The program of the 24th Japanese Film Festival Nippon Connection is complete! From May 28 to June 2, the festival offers the opportunity to delve into Japan's film and cultural scene. The festival presents around 100 short and feature-length films at eight venues, including numerous premieres. Over 60 filmmakers and artists will travel from Japan to Frankfurt am Main, Germany, to present their works to the audience. At the freely accessible grounds of the festival centers Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm and Produktionshaus Naxos, visitors can enjoy the festival atmosphere with a large Japanese market featuring numerous food and craft stands. Detailed information and tickets for all films and events are available at NipponConnection.com.
This year's film selection promises exciting discoveries. Fans of genre films can enjoy Shinji Araki's acclaimed time-loop thriller Penalty Loop, Kaz I Kiriya's apocalyptic drama From The End Of The World, and Shimako Sato's action-packed fantasy adventure The Yin Yang Master Zero.
This year's film selection promises exciting discoveries. Fans of genre films can enjoy Shinji Araki's acclaimed time-loop thriller Penalty Loop, Kaz I Kiriya's apocalyptic drama From The End Of The World, and Shimako Sato's action-packed fantasy adventure The Yin Yang Master Zero.
- 5/13/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Greenwich Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Aum: The Cult At The End Of The World, the documentary about the cult behind the deadly 1995 Tokyo subway gas attacks. Submarine Entertainment Sales and Fifth Season are introducing to international buyers here.
Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto co-directed the Sundance 2023 selection exploring the evolution of the Aum doomsday cult, whose lethal plot was intended to murder thousands and resulted in the death of 13 people.
The film uses historical footage and in-depth interviews to illustrate how the group went from spiritual collective into a terror organisation stockpiling weapons of mass destruction from the collapsed Soviet Union.
Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto co-directed the Sundance 2023 selection exploring the evolution of the Aum doomsday cult, whose lethal plot was intended to murder thousands and resulted in the death of 13 people.
The film uses historical footage and in-depth interviews to illustrate how the group went from spiritual collective into a terror organisation stockpiling weapons of mass destruction from the collapsed Soviet Union.
- 2/17/2024
- ScreenDaily
Gravitas Ventures has acquired the global rights to Isaac H. Eaton’s 2023 crime thriller “Welcome to Redville” starring Jake Manley, Highdee Kuan and Chris Elliott. Gravitas, The Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company, has set the film’s VOD release for August 29.
“Welcome to Redville” tells the story of a robbery-gone-wrong and the couple forced on the run in a small desert town called Redville. As drama and death ensues, couple Leo (Manley) and Toni (Kuan) discover that Redville and its strange townspeople are hard —if not impossible — to shake off.
The film was written by Eaton and Danny DeVoto. It was produced by Eaton and Frank Zanca and was executive produced by Brad Kramer and Alice Abernathy. Bill Guentzler, Gravitas Ventures VP of acquisitions, helmed the deal with Ramo Law.
Telluride Film Festival Unveils 50th Anniversary Festival Poster By Luke Dorman
Telluride Film Festival has unveiled the poster for its 50th anniversary.
“Welcome to Redville” tells the story of a robbery-gone-wrong and the couple forced on the run in a small desert town called Redville. As drama and death ensues, couple Leo (Manley) and Toni (Kuan) discover that Redville and its strange townspeople are hard —if not impossible — to shake off.
The film was written by Eaton and Danny DeVoto. It was produced by Eaton and Frank Zanca and was executive produced by Brad Kramer and Alice Abernathy. Bill Guentzler, Gravitas Ventures VP of acquisitions, helmed the deal with Ramo Law.
Telluride Film Festival Unveils 50th Anniversary Festival Poster By Luke Dorman
Telluride Film Festival has unveiled the poster for its 50th anniversary.
- 7/19/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, McKinley Franklin, Jaden Thompson and Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Company plans October 6 theatrical release.
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Berlinale and SXSW selection Joan Baez I Am A Noise directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor.
The film chronicles the final tour of the celebrated activist and folk singer and will next close the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release on the biopic-concert film hybrid, which follows Baez on her final tour and delves into her archive with previously unseen home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings.
Baez is remarkably revealing about her life...
Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Berlinale and SXSW selection Joan Baez I Am A Noise directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor.
The film chronicles the final tour of the celebrated activist and folk singer and will next close the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release on the biopic-concert film hybrid, which follows Baez on her final tour and delves into her archive with previously unseen home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings.
Baez is remarkably revealing about her life...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures announced today they’ve acquired worldwide distribution rights to “Joan Baez I Am a Noise,” an exploration of the famous 1960s folk singer. The film was presented at this year’s Berlinale as well as SXSW. Magnolia has plans to give it a full-scale theatrical release in October.
The documentary, directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle and Karen O’Connor is being touted less as a traditional documentary and more along the lines of Brett Morgen’s 2022 film on David Bowie, “Moonage Daydream.”
In the wake of Warner Bros. “Elvis” and Morgen’s “Moonage Daydream” last year, music docs continue to see an uptick in interest. However, the exploration of female singers remains lacking. Baez is a groundbreaking figure in the 1960s folk scene with a fascinating story. Magnolia has been especially interested in propelling original content forward, even pairing with NBC streamer Peacock back in April to stream their films.
The documentary, directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle and Karen O’Connor is being touted less as a traditional documentary and more along the lines of Brett Morgen’s 2022 film on David Bowie, “Moonage Daydream.”
In the wake of Warner Bros. “Elvis” and Morgen’s “Moonage Daydream” last year, music docs continue to see an uptick in interest. However, the exploration of female singers remains lacking. Baez is a groundbreaking figure in the 1960s folk scene with a fascinating story. Magnolia has been especially interested in propelling original content forward, even pairing with NBC streamer Peacock back in April to stream their films.
- 7/11/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Magnolia Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Joan Baez I Am A Noise, the feature documentary about the iconic folk singer directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Connor.
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release of the film, which premiered at the Berlinale in February. Joan Baez went from Berlin to SXSW and recently served as the opening night film of DC/Dox. It is the closing night film for the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
“Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary shifts back and forth through time as it follows Joan on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings,” notes a release from Magnolia. “Baez is remarkably revealing about her life on and off stage – from her lifelong emotional struggles to her civil rights...
Magnolia plans an October 6 theatrical release of the film, which premiered at the Berlinale in February. Joan Baez went from Berlin to SXSW and recently served as the opening night film of DC/Dox. It is the closing night film for the Hamptons International Film Festival’s SummerDocs series on July 22.
“Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary shifts back and forth through time as it follows Joan on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings,” notes a release from Magnolia. “Baez is remarkably revealing about her life on and off stage – from her lifelong emotional struggles to her civil rights...
- 7/11/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu is adding three new titles to its growing lineup of original docs: “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” “Queenmaker: The Making of An It Girl,” and “The Jewel Thief.”
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta Hbcu picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted Atl as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?
Executive producers include showrunner Geraldine L. Porras and director P Frank Williams, as well as Jermaine Dupri, Luther Campbell, Peter Bittenbender and Melissa Cooper for Mass Appeal, Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films, Terry Ross and Alex Avant. Nikki Byles and Jay Allen are producers.
From MRC, “Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” reveals the story behind the now-defunct “Park Avenue Peerage” blog. “In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan’s elite,...
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta Hbcu picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted Atl as a major cultural stage,” per Hulu’s description. “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?
Executive producers include showrunner Geraldine L. Porras and director P Frank Williams, as well as Jermaine Dupri, Luther Campbell, Peter Bittenbender and Melissa Cooper for Mass Appeal, Eric Tomosunas for Swirl Films, Terry Ross and Alex Avant. Nikki Byles and Jay Allen are producers.
From MRC, “Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl” reveals the story behind the now-defunct “Park Avenue Peerage” blog. “In the height of heiress-era NYC, an anonymous blogger infiltrated Manhattan’s elite,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
As the market for independently made documentaries continues to dry up, regional film festivals have become essential to filmmakers hoping to sell their docs.
At this year’s Sarasota Film Festival, which kicks off on March 25, 36 documentaries are part of the lineup. Over 25 of them are seeking distribution. They include Luke Lorentzen’s “A Still Small Voice,” Alexandria Bombach’s “It’s Only Life After All” about the Indigo Girls, Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World” and Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng’s “Invisible Beauty.” All four films premiered at Sundance in January.
“From Submarine’s point of view, we’ve always encouraged great regional festivals like Sarasota, the Berkshires, Woodstock and the Hamptons partially because there is the possibility that awards voters are there,” says Submarine Entertainment sales agent Josh Braun, who reps both “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World” and “Invisible Beauty.
At this year’s Sarasota Film Festival, which kicks off on March 25, 36 documentaries are part of the lineup. Over 25 of them are seeking distribution. They include Luke Lorentzen’s “A Still Small Voice,” Alexandria Bombach’s “It’s Only Life After All” about the Indigo Girls, Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World” and Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng’s “Invisible Beauty.” All four films premiered at Sundance in January.
“From Submarine’s point of view, we’ve always encouraged great regional festivals like Sarasota, the Berkshires, Woodstock and the Hamptons partially because there is the possibility that awards voters are there,” says Submarine Entertainment sales agent Josh Braun, who reps both “Aum: The Cult at the End of the World” and “Invisible Beauty.
- 3/25/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscar-nominated documentary “Fire of Love” is getting the narrative remake treatment.
The acclaimed non-fiction movie, concerning the scientific research and on-the-job romance of French volcanologist filmmakers Katia and Maurice Krafft, will become a live-action narrative feature film. Searchlight Pictures snagged remake rights to the acclaimed documentary, which debuted at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films.
Searchlight will finance and distribute, with Jamie Patricof’s Hunting Lane developing and producing. “Fire of Love” director/producer Sara Dosa and producer Shane Boris are attached to produce this version as well, while producer Ina Fichman will be an executive producer. Other executive producers include Josh Braun and Ben Braun from Submarine Deluxe, and Greg Boustead and Jessica Harrop from Sandbox Films.
Also Read:
Oscar Voting Has Begun: Here’s What Not to Do, Voters
There is no word on who will direct the picture or anything regarding casting.
The acclaimed non-fiction movie, concerning the scientific research and on-the-job romance of French volcanologist filmmakers Katia and Maurice Krafft, will become a live-action narrative feature film. Searchlight Pictures snagged remake rights to the acclaimed documentary, which debuted at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films.
Searchlight will finance and distribute, with Jamie Patricof’s Hunting Lane developing and producing. “Fire of Love” director/producer Sara Dosa and producer Shane Boris are attached to produce this version as well, while producer Ina Fichman will be an executive producer. Other executive producers include Josh Braun and Ben Braun from Submarine Deluxe, and Greg Boustead and Jessica Harrop from Sandbox Films.
Also Read:
Oscar Voting Has Begun: Here’s What Not to Do, Voters
There is no word on who will direct the picture or anything regarding casting.
- 3/2/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
The most romantic documentary of all time may be getting the full-fledged romance movie treatment. Searchlight Pictures is making a deal to remake “Fire of Love,” Sara Dosa’s Oscar-nominated doc about French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft, into a narrative feature film, IndieWire has confirmed.
Dosa’s original film, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of the Kraffts’ two romances: with each other and with volcanoes. Narrated by filmmaker Miranda July, the film uses archival footage videotaped by the two scientists during their research to recount their lives, which ended tragically in a volcanic eruption in 1991.
No director or screenwriter is attached to the narrative remake of the documentary, but Dosa and the documentary’s producer Shane Boris are both on board the project as producers. Huntin Lane productions will develop the film and produce, while Searchlight will finance and distribute. Ina Fichman, who produced the original documentary,...
Dosa’s original film, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of the Kraffts’ two romances: with each other and with volcanoes. Narrated by filmmaker Miranda July, the film uses archival footage videotaped by the two scientists during their research to recount their lives, which ended tragically in a volcanic eruption in 1991.
No director or screenwriter is attached to the narrative remake of the documentary, but Dosa and the documentary’s producer Shane Boris are both on board the project as producers. Huntin Lane productions will develop the film and produce, while Searchlight will finance and distribute. Ina Fichman, who produced the original documentary,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Searchlight Pictures is making a deal to turn Fire of Love into a narrative feature. The film, which tells the story of the scientific research and romance of preeminent French volcanologist filmmakers Katia and Maurice Krafft, is a frontrunner in the Oscar race for Best Documentary after premiering atthe 2022 Sundance Film Festival, winning a Jury Prize and being acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films.
The docu is filled with stunning footage of the couple braving the dangers of volcanoes that exploded and spewed red-hot lava, but the core of the tale that lends itself so well to a narrative version is the love story between them, before they paid the ultimate price for their passionate pursuit of erupting volcanoes. The couple died together in a volcanic eruption in 1991.
Searchlight Pictures will finance and distribute, and Jamie Patricof’s Hunting Lane will develop and produce. Fire of Love director-producer Sara Dosa...
The docu is filled with stunning footage of the couple braving the dangers of volcanoes that exploded and spewed red-hot lava, but the core of the tale that lends itself so well to a narrative version is the love story between them, before they paid the ultimate price for their passionate pursuit of erupting volcanoes. The couple died together in a volcanic eruption in 1991.
Searchlight Pictures will finance and distribute, and Jamie Patricof’s Hunting Lane will develop and produce. Fire of Love director-producer Sara Dosa...
- 3/2/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
After two years of virtual and hybrid event offerings, the Sundance Film Festival is set to celebrate the first fully in-person edition of the landmark fest when it rolls out next week in Park City, Utah. As ever, this year’s festival boasts a wide variety of new films from some of our favorite filmmakers, plus an assortment of rising stars, new talents to keep an eye on, and perhaps a few surprises.
This year’s program includes new films from Nicole Holofcener, Ira Sachs, Brandon Cronenberg, Sebastian Silva, Cory Finley, Justin Chon, Nicole Newnham, Maite Alberdi, Roger Ross Williams, Sophie Barthes, Lana Wilson, Davis Guggenheim, Rebecca Zlotowski, and Anton Corbijn.
Looking for big stars? Sundance has them, too, as notable actors at this year’s festival range include Jonathan Majors, Daisy Ridley, Sarah Snook, Ben Whishaw, Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat, Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, Emilia Jones,...
This year’s program includes new films from Nicole Holofcener, Ira Sachs, Brandon Cronenberg, Sebastian Silva, Cory Finley, Justin Chon, Nicole Newnham, Maite Alberdi, Roger Ross Williams, Sophie Barthes, Lana Wilson, Davis Guggenheim, Rebecca Zlotowski, and Anton Corbijn.
Looking for big stars? Sundance has them, too, as notable actors at this year’s festival range include Jonathan Majors, Daisy Ridley, Sarah Snook, Ben Whishaw, Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, Cynthia Erivo, Alia Shawkat, Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, Emilia Jones,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Kate Erbland, David Ehrlich and Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Passages.The Sundance Institute has announced the films selected for their 2023 Festival, which will take place in-person in Park City, Utah, from January 19-29, 2023. A selection of the films will be available virtually in the US from January 24-29.U.S. Dramatic COMPETITIONThe Accidental Getaway Driver (Sing J. Lee): During a routine pickup, an elderly Vietnamese cab driver is taken hostage at gunpoint by three recently escaped Orange County convicts. Based on a true story. World Premiere.All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (Raven Jackson): A decades-spanning exploration of a woman’s life in Mississippi and an ode to the generations of people, places, and ineffable moments that shape us. World Premiere.Fair Play (Chloe Domont): An unexpected promotion at a cutthroat hedge fund pushes a young couple’s relationship to the brink, threatening to unravel far more than their recent engagement. World Premiere.Fancy Dance (Erica Tremblay...
- 12/7/2022
- MUBI
After two years of virtual festivals, Sundance is overdue for a comeback. The Park City event is set to return to Park City on January 19 and continue through January 29. While films will still be available to online ticket holders starting January 24, the main emphasis will be the in-person experience that put Sundance on the map in the first place.
While the pandemic disrupted the film industry in 2020, Sundance managed to take place that year just before the shutdowns, launching future Best Picture winner “Coda” into an unpredictable landscape. Now, the market and culture of moviegoing remains in flux, and Sundance is poised to return to the scene just in time to launch a wide array of movies into that ever-changing climate.
And there are a lot of movies in contention. After countless productions were put on hold at the start of the pandemic, they’ve been revving back to action over the past year,...
While the pandemic disrupted the film industry in 2020, Sundance managed to take place that year just before the shutdowns, launching future Best Picture winner “Coda” into an unpredictable landscape. Now, the market and culture of moviegoing remains in flux, and Sundance is poised to return to the scene just in time to launch a wide array of movies into that ever-changing climate.
And there are a lot of movies in contention. After countless productions were put on hold at the start of the pandemic, they’ve been revving back to action over the past year,...
- 11/7/2022
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Update: That didn’t take long. The deal for Fire of Love is now closed, Deadline has confirmed. Release is below our acquisitions scoop.
Exclusive: National Geographic Documentary Films is closing a mid-seven-figure worldwide rights deal for Fire of Love, the Sara Dosa-directed documentary that opened the festival and created a stampede of bidders in what is the first deal on the virtual ground here. This will be a significant theatrical release for later this year.
As Deadline reported yesterday, bidding began shortly after the film’s Thursday premiere screening. Netflix, Nat Geo, Paramount, Sony Pictures Classics, IFC, Universal and Amazon all were in the mix on this one. Submarine is brokering the deal.
The film focuses on Katia and Maurice Krafft and their love of each other, and getting as close as possible to fiery volcanoes. For two decades, the daring French volcanologist couple was seduced by the...
Exclusive: National Geographic Documentary Films is closing a mid-seven-figure worldwide rights deal for Fire of Love, the Sara Dosa-directed documentary that opened the festival and created a stampede of bidders in what is the first deal on the virtual ground here. This will be a significant theatrical release for later this year.
As Deadline reported yesterday, bidding began shortly after the film’s Thursday premiere screening. Netflix, Nat Geo, Paramount, Sony Pictures Classics, IFC, Universal and Amazon all were in the mix on this one. Submarine is brokering the deal.
The film focuses on Katia and Maurice Krafft and their love of each other, and getting as close as possible to fiery volcanoes. For two decades, the daring French volcanologist couple was seduced by the...
- 1/23/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Yes Studios, the leading Israeli production and distribution banner, has unveiled a first still and a trailer for Daniel Sivan’s anticipated feature documentary film “Dirty Tricks,” which will have its world premiere at Hot Docs.
“Dirty Tricks,” set to unspool in the special presentation section at Hot Docs, takes an inside look at the world of competitive bridge, exposing a massive cheating scandal threatening to bring down the sport’s billion dollar industry.
In “Dirty Tricks,” Sivan, whose credits include Netflix’s “The Devil Next Door” and HBO’s “The Oslo Diaries,” follows Lotan Fisher, the world’s best bridge player who is nicknamed “The Michael Jordan of Bridge.” When Fisher was accused of cheating, it caused a scandal that shook the entire sport to its core, confounding experts, criminal science, celebrities, and bridge aficionados worldwide.
Produced by Yes Docu, “Dirty Tricks” also sheds light on the billionaires who...
“Dirty Tricks,” set to unspool in the special presentation section at Hot Docs, takes an inside look at the world of competitive bridge, exposing a massive cheating scandal threatening to bring down the sport’s billion dollar industry.
In “Dirty Tricks,” Sivan, whose credits include Netflix’s “The Devil Next Door” and HBO’s “The Oslo Diaries,” follows Lotan Fisher, the world’s best bridge player who is nicknamed “The Michael Jordan of Bridge.” When Fisher was accused of cheating, it caused a scandal that shook the entire sport to its core, confounding experts, criminal science, celebrities, and bridge aficionados worldwide.
Produced by Yes Docu, “Dirty Tricks” also sheds light on the billionaires who...
- 3/31/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Good Deed Entertainment has nabbed North American rights to “Ma Belle, My Beauty,” a queer polyamorous love story that was embraced by critics when it debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The film, which marks Marion Hill’s directorial feature film debut, won the Audience Award in the Next category at the festival. It will next screen at the South by Southwest Film Festival in the “Festival Favorites” section.
“Ma Belle, My Beauty” unfolds in the south of France, and follows the love story of Lane (Hannah Pepper), Bertie (Idella Johnson) and Fred (Lucien Guignard). In a positive review, Variety‘s Lisa Kennedy commended Hill’s direction and noted the romantic atmosphere that she evoked.
“‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’ is lovely, not least because it was filmed in and around the book-me-a-flight village of Anduze near the Cévennes mountains,” Kennedy wrote. “Hill and cinematographer Lauren Guiteras seize the...
The film, which marks Marion Hill’s directorial feature film debut, won the Audience Award in the Next category at the festival. It will next screen at the South by Southwest Film Festival in the “Festival Favorites” section.
“Ma Belle, My Beauty” unfolds in the south of France, and follows the love story of Lane (Hannah Pepper), Bertie (Idella Johnson) and Fred (Lucien Guignard). In a positive review, Variety‘s Lisa Kennedy commended Hill’s direction and noted the romantic atmosphere that she evoked.
“‘Ma Belle, My Beauty’ is lovely, not least because it was filmed in and around the book-me-a-flight village of Anduze near the Cévennes mountains,” Kennedy wrote. “Hill and cinematographer Lauren Guiteras seize the...
- 2/18/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood is no stranger to competing projects that are each racing to be first or to be the definitive story, be it two Fyre Fest documentaries, two biopics about Steve Jobs or two different “Jungle Books.” But the number of projects surrounding GameStop and the investors on Reddit’s WallStreetBets is unheard of.
TheWrap counts a whopping eight different projects all announced within the last few weeks that aim to focus on how GameStop, labeled a “meme stock” by independent online traders, surged by 1500% in market share before the price came crashing down again. Those come in the form of narrative feature films as well as documentary features and series that all want to cash in on the story of the traders who really did manage to cash in.
It’s no wonder there’s so much interest; the story is a good one. Individual, amateur investors found an opportunity...
TheWrap counts a whopping eight different projects all announced within the last few weeks that aim to focus on how GameStop, labeled a “meme stock” by independent online traders, surged by 1500% in market share before the price came crashing down again. Those come in the form of narrative feature films as well as documentary features and series that all want to cash in on the story of the traders who really did manage to cash in.
It’s no wonder there’s so much interest; the story is a good one. Individual, amateur investors found an opportunity...
- 2/15/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Even with the GameStop-Wall Street saga still unfolding, Console Wars director Jonah Tulis has started production on a feature documentary chronicling the Reddit-fueled frenzy that saw retail traders team send select stocks like GameStop and AMC Entertainment soaring. It’s the latest project to emerge about the fast-moving, stock-market-shaking phenomenon.
The feature-length film, which is fully financed and already in production, will feature many of the key players who believed in the value of GameStop and leveraged the power of social media platforms and online trading to spark the short-squeeze surge that continues to disrupt the markets and roil institutional investors. They include a Midwestern father of two whose contrarian research helped propel the big bet against Wall Street, and an amateur investor who put her life savings on the line riding GameStop stock to the moon.
Dan Braun, Ben Braun, Matt Burke, and Josh Braun of Submarine...
The feature-length film, which is fully financed and already in production, will feature many of the key players who believed in the value of GameStop and leveraged the power of social media platforms and online trading to spark the short-squeeze surge that continues to disrupt the markets and roil institutional investors. They include a Midwestern father of two whose contrarian research helped propel the big bet against Wall Street, and an amateur investor who put her life savings on the line riding GameStop stock to the moon.
Dan Braun, Ben Braun, Matt Burke, and Josh Braun of Submarine...
- 2/5/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Film Independent has selected the 10 projects and 19 participants for its inaugural Docuseries Intensive. CNN Original Series is backing the 2020 Film Independent Docuseries Intensive — which is only appropriate considering its the home of award-winning series such as Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell and This is Life with Lisa Ling.
The Docuseries Intensive is a three-day remote workshop that will give filmmakers the tools and access needed to develop and present their nonfiction series to potential collaborators working in the series space. Through executive and peer mentorship, workshopping and fostering industry connections, Fellows will get a deeper understanding of how the business works, as well as having tangible next steps to move their projects forward.
The program will elaborate on a range of topics, from funding and development to marketing and distribution. Networking and pitch events will offer Fellows the opportunity to introduce themselves and...
The Docuseries Intensive is a three-day remote workshop that will give filmmakers the tools and access needed to develop and present their nonfiction series to potential collaborators working in the series space. Through executive and peer mentorship, workshopping and fostering industry connections, Fellows will get a deeper understanding of how the business works, as well as having tangible next steps to move their projects forward.
The program will elaborate on a range of topics, from funding and development to marketing and distribution. Networking and pitch events will offer Fellows the opportunity to introduce themselves and...
- 10/8/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Denny Tedesco scored with his 2008 film “The Wrecking Crew,” his critically praised documentary on the legendary session musicians of the ‘60s who performed with everyone from the Beach Boys and Phil Spector to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley — so it makes perfect sense that he’s begun work on a film about legendary 1970s session musicians called “Immediate Family.”
This crew, which backed Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon and countless others, includes guitarists Danny Kortchmar and Waddy Wachtel, bassist Leland Sklar, drummer Russ Kunkel and others.
Kortchmar, Sklar and Kunkel made up three-quarters of The Section, known for their studio and live work in support of some of the top selling singer/songwriters and solo singers of the era, as well as their own instrumental albums. (They were later joined by Wachtel.) Individually or together, in addition to the artists listed above, the musicians worked with Carole King,...
This crew, which backed Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon and countless others, includes guitarists Danny Kortchmar and Waddy Wachtel, bassist Leland Sklar, drummer Russ Kunkel and others.
Kortchmar, Sklar and Kunkel made up three-quarters of The Section, known for their studio and live work in support of some of the top selling singer/songwriters and solo singers of the era, as well as their own instrumental albums. (They were later joined by Wachtel.) Individually or together, in addition to the artists listed above, the musicians worked with Carole King,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin MacLellan is exiting NBCUniversal after nearly two decades.
MacLellan, the chairman of NBCU’s global distribution and international operations, will stay on with the company during the transition period before his official departure. Jeff Shell, chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, made the announcement to staffers in a memo on Wednesday that has been obtained by Variety.
With MacLellan’s departure, Shell announced that NBCU is merging its domestic and international operations to “take advantage of our increased international footprint and the growing number of platforms for our content,” per the memo.
Under the new structure, Bonnie Hammer will take on oversight of NBCU’s International Studios. Jeff Wachtel, who previously reported to MacLellan, will now report to Hammer and George Cheeks. The news comes just weeks after it was announced that Hammer would be overseeing all broadcast and cable studio operations via Universal TV and Universal Content Productions.
MacLellan, the chairman of NBCU’s global distribution and international operations, will stay on with the company during the transition period before his official departure. Jeff Shell, chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, made the announcement to staffers in a memo on Wednesday that has been obtained by Variety.
With MacLellan’s departure, Shell announced that NBCU is merging its domestic and international operations to “take advantage of our increased international footprint and the growing number of platforms for our content,” per the memo.
Under the new structure, Bonnie Hammer will take on oversight of NBCU’s International Studios. Jeff Wachtel, who previously reported to MacLellan, will now report to Hammer and George Cheeks. The news comes just weeks after it was announced that Hammer would be overseeing all broadcast and cable studio operations via Universal TV and Universal Content Productions.
- 10/30/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal is merging its domestic and international divisions, with Kevin MacLellan, chairman of NBCU’s global distribution and international operations, set to exit the company.
Before he ends his nearly two-decade career with the company, MacLellan will work with NBCU film and entertainment chairman Jeff Shell and chairman of NBCU’s international group and Telemundo, Cesar Conde, on a transition plan.
Recently appointed NBCUniversal Content Studios chairman Bonnie Hammer, who was formerly in charge of the company’s forthcoming streaming service Peacock and is now heading up both Universal Television and Universal Content Productions, will oversee the international studio following MacLellan’s exit.
Also Read: NBCU Shuffle: Bonnie Hammer to Oversee Combined Studios, Matt Strauss Gets Peacock, Paul Telegdy Will Chair NBC Solo
“In light of Kevin’s departure, we have reassessed our international organizational structure,” Shell said in an internal memo announcing the news to staff on Wednesday. “With...
Before he ends his nearly two-decade career with the company, MacLellan will work with NBCU film and entertainment chairman Jeff Shell and chairman of NBCU’s international group and Telemundo, Cesar Conde, on a transition plan.
Recently appointed NBCUniversal Content Studios chairman Bonnie Hammer, who was formerly in charge of the company’s forthcoming streaming service Peacock and is now heading up both Universal Television and Universal Content Productions, will oversee the international studio following MacLellan’s exit.
Also Read: NBCU Shuffle: Bonnie Hammer to Oversee Combined Studios, Matt Strauss Gets Peacock, Paul Telegdy Will Chair NBC Solo
“In light of Kevin’s departure, we have reassessed our international organizational structure,” Shell said in an internal memo announcing the news to staff on Wednesday. “With...
- 10/30/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal international chief Kevin MacLellan is to leave the Hollywood studio and his departure will see the company “more closely align” its U.S. and international operations.
MacLellan has been with Comcast since 2001 and was most recently Chairman of Global Distribution and International.
Jeff Shell, Chairman, NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, in a note to staff, said that he was “disappointed” to reveal MacLellan’s exit. “Kevin MacLellan has made the difficult decision to leave the company and is ready to move on to his next challenge. Kevin and I have worked closely together for over 14 years, during which time he has always been a trusted friend and advisor,” he wrote.
MacLellan advised on Comcast’s acquisition of Sky, launched streaming service hayu in 14 countries and oversaw the company’s international studios business, which includes Downton Abbey producer Carnival. “We are sorry to see him go, but look forward to seeing...
MacLellan has been with Comcast since 2001 and was most recently Chairman of Global Distribution and International.
Jeff Shell, Chairman, NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, in a note to staff, said that he was “disappointed” to reveal MacLellan’s exit. “Kevin MacLellan has made the difficult decision to leave the company and is ready to move on to his next challenge. Kevin and I have worked closely together for over 14 years, during which time he has always been a trusted friend and advisor,” he wrote.
MacLellan advised on Comcast’s acquisition of Sky, launched streaming service hayu in 14 countries and oversaw the company’s international studios business, which includes Downton Abbey producer Carnival. “We are sorry to see him go, but look forward to seeing...
- 10/30/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Aidc CEO and conference director Alice Burgin.
The 2018 Australian International Documentary Conference (Aidc), with the theme ‘Southern Exposure’, had a local slant. So when preparing this year’s event, conference director and CEO Alice Burgin thought it was appropriate to turn the focus to how the Australian documentary and factual sector fits in internationally: the theme for 2019 is ‘The Bigger Picture’.
In preparing this event, Burgin has put focus on the positive. Rather than looking at threats in the market, she wants to explore the new opportunities that have come about now that the dust has somewhat settled on digital disruption. With that, the conference will put a spotlight on international co-production and co-financing.
“Last year I went to a lot of international markets and had a lot of conversations with buyers who are hungry for Australian content. A lot of this [year] is about how do we take Australian stories...
The 2018 Australian International Documentary Conference (Aidc), with the theme ‘Southern Exposure’, had a local slant. So when preparing this year’s event, conference director and CEO Alice Burgin thought it was appropriate to turn the focus to how the Australian documentary and factual sector fits in internationally: the theme for 2019 is ‘The Bigger Picture’.
In preparing this event, Burgin has put focus on the positive. Rather than looking at threats in the market, she wants to explore the new opportunities that have come about now that the dust has somewhat settled on digital disruption. With that, the conference will put a spotlight on international co-production and co-financing.
“Last year I went to a lot of international markets and had a lot of conversations with buyers who are hungry for Australian content. A lot of this [year] is about how do we take Australian stories...
- 2/19/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Kim Longinotto’s Shooting the Mafia, a documentary about photojournalist Letizia Battaglia’s coverage of organized crime in Italy, has been acquired by Cohen Media Group. The film had its world premiere last month in the World Cinema Documentary competition at the Sundance Film Festival and just screened at the Berlin Film Festival. The deal is for U.S. distribution rights; no release plans were announced.
The pic uses Battaglia’s black-and-white photographs and rare archival film to tell the story of a woman whose bravery and defiance helped expose the Sicilian Mafia’s brutal crimes. “Kim Longinotto’s film is a stirring tribute to the remarkable Letizia Battaglia, who put herself at great personal risk to document appalling crime and its victims,” Gmg owner, chairman and CEO Charles S. Cohen said in the release announcing the deal Wednesday.
The Screen Ireland/Lunar Pictures film is produced by Niamh Fagan.
The pic uses Battaglia’s black-and-white photographs and rare archival film to tell the story of a woman whose bravery and defiance helped expose the Sicilian Mafia’s brutal crimes. “Kim Longinotto’s film is a stirring tribute to the remarkable Letizia Battaglia, who put herself at great personal risk to document appalling crime and its victims,” Gmg owner, chairman and CEO Charles S. Cohen said in the release announcing the deal Wednesday.
The Screen Ireland/Lunar Pictures film is produced by Niamh Fagan.
- 2/13/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic Films has acquired the worldwide rights to “Sea of Shadows,” an award-winning Sundance documentary executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, the company announced Monday.
The documentary premiered on Jan. 27 at the Sundance Film Festival and played and won the Audience Award for a documentary from the festival. Richard Ladkani directs the film along with Terra Mater Factual Studios in association with Leonardo DiCaprio and Appian Way, Malaika Pictures and Wild Lens Collective.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Josh Braun, Ben Braun, Matt Burke and Ben Schwartz of Submarine.
“Sea of Shadows” examines an environmental crisis formed as a result of actions by Mexican drug cartels and the Chinese mafia. The film looks at the Sea of Cortez, which is collapsing as a result of the hunting of a valuable fish called totoaba...
The documentary premiered on Jan. 27 at the Sundance Film Festival and played and won the Audience Award for a documentary from the festival. Richard Ladkani directs the film along with Terra Mater Factual Studios in association with Leonardo DiCaprio and Appian Way, Malaika Pictures and Wild Lens Collective.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Josh Braun, Ben Braun, Matt Burke and Ben Schwartz of Submarine.
“Sea of Shadows” examines an environmental crisis formed as a result of actions by Mexican drug cartels and the Chinese mafia. The film looks at the Sea of Cortez, which is collapsing as a result of the hunting of a valuable fish called totoaba...
- 2/4/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
National Geographic Documentary Films acquired the Richard Ladkani-directed documentary Sea of Shadows in a $3 million worldwide deal. The film just won the Sundance Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary and becomes just the latest of an avalanche of distribution deals at Sundance. Pic’s produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios in association with Leonardo DiCaprio and Appian Way, Malaika Pictures and Wild Lens Collective. The deal was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Josh Braun, Ben Braun, Matt Burke and Ben
Schwartz of Submarine. Pic premiered Sunday, January 27 at the Prospector Square Theater.
The docu is framed as a tense thriller that spotlights a rescue mission to save a collapsing ecosystem and
with it, the vaquita – the most endangered and elusive whale on earth. In the Sea of Cortez, a war is being waged by Mexican drug cartels and Chinese traffickers. A native species of fish, the totoaba,...
Schwartz of Submarine. Pic premiered Sunday, January 27 at the Prospector Square Theater.
The docu is framed as a tense thriller that spotlights a rescue mission to save a collapsing ecosystem and
with it, the vaquita – the most endangered and elusive whale on earth. In the Sea of Cortez, a war is being waged by Mexican drug cartels and Chinese traffickers. A native species of fish, the totoaba,...
- 2/4/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios has acquired the documentary “One Child Nation,” which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it world premiered.
All rights are included, with the exception of Us TV, and TV rights in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, UK, Netherlands and Scandinavia (excluding Finland).
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang, “One Child Nation” chronicles the trauma caused be China’s population control measure that made it illegal for couples to have more than one child, which ended in 2015.
Also Read: IFC Films Acquires Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes Sundance Film 'Official Secrets'
“The sweeping “One Child Nation” explores the ripple effect of this devastating social experiment, uncovering one shocking human rights violation after another — from abandoned newborns, to forced sterilizations and abortions, and government abductions,” the official description reads.
“Wang digs fearlessly into her own personal life, weaving her experience as a new mother...
All rights are included, with the exception of Us TV, and TV rights in Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, UK, Netherlands and Scandinavia (excluding Finland).
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang, “One Child Nation” chronicles the trauma caused be China’s population control measure that made it illegal for couples to have more than one child, which ended in 2015.
Also Read: IFC Films Acquires Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes Sundance Film 'Official Secrets'
“The sweeping “One Child Nation” explores the ripple effect of this devastating social experiment, uncovering one shocking human rights violation after another — from abandoned newborns, to forced sterilizations and abortions, and government abductions,” the official description reads.
“Wang digs fearlessly into her own personal life, weaving her experience as a new mother...
- 2/3/2019
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios strikes again.
The digital giant picked up global rights to “One Child Nation,” a documentary about China’s policy of forcibly restricting family size that debuted to great acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The deal is said to be in the high-six figures.
The sale comes on the heels of the film’s grand jury prize triumph — “One Child Nation” won the top honor for documentary filmmaking at Saturday’s award ceremony as negotiations were wrapping up.
It has been a busy festival for Amazon. The company shelled out $14 million for “The Report,” a political thriller with Adam Driver; it dropped $5 million on the Shia Labeouf drama/cinematic therapy session “Honey Boy;” it dropped $14 million for the self-improvement comedy “Brittany Runs a Marathon;” and it wrote a $13 million check for “Late Night,” a buzzy look at diversity in writer’s rooms that stars Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson.
The digital giant picked up global rights to “One Child Nation,” a documentary about China’s policy of forcibly restricting family size that debuted to great acclaim at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The deal is said to be in the high-six figures.
The sale comes on the heels of the film’s grand jury prize triumph — “One Child Nation” won the top honor for documentary filmmaking at Saturday’s award ceremony as negotiations were wrapping up.
It has been a busy festival for Amazon. The company shelled out $14 million for “The Report,” a political thriller with Adam Driver; it dropped $5 million on the Shia Labeouf drama/cinematic therapy session “Honey Boy;” it dropped $14 million for the self-improvement comedy “Brittany Runs a Marathon;” and it wrote a $13 million check for “Late Night,” a buzzy look at diversity in writer’s rooms that stars Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson.
- 2/3/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American theatrical and VOD rights to the Scott Christopherson documentary The Insufferable Groo. The docu follows a low budget indie filmmaker Stephen Groo who sets off to cast Jack Black in his newest feature film about an elf-human love story. The Insufferable Groo will open in select theaters in December and on demand December 14.
The Insufferable Groo made its world premiere at the Sheffield Doc/Fest earlier this year and recently played at Doc NYC.
The documentary follows Utah-based filmmaker Groo, a self-proclaimed auteur, narrowing in on his 200th film in 20 years. His oeuvre of outlandishly awful genre films has managed to attract admirers like Napoleon Dynamite’s Jared Hess and Jack Black, but Groo has never made a dime off of his work, leaving his wife to provide for their family of four small boys. As Groo attempts to make his latest opus,...
The Insufferable Groo made its world premiere at the Sheffield Doc/Fest earlier this year and recently played at Doc NYC.
The documentary follows Utah-based filmmaker Groo, a self-proclaimed auteur, narrowing in on his 200th film in 20 years. His oeuvre of outlandishly awful genre films has managed to attract admirers like Napoleon Dynamite’s Jared Hess and Jack Black, but Groo has never made a dime off of his work, leaving his wife to provide for their family of four small boys. As Groo attempts to make his latest opus,...
- 11/15/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the global rights to director Theo Love’s documentary feature “The Legend of Cocaine Island.”
The film, previously titled “White Tide: The Legend of Culebra,” earned high praise after it premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
In “The Legend of Cocaine Island,” a small-business owner and family man comes across the legend of a buried stash of cocaine worth $2 million hidden in the Caribbean. Having been wiped out during the Great Recession, he hatches a plan to retrieve the buried loot, using the talents of a band of colorful misfits. But without prior drug-running experience, trouble (and laughter) ensues.
“We didn’t set out to make a documentary in the traditional sense. We wanted to make a movie. A big fat, entertaining movie.” said Love. “I grew up thinking documentaries had to be boring, stuffy, educational films, but then I got my Netflix subscription. Netflix changed the...
The film, previously titled “White Tide: The Legend of Culebra,” earned high praise after it premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.
In “The Legend of Cocaine Island,” a small-business owner and family man comes across the legend of a buried stash of cocaine worth $2 million hidden in the Caribbean. Having been wiped out during the Great Recession, he hatches a plan to retrieve the buried loot, using the talents of a band of colorful misfits. But without prior drug-running experience, trouble (and laughter) ensues.
“We didn’t set out to make a documentary in the traditional sense. We wanted to make a movie. A big fat, entertaining movie.” said Love. “I grew up thinking documentaries had to be boring, stuffy, educational films, but then I got my Netflix subscription. Netflix changed the...
- 9/5/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Neon has acquired the worldwide theatrical rights to Todd Douglas Miller’s documentary “Apollo 11.”
The deal was announced on Friday, the 49th anniversary of the 1969 landing of the Apollo 11 on the moon by mission commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin.
The film features never-before-seen, large-format film footage. “Apollo 11” is executive produced by CNN Films, which will retain the U.S. television rights, and is produced by Miller’s Statement Pictures.
The feature is currently in post-production. Producers for Statement Pictures include Miller and Thomas Petersen. Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton of CNN Films are executive producers.
Miller produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary “Dinosaur 13,” which was also executive produced by CNN Films. That film told the story of the discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found. “Dinosaur 13” had its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
“Apollo 11” is the second film distribution collaboration...
The deal was announced on Friday, the 49th anniversary of the 1969 landing of the Apollo 11 on the moon by mission commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin.
The film features never-before-seen, large-format film footage. “Apollo 11” is executive produced by CNN Films, which will retain the U.S. television rights, and is produced by Miller’s Statement Pictures.
The feature is currently in post-production. Producers for Statement Pictures include Miller and Thomas Petersen. Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton of CNN Films are executive producers.
Miller produced the Emmy Award-winning documentary “Dinosaur 13,” which was also executive produced by CNN Films. That film told the story of the discovery of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever found. “Dinosaur 13” had its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
“Apollo 11” is the second film distribution collaboration...
- 7/20/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Neon has picked up worldwide theatrical rights to Todd Douglas Miller’s cinematic space event documentary, Apollo 11. According to producers, the film about the Nasa space mission to the moon features “never-before-seen, large-format film footage.”
The docu is executive produced by CNN Films, which will retain the U.S. TV rights, and is produced by Miller’s Statement Pictures. The feature is currently in post-production.
Apollo 11 is the second film distribution collaboration between Neon and CNN Films in 2018. Earlier this year, the two companies announced their shared distribution of Three Identical Strangers, the Sundance documentary about triplets separated at birth and then reunited as adults.
Miller is best known for Sundance 2014 documentary Dinosaur 13, which was also executive-produced by CNN Films.
The deal, whose announcement coincides with today’s 49th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, was negotiated by Josh Braun of Submarine; Stacey Wolf, vice president of...
The docu is executive produced by CNN Films, which will retain the U.S. TV rights, and is produced by Miller’s Statement Pictures. The feature is currently in post-production.
Apollo 11 is the second film distribution collaboration between Neon and CNN Films in 2018. Earlier this year, the two companies announced their shared distribution of Three Identical Strangers, the Sundance documentary about triplets separated at birth and then reunited as adults.
Miller is best known for Sundance 2014 documentary Dinosaur 13, which was also executive-produced by CNN Films.
The deal, whose announcement coincides with today’s 49th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, was negotiated by Josh Braun of Submarine; Stacey Wolf, vice president of...
- 7/20/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Neon Films has acquired the worldwide theatrical rights to Todd Douglas Miller’s “Apollo 11” documentary.
CNN Films will retain domestic TV rights to the State Pictures production, which features never-before-seen, large-format film footage of the moon landing mission.
“Apollo 11” is currently in post-production. Producers for Statement Pictures include Miller and Thomas Petersen. Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton of CNN Films are executive producers.
Watch a teaser above.
Also Read: Roseanne Barr Defends Valerie Jarrett Tweet: 'I Thought the Bitch Was White!' (Video)
Miller won an Emmy for his “Dinosaur 13” doc, which was also executive produced by CNN Films.
“Apollo 11” is the second film distribution collaboration between Neon and CNN Films this year. Previously, the two teamed up on “Three Identical Strangers,” which was a darling of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
The deal for “Apollo 11” was negotiated by Josh Braun, Matt Burke and Ben Braun of Submarine,...
CNN Films will retain domestic TV rights to the State Pictures production, which features never-before-seen, large-format film footage of the moon landing mission.
“Apollo 11” is currently in post-production. Producers for Statement Pictures include Miller and Thomas Petersen. Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton of CNN Films are executive producers.
Watch a teaser above.
Also Read: Roseanne Barr Defends Valerie Jarrett Tweet: 'I Thought the Bitch Was White!' (Video)
Miller won an Emmy for his “Dinosaur 13” doc, which was also executive produced by CNN Films.
“Apollo 11” is the second film distribution collaboration between Neon and CNN Films this year. Previously, the two teamed up on “Three Identical Strangers,” which was a darling of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
The deal for “Apollo 11” was negotiated by Josh Braun, Matt Burke and Ben Braun of Submarine,...
- 7/20/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Slamdance crowd-pleaser finds Us home
Source: Slamdance
Sundance Selects has bought Us rights from Submarine to Slamdance opening night crowd-pleaser Pick Of The Litter.
Dana Nachman and Don Hardy directed the film, which follows a litter of five puppies from birth to the day one ‘graduates’ as a Guide Dog
Pick Of The Litter debuted on Friday night in Park City and screened again this morning and will play again on Tuesday.
The directors also served as producers, while Submarine’s Ian Reinhard, Dan Braun and Josh Braun are executive producers.
Arianna Bocco brokered the deal on behalf of Sundance Selects/IFC Films with Matt Burke, Josh Braun and Ben Braun of worldwide rights holder Submarine for the filmmakers.
Slamdance has premiered crossover crowd-pleasers in the past, notably Mad Hot Ballroom, which Paramount Classics acquired for the world in 2005. The film went on to gross $8.2m at the North American box office.
Source: Slamdance
Sundance Selects has bought Us rights from Submarine to Slamdance opening night crowd-pleaser Pick Of The Litter.
Dana Nachman and Don Hardy directed the film, which follows a litter of five puppies from birth to the day one ‘graduates’ as a Guide Dog
Pick Of The Litter debuted on Friday night in Park City and screened again this morning and will play again on Tuesday.
The directors also served as producers, while Submarine’s Ian Reinhard, Dan Braun and Josh Braun are executive producers.
Arianna Bocco brokered the deal on behalf of Sundance Selects/IFC Films with Matt Burke, Josh Braun and Ben Braun of worldwide rights holder Submarine for the filmmakers.
Slamdance has premiered crossover crowd-pleasers in the past, notably Mad Hot Ballroom, which Paramount Classics acquired for the world in 2005. The film went on to gross $8.2m at the North American box office.
- 1/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Universal Brand Development has appointed two executives to its leadership team, the company announced Tuesday. Universal Pictures’ former Svp of strategic planning, Ben Braun, will join the brand development team as chief financial officer, where he will be responsible for managing the financial planning and analytics team as well as serve as controller for the division. Before joining Universal, Braun was head of business and corporate development for DreamWorks Animation. He also spent nine years as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley where he most recently served as executive director. He will transition into his new role in November. Also Read: Universal.
- 10/3/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Universal Brand Development has appointed two executives to its leadership team, the company announced Tuesday. Universal Pictures’ former Svp of strategic planning, Ben Braun, will join the brand development team as chief financial officer, where he will be responsible for managing the financial planning and analytics team as well as serve as controller for the division. Before joining Universal, Braun was head of business and corporate development for DreamWorks Animation. He also spent nine years as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley where he most recently served as executive director. He will transition into his new role in November. Also Read: Universal.
- 10/3/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Theatrical releases can still work for documentaries, argued the Doc/Fest panel.
In a panel at Sheffield Doc/Fest, experts from the American documentary sector said Netflix or Amazon are not always the best options for releasing documentary features.
The panellists were: Ben Braun from New York-based production, distribution and sales agency Submarine, Marie Nelson from PBS, Simon Chinn from London and La-based production company Lightbox, Molly Thompson from A&E IndieFilms and Mark Leaver from department for international trade.
Thompson said she was proud that A&E IndieFilm partnered with theatrical distributors for projects like The Imposter, Cartel Land (pictured) and Matthew Heineman’s follow-up City of Ghosts (screening at Doc/Fest) before their respective VOD and television premieres.
“I have seen great films that went on Svod immediately, and they disappeared quickly. How many people actually saw Nina [Simone] or 13th in theatres? I think that is a shame,” said Thompson...
In a panel at Sheffield Doc/Fest, experts from the American documentary sector said Netflix or Amazon are not always the best options for releasing documentary features.
The panellists were: Ben Braun from New York-based production, distribution and sales agency Submarine, Marie Nelson from PBS, Simon Chinn from London and La-based production company Lightbox, Molly Thompson from A&E IndieFilms and Mark Leaver from department for international trade.
Thompson said she was proud that A&E IndieFilm partnered with theatrical distributors for projects like The Imposter, Cartel Land (pictured) and Matthew Heineman’s follow-up City of Ghosts (screening at Doc/Fest) before their respective VOD and television premieres.
“I have seen great films that went on Svod immediately, and they disappeared quickly. How many people actually saw Nina [Simone] or 13th in theatres? I think that is a shame,” said Thompson...
- 6/13/2017
- ScreenDaily
Documentary to premiere at Tribeca on April 22.
Gravitas Ventures has taken North American theatrical and streaming rights and CNN Films has acquired North American broadcast rights to The Reagan Show.
Pacho Velez and Sierra Pettengill co-directed the documentary from a script by Velez, Josh Alexander and Francisco Bello.
The Reagan Show will premiere in documentary competition at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 22 and is presented entirely through archival footage.
The film chronicles the 40th Us President Ronald Reagan’s previously unprecedented use of film crews and photographers to document the office of the president.
The Reagan Show will open theatrically on June 30, with VOD and home video release set for July 4. The broadcast premiere on CNN will follow the North American theatrical and video release.
“These tapes allow us to track Reagan through the end of the Cold War – with all its confusion, fear, humor and, above all, irony,” said Pettengill...
Gravitas Ventures has taken North American theatrical and streaming rights and CNN Films has acquired North American broadcast rights to The Reagan Show.
Pacho Velez and Sierra Pettengill co-directed the documentary from a script by Velez, Josh Alexander and Francisco Bello.
The Reagan Show will premiere in documentary competition at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 22 and is presented entirely through archival footage.
The film chronicles the 40th Us President Ronald Reagan’s previously unprecedented use of film crews and photographers to document the office of the president.
The Reagan Show will open theatrically on June 30, with VOD and home video release set for July 4. The broadcast premiere on CNN will follow the North American theatrical and video release.
“These tapes allow us to track Reagan through the end of the Cold War – with all its confusion, fear, humor and, above all, irony,” said Pettengill...
- 4/17/2017
- ScreenDaily
PBS series Independent Lens takes Us broadcast rights.
FilmRise has added recent SXSW world premiere I Am Another You to its distribution pipeline following a North American deal with Submarine.
Nanfu Wang’s follow-up to Hooligan Sparrow profiles the life and mysterious history of a drifter Wang meets in the Us.
I Am Another You won the SXSW special jury award for excellence in documentary storytelling and the SXSW Luna Chicken & Egg Award, a special prize for the best documentary directed by a woman.
The film will get a theatrical release in late 2017 and air on Independent Lens in early 2018.
It will also be available to stream next year on Amazon Prime Video after FilmRise opted in to Amazon Video Direct’s Film Festival Stars programme to provide a distribution channel for festival selections.
I Am Another You is a Little Horse Crossing the River Production in association with Hard Working Movies. Wang and [link...
FilmRise has added recent SXSW world premiere I Am Another You to its distribution pipeline following a North American deal with Submarine.
Nanfu Wang’s follow-up to Hooligan Sparrow profiles the life and mysterious history of a drifter Wang meets in the Us.
I Am Another You won the SXSW special jury award for excellence in documentary storytelling and the SXSW Luna Chicken & Egg Award, a special prize for the best documentary directed by a woman.
The film will get a theatrical release in late 2017 and air on Independent Lens in early 2018.
It will also be available to stream next year on Amazon Prime Video after FilmRise opted in to Amazon Video Direct’s Film Festival Stars programme to provide a distribution channel for festival selections.
I Am Another You is a Little Horse Crossing the River Production in association with Hard Working Movies. Wang and [link...
- 4/12/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Orchard has acquired the North American distribution rights to the documentary “Dina,” which won the Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Documentary Grand Jury Prize. The film explores the unconventional romance between Dina, a 49-year-old in suburban Philadelphia, and her fiancé Scott, a Walmart door greeter. “Dina” chronicles their evolving relationship as it develops.
Read More: Sundance 2017 Award Winners: ‘I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore,’ ‘Dina’ and More Pick Up Grand Jury Prizes
Directed and produced by Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini, the film is executive produced aby Christine Vachon, Robert Fernandez, Dan Levinson, Dan Cogan, Jenny Raskin and Stephanie Choate.
“’Dina’ is a masterful film that achieves cinematic artistry — from cinematography to editing — while capturing a universal story of love, second chances, and at its core, the strength of a remarkable and unforgettable woman,” Danielle Digiacomo, vice president of acquisitions at The Orchard, said in a statement.
Read More: Sundance 2017 Award Winners: ‘I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore,’ ‘Dina’ and More Pick Up Grand Jury Prizes
Directed and produced by Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini, the film is executive produced aby Christine Vachon, Robert Fernandez, Dan Levinson, Dan Cogan, Jenny Raskin and Stephanie Choate.
“’Dina’ is a masterful film that achieves cinematic artistry — from cinematography to editing — while capturing a universal story of love, second chances, and at its core, the strength of a remarkable and unforgettable woman,” Danielle Digiacomo, vice president of acquisitions at The Orchard, said in a statement.
- 2/1/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
The North American deal understood to be a little over $2m was announced before the Friday world premiere of Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau’s U.S. Documentary Competition selection.
The Orchard will handle all North American distribution excluding broadcast and plans a theatrical release later this year on a minimum of 150 screens.
CNN will air the documentary later this year. It is understood a studio international deal is in the works.
Lauren Haber and Pulse Films’ Julia Nottingham produced the film about the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation. Production companies include Reel Peak Films and Impact Partners.
The Orchard’s vice-president of acquisitions Danielle Digiacomo and CNN Films vice-president for business affairs Stacey Wolf and CNN Films vice-president for content development Courtney Sexton brokered the deal.
Negotiating for the Trophy filmmakers were Josh Braun and Ben Braun of Submarine, UTA Independent Film Group, and Anita Surendran of Gray Krauss Stratford Sandler Des Rochers.
Executive...
The Orchard will handle all North American distribution excluding broadcast and plans a theatrical release later this year on a minimum of 150 screens.
CNN will air the documentary later this year. It is understood a studio international deal is in the works.
Lauren Haber and Pulse Films’ Julia Nottingham produced the film about the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation. Production companies include Reel Peak Films and Impact Partners.
The Orchard’s vice-president of acquisitions Danielle Digiacomo and CNN Films vice-president for business affairs Stacey Wolf and CNN Films vice-president for content development Courtney Sexton brokered the deal.
Negotiating for the Trophy filmmakers were Josh Braun and Ben Braun of Submarine, UTA Independent Film Group, and Anita Surendran of Gray Krauss Stratford Sandler Des Rochers.
Executive...
- 1/20/2017
- ScreenDaily
The Orchard and CNN Films have acquired the North American rights to the Sundance entry “Trophy,” directed by Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau. The Orchard is taking all North American rights except broadcast, which will be handled by CNN. A studio is in the process of negotiating international rights to the film.
The acquisition comes on the day of the premiere of the movie, which was produced by Lauren Haber and Julia Nottingham of Pulse Films and screens in Sundance’s U.S. Documentary Competition section.
“Trophy” is a “startling exploration of the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation,” and will be released this year on at least 150 screens, according to The Orchard. The film looks at endangered African species like elephants, rhinos and lions, and investigates the industries of big-game hunting, breeding and wildlife conservation to ask the question: What are the implications of treating animals as commodities?...
The acquisition comes on the day of the premiere of the movie, which was produced by Lauren Haber and Julia Nottingham of Pulse Films and screens in Sundance’s U.S. Documentary Competition section.
“Trophy” is a “startling exploration of the evolving relationship between big-game hunting and wildlife conservation,” and will be released this year on at least 150 screens, according to The Orchard. The film looks at endangered African species like elephants, rhinos and lions, and investigates the industries of big-game hunting, breeding and wildlife conservation to ask the question: What are the implications of treating animals as commodities?...
- 1/20/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
The popular documentary from New Zealanders David Farrier and Dylan Reeve played in World Cinema Documentary Competition.
Magnolia has acquired North American distribution and international sales rights excluding Australia and New Zealand, while HBO picked up Us television rights.
Christina Rogers of Magnolia International will introduce to buyers at the Efm in Berlin next month.
Tickled tells of a New Zealand journalist (Farrier) who stumbles upon a competitive endurance tickling competition that houses a dark secret. Carthew Neal produced.
Josh Braun of Submarine negotiated the HBO deal and Braun, Matt Burke, Dan Braun, David Koh and Ben Braun of Submarine negotiated the Magnolia deal with svp of acquisitions Dori Begley and vp John Von Thaden.
Magnolia has acquired North American distribution and international sales rights excluding Australia and New Zealand, while HBO picked up Us television rights.
Christina Rogers of Magnolia International will introduce to buyers at the Efm in Berlin next month.
Tickled tells of a New Zealand journalist (Farrier) who stumbles upon a competitive endurance tickling competition that houses a dark secret. Carthew Neal produced.
Josh Braun of Submarine negotiated the HBO deal and Braun, Matt Burke, Dan Braun, David Koh and Ben Braun of Submarine negotiated the Magnolia deal with svp of acquisitions Dori Begley and vp John Von Thaden.
- 1/30/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The distributor has acquired all North American rights to Zachary Treitz’s debut feature and Tribeca 2015 selection.
The 19th century, Kentucky-set Men Go To Battle is styled as a darkly comedic but historically accurate look at two brothers whose escalating pranks are interrupted by the Civil War.
Treitz co-wrote the screenplay with Kate Lyn Sheil. Steven Schardt produced the film, which earned Treitz the best new narrative director prize at the New York festival earlier this year.
Tim Morton, David Maloney and Rachel Korine star.
Film Movement president Michael Rosenberg brokered the dal with Matt Burke, Ben Braun and Josh Braun of Submarine...
The 19th century, Kentucky-set Men Go To Battle is styled as a darkly comedic but historically accurate look at two brothers whose escalating pranks are interrupted by the Civil War.
Treitz co-wrote the screenplay with Kate Lyn Sheil. Steven Schardt produced the film, which earned Treitz the best new narrative director prize at the New York festival earlier this year.
Tim Morton, David Maloney and Rachel Korine star.
Film Movement president Michael Rosenberg brokered the dal with Matt Burke, Ben Braun and Josh Braun of Submarine...
- 7/16/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The distributor has acquired North American rights and will handle international sales on Garrett Bradley’s New Orleans-set feature directorial debut.
Below Dreams (pictured) premiered at Tribeca 2014 and follows a trio of adults in the Big Easy as they pursue, work, stardom and love.
108 Media plans to release the film in Los Angeles on April 10 and New York on April 17 followed by VOD release on April 21. 108 Media also handles international sales.
Below Dreams was produced in New Orleans and supported by New York’s Independent Filmmaker Project.
Abhi Rastogi and Nick Burton of 108 Media negotiated the deal with Rj Millard of Obscured Pictures on behalf of the film-maker.
Gravitas Ventures has picked up Us rights to David T Friendly and Mick Partridge’s recent SXSW premiere Sneakerheadz. The film will receive an autumn theatrical and VOD debut in collaboration with its sponsor At&T, as well as Complex and Submarine Deluxe. Nolan Gallagher brokered...
Below Dreams (pictured) premiered at Tribeca 2014 and follows a trio of adults in the Big Easy as they pursue, work, stardom and love.
108 Media plans to release the film in Los Angeles on April 10 and New York on April 17 followed by VOD release on April 21. 108 Media also handles international sales.
Below Dreams was produced in New Orleans and supported by New York’s Independent Filmmaker Project.
Abhi Rastogi and Nick Burton of 108 Media negotiated the deal with Rj Millard of Obscured Pictures on behalf of the film-maker.
Gravitas Ventures has picked up Us rights to David T Friendly and Mick Partridge’s recent SXSW premiere Sneakerheadz. The film will receive an autumn theatrical and VOD debut in collaboration with its sponsor At&T, as well as Complex and Submarine Deluxe. Nolan Gallagher brokered...
- 3/23/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Sundance Selects has acquired Us rights to George Hencken’s Soul Boys Of The Western World ahead of this weekend’s screening at Doc NYC.
Soul Boys Of The Western World premiered earlier this year at SXSW and tells of the New Romantic band’s rise and features previously unseen footage from the band’s personal archives and interviews with all five members.
The film will open theatrically and on VOD in 2015.
Steve Dagger and Scott Millaney produced the Wellingmax documentary. Search Engine Films has acquired Canadian rights.
Senior vp of acquisitions Arianna Bocco and manager of acquisitions Sean Berney negotiated the deal with Josh Braun and Ben Braun of Submarine Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.
Soul Boys Of The Western World premiered earlier this year at SXSW and tells of the New Romantic band’s rise and features previously unseen footage from the band’s personal archives and interviews with all five members.
The film will open theatrically and on VOD in 2015.
Steve Dagger and Scott Millaney produced the Wellingmax documentary. Search Engine Films has acquired Canadian rights.
Senior vp of acquisitions Arianna Bocco and manager of acquisitions Sean Berney negotiated the deal with Josh Braun and Ben Braun of Submarine Entertainment on behalf of the filmmakers.
- 11/14/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Slamdance documentary Little Hope Was Arson will be distributed by PBS series Independent Lens in conjunction with film and music distributor The Orchard, the film’s producers announced (13).
Independent Lens acquired Us linear broadcast rights and will distribute the film on PBS during the 2014-2015 season. The Orchard holds all Us and Canadian rights outside of linear broadcast.
The documentary, directed by Theo Love, will be theatrically released in New York and Los Angeles and across all major digital outlets as part of The Orchard’s new festival documentary imprint Opus Docs.
“The Orchard is proud to add Little Hope Was Arson to our imprint of carefully curated, acclaimed festival documentaries, Opus Docs,” said Danielle Digiacomo, The Orchard’s head of documentary acquisitions, who negotiated the deal with Zac Bright and Kevin Iwashina of Preferred Content and Josh Braun and Ben Braun of Submarine for the filmmakers.
“It is a gripping, skilfully made film...
Independent Lens acquired Us linear broadcast rights and will distribute the film on PBS during the 2014-2015 season. The Orchard holds all Us and Canadian rights outside of linear broadcast.
The documentary, directed by Theo Love, will be theatrically released in New York and Los Angeles and across all major digital outlets as part of The Orchard’s new festival documentary imprint Opus Docs.
“The Orchard is proud to add Little Hope Was Arson to our imprint of carefully curated, acclaimed festival documentaries, Opus Docs,” said Danielle Digiacomo, The Orchard’s head of documentary acquisitions, who negotiated the deal with Zac Bright and Kevin Iwashina of Preferred Content and Josh Braun and Ben Braun of Submarine for the filmmakers.
“It is a gripping, skilfully made film...
- 5/14/2014
- ScreenDaily
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