Exclusive: The Dtla Film Festival has set the full feature lineup for its 15th edition, taking place at Regal L.A. Live from November 1-5, announcing the Jack Huston starrer Hail Mary as its opening night film.
Also starring Angela Sarafyan, Natalia del Riego, and Benny Emmanuel, the film from Rosemary Rodriguez is described as a genre-bending retelling of the Mary and Joseph story following an undocumented, pregnant migrant’s journey to make it safely across the U.S. border.
Nicki Micheaux’s Summer of Violence will serve as Centerpiece film for the fest, being put on in accordance with SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines, with Deborah Attoinese’s Women in Fire to close it out. Additional feature highlights include the sci-fi rom-com Molli and Max in the Future starring Zosia Mamet, Aristotle Athari, and Okieriete Onaodowan; Maxim Pozdorovkin’s animated doc The Conspiracy featuring voice actors like Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber,...
Also starring Angela Sarafyan, Natalia del Riego, and Benny Emmanuel, the film from Rosemary Rodriguez is described as a genre-bending retelling of the Mary and Joseph story following an undocumented, pregnant migrant’s journey to make it safely across the U.S. border.
Nicki Micheaux’s Summer of Violence will serve as Centerpiece film for the fest, being put on in accordance with SAG-AFTRA strike guidelines, with Deborah Attoinese’s Women in Fire to close it out. Additional feature highlights include the sci-fi rom-com Molli and Max in the Future starring Zosia Mamet, Aristotle Athari, and Okieriete Onaodowan; Maxim Pozdorovkin’s animated doc The Conspiracy featuring voice actors like Mayim Bialik, Liev Schreiber,...
- 10/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to “American Murderer,” a new thriller with Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver. The film is the debut feature of director and writer Matthew Gentile. Saban Films is planning an October 2022 release.
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots an audacious scheme, one that lands him on the FBI’s top ten fugitive list.
Pelphrey is an Emmy nominee for his work on “Ozark” and also appeared in “Mank.” Phillippe starred in “Cruel Intentions” and “MacGruber.” Menzel is the Tony Award winning star of “Wicked” and acted alongside Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” Weaver is a two-time Oscar nominee for her work...
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots an audacious scheme, one that lands him on the FBI’s top ten fugitive list.
Pelphrey is an Emmy nominee for his work on “Ozark” and also appeared in “Mank.” Phillippe starred in “Cruel Intentions” and “MacGruber.” Menzel is the Tony Award winning star of “Wicked” and acted alongside Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems.” Weaver is a two-time Oscar nominee for her work...
- 7/19/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The 2022 Tribeca Festival presented awards in its competition categories on Thursday, with Good Girl Jane and The Cave of Adullam among this year’s top winners.
Good Girl Jane won the Founders’ Award for best U.S. narrative feature, with a 20,000 prize, with star Rain Spencer winning best performance in the U.S. narrative competition. The film, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, also stars Andie MacDowell, Patrick Gibson, Odessa A’Zion, Olan Prenatt and Eloisa Huggins.
The movie follows Spencer’s lonely high schooler Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, as she spirals out of control after falling for a charismatic drug dealer. Other awards in the U.S. Narrative Competition went to Allswell (best screenplay) and Next Exit (best cinematography), with the screenplay winner receiving 2,500. The U.S. narrative jury also gave a special...
The 2022 Tribeca Festival presented awards in its competition categories on Thursday, with Good Girl Jane and The Cave of Adullam among this year’s top winners.
Good Girl Jane won the Founders’ Award for best U.S. narrative feature, with a 20,000 prize, with star Rain Spencer winning best performance in the U.S. narrative competition. The film, written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, also stars Andie MacDowell, Patrick Gibson, Odessa A’Zion, Olan Prenatt and Eloisa Huggins.
The movie follows Spencer’s lonely high schooler Jane, bullied out of private school and at odds with her divorced parents, as she spirals out of control after falling for a charismatic drug dealer. Other awards in the U.S. Narrative Competition went to Allswell (best screenplay) and Next Exit (best cinematography), with the screenplay winner receiving 2,500. The U.S. narrative jury also gave a special...
- 6/16/2022
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2022 Tribeca Festival has officially announced the slate of award-winning films, marking the end of the 21st annual event.
Presented by Okx, the Tribeca Festival unveiled the winning storytellers in its competition categories on June 16 at the awards ceremony at New York City restaurant Thalassa. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human/Nature, and Tribeca X.
“Good Girl Jane” took home the top prize, the Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, the film marked its World Premiere at the festival. “Good Girl Jane” follows a private school dropout teen who falls in love with a charismatic drug dealer. Lead star Rain Spencer also won Best Performance for her turn as Jane.
Latvian drama “January (Janvaris)” won Best International Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Viesturs Kairiss it’s about an aspiring...
Presented by Okx, the Tribeca Festival unveiled the winning storytellers in its competition categories on June 16 at the awards ceremony at New York City restaurant Thalassa. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human/Nature, and Tribeca X.
“Good Girl Jane” took home the top prize, the Founders’ Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Sarah Elizabeth Mintz, the film marked its World Premiere at the festival. “Good Girl Jane” follows a private school dropout teen who falls in love with a charismatic drug dealer. Lead star Rain Spencer also won Best Performance for her turn as Jane.
Latvian drama “January (Janvaris)” won Best International Narrative Feature. Written and directed by Viesturs Kairiss it’s about an aspiring...
- 6/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Taking place in its newly minted summer slot of June 8-19, the 2022 edition of Tribeca Festival has now unveiled its film lined up. First, some stats: The features program spans ten categories and showcases 110 feature films and 16 online premieres from 151 filmmakers across 40 countries. The lineup includes 88 world premieres, 2 international premieres, 7 North American premieres, 2 U.S. premieres, and 11 New York premieres. There are 32 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects, and 50 first-time directors. More than 64 (81) of the feature films are directed by female, Bipoc, and LGBTQ+ filmmakers––46 (58) female directors, 34 (43) Bipoc directors, 8 (10) LGBTQ+ directors.
As for the films, highlights include Andrew Bujalski’s new feature There There, Ray Romano’s directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Hannah Marks’ Don’t Make Me Go (pictured above), the Jon Hamm-led Corner Office, Andrew Dosunmu’s Beauty, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch / Oz, which explores Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic through David Lynch’s ouevre,...
As for the films, highlights include Andrew Bujalski’s new feature There There, Ray Romano’s directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Hannah Marks’ Don’t Make Me Go (pictured above), the Jon Hamm-led Corner Office, Andrew Dosunmu’s Beauty, Alexandre O. Philippe’s Lynch / Oz, which explores Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic through David Lynch’s ouevre,...
- 4/19/2022
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards: ‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes the Top Prize (Complete Winners List)
The 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier, with comedy power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally serving as hosts.
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
- 3/6/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
The indie drama “Allswell” wrapped principal photography this month in New York, N.Y. The film stars Elizabeth Rodriguez, Liza Colón-Zayas and Daphne Rubin-Vega (from “In the Heights”) along with a cast that includes Felix Solis, Max Casella, Michael Rispoli, Shirley Rodriguez, MacKenzie Lansing and J. Cameron Barnett.
“Allswell” tells a story of family trauma and reconciliation. The film was written collaboratively between director Ben Snyder and the three lead actors. They drew inspiration from a myriad of people, places and events from their own lives to drive this family drama forward. Snyder, Rodriguez, Colón-Zayas and Rubin-Vega are also members of New York’s Labyrinth Theater Company. “Allswell” is also the feature-producing and writing debut for Rodriguez, who produced with Snyder, Gia Walsh, Ari Issler, Paul Jarrett and Kara Baker.
Additionally, the film marks the second feature directed and written by Snyder. Snyder’s first feature was the award-winning “11:55,” which also starred Rodriguez.
“Allswell” tells a story of family trauma and reconciliation. The film was written collaboratively between director Ben Snyder and the three lead actors. They drew inspiration from a myriad of people, places and events from their own lives to drive this family drama forward. Snyder, Rodriguez, Colón-Zayas and Rubin-Vega are also members of New York’s Labyrinth Theater Company. “Allswell” is also the feature-producing and writing debut for Rodriguez, who produced with Snyder, Gia Walsh, Ari Issler, Paul Jarrett and Kara Baker.
Additionally, the film marks the second feature directed and written by Snyder. Snyder’s first feature was the award-winning “11:55,” which also starred Rodriguez.
- 11/13/2021
- by Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Gersh Agency handles North American rights.
Melissa Leo and Emma Roberts are in final negotiations to star in the thriller Returns which Sierra/Affinity will introduce to buyers for next week’s AFM 2021 Online.
Contentious Media is financing the project and the producers are Trevor White, Tim White, and Allan Mandelbaum of Star Thrower Entertainment and Gia Walsh of Gigi Films.
George Ratliff will direct from a screenplay by Matthew A. Gossett based on a story by Ratliff and Gossett about a young woman who returns to a fractured home 12 years after her mysterious disappearance only to find her homecoming...
Melissa Leo and Emma Roberts are in final negotiations to star in the thriller Returns which Sierra/Affinity will introduce to buyers for next week’s AFM 2021 Online.
Contentious Media is financing the project and the producers are Trevor White, Tim White, and Allan Mandelbaum of Star Thrower Entertainment and Gia Walsh of Gigi Films.
George Ratliff will direct from a screenplay by Matthew A. Gossett based on a story by Ratliff and Gossett about a young woman who returns to a fractured home 12 years after her mysterious disappearance only to find her homecoming...
- 10/29/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Oscar winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter) and We’re The Millers star Emma Roberts are in final negotiations to lead thriller Returns, we can reveal.
Sierra/Affinity is launching sales on the package ahead of the virtual AFM. Gersh is handling North America.
In Returns, when a young woman returns to a fractured home 12 years after her mysterious disappearance, family secrets and old grudges haunt her joyous homecoming.
Directed by George Ratliff and written by Matthew A. Gossett, based on a story by Ratliff and Gossett, the thriller is being financed by Contentious Media, and produced by Trevor White, Tim White, and Allan Mandelbaum of Star Thrower Entertainment, and Gia Walsh of Gigi Films.
Production of the feature is set to commence next April in New Jersey.
Leo’s most recent movie include Melissa McCarthy comedy Thunder Force and action-thriller Ida Red. Roberts was most recently announced for Spencer Squire...
Sierra/Affinity is launching sales on the package ahead of the virtual AFM. Gersh is handling North America.
In Returns, when a young woman returns to a fractured home 12 years after her mysterious disappearance, family secrets and old grudges haunt her joyous homecoming.
Directed by George Ratliff and written by Matthew A. Gossett, based on a story by Ratliff and Gossett, the thriller is being financed by Contentious Media, and produced by Trevor White, Tim White, and Allan Mandelbaum of Star Thrower Entertainment, and Gia Walsh of Gigi Films.
Production of the feature is set to commence next April in New Jersey.
Leo’s most recent movie include Melissa McCarthy comedy Thunder Force and action-thriller Ida Red. Roberts was most recently announced for Spencer Squire...
- 10/28/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Questlove’s Summer of Soul (Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) will tease the specialty box office this weekend with the brilliantly reviewed Sundance Grand Jury and Audience award-winner in special engagements in two theaters to tee up a wide release on some 600 screens, and Hulu, July 2.
The film from Searchlight Pictures about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which features never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and others, will strike a chord at the El Capitan Theater in LA and the Magic Johnson AMC Harlem.
Footage from the festival in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) held the same year as Woodstock was stored in a basement and all but forgotten for 50 years before today and this film, which was directed by musician Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove, drummer of...
The film from Searchlight Pictures about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which features never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and others, will strike a chord at the El Capitan Theater in LA and the Magic Johnson AMC Harlem.
Footage from the festival in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) held the same year as Woodstock was stored in a basement and all but forgotten for 50 years before today and this film, which was directed by musician Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove, drummer of...
- 6/25/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Sundance Film Festival: London has revealed that “Zola” and “Coda” will be among the 2021 lineup, when the festival returns to Picturehouse Central next month.
“Coda” — an acronym meaning “Child of Deaf Adults” — features Marlee Matlin (“The West Wing”) and 19-year-old Emilia Jones (“Locke & Key”) navigating their relationship, while “Zola” is based on a 148-tweet viral Twitter thread from 2015 by Aziah “Zola” Wells. It stars Taylor Paige (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) and Riley Keough (“Max Max: Fury Road”) and will close the 4-day festival.
Edgar Wright’s rockumentary “The Sparks Brothers,” described as a “musical odyssey,” opens the festival on July 29.
Other feature film offerings, which have been selected from the longer line-up shown at the Sundance Film Festival, include “The Nest,” starring Jude Law (“Sherlock Holmes”), animation “Cryptozoo,” which features Lake Bell (“BoJack Horseman”) and Michael Cera (“Arrested Development”), and documentary “Writing With Fire,” about a female-run Indian newspaper, which...
“Coda” — an acronym meaning “Child of Deaf Adults” — features Marlee Matlin (“The West Wing”) and 19-year-old Emilia Jones (“Locke & Key”) navigating their relationship, while “Zola” is based on a 148-tweet viral Twitter thread from 2015 by Aziah “Zola” Wells. It stars Taylor Paige (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) and Riley Keough (“Max Max: Fury Road”) and will close the 4-day festival.
Edgar Wright’s rockumentary “The Sparks Brothers,” described as a “musical odyssey,” opens the festival on July 29.
Other feature film offerings, which have been selected from the longer line-up shown at the Sundance Film Festival, include “The Nest,” starring Jude Law (“Sherlock Holmes”), animation “Cryptozoo,” which features Lake Bell (“BoJack Horseman”) and Michael Cera (“Arrested Development”), and documentary “Writing With Fire,” about a female-run Indian newspaper, which...
- 6/2/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Schneider, Shantel VanSanten, Kevin Corrigan, and Moises Arias will round out the cast of “American Murderer.”
They join previously announced stars Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel and Jacki Weaver in the story of a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his high living through a series of scams.
The film is written and will be directed by Matthew Gentile, and is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown. When Brown’s funds run low, he plots an elaborate scheme, one that makes him one of the FBI’s top ten fugitives. Principal photography has started in Salt Lake City, following Utah state and SAG/AFTRA Covid-19 protocols.
Schneider currently stars on Amazon’s “Tales from the Loop,” and is best known for his roles on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” and Warner Bros.’ “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” Other...
They join previously announced stars Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel and Jacki Weaver in the story of a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his high living through a series of scams.
The film is written and will be directed by Matthew Gentile, and is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown. When Brown’s funds run low, he plots an elaborate scheme, one that makes him one of the FBI’s top ten fugitives. Principal photography has started in Salt Lake City, following Utah state and SAG/AFTRA Covid-19 protocols.
Schneider currently stars on Amazon’s “Tales from the Loop,” and is best known for his roles on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” and Warner Bros.’ “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” Other...
- 12/10/2020
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Monday, Dec. 8 Ryan Phillippe, Tom Pelphrey to Lead ‘American Murderer’
The Traveling Picture Show Company and GiGi Films have cast Tom Pelphrey as con man Jason Derek Brown in “American Murderer,” alongside Ryan Phillippe playing the FBI agent tasked to hunt him down.
Idina Menzel and Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver have also been cast. AFI alumnus Matthew Gentile wrote the script and will direct, with principal photography commencing in Salt Lake City. Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel will produce for Tpsc alongside Gia Walsh and Kara Baker under the GiGi Films banner, in line with Utah state and SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 protocols.
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Brown – a charismatic conman who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the...
The Traveling Picture Show Company and GiGi Films have cast Tom Pelphrey as con man Jason Derek Brown in “American Murderer,” alongside Ryan Phillippe playing the FBI agent tasked to hunt him down.
Idina Menzel and Academy Award nominee Jacki Weaver have also been cast. AFI alumnus Matthew Gentile wrote the script and will direct, with principal photography commencing in Salt Lake City. Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel will produce for Tpsc alongside Gia Walsh and Kara Baker under the GiGi Films banner, in line with Utah state and SAG-AFTRA Covid-19 protocols.
“American Murderer” is based on the true story of Brown – a charismatic conman who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the...
- 12/7/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Matthew Gentile directs from his own screenplay,
The Traveling Picture Show Company (Tpsc) and GiGi Films announced on Monday (December 7) that Tom Pelphrey stars in true crime thriller American Murderer, alongside Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.
Pelphrey will play Jason Derek Brown, a conman who plots his most ambitious scam when he runs low on cash and ends up on the FBI’s most wanted list. Phillippe will play the FBI agent tasked with hunting Brown down.
Matthew Gentile directs from his own screenplay,
Principal photogrpahy is underway in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel...
The Traveling Picture Show Company (Tpsc) and GiGi Films announced on Monday (December 7) that Tom Pelphrey stars in true crime thriller American Murderer, alongside Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.
Pelphrey will play Jason Derek Brown, a conman who plots his most ambitious scam when he runs low on cash and ends up on the FBI’s most wanted list. Phillippe will play the FBI agent tasked with hunting Brown down.
Matthew Gentile directs from his own screenplay,
Principal photogrpahy is underway in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel...
- 12/7/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Ozark Season 3 standout Tom Pelphrey has been tapped to star as the infamous conman and fugitive Jason Derek Brown in American Murderer, opposite Tony-winner Idina Menzel, Ryan Phillippe and Jacki Weaver. Matthew Gentile wrote the script and is directing the indie, which is shooting in Salt Lake City.
The pic, which hails from the Traveling Picture Show Company and GiGi Films, is based on the true story of Brown, a charismatic crook who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the FBI’s most unlikely — and elusive — top 10 fugitive. Phillippe will play the FBI agent tasked to hunt him down.
Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel will produce for Tpsc alongside Gia Walsh and Kara Baker under the GiGi Films banner.
Pelphrey, who can be...
The pic, which hails from the Traveling Picture Show Company and GiGi Films, is based on the true story of Brown, a charismatic crook who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the FBI’s most unlikely — and elusive — top 10 fugitive. Phillippe will play the FBI agent tasked to hunt him down.
Kevin Matusow and Carissa Buffel will produce for Tpsc alongside Gia Walsh and Kara Baker under the GiGi Films banner.
Pelphrey, who can be...
- 12/7/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Vvs Films separately acquires Canadian rights.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has picked up international rights from A24 to Sundance entry Zola, inspired by stripper Aziah “Zola” King’s viral tweet storm about a wayward road trip.
Vvs Films has separately acquired Canadian rights to the saga, which debuted in U.S Dramatic Competition last Friday.
Spwa will distribute in all territories except North America, China and Japan. A24 plans a summer release of the film, which stars Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, and Colman Domingo.
Janicza Bravo directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with playwright Jeremy O about...
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has picked up international rights from A24 to Sundance entry Zola, inspired by stripper Aziah “Zola” King’s viral tweet storm about a wayward road trip.
Vvs Films has separately acquired Canadian rights to the saga, which debuted in U.S Dramatic Competition last Friday.
Spwa will distribute in all territories except North America, China and Japan. A24 plans a summer release of the film, which stars Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun, and Colman Domingo.
Janicza Bravo directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with playwright Jeremy O about...
- 1/27/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
A24’s Zola has sold the Sundance pic’s international distribution rights to Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa). Spwa will distribute the film in all territories except North America, China and Japan. Vvs films has also acquired distribution rights in Canada. A24 is planning a summer release of the film.
The thriller is based on the viral twitter sensation, written by Janicza Bravo and playwright Jeremy O. Harris and directed by Bravo. The movie premiered as part of the Us Dramatic Competition selection on Friday.
Bravo’s pic chronicles the 144 tweets posted by A’ziah King on October 27, 2015.
In the movie, Zola (Taylour Paige) meets Stefani (Riley Keough) at a restaurant where Zola waitresses, and the two immediately click over pole dancing. Only a day after they exchange numbers, Stefani invites Zola on a cross-country road trip, where the goal is to make as much money as possible dancing in Florida strip clubs.
The thriller is based on the viral twitter sensation, written by Janicza Bravo and playwright Jeremy O. Harris and directed by Bravo. The movie premiered as part of the Us Dramatic Competition selection on Friday.
Bravo’s pic chronicles the 144 tweets posted by A’ziah King on October 27, 2015.
In the movie, Zola (Taylour Paige) meets Stefani (Riley Keough) at a restaurant where Zola waitresses, and the two immediately click over pole dancing. Only a day after they exchange numbers, Stefani invites Zola on a cross-country road trip, where the goal is to make as much money as possible dancing in Florida strip clubs.
- 1/27/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
“Zola,” a buzzy title among next year’s Sundance lineup, comes from unprecedented source material: a 148-tweet Twitter thread from October 2015.
The movie had an arduous journey to the screen due to ongoing allegations around James Franco, whose company Rabbit Bandini bought the rights to the story, while Franco was originally attached to direct. A24 is now backing the movie, directed by Janicza Bravo, and written by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris.
In fall 2015, a woman named Aziah Wells (nickname: Zola) told an exaggerated — but not that exaggerated! — story of her journey from Detroit to Tampa, Fla. in order to make money stripping. Wells was conscripted to go to Tampa by a woman named Jessica, whom she’d met while serving her at Hooters; Jessica’s boyfriend, Jarrett; and their roommate, nicknamed Z, who turns out to be a violent pimp. What was meant to be an innocent trip of...
The movie had an arduous journey to the screen due to ongoing allegations around James Franco, whose company Rabbit Bandini bought the rights to the story, while Franco was originally attached to direct. A24 is now backing the movie, directed by Janicza Bravo, and written by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris.
In fall 2015, a woman named Aziah Wells (nickname: Zola) told an exaggerated — but not that exaggerated! — story of her journey from Detroit to Tampa, Fla. in order to make money stripping. Wells was conscripted to go to Tampa by a woman named Jessica, whom she’d met while serving her at Hooters; Jessica’s boyfriend, Jarrett; and their roommate, nicknamed Z, who turns out to be a violent pimp. What was meant to be an innocent trip of...
- 12/10/2019
- by Kate Aurthur and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The Sun Valley Film Festival has revealed the finalists for its 2016 competitions, including The Film Lab, Screenwriters Lab High Scribe, Nat Geo Wild To Inspire, and One Potato. Read More: "Sun Valley Film Festival Slate Features 'The Man Who Knew Infinity,' 'I Saw the Light' (Exclusive)" The Film Lab Hosted by Sundance director of programming Trevor Groth, The Film Lab, which presents two films in their final post-production stage. With the director, producer, and writer of each on hand, The Film Lab’s audience will have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, give feedback, and participate in voting for the top work-in-progress. The Lab’s winning film will receive $5,000 in finishing funds courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The 2016 Film Lab finalists are: "11:55" Directors: Ari Issler, Ben Snyder Writers: Ari Issler, Ben Snyder, Victor Almanzar Producers: Danny Mendoza, Joshua Blum, Gia Walsh, Kara Baker, Matthew.
- 2/18/2016
- by Matt Brennan
- Thompson on Hollywood
Coming off the frat-hazing drama "Goat" that premiered at Sundance and sold to Paramount Home Media, the team of James Franco, Andrew Neel and Killer Films are coming together again for an adaption of David Kushner's Rolling Stone article "Zola Tells All".
Franco will direct a script by Neel and Mike Roberts which is based on a 148-tweet travelogue about a trip taken to Florida by Aziah 'Zola' Wells, who went with her friend Jessica, her boyfriend and Jessica's violent pimp named 'Z'.
Franco, Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Vince Jolivette, David Hinojosa, Gia Walsh and Kara Baker are producing.
Source: Deadline...
Franco will direct a script by Neel and Mike Roberts which is based on a 148-tweet travelogue about a trip taken to Florida by Aziah 'Zola' Wells, who went with her friend Jessica, her boyfriend and Jessica's violent pimp named 'Z'.
Franco, Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Vince Jolivette, David Hinojosa, Gia Walsh and Kara Baker are producing.
Source: Deadline...
- 2/5/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Stripper Aziah "Zola" Wells' story captivated the Internet when her tale of a Florida road trip in October gone horribly wrong unfolded on Twitter. It inspired a more detailed account in David Kushner's exclusive story, "Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted" for Rolling Stone, and now a movie based on the Rolling Stone article is in the works. According to Variety, James Franco, Andrew Neel and Killer Films are developing the film version of the account.
Zola's saga began with her first tweet,...
Zola's saga began with her first tweet,...
- 2/5/2016
- Rollingstone.com
On the heels of selling their Sundance movie “Goat” to Paramount, James Franco, Andrew Neel, and Killer Films are set to re-team for an adaption of David Kushner’s Rolling Stone article “Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted,” it was announced Thursday. Franco will direct the “Zola” movie from a script by Neel and Mike Roberts. Franco and Vince Jolivette are producing through their Rabbit Bandini Productions with Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa as well as Gigi Films’ Gia Walsh and Kara Baker. Walsh previously executive produced “The Fixer” starring Franco and produced.
- 2/4/2016
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Hot on the heels of the Sundance world premiere of Goat, James Franco, Andrew Neel, and Killer Films will reunite on Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind The Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted by David Kushner.
Franco will direct from a screenplay by Neel and Mike Roberts.
Franco and Vince Jolivette are producing through their Rabbit Bandini Productions alongside Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa, and Gigi Films’ Gia Walsh and Kara Baker.
Walsh previously served as executive producer on The Fixer, which stars Franco and was produced by Rabbit Bandini.
Kushner’s exclusive account of Aziah “Zola” Wells’ 148 tweets about a wild road trip to Florida with her friend Jessica, Jessica’s boyfriend, and Jessica’s violent pimp Z was published by Rolling Stone Magazine in November.
Franco, Neel, and Killer Films most recently collaborated on Goat, which Franco produced and Neel directed. Paramount Home Media paid $2.25m last week for worldwide rights.
CAA...
Franco will direct from a screenplay by Neel and Mike Roberts.
Franco and Vince Jolivette are producing through their Rabbit Bandini Productions alongside Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa, and Gigi Films’ Gia Walsh and Kara Baker.
Walsh previously served as executive producer on The Fixer, which stars Franco and was produced by Rabbit Bandini.
Kushner’s exclusive account of Aziah “Zola” Wells’ 148 tweets about a wild road trip to Florida with her friend Jessica, Jessica’s boyfriend, and Jessica’s violent pimp Z was published by Rolling Stone Magazine in November.
Franco, Neel, and Killer Films most recently collaborated on Goat, which Franco produced and Neel directed. Paramount Home Media paid $2.25m last week for worldwide rights.
CAA...
- 2/4/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Hot on the heels of the Sundance world premiere of Goat, James Franco, Andrew Neel, and Killer Films will reunite on Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind The Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted by David Kushner.
Franco will direct from a screenplay by Neel and Mike Roberts.
Franco and Vince Jolivette are producing through their Rabbit Bandini Productions alongside Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa, and Gigi Films’ Gia Walsh and Kara Baker.
Walsh previously served as executive producer on The Fixer, which stars Franco and was produced by Rabbit Bandini.
Kushner’s exclusive account of Aziah “Zola” Wells’ 148 tweets about a wild road trip to Florida with her friend Jessica, Jessica’s boyfriend, and Jessica’s violent pimp Z was published by Rolling Stone Magazine in November.
Franco, Neel, and Killer Films most recently collaborated on Goat, which Franco produced and Neel directed. Paramount Home Media paid $2.25m last week for worldwide rights.
CAA...
Franco will direct from a screenplay by Neel and Mike Roberts.
Franco and Vince Jolivette are producing through their Rabbit Bandini Productions alongside Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa, and Gigi Films’ Gia Walsh and Kara Baker.
Walsh previously served as executive producer on The Fixer, which stars Franco and was produced by Rabbit Bandini.
Kushner’s exclusive account of Aziah “Zola” Wells’ 148 tweets about a wild road trip to Florida with her friend Jessica, Jessica’s boyfriend, and Jessica’s violent pimp Z was published by Rolling Stone Magazine in November.
Franco, Neel, and Killer Films most recently collaborated on Goat, which Franco produced and Neel directed. Paramount Home Media paid $2.25m last week for worldwide rights.
CAA...
- 2/4/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Sundance deals continued to play out in a more active market. On Sunday Fox Searchlight picked up most worldwide rights (for $3 million) to rookie director Gavin Wiesen's high school romance Homework, starring Emma Roberts as a gorgeous girl who sees merit in lonely depressive Freddie Highmore. Produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg, the teen flick is set for 2011 release. The trades didn't go for it: here's Variety and THR.) On Monday, IFC Films acquired U.S. rights to writer-director Matthew Chapman's grim suicide drama The Ledge, starring Liv Tyler, Terrence Howard, Charlie Hunnnam and Patrick Wilson, and produced by Mark Damon, which polarized audiences and critics at the fest. The film is entered in the dramatic competition. ...
- 1/24/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Fox Searchlight has picked up to the majority of worldwide rights to Homework written and directed by Gavin Wiesen.
The film stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards and Blair Underwood. Homework was produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg and is scheduled to be released in 2011.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film:
George (Freddie Highmore), a smart teenage loner, has made it to his senior year despite the fact that he has never completed an assignment. Enter Sally (Emma Roberts), the school beauty, who hides her melancholy behind the protective mask of popularity. An unlikely connection blooms as these kindred spirits bond over their troubled parental relationships. With his education hanging by a thread, George concedes to let Dustin mentor him. Dustin is a successful artist, and he’s 25 years old—finally, someone George can respect!
The film stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards and Blair Underwood. Homework was produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg and is scheduled to be released in 2011.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film:
George (Freddie Highmore), a smart teenage loner, has made it to his senior year despite the fact that he has never completed an assignment. Enter Sally (Emma Roberts), the school beauty, who hides her melancholy behind the protective mask of popularity. An unlikely connection blooms as these kindred spirits bond over their troubled parental relationships. With his education hanging by a thread, George concedes to let Dustin mentor him. Dustin is a successful artist, and he’s 25 years old—finally, someone George can respect!
- 1/24/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
hollywoodnews.com: Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley announced today that the company has acquired most worldwide rights to the film Homework. Written and directed by Gavin Wiesen in his directorial debut, Homework stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards and Blair Underwood. The film was produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg. The film is scheduled to be released in 2011.
“Homework is a real coming of age story, it touched us with its genuine performances, depth and wit,” said Utley. “We’re thrilled to continue Searchlight’s tradition of being a home to first time filmmakers.”
“We couldn’t have found a better home than Searchlight, a company renowned for championing new storytellers,” says Wiesen.
“We are delighted to have found an impassioned partner for Homework. Searchlight shares our passion for this gem of a film.
“Homework is a real coming of age story, it touched us with its genuine performances, depth and wit,” said Utley. “We’re thrilled to continue Searchlight’s tradition of being a home to first time filmmakers.”
“We couldn’t have found a better home than Searchlight, a company renowned for championing new storytellers,” says Wiesen.
“We are delighted to have found an impassioned partner for Homework. Searchlight shares our passion for this gem of a film.
- 1/24/2011
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Park City, Ut January 23, 2011 – Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley announced today that the company has acquired most worldwide rights to the film Homework. Written and directed by Gavin Wiesen in his directorial debut, Homework stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards and Blair Underwood. The film was produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg. The film is scheduled to be released in 2011. “Homework is a real coming of age story, it touched us with its genuine performances, depth and wit,” said Utley. “We're thrilled to continue Searchlight's tradition of being a home to first time filmmakers.” “We couldn't have found a better home than Searchlight, a company renowned for championing new storytellers,” says Wiesen. “We are delighted to have found an impassioned partner for Homework. Searchlight shares our passion for this gem of a film.
- 1/24/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
The Sundance deals continued to play out in a more active market. Fox Searchlight picked up most worldwide rights to rookie director Gavin Wiesen's high school romance Homework on Sunday, starring Emma Roberts as a gorgeous girl who sees merit in lonely depressive Freddie Highmore. Produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg, the teen flick is set for 2011 release. On Monday, Sundance Selects announced the pick-up of hit doc Buck and IFC acquired U.S. rights to writer-director Matthew Chapman's grim suicide drama The Ledge, starring Liv Tyler, which polarized audiences and critics at the fest.
- 1/23/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley announced today that the company has acquired most worldwide rights to the film Homework . Written and directed by Gavin Wiesen in his directorial debut, Homework stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards and Blair Underwood. The film was produced by P. Jennifer Dana, Kara Baker, Gia Walsh and Darren Goldberg. The film is scheduled to be released in 2011. "'Homework' is a real coming of age story, it touched us with its genuine performances, depth and wit," said Utley. "We're thrilled to continue Searchlight's tradition of being a home to first time filmmakers." "We couldn't have found a better home than Searchlight, a company...
- 1/23/2011
- Comingsoon.net
#18. Homework- Gavin Wiesen Despite their being enough the odd Sundance face or two among the cast comprised of Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Sam Robards, Alicia Silverstone, Blair Underwood and Rita Wilson, I'm not sure where/how writer-director Gavin Wiesen's directorial debut fits in the scheme of things. The shot in New York coming-of-age film could end up in Park City, SXSW or Tribeca. Once again, it all depends on style, tone and the overall packaging. Slim chances for Homework to debut here, unless it really feels like a band apart.This is about a homework-averse high school student (Highmore) who strikes up an unexpected friendship with the girl he's loved from a distance (Roberts). Angarano plays a graduate of the high school, while Wilson and Sam Robards play the mother and stepfather, respectively, of Highmore's character. * Producers: Kara Baker, P. Jennifer Dana, Darren Goldberg and Gia Walsh(Ioncinema.
- 11/3/2010
- IONCINEMA.com
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