Exclusive: Veteran UTA Motion Picture Literary Agent Bill Zotti has joined Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment as a manager. Zotti spent the last five years at UTA and before that at CAA, repping high profile writers, directors, and producer that included Scott Neustadter & Michael Weber (Daisy Jones & the Six), Katie Silberman (Don’t Worry Darling), Dan Gregor & Doug Mand (Naked Gun), Gemma Burgess (My Lady Jane), Leah McKendrick (Scrambled), Flora Greeson (The High Note), Carrie Solomon (Ocean’s Prequel), Amy Aniobi (Insecure), Tess Morris (Sooner Or Later), Darren Lemke (Kung Fu Panda), Dave Green (Coyote Vs. Acme), Mike Mitchell (Kung Fu Panda), Yassir Lester (War Machine), Rodney Barnes (Winning Time), and Ryan Kalil & Blake Griffin. Zotti was at CAA for 12 years prior to joining UTA.
They are figuring out which clients he’ll rep as manager, but by all accounts the move is an amicable one.
“Bill is a wonderful person...
They are figuring out which clients he’ll rep as manager, but by all accounts the move is an amicable one.
“Bill is a wonderful person...
- 1/9/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Experience the stylish and contemporary female lead comedy The High Note, available on Digital Download 17th August and on DVD 31st August 2020 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross (Blackish) stars as Grace Davis, a music icon who elevates her career to the next level with the help of Maggie, her ambitious assistant (Dakota Johnson), in the delightful and glamorous film that brings a lighthearted humor to the illustrious and trendy LA music scene. Directed by Nisha Ganatra (Late Night) and written by Flora Greeson, a former personal assistant in the music industry, The High Note features a showstopping cast alongside Ross and Johnson including Kelvin Harrison, Jr. (Luce), Bill Pullman (The Sinner), Zoë Chao, and June Diane Raphael (The Disaster Artist) with Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Thirteen) and Ice Cube (Ride Along).
Set in the dazzling world of the LA music scene comes...
Set in the dazzling world of the LA music scene comes...
- 9/4/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The Focus Features musical dramedy The High Note is looking to hit exactly that as it lands on-demand starting today. Directed by Late Night‘s Nisha Ganatra from a script by Flora Greeson, the film was originally set to hit theaters on May 8 but, like many films, the film adapted and shifted to a digital. However, with theaters slowly opening their doors, the film will be singing its way to approximately 100 theaters — most of the drive-in theaters.
Set in the world of the Los Angeles music scene, The High Note follows singing superstar diva Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross) and her overworked personal assistant Maggie (Dakota Johnson) who has dreams of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
As it...
Set in the world of the Los Angeles music scene, The High Note follows singing superstar diva Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross) and her overworked personal assistant Maggie (Dakota Johnson) who has dreams of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
As it...
- 5/29/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Dakota Johnson stars as the assistant to an internationally renown music superstar who dreams of becoming a producer in Nisha Ganatra’s latest romantic comedy The High Note. Produced by Working Title Films, this is the second big blockbuster film to be made available by Universal on digital at a premium price during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Written by newcomer Flora Greeson, the film does a great job in laying out an interesting premise but is sadly let down by a screenplay which feels hugely outdated and, let’s face it, more than a little contrived.
After 3 years as long suffering personal assistant to global superstar Grace Davis (a fantastically acerbic Tracee Ellis Ross), Maggie (Johnson) has set her eyes on a brand new career as producer. Although inexperienced, Maggie has a great ear for music and it soon transpires that she knows far more about the business than your average lowly assistant.
Written by newcomer Flora Greeson, the film does a great job in laying out an interesting premise but is sadly let down by a screenplay which feels hugely outdated and, let’s face it, more than a little contrived.
After 3 years as long suffering personal assistant to global superstar Grace Davis (a fantastically acerbic Tracee Ellis Ross), Maggie (Johnson) has set her eyes on a brand new career as producer. Although inexperienced, Maggie has a great ear for music and it soon transpires that she knows far more about the business than your average lowly assistant.
- 5/29/2020
- by Linda Marric
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It’s a cool idea: cast Tracee Ellis Ross as a pop superstar very much in the mold of her mother, diva supreme Diana Ross. Just don’t expect an imitation. In her first major musical role, the Golden Globe-winning star of ABC’s Black-ish acts and sings her role with a blazing ferocity and feeling that are distinctly her own. What a drag that The High Note mostly muffles the Ross fireworks in a by-the-numbers dramedy about the music biz that delivers the usual blah-blah about how humanity is...
- 5/28/2020
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
“The High Note” began life as a screenplay titled “Covers,” and at times the music-themed drama turns into a tribute to the power of a cover song performed by someone other than the person who originated it: Aretha Franklin with Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Share Your Love,” the Staples Singers with the Band’s “The Weight,” P.P Arnold with Cat Stevens’ “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” the Dixie Chicks with Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” …
And the movie, which was directed by Nisha Ganatra (“Late Night”) and written by Flora Greeson, would like to take some familiar material and put a fresh spin on it, too. How well is succeeds depends on one’s tolerance level for understatement and for unabashed corn, both of which are found in the film, though obviously not at the same time.
Instead, it bounces around like a musical artist determined to show off...
And the movie, which was directed by Nisha Ganatra (“Late Night”) and written by Flora Greeson, would like to take some familiar material and put a fresh spin on it, too. How well is succeeds depends on one’s tolerance level for understatement and for unabashed corn, both of which are found in the film, though obviously not at the same time.
Instead, it bounces around like a musical artist determined to show off...
- 5/27/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Do You Know Where You’re Going To?: Ganatra Gets Off-key with Recycled Formula
Same shit, different day could have been a potential tagline for The High Note, the fourth feature from director Nisha Ganatra, which treads a similar pattern of racial intersections as concerns women in the entertainment industry akin to her 2019 breakout Late Night. Despite the inspired casting of Tracee Ellis Ross as a fading pop diva, Ganatra’s latest, based on a script from first-time scribe Flora Greeson, chooses an archaic refrain rather than embracing the diverse possibilities of those assembled on its mainstream platform.
While it shines a necessary light on the difficulty faced by women, especially women of color, to attain or retain agency and equality in any industry, it’s prizing of a white, privileged perspective cancels out its potential.…...
Same shit, different day could have been a potential tagline for The High Note, the fourth feature from director Nisha Ganatra, which treads a similar pattern of racial intersections as concerns women in the entertainment industry akin to her 2019 breakout Late Night. Despite the inspired casting of Tracee Ellis Ross as a fading pop diva, Ganatra’s latest, based on a script from first-time scribe Flora Greeson, chooses an archaic refrain rather than embracing the diverse possibilities of those assembled on its mainstream platform.
While it shines a necessary light on the difficulty faced by women, especially women of color, to attain or retain agency and equality in any industry, it’s prizing of a white, privileged perspective cancels out its potential.…...
- 5/26/2020
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
For what initially looks like a slightly above average tearjerker of a slog through a castoff Lifetime movie of the week, the new dramedy, The High Note, from Focus Features proves to be a surprisingly delightful tale that showcases the talents of its two leads, Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross, and makes for a refreshing change of pace from the action and/or adventure films that have traditionally kicked off the summer film season.
The High Note is set amidst the Los Angeles music scene and centers on preparations for the upcoming greatest hits tour of superstar Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a singer whose talent, and ego, have climbed to great heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), Davis’ overworked personal assistant. Although she is relegated to running errands for her demanding boss, Maggie aspires to become a record producer, and seems to find the perfect artist to help her...
The High Note is set amidst the Los Angeles music scene and centers on preparations for the upcoming greatest hits tour of superstar Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a singer whose talent, and ego, have climbed to great heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), Davis’ overworked personal assistant. Although she is relegated to running errands for her demanding boss, Maggie aspires to become a record producer, and seems to find the perfect artist to help her...
- 5/25/2020
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Nisha Ganatra’s “The High Note,” has a Tracee Ellis Ross problem, meaning that there isn’t enough of her in the movie. The script, procured by Flora Greeson, focuses chiefly on Dakota Johnson, which isn’t a bummer trade at all: Her deceptively breezy charm has enough strength to hold up even the hollowest pictures, no matter how many shades of grey they’re brushed with.
Continue reading ‘The High Note’: Dakota Johnson & Tracee Ellis Ross Have Chemistry, But White Faces Intrude On Black Spaces [Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The High Note’: Dakota Johnson & Tracee Ellis Ross Have Chemistry, But White Faces Intrude On Black Spaces [Review] at The Playlist.
- 5/25/2020
- by Andrew Crump
- The Playlist
A personal assistant gets a front row seat to both the most glamorous and mundane moments in their employer’s life. There are opportunities for some pretty funny, as well as rather dramatic, moments within that concept. The musical drama The High Note, hitting Premium Video on Demand this week, takes that concept and uses it as a decent jumping off point. There’s a ton of familiarity to the plot, though the cast does put their own unique spins on the material. While the film is nothing to go crazy about, it’s charming, enjoyable, and goes down easy. As the latest high profile flick to skip theaters entirely and premiere in homes, it’s likely to grab a nice sized audience this weekend, arguably bigger than it would have had otherwise. The movie is a musical drama, focused on Maggie (Dakota Johnson), assistant to superstar singer Grace Davis...
- 5/25/2020
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Grace is a superstar singer trying to figure out the next act in her career. Maggie is her ambitious personal assistant who harbors her own big musical dreams. A less mean-spirited take on “Devil Wears Prada,” Nisha Ganatra’s “The High Note” instead While “The High Note,” originally known as “Covers” when Flora Greeson’s script appeared on the Black List in 2018, is ostensibly built on the relationship between its central women, a series of silly contrivances, unwelcome twists, and off-kilter pacing ensure it too often forgets what could have made it special.
At least stars Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross are occasionally allowed to make some magic, an inspired pairing that finds the actresses doing their best work together. The strength of the pair’s chemistry — with Johnson cast as the smart but starry-eyed Maggie and Ross doing a lighter spin on her own real-life mother’s mythos...
At least stars Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross are occasionally allowed to make some magic, an inspired pairing that finds the actresses doing their best work together. The strength of the pair’s chemistry — with Johnson cast as the smart but starry-eyed Maggie and Ross doing a lighter spin on her own real-life mother’s mythos...
- 5/25/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
While it’s an understandably strange time to review a film, it feels refreshing to review a nice film. The High Note, directed by Nisha Ganatra, tells the story of a passionate assistant determined to make it as a music producer. Maggie (Dakota Johnson) has spent three years working for famous singer Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), navigating menial tasks, an aloof hanger-on (June Diane Raphael), and a no-nonsense manager (Ice Cube).
Written by Flora Greeson, this is a comfortable piece of work. Johnson has never been more charming and Ross (real-life daughter of legend Diana Ross) commands the screen. Aside from a third act twist that dips into the realm of sitcom territory, Ganatra is smart to keep the focus on a young woman trying to make her mark and an established woman trying to stay relevant. Alongside the singing (the music is great here), Maggie and Grace’s...
Written by Flora Greeson, this is a comfortable piece of work. Johnson has never been more charming and Ross (real-life daughter of legend Diana Ross) commands the screen. Aside from a third act twist that dips into the realm of sitcom territory, Ganatra is smart to keep the focus on a young woman trying to make her mark and an established woman trying to stay relevant. Alongside the singing (the music is great here), Maggie and Grace’s...
- 5/25/2020
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
After chronicling the struggles of a talented junior writer to be seen and given a deserving opportunity by a ferocious female titan of their field in Late Night, director Nisha Ganatra steers the wish-fulfilment scenario from network television to the music industry in The High Note. While the script by newcomer Flora Greeson doesn't have the amusing commentary on race, class and sexism of Mindy Kaling's screenplay for the earlier film — let alone Emma Thompson's regally acerbic bite — the Focus Features release from Working Title does have much to recommend it, at least during these lean times....
- 5/25/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
After chronicling the struggles of a talented junior writer to be seen and given a deserving opportunity by a ferocious female titan of their field in Late Night, director Nisha Ganatra steers the wish-fulfilment scenario from network television to the music industry in The High Note. While the script by newcomer Flora Greeson doesn't have the amusing commentary on race, class and sexism of Mindy Kaling's screenplay for the earlier film — let alone Emma Thompson's regally acerbic bite — the Focus Features release from Working Title does have much to recommend it, at least during these lean times....
- 5/25/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tracee Ellis Ross couldn’t celebrate the release of her first single with the people she loves in person, but that didn’t stop friends Michelle Obama, Lena Waithe, and Janelle Monáe from popping into an Instagram Live party with 10,000 other viewers. Even Ross’ mom, the inimitable Diana Ross, couldn’t be kept from her daughter’s big night.
“It was better than I could have imagined,” Ross says the next day, calling from her Los Angeles home. “Strangely, due to the pandemic, I actually was able to share the...
“It was better than I could have imagined,” Ross says the next day, calling from her Los Angeles home. “Strangely, due to the pandemic, I actually was able to share the...
- 5/21/2020
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
The High Note starring Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross will premiere at home on demand May 29th.
Watch Tracee’s video announcement here .
This summer’s feel-good comedy about the dazzling world of the La music scene starring Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ice Cube, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Diplo
Starting on May 29th, The High Note will be available on demand for a 48-hour rental period for $19.99.
Set in the dazzling world of the La music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
Watch Tracee’s video announcement here .
This summer’s feel-good comedy about the dazzling world of the La music scene starring Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ice Cube, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Diplo
Starting on May 29th, The High Note will be available on demand for a 48-hour rental period for $19.99.
Set in the dazzling world of the La music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Dakota Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
- 5/7/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"The High Note" is the new 'romantic comedy-drama' feature directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Flora Greeson, starring Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Zoë Chao, Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and Ice Cube, scheduled to be released May 29, 2020, as video on demand:
"...set in the world of the La music scene comes the story of 'Grace Davis', a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights. 'Maggie' is Grace's overworked personal assistant who's stuck running errands, but still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace's manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The High Note"...
"...set in the world of the La music scene comes the story of 'Grace Davis', a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights. 'Maggie' is Grace's overworked personal assistant who's stuck running errands, but still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace's manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The High Note"...
- 5/6/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Nisha Ganatra’s follow-up to Late Night had been scheduled to open theatrically on May 8.
Focus Features and Working Title’s feelgood Los Angeles music scene drama The High Note starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson is to get a digital-first Pvod release on May 29.
The story centres on the dynamic between Grace Davis, a musical star with an inflated ego, and her overlooked personal assistant Maggie, who dreams of making it as a music producer.
When Grace’s manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with...
Focus Features and Working Title’s feelgood Los Angeles music scene drama The High Note starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson is to get a digital-first Pvod release on May 29.
The story centres on the dynamic between Grace Davis, a musical star with an inflated ego, and her overlooked personal assistant Maggie, who dreams of making it as a music producer.
When Grace’s manager presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with...
- 5/4/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
“The High Note,” a romance drama starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson, will skip its planned run in theaters and instead debut May 29 on video-on-demand.
Focus Features, the specialty branch of Universal Pictures, is releasing the film, which was initially scheduled to open on May 8. “The High Note” will be available to rent for $19.99 for a 48-hour period on most on-demand platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Comcast and Fandango.
“The High Note” is the latest in a growing line of titles that had been scheduled for theatrical release prior to the pandemic and are opting for VOD instead with theaters expected to remain closed until midsummer.
Universal Pictures previously sent “Trolls World Tour” and “The King of Staten Island” straight to digital release, sparking a war with AMC Theatres. After Universal’s CEO Jeff Shell announced the studio would release some movies simultaneously on-demand and in theaters, AMC Theatres declared...
Focus Features, the specialty branch of Universal Pictures, is releasing the film, which was initially scheduled to open on May 8. “The High Note” will be available to rent for $19.99 for a 48-hour period on most on-demand platforms, including Amazon, Apple, Comcast and Fandango.
“The High Note” is the latest in a growing line of titles that had been scheduled for theatrical release prior to the pandemic and are opting for VOD instead with theaters expected to remain closed until midsummer.
Universal Pictures previously sent “Trolls World Tour” and “The King of Staten Island” straight to digital release, sparking a war with AMC Theatres. After Universal’s CEO Jeff Shell announced the studio would release some movies simultaneously on-demand and in theaters, AMC Theatres declared...
- 5/4/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has shifted the originally scheduled May 8 theatrical release for the Nisha Ganatra-directed drama The High Note, with it now to be released on digital platforms May 29. The Working Title film, set in the world of the Los Angeles music scene, stars Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson.
Written by Flora Greeson, the story follows Grace Davis (Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (played by Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Zoe Chao, Eddie Izzard, Bill Pullman and Diplo co-star. Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produced the pic with executive producers Nathan Kelly and Alexandra Loewy.
Written by Flora Greeson, the story follows Grace Davis (Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights, and Maggie (Johnson), her overworked personal assistant. While stuck running errands, Maggie aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. When Grace’s manager (played by Ice Cube) presents her with a choice that could alter the course of her career, Maggie and Grace come up with a plan that could change their lives forever.
Kelvin Harrison Jr., Zoe Chao, Eddie Izzard, Bill Pullman and Diplo co-star. Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produced the pic with executive producers Nathan Kelly and Alexandra Loewy.
- 5/4/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
For her new film “The High Note,” Tracee Ellis Ross is borrowing some of her mother Diana Ross’ star power and soul, playing a legendary recording artist who finds the next chapter in her life thanks to encouragement from her plucky young assistant, played by Dakota Johnson.
“The High Note” is the latest film from Nisha Ganatra, who last year directed Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling in the Sundance darling “Late Night.” This film has that same feminine energy about a legendary, aging woman in entertainment and her protégé, only this time set in the world of the La music scene.
Ross plays Grace Davis, a superstar whose talent and ego have reached unbelievable heights. Maggie (Johnson) is Grace’s overworked personal assistant who’s stuck running errands, but still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. Davis is then faced with the choice of a Las...
“The High Note” is the latest film from Nisha Ganatra, who last year directed Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling in the Sundance darling “Late Night.” This film has that same feminine energy about a legendary, aging woman in entertainment and her protégé, only this time set in the world of the La music scene.
Ross plays Grace Davis, a superstar whose talent and ego have reached unbelievable heights. Maggie (Johnson) is Grace’s overworked personal assistant who’s stuck running errands, but still aspires to her childhood dream of becoming a music producer. Davis is then faced with the choice of a Las...
- 2/28/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The summer movie season is around the corner and first out of the gate as far as indie films are concerned will be a new comedy from “Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra. “The Hight Note,” formerly titled “Covers,” is a music business-set comedy that turns the beloved Tracee Ellis Ross into a music superstar and indie darling Dakota Johnson into a personal assistant with dreams of making it big in the Los Angeles music scene. The supporting cast includes “Waves” and “Luce” breakout Kelvin Harrison Jr., playing opposite Ice Cube, Zoe Chao, Eddie Izzard, Bill Pullman, and Diplo.
Focus Features’ official synopsis for “The High Note” reads: “Set in the dazzling world of the La music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights. Maggie (Johnson) is Grace’s overworked personal assistant who’s stuck running errands, but still aspires...
Focus Features’ official synopsis for “The High Note” reads: “Set in the dazzling world of the La music scene comes the story of Grace Davis (Ross), a superstar whose talent, and ego, have reached unbelievable heights. Maggie (Johnson) is Grace’s overworked personal assistant who’s stuck running errands, but still aspires...
- 2/28/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
In today’s film news roundup, Tobin Bell, David Walton, Majandra Delfino and Mickey Rourke are cast; “Dark Waters,” “Covers” and “Albanian Gangster” get release dates.
Castings
“Saw” actor Tobin Bell will star in the independent comedy “Mouth to Mouth,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The project will be produced by Dean C. Jones, Starr Jones, and David Shoenfeld under their Atlantic & Pacific Studios banner. The screenplay, written by Spyder Dobrofsky, centers on a scrawny nerd from the Midwest who accidentally lands the head lifeguard job at the hottest country club in Los Angeles even though he doesn’t know how to swim.
Bell portrayed the iconic John Kramer/Jigsaw character in all eight “Saw” movies between 2004 and 2017. His demented character — a former engineer — tested others’ will to live by placing them in deadly traps as symbols of what he saw as a moral flaws in the victims, in hopes...
Castings
“Saw” actor Tobin Bell will star in the independent comedy “Mouth to Mouth,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The project will be produced by Dean C. Jones, Starr Jones, and David Shoenfeld under their Atlantic & Pacific Studios banner. The screenplay, written by Spyder Dobrofsky, centers on a scrawny nerd from the Midwest who accidentally lands the head lifeguard job at the hottest country club in Los Angeles even though he doesn’t know how to swim.
Bell portrayed the iconic John Kramer/Jigsaw character in all eight “Saw” movies between 2004 and 2017. His demented character — a former engineer — tested others’ will to live by placing them in deadly traps as symbols of what he saw as a moral flaws in the victims, in hopes...
- 8/27/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Todd Haynes’ next film, which stars Anne Hathaway and Mark Ruffalo, just landed a new title and an awards-friendly November release date.
Focus Features will release Haynes’ “Dark Waters” in limited release on Nov. 22, 2019, the distributor announced Monday. The Thanksgiving release puts it up opposite Sony’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and Disney’s “Frozen 2.”
“Dark Waters” is inspired by the true story of a tenacious attorney (Ruffalo) who uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths due to one of the world’s largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything – his future, his family, and his own life – to expose the truth.
The feature is based on Nathaniel Rich’s New York Times Magazine article “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare,” regarding the notable chemical company DuPont.
Focus Features will release Haynes’ “Dark Waters” in limited release on Nov. 22, 2019, the distributor announced Monday. The Thanksgiving release puts it up opposite Sony’s “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and Disney’s “Frozen 2.”
“Dark Waters” is inspired by the true story of a tenacious attorney (Ruffalo) who uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths due to one of the world’s largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything – his future, his family, and his own life – to expose the truth.
The feature is based on Nathaniel Rich’s New York Times Magazine article “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare,” regarding the notable chemical company DuPont.
- 8/26/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Studio also announces it will produce coming-of-age tale Boogie.
Focus Features has set a November 22 release for Todd Haynes’ Big Pharma drama Dark Waters, one of its awards hopefuls alongside Civil Rights drama Harriet and Downton Abbey.
The Participant Media drama is based on a true story and stars Mark Ruffalo as an attorney who risks his life to expose the connection between a corporation and a growing number of unexplained deaths.
The film will open in limited release and expand wide on November 29. Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan wrote the screenplay, and the cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins,...
Focus Features has set a November 22 release for Todd Haynes’ Big Pharma drama Dark Waters, one of its awards hopefuls alongside Civil Rights drama Harriet and Downton Abbey.
The Participant Media drama is based on a true story and stars Mark Ruffalo as an attorney who risks his life to expose the connection between a corporation and a growing number of unexplained deaths.
The film will open in limited release and expand wide on November 29. Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan wrote the screenplay, and the cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins,...
- 8/26/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
In today’s film news roundup, Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard, Diplo and Nina Dobrov get cast and Treehouse Pictures is developing John Grisham’s “The Confession” as a movie; Uzo Adaba’s “Miss Virginia” gets sold.
Castings
Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and Diplo have joined the cast of the Focus Features comedy “Covers” opposite Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube.
“Covers” is set within the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. “Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra is helming from a screenplay by Flora Greeson. Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.
Pullman’s credits include “Battle of the Sexes” and USA Networks’ “The Sinner.” Izzard most recently starred in “Victoria & Abdul.” Diplo has worked with artists including Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna. His most recent acting credit was in Detective Pikachu.
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Nina Dobrev is executive producing and starring in the female-driven comedy “Sick Girl,...
Castings
Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and Diplo have joined the cast of the Focus Features comedy “Covers” opposite Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube.
“Covers” is set within the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. “Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra is helming from a screenplay by Flora Greeson. Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.
Pullman’s credits include “Battle of the Sexes” and USA Networks’ “The Sinner.” Izzard most recently starred in “Victoria & Abdul.” Diplo has worked with artists including Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna. His most recent acting credit was in Detective Pikachu.
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Nina Dobrev is executive producing and starring in the female-driven comedy “Sick Girl,...
- 7/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and music producer/DJ Diplo have joined the cast of Covers, the Focus Features and Working Title comedy being directed by Late Night‘s Nisha Ganatra that already stars Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube.
The film, penned by Flora Greeson, is set amid the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. Production is already underway in Los Angeles. Kelvin Harrison Jr, Zoe Chao and June Diane Raphael also star.
Diplo, whose acting credits include the recent Detective Pikachu, is a Grammy-winning producer and DJ who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna. He also is a member of LSD with Labyrinth and Sia, and Silk City with Mark Ronson and Major Lazer.
Pullman is repped by ICM Partners and Anonymous Content. Izzard is with Apa and Conway van Gelder Grant. Diplo is repped by Paradign and managed by Tmwrk.
The film, penned by Flora Greeson, is set amid the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. Production is already underway in Los Angeles. Kelvin Harrison Jr, Zoe Chao and June Diane Raphael also star.
Diplo, whose acting credits include the recent Detective Pikachu, is a Grammy-winning producer and DJ who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna. He also is a member of LSD with Labyrinth and Sia, and Silk City with Mark Ronson and Major Lazer.
Pullman is repped by ICM Partners and Anonymous Content. Izzard is with Apa and Conway van Gelder Grant. Diplo is repped by Paradign and managed by Tmwrk.
- 7/25/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Production underway in Los Angeles on Nisha Ganatra’s Late Night follow-up.
Eddie Izzard, Bill Pullman and Us DJ Diplo have joined the comedy Covers from Focus Features and Working Title, the next film by Late Night director Nisha Ganatra.
Production is currently underway in Los Angeles. The new arrivals join previously announced Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube in the film, which takes place against the backdrop of the Hollywood music scene. Flora Greeson wrote the screenplay.
Izzard’s multi-pronged career of stand-up comedy, writing and political activism has encompassed many films, among them Victoria & Abdul, Valkyrie,...
Eddie Izzard, Bill Pullman and Us DJ Diplo have joined the comedy Covers from Focus Features and Working Title, the next film by Late Night director Nisha Ganatra.
Production is currently underway in Los Angeles. The new arrivals join previously announced Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube in the film, which takes place against the backdrop of the Hollywood music scene. Flora Greeson wrote the screenplay.
Izzard’s multi-pronged career of stand-up comedy, writing and political activism has encompassed many films, among them Victoria & Abdul, Valkyrie,...
- 7/25/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Focus Features and Working Title Films have added Grace and Frankie star June Diane Raphael to the cast of Covers, the Nisha Ganatra-directed comedy that is set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. Raphael joins previously announced cast Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Zoe Chao.
Written by Flora Greeson, the plot follows an aspiring music producer who endures an exhausting job as the assistant to a legendary singer while trying to launch her own career. Filming is currently underway.
Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Wt are producing the project with Alexandra Loewy as executive producer. Focus will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Raphael, most recently seen on the big screen opposite Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen in the Lionsgate comedy Long Shot, is set to return for the...
Written by Flora Greeson, the plot follows an aspiring music producer who endures an exhausting job as the assistant to a legendary singer while trying to launch her own career. Filming is currently underway.
Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Wt are producing the project with Alexandra Loewy as executive producer. Focus will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Raphael, most recently seen on the big screen opposite Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen in the Lionsgate comedy Long Shot, is set to return for the...
- 6/24/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Focus Features announced today that Ice Cube will join the cast of Covers, their new film with Working Title. Set among the talent, fame, and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene, which Ice Cube knows of first-hand, Covers is directed by Late Night director Nisha Ganatra with a screenplay by Flora Greeson.
Ice Cube will star alongside the previously announced Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson in the upcoming comedy. Production is currently underway.
A multifaceted rapper, songwriter, performer, actor, producer and founder of his own production company, Cube Vision, Ice Cube’s notable acting credits include the Friday franchise, 21 Jump Street, Boyz n the Hood, and the Ride Along series.
Ice Cube was also a producer on the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. The film received numerous award nominations, including one for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars. See our story on the press conference Here.
He is represented by Wme,...
Ice Cube will star alongside the previously announced Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson in the upcoming comedy. Production is currently underway.
A multifaceted rapper, songwriter, performer, actor, producer and founder of his own production company, Cube Vision, Ice Cube’s notable acting credits include the Friday franchise, 21 Jump Street, Boyz n the Hood, and the Ride Along series.
Ice Cube was also a producer on the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton. The film received numerous award nominations, including one for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars. See our story on the press conference Here.
He is represented by Wme,...
- 6/19/2019
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Exclusive: Ice Cube is in the midst of making deals to star in a pair of movies. He has just closed with Focus Features to join the cast of the Working Title-produced film Covers, directed by Late Night helmer Nisha Ganatra. Production is just getting underway and he is starring alongside Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson. The Flora Greeson-scripted comedy is set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner are producing.
Cube is separately negotiating to team with Dave Bautista in The Killer’s Game, the Simon Kinberg & Rand Ravich-scripted adaptation of the Jay Bonansinga novel that DJ Caruso will direct in October for Stx and Endurance. In that film, Bautista (opening soon in Stuber and My Spy) plays an elite hitman named Joe Flood who learns he will die of a terminal disease. A devout Catholic, he won’t kill himself,...
Cube is separately negotiating to team with Dave Bautista in The Killer’s Game, the Simon Kinberg & Rand Ravich-scripted adaptation of the Jay Bonansinga novel that DJ Caruso will direct in October for Stx and Endurance. In that film, Bautista (opening soon in Stuber and My Spy) plays an elite hitman named Joe Flood who learns he will die of a terminal disease. A devout Catholic, he won’t kill himself,...
- 6/19/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Zoe Chao are set to co-star opposite Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross in Covers, the Focus Features and Working Title Films comedy being directed by Late Night helmer Nisha Ganatra. Plot details are vague, but the pic is set among the talent, fame, and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene.
Flora Greeson wrote the screenplay, which Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Alexandra Loewy as executive producer. Focus will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally. A release date has yet to be announced.
Harrison Jr. has had a busy past couple of years, appearing in a number of films including It Comes at Night, Mudbound and Monsters and Men, among others. He’ll next be seen opposite Octavia Spencer and Naomi Watts in the Sundance pic Luce, out this August,...
Flora Greeson wrote the screenplay, which Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Alexandra Loewy as executive producer. Focus will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally. A release date has yet to be announced.
Harrison Jr. has had a busy past couple of years, appearing in a number of films including It Comes at Night, Mudbound and Monsters and Men, among others. He’ll next be seen opposite Octavia Spencer and Naomi Watts in the Sundance pic Luce, out this August,...
- 5/23/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross are set to star in “Covers,” the next film from the director of “Late Night,” Nisha Ganatra, Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski announced Monday.
Focus is partnering with Working Title Films on the comedy that is set within Hollywood’s music scene.
Ganatra is directing with a screenplay written by Flora Greeson. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Alexandra Loewy serving as executive producer. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Also Read: Dakota Johnson Has 'Secret' Second Part in 'Suspiria'
“Together Dakota and Tracee are an undeniable force of comedic talent, and along with our friends at Working Title and our director Nisha, we can’t wait to see them go head to head on this new project,” Kujawski said in a statement.
Johnson most recently...
Focus is partnering with Working Title Films on the comedy that is set within Hollywood’s music scene.
Ganatra is directing with a screenplay written by Flora Greeson. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Alexandra Loewy serving as executive producer. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., and Universal Pictures International will distribute internationally.
Also Read: Dakota Johnson Has 'Secret' Second Part in 'Suspiria'
“Together Dakota and Tracee are an undeniable force of comedic talent, and along with our friends at Working Title and our director Nisha, we can’t wait to see them go head to head on this new project,” Kujawski said in a statement.
Johnson most recently...
- 5/20/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross will co-star in “Covers,” a comedy set in the music scene in Hollywood.
“Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra is helming from a screenplay by Flora Greeson. Focus Features is partnering with Working Title Films on the movie. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Alexandra Loewy as executive producer. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., and Universal Pictures International will distribute overseas.
Johnson starred as Anastasia Steele in Universal’s “Fifty Shades” franchise. She’s a repeat collaborator of Luca Guadagnino, having appeared in his films “Suspiria” and “A Bigger Splash.” She’ll next be seen starring in “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”
Ross is best known for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the series “Black-ish” and playing Joan Clayton on the long-running series “Girlfriends.”
“Together Dakota and Tracee are an undeniable force of comedic talent,...
“Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra is helming from a screenplay by Flora Greeson. Focus Features is partnering with Working Title Films on the movie. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Alexandra Loewy as executive producer. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., and Universal Pictures International will distribute overseas.
Johnson starred as Anastasia Steele in Universal’s “Fifty Shades” franchise. She’s a repeat collaborator of Luca Guadagnino, having appeared in his films “Suspiria” and “A Bigger Splash.” She’ll next be seen starring in “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”
Ross is best known for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the series “Black-ish” and playing Joan Clayton on the long-running series “Girlfriends.”
“Together Dakota and Tracee are an undeniable force of comedic talent,...
- 5/20/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Dakota Johnson and Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross of TV’s Black-ish have signed on as the leads in Covers, a comedy set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene from Focus Features and Working Title Films. Nisha Ganatra, whose comedy Late Night made a big splash at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, is directing the pic from a script penned by Flora Greeson.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce the project, while Alexandra Loewy will serve as executive producer. Focus will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International overseas.
Johnson recently completed her turn as Anastasia Grey in Universal’s Fifty Shades Freed, the finale of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, which was released last year. She also starred in Luca Guadagnino’s psychological thriller Suspiria and Fox’s Bad Times at the El Royale.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce the project, while Alexandra Loewy will serve as executive producer. Focus will distribute the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International overseas.
Johnson recently completed her turn as Anastasia Grey in Universal’s Fifty Shades Freed, the finale of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, which was released last year. She also starred in Luca Guadagnino’s psychological thriller Suspiria and Fox’s Bad Times at the El Royale.
- 5/20/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross have signed on to star in Covers, a new comedy from Late Night director Nisha Ganatra.
Focus Features and Working Title are behind the project, with Focus distributing the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International distributing internationally.
While Ganatra’s Late Night is set in the world of late-night talk shows, Covers is, per Focus, an exploration of another section of the entertainment world, this one set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene.
Flora Greeson wrote the script.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce, with Alexandra ...
Focus Features and Working Title are behind the project, with Focus distributing the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International distributing internationally.
While Ganatra’s Late Night is set in the world of late-night talk shows, Covers is, per Focus, an exploration of another section of the entertainment world, this one set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene.
Flora Greeson wrote the script.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce, with Alexandra ...
- 5/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dakota Johnson and Tracee Ellis Ross have signed on to star in Covers, a new comedy from Late Night director Nisha Ganatra.
Focus Features and Working Title are behind the project, with Focus distributing the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International distributing internationally.
While Ganatra’s Late Night is set in the world of late-night talk shows, Covers is, per Focus, an exploration of another section of the entertainment world, this one set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene.
Flora Greeson wrote the script.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce, with Alexandra ...
Focus Features and Working Title are behind the project, with Focus distributing the film in the U.S. and Universal Pictures International distributing internationally.
While Ganatra’s Late Night is set in the world of late-night talk shows, Covers is, per Focus, an exploration of another section of the entertainment world, this one set among the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene.
Flora Greeson wrote the script.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce, with Alexandra ...
- 5/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
“Late Night” breakout director Nisha Ganatra is in talks to helm Universal and Working Title’s “Covers,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
“Covers” will be a romance set in the Los Angeles music world. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce and Working Title’s Alexandra Loewy will serve as executive producer.
Flora Greeson penned the script. Universal Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Lexi Barta will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Also Read: Mindy Kaling's 'Late Night' Might Just Be the First Commercial Hit at Sundance This Year
Ganatra most recently directed the comedy “Late Night,” which premiered at Sundance Film Festival and was swept up by Amazon Studios for a whopping $13 million. Her additional credits include episodes of “The Last Man on Earth,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Love,” “Girls” and “Better Things.” She...
“Covers” will be a romance set in the Los Angeles music world. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce and Working Title’s Alexandra Loewy will serve as executive producer.
Flora Greeson penned the script. Universal Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Lexi Barta will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Also Read: Mindy Kaling's 'Late Night' Might Just Be the First Commercial Hit at Sundance This Year
Ganatra most recently directed the comedy “Late Night,” which premiered at Sundance Film Festival and was swept up by Amazon Studios for a whopping $13 million. Her additional credits include episodes of “The Last Man on Earth,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Love,” “Girls” and “Better Things.” She...
- 2/7/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Nisha Ganatra, who directed the Sundance darling “Late Night,” is in negotiations to helm Universal and Working Title’s upcoming film “Covers,” sources tell Variety.
Not much is known about the project, written by first-time screenwriter Flora Greeson, other than it being a romance set in the Los Angeles music world.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce “Covers,” and Working Title’s Alexandra Loewy will serve as executive producer. Universal executive VP of production Erik Baiers and creative executive Lexi Barta will oversee the movie on behalf of the studio.
The move comes on the heels of Universal’s pledge to join Time’s Up’s 4% Challenge, a commitment to working with more female directors.
Ganatra most recently directed the comedy “Late Night,” which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Mindy Kaling wrote the movie and co-stars alongside Emma Thompson. Amazon Studios...
Not much is known about the project, written by first-time screenwriter Flora Greeson, other than it being a romance set in the Los Angeles music world.
Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce “Covers,” and Working Title’s Alexandra Loewy will serve as executive producer. Universal executive VP of production Erik Baiers and creative executive Lexi Barta will oversee the movie on behalf of the studio.
The move comes on the heels of Universal’s pledge to join Time’s Up’s 4% Challenge, a commitment to working with more female directors.
Ganatra most recently directed the comedy “Late Night,” which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews. Mindy Kaling wrote the movie and co-stars alongside Emma Thompson. Amazon Studios...
- 2/7/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Rounding up the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, as voted on by hundreds of film executives, The Black List has been a strong resource to clue one in on projects to potentially anticipate, but first, to kickstart Hollywood on bringing them to screen. Last year’s chart-topper, the post-wwii drama Ruin by Matthew Firpo and Ryan Firpo, secured Margot Robbie to star with direction by Macbeth and Snowtown‘s Justin Kurzel. Today we have this year’s edition.
Topping the 2018 edition is Frat Boy Genius by Elissa Karasik, which tells the story of Snapchat with a unique perspective. The technology and media world seems to be wholly represented with the rest of the list as well, including films on Matt Drudge, Cambridge Analytica, Gawker Media, and more.
As an early look for some potential upcoming films to keep on your radar, take a look at the top 15 scripts below, followed...
Topping the 2018 edition is Frat Boy Genius by Elissa Karasik, which tells the story of Snapchat with a unique perspective. The technology and media world seems to be wholly represented with the rest of the list as well, including films on Matt Drudge, Cambridge Analytica, Gawker Media, and more.
As an early look for some potential upcoming films to keep on your radar, take a look at the top 15 scripts below, followed...
- 12/17/2018
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The 13th edition of the Black List has been unveiled, and it might include a future Best Picture winner: Four of the 10 most recent winners of the Academy’s biggest prize were featured on the list, as were 10 of the last 22 Best Screenplay winners. More than 300 executives and financiers vote on the list, which is compiled by Franklin Leonard.
Scripts had to receive at least seven mentions to be included. This year’s edition features the highest proportion of screenplays by and/or about women since the Black List’s inception.
36 Votes:
“Frat Boy Genius” by Elissa Karasik
A disgruntled employee of Snapchat tells the rise of her former Stanford classmate, preeminent douchebag and current boss Evan Spiegel.
35 Votes:
“King Richard” by Zach Baylin
The true story of Richard Williams, the hard-nosed and uncompromising father of tennis prodigies turned superstars, Venus and Serena Williams.
34 Votes:
“Get Home Safe” by Christy Hall...
Scripts had to receive at least seven mentions to be included. This year’s edition features the highest proportion of screenplays by and/or about women since the Black List’s inception.
36 Votes:
“Frat Boy Genius” by Elissa Karasik
A disgruntled employee of Snapchat tells the rise of her former Stanford classmate, preeminent douchebag and current boss Evan Spiegel.
35 Votes:
“King Richard” by Zach Baylin
The true story of Richard Williams, the hard-nosed and uncompromising father of tennis prodigies turned superstars, Venus and Serena Williams.
34 Votes:
“Get Home Safe” by Christy Hall...
- 12/17/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Wanuri Kahiu, the who made history this year when her Lgbtq movie Rafiki became the first movie from Kenya to be selected to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, is set to direct Covers, a romance set in the Los Angeles music world, for Working Title and Universal.
She was signed after an international search for the job to direct first-time screenwriter Flora Greeson’s screenplay, which Universal has acquired preemptively. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce and Alexandra Loewy will executive produce. Universal’s Evp Production Erik Baiers will oversee.
Kahiu’s Rafiki was banned earlier this year in Kenya in response to its Lgbtq narrative; based on the short story Jambula Tree by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko, the film is a love story between two girls who have to choose between happiness and safety in a country where homosexual activity is against the law.
She was signed after an international search for the job to direct first-time screenwriter Flora Greeson’s screenplay, which Universal has acquired preemptively. Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce and Alexandra Loewy will executive produce. Universal’s Evp Production Erik Baiers will oversee.
Kahiu’s Rafiki was banned earlier this year in Kenya in response to its Lgbtq narrative; based on the short story Jambula Tree by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko, the film is a love story between two girls who have to choose between happiness and safety in a country where homosexual activity is against the law.
- 11/19/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC is doubling its bet on series projects with basketball pedigree from NBA star LeBron James and his SpringHill Entertainment.
The network has given a script commitment plus penalty to basketball-themed drama Hoops, from writer Jennifer Cecil (Notorious), LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s Brownstone Productions, and Warner Bros. Television where both SpringHill and Brownstone are based.
NBC also recently gave a script commitment plus penalty to Brotherly Love, a single-camera comedy from 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, James and his SpringHill Entertainment as well as writer Kourtney Kang.
In Hoops, after years on the road as both a star player and coach in the Wnba, Stevie Decker jumps at the chance to return to her alma mater to become the first female head coach of a men’s college basketball team. But coming home isn’t easy as her...
The network has given a script commitment plus penalty to basketball-themed drama Hoops, from writer Jennifer Cecil (Notorious), LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s Brownstone Productions, and Warner Bros. Television where both SpringHill and Brownstone are based.
NBC also recently gave a script commitment plus penalty to Brotherly Love, a single-camera comedy from 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, James and his SpringHill Entertainment as well as writer Kourtney Kang.
In Hoops, after years on the road as both a star player and coach in the Wnba, Stevie Decker jumps at the chance to return to her alma mater to become the first female head coach of a men’s college basketball team. But coming home isn’t easy as her...
- 9/13/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has given a put pilot commitment to an untitled drama from writer-producer Nkechi Carroll (Rosewood). The project hails from Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s Brownstone Productions as well as Warner Bros. Television where both companies are based for TV.
Written by Caroll under the WBTV overall deal she inked this past spring, the drama centers on recently divorced and unemployed Chelsea Barnum who is looking for a second chance. When she packs up her kids and moves from the big city to the small town of Sutter, North Carolina, to accept a job as the new Police Chief, what she finds is something unimaginable — a criminal justice system run entirely by women of color. What started out as a second chance at a career ends up becoming a second chance at life, as together these women revolutionize crime and punishment while restoring hope,...
Written by Caroll under the WBTV overall deal she inked this past spring, the drama centers on recently divorced and unemployed Chelsea Barnum who is looking for a second chance. When she packs up her kids and moves from the big city to the small town of Sutter, North Carolina, to accept a job as the new Police Chief, what she finds is something unimaginable — a criminal justice system run entirely by women of color. What started out as a second chance at a career ends up becoming a second chance at life, as together these women revolutionize crime and punishment while restoring hope,...
- 9/4/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Players has picked up the right to a story from the Daily Beast titled "When Prince Made a Chambermaid His Queen for a Day". Elizabeth is set to star in and produce the film, which tells the story of a Wyoming hotel maid that won a dream date with Prince in 1986. Here's the story of how that went down and what the story will focus on:
The studio staged Win A Date With Prince, an MTV contest in which the 10,000th caller won a date with the rock star. Actually, more than a date: the studio would stage a premiere of Prince’s film in the winner’s hometown, followed by a concert toplined by Prince and The Revolution. The winner was Lisa Barber, a young lady in Sheridan, Wyoming who cleaned hotels and was a big Motley Crue fan. The movie is inspired by an article about the Cinderella story date,...
The studio staged Win A Date With Prince, an MTV contest in which the 10,000th caller won a date with the rock star. Actually, more than a date: the studio would stage a premiere of Prince’s film in the winner’s hometown, followed by a concert toplined by Prince and The Revolution. The winner was Lisa Barber, a young lady in Sheridan, Wyoming who cleaned hotels and was a big Motley Crue fan. The movie is inspired by an article about the Cinderella story date,...
- 8/15/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Exclusive: Paramount Players has optioned Chris Lee’s Daily Beast story When Prince Made a Chambermaid His Queen for a Day. Elizabeth Banks plans to star in Queen For A Day, and she is producing it with Max Handelman through their Brownstone banner along with Josh Stolberg and David Klawans. Scott Neustadter & Michael Weber are exec producers with Brownstone’s Alison Small.
They’ve just set Flora Greeson to rewrite a first draft by Stolberg about the chaos that occurred in 1986 when Warner Bros hatched a contest to draw attention to Prince’s Purple Rain followup Under The Cherry Moon.
The studio staged Win A Date With Prince, an MTV contest in which the 10,000th caller won a date with the rock star. Actually, more than a date: the studio would stage a premiere of Prince’s film in the winner’s hometown, followed by a concert toplined by Prince and The Revolution.
They’ve just set Flora Greeson to rewrite a first draft by Stolberg about the chaos that occurred in 1986 when Warner Bros hatched a contest to draw attention to Prince’s Purple Rain followup Under The Cherry Moon.
The studio staged Win A Date With Prince, an MTV contest in which the 10,000th caller won a date with the rock star. Actually, more than a date: the studio would stage a premiere of Prince’s film in the winner’s hometown, followed by a concert toplined by Prince and The Revolution.
- 8/14/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The day after Comic-Con wrapped up, one of Batman’s craziest nemesis, an Oscar winning former regular in Christopher Nolan’s Caped Crusader franchise and the current Batman himself were among the big winners of the latest allocation of feature film tax credits from the state of California’s $330 million annual program.
Warner Bros’ Margot Robbie led and Cathy Yan helmed Birds of Prey snagged the largest incentive this round of the 19 films given the nod by the Golden State with $12.6 million in tax credits. Gary Oldman’s second directorial effort, the historical California drama Flying Horse secured a galloping $5.04 million. That sum from the state makes Horse third among this first big screen round of the fourth year of California’s expanded effort to keep movies in the home of Hollywood.
With $52.2 million in credits on the table this time, Birds of Prey, Darkest Hour’s Oldman’s self-penned...
Warner Bros’ Margot Robbie led and Cathy Yan helmed Birds of Prey snagged the largest incentive this round of the 19 films given the nod by the Golden State with $12.6 million in tax credits. Gary Oldman’s second directorial effort, the historical California drama Flying Horse secured a galloping $5.04 million. That sum from the state makes Horse third among this first big screen round of the fourth year of California’s expanded effort to keep movies in the home of Hollywood.
With $52.2 million in credits on the table this time, Birds of Prey, Darkest Hour’s Oldman’s self-penned...
- 7/23/2018
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
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