Press release SCREEN MEDIA GOES WILD FOR MATT D'ELIA'S EXISTENTIAL COMEDY "AMERICAN ANIMAL" Theatrical Release Set For March 2012 Screen Media Acquires U.S. Theatrical and Home Entertainment Distribution Rights Film Premiered In Competition At 2011 SXSW Film Festival & Conference New York (NY) (January 5, 2012) - Screen Media, one of the leading American distributors of independent films, announced it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to AMERICAN ANIMAL, a film that premiered in competition at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival & Conference written, directed by and starring Matt D'Elia. A wild and personal existential comedy, AMERICAN ANIMAL centers on an eccentric and terminally ill young man who descends into madness when he finds out that his best friend and roommate is leaving for a new job in the morning.D'Elia, a graduate of NYU's film program, also stars in the film which was shot on a microbudget in his downtown Los Angeles apartment. The supporting cast of AMERICAN ANIMAL features an impressive array of up-and-coming actors including Brendan Fletcher (HBO's "The Pacific"), Mircea Monroe (Showtime's "Episodes") and Angela Sarafyan (THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part II"). AMERICAN ANIMAL takes viewers on a unique and intense journey of self-discovery as it acerbically and humorously examines themes of friendship, madness, sex and death. When Jimmy (D'Elia) finds out his best friend and roommate (Fletcher) is leaving, he sees this as a betrayal of their perfect way of life. Over the course of a night full of drinks, drugs and women, the two men engage in a classic battle of wills as James prepares to enter the real world and Jimmy falls deeper and deeper into his world of isolation and make-believe. At its SXSW premiere AMERICAN ANIMAL was embraced by critics and audiences alike. The film went on to play at other prominent film festivals including Gen Art, Starz Denver, Napa Valley, Little Rock and New Hampshire. The deal for AMERICAN ANIMAL was negotiated by Suzanne Blech on behalf of Screen Media with Asher Goldstein and Maren Olsen at Traction Media. Suzanne Blech, President of Screen Media said, "AMERICAN ANIMAL is one of the more striking directorial debuts of 2011 and we are very excited to be working with Matt to bring it to audiences across the U.S." Matt D'Elia said, "We're beyond happy to be working with Screen Media on the release of AMERICAN ANIMAL. From writing the script to premiering at SXSW, we've gone with passion first, everything else second. Screen Media stepped up and showed how much they loved the film, and that was all we needed. We are thrilled to give them the reigns to take this crazy little film to the next level: a wider audience." Screen Media will release AMERICAN ANIMAL theatrically in March 2012. About Screen Media Screen Media Films acquires the rights to high quality, independent feature films for the US and Canada. Screen Media's theatrical releases include Jig, The Irish Dance Documentary; John Gray's "White Irish Drinkers" starring Stephen Lang; James Ivory's "The City of Your Final Destination," starring Anthony Hopkins and Laura Linney; "Lymelife" and "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" starring Robin Wright and Keanu Reeves. Since 2001, Screen Media has released more than 250 titles including "Noel," starring Penelope Cruz and Susan Sarandon; "Sherrybaby," starring Maggie Gyllenhaal; Kevin Bacon's directorial debut, "Loverboy; and Emmy nominated "Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Millan. Screen Media Films is a wholly owned division of Screen Media Ventures, LLC. With a library of over 1000 motion pictures, Screen Media Ventures is one of the largest independent suppliers of high quality motion pictures to U.S. and international broadcast markets, cable networks, home video outlets and new media venues. For more information, visit www.screenmediafilms.net. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Add Comment Press release PALADIN PLAYS 'MUSICAL CHAIRS' New Susan Seidelman Film to Open in Spring 2012 NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2011 – MUSICAL CHAIRS, the latest film by renowned director Susan Seidelman, will be released by Paladin, it was announced by company President, Mark Urman. A unique blend of dance, drama, and romance, the film stars newcomers Leah Pipes and E.J. Bonilla as a pair of unlikely lovers in contemporary New York who must face a number of challenges, both separately and together, before finding one another--and themselves. Also starring Tony-winner Priscilla Lopez, Jaime Tirelli, Laverne Cox, Morgan Spector, Auti Angel, Jerome Preston Bates, Nelson R. Landrieu, and Angelic Zambrana, MUSICAL CHAIRS was produced by Janet Carrus and Joey Dedio. Its first official presentation in New York will take place at Lincoln Center on January 28th as the centerpiece film of its annual “Dance On Camera” festival. Paladin plans to release the film in select engagements in March of next year. Set against the exciting backdrop of competitive ballroom dancing, MUSICAL CHAIRS is about Armando (Bonilla) a Bronx-bred Latino who aspires to be a dancer but whose only way in is as handyman at a Manhattan dance studio, and Mia (Pipes), an Upper East Side princess who is the studio's star performer. Though worlds apart, their shared passion for dance promises to bring them together until a tragic accident changes Mia's life forever, and she finds herself wheelchair-bound at a rehab facility, with her dreams of a dance career shattered. Fortunately, Armando has enough dreams for both of them and, when he hears about a wheelchair ballroom dance competition that will soon be held in NY, he sees a way to return something to Mia that she thinks is lost forever. At first she is reluctant--wheelchair dancing, though highly popular overseas, is something she never even knew existed. But, with the help of several other patients at the rehab center, Armando organizes an intense training program that will bring them all center stage and in the spotlight. The prize is irrelevant; what they really stand to win back is their zest for life. About the film Urman says, “everything about MUSICAL CHAIRS is a happy surprise except, of course, the excellence of the filmmaking. As in all her best work, Susan has put seemingly marginal characters front and center in her film, and shows us not what makes them different, but what makes them just like us. Her customary blend of wit and warmth is evident in every frame." Seidelman, whose most recent feature was the indie hit, “Boynton Beach Club,” has numerous studio titles to her credit, including “Making Mr. Right,” “Cookie,” and “She Devil,” as well as the pilot for the HBO series “Sex And The City” -- but it was her earlier “outsider” films, “Smithereens,” (the first American independent film to be shown in competition at Cannes), and “Desperately Seeking Susan,” that propelled her to the forefront of her generation of filmmakers. About MUSICAL CHAIRS she says, “What appealed to me so much about this project was the diversity of the characters: culturally, physically, and gender-wise. I wanted to capture the energy and contrast that makes New York City such an interesting place to live and work.” It was producer Janet Carrus, long active in charities benefitting the disabled, and herself an ardent ballroom dance enthusiast, who first had the idea of building a film around the phenomenon of wheelchair ballroom dancing, an activity long popular in Europe and Asia, but which is only now developing a wider following in the United States. About the film, which features both disabled and able-bodied performers in its rousing dance scenes, Carrus says, “Susan has succeeded in conveying the struggles we all face, both able-bodied and disabled, making our way, whether through life or on the dance floor. She has a real talent for embracing people in all their diversity and making them real, believable, and acceptable.” Fellow producer Joey Dedio, (who also co-stars in the film as Armando’s feckless uncle), says, “Paladin is the perfect home for this special film. Mark Urman, a staple of independent cinema, really ‘gets it,’ and we’re thrilled to be working with him to reach the widest possible audience.” Capping off a busy year that included the highly successful release of Tom Shadyac’s “I AM,” Paladin’s most recent project was Tiffany Shlain’s award-winning documentary, “Connected,” which played theatrically throughout the fall. Next up for the company is the New Zealand smash-hit, “Boy,” by Taika Waititi, which opens in NY on March 2, 2012. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Press release TRIBECA FILM ACQUIRES US RIGHTS TO SLEEPLESS NIGHT Pulse-Pounding French Thriller To Enthrall Audiences In 2012! New York, NY – November 4, 2011 – Tribeca Film announced today that it has acquired all US rights to Sleepless Night, a gripping action thriller which had its World Premiere in the Midnight Madness section of the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. The film, directed by Frédéric Jardin, will be released in 2012 on VOD and theatrically by Tribeca Film, which is supported by Founding Partner American Express and brings films to consumers across a range of platforms, including nationwide VOD, theatrical, DVD, pay-TV and digital. Warner Bros. recently announced it has acquired English-language remake rights. Sleepless Night tells the story of Vincent, a respected and dedicated police officer, or so it seems. After stealing a massive bag of cocaine from drug dealers that work for Marciano, a powerful mob boss/nightclub owner, Vincent quickly finds himself trapped in a situation that no parent would envy- his son has been kidnapped with the promise of being executed if he doesn’t immediately deliver the bag back to its rightful owner. As Vincent heads to the nightclub in the outskirts of Paris to trade the drugs for his son, he soon gets caught in an intense, claustrophobic cat-and-mouse game that quickly spirals into madness as the tables are constantly turned multiple times throughout the evening. The night to come might not only be the longest but also the last one of his life... and his young son’s as well. Tomer Sisley (The Burma Conspiracy, Toi et Moi) stars as Vincent. The cast also includes Joey Starr(Polisse, Authentiques), Julien Boisselier (Gardiens de l’ordre, Hendri 4), Serge Riaboukine (Anglel A, Look at Me), Laurent Stocker (Cyprien, Hunting and Gathering) and Birol Ünel (Soul Kitchen, Head-On). Sleepless Night is written by Frédéric Jardin, Nicolas Saada, and Olivier Douyère, and produced by Marco Cherqui and Lauranne Bourrachot, who also produced the Academy Award®-nominated A Prophet (Un prophète). “I am thrilled and honored to work with Tribeca for the North American release of Sleepless Night,” Jardin said. “It’s a superb opportunity for my film.” “Sleepless Night is a thriller that is executed with such style and panache that it transcends the limits of the genre. The pace is exhilarating and the action is nonstop in this ingeniously plotted and thoroughly entertaining adventure,” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “We’re delighted to be collaborating with the filmmakers to bring this film to wider audiences.” The North American distribution deal was negotiated by Nick Savva for Tribeca Film, and Gilles Sousa and Mathieu Robinet on behalf of Bac Films, which is handling international sales. Bac Films will release the film in France. It has already closed deals for major territories, including UK (Icon), Germany (Tiberius), Canada (E1), Russia (Luxor), Brazil (California), China (Domo Media) and Benelux (U-Media). Further sales will be announced during the ongoing American Film Market. About Tribeca Film: Tribeca Film is a comprehensive distribution label dedicated to acquiring and marketing independent films across multiple platforms, including video-on-demand, theatrical, digital, home video and television. It is an initiative from Tribeca Enterprises designed to provide new platforms for how film can be experienced, while supporting filmmakers and introducing audiences to films they might not otherwise see. American Express continues its support of Tribeca and the independent film community by serving as the Founding Partner of Tribeca Film. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Press release ALECIA MOORE JOINS DIRECTOR STUART BLUMBERG’S THANKS FOR SHARING Film’s All-Star Cast Also Includes Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Patrick Fugit, Joely Richardson, and Josh Gad New York, NY (October 3, 2011) – Class 5 Films and Olympus Pictures announced today that Alecia Moore has been brought on board to co-star in writer-director Stuart Blumberg’s dramedy THANKS FOR SHARING. Blumberg, who was previously nominated for a 2010 Academy Awardâ for his THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT screenplay, will direct Moore in an ensemble cast that also includes Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joely Richardson, Patrick Fugit and Josh Gad. Principal photography for THANKS FOR SHARING began in New York City in late September, and Moore joins the cast today. The project is being produced by William Migliore and David Koplan for Class 5 Films, where Blumberg also serves as partner, and Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech and Miranda de Pencier for Olympus Pictures, which is solely financing the film. Edward Norton will serve as executive producer THANKS FOR SHARING is a dramatic comedy about a group of unlikely friends brought together through their shared determination to recover from sex addiction and forge meaningful relationships for the first time in their lives. Moore, who has had eleven Top Ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and won three Grammy awards, has her first featured role on the big screen. She plays Dede, a kindred spirit to Gad’s character, Neil. “Alecia could not be a more ideal fit for this role,” notes Blumberg. “She carries with her just the right combination of heart and edginess for the part of Dede, and we’re incredibly excited to share her acting talent with audiences.” Voltage is exclusively handing foreign sales for THANKS FOR SHARING, with Graham Taylor of WME and Rena Ronson at UTA co-repping the film for domestic sales. ABOUT CLASS 5 FILMS Class 5 Films has produced the feature films LEAVES OF GRASS, THE PAINTED VEIL and DOWN IN THE VALLEY. They produced the HBO documentary BY THE PEOPLE: THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA, which followed President Obama through the 2008 Presidential race. ABOUT OLYMPUS PICTURES Olympus Pictures founded by Leslie Urdang and Dean Vanech in 2008 has produced ADAMdirected by Max Mayer with Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne, RABBIT HOLE directed by John Cameron Mitchell for which Nicole Kidman's performance was nominated for an Academy Award, Mike Mill's BEGINNERS with Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, and THE ORANGES with Hugh Laurie, Leighton Meester, Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt and Alison Janney set to be theatrically released in 2012. Olympus is currently filming the Andrew Adamson directed MR PIP, a New Zealand co-production. Press release SAM SHEPARD, MICHAEL SHANNON AND SARAH PAULSON JOIN JEFF NICHOLS’ MUD STARRING MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY AND REESE WITHERSPOON Los Angeles, September 26, 2011…Academy Award© nominee Sam Shepard, Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon and Golden Globe nominee Sarah Paulson have joined the cast of the feature film MUD, written and to be directed by Jeff Nichols (TAKE SHELTER). Academy Award winner Ray McKinnon (THE BLIND SIDE), Joe Don Baker (GEORGE WALLACE) and Paul Sparks (BOARDWALK EMPIRE) have also come on board. They join previously announced Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Tye Sheridan. Lensing begins today in Arkansas. Sarah Green is producing, along with Everest Entertainment topper Lisa Maria Falcone through her shingle. FilmNation’s Aaron Ryder will also produce. Glen Basner will executive produce for FilmNation, which is selling MUD internationally. FilmNation and CAA are handling U.S. sales. MUD is a coming-of-age drama centered around two fourteen-year-old boys who encounter a mysterious fugitive hiding out on an island in the Mississippi. Intrigued by this man, they enter into a pact to help him evade capture and reconnect with the love of his life. Though it is hard for the boys to discern truth from fiction when it comes to Mud, it isn’t long until their small Arkansas town is besieged by a beautiful girl with a line of hunters in tow. Shepard will play the reclusive character of ‘Tom Blankenship.’ Shannon will play ‘Galen,’ the uncle of one of the boys, and Paulson and McKinnon will play the parents of the other. Baker and Sparks are figures who are out for revenge. Shepard most recently starred in BLACKTHORN, directed by Mateo Gil and just wrapped production in COGAN’S TRADE, opposite Brad Pitt. He was nominated for an Academy Award for the acclaimed film THE RIGHT STUFF, and also starred in BLACK HAWK DOWN and THE NOTEBOOK. He is repped by ICM. Project will be a reunion of sorts for Shannon and Nichols as Shannon stars in Nichols’ acclaimed TAKE SHELTER, an award-winner from Sundance and Cannes which opens September 30. The pair also worked together on Nichols’ first film SHOTGUN STORIES. Shannon can also be seen in Marc Forster’s MACHINE GUN PREACHER, and is currently filming Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot MAN OF STEEL. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in REVOLUTIONARY ROAD. He is repped by CAA and Byron Wetzel Management. Paulson will next star opposite Elizabeth Olsen in this season’s buzzed about thriller MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, directed by Sean Durkin. The film opens on October 21, 2011. In February Sarah stars opposite Julianne Moore in HBO's GAME CHANGE. Paulson can also be seen in this fall's new drama by Ryan Murphy, AMERICAN HORROR STORY, airing on FX starting this October. She is repped by UTA and manager Perry Kipperman. Green’s credits include the Untitled Terrence Malick Project, TAKE SHELTER, THE TREE OF LIFE and FRIDA. FilmNation also handled international sales for Nichols’ TAKE SHELTER. The company recently completed HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET, starring Jennifer Lawrence (X-MEN FIRST CLASS) and THE RAVEN, starring John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe. About Everest Entertainment Everest Entertainment collaborates with independent filmmakers who create with passion and integrity to bring distinctive, moving, memorable windows on life into the public domain. The company is global in scope and in the identification, support and recognition of great talent. Everest’s credits include Danny Boyle’s 127 HOURS, which was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture. The company also produced the acclaimed Tom McCarthy film WIN WIN, starring Paul Giamatti, and Rodrigo Garcia’s MOTHER AND CHILD, starring Naomi Watts and Samuel L. Jackson. Founded in 2008 by Lisa Maria Falcone, Everest Entertainment is a New York City-based production company committed to developing high quality entertainment, with film and television divisions based on strong writing, complex characters and meaningful subjects, and a music division creating ground-breaking cross-genre records in collaboration with the most outstanding producers and artists of our time. The legacy of Everest Entertainment projects continues long after the release of a film or series or record through a substantial investment in ongoing philanthropic programs related to the theme of each work. About FilmNation Entertainment One of the leading independent international sales & distribution and production companies in the world, FilmNation Entertainment was founded in 2008 by veteran international sales executive Glen Basner. FilmNation is currently in development and fully financing an untitled Oren Peli project; in development on James McTeigue’s MESSAGE FROM THE KING from writers Oliver Butcher and Stephen Cornwell; F*CKING ENGAGED which will star Jessica Biel; THE FACES to be directed by Paul Solet; THE AMATEUR AMERICAN directed by Ross Katz; and Guy Hibbert's (OMAGH, BOY SOLDIER) screenplay EYE IN THE SKY with Oliver Hirschbiegel (DOWNFALL, DAS EXPERIMENT) attached to direct. FilmNation Entertainment’s international sales slate includes: Relativity Media’s Untitled Snow White project starring Julia Roberts, Lily Collins and Armie Hammer; LOLA VERSUS starring Greta Gerwig; director Zhang Yimou’s THE FLOWERS OF WAR starring Christian Bale; WETTEST COUNTY starring Shia LaBeouf; GAMBIT starring Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz; SEEKING JUSTICE starring Nicolas Cage; LOOPER starring Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Terrence Malick’s untitled love story starring Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, and Rachel McAdams; UNDER THE SKIN with Scarlett Johansson; THE ORANGES with Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener, and Leighton Meester; and MIDNIGHT’S CHILDREN, based on Salman Rushdie’s award-winning international bestselling novel. In addition, they handled international sales on Academy Award Best Picture winner THE KING’S SPEECH and Pedro Almodóvar’s LA PIEL QUE HABITO (THE SKIN I LIVE IN). FilmNation has delivered on its philosophy of providing an unrivaled level of “added value” for its clients across all aspects of its business and serves as the exclusive international sales agent for Relativity Media, Media Rights Capital (MRC), Samuels Media Group, GreeneStreet Films and a non-exclusive multi-picture deal with Endgame Entertainment. For more information please go to: www.wearefilmnation.com or follow FilmNation on twitter http://twitter.com/wearefilmnation ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ TONY KAYE’S DETACHMENT is attached? 09/10/2011
Press release TRIBECA FILM ACQUIRES US RIGHTS TO TONY KAYE’S DETACHMENT Provocative Drama Features A Stellar Lead Performance From Adrien Brody, Anchoring An Ensemble Cast That Includes James Caan, Bryan Cranston, Blythe Danner, Marcia Gay Harden, Christina Hendricks, Lucy Liu, William Peterson, Betty Kaye and Sami Gayle New York, NY – September 8, 2011 – Tribeca Film announced today that it has acquired all US distribution rights, including theatrical, VOD, digital, TV and DVD, to Detachment, a vivid and compelling ensemble drama from acclaimed Director Tony Kaye (American History X, Lake of Fire) that had its World Premiere at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. Tribeca Film, supported by Founding Partner American Express, plans a 2012 release via a multi-city theatrical engagement, running day-and-date with nationwide VOD and digital distribution, followed by DVD, pay-TV, and a range of other platforms. In Director Tony Kaye’s Detachment, Academy Award® winner Adrien Brody stars as Henry Barthes, an educator with a true talent to connect with his students. Yet Henry has chosen to bury his gift. By spending his days as a substitute teacher, he conveniently avoids any emotional connections by never staying anywhere long enough to form an attachment to either students or colleagues. When a new assignment places him at a public school where a frustrated, burned-out administration has created an apathetic student body, Henry soon becomes a role model to the disaffected youth. In finding an unlikely emotional connection to the students, teachers, and a runaway teen he takes in from the streets, Henry realizes that he’s not alone in his life and death struggle to find beauty in a seemingly vicious and loveless world. Kaye, molding a contemporary vision of people who become increasingly distant from others while still feeling the need to connect, directs a stellar ensemble cast from a script by Carl Lund. Anchored by an award-worthy performance from Brody, Detachment also features memorable roles by Christina Hendricks, Academy® Award nominee James Caan, Academy® Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, Lucy Liu, Blythe Danner, Tim Blake Nelson, Bryan Cranston, William Petersen and newcomers Betty Kaye and Sami Gayle. "I was personally drawn to make the movie because I wanted to take the character of Henry Barthes and make him universal, make him all of us, and learn myself from that journey. He is the baton in a relay race, an infinite piece of clay to sculpt, a human being formed out of pain and sent to the masses to teach in the education system. Our purpose in being born is to learn and teach, and to be happy," Kaye said. "Looking at the ever changing landscape of film distribution, I think the Tribeca Film team is perfectly positioned to shepherd Detachment into this new exciting era." “Detachment is a singular experience. Tony Kaye combines a range of filmmaking techniques, terrific ensemble acting and a wonderful lead performance by Adrien Brody,” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “The film truly demands to be seen; we look forward to bringing it to a wider audience through Tribeca Film.” Detachment is produced by Paper Street Films’ Austin Stark, Benji Kohn, Chris Papavasiliou and Bingo Gubelmann, Kingsgate Films’ Greg Shapiro, and Carl Lund. It is executive produced by Brody, Peter Sterling and Andre Laport. Marco Frigeri is co-executive producer. The US distribution deal was negotiated by Nick Savva and Randy Manis for Tribeca Film, and International Creative Management, which also represents Kaye. Celluloid Dreams has recently acquired all worldwide sales rights. Mongrel Media has acquired the Canadian rights and will distribute the film in 2012. Pretty Pictures has taken the French rights and is planning a winter 2012 release. Detachment can next be seen at the 37th Deauville Festival. About Tribeca Film: Tribeca Film is a comprehensive distribution label dedicated to acquiring and marketing independent films across multiple platforms, including video-on-demand, theatrical, digital, home video and television. It is an initiative from Tribeca Enterprises designed to provide new platforms for how film can be experienced, while supporting filmmakers and introducing audiences to films they might not otherwise see. American Express continues its support of Tribeca and the independent film community by serving as the Founding Partner of Tribeca Film. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JOE BERLINGER AND BRUCE SINOFSKY IN COURT TO WITNESS THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR HBO DOCUMENTARY PARADISE LOST Film To Change Ending As Decision Is Handed Down - West Memphis 3: Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols And Jessie Misskelley Set Free Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory Set To Air On HBO Jan. 2012 JONSEBORO, ARK., Aug. 19, 2011 – Critically acclaimed HBO documentary “Paradise Lost” filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky were in court today to witness the stunning conclusion in which, after 18 years in prison, Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelly, known as the West Memphis 3, were set free. The award-winning HBO documentary series “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills” (1996) and “Paradise Lost 2: Revelations” (2000) spawned a worldwide movement to free the West Memphis 3 for wrongful murder convictions. Set to debut on HBO in Jan. 2012, “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” will have its theatrical premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, with a number of prestigious festival dates to follow this fall. This film tells the entire story, from the arrests in 1993 to the growing movement, through the entire appeals process and the uncovering of new evidence, concluding with their release. As Damien Echols notes in the film, if not for the “Paradise Lost” documentaries, “...these people would have murdered me, swept this under the rug, and I wouldn't be anything but a memory right now.” On May 5, 1993, the bodies of three eight-year-old boys were found next to a muddy creek in the wooded Robin Hood Hills area of West Memphis, Ark. A month later, three teenagers, Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelly, were arrested, accused and convicted of brutally raping, mutilating and killing the boys. Fraught with innuendoes of devil worship, allegations of coerced confessions and emotionally charged PARADISE LOST -- 2 statements, the case was one of the most sensational in state history. The films sparked a national debate regarding the innocence or guilt of the West Memphis 3. With the support of HBO, the filmmakers have stuck with the story over an 18-year period, making these compelling films in order to continue to shed light, raise awareness and spur debate about the events that transpired at that time and in subsequent years after the convictions. “Eighteen years and three films ago, we started this journey to document the terrible murders of three innocent boys and the subsequent circus that followed the arrests and convictions of Baldwin, Echols and Misskelly,” said director and producer Joe Berlinger. “To see our work culminate in the righting of this tragic miscarriage of justice is more than a filmmaker could ask for.” Added co-director Bruce Sinofsky, “Today, we, along with HBO, are humbled to be a part of this remarkable outcome.” Premiering at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival, “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills” went on to win many accolades after its HBO presentation, receiving Emmy® and Peabody Awards, and a DGA nomination, among other honors, and was named Best Documentary by the National Board of Review. “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” is directed and produced by Joe Berlinger; co- directed and produced by Bruce Sinofsky; edited by Alyse Ardell Spiegel; director of photography, Bob Richman; producer/second unit director; Jonathan Silberberg; featuring songs by Metallica. For HBO: supervising producer, Nancy Abraham; executive producer, Sheila Nevins. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Weinstein Company is excited to announce the launch of the poster for CORIOLANUS now exclusively on Hollywoodreporter.com. Link to Story Page: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/risky-business/first-look-coriolanus-poster-featuring-224505 Link to Homepage: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ CORIOLANUS Opens December 2, 2011 (Limited) Distributed by:The Weinstein Company Directed by: Ralph Fiennes Written by: John Logan Based on play by William Shakespeare Cast: Gerard Butler, Ralph Fiennes, Brian Cox, and Vanessa Redgrave Caius Martius ‘Coriolanus’ (Ralph Fiennes), a revered and feared Roman General is at odds with the city of Rome and his fellow citizens. Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek the exalted and powerful position of Consul, he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs in order to secure the office. When the public refuses to support him, Coriolanus’s anger prompts a riot that culminates in his expulsion from Rome. The banished hero then allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to take his revenge on the city. Produced by: Ralph Fiennes, John Logan, Gabrielle Tana, Julia Taylor-Stanley, Colin Vaines, Marko Miskovic, Will Young, Robert Whitehouse, Christopher Figg, Norman Merry, Christine Langan, Anthony Buckner, Kevan Van Thompson Link to Facebook page: facebook.com/weinsteinco.com Twitter page: Twitter.com/weinsteinfilms Stills: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24210283/Cor_Day26-07817%282%29.jpg http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24210283/Cor_Day26-07817%283%29.jpg +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Press release TRIBECA FILM ACQUIRES EDWARD BURNS’ NEWLYWEDS TO BE RELEASED ACROSS MULTI PLATFORMS Actor/Writer/Director Explores Relationships in Multi-Character Story New York, NY – August 4, 2011 – Tribeca Film announced today that it has acquired US and Canadian distribution rights to Newlyweds, actor/writer/director Edward Burns’ comedic relationship drama that had its world premiere as the Closing Night selection at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. A release in late 2011 is planned across multiple platforms. Since the 1995 release of the critically-acclaimed The Brothers McMullen, Edward Burns has been an independent film renegade, utilizing cutting-edge technology to make quality motion pictures on low budgets while reaching wide audiences through new platforms such as iTunes and Video on Demand. Newlyweds is the 10th film written and directed by Burns. Shot in a fast paced 12 days exclusively in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, the film is a chronicle of modern marriage complete with the crackling humor and sharp insights into contemporary relationships that Burns fans have come to love. The film tracks a newly wedded couple whose honeymoon period is upended by the arrival of the husband’s wild-child baby sister and the crumbling marriage of the wife’s meddlesome sister. A 21st Century Manhattan love story, Newlyweds highlights the unarguable truth that when you get married, you’re not just getting a husband or wife, you’re getting the family, the friends, and even the exes. The cast includes Burns, Caitlin FitzGerald (It’s Complicated), Max Baker, Marsha Dietlein Bennett and Kerry Bishé (Nice Guy Johnny, Scrubs). Burns produced Newlyweds with producing partner Aaron Lubin and William Rexer. Mike Harrop served as executive producer. “I have enjoyed a great relationship with the Tribeca Film Festival since its inception and I am so thrilled to be collaborating with them to bring Newlyweds to a broad commercial audience,” said Burns. “The unique, multi-platform release of Nice Guy Johnny broke new ground last year and brought my work to audiences who have traditionally had trouble accessing independent films theatrically. I am extremely confident that we will really build on that success now that we have Tribeca Film onboard for Newlyweds.” “Newlyweds shows how authentic filmmaking can spring from intentionally modest circumstances. Made on a remarkably small budget, it is a rich and resonant exploration of relationships brought to life by vivid location work and lively, intelligent performances,” said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “We look forward to presenting Newlyweds to North American audiences.” The deal was negotiated by Nick Savva, Director of Acquisitions, and Nancy Schafer, SVP, for Tribeca Film with Burns and Lubin along with Cinetic Media’s John Sloss. About Tribeca Film: Tribeca Film is a comprehensive distribution label dedicated to acquiring and marketing independent films across multiple platforms, including theatrical, video-on-demand, digital, home video and television. It is an initiative from Tribeca Enterprises designed to provide new platforms for how film can be experienced, while supporting filmmakers and introducing audiences to films they might not otherwise see. American Express continues its support of Tribeca and the independent film community by serving as the Founding Partner of Tribeca Film. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ TWC acquires documentary THE BULLY PROJECT 07/18/2011
Press release THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY IS BULLISH ON LEE HIRSCH’S ACCLAIMED DOCUMENTARY THE BULLY PROJECT Acquires All Rights For North America, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa And Germany, Plus Pan-Asian Satellite TV Distribution Rights New York, NY, April 25, 2011 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired from Submarine Entertainment all rights to THE BULLY PROJECT, the acclaimed new documentary from Emmy and Sundance award-winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch (AMANDLA! A REVOLUTION IN FOUR PART HARMONY) that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday, April 23, 2011. The deal covers all rights in North America, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Germany. TWC also acquired the film’s distribution rights for pan-Asian satellite TV, and will be the sales agent for the remaining global territories. THE BULLY PROJECT This year, over 18 million American kids will be bullied, making it the most common form of violence experienced by young people in the U.S. Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker Lee Hirsch, the documentary THE BULLY PROJECT follows “a year in the life” of America’s bullying crisis, offering an intimate look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals’ offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children. As teachers, administrators, kids and parents struggle to find answers, THE BULLY PROJECT examines the dire consequences of bullying through the testimony of strong and courageous youth. Through the power of their stories, the film aims to be a catalyst for change in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children and society as a whole. THE BULLY PROJECT is directed by Lee Hirsch, produced by Hirsch and Cynthia Lowen, and written by Lowen and Hirsch. Cindy Waitt is the executive producer. The announcement was made by TWC’s Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Peter Lawson. Said Lawson, “THE BULLY PROJECT is a phenomenally insightful and moving examination of bullying and its long-term impact. We think this is one of the year’s most important films, and we intend to bring all our energy and creative resources to bear in bringing THE BULLY PROJECT and its message to audiences of all ages.” "As filmmakers we are overjoyed to be working with The Weinstein Company," remarked Hirsch and Lowen. “Their significant commitment towards this film will ensure it reaches the national stage, and will certainly amplify its capacity to effect change." TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein commented, “After my team saw THE BULLY PROJECT, they immediately called and urged me to see it. I am glad they did. As a parent of four, bullying is an issue that concerns me deeply, and I jumped at the opportunity to be involved with a film that could help eradicate this plague once and for all.” The deal was negotiated for TWC by Lawson and Vice President of Acquisitions Dan Guando; and for the filmmakers by Submarine Entertainment’s Josh Braun and David Koh. ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes, most recently Tom Hooper’s THE KING’S SPEECH, winner of four 2011 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture; Derek Cianfrance’s Academy Award®-nominated BLUE VALENTINE; John Wells’ feature directorial debut, THE COMPANY MEN; Julian Schnabel’s MIRAL; and Wes Craven’s SCRE4M. Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; and 2011 Golden Globe® Best Foreign Language Film nominee THE CONCERT. Upcoming releases include SPY KIDS 4, APOLLO 18, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, THE DETAILS and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Recently wrapping is I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT. Currently in production is COGAN’S TRADE. TWC is also active in television production, with credits including the Emmy® Award-winning hit reality series “Project Runway,” and the critically acclaimed HBO comedy/crime series “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.” The company is producing two “Project Runway” spinoffs, “Project Runway: Masters” and “Project Runway: Accessories,” which are expected to debut in 2011. The company currently has 15 series in different stages of development, including: “Mob Wives,” a reality series for VH1; “Marco Polo,” a scripted historical series about the great explorer; “The Nanny Diaries,” based on the hit book; and “The Mad Ones,” adapted from the Mafia novel of the same name. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ | Gary Cabana
NYC cinephile trying to give back a little info from the wealth received here in the Greatest Cinema City in the world (sorry Paris) Archives - Work-in-progress
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