Outfest has lined up its opening and closing night films.
The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival — scheduled for July 13-23 and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America — will open with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at the Orpheum Theatre and close with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy at the Montalbán Theatre.
The selections mark the first time in the fest’s history that both the opening and closing night films come from trans filmmakers. Furthermore, both Alberto and Rodgers hail from Outfest’s artist development programs. Alberto participated in the Outfest screenwriting lab in 2007 and has since served as a mentor to young filmmakers in Outfest programs, while Rodgers participated in Outfest’s OutSet filmmaking lab and mentorship program as well as the screenwriting lab in 2021.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the...
The Los Angeles LGBTQ film festival — scheduled for July 13-23 and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America — will open with Aitch Alberto’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at the Orpheum Theatre and close with Sav Rodgers’ Chasing Chasing Amy at the Montalbán Theatre.
The selections mark the first time in the fest’s history that both the opening and closing night films come from trans filmmakers. Furthermore, both Alberto and Rodgers hail from Outfest’s artist development programs. Alberto participated in the Outfest screenwriting lab in 2007 and has since served as a mentor to young filmmakers in Outfest programs, while Rodgers participated in Outfest’s OutSet filmmaking lab and mentorship program as well as the screenwriting lab in 2021.
Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the...
- 6/6/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Today, Outfest announced the Opening and Closing Night gala film selections for the 41st edition of the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival, taking place from July 13 – 23 in Los Angeles, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Genesis Motor America. The festival will open with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, directed by Aitch Alberto, and the 11-day event will close with Chasing Chasing Amy, directed by Sav Rodgers. The Opening Night Gala will screen at the Orpheum Theatre, with the Closing Night Gala screening at The Montalbán Theatre.
This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists, underlining the deep roster of trans, non-binary, and intersex talent working in the entertainment industry as well as the diversity of trans storytelling at this moment in history. These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers,...
This marks the first time in Outfest’s history that both Opening and Closing night will feature films made by trans artists, underlining the deep roster of trans, non-binary, and intersex talent working in the entertainment industry as well as the diversity of trans storytelling at this moment in history. These events also represent a homecoming for both Alberto and Rodgers,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Blue Fox Entertainment has acquired North American rights to “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” a queer coming-of-age story about two teens who form a special bond after a chance meeting one summer. The sale comes a few months after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release of the film this summer, though the exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division is handling the international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, amazing director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we are very proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences across the U.S.,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking her directorial debut. It’s based on...
Blue Fox is planning a wide theatrical release of the film this summer, though the exact date has yet to be determined. Blue Fox’s international division is handling the international sales.
“It’s rare when a best-selling book, talented crew, amazing director and cast all come together to create a ‘must see’ film, and we are very proud to bring ‘Aristotle and Dante’ to audiences across the U.S.,” said Blue Fox executive James Huntsman.
Filmmaker Aitch Alberto wrote and directed “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” marking her directorial debut. It’s based on...
- 4/18/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Outfest has selected ten queer and transgender writers from diverse backgrounds for its 2022 Screenwriting Lab.
The participants workshopping feature-length scripts during the week-long program, taking place virtually from today through Friday, December 9, include Bri J. Hernandez (Boys in Bands), Donovan Tolledo (Fat Lip), James Acker (Sadboi), Joseph Sackett (Cross Pollination), Katie Heaney (My Ex-Wife’s Wedding) and Vernon Jordan, III (Lavender Boy).
Those working on episodic projects are Estevan (Elote Preparado), Paloma Riojas (Shepherd), Riya Saxena (Matchmakers) and Rubén Mendive (Little Village).
Then, there are the thirteen additional Notable Writers selected to receive industry support from Outfest. Those scribes are Adelina Anthony, Adina Kruskal, Chasey Ridgley, Drew Burnett Gregory, Ernesto Martínez, Gerard Shaka, Joseph Pellegrino, Kate Imy, Nathan Pearson, Nick Janaye, Robert Cunningham, Sebastián Rea and Stevie Wain.
Created in 1997 as a screenwriting contest, the Outfest Screenwriting Lab has since become the cornerstone of Outfest’s artist development and education programs.
The participants workshopping feature-length scripts during the week-long program, taking place virtually from today through Friday, December 9, include Bri J. Hernandez (Boys in Bands), Donovan Tolledo (Fat Lip), James Acker (Sadboi), Joseph Sackett (Cross Pollination), Katie Heaney (My Ex-Wife’s Wedding) and Vernon Jordan, III (Lavender Boy).
Those working on episodic projects are Estevan (Elote Preparado), Paloma Riojas (Shepherd), Riya Saxena (Matchmakers) and Rubén Mendive (Little Village).
Then, there are the thirteen additional Notable Writers selected to receive industry support from Outfest. Those scribes are Adelina Anthony, Adina Kruskal, Chasey Ridgley, Drew Burnett Gregory, Ernesto Martínez, Gerard Shaka, Joseph Pellegrino, Kate Imy, Nathan Pearson, Nick Janaye, Robert Cunningham, Sebastián Rea and Stevie Wain.
Created in 1997 as a screenwriting contest, the Outfest Screenwriting Lab has since become the cornerstone of Outfest’s artist development and education programs.
- 12/5/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Samuel Goldwyn Films has picked up North American rights to Kyra Sedgwick’s second feature directorial, Space Oddity, based on Rebecca Banner’s Black List script.
Planets and lives collide as Alex (Kyle Allen) longs to travel to outer space and finally gets the opportunity to do so thanks to a privately-funded Mars colonization program. In the midst of his rigorous preparation, he meets Daisy (Alexandra Shipp), the new girl in town who’s trying to start over. The two wayward souls connect in unexpected ways, both of them harboring secrets that they’re desperately trying to overcome. However, when questions about the legitimacy of the program and the future of his parents’ flower farm begin to crop up, Alex finds himself questioning whether it’s easier to confront his past or fly away into the stars. The movie also stars Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale), Carrie Preston (The Good Fight...
Planets and lives collide as Alex (Kyle Allen) longs to travel to outer space and finally gets the opportunity to do so thanks to a privately-funded Mars colonization program. In the midst of his rigorous preparation, he meets Daisy (Alexandra Shipp), the new girl in town who’s trying to start over. The two wayward souls connect in unexpected ways, both of them harboring secrets that they’re desperately trying to overcome. However, when questions about the legitimacy of the program and the future of his parents’ flower farm begin to crop up, Alex finds himself questioning whether it’s easier to confront his past or fly away into the stars. The movie also stars Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale), Carrie Preston (The Good Fight...
- 11/1/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kyle Allen, Alexandra Shipp, Kevin Bacon star in Big Swing Productions family film.
Blue Fox Entertainment has bulked up its AFM slate and added international sales rights to Tribeca 2022 family film Space Oddity, directed by Kyra Sedgwick and featuring a cast that includes Kyle Allen, Alexandra Shipp, and Kevin Bacon.
Allen stars in the Big Swing Productions feature as Alex, who longs to travel into space and finally gets his opportunity thanks to a privately funded Mars colony programme. During rigorous preparation he meets Daisy (Shipp), a new girl in town, and the pair connect.
When questions about the legitimacy...
Blue Fox Entertainment has bulked up its AFM slate and added international sales rights to Tribeca 2022 family film Space Oddity, directed by Kyra Sedgwick and featuring a cast that includes Kyle Allen, Alexandra Shipp, and Kevin Bacon.
Allen stars in the Big Swing Productions feature as Alex, who longs to travel into space and finally gets his opportunity thanks to a privately funded Mars colony programme. During rigorous preparation he meets Daisy (Shipp), a new girl in town, and the pair connect.
When questions about the legitimacy...
- 10/26/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
This year’s fall festival circuit has been everything, everywhere, all at once, it seems.
The 2022 Film Independent Forum announced that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” writer/directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as Daniels, will kick off the conference with a keynote.
Opening night on October 24 will also include a screening of A24’s “The Inspection,” followed by a Q&a with director Elegance Bratton, Gamechanger’s CEO/producer Effie T. Brown, and producer Chester Algernal Gordon.
The Film Independent Forum event starts October 24 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles. The conference will continue with virtual sessions and panels to be enjoyed by global audiences October 25 through 27. The full program will take place over the course of four days, October 24 through 27.
The Film Independent Forum hosts independent filmmakers and content creators, with the 2022 lineup returning in a hybrid format of both in-person and virtual events.
The 2022 Film Independent Forum announced that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” writer/directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as Daniels, will kick off the conference with a keynote.
Opening night on October 24 will also include a screening of A24’s “The Inspection,” followed by a Q&a with director Elegance Bratton, Gamechanger’s CEO/producer Effie T. Brown, and producer Chester Algernal Gordon.
The Film Independent Forum event starts October 24 at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in Los Angeles. The conference will continue with virtual sessions and panels to be enjoyed by global audiences October 25 through 27. The full program will take place over the course of four days, October 24 through 27.
The Film Independent Forum hosts independent filmmakers and content creators, with the 2022 lineup returning in a hybrid format of both in-person and virtual events.
- 9/27/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Blasting off Sunday evening at the Tribeca Festival, Space Oddity is a small, character-driven dramedy of one young man’s odd life-altering plan to take a one-way ticket to Mars just as love and family intervene on his plans. If that premise sounds improbable, it actually is the kind of thing that seems to be popping up lately as fodder for various indie-centric film festivals. Earlier this year at SXSW, we saw comedian Jim Gaffigan in Linoleum, where he plays a father and husband whose lifelong dream of being an astronaut takes flight when he builds a rocket ship in his garage to do just that. Like Space Oddity, which comes from Kyra Sedgwick directing a Black List script by Rebecca Banner, that film focused on the rather offbeat behavior of its central character, much to the chagrin of his family.
Kyle Allen stars as Alex McAllister, who announces he...
Kyle Allen stars as Alex McAllister, who announces he...
- 6/13/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Aitch Alberto to make feature directorial debut, adapted screenplay from YA novel.
Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria are among cast to join Limelight’s Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe.
Aitch Alberto will make her feature directorial debut and adapted the screenplay from the YA novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The story centres on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Cast includes Max Pelayo,...
Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria are among cast to join Limelight’s Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe.
Aitch Alberto will make her feature directorial debut and adapted the screenplay from the YA novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The story centres on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Cast includes Max Pelayo,...
- 10/11/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales, Veronica Falcón, Isabella Gomez, Luna Blaise and Kevin Alejandro have been set to star in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, a feature film adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel. Aitch Alberto wrote the script and will make her directorial debut on the pic, which is being financing and produced by Limelight alongside 3Pas Studios and Big Swing Productions, in association with Boies Schiller Entertainment. The film counts Derbez, Kyra Sedgwick and Lin-Manuel Miranda among its producers.
Aristotle and Dante, originally published in 2014, centers on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (to be played by Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (Gonzales), two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Alberto’s writing credits include the HBO Max drama...
Aristotle and Dante, originally published in 2014, centers on the friendship between Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (to be played by Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (Gonzales), two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.
Alberto’s writing credits include the HBO Max drama...
- 10/11/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Outfest has named the 11 writers selected to participate in the 2021 Screenwriting Lab, which it has partnered on with Netflix via its Fund for Creative Equity, along with 11 Notable Writers it will set up with industry support.
Fellows selected for the week-long lab, which kicks off today, include Amanda Kohr, Chris Renfro, Emma McIvor, Jabari McDonald, Kristin Slaney, Lindsay Calleran, Natalie Jasmine Harris, Nova Cypress Black, Oates Wu, and Sav Rodgers & Taylor Gates.
This year’s Notable Writers are Jeff Austin, Elie El Choufany and Omar Al Dakheel, Nicole Feste, Matthew Hartman, Mark Moliterni and Vasilios Papapitsios, Shawn Parikh, Michael Rodriguez, Rolando Rodriguez and Noah Schamus.
During the 2021 Lab,...
Fellows selected for the week-long lab, which kicks off today, include Amanda Kohr, Chris Renfro, Emma McIvor, Jabari McDonald, Kristin Slaney, Lindsay Calleran, Natalie Jasmine Harris, Nova Cypress Black, Oates Wu, and Sav Rodgers & Taylor Gates.
This year’s Notable Writers are Jeff Austin, Elie El Choufany and Omar Al Dakheel, Nicole Feste, Matthew Hartman, Mark Moliterni and Vasilios Papapitsios, Shawn Parikh, Michael Rodriguez, Rolando Rodriguez and Noah Schamus.
During the 2021 Lab,...
- 10/4/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kevin Bacon, Simon Helberg and Carrie Preston are joining Primetime Emmy winner Kyra Sedgwick’s second feature directorial Space Oddity from the 2016 Black List script.
Additionally, Rei Co-op Studios has come on board as producers of the film alongside Sedgwick and Valerie Stadler’s Big Swing Productions.
Penned by Rebecca Banner, Space Oddity tells the story of Alex (Kyle Allen) who, after giving up on Earth and deciding to leave it all behind for a one-way mission to Mars, develops an unexpected romance with Daisy (Alexandra Shipp), the enigmatic town newcomer, which forces him to choose between an uncertain journey to the stars and an even more uncertain journey of the heart.
Bacon will play Jeff, Alex’s Father; Preston is Jane, Alex’s mother; while Helberg plays Dimitri, the love interest to Alex’s sister, Liz. Production is taking place in Rhode Island.
Additionally, Rei Co-op Studios has come on board as producers of the film alongside Sedgwick and Valerie Stadler’s Big Swing Productions.
Penned by Rebecca Banner, Space Oddity tells the story of Alex (Kyle Allen) who, after giving up on Earth and deciding to leave it all behind for a one-way mission to Mars, develops an unexpected romance with Daisy (Alexandra Shipp), the enigmatic town newcomer, which forces him to choose between an uncertain journey to the stars and an even more uncertain journey of the heart.
Bacon will play Jeff, Alex’s Father; Preston is Jane, Alex’s mother; while Helberg plays Dimitri, the love interest to Alex’s sister, Liz. Production is taking place in Rhode Island.
- 7/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Primetime Emmy winner Kyra Sedgwick is set to direct Rebecca Banner’s 2016 Black List screenplay Space Oddity with Kyle Allen, Alexandra Shipp and Madeline Brewer starring. The pic reps Sedgwick’s second feature directorial after Story of a Girl for which she received a DGA nomination. Space Oddity is set to begin production this month in Rhode Island.
Space Oddity tells the story of Alex (Allen) who, after giving up on Earth and deciding to leave it all behind for a one-way mission to Mars, develops an unexpected romance with Daisy (Shipp), the enigmatic town newcomer, which forces him to choose between an uncertain journey to the stars and an even more uncertain journey of the heart.
Brewer will play Liz, Alex’s sister, who has reluctantly returned to the farm where she grew up.
The feature is the first movie Sedgwick and Valerie Stadler will be producing under their banner Big Swing Productions.
Space Oddity tells the story of Alex (Allen) who, after giving up on Earth and deciding to leave it all behind for a one-way mission to Mars, develops an unexpected romance with Daisy (Shipp), the enigmatic town newcomer, which forces him to choose between an uncertain journey to the stars and an even more uncertain journey of the heart.
Brewer will play Liz, Alex’s sister, who has reluctantly returned to the farm where she grew up.
The feature is the first movie Sedgwick and Valerie Stadler will be producing under their banner Big Swing Productions.
- 6/22/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Outfest has launched its annual Outfest Screenwriting Lab and selected eight scripts that advance the visibility of Lgbtqia+ storytelling. This year’s fellows include Johnny Alvarez, Courtney & Hillary Andujar, Carlton Daniel Jr., Gary Jaffe, Raul Martin, Damon Royster, Cody Stickels & Kea Trevett, and Leandro Tadashi.
The Outfest Screenwriting Lab was established as a screenwriting contest in 1997 and has since become the cornerstone of Outfest’s education and mentoring program, Outfest Forward. Because this year’s Lab will take place virtually, it provided Outfest the ability to accept their largest cohort to date and extended the time frame of the Lab to five days. Fellows will meet with top industry showrunners, executives, and writers who will offer professional development and discuss trends within the industry.
The Lab roster of Lgbtqia+ industry leaders include showrunners Latoya Morgan, Derek Simonds (The Sinner), and M Dickson, alongside...
The Outfest Screenwriting Lab was established as a screenwriting contest in 1997 and has since become the cornerstone of Outfest’s education and mentoring program, Outfest Forward. Because this year’s Lab will take place virtually, it provided Outfest the ability to accept their largest cohort to date and extended the time frame of the Lab to five days. Fellows will meet with top industry showrunners, executives, and writers who will offer professional development and discuss trends within the industry.
The Lab roster of Lgbtqia+ industry leaders include showrunners Latoya Morgan, Derek Simonds (The Sinner), and M Dickson, alongside...
- 12/2/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Afm’s 40th anniversary market runs November 6-13.
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
- 10/21/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Afm’s 40th anniversary market runs November 6-13.
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
Industry innovators, international pre-sales, and diverse content will come under the spotlight during the Afm Conferences at the American Film Market in Santa Monica next month.
The conferences kick off on November 8 at the Fairmont Hotel when Picturestart CEO Erik Feig, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema founder Tim League, Wattpad Studios head Aron Levitz, and Neon CEO Tom Quinn will take part in a session called Breaking The Mold: The Innovators.
The Producing For The International Pre-sales Marketplace panel features Cold Iron Pictures CEO Miranda Bailey, The H Collective president of production Sherryl Clark,...
- 10/21/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Film Independent has announced the seven producers who been chosen for its 19th annual Producing Lab. The fellows will participate in a program set up to help develop their skills and further their careers by pairing them with film professionals who can advise on both the craft and business of independent producing.
Among the 2019 participants are include Camila Zavala, who also won the $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant to further develop her film, Malpelo, and Lebanese filmmaker Myriam Sassine, who is the recipient of the Global Media Makers Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational, and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s industry advisors include Lauren Craniotes (Gersh), Greta Fuentes (MacRo), Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), Valerie Stadler (Big Swing Productions) and Solome Williams (Bron Studios). In addition, mentors and guest speakers in the program include Rebecca Green (It...
Among the 2019 participants are include Camila Zavala, who also won the $30,000 Sloan Producers Grant to further develop her film, Malpelo, and Lebanese filmmaker Myriam Sassine, who is the recipient of the Global Media Makers Fellowship, an exchange program sponsored through a partnership between Film Independent, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational, and Cultural Affairs.
This year’s industry advisors include Lauren Craniotes (Gersh), Greta Fuentes (MacRo), Lauren Mann (Swiss Army Man), Valerie Stadler (Big Swing Productions) and Solome Williams (Bron Studios). In addition, mentors and guest speakers in the program include Rebecca Green (It...
- 10/15/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
SeriesFest has teamed with Kyra Sedgwick, Meredith Bagby and Valerie Stadler’s Big Swing Produdctions for its Women Writing Competition. SeriesFest and Big Swing will celebrate the partnership with an invite-only reception Monday at the Sundance Film Festival honoring female creatives.
SeriesFest is seeking new series and narratives from female creators. Scriptwriters have from January 28-July 26 to submit original work. The competition winner will receive a year-long development deal with Big Swing Productions and the opportunity for a live read of the script with professional actors.
“We couldn’t ask for a more like-minded partner for the ‘Women Writing Competition’ than Kyra and Big Swing Productions,” commented Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook, SeriesFest co-founders. “Their mission, like ours, is to amplify these often-unknown voices and their work embodies exactly what this initiative, and SeriesFest, is all about. We’re excited to work with them to discover new female screenwriters...
SeriesFest is seeking new series and narratives from female creators. Scriptwriters have from January 28-July 26 to submit original work. The competition winner will receive a year-long development deal with Big Swing Productions and the opportunity for a live read of the script with professional actors.
“We couldn’t ask for a more like-minded partner for the ‘Women Writing Competition’ than Kyra and Big Swing Productions,” commented Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook, SeriesFest co-founders. “Their mission, like ours, is to amplify these often-unknown voices and their work embodies exactly what this initiative, and SeriesFest, is all about. We’re excited to work with them to discover new female screenwriters...
- 1/28/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
SeriesFest has partnered with Kyra Sedgwick, Meredith Bagby and Valerie Stadler’s Big Swing Productions for its Women Writing Competition. SeriesFest will celebrate the new partnership with Big Swing at the Sundance Film Festival Monday with an invite-only reception in honor of female creatives.
Launched in 2016, SeriesFest seeks new series and narratives from female creators. The competion’s winner will receive a year-long development deal with Big Swing Productions and the opportunity for a live read of the script with professional actors.
“We couldn’t ask for a more like-minded partner for the ‘Women Writing Competition’ than Kyra and Big Swing Productions,” said Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook, SeriesFest co-founders. “Their mission, like ours, is to amplify these often-unknown voices and their work embodies exactly what this initiative, and SeriesFest, is all about. We’re excited to work with them to discover new female screenwriters and lead the charge...
Launched in 2016, SeriesFest seeks new series and narratives from female creators. The competion’s winner will receive a year-long development deal with Big Swing Productions and the opportunity for a live read of the script with professional actors.
“We couldn’t ask for a more like-minded partner for the ‘Women Writing Competition’ than Kyra and Big Swing Productions,” said Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith Westbrook, SeriesFest co-founders. “Their mission, like ours, is to amplify these often-unknown voices and their work embodies exactly what this initiative, and SeriesFest, is all about. We’re excited to work with them to discover new female screenwriters and lead the charge...
- 1/28/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Kyra Sedgwick has partnered with Meredith Bagby and Valerie Stadler to launch Big Swing Productions, which has a number of film and television projects in the works. According to the trio, Big Swing is “committed to celebrating new heroes and amplifying bold voices, focusing on inclusive stories with heart and purpose.” according to the trio.
One of the company’s first projects, the independently developed and produced TV series Girls Weekend, is set to premiere in the indie-episodic category at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. Written by and starring Ali Liebegott and directed by Sedgwick, the series tells the story of queer-daughter Erica who returns home to Las Vegas for a “girls weekend” with her estranged homophobic sister, people-pleasing mother, and gun-toting dad. When Dad lets it slip that Mom’s cancer is back with a vengeance, it forces Erica to decide whether or not...
One of the company’s first projects, the independently developed and produced TV series Girls Weekend, is set to premiere in the indie-episodic category at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. Written by and starring Ali Liebegott and directed by Sedgwick, the series tells the story of queer-daughter Erica who returns home to Las Vegas for a “girls weekend” with her estranged homophobic sister, people-pleasing mother, and gun-toting dad. When Dad lets it slip that Mom’s cancer is back with a vengeance, it forces Erica to decide whether or not...
- 12/13/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood’s sound pros nominated Birdman and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes for three awards apiece as the Motion Picture Sound Editors unveiled nods for its 62nd Mpse Golden Reel Awards, honoring the best feature film, television, animation and computer entertainment work of the year.
“2014 was a fantastic year for sound,” said Mpse president Frank Morrone. “The advent of new distribution channels, streaming services and gaming platforms is creating additional opportunities for sound artists to practice their craft beyond the traditional venues of film and television. This year’s nominations reflect that change, spanning an amazing diversity of mediums and genres, all executed at the highest level of creativity. We are truly inspired and impressed by the work of our colleagues.”
This year’s Golden Reels will additionally honor Noah director Darren Aronofsky with the Mpse’s annual Filmmaker Award. Oscar winner Skip Lievsay, known for his work...
“2014 was a fantastic year for sound,” said Mpse president Frank Morrone. “The advent of new distribution channels, streaming services and gaming platforms is creating additional opportunities for sound artists to practice their craft beyond the traditional venues of film and television. This year’s nominations reflect that change, spanning an amazing diversity of mediums and genres, all executed at the highest level of creativity. We are truly inspired and impressed by the work of our colleagues.”
This year’s Golden Reels will additionally honor Noah director Darren Aronofsky with the Mpse’s annual Filmmaker Award. Oscar winner Skip Lievsay, known for his work...
- 1/14/2015
- by Jen Yamato
- Deadline
Millennium Entertainment acquired U.S. rights to Life Of A King from writer-director Jake Goldberger. Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars. Co-written by Goldberger along with David Scott and Dan Wetzel, the film is based on the true story of Eugene Brown (Gooding, Jr.), an ex-con who founded the Big Chair Chess Club for inner city teenagers in Washington, D.C. The film also stars Malcolm Mays, Richard T. Jones, Paula Jai Parker, Carlton Byrd, LisaGay Hamilton, Dennis Haysbert, Kevin Hendricks, Pepi Sonuga, Jordan Calloway and Rachae Thomas. Serena Films’ Tatiana Kelly and Animus Films’ Jim Young serve as producers. Steak House, Valerie Stadler, and Mary Vernieu serve as co-producers. The company plans on an early 2014 release. After 18 years of incarceration, Brown (Gooding, Jr.) established the Big Chair Chess Club to get kids off the streets and working towards lives they never believed they were capable of.
- 9/30/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Sound On Sight will once again be covering the SXSW Film Festival this year, making it our second time attending. 130 feature films will screen at the Austin, Texas fest taking place March 9-17, including 65 World Premieres, 17 North American Premieres and 10 U.S. Premieres. As previously announced, Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon’s The Cabin in the Woods will have the honours of opening the festival, and now they have released the full list of films – and it’s looking pretty amazing. Enjoy!
Narrative Feature Competition
This year’s 8 films were selected from 1,112 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere. Films screening in Narrative Feature Competition are:
Booster
Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin
When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted.
Cast: Nico Stone, Adam DuPaul, Seymour Cassel, Kristin Dougherty, Brian McGrail (World Premiere)
Eden
Director: Megan Griffiths,...
Narrative Feature Competition
This year’s 8 films were selected from 1,112 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere. Films screening in Narrative Feature Competition are:
Booster
Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin
When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted.
Cast: Nico Stone, Adam DuPaul, Seymour Cassel, Kristin Dougherty, Brian McGrail (World Premiere)
Eden
Director: Megan Griffiths,...
- 2/3/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry, shot by Bob Gruen in 1977
Rock 'N' Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen
screens as part of 24 Beats per Second
SXSW Film has just announced its features lineup for the 2012 edition, running March 9 through 17. We already knew that the Opening Night Film would be Drew Goddard's The Cabin in the Woods. For its Closing Night Film, the festival will host the world premiere of of Emmett Malloy’s documentary Big Easy Express (more below). The lineup, with descriptions from the festival:
Narrative Feature Competition
Booster
Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin. When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted. Cast: Nico Stone, Adam DuPaul, Seymour Cassel, Kristin Dougherty, Brian McGrail. (World Premiere)
Eden
Director: Megan Griffiths, Screenwriters: Richard B. Phillips, Megan Griffiths, Story by: Richard B. Phillips & Chong Kim.
Rock 'N' Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen
screens as part of 24 Beats per Second
SXSW Film has just announced its features lineup for the 2012 edition, running March 9 through 17. We already knew that the Opening Night Film would be Drew Goddard's The Cabin in the Woods. For its Closing Night Film, the festival will host the world premiere of of Emmett Malloy’s documentary Big Easy Express (more below). The lineup, with descriptions from the festival:
Narrative Feature Competition
Booster
Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin. When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted. Cast: Nico Stone, Adam DuPaul, Seymour Cassel, Kristin Dougherty, Brian McGrail. (World Premiere)
Eden
Director: Megan Griffiths, Screenwriters: Richard B. Phillips, Megan Griffiths, Story by: Richard B. Phillips & Chong Kim.
- 2/1/2012
- MUBI
With Sundance 2012 Film Festival over, the next big one on the horizon is South by Southwest, which we’ll be heavily covering. The biggest chunk of the line-up has been announced today, which has some great premieres including 21 Jump Street, Tiff and Sundance hit The Raid, Will Ferrell‘s Casa de mi Padre, the documentary Girl Model (which we liked at Tiff), as well as the next from Broken Lizard, The Babymakers. There are many other promising titles included and you can see them all below. Check back for our coverage for the fest, kicking off March 9th.
Narrative Feature Competition
This year’s 8 films were selected from 1,112 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere. Films screening in Narrative Feature Competition are:
Booster
Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin
When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted.
Narrative Feature Competition
This year’s 8 films were selected from 1,112 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere. Films screening in Narrative Feature Competition are:
Booster
Director/Screenwriter: Matt Ruskin
When Simon’s brother is arrested for armed robbery, he is asked to commit a string of similar crimes in an attempt to get his brother acquitted.
- 2/1/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Attendees of South by Southwest 2012 are in for a treat. 130 feature films will screen at the Austin, Texas festival taking place March 9-17. Among them are 65 World Premieres, 17 North American Premieres and 10 U.S. Premieres. The organization already announced [1] Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon's The Cabin in the Woods would open the festival (the movie is phenomenal [2]) and today the majority of the remaining line up has been revealed. One of the highlights is the unbelievably smart and hilarious 21 Jump Street, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller. Both of those are World Premieres. Other highlights include The Hunter, Killer Joe, The Babymakers, frankie goes boom, God Bless America, The Imposter, The Raid, Bernie and Casa de mi Padre just to name a few. After the jump, read descriptions of all the films that have been announced so far. Before I copy and paste the rest of the list, a few minor notes.
- 2/1/2012
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
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