Exclusive: In a pre-emptive deal, Neon has acquired rights to Osgood Perkins’ (Longlegs) next genre movie Keeper, which will star Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Rossif Sutherland (Possessor).
Neon will distribute in the U.S. and handle international sales rights to the film in Cannes, with Elevation Pictures set to distribute in Canada. Perkins directs from a screenplay written by Nick Lepard. Chris Ferguson and Jesse Savath of Oddfellows will produce.
Keeper follows a couple as they escape for a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded cabin. When Malcolm (Sutherland) suddenly returns to the city, Liz (Maslany) finds herself isolated and in the presence of an unspeakable evil that unveils the cabin’s horrifying secrets.
Executive producers include Tatiana Maslany; Marlaina Mah for Oddfellows; Noah Segal and Laurie May for Elevation Pictures; Brian Kavanaugh Jones; Fred Berger and Peter Micelli on behalf of Range Media Partners; John Hegeman and Vince Totino...
Neon will distribute in the U.S. and handle international sales rights to the film in Cannes, with Elevation Pictures set to distribute in Canada. Perkins directs from a screenplay written by Nick Lepard. Chris Ferguson and Jesse Savath of Oddfellows will produce.
Keeper follows a couple as they escape for a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded cabin. When Malcolm (Sutherland) suddenly returns to the city, Liz (Maslany) finds herself isolated and in the presence of an unspeakable evil that unveils the cabin’s horrifying secrets.
Executive producers include Tatiana Maslany; Marlaina Mah for Oddfellows; Noah Segal and Laurie May for Elevation Pictures; Brian Kavanaugh Jones; Fred Berger and Peter Micelli on behalf of Range Media Partners; John Hegeman and Vince Totino...
- 5/9/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Last year, it was announced that Fighting with My Family co-stars Nick Frost and Lena Headey were going to reunite to work on the serial killer thriller Svalta, which was set to start filming in Finland soon. Well, the movie was shot in Finland and production recently wrapped, but Headey had to drop out of the project due to scheduling issues before it started rolling. Deadline reports that her character ended up being played by Aisling Bea, whose previous credits include This Way Up, Living with Yourself, and Home Sweet Home Alone.
Svalta was directed by Steffen Haars (New Kids Turbo) from a screenplay Frost wrote himself. The story follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them, the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Svalta was directed by Steffen Haars (New Kids Turbo) from a screenplay Frost wrote himself. The story follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them, the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
- 11/7/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
XYZ Films, Wayward Entertainment, and Resolute Films have wrapped production on the horror film Svalta starring Nick Frost and Aisling Bea (This Way Up) and directed by Steffen Haars (New Kids Turbo), Bloody Disgusting has learned today.
The film was shot in Tampere, Finland, with post-production underway in the United Kingdom.
Svalta, written by Nick Frost, follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper) and newcomer Maisie Ayres round out the lead cast.
Svalta is produced by Lee Kim for Resolute Films, John Hegeman for Wayward Entertainment, Nick Spicer and Aram Tertzakian for XYZ, Nick Frost, and co-produced by Richard Kondal for Big Safari, with executive producers Vince Totino of...
The film was shot in Tampere, Finland, with post-production underway in the United Kingdom.
Svalta, written by Nick Frost, follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper) and newcomer Maisie Ayres round out the lead cast.
Svalta is produced by Lee Kim for Resolute Films, John Hegeman for Wayward Entertainment, Nick Spicer and Aram Tertzakian for XYZ, Nick Frost, and co-produced by Richard Kondal for Big Safari, with executive producers Vince Totino of...
- 11/6/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: XYZ Films, Wayward Entertainment, and Resolute Films have wrapped on the horror pic Svalta with This Way Up actor Aisling Bea and Nick Frost leading.
The pic, written and starring Nick Frost, has just wrapped production in Tampere, Finland, with post-production currently underway in the UK. Plot follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them, the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island. Directing is Steffen Haars (New Kids Turbo). Cast is rounded out by Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper) and newcomer Maisie Ayres.
Lena Headey (Game Of Thrones) had previously been attached to the pic but stepped back due to what has been described as scheduling conflicts. She was replaced by Bea.
Svalta is produced by Lee Kim for Resolute Films,...
The pic, written and starring Nick Frost, has just wrapped production in Tampere, Finland, with post-production currently underway in the UK. Plot follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them, the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island. Directing is Steffen Haars (New Kids Turbo). Cast is rounded out by Sebastian Croft (Heartstopper) and newcomer Maisie Ayres.
Lena Headey (Game Of Thrones) had previously been attached to the pic but stepped back due to what has been described as scheduling conflicts. She was replaced by Bea.
Svalta is produced by Lee Kim for Resolute Films,...
- 11/6/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Two of the most successful specialty films of the year expand this weekend and a handful of others jump into an arthouse market that’s seen few new entrants in recent weeks as wide release piled on wide release.
Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City jumps from a blockbuster six-theater opening ($800k over three days) last weekend for Focus Features to 1,675 locations today. A24’s Past Lives by Celine Song, which debuted in early June on four screens, expands to 296. They’re joined by a documentary on epic cyclist Greg LeMond ahead of the Tour De France, and the first theatrical release by Wayward Entertainment, launched in late 2021 by former Revolution Studios CEO Vince Totino and former Orion Pictures President John Hegeman and focusing on genre titles.
Wayward is opening God Is A Bullet, directed and written by Nick Cassavetes, on 375 screens. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau stars as a detective whose ex-wife is...
Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City jumps from a blockbuster six-theater opening ($800k over three days) last weekend for Focus Features to 1,675 locations today. A24’s Past Lives by Celine Song, which debuted in early June on four screens, expands to 296. They’re joined by a documentary on epic cyclist Greg LeMond ahead of the Tour De France, and the first theatrical release by Wayward Entertainment, launched in late 2021 by former Revolution Studios CEO Vince Totino and former Orion Pictures President John Hegeman and focusing on genre titles.
Wayward is opening God Is A Bullet, directed and written by Nick Cassavetes, on 375 screens. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau stars as a detective whose ex-wife is...
- 6/23/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Patriot Pictures and XYZ Films have brought on Wayward Entertainment to release Nick Cassavetes action-thriller God Is A Bullet.
Maika Monroe, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Karl Glusman, January Jones, Paul Johansson, David Thornton and Jamie Foxx star in the movie, which producers say will have a wide domestic theatrical release on June 23, 2023, followed by a digital roll out from July 11, 2023.
The film follows detective Bob Hightower (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who finds his ex-wife murdered and his daughter kidnapped by an insidious cult. Hightower takes matters into his own hands and infiltrates the secretive cult to try to save his daughter. With the help of the cult’s only female victim escapee, Case Hardin (Maika Monroe), Hightower and Hardin go down the rabbit hole with The Ferryman (Jamie Foxx) to save his daughter and find closure for Hardin from the cult – and its maniacal leader (Glusman).
Inspired by true events and based on...
Maika Monroe, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Karl Glusman, January Jones, Paul Johansson, David Thornton and Jamie Foxx star in the movie, which producers say will have a wide domestic theatrical release on June 23, 2023, followed by a digital roll out from July 11, 2023.
The film follows detective Bob Hightower (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who finds his ex-wife murdered and his daughter kidnapped by an insidious cult. Hightower takes matters into his own hands and infiltrates the secretive cult to try to save his daughter. With the help of the cult’s only female victim escapee, Case Hardin (Maika Monroe), Hightower and Hardin go down the rabbit hole with The Ferryman (Jamie Foxx) to save his daughter and find closure for Hardin from the cult – and its maniacal leader (Glusman).
Inspired by true events and based on...
- 4/20/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Production scheduled to begin this winter.
Dustin Lance Black will produce Icelandic horror Rift under a new slate deal between XYZ Films and Wayward Entertainment.
The project is the first to be announced under the arrangement to go into production and will see the companies partner on a pipeline of filmmaker-driven genre films across all platforms over the next two years.
Black will produce the English-language reimagining of Erlingur Thoroddsen’s Icelandic horror Rift and is about two men whose broken relationship is tested as they are haunted by a supernatural entity awakened by their grief.
Production is scheduled to begin this winter.
Dustin Lance Black will produce Icelandic horror Rift under a new slate deal between XYZ Films and Wayward Entertainment.
The project is the first to be announced under the arrangement to go into production and will see the companies partner on a pipeline of filmmaker-driven genre films across all platforms over the next two years.
Black will produce the English-language reimagining of Erlingur Thoroddsen’s Icelandic horror Rift and is about two men whose broken relationship is tested as they are haunted by a supernatural entity awakened by their grief.
Production is scheduled to begin this winter.
- 9/17/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: As part of Vince Totino and John Hegeman’s newly launched Wayward Entertainment and their new genre slate, we’ve learned that the studio will be going into a production on an English-language take on Erlingur Thoroddsen’s Icelandic horror movie Rift. Oscar winning Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black will produce.
Wayward will be partnering with XYZ Films for the next two years on its slate of filmmaker-driven genre features across all platforms.
Rift is an atmospheric thriller which follows two guys whose broken relationship is tested as they are haunted by a supernatural entity awakened by their emotional turmoil and grief. Cameras will roll this winter.
Rift joins Wayward Entertainment’s previously announced Nick Frost and Simon Pegg production Svalta, which we first told you about. XYZ is also teaming with Wayward on Svalta.
Thoroddsen, who recently wrapped filming on The Piper for Millennium Media, will return to write and direct Rift.
Wayward will be partnering with XYZ Films for the next two years on its slate of filmmaker-driven genre features across all platforms.
Rift is an atmospheric thriller which follows two guys whose broken relationship is tested as they are haunted by a supernatural entity awakened by their emotional turmoil and grief. Cameras will roll this winter.
Rift joins Wayward Entertainment’s previously announced Nick Frost and Simon Pegg production Svalta, which we first told you about. XYZ is also teaming with Wayward on Svalta.
Thoroddsen, who recently wrapped filming on The Piper for Millennium Media, will return to write and direct Rift.
- 9/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former Revolution Studios CEO Vince Totino and former Orion Pictures President John Hegeman are opening the doors to Wayward Entertainment, a multi-platform studio which will focus on producing and distributing low budget genre and alternative content.
Wayward Entertainment will kick things off partnering with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg’s Stolen Picture to produce the horror feature Svalta which they previously worked on together when Hegeman was at Orion.
Svalta, written by Nick Frost, follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Totino and Hegeman stated “Wayward is focused on working with creative people with something interesting to say and share. We couldn’t think of another project or partnership that would...
Wayward Entertainment will kick things off partnering with Nick Frost and Simon Pegg’s Stolen Picture to produce the horror feature Svalta which they previously worked on together when Hegeman was at Orion.
Svalta, written by Nick Frost, follows a family on their summer vacation to a remote island where they discover a serial killer is on the loose. Unfortunately for them the locals have no interest in helping the stranded family. The title is taken from the name of the fictional island.
Totino and Hegeman stated “Wayward is focused on working with creative people with something interesting to say and share. We couldn’t think of another project or partnership that would...
- 8/5/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier this month, Blumhouse and Hulu's Into the Dark returned with the love-fueled horror story Tentacles, and the second season finale of the horror anthology series is right around the corner with the upcoming March 26th premiere of Blood Moon, directed by Emma Tammi, written by Adam Mason & Simon Boyes, and starring Megalyn Echikunwoke and Yonas Kibreab.
"Megalyn Echikunwoke (Almost Family) and Yonas Kibreab (Silicon Valley) lead the cast that includes Joshua Dov (Narcos: Mexico), Marco Rodriguez (Velvet Buzzsaw), Gareth Williams (Mindhunter) and Jack Yang (Shadowhunters)
Also starring Brian Norris (Halt and Catch Fire), Patrick W. Day (Cruel Hearts), Jan Munro (Ford v Ferrari), Danielle Juliet Ma.
Emma Tammi (The Wind) directs the film, written by Adam Mason & Simon Boyes.
Blood Moon sees the return of filmmakers to Blumhouse and Hulu’s Into the Dark in the season finale. Director Emma Tammi previously directed the Mother’s Day installment Delivered that premiered last year.
"Megalyn Echikunwoke (Almost Family) and Yonas Kibreab (Silicon Valley) lead the cast that includes Joshua Dov (Narcos: Mexico), Marco Rodriguez (Velvet Buzzsaw), Gareth Williams (Mindhunter) and Jack Yang (Shadowhunters)
Also starring Brian Norris (Halt and Catch Fire), Patrick W. Day (Cruel Hearts), Jan Munro (Ford v Ferrari), Danielle Juliet Ma.
Emma Tammi (The Wind) directs the film, written by Adam Mason & Simon Boyes.
Blood Moon sees the return of filmmakers to Blumhouse and Hulu’s Into the Dark in the season finale. Director Emma Tammi previously directed the Mother’s Day installment Delivered that premiered last year.
- 2/16/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Megalyn Echikunwoke and Yonas Kibreab will lead the cast of the 24th installment and Season 2 finale of Blumhouse TV’s “Into the Dark,” TheWrap has learned exclusively.
Also starring in the installment, titled “Blood Moon,” are Joshua Dov (“Narcos: Mexico”), Marco Rodriguez (“Velvet Buzzsaw”), Gareth Williams (“Mindhunter”) and Jack Yang (“Shadowhunters”). Brian Norris (“Halt and Catch Fire”), Patrick W. Day (“Cruel Hearts”), Jan Munro (“Ford v Ferrari”) and Danielle Juliet Ma also star.
Emma Tammi is directing, while Adam Mason and Simon Boyes are writing.
According to Blumhouse, “Blood Moon” follows Esme (Echikunwoke) and her 10-year-old son, Luna (Kibreab), who move to a small desert town looking for a fresh start, but soon attract all the wrong kinds of attention. As the locals begin to probe, Esme must battle to protect her son and a terrifying secret before the next full moon threatens their very existence.
Tammi previously directed the Mother’s Day installment,...
Also starring in the installment, titled “Blood Moon,” are Joshua Dov (“Narcos: Mexico”), Marco Rodriguez (“Velvet Buzzsaw”), Gareth Williams (“Mindhunter”) and Jack Yang (“Shadowhunters”). Brian Norris (“Halt and Catch Fire”), Patrick W. Day (“Cruel Hearts”), Jan Munro (“Ford v Ferrari”) and Danielle Juliet Ma also star.
Emma Tammi is directing, while Adam Mason and Simon Boyes are writing.
According to Blumhouse, “Blood Moon” follows Esme (Echikunwoke) and her 10-year-old son, Luna (Kibreab), who move to a small desert town looking for a fresh start, but soon attract all the wrong kinds of attention. As the locals begin to probe, Esme must battle to protect her son and a terrifying secret before the next full moon threatens their very existence.
Tammi previously directed the Mother’s Day installment,...
- 2/16/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
With Valentine's Day around the corner, Hulu and Blumhouse invite you to a lethal love story with otherworldly elements in the official trailer for Tentacles, the latest installment of the horror anthology series Into the Dark.
Directed by Clara Aranovich (Into the Dark: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Dying) from a teleplay by Alexandra Pechman (based on a story by Pechman & Nick Antosca), Tentacles stars Dana Drori (Freaky), Casey Deidrick (In the Dark), Evan Williams (Versailles), and Kasey Elise (North Hollywood).
Described as a psychosexual horror-thriller, Tentacles will premiere on Hulu beginning Friday, February 12th, just in time for Valentine's Day weekend!
"Tentacles is a psychosexual horror-thriller about a young Los Angeles couple Tara (Dana Drori) and Sam (Casey Deidrick) who fall head over heels into a new romance, entwining their lives — until their intimacy transforms into something terrifying.
Based on a story by Alexandra Pechman & Nick Antosca...
Directed by Clara Aranovich (Into the Dark: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Dying) from a teleplay by Alexandra Pechman (based on a story by Pechman & Nick Antosca), Tentacles stars Dana Drori (Freaky), Casey Deidrick (In the Dark), Evan Williams (Versailles), and Kasey Elise (North Hollywood).
Described as a psychosexual horror-thriller, Tentacles will premiere on Hulu beginning Friday, February 12th, just in time for Valentine's Day weekend!
"Tentacles is a psychosexual horror-thriller about a young Los Angeles couple Tara (Dana Drori) and Sam (Casey Deidrick) who fall head over heels into a new romance, entwining their lives — until their intimacy transforms into something terrifying.
Based on a story by Alexandra Pechman & Nick Antosca...
- 1/28/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
If, like me, you're always on the lookout for new projects from Nick Antosca after watching the Channel Zero series, then you'll be pleased to know that this February's installment of Blumhouse and Hulu's horror anthology series Into the Dark, titled Tentacles, is based on a story by Antosca and Alexandra Pechman, who also worked as a writer on Channel Zero.
Directed by Clara Aranovich (Into the Dark: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Dying) from a teleplay by Pechman, Tentacles stars Dana Drori (Freaky), Casey Deidrick (In the Dark), Evan Williams (Versailles), and Kasey Elise (North Hollywood).
Described as a "psychosexual horror-thriller," Tentacles will premiere on Hulu beginning Friday, February 12th, just in time for Valentine's Day weekend!
"Tentacles is a psychosexual horror-thriller about a young Los Angeles couple Tara (Dana Drori) and Sam (Casey Deidrick) who fall head over heels into a new romance, entwining their...
Directed by Clara Aranovich (Into the Dark: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Dying) from a teleplay by Pechman, Tentacles stars Dana Drori (Freaky), Casey Deidrick (In the Dark), Evan Williams (Versailles), and Kasey Elise (North Hollywood).
Described as a "psychosexual horror-thriller," Tentacles will premiere on Hulu beginning Friday, February 12th, just in time for Valentine's Day weekend!
"Tentacles is a psychosexual horror-thriller about a young Los Angeles couple Tara (Dana Drori) and Sam (Casey Deidrick) who fall head over heels into a new romance, entwining their...
- 1/13/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Hulu and Blumhouse Television set their next installment of “Into the Dark”: “Tentacles,” anchored to Valentine’s Day, to premiere Feb. 12, Variety has learned exclusively.
Dana Drori, Casey Deidrick, Evan Williams and Kasey Elise star in the psychosexual horror-thriller film, which comes from a story by Alexandra Pechman and Nick Antosca and a teleplay by Pechman. It is directed by Clara Aranovich.
In “Tentacles,” couple Tara (Drori) and Sam (Deidrick) fall head over heels into a new romance and entwine their lives — until their intimacy transforms into something terrifying. The film is said to take inspiration from “the rushes of early intimacy and uncertain power dynamics at play, and the dangers of losing yourself,” and it will also present “a twist on gender roles in modern horror.”
“Tentacles” is the first “Into the Dark” title to launch in half a year: The most recent installment of “Into the Dark” was “The Current Occupant,...
Dana Drori, Casey Deidrick, Evan Williams and Kasey Elise star in the psychosexual horror-thriller film, which comes from a story by Alexandra Pechman and Nick Antosca and a teleplay by Pechman. It is directed by Clara Aranovich.
In “Tentacles,” couple Tara (Drori) and Sam (Deidrick) fall head over heels into a new romance and entwine their lives — until their intimacy transforms into something terrifying. The film is said to take inspiration from “the rushes of early intimacy and uncertain power dynamics at play, and the dangers of losing yourself,” and it will also present “a twist on gender roles in modern horror.”
“Tentacles” is the first “Into the Dark” title to launch in half a year: The most recent installment of “Into the Dark” was “The Current Occupant,...
- 1/12/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
A few days before the release of “Bill and Ted Face the Music,” Steven Soderbergh was on a Zoom call with Alex Winter, and decided to turn it into a job interview. The filmmaker served as an executive producer on “Bill and Ted Face the Music,” the long-awaited third entry in the cult saga of two hard-rocking pals who travel through history to unite the world through music. The project took over a decade to get off the ground, and resulted in Winter — who left acting for documentary filmmaking years ago — returning to play the iconic doofus opposite Keanu Reeves that launched both of their careers 30 years ago. Winter even resumed acting classes to get back in the groove, and Soderbergh took note.
“Alex,” the filmmaker said, looking into his screen. “Are you available to me?” Winter chuckled. “Steven,” he said, “I will always be available to you.”
For all...
“Alex,” the filmmaker said, looking into his screen. “Are you available to me?” Winter chuckled. “Steven,” he said, “I will always be available to you.”
For all...
- 8/26/2020
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
MGM is re-launching its Orion Pictures as a mean to amplify underserved voices and has hired veteran executive Alana Mayo as president of the label.
The studio announced Thursday that Orion will concentrate exclusively on underrepresented voices and authentic storytelling in film with a focus on developing, producing and acquiring feature films that amplify underserved voices, both in front of and behind the camera.
Current Orion president John Hegeman will be stepping down along with his team in early October, after the release of “Bill and Ted Face the Music.” The announcement was made jointly by Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group Chairman and Pam Abdy, MGM’s Film Group President.
“We are at an exciting and critical tipping point in our industry. For years many filmmakers and creators who have been considered and treated as outsiders have nonetheless persisted in creating visionary films that drew audiences across the globe and defined culture,...
The studio announced Thursday that Orion will concentrate exclusively on underrepresented voices and authentic storytelling in film with a focus on developing, producing and acquiring feature films that amplify underserved voices, both in front of and behind the camera.
Current Orion president John Hegeman will be stepping down along with his team in early October, after the release of “Bill and Ted Face the Music.” The announcement was made jointly by Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group Chairman and Pam Abdy, MGM’s Film Group President.
“We are at an exciting and critical tipping point in our industry. For years many filmmakers and creators who have been considered and treated as outsiders have nonetheless persisted in creating visionary films that drew audiences across the globe and defined culture,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Former Outlier Society, Paramount VP of production replaces John Hegeman.
Veteran executive and producer Alana Mayo has joined Orion Pictures as president as the relaunched label pivots towards focusing exclusively on underrepresented voices.
Mayo becomes one of the very few female black executives in Hollywood to head a studio division. Last year Nicole Brown took over as EVP of TRiStar in charge of deveopment and production following the departure of Hannah Minghella.
The Orion Pictures move comes as John Hegeman and his team are departing the company. Hegeman was appointed Orion Pictures president in late 2017.
Mayo, a former vice-president of production at Paramount,...
Veteran executive and producer Alana Mayo has joined Orion Pictures as president as the relaunched label pivots towards focusing exclusively on underrepresented voices.
Mayo becomes one of the very few female black executives in Hollywood to head a studio division. Last year Nicole Brown took over as EVP of TRiStar in charge of deveopment and production following the departure of Hannah Minghella.
The Orion Pictures move comes as John Hegeman and his team are departing the company. Hegeman was appointed Orion Pictures president in late 2017.
Mayo, a former vice-president of production at Paramount,...
- 8/20/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
MGM’s Orion Pictures is relaunching its brand as a studio label for underrepresented voices and has named veteran industry executive and producer Alana Mayo as the new Orion Pictures president, Michael De Luca, MGM’s film group chairman and Pam Abdy, MGM’s film group president.
In an internal memo from De Luca and Abdy shared with TheWrap, John Hegeman will be stepping down from his role at Orion in early October after three years with the label, as will his team, following the opening of the studio’s latest release “Bill & Ted Face the Music.”
The new Orion will focus on developing, producing and acquiring features that amplify underserved voices in front of and behind the camera.
Also Read: 'Bill & Ted Face the Music': Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter Enjoy Father-Daughter Time (in Hell) in New Trailer (Video)
Mayo will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations,...
In an internal memo from De Luca and Abdy shared with TheWrap, John Hegeman will be stepping down from his role at Orion in early October after three years with the label, as will his team, following the opening of the studio’s latest release “Bill & Ted Face the Music.”
The new Orion will focus on developing, producing and acquiring features that amplify underserved voices in front of and behind the camera.
Also Read: 'Bill & Ted Face the Music': Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter Enjoy Father-Daughter Time (in Hell) in New Trailer (Video)
Mayo will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In a hot button moment where many are scrutinizing the paucity of females in the Oscar nominations, Gigi Saul Guerrero continues to establish herself as a new voice in genre, a space usually haunted by men. She has just been set by Orion Pictures to direct the horror thriller 10-31, about a young woman who takes her niece and nephew trick-or-treating and discovers a note inside a candy wrapper informing her there’s a killer loose on her block.
The script was written by Ian Shorr and Peter Gamble, based on a story by Laurie Ashbourne and screen story by Kathy Charles. Eli Roth is producing alongside Roger Birnbaum through their Arts District Entertainment, and John Zaozirny through Bellevue Productions. This comes after Guerrero was set to direct an untitled film based on the mythology of Santa Muerte for Screen Gems. Guerrero is under a first-look film and TV deal with Blumhouse,...
The script was written by Ian Shorr and Peter Gamble, based on a story by Laurie Ashbourne and screen story by Kathy Charles. Eli Roth is producing alongside Roger Birnbaum through their Arts District Entertainment, and John Zaozirny through Bellevue Productions. This comes after Guerrero was set to direct an untitled film based on the mythology of Santa Muerte for Screen Gems. Guerrero is under a first-look film and TV deal with Blumhouse,...
- 1/14/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
In the upcoming Child's Play remake, the Buddi doll Chucky is "more than just a toy, he's your best friend," and at WonderCon in Anaheim, it was announced that Mark Hamill will voice Chucky in the new movie.
The news of Hamill voicing Chucky was revealed at WonderCon in a new video featuring Mark Hamill, which has now been releaed online (see below) on the remake's official Twitter account.
In addition to playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, Hamill has an extensive career in voice acting, with one of his most memorable roles being The Joker in multiple Batman projects, including Batman: The Animated Series.
In all previous films in the Child's Play franchise, Chucky was voiced by Brad Dourif, who also played Charles Lee Ray, a serial killer who possesses a "Good Guys" doll in his dying moments and goes on a killing rampage through seven movies.
The news of Hamill voicing Chucky was revealed at WonderCon in a new video featuring Mark Hamill, which has now been releaed online (see below) on the remake's official Twitter account.
In addition to playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, Hamill has an extensive career in voice acting, with one of his most memorable roles being The Joker in multiple Batman projects, including Batman: The Animated Series.
In all previous films in the Child's Play franchise, Chucky was voiced by Brad Dourif, who also played Charles Lee Ray, a serial killer who possesses a "Good Guys" doll in his dying moments and goes on a killing rampage through seven movies.
- 3/31/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
As promised in the fictional Kaslan Corp's announcement video for their "Artificial Intelligence human companion" Buddi, the first trailer for the Child's Play remake premiered before screenings of The Prodigy, and now it's been released online for everyone to see.
Starring Aubrey Plaza as Karen, Brian Tyree Henry as Mike, and Gabriel Bateman as Andy, the Child's Play remake was directed by Lars Klevberg (Polaroid) from a screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith (Kung Fury).
The new Child's Play is a reimagining of the 1988 film of the same name directed by Tom Holland from a screenplay he co-wrote along with Don Mancini and John Lafia.
While the previous entries in the Child's Play franchise featured a killer "Good Guys" doll possessed by the serial killer Charles Lee Ray, the remake will take the tech-centric route with the AI-enhanced "Buddi" doll.
Mancini is looking to continue the storyline of the previous movies...
Starring Aubrey Plaza as Karen, Brian Tyree Henry as Mike, and Gabriel Bateman as Andy, the Child's Play remake was directed by Lars Klevberg (Polaroid) from a screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith (Kung Fury).
The new Child's Play is a reimagining of the 1988 film of the same name directed by Tom Holland from a screenplay he co-wrote along with Don Mancini and John Lafia.
While the previous entries in the Child's Play franchise featured a killer "Good Guys" doll possessed by the serial killer Charles Lee Ray, the remake will take the tech-centric route with the AI-enhanced "Buddi" doll.
Mancini is looking to continue the storyline of the previous movies...
- 2/8/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Development marks 100th anniversary of United Artists launch.
MGM and Annapurna Pictures have expanded their distribution partnership and branded their existing joint venture as United Artists Releasing.
Tuesday’s (Feb 5) development comes 100 years to the day after the launch of United Artists. The parties said the new expanded venture would be bolstered by the addition of the Orion Pictures distribution team and cover releases from tentpoles to lower budget films to auteur-driven awards bait.
The United Artists Releasing hierarchy plans to work with MGM and Annapurna as well as third-party filmmakers. Laika’s animated feature Missing Link (pictured) will be...
MGM and Annapurna Pictures have expanded their distribution partnership and branded their existing joint venture as United Artists Releasing.
Tuesday’s (Feb 5) development comes 100 years to the day after the launch of United Artists. The parties said the new expanded venture would be bolstered by the addition of the Orion Pictures distribution team and cover releases from tentpoles to lower budget films to auteur-driven awards bait.
The United Artists Releasing hierarchy plans to work with MGM and Annapurna as well as third-party filmmakers. Laika’s animated feature Missing Link (pictured) will be...
- 2/6/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Annapurna and MGM announced on Tuesday that they are expanding their existing theatrical distribution joint venture, branding the collaboration as United Artists Releasing.
The expansion of the Annapurna and MGM’s collaboration, which began in December 2017, marks the return of the United Artists banner. United Artists opened its doors for the first time 100 years ago on Feb. 5 and went on to become one of the most iconic movie studios in history.
“I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to expand this releasing venture under the iconic banner that is United Artists. Annapurna was founded with a very similar intent as the original [United Artists] in 1919 – to provide a home for artists and their creations in hopes of moving our culture forward,” said Annapurna founder and CEO Megan Ellison in a statement. “With the major corporations continuing to consolidate, I believe it is important to have an independent option to...
The expansion of the Annapurna and MGM’s collaboration, which began in December 2017, marks the return of the United Artists banner. United Artists opened its doors for the first time 100 years ago on Feb. 5 and went on to become one of the most iconic movie studios in history.
“I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to expand this releasing venture under the iconic banner that is United Artists. Annapurna was founded with a very similar intent as the original [United Artists] in 1919 – to provide a home for artists and their creations in hopes of moving our culture forward,” said Annapurna founder and CEO Megan Ellison in a statement. “With the major corporations continuing to consolidate, I believe it is important to have an independent option to...
- 2/5/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Development marks 100th anniversary of United Artists launch.
MGM and Annapurna Pictures have expanded their distribution partnership and branded their existing joint venture as United Artists Releasing.
Tuesday’s (5) development comes 100 years to the day after the launch of United Artists. The parties said the new expanded venture would be bolstered by the addition of the Orion Pictures distribution team and cover releases from tentpoles to lower budget films to auteur-driven awards bait.
The United Artists Releasing hierarchy plans to work with MGM and Annapurna as well as third-party filmmakers. Laika’s animated feature Missing Link (pictured) will be the first to go in April,...
MGM and Annapurna Pictures have expanded their distribution partnership and branded their existing joint venture as United Artists Releasing.
Tuesday’s (5) development comes 100 years to the day after the launch of United Artists. The parties said the new expanded venture would be bolstered by the addition of the Orion Pictures distribution team and cover releases from tentpoles to lower budget films to auteur-driven awards bait.
The United Artists Releasing hierarchy plans to work with MGM and Annapurna as well as third-party filmmakers. Laika’s animated feature Missing Link (pictured) will be the first to go in April,...
- 2/5/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
"More than a toy... he's your best friend." While the Child's Play franchise featured the terrors of a corrupted Good Guys doll, the remake will focus on the horrors of a malevolent "Buddi" doll, as evidenced by the film's new poster, which also reveals the movie's 2019 release date.
The new poster was unveiled on the official Child's Play Facebook page (see below) with the caption, "The fun is just getting started. Your best friend hits theaters nationwide on June 21, 2019."
Despite the different name, the killer doll still looks very similar to the Good Guys doll named Chucky from the previous seven installments in the franchise. It's not yet known if the doll in the new movie will be named Chucky, nor has it been announced who will voice him (Brad Dourif has given life to the iconic character in all seven movies thus far), but we'll keep Daily Dead readers...
The new poster was unveiled on the official Child's Play Facebook page (see below) with the caption, "The fun is just getting started. Your best friend hits theaters nationwide on June 21, 2019."
Despite the different name, the killer doll still looks very similar to the Good Guys doll named Chucky from the previous seven installments in the franchise. It's not yet known if the doll in the new movie will be named Chucky, nor has it been announced who will voice him (Brad Dourif has given life to the iconic character in all seven movies thus far), but we'll keep Daily Dead readers...
- 11/13/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The phenomenon of treating anthology series as collections of films is a fairly recent invention — episodes of “Sherlock” and “Black Mirror” have won the past three best TV movie Emmys, beating out genuine-article made-for-tv movies. It’s easy to be dubious about the treatment of these shows, whose episodes share a united sensibility as well as overarching themes and, in “Sherlock’s” case, characters, as stand-alone pieces of cinema. But with its first installment, debuting Oct. 5 after screening at the Los Angeles Film Festival Sept. 21, Hulu’s new anthology “Into the Dark” comes far closer to looking like a new film franchise than its contemporaries. Indeed, it looks so much like one of executive producer Jason Blum’s horror movies that it fails to captivate as TV.
Blum, the producer of films including the Oscar-winning “Get Out,” is best known for projects a bit less high-toned, propulsive and inexpensively made...
Blum, the producer of films including the Oscar-winning “Get Out,” is best known for projects a bit less high-toned, propulsive and inexpensively made...
- 9/22/2018
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Following the announcement that production has begun in Vancouver on a remake of 1988's Child's Play, the first image of the killer doll from the modern reimagining has now been revealed, and he just wants to be your friend... till the end.
Unveiled on the official Child's Play Facebook page (see below) with the caption, "Wanna play? Your best friend is getting an update," the killer doll looks very similar to the Good Guys doll named Chucky from the previous seven installments in the franchise. It's not yet known if the doll in the new movie will be named Chucky, nor has it been announced who will voice him (Brad Dourif has given life to the iconic character in all seven movies thus far), but we'll keep Daily Dead readers updated as more details are divulged.
The Child's Play remake will feature Aubrey Plaza playing the role of Karen, Brian Tyree Henry as Mike,...
Unveiled on the official Child's Play Facebook page (see below) with the caption, "Wanna play? Your best friend is getting an update," the killer doll looks very similar to the Good Guys doll named Chucky from the previous seven installments in the franchise. It's not yet known if the doll in the new movie will be named Chucky, nor has it been announced who will voice him (Brad Dourif has given life to the iconic character in all seven movies thus far), but we'll keep Daily Dead readers updated as more details are divulged.
The Child's Play remake will feature Aubrey Plaza playing the role of Karen, Brian Tyree Henry as Mike,...
- 9/21/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Back in July, it was revealed that a remake of 1988's Child Play was in development, and now MGM and Orion Pictures have announced that production on the contemporary reimagining has commenced in Vancouver, with Aubrey Plaza playing the role of Karen, Brian Tyree Henry as Mike, and Gabriel Bateman playing Andy.
Lars Klevberg (Polaroid) is directing the new Child's Play movie from a screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith (Kung Fury), with David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith on board as producers.
The original Child's Play was directed by Tom Holland (Fright Night) and co-written by Don Mancini, who has kept the franchise alive by writing six sequels and directing the three most recent installments, and he's also developing a Child's Play TV series. At this time, it does not look like the remake will be connected to the detailed timeline of Mancini's movies.
Brad Dourif has voiced Chucky in all seven of the franchise's films,...
Lars Klevberg (Polaroid) is directing the new Child's Play movie from a screenplay by Tyler Burton Smith (Kung Fury), with David Katzenberg and Seth Grahame-Smith on board as producers.
The original Child's Play was directed by Tom Holland (Fright Night) and co-written by Don Mancini, who has kept the franchise alive by writing six sequels and directing the three most recent installments, and he's also developing a Child's Play TV series. At this time, it does not look like the remake will be connected to the detailed timeline of Mancini's movies.
Brad Dourif has voiced Chucky in all seven of the franchise's films,...
- 9/20/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Label originally launched in 1983; titles included Pedro Almodóvar’s Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown.
MGM-owned Orion Pictures has revived Orion Classics 35 years after its launch, reconfiguring it as a platform for multi-platform and specialised releases that will also use what the company said would be “innovative alternative distribution strategies worldwide.”
The company plans to release eight to 10 films a year across genres starting with Mike P. Nelson’s thriller The Domestics (pictured) starring Kate Bosworth and Tyler Hoechlin in the Us theatrically on June 28 and on VOD and digital a day later.
Orion Classics was formed...
MGM-owned Orion Pictures has revived Orion Classics 35 years after its launch, reconfiguring it as a platform for multi-platform and specialised releases that will also use what the company said would be “innovative alternative distribution strategies worldwide.”
The company plans to release eight to 10 films a year across genres starting with Mike P. Nelson’s thriller The Domestics (pictured) starring Kate Bosworth and Tyler Hoechlin in the Us theatrically on June 28 and on VOD and digital a day later.
Orion Classics was formed...
- 5/21/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
MGM is re-launching Orion Classics and has named Mike P. Nelson’s thriller The Domestics starring Kate Bosworth and Tyler Hoechlin (Everybody Wants Some!!) as its first release as the studio says it will focus on multiplatform and specialized releases and acquisitions. The label that is rising from the ashes will release eight to 10 films per year across genres, with The Domestics hitting theaters June 28 and then going to VOD and digital the following day.
The move follows last year’s resurrection of the Orion label and naming of John Hegeman as its president. Orion Classics will be run day to day by Sam Wollman, MGM’s Svp Acquisitions; he will work in conjunction with Hegeman and MGM President of Worldwide Television and Acquisitions Chris Ottinger. Orion Pictures’ first film, Every Day, was released into theaters in February and grossed $6.1M.
In its heyday, Orion Classics — which launched in 1983 — released what really was considered smaller,...
The move follows last year’s resurrection of the Orion label and naming of John Hegeman as its president. Orion Classics will be run day to day by Sam Wollman, MGM’s Svp Acquisitions; he will work in conjunction with Hegeman and MGM President of Worldwide Television and Acquisitions Chris Ottinger. Orion Pictures’ first film, Every Day, was released into theaters in February and grossed $6.1M.
In its heyday, Orion Classics — which launched in 1983 — released what really was considered smaller,...
- 5/21/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Since Daily Dead Managing Editor Heather Wixson gave it a five-star review at Fantastic Fest, we've been excited for readers to check out the zombie musical Anna and the Apocalypse, and now Orion Pictures has reportedly set a December release date for the horror comedy.
Deadline reports that Anna and the Apocalypse will be released in select Us theaters on Friday, December 7th, ahead of its nationwide release at a later date (that has yet to be announced). Stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates and check out the previous press release and teaser trailer below:
Previous Press Release: Los Angeles — Orion Pictures, recently relaunched by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a new, stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, has acquired the North American and Latin American rights to John McPhail’s award-winning zombie holiday musical Anna and the Apocalypse. The announcement was made today by John Hegeman, President,...
Deadline reports that Anna and the Apocalypse will be released in select Us theaters on Friday, December 7th, ahead of its nationwide release at a later date (that has yet to be announced). Stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates and check out the previous press release and teaser trailer below:
Previous Press Release: Los Angeles — Orion Pictures, recently relaunched by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a new, stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, has acquired the North American and Latin American rights to John McPhail’s award-winning zombie holiday musical Anna and the Apocalypse. The announcement was made today by John Hegeman, President,...
- 4/6/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
You may know him as Georgie, the boy who talked to Pennywise through the sewer drain one fateful rainy day in Derry in the new It movie, but Jackson Robert Scott is wasting no time taking on other roles in the genre, as the young actor will play one of the lead roles in an untitled horror movie from director Nicholas McCarthy (The Pact) and screenwriter Jeff Buhler (The Midnight Meat Train), which is in development at Orion Pictures:
Press Release:Los Angeles – March 2, 2018 — Orion Pictures announced today that breakout star Jackson Robert Scott will play the young lead in Nicholas McCarthy’s upcoming untitled horror film, formerly known as Descendant, the announcement was made today by John Hegeman, President, Orion Pictures. Scott, most recently seen as Georgie Denbrough in the blockbuster Stephen King adaptation of It, joins previously announced Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Taylor Schilling (Orange Is the New Black...
Press Release:Los Angeles – March 2, 2018 — Orion Pictures announced today that breakout star Jackson Robert Scott will play the young lead in Nicholas McCarthy’s upcoming untitled horror film, formerly known as Descendant, the announcement was made today by John Hegeman, President, Orion Pictures. Scott, most recently seen as Georgie Denbrough in the blockbuster Stephen King adaptation of It, joins previously announced Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Taylor Schilling (Orange Is the New Black...
- 3/5/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Taylor Schilling is set to topline the thriller Descendant for MGM's Orion Pictures.
The feature tells the story of a young mother who, concerned about her 8-year-old son’s disturbing behavior, thinks something supernatural may be affecting him. Nicholas McCarthy will direct from a screenplay by Jeff Buhler.
Tripp Vinson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) will produce Descendant, which is expected to begin production in March in Toronto. Daniel Bekerman, Lisa Zambri, Nick Spicer and Jeff Buhler will serve as executive producers.
In 2017, MGM relaunched Orion as a stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, headed by John Hegeman. The first feature set...
The feature tells the story of a young mother who, concerned about her 8-year-old son’s disturbing behavior, thinks something supernatural may be affecting him. Nicholas McCarthy will direct from a screenplay by Jeff Buhler.
Tripp Vinson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) will produce Descendant, which is expected to begin production in March in Toronto. Daniel Bekerman, Lisa Zambri, Nick Spicer and Jeff Buhler will serve as executive producers.
In 2017, MGM relaunched Orion as a stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, headed by John Hegeman. The first feature set...
- 2/8/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Smt Heads, Orion Pictures’ upcoming Anna And The Apocalypse has made the New Year ring! Coupled with Victor Crowley Final Trailer, indie horror is back and ready to put the chop down!
Dark Sky Films has brought the goods for Kane Hodder’s other Vintage Slasher hero. Check it out here:
Victor Crowley Fan-favorite Slasher Franchise Will Be Released On VOD And Digital on February 6, 2018 Dark Sky Films has announced the official release date of Victor Crowley, the surprise fourth film in the fan-favorite Hatchet franchise. The film will be released on VOD, Digital and Blu-ray and DVD on February 6, 2018. Kept tightly under wraps for over two years, the slasher reboot unexpectedly debuted this past August. The highly anticipated release was shown in theaters across the country in October as part of the “Victor Crowley Road Show.” Set a decade after the events of the series’ first three films, Victor...
Dark Sky Films has brought the goods for Kane Hodder’s other Vintage Slasher hero. Check it out here:
Victor Crowley Fan-favorite Slasher Franchise Will Be Released On VOD And Digital on February 6, 2018 Dark Sky Films has announced the official release date of Victor Crowley, the surprise fourth film in the fan-favorite Hatchet franchise. The film will be released on VOD, Digital and Blu-ray and DVD on February 6, 2018. Kept tightly under wraps for over two years, the slasher reboot unexpectedly debuted this past August. The highly anticipated release was shown in theaters across the country in October as part of the “Victor Crowley Road Show.” Set a decade after the events of the series’ first three films, Victor...
- 1/11/2018
- by Jason Stewart
- Age of the Nerd
Since Daily Dead Managing Editor Heather Wixson gave it a five-star review at Fantastic Fest, we've been excited for readers to check out the zombie musical Anna and the Apocalypse, and now horror fans are one step closer to seeing the horror comedy deck the cinematic halls, as Orion Pictures has acquired the film and is planning a holiday season release this year.
Press Release: Los Angeles – January 9, 2018 — Orion Pictures, recently relaunched by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a new, stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, has acquired the North American and Latin American rights to John McPhail’s award-winning zombie holiday musical Anna and the Apocalypse. The announcement was made today by John Hegeman, President, Orion Pictures. Orion plans to release Anna and the Apocalypse in the 2018 holiday season.
The film stars Ella Hunt (Our Robot Overlords) as Anna, Mark Benton (The Halcyon), Paul Kaye (Game Of Thrones) and...
Press Release: Los Angeles – January 9, 2018 — Orion Pictures, recently relaunched by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a new, stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, has acquired the North American and Latin American rights to John McPhail’s award-winning zombie holiday musical Anna and the Apocalypse. The announcement was made today by John Hegeman, President, Orion Pictures. Orion plans to release Anna and the Apocalypse in the 2018 holiday season.
The film stars Ella Hunt (Our Robot Overlords) as Anna, Mark Benton (The Halcyon), Paul Kaye (Game Of Thrones) and...
- 1/9/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
When Annapurna Pictures moved into distribution, Hollywood viewed the move as bold but bizarre. In a market where indies struggle to survive, it was a strange time to reinvent a dying economic model. Now after several costly, high-profile failures, Annapurna and MGM will work together to distribute their films theatrically in the U.S.
Annapurna hired veteran talent — from ex-Weinstein distribution president Erik Lomis and studio marketing exec Marc Weinstock to Focus Features’ publicity chief Adrienne Bowles — but they inexplicably chose “Detroit” as its first release. From director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal, the Oscar-winning team behind “The Hurt Locker” and Annapurna’s “Zero Dark Thirty,” this intense recreation of the 1967 race riot in Detroit is a tough sit and demanded special handling from the neophyte distributor.
The movie (Metascore: 78) opened well in 20 theaters in late July, but collapsed when it went wide to 2,800 screens the following weekend. (It topped out at $16.8 million domestic.
Annapurna hired veteran talent — from ex-Weinstein distribution president Erik Lomis and studio marketing exec Marc Weinstock to Focus Features’ publicity chief Adrienne Bowles — but they inexplicably chose “Detroit” as its first release. From director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal, the Oscar-winning team behind “The Hurt Locker” and Annapurna’s “Zero Dark Thirty,” this intense recreation of the 1967 race riot in Detroit is a tough sit and demanded special handling from the neophyte distributor.
The movie (Metascore: 78) opened well in 20 theaters in late July, but collapsed when it went wide to 2,800 screens the following weekend. (It topped out at $16.8 million domestic.
- 10/31/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
When Annapurna Pictures moved into distribution, Hollywood viewed the move as bold but bizarre. In a market where indies struggle to survive, it was a strange time to reinvent a dying economic model. Now after several costly, high-profile failures, Annapurna and MGM will work together to distribute their films theatrically in the U.S.
Annapurna hired veteran talent — from ex-Weinstein distribution president Erik Lomis and studio marketing exec Marc Weinstock to Focus Features’ publicity chief Adrienne Bowles — but they inexplicably chose “Detroit” as its first release. From director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal, the Oscar-winning team behind “The Hurt Locker” and Annapurna’s “Zero Dark Thirty,” this intense recreation of the 1967 race riot in Detroit is a tough sit and demanded special handling from the neophyte distributor.
The movie (Metascore: 78) opened well in 20 theaters in late July, but collapsed when it went wide to 2,800 screens the following weekend. (It topped out at $16.8 million domestic.
Annapurna hired veteran talent — from ex-Weinstein distribution president Erik Lomis and studio marketing exec Marc Weinstock to Focus Features’ publicity chief Adrienne Bowles — but they inexplicably chose “Detroit” as its first release. From director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal, the Oscar-winning team behind “The Hurt Locker” and Annapurna’s “Zero Dark Thirty,” this intense recreation of the 1967 race riot in Detroit is a tough sit and demanded special handling from the neophyte distributor.
The movie (Metascore: 78) opened well in 20 theaters in late July, but collapsed when it went wide to 2,800 screens the following weekend. (It topped out at $16.8 million domestic.
- 10/31/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Kevin Shelby has joined Orion Pictures as its senior vp marketing and distribution, it was announced Monday by Orion Pictures president John Hegeman, to whom Shelby will report.
Orion is MGM’s newly relaunched label, which plans to market and distribute four to six modestly budgeted films a year, both wide and limited releases, for targeted audiences.
Shelby, who will oversee day-to-day operations of Orion’s theatrical marketing and distribution, most recently served as senior vp marketing at Bh Tilt, where he also worked with Hegeman and where he oversaw the planning, development and execution of marketing, distribution and advertising for theatrical...
Orion is MGM’s newly relaunched label, which plans to market and distribute four to six modestly budgeted films a year, both wide and limited releases, for targeted audiences.
Shelby, who will oversee day-to-day operations of Orion’s theatrical marketing and distribution, most recently served as senior vp marketing at Bh Tilt, where he also worked with Hegeman and where he oversaw the planning, development and execution of marketing, distribution and advertising for theatrical...
- 10/24/2017
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Orion Pictures has hired Kevin Shelby as Senior VP, Marketing and Distribution to oversee the day-to-day management of the division’s operations. This comes after Kevin Wilson was hired as Executive VP, Distribution earlier this month. Both report to John Hegeman, President, Orion Pictures. Shelby most recently served as Senior VP, Marketing at Bh Tilt where he oversaw the planning, development and execution of marketing, distribution and advertising for such theatrical…...
- 10/23/2017
- Deadline
Kevin Wilson has just been hired as exec VP, distribution at the recently re-launched Orion Pictures which is steadily building its executive ranks as it works to become a stand-alone theatrical marketing and distribution company. Wilson, who most recently was senior VP of sales at Open Road Films, will report to John Hegeman, President of Orion Pictures. He will start in his new job today. MGM announced in early Sept. that it was re-booting legacy brand Orion Pictures to…...
- 10/16/2017
- Deadline
Kevin Wilson, previously an exec at Open Road Films, has joined Orion Pictures as executive vp distribution.
Orion is filling up its ranks since being relaunched by MGM in September to be the new stand-alone theatrical marketing and distribution outfit for the U.S. Orion president John Hegeman previously tapped former Sony Pictures exec Dan Kagan as vp, production and acquisitions.
According to Monday's announcement, Wilson, who will report to Hageman and who begins his new role at the company immediately, will oversee all aspects of theatrical distribution on behalf of Orion’s slate and acquisitions.
The company’s first release...
Orion is filling up its ranks since being relaunched by MGM in September to be the new stand-alone theatrical marketing and distribution outfit for the U.S. Orion president John Hegeman previously tapped former Sony Pictures exec Dan Kagan as vp, production and acquisitions.
According to Monday's announcement, Wilson, who will report to Hageman and who begins his new role at the company immediately, will oversee all aspects of theatrical distribution on behalf of Orion’s slate and acquisitions.
The company’s first release...
- 10/16/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The recently restarted Orion Pictures has made it official, making Sony Pictures’ Dan Kagan its first big hire since parent MGM relaunched it this month as a new, stand-alone marketing and distribution outfit under president John Hegeman. Kagan will become VP Production & Acquisitions after exiting his Sony role as Director of Development. Kagan and VP Production Eric Fineman both departed Sony Pictures today, with the latter segueing to Sony-based Pascal Pictures.We’re…...
- 9/26/2017
- Deadline
Orion Pictures has made its first significant hire since being relaunched earlier this month by MGM to be the new stand-alone theatrical marketing and distribution outfit for the U.S.
Dan Kagan, who just left Sony Pictures Entertainment, had been named vp, production and acquisitions, reporting to Orion president John Hegeman.
Kagan will begin his new role at the company on Monday and will be responsible for managing the development, production and acquisition of feature films on behalf of Orion.
“Dan is sharp and passionate about what he does. He understands the creative process and has a keen...
Dan Kagan, who just left Sony Pictures Entertainment, had been named vp, production and acquisitions, reporting to Orion president John Hegeman.
Kagan will begin his new role at the company on Monday and will be responsible for managing the development, production and acquisition of feature films on behalf of Orion.
“Dan is sharp and passionate about what he does. He understands the creative process and has a keen...
- 9/26/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has slowly worked its way out of a financial morass, and now chairman/CEO Gary Barber has revived its venerable Orion Pictures label as a full-service distribution company with marketing executive John Hegeman as president. Positioned right before the Toronto acquisitions market, Orion has announced its first release with Michael Sucsy’s young adult romance, “Every Day” (February 2, 2018), starring Angourie Rice, Maria Bello, and Debby Ryan.
Founded in 1978 by the United Artists management troika of Arthur Krim, Eric Pleskow, and Robert Benjamin (partnering with Warner Bros.), Orion Pictures produced and released films and television until 1999. In its prime, Orion was home to four Best Picture Oscar winners: Milos Forman’s “Amadeus” (1984), Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” (1986), Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” (1990), and Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Also landing Best Picture nominations were Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and Alan Parker’s “Mississippi Burning...
Founded in 1978 by the United Artists management troika of Arthur Krim, Eric Pleskow, and Robert Benjamin (partnering with Warner Bros.), Orion Pictures produced and released films and television until 1999. In its prime, Orion was home to four Best Picture Oscar winners: Milos Forman’s “Amadeus” (1984), Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” (1986), Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” (1990), and Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Also landing Best Picture nominations were Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and Alan Parker’s “Mississippi Burning...
- 9/6/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has slowly worked its way out of a financial morass, and now chairman/CEO Gary Barber has revived its venerable Orion Pictures label as a full-service distribution company with marketing executive John Hegeman as president. Positioned right before the Toronto acquisitions market, Orion has announced its first release with Michael Sucsy’s young adult romance, “Every Day” (February 2, 2018), starring Angourie Rice, Maria Bello, and Debby Ryan.
Founded in 1978 by the United Artists management troika of Arthur Krim, Eric Pleskow, and Robert Benjamin (partnering with Warner Bros.), Orion Pictures produced and released films and television until 1999. In its prime, Orion was home to four Best Picture Oscar winners: Milos Forman’s “Amadeus” (1984), Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” (1986), Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” (1990), and Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Also landing Best Picture nominations were Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and Alan Parker’s “Mississippi Burning...
Founded in 1978 by the United Artists management troika of Arthur Krim, Eric Pleskow, and Robert Benjamin (partnering with Warner Bros.), Orion Pictures produced and released films and television until 1999. In its prime, Orion was home to four Best Picture Oscar winners: Milos Forman’s “Amadeus” (1984), Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” (1986), Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” (1990), and Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Also landing Best Picture nominations were Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and Alan Parker’s “Mississippi Burning...
- 9/6/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
It was 26 years ago when the original Orion Pictures — known back then for winning more Academy Awards than any studio in town — filed for bankruptcy protection. Now MGM is re-launching the legacy brand as a stand-alone label and has named former Orion exec John Hegeman as president. The first release will come February 2, 2018 with the Ya romancer Every Day directed by Michael Sucsy and starring Angourie Rice, Maria Bello and Debby Ryan. Hegeman, who comes over from…...
- 9/6/2017
- Deadline
MGM has relaunched Orion Pictures as a stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company.
Orion will be headed by John Hegeman, who will report to MGM Motion Picture Group president Jonathan Glickman. The plan is that Orion will market and distribute four to six modestly budgeted films a year.
Hegeman, who spent over a decade at Orion, most recently was president of Blumhouse Productions’ Bh Tilt. He has worked on theatrical marketing campaigns for Fury, 28 Weeks Later and The Blair Witch Project, among others.
The first film that will be released under the newly reinstated label will be MGM's adaptation of Michael...
Orion will be headed by John Hegeman, who will report to MGM Motion Picture Group president Jonathan Glickman. The plan is that Orion will market and distribute four to six modestly budgeted films a year.
Hegeman, who spent over a decade at Orion, most recently was president of Blumhouse Productions’ Bh Tilt. He has worked on theatrical marketing campaigns for Fury, 28 Weeks Later and The Blair Witch Project, among others.
The first film that will be released under the newly reinstated label will be MGM's adaptation of Michael...
- 9/6/2017
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MGM is relaunching Orion Pictures as a new, standalone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, MGM’s Chairman and CEO Gary Barber announced Wednesday.
Veteran entertainment executive John Hegeman will be appointed to the newly created role of President of Orion Pictures. He will report to Jonathan Glickman, MGM’s President of the Motion Picture Group, beginning next week.
The first film set to be released under the new standalone label will be Michael Sucsy’s YA romance “Every Day,” starring Angourie Rice, Maria Bello and Debby Ryan. The film will hit theaters on Feb. 2, 2018. “Every Day” is based on the New.
Veteran entertainment executive John Hegeman will be appointed to the newly created role of President of Orion Pictures. He will report to Jonathan Glickman, MGM’s President of the Motion Picture Group, beginning next week.
The first film set to be released under the new standalone label will be Michael Sucsy’s YA romance “Every Day,” starring Angourie Rice, Maria Bello and Debby Ryan. The film will hit theaters on Feb. 2, 2018. “Every Day” is based on the New.
- 9/6/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Following its recent world premiere at Tiff, The Belko Experiment has been acquired by Orion and Bh Tilt, who have announced a March 2017 theatrical release date for the workplace horror film directed by Greg McLean from a screenplay by James Gunn:
Press Release: (Toronto, Canada, September 11th)- On the heels of a raucous debut screening at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness, Orion and Bh Tilt announced today that they are partnering to release The Belko Experiment directed by Greg McLean (The Darkness, Wolf Creek), written and produced by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and produced by Peter Safran (The Conjuring and Annabelle).
The film will debut in theaters on March 17th, 2017. Bh Tilt is Blumhouse’s releasing company run by John Hegeman that takes advantage of new distribution and marketing strategies to release targeted films backed by digitally heavy campaigns.
Press Release: (Toronto, Canada, September 11th)- On the heels of a raucous debut screening at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness, Orion and Bh Tilt announced today that they are partnering to release The Belko Experiment directed by Greg McLean (The Darkness, Wolf Creek), written and produced by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and produced by Peter Safran (The Conjuring and Annabelle).
The film will debut in theaters on March 17th, 2017. Bh Tilt is Blumhouse’s releasing company run by John Hegeman that takes advantage of new distribution and marketing strategies to release targeted films backed by digitally heavy campaigns.
- 9/11/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Vertical Entertainment and Xyz Films are embracing seasonal scares by acquiring worldwide distribution rights to Holidays. Featuring segments from directors including Kevin Smith and Starry Eyes’ Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, the horror anthology now has VOD and theatrical release dates and is teased in a new trailer.
Holidays will make its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 14th, and fans won’t have to wait long to see it at home, either, as the film will be released on digital and VOD platforms on April 15th, followed by a theatrical release beginning April 22nd:
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA (March 14, 2016) – Vertical Entertainment and Xyz Films have partnered to acquire the global distribution of the horror anthology Holidays, which was produced by John Hegeman’s Distant Corners Entertainment in association with Xyz Films. The film will have its world premiere at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival on April 14th.
Holidays will make its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 14th, and fans won’t have to wait long to see it at home, either, as the film will be released on digital and VOD platforms on April 15th, followed by a theatrical release beginning April 22nd:
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA (March 14, 2016) – Vertical Entertainment and Xyz Films have partnered to acquire the global distribution of the horror anthology Holidays, which was produced by John Hegeman’s Distant Corners Entertainment in association with Xyz Films. The film will have its world premiere at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival on April 14th.
- 3/14/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
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