Archives for 2016

OUTSIDER PICTURES & STRAND RELEASING ACQUIRES THE BRIDE

Todo Cine Latino, the speciality label of Paul Hudson’s Outsider Pictures, has signed with sales agent Fortissimo for US distribution rights to Paula Ortiz’s La Novia (The Bride), a notable recent Spanish breakout hit, reaping 12 nominations for Jan’s Spanish Academy Goya Awards. Continuing a distribution alliance, Strand Releasing will handle home entertainment & digital rights. Ortiz won acclaim and a Valladolid fest new director nod for her debut, Chrysalis, a 2011 triptych of love stories. The Bride has turned her, however, from a talent to track to a recognized director. Adapting the most famous stage play of Federico García Lorca, a poet who inspired Leonard Cohen to take up songwriting, Blood Wedding turns on a woman promised to one man but who elopes with a former lover on horseback the same day of her wedding, pursued by the bridegroom, egged on by his tyrannical mother. Their disobedience will have devastating consequences.

BREAKING GLASS PICTURES ACQUIRES THE APOSTATE

Philadelphia based Breaking Glass Pictures (BGP) has acquired all North American distribution rights to The Apostate, the critically acclaimed comedy of Uruguayan – Spanish helmer Federico Veiroj. Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff closed the deal with Sandro Fiorin of FiGaFilms after the film’s screening at last month’s Miami International Film Festival. “FiGa Films brings another unique international voice to the US audience,” said Michael Repsch, Breaking Glass SVP of distribution & sales, who has also picked up Geraldine Chaplin toplined drama Sand Dollars from the Miami based distributor in the past. “It’s a privilege to continue our collaboration with Breaking Glass Pictures. They are wonderful partners that will take very good care of The Apostate,” said Fiorin. BGP’s other Spanish language pick ups include Paraguay thriller Seven Boxes and Alex De La Iglesia’s My Big Night. Starting in Sept, 2016, BGP plans a limited theatrical release of the comedy in US & Canada, leading with New York, Los Angeles & Miami, to be followed by a multiplatform rollout, including SVOD and other streaming services.

COLIN’S PLAYGROUND OPTIONS 2 BOOKS

Colin Callender’s production company Playground, whose credits include Hilary Mantel adaptation of Wolf Hall, has optioned 2 books, Fiona Barton’s psychological thriller The Widow & Thomas Grant’s non – fiction account of a lawyer’s life, Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Stories. The deals follow Playground’s recent optioning of Patrick Kingsleys The New Odyssey — The Story Of Europe’s Refugee Crisis, which will be published in May, 2016 The Widow is about the wife of a man who is accused, and eventually cleared, of kidnapping & murdering a child. Throughout this ordeal, the woman, Jean, stands by her man, the ever loyal & supportive wife, seemingly refusing to believe anything the police or press accused him of. But when he suddenly dies, both the law & the media want answers. Surely Jean must know the truth about what happened? Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Histories is an entertaining & thought provoking biography of a celebrated British lawyer.

POLLY HILL TO JOIN UK COMMERCIAL BROADCASTER ITV

The controller of BBC drama commissioning, Polly Hill, is to join commercial network ITV as head of drama. Her recent credits have included Doctor Foster, War And Peace & The Night Manager. ITV director of television Kevin Lygo also announced Fri that Optomen managing director Sue Murphy will join ITV commissioning as head of factual entertainment, Siobhan Greene will move from ITV Studios to become ITV commissioning team’s head of entertainment & Peter Davey has been promoted as head of comedy entertainment. ITV also announced that Angela Jain is to succeed Greene as managing director of ITV Studios Entertainment & Rosemary Newell, Discovery Networks International senior VP, content & operations, will become ITV’s head of digital channels & acquisitions. Prior to Hill’s present role, she was BBC’s head of independent drama between 2011 & 2015, where she was responsible for The Missing, The Honorable Woman, Ripper Street, Poldark & Wolf Hall. She joined BBC in 2005 as an executive producer and then became a commissioning editor in 2008. Before joining BBC, she was a producer on Cherished by Gwyneth Hughes, which won the Grierson Award. She worked at Channel 4, where she oversaw the 1st series of Teachers, and started her career working for Verity Lambert, before getting her 1st script – editing job on EastEnders.

DANIEL BATTSEK TO LEAD CHANNEL 4’S MOVIE DIVISION FILM4

Daniel Battsek is to be director of Channel 4’s movie division Film4, following the news that David Kosse is to step down to join STX Entertainment. Battsek will join Film4 in Jul, 2016, relocating to UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of Cohen Media Group. Previously, Battsek was president of National Geographic Films, and before that he was president of filmed entertainment at Miramax Films. Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until Oct, 2016. Battsek will inherit Film4’s increased spend of £25 million ($35.2 million) for the year, announced by Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham in Feb, 2016 with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of funding in future years. Film4 will continue to seek out partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight & FP Films in Feb, 2016 which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects.

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE LAUNCHES ITS 1ST THEATRE LAB

US thespians Sandra Oh, Hoon Lee, Deanna Dunagan, their Syrian colleague Hala Omran, & Palestinian playwright Raeda Taha have been tapped as creative advisers participating in the Sundance Institute’s 1st Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Theatre Lab, which will be held in Morocco next month. The lab, which is part of the Sundance Institute’s commitment to support artists from the region, will provide fresh voices from US & MENA with what it calls “a rigorous artistic retreat and new opportunities for cross -cultural discovery, artistic reflection & creative experimentation,” it said in a statement. Under the supervision of Sundance Institute Theatre Program, artistic director Philip Himberg & producing director Christopher Hibma, and led by Middle East & North Africa manager Jumana Al – Yasiri, the institute’s annual Theatre Lab, which is normally held in Utah, will take place on 8th May, 2016 to 29th May, 2016 outside Marrakesh. For over the past 3 decades, the lab has provided critical support & development to productions, including the 2 most recent Tony Award winners for “Best Musical”, Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori, who adapted Fun Home.

NEW ARAB MOVIES TACKLE MORE TOPICAL THEMES

Ever since the Arab Spring in 2011 sparked a wave of uprisings that fuelled hopes of transformation & transition from dictatorships to democracy’s, Arab directors have felt compelled to depict the complex changes going on in their nations. Now, some are feeling a greater urgency to take on themes surrounding the Islamic State group & terrorism, while still tackling issues of immigration & stultifying cultural mores. Producers in Paris & Brussels, cities still reeling from recent Muslim extremist attacks, are proving crucial in shepherding films that address pressing Arab topics, as are institutions in the Arab world, such as the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra workshop, which took place 4th Mar, 2016 to 9th Mar, 2016 in Doha. Belgium’s venerable Dardennes brothers served as co – producers for Tunisian director Mohamed Ben Attia’s timely drama Hedi, a subtle, taboo -breaking love story largely set in Tunisian beach resorts devoid of tourists after the deadly 2015 ISIS attack on a hotel in the resort town of Sousse. Tunisia’s Dora Bouchoucha Fourati, the main producer on Hedi, was among a group of global industryites who attended Qumra. Projects on display there indicate that young Arab directors have social & political themes on their minds, as well as deeper issues pertaining to terrorism. “Quite a few of the projects reflect the world that we live in,” Palestinian auteur Elia Suleiman said of the 33 DFI – backed works chosen for pitching & feedback sessions, script consultations & rough cut screenings.

ROOM SWEEPS IRISH FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS

Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, for which lead actress Brie Larson won an Oscar, was the big winner at the Irish Film & Television Academy Awards on Sun. The film, produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures, won 7 awards, including film, director for Abrahamson, and script for Emma Donoghue. Larson won the award for international actress, while its other prizes were for editing, original music & sound. Brooklyn earned awards for lead actress Saoirse Ronan & supporting actress Jane Brennan. Michael Fassbender picked up the award for lead actor for Steve Jobs, and the supporting actor honor went to Jack Reynor for Sing Street. Leonardo DiCaprio was named best international actor for The Revenant, and Spotlight was voted top international film. On the TV drama side, Abú Media’s Irish language series An Klondike won 4 awards, including best drama and actor for Dara Devaney. The supporting actor honor went to Moe Dunford for Vikings, while the supporting actress prize went to Sarah Greene for Penny Dreadful. Stephen Fingleton, the director of feature film The Survivalist, won the Rising Star Award, while the feature documentary trophy went to Ken Wardrop’s Mom & Me. Liam Neeson received the IFTA Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award, recognition for his 3 decades career in cinema.

TVP BOARDS GLOBO’S EPIC SUPERMAX

Pubcaster Television Publica De Argentina (TVP) has boarded Globo’s epic Spanish language production Supermax, to which Argentine film maker Daniel Burman is attached as showrunner, director & co – producer via his shingle Oficina Burman.
TV Azteca has snagged the Mexican TV rights. As a co -producer, TVP has secured Argentine broadcasting rights to the high – end thriller series. Argentina’s minister of media & public content, Hernan Lombardi, joined with Raphael Correa Netto, Globo’s executive director of international business, and with Burman to unveil the new pact. “This co – production is part of a strategic vision aimed at generating high – quality projects for the region by tapping our wealth of human talent & premier locations,” said Lombardi. “It’s a starting point toward spurring our local industries and bringing our audiovisual productions to the global market,” he added.

INSANE LANDS ON TOP & BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE TUMBLES

R – rated local thriller Insane debuted on top of the Korean box office, ousting Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Earning $2.6 million from 355,000 admissions between Thurs & Sun, the picture accounted for 30% of the total weekend box office. Insane recounts the story of a woman taken to a psychiatric hospital against her will in broad daylight. Zootopia remained in 2nd. The Walt Disney animation made $1.59 million between Fri & Sun, extending its total to $26.7 million after 8 weekends. Opening on Thurs, newcomers 10 Cloverfield Lane, Eddie The Eagle & Trumbo landed in 3rd, 4th & 6th places, respectively. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment, Cloverfield earned $1.7 million over 4 days. Eddie The Eagle scored $985,000. Trumbo earned $233,000. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice tumbled to 5th, with a drop of 70%. The superhero movie earned $781,000 between Fri & Sun, for a total of $15.9 million after 3 weekends. Re – released after 2 decades, Before Sunrise opened in 7th. The melodrama earned $157,000 between Thurs & Sun. Opening on the same day, US & Chile co – produced The 33 made $232,500.

ALIVE WINS WILDFLOWER FILM AWARDS

Labor drama Alive was named Grand Prize winner at South Korea’s Wildflower Film Awards on Thur. Park Jung -Bum directed & starred in the tale of a broke laborer’s struggle for survival. Last year’s Cannes entry, Madonna earned Shin Su won the best director prize & Kwon So – Hyun the best new actor prize. E I’ll – Ha earned the best documentary director award for A Crybaby Boxing Club, a portrait of a Korean after school club in Japan. Jung Jae – Young won best actor for Right Now, Wrong Then by veteran Hong Sang – Soo. Singer – actress Lee Jung -Hyun took the best actress award for director Ahn Gooc – Jin’s cruel labor drama, Alice In Earnestland. The Wildflower Awards were launched in 2014 by former Variety correspondent Darcy Paquet, and film critic Oh Dong – Jin, as a grassroots effort to recognise Korean independent & low – budget films.

SCREENX TARGETS HOLLYWOOD & CHINA

China these days is in love with all things culturally Korean, from TV shows to boy bands. Hoping to expand that trend is the cinema technology arm of Korean exhibition firm CJ – CGV, itself a sister company of the powerhouse producer & distributor CJ Entertainment. Having previously launched 4DX, a successful re-invention of the moving seats & environmental effects concept, CJ – CGV is now doing business with
ScreenX immersive technology. Next week it will take the kit to the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas for the 2nd time. There it will be targeting not just North American theaters, but Chinese exhibitors in attendance who are currently opening thousands of new cinemas per year. China’s Wanda Cinema Line has been one of the 1st companies outside Korea to adopt ScreenX and Chinese smash hit Mojin: The Lost Legend, which Wanda co -produced with Huayi Brothers & Enlight Media, was one of the 1st foreign movies to be engineered for the ScreenX experience.

OUTSIDER PICTURES & STRAND RELEASING ACQUIRES THE BRIDE

Todo Cine Latino, the speciality label of Paul Hudson’s Outsider Pictures, has signed with sales agent Fortissimo for US distribution rights to Paula Ortiz’s La Novia (The Bride), a notable recent Spanish breakout hit, reaping 12 nominations for Jan’s Spanish Academy Goya Awards. Continuing a distribution alliance, Strand Releasing will handle home entertainment & digital rights. Ortiz won acclaim and a Valladolid fest new director nod for her debut, Chrysalis, a 2011 triptych of love stories. The Bride has turned her, however, from a talent to track to a recognized director. Adapting the most famous stage play of Federico García Lorca, a poet who inspired Leonard Cohen to take up songwriting, Blood Wedding turns on a woman promised to one man but who elopes with a former lover on horseback the same day of her wedding, pursued by the bridegroom, egged on by his tyrannical mother. Their disobedience will have devastating consequences.

BREAKING GLASS PICTURES ACQUIRES THE APOSTATE

Philadelphia based Breaking Glass Pictures (BGP) has acquired all North American distribution rights to The Apostate, the critically acclaimed comedy of Uruguayan – Spanish helmer Federico Veiroj. Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff closed the deal with Sandro Fiorin of FiGaFilms after the film’s screening at last month’s Miami International Film Festival. “FiGa Films brings another unique international voice to the US audience,” said Michael Repsch, Breaking Glass SVP of distribution & sales, who has also picked up Geraldine Chaplin toplined drama Sand Dollars from the Miami based distributor in the past. “It’s a privilege to continue our collaboration with Breaking Glass Pictures. They are wonderful partners that will take very good care of The Apostate,” said Fiorin. BGP’s other Spanish language pick ups include Paraguay thriller Seven Boxes and Alex De La Iglesia’s My Big Night. Starting in Sept, 2016, BGP plans a limited theatrical release of the comedy in US & Canada, leading with New York, Los Angeles & Miami, to be followed by a multiplatform rollout, including SVOD and other streaming services.

COLIN’S PLAYGROUND OPTIONS 2 BOOKS

Colin Callender’s production company Playground, whose credits include Hilary Mantel adaptation of Wolf Hall, has optioned 2 books, Fiona Barton’s psychological thriller The Widow & Thomas Grant’s non – fiction account of a lawyer’s life, Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Stories. The deals follow Playground’s recent optioning of Patrick Kingsleys The New Odyssey — The Story Of Europe’s Refugee Crisis, which will be published in May, 2016 The Widow is about the wife of a man who is accused, and eventually cleared, of kidnapping & murdering a child. Throughout this ordeal, the woman, Jean, stands by her man, the ever loyal & supportive wife, seemingly refusing to believe anything the police or press accused him of. But when he suddenly dies, both the law & the media want answers. Surely Jean must know the truth about what happened? Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Histories is an entertaining & thought provoking biography of a celebrated British lawyer.

POLLY HILL TO JOIN UK COMMERCIAL BROADCASTER ITV

The controller of BBC drama commissioning, Polly Hill, is to join commercial network ITV as head of drama. Her recent credits have included Doctor Foster, War And Peace & The Night Manager. ITV director of television Kevin Lygo also announced Fri that Optomen managing director Sue Murphy will join ITV commissioning as head of factual entertainment, Siobhan Greene will move from ITV Studios to become ITV commissioning team’s head of entertainment & Peter Davey has been promoted as head of comedy entertainment. ITV also announced that Angela Jain is to succeed Greene as managing director of ITV Studios Entertainment & Rosemary Newell, Discovery Networks International senior VP, content & operations, will become ITV’s head of digital channels & acquisitions. Prior to Hill’s present role, she was BBC’s head of independent drama between 2011 & 2015, where she was responsible for The Missing, The Honorable Woman, Ripper Street, Poldark & Wolf Hall. She joined BBC in 2005 as an executive producer and then became a commissioning editor in 2008. Before joining BBC, she was a producer on Cherished by Gwyneth Hughes, which won the Grierson Award. She worked at Channel 4, where she oversaw the 1st series of Teachers, and started her career working for Verity Lambert, before getting her 1st script – editing job on EastEnders.

DANIEL BATTSEK TO LEAD CHANNEL 4’S MOVIE DIVISION FILM4

Daniel Battsek is to be director of Channel 4’s movie division Film4, following the news that David Kosse is to step down to join STX Entertainment. Battsek will join Film4 in Jul, 2016, relocating to UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of Cohen Media Group. Previously, Battsek was president of National Geographic Films, and before that he was president of filmed entertainment at Miramax Films. Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until Oct, 2016. Battsek will inherit Film4’s increased spend of £25 million ($35.2 million) for the year, announced by Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham in Feb, 2016 with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of funding in future years. Film4 will continue to seek out partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight & FP Films in Feb, 2016 which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects.

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE LAUNCHES ITS 1ST THEATRE LAB

US thespians Sandra Oh, Hoon Lee, Deanna Dunagan, their Syrian colleague Hala Omran, & Palestinian playwright Raeda Taha have been tapped as creative advisers participating in the Sundance Institute’s 1st Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Theatre Lab, which will be held in Morocco next month. The lab, which is part of the Sundance Institute’s commitment to support artists from the region, will provide fresh voices from US & MENA with what it calls “a rigorous artistic retreat and new opportunities for cross -cultural discovery, artistic reflection & creative experimentation,” it said in a statement. Under the supervision of Sundance Institute Theatre Program, artistic director Philip Himberg & producing director Christopher Hibma, and led by Middle East & North Africa manager Jumana Al – Yasiri, the institute’s annual Theatre Lab, which is normally held in Utah, will take place on 8th May, 2016 to 29th May, 2016 outside Marrakesh. For over the past 3 decades, the lab has provided critical support &  development to productions, including the 2 most recent Tony Award winners for “Best Musical”, Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori, who adapted Fun Home.

OUTSIDER PICTURES & STRAND RELEASING ACQUIRES THE BRIDE

Todo Cine Latino, the speciality label of Paul Hudson’s Outsider Pictures, has signed with sales agent Fortissimo for US distribution rights to Paula Ortiz’s La Novia (The Bride), a notable recent Spanish breakout hit, reaping 12 nominations for Jan’s Spanish Academy Goya Awards. Continuing a distribution alliance, Strand Releasing will handle home entertainment & digital rights. Ortiz won acclaim and a Valladolid fest new director nod for her debut, Chrysalis, a 2011 triptych of love stories. The Bride has turned her, however, from a talent to track to a recognized director. Adapting the most famous stage play of Federico García Lorca, a poet who inspired Leonard Cohen to take up songwriting, Blood Wedding turns on a woman promised to one man but who elopes with a former lover on horseback the same day of her wedding, pursued by the bridegroom, egged on by his tyrannical mother. Their disobedience will have devastating consequences.

BREAKING GLASS PICTURES ACQUIRES THE APOSTATE

Philadelphia based Breaking Glass Pictures (BGP) has acquired all North American distribution rights to The Apostate, the critically acclaimed comedy of Uruguayan – Spanish helmer Federico Veiroj. Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff closed the deal with Sandro Fiorin of FiGaFilms after the film’s screening at last month’s Miami International Film Festival. “FiGa Films brings another unique international voice to the US audience,” said Michael Repsch, Breaking Glass SVP of distribution & sales, who has also picked up Geraldine Chaplin toplined drama Sand Dollars from the Miami based distributor in the past. “It’s a privilege to continue our collaboration with Breaking Glass Pictures. They are wonderful partners that will take very good care of The Apostate,” said Fiorin. BGP’s other Spanish language pick ups include Paraguay thriller Seven Boxes and Alex De La Iglesia’s My Big Night. Starting in Sept, 2016, BGP plans a limited theatrical release of the comedy in US & Canada, leading with New York, Los Angeles & Miami, to be followed by a multiplatform rollout, including SVOD and other streaming services.

COLIN’S PLAYGROUND OPTIONS 2 BOOKS

Colin Callender’s production company Playground, whose credits include Hilary Mantel adaptation of Wolf Hall, has optioned 2 books, Fiona Barton’s psychological thriller The Widow & Thomas Grant’s non – fiction account of a lawyer’s life, Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Stories. The deals follow Playground’s recent optioning of Patrick Kingsleys The New Odyssey — The Story Of Europe’s Refugee Crisis, which will be published in May, 2016 The Widow is about the wife of a man who is accused, and eventually cleared, of kidnapping & murdering a child. Throughout this ordeal, the woman, Jean, stands by her man, the ever loyal & supportive wife, seemingly refusing to believe anything the police or press accused him of. But when he suddenly dies, both the law & the media want answers. Surely Jean must know the truth about what happened? Jeremy Hutchinson’s Case Histories is an entertaining & thought provoking biography of a celebrated British lawyer.

POLLY HILL TO JOIN UK COMMERCIAL BROADCASTER ITV

The controller of BBC drama commissioning, Polly Hill, is to join commercial network ITV as head of drama. Her recent credits have included Doctor Foster, War And Peace & The Night Manager. ITV director of television Kevin Lygo also announced Fri that Optomen managing director Sue Murphy will join ITV commissioning as head of factual entertainment, Siobhan Greene will move from ITV Studios to become ITV commissioning team’s head of entertainment & Peter Davey has been promoted as head of comedy entertainment. ITV also announced that Angela Jain is to succeed Greene as managing director of ITV Studios Entertainment & Rosemary Newell, Discovery Networks International senior VP, content & operations, will become ITV’s head of digital channels & acquisitions. Prior to Hill’s present role, she was BBC’s head of independent drama between 2011 & 2015, where she was responsible for The Missing, The Honorable Woman, Ripper Street, Poldark & Wolf Hall. She joined BBC in 2005 as an executive producer and then became a commissioning editor in 2008. Before joining BBC, she was a producer on Cherished by Gwyneth Hughes, which won the Grierson Award. She worked at Channel 4, where she oversaw the 1st series of Teachers, and started her career working for Verity Lambert, before getting her 1st script – editing job on EastEnders.

DANIEL BATTSEK TO LEAD CHANNEL 4’S MOVIE DIVISION FILM4

Daniel Battsek is to be director of Channel 4’s movie division Film4, following the news that David Kosse is to step down to join STX Entertainment. Battsek will join Film4 in Jul, 2016, relocating to UK from New York after fulfilling his contract as president of Cohen Media Group. Previously, Battsek was president of National Geographic Films, and before that he was president of filmed entertainment at Miramax Films. Kosse will continue working for Film4 during the transition period on a consultancy basis until Oct, 2016. Battsek will inherit Film4’s increased spend of £25 million ($35.2 million) for the year, announced by Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham in Feb, 2016 with the ambition of maintaining similar increased levels of funding in future years. Film4 will continue to seek out partnerships like those announced with Fox Searchlight & FP Films in Feb, 2016 which allow the company to take a greater stake in certain projects.

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE LAUNCHES ITS 1ST THEATRE LAB

US thespians Sandra Oh, Hoon Lee, Deanna Dunagan, their Syrian colleague Hala Omran, & Palestinian playwright Raeda Taha have been tapped as creative advisers participating in the Sundance Institute’s 1st Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Theatre Lab, which will be held in Morocco next month. The lab, which is part of the Sundance Institute’s commitment to support artists from the region, will provide fresh voices from US & MENA with what it calls “a rigorous artistic retreat and new opportunities for cross -cultural discovery, artistic reflection & creative experimentation,” it said in a statement. Under the supervision of Sundance Institute Theatre Program, artistic director Philip Himberg & producing director Christopher Hibma, and led by Middle East & North Africa manager Jumana Al – Yasiri, the institute’s annual Theatre Lab, which is normally held in Utah, will take place on 8th May, 2016 to 29th May, 2016 outside Marrakesh. For over the past 3 decades, the lab has provided critical support &  development to productions, including the 2 most recent Tony Award winners for “Best Musical”, Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori, who adapted Fun Home.

NEW ARAB MOVIES TACKLE MORE TOPICAL THEMES

Ever since the Arab Spring in 2011 sparked a wave of uprisings that fuelled hopes of transformation & transition from dictatorships to democracy’s, Arab directors have felt compelled to depict the complex changes going on in their nations. Now, some are feeling a greater urgency to take on themes surrounding the Islamic State group & terrorism, while still tackling issues of immigration & stultifying cultural mores. Producers in Paris & Brussels, cities still reeling from recent Muslim extremist attacks, are proving crucial in shepherding films that address pressing Arab topics, as are institutions in the Arab world, such as the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra workshop, which took place 4th Mar, 2016 to 9th Mar, 2016 in Doha. Belgium’s venerable Dardennes brothers served as co – producers for Tunisian director Mohamed Ben Attia’s timely drama Hedi, a subtle, taboo -breaking love story largely set in Tunisian beach resorts devoid of tourists after the deadly 2015 ISIS attack on a hotel in the resort town of Sousse. Tunisia’s Dora Bouchoucha Fourati, the main producer on Hedi, was among a group of global industryites who attended Qumra. Projects on display there indicate that young Arab directors have social & political themes on their minds, as well as deeper issues pertaining to terrorism. “Quite a few of the projects reflect the world that we live in,” Palestinian auteur Elia Suleiman said of the 33 DFI – backed works chosen for pitching & feedback sessions, script consultations & rough cut screenings.

ROOM SWEEPS IRISH FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS

Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, for which lead actress Brie Larson won an Oscar, was the big winner at the Irish Film & Television Academy Awards on Sun. The film, produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures, won 7 awards, including film, director for Abrahamson, and script for Emma Donoghue. Larson won the award for international actress, while its other prizes were for editing, original music & sound. Brooklyn earned awards for lead actress Saoirse Ronan & supporting actress Jane Brennan. Michael Fassbender picked up the award for lead actor for Steve Jobs, and the supporting actor honor went to Jack Reynor for Sing Street. Leonardo DiCaprio was named best international actor for The Revenant, and Spotlight was voted top international film. On the TV drama side, Abú Media’s Irish language series An Klondike won 4 awards, including best drama and actor for Dara Devaney. The supporting actor honor went to Moe Dunford for Vikings, while the supporting actress prize went to Sarah Greene for Penny Dreadful. Stephen Fingleton, the director of feature film The Survivalist, won the Rising Star Award, while the feature documentary trophy went to Ken Wardrop’s Mom & Me. Liam Neeson received the IFTA Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award, recognition for his 3 decades career in cinema.

TVP BOARDS GLOBO’S EPIC SUPERMAX

Pubcaster Television Publica De Argentina (TVP) has boarded Globo’s epic Spanish language production Supermax, to which Argentine film maker Daniel Burman is attached as showrunner, director & co – producer via his shingle Oficina Burman.
TV Azteca has snagged the Mexican TV rights. As a co -producer, TVP has secured Argentine broadcasting rights to the high – end thriller series. Argentina’s minister of media & public content, Hernan Lombardi, joined with Raphael Correa Netto, Globo’s executive director of international business, and with Burman to unveil the new pact. “This co – production is part of a strategic vision aimed at generating high – quality projects for the region by tapping our wealth of human talent & premier locations,” said Lombardi. “It’s a starting point toward spurring our local industries and bringing our audiovisual productions to the global market,” he added.

INSANE LANDS ON TOP & BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE TUMBLES

R – rated local thriller Insane debuted on top of the Korean box office, ousting Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Earning $2.6 million from 355,000 admissions between Thurs & Sun, the picture accounted for 30% of the total weekend box office. Insane recounts the story of a woman taken to a psychiatric hospital against her will in broad daylight. Zootopia remained in 2nd. The Walt Disney animation made $1.59 million between Fri & Sun, extending its total to $26.7 million after 8 weekends. Opening on Thurs, newcomers 10 Cloverfield Lane, Eddie The Eagle & Trumbo landed in 3rd, 4th & 6th places, respectively. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment, Cloverfield earned $1.7 million over 4 days. Eddie The Eagle scored $985,000. Trumbo earned $233,000. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice tumbled to 5th, with a drop of 70%. The superhero movie earned $781,000 between Fri & Sun, for a total of $15.9 million after 3 weekends. Re – released after 2 decades, Before Sunrise opened in 7th. The melodrama earned $157,000 between Thurs & Sun. Opening on the same day, US & Chile co – produced The 33 made $232,500.

ALIVE WINS WILDFLOWER FILM AWARDS

Labor drama Alive was named Grand Prize winner at South Korea’s Wildflower Film Awards on Thur. Park Jung -Bum directed & starred in the tale of a broke laborer’s struggle for survival. Last year’s Cannes entry, Madonna earned Shin Su won the best director prize & Kwon So – Hyun the best new actor prize. E I’ll – Ha earned the best documentary director award for A Crybaby Boxing Club, a portrait of a Korean after school club in Japan. Jung Jae – Young won best actor for Right Now, Wrong Then by veteran Hong Sang – Soo. Singer – actress Lee Jung -Hyun took the best actress award for director Ahn Gooc – Jin’s cruel labor drama, Alice In Earnestland. The Wildflower Awards were launched in 2014 by former Variety correspondent Darcy Paquet, and film critic Oh Dong – Jin, as a grassroots effort to recognise Korean independent & low – budget films.

SCREENX TARGETS HOLLYWOOD & CHINA

China these days is in love with all things culturally Korean, from TV shows to boy bands. Hoping to expand that trend is the cinema technology arm of Korean exhibition firm CJ – CGV, itself a sister company of the powerhouse producer & distributor CJ Entertainment. Having previously launched 4DX, a successful re-invention of the moving seats & environmental effects concept, CJ – CGV is now doing business with
ScreenX immersive technology. Next week it will take the kit to the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas for the 2nd time. There it will be targeting not just North American theaters, but Chinese exhibitors in attendance who are currently opening thousands of new cinemas per year. China’s Wanda Cinema Line has been one of the 1st companies outside Korea to adopt ScreenX and Chinese smash hit Mojin: The Lost Legend, which Wanda co -produced with Huayi Brothers & Enlight Media, was one of the 1st foreign movies to be engineered for the ScreenX experience.

LONDON HAS FALLEN OPENS ON TOP

New release, London Has Fallen landed on the top of the Chinese Box Office in what was a quiet weekend at the movies. Released on Fri, the disaster action film topped the charts on each day of the session and finished with $24.0 million after 3 days. Amongst the recent Chinese releases, Chongqing Hotpot was the strongest through the weekend. In 2nd throughout the weekend, it added $11.0 million to claim $48.0 million after 10 days. With a strong Sat & Sun following a quiet Fri, Zootopia added $6.20 million in 3 days. Its run has been extended by Chinese regulators and after 38 days it has amassed a cumulative of $232 million. It is now the 2nd biggest score of the year, only behind The Mermaid. Chinese action picture, The Bodyguard slipped from 1st place to 4th. It earned $6.20 million over the weekend, for a 10 day cumulative of $45.3 million. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice lost a further 78% and slipped from 4th to 5th place as it scored $2.81 million. After 17 days the picture has amassed $94 million. Chinese film, Who Sleeps My Bro earned $2.23 million. After 10 days it has a cumulative of $17.8 million. The Revenant played on, adding $530,000, nudging its cumulative to $57.9 million after 24 days.

BRETT RATNER – DANIS  TANOVIC – YOJIRO TAKITA JOIN BEJING FESTIVAL JURY

Brett Ratner, a regular visitor to China, is heading the jury at the Beijing International Film Festival which got underway from 6th Apr, 2016 to 23rd Apr, 2016 in the Chinese capital. The films in the competition section will compete for up to 10 Tiantan Awards. The festival is playing 433 movies from 42 territories, and 15 will be in competition. The other jurors include Hong Kong director Teddy Chan, German’s Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck, Romania’s Corneliu Porumboiu, Japanese director Yojiro Takita, European director Danis Tanovic & Chinese actress Xu Qing, who recently starred in hit Mr. Six. Ratner is currently riding high in China with The Revenant which his RatPac Entertainment co – produced. He was also recently in Hong Kong & China as producer of one of the films on the inaugural slate of Flagship Entertainment, the joint venture between Warner Bros., China Media Capital & TVB.
Ever since the Arab Spring
in 2011 sparked a wave of uprisings that fuelled hopes of transformation & transition from dictatorships to democracy’s, Arab directors have felt compelled to depict the complex changes going on in their nations. Now, some are feeling a greater urgency to take on themes surrounding the
Islamic State group & terrorism, while still tackling issues of immigration & stultifying cultural mores. Producers in Paris & Brussels, cities still reeling from recent Muslim extremist attacks, are proving crucial in shepherding films that address pressing Arab topics, as are institutions in the Arab world, such as the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra workshop, which took place 4th Mar, 2016 to 9th Mar, 2016 in Doha. Belgium’s venerable Dardennes brothers served as co – producers for Tunisian director Mohamed Ben Attia’s timely drama Hedi, a subtle, taboo -breaking love story largely set in Tunisian beach resorts devoid of tourists after the deadly 2015 ISIS attack on a hotel in the resort town of Sousse. Tunisia’s Dora Bouchoucha Fourati, the main producer on Hedi, was among a group of global industryites who attended Qumra. Projects on display there indicate that young Arab directors have social & political themes on their minds, as well as deeper issues pertaining to terrorism. “Quite a few of the projects reflect the world that we live in,” Palestinian auteur Elia Suleiman said of the 33 DFI – backed works chosen for pitching & feedback sessions, script consultations & rough cut screenings.

ROOM SWEEPS IRISH FILM & TELEVISION AWARDS

Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, for which lead actress Brie Larson won an Oscar, was the big winner at the Irish Film & Television Academy Awards on Sun. The film, produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures, won 7 awards, including film, director for Abrahamson, and script for Emma Donoghue. Larson won the award for international actress, while its other prizes were for editing, original music & sound. Brooklyn earned awards for lead actress Saoirse Ronan & supporting actress Jane Brennan. Michael Fassbender picked up the award for lead actor for Steve Jobs, and the supporting actor honor went to Jack Reynor for Sing Street. Leonardo DiCaprio was named best international actor for The Revenant, and Spotlight was voted top international film. On the TV drama side, Abú Media’s Irish language series An Klondike won 4 awards, including best drama and actor for Dara Devaney. The supporting actor honor went to Moe Dunford for Vikings, while the supporting actress prize went to Sarah Greene for Penny Dreadful. Stephen Fingleton, the director of feature film The Survivalist, won the Rising Star Award, while the feature documentary trophy went to Ken Wardrop’s Mom & Me. Liam Neeson received the IFTA Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award, recognition for his 3 decades career in cinema.

TVP BOARDS GLOBO’S EPIC SUPERMAX

Pubcaster Television Publica De Argentina (TVP) has boarded Globo’s epic Spanish language production Supermax, to which Argentine film maker Daniel Burman is attached as showrunner, director & co – producer via his shingle Oficina Burman.
TV Azteca has snagged the Mexican TV rights. As a co -producer, TVP has secured Argentine broadcasting rights to the high – end thriller series. Argentina’s minister of media & public content, Hernan Lombardi, joined with Raphael Correa Netto, Globo’s executive
director of international business, and with Burman to unveil the new pact. “This co – production is part of a strategic vision aimed at generating high – quality projects for the region by tapping our wealth of human talent & premier locations,” said Lombardi. “It’s a starting point toward spurring our local industries and bringing our audiovisual productions to the global market,” he added.

INSANE LANDS ON TOP & BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE TUMBLES

R – rated local thriller Insane debuted on top of the Korean box office, ousting Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. Earning $2.6 million from 355,000 admissions between Thurs & Sun, the picture accounted for 30% of the total weekend box office. Insane recounts the story of a woman taken to a psychiatric hospital against her will in broad daylight. Zootopia remained in 2nd. The Walt Disney animation made $1.59 million between Fri & Sun, extending its total to $26.7 million after 8 weekends. Opening on Thurs, newcomers 10 Cloverfield Lane, Eddie The Eagle & Trumbo landed in 3rd, 4th & 6th places, respectively. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment, Cloverfield earned $1.7 million over 4 days. Eddie The Eagle scored $985,000. Trumbo earned $233,000. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice tumbled to 5th, with a drop of 70%. The superhero movie earned $781,000 between Fri & Sun, for a total of $15.9 million after 3 weekends. Re – released after 2 decades, Before Sunrise opened in 7th. The melodrama earned $157,000 between Thurs & Sun. Opening on the same day, US & Chile co – produced The 33 made $232,500.

ALIVE WINS WILDFLOWER FILM AWARDS

Labor drama Alive was named Grand Prize winner at South Korea’s Wildflower Film Awards on Thur. Park Jung -Bum directed & starred in the tale of a broke laborer’s struggle for survival. Last year’s Cannes entry, Madonna earned Shin Su won the best director prize & Kwon So – Hyun the best new actor prize. E I’ll – Ha earned the best documentary director award for A Crybaby Boxing Club, a portrait of a Korean after school club in Japan. Jung Jae – Young won best actor for Right Now, Wrong Then by veteran Hong Sang – Soo. Singer – actress Lee Jung -Hyun took the best actress award for director Ahn Gooc – Jin’s cruel labor drama, Alice In Earnestland. The Wildflower Awards were launched in 2014 by former Variety correspondent Darcy Paquet, and film critic Oh Dong – Jin, as a grassroots effort to recognise Korean independent & low – budget films.

SCREENX TARGETS HOLLYWOOD & CHINA

China these days is in love with all things culturally Korean, from TV shows to boy bands. Hoping to expand that trend is the cinema technology arm of Korean exhibition firm CJ – CGV, itself a sister company of the powerhouse producer & distributor CJ Entertainment. Having previously launched 4DX, a successful re-invention of the moving seats & environmental effects concept, CJ – CGV is now doing business with
ScreenX immersive technology. Next week it will take the kit to the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas for the 2nd time. There it will be targeting not just North American theaters, but Chinese exhibitors in attendance who are currently opening thousands of new cinemas per year. China’s Wanda Cinema Line has been one of the 1st companies outside Korea to adopt ScreenX and Chinese smash hit Mojin: The Lost Legend, which Wanda co -produced with Huayi Brothers & Enlight Media, was one of the 1st foreign movies to be engineered for the ScreenX experience.

LONDON HAS FALLEN OPENS ON TOP

New release, London Has Fallen landed on the top of the Chinese Box Office in what was a quiet weekend at the movies. Released on Fri, the disaster action film topped the charts on each day of the session and finished with $24.0 million after 3 days. Amongst the recent Chinese releases, Chongqing Hotpot was the strongest through the weekend. In 2nd throughout the weekend, it added $11.0 million to claim $48.0 million after 10 days. With a strong Sat & Sun following a quiet Fri, Zootopia added $6.20 million in 3 days. Its run has been extended by Chinese regulators and after 38 days it has amassed a cumulative of $232 million. It is now the 2nd biggest score of the year, only behind The Mermaid. Chinese action picture, The Bodyguard slipped from 1st place to 4th. It earned $6.20 million over the weekend, for a 10 day cumulative of $45.3 million. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice lost a further 78% and slipped from 4th to 5th place as it scored $2.81 million. After 17 days the picture has amassed $94 million. Chinese film, Who Sleeps My Bro earned $2.23 million. After 10 days it has a cumulative of $17.8 million. The Revenant played on, adding $530,000, nudging its cumulative to $57.9 million after 24 days.

BRETT RATNER – DANIS  TANOVIC – YOJIRO TAKITA JOIN BEJING FESTIVAL JURY

Brett Ratner, a regular visitor to China, is heading the jury at the Beijing International Film Festival which got underway from 6th Apr, 2016 to 23rd Apr, 2016 in the Chinese capital. The films in the competition section will compete for up to 10 Tiantan Awards. The festival is playing 433 movies from 42 territories, and 15 will be in competition. The other jurors include Hong Kong director Teddy Chan, German’s Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck, Romania’s Corneliu Porumboiu, Japanese director Yojiro Takita, European director Danis Tanovic & Chinese actress Xu Qing, who recently starred in hit Mr. Six. Ratner is currently riding high in China with The Revenant which his RatPac Entertainment co – produced. He was also recently in Hong Kong & China as producer of one of the films on the inaugural slate of Flagship Entertainment, the joint venture between Warner Bros., China Media Capital & TVB.

New release, London Has Fallen landed on the top of the Chinese Box Office in what was a quiet weekend at the movies. Released on Fri, the disaster action film topped the charts on each day of the session and finished with $24.0 million after 3 days. Amongst the recent Chinese releases, Chongqing Hotpot was the strongest through the weekend. In 2nd throughout the weekend, it added $11.0 million to claim $48.0 million after 10 days. With a strong Sat & Sun following a quiet Fri, Zootopia added $6.20 million in 3 days. Its run has been extended by Chinese regulators and after 38 days it has amassed a cumulative of $232 million. It is now the 2nd biggest score of the year, only behind The Mermaid. Chinese action picture, The Bodyguard slipped from 1st place to 4th. It earned $6.20 million over the weekend, for a 10 day cumulative of $45.3 million. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice lost a further 78% and slipped from 4th to 5th place as it scored $2.81 million. After 17 days the picture has amassed $94 million. Chinese film, Who Sleeps My Bro earned $2.23 million. After 10 days it has a cumulative of $17.8 million. The Revenant played on, adding $530,000, nudging its cumulative to $57.9 million after 24 days.

BRETT RATNER – DANIS TANOVIC – YOJIRO TAKITA JOIN BEJING FESTIVAL JURY

Brett Ratner, a regular visitor to China, is heading the jury at the Beijing International Film Festival which got underway from 6th Apr, 2016 to 23rd Apr, 2016 in the Chinese capital. The films in the competition section will compete for up to 10 Tiantan Awards. The festival is playing 433 movies from 42 territories, and 15 will be in competition. The other jurors include Hong Kong director Teddy Chan, German’s Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck, Romania’s Corneliu Porumboiu, Japanese director Yojiro Takita, European director Danis Tanovic & Chinese actress Xu Qing, who recently starred in hit Mr. Six. Ratner is currently riding high in China with The Revenant which his RatPac Entertainment co – produced. He was also recently in Hong Kong & China as producer of one of the films on the inaugural slate of Flagship Entertainment, the joint venture between Warner Bros., China Media Capital & TVB.