Hope Runs High has acquired U.S. rights to Augusto Sandino’s sophomore feature “A Vanishing Fog,” which won the SXSW Zeiss cinematography prize. The film is slated for an early 2024 opening in U.S. theaters. It’s the first feature to be shot in Colombia’s Sumapaz Páramo, the largest ecosystem of its kind in the world.
“In the middle of the staggering and endangered Sumapaz Paramo ecosystem; F, a solitary explorer, strives to protect the mystical and fragile land he inhabits, while caring for his ailing father,” the synopsis reads.
“Augusto Sandino’s incredible blend of playful surrealism and the overwhelming individuality of the environment in which the film is set has stayed with me since my first viewing. I believe his ability to balance visual scale, cinematic playfulness, and true heart make him an artist we should be engaging with frequently,” said Hope Runs High curator Taylor Purdee.
“In the middle of the staggering and endangered Sumapaz Paramo ecosystem; F, a solitary explorer, strives to protect the mystical and fragile land he inhabits, while caring for his ailing father,” the synopsis reads.
“Augusto Sandino’s incredible blend of playful surrealism and the overwhelming individuality of the environment in which the film is set has stayed with me since my first viewing. I believe his ability to balance visual scale, cinematic playfulness, and true heart make him an artist we should be engaging with frequently,” said Hope Runs High curator Taylor Purdee.
- 12/2/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
Bohemian Rhapsody screenwriter Anthony McCarten has settled a lawsuit alleging he hasn’t seen his share of profits from the hit Freddie Mercury biopic despite it earning more than $900 million at the box office.
McCarten on Oct. 31 moved to dismiss the lawsuit against producer Gk Films. Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.
The two-time Academy Award nominee (Darkest Hour, The Theory of Everything) received the sole “screenplay by” credit on the movie. Under his deal with Gk Films, he’s entitled to “[a]n amount equal to 5% of 100%” of net proceeds, which was defined as the company’s standard definition, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in 2021.
But McCarten alleged he hasn’t gotten any profits, with accounting statements issued by Fox’s 20th Century Studios showing a $51 million deficit for the movie. He took issue with the computation of net proceeds under Fox’s standard...
McCarten on Oct. 31 moved to dismiss the lawsuit against producer Gk Films. Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.
The two-time Academy Award nominee (Darkest Hour, The Theory of Everything) received the sole “screenplay by” credit on the movie. Under his deal with Gk Films, he’s entitled to “[a]n amount equal to 5% of 100%” of net proceeds, which was defined as the company’s standard definition, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in 2021.
But McCarten alleged he hasn’t gotten any profits, with accounting statements issued by Fox’s 20th Century Studios showing a $51 million deficit for the movie. He took issue with the computation of net proceeds under Fox’s standard...
- 11/3/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Compelling Pictures is coming on to produce and finance the high-concept psychological horror thriller The Blur, written and being directed by emerging director Joe Miale. Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri are producing for Compelling, alongside Scott Carr and Josh Crook. Carr brought the project to Compelling back in 2020 as a pitch and Miale wrote the script.
The film follows a visually-impaired family tormented by a ghost only seen by those who have severe myopia. It introduces a villain named Smudge to the horror pantheon, and will use innovative visual techniques–largely in-camera–to bring the terrifying character to life. Producers cited a 2021 study by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness estimated that 43 million people worldwide are considered legally blind, while 295 million people worldwide live with moderate-to-severe visual impairment. And also noted the World Health Organization has estimated that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have some level of near or distance vision impairment.
The film follows a visually-impaired family tormented by a ghost only seen by those who have severe myopia. It introduces a villain named Smudge to the horror pantheon, and will use innovative visual techniques–largely in-camera–to bring the terrifying character to life. Producers cited a 2021 study by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness estimated that 43 million people worldwide are considered legally blind, while 295 million people worldwide live with moderate-to-severe visual impairment. And also noted the World Health Organization has estimated that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have some level of near or distance vision impairment.
- 7/11/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: While still in post with Compelling Pictures on the Warhol-Basquiat film The Collaboration, based on the play he directed in both its debut London run and its Broadway transfer, Kwame Kwei-Armah has closed a deal to direct Mission Hill, a Boston-set crime thriller that will mark a reteam with the producer-financier.
Based on an original screenplay by Michael McGrale (The Following), developed by Compelling, Mission Hill is based on a real-life homicide case that brought Boston to its knees in 1989. It follows an up-and-coming police officer and a seasoned detective racing against time to bring a suspect in before the city implodes over racial tensions.
Compelling Pictures will finance and produce the film which is aiming for a late 2023 start date, pending the ongoing WGA strike and potential other labor actions from SAG-AFTRA and the DGA.
Producing alongside Compelling is Peter Craig — who’s coming off his first Oscar nomination for his contributions to the screenplay of Top Gun: Maverick — as well as Jay Giannone. Exec producers are Kwei-Armah and McGrale, Steven Garcia for Compelling, Max Goldfarb for Redefine Entertainment, Marina Cappi for Marina Studios Productions, Ori Allon and Sal Monaco for White Lodge Productions, Tanner Beard, Lexie Beard, Janice Beard, Dennis Casali and Joshua Kushner. Two-time Emmy nominee Kim Coleman (Lovecraft Country) is handling the film’s casting.
“I’m overjoyed to be working with Compelling Pictures again on this amazing project,” said Kwei-Armah. “I couldn’t put it down when I began to read it. Overjoyed.”
“Mission Hill is a passion project for Jeff, Peter, and myself. Having just had the great pleasure of working with Kwame, we couldn’t be more excited to help bring his vision to life,” stated Compelling Pictures principal Denis O’Sullivan. “It all began with Mike’s riveting script, which has been waiting patiently since 2021 for a great director to take the reins. We’re honored to tell this story of a city that has been seen in movies we love, but rarely from this perspective, and we can’t wait for a global audience to experience this epic, propulsive ride.”
Added producer Craig, “Mike Mcgrale’s script is among the best I’ve ever read – and I’m so happy to see it now in the hands of a talented director like Kwame.”
Kwei-Armah teamed with actors Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope on both the stage and screen versions of the Anthony McCarten-penned The Collaboration, which revolves around the relationship between the iconic artists Warhol and Basquiat, starting in the summer of 1984. Otherwise known for stage productions like The Visitor and One Love: The Bob Marley Musical, he also notably co-wrote and exec produced the veteran thriller Breaking starring John Boyega, which world premiered at Sundance and was released in theaters by Bleecker Street.
Headed by O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance with Somebody), Compelling Pictures most recently released the McCarten-scripted Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody, starring BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie, which Sony Pictures took worldwide this past Christmas. Helmed by Kasi Lemmons, the film currently streaming on Netflix landed the #1 spot on the U.S. film chart in its first two weeks on the platform.
Kwei-Armah is repped by CAA, United Agents in the UK, Redefine and attorney Linda Lichter; McGrale by APA, Heroes and Villains, and attorney Will Jacobson; Craig by CAA and Grandview; and Compelling by Evan Krauss of Eisner Llp.
Based on an original screenplay by Michael McGrale (The Following), developed by Compelling, Mission Hill is based on a real-life homicide case that brought Boston to its knees in 1989. It follows an up-and-coming police officer and a seasoned detective racing against time to bring a suspect in before the city implodes over racial tensions.
Compelling Pictures will finance and produce the film which is aiming for a late 2023 start date, pending the ongoing WGA strike and potential other labor actions from SAG-AFTRA and the DGA.
Producing alongside Compelling is Peter Craig — who’s coming off his first Oscar nomination for his contributions to the screenplay of Top Gun: Maverick — as well as Jay Giannone. Exec producers are Kwei-Armah and McGrale, Steven Garcia for Compelling, Max Goldfarb for Redefine Entertainment, Marina Cappi for Marina Studios Productions, Ori Allon and Sal Monaco for White Lodge Productions, Tanner Beard, Lexie Beard, Janice Beard, Dennis Casali and Joshua Kushner. Two-time Emmy nominee Kim Coleman (Lovecraft Country) is handling the film’s casting.
“I’m overjoyed to be working with Compelling Pictures again on this amazing project,” said Kwei-Armah. “I couldn’t put it down when I began to read it. Overjoyed.”
“Mission Hill is a passion project for Jeff, Peter, and myself. Having just had the great pleasure of working with Kwame, we couldn’t be more excited to help bring his vision to life,” stated Compelling Pictures principal Denis O’Sullivan. “It all began with Mike’s riveting script, which has been waiting patiently since 2021 for a great director to take the reins. We’re honored to tell this story of a city that has been seen in movies we love, but rarely from this perspective, and we can’t wait for a global audience to experience this epic, propulsive ride.”
Added producer Craig, “Mike Mcgrale’s script is among the best I’ve ever read – and I’m so happy to see it now in the hands of a talented director like Kwame.”
Kwei-Armah teamed with actors Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope on both the stage and screen versions of the Anthony McCarten-penned The Collaboration, which revolves around the relationship between the iconic artists Warhol and Basquiat, starting in the summer of 1984. Otherwise known for stage productions like The Visitor and One Love: The Bob Marley Musical, he also notably co-wrote and exec produced the veteran thriller Breaking starring John Boyega, which world premiered at Sundance and was released in theaters by Bleecker Street.
Headed by O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance with Somebody), Compelling Pictures most recently released the McCarten-scripted Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody, starring BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie, which Sony Pictures took worldwide this past Christmas. Helmed by Kasi Lemmons, the film currently streaming on Netflix landed the #1 spot on the U.S. film chart in its first two weeks on the platform.
Kwei-Armah is repped by CAA, United Agents in the UK, Redefine and attorney Linda Lichter; McGrale by APA, Heroes and Villains, and attorney Will Jacobson; Craig by CAA and Grandview; and Compelling by Evan Krauss of Eisner Llp.
- 6/5/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ming-Na Wen yesterday received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and today she’s teamed with Compelling Pictures on a doc series about Asian-American food culture.
In The Sweet and the Sour, Wen will take a celebrity guest on a deep dive into a subsection of the Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander (Aapi) community through its relationship with food.
By sampling dishes and recipes, they will unpack the history and cultural hardships endured by each immigration story, highlighting heroic characters and dispelling myths. They will also look to unravel cultural stereotypes and reveal of the history of each distinct group fought for their place in American society.
Ming-Na grew up around her family’s Chinese restaurant in Pittsburg, Pa and has kept a fascination with Asian-American cuisine into adulthood. She is due to release her first cookbook in 2024.
“My...
In The Sweet and the Sour, Wen will take a celebrity guest on a deep dive into a subsection of the Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander (Aapi) community through its relationship with food.
By sampling dishes and recipes, they will unpack the history and cultural hardships endured by each immigration story, highlighting heroic characters and dispelling myths. They will also look to unravel cultural stereotypes and reveal of the history of each distinct group fought for their place in American society.
Ming-Na grew up around her family’s Chinese restaurant in Pittsburg, Pa and has kept a fascination with Asian-American cuisine into adulthood. She is due to release her first cookbook in 2024.
“My...
- 5/31/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: The Collaboration has canceled performances through Friday, Dec. 23, with producers saying they expect the show to resume performances on Monday, Dec. 26.
Due to a case of Covid in the cast, producers canceled last night’s opening night performance. Like some other Broadway productions, the play had not been scheduled for staging on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for exchanges or refunds.
Previous, Dec. 20: Tonight’s opening night performance of Broadway’s The Collaboration has been canceled due to a positive Covid case in the company.
Performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre will resume on a date to be announced. An official opening night will be rescheduled in the next few days, although a spokesperson for the production said critics’ reviews may be released tonight as planned.
The Collaboration, written by Anthony McCarten and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, stars Paul Bettany...
Due to a case of Covid in the cast, producers canceled last night’s opening night performance. Like some other Broadway productions, the play had not been scheduled for staging on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Ticket holders should contact their point of purchase for exchanges or refunds.
Previous, Dec. 20: Tonight’s opening night performance of Broadway’s The Collaboration has been canceled due to a positive Covid case in the company.
Performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre will resume on a date to be announced. An official opening night will be rescheduled in the next few days, although a spokesperson for the production said critics’ reviews may be released tonight as planned.
The Collaboration, written by Anthony McCarten and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, stars Paul Bettany...
- 12/21/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The second trailer for the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," dropped today, and we've already got goosebumps. Directed by the brilliant Kasi Lemmons, this celebration of one of the greatest vocalists to ever walk the earth is the latest biopic from the producers who created the Academy Award-winning film about Freddie Mercury, "Bohemian Rhapsody." Whitney Houston's life has been at the center of public speculation for decades, and her untimely death only exacerbated tabloid obsessions. Fortunately, based on everything we know about "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," Lemmons' film starring Naomi Ackie is an empathetic look at the woman remembered as "The Voice."
The new trailer intercuts footage from the film against the sound of Whitney Houston belting out "I Will Always Love You," a surefire way to pull on the emotional heartstrings of anyone watching. There are shots of crowds cheering her name, Oprah Winfrey introducing her to an audience,...
The new trailer intercuts footage from the film against the sound of Whitney Houston belting out "I Will Always Love You," a surefire way to pull on the emotional heartstrings of anyone watching. There are shots of crowds cheering her name, Oprah Winfrey introducing her to an audience,...
- 11/9/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
On Wednesday, Sony Pictures Entertainment officially released the second full-length trailer for the upcoming biographical musical-drama film “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” which focuses on the life and legacy of American pop sensation, Whitney Houston.
The film is directed by “Harriet” filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, from a screenplay written by Anthony McCarten, who previously wrote the musical biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” centered around the rock band Queen, and the historical drama “Darkest Hour.” Both of those films won Oscars for the respective leads, Rami Malek and Gary Oldman.
You can watch the new trailer here:
Naomi Ackie leads the cast as Whitney Houston and is joined by Stanely Tucci, Nafessa Williams, Tamara Tunie, Ashton Sanders, and Clarke Peters.
McCarten, Pat Houston, Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri, Matt Jackson, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Matt Solloway, and Christina Papagjika serve as producers on the project under the TriStar Pictures,...
The film is directed by “Harriet” filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, from a screenplay written by Anthony McCarten, who previously wrote the musical biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” centered around the rock band Queen, and the historical drama “Darkest Hour.” Both of those films won Oscars for the respective leads, Rami Malek and Gary Oldman.
You can watch the new trailer here:
Naomi Ackie leads the cast as Whitney Houston and is joined by Stanely Tucci, Nafessa Williams, Tamara Tunie, Ashton Sanders, and Clarke Peters.
McCarten, Pat Houston, Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri, Matt Jackson, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Matt Solloway, and Christina Papagjika serve as producers on the project under the TriStar Pictures,...
- 11/9/2022
- by Caillou Pettis
- Gold Derby
Krysta Rodriguez and Erik Jensen will complete the cast of the upcoming Broadway production of Anthony McCarten’s The Collaboration starring the previously announced Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope.
The play, a hit in London, depicts the artistic collaboration of painters Andy Warhol (Bettany) and Jean-Michel Basquiat (Pope), will make its American premiere in a Manhattan Theatre Club production beginning previews on Tuesday, November 29 ahead of a Tuesday, December 20 opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Rodriguez will play Basquiat’s girlfriend “Maya” and Jensen will portray “Bruno Bischofberger,” the art dealer and gallery owner who brings Warhol and Basquiat together. Kwame Kwei-Armah directs.
The casting announcement was made today by Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director) and Barry Grove (Executive Producer) and the Young Vic Theatre, Kwame Kwei-Armah (Artistic Director) and Lucy Davies (Executive Director) by special arrangement with Eleanor Lloyd Productions,...
The play, a hit in London, depicts the artistic collaboration of painters Andy Warhol (Bettany) and Jean-Michel Basquiat (Pope), will make its American premiere in a Manhattan Theatre Club production beginning previews on Tuesday, November 29 ahead of a Tuesday, December 20 opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Rodriguez will play Basquiat’s girlfriend “Maya” and Jensen will portray “Bruno Bischofberger,” the art dealer and gallery owner who brings Warhol and Basquiat together. Kwame Kwei-Armah directs.
The casting announcement was made today by Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director) and Barry Grove (Executive Producer) and the Young Vic Theatre, Kwame Kwei-Armah (Artistic Director) and Lucy Davies (Executive Director) by special arrangement with Eleanor Lloyd Productions,...
- 10/18/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Naomi Ackie’s greatest challenge of all? Transforming into the “Greatest Love of All” singer Whitney Houston.
BAFTA award winner Ackie stars as the late icon for musical biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” in theaters December 21. The film, written by Oscar-nominated “Bohemian Rhapsody” screenwriter Anthony McCarten and directed by Kasi Lemmons, charts Houston’s life and legacy, starting with her groundbreaking record deal with Clive Davis, played by Stanley Tucci.
“My dream: Sing what I want to sing, be who I want to be,” Ackie as Houston says in the trailer. While Houston is criticized for not being “Black enough” and her tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders) makes headlines, the biopic focuses on her early days as a New Jersey choir girl who became the bestselling and most awarded recording artist of all time. The “no-holds-barred portrait” gives a never-before-seen look at Houston’s “complicated and multi-faceted” career.
BAFTA award winner Ackie stars as the late icon for musical biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” in theaters December 21. The film, written by Oscar-nominated “Bohemian Rhapsody” screenwriter Anthony McCarten and directed by Kasi Lemmons, charts Houston’s life and legacy, starting with her groundbreaking record deal with Clive Davis, played by Stanley Tucci.
“My dream: Sing what I want to sing, be who I want to be,” Ackie as Houston says in the trailer. While Houston is criticized for not being “Black enough” and her tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders) makes headlines, the biopic focuses on her early days as a New Jersey choir girl who became the bestselling and most awarded recording artist of all time. The “no-holds-barred portrait” gives a never-before-seen look at Houston’s “complicated and multi-faceted” career.
- 9/15/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Naomi Ackie makes viewers want to dance with her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the trailer for the upcoming biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
TriStar Pictures has dropped the first extended look at the film, set to release in theaters on Dec. 21, delivering all the vibrant energy onstage and off that Houston was known for. Directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten, the biopic is being produced by music icon and executive Clive Davis.
The film serves as a “no-holds-barred” portrait of the award-winning and beloved woman and vocalist, tracing Houston’s emotional, inspiring and personal journey from the church choir to her stunning breakthrough into the music industry and her knock-out (and record-setting) performances and songs, including her memorable 1991 Super Bowl rendition of the national anthem.
In the trailer, which is soundtracked to the Houston hit of the same name,...
Naomi Ackie makes viewers want to dance with her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the trailer for the upcoming biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
TriStar Pictures has dropped the first extended look at the film, set to release in theaters on Dec. 21, delivering all the vibrant energy onstage and off that Houston was known for. Directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten, the biopic is being produced by music icon and executive Clive Davis.
The film serves as a “no-holds-barred” portrait of the award-winning and beloved woman and vocalist, tracing Houston’s emotional, inspiring and personal journey from the church choir to her stunning breakthrough into the music industry and her knock-out (and record-setting) performances and songs, including her memorable 1991 Super Bowl rendition of the national anthem.
In the trailer, which is soundtracked to the Houston hit of the same name,...
- 9/15/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Melissa Barrera (In the Heights) has signed on to star alongside Jeremy Pope, Paul Bettany and Daniel Brühl in Muse of Fire’s Warhol-Basquiat pic The Collaboration, based on the acclaimed play by four-time Oscar nom Anthony McCarten.
The Collaboration revolves around the relationship of the two iconic artists, starting in the summer of 1984. International superstar Andy Warhol (Bettany) and the art scene’s newest wunderkind, Jean-Michel Basquiat (Pope), agree to work together on what may be the most talked about exhibition in the history of modern art. But can these two creative giants co-exist with such opposing views of life and art?
Barrera will play the role of Maya, a formidable truth-teller who loves Jean-Michel Basquiat and is wary of Andy Warhol.
McCarten penned the screen adaptation of his play, which made its world premiere at...
The Collaboration revolves around the relationship of the two iconic artists, starting in the summer of 1984. International superstar Andy Warhol (Bettany) and the art scene’s newest wunderkind, Jean-Michel Basquiat (Pope), agree to work together on what may be the most talked about exhibition in the history of modern art. But can these two creative giants co-exist with such opposing views of life and art?
Barrera will play the role of Maya, a formidable truth-teller who loves Jean-Michel Basquiat and is wary of Andy Warhol.
McCarten penned the screen adaptation of his play, which made its world premiere at...
- 9/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) has signed on to star alongside Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope in the upcoming Warhol-Basquiat film The Collaboration, based on the acclaimed play by four-time Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten, which heads into production in Boston in September.
The Collaboration revolves around the relationship between the two iconic artists, starting in the summer of 1984. International superstar Andy Warhol (Bettany) and the art scene’s newest wunderkind, Jean-Michel Basquiat (Pope), agree to work together on what may be the most talked about exhibition in the history of modern art. But can these two creative giants co-exist with such opposing views of life and art?
Brühl has been tapped for the role of Bruno Bischofberger, the legendary art impresario who first suggested a series of collaborations between Basquiat and Warhol,...
The Collaboration revolves around the relationship between the two iconic artists, starting in the summer of 1984. International superstar Andy Warhol (Bettany) and the art scene’s newest wunderkind, Jean-Michel Basquiat (Pope), agree to work together on what may be the most talked about exhibition in the history of modern art. But can these two creative giants co-exist with such opposing views of life and art?
Brühl has been tapped for the role of Bruno Bischofberger, the legendary art impresario who first suggested a series of collaborations between Basquiat and Warhol,...
- 8/8/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Collaboration, Anthony McCarten’s hit London play about artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, will make its American premiere on Broadway this winter, with Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope as the two painters.
The Manhattan Theatre Club production will begin previews at Mtc’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Tuesday, November 29, with an opening night set for Tuesday, December 20. Kwame Kwei-Armah directs.
The production will be the second Broadway production of Mtc’s 2022-2023 season, following the fall premiere of Martyna Majok’s Cost of Living.
The Collaboration, which made its world premiere in a critically acclaimed production by London’s Young Vic Theatre in January, is set in the summer of 1984, when longtime superstar Warhol and wunderkind Basquiat agreed to work together on what would become one of the most famous exhibitions in the modern art history. As the official synopsis puts it, “But can these two creative giants co-exist,...
The Manhattan Theatre Club production will begin previews at Mtc’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Tuesday, November 29, with an opening night set for Tuesday, December 20. Kwame Kwei-Armah directs.
The production will be the second Broadway production of Mtc’s 2022-2023 season, following the fall premiere of Martyna Majok’s Cost of Living.
The Collaboration, which made its world premiere in a critically acclaimed production by London’s Young Vic Theatre in January, is set in the summer of 1984, when longtime superstar Warhol and wunderkind Basquiat agreed to work together on what would become one of the most famous exhibitions in the modern art history. As the official synopsis puts it, “But can these two creative giants co-exist,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Marina Cappi read all the signs: film and series production in Massachusetts was increasing, lawmakers extended the state’s very attractive production credit and there was a desperate need for soundstage space. To commercial real estate veteran Cappi, building a soundstage and studio campus made good business sense.
Marina Studios — the only dedicated soundstage near Boston — opened in 2021 in Quincy, Mass.’ Marina Bay, offering over 26,000 square-feet of space just a 12-minute drive from Logan Intl. Airport. The Marina Studios campus also includes 15,000 square-feet of multi-use production office and a 3-acre backlot. There’s also new housing nearby that offers short-term leases, restaurants, markets and other amenities.
Marina Studios is already booked through 2026, and the fact that Massachusetts made the generous tax credits permanent — a tax credit equal to 25 of spend in Massachusetts, as long as 75 of production costs are spent in the state — has also leveled up Marina’s ambitions:...
Marina Studios — the only dedicated soundstage near Boston — opened in 2021 in Quincy, Mass.’ Marina Bay, offering over 26,000 square-feet of space just a 12-minute drive from Logan Intl. Airport. The Marina Studios campus also includes 15,000 square-feet of multi-use production office and a 3-acre backlot. There’s also new housing nearby that offers short-term leases, restaurants, markets and other amenities.
Marina Studios is already booked through 2026, and the fact that Massachusetts made the generous tax credits permanent — a tax credit equal to 25 of spend in Massachusetts, as long as 75 of production costs are spent in the state — has also leveled up Marina’s ambitions:...
- 6/1/2022
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Bohemian Rhapsody scribe Anthony McCarten has scripted his stage play The Collaboration into a feature that will mark the film directorial debut of Kwame Kwei-Armah, with Paul Bettany playing the artist Andy Warhol and Jeremy Pope playing Jean-Michel Basquiat. The film will go into production later this year with McCarten producing through his Muse of Fire Productions along with oft-producing partner Denis O’Sullivan.
Both actors will reprise roles they will soon play in the stage production of the play, also directed by Kwei-Armah,. The curtain rises February 23 at London’s Young Vic Theatre, where Kwei-Armah is Artistic Director.
The Collaboration explores the extraordinary creative partnership and friendship between the two artists in the 1980s, and how their contrasting beliefs became the propulsion for their work together. It is the second of what McCarten calls his “Worship Trilogy,” works that explore the collective fascination with religion, art and money. The...
Both actors will reprise roles they will soon play in the stage production of the play, also directed by Kwei-Armah,. The curtain rises February 23 at London’s Young Vic Theatre, where Kwei-Armah is Artistic Director.
The Collaboration explores the extraordinary creative partnership and friendship between the two artists in the 1980s, and how their contrasting beliefs became the propulsion for their work together. It is the second of what McCarten calls his “Worship Trilogy,” works that explore the collective fascination with religion, art and money. The...
- 2/3/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bohemian Rhapsody” grossed more than $900 million at the global box office, but the screenwriter says he has not seen a penny of net proceeds, because he was told the film actually lost $51 million.
Anthony McCarten, a London-based novelist and playwright who also wrote the scripts for “Darkest Hour” and “The Theory of Everything,” filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that he is the latest victim of studio accounting.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” tells the story of the band Queen and its frontman, Freddie Mercury. The film cost about $55 million to produce, which would appear to make it incredibly profitable. But the suit contends that Twentieth Century Fox, the distributor and co-producer on the film, has used accounting gimmicks to avoid paying.
“If net proceeds don’t pay out on a low-budget film that does nearly a billion dollars at the box office, then they never will,” the suit states.
Anthony McCarten, a London-based novelist and playwright who also wrote the scripts for “Darkest Hour” and “The Theory of Everything,” filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that he is the latest victim of studio accounting.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” tells the story of the band Queen and its frontman, Freddie Mercury. The film cost about $55 million to produce, which would appear to make it incredibly profitable. But the suit contends that Twentieth Century Fox, the distributor and co-producer on the film, has used accounting gimmicks to avoid paying.
“If net proceeds don’t pay out on a low-budget film that does nearly a billion dollars at the box office, then they never will,” the suit states.
- 11/18/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nafessa Williams has been tapped to play Robyn Crawford in the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature about the late musical icon Whitney Houston. Williams steps in for Moses Ingram. who recently parted ways with the role.
Also joining the cast are Clarke Peters and Tamara Tunie, who will play John and Cissy Houston. Naomi Ackie will play Whitney Houston in the musical biopic that is being directed by Kasi Lemmons. The screenplay will be penned by Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.
Crawford was Houston’s longtime assistant who would later become Houston’s creative director while also remaining one of her closest friends.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf...
Also joining the cast are Clarke Peters and Tamara Tunie, who will play John and Cissy Houston. Naomi Ackie will play Whitney Houston in the musical biopic that is being directed by Kasi Lemmons. The screenplay will be penned by Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.
Crawford was Houston’s longtime assistant who would later become Houston’s creative director while also remaining one of her closest friends.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf...
- 10/4/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar-nominated actor Stanley Tucci has been tapped to play Grammy-winning producer Clive Davis in the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature film about the late musical icon Whitney Houston.
Naomi Ackie will play Houston in the musical biopic, which is based on Houston’s epic life and music. Kasi Lemmons is directing, with Anthony McCarten penning the script. Davis was the lawyer-turned-music producer and executive who had an extraordinary eye for spotting talent. That ability to find a star before they erupted on the scene led him to the wildly talented Houston before anyone knew who she was and, and he guided her to becoming a star.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music; Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri for Compelling Pictures...
Naomi Ackie will play Houston in the musical biopic, which is based on Houston’s epic life and music. Kasi Lemmons is directing, with Anthony McCarten penning the script. Davis was the lawyer-turned-music producer and executive who had an extraordinary eye for spotting talent. That ability to find a star before they erupted on the scene led him to the wildly talented Houston before anyone knew who she was and, and he guided her to becoming a star.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music; Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri for Compelling Pictures...
- 9/24/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ashton Sanders has joined the cast of the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature about the late musical icon Whitney Houston. Sanders will play Bobby Brown, and sources also tell Deadline that Black Label Media is coming on board to co-finance the film with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave Music.
Naomi Ackie is set to play Houston in the Kasi Lemmons-directed film. The screenplay is written by Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music, Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri of Compelling Pictures, and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures. Molly Smith, Trent and Thad Luckinbill will produce for Black Label Media,...
Naomi Ackie is set to play Houston in the Kasi Lemmons-directed film. The screenplay is written by Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten, and will take audiences on an emotional, energetic journey through Houston’s career and music.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music, Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri of Compelling Pictures, and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures. Molly Smith, Trent and Thad Luckinbill will produce for Black Label Media,...
- 9/20/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures announced Thursday it has blocked out an awards-friendly spot on Dec. 23, 2022 for the Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” starring Naomi Ackie.
Coming up first on Oct. 29 is the novel adaptation “A Mouthful of Air,” starring Amanda Seyfried, Finn Wittrock, Amy Irving and Paul Giamatti. Amy Koppelman wrote and directed “A Mouthful of Air,” about a children’s book author haunted by a dark secret. It’s produced by Mike Harrop, Koppelman, Amanda Seyfried, Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler.
Other dates announced include a Sept. 16, 2022 spot for the untitled George Foreman biopic directed by George Tillman, Jr. and stars Khris Davis and Sullivan Jones. Following the life and times of the heavyweight champion, it has a screenplay by Frank Baldwin and George Tillman Jr., and original screenplay by Dan Gordon.
Meanwhile, children’s book adaptation “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” will open Nov. 18, 2022 instead of the previous date...
Coming up first on Oct. 29 is the novel adaptation “A Mouthful of Air,” starring Amanda Seyfried, Finn Wittrock, Amy Irving and Paul Giamatti. Amy Koppelman wrote and directed “A Mouthful of Air,” about a children’s book author haunted by a dark secret. It’s produced by Mike Harrop, Koppelman, Amanda Seyfried, Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler.
Other dates announced include a Sept. 16, 2022 spot for the untitled George Foreman biopic directed by George Tillman, Jr. and stars Khris Davis and Sullivan Jones. Following the life and times of the heavyweight champion, it has a screenplay by Frank Baldwin and George Tillman Jr., and original screenplay by Dan Gordon.
Meanwhile, children’s book adaptation “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” will open Nov. 18, 2022 instead of the previous date...
- 9/10/2021
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Kasi Lemmons, the director of the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” has come aboard as the director on the Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Lemmons replaces “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie on the project, who sources say exited the film over creative differences.
Naomi Ackie is set to star as the famed singer Whitney Houston in the film, which is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music. Anthony McCarten of “Bohemian Rhapsody” wrote the screenplay.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston (“Whitney”) on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music and Denis O’Sullivan (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Jeff Kalligheri (“Submergence:), who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
Lemmons replaces “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie on the project, who sources say exited the film over creative differences.
Naomi Ackie is set to star as the famed singer Whitney Houston in the film, which is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music. Anthony McCarten of “Bohemian Rhapsody” wrote the screenplay.
Alongside McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston (“Whitney”) on behalf of the Houston Estate, Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music and Denis O’Sullivan (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Jeff Kalligheri (“Submergence:), who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
- 9/1/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Harriet helmer Kasi Lemmons has come on to direct the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the upcoming feature about the late Whitney Houston from TriStar Pictures. Lemmons will replace Stella Meghie, who insiders say parted ways with the project due to creative differences. “Early in my writing career I developed two projects for Whitney and I had the opportunity to meet her. She was a tremendous, incomparable artist and her story is as awe-inspiring as it is tragic. I feel privileged to be part of bringing her life story and music to the audience,” Lemmons said. Naomi Ackie is on board to play Houston, a role she landed following a spirited auditioning process that saw a number of actresses vying for the role of the iconic singer. “Preparing to play Whitney Houston has been an incredible experience. I’ve learnt so much more about her and myself than I could have imagined.
- 9/1/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri’s production and financing entity Compelling Pictures has signed a partnership with Marina Studios to shoot four movies on new stages in Boston.
Marina Studios is building three soundstages in Quincy’s Marina Bay, near Boston’s Logan Airport. Compelling Pictures is in pre-production on the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody for Sony and its TriStar division, with Anthony McCarten, the writer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, to pen the screenplay.
After a worldwide search, rising actress Naomi Ackie was chosen to play Houston. Sony and TriStar have set the biopic for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
McCarten and ...
Marina Studios is building three soundstages in Quincy’s Marina Bay, near Boston’s Logan Airport. Compelling Pictures is in pre-production on the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody for Sony and its TriStar division, with Anthony McCarten, the writer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, to pen the screenplay.
After a worldwide search, rising actress Naomi Ackie was chosen to play Houston. Sony and TriStar have set the biopic for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
McCarten and ...
- 8/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri’s production and financing entity Compelling Pictures has signed a partnership with Marina Studios to shoot four movies on new stages in Boston.
Marina Studios is building three soundstages in Quincy’s Marina Bay, near Boston’s Logan Airport. Compelling Pictures is in pre-production on the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody for Sony and its TriStar division, with Anthony McCarten, the writer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, to pen the screenplay.
After a worldwide search, rising actress Naomi Ackie was chosen to play Houston. Sony and TriStar have set the biopic for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
McCarten and ...
Marina Studios is building three soundstages in Quincy’s Marina Bay, near Boston’s Logan Airport. Compelling Pictures is in pre-production on the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody for Sony and its TriStar division, with Anthony McCarten, the writer behind Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, to pen the screenplay.
After a worldwide search, rising actress Naomi Ackie was chosen to play Houston. Sony and TriStar have set the biopic for a Thanksgiving 2022 release.
McCarten and ...
- 8/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Moses Ingram is set play Whitney Houston’s longtime assistant Robyn Crawford opposite BAFTA-winning actress Naomi Ackie in Sony Pictures and TriStar Pictures’ musical biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, based on the epic life and music of iconic singer. Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten is writing the script and Stella Meghie is directing.
Crawford later become Houston’s creative director while also remaining one of her closest friends.
Besides McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music; and Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri, who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
Primary Wave is a partner of the Houston estate. Nicole Brown, Shary Shirazi and Brittany Morrissey will oversee the project for TriStar. The film will be released at Thanksgiving 2022.
Houston is the most awarded...
Crawford later become Houston’s creative director while also remaining one of her closest friends.
Besides McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions, the film is being produced by Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston Estate; Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis; Larry Mestel on behalf of Primary Wave Music; and Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri, who are also financing via Compelling Pictures.
Primary Wave is a partner of the Houston estate. Nicole Brown, Shary Shirazi and Brittany Morrissey will oversee the project for TriStar. The film will be released at Thanksgiving 2022.
Houston is the most awarded...
- 6/14/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Screenwriter Anthony McCarten and his Muse Of Fire Productions has teamed with Scooter Braun’s Sb Projects and producer/financier Compelling Pictures’ Denis O’Sullivan & Jeff Kalligheri for Phantom. That is the working title of a music-filled big scale contemporary psychological thriller film loosely inspired by the 1910 novel Le Fantome de L’Opera by Gaston Leroux.
Pic will be a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Misery, set in London’s contemporary music scene. Leroux’s depiction of a destructive relationship remains, as will a dark love story, but the movie intends to upend the romanticism associated with previous interpretations, and instead lean into the suspense and horror that was a big part of the book.
Scooter Braun and James Shin will produce for Sb Projects, McCarten for Muse of Fire and O’Sullivan and Kalligheri for Compelling Pictures, which will also finance. Sbp’s Scott Manson will be exec producer.
Pic will be a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Misery, set in London’s contemporary music scene. Leroux’s depiction of a destructive relationship remains, as will a dark love story, but the movie intends to upend the romanticism associated with previous interpretations, and instead lean into the suspense and horror that was a big part of the book.
Scooter Braun and James Shin will produce for Sb Projects, McCarten for Muse of Fire and O’Sullivan and Kalligheri for Compelling Pictures, which will also finance. Sbp’s Scott Manson will be exec producer.
- 5/20/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Bohemian Rhapsody and The Theory Of Everything scribe Anthony McCarten has made a deal for his Muse of Fire Productions banner to reteam with financier/producer Compelling Pictures for a feature adaptation of McCarten’s upcoming play The Collaboration. McCarten has already begun writing the script for a film that focuses on the extraordinary creative relationship between artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol in the 1980s, and how contrasting beliefs became the propulsion for their work together.
Compelling Pictures is headed by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (Submergence). They’ve made a pre-emptive deal for the film rights with Muse of Fire, with a plan to fast-track development so that the film can go into production shortly after the play completes its initial run in London in 2022.
Basquiat first emerged on the New York art scene as a homeless street artist, and the techniques and ideas he...
Compelling Pictures is headed by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (Submergence). They’ve made a pre-emptive deal for the film rights with Muse of Fire, with a plan to fast-track development so that the film can go into production shortly after the play completes its initial run in London in 2022.
Basquiat first emerged on the New York art scene as a homeless street artist, and the techniques and ideas he...
- 2/19/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Naomi Ackie is about to take on the role of a lifetime. The British actress has been cast to play Whitney Houston in the upcoming biopic, titled I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Ackie is best-known for her roles in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker as well as on the Netflix series The End of the F***ing World, which earned her a BAFTA.
"We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," director Stella Meghie said in a statement. "Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."
Not only does Ackie come with high praises from the film's creators, but she also has the seal of approval from Houston's family. "All...
"We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," director Stella Meghie said in a statement. "Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."
Not only does Ackie come with high praises from the film's creators, but she also has the seal of approval from Houston's family. "All...
- 12/16/2020
- by Kelsie Gibson
- Popsugar.com
Naomi Ackie is in negotiations to play Whitney Houston in the musical biopic about the singer’s life, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” that is set up at Sony’s TriStar Pictures.
“The Photograph” filmmaker Stella Meghie is directing the film about Houston’s life that comes from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is set for release on Thanksgiving 2022. The film is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music.
Ackie is a British actress who broke out in “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” and in the film “Lady Macbeth.” She recently won a BAFTA for her work in the second season of Netflix’s “The End of the F***ing World,” and she can be seen in “Education,” the...
“The Photograph” filmmaker Stella Meghie is directing the film about Houston’s life that comes from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is set for release on Thanksgiving 2022. The film is being made with the support of Houston’s estate and will include a look at her full life and career as well as a journey through her music.
Ackie is a British actress who broke out in “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” and in the film “Lady Macbeth.” She recently won a BAFTA for her work in the second season of Netflix’s “The End of the F***ing World,” and she can be seen in “Education,” the...
- 12/15/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Naomi Ackie is in final negotiations to portray Whitney Houston in Sony’s upcoming musical biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) is directing the film from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is slated to release at Thanksgiving of 2022.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston. Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life,” Meghie said.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” follows the life and times of Houston, the iconic artist behind timeless hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “How Will I Know.” Houston, who died in 2012, made her acting debut in the 1992 romantic thriller “The Bodyguard.”
“Naomi Ackie...
Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) is directing the film from a screenplay by “Bohemian Rhapsody” writer Anthony McCarten. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is slated to release at Thanksgiving of 2022.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston. Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life,” Meghie said.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” follows the life and times of Houston, the iconic artist behind timeless hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “How Will I Know.” Houston, who died in 2012, made her acting debut in the 1992 romantic thriller “The Bodyguard.”
“Naomi Ackie...
- 12/15/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
BAFTA winner and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker actress Naomi Ackie has notched the role of Whitney Houston in Sony/TriStar’s biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which will be directed by Stella Meghie.
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” Meghie said in a statement. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
The pic, which is being made with the blessing of the Houston estate, is being written by Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten.
Deadline first broke news about the project which is being produced by McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions; Pat Houston (the 2018 Kevin Macdonald documentary Whitney) on behalf of the Houston estate; legendary music producer Clive Davis...
“We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston,” Meghie said in a statement. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
The pic, which is being made with the blessing of the Houston estate, is being written by Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten.
Deadline first broke news about the project which is being produced by McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions; Pat Houston (the 2018 Kevin Macdonald documentary Whitney) on behalf of the Houston estate; legendary music producer Clive Davis...
- 12/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri’s Compelling Pictures have closed a deal to produce and finance a feature adaptation of Michael Connelly’s recent New York Times bestseller Fair Warning which is being seen as a potential franchise. Connelly will write the screen adaptation and produce alongside O’Sullivan and Kalligheri. Two-time Emmy nominee Jeffrey Pollack (Laurel Canyon) will also produce.
Fair Warning was released this summer and is the third in Connelly’s series of books about investigative journalist Jack McEvoy, who has often been cited as the character most closely resembling the author in real life, with Connelly himself having been a crime reporter for years.
The murder mystery is set around the rapidly evolving ‘wild west’ world of DNA sequence data harvesting; specifically in regard to such data being sold for profit within an industry that has no oversight. It delves into the murky moral questions...
Fair Warning was released this summer and is the third in Connelly’s series of books about investigative journalist Jack McEvoy, who has often been cited as the character most closely resembling the author in real life, with Connelly himself having been a crime reporter for years.
The murder mystery is set around the rapidly evolving ‘wild west’ world of DNA sequence data harvesting; specifically in regard to such data being sold for profit within an industry that has no oversight. It delves into the murky moral questions...
- 9/15/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Whitney Houston will soon posthumously take her place amongst the recent cinematic annals of legendary music stars to receive the biopic treatment. The developing project in question, titled after her 1987 smash hit, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, has just found itself a studio home with Sony’s TriStar pictures, having also secured a director and even a targeted 2022 release window.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is indeed moving forward with Sony’s TriStar, which has reportedly prevailed in a bidding war against five other studios and streaming platforms, according to Deadline. Now, said studio is wasting little time with the project, having hired director Stella Meghie (The Photograph), who will work off a script by Anthony McCarten, a scribe who brings auspicious music biopic experience, having written the screenplay for 2018’s $900 million-grossing Bohemian Rhapsody, which featured Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning performance as Queen’s Freddie Mercury, and was the arguable...
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is indeed moving forward with Sony’s TriStar, which has reportedly prevailed in a bidding war against five other studios and streaming platforms, according to Deadline. Now, said studio is wasting little time with the project, having hired director Stella Meghie (The Photograph), who will work off a script by Anthony McCarten, a scribe who brings auspicious music biopic experience, having written the screenplay for 2018’s $900 million-grossing Bohemian Rhapsody, which featured Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning performance as Queen’s Freddie Mercury, and was the arguable...
- 8/4/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
Sony has bought the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic, titled “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” The studio plans to release the movie in theaters around Thanksgiving in 2022.
Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) directed the film from a script by Anthony McCarten.
Music producer Clive Davis is producing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” which is being made in collaboration with the Whitney Houston Estate. The movie centers on the iconic musician, who died in 2012 at the age of 48.
Houston broke out with her self-titled 1985 debut album, which was released by Davis and Arista Records. It featured the ballads “Greatest Love of All” and “Saving All My Love for You.” Her other hits included “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and “Million Dollar Bill.”
In 1992, she starred with Kevin Costner in the romantic drama “The Bodyguard,” which scored $411 million at the worldwide box office.
Stella Meghie (“The Photograph”) directed the film from a script by Anthony McCarten.
Music producer Clive Davis is producing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” which is being made in collaboration with the Whitney Houston Estate. The movie centers on the iconic musician, who died in 2012 at the age of 48.
Houston broke out with her self-titled 1985 debut album, which was released by Davis and Arista Records. It featured the ballads “Greatest Love of All” and “Saving All My Love for You.” Her other hits included “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and “Million Dollar Bill.”
In 1992, she starred with Kevin Costner in the romantic drama “The Bodyguard,” which scored $411 million at the worldwide box office.
- 8/4/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sony’s TriStar Pictures has won a hot and heavy auction for I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the feature film on the life and music of iconic songstress Whitney Houston. The studio has already staked out a Thanksgiving 2022 release date for the film. Deadline revealed the project’s formation back in April, with The Whitney Houston Estate, Primary Wave and Grammy-winning music producer and Houston’s mentor Clive Davis all aboard. Stella Meghie is directing. She helmed The Photograph, starring Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield and her credits include Jean and the Jones, The Weekend, and Everything, Everything.
Scripting and producing is Anthony McCarten, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter who was the catalyst for the project, self-financing a life rights option, writing the script on spec and lining up rights and music to create a tantalizing package leaving only one question: Which young actress can play Whitney Houston?
McCarten wrote the biographical films The Two Popes,...
Scripting and producing is Anthony McCarten, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter who was the catalyst for the project, self-financing a life rights option, writing the script on spec and lining up rights and music to create a tantalizing package leaving only one question: Which young actress can play Whitney Houston?
McCarten wrote the biographical films The Two Popes,...
- 8/4/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Watch: 2019 Fest Fave Short ‘About The People’ Optioned For Series: Prescient Take On Race Relations
After the death of George Floyd and the protest aftermath, some films that came out in recent years take on added resonance, particularly those that involve the murder of black youths at the hands of quick triggered and fearful cops. Features include Fruitvale Station and The Hate U Give. I was fascinated by a most prescient 2019 short film sent to me by its makers, who intend on turning it into a limited series. On a leisurely Sunday, have a look at About The People, a Sterling Milan-directed drama that got strong reaction on the festival circuit last year, starting with an attempt by a powerful group of Black men to use their collective influence to force change, rather than waiting for it to be implemented by a white establishment that is only now reacting to the serious injustice people of color endure too often. I’ve got more after...
- 7/12/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Anthony McCarten and his Muse of Fire Productions struck a deal with newly formed producer/financier Compelling Pictures, to produce the big screen adaptation of his forthcoming non-fiction book Wednesday at Warren’s, Friday at Bill’s. The book is both a rigorous examination of the 30-year friendship between Bill Gates and Warren Buffett which has resulted in the largest philanthropic initiative of all time, and an exploration of the role of super-philanthropy in a world where so much wealth now lies in the hands of so few.
Compelling Pictures is headed by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (Submergence), and they are making a pre-emptive deal for the film rights to the book, soon to be published by Harper Collins. They’ll finance development and co-finance production.
McCarten will adapt and will produce alongside O’Sullivan and Kalligheri.
Gates made his reputation and his fortune by co-founding...
Compelling Pictures is headed by Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Jeff Kalligheri (Submergence), and they are making a pre-emptive deal for the film rights to the book, soon to be published by Harper Collins. They’ll finance development and co-finance production.
McCarten will adapt and will produce alongside O’Sullivan and Kalligheri.
Gates made his reputation and his fortune by co-founding...
- 6/29/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
To go with a colossal voice, Whitney Houston also had a personal life that sometimes eclipsed her talents. Now, 8 years after her untimely death, it has been announced that the powerhouse singer is to finally get a big-screen biopic.
Named after her 1987 album, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, the film has secured the talents of Oscar-nominated scribe, Anthony McCarten, to pen the script.
‘The Photograph’ director, Stella Meghie is currently in negotiations to helm the project. An actress has yet to be found to play the highly acclaimed artist.
Also in news – Chris Pine enters talks to star in ‘The Saint’ reboot
The Whitney Houston Estate, Primary Wave, music producer Clive Davis and McCarten are producing. Pat Houston will produce on behalf of the Houston Estate, and Larry Mestel will produce on behalf of Primary Wave Music along with Denis O’Sullivan. McCarten will produce through his Muse of Fire Productions banner.
Named after her 1987 album, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, the film has secured the talents of Oscar-nominated scribe, Anthony McCarten, to pen the script.
‘The Photograph’ director, Stella Meghie is currently in negotiations to helm the project. An actress has yet to be found to play the highly acclaimed artist.
Also in news – Chris Pine enters talks to star in ‘The Saint’ reboot
The Whitney Houston Estate, Primary Wave, music producer Clive Davis and McCarten are producing. Pat Houston will produce on behalf of the Houston Estate, and Larry Mestel will produce on behalf of Primary Wave Music along with Denis O’Sullivan. McCarten will produce through his Muse of Fire Productions banner.
- 4/23/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Whitney Houston‘s life is making its way to the big screen.
A biopic of the singer, who died on Feb. 11, 2012, is underway with the title I Wanna Dance with Somebody from screenwriter Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything, Bohemian Rhapsody) with Stella Meghie set to direct.
The film will be produced by Houston’s sister-in-law and former manager, Pat Houston, on behalf of the Houston Estate, with Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and McCarten also producing.
Houston’s biopic will be “very frank about the price that super-stardom exacted” while also being “the moving tale of a simple...
A biopic of the singer, who died on Feb. 11, 2012, is underway with the title I Wanna Dance with Somebody from screenwriter Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything, Bohemian Rhapsody) with Stella Meghie set to direct.
The film will be produced by Houston’s sister-in-law and former manager, Pat Houston, on behalf of the Houston Estate, with Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and McCarten also producing.
Houston’s biopic will be “very frank about the price that super-stardom exacted” while also being “the moving tale of a simple...
- 4/22/2020
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
A Whitney Houston biopic, titled “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” is in development from “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie.
The Whitney Houston Estate, Primary Wave, music producer Clive Davis and Anthony McCarten are producing the film about the iconic musician, who died in 2012 at the age of 48. McCarten, whose credits include “The Two Popes,” “Darkest Hour,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Theory of Everything,” is writing the script for “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Pat Houston will produce on behalf of the Houston Estate, and Larry Mestel will produce on behalf of Primary Wave Music along with Denis O’Sullivan. McCarten will produce through his Muse of Fire Productions banner.
Houston broke out with her self-titled 1985 debut album, which was released by Davis and Arista Records, and featured the ballads “Greatest Love of All” and “Saving All My Love for You.” Her other hits included “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,...
The Whitney Houston Estate, Primary Wave, music producer Clive Davis and Anthony McCarten are producing the film about the iconic musician, who died in 2012 at the age of 48. McCarten, whose credits include “The Two Popes,” “Darkest Hour,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Theory of Everything,” is writing the script for “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
Pat Houston will produce on behalf of the Houston Estate, and Larry Mestel will produce on behalf of Primary Wave Music along with Denis O’Sullivan. McCarten will produce through his Muse of Fire Productions banner.
Houston broke out with her self-titled 1985 debut album, which was released by Davis and Arista Records, and featured the ballads “Greatest Love of All” and “Saving All My Love for You.” Her other hits included “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,...
- 4/22/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
A biopic on the life of superstar Whitney Houston is starting to take shape, as “The Photograph” director Stella Meghie is set to direct the film “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” with the support of Houston’s estate, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Anthony McCarten, the screenwriter behind “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is writing the script that’s meant to cover her prime as a performer, including her work on “The Bodyguard” and her performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, while alluding to her tragic death in 2012. The film will also feature many of Houston’s hit songs.
Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, who signed Houston to Arista Records when she was 19, is producing the film along with Primary Wave Entertainment and Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston estate. Davis is producing on behalf of Primary Wave along with Larry Mestel and Denis O’Sullivan.
Anthony McCarten, the screenwriter behind “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is writing the script that’s meant to cover her prime as a performer, including her work on “The Bodyguard” and her performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, while alluding to her tragic death in 2012. The film will also feature many of Houston’s hit songs.
Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis, who signed Houston to Arista Records when she was 19, is producing the film along with Primary Wave Entertainment and Pat Houston on behalf of the Houston estate. Davis is producing on behalf of Primary Wave along with Larry Mestel and Denis O’Sullivan.
- 4/22/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: A feature film on the life of iconic songstress Whitney Houston is fast forming. The Whitney Houston Estate, Primary Wave and Grammy-winning music producer Clive Davis have teamed up for I Wanna Dance With Somebody. They are negotiating with The Photograph helmer Stella Meghie to direct.
Scripting and producing is Anthony McCarten, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter who wrote the biographical films The Two Popes, Darkest Hour, Bohemian Rhapsody, and The Theory Of Everything. On those films, Rami Malek (Freddie Mercury), Gary Oldman (Winston Churchill), and Eddie Redmayne (Stephen Hawkins) won lead actor Oscars three years straight, and Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins were just both nominated for Pope Francis and Pope Benedict, respectively. Those films earned him four Oscar and two BAFTA noms for McCarten, who has been scripting the Bee Gees film for Paramount, Gk, Sister and Amblin, and also wrote the book for an upcoming Broadway musical on...
Scripting and producing is Anthony McCarten, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter who wrote the biographical films The Two Popes, Darkest Hour, Bohemian Rhapsody, and The Theory Of Everything. On those films, Rami Malek (Freddie Mercury), Gary Oldman (Winston Churchill), and Eddie Redmayne (Stephen Hawkins) won lead actor Oscars three years straight, and Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins were just both nominated for Pope Francis and Pope Benedict, respectively. Those films earned him four Oscar and two BAFTA noms for McCarten, who has been scripting the Bee Gees film for Paramount, Gk, Sister and Amblin, and also wrote the book for an upcoming Broadway musical on...
- 4/22/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Music producer Clive Davis is working with the estate of late singer Whitney Houston for the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Anthony McCarten, the writer behind the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will pen the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, will direct.
Pat Houston will produce the movie on behalf of the Houston Estate, along with Davis, Primary Wave Music's Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and McCarten.
With the backing of the estate, I Wanna Dance With Somebody will be able to utilize Houston’s music catalog. The movie does not yet ...
Anthony McCarten, the writer behind the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will pen the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, will direct.
Pat Houston will produce the movie on behalf of the Houston Estate, along with Davis, Primary Wave Music's Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and McCarten.
With the backing of the estate, I Wanna Dance With Somebody will be able to utilize Houston’s music catalog. The movie does not yet ...
- 4/22/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Music producer Clive Davis is working with the estate of late singer Whitney Houston for the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody.
Anthony McCarten, the writer behind the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will pen the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, will direct.
Pat Houston will produce the movie on behalf of the Houston Estate, along with Davis, Primary Wave Music's Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and McCarten.
With the backing of the estate, I Wanna Dance With Somebody will be able to utilize Houston’s music catalog. The movie does not yet ...
Anthony McCarten, the writer behind the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, will pen the screenplay, while Stella Meghie, who was behind the Issa Rae romance The Photograph, will direct.
Pat Houston will produce the movie on behalf of the Houston Estate, along with Davis, Primary Wave Music's Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan and McCarten.
With the backing of the estate, I Wanna Dance With Somebody will be able to utilize Houston’s music catalog. The movie does not yet ...
- 4/22/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Bohemian Rhapsody, Bryan Singer's biopic about the seminal rock band Queen, has cast Joe Mazzello, Ben Hardy and Gwilym Lee as bandmembers.
Mazzello will play bass guitarist John Deacon, Hardy will play drummer Roger Taylor and Lee will play lead guitarist Brian May.
Rami Malek already is attached to portray legendary frontman Freddie Mercury in the film, which is being produced by Graham King's Gk Films banner for 20th Century Fox and New Regency. Justin Haythe (Red Sparrow, Revolutionary Road) penned the script with King, Jim Beach and Singer producing. Denis O'Sullivan, Arnon Milchan and Jane Rosenthal are executive producers....
Mazzello will play bass guitarist John Deacon, Hardy will play drummer Roger Taylor and Lee will play lead guitarist Brian May.
Rami Malek already is attached to portray legendary frontman Freddie Mercury in the film, which is being produced by Graham King's Gk Films banner for 20th Century Fox and New Regency. Justin Haythe (Red Sparrow, Revolutionary Road) penned the script with King, Jim Beach and Singer producing. Denis O'Sullivan, Arnon Milchan and Jane Rosenthal are executive producers....
- 8/21/2017
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bohemian Rhapsody, Bryan Singer's biopic about the seminal rock band Queen, has cast Joe Mazzello, Ben Hardy and Gwilym Lee as bandmembers.
Mazzello will play bass guitarist John Deacon, Hardy will play drummer Roger Taylor and Lee will play lead guitarist Brian May.
Rami Malek already is attached to portray legendary frontman Freddie Mercury in the film, which is being produced by Graham King's Gk Films banner for 20th Century Fox and New Regency. Justin Haythe (Red Sparrow, Revolutionary Road) penned the script with King, Jim Beach and Singer producing. Denis O'Sullivan, Arnon Milchan and Jane Rosenthal are executive producers....
Mazzello will play bass guitarist John Deacon, Hardy will play drummer Roger Taylor and Lee will play lead guitarist Brian May.
Rami Malek already is attached to portray legendary frontman Freddie Mercury in the film, which is being produced by Graham King's Gk Films banner for 20th Century Fox and New Regency. Justin Haythe (Red Sparrow, Revolutionary Road) penned the script with King, Jim Beach and Singer producing. Denis O'Sullivan, Arnon Milchan and Jane Rosenthal are executive producers....
- 8/21/2017
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Robert Zemeckis’ next movie, a sweeping romantic thriller starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard, will be released on November 23, 2016, Paramount Pictures said today. The epic project scripted by Steven Knight and produced by Graham King and his Gk Films banner is also being produced by Zemeckis and Steve Starkey. Jack Rapke, Knight, Patrick McCormick and Denis O'Sullivan are also listed as EPs. Zemeckis’ previous collaboration at Paramount was Flight which made $161.8M…...
- 11/3/2015
- Deadline
Brad Pitt will team with filmmaker Robert Zemeckis ("Back to the Future," "Forrest Gump") for a currently untitled romantic thriller at Paramount Pictures, Gk Films and New Regency.
Specific details about the plot are unknown. Steven Knight ("The Hundred-Foot Journey," "Dirty Pretty Things") penned the script with Zemeckis, Graham King and Steve Starkey producing.
Knight, Jack Rapke, Patrick McCormick and Denis O'Sullivan will serve as executive producers.
Source: Variety...
Specific details about the plot are unknown. Steven Knight ("The Hundred-Foot Journey," "Dirty Pretty Things") penned the script with Zemeckis, Graham King and Steve Starkey producing.
Knight, Jack Rapke, Patrick McCormick and Denis O'Sullivan will serve as executive producers.
Source: Variety...
- 2/6/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
• Natalie Dormer is set to star in Lava Bear Films and Phantom Four's The Forest, Entertainment Weekly has confirmed. Jason Zada is directing from a script rewritten by Sarah Cornwell and Nick Antosca that was based on an original idea by David S. Goyer. Set in the Aokigahara forest at the base of Mt. Fuji, the supernatural thriller tells the story of a young American woman who goes in pursuit of her missing twin sister. When she wanders off the path, she is met by the undead. Lava Bear is producing along with Goyer under his Phantom Four banner.
- 10/22/2014
- by C. Molly Smith
- EW - Inside Movies
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