Laysla De Oliveira joins Code 8

Laysla De Oliveira is all set to co – star opposite Robbie Amell & Stephen Amell in the sci – fi thriller Code 8. The film, to be directed by Jeff Chan, is currently in production. It is set in a world where 4% of the population is born with varying supernatural abilities, known as “specials”, who are impoverished and face discrimination, often resorting to crime.

Colton Haynes Come Out As Gay

Colton Haynes has recently averred that coming out as gay has changed his life for the better as he no longer has to hide who he is. Colton Haynes had made the confession during an interview in May, 2016, and has said that whilst it took him awhile to be comfortable enough to speak about his sexuality, he is now “proud” of it.

Julia Stiles Is pregnant

Julia Stiles & her fiance Preston J. Cook are expecting their 1st ever child together. The couple is expecting to welcome their baby into the world later this year.

Todd Fisher Praises Taylor Lautner

Carrie Fisher’s brother Todd Fisher said he is proud of Taylor Lautner for supporting Billie Lourd in tough times. Taylor Lautner has been by Billie Lourd’s side since the demise of her mother Carrie & grandmother Debbie Reynolds.

Cameron Diaz On A Break From Films

She is one of the most popular movie stars in Hollywood, but after 2014’s musical Annie, Cameron Diaz decided to give films a break. The diva averred that she took time off from movies as she was tired of traveling every day to the sets and wanted to focus on her personal life.

Meryl Streep To Enact The Role Of Mary Poppins Cousin

Veteran actress Meryl Streep will play Topsy, cousin of Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Returns. Director, Rob Marshall said that the Oscar – winning actress, whom he worked with in Into The Woods, was drawn to his 2018 movie because of its message of optimism.

Josh Brolin Reveals His Beefed Up Look

Josh Brolin is ripped and all set for the sequel of Deadpool. Josh Brolin took to Instagram to share the pictures & the videos of him working out over the weekend. In one video, the Everest star is seen pumping iron and includes the hashtag #ryanreynoldsismyb**ch.

Steve Carell & Bryan Cranston’s Last Flag Flying To Open A Fest

Richard Linklater’s Last Flag Flying is all set to open this year’s New York Film Festival. The Amazon title will make its world premiere at Alice Tully Hall on 28th Sept, 2017 as the opening night film of the fest. The movie stars Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston & Laurence Fishburne in pivotal roles.

Gwyneth Paltrow Forms A Dream Girl Band

Cameron Diaz, designers Nicole Richie, Tory Burch & Gwyneth Paltrow promoted girl power over the weekend at their In Goop Health event with a handful of celebrity friends. Gwyneth Paltrow shared a backstage photo of herself with Cameron Diaz, Nicole Richie & Tory Burch, with lavalier mics before their group talk.

Sam Taylor – Johnson Will Never Work With E. L. James

Sam Taylor – Johnson, who directed Fifty Shades Of Grey’ movie, is still “confused” over why E. L. James apparently did not like her and said she will never work with her again. In fact Sam Taylor – Johnson had a feud with the author while working on the movie adaptation of the book.

Colton Haynes Come Out As Gay

Colton Haynes has recently averred that coming out as gay has changed his life for the better as he no longer has to hide who he is. Colton Haynes had made the confession during an interview in May, 2016, and has said that whilst it took him awhile to be comfortable enough to speak about his sexuality, he is now “proud” of it.

Early Recognition Made Alexander Skarsgard “Uncomfortable”

Alexander Skarsgard averred that he was “uncomfortable” when he became a recognized actor at an early age. Alexander Skarsgard had appeared in his 1st ever film Ake And His World at the age of 7, avers, that he did not believe the attention was genuine.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Dinner date with Tobey Maguire

Oscar winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted spending quality time with his best friend & actor Tobey Maguire recently. They were photographed as they stepped out for dinner with Toby Maguire’s estranged wife Jennifer Meyer on the night of 11th Jun, 2017.

Colin Trevorrow Makes A Promise

Colin Trevorrow is Hollywood’s latest man to handle the big franchises. 1st, it was 2015’s reboot of “Jurassic” franchise, Jurassic World and now he is all set to direct Episode IX of possibly the biggest movie franchises ever, Star Wars. In fact director Colin Trevorrow in a recent interview, has promised that Episode IX will be an “emotionally resonant” finale to the new trilogy. He said, “I mean, these are the best minds available and everybody’s engaged in making sure this is the most satisfying & emotionally resonant conclusion that we can possibly deliver.”

George Clooney & Amal Clooney Hire “Baby Bouncers”

George Clooney & his wife Amal Clooney
have hired “baby bouncers” for their less than one – week – old daughter Ella and son Alexander. The couple is planning to spend more on security to protect their family. 1st on the list is a pair of bodyguards for the newborns – costing 250,000 pounds a year. A source close to the family said “Fatherhood was a long time coming for George Clooney, so he’s not risking his brood coming to any harm. The “baby bouncers” are just the start.”

Chris Evans Was Scared

Chris Evans averred that he was initially intimidated by the scale of the Marvel movies and was sceptical about their success. Chris Evans played Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “One of my biggest fears was that the movies were going to be good. Because if things worked out, I’d have to do all six of them,” Evans stated.

Diane Keaton Wants James Norton

Veteran actress Diane Keaton has backed actor James Norton to play James Bond when Daniel Craig eventually steps down. As Diane Keaton has praised her Hampstead co – star, who plays her son in the upcoming movie. “Don’t you think he’s going to be the next James Bond? We were all talking about it on the sets of Hampstead. He ticks every box – he’s beautiful, he’s a man, he’s very sexy, he is smart & he even went to Cambridge,” Diane Keaton opined.

Claire King Worries About Becoming A Burden

Claire King has revealed how caring for her disabled parents & a period of ill health has shaped her views on euthanasia. Claire King recently averred that she would consider euthanasia before becoming a burden on those around her. “I do worry about when I’m older & becoming a burden on people around me.” “I can understand why people choose assisted dying – and it’s getting to the point where I would consider it myself,” she added. The actress hasn’t got any children, though along with her brother Piers, 52, she helps care for her parents, who are both disabled.

Both Angelina Jolie & Jessica Chastain Are In The Running

Angelina Jolie & Jessica Chastain are both being considered for a mystery role in X -Men: Dark Phoenix, the much awaited 20th Century Fox Marvel Comics adaptation slated for a 2018 release. It was earlier rumored that Angelina Jolie would direct “Captain Marvel” for Marvel Studios, but the whispers died a natural death when it was announced that Anna Bodden & Ryan Fleck would direct the project.

Ben Affleck Feels That Adam West Exemplified Heroism

Oscar winner Ben Affleck remembered Batman predecessor Adam West by calling him the exemplification of “heroism”. Adam West, who played the Caped Crusader on the classic 1960s TV series Batman, passed away here on Fri after a short battle with leukemia. He was 88. The Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice actor, Ben Affleck, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late veteran. “Adam West exemplified heroism. Kind, funny and an all around great guy. Thank you for showing us all how it’s done. @therealadamwest,” he wrote.

Jessica Chastain Gets Married

Jessica Chastain married her Italian boyfriend Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo in his home country after being in a relationship for 5 years. The wedding took place on Sat in the Northern Italian city of Treviso at the Passi de Preposulo family estate, which is less than an hour away from Venice.

LOVING VINCENT ADDS MAJOR TERRITORY PRE – SALES

Edward Noeltner’s L A & Paris based Cinema Management Group (CMG) has added more key territories to the already fulsomely sold Loving Vincent, a portrait of Vincent Van Gogh, in the run up to the high profile animated feature’s world premiere on 13th Jun, 2017 at Annecy. In the most recent licensing pacts, Altitude Film Entertainment has acquired UK & Madman Entertainment rights to Australia & New Zealand. Latest territories to be sold on Loving Vincent also include Bulgaria, to A – Plus Films, Romania, to Ultraviolet, Turkey to Medyavizion & South Africa to AAA Entertainment. At Cannes, worldwide sales agent CMG closed US & English speaking Canada with Good Deed Entertainment along with Germany & Austria to Weltkino Filmverleih. Directed by Dorota Kobiela, one of Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch out in 2017 & Hugh Welchman, starring Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Chris O’Dowd, Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan & Eleanor Tomlinson & produced by Academy Award winners BreakThru Films & Trademark Films, Loving Vincent has to date closed over 30 pre – sales deals repping 90 plus countries. Deals take in all of the top sales territories in the world – including the aforementioned US & Canada, UK & Germany – China (Bright East Film), CIS / Russia (CD Land), France (TF1 Studio), Mexico / Spain (Fabrica de Cine), Scandinavia & the Baltics (NonStop Entertainment) & South Korea (First Run).
MICHEL & EMMANUELLE ALL SET FOR JURY DUTY

French director Michel Hazanavicius, whose latest film Redoutable competed at Cannes, is all set to preside over the jury of 43rd Deauville American Film Festival. Hazanavacius’ jury will hand out 2 awards, the Grand Prize & Jury Prize, to films playing in competition in Deauville. “I’m extremely moved & honored to preside over this year’s Jury of the Deauville American Film Festival,” said Hazanavicius, whose Oscar winning film The Artist has been described as a love letter to Hollywood’s silent era. “Like half the planet, I was in part raised on American cinema and I am looking forward to spending these 10 days of binge watching the latest output. In cinema we trust!” Helmed by artistic director Bruno Barde, the Deauville festival complimented Hazanavicius on showing “an iconoclastic yet appealing style, revealing a concern to reach audiences without abandoning his artistic rigor since his beginnings as a filmmaker.” Meanwhile, Emmanuelle Bercot, the critically acclaimed actress / screenwriter / director whose filmmaking credits include Standing Tall, has been tapped to preside over the Revelation jury, which will honor an up – & – coming director.
TELCO GROUP ALTICE INKS DEAL WITH NETFLIX

Altice, Patrick Drahi’s telco group, has inked a multi – year deal with Netflix to start distributing US streaming giant’s content in France, Portugal, Israel & Dominican Republic. Starting Tues in France, Altice subscribers will have access to original series, films, documentaries, stand – up shows & children programming. The Netflix offer will roll out in Portugal, Israel & Dominican Republic in the following months. Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, said Netflix offered more than 1,000 hours of new original programming this year, all of which will become available to Altice’s clients everywhere & anytime on a single service. Michel Combes, Altice CEO, said the pact with Netflix marked Altice’s strategy, which is increasingly focused on content. Combes also said the partnership will benefit both brands, Netflix & Altice. The pact with Netflix underscores the content – driven strategy which Altice – whose client base boasts an estimated 50 million subs – has recently started implementing with the launch of Altice Studio, as well as the acquisitions of sports, series & films rights & varierd deals with right – holders.

SOUVENIR NABBED BY STRAND RELEASING
Strand Releasing will be distributing Bavo Defurne’s Souvenir, music – filled romantic drama boasting Oscar nominated actress Isabelle Huppert and an original soundtrack by Pink Martini, in North America. Souvenir stars Huppert as a one – time European singing contestant who won fame years ago only to disappear in a factory job and to be re – discovered by a co -worker named Jean. The 2 collaborate as friends by going back on the road touring for a comeback, but things develop for both her career & their romance. Repped in international markets by Pathe, Souvenir marks the sophomore feature of Defurne, who previously directed North Sea, Texas & several short films which have all been handled by Strand Releasing. Souvenir is the latest pic in a string of movies starring Huppert which Strand Releasing has been handling. The outfit has previously released Anne Fontaine’s My Worst Nightmare, Guillaume Nicloux’s Valley Of Love & Catherine Breillat’s Abuse Of Weakness. The deal was done between Jon Gerrans & Marcus Hu of Strand Releasing & Muriel Sauzay & Themba Bhebhe of Pathe International.

UK’S CHANNEL 4 TO TELL TRUMP: AN AMERICAN STORY
Donald Trump’s visit to UK may be in question, but US president will be on British TV screens in a new documentary series, Trump: An American Story. The 4 part program for Channel 4 follows Trump across 5 decades as a businessman, developer, media star & politician before he reached the White House. The broadcaster said the series “tells the story of modern America through one man, showing how he has embodied many of the movements that have shaped US society from 1960s to the present day, from turbo – capitalism & political disenfranchisement to celebrity, reality TV & social media.” British broadcasting’s fascination with Trump, his background & motivations, is seemingly unabated. They have greenlit or bought several projects since he became president. The BBC has had programs including Donald Trump: The People’s Billionaire, ITV has shown documentaries including Trump: The First 100 Days & Channel 5 has shown one – offs including Who Is Donald Trump? Channel 4 has also had several factual shows about the president, including an episode of its Dispatches current affairs show entitled President Trump’s Dirty Secrets.
LINDSAY LOHAN JOINS RUPERT GRINT’S SICK NOTE

Lindsay Lohan has come on board the 2nd season of Sick Note, the upcoming British comedy series that also stars Rupert Grint, Nick Frost & Don Johnson. The 1st season of the show goes out this fall on Sky in a 10 pm slot & on Sky’s Now TV streaming service, with Season 2 currently in production. The comedy follows Daniel Glass as a down – on – his – luck insurance rep who is wrongly told he has a terminal illness and decides to keep the misdiagnosis from his family & friends. Lohan will play Katerina West, the daughter of Glass’s boss in the 2nd season, which is expected to bow in 2018. “One lie leads to the next in this unsettlingly brilliant comedy that will hook viewers in and have them on the very edge of their seats,” said Sky Head of Comedy Jon Mountague. “Filming for series 2 is already under way and we’re delighted to confirm Lindsay Lohan will be joining Rupert & Nick in this stellar comedy cast.” David Walliams & Miranda Hart’s UK production company King Bert is making Sick Note for Sky. It is written by Nat Saunders & James Serafinowicz.

JOHNNY HEADS TO UK’S GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

Johnny Depp will be at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in England to introduce 3 of his favorite movies and talk about his selections with filmmaker Julien Temple. Glastonbury, Britain’s premier music festival, is embracing cinema this year with a new Cineramageddon tent, curated by Temple. Depp, as guest of honor, will present The Libertine, Withnail & I Dead Man, and speak about what the films mean to him. Dead Man & The Libertine both star Depp. “This is one of those films that got lost in the shuffle,” he said of the latter. “It’s a film that a lot of people on which worked very hard, and one that I’m very proud of.” Speaking about Withnail & I, he said: “No film has ever made me laugh more, or filled me with me with so much joy… and dread! For me, this is perfect cinema. Genius.” Depp added that Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Man is an “epic visual poem.” He said: “It’s unlike anything else. A film which means many different things to many different people.” Organizers of Glastonbury say that Cineramageddon will have the biggest screen in UK & accommodate 2,000 moviegoers. It will, Glastonbury said, offer “a unique post – apocalyptic & nocturnal ambience in which to watch an unforgettable program of films.”

UK COORDINATES ANNECY DRIVE
A 15 strong UK delegation will be looking for buying, selling & recruitment opportunities at Annecy under Animation UK banner, in the most coordinated ever push by the country’s animation sector at French festival. There are a plethora of opportunities & challenges facing UK companies as they look to capitalize on the hard won UK tax break for animation on one hand, and tackle the uncertainty created by Brexit on the other. Against that backdrop, the likes of Aardman, Blue Zoo, eOne, Lupus Films & Magic Light Pictures will be part of Animation UK drive at Annecy, which has not traditionally been attended en masse by British. “This year we are planting a flag,” said Helen Brunsdon, Animation UK director. “People have heard about the tax credit & inward investment into UK but want to know how to do business with key companies.” The agenda for UK delegation includes buying & selling, with a large number of broadcasters in attendance, to talking about coproduction & sourcing international talent.

TURNER UPS EUROPEAN INVESTMENT
Turner said it has ramped up investment in European production by 30% in the past year and has also taken its biggest international original, The Amazing World Of Gumball, in a new direction, with a puppet based episode of the show that it will reveal at Annecy. The puppet based installment of “Gumball” will go out during season 5 of the show and also be the inspiration for a series of shortform spin – offs. Recently minted UK producer Blink Industries is making The Puppets and the short form content, which will be directed by BAFTA nominated Simon Cartwright & Baker Terry. Annecy attendees will get an exclusive 1st look at The Puppets at Annecy during a session at the festival looking at “Gumball.” The series is a mix of 2D & 3D animation with live – action elements, allowing the producers to work with a range of other creative’s, such as Japan’s Studio 4°C, whom they teamed with on an anime episode entitled The Fury.
EUROPEAN ANIMATION AWARDS BOW 8TH DEC 2017

Deeply inspired by Annie Awards, the 1st ever European Animation Awards will take place on Fri, 8th Dec, 2017 at Le Nouveau Siècle congress center & theater in central Lille, Northern France. The date will allow companies, if obliged or interested to attend European Film Awards 1 night later in Berlin, said Jean – Paul Commin, EAA secretary general. Aiming to highlight & celebrate not just the Best Animation Fedatures & TV shows of the year but also the key collective crafts vital to the sector, the Emile Awards – as the plaudits are also known, after and – will offer prizes in 16 categories. Though statues will be handed out to “Best Feature Film” & “Best TV / Broadcast Production”, the kudos range wide & far to take in background & character design, character animation, storyboard, soundtrack & writing. European Animation Awards will also be given in both film & TV.

NETFLIX TO LAUNCH TO THE BONE IN EUROPE

Anorexia drama To the Bone, to which Netflix picked up worldwide rights at Sundance, will have its European Festival Premiere at Italy’s upcoming Ischia Global Film & Music fest, with Ted Sarandos & stars Lily Collins & Alex Sharp expected to make appearances. To The Bone, the 1st feature film by prominent US TV writer – director – producer Marti Noxon, follows a 20 year old anorexic (Collins) who tries to get the medical help she needs at a group home. Keanu Reeves plays an unconventional doctor. The indie pic mixing dramatic & comic elements is based on the director’s own experiences with eating disorders and is produced by Julie Lynn, Bonnie Curtis, Karina Miller & Andrea Lervolino & Monika Bacardi, founders & co – chiefs of Italy’s Ambi Group. Collins & Sharp, who plays a young British dancer also struggling with anorexia, will be feted with Ischia’s rising star nods. Netflix snapped up To The Bone for a reported $8 million in Jan, 2017.
FOLIVARI & STUDIOCANAL LINK ON SEQUEL

Didier Brunner’s Folivari & Studiocanal, 2 of Europe’s major animation forces, have signed a joint development deal for a sequel to the Academy Award nominated Ernest & Celestine, as Studiocanal has also boarded SamSam, The Smallest Of The Great Heroes, produced by Dandelooo & Folivari. Both deals would see the titles, when they move into production, being sold internationally & distributed domestically in France by Studiocanal, a Folivari – Studiocanal arrangement already in place for the anticipated The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales, an anticipated animated feature that world premieres at this year’s Annecy Festival. In a separate move for Brunner whose movies – which take in The Secret Of Kells, Michel Ocelot’s Kirikou trilogy & Belleville Rendez – Vous – have scored 5 Academy nominations – Wild Bunch has boarded The Summit Of The Gods, handling international sales & domestic distribution in France.

OCTONAUTS STUDIO MAKING ANIMATED ADAPTATION
Irish studio Brown Bag Films is making an animated special based on a story from Angela’s Ashes author Frank McCourt. Angela’s Christmas is an adaptation of McCourt’s only children’s book and Oscar nominated Ruth Negga will voice the character of Angela’s mother. Lucy O’Connell, who voiced Tomm Moore’s Oscar – nominated Song Of The Sea, will voice Angela. Octonauts studio Brown Bag was acquired by Canada based 9 Story Media Group in 2015, and 9 Story Distribution International will sell Angela’s Christmas internationally. The half – hour film was written by Will Collins & Damien O’Connor. Ellen McCourt, Frank’s widow, is an executive producer on the project & Irish – American actor, writer & politician, Malachy McCourt, Frank McCourt’s brother, narrates. McCourt’s 1996 novel Angela’s Ashes, based on his early life in Brooklyn & Limerick, was adapted for the big screen in Alan Parker’s 1990 feature of the same name.
DENIS TAPPED AS FUTURE FRAMES MENTOR
Canadian director Denis Côté has been picked to mentor the young filmmakers who will be participating in Future Frames program at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The intensive 3 – day program, an initiative of European Film Promotion body, gives film school students & graduates the opportunity to make contacts within the industry, learn from an established director, and present their work at the festival. This year’s 10 participants hail from Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovenia & Latvia, amongst other countries. Côté, who has more than 2 dozen feature & short films to his credit, will give a masterclass titled “A Question of Independence.” “Over the years, I’ve noticed that young aspiring filmmakers play with extremes: Either they are paralyzed by fear, or they show a considerable amount of arrogance thinking they don’t need the “short film” formative years in order to make their 1st masterpiece at 25 years old. I try to guide them in between these attitudes,” Côté told.

ANKAMA SELLS MUTAFUKAZ
France’s Ankama, whose Mutafukaz, world premiered at Annecy on 13th Jun. 2017, has licensed Japanese rights to the sci – fi action movie to Parco, an upmarket Japanese department store which operates a genre movie distribution operation. Closed via Ankama’s Asia distribution subsidiary PlanetNemo, the deal is crucial for Mutafukaz which, produced in association with Japan’s 4ºC Studios, twins a California West Coast sensibility and upscale anime manga style. It is one of the 1st big deals to go down on Mutafukaz which – with its hip-hop vibes, fantasy version of LA, downbeat humor, deadbeat heroes, street gangs & messianic Mexican wrestlers – is shaping up as one of the highest profile new movies at France’s Annecy Animation Festival this year. Acquired by Celluloid Dreams for worldwide sales outside Asia, Mutafukaz also serves as a flagship for the ambitions of Ankama. Originally carving out a market for its MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role – Playing Games,) & comic – books, the Roubaix based Ankama is continuing to raise its ambition in animation, diversifying from its original teen demography while aggressively courting digital platform distribution for new series.
GUILLAUME RUN RENARD TALKS INSPIRATION

At Annecy this year, if one is hoping to see a gritty, young adult, socially relevant & temporally accurate depiction of America, one should walk past Sony, Universal & Disney – Pixar and head to the world premiere of the French feature Mutafukaz. The Franco video game, comic book & animation producers of the film, Ankama, have brought to the big screen for the 1st time, the rich world of Dark Meat City, a Los Angeles allegory as 1st presented in 2003 Sundance nominated short turned comic book by the same name. Tasked with bringing the property to theaters, Ankama produced in association with Japan’s 4°C whose artistic input is clear when the film’s animation style is compared to their 2006 hit feature Tekkoninkreet. Ankama have been producing the Mutafukaz comics, amongst more than a dozen others, since 2006 in addition to their slate of video games like Wakfu & Dofus, both of which have also been adapted to animation.

UDI FOLLOWS JEAN – FRANÇOIS LAGUIONIE

Urban Distribution International (UDI) has boarded the animated project The Prince’s Voyage, Jean – François Laguionie’s follow – up to Louise By The Shore & The Painting. Featuring hand – drawn animation, The Prince’s Voyage follows an old monkey prince who finds himself lost & injured on an unknown shore, where he gets rescued by a young boy and sheltered by his parents, 2 scientists who have been exiled from their community for believing in the existence of other monkey civilizations. The animated fable tells the journey of this aging monkey who discovers a new civilization. The Prince’s Voyage is the latest in a string of auteur – driven animated features repped in international markets by UDI’s Urbanimation label, following Rémi Chayé’s Long Way North, Jan Bultheel’s Cafard and most recently Arthur de Pins & Alexis Ducord’s critically acclaimed Zombillenium, which premiered at Cannes in the special screenings section and is opening this year’s Annecy Film Festival.
AURÉLIEN READIES 1ST EVER ANIMATED FEATURE

One of Europe’s on – the – rise animation talents, France’s Aurélien Froment, also known as Aurel, is developing a 1st ever animated feature, Josep. Written by Froment & Jean – Louis Milesi, a director and regular scribe for Robert Guédiguian, Josep is produced by Serge Lalou & Anne -Marie Luccioni’s Les Films d’Ici Méditerranée, a production outfit founded in 2014 in Montpellier specialized in documentaries, with several animation projects in development. Les Films d’Ici, Paris based producer of Golden Globe winner Waltz With Bashir & La Fabrique Animation, which backed Jean – François Laguionie’s Louise En Hiver, will act as co – producers. A co – production with a Catalan company is under negotiations. Pitched at Cartoon Movie, Josep’s story is inspired by a true sketch artist born in Barcelona at the beginning of the last century. In a long life – spanning almost the whole century – Josep was a cartoonist, Republican soldier, a prisoner in a concentration camp, Frida Kahlo’s lover, an illustrator for US magazines & a Hollywood stage designer & painter.

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TO BE REVIVED
The Brisbane International Film Festival is to be revived 3 years after its closure. The new festival moves to a new season and will be held from Aug, 2017. The festival’s program is to be co – directed by film curator Richard Sowada & Maxine Williamson. In Apri, this year, it was announced that the Brisbane Asia – Pacific Film Festival was to close after 3 editions. The BAPFF had been set up in 2014 to replace the Brisbane International Film Festival, which ran for 22 editions from 1992. That earlier move was explained as connecting festival & awards ceremony, and supporting the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, which the city of Brisbane committed to back after the awards event relocated from Gold Coast. The new Brisbane IFF, billed as 23rd, will be held at Palace Cinemas in Brisbane from 17th Aug, 2017 to 3rd Sept, 2917 at Palace Barracks & Palace Centro. It will showcase some 60 international & Australian films, and include collaborations with existing Queensland screen culture organizations including APSAs, a short film competition, panel discussions & seminars. Previously film director of APSAs & Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, Williamson is standing down from her role as artistic director at APSAs.
LACHLAN HALTS SUPPORT FOR TEN NETWORK

Lachlan Murdoch & entrepreneur Bruce Gordon have sent Australian commercial broadcaster Ten Network into a tailspin, withdrawing their credit support and prompting the company Tues to ask for trading of its shares to be halted for 48 hours. In a filing to the Australian Stock Exchange, Ten Network Holdings said that it had received letters from Illyria, Murdoch’s private investment company & Birketu, Gordon’s investment vehicle, withdrawing their backing. It is understood that the pair have provided $151 million (A$200 million) of guarantees. “That correspondence confirms that those guarantors do not intend to extend or increase their support for the company’s credit facilities beyond the term of the current facility which expires on 23rd Dec, 2017. TEN’s board is considering the position of the company in light of the position being taken by Illyria & Birketu and the range of restructuring & refinancing initiatives it has underway,” the company said.

SINGAPORE KURT RIEDER TO HEAD ASIA THEATRICAL

Veteran distribution & exhibition executive Kurt Rieder has been installed as 20th Century Fox International’s executive VP for theatrical in the Asia Pacific region. He will be based in Singapore and take charge from 19th Jun, 2017. The studio has not issued a public statement. But sources confirmed to Variety that an internal memo from Fox’s president of international theatrical, Andrew Cripps, has been circulated detailing Rieder’s appointment and a move by Fox’s regional theatrical office from Australia to Singapore. Rieder takes over from Sunder Kimatrai. The highly regarded Kimatrai had been with the studio since 1993, fulfilling roles in India, Singapore and later Sydney. He became the studio’s Asia – Pacific head in 2005. Moving the office to Singapore puts it closer to the center of Asian operations. In particular, it is closer to China, now the world’s 2nd largest theatrical market. The memo described Asia as “an incredibly important part of the world” and as “a key growth opportunity for us as a studio.”

GUSTAVO ON BRAZIL’S TITO AND THE BIRDS
Brazilian animated feature Tito And The Birds has recently reached its initial financing goal after winning one of the 2 prizes for animation from the Brazilian National Bank of Development (BNDES), with the other going to the Oscar nominated director of Boy And The World, Ale Abreu, & Luiz Bolognesi, co – director on Rio 2096: A Story Of Love And Fury. Featuring at this year’s Annecy Works in Progress after a productive campaign last month at Cannes, where it was showcased in Annecy Goes to Cannes, the film’s creators, Bits Productions, will look to keep the Brazilian cartoon mojo going, following in the footsteps of their fellow prize winners. For Bits, it will be its 1st ever animated project, making the move from live – action TV & cinema. Organizers of Brazil’s BIG Festival, the largest indie gaming fest in Latin America, there are also plans for a Tito And The Birds video game. Co – directing the film are screenwriter Gustavo Steignberg, Gabriel Bitar, & André Catoto.

CONFESSION OF MURDER TOPPLES BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Confession Of Murder, a crime drama about a serial killer who comes out into the open after the statute of limitations on his crimes expire, toppled Beauty And The Beast, which had headed the Japanese Box Office turnstiles for the previous 7 weeks. Distributed by Warner Japan, with & Tatsuya Fujiwara as the killer & Hideaki Ito as the frustrated detective, the film opened on 329 screens and earned $2.92 million on 234,000 admissions. It is expected to end its run around the $15 million mark. Opening at number 2 was Hirugao: Love Affairs In The Afternoon. Based on a hit TV drama about a married woman (Aya Ueto) who has an affair with a married man (Tatsumi Saito), the film made $2.67 million for distributor Toho. The film is also forecast to finish near the USD15 million milestones. Disney’s “Beauty” slipped to number 3. It scored $2.61 million, lifting its cumulative total to $99.7 million. That puts it as the 25th highest earning film ever in Japan, local or foreign.

CYBERAGENT LAUNCHING ANIMATION FUND

CyberAgent, a Tokyo based company involved in Internet advertising, media & game production, has announced the creation of a $27 million (JPY1 billion) animation fund in conjunction with its Cygames subsidiary. Scheduled to launch at the end of Jun, 2017 the CA – Cygames Anime Fund will be used to buy rights for anime streaming, as well as for game production & original animation development. One of the investment targets for the fund is AbemaTV, a CyberAgent Internet TV station that streams nearly 20 channels with a variety of content, including 700 theatrical & TV anime titles, free of charge. Amongst games in Cygames current line – up are Rage Of Bahamut, which has topped the Google Play sales section & Granblue Fantasy, which claims 14 million registered players.

ANNECY FEST SURGES IN SIZE YET AGAIN

Illumination Mac Guff’s Despicable Me 3, China, Disney – Pixar’s Coco & The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales look set to figure among highlights at this week’s edition of France’s thriving Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a Mecca for animation companies & creatives from Hollywood and the world over, which just doesn’t stop growing. In just 1 sign, its International Animation Film Market (MIFA) will add an extra day, kicking in 13th Jun, 2017 and moving from 3 to 4 days. MIFA accredited delegate numbers were tracking at 2,900 by last Fri, already up on the final 2016 tally go 2,850, said MIFA head Mickael Marin, who added that he hoped final participation would pass 3,000 for the 1st time ever. Extending ever more towards Annecy’s lake, exhibition floor space is also up 16%, vs. 2016. Driven by the increase in animation output in most parts of the world, including Africa, Marin said, delegate numbers have now grown 13 years in a row, since 2005, casting MIFA as a metaphor for the international animation scene at large and one of the most robustly growing industry events in Europe. Patrick Eveno, CEO of the Annecy Festival’s Citia organization, added that he expected 5% to 10% growth in Annecy Festival accreditation.
THE MUMMY TAKES $52 MILLION OPENING
Tom Cruise & The Mummy comfortably headed the Chinese Box Office turnstiles with a $52 million opening – significantly greater than the film’s weak performance in North America. Playing some 105,000 screenings per day from Fri to Sun, the gross total for The Mummy accounted for more than half of China’s total Box Office turnstiles collections. It scored $17.5 million on Fri, followed by $19.1 million & $13.9 million on Sat & Sun, respectively, according to data from Ent Group. The $51.8 million total, topped up by $1 million of previews, marked the 7th highest opening of the year, narrowly ahead of Beauty And The Beast, Logan, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 & Wonder Woman, in 2nd place, grabbed $13.5 million from close to 40,000 screenings per day. Its cumulative stands at $70.2 million after 10 days. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales added $7.49 million in its 3rd week. After 17 days, “Pirates” has managed $162 million, which The Mummy & Wonder Woman are unlikely to match. India’s long – legged Dangal scored a further $5.05 million in its 6th week. After 38 days, its cumulative is $179 million, an unprecedented score for a non -Hollywood, foreign language film in China. Behind the Hollywood summer trio and the Indian juggernaut, the top Chinese film of the week was romance How Are You? With a performance that weakened over its opening weekend, it scraped up $4.3 million for 5th place. The latest film in the “Doraemon” Japanese animation franchise took 6th place with $1.87 million, albeit suffering a big slump. After 13 days it has a cumulative of $19.7 million. No other title managed $1 million over the weekend. China’s Haunted Graduation Photo opened with $310,000. Love Without Words opened with $280,000. Sci – fi, thriller Monster Mayhem opened with $240,000. Long running comedy Running Man reentered the chart with $170,000.

SHANGHAI FESTIVAL COMPLETES COMPETITION LINEUP
Bille August’s Chinese made The Chinese Widow has been set at the opening night movie of the Shanghai International Film Festival. It replaces the previously announced Our Time Will Come, by Hong Kong auteur Ann Hui. No explanation for the change was offered by the festival, or Bona Film Group, producer of “Our Time,” or its international sales agent, Hong Kong based Distribution Workshop. The film is a wartime drama focusing on a woman school teacher and other youths who led the resistance movement during Japan’s WWII occupation of Hong Kong. It stars Taiwan’s Eddie Peng & Wallace Huo & China’s Zhou Xun as the female lead. Hui has been reported as conceiving the film as a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from British colonial rule to China. It will open in China on the anniversary, 1st Jul, 2017 and in Hong Kong a few days later.

CONSTANTIN GOES INTO PRODUCTION
Constantin, Germany’s biggest movie company, has initiated production on S3D adventure film Dragon Rider, based on the bestselling novel by German writer Cornelia Funke & written by Johnny Smith, who penned the original screenplay & story for 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet. One of the biggest independent cartoon movie breakouts from UK this decade, produced by Elton John’s Rocket Pictures, it earned $198 million worldwide & $100.0 million in US. Co – produced by Antwerp’s Cyborn 3D animation studio, and produced by Martin Moszkowicz & Oliver Berben, Dragon Rider is the next big animation play by Constantin Film, one of Germany’s foremost film & TV production – distribution forces. High – end by European standards, the 3D children’s fantasy adventure turns on Firedrake, a young silver dragon, Sorrel, a mountain brownie & Ben, a human orphan who search amongst the highest Himalayas for the Rim of Heaven, which can offer sanctuary for Firedrake’s kin, whose valley is made uninhabitable by a dam.

THE MUMMY’ BEATS THE VILLAINESS & WONDER WOMAN
The Mummy landed up top of the South Korean Box Office turnstiles, breaking Box Office turnstiles records Tues, when it opened in South Korean cinemas. It finished with $17.8 million after 6 days. With $6.57 million from 873,000 admissions on opening day, it beat opening records for local & foreign films previously held by Train To Busan & Captain America: Civil War. It accounted for 52% of total weekend Box Office revenue. Cannes Midnight screener, The Villainess debuted in 2nd. Opening on Thurs, the local action drama earned $3.36 million over 4 days. Wonder Woman slipped from top spot to 3rd, with a drop of 72%. The Warner Bros. release earned $1.77 million for a total of $13.4 million after 2 weekends. In 4th place, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales also dropped 70%. The Disney release earned $1.11 million for a total of $21 million after 3 weekends. Political documentary, Our President took 5th. It earned $996,000 between Fri & Sun for a cumulative $11.0 million after 3 weekends. With a drop of 91%, Fox International Production’s Korean language war drama Warriors Of The Dawn” slipped to 6th in its 2nd weekend. It earned $246,000, for a total of $5.34 million after 2 weekends.

OKJA SHUT OUT OF HUNDREDS MORE SCREENS
Lotte Cinema & Megabox, South Korea’s 2nd & 3rd largest cinema chains will not screen Okja, the Netflix fantasy drama that controversially bowed in competition at the Cannes Film Festival last month. The decision follows a similar refusal this week by CJ CGV, South Korea’s No. 1 exhibition chain, and means that native son Bong Joon – Ho’s film will be shut out of 93% of the country’s screens. Lotte & Megabox followed CJ CGV’s denial of screens on the grounds that Netflix’s plan for a day – & – date cinematic & online release flouts the usual 3 week hold – back before a film becomes available for streaming. CJ CGV calls the delay “an important business practice in Korea.” The company also contends that Netflix’s simultaneous opening policy disturbs the distribution ecosystem in South Korea. Bong, who told Variety last month that directing a Netflix backed film did not make “much difference for me as a filmmaker,” has not responded to requests for comment.

SAMIT KAKKAD’S HALF TICKET BAGS THE COVETED ‘ECUMENICAL JURY AWARD

At the 57th Zlin International film festival, one of the largest children’s film festivals worldwide, Samit Kakkad’s Half Ticket has won the much coveted ”Ecumenical Jury Award” The film produced by Video Palace and starring Priyanka Bose (Lion) & Bhalachandra Kadam (Sanggto Aika & Timepass) in addition to the 2 lead young actors (Shubham More & Vinayak Potdar) was part of the official selection at this film festival held in Czech Republic. Kakkad said, “It means the world to me and only bolsters my confidence that good Indian cinema is being appreciated. To even imagine that this is an award people I look up to have received, races my heart. I can only wish that this paves the way for more Indian films internationally and hope that larger audiences are able to enjoy not just mine, but my contemporaries films as well” The coveted award is given at leading film festivals globally since 1973 with the aim of “honoring the works of artistic quality which witnesses to the power of film to reveal the mysterious depths of human beings through what concerns them, their hurts & failings as well as their hopes.’ It has been bestowed on international filmmakers such as Andrei Tarkovsky, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Samira Makhmalbaf, Asghar Farhadi, Fatih Akin & Pedro Almodovar amongst others. Among the only few Indian filmmakers to win this coveted international award have been Mira Nair (1988), Awtar Kaul (1974) & Rabindra Dharmaraj (1981).

NAKASH AZIZ SINGS THE MARATHI ANTHEM FOR SACHIN: A BILLION DREAMS

Nakash Aziz who is known for lending his powerful voice for the songs like “Jabra Fan” from Fan, “Saree Ke Fall Sa” & “Gandi Baat” from R…Rajkumar, “Cutie Pie” from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, “Ye Jawaani Teri” from Meri Pyaari Bindu has sung a Marathi track for Sachin : A Billion Dreams for A. R. Rahman. Sukhwinder Singh has sung it in Hindi. Interestingly, Nakash had re – recorded this Marathi song in Bali as legendary composer A. R. Rahman wanted to record few portions of it again. Nakash says, “I had recorded the song a few days prior to my Bali trip but Rahman sir wanted to re – record a few portions and that too immediately. I searched a lot and finally found a studio there and I recorded it again. I feel lucky to be associated with this film as I am a huge fan of Sachin Tendulkar and to be a voice of A. R. Rahman’s composition was a cherry on the cake.” Earlier Nakash has composed music for Marathi film No Entry – Pudhe Dhoka Ahey. After making a mark in the music industry in South, Nakash is now all set to wow the Marathi & Gujarati audiences. Nakash Aziz has also received great appreciation for his song “Aai jyo” from the recently released Gujarati film Karsandas Pay & Use.

BUS STOP COMING SOON

After having made films like Online Binline & Bagtos Kay Mujra Kar, producer singer rapper Shreyash Jadhav team brings Bus Stop. Amruta Khanvikar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Hemant Dhome, Siddharth Chandekar, Pooja Sawant, Rasika Sunil, Akshay Waghmare, Madhura Deshpande, Suyog Gore, Avinash Narkar, Sanjay Mone, Sharad Ponkshe, Uday Tikekar, Vidyadhar Joshi et al play the main lead. Bus Stop has been directed by Samir Joshi & produced by Poonam Shinde, Gajendra Patil & Asoo Nihalani Bus Stop is slated for release on 21st Jul, 2017.

RINGAN IS ABOUT THE HEART – WARMING JOURNEY OF FATHER &_SON

National award winning film, Ringan’s poster was recently launched on social media platforms and it speaks in so many layers. In this poster we can see a farmer & his son standing distraught near a wall, staring into the abyss. This father – son duo feels trapped and turns to God seeking His help to break away from this almost impossible circle. Can this hopeless farmer make his way out of all his troubles along with his adorable son? How far does the 7 year old boy accompany his father on this difficult journey? Vidhi Kasliwal said, “The biggest plus point of Ringan is the identifiability of the underdog father & son, stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of misery & misfortune. I strongly connected with it & instantly knew I had to be part of it! Says Writer – director Makarand Mane, “The film depicts that many – a – time the path to happiness is pursuing us like our shadow, but we still keep ignoring it, trying to find it around, rather than within and hence we enter a never – ending cycle. Presented by Landmarc Films & produced by My Role Motion Pictures, Ringan will be released on 30th Jun, 2017 all over Maharashtra.

LAI JHAKAAS IS DUE ON 4TH AUG 2017

The 1st ever copy in digital format of R. K. Yande Films’ Lai Jhakaas is out this week and the film will be shown to the censors shortly. The film is due for release on 4th Aug, 2017. The film was shot in a 45 day shooting stint on actual locales of Aurangabad & Mumbai with newcomers H. Mukesh & Manisha in romantic leads along with Manoj Joshi, Nishigandha Wad, Sanjay Narvekar, Uday Tikekar, Nagesh Bhosle, Sunil Tawde, Sanjay Kulkarni et al. Producer: Kishore Yande. Writer – director: Babu Bhatt. Lyrics: Rajesh Bambugade & Babu Bhatt. Music: Sanjay Raj Gauri Nandan. Singers: Sachin Pilgaonkar, Sadhna Sargam & Sudesh Bhosle. Background Music: Bapi & Tutul.

HRITHIK ROSHAN LAUNCHES THE TRAILER OF VIKRAM PHADNIS’ HRUDAYANTHAR!

Hrithik Roshan who will make his debut in Marathi film industry with Vikram Phadnis’ debut film Hrudayanthar, launched the trailer of the emotional drama. The actor who has also tweeted its release date on his social media, agreed to grace the trailer launch at a suburban multiplex recently. Hrithik Roshan says, “I wouldn’t have considered deviating from what I was doing in my life at the point in time when Vikram approached me. The film wouldn’t have been possible without his incredible vision, clarity & passion”. Shiamak Davar says, “I’ve known Vikram for years and he is one of the most creative person. I’m glad that with Hrudyanthar he is taken his vision one step further and making his directorial debut. I am glad I got a chance to choreograph my 1st ever Marathi film.” Hrudayanthar, an emotional drama featuring popular Marathi actors Subodh Bhave, Mukta Barve & Sonali Khare, releases on 7th Jul, 2017.

MUHURAT OF PARI HUN MAIN

The Marathi audience is attracted in large numbers to films with unusual & different stories. Keeping this in mind Yogayatan Films has brought in Pari Hun Main, a film off the usual track. Yogayatan Group which has left a great mark in the construction infrastructure and many other fields of business is all set to make their debut in Marathi cinema with this film. The chairman of the Group, Dr. Rajendra Pratap Singh & director Sheela Rajendra Singh performed the muhurat of the film along with the artistes & the technicians. Rohit Shilwant directed Pari Hun Main is the story of a middle class family’s passionate journey towards their goal. Nandu Madhav, Devika Daftardar, Shruti Nigde & Flora Saini star in the film. The story of the film is written by Irawati Karnik. Cinematography is by Rohan Madkaikar. Music is by Sameer Saptiskar.

ACTRESS AKSHAYA GURAV GETS MARRIED TO DOP BHUSHAN WANI!

From Shruti Marathe, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Mayuri Wagh, Manava Naik to now Akshya Gurav so many beautiful Marathi actresses are getting married. Yes, Akshya Gurav recently got married to DOP Bhushan Wani. A small meeting at friend’s place led to finding her life partner. “Bhushan’s caring nature and the fact that he understands my priorities & supports me in my work too attracted me towards him”, says Askahya. Bhushan Wani is Famous DOP of several popular ads. Recently Akshya’s mehendi & wedding ceremony photos were uploaded on social media & her fans got to know about the news. Apart from acting in films like Fekma Faak, Serials like Manasicha Chitrakaar Toh, Mehndichya Panavar, Ithe Velach Mahatvachi & Zee Yuva’s Love Lagna Locha her versatility is to be appreciated.

RANI SURPRISES HICHKI CREW WITH LUXURY GIFTS TO CELEBRATE WRAP

YRF’s forthcoming Rani Mukerji starrer Hichki has wrapped up its shoot. A busy & exhilarating experience, the film’s team got a surprise thank you from its star. Rani gifted the entire team goodies from luxury designer labels as a gesture of thanks. Surprised & touched, everyone from the Hichki team was delighted by the lovely gifts.

A source from the film’s unit said, “Hichki is a very special film for Rani as it is her 1st project after she became a mom. Given that she signed up for this film after her daughter Adira’s birth, the fantastic work by the film’s team made the experience very special. She gave out these lovely gifts as a gesture of recognition for all the hard work that they have put in collectively. It’s very generous of her and everyone has adored the gifts.”

A positive & inspiring story about a woman who turns her biggest weakness into her biggest strength, Rani had stated that she found the script of Hichki both challenging and exciting. The film is built on a positive premise, and is directed by Siddharth P Malhotra. Maneesh Sharma produces the film for YRF. Having begun shoot on 4th Apr, 2017, Hichki wrapped up shooting in a quick, start to finish schedule.

BANK CHOR COUNTS DOWN TO THE WORST CHORS OF ALL TIME!!!!!!

Riteish Deshmukh pays tribute to sensational crime show anchors “Sansanaati Chori Fails” inspired by true incidents!!!!!

Just when you thought there couldn’t be anyone more stupid than the chors in Bank Chor, out comes a 7 minute short titled “Sansanaati Chori Fails” that counts down some of the stupidest failed robberies of all time.

Riteish Deshmukh pays tribute to the sensational crime show anchors as host Champak Chandrakant Chiplunkar. Apparently inspired by true – life thefts gone horribly wrong, the show has been heavily researched and has the likes of idiots who tried to rob a car getting locked inside the car itself!!!!! So it was a no – brainer to also cast Gulab & Genda to recreate the choris as they play the idiot Bank Chors in the movie too.

The show’s host in the wacky short helps unmask the 2 idiots underneath the “haathi” & “ghoda” masks that are featured prominently in the Bank Chor trailer & campaign, and warns people that the 2 are only getting started.

Says Riteish Deshmukh, “Ever since the trailer of Bank Chor released, everyone’s been asking me, who are these people underneath the “haathi” & “ghoda” masks? So I took it upon myself to introduce Gulab & Genda to the world through a special short. I hope the 2 get as much love (or humiliation) as Champak does!!!!!”

Adds Ashish Patil, “The Bankchors aren’t alone, this short pays tribute to the stupidity of stupid chors from all over India. And I’m sure they will all identify with their stupidity. For the rest come laugh at them screw up every single job & chori they ever tried before they fail in the most epic manner at a bank job!!!!!!”

Self – confessedly India’s STUPIDEST comic thriller, Bank Chor, directed by Bumpy & produced by Ashish Patil, is all set to embarrass its makers when it releases in theaters on 16th Jun, 2017. The trailer of the film is out on YouTube.com/YFilms.

Y – Films is the dynamic, vibrant start – up at the intersection of films, creativity & youth culture that hopes to challenge the norm & detonate boundaries. Giving the youth a creative outlet & voice that will entertain & unite on film & beyond. A studio that promises to deliver kick ass content of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. And be a platform for talent – both on screen & behind the scenes – that will break & set new rules of story – telling.

Bank Chor Movie Credits: Director: Bumpy, Producer: Ashish Patil, Starring: Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Rhea Chakraborty and also starring: Sahil Vaid, Bhuvan Arora, Vikram Thapaet al, Background Score: Shri Sriram & Superbia, Music: Shri Sriram, Rochak Kohli, Kailash Kher & Shameer Tandon, Choreographer: Adil Shaikh & Those Guys Productions, Sound: Ganesh Gangadharan & Sameer Kumar Patra, Re – Recording Mixer: Anuj Mathur & Y – Films, Costume Designer: Maxima Basu, Creative Executive Producer: Nikhil Taneja, Production Designer: Aparna Raina, Editor: Saurabh Kulkarni, Casting Director: Shanoo Sharma, Associate Producer: Aashish Singh, Dialogues: Ishita Moitra Udhwani, Story: Baljeet Singh Marwah & Bumpy, Screenplay: Baljeet Singh Marwah & Bumpy, Omkar Sane & Ishita Moitra Udhwani & Director of Photography: Adil Afsar.

YRF’S THUGS OF HINDOSTAN TO KICK START SHOOT IN MALTA ON SPECIALLY BUILT SHIPS

Yash Raj Films will begin filming for the 1st ever schedule of Thugs of Hindostan, their mega project starring Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif & Fatima Sana Shaikh in Malta. Set off the coast of Southern Europe, and in close proximity to Tunisia & Libya, Malta is an island nation of Europe with relatively unexplored ocean side scenery.

This ambitious film that brings together Amitabh Bachchan & Aamir Khan for the 1st time ever, will begin shoot aboard 2 specially constructed, massive ships, that are currently docked by the Maltese seaside. Thugs of Hindostan will begin filming on these ships that have been built for over 2 months.

Writer – director Vijay Krishna Acharya explains, “The set of the film is in a high security water zone, with restricted access. Both these ships have been built in the early 18th century style, when vessels would carry cannons & other weapons. An international crew has been hard at work creating these elaborate ships in Malta. Most of the portions filmed on board these ships involve high octane action.”

With every detail, including its stellar star cast, Thugs of Hindostan has generated huge amounts of anticipation. Now with the promise of action on high seas and a dose of history, this mega project only builds more excitement. In fact the film went on the floors on 5th Jun, 2017.

Ravi Kumar who is a journalist & owner of Bollywood Trade Magazine Film & TV Trade Preview invited the guests from all the walks of life to receive the 1st ever NRI Achievers Awards & the Paramount Achievers Award 2017.

The NRI Indians got the NRI Achievers Awards & the Indians got the Paramount Achievers Award. Zeenat Aman, Gulshan Grover, Rakesh Bedi et al came especially to give away the awards to the winners. Singer Madhushree came to wish the winners all the best.

Ekta Jain bagged the “Best Media Consultant” award. Pramod Gore of Atharva Movies bagged the “Best Marathi Film” award for his film Reti based on social issue of Sand mafia.

Yogen Shah bagged the “Best Photographer” award. Satish Soni bagged the “Best Gujarati Paper” award for Sandesh. Absolute India bagged the “Best Daily Entertainment Paper” award & Rajesh Sharma of Laughing Colors got the Best Facebook Page” award.

Aman Verma anchored the award show with Anie Sheikh.

Blake Lively Sported 200 Carats Worth Jewellery

Blake Lively wore almost 200 carats of jewelry at the 2017 Met Gala red carpet. She was dressed in gold, embellished Versace gown with a blue – feathered train, which completed her look with over USD 3.5 million of jewelry.

Kevin Feige Wants Captain Marvel To Be Relatable

Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, said it is important for Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel to be a relatable heroine. Kevin Feige avers that the varied powers of the character, who can fly, shoot energy bursts and is incredibly strong, could overshadow the plot in the upcoming standalone movie and it is necessary that the superhero & her alter ego Carol Danvers are multilayered & interesting.

Jeremy Renner Cast As Doc Holliday

Avengers star Jeremy Renner has been signed on to play Doc Holliday in a new biopic about the legendary gunslinger. The film will be based on 2 books about Holliday “Doc” Epitaph: A Novel Of The O.K. Corral” written by Mary Doria Russell. Jeremy Renner & Don Handfield’s The Combine production house will produce the film along with Palmstar’s Kevin Frakes.

Blake Lively Makes Ryan Reynolds More Empathetic Person”

Ryan Reynolds credits his wife Blake Lively for making him a better person. Ryan, Reynolds who married Lively in 2012 and have daughters James, 2 & 7 month old Ines together, gushed about his partner in a message posted on an Instagram account at Met Gala.

Javier Bardem Opines That Johnny Depp Is A Gentleman

Javier Bardem opined that during his time on the sets of the upcoming film, he got close to Johnny Depp. “With Johnny you can tell there is a very sensitive person there, a man who cares about people.”

Elizabeth Hurley Takes Elephant Ride

Elizabeth Hurley, who is currently filming Phoenix Wilder: The Great Elephant Adventure in South Africa, took a break from her shooting schedule to take an elephant ride. Elizabeth Hurley shared a photograph of her enjoying the ride over social media last week.

Sacha Baron Cohen To Enact The Role Of Philip Green

Sacha Baron Cohenwill is all set to enact the role of a former British Home Stores owner
Philip Green in a new comedy. Titled Greed, the film is a satirical take on the world of the super – rich & the lavish lifestyles of the elite & perma – tanned billionaire businessmen who invests money into offshore tax havens. He will go through a complete physical transformation for the role.

Zac Efron Loves Steve McQueen & Micheal Jackson

Zac Efron looks upto Steve McQueen & King of Pop Michael Jackson for fashion inspiration. The Baywatch actor found Micheal Jackson “crazily stylish”. “Steve McQueen, he’s my number one (style icon), he’s just classic & cool and never tries too hard. But on the other hand, I also love Michael Jackson. He was so crazily stylish, have you seen his clothes on stage? Unbelievable,” Zac Efron averred.

Dwayne Johnson Unveils The Story Idea

Dwayne Johnson, who is filming for Brad Peyton’s directorial venture Rampage, has revealed the movie’s details. The filming of Rampage has been underway since last week in Atlanta. Dwayne Johnson shared some details about the upcoming film adaptation of the classic arcade game on his Instagram account recently.

Grant Gustin Is Now Engaged!!!

The Fastest man on Earth is now engaged to his girlfriend L A Thoma. The Flash star
Grant Gustin took to Instagram and shared the news of his engagement to his longtime girlfriend LA Thoma, with a photo.

Cate Blanchett Thinks That Andrew Upton Likes Her Wear A Pair Of Spectacles

Cate Blanchett thinks that her husband playwright Andrew Upton likes her look when she wears a pair of spectacles. She also added that Andrew Upton really prefers her more in a studious look, “My husband likes it best when I wear a cardigan, a tweed skirt and a pair of spectacles.”

Orlando Bloom Reveals Son Flynn Bloom’s Reason

Orlando Bloom averred that he made a “conscious decision” to take a step back from his work when he got divorced from supermodel Miranda Kerr. Orlando Bloom has made a few appearances on the big screen in the past few years. He also avers that he took time out to provide his son Flynn Bloom with stability when he & Miranda Kerr separated in the year 2013.

Emma Watson Would Love To Do A Sequel

Riding high on the success with Beauty And The Beast, Emma Watson believes that the sequel to Disney’s live – action movie could become a reality. While talking to Access
Hollywood she revealed that she is not only open to return for the sequel, but has an idea of where she sees Belle in the future.

Pierce Brosnan Was Frustrated

Pierce Brosnan avers that he was frustrated that his James Bond films wasn’t “gritty & real”. He portrayed the spy’s role in 4 films -Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough & Die Another Day. In a recent interview he stated that he wished the Bond films plots weren’t so outlandish.

Leonardo DiCaprio & Nina Agdal Spotted Kissing

Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted kissing model & his girlfriend Nina Agdal. They were spotted locking lips on the sides of the
Hudson River in downtown Manhattan on recently. “It was a really sweet moment,” said one onlooker, also adding that, “Nina put her arms around his neck and kissed him”.

Chris Pratt Opines That His Son Likes Spider -Man Not Star – Lord

Chris Pratt averred that his son Jack Pratt likes Spider – Man over his superhero avatar as Star – Lord. Chris Pratt features as Star -Lord in Guardians Of The Galaxy. He also averred that is not sure if his son thinks his fantasy film is cool.

Paris Libby To Be A Part Of Justin Bieber’s India tour

Stylist Paris Libby, who is known to have a clientele ranging from Liam Hemsworth to Jeremey Renner, Vin Diesel & Robin Thicke, will be joining model Neelam Gill & Elarica Johnson as part of the international entourage attending Justin Bieber Purpose Tour.

Robert De Niro Makes A Snapchat Debut

Oscar – winner Robert De Niro just could not stay away from the crazy photo sharing app snapchat & its puppy filters! He was introduced to the social medium by filmmaker Alex Berry. Who helped him to learn fun features & filters with the varied looks, including the puppy filter, the voice changers, the sunglasses & even the flower crown filter.

Anne Hathaway Pens An Emotional Tribute For Jonathan Demme

Oscar – winner Anne Hathaway has paid an emotional tribute to the Late filmmaker
Jonathan Demme by calling him her “favourite rebel angel”. Jonathan Demme, who directed films like The Silence Of The Lambs & Philadelphia’, died here from esophageal cancer at the age of 73 on 3rd May, 2017.

Jude Law To Meet J K Rowling

Jude Law averred that he wants to meet author J K Rowling to discuss his role as Albus Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them 2. He has been cast as the younger version of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the sequel to the “Harry Potter” spin – off.

Johnny Depp Went Off The Caribbean For Disneyland

This is the day Disneylanders will always remember as the day they almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow! Disneyland’s Pirates Of The Caribbean had a ride an inspired a global phenomenon & launched a highly popular film series and now, before US release of the 5th installment in the franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales, Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at the place where it all began.

Nicolas Cage Breaks His Ankle

Nicolas Cage has broken his ankle while shooting for heist movie #211. He was filming the project in Bulgaria. It is still unclear how the accident happened, but he was transferred to a hospital near the sets before heading back to Los Angeles for treatment. Nicholas Cage hopes to return to the sets in about 2 weeks.

Joe Johnston To Direct Chronicles Of Narnia Sequel The Silver Chair

Filmmaker Joe Johnston has been roped in to direct Narnia: The Silver Chair, a revival of C S Lewis’ Chronicles Of Narnia series. Life Of Pi scribe David Magee has adapted the script. TriStar Pictures will partner with Mark Gordon Company, the C S Lewis Company & Entertainment One on the project with Mark Gordon, Lewis’ stepson Douglas Gresham, Vincent Sieber & Melvin Adams producing the movie.

Brie Larson Reveals That Her Famous Friends Saved Her Life

Brie Larson stated that her celebrity friends like Jennifer Lawrence & Emma Stone helped her sail through the tough times. She also averred that she felt lonely during the press tour of her critically acclaimed film Room and that was the time when her fellow actresses stood beside her.

Master Alfaaz Gurubhai, son of Gurubhai Thakkar & Dr. Khooshi Gurubhai who is just 13 years old got his name in India Book of Records. He is the youngest professional photographer in India.

He has shot loads of cover pics for Perfect Woman Magazine. He also shot with Femina Miss India Zoya Afroz for magazine cover at the event where he was handed over with a medal, certificate & a trophy by Dr. Sandeep Singh from India Book of Records.

Mukhtar Ready For Release

GDM Production’s Mukhtar is now ready for release. The credits of the. Film are produced by Anurag Pandey, Hemant Tiwari. & Vikas Pratap Singh, directed by Anand Singh (A. K.), written by Jitendra Yadav, screenplay & dialogues by Manoj Panday, music by Chhote Baba, lyrics by Rajesh Mishra, Pyarelal Yadav Kaviji, Ashok Sinha & Mritunjay Yadav, cinematography by Devendra Tiwari, choreography by Ashok – Mayank, action by Bazi, art by Ashok Vishwakarma, editing by Dharam Soni & executive produced by Akhilesh Rai. The film stars debutant Jitendra Yadav, Raviraj Dipu, Baleshwar Singh, Santosh Shrivastava, C. P. Bhatt, Anjali Banarji, Mahi Khan, Pragya Tiwari, Rashmi Sharma, Sunita Pandey & Sanjay Pandey.

The final mixing of soundtracks of Producer Sushila Bhatia & Status Air Vision’s Sawariya Mohe Rang De is in progress at Studio DG9 and the film’s 1st digital print will be out soon. The film will be submitted to the censors shortly and is being readied for early release. Credits: Editor & Director: Dilip Gulati, Writer & Lyricist: Paras Jaiswal, Music: Dheeraj Sen, Dances: Pappu Khanna, Action: Mohd. Bhai, Executive Producer: Satyen Bhatia, Co – Producer: Himmat Bhatia & Costumes: Neepa Bhatia. Cast: Rani Chatterji, Avinash Shahi, Anita Sehgal, Nisaar Khan, Brijesh Tripathi, Ramzan Shah, Geeta Rustogi, Poonam Chopra et al.

Bairi Bhail Sajanwa Hamaar Passed With An “A” Certificate

Producer Mahendra Sureka & Kapishwar Films’ Bhairi Bhail Sajanwa Hamaar has been passed by the censors with an “A” certificate (only for Adults). The film is all set for release soon. Credits: Writer -Director – Editor: Dilip Gulati, Music: D. Sushant, Lyrics: Ashok Nirala, Camera: Ashok Narayan, Dances: Ashwin Thakker & Action: Darshan Singh Mahal. Cast: Gunjan Pant, Avinash Shahi, Sapna Sappu, Irfan Khan, Ramesh Goyal, Mahesh Raaj & Jayshri T.

Milaan Abhi Aadha Adhura Ba To Roll

Natrang Entertainment & Ayesha Alisaba’s Milaan Abhi Aadha Adhura Ba in association with Filmeniya Film Factory is going on the floors in Bihar & Jharkhand. The credits of the film are produced by Ajitabh Tiwari, co – produced by Dr. A. K. Verma, story – screenplay – dialogues – direction by Mohammed Habib, music by Himanshu Kumar Deepak, lyrics by Satyanarayan Shahabadi, action by Santosh Sawan, editing by Satyaprakash Shukla, choreography by Pritam Adhikari & Raghwendra. The film stars Sagar Singh (Shintu), Bhavana Singh, Mithun Yadav, Shilpa Nag, Pankaj Yadav, Jyoti Mishra, Shreya Sharma, Anuj Prasad, Anand Kumar, Sanjay Dutta & above all Ajitabh Tiwari.

Nainwa Ke Baan Releasing Soon

Sweta Pictures’ Nainwa Ke Baan is all set for release in UP, Delhi & Uttarakhand through R. K. Film Distributers very soon. The film which has been shot extensively in Lucknow locales has been passed by the censors for universal exhibition. The credits of the film are written – produced – directed by Lalit Kumar Arya, lyrics by Laxman Shahabadi, music by Amresh Shahabadi (the film has 7 songs), choreography by Kanu Mukherji, audio on R. S. Audio (Radheshyam) & cinematography by Tapan Basu. The film stars Maansi Pandey, Manoj Malhotra, Sanjay Pandey, Maya Yadav, Anup Upadhyay, Vikas Anand along with Poonam Dube.

Dulha Chor Gets A U/A Certificate

Kanti Film Production & Uma Film Production’ Dulha Chor gets a U/A certificate from Censor Board in mumbai this week. The credits of the film are producer by N K Jha Shyam ji & Mahesh Mishra, directed by Virendra Paswan, music by Suresh Anand, lyrics by Abhiraj Jha & cinematography by. Sanjay Singh. The film stars. Kumar Ghanshyam, Kalpana Shah, Pratibha Pandey, Arun Singh, Phool Singh, Aruna Singh, Vijay Jha, Aruna Giri, Dinesh Ray, Awadhesh Singh, Umakant Rai, Pramod Goswami, Kanhaiya Mishra, Nilesh Jha, Manorama Mishra, Vandana Jha, Khushi, Ragini, Pakaj Kamti, Babloo, Munni Lal, Dhananjay Chaudhary, Master Ayush Jha.

Dagabaaz Grand Muhurt Held

The grand muhurt of Shivang Films
Dagabaaz was held this week in Trinity recording studio. The credits of the film are producer by Anusuya Dubey & Sushila Atul Dubey Pandey, written & directed by Pradeep Sharma, lyrics by Rajesh Mishra, Santosh Puri & Pintu Giri, music by Damodar Raao & cinematography by Pradeep Sharma. The film stars Manoj R. Pandey, Gaurav Jha, Anjali Banerjee, Baleshwar Singh, Sanjay Pandey, Ram Mishra, Gopal Rai, Priya Tiwari, C. P. Bhatt, Abhay Rai, Harish Happy, Shamshad, Aman & Sunil Datt Pandey.

Dahsat Applied For Censor

Prem Entertainment’s Dahsat has been applied for Censor in Mumbai this week. The credits of the film are co – producer: Tripti Entertainment, directed by Sanjay Sriivastava, written by Rakesh Tripathi, music by Chhote Baba & Damodar Raao, lyrics by Rajesh Mishra, Ashok Sinha & Azad Singh, cinematography by D. K. Sharma, choreography by Mayank – Ashok & Santosh Kumar, action by Baji & editing by Ajay Chauhan. The film stars Satyendra Kumar Singh, Priyanka Pandit, Satyendra Giri, Eenu Shree, Sanjay Pandey, Baleshwar Singh, Ram Mishra, Dharmendra Singh, Santosh Shrivasatav, C. P. Bhatt, Sanjay Verma, Sahil Shaikh, Nazar Abbas, Prerna Shushma, Shekhar, Vikki Babuaa & Sanju Rajnikant.

Jitab Hum Pyar Ki Bazi To Release Soon

Rudrakshh Films Presents Lakshmi Entertainment Production’s Jitab Hum Pyar Ki Bazi will be released soon in Bihar & Jharkhand. The credits of the film are produced by Sitaram Chourasiya & Nilesh Sakhiya, directed by Pardeep R. Sharma, music by Ashok Sinha, action by Heera Yadav, choreography by Murti & cinematography by Hemant K. Ashthana. The film stars Anand. Dev Mishra, Archana Singh, Abhilasha, Ritu Pandey, Saahil Sheikh, Sanjay Verma, Heera Yadav, Madhuri Pandey, Vinay Shirivastva, Rose Laskar, Sanjana Silk, Ravin, Jitu Shukla, Amar Betab et al.

Jiyab Na Tohre Bina Electronic Rights Given To Bihari Wood

Amit Jemni Presents Anushka Entertainment’s Jiyab Na Tohre Bina’s electronic rights were recently sold to Bihari Wood. The credits of the film are produced by Farida Sheikh, directed by Sanjay Shrivastav, written by Ramesh Tiwari, cinematography by Qamar Khan, music by Baba Jagirdar, lyrics by Vinay Bihari & Ramesh Tiwari, choreography by Nikky Batra, action by Firoz A. Khan & art by Chetan. The film stars Avinash Shahi, Ashtha, Deepak Bhatia, Sahil Shaikh, Sanjay Verma, Madhuri Pandey, Farida Shaikh, Seema Singh & Uttam Jha.

Bhail Tohra Se Pyar HAIL – I Love You Ready For Release

Mitwa Production House’s Bhail Tohra Se Pyar HAIL – I Love You is ready for release. The credits of the film are produced by Dharmendra Maurya, directed by Shad Kumar, co – produced by Ram Ashish Chauhan & Asharaf Ali, written & lyrics by Babloo, music by Mangesh Raul & Pal Kanpuri, cinematography by Gaurang Saha & editing by Govind Dubey. The film stars Vinay Anand, Gunjan Pant, Rajeev Dinkar, Simran, Samarth Chaturvedi, Anand Mohan, Pankaj Vishwakarma, Dev Malhotra, Mehnaz Shroff, Shravani Goswami, Abhilasha Prasad, Kanchan Awasthi. Manju Sinha, Seema Singh, Rakesh Mishra, Murli Lalwani, Bal Govind Banjara, Baby Farha, Baby Fariya, Farhan, Shabnam, Ashfiya et al.

Ye Hamaar Jaan Tohra Me Basela Pran 1st Look Out

The 1st look of Raise India & Jay Hind Production in association with Chaudhary Cine Vision Presents Ye Hamaar Jaan Tohra Me Basela Pran is out now. The credits of the film are produced by Bhart Bhushan Kumar, directed by Amit Kumar Verma, written by Pappu Pritam, co – produced by Manish Kumar, Vijay Kumar Soni & Chandan Chaudhari, music by Chhote Baba, lyrics by. Kanhiya Prasad Shrivastav, Santosh Puri, Bibhakar Panday, Munna Dubey, Premsagar Singh & Vinay Nirmal Singh, cinematography by Shiva Chaudhary, choreography by Kanu Mukherjee, action by Pradip Khadka & art by Awadhesh Rai. The film stars Priyanka Pandit, Ritesh Panday, Anand Mohan, Brijesh Tripathi, Bandani Mishra, Ratnesh Baranwal, Pramod Gupta, Chandan Chaudhari & Prem Dubey.

Beta Ho Ke Ta Aishan Mixing Complete

Swastik Entertainer & Aar Ke Aar Films And Music Presents Beta Ho Ke Ta Aishan’s mixing has been competed this week in a Mumbai’s Studio. The credits of the film are written & produced by Ravindra Kumar Ravi, music & directed by Chandrama Chandra Shahi. The film stars Kuldip Kumar, Varsha Ritu, Swati Singh, Sanjay Panday, Umesh Singh, Tarun Dhaya, Avinash, Padam Singh et al.

HARD POWDER INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS ALMOST SOLD

Upcoming action thriller Hard Powder, starring Liam Neeson, has sold almost all international rights, with US under negotiation, European film – TV group
Studiocanal stated recently said. The sale of the Rocky Mountains set movie to 9 of the dozen biggest markets for international productions marks the 1st ever to independent distributors for a big title at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. Hard Powder, which is fully financed & sold by Studiocanal, will be distributed directly by the company in its 4 home territories: UK, France, Germany & Australia – New Zealand. The other major licensing deals comprise of. Italy (Eagle), Spain (A Contracorriente Films), Latin America (Leda Films), China (Bona Films) & Scandinavia (Svensk). Other territories sold include Benelux (The Searchers), Poland (Monolith), Eastern Europe (Freeman), Greece (Spentzos), Middle East (Salim Ramia), South Africa (Times Media), Indonesia (PT Amero) & Singapore (Shaw). Japan is in final talks. A number of other territories are still in negotiation, but Anna Marsh, Studiocanal’s head of international film sales, is confident that, apart from North America, Hard Powder will be sold out soon after the European Film Market. Hard Powder stars Neeson as a snowplow driver and pillar of his Colorado community whose life is up -ended by his son’s killing at the hands of a powerful local drug lord. The film is written by Frank Baldwin, directed by Hans Petter Moland & produced by Pulp Fiction’s Michael Shamberg. It is due to go into production next month, shooting at varied locales in Canada. Although the script was sent to buyers just a week before the Berlinale, international sales were boosted by Neeson & Shamberg’s visit to the EFM.

STALIN PROVES A HOT TITLE

On top of selling to IFC Films for North America rights, Armando Iannucci’s The Death Of Stalin has pre – sold to several other territories at EFM, where Gaumont is shopping the pic. Gaumont has inked pre -sales for Switzerland (Ascot Elite), Poland (Kinoswiat), Greece & Romania (Odeon), Israel (Lev films), former Yugoslavia (MCF Megacom), Baltics (Latvian Theatrical Distribution). Previous sales were closed with Madman in Australia & Concorde in Germany. Gaumont is in negotiations to close deals for UK, Latin America, Hungary, CIS & Portugal. The sale to IFC Films followed a bidding war that involved several distributors, including A24 & The Orchard, according to insiders. Adapted from the French graphic novel by Fabien Nury & Thierry Robin, The Death Of Stalin is a comic look at how Joseph Stalin’s stroke in 1953 threw USSR into chaos and inspired a mad power grab among his top advisers. Iannucci, who earned critical acclaim for In The Loop, Veep & The Thick Of It, wrote the screenplay of The Death Of Stalin with David Schneider & Ian Martin with additional material by Peter Fellows. The picture was produced by Main Journey, Yann Zenou & Laurent Zeitoun’s Montreal based banner & Quad Films, the Paris based outfit ran by Nicolas Duval – Adassovsky, Zenou & Zeitoun. The cast includes Jason Isaacs, Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Rupert Friend, Michael Palin & Jeffrey Tambor.

SHUDDER ACQUIRES SLASHER MOVIE LAKE BLOOM

Shudder, the AMC Networks backed genre
streaming service, has picked up exclusive US, Canada & UK rights to the Finnish slasher film Lake Bodom in advance of its premiere at SXSW. Fabien Westerhoff’s Film Constellation is handling worldwide sales in Berlin. Wrter / Director Taneli Mustonen’s film, inspired by real – life events, follows 4 teenagers on a pilgrimage to Lake Bodom, the site of a brutal killing of a group of teenagers in 1960s, where they quickly find themselves repeating history. The film, nominated for 3 Finnish Film Awards including “Best Film”, will be available to stream exclusively on Shudder starting May, 2017. Aurelie de Troyer, VP, global acquisitions, averred: “Lake Bodom perfectly complements the service’s wide – ranging slate of exclusive content, as we continue to grow the variety of thrilling, suspenseful & horror film & TV content available to Shudder subscribers.” Don Films’ Aleksi Hyvarinen, Lake Bodom’s producer & co -writer, averred: “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Lake Bodom to a wider audience with Shudder following its successful festival run.” Shudder debuted its 1st ever exclusive premiere in Oct, 2016 with the supernatural miniseries Beyond The Walls. Recent & upcoming exclusives include Sadako vs. Kayako, Dearest Sister, Blind Sun, Always Shine & Prevenge.

FILM MOVEMENT ACQUIRES AMNESIA

New York based distributor Film Movement has secured North American rights to Amnesia, the latest film from Barbet Schroeder. The announcement was made at Berlin Film Festival. Film Movement will open Amnesia theatrically at the Cinema Village in New York before a VOD bow on 21st Jul, 2017 and then a home – video release. Film stars Marthe Keller & Max Riemelt. Film played in 2015 Cannes. “Barbet Schroeder is a master of character studies,” averred Film Movement’s president Michael E. Rosenberg. “And Amnesia is no exception.” Film Movement’s recent acquisitions take in Andrzej Wajda’s Afterimage, Koji Fukada’s Harmonium & Jan Hrebejk’s The Teacher. Amnesia is sold by Les Films du Losange, the company Schroeder established in Paris in 1963.

SODA PICTURES MAKES ITS MOVE

Soda Pictures has acquired UK rights to action thriller Your Move from Premiere Entertainment Group, it announced recently. The film, which marks the directorial debut of singer – turned – actor Luke Goss, is currently in post production. Also starring Goss, alongside Robert Davi & Patricia De Leon, it tells the story of a man who must go to extreme lengths to discover what happened to his kidnapped wife & daughter. Soda intends to launch the film to coincide with the reunion concert tour of Bros, the 1980s’ pop band Luke performed in with his brother Matt. The reunion was originally intended as a one – off concert at London’s O2 Arena on 19th Aug, 2016, marking the anniversary of the band’s last concert in 1989. However, when that show sold out within a minute of going on sale the tour was expanded to include 6 further dates at the O2 and at other venues around UK in Aug, 2016. “We saw an excellent opportunity to distribute Your Move in UK in concert with Luke’s UK arena tour this summer,” averred Ed Fletcher, managing director of Soda Pictures. Premiere Entertainment Group, which is handling international sales, has secured deals for the film in many other markets including VSC for Canada, DBS Star for China, F. I. P. for France, Notorios for Italy, Aya Pro for Japan, California Filmes for Latin America, Flins y Piniculas for Spain, Moby Dick for South Korea, Pictureworks for India, Major Kantana for Thailand, Olin Arts for Turkey, Eagle for Middle East & Daro for Eastern Europe / Africa.

WARNER BROS RESTRUCTURES UK TV OPERATION

Warner Bros. is restructuring & consolidating its UK television development & production operations by bringing together its 5 UK production companies with London based Warner Bros International Television Production. The announcement, made recently by president of Warner Bros Worldwide Television Distribution Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, will see CEOs of UK production outfits Wall to Wall, Twenty Twenty, Ricochet, Yalli & Renegade report directly to Ronald Goes, executive vice – president of Warner Bros Worldwide Television Distribution. Schlesinger stated the move would offer the individual companies better access to the resources of the global production & distribution operations unit already based in London. It will see the companies work more closely with creative & business executives across the global group, designed to offer a more integrated strategic focus and greater ability for the companies to grow & broaden their local audiences while also creating more local versions of their shows around the globe. “With this restructure, we can better empower the experienced & the talented executives of our production companies here in UK to do what they do best – develop & produce great programming & franchises,” concluded Schlesinger. Wall to Wall produces celebrity genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? for BBC. Twenty Twenty produces reality dating show First Dates for Channel 4.
LA LA LAND BAGS TOP PRIZE

Damien Chazelle’s La La Land dominated the 70th British Academy Film Awards recently, claiming 5 prizes including “Best Film”, “Best Director” & “Best Leading Actress” for Emma Stone. The triumph maintained the musical’s momentum through this year’s awards season ahead of the Oscars on 26th Feb, 2017. “I think film, when at its best, reveals there is more that ties us together than tears us apart,” averred producer Jordan Horowitz. Fellow producer Fred Berger praised UK industry for “challenging us and setting the bar.” Stone also averred, “The film was “one of the greatest working experiences of my life” and went on to thank BAFTA for bringing the industry together to “celebrate the positive gift of creativity, how it can transcend borders and make people feel a little less alone.” Composer Justin Hurwitz scored La La Land’s 1st ever award of the night for “Best Original music. Linus Sandgren also won the BAFTA for the film as “Best Cinematographer”. Casey Affleck claimed the “Best Actor” award for his performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea,” which also won Lonergan the BAFTA for “Best Original Screenplay”. “This is an honor I’ll never forget,” averred Casey Affleck. “The reason I act is when I was a young kid my mom took me to Al – Anon meetings for children of alcoholics. It was therapy but it was acting and acting has sort of been that for me ever since.” BAFTA chair Jane Lush took the stage ahead of the ceremony’s official start, hitting the 1st of many political notes of the evening as she commented on diversity issues within the industry.

NAZI THEMED THRILLER SS – GB INVADES EUROPE

BBC Worldwide has pre – sold thriller SS -GB, which receives its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival this week, across Europe. The counter factual series, set in a Nazi – occupied Britain post – World War II, stars Sam Riley & Kate Bosworth. It has been licensed to Germany (RTL), Croatia (Pickbox), Sweden (SVT), Greece (Cosmote), Israel (HOT / Cellcom), Iceland (RUV) & Poland (Showmax). SS-GB, a Sid Gentle Films production, will appear on BBC First Channels in Africa, Australia, Benelux & Middle East, as well as UKTV in New Zealand. The series was adapted from Len Deighton’s 1978 novel by screenwriters Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, whose credits include Skyfall & Spectre. In the series, Hitler’s Germany has defeated Britain and the population of 1940s Britain struggles to adjust to life under German occupation.

MILLENNIM FILMS IN SALES TALKS

Avi Lerner’s Millennium Films / Nu Image may be in sale talks with Chinese financier Recon group, according to reports. Bloomberg News recently reported 2 unnamed sources close to Recon suggesting that Recon might attempt to buy Los Angeles based producer & sales agent Millennium. Bloomberg’s sources stated that Recon might use Shenzhen – listed subsidiary Recon Wenyuan Cable. Recon is headed by Chinese businessman Tony Xia (aka Xia Jiantong.) In 2016 Recon bought control of the English soccer club Aston Villa in a deal reported to have been worth $101 million. Millennium, which has previously produced The Expendables action franchise movies, is known to have been in talks with several Chinese firms over the past year. Sources in China have put the asking price north of $300 million. The company has regularly turned to China for movie finance. Parts of The Expendables franchise were financed in association with China’s Le Vision Pictures, part of the LeEco cluster of companies. Earlier this week in Berlin, it was announced that Chinese distributor & financier Hishow had come on board 2 of Millennium’s current movies, Hunter Killer & Escobar. Recon bought Aston Villa from American businessman Randy Lerner. The relationship, if any, between between Randy Lerner & Avi Lerner is currently unclear. Aston Villa reported that Recon is a “privately owned holding company that owns the controlling interest in 5 publicly listed companies on Hong Kong & Chinese stock exchanges.”

HISHOW SNARES HUNTER KILLER & ESCOBAR
China’s Hishow Entertainment has boarded a pair of upcoming movies from Nu Image /Millennium Films: Hunter Killer & Escobar. The deal is one of the biggest completed so far at the European Film Market, alongside the Berlin Film Festival, and also one of the biggest by a Chinese indie in recent months. The Chinese distributor – investor has paid more than $10 million to buy into 2 films. In both cases it is co – financing the movies and acquiring distribution rights for China. Nu Image / Millennium produces the Expendables series, which also has Chinese co – producers. Directed by Donovan Marsh, Hunter Killer features Gerard Butler as an untested American captain who teams with Navy Seals for a mission to rescue the Russian president. Butler has significant name – recognition in China after the success there of London Has Fallen. Gary Oldman & Billy Bob Thornton also star in the action thriller, which was previously set up at Relativity but shifted after the company’s financial meltdown. Escobar, starring Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem & Peter Sarsgaard, is a fact based drama about a female journalist who strikes up a relationship with the notorious Colombian drug lord. Fernando Leon de Aranoa directs; Bardem shares the production credits.

XXX: XANDER CAGE DRIVES TO $60 MILLION

Released last week, Vin Diesel starring action movie xXx: Return of Xander Cage sped off to a blistering start at the Chinese box office turnstiles and never needed to look in the rear – view mirror. In 3 days of release it grossed $60.2 million, according to data from local tracking service Ent Group. Paramount reported the figure at an estimated $61.9 million. With an opening $20.6 million on Fri, followed by $23.2 million on Sat, it had driven past the North American total of $41.6 million inside 2 days. On Sun it enjoyed a further $16.4 million. The film played a total of some 85,000 screenings per day, more than double the 2nd placed picture, Kung Fu Yoga. Within the film’s 3 day haul, IMAX screens amassed $6 million, the 2nd biggest Feb, 2017 opening in China behind the recent The Monkey King 2. IMAX reports that 8 of the film’s top 10 locations were IMAX theaters. (Prior to this weekend, xXx: Xander Cage had an international score of $114 million and a global total of $156 million.) A long way behind in 2nd place, Jackie Chan starring holdover Kung Fu Yoga earned $15.6 million. That propelled its total to $217 million after 16 days on release, including the Chinese New Year holiday period. Cook Up A Storm, a comedy action romance starring Hong Kong’s Nicholas Tse, started with over 51,000 screenings on its opening Fri, but the number of outlets were sliced back to 42,000 by Sun as its scored slipped. In its 3 opening it managed $12.2 million.