COURTESY OF RISE AND SHINE
CINETIC NABS NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO PRE – CRIME
Cinetic has acquired North American rights to Monika Hielscher & Matthias Heeder’s documentary feature Pre – Crime, which world premiered at Hot Docs and garnered warm reviews. Pre – Crime, a term originally coined by science fiction author Philip K. Dick in Minority Report, examines repercussions of predictive policing techniques that are used in US and in Europe to identify & monitor tomorrow’s criminals based on algorithms & databases. “We are the 1st ever generation to hand over the control over our own freedom to computers. But how much freedom are we prepared to give up for the promise of total security?” stated Rise & Shine World Sales which reps Pre – Crime in international markets. Heeder pointed out in a statement that it wasn’t the algorithms we should worry about, but “the social players that can use the growing flood of data algorithmically for their own goals: security, consumption, control, surveillance, forecasts etc. (and do so) without the slightest democratic control of the use of these technologies.” Matthias Heeder & Monika Hielscher travelled to Chicago, London, Paris, Berlin & Munich to investigate on predictive policing techniques from the perspectives of people who used these tools and those who are being tracked down. The doc was produced by Stefan Kloos at Kloos & Co. Medien, lensed by Sebastian Bäumler & edited by Christoph Senn. Kloos & Co. Medien is one of Germany’s top production outfits. Kloos, who is managing director of the company, previously produced A Modern Man & Last Men in Aleppo.
RALPH FIENNES SPREADS WINGS OVER THE WHITE CROW
Ralph Fiennes will do double duty on his 3rd film as a director namely The White Crow, additionally taking on the key role of Rudolf Nureyev’s teacher & mentor. The twice Oscar – nominated actor will join the international cast which has also added French actors Laurent Lafitte & Raphael Personnaz, French actress Calypso Valois and rising German star Louis Hofmann. Fiennes will play Nureyev’s mentor Pushkin who helped launch the dancer’s international career beyond St Petersburg. In his role as a director Fiennes has also newly enlisted Jackie costume designer Madeline Fontaine, director of photography Mike Eley & composer Ilan Eshkeri for his production team. The biopic of the legendary Soviet ballet dancer & choreographer, which tells the story of his defection to the West, The White Crow is written by David Hare. Russian dancer & film newcomer Oleg Ivenko had previously been announced to play Nureyev with French actress Adele Exarchopoulos, Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova & world – renowned dancer Sergei Polunin also previously announced to star. The White Crow is scheduled to begin production this summer on location in St Petersburg & Paris, including shooting at the iconic Mariinsky Theatre & Palais Garnier.
3RD “KINGSMAN” FILM ALREADY PLANNED
British director Matthew Vaughn revealed recently that he has a 3rd “Kingsman” film already planned. Matthew Vaughn said that, when penning the script for the upcoming sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle, he & co – writer Jane Goldman had already begun mapping out another installment. “When we were writing it, we were thinking about Kingsman 3 too,” said Matthew Vaughn. “This is the bridge, if we can pull it off and get to make another one.” He said he & Goldman envisioned “Golden Circle” as their The Empire Strikes Back, a 2nd installment in a trilogy that “took you to a cliff edge” before letting the 3rd film resolve matters. He told the audience that the script for “Golden Circle” had come easily and had all started with the villain, Poppy. “She has a very insane but logical plot to take over the world,” Matthew Vaughn said of the character, who is played by Julianne Moore. Matthew Vaughn spoke at a 20th Century Fox event in London where he screened the complete opening act of Kingsman: The Golden Circle, which continues protagonist Eggsy’s, played by Taron Egerton, story. The footage didn’t feature the new organization The Statesman, which can be seen in the recently released trailer. Matthew Vaughn said The Statesman was “to Americana what Kingsman is to Britannia,” adding that he was inspired by great American actors such as James Coburn, Steve McQueen & Burt Reynolds.
ALL – STAR CAST ASSEMBLES IN LONDON
Director Kenneth Branagh and the starry cast of his new version of Murder On The Orient Express gathered in London on recently to show off new footage from the upcoming adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit. Almost the entire ensemble cast, which includes Oscar winners Judi Dench & Penelope Cruz, Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley, BAFTA winner Olivia Colman & Tony winner Josh Gad, was on hand, with only Johnny Depp & Michelle Pfeiffer notable absentees. They were later followed on stage by director Francis Lawrence, who introduced 18 minutes of footage from his upcoming spy thriller Red Sparrow, starring Jennifer Lawrence, which is currently shooting in London. Kenneth Branagh, who plays Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, introduced about 10 to 15 minutes of work – in – progress footage from the Fox film, averring, “This is the very 1st time any of this footage has been seen in this way. We’re very excited to share the promise & potential of this work.” The footage featured 4 brief scenes that introduced the central characters, established the murder of one of them, and showed off the film’s epic vistas of snow -capped mountains. The footage was followed by the film’s trailer, which was 1st unveiled at CinemaCon in Mar, 2017.
TATE MODERN NAMES NEW BUILDING FOR LEN BLAVATNIK
Britain’s Tate museum group has officially named the recently opened extension of Tate Modern after Len Blavatnik, the billionaire industrialist whose Access Industries has branched out into music, film & television. The new Blavatnik Building has been named in recognition of the donation from Blavatnik’s family foundation, which pledged a reported £50 million ($65 million) gift to Tate in 2011. Len Blavatnik averred that the Tate provided an “incomparable service to arts, culture & education throughout the world,” and that his family were honored to support Tate and be linked to the new building. “The generosity of this gift is almost unprecedented in Tate’s history,” Tate director Nicholas Serota said. “The transformation & extension of Tate Modern was hugely ambitious and relied on many people to bring it to fruition, but Len Blavatnik’s enthusiastic support ensured the successful realization of the project and I am delighted that the new building now bears his name.” The building was initially named Switch House, after the part of the former power station that stood on the site.
BBC ORDERS ADAPTATIONS OF 11 NEW HIGH END DRAMAS
The BBC has ordered up to 11 new high – end dramas, including new television versions of The War Of The Worlds, Little Women & Black Narcissus. The 3 titles are the latest classic novel adaptations to be commissioned by BBC Drama, which is currently in production on a new 4 part adaptation of E. M. Forster’s Howard’s End by Oscar – winner Kenneth Lonergan for BBC One & Starz. Also in the lineup are the 1st ever screen adaptation of Vikram Seth’s 1993 novel A Suitable Boy & 3 part true -story drama A Very English Scandal, written by Russell T. Davies & directed by Stephen Frears. The new slate was unveiled at an event in London co – hosted by BBC Director General Tony Hall & new controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger. “It feels to me a special moment for drama. What really excites me is I think we’ve shaken off all preconceptions about what stories people will come to,” said Tony Hall, adding that the BBC aims to “make drama that says something new & different.” Setting out his vision for the next 5 years, Piers Wenger averred that he wanted BBC Drama to take bigger risks as well as be “a celebration of British authorship, identity & life in all its most diverse forms.”
ALTITUDE FILM SALES & WILD BUNCH BOARD BEATS
Altitude Film Sales & Wild Bunch have both boarded British film Beats, from executive producer Steven Soderbergh, which they will introduce to buyers at the Cannes Film Market. The 2 companies will split worldwide sales rights between them with Altitude taking North America, Australia & New Zealand, South Africa, German – speaking territories, Italy & Spain, as well as rights for airlines & ships. Wild Bunch will represent Benelux, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, all Asia, Israel, Middle East & Turkey. Altitude Film Distribution has additionally taken rights to the film for UK & Ireland, with Wild Bunch set to distribute in France. Written & directed by Scottish filmmaker Brian Welsh, co – writing with Kieran Hurley, Beats follows the story of 2 best friends in a small Scottish town in the summer of 1994 who head out for 1 last night together before life takes them in different directions. Going to an illegal rave party the boys journey into an underworld of anarchy, freedom & collision with the law as they share a night that they will never forget. It is based on Hurley’s original stage play. “Brian & Kieran have created an irresistible coming of age story that is both unique & universal, set against the backdrop of 1 of 20th century’s defining cultural movements,” says Mike Runagall, managing director of international sales at Altitude.
EMPEROR MOTION PICTURE BRINGS BACK RESTORED FILMS
Emperor Motion Picture has picked up sales rights to 2 restored classic films of modern Asian cinema namely Devils On The Doorstep & Ichi The Killer. The Hong Kong -based studio has begun sales on the so -called Cannes version of “Devils,” the black comedy directed by Jiang Wen in 2000. Although Jiang Wen is today celebrated as a cultural icon in China, the film earned him a 7 year directing ban and was also refused a theatrical release in China. The story involves a captured Japanese soldier who is mysteriously billeted on a Chinese village. Jiang Wen’s intention may have been to contradict stereotyped thinking on Chinese passiveness, and knee – jerk assumptions, but his humanistic portrayal of the Japanese prisoner was controversial. Edited versions of the film were given releases in some territories, including Japan in 2002. Those compounded Jiang Wen’s previous fault of having submitted the movie to Cannes – where it won the Grand Prize – without Film Bureau permission. The restored, 162 minute Cannes version, of the film was screened at the Hong Kong festival in 2011, while a shorter version of 140 mins played the HKIFF in 2014.
MK2 BOARD APRIL’S DAUGHTER
Protagonist Pictures & mk2 films have jointly boarded Michel Franco’s April’s Daughter for worldwide sales. The film receives its world premiere in Un Certain Regard program at Cannes Film Festival and will be introduced to international buyers at Cannes Film Market. Written & directed by Micheal Franco, the Spanish – language Mexican film stars Emma Suarez as the estranged mother of 17 – year – old Valeria, who falls pregnant by her teenage boyfriend. When her other daughter goes behind her sister’s back and calls their mother, April arrives full of concern, support & tenderness but once the baby is born, it soon becomes clear why Valeria wanted her mother as far away as possible. Ana Valeria Becerril, Joanna Larequi, Enrique Arrizon & Hernan Mendoza co – star. It is produced by Micheal Franco for Lucia Films alongside Lorenzo Vigas & Moises Zonana. Rodolfo Cova, David Zonana, Gabriel Ripstein & Tim Roth, who starred in Micheal Franco’s Chronic serve as executive producers.
CANNES LIONS 2017 JURORS ANNOUNCED
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity announced the jury members who will select 2017 winners for the annual advertising & communications awards. The winners will be honored at the awards ceremonies to be held during the 8 – day fest in Cannes from 17th Jun, 2017 – 24th Jun, 2017. A total of 390 industry leaders from 50 countries across all juries are confirmed, and 43% of jurors this year are women, a record high for Cannes Lions, and more than double the number of women represented in 2012. Cannes Lions chairman Terry Savage averred, “Our juries are developed in consultation with the industry and the progress we’ve achieved so far by working together is transforming the jury gender mix. We know the work doesn’t stop at gender and we look forward to working with the industry to tackle other representation issues.” The international festival draws 15,000 professionals annually to the French Riviera. More info on this year’s Cannes Lions juries, including previously announced categories.
DIMITRI RASSAM & HELEN ESTABROOK TO PRODUCE CARMEN
Dancer & choreographer Benjamin Millepied is all set to make his directorial debut with Carmen, a contemporary musical drama inspired by French composer Georges Bizet’s opera. Dimitri Rassam is partnering up with Helen Estabrook to produce the film. Benjamin Millepied is working with a top -notch creative team including Oscar -nominated Nicholas Britell, who will compose the original score of Carmen, and Darius Khondji, the cinematographer of The Lost City Of Z & Midnight In Paris. Benjamin Millepied will be creating the choreography for the film, which centers on a woman who travels from the deserts of Mexico to Los Angeles in search of freedom. “I’m beyond grateful to be supported by the film community in my directorial debut. The incorporation of music & dance in the film is a cornerstone of my creativity and having such an experienced & talented team by my side gives me confidence that we will beautifully capture the story told in Carmen,” added Benjamin Millepied, who started his career at the School of American Ballet.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST WINS 3RD WEEKEND
As Japan’s Golden Week holiday period drew to a close, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast once again led the pack. Winning its 3rd straight weekend for the 6th May, 2017 – 7th May, 2017 frame, the film recorded $7.9 million on 629,000 admissions. Its cumulative total now stands at $59.5 million. The film now looks likely to surpass the $100 million mark. Ranking highest among the new entrants to the top 10, at number 4, was the suspense drama Remembrance. Directed by veteran hit – maker Yasuo Furuhata & released by Toho, this film earned $2.0 million on 180,000 admissions. With a boost from fans of The Eternal Zero star Yuichi Okada, Remembrance is forecast to finish near the $15 million milestone.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 2 ZOOMS TO FRANCISE BEATING WEEKEND
Opening on Wed, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 debuted on top of the South Korean Box Office turnstiles. The superhero film scored $13.2 million from 1.72 million admissions over 5 days, already exceeding the total revenue of the previous “Guardians” instalment, which earned $9.79 million in 2014. Opening on the same day, local crime comedy, The Sheriff In Town, and animated family comedy The Boss Baby landed in 2nd & 3rd, respectively. The Sheriff In Town earned $9.1 million in 5 days. The Lotte Entertainment release exceeded “Guardians 2” on Sun. Directed by Kim Hyung – Ju & produced by leading indie production house Sanai Pictures, The Sheriff In Town evolves around an unofficial lawman who investigates a rising businessman. Locally distributed by CJ E & M, DreamWorks Animation’s The Boss Baby earned $8.21 million from $1.21 million admissions over the 1st 5 days. The top 3 films accounted for 77% of the total weekend Box Office earnings. Previous winner, The King’s Case Note earned $2.13 million between Fri & Sun, extending its 2 week total to $10.2 million. The Fate Of The Furious dropped 64%, taking $941,000, and slipped to 5th. The UPI release has $26.0 million after 4 weeks. Incurring a sharp week – on – week drop of 85%, Korean political drama The Mayor earned $655,000 over the weekend for a total of $9.1 million after 2 weeks.
