Peacock has released some first-look images for Those About To Die, Roland Emmerich’s epic drama set in ancient Rome, starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins.
Also starring are Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, and Dimitri Leonidas. All 10 episodes of the series drop on Peacock on Thursday, July 18.
Created by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the drama series is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at theintersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner each direct five episodes,
The series was created by Robert Rodat, who also wrote five episodes.
Also starring are Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, and Dimitri Leonidas. All 10 episodes of the series drop on Peacock on Thursday, July 18.
Created by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the drama series is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at theintersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner each direct five episodes,
The series was created by Robert Rodat, who also wrote five episodes.
- 5/17/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock has revealed the first photos from Roland Emmerich’s epic drama series Those About to Die, set in ancient Rome. Emmerich directs the series and serves as executive producer.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins and a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim. All ten episodes of the series will launch on July 18.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. It explores a side of ancient Rome never before told—the dirty business of entertaining the masses and giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins and a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim. All ten episodes of the series will launch on July 18.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. It explores a side of ancient Rome never before told—the dirty business of entertaining the masses and giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
“I have always been fascinated by the history of the Roman Empire.
- 5/17/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
AGC Intl., the international sales arm of Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios, is launching sales in Cannes on director Matt Tyrnauer’s documentary feature “Nobu,” about world-renowned chef and hotelier Nobu Matsuhisa.
Matsuhisa’s path to success was strewn with obstacles, adversity and tragedy. His story will be uncovered by Tyrnauer, the former editor-at-large at Vanity Fair, with exclusive access to the chef, his global empire, and his key collaborators, friends and famous fans.
Tyrnauer’s films have included “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” which was shortlisted for an Academy Award for documentary feature; the Emmy-nominated multi-part series “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons,” about the man behind the commercial empire and his hidden ties to Jeffrey Epstein; “Where’s My Roy Cohn?,” about the Svengali behind Joseph McCarthy and Donald Trump; “Studio 54,” about the famed New York City nightclub that became a cultural phenomenon; “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood,” about...
Matsuhisa’s path to success was strewn with obstacles, adversity and tragedy. His story will be uncovered by Tyrnauer, the former editor-at-large at Vanity Fair, with exclusive access to the chef, his global empire, and his key collaborators, friends and famous fans.
Tyrnauer’s films have included “Valentino: The Last Emperor,” which was shortlisted for an Academy Award for documentary feature; the Emmy-nominated multi-part series “Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons,” about the man behind the commercial empire and his hidden ties to Jeffrey Epstein; “Where’s My Roy Cohn?,” about the Svengali behind Joseph McCarthy and Donald Trump; “Studio 54,” about the famed New York City nightclub that became a cultural phenomenon; “Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood,” about...
- 5/17/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Physician turned #1 Nyt bestselling author Robin Cook is partnering with Euro Gang Entertainment, the entertainment company of Gianni Nunnari and Simon Horsman, on a pair of new projects for film and TV.
The first, Bellevue, will be a feature based on Cook’s forthcoming novel of the same name, which marks a departure for the author as a dark and atmospheric work of horror. Slated for publication in December, the book tells the story of Mitt, a first-year surgical resident at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Mitt has a long and dark family history: his physicians’ forebears are guilty of grievous sins, extreme instances of medical malpractice committed at the very hospital where he now studies. Set against the gloom of supernatural haunting, and amidst gruesomely accurate surgical imagery, Bellevue is the story of supernatural vengeance for the sins of Mitt’s ancestors.
The second project being developed...
The first, Bellevue, will be a feature based on Cook’s forthcoming novel of the same name, which marks a departure for the author as a dark and atmospheric work of horror. Slated for publication in December, the book tells the story of Mitt, a first-year surgical resident at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Mitt has a long and dark family history: his physicians’ forebears are guilty of grievous sins, extreme instances of medical malpractice committed at the very hospital where he now studies. Set against the gloom of supernatural haunting, and amidst gruesomely accurate surgical imagery, Bellevue is the story of supernatural vengeance for the sins of Mitt’s ancestors.
The second project being developed...
- 4/15/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock revealed the teaser for Those About to Die during WWE WrestleMania Xl and announced a July 18 premiere date. Roland Emmerich directs the series and serves as executive producer.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins alongside a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
All ten episodes of Those About to Die launch July 18, just in time for viewers to also watch the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Those About to Die stars two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins alongside a cast that includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, and Moe Hashim.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport.
The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
All ten episodes of Those About to Die launch July 18, just in time for viewers to also watch the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- 4/8/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Peacock has set the premiere date and released the first trailer for gladiator epic Those About To Die, starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins. All ten episodes of the series will drop Thursday, July 18 on the streamer.
Written by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the series stars Hopkins as Emperor Vaspasian during the height of the Roman Empire. The epic drama is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
The ensemble cast also includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones,...
Written by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction classic of the same name, the series stars Hopkins as Emperor Vaspasian during the height of the Roman Empire. The epic drama is set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.
The ensemble cast also includes Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones,...
- 4/7/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Euro Gang Entertainment, the company launched last year by Hollywood veterans Gianni Nunnari and Simon Horsman (“Legacy: The True Story of the L.A. Lakers”) is ramping up operations in Italy through a partnership with Rome-based Alfred Film, the young shingle co-founded by experienced producers Roberto Amoroso and Maria Theresia Braun.
The Euro Gang deal with Alfred currently comprises three feature films and an English-language TV series that will shoot in Italy and elsewhere, according to a statement.
Founded in 2020, Alfred Film – which is named in homage to Alfred Hitchcock – is focused on commercially-driven quality projects such as their mainstream comedy “Tre di Troppo,” directed by and starring Italian comedy draw Fabio De Luigi, which grossed €4.7 million ($5 million) at the local box office and is the third highest-grossing Italian film of 2023.
Amoroso is a former creative director at Sky Italia, where during a long stint at the pay-tv platform he was...
The Euro Gang deal with Alfred currently comprises three feature films and an English-language TV series that will shoot in Italy and elsewhere, according to a statement.
Founded in 2020, Alfred Film – which is named in homage to Alfred Hitchcock – is focused on commercially-driven quality projects such as their mainstream comedy “Tre di Troppo,” directed by and starring Italian comedy draw Fabio De Luigi, which grossed €4.7 million ($5 million) at the local box office and is the third highest-grossing Italian film of 2023.
Amoroso is a former creative director at Sky Italia, where during a long stint at the pay-tv platform he was...
- 4/5/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Euro Gang Entertainment, the company founded by Gianni Nunnari (300) and Simon Horsman (Legacy: The True Story Of The LA Lakers), has entered into a three picture and series deal with German writer-director Marco Kreuzpaintner who most recently co-directed with Roland Emmerich the big-budget 10-part gladiator series, Those About to Die, with Anthony Hopkins.
Alongside Euro Gang, Kreuzpaintner will produce and direct Drood, a series based on the book of the same name by U.S. author Dan Simmons (The Terror). The story revolves around a sinister and mysterious hunt through Victorian London’s perilous underground for a murderous specter, led by none other than Charles Dickens, and his best friend and fellow author, Wilkie Collins.
The second project, Black Vatican, is a contemporary horror series based on an original story by Andrea Nobile and Maurizio Curcio. Kreuzpaintner will direct the pilot penned by Alex Child, where the Pope, possessed by Satan,...
Alongside Euro Gang, Kreuzpaintner will produce and direct Drood, a series based on the book of the same name by U.S. author Dan Simmons (The Terror). The story revolves around a sinister and mysterious hunt through Victorian London’s perilous underground for a murderous specter, led by none other than Charles Dickens, and his best friend and fellow author, Wilkie Collins.
The second project, Black Vatican, is a contemporary horror series based on an original story by Andrea Nobile and Maurizio Curcio. Kreuzpaintner will direct the pilot penned by Alex Child, where the Pope, possessed by Satan,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: AGC Television is dropping a hot TV project into this week’s Series Mania market in Lille.
The Stone Quarry’s Zack Snyder (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Deborah Snyder (Wonder Woman) and Wesley Coller (Rebel Moon) are among producers of French Foreign Legion series Until The Last One, whose pilot is being directed by Eli Snyder, most recently second unit director on his father’s Rebel Moon.
The series will follow a British deserter from the infamous French Foreign Legion who is found twenty years after fleeing the harsh reality of his mercenary service and forced back with the new recruits in the thick of danger. The series will chart the violence and the politics of the global hotspots where the Legion are sent to fight and the emotional stories and scars carried by its recruits.
The Foreign Legion is famed for its uniqueness as a military outfit,...
The Stone Quarry’s Zack Snyder (Zack Snyder’s Justice League), Deborah Snyder (Wonder Woman) and Wesley Coller (Rebel Moon) are among producers of French Foreign Legion series Until The Last One, whose pilot is being directed by Eli Snyder, most recently second unit director on his father’s Rebel Moon.
The series will follow a British deserter from the infamous French Foreign Legion who is found twenty years after fleeing the harsh reality of his mercenary service and forced back with the new recruits in the thick of danger. The series will chart the violence and the politics of the global hotspots where the Legion are sent to fight and the emotional stories and scars carried by its recruits.
The Foreign Legion is famed for its uniqueness as a military outfit,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Zack Snyder is a prolific screenwriter, director, and producer who made his directorial debut with the 2004 movie, Dawn of the Dead. He came into the limelight with movies like 300 (2006) and Watchmen (2009), and then went on to establish the Dceu with movies like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the directorial cut of the 2017 release, Justice League. Recently, he sat with Joe Rogan for the latter’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, where Snyder shared many stories about his career.
Zack Snyder with Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
During the podcast, he talked about how if he got to make The Dark Knight Returns, that would be it for him – his legacy. He won’t need or want to make any more comic book movies if he gets to make Tdkr. He also said that though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had...
Zack Snyder with Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
During the podcast, he talked about how if he got to make The Dark Knight Returns, that would be it for him – his legacy. He won’t need or want to make any more comic book movies if he gets to make Tdkr. He also said that though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had...
- 3/7/2024
- by Swagata Das
- FandomWire
2023’s American Film Market may be shaping up for “a rather quiet year,” says Martin Moszkowicz, chairman of the executive board at Germany’s Constantin Film. That said, Moszkowicz will stay in Los Angeles for around 10 days. “We have so much business there – and much of it is not related directly to the market,” he says.
That seems very natural for one of Europe’s not only biggest but most ambitious and successful production-distribution companies, producer of “Resident Evil,” which has diversified fast, consolidating a robust domestic production-distribution business while shaping major plays for the international market and ramping up TV revenues.
Moszkowicz hits the AFM just weeks after “Dear Child: Limited Series” has hit Netflix’s Top 10 of most-watched non-English language TV series in the global streamer’s history. For 2024, Constantin has “Hagen von Tronje,” a revisionist retelling of the Nibelungen saga, which weighs in as one of its biggest movies ever.
That seems very natural for one of Europe’s not only biggest but most ambitious and successful production-distribution companies, producer of “Resident Evil,” which has diversified fast, consolidating a robust domestic production-distribution business while shaping major plays for the international market and ramping up TV revenues.
Moszkowicz hits the AFM just weeks after “Dear Child: Limited Series” has hit Netflix’s Top 10 of most-watched non-English language TV series in the global streamer’s history. For 2024, Constantin has “Hagen von Tronje,” a revisionist retelling of the Nibelungen saga, which weighs in as one of its biggest movies ever.
- 10/31/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Hollywood vet Gianni Nunnari, producer on movies including the 300 franchise, Immortals, and From Dusk Til Dawn, is teaming with producer Simon Horsman to launch Euro Gang Entertainment.
The company plans to develop, finance and produce movies, scripted and unscripted TV series, stage productions and other live events.
The outfit will have offices in London, Rome and Madrid, while keeping a base in Los Angeles, and is affiliated to Nunnari’s long-time label Hollywood Gang Productions, which will continue to develop and service legacy projects.
Euro Gang says it has more than 30 projects in development across various genres, formats, and budget ranges, and this week it sealed a co-development agreement with Warner Music Group’s film and TV division Warner Music Entertainment, headed by Charlie Cohen.
Under terms of the pact, the companies will co-develop nine scripted projects, which include original concepts,...
The company plans to develop, finance and produce movies, scripted and unscripted TV series, stage productions and other live events.
The outfit will have offices in London, Rome and Madrid, while keeping a base in Los Angeles, and is affiliated to Nunnari’s long-time label Hollywood Gang Productions, which will continue to develop and service legacy projects.
Euro Gang says it has more than 30 projects in development across various genres, formats, and budget ranges, and this week it sealed a co-development agreement with Warner Music Group’s film and TV division Warner Music Entertainment, headed by Charlie Cohen.
Under terms of the pact, the companies will co-develop nine scripted projects, which include original concepts,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Roland Emmerich is heading to next month’s Mipcom Cannes to present first-look footage from upcoming Gladiator epic Those About to Die.
AGC Studios and High End Productions will host an invite-only presentation on the first afternoon of the mid-October market, showcasing the footage along with a Q&a with the Godzilla auteur.
The $150M Anthony Hopkins-starring series will launch on Peacock in the U.S. later next year but AGC boss Stuart Ford recently told Deadline the producers eschewed a “worldwide streamer type deal” when putting together the financial package. Prime Video has bought the show in a wealth of European nations and the free TV rights outside the exclusive distribution window are still being negotiated with various licensees across Europe, according to Constantin Film in August. Principal photography is nearly complete at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios and the show, which falls outside of SAG-AFTRA strike restrictions,...
AGC Studios and High End Productions will host an invite-only presentation on the first afternoon of the mid-October market, showcasing the footage along with a Q&a with the Godzilla auteur.
The $150M Anthony Hopkins-starring series will launch on Peacock in the U.S. later next year but AGC boss Stuart Ford recently told Deadline the producers eschewed a “worldwide streamer type deal” when putting together the financial package. Prime Video has bought the show in a wealth of European nations and the free TV rights outside the exclusive distribution window are still being negotiated with various licensees across Europe, according to Constantin Film in August. Principal photography is nearly complete at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios and the show, which falls outside of SAG-AFTRA strike restrictions,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Roland Emmerich’s gladiator drama “Those About to Die,” which Prime Video has acquired exclusive streaming rights for in several European territories, is an ambitious project creatively, but it also breaks new ground in business terms.
With a budget north of $150 million for a 10-episode first season, it is the most expensive independently produced European series ever. For Emmerich, the German filmmaker best known for blockbuster movies such as “Independence Day,” the show is a new departure as well as it is his first foray into television. He is directing the show, alongside Marco Kreuzpaintner, and is also an executive producer.
The project was initiated by Emmerich’s Centropolis, Harald Kloser’s Street Entertainment and Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang, along with Bob Rodat, the screenwriter behind films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot.” It is inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix,...
With a budget north of $150 million for a 10-episode first season, it is the most expensive independently produced European series ever. For Emmerich, the German filmmaker best known for blockbuster movies such as “Independence Day,” the show is a new departure as well as it is his first foray into television. He is directing the show, alongside Marco Kreuzpaintner, and is also an executive producer.
The project was initiated by Emmerich’s Centropolis, Harald Kloser’s Street Entertainment and Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang, along with Bob Rodat, the screenwriter behind films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot.” It is inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime has given Roland Emmerich’s Those About To Die the thumbs up, taking rights to the upcoming gladiator action series across most of Europe. Anthony Hopkins stars as Roman emperor Vespasian in the 10-part series, inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix.
Amazon picked up exclusive rights to Those About To Die for its services in the five largest territories in Europe (Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain) as well as in Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Amazon will have exclusive rights for the show in those territories, with free-tv rights negotiated separately. Servus TV has secured the free TV window for Austria for the show, which will go out on Peacock in the U.S.. NBCUniversal’s streaming platform gave a straight-to-series order for the show.
Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan...
Amazon picked up exclusive rights to Those About To Die for its services in the five largest territories in Europe (Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain) as well as in Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Amazon will have exclusive rights for the show in those territories, with free-tv rights negotiated separately. Servus TV has secured the free TV window for Austria for the show, which will go out on Peacock in the U.S.. NBCUniversal’s streaming platform gave a straight-to-series order for the show.
Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan...
- 8/2/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Prime Video has acquired the Ancient Rome gladiator drama series “Those About to Die” in multiple European territories. The show is directed by “Independence Day” helmer Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner.
The 10-episode first season will debut exclusively on Prime Video in Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg and Belgium. As previously reported, streaming platform Peacock has secured the U.S. rights.
European rights are being handled by High End Productions, the joint venture set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film. AGC Studios holds rights for the rest of the world.
Servus TV has taken the free TV window for Austria. The free TV rights outside the exclusive distribution window on Prime Video are still being negotiated with various licensees across Europe. Further presales will be announced at a later date.
The show stars Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian,...
The 10-episode first season will debut exclusively on Prime Video in Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Turkey, Andorra, Monaco, Luxembourg and Belgium. As previously reported, streaming platform Peacock has secured the U.S. rights.
European rights are being handled by High End Productions, the joint venture set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film. AGC Studios holds rights for the rest of the world.
Servus TV has taken the free TV window for Austria. The free TV rights outside the exclusive distribution window on Prime Video are still being negotiated with various licensees across Europe. Further presales will be announced at a later date.
The show stars Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Frank Agrama, founder and chairman of Harmony Gold, died on Tuesday. He was 93.
Agrama’s career as an entertainment pioneer saw him founding several production companies including the Film Association of Rome and then Harmony Gold, which launched television series such as “Shaka Zulu” and “Robotech.”
He was born on Jan. 1, 1930, and became a child actor in Egypt with his own TV series. While his father was the Surgeon General of Egypt, Agrama initially followed in his father’s footsteps by acquiring a degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Cairo. By the time he was 23 years old, Agrama was a medical doctor.
Agrama left his medical career to pursue his passion for entertainment production, obtaining a Bachelor of Theater Arts from UCLA. He then moved back to the Middle East in 1964 where he would go on to help establish Lebanon’s movie industry.
Agrama then moved to...
Agrama’s career as an entertainment pioneer saw him founding several production companies including the Film Association of Rome and then Harmony Gold, which launched television series such as “Shaka Zulu” and “Robotech.”
He was born on Jan. 1, 1930, and became a child actor in Egypt with his own TV series. While his father was the Surgeon General of Egypt, Agrama initially followed in his father’s footsteps by acquiring a degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Cairo. By the time he was 23 years old, Agrama was a medical doctor.
Agrama left his medical career to pursue his passion for entertainment production, obtaining a Bachelor of Theater Arts from UCLA. He then moved back to the Middle East in 1964 where he would go on to help establish Lebanon’s movie industry.
Agrama then moved to...
- 4/26/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Roland Emmerich’s large-scale gladiator series “Those About to Die,” starring Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, has started shooting at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios.
Several new cast members have been announced, including “Game of Thrones” alumn Iwan Rheon.
Rheon, who in “Thrones” played the villainous Ramsay Bolton – and can currently be seen in Emmerich-produced film “The Magic Flute” – will replace Lorenzo Richelmy who has exited the Peacock show due to scheduling conflicts.
Also joining the “Those About to Die” cast are Liraz Charhi (“Tehran”) who will play Berenice, Queen of the conquered Judeans; and Rupert Penry-Jones (“The Batman”) as retired general Marsus who aspires to succeed Vespasian on the imperial throne (they are pictured above).
Other new cast additions to the swords and sandals series shot at Cinecittà are Johannes Haukur Johannesson (“Vikings”) as Norse gladiator Viggo; Eneko Sagardoy (“Elite”) as talented chariot driver Andria; Pepe Barroso (“45 rpm”) as Fonsoa...
Several new cast members have been announced, including “Game of Thrones” alumn Iwan Rheon.
Rheon, who in “Thrones” played the villainous Ramsay Bolton – and can currently be seen in Emmerich-produced film “The Magic Flute” – will replace Lorenzo Richelmy who has exited the Peacock show due to scheduling conflicts.
Also joining the “Those About to Die” cast are Liraz Charhi (“Tehran”) who will play Berenice, Queen of the conquered Judeans; and Rupert Penry-Jones (“The Batman”) as retired general Marsus who aspires to succeed Vespasian on the imperial throne (they are pictured above).
Other new cast additions to the swords and sandals series shot at Cinecittà are Johannes Haukur Johannesson (“Vikings”) as Norse gladiator Viggo; Eneko Sagardoy (“Elite”) as talented chariot driver Andria; Pepe Barroso (“45 rpm”) as Fonsoa...
- 3/21/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon is one of nine joining the cast of Peacock’s epic gladiator drama Those About to Die, as principal photography on the Roland Emmerich show kicked off at Rome’s historic Cinecittà Studios.
Rheon, best known as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, has has been cast as ambitious crime boss Tenax and will replace Lorenzo Richelmy, who dropped out over scheduling conflicts. Rheon is appearing in The Magic Flute and has appeared in the BAFTA-winner Misfits and Netflix’s The Dirt.
Related: 2023 Peacock Series & Pilot Orders
Also joining the cast are Liraz Charhi, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Eneko Sagardoy, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Kyshan Wilson and Alicia Edogamhe.
Inspired by Daniel Mannix’s nonfiction book, Those About to Die is billed as an epic drama set in the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome’s spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. AGC Television is the studio,...
Rheon, best known as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, has has been cast as ambitious crime boss Tenax and will replace Lorenzo Richelmy, who dropped out over scheduling conflicts. Rheon is appearing in The Magic Flute and has appeared in the BAFTA-winner Misfits and Netflix’s The Dirt.
Related: 2023 Peacock Series & Pilot Orders
Also joining the cast are Liraz Charhi, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Eneko Sagardoy, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Kyshan Wilson and Alicia Edogamhe.
Inspired by Daniel Mannix’s nonfiction book, Those About to Die is billed as an epic drama set in the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome’s spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition. AGC Television is the studio,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Got,’ ‘Vikings’ and ‘Summertime’ Stars Join Roland Emmerich’s Gladiator Series ‘Those About to Die’
Roland Emmerich is filling out his Colosseum, with a new troop of actors to complete the cast of Those About to Die, a gladiator action series which the Independence Day director has begun shooting in Rome.
Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, Vikings actor Johannes Haukur Johannesson and Alicia Edogamhe, best-known for Netflix series Summertime, are among the new additions to the ensemble cast, as well as Tehran actress Liraz Charhi, Britain’s Rupert Penry-Jones (Mi-5), Elite actor Eneko Sagardoy, Gonçalo Almeida (Amor Amor), Kyshan Wilson (Viola) and Pepe Barroso (Neill Blomkamp’s upcoming Gran Turismo).
They join two-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins headlines the series as Roman emperor Vespasian. Previously-announced cast include Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Moe Hashim.
Rheon has been cast as ambitious crime boss, Tenax. He replaces the previously announced Lorenzo Richelmy, who was unable to participate in the series due to scheduling conflicts.
Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, Vikings actor Johannes Haukur Johannesson and Alicia Edogamhe, best-known for Netflix series Summertime, are among the new additions to the ensemble cast, as well as Tehran actress Liraz Charhi, Britain’s Rupert Penry-Jones (Mi-5), Elite actor Eneko Sagardoy, Gonçalo Almeida (Amor Amor), Kyshan Wilson (Viola) and Pepe Barroso (Neill Blomkamp’s upcoming Gran Turismo).
They join two-time Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins headlines the series as Roman emperor Vespasian. Previously-announced cast include Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Moe Hashim.
Rheon has been cast as ambitious crime boss, Tenax. He replaces the previously announced Lorenzo Richelmy, who was unable to participate in the series due to scheduling conflicts.
- 3/20/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Tubi has begun principal photography on dark western thriller The Thicket, based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel of the same name, starring and produced by Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage. Production is underway in Calgary, Canada.
A longtime passion project for Dinklage, The Thicket also stars Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), Leslie Grace (In The Heights), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Old Man), Macon Blair (I Care A Lot), James Hetfield (Metallica), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders), Andrew Schulz (Infamous), and Arliss Howard (Mank).
Set at the turn-of-the-century, The Thicket follows an innocent young man, Jack (Hawke), who goes on an epic quest to rescue his sister Lula (Creed-Miles) after she has been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill (Lewis) and her gang. To save her, Jack enlists the help of a crafty bounty hunter named Reginald Jones (Dinklage), a grave-digging alcoholic...
A longtime passion project for Dinklage, The Thicket also stars Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), Leslie Grace (In The Heights), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Old Man), Macon Blair (I Care A Lot), James Hetfield (Metallica), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders), Andrew Schulz (Infamous), and Arliss Howard (Mank).
Set at the turn-of-the-century, The Thicket follows an innocent young man, Jack (Hawke), who goes on an epic quest to rescue his sister Lula (Creed-Miles) after she has been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill (Lewis) and her gang. To save her, Jack enlists the help of a crafty bounty hunter named Reginald Jones (Dinklage), a grave-digging alcoholic...
- 3/2/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Roland Emmerich has given the thumbs up for further cast members of his hotly-anticipated Roman gladiators TV series Those About to Die.
AGC Studios and High End Productions, which are producing Those About To Die for Peacock, announced Thursday that Lorenzo Richelmy, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas and Moe Hashim will join Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins in the new swords-and-sandals series, based on the book of the same name by Daniel Mannix.
German director Marco Kreuzpaintner (Sommer Storm, Beat) has also joined Those About To Die and will direct several episodes of the series alongside Emmerich, from scripts written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot).
Richelmy, best known for his titular performance in Netflix’s Marco Polo, will play Tenax, an ambitious crime boss working his way up in the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome, with its spectacle-driven gladiatorial competitions.
AGC Studios and High End Productions, which are producing Those About To Die for Peacock, announced Thursday that Lorenzo Richelmy, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas and Moe Hashim will join Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins in the new swords-and-sandals series, based on the book of the same name by Daniel Mannix.
German director Marco Kreuzpaintner (Sommer Storm, Beat) has also joined Those About To Die and will direct several episodes of the series alongside Emmerich, from scripts written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot).
Richelmy, best known for his titular performance in Netflix’s Marco Polo, will play Tenax, an ambitious crime boss working his way up in the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome, with its spectacle-driven gladiatorial competitions.
- 2/9/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peacock’s upcoming gladiator drama Those About to Die has added seven names to its cast, with Marco Kreuzpaintner (Beat) now signed up as co-director and exec producer.
Lorenzo Richelmy, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas and Moe Hashim will join Anthony Hopkins in the AGC Television series, which Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) will co-direct with Kreuzpaintner. Robert Rodat is the writer.
The ambitious series, which is inspired by Daniel Mannix’s eponymous nonfiction book, is set in the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome’s spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition and features an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire.
Oscar winner Hopkins was last month cast as Vespasian, Roman Emperor and head of the Flavian bloodline.
Hughes (The English, Dancing on the Edge) will play Titus Flavianus, the elder son and of Vespasian and apparent heir to the Imperial throne, and Macari (Sex Education,...
Lorenzo Richelmy, Tom Hughes, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas and Moe Hashim will join Anthony Hopkins in the AGC Television series, which Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) will co-direct with Kreuzpaintner. Robert Rodat is the writer.
The ambitious series, which is inspired by Daniel Mannix’s eponymous nonfiction book, is set in the complex and corrupt world of ancient Rome’s spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition and features an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire.
Oscar winner Hopkins was last month cast as Vespasian, Roman Emperor and head of the Flavian bloodline.
Hughes (The English, Dancing on the Edge) will play Titus Flavianus, the elder son and of Vespasian and apparent heir to the Imperial throne, and Macari (Sex Education,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Anthony Hopkins Joins the Cast of Roland Emmerich's Gladiator Series for Peacock, Those About to Die
Peacock has scored some serious talent for its upcoming gladiator series, For Those About to Die.
Two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins has joined the epic historical series in the pivotal role of Emperor Vespasian, it was announced today by the show’s studio AGC Television via Chairman and CEO Stuart Ford.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the complex and corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition.
The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters from all parts of Roman society who collide at the intersection of sports, politics and dynasties of the ancient world.
Hopkins, the first major cast member announced for the project, plays Vespasian, the Emperor of Rome and head of the Flavian bloodline.
He is battle-tested, a rural upstart who claimed his throne after victory in a bloody ten-year civil war.
He is aging and is despised by the Patricians jockeying for...
Two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins has joined the epic historical series in the pivotal role of Emperor Vespasian, it was announced today by the show’s studio AGC Television via Chairman and CEO Stuart Ford.
Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the complex and corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition.
The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters from all parts of Roman society who collide at the intersection of sports, politics and dynasties of the ancient world.
Hopkins, the first major cast member announced for the project, plays Vespasian, the Emperor of Rome and head of the Flavian bloodline.
He is battle-tested, a rural upstart who claimed his throne after victory in a bloody ten-year civil war.
He is aging and is despised by the Patricians jockeying for...
- 1/18/2023
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Anthony Hopkins has boarded Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series “Those About to Die.” The Oscar winner will play Emperor Vespasian in the Peacock drama, which is being produced by AGC Television and is written by Oscar-nominated “Saving Private Ryan” writer Robert Rodat.
Peacock handed a straight-to-series order for “Those About to Die” last summer. Set in the “complex and corrupt” world of gladiatorial competition, the show follows an ensemble of characters from all parts of Roman society who collide in the arena.
Hopkins is the first major cast member announced for the project. He will play Vespasian, a Roman emperor and rural upstart who claimed his throne after victory in a bloody ten-year civil war. An official synopsis describes the ageing Vespasian as “despised by the Patricians jockeying for position in the Empire and looking to supplant his heirs to the throne the first chance they get.”
In addition to directing,...
Peacock handed a straight-to-series order for “Those About to Die” last summer. Set in the “complex and corrupt” world of gladiatorial competition, the show follows an ensemble of characters from all parts of Roman society who collide in the arena.
Hopkins is the first major cast member announced for the project. He will play Vespasian, a Roman emperor and rural upstart who claimed his throne after victory in a bloody ten-year civil war. An official synopsis describes the ageing Vespasian as “despised by the Patricians jockeying for position in the Empire and looking to supplant his heirs to the throne the first chance they get.”
In addition to directing,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock will air series in the US. High End Productions holds European rights, AGC controls remainder of the world.
Anthony Hopkins has joined Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series Those About To Die for AGC Television.
Hopkins, who currently stars in Armageddon Time, will portray what is described as the “pivotal role” of the pivotal role of Emperor Vespasian in the epic drama that will air on Peacock in the US.
Production is scheduled to commence at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios in March. Robert Rodat, whose credits include Saving Private Ryan and The Patriot, wrote the screenplay to the series which takes place in the complex,...
Anthony Hopkins has joined Roland Emmerich’s gladiator series Those About To Die for AGC Television.
Hopkins, who currently stars in Armageddon Time, will portray what is described as the “pivotal role” of the pivotal role of Emperor Vespasian in the epic drama that will air on Peacock in the US.
Production is scheduled to commence at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios in March. Robert Rodat, whose credits include Saving Private Ryan and The Patriot, wrote the screenplay to the series which takes place in the complex,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Multiple Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins has signed on to star in “Those About to Die,” director Roland Emmerich’s upcoming historical drama about gladiators in the early Roman Empire, the show’s studio, AGC Television, announced Wednesday.
Hopkins, the first major cast member announced for the project, will portray Roman Emperor Vespasian, best known to modern people as the ruler ultimately responsible for the brutal defeat of the Judean revolt of 66-73 C.E., and whose public works projects included the Colosseum of Rome. He reigned from 69-79 C.E., giving us some idea of when the series takes place.
Inspired by the best-selling 1958 book of the same name by Daniel Mannix — which also inspired Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning film “Gladiator” — “Those About to Die” depicts the spectacle, violence and deeply corrupt world of gladiatorial sports during the Roman Empire. Per the official description, “the series introduces an ensemble of...
Hopkins, the first major cast member announced for the project, will portray Roman Emperor Vespasian, best known to modern people as the ruler ultimately responsible for the brutal defeat of the Judean revolt of 66-73 C.E., and whose public works projects included the Colosseum of Rome. He reigned from 69-79 C.E., giving us some idea of when the series takes place.
Inspired by the best-selling 1958 book of the same name by Daniel Mannix — which also inspired Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning film “Gladiator” — “Those About to Die” depicts the spectacle, violence and deeply corrupt world of gladiatorial sports during the Roman Empire. Per the official description, “the series introduces an ensemble of...
- 1/18/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
Two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins has signed on to star in Those About to Die, the upcoming Roman gladiator series from Independence Day director Roland Emmerich.
Hopkins is the first actor to be cast in Those About to Die, which has been given a straight-to-series order by Comcast-owned NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock. Emmerich, best known for his sci-fi disaster epics, such as Independence Day, will direct and executive produce the series based on Daniel Mannix’s book of the same name.
The show is described as an epic historical drama set within the “complex and corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition” in ancient Rome featuring “an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.”
Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot) is the series showrunner.
Hopkins will play Roman Emperor Vespasian in the show...
Hopkins is the first actor to be cast in Those About to Die, which has been given a straight-to-series order by Comcast-owned NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock. Emmerich, best known for his sci-fi disaster epics, such as Independence Day, will direct and executive produce the series based on Daniel Mannix’s book of the same name.
The show is described as an epic historical drama set within the “complex and corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition” in ancient Rome featuring “an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.”
Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot) is the series showrunner.
Hopkins will play Roman Emperor Vespasian in the show...
- 1/18/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anthony Hopkins is stepping into the gladiatorial arena with his latest role.
The two-time Oscar winner has joined Those About To Die, the epic period drama from Roland Emmerich for Peacock. Hopkins, who won Oscars for The Father and Silence of the Lambs, will play Emperor Vespasian in the drama, which scored a straight-to-series order last summer.
Production will begin at Cinecitta Studios in Rome in March.
Related Story Roland Emmerich To Direct Gladiatorial Drama Series ‘Those About To Die’; Peacock Hands Project Straight-To Series Order Related Story 'Poker Face': "Endless Possibilities" For Natasha Lyonne's Human Bs Detector To Keep Solving Crimes Past Season 1 Related Story Jerrod Carmichael's Golden Globes Opening Monologue Takes HFPA To Task For Lack Of Racial Diversity: "I'm Here Because I'm Black"
The series, which is inspired by Daniel Mannix’s eponymous nonfiction book, is a large-scale drama set within the spectacular,...
The two-time Oscar winner has joined Those About To Die, the epic period drama from Roland Emmerich for Peacock. Hopkins, who won Oscars for The Father and Silence of the Lambs, will play Emperor Vespasian in the drama, which scored a straight-to-series order last summer.
Production will begin at Cinecitta Studios in Rome in March.
Related Story Roland Emmerich To Direct Gladiatorial Drama Series ‘Those About To Die’; Peacock Hands Project Straight-To Series Order Related Story 'Poker Face': "Endless Possibilities" For Natasha Lyonne's Human Bs Detector To Keep Solving Crimes Past Season 1 Related Story Jerrod Carmichael's Golden Globes Opening Monologue Takes HFPA To Task For Lack Of Racial Diversity: "I'm Here Because I'm Black"
The series, which is inspired by Daniel Mannix’s eponymous nonfiction book, is a large-scale drama set within the spectacular,...
- 1/18/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Production start lined up for first quarter 2023 at Cinecittà studios in Rome.
Peacock and AGC Television have struck a straight-to-series US deal for Roland Emmerich’s upcoming Ancient Rome gladiatorial epic Those About To Die.
High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film to produce premium European fiction series for the international market, has acquired rights in Europe and will co-finance the show with Peacock.
Screen was the first to report in Cannes on an upcoming AGC-Emmerich collaboration and understands the budget is around 140m. A production start is earmarked for the first...
Peacock and AGC Television have struck a straight-to-series US deal for Roland Emmerich’s upcoming Ancient Rome gladiatorial epic Those About To Die.
High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film to produce premium European fiction series for the international market, has acquired rights in Europe and will co-finance the show with Peacock.
Screen was the first to report in Cannes on an upcoming AGC-Emmerich collaboration and understands the budget is around 140m. A production start is earmarked for the first...
- 7/27/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Peacock has given a straight-to-series order to a gladiator drama series based on Daniel Mannix’s nonfiction book “Those About to Die.”
Robert Rodat, the screenwriter behind films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot,” will write and executive produce. Roland Emmerich is onboard to direct and executive produce. Emmerich is no stranger to large-scale productions of this nature, having previously helmed films like “Independence Day” and “Moonfall.” This will be the first time Emmerich has directed for television.
“Those About to Die” is described as a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics, and business intersect and collide.
High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film to produce premium European fiction series for the international market,...
Robert Rodat, the screenwriter behind films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot,” will write and executive produce. Roland Emmerich is onboard to direct and executive produce. Emmerich is no stranger to large-scale productions of this nature, having previously helmed films like “Independence Day” and “Moonfall.” This will be the first time Emmerich has directed for television.
“Those About to Die” is described as a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics, and business intersect and collide.
High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film to produce premium European fiction series for the international market,...
- 7/26/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock has handed a straight-to-series order to a gladiator drama directed by Roland Emmerich.
The NBCU streamer has given the order to Those About to Die, inspired by Daniel Mannix’s eponymous nonfiction book.
The series is a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. It introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.
2022 Peacock Series & Pilot Orders
The series comes from AGC Television and will be co-financed by Europe’s High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film, which has distribution rights in Europe.
Deadline understands that the production budget is around 140M and that further production partners across Latin America, Middle East and Asia are expected to be added before the start of production in Italy in the first quarter...
The NBCU streamer has given the order to Those About to Die, inspired by Daniel Mannix’s eponymous nonfiction book.
The series is a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. It introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.
2022 Peacock Series & Pilot Orders
The series comes from AGC Television and will be co-financed by Europe’s High End Productions, the company set up by Herbert G. Kloiber and Constantin Film, which has distribution rights in Europe.
Deadline understands that the production budget is around 140M and that further production partners across Latin America, Middle East and Asia are expected to be added before the start of production in Italy in the first quarter...
- 7/26/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock has given a straight-to-series order to “Those About to Die,” an ancient Rome gladiator-themed epic from director Roland Emmerich.
Emmerich will also be an executive producer on the project based on the book from author Daniel Mannix. The series is being adapted by Robert Rodat, who will also executive produce.
“Those About to Die” is described by the streamer as “a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.”
Also Read:
Peacock Sets Premiere Dates for ‘Vampire Academy,’ ‘Pitch Perfect’ Spin-off Series ‘Bumper in Berlin’
In his own statement, Emmerich said, “The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum. At its heart, this is...
Emmerich will also be an executive producer on the project based on the book from author Daniel Mannix. The series is being adapted by Robert Rodat, who will also executive produce.
“Those About to Die” is described by the streamer as “a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.”
Also Read:
Peacock Sets Premiere Dates for ‘Vampire Academy,’ ‘Pitch Perfect’ Spin-off Series ‘Bumper in Berlin’
In his own statement, Emmerich said, “The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum. At its heart, this is...
- 7/26/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Peacock announced a straight-to-series order Tuesday for a gladiator drama with Independence Day director Roland Emmerich.
Those About To Die is based on author Daniel Mannix’s book of the same title and the show is described as “a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.”
Emmerich will direct and executive produce, while Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) is the showrunner.
“The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum,” Emmerich says. “At its heart, this is a sports epic led by strong and diverse characters who explore paths to glory, falls from grace and a need to...
Peacock announced a straight-to-series order Tuesday for a gladiator drama with Independence Day director Roland Emmerich.
Those About To Die is based on author Daniel Mannix’s book of the same title and the show is described as “a large-scale drama set within the spectacular, complex and corrupt world of gladiatorial sports in Ancient Rome. The series introduces an ensemble of diverse characters across the many layers of Roman society where sports, politics and business intersect and collide.”
Emmerich will direct and executive produce, while Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) is the showrunner.
“The powerful Roman Empire has always fascinated me, especially its enormous games which entertained the masses through spectacle at the monumental Colosseum,” Emmerich says. “At its heart, this is a sports epic led by strong and diverse characters who explore paths to glory, falls from grace and a need to...
- 7/26/2022
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A four-part documentary series from “Tindler Swindler” producers AGC Television will delve into the world of renowned chef and hotelier Nobu Matsuhisa.
Titled “Nobu,” the series is co-produced with Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang and Altimeter, and is in pre-production. It will be directed by documentarian Matt Tyrnauer.
Matsuhisa is a pioneering restauranteur and businessman with 47 restaurants and 27 hotels bearing the ‘Nobu’ name. However, his path to success was unlikely and riddled with obstacles, adversity and tragedy. An official description for the series bills it as an “epic journey from Japan to Peru to the United States and many other points around the world that will be uncovered by exclusive access to Nobu, his global empire, and his key collaborators, friends and famous fans.”
Tyrnauer’s latest projects include “The Reagans,” a four-part documentary series for Showtime that re-examines Reagans’ America and the impact of their politics and policies, and...
Titled “Nobu,” the series is co-produced with Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang and Altimeter, and is in pre-production. It will be directed by documentarian Matt Tyrnauer.
Matsuhisa is a pioneering restauranteur and businessman with 47 restaurants and 27 hotels bearing the ‘Nobu’ name. However, his path to success was unlikely and riddled with obstacles, adversity and tragedy. An official description for the series bills it as an “epic journey from Japan to Peru to the United States and many other points around the world that will be uncovered by exclusive access to Nobu, his global empire, and his key collaborators, friends and famous fans.”
Tyrnauer’s latest projects include “The Reagans,” a four-part documentary series for Showtime that re-examines Reagans’ America and the impact of their politics and policies, and...
- 4/28/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: After helping steer the ship as the main director on Marvel’s Hawkeye series, Rhys Thomas has been set to direct Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari’s Robotech for Sony Pictures. The film is currently in development with the script by Marcum & Holloway with a rewrite by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka. Harmony Gold also is involved.
Based on the popular ’80s anime TV series, Robotech is set in a time when Earth has developed giant robots from the technology of an alien spacecraft that crashed on a South Pacific island and now is using that technology to fight off an impending alien invasion.
Thomas is flying high after directing and executive producing the Disney+ Marvel series Hawkeye, with Jeremy Renner reprising his Avengers role. Thomas also is highly regarded in the comedy world for his work on Saturday Night Live and the Emmy-nominated IFC series Documentary Now!, which he co-created with Fred Armisen,...
Based on the popular ’80s anime TV series, Robotech is set in a time when Earth has developed giant robots from the technology of an alien spacecraft that crashed on a South Pacific island and now is using that technology to fight off an impending alien invasion.
Thomas is flying high after directing and executive producing the Disney+ Marvel series Hawkeye, with Jeremy Renner reprising his Avengers role. Thomas also is highly regarded in the comedy world for his work on Saturday Night Live and the Emmy-nominated IFC series Documentary Now!, which he co-created with Fred Armisen,...
- 4/26/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hongyu “Neo” Li has been tapped as a Development Executive & In-House Writer for Starlight Media, the production and finance company behind titles including Crazy Rich Asians, Maligant and Wuhan Wuhan.
In his new role, he will he responsible for generating ideas, treatments, pitches, and scripts, and guiding producers and writers in the development of content, curating a growing slate of film and TV projects for Starlight. He will report directly to CEO Peter Luo.
“Hongyu Li’s creative input plays a crucial part in the early stage of development and pre-sale for our projects,” said Luo. “He supports the company in all its business activities relating to a development slate of film and television projects targeting global audiences, with a particular focus on North American and Asian co-productions.”
Li is a Chinese writer-director who has developed a range of multi-cultural projects in both the USA and China. His short...
In his new role, he will he responsible for generating ideas, treatments, pitches, and scripts, and guiding producers and writers in the development of content, curating a growing slate of film and TV projects for Starlight. He will report directly to CEO Peter Luo.
“Hongyu Li’s creative input plays a crucial part in the early stage of development and pre-sale for our projects,” said Luo. “He supports the company in all its business activities relating to a development slate of film and television projects targeting global audiences, with a particular focus on North American and Asian co-productions.”
Li is a Chinese writer-director who has developed a range of multi-cultural projects in both the USA and China. His short...
- 12/7/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Two leading advocates for Asian talent in the film industry have joined forces as it was revealed today that The Asian World Film Festival (Awff), a top attraction and platform for showcasing Asian talent and exporting Asian culture, has established an official partnership with Peter Luo’s Stars Collective – a program designed to promote the next generation of diverse voices and creative storytellers, while also accelerating the female power movement, much of which is Asian.
The deal was revealed today by Peter Luo and Georges N. Chamchoum, Executive and Program Director for Awff.
This is the first official corporate partnership for the Awff and will further showcase works, cultivate global talents and incubate global film projects with Asian themes and stars leading the way. There will be a financial play as Starlight will look to arrange capital for Awff for its future fundraising, development, and expansion.
Through the partnership, both...
The deal was revealed today by Peter Luo and Georges N. Chamchoum, Executive and Program Director for Awff.
This is the first official corporate partnership for the Awff and will further showcase works, cultivate global talents and incubate global film projects with Asian themes and stars leading the way. There will be a financial play as Starlight will look to arrange capital for Awff for its future fundraising, development, and expansion.
Through the partnership, both...
- 9/10/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Starlight Joins With Beijing Film Academy to Launch Training and Development Partnership (Exclusive)
Hollywood financier Starlight Cultural Entertainment and its talent development offshoot Stars Collective have established a partnership with the Beijing Film Academy.
It will focus on the incubation, development, packaging, financing, production and distribution of content for a global audience. It will also deliver specialized training in new and emerging areas of the entertainment ecosystem.
The partnership is headed by Starlight’s Peter Luo and Li Weike, president of the Bfa’s educational institute Bfa Century Group. It is a close parallel to the Stars Collective program that Luo established under Starlight, and which currently supports over 100 emerging filmmakers and actors around the world.
Among the first steps will be the establishment of a Bfa Century-Starlight master class program. This will lean on U.S., Chinese and international luminaries already associated with Stars Collective. They include: directors Sam Raimi, James Wan, Alan Taylor; producers Paula Wagner, Donna Gigliotti, Gianni Nunnari, Chris Lee,...
It will focus on the incubation, development, packaging, financing, production and distribution of content for a global audience. It will also deliver specialized training in new and emerging areas of the entertainment ecosystem.
The partnership is headed by Starlight’s Peter Luo and Li Weike, president of the Bfa’s educational institute Bfa Century Group. It is a close parallel to the Stars Collective program that Luo established under Starlight, and which currently supports over 100 emerging filmmakers and actors around the world.
Among the first steps will be the establishment of a Bfa Century-Starlight master class program. This will lean on U.S., Chinese and international luminaries already associated with Stars Collective. They include: directors Sam Raimi, James Wan, Alan Taylor; producers Paula Wagner, Donna Gigliotti, Gianni Nunnari, Chris Lee,...
- 8/12/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Leading Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming will take a production role on selected film titles emerging from Stars Collective, the talent incubator program backed by China- and Los Angeles-based financier Starlight Media.
Huang, who has credits including “The Message” and “American Dreams in China,” will lead Stars Collective’s talent discovery efforts in China, be a mentor to the selected filmmakers and take a formal producer role on selected, individual projects the program hatches.
Stars Collective was launched last year with the idea of supporting 50 emerging filmmakers. Starlight now says it has over 100 filmmakers sighed up and has earmarked $100 million for development and initial production.
“The majority of those selected of the program are female, and represent a highly diverse mix of nationalities, ethnicities, races and personal and professional backgrounds,” the company said. “Stars Collective integrates global resources by bringing together local alliances of film producers and film commissions, throughout Europe for instance,...
Huang, who has credits including “The Message” and “American Dreams in China,” will lead Stars Collective’s talent discovery efforts in China, be a mentor to the selected filmmakers and take a formal producer role on selected, individual projects the program hatches.
Stars Collective was launched last year with the idea of supporting 50 emerging filmmakers. Starlight now says it has over 100 filmmakers sighed up and has earmarked $100 million for development and initial production.
“The majority of those selected of the program are female, and represent a highly diverse mix of nationalities, ethnicities, races and personal and professional backgrounds,” the company said. “Stars Collective integrates global resources by bringing together local alliances of film producers and film commissions, throughout Europe for instance,...
- 4/7/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Rosalind Ross has signed with Range Media Partners for representation.
Ross has developed scripts for some of Hollywood’s leading talent such as Reese Witherspoon, David Oyelowo, Casey Affleck and Mark Wahlberg. Her spec script Barbarian earned a spot on the 2016 Black List and is being produced by Atlas Entertainment. She will soon begin production on her directorial debut, from an original script she has written based on a true story.
Ross’ projects have garnered attachments from directors such as Reed Morano, Anthony Hemingway and Mel Gibson, and producers such as Gianni Nunnari, Stephen Levinson and the Oscar-nominated Robbie Brenner and Chuck Roven. She has written for both film and television for studios such as Bold Films, Paramount, Warner Horizon and Walden Media.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking group. The passion and vigor at Range is truly inspiring,” Ross said.
She continues to be...
Ross has developed scripts for some of Hollywood’s leading talent such as Reese Witherspoon, David Oyelowo, Casey Affleck and Mark Wahlberg. Her spec script Barbarian earned a spot on the 2016 Black List and is being produced by Atlas Entertainment. She will soon begin production on her directorial debut, from an original script she has written based on a true story.
Ross’ projects have garnered attachments from directors such as Reed Morano, Anthony Hemingway and Mel Gibson, and producers such as Gianni Nunnari, Stephen Levinson and the Oscar-nominated Robbie Brenner and Chuck Roven. She has written for both film and television for studios such as Bold Films, Paramount, Warner Horizon and Walden Media.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking group. The passion and vigor at Range is truly inspiring,” Ross said.
She continues to be...
- 3/12/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 300: Rise Of An Empire and The Departed producer Gianni Nunnari of Hollywood Gang Productions and producer Andre L III of MiLu Entertainment have acquired rights to Cuban author and journalist Armando Lucas Correa’s well-received novel The German Girl, which they are developing as an international TV series.
Weaving dual time frames, the book is based on the true stories of passengers on the ill-fated transatlantic ocean liner the St Louis, carrying Jewish refugees from Germany to Cuba in 1939.
Initially set in Berlin just before the Second World War, the novel charts the life of young girl Hannah Rosenthal, who until recently lived a charmed upbringing. With the rise of the Nazis however, the streets are increasingly draped in ominous flags and Hannah is no longer welcome in the places she once considered home. A glimmer of hope appears in the shape of the St. Louis, the transatlantic...
Weaving dual time frames, the book is based on the true stories of passengers on the ill-fated transatlantic ocean liner the St Louis, carrying Jewish refugees from Germany to Cuba in 1939.
Initially set in Berlin just before the Second World War, the novel charts the life of young girl Hannah Rosenthal, who until recently lived a charmed upbringing. With the rise of the Nazis however, the streets are increasingly draped in ominous flags and Hannah is no longer welcome in the places she once considered home. A glimmer of hope appears in the shape of the St. Louis, the transatlantic...
- 3/4/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Luo’s Stars Collective has acquired rights to the Thomas Mendolia-directed horror short Mr. Thisforthat and will develop and produce a feature adaptation. Mendolia is attached to direct, and Michael Karr, who wrote the short, will write. Alexandre Aja will produce the feature under his Fire Axe Productions banner along with Craig Flores via his Bread and Circuses Entertainment banner, and Peter Luo for Stars Collective. Jake Wagner will executive produce.
In the short, a girl from a broken home is visited in her closet by a mysterious creature, Mr. Thisforthat, who promises her anything she wants — at an irreversible price.
While attending USC’s film program, Mendolia read Karr’s script and the two quickly bonded over the story’s theme of broken families and impossible wishes. Together, they successfully pitched...
In the short, a girl from a broken home is visited in her closet by a mysterious creature, Mr. Thisforthat, who promises her anything she wants — at an irreversible price.
While attending USC’s film program, Mendolia read Karr’s script and the two quickly bonded over the story’s theme of broken families and impossible wishes. Together, they successfully pitched...
- 2/17/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Big name Hollywood executives and talent including Sam Raimi, Gianni Nunnari, Patrick Wachsberger and Paula Wagner have joined the “Stars Collective” diversity program launched by Chinese film financier Starlight Media. They will serve as advisors and mentors to emerging and under-represented filmmakers.
Other mentors include: Donna Gigliotti, who recently produced Starlight’s “Wuhan! Wuhan!” documentary; Chris Lee, former president of production at Columbia/TriStar Pictures and producer of “Superman Returns”; Han Sanping, former head of China Film Group and producer of “Mission: Impossible III” and Starlight-backed “Midway”; France’s Eric Heumann (“In the Mood for Love,” “Indochine”); and Ke Liming, producer of “Midway” and Chinese hit “So Young.”
The program was previously announced in August last year with the aim of launching aspiring female and Bipoc filmmakers and creative storytellers. The fund was announced as aiming to support 30-50 emerging filmmakers with a financial pool of at least $50 million.
Starlight...
Other mentors include: Donna Gigliotti, who recently produced Starlight’s “Wuhan! Wuhan!” documentary; Chris Lee, former president of production at Columbia/TriStar Pictures and producer of “Superman Returns”; Han Sanping, former head of China Film Group and producer of “Mission: Impossible III” and Starlight-backed “Midway”; France’s Eric Heumann (“In the Mood for Love,” “Indochine”); and Ke Liming, producer of “Midway” and Chinese hit “So Young.”
The program was previously announced in August last year with the aim of launching aspiring female and Bipoc filmmakers and creative storytellers. The fund was announced as aiming to support 30-50 emerging filmmakers with a financial pool of at least $50 million.
Starlight...
- 1/26/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The list of candidates for the 2020 Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors election is now out, with the winner in each branch being chosen directly from these entries rather than whittling it down to four finalists in each, as has been done previously. The list of candidates is made up of qualified AMPAS members who actually submit themselves.
Also new this year in the streamlined timetable, as Deadline exclusively reported May 16. The winners for the 17 open slots on the 54-member board will be chosen by preferential balloting, just like Best Picture race at the Oscars. Voting begins Monday and ballots are due back June 5.
The actors branch is the largest in the Academy and it also has drawn the biggest field of contenders for the one spot that is up. Incumbent governor Whoopi Goldberg is running for re-election against past governor Ed Begley Jr. vying to return to the board.
Also new this year in the streamlined timetable, as Deadline exclusively reported May 16. The winners for the 17 open slots on the 54-member board will be chosen by preferential balloting, just like Best Picture race at the Oscars. Voting begins Monday and ballots are due back June 5.
The actors branch is the largest in the Academy and it also has drawn the biggest field of contenders for the one spot that is up. Incumbent governor Whoopi Goldberg is running for re-election against past governor Ed Begley Jr. vying to return to the board.
- 5/29/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Whoopi Goldberg will be facing 18 other actors who want her seat on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, the Academy revealed to its members on Friday.
The Academy posted the list of candidates for the board from all 17 of its branches, with incumbent Actors Branch governor Goldberg going up against a slate of challengers that includes past governor Ed Begley Jr., as well as Richard Dreyfuss, James and Stacy Keach, Tim Matheson, Joe Pantoliano, Lou Diamond Phillips and Rita Wilson, whose husband, Tom Hanks, served on the board for many years.
Other branches whose contenders hit double digits included Cinematographers (12), Directors (13), Executives (12), Producers (16), Sound (10) and Visual Effects (10).
But the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch, in which incumbent Kathryn Blondell was ineligible to run again, has only a single candidate, Linda Flowers.
Also Read: Oscars Board Election Has New Rules - But Expect the Same Old Results
Blondell,...
The Academy posted the list of candidates for the board from all 17 of its branches, with incumbent Actors Branch governor Goldberg going up against a slate of challengers that includes past governor Ed Begley Jr., as well as Richard Dreyfuss, James and Stacy Keach, Tim Matheson, Joe Pantoliano, Lou Diamond Phillips and Rita Wilson, whose husband, Tom Hanks, served on the board for many years.
Other branches whose contenders hit double digits included Cinematographers (12), Directors (13), Executives (12), Producers (16), Sound (10) and Visual Effects (10).
But the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch, in which incumbent Kathryn Blondell was ineligible to run again, has only a single candidate, Linda Flowers.
Also Read: Oscars Board Election Has New Rules - But Expect the Same Old Results
Blondell,...
- 5/29/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The list of candidates for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 2020-2021 Board of Governors has been unveiled to members.
Voting begins on June 1 and ends on June 5.
Candidates run for three-year terms with a maximum of three terms. Each branch has three seats on the board. Only one of those seats is open each year because terms are staggered.
The candidates were posted on the Academy members’ portal on Friday afternoon. Below is the complete list (divided by branch) of those running for spots on the board.
Actors
Michael Lee Aday
Ed Begley, Jr.
Robert Carradine
Nicolas Coster
Colman Domingo
Richard Dreyfuss
Spencer Garrett
Bruce Glover
Whoopi Goldberg (incumbent)
James Keach
Stacy Keach
Peter Wong
Jodi Long
Tim Matheson
Joe Pantoliano
Lou Diamond Phillips
Andrea Riseborough
Andrew Stevens
Rita Wilson
Casting Directors
Kerry Barden
Richard Hicks
Margery Simkin
Debra Zane
Cinematographers
Andrzej Bartkowiak
Richard P. Crudo
Svetlana Cvetko...
Voting begins on June 1 and ends on June 5.
Candidates run for three-year terms with a maximum of three terms. Each branch has three seats on the board. Only one of those seats is open each year because terms are staggered.
The candidates were posted on the Academy members’ portal on Friday afternoon. Below is the complete list (divided by branch) of those running for spots on the board.
Actors
Michael Lee Aday
Ed Begley, Jr.
Robert Carradine
Nicolas Coster
Colman Domingo
Richard Dreyfuss
Spencer Garrett
Bruce Glover
Whoopi Goldberg (incumbent)
James Keach
Stacy Keach
Peter Wong
Jodi Long
Tim Matheson
Joe Pantoliano
Lou Diamond Phillips
Andrea Riseborough
Andrew Stevens
Rita Wilson
Casting Directors
Kerry Barden
Richard Hicks
Margery Simkin
Debra Zane
Cinematographers
Andrzej Bartkowiak
Richard P. Crudo
Svetlana Cvetko...
- 5/29/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Tom Holland-Daisy Ridley’s “Chaos Walking” will open next year, Sophia Lillis and Charlie Plummer have landed roles, and Lily-Rose Depp has joined Christmas film “Silent Night.”
Release Date
Lionsgate has set its long-delayed science-fiction movie “Chaos Walking,” starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, for a Jan. 22, 2021, opening.
“Chaos Walking” was originally set to launch on March 1, 2019, but reshoots forced Lionsgate to push back the opening. Doug Liman directed the film, based on Patrick Ness’ “Chaos Walking: The Knife of Never Letting Go,” a book that was published in 2008 as the first in a trilogy set in a dystopian world where all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Joe Drake told analysts Thursday that he was bullish on the project. “We’ve two of our biggest stars on the planet today leading,” Drake added.
“Chaos Walking...
Release Date
Lionsgate has set its long-delayed science-fiction movie “Chaos Walking,” starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, for a Jan. 22, 2021, opening.
“Chaos Walking” was originally set to launch on March 1, 2019, but reshoots forced Lionsgate to push back the opening. Doug Liman directed the film, based on Patrick Ness’ “Chaos Walking: The Knife of Never Letting Go,” a book that was published in 2008 as the first in a trilogy set in a dystopian world where all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Joe Drake told analysts Thursday that he was bullish on the project. “We’ve two of our biggest stars on the planet today leading,” Drake added.
“Chaos Walking...
- 2/8/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Gianni Nunnari’s Hollywood Gang (300) is teaming with the producing arm of Leone Film Group, Lotus Productions, to co-produce Paolo Genovese’s upcoming English-language project The First Day Of My Life.
Pic is based on Genovese’s own novel. Kirk Jones (Everybody’s Fine) adapted the screenplay.
The story focuses on the lives of four struggling strangers. As each character grows increasingly despondent and seeks to end it all, they are offered a unique chance at redemption in the form of a disgruntled angel, who shows them what the world would be like without them.
The U.S.-Italy co-pro project is aiming to shoot in 2020. It will be filmed in English and dubbed into Italian for Italy.
Producers are Hollywood Gang and Lotus Productions Srl, the producing arm of the Leone Film Group run by Marco Belardi with Andrea and Raffaella Leone, the children of legendary Italian director Sergio Leone.
Pic is based on Genovese’s own novel. Kirk Jones (Everybody’s Fine) adapted the screenplay.
The story focuses on the lives of four struggling strangers. As each character grows increasingly despondent and seeks to end it all, they are offered a unique chance at redemption in the form of a disgruntled angel, who shows them what the world would be like without them.
The U.S.-Italy co-pro project is aiming to shoot in 2020. It will be filmed in English and dubbed into Italian for Italy.
Producers are Hollywood Gang and Lotus Productions Srl, the producing arm of the Leone Film Group run by Marco Belardi with Andrea and Raffaella Leone, the children of legendary Italian director Sergio Leone.
- 11/8/2019
- by Tom Grater and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinese production and talent company Er Dong Pictures shed some light on its latest film investment slate and growing web of relationships in Asia and Hollywood.
The company, which is in the process of establishing a joint venture with Hollywood talent firm The Gersh Agency, and has a 12-film co-funding deal with Starlight Culture Entertainment, announced its involvement in new projects with Roland Emmerich, Jon M. Chu and Sylvester Stallone.
Projects include “Those About to Die,” a film project with Harald Kloser set as producer. Emmerich and Gianni Nunnari (“The Departed”) are also involved, though their roles were not specified.
“Sylvester Stallone will be cooperating with Er Dong Pictures and Starlight on three projects,” Er Dong said. The company appears to be boarding projects being hatched by Stallone’s Balboa Pictures, including the previously announced English-language remake of recent Korean action film “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil,” which had...
The company, which is in the process of establishing a joint venture with Hollywood talent firm The Gersh Agency, and has a 12-film co-funding deal with Starlight Culture Entertainment, announced its involvement in new projects with Roland Emmerich, Jon M. Chu and Sylvester Stallone.
Projects include “Those About to Die,” a film project with Harald Kloser set as producer. Emmerich and Gianni Nunnari (“The Departed”) are also involved, though their roles were not specified.
“Sylvester Stallone will be cooperating with Er Dong Pictures and Starlight on three projects,” Er Dong said. The company appears to be boarding projects being hatched by Stallone’s Balboa Pictures, including the previously announced English-language remake of recent Korean action film “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil,” which had...
- 6/18/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
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