Lashana Lynch has found the optimal next role. The actor is attached to star in Optimize, a sci-fi feature from filmmaker Lindsey Anderson Beer.
Paramount is making the project with Beer’s Lab Brew banner as part of the filmmaker’s first-look deal with the studio. According to the logline, Optimize centers on an “average woman” who “utilizes an AI assistant to optimize all facets of her life, but soon finds that the AI’s pursuit of perfection comes at too high a cost.”
Before she was the director of projects such as Pet Sematary: Bloodlines and the screenwriter behind features such as Chaos Walking, Anderson Beer attended Stanford, where she studied artificial intelligence and robotics. That experience came in handy in crafting Optimize, first as a short story and now as a feature.
Lynch is currently in theaters with Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love, in which she plays Rita Marley,...
Paramount is making the project with Beer’s Lab Brew banner as part of the filmmaker’s first-look deal with the studio. According to the logline, Optimize centers on an “average woman” who “utilizes an AI assistant to optimize all facets of her life, but soon finds that the AI’s pursuit of perfection comes at too high a cost.”
Before she was the director of projects such as Pet Sematary: Bloodlines and the screenwriter behind features such as Chaos Walking, Anderson Beer attended Stanford, where she studied artificial intelligence and robotics. That experience came in handy in crafting Optimize, first as a short story and now as a feature.
Lynch is currently in theaters with Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love, in which she plays Rita Marley,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment are in the works on a feature take of the American Girl doll line. Lindsey Anderson Beer is attached to write the screenplay and produce.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Films, said: “American Girl is a beloved franchise, rich in history and storytelling with millions of devoted fans. Through dolls, books, live experiences, and television movies, the brand has captured hearts for decades. We are excited to continue Mattel Films’ momentum and collaborate with Paramount Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, and Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl to life on the big screen.”
Daria Cercek, Co-President, Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mattel Films, our friends at Temple Hill, and the incredibly talented Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl—one of the most iconic doll brands ever—to moviegoers everywhere.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Films, said: “American Girl is a beloved franchise, rich in history and storytelling with millions of devoted fans. Through dolls, books, live experiences, and television movies, the brand has captured hearts for decades. We are excited to continue Mattel Films’ momentum and collaborate with Paramount Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, and Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl to life on the big screen.”
Daria Cercek, Co-President, Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mattel Films, our friends at Temple Hill, and the incredibly talented Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl—one of the most iconic doll brands ever—to moviegoers everywhere.
- 12/13/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Daniel Cohan has joined Brillstein Entertainment Partners as a manager.
Cohan comes to the company from ICM Partners, where he worked in the Motion Picture Department since 2017, parting ways with the company following CAA’s acquisition. He was previously at WME for 11 years.
“Brillstein is a first-class company that epitomizes what drew me to management,” Cohan said. “I am thrilled to roll up my sleeves with my fantastic new colleagues. I can’t imagine a better place to embark upon this next chapter of my career.”
Cohan, who began his career as a corporate attorney, brings with him to Brillstein clients including writer/director/producer Lindsey Beer (Pet Sematary); and filmmakers Simon McQuoid (Mortal Kombat), Ciaran Foy (Eli), Jesper Ganslandt (Netflix’s Snabba Cash), Mitzi Peirone (Saint Clare), Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn), Taneli Mustonen & Aleksi Hyvarinen (The Twin), Adam Egypt Mortimer (Daniel Isn’t Real), Luis Prieto (Vampire Academy...
Cohan comes to the company from ICM Partners, where he worked in the Motion Picture Department since 2017, parting ways with the company following CAA’s acquisition. He was previously at WME for 11 years.
“Brillstein is a first-class company that epitomizes what drew me to management,” Cohan said. “I am thrilled to roll up my sleeves with my fantastic new colleagues. I can’t imagine a better place to embark upon this next chapter of my career.”
Cohan, who began his career as a corporate attorney, brings with him to Brillstein clients including writer/director/producer Lindsey Beer (Pet Sematary); and filmmakers Simon McQuoid (Mortal Kombat), Ciaran Foy (Eli), Jesper Ganslandt (Netflix’s Snabba Cash), Mitzi Peirone (Saint Clare), Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn), Taneli Mustonen & Aleksi Hyvarinen (The Twin), Adam Egypt Mortimer (Daniel Isn’t Real), Luis Prieto (Vampire Academy...
- 8/1/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
New Line Cinema is moving forward with a “Mortal Kombat” sequel, with the 2021 film’s director Simon McQuoid set to return, sources tell TheWrap.
The previous film was a new adaptation of the popular video game franchise that offered a grittier, more violent take on the material than the 1990s films. It was released in April of 2021 both in theaters and on HBO Max, and was an early pandemic hit for distributor Warner Bros., ranking as one of the top feature titles on HBO Max since the streaming service debuted.
Jeremy Slater is writing the screenplay for the sequel, and news of his involvement was first revealed in January.
“Mortal Kombat” marked McQuoid’s feature directorial debut, and the film ended with a clear path forward for the franchise as the titular challenge does not occur within the events of the first movie. A post-credits scene also teased the inclusion...
The previous film was a new adaptation of the popular video game franchise that offered a grittier, more violent take on the material than the 1990s films. It was released in April of 2021 both in theaters and on HBO Max, and was an early pandemic hit for distributor Warner Bros., ranking as one of the top feature titles on HBO Max since the streaming service debuted.
Jeremy Slater is writing the screenplay for the sequel, and news of his involvement was first revealed in January.
“Mortal Kombat” marked McQuoid’s feature directorial debut, and the film ended with a clear path forward for the franchise as the titular challenge does not occur within the events of the first movie. A post-credits scene also teased the inclusion...
- 7/20/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
New Line Cinema is gearing up for some more fatalities. The studio has tapped Simon McQuoid to return to direct the sequel to “Mortal Kombat,” sources confirmed to Variety.
McQuoid, who made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 film adaptation of the beloved fighting video game series, will direct the sequel from a script penned by Jeremy Slater. The sequel will be the fourth overall film in the “Mortal Kombat” film franchise, after the original film in 1995 and its sequel “Annihilation” in 1997.
The 2021 film was a reboot to the film franchise, focusing on Cole Young (Lewis Tan), an original character to the franchise. A washed-up mixed martial arts fighter, Young who is suddenly hunted by the assassin Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and ends up dragged into the world of “Mortal Kombat,” a series of tournaments between champions of the Earthrealm and the chaotic Outworld. The film did not feature an official Mortal Kombat tournament,...
McQuoid, who made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 film adaptation of the beloved fighting video game series, will direct the sequel from a script penned by Jeremy Slater. The sequel will be the fourth overall film in the “Mortal Kombat” film franchise, after the original film in 1995 and its sequel “Annihilation” in 1997.
The 2021 film was a reboot to the film franchise, focusing on Cole Young (Lewis Tan), an original character to the franchise. A washed-up mixed martial arts fighter, Young who is suddenly hunted by the assassin Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) and ends up dragged into the world of “Mortal Kombat,” a series of tournaments between champions of the Earthrealm and the chaotic Outworld. The film did not feature an official Mortal Kombat tournament,...
- 7/20/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After the most recent Mortal Kombat pic overachieved at box office, New Line is ready to get back in to the arena on a sequel. Sources tell Deadline that Simon McQuoid is set to return as director for the follow-up to the 2021 action-adventure hit.
Mortal Kombat was McQuoid’s feature directorial debut and was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max during the pandemic in April 2021.
The feature opened No. 1 at the box office and ranks among the top feature titles ever on HBO Max since the platform launched. While some point to F9 or A Quiet Place Part II as the pics that led crowds back to theaters post-pandemic, Mortal Kombat was one of the early features to take a crack to gauging audiences’ interest in returning to theaters — and the results surprised many, especially since the film premiered day-and-date on HBO Max. Execs were quick to get a sequel in development,...
Mortal Kombat was McQuoid’s feature directorial debut and was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max during the pandemic in April 2021.
The feature opened No. 1 at the box office and ranks among the top feature titles ever on HBO Max since the platform launched. While some point to F9 or A Quiet Place Part II as the pics that led crowds back to theaters post-pandemic, Mortal Kombat was one of the early features to take a crack to gauging audiences’ interest in returning to theaters — and the results surprised many, especially since the film premiered day-and-date on HBO Max. Execs were quick to get a sequel in development,...
- 7/20/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Almost nine months to the day after the surprise Deadline scoop that CAA would acquire ICM Partners, the deal finally got government approval and closed. This creates a mega agency in the biggest linkup in the space since the Wma-Endeavor merger. Sources close to the situation said the Department of Justice finally approved the deal late last night or this morning, and it closed. It is valued around 750 million, and a combined enterprise value around 5 billion. The merged company’s leadership is expected to address staff at a town hall Thursday, with the newly combined departments set to begin their integration process with get-togethers on July 11, we hear.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
- 6/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The steady trickle of agents leaving ICM Partners over the past nine months has grown into a stream in the last week, with dozens of reps making inquiries to other agencies and management companies as they mull their future ahead of the pending Department of Justice ruling on ICM’s proposed acquisition by CAA.
With the merger decision expected in the next couple of weeks, the prospect of ICM staff moving to CAA has become real, and so have the invites to join the combined agency after months of hints and winks. While no hiring/layoff decisions can be made while the regulatory approval process is ongoing, by now everyone knows where they stand. Staff reductions are an inevitable byproduct of any merger, and with the proceedings dragging on for so long, a number of ICM agents already left for other jobs ahead of the deal close — either because they...
With the merger decision expected in the next couple of weeks, the prospect of ICM staff moving to CAA has become real, and so have the invites to join the combined agency after months of hints and winks. While no hiring/layoff decisions can be made while the regulatory approval process is ongoing, by now everyone knows where they stand. Staff reductions are an inevitable byproduct of any merger, and with the proceedings dragging on for so long, a number of ICM agents already left for other jobs ahead of the deal close — either because they...
- 6/17/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. sales and production company Film Constellation has scored a first slew of pre-sales at the European Film Market on upcoming English-language horror “The Twin” from “Lake Bodom” director Taneli Mustonen.
“Discovery of Witches” and “Lights Out” actor Teresa Palmer stars in the lead role of a young mother devastated by the violent death of one of their twins. “As the family sets out to rebuild their lives in the quiet Scandinavian countryside, they soon come to realize that some secrets are so evil, they need to be buried twice…”
“The Twin” has attracted strong distribution partners at script stage in multiple territories including Benelux (Dutch Filmworks); Cis (Nashe Kino); Mena (Falcon Films); Taiwan (Deepjoy Picture Corporation); Indonesia (Pt Prima); and Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei (Suraya Filem).
AMC’s Shudder took rights to the film in North America, U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and Nordisk took Scandinavian rights ahead of the market.
“Discovery of Witches” and “Lights Out” actor Teresa Palmer stars in the lead role of a young mother devastated by the violent death of one of their twins. “As the family sets out to rebuild their lives in the quiet Scandinavian countryside, they soon come to realize that some secrets are so evil, they need to be buried twice…”
“The Twin” has attracted strong distribution partners at script stage in multiple territories including Benelux (Dutch Filmworks); Cis (Nashe Kino); Mena (Falcon Films); Taiwan (Deepjoy Picture Corporation); Indonesia (Pt Prima); and Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei (Suraya Filem).
AMC’s Shudder took rights to the film in North America, U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and Nordisk took Scandinavian rights ahead of the market.
- 3/10/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Updated, Thursday, 6 Pm: Joey Stanton, the talent agent who left CAA yesterday after a three-year stint, just joined ICM Partners. It’s not yet known which clients will be joining him. Stanton’s first day on the job will be tomorrow. His move to ICM comes after a number of new hires recently at the agency including senior political strategist Hannah Linkenhoker; lit agent Daniel Cohan, who moved from Wme, and lit agent Spencer Baumgarten and digital agent Lex Conboy, both…...
- 3/17/2017
- Deadline TV
Updated, Thursday, 6 Pm: Joey Stanton, the talent agent who left CAA yesterday after a three-year stint, just joined ICM Partners. It’s not yet known which clients will be joining him. Stanton’s first day on the job will be tomorrow. His move to ICM comes after a number of new hires recently at the agency including senior political strategist Hannah Linkenhoker; lit agent Daniel Cohan, who moved from Wme, and lit agent Spencer Baumgarten and digital agent Lex Conboy, both…...
- 3/17/2017
- Deadline
Daniel Cohan, who for the past 11 years has worked in Wme’s Motion Picture department, has moved to join ICM Partners' Motion Picture Literary department. The agency just announced the hire internally, I’m told. It’s the latest Wme agent to land elsewhere: Most recently, Rob Carlson, the well regarded lit agent who spent the last 25 years with Wme, joined UTA in the same department. Cohan, who began his career as a corporate attorney, brings with him to ICM filmmakers…...
- 1/9/2017
- Deadline
Just in time for Halloween! Independent Lit manager, Hollywood Hustler, and all around nice gal Miss Kailey Alexis Marsh has just dropped the annual Blood List!
The Blood List is the top 13 most liked, unproduced dark genre screenplays of the year, released annually on Halloween. This is the 5th anniversary. Over 100 feature film executives vote on their top 3 favorite dark genre (horror, sci-fi, thriller) screenplays of the year. Seventy-seven of them earned votes, with screenplays requiring a minimum of four votes in order to make the final cut. I’m looking forward to reading some of these. Patrol and Family Vacation seem to be scripts that are in my wheelhouse. Coming in at number one is Ink and Bone, Zak Olkewicz’s horror spec script about a writer held hostage by his own creations that Dimension purchased earlier this year according to Deadline. Meet the 2013 class of The Blood List:...
The Blood List is the top 13 most liked, unproduced dark genre screenplays of the year, released annually on Halloween. This is the 5th anniversary. Over 100 feature film executives vote on their top 3 favorite dark genre (horror, sci-fi, thriller) screenplays of the year. Seventy-seven of them earned votes, with screenplays requiring a minimum of four votes in order to make the final cut. I’m looking forward to reading some of these. Patrol and Family Vacation seem to be scripts that are in my wheelhouse. Coming in at number one is Ink and Bone, Zak Olkewicz’s horror spec script about a writer held hostage by his own creations that Dimension purchased earlier this year according to Deadline. Meet the 2013 class of The Blood List:...
- 10/31/2013
- by El Mayimbe
- LRMonline.com
Each year Kailey Marsh and her ghoulish creation The Blood List pick the 13 best un-produced horror scripts in Hollywood and from there the terrors come on hot and heavy! Just the way we like 'em! That being said this year's winner(s) have been picked!
In the past 2012 Blood List winner The Disciple Program was picked up by Universal with Mark Wahlberg attached to star for Morten Tyldum, and Barbara Curry’s 2011 selection The Boy Next Door is now in production under the Blumhouse banner with Jennifer Lopez starring.
This year's Big winner is Ink and Bone, Zak Olkewicz’s horror spec about a writer held hostage by his own creations that Dimension has already snapped up earlier this year. Check out the full list below.
For more visit the official The Blood List website, "like" The Blood List on Facebook, and follow The Blood List on Twitter.
Ink and...
In the past 2012 Blood List winner The Disciple Program was picked up by Universal with Mark Wahlberg attached to star for Morten Tyldum, and Barbara Curry’s 2011 selection The Boy Next Door is now in production under the Blumhouse banner with Jennifer Lopez starring.
This year's Big winner is Ink and Bone, Zak Olkewicz’s horror spec about a writer held hostage by his own creations that Dimension has already snapped up earlier this year. Check out the full list below.
For more visit the official The Blood List website, "like" The Blood List on Facebook, and follow The Blood List on Twitter.
Ink and...
- 10/31/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
There is either a couple of football fans or Jerry Maguire/Moneyball with this year’s most liked unproduced screenplay. Close to 300 hundred film executives provided with the Black List creators a top ten of their favorite screenplays of the year and the consensus first overall pick (with 65 votes) comes from the recently featured in Variety (10 Screenwriters to Watch 2012) tandem of Rajiv Joseph & Scott Rothman and their drama which has nothing to do with enlisting in the armed forces. Draft Day – about the day in the life of a fictitious Buffalo Bills Gm appears to currently be in turnaround — which only means I expect to see this greenlight perhaps a little later than sooner – worth noting: top spot almost guarantees that the film will indeed go into production (2006, 2010 and 2011 are the exceptions.) Among the more alluring logline subjects we find on the list, I’d be keen on reading the...
- 12/18/2012
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.