Filming is now underway on action adventure movie “Afterburn,” starring Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson with Olga Kurylenko and Kristofer Hivju rounding out the cast.
The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who recently helmed Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game,” also with Bautista, working from a screenplay adapted by Matthew Johnson and Nimrod Antal from the “Red 5” comic book of the same name.
Set ten years after a solar flare wiped out technology across the globe, “Afterburn” follows ex-soldier Jake (Bautista), who works as a treasure hunter recovering valuable objects from the old world for powerful clients. His latest mission: team up with freedom fighter Drea (Kurylenko) to recover the Mona Lisa before an unhinged warlord gets there first.
The picture is produced by Neal H. Moritz (“Fast and Furious” franchise) and Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) for Original Film and Steve Richards for Endurance Media. Bautista will also produce for Dogbone Entertainment,...
The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who recently helmed Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game,” also with Bautista, working from a screenplay adapted by Matthew Johnson and Nimrod Antal from the “Red 5” comic book of the same name.
Set ten years after a solar flare wiped out technology across the globe, “Afterburn” follows ex-soldier Jake (Bautista), who works as a treasure hunter recovering valuable objects from the old world for powerful clients. His latest mission: team up with freedom fighter Drea (Kurylenko) to recover the Mona Lisa before an unhinged warlord gets there first.
The picture is produced by Neal H. Moritz (“Fast and Furious” franchise) and Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) for Original Film and Steve Richards for Endurance Media. Bautista will also produce for Dogbone Entertainment,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), William H. Macy and Clifton Collins Jr. have joined director Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams,” Variety has learned.
Production on the film, from Black Bear and also starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, began earlier this month in Spokane, Wash.
“Train Dreams” is the sweeping and poignant tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss, and unique bonds on a journey that is both distinct and universal. The picture features a script by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Sing Sing”), which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s iconic, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella of the same name.
Production on the film, from Black Bear and also starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, began earlier this month in Spokane, Wash.
“Train Dreams” is the sweeping and poignant tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss, and unique bonds on a journey that is both distinct and universal. The picture features a script by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Sing Sing”), which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s iconic, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella of the same name.
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Black Bear has hired Courtney L. Cunniff as senior vice president of film. Cunniff comes to Black Bear from eOne and Hasbro, where she served as vice president of production and development & acquisitions for film titles under both of the company’s banners. Black Bear’s credits include “The Imitation Game,” “I Care A Lot” and “Nyad,” which recently earned Oscar nominations for Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.
In her new role, Cunniff will focus on the development, packaging and production of the company’s slate, which includes such upcoming projects as David Mackenzie’s “Relay” starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington; Andrew Patterson’s “The Rivals of Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey; and Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
In Cunniff’s previous job at eOne and Hasbro, she sourced and assessed development material and oversaw the path to production for a...
In her new role, Cunniff will focus on the development, packaging and production of the company’s slate, which includes such upcoming projects as David Mackenzie’s “Relay” starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington; Andrew Patterson’s “The Rivals of Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey; and Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
In Cunniff’s previous job at eOne and Hasbro, she sourced and assessed development material and oversaw the path to production for a...
- 2/23/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Though the SAG-AFTRA strike is still in effect, late night will return starting on Friday with a new episode of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.” It’s a timeline that puts late night in an odd position: Which guests can appear on late night when the actors’ strike is still in progress?
Luckily, we have an answer to that question thanks to daytime television and SAG-AFTRA’s own rules.
Why can late night return during the SAG-AFTRA strike?
The state of late night is a little bit confusing, because several hosts have also done acting work and are part of SAG-AFTRA. For example, Jimmy Fallon starred in “Fever Pitch” and John Oliver starred in “Community,” as well as the live-action “Lion King.”
Because late-night shows fall under the Network Television Code, these striking performers can return to their jobs. Late night is officially part of what’s called...
Luckily, we have an answer to that question thanks to daytime television and SAG-AFTRA’s own rules.
Why can late night return during the SAG-AFTRA strike?
The state of late night is a little bit confusing, because several hosts have also done acting work and are part of SAG-AFTRA. For example, Jimmy Fallon starred in “Fever Pitch” and John Oliver starred in “Community,” as well as the live-action “Lion King.”
Because late-night shows fall under the Network Television Code, these striking performers can return to their jobs. Late night is officially part of what’s called...
- 9/29/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Between building safer school environments and returning to live-action film, Matthew McConaughey opens up about the incredible work he’s been doing, both on and off camera and whether he gets the same satisfaction helping others that he gets from acting.
“You know, I love making movies. I just went and acted for the first time in quite a few years. And this film called ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’, boy I rekindled. I absolutely love it,” he told Et Canada’s Cheryl Hickey of the upcoming project. “Being singularly obsessed with one character and just my whole world revolving around that character, it was like being on vacation.”
Read More: Matthew McConaughey Reflects On The Pros And Cons Of Social Media As His Son Levi Joins Instagram
The crime-thriller in question is directed by Andrew Patterson (“The Vast of Night”), though the plot remains under wraps. Aside from acting,...
“You know, I love making movies. I just went and acted for the first time in quite a few years. And this film called ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’, boy I rekindled. I absolutely love it,” he told Et Canada’s Cheryl Hickey of the upcoming project. “Being singularly obsessed with one character and just my whole world revolving around that character, it was like being on vacation.”
Read More: Matthew McConaughey Reflects On The Pros And Cons Of Social Media As His Son Levi Joins Instagram
The crime-thriller in question is directed by Andrew Patterson (“The Vast of Night”), though the plot remains under wraps. Aside from acting,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
As anyone who pays attention to the movie industry knows, SAG-AFTRA is on indefinite strike. And that, combined with the now months-long WGA strike, means that all film and TV productions involving SAG actors, from Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” sequel to the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” film, have halted until the labor dispute concludes.
Well, almost all productions. Unlike the WGA strike, which has been fairly hard-line, some SAG actors are still allowed to work — provided their productions receive permission from the union. Since July 18, SAG-AFTRA has been providing select independent films with “interim agreements,” which allow them and the SAG-represented actors in them to continue production during the work stoppage. The main requirement for an agreement is that the film must be truly independent — with no ties to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents over 350 American and film production companies in their collective bargaining agreements with SAG.
Well, almost all productions. Unlike the WGA strike, which has been fairly hard-line, some SAG actors are still allowed to work — provided their productions receive permission from the union. Since July 18, SAG-AFTRA has been providing select independent films with “interim agreements,” which allow them and the SAG-represented actors in them to continue production during the work stoppage. The main requirement for an agreement is that the film must be truly independent — with no ties to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents over 350 American and film production companies in their collective bargaining agreements with SAG.
- 9/2/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Rebel Wilson brided a little too hard on the set of her latest movie!
The actress and comedian took to her Instagram Story on Thursday to show off a nasty injury she obtained while filming her upcoming wedding comedy, “Bride Hard”, which is currently in production in Savannah, Georgia.
“Not the way I wanted to end this movie!” Wilson captioned the painful-looking shot, showing off the stitches and a bloody nose. “3 stitches and in hospital last night after a stunt accident at 4am.”
Rebel Wilson/Instagram
Despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that have halted all major studio productions, “Bride Hard” was granted an Interim Agreement to continue filming amid the strikes, because it is an independently produced film.
“This list includes productions that are signed to agreements within the scope of the strike order, but have signed Interim Agreements allowing them to resume,” reads the official list from SAG-AFTRA.
The actress and comedian took to her Instagram Story on Thursday to show off a nasty injury she obtained while filming her upcoming wedding comedy, “Bride Hard”, which is currently in production in Savannah, Georgia.
“Not the way I wanted to end this movie!” Wilson captioned the painful-looking shot, showing off the stitches and a bloody nose. “3 stitches and in hospital last night after a stunt accident at 4am.”
Rebel Wilson/Instagram
Despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that have halted all major studio productions, “Bride Hard” was granted an Interim Agreement to continue filming amid the strikes, because it is an independently produced film.
“This list includes productions that are signed to agreements within the scope of the strike order, but have signed Interim Agreements allowing them to resume,” reads the official list from SAG-AFTRA.
- 8/5/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Kohn’s Corner is a weekly column about the challenges and opportunities of sustaining American film culture.
This week, lost in the chaos of the SAG-AFTRA strike and its impact on the fall movie season, the Canadian investment studio Bron struck through the news cycle with a major update: They’re going bankrupt.
Last summer, I reported on layoffs at the once-ambitious venture co-founded by Aaron and Brenda Gilbert in 2010, as the financier behind “Joker” and “Licorice Pizza” faced the music: Cinema is not a growth business. While Bron made a late pivot to Web3 (remember NFTs …anyone?) the window of opportunity had passed. However, while Bron’s fate may have been inevitable, I found it notable that the company tried to message to the industry that it hadn’t abandoned its interest in film investments; it just wasn’t looking for projects that exceeded $10 million.
This pivot came too late,...
This week, lost in the chaos of the SAG-AFTRA strike and its impact on the fall movie season, the Canadian investment studio Bron struck through the news cycle with a major update: They’re going bankrupt.
Last summer, I reported on layoffs at the once-ambitious venture co-founded by Aaron and Brenda Gilbert in 2010, as the financier behind “Joker” and “Licorice Pizza” faced the music: Cinema is not a growth business. While Bron made a late pivot to Web3 (remember NFTs …anyone?) the window of opportunity had passed. However, while Bron’s fate may have been inevitable, I found it notable that the company tried to message to the industry that it hadn’t abandoned its interest in film investments; it just wasn’t looking for projects that exceeded $10 million.
This pivot came too late,...
- 7/22/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
SAG-AFTRA has given approval to 39 independent productions to shoot despite their ongoing strike, including one film that will star Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega.
Variety reports that the movie in question, called Death of a Unicorn, is excluded from the strike because its production studio, A24, is not affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The film is said to star Rudd and Ortega as a father and daughter who run over a unicorn on their way home. Filming is expected to begin soon in Hungary.
Another A24 film that’s set to go on amid the strike is David Lowery’s Mother Mary, which we know will star Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel and feature music from Jack Antonoff and Charli Xcx.
SAG-AFTRA announced their strike last week after the AMPTP declined to offer a new contract under fair terms, meaning actors are no longer...
Variety reports that the movie in question, called Death of a Unicorn, is excluded from the strike because its production studio, A24, is not affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The film is said to star Rudd and Ortega as a father and daughter who run over a unicorn on their way home. Filming is expected to begin soon in Hungary.
Another A24 film that’s set to go on amid the strike is David Lowery’s Mother Mary, which we know will star Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel and feature music from Jack Antonoff and Charli Xcx.
SAG-AFTRA announced their strike last week after the AMPTP declined to offer a new contract under fair terms, meaning actors are no longer...
- 7/19/2023
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Film News
SAG-AFTRA has granted approval to 39 independent productions to shoot during the strike, after confirming that they are not tied to AMPTP companies.
The list includes two projects from A24, the independent production company: “Mother Mary,” starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and “Death of a Unicorn,” starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, which is set to begin shooting soon in Hungary.
A24 is not part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, said a spokesperson for the company.
The projects also include “The Rivals of Amziah King,” starring Matthew McConaughey, “Flight Risk,” starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Mel Gibson, “Dust Bunny” starring Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver, “Bride Hard” with Rebel Wilson, and “The Chosen,” a TV series about the life of Jesus.
The union had announced that it would approve interim agreements, known as “waivers,” for independent films and TV productions.
On Tuesday, the union posted...
The list includes two projects from A24, the independent production company: “Mother Mary,” starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and “Death of a Unicorn,” starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, which is set to begin shooting soon in Hungary.
A24 is not part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, said a spokesperson for the company.
The projects also include “The Rivals of Amziah King,” starring Matthew McConaughey, “Flight Risk,” starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Mel Gibson, “Dust Bunny” starring Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver, “Bride Hard” with Rebel Wilson, and “The Chosen,” a TV series about the life of Jesus.
The union had announced that it would approve interim agreements, known as “waivers,” for independent films and TV productions.
On Tuesday, the union posted...
- 7/18/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA has released a list of an initial batch of independent film projects that have signed the guild’s interim agreement, which will allow those movies to continue filming or imminently start filming even as the actors strike against the studios carries on.
Among the titles to obtain waivers is “Mother Mary,” which is an A24 and Topic Studios project from David Lowery starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and “The Rivals of Amziah King,” a crime thriller that stars Matthew McConaughey. “Death of a Unicorn,” another A24 title starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, also signed the interim agreement. A24 is not an AMPTP member.
Some others of note: “Flight Risk” directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg, “Dust Bunny” with Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver, the musical biopic “The Yellow Tie” with John Malkovich, and “Anniversary” with Diane Lane and Phoebe Dynevor. Others that were previously reported...
Among the titles to obtain waivers is “Mother Mary,” which is an A24 and Topic Studios project from David Lowery starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, and “The Rivals of Amziah King,” a crime thriller that stars Matthew McConaughey. “Death of a Unicorn,” another A24 title starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, also signed the interim agreement. A24 is not an AMPTP member.
Some others of note: “Flight Risk” directed by Mel Gibson and starring Mark Wahlberg, “Dust Bunny” with Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver, the musical biopic “The Yellow Tie” with John Malkovich, and “Anniversary” with Diane Lane and Phoebe Dynevor. Others that were previously reported...
- 7/18/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
New team members include VP publicity Eugene O’Connor.
Black Bear UK, the distribution arm of US-based independent studio Black Bear, has appointed three staff to further establish its core distribution team.
Eugene O’Connor joins as VP publicity; Nick Smith as VP digital; and Bosco Tench as marketing director.
O’Connor, Smith and Tench join existing executives Vicky Hine, SVP marketing; Scott Sargeant, VP distribution; and Frank Ayaoge, VP technical. The team is led by president John Friedberg, who joined Black Bear as a partner in May last year from STX Entertainment to oversee the international expansion, and managing director Llewellyn Radley.
Black Bear UK, the distribution arm of US-based independent studio Black Bear, has appointed three staff to further establish its core distribution team.
Eugene O’Connor joins as VP publicity; Nick Smith as VP digital; and Bosco Tench as marketing director.
O’Connor, Smith and Tench join existing executives Vicky Hine, SVP marketing; Scott Sargeant, VP distribution; and Frank Ayaoge, VP technical. The team is led by president John Friedberg, who joined Black Bear as a partner in May last year from STX Entertainment to oversee the international expansion, and managing director Llewellyn Radley.
- 6/26/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The 2023 Cannes market runs May 16-24.
Screen is rounding up the key packages launched before and during the 2023 Cannes market (which runs May 16-24).
Refresh the page for latest updates.
May 16 ’The Salt Path’
The feature debut of acclaimed theatre director Marianne Elliott stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs portraying the real-life couple who trekked 630 miles of UK coastline after being kicked out of their home. Black Bear are distributing in the UK.
World sales: Rocket Science
’The Rule Of Jenny Pen’
Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow star in James Ashcroft’s thriller as a conceited judging and a psychopath...
Screen is rounding up the key packages launched before and during the 2023 Cannes market (which runs May 16-24).
Refresh the page for latest updates.
May 16 ’The Salt Path’
The feature debut of acclaimed theatre director Marianne Elliott stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs portraying the real-life couple who trekked 630 miles of UK coastline after being kicked out of their home. Black Bear are distributing in the UK.
World sales: Rocket Science
’The Rule Of Jenny Pen’
Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow star in James Ashcroft’s thriller as a conceited judging and a psychopath...
- 5/16/2023
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
The stars are out at this year’s Cannes, and not just on the red carpet that leads up to the splashy premieres that make the festival the most glamorous celebration of movies in the world. From Daisy Ridley to Alicia Vikander, Angelina Jolie to Sylvester Stallone, Idris Elba to Jude Law, several A-list actors are attached to projects that are being brought to market at Cannes in what looks like its biggest edition in years. Will all that high-wattage talent lead to one mega-deal after another?
“It’s obviously going to be an outrageously busy market,” says Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen as much product, definitely not for the last couple of years, led by very high-profile movies with big cast, big directors, big budgets.”
Yet, the big question, Moszkowicz adds, is when and how all these projects will get made.
“It’s obviously going to be an outrageously busy market,” says Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen as much product, definitely not for the last couple of years, led by very high-profile movies with big cast, big directors, big budgets.”
Yet, the big question, Moszkowicz adds, is when and how all these projects will get made.
- 5/16/2023
- by John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Fresh off starring in Season 2 of HBO’s The White Lotus, Theo James has been set to lead horror movie The Monkey, based on the short story by Stephen King.
The team behind the buzzy project includes genre supremo James Wan, creator of the The Conjuring Universe and co-creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises.
Wan is producing with Atomic Monster partner Michael Clear (M3GAN), and C2 Motion Picture Group’s Jason Cloth (Joker) and Dave Caplan (Babylon). The supernatural story has been adapted for the screen by genre specialist Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), who also will direct.
Black Bear International is launching the project ahead of the Cannes market, where it will be among hot titles.
In The Monkey, when twin brothers Hal and Bill discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts occurring all around them. The brothers decide...
The team behind the buzzy project includes genre supremo James Wan, creator of the The Conjuring Universe and co-creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises.
Wan is producing with Atomic Monster partner Michael Clear (M3GAN), and C2 Motion Picture Group’s Jason Cloth (Joker) and Dave Caplan (Babylon). The supernatural story has been adapted for the screen by genre specialist Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), who also will direct.
Black Bear International is launching the project ahead of the Cannes market, where it will be among hot titles.
In The Monkey, when twin brothers Hal and Bill discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths starts occurring all around them. The brothers decide...
- 5/9/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew McConaughey has been set to lead crime thriller The Rivals of Amziah King, written and directed by Andrew Patterson (The Vast of Night). Black Bear International will launch offshore sales in Cannes with WME Independent repping U.S. rights.
Although specific plot details are being kept under wraps, the film is described as a deeply atmospheric, character-focused crime thriller set against the unique backdrop of remote Oklahoma. McConaughey will play the titular role of Amziah King.
Black Bear Pictures is fully financing. Producers are Heyday Films’ David Heyman, Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler, Heyday’s Jeffrey Clifford, Will Greenfield and Patterson. Executive Producers include Heyday’s Rob Silva and Black Bear’s John Friedberg and Christopher Casanova.
Schwarzman commented, “Black Bear is thrilled to partner with our friends at Heyday in supporting the bold creation that will be The Rivals of Amziah King. Andrew Patterson’s...
Although specific plot details are being kept under wraps, the film is described as a deeply atmospheric, character-focused crime thriller set against the unique backdrop of remote Oklahoma. McConaughey will play the titular role of Amziah King.
Black Bear Pictures is fully financing. Producers are Heyday Films’ David Heyman, Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler, Heyday’s Jeffrey Clifford, Will Greenfield and Patterson. Executive Producers include Heyday’s Rob Silva and Black Bear’s John Friedberg and Christopher Casanova.
Schwarzman commented, “Black Bear is thrilled to partner with our friends at Heyday in supporting the bold creation that will be The Rivals of Amziah King. Andrew Patterson’s...
- 5/8/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Andrew Patterson will direct the ‘character-focused crime thriller’.
Matthew McConaughey will star in Andrew Patterson’s The Rivals Of Amziah King, a crime thriller from Black Bear and Heyday Films.
Black Bear International will launch international sales on the title at next week’s Cannes market, with WME Independent representing US rights.
Plot details are under wraps; the film is described as ‘a deeply atmospheric, character-focused crime thriller set against the unique backdrop of remote Oklahoma’. McConaughey will play the title role of Amziah King.
The film will be written and directed by US filmmaker Patterson, who won the best...
Matthew McConaughey will star in Andrew Patterson’s The Rivals Of Amziah King, a crime thriller from Black Bear and Heyday Films.
Black Bear International will launch international sales on the title at next week’s Cannes market, with WME Independent representing US rights.
Plot details are under wraps; the film is described as ‘a deeply atmospheric, character-focused crime thriller set against the unique backdrop of remote Oklahoma’. McConaughey will play the title role of Amziah King.
The film will be written and directed by US filmmaker Patterson, who won the best...
- 5/8/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
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