Apple is turning the story of the Hollywood con queen into a documentary series.
The streamer is launching Hollywood Con Queen, which tells the story of a scam that targeted the likes of Kathleen Kennedy, Sherry Lansing, Amy Pascal, Wendi Deng Murdoch and Stacey Snider, on May 8.
The series comes from Tiger King and Fyre filmmaker Chris Smith and his production company Library Films.
It tells the story of an international con artist impersonating the industry’s most powerful women.
The scam involved the con artist approaching production staff, claiming to be an executive or senior figure in the industry, to work on a project in Indonesia. In 2020, it emerged that the FBI and Department of Justice had arrested a suspect in Manchester, UK.
The series is based on the reporting of Scott Johnson, who wrote a book – Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.
It is the...
The streamer is launching Hollywood Con Queen, which tells the story of a scam that targeted the likes of Kathleen Kennedy, Sherry Lansing, Amy Pascal, Wendi Deng Murdoch and Stacey Snider, on May 8.
The series comes from Tiger King and Fyre filmmaker Chris Smith and his production company Library Films.
It tells the story of an international con artist impersonating the industry’s most powerful women.
The scam involved the con artist approaching production staff, claiming to be an executive or senior figure in the industry, to work on a project in Indonesia. In 2020, it emerged that the FBI and Department of Justice had arrested a suspect in Manchester, UK.
The series is based on the reporting of Scott Johnson, who wrote a book – Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.
It is the...
- 4/15/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount wasn’t messing around during their CinemaCon panel today, giving attendees previews of movies like Smile 2, Gladiator II, A Quiet Place: Day One, Transformers One, and If, revealing The Running Man casting news, and announcing several movies, including a live-action comedy from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Scary Movie 6, a Transformers / G.I. Joe crossover, and a live-action, R-rated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. They also unveiled several titles on their 2024 – 2026 slate, and we can’t possibly cover them all… so we have gone ahead and dropped the full list into this article. Scroll down to see what Paramount has in store for us over the next couple years.
If
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Written and Directed by: John Krasinski
Producers: Allyson Seeger, p.g.a., John Krasinski, p.g.a., Andrew Form, p.g.a., Ryan Reynolds
Executive Producers: John J. Kelly, George Dewey, Kimberly Nelson LoCascio
Cast: Cailey Fleming,...
If
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Written and Directed by: John Krasinski
Producers: Allyson Seeger, p.g.a., John Krasinski, p.g.a., Andrew Form, p.g.a., Ryan Reynolds
Executive Producers: John J. Kelly, George Dewey, Kimberly Nelson LoCascio
Cast: Cailey Fleming,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Producer, studio veteran and Rideback founder Dan Lin has been named chairman of Netflix Film to replace the outgoing Scott Stuber, effective April 1.
Lin will report to Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria and worked with the streamer on The Two Popes, and the new live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The appointment came sooner than many in Hollywood expected after it was announced in January that Stuber was to depart after seven years.
It is understood Lin’s name was considered early on in the process to replace Stuber, alongside former Universal chief Stacey Snider, and Disney’s Sean Bailey.
Lin will report to Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria and worked with the streamer on The Two Popes, and the new live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The appointment came sooner than many in Hollywood expected after it was announced in January that Stuber was to depart after seven years.
It is understood Lin’s name was considered early on in the process to replace Stuber, alongside former Universal chief Stacey Snider, and Disney’s Sean Bailey.
- 2/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Dan Lin has been appointed as Netflix’s new head of film.
He’ll replace Scott Stuber, who previously announced he’d be stepping down from the streaming behemoth in March. Lin’s name had been in the mix — along with recently departed Disney executive Sean Bailey, former Universal chief Stacey Snider and others — since the top film job opened in January.
Lin is best known for producing the “Lego” film franchise, director Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel “It,” and Disney’s “Aladdin” remake through his production company Rideback. He and Netflix previously worked together on “The Two Popes” and the live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series. He will begin on April 1 and report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
Prior to founding Rideback, Lin worked at Warner Bros. as as senior VP of production. During his eight-year tenure at the studio, from...
He’ll replace Scott Stuber, who previously announced he’d be stepping down from the streaming behemoth in March. Lin’s name had been in the mix — along with recently departed Disney executive Sean Bailey, former Universal chief Stacey Snider and others — since the top film job opened in January.
Lin is best known for producing the “Lego” film franchise, director Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel “It,” and Disney’s “Aladdin” remake through his production company Rideback. He and Netflix previously worked together on “The Two Popes” and the live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series. He will begin on April 1 and report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
Prior to founding Rideback, Lin worked at Warner Bros. as as senior VP of production. During his eight-year tenure at the studio, from...
- 2/28/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Deadline has learned that producer Dan Lin is taking over for Scott Stuber as Netflix’s top film boss. Lin begins his new role April 1 and will report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
The replacement came rather quick as insiders at the streamer figured the hiring process would take months, with Netflix’s feature slate for the next year being set in stone.
Sean Bailey’s name had been floated, but the former Disney Live-Action Motion Picture production boss didn’t take the job; there also was word that former Universal and DreamWorks chief Stacey Snider had a sit-down with Ted Sarandos. Also there was buzz that Netflix would promote from within for Stuber’s job; that didn’t happen.
Lin is already in business with Netflix as the executive producer of their successful new series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which launched on February 22. He also produced...
The replacement came rather quick as insiders at the streamer figured the hiring process would take months, with Netflix’s feature slate for the next year being set in stone.
Sean Bailey’s name had been floated, but the former Disney Live-Action Motion Picture production boss didn’t take the job; there also was word that former Universal and DreamWorks chief Stacey Snider had a sit-down with Ted Sarandos. Also there was buzz that Netflix would promote from within for Stuber’s job; that didn’t happen.
Lin is already in business with Netflix as the executive producer of their successful new series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which launched on February 22. He also produced...
- 2/28/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
In the world of movies, some roles just stick with you because of the actors who nail them. Take Matthew MacFadyen’s Mr. Darcy in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice flick, for example. But here’s a surprise: Tom Hardy, the tough guy from other movies, could’ve been in his shoes. Yeah, crazy, right? It turns out the 46-year-old auditioned for the role, but luck wasn’t on his side.
Hollywood actor Tom Hardy
Instead, MacFadyen snagged it, making him a household name. It’s one of those what-if moments in Hollywood that make you wonder how things might’ve turned out differently.
SUGGESTEDThe Only Celeb Who Fans Voted Can Play Venom after Tom Hardy Hasn’t Had a Single Lead Role in a Hollywood Movie Till Date
Tom Hardy Wasn’t The Right Match For Mr. Darcy
Tom Hardy, one of the big shots in British movies, almost bagged the role of Mr.
Hollywood actor Tom Hardy
Instead, MacFadyen snagged it, making him a household name. It’s one of those what-if moments in Hollywood that make you wonder how things might’ve turned out differently.
SUGGESTEDThe Only Celeb Who Fans Voted Can Play Venom after Tom Hardy Hasn’t Had a Single Lead Role in a Hollywood Movie Till Date
Tom Hardy Wasn’t The Right Match For Mr. Darcy
Tom Hardy, one of the big shots in British movies, almost bagged the role of Mr.
- 2/18/2024
- by Muskan Chaudhary
- FandomWire
Ridley Scott is in talks to direct the Bee Gees biopic in the works at Paramount Pictures, with Barry Gibb set to executive produce and Gladiator’s screenwriter, John Logan, set to provide the script.
The news was shared by Deadline in a report explaining that Paramount is hoping to follow up Bob Marely: One Love with the still-untitled Bee Gees biopic they’ve been developing since they acquired the Gibb family estate and the rights to the band’s hit songs in 2019. Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King was an early sign-on to the project, and for a period of time Kenneth Branagh was slated to direct.
Now, though, Scott is in the director’s chair, which is actually pretty fitting. Early in his career, Scott collaborated with the Bee Gees’ longtime-manager Robert Stigwood on a film project that would star the band themselves. The film never came into fruition,...
The news was shared by Deadline in a report explaining that Paramount is hoping to follow up Bob Marely: One Love with the still-untitled Bee Gees biopic they’ve been developing since they acquired the Gibb family estate and the rights to the band’s hit songs in 2019. Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King was an early sign-on to the project, and for a period of time Kenneth Branagh was slated to direct.
Now, though, Scott is in the director’s chair, which is actually pretty fitting. Early in his career, Scott collaborated with the Bee Gees’ longtime-manager Robert Stigwood on a film project that would star the band themselves. The film never came into fruition,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Film News
Ridley Scott is in talks to direct the Bee Gees biopic in the works at Paramount Pictures, with Barry Gibb set to executive produce and Gladiator’s screenwriter, John Logan, set to provide the script.
The news was shared by Deadline in a report explaining that Paramount is hoping to follow up Bob Marely: One Love with the still-untitled Bee Gees biopic they’ve been developing since they acquired the Gibb family estate and the rights to the band’s hit songs in 2019. Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King was an early sign-on to the project, and for a period of time Kenneth Branagh was slated to direct.
Now, though, Scott is in the director’s chair, which is actually pretty fitting. Early in his career, Scott collaborated with the Bee Gees’ longtime-manager Robert Stigwood on a film project that would star the band themselves. The film never came into fruition,...
The news was shared by Deadline in a report explaining that Paramount is hoping to follow up Bob Marely: One Love with the still-untitled Bee Gees biopic they’ve been developing since they acquired the Gibb family estate and the rights to the band’s hit songs in 2019. Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King was an early sign-on to the project, and for a period of time Kenneth Branagh was slated to direct.
Now, though, Scott is in the director’s chair, which is actually pretty fitting. Early in his career, Scott collaborated with the Bee Gees’ longtime-manager Robert Stigwood on a film project that would star the band themselves. The film never came into fruition,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
Exclusive: With its movie Bob Marley: One Love now in theaters, Paramount Pictures is moving fast on another high-profile biopic on a popular music group and looks to have found an A-list director to lead the project. While a deal isn’t done, sources tell Deadline that Ridley Scott is in negotiations to direct the studio’s untitled Bee Gees movie. Scott will produce alongside producing partner Michael Pruss of Scott Free, Graham King through his Gk Films banner and Stacey Snider.
Paramount is distributing the film worldwide, with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. Barry Gibb is executive producing. John Logan wrote the script.
While this isn’t the typical film Scott is known for, several factors came into play that led to the studio pursuing him, and the Oscar-nominated director agreeing to come aboard. First, Scott recently wrapped production on the sequel to his smash hit Gladiator and,...
Paramount is distributing the film worldwide, with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. Barry Gibb is executive producing. John Logan wrote the script.
While this isn’t the typical film Scott is known for, several factors came into play that led to the studio pursuing him, and the Oscar-nominated director agreeing to come aboard. First, Scott recently wrapped production on the sequel to his smash hit Gladiator and,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles, Feb 17 (Ians) Filmmaker Ridley Scott is in talks to direct a film on the music group Bee Gees.
The Bee Gees were a band formed in 1958 by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Barry Gibb, the last surviving brother, will executive produce. Siblings Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012, respectively.
Scott will produce the currently-untitled film alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. John Logan, who wrote Scott’s 2000 epic ‘Gladiator’, will pen the script.
It’s been a long road to tell the Bee Gees’ story on the big screen – Kenneth Branagh was previously tapped to direct a biopic film for Paramount in 2021. John Carney stepped in as director in March 2022, but departed due to scheduling conflicts, reports variety.com.
He was replaced by ‘Hustlers’ director Lorene Scafaria in December 2022.
The story of the Gibb brothers’ legendary trio was most...
The Bee Gees were a band formed in 1958 by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Barry Gibb, the last surviving brother, will executive produce. Siblings Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012, respectively.
Scott will produce the currently-untitled film alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. John Logan, who wrote Scott’s 2000 epic ‘Gladiator’, will pen the script.
It’s been a long road to tell the Bee Gees’ story on the big screen – Kenneth Branagh was previously tapped to direct a biopic film for Paramount in 2021. John Carney stepped in as director in March 2022, but departed due to scheduling conflicts, reports variety.com.
He was replaced by ‘Hustlers’ director Lorene Scafaria in December 2022.
The story of the Gibb brothers’ legendary trio was most...
- 2/16/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Ridley Scott is in negotiation to direct Paramount Pictures’ as yet untitled film about musical group The Bee Gees, according to reports.
Scott is also set to produce along with Graham King of Gk Films, Michael Pruss for Scott Free and Stacey Snider. Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the group, will serve as executive producer.
The script is from John Logan, who wrote Scott’s classic Gladiator, as well as Martin Scorsese’s Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator and James Bond entries Skyfall and Spectre.
Paramount will distribute worldwide and Amblin and the UK’s Sister have the right to co-finance the project.
Scott is also set to produce along with Graham King of Gk Films, Michael Pruss for Scott Free and Stacey Snider. Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the group, will serve as executive producer.
The script is from John Logan, who wrote Scott’s classic Gladiator, as well as Martin Scorsese’s Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator and James Bond entries Skyfall and Spectre.
Paramount will distribute worldwide and Amblin and the UK’s Sister have the right to co-finance the project.
- 2/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
Ridley Scott is in talks to direct Paramount’s Bee Gees film.
Scott will produce the currently-untitled film alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. John Logan, who wrote Scott’s 2000 epic “Gladiator,” will pen the script.
Paramount Pictures is distributing the film worldwide with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. Barry Gibb, the last surviving brother, will executive produce. Siblings Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012, respectively.
It’s been a long road to tell the Bee Gees’ story on the big screen – Kenneth Branagh was previously tapped to direct a biopic film for Paramount in 2021. John Carney stepped in as director in March 2022, but departed due to scheduling conflicts. He was replaced by “Hustlers” director Lorene Scafaria in December 2022.
The story of the Gibb brothers’ legendary trio was most recently depicted in 2020 documentary series “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.
Scott will produce the currently-untitled film alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. John Logan, who wrote Scott’s 2000 epic “Gladiator,” will pen the script.
Paramount Pictures is distributing the film worldwide with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. Barry Gibb, the last surviving brother, will executive produce. Siblings Maurice and Robin died in 2003 and 2012, respectively.
It’s been a long road to tell the Bee Gees’ story on the big screen – Kenneth Branagh was previously tapped to direct a biopic film for Paramount in 2021. John Carney stepped in as director in March 2022, but departed due to scheduling conflicts. He was replaced by “Hustlers” director Lorene Scafaria in December 2022.
The story of the Gibb brothers’ legendary trio was most recently depicted in 2020 documentary series “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.
- 2/16/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Ridley Scott is filling up his dance card. The filmmaker is in talks to direct an untitled movie centering on music group The Bee Gees, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Scott, who last was in theaters Napoleon, is producing alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. Scott’s Gladiator scribe John Logan will pen the script. Scott is currently in post on Gladiator 2 for Paramount.
The British Austrailian trio The Bee Gees became one of the top selling musical artists of all time, rising to fame in the 1960s and ’70s. Gibb brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice were behind hits such as “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” “Too Much Heaven,” “Nights on Broadway” and “Stayin’ Alive.”
Barry Gibb, the only surviving brother, will executive produce the film. Paramount is distributing with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. A...
Scott, who last was in theaters Napoleon, is producing alongside Graham King for Gk Films, Stacey Snider, and Michael Pruss for Scott Free. Scott’s Gladiator scribe John Logan will pen the script. Scott is currently in post on Gladiator 2 for Paramount.
The British Austrailian trio The Bee Gees became one of the top selling musical artists of all time, rising to fame in the 1960s and ’70s. Gibb brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice were behind hits such as “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” “Too Much Heaven,” “Nights on Broadway” and “Stayin’ Alive.”
Barry Gibb, the only surviving brother, will executive produce the film. Paramount is distributing with Amblin and Sister having the right to co-finance. A...
- 2/16/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Before embarking on his acting career in the British theater, Tom Hardy was a troublesome youngster, expelled from three different schools. He gained notoriety and acclaim in the film industry after notable performances in the 2001 military film Black Hawk Down and the television miniseries Band of Brothers. With that said, he was rejected for a role that made Matthew MacFadyen one of the best actors ever.
A scene from Venom
Eventually, Tom Hardy further cemented his legacy with roles in films and series such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Peaky Blinders and many more. Therefore, his excellent acting skills can never come under question, but sometimes even he doesn’t get the role he desires.
SUGGESTEDThe Only Celeb Who Fans Voted Can Play Venom after Tom Hardy Hasn’t Had a Single Lead Role in a Hollywood Movie Till Date Tom Hardy Was Outright Rejected For Role That Eventually Went...
A scene from Venom
Eventually, Tom Hardy further cemented his legacy with roles in films and series such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Peaky Blinders and many more. Therefore, his excellent acting skills can never come under question, but sometimes even he doesn’t get the role he desires.
SUGGESTEDThe Only Celeb Who Fans Voted Can Play Venom after Tom Hardy Hasn’t Had a Single Lead Role in a Hollywood Movie Till Date Tom Hardy Was Outright Rejected For Role That Eventually Went...
- 2/15/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
If Hollywood executive shuffles were an Oscar category, Scott Stuber would take home the trophy for scene-stealing announcement.
The company’s long-time (at least by entertainment industry standards) film chief revealed on the eve of the Academy Award nominations that he’s departing the streamer to start a new media company. The news wasn’t a total shock; his exit has been rumored for some time and the well-liked executive had been talking to potential financiers about a solo venture, according to a knowledgeable source.
Still, his goodbye leaves one of the most influential jobs in movies open for the taking. This will likely spark a flurry of people who are burnishing their resumes, including former Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich, Paramount’s prior motion picture group president Emma Watts and executive-turned-producer Dan Lin. It’s possible, but less likely, that Paramount’s prior CEO Jim Gianopulos and the recently...
The company’s long-time (at least by entertainment industry standards) film chief revealed on the eve of the Academy Award nominations that he’s departing the streamer to start a new media company. The news wasn’t a total shock; his exit has been rumored for some time and the well-liked executive had been talking to potential financiers about a solo venture, according to a knowledgeable source.
Still, his goodbye leaves one of the most influential jobs in movies open for the taking. This will likely spark a flurry of people who are burnishing their resumes, including former Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich, Paramount’s prior motion picture group president Emma Watts and executive-turned-producer Dan Lin. It’s possible, but less likely, that Paramount’s prior CEO Jim Gianopulos and the recently...
- 1/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Schitt’s Creek was a certified cultural phenomenon, earning critical raves, nine Emmy Awards during its final season and massive ratings for Netflix when it migrated to the streamer from its original home at Pop TV. The series also delivered a curious situation for co-creator, show runner and star Dan Levy when he brought a follow-up project to Netflix in the form of a dramatic feature film debut called Good Grief.
“This movie came to be when I was experiencing some loss and some grief in my own life and was asking a lot of questions and didn’t know what to make of those feelings,” Levy explained Tuesday at the premiere of the film at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre. (Though he didn’t mention it on stage, Levy lost his grandmother during the pandemic.) “When you’re a writer, sometimes all you can do is put pen to paper and hope that something happens,...
“This movie came to be when I was experiencing some loss and some grief in my own life and was asking a lot of questions and didn’t know what to make of those feelings,” Levy explained Tuesday at the premiere of the film at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre. (Though he didn’t mention it on stage, Levy lost his grandmother during the pandemic.) “When you’re a writer, sometimes all you can do is put pen to paper and hope that something happens,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dan Levy, helped along by friends, confronts personal loss and grief he’d been trying to evade in the trailer for Netflix’s Good Grief, which the Schitt’s Creek co-creator wrote, directs and stars in.
Levy plays Marc Dreyfus, whose contented life in London after the loss of his mother with his larger-than-life husband, Oliver, played by Luke Evans, ends when Oliver unexpectedly dies. As Marc’s world shatters, he and his two best friends, played by Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel, go on a weekend of self-discovery in Paris to reveal hard truths they each needed to face.
“My husband officially died a year ago today. For such a meticulous person, he left behind one hell of a mess,” an anguished Marc announces at one point in the trailer.
Good Grief, as it tackles the themes of friendship and loss, and Marc’s attempts to move on from his husband’s death,...
Levy plays Marc Dreyfus, whose contented life in London after the loss of his mother with his larger-than-life husband, Oliver, played by Luke Evans, ends when Oliver unexpectedly dies. As Marc’s world shatters, he and his two best friends, played by Ruth Negga and Himesh Patel, go on a weekend of self-discovery in Paris to reveal hard truths they each needed to face.
“My husband officially died a year ago today. For such a meticulous person, he left behind one hell of a mess,” an anguished Marc announces at one point in the trailer.
Good Grief, as it tackles the themes of friendship and loss, and Marc’s attempts to move on from his husband’s death,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Schitt’s Creek” co-creator, producer and star Dan Levy has released the trailer for his upcoming Netflix comedy-drama film, “Good Grief.”
“Good Grief” is the first project spearheaded by Levy since the end of “Schitt’s Creek” in 2020, although the actor has made recent film and television appearances in Disney’s “Haunted Mansion,” HBO’s “The Idol” and Netflix’s comedy drama series “Sex Education.” Notably, “Good Grief” will be Levy’s feature film debut as a director. It is also Levy’s first project under his Not A Real Production Company and Netflix.
The film follows Marc Dreyfus (Levy), who struggles to cope with the sudden death of his husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). Forced to face his grief, Dreyfus flies off to Paris with two of his closest friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel).
As Marc grapples with the death of his husband, he also reckons with the death of his mother,...
“Good Grief” is the first project spearheaded by Levy since the end of “Schitt’s Creek” in 2020, although the actor has made recent film and television appearances in Disney’s “Haunted Mansion,” HBO’s “The Idol” and Netflix’s comedy drama series “Sex Education.” Notably, “Good Grief” will be Levy’s feature film debut as a director. It is also Levy’s first project under his Not A Real Production Company and Netflix.
The film follows Marc Dreyfus (Levy), who struggles to cope with the sudden death of his husband, Oliver (Luke Evans). Forced to face his grief, Dreyfus flies off to Paris with two of his closest friends, Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel).
As Marc grapples with the death of his husband, he also reckons with the death of his mother,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Valerie Wu
- Variety Film + TV
Dorothy Street Pictures, the production company behind documentaries including “Pamela, a Love Story” and “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story,” have tapped Lily Kaplan as their new head of development.
Kaplan joins the company’s New York office from Imagine Documentaries, where she will lead Dorothy Street’s transatlantic operation with a focus on growing their portfolio of high-end documentary films and series.
At Imagine, Kaplan worked on docs including “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” for Netflix, “Judy Blume Forever” for Amazon Prime Video, “Bono & The Edge: A Sort Of Homecoming With Dave Letterman” for Disney+ and “The Super Models” for Apple TV+.
Lily Kaplan (courtesy of Dorothy Street Pictures)
Dorothy Street was launched by Julia Nottingham in 2018. It is backed by Sister, the company founded by Jane Featherstone, Elisabeth Murdoch and Stacey Snider.
“I am thrilled to join Julia and the team at Dorothy Street to help build out the premium documentaries slate,...
Kaplan joins the company’s New York office from Imagine Documentaries, where she will lead Dorothy Street’s transatlantic operation with a focus on growing their portfolio of high-end documentary films and series.
At Imagine, Kaplan worked on docs including “Downfall: The Case Against Boeing” for Netflix, “Judy Blume Forever” for Amazon Prime Video, “Bono & The Edge: A Sort Of Homecoming With Dave Letterman” for Disney+ and “The Super Models” for Apple TV+.
Lily Kaplan (courtesy of Dorothy Street Pictures)
Dorothy Street was launched by Julia Nottingham in 2018. It is backed by Sister, the company founded by Jane Featherstone, Elisabeth Murdoch and Stacey Snider.
“I am thrilled to join Julia and the team at Dorothy Street to help build out the premium documentaries slate,...
- 11/7/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The crime thriller sees Knightley star as a spy whose lover is mysteriously killed
Sister and Noisy Bear have started shooting crime thriller series Black Doves starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw in the UK for Netflix.
Knightley, who also has a producer credit, stars as a spy and wife to a politician whose secret lover is mysteriously killed. Sarah Lancashire co-stars with Andrew Buchan, Omari Douglas, Andrew Koji, Kathryn Hunter, Sam Troughton and recent alumnus of Screen Rising Star Ireland, Ella Lily Hyland.
Screen understands the cast are all contracted under Equity, the UK actors’ union.
Black Doves has...
Sister and Noisy Bear have started shooting crime thriller series Black Doves starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw in the UK for Netflix.
Knightley, who also has a producer credit, stars as a spy and wife to a politician whose secret lover is mysteriously killed. Sarah Lancashire co-stars with Andrew Buchan, Omari Douglas, Andrew Koji, Kathryn Hunter, Sam Troughton and recent alumnus of Screen Rising Star Ireland, Ella Lily Hyland.
Screen understands the cast are all contracted under Equity, the UK actors’ union.
Black Doves has...
- 10/26/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Parker Finn, the filmmaker behind horror hit Smile, has launched Bad Feeling, a film and television production company, with Jonathan Fass named as the banner’s head of development.
The company will be based at Paramount, the studio that released Smile and with whom Finn signed a first-look deal earlier this year.
Bad Feeling has a definitive mission statement as it enters the space of scary movies and beyond. The company plans to shepherd distinct, high-end genre fare for audiences craving bold, boundary-pushing experiences. The goal is to event-ize the unusual while bringing a bespoke, craft-centric approach to commercial genre storytelling.
Finn’s Smile grossed over $216 million worldwide and was the biggest horror hit of 2022. The movie was the first original horror title to hold the no. 1 position at the domestic box office for two weeks since 2016. Paramount and Finn are already working on a sequel, which has a release date of Oct.
The company will be based at Paramount, the studio that released Smile and with whom Finn signed a first-look deal earlier this year.
Bad Feeling has a definitive mission statement as it enters the space of scary movies and beyond. The company plans to shepherd distinct, high-end genre fare for audiences craving bold, boundary-pushing experiences. The goal is to event-ize the unusual while bringing a bespoke, craft-centric approach to commercial genre storytelling.
Finn’s Smile grossed over $216 million worldwide and was the biggest horror hit of 2022. The movie was the first original horror title to hold the no. 1 position at the domestic box office for two weeks since 2016. Paramount and Finn are already working on a sequel, which has a release date of Oct.
- 10/4/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Jane Featherstone and Liz Murdoch’s Sister has invested in Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media.
The Chernobyl and This is Going to Hurt producer took an undisclosed minority stake in Unanimous Media Holdings in June, Deadline understands. Both companies declined to comment on the deal.
NBA legend Curry launched his Unanimous banner with producer Erick Peyton in 2018 and the outfit makes family, faith and sports-based content.
Recent Unanimous credits include high-end Apple TV+ doc Stephen Curry: Underrated with A24 and Proximity, an upcoming narrative film and doc about the All Star Café (with Sports Illustrated Studios and 101 Studios) and ABC competition format Holey Moley. Alongside the recent investment from Sister, the company also has a global talent partnership in place with NBCUniversal for scripted and a first-look development deal with DreamWorks Animation for kids and family content. Deadline revealed the first project to emerge from the former deal,...
The Chernobyl and This is Going to Hurt producer took an undisclosed minority stake in Unanimous Media Holdings in June, Deadline understands. Both companies declined to comment on the deal.
NBA legend Curry launched his Unanimous banner with producer Erick Peyton in 2018 and the outfit makes family, faith and sports-based content.
Recent Unanimous credits include high-end Apple TV+ doc Stephen Curry: Underrated with A24 and Proximity, an upcoming narrative film and doc about the All Star Café (with Sports Illustrated Studios and 101 Studios) and ABC competition format Holey Moley. Alongside the recent investment from Sister, the company also has a global talent partnership in place with NBCUniversal for scripted and a first-look development deal with DreamWorks Animation for kids and family content. Deadline revealed the first project to emerge from the former deal,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jane Featherstone and Liz Murdoch’s Sister saw revenues skyrocket by $100M last year, although the This is Going to Hurt and Chernobyl producer failed again to turn a profit.
The transatlantic outfit’s turnover grew by a mammoth 273% to $134M for full-year 2022, according to a Companies House filing seen by Deadline, as the outfit shook off the shackles of the Covid-19 pandemic and delivered a number of high-profile projects. The vast majority of the revenue came from TV shows.
Sister’s filing pointed to “the realisation of a pipeline of projects and recovery from the delays to the production schedule of programmes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic” as a driver of revenue growth. Big shows delivered in the year included BAFTA-winning BBC drama This is Going to Hurt, The Split Season 3 and HBO/Sky’s The Baby.
As with last year, Sister failed to turn a profit but...
The transatlantic outfit’s turnover grew by a mammoth 273% to $134M for full-year 2022, according to a Companies House filing seen by Deadline, as the outfit shook off the shackles of the Covid-19 pandemic and delivered a number of high-profile projects. The vast majority of the revenue came from TV shows.
Sister’s filing pointed to “the realisation of a pipeline of projects and recovery from the delays to the production schedule of programmes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic” as a driver of revenue growth. Big shows delivered in the year included BAFTA-winning BBC drama This is Going to Hurt, The Split Season 3 and HBO/Sky’s The Baby.
As with last year, Sister failed to turn a profit but...
- 9/29/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The "X-Men" movie "Dark Phoenix" was hurt by upheaval at its studio, 20th Century Fox. The film was developed during the merger between Fox and Disney; in fact, "Dark Phoenix" was released on June 7, 2019, early into the new management's tenure. During that theatrical run, it made only $254 million on a $200 million budget, ultimately losing $133 million in the worst bomb of 2019.
It's tempting to think Disney undermined "Dark Phoenix." The movie was released as a lame duck, the last product assembled before all Marvel properties were back under Disney's umbrella. Marvel Studios would've doubtlessly preferred not to inherit a completed "X-Men" film, so that they could get to work on their own versions of the characters (even if the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought back some faces from Fox's "X-Men" movies since).
However, The Hollywood Reporter indicates there was another player who helped doom "Dark Phoenix" — James Cameron.
Read more: The...
It's tempting to think Disney undermined "Dark Phoenix." The movie was released as a lame duck, the last product assembled before all Marvel properties were back under Disney's umbrella. Marvel Studios would've doubtlessly preferred not to inherit a completed "X-Men" film, so that they could get to work on their own versions of the characters (even if the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought back some faces from Fox's "X-Men" movies since).
However, The Hollywood Reporter indicates there was another player who helped doom "Dark Phoenix" — James Cameron.
Read more: The...
- 9/16/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Cindy Holland has been named the CEO of Sister, the production company started by media mogul Elisabeth Murdoch and “Chernobyl” producer Jane Featherstone. The veteran executive oversaw Netflix’s move into producing its own in-house content until she left the streamer in 2020. At Sister, she will oversee the company’s strategic direction and production output.
“I am delighted to join Sister at this exciting stage. The future is bright for well-positioned independent companies, and I love to build and support successful teams,” said Holland. “For years I’ve admired Jane Featherstone, and I am passionate about the artist-forward ethos that Liz has fostered at the Sister entertainment group.”
Holland is effectively replacing Stacey Snider, the former Fox and Universal executive, who launched Sister with Holland and Featherstone. Snider will produce several Sister projects, including “We Should Be Dancing,” a biopic about the Bee Gees, and “My Ex-Friend’s Wedding.”
“Cindy has...
“I am delighted to join Sister at this exciting stage. The future is bright for well-positioned independent companies, and I love to build and support successful teams,” said Holland. “For years I’ve admired Jane Featherstone, and I am passionate about the artist-forward ethos that Liz has fostered at the Sister entertainment group.”
Holland is effectively replacing Stacey Snider, the former Fox and Universal executive, who launched Sister with Holland and Featherstone. Snider will produce several Sister projects, including “We Should Be Dancing,” a biopic about the Bee Gees, and “My Ex-Friend’s Wedding.”
“Cindy has...
- 7/14/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Former Netflix content executive Cindy Holland has joined Elizabeth Murdoch’s production company Sister as its new global chief executive officer, tasked with overseeing the business’ strategic direction and portfolio of companies in the U.S. and U.K.
Holland served at the streaming giant for 18 years, including nine years as its vice president of original content. In that role, she established Netflix’s original programming strategy and oversaw teams behind titles including “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” “BoJack Horseman,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Narcos,” “Making a Murderer,” “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “Icarus,” “Ozark,” “Big Mouth,” “Russian Doll,” “When They See Us,” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” among many others.
Most recently, Holland has been an active investor and advisor, with a focus on entertainment and women’s sports. She began her career on the producing side working at Spring Creek Productions with Paula Weinstein and at Mutual Film Company.
Holland served at the streaming giant for 18 years, including nine years as its vice president of original content. In that role, she established Netflix’s original programming strategy and oversaw teams behind titles including “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” “BoJack Horseman,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Narcos,” “Making a Murderer,” “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “Icarus,” “Ozark,” “Big Mouth,” “Russian Doll,” “When They See Us,” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” among many others.
Most recently, Holland has been an active investor and advisor, with a focus on entertainment and women’s sports. She began her career on the producing side working at Spring Creek Productions with Paula Weinstein and at Mutual Film Company.
- 7/14/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Former Netflix TV boss Cindy Holland has joined Elisabeth Murdoch and Jane Featherstone’s Sister as Global CEO.
Holland, who spent nearly two decades at Netflix, replaces Stacey Snider, who departed earlier this year.
Sister Co-Founder Murdoch called Holland a “transformational leader in the industry for many years” and said she is the “total package.”
During her Netflix tenure, including nine years as VP Original Content, Holland oversaw the likes of House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Bojack Horseman. She established the streamer’s original programing strategy, turning the DVD-by-mail company into an original series powerhouse. She left in 2020.
“Cindy is exactly the person to help take us to the next level, and I’m really looking forward to working together,” added Murdoch.
Sister launched several years ago and has gone from strength to strength, with Holland the UK-headquartered company’s biggest hire so far following the loss of Snider.
Holland, who spent nearly two decades at Netflix, replaces Stacey Snider, who departed earlier this year.
Sister Co-Founder Murdoch called Holland a “transformational leader in the industry for many years” and said she is the “total package.”
During her Netflix tenure, including nine years as VP Original Content, Holland oversaw the likes of House of Cards, Orange is the New Black and Bojack Horseman. She established the streamer’s original programing strategy, turning the DVD-by-mail company into an original series powerhouse. She left in 2020.
“Cindy is exactly the person to help take us to the next level, and I’m really looking forward to working together,” added Murdoch.
Sister launched several years ago and has gone from strength to strength, with Holland the UK-headquartered company’s biggest hire so far following the loss of Snider.
- 7/14/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Three years after her surprising departure from Netflix, Cindy Holland has settled on her next act.
The venerable content executive will join Sister, the production company launched by Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone, as its new global CEO. She succeeds Snider, who announced her intention to step down earlier this year.
“I am delighted to join Sister at this exciting stage. The future is bright for well-positioned independent companies, and I love to build and support successful teams,” said Holland in a statement. “For years I’ve admired Jane Featherstone, and I am passionate about the artist-forward ethos that Liz has fostered at the Sister entertainment group. I’m excited to get to know the whole team, along with Carolyn Strauss, with whom I’ve wanted to work for a long time. I can’t wait to get started.”
In her new role Holland will “determine strategic direction...
The venerable content executive will join Sister, the production company launched by Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone, as its new global CEO. She succeeds Snider, who announced her intention to step down earlier this year.
“I am delighted to join Sister at this exciting stage. The future is bright for well-positioned independent companies, and I love to build and support successful teams,” said Holland in a statement. “For years I’ve admired Jane Featherstone, and I am passionate about the artist-forward ethos that Liz has fostered at the Sister entertainment group. I’m excited to get to know the whole team, along with Carolyn Strauss, with whom I’ve wanted to work for a long time. I can’t wait to get started.”
In her new role Holland will “determine strategic direction...
- 7/14/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group has signed a first-look deal with London- and Los Angeles-based Locksmith Animation to develop and produce animated features for worldwide distribution.
Locksmith is an independent producer of animated features and series and was behind the 20th Century Studios feature Ron’s Gone Wrong. That pic was released theatrically and on Disney+ in 2021.
‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’
The first of Locksmith’s two properties being developed under the new deal is Bad Fairies, a subversive musical comedy set in contemporary London. It focuses on a badass gang of fairies who break every rule in the book. Deborah Frances-White, creator and host of podcast The Guilty Feminist, is writing the screenplay. Megan Nicole Dong, creator and director of Netflix’s animated musical series Centaurworld, is attached to direct.
The second project is The Lunar Chronicles, based on Marissa Meyer’s bestselling novels. A sci-fi twist on Grimms’ Fairy Tales,...
Locksmith is an independent producer of animated features and series and was behind the 20th Century Studios feature Ron’s Gone Wrong. That pic was released theatrically and on Disney+ in 2021.
‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’
The first of Locksmith’s two properties being developed under the new deal is Bad Fairies, a subversive musical comedy set in contemporary London. It focuses on a badass gang of fairies who break every rule in the book. Deborah Frances-White, creator and host of podcast The Guilty Feminist, is writing the screenplay. Megan Nicole Dong, creator and director of Netflix’s animated musical series Centaurworld, is attached to direct.
The second project is The Lunar Chronicles, based on Marissa Meyer’s bestselling novels. A sci-fi twist on Grimms’ Fairy Tales,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
This episode of Revisited was Written by Cody Hamman, Narrated by Travis Hopson, Edited by Juan Jimenez, Produced by Adam Walton and Chris Bumbray, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Intro: Universal had a hit franchise on their hands with The Fast and the Furious. They just weren’t quite sure what to do with it. That uncertainty is how we get the third film in the franchise. The one that jettisoned almost all connection to the previous two in favor of introducing new characters. Telling a story about an outsider who finds new friends – and love – in the world of racing. It’s The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (watch it Here), and it’s about to be Revisited.
Set-up: Starring Paul Walker as undercover LAPD cop Brian O’Conner and Vin Diesel as criminal street racer Dominic Toretto, The Fast and the Furious earned more than two hundred...
Intro: Universal had a hit franchise on their hands with The Fast and the Furious. They just weren’t quite sure what to do with it. That uncertainty is how we get the third film in the franchise. The one that jettisoned almost all connection to the previous two in favor of introducing new characters. Telling a story about an outsider who finds new friends – and love – in the world of racing. It’s The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (watch it Here), and it’s about to be Revisited.
Set-up: Starring Paul Walker as undercover LAPD cop Brian O’Conner and Vin Diesel as criminal street racer Dominic Toretto, The Fast and the Furious earned more than two hundred...
- 6/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Liza Koshy (A Family Affair) has closed a deal to star opposite Ariana DeBose, Amanda Seyfried, Megan Stalter and Chloe Fineman in My Ex-Friend’s Wedding, the new comedy from director Kay Cannon (Blockers) that Sony picked up in March, in a competitive situation.
The film from indie studio Sister watches as four childhood best friends get a drunken voicemail from their former best friend on the eve of her wedding day — confessing that she thinks she’s making a mistake — then setting out to stop her wedding and rekindle the friendship they once shared. Details as to Koshy’s role are under wraps.
Sister acquired the spec script for My Ex-Friend’s Wedding following the project’s development by production and management company, Circle of Confusion. Taylor Jenkins Reid (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Ashley Rodger wrote the script, with Cannon handling revisions. Producers include Sister Co-Founder and Global CEO Stacey Snider,...
The film from indie studio Sister watches as four childhood best friends get a drunken voicemail from their former best friend on the eve of her wedding day — confessing that she thinks she’s making a mistake — then setting out to stop her wedding and rekindle the friendship they once shared. Details as to Koshy’s role are under wraps.
Sister acquired the spec script for My Ex-Friend’s Wedding following the project’s development by production and management company, Circle of Confusion. Taylor Jenkins Reid (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Ashley Rodger wrote the script, with Cannon handling revisions. Producers include Sister Co-Founder and Global CEO Stacey Snider,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Hardy has gained a reputation for portraying intense and gritty characters over the years. But in the early days of his burgeoning career, the Warrior star ventured into auditions for a role of an entirely different nature.
Believe it or not, Hardy once tried his hand at the romance genre. While Hardy tried his best to land the lead in movies like Pride & Prejudice, he was “really hurt” after losing out on a part that ultimately went to Succession star Matthew Macfadyen.
Tom Hardy | Dave J Hogan/Getty Images Tom Hardy admits that losing this iconic role to a ‘Succession’ star ‘Really Hurt’
Despite all of the dark and broody characters he’s played, Hardy actually has a love for characters in classical stories. One of his favorite classic characters is Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice.
In an interview with Telegraph, Hardy revealed that he auditioned for...
Believe it or not, Hardy once tried his hand at the romance genre. While Hardy tried his best to land the lead in movies like Pride & Prejudice, he was “really hurt” after losing out on a part that ultimately went to Succession star Matthew Macfadyen.
Tom Hardy | Dave J Hogan/Getty Images Tom Hardy admits that losing this iconic role to a ‘Succession’ star ‘Really Hurt’
Despite all of the dark and broody characters he’s played, Hardy actually has a love for characters in classical stories. One of his favorite classic characters is Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice.
In an interview with Telegraph, Hardy revealed that he auditioned for...
- 5/25/2023
- by Perry Carpenter
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Following a four-year focus on launching and overseeing the growth of Sister, co-founder Stacey Snider is stepping down as CEO and moving into a creative advisor role for the company as well as an independent producer. Snider will remain a shareholder and creative leader in the business.
Sources say the move was unexpected and are surprised by its timing given everything Snider did during the pandemic. Insiders add that Sister L.A. office staffers and several creatives around town were somewhat shocked and taken aback by the decision.
The timing also is interesting given the number of high-profile exec openings occurring around town and, given her qualifications, she might be someone who gets a look for some of these openings at major studios.
Since founding Sister with partners Elisabeth Murdoch and Jane Featherstone, Snider led the investment, acquisition and integration of several content companies in Sister’s portfolio, including Campside Media...
Sources say the move was unexpected and are surprised by its timing given everything Snider did during the pandemic. Insiders add that Sister L.A. office staffers and several creatives around town were somewhat shocked and taken aback by the decision.
The timing also is interesting given the number of high-profile exec openings occurring around town and, given her qualifications, she might be someone who gets a look for some of these openings at major studios.
Since founding Sister with partners Elisabeth Murdoch and Jane Featherstone, Snider led the investment, acquisition and integration of several content companies in Sister’s portfolio, including Campside Media...
- 5/9/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
In a leadership shakeup, Sister Global CEO Stacey Snider is stepping down from her role at the media company.
It’s a surprise move given Snider’s high profile, her extensive relationships throughout the entertainment industry and the fact that she was prolific in getting projects off the ground during her nearly four years (many of them overlapping with the pandemic). But Snider will remain involved as a creative advisor to the company. As part of that arrangement, she will also serve as an independent producer and will remain in charge of the Los Angeles office’s TV and film slate. She will continue to be a shareholder in Sister. The change is effective immediately. Elisabeth Murdoch, who is also the company’s executive chair, will assume CEO duties on an interim basis until Sister hires someone to take over Snider’s operational role.
Snider founded Sister in 2019 with Murdoch and Jane Featherstone,...
It’s a surprise move given Snider’s high profile, her extensive relationships throughout the entertainment industry and the fact that she was prolific in getting projects off the ground during her nearly four years (many of them overlapping with the pandemic). But Snider will remain involved as a creative advisor to the company. As part of that arrangement, she will also serve as an independent producer and will remain in charge of the Los Angeles office’s TV and film slate. She will continue to be a shareholder in Sister. The change is effective immediately. Elisabeth Murdoch, who is also the company’s executive chair, will assume CEO duties on an interim basis until Sister hires someone to take over Snider’s operational role.
Snider founded Sister in 2019 with Murdoch and Jane Featherstone,...
- 5/9/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Sister co-founder and chief creative officer Jane Featherstone spoke about how difficult it is to back original IP – as opposed to the relentless stream of reboots and spin-offs – in the current climate. “We have to hold our nerve,” Featherstone said. “As producers, we have to try and [walk] that tightrope of kind of giving people what they think they want but surprising people. And I don’t think audiences always do know what they want until they see it, and you can’t always emulate. So we have to be bold and brave.”
Featherstone was speaking in Cannes during a keynote speech at MipTV as she accepted Variety’s 2023 International Achievement in Television Award on behalf of Sister, the production company known for original fare such as “Chernobyl” and divorce drama “The Split,” which she runs with Elisabeth Murdoch and Stacey Snider.
The exec also credited the many writers Sister work with,...
Featherstone was speaking in Cannes during a keynote speech at MipTV as she accepted Variety’s 2023 International Achievement in Television Award on behalf of Sister, the production company known for original fare such as “Chernobyl” and divorce drama “The Split,” which she runs with Elisabeth Murdoch and Stacey Snider.
The exec also credited the many writers Sister work with,...
- 4/17/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Talent, relationships, and independence are the pillars Jane Featherstone is (again) betting her business on.
The veteran U.K. producer, and former CEO of Kudos, whose long list of credits include such groundbreaking, and global, shows as Broadchurch, Life on Mars, Spooks, Utopia, and Chernobyl, gave the keynote address at the MIPTV 2023, where she outlined the philosophy behind Sister Pictures, the company she runs with executive chair Elisabeth Murdoch and CEO Stacey Snider.
“When I set up Sister in 2015, it was about content and talent,” said Featherstone. “For me, that drives everything we do. It’s about working with the creatives we get to work with, and how we tell stories with people that innovate and break new ground. [It’s] always about the people. Everything in our business is about people and relationships.”
She noted that it was good to be back in person at MIPTV, “breaking bread with people and...
The veteran U.K. producer, and former CEO of Kudos, whose long list of credits include such groundbreaking, and global, shows as Broadchurch, Life on Mars, Spooks, Utopia, and Chernobyl, gave the keynote address at the MIPTV 2023, where she outlined the philosophy behind Sister Pictures, the company she runs with executive chair Elisabeth Murdoch and CEO Stacey Snider.
“When I set up Sister in 2015, it was about content and talent,” said Featherstone. “For me, that drives everything we do. It’s about working with the creatives we get to work with, and how we tell stories with people that innovate and break new ground. [It’s] always about the people. Everything in our business is about people and relationships.”
She noted that it was good to be back in person at MIPTV, “breaking bread with people and...
- 4/17/2023
- by Liza Foreman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When former HBO executive Kary Antholis convinced veteran British producer Jane Featherstone to board a project about the Chernobyl disaster, the prospect of such an undertaking was far from a “slam dunk.”
“It had to be pushed over the line,” says Featherstone, “and that was with everybody supporting it.” But in the end, the historical drama from “The Last of Us” showrunner Craig Mazin was, as the producer puts it, a “lucky, lucky call” — and one that richly paid off.
The 2019 HBO and Sky miniseries about the 1986 nuclear catastrophe in Ukraine starring Jared Harris and Emily Watson won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and put Featherstone’s new venture, Sister Pictures, on the map.
Few in Britain were surprised when, later that year, the production company expanded into a global studio simply titled Sister. Featherstone, who spent the previous 16 years with the Kudos production banner, partnered with Shine Group...
“It had to be pushed over the line,” says Featherstone, “and that was with everybody supporting it.” But in the end, the historical drama from “The Last of Us” showrunner Craig Mazin was, as the producer puts it, a “lucky, lucky call” — and one that richly paid off.
The 2019 HBO and Sky miniseries about the 1986 nuclear catastrophe in Ukraine starring Jared Harris and Emily Watson won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and put Featherstone’s new venture, Sister Pictures, on the map.
Few in Britain were surprised when, later that year, the production company expanded into a global studio simply titled Sister. Featherstone, who spent the previous 16 years with the Kudos production banner, partnered with Shine Group...
- 4/14/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Sister, the media group and production company co-founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, Jane Featherstone and Stacey Snider, has taken a significant stake in newly launched TV and tech entertainment company Yes Yes Media, founded by British broadcaster and format developer Richard Bacon.
As well as creating new unscripted formats, Yes Yes Media is developing proprietary hardware and software to enable viewers to interact with these formats across multiple devices. To lead this development, Yes Yes Media has hired California-based tech entrepreneurs Geoff Abbott and Reed Seerman.
The size of the stake and other terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
“We’re now truly in the TikTok era, but traditional television entertainment hasn’t fully tapped into that in a way that feels native,” said Bacon, best known in the U.K. for hosting a number of TV and radio shows. “I see all screens as television now. At Yes Yes...
As well as creating new unscripted formats, Yes Yes Media is developing proprietary hardware and software to enable viewers to interact with these formats across multiple devices. To lead this development, Yes Yes Media has hired California-based tech entrepreneurs Geoff Abbott and Reed Seerman.
The size of the stake and other terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
“We’re now truly in the TikTok era, but traditional television entertainment hasn’t fully tapped into that in a way that feels native,” said Bacon, best known in the U.K. for hosting a number of TV and radio shows. “I see all screens as television now. At Yes Yes...
- 4/4/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sister, the media group co-founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, Jane Featherstone and Stacey Snider, has unveiled a creative partnership with and taken a significant stake in new TV and tech entertainment company Yes Yes Media.
Yes Yes, an unscripted entertainment venture, is founded by broadcaster and format developer Richard Bacon, who has presented “The Big Breakfast” and “Top of the Pops” and created formats “The Hustler,” hosted by Craig Ferguson (ABC), “This Is My House” (BBC1) and “I Literally Just Told You,” hosted by Jimmy Carr (Channel 4).
The deal allows Yes Yes to leverage access to the Sister’s global network of creative companies and investments spanning television and film, podcasting, publishing and live events.
As well as creating new unscripted formats, Yes Yes Media is developing proprietary hardware and software to enable viewers to interact with these formats across multiple devices. To lead this development, Yes Yes has hired...
Yes Yes, an unscripted entertainment venture, is founded by broadcaster and format developer Richard Bacon, who has presented “The Big Breakfast” and “Top of the Pops” and created formats “The Hustler,” hosted by Craig Ferguson (ABC), “This Is My House” (BBC1) and “I Literally Just Told You,” hosted by Jimmy Carr (Channel 4).
The deal allows Yes Yes to leverage access to the Sister’s global network of creative companies and investments spanning television and film, podcasting, publishing and live events.
As well as creating new unscripted formats, Yes Yes Media is developing proprietary hardware and software to enable viewers to interact with these formats across multiple devices. To lead this development, Yes Yes has hired...
- 4/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Powerhouse producer Sister has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Variety International Achievement in Television Award, to be presented at global content market MipTV in April.
The award is presented in recognition of leadership and innovation in the international television marketplace with co-founder and chief content officer Jane Featherstone accepting the award in Cannes for all three founders, including executive chair Elisabeth Murdoch and CEO Stacey Snider, and the wider company.
Featherstone is a pioneering producer responsible for some of the U.K.’s most ground-breaking and beloved TV shows. As the former chief executive of Kudos and co-chairman of Shine U.K., Featherstone helped to grow the company into one of the country’s most recognized independent outfits. Under her leadership, Kudos produced such acclaimed shows as “Broadchurch,” “Life on Mars,” “Spooks,” “The Hour” and “Utopia’, to the breakout BAFTA- and Golden Globe-winning drama sensation “Chernobyl” for HBO...
The award is presented in recognition of leadership and innovation in the international television marketplace with co-founder and chief content officer Jane Featherstone accepting the award in Cannes for all three founders, including executive chair Elisabeth Murdoch and CEO Stacey Snider, and the wider company.
Featherstone is a pioneering producer responsible for some of the U.K.’s most ground-breaking and beloved TV shows. As the former chief executive of Kudos and co-chairman of Shine U.K., Featherstone helped to grow the company into one of the country’s most recognized independent outfits. Under her leadership, Kudos produced such acclaimed shows as “Broadchurch,” “Life on Mars,” “Spooks,” “The Hour” and “Utopia’, to the breakout BAFTA- and Golden Globe-winning drama sensation “Chernobyl” for HBO...
- 3/28/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: FX is getting back into espionage.
Deadline understands that the network is developing drama series Drug Spies, from Noah Pink, who wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Tetris movie at Apple, author Kirk Wallace Johnson and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier director Kari Skogland.
We hear that the original series, which is inspired by true events, tells the stories of spies who work on behalf of multinational drug companies.
FX is understood to have beaten out a number of rivals to land the project, which is in the early stages of development, in a competitive bidding process.
Sister, the company run by Liz Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone, which was behind hit HBO series Chernobyl, is producing in association with Oil & Cattle. Sister is also behind Netflix’s upcoming six-parter Eric, starring Benedict Cumberbatch playing a puppeteer whose son goes missing in 1980s Manhattan from Abi Morgan,...
Deadline understands that the network is developing drama series Drug Spies, from Noah Pink, who wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Tetris movie at Apple, author Kirk Wallace Johnson and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier director Kari Skogland.
We hear that the original series, which is inspired by true events, tells the stories of spies who work on behalf of multinational drug companies.
FX is understood to have beaten out a number of rivals to land the project, which is in the early stages of development, in a competitive bidding process.
Sister, the company run by Liz Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone, which was behind hit HBO series Chernobyl, is producing in association with Oil & Cattle. Sister is also behind Netflix’s upcoming six-parter Eric, starring Benedict Cumberbatch playing a puppeteer whose son goes missing in 1980s Manhattan from Abi Morgan,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Following a competitive bidding situation, Sony has won global rights to “My Ex-Friend’s Wedding,” starring Ariana DeBose, Amanda Seyfried, Chloe Fineman and Megan Stalter.
“Daisy Jones and the Six” author Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote the comedy with Ashley Rodger. Kay Cannon will direct and contributed revisions to the script.
The film follows four childhood best friends who spring into action when they get a voicemail from another former best friend on the eve of her wedding day. To stop her from making the worst mistake of her life, they band together and attempt to rekindle their old bond.
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‘Daisy Jones & the Six': Here’s Who Sang and Wrote Every ‘Aurora’ Song
Production is slated to begin this summer. Sister acquired the spec script after it was developed by Circle of Confusion. Co-Founder and Global CEO Stacey Snider will produce, along with Deb Hayward, Circle of...
“Daisy Jones and the Six” author Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote the comedy with Ashley Rodger. Kay Cannon will direct and contributed revisions to the script.
The film follows four childhood best friends who spring into action when they get a voicemail from another former best friend on the eve of her wedding day. To stop her from making the worst mistake of her life, they band together and attempt to rekindle their old bond.
Also Read:
‘Daisy Jones & the Six': Here’s Who Sang and Wrote Every ‘Aurora’ Song
Production is slated to begin this summer. Sister acquired the spec script after it was developed by Circle of Confusion. Co-Founder and Global CEO Stacey Snider will produce, along with Deb Hayward, Circle of...
- 3/3/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Sony has landed global rights to the Sister comedy My Ex-Friend’s Wedding, to be directed by Kay Cannon (Blockers), in a competitive situation. Cast set for the pic penned by New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Ashley Rodger, with revisions by Cannon, includes Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Chloe Fineman (SNL), Megan Stalter (Hacks) and Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried (The Dropout).
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In the film heading into production this summer, four childhood best friends get a drunken voicemail from their former best friend on the eve of her wedding day — confessing that she thinks she’s...
Related Story Oliver Stone Documentary ‘Nuclear Now’ Acquired By Abramorama, Giant Pictures Related Story Final Oscar Voting Begins; Ariana DeBose, Dwayne Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson Among First Announced Presenters Related Story 'Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse' Casts Karan Soni As Spider-Man India
In the film heading into production this summer, four childhood best friends get a drunken voicemail from their former best friend on the eve of her wedding day — confessing that she thinks she’s...
- 3/3/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures has won global distribution rights to the hot comedy package “My Ex-Friend’s Wedding,” a script co-written by buzzy author Taylor Jenkins Reid starring a murderers’ row of funny women.
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, “Saturday Night Live” breakout Chloe Fineman, Amanda Seyfried and Megan Stalter are set as the core ensemble. The film follows four childhood best friends who receive a drunken voicemail from a former Bff on the eve of her wedding day — confessing that she thinks she’s making a mistake. The group sets out to stop her wedding and rekindle the friendship they once shared.
Comedy vet Kay Cannon, whose 2019 feature directorial debut “Blockers” over-performed at the box office, is directing. The script is from Ashley Rodger and Jenkins Reid. The latter could not be hotter at the moment, as the series adaptation of her novel “Daisy Jones & The Six” is about to hit Amazon Prime Video.
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, “Saturday Night Live” breakout Chloe Fineman, Amanda Seyfried and Megan Stalter are set as the core ensemble. The film follows four childhood best friends who receive a drunken voicemail from a former Bff on the eve of her wedding day — confessing that she thinks she’s making a mistake. The group sets out to stop her wedding and rekindle the friendship they once shared.
Comedy vet Kay Cannon, whose 2019 feature directorial debut “Blockers” over-performed at the box office, is directing. The script is from Ashley Rodger and Jenkins Reid. The latter could not be hotter at the moment, as the series adaptation of her novel “Daisy Jones & The Six” is about to hit Amazon Prime Video.
- 3/3/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle, the production unit of Bertelsmann-owned TV giant Rtl Group, has made a strategic minority investment in Artists, Writers & Artisans (Awa), an independent developer of stories from creative talent working across graphic fiction, film and television.
James Murdoch’s investment firm Lupa Systems, an existing Awa backer, co-led the new financial injection, which also included new capital from long-term Awa backers and “a number of strategic individual investors with expertise in production, finance, sports, human rights and technology,” the company said. Financial details and the size of the stake weren’t disclosed.
“This investment signifies a deepening of the initial partnership made between Fremantle and Awa in April 2022, which saw the companies come together to collaborate on co-developing a slate of TV projects based on Awa’s rapidly expanding IP library,” the partners said. “Awa Studios, Awa’s film and TV arm, will benefit from Fremantle’s strategic input and investment,...
James Murdoch’s investment firm Lupa Systems, an existing Awa backer, co-led the new financial injection, which also included new capital from long-term Awa backers and “a number of strategic individual investors with expertise in production, finance, sports, human rights and technology,” the company said. Financial details and the size of the stake weren’t disclosed.
“This investment signifies a deepening of the initial partnership made between Fremantle and Awa in April 2022, which saw the companies come together to collaborate on co-developing a slate of TV projects based on Awa’s rapidly expanding IP library,” the partners said. “Awa Studios, Awa’s film and TV arm, will benefit from Fremantle’s strategic input and investment,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elon Musk had a prime seat at State Farm Stadium for Super Bowl Lvii. Fox Sports cameras captured the maverick billionaire sitting with Fox Corp. and News Corp. chief Rupert Murdoch as well as his daughter, producer and investor Elisabeth Murdoch.
Fox’s cameras panned to a shot of the starry group in a stadium sky box about halfway through the third quarter of the big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have dominated through most of the game so far although the Chiefs are keeping it competitive.
The fleeting shot of Rupert Murdoch during the Super Bowl televised by the broadcast network he launched in 1986 may have been strategically placed to assure Wall Street and others that the mogul of media moguls is still up and around despite his 91 years. The Australia-born media baron will turn 92 on March 11. He appeared to be engaging in...
Fox’s cameras panned to a shot of the starry group in a stadium sky box about halfway through the third quarter of the big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have dominated through most of the game so far although the Chiefs are keeping it competitive.
The fleeting shot of Rupert Murdoch during the Super Bowl televised by the broadcast network he launched in 1986 may have been strategically placed to assure Wall Street and others that the mogul of media moguls is still up and around despite his 91 years. The Australia-born media baron will turn 92 on March 11. He appeared to be engaging in...
- 2/13/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Brendan Fraser's ongoing Brenaissance (sorry) continues as the once-reclusive star re-emerges into the spotlight. Much of Hollywood's newly rediscovered love for Fraser stems from his Oscar-nominated turn in Darren Aronofsky's "The Whale," but he's also got the benefit of '90s nostalgia and just being a charming guy working in his favor. That effortless charm was put to good use back in the '90s when Fraser was handed starring role after starring role. From his breakthrough in 1992's "Encino Man," which established his ongoing penchant for playing "naif characters," to 1997's "George of The Jungle," and his biggest hit "The Mummy," Fraser had a gentle and endearing demeanor that proved popular with audiences of all ages. Sometimes.
Other times, it didn't work that way. "George of The Jungle" proved a hit for Disney in '97, bringing in 105 million at the box office on a 55 million budget. Two...
Other times, it didn't work that way. "George of The Jungle" proved a hit for Disney in '97, bringing in 105 million at the box office on a 55 million budget. Two...
- 2/5/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
In an almost unbelievable turn of events, an extradition hearing regarding the alleged scammer known as the “Con Queen of Hollywood” was interrupted by histrionics on Wednesday before ending – for a second time – in fire.
Hargobind Tahilramani, who is accused of masterminding a million dollar scam in which he impersonated high level film execs including Gigi Pritzker, Dana Walden and Megan Ellison, was appearing in court via video link to hear final submissions in his case against the U.S. government, who are attempting to extradite him from the U.K. to face charges in California.
After logging on from prison, where he has been in custody since he was arrested in connection with the scam in 2020, Tahilramani appeared unsettled to see a reporter from Variety was also logged on to watch the hearing at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court via videolink. Tahilramani asked the judge, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, whether...
Hargobind Tahilramani, who is accused of masterminding a million dollar scam in which he impersonated high level film execs including Gigi Pritzker, Dana Walden and Megan Ellison, was appearing in court via video link to hear final submissions in his case against the U.S. government, who are attempting to extradite him from the U.K. to face charges in California.
After logging on from prison, where he has been in custody since he was arrested in connection with the scam in 2020, Tahilramani appeared unsettled to see a reporter from Variety was also logged on to watch the hearing at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court via videolink. Tahilramani asked the judge, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, whether...
- 2/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Music biopics are all the rage lately. There has been a slew of awards and recognitions that come with these movies, as displayed by Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. Recently, there was a satirical send-up of the genre with the completely over-the-top, fictional depiction of parody music artist Weird Al Yankovic’s life with the Roku Channel’s Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. One such story for an upcoming planned film is the biopic for the hit 70s disco group, The Bee Gees.
Deadline has recently learned that the former director tapped to helm the film, John Carney, had stepped down, and the director of 2019’s Hustlers, Lorene Scafaria, will now be sitting in the director’s chair. The script has been written by Academy Award-nominated writer John Logan. The movie is produced by Graham King, producer of Bohemian Rhapsody, along with Amblin Entertainment with Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider, and Jane Featherstone,...
Deadline has recently learned that the former director tapped to helm the film, John Carney, had stepped down, and the director of 2019’s Hustlers, Lorene Scafaria, will now be sitting in the director’s chair. The script has been written by Academy Award-nominated writer John Logan. The movie is produced by Graham King, producer of Bohemian Rhapsody, along with Amblin Entertainment with Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider, and Jane Featherstone,...
- 12/9/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Deadline has confirmed that Hustlers director Lorene Scafaria is taking on Paramount’s Bee Gees movie as John Carney steps back.
John Logan penned the latest draft of the screenplay.
Graham King, who was behind the multi-Oscar winning Bohemian Rhapsody, is producing along with Amblin with Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider, and Jane Featherstone producing via Sister.
We had heard through the grapevine this project was having a hard time getting mounted due to the final sign off from the band’s estate, but studio source countered a big “No” to us.
Barry Gibb who was involved in director Frank Marshall’s HBO documentary How Can You Mend a Broken Heart about the Gibb siblings, is also involved here in the feature as an EP.
The Bee Gees racked up worldwide sales of more than 220 million records, making them one of the biggest-selling groups of all time. While Barry, Robin and...
John Logan penned the latest draft of the screenplay.
Graham King, who was behind the multi-Oscar winning Bohemian Rhapsody, is producing along with Amblin with Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider, and Jane Featherstone producing via Sister.
We had heard through the grapevine this project was having a hard time getting mounted due to the final sign off from the band’s estate, but studio source countered a big “No” to us.
Barry Gibb who was involved in director Frank Marshall’s HBO documentary How Can You Mend a Broken Heart about the Gibb siblings, is also involved here in the feature as an EP.
The Bee Gees racked up worldwide sales of more than 220 million records, making them one of the biggest-selling groups of all time. While Barry, Robin and...
- 12/9/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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