manson Family infamously obsessed with The White Album. According to the book Helter Skelter, they were particularly fixated on five tunes from the record: “Piggies,” “Helter Skelter,” “Revolution 1,” “Revolution 9,” and “Blackbird.”
Manson felt a race war between Black and white Americans was on the horizon. He thought The Beatles were using the song “Blackbird” to encourage the war.
- 6/5/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you haven't noticed, Alan Ritchson is carving out a nice little niche for himself as a Hollywood toughman. Last year he made a big (literally) impression as the hulking protagonist of Prime Video's "Reacher," battling his way through eight episodes of high-octane action and establishing himself as the definitive on-screen version of Lee Child's ex-military policeman — sorry, Tom Cruise. Hell, the man fought off five guys single-handedly in a prison fight that took months of preparation. And now, he's one of the latest additions to the "Fast" franchise, bringing his Jack Reacher muscle to the role of Agency head Aimes in "Fast X."
With that in mind, it might come as a surprise that Ritchson spent his younger years trying to get a singing career off the ground — even entering "American Idol" to see what Simon Cowell and company thought of his vocal abilities. In the show's third...
With that in mind, it might come as a surprise that Ritchson spent his younger years trying to get a singing career off the ground — even entering "American Idol" to see what Simon Cowell and company thought of his vocal abilities. In the show's third...
- 6/5/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Tl;Dr:
George Harrison wrote The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” because he liked descending chords. The star who inspired the song also inspired The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence” and “Blackbird.” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was not a single in the United States. The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
A star said he helped inspire George Harrison to write The Beatles‘ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The star revealed what he thought of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” when he first heard it. Subsequently, the tune appeared on a hugely successful album.
How folk singer Donovan inspired The Beatles’ ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’
During a 2016 interview with Westword, folk singer Donovan revealed he learned to play the guitar in a fingerpicking style from Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family. For context, the Carter Family was a folk group that recorded songs between the 1920s and the 1950s. Subsequently,...
George Harrison wrote The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” because he liked descending chords. The star who inspired the song also inspired The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence” and “Blackbird.” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was not a single in the United States. The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer
A star said he helped inspire George Harrison to write The Beatles‘ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” The star revealed what he thought of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” when he first heard it. Subsequently, the tune appeared on a hugely successful album.
How folk singer Donovan inspired The Beatles’ ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’
During a 2016 interview with Westword, folk singer Donovan revealed he learned to play the guitar in a fingerpicking style from Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family. For context, the Carter Family was a folk group that recorded songs between the 1920s and the 1950s. Subsequently,...
- 6/4/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles all considered Elvis Presley to be one of their rock idols. Much of their love for the genre comes from listening to early records by the king of rock. Paul McCartney said The Beatles tried to utilize some of Elvis’ techniques in their own work, and one song perfected what he called the “Elvis echo.”
Paul McCartney said ‘A Day in the Life’ used the ‘Elvis Echo’ Paul McCartney | Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images
One Elvis Presley song that profoundly impacted Paul McCartney was “Heartbreak Hotel”. McCartney was in awe of the Memphis singer’s vocals, but he also was fascinated by the blaring echo that gave the track a distinct sound. The Beatles wanted to replicate that echo, and McCartney said one song that perfected it was “A Day in the Life” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
“Elvis is a truly great vocalist,...
Paul McCartney said ‘A Day in the Life’ used the ‘Elvis Echo’ Paul McCartney | Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images
One Elvis Presley song that profoundly impacted Paul McCartney was “Heartbreak Hotel”. McCartney was in awe of the Memphis singer’s vocals, but he also was fascinated by the blaring echo that gave the track a distinct sound. The Beatles wanted to replicate that echo, and McCartney said one song that perfected it was “A Day in the Life” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
“Elvis is a truly great vocalist,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Some of the songs Paul McCartney wrote for The Beatles White Album drove his bandmates crazy. The other three universally hated “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” with a passion, especially since Paul requested they keep working on it. The Fab Four did dozens of takes of the game-changing “Helter Skelter,” a song Paul wrote because he was jealous about The Who’s bragging.
Beatles bassist Paul McCartney | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images Paul McCartney admits he was jealous of The Who when he wrote ‘Helter Skelter’
The Beatles’ self-titled 1968 record (commonly known as the White Album) had everything except the kitchen sink. Twisted blues/surf-rock/R&b hybrid on “Back in the U.S.S.R.” The Jamaican dancehall-esque tone of “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da.” Gentle folk on “Julia” and “Blackbird.”
“Helter Skelter” was an uncharacteristically brutal song that Paul wrote out of jealousy, as he told GQ (via YouTube):
“How it came about was,...
Beatles bassist Paul McCartney | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images Paul McCartney admits he was jealous of The Who when he wrote ‘Helter Skelter’
The Beatles’ self-titled 1968 record (commonly known as the White Album) had everything except the kitchen sink. Twisted blues/surf-rock/R&b hybrid on “Back in the U.S.S.R.” The Jamaican dancehall-esque tone of “Ob-la-Di, Ob-la-Da.” Gentle folk on “Julia” and “Blackbird.”
“Helter Skelter” was an uncharacteristically brutal song that Paul wrote out of jealousy, as he told GQ (via YouTube):
“How it came about was,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
A Harry Styles song has guitar-plucking reminiscent of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” from The White Album. Styles’ song isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, it just cannot hold a candle to “Blackbird.” “Blackbird” wasn’t a single but Styles’ song charted in the United States. The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer
The Beatles‘ “Blackbird” is one of the Fab Four’s most beloved ballads. One Harry Styles song is a blatant rip-off of “Blackbird.” Despite that, Styles’ rip-off was a bigger hit than the original song.
The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ was obviously the template for Harry Styles’ ‘Sweet Creature’
The Beatles’ “Blackbird” isn’t one of the band’s showiest songs, but it cuts right to the heart. It’s a sparse folk ballad that relies on Paul McCartney’s earnest vocals and some simple guitar strumming.
That simple strumming sounds a lot like the strumming in Styles’ “Sweet Creature.
A Harry Styles song has guitar-plucking reminiscent of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” from The White Album. Styles’ song isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, it just cannot hold a candle to “Blackbird.” “Blackbird” wasn’t a single but Styles’ song charted in the United States. The Beatles | John Pratt / Stringer
The Beatles‘ “Blackbird” is one of the Fab Four’s most beloved ballads. One Harry Styles song is a blatant rip-off of “Blackbird.” Despite that, Styles’ rip-off was a bigger hit than the original song.
The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ was obviously the template for Harry Styles’ ‘Sweet Creature’
The Beatles’ “Blackbird” isn’t one of the band’s showiest songs, but it cuts right to the heart. It’s a sparse folk ballad that relies on Paul McCartney’s earnest vocals and some simple guitar strumming.
That simple strumming sounds a lot like the strumming in Styles’ “Sweet Creature.
- 5/24/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Eight feature documentaries and eight short docs have been selected as finalists for the 16th Doc Alliance Awards, presented by the Doc Alliance – the association of European documentary festivals.
The announcement of nominees was made today during Doc Day at the Marché du Film in Cannes. Each member festival chooses one feature and one short as its nominees, selected from among the program of their most recent events. The winners will be revealed at DokuFest in Prizren, Kosovo in August, where all the nominated films will screen. A three-person jury will choose the winners: Anna Berthollet, journalist and programmer Arnaud Hée (La Cinémathèque du Documentaire) and festival programmer Jonathan Ali.
The winning feature will earn a €5,000 prize, while the winning short will receive €3,000. Members of the Doc Alliance include Cph:Dox; Docslisboa; Dok Leipzig; FIDMarseille; Ji.hlava Idff; Millennium Docs Against Gravity Ff, Visions du Réel, and this year’s guest festival, DokuFest in Prizren, Kosovo.
Full list of Best Feature nominees:
a-b-c-d-e-f-g-h-i-jonestown, Czech Republic, director: Jan Bušta, nominated
by Ji.hlava Idff
Christina (Kristina), Serbia, director: Nikola Spasic, nominated by FIDMarseille
Death of a City (A Morte de uma Cidade), Portugal, director: João Rosas, nominated
by Doclisboa
Disturbed Earth, Bosnia and Herzegovina/ North Macedonia/ Spain, directors:
Kumjana Novakova and Guillermo Carreras-Candi, nominated by DokuFest
Nights Gone By (Antier noche), Switzerland/ Spain, director: Alberto Martín
Menacho, nominated by Visions du Réel
Polish Prayers, Poland/ Switzerland, director: Hanka Nobis, nominated by Millenium
Docs Against Gravity
Silent Sun of Russia (Vi er Rusland), Denmark, director: Sybilla Tuxen, nominated
by Cph:dox
Three Women (Drei Frauen), Germany, director: Maksym Melnyk, nominated by
Dok Leipzig
Full list of Best Short nominees:
07:15 – Blackbird, France, director: Judith Auffray, nominated by Ji.hlava Idff
Adjusting (Prilagodjeni), Serbia, director: Dejan Petrović, nominated by DokuFest
Darkroom, Turkey, director: Asli Baykal, nominated by Visions du Réel
May the Earth Become the Sky (Face-s-ar pământul cer), Belgium/ Hungary/
Portugal/ Romania, director: Ana Vîjdea, nominated by Doclisboa
Nothing Runs Like a Deere, Sweden, director: Max Göran, nominated by Cph:dox
The cervix pass (Le passage du col), France, director: Marie Bottois, nominated by
FIDMarseille
waking up in silence, Germany/ Ukraine, directors: Mila Zhluktenko and
Daniel Asadi Faezi, nominated by Millenium Docs Against Gravity
Why my mum loves Russel Crowe, Netherlands, director: Emma van den Berg,
nominated by Dok Leipzig...
The announcement of nominees was made today during Doc Day at the Marché du Film in Cannes. Each member festival chooses one feature and one short as its nominees, selected from among the program of their most recent events. The winners will be revealed at DokuFest in Prizren, Kosovo in August, where all the nominated films will screen. A three-person jury will choose the winners: Anna Berthollet, journalist and programmer Arnaud Hée (La Cinémathèque du Documentaire) and festival programmer Jonathan Ali.
The winning feature will earn a €5,000 prize, while the winning short will receive €3,000. Members of the Doc Alliance include Cph:Dox; Docslisboa; Dok Leipzig; FIDMarseille; Ji.hlava Idff; Millennium Docs Against Gravity Ff, Visions du Réel, and this year’s guest festival, DokuFest in Prizren, Kosovo.
Full list of Best Feature nominees:
a-b-c-d-e-f-g-h-i-jonestown, Czech Republic, director: Jan Bušta, nominated
by Ji.hlava Idff
Christina (Kristina), Serbia, director: Nikola Spasic, nominated by FIDMarseille
Death of a City (A Morte de uma Cidade), Portugal, director: João Rosas, nominated
by Doclisboa
Disturbed Earth, Bosnia and Herzegovina/ North Macedonia/ Spain, directors:
Kumjana Novakova and Guillermo Carreras-Candi, nominated by DokuFest
Nights Gone By (Antier noche), Switzerland/ Spain, director: Alberto Martín
Menacho, nominated by Visions du Réel
Polish Prayers, Poland/ Switzerland, director: Hanka Nobis, nominated by Millenium
Docs Against Gravity
Silent Sun of Russia (Vi er Rusland), Denmark, director: Sybilla Tuxen, nominated
by Cph:dox
Three Women (Drei Frauen), Germany, director: Maksym Melnyk, nominated by
Dok Leipzig
Full list of Best Short nominees:
07:15 – Blackbird, France, director: Judith Auffray, nominated by Ji.hlava Idff
Adjusting (Prilagodjeni), Serbia, director: Dejan Petrović, nominated by DokuFest
Darkroom, Turkey, director: Asli Baykal, nominated by Visions du Réel
May the Earth Become the Sky (Face-s-ar pământul cer), Belgium/ Hungary/
Portugal/ Romania, director: Ana Vîjdea, nominated by Doclisboa
Nothing Runs Like a Deere, Sweden, director: Max Göran, nominated by Cph:dox
The cervix pass (Le passage du col), France, director: Marie Bottois, nominated by
FIDMarseille
waking up in silence, Germany/ Ukraine, directors: Mila Zhluktenko and
Daniel Asadi Faezi, nominated by Millenium Docs Against Gravity
Why my mum loves Russel Crowe, Netherlands, director: Emma van den Berg,
nominated by Dok Leipzig...
- 5/23/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
John Lennon was the most revealing and introspective member of The Beatles. Many of his songs revealed details of his past or brought to life emotions he kept trapped inside. These types of tracks were even more prominent in his solo career. One song he wrote for The Beatles was for his mother, with whom he had a troubled history.
John Lennon wrote ‘Julia’ for his mother John Lennon | Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images
John Lennon was born to Julia and Alfred Lennon on Oct. 9, 1940. His father abandoned him as an infant, leaving him alone with his mother. After receiving complaints from social services, Julia gave custody of John to her sister, Mimi, but the two still had contact. In 1958, a car struck and killed Julia when John was just 17.
The memory of his mother became a creative inspiration for the young singer. While The Beatles were initially a pop-rock band,...
John Lennon wrote ‘Julia’ for his mother John Lennon | Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images
John Lennon was born to Julia and Alfred Lennon on Oct. 9, 1940. His father abandoned him as an infant, leaving him alone with his mother. After receiving complaints from social services, Julia gave custody of John to her sister, Mimi, but the two still had contact. In 1958, a car struck and killed Julia when John was just 17.
The memory of his mother became a creative inspiration for the young singer. While The Beatles were initially a pop-rock band,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
David Mamet is going to need more than a motorcade with the cast he has lined up for his upcoming JFK movie Assassination. Reports have come out that the film will star Al Pacino, John Travolta, Viggo Mortensen, Shia Labeouf, Rebecca Pidgeon, and Courtney Love. That’s one Academy Award winner, two Oscar nominees, a BAFTA winner, Mamet’s wife, and Courtney Love! (We kid–Love is a fantastic actress and was robbed of a nod for The People vs. Larry Flynt.)
As per Deadline, Assassination “will retell the fateful murder of John F. Kennedy from the mob’s point of view, reimagining his death as a hit ordered by Chicago mob kingpin Sam Giancana as payback for JFK’s attempt to undermine the mob after they helped get him elected.” The script is co-written by Mamet and Nicholas Celozzi, who is actually Giancana’s grandnephew, which should elevate the authenticity.
As per Deadline, Assassination “will retell the fateful murder of John F. Kennedy from the mob’s point of view, reimagining his death as a hit ordered by Chicago mob kingpin Sam Giancana as payback for JFK’s attempt to undermine the mob after they helped get him elected.” The script is co-written by Mamet and Nicholas Celozzi, who is actually Giancana’s grandnephew, which should elevate the authenticity.
- 5/15/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The Beatles members rarely performed songs by themselves, but there were times when they recorded solo tracks. While there was primarily only one lead vocalist on each song, the other members were usually in the background, rocking out on their instruments. However, there are a few songs by Paul McCartney that he sang and played the instruments on without any other members. Here are four Beatles songs featuring only Paul McCartney.
‘Blackbird’ Paul McCartney | CBS via Getty Images
“Blackbird” is a 1968 song from The White Album. The track addresses the racial tensions during the U.S. Civil Rights movement. After witnessing the Little Rock Nine, a group of students escorted into a recently desegregated school in Arkansas, he was inspired to write a song. In Many Years From Now, McCartney said the title refers to a black woman and is written from her perspective.
Those were the days of the civil rights movement,...
‘Blackbird’ Paul McCartney | CBS via Getty Images
“Blackbird” is a 1968 song from The White Album. The track addresses the racial tensions during the U.S. Civil Rights movement. After witnessing the Little Rock Nine, a group of students escorted into a recently desegregated school in Arkansas, he was inspired to write a song. In Many Years From Now, McCartney said the title refers to a black woman and is written from her perspective.
Those were the days of the civil rights movement,...
- 4/9/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While John Lennon was a crucial member of The Beatles, there are several classic songs by the band that he didn’t appear on. Sometimes it was his choice to skip out on a track, while other times were due to conditions outside of his control. Here are five Beatles songs without John Lennon.
‘I Me Mine’ George Martin and John Lennon | Sspl/Getty Images
“I Me Mine” was written by George Harrison and is from 1970’s Let it Be. The inspiration for the song came after an acid trip where he became upset about his ego and other turmoil and business issues within the group. Footage from The Beatles: Get Back shows Harrison pitching the song to The Beatles with John Lennon and Yoko Ono sharing a dance while he’s playing.
Lennon wasn’t a fan of the song, mocking it by saying it belonged on a “playlist for a Spanish waltz.
‘I Me Mine’ George Martin and John Lennon | Sspl/Getty Images
“I Me Mine” was written by George Harrison and is from 1970’s Let it Be. The inspiration for the song came after an acid trip where he became upset about his ego and other turmoil and business issues within the group. Footage from The Beatles: Get Back shows Harrison pitching the song to The Beatles with John Lennon and Yoko Ono sharing a dance while he’s playing.
Lennon wasn’t a fan of the song, mocking it by saying it belonged on a “playlist for a Spanish waltz.
- 4/6/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
No one likes when their favorite artist’s songs get overplayed on the radio or anywhere else. They’re ruined simply because of how many times you hear them. Unfortunately, The Beatles have many overplayed tunes, and some weren’t even that great, to begin with. Here are 10 of the most overplayed Beatles songs.
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 10. ‘I Saw Her Standing There’
Many fans like “I Saw Her Standing There,” but it’s too overplayed. It’s one of The Beatles’ earliest songs, and everyone knows the lyrics. However, something about it, particularly the guitar riff, is boring after hearing it for years. It’s on everyone’s Beatles playlists, but apart from it being one of their biggest songs, does anyone even like it anymore?
9. ‘Twist and Shout’
“Twist and Shout” was another staple in The Beatles’ performance setlists. They certainly grew sick of playing it repeatedly,...
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 10. ‘I Saw Her Standing There’
Many fans like “I Saw Her Standing There,” but it’s too overplayed. It’s one of The Beatles’ earliest songs, and everyone knows the lyrics. However, something about it, particularly the guitar riff, is boring after hearing it for years. It’s on everyone’s Beatles playlists, but apart from it being one of their biggest songs, does anyone even like it anymore?
9. ‘Twist and Shout’
“Twist and Shout” was another staple in The Beatles’ performance setlists. They certainly grew sick of playing it repeatedly,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: Tony Danza (The Good Cop) and Bex Taylor-Klaus (Deputy) have signed on to star alongside Adam Saunders in the indie comedy Re-Election, going into production in May, which Saunders will direct from his own Austin Film Festival semi-finalist script.
Related Story Logan Miller Joins ‘Barbarian’s Georgina Campbell In New Regency Horror-Thriller ‘Psycho Killer’ Related Story 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan': Tony Danza To Recur In Season 3 Related Story Tony Danza Joins 'And Just Like That…' Season 2 As Che's [Spoiler]
The project reteams Danza and Saunders following their work together on the 20th/Hulu teen comedy Darby and the Dead, which Danza starred in and Saunders produced. It tells the story of Jimmy (Saunders), a 42-year-old man-child whose life hasn’t progressed since losing the election for senior class president 25 years prior to the now current Governor of Texas. Frustrated with his circumstances, Jimmy decides to re-enroll in...
Related Story Logan Miller Joins ‘Barbarian’s Georgina Campbell In New Regency Horror-Thriller ‘Psycho Killer’ Related Story 'Power Book III: Raising Kanan': Tony Danza To Recur In Season 3 Related Story Tony Danza Joins 'And Just Like That…' Season 2 As Che's [Spoiler]
The project reteams Danza and Saunders following their work together on the 20th/Hulu teen comedy Darby and the Dead, which Danza starred in and Saunders produced. It tells the story of Jimmy (Saunders), a 42-year-old man-child whose life hasn’t progressed since losing the election for senior class president 25 years prior to the now current Governor of Texas. Frustrated with his circumstances, Jimmy decides to re-enroll in...
- 3/31/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Guillermo del Toro‘s mantlepiece must be a bit crowded by now. He won the Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture in 2018 for “The Shape of Water” and followed that up with another Oscar win this year for Best Animated Feature for “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.” But the director, who has another three Oscar nominations to his name, may have to make a little more room on that shelf in the future as he could well win an Emmy this year for his new Netflix series “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities.”
“Cabinet of Curiosities” is an anthology series that presents eight episodes of horror-fuelled stories replete with all-star casts, stunning visuals, and del Toro’s trademark style. Among those appearing: Andrew Lincoln, Rupert Grint, Ben Barnes, F. Murray Abraham, and Dan Stevens. The series has been received warmly by critics and has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes,...
“Cabinet of Curiosities” is an anthology series that presents eight episodes of horror-fuelled stories replete with all-star casts, stunning visuals, and del Toro’s trademark style. Among those appearing: Andrew Lincoln, Rupert Grint, Ben Barnes, F. Murray Abraham, and Dan Stevens. The series has been received warmly by critics and has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
“Star Wars” is finally getting some recognition for its acting talents. A galaxy far, far away has always been appreciated for its below-the-line work but among the cast only Alec Guinness earned an Oscar nomination across the 11 live-action movies (Best Supporting Actor for “A New Hope” in 1978). One of the small screen expansions of the franchise, “The Mandalorian,” has reaped four Emmy bids for its cast: in 2020, Giancarlo Esposito contended for his guest role while Taika Waititi was up for voicing Ig-11; in 2021, Esposito was promoted to series regular and reaped a supporting bid while Timothy Olyphant and Carl Weathers vied against each other for their guest turns.
That trend looks to continue this year thanks to the influx of “Star Wars” shows gracing our screens on Disney+. Here are six actors who could earn Emmy bids for “Star Wars” shows.
Ewan McGregor — “Obi-Wan Kenobi”
McGregor has won one...
That trend looks to continue this year thanks to the influx of “Star Wars” shows gracing our screens on Disney+. Here are six actors who could earn Emmy bids for “Star Wars” shows.
Ewan McGregor — “Obi-Wan Kenobi”
McGregor has won one...
- 3/27/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Paul McCartney and John Lennon made up one of the most successful songwriting partnerships ever. While their music broke records for The Beatles, they didn’t push too many boundaries in terms of edgy or political material. McCartney said he wasn’t comfortable taking risks, but Lennon did not fear going out of his comfort zone.
Paul McCartney was careful with many of his career decisions Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Gab Archive/Redferns
After The Beatles disbanded, McCartney knew he had to take his music career in a new direction. However, this required taking a risk with a new band. In an interview with his website, the “Let it Be” singer said he didn’t consider himself a “risk-taker”, but he had to take a risk when he formed Wings.
“I’m quite careful normally. There’s a couple of times in life when you are forced into taking a risk,...
Paul McCartney was careful with many of his career decisions Paul McCartney and John Lennon | Gab Archive/Redferns
After The Beatles disbanded, McCartney knew he had to take his music career in a new direction. However, this required taking a risk with a new band. In an interview with his website, the “Let it Be” singer said he didn’t consider himself a “risk-taker”, but he had to take a risk when he formed Wings.
“I’m quite careful normally. There’s a couple of times in life when you are forced into taking a risk,...
- 3/26/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While a few of The Beatles’ songs got in trouble for drug and sexual references, the band rarely released any political music. While John Lennon was a public activist for pacifism and human rights, his politics were mostly preached in his solo career. However, there were a few times when the band did voice their political views, even if they were more subtle.
Here are 4 of the most political Beatles songs ‘All You Need Is Love’ The Beatles | Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
“All You Need Is Love” was Britain’s contribution to Our World, the first live global television link. The most memorable moment came when The Beatles performed this song in psychedelic outfits with some friends they invited, including The Rolling Stones, the Who, and the Small Faces. While the track isn’t inherently political, the lyrics promoted love and unity during the Vietnam war.
The song...
Here are 4 of the most political Beatles songs ‘All You Need Is Love’ The Beatles | Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
“All You Need Is Love” was Britain’s contribution to Our World, the first live global television link. The most memorable moment came when The Beatles performed this song in psychedelic outfits with some friends they invited, including The Rolling Stones, the Who, and the Small Faces. While the track isn’t inherently political, the lyrics promoted love and unity during the Vietnam war.
The song...
- 3/24/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Taron Egerton doesn’t think he fits in the James Bond mold.
The “Tetris” actor reacted to the rumors that he’s in the running to be the next 007 in the famed franchise following Daniel Craig’s final appearance.
“I don’t think I’m the right choice for it,” the “Rocketman” star Edgerton told The Telegraph. “You have to be consistently statuesque to be that guy. And that’s something that I am still striving for. I’ve always struggled with my weight.”
Edgerton added that playing Bond “is a bit like being a brand ambassador as well as being an actor. And that could be really fun in microcosm, but I’m sure I read that [producer] Barbara Broccoli said that it’s a 15-year commitment.”
The “Blackbird” star continued, “It’s sort of irrelevant how I feel about it, anyway, because I can tell you there have been zero phone calls.
The “Tetris” actor reacted to the rumors that he’s in the running to be the next 007 in the famed franchise following Daniel Craig’s final appearance.
“I don’t think I’m the right choice for it,” the “Rocketman” star Edgerton told The Telegraph. “You have to be consistently statuesque to be that guy. And that’s something that I am still striving for. I’ve always struggled with my weight.”
Edgerton added that playing Bond “is a bit like being a brand ambassador as well as being an actor. And that could be really fun in microcosm, but I’m sure I read that [producer] Barbara Broccoli said that it’s a 15-year commitment.”
The “Blackbird” star continued, “It’s sort of irrelevant how I feel about it, anyway, because I can tell you there have been zero phone calls.
- 3/23/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
While many refer to The Beatles as the fab four, producer George Martin was an essential fifth member. He might not have played any instruments, but he was vital in ensuring every Beatles song and album sounded as good as it did. Martin had a role in every one of The Beatles’ albums. However, there was one album Martin wasn’t thrilled about, even though it’s one of the band’s most popular records.
‘The White Album’ is the longest album by The Beatles George Martin | Rob Verhorst/Redferns
1968’s The White Album is a double album consisting of 30 songs. 19 songs were written during The Beatles’ trip to India for a Transcendental Meditation course. The album came after Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, a concept album where the band worked together closely on the story and concept. The White Album consisted of many different sounds and styles,...
‘The White Album’ is the longest album by The Beatles George Martin | Rob Verhorst/Redferns
1968’s The White Album is a double album consisting of 30 songs. 19 songs were written during The Beatles’ trip to India for a Transcendental Meditation course. The album came after Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, a concept album where the band worked together closely on the story and concept. The White Album consisted of many different sounds and styles,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sophia Anne Caruso, who recently starred in the Netflix film, The School for Good and Evil, has signed with Gersh.
The actress, who played Sophie in the Netflix film, opposite Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, and Sofia Wylie, is also known for her roles on stage, including originating the role of Lydia in the 2019 production of Beetlejuice on Broadway and starring in David Bowie’s musical Lazarus, directed by Ivo Van Hove, at Off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop and in London.
She made her Broadway debut in the 2016 play Blackbird, starring Michelle Williams and Jeff Daniels.
Caruso will return to Broadway this spring in the new thriller, Grey House, directed by Joe Mantello. She stars opposite Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany, Paul Sparks and Millicent Simmonds.
She has also appeared on screen in Jack of the Red Hearts, opposite Anna Sophia Robb and the independent feature 37.
Caruso is also repped by...
The actress, who played Sophie in the Netflix film, opposite Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, and Sofia Wylie, is also known for her roles on stage, including originating the role of Lydia in the 2019 production of Beetlejuice on Broadway and starring in David Bowie’s musical Lazarus, directed by Ivo Van Hove, at Off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop and in London.
She made her Broadway debut in the 2016 play Blackbird, starring Michelle Williams and Jeff Daniels.
Caruso will return to Broadway this spring in the new thriller, Grey House, directed by Joe Mantello. She stars opposite Laurie Metcalf, Tatiana Maslany, Paul Sparks and Millicent Simmonds.
She has also appeared on screen in Jack of the Red Hearts, opposite Anna Sophia Robb and the independent feature 37.
Caruso is also repped by...
- 3/21/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Beatles always strived to do something new in all their songs. That’s what made them so unique and innovative. However, for this list, here are 10 of the best Beatles songs where they incorporated something cutting edge.
The Beatles | Keystone Features/Getty Images 10. ‘All My Loving’
“All My Loving” might not seem like a song where The Beatles tried something new, but it is. It’s an ordinary love song, but Paul McCartney said John Lennon’s last-minute addition made it magical. The rhythm guitarist added the fast strumming that sounds like the engine of a train or tires on a bridge. The speaker dreams about coming home to their love, and John’s strumming embodies that. Even in their early days, The Beatles came up with interesting ways to express their lyrics through music.
9. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
The beginning chord in “A Hard Day’s Night” isn’t...
The Beatles | Keystone Features/Getty Images 10. ‘All My Loving’
“All My Loving” might not seem like a song where The Beatles tried something new, but it is. It’s an ordinary love song, but Paul McCartney said John Lennon’s last-minute addition made it magical. The rhythm guitarist added the fast strumming that sounds like the engine of a train or tires on a bridge. The speaker dreams about coming home to their love, and John’s strumming embodies that. Even in their early days, The Beatles came up with interesting ways to express their lyrics through music.
9. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
The beginning chord in “A Hard Day’s Night” isn’t...
- 3/19/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
New York-based investment firm Mep Capital, which previously acquired the library of Lotus Entertainment, is launching West Side Pictures, a new independent rights management banner.
Along with Lotus Entertainment, Mep also recently acquired the distribution rights to over 500 films and TV shows previously owned by Kew Media, including “Line of Duty,” “Thank You For Smoking” and “Jack Taylor” and “Rules of Engagement.”
Now boasting a library comprising more than 800 movies, TV series and documentaries, Mep Capital has signed deals with Magnolia and Abacus Media Rights to handle the distribution of these titles in the U.S. and internationally, across streamers and TV channels.
West Side Pictures will also own and manage ongoing debt and equity participations positions in the late Roger Michell’s “Blackbird” and The Jim Henson Company’s “Portable Door,” among a dozen of productions funded by Mep Capital.
Prior acquisitions consolidated in West Side Pictures include the...
Along with Lotus Entertainment, Mep also recently acquired the distribution rights to over 500 films and TV shows previously owned by Kew Media, including “Line of Duty,” “Thank You For Smoking” and “Jack Taylor” and “Rules of Engagement.”
Now boasting a library comprising more than 800 movies, TV series and documentaries, Mep Capital has signed deals with Magnolia and Abacus Media Rights to handle the distribution of these titles in the U.S. and internationally, across streamers and TV channels.
West Side Pictures will also own and manage ongoing debt and equity participations positions in the late Roger Michell’s “Blackbird” and The Jim Henson Company’s “Portable Door,” among a dozen of productions funded by Mep Capital.
Prior acquisitions consolidated in West Side Pictures include the...
- 3/16/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Flatley, the Irish dance phenomenon best known for “Lord of the Dance,” will open the Monaco Streaming Film Festival with his directorial debut, “Blackbird.”
Flatley, who wrote and financed the project, also stars in it as retired MI6 operative-turned-Barbados hotelier Victor Blackley. After a familiar agent — and romantic interest — turns up at his establishment, Blackley finds himself subsumed back into his old life, with potentially devastating consequences for millions of people if his mission fails.
Eric Roberts (“The Expendables”) and Patrick Bergin (“Sleeping with the Enemy”) co-star.
“Michael Flatley’s debut feature film is such a pleasant surprise — he brings his renowned stage presence and energy, which we have all experienced over the past 25 years, to the big screen in a gripping romantic thriller,” said Tony Davis, the festival’s founder. “Blackbird is beautifully filmed in stunning exotic locations, and a brilliant supporting cast help Flatley deliver something his...
Flatley, who wrote and financed the project, also stars in it as retired MI6 operative-turned-Barbados hotelier Victor Blackley. After a familiar agent — and romantic interest — turns up at his establishment, Blackley finds himself subsumed back into his old life, with potentially devastating consequences for millions of people if his mission fails.
Eric Roberts (“The Expendables”) and Patrick Bergin (“Sleeping with the Enemy”) co-star.
“Michael Flatley’s debut feature film is such a pleasant surprise — he brings his renowned stage presence and energy, which we have all experienced over the past 25 years, to the big screen in a gripping romantic thriller,” said Tony Davis, the festival’s founder. “Blackbird is beautifully filmed in stunning exotic locations, and a brilliant supporting cast help Flatley deliver something his...
- 7/5/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UK-based Eon Productions has hired theater, film and TV producer Patrick Daly to oversee production and development of the company’s theatrical projects.
Eon, best known in the film world for its longstanding production of James Bond movies, has been a big player on Broadway and the West End in recent seasons with involvement in, among others, Once and The Band’s Visit, both Tony Award winners for best musical.
Daly will serve as Eon’s Overseeing Consultant in charge of production and development across all theatrical projects. He will continue to run his own company, Caledonia Productions, launched last year to produce and develop a slate of upcoming stage and screen projects.
Prior to launching Caledonia, Daly was Vice President/Producer at Jean Doumanian Productions for 12 years.
“We are incredibly lucky to now have Patrick on board to oversee our theater projects,” said Eon producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Eon, best known in the film world for its longstanding production of James Bond movies, has been a big player on Broadway and the West End in recent seasons with involvement in, among others, Once and The Band’s Visit, both Tony Award winners for best musical.
Daly will serve as Eon’s Overseeing Consultant in charge of production and development across all theatrical projects. He will continue to run his own company, Caledonia Productions, launched last year to produce and develop a slate of upcoming stage and screen projects.
Prior to launching Caledonia, Daly was Vice President/Producer at Jean Doumanian Productions for 12 years.
“We are incredibly lucky to now have Patrick on board to oversee our theater projects,” said Eon producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
- 10/19/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar winner Susan Sarandon has joined Kate Winslet and Mia Wasikowska in the Roger Michell-directed remake (formally titled Blackbird) of an English-language remake to the 2014 Danish film, Silent Heart, directed by Bille August. Sarandon will take over for Diane Keaton, who was previously attached to the project, which hails Millennium Films.
Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Bex Taylor-Klaus (Arrow), Lindsay Duncan (Birdman), newcomer Anson Boon have also joined the cast in supporting roles.
Christian Thorpe, who wrote the script for the original, wrote this latest adaptation. The plot is set over the course of one weekend and centers on Lily (Sarandon), a terminally ill mother who brings her daughters (Winslet and Wasikowska), and their families, together for one last family gathering before she commits suicide.
Filming is slated to begin next week in the United Kingdom. Sherryl Clark and Millennium’s David Bernardi are the producers,...
Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Bex Taylor-Klaus (Arrow), Lindsay Duncan (Birdman), newcomer Anson Boon have also joined the cast in supporting roles.
Christian Thorpe, who wrote the script for the original, wrote this latest adaptation. The plot is set over the course of one weekend and centers on Lily (Sarandon), a terminally ill mother who brings her daughters (Winslet and Wasikowska), and their families, together for one last family gathering before she commits suicide.
Filming is slated to begin next week in the United Kingdom. Sherryl Clark and Millennium’s David Bernardi are the producers,...
- 10/17/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sophia Anne Caruso, who stars with Alex Brightman in the upcoming Broadway Beetlejuice: The Musical, has signed with Wme for representation in all areas. The move comes as she prepares to hits the stage as Lydia (played by Winona Ryder in the 1988 Tim Burton film) beginning Sunday at Washington, DC’s National Theatre ahead of a Broadway run that beings in March with previews at the Winter Garden Theatre.
Caruso rose to prominence on the stage in 2015 starring at age 14 in the David Bowie-penned musical Lazarus; the role earned her Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel nominations. She made her Broadway debut in 2016’s Blackbird with Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williams.
In TV, she is next up playing Kevin Bacon’s daughter on Showtime’s drama City on a Hill.
She continues to be repped by Brookside Artist Management and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
Caruso rose to prominence on the stage in 2015 starring at age 14 in the David Bowie-penned musical Lazarus; the role earned her Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel nominations. She made her Broadway debut in 2016’s Blackbird with Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williams.
In TV, she is next up playing Kevin Bacon’s daughter on Showtime’s drama City on a Hill.
She continues to be repped by Brookside Artist Management and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
- 10/10/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Jordie Bellaire, Dan Mora, and Buffy series creator Joss Whedon are bringing back the vampire slaying Buffy Summers with a new look and lease on life in 2019 courtesy of Boom! Studios and 20th Century Fox Consumer Products. The regular cover for Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1 is by Mondo artist Matthew Taylor and the variant covers are illustrated by Kevin Wada, Royal Dunlap, Becca Carey, and Jen Bartel.
Press Release: "Boom! Studios proudly announced today that the all-new Buffy The Vampire Slayer monthly comic book series will debut on January 9th, 2019, in partnership with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products.
Eisner Award-nominated writer Jordie Bellaire (Redlands) and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Dan Mora, along with series creator and story consultant Joss Whedon, reimagine the groundbreaking pop culture phenomenon from the very beginning in Buffy The Vampire Slayer #1.
This is the Buffy Summers you know, who wants what every average teenager wants: friends at her new school,...
Press Release: "Boom! Studios proudly announced today that the all-new Buffy The Vampire Slayer monthly comic book series will debut on January 9th, 2019, in partnership with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products.
Eisner Award-nominated writer Jordie Bellaire (Redlands) and Russ Manning Award-winning artist Dan Mora, along with series creator and story consultant Joss Whedon, reimagine the groundbreaking pop culture phenomenon from the very beginning in Buffy The Vampire Slayer #1.
This is the Buffy Summers you know, who wants what every average teenager wants: friends at her new school,...
- 10/8/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Paul McCartney headlined the first night of Austin City Limits on October 5th with an epic show in Zilker Park, high-energy even by his standards—even in the withering heat, this most unwitherable of rock legends just hates to put down his guitar and leave the stage. The sweat was visibly pouring off him, but his only concession was taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves after “I’ve Got A Feeling.” The communal vibe of a McCartney show is perfect for this festival: 60,000 people swaying in a field of grass,...
- 10/8/2018
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
The annual Austin City Limits festival kicked off on October 5th-7th with a jam-packed three-day lineup of rock, rap, pop and more. With the Texas senate race heating up (along with the actual atmospheric temperatures in Texas), it was a particularly zesty weekend of music. Here are the most memorable, exciting and all-around best performances we saw.
Most Legendary: Paul McCartney
His Fabness was in fighting form for his big Acl headlining slot, a marathon show running over two hours in a packed Zilker Park, under Texan skies. He...
Most Legendary: Paul McCartney
His Fabness was in fighting form for his big Acl headlining slot, a marathon show running over two hours in a packed Zilker Park, under Texan skies. He...
- 10/8/2018
- by Suzy Exposito and Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
What if some urban legends were real?! Poser #2 is here from Waxwork Comics, Matt Miner, and Clay McCormack. Also in today's Comics Corner: Spawn #290, The Walking Dead #184, Jook Joint #1 (with an alternate cover and five preview pages), Dollman Kills the Full Moon Universe #3, Paradiso #8, The Magic Order #4, Blackbird #1 (with an alternate cover and three preview pages), and Border Town #2.
Poser #2: "(W) Matt Miner (A) Clay McCormack
Long thought to be an urban legend in the underground music scene of Redondo Beach, Poser is back to carve a gory slash through the heart of the Los Angeles South Bay! Read the hot new series Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) calls "relentless and brutal" and Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus) raves is a "master class in sequential storytelling." Grisly and terrifying, Poser upends traditional slasher tropes and gives horror fans something new and exciting to talk about for years to come.
Poser #2: "(W) Matt Miner (A) Clay McCormack
Long thought to be an urban legend in the underground music scene of Redondo Beach, Poser is back to carve a gory slash through the heart of the Los Angeles South Bay! Read the hot new series Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) calls "relentless and brutal" and Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus) raves is a "master class in sequential storytelling." Grisly and terrifying, Poser upends traditional slasher tropes and gives horror fans something new and exciting to talk about for years to come.
- 10/3/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Best known as the sparkly suited man behind the world-touring, billion dollar-earning extravaganza that is Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley — who hung up his dancing shoes in 2016 after more than three decades onstage — has spent the past couple of years quietly sashaying into the world of filmmaking.
Having cut his teeth with two shorts — A Little Bit of Tear, the story of a sad clown ("I've always been fascinated by sad clowns," he says), followed by World War II-set romance Till Forever — the man whose feet were famously once insured for $57.6 million ...
Having cut his teeth with two shorts — A Little Bit of Tear, the story of a sad clown ("I've always been fascinated by sad clowns," he says), followed by World War II-set romance Till Forever — the man whose feet were famously once insured for $57.6 million ...
- 9/28/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
This Melbourne-based busker-gone-legit raises the “do it yourself” stakes with her debut, which is a top-to-bottom showcase of her varied virtuosity; she’s the lone musician credited on the album, as well as its producer and songwriter. Given Sultana’s playing-for-tips roots, it’s probably appropriate that Flow State whirls through styles — “Cigarettes” starts as loose-limbed R&B then speeds things up to a near-frantic pace, “Salvation” recalls the marriage of big beats and gossamer voices that dominated indie discos in the late Nineties, and the simmering “Seven” showcases Sultana...
- 8/31/2018
- by Maura Johnston
- Rollingstone.com
Editors’ Pick: Tash Sultana, Flow State
This Melbourne-based busker-gone-legit raises the “do it yourself” stakes with her debut, which is a top-to-bottom showcase of her varied virtuosity; she’s the lone musician credited on the album, as well as its producer and songwriter. Given Sultana’s playing-for-tips roots, it’s probably appropriate that Flow State whirls through styles — “Cigarettes” starts as loose-limbed R&B then speeds things up to a near-frantic pace, “Salvation” recalls the marriage of big beats and gossamer voices that dominated indie discos in the late ’90s,...
This Melbourne-based busker-gone-legit raises the “do it yourself” stakes with her debut, which is a top-to-bottom showcase of her varied virtuosity; she’s the lone musician credited on the album, as well as its producer and songwriter. Given Sultana’s playing-for-tips roots, it’s probably appropriate that Flow State whirls through styles — “Cigarettes” starts as loose-limbed R&B then speeds things up to a near-frantic pace, “Salvation” recalls the marriage of big beats and gossamer voices that dominated indie discos in the late ’90s,...
- 8/31/2018
- by Maura Johnston, Suzy Exposito, Christopher R. Weingarten, Mosi Reeves, Joseph Hudak and Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
The festival will open on September 26 with Marialy Rivas’ ‘Princesita’.
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has revealed the line-up for its 2018 edition (September 26-October 7), with over 80 features and 99 shorts screening at the festival.
The programme includes 31 world premieres, 28 international premieres, 21 European and 81 UK premieres.
The festival will open with the UK premiere of Marialy Rivas’ Chilean drama Princesita about a girl growing up in a cult. It premiered at Tiff in 2017 and is produced by Juan de Dios Larrain’s Fabula.
According to the festival, it received a record 8,929 submissions from 118 countries.
The programme includes a director’s cut...
The UK’s Raindance Film Festival has revealed the line-up for its 2018 edition (September 26-October 7), with over 80 features and 99 shorts screening at the festival.
The programme includes 31 world premieres, 28 international premieres, 21 European and 81 UK premieres.
The festival will open with the UK premiere of Marialy Rivas’ Chilean drama Princesita about a girl growing up in a cult. It premiered at Tiff in 2017 and is produced by Juan de Dios Larrain’s Fabula.
According to the festival, it received a record 8,929 submissions from 118 countries.
The programme includes a director’s cut...
- 8/22/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Aretha Franklin’s genius took so many forms — as a singer, a songwriter, an album-crafter, a live performer. But the Queen was also one of history’s most audacious Beatle fans. Nobody ever sang the Beatles like Aretha. Since she was one of the few Sixties musicians as famous and revered as they were, she felt free to take any approach she pleased to a Fabs song — sometimes radically reworking it, as when she sang “Eleanor Rigby” in the first person. When Aretha sang any song, even a Beatle song,...
- 8/16/2018
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
Gwyneth Paltrow is a boho-elitist to the core — so might say her detractors after reading a profile published Wednesday in The New York Times Magazine.
Over glasses of wine and a clam dinner at the actress’ Los Angeles home, reporter Taffy Brodesser-Akner delved into Paltrow’s lifestyle-and-wellness e-commerce business, Goop. Both Paltrow and her company have been targets of internet vitriol because of the star’s seemingly unattainable lifestyle.
Paltrow, who won an Oscar for “Shakespeare in Love,” said she decided to stop acting (her last film was “Avengers: Infinity War”). The reason? Because she felt like she didn’t have “true agency.” Instead, Paltrow focused more fully on Goop, which she grew from a newsletter to a full-fledged brand.
Brodesser-Akner describes the actress as the company’s “martyr” — a moniker Paltrow appears comfortable with as the profile unfolds. From her musically-inclined children to her smoking habits, here are six of the Goop-iest,...
Over glasses of wine and a clam dinner at the actress’ Los Angeles home, reporter Taffy Brodesser-Akner delved into Paltrow’s lifestyle-and-wellness e-commerce business, Goop. Both Paltrow and her company have been targets of internet vitriol because of the star’s seemingly unattainable lifestyle.
Paltrow, who won an Oscar for “Shakespeare in Love,” said she decided to stop acting (her last film was “Avengers: Infinity War”). The reason? Because she felt like she didn’t have “true agency.” Instead, Paltrow focused more fully on Goop, which she grew from a newsletter to a full-fledged brand.
Brodesser-Akner describes the actress as the company’s “martyr” — a moniker Paltrow appears comfortable with as the profile unfolds. From her musically-inclined children to her smoking habits, here are six of the Goop-iest,...
- 7/25/2018
- by Linda Xu
- The Wrap
Image Comics' "Blackbird" #1, available October 2018, is written by Sam Humphries and illustrated by Jean Bartel, with covers by Bartel and Fiona Staples:
"...in this neo-noir fantasy, 'Nina Rodriguez' is positive that a secret magic world ruled by ruthless cabals is hiding just beneath the veneer of Los Angeles. The problem: everyone thinks she's crazy. The bigger problem: she's not crazy -- she's right..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...in this neo-noir fantasy, 'Nina Rodriguez' is positive that a secret magic world ruled by ruthless cabals is hiding just beneath the veneer of Los Angeles. The problem: everyone thinks she's crazy. The bigger problem: she's not crazy -- she's right..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 7/25/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
California’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 2.0 has chosen its first round of films that will receive $52.2 million in tax credits, including Margot Robbie’s “Birds of Prey,” which is set to receive $12.6 million for filming in California.
In total, 19 films (11 non-independents and eight independents) were selected, which will generate an estimated $258.2 million in qualified expenditures, meaning wages to below-the-line workers and payment for equipment and vendors. Combined, the films will spend 602 shoot days across the state and will employ 869 cast, 2,357 crew and 23,000 extras.
Universal’s “Covers” will receive $6.5 million in tax credits, while Tooley Productions’ “Flying Horse” is set to receive $5 million. Warner Bros.’ “The Has Been” will also receive $4.8 million. “Cry, Baby,” “Blackbird,” “The Hunt” and Fox’s “Rent — Live” were also chosen to receive tax credits.
Also Read: 'Scarface,' 'Deadwood' Movie, Jordan Peele Film Score California Tax Credits
Warner Bros.’ “Birds of Prey...
In total, 19 films (11 non-independents and eight independents) were selected, which will generate an estimated $258.2 million in qualified expenditures, meaning wages to below-the-line workers and payment for equipment and vendors. Combined, the films will spend 602 shoot days across the state and will employ 869 cast, 2,357 crew and 23,000 extras.
Universal’s “Covers” will receive $6.5 million in tax credits, while Tooley Productions’ “Flying Horse” is set to receive $5 million. Warner Bros.’ “The Has Been” will also receive $4.8 million. “Cry, Baby,” “Blackbird,” “The Hunt” and Fox’s “Rent — Live” were also chosen to receive tax credits.
Also Read: 'Scarface,' 'Deadwood' Movie, Jordan Peele Film Score California Tax Credits
Warner Bros.’ “Birds of Prey...
- 7/23/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
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