Week of « Prev | Next »
1-20 of 114 items « Prev | Next »
Jake Gyllenhaal, Variety’s Int’l Star of the Year, Plays Against Convention
41 minutes ago
Those who recall Jake Gyllenhaal’s breakthrough performance as “Donnie Darko” in 2001 might have a tough time reconciling that little-boy-lost character with his pumped-up prizefighter in this year’s “Southpaw.” The latter work conjured the kind of body-and-soul transformations associated with Robert De Niro in his prime, or another child actor-turned-leading man, Christian Bale. In his review for Variety, Justin Chang wrote: “You can practically smell the blood, the sweat and the fierce actorly commitment rising from Jake Gyllenhaal’s bruised and tattooed body.”
Gyllenhaal’s role in “Nightcrawler,” barely a year prior, went in the opposite direction physically, with his nocturnal prowling cameraman with a nose for carnage looking gaunt to the point of sickly. The 35-year-old actor, Variety’s Intl. Star of the Year, offers that it’s “important to have an audience enter a movie being excited about what the actor has done to prepare for a role. »
- Steve Chagollan
My First Time in Variety: Tom Courtenay
58 minutes ago
Tom Courtenay, who stars with Charlotte Rampling in “45 Years,” was reviewed in Variety in 1960, for Chekhov’s “The Seagull” at the Old Vic. That led to the 1962 film “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner,” followed quickly by the movies “Billy Liar” (1963) and “Dr. Zhivago” (1965).
Did you always want to be an actor?
At grammar school, the head boy would do the day’s reading and I didn’t like the way he did it. I wanted to do it. And eventually I became the head boy. And later I went to University College London, which was on Gower Street and the real reason I wanted to go there was because it was close to Rada.
How did you start out?
After University College London, I did two years at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I heard the head of Rada, John Fernald, wanted to do “The Seagull.” I »
- Tim Gray
Doc ‘Steve McQueen’ Digs Into Troubled ‘Le Mans’ Production
1 hour ago
In the documentary “Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans,” about the making of “Le Mans” — a dynamically filmed but dramatically inert racing saga released in 1971 to tepid reviews and middling business — the actor-producer is likened to Icarus, the mythical figure with wax wings who flies too close to the sun.
McQueen in the late ’60s was riding high from such hits as “The Thomas Crown Affair” and “Bullitt,” the latter of which brought a fresh level of gritty realism and action to the detective film, and marked a considerable step forward for McQueen’s Solar Prods.
“Le Mans” was not only the actor-producer’s passion project, but a production on which he wanted to control every aspect. For this he managed to recruit some of the best in the business, including several of Formula One’s leading lights as extras, and the director who helped make him a star »
- Steve Chagollan
Ventana Sur: FilmSharks Rolls Out ‘No Kids’ as an Original Movie and Remake (Exclusive)
1 hour ago
Buenos Aires – Rome-based Microcinema Distribuzione has joined HBO (North America), Buena Vista Intl. (most of South America) and Spain’s Syldavia Films on the list of major territory sales for Argentine Ariel Winograd’s “No Kids,” the latest comedy produced by Argentina’s Disney-backed Patagonik, teaming with Academy Award winner Tornasol (“The Secret in Their Eyes”).
Guido Rud’s Buenos Aires based FilmSharks Intl. clinched the sales, announcing them at this week’s Ventana Sur in Buenos Aires, where “No Kids” is a Thursday screening highlight.
Bvi has also acquired Latin American TV/VOD rights. Proof that it is not only French comedies that are crossing borders, as original movies or via remake sales, in new business, France’s Albertine Productions, in association with Selective Films, has taken the Gallic remake rights to “No Kids.”
In reported sales, “No Kids” has sold to Paris Filmes, Brazil’s biggest distributor, majors included, »
- John Hopewell
‘Son of Saul’ Director Nemes Talks About Film’s Key Contributors
1 hour ago
Laszlo Nemes filmed “Son of Saul” in Hungary in 28 days, for €1.5 million ($1.6 million). The lead, Geza Rohrig, is always in focus, while many key events are on the edges of the frame or even off-camera. “I wanted the visceral experience of the camp, so you have to be matter of fact,” he says. He talked about some key contributors.
“He was cinematographer, lighting cameraman and operator. Matyas said he and the actor, Geza Rohrig, had to perform a well-choreographed dance, since they were so connected to each other. Matyas didn’t try to make it beautiful. He didn’t go for cheap emotions, but tried to create an image as raw as possible.”
“The film is very immersive and organic, with the viewer sharing time and space with the main character. Because of the overall visual strategy, we had to establish the grammar of the film »
- Tim Gray
Atom Egoyan To Preside Canadian Films’ Homage at Marrakech Fest
1 hour ago
Atom Egoyan has been tapped to preside the tribute to Canada hosted at the 15th edition of Marrakech Film Festival.
Egoyan will receive the festival’s trophy during the homage to Canadian cinema on Dec. 6 along with a large delegation of Canuck directors and actors.
The critically-acclaimed Canadian helmer has directed fifteen feature films and nabbed five prizes at Cannes, along with two Oscar nominations and eight Genie Awards, among other kudos. Egoyan’s recent credits include Cannes’ Palme d’Or contender “Captive.” His next movie, “Remember” competed at Venice.
“Through films such as ‘Exotica,’ ‘The Sweet Hereafter’ and ‘Felicia’s Journey,’ Egoyan has brilliantly explored the solitude of individuals struggling amid an alienating society,” stated the festival.
Previous Marrakech editions have paid tribute to U.K., Mexican, Scandinavian and Japanese cinema.
Meanwhile, French-Tunisian thesp Sami Bouajila is set to participate in the festival’s main jury. This year, Bouajila »
- Elsa Keslassy
It’s Time to Debunk the Myths Surrounding Oscar Voting
1 hour ago
If you say something often enough, it becomes fact. Many statements about Oscar and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences have been repeated so often that people around the world believe them, and keep repeating them. However, many of these statements are simply guesses; some are false. Since the Academy keeps its voting results a secret, it leads to misperceptions: When “Birdman” won this year, it seemed like everybody in Hollywood voted for it, but nobody in town voted for the other films. The absence of tallies often leads to conspiracy theories. (We’ll never know which film came in at No. 2, or how close the vote was.)
So here is Oscar for Dummies, exploding some myths that have become accepted as fact.
History is no gauge.
Pundits often predict winners by citing past Oscars as yardsticks — for example, the fact that Academy voters chose “How Green Was My Valley »
- Tim Gray
Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Merchandise Gives the Force to Younger Generation
1 hour ago
While Disney stands poised to benefit mightily from a worldwide box office bonanza with the Dec. 18 arrival of its first “Star Wars” movie, the Magic Kingdom has already begun minting money from another key force that George Lucas personally controlled for 35 years: “Star Wars” consumer products.
At online outlets and retail stores across the country, movie fans are clamoring for products emblazoned with images of old favorites like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, as well as new “Star Wars” heroine Rey and arch-villain Captain Phasma.
In the first year following “The Force Awakens,” the power of “Star Wars” products could produce $5 billion in revenue, predicts analyst Tim Nollen of Macquarie Securities. That’s a jaw-dropping figure, given that the six previous “Star Wars” films over 38 years produced an estimated $20 billion in sales, making the film franchise the most successful for product licensing in history.
Disney does not release details of »
- James Rainey
Four AFI Documentaries to Receive Grants from NBCUniversal
2 hours ago
The American Film Institute has announced that four documentary projects that screened at the AFI Docs festival are receiving $75,000 in funds from the first-ever AFI Docs/NBCUniversal Impact Grants.
The films are “The Conversation,” “Most Likely to Succeed,” “Peace Officer” and “Salam Neighbor.”
The grants will support the outreach and social action campaigns for the projects, which participated in the inaugural year of the AFI Docs Impact Lab, a filmmaker workshop sponsored by NBCUniversal and presented in partnership with Picture Motion.
“The AFI Docs film festival leverages the power of documentary storytelling to catalyze change through not only screenings and events but also through professional development for our filmmakers,” said festival director Michael Lumpkin. “The AFI Docs/NBCUniversal Impact Grants will help turn their training into action.”
Beth Colleton, senior VP of corporate social responsibility at NBCUniversal, said, “NBCUniversal is excited to have joined with AFI on this initiative to »
- Dave McNary
LeBron James’ Site Lands $15.8 Million Investment From Time Warner
3 hours ago
Warner Bros. Entertainment and Turner Sports have invested $15.8 million in NBA superstar LeBron James’ multimedia site, Uninterrupted.
Funds from the Time Warner companies will be used to expand the offerings on the year-old Uninterrupted platform, which specializes in offering athlete point-of-view content, it was announced Wednesday.
“The best thing about Uninterrupted is there are so many creative opportunities for athletes to tell their stories,” James said. “I’m excited to be partnering with important, innovative companies like Warner Brothers and Turner to keep building Uninterrupted as a place for athletes to go to connect with fans and share their stories in a different way.”
The investment comes on the heels of NBA star Kobe Bryant announcing his retirement Sunday through another website for athletes, Players Tribute, which resulted in the site nearly crashing.
“Whether it’s through real-time videos, original digital series or documentaries, Uninterrupted provides that creative outlet for »
- Dave McNary
New York Film Critics Circle Winners (In Progress)
4 hours ago
Members of the New York Film Critics Circle are voting on year-end superlatives this morning. Full list of winners as they are announced and running commentary below.
Best First Film: “Son of Saul”
As mentioned in a recent column, László Nemes’ Cannes prize winner is one of a number of films that could use a boost by critics in the race to achieve a higher profile.
Best Foreign Film: “Timbuktu”
Last year’s foreign Oscar submission from Mauritania prevents Nemes’ film from racking up two wins at the start. Very interesting…
Best Supporting Actress: Kristen Stewart (“Clouds of Sils Maria”)
When Stewart won the César Award in this category last year for her performance in Olivier Assayas’ 2014 Cannes entry, one couldn’t help but wonder if she could survive the year and stand out in this year’s race. That possibility faded, but the New York crowd just added some more gas to the tank. »
- Kristopher Tapley
Film Financier Three Point Capital Expanding in Ohio, Kentucky
5 hours ago
Three Point Capital, which is providing debt financing for the boxing movie “Tiger,” is expanding by hiring Eric Fischer to open offices in Ohio and Kentucky, Variety has learned exclusively.
Three Point expects to partially or fully finance between 10 and 15 productions per year, with budgets ranging from $1 million to $20 million, in these two jurisdictions.
“Tiger” is the first film to take advantage of the new initiative. Mickey Rourke stars opposite Janel Parrish (“Pretty Little Liars”) with Prem Singh in the title role.
“We are excited about having Eric join our team,” said Ali Jazayeri, exec VP at Three Point. “He brings a wealth of production experience as well as deep relationships throughout the Midwest. We believe local offices in Ohio and Kentucky will allow us to better serve the influx of productions taking advantage of the great scenery, strong crew base and competitive incentives in the region.”
Three Point currently has offices in New York, »
- Dave McNary
Berlin Film Festival to World Premiere Fritz Lang’s Newly Restored ‘Destiny’
5 hours ago
London — The 66th Berlin Intl. Film Festival is to present the world premiere of the digitally restored version of Fritz Lang’s “Der müde Tod” (Destiny) as part of its Berlinale Classics program.
The silent film, which will screen on Feb. 12 at Friedrichstadt-Palast, has been restored by the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation in Wiesbaden, Germany. The restoration was curated and carried out by art restorer Anke Wilkening. The film was released in 1921 — but not in black and white. Using film tinting and toning, the film hit movie theaters in color. The restorers have re-created those tints.
The premiere of the digitized version will also be a music premiere: Freiburg-based composer Cornelius Schwehr was commissioned by broadcasters Zdf and Arte to create a new score for “Destiny” that is “commensurate with the film classic’s diversity of style,” the festival said.
“Just as the film itself tells a ‘folk song in »
- Leo Barraclough
European Film Promotion Appoints Sonja Heinen as Next Chief
6 hours ago
London — The board of directors of European Film Promotion, an organization dedicated to the promotion of European movies worldwide, has appointed Sonja Heinen as its next managing director.
Heinen is program manager of Berlin-based World Cinema Fund and has headed the Berlinale Co-Production Market for the past 12 years. She will succeed long-term Efp managing director Renate Rose at the helm of the organization as of March 2017, after Efp’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Under Rose’s tenure, Efp, an association representing film bodies in 36 European countries, has developed into a globally active organization dedicated to the promotion of European cinema. After 20 years serving as Efp’s managing director, Rose had expressed to the board her wish to step down.
“Since the very beginning Renate Rose has been the heart and soul of our network,” Efp president Martin Schweighofer said. “Throughout all these years she has been an outstanding navigator. We will »
- Leo Barraclough
Ventana Sur: Burman Office Options ‘This Too Shall Pass’ (Exclusive)
8 hours ago
Buenos Aires – Ramping up his film-tv slate at Burman Office, Daniel Burman, whose “El Rey del Once – The Tenth Man” is one of the most anticipated Argentine movies of early 2016, has optioned Milena Busquets’ “Tambien Esto Pasará” (This Too Shall Pass), a Spanish-language international best-seller whose translation rights have been sold in more than 30 languages. Hogarth Press handles the U.S. publication.
Deal was struck with the Pontas Agency, the Barcelona-based international literary and film agency. Burman will produce. A renowned scriptwriter-director – whose attachment will turn heads – will be announced shortly. Big screen adaptation rights has had many suitors, Burman told Variety in Buenos Aires, echoing one description of “This Too Shall Pass” as a “literary tsunami” which is taking the world by storm.
Billed by the Pontas agency as a novel about “loss, love and sex” written by the Françoise Sagan of the 21st century, “This Too” turns on Blanca, »
- John Hopewell
Ventana Sur: Gustavo Hernandez Sets ‘Persomnia’ as Next Film (Exclusive)
9 hours ago
Buenos Aires – Gustavo Hernandez, who broke out to international recognition and sales with his debut, the Elle Driver-sold 2011 Cannes hit ‘La casa muda,’ is lining up psychological paranormal thriller ‘Persomnia’ as his third directorial outing.
Set up at Montevideo’s Mother Superior Films, where Hernandez partners with Ignacio Cucucovich, who will produce, “Persomnia” could also mark Hernandez’s English-language debut, Hernandez said Tuesday at Ventana Sur.
Shot as one continuous take and the subject of a U.S. remake starring Elizabeth Olsen and directed by “Open Water’s” Chris Kentis and Lara Lau, “La casa muda” was shot in an isolated countryside house. “Local God,” Hernandez’s second film, seen at September’s Austin Fantastic Festival, unspools in a cave where a demonic force unleashes a rockband members’ worst nightmares.
Written by Juma Fodde Roma (“Splendorous Garden of the Heart”), “Persomnia” continues Hernandez’s hallmark claustrophobia: A young actress joins a radical theater troupe, »
- John Hopewell
Ventana Sur: Novelo Filmes Unveils ‘By Demon’s Will’ Project
9 hours ago
Florianopolis-based outfit Novelo Filmes has boarded Cintia Domit Bittar’s Brazilian found-footage horror pic project “By Demon’s Will,” a Beyond the Window co-prod forum player at Buenos Aires’ Ventana Sur.
“By Demon’s Will” follows Lena, a student finishing her Master’s dissertation about people who believe they are possesed by demons. At a psychiatric clinic, she interviews patients with that profile and ends up meeting Rose, who confesses to have set fire to her family’s house with her parents and brother inside, under the guidance of demons.
Investigating Rose’s past, Lena will find a VHS tape containing images recorded at her brother’s birthday party, clues to what actually might have happened.
The film, currently in development, “intends to explore the found-footage horror sub-genre in a pure way, preserving to the maximum its a esthetic and narrative characteristics, without the use of resources like sound effects, »
- Emiliano De Pablos
Argentina: Up Next! Hernan Belon
9 hours ago
Hernan Belon’s sophomore effort “Blood in the Mouth” screens Dec. 2 at Ventana Sur’s Primer Corte, the pix-in-post showcase curated by Cannes Cinefondation general manager Georges Goldenstern.
A Cactus Cine production “Blood” is being talked up as a potential Argentine B.O. hit of 2016. Italy’s Cinedea co-produces. In this noirish melodrama, Leo Sbaraglia (“Wild Tales”) plays an over-the-hill boxer who falls madly in love with a younger woman played by 20-year-old actress Eva de Dominci, who –according to Belon– will be the big surprise of “Blood.”
“’Blood’ is the story of a man in crisis. Because he’s almost 40, his career is about to end and he’s tired of his ordinary life. He’s a boxer. He doesn’t have the intellectual tools to deal with he’s going through. And then he runs into Deborah [his young boxing trainee] and both get hooked up in a love-story full of violence and eroticism, »
- Emilio Mayorga
Ventana Sur: Writer Cabiya Debuts with Caribbean Sci-fi ‘Uqbar’
9 hours ago
Highlighting the increasing international interest in Caribbean sci-fi film genre, Puerto Rican writer-turned-director Pedro Cabiya is moving “Uqbar,” an ambitious Dominican Republic-Puerto Rico co-production set up at Santo Domingo-based Heart of Gold Productions.
Developed for a year, “Uqbar” has been selected to play at the 3rd Beyond the Window, the co-production forum hosted by Ventana Sur’s Blood Window mini-mart.
The film project turns on two astronauts from advanced but disparate civilizations, set on the limits of the cosmos, that join forces to survive on an inhospitable moon, settled by a violent and primitive tribe, possessor of a terrible secret that will transform all of them forever.
“This is a story narrated in a concise way and addresses issues of global relevance: Corporate irresponsibility, sectarian wars, the ecological imbalance, religious fanaticism,” said Pedro Cabiya, who makes his feature helming debut with “Uqbar.”
“However, this is not a pessimistic film, »
- Emiliano De Pablos
Latin America: Up Next! Lorenzo Vigas on his Father Fixation
9 hours ago
Making cinematic history by being the first Venezuelan to snag the Venice Golden Lion best film prize via his feature debut “Desde Alla,” (“From Afar”), Vigas is now prepping “The Box,” the third part of a paternity-themed trilogy, which began 10 years ago with his acclaimed 2004 short “Elephants Never Forget” and continued with “Desde Alla.” In between the short and feature, he made “El Vendedor de Orquideas” (“The Orchid Seller”), a docu about his renowned painter father Oswaldo Vigas, now in post.
Vigas took a circuitous route to filmmaking. He first acquired a degree in molecular biology from the University of Tampa, Florida, before studying film at Nyu. He then returned to Venezuela to direct various docus and ads before making “Elephants Never Forget,” the short that caught the attention of Cannes 2004 Camera D’Or jury president-actor Tim Roth who had it play before Brazilian helmer Walter Salles’ acclaimed Che Guevara »
- Anna Marie de la Fuente
1-20 of 114 items « Prev | Next »