The indie box office busted out this year, hitting is stride post-Covid with an eclectic string of releases that made a splash artistically and financially.
Independents and mini-majors saw $1.47 billion in box office receipts as of Dec. 27, up from $811.7 million in 2022, according to Comscore.
Focus Features had the biggest limited opening of the year with Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (gross $28 million). Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers with Paul Giamatti ($17.9 million) drew older demos, picky, yes, but finally comfortable back in theaters. Ditto for MGM’s Air, a film Amazon originally slated to go directly to Prime Video, that hit a core 45+ audience and a $52 million cume.
A24’s Past Lives, the much-nominated first film by Celine Song, made $10.9 million and its low-budget horror Talk to Me cleared $48 million. Emma Seligman’s raunchy teen comedy Bottoms from MGM topped $12 million.
That led into a fall bonanza heading into awards season with Anatomy Of A Fall,...
Independents and mini-majors saw $1.47 billion in box office receipts as of Dec. 27, up from $811.7 million in 2022, according to Comscore.
Focus Features had the biggest limited opening of the year with Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (gross $28 million). Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers with Paul Giamatti ($17.9 million) drew older demos, picky, yes, but finally comfortable back in theaters. Ditto for MGM’s Air, a film Amazon originally slated to go directly to Prime Video, that hit a core 45+ audience and a $52 million cume.
A24’s Past Lives, the much-nominated first film by Celine Song, made $10.9 million and its low-budget horror Talk to Me cleared $48 million. Emma Seligman’s raunchy teen comedy Bottoms from MGM topped $12 million.
That led into a fall bonanza heading into awards season with Anatomy Of A Fall,...
- 1/1/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
There were no clear Oscar signals coming out of the 31st Hamptons International Film Festival. Still, there were some admirable stats for the eastern Long Island event that’s a favorite with filmmakers and locals. This year Hiff screened a lineup of films that were 49% female-directed and represented 42 countries from around the world. The festival had a record number of submissions this year and screened 72 features and 46 shorts with eight world premieres, three North American premieres, 12 US premieres, 13 East Coast premieres, and seven New York premieres.
SEEJennifer Esposito (‘Fresh Kills’): First-time director brings feminist mob movie to 31st Hamptons Film Festival
Best Narrative Film went to “20,000 Species Of Bees,” directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren (watch the trailer above). “Tell Them You Love Me,” directed by Nick August-Perna, nabbed the Award for Best Documentary Feature. Hiff audiences selected narrative feature “Fresh Kills,” by first time director Jennifer Esposito, and documentary feature “Angel Applicant,...
SEEJennifer Esposito (‘Fresh Kills’): First-time director brings feminist mob movie to 31st Hamptons Film Festival
Best Narrative Film went to “20,000 Species Of Bees,” directed by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren (watch the trailer above). “Tell Them You Love Me,” directed by Nick August-Perna, nabbed the Award for Best Documentary Feature. Hiff audiences selected narrative feature “Fresh Kills,” by first time director Jennifer Esposito, and documentary feature “Angel Applicant,...
- 10/14/2023
- by Bill McCuddy
- Gold Derby
IndieWire proudly announces that Deputy Managing Editor Ryan Lattanzio will join Editor-at-Large Anne Thompson as co-host of our long-running, popular weekly podcast series, “Screen Talk.” Launched in 2014, “Screen Talk” is a weekly dive behind the scenes of the latest industry news while debating and discussing new film and television releases. Thompson previously co-hosted “Screen Talk” with Eric Kohn, who joined filmmaker Harmony Korine’s multidisciplinary design collective Edglrd earlier this fall.
“It’s been a lot of fun to see Ryan grow his career and his voice at IndieWire,” said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris-Bridson. “I’m looking forward to hearing what he brings to ‘Screen Talk’ and his longtime partnership with Anne.”
“I’m thrilled to take the reins of co-hosting ‘Screen Talk’ alongside Anne, my friend and mentor of many years,” Lattanzio said. “Eric shaped such a great legacy for the podcast with his sharp week-by-week analyses and insights.
“It’s been a lot of fun to see Ryan grow his career and his voice at IndieWire,” said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris-Bridson. “I’m looking forward to hearing what he brings to ‘Screen Talk’ and his longtime partnership with Anne.”
“I’m thrilled to take the reins of co-hosting ‘Screen Talk’ alongside Anne, my friend and mentor of many years,” Lattanzio said. “Eric shaped such a great legacy for the podcast with his sharp week-by-week analyses and insights.
- 10/11/2023
- by IndieWire Staff
- Indiewire
Film at Lincoln Center announces exclusively via Filmmaker this year’s participants for both the Artists Academy and Critics Academy, which will take place during the 61st annual New York Film Festival. Led by filmmaker Stacey Marbrey, the 2023 Artists Academy will entail a three-day workshop that will feature insight from working filmmakers, industry professionals and Artist Academy alumni. Specifically, some of the 2023 Academy mentors are film executive and former president of IFC Films Arianna Bocco and Emmy Award-winning producer Liz Nord. Per a press release, this year’s Artists Academy will include “panels, case studies, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities […]
The post Film at Lincoln Center Announces 2023 Artists and Critics Academy Participants first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Film at Lincoln Center Announces 2023 Artists and Critics Academy Participants first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 9/6/2023
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Film at Lincoln Center announces exclusively via Filmmaker this year’s participants for both the Artists Academy and Critics Academy, which will take place during the 61st annual New York Film Festival. Led by filmmaker Stacey Marbrey, the 2023 Artists Academy will entail a three-day workshop that will feature insight from working filmmakers, industry professionals and Artist Academy alumni. Specifically, some of the 2023 Academy mentors are film executive and former president of IFC Films Arianna Bocco and Emmy Award-winning producer Liz Nord. Per a press release, this year’s Artists Academy will include “panels, case studies, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities […]
The post Film at Lincoln Center Announces 2023 Artists and Critics Academy Participants first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Film at Lincoln Center Announces 2023 Artists and Critics Academy Participants first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 9/6/2023
- by Natalia Keogan
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
A long-lost daughter or an impostor looking for a cash-grab?
Laure Calamy stars as an elusive family member in Sebastien Marnier’s satirical thriller “The Origin of Evil,” where she reconnects with her alleged father as he nears his deathbed. “The Origin of Evil” premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, and went on to screen at TIFF, BFI, and Frameline47, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
The official synopsis reads: When Stéphane (Calamy) gets in touch with wealthy Serge (Jacques Weber), announcing that she is his long-abandoned daughter, his immediate family are none too thrilled. As Stéphane embarks on an extended visit in hopes of getting to know Serge, she also becomes entangled with the hostile women who share a tense existence in his beautifully appointed mansion by the sea: the restaurateur’s wife (Dominique Blanc), his other daughter (Doria Tillier), a rebellious granddaughter (Céleste Brunnquell), and a strangely off-putting housemaid,...
Laure Calamy stars as an elusive family member in Sebastien Marnier’s satirical thriller “The Origin of Evil,” where she reconnects with her alleged father as he nears his deathbed. “The Origin of Evil” premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, and went on to screen at TIFF, BFI, and Frameline47, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
The official synopsis reads: When Stéphane (Calamy) gets in touch with wealthy Serge (Jacques Weber), announcing that she is his long-abandoned daughter, his immediate family are none too thrilled. As Stéphane embarks on an extended visit in hopes of getting to know Serge, she also becomes entangled with the hostile women who share a tense existence in his beautifully appointed mansion by the sea: the restaurateur’s wife (Dominique Blanc), his other daughter (Doria Tillier), a rebellious granddaughter (Céleste Brunnquell), and a strangely off-putting housemaid,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
AMC Networks is bolstering the leadership team for its film group, which is comprised of IFC Films, Rlje Films, and Shudder. The company has added two new executives and promoted others, including one executive formerly with A24.
The hires come in the wake of an exodus of departures at IFC Films that began in March, including president Arianna Bocco after a 17-year run. The hires compose the team assembled under new film group head Scott Shooman, who took the job last month.
Nicole Weis, who previously worked at A24 as its VP of sales and distribution, is joining the team as VP of Distribution, managing the theatrical rollout of the film group’s output, and Judy Woloshen, who has been with AMC Networks, is moving over to the film group and is the VP of Public Relations. Weis will report to Scott Shooman, head of the film group, and Woloshen will promote to Olivia Dupuis,...
The hires come in the wake of an exodus of departures at IFC Films that began in March, including president Arianna Bocco after a 17-year run. The hires compose the team assembled under new film group head Scott Shooman, who took the job last month.
Nicole Weis, who previously worked at A24 as its VP of sales and distribution, is joining the team as VP of Distribution, managing the theatrical rollout of the film group’s output, and Judy Woloshen, who has been with AMC Networks, is moving over to the film group and is the VP of Public Relations. Weis will report to Scott Shooman, head of the film group, and Woloshen will promote to Olivia Dupuis,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
IFC Films is beefing up its depleted leadership ranks, naming Nicole Weis VP of Distribution. Judy Woloshen also joins as VP of Public Relations, managing national publicity efforts across IFC’s three film brands.
Weis, who will manage theatrical rollout for the film group’s slate, was previously VP of sales and distribution at A24Films, where she handled sales for Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Whale, Marcel The Shell, Minari, Midsommar, Uncut Gems and others.
Prior to A24, Weis worked at Universal Pictures and Focus Features on films including Jurassic World, the Fast And Furious franchise Despicable Me, Get Out, Halloween, Straight Out Of Compton, Halloween, Green Book and Blackkkansman.
Weiss reports to Scott Shooman, who was recently appointed as Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group. Woloshen reports to Olivia Dupuis, SVP of Public Relations.
“Nicole and Judy are uniquely talented and bring a depth of industry knowledge and experience,...
Weis, who will manage theatrical rollout for the film group’s slate, was previously VP of sales and distribution at A24Films, where she handled sales for Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Whale, Marcel The Shell, Minari, Midsommar, Uncut Gems and others.
Prior to A24, Weis worked at Universal Pictures and Focus Features on films including Jurassic World, the Fast And Furious franchise Despicable Me, Get Out, Halloween, Straight Out Of Compton, Halloween, Green Book and Blackkkansman.
Weiss reports to Scott Shooman, who was recently appointed as Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group. Woloshen reports to Olivia Dupuis, SVP of Public Relations.
“Nicole and Judy are uniquely talented and bring a depth of industry knowledge and experience,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
’Savages!’ is one of three projects to secure funding from Swiss canton’s cash rebate scheme.
My Life As A Courgette director Claude Barras’ animated feature Savages! is among the first three projects to be supported by the Swiss canton of Valais through the Valais Film Commission’s (Vfc) new automatic cash rebate scheme.
Stop-motion animation Savages! centres on 11-year-old urban girl Kéria who lives with her father in a small town in the Sarawak province on the island of Borneo and has been told by him that her late mother was eaten by a panther.
The $14.8m (CHF13m...
My Life As A Courgette director Claude Barras’ animated feature Savages! is among the first three projects to be supported by the Swiss canton of Valais through the Valais Film Commission’s (Vfc) new automatic cash rebate scheme.
Stop-motion animation Savages! centres on 11-year-old urban girl Kéria who lives with her father in a small town in the Sarawak province on the island of Borneo and has been told by him that her late mother was eaten by a panther.
The $14.8m (CHF13m...
- 8/8/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
A digest of key Swiss industry news announced during the Locarno Film Festival.
Swiss public broadcaster Srg has extended its co-production agreement with the local film industry for another four years and has increased its annual budget by CHF1.5m ($1.7m) to CHF34m ($38m).
The new “Pacte de l’Audiovisuel” co-production agreement between Srg and the local film industry will run from 1 January 2024 until the end of 2027.
The annual budget available in the “Pacte” for co-producing Swiss feature films will increase from $10m (Chf 9m) to $11.45m CHF10m in response to rising costs for film production.
In addition,...
Swiss public broadcaster Srg has extended its co-production agreement with the local film industry for another four years and has increased its annual budget by CHF1.5m ($1.7m) to CHF34m ($38m).
The new “Pacte de l’Audiovisuel” co-production agreement between Srg and the local film industry will run from 1 January 2024 until the end of 2027.
The annual budget available in the “Pacte” for co-producing Swiss feature films will increase from $10m (Chf 9m) to $11.45m CHF10m in response to rising costs for film production.
In addition,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
The industry event of Helsinki International Film Festival runs from September 20-22.
Finnish Film Affair, the industry event of Helsinki International Film Festival, is to open with the Teemu Nikki’s Death Is A Problem For The Living.
The black comedy stars Pekka Strang and Jari Virman as the cheapest drivers in the hearse businessb who decide they need a fresh start.
Death Is A Problem For The Living is produced by Jani Pösö and Andrea Romero for It’s Alive Films. Nikki’s past films include The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic and Euthanizer.
Finnish Film Affair,...
Finnish Film Affair, the industry event of Helsinki International Film Festival, is to open with the Teemu Nikki’s Death Is A Problem For The Living.
The black comedy stars Pekka Strang and Jari Virman as the cheapest drivers in the hearse businessb who decide they need a fresh start.
Death Is A Problem For The Living is produced by Jani Pösö and Andrea Romero for It’s Alive Films. Nikki’s past films include The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic and Euthanizer.
Finnish Film Affair,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
Bocco was speaking as part of Locarno Pro’s annual think tank StepIn
This year’s 11th edition of Locarno Pro’s StepIn think tank was held under the banner headline “What’s The Deal with Independent Cinema?” to discuss the current state of the independent film industry.
In a discussion before the closed roundtable brainstorming sessions, film distribution and content strategist Arianna Bocco, who spent almost 17 years at IFC Films before suddenly stepping down as the company’s president this spring, suggested that the film industry is at a crossroads and “very ripe for – you can use a lot of different words – an overhaul,...
This year’s 11th edition of Locarno Pro’s StepIn think tank was held under the banner headline “What’s The Deal with Independent Cinema?” to discuss the current state of the independent film industry.
In a discussion before the closed roundtable brainstorming sessions, film distribution and content strategist Arianna Bocco, who spent almost 17 years at IFC Films before suddenly stepping down as the company’s president this spring, suggested that the film industry is at a crossroads and “very ripe for – you can use a lot of different words – an overhaul,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Martin Blaney
- ScreenDaily
“What’s the Deal With Independent Cinema?” was the theme of the Locarno Film Festival’s StepIn think tank where a select group of European and international industry players exchanged views and took part in working sessions to discuss the state of the indie film industry.
The unique event, now at it 11th edition, kicked off Thursday with an “out-of-the-box” introduction by feisty U.S. producer Ted Hope, known for his indie ethos even when he ran the film unit at Amazon Studios. “The indie film sector is f**** but it actually has a huge chance to build something and I actually think that is quite doable and the chances of building something better are quite high,” said Hope.
Hope’s provocative pep talk was followed by a more subdued conversation among the event’s keynote speakers who were former IFC Films president Arianna Bocco, Berlinale managing director Mariette Rissenbeek,...
The unique event, now at it 11th edition, kicked off Thursday with an “out-of-the-box” introduction by feisty U.S. producer Ted Hope, known for his indie ethos even when he ran the film unit at Amazon Studios. “The indie film sector is f**** but it actually has a huge chance to build something and I actually think that is quite doable and the chances of building something better are quite high,” said Hope.
Hope’s provocative pep talk was followed by a more subdued conversation among the event’s keynote speakers who were former IFC Films president Arianna Bocco, Berlinale managing director Mariette Rissenbeek,...
- 8/4/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Former IFC Films president Arianna Bocco, Berlinale managing director Mariette Rissenbeek and the British Film Institute’s head of industry and international policy Agnieszka Moody are set as keynote speakers for the upcoming Locarno Film Festival’s StepIN think tank on the most pressing issues in the indie film industry.
The Swiss fest’s unique event, now at its 11th edition, will explore various aspects of this year’s timely theme, which is “What’s the Deal With Independent Cinema?”
A select group of European and international industry players — distributors, exhibitors, producers, sales agents, film institutions, financiers, streaming platforms, broadcasters and film festival and markets reps — will be participating in closed working sessions to exchange thoughts on practices and business models and propose new ideas and strategies.
The themes of this year’s four StepIN roundtables are: the theatrical battlefield between independents, majors and streamers; how to protect the “biodiversity...
The Swiss fest’s unique event, now at its 11th edition, will explore various aspects of this year’s timely theme, which is “What’s the Deal With Independent Cinema?”
A select group of European and international industry players — distributors, exhibitors, producers, sales agents, film institutions, financiers, streaming platforms, broadcasters and film festival and markets reps — will be participating in closed working sessions to exchange thoughts on practices and business models and propose new ideas and strategies.
The themes of this year’s four StepIN roundtables are: the theatrical battlefield between independents, majors and streamers; how to protect the “biodiversity...
- 7/24/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
AMC Networks had made it official that Scott Shooman as been upped to Head of its Film Group which encompasses IFC Films, Rlje Films and the Shudder streaming service.
Shooman has been serving as the interim head in the wake of the shocking exit of IFC Films President Arianna Bocco back in March. Shooman arrived at IFC back in January 2022 as their SVP of Acquistions and Production. Shooman led the acquisitions team in acquiring nearly 30 films annually for both the IFC Films and IFC Midnight slate in all stages of production. He was involved in the pick-ups of Watcher, Skinamarink, The Lost King and Corsage.
In his new role, Shooman will oversee acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production and development across all three of these distinctive and differentiated film brands, as well as the IFC Center, reporting to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks.
“Movies are...
Shooman has been serving as the interim head in the wake of the shocking exit of IFC Films President Arianna Bocco back in March. Shooman arrived at IFC back in January 2022 as their SVP of Acquistions and Production. Shooman led the acquisitions team in acquiring nearly 30 films annually for both the IFC Films and IFC Midnight slate in all stages of production. He was involved in the pick-ups of Watcher, Skinamarink, The Lost King and Corsage.
In his new role, Shooman will oversee acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production and development across all three of these distinctive and differentiated film brands, as well as the IFC Center, reporting to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks.
“Movies are...
- 7/11/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive was named interim IFC FIlms head in March following departure of Arianna Bocco.
Scott Shooman has been named head of AMC Networks film group encompassing IFC Films, Rlje Films and films for the Shudder streaming service.
Shooman oversees acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production and development across all three labels as well as the IFC Center.
In March the executive was named interim head of IFC Films following the departure of Arianna Bocco.
He reports to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, who said, “Movies are an important focal point for our company… [Shooman] has extensive background in the industry,...
Scott Shooman has been named head of AMC Networks film group encompassing IFC Films, Rlje Films and films for the Shudder streaming service.
Shooman oversees acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production and development across all three labels as well as the IFC Center.
In March the executive was named interim head of IFC Films following the departure of Arianna Bocco.
He reports to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, who said, “Movies are an important focal point for our company… [Shooman] has extensive background in the industry,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Scott Shooman has been named the head of AMC Networks Film Group, with a purview that includes IFC Films, as well as Rlje Films and Shudder, the horror-focused streaming service.
In the post, Shooman will oversee acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production and development, reporting to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks.
Shooman is taking over for Arianna Bocco, who stepped down from the position in March after leading the indie label since 2020. For his part, Shooman joined the company from Endeavor Content in 2022, heading film acquisitions. He has previously held posts at CBS Films, Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group.
At IFC, Shooman has been involved in the acquisitions of films that include Watcher, Skinamarink and The Lost King. Per McDermott, Shooman “has extensive background in the industry, but also a fresh eye and a filmmaker-first approach that aligns perfectly with...
In the post, Shooman will oversee acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production and development, reporting to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks.
Shooman is taking over for Arianna Bocco, who stepped down from the position in March after leading the indie label since 2020. For his part, Shooman joined the company from Endeavor Content in 2022, heading film acquisitions. He has previously held posts at CBS Films, Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group.
At IFC, Shooman has been involved in the acquisitions of films that include Watcher, Skinamarink and The Lost King. Per McDermott, Shooman “has extensive background in the industry, but also a fresh eye and a filmmaker-first approach that aligns perfectly with...
- 7/11/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IFC has a new leader. AMC Networks has named Scott Shooman the head of its Film Group, encompassing IFC Films, Rlje Films, and films for the Shudder streaming service, the company announced Tuesday.
Shooman nabs the official, full-time role following serving as interim head since the end of March of this year. He was elevated to the interim role in the wake of an exodus of veteran talent from the indie distributor, which included president Arianna Bocco, PR head Laura Sok, senior publicist Kate McEdwards, director of sales Jasper Bach, and IFC Center lead John Vanco, all within weeks of each other.
In his new role, Shooman will oversee acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production, and development across all three brands, as well as the IFC Center. He reports to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for parent company AMC Networks.
“Movies are an important focal point for our company,...
Shooman nabs the official, full-time role following serving as interim head since the end of March of this year. He was elevated to the interim role in the wake of an exodus of veteran talent from the indie distributor, which included president Arianna Bocco, PR head Laura Sok, senior publicist Kate McEdwards, director of sales Jasper Bach, and IFC Center lead John Vanco, all within weeks of each other.
In his new role, Shooman will oversee acquisitions, theatrical film distribution, production, and development across all three brands, as well as the IFC Center. He reports to Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for parent company AMC Networks.
“Movies are an important focal point for our company,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
In a rare weekend with fewer new studio wide releases, IFC Films had a one-two punch at the box office with Matt Johnson’s film BlackBerry grossing $473k nationwide in 450 theaters, for a U.S. per theater average of $1.05k and cracking the top ten on Friday. It will gross an estimated $740k in North America this weekend, with Elevation Pictures handling Canada.
This is the End’s Jay Baruchel is Mike Lazaridus, the brains behind BlackBerry with his laid back best friend and co-founder Douglas Fregin, played by Johnson. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Glenn Howerton is Jim Balsillie, the aggressive executive who catapulted the device to global domination for decades until is was abruptly unseated by the iPhone in 2007.
Premiering in Berlin and SXSW, certified Fresh at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s based on the book Losing the Signal by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff.
The...
This is the End’s Jay Baruchel is Mike Lazaridus, the brains behind BlackBerry with his laid back best friend and co-founder Douglas Fregin, played by Johnson. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Glenn Howerton is Jim Balsillie, the aggressive executive who catapulted the device to global domination for decades until is was abruptly unseated by the iPhone in 2007.
Premiering in Berlin and SXSW, certified Fresh at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s based on the book Losing the Signal by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff.
The...
- 5/14/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
When the Gotham Awards paid tribute to then-IFC Films president Jonathan Sehring, his speech contained a passage that could have been written by Cassandra, the Trojan priestess fated to speak true prophecies that would not be believed.
“Traditional theatrical distribution isn’t dead, but film distributors large and small are competing with more and more entertainment options on a daily basis,” he said. “The digital revolution is now.”
It was easy to overlook the warning in 2008. That year saw the release of Fox Searchlight’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” which won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, and grossed $378 million worldwide. Barry Jenkins made his debut on the festival circuit with “Medicine for Melancholy,” which later would be distributed by IFC.
Sehring left the company in 2018. Five years later, IFC faces a turning point in the specialty film ecosystem it helped create. With the abrupt departure of president Arianna Bocco at the end of last month,...
“Traditional theatrical distribution isn’t dead, but film distributors large and small are competing with more and more entertainment options on a daily basis,” he said. “The digital revolution is now.”
It was easy to overlook the warning in 2008. That year saw the release of Fox Searchlight’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” which won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, and grossed $378 million worldwide. Barry Jenkins made his debut on the festival circuit with “Medicine for Melancholy,” which later would be distributed by IFC.
Sehring left the company in 2018. Five years later, IFC faces a turning point in the specialty film ecosystem it helped create. With the abrupt departure of president Arianna Bocco at the end of last month,...
- 5/3/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
IFC Films has officially appointed a new general manager for the New York City-based IFC Center.
Longtime executive Harris Dew has been announced as the new Senior Vice President and General Manager for the arthouse theater. Dew will oversee all operations and programming for the IFC Center. Dew previously worked as IFC Center’s Vice President of Programs and Promotions; he will now report to Scott Shooman, Interim President of IFC Films.
The news comes amid unfolding reshuffling at IFC, as Arianna Bocco stepped down as President of IFC Films after a 17-year run that included two years in the company’s top job. Dew replaces John Vanco, who vacated his role as Senior VP and General Manager of IFC Center for a theatrical programming role with Netflix. On Monday this week, Laura Sok announced she would depart her role as IFC Films’ publicity head.
“Harris has played a key...
Longtime executive Harris Dew has been announced as the new Senior Vice President and General Manager for the arthouse theater. Dew will oversee all operations and programming for the IFC Center. Dew previously worked as IFC Center’s Vice President of Programs and Promotions; he will now report to Scott Shooman, Interim President of IFC Films.
The news comes amid unfolding reshuffling at IFC, as Arianna Bocco stepped down as President of IFC Films after a 17-year run that included two years in the company’s top job. Dew replaces John Vanco, who vacated his role as Senior VP and General Manager of IFC Center for a theatrical programming role with Netflix. On Monday this week, Laura Sok announced she would depart her role as IFC Films’ publicity head.
“Harris has played a key...
- 4/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
As the independent film landscape continues to feel the effects of a changing marketplace, IFC has lost another key executive. Laura Sok, who has served as IFC Films’ vice president of publicity for the past five years, is leaving the independent distributor. Sok confirmed to IndieWire that her departure was her decision and that she plans to announce a new opportunity soon.
News of Sok leaving IFC Films was first reported by Deadline. A representative for AMC Networks, IFC Films’ parent company, also confirmed with IndieWire Sok’s departure.
Sok has been at IFC Films for seven years. Since assuming her current role in 2018, Sok has run public relations for theatrical labels IFC Films, IFC Midnight, Sundance Selects, and the streaming service IFC Films Unlimited. In late 2022, she also began overseeing publicity for Shudder and Rlje Films labels. A 17-year veteran of indie film publicity, Sok previously held roles at Cinetic Media,...
News of Sok leaving IFC Films was first reported by Deadline. A representative for AMC Networks, IFC Films’ parent company, also confirmed with IndieWire Sok’s departure.
Sok has been at IFC Films for seven years. Since assuming her current role in 2018, Sok has run public relations for theatrical labels IFC Films, IFC Midnight, Sundance Selects, and the streaming service IFC Films Unlimited. In late 2022, she also began overseeing publicity for Shudder and Rlje Films labels. A 17-year veteran of indie film publicity, Sok previously held roles at Cinetic Media,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Deadline has learned that IFC Films’ longtime Head of PR Laura Sok will be departing the indie distribution company.
Sok has been Head of PR for the last five years in an overall seven-year career at IFC (she worked there from 2008-2010), and was first hired by Jonathan Sehring to run the department. She led public-relations efforts for IFC Films, IFC Midnight, Sundance Selects and streaming service IFC Films Unlimited. Last December, her oversight was expanded to include the labels Shudder and Rlje Films.
Sok led 20th anniversary efforts for IFC Films and was integral in constructing the 2020 drive-in release and promotion strategy during the pandemic. She also led publicity strategy and campaigns for all films during the most successful financial years in IFC Films history.
While Sok is one of many executives to recently leave IFC including distribution head Jasper Basch,...
Sok has been Head of PR for the last five years in an overall seven-year career at IFC (she worked there from 2008-2010), and was first hired by Jonathan Sehring to run the department. She led public-relations efforts for IFC Films, IFC Midnight, Sundance Selects and streaming service IFC Films Unlimited. Last December, her oversight was expanded to include the labels Shudder and Rlje Films.
Sok led 20th anniversary efforts for IFC Films and was integral in constructing the 2020 drive-in release and promotion strategy during the pandemic. She also led publicity strategy and campaigns for all films during the most successful financial years in IFC Films history.
While Sok is one of many executives to recently leave IFC including distribution head Jasper Basch,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jasper Basch, director of sales and distribution for IFC Films, is leaving at week’s end to become Variance Films’ new head of distribution, marking the third high-profile departure for the indie studio in two weeks.
Basch began his career at Variance, eventually becoming manager of distribution. His exit follows those of former president Arianna Bacco and former SVP and Gm of IFC Center John Vanco.
Basch joined IFC in 2020, where he oversaw 30 releases per year. This included a slew of overperforming titles in the summer of 2020, where mostly-closed theaters and mostly delayed tentpoles left the box office dominated by drive-in flicks like “The Wretched” and “The Rental.” During this time, he also handled theatrical distribution for Shudder and Rlje Films. As recently as January of 2023, he helped push the microbudget horror sleeper “‘Skinamarink” to $1.5 million in domestic earnings.
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Basch began his career at Variance, eventually becoming manager of distribution. His exit follows those of former president Arianna Bacco and former SVP and Gm of IFC Center John Vanco.
Basch joined IFC in 2020, where he oversaw 30 releases per year. This included a slew of overperforming titles in the summer of 2020, where mostly-closed theaters and mostly delayed tentpoles left the box office dominated by drive-in flicks like “The Wretched” and “The Rental.” During this time, he also handled theatrical distribution for Shudder and Rlje Films. As recently as January of 2023, he helped push the microbudget horror sleeper “‘Skinamarink” to $1.5 million in domestic earnings.
Also Read:
Taika Waititi’s Soccer Drama ‘Next Goal Wins’ Pushed...
- 4/11/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Distribution executive Jasper Basch is returning to Variance Films, this time as its new Head of Distribution. He will be departing his role as IFC Films’ as its’ Director of Sales and Distribution toward the end of this week, marking the third senior staff departure for the company in two weeks.
Basch originally started his career at Variance rising to become Manager of Distribution. Basch will work with Variance Films Founder and President Dylan Marchetti, partner Kristen Osborne, and distribution executive Ryan Markowitz.
“I’m thrilled to be rejoining Dylan and Kristen at Variance Films. Variance was my first employer after graduating college, and growing with them was a wonderful experience. To get to do so for a second time is a privilege beyond anything I could have hoped for,” said Basch.
“The industry is increasingly realizing how critical proper theatrical distribution is to the success of a film,...
Basch originally started his career at Variance rising to become Manager of Distribution. Basch will work with Variance Films Founder and President Dylan Marchetti, partner Kristen Osborne, and distribution executive Ryan Markowitz.
“I’m thrilled to be rejoining Dylan and Kristen at Variance Films. Variance was my first employer after graduating college, and growing with them was a wonderful experience. To get to do so for a second time is a privilege beyond anything I could have hoped for,” said Basch.
“The industry is increasingly realizing how critical proper theatrical distribution is to the success of a film,...
- 4/11/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
March came in like a lion, with the Academy Awards bringing out everyone who is anyone; surprisingly, it went out the same way, with lots of awards shows, film, television, theatrical premieres, festivals and more. Spring is in the air and people are out having fun, so read on for our inside take on what’s been happening in Hollywood and beyond.
(Left) Honoree Bad Bunny at the GLAAD Media Awards; (Right) Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the “Air” premiere. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for GLAAD; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images) iHeartRadio Awards
Dolby Theatre, Hollywood
Taylor Swift accepts her iHeartRadio Award at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. (Courtesy iHeartRadio)
You could hear the Swifties screaming from blocks away from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as Taylor Swift took home two iHeartRadio Awards at their annual show that celebrates radio/streaming play on that global music station. And unlike Doja Cat,...
(Left) Honoree Bad Bunny at the GLAAD Media Awards; (Right) Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck at the “Air” premiere. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for GLAAD; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images) iHeartRadio Awards
Dolby Theatre, Hollywood
Taylor Swift accepts her iHeartRadio Award at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. (Courtesy iHeartRadio)
You could hear the Swifties screaming from blocks away from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as Taylor Swift took home two iHeartRadio Awards at their annual show that celebrates radio/streaming play on that global music station. And unlike Doja Cat,...
- 4/1/2023
- by Jenny Peters
- The Wrap
When you cover the arthouse business, you get used to familiar faces more than famous ones. Programmers, distributors, and sales agents may not walk the red carpet alongside their stars, but they’re at all the afterparties, in the trenches of every major film festival, constantly plotting ways to get new work seen. Their ubiquity makes it possible to visualize this pocket of the entertainment industry so when the faces change places, it stands out.
In that respect, this week was extraordinary. Within 48 hours, news broke of senior independent film executives leaving jobs they held for years, in some cases not of their own volition. Welcome to the great indie contraction.
First came John Vanco, the 18-year veteran of the IFC Center, heading to Netflix to take over the booking of New York’s Paris Theater, as well as the Bay Cinema and the Egyptian in L.A.. On its...
In that respect, this week was extraordinary. Within 48 hours, news broke of senior independent film executives leaving jobs they held for years, in some cases not of their own volition. Welcome to the great indie contraction.
First came John Vanco, the 18-year veteran of the IFC Center, heading to Netflix to take over the booking of New York’s Paris Theater, as well as the Bay Cinema and the Egyptian in L.A.. On its...
- 4/1/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Development means there are now 18 branches.
The Academy has established a production and technology branch comprising approximately 400 people previously classified as members-at-large.
The new branch represents members working in key technical and production positions in all stages of filmmaking from pre- to post-production.
Screen understands the move comes as the Academy seeks ways to keep abreast of industry evolution and represent new voices and professions within the ranks. The body also wants to ensure changes to its own governance support industry shifts.
Production and technology branch members include chief technology officers, senior department heads in technology and creative services, and preservation and restoration specialists.
The Academy has established a production and technology branch comprising approximately 400 people previously classified as members-at-large.
The new branch represents members working in key technical and production positions in all stages of filmmaking from pre- to post-production.
Screen understands the move comes as the Academy seeks ways to keep abreast of industry evolution and represent new voices and professions within the ranks. The body also wants to ensure changes to its own governance support industry shifts.
Production and technology branch members include chief technology officers, senior department heads in technology and creative services, and preservation and restoration specialists.
- 3/31/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Scott Shooman to serve as interim head.
In a shock departure, Arianna Bocco has stepped down as president of IFC Films after 17 years at the New York-based company.
Bocco, who was named president in December 2020 and has been a regular face on the festival and distribution circuit for many years, will be replaced in the interim by head of acquisitions Scott Shooman until a permanent successor is installed.
“I have big news to share! After much thought, I have stepped down from my post as President of IFC Films to pursue other opportunities,” Bocco posted on Facebook on Friday. “I...
In a shock departure, Arianna Bocco has stepped down as president of IFC Films after 17 years at the New York-based company.
Bocco, who was named president in December 2020 and has been a regular face on the festival and distribution circuit for many years, will be replaced in the interim by head of acquisitions Scott Shooman until a permanent successor is installed.
“I have big news to share! After much thought, I have stepped down from my post as President of IFC Films to pursue other opportunities,” Bocco posted on Facebook on Friday. “I...
- 3/31/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Arianna Bocco has stepped down as President of IFC Films. Bocco departed the indie distributor on Thursday.
She will be replaced on an interim basis by IFC Head of Acquisitions Scott Shooman.
IFC, a subsidiary of AMC Networks, will initiate a search for a permanent successor to Bocco.
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Bocco was promoted to the the post in 2020, replacing Lisa Schwartz. Prior to that, has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films.
“IFC Films is a vibrant and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across our IFC Films, Shudder and Rlje Films ecosystems,” AMC Networks said in a statement to Variety, which first reported the news. “We have full and total confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as interim head and...
She will be replaced on an interim basis by IFC Head of Acquisitions Scott Shooman.
IFC, a subsidiary of AMC Networks, will initiate a search for a permanent successor to Bocco.
Also Read:
AMC Networks Takes a Big Content Write-Off as Cable Subs Keep Dropping
Bocco was promoted to the the post in 2020, replacing Lisa Schwartz. Prior to that, has spent more than a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films.
“IFC Films is a vibrant and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across our IFC Films, Shudder and Rlje Films ecosystems,” AMC Networks said in a statement to Variety, which first reported the news. “We have full and total confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as interim head and...
- 3/31/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Arianna Bocco has stepped down from her post as head of IFC Films, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Before ascending to the post in December 2020, Bocco spent a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films and its genre label, IFC Midnight. Head of acquisitions Scott Shooman will serve in her stead in the interim.
“IFC Films is a vibrant and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across our IFC Films, Shudder and Rlje Films ecosystems,” AMC Networks, which owns IFC, said in a statement. “We have full and total confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as Interim head and know that our film team will not miss a beat as it proceeds forward with a robust slate of releases and acquisitions.”
Bocco’s departure comes as IFC prepares for the April 7 release of the Owen Wilson feature Paint,...
Before ascending to the post in December 2020, Bocco spent a decade overseeing acquisitions and productions for IFC Films and its genre label, IFC Midnight. Head of acquisitions Scott Shooman will serve in her stead in the interim.
“IFC Films is a vibrant and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across our IFC Films, Shudder and Rlje Films ecosystems,” AMC Networks, which owns IFC, said in a statement. “We have full and total confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as Interim head and know that our film team will not miss a beat as it proceeds forward with a robust slate of releases and acquisitions.”
Bocco’s departure comes as IFC prepares for the April 7 release of the Owen Wilson feature Paint,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The exodus at IFC Films continues. Less than 24 hours after longtime executive John Vanco stepped down from his role at the IFC Center for a programming gig at Netflix, IFC Films president Arianna Bocco has left the company, IndieWire has confirmed.
AMC Networks, which owns IFC Films, plans to conduct an extensive search for Bocco’s replacement. In the interim, leadership duties will be handled by IFC head of acquisitions Scott Shooman.
“IFC Films is a vibrant and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across our IFC Films, Shudder and Rlje Films ecosystems,” AMC Networks said in a statement provided to IndieWire. “We have full and total confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as Interim head and know that our film team will not miss a beat as it proceeds forward with a robust slate of releases and acquisitions.
AMC Networks, which owns IFC Films, plans to conduct an extensive search for Bocco’s replacement. In the interim, leadership duties will be handled by IFC head of acquisitions Scott Shooman.
“IFC Films is a vibrant and vital part of our business and we will continue to acquire, produce and distribute films across our IFC Films, Shudder and Rlje Films ecosystems,” AMC Networks said in a statement provided to IndieWire. “We have full and total confidence in Scott’s ability to run the business as Interim head and know that our film team will not miss a beat as it proceeds forward with a robust slate of releases and acquisitions.
- 3/31/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Arianna Bocco, IFC Films President, is out at the distributor, Deadline has confirmed.
The shocking news to the NYC indie world comes within days after the 17-year IFC vet was feted at the New York Women in Film & Television (Nywift)’s flagship fundraising event, the annual Muse Awards gala.
Bocco will be replaced in the interim by IFC Head of Acquisitions Scott Shooman. The Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group and CBS Films vet joined last year. The search for a new long-term replacement is underway. Talk about a revolving door at IFC.
We’re still sorting through what went down here. In the meantime, Bocco posted the following statement on social media, “I have big news to share! After much thought, I have stepped down from my post as President of IFC Films to pursue other opportunities. I’m so proud of the IFC Films team I’ve worked...
The shocking news to the NYC indie world comes within days after the 17-year IFC vet was feted at the New York Women in Film & Television (Nywift)’s flagship fundraising event, the annual Muse Awards gala.
Bocco will be replaced in the interim by IFC Head of Acquisitions Scott Shooman. The Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group and CBS Films vet joined last year. The search for a new long-term replacement is underway. Talk about a revolving door at IFC.
We’re still sorting through what went down here. In the meantime, Bocco posted the following statement on social media, “I have big news to share! After much thought, I have stepped down from my post as President of IFC Films to pursue other opportunities. I’m so proud of the IFC Films team I’ve worked...
- 3/31/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Arianna Bocco has stepped down as president of IFC Films. She will be replaced on an interim basis by Scott Shooman, who currently serves as head of acquisitions. Bocco left the company on Thursday.
“I have so enjoyed my time at IFC Films working alongside such a multi-talented, creative and compassionate team,” Bocco said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the years, and I’m very much looking forward to this next chapter.”
IFC, which is owned by AMC Networks, will conduct a search for a permanent replacement for Bocco, a longtime executive at the company and a major force in the world of independent film, respected for her keen taste and strong relationships with top talent. Bocco took the reins at IFC in 2020 after her predecessor Lisa Schwartz stepped down. But she had been at the company for more than a decade before making that leap.
“I have so enjoyed my time at IFC Films working alongside such a multi-talented, creative and compassionate team,” Bocco said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the years, and I’m very much looking forward to this next chapter.”
IFC, which is owned by AMC Networks, will conduct a search for a permanent replacement for Bocco, a longtime executive at the company and a major force in the world of independent film, respected for her keen taste and strong relationships with top talent. Bocco took the reins at IFC in 2020 after her predecessor Lisa Schwartz stepped down. But she had been at the company for more than a decade before making that leap.
- 3/31/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
“We should think a lot more about what women can do,” Sharon Stone told a packed ballroom Tuesday in NYC, speaking passionately about her early career; women in film; and Basic Instinct, the 1992 project that was ground breaking and traumatizing for actor.
Stone was a small-town girl who arrived in New York an aspiring actress “with my suitcase and 50 dollars,” she told the 43rd annual Muse Awards put on by New York Women in Film & Television. “I walked up and down the streets and I checked every pay phone for change that was left in so that I could possibly take the subway instead of walking all the way back to Elizabeth and Houston, where I lived in a fifth-floor walkup above a bakery in a studio apartment with my friend and … lots and lots of cockroaches.”
Related Story Women’s Weekend Film Challenge Sets Fifth Competition In New...
Stone was a small-town girl who arrived in New York an aspiring actress “with my suitcase and 50 dollars,” she told the 43rd annual Muse Awards put on by New York Women in Film & Television. “I walked up and down the streets and I checked every pay phone for change that was left in so that I could possibly take the subway instead of walking all the way back to Elizabeth and Houston, where I lived in a fifth-floor walkup above a bakery in a studio apartment with my friend and … lots and lots of cockroaches.”
Related Story Women’s Weekend Film Challenge Sets Fifth Competition In New...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Bleecker Street Partners With New York Women in Film & Television on Scholarship Program (Exclusive)
Bleecker Street, the Oscar-nominated studio behind “Captain Fantastic” and “Trumbo,” has partnered with New York Women in Film & Television (Nywift) to award three scholarships to women attending film schools in the New York City area.
The grants are part of Nywift’s scholarship fund and will assist with educational costs associated with film production, living expenses, books, travel and tuition needs. Bleecker Street’s contribution will be officially acknowledged at Nywift’s upcoming Muse Awards on March 28, which recently announced a mix of film executives, actors and filmmakers — including Arianna Bocco, Danielle Brooks, Deborah Chow, Maria Hinojosa, Sandra Lee, Freida Pinto, Lauren Ridloff, Sharon Stone, and Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences president Janet Yang — as this year’s honorees.
Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall and will meet with the Bleecker Street team at their New York headquarters.
“Supporting and highlighting female filmmakers and their work is our priority,...
The grants are part of Nywift’s scholarship fund and will assist with educational costs associated with film production, living expenses, books, travel and tuition needs. Bleecker Street’s contribution will be officially acknowledged at Nywift’s upcoming Muse Awards on March 28, which recently announced a mix of film executives, actors and filmmakers — including Arianna Bocco, Danielle Brooks, Deborah Chow, Maria Hinojosa, Sandra Lee, Freida Pinto, Lauren Ridloff, Sharon Stone, and Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences president Janet Yang — as this year’s honorees.
Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall and will meet with the Bleecker Street team at their New York headquarters.
“Supporting and highlighting female filmmakers and their work is our priority,...
- 3/21/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
A day after Sundance juror Marlee Matlin walked out of the premiere of “Magazine Dreams” in protest, along with the rest of the festival jury, the Oscar winner talked in-depth about the importance of open captions on film. Speaking at the Variety and Stacy’s Pita Chip Rise brunch, an event celebrating female creators on Jan. 21, Matlin passionately advocated for better inclusive storytelling.
When asked about her work on the 2022 best picture winner “Coda” (which swept the 2021 Sundance fest as well), Matlin stressed the lengths her film took to embrace all fans of cinema. “The film was open caption, the entire film, so you couldn’t just turn it off and on,” Matlin told Variety Senior Entertainment Writer Angelique Jackson. “For me, it made me feel very included, because I could sit and watch the film with everyone reacting the same way, the same time, feeling the same emotions. It...
When asked about her work on the 2022 best picture winner “Coda” (which swept the 2021 Sundance fest as well), Matlin stressed the lengths her film took to embrace all fans of cinema. “The film was open caption, the entire film, so you couldn’t just turn it off and on,” Matlin told Variety Senior Entertainment Writer Angelique Jackson. “For me, it made me feel very included, because I could sit and watch the film with everyone reacting the same way, the same time, feeling the same emotions. It...
- 1/24/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The Sundance Film Festival returns in-person beginning Thursday after being sidelined by Covid for two editions, and three years of struggle to climb out of an abyss. The indies have emerged from a time warp into a strange new place, one that’s still evolving.
Deals are expected to bubble slowly this edition with a few potential eruptions; don’t be surprised if a number of deals get announced after the festival. Overall, buyers are circumspect, with spending constraints and product in the pipeline already. And much of the Sundance mystique lies in the search for hidden gems layered around marquee titles.
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Deals are expected to bubble slowly this edition with a few potential eruptions; don’t be surprised if a number of deals get announced after the festival. Overall, buyers are circumspect, with spending constraints and product in the pipeline already. And much of the Sundance mystique lies in the search for hidden gems layered around marquee titles.
Related Story Ryan Coogler, W. Kamau Bell & Nikyatu Jusu To Be Feted At Sundance’s Inaugural ‘Opening Night’ Event Related Story Robert Pattinson's Production Company Icki Eneo Arlo And Spacemaker Productions Sign On To Sebastian Silva Film 'Rotting In The Sun' Related Story Christopher Hwisu Kim Named...
- 1/19/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
After two years of being virtual-only, the Sundance Film Festival returns — at least, partially — to an in-person format. And the return to Park City comes with a whole lot of questions.
“We’ve been back at Cannes, we’ve been back at Toronto, but we haven’t yet been back to Sundance. And, for us, Sundance is the Super Bowl of festivals. It’s really the most important festival for domestic buyers,” notes IFC Films president Arianna Bocco.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke to some two dozen Sundance veterans — including distributors, producers, and sales agents — and top of mind for attendees are questions about the festival’s commitment to a hybrid format, the shake-up in the programming team, and, of course, what a return to in-person screenings will mean for the market. Ask Sight Unseen’s Julia Lebedev, “Is it gonna be the same feeling in the room?”
Like the rest of the industry,...
“We’ve been back at Cannes, we’ve been back at Toronto, but we haven’t yet been back to Sundance. And, for us, Sundance is the Super Bowl of festivals. It’s really the most important festival for domestic buyers,” notes IFC Films president Arianna Bocco.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke to some two dozen Sundance veterans — including distributors, producers, and sales agents — and top of mind for attendees are questions about the festival’s commitment to a hybrid format, the shake-up in the programming team, and, of course, what a return to in-person screenings will mean for the market. Ask Sight Unseen’s Julia Lebedev, “Is it gonna be the same feeling in the room?”
Like the rest of the industry,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Joana Vicente was a producer and later an independent film executive, she would take her young children with her to Sundance so they could learn to ski while she saw the latest movies. The plane trip from New York City to Utah was always a festive occasion, as artists and executives greeted each other and talked excitedly about that year’s lineup. But it gave her children a false sense of what air travel is really like. On a subsequent vacation, Vicente’s son had a question for his mother.
“My son was surprised that we didn’t know anyone on the plane,” remembers Vicente. “He was so used to what happened when we went to Sundance. And the plane is where the conversation starts. Where there’s a sense of a community coming together with expectation and excitement about seeing what’s new and what’s going to rattle you.
“My son was surprised that we didn’t know anyone on the plane,” remembers Vicente. “He was so used to what happened when we went to Sundance. And the plane is where the conversation starts. Where there’s a sense of a community coming together with expectation and excitement about seeing what’s new and what’s going to rattle you.
- 1/18/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
‘Corsage’ And Its Trend-Setting Empress In Vogue At New York Theatrical Debut – Specialty Box Office
Updated with latest grosses, more on Women Talking: New Yorkers braved the cold this weekend for Corsage at two theaters as Marie Kreutzer’s biopic of Empress Elisabeth of Austria starring Vicky Krieps grossed an estimated 32,500 over the three-day weekend for a robust 16,250k per screen average.
The four-day estimate for the IFC Films biopic of Empress Elisabeth of Austria – known as Sisi — is 37k, a PSA of 18.5k.
“We are so proud of the journey Corsage has been on as it continues to find support with critics and audiences alike as they respond to a bold tour-de-force performance from Vicky Krieps and impeccable direction by Marie Kreutzer,” said Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films.
The movie “has been resonating on a global scale since its premiere at Cannes and has set the stage for a timely pop-cultural moment with the real-life story of...
The four-day estimate for the IFC Films biopic of Empress Elisabeth of Austria – known as Sisi — is 37k, a PSA of 18.5k.
“We are so proud of the journey Corsage has been on as it continues to find support with critics and audiences alike as they respond to a bold tour-de-force performance from Vicky Krieps and impeccable direction by Marie Kreutzer,” said Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films.
The movie “has been resonating on a global scale since its premiere at Cannes and has set the stage for a timely pop-cultural moment with the real-life story of...
- 12/25/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Holy, happy little trees! Owen Wilson is rocking a fro for his new film, Paint, and we are here for it. IFC Films shared the first official image of Owen Wilson as Vermont’s #1 public television painter, Carl Nargle, for Brit McAdams’ new feature, and Bob Ross fans are screaming.
In Paint, Wilson’s Nargle is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke. Yup! Nargle is on top of the world until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.
McAdams directs from the 2010 Black List screenplay he wrote, with Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ciara Renee (Hawkgirl from CW’s Arrowverse), Lusia Stuss, Stephen Rootand newcomer Lucy Freyer set to star.
In the first official image for Painter, Wilson’s Nargle chews on a wooden pipe while painting a breathtaking winter scene. With a curly fro atop his head,...
In Paint, Wilson’s Nargle is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke. Yup! Nargle is on top of the world until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.
McAdams directs from the 2010 Black List screenplay he wrote, with Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ciara Renee (Hawkgirl from CW’s Arrowverse), Lusia Stuss, Stephen Rootand newcomer Lucy Freyer set to star.
In the first official image for Painter, Wilson’s Nargle chews on a wooden pipe while painting a breathtaking winter scene. With a curly fro atop his head,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: IFC Films has snapped up North American rights to the new Owen Wilson comedy Paint from writer and director Brit McAdams.
Based on The Blacklist 2010 screenplay, Paint follows Carl Nagle, Vermont’s No. 1 public television painter who is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke… until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves. The pic will get a theatrical release on April 28, 2023 and stream exclusively on AMC+ later that year.
Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films, said, “We’re thrilled to finally work with the boundless and versatile talent of Owen Wilson, as he effortlessly brings Carl Nargle’s character to life from a savvy script and direction by Brit McAdams. Paint has all the makings of a quotable comedic masterpiece, and we hope audiences of all ages are ready for a lot of laughs and a lot of heart.
Based on The Blacklist 2010 screenplay, Paint follows Carl Nagle, Vermont’s No. 1 public television painter who is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke… until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves. The pic will get a theatrical release on April 28, 2023 and stream exclusively on AMC+ later that year.
Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films, said, “We’re thrilled to finally work with the boundless and versatile talent of Owen Wilson, as he effortlessly brings Carl Nargle’s character to life from a savvy script and direction by Brit McAdams. Paint has all the makings of a quotable comedic masterpiece, and we hope audiences of all ages are ready for a lot of laughs and a lot of heart.
- 11/17/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films has acquired North American rights to the sci-fi pic Biosphere, marking the feature directorial debut of award-winning producer Mel Eslyn (The One I Love). The film is slated for release in 2023, and will stream exclusively on AMC+ following its debut in theaters.
World premiering at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, Biosphere is set in the not-too-distant future, watching as the last two men on earth must adapt and evolve to save humanity. Emmy winners Mark Duplass (The Morning Show) and Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us) star.
Best known as the long-time president of Duplass Brothers Productions, Eslyn directed from her script written with Mark Duplass. She also produced alongside Zackary Drucker, Maddie Buis and Shuli Harel, with Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass serving as executive producers.
“We are thrilled to work with producer Mel Eslyn again to bring her extraordinary feature directing debut out into the...
World premiering at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, Biosphere is set in the not-too-distant future, watching as the last two men on earth must adapt and evolve to save humanity. Emmy winners Mark Duplass (The Morning Show) and Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us) star.
Best known as the long-time president of Duplass Brothers Productions, Eslyn directed from her script written with Mark Duplass. She also produced alongside Zackary Drucker, Maddie Buis and Shuli Harel, with Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass serving as executive producers.
“We are thrilled to work with producer Mel Eslyn again to bring her extraordinary feature directing debut out into the...
- 11/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
IFC Films Acquires North American Rights to ‘Biosphere,’ Starring Sterling K. Brown and Mark Duplass
IFC Films has acquired North American rights to “Biosphere,” the directorial debut of award-winning producer Mel Eslyn, which stars Sterling K. Brown and Mark Duplass, the company announced on Monday.
Set in the not-too-distant future, Duplass and Brown play the last two men on earth who must adapt and evolve to save humanity.
“Biosphere” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September to a strong audience response and enthusiastic reviews.
Also Read:
Where Are the Sales? Why This Year’s Toronto Film Festival Market Slowed to a Crawl
The film was produced by Eslyn, artist/filmmaker Zackary Drucker—who previously co-directed the Duplass Brothers-produced docuseries “The Lady and the Dale”—and Duplass Brothers Productions’ Shuli Harel and Maddie Buis. Mark and Jay Duplass executive produced.
“We are thrilled to work with producer Mel Eslyn again to bring her extraordinary feature directing debut out into the world and could not be...
Set in the not-too-distant future, Duplass and Brown play the last two men on earth who must adapt and evolve to save humanity.
“Biosphere” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September to a strong audience response and enthusiastic reviews.
Also Read:
Where Are the Sales? Why This Year’s Toronto Film Festival Market Slowed to a Crawl
The film was produced by Eslyn, artist/filmmaker Zackary Drucker—who previously co-directed the Duplass Brothers-produced docuseries “The Lady and the Dale”—and Duplass Brothers Productions’ Shuli Harel and Maddie Buis. Mark and Jay Duplass executive produced.
“We are thrilled to work with producer Mel Eslyn again to bring her extraordinary feature directing debut out into the world and could not be...
- 11/7/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
IFC Films has acquired the North American rights to “Biosphere,” a sci-fi film from Mel Eslyn starring Sterling K. Brown and Mark Duplass. The film, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September, will be released in 2023 before streaming on AMC+.
“Biosphere” is set in the not-too-distant future where Duplass and Brown play the last two men on earth and must adapt and evolve to save humanity. The film is the debut feature directed by veteran producer Mel Eslyn, who produced alongside Zackary Drucker and Duplass Brothers Productions’ Shuli Harel and Maddie Buis. Mark and Jay Duplass serve as executive producers.
Eslyn’s film producing credits include Charlie McDowell’s “The One I Love,” Clea DuVall’s “The Intervention,” Lynn Shelton’s “Outside In,” Natalie Morales’ “Language Lessons” and Roshan Sethi’s “7 Days.” In 2016, she won the Independent Spirit Producer’s Award. On TV, she’s produced HBO’s...
“Biosphere” is set in the not-too-distant future where Duplass and Brown play the last two men on earth and must adapt and evolve to save humanity. The film is the debut feature directed by veteran producer Mel Eslyn, who produced alongside Zackary Drucker and Duplass Brothers Productions’ Shuli Harel and Maddie Buis. Mark and Jay Duplass serve as executive producers.
Eslyn’s film producing credits include Charlie McDowell’s “The One I Love,” Clea DuVall’s “The Intervention,” Lynn Shelton’s “Outside In,” Natalie Morales’ “Language Lessons” and Roshan Sethi’s “7 Days.” In 2016, she won the Independent Spirit Producer’s Award. On TV, she’s produced HBO’s...
- 11/7/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
IFC Films has picked up the North American rights to Biosphere, veteran producer Mel Eslyn’s debut directorial feature that stars Mark Duplass and Sterling K. Brown.
IFC Films will release Biosphere in 2023, with streaming to follow exclusively on AMC+. In the film, set in the not-too-distant future, Duplass and Brown play the last two men on Earth, who must adapt and evolve to save humanity.
Biosphere was produced by Eslyn, Zackary Drucker, Shuli Harel and Maddie Buis, with Mark and Jay Duplass executive producing.
“We are thrilled to work with producer Mel Eslyn again to bring her extraordinary feature directing debut out into the world and could not be more excited to work with her partners, Mark and Jay Duplass. Mark and Jay are exactly the kind of partners you dream of working with in this business as they are committed to...
IFC Films has picked up the North American rights to Biosphere, veteran producer Mel Eslyn’s debut directorial feature that stars Mark Duplass and Sterling K. Brown.
IFC Films will release Biosphere in 2023, with streaming to follow exclusively on AMC+. In the film, set in the not-too-distant future, Duplass and Brown play the last two men on Earth, who must adapt and evolve to save humanity.
Biosphere was produced by Eslyn, Zackary Drucker, Shuli Harel and Maddie Buis, with Mark and Jay Duplass executive producing.
“We are thrilled to work with producer Mel Eslyn again to bring her extraordinary feature directing debut out into the world and could not be more excited to work with her partners, Mark and Jay Duplass. Mark and Jay are exactly the kind of partners you dream of working with in this business as they are committed to...
- 11/7/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Consecration, the latest movie from genre regular filmmaker Christopher Smith, whose credits include Creep, Severance, Triangle, Black Death, Detour, and The Banishing, has just secured distribution! Variety reports that IFC Midnight will be giving the supernatural thriller a theatrical release sometime in 2023, then the film will be moving over for the Shudder streaming service. Shudder has the exclusive rights to Consecration‘s first streaming window.
Scripted by Smith and Laurie Cook, Consecration follows Grace as she goes to the Mount Saviour Convent in Scotland to find out what was behind the suspicious death of her brother, a priest. She is initially helped by Father Romero, but she soon comes to distrust the account of the church as she uncovers murder, sacrilege and a disturbing truth about her own shadowy past that brings long-buried trauma to the surface.
Jena Malone (The Hunger Games) plays Grace, with Danny Huston (Wonder Woman) as Father Romero.
Scripted by Smith and Laurie Cook, Consecration follows Grace as she goes to the Mount Saviour Convent in Scotland to find out what was behind the suspicious death of her brother, a priest. She is initially helped by Father Romero, but she soon comes to distrust the account of the church as she uncovers murder, sacrilege and a disturbing truth about her own shadowy past that brings long-buried trauma to the surface.
Jena Malone (The Hunger Games) plays Grace, with Danny Huston (Wonder Woman) as Father Romero.
- 11/3/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The international feature film race has always been a minefield for international politics and a vehicle for soft power. With no shortage of drama, scandal and diva antics, it’s basically the Eurovision of the film biz.
But in recent years, as international contenders have become more powerful following “Parasite’s” boundary-breaking best picture win, this particular Oscar race has invited more scrutiny than ever. The decisions of national film committees are keenly observed, analyzed, debated and even contested. And what many consider the most deserving film doesn’t always make the cut.
Besides setting submission deadlines and green-lighting selection committees, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is fairly hands off, and its criteria straightforward: A country’s entry has to be in any language but English (which is why Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness” wasn’t submitted by Sweden); a U.S. theatrical...
But in recent years, as international contenders have become more powerful following “Parasite’s” boundary-breaking best picture win, this particular Oscar race has invited more scrutiny than ever. The decisions of national film committees are keenly observed, analyzed, debated and even contested. And what many consider the most deserving film doesn’t always make the cut.
Besides setting submission deadlines and green-lighting selection committees, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is fairly hands off, and its criteria straightforward: A country’s entry has to be in any language but English (which is why Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness” wasn’t submitted by Sweden); a U.S. theatrical...
- 11/2/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy, Naman Ramachandran and Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
IFC Films is acquiring North American rights to “Lakota Nation vs. United States,” a documentary about the Lakota Indians’ quest to reclaim the Black Hills. That sacred land was stolen in violation of treaty agreements, and the film, from directors Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli, looks at the many ways that the U.S. has ignored, overlooked and failed to grapple with the historical wrongs done to Indigenous communities.
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” is narrated by and features the poetry of acclaimed Ogala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier, winner of the National Books Critics Circle award and finalist for the National Book Award. The score is composed by Raven Chacon, recipient of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for “Voiceless Mass,” and director of photography is Kevin Phillips (“Super Dark Times”). The Lakota activists featured in the film include Nick Tilsen and Krystal Two Bulls, two organizers of today’s Landback movement,...
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” is narrated by and features the poetry of acclaimed Ogala Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier, winner of the National Books Critics Circle award and finalist for the National Book Award. The score is composed by Raven Chacon, recipient of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for “Voiceless Mass,” and director of photography is Kevin Phillips (“Super Dark Times”). The Lakota activists featured in the film include Nick Tilsen and Krystal Two Bulls, two organizers of today’s Landback movement,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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