TIFF Drama Gets Canada Deal
Exclusive: Following its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, levelFILM has acquired Canadian rights to crime noir Akilla’s Escape by director Charles Officer, who co-wrote the script with Wendy ‘Motion’ Braithwaite. Produced by Jake Yanowski & Officer of Canesugar Filmworks, pic stars slam poet Saul Williams and newcomer Thamela Mpumlwana who anchors the story about an ‘urban child-soldier’. The film is slated for a mid-2021 theatrical release. Executive producers are Martin F. Katz, Karen Wookey, and Michael A. Levine. XYZ handles international sales. Vertical has domestic rights.
Raw Hires BBC Studios Exec As COO Gold Rush and Don’t F**k With Cats producer Raw has hired Fiona Clarke, BBC Studios’ director of business and commercial for factual, to the newly-created role of chief operating officer. She will report to CEO Joely Fether and take up her role in the New Year.
Exclusive: Following its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, levelFILM has acquired Canadian rights to crime noir Akilla’s Escape by director Charles Officer, who co-wrote the script with Wendy ‘Motion’ Braithwaite. Produced by Jake Yanowski & Officer of Canesugar Filmworks, pic stars slam poet Saul Williams and newcomer Thamela Mpumlwana who anchors the story about an ‘urban child-soldier’. The film is slated for a mid-2021 theatrical release. Executive producers are Martin F. Katz, Karen Wookey, and Michael A. Levine. XYZ handles international sales. Vertical has domestic rights.
Raw Hires BBC Studios Exec As COO Gold Rush and Don’t F**k With Cats producer Raw has hired Fiona Clarke, BBC Studios’ director of business and commercial for factual, to the newly-created role of chief operating officer. She will report to CEO Joely Fether and take up her role in the New Year.
- 12/15/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has snatched up the U.S. distribution rights to Akilla’s Escape, Charles Officer’s crime drama which had its world premiere at this year’s Toronto Film Festival and now has a planned release for Q2 of next year.
Saul Williams (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) stars as Akilla Brown, an urban child-soldier who captures a fifteen-year-old Jamaican boy in the aftermath of an armed robbery. Over one grueling night, Akilla confronts a cycle of generational violence he thought he had escaped.
Thamela Mpumlwana (Star Trek: Discovery), Donisha Rita Claire Prendergast (Marathon + Black Bodies), and Vic Mensa (The Birth of a Nation) co-star.
Officer, who co-wrote the screenplay with Wendy “Motion” Brathwaite, also produced the pic with Jake Yanowski. Executive producers are Martin F. Katz, Karen Wookey, and Michael A. Levine.
“Charles Officer’s daring vision and the thoroughly affecting performances from the entire cast make Akilla’s Escape a boldly entertaining film.
Saul Williams (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) stars as Akilla Brown, an urban child-soldier who captures a fifteen-year-old Jamaican boy in the aftermath of an armed robbery. Over one grueling night, Akilla confronts a cycle of generational violence he thought he had escaped.
Thamela Mpumlwana (Star Trek: Discovery), Donisha Rita Claire Prendergast (Marathon + Black Bodies), and Vic Mensa (The Birth of a Nation) co-star.
Officer, who co-wrote the screenplay with Wendy “Motion” Brathwaite, also produced the pic with Jake Yanowski. Executive producers are Martin F. Katz, Karen Wookey, and Michael A. Levine.
“Charles Officer’s daring vision and the thoroughly affecting performances from the entire cast make Akilla’s Escape a boldly entertaining film.
- 11/19/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Some of the most compelling music for television these days is being written for science-fiction and fantasy shows, where the sound palette ranges from orchestral arrangements to eerie vocals and synthesizers, and reflects a wide spectrums of styles.
Christopher Lennertz, who recorded a 53-piece orchestra in London’s Abbey Road for the Netflix reboot of “Lost in Space,” says the music he produced is “testosterone-driven when it needs to be, but it’s very poignant when it comes to the kids and the family.
I didn’t want to hold back on the emotion, the heroism, the sadness, romance or hope.”
Lennertz incorporated a snippet of John Williams’ theme from the original ‘60s series, a nice tip of the hat to today’s most respected film composer back when he was still toiling in TV.
Similarly, Jeff Russo found that he could not launch CBS All Access’ “Star Trek: Discovery...
Christopher Lennertz, who recorded a 53-piece orchestra in London’s Abbey Road for the Netflix reboot of “Lost in Space,” says the music he produced is “testosterone-driven when it needs to be, but it’s very poignant when it comes to the kids and the family.
I didn’t want to hold back on the emotion, the heroism, the sadness, romance or hope.”
Lennertz incorporated a snippet of John Williams’ theme from the original ‘60s series, a nice tip of the hat to today’s most respected film composer back when he was still toiling in TV.
Similarly, Jeff Russo found that he could not launch CBS All Access’ “Star Trek: Discovery...
- 6/4/2018
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Words + Music organizers Michael Levine and Rickey Minor talk to Awards Daily TV about tonight’s concert event celebrating music and songs in television. Television series thrive in their current Platinum Age,...
- 6/29/2017
- by Clarence Moye
- AwardsDaily.com
“Served Like A Girl,” a documentary film chronicling the lives of female veterans as they compete for the crown of Ms. Veteran America made its much anticipated debut last month at SXSW. Through this film the director, Lysa Heslov, set out to put a spotlight on the issue of homelessness among female veterans and correct misconceptions about female soldiers’ frontline roles. While Heslov succeeds at both of these, one can’t help but notice the film’s score which brings the characters’ raw emotions even more front and center. After doing some research it’s no surprise that the film was composed by Michael A. Levine, whose extensive resume spans from "Resident Evil: Biohazard" to the famous Kit Kat “Gimme A Break” jingle. We decided to sit down...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/27/2017
- Screen Anarchy
His reimagining of the song "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" is currently haunting gamers playing Resident Evil 7, and in our latest Q&A, we caught up with composer Michael A. Levine to discuss his key contribution to the game. In today's Horror Highlights, we also have a Comet network contest, an excerpt from Stuart R. West's Demon with a Comb-Over, and a Q&A with Bloodlands writer/director Steven Kastrissios.
Q&A with Composer Michael A. Levine: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Michael. How did you get involved with creating the theme song “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” for Resident Evil 7?
Michael A. Levine: The makers of the game, Capcom, were familiar with a track I produced (with Lucas Cantor) for Lorde: a dark and mysterious reimagining of the ’80s classic "Everybody Wants to Rule The World," which was used in Hunger Games: Catching Fire...
Q&A with Composer Michael A. Levine: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Michael. How did you get involved with creating the theme song “Go Tell Aunt Rhody” for Resident Evil 7?
Michael A. Levine: The makers of the game, Capcom, were familiar with a track I produced (with Lucas Cantor) for Lorde: a dark and mysterious reimagining of the ’80s classic "Everybody Wants to Rule The World," which was used in Hunger Games: Catching Fire...
- 2/21/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
A total of 145 scores were recently announced as being eligible for this year’s Academy Award, with everything from perceived frontrunner “La La Land” (Justin Hurwitz) and “Jackie” (Mica Levi) to outliers like “Sausage Party” and “Elle.” The final five will be nominated on January 24. In the meantime, avail yourself of this Spotify playlist featuring selections from 110 of the eligible scores — as well as the full list of every eligible score.
Read More: Oscar Best Score Contenders: The Inside Story of Creating 5 Diverse Frontrunners
Read More: Oscars 2017: Listen to 70 Songs Eligible for This Year’s Academy Award
The Abolitionists,” Tim Jones, composer
“Absolutely Fabulous The Movie,” Jake Monaco, composer
“The Accountant,” Mark Isham, composer
“Alice through the Looking Glass,” Danny Elfman, composer
“Allied,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Almost Christmas,” John Paesano, composer
“American Pastoral,” Alexandre Desplat, composer
“The Angry Birds Movie,” Heitor Pereira, composer
“Anthropoid,” Robin Foster, composer
“Armenia, My Love,...
Read More: Oscar Best Score Contenders: The Inside Story of Creating 5 Diverse Frontrunners
Read More: Oscars 2017: Listen to 70 Songs Eligible for This Year’s Academy Award
The Abolitionists,” Tim Jones, composer
“Absolutely Fabulous The Movie,” Jake Monaco, composer
“The Accountant,” Mark Isham, composer
“Alice through the Looking Glass,” Danny Elfman, composer
“Allied,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Almost Christmas,” John Paesano, composer
“American Pastoral,” Alexandre Desplat, composer
“The Angry Birds Movie,” Heitor Pereira, composer
“Anthropoid,” Robin Foster, composer
“Armenia, My Love,...
- 1/3/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 145 scores from eligible feature-length motion pictures released in 2016 are in contention for nominations in the Original Score category for the 89th Academy Awards.
The eligible scores along with their composers are listed below, in alphabetical order by film title:
“The Abolitionists,” Tim Jones, composer
“Absolutely Fabulous The Movie,” Jake Monaco, composer
“The Accountant,” Mark Isham, composer
“Alice through the Looking Glass,” Danny Elfman, composer
“Allied,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Almost Christmas,” John Paesano, composer
“American Pastoral,” Alexandre Desplat, composer
“The Angry Birds Movie,” Heitor Pereira, composer
“Anthropoid,” Robin Foster, composer
“Armenia, My Love,” Silvia Leonetti, composer
“Assassin’s Creed,” Jed Kurzel, composer
“Autumn Lights,” Hugi Gudmundsson and Hjörtur Ingvi Jóhannsson, composers
“The Bfg,” John Williams, composer
“Believe,” Michael Reola, composer
“Ben-Hur,” Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, composers
“Bilal,” Atli Ӧrvarsson, composer
“Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna,...
The eligible scores along with their composers are listed below, in alphabetical order by film title:
“The Abolitionists,” Tim Jones, composer
“Absolutely Fabulous The Movie,” Jake Monaco, composer
“The Accountant,” Mark Isham, composer
“Alice through the Looking Glass,” Danny Elfman, composer
“Allied,” Alan Silvestri, composer
“Almost Christmas,” John Paesano, composer
“American Pastoral,” Alexandre Desplat, composer
“The Angry Birds Movie,” Heitor Pereira, composer
“Anthropoid,” Robin Foster, composer
“Armenia, My Love,” Silvia Leonetti, composer
“Assassin’s Creed,” Jed Kurzel, composer
“Autumn Lights,” Hugi Gudmundsson and Hjörtur Ingvi Jóhannsson, composers
“The Bfg,” John Williams, composer
“Believe,” Michael Reola, composer
“Ben-Hur,” Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, composers
“Bilal,” Atli Ӧrvarsson, composer
“Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna,...
- 12/14/2016
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced the 145 scores eligible in the Best Original Score category, includeing work from “Jackie” and “La La Land.” The latter film, a musical directed by “Whiplash” helmer Damien Chazelle, picked up the Los Angeles Film Critics Association’s award for Best Music earlier this month; “Jackie” was the category’s runner-up. Notably absent, meanwhile, are “Arrival” (which just landed a Golden Globe nod), “Manchester by the Sea” and “Silence.”
Read: ‘La La Land’: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s ‘City of Stars’ Duet Will Sweep You Off Your Feet – Listen
Justin Hurwitz composed and orchestrated the “La La Land” score, while “Jackie” marks “Under the Skin” composer Mica Levi’s second silver-screen effort. Decades after becoming one of the world’s most renowned film composers, Ennio Morricone won last year’s Oscar for his work on Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.
Read: ‘La La Land’: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s ‘City of Stars’ Duet Will Sweep You Off Your Feet – Listen
Justin Hurwitz composed and orchestrated the “La La Land” score, while “Jackie” marks “Under the Skin” composer Mica Levi’s second silver-screen effort. Decades after becoming one of the world’s most renowned film composers, Ennio Morricone won last year’s Oscar for his work on Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.
- 12/14/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
The Television Academy has awarded “American Idol” with the 2016 Governors Award in recognition of its impact on the medium. “‘American Idol’ wasn’t just a hit show. With its successful integration of social media, dominance of the pop-culture conversation and legions of imitators, it changed television in a profound way,” Governors Award Selection Committee Chair Michael Levine said in a statement. “You could meaningfully divide the history of television into before ‘American Idol’ and after ‘American Idol.'” The show — which was created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment — ran from June 11, 2002,...
- 8/19/2016
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Wrap
Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column.
– Exclusive: The 6th Annual Lower East Side Film Festival and their 2016 panel of judges, including Ethan Hawke, Cindy Tolan, Steve Farneth and Raul Castillo have announced their winners. Check them out below.
Best Feature Film – “Americana” – By Zachary Shedd
Best Live Action Short Film – “Killer” – By Matt Kazman
Best Animated Short Film – “The Mega Plush: Episode I” – By Matt Burniston
Best Music Video – The Knocks’ “Collect My Love” – By Austin Peters, Music by The Knocks, featuring Alex Newell
Best Documentary Short Film – “Erosion” – By Brandon Bloch, Tim Sessler and Brandon Bray
The Advocacy Award Presented by Here TV – “Video” – By Randy Yang
The Lesff Neighborhood Award – “Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream” – By Michael Levine
Best of Fest, The Lesff Prix D’Or – “Art of the Prank” – By Andrea Marini
Audience Award...
– Exclusive: The 6th Annual Lower East Side Film Festival and their 2016 panel of judges, including Ethan Hawke, Cindy Tolan, Steve Farneth and Raul Castillo have announced their winners. Check them out below.
Best Feature Film – “Americana” – By Zachary Shedd
Best Live Action Short Film – “Killer” – By Matt Kazman
Best Animated Short Film – “The Mega Plush: Episode I” – By Matt Burniston
Best Music Video – The Knocks’ “Collect My Love” – By Austin Peters, Music by The Knocks, featuring Alex Newell
Best Documentary Short Film – “Erosion” – By Brandon Bloch, Tim Sessler and Brandon Bray
The Advocacy Award Presented by Here TV – “Video” – By Randy Yang
The Lesff Neighborhood Award – “Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream” – By Michael Levine
Best of Fest, The Lesff Prix D’Or – “Art of the Prank” – By Andrea Marini
Audience Award...
- 6/17/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Moss: Courtesy AMC; Henson: Michael Levine/Fox; Odenkirk: Courtesy AMC; Dinklage: Helen Sloan/HBO; Danes: David Bloomer Will a “Mad Men” actor finally triumph? Is this the year of Pornstache? Take a look at the nominees for drama series and makeyour picks! Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Kyle Chandler, “Bloodline”You can count on Chandler to deliver in every role, from “Friday Night Lights” to “Grey’s Anatomy.” In “Bloodline,” his portrayal of John Rayburn—the son and local detective tasked with keeping his Florida Keys family from spinning out of control—feels lived-in and frayed. It’s as if he’s played John just as long as he’s been Kyle Chandler. Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom”Very few actors can convincingly deliver writer and producer Aaron Sorkin’s lengthy monologues. In three short seasons of the HBO drama, Daniels mastered the mouthful of dialogue with such rage...
- 8/6/2015
- backstage.com
Experience the thrill of watching opera from the Royal Opera House in the comfort of the Tivoli Theater (6350 Delmar Boulevard, in The Loop, St. Louis, Mo, 63130) thanks to the ‘Royal Opera House at The Tivoli Theater’ series
We Are Movie Geeks has teamed up with the Tivoli Theater for a special giveaway! We have five pairs of tickets (a $30 value) for the first installment of this year’s ‘Royal Opera House at The Tivoli Theater’ which will be The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Hollände) The date is next Sunday March 29th and the show begins at Noon.
All you have to do is leave a comment below and tell us what your favorite opera is – it’s so easy! We’ll contact the winners in a few days. Good luck!
These operas are shown on the Tivoli’s big screen in their entirety, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the...
We Are Movie Geeks has teamed up with the Tivoli Theater for a special giveaway! We have five pairs of tickets (a $30 value) for the first installment of this year’s ‘Royal Opera House at The Tivoli Theater’ which will be The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Hollände) The date is next Sunday March 29th and the show begins at Noon.
All you have to do is leave a comment below and tell us what your favorite opera is – it’s so easy! We’ll contact the winners in a few days. Good luck!
These operas are shown on the Tivoli’s big screen in their entirety, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the...
- 3/23/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A fifth class-action lawsuit has been filed by a former employee of Sony Pictures, alleging the Culver City studio failed to protect the personal information of its staff from computer hackers.
In legal papers filed Friday and obtained by TheWrap, the plaintiff identified only as Jane Doe, claimed in Los Angeles Superior Court that her personal information was posted online in November and again this month.
“Sony is frequently the subject of data breaches and despite the known damage such breaches have caused in recent years, Sony has failed to implement and maintain adequate and advanced data security and data management systems and policies,...
In legal papers filed Friday and obtained by TheWrap, the plaintiff identified only as Jane Doe, claimed in Los Angeles Superior Court that her personal information was posted online in November and again this month.
“Sony is frequently the subject of data breaches and despite the known damage such breaches have caused in recent years, Sony has failed to implement and maintain adequate and advanced data security and data management systems and policies,...
- 12/21/2014
- by Anita Bennett
- The Wrap
Four days, four class-action lawsuits. Another complaint has been filed against Sony — after lawsuits on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday — claiming the studio didn’t take adequate precautions to prepare itself for the cyberattack that led to the disclosure of thousands of employees’ private information. The plaintiffs in the new case are Michael Levine and Lionel Felix, and both say they worked for Sony — Levine as a technical director for Sony Pictures Imageworks from 2003 to 2012, and Felix as a director of technology for Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment from 2001 to 2004. Like the other plaintiffs, they
read more...
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- 12/19/2014
- by Austin Siegemund-Broka
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trying to break out of the shadow of a successful sibling is no easy task. Chris and Liam Hemsworth. James and Dave Franco. Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy. They're just a few brothers conquering Hollywood with their good looks and talent - and firing up heart palpitations among fans. So we ask: Which of the siblings below deserves the title of Hollywood's Sexiest Brothers? Vote in our poll, and then sound off in the comments section! The results will appear in next week's issue of People. 1. Chris Hemsworth, 30, and Liam Hemsworth, 24: The Australian brothers, who share buff bodies, great hair and a love for surfing,...
- 4/26/2014
- by Paul Chi
- PEOPLE.com
Trying to break out of the shadow of a successful sibling is no easy task. Chris and Liam Hemsworth. James and Dave Franco. Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy. They're just a few brothers conquering Hollywood with their good looks and talent - and firing up heart palpitations among fans. So we ask: Which of the siblings below deserves the title of Hollywood's Sexiest Brothers? Vote in our poll, and then sound off in the comments section! The results will appear in next week's issue of People. 1. Chris Hemsworth, 30, and Liam Hemsworth, 24: The Australian brothers, who share buff bodies, great hair and a love for surfing,...
- 4/26/2014
- by Paul Chi
- PEOPLE.com
Washington, Apr.13: Charlton Heston recently got his own postage stamp that was unveiled at a ceremony at the historic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
The 'Ben Hur' star's image for the stamp has reportedly been taken from a photo that was shot by his widow, Lydia Clarke Heston, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
Ned Vaughn, the founding executive VP of SAG-aftra said that the late actor fundamentally personified a dedication to fight for what he valued, no matter where or when he was needed.
Michael Levine, the actor's publicist for 21 years, who launched his effort to put Heston's image on a stamp, said that.
The 'Ben Hur' star's image for the stamp has reportedly been taken from a photo that was shot by his widow, Lydia Clarke Heston, the Hollywood Reporter reported.
Ned Vaughn, the founding executive VP of SAG-aftra said that the late actor fundamentally personified a dedication to fight for what he valued, no matter where or when he was needed.
Michael Levine, the actor's publicist for 21 years, who launched his effort to put Heston's image on a stamp, said that.
- 4/13/2014
- by Machan Kumar
- RealBollywood.com
Richard Cabral has joined the ensemble cast of John Ridley’s American Crime pilot for ABC Studios. The project centers on the home invasion and murder of a young war veteran and his beauty queen wife in Modesto, CA. Cabral will play Hector Tonz, a hustler and occasional drug dealer who is implicated in the murder and attack of the young couple. Apa-repped Cabral was most recently seen opposite Michael Fassbender in The Counselor. He also just wrapped a leading role in feature Devil’s Ink and has appeared on HBO’s Luck, ABC’s Body Of Proof and NBC’s Southland. Geoffrey Blake (Forrest Gump) has signed on as a recurring in TNT’s pilot Agent X, starring Sharon Stone. It centers on America’s first female Vice President, Natalie Maccabee (Stone), and her secret weapon, Agent X (Jeff Hephner). Blake will play CIA Director Gray Cromwell, who is...
- 2/21/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Enjoying a beautiful afternoon, Miranda Kerr took her son Flynn out for a stroll in New York City on Sunday (October 20).
Sporting a beautiful blue maxi floral dress, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel gave her little guy a hug and kiss while scurrying off to an appointment.
And while she’s one of the most prolific posers in the world, Ms. Kerr is said to be pursuing a career in the acting industry.
Publicist Michael Levine told press, “A lot of people will want to meet with her just because she's the wife of Orlando Bloom, so he will open doors for her. She’ll have no problem getting acting representation because she's already so famous and at the very least she can land a small part in a summer popcorn film. But if she can have a lasting acting career, that remains to be seen. It depends on...
Sporting a beautiful blue maxi floral dress, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel gave her little guy a hug and kiss while scurrying off to an appointment.
And while she’s one of the most prolific posers in the world, Ms. Kerr is said to be pursuing a career in the acting industry.
Publicist Michael Levine told press, “A lot of people will want to meet with her just because she's the wife of Orlando Bloom, so he will open doors for her. She’ll have no problem getting acting representation because she's already so famous and at the very least she can land a small part in a summer popcorn film. But if she can have a lasting acting career, that remains to be seen. It depends on...
- 10/21/2013
- GossipCenter
Following on from the relative success of found-footage horror flick V/H/S earlier this year, comes the sequel – once more bringing together a collection of filmmakers to each to present their own horror vignette. Following an almost identical formula, V/H/S 2 is harmless, enjoyable fun – yet, much like first, it pushes no boundaries and lacks distinctly in ingenuity and innovation. Oh, and it’s not very scary either.
When private investigators (Laurence Michael Levine, Kelsy Abbott) go on the hunt for a missing student (L.C. Holt), they find themselves at his derelict flat, where a collection of disturbing VHS tapes lie, waiting to be watched. As part of their ongoing investigation, the pair decide to watch the cassettes, much to their evident displeasure. Amongst the harrowing, sinister videos, we have Adam Wingard’s ‘Phase I Clinical Trials’, whereby a man (played by Wingard himself) is given a new...
When private investigators (Laurence Michael Levine, Kelsy Abbott) go on the hunt for a missing student (L.C. Holt), they find themselves at his derelict flat, where a collection of disturbing VHS tapes lie, waiting to be watched. As part of their ongoing investigation, the pair decide to watch the cassettes, much to their evident displeasure. Amongst the harrowing, sinister videos, we have Adam Wingard’s ‘Phase I Clinical Trials’, whereby a man (played by Wingard himself) is given a new...
- 10/15/2013
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"V/H/S/2" is a properly blood-spattered and chilling collection of shorts -- four films from the folks who made "The Blair Witch Project," "Hobo With a Shotgun," "The Raid" and "You're Next."
The best of them you could certainly see as full-length features, chilling little tastes of a complete vision -- story, characters, horrific situations and visual aesthetic. The worst? Simply generic.
The framing device for these "V/H/S" movies is the discovery of old videotapes. The discoverers here -- a couple of private-eye blackmailers ( Kelsy Abbott, Michael Levine) -- stumble into the cache of some obsessed collector and are shocked by what they see.
Thus, we're lured into the world of "Clinical Trials," about a man ( Adam Wingard of "You're Next") who gets an artificial eye that the manufacturer is wired into so that we can have all this footage of how the eye works and what the fellow sees.
The best of them you could certainly see as full-length features, chilling little tastes of a complete vision -- story, characters, horrific situations and visual aesthetic. The worst? Simply generic.
The framing device for these "V/H/S" movies is the discovery of old videotapes. The discoverers here -- a couple of private-eye blackmailers ( Kelsy Abbott, Michael Levine) -- stumble into the cache of some obsessed collector and are shocked by what they see.
Thus, we're lured into the world of "Clinical Trials," about a man ( Adam Wingard of "You're Next") who gets an artificial eye that the manufacturer is wired into so that we can have all this footage of how the eye works and what the fellow sees.
- 6/14/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Lawrence Hill’s best-selling 2007 novel is getting the longform TV treatment, with Conquering Lion Pictures, Out Of Africa Entertainment and Entertainment One prepping the story as a miniseries. Production on The Book Of Negroes — which was published in some territories including the U.S. as Someone Knows My Name — will begin in the fall on the project written Clement Virgo and Hill. It will air stateside on Bet and on CBC in Canada. The story centers on Aminata Diallo, who is taken by slave traders from West Africa to South Carolina. It follows her through the American Revolution in New York, the isolated refuge of Nova Scotia and the jungles of Sierra Leone, before she ultimately secures her freedom in England in the early 1800s. Produced in association with Canadian Broadcasting Company and Black Entertainment Television, the Canada-South Africa co-production is executive produced by Damon D’Oliveira, Virgo, Lance Samuels,...
- 6/11/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Kennebunk, Maine — Zumba instructor and single mom moonlights as hooker.
From the start, the case against Alexis Wright read like the TV Guide synopsis for one of those steamy Lifetime made-for-television movies.
There was Wright, the raven-haired fitness instructor who taught Zumba to soccer moms in a picturesque New England town while leading a double life as a prostitute with a customer list that was said to include prominent people, all of whom were secretly videotaped in the act.
There was also the business partner who watched via Skype from 100 miles away. The pizza delivery guy who got an eyeful when Wright dropped her towel. And the tenants in Wright's building who got suspicious about all the moaning and groaning.
Whether her tale makes it to the small screen remains to be seen. Wright's lawyer isn't saying what her client intends to do. But there is nothing specifically in state...
From the start, the case against Alexis Wright read like the TV Guide synopsis for one of those steamy Lifetime made-for-television movies.
There was Wright, the raven-haired fitness instructor who taught Zumba to soccer moms in a picturesque New England town while leading a double life as a prostitute with a customer list that was said to include prominent people, all of whom were secretly videotaped in the act.
There was also the business partner who watched via Skype from 100 miles away. The pizza delivery guy who got an eyeful when Wright dropped her towel. And the tenants in Wright's building who got suspicious about all the moaning and groaning.
Whether her tale makes it to the small screen remains to be seen. Wright's lawyer isn't saying what her client intends to do. But there is nothing specifically in state...
- 4/3/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
HappyGiant and Dark Horse Comics today announced "Usagi Yojimbo: Way of The Ronin" for iPhone and iPad. The game, which is "coming soon" to Android devices and PC, is now available for iOS.
Usagi Yojimbo was created by award winning author and illustrator Stan Sakai, the fearless rabbit ronin has been known to show up with the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" from time to time. The story follows him on his journey through feudal Japan. "Usagi Yojimbo: Way of The Ronin" is the first videogame based on the property in over 25 years.
"It’s been far too long since the last Usagi game, and I am so excited to be working with HappyGiant to bring Usagi and his friends back to these new platforms," said Stan Sakai, "The game turned out great!"
"Happy Giant is thrilled to be working with Stan Sakai and Dark Horse to bring Usagi Yojimbo to the mobile and gaming worlds,...
Usagi Yojimbo was created by award winning author and illustrator Stan Sakai, the fearless rabbit ronin has been known to show up with the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" from time to time. The story follows him on his journey through feudal Japan. "Usagi Yojimbo: Way of The Ronin" is the first videogame based on the property in over 25 years.
"It’s been far too long since the last Usagi game, and I am so excited to be working with HappyGiant to bring Usagi and his friends back to these new platforms," said Stan Sakai, "The game turned out great!"
"Happy Giant is thrilled to be working with Stan Sakai and Dark Horse to bring Usagi Yojimbo to the mobile and gaming worlds,...
- 2/22/2013
- by Don Hatfield
- MTV Multiplayer
NoHo Arts District, CA, Nov. 15, 2012 – The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced the names of the 29 newly elected Peer Group Governors who will serve a two year term (2013 and 2014) on the Television Academy’s Board of Governors beginning January 1, 2013. Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum announced the governors-elect at the Television Academy’s November Board meeting, noting that they constitute a distinguished group of television professionals. “I’m extremely excited that this new board will be balanced with governors of varying levels of Television Academy experience, giving us fresh ideas and perspectives from first-time governors as well as great insights, expertise and continuity from returning governors,” said Rosenblum. “It’s a diverse group that can boast of numerous Emmy® nominations, and more than 45 Emmy Awards recognizing their individual work and achievement in such areas as performance, script writing, stunt work, reality programming, art direction, animation, sound and picture editorial and producing.
- 11/16/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
[Photo by Linus Bohman]
Among the many primary functions of film music, tension is near the top of the list. Wether it’s to generate feelings of suspense, anticipation, or even a false sense of danger, creating tension is a major part of our work as film composers.
In this article I’ll discuss one of the tools you can add to your bag of tricks for creating tension, the technique of stretching out a scale.
Expectation
Tension is aroused when there is a conflict between what we expect to happen and what actually happens. In music one of the easiest ways to do this is to set up an expectation, but then delay it’s resolution.
I’m reminded of the scene from Who Framed Roger Rabbit in which the villain is trying to get Roger Rabbit to come out of his hiding place. He knocks out the rhythm to the first part...
Among the many primary functions of film music, tension is near the top of the list. Wether it’s to generate feelings of suspense, anticipation, or even a false sense of danger, creating tension is a major part of our work as film composers.
In this article I’ll discuss one of the tools you can add to your bag of tricks for creating tension, the technique of stretching out a scale.
Expectation
Tension is aroused when there is a conflict between what we expect to happen and what actually happens. In music one of the easiest ways to do this is to set up an expectation, but then delay it’s resolution.
I’m reminded of the scene from Who Framed Roger Rabbit in which the villain is trying to get Roger Rabbit to come out of his hiding place. He knocks out the rhythm to the first part...
- 7/23/2012
- by Ryan Leach
- SCOREcastOnline.com
Donna Summer, affectionally called Queen of Disco, passed away on the 17th of May. She was 63 and died battling cancer.
While Donna Summer might be remembered most for her disco hits, Christianity had a profound impact on her life and music. She was brought up in a devout Christian family and began singing in church when she was eight-years-old.
"I opened my mouth and this voice just shot out of me. It shocked me and it shocked everyone in the room. I started crying and everyone in the room started crying and I heard the voice of God say, 'You're going to be famous and this is power and you are never to misuse this power,'" Summer told ABC News in 2008.
In 1983, Donna Summer had a born-again experience. Of this experience, she reportedly said, "Well, I was Christian my whole life, but I didn't really execute it -- I didn't live it.
While Donna Summer might be remembered most for her disco hits, Christianity had a profound impact on her life and music. She was brought up in a devout Christian family and began singing in church when she was eight-years-old.
"I opened my mouth and this voice just shot out of me. It shocked me and it shocked everyone in the room. I started crying and everyone in the room started crying and I heard the voice of God say, 'You're going to be famous and this is power and you are never to misuse this power,'" Summer told ABC News in 2008.
In 1983, Donna Summer had a born-again experience. Of this experience, she reportedly said, "Well, I was Christian my whole life, but I didn't really execute it -- I didn't live it.
- 5/19/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
-- Like the King of Pop or the Queen of Soul, Donna Summer was bestowed a title fitting of musical royalty – the Queen of Disco.
Yet unlike Michael Jackson or Aretha Franklin, it was a designation she wasn't comfortable embracing.
"I grew up on rock `n' roll," Summer once said when explaining her reluctance to claim the title.
Indeed, as disco boomed then crashed in a single decade in the 1970s, Summer, the beautiful voice and face of the genre with pulsating hits like "I Feel Love," "Love to Love You Baby" and "Last Dance," would continue to make hits incorporating the rock roots she so loved. One of her biggest hits, "She Works Hard for the Money," came in the early 1980s and relied on a smoldering guitar solo as well as Summer's booming voice.
Yet it was with her disco anthems that she would have the most impact in music,...
Yet unlike Michael Jackson or Aretha Franklin, it was a designation she wasn't comfortable embracing.
"I grew up on rock `n' roll," Summer once said when explaining her reluctance to claim the title.
Indeed, as disco boomed then crashed in a single decade in the 1970s, Summer, the beautiful voice and face of the genre with pulsating hits like "I Feel Love," "Love to Love You Baby" and "Last Dance," would continue to make hits incorporating the rock roots she so loved. One of her biggest hits, "She Works Hard for the Money," came in the early 1980s and relied on a smoldering guitar solo as well as Summer's booming voice.
Yet it was with her disco anthems that she would have the most impact in music,...
- 5/18/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Eriq Gardner
Before any celebrity takes to Twitter and announces a big-ticket reward for solving the mystery of lost keys or for providing information leading to the arrest of a certain college football coach, they might wish to consider two recent lawsuits. In one dispute, a man seeks to collect on a $1 million reward offered on YouTube by musician Ryan Leslie for finding his missing laptop. In another dispute, an anonymous person looks to collect on a $125,000 reward offered by Palm Springs Film Festival head Harold Matzner and publicist Michael Levine for information leading to the identification of fellow publicist Ronni Chasen's killer. The two recent cases show that it's
read more...
Before any celebrity takes to Twitter and announces a big-ticket reward for solving the mystery of lost keys or for providing information leading to the arrest of a certain college football coach, they might wish to consider two recent lawsuits. In one dispute, a man seeks to collect on a $1 million reward offered on YouTube by musician Ryan Leslie for finding his missing laptop. In another dispute, an anonymous person looks to collect on a $125,000 reward offered by Palm Springs Film Festival head Harold Matzner and publicist Michael Levine for information leading to the identification of fellow publicist Ronni Chasen's killer. The two recent cases show that it's
read more...
- 11/18/2011
- by Eriq Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The man who claims he helped police track down the murderer of famed Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen is barking up the wrong tree -- according to the publicist he's suing. As we previously reported , the tipster -- who identifies himself as John Doe -- sued bigshot publicist Michael Levine ( left ), claiming Levine offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Chasen's gunman ... but never paid up. Mr. Doe also sued Palm Springs Film...
- 10/4/2011
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
A number of productions are dragging British theatre away from the grip of realism – with sensational results
"Expressionist" is one of those handy terms that we critics use rather promiscuously. Historically, it was coined by a French painter in 1901 to suggest an alternative to impressionism. Later it was applied to a school of European dramatists in the years from 1907 to 1925. Now it is widely applied to anything that is non-realistic. But, however randomly deployed, it has its value. And what is striking is how applicable it is to much of today's theatre. In the past week I have seen three productions that all, in different ways, could be labelled expressionist.
The most sensational was Simon McBurney's Complicite/Eno production of the Russian opera, A Dog's Heart, at the London Coliseum. Andrew Clements has expressed reservations about Raskatov's score. But the staging is the most exciting and coherent piece of...
"Expressionist" is one of those handy terms that we critics use rather promiscuously. Historically, it was coined by a French painter in 1901 to suggest an alternative to impressionism. Later it was applied to a school of European dramatists in the years from 1907 to 1925. Now it is widely applied to anything that is non-realistic. But, however randomly deployed, it has its value. And what is striking is how applicable it is to much of today's theatre. In the past week I have seen three productions that all, in different ways, could be labelled expressionist.
The most sensational was Simon McBurney's Complicite/Eno production of the Russian opera, A Dog's Heart, at the London Coliseum. Andrew Clements has expressed reservations about Raskatov's score. But the staging is the most exciting and coherent piece of...
- 11/25/2010
- by Michael Billington
- The Guardian - Film News
Friends and colleagues of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen, shot dead in her car, raise $100,000 reward to find her killer
Hollywood publicists shocked by the death of their colleague Ronni Chasen have rallied round to raise a reward for the person who finds her killer. Chasen, well-known for working tirelessly to promote her celebrity clients, was shot dead in her car as she drove home from a party after attending Tuesday's premiere of the new Cher and Christina Aguilera film, Burlesque.
Tributes flowed quickly from her stunned community and, absent any hard leads in the homicide investigation, so did money.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival, which Chasen worked with for many years, on Wednesday offered a $100,000 (£62,300) reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer. Fellow publicist Michael Levine a day earlier started a fund and hoped to raise an additional $25,000 by the end of the week.
"A very good lady,...
Hollywood publicists shocked by the death of their colleague Ronni Chasen have rallied round to raise a reward for the person who finds her killer. Chasen, well-known for working tirelessly to promote her celebrity clients, was shot dead in her car as she drove home from a party after attending Tuesday's premiere of the new Cher and Christina Aguilera film, Burlesque.
Tributes flowed quickly from her stunned community and, absent any hard leads in the homicide investigation, so did money.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival, which Chasen worked with for many years, on Wednesday offered a $100,000 (£62,300) reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer. Fellow publicist Michael Levine a day earlier started a fund and hoped to raise an additional $25,000 by the end of the week.
"A very good lady,...
- 11/18/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
Ronni Chasen, a prominent Hollywood publicist, was found dead in her car early Tuesday morning in Beverly Hills, a victim of a shooting.
Chasen, 64, was shot while driving her Mercedes-Benz, which crashed into a pole around midnight Tuesday morning. She was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Police say investigators have not uncovered a motive for the killing, nor identified any suspects.
The publicist, who represented some high profile films, including 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "Lolita,...
Chasen, 64, was shot while driving her Mercedes-Benz, which crashed into a pole around midnight Tuesday morning. She was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Police say investigators have not uncovered a motive for the killing, nor identified any suspects.
The publicist, who represented some high profile films, including 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy" and 1994's "Lolita,...
- 11/16/2010
- Extra
It was a nod to the new and not much of a sendoff to the old that best describes the selection of 500-odd contenders for Emmy statuettes unveiled before dawn Thursday by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The spunky Fox comedy-musical "Glee" and the off-kilter comedy "Modern Family" -- also produced by Fox but airing on ABC -- muscled their way into the key nomination categories, leading a number of fresh entrants into what in recent years had become a predictable parade of Emmy hopefuls.
Those two and several other mainstream newcomers to the fray also helped rebalance the scales between broadcast network fare and cable contenders, with the former contingent coming away with 247 total noms to cablers' 240.
The unflinching World War II mini "The Pacific," racked up the most noms for a single entry with 24, but its only competition is a well-mannered British period piece called "Return to Cranford...
The spunky Fox comedy-musical "Glee" and the off-kilter comedy "Modern Family" -- also produced by Fox but airing on ABC -- muscled their way into the key nomination categories, leading a number of fresh entrants into what in recent years had become a predictable parade of Emmy hopefuls.
Those two and several other mainstream newcomers to the fray also helped rebalance the scales between broadcast network fare and cable contenders, with the former contingent coming away with 247 total noms to cablers' 240.
The unflinching World War II mini "The Pacific," racked up the most noms for a single entry with 24, but its only competition is a well-mannered British period piece called "Return to Cranford...
- 7/8/2010
- by By Elizabeth Guider
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chicago – Written by the man who gave the world Keyser Soze in his Oscar-winning script for “The Usual Suspects,” NBC’s “Persons Unknown” is a summer mystery mini-series not unlike last year’s “Harper’s Island” or a mini-“Lost” in that the team behind it want people talking about the questions of the show over summer barbecues. NBC is in such dire straits and the show is just flawed enough that it’s hard to believe that “Persons Unknown” will become a phenomenon but it is likely to be a satisfying cult hit for those who seek it out.
Television Rating: 3.5/5.0
It’s very difficult to judge a mystery series on the basis of one episode, but the set-up for “Persons Unknown” is undeniably intriguing. A small group of seemingly very different people wake up in an old-fashioned hotel. They have no memory of how they got there and...
Television Rating: 3.5/5.0
It’s very difficult to judge a mystery series on the basis of one episode, but the set-up for “Persons Unknown” is undeniably intriguing. A small group of seemingly very different people wake up in an old-fashioned hotel. They have no memory of how they got there and...
- 6/7/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Tia Carrere is suiting up to play her hometown idol.
The actress will star in and produce "Wave Dancer," a biopic to be directed by Martha Coolidge about Hawaiian surfing legend Rell Sunn, known as "Queen of Makaha."
A native of Oahu, Sunn was a pioneer in the big-wave world of the late 1960s as well as an expert diver, a black belt in karate and a hula dancer. She founded a surf contest for children to combat juvenile delinquency and fought breast cancer for 15 years. She died in 1998.
Carrere and Simon Wakelin wrote the screenplay. Carrere, Wakelin and J. Todd Harris will produce. Marc Marcum is an executive producer, and Michael Levine is a co-producer.
The filmmakers plan to shoot on location early next year.
Carrere, repped by Innovative Artists and manager Gordon Gilbertson, has starred in the "Wayne's World" films, "Rising Sun" and did voice work for "Lilo & Stitch.
The actress will star in and produce "Wave Dancer," a biopic to be directed by Martha Coolidge about Hawaiian surfing legend Rell Sunn, known as "Queen of Makaha."
A native of Oahu, Sunn was a pioneer in the big-wave world of the late 1960s as well as an expert diver, a black belt in karate and a hula dancer. She founded a surf contest for children to combat juvenile delinquency and fought breast cancer for 15 years. She died in 1998.
Carrere and Simon Wakelin wrote the screenplay. Carrere, Wakelin and J. Todd Harris will produce. Marc Marcum is an executive producer, and Michael Levine is a co-producer.
The filmmakers plan to shoot on location early next year.
Carrere, repped by Innovative Artists and manager Gordon Gilbertson, has starred in the "Wayne's World" films, "Rising Sun" and did voice work for "Lilo & Stitch.
- 9/14/2009
- by By Jay A. Fernandez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Acorn Acting Academy kicks off a fall series of events in the new Acorn Studio Theater with a free night of improvisational comedy featuring members of Acorn?s Shakespeare Ensemble showcasing another side of their talents. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th with a ½ hour set of traditional favorites performed by Acorn?s Producing Director Michael Levine and actors Keith Anctil, Stephanie Ross and Laura Graham. Following this set, audience members will be invited to replace members of the company on stage during the next hour of material, providing for a constantly changing repertoire of performers. This participation, however, will be purely voluntary as no one will be asked to come up on stage unless they volunteer. The event is designed to provide a fun forum for interested members of the community to see Acorn?s new theater space and meet members of Acorn's teaching faculty,...
- 8/26/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Marc Jacobs has a new boyfriend, but he's still not over his old one. The Louis Vuitton designer went to the Angelika the other night to see Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" with his latest arm candy, Lorenzo Mar tone, who seemed more subservient than Jacobs' former boyfriend, rent-boy Jason Preston. "Marc was in charge of him," our spy smirked of Martone, who carried Jacobs' man-purse and sat where the runway designer told him to. But Jacobs still seems to be hung up on Preston, who's now dating Michael Levine...
- 10/14/2008
- NYPost.com
Allegations involving a rather dark night sounded a four-alarm call for damage control that was heard plainly in Hollywood.
"The Dark Knight" star Christian Bale was arrested Tuesday in London by detectives investigating claims that he assaulted two family members. That sent Warner Bros. executives scrambling to assess the impact on its fledging promo efforts for the film in Europe, but for now the studio aims to hold together its press swing on the continent.
"The European tour is continuing, and Christian's on his way right now with everybody else," a Warners spokeswoman said Tuesday.
Bale participated in a London press junket Monday but did not take part in its second day. He was expected to be on board for interviews in Barcelona today and a swing through Tokyo after that.
The star of the movie was freed after being held for questioning for more than four hours. He is alleged to have assaulted his mother and sister in his suite at the Dorchester Hotel on Sunday evening.
TMZ, whose Web site often focuses on celebrity-justice cases, said sources close to the Bale case claimed there was little physical contact involved in the incident. Sources told TMZ there was contact between Christian and his mom, but it amounted to little.
"We're told Bale pushed his mom out of the way during the altercation," TMZ reported. "She was not hurt and did not fall down. There's a division of opinion on whether the contact was a 'push' or a 'brush.' "
The Sun newspaper said police did not question the actor until Tuesday because they did not want to interfere with Monday's European premiere of the Batman movie, which Bale attended. The actor reported to a central London police station Tuesday morning in connection with the assault allegations and was released on bail until an unspecified date in September.
"A 34-year-old man attended a police station in central London by appointment and was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault," a police spokesman said.
Warner execs and Bale's publicists were not immediately available for comment on how the situation might affect his involvement in promoting "Dark Knight." The latter issued a statement on Tuesday confirming some of the basic facts of the arrest.
"Christian Bale attended a London police station today, on a voluntary basis, in order to assist with an allegation that had been made against him to the police by his mother and sister," said a statement from the Schillings firm, forwarded by publicists at Pmk in Los Angeles. "Mr. Bale, who denies the allegation, cooperated throughout, gave his account in full of the events in question and has left the station without any charge being made against him by the police. At this time, there will be no further comment by Mr. Bale."
"Dark Knight" opened with a record $158.4 million domestically last weekend and rang up another $41.3 million internationally in only 20 territories.
"Dark Knight" fetched $24.5 million from North America on Monday, according to Nielsen Edi data. That represented a record domestic gross for a nonweekend, nonholiday, nonopening day, outpacing the $18.1 million rung up by "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" on July 10, 2006.
Bale's arrest coincides with a major ad campaign for the film and for Burger King in which consumers are encouraged to give in to their "dark side." In one ad, a young man refuses to give up his seat to an old lady carrying heavy bags.
Warners execs declined to say whether the Bale arrest was expected to affect the market performance of "Dark Knight" or its marketing.
"Domestically, internationally, I don't think it can hurt them," a highly placed exec at a rival studio opined. "It's so imprinted in people's minds that 'Dark Night' is a must-see movie that no one will care if the guy may be a jerk or not."
Media consultant Michael Levine said the incident still could hurt the film's performance if Bale's mother or sister make harsh allegations publicly or if other unsavory details emerge. "I think that it will have some impact," Levin said. "To what degree I can't tell you."
Stuart Kemp reported from London; Carl Diorio reported from Los Angeles.
"The Dark Knight" star Christian Bale was arrested Tuesday in London by detectives investigating claims that he assaulted two family members. That sent Warner Bros. executives scrambling to assess the impact on its fledging promo efforts for the film in Europe, but for now the studio aims to hold together its press swing on the continent.
"The European tour is continuing, and Christian's on his way right now with everybody else," a Warners spokeswoman said Tuesday.
Bale participated in a London press junket Monday but did not take part in its second day. He was expected to be on board for interviews in Barcelona today and a swing through Tokyo after that.
The star of the movie was freed after being held for questioning for more than four hours. He is alleged to have assaulted his mother and sister in his suite at the Dorchester Hotel on Sunday evening.
TMZ, whose Web site often focuses on celebrity-justice cases, said sources close to the Bale case claimed there was little physical contact involved in the incident. Sources told TMZ there was contact between Christian and his mom, but it amounted to little.
"We're told Bale pushed his mom out of the way during the altercation," TMZ reported. "She was not hurt and did not fall down. There's a division of opinion on whether the contact was a 'push' or a 'brush.' "
The Sun newspaper said police did not question the actor until Tuesday because they did not want to interfere with Monday's European premiere of the Batman movie, which Bale attended. The actor reported to a central London police station Tuesday morning in connection with the assault allegations and was released on bail until an unspecified date in September.
"A 34-year-old man attended a police station in central London by appointment and was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault," a police spokesman said.
Warner execs and Bale's publicists were not immediately available for comment on how the situation might affect his involvement in promoting "Dark Knight." The latter issued a statement on Tuesday confirming some of the basic facts of the arrest.
"Christian Bale attended a London police station today, on a voluntary basis, in order to assist with an allegation that had been made against him to the police by his mother and sister," said a statement from the Schillings firm, forwarded by publicists at Pmk in Los Angeles. "Mr. Bale, who denies the allegation, cooperated throughout, gave his account in full of the events in question and has left the station without any charge being made against him by the police. At this time, there will be no further comment by Mr. Bale."
"Dark Knight" opened with a record $158.4 million domestically last weekend and rang up another $41.3 million internationally in only 20 territories.
"Dark Knight" fetched $24.5 million from North America on Monday, according to Nielsen Edi data. That represented a record domestic gross for a nonweekend, nonholiday, nonopening day, outpacing the $18.1 million rung up by "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" on July 10, 2006.
Bale's arrest coincides with a major ad campaign for the film and for Burger King in which consumers are encouraged to give in to their "dark side." In one ad, a young man refuses to give up his seat to an old lady carrying heavy bags.
Warners execs declined to say whether the Bale arrest was expected to affect the market performance of "Dark Knight" or its marketing.
"Domestically, internationally, I don't think it can hurt them," a highly placed exec at a rival studio opined. "It's so imprinted in people's minds that 'Dark Night' is a must-see movie that no one will care if the guy may be a jerk or not."
Media consultant Michael Levine said the incident still could hurt the film's performance if Bale's mother or sister make harsh allegations publicly or if other unsavory details emerge. "I think that it will have some impact," Levin said. "To what degree I can't tell you."
Stuart Kemp reported from London; Carl Diorio reported from Los Angeles.
- 7/23/2008
- by By Stuart Kemp and Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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