Exclusive: William H. Macy (Shameless), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth), DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution), and Stephanie Szostak (A Million Little Things) are among those set to star in On Fire, another new film from Sean McNamara (Reagan) that has landed a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and will begin production in St. Louis November 6.
News of the project comes following McNamara’s recent commitment to direct the indie One Man’s Castle, penned by producer John Zaring, for Zaring/Cioffi Entertainment, Virtuosity Media, and his own banner Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. Rounding out the cast of today’s film, based on the bestseller by inspirational speaker John O’Leary, are Masey McLain (I Am Not Ashamed), Natalie Buck (Marry Me), and James McCracken (Christmas Again).
Believed to be the first feature to take advantage of Missouri’s new production tax credit, On Fire was adapted for the...
News of the project comes following McNamara’s recent commitment to direct the indie One Man’s Castle, penned by producer John Zaring, for Zaring/Cioffi Entertainment, Virtuosity Media, and his own banner Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. Rounding out the cast of today’s film, based on the bestseller by inspirational speaker John O’Leary, are Masey McLain (I Am Not Ashamed), Natalie Buck (Marry Me), and James McCracken (Christmas Again).
Believed to be the first feature to take advantage of Missouri’s new production tax credit, On Fire was adapted for the...
- 10/26/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sean McNamara (Reagan) has been tapped to direct the indie One Man’s Castle, scripted by producer John Zaring (Pursuit of Happiness), for the latter’s Zaring/Cioffi Entertainment, Virtuosity Media, and his own banner Brookwell McNamara Entertainment.
A story involving cancel culture and familial loss that meditates on themes of redemption and reconciliation, the film’s protagonist is Bobby Wynn, a former star NFL quarterback-turned-tv-commentator who returns home when tragedy strikes.
In addition to Zaring and McNamara, producers will include Bianca Cioffi and Charles Vignola of Zce, Virtuosity’s Todd Allen, and Bme’s David Brookwell. Topline roles will be filled once the SAG-AFTRA strike resolves. As a direct result of Texas’ $200M Film Incentives Fund, signed into law in July of this year, production should kick off in and around Austin, Texas next fall.
“One Man’S Castle is a captivating exploration of the human condition,...
A story involving cancel culture and familial loss that meditates on themes of redemption and reconciliation, the film’s protagonist is Bobby Wynn, a former star NFL quarterback-turned-tv-commentator who returns home when tragedy strikes.
In addition to Zaring and McNamara, producers will include Bianca Cioffi and Charles Vignola of Zce, Virtuosity’s Todd Allen, and Bme’s David Brookwell. Topline roles will be filled once the SAG-AFTRA strike resolves. As a direct result of Texas’ $200M Film Incentives Fund, signed into law in July of this year, production should kick off in and around Austin, Texas next fall.
“One Man’S Castle is a captivating exploration of the human condition,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Emile Hirsch (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”), Inbar Levi (“Fauda”) and Yan Tual (“Outlander”) lead the cast of WWII-set drama “Bau, Artist at War,” which is now in production.
The film is based on the true story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau whose wedding in the Plaszow concentration camp was depicted in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List.” It follows Joseph’s journey as an artist and prisoner in the Plaszow camp and his fight for justice years later.
Using his skills to forge IDs, Joseph manages to stay alive while helping hundreds of prisoners escape from the camp, with his creativity and humor providing hope in a place of hopelessness. Rebecca, also a Resistance worker, serves as a spy in Kommandant Goeth’s (Josh Blacker) office. After the liquidation of the Plaszow camp, Rebecca is sent to Auschwitz, while Joseph is sent to Oskar Schindler’s (Edward Foy) factory in Brunnlitz.
Against...
The film is based on the true story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau whose wedding in the Plaszow concentration camp was depicted in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List.” It follows Joseph’s journey as an artist and prisoner in the Plaszow camp and his fight for justice years later.
Using his skills to forge IDs, Joseph manages to stay alive while helping hundreds of prisoners escape from the camp, with his creativity and humor providing hope in a place of hopelessness. Rebecca, also a Resistance worker, serves as a spy in Kommandant Goeth’s (Josh Blacker) office. After the liquidation of the Plaszow camp, Rebecca is sent to Auschwitz, while Joseph is sent to Oskar Schindler’s (Edward Foy) factory in Brunnlitz.
Against...
- 3/15/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights to The King’s Daughter, a family adventure film starring Pierce Brosnan, William Hurt, Kaya Scodelario, Benjamin Walker, Rachel Griffiths, Pablo Schreiber, and Bingbing Fan, which is narrated by Oscar winner Julie Andrews, setting it for a theatrically exclusive release at upwards of 1000 locations across the U.S. and Canada on January 21, 2022.
Sean McNamara’s film, shot at the Palace of Versailles, is based on Vonda N. McIntyre’s 1997 novel The Moon and the Sun. It centers on King Louis Xiv (Brosnan), whose quest for immortality leads him to capture a mermaid’s (Fan) life force, seeing his immovable will challenged when his long-hidden illegitimate daughter (Scodelario) forms a bond with the magical creature.
Barry Berman and James Schamus handled the screenplay adaptation. Veteran family film producers McNamara and David Brookwell produced for Brookwell McNamara Entertainment, alongside an international group of producers from Australia to America to France.
Sean McNamara’s film, shot at the Palace of Versailles, is based on Vonda N. McIntyre’s 1997 novel The Moon and the Sun. It centers on King Louis Xiv (Brosnan), whose quest for immortality leads him to capture a mermaid’s (Fan) life force, seeing his immovable will challenged when his long-hidden illegitimate daughter (Scodelario) forms a bond with the magical creature.
Barry Berman and James Schamus handled the screenplay adaptation. Veteran family film producers McNamara and David Brookwell produced for Brookwell McNamara Entertainment, alongside an international group of producers from Australia to America to France.
- 10/20/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Amazon Prime Video announced the premiere date for “Them” and NBC News will air “The Racism Virus,” about the stark rise in anti-Asian discrimination due to the pandemic.
Dates
NBC News Now and NBC Asian America partnered for a special about racism experienced by the Asian American community as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, “The Racism Virus,” airing March 10 at 8 p.m. Hosted by NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen, it features conversations with comedian Margaret Cho, Rep. Judy Chu, Stop Aapi Hate founder Dr. Russell Jeung, Yul Kwon (the first Asian American “Survivor winner), NBA player Jeremy Lin, Nextshark CEO Benny Luo, actress Olivia Munn, Rise CEO Amanda Nguyen, Compassion in Oakland founder Jess Owyoung, actor Brian Tee, Facebook global social marketing head Eric Toda, psychologist Dr. Jenny Wang and NBC reporter Kimmy Yam. In addition, it will cover how the community is coping...
Dates
NBC News Now and NBC Asian America partnered for a special about racism experienced by the Asian American community as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, “The Racism Virus,” airing March 10 at 8 p.m. Hosted by NBC News’ Vicky Nguyen, it features conversations with comedian Margaret Cho, Rep. Judy Chu, Stop Aapi Hate founder Dr. Russell Jeung, Yul Kwon (the first Asian American “Survivor winner), NBA player Jeremy Lin, Nextshark CEO Benny Luo, actress Olivia Munn, Rise CEO Amanda Nguyen, Compassion in Oakland founder Jess Owyoung, actor Brian Tee, Facebook global social marketing head Eric Toda, psychologist Dr. Jenny Wang and NBC reporter Kimmy Yam. In addition, it will cover how the community is coping...
- 3/9/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Bill Bellamy and Julie Gonzalo join “The Great Illusion,” Tommy Ragen gets the lead in “Chasing,” and shooting wraps on human-trafficking drama “Natalie.”
Castings
Bill Bellamy, Julie Gonzalo, Ireland Basinger-Baldwin, and Ava Locklear are rounding out the cast of the horror-thriller “The Great Illusion,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Previously announced cast includes Graham Greene, Selma Blair, Glenn Morshower, Tokala Black Elk, Jon Lindstrom, Kenzie Dalton, and newcomer Oscar Cardenas. “The Great Illusion” is co-written by Cardenas and daughter Maria Gabriela Cardenas, who will direct as her feature film debut. Amy Williams is producing.
“The Great Illusion” follows a tortured FBI agent suffering from an irrational fear of darkness, as he investigates a mysterious former prostitute in order to catch a vicious serial killer. Production starts on June 4 in Los Angeles.
Bellamy hosts “Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes?” Gonzalo starred in TNT’s “Dallas.
Castings
Bill Bellamy, Julie Gonzalo, Ireland Basinger-Baldwin, and Ava Locklear are rounding out the cast of the horror-thriller “The Great Illusion,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Previously announced cast includes Graham Greene, Selma Blair, Glenn Morshower, Tokala Black Elk, Jon Lindstrom, Kenzie Dalton, and newcomer Oscar Cardenas. “The Great Illusion” is co-written by Cardenas and daughter Maria Gabriela Cardenas, who will direct as her feature film debut. Amy Williams is producing.
“The Great Illusion” follows a tortured FBI agent suffering from an irrational fear of darkness, as he investigates a mysterious former prostitute in order to catch a vicious serial killer. Production starts on June 4 in Los Angeles.
Bellamy hosts “Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes?” Gonzalo starred in TNT’s “Dallas.
- 6/2/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Newcomers Ashley Brooke and Milan Ray have booked their first big studio feature in the Amazon Studios film Troupe Zero, joining Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, and Mike Epps. Bert & Bertie are directing the film which follows a group of elementary school misfits who start a Girl Scout troupe. The script is from Lucy Alibar and Todd Black is producing. 10-year-old Dallas based Ray has been cast in the supporting lead role of Hell-No, an adversary-turned friend of Grace’s character. Prior to this role, Ray appeared in a number of national ad campaigns. Brooke will play Piper, described as a rival of Troupe Zero. She’s lent her voice to the Oscar-nominated animated film Ernest & Celestine and appeared in Broadway’s Dr. Zhivago. Milan is repped by Manning Entertainment, Savage Agency, and Action Talent. Brooke is repped by The Green Room.
Tommy Ragen, the young...
Tommy Ragen, the young...
- 6/1/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: David Brookwell and Sean McNamara's Brookwell McNamara Entertainment have set the Leon Uris novel Trinity as an Irish/Canadian co-production that will get underway in September. McNamara, who helmed Live Like Line, will direct his adaptation of an ambitious novel that captures the “terrible beauty” of Ireland, during its long and bloody struggle for freedom. Story is told through an idealistic young Catholic rebel, and a Protestant girl who defied her heritage…...
- 3/29/2017
- Deadline
There's straight-to-video shame, then there's straight to TV shame. The following small screen follow-ups, then, are the most shameful of the lot.
Please note, however: all of the following first aired on the small screen. They may have ended up on DVD later, but they're telly specials through and through...
1. Home Alone 5: The Holiday Heist (2012)
Original film: Home Alone (1990)
Returning cast members: None
Stars: Christian Martyn, Jodelle Ferland, Malcolm McDowell
You'll remember the first two, and might have a dim recollection of the third - new kid, new goons - and the fourth will, hopefully, mean nothing to you (old kid, new actor playing kid, old goons, new actors playing goons, shot in South Africa).
The fifth, however, is the biggest stinker of the lot, a schmaltzy Christmas edition with a new kid, new family and new goons. Also, Malcolm McDowell - of Clockwork Orange fame - is in it,...
Please note, however: all of the following first aired on the small screen. They may have ended up on DVD later, but they're telly specials through and through...
1. Home Alone 5: The Holiday Heist (2012)
Original film: Home Alone (1990)
Returning cast members: None
Stars: Christian Martyn, Jodelle Ferland, Malcolm McDowell
You'll remember the first two, and might have a dim recollection of the third - new kid, new goons - and the fourth will, hopefully, mean nothing to you (old kid, new actor playing kid, old goons, new actors playing goons, shot in South Africa).
The fifth, however, is the biggest stinker of the lot, a schmaltzy Christmas edition with a new kid, new family and new goons. Also, Malcolm McDowell - of Clockwork Orange fame - is in it,...
- 9/19/2015
- Digital Spy
The studio has acquired Us rights to The Moon And The Sun starring Pierce Brosnan and will release on April 10, 2015.
Producer and Pandemonium Films CEO Bill Mechanic shopped the project to the studio. Good Universe has been selling international rights.
Brosnan plays the so-called Sun King, whose quest for immortality is challenged by his daughter after he captures and steals the life-force of a mermaid.
Sean McNamara directs from the novel of the same name by Vonda N McIntyre. Laura Harrington adapted the screenplay with revisions by Mechanic, Barry Berman, Harrington, James Schamus and Ron Bass.
Mechanic produces alongside Hong Pang, Wei Han, Paul Currie, McNamara, and David Brookwell.
The cast includes William Hurt, Benjamin Walker, Kaya Scodelario, Pablo Schreiber and Fan Bingbing.
Producer and Pandemonium Films CEO Bill Mechanic shopped the project to the studio. Good Universe has been selling international rights.
Brosnan plays the so-called Sun King, whose quest for immortality is challenged by his daughter after he captures and steals the life-force of a mermaid.
Sean McNamara directs from the novel of the same name by Vonda N McIntyre. Laura Harrington adapted the screenplay with revisions by Mechanic, Barry Berman, Harrington, James Schamus and Ron Bass.
Mechanic produces alongside Hong Pang, Wei Han, Paul Currie, McNamara, and David Brookwell.
The cast includes William Hurt, Benjamin Walker, Kaya Scodelario, Pablo Schreiber and Fan Bingbing.
- 8/15/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The studio has acquired Us rights to The Moon And The Sun starring Pierce Brosnan and will release on April 10, 2015.
Producer and Pandemonium Films CEO Bill Mechanic shopped the project to the studio. Good Universe has been selling international rights.
Brosnan plays the so-called Sun King, whose quest for immortality is challenged by hisn daughter after he captures and steals the life force of a mermaid, only to be
Sean McNamara directs from the novel of the same name by Vonda N McIntyre. Laura Harrington adapted the screenplay with revisions by Mechanic, Barry Berman, Harrington, James Schamus and Ron Bass.
Mechanic produces alongside Hong Pang, Wei Han, Paul Currie, McNamara, and David Brookwell.
The cast includes William Hurt, Benjamin Walker, Kaya Scodelario, Pablo Schreiber and Fan Bingbing.
Producer and Pandemonium Films CEO Bill Mechanic shopped the project to the studio. Good Universe has been selling international rights.
Brosnan plays the so-called Sun King, whose quest for immortality is challenged by hisn daughter after he captures and steals the life force of a mermaid, only to be
Sean McNamara directs from the novel of the same name by Vonda N McIntyre. Laura Harrington adapted the screenplay with revisions by Mechanic, Barry Berman, Harrington, James Schamus and Ron Bass.
Mechanic produces alongside Hong Pang, Wei Han, Paul Currie, McNamara, and David Brookwell.
The cast includes William Hurt, Benjamin Walker, Kaya Scodelario, Pablo Schreiber and Fan Bingbing.
- 8/15/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Paramount has locked U.S. distribution on period fantasy adventure The Moon And The Sun, starring Pierce Brosnan and Kaya Scodelario. The adaptation of Vonda N. McIntyre’s 1997 Nebula Award-winning novel follows King Louis Xiv’s quest for immortality as he captures and tries to steal the lifeforce of a mermaid, a quest complicated when his daughter befriends the creature. William Hurt, Benjamin Walker, Pablo Schreiber and Bingbing Fan also star in the film helmed by Soul Surfer‘s Sean McNamara, which Paramount has slotted for April 10 against Fox’s Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Longest Ride. Pandemonium Films’ Bill Mechanic (Coraline) brought the pic to Paramount and produced alongside Hong Pang, Wei Han, Paul Currie, McNamara, and David Brookwell. Script is by Laura Harrington, with revisions by Mechanic, and Barry Berman, Laura Harrington, James Schamus and Ron Bass. Good Universe is handling international sales.
- 8/15/2014
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
William Hurt has replaced Bill Nighy in one of the key supporting roles in The Moon and the Sun, a fantasy/adventure which starts shooting in Paris next week and moves to Melbourne in mid-April.
Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Bratz, Raise Your Voice) is directing the film based on a novel by Vonda McIntyre.
Pierce Brosnan heads the cast as King Louis Xiv, who is determined to protect the future of France by reigning for all eternity. His search for immortality leads him to capture and steal the life force from a mermaid, but soon his 18-year-old illegitimate daughter discovers the mystical creature and strikes up a friendship with her.
Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing portrays the mermaid, a Gollum-type digital creation. Kaya Scodelario (TV.s Skins) plays the daughter, Marie-Josephe. Hurt is Pere La Chaise, spiritual adviser to the king. The producers said Nighy dropped out due to a scheduling conflict.
Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Bratz, Raise Your Voice) is directing the film based on a novel by Vonda McIntyre.
Pierce Brosnan heads the cast as King Louis Xiv, who is determined to protect the future of France by reigning for all eternity. His search for immortality leads him to capture and steal the life force from a mermaid, but soon his 18-year-old illegitimate daughter discovers the mystical creature and strikes up a friendship with her.
Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing portrays the mermaid, a Gollum-type digital creation. Kaya Scodelario (TV.s Skins) plays the daughter, Marie-Josephe. Hurt is Pere La Chaise, spiritual adviser to the king. The producers said Nighy dropped out due to a scheduling conflict.
- 3/23/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Sean McNamara ("Soul Surfer") has signed on to helm "Young Santa," a live-action adaptation of 'Wizard of Oz' author L. Frank Baum's 1902 book "The Life And Adventures Of Santa Claus."
David Casci adapted the screenplay about how a little boy became Father Christmas. Joel Smith, Gudrun Giddings, David Brookwell, Daniel Wagner and Christian Arnold-Beutel are producing.
Famous stop motion animators Rankin-Bass produced a TV special based on the work back in 1985. It was the company's last stop motion effort.
A traditionally animated adaptation was released in 2000, while a new animated version went into development in 2010 but never progressed and has seemingly collapsed.
Source: Screen...
David Casci adapted the screenplay about how a little boy became Father Christmas. Joel Smith, Gudrun Giddings, David Brookwell, Daniel Wagner and Christian Arnold-Beutel are producing.
Famous stop motion animators Rankin-Bass produced a TV special based on the work back in 1985. It was the company's last stop motion effort.
A traditionally animated adaptation was released in 2000, while a new animated version went into development in 2010 but never progressed and has seemingly collapsed.
Source: Screen...
- 2/11/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Soul Surfer director Sean McNamara has signed on to Young Santa, an adaptation of L Frank Baum’s The Life And Adventures Of Santa Claus.
Joel Smith, Gudrun Giddings, David Brookwell, Daniel Wagner and Christian Arnold-Beutel are producing the live-action feature and Stuart Pollok is on board as executive producer.
David Casci adapted the screenplay about how a little boy became Father Christmas.
“We very much look forward to bringing Sean McNamara’s vision of L Frank Baum’s holiday fantasy to the big screen,” said Smith and Arnold-Beutel. “With such icons known all over the world and a great producing team we believe to create an instant family entertainment classic”.
“It’s always been my dream to direct a Christmas movie and now I have that opportunity with this wonderful script and L Frank Baum story,” added McNamara.”...
Joel Smith, Gudrun Giddings, David Brookwell, Daniel Wagner and Christian Arnold-Beutel are producing the live-action feature and Stuart Pollok is on board as executive producer.
David Casci adapted the screenplay about how a little boy became Father Christmas.
“We very much look forward to bringing Sean McNamara’s vision of L Frank Baum’s holiday fantasy to the big screen,” said Smith and Arnold-Beutel. “With such icons known all over the world and a great producing team we believe to create an instant family entertainment classic”.
“It’s always been my dream to direct a Christmas movie and now I have that opportunity with this wonderful script and L Frank Baum story,” added McNamara.”...
- 2/9/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Jessica Watson
A new feature film about Australian Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail around the world, is due in cinemas late 2013.
The film to be called True Spirit will be directed by American film-maker Sean McNamara.
It will be produced by McNamara and David Brookwell’s Brookewell McNamara Entertainment with Australian production company Sunstar Entertainment’s Andrew Fraser, Daniel Starling and Brian Andrews.
The film will be shot in Sydney and the Gold Coast in early 2013.
Announced at the Australian International Movie Convention by distributor Paramount Pictures’ vice president of Australia and New Zealand Mike Selwyn said: “We are delighted to be working with Bme and Sunstar to bring Jessica Watson’s story to the big screen where it belongs. This is a wonderful story of courage, perseverance and triumph that will appeal to all audiences.”
Andrew Fraser CEO of Sunstar Entertainment said: “Jessica Watson is an inspiring...
A new feature film about Australian Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail around the world, is due in cinemas late 2013.
The film to be called True Spirit will be directed by American film-maker Sean McNamara.
It will be produced by McNamara and David Brookwell’s Brookewell McNamara Entertainment with Australian production company Sunstar Entertainment’s Andrew Fraser, Daniel Starling and Brian Andrews.
The film will be shot in Sydney and the Gold Coast in early 2013.
Announced at the Australian International Movie Convention by distributor Paramount Pictures’ vice president of Australia and New Zealand Mike Selwyn said: “We are delighted to be working with Bme and Sunstar to bring Jessica Watson’s story to the big screen where it belongs. This is a wonderful story of courage, perseverance and triumph that will appeal to all audiences.”
Andrew Fraser CEO of Sunstar Entertainment said: “Jessica Watson is an inspiring...
- 8/20/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
A feature film about Jessica Watson's solo, around-the-world sailing adventure will be filmed early next year.
True Spirit will recount Watson's story as the youngest person, at just 16 years of age, to sail solo around the world non-stop and unassisted in 2010. However she said the film will delve into more than her solo voyage, which lasted several months.
.There.s so much more to the story than that, you know, the drama I went through before I left, hitting the ship, the personal side of it and the relationships amongst the team that got me there,. she told If Magazine. .There.s a lot of stories and certainly there was a long period of time at sea by myself but what people don.t realise is that was a small part of the story..
The role of Watson has yet to be cast although she will have some input...
True Spirit will recount Watson's story as the youngest person, at just 16 years of age, to sail solo around the world non-stop and unassisted in 2010. However she said the film will delve into more than her solo voyage, which lasted several months.
.There.s so much more to the story than that, you know, the drama I went through before I left, hitting the ship, the personal side of it and the relationships amongst the team that got me there,. she told If Magazine. .There.s a lot of stories and certainly there was a long period of time at sea by myself but what people don.t realise is that was a small part of the story..
The role of Watson has yet to be cast although she will have some input...
- 8/20/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
On October 31st 2003, rising teen surf star Bethany Hamilton was out on the water with her close friend Alana Blanchard when their Hawaiian idyll, and her life, were shattered by a sudden attack from a tiger shark which saw her left arm severed at the shoulder. The subsequent rehabilitation of both her body and mind, and her determination to get back to her competitive surfing ways really is the stuff of movies, a tailor-made story that wraps up triumph over adversity, questions of personal faith, and a battle against a nemesis, all in a gutsy thirteen year old.
Her story is told in Soul Surfer, released in the UK today. The trouble with such an obvious cinematic exercise though is it’s easy to fall into the trap of cliché and sentimentality, which I realise is a harsh accusation to aim at a such an uplifting true story,...
On October 31st 2003, rising teen surf star Bethany Hamilton was out on the water with her close friend Alana Blanchard when their Hawaiian idyll, and her life, were shattered by a sudden attack from a tiger shark which saw her left arm severed at the shoulder. The subsequent rehabilitation of both her body and mind, and her determination to get back to her competitive surfing ways really is the stuff of movies, a tailor-made story that wraps up triumph over adversity, questions of personal faith, and a battle against a nemesis, all in a gutsy thirteen year old.
Her story is told in Soul Surfer, released in the UK today. The trouble with such an obvious cinematic exercise though is it’s easy to fall into the trap of cliché and sentimentality, which I realise is a harsh accusation to aim at a such an uplifting true story,...
- 9/23/2011
- by Mark Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Scream 4
Opens: April 15th 2011
Cast: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Mary McDonnell, Emma Roberts Director: Wes Craven
Summary: Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with family and friends, but it also brings about the return of Ghostface which puts the whole town in danger.
Analysis: Back in late 1996 when I first began covering film news, "Scream" was released and became more than just a sleeper hit. After years of genre movies being relegated to direct-to-video status, this comedic slasher spawned the biggest surge in the horror film genre since "Halloween" almost two decades before. Its post-modern stylings and witty self-aware dialogue went on to be a big influence on films and television in general.
Yet the "Scream" series itself never could quite capture that glory again. By the time the...
Opens: April 15th 2011
Cast: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Mary McDonnell, Emma Roberts Director: Wes Craven
Summary: Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with family and friends, but it also brings about the return of Ghostface which puts the whole town in danger.
Analysis: Back in late 1996 when I first began covering film news, "Scream" was released and became more than just a sleeper hit. After years of genre movies being relegated to direct-to-video status, this comedic slasher spawned the biggest surge in the horror film genre since "Halloween" almost two decades before. Its post-modern stylings and witty self-aware dialogue went on to be a big influence on films and television in general.
Yet the "Scream" series itself never could quite capture that glory again. By the time the...
- 3/8/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Soul Surfer is the true story of competitive teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination and unwavering faith. Coming to theaters nationwide on April 15, 2011, this exciting feature film stars Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, and Carrie Underwood in her film debut. The cast also includes Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo and Jeremy Sumpter.
The first film to be released under the new deal between FilmDistrict and Sony Pictures, Soul Surfer will go out as a wide release via TriStar Pictures with a broad-based and integrated marketing campaign managed by FilmDistrict.
The film was independently financed by Enticing Entertainment and Island Film Group, and is a production of Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life’s A Beach Entertainment. North American and substantial International rights were acquired prior to...
The first film to be released under the new deal between FilmDistrict and Sony Pictures, Soul Surfer will go out as a wide release via TriStar Pictures with a broad-based and integrated marketing campaign managed by FilmDistrict.
The film was independently financed by Enticing Entertainment and Island Film Group, and is a production of Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life’s A Beach Entertainment. North American and substantial International rights were acquired prior to...
- 11/1/2010
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb and Carrie Underwood have signed on for the independent drama "Soul Surfer." The film will be a biopic on the teen surfing champ and shark attack survivor Bethany Hamilton, who defied all odds to compete and win professional championships after losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13. The film will be directed by Sean McNamara and marks country music star Underwood's bigscreen debut.Quaid and Hunt play Hamilton's parents, Robb will play Hamilton and Underwood will play a church youth leader. Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo have also been cast.According to Variety, McNamara, Deborah Schwartz, Douglas Schwartz and Michael Berk wrote the screenplay.Shooting began this week in Hawaii. Douglas Schwartz, David Brookwell,...
- 2/5/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Sun and surf is proving a winning international menu for L.A.-based MarVista Entertainment, which is notching up global sales for its series "Beyond the Break".
The latest deal is with Brazil's Globo media group for its Multishow channel, MarVista CEO Fernando Szew said Monday.
The deal comes on the heels of the series' October launch across Asia on Star World, potentially reaching about 25 million homes in 30 countries, Szew said.
In Europe, the series has been licensed to the U.K.'s Five, Italy's RAI, Spain's La Sexta, France's M6, Norway's TV2, Denmark's TV2 and Belgium's Club RTL and SBS, providing a potential reach of about 85 million households.
Additionally, MarVista recently granted exclusive free-television and home video rights to the series to Japanese distributor Twin Co., which will license the rights locally.
"Break", which revolves around four girls looking to become world-class surf pros, was created by Michael Jacobs and McNamara Entertainment's David Brookwell and Sean McNamara ("That's So Raven", "Even Stevens", "Raise Your Voice"). A co-production with MTV, it made its U.S.
The latest deal is with Brazil's Globo media group for its Multishow channel, MarVista CEO Fernando Szew said Monday.
The deal comes on the heels of the series' October launch across Asia on Star World, potentially reaching about 25 million homes in 30 countries, Szew said.
In Europe, the series has been licensed to the U.K.'s Five, Italy's RAI, Spain's La Sexta, France's M6, Norway's TV2, Denmark's TV2 and Belgium's Club RTL and SBS, providing a potential reach of about 85 million households.
Additionally, MarVista recently granted exclusive free-television and home video rights to the series to Japanese distributor Twin Co., which will license the rights locally.
"Break", which revolves around four girls looking to become world-class surf pros, was created by Michael Jacobs and McNamara Entertainment's David Brookwell and Sean McNamara ("That's So Raven", "Even Stevens", "Raise Your Voice"). A co-production with MTV, it made its U.S.
- 12/11/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actress-singer Hilary Duff will put her talents to use as star of the upcoming teen music drama Heart of Summer, for FilmEngine and New Line Cinema. Additionally, The Even Stevens Movie helmer Sean McNamara has come aboard to direct the film. Heart of Summer, which was penned by Sam Shriver from an idea by Mitch Rotter, centers on a small-town teenage girl who heads to Los Angeles, where she spends the summer at a performing arts school. The project, slated for a mid-January production start, is being produced by FilmEngine's A.J. Dix and Anthony Rhulen along with Sara Risher, David Brookwell and McNamara. It is being overseen by New Line production execs Mark Kaufman, Matt Moore and Luke Ryan. Duff, who has made a splash on the big screen in The Lizzie McGuire Movie and Agent Cody Banks, on television in the hit Lizzie McGuire series and on the radio with her debut album, Metamorphosis, has a busy slate of projects lined up for the months ahead. In addition to the upcoming 20th Century Fox comedy Cheaper by the Dozen and a starring role in Warner Bros. Pictures' summer offering A Cinderella Story, she recently signed a comedy pilot deal with CBS. She is repped by Curtis Talent Management.
- 12/3/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney Channel has picked up the freshman comedy That's So Raven for a second season. The show, which stars Raven (NBC's The Cosby Show) as a psychic teen who can see glimpses of the future and change the course of events, is set to begin production today on the new season. "Even before we launched this sitcom, we knew Raven and her fellow cast members were gems," said Gary Marsh, executive vp original programming and production at Disney Channel. "Each has their own brand of physical comedy, and together they are like The Carol Burnett Show meets In Living Color for kids and families." After a big launch in January, which posted records for a Disney Channel original series premiere in households (3.0 rating) and key demos including kids 6-11 (8.4) and tweens 9-14 (8.1), Raven has established itself as a hit for the channel, running neck and neck in the ratings with the juggernaut Lizzie McGuire. Co-starring on Raven, from Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Disney Channel, are Orlando Brown, Anneliese van der Pol, Kyle Orlando Massey, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah and Rondell Sheridan. David Brookwell, Sean McNamara, Marc Warren and Dennis Rinsler are executive producing.
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