If you’re going to make a music biopic — and with new dramatic takes on the lives of Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley and Michael Jackson on the way, it appears everyone is — you’d better secure the music rights. Making a movie purporting to tell the story of a pop music legend without first clearing rights to use the pop music that made them legendary is a recipe for box office disaster.
Remember Stardust, Gabriel Range’s 2020 David Bowie biopic starring Johnny Flynn, shot without any music from Bowie? Or Jimi: All Is By My Side (2013) directed by John Ridley with André 3000 as Jimi Hendrix playing none of his original songs? How about England Is Mine, Mark Gill’s unauthorized Morrissey biopic with Jack Lowden and Jodie Comer? Probably not. Without the sing-alone tunes, those films sank without a trace.
The blockbuster pop biopics — Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman,...
Remember Stardust, Gabriel Range’s 2020 David Bowie biopic starring Johnny Flynn, shot without any music from Bowie? Or Jimi: All Is By My Side (2013) directed by John Ridley with André 3000 as Jimi Hendrix playing none of his original songs? How about England Is Mine, Mark Gill’s unauthorized Morrissey biopic with Jack Lowden and Jodie Comer? Probably not. Without the sing-alone tunes, those films sank without a trace.
The blockbuster pop biopics — Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman,...
- 11/2/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hypnotic, who?
It’s unusual, to say the least, for a movie directed by the likes of Robert Rodriguez and starring Ben Affleck to barely be a blip on the radar of new movies opening the box office.
This lack of awareness helps explain why Hypnotic opened to a scant $2.4 million from 2,118 theaters over the May 14-16 weekend to mark the worst nationwide opening of any film directed by Rodriguez or starring Affleck. Hypnotic stands to lose tens of millions, after costing a reported $65 million to make, and reinforces what every savvy Hollywood studio executive knows: spending on marketing is essential.
The sci-fi action-thriller suffered several setbacks on the road to the big screen, capped by the implosion of Solstice Studios in late 2021, which had been set to market and release the film.
Solstice, led by indie veteran Mark Gill, had been counting on Hypnotic to forge its future. But...
It’s unusual, to say the least, for a movie directed by the likes of Robert Rodriguez and starring Ben Affleck to barely be a blip on the radar of new movies opening the box office.
This lack of awareness helps explain why Hypnotic opened to a scant $2.4 million from 2,118 theaters over the May 14-16 weekend to mark the worst nationwide opening of any film directed by Rodriguez or starring Affleck. Hypnotic stands to lose tens of millions, after costing a reported $65 million to make, and reinforces what every savvy Hollywood studio executive knows: spending on marketing is essential.
The sci-fi action-thriller suffered several setbacks on the road to the big screen, capped by the implosion of Solstice Studios in late 2021, which had been set to market and release the film.
Solstice, led by indie veteran Mark Gill, had been counting on Hypnotic to forge its future. But...
- 5/15/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with latest additions: Additional speakers have been added to the 13th annual Produced By Conference, the Producers Guild’s annual confab that is set for June 11-12 on the Fox studio lot.
Newly announced participants in the weekend of panels, sessions and network events include Peter Friedlander, DanTram Nguyen, Megan Colligan, Mark Resteghini, Devin Griffin, Barry Jossen, Mark Gill, Aaron Hart, Catherine Tait, Chris Thomes, Yvette Nicole Brown and more.
They join previously announced names including Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Seth MacFarlane, Charles D. King, Dan Lin, Stephanie Allain, Betsy Beers, Jason Richman, Mark Kimsey and Aml Ameen.
Here is the full list of participants so far, with a working schedule of events available here.
Stephanie Allain
Aml Ameen
Trevor Baker
Amanda Beggs, Cas
Betsy Beers
Xavier Bernasconi
Alison Brower
Yvette Nicole Brown
Elle Roth-Brunet
Rick Champagne
Kesila Childers
Steven B. Cohen
Megan Colligan
Jesse Collins
Simon Crownshaw
Viola Davis
Dante Di Loreto
Sabrina Ehlert
Mike Farah
Stephen Feder
Erica Fishman
Ashley N. Flores
Peter Friedlander
Mark Gill
Amy Gravitt
Marsha Greene
Devin Griffin (EVP & General Manager of BET+)
Aaron Hart
Melody Hildebrandt
Erica Huggins
Steve Jelley
Valerie Johnson-Redrow
Barry Jossen
Jennifer Kawaja
Mark Kimsey
Charles D. King
Mike Larocca
Karen Baker Landers, Mpse
Dan Lin
Seth MacFarlane
Michael Minkler, Cas
Jordana Mollick
DanTram Nguyen
Arnold Pinnock
Mark Resteghini
Jason Richman
Joel Sloss
Curt Sobel, Mpse
Christina Lee Storm
Rabia Sultana
Catherine Tait
Julius Tennon
Chris Thomes
Nikola Todorovic (Co-founder & CEO at Wonder Dynamics)
Diana Williams
Tonya Williams
Philipp Wolf
David W. Zucker
Previously, May 13 Pm: After being on hiatus for the last two years during Covid, the Producers Guild of America (PGA)’s 12th annual Produced By Conference has announced its first round of speakers. The event is taking place on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City.
Those panelists include Oscar winner Viola Davis; veteran producer Julius Tennon (President and Co-Founder of JuVee Productions; The First Lady); animation heavyweight Seth MacFarlane; pioneering producer Charles D. King; tentpole-maker Dan Lin; legendary producer Stephanie Allain; master of television Betsy Beers; comedy leader Mike Farah; IP chief Jason Richman; producing innovator Mark Kimsey (Co-CEO of Electromagnetic Productions); actor and producer Aml Ameen (Executive Producer/ Actor – The Porter; Actor – I May Destroy You; Producer/ Actor – Boxing Day) with more to be announced soon.
Produced By will feature panels, Q&As, a networking reception, its Mentoring Roundtables, and the return of the Pitch Perfect session, during which a handful of pre-selected attendees pitch their projects live in front of an audience of leading producers and executives.
The confirmed participants in the Mentor Roundtables are: Insecure producer Deniese Davis; producing legend Gary Goetzman; Academy Award-nominated producer Fred Berger; Daniels producer Jonathan Wang; James Lopez; and Farah, with more to be announced.
New for this year’s conference is the Producers One-on-One engagement, which connects PGA members with an experienced producer for a one-on-one conversation. This is designed for members to seek thoughtful advice about specific projects they are producing. Additionally, for the first time, PGA Create, the Producers Guild’s program supporting emerging and mid-career creative producers from underrepresented backgrounds, will bring together its 35 PGA Create scripted and documentary fellows for a day-long set of networking opportunities supported by the program’s lead sponsor, Google.
Newly announced participants in the weekend of panels, sessions and network events include Peter Friedlander, DanTram Nguyen, Megan Colligan, Mark Resteghini, Devin Griffin, Barry Jossen, Mark Gill, Aaron Hart, Catherine Tait, Chris Thomes, Yvette Nicole Brown and more.
They join previously announced names including Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Seth MacFarlane, Charles D. King, Dan Lin, Stephanie Allain, Betsy Beers, Jason Richman, Mark Kimsey and Aml Ameen.
Here is the full list of participants so far, with a working schedule of events available here.
Stephanie Allain
Aml Ameen
Trevor Baker
Amanda Beggs, Cas
Betsy Beers
Xavier Bernasconi
Alison Brower
Yvette Nicole Brown
Elle Roth-Brunet
Rick Champagne
Kesila Childers
Steven B. Cohen
Megan Colligan
Jesse Collins
Simon Crownshaw
Viola Davis
Dante Di Loreto
Sabrina Ehlert
Mike Farah
Stephen Feder
Erica Fishman
Ashley N. Flores
Peter Friedlander
Mark Gill
Amy Gravitt
Marsha Greene
Devin Griffin (EVP & General Manager of BET+)
Aaron Hart
Melody Hildebrandt
Erica Huggins
Steve Jelley
Valerie Johnson-Redrow
Barry Jossen
Jennifer Kawaja
Mark Kimsey
Charles D. King
Mike Larocca
Karen Baker Landers, Mpse
Dan Lin
Seth MacFarlane
Michael Minkler, Cas
Jordana Mollick
DanTram Nguyen
Arnold Pinnock
Mark Resteghini
Jason Richman
Joel Sloss
Curt Sobel, Mpse
Christina Lee Storm
Rabia Sultana
Catherine Tait
Julius Tennon
Chris Thomes
Nikola Todorovic (Co-founder & CEO at Wonder Dynamics)
Diana Williams
Tonya Williams
Philipp Wolf
David W. Zucker
Previously, May 13 Pm: After being on hiatus for the last two years during Covid, the Producers Guild of America (PGA)’s 12th annual Produced By Conference has announced its first round of speakers. The event is taking place on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City.
Those panelists include Oscar winner Viola Davis; veteran producer Julius Tennon (President and Co-Founder of JuVee Productions; The First Lady); animation heavyweight Seth MacFarlane; pioneering producer Charles D. King; tentpole-maker Dan Lin; legendary producer Stephanie Allain; master of television Betsy Beers; comedy leader Mike Farah; IP chief Jason Richman; producing innovator Mark Kimsey (Co-CEO of Electromagnetic Productions); actor and producer Aml Ameen (Executive Producer/ Actor – The Porter; Actor – I May Destroy You; Producer/ Actor – Boxing Day) with more to be announced soon.
Produced By will feature panels, Q&As, a networking reception, its Mentoring Roundtables, and the return of the Pitch Perfect session, during which a handful of pre-selected attendees pitch their projects live in front of an audience of leading producers and executives.
The confirmed participants in the Mentor Roundtables are: Insecure producer Deniese Davis; producing legend Gary Goetzman; Academy Award-nominated producer Fred Berger; Daniels producer Jonathan Wang; James Lopez; and Farah, with more to be announced.
New for this year’s conference is the Producers One-on-One engagement, which connects PGA members with an experienced producer for a one-on-one conversation. This is designed for members to seek thoughtful advice about specific projects they are producing. Additionally, for the first time, PGA Create, the Producers Guild’s program supporting emerging and mid-career creative producers from underrepresented backgrounds, will bring together its 35 PGA Create scripted and documentary fellows for a day-long set of networking opportunities supported by the program’s lead sponsor, Google.
- 5/24/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: After a two-year hiatus, the Producers Guild of America is returning for its 12th annual Produced By Conference — to be held on June 11 and 12 at the Fox Studio Lot in Century City — and has announced a number of prominent speakers and panel sessions.
Recently-added speakers include Peter Friedlander, DanTram Nguyen, Megan Colligan, Mark Resteghini, Devin Griffin, Barry Jossen, Mark Gill, Aaron Hart, Catherine Tait, Chris Thomes and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Also added are conversations with Charles D. King, Dan Lin, Seth MacFarlane & Erica Huggins, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. Sessions added include Web3 and Meet the Buyers.
Earlier confirmed speakers include Academy Award winner Viola Davis, her husband and producing partner, veteran producer Julius Tennon (“The First Lady”), “Family Guy” creator MacFarlane, television producer Betsy Beers (creative partner at Shondaland) and comedy leader Mike Farah.
The conference will feature a networking reception, panels, Q&As and its signature Mentoring Roundtables.
Recently-added speakers include Peter Friedlander, DanTram Nguyen, Megan Colligan, Mark Resteghini, Devin Griffin, Barry Jossen, Mark Gill, Aaron Hart, Catherine Tait, Chris Thomes and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Also added are conversations with Charles D. King, Dan Lin, Seth MacFarlane & Erica Huggins, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon. Sessions added include Web3 and Meet the Buyers.
Earlier confirmed speakers include Academy Award winner Viola Davis, her husband and producing partner, veteran producer Julius Tennon (“The First Lady”), “Family Guy” creator MacFarlane, television producer Betsy Beers (creative partner at Shondaland) and comedy leader Mike Farah.
The conference will feature a networking reception, panels, Q&As and its signature Mentoring Roundtables.
- 5/24/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: We Can Be Heroes and Man With A Plan star Hala Finley is joining Oscar winner Ben Affleck and Alice Braga (Queen Of The South) in Robert Rodriguez action-thriller Hypnotic, which is due to get underway on Monday 27 September in Austin, Texas.
The movie will follow a detective (Affleck) who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter (Finley) and a secret government program.
Pic is written by Sin City and Alita: Battle Angel filmmaker Rodriguez and Max Borenstein. Rodriguez, Studio 8 CEO Jeff Robinov and his colleagues Guy Danella and John Graham are producing with Mark Gill’s Solstice Studios.
Fast-rising child star Finley will next be seen in Anna Gutto’s Paradise Highway with Morgan Freeman and Juliette Binoche and Shelter alongside Zazie Beetz and Melissa Leo. She is best known for playing Emme Burns on four seasons of Man With A Plan on CBS alongside Friends star Matt LeBlanc.
The movie will follow a detective (Affleck) who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter (Finley) and a secret government program.
Pic is written by Sin City and Alita: Battle Angel filmmaker Rodriguez and Max Borenstein. Rodriguez, Studio 8 CEO Jeff Robinov and his colleagues Guy Danella and John Graham are producing with Mark Gill’s Solstice Studios.
Fast-rising child star Finley will next be seen in Anna Gutto’s Paradise Highway with Morgan Freeman and Juliette Binoche and Shelter alongside Zazie Beetz and Melissa Leo. She is best known for playing Emme Burns on four seasons of Man With A Plan on CBS alongside Friends star Matt LeBlanc.
- 9/17/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’s note: One in a series of remembrances on the 20 years since 9/11.
The 2001 Toronto Film Festival was at its midpoint on a clear and sunny Tuesday morning, when American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., followed by United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. Suddenly, the film festival became inconsequential in the wake of an imaginable terrorist attack on the United States; American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon military headquarters at 9:45 a.m. United 93 was headed for DC when courageous passengers confronted the terrorists and the plane crashed in Pennsylvania. All of the passengers on all of the planes were killed, along with many others, including 3,000 when the World Trade Center towers collapsed.
With all planes grounded for days, filmmakers, execs and dealmakers in Toronto scrambled...
The 2001 Toronto Film Festival was at its midpoint on a clear and sunny Tuesday morning, when American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., followed by United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. Suddenly, the film festival became inconsequential in the wake of an imaginable terrorist attack on the United States; American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon military headquarters at 9:45 a.m. United 93 was headed for DC when courageous passengers confronted the terrorists and the plane crashed in Pennsylvania. All of the passengers on all of the planes were killed, along with many others, including 3,000 when the World Trade Center towers collapsed.
With all planes grounded for days, filmmakers, execs and dealmakers in Toronto scrambled...
- 9/10/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer-director Mark Gill is set to bring the life of legendary Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase to the big screen with Ravens (The Many Deaths of Masahisa Fukase). Filming is set to begin in Japan in the spring of 2022.
Ravens marks the sophomore feature for the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated Gill and will star Tadanobu Asano in the role of the iconic photographer. Asano can be seen in the forthcoming Mortal Kombat feature as Raiden. He also appeared in Marvel Studios’ Thor franchise as Hogun and in Japanese classics such as Ichi the Killer and The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.
Ravens centers on the tragic love story between Fukase and his charismatic then-wife Yoko, who will be played by up and comer Kumi Takiuchi. The actress has also appeared in Berlinale’s Panorama-selected A Balance. In addition, Toby Kebbell joins the cast...
Ravens marks the sophomore feature for the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated Gill and will star Tadanobu Asano in the role of the iconic photographer. Asano can be seen in the forthcoming Mortal Kombat feature as Raiden. He also appeared in Marvel Studios’ Thor franchise as Hogun and in Japanese classics such as Ichi the Killer and The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.
Ravens centers on the tragic love story between Fukase and his charismatic then-wife Yoko, who will be played by up and comer Kumi Takiuchi. The actress has also appeared in Berlinale’s Panorama-selected A Balance. In addition, Toby Kebbell joins the cast...
- 3/30/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Announcement is latest addition to US release calendar
Lionsgate has set a June 16 US release for The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Antonio Banderas.
It is the latest addition to the calendar as US cinemas continue to reopen and studios and distributors date their slates.
On Monday president Biden said 90% of adults will be eligible to receive a vaccine within the next three weeks.
Warner Bros and Legendary’s Godzilla Vs. Kong, which arrives in North America in cinemas and on HBO Max on Wednesday (March 31), scored the highest global opening for a Hollywood...
Lionsgate has set a June 16 US release for The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel Jackson, Salma Hayek, and Antonio Banderas.
It is the latest addition to the calendar as US cinemas continue to reopen and studios and distributors date their slates.
On Monday president Biden said 90% of adults will be eligible to receive a vaccine within the next three weeks.
Warner Bros and Legendary’s Godzilla Vs. Kong, which arrives in North America in cinemas and on HBO Max on Wednesday (March 31), scored the highest global opening for a Hollywood...
- 3/29/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Ryan Reynolds & Samuel L. Jackson Sequel ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’ Moves Earlier In The Summer
After Disney plopped its Ryan Reynolds action comedy Free Guy from 20th Century Studios on August 13, a week before Lionsgate’s sequel The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard which also stars Reynolds, it stood to reason the latter would move. The new date for the Reynolds-Samuel L. Jackson sequel, which also stars Salma Hayek, is June 16.
The announcement was made Monday by Ron Schwartz, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide distribution. The sequel, on its new date, arrives the weekend after Warner Bros/HBO Max’s feature musical In the Heights, and the weekend prior to Universal’s F9 on June 25. Also opening the weekend of June 16-18 is Focus Features’ Edgar Wright-directed feature documentary The Sparks Brothers.
Schwartz said, “This is the kind of summer action film that delivers even more comedy and more thrilling action than the first film – and it’s perfect for fans new to the franchise as well.
The announcement was made Monday by Ron Schwartz, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide distribution. The sequel, on its new date, arrives the weekend after Warner Bros/HBO Max’s feature musical In the Heights, and the weekend prior to Universal’s F9 on June 25. Also opening the weekend of June 16-18 is Focus Features’ Edgar Wright-directed feature documentary The Sparks Brothers.
Schwartz said, “This is the kind of summer action film that delivers even more comedy and more thrilling action than the first film – and it’s perfect for fans new to the franchise as well.
- 3/29/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Even if New York City theaters aren’t opening, and even if Warner Bros. decides to move Tenet to August, Solstice Studios’ Russell Crowe road-rage movie Unhinged still will open on July 1.
While Tenet is being pinned as the long-awaited launch of the summer season after exhibition’s great shutdown since mid-March, Unhinged is the warm-up act to get turnstiles primed as multiplexes and their staffs adjust to operating in an environment of reduced auditorium seating (25%-50%), face covers, and heightened cleaning with a greater space between showtimes.
Tracking hits tomorrow for the first theatrical release from the new studio from Mark Gill, Guy Botham and Vincent Bruzzese which opened its doors in October 2018 as Deadline first told you.
It will be interesting to see what projections that the B.O. stat agencies put forth for director Derrick Borte’s Unhinged, especially for a theatrical marketplace which is far...
While Tenet is being pinned as the long-awaited launch of the summer season after exhibition’s great shutdown since mid-March, Unhinged is the warm-up act to get turnstiles primed as multiplexes and their staffs adjust to operating in an environment of reduced auditorium seating (25%-50%), face covers, and heightened cleaning with a greater space between showtimes.
Tracking hits tomorrow for the first theatrical release from the new studio from Mark Gill, Guy Botham and Vincent Bruzzese which opened its doors in October 2018 as Deadline first told you.
It will be interesting to see what projections that the B.O. stat agencies put forth for director Derrick Borte’s Unhinged, especially for a theatrical marketplace which is far...
- 6/11/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Solstice Studios is developing the futuristic thriller “Mind Fall” with Cedric Jimenez directing and Oscar winner Graham Moore scripting.
It’s the second project for two-year-old Solstice under its partnership with Studio 8, which includes Robert Rodriguez’s upcoming action thriller “Hypnotic,” starring Ben Affleck.
“Mind Fall” will be produced by Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella, John Graham and Scoop Wasserstein. Solstice will finance and distribute the film in the U.S. and handle international sales.
“Mind Fall” is set in the near future where illegal new technology allows specific memories to be removed from one person’s brain and inserted into another’s. The story follows one woman’s journey into the black market of memories, leading to her being accused of murdering a man she has no recollection of knowing.
Jimenez is best known for his 2014 crime thriller “The Connection,” inspired by the events in 1971’s “The French Connection.
It’s the second project for two-year-old Solstice under its partnership with Studio 8, which includes Robert Rodriguez’s upcoming action thriller “Hypnotic,” starring Ben Affleck.
“Mind Fall” will be produced by Studio 8’s Jeff Robinov, Guy Danella, John Graham and Scoop Wasserstein. Solstice will finance and distribute the film in the U.S. and handle international sales.
“Mind Fall” is set in the near future where illegal new technology allows specific memories to be removed from one person’s brain and inserted into another’s. The story follows one woman’s journey into the black market of memories, leading to her being accused of murdering a man she has no recollection of knowing.
Jimenez is best known for his 2014 crime thriller “The Connection,” inspired by the events in 1971’s “The French Connection.
- 5/27/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ever heard the story of the canary in the coal mine? Well, who knew that bird sounded like Russell Crowe screaming out of the side of his driver’s seat? For that’s exactly what you’ll hear when Crowe’s new thriller Unhinged becomes the first movie to open in wide theatrical release since the weekend of March 13.
Indeed, Solstice Studios broke the news (via Deadline) Tuesday that they’re moving Unhinged, a movie about road rage gone primal, from its intended September release window to the Fourth of July weekend. Suddenly a relatively small scale indie in which Crowe pulls a Duel and stalks a mother and child across the interstate has become one of the highest profile releases of the summer—enjoying a weekend usually saved for the newest Spider-Man movie or whatever Will Smith might have cooking.
“When we green lit this film, I probably figured...
Indeed, Solstice Studios broke the news (via Deadline) Tuesday that they’re moving Unhinged, a movie about road rage gone primal, from its intended September release window to the Fourth of July weekend. Suddenly a relatively small scale indie in which Crowe pulls a Duel and stalks a mother and child across the interstate has become one of the highest profile releases of the summer—enjoying a weekend usually saved for the newest Spider-Man movie or whatever Will Smith might have cooking.
“When we green lit this film, I probably figured...
- 5/12/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Photo Credit – Skip Bolden
Russell Crowe stars in this first trailer for Unhinged, the first new film to open in America’s movie theaters in accordance with state public health department safety guidelines on July 1.
Unhinged is a psychological thriller starring Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe from Carl Ellsworth, the writer of Red Eye and Disturbia and Lisa Ellzey, the producer of Warrior and Kingdom of Heaven. It takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy. “Road rage” doesn’t begin to describe what he’s about to do to her and everyone she knows.
The film is directed by Derrick Borte (American Dreamer) and also stars Caren Pistorius, Gabriel Bateman, Jimmi Simpson and Austin P. McKenzie.
Here’s the official press release:
America’s movie theaters will show...
Russell Crowe stars in this first trailer for Unhinged, the first new film to open in America’s movie theaters in accordance with state public health department safety guidelines on July 1.
Unhinged is a psychological thriller starring Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe from Carl Ellsworth, the writer of Red Eye and Disturbia and Lisa Ellzey, the producer of Warrior and Kingdom of Heaven. It takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy. “Road rage” doesn’t begin to describe what he’s about to do to her and everyone she knows.
The film is directed by Derrick Borte (American Dreamer) and also stars Caren Pistorius, Gabriel Bateman, Jimmi Simpson and Austin P. McKenzie.
Here’s the official press release:
America’s movie theaters will show...
- 5/12/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
If everything goes according to plan, “Unhinged,” a thriller with Russell Crowe, will be the first wide release film to debut in U.S. theaters when and if exhibition chains re-open in July.
The film will bow on July 1, preempting Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” currently scheduled to bow on July 17, by more than two weeks. “Unhinged” is the first release from Solstice Studios, a new independent movie company that numbers veteran producer Mark Gill (“Olympus Has Fallen”) among its founders.
It’s a bold, albeit risky bet by Solstice, given that the coronavirus has led to widespread theater closures. Some states are beginning to lift restrictions and allow more businesses to open, and theaters are starting to welcome customers in places like Texas, but it’s still unclear if major markets such as Los Angeles and New York City will be back in business by July. Gill, who serves as Solstice’s president and CEO,...
The film will bow on July 1, preempting Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” currently scheduled to bow on July 17, by more than two weeks. “Unhinged” is the first release from Solstice Studios, a new independent movie company that numbers veteran producer Mark Gill (“Olympus Has Fallen”) among its founders.
It’s a bold, albeit risky bet by Solstice, given that the coronavirus has led to widespread theater closures. Some states are beginning to lift restrictions and allow more businesses to open, and theaters are starting to welcome customers in places like Texas, but it’s still unclear if major markets such as Los Angeles and New York City will be back in business by July. Gill, who serves as Solstice’s president and CEO,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Breaking: Solstice Studios wants to be the first to test the movie theater marketplace, setting a July 1 release date for the Russell Crowe psychological thriller Unhinged. The indie production/distribution company has moved the film from its September 4 release date right into the July 4 weekend, a moment where they expect theaters to be open and full of repertory programming. Unhinged will likely be the first to test the waters as theaters try to rebound from the crushing pandemic, and utilize the safety playbooks that Nato and all exhibitors are finalizing to restore customer confidence that it will be once again safe to venture back into a movie theater.
“When we green lit this film, I probably figured that July 4th weekend and Christmas would be the two least likely slots,” said Solstice chairman/CEO Mark Gill. “We were sitting on September 4 and then Covid-19 happened, and A Quiet Place 2...
“When we green lit this film, I probably figured that July 4th weekend and Christmas would be the two least likely slots,” said Solstice chairman/CEO Mark Gill. “We were sitting on September 4 and then Covid-19 happened, and A Quiet Place 2...
- 5/12/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Gill’s Solstice Studios is planning to release its first film, a thriller starring Russell Crowe called “Unhinged,” and it plans to do so at the start of July in the hopes that it will be one of the first films people can see if theaters reopen widely.
Solstice Studios has set a theatrical release date for “Unhinged” on July 1, the distributor announced Tuesday. Solstice consulted directly with the National Association of Theater Owners and other theater chains in finding an ideal date, and the idea is that, if they’re able to do so, the release will coincide with theaters reopening nationwide or directly follow it.
“We made this decision after extensive consultation with the National Association of Theaters and leading theater chains,” Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, said in a statement. “Those conversations have convinced us there is a way to meet pent up...
Solstice Studios has set a theatrical release date for “Unhinged” on July 1, the distributor announced Tuesday. Solstice consulted directly with the National Association of Theater Owners and other theater chains in finding an ideal date, and the idea is that, if they’re able to do so, the release will coincide with theaters reopening nationwide or directly follow it.
“We made this decision after extensive consultation with the National Association of Theaters and leading theater chains,” Mark Gill, president and CEO of Solstice Studios, said in a statement. “Those conversations have convinced us there is a way to meet pent up...
- 5/12/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Solstice Studios has decided to move up the release of the Russell Crowe road-rage thriller Unhinged from September to July 1.
The bold decision means that the movie will be the first new Hollywood offering as theaters reopen on a major scale after shutting down in late March due to the novel coronavirus. The current hope is that the majority of cinemas will be back in operation in late June, albeit with restricted capacity and other safety measures.
Unhinged is the first release from Solstice Studios, an indie studio launched by veteran executive Mark Gill in 2018.
The U.S. debut of ...
The bold decision means that the movie will be the first new Hollywood offering as theaters reopen on a major scale after shutting down in late March due to the novel coronavirus. The current hope is that the majority of cinemas will be back in operation in late June, albeit with restricted capacity and other safety measures.
Unhinged is the first release from Solstice Studios, an indie studio launched by veteran executive Mark Gill in 2018.
The U.S. debut of ...
- 5/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Solstice Studios has decided to move up the release of the Russell Crowe road-rage thriller Unhinged from September to July 1.
The bold decision means that the movie will be the first new Hollywood offering as theaters reopen on a major scale after shutting down in late March due to the novel coronavirus. The current hope is that the majority of cinemas will be back in operation in late June, albeit with restricted capacity and other safety measures.
Unhinged is the first release from Solstice Studios, an indie studio launched by veteran executive Mark Gill in 2018.
The U.S. debut of ...
The bold decision means that the movie will be the first new Hollywood offering as theaters reopen on a major scale after shutting down in late March due to the novel coronavirus. The current hope is that the majority of cinemas will be back in operation in late June, albeit with restricted capacity and other safety measures.
Unhinged is the first release from Solstice Studios, an indie studio launched by veteran executive Mark Gill in 2018.
The U.S. debut of ...
- 5/12/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Solstice talking to international partners about roll-out.
Solstice Studios has set a July 1 Us theatrical release for the Russell Crowe thriller Unhinged which, if theatres reopen by then, would make the film the first new release of a summer season already decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Christopher Nolan’s thriller Tenet remains on the schedule for July 17 through Warner Bros and until Tuesday’s (May 12) announcement had been the first new tentpole set to launch, subject to theatres reopening by July.
Unhinged had been set to open on September 4, and while Solstice CEO Mark Gill will be happy to get...
Solstice Studios has set a July 1 Us theatrical release for the Russell Crowe thriller Unhinged which, if theatres reopen by then, would make the film the first new release of a summer season already decimated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Christopher Nolan’s thriller Tenet remains on the schedule for July 17 through Warner Bros and until Tuesday’s (May 12) announcement had been the first new tentpole set to launch, subject to theatres reopening by July.
Unhinged had been set to open on September 4, and while Solstice CEO Mark Gill will be happy to get...
- 5/12/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
“I was one of the people who thought he would never see a day in jail.”
Hollywood and women’s support groups have hailed the 23-year prison sentence handed down to Harvey Weinstein on Wednesday (11) as the decision triggered a complex outpouring of emotions.
“Harvey Weinstein’s legacy will always be that he’s a convicted rapist,” the group of accusers known as Silence Breakers said in a statement. “He is going to jail – but no amount of jail time will repair the lives he ruined, the careers he destroyed, or the damage he has caused.”
Kirsten Shaffer, executive director of Women In Film,...
Hollywood and women’s support groups have hailed the 23-year prison sentence handed down to Harvey Weinstein on Wednesday (11) as the decision triggered a complex outpouring of emotions.
“Harvey Weinstein’s legacy will always be that he’s a convicted rapist,” the group of accusers known as Silence Breakers said in a statement. “He is going to jail – but no amount of jail time will repair the lives he ruined, the careers he destroyed, or the damage he has caused.”
Kirsten Shaffer, executive director of Women In Film,...
- 3/11/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Solstice Studios has acquired the astronaut drama “Ground Control to Major Tom” with Seth Gordon on board to direct.
The company, launched in late 2018, has begun making cast offers and will distribute the film in the U.S. and sell the international rights.
“Ground Control to Major Tom” is the story of an astronaut and a Nasa ground control expert who have never met but fall in love over the course of the astronaut’s classified mission to an abandoned space station. When things go wrong and the astronaut’s ship is destroyed, ground control and the rest of the world presume he’s dead — until 18 months pass and they receive word he’s alive. Now, the only thing standing between them is a huge expanse of space and a dangerous attempt to get him home.
The title is taken from the opening line of David Bowie’s 1969 single “Space Oddity.
The company, launched in late 2018, has begun making cast offers and will distribute the film in the U.S. and sell the international rights.
“Ground Control to Major Tom” is the story of an astronaut and a Nasa ground control expert who have never met but fall in love over the course of the astronaut’s classified mission to an abandoned space station. When things go wrong and the astronaut’s ship is destroyed, ground control and the rest of the world presume he’s dead — until 18 months pass and they receive word he’s alive. Now, the only thing standing between them is a huge expanse of space and a dangerous attempt to get him home.
The title is taken from the opening line of David Bowie’s 1969 single “Space Oddity.
- 2/5/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios has hired former 20th Century Fox, Alcon Entertainment and New Line Cinema executive Dana Belcastro as Head of Physical Production. She will report to President & CEO Mark Gill. Belcastro is the latest move by Solstice to build its infrastructure in anticipation of becoming a major generator of film content.
Belcastro, whose production experience and relationships include working with Denis Villeneuve, James Cameron, Terrence Malick, and Alexander Payne among others, was most recently Executive Vice President, Feature Production at 20th Century Fox. She worked on Avatar 2 & 3, The Post, Call of the Wild, Fruit Loops and The True Maze.
Her previous experience includes serving as Executive Vice President, Feature Film Production at Alcon Entertainment and Evergreen Studios, as well as Co-Producer on the Villenueve-directed Blade Runner 2049, and the Laurence Sher-directed Father Figures.
At New Line Cinema, Belcastro supervised physical production on over thirty films including: the Final Destination franchise,...
Belcastro, whose production experience and relationships include working with Denis Villeneuve, James Cameron, Terrence Malick, and Alexander Payne among others, was most recently Executive Vice President, Feature Production at 20th Century Fox. She worked on Avatar 2 & 3, The Post, Call of the Wild, Fruit Loops and The True Maze.
Her previous experience includes serving as Executive Vice President, Feature Film Production at Alcon Entertainment and Evergreen Studios, as well as Co-Producer on the Villenueve-directed Blade Runner 2049, and the Laurence Sher-directed Father Figures.
At New Line Cinema, Belcastro supervised physical production on over thirty films including: the Final Destination franchise,...
- 2/3/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Ben Affleck has signed on to star in Hypnotic, a new action-thriller from Sin City director Robert Rodriguez.
The Argo and Justice League star will play a detective investigating a series of impossible high-end heists who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Production is set to start in April.
Hypnotic is the first project under a new strategic partnership between Jeff Robinov's Studio 8 and Mark Gill's Solstice Studios.
Rodriguez and Robinov will produce the film together with Studio 8's Guy Danella and John Graham. Solstice will handle U.S. distribution and international ...
The Argo and Justice League star will play a detective investigating a series of impossible high-end heists who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Production is set to start in April.
Hypnotic is the first project under a new strategic partnership between Jeff Robinov's Studio 8 and Mark Gill's Solstice Studios.
Rodriguez and Robinov will produce the film together with Studio 8's Guy Danella and John Graham. Solstice will handle U.S. distribution and international ...
- 11/6/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ben Affleck has signed on to star in Hypnotic, a new action-thriller from Sin City director Robert Rodriguez.
The Argo and Justice League star will play a detective investigating a series of impossible high-end heists who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Production is set to start in April.
Hypnotic is the first project under a new strategic partnership between Jeff Robinov's Studio 8 and Mark Gill's Solstice Studios.
Rodriguez and Robinov will produce the film together with Studio 8's Guy Danella and John Graham. Solstice will handle U.S. distribution and international ...
The Argo and Justice League star will play a detective investigating a series of impossible high-end heists who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Production is set to start in April.
Hypnotic is the first project under a new strategic partnership between Jeff Robinov's Studio 8 and Mark Gill's Solstice Studios.
Rodriguez and Robinov will produce the film together with Studio 8's Guy Danella and John Graham. Solstice will handle U.S. distribution and international ...
- 11/6/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Lisa Ellzey, the longtime film exec who has worked at Scott Free, Fox and Lionsgate and most recently as president of U.S. production at Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp, has joined Solstice Studios as Head of Production. She will report to Solstice president and CEO Mark Gill.
The hire comes as Ellzey most recently produced Unhinged, Solstice’s Russell Crowe-starring psychological thriller directed by Derrick Borte. The pic shot over the summer, with a U.S. theatrical release set for August 28, 2020.
As an Evp at Lionsgate, Ellzey was an executive producer of Gavin O’Connor’s Warrior starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. She previously was an Evp at 20th Century Fox and before that was president of Scott Free Entertainment, where her Ep credits included the company’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Ridley Scott’s A Good Year, Kingdom of Heaven...
The hire comes as Ellzey most recently produced Unhinged, Solstice’s Russell Crowe-starring psychological thriller directed by Derrick Borte. The pic shot over the summer, with a U.S. theatrical release set for August 28, 2020.
As an Evp at Lionsgate, Ellzey was an executive producer of Gavin O’Connor’s Warrior starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. She previously was an Evp at 20th Century Fox and before that was president of Scott Free Entertainment, where her Ep credits included the company’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Ridley Scott’s A Good Year, Kingdom of Heaven...
- 11/4/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Production on Russell Crowe thriller Unhinged set to start in New Orleans next month.
Solstice Studios has added a key member to the sales team, bringing on Nicholas Sherry from Sierra/Affinity to serve as vice-president of international sales.
Sherry will focus on Asia and emerging markets, and reports to acquisitions and international head Crystal Bourbeau.
The Australian executive was vice-president of international sales and distribution at Sierra/Affinity, where he worked on such films as Hell Or High Water, Manchester By The Sea, Molly’s Game, I, Tonya, and the upcoming Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark.
President and CEO Mark Gill,...
Solstice Studios has added a key member to the sales team, bringing on Nicholas Sherry from Sierra/Affinity to serve as vice-president of international sales.
Sherry will focus on Asia and emerging markets, and reports to acquisitions and international head Crystal Bourbeau.
The Australian executive was vice-president of international sales and distribution at Sierra/Affinity, where he worked on such films as Hell Or High Water, Manchester By The Sea, Molly’s Game, I, Tonya, and the upcoming Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark.
President and CEO Mark Gill,...
- 6/27/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
An increasingly hostile trade war with China has Hollywood film financiers and distributors just as nervous as producers and star talent these days.
As the Trump administration continues with threats and prohibitions, the theatrical film business specifically is wringing its hands over the possibility of being shut out of the massive Chinese marketplace — to the detriment of both America and the middle kingdom, top executives said.
“It’s impossible to think about doing things without China,” said Mark Gill, a prolific indie producer behind films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “The English Patient,” who serves as president and CEO of Solstice Studios.
Gill spoke at a panel at Produced By 2019, held on the Warner Bros. lot this weekend, just as reports hit that China has warned American tech giants of “dire consequences” should they obey Trump’s new proposed ban of selling the country technology. A similar and unofficial Chinese blacklisting of U.
As the Trump administration continues with threats and prohibitions, the theatrical film business specifically is wringing its hands over the possibility of being shut out of the massive Chinese marketplace — to the detriment of both America and the middle kingdom, top executives said.
“It’s impossible to think about doing things without China,” said Mark Gill, a prolific indie producer behind films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “The English Patient,” who serves as president and CEO of Solstice Studios.
Gill spoke at a panel at Produced By 2019, held on the Warner Bros. lot this weekend, just as reports hit that China has warned American tech giants of “dire consequences” should they obey Trump’s new proposed ban of selling the country technology. A similar and unofficial Chinese blacklisting of U.
- 6/9/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Skydance Media President and Chief Operating Officer Jesse Sisgold was on a Produced By panel today titled “The Keys to the Kingdom: Financiers & Distributors.” In discussing Skydance’s streaming and television ventures, Sisgold brought up the Jack Reacher series and why Skydance is going the streaming/TV route.
Tom Cruise played the title character in two films. The 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back under-performed, so a third film was unlikely.
“We’re just being realistic about the landscape,” Sisgold said. “For us, those straight down the middle, awesome action thrillers in that mid-range budget, they just seem to lend themselves to an episodic experience. It’s not the old days [of television], where you had to limit it down to a pretty low scale.”
Also discussed during the gathering was the challenge of selling movies at this year’s Cannes market.
“Basically, take whatever you thought you could do 10 years ago...
Tom Cruise played the title character in two films. The 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back under-performed, so a third film was unlikely.
“We’re just being realistic about the landscape,” Sisgold said. “For us, those straight down the middle, awesome action thrillers in that mid-range budget, they just seem to lend themselves to an episodic experience. It’s not the old days [of television], where you had to limit it down to a pretty low scale.”
Also discussed during the gathering was the challenge of selling movies at this year’s Cannes market.
“Basically, take whatever you thought you could do 10 years ago...
- 6/9/2019
- by Fred Topel
- Deadline Film + TV
In a pre-Cannes Film Festival signing, Russell Crowe has come on board “Unhinged,” a psychological road rage thriller which will start production July 15 in New Orleans.
Rights to the film, which is the first Solstice Studios movie to go into production, will go on sale next week at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Unhinged” is directed by Derrick Borte (“American Dreamer”) from a script by Carl Ellsworth. The producer is Lisa Ellzey, who has credits on “Warrior” and “Kingdom of Heaven.” Solstice is targeting a third quarter 2020 wide U.S. theatrical release.
“Unhinged” takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy (played by Crowe).
Crowe won the best actor Academy Award for “Gladiator” and was nominated for his work in “The Insider” and “A Beautiful Mind.” He recently starred...
Rights to the film, which is the first Solstice Studios movie to go into production, will go on sale next week at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Unhinged” is directed by Derrick Borte (“American Dreamer”) from a script by Carl Ellsworth. The producer is Lisa Ellzey, who has credits on “Warrior” and “Kingdom of Heaven.” Solstice is targeting a third quarter 2020 wide U.S. theatrical release.
“Unhinged” takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy (played by Crowe).
Crowe won the best actor Academy Award for “Gladiator” and was nominated for his work in “The Insider” and “A Beautiful Mind.” He recently starred...
- 5/11/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award winner Russell Crowe will star in “Unhinged,” a psychological thriller which will start production July 15 in New Orleans, Solstice Studios announced on Friday.
The film, which is the first Solstice Studios movie to go into production, is directed by Derrick Borte (“American Dreamer”), written by Carl Ellsworth and produced by Lisa Ellzey.
Solstice is targeting a third-quarter 2020 wide U.S. theatrical release. The company’s international team, led by Acquisitions & International Head Crystal Bourbeau, will be selling the film in Cannes this month.
Also Read: Isla Fisher, Matt Walsh to Star in Comedy 'Unplugging'
“Unhinged” takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy (played by Crowe). “Road rage” doesn’t begin to describe what he’s about to do to her and everyone she knows.
Crowe...
The film, which is the first Solstice Studios movie to go into production, is directed by Derrick Borte (“American Dreamer”), written by Carl Ellsworth and produced by Lisa Ellzey.
Solstice is targeting a third-quarter 2020 wide U.S. theatrical release. The company’s international team, led by Acquisitions & International Head Crystal Bourbeau, will be selling the film in Cannes this month.
Also Read: Isla Fisher, Matt Walsh to Star in Comedy 'Unplugging'
“Unhinged” takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy (played by Crowe). “Road rage” doesn’t begin to describe what he’s about to do to her and everyone she knows.
Crowe...
- 5/11/2019
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Oscar winner Russell Crowe will star in Unhinged, a psychological thriller that will start production July 15 in New Orleans. The film, which is the first Solstice Studios movie to go into production, is directed by Derrick Borte (American Dreamer), written by Carl Ellsworth and produced by Lisa Ellzey.
Solstice is targeting a wide U.S. theatrical release in Q3 2020. The company’s international team, led by acquisitions and international head Crystal Bourbeau, will be selling the film in Cannes this month.
Unhinged takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy (Crowe).
Crowe was nominated for three consecutive Best Actor Oscars for his work in The Insider, Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind, winning for Gladiator. He recently starred in Boy Erased and...
Solstice is targeting a wide U.S. theatrical release in Q3 2020. The company’s international team, led by acquisitions and international head Crystal Bourbeau, will be selling the film in Cannes this month.
Unhinged takes an ordinary, everyday incident to its most terrifying conclusion in telling the story of a mother who leans on her horn at the wrong time, to the wrong guy (Crowe).
Crowe was nominated for three consecutive Best Actor Oscars for his work in The Insider, Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind, winning for Gladiator. He recently starred in Boy Erased and...
- 5/10/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cleopatra Entertainment announced today that they have acquired the North American rights to Amanda Kramer’s thriller Ladyworld which stars Maya Hawke (Stranger Things), Annalise Basso (Captain Fantastic), Ryan Simpkins (Brigsby Bear), Ariela Barer (Marvel’s Runaways), Odessa Adlon, Tatsumi Romano, Zora Casebere and Atheena Frizzell. The film will have a theatrical release on August 2 which will be followed by a VOD and DVD release on August 27.
A modernized all-female story inspired by Lord of the Flies, the film made its world premiere at Fantastic Fest last year. Ladyworld follows a group of girls that get stuck in a house during a slumber party due to an apocalyptic event, stress and fear cause them to degenerate into savagery. Kramer wrote the film along with Benjamin Shearn. The film is produced by Love & Death Productions’ Leal Naim and Thomas R. Burke alongside Kramer.
The film also screened at BFI and at Tiff.
A modernized all-female story inspired by Lord of the Flies, the film made its world premiere at Fantastic Fest last year. Ladyworld follows a group of girls that get stuck in a house during a slumber party due to an apocalyptic event, stress and fear cause them to degenerate into savagery. Kramer wrote the film along with Benjamin Shearn. The film is produced by Love & Death Productions’ Leal Naim and Thomas R. Burke alongside Kramer.
The film also screened at BFI and at Tiff.
- 5/8/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios has put another strong film on its initial slate. The upstart company has joined with Waypoint Entertainment and Addictive Pictures on Possession: A Love Story. the genre-bending supernatural thriller Possession: A Love Story. Fernando Coimbra, the Brazilian filmmaker best known for A Wolf at the Door will direct the Black List script by Jack Stanley.
Waypoint’s Ken Kao and Josh Rosenbaum will produce with Addictive Pictures’ John Schoenfelder and Russell Ackerman, and Jewerl Ross. Solstice Studios acquired rights and is currently out to cast.
The film is a supernatural thriller about a couple with an enviable marriage, marked by irresistible passion, wealth and success. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when her health mysteriously begins to deteriorate. When he uncovers the terrifying truth – that his wife is possessed – he must make an impossible choice: save an innocent victim or...
Waypoint’s Ken Kao and Josh Rosenbaum will produce with Addictive Pictures’ John Schoenfelder and Russell Ackerman, and Jewerl Ross. Solstice Studios acquired rights and is currently out to cast.
The film is a supernatural thriller about a couple with an enviable marriage, marked by irresistible passion, wealth and success. Their lives are thrown into turmoil when her health mysteriously begins to deteriorate. When he uncovers the terrifying truth – that his wife is possessed – he must make an impossible choice: save an innocent victim or...
- 5/1/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios has acquired and is fast-tracking late summer or early fall start Manhunt, the working title of an action film based on the Kazuhiro Kiuchi Japanese novel and the Takashi Miike-directed cult classic film Shield of Straw. The American remake is produced in association with Depth of Field, Nippon TV and Anew. Andrew Miano, Dan Balgoyen and Naoki Kitazima are the producers, with Paul & Chris Weitz, Sanford Climan, and Naomi Hatta the exec producers.
The screenplay for the American version is written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt (the Olympus Has Fallen series). They will also be executive producers.
Manhunt is an action-thriller that begins with the brutal murder of the granddaughter of a wealthy man. Her grieving grandfather issues a challenge heard around the world: “Kill the murderer, and I’ll pay you $1 billion. If you die in the process, the money goes to your family.
The screenplay for the American version is written by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt (the Olympus Has Fallen series). They will also be executive producers.
Manhunt is an action-thriller that begins with the brutal murder of the granddaughter of a wealthy man. Her grieving grandfather issues a challenge heard around the world: “Kill the murderer, and I’ll pay you $1 billion. If you die in the process, the money goes to your family.
- 4/16/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
A journalist and aspiring singer aims to find answers as to whether the "27 Club" actually exists, and it may have eternal consequences. Patrick Fogarty's The 27 Club will be released on VOD on April 23rd, and we have a look at the official trailer and poster for the rock ’n roll horror movie.
"Cleopatra Entertainment has set a release date for their production The 27 Club, a supernatural rock ’n roll horror-thriller directed by Patrick Fogarty and written by Joe Flanders, Fogarty, and Michael Lynn. The film features multi-platinum recording artist/producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren in his feature film debut (partially-filmed at a real indie record store - Record Surplus - in Los Angeles) alongside Maddisyn Carter, John Hennigan, Eugene Henderson, Zach Paul Brown, and Gogo Lomo-David. Executive Produced by Brian Perera and produced by David Sterling, Kelly Decker, Tim Yasui, and Ken Tighe,...
"Cleopatra Entertainment has set a release date for their production The 27 Club, a supernatural rock ’n roll horror-thriller directed by Patrick Fogarty and written by Joe Flanders, Fogarty, and Michael Lynn. The film features multi-platinum recording artist/producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren in his feature film debut (partially-filmed at a real indie record store - Record Surplus - in Los Angeles) alongside Maddisyn Carter, John Hennigan, Eugene Henderson, Zach Paul Brown, and Gogo Lomo-David. Executive Produced by Brian Perera and produced by David Sterling, Kelly Decker, Tim Yasui, and Ken Tighe,...
- 4/11/2019
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Ava DuVernay, Toby Emmerich, and Michael Douglas will speak at the Producers Guild of America’s 11th Produced By Conference.
The event will be held on June 8-9 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif.
Other notable speakers include Netflix executive Cindy Holland; Blumhouse producer Marci Wiseman; “Homecoming” showrunners Micah Bloomberg and Eli Horowitz; Entertainment One executive Peter Micelli; Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson on “The Simpsons”; and Peter Roth, president and chief content officer of Warner Bros. Television Group.
DuVernay is the creator of Netflix’s Central Park Five miniseries “When They See Us” and the Own series “Queen Sugar.” Emmerich is the chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. Douglas is the star of Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method.”
The 2018 Produced By Conference featured presentations by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Paramount Pictures CEO Jim Gianopulos. Feige promised at the event that many of the upcoming...
The event will be held on June 8-9 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif.
Other notable speakers include Netflix executive Cindy Holland; Blumhouse producer Marci Wiseman; “Homecoming” showrunners Micah Bloomberg and Eli Horowitz; Entertainment One executive Peter Micelli; Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson on “The Simpsons”; and Peter Roth, president and chief content officer of Warner Bros. Television Group.
DuVernay is the creator of Netflix’s Central Park Five miniseries “When They See Us” and the Own series “Queen Sugar.” Emmerich is the chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. Douglas is the star of Netflix’s “The Kominsky Method.”
The 2018 Produced By Conference featured presentations by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Paramount Pictures CEO Jim Gianopulos. Feige promised at the event that many of the upcoming...
- 3/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced its first round of speakers for the 2019 Produced By Conference, which will include Ava DuVernay, Warner Bros. Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich, Michael Douglas and Netflix’s VP of original content Cindy Holland.
Other confirmed speakers include CNN’s Amy Entelis, Hulu’s Svp of content Craig Erwich, Eli Horowitz, Participant Media’s Jonathan King, Blumhouse Television’s co-president Marci Wiseman, president and Cco of Warner Bros. Television Group Peter Roth, and Intrepid Pictures’ Trevor Macy.
The 2019 Produced By Conference will be chaired by PGA members Betsy Beers, Ian Bryce, Tracey Edmonds, Mike Farah, and Gene Stein. Produced By will feature panels, Q&As and mentoring opportunities.
Also Read: Lakeith Stanfield Joins Issa Rae in 'The Photograph' From Universal
This year’s conference will take place on June 8 and June 9 at the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.
Other confirmed speakers include CNN’s Amy Entelis, Hulu’s Svp of content Craig Erwich, Eli Horowitz, Participant Media’s Jonathan King, Blumhouse Television’s co-president Marci Wiseman, president and Cco of Warner Bros. Television Group Peter Roth, and Intrepid Pictures’ Trevor Macy.
The 2019 Produced By Conference will be chaired by PGA members Betsy Beers, Ian Bryce, Tracey Edmonds, Mike Farah, and Gene Stein. Produced By will feature panels, Q&As and mentoring opportunities.
Also Read: Lakeith Stanfield Joins Issa Rae in 'The Photograph' From Universal
This year’s conference will take place on June 8 and June 9 at the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.
- 3/26/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The 11th annual Produced By Conference is upon us, and the Producers Guild of America has unveiled its roster of speakers featuring a combination of established talent and new voices in Hollywood. The conference will run June 8-9 at Warner Bros Studios in Los Angeles.
The PGA has confirmed a wave of speakers including Warner Bros film and television toppers Toby Emmerich and Peter Roth; filmmaker Ava DuVernay; Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method); Cindy Holland; TV veteran Nick Pepper; producer Marci Wiseman; producer Trevor Macy; podcast creatorsturned-tv showrunners Micah Bloomberg and Eli Horowitz (Homecoming); and Peter Micelli.
Part networking event, part educational forum, Produced By covers issues facing the landscape of film,...
The PGA has confirmed a wave of speakers including Warner Bros film and television toppers Toby Emmerich and Peter Roth; filmmaker Ava DuVernay; Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method); Cindy Holland; TV veteran Nick Pepper; producer Marci Wiseman; producer Trevor Macy; podcast creatorsturned-tv showrunners Micah Bloomberg and Eli Horowitz (Homecoming); and Peter Micelli.
Part networking event, part educational forum, Produced By covers issues facing the landscape of film,...
- 3/26/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Solstice Studios has acquired “Unhinged,” a psychological thriller from “Disturbia” screenwriter Carl Ellsworth and “Warrior” producer Lisa Ellzey. The studio is currently out to directors. The script revolves around an extreme case of “road rage.” It’s the story of a mother whose decision to hit her horn upsets the wrong guy and leads to some very violent consequences.
It’s one of the first projects acquired by Solstice, a newcomer to the studio space. It launched in 2018 with the goal of producing three to five films a year that are geared at global audiences and acquiring an additional two to four films annually. Solstice releases will typically carry budgets between $30 million to $80 million. Major studios are steering clear of films in that price range in favor of making even costlier superhero films, leaving a hole that Solstice would like to fill.
The company is led by Mark Gill, the...
It’s one of the first projects acquired by Solstice, a newcomer to the studio space. It launched in 2018 with the goal of producing three to five films a year that are geared at global audiences and acquiring an additional two to four films annually. Solstice releases will typically carry budgets between $30 million to $80 million. Major studios are steering clear of films in that price range in favor of making even costlier superhero films, leaving a hole that Solstice would like to fill.
The company is led by Mark Gill, the...
- 3/20/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Solstice Studios, the upstart producer, financier and theatrical distribution venture launched last October by Mark Gill, Andrew Gunn, Guy Botham and Vincent Bruzzese, has targeted its first homegrown picture that will go into production. Deadline hears that Split Second is out to directors, with a plan to begin production later this year. Scripted by former military intelligence officer Mitchell Lafortune, Split Second is an action thriller about an assassin who suffers a psychological break when he is ordered to kill the woman who is his lifeline. The story follows two versions of the same character: one who pulls the trigger and descends into madness, the other who takes the road to redemption and goes on the run with her.
Solstice will make mid-budget films for wide theatrical release. Lafortune is repped by Verve, and managed by Kaplan/Perrone.
Solstice will make mid-budget films for wide theatrical release. Lafortune is repped by Verve, and managed by Kaplan/Perrone.
- 3/6/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran executive cut her teeth working alongside Patrick Wachsberger.
Solstice Studios has announced a key hire, bringing in Crystal Bourbeau as head of acquisitions and international from her most recent post as executive vice-president of international sales and distribution at Lionsgate.
Bourbeau, a popular and highly regarded executive who cut her teeth working for Patrick Wachsberger, will report to Solstice president and CEO Mark Gill. She will be based in Los Angeles.
During 10 years at Lionsgate, she played a key role in establishing and managing the international output deals and licensed territories on the Hunger Games and Saw franchises, The...
Solstice Studios has announced a key hire, bringing in Crystal Bourbeau as head of acquisitions and international from her most recent post as executive vice-president of international sales and distribution at Lionsgate.
Bourbeau, a popular and highly regarded executive who cut her teeth working for Patrick Wachsberger, will report to Solstice president and CEO Mark Gill. She will be based in Los Angeles.
During 10 years at Lionsgate, she played a key role in establishing and managing the international output deals and licensed territories on the Hunger Games and Saw franchises, The...
- 12/3/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Solstice Studios has hired Crystal Bourbeau from Lionsgate to become its Head of Acquisitions and International. She will report to Solstice president/CEO Mark Gill.
Bourbeau was most recently Executive Vice President of International Sales and Distribution for Lionsgate, where she spent a decade responsible for the Company’s licensing and distribution initiatives. She has been a key exec in establishing Lionsgate’s global distribution infrastructure, on films that have included The Hunger Games franchise and La La Land, and she shepherded the international success of other blockbuster franchises like The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Now You See Me, and the Saw franchise. Bourbeau’s oversight also included Lionsgate’s third-party sales business for Black Label Media, Participant Media, Thunder Road Films, Alcon Entertainment and River Road Entertainment. She will be based in Los Angeles and New York.
Since forming earlier this year, Solstice has been aggressively staffing...
Bourbeau was most recently Executive Vice President of International Sales and Distribution for Lionsgate, where she spent a decade responsible for the Company’s licensing and distribution initiatives. She has been a key exec in establishing Lionsgate’s global distribution infrastructure, on films that have included The Hunger Games franchise and La La Land, and she shepherded the international success of other blockbuster franchises like The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Now You See Me, and the Saw franchise. Bourbeau’s oversight also included Lionsgate’s third-party sales business for Black Label Media, Participant Media, Thunder Road Films, Alcon Entertainment and River Road Entertainment. She will be based in Los Angeles and New York.
Since forming earlier this year, Solstice has been aggressively staffing...
- 12/3/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Upstart distributor Solstice Studios has hired Shaun Williams to be its chief financial officer. He will report to president and CEO Mark Gill.
Williams joins from Studio 8, where he served as CFO and was a member of the executive team that created the business plan that raised $250 million in equity capital and a $500 million credit facility. Before that, Williams was Svp Finance at Gk Films/FilmDistrict, where he drove the corporate strategic planning process and managed all financial reporting and projections. He previously served in exec posts at Bet Networks, 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures.
Solstice was started by former Warner Independent, Miramax and Millennium Films head Gill along with production heads Andrew Gunn and Guy Botham (of Vitality VFX) and marketing and strategy head Vincent Bruzzese.
The plan is to produce three to five films per year...
Williams joins from Studio 8, where he served as CFO and was a member of the executive team that created the business plan that raised $250 million in equity capital and a $500 million credit facility. Before that, Williams was Svp Finance at Gk Films/FilmDistrict, where he drove the corporate strategic planning process and managed all financial reporting and projections. He previously served in exec posts at Bet Networks, 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures.
Solstice was started by former Warner Independent, Miramax and Millennium Films head Gill along with production heads Andrew Gunn and Guy Botham (of Vitality VFX) and marketing and strategy head Vincent Bruzzese.
The plan is to produce three to five films per year...
- 11/27/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Almost all of your favorite horror icons are tested when a power outage in the prison they are touring pins them up against the prison’s inmates and possibly supernatural forces in Harrison Smith’s Death House, which will be released on VOD on November 6th, followed by a DVD release on December 11th. Ahead of the film's home media releases, we have a look at images, poster art, and the official trailer.
Press Release: Cleopatra Entertainment announces today that they have acquired the U.S. rights to the new horror film Death House. Directed by Harrison Smith and co-written by Smith and Gunnar Hansen, the film stars Adrienne Barbeau, Bill Moseley, Tony Todd, Dee Wallace, Barbara Crampton, Sid Haig, and Cody Longo. The film also features cameos from numerous iconic stars from past horror flicks – leading one critic to describe it as “the Expendables of the horror genre.” Death...
Press Release: Cleopatra Entertainment announces today that they have acquired the U.S. rights to the new horror film Death House. Directed by Harrison Smith and co-written by Smith and Gunnar Hansen, the film stars Adrienne Barbeau, Bill Moseley, Tony Todd, Dee Wallace, Barbara Crampton, Sid Haig, and Cody Longo. The film also features cameos from numerous iconic stars from past horror flicks – leading one critic to describe it as “the Expendables of the horror genre.” Death...
- 10/18/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Company will attend Afm. First titles expected shortly.
In the run-up to the Afm former Warner Independent Pictures head Mark Gill has launched Solstice Studios with $400m in capitalisation including $150m through Ingenious Media.
The Los Angeles-based company will seek to supply global independent buyers with studio-level content, and will target commercial films for wide theatrical release, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy genres.
The goal is to produce three to five a year in the $30m-$80m range and acquire another two to four from any broad genre for wide Us distribution.
The company will develop, fully finance,...
In the run-up to the Afm former Warner Independent Pictures head Mark Gill has launched Solstice Studios with $400m in capitalisation including $150m through Ingenious Media.
The Los Angeles-based company will seek to supply global independent buyers with studio-level content, and will target commercial films for wide theatrical release, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy genres.
The goal is to produce three to five a year in the $30m-$80m range and acquire another two to four from any broad genre for wide Us distribution.
The company will develop, fully finance,...
- 10/3/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Mark Gill, Andrew Gunn, Guy Botham and Vincent Bruzzese have teamed to launch Solstice Studios, a Los Angeles-based theatrical producer and distributor that will focus on mid-budget movies for wide release.
The company opens its doors today with $400 million in capitalization, including $150M through Ingenious Media, and will be involved in fully financing, producing, developing, selling internationally and distributing feature films in the U.S. on a wide-release basis. The plan is for Solstice to produce 3-5 movies a year for a global audience in the $30M-$80M range, while acquiring another 2-4 titles a year.
For its productions, Solstice will target movies with global appeal, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy space. In the American acquisitions arena, the company will consider any film that merits a wide U.S. release including action, thriller, comedy, romantic comedy, science fiction and horror. Solstice Studios is expected to grow to...
The company opens its doors today with $400 million in capitalization, including $150M through Ingenious Media, and will be involved in fully financing, producing, developing, selling internationally and distributing feature films in the U.S. on a wide-release basis. The plan is for Solstice to produce 3-5 movies a year for a global audience in the $30M-$80M range, while acquiring another 2-4 titles a year.
For its productions, Solstice will target movies with global appeal, primarily in the action, thriller and action-comedy space. In the American acquisitions arena, the company will consider any film that merits a wide U.S. release including action, thriller, comedy, romantic comedy, science fiction and horror. Solstice Studios is expected to grow to...
- 10/2/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Millennium Media has looked inward to fill in its top positions.
The company behind the Expendables action movies has tapped Jeffrey Greenstein as president and Jonathan Yunger as co-president. The move is intended to fill the void left by Mark Gill, who exited the post earlier this year after clashing with Millennium founder Avi Lerner. The latter is hoping to start a new era for his long-standing company with the hires.
Both Greenstein and Yunger began as assistants to Lerner, who founded the company in the early 1990s, and moved up the ranks. Greenstein was most recently the president of...
The company behind the Expendables action movies has tapped Jeffrey Greenstein as president and Jonathan Yunger as co-president. The move is intended to fill the void left by Mark Gill, who exited the post earlier this year after clashing with Millennium founder Avi Lerner. The latter is hoping to start a new era for his long-standing company with the hires.
Both Greenstein and Yunger began as assistants to Lerner, who founded the company in the early 1990s, and moved up the ranks. Greenstein was most recently the president of...
- 11/1/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In this week’s missile of a The New York Times story about the many alleged indiscretions of Harvey Weinstein, one of his past colleagues, former Miramax Los Angeles president Mark Gill, describes Weinstein’s professional climb from indie producer to Hollywood titan. “From the outside, it seemed golden — the Oscars, the success, the remarkable cultural impact.” Yet Gill said the persistent whispers that Weinstein was mistreating women were in fact “the biggest mess of all.”
While The Weinstein Co. co-founder publicly championed women’s rights, his accusers say that he was a hypocrite, secretly propositioning them for massages, kisses and more. One month after Weinstein distributed “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary about rapes on university campuses, he allegedly groped a college-aged woman in his office. Weinstein, 65, has a well-documented, on-the-record history of unflattering behavior, even against women (like in 2002, when he publicly berated director Julie Taymor at a screening of her film,...
While The Weinstein Co. co-founder publicly championed women’s rights, his accusers say that he was a hypocrite, secretly propositioning them for massages, kisses and more. One month after Weinstein distributed “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary about rapes on university campuses, he allegedly groped a college-aged woman in his office. Weinstein, 65, has a well-documented, on-the-record history of unflattering behavior, even against women (like in 2002, when he publicly berated director Julie Taymor at a screening of her film,...
- 10/7/2017
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Years ago, as a Variety film reporter, there was a familiar complaint about our coverage. Miramax Films was the darling of independent film, and Harvey Weinstein was its icon. His company’s name, and the power of his views, were the Netflix and Ted Sarandos of its time. This was more than a little annoying to his peers, who made tart comments: “When are you guys going to write the real Harvey story?”
We knew what they meant. Some of this had to do with Miramax business practices, but it also meant his behavior with women. We all heard the rumors. We even found them credible. Finding someone to confirm them, however, was impossible — and writing based on secondhand stories and gut instinct is a great recipe for libel.
Read More:Harvey Weinstein Sexual Assault Allegations Are Shocking, But What Happens Now? — IndieWire’s Movie Podcast (Screen Talk Episode 168)
Now,...
We knew what they meant. Some of this had to do with Miramax business practices, but it also meant his behavior with women. We all heard the rumors. We even found them credible. Finding someone to confirm them, however, was impossible — and writing based on secondhand stories and gut instinct is a great recipe for libel.
Read More:Harvey Weinstein Sexual Assault Allegations Are Shocking, But What Happens Now? — IndieWire’s Movie Podcast (Screen Talk Episode 168)
Now,...
- 10/5/2017
- by Dana Harris
- Indiewire
Throughout the decades, Morrissey has remained one of the most private celebrities in show business. The way he guards his private life is almost the exact opposite of the manner in which he pours his heart out in his songs, which cover themes like existential crises, anti-monarchy sentiment and politics. Even his most fervent fans, who call him Moz, know little about him beyond the fact that he’s a vegan and has remained mostly celibate throughout his adult life, at one point even declaring “I hate sex.” If one were to believe anything in Mark Gill’s debut feature England is Mine, which focuses on six years in Morrissey’s youth, is that the reason why he is so private, other than his right to do so, is because his life is extremely dull.
Jack Lowden stars as Steven Patrick Morrissey, a 17-year-old living in Manchester with his Irish family.
Jack Lowden stars as Steven Patrick Morrissey, a 17-year-old living in Manchester with his Irish family.
- 8/25/2017
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
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