Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, and Gaia Wise have joined Emma Thompson on Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion’s action thriller The Fisherwoman.
Brian Kirk is directing from a screenplay by writing duo Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb.
The Fisherwoman centres on a woman (Thompson) trapped in a blizzard in Minnesota who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenager organised by a waif and her congenial husband and realises she may be the youngster’s only hope.
Greer and Menchaca will play the kidnappers.
Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion are financing the film with the support of Film- und Medienstiftung Nrw, the Dfff,...
Brian Kirk is directing from a screenplay by writing duo Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb.
The Fisherwoman centres on a woman (Thompson) trapped in a blizzard in Minnesota who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenager organised by a waif and her congenial husband and realises she may be the youngster’s only hope.
Greer and Menchaca will play the kidnappers.
Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion are financing the film with the support of Film- und Medienstiftung Nrw, the Dfff,...
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Kelsey Asbille (Yellowstone, Fargo, Wind River) and Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story, The Big Short, La La Land) have been tapped to lead the upcoming horror thriller Don’t Move from Sam Raimi’s Raimi Productions, Christian Mercuri’s Capstone Studios and Alex Lebovici’s Hammerstone Studios. Principal photography on the feature will commence in Europe in June.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the runaway success of Raimi’s latest outing, Evil Dead Rise, which has already surpassed $125 million at the global box-office in only its third week of release.
Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, who recently helmed episodes of Raimi’s horror anthology series 50 States of Fright, are set to direct Don’t Move, which follows a seasoned killer who injects a grieving woman with a paralytic agent. She must run, fight and hide before her body completely shuts down. It was written by T.J. Cimfel and David White,...
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the runaway success of Raimi’s latest outing, Evil Dead Rise, which has already surpassed $125 million at the global box-office in only its third week of release.
Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, who recently helmed episodes of Raimi’s horror anthology series 50 States of Fright, are set to direct Don’t Move, which follows a seasoned killer who injects a grieving woman with a paralytic agent. She must run, fight and hide before her body completely shuts down. It was written by T.J. Cimfel and David White,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Controversial Hollywood figures and ‘Father Stu’ co-stars Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg are teaming for another film, with Gibson back in the director’s chair for the first time since ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.
Gibson is helming ‘Flight Risk’ for Lionsgate, which will be taking the project to Cannes, reports Variety. Davis Entertainment is producing, alongside Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions.
The logline says that Wahlberg will be starring as “a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial.”
“We love the undeniable electric pairing of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg,” Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “These world-class talents combining for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most suspense-filled, must-see events of the year.”
As per Variety, Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights via Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis, who negotiated on behalf of the studio. Alex Lebovici...
Gibson is helming ‘Flight Risk’ for Lionsgate, which will be taking the project to Cannes, reports Variety. Davis Entertainment is producing, alongside Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions.
The logline says that Wahlberg will be starring as “a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial.”
“We love the undeniable electric pairing of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg,” Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “These world-class talents combining for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most suspense-filled, must-see events of the year.”
As per Variety, Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights via Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis, who negotiated on behalf of the studio. Alex Lebovici...
- 5/13/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Controversial Hollywood figures and “Father Stu” co-stars Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg are teaming for another film, with Gibson back in the director’s chair for the first time since “Hacksaw Ridge.”
Gibson is helming “Flight Risk” for Lionsgate, which will be taking the project to Cannes. Davis Entertainment is producing, alongside Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions.
The logline says that Wahlberg will be starring as “a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial.”
“We love the undeniable electric pairing of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg,” Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “These world-class talents combining for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most suspense-filled, must-see events of the year.”
Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights via Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis, who negotiated on behalf of the studio. Alex Lebovici of Hammerstone studios is serving...
Gibson is helming “Flight Risk” for Lionsgate, which will be taking the project to Cannes. Davis Entertainment is producing, alongside Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions.
The logline says that Wahlberg will be starring as “a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial.”
“We love the undeniable electric pairing of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg,” Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “These world-class talents combining for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most suspense-filled, must-see events of the year.”
Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights via Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis, who negotiated on behalf of the studio. Alex Lebovici of Hammerstone studios is serving...
- 5/12/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Mel Gibson is returning to the director’s chair for the first time since 2016 Oscar winner Hacksaw Ridge with movie Flight Risk, which will star Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg.
Lionsgate, which was also behind Hacksaw Ridge, is launching world sales on the hot package ahead of the Cannes market.
The film will see Wahlberg play a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial. Additional casting is underway. Pic is based on Jared Rosenberg’s 2020 Blacklist script.
The movie will mark a re-team for Gibson and Wahlberg after they starred last year in box office hit Father Stu. Oscar-winning Braveheart filmmaker Gibson has directed five films over a thirty year span, with each one hitting at the box office.
Davis Entertainment will produce alongside Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions. Alex Lebovici of Hammerstone Studios is serving as executive producer and is financing.
Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis...
Lionsgate, which was also behind Hacksaw Ridge, is launching world sales on the hot package ahead of the Cannes market.
The film will see Wahlberg play a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial. Additional casting is underway. Pic is based on Jared Rosenberg’s 2020 Blacklist script.
The movie will mark a re-team for Gibson and Wahlberg after they starred last year in box office hit Father Stu. Oscar-winning Braveheart filmmaker Gibson has directed five films over a thirty year span, with each one hitting at the box office.
Davis Entertainment will produce alongside Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions. Alex Lebovici of Hammerstone Studios is serving as executive producer and is financing.
Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis...
- 5/12/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Anne Hathaway (Eileen) has signed on to star in a mysterious new film that David Robert Mitchell will direct for Warner Bros. Pictures, Bad Robot and Jackson Pictures.
While the pic is billed as a “thrill-ride” to be shot in IMAX, which will head into production this fall, other details are scarce at present.
Related Story Denzel Washington Reuniting With Ridley Scott On ‘Gladiator’ Sequel At Paramount Related Story 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Thunders To $3.4M On Thursday Night – Box Office Related Story 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Review: DC's Young Superhero Saga Led By Zachary Levi Is Bigger But Still Has Humor And Heart Intact
Mitchell penned the original script and will produce alongside J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella for Bad Robot, and Jackson Pictures’ Matt Jackson. Jake Weiner and Chris Bender of Good Fear Content will serve as exec producers.
Other...
While the pic is billed as a “thrill-ride” to be shot in IMAX, which will head into production this fall, other details are scarce at present.
Related Story Denzel Washington Reuniting With Ridley Scott On ‘Gladiator’ Sequel At Paramount Related Story 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Thunders To $3.4M On Thursday Night – Box Office Related Story 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' Review: DC's Young Superhero Saga Led By Zachary Levi Is Bigger But Still Has Humor And Heart Intact
Mitchell penned the original script and will produce alongside J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella for Bad Robot, and Jackson Pictures’ Matt Jackson. Jake Weiner and Chris Bender of Good Fear Content will serve as exec producers.
Other...
- 3/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Jade Sacker’s new documentary, “A House Divided,” will explore the story of two brothers interracially adopted at birth by a white Morman family, who grew up to become bitter ideological rivals during the Trump era presidency.
The examination of how the ties that bind can be severed at a time of hyper-partisanship emerged after Sacker met brothers John and James Sullivan on opposing sides of a police barricade. They were there to protest on behalf of their respective political champions at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah.
“They were initially surprised that I wanted to make a film about their relationship with a family member who each saw as their own worst enemy,” Sacker says. “But I told them it would be a fair reflection.”
“I wasn’t interested in doing a documentary about political figures,” she adds. “I wanted to tell a human story at...
The examination of how the ties that bind can be severed at a time of hyper-partisanship emerged after Sacker met brothers John and James Sullivan on opposing sides of a police barricade. They were there to protest on behalf of their respective political champions at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah.
“They were initially surprised that I wanted to make a film about their relationship with a family member who each saw as their own worst enemy,” Sacker says. “But I told them it would be a fair reflection.”
“I wasn’t interested in doing a documentary about political figures,” she adds. “I wanted to tell a human story at...
- 1/5/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Genre legend Sam Raimi’s Raimi Productions and Barbarian EP Alex Lebovici’s Hammerstone Studios are reteaming with Christian Mercuri’s Capstone Studios to produce the horror-thriller, Don’t Move. The project comes following the parties’ collaboration on Boy Kills World — an action-thriller starring Bill Skarsgård, which is currently in post-production.
Don’t Move watches as a seasoned killer injects a grieving woman with a paralytic agent. She must then run, fight and hide before her body completely shuts down.
The film’s helmers are Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, who recently wrote and directed episodes of Rami’s horror anthology series 50 States of Fright for the defunct short-form streaming platform, Quibi. Its writers, T.J. Cimfel and David White, previously penned the Rory Culkin-led horror-thriller Intruders, also directed by Schindler.
Lebovici, Raimi and Zainab Azizi are the producers for Don’t Move, which is currently casting. Exec producers include Mercuri,...
Don’t Move watches as a seasoned killer injects a grieving woman with a paralytic agent. She must then run, fight and hide before her body completely shuts down.
The film’s helmers are Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, who recently wrote and directed episodes of Rami’s horror anthology series 50 States of Fright for the defunct short-form streaming platform, Quibi. Its writers, T.J. Cimfel and David White, previously penned the Rory Culkin-led horror-thriller Intruders, also directed by Schindler.
Lebovici, Raimi and Zainab Azizi are the producers for Don’t Move, which is currently casting. Exec producers include Mercuri,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Jackson Pictures, the Matt Jackson-run production company behind Sony’s forthcoming Whitney Houston jukebox biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” has entered a multiyear first-look agreement with Fifth Season.
Formerly known as Endeavor Content, Fifth Season will work with Jackson Productions across film, television, and documentary divisions to develop premium content for all platforms. Jackson and his senior vice president Joanne Lee will anchor the deal on behalf of their company. CAA and attorney Neil Sacker negotiated the agreement on behalf of Jackson.
Fifth Season is coming off recent prestige hits including Apple’s “Severance” and Netflix’s awards player “The Lost Daughter.”
“As an admirer of Fifth Season, I am thrilled to partner and deepen our relationship with the entire team. Jackson Pictures is committed to support all artistry and deliver inspiring story-telling with a global reach. We’re grateful for the opportunity to entertain in all forms...
Formerly known as Endeavor Content, Fifth Season will work with Jackson Productions across film, television, and documentary divisions to develop premium content for all platforms. Jackson and his senior vice president Joanne Lee will anchor the deal on behalf of their company. CAA and attorney Neil Sacker negotiated the agreement on behalf of Jackson.
Fifth Season is coming off recent prestige hits including Apple’s “Severance” and Netflix’s awards player “The Lost Daughter.”
“As an admirer of Fifth Season, I am thrilled to partner and deepen our relationship with the entire team. Jackson Pictures is committed to support all artistry and deliver inspiring story-telling with a global reach. We’re grateful for the opportunity to entertain in all forms...
- 10/24/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Matt Jackson’s Jackson Pictures has signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Fifth Season, the global film and TV studio formerly known as Endeavor Content.
Under the partnership, Jackson and his company’s SVP of Development and Production Joanne Lee will collaborate with Fifth Season’s film, documentary and TV departments on content across all platforms.
A former executive at The Mark Gordon Company and Im Global, Jackson founded his production company in 2018. Jackson Pictures’ past projects include Aaron Sorkin’s “Trial of the Chicago 7” and Amazon’s newly released “All the Old Knives.” Up next are the TriStar Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”; Spike Lee’s musical about the drug Viagra; a feature adaptation of “The Sundance Kid Might Have Some Regrets” with Zoë Kravitz at Warner Bros; and the Skydance series “Ring Shout” starring KiKi Layne.
Also Read:
‘CSI’ Producer Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz Ink...
Under the partnership, Jackson and his company’s SVP of Development and Production Joanne Lee will collaborate with Fifth Season’s film, documentary and TV departments on content across all platforms.
A former executive at The Mark Gordon Company and Im Global, Jackson founded his production company in 2018. Jackson Pictures’ past projects include Aaron Sorkin’s “Trial of the Chicago 7” and Amazon’s newly released “All the Old Knives.” Up next are the TriStar Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”; Spike Lee’s musical about the drug Viagra; a feature adaptation of “The Sundance Kid Might Have Some Regrets” with Zoë Kravitz at Warner Bros; and the Skydance series “Ring Shout” starring KiKi Layne.
Also Read:
‘CSI’ Producer Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz Ink...
- 10/24/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Producer Matt Jackson and his production company Jackson Pictures have signed a multi-year first look deal with Fifth Season — the global film and TV studio previously known as Endeavor Content, which has been behind such decorated titles as Apple TV+’s Emmy-winning series Severance and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Oscar-nominated Netflix drama The Lost Daughter.
Under the deal, Jackson and Jackson Pictures’ SVP Joanne Lee will collaborate across the studio’s film, television and documentary divisions to develop premium content for all platforms.
Jackson Pictures will next produce Spike Lee’s musical based on the breakthrough Pfizer drug Viagra. The company is also developing a feature adaptation of Leyna Krow’s short story “The Sundance Kid Might Have Some Regrets” with Zoë Kravitz at Warner Bros., and will produce the upcoming Skydance series Ring Shout, based on the award-winning novella of the same name by P. Djeli Clark, with Kasi Lemmons...
Under the deal, Jackson and Jackson Pictures’ SVP Joanne Lee will collaborate across the studio’s film, television and documentary divisions to develop premium content for all platforms.
Jackson Pictures will next produce Spike Lee’s musical based on the breakthrough Pfizer drug Viagra. The company is also developing a feature adaptation of Leyna Krow’s short story “The Sundance Kid Might Have Some Regrets” with Zoë Kravitz at Warner Bros., and will produce the upcoming Skydance series Ring Shout, based on the award-winning novella of the same name by P. Djeli Clark, with Kasi Lemmons...
- 10/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu Lands Comic Book ‘A Calculated Man’; Series From Peter Calloway & AfterShock Media In The Works
Exclusive: A Calculated Man is the latest comic book that could make its way to the small screen.
Hulu has acquired the rights to AfterShock Media’s book and is in the very early stages of developing a series based on the crime story, which is set to be published in June.
Peter Calloway, exec producer on HBO’s The Nevers and co-exec producer on Freeform’s Marvel series Cloak & Dagger and FX’s Legion, has signed to write and serve as showrunner on the project. He has previously worked with the comic company on the book Shadow Doctor, which was set in Prohibition-era Chicago and drawn from the real world experiences of Calloway’s grandfather.
AfterShock said that the streamer won the rights in a competitive battle.
The comic comes from writer Paul Tobin (Bunny Mask) and artist Alberto Albuquerque (The Amazing Spider-Man). It is a math-inspired crime series that follows Jack Beans,...
Hulu has acquired the rights to AfterShock Media’s book and is in the very early stages of developing a series based on the crime story, which is set to be published in June.
Peter Calloway, exec producer on HBO’s The Nevers and co-exec producer on Freeform’s Marvel series Cloak & Dagger and FX’s Legion, has signed to write and serve as showrunner on the project. He has previously worked with the comic company on the book Shadow Doctor, which was set in Prohibition-era Chicago and drawn from the real world experiences of Calloway’s grandfather.
AfterShock said that the streamer won the rights in a competitive battle.
The comic comes from writer Paul Tobin (Bunny Mask) and artist Alberto Albuquerque (The Amazing Spider-Man). It is a math-inspired crime series that follows Jack Beans,...
- 5/20/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Anderson .Paak, the eight-time Grammy Award winner born Brandon Paak Anderson, will make his feature directorial debut with the dramatic comedy K-pops! for Stampede Ventures—starring in the film alongside his son, Soul Rasheed.
The film centers on a washed-up musician who travels to Korea to write for K-pop stars, discovering that his long-lost son is set to front one of the country’s hottest new groups. He then jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on his son’s stardom for his own renaissance, but learns that fatherhood is much more fulfilling and meaningful than stardom.
.Paak developed the project with rapper Jon “Dumbfoundead” Park, writing the screenplay with Khaila Amazan (A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow). Greg Silverman will produce on behalf of Stampede Ventures, with Jaeson Ma on behalf of Est Studios, Park on behalf of Big Dummie and .Paak via his company Apeshit Films.
The film centers on a washed-up musician who travels to Korea to write for K-pop stars, discovering that his long-lost son is set to front one of the country’s hottest new groups. He then jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on his son’s stardom for his own renaissance, but learns that fatherhood is much more fulfilling and meaningful than stardom.
.Paak developed the project with rapper Jon “Dumbfoundead” Park, writing the screenplay with Khaila Amazan (A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow). Greg Silverman will produce on behalf of Stampede Ventures, with Jaeson Ma on behalf of Est Studios, Park on behalf of Big Dummie and .Paak via his company Apeshit Films.
- 5/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Ryan Kavanaugh’s Proxima Studios Building ‘Skill House’ Starring Bryce Hall; Josh Stolberg To Direct
Exclusive: Based on an original idea by producer Ryan Kavanaugh, Skill House is slated to start principal production in June with an expected early 2023 release date. The pic is slated to be the first film to be “listed” on the entertainment stock exchange Esx, a first-of-its-kind platform allowing users to invest in the film and trade in or out of the film and its upside.
The pic is financed and controlled by Proxima Studios and written and directed by Josh Stolberg, co-writer of horror films such as Spiral: From the Book of Saw (starring Chris Rock and Samuel L Jackson), Jigsaw, Piranha 3D, Sorority Row, as well as the next Saw film (tentatively titled Saw X). The film stars social media influencer Bryce Hall, one of the world’s most-followed people on social media with more than 50 million followers across his channels.
Skill House takes a stab at social media...
The pic is financed and controlled by Proxima Studios and written and directed by Josh Stolberg, co-writer of horror films such as Spiral: From the Book of Saw (starring Chris Rock and Samuel L Jackson), Jigsaw, Piranha 3D, Sorority Row, as well as the next Saw film (tentatively titled Saw X). The film stars social media influencer Bryce Hall, one of the world’s most-followed people on social media with more than 50 million followers across his channels.
Skill House takes a stab at social media...
- 4/13/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Neil Sacker has put up a new legal shingle in town.
The former Miramax EVP has founded Sacker Entertainment Law Firm. Joining the now ex-Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Llp partner at the new LA-based venture is former Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Llp associate Andy Tan, who most recently served as an investment firm in-house counsel
Having formally opened the doors soon after the New Year, the duo took the temperature of the changing industry and are offering alternative fee arrangements. Their focus is on a clientele of big screen and small screen producers, financiers, distributors and podcasters
“Our mission is to be a different type of law firm….an entrepreneurial entertainment law practice that goes the extra mile by providing a comprehensive suite of legal and advisory services to help our clients build great businesses in this fast-changing industry,” Yale Law School and Cornell grad Sacker told Deadline of the new firm.
The former Miramax EVP has founded Sacker Entertainment Law Firm. Joining the now ex-Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Llp partner at the new LA-based venture is former Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Llp associate Andy Tan, who most recently served as an investment firm in-house counsel
Having formally opened the doors soon after the New Year, the duo took the temperature of the changing industry and are offering alternative fee arrangements. Their focus is on a clientele of big screen and small screen producers, financiers, distributors and podcasters
“Our mission is to be a different type of law firm….an entrepreneurial entertainment law practice that goes the extra mile by providing a comprehensive suite of legal and advisory services to help our clients build great businesses in this fast-changing industry,” Yale Law School and Cornell grad Sacker told Deadline of the new firm.
- 1/14/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Winston Duke is in talks to star as the renowned political activist Marcus Garvey in “Marked Man,” a political actioner package that Amazon Studios has picked up, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Andrew Dosunmu will direct and executive produce the film. Jesse Williams and DeWanda Wise (“She’s Gotta Have It”) are also in talks to star.
“Marked Man” is partly inspired by Colin Grant’s biography, “Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey,” who was a key figure of Black nationalism in the 20th century. The studio also holds rights to the book.
Acclaimed playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah wrote the screenplay, which Esther Douglas developed with the support of the BFI Film Fund. He will also serve as an executive producer.
Set in the 1920s, “Marked Man” follows a young black man who joins J. Edgar Hoover’s Bureau of Investigation, and then...
Andrew Dosunmu will direct and executive produce the film. Jesse Williams and DeWanda Wise (“She’s Gotta Have It”) are also in talks to star.
“Marked Man” is partly inspired by Colin Grant’s biography, “Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey,” who was a key figure of Black nationalism in the 20th century. The studio also holds rights to the book.
Acclaimed playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah wrote the screenplay, which Esther Douglas developed with the support of the BFI Film Fund. He will also serve as an executive producer.
Set in the 1920s, “Marked Man” follows a young black man who joins J. Edgar Hoover’s Bureau of Investigation, and then...
- 2/26/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Amazon Studios has set Winston Duke (Black Panther) to star as Marcus Garvey in Marked Man. Garvey was a political activist who was a key figure of Black nationalism in the 20th century. Andrew Dosunmu will direct the drama, and Jesse Williams (Little Fires Everywhere) and DeWanda Wise (She’s Gotta Have It) are in talks to star.
The film is partly inspired by the Colin Grant biography Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey. The script is by acclaimed playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, which Esther Douglas developed with the support of the BFI Film Fund.
Mark Gordon (Ray Donovan) of Mark Gordon Pictures is producing with Jackson Pictures’ Matt Jackson (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Glendon Palmer and Douglas. Robert Teitel, Kwei-Armah and Jackson Pictures’ Joanne Lee will be executive producers, along with Kwei-Armah.
Set in the 1920s, Marked Man follows a young black man...
The film is partly inspired by the Colin Grant biography Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey. The script is by acclaimed playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, which Esther Douglas developed with the support of the BFI Film Fund.
Mark Gordon (Ray Donovan) of Mark Gordon Pictures is producing with Jackson Pictures’ Matt Jackson (The Trial of the Chicago 7), Glendon Palmer and Douglas. Robert Teitel, Kwei-Armah and Jackson Pictures’ Joanne Lee will be executive producers, along with Kwei-Armah.
Set in the 1920s, Marked Man follows a young black man...
- 2/26/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon Studios has come on to produce the actioner All the Old Knives, starring Chris Pine and Thandie Newton. Based on the acclaimed novel of the same title by Olen Steinhauer, who also adapted the screenplay, the studio has also tapped Janus Metz, who recently directed episodes of ZeroZeroZero for Amazon, to direct the spy thriller.
The film will be produced with Chockstone Pictures and Nick Wechsler Productions in association with Entertainment One (eOne). Steve Schwartz and Paula Mae Schwartz and Nick Wechsler will produce through Chockstone Pictures and Matt Jackson will produce through his Jackson Pictures. Pine will exec produce through his Barry Linen Productions along with Joanne Lee of Jackson Pictures and Kate Churchill of Churchill Films. Richard Hewitt and Mark Gordon will also exec produce.
The story is set in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and follows ex-lovers — one a CIA spy, one an ex-spy — meet over...
The film will be produced with Chockstone Pictures and Nick Wechsler Productions in association with Entertainment One (eOne). Steve Schwartz and Paula Mae Schwartz and Nick Wechsler will produce through Chockstone Pictures and Matt Jackson will produce through his Jackson Pictures. Pine will exec produce through his Barry Linen Productions along with Joanne Lee of Jackson Pictures and Kate Churchill of Churchill Films. Richard Hewitt and Mark Gordon will also exec produce.
The story is set in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea and follows ex-lovers — one a CIA spy, one an ex-spy — meet over...
- 9/17/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon Studios I hear is adapting Kathy Hepinstall’s novel The Book of Polly into a feature titled Life of Polly, which the author will co-write with George Sledge.
Ginger Sledge of Zenzero Pictures and Jackson Pictures’ Matt Jackson (Molly’s Game) are set to produce the project. Jackson Pictures’ Joanne Lee will executive produce.
The book and upcoming feature is a charming Southern coming-of-age story about a young girl, Willow Havens, who worries that her 68-year-old, chain-smoking, margarita-blending mother, Polly, will die from cancer before Polly unearths the secrets of her mother’s past – thus losing one of the remaining links to a key piece of her identity.
In the book, Polly was in her late 50s when Willow was born. Willow knows she’s here by accident, a late-life afterthought. Willow’s father died before she was born, amd her much older brother and...
Ginger Sledge of Zenzero Pictures and Jackson Pictures’ Matt Jackson (Molly’s Game) are set to produce the project. Jackson Pictures’ Joanne Lee will executive produce.
The book and upcoming feature is a charming Southern coming-of-age story about a young girl, Willow Havens, who worries that her 68-year-old, chain-smoking, margarita-blending mother, Polly, will die from cancer before Polly unearths the secrets of her mother’s past – thus losing one of the remaining links to a key piece of her identity.
In the book, Polly was in her late 50s when Willow was born. Willow knows she’s here by accident, a late-life afterthought. Willow’s father died before she was born, amd her much older brother and...
- 12/13/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith will star as crime boss Nicky Barnes in the Netflix drama “The Council.”
The thriller centers on a crime syndicate consisting of seven African-American men who ruled Harlem in the 1970s and early 80s with the goal of establishing a self-sufficient and self-policing African American city-state, funded by revolutionizing the drug game. It explores the Shakespearean court intrigue in the council between Barnes and a rising protege.
The real-life Barnes partnered with the Italian-American Mafia on international drug distribution until his arrest in 1978. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and became a federal informant under the witness protection program. Barnes died in 2012 but his death did not become known until this year. He was portrayed by Cuba Gooding, Jr., in Ridley Scott’s 2007 film “American Gangster,” which starred Denzel Washington.
Peter Landesman, who wrote and directed Smith’s 2015 sports drama “Concussion,” is penning the script for “The Council.
The thriller centers on a crime syndicate consisting of seven African-American men who ruled Harlem in the 1970s and early 80s with the goal of establishing a self-sufficient and self-policing African American city-state, funded by revolutionizing the drug game. It explores the Shakespearean court intrigue in the council between Barnes and a rising protege.
The real-life Barnes partnered with the Italian-American Mafia on international drug distribution until his arrest in 1978. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and became a federal informant under the witness protection program. Barnes died in 2012 but his death did not become known until this year. He was portrayed by Cuba Gooding, Jr., in Ridley Scott’s 2007 film “American Gangster,” which starred Denzel Washington.
Peter Landesman, who wrote and directed Smith’s 2015 sports drama “Concussion,” is penning the script for “The Council.
- 9/24/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith has signed on to star in and produce Netflix’s upcoming film “The Council,” the fact-based story of of Nicky Barnes, who led a New York City crime syndicate that ruled Harlem in the ’70s and ’80s. While Barnes has been a secondary character in films before, the new film will be the first to focus squarely on the man and his criminal enterprise. The screenplay was written by journalist and veteran of the biopic genre Peter Landesman. He wrote and directed 2015’s “Concussion,” which stars Smith as a doctor who fights against the NFL over his research on traumatic brain injury, the 2013 post-Kennedy-assassination tale “Parkland,” and Watergate drama “Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House.”
Per the film’s official synopsis, “‘The Council’ is the never-before told story of a crime syndicate consisting of seven African-American men who ruled Harlem in the 1970s and early 80s.
Per the film’s official synopsis, “‘The Council’ is the never-before told story of a crime syndicate consisting of seven African-American men who ruled Harlem in the 1970s and early 80s.
- 9/24/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Will Smith is trading in his family-friendly aura and big blockbuster stardom to portray American crime boss Nicky Barnes in a biopic for Netflix called “The Council.”
Peter Landesman is writing the script for the film, which tells the untold story of a crime syndicate consisting of the seven black men who ruled Harlem in the 1970s and early ’80s.
This crime syndicate, as spelled out in the film’s logline, was made up of men who dreamed of a self-sufficient and self-policing African American city-state, funded by revolutionizing the drug game.
Also Read: 'Bad Boys for Life:' Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Ride or Die 'One Last Time' in First Trailer (Video)
“The Council” will center on the syndicate’s head, Nicky Barnes, who was dubbed by the New York Times as “Mr. Untouchable.” The film will focus on the Shakespearean court intrigue between Barnes and all...
Peter Landesman is writing the script for the film, which tells the untold story of a crime syndicate consisting of the seven black men who ruled Harlem in the 1970s and early ’80s.
This crime syndicate, as spelled out in the film’s logline, was made up of men who dreamed of a self-sufficient and self-policing African American city-state, funded by revolutionizing the drug game.
Also Read: 'Bad Boys for Life:' Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Ride or Die 'One Last Time' in First Trailer (Video)
“The Council” will center on the syndicate’s head, Nicky Barnes, who was dubbed by the New York Times as “Mr. Untouchable.” The film will focus on the Shakespearean court intrigue between Barnes and all...
- 9/24/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Paramount is heading to Rome. The studio has picked up an untitled exorcism feature that is set in the Vatican from Molly's Game and End of Watch producer Matt Jackson and his Jackson Pictures banner.
Writers Sal Cardoni and Brian Rawlins are behind the feature. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
Joanne Lee will executive produce for Jackson Pictures, along with Peter Heller for Heller Highwater. Bryan Oh will oversee the project for the studio.
Jackson Pictures is repped by CAA and Neil Sacker at Manatt Phelps. Cardoni is repped by Equitable Mgmt, Peter Heller, and Lichter Grossman. Rawlins is ...
Writers Sal Cardoni and Brian Rawlins are behind the feature. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
Joanne Lee will executive produce for Jackson Pictures, along with Peter Heller for Heller Highwater. Bryan Oh will oversee the project for the studio.
Jackson Pictures is repped by CAA and Neil Sacker at Manatt Phelps. Cardoni is repped by Equitable Mgmt, Peter Heller, and Lichter Grossman. Rawlins is ...
- 9/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paramount is heading to Rome. The studio has picked up an untitled exorcism feature that is set in the Vatican from Molly's Game and End of Watch producer Matt Jackson and his Jackson Pictures banner.
Writers Sal Cardoni and Brian Rawlins are behind the feature. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
Joanne Lee will executive produce for Jackson Pictures, along with Peter Heller for Heller Highwater. Bryan Oh will oversee the project for the studio.
Jackson Pictures is repped by CAA and Neil Sacker at Manatt Phelps. Cardoni is repped by Equitable Mgmt, Peter Heller, and Lichter Grossman. Rawlins is ...
Writers Sal Cardoni and Brian Rawlins are behind the feature. Plot details are being kept under wraps.
Joanne Lee will executive produce for Jackson Pictures, along with Peter Heller for Heller Highwater. Bryan Oh will oversee the project for the studio.
Jackson Pictures is repped by CAA and Neil Sacker at Manatt Phelps. Cardoni is repped by Equitable Mgmt, Peter Heller, and Lichter Grossman. Rawlins is ...
- 9/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Company will attend Afm. First titles expected shortly.
In the run-up to the Afm former Warner Independent Pictures head Mark Gill has launched Solstice Studios with $400m in capitalisation including $150m through Ingenious Media.
The Los Angeles-based company will seek to supply global independent buyers with studio-level content, and will target commercial films for wide theatrical release, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy genres.
The goal is to produce three to five a year in the $30m-$80m range and acquire another two to four from any broad genre for wide Us distribution.
The company will develop, fully finance,...
In the run-up to the Afm former Warner Independent Pictures head Mark Gill has launched Solstice Studios with $400m in capitalisation including $150m through Ingenious Media.
The Los Angeles-based company will seek to supply global independent buyers with studio-level content, and will target commercial films for wide theatrical release, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy genres.
The goal is to produce three to five a year in the $30m-$80m range and acquire another two to four from any broad genre for wide Us distribution.
The company will develop, fully finance,...
- 10/3/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Mark Gill, Andrew Gunn, Guy Botham and Vincent Bruzzese have teamed to launch Solstice Studios, a Los Angeles-based theatrical producer and distributor that will focus on mid-budget movies for wide release.
The company opens its doors today with $400 million in capitalization, including $150M through Ingenious Media, and will be involved in fully financing, producing, developing, selling internationally and distributing feature films in the U.S. on a wide-release basis. The plan is for Solstice to produce 3-5 movies a year for a global audience in the $30M-$80M range, while acquiring another 2-4 titles a year.
For its productions, Solstice will target movies with global appeal, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy space. In the American acquisitions arena, the company will consider any film that merits a wide U.S. release including action, thriller, comedy, romantic comedy, science fiction and horror. Solstice Studios is expected to grow to...
The company opens its doors today with $400 million in capitalization, including $150M through Ingenious Media, and will be involved in fully financing, producing, developing, selling internationally and distributing feature films in the U.S. on a wide-release basis. The plan is for Solstice to produce 3-5 movies a year for a global audience in the $30M-$80M range, while acquiring another 2-4 titles a year.
For its productions, Solstice will target movies with global appeal, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy space. In the American acquisitions arena, the company will consider any film that merits a wide U.S. release including action, thriller, comedy, romantic comedy, science fiction and horror. Solstice Studios is expected to grow to...
- 10/2/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A Private War producers Matthew George and Joe Gelchion and Law Abiding Citizen producer Robert Katz are joining the production team for Katie Holmes and Josh Lucas pic The Secret.
Gelchion’s Tri-g, George’s Savvy Media Holdings and Katz’s Shine Box will fully finance the previously announced film, which will begin shoot in New Orleans next month. Neil Sacker negotiated the deal and served as outside counsel through Skadden Arps. Covert Media handles international sales.
The love story drama, directed by Andy Tennant (Hitch) is based on the popular self-help book and film of the same name by Rhonda Byrne. Written by Bekah Brunstetter (This Is Us), producers also include Robert Cort (Robert Cort Productions), Byrne and Paul Hanson (Covert). Christopher H. Warner (Wind River) will serve as executive producer.
The film will follow a hard-working widow with three children who hires a handyman to fix her house during a major storm.
Gelchion’s Tri-g, George’s Savvy Media Holdings and Katz’s Shine Box will fully finance the previously announced film, which will begin shoot in New Orleans next month. Neil Sacker negotiated the deal and served as outside counsel through Skadden Arps. Covert Media handles international sales.
The love story drama, directed by Andy Tennant (Hitch) is based on the popular self-help book and film of the same name by Rhonda Byrne. Written by Bekah Brunstetter (This Is Us), producers also include Robert Cort (Robert Cort Productions), Byrne and Paul Hanson (Covert). Christopher H. Warner (Wind River) will serve as executive producer.
The film will follow a hard-working widow with three children who hires a handyman to fix her house during a major storm.
- 9/24/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Esteemed producer Rudy Langlais (“The Hurricane,” “Sugar Hill”) and his partners, Caribbean social entrepreneur Valmiki Kempadoo, Toronto-based producer Don Allan and veteran multidisciplined film executive Neil Sacker have closed an unprecedented equity financing agreement with the government of the Caribbean island nation of Antigua that will see $125 million committed to an initial slate of five feature films and launch Antigua’s long-range commitment to film production. The agreement was recently announced in Toronto by Golden Island’s principals.
The deal comes through the newly created venture, Golden Island Filmworks, an independent feature film finance and production entity run by Rudy Langlais, who was born in the West Indies, and his partners Sacker, Kempadoo and Allan. The first five feature films, individually budgeted between $20 million and $85 million, against a cumulative budget of $250 million, will be produced through Golden Islands Filmworks in collaboration with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, headed by Prime Minister, the Honorable Gaston A. Browne.
The dynamic arrangement serves as a first-of-its-kind film financing model that uses funds generated by the Antigua Citizenship Investment Program. Funds collected from the highly sought after citizenship program will be invested into the $125 million film slate.
Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador at Large His Excellency Dr. Joseph (Joey) John, who for eight years had been enticing Rudy Langlais to make films in the Caribbean, was instrumental in structuring the Antigua-based venture and will continue to work on all components and phases of development and production associated with the film slate. Ambassador John is currently Special Consultant to the Prime Minister on the Citizenship by Investment Program and Investment.
Through this venture, Antigua aims to establish itself as the center for film production in the Caribbean. A portion of all films on this slate will be shot in Antigua, which will inject tens of millions of dollars back into the local economy and foster employment and growth.
The films that will be produced through this arrangement range from “Rebels”, a story of four unique individuals from tough upbringings in the 70’s who come together as friends to discover and contribute to the rise of iconic musician, Bob Marley, to the launch of the “Nick Carter: Killmaster” espionage franchise, based on the longest-running franchise in U.S. book publishing history, producing 261 books over 30 years and selling more than 30 million copies.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne enthusiastically introduced the new venture. Said Browne: “Welcome to the start of this new day in the history of my nation, the Caribbean and worldwide cinema - the further transformation of Antigua and Barbuda as the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean through the power and art of film. We are welcoming the leading directors, actors and filmmaking technicians of the world to Antigua and they are coming to create exciting films that capture the beauty, mystery, history and complexity of our country, our history, our people.”
Rudy Langlais said, “My partners and I had a dream more than 10 years ago, that the Caribbean, which has produced brilliant statesmen like Alexander Hamilton, Nobel Prize-winning poets and novelists, Walcott and Naipaul, legendary athletes like Sobers and Richards and Bolt, and perhaps the world’s greatest cultural icon in Bob Marley, should add its “voice” now to filmmaking. We have wanted to join our colleagues around the world to share our stories and join in telling stories together. Now that time is here. Exciting films will come of this collaboration.”
Commented John, “Of all the projects that I have had the privilege of bringing to Antigua, this project has the potential to create the biggest impact on both the economy and the social transformation of Antigua. It brings a whole new industry into Antigua that will affect tourism and culture.”
Said Sacker, “It is an honor for me to be partnered with Rudy, for whom I have tremendous respect and friendship, and with Val and Don who were instrumental in putting this groundbreaking deal together. We are looking forward to making this venture a success for the government of Antigua and are committed to the highest creative and business standards for this incredible slate of films - each of which are distinctive and iconic stories that, at the same time, are marketable to the largest possible audience from Gen Z to Millennials to Baby-boomers to the older generations."
The agreement was facilitated by industry legal veteran Eric Weissmann and Lizbeth Hasse and Erin Brinza of Creative Industry Law and producer/financier Karen Longley Gordy, who will serve as a principal in the company. Joseph Cohen of American Entertainment Investors and Larry Becksey of Intellectual Property Group served as Golden Islands’ advisors in the closing.
The deal comes through the newly created venture, Golden Island Filmworks, an independent feature film finance and production entity run by Rudy Langlais, who was born in the West Indies, and his partners Sacker, Kempadoo and Allan. The first five feature films, individually budgeted between $20 million and $85 million, against a cumulative budget of $250 million, will be produced through Golden Islands Filmworks in collaboration with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, headed by Prime Minister, the Honorable Gaston A. Browne.
The dynamic arrangement serves as a first-of-its-kind film financing model that uses funds generated by the Antigua Citizenship Investment Program. Funds collected from the highly sought after citizenship program will be invested into the $125 million film slate.
Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador at Large His Excellency Dr. Joseph (Joey) John, who for eight years had been enticing Rudy Langlais to make films in the Caribbean, was instrumental in structuring the Antigua-based venture and will continue to work on all components and phases of development and production associated with the film slate. Ambassador John is currently Special Consultant to the Prime Minister on the Citizenship by Investment Program and Investment.
Through this venture, Antigua aims to establish itself as the center for film production in the Caribbean. A portion of all films on this slate will be shot in Antigua, which will inject tens of millions of dollars back into the local economy and foster employment and growth.
The films that will be produced through this arrangement range from “Rebels”, a story of four unique individuals from tough upbringings in the 70’s who come together as friends to discover and contribute to the rise of iconic musician, Bob Marley, to the launch of the “Nick Carter: Killmaster” espionage franchise, based on the longest-running franchise in U.S. book publishing history, producing 261 books over 30 years and selling more than 30 million copies.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne enthusiastically introduced the new venture. Said Browne: “Welcome to the start of this new day in the history of my nation, the Caribbean and worldwide cinema - the further transformation of Antigua and Barbuda as the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean through the power and art of film. We are welcoming the leading directors, actors and filmmaking technicians of the world to Antigua and they are coming to create exciting films that capture the beauty, mystery, history and complexity of our country, our history, our people.”
Rudy Langlais said, “My partners and I had a dream more than 10 years ago, that the Caribbean, which has produced brilliant statesmen like Alexander Hamilton, Nobel Prize-winning poets and novelists, Walcott and Naipaul, legendary athletes like Sobers and Richards and Bolt, and perhaps the world’s greatest cultural icon in Bob Marley, should add its “voice” now to filmmaking. We have wanted to join our colleagues around the world to share our stories and join in telling stories together. Now that time is here. Exciting films will come of this collaboration.”
Commented John, “Of all the projects that I have had the privilege of bringing to Antigua, this project has the potential to create the biggest impact on both the economy and the social transformation of Antigua. It brings a whole new industry into Antigua that will affect tourism and culture.”
Said Sacker, “It is an honor for me to be partnered with Rudy, for whom I have tremendous respect and friendship, and with Val and Don who were instrumental in putting this groundbreaking deal together. We are looking forward to making this venture a success for the government of Antigua and are committed to the highest creative and business standards for this incredible slate of films - each of which are distinctive and iconic stories that, at the same time, are marketable to the largest possible audience from Gen Z to Millennials to Baby-boomers to the older generations."
The agreement was facilitated by industry legal veteran Eric Weissmann and Lizbeth Hasse and Erin Brinza of Creative Industry Law and producer/financier Karen Longley Gordy, who will serve as a principal in the company. Joseph Cohen of American Entertainment Investors and Larry Becksey of Intellectual Property Group served as Golden Islands’ advisors in the closing.
- 9/18/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Producer Rudy Langlais ("The Hurricane," "Sugar Hill") and partners, entrepreneur Valmiki Kempadoo, producer Don Allan and veteran film executive Neil Sacker have closed an unprecedented equity financing agreement with the government of the Antigua that will see $125 million invested in the launch of a long-term commitment to film production in the Caribbean nation, starting with an initial slate of five feature films. The agreement was announced today in Toronto at the international film festival. The deal comes through the newly created venture, Golden Island Filmworks, an independent feature film finance and production entity run by Rudy Langlais, and his...
- 9/14/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
A group of film industry veterans have teamed up with the government of Antigua on an initial slate of five features designed to boost the Caribbean island’s production ambitions.
Finance and production company Golden Island Filmworks comprises The Hurricane producer Rudy Langlais, Caribbean social entrepreneur Valmiki Kempadoo, Toronto-based producer Don Allan and veteran executive Neil Sacker.
The first five features will range in budget from $20m-$85m. A portion of all the films will shoot in Antigua and the first two titles are Rebels, about the formative years in Bob Marley’s life, and spy thriller Nick Carter: Killmaster.
The model is the result of a lengthy courtship of Langlais by Antigua and Barbuda prime minister Gaston A Brown and will use funds generated by the Antigua Citizenship Investment Program.
Additional funds from investors will raise the initial war chest to $250m.
“We are welcoming the leading directors, actors and filmmaking...
Finance and production company Golden Island Filmworks comprises The Hurricane producer Rudy Langlais, Caribbean social entrepreneur Valmiki Kempadoo, Toronto-based producer Don Allan and veteran executive Neil Sacker.
The first five features will range in budget from $20m-$85m. A portion of all the films will shoot in Antigua and the first two titles are Rebels, about the formative years in Bob Marley’s life, and spy thriller Nick Carter: Killmaster.
The model is the result of a lengthy courtship of Langlais by Antigua and Barbuda prime minister Gaston A Brown and will use funds generated by the Antigua Citizenship Investment Program.
Additional funds from investors will raise the initial war chest to $250m.
“We are welcoming the leading directors, actors and filmmaking...
- 9/14/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
2007 looked like a good time to launch a large-scale film production company. But just as Film Department chairman Mark Gill and vice-chairman Neil Sacker raised considerable funding, the indie market hit the skids with the recession. With more than one bonafide hit beyond $40-million Gerard Butler vehicle Law-Abiding Citizen (Overture domestic, $133 million worldwide) to balance a slate of uncommercial movies--from $16.8 million The Rebound to $16 million cancer romance A Little Bit of Heaven, neither of which saw stateside release--the company might have survived. But finally all the money they made went to their investors, and by the time they faced the music and tried to refinance, it was too late. (Deadline ran early with Gill and Sacker's press release packed with financial ...
- 5/5/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Film Department Withdraws Ipo Exclusive: I began hearing rumors from sources yesterday that The Film Department had laid off its entire staff. Today, I can confirm that it's a very sad day for that 3-year-old company that financed and produced the hit film Law-Abiding Citizen: it will close as of May 27th. Here's what happened in summary to Chairman/CEO Mark Gill and Vice Chairman/COO Neil Sacker: Though the company was profitable in 2010 and generated $90 Million in revenues in the last 18 months, The Film Department was not allowed to keep it due to lender stipulations forced upon the company during the credit crisis. So all that money went to lenders. When the company had become profitable and improved its balance sheet by more than $105 million in the last year, it sought to raise $200 million in new private equity and debt to become a U.S. film distributor...
- 5/5/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
Here's the announcement from Mark Gill and Neil Sacker: The Film Department announced today that it is in negotiation with investors who prefer to keep the company in private hands for $200 million in equity and debt that will be used to finance the production, acquisition and U.S. release of 5-10 films per year. As a result, the company has withdrawn its registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 6 Am: SEC filings show that Mark Gill's and Neil Sacker's The Film Department has cut the price of its expected Ipo again --- this time by more than half to $6 a share. Obviously, the reason for the public offering is to raise money for this production, finance, and international sales movie indie which also wants a domestic distribution arm. But this just may not be the right time economy-wise considering even powerhouse private equity firm Kkr's recent Ipo was flat.
- 8/4/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
The Film Department, the indie production and distribution company which Mark Gill and Neil Sacker founded in 2007, no longer plans to go public.
The company said Wednesday that it has withdrawn its registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and that it is negotiating with private investors to raise $200 million in equity and debt that will be used to finance the production and distribution of five to 10 films per year.
In charting the new course, the company cited several developments: It has signed a U.S. home entertainment deal with Fox, and it has an output deal, through the Weinstein Co., with Showtime.
The Film Department said that it's improved its financial position over the past 12 months by more than $75 million, by paying off more than $60 million in debt and raising $15 million in additional private equity. In that same period the company has also generated more than...
The company said Wednesday that it has withdrawn its registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and that it is negotiating with private investors to raise $200 million in equity and debt that will be used to finance the production and distribution of five to 10 films per year.
In charting the new course, the company cited several developments: It has signed a U.S. home entertainment deal with Fox, and it has an output deal, through the Weinstein Co., with Showtime.
The Film Department said that it's improved its financial position over the past 12 months by more than $75 million, by paying off more than $60 million in debt and raising $15 million in additional private equity. In that same period the company has also generated more than...
- 8/4/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kathy Bates and Whoopi Goldberg are the latest actors to join the cast of The Film Department's "Earthbound."Kate Hudson, Gael Garcia Bernal, Rosemany DeWitt, Lucy Punch, Romany Malco, Steven Weber and Treat Williams have already been cast.According to Variety, production began January 18 in New Orleans.Nicole Kassell ("The Woodsman") is directing from a screenplay by Gren Wells.The film centers on a free spirited, terminally ill young woman (Hudson) who unexpectedly falls in love with her doctor (Bernal). John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder are producing with Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen executive producing.
- 2/5/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
As Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's Film Department seeks new funding via an Ipo, they're announcing that they're plunking down some of their remaining cash on a new script produced by Michael De Luca, the original action-comedy True Memoirs of an International Assassin, written by Jeff Morris. Why telegraph this news? During trying times, many companies are using PR to signal to the industry that they are actively in the game. Timing is key. While he had long closed a deal, Apparition's Bob Berney waited until he was preparing to enter the Sundance buying fray before he alerted the indie film community that he had acquired all North American rights to The Square (the first feature from Australian stuntman-turned-director Nash Edgerton and actor/writer Joel Edgerton) for ...
- 2/3/2010
- Thompson on Hollywood
Kathy Bates and Whoopi Goldberg have joined the cast of Nicole Kassell's love story "Earthbound," starring Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal, which is currently filming in New Orleans.
The production, fully financed by the Film Department, also stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Lucy Punch, Romany Malco, Steven Weber and Treat Williams.
Producing are John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder, with Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen as executive producers.
Bates most recently starred in "The Blind Side." Goldberg will next be heard as one of the voices in "Toy Story 3."...
The production, fully financed by the Film Department, also stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Lucy Punch, Romany Malco, Steven Weber and Treat Williams.
Producing are John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder, with Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen as executive producers.
Bates most recently starred in "The Blind Side." Goldberg will next be heard as one of the voices in "Toy Story 3."...
- 2/3/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Film Department has picked up "True Memoirs of an International Assassin," an action-comedy spec written by Jeff Morris.
Michael De Luca, Alissa Phillips, Mark Gill and Robert Katz will produce. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen are executive producing, and Scott Nemes acts as co-producer.
"Memoirs" focuses on an accountant who writes a novel about the life he wishes he had, that of a fearless assassin. He sells the book, the publisher labels it a memoir, and the world comes to believe he is his alter ego. When he goes on vacation to Belize, he finds himself coerced into killing the country's prime minister and must now become the hero he's always written about but never dreamed he'd be.
"Memoirs" landed on Franklin Leonard's Black List in December. Morris, repped by Wme and Art/Work Entertainment, also has "Dork Recess" set up with Davis Entertainment for Fox.
Michael De Luca, Alissa Phillips, Mark Gill and Robert Katz will produce. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen are executive producing, and Scott Nemes acts as co-producer.
"Memoirs" focuses on an accountant who writes a novel about the life he wishes he had, that of a fearless assassin. He sells the book, the publisher labels it a memoir, and the world comes to believe he is his alter ego. When he goes on vacation to Belize, he finds himself coerced into killing the country's prime minister and must now become the hero he's always written about but never dreamed he'd be.
"Memoirs" landed on Franklin Leonard's Black List in December. Morris, repped by Wme and Art/Work Entertainment, also has "Dork Recess" set up with Davis Entertainment for Fox.
- 1/19/2010
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rosemarie DeWitt has signed onto join the cast of the Film Department’s upcoming romance film “Earthbound”. She will join Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal in the film, which is about a terminally-ill woman who falls in love with her doctor. Nicole Kassell is directing based on a script by Gren Wells. “Earthbound” will be starting production later this month in Louisiana. John Davis, Robert Katz, Mark Gill, and Adam Schroeder are all on-board to produce the project. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen will be executive producing. Stay tuned to Shockya.com for more on “Earthbound”. By Costa Koutsoutis (Source: Variety.com)...
- 1/6/2010
- by Costa Koutsoutis
- ShockYa
Lucy Punch (whoever she is) is joining Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal in Earthbound, the story of a woman (Kate Hudson) who learns she has cancer. That's right, Kate Hudson will have cancer. See? The gods have been listening.The trades has more:Lucy Punch has been cast in the Film Department's "Earthbound," which begins shooting this month in Louisiana. Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal also star. Nicole Kassell ("The Woodsman") is directing a screenplay by Gren Wells about a woman (Hudson) who learns she has been stricken with cancer before meeting a new guy. Punch will play the woman's best friend and advertising agency co-worker. John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder are producing. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen are executive producers. Punch, repped by Icm, Benderspink and United Agents in the U.K., next appears in the Universal comedy "Young Americans," scheduled for release...
- 1/5/2010
- LRMonline.com
Lucy Punch has joined the cast of The Film Department's "Earthbound."According to The Hollywood Reporter, shooting begins this month in Louisiana. Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal have already been cast."The Woodsman" director Nicole Kassell is directing from a screenplay by Gren Wells.The film follows a woman (Hudson) who learns she has cancer before meeting a new man. Punch will play her best friend.John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder are producing. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen are executive producers.Punch will be seen in the upcoming Universal comedy "Young Americans;" the DreamWorks comedy "Dinner for Schmucks;" and Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger."...
- 1/5/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Lucy Punch has been cast in the Film Department's "Earthbound," which begins shooting this month in Louisiana. Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal also star.
Nicole Kassell ("The Woodsman") is directing a screenplay by Gren Wells about a woman (Hudson) who learns she has been stricken with cancer before meeting a new guy. Punch will play the woman's best friend and advertising agency co-worker.
John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder are producing. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen are executive producers.
Punch, repped by Icm, Benderspink and United Agents in the U.K., next appears in the Universal comedy "Young Americans," scheduled for release this month; the Paramount-DreamWorks-Spyglass comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" (July); and Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (fall). She also has had roles on CBS series "The Class" and in the films "Hot Fuzz" and "Ella Enchanted."
The Film Department recently produced "Law Abiding Citizen,...
Nicole Kassell ("The Woodsman") is directing a screenplay by Gren Wells about a woman (Hudson) who learns she has been stricken with cancer before meeting a new guy. Punch will play the woman's best friend and advertising agency co-worker.
John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder are producing. Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen are executive producers.
Punch, repped by Icm, Benderspink and United Agents in the U.K., next appears in the Universal comedy "Young Americans," scheduled for release this month; the Paramount-DreamWorks-Spyglass comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" (July); and Woody Allen's "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (fall). She also has had roles on CBS series "The Class" and in the films "Hot Fuzz" and "Ella Enchanted."
The Film Department recently produced "Law Abiding Citizen,...
- 1/3/2010
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Film Department, the indie film finance/production company that Mark Gill and Neil Sacker founded in 2007, is planning to go public, filing for an initial public offering on Monday.
The company announced Monday that it has filed a Form S-1 registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not been determined.
Girard Securities is managing the offering.
The Film Department, which focuses on movies in the $10-$45 million range, has the revenge drama "Law-Abiding Citizen," starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, in current release, where it has grossed more than $70 million domestically.
Other upcoming titles include "The Rebound," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and "Earthbound," starring Kate Hudson.
The company announced Monday that it has filed a Form S-1 registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not been determined.
Girard Securities is managing the offering.
The Film Department, which focuses on movies in the $10-$45 million range, has the revenge drama "Law-Abiding Citizen," starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, in current release, where it has grossed more than $70 million domestically.
Other upcoming titles include "The Rebound," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, and "Earthbound," starring Kate Hudson.
- 12/7/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Film Department, the Los Angeles-based indie-film finance and production company that Mark Gill and Neil Sacker founded in 2007, is planning to go public and set up its own distribution system.
The company, which Monday filed a Form S-1 registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering, hopes to raise $85 million-$100 million by selling 7.08 million shares at $12-$14 apiece.
The Film Department plans to use the proceeds to move into distribution, releasing six to 10 films a year, including its own productions and third-party titles.
Focusing on movies in the $10 million-$45 million range, Film Department has turned out the revenge drama "Law Abiding Citizen," starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, which has grossed more than $70 million domestically since its mid-October release by Overture.
Its upcoming films include "The Rebound," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones; "Earthbound," starring Kate Hudson; and "The Beautiful and the Damned," starring Keira Knightley.
For the...
The company, which Monday filed a Form S-1 registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering, hopes to raise $85 million-$100 million by selling 7.08 million shares at $12-$14 apiece.
The Film Department plans to use the proceeds to move into distribution, releasing six to 10 films a year, including its own productions and third-party titles.
Focusing on movies in the $10 million-$45 million range, Film Department has turned out the revenge drama "Law Abiding Citizen," starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, which has grossed more than $70 million domestically since its mid-October release by Overture.
Its upcoming films include "The Rebound," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones; "Earthbound," starring Kate Hudson; and "The Beautiful and the Damned," starring Keira Knightley.
For the...
- 12/7/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Film Department is reorganizing international operations.
Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's financing and production banner is pacting with the Weinstein Co. to handle international sales, with the latter firm's David Glasser running point on those responsibilities.
As part of the shift, Film Department international sales topper Steve Bickel is leaving; international vp Kristen Figeroid and vp international affairs Inc Pagliuca will remain.
The deal will give the Film Department access to the Weinstein Co.'s global network of buyers, with the mini-major seeing Film Department titles as a complement to its prestige and specialized pics.
"Their slate is very mainstream, and that's a perfect fit with our product," Glasser said.
The Film Department has "Law Abiding Citizen" in theaters, completed production on the Catherine Zeta-Jones romantic comedy "The Rebound" and is near completion on the Kate Hudson dramedy "Earthbound."
Glasser has a long history in international sales, previously with Yari Film Group,...
Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's financing and production banner is pacting with the Weinstein Co. to handle international sales, with the latter firm's David Glasser running point on those responsibilities.
As part of the shift, Film Department international sales topper Steve Bickel is leaving; international vp Kristen Figeroid and vp international affairs Inc Pagliuca will remain.
The deal will give the Film Department access to the Weinstein Co.'s global network of buyers, with the mini-major seeing Film Department titles as a complement to its prestige and specialized pics.
"Their slate is very mainstream, and that's a perfect fit with our product," Glasser said.
The Film Department has "Law Abiding Citizen" in theaters, completed production on the Catherine Zeta-Jones romantic comedy "The Rebound" and is near completion on the Kate Hudson dramedy "Earthbound."
Glasser has a long history in international sales, previously with Yari Film Group,...
- 10/29/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gael Garcia Bernal is in negotiations to join Kate Hudson in the cast of the romantic film “Earthbound,” about a terminally ill woman who falls in love with her doctor. The film is set to go into production January 18th, 2010. Nicole Kassell is directing the project off of a script by Gren Wells. John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder will produce the project, with Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen executive producing. “Earthbound” will be financed by Gill and Sacker’s The Film Department. Stay tuned to Shockya.com for the latest movie news and more from “Earthbound”. By Costa Koutsoutis (Source: Variety.com)...
- 9/18/2009
- by Costa Koutsoutis
- ShockYa
Gael Garcia Bernal is in negotiations to join Kate Hudson in the romantic film "Earthbound."The film is about a terminally ill woman who falls in love with her doctor. Production is set to begin on January 18, 2010.According to Variety, Nicole Kassell ("The Woodsman") will direct Gren Wells' script.John Davis, Mark Gill, Robert Katz and Adam Schroeder are producing with Neil Sacker and Michael Goguen executive producing.
- 9/17/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
The Film Department and Anonymous Content are developing Murder, Inc. , signing Ericson Core ( Invincible ) to direct the crime thriller, reports Variety . The Film Department is financing, with Steve Golin, Mark Gill and Robert Katz as producers. Neil Sacker, Michael Goguen and Matt DeRoss will executive produce, with Alix Madigan co-producing. The script, formerly titled "American Way," was written by Brian Kistler as his first out of AFI Film School. The story centers on two estranged brothers whose parents were brutally murdered when they were young. One becomes an FBI agent who decides to get his long-lost brother out of jail to take out the man who killed their parents.
- 4/2/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Oscar-nominee Viola Davis ( Doubt ) will join Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler in the F. Gary Gray-directed psychological thriller Law Abiding Citizen . Also joining the cast are Bruce McGill, Leslie Bibb,, Colm Meaney and Regina Hall. The film began shooting January 21st in Philadelphia and is expected to debut in theatres in 2010. Overture is domestically distributing The Film Department-produced project. The announcement was made by Overture Films' CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett along with Mark Gill and Neil Sacker of The Film Department. Gill and Butler will produce along with Lucas Foster, Alan Siegel and Kurt Wimmer. Sacker, Robert Katz and Michael Goguen will executive produce with Jeff Waxman co-producing. Law Abiding Citizen focuses on a man...
- 1/30/2009
- Comingsoon.net
- Taking a cue from last week's deal that will see Summit load up on Participant Media films, Overture films will most probably fill up their future slate with mid-range films like The Rebound, Law Abiding Citizen and The Beautiful and the Damned. In tough economic times it makes a lot of sense for newbie indie distribution companies to pair up with prod companies – in this case, it assures that Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's Film Dept. has a home for their output during these tough economic times and it may also help Overture avoid mistakes like Mad Money, Sleepwalking and Righteous Kill. THR reports that will Law Abiding Citizen will be released by Overture. Scripted by Kurt Wimmer and Frank Darabont, the script follows a successful assistant D.A. (Gerald Butler) who finds himself at the center of a vigilante plot hatched by a traumatized victim of the
- 1/29/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
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