Last summer, Paul Schrader was about to start shooting “Oh, Canada,” his adaptation of Russell Banks’ novel about a troubled artist taking stock of his life, when the major actors union went on strike. For a second, it looked like all that hard work, passion and planning might be for nothing — with performers on the picket lines and major studios holding out on their contract demands, it was hard to see how cameras would ever roll on the low-budget indie.
“Everything shut down,” said Brian Beckmann, the CFO and COO of Arclight Films, which is selling international rights to the film. “We were in this position where we had spent all this money and secured all this talent and we weren’t sure we could move forward until the strikes were over.”
Because it was made outside the studio system, “Oh, Canada” was able to get a union waiver and...
“Everything shut down,” said Brian Beckmann, the CFO and COO of Arclight Films, which is selling international rights to the film. “We were in this position where we had spent all this money and secured all this talent and we weren’t sure we could move forward until the strikes were over.”
Because it was made outside the studio system, “Oh, Canada” was able to get a union waiver and...
- 5/14/2024
- by Brent Lang, John Hopewell and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The (Extra Hot) Cannes Hot List: Nic Cage, Kristen Stewart and Paul Rudd Films to Heat up the Market
The Cannes Film Festival is bracing for what could be its most disruptive edition in decades, with freelance festival employees threatening strike action that could derail the opening night ceremony, and the entire French industry on tenterhooks ahead of an expected new wave of #MeToo allegations against some of the country’s biggest stars, including a few with films in competition this year.
Well, at least the market looks promising. Judging by the number and quality of projects pitching at the 2024 Cannes film market (May 14-22), this could be a banner year for the Marché du Film.
“The pre-sales market is back in a big way,” notes Janina Vilsmaier, senior vp of sales and distribution at Protagonist Pictures, whose Cannes slate includes Simon Curtis’ best-agers comedy Encore starring Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, Henry Winkler, and Don Johnson, and Jimpa, the upcoming feature from Good Luck to You, Leo Grande director...
Well, at least the market looks promising. Judging by the number and quality of projects pitching at the 2024 Cannes film market (May 14-22), this could be a banner year for the Marché du Film.
“The pre-sales market is back in a big way,” notes Janina Vilsmaier, senior vp of sales and distribution at Protagonist Pictures, whose Cannes slate includes Simon Curtis’ best-agers comedy Encore starring Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, Henry Winkler, and Don Johnson, and Jimpa, the upcoming feature from Good Luck to You, Leo Grande director...
- 5/13/2024
- by Scott Roxborough and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Sasquatch Sunset,” the Sundance-premiering film in which Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg star as Bigfoot-like creatures, is getting a U.K. and Ireland release from Icon Film Distribution.
The long-standing distributor, which is known for releasing iconic films like “Drive” and “Malcolm X,” is setting a second quarter release date following the movie’s premiere at a major U.K. festival, which has yet to be announced. “Sasquatch Sunset” is directed and produced by David and Nathan Zellner.
Icon Film Distribution acquired all U.K. and Ireland distribution rights to “Sasquatch Sunset” from Protagonist Pictures after the movie’s Sundance premiere. Bleecker Street is releasing “Sasquatch Sunset” on April 12 in North America. The deal was negotiated between Kaleidoscope CEO Spencer Pollard and Janina Vilsmaier, SVP of Sales at Protagonist Pictures.
According to its official description, the film “begins in the misty forests of North America, where a family of...
The long-standing distributor, which is known for releasing iconic films like “Drive” and “Malcolm X,” is setting a second quarter release date following the movie’s premiere at a major U.K. festival, which has yet to be announced. “Sasquatch Sunset” is directed and produced by David and Nathan Zellner.
Icon Film Distribution acquired all U.K. and Ireland distribution rights to “Sasquatch Sunset” from Protagonist Pictures after the movie’s Sundance premiere. Bleecker Street is releasing “Sasquatch Sunset” on April 12 in North America. The deal was negotiated between Kaleidoscope CEO Spencer Pollard and Janina Vilsmaier, SVP of Sales at Protagonist Pictures.
According to its official description, the film “begins in the misty forests of North America, where a family of...
- 4/4/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, and Dave Bautista all star in projects at one of the biggest Berlin markets in recent memory, post and pre-pandemic.
Whether this year’s high-rollers will sell is the crux at a 2024 European Film Market which AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford is describing as a “watershed market.”
The big question is: “Was the tepid AFM an anomaly brought about by the strikes and a broader industry pullback in 2023? Or was the AFM an indicator of a more sustained downturn?” he asks.
It’s early days in 2024 but “signs for Berlin are quite positive,” says Ford, who is bringing to market three new star-driven thrillers starring Will Smith –action movie “Sugar Bandits” – Sylvester Stallone and Michelle Yeoh.
“One week ago, I would have said this is going to be a dry market. Now it’s going to be a busy market,” agrees Martin Moszkowicz at Constantin Film,...
Whether this year’s high-rollers will sell is the crux at a 2024 European Film Market which AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford is describing as a “watershed market.”
The big question is: “Was the tepid AFM an anomaly brought about by the strikes and a broader industry pullback in 2023? Or was the AFM an indicator of a more sustained downturn?” he asks.
It’s early days in 2024 but “signs for Berlin are quite positive,” says Ford, who is bringing to market three new star-driven thrillers starring Will Smith –action movie “Sugar Bandits” – Sylvester Stallone and Michelle Yeoh.
“One week ago, I would have said this is going to be a dry market. Now it’s going to be a busy market,” agrees Martin Moszkowicz at Constantin Film,...
- 2/15/2024
- by John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy and Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
One year on from its Berlinale Special screening Australian horror Talk To Me has grossed nearly $100m at the global box office and sellers have heeded the call: EFM 2024 is packed with “elevated genre” titles.
Neon snapped up Steven Soderbergh’s Lucy Liu ghost story Presence in Sundance and the international division has kicked off talks in Berlin. Neon International also has Cuckoo, Tilman Singer’s horror that premieres in the Berlinale Special section and stars Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens.
A24 is selling I Saw The TV Glow, Jane Schoenbrun’s take on gender dysphoria and teenage isolation...
Neon snapped up Steven Soderbergh’s Lucy Liu ghost story Presence in Sundance and the international division has kicked off talks in Berlin. Neon International also has Cuckoo, Tilman Singer’s horror that premieres in the Berlinale Special section and stars Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens.
A24 is selling I Saw The TV Glow, Jane Schoenbrun’s take on gender dysphoria and teenage isolation...
- 2/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK sales, production and financing outfit Protagonist Pictures has unveiled a slew of changes to its leadership structure.
Janina Vilsmaier and Mounia Wissinger have been promoted to senior leadership roles, with Vilsmaier being upped to senior vice president of sales and distribution and Wissinger becoming senior vice president of global marketing and publicity. Vilsmaier will lead the sales division and work in partnership with Wissinger to strategise the global roll out of Protagonist titles. In addition to leading the marketing and publicity team, Wissinger will oversee the festival strategy for Protagonist’s film slate. Both will report directly into chief commercial officer George Hamilton.
Janina Vilsmaier and Mounia Wissinger have been promoted to senior leadership roles, with Vilsmaier being upped to senior vice president of sales and distribution and Wissinger becoming senior vice president of global marketing and publicity. Vilsmaier will lead the sales division and work in partnership with Wissinger to strategise the global roll out of Protagonist titles. In addition to leading the marketing and publicity team, Wissinger will oversee the festival strategy for Protagonist’s film slate. Both will report directly into chief commercial officer George Hamilton.
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sales, production and finance outfit Protagonist Pictures has beefed up its marketing and sales divisions with a slew of promotions and new hires.
Janina Vilsmaier, previously with Hanway before joining Protagonist in 2020, has been promoted to senior VP sales and distribution. Former Netflix and Studiocanal executive Mounia Wissinger, who joined the company in 2018, has been upped to senior VP global marketing and publicity. Vilsmaier will lead the sales division, overseeing both the first run and library sales activities, and work in partnership with Wissinger to strategize the global roll out of Protagonist titles. Wissinger will head up the marketing and publicity team, including overseeing the festival strategy for Protagonist’s film slate. Both will report directly into chief commercial officer George Hamilton.
Former Arclight Films senior executive Lina Marrone, who initially joined Protagonist as maternity cover, will remain at the company, taking up the permanent position of head of sales and reporting into Vilsmaier.
Janina Vilsmaier, previously with Hanway before joining Protagonist in 2020, has been promoted to senior VP sales and distribution. Former Netflix and Studiocanal executive Mounia Wissinger, who joined the company in 2018, has been upped to senior VP global marketing and publicity. Vilsmaier will lead the sales division, overseeing both the first run and library sales activities, and work in partnership with Wissinger to strategize the global roll out of Protagonist titles. Wissinger will head up the marketing and publicity team, including overseeing the festival strategy for Protagonist’s film slate. Both will report directly into chief commercial officer George Hamilton.
Former Arclight Films senior executive Lina Marrone, who initially joined Protagonist as maternity cover, will remain at the company, taking up the permanent position of head of sales and reporting into Vilsmaier.
- 2/8/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Protagonist Pictures has promoted senior execs Janina Vilsmaier and Mounia Wissinger to senior leadership roles as part of a wider move to strengthen its sales and marketing teams.
Vilsmaier has been upped to SVP Sales and Distribution and Wissinger becomes SVP Global Marketing and Publicity.
Protagonist made the announcement as it gears up for the Berlinale and the EFM, where its slate will include Nora Fingscheidt’s Panorama title The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan and Paapa Essiedu, and David and Nathan Zellner’s Berlinale Special selection Sasquatch Sunset with Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg, which makes its European premiere after a Sundance debut.
Under the promotions, Vilsmaier will lead the sales division, overseeing both the first run and library sales activities, and work in partnership with Wissinger to strategize the global roll out of Protagonist titles.
Wissinger will head up the marketing and publicity team, including overseeing the festival strategy for Protagonist’s film slate.
Vilsmaier has been upped to SVP Sales and Distribution and Wissinger becomes SVP Global Marketing and Publicity.
Protagonist made the announcement as it gears up for the Berlinale and the EFM, where its slate will include Nora Fingscheidt’s Panorama title The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan and Paapa Essiedu, and David and Nathan Zellner’s Berlinale Special selection Sasquatch Sunset with Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg, which makes its European premiere after a Sundance debut.
Under the promotions, Vilsmaier will lead the sales division, overseeing both the first run and library sales activities, and work in partnership with Wissinger to strategize the global roll out of Protagonist titles.
Wissinger will head up the marketing and publicity team, including overseeing the festival strategy for Protagonist’s film slate.
- 2/8/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Cthulhu Dreamt: "Cthulhu Dreamt is a multimedia storytelling experience, taking shape as a tabletop role-playing game, a soundtrack, a novel, and more. You can immerse yourself in the story through music, prose, a connected Arg—and then you can live the story!
The game is accompanied by an original and stream-safe soundtrack written and performed by members of Cthulhu Dreamt including Fable Factory founder Reed Reimer. The soundtrack also includes tracks that were performed by orchestras from Russia and The Czech Republic. The music was written to be an audio story experience, which can be enjoyed with the game or stand-alone, and will include loopable versions.
This game is built on an original D12 system designed by Adam Baffoni and written by Jaron R. M. Johnson, one of the lead designers of Monsters of Murka. It includes:
- a fully playable campaign and the game rules in one book
-...
The game is accompanied by an original and stream-safe soundtrack written and performed by members of Cthulhu Dreamt including Fable Factory founder Reed Reimer. The soundtrack also includes tracks that were performed by orchestras from Russia and The Czech Republic. The music was written to be an audio story experience, which can be enjoyed with the game or stand-alone, and will include loopable versions.
This game is built on an original D12 system designed by Adam Baffoni and written by Jaron R. M. Johnson, one of the lead designers of Monsters of Murka. It includes:
- a fully playable campaign and the game rules in one book
-...
- 3/31/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Photo Credit: Natalie Seery
Sales agent and executive producer Protagonist Pictures today unveiled the first look at Academy Award-nominee Saoirse Ronan in director Nora Fingscheidt’s highly anticipated adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir The Outrun. Fingscheidt wrote the adaptation in collaboration with Liptrot. Protagonist Pictures is handling worldwide sales and is co-repping North American sales with CAA Media Finance.
Ronan stars as Rona, who fresh out of rehab, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
The Outrun was optioned by Brock Media’s Sarah Brocklehurst, who is developing and producing alongside Ronan, Jack Lowden and Dominic Norris under their recently founded banner, Arcade Pictures. They are joined by co-producers Jonas Weydemann and...
Sales agent and executive producer Protagonist Pictures today unveiled the first look at Academy Award-nominee Saoirse Ronan in director Nora Fingscheidt’s highly anticipated adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir The Outrun. Fingscheidt wrote the adaptation in collaboration with Liptrot. Protagonist Pictures is handling worldwide sales and is co-repping North American sales with CAA Media Finance.
Ronan stars as Rona, who fresh out of rehab, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
The Outrun was optioned by Brock Media’s Sarah Brocklehurst, who is developing and producing alongside Ronan, Jack Lowden and Dominic Norris under their recently founded banner, Arcade Pictures. They are joined by co-producers Jonas Weydemann and...
- 11/1/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Click here to read the full article.
Saoirse Ronan has gone green in this first look still from Nora Fingscheidt’s The Outrun, in which the Oscar-nominee plays a recovering alcoholic fresh out of rehab.
Based on the bestselling memoir by Amy Liptrot (which Fingscheidt adapted in collaboration with Liptrot), the film is being sold worldwide by Protagonist Pictures, with CAA Media Finance co-repping for North America.
The Outrun sees Ronan stars as Rona, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after coming out of rehab and more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
Studiocanal will release the film in their territories of the U.K., France and Germany & Austria. Cineart will release the film in Benelux, and Filmcoopi and Cineworx will handle the film in Switzerland.
Saoirse Ronan has gone green in this first look still from Nora Fingscheidt’s The Outrun, in which the Oscar-nominee plays a recovering alcoholic fresh out of rehab.
Based on the bestselling memoir by Amy Liptrot (which Fingscheidt adapted in collaboration with Liptrot), the film is being sold worldwide by Protagonist Pictures, with CAA Media Finance co-repping for North America.
The Outrun sees Ronan stars as Rona, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after coming out of rehab and more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
Studiocanal will release the film in their territories of the U.K., France and Germany & Austria. Cineart will release the film in Benelux, and Filmcoopi and Cineworx will handle the film in Switzerland.
- 11/1/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Protagonist Pictures has pre-sold most international territories for package Wild Four O’Clocks to Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films.
Peter Craig’s (The Batman) directorial debut, which is being produced by Marc Platt (La La Land) and Adam Siegel (Drive), will star Michelle Pfeiffer. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales for the film.
In the feature, after their father is sent to prison, two young brothers are placed in the care of their estranged grandmother, a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist sold the market title to international distribution partners including Vvs Films for Canada, Paradiso Films for Benelux and Eagle Pictures for Italy.
The Sony pact was described as a “far reaching, multi territory deal, for all other international markets.” Jon Freedberg, EVP Content Strategy and Operations and Katie Anderson, VP Acquisitions, made the deal for Sony.
Peter Craig’s (The Batman) directorial debut, which is being produced by Marc Platt (La La Land) and Adam Siegel (Drive), will star Michelle Pfeiffer. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales for the film.
In the feature, after their father is sent to prison, two young brothers are placed in the care of their estranged grandmother, a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist sold the market title to international distribution partners including Vvs Films for Canada, Paradiso Films for Benelux and Eagle Pictures for Italy.
The Sony pact was described as a “far reaching, multi territory deal, for all other international markets.” Jon Freedberg, EVP Content Strategy and Operations and Katie Anderson, VP Acquisitions, made the deal for Sony.
- 5/24/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Michelle Pfeiffer drama “Wild Four O’Clocks” has sold out internationally for Protagonist Pictures, which has closed a major deal with Sony Pictures-backed Stage 6 Films for a host of markets.
The film marks the directorial debut of Peter Craig, who wrote Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman.” The story centers on two young brothers who, after their father is imprisoned, are placed in the care of their estranged grandmother (Pfeiffer), a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist introduced the project to buyers at the ongoing Marché du Film, and has closed deals with Vvs Films for Canada, Paradiso Films for Benelux and Eagle Pictures for Italy.
Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films struck a multi-territory deal for the project, taking all other international markets. Jon Freedberg, executive VP of content strategy and operations, and Katie Anderson, VP of acquisitions,...
The film marks the directorial debut of Peter Craig, who wrote Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman.” The story centers on two young brothers who, after their father is imprisoned, are placed in the care of their estranged grandmother (Pfeiffer), a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist introduced the project to buyers at the ongoing Marché du Film, and has closed deals with Vvs Films for Canada, Paradiso Films for Benelux and Eagle Pictures for Italy.
Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films struck a multi-territory deal for the project, taking all other international markets. Jon Freedberg, executive VP of content strategy and operations, and Katie Anderson, VP of acquisitions,...
- 5/24/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The American Pavilion has set its 2022 lineup ahead of Tuesday’s opening of the Cannes Film Festival, with industry-focused panels and discussions including conversations with Eva Longoria, Viggo Mortensen, Scott Speedman, Emily Watson and Letitia Wright.
AmPav opens its doors Tuesday and kicks off its lineup of panels and presentations Wednesday. Each morning will begin with film screenings as part of the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, followed by a day of talks and panels, with additional screenings, parties and receptions taking place in the evenings during the run of the festival.
The AmPav venue includes a coffee bar, free WiFi and charging stations, a media terrace with a panoramic view of the Riviera, the 25th anniversary of the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, the Culinary Program featuring chefs from across the U.S. and Canada, and public and private rental for parties and receptions. Its latest Worldwide Student Program will feature a record 243 students in attendance.
AmPav opens its doors Tuesday and kicks off its lineup of panels and presentations Wednesday. Each morning will begin with film screenings as part of the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, followed by a day of talks and panels, with additional screenings, parties and receptions taking place in the evenings during the run of the festival.
The AmPav venue includes a coffee bar, free WiFi and charging stations, a media terrace with a panoramic view of the Riviera, the 25th anniversary of the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, the Culinary Program featuring chefs from across the U.S. and Canada, and public and private rental for parties and receptions. Its latest Worldwide Student Program will feature a record 243 students in attendance.
- 5/16/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu (“I May Destroy You”) and BAFTA winner Stephen Dillane (“Alex Rider”) have joined Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan (“Little Women”) on the cast of “The Outrun.”
The film is the feature adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir “The Outrun,” adapted by Nora Fingscheidt, the multiple award winning director of “System Crasher.” Fingscheidt has written the adaptation in collaboration with Liptrot.
Ronan stars as Rona, who fresh out of rehab, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
Protagonist Pictures has sold all international territories on the film, which is currently shooting on location in the Orkney Islands. Territories sold include Studiocanal for the U.K., France, Germany and Austria, Cineart for Benelux,...
The film is the feature adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir “The Outrun,” adapted by Nora Fingscheidt, the multiple award winning director of “System Crasher.” Fingscheidt has written the adaptation in collaboration with Liptrot.
Ronan stars as Rona, who fresh out of rehab, returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
Protagonist Pictures has sold all international territories on the film, which is currently shooting on location in the Orkney Islands. Territories sold include Studiocanal for the U.K., France, Germany and Austria, Cineart for Benelux,...
- 5/13/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Michelle Pfeiffer has been cast as the lead in Peter Craig’s directorial debut Wild Four O’Clocks. Craig most recently wrote The Batman for Warner Bros. and worked on Paramount’s upcoming Top Gun: Maverick, which is screening at the 75thCannes Film Festival this month.
The title, which is produced by La La Land’s Marc Platt and Adam Siegel (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World), follows two young brothers who are placed into the care of their estranged grandmother after their father is sent to prison. She’s a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales on the project and will introduce it to buyers in Cannes. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales for the title.
“Launching Craig’s directorial debut, which is an uplifting and universal tale of family...
The title, which is produced by La La Land’s Marc Platt and Adam Siegel (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World), follows two young brothers who are placed into the care of their estranged grandmother after their father is sent to prison. She’s a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales on the project and will introduce it to buyers in Cannes. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales for the title.
“Launching Craig’s directorial debut, which is an uplifting and universal tale of family...
- 5/6/2022
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Michelle Pfeiffer will star in “Wild Four O’Clocks,” which marks the directorial debut of Peter Craig, who wrote Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman” and has a story credit on the upcoming “Top Gun: Maverick,” which will premiere at Cannes.
Protagonist Pictures are handling international sales on the project and will introduce it to buyers at the Cannes Film Market. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales on the film.
Oscar nominee Marc Platt and Emmy winner Adam Siegel are producing.
In “Wild Four O’Clocks,” after their father is sent to prison, two young brothers are placed in the care of their estranged grandmother (Pfeiffer), a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist head of sales Janina Vilsmaier said: “Launching Craig’s directorial debut, which is an uplifting and universal tale of family bonding told through the eyes of a child,...
Protagonist Pictures are handling international sales on the project and will introduce it to buyers at the Cannes Film Market. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales on the film.
Oscar nominee Marc Platt and Emmy winner Adam Siegel are producing.
In “Wild Four O’Clocks,” after their father is sent to prison, two young brothers are placed in the care of their estranged grandmother (Pfeiffer), a vibrant and larger-than-life woman who will quickly have to learn how to care for the heartbroken yet strong-willed boys.
Protagonist head of sales Janina Vilsmaier said: “Launching Craig’s directorial debut, which is an uplifting and universal tale of family bonding told through the eyes of a child,...
- 5/6/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
CAA Media Finance is handling domestic sales for the film.
Michelle Pfeiffer is set to star in Peter Craig’s drama Wild Four O’Clocks, with UK-based Protagonist Pictures boarding international sales, and CAA Media Finance handling domestic rights.
Wild Four O’Clocks is about a woman who has to care for her two young grandsons when their father is sent to prison.
The film will be the directorial debut of US screenwriter Craig whose credits includeThe Batman and Top Gun: Maverick, which is to have its world premiere at Cannes. He is also set to write the sequel to Gladiator.
Michelle Pfeiffer is set to star in Peter Craig’s drama Wild Four O’Clocks, with UK-based Protagonist Pictures boarding international sales, and CAA Media Finance handling domestic rights.
Wild Four O’Clocks is about a woman who has to care for her two young grandsons when their father is sent to prison.
The film will be the directorial debut of US screenwriter Craig whose credits includeThe Batman and Top Gun: Maverick, which is to have its world premiere at Cannes. He is also set to write the sequel to Gladiator.
- 5/6/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
‘City Island’ filmmaker Raymond De Felitta will direct.
Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia and Josh Hutcherson have signed to star in Raymond De Felitta’s comedy Artist In Residence, which London-based Protagonist Pictures is launching to international buyers at the Cannes Marche this month.
WME Independent is handling the North American sale on the title, which is from a script by De Felitta and produced by Lauren Versel for Lucky Monkey Pictures and Joe Pichirallo.
Set in New York City, Artist In Residence follows an eccentric female artist (Keaton) who is faced with eviction from her home by a powerful developer...
Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia and Josh Hutcherson have signed to star in Raymond De Felitta’s comedy Artist In Residence, which London-based Protagonist Pictures is launching to international buyers at the Cannes Marche this month.
WME Independent is handling the North American sale on the title, which is from a script by De Felitta and produced by Lauren Versel for Lucky Monkey Pictures and Joe Pichirallo.
Set in New York City, Artist In Residence follows an eccentric female artist (Keaton) who is faced with eviction from her home by a powerful developer...
- 5/3/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Protagonist Pictures have boarded Riley Keough’s directorial debut “War Pony” (previously known as “Beast.”)
Keough (“Mad Max: Fury Road”) co-directed the feature with Gina Gammell (“Manodrome”). It is set to premiere at Cannes next month in the Un Certain Regard strand of the festival.
Protagonist will rep international sales on the project while CAA Media Finance is handling North American sales.
Inspired by real events and starring Jojo Bapteise Whiting and Ladainian Crazy Thunder, “War Pony” tells the story of two boys – 23-year-old Bill and 12-year-old Matho – growing up on Pine Ridge Reservation in the U.S. While Bill is reaching for the American Dream, Matho is desperate to become a man and seeks approval from his father. “Bound by their shared search for belonging, each of the boys grapple with identity, family, and loss, as they navigate their unique paths to manhood,” reads the logline.
Keough and Gammell...
Keough (“Mad Max: Fury Road”) co-directed the feature with Gina Gammell (“Manodrome”). It is set to premiere at Cannes next month in the Un Certain Regard strand of the festival.
Protagonist will rep international sales on the project while CAA Media Finance is handling North American sales.
Inspired by real events and starring Jojo Bapteise Whiting and Ladainian Crazy Thunder, “War Pony” tells the story of two boys – 23-year-old Bill and 12-year-old Matho – growing up on Pine Ridge Reservation in the U.S. While Bill is reaching for the American Dream, Matho is desperate to become a man and seeks approval from his father. “Bound by their shared search for belonging, each of the boys grapple with identity, family, and loss, as they navigate their unique paths to manhood,” reads the logline.
Keough and Gammell...
- 4/27/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
British singer-songwriter George Ezra, best known for hit singles “Shotgun,” “Paradise” and “Budapest,” will star in feature documentary “End to End.”
The documentary is from producers Richard Yee (“An Idiot Abroad”), Catherine Miller and Fiona Neilson (“Oasis:Supersonic”) and is directed by Adam Scarborough and Christy Tattershall.
Protagonist Pictures is handling worldwide sales and will introduce the hot project to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market, while runs alongside the Berlin Film Festival. U.K. rights are held by Lorton Entertainment.
The film follows Ezra, who makes a journey across the U.K., walking 1,200 miles in 95 days from the most southerly point of England, Lands End, to the northern tip of the U.K., John O’Groats. On the journey he discovers and reconnects with the country after months of isolation, while reflecting on his relationship to his music and fame. With several musical stops along the way, Ezra performs...
The documentary is from producers Richard Yee (“An Idiot Abroad”), Catherine Miller and Fiona Neilson (“Oasis:Supersonic”) and is directed by Adam Scarborough and Christy Tattershall.
Protagonist Pictures is handling worldwide sales and will introduce the hot project to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market, while runs alongside the Berlin Film Festival. U.K. rights are held by Lorton Entertainment.
The film follows Ezra, who makes a journey across the U.K., walking 1,200 miles in 95 days from the most southerly point of England, Lands End, to the northern tip of the U.K., John O’Groats. On the journey he discovers and reconnects with the country after months of isolation, while reflecting on his relationship to his music and fame. With several musical stops along the way, Ezra performs...
- 2/2/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Saoirse Ronan has been tapped as the lead in “The Outrun,” the memoir of alcoholism and nature from writer Amy Liptrot.
“The Unforgivable” helmer Nora Fingscheidt is set to direct.
In “The Outrun,” four-time Oscar nominee Ronan stars as recently-out-of-rehab Rona who heads for home in Scorland’s wild Orkney Islands after an absence of over a decade. There she “reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up.”
As Rona lingers in the Orkneys, she begins to piece together her childhood, memories of which “merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.”
Fingscheidt and Liptrot have co-written the adaptation.
Liptrot’s prize-winning book has been translated into more than a dozen languages, hit The Sunday Times’ top ten bestsellers list and sold over 110,000 copies in the U.K. It has been added to publisher Canongate’s “modern classics” list.
Ronan, who...
“The Unforgivable” helmer Nora Fingscheidt is set to direct.
In “The Outrun,” four-time Oscar nominee Ronan stars as recently-out-of-rehab Rona who heads for home in Scorland’s wild Orkney Islands after an absence of over a decade. There she “reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up.”
As Rona lingers in the Orkneys, she begins to piece together her childhood, memories of which “merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.”
Fingscheidt and Liptrot have co-written the adaptation.
Liptrot’s prize-winning book has been translated into more than a dozen languages, hit The Sunday Times’ top ten bestsellers list and sold over 110,000 copies in the U.K. It has been added to publisher Canongate’s “modern classics” list.
Ronan, who...
- 1/31/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Saoirse Ronan is set to star in the next film from “The Unforgivable” director Nora Fingscheidt, a drama based on a memoir called “The Outrun.”
“The Outrun” is based on Amy Liptrot’s 2016 award-winning memoir of the same name, and the film will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market.
Ronan will star in the film as Rona, a woman fresh out of rehab who returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
Fingscheidt wrote the adaptation in collaboration with Liptrot.
“The Outrun” was optioned and has been developed by Sarah Brocklehurst’s Brock Media, which will produce the feature alongside Ronan, Jack Lowden and Dominic Norris under their recently founded banner Arcade Pictures.
“The Outrun” is based on Amy Liptrot’s 2016 award-winning memoir of the same name, and the film will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market.
Ronan will star in the film as Rona, a woman fresh out of rehab who returns to the wild Orkney Islands after more than a decade away. As she reconnects with the dramatic landscape where she grew up, memories of her childhood merge with the more recent challenging events that have set her on the path to recovery.
Fingscheidt wrote the adaptation in collaboration with Liptrot.
“The Outrun” was optioned and has been developed by Sarah Brocklehurst’s Brock Media, which will produce the feature alongside Ronan, Jack Lowden and Dominic Norris under their recently founded banner Arcade Pictures.
- 1/31/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Protagonist Pictures are representing international sales for boxing doc series “The Kings” at Mipcom.
The mini-series follows four boxers — ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Durán, Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns and ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler — as they jostle to take the throne following boxing legend Muhammed Ali’s retirement in 1981.
“The Kings” aired on Showtime in June and has already been sold to a range of European broadcasters including Canal Plus in France and Poland, ESPN in Australia, New Zealand and Latin America, Nordic Entertainment Group’s Viaplay streaming service in the Nordic region and the Netherlands, Movistar in Spain, Nrk in Norway, Dr in Denmark, Channel 1 in Russia and Discovery Plus in the Philippines.
The U.K. is in advanced negotiations for rights to the series, which is directed by BAFTA-nominated Mat Whitecross (“Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams”) and produced by Fiona Neilson (“Oasis: Supersonic”).
Box to...
The mini-series follows four boxers — ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Durán, Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns and ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler — as they jostle to take the throne following boxing legend Muhammed Ali’s retirement in 1981.
“The Kings” aired on Showtime in June and has already been sold to a range of European broadcasters including Canal Plus in France and Poland, ESPN in Australia, New Zealand and Latin America, Nordic Entertainment Group’s Viaplay streaming service in the Nordic region and the Netherlands, Movistar in Spain, Nrk in Norway, Dr in Denmark, Channel 1 in Russia and Discovery Plus in the Philippines.
The U.K. is in advanced negotiations for rights to the series, which is directed by BAFTA-nominated Mat Whitecross (“Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams”) and produced by Fiona Neilson (“Oasis: Supersonic”).
Box to...
- 10/5/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following a tussle for rights in the territory, Protagonist Pictures has closed a French all-rights deal with Wild Bunch for well-received comedy Official Competition, starring Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz and Oscar Martínez.
The Spanish-language film, produced by MediaPro Studio, recently had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
In Official Competition, Cruz plays renowned filmmaker Lola Cuevas, who is recruited by a billionaire entrepreneur who impulsively decides to create an iconic movie. Banderas will star as Hollywood heartthrob Félix Rivero, and joining them is Argentinian actor Oscar Martínez, who plays radical theatre actor Iván Torres.
Pic is directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat from a script they wrote with Andrés Duprat.
The film has also booked a Special Presentations berth at the Toronto International Film Festival and will open this year’s Perlak Section at the upcoming San Sebastian International Film Festival.
The Spanish-language film, produced by MediaPro Studio, recently had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
In Official Competition, Cruz plays renowned filmmaker Lola Cuevas, who is recruited by a billionaire entrepreneur who impulsively decides to create an iconic movie. Banderas will star as Hollywood heartthrob Félix Rivero, and joining them is Argentinian actor Oscar Martínez, who plays radical theatre actor Iván Torres.
Pic is directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat from a script they wrote with Andrés Duprat.
The film has also booked a Special Presentations berth at the Toronto International Film Festival and will open this year’s Perlak Section at the upcoming San Sebastian International Film Festival.
- 9/13/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Protagonist Pictures has closed a UK all rights deal with Curzon for Spanish-language pic Official Competition starring Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz and Oscar Martínez.
In Official Competition, Oscar winner Cruz plays renowned filmmaker Lola Cuevas, who is recruited by a billionaire entrepreneur who impulsively decides to create an iconic movie. Banderas will star as Hollywood heartthrob Félix Rivero, and joining them is Argentinian actor Oscar Martínez (The Distinguished Citizen), who plays radical theatre actor Iván Torres.
The Spanish-language comedy, directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat from a script they wrote with Andrés Duprat, will also screen in the Special Presentations section of the Toronto International Film Festival and will open this year’s Perlak Section at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The deal for the film that debuts as part of the competition line up at Venice, was...
In Official Competition, Oscar winner Cruz plays renowned filmmaker Lola Cuevas, who is recruited by a billionaire entrepreneur who impulsively decides to create an iconic movie. Banderas will star as Hollywood heartthrob Félix Rivero, and joining them is Argentinian actor Oscar Martínez (The Distinguished Citizen), who plays radical theatre actor Iván Torres.
The Spanish-language comedy, directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat from a script they wrote with Andrés Duprat, will also screen in the Special Presentations section of the Toronto International Film Festival and will open this year’s Perlak Section at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The deal for the film that debuts as part of the competition line up at Venice, was...
- 9/4/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The aim is for greater emphasis on executive production and co-production.
London-based international sales, production and finance company Protagonist Pictures, whose titles include Censor and Venice’s Official Competition, has restructured its team, with three new appointments and a slew of promotions.
Alexis Hamaide joins as marketing manager from L’Avventura Studio in Paris, former Carnaby International and WestEnd Films exec Jonathan Walik has been appointed sales executive and Isabel Ivars, who has previously worked at Wide Management and Films Boutique is the new library and festivals manager.
“Our new roles reflect the shifting landscape of film financing and Jonathan,...
London-based international sales, production and finance company Protagonist Pictures, whose titles include Censor and Venice’s Official Competition, has restructured its team, with three new appointments and a slew of promotions.
Alexis Hamaide joins as marketing manager from L’Avventura Studio in Paris, former Carnaby International and WestEnd Films exec Jonathan Walik has been appointed sales executive and Isabel Ivars, who has previously worked at Wide Management and Films Boutique is the new library and festivals manager.
“Our new roles reflect the shifting landscape of film financing and Jonathan,...
- 9/2/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Protagonist Pictures, the international sales, finance and production company behind films such as “Sound of Metal,” has announced a significant restructure with an eye to focusing on executive producing, Variety can reveal.
While Protagonist, which is in Venice with “Official Competition,” will continue to feed their traditional pre-sales model, their pivot to executive producing is intended to open up financing streams. The company will look to board films at an embryonic stage — sometimes even before the director — to arrange financing and allow enhanced creative opportunities in each project’s development and production.
“The restructure is very much in response to the ever-shifting landscape of the independent film business and how we have forged some new strategic initiatives in order to address that,” Protagonist CEO Dave Bishop tells Variety. “So that we can very much be the best partner to the filmmakers that we work with.”
In light of the structural changes,...
While Protagonist, which is in Venice with “Official Competition,” will continue to feed their traditional pre-sales model, their pivot to executive producing is intended to open up financing streams. The company will look to board films at an embryonic stage — sometimes even before the director — to arrange financing and allow enhanced creative opportunities in each project’s development and production.
“The restructure is very much in response to the ever-shifting landscape of the independent film business and how we have forged some new strategic initiatives in order to address that,” Protagonist CEO Dave Bishop tells Variety. “So that we can very much be the best partner to the filmmakers that we work with.”
In light of the structural changes,...
- 9/2/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Everyone expressed pleasure at being back at a physical event.
As the Cannes Film Festival moves into its last two days, international attendees reflected on a pandemic-era event that has required them to grapple with the logistics of 48-hourly Covid-19 tests, rumours of a virus cluster in the early days of the festival and concerns over the lack of mask-wearing, which was tightened up as the event progressed.
Sales agents expressed mixed views on how much business has been done but all said they were happy to be back. Those representing titles in official selection were generally upbeat, suggesting the...
As the Cannes Film Festival moves into its last two days, international attendees reflected on a pandemic-era event that has required them to grapple with the logistics of 48-hourly Covid-19 tests, rumours of a virus cluster in the early days of the festival and concerns over the lack of mask-wearing, which was tightened up as the event progressed.
Sales agents expressed mixed views on how much business has been done but all said they were happy to be back. Those representing titles in official selection were generally upbeat, suggesting the...
- 7/16/2021
- by Melanie Goodfellow¬Ben Dalton¬Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
However a slimmed-down US and UK industry presence in general.
All the US buyers who typically look to acquire films in Official Selection are out in force at Cannes this year, despite a slimmed-down US presence overall due to a confluence of pandemic travel concerns, July Fourth holiday, and the recent virtual market.
IFC president Arianna Bocco, who has Benedetta, Bergman Island and Paris 13th District in Competition, is attending, as are Tom Quinn and a small entourage from Neon, who have Memoria and Titane in Competition and The Year Of The Everlasting Storm in Special Screenings.
Michael Barker from...
All the US buyers who typically look to acquire films in Official Selection are out in force at Cannes this year, despite a slimmed-down US presence overall due to a confluence of pandemic travel concerns, July Fourth holiday, and the recent virtual market.
IFC president Arianna Bocco, who has Benedetta, Bergman Island and Paris 13th District in Competition, is attending, as are Tom Quinn and a small entourage from Neon, who have Memoria and Titane in Competition and The Year Of The Everlasting Storm in Special Screenings.
Michael Barker from...
- 7/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: In an interesting international tie-up, UK sales firm Protagonist Pictures and Germany’s 7500 and Stowaway producer Augenschein are teaming up to co-represent worldwide rights on select English-language movies.
Protagonist will serve as executive producers on the films in the new partnership and work with Augenschein to source finance for the projects. The companies will invest a portion of the funds generated by the sales into the co-development of select projects, with the aim of building a co-production slate.
The strategic alliance is not fully exclusive and will not prevent either company from continuing to work with others.
This is a smart move to bolster prominence in a market in which the streamers are increasingly dominant. We’ve heard for a while about the potential for sellers and distributors teaming up to increase their pulling power and distribution footprints.
The first project under the new deal will be elevated survival...
Protagonist will serve as executive producers on the films in the new partnership and work with Augenschein to source finance for the projects. The companies will invest a portion of the funds generated by the sales into the co-development of select projects, with the aim of building a co-production slate.
The strategic alliance is not fully exclusive and will not prevent either company from continuing to work with others.
This is a smart move to bolster prominence in a market in which the streamers are increasingly dominant. We’ve heard for a while about the potential for sellers and distributors teaming up to increase their pulling power and distribution footprints.
The first project under the new deal will be elevated survival...
- 6/16/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Sophie Lowe, Louisa Krause star in survival thriller, set to shoot later summer in Malta, Germany.
Augenschein Sales and Protagonist Pictures have struck a worldwide sales partnership on select films from Augenschein’s slate of English-speaking films and will kick off virtual Cannes market talks on survival thriller The Dive.
Protagonist will serve as executive producers on the projects and will help augenschein source additional financing.
The companies will invest a portion of the funds generated by the non-exclusive partnership into co-development of select projects as they assemble a co-production slate.
The Dive is scheduled to commence production in mid-August...
Augenschein Sales and Protagonist Pictures have struck a worldwide sales partnership on select films from Augenschein’s slate of English-speaking films and will kick off virtual Cannes market talks on survival thriller The Dive.
Protagonist will serve as executive producers on the projects and will help augenschein source additional financing.
The companies will invest a portion of the funds generated by the non-exclusive partnership into co-development of select projects as they assemble a co-production slate.
The Dive is scheduled to commence production in mid-August...
- 6/16/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“The grand jury indictment, ironically, replicates the exact conditions that Cuties aims to criticize.”
Members of the National Film Critics Society (Nfcs) have lambasted a “baseless” indictment of Netflix by a Texan district attorney over its controversial French teen drama Cuties.
The group spoke out on Monday (October 19) in the latest episode surrounding Maïmouna Doucouré’s film, whose depiction of young girl dancers in Paris has become something of a political football in the run-up to next month’s US election.
The backlash began after Netflix apologised in August for a poster of the Sundance premiere depicting scantily clad girls from the film.
Members of the National Film Critics Society (Nfcs) have lambasted a “baseless” indictment of Netflix by a Texan district attorney over its controversial French teen drama Cuties.
The group spoke out on Monday (October 19) in the latest episode surrounding Maïmouna Doucouré’s film, whose depiction of young girl dancers in Paris has become something of a political football in the run-up to next month’s US election.
The backlash began after Netflix apologised in August for a poster of the Sundance premiere depicting scantily clad girls from the film.
- 10/19/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“The grand jury indictment, ironically, replicates the exact conditions that Cuties aims to criticize.”
Members of the National Film Critics Society (Nfcs) have lambasted a “baseless” indictment of Netflix by a Texan district attorney with regard to its French teen drama Cuties.
The group spoke out on Monday (October 19) in the latest episode surrounding Maïmouna Doucouré’s film, whose depiction of young girl dancers in Paris has become something of a political football in the run-up to the US election.
The backlash began after Netflix apologised in August for a poster of the Sundance premiere depicting scantily clad girls from the film.
Members of the National Film Critics Society (Nfcs) have lambasted a “baseless” indictment of Netflix by a Texan district attorney with regard to its French teen drama Cuties.
The group spoke out on Monday (October 19) in the latest episode surrounding Maïmouna Doucouré’s film, whose depiction of young girl dancers in Paris has become something of a political football in the run-up to the US election.
The backlash began after Netflix apologised in August for a poster of the Sundance premiere depicting scantily clad girls from the film.
- 10/19/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Tom Chesover promoted to international sales manager.
UK-based Protagonist Pictures has hired Janina Vilsmaier as director of international sales.
Vilsmaier, who most recently served as director of sales at HanWay Films, will oversee major European territories including France, German-speaking Europe, Benelux, Spain, and Italy, as well as Latin America.
“She possesses the perfect combination of talents that international film executives require in the ever-evolving indie film landscape,” said Protagonist’s head of sales George Hamilton of Vilsmaier.
At HanWay, Vilsmaier worked on the likes of Colette, Pavarotti, and The Card Counter. Prior to HanWay she worked in production on German films.
UK-based Protagonist Pictures has hired Janina Vilsmaier as director of international sales.
Vilsmaier, who most recently served as director of sales at HanWay Films, will oversee major European territories including France, German-speaking Europe, Benelux, Spain, and Italy, as well as Latin America.
“She possesses the perfect combination of talents that international film executives require in the ever-evolving indie film landscape,” said Protagonist’s head of sales George Hamilton of Vilsmaier.
At HanWay, Vilsmaier worked on the likes of Colette, Pavarotti, and The Card Counter. Prior to HanWay she worked in production on German films.
- 10/19/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The sleepy Japanese town of Minamata was the scene of one of the world’s greatest environmental disasters when it was poisoned by mercury in the 1970s. It was also the setting for a groundbreaking international treaty designed to control use of the deadly metal.
U.K. sales agent HanWay Films will use its platform at FilMart to unveil updates on “Minamata,” its drama-thriller about the celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith. His images from the toxic town gave the eco-disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and put reckless big business on front pages around the world.
Johnny Depp stars as Smith, a colorful character who was a celebrated WWII photographer and later became close to jazz great Thelonious Monk. Smith ventured to Minamata near the end of his life, accompanied by his Japanese wife Aileen Mioko Smith.
“At that point, Gene [Smith] was about to give up. He wasn’t sure it was worth it,...
U.K. sales agent HanWay Films will use its platform at FilMart to unveil updates on “Minamata,” its drama-thriller about the celebrated photographer W. Eugene Smith. His images from the toxic town gave the eco-disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and put reckless big business on front pages around the world.
Johnny Depp stars as Smith, a colorful character who was a celebrated WWII photographer and later became close to jazz great Thelonious Monk. Smith ventured to Minamata near the end of his life, accompanied by his Japanese wife Aileen Mioko Smith.
“At that point, Gene [Smith] was about to give up. He wasn’t sure it was worth it,...
- 3/19/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.