Exclusive: Skydance Sports has closed a deal with Gary Ross to rewrite and direct Old Time Hockey, from an original screenplay written by Kevin Jakubowski. The film will be produced by Skydance Sports and Jeremy Latcham.
The original screenplay is set in the rust belt of Pennsylvania involving a high school hockey rivalry from the mid-’90s that gets re-kindled 25 years later.
Ross is no stranger to uplifting sports movies as he directed and wrote the hit horse racing pic Seabiscuit, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. The four-time Oscar nominee has made a career out of writing and directing hit pics that include Pleasantville, The Hunger Games, and most recently Ocean’s 8 starring Sandra Bullock.
Jakubowski wrote the Black List feature screenplay 8-Bit Christmas which received both a PGA Award and Humanitas Prize nomination. His other credits include the screenplay for Assassination of a High School President,...
The original screenplay is set in the rust belt of Pennsylvania involving a high school hockey rivalry from the mid-’90s that gets re-kindled 25 years later.
Ross is no stranger to uplifting sports movies as he directed and wrote the hit horse racing pic Seabiscuit, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. The four-time Oscar nominee has made a career out of writing and directing hit pics that include Pleasantville, The Hunger Games, and most recently Ocean’s 8 starring Sandra Bullock.
Jakubowski wrote the Black List feature screenplay 8-Bit Christmas which received both a PGA Award and Humanitas Prize nomination. His other credits include the screenplay for Assassination of a High School President,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
December is not quite here yet, but for some of us, it’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Thanksgiving is over, and the grimness of Black Friday too. So with the passing of those uniquely American traditions, the biggest holiday event for millions of film lovers is on the horizon. And some want to start celebrating now.
For that reason, we’ve collected the below streaming guide of holiday favorites, old and new, so you know exactly where to find your favorite Christmas movies this year. We’ve generally based this on where they’re available to watch without an additional surcharge on top of a subscription. In other words, we’re leaving off that most of these movies will be available to rent on demand for a fee from Amazon, Apple, or your other preferred video on demand platform. We also have based this list on American streaming service libraries.
For that reason, we’ve collected the below streaming guide of holiday favorites, old and new, so you know exactly where to find your favorite Christmas movies this year. We’ve generally based this on where they’re available to watch without an additional surcharge on top of a subscription. In other words, we’re leaving off that most of these movies will be available to rent on demand for a fee from Amazon, Apple, or your other preferred video on demand platform. We also have based this list on American streaming service libraries.
- 11/25/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Click here to read the full article.
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
Don’t Look Up, Black-ish and Pachinko were among the winners of the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes announced Friday from a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
The awards, honoring the craft of screenwriting, featured winners in nine juried categories spanning film and television. These included Don’t Look Up from writer Adam McKay for comedy feature film, The Starling from Matt Harris for drama feature film and Encanto from Charise Castro Smith and Jared Bush for family feature film.
On the TV side, Black-ish writer Robb Chavis prevailed for comedy teleplay, Pachinko creator Soo Hugh won for drama teleplay and Women of the Movement creator Marissa Jo Cerar was tops for limited series, TV movie or special.
Larry Wilmore hosted the event, and presenters included Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks. Also honored were...
- 9/10/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Retiring ABC series “Black-ish” picked up one more honor on Friday, a Humanitas Prize for comedy teleplay, while Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” and ABC’s “Women of the Movement” also were recognized at the event.
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore, the 46th annual Humanitas Prize event centered on awards and 10,000 cash prizes to screenwriters across ten categories. In addition, Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks presented Filmmakers for Ukraine with the Kieser Award “in recognition of their work to connect the Ukrainian film and TV community impacted by the Russo-Ukrainian War with resources, jobs, and funding to meet basic needs.”
And Jasmine Cephas Jones presented Starz with Voice for Change Award for its #TakeTheLead initiative. Starz president/CEO Jeffrey Hirsch accepted the prize on the network’s behalf. Nkechi Okoro Carroll oversaw the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Award presentations.
Here are this...
Held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore, the 46th annual Humanitas Prize event centered on awards and 10,000 cash prizes to screenwriters across ten categories. In addition, Humanitas board president Jenny Bicks presented Filmmakers for Ukraine with the Kieser Award “in recognition of their work to connect the Ukrainian film and TV community impacted by the Russo-Ukrainian War with resources, jobs, and funding to meet basic needs.”
And Jasmine Cephas Jones presented Starz with Voice for Change Award for its #TakeTheLead initiative. Starz president/CEO Jeffrey Hirsch accepted the prize on the network’s behalf. Nkechi Okoro Carroll oversaw the New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Award presentations.
Here are this...
- 9/10/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Humanitas has revealed the nominees for this year’s Humanitas Prizes, which recognize “television and film writers whose work explores the human condition in a nuanced way.” The award is given out in nine categories, including comedy, drama and limited series.
This year’s nominees include “Maid,” “This Is Us,” “Queen Sugar,” “Pachinko,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Somebody Somewhere” and “Black-ish.” Winners will be announced at an in-person awards luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2022.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Michelle Franke, Humanitas Executive Director. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and responsibility to each other in the present as well as possibilities for the future. Especially during challenging times, writers dedicate themselves to the stories that connect and entertain us.”
Here...
This year’s nominees include “Maid,” “This Is Us,” “Queen Sugar,” “Pachinko,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Somebody Somewhere” and “Black-ish.” Winners will be announced at an in-person awards luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 9, 2022.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Michelle Franke, Humanitas Executive Director. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and responsibility to each other in the present as well as possibilities for the future. Especially during challenging times, writers dedicate themselves to the stories that connect and entertain us.”
Here...
- 6/27/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
After a two-year hiatus, Humanitas has revealed the nominations for its 2022 Humanitas Prizes in nine categories
Winners will receive their trophies during a September 9 in-person ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
Launched in 1974, the Humanitas Prizes honor film and television writers whose work explores the human condition, with recipients receiving a trophy and a cash prize.
Here are the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prize:
Children’s Teleplay
El Deafo: Written by Cece Bell and Will McRobb
Karma’s World: “Hair Comes Trouble” – Written by Kellie R. Griffin and Halcyon Person
Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love: Written by Alex Galatis
The Babysitters Club: “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye” – Written by Sascha Rothchild
Comedy Feature Film
Don’t Look Up: Written by Adam McKay
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Queen Bees: Written by Donald Martin
tick, tick…Boom!:...
Winners will receive their trophies during a September 9 in-person ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.
Launched in 1974, the Humanitas Prizes honor film and television writers whose work explores the human condition, with recipients receiving a trophy and a cash prize.
Here are the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prize:
Children’s Teleplay
El Deafo: Written by Cece Bell and Will McRobb
Karma’s World: “Hair Comes Trouble” – Written by Kellie R. Griffin and Halcyon Person
Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love: Written by Alex Galatis
The Babysitters Club: “Claudia and the Sad Goodbye” – Written by Sascha Rothchild
Comedy Feature Film
Don’t Look Up: Written by Adam McKay
Everything Everywhere All At Once: Written by Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Queen Bees: Written by Donald Martin
tick, tick…Boom!:...
- 6/27/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Humanitas has announced the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes, which celebrates the craft of screenwriting. Across nine juried categories, which include both television and film, 45 writers are nominated for their work.
Among the nominees are Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson (comedy teleplay) and Academy Award-winning Coda writer-director Sian Heder (drama feature film). Adam McKay, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, also received a nom for comedy feature film, along with Everything Everywhere All At Once scribes and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke in a statement. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and...
Humanitas has announced the nominees for the 46th annual Humanitas Prizes, which celebrates the craft of screenwriting. Across nine juried categories, which include both television and film, 45 writers are nominated for their work.
Among the nominees are Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson (comedy teleplay) and Academy Award-winning Coda writer-director Sian Heder (drama feature film). Adam McKay, who was nominated for an Oscar this year for Netflix’s Don’t Look Up, also received a nom for comedy feature film, along with Everything Everywhere All At Once scribes and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
“The Humanitas Prizes were created to recognize writers whose work explores the beauty and complexity of the human experience and the 2022 nominees do just that,” said Humanitas executive director Michelle Franke in a statement. “Ranging in scope, style, and perspective, these stories underscore our bonds, our history and...
- 6/27/2022
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The holidays are definitely meant to be spent with the family and if you’re planning on binge-watching Christmas movies with your kids for the holidays, several streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney Plus have got you covered. New Christmas movies that both adults and kids will enjoy are ready for streaming and to help you narrow down your list of family Christmas movies to watch, here are five movie recommendations. 8-Bit Christmas The Christmas comedy film 8-Bit Christmas, directed by Michael Dowse, from a screenplay by Kevin Jakubowski based upon his novel of the same name, stars
Five Heartwarming Movies To Watch On Christmas Day...
Five Heartwarming Movies To Watch On Christmas Day...
- 12/25/2021
- by A.E. Oats
- TVovermind.com
Stars: Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, Steve Zahn, June Diane Raphael, Che Tafari, Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Santino Barnard, Max Malas, Brielle Rankins, Braelyn Rankins, Cyrus Arnold, Chandler Dean | Written by Kevin Jakubowski | Directed by Michael Dowse
We all know by now how popular the 80s are in modern day. The nostalgia of the past is a huge selling point in media, be it video games, books, TV shows or, indeed, movies. Well festive film 8-Bit Christmas follows suit as the adult Jake Doyle (Neil Patrick Harris) tells his daughter the story of child Jake Doyle (Winslow Fegley) and his attempt to get hold of a Nintendo Entertainment System back in the 80s. The film is told with Harris’s narration on top, for the most-part, in a flashback style. Reminiscent of A Christmas Story, we hear about Jake’s life back then, his friends, the bullies in town, the outrage of parents regarding video games,...
We all know by now how popular the 80s are in modern day. The nostalgia of the past is a huge selling point in media, be it video games, books, TV shows or, indeed, movies. Well festive film 8-Bit Christmas follows suit as the adult Jake Doyle (Neil Patrick Harris) tells his daughter the story of child Jake Doyle (Winslow Fegley) and his attempt to get hold of a Nintendo Entertainment System back in the 80s. The film is told with Harris’s narration on top, for the most-part, in a flashback style. Reminiscent of A Christmas Story, we hear about Jake’s life back then, his friends, the bullies in town, the outrage of parents regarding video games,...
- 12/10/2021
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
Stars: Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, Steve Zahn, June Diane Raphael, Che Tafari, Sophia Reid-Gantzert, Santino Barnard, Max Malas, Brielle Rankins, Braelyn Rankins, Cyrus Arnold, Chandler Dean | Written by Kevin Jakubowski | Directed by Michael Dowse
A Christmas movie set in the eighties with a story centered around a child that is desperate to a Nintendo Entertainment System (Nes for short) as his main present?! 8-Bit Christmas is one of those movies that seems made for me (and I’m sure many other people of a similar age). In fact it could almost be written about me too – again, I’m sure there’s plenty of people that feel the same! Getting past the nostalgia though, can this movie remain entertaining.
The story is told through Neil Patrick Harris, as Jake, as an adult in modern day. He introduces his daughter to the Nes and then tells her the story of how he got it.
A Christmas movie set in the eighties with a story centered around a child that is desperate to a Nintendo Entertainment System (Nes for short) as his main present?! 8-Bit Christmas is one of those movies that seems made for me (and I’m sure many other people of a similar age). In fact it could almost be written about me too – again, I’m sure there’s plenty of people that feel the same! Getting past the nostalgia though, can this movie remain entertaining.
The story is told through Neil Patrick Harris, as Jake, as an adult in modern day. He introduces his daughter to the Nes and then tells her the story of how he got it.
- 12/8/2021
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on Wbgr-fm on December 2nd, 2021, reviewing a Christmas film currently streaming on HBO Max, a nostalgic look back on a 1980s childhood aptly entitled “8 Bit Christmas.”
Rating: 3.0/5.0
The film is set in Chicagoland, and the obsession of the main character is for the latest video game console … in this 1980s case an old school Nintendo Nes. Jake is portrayed as an adult by Neal Patrick Harris, who forces his daughter to listen to the story of how he procured his Nintendo unit that remarkably still works. Young Jake is portrayed by Winslow Fegley in flashbacks, and the story makes references to lost things like Malls, Marshall Fields and Bears Championships.
“8 Bit Christmas” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Featuring Neal Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn, Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael and Bellaluna Resnick. Written by Kevin Jakubowski.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
The film is set in Chicagoland, and the obsession of the main character is for the latest video game console … in this 1980s case an old school Nintendo Nes. Jake is portrayed as an adult by Neal Patrick Harris, who forces his daughter to listen to the story of how he procured his Nintendo unit that remarkably still works. Young Jake is portrayed by Winslow Fegley in flashbacks, and the story makes references to lost things like Malls, Marshall Fields and Bears Championships.
“8 Bit Christmas” is currently streaming on HBO Max. Featuring Neal Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn, Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael and Bellaluna Resnick. Written by Kevin Jakubowski.
- 12/5/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Exclusive: We hear that New Line’s 8-Bit Christmas will premiere exclusively on HBO Max on Nov. 25th, in all countries where the service is available, meaning U.S. and Latin America. Here in the U.S., that date is Thanksgiving Day, a prime time for watching holiday movies on the couch. 8-Bit Christmas will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the remaining offshore markets.
8-Bit Christmas is a humorous and heartfelt look back at the adventures of childhood. Set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, the story centers on ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Winslow Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
Michael Dowse directs Neil Patrick Harris, Fegley, June Diane Raphael, Steve Zahn from a script by Kevin Jakubowski based on his novel. Producers are King Richard‘s Tim White, Trevor White, Allan Madelbaum — through their Star Thrower banner — Nick Nantell and Jonathan Sadowski.
8-Bit Christmas is a humorous and heartfelt look back at the adventures of childhood. Set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, the story centers on ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Winslow Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
Michael Dowse directs Neil Patrick Harris, Fegley, June Diane Raphael, Steve Zahn from a script by Kevin Jakubowski based on his novel. Producers are King Richard‘s Tim White, Trevor White, Allan Madelbaum — through their Star Thrower banner — Nick Nantell and Jonathan Sadowski.
- 8/13/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
New Line announced a new Max Original movie today which is already filming, 8-Bit Christmas, starring Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael and Steve Zahn.
The comedy, directed by Michael Dowse, is set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, and follows ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas. Harris plays Adult Jake Doyle (and also narrates) while Raphael and Zahn play Young Jake’s parents, Kathy and John.
Emmy and Tony Award winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Harris recently starred in HBO Max series It’s a Sin and next stars in The Matrix 4 which opens on Dec. 22. He can also be seen in Lionsgate’s upcoming The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
8-Bit Christmas is produced by Tim White, Trevor White and Allan Mandelbaum for Star Thrower Entertainment, as well as Nick Nantell,...
The comedy, directed by Michael Dowse, is set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, and follows ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas. Harris plays Adult Jake Doyle (and also narrates) while Raphael and Zahn play Young Jake’s parents, Kathy and John.
Emmy and Tony Award winning actor and New York Times bestselling author Harris recently starred in HBO Max series It’s a Sin and next stars in The Matrix 4 which opens on Dec. 22. He can also be seen in Lionsgate’s upcoming The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
8-Bit Christmas is produced by Tim White, Trevor White and Allan Mandelbaum for Star Thrower Entertainment, as well as Nick Nantell,...
- 3/3/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Neil Patrick Harris has joined 8-Bit Christmas, a New Line comedy for HBO Max that Michael Dowse is directing.
Harris is headlining a cast that includes Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made star Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael (Grace and Fankie), and Steve Zahn.
The movie, currently in production in Toronto, adapts the debut novel by Kevin Jakubowski that is meant to be a heartfelt and humorous look at childhood misadventures. Set in suburban Chicago in the 1980s, the script, also written Jakubowski, follows a 10-year old boy named Jake Doyle and his epic quest to find the best video game system.
Harris ...
Harris is headlining a cast that includes Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made star Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael (Grace and Fankie), and Steve Zahn.
The movie, currently in production in Toronto, adapts the debut novel by Kevin Jakubowski that is meant to be a heartfelt and humorous look at childhood misadventures. Set in suburban Chicago in the 1980s, the script, also written Jakubowski, follows a 10-year old boy named Jake Doyle and his epic quest to find the best video game system.
Harris ...
Neil Patrick Harris has joined 8-Bit Christmas, a New Line comedy for HBO Max that Michael Dowse is directing.
Harris is headlining a cast that includes Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made star Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael (Grace and Fankie), and Steve Zahn.
The movie, currently in production in Toronto, adapts the debut novel by Kevin Jakubowski that is meant to be a heartfelt and humorous look at childhood misadventures. Set in suburban Chicago in the 1980s, the script, also written Jakubowski, follows a 10-year old boy named Jake Doyle and his epic quest to find the best video game system.
Harris ...
Harris is headlining a cast that includes Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made star Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael (Grace and Fankie), and Steve Zahn.
The movie, currently in production in Toronto, adapts the debut novel by Kevin Jakubowski that is meant to be a heartfelt and humorous look at childhood misadventures. Set in suburban Chicago in the 1980s, the script, also written Jakubowski, follows a 10-year old boy named Jake Doyle and his epic quest to find the best video game system.
Harris ...
The 15th annual Black List survey was revealed Monday December 16, and it includes 66 un-produced screenplays from up-and-coming literary talent. Results were pooled from a survey of more than 250 film executives, each of whom contributed the names of up to 10 favorite scripts that were written in, or are somehow uniquely associated with, 2019 and will not have begun principal photography during this calendar year. This year, scripts had to receive at least six mentions to be included on the Black List.
Since 2005, more than a third of the screenplays included in the annual Black List surveys have become produced films, and often to notoriety — such as “Argo,” “American Hustle,” “Juno,” “The King’s Speech,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Spotlight,” “The Revenants,” “The Descendants,” and “Hell or High Water.” Melina Matsoukas’s 2019 film “Queen & Slim,” written by Lena Waithe with a story co-authored by James Frey, was featured on the 2018 Black List.
Below is the...
Since 2005, more than a third of the screenplays included in the annual Black List surveys have become produced films, and often to notoriety — such as “Argo,” “American Hustle,” “Juno,” “The King’s Speech,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Spotlight,” “The Revenants,” “The Descendants,” and “Hell or High Water.” Melina Matsoukas’s 2019 film “Queen & Slim,” written by Lena Waithe with a story co-authored by James Frey, was featured on the 2018 Black List.
Below is the...
- 12/16/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
It's gonna be legen -- wait for it -- dary. The live-action Legendary Dudas TV show premieres on Nickelodeon, Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 9:00pm Et/Pt. Watch a trailer, below. The new, "mockumentary" comedy series follows brothers Sam Duda (Theodore Barnes) and Tyler Duda (DeVion Harris). The cast also includes Meyrick Murphy, Megan Richie, Daniella Perkins, Pearce Joza, Mylo Gosch, Jackson A. Dunn, Dallas Liu, Laura Harman, and Kelly Perine.Nick says the Dudas are as different as "tacos and telescopes." When Sam is double-promoted, he ends up in Tyler's seventh grade homeroom. Nickelodeon teases that life at Fenski Middle School will never be the same. The Legendary Dudas TV series is created by Kevin Jakubowski, who executive produces with Sharla Sumpter-Bridgett.Read More…...
- 7/6/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Stars: Reece Thompson, Mischa Barton, Bruce Willis, Michael Rapaport, Melonie Diaz | Written by Kevin Jakubowski, Tim Calpin | Directed by Brett Simon
Boy, that cover is misleading. Full disclosure: The Assassination – originally Assassination of a High School President - isn’t a Bruce Willis actioner, he gets about ten minutes of screentime and the gun on the DVD is the only one in the film. It doesn’t actually fire bullets. But I suppose that’s the kind of marketing you can expect from a movie that bowed at festivals in 2008 and is only just getting a home video release.
Set an assignment to profile his school’s class president, intrepid/lazy reporter Bobby Funke (no relation to Arrested Development’s Tobias, though I suspect Bobby may once have been a never-nude) played by Reece Thompson unwittingly sets off a plot involving stolen exam papers, suspended students, Mischa Barton as...
Boy, that cover is misleading. Full disclosure: The Assassination – originally Assassination of a High School President - isn’t a Bruce Willis actioner, he gets about ten minutes of screentime and the gun on the DVD is the only one in the film. It doesn’t actually fire bullets. But I suppose that’s the kind of marketing you can expect from a movie that bowed at festivals in 2008 and is only just getting a home video release.
Set an assignment to profile his school’s class president, intrepid/lazy reporter Bobby Funke (no relation to Arrested Development’s Tobias, though I suspect Bobby may once have been a never-nude) played by Reece Thompson unwittingly sets off a plot involving stolen exam papers, suspended students, Mischa Barton as...
- 7/12/2013
- by Mark Allen
- Nerdly
Warner Bros. has picked up an untitled workplace comedy by Jason Filardi for Zac Efron to star in and produce, says The Hollywood Reporter . Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot are in negotiations to produce via their Offspring Entertainment. Efron set up his production company Ninjas Runnin' Wild Productions (Nrw) at Warner Bros. in February and the trade says that the following are the other projects in development at Nrw: -- "Art of the Steal," set up at Warners three weeks ago, has Kevin McCormick's Langley Park Prods. producing with Nrw. The project, centering on a master thief, is based on the Wired magazine article by Joshua Bearman; the producers are out to writers. -- "Einstein Theory," a time-travel story from Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski also...
- 7/13/2010
- Comingsoon.net
HollywoodNews.com: Zac Efron is attached to headline an untitled workplace comedy which will be developed by his production label at Warner Bros., Ninjas Runnin’ Wild (aka Nrw).
The workplace comedy was written by Jason Filardi, the same scribe who executed Efron’s teen comedy “17 Again” which made $136 million at the global box office.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Efron’s label has the following projects in the works for the 22-year old actor:
– “Art of the Steal,” set up at Warners three weeks ago. The project, centering on a master thief, is based on the Wired magazine article by Joshua Bearman; the producers are out to writers.
– “Einstein Theory,” a time-travel story from Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski also is set up at Warners.
– “Fire” is based on the Brian Michael Bendis graphic novel about a college student recruited to take part in a special CIA training program. Bendis is writing the adaptation,...
The workplace comedy was written by Jason Filardi, the same scribe who executed Efron’s teen comedy “17 Again” which made $136 million at the global box office.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Efron’s label has the following projects in the works for the 22-year old actor:
– “Art of the Steal,” set up at Warners three weeks ago. The project, centering on a master thief, is based on the Wired magazine article by Joshua Bearman; the producers are out to writers.
– “Einstein Theory,” a time-travel story from Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski also is set up at Warners.
– “Fire” is based on the Brian Michael Bendis graphic novel about a college student recruited to take part in a special CIA training program. Bendis is writing the adaptation,...
- 7/13/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Warner Bros. has picked up an untitled workplace comedy by Jason Filardi for Zac Efron to star in and produce. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot are in negotiations to produce via their Offspring Entertainment banner.
Attaching himself to the Filardi workplace comedy is the latest move for Efron, who set up his production shingle at Warners in February but has quietly been putting the pieces together with his manager, Alchemy Entertainment's Jason Barrett.
The company now has a name -- Ninjas Runnin' Wild Prods. -- and has staffed up, with former Fox executive Jason Young coming aboard as head of development and to act as point person at Nrw. Young spent five years at Fox, working on "X-Men: The Last Stand," "Live Free or Die Hard" and "Max Payne," among other movies.
Angie Edgar, a former assistant and creative executive at Alchemy, has been tapped to act as Nrw's creative executive.
Attaching himself to the Filardi workplace comedy is the latest move for Efron, who set up his production shingle at Warners in February but has quietly been putting the pieces together with his manager, Alchemy Entertainment's Jason Barrett.
The company now has a name -- Ninjas Runnin' Wild Prods. -- and has staffed up, with former Fox executive Jason Young coming aboard as head of development and to act as point person at Nrw. Young spent five years at Fox, working on "X-Men: The Last Stand," "Live Free or Die Hard" and "Max Payne," among other movies.
Angie Edgar, a former assistant and creative executive at Alchemy, has been tapped to act as Nrw's creative executive.
- 7/12/2010
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zac Efron may be the name you know from "High School Musical," but that's not how things are going to be for much longer if he has his way. He's been pursuing more serious work recently, with "Me and Orson Welles" and the upcoming "Charlie St. Cloud" from "17 Again" director Burr Steers. Next up: another pair of projects in which it's safe to guess that he will neither sing nor dance.
Deadline Hollywood has the scoop that Efron is all set up with Warner Bros for both. First up is an adaptation of "Fire," a Brian Michael Bendis-penned "spy graphic novel" published by Image Comics. You can find all of the details on that over at MTV Splash Page.
The other one sounds kind of wacky. It's actually a combination of two projects, which will come together into something that is being described as...
Deadline Hollywood has the scoop that Efron is all set up with Warner Bros for both. First up is an adaptation of "Fire," a Brian Michael Bendis-penned "spy graphic novel" published by Image Comics. You can find all of the details on that over at MTV Splash Page.
The other one sounds kind of wacky. It's actually a combination of two projects, which will come together into something that is being described as...
- 1/28/2010
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
Plotting comic intrigue, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is set to release Assassination of a High School President on DVD October 6th for the suggested retail price of $24.96. The witty high school satire film (in the tradition of Election and Rushmore) features Mischa Barton (TV.s .The O.C.., The Sixth Sense), Reece Thompson (Rocket Science) and action icon Bruce Willis (Die Hard series, upcoming Surrogates). The film marks the feature directorial debut of Brett Simon and was scripted by the writing team of Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, former production assistants on TV.s .South Park.. It co-stars Michael Rapaport (TV.s .Prison Break,. Hitch), Zöe Kravitz (The Brave One, No Reservations) and Kathryn Morris (Resurrecting The Champ, TV.s .Cold Case.).
- 8/6/2009
- by Patrick Luce
- Monsters and Critics
About a month ago, we brought you news about the little indie movie that could in The Assassination of a High School President and it’s fight for a theatrical release, or at the very least, a distributor. Fortunately, the film’s fight appears to be over now with its distribution being picked up by Sony Pictures for an expected DVD release.
The film is about high school newspaper reporter Bobby Funke (Rocket Science’s Reece Thompson), who uncovers a series of conspiracy plots going on in his private school. The film also brings in Bruce Willis, Mischa Barton, and Michael Rapaport to fill in the supporting cast for what most critics are calling “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in high school”.
This is the directorial debut of Brett Simon, with a script from Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, former production assistants on South Park. The film’s special features include...
The film is about high school newspaper reporter Bobby Funke (Rocket Science’s Reece Thompson), who uncovers a series of conspiracy plots going on in his private school. The film also brings in Bruce Willis, Mischa Barton, and Michael Rapaport to fill in the supporting cast for what most critics are calling “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in high school”.
This is the directorial debut of Brett Simon, with a script from Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, former production assistants on South Park. The film’s special features include...
- 8/5/2009
- by Matt Raub
- The Flickcast
After months of speculation and outrage from fans and bloggers over the possibility of it happening, Sony has now officially confirmed that the Sundance hit Assassination of a High School President will skip the multiplexes and head straight to DVD. The studio has announced plans to release the Mischa Barton comedy, which also stars Reece Thompson, Michael Rappaport, Kathryn Morris, Melonie Diaz, Rumer Willis, Josh Pais, Tanya Fischer, Luke Grimes and Bruce Willis, on DVD and Blu-Ray October 6. Directed by Brett Simon, the film takes place at a Catholic high school, where a popular girl teams up with a sophomore newspaper reporter to investigate a case of stolen Sat exams. Once the duo targets their suspects, a larger conspiracy is unearthed. It was written by Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski. The disc will feature a filmmakers commentary, deleted scenes with optional commentary, extended and alternate scenes with optional commentary, and...
- 8/4/2009
- by James Cook
- TheMovingPicture.net
Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY -- Is there anything new to say about high school torments? Probably there is, but Assassination of a High School President doesn't find enough novel insights to make for essential viewing. It has echoes of a lot of other movies about adolescent angst and cruelty, from Election to Thumbsucker, Rocket Science and Charlie Bartlett, but it doesn't live up to the best of those.
Alexander Payne's Election might still be the definitive word on the cutthroat atmosphere of high school. Assassination, which had its premiere here, won't achieve the same classic stature.
It will, however, be remembered for confirming the talent of the leading man, Reece Daniel Thompson, who starred as the stuttering teen hero of last year's Sundance prize-winner, Rocket Science and here demonstrates the same ease and charm, minus the stuttering. Not many young actors convey intelligence, but Thompson is completely convincing and immensely likable as an aspiring journalist who wants to expose the truth about the school's top jock.
As the prom queen who takes him under her wing, Mischa Barton also gives a captivating performance. These two actors make the movie worth seeing, even though the script by Tim Caplan and Kevin Jakubowski veers from genuine wit to more routine high jinks.
At his Catholic school in New Jersey, Bobby Funke (Thompson) is beset by a lot of the typical teen perils -- school bullies, an overbearing Spanish teacher (amusingly played by Josh Pais), a tyrannical principal (Bruce Willis) and, of course, the first stirrings of love and lust. The opening scenes have a lot of raunchy interchanges that make us feel we might be in a Judd Apatow high school movie. But Assassination turns out to be more of a high school detective story. When a bunch of SAT exams are stolen from the principal's office, Bobby determines that the school president, Paul Moore (Patrick James Taylor), must be the thief and exposes him in the school paper. He ruins Moore's life, but as he gets to know Moore's girlfriend, Francesca (Barton), he begins to have second thoughts and sets out to rectify matters and find the true culprit.
A high school mystery with a teenage sleuth is an appealing concept, but even this isn't a new notion. A couple of years ago, another Sundance entry, Brick, mined the same territory with a tad more style and originality. The mystery story in Assassination is fun and would be even more fun if the denouement weren't so transparent. Anyone who has a passing familiarity with Hollywood murder mysteries will be able to guess the ending long before Bobby nails the villain. At least the film doesn't take itself too seriously. The last line is a tongue-in-cheek homage to the ending of Chinatown.
Director Brett Simon must be credited with an energetic spin on a lot of tired tropes, but he also misses certain opportunities. In a delightful scene where Bobby cuts loose and dances at a party, the director keeps cutting away from his star and so minimizes the impact of Thompson's performance.
In addition to Thompson and Barton, the other young actors also are very skillful. Willis seems to be having fun with his role, and Kathryn Morris is entertaining as the addled school nurse. On the other hand, Michael Rapaport has little to do as the basketball coach; his part might have been left on the cutting-room floor.
The film runs a tight 90 minutes, so at least it doesn't wear out its welcome. The song selections are smart. All in all, the film is a likable goof that evaporates as soon as the lights come on.
ASSASSINATION OF A HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT
Yari Film Group
Credits:
Director: Brett Simon
Screenwriters: Tim Caplan, Kevin Jakubowski
Producers: Bob Yari, Roy Lee, Doug Davison
Director of photography: M. David Mullen
Production designer: Sharon Lomofsky
Co-producers: Elsie Choi, Suzanne Smith
Costume designer: Amy Westcott
Editors: William Anderson, Thomas J. Nordberg
Cast:
Bobby Funke: Reece Daniel Thompson
Francesca Fachini: Mischa Barton
Principal Kirkpatrick: Bruce Willis
Clara Diaz: Melonie Diaz
Paul Moore: Patrick James Taylor
Marlon Piazza: Luke Grimes
Coach Z: Michael Rapaport
Padre Newell: Josh Pais
Nurse Platt: Kathryn Morris
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
PARK CITY -- Is there anything new to say about high school torments? Probably there is, but Assassination of a High School President doesn't find enough novel insights to make for essential viewing. It has echoes of a lot of other movies about adolescent angst and cruelty, from Election to Thumbsucker, Rocket Science and Charlie Bartlett, but it doesn't live up to the best of those.
Alexander Payne's Election might still be the definitive word on the cutthroat atmosphere of high school. Assassination, which had its premiere here, won't achieve the same classic stature.
It will, however, be remembered for confirming the talent of the leading man, Reece Daniel Thompson, who starred as the stuttering teen hero of last year's Sundance prize-winner, Rocket Science and here demonstrates the same ease and charm, minus the stuttering. Not many young actors convey intelligence, but Thompson is completely convincing and immensely likable as an aspiring journalist who wants to expose the truth about the school's top jock.
As the prom queen who takes him under her wing, Mischa Barton also gives a captivating performance. These two actors make the movie worth seeing, even though the script by Tim Caplan and Kevin Jakubowski veers from genuine wit to more routine high jinks.
At his Catholic school in New Jersey, Bobby Funke (Thompson) is beset by a lot of the typical teen perils -- school bullies, an overbearing Spanish teacher (amusingly played by Josh Pais), a tyrannical principal (Bruce Willis) and, of course, the first stirrings of love and lust. The opening scenes have a lot of raunchy interchanges that make us feel we might be in a Judd Apatow high school movie. But Assassination turns out to be more of a high school detective story. When a bunch of SAT exams are stolen from the principal's office, Bobby determines that the school president, Paul Moore (Patrick James Taylor), must be the thief and exposes him in the school paper. He ruins Moore's life, but as he gets to know Moore's girlfriend, Francesca (Barton), he begins to have second thoughts and sets out to rectify matters and find the true culprit.
A high school mystery with a teenage sleuth is an appealing concept, but even this isn't a new notion. A couple of years ago, another Sundance entry, Brick, mined the same territory with a tad more style and originality. The mystery story in Assassination is fun and would be even more fun if the denouement weren't so transparent. Anyone who has a passing familiarity with Hollywood murder mysteries will be able to guess the ending long before Bobby nails the villain. At least the film doesn't take itself too seriously. The last line is a tongue-in-cheek homage to the ending of Chinatown.
Director Brett Simon must be credited with an energetic spin on a lot of tired tropes, but he also misses certain opportunities. In a delightful scene where Bobby cuts loose and dances at a party, the director keeps cutting away from his star and so minimizes the impact of Thompson's performance.
In addition to Thompson and Barton, the other young actors also are very skillful. Willis seems to be having fun with his role, and Kathryn Morris is entertaining as the addled school nurse. On the other hand, Michael Rapaport has little to do as the basketball coach; his part might have been left on the cutting-room floor.
The film runs a tight 90 minutes, so at least it doesn't wear out its welcome. The song selections are smart. All in all, the film is a likable goof that evaporates as soon as the lights come on.
ASSASSINATION OF A HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT
Yari Film Group
Credits:
Director: Brett Simon
Screenwriters: Tim Caplan, Kevin Jakubowski
Producers: Bob Yari, Roy Lee, Doug Davison
Director of photography: M. David Mullen
Production designer: Sharon Lomofsky
Co-producers: Elsie Choi, Suzanne Smith
Costume designer: Amy Westcott
Editors: William Anderson, Thomas J. Nordberg
Cast:
Bobby Funke: Reece Daniel Thompson
Francesca Fachini: Mischa Barton
Principal Kirkpatrick: Bruce Willis
Clara Diaz: Melonie Diaz
Paul Moore: Patrick James Taylor
Marlon Piazza: Luke Grimes
Coach Z: Michael Rapaport
Padre Newell: Josh Pais
Nurse Platt: Kathryn Morris
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 1/25/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- I expect my last day at the 08' edition of the Sundance film festival to end in the wee hours of the morning as the fest organizers have announced the make up of the Premieres section and have chosen documentary (Csny DÉJÀ Vu) on gray-haired legends of folk music (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) as the fest's closing feature.As predicted by yours truly, Michel Gondry will show up once again in Park City this time with the geek comedy preem Be Kind Rewind, while a number of high profile pics such as The Great Buck Howard, What Just Happened? and Diminished Capacity will have buyers lining up the block - the upcoming actors' strike is a reality and this has many mid level indie distributors looking to add to their slate. Up for grabs we also find films littered with talent: Irish import The Escapist, The Deal (a
- 11/29/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
NEW YORK -- Mischa Barton and Rumer Willis have been cast opposite Bruce Willis, Rumer's father, in the dark comedy "The Sophomore" for Yari Film Group.
In this teenage take on "Chinatown", Barton plays the most popular girl in her Catholic high school. She persuades a sophomore reporter to investigate the theft of SAT exams, but after he reveals that the school's president and top jock are responsible, a more sinister conspiracy emerges.
Rumer Willis plays the troublemaking sidekick of Barton's character. Bruce Willis plays the school's twisted principal, a Desert Storm veteran who can't let go of his glory days in Kuwait.
Bob Yari is producing the feature with Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment. Elsie Choi serves as co-producer. YFG production exec Brad Jenkel is overseeing the project, which was brought to the studio by YFG development exec Eric Umali. Vertigo co-produced "Addicted", starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, with YFG.
The film (previously titled "Assassination of a High School President") will be directed by Brett Simon and written by Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, who all are making their feature film debuts.
In this teenage take on "Chinatown", Barton plays the most popular girl in her Catholic high school. She persuades a sophomore reporter to investigate the theft of SAT exams, but after he reveals that the school's president and top jock are responsible, a more sinister conspiracy emerges.
Rumer Willis plays the troublemaking sidekick of Barton's character. Bruce Willis plays the school's twisted principal, a Desert Storm veteran who can't let go of his glory days in Kuwait.
Bob Yari is producing the feature with Roy Lee and Doug Davison of Vertigo Entertainment. Elsie Choi serves as co-producer. YFG production exec Brad Jenkel is overseeing the project, which was brought to the studio by YFG development exec Eric Umali. Vertigo co-produced "Addicted", starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, with YFG.
The film (previously titled "Assassination of a High School President") will be directed by Brett Simon and written by Tim Calpin and Kevin Jakubowski, who all are making their feature film debuts.
- 6/15/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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