We may live in a post-truth world, but most viewers still settle in to watch documentaries with the assumption that what we’re going to be treated to is at least some version of “truth.” Surely, we think, “truth” is what most documentary filmmakers aspire to.
Perhaps owing to a background that’s in comedy — Lady Dynamite, Comedy Bang! Bang! — rather than nonfiction, Ben Berman doesn’t operate on that level. Berman, who made his documentary debut with 2019’s Sundance entry The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, is more interested in the lengths that people go to avoid the truth. He isn’t angry at liars — he’s not Alex Gibney — so much as he is fascinated with the prevarication itself, not always the motivation for it or the reality behind it.
Berman’s new film is ESPN’s two-part The American Gladiators Documentary, which airs under the 30 for 30 banner, even though,...
Perhaps owing to a background that’s in comedy — Lady Dynamite, Comedy Bang! Bang! — rather than nonfiction, Ben Berman doesn’t operate on that level. Berman, who made his documentary debut with 2019’s Sundance entry The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, is more interested in the lengths that people go to avoid the truth. He isn’t angry at liars — he’s not Alex Gibney — so much as he is fascinated with the prevarication itself, not always the motivation for it or the reality behind it.
Berman’s new film is ESPN’s two-part The American Gladiators Documentary, which airs under the 30 for 30 banner, even though,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The robots won’t take over Hollywood if the WGA has anything to do with it.
One of the most interesting demands set out in the guild’s Pattern of Demands, which was unveiled earlier today, was the idea of regulating AI.
Or as the WGA put it, “Regulate use of material produced using artificial intelligence or similar technologies”.
A few years ago, it would have seemed crazy that AI would be able to replicate the work of TV and film writers. However, the rise of ChatGPT and other services, has shown that it might be closer than ever.
For instance, I asked ChatGPT if it had a pitch for a reboot of AMC’s Mad Men.
“Mad Men is back and better than ever. This time, the show takes place in the modern day, following a cast of characters as they navigate life in the cutthroat advertising industry of the 21st century.
One of the most interesting demands set out in the guild’s Pattern of Demands, which was unveiled earlier today, was the idea of regulating AI.
Or as the WGA put it, “Regulate use of material produced using artificial intelligence or similar technologies”.
A few years ago, it would have seemed crazy that AI would be able to replicate the work of TV and film writers. However, the rise of ChatGPT and other services, has shown that it might be closer than ever.
For instance, I asked ChatGPT if it had a pitch for a reboot of AMC’s Mad Men.
“Mad Men is back and better than ever. This time, the show takes place in the modern day, following a cast of characters as they navigate life in the cutthroat advertising industry of the 21st century.
- 2/28/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The Amazing Johnathan, the magician and comedian who was a longtime fixture on late-night television and the Las Vegas strip, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. He was 63.
The cause of death was end-stage heart failure, per the New York Times, with the entertainer — born Johnathan Edward Szeles — previously revealing he had been diagnosed with a heart condition. Szeles’ wife, the performer Anastasia Synn, confirmed her husband’s death, telling the Review-Journal he died in his sleep Tuesday night.
“The last thing I said to him was, ‘I love you,...
The cause of death was end-stage heart failure, per the New York Times, with the entertainer — born Johnathan Edward Szeles — previously revealing he had been diagnosed with a heart condition. Szeles’ wife, the performer Anastasia Synn, confirmed her husband’s death, telling the Review-Journal he died in his sleep Tuesday night.
“The last thing I said to him was, ‘I love you,...
- 2/23/2022
- by Jon Blistein and Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: A documentary about American Gladiators, widely considered one of the first reality competition series, is set as ESPN’s latest 30 for 30.
Deadline understands that the untitled documentary, which explores the story of the show, which ran from 1989 to 1996 and was later rebooted by NBC in 2008, comes from Vice Studios and ESPN Films.
The project will feature many of the larger than life former Gladiators, as well as Johnny Ferraro, who has been referred to as ‘the Godfather of reality television.”
The show, which aired in syndication was created by Ferraro and Dan Carr, matched a cast of amateur athletes against each other as well as against the show’s gladiators.
Ben Berman, who directed The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, which followed the final tour of a dying magician and aired at Sundance in 2019, will helm the doc.
It is ESPN’s latest 30 for 30; the 2019/2020 season of the long-running sports doc...
Deadline understands that the untitled documentary, which explores the story of the show, which ran from 1989 to 1996 and was later rebooted by NBC in 2008, comes from Vice Studios and ESPN Films.
The project will feature many of the larger than life former Gladiators, as well as Johnny Ferraro, who has been referred to as ‘the Godfather of reality television.”
The show, which aired in syndication was created by Ferraro and Dan Carr, matched a cast of amateur athletes against each other as well as against the show’s gladiators.
Ben Berman, who directed The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, which followed the final tour of a dying magician and aired at Sundance in 2019, will helm the doc.
It is ESPN’s latest 30 for 30; the 2019/2020 season of the long-running sports doc...
- 4/12/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Glenn Close is the latest to join the growing ensemble of Swan Song, an upcoming Apple Original film starring Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina and Naomie Harris.
Benjamin Cleary, also an Oscar winner for his short film Stutterer, wrote the screenplay and is directing the pic. Produced by Apple Studios, Anonymous Content and Concordia Studio, it’s described as a genre-bending drama set in the near future that explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
Close will play a head scientist at a facility.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce for Anonymous Content with Jonathan King on behalf of Concordia Studios, as well as Ali.
Close can be seen next in Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy, which is already earning her rave reviews with many pundits expecting her...
Benjamin Cleary, also an Oscar winner for his short film Stutterer, wrote the screenplay and is directing the pic. Produced by Apple Studios, Anonymous Content and Concordia Studio, it’s described as a genre-bending drama set in the near future that explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
Close will play a head scientist at a facility.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce for Anonymous Content with Jonathan King on behalf of Concordia Studios, as well as Ali.
Close can be seen next in Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy, which is already earning her rave reviews with many pundits expecting her...
- 11/19/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Awkwafina has joined the cast of Swan Song, an upcoming Apple Original film starring Academy Award-winner Mahershala Ali and Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG nominee Naomie Harris.
Benjamin Cleary, also an Oscar winner for his short film Stutterer, wrote the screenplay and is directing the pic. Produced by Apple Studios, Anonymous Content and Concordia Studio, it’s described as a genre-bending drama set in the near future that explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
Awkwafina will play close friend of Ali’s character.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce for Anonymous Content with Jonathan King on behalf of Concordia Studios, as well as Ali.
Awkwafina is represented by UTA, Artist First and attorney Issac Dunham. She can next be seen in Raya and The Last Dragon...
Benjamin Cleary, also an Oscar winner for his short film Stutterer, wrote the screenplay and is directing the pic. Produced by Apple Studios, Anonymous Content and Concordia Studio, it’s described as a genre-bending drama set in the near future that explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
Awkwafina will play close friend of Ali’s character.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce for Anonymous Content with Jonathan King on behalf of Concordia Studios, as well as Ali.
Awkwafina is represented by UTA, Artist First and attorney Issac Dunham. She can next be seen in Raya and The Last Dragon...
- 11/18/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar-nominated actress Naomie Harris is set to reunite with Moonlight co-star and Oscar winner Mahershala Ali in the Apple TV+ original film Swan Song, which hails from Apple Studios and Anonymous Content.
Benjamin Cleary, also an Oscar winner for his short film Stutterer, wrote the screenplay and is directing the pic. It’s described as a genre-bending drama set in the near future that explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
Harris will play Poppy, Milo’s (Ali) wife and true soulmate.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce for Anonymous Content with Jonathan King on behalf of Concordia Studios, as well as Ali.
Harris will soon be seen reprising her role as Eve Moneypenny in the upcoming Bond installment No Time To Die and currently co-stars opposite...
Benjamin Cleary, also an Oscar winner for his short film Stutterer, wrote the screenplay and is directing the pic. It’s described as a genre-bending drama set in the near future that explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
Harris will play Poppy, Milo’s (Ali) wife and true soulmate.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce for Anonymous Content with Jonathan King on behalf of Concordia Studios, as well as Ali.
Harris will soon be seen reprising her role as Eve Moneypenny in the upcoming Bond installment No Time To Die and currently co-stars opposite...
- 9/30/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Josh Braun, producer of some of the best documentaries in the world, joins Josh and Joe to discuss the movies that have influenced him throughout his life.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man On Wire (2008)
The Cove (2009)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Encounters At The End of the World (2007)
Winnebago Man (2009)
Spellbound (2002)
Supersize Me (2004)
Tell Me Who I Am (2019)
Apollo 11 (2019)
The Edge of Democracy (2019)
Finding Vivian Maier (2013)
Searching For Sugarman (2012)
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Frat House (1998)
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003)
The Exorcist (1973)
Go West (1940)
A Night In Casablanca (1946)
Hello Down There (1974)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
El Topo (1970)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Female Trouble (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)
Gimme Shelter (1970)
Monterey Pop (1968)
Grey Gardens (1975)
Grey Gardens (2009)
Titicut Follies (1967)
To Have And Have Not (1944)
All About Eve...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man On Wire (2008)
The Cove (2009)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010)
Encounters At The End of the World (2007)
Winnebago Man (2009)
Spellbound (2002)
Supersize Me (2004)
Tell Me Who I Am (2019)
Apollo 11 (2019)
The Edge of Democracy (2019)
Finding Vivian Maier (2013)
Searching For Sugarman (2012)
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Frat House (1998)
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood (2003)
The Exorcist (1973)
Go West (1940)
A Night In Casablanca (1946)
Hello Down There (1974)
What’s Up Doc? (1972)
El Topo (1970)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Female Trouble (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Bambi Meets Godzilla (1969)
Gimme Shelter (1970)
Monterey Pop (1968)
Grey Gardens (1975)
Grey Gardens (2009)
Titicut Follies (1967)
To Have And Have Not (1944)
All About Eve...
- 7/21/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Director David F. Sandberg, who helmed last year’s well-liked DC film “Shazam!,” is making the most of his time hunkered down at home. He’s released, via Twitter, a spooky, three-minute horror short titled “Shadowed,” starring his wife Lotta Losten, an actress and frequent collaborator. Like her husband, she’s no stranger to the horror genre either, as she starred in his horror hits “Lights Out” and “Annabelle: Creation,” as well as “Shazam!” The director calls “Shadowed” a “companion piece” to “Lights Out,” and urges you to “watch loud in the dark.” Watch it below.
This nifty, no-budget exercise in terror is all natural light, dark corners, and silence interrupted by unexpected bursts of sound. In the film, Losten’s character is terrorized by shadows both real and spectral, as she realizes she’s definitely not alone. It’s impressive what Sandberg is able to achieve with limited means and in a single location.
This nifty, no-budget exercise in terror is all natural light, dark corners, and silence interrupted by unexpected bursts of sound. In the film, Losten’s character is terrorized by shadows both real and spectral, as she realizes she’s definitely not alone. It’s impressive what Sandberg is able to achieve with limited means and in a single location.
- 4/4/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
"Keep your head up, keep your heart open." Humans crave connection. We need to talk, and hear from each other, converse, and interact. How do you do that if you're a filmmaker with no friends, stuck at home? Let's ask Benjamin Berman: "I made a new film! The first film made completely in quarantine??? Possibly. Get yourself a little human connection and check out The Follow-Up." Berman made a doc film that premiered last year called The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, and this is kind of / sort of his follow-up. As much as this might seem to be a film about connection during quarantine, beneath the surface it seems to be about how we're so desperate to connect we will pay excessive amounts of money to have washed up celebs record videos to make us feel better. Which really does make this a good follow-up to his doc. Check this out below.
- 3/30/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Despite the streaming service’s name, Apple TV+ isn’t just television — it’s also in the original film game. (That would be the “+.”) Apple has just announced that the latest original film to join its upcoming slate is “Swan Song,” starring two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali and written and directed by Academy Award winner Benjamin Cleary (“Stutterer”).
“Benjamin’s script for ‘Swan Song’ immediately connected with us,” said Matt Dentler, Apple’s head of feature development and acquisitions. “We cannot wait to bring Benjamin’s vision together with Mahershala’s undeniable talent to deliver this powerfully layered story to audiences around the world.”
Details about the film are sparse right now, but Apple describes “Swan Song” as “a genre-bending drama” set in the near future and focused on how far someone will go and how much they will sacrifice to make a happier life for the people they love.
“Benjamin’s script for ‘Swan Song’ immediately connected with us,” said Matt Dentler, Apple’s head of feature development and acquisitions. “We cannot wait to bring Benjamin’s vision together with Mahershala’s undeniable talent to deliver this powerfully layered story to audiences around the world.”
Details about the film are sparse right now, but Apple describes “Swan Song” as “a genre-bending drama” set in the near future and focused on how far someone will go and how much they will sacrifice to make a happier life for the people they love.
- 2/19/2020
- by LaToya Ferguson
- Indiewire
Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali is producing and starring in the genre-bending drama feature “Swan Song” for Apple TV Plus, with production starting in the spring.
The film will be produced by Apple and Anonymous Content. “Swan Song” will be directed by Academy Award winner Benjamin Cleary, who also wrote the project. Cleary won the Oscar in the live-action short category in 2016 for “Stutterer.”
The film is set in the near future and explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
“Benjamin’s script for ‘Swan Song’ immediately connected with us,” said Matt Dentler, Apple’s head of feature development and acquisitions. “We cannot wait to bring Benjamin’s vision together with Mahershala’s undeniable talent to deliver this powerfully layered story to audiences around the world.”
Adam Shulman (“Defending Jacob”) and Jacob Perlin (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary...
The film will be produced by Apple and Anonymous Content. “Swan Song” will be directed by Academy Award winner Benjamin Cleary, who also wrote the project. Cleary won the Oscar in the live-action short category in 2016 for “Stutterer.”
The film is set in the near future and explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love.
“Benjamin’s script for ‘Swan Song’ immediately connected with us,” said Matt Dentler, Apple’s head of feature development and acquisitions. “We cannot wait to bring Benjamin’s vision together with Mahershala’s undeniable talent to deliver this powerfully layered story to audiences around the world.”
Adam Shulman (“Defending Jacob”) and Jacob Perlin (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary...
- 2/19/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Apple has acquired “Swan Song,” a new film starring two-time Academy Award-winner Mahershala Ali, that will join its Apple TV+ original film slate along with a theatrical release, the company announced on Wednesday.
The film will be produced by Apple and Anonymous Content, and will go into production this spring. Adam Shulman (“Defending Jacob”) and Jacob Perlin (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”) will produce the film on behalf of Anonymous Content, along with Mahershala Ali.
“Swan Song” is a genre-bending drama that will be directed by Academy Award-winner Benjamin Cleary (“Stutterer”), who also wrote the project. Set in the near future, the film explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love. Mahershala Ali will star in the film as Milo.
Also Read: Mahershala Ali to Guest Star on Season 2 of Hulu's 'Ramy'
“Swan Song...
The film will be produced by Apple and Anonymous Content, and will go into production this spring. Adam Shulman (“Defending Jacob”) and Jacob Perlin (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”) will produce the film on behalf of Anonymous Content, along with Mahershala Ali.
“Swan Song” is a genre-bending drama that will be directed by Academy Award-winner Benjamin Cleary (“Stutterer”), who also wrote the project. Set in the near future, the film explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people they love. Mahershala Ali will star in the film as Milo.
Also Read: Mahershala Ali to Guest Star on Season 2 of Hulu's 'Ramy'
“Swan Song...
- 2/19/2020
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Mahershala Ali is set to star in Swan Song, a drama Benjamin Cleary will direct for Apple TV+.
The project, which is slated to shoot this spring, will join the Apple TV+ original film slate and will also get a theatrical release, Apple announced Wednesday.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce on behalf of Anonymous Content. Ali will also produce.
Plot details are scarce, but Swan Song has been described as “genre-bending” and “layered.” Set in the near future, the film explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll ...
The project, which is slated to shoot this spring, will join the Apple TV+ original film slate and will also get a theatrical release, Apple announced Wednesday.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce on behalf of Anonymous Content. Ali will also produce.
Plot details are scarce, but Swan Song has been described as “genre-bending” and “layered.” Set in the near future, the film explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll ...
- 2/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Mahershala Ali is set to star in Swan Song, a drama Benjamin Cleary will direct for Apple TV+.
The project, which is slated to shoot this spring, will join the Apple TV+ original film slate and will also get a theatrical release, Apple announced Wednesday.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce on behalf of Anonymous Content. Ali will also produce.
Plot details are scarce, but Swan Song has been described as “genre-bending” and “layered.” Set in the near future, the film explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll ...
The project, which is slated to shoot this spring, will join the Apple TV+ original film slate and will also get a theatrical release, Apple announced Wednesday.
Adam Shulman (Defending Jacob) and Jacob Perlin (The Amazing Johnathan Documentary) will produce on behalf of Anonymous Content. Ali will also produce.
Plot details are scarce, but Swan Song has been described as “genre-bending” and “layered.” Set in the near future, the film explores how far someone will go, and how much they’ll ...
- 2/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Balisa Balaban has been promoted to VP Original Documentaries. The streaming service has been ramping up its Hulu Original Documentary films slate with recent titles including Ask Dr. Ruth, The Amazing Johnathon and the Emmy-winning Crime + Punishment.
Balaban joined Hulu in 2017 as Director of Original Content and helped to launch originals Minding The Gap and Fyre Fraud.
The news comes as Hulu recently announced two new high-profile original documentaries to stream in 2020: Hillary, its four-part docuseries about Hillary Clinton that debuts at the Sundance Film Festival, and Greta, a feature charting the rise of climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Prior to joining Hulu, Belisa was Head of Original Programming at Pivot, where she oversaw all original series and documentaries including Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s HitRecord. That stint followed posts at Actual Reality Pictures (Showtime’s Freshman Diaries), Comedy Central and started at Fox.
She...
Balaban joined Hulu in 2017 as Director of Original Content and helped to launch originals Minding The Gap and Fyre Fraud.
The news comes as Hulu recently announced two new high-profile original documentaries to stream in 2020: Hillary, its four-part docuseries about Hillary Clinton that debuts at the Sundance Film Festival, and Greta, a feature charting the rise of climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Prior to joining Hulu, Belisa was Head of Original Programming at Pivot, where she oversaw all original series and documentaries including Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s HitRecord. That stint followed posts at Actual Reality Pictures (Showtime’s Freshman Diaries), Comedy Central and started at Fox.
She...
- 1/22/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that 344 feature films are eligible for the 2019 Academy Awards.
To be eligible for the consideration, the films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by Dec. 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days. Academy rules also state that a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The ceremony takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9, airing live from Hollywood on ABC.
“Abominable”
“Ad Astra”
“Adam”
“The Addams Family”
“The Aeronauts”
“After the Wedding”
“The Aftermath”
“Aga”
“Aladdin”
“Alita: Battle Angel”
“Always Be My Maybe”
“The Amazing Johnathan”
“American Factory”
“American Woman”
“Angel Has Fallen”
“The Angry Birds Movie 2”
“Anna”
“Annabelle Comes Home...
To be eligible for the consideration, the films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by Dec. 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days. Academy rules also state that a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The ceremony takes place on Sunday, Feb. 9, airing live from Hollywood on ABC.
“Abominable”
“Ad Astra”
“Adam”
“The Addams Family”
“The Aeronauts”
“After the Wedding”
“The Aftermath”
“Aga”
“Aladdin”
“Alita: Battle Angel”
“Always Be My Maybe”
“The Amazing Johnathan”
“American Factory”
“American Woman”
“Angel Has Fallen”
“The Angry Birds Movie 2”
“Anna”
“Annabelle Comes Home...
- 12/18/2019
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
To celebrate the release of ‘The Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Dogwoof has dropped a new clip from the film.
After Johnathan is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given one year to live, he’s forced to retire his act. Cut to three years later: Johnathan is not dead, much to everyone’s amazement.
Related: The Amazing Johnathan Review
Documentarian Ben Berman films the illusionist on an epic comeback tour. But as their mutual journey kicks off, Johnathan drops a bombshell that sends the film spiralling into uncertainty. Embracing this unforeseen obstacle, Ben delves deeper to determine what is truth and what is illusion. Built into the heart of this quick-witted and highly Meta story is an indelible commentary on the process and ethics of making a documentary today. Issues of negotiation and access become the central threads that reveal, and further cloud, our understanding of this elusive protagonist.
Also...
After Johnathan is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given one year to live, he’s forced to retire his act. Cut to three years later: Johnathan is not dead, much to everyone’s amazement.
Related: The Amazing Johnathan Review
Documentarian Ben Berman films the illusionist on an epic comeback tour. But as their mutual journey kicks off, Johnathan drops a bombshell that sends the film spiralling into uncertainty. Embracing this unforeseen obstacle, Ben delves deeper to determine what is truth and what is illusion. Built into the heart of this quick-witted and highly Meta story is an indelible commentary on the process and ethics of making a documentary today. Issues of negotiation and access become the central threads that reveal, and further cloud, our understanding of this elusive protagonist.
Also...
- 11/19/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that 159 films have qualified for the 2020 Best Documenatary Oscar. As expected, celebrated docs such as “Apollo 11,” “The Kingmaker, “Honeyland” and “Diego Maradona” made the cut.
Read More: “Apollo 11” is an astounding documentary that deserves the biggest screen possible [Review]
This year’s submissions are as follows:
“Advocate”
“After Parkland”
“The All-Americans”
“Always in Season”
“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”
“American Dharma”
“American Factory”
“American Relapse”
“Angels Are Made of Light”
“The Apollo”
“Apollo 11”
“Aquarela”
“Ask Dr.
Continue reading ‘Apollo 11’ & 158 Other Documentaries Submitted For 2020 Oscars at The Playlist.
Read More: “Apollo 11” is an astounding documentary that deserves the biggest screen possible [Review]
This year’s submissions are as follows:
“Advocate”
“After Parkland”
“The All-Americans”
“Always in Season”
“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”
“American Dharma”
“American Factory”
“American Relapse”
“Angels Are Made of Light”
“The Apollo”
“Apollo 11”
“Aquarela”
“Ask Dr.
Continue reading ‘Apollo 11’ & 158 Other Documentaries Submitted For 2020 Oscars at The Playlist.
- 11/12/2019
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
A total of 159 documentary features have qualified in the Oscars’ Best Documentary Feature category, the Academy announced on Tuesday.
Last year, 166 documentaries qualified. In 2017, a record 170 made the cut.
All of the films are now available to members of the Documentary Branch to stream on the Academy’s secure members website. The films have been placed there over the last six months, with 23 added to the site in June, 24 in July, 26 in August, 19 in September and 62 in October and only five in November.
Also Read: 'Maiden' Star Tracy Edwards Kept Her Story 'Messy' to Serve the Next Generation of Women Athletes (Video)
Each member is randomly assigned 20% of the films as mandatory viewing but is free to see any additional films beyond those that are assigned. A preliminary round of voting will produce a 15-film shortlist, with a second-round narrowing those 15 to the five nominees.
This year is...
Last year, 166 documentaries qualified. In 2017, a record 170 made the cut.
All of the films are now available to members of the Documentary Branch to stream on the Academy’s secure members website. The films have been placed there over the last six months, with 23 added to the site in June, 24 in July, 26 in August, 19 in September and 62 in October and only five in November.
Also Read: 'Maiden' Star Tracy Edwards Kept Her Story 'Messy' to Serve the Next Generation of Women Athletes (Video)
Each member is randomly assigned 20% of the films as mandatory viewing but is free to see any additional films beyond those that are assigned. A preliminary round of voting will produce a 15-film shortlist, with a second-round narrowing those 15 to the five nominees.
This year is...
- 11/12/2019
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Each year for over a decade, the Cinema Eye Honors selection committees, comprised of filmmakers from the documentary community, help to whittle down an increasingly overwhelming list of must-see non-fiction film and television. The 2020 nominees for Outstanding Feature Film are lead by Oscar frontrunners “American Factory” and “Apollo 11”, with five nominations each, and “For Sama”, “Honeyland”, “Midnight Family”, and “One Child Nation”, with three apiece.
Also scoring three nominations were “Aquarela” (Sony Pictures Classics”), “The Cave” (NatGeo), and “Beyoncé’s Homecoming” (Netflix). “American Factory,” “Honeyland,” and “One Child Nation” also earned nods for Outstanding Direction, along with Feras Fayyad for “The Cave,” Mads Brügger for “Cold Case Hammarskjöld,” and Brett Story for “The Hottest August.”
Audience Choice nominees include “17 Blocks,” “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary,” “Ask Dr. Ruth,” “The Biggest Little Farm,” “Knock Down the House,” and “Maiden.”
Netflix led all distributors/broadcasters with a record total of 17 nominations,...
Also scoring three nominations were “Aquarela” (Sony Pictures Classics”), “The Cave” (NatGeo), and “Beyoncé’s Homecoming” (Netflix). “American Factory,” “Honeyland,” and “One Child Nation” also earned nods for Outstanding Direction, along with Feras Fayyad for “The Cave,” Mads Brügger for “Cold Case Hammarskjöld,” and Brett Story for “The Hottest August.”
Audience Choice nominees include “17 Blocks,” “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary,” “Ask Dr. Ruth,” “The Biggest Little Farm,” “Knock Down the House,” and “Maiden.”
Netflix led all distributors/broadcasters with a record total of 17 nominations,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Each year for over a decade, the Cinema Eye Honors selection committees, comprised of filmmakers from the documentary community, help to whittle down an increasingly overwhelming list of must-see non-fiction film and television. The 2020 nominees for Outstanding Feature Film are lead by Oscar frontrunners “American Factory” and “Apollo 11”, with five nominations each, and “For Sama”, “Honeyland”, “Midnight Family”, and “One Child Nation”, with three apiece.
Also scoring three nominations were “Aquarela” (Sony Pictures Classics”), “The Cave” (NatGeo), and “Beyoncé’s Homecoming” (Netflix). “American Factory,” “Honeyland,” and “One Child Nation” also earned nods for Outstanding Direction, along with Feras Fayyad for “The Cave,” Mads Brügger for “Cold Case Hammarskjöld,” and Brett Story for “The Hottest August.”
Audience Choice nominees include “17 Blocks,” “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary,” “Ask Dr. Ruth,” “The Biggest Little Farm,” “Knock Down the House,” and “Maiden.”
Netflix led all distributors/broadcasters with a record total of 17 nominations,...
Also scoring three nominations were “Aquarela” (Sony Pictures Classics”), “The Cave” (NatGeo), and “Beyoncé’s Homecoming” (Netflix). “American Factory,” “Honeyland,” and “One Child Nation” also earned nods for Outstanding Direction, along with Feras Fayyad for “The Cave,” Mads Brügger for “Cold Case Hammarskjöld,” and Brett Story for “The Hottest August.”
Audience Choice nominees include “17 Blocks,” “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary,” “Ask Dr. Ruth,” “The Biggest Little Farm,” “Knock Down the House,” and “Maiden.”
Netflix led all distributors/broadcasters with a record total of 17 nominations,...
- 11/7/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Ben Berman set out to tell the story of a magician confronting death, but his subject’s disappearing acts and competing documentary crews gave his film a mysterious magic of its own
It is dark outside and I am sitting alone at home, a silent phone to my ear. I had been promised that I would finally get to speak to the man known to his fans and friends as the Amazing Johnathan, but the minutes tick past and the streetlamps come on outside my window. In his heyday, the Amazing Johnathan was earning $3m a year and had a stage charisma as outsized as his tricks, which included appearing to snort an entire jar of cocaine, and seeming to plunge a spike through his tongue. But tonight, as the PR tries frantically to put my call through to him, there is only silence at the other end of the phone.
It is dark outside and I am sitting alone at home, a silent phone to my ear. I had been promised that I would finally get to speak to the man known to his fans and friends as the Amazing Johnathan, but the minutes tick past and the streetlamps come on outside my window. In his heyday, the Amazing Johnathan was earning $3m a year and had a stage charisma as outsized as his tricks, which included appearing to snort an entire jar of cocaine, and seeming to plunge a spike through his tongue. But tonight, as the PR tries frantically to put my call through to him, there is only silence at the other end of the phone.
- 11/7/2019
- by Hadley Freeman
- The Guardian - Film News
Vice Media, which has been reshuffling its TV partnership plans after its long-term relationship with HBO wound down several months ago, has set a premiere on Hulu of Vice Investigates.
The Hulu Original show, from the producers and correspondents of Vice News, will see the first three episode go live on the streaming service on November 1. Remaining installments in the 10-episode series will appear monthly.
In the tradition of the original Vice on HBO, the new series will span the world and cover a range of topics. Initial episodes will take a close look at the geopolitical divide between Iran and Saudi Arabia; profile K-Pop rockstars; and a first-hand look at the experiences of intersex and transgender athletes.
Vice, which has been in revamp mode under CEO Nancy Dubuc, has several established media companies as stakeholders. A+E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst and Disney where Dubuc had a long executive tenure,...
The Hulu Original show, from the producers and correspondents of Vice News, will see the first three episode go live on the streaming service on November 1. Remaining installments in the 10-episode series will appear monthly.
In the tradition of the original Vice on HBO, the new series will span the world and cover a range of topics. Initial episodes will take a close look at the geopolitical divide between Iran and Saudi Arabia; profile K-Pop rockstars; and a first-hand look at the experiences of intersex and transgender athletes.
Vice, which has been in revamp mode under CEO Nancy Dubuc, has several established media companies as stakeholders. A+E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst and Disney where Dubuc had a long executive tenure,...
- 10/24/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Among cult magicians, The Amazing Johnathan stands out from the pack. His mix of magic and stand up comedy is truly unique. So, on the surface, his persona alone would make for a good documentary. However, The Amazing Johnathan Documentary has way more up its sleeve than that, no pun intended. Initially beginning as a simple portrait of the performer on the comeback/farewell trail after a medical diagnosis, the film evolves quickly into something utterly compelling and often bizarre. Much like The Amazing Johnathan himself, the movie contains deception after deception, though ultimately concluding on a surprise that’s even shocking to Johnathan himself. The documentary begins life in a somewhat straightforward manner. For years, The Amazing Johnathan was a popular comedy/magic act, often trafficking in the seemingly grotesque. Then, he stopped touring, somewhat suddenly. It turns out, he had received a terminal diagnosis. However, a few years back,...
- 8/16/2019
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
In The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, a magician’s tricks start to confuse the line between fiction and reality
There’s a moment, about six minutes into The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, where its star, a magician, appears to be choking. I say “appears”, because the reality of the scene remains unresolved. The Amazing Johnathan, suffering from a heart condition and with, we’re told, a year or so to live, attempts to swallow the “bane” of his retirement: a large white pill. He heaves, gurgles – loudly, comically, like a bad actor. Or maybe that’s just what someone dying by pill size sounds like? “Are you joking?” the film’s director, Ben Berman, asks off-camera. No, I’m not, Johnathan sputters, but he’s also smiling.
Is he joking? Do you trust what you can see? Such is the confusion of Hulu’s mind-bending The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, a film that...
There’s a moment, about six minutes into The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, where its star, a magician, appears to be choking. I say “appears”, because the reality of the scene remains unresolved. The Amazing Johnathan, suffering from a heart condition and with, we’re told, a year or so to live, attempts to swallow the “bane” of his retirement: a large white pill. He heaves, gurgles – loudly, comically, like a bad actor. Or maybe that’s just what someone dying by pill size sounds like? “Are you joking?” the film’s director, Ben Berman, asks off-camera. No, I’m not, Johnathan sputters, but he’s also smiling.
Is he joking? Do you trust what you can see? Such is the confusion of Hulu’s mind-bending The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, a film that...
- 8/12/2019
- by Adrian Horton
- The Guardian - Film News
This week the team at BAMcinemaFest has given a platform to an incredible collection of innovative films from around the world. But what do these short, documentary and scripted narrative directors do when they aren’t showcasing their films at a festival? How do they make a living when they aren’t busy making personal films? IndieWire asked the 2019 BAMcinemaFest directors that exact question.
Jessie Jeffrey Dunn Rovinelli (“So Pretty”): Editor and colorist for commercial and independent film and video. I moonlight as a German live-subtitler for unsubtitled 35mm prints at art houses around the city.
Ben Berman (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”): What I do when I’m not making films is mainly question what I do for a living. So at least we’re on the same page about that. I’ve directed and edited some comedy tv shows: “Tim and Eric,” “Lady Dynamite,” “Man Seeking Woman,...
Jessie Jeffrey Dunn Rovinelli (“So Pretty”): Editor and colorist for commercial and independent film and video. I moonlight as a German live-subtitler for unsubtitled 35mm prints at art houses around the city.
Ben Berman (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”): What I do when I’m not making films is mainly question what I do for a living. So at least we’re on the same page about that. I’ve directed and edited some comedy tv shows: “Tim and Eric,” “Lady Dynamite,” “Man Seeking Woman,...
- 6/22/2019
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
This is the weirdest trailer I’ve seen in a while, and I totally dig it. You have probably heard of The Amazing Johnathan, as he has been a comedian/magician and star of his own Las Vegas show for many years. But it seems like now he is circling the drain in a downward spiral of drugs and odd behavior… or is he? It’s hard to tell. Director Benjamin Berman is making his feature debut, and looks like he may have gotten more than he bargained for in this wild ride of twists and turns. It looks very Andy Kaufman-esque, and I am intrigued for sure.
Check out the trailer below and watch The Amazing Johnathan Documentary in select theatres and on Hulu on August 16th. Will you be turning in?...
Check out the trailer below and watch The Amazing Johnathan Documentary in select theatres and on Hulu on August 16th. Will you be turning in?...
- 6/16/2019
- by Jessica Fisher
- GeekTyrant
January’s Sundance Film Festival is the most effective launchpad for any documentary Oscar hopeful. With a field overloaded by competitive non-fiction, it’s essential to get a head start, a distributor, an early release date and build a profile before narrative features grab the media attention in an overcrowded fall.
Some high-profile non-fiction features, like Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s box-office star and eventual Oscar-winner “Free Solo,” break out of fall festivals like Telluride, Toronto, and New York. However, titles like those are the outliers.
Sundance 2018 yielded four out of the five 2019 Oscar nominees: $14 million-grossing Ruth Bader Ginsburg doc “Rbg,” Sundance breakthrough filmmaker prize-winner Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” which follows three young skateboarders in the Rust Belt, photographer RaMell Ross’ languorous poetic portrait of a time and place, “Hale County: This Morning, This Evening,” and Talal Derki’s Sundance World Documentary Grand Jury Prize-winner “Of Fathers and Sons.
Some high-profile non-fiction features, like Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s box-office star and eventual Oscar-winner “Free Solo,” break out of fall festivals like Telluride, Toronto, and New York. However, titles like those are the outliers.
Sundance 2018 yielded four out of the five 2019 Oscar nominees: $14 million-grossing Ruth Bader Ginsburg doc “Rbg,” Sundance breakthrough filmmaker prize-winner Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” which follows three young skateboarders in the Rust Belt, photographer RaMell Ross’ languorous poetic portrait of a time and place, “Hale County: This Morning, This Evening,” and Talal Derki’s Sundance World Documentary Grand Jury Prize-winner “Of Fathers and Sons.
- 6/15/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
January’s Sundance Film Festival is the most effective launchpad for any documentary Oscar hopeful. With a field overloaded by competitive non-fiction, it’s essential to get a head start, a distributor, an early release date and build a profile before narrative features grab the media attention in an overcrowded fall.
Some high-profile non-fiction features, like Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s box-office star and eventual Oscar-winner “Free Solo,” break out of fall festivals like Telluride, Toronto, and New York. However, titles like those are the outliers.
Sundance 2018 yielded four out of the five 2019 Oscar nominees: $14 million-grossing Ruth Bader Ginsburg doc “Rbg,” Sundance breakthrough filmmaker prize-winner Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” which follows three young skateboarders in the Rust Belt, photographer RaMell Ross’ languorous poetic portrait of a time and place, “Hale County: This Morning, This Evening,” and Talal Derki’s Sundance World Documentary Grand Jury Prize-winner “Of Fathers and Sons.
Some high-profile non-fiction features, like Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s box-office star and eventual Oscar-winner “Free Solo,” break out of fall festivals like Telluride, Toronto, and New York. However, titles like those are the outliers.
Sundance 2018 yielded four out of the five 2019 Oscar nominees: $14 million-grossing Ruth Bader Ginsburg doc “Rbg,” Sundance breakthrough filmmaker prize-winner Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” which follows three young skateboarders in the Rust Belt, photographer RaMell Ross’ languorous poetic portrait of a time and place, “Hale County: This Morning, This Evening,” and Talal Derki’s Sundance World Documentary Grand Jury Prize-winner “Of Fathers and Sons.
- 6/15/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Amazing Jonathan Documentary (formerly known as The Untitled Amazing Jonathan Documentary) hits the road with the legendary gonzo magician as part of what could be his final tour following a fatal diagnosis. Facing a deadly heart condition, the Amazing Jonathan has his potentially final days documented by filmmaker Ben Berman – but nothing goes according to […]
The post ‘The Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Trailer: Magic. Meth. Mayhem. appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Trailer: Magic. Meth. Mayhem. appeared first on /Film.
- 6/13/2019
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
"You just never know with him... Is this a joke?" Hulu has debuted an official trailer for the documentary called The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, originally known as The Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The Amazing Johnathan is a comedian magician / illusionist, already very well known, who finished up a few tours in 2017 and 2018. What begins as a doc film following the final tour of a dying magician - "The Amazing Johnathan" - becomes an unexpected and increasingly bizarre journey as the filmmaker struggles to separate truth from illusion. I heard from those who saw at Sundance that the film is less about Johnathan, more about the challenge of making a documentary, and what happens when things get confusing and you can't tell who is being truthful or not. As a fan of both magic and documentaries, you can definitely count me in with this one.
- 6/12/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Magician and comedian the Amazing Johnathan, whose standup special was a Comedy Central staple in the Nineties, announced he was retiring in 2014 due to a heart condition. At the show, he had a year to live but was still doing a limited number of gigs as recently as last year. The film will screen in select fingers and hit Hulu on August 16th.
The new Hulu film, The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, follows him both through his struggles and the acrimony he feels when people doubt whether or not he really had a debilitating condition.
The new Hulu film, The Amazing Johnathan Documentary, follows him both through his struggles and the acrimony he feels when people doubt whether or not he really had a debilitating condition.
- 6/12/2019
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
‘The Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Trailer: Hulu’s New Doc Asks The Audience To Question Everything
If you’re someone that has followed the very specific genre of stand-up comedy with magicians, then you’re likely familiar with The Amazing Johnathan. Rising to prominence in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the performer all but disappeared after it was revealed that the comedian only had a year to live. But then he never died. And thus begins “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary.”
As seen in the new trailer, “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary” tackles the titular subject, talking about his rise and fall in the comedy world, thanks in no small part to his drug habits, and his brush with death.
Continue reading ‘The Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Trailer: Hulu’s New Doc Asks The Audience To Question Everything at The Playlist.
As seen in the new trailer, “The Amazing Johnathan Documentary” tackles the titular subject, talking about his rise and fall in the comedy world, thanks in no small part to his drug habits, and his brush with death.
Continue reading ‘The Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Trailer: Hulu’s New Doc Asks The Audience To Question Everything at The Playlist.
- 6/12/2019
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Director Ben Berman set out to make a fairly straightforward film when he opted to follow The Amazing Johnathan’s return to the stage after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. The once-famous magician had already passed the one-year mark doctors had predicted he had left to live and the fear was he could die in the middle of his physically demanding show. That was the drama Berman thought he was filming.
“Nothing you are seeing is real,” announces the first line of the first “The Amazing Johnathan” trailer. “Can you trust anything a magician says?” Berman quickly became the subject of his own documentary as the filmmaker-in-crisis started to question if he wasn’t part of an elaborate hoax being staged by the magician. It’s a fear that is only compounded when Berman discovers that Johnathan has granted another, better funded, and Oscar-winning documentary team access to tell his story.
“Nothing you are seeing is real,” announces the first line of the first “The Amazing Johnathan” trailer. “Can you trust anything a magician says?” Berman quickly became the subject of his own documentary as the filmmaker-in-crisis started to question if he wasn’t part of an elaborate hoax being staged by the magician. It’s a fear that is only compounded when Berman discovers that Johnathan has granted another, better funded, and Oscar-winning documentary team access to tell his story.
- 6/12/2019
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Producer Miranda Bailey has dropped out of the drama “Time Capsule,” which is set to shoot in Georgia next month, over the state’s recently passed anti-abortion law, her spokesperson told TheWrap.
Bailey and her company Cold Iron Pictures were the only producers credited on the film that was written by Erwann Marshall and Chad Fifer. “Deadpool” star Brianna Hildebrand and “One Day at a Time” actor Todd Grinnell are attached to the project. But with Bailey’s walkout, the future of the production is in limbo.
Bailey’s credits include “Being Frank,” “Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary,” “Don’t Think Twice” and “Swiss Army Man.”
Also Read: Summer TV Premiere Dates: Here's Every New and Returning Show (Photos)
Earlier this month, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law to outlaw abortion in Georgia after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, roughly six weeks into pregnancy. The law is expected to take effect on Jan.
Bailey and her company Cold Iron Pictures were the only producers credited on the film that was written by Erwann Marshall and Chad Fifer. “Deadpool” star Brianna Hildebrand and “One Day at a Time” actor Todd Grinnell are attached to the project. But with Bailey’s walkout, the future of the production is in limbo.
Bailey’s credits include “Being Frank,” “Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary,” “Don’t Think Twice” and “Swiss Army Man.”
Also Read: Summer TV Premiere Dates: Here's Every New and Returning Show (Photos)
Earlier this month, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law to outlaw abortion in Georgia after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, roughly six weeks into pregnancy. The law is expected to take effect on Jan.
- 5/31/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Sales outfit adds four titles to slate ahead of Cannes.
London-based sales outfit Kew Media Distribution has added six titles to its slate ahead of Cannes, including a feature documentary charting the making of the original Ghostbusters.
Cleanin’ Up The Town: Remembering Ghostbusters features Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Ivan Reitman, and recounts the story behind the cult 1984 comedy.
Anthony Bueno directs the feature doc, which was produced by Claire Bueno, Derek Osborn and Hank Starrs. It features 46 interviews with cast and crew alongside never-before-seen archive material. Kew holds worldwide rights.
Kew has also added rock...
London-based sales outfit Kew Media Distribution has added six titles to its slate ahead of Cannes, including a feature documentary charting the making of the original Ghostbusters.
Cleanin’ Up The Town: Remembering Ghostbusters features Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Ivan Reitman, and recounts the story behind the cult 1984 comedy.
Anthony Bueno directs the feature doc, which was produced by Claire Bueno, Derek Osborn and Hank Starrs. It features 46 interviews with cast and crew alongside never-before-seen archive material. Kew holds worldwide rights.
Kew has also added rock...
- 5/9/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
The unbelievable strangeness inherent in truth has made for some incredibly destabilizing documentaries about the blurred lines of fact and fiction. Films like “Dear Zachary,” “Catfish,” “Exit Through The Gift Shop”’ and “The Imposter” all blow themselves up in the middle all featuring “oh shit!”-like twists so disarming, so surprising they make one question the very reality and existence of what you’ve been watching.
Continue reading ‘Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Is A Riveting, Twisted Examination Of Non-Fiction Filmmaking [Sundance Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary’ Is A Riveting, Twisted Examination Of Non-Fiction Filmmaking [Sundance Review] at The Playlist.
- 2/8/2019
- by Jordan Ruimy
- The Playlist
The organizers of the True/False Film Fest, taking place in Columbia, Missouri, on February 28 to March 3, are announcing their lineup exclusively to IndieWire. The 36 feature films and 18 short films (full list below) were culled from “roughly” 1,100 submissions.
Among the 36 new features, four of the films announced are world premieres. “The Hottest August,” is from director Brett Story and explores the anxieties of a “sweltering” New York City. “Midnight in Paris,” the directorial feature debut from Roni Moore and James Blagden, follows the Flint Northern High School’s senior class of 2012 as the Michigan students prepare for prom. Brazil-based filmmaker Maíra Bühler will screen “Let it Burn,” described as a tender portrait of addicts housed in a converted hotel in São Paulo’s notorious Cracolândia neighborhood. And the fourth T/F world premiere is director Jeffrey Peixoto’s exploration into what attracts members to the Church of Scientology in “Over the Rainbow.
Among the 36 new features, four of the films announced are world premieres. “The Hottest August,” is from director Brett Story and explores the anxieties of a “sweltering” New York City. “Midnight in Paris,” the directorial feature debut from Roni Moore and James Blagden, follows the Flint Northern High School’s senior class of 2012 as the Michigan students prepare for prom. Brazil-based filmmaker Maíra Bühler will screen “Let it Burn,” described as a tender portrait of addicts housed in a converted hotel in São Paulo’s notorious Cracolândia neighborhood. And the fourth T/F world premiere is director Jeffrey Peixoto’s exploration into what attracts members to the Church of Scientology in “Over the Rainbow.
- 2/6/2019
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Hulu has acquired the “Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary” following its premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival last week, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The film follows a deranged magician who built his career out of shock and deception in the 1980s. He is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given one year to live, but three years later, Johnathan is still alive. The documentary chronicles his comeback tour.
Ben Berman directed the film. Berman, Miranda Bailey, Russell Groves, Amanda Marshall and Jacob Perlin are producers on the film, with Jason Beck, Kirk Johnson and Jon Mugar executive producing.
Also Read: 'Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary' Film Review: Portrait of Comic Goes Off the Rails, Then Changes Direction
Earlier this week, Hulu teamed up with Neon to acquire “Little Monsters” out of Sundance. The film stars Lupita Nyong’o and Josh Gad.
The deal was negotiated by...
The film follows a deranged magician who built his career out of shock and deception in the 1980s. He is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given one year to live, but three years later, Johnathan is still alive. The documentary chronicles his comeback tour.
Ben Berman directed the film. Berman, Miranda Bailey, Russell Groves, Amanda Marshall and Jacob Perlin are producers on the film, with Jason Beck, Kirk Johnson and Jon Mugar executive producing.
Also Read: 'Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary' Film Review: Portrait of Comic Goes Off the Rails, Then Changes Direction
Earlier this week, Hulu teamed up with Neon to acquire “Little Monsters” out of Sundance. The film stars Lupita Nyong’o and Josh Gad.
The deal was negotiated by...
- 1/30/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Hulu is on the verge of pulling off a neat trick: a deal sources place around $2 million for The Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary. The Ben Berman-directed film premiered last Friday at The Marc, competing in the U.S. Documentary Competition.
The film charts the changing journey for Berman after he began a docu called The Amazing Johnathan, about a uniquely deranged magician who built a career out of shock and deception in the 1980s. After Johnathan is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given one year to live, he’s forced to retire his act and Berman’s film seemed kaput. Three years later, Johnathan didn’t die, and Berman filmed the illusionist on an epic comeback tour. And then things happened that led the filmmaker to question what is truth and what is illusion.
Multiple suitors were in the mix.
Pic was produced by Cold Iron Pictures,...
The film charts the changing journey for Berman after he began a docu called The Amazing Johnathan, about a uniquely deranged magician who built a career out of shock and deception in the 1980s. After Johnathan is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given one year to live, he’s forced to retire his act and Berman’s film seemed kaput. Three years later, Johnathan didn’t die, and Berman filmed the illusionist on an epic comeback tour. And then things happened that led the filmmaker to question what is truth and what is illusion.
Multiple suitors were in the mix.
Pic was produced by Cold Iron Pictures,...
- 1/30/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Third major Park City deal for streamer within a week.
Amazon Studios has struck again in Sundance, paying what is understood to be $14m for worldwide rights to Brittany Runs A Marathon, while Netflix was said to be closing the political documentary Knock Down The House, Neon in partnership with Topic Films acquired Luce, and Hulu took The Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary.
Amazon Studios’ acquisition follows the streamer’s $13m buy on Mindy Kaling- Emma Thompson starrer Late Night and the $14m move on Adam Driver political drama The Report.
Brittany Runs A Marathon premiered in Us Dramatic Competition...
Amazon Studios has struck again in Sundance, paying what is understood to be $14m for worldwide rights to Brittany Runs A Marathon, while Netflix was said to be closing the political documentary Knock Down The House, Neon in partnership with Topic Films acquired Luce, and Hulu took The Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary.
Amazon Studios’ acquisition follows the streamer’s $13m buy on Mindy Kaling- Emma Thompson starrer Late Night and the $14m move on Adam Driver political drama The Report.
Brittany Runs A Marathon premiered in Us Dramatic Competition...
- 1/30/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Streamers and studios had been in pursuit of Lulu Wang crowd-pleaser starring Awkwafina.
A24 is closing on what is undestood to be a $6m deal for worldwide rights to Lulu Wang’s directorial debut The Farewell starring Awkwafina, which became an early Sundance hit following its world premiere in Park City in Friday.
The distributor beat out a number of studios and streamers, all of whom had bid on the film after it lit up The Eccles at its first showing in Us Dramatic Competition. It screens again on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The deal followed Amazon Studio’s $13m...
A24 is closing on what is undestood to be a $6m deal for worldwide rights to Lulu Wang’s directorial debut The Farewell starring Awkwafina, which became an early Sundance hit following its world premiere in Park City in Friday.
The distributor beat out a number of studios and streamers, all of whom had bid on the film after it lit up The Eccles at its first showing in Us Dramatic Competition. It screens again on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The deal followed Amazon Studio’s $13m...
- 1/27/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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