Exclusive: Legendary Entertainment is moving into the non-scripted world.
The company behind Dune and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has hired Michael Bloom as EVP in charge of the new division.
Bloom, who reports to Legendary CEO Joshua Grode, will be in charge of developing and producing documentaries and docuseries.
He previously spent a year at Religion of Sports, the company founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra, and spent three years overseeing unscripted series for TNT and TBS, where he was responsible for shows such as James Corden’s Drop the Mic, Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild and The Misery Index. When he left the WarnerMedia-owned cabler, he set up his own production company, Bongo Pictures, which produced shows including Stylish with Jenna Lyons.
Prior to that he was SVP of Original Content for the newly merged WME/Img Media and co-created eLeague and was SVP,...
The company behind Dune and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters has hired Michael Bloom as EVP in charge of the new division.
Bloom, who reports to Legendary CEO Joshua Grode, will be in charge of developing and producing documentaries and docuseries.
He previously spent a year at Religion of Sports, the company founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra, and spent three years overseeing unscripted series for TNT and TBS, where he was responsible for shows such as James Corden’s Drop the Mic, Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild and The Misery Index. When he left the WarnerMedia-owned cabler, he set up his own production company, Bongo Pictures, which produced shows including Stylish with Jenna Lyons.
Prior to that he was SVP of Original Content for the newly merged WME/Img Media and co-created eLeague and was SVP,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO’s confirmed 100 Foot Wave will continue to wow surfers and non-surfers alike, renewing the documentary series for a third season. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue the journey with our incredible surfers and crew,” said director Chris Smith. “HBO have been amazing partners. Endlessly grateful for their enthusiasm, support, and creative collaboration.”
Season two premiered on April 16, 2023 and earned six Emmy nominations in categories including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program, and Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program. The renewal announcement didn’t indicate when season three is expected to arrive.
Garrett McNamara pictured in ‘100 Foot Wave’ season 2 (Photograph by Hélio António/HBO)
The docuseries follows big wave surfing legend Garrett McNamara, his wife, Nicole, and their friends and fellow surfers in Nazaré, Portugal as they push the boundaries of their sport and...
Season two premiered on April 16, 2023 and earned six Emmy nominations in categories including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Program, and Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program. The renewal announcement didn’t indicate when season three is expected to arrive.
Garrett McNamara pictured in ‘100 Foot Wave’ season 2 (Photograph by Hélio António/HBO)
The docuseries follows big wave surfing legend Garrett McNamara, his wife, Nicole, and their friends and fellow surfers in Nazaré, Portugal as they push the boundaries of their sport and...
- 8/23/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Exclusive: HBO is renewing 100 Foot Wave for a third season, the network’s critically acclaimed documentary series built around famed big wave surfer Garrett McNamara.
The news comes as season 2 of the show directed and executive produced by Chris Smith competes for six Emmys, the most earned by any documentary series this year. Among its nominations are Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program. Season 1 of the show won an Emmy for its cinematography, which captured McNamara and other elite surfers testing their skills on titanic walls of water off the coast of Portugal.
Crowds gather at Nazaré, Portugal to watch surfers take on immense waves.
“100 Foot Wave chronicles the adventures of big wave surfing legend Garrett McNamara, his wife, Nicole, and their nucleus of friends and fellow surfers in Nazaré, Portugal as they push the boundaries of their sport and the limits of their minds and bodies,...
The news comes as season 2 of the show directed and executive produced by Chris Smith competes for six Emmys, the most earned by any documentary series this year. Among its nominations are Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program. Season 1 of the show won an Emmy for its cinematography, which captured McNamara and other elite surfers testing their skills on titanic walls of water off the coast of Portugal.
Crowds gather at Nazaré, Portugal to watch surfers take on immense waves.
“100 Foot Wave chronicles the adventures of big wave surfing legend Garrett McNamara, his wife, Nicole, and their nucleus of friends and fellow surfers in Nazaré, Portugal as they push the boundaries of their sport and the limits of their minds and bodies,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Cinematographer Mandy Walker has made history as the first female recipient of the Australian Cinematographers Society (Acs) Milli Award.
Prior to receiving the ceremony’s highest award, Walker became the first woman in 102 years to win the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers’ Best Feature Film Award, and was nominated for both a BAFTA and Academy Award for her work on “Elvis.”
“I’m incredibly proud and honored to be the first woman to win this award,” said Walker. “Here’s to all the other glass ceiling breakers who will come after this.”
Randall Park’s Directorial Debut ‘Shortcomings’ Coming to Theaters This Summer
Sony Pictures Classics announced Randall Park’s directorial debut “Shortcomings” is set to premiere in theaters on August 4.
Ahead of its theatrical release, “Shortcomings” made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance film festival in January and will make its New York premiere at the Tribeca film festival in June.
Prior to receiving the ceremony’s highest award, Walker became the first woman in 102 years to win the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers’ Best Feature Film Award, and was nominated for both a BAFTA and Academy Award for her work on “Elvis.”
“I’m incredibly proud and honored to be the first woman to win this award,” said Walker. “Here’s to all the other glass ceiling breakers who will come after this.”
Randall Park’s Directorial Debut ‘Shortcomings’ Coming to Theaters This Summer
Sony Pictures Classics announced Randall Park’s directorial debut “Shortcomings” is set to premiere in theaters on August 4.
Ahead of its theatrical release, “Shortcomings” made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance film festival in January and will make its New York premiere at the Tribeca film festival in June.
- 5/6/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, McKinley Franklin, Charna Flam and Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Randall Park’s directorial debut, which had a mostly positive reception from its Sundance premiere, will launch theatrically on August 4.
“Shortcomings,” starring Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola and Ally Maki, will make its New York premiere at the Tribeca Festival next month in the Spotlight Narrative section.
Based on the Eisner-winning cartoonist Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel of the same name, “Shortcomings” also features Tavi Gevinson, Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno, Timothy Simons and Jacob Batalon. Tomine, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker, adapted the screenplay and is executive producing.
The picture concerns a struggling filmmaker who spends his days managing an arthouse theater. When his girlfriend moves to New York for an internship, Ben is left to ponder what he really wants out of life.
Also Read:
Aziz Ansari to Write, Direct and Star in Comedy ‘Good Fortune’ Opposite Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen
“‘Shortcomings’ is so fun,” actress...
“Shortcomings,” starring Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola and Ally Maki, will make its New York premiere at the Tribeca Festival next month in the Spotlight Narrative section.
Based on the Eisner-winning cartoonist Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel of the same name, “Shortcomings” also features Tavi Gevinson, Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno, Timothy Simons and Jacob Batalon. Tomine, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker, adapted the screenplay and is executive producing.
The picture concerns a struggling filmmaker who spends his days managing an arthouse theater. When his girlfriend moves to New York for an internship, Ben is left to ponder what he really wants out of life.
Also Read:
Aziz Ansari to Write, Direct and Star in Comedy ‘Good Fortune’ Opposite Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen
“‘Shortcomings’ is so fun,” actress...
- 5/4/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Infinity Pool, the latest sci-fi thriller from director Brandon Cronenberg, just reached theatre screens at the end of January, but now distributor Neon has revealed that they have already given the film a digital release as well! Infinity Pool is now available for digital purchase, and you can get it on Amazon at This Link.
This Valentine’s Day, find someone who looks at you the way Mia Goth looks at Alexander Skarsgård.
Give the gift of romance with Infinity Pool on Digital today. pic.twitter.com/9nzPmXTt3L
— Neon (@neonrated) February 14, 2023
Cronenberg wrote the screenplay for Infinity Pool, as he did for his two previous feature films, Possessor and Antiviral. This time, he tells the following story: James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard...
This Valentine’s Day, find someone who looks at you the way Mia Goth looks at Alexander Skarsgård.
Give the gift of romance with Infinity Pool on Digital today. pic.twitter.com/9nzPmXTt3L
— Neon (@neonrated) February 14, 2023
Cronenberg wrote the screenplay for Infinity Pool, as he did for his two previous feature films, Possessor and Antiviral. This time, he tells the following story: James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard...
- 2/14/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Searchlight Pitures has won a fierce bidding war for one of the buzziest Sundance crowd-pleasers. The Disney-owned distributor has closed a worldwide rights deal for the well-reviewed and well-received “Theater Camp,” with distribution rights going for around 8 million, according to an insider with knowledge of the deal.
The feature adaptation of Nick Lieberman’s 2020 short film of the same name will receive a theatrical release. It premiered in the dramatic competition on Saturday afternoon at the Eccles Theater in Park City and received a standing ovation.
The mockumentary stars comedic ensemble Gordon, Ben Platt (“Pitch Perfect”), Noah Galvin (“Booksmart”), Jimmy Tatro (“American Vandal”), Patti Harrison (“Together Together”), and Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”). Penned by Galvin, Gordon, Lieberman and Platt, and based on their short film, the film was produced by Will Ferrell, Galvin, Gordon, Lieberman, Platt, Erik Feig, Samie Kim Falvey, Julia Hammer, Ryan Heller, Maria Zuckerman, and Jessica Elbaum.
The feature adaptation of Nick Lieberman’s 2020 short film of the same name will receive a theatrical release. It premiered in the dramatic competition on Saturday afternoon at the Eccles Theater in Park City and received a standing ovation.
The mockumentary stars comedic ensemble Gordon, Ben Platt (“Pitch Perfect”), Noah Galvin (“Booksmart”), Jimmy Tatro (“American Vandal”), Patti Harrison (“Together Together”), and Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”). Penned by Galvin, Gordon, Lieberman and Platt, and based on their short film, the film was produced by Will Ferrell, Galvin, Gordon, Lieberman, Platt, Erik Feig, Samie Kim Falvey, Julia Hammer, Ryan Heller, Maria Zuckerman, and Jessica Elbaum.
- 1/23/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez and Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Searchlight Pictures has acquired Theater Camp, the mockumentary-style comedy from Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, Ben Platt and Noah Galvin. The worldwide deal, pegged in the 8 million range, includes theatrical.
The ensemble comedy, which screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section at Sundance, is described as John Cleese by way of Broadway. It’s set in an upstate New York theater camp where the eccentric staff is trying to keep the camp afloat with the help of the owner’s crypto-bro son.
Gordon and Lieberman directed the feature, which stars Gordon, Platt, Galvin, Ayo Edebiri, Patti Harrison and Amy Sedaris, among others.
“We could not possibly imagine a better home for Theater Camp than Searchlight Pictures! It is an absolute dream to become a part of their incredible and rich history that includes so many of our favorite films,” said Gordon and Lieberman. “This movie is about the joy of...
The ensemble comedy, which screened in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section at Sundance, is described as John Cleese by way of Broadway. It’s set in an upstate New York theater camp where the eccentric staff is trying to keep the camp afloat with the help of the owner’s crypto-bro son.
Gordon and Lieberman directed the feature, which stars Gordon, Platt, Galvin, Ayo Edebiri, Patti Harrison and Amy Sedaris, among others.
“We could not possibly imagine a better home for Theater Camp than Searchlight Pictures! It is an absolute dream to become a part of their incredible and rich history that includes so many of our favorite films,” said Gordon and Lieberman. “This movie is about the joy of...
- 1/23/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update: Searchlight has confirmed Deadline’s deal scoop on Theater Camp. Release is below, with another big Sundance deal in the books.
Exclusive: Searchlight Pictures is in final talks to acquire Theater Camp out of the Sundance Film Festival, in a worldwide deal that will land in the 8 million range, with a theatrical release guarantee.
Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, the film stars Gordon and Ben Platt as longtime best friends who return to an upstate run down theater camp that is imperiled when its founder lapses into a coma due to an unfortunate strobe-light incident. Her son takes over, and he tries to stave off foreclosure even though he initially has little interest in greasepaint and the boards.
The project grew out of Booksmart, another Gloria Sanchez production. Elbaum & Ferrell produced with PictureStart’s Erik Feig (who financed), Samie Kim Falvey, Julia Hammer, Ryan Heller, Maria Zuckerman,...
Exclusive: Searchlight Pictures is in final talks to acquire Theater Camp out of the Sundance Film Festival, in a worldwide deal that will land in the 8 million range, with a theatrical release guarantee.
Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman, the film stars Gordon and Ben Platt as longtime best friends who return to an upstate run down theater camp that is imperiled when its founder lapses into a coma due to an unfortunate strobe-light incident. Her son takes over, and he tries to stave off foreclosure even though he initially has little interest in greasepaint and the boards.
The project grew out of Booksmart, another Gloria Sanchez production. Elbaum & Ferrell produced with PictureStart’s Erik Feig (who financed), Samie Kim Falvey, Julia Hammer, Ryan Heller, Maria Zuckerman,...
- 1/23/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ryan Heller has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Film & Documentary at Topic Studios, the award-winning studio from First Look Media.
In his new role, he will continue to lead the feature film group, while adding feature-length documentaries to his purview, formalizing an area in which he had already been operating. He will oversee the doc arena with Vice President, Nonfiction, Christine Connor, continuing to report to CEO Michael Bloom.
A key player in the launch and critical successes of Topic Studios, who has since 2018 built and managed its feature film slate through development, financing, production and distribution, Heller most recently served as Senior Vice President of Film and Acquisitions.
He has long been a champion for new directorial voices, in recent years shepherding such breakout projects as the psychological horror Nanny and the acclaimed buddy comedy, The Climb. The former title from rising star director Nikyatu Jusu was...
In his new role, he will continue to lead the feature film group, while adding feature-length documentaries to his purview, formalizing an area in which he had already been operating. He will oversee the doc arena with Vice President, Nonfiction, Christine Connor, continuing to report to CEO Michael Bloom.
A key player in the launch and critical successes of Topic Studios, who has since 2018 built and managed its feature film slate through development, financing, production and distribution, Heller most recently served as Senior Vice President of Film and Acquisitions.
He has long been a champion for new directorial voices, in recent years shepherding such breakout projects as the psychological horror Nanny and the acclaimed buddy comedy, The Climb. The former title from rising star director Nikyatu Jusu was...
- 1/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Brandon Cronenberg‘s new movie Infinity Pool is on the way this month from Neon and Topic Studios, and a trippy new piece of poster art has arrived today.
Infinity Pool will release in theaters on January 27, 2023. Check out the new art below.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star.
In the film, “While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime:
“Either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.”
Neon co-financed and executive produced...
Infinity Pool will release in theaters on January 27, 2023. Check out the new art below.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star.
In the film, “While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime:
“Either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.”
Neon co-financed and executive produced...
- 1/6/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Infinity Pool, a new sci-fi thriller from director Brandon Cronenberg, will be screening at the Sundance Film Festival in January – and our own Chris Bumbray will be in attendance for that screening, so watch for his review to show up soon after. The first image from Infinity Pool was unveiled on the festival’s official website yesterday, and now a trailer for the film has arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above… and before you do, prepare to be weirded out.
Cronenberg wrote the screenplay for Infinity Pool, as he did for his two previous feature films, Possessor and Antiviral. This time, he’s telling the following story: James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard (The Northman), Cleopatra Coleman (In the Shadow of the Moon...
Cronenberg wrote the screenplay for Infinity Pool, as he did for his two previous feature films, Possessor and Antiviral. This time, he’s telling the following story: James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard (The Northman), Cleopatra Coleman (In the Shadow of the Moon...
- 12/8/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Brandon Cronenberg is back with new movie Infinity Pool from Neon and Topic Studios, and the official trailer has been released this morning.
Additionally, we’ve learned Infinity Pool will release in theaters on January 27, 2023.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star in Infinity Pool, and you can watch the trailer down below. We’ve also been provided with a brand new plot synopsis.
In the film, “While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime:
“Either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it,...
Additionally, we’ve learned Infinity Pool will release in theaters on January 27, 2023.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star in Infinity Pool, and you can watch the trailer down below. We’ve also been provided with a brand new plot synopsis.
In the film, “While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime:
“Either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it,...
- 12/8/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Infinity Pool, a new sci-fi thriller from director Brandon Cronenberg, will be screening at the Sundance Film Festival in January – and the festival’s official website has revealed the first image from the film! It’s a very strange and unnerving image, as you would expect from Cronenberg, and you can see it at the bottom of this article.
Cronenberg wrote the screenplay for Infinity Pool, as he did for his two previous feature films, Possessor and Antiviral. This time, he’s telling the following story: James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard (The Northman) and Mia Goth (Pearl).
Financing for Infinity Pool came from Neon, Topic Studios, Telefilm Canada, and the Croatian Film Fund. Film Forge’s Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino, Elevation Pictures’ Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan,...
Cronenberg wrote the screenplay for Infinity Pool, as he did for his two previous feature films, Possessor and Antiviral. This time, he’s telling the following story: James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard (The Northman) and Mia Goth (Pearl).
Financing for Infinity Pool came from Neon, Topic Studios, Telefilm Canada, and the Croatian Film Fund. Film Forge’s Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino, Elevation Pictures’ Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The lineup for next year’s Sundance Film Festival was just announced this afternoon, and with it comes our very first look at Brandon Cronenberg‘s brand new movie, Infinity Pool.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star in Infinity Pool from Neon and Topic Studios, the next movie from the director of Antiviral and Possessor.
Check out the first image above and expect more soon.
“James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.”
Cleopatra Coleman also stars in Infinity Pool.
Neon will co-finance and executive produce the sci-fi thriller alongside Topic Studios. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing, with Daniel Kresmery...
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star in Infinity Pool from Neon and Topic Studios, the next movie from the director of Antiviral and Possessor.
Check out the first image above and expect more soon.
“James and Em are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.”
Cleopatra Coleman also stars in Infinity Pool.
Neon will co-finance and executive produce the sci-fi thriller alongside Topic Studios. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing, with Daniel Kresmery...
- 12/7/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: In a competitive situation, Topic Studios has secured the rights to Amanda Montell’s book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism for adaptation as a television docuseries.
Published by Harper Wave in June of 2021, Montell’s second book, following Wordslut, dissects how cultish groups from Jonestown and Scientology to SoulCycle and social media gurus use language as the ultimate form of power.
The docuseries will be a powerful and timely deep dive into how cults maintain their power, per producers. According to Montell, whose own father escaped from a cult as a teenager, “we’ve been thinking about cults in completely the wrong way. While there have long been dark, dangerous cults (such as the Manson Family), fanatical groups actually fall along a spectrum, from Heaven’s Gate all the way to SoulCycle and Taylor Swift stans. Using an incisive, compelling and often funny tone, Cultish will unpack what cult influence looks,...
Published by Harper Wave in June of 2021, Montell’s second book, following Wordslut, dissects how cultish groups from Jonestown and Scientology to SoulCycle and social media gurus use language as the ultimate form of power.
The docuseries will be a powerful and timely deep dive into how cults maintain their power, per producers. According to Montell, whose own father escaped from a cult as a teenager, “we’ve been thinking about cults in completely the wrong way. While there have long been dark, dangerous cults (such as the Manson Family), fanatical groups actually fall along a spectrum, from Heaven’s Gate all the way to SoulCycle and Taylor Swift stans. Using an incisive, compelling and often funny tone, Cultish will unpack what cult influence looks,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The new iteration of The CW is starting to take shape.
Two and a half months after Nexstar Media Group acquired a majority stake in the broadcaster, the new owners are starting to make moves that will determine its programming mix and who will be leading this charge.
Chief among these include the search for a top programming executive, a re-tooling of its scripted lineup and a drive to greenlight more unscripted formats.
This comes after a major round of layoffs at the company as well as the departure of long-term execs such as streaming and branding chief Rick Haskins, ad chief Mitch Nedick and comms chief Paul Hewitt.
Earlier this month, Dennis Miller was named President of The CW Network, replacing Chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz. Deadline understands that he has been leading a search for a programming boss with executives such as former Pop TV boss Brad Schwartz...
Two and a half months after Nexstar Media Group acquired a majority stake in the broadcaster, the new owners are starting to make moves that will determine its programming mix and who will be leading this charge.
Chief among these include the search for a top programming executive, a re-tooling of its scripted lineup and a drive to greenlight more unscripted formats.
This comes after a major round of layoffs at the company as well as the departure of long-term execs such as streaming and branding chief Rick Haskins, ad chief Mitch Nedick and comms chief Paul Hewitt.
Earlier this month, Dennis Miller was named President of The CW Network, replacing Chairman and CEO Mark Pedowitz. Deadline understands that he has been leading a search for a programming boss with executives such as former Pop TV boss Brad Schwartz...
- 11/1/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films has acquired North American rights to “God’s Time,” the kinetic debut feature from writer and director Daniel Antebi. “God’s Time” had its World Premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival in the U.S. Narrative Competition, where it won a Best Performance Special Jury Mention for actress Liz Caribel.
At the festival, Paste praised it for conveying “a real sense of New York life,” while Cinemacy called it “Fast-paced and hip, fitting squarely into the growing category of films for the ‘Euphoria’ crowd.”
The movie centers around Dev and Luca, two best friends, who are also recovering addicts. The duo are secretly in love with fellow addict Regina. She spends every support group meeting sharing her wild fantasies about killing her evil ex-boyfriend. One day, her tone shifts, and Regina sounds serious. This sets Dev and Luca off on a 24-hour odyssey through pandemic-gripped New York City...
At the festival, Paste praised it for conveying “a real sense of New York life,” while Cinemacy called it “Fast-paced and hip, fitting squarely into the growing category of films for the ‘Euphoria’ crowd.”
The movie centers around Dev and Luca, two best friends, who are also recovering addicts. The duo are secretly in love with fellow addict Regina. She spends every support group meeting sharing her wild fantasies about killing her evil ex-boyfriend. One day, her tone shifts, and Regina sounds serious. This sets Dev and Luca off on a 24-hour odyssey through pandemic-gripped New York City...
- 10/27/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Four weeks ago, we heard that Infinity Pool, a new sci-fi thriller from director Brandon Cronenberg, the son of the legendary David Cronenberg, had been slapped with an Nc-17 by the ratings board at the Motion Picture Association. The reason given for that rating was “some graphic violence and sexual content”. The ratings announcement came with the note that the makers of Infinity Pool intend to appealed to the Classification and Rating Administration appeals board in an attempt to get the Nc-17 turned into an R. And apparently that appeal didn’t go their way, because it has now been announced that Infinity Pool was edited in order to receive an R rating.
The new rating announcement says that Infinity Pool was been rated R for “graphic violence, disturbing material, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and some language.” Which makes it sound even harsher than the Nc-17 cut.
The new rating announcement says that Infinity Pool was been rated R for “graphic violence, disturbing material, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and some language.” Which makes it sound even harsher than the Nc-17 cut.
- 10/19/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
As we told you last month, Antiviral and Possessor director Brandon Cronenberg‘s next is the sci-fi movie Infinity Pool for Neon and Topic Studios, which received an “Nc-17” rating from the MPA for “Some graphic violence and sexual content.” We also told you that an appeal was underway, and this week the MPA has finally handed the film an “R” rating.
The film’s previous “Nc-17” rating has been voided and the film has been re-edited a bit to achieve the “R” rating. This edited version of Infinity Pool has been rated “R” for…
“Graphic violence, disturbing material, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use, and some language.”
The good news? It sounds like the film will remain violent and boundary-pushing!
Stay tuned for more as we learn it.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star in Infinity Pool.
The press release explained, “Alexander Skarsgård will star...
The film’s previous “Nc-17” rating has been voided and the film has been re-edited a bit to achieve the “R” rating. This edited version of Infinity Pool has been rated “R” for…
“Graphic violence, disturbing material, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use, and some language.”
The good news? It sounds like the film will remain violent and boundary-pushing!
Stay tuned for more as we learn it.
Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) star in Infinity Pool.
The press release explained, “Alexander Skarsgård will star...
- 10/19/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Over a year has gone by since we heard that Alexander Skarsgard (Godzilla vs. Kong) would be starring in Infinity Pool, a new sci-fi thriller from director Brandon Cronenberg, the son of the legendary David Cronenberg. Infinity Pool, which also stars Mia Goth – who Ti West is working on turning into a genre icon with his X, Pearl, and MaXXXine trilogy – has since made its way through production, and was recently screened for the ratings board at the Motion Picture Association. And that screening didn’t go the way Cronenberg and distributor Neon were hoping it would. The ratings board has slapped Infinity Pool with an Nc-17 rating for “some graphic violence and sexual content”.
The ratings announcement on FilmRatings.com comes with the note that the makers of Infinity Pool intend to appeal to the Classification and Rating Administration appeals board in an attempt to get the Nc-17 turned into an R.
The ratings announcement on FilmRatings.com comes with the note that the makers of Infinity Pool intend to appeal to the Classification and Rating Administration appeals board in an attempt to get the Nc-17 turned into an R.
- 9/21/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Up next from Antiviral and Possessor director Brandon Cronenberg is the sci-fi movie Infinity Pool for Neon and Topic Studios, which boasts a cast including Mia Goth (Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman). This week we’ve learned that the upcoming movie has received an “Nc-17” rating from the MPA, with an appeal currently underway.
For now, Infinity Pool has been rated “Nc-17” for…
“Some graphic violence and sexual content.”
We’re hearing that Neon is intending on appealing to the C.A.R.A. Appeals Board, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Either way, this one is very much on our radar at the moment!
The press release explained, “Alexander Skarsgård will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool. Skarsgård will further serve as executive producer.”
In the film, “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches.
For now, Infinity Pool has been rated “Nc-17” for…
“Some graphic violence and sexual content.”
We’re hearing that Neon is intending on appealing to the C.A.R.A. Appeals Board, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Either way, this one is very much on our radar at the moment!
The press release explained, “Alexander Skarsgård will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool. Skarsgård will further serve as executive producer.”
In the film, “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches.
- 9/21/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Passionflix, a romance-focused streaming service run by Elon Musk’s sister Tosca Musk, has raised 9.4 million in a funding round led by AMC Networks.
The influx of funding was reported Wednesday in an SEC filing, but individual investors were not named.
AMC Networks’ minority stake worth several million dollars was confirmed by a person familiar with the transaction, but AMC Networks did not reveal it in a filing of its own. The company had no comment when contacted by Deadline. Under SEC rules, investments qualifying as “material” must be reported by public companies, so the fact that AMC did not disclose it indicates the modest size of the transaction in the overall scheme of things. Still, AMC Networks has made investments before in entities like Rlj Entertainment and the streaming outlet Acorn and went on to acquire full control of them over time.
The targeted approach and modest footprint of Passionflix,...
The influx of funding was reported Wednesday in an SEC filing, but individual investors were not named.
AMC Networks’ minority stake worth several million dollars was confirmed by a person familiar with the transaction, but AMC Networks did not reveal it in a filing of its own. The company had no comment when contacted by Deadline. Under SEC rules, investments qualifying as “material” must be reported by public companies, so the fact that AMC did not disclose it indicates the modest size of the transaction in the overall scheme of things. Still, AMC Networks has made investments before in entities like Rlj Entertainment and the streaming outlet Acorn and went on to acquire full control of them over time.
The targeted approach and modest footprint of Passionflix,...
- 9/2/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Randall Park has tapped Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola and Ally Maki to headline the cast of his directorial debut “Shortcomings,” adapted from the graphic novel by Adrian Tomine.
The film will also feature Tavi Gevinson (HBO’s “Gossip Girl”), Debby Ryan (“The Resort”) and Jacob Batalon (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”). Sonoya Mizuno (“House of the Dragon”) and Timothy Simons (“Veep”) round out the supporting cast.
Topic Studios and Tango Entertainment announced that production recently wrapped.
“Shortcomings” is described as “a hilariously irreverent examination of racial politics, sexual mores, and pop culture.” Min stars as Ben, the cynical manager of a Bay Area movie theater, while Cola plays his best friend Alice. Together, they navigate life and its many obstacles: Ben’s failing relationship with his girlfriend Miko (Maki) and Alice’s serial dating habits chief among them.
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The film will also feature Tavi Gevinson (HBO’s “Gossip Girl”), Debby Ryan (“The Resort”) and Jacob Batalon (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”). Sonoya Mizuno (“House of the Dragon”) and Timothy Simons (“Veep”) round out the supporting cast.
Topic Studios and Tango Entertainment announced that production recently wrapped.
“Shortcomings” is described as “a hilariously irreverent examination of racial politics, sexual mores, and pop culture.” Min stars as Ben, the cynical manager of a Bay Area movie theater, while Cola plays his best friend Alice. Together, they navigate life and its many obstacles: Ben’s failing relationship with his girlfriend Miko (Maki) and Alice’s serial dating habits chief among them.
Also Read:
Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris to Star in...
- 8/30/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Randall Park has cast Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola and Ally Maki to star in his directorial debut “Shortcomings.”
The film, a comedic drama, will also feature Tavi Gevinson (“Gossip Girl”), Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno (“House of The Dragon”), Timothy Simons (“Veep”) and Jacob Batalon (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”).
Described as a “hilariously irreverent examination of racial politics, sexual mores and pop culture,” “Shortcomings” follows a cynical movie theater manager Ben (Min) and his irrepressible best friend Alice (Cola). Together, the Bay Area urbanites navigate Ben’s disintegrating relationship with his girlfriend Miko (Maki), Alice’s serial-dating habits and other obstacles in the way of their personal growth.
The story is based on the graphic novel by Adrian Tomine, who adapted the screenplay and served as an executive producer on the film.
“It was a joy watching these incredibly talented performers bring these characters to life, flaws and all,” Park said.
The film, a comedic drama, will also feature Tavi Gevinson (“Gossip Girl”), Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno (“House of The Dragon”), Timothy Simons (“Veep”) and Jacob Batalon (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”).
Described as a “hilariously irreverent examination of racial politics, sexual mores and pop culture,” “Shortcomings” follows a cynical movie theater manager Ben (Min) and his irrepressible best friend Alice (Cola). Together, the Bay Area urbanites navigate Ben’s disintegrating relationship with his girlfriend Miko (Maki), Alice’s serial-dating habits and other obstacles in the way of their personal growth.
The story is based on the graphic novel by Adrian Tomine, who adapted the screenplay and served as an executive producer on the film.
“It was a joy watching these incredibly talented performers bring these characters to life, flaws and all,” Park said.
- 8/30/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
"In this psychological horror fable of displacement, Aisha (Anna Diop), a woman who recently emigrated from Senegal, is hired to care for the daughter of an affluent couple (Michelle Monaghan and Morgan Spector) living in New York City. Haunted by the absence of the young son she left behind, Aisha hopes her new job will afford her the chance to bring him to the U.S., but becomes increasingly unsettled by the family’s volatile home life. As his arrival approaches, a violent presence begins to invade both her dreams and her reality, threatening the American dream she is painstakingly piecing together."
Written & Directed By Nikyatu Jusu Produced By Nikkia Moulterie and Daniela Taplin Lundberg Executive Produced By Maria Zuckerman, Ryan Heller, Michael Bloom, Jason Blum, Rebecca Cammarata, Bill Benenson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Laurie Benenson, Grace Lay, Sumalee Montano, Nikyatu Jusu, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold Starring Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls,...
Written & Directed By Nikyatu Jusu Produced By Nikkia Moulterie and Daniela Taplin Lundberg Executive Produced By Maria Zuckerman, Ryan Heller, Michael Bloom, Jason Blum, Rebecca Cammarata, Bill Benenson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Laurie Benenson, Grace Lay, Sumalee Montano, Nikyatu Jusu, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold Starring Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to the documentary “Turn Every Page — The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb.” The film premiered at Tribeca Festival as part of its spotlight documentary programming.
Robert Gottlieb’s daughter Lizzie Gottlieb directed “Turn Every Page,” which explores the legendary editor’s creative collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro. According to a press release, “They have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, ‘The Years of Lyndon Johnson’; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.”
“I was incredibly fortunate to discover the true meaning of collaboration while making this film, through witnessing the extraordinary partnership of Robert Caro and my father Robert Gottlieb, who have, individually and together, brought the world...
Robert Gottlieb’s daughter Lizzie Gottlieb directed “Turn Every Page,” which explores the legendary editor’s creative collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro. According to a press release, “They have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, ‘The Years of Lyndon Johnson’; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.”
“I was incredibly fortunate to discover the true meaning of collaboration while making this film, through witnessing the extraordinary partnership of Robert Caro and my father Robert Gottlieb, who have, individually and together, brought the world...
- 6/15/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to the documentary Turn Every Page – The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb, on the heels of its June 12th world premiere in the Spotlight Documentary section of the Tribeca Film Festival.
The film’s subjects are Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb, who have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, The Years of Lyndon Johnson; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.
Directed by Gottlieb’s daughter, Lizzie Gottlieb, Turn Every Page explores Caro and Robert Gottlieb’s remarkable creative collaboration, including the behind-the-scenes drama of the making of Caro’s The Power Broker and the Lbj series. With humor and insight, the unique double portrait reveals the work habits,...
The film’s subjects are Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb, who have worked and fought together for 50 years, forging one of publishing’s most iconic and productive partnerships. Now 86, Caro is working to complete the final volume of his masterwork, The Years of Lyndon Johnson; Gottlieb, 91, waits to edit it. The task of finishing their life’s work looms before them.
Directed by Gottlieb’s daughter, Lizzie Gottlieb, Turn Every Page explores Caro and Robert Gottlieb’s remarkable creative collaboration, including the behind-the-scenes drama of the making of Caro’s The Power Broker and the Lbj series. With humor and insight, the unique double portrait reveals the work habits,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Classics has secured the worldwide rights to “Turn Every Page – The Adventures of Robert Caro and Robert Gottlieb” out of Tribeca Film Festival. The film premiered Sunday as part of the festival’s Spotlight Documentary program.
Directed by Lizzie Gottlieb, the film chronicles the 50-year partnership between her father – the legendary editor of The New Yorker and publishing houses Simon & Schuster and Alfred A. Knopf – and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert Caro. “Turn Every Page” examines the contours of their prolific partnership as Caro completes his fifth and final book in his “The Years of Lyndon Johnson” series, and Gottlieb prepares to edit it.
The film will also dive into their individual accomplishments and idiosyncrasies, from Caro’s famous writing process to Gottlieb’s storied career as a ballet critic and historian. According to Tribeca’s synopsis, it will also feature commentary from the likes of Conan O’Brien,...
Directed by Lizzie Gottlieb, the film chronicles the 50-year partnership between her father – the legendary editor of The New Yorker and publishing houses Simon & Schuster and Alfred A. Knopf – and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert Caro. “Turn Every Page” examines the contours of their prolific partnership as Caro completes his fifth and final book in his “The Years of Lyndon Johnson” series, and Gottlieb prepares to edit it.
The film will also dive into their individual accomplishments and idiosyncrasies, from Caro’s famous writing process to Gottlieb’s storied career as a ballet critic and historian. According to Tribeca’s synopsis, it will also feature commentary from the likes of Conan O’Brien,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
Doc charts lifelong friendship between Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and editor Robert Gottlieb.
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all worldwide rights from Cinetic Media to Tribeca selection Turn Every Page – The Adventures Of Robert Caro And Robert Gottlieb.
Lizzie Gottlieb directed the film, which premiered in Spotlight Documentary over the weekend and screens again today (June 15) and on Saturday and Sunday. Gottlieb produced alongside Joanne Nerenberg and Jen Small and Topic Studios in association with Left/Right.
Turn Every Page centres on the lifelong friendship between Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb. Now 86, Caro is working...
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all worldwide rights from Cinetic Media to Tribeca selection Turn Every Page – The Adventures Of Robert Caro And Robert Gottlieb.
Lizzie Gottlieb directed the film, which premiered in Spotlight Documentary over the weekend and screens again today (June 15) and on Saturday and Sunday. Gottlieb produced alongside Joanne Nerenberg and Jen Small and Topic Studios in association with Left/Right.
Turn Every Page centres on the lifelong friendship between Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Robert Caro and legendary editor Robert Gottlieb. Now 86, Caro is working...
- 6/15/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Maria Zuckerman, the president of indie Topic Studios, is exiting her role after being with the studio since 2019.
It’s unclear where the executive will land or who her immediate replacement will be. Zuckerman joined Topic in 2019 as EVP and head of Topic Studios reporting to Topic’s parent company First Look Media CEO Michael Bloom, and she was elevated to president at Topic last July.
“Maria has a fantastic creative sensibility with a keen commercial sense to match. Over the past three years, she and the studio team have accelerated Topic Studios’ growth into a world-class independent studio, attracting stellar talent, exciting voices, and spear-heading award-winning films, documentaries, series, and podcasts. We are grateful for all she did and wish her the very best in the future,” Bloom said in a statement.
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Peter Rice, Toby Emmerich and the Hollowing Out of Hollywood’s C-Suites
Zuckerman had led the company’s film,...
It’s unclear where the executive will land or who her immediate replacement will be. Zuckerman joined Topic in 2019 as EVP and head of Topic Studios reporting to Topic’s parent company First Look Media CEO Michael Bloom, and she was elevated to president at Topic last July.
“Maria has a fantastic creative sensibility with a keen commercial sense to match. Over the past three years, she and the studio team have accelerated Topic Studios’ growth into a world-class independent studio, attracting stellar talent, exciting voices, and spear-heading award-winning films, documentaries, series, and podcasts. We are grateful for all she did and wish her the very best in the future,” Bloom said in a statement.
Also Read:
Peter Rice, Toby Emmerich and the Hollowing Out of Hollywood’s C-Suites
Zuckerman had led the company’s film,...
- 6/14/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Maria Zuckerman is stepping down from her role as President of Topic Studios, where she has led the company’s film, streaming, television and podcast slate for over three years. Where the well-respected executive will land is not yet clear.
“Maria has a fantastic creative sensibility with a keen commercial sense to match,” said First Look Media CEO Michael Bloom, to whom Zuckerman reported. “Over the past three years, she and the studio team have accelerated Topic Studios’ growth into a world-class independent studio, attracting stellar talent, exciting voices, and spear-heading award-winning films, documentaries, series, and podcasts. We are grateful for all she did and wish her the very best in the future.”
In her time at Topic, Zuckerman overhauled the studio—greenlighting, producing and selling brand-defining, profitable titles; creating four distinct content verticals; establishing a Scripted TV department in LA; elevating the...
“Maria has a fantastic creative sensibility with a keen commercial sense to match,” said First Look Media CEO Michael Bloom, to whom Zuckerman reported. “Over the past three years, she and the studio team have accelerated Topic Studios’ growth into a world-class independent studio, attracting stellar talent, exciting voices, and spear-heading award-winning films, documentaries, series, and podcasts. We are grateful for all she did and wish her the very best in the future.”
In her time at Topic, Zuckerman overhauled the studio—greenlighting, producing and selling brand-defining, profitable titles; creating four distinct content verticals; establishing a Scripted TV department in LA; elevating the...
- 6/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan star in Sundance grand jury prize winner.
Blumhouse Television and Prime Video have acquired worldwide rights to Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny, which in January became the first horror selection to win the festival’s grand jury prize.
The US Dramatic Competition entry stars Anna Diop (Us) as a Senegalese immigrant who tries to build a new life as a nanny to a wealthy family in New York and is forced to confront a secret that threatens to shatter her American Dream.
Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Morgan Spector and Rose Decker also star.
Nikkia Moulterie and Daniela Taplin Lundberg...
Blumhouse Television and Prime Video have acquired worldwide rights to Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny, which in January became the first horror selection to win the festival’s grand jury prize.
The US Dramatic Competition entry stars Anna Diop (Us) as a Senegalese immigrant who tries to build a new life as a nanny to a wealthy family in New York and is forced to confront a secret that threatens to shatter her American Dream.
Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Morgan Spector and Rose Decker also star.
Nikkia Moulterie and Daniela Taplin Lundberg...
- 3/16/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Nanny,” the horror film that won the top prize at this year’s Sundance, has been acquired for release by Blumhouse and Prime Video. An individual with knowledge of the sale telling TheWrap the movie was acquired in a competitive situation.
Nikyatu Jusu’s debut film, which she wrote and directed, won the 2022 Sundance Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, making “Nanny” the first horror film to win in the category and making her only the second Black woman director to have their film win the top prize.
Blumhouse and Prime Video formed a partnership in 2019 to release films under the “Welcome to Blumhouse” banner, and “Nanny” will continue that collaboration.
“Nanny” stars Anna Diop (“Us”) as a Senegalese immigrant nanny, piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family, who is forced to confront a...
Nikyatu Jusu’s debut film, which she wrote and directed, won the 2022 Sundance Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, making “Nanny” the first horror film to win in the category and making her only the second Black woman director to have their film win the top prize.
Blumhouse and Prime Video formed a partnership in 2019 to release films under the “Welcome to Blumhouse” banner, and “Nanny” will continue that collaboration.
“Nanny” stars Anna Diop (“Us”) as a Senegalese immigrant nanny, piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family, who is forced to confront a...
- 3/16/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Sundance 2022’s top prize winner, filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu’s “Nanny,” has been acquired by Blumhouse and Prime Video.
The companies jointly secured worldwide rights for the horror-drama, which premiered to rave reviews at Sundance in January, before ultimately winning the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, making history as the first horror film to take the festival’s top honor. Jusu is also only the second Black woman director to win the award.
Written and directed by Jusu, in her feature directorial debut, “Nanny” follows a Senegalese woman named Aisha (Anna Diop) who recently immigrated to America. When Aisha starts working as a nanny for a wealthy New York couple, she also begins having haunting visions. Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Morgan Spector and Rose Decker star alongside Diop.
The film was acquired from Topic Studios, Stay Gold Features and LinLay Productions in a competitive bidding situation. The deal was negotiated by CAA Media Finance.
The companies jointly secured worldwide rights for the horror-drama, which premiered to rave reviews at Sundance in January, before ultimately winning the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, making history as the first horror film to take the festival’s top honor. Jusu is also only the second Black woman director to win the award.
Written and directed by Jusu, in her feature directorial debut, “Nanny” follows a Senegalese woman named Aisha (Anna Diop) who recently immigrated to America. When Aisha starts working as a nanny for a wealthy New York couple, she also begins having haunting visions. Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls, Morgan Spector and Rose Decker star alongside Diop.
The film was acquired from Topic Studios, Stay Gold Features and LinLay Productions in a competitive bidding situation. The deal was negotiated by CAA Media Finance.
- 3/16/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Blumhouse and Prime Video have won world rights to Sundance horror-drama Nanny, we can reveal.
In a competitive situation, which also included SPC and Neon, Prime Video ultimately won out thanks to a deal in the $7M range. Blumhouse’s Jason Blum saw the movie and instantly fell for it so wanted to include it as part of the company’s Amazon deal. There is also a theatrical commitment, we understand.
From in-demand first-time feature writer/director Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny premiered at Sundance this year in the U.S. Dramatic Competition to strong reviews and went on to win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, the first horror film to take the festival’s top honor.
The film stars Anna Diop (Us) as a Senegalese immigrant nanny, piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family, who is forced to...
In a competitive situation, which also included SPC and Neon, Prime Video ultimately won out thanks to a deal in the $7M range. Blumhouse’s Jason Blum saw the movie and instantly fell for it so wanted to include it as part of the company’s Amazon deal. There is also a theatrical commitment, we understand.
From in-demand first-time feature writer/director Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny premiered at Sundance this year in the U.S. Dramatic Competition to strong reviews and went on to win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, the first horror film to take the festival’s top honor.
The film stars Anna Diop (Us) as a Senegalese immigrant nanny, piecing together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family, who is forced to...
- 3/16/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
‘The Thousand Crimes Of Ming Tsu’ Novel To Get TV Adaptation By Topic Studios & Blue Marble Pictures
Exclusive: In a competitive situation involving multiple bidders, Topic Studios has acquired the rights to Tom Lin’s debut novel The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu, winner of the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, for TV series development. Topic Studios will produce alongside Theresa Kang-Lowe via her Blue Marble Pictures.
Praised for its cinematic appeal, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu is the story of Ming, an orphaned son of Chinese immigrants, raised by the notorious leader of a California crime syndicate who trained him to be his deadly enforcer. When Ming falls in love with Ada, the daughter of a powerful railroad magnate, the two elope and seize the opportunity to escape to a different life. But in a violent raid, Ada’s tycoon father’s henchmen kidnap her and conscript Ming into service for the Central Pacific Railroad. Ming escapes and takes off on a...
Praised for its cinematic appeal, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu is the story of Ming, an orphaned son of Chinese immigrants, raised by the notorious leader of a California crime syndicate who trained him to be his deadly enforcer. When Ming falls in love with Ada, the daughter of a powerful railroad magnate, the two elope and seize the opportunity to escape to a different life. But in a violent raid, Ada’s tycoon father’s henchmen kidnap her and conscript Ming into service for the Central Pacific Railroad. Ming escapes and takes off on a...
- 2/11/2022
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Topic Studios president Maria Zuckerman is a canny executive who can see over the horizon. In 2019, the New Yorker figured out that the Hollywood universe was expanding at such a rate that it was time to become a bicoastal content provider instead of a distributor-buyer. She left producing at HBO, where she had been happily ensconced for almost 20 years, and moved over to independent Topic Studios. She quickly saw a route to diversifying and expanding the company’s lineup, by backing, funding, and producing (at different levels) a wide range of independent features, building on the Oscar-winning “Spotlight” toward this past weekend’s opener, Pablo Larraín’s surreal Princess Diana drama “Spencer” (Neon), starring Oscar frontrunner Kristen Stewart.
“It’s a fiercely independent company,” Zuckerman said in an interview with IndieWire. That’s because owner First Look Media (Oscar-winning “Spotlight”) created a two-sided entity: the not-for-profit and the studio. “Our mission is to be profitable,...
“It’s a fiercely independent company,” Zuckerman said in an interview with IndieWire. That’s because owner First Look Media (Oscar-winning “Spotlight”) created a two-sided entity: the not-for-profit and the studio. “Our mission is to be profitable,...
- 11/8/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Topic Studios president Maria Zuckerman is a canny executive who can see over the horizon. In 2019, the New Yorker figured out that the Hollywood universe was expanding at such a rate that it was time to become a bicoastal content provider instead of a distributor-buyer. She left producing at HBO, where she had been happily ensconced for almost 20 years, and moved over to independent Topic Studios. She quickly saw a route to diversifying and expanding the company’s lineup, by backing, funding, and producing (at different levels) a wide range of independent features, building on the Oscar-winning “Spotlight” toward this past weekend’s opener, Pablo Larraín’s surreal Princess Diana drama “Spencer” (Neon), starring Oscar frontrunner Kristen Stewart.
“It’s a fiercely independent company,” Zuckerman said in an interview with IndieWire. That’s because owner First Look Media (Oscar-winning “Spotlight”) created a two-sided entity: the not-for-profit and the studio. “Our mission is to be profitable,...
“It’s a fiercely independent company,” Zuckerman said in an interview with IndieWire. That’s because owner First Look Media (Oscar-winning “Spotlight”) created a two-sided entity: the not-for-profit and the studio. “Our mission is to be profitable,...
- 11/8/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Martin Lawrence has been tapped to star in Topic Studios’ reimagined English-language adaptation of the Hot-produced praised Israeli series Nehama. In his first television role in seven years, Lawrence will play the title character in the soon-to-be-titled dark comedy. Lawrence also will produce the U.S. version via his RunTelDat Entertainment production company, alongside 24 Drafts Studio and Topic Studios.
In a competitive situation, Topic Studios acquired the rights to develop an English-language adaptation of Nehama in 2020, with Quan Phung, Topic Studios’ SVP, Original Series, bringing the project to the studio. The original Israeli series was created by Reshef Levi (The Arbitrator) and Tomer Shani (Very Important Person), who also directed it, with Yoav Gross (The Good Cop) producing. Levi, Shani and Gross will partner with an American writer on the adaptation.
The series tells the story of a happily married father of five (Lawrence) who quits his suffocating job in...
In a competitive situation, Topic Studios acquired the rights to develop an English-language adaptation of Nehama in 2020, with Quan Phung, Topic Studios’ SVP, Original Series, bringing the project to the studio. The original Israeli series was created by Reshef Levi (The Arbitrator) and Tomer Shani (Very Important Person), who also directed it, with Yoav Gross (The Good Cop) producing. Levi, Shani and Gross will partner with an American writer on the adaptation.
The series tells the story of a happily married father of five (Lawrence) who quits his suffocating job in...
- 10/28/2021
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In his first series regular role since 2014, Martin Lawrence has signed on to star in the English-language adaptation of the acclaimed Israeli Hot original series “Nehama,” from Topic Studios.
The series tells the story of a happily married father of five (Lawrence) who quits his suffocating job in tech to chase his original love of stand-up comedy. When his wife suddenly dies, he must decide whether he should pursue his dream and risk losing his kids — who are lost without their mother. Described as “hilarious, intelligent, and raw,” the series examines what it means “to seek pleasure and find comfort in the face of tragedy and tackles the timeless challenge of ‘wanting to have it all’ from a uniquely male perspective, with some twists along the way.”
Lawrence takes on the lead role in the soon-to-be titled dark comedy and will produce through his production company, RunTelDat Entertainment, alongside 24 Drafts Studio and Topic Studios,...
The series tells the story of a happily married father of five (Lawrence) who quits his suffocating job in tech to chase his original love of stand-up comedy. When his wife suddenly dies, he must decide whether he should pursue his dream and risk losing his kids — who are lost without their mother. Described as “hilarious, intelligent, and raw,” the series examines what it means “to seek pleasure and find comfort in the face of tragedy and tackles the timeless challenge of ‘wanting to have it all’ from a uniquely male perspective, with some twists along the way.”
Lawrence takes on the lead role in the soon-to-be titled dark comedy and will produce through his production company, RunTelDat Entertainment, alongside 24 Drafts Studio and Topic Studios,...
- 10/28/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Executive has overseen growth in TV, podcasts. Films under her tenure include upcoming Spencer.
Topic Studios has promoted Maria Zuckerman to president of the company, effective immediately.
Zuckerman will continue to report to CEO Michael Bloom and leads creative vision and overall strategy in a wide remit that covers development, financing, and production of films, documentaries, TV and podcasts.
She joined Topic Studios in May 2019 as EVP and head of Topic Studios and in that time has grown TV and podcast activity.
Recent films include Pablo Larrain’s upcoming Venice world premiere Spencer with Neon; Kevin Macdonald’s legal thriller...
Topic Studios has promoted Maria Zuckerman to president of the company, effective immediately.
Zuckerman will continue to report to CEO Michael Bloom and leads creative vision and overall strategy in a wide remit that covers development, financing, and production of films, documentaries, TV and podcasts.
She joined Topic Studios in May 2019 as EVP and head of Topic Studios and in that time has grown TV and podcast activity.
Recent films include Pablo Larrain’s upcoming Venice world premiere Spencer with Neon; Kevin Macdonald’s legal thriller...
- 7/28/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
First Look Media has promoted Maria Zuckerman to President of Topic Studios. She will continue to report to the company’s CEO Michael Bloom.
Zuckerman will continue to lead the Studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing, and production across feature films, documentaries, television, and podcasts. She joined the Studio in May of 2019 as EVP & Head of Topic Studios.
During her tenure, Topic Studios has expanded with a broad range of award-winning film projects, as well as ramping up their TV division and full-service podcast studio. In addition, the Topic Studios has brought in world-class creators such as Pablo Larraín, Destin Daniel Cretton, Awkwafina, Kevin Macdonald, Chris Smith, Nikyatu Jusu, Adam Leon and Toni Collette.
Zuckerman’s promotion comes just weeks after Topic Studios, along with its partners The Intercept and the Invisible Institute, were lauded as a Pulitzer Prize finalist for the podcast Somebody, and the...
Zuckerman will continue to lead the Studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing, and production across feature films, documentaries, television, and podcasts. She joined the Studio in May of 2019 as EVP & Head of Topic Studios.
During her tenure, Topic Studios has expanded with a broad range of award-winning film projects, as well as ramping up their TV division and full-service podcast studio. In addition, the Topic Studios has brought in world-class creators such as Pablo Larraín, Destin Daniel Cretton, Awkwafina, Kevin Macdonald, Chris Smith, Nikyatu Jusu, Adam Leon and Toni Collette.
Zuckerman’s promotion comes just weeks after Topic Studios, along with its partners The Intercept and the Invisible Institute, were lauded as a Pulitzer Prize finalist for the podcast Somebody, and the...
- 7/28/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
First Look Media has tapped Maria Zuckerman to serve as president of Topic Studios, a major promotion for the executive who joined the company in May 2019.
“I’m thrilled to recognize Maria’s role in growing Topic Studios with her promotion to president,” said Michael Bloom, First Look Media’s CEO. ”Maria and her team have built the studio into a major creative force, giving new and established voices the opportunity to collaborate and produce truly extraordinary work. I know the studio will continue to thrive under her leadership, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Over the last two years as executive vice president and head of Topic Studios, Zuckerman has worked to raise the company’s profile with movies like “The Mauritanian”; Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin’s “The Climb” (distributed by Sony Pictures Classics); and seven projects at the Sundance Film Festival, including...
“I’m thrilled to recognize Maria’s role in growing Topic Studios with her promotion to president,” said Michael Bloom, First Look Media’s CEO. ”Maria and her team have built the studio into a major creative force, giving new and established voices the opportunity to collaborate and produce truly extraordinary work. I know the studio will continue to thrive under her leadership, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Over the last two years as executive vice president and head of Topic Studios, Zuckerman has worked to raise the company’s profile with movies like “The Mauritanian”; Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin’s “The Climb” (distributed by Sony Pictures Classics); and seven projects at the Sundance Film Festival, including...
- 7/28/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Maria Zuckerman has been promoted to president of Topic Studios, First Look Media announced Wednesday.
Zuckerman joined Topic in May 2019 as EVP and head of Topic Studios and will now continue to report to the company’s CEO, Michael Bloom. She will continue to lead the studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing and production across feature films, documentaries, television and podcasts.
“I’m thrilled to recognize Maria’s role in growing Topic Studios with her promotion to President. Maria and her team have built the Studio into a major creative force, giving new and established voices the opportunity to collaborate and produce truly extraordinary work. I know the Studio will continue to thrive under her leadership, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” Bloom said in a statement.
“It has been thrilling over the past two years to grow Topic Studios’ reach and slate of productions.
Zuckerman joined Topic in May 2019 as EVP and head of Topic Studios and will now continue to report to the company’s CEO, Michael Bloom. She will continue to lead the studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing and production across feature films, documentaries, television and podcasts.
“I’m thrilled to recognize Maria’s role in growing Topic Studios with her promotion to President. Maria and her team have built the Studio into a major creative force, giving new and established voices the opportunity to collaborate and produce truly extraordinary work. I know the Studio will continue to thrive under her leadership, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” Bloom said in a statement.
“It has been thrilling over the past two years to grow Topic Studios’ reach and slate of productions.
- 7/28/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Morgan Spector and Phylicia Rashad have joined the growing ensemble of Stay Gold Pictures and Topic Studios Nanny. They join Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan and Sinqua Walls. Stay Gold Features, Topic Studios and LinLay Productions have teamed up to finance and produce. The film marks Jusu’s highly anticipated feature directorial debut, the script for which she also penned.
The film follows, Aisha, an undocumented nanny (Diop) who takes a job working for a wealthy Manhattan family on the Upper East Side in the hopes that she may earn enough money to bring her six-year-old son from West Africa to live with her in New York. Aisha finds herself caring for the privileged child of Adam (played by Spector) and Amy (played by Monaghan). “
As Aisha prepares for the arrival of her young son, a violent supernatural presence invades her reality, threatening the “American Dream” she so painstakingly pieced together.
The film follows, Aisha, an undocumented nanny (Diop) who takes a job working for a wealthy Manhattan family on the Upper East Side in the hopes that she may earn enough money to bring her six-year-old son from West Africa to live with her in New York. Aisha finds herself caring for the privileged child of Adam (played by Spector) and Amy (played by Monaghan). “
As Aisha prepares for the arrival of her young son, a violent supernatural presence invades her reality, threatening the “American Dream” she so painstakingly pieced together.
- 6/29/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Ghost Master: "Ghost Master (originally titled Gôsuto masutâ) is a Japanese horror-comedy that follows Akira Kurosawa, a nerdy assistant director working on the set of a low budget rom-com at an abandoned school. Burnt out on campy teen dramas, Akira dreams of becoming the ultimate horror master. When a conflict with the director, Atsushi Suzuki causes half the cast to strike, Akira is left in charge of the production. Ditching the scheduled project and pivoting to his own horror script, titled Ghost Master, Akira is shocked when his evil screenplay comes to life and begins possessing the cast, including the film’s star, Yuya. As a killing spree commences and the body count rises, Akira must band together with the crew and one remaining actress, Mana to stop the gruesome attacks.
Winner of “Best Film” at the 2020 International Fantasy Film Awards, Ghost Master is directed by Paul Young (“Flashback”) and...
Winner of “Best Film” at the 2020 International Fantasy Film Awards, Ghost Master is directed by Paul Young (“Flashback”) and...
- 6/24/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Celluloid Dreams handles international sales.
Alexander Skarsgard will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s sci-fi thriller Infinity Pool for Neon and Topic Studios.
Neon and Topic Studios will co-finance and serve as executive producers on the project and are also working together on Pablo Larrain’s upcoming Spencer. Neon distributed Cronenberg’s Possessor in the US.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin on September 6 on the project, which Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund are also co-financing. Celluloid Dreams handles international sales.
Infinity Pool centres on James and Em – young, rich, in love, and on vacation at an all-inclusive resort...
Alexander Skarsgard will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s sci-fi thriller Infinity Pool for Neon and Topic Studios.
Neon and Topic Studios will co-finance and serve as executive producers on the project and are also working together on Pablo Larrain’s upcoming Spencer. Neon distributed Cronenberg’s Possessor in the US.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin on September 6 on the project, which Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund are also co-financing. Celluloid Dreams handles international sales.
Infinity Pool centres on James and Em – young, rich, in love, and on vacation at an all-inclusive resort...
- 6/23/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon is reteaming with filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg on the sci-fi thriller Infinity Pool which will star Big Little Lies and Godzilla vs. Kong star Alexander Skarsgård. Neon previously acquired Cronenberg’s 2020 sci-fi psychological horror feature Possessor out of Sundance. Neon is co-financing and executive producing Cronenberg’s latest with Topic Studios. Neon will release Infinity Pool in the U.S. while Elevation Pictures will handle Canada.
Infinity Pool follows James and Em, who are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise. Cameras will roll on Sept. 6.
Skarsgård will serve as EP. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing,...
Infinity Pool follows James and Em, who are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise. Cameras will roll on Sept. 6.
Skarsgård will serve as EP. Telefilm Canada and the Croatian Film Fund will also co-finance the production. Karen Harnisch and Andrew Cividino of Film Forge, Noah Segal and Christina Piovesan of Elevation Pictures, and Rob Cotterill are producing,...
- 6/23/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Alexander Skarsgård will star in Brandon Cronenberg’s “Infinity Pool,” a sci-fi thriller about a vacation that takes a twist.
Neon, the studio behind “Parasite,” will co-finance and executive produce the film alongside Topic Studios, which previously produced “Leave No Trace” and “Luce.” “Infinity Pool” comes on the heels of Skarsgård’s star turn in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” one of the few box office success stories of the pandemic era. Cronenberg recently directed the trippy horror film, “Possessor,” which Neon released.
Here’s the official logline for “Infinity Pool”: “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise.” Given Cronenberg’s out-there oeuvre, that “something” probably doesn’t involve lost travelers checks or a failure to apply sufficient sunscreen.
Skarsgård...
Neon, the studio behind “Parasite,” will co-finance and executive produce the film alongside Topic Studios, which previously produced “Leave No Trace” and “Luce.” “Infinity Pool” comes on the heels of Skarsgård’s star turn in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” one of the few box office success stories of the pandemic era. Cronenberg recently directed the trippy horror film, “Possessor,” which Neon released.
Here’s the official logline for “Infinity Pool”: “James and Em are young, rich, in love, and on vacation. Their all-inclusive resort boasts island tours and gleaming beaches. But outside of the hotel gates waits something much more dangerous and seductive, beyond the edge of paradise.” Given Cronenberg’s out-there oeuvre, that “something” probably doesn’t involve lost travelers checks or a failure to apply sufficient sunscreen.
Skarsgård...
- 6/23/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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