Exclusive: Atx TV Festival has announced the finalists for this year’s Pitch Competition.
Here they are in alphabetical order:
Clue Castle by Nell Kessler, (Diplo)rable by Shatha Yas, Golden by Darren Bluestone, Good Grief by Zavior Phillips, Live From New York by Carolyn Getches and Hilary C. Gish, Mourning Wood by Garrett Williams, Oakdale Country Club by Toni Adeyemi, Rats! by Candelaria Duran and Robert Daniels, Seasick by Libby Glenn and Taylor Kerr, and Swallows by Nathan Pearson.
Find details about each of the Top 10 finalists’ pitches below. Atx TV Festival will be held in Austin, Texas, from May 30 to June 2.
“Working with the Pitch Finalists has become one of my favorite parts of what I do,” Emily Gipson, co-founder and co-president, Atx TV Festival said in a statement. “I love getting to know each of them throughout the year and diving into their projects, as well as...
Here they are in alphabetical order:
Clue Castle by Nell Kessler, (Diplo)rable by Shatha Yas, Golden by Darren Bluestone, Good Grief by Zavior Phillips, Live From New York by Carolyn Getches and Hilary C. Gish, Mourning Wood by Garrett Williams, Oakdale Country Club by Toni Adeyemi, Rats! by Candelaria Duran and Robert Daniels, Seasick by Libby Glenn and Taylor Kerr, and Swallows by Nathan Pearson.
Find details about each of the Top 10 finalists’ pitches below. Atx TV Festival will be held in Austin, Texas, from May 30 to June 2.
“Working with the Pitch Finalists has become one of my favorite parts of what I do,” Emily Gipson, co-founder and co-president, Atx TV Festival said in a statement. “I love getting to know each of them throughout the year and diving into their projects, as well as...
- 4/12/2024
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Things were going badly on Saturday Night Live‘s 1980-1981 season, even before producer Jean Doumanian realized than the January 10, 1981 episode was headed towards disaster.
The previous season had seen the departure of Lorne Michaels and the entire cast, including founders Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman, as well as Bill Murray and Harry Shearer. Doumanian had tried to pitch her incoming group of comedians as the next generation for the hit series, but the performers quickly gained reputations as also-rans. Charlie Rocket was a less funny Chevy Chase, Gail Matthius an off-brand Jane Curtin, and so on.
But on that Jan. 10, 1981 episode, hosted by actor Ray Sharkey, things were going particularly badly. The skits went faster than anticipated and the show had five extra minutes to fill. So in an act of desperation, Doumanian followed the advice of writer Neil Levy and pushed 19-year-old featured player...
The previous season had seen the departure of Lorne Michaels and the entire cast, including founders Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman, as well as Bill Murray and Harry Shearer. Doumanian had tried to pitch her incoming group of comedians as the next generation for the hit series, but the performers quickly gained reputations as also-rans. Charlie Rocket was a less funny Chevy Chase, Gail Matthius an off-brand Jane Curtin, and so on.
But on that Jan. 10, 1981 episode, hosted by actor Ray Sharkey, things were going particularly badly. The skits went faster than anticipated and the show had five extra minutes to fill. So in an act of desperation, Doumanian followed the advice of writer Neil Levy and pushed 19-year-old featured player...
- 3/20/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
As the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live approaches, so too does the retirement of Lorne Michaels. Having been with the show for the majority of its run since debuting in 1975, Michaels plans to take his final step into Studio 8H after SNL wraps up that season. So, who could take over once he’s gone? One name that has been in the conversation for quite some time is former SNL cast member Tina Fey.
Speaking on the red carpet at this week’s Primetime Emmy Awards, Lorne Michaels said, “It could easily be Tina Fey, but you know, there are a lot of people who are there now who are also, you know…Tina’s brilliant and great at everything…She’s a very important person in my life.” To date, Saturday Night Live has nearly 90 Emmys, the most of any show in history. Tina Fey herself earned one...
Speaking on the red carpet at this week’s Primetime Emmy Awards, Lorne Michaels said, “It could easily be Tina Fey, but you know, there are a lot of people who are there now who are also, you know…Tina’s brilliant and great at everything…She’s a very important person in my life.” To date, Saturday Night Live has nearly 90 Emmys, the most of any show in history. Tina Fey herself earned one...
- 1/18/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Lea Michele, the star of Funny Girl, ends her stay today in the Broadway revival. She noted the milestone with an Instagram post that touted the show’s recoupment of its $16.5 million capitalization.
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on the August Wilson Stage,” she wrote. “An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre, starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice. Although fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster, and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on the August Wilson Stage,” she wrote. “An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre, starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice. Although fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster, and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
- 9/3/2023
- by Bruce Haring and Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Funny Girl, the Broadway revival with one of the strangest casting histories in recent theatrical memory, has recouped its $16.5 million capitalization, producers announced today.
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice, and although her fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
In fact, the show began setting box office records at the Wilson, including in January 2023, when the show set a weekly record with a gross of $2,062,739, a record at the venue for an eight-performance week.
Other house records were set for the week...
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice, and although her fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
In fact, the show began setting box office records at the Wilson, including in January 2023, when the show set a weekly record with a gross of $2,062,739, a record at the venue for an eight-performance week.
Other house records were set for the week...
- 8/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to Best Actor Ever, an ongoing series where we explore the careers and performances of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen.)
We're only six articles into this series, and I've already violated my critic's creed by furthering one of the most egregious filmmaking fallacies in existence. While I stand wholeheartedly behind my selections of Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchett, Robert De Niro, and Viola Davis, these artists are venerated for capital-a acting. They play serious, complicated people beset by demons both personal and societal. Critics expect them to dazzle us, to shed inspiring or unsettling light on the human condition. For too many years, they did not expect them to make us laugh.
When Streep, after a decade-plus of electrifying dramatic performances, appeared in the 1989 dark comedy "She-Devil" opposite TV superstar Roseanne Barr, many critics felt she was slumming. Ditto De Niro in Martin Brest's 1988 buddy-comedy "Midnight Run.
We're only six articles into this series, and I've already violated my critic's creed by furthering one of the most egregious filmmaking fallacies in existence. While I stand wholeheartedly behind my selections of Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchett, Robert De Niro, and Viola Davis, these artists are venerated for capital-a acting. They play serious, complicated people beset by demons both personal and societal. Critics expect them to dazzle us, to shed inspiring or unsettling light on the human condition. For too many years, they did not expect them to make us laugh.
When Streep, after a decade-plus of electrifying dramatic performances, appeared in the 1989 dark comedy "She-Devil" opposite TV superstar Roseanne Barr, many critics felt she was slumming. Ditto De Niro in Martin Brest's 1988 buddy-comedy "Midnight Run.
- 3/2/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Broadway veteran Ethan Slater, who scored a Tony nomination for ‘SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical’, has been cast as Boq in Universal’s big-screen adaptation of ‘Wicked’. In the film, directed by Jon M Chu, Slater is joining the previously announced cast of Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. Jeff Goldblum is in talks to play the Wizard, reports Variety.
A prequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the Tony Award-winning stage musical ‘Wicked’ tells the story of everything leading up to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and the secret friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch of the West. Boq is the romantic interest of Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East). But he only asks her out to impress Glinda, his true love. Christopher Fitzgerald originated the role of Boq in...
A prequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the Tony Award-winning stage musical ‘Wicked’ tells the story of everything leading up to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and the secret friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch of the West. Boq is the romantic interest of Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East). But he only asks her out to impress Glinda, his true love. Christopher Fitzgerald originated the role of Boq in...
- 12/8/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Broadway veteran Ethan Slater, who scored a Tony nomination for “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical,” has been cast as Boq in Universal’s big-screen adaptation of “Wicked.”
In the film, directed by Jon M. Chu, Slater is joining the previously announced cast of Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. Variety also reported that Jeff Goldblum is in talks to play the Wizard.
A prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” the Tony Award-winning stage musical “Wicked” tells the story of everything leading up to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and the secret friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch of the West. Boq is the romantic interest of Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East). But he only asks her out to impress Glinda, his true love. Christopher Fitzgerald originated the role of...
In the film, directed by Jon M. Chu, Slater is joining the previously announced cast of Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero. Variety also reported that Jeff Goldblum is in talks to play the Wizard.
A prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” the Tony Award-winning stage musical “Wicked” tells the story of everything leading up to Dorothy’s arrival in Oz and the secret friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch of the West. Boq is the romantic interest of Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the East). But he only asks her out to impress Glinda, his true love. Christopher Fitzgerald originated the role of...
- 12/7/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Update, with Lynch Playbill comments: Jane Lynch will depart Broadway’s Funny Girl even earlier than expected, producers announced Tuesday. The former Glee actor will end her run as “Mrs. Brice” on Sunday, August 14, several weeks earlier than the Sept. 4 date most recently announced.
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch is an Emmy nominee in the Best Comedy Guest Actress category for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday,...
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch is an Emmy nominee in the Best Comedy Guest Actress category for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In 1980, “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels stepped away after five years and was unexpectedly replaced by Jean Doumanian, who was faced with the task of hiring an all new cast when the original players quit in protest. Of the 10 actors she hired, 19-year-old Eddie Murphy stood out as the most popular, and he would remain on the show for over three years, even after most of his colleagues were dismissed by Doumanian’s replacement, Dick Ebersol. In 1983, Murphy followed in the footsteps of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase by earning an Emmy nomination for his work on the sketch series.
Murphy left his TV gig to focus on his burgeoning film career and did not return for so much as a cameo until 35 years later. At 58, he hosted an episode of the show’s 45th season in which he brought back several of his beloved characters, including Buckwheat,...
Murphy left his TV gig to focus on his burgeoning film career and did not return for so much as a cameo until 35 years later. At 58, he hosted an episode of the show’s 45th season in which he brought back several of his beloved characters, including Buckwheat,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Sean Kelly, one of the earliest and most brazen National Lampoon writers whose lyrics for the influential 1973 Off Broadway revue National Lampoon’s Lemmings helped launch the careers of John Belushi, Christopher Guest and Chevy Chase, died July 11 in New York City of heart and renal failure. He was 81.
His death was announced by wife Patricia Todd to The New York Times.
A New York Drama Desk Award winner for Most Promising Lyricist following the 1973 Off Broadway debut of Lemmings, Kelly, at the time, specialized in song parodies, a skill that would make a considerable contribution to the revue’s notorious parody of Woodstock. The Lemmings satire of the festival featured such soon-to-be-stars as Chase and Guest impersonating, among others, John Denver and Bob Dylan (respectively).
Most famously, Lemmings’ Woodstock musical scenes included Belushi’s spot-on imitation of Joe Cocker, a savage impersonation the comic would take to Saturday Night Live...
His death was announced by wife Patricia Todd to The New York Times.
A New York Drama Desk Award winner for Most Promising Lyricist following the 1973 Off Broadway debut of Lemmings, Kelly, at the time, specialized in song parodies, a skill that would make a considerable contribution to the revue’s notorious parody of Woodstock. The Lemmings satire of the festival featured such soon-to-be-stars as Chase and Guest impersonating, among others, John Denver and Bob Dylan (respectively).
Most famously, Lemmings’ Woodstock musical scenes included Belushi’s spot-on imitation of Joe Cocker, a savage impersonation the comic would take to Saturday Night Live...
- 7/20/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway’s upcoming revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch, Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes has completed casting, with Peter Francis James, Ephie Aardema, Debra Cardon and Toni Dibuono among those joining the cast.
The complete casting was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani. The complete creative team also was announced, including Susan Hilferty as costume designer, Kevin Adams as lighting designer and Brian Ronan as sound designer.
Rehearsals for the musical are expected to begin today, with previews set to start Saturday, March 26, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24.
The Jule Styne/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical, directed by Michael Mayer will star the previously announced Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice and Grimes as Eddie Ryan.
The newly announced cast includes Peter Francis James (Hillary and Clinton) as Florenz Ziegfeld,...
The complete casting was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani. The complete creative team also was announced, including Susan Hilferty as costume designer, Kevin Adams as lighting designer and Brian Ronan as sound designer.
Rehearsals for the musical are expected to begin today, with previews set to start Saturday, March 26, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24.
The Jule Styne/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical, directed by Michael Mayer will star the previously announced Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice and Grimes as Eddie Ryan.
The newly announced cast includes Peter Francis James (Hillary and Clinton) as Florenz Ziegfeld,...
- 2/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Hangmen, Martin McDonagh’s Olivier Award-winning comedy that became (seemingly) an early casualty of Broadway’s 2020 Covid shutdown, has gotten a reprieve: The play will begin previews at Broadway’s Golden Theatre on Friday, April 8, with an opening night set for Thursday, April 21.
Co-starring in the limited 10-week engagement will be Alfie Allen, best known to American audiences for his indelible Game of Thrones portrayal of Theon “Reek” Greyjoy, and David Threlfall, returning to Broadway for the first time in 25 years.
The Royal Court Theatre/Atlantic Theater Company production of Hangmen will be directed by Matthew Dunster, who directed the pre-shutdown Broadway staging that co-starred Downton Abbey‘s Dan Stevens and Game of Thrones‘ Mark Addy as Harry (now to be played by Threlfall).
Prior to the shutdown, Hangmen began previews at the Golden on February 28, 2020, and was scheduled...
Co-starring in the limited 10-week engagement will be Alfie Allen, best known to American audiences for his indelible Game of Thrones portrayal of Theon “Reek” Greyjoy, and David Threlfall, returning to Broadway for the first time in 25 years.
The Royal Court Theatre/Atlantic Theater Company production of Hangmen will be directed by Matthew Dunster, who directed the pre-shutdown Broadway staging that co-starred Downton Abbey‘s Dan Stevens and Game of Thrones‘ Mark Addy as Harry (now to be played by Threlfall).
Prior to the shutdown, Hangmen began previews at the Golden on February 28, 2020, and was scheduled...
- 2/1/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In 1980, “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels stepped away after five years and was unexpectedly replaced by Jean Doumanian, who was faced with the task of hiring an all new cast when the original players quit in protest. Of the 10 actors she hired, 19-year-old Eddie Murphy stood out as the most popular, and he would remain on the show for over three years, even after most of his colleagues were dismissed by Doumanian’s replacement, Dick Ebersol. In 1983, Murphy followed in the footsteps of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase by earning an Emmy nomination for his work on the sketch series.
Murphy left his TV gig to focus on his burgeoning film career and did not return for so much as a cameo until 35 years later. At 58, he hosted an episode of the show’s 45th season in which he brought back several of his beloved characters, including Buckwheat,...
Murphy left his TV gig to focus on his burgeoning film career and did not return for so much as a cameo until 35 years later. At 58, he hosted an episode of the show’s 45th season in which he brought back several of his beloved characters, including Buckwheat,...
- 8/29/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The Book of Mormon, the Tony-winning musical comedy by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, will resume Broadway performances at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Friday, Nov. 5, producer Anne Garefino announced today. But there might well be some changes.
The show’s writers will begin rehearsals with the cast in the Fall, having agreed to discuss and possibly adjust elements of the show deemed racially problematic. Several months ago, twenty actors from the original and most recent Broadway casts signed their names to a letter asking the writers and producers to reevaluate aspects of the show.
The irreverent show’s depiction of Africans has been a much-discussed topic in theater circles since matters of Broadway’s entrenched racism took on renewed scrutiny following last summer’s Black Lives Matter protests. In a People TV interview last July, original cast member Josh Gad, asked about a potential film adaptation of the musical,...
The show’s writers will begin rehearsals with the cast in the Fall, having agreed to discuss and possibly adjust elements of the show deemed racially problematic. Several months ago, twenty actors from the original and most recent Broadway casts signed their names to a letter asking the writers and producers to reevaluate aspects of the show.
The irreverent show’s depiction of Africans has been a much-discussed topic in theater circles since matters of Broadway’s entrenched racism took on renewed scrutiny following last summer’s Black Lives Matter protests. In a People TV interview last July, original cast member Josh Gad, asked about a potential film adaptation of the musical,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with Broadway relief agreement The Broadway production of Martin McDonagh’s new comedy Hangmen will not resume performances when the coronavirus shutdown is lifted. The producers of the Olivier Award-winning play, starring Downton Abbey‘s Dan Stevens and Game of Thrones‘ Mark Addy, said today that they do not “have the economic resources” to reopen.
In a statement, producers Robert Fox, Jean Doumanian, Elizabeth I. McCann and Craig Balsam said, “Because of the current health crisis which has created circumstances beyond our control, it is with deep regret that we are not able to resume performances of Hangmen. With no definite end in sight of the government’s closure and Broadway’s suspension, we have no alternative but to release the actors from their contracts and close the production.”
More from DeadlineBroadway Producers, Unions Announce Emergency Relief AgreementSAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris Says Guild Is Working Overtime For MembersCoronavirus Hits White House,...
In a statement, producers Robert Fox, Jean Doumanian, Elizabeth I. McCann and Craig Balsam said, “Because of the current health crisis which has created circumstances beyond our control, it is with deep regret that we are not able to resume performances of Hangmen. With no definite end in sight of the government’s closure and Broadway’s suspension, we have no alternative but to release the actors from their contracts and close the production.”
More from DeadlineBroadway Producers, Unions Announce Emergency Relief AgreementSAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris Says Guild Is Working Overtime For MembersCoronavirus Hits White House,...
- 3/20/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, January 23rd, actress and activist Ashley Judd joined Audrey Gruss to introduce the new Hope Fragrance Collection at a high tea in Bergdorf Goodman’s luxurious seventh floor, Bg Restaurant.
Ashley Judd Joins Audrey Gruss to Launch the New Hope Fragrance Collection
The Hope Collection consists of the classic Hope, The Uplifting Fragrance, and two new scents, Hope Sport and Hope Night. The collection will launch exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman on February 3rd, 2020. Guests at the high tea, including Muffie Potter Aston, CeCe Cord, Diandra Douglas, Jamee Gregory and Hilary Ross, were treated to a first look at the two new fragrances, designed to uplift the senses and developed by Firmenich’s master perfumer Honorine Blanc in collaboration with Ms.Gruss. The two New Hope Fragrances, Hope Sport and Hope Night, take the Hope Fragrance journey from day to night.
Additional guests included: Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Susan Gutfreund,...
Ashley Judd Joins Audrey Gruss to Launch the New Hope Fragrance Collection
The Hope Collection consists of the classic Hope, The Uplifting Fragrance, and two new scents, Hope Sport and Hope Night. The collection will launch exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman on February 3rd, 2020. Guests at the high tea, including Muffie Potter Aston, CeCe Cord, Diandra Douglas, Jamee Gregory and Hilary Ross, were treated to a first look at the two new fragrances, designed to uplift the senses and developed by Firmenich’s master perfumer Honorine Blanc in collaboration with Ms.Gruss. The two New Hope Fragrances, Hope Sport and Hope Night, take the Hope Fragrance journey from day to night.
Additional guests included: Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Susan Gutfreund,...
- 2/3/2020
- Look to the Stars
He's Gumby, dammit, and he's coming home. 35 years after he last hosted and left the show, Eddie Murphy is returning to Saturday Night Live to host this year's Christmas show, and it's about as big a deal as it sounds like it might be. Murphy was a cast member from 1980 to 1984, those years when Lorne Michaels had left the show and it was in the hands of Jean Doumanian and then Dick Ebersol. He was one of very few big name cast members of that time period, which also included Jim Belushi and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and he was by far the biggest draw the show had at the time, and kept the show alive as it was struggling without Michaels. He even once hosted last minute while still a cast...
- 12/20/2019
- E! Online
When Eddie Murphy makes his long-awaited “SNL” return on Saturday, fans of the venerable late-night staple can thank the comedian’s tenure during the early 1980s for keeping the show alive.
Aside from a brief appearance during the show’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2015, this will be the first time Murphy has returned to “SNL” since he left the show in 1984. But if it wasn’t for Murphy, “SNL” probably would have never made it alive out of that decade.
For a brief period in the early 1980s, Lorne Michaels left “SNL” following disputes with network executives. Although he eventually returned in 1985, Lorne’s absence from the halls of Studio 8H were some of the most turbulent years for the long-running show. Following the short-lived run under Jean Doumanian — who lasted just 10 months, ending after Charlie Rocket said “F—” during the live broadcast — Dick Ebersol was brought in to steer the ship.
Aside from a brief appearance during the show’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2015, this will be the first time Murphy has returned to “SNL” since he left the show in 1984. But if it wasn’t for Murphy, “SNL” probably would have never made it alive out of that decade.
For a brief period in the early 1980s, Lorne Michaels left “SNL” following disputes with network executives. Although he eventually returned in 1985, Lorne’s absence from the halls of Studio 8H were some of the most turbulent years for the long-running show. Following the short-lived run under Jean Doumanian — who lasted just 10 months, ending after Charlie Rocket said “F—” during the live broadcast — Dick Ebersol was brought in to steer the ship.
- 12/19/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Downton Abbey‘s Dan Stevens and Game of Thrones‘ Mark Addy will head up the Broadway production of Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy Hangmen, arriving at the Golden Theatre Friday, Feb. 28, for a limited 20-week engagement and an opening night of Thursday, March 19.
Stevens will play Mooney, a mysterious newcomer to the Northern England pub where Harry holds court as one of England’s last executioners.
The production will be Stevens’ first on Broadway since his debut in 2013’s The Heiress, opposite Jessica Chastain.
Joining Stevens and Addy will be:
Two-time Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett (End of the Rainbow) as Alice; Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting) as Syd; Owen Campbell (Indian Summer) as Clegg; Gaby French (Military Wives) as Shirley; Olivier Award nominee John Hodgkinson (The Ferryman) as Pierrepoint; Richard Hollis (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time...
Stevens will play Mooney, a mysterious newcomer to the Northern England pub where Harry holds court as one of England’s last executioners.
The production will be Stevens’ first on Broadway since his debut in 2013’s The Heiress, opposite Jessica Chastain.
Joining Stevens and Addy will be:
Two-time Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett (End of the Rainbow) as Alice; Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting) as Syd; Owen Campbell (Indian Summer) as Clegg; Gaby French (Military Wives) as Shirley; Olivier Award nominee John Hodgkinson (The Ferryman) as Pierrepoint; Richard Hollis (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time...
- 12/4/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Rlje Films has acquired the U.S. rights to Melanie Laurent’s “Galveston,” starring Elle Fanning and Ben Foster, the distributor announced Thursday.
The film premiered at this year’s SXSW Film Festival and will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
“Galveston” is based on the novel of the same name by “True Detective” author Nic Pizzolatto, and was written by Jim Hammett and directed by Laurent. It also stars Lili Reinhart and Beau Bridges. Tyler Davidson produced the drama with his company Low Spark Films.
Also Read: Elle Fanning Says She 'Regrets' If Her Decision to Work With Woody Allen 'Hurt Anyone'
In the film, Roy (Foster) is a criminal enforcer and mob hitman when he becomes involved in a double-cross scheme. He discovers Rocky (Fanning) after the crime and reluctantly takes her with him on his escape. They try to find sanctuary in Galveston, hiding...
The film premiered at this year’s SXSW Film Festival and will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
“Galveston” is based on the novel of the same name by “True Detective” author Nic Pizzolatto, and was written by Jim Hammett and directed by Laurent. It also stars Lili Reinhart and Beau Bridges. Tyler Davidson produced the drama with his company Low Spark Films.
Also Read: Elle Fanning Says She 'Regrets' If Her Decision to Work With Woody Allen 'Hurt Anyone'
In the film, Roy (Foster) is a criminal enforcer and mob hitman when he becomes involved in a double-cross scheme. He discovers Rocky (Fanning) after the crime and reluctantly takes her with him on his escape. They try to find sanctuary in Galveston, hiding...
- 7/26/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Rlje Films has acquired U.S. rights to Galveston, the indie drama that bowed this year at SXSW adapted from True Detective writer Nic Pizzolatto’s 2010 novel. Mélanie Laurent directed the pic, which stars Ben Foster, Elle Fanning, Lili Reinhart and Beau Bridges. The deal comes as the pic landed a spot in September’s Toronto Film Festival, and a fall theatrical release after that is in the works.
Rlje Films’ chief acquisitions officer Mark Ward and Jess De Leo negotiated the deal with Endeavor Content and Cinetic on behalf of the filmmakers.
The plot of Jim Hammett’s adapted screenplay centers on Roy (Foster), a heavy-drinking criminal enforcer and mob hit man in Galveston whose boss set him up in a double-cross scheme. After killing his would-be assassins before they could kill him, Roy discovers Rocky (Fanning), a young woman being held captive, and reluctantly takes her with him on his escape.
Rlje Films’ chief acquisitions officer Mark Ward and Jess De Leo negotiated the deal with Endeavor Content and Cinetic on behalf of the filmmakers.
The plot of Jim Hammett’s adapted screenplay centers on Roy (Foster), a heavy-drinking criminal enforcer and mob hit man in Galveston whose boss set him up in a double-cross scheme. After killing his would-be assassins before they could kill him, Roy discovers Rocky (Fanning), a young woman being held captive, and reluctantly takes her with him on his escape.
- 7/26/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The crime drama with Ben Foster and Elle Fanning is set for an autumn release.
Rlje Films has acquired all Us rights to crime drama Galveston, which has just been set for a gala screening at this September’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Rlje plans to release the film in Us cinemas this autumn.
Based on the novel of the same name by True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto, Galveston, which premiered at this year’s SXSW festival, is directed by Mélanie Laurent, written by Jim Hammett and stars Ben Foster, Elle Fanning, Lili Reinhart and Beau Bridges. Producer is Tyler Davidson,...
Rlje Films has acquired all Us rights to crime drama Galveston, which has just been set for a gala screening at this September’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Rlje plans to release the film in Us cinemas this autumn.
Based on the novel of the same name by True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto, Galveston, which premiered at this year’s SXSW festival, is directed by Mélanie Laurent, written by Jim Hammett and stars Ben Foster, Elle Fanning, Lili Reinhart and Beau Bridges. Producer is Tyler Davidson,...
- 7/26/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Producers of the long-running Off-Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street said the intimate, immersive rendering of the Stephen Sondheim masterpiece will close on August 26.
Sweeney Todd‘s original Broadway incarnation in 1979 remains one of the peak moments in musical theater history, but the current interpretation breathed a whole different life into the show. The Tooting Arts Club initially mounted the production in London in 2014, using venues as small as 35 seats and combining the performance with food available for purchase from the same pie shop used in the show’s set.
The pies, served with mashed potatoes, echoed the prominent role of Mrs. Lovett’s bake shop in the show, but thankfully they were not, as the songs have it, “The Worst Pies in London” or flecked with bits of “A Little Priest.” The production then opened at New York’s Barrow Street Theatre, with...
Sweeney Todd‘s original Broadway incarnation in 1979 remains one of the peak moments in musical theater history, but the current interpretation breathed a whole different life into the show. The Tooting Arts Club initially mounted the production in London in 2014, using venues as small as 35 seats and combining the performance with food available for purchase from the same pie shop used in the show’s set.
The pies, served with mashed potatoes, echoed the prominent role of Mrs. Lovett’s bake shop in the show, but thankfully they were not, as the songs have it, “The Worst Pies in London” or flecked with bits of “A Little Priest.” The production then opened at New York’s Barrow Street Theatre, with...
- 5/21/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mélanie Laurent-directed revenge-thriller is now underway in Georgia; cast rounds out.
Shoot is underway in Georgia on actor-director Mélanie Laurent’s (Inglorious Basterds) feature Galveston, which is adapted by Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective) from his novel of the same name.
Screen can reveal the first image from the revenge-thriller, whose cast is led by Ben Foster (Hell Or High Water,) and Elle Fanning (20th Century Women).
Foster plays Roy, a cancer-ridden debt collector and sometime killer. Fanning plays Rocky, a young prostitute who flees with Roy when an attempt on his life ends in violence.
Rounding out the cast is Beau Bridges (Masters Of Sex) as Roy’s murderous loan-shark boss, Efp’s shooting star of 2016 María Valverde (Exodus: Gods and Kings), Adepero Oduye (The Dinner), Lili Reinhart (Miss Stevens) and Robert Aramayo (Game of Thrones).
Low Spark Films’ Tyler Davidson (Take Shelter) produces. Executive producers are Jean Doumanian, Patrick Daly, [link...
Shoot is underway in Georgia on actor-director Mélanie Laurent’s (Inglorious Basterds) feature Galveston, which is adapted by Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective) from his novel of the same name.
Screen can reveal the first image from the revenge-thriller, whose cast is led by Ben Foster (Hell Or High Water,) and Elle Fanning (20th Century Women).
Foster plays Roy, a cancer-ridden debt collector and sometime killer. Fanning plays Rocky, a young prostitute who flees with Roy when an attempt on his life ends in violence.
Rounding out the cast is Beau Bridges (Masters Of Sex) as Roy’s murderous loan-shark boss, Efp’s shooting star of 2016 María Valverde (Exodus: Gods and Kings), Adepero Oduye (The Dinner), Lili Reinhart (Miss Stevens) and Robert Aramayo (Game of Thrones).
Low Spark Films’ Tyler Davidson (Take Shelter) produces. Executive producers are Jean Doumanian, Patrick Daly, [link...
- 2/12/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Jean Doumanian (Courtesy: Getty Images)
By: Scott Feinberg
The Hollywood Reporter
She discovered Eddie Murphy and gave Prince one of his first big breaks. She saved Woody Allen’s career and produced eight of his films. And she’s helped to bring to life many of the most acclaimed theatrical productions of the 21st century, from August: Osage County to The Book of Mormon. Which raises the questions: how did Jean Doumanian — daughter of a Chicago restaurateur, college dropout, one-time housewife — become a show business Zelig (not one of her Allen collaborations), looming large over the pop-cultural landscape for a half-century, and why don’t more people know her name (which rhymes with Tasmanian)?
Read the rest of this entry…...
By: Scott Feinberg
The Hollywood Reporter
She discovered Eddie Murphy and gave Prince one of his first big breaks. She saved Woody Allen’s career and produced eight of his films. And she’s helped to bring to life many of the most acclaimed theatrical productions of the 21st century, from August: Osage County to The Book of Mormon. Which raises the questions: how did Jean Doumanian — daughter of a Chicago restaurateur, college dropout, one-time housewife — become a show business Zelig (not one of her Allen collaborations), looming large over the pop-cultural landscape for a half-century, and why don’t more people know her name (which rhymes with Tasmanian)?
Read the rest of this entry…...
- 12/8/2016
- by Carson Blackwelder
- Scott Feinberg
She discovered Eddie Murphy and gave Prince one of his first big breaks. She saved Woody Allen’s career and produced eight of his films. And she’s helped to bring to life many of the most acclaimed theatrical productions of the 21st century, from August: Osage County to The Book of Mormon. Which raises the questions: How did Jean Doumanian — daughter of a Chicago restaurateur, college dropout, onetime housewife — become a show business Zelig (not one of her Allen collaborations), looming large over the pop-cultural landscape for a half-century, and why don’t more people know her name (which rhymes with Tasmanian)?
To...
To...
- 12/8/2016
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: WestEnd inks deals in Germany, Australia, Latin America, and more, on sexual abuse drama.
WestEnd Films has secured a string of deals on hard-hitting sexual abuse drama Una, starring Rooney Mara.
Since debuting at Telluride and Toronto, director Benedict Andrews’ film has sold to Weltkino (Germany, Austria), Madman (Australia, New Zealand), Swen (Latin America), Abmo (Canada), Non Stop (Scandinavia), Splendid Film (Benelux), Ecs (Middle East), United King (Israel), Pris (Portugal), Tanweer (Greece), Top Films (Russia), Mars (Turkey), Edko (Hong Kong), Shaw (Singapore), Encore (Taiwan), Captive (Philippines) and DDDreams (China).
Read: Benedict Andrews talks sexual abuse drama ‘Una’
Mara (Carol) stars alongside Ben Mendelsohn (Animal Kingdom) and Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) in Andrews and David Harrowers’ adaptation of the latter’s Olivier Award-winning play Blackbird about a woman struggling with the psychological repercussions of abuse following a relationship she had with an older man when aged 13.
The film is produced by Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly alongside WestEnd...
WestEnd Films has secured a string of deals on hard-hitting sexual abuse drama Una, starring Rooney Mara.
Since debuting at Telluride and Toronto, director Benedict Andrews’ film has sold to Weltkino (Germany, Austria), Madman (Australia, New Zealand), Swen (Latin America), Abmo (Canada), Non Stop (Scandinavia), Splendid Film (Benelux), Ecs (Middle East), United King (Israel), Pris (Portugal), Tanweer (Greece), Top Films (Russia), Mars (Turkey), Edko (Hong Kong), Shaw (Singapore), Encore (Taiwan), Captive (Philippines) and DDDreams (China).
Read: Benedict Andrews talks sexual abuse drama ‘Una’
Mara (Carol) stars alongside Ben Mendelsohn (Animal Kingdom) and Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) in Andrews and David Harrowers’ adaptation of the latter’s Olivier Award-winning play Blackbird about a woman struggling with the psychological repercussions of abuse following a relationship she had with an older man when aged 13.
The film is produced by Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly alongside WestEnd...
- 11/3/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Director, cast join crime-thriller written by True Detective creator.
Ben Foster (Hell or High Water) and Elle Fanning (The Neon Demon) are to star in crime-thriller Galveston which will be directed by Inglorious Basterds star Mélanie Laurent.
Shoot is due to get underway on January 10, 2017, on the feature, which is being produced and financed by Tyler Davidson’s (Take Shelter) Low Spark Films and executive produced by Jean Doumanian, Patrick Daly, Kevin Flanigan and Sean O’Brien.
The screenplay, about a hitman diagnosed with a terminal illness the same day he discovers his mob boss wants to kill him, has been adapted from the novel of the same name by True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto.
Embankment is handling sales on the project, which previously had Armadillo director Janus Metz Pederson and actor Matthias Schoenaerts attached.
Ben Foster (Hell or High Water) and Elle Fanning (The Neon Demon) are to star in crime-thriller Galveston which will be directed by Inglorious Basterds star Mélanie Laurent.
Shoot is due to get underway on January 10, 2017, on the feature, which is being produced and financed by Tyler Davidson’s (Take Shelter) Low Spark Films and executive produced by Jean Doumanian, Patrick Daly, Kevin Flanigan and Sean O’Brien.
The screenplay, about a hitman diagnosed with a terminal illness the same day he discovers his mob boss wants to kill him, has been adapted from the novel of the same name by True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto.
Embankment is handling sales on the project, which previously had Armadillo director Janus Metz Pederson and actor Matthias Schoenaerts attached.
- 11/2/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
We present our red carpet interviews from the premiere of Una, directed by Benedict Andrews, direct from the 2016 London Film Festival (LFF2016) in the Embankment Garden Cinema. The screening was attended by director Benedict Andrews, screenwriter David Harrower, producers Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly and actors Ben Mendelsohn, Tobias Menzies and Tara Fitzgerald. The […]
The post Lff Premiere Interviews: Ben Mendelsohn, Tara Fitzgerald & more for Una appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Lff Premiere Interviews: Ben Mendelsohn, Tara Fitzgerald & more for Una appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 10/10/2016
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The National Theatre of Great Britain's North American wing Tim Levy, Producer in collaboration with Scott Morfee, Jean Doumanian, Tom Wirtshafter, and Patrick Daly have announced the North American premiere of playwright Lucy Prebble's award-winning new play The Effect. With direction by David Cromer, the entirely American production of The Effect will open at the Barrow Street Theatre 27 Barrow Street at 7th Avenue in March 2016. Additional information will be announced shortly.
- 12/16/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Chicago – While a musical stage play is known for its songs rather than dialogue or story, all has to be created. And the playwright for the opening-in-Chicago “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is veteran actor, director and scribe Douglas McGrath. ‘Beautiful’ opens December 1st, 2015, at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago.
“Beautiful” is a so-called jukebox musical with a twist. It takes the tunes of singer/songwriter Carole King, but integrates them within the story of Ms. King, who rose from a teenage song creator to a pop artist in her own right (“Tapestry” was her million seller album). The poignancy, in both the good and not-so-good times, are all told in the musical, which was crafted by Douglas McGrath.
Scene From ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,’ book by Douglas McGrath
Photo credit: Broadway in Chicago
McGrath is a hybrid, having written screenplays, acted in films and directed. He began his...
“Beautiful” is a so-called jukebox musical with a twist. It takes the tunes of singer/songwriter Carole King, but integrates them within the story of Ms. King, who rose from a teenage song creator to a pop artist in her own right (“Tapestry” was her million seller album). The poignancy, in both the good and not-so-good times, are all told in the musical, which was crafted by Douglas McGrath.
Scene From ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,’ book by Douglas McGrath
Photo credit: Broadway in Chicago
McGrath is a hybrid, having written screenplays, acted in films and directed. He began his...
- 12/1/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Sundance has always been a great launching pad for new breakout talents. Rooney Mara saw her first major part in film was as a supporting player in James C. Strouse’s The Winning Season which premiered at the fest, and veteran actor Ben Mendelsohn had his true breakout moment in Park City for David Michod’s Animal Kingdom. Perhaps the stars will for this highly anticipated directorial debut from an already established talent. First-time director Benedict Andrews is award-winning Australian theatre director who works out of Iceland and London, and judging from his body of work likely made the comfortable leap to this new set of damaged characters with Una – (formerly Blackbird) a screenplay by playwright David Harrower. Principal photography took place this past summer and the film is definitely in the editing phase. There is a small window of opportunity for a feature that will surely yield some emotionally...
- 11/25/2015
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Exclusive Image: Composer Jed Kurzel latest to join upcoming feature sold by WestEnd.
Rooney Mara (pictured) stars in Benedict Andrews’ newly renamed drama Una (previously known as Blackbird), which WestEnd is selling at the Afm.
Mara stars as the titular Una alongside Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed and Tara Fitzgerald in the provocative love story about a taboo relationship.
Currently in post-production, Macbeth and Slow West composer Jed Kurzel is the latest addition to the film’s impressive crew.
Backers are Creative Scotland, Film4 and WestEnd, with the latter also producing with Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly.
Rooney Mara (pictured) stars in Benedict Andrews’ newly renamed drama Una (previously known as Blackbird), which WestEnd is selling at the Afm.
Mara stars as the titular Una alongside Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed and Tara Fitzgerald in the provocative love story about a taboo relationship.
Currently in post-production, Macbeth and Slow West composer Jed Kurzel is the latest addition to the film’s impressive crew.
Backers are Creative Scotland, Film4 and WestEnd, with the latter also producing with Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly.
- 11/6/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive Image: Composer Jed Kurzel latest to join upcoming feature sold by WestEnd.
Rooney Mara (pictured) stars in Benedict Andrews’ newly renamed drama Una (previously known as Blackbird), which WestEnd is selling at the Afm.
Mara stars as the titular Una alongside Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed and Tara Fitzgerald in the provocative love story about a taboo relationship.
Currently in post-production, Macbeth and Slow West composer Jed Kurzel is the latest addition to the film’s impressive crew.
Backers are Creative Scotland, Film4 and WestEnd, with the latter also producing with Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly.
Rooney Mara (pictured) stars in Benedict Andrews’ newly renamed drama Una (previously known as Blackbird), which WestEnd is selling at the Afm.
Mara stars as the titular Una alongside Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed and Tara Fitzgerald in the provocative love story about a taboo relationship.
Currently in post-production, Macbeth and Slow West composer Jed Kurzel is the latest addition to the film’s impressive crew.
Backers are Creative Scotland, Film4 and WestEnd, with the latter also producing with Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly.
- 11/6/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Meru directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi with Tom Brokaw Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Sundance Audience Award winner and Sheffield Doc/Fest selection Meru was honored with a lunch hosted by Meredith Brokaw, Tom Brokaw, Austin Hearst and Doc NYC 2015's new Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Barbara Kopple at the 21 Club, organised by Peggy Siegal. Meru composer J. Ralph, who also worked on Orlando von Einsiedel's Oscar nominated Virunga, Bob Eisenhardt, who was also the editor of HBO's Everything Is Copy, directed by Jacob Bernstein on his mother Nora Ephron, which had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival , were at the lunch and discussion. Jean Doumanian, a producer of John Wells' wild and furious August: Osage County, documentarian Alexandra Pelosi, director/playwright Israel Horowitz, Absolute Wilson director/producer Katharina Otto-Bernstein and Wendy Ettinger, Chicken & Egg Pictures founder, were among the guests.
Peggy Siegal introduces Tom Brokaw...
Sundance Audience Award winner and Sheffield Doc/Fest selection Meru was honored with a lunch hosted by Meredith Brokaw, Tom Brokaw, Austin Hearst and Doc NYC 2015's new Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Barbara Kopple at the 21 Club, organised by Peggy Siegal. Meru composer J. Ralph, who also worked on Orlando von Einsiedel's Oscar nominated Virunga, Bob Eisenhardt, who was also the editor of HBO's Everything Is Copy, directed by Jacob Bernstein on his mother Nora Ephron, which had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival , were at the lunch and discussion. Jean Doumanian, a producer of John Wells' wild and furious August: Osage County, documentarian Alexandra Pelosi, director/playwright Israel Horowitz, Absolute Wilson director/producer Katharina Otto-Bernstein and Wendy Ettinger, Chicken & Egg Pictures founder, were among the guests.
Peggy Siegal introduces Tom Brokaw...
- 11/2/2015
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Relationship drama to shoot for five weeks in the UK.
Principal photography has begun on Benedict Andrews’ Blackbird andwill shoot for five weeks across the south of England.
Rooney Mara, who won Best Actress at Cannes last month for her role in Carol, will star opposite Ben Mendelsohn (Starred Up) in the relationship drama.
Based on playwright David Harrower’s Olivier Award-winning play of the same name, it tells the story of Ray (Mendelsohn) who is confronted with his past when Una (Mara) arrives unannounced at his office.
Fifteen years earlier, the two had an illicit affair, for which Ray was arrested and imprisoned. He has since built a new life for himself; she is looking for answers.
Andrews said: “I am relishing the opportunity to bring this vital, highly-charged story to the screen. David has written a beautiful, brutal script and I have two outstanding actors in the roles of Ray and Una.
“The fragility...
Principal photography has begun on Benedict Andrews’ Blackbird andwill shoot for five weeks across the south of England.
Rooney Mara, who won Best Actress at Cannes last month for her role in Carol, will star opposite Ben Mendelsohn (Starred Up) in the relationship drama.
Based on playwright David Harrower’s Olivier Award-winning play of the same name, it tells the story of Ray (Mendelsohn) who is confronted with his past when Una (Mara) arrives unannounced at his office.
Fifteen years earlier, the two had an illicit affair, for which Ray was arrested and imprisoned. He has since built a new life for himself; she is looking for answers.
Andrews said: “I am relishing the opportunity to bring this vital, highly-charged story to the screen. David has written a beautiful, brutal script and I have two outstanding actors in the roles of Ray and Una.
“The fragility...
- 6/17/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Woody Allen and Parker Posey. Allen: I never look back at my films but if I had the opportunity I would shoot them all over if I could.” Photo: Richard Mowe Woody Allen, who turns 80 later this year, returned to Cannes Film Festival today to premiere Irrational Man, a comedy about an existentially challenged professor, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone and Parker Posey. It’s Allen’s 46th film as a director, because he makes one a film a year.
At his encounter with journalists, flanked by Stone and Posey, he explained how he has managed his career and talked about a groundbreaking TV series deal with Amazon, which he now regrets. Allen says he intends to film until he drops, despite his fluctuating fortunes both professionally and privately. There was the legal battle with his former producer and one-time friend Jean Doumanian, the death of his parents at a ripe old age,...
At his encounter with journalists, flanked by Stone and Posey, he explained how he has managed his career and talked about a groundbreaking TV series deal with Amazon, which he now regrets. Allen says he intends to film until he drops, despite his fluctuating fortunes both professionally and privately. There was the legal battle with his former producer and one-time friend Jean Doumanian, the death of his parents at a ripe old age,...
- 5/15/2015
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Exclusive: Riz Ahmed, producer Kevin Loader join Rooney Mara drama.
Nightcrawler co-star Riz Ahmed and Tara Fitzgerald (Game of Thrones) have joined Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn in director Benedict Andrews’ upcoming drama Blackbird, which is due to shoot in the UK from June 13.
Creative Scotland, Film 4 and WestEnd Films will back the feature, produced by Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly alongside WestEnd, which also handles world sales.
In the Loop and Alan Partridge producer Kevin Loader has joined as a co-producer. Executive producers are Ron Burkle, Terry Allen Kramer and George Kaufman.
The buzzed about script, adapted by playwright David Harrower from his celebrated and controversial Olivier Award-winning play of the same name, charts the confrontation between a middle aged man and a young woman who had an illicit affair 15 years earlier, for which the man was arrested and imprisoned.
The film’s stellar crew will include The Lobster DoP Thimios Bakatakis, Macbeth production...
Nightcrawler co-star Riz Ahmed and Tara Fitzgerald (Game of Thrones) have joined Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn in director Benedict Andrews’ upcoming drama Blackbird, which is due to shoot in the UK from June 13.
Creative Scotland, Film 4 and WestEnd Films will back the feature, produced by Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly alongside WestEnd, which also handles world sales.
In the Loop and Alan Partridge producer Kevin Loader has joined as a co-producer. Executive producers are Ron Burkle, Terry Allen Kramer and George Kaufman.
The buzzed about script, adapted by playwright David Harrower from his celebrated and controversial Olivier Award-winning play of the same name, charts the confrontation between a middle aged man and a young woman who had an illicit affair 15 years earlier, for which the man was arrested and imprisoned.
The film’s stellar crew will include The Lobster DoP Thimios Bakatakis, Macbeth production...
- 5/14/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: UK broadcaster joins finance of Jean Doumanian, WestEnd drama.
UK broadcaster Film4 has boarded finance on director Benedict Andrews’ anticipated drama Blackbird, which is set to star Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Carol) and Ben Mendelsohn (Starred Up, Animal Kingdom).
The script is adapted by playwright David Harrower from his celebrated and controversial Olivier Award-winning play of the same name, and will mark the feature directorial debut of acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews.
Currently in pre-production, the film will see Mendelsohn play Ray, a mid-level manager in his early 50s, who is confronted by angry 20-something Una (Mara). The two had a passionate affair 15 years earlier when Una was barely a teenager, for which Ray was arrested and imprisoned.
Like a wrecking ball from his past, Una’s unexpected arrival threatens to destroy Ray’s new identity.
WestEnd Films is handling international sales and will co-produce alongside August: Osage County producer Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly...
UK broadcaster Film4 has boarded finance on director Benedict Andrews’ anticipated drama Blackbird, which is set to star Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Carol) and Ben Mendelsohn (Starred Up, Animal Kingdom).
The script is adapted by playwright David Harrower from his celebrated and controversial Olivier Award-winning play of the same name, and will mark the feature directorial debut of acclaimed theatre director Benedict Andrews.
Currently in pre-production, the film will see Mendelsohn play Ray, a mid-level manager in his early 50s, who is confronted by angry 20-something Una (Mara). The two had a passionate affair 15 years earlier when Una was barely a teenager, for which Ray was arrested and imprisoned.
Like a wrecking ball from his past, Una’s unexpected arrival threatens to destroy Ray’s new identity.
WestEnd Films is handling international sales and will co-produce alongside August: Osage County producer Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly...
- 5/6/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
On the eve of its 40th anniversary special (though the anniversary itself isn't until October), what is left to say about "Saturday Night Live"? There have been multiple books written about the show, several documentaries, countless essays — riding the never-ending roller-coaster between "Saturday Night Dead" and "Saturday Night Lives Again!" — best-ofs, worst-ofs, and every other kind of list you can think of. I don't know that anything I write over the next few pages will provide new insight into one of the most influential comedy shows ever made, but I wondered if you could tell the story of the show — through good times and bad, through revolutions and evolutions and retrenchments — by looking at its sketches. I wound up picking 21 in all: some among the show's most famous, some obscure but important. These aren't meant as a definitive breakdown of the best "SNL" ever had to offer, but as a...
- 2/12/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
- Additional research by Jim Miller (@jimmiller)
The ’80s were the Dark Ages for Saturday Night Live. After showrunner Lorne Michaels left the show at the end of the ’70s, Jean Doumanian stepped in and replaced the entire cast and writing team, which ultimately caused the show to suffer and teeter on the brink of disappointment. When Doug Ebersol replaced Doumanian, the entire cast was let go again, save for two: Joe Piscopo, and the incomparable Eddie Murphy.
It’s argued that Eddie Murphy saved Saturday Night Live. The uptick in ratings that occurred after he became the show’s most used player was a testament to that. So today, as VH1 Classic’s “SNL Rewind: 2015-1975 Mega Marathon,” airs block of Eddie Murphy’s most memorable episodes, let’s take a look back and appreciate the comedian’s greatest characters. Without them, who knows if we’d still be...
- 2/11/2015
- by Tara Aquino
- VH1.com
- Additional research by Jim Miller (@jimmiller)
The ’80s were the Dark Ages for Saturday Night Live. After showrunner Lorne Michaels left the show at the end of the ’70s, Jean Doumanian stepped in and replaced the entire cast and writing team, which ultimately caused the show to suffer and teeter on the brink of disappointment. When Doug Ebersol replaced Doumanian, the entire cast was let go again, save for two: Joe Piscopo, and the incomparable Eddie Murphy.
It’s argued that Eddie Murphy saved Saturday Night Live. The uptick in ratings that occurred after he became the show’s most used player was a testament to that. So today, as VH1 Classic’s “SNL Rewind: 2015-1975 Mega Marathon,” airs block of Eddie Murphy’s most memorable episodes, let’s take a look back and appreciate the comedian’s greatest characters. Without them, who knows if we’d still be...
- 2/11/2015
- by Tara Aquino
- TheFabLife - Movies
Exclusive: A few weeks ago, I made my off-Broadway debut in someone else’s one-man show. Playing a veterinarian who has to put down a beloved dog in Every Brilliant Thing, I earned polite applause though not the standing O accorded the star, Johnny Donahoe. To be brutally honest, he deserved it, notwithstanding the sensitivity, insight and passion I brought to my performance. After all, the kindly-vet-with-syringe role is recurring — the actor is not. If you were told that this play, co-written by Donahoe and Duncan MacMillan, is about a suicidal mother and her son’s determination — beginning in childhood and advancing into adulthood — to deter her, you might be tempted to politely decline an invitation. Even more so when told that there’s audience participation — a lot of audience participation — in the show, which is running at the intimate Barrow Street Theatre in Greenwich Village.
And yet Every Brilliant...
And yet Every Brilliant...
- 2/2/2015
- by Jeremy Gerard
- Deadline
Participant Media’s television network, Pivot, made the following announcements at Friday’s Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour: The renewal of eco-adventure series, “Angry Planet;” the greenlighting of docuseries “Series Lives of Americans;” three new productions in development; and a premiere date for first scripted series “Fortitude.”
First, the last offering: “Fortitude,” which stars Richard Dormer and Stanley Tucci, will debut on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 1o p.m. Et with a two-hour premiere event.
Also Read: Pop TV Boss Compares Pulling ‘Seventh Heaven’ Reruns to Pulling ‘Cosby Show’
The new episodes of “Angry Planet” will continue storm chaser George Kourounis...
First, the last offering: “Fortitude,” which stars Richard Dormer and Stanley Tucci, will debut on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 1o p.m. Et with a two-hour premiere event.
Also Read: Pop TV Boss Compares Pulling ‘Seventh Heaven’ Reruns to Pulling ‘Cosby Show’
The new episodes of “Angry Planet” will continue storm chaser George Kourounis...
- 1/9/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn will star in the Jean Doumanian Productions drama.
Production is set to commence in summer 2015. Benedict Andrews makes his feature directorial debut on the story of two people at different points in their life who reunite 15 years after their affair.
Blackbird is being adapted by David Harrower from his Olivier Award-winning play of the same name. Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly produce.
Production is set to commence in summer 2015. Benedict Andrews makes his feature directorial debut on the story of two people at different points in their life who reunite 15 years after their affair.
Blackbird is being adapted by David Harrower from his Olivier Award-winning play of the same name. Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly produce.
- 11/6/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Rooney Mara fans will have a new film to look forward to. Jean Doumanian Productions has announced that the Academy Award nominated actress will star along with Ben Mendelsohn in the upcoming film “Blackbird.” Directing the film will be Benedict Andrews, best known for his theatrical directing career. “Blackbird” will be his first time directing a film. Shooting for “Blackbird” will begin the summer of 2015 in the UK. The film will be produced by Jean Doumanian and Patrick Daly. Even though this will be Andrews’ film directing debut, it makes sense that he has been hired to helm the film. The film itself was originally an Olivier Award-winning play [ Read More ]
The post Rooney Mara, Ben Mendelsohn to Star in Film Adaptation of Blackbird appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Rooney Mara, Ben Mendelsohn to Star in Film Adaptation of Blackbird appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 11/5/2014
- by monique
- ShockYa
The Hurricanes
Christina Hendricks ("Drive," "Mad Men") is attached to star in Jonathan Lynn's female buddy movie "The Hurricanes". Annalisa D'Innella penned the script and filming begins in February.
The story follows three estranged and very different women who reunite to resurrect their once chart-topping 80s girl band after a rapper samples their music and sends it to the top of the charts. Annalise Davis, Rajita Shah and Jimmy Harry will produce. [Source: Screen]
Blackbird
Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn are set to star in acclaimed theatrical director Benedict Andrews' directorial debut "Blackbird" at Jean Doumanian Productions. Filming begins in the UK next summer.
David Harrower's script follows two people who once had a passionate affair meet again fifteen years later. What follows is "an unflinching excavation of damaged love" and the consequences of it. [Source: Deadline]
Untitled High School Supernatural Comedy Project
"Teen Beach Movie" and "Austin & Ally" star Ross Lynch...
Christina Hendricks ("Drive," "Mad Men") is attached to star in Jonathan Lynn's female buddy movie "The Hurricanes". Annalisa D'Innella penned the script and filming begins in February.
The story follows three estranged and very different women who reunite to resurrect their once chart-topping 80s girl band after a rapper samples their music and sends it to the top of the charts. Annalise Davis, Rajita Shah and Jimmy Harry will produce. [Source: Screen]
Blackbird
Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn are set to star in acclaimed theatrical director Benedict Andrews' directorial debut "Blackbird" at Jean Doumanian Productions. Filming begins in the UK next summer.
David Harrower's script follows two people who once had a passionate affair meet again fifteen years later. What follows is "an unflinching excavation of damaged love" and the consequences of it. [Source: Deadline]
Untitled High School Supernatural Comedy Project
"Teen Beach Movie" and "Austin & Ally" star Ross Lynch...
- 11/5/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Chicago – iO Chicago continues the Grand Opening at its new venue with one of its most famous alumni – the illustrious Joel Murray. Besides opening the seventh season of “Mad Men” with a brilliant monologue as Freddy Rumsen, Murray brings his “Joel Murray & Friends” show to the new iO Chicago on August 30th.
Murray is the youngest of the famous “Murrays of Wilmette, Illinois,” which includes brothers Brian-Doyle, Bill and John, plus sister Nancy. He is also one of the earliest members of the former Improv Olympics – now called iO – which grew from its modest beginnings in Chicago with founders Del Close and Charna Halpern to their latest multi-theater venue on Kingsbury Street. Joel Murray comes back to his roots with “Joel Murray & Friends” in The Mission Theater at the venue, which will feature some other famous iO alumni including Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”), Mitch Rouse (“According to Jim”), Kevin Dorff (“Conan...
Murray is the youngest of the famous “Murrays of Wilmette, Illinois,” which includes brothers Brian-Doyle, Bill and John, plus sister Nancy. He is also one of the earliest members of the former Improv Olympics – now called iO – which grew from its modest beginnings in Chicago with founders Del Close and Charna Halpern to their latest multi-theater venue on Kingsbury Street. Joel Murray comes back to his roots with “Joel Murray & Friends” in The Mission Theater at the venue, which will feature some other famous iO alumni including Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”), Mitch Rouse (“According to Jim”), Kevin Dorff (“Conan...
- 8/28/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
On Tuesday evening, 9-time Tony award winner Tommy Tune hosted a dinner for the musical After Midnight to celebrate their 7 Tony Award nominations at his home on the Upper East Side. Guests for the evening included Andre Leon Talley, Ruben and Isabel Toledo, Mercedes Ellington, William Ivey Long, Rick Miramontez, Jean Doumanian, David Rockwell, Warren Carlyle and After Midnight producer Scott Sanders. Check out photos from the evening below...
- 5/22/2014
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
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