Before SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents, there was Rugrats.
Alongside fellow “Nicktoons” Doug and The Ren & Stimpy Show, Rugrats premiered Aug. 11, 1991 on Nickelodeon and helped establish an animated storytelling dynasty on the cable network. Created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain, the show was by far the most successful of Nickelodeon’s early offerings and helped set the stage for the Patrick Stars and Timmy Turners to come.
The cartoon followed the daily lives of toddlers Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, and twins Phil and Lil DeVille as they attempted to make sense of the adult world while also indulging in their imaginations for some larger-than-life adventures. Though the children’s parents also featured as secondary characters, Tommy and friends could only communicate with one another in their own unique baby language.
For an audience of a certain age (a.k.a. the geezer writing this), Rugrats...
Alongside fellow “Nicktoons” Doug and The Ren & Stimpy Show, Rugrats premiered Aug. 11, 1991 on Nickelodeon and helped establish an animated storytelling dynasty on the cable network. Created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain, the show was by far the most successful of Nickelodeon’s early offerings and helped set the stage for the Patrick Stars and Timmy Turners to come.
The cartoon followed the daily lives of toddlers Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, and twins Phil and Lil DeVille as they attempted to make sense of the adult world while also indulging in their imaginations for some larger-than-life adventures. Though the children’s parents also featured as secondary characters, Tommy and friends could only communicate with one another in their own unique baby language.
For an audience of a certain age (a.k.a. the geezer writing this), Rugrats...
- 8/24/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
When Josh Hutcherson was cast in "Five Nights at Freddy's," it just made sense. Director and co-writer Emma Tammi's film adaptation of the lore-heavy hit horror video game franchise has the actor playing Mike Schmidt, an Average Joe who takes a job as the night security guard at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, unaware of that tiny issue where the entertainment center's animatronic mascots come to life and begin massacring people after midnight. Mike himself is the type of archetypical hero Hutcherson is best known for portraying; a humble everyman who must rise to the occasion in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
In a way, Hutcherson's unlikely transformation into one of this century's major genre movie and TV actors began with his first feature film, "American Splendor." One of the best comic book adaptations ever made, the film carries over the meta-narrative and autobiographical elements of Harvey Pekar's source material,...
In a way, Hutcherson's unlikely transformation into one of this century's major genre movie and TV actors began with his first feature film, "American Splendor." One of the best comic book adaptations ever made, the film carries over the meta-narrative and autobiographical elements of Harvey Pekar's source material,...
- 8/18/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The 2023 edition of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival opens Friday night with some A-list firepower. Ewan McGregor and Alicia Vikander will be in the Czech spa town to collect special honors, while Russell Crowe is attending for a career retrospective and to receive the Crystal Globe lifetime achievement award. Crowe will also be performing on the opening night along with his band The Gentlemen Barbers.
But there’ll also be another musical act set to play June 30 at the opening concert, one that’s perhaps a little more established than the Gladiator star (no disrespect, Russell).
English band Morcheeba have been fine-tuning their downtempo, electronic vibes since forming in the mid-1990s, moving from trip hop origins into more pop-based, hip-hop-infused soul waters, most notably with the 1998 breakout album Big Calm and 2000’s follow-up, Fragments of Freedom. More than two decades on and the band — now made up of two...
But there’ll also be another musical act set to play June 30 at the opening concert, one that’s perhaps a little more established than the Gladiator star (no disrespect, Russell).
English band Morcheeba have been fine-tuning their downtempo, electronic vibes since forming in the mid-1990s, moving from trip hop origins into more pop-based, hip-hop-infused soul waters, most notably with the 1998 breakout album Big Calm and 2000’s follow-up, Fragments of Freedom. More than two decades on and the band — now made up of two...
- 6/30/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Frequent collaborators and co-directors Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi’s upcoming documentary, “Personality Crisis: One Night Only,” will premiere April 14 at 8 p.m. on Showtime.
“Personality Crisis: One Night Only” has also released a trailer providing audiences a peek into the lives of Johansen, the one-time New York Dolls lead singer who later performed as Buster Poindexter. Focusing on Johansen, his legacy and his special January 2020 performance, the film documents the punk legend as he “regales the audience with stories and music illuminating the art and cultural evolution of New York City,” according to the film’s logline.
Scorsese explained what drew him to this project: “I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making ‘Mean Streets’… Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform,...
“Personality Crisis: One Night Only” has also released a trailer providing audiences a peek into the lives of Johansen, the one-time New York Dolls lead singer who later performed as Buster Poindexter. Focusing on Johansen, his legacy and his special January 2020 performance, the film documents the punk legend as he “regales the audience with stories and music illuminating the art and cultural evolution of New York City,” according to the film’s logline.
Scorsese explained what drew him to this project: “I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making ‘Mean Streets’… Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Katie Reul and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The magical world of Hogwarts, created by J. K. Rowling, has captivated and inspired millions of people around the globe since the Harry Potter franchise began. The series follows young wizard Harry and his amazing magical adventures as he learns to use spells, concoct potions, test his skills in magic duels, and play Quidditch with his magical friends.
Through his journey, we see him encounter outlandish magical creatures that aren’t found in our muggle world – dragon’s smoke-phoenixes, werewolves, and a host of other magical beasts are all part of this fantastic fantasy story that has won over fans since its start.
Since the iconic debut of this franchise in 2001, magical adventures have become a staple in the film world. This franchise quickly became one of the most beloved adventure series of our time, turning Harry Potter into a global icon with a massive and loyal fan base that remains today.
Through his journey, we see him encounter outlandish magical creatures that aren’t found in our muggle world – dragon’s smoke-phoenixes, werewolves, and a host of other magical beasts are all part of this fantastic fantasy story that has won over fans since its start.
Since the iconic debut of this franchise in 2001, magical adventures have become a staple in the film world. This franchise quickly became one of the most beloved adventure series of our time, turning Harry Potter into a global icon with a massive and loyal fan base that remains today.
- 2/24/2023
- by Israr Ahmed
- buddytv.com
“Rugrats” co-creator Gábor Csupó is set to direct a feature-length adaptation of Rumer Godden’s children’s Christmas classic book “The Story of Holly and Ivy.”
“Lonely young Ivy runs away from her orphanage during Christmas, while spirited but unsold doll Holly waits in her toy store window for the child who will give her existence meaning,” reads the official logline. “When their paths cross and their quest to be together unfolds, a surprising array of many struggling folk’s Christmas wishes come true.”
Kosmo Films’ Sebastian Weiland and Nina Gwyn Weiland acquired the film rights and will produce the feature. Nina Gwyn Weiland has written the screen adaptation together with “A Wrinkle in Time” writer Jeff Stockwell, who will also executive produce.
Dylan Russell and Stone Village Films will also produce while Germany-based Medienfördergesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (Mfg) is providing development funding.
The film is set to shoot in Germany’s...
“Lonely young Ivy runs away from her orphanage during Christmas, while spirited but unsold doll Holly waits in her toy store window for the child who will give her existence meaning,” reads the official logline. “When their paths cross and their quest to be together unfolds, a surprising array of many struggling folk’s Christmas wishes come true.”
Kosmo Films’ Sebastian Weiland and Nina Gwyn Weiland acquired the film rights and will produce the feature. Nina Gwyn Weiland has written the screen adaptation together with “A Wrinkle in Time” writer Jeff Stockwell, who will also executive produce.
Dylan Russell and Stone Village Films will also produce while Germany-based Medienfördergesellschaft Baden-Württemberg (Mfg) is providing development funding.
The film is set to shoot in Germany’s...
- 7/18/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The revival of “Rugrats” has been renewed for Season 2 at Paramount Plus.
The second season will consist of 13 episodes. News of the renewal comes as eight new episodes of Season 1 are scheduled to drop on the streamer on Oct. 7. The new episodes also includes a half-hour Halloween special where Tommy needs his friends’ help to save Angelica after she turns into a werewolf at a scary Halloween party as their parents seem to disappear one by one.
“Kids series are a key driver of engagement for Paramount Plus,” said Tanya Giles, chief programming officer for Paramount Plus. “With the renewal of ‘Rugrats’ for a second season, we look forward to bringing even more adventures with Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the rest of the Rugrats for kids and families to enjoy.”
The new series stars Eg Daily as Tommy Pickles, Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael,...
The second season will consist of 13 episodes. News of the renewal comes as eight new episodes of Season 1 are scheduled to drop on the streamer on Oct. 7. The new episodes also includes a half-hour Halloween special where Tommy needs his friends’ help to save Angelica after she turns into a werewolf at a scary Halloween party as their parents seem to disappear one by one.
“Kids series are a key driver of engagement for Paramount Plus,” said Tanya Giles, chief programming officer for Paramount Plus. “With the renewal of ‘Rugrats’ for a second season, we look forward to bringing even more adventures with Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the rest of the Rugrats for kids and families to enjoy.”
The new series stars Eg Daily as Tommy Pickles, Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The Rugrats are back for more as Paramount+ renews the revival of the classic Nickelodeon series for Season 2.
The revival, which follows the titular tots and their imaginative shenanigans, features original cast members E.G. Daily, Nancy Cartwright, Cheryl Chase, Cree Summer and Kath Soucie as Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil, respectively. The voice cast also touts Nicole Byer, Tony Hale, Natalie Morales, Ashley Rae Spillers, Tommy Dewey, Anna Chlumsky, Timothy Simons, Michael McKean and Omar Miller.
Paramount+ also revealed the premiere date for the second batch of Season 1 episodes, including the upcoming Halloween special.
The second batch of episodes, which will drop on October 7, will continue to see the Rugrats using their wild imaginations to defeat an outer-space villain, travel through Chuckie’s dad’s body, embark upon a daring mission to break Angelica out of preschool and more. The half-hour Halloween-themed special sees Tommy work with...
The revival, which follows the titular tots and their imaginative shenanigans, features original cast members E.G. Daily, Nancy Cartwright, Cheryl Chase, Cree Summer and Kath Soucie as Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Susie, Phil and Lil, respectively. The voice cast also touts Nicole Byer, Tony Hale, Natalie Morales, Ashley Rae Spillers, Tommy Dewey, Anna Chlumsky, Timothy Simons, Michael McKean and Omar Miller.
Paramount+ also revealed the premiere date for the second batch of Season 1 episodes, including the upcoming Halloween special.
The second batch of episodes, which will drop on October 7, will continue to see the Rugrats using their wild imaginations to defeat an outer-space villain, travel through Chuckie’s dad’s body, embark upon a daring mission to break Angelica out of preschool and more. The half-hour Halloween-themed special sees Tommy work with...
- 9/21/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+’s revival of “Rugrats” is getting a second season.
New episodes for the current first season will return on Oct. 7, which will include a Halloween special.
Based on the 1991 Nickelodeon series, the “Rugrats” revival follows a group of toddlers as they “explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point of view.” The new series saw the original voice cast for the babies return: E.G. Daily as Tommy Pickles, Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil DeVille.
Joining them were Ashley Spillers and Tommy Dewey as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer and Omar Miller as Susie’s parents; and Michael McKean as Grandpa Lou Pickles.
The series was created by Arlene Klasky,...
New episodes for the current first season will return on Oct. 7, which will include a Halloween special.
Based on the 1991 Nickelodeon series, the “Rugrats” revival follows a group of toddlers as they “explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point of view.” The new series saw the original voice cast for the babies return: E.G. Daily as Tommy Pickles, Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil DeVille.
Joining them were Ashley Spillers and Tommy Dewey as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer and Omar Miller as Susie’s parents; and Michael McKean as Grandpa Lou Pickles.
The series was created by Arlene Klasky,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Actress Natalie Morales said her voice character Betty in the rebooted Paramount+ Rugrats series will be an openly gay woman.
Morales made the revelation in a statement to the A.V. Club. The character is mother to two children, Phil and Lil, and has been married to Howard in prior versions.
Morales said in her statement that she thinks “Anyone who watched the original show may have had an inkling Betty was a member of the alphabet mafia.”
She added, “Betty is a single mom with her own business who has twins and still has time to hang out with her friends and her community, and I think it’s just so great because examples of living your life happily and healthily as an out queer person is just such a beacon for young queer people who may not have examples of that.”
Morales said that “cartoons were hugely influential for me as a kid,...
Morales made the revelation in a statement to the A.V. Club. The character is mother to two children, Phil and Lil, and has been married to Howard in prior versions.
Morales said in her statement that she thinks “Anyone who watched the original show may have had an inkling Betty was a member of the alphabet mafia.”
She added, “Betty is a single mom with her own business who has twins and still has time to hang out with her friends and her community, and I think it’s just so great because examples of living your life happily and healthily as an out queer person is just such a beacon for young queer people who may not have examples of that.”
Morales said that “cartoons were hugely influential for me as a kid,...
- 5/28/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
When Rugrats, the classic Nineties Nickelodeon cartoon, returns later this month, it will have a new CGI animated look, but much of the show will be familiar. Several members of the original cast will be reprising their roles on the show, while brothers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh will also be back on hand to provide the show with its charmingly off-kilter music.
In anticipation of the reboot’s May 27th premiere on Paramount+, Rugrats has released its new title sequence, featuring an updated theme song by Mark Mothersbaugh. Mothersbaugh has...
In anticipation of the reboot’s May 27th premiere on Paramount+, Rugrats has released its new title sequence, featuring an updated theme song by Mark Mothersbaugh. Mothersbaugh has...
- 5/17/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount Plus released a trailer for “Rugrats,” an all-new reimagination of the ’90s cartoon debuting on May 27.
In the one-hour premiere episode, “Second Time Around,” Tommy leads the babies on an adventure to help Chuckie after his own courageous endeavor goes horribly wrong.
The series stars E.G. Daily as Tommy Pickles, Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as both Phil and Lil DeVille, all of whom are reprising their iconic roles.
The series also features new voices, including Ashley Rae Spillers and Tommy Dewey, who voice Tommy’s parents, Didi and Stu Pickles, respectively; Tony Hale as Chuckie’s father, Chas Finster; Natalie Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother, Betty DeVille; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons as Angelica’s parents, Charlotte and Drew Pickles, respectively; Nicole Byer and Omar Miller as Susie’s parents, Lucy and Randy Carmichael,...
In the one-hour premiere episode, “Second Time Around,” Tommy leads the babies on an adventure to help Chuckie after his own courageous endeavor goes horribly wrong.
The series stars E.G. Daily as Tommy Pickles, Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as both Phil and Lil DeVille, all of whom are reprising their iconic roles.
The series also features new voices, including Ashley Rae Spillers and Tommy Dewey, who voice Tommy’s parents, Didi and Stu Pickles, respectively; Tony Hale as Chuckie’s father, Chas Finster; Natalie Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother, Betty DeVille; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons as Angelica’s parents, Charlotte and Drew Pickles, respectively; Nicole Byer and Omar Miller as Susie’s parents, Lucy and Randy Carmichael,...
- 5/5/2021
- by Haley Bosselman and Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Nickelodeon is filling out the “Rugrats” voice cast for its grown-ups.
Joining the upcoming revival will be: Ashley Spillers and Tommy Dewey as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer and Omar Miller as Susie’s parents; and Michael McKean as Grandpa Lou Pickles.
The series will premiere this spring on Paramount+.
The CG-animated series returns the original voice cast for the children: E.G. Daily reprise her role as Tommy Pickles alongside Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil DeVille.
“This incredibly talented group of actors provides a fresh and very funny take on these iconic roles, combining humor with heart to bring the characters to life in a whole new way,” said Liz Paulson,...
Joining the upcoming revival will be: Ashley Spillers and Tommy Dewey as Tommy’s parents; Tony Hale as Chuckie’s father; Natalie Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons as Angelica’s parents; Nicole Byer and Omar Miller as Susie’s parents; and Michael McKean as Grandpa Lou Pickles.
The series will premiere this spring on Paramount+.
The CG-animated series returns the original voice cast for the children: E.G. Daily reprise her role as Tommy Pickles alongside Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil DeVille.
“This incredibly talented group of actors provides a fresh and very funny take on these iconic roles, combining humor with heart to bring the characters to life in a whole new way,” said Liz Paulson,...
- 3/18/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Nicole Byer, Tony Hale and Natalie Morales are among the voice talent tapped for the adult roles in Paramount+’s Rugrats series revival. Hale will play Chuckie’s father, Morales as Phil and Lil’s mother and Byer, with Omar Miller, as Susie’s parents.
Also joining the original cast members who voice the adventurous titular toddlers are Ashley Spillers (Vice Principals) and Tommy Dewey, as Tommy’s parents; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons, as Angelica’s parents; and Michael McKean, as Grandpa Lou Pickles. The reimagining is set to debut on Paramount+ this spring. The announcement was made in conjunction with Nickelodeon’s virtual upfront presentation.
Reprising their original Rugrats roles are E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil).
In an interview with Deadline, Nickelodeon President Brian Robbins addressed the decision to keep the original core original...
Also joining the original cast members who voice the adventurous titular toddlers are Ashley Spillers (Vice Principals) and Tommy Dewey, as Tommy’s parents; Anna Chlumsky and Timothy Simons, as Angelica’s parents; and Michael McKean, as Grandpa Lou Pickles. The reimagining is set to debut on Paramount+ this spring. The announcement was made in conjunction with Nickelodeon’s virtual upfront presentation.
Reprising their original Rugrats roles are E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil).
In an interview with Deadline, Nickelodeon President Brian Robbins addressed the decision to keep the original core original...
- 3/18/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Nickelodeon cartoons “Dora the Explorer” and “The Fairly OddParents” are getting live-action series on Paramount+.
“Dora” will target kids aged 6-11 and their families, Nick said. The original “Dora the Explorer” cartoon launched in 2000 and wrapped in 2019, the same year the live-action “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” was released theatrically. That film, which starred Isabela Merced in the titular role, made about $120 million worldwide on a budget of $49 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
“The Fairly OddParents,” meanwhile, is one of Nick’s longest-running and most successful animated series.
The announcement was among the deluge of news shared on Wednesday during ViacomCBS’ streaming investor day. Brian Robbins, the president of kids and family entertainment at ViacomCBS, had the honor of sharing this one.
In addition to these live-action shows, Nickelodeon properties “Rugrats” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” are also getting new versions for Paramount+, which launches on March...
“Dora” will target kids aged 6-11 and their families, Nick said. The original “Dora the Explorer” cartoon launched in 2000 and wrapped in 2019, the same year the live-action “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” was released theatrically. That film, which starred Isabela Merced in the titular role, made about $120 million worldwide on a budget of $49 million, according to Box Office Mojo.
“The Fairly OddParents,” meanwhile, is one of Nick’s longest-running and most successful animated series.
The announcement was among the deluge of news shared on Wednesday during ViacomCBS’ streaming investor day. Brian Robbins, the president of kids and family entertainment at ViacomCBS, had the honor of sharing this one.
In addition to these live-action shows, Nickelodeon properties “Rugrats” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” are also getting new versions for Paramount+, which launches on March...
- 2/24/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Prepare yourselves for the return of Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Angelica Pickles, Susie Carmichael and Phil and Lil DeVille.
An all-new “Rugrats” CG-animated series is slated to premiere on streaming service Paramount Plus (née CBS All Access) in 2021, announced Nickelodeon at ViacomCBS’ investor day.
Set to reprise their roles are stars E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil). Nickelodeon Animation Studio is producing the revival, which promises to follow the toddlers as “they explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point-of-view.”
The original “Rugrats” series, which debuted in 1991 on Nickelodeon, ran for nine seasons across 13 years, earning four Daytime Emmys and six Kids’ Choice Awards.
“Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience,...
An all-new “Rugrats” CG-animated series is slated to premiere on streaming service Paramount Plus (née CBS All Access) in 2021, announced Nickelodeon at ViacomCBS’ investor day.
Set to reprise their roles are stars E.G. Daily (Tommy), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie), Cheryl Chase (Angelica), Cree Summer (Susie) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil). Nickelodeon Animation Studio is producing the revival, which promises to follow the toddlers as “they explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point-of-view.”
The original “Rugrats” series, which debuted in 1991 on Nickelodeon, ran for nine seasons across 13 years, earning four Daytime Emmys and six Kids’ Choice Awards.
“Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience,...
- 2/24/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The Rugrats gang is coming back in more ways than one. Nickelodeon has revealed that the voice cast behind the original 1991 animated series will reprise their roles for the revival show at Paramount+.
Returning to voice the iconic cartoon toddlers are E.G. Daily (Tommy Pickles), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie Finster), Cheryl Chase (Angelica Pickles), Cree Summer (Susie Carmichael) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil DeVille). The CG-reimagining of the beloved series follows the toddlers as they explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point-of-view. You can watch a first-look clip above.
“Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation. “Having the voice cast behind these special characters come together is one of the essential pieces...
Returning to voice the iconic cartoon toddlers are E.G. Daily (Tommy Pickles), Nancy Cartwright (Chuckie Finster), Cheryl Chase (Angelica Pickles), Cree Summer (Susie Carmichael) and Kath Soucie (Phil and Lil DeVille). The CG-reimagining of the beloved series follows the toddlers as they explore the world and beyond from their pint-sized and wildly imaginative point-of-view. You can watch a first-look clip above.
“Rugrats is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand-new audience,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Nickelodeon Animation. “Having the voice cast behind these special characters come together is one of the essential pieces...
- 2/24/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+’s upcoming “Rugrats” revival will reunite the entire voice cast from the original run of the Nickelodeon series, the network announced Wednesday.
The CG-animated series will see E.G. Daily reprise her role as Tommy Pickles alongside Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil DeVille.
“‘Rugrats’ is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand new audience,” Ramsey Naito, president of Nickelodeon Animation, said. “Having the voice cast behind these special characters come together is one of the essential pieces to making the show recognizable and we can’t wait to watch this talented group bring them to life again.”
Based on the 1991 Nickelodeon series, the “Rugrats” revival follows a group of...
The CG-animated series will see E.G. Daily reprise her role as Tommy Pickles alongside Nancy Cartwright as Chuckie Finster, Cheryl Chase as Angelica Pickles, Cree Summer as Susie Carmichael and Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil DeVille.
“‘Rugrats’ is one of the most iconic cartoons recognized by fans around the globe, and this original version is one we are taking great care and pride in creating for a brand new audience,” Ramsey Naito, president of Nickelodeon Animation, said. “Having the voice cast behind these special characters come together is one of the essential pieces to making the show recognizable and we can’t wait to watch this talented group bring them to life again.”
Based on the 1991 Nickelodeon series, the “Rugrats” revival follows a group of...
- 2/24/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Paramount has hired family film specialist David Bowers as the director of its upcoming live-action/CG “Rugrats” movie.
Bowers directed the second, third and fourth “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movies. He also directed the animated movies “Astro Boy” and “Flushed Away.”
Producers are Brian Robbins, series creator Gabor Csupo and Karen Rosenfelt. “Rugrats” is being produced through the studio’s Paramount Players division. Paramount has set a Jan. 29, 2021 release date.
“Rugrats” is based on animated children’s television series created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain for Nickelodeon. The show, which first aired in 1991, ran for nine seasons with 176 episodes and focused on the comic adventures of a group of toddlers including Tommy, Chuckie, twins Phil and Lil, and Angelica. The studio released three animated “Rugrats” movies between 1998 and 2003.
The script for the movie was written by David A. Goodman, who had gained notice over the past...
Bowers directed the second, third and fourth “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movies. He also directed the animated movies “Astro Boy” and “Flushed Away.”
Producers are Brian Robbins, series creator Gabor Csupo and Karen Rosenfelt. “Rugrats” is being produced through the studio’s Paramount Players division. Paramount has set a Jan. 29, 2021 release date.
“Rugrats” is based on animated children’s television series created by Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain for Nickelodeon. The show, which first aired in 1991, ran for nine seasons with 176 episodes and focused on the comic adventures of a group of toddlers including Tommy, Chuckie, twins Phil and Lil, and Angelica. The studio released three animated “Rugrats” movies between 1998 and 2003.
The script for the movie was written by David A. Goodman, who had gained notice over the past...
- 4/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” director David Bowers has been tapped to direct Paramount Players’ live-action “Rugrats” movie, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The popular Nicktoon show ran from 1991 to 2004 and followed a group of toddlers — Tommy, Chuckie, Phil and Lil and Angelica — through their day-to-day lives as well as their big adventures.
Three other animated “Rugrats” movie were released between 1998 and 2003.
Also Read: 'Rugrats' Gets Nickelodeon Revival, Live-Action Film From Paramount Players
David Goodman wrote the script, and Gabor Csupo (who created the show alongside Arlene Klasky and Paul Germain) and President of Nickelodeon Brian Robbins are producing. Paramount Players will release the film on Jan. 29, 2021.
Bowers directed three of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” films, as well as “Flushed Away” and “Astro Boy.” He also wrote the screenplay for “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” and “Danny and the Dinosaur.
The popular Nicktoon show ran from 1991 to 2004 and followed a group of toddlers — Tommy, Chuckie, Phil and Lil and Angelica — through their day-to-day lives as well as their big adventures.
Three other animated “Rugrats” movie were released between 1998 and 2003.
Also Read: 'Rugrats' Gets Nickelodeon Revival, Live-Action Film From Paramount Players
David Goodman wrote the script, and Gabor Csupo (who created the show alongside Arlene Klasky and Paul Germain) and President of Nickelodeon Brian Robbins are producing. Paramount Players will release the film on Jan. 29, 2021.
Bowers directed three of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” films, as well as “Flushed Away” and “Astro Boy.” He also wrote the screenplay for “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” and “Danny and the Dinosaur.
- 4/26/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
As Nickelodeon turns 40, Variety breaks down some of the network’s most important titles to date.
“All That”
“All That” launched careers in its 1994-2005 run, and is being resurrected with a new cast and many of the same producers this summer. “It just seemed like a quirky, different hang out for kids,” says original cast member Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) who is coming back as an executive producer on the reboot.
“Blue’s Clues & You!”
“Blue’s Clues & You!,” premiering in November, reinvents the 1996-2007 hit for another generation. Series co-creator Angela Santomero looked at specific elements of the original when reviving the show, including music: “How can we make sure fans can sing along, but kids of today feel like it’s a show for them?”
“Dora the Explorer”
“Dora the Explorer” comes back as a live-action movie in August. “The reason to make that movie wasn...
“All That”
“All That” launched careers in its 1994-2005 run, and is being resurrected with a new cast and many of the same producers this summer. “It just seemed like a quirky, different hang out for kids,” says original cast member Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) who is coming back as an executive producer on the reboot.
“Blue’s Clues & You!”
“Blue’s Clues & You!,” premiering in November, reinvents the 1996-2007 hit for another generation. Series co-creator Angela Santomero looked at specific elements of the original when reviving the show, including music: “How can we make sure fans can sing along, but kids of today feel like it’s a show for them?”
“Dora the Explorer”
“Dora the Explorer” comes back as a live-action movie in August. “The reason to make that movie wasn...
- 3/20/2019
- by Rob Owen
- Variety Film + TV
As you undoubtedly know, San Diego’s Comic-Con International happened this past weekend, and I was fortunate to be amongst the tens of thousands of attendees. There was, as always, a mega-ton to see and do, and it was hard to keep the Fomo (Fear Of Missing Out) from getting completely out of control over the 4.5 days of the con. To stay sane, though, at some point you just have to accept that you’re going to miss a bunch, and focus on what you do have the opportunity to see.
This year, one of my main interests was what Nickelodeon was showcasing. Of course, Nickelodeon is always on my radar, and particularly the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, which I adore. But even beyond the coolness that is the Tmnt, this year, Nickelodeon was focusing on its past – in the best way possible. Through its late-night programming block of “The Splat,...
This year, one of my main interests was what Nickelodeon was showcasing. Of course, Nickelodeon is always on my radar, and particularly the current Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, which I adore. But even beyond the coolness that is the Tmnt, this year, Nickelodeon was focusing on its past – in the best way possible. Through its late-night programming block of “The Splat,...
- 7/30/2016
- by Emily S. Whitten
- Comicmix.com
DoP behind Taxi Driver, The Lost Boys and Michael Jackson’s Bad to receive lifetime award.
Cinematographer Michael Chapman, two-time Oscar nominated for Raging Bull (1980) and The Fugative (1993), is to receive a lifetime achievement award at Camerimage.
The 24th International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography will be held in Bydgoszcz, Poland from Nov 12-19.
When he retired from filmmaking in 2006, Chapman’s left a legacy of more than four decades of film images places him among the elite of Us cinematographers.
Born near Boston in 1935, Chapman’s most important partnerships was with Us director Martin Scorsese, his collaborator on several film projects.
A few years before Raging Bull, they had made Taxi Driver. During the second half of the 1970s, Chapman also worked on Scorsese documentaries The Last Waltz and American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince.
After making his directorial debut in 1983 with All the Right Moves - starring a then unknown [link=nm...
Cinematographer Michael Chapman, two-time Oscar nominated for Raging Bull (1980) and The Fugative (1993), is to receive a lifetime achievement award at Camerimage.
The 24th International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography will be held in Bydgoszcz, Poland from Nov 12-19.
When he retired from filmmaking in 2006, Chapman’s left a legacy of more than four decades of film images places him among the elite of Us cinematographers.
Born near Boston in 1935, Chapman’s most important partnerships was with Us director Martin Scorsese, his collaborator on several film projects.
A few years before Raging Bull, they had made Taxi Driver. During the second half of the 1970s, Chapman also worked on Scorsese documentaries The Last Waltz and American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince.
After making his directorial debut in 1983 with All the Right Moves - starring a then unknown [link=nm...
- 7/6/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
I participated in a Dreamago panel moderated by WGA-West VP and USC film writing prof and an artistic director at the Sundance Institute Wrting Labs, Howard Rodman.
Other panelists included Vince Fischer who, having been educated and working in Paris, Montreal, New York in business and advertising, event production, and creating the endorsement agency GlamCom which initiates deals between celebrities and products, such as he did with George Clooney and Nespresso, has gone on to create Artistic Alliance Eci which represents screenwriters, directors and actors with offices in Beijing, L.a. and Paris, to match people and projects abroad. Daniel Hsia, the writer/ director of Shanghai Calling, (Isa: Aldamisa) a U.S. - China co-production distributed in China by China Film Group and in So. Korea by Sookie and due to be released in Norht America in 2013 works with Janet Yang and is eager to do more co-productions in China though he admits to difficulties with censors, etc. You can see the trailer of Shanghai Calling here.
Neil Landau who wrote Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, the 3D animated feature Tad: The Lost Explores from Paramount which is the highest grossing animated film in Spain's history and the #1 Spanish box ofice movie of the year, is now working on its sequel and another animated feature by the same director. His latest screenplay is being produced by Cary Brokaw for Avenue Pictures (The Player, Closer, Angels in America). He is curretnly developing an original miniseries for HBO for the Russian Market and a crime drama for Sreda in Moscow.
Paula Manzanedo-Schmitt is VP of Film Finances Inc. the world leader in completion guarantees. She has been involved in more than 1,000 films and TV programs internationally and in U.S. She spoke of the various cross-cultural requisites in film production abroad.
The discussion centered around whether filmmakers could make a film without the notorioius interference of studios (they should all be so lucky as to have this problem). In other words, the panelists discussed their experiences making films with Russians and Chinese. All agreed that working abroad, and especially with international sales agents who also produce allows for greater freedom of vision (although in China the reward is writng so that China censorship does not interfere because one has written to their specifications). All agreed also that there is a certain cross-cultural divide one must discover in order to work effectively.
My suggestions for finding a way to create without corporate interferences are listed below:
** Coproduce with Canada who has the most coproduction treaties in the world, or go directly to producers or sales agents who do not rely on treaties.
** Work with international sales agents who produce international coproductions which include U.S., or with the producers of those films who now have established track records.
Take a look at Level K, Tine Klint's relatively new Danish company which is preselling films from U.K., Canada and Australia:
Not Another Happy Ending by Brit John McKay 33 Liberty Lane by Canadian Peter Hewitt The Turning by Australian Cate Blanchett and Robert Connelly starring Emily Watson The Last Ocean by New Zealander Peter Young
French sales agent Films Distribution is selling
Marina Zenovich's doc Roman Polanski: Odd Man Out which Showtime acquired for U.S. TV. Citadel from Ireland has sold to Cinedigm/ New Video for U.S. and Mongrel for Canada. 30 Beats from the U.S. sold to Roadside Attractions for U.S. and Codex Media And Advertising Corporation for Turkey.
Other French companies are doing likewise.
Studio Canal is selling
Liz Garbus' Love, Marilyn - though this was picked up complete at Tiff 12. Don Mazer's I Give It A Year from the U.K. and produced by Tim Bevan. It began presales in Cannes.
Celluloid Dreams is selling
Greetings From Tim Buckley--U.S.-Tiff 12 Special Presentations World Premiere - Director: Daniel Algrant The Comedian a U.K. comedy by Tom Shkolnik Francis Ha - U.S. - Tiff 12. by Noah Baumbach Satellite Boy - Australia The Conspiracy - U.K.
Snd is preselling The Love Punch an English language French comedy
Wild Bunch is selling
Blood Ties written by James Gray, directed by Guillaume Canet, Cast : Billy Crudup, Clive Owen, Marion Cottillard, Mila Kunis, Zoe Saldana, Producers: Alain Attal (Les Productions du Tresor), Hugo Selignac, John Lesher.
This very American sotry takes place in New York, 1974. Chris Pierzynski has just been released after years in prison for his part in a gangland murder. Waiting reluctantly outside the prison gates is his younger brother, Frank, a cop with a bright future. Chris and Frank have always been different, and their father, who raised them alone, has always favored Chris - despite all his troubles. Frank has known this since they were kids, and it eats at him like nothing else.
It has presold to Belgium-Lumière, Scandinvia -Scanbox Entertainment, Netherlands-Lumiere, Romania-Independenta Film, Switzerland-Frenetic Films, Turkey-Codex Media, Ukraine Top Film Distribution
Maniac by Franck Khalfoun U.S. English Horror, Writers : Alexandre Aja, Gregory Levasseur, Cast : Elijah Wood, Nora Arnezeder, America Olivo, Producers : Thomas Langmann (La Petite Reine), Alexandre Aja. It has presold to Germany -Ascot Elite, Japan - Comstock Only God Forbids by Nicolas Winding Refn from Denmark, in English has been selliing since Berlin 2012 and has sold to Bulgaria-A Plus Films Ltd., Germany-Tiberius Film Gmbh & Co. Kg, Hungary-Budapest Film (Distributor), Hungary-Mtva, Italy-Italian International Film, Korea (South)-Daisy & Cinergy Entertainment, Poland-Gutek Film Ltd, Romania-Independenta Film, Turkey-Calinos Films
Global Screen (Germany) has many English language films, some originating from U.S. and English speaking countries and others from non-English speaking countries.
• No Place on Earth (The Cave) by Emmy Award winning director Janet Tobias a U.S., U.K., German co-production. the doc tells the longest recorded underground survival story in human history, when 5 Jewish families descended into a pitch black cave to escape the Nazis for 511 days.
Hungaricom Ltd (Hungary) has the English language animated comedy feature The Secret of Moonacre and Immigrants - L.A. Dolce Vita both produced by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo, and Gabor Kalomista, a Los Angeles based company with Hungarian born principals. The synopsis of Immigrants is worth repeating: More people immigrate to America than to all other countries in the whole world combined. Why? Is it because they love hot dogs and hamburgers? Or because they want to meet Snoop Dogg or have a close encounter with Pamela Anderson? Maybe. But the real reason is – immigrants go to the U.S. to chase the American dream. Immigrants is the story of Vladislav (a Russian), and Joska (a Hungarian). Both are immigrants and best friends, living and chasing the American dream together. Vlad has a daughter, Ana, who’s adapting to life in America at the speed of light, while her dad is in complete culture shock. They stay at the Vista del Mar, an apartment complex run by an old failed actress, Greta Knight, who is always after Vlad for sexual favors. The building is home to immigrants from all over the world: Flaco, a friend from Mexico; Mr. Chea, who runs a Chinese family restaurant; Nazim, a former Pakistani nuclear scientist who drives a tour bus; and Mr. Splits, an old black pimp. We follow Vlad and Joska in their adventures… through their encounter with the American capitalist company Glut-co, through their attempt to open a Russian/Hungarian restaurant, and as their friendship is put in jeopardy when they hit the L.A. night scene. All the while Vlad is looking for a way to make a life for himself and his daughter; and Joska… well, Joska is mainly looking for women.
If Niel Landau's adventures in Russia appeal to you, but you don't have the connections there, visit Rosskino and the L.A. based Eleonora Granata Russian Film Commissioner or produce in Russia through international sales agents which were founded by Russian-Americans who know both cultures such as Aldamisa (where longtime Disney acquisitons VP Jere Hausfater is now looking for projects), 108 Media who has Myn Bala the Kazahkistan submission for Best Foreign Language Academy Award nomination is Canadian owned, or Red Sea, all of whom are Russian – American and/ or Canadian owned.
Singapore is looking for Looking for copros and Icon has stepped up to the plate with James Wan Presents House of Horrors, an English language U.S. horror film now in pre-productions. In the aftermath of a horrific massacre, lead Detective, Mark Lewis, and the police department’s psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Klein, question a suspect for the brutal murder of five college students. This has been preselling at Cannes 2012 (Line up), Afm 2011, Cannes 2011 and Berlin Efm 2012. Directed by Javier Guttierrez, written by James Wan and Max La Bella it will be distributed in Singapore by Cathay.
British companies are also packaging and preselling U.S. films:
Content is selling American indies 96 Minutes, Hick, Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence In The House Of God by Alex Gibney
Stealth Indie (Michael Cowan) is selling two U.S. indies, Crave and The Giant Mechanical Man
Bankside has a deal with New York based Killer Films for Innocence, now in post. This thriller is a modern-gothic vampire story where a recently bereaved teenage girl finds herself the focus of everyone’s attention at her elitist private school where life is steeped in tradition and ceremony.It has been preselling this at Afm 2011 and 2012, Toronto and Cannes 2011 and it has presold to Le Pacte for France, Videovision for So. Africa, Umut Sanat Filmcilik for Turkey, Shooting Stars for UAE.
Ealing Metro is preselling
Nina directed and written by Cynthia Mort, a U.S. production, a biopic about Nina Simone, a tormented genius who eventually finds love and peace. Produced by Barnaby Thompson, Stuart Parr, Mark Burton and Ben Latham Jones, it has presold since Toronto 2011 to Orlando for Israel, Entertainment One for Benelux, Cinesky has U.S. Better Living Through Chemistry directed and written by David Posamentier, a U.S. comedy now in post-production.A straight-laced pharmacist's uneventful life spirals out of control when he starts an affair with a dangerously seductive customer who takes him on a joyride with explosive consequenses involving sex, drugs and possibly murder. Starring Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan and Ray Liotta, produced by Felipe Marino, Joe Neurater and Keith Calder, it has presold to Metro Pictures of India. Bailout is being presold. One morning Matt Prior wakes up to find himself jobless, crippled with debt, convinced his wife is having an affair and six days away from losing his home. Bailout is a hysterical, heartfelt tale of how we can reach the edge of ruin and begin to make our way back.
Salt is preselling Welcome to the Jungle, a U.S. comedy directed by Rob Meltzer, written by Jeff Kauffman, produced by Justin Kanew and Luillo Ruiz and starring Adam Brody, Dennis Haysbert, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kristen Schaal, Megan Boone and Rob Huebel. A group of co-workers including Chris (Adam Brody) get stranded on a desert island when their nutty teambuilding coach (Jean Claude Van Damme) is mauled by a wild cougar. in the spirit of "lost in the wilderness" comedies such as Tropic Thunder and workplace comedies like The Office, Welcome to the Jungle is a rare beast in today's market: a comedy that delivers on the laughs - both the high and the lowbrow. It has already presold to Front Row for the Middle East.
Westend is preselling Joe which will start shooting this month be delivered in 2013. It is to be directed by David Gordon Green, produced by lisa Muskat and stars Nicholas Cage. Joe is the story of a man who becomes the unlikeliest of role models to 15-year-old Gary Jones, the oldest child of a family ruled by a worthless father. Together they try to find a path to redemption and the hope for a better life in the rugged, dirty world of a small Southern town. Joe is the story of the last hold-out of the cowboy age, when it was okay to shoot up a bar room or tell a lady what to do.
Other panelists included Vince Fischer who, having been educated and working in Paris, Montreal, New York in business and advertising, event production, and creating the endorsement agency GlamCom which initiates deals between celebrities and products, such as he did with George Clooney and Nespresso, has gone on to create Artistic Alliance Eci which represents screenwriters, directors and actors with offices in Beijing, L.a. and Paris, to match people and projects abroad. Daniel Hsia, the writer/ director of Shanghai Calling, (Isa: Aldamisa) a U.S. - China co-production distributed in China by China Film Group and in So. Korea by Sookie and due to be released in Norht America in 2013 works with Janet Yang and is eager to do more co-productions in China though he admits to difficulties with censors, etc. You can see the trailer of Shanghai Calling here.
Neil Landau who wrote Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, the 3D animated feature Tad: The Lost Explores from Paramount which is the highest grossing animated film in Spain's history and the #1 Spanish box ofice movie of the year, is now working on its sequel and another animated feature by the same director. His latest screenplay is being produced by Cary Brokaw for Avenue Pictures (The Player, Closer, Angels in America). He is curretnly developing an original miniseries for HBO for the Russian Market and a crime drama for Sreda in Moscow.
Paula Manzanedo-Schmitt is VP of Film Finances Inc. the world leader in completion guarantees. She has been involved in more than 1,000 films and TV programs internationally and in U.S. She spoke of the various cross-cultural requisites in film production abroad.
The discussion centered around whether filmmakers could make a film without the notorioius interference of studios (they should all be so lucky as to have this problem). In other words, the panelists discussed their experiences making films with Russians and Chinese. All agreed that working abroad, and especially with international sales agents who also produce allows for greater freedom of vision (although in China the reward is writng so that China censorship does not interfere because one has written to their specifications). All agreed also that there is a certain cross-cultural divide one must discover in order to work effectively.
My suggestions for finding a way to create without corporate interferences are listed below:
** Coproduce with Canada who has the most coproduction treaties in the world, or go directly to producers or sales agents who do not rely on treaties.
** Work with international sales agents who produce international coproductions which include U.S., or with the producers of those films who now have established track records.
Take a look at Level K, Tine Klint's relatively new Danish company which is preselling films from U.K., Canada and Australia:
Not Another Happy Ending by Brit John McKay 33 Liberty Lane by Canadian Peter Hewitt The Turning by Australian Cate Blanchett and Robert Connelly starring Emily Watson The Last Ocean by New Zealander Peter Young
French sales agent Films Distribution is selling
Marina Zenovich's doc Roman Polanski: Odd Man Out which Showtime acquired for U.S. TV. Citadel from Ireland has sold to Cinedigm/ New Video for U.S. and Mongrel for Canada. 30 Beats from the U.S. sold to Roadside Attractions for U.S. and Codex Media And Advertising Corporation for Turkey.
Other French companies are doing likewise.
Studio Canal is selling
Liz Garbus' Love, Marilyn - though this was picked up complete at Tiff 12. Don Mazer's I Give It A Year from the U.K. and produced by Tim Bevan. It began presales in Cannes.
Celluloid Dreams is selling
Greetings From Tim Buckley--U.S.-Tiff 12 Special Presentations World Premiere - Director: Daniel Algrant The Comedian a U.K. comedy by Tom Shkolnik Francis Ha - U.S. - Tiff 12. by Noah Baumbach Satellite Boy - Australia The Conspiracy - U.K.
Snd is preselling The Love Punch an English language French comedy
Wild Bunch is selling
Blood Ties written by James Gray, directed by Guillaume Canet, Cast : Billy Crudup, Clive Owen, Marion Cottillard, Mila Kunis, Zoe Saldana, Producers: Alain Attal (Les Productions du Tresor), Hugo Selignac, John Lesher.
This very American sotry takes place in New York, 1974. Chris Pierzynski has just been released after years in prison for his part in a gangland murder. Waiting reluctantly outside the prison gates is his younger brother, Frank, a cop with a bright future. Chris and Frank have always been different, and their father, who raised them alone, has always favored Chris - despite all his troubles. Frank has known this since they were kids, and it eats at him like nothing else.
It has presold to Belgium-Lumière, Scandinvia -Scanbox Entertainment, Netherlands-Lumiere, Romania-Independenta Film, Switzerland-Frenetic Films, Turkey-Codex Media, Ukraine Top Film Distribution
Maniac by Franck Khalfoun U.S. English Horror, Writers : Alexandre Aja, Gregory Levasseur, Cast : Elijah Wood, Nora Arnezeder, America Olivo, Producers : Thomas Langmann (La Petite Reine), Alexandre Aja. It has presold to Germany -Ascot Elite, Japan - Comstock Only God Forbids by Nicolas Winding Refn from Denmark, in English has been selliing since Berlin 2012 and has sold to Bulgaria-A Plus Films Ltd., Germany-Tiberius Film Gmbh & Co. Kg, Hungary-Budapest Film (Distributor), Hungary-Mtva, Italy-Italian International Film, Korea (South)-Daisy & Cinergy Entertainment, Poland-Gutek Film Ltd, Romania-Independenta Film, Turkey-Calinos Films
Global Screen (Germany) has many English language films, some originating from U.S. and English speaking countries and others from non-English speaking countries.
• No Place on Earth (The Cave) by Emmy Award winning director Janet Tobias a U.S., U.K., German co-production. the doc tells the longest recorded underground survival story in human history, when 5 Jewish families descended into a pitch black cave to escape the Nazis for 511 days.
Hungaricom Ltd (Hungary) has the English language animated comedy feature The Secret of Moonacre and Immigrants - L.A. Dolce Vita both produced by Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo, and Gabor Kalomista, a Los Angeles based company with Hungarian born principals. The synopsis of Immigrants is worth repeating: More people immigrate to America than to all other countries in the whole world combined. Why? Is it because they love hot dogs and hamburgers? Or because they want to meet Snoop Dogg or have a close encounter with Pamela Anderson? Maybe. But the real reason is – immigrants go to the U.S. to chase the American dream. Immigrants is the story of Vladislav (a Russian), and Joska (a Hungarian). Both are immigrants and best friends, living and chasing the American dream together. Vlad has a daughter, Ana, who’s adapting to life in America at the speed of light, while her dad is in complete culture shock. They stay at the Vista del Mar, an apartment complex run by an old failed actress, Greta Knight, who is always after Vlad for sexual favors. The building is home to immigrants from all over the world: Flaco, a friend from Mexico; Mr. Chea, who runs a Chinese family restaurant; Nazim, a former Pakistani nuclear scientist who drives a tour bus; and Mr. Splits, an old black pimp. We follow Vlad and Joska in their adventures… through their encounter with the American capitalist company Glut-co, through their attempt to open a Russian/Hungarian restaurant, and as their friendship is put in jeopardy when they hit the L.A. night scene. All the while Vlad is looking for a way to make a life for himself and his daughter; and Joska… well, Joska is mainly looking for women.
If Niel Landau's adventures in Russia appeal to you, but you don't have the connections there, visit Rosskino and the L.A. based Eleonora Granata Russian Film Commissioner or produce in Russia through international sales agents which were founded by Russian-Americans who know both cultures such as Aldamisa (where longtime Disney acquisitons VP Jere Hausfater is now looking for projects), 108 Media who has Myn Bala the Kazahkistan submission for Best Foreign Language Academy Award nomination is Canadian owned, or Red Sea, all of whom are Russian – American and/ or Canadian owned.
Singapore is looking for Looking for copros and Icon has stepped up to the plate with James Wan Presents House of Horrors, an English language U.S. horror film now in pre-productions. In the aftermath of a horrific massacre, lead Detective, Mark Lewis, and the police department’s psychologist, Dr. Elizabeth Klein, question a suspect for the brutal murder of five college students. This has been preselling at Cannes 2012 (Line up), Afm 2011, Cannes 2011 and Berlin Efm 2012. Directed by Javier Guttierrez, written by James Wan and Max La Bella it will be distributed in Singapore by Cathay.
British companies are also packaging and preselling U.S. films:
Content is selling American indies 96 Minutes, Hick, Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence In The House Of God by Alex Gibney
Stealth Indie (Michael Cowan) is selling two U.S. indies, Crave and The Giant Mechanical Man
Bankside has a deal with New York based Killer Films for Innocence, now in post. This thriller is a modern-gothic vampire story where a recently bereaved teenage girl finds herself the focus of everyone’s attention at her elitist private school where life is steeped in tradition and ceremony.It has been preselling this at Afm 2011 and 2012, Toronto and Cannes 2011 and it has presold to Le Pacte for France, Videovision for So. Africa, Umut Sanat Filmcilik for Turkey, Shooting Stars for UAE.
Ealing Metro is preselling
Nina directed and written by Cynthia Mort, a U.S. production, a biopic about Nina Simone, a tormented genius who eventually finds love and peace. Produced by Barnaby Thompson, Stuart Parr, Mark Burton and Ben Latham Jones, it has presold since Toronto 2011 to Orlando for Israel, Entertainment One for Benelux, Cinesky has U.S. Better Living Through Chemistry directed and written by David Posamentier, a U.S. comedy now in post-production.A straight-laced pharmacist's uneventful life spirals out of control when he starts an affair with a dangerously seductive customer who takes him on a joyride with explosive consequenses involving sex, drugs and possibly murder. Starring Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, Michelle Monaghan and Ray Liotta, produced by Felipe Marino, Joe Neurater and Keith Calder, it has presold to Metro Pictures of India. Bailout is being presold. One morning Matt Prior wakes up to find himself jobless, crippled with debt, convinced his wife is having an affair and six days away from losing his home. Bailout is a hysterical, heartfelt tale of how we can reach the edge of ruin and begin to make our way back.
Salt is preselling Welcome to the Jungle, a U.S. comedy directed by Rob Meltzer, written by Jeff Kauffman, produced by Justin Kanew and Luillo Ruiz and starring Adam Brody, Dennis Haysbert, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kristen Schaal, Megan Boone and Rob Huebel. A group of co-workers including Chris (Adam Brody) get stranded on a desert island when their nutty teambuilding coach (Jean Claude Van Damme) is mauled by a wild cougar. in the spirit of "lost in the wilderness" comedies such as Tropic Thunder and workplace comedies like The Office, Welcome to the Jungle is a rare beast in today's market: a comedy that delivers on the laughs - both the high and the lowbrow. It has already presold to Front Row for the Middle East.
Westend is preselling Joe which will start shooting this month be delivered in 2013. It is to be directed by David Gordon Green, produced by lisa Muskat and stars Nicholas Cage. Joe is the story of a man who becomes the unlikeliest of role models to 15-year-old Gary Jones, the oldest child of a family ruled by a worthless father. Together they try to find a path to redemption and the hope for a better life in the rugged, dirty world of a small Southern town. Joe is the story of the last hold-out of the cowboy age, when it was okay to shoot up a bar room or tell a lady what to do.
- 11/5/2012
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Arlene Klasky and her partner, Gábor Csupó, formed Klasky Csupo, Inc. in 1981. While they have worked on numerous projects over the years, and still continue to do so, they are perhaps best known for the creation of the Emmy Award-winning Rugrats and The Wild Thornberries. With big screen box office hits such as The Rugrats Movie (1998), it's unlikely that you will be unfamiliar with the Klasky's work, while many of you (myself included) will have grown up watching shows such as those mentioned above. The studio is now working on two new digital comic books, Ollie Mongo Adventures in the Apocalypse and Splaat!. Recently, I was able to quiz Arlene Klasky on all of the above and much more (including the online debut of never-before-seen animated pilots). Links to where you can see all of these can be found in the interview below. Firstly, can you tell us about the...
- 8/8/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
It's been almost a decade since everyone's favorite bunch of toddlers were crawling around the animation studios at Nickelodeon. And longer still since we saw the Rugrats on the big-screen. Well, it seems like the long wait is finally over because Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil and Angelica are all coming back to theaters and this time in glorious live-action. Here's the red-band trailer for the Rugrats movie. Wait. What? Red-band trailer? I guess they have really grown up since their last adventure. Of course, there isn't a real Rugrats movie in production that would actually require a red-band trailer. Writer/director Ryan Perez has taken more than a few liberties in adapting the beloved children's cartoon from Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain, the biggest might be the desire to make it "the most disturbing film ever made." I don't think I'd go that far (Salò anyone?) but ...
- 1/18/2012
- cinemablend.com
Man on Wire's James Marsh among just three film-makers to repay lottery funding in full since 2006, according to recent report
Who is Britain's most commercially successful film-maker of the past five years – at least among those backed by lottery money from the UK Film Council? Take a bow, James Marsh. His Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire repaid 100% of its UKFC investment, and his chimpanzee documentary Project Nim is set to follow suit.
According to figures published quietly in Hansard last week by culture minister Ed Vaizey, only two other films since 2006 – St Trinian's and The King's Speech – have so far returned their lottery cash in full. Streetdance 3D is also expected to do so.
And who must own up to being the least successful of Britain's lottery-subsidised film-makers? According to the figures, that unwanted honour goes to Stephen Frears. Two of his recent films have received some £1.7m...
Who is Britain's most commercially successful film-maker of the past five years – at least among those backed by lottery money from the UK Film Council? Take a bow, James Marsh. His Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire repaid 100% of its UKFC investment, and his chimpanzee documentary Project Nim is set to follow suit.
According to figures published quietly in Hansard last week by culture minister Ed Vaizey, only two other films since 2006 – St Trinian's and The King's Speech – have so far returned their lottery cash in full. Streetdance 3D is also expected to do so.
And who must own up to being the least successful of Britain's lottery-subsidised film-makers? According to the figures, that unwanted honour goes to Stephen Frears. Two of his recent films have received some £1.7m...
- 7/29/2011
- by Adam Dawtrey
- The Guardian - Film News
The Secret of Moonacre wants to be a fantasy, a family movie, and a story of female empowerment and destiny. They had so many things in their favor including Bridge to Terabithia director Gabor Csupo, a child actress with a feature already under her belt, a screenplay based on The Little White Horse, and the king of camp Tim Curry. The production had the resources and stellar cast to make this film exactly what they wanted, which makes the resulting film The Secret of Moonacre even more disappointing.
In The Secret of Moonacre, Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) is sent off to Moonacre to live with her uncle Sir Benjamin Merryweather (Ioan Gruffudd) when her father dies. She is accompanied by her quirky tutor Miss Heliotrope (Juliet Stevenson). When they arrive, Sir Benjamin is a poor host to say the least. He is annoyed by Maria’s questions and forbids...
In The Secret of Moonacre, Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) is sent off to Moonacre to live with her uncle Sir Benjamin Merryweather (Ioan Gruffudd) when her father dies. She is accompanied by her quirky tutor Miss Heliotrope (Juliet Stevenson). When they arrive, Sir Benjamin is a poor host to say the least. He is annoyed by Maria’s questions and forbids...
- 9/24/2010
- by Rachel Kolb
- JustPressPlay.net
The Secret of Moonacre is based on the novel The Little White Horse by British author Elizabeth Goudge. While not entirely faithful to the novel, this film directed by Bridge to Terabithia.s Gabor Csupo has a winning charm and is delightfully entertaining. Both those who know the book and those new to the story should find much to love in this beautifully crafted film. In the late 1800.s in England, Miss Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) has been left a penniless orphan and is taken in by her Uncle Sir Benjamin Merryweather (Ioan Gruffudd) of Moonacre Manor. Maria and her governess Miss Heliotrope (Juliet Stevenson) are city folk, and living in the countryside holds all kinds of...
- 9/21/2010
- by June L.
- Monsters and Critics
Based on Elizabeth Goudge’s Carnegie Medal-winning novel The Little White Horse and featuring Victoriana romance, unicorns, princesses, and handsome dudes, this flick is out on DVD in September. Unicorns.
After 13-year-old Maria Merryweather's (Richards) father dies, she is left orphaned and homeless, and is forced to leave her luxurious London home to go and live at the mysterious Moonacre Manor with Sir Benjamin (Gruffudd), an eccentric uncle she didn't know she had. Soon Maria finds herself in a crumbling moonlit world torn apart by a hatred borne of an ancient feud with the dark and sinister De Noir family. Maria discovers that she is the last Moon Princess and, guided by an unlikely mix of allies, she must unearth the secrets of her past before the 5000th moon rises and Moonacre disappears into the sea forever.
Apparently, this novel was one of the inspirations for Harry Potter and The Narnia Chronicles,...
After 13-year-old Maria Merryweather's (Richards) father dies, she is left orphaned and homeless, and is forced to leave her luxurious London home to go and live at the mysterious Moonacre Manor with Sir Benjamin (Gruffudd), an eccentric uncle she didn't know she had. Soon Maria finds herself in a crumbling moonlit world torn apart by a hatred borne of an ancient feud with the dark and sinister De Noir family. Maria discovers that she is the last Moon Princess and, guided by an unlikely mix of allies, she must unearth the secrets of her past before the 5000th moon rises and Moonacre disappears into the sea forever.
Apparently, this novel was one of the inspirations for Harry Potter and The Narnia Chronicles,...
- 8/22/2010
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
It's a wrap! The Martin Gropius Bau is empty and the final pickups follow. This is a work in progress and readers are invited and welcome to contribute. Presales have returned in reaction to the reduced number of finished films on offer over the past two markets. Presales applies across the board from Us to French and even Italian films. English language films are increasingly coming out of the major non English language territories but local product is impacting sales on Us films internationally. Business was quickly wrapped up but it was done with a healthy number of buys reported. Lower prices have become accepted but the market must have product as this event proved.
Adriana Chiesa has licensed Federico Moccia’s teen trilogy to Savor to Spain. The first title, Sorry If I Love You (Scusa Ma Ti Chiamo Amore) grossed $27m when released by Medusa on 600 prints in Italy.
Adriana Chiesa has licensed Federico Moccia’s teen trilogy to Savor to Spain. The first title, Sorry If I Love You (Scusa Ma Ti Chiamo Amore) grossed $27m when released by Medusa on 600 prints in Italy.
- 3/9/2010
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Yet another film I’ve been noticing in adverts all over London -- as with Franklyn, my eye is always drawn to anything that smacks of science fiction or fantasy. This looks like a fairly standard children’s fantasy: the film may well be perfectly lovely, but it doesn’t seem terribly distinctive from many films we’ve seen lately. That, in the larger scheme of things, is not entirely a bad thing: It’s nice to see children’s fantasy enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment. The cast will draw me in to see the film, though: Tim Curry, Juliet Stevenson, Ioan Gruffudd, Natascha McElhone. Awesome all. And Dakota Blue Richards was fantastic in The Golden Compass. Oo, and it’s from director Gabor Csupo, who made the lovely Bridge to Terabithia The Secret of Moonacre opened in the U.K. on February 6; no U.S.
- 2/12/2009
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
As if we weren't already spoiling you lot with exclusive content today, we have an exclusive clip from new fantasy film The Secret of Moonacre, based on Jk Rowling's favourite children's book and directed by Bridge to Terabithia's Gabor Csupo.The story sees orphan Maria Merryweather (The Golden Compass' Dakota Blue Richards) being sent to live with her uncle (Ioan Gruffudd). There, she learns about an old family feud with a neighbouring clan, the De Noirs (led by Tim Curry) but teams up with their son Robin (Augustus Prew) to find the missing pearls that are the cause of the feud.This particular clip gives you a good idea of the rather lovely design work in the film, but given that it revolves around the rediscovery of said pearls, it's maybe a little spoilerific if you're worried about such things. Rest assured however that there's plenty more intrigue and mystery...
- 1/29/2009
- EmpireOnline
Prolific production company Klasky-Csupo is to animated ugliness and freakish character design what Disney is to doe-eyed animals and syrupy cuteness. Klasky-Csupo animated The Simpsons back when the beloved cartoon family still looked like mutants. (Film Roman later gave the show a smoother, slicker look.) Then its Rugrats gave the world babies with faces only an unusually indulgent mother could love. In 1994, Klasky-Csupo capos Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo developed and executive-produced Duckman, a dark, adult animated adaptation of Everett Peck's Dark Horse comic about an irascible, bespectacled duck who's as ugly morally as he is physically. Jason Alexander voices the title character with an intentionally grating rasp and an emotional palette that runs the spectrum from mildly annoyed to exasperated to apoplectic. He's a cantankerous fowl along the lines of Daffy and Donald Duck, but without their impulse control and social graces. It's telling that the show's only.
- 9/24/2008
- by Nathan Rabin
- avclub.com
London -- Oliver Stone's "W." and Rian Johnson's "The Brothers Bloom" will both premiere in gala slots during next month's 52nd edition of the BFI London Film Festival, organizers said Wednesday.
Just a short clip of Stone's much anticipated "fair, true portrait" of outgoing President George W. Bush had a packed theater auditorium for the press launch braying for more.
Other gala highlights include Marc Forster's outing as a Bond director with "Quantum Of Solace" and Stephan Elliot's period romp "Easy Virtue," based on Noel Coward's 1920s social comedy.
Artistic director Sandra Hebron said that despite all the negative press and downbeat reaction coming out of the recently wrapped Venice Film Festival, cinema was in rude health and her event had plenty of quality to choose from for its lineup.
Hebron said this year's event had an "unprecedented" number of premieres and that London benefited...
Just a short clip of Stone's much anticipated "fair, true portrait" of outgoing President George W. Bush had a packed theater auditorium for the press launch braying for more.
Other gala highlights include Marc Forster's outing as a Bond director with "Quantum Of Solace" and Stephan Elliot's period romp "Easy Virtue," based on Noel Coward's 1920s social comedy.
Artistic director Sandra Hebron said that despite all the negative press and downbeat reaction coming out of the recently wrapped Venice Film Festival, cinema was in rude health and her event had plenty of quality to choose from for its lineup.
Hebron said this year's event had an "unprecedented" number of premieres and that London benefited...
- 9/10/2008
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After all the body slams that the market for finished films has absorbed in the past few years, could a movie like Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler" mark the beginning of a comeback?
Looking to defy the odds, a number of high-profile movies are hoping to find receptive buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday.
Whether they succeed -- and at what price tags -- will depend less on the films themselves than on how much risk the battered acquisitions community is willing to take.
As John Sloss of sales outfit Cinetic Media said, "fear and anxiety are in the air" but also "a sense that distributors still have a need for good films, and the audience eyeballs haven't gone away."
One of the films most likely to snag a deal at Toronto's unofficial market is Aronofsky's "Wrestler," a profile of an aging athlete (Mickey Rourke...
Looking to defy the odds, a number of high-profile movies are hoping to find receptive buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday.
Whether they succeed -- and at what price tags -- will depend less on the films themselves than on how much risk the battered acquisitions community is willing to take.
As John Sloss of sales outfit Cinetic Media said, "fear and anxiety are in the air" but also "a sense that distributors still have a need for good films, and the audience eyeballs haven't gone away."
One of the films most likely to snag a deal at Toronto's unofficial market is Aronofsky's "Wrestler," a profile of an aging athlete (Mickey Rourke...
- 9/2/2008
- by By Steven Zeitchik and Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- The Toronto Film Festival announced the line ups for the Wavelengths, Sprockets Family Zone and Midnight Madness sections with names like Quentin Tarantino, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Gene Simmons participating to the festivities, but to be honest there aren't that many films that peak my curiosity with the exception of Pascal Laugier’s Martyrs (see the picture above). A late 2007 pick up for The Weinsteins, this is the story of a terrifying cycle of violence that follows a group of girls. The picture is apparently so nasty, that France is almost banning the picture slapping it with a must be over 18 classification. Two other titles that I have a low level interest are a meta-comedy from director Mabrouk El Mechri. The action laugher Jcvd stars Jean Claude Van Damme playing himself in the midst of a post office heist. Cannes was bombarded by Cannes market advertisements for this project,
- 7/23/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
Sony Pictures' "Ghost Rider" burned up the boxoffice Friday. Director Mark Steven Johnson's adaptation of the motorcycle-riding Marvel Comics hero starring Nicolas Cage took off with estimated domestic gross boxoffice receipts of $15.25 million, according to the boxoffice tracking site, boxoffice mojo.com.
Another fantasy film, albeit one aimed at younger audiences, Buena Vista's "Bridge to Terabithia", bowed in second place. Director Gabor Csupo's adaptation of the book by Katherine Paterson, produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, attracted an estimated $6.2 million.
"Norbit", Paramount Pictures' release of the DreamWorks comedy starring Eddie Murphy, shifted from first place last weekend to the third spot on Friday. It grabbed an estimated $4.3 million for the day.
Warner Bros. Pictures' romantic comedy, "Music and Lyrics", starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, held down fourth position, with an estimated $4.2 million.
From Lionsgate, "Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls," which, like "Music", first bowed on Wednesday, registered a fifth place showing Friday with an estimated $2.975 million.
Universal Picture's "Breach", in which Chris Cooper plays spy Robert Hanssen, bowed in sixth place with an estimated $2.92 million.
Another fantasy film, albeit one aimed at younger audiences, Buena Vista's "Bridge to Terabithia", bowed in second place. Director Gabor Csupo's adaptation of the book by Katherine Paterson, produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, attracted an estimated $6.2 million.
"Norbit", Paramount Pictures' release of the DreamWorks comedy starring Eddie Murphy, shifted from first place last weekend to the third spot on Friday. It grabbed an estimated $4.3 million for the day.
Warner Bros. Pictures' romantic comedy, "Music and Lyrics", starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, held down fourth position, with an estimated $4.2 million.
From Lionsgate, "Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls," which, like "Music", first bowed on Wednesday, registered a fifth place showing Friday with an estimated $2.975 million.
Universal Picture's "Breach", in which Chris Cooper plays spy Robert Hanssen, bowed in sixth place with an estimated $2.92 million.
- 2/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This review was written for the theatrical release of "Bridge to Terabithia".Author Katherine Paterson's Newbery Award-winning "Bridge to Terabithia", about a pair of outsider school kids who create a vivid fantasy world to deal with the frustrations in their young lives, has made that tricky passage to the big screen faithfully intact.
A gently contained live-action feature debut by Gabor Csupo, co-founder of the busy animation studio Klasy-Csupo, the fantasy-adventure incorporates the novel's magical and emotional elements without overplaying either -- a balance that hasn't always proven easy to maintain in the world of kid-lit adaptation.
While Disney's advertising seems to be aimed at those hankering for another "Chronicles of Narnia" (minus the lion, witch, wardrobe and production budget), this Walden Media co-presentation functions more as something of a tween "Pan's Labyrinth," and, as such, could translate into solid, midrange business.
Of course, being true to the source material helps when one of your screenwriters is Paterson's son David, for whom the novel was written almost 30 years ago. He and Jeff Stockwell ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys") efficiently lay down that road that leads to Terabithia with the introduction of lead characters Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (Annasophia Robb).
He's a budding artist when he's not doing chores for his struggling farmer parents (Robert Patrick, Kate Butler) or being tormented by his four sisters or the reigning school bullies.
She's the ostracized new girl in class, the only child of a pair of successful writers whose vivid imagination and unique fashion sense set her apart from the other students.
Unsurprisingly they become fast friends, and after some initial resistance on Jess' part, he succumbs to Leslie's keenly developed vision of Terabithia, a fantastical kingdom accessed by swinging on an enchanted rope across a stream and into the woods, where their foes have morphed into hairy vultures and giant ogres.
But there are some unpleasant aspects of life from which even Terabithia cannot offer sanctuary.
Director Csupo, whose animated output has included "Rugrats" and "The Simpsons", maintains a firm but never heavy-handed grip on those darker developments.
It's a pleasing equilibrium that also extends to the film's prudent use of visual effects, provided by New Zealand-based Weta Digital (the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Chronicles of Narnia"), and the thoughtful performances of his predominantly young cast, as well as from the always-welcome Zooey Deschanel as a sensitive music teacher, even if the plot mechanics that make her a key third act player feel unconvincingly forced.
Also contributing to the appealing production is that lush New Zealand footage taken by cinematographer Michael Chapman ("Raging Bull") as well as a score by Aaron Zigman that demonstrates a similar appreciation for the power of understatement.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Buena Vista Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present a Hal Lieberman Co. production A Lauren Levine production
Credits:
Director: Gabor Csupo
Screenwriters: Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson
Based on the book by: Katherine Paterson
Producers: Hal Lieberman, Lauren Levine, David Paterson
Executive producer: Alex Schwartz
Director of photography: Michael Chapman
Production designer: Rob Gillies
Editor: John Gilbert
Costume designer: Barbara Darragh
Music: Aaron Zigman
Cast:
Jess Aarons: Josh Hutcherson
Leslie Burke: Annasophia Robb
Ms. Edmonds: Zooey Deschanel
Jack Aarons: Robert Patrick
May Belle Aarons: Bailey Madison
Nancy Aarons: Kate Butler
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
A gently contained live-action feature debut by Gabor Csupo, co-founder of the busy animation studio Klasy-Csupo, the fantasy-adventure incorporates the novel's magical and emotional elements without overplaying either -- a balance that hasn't always proven easy to maintain in the world of kid-lit adaptation.
While Disney's advertising seems to be aimed at those hankering for another "Chronicles of Narnia" (minus the lion, witch, wardrobe and production budget), this Walden Media co-presentation functions more as something of a tween "Pan's Labyrinth," and, as such, could translate into solid, midrange business.
Of course, being true to the source material helps when one of your screenwriters is Paterson's son David, for whom the novel was written almost 30 years ago. He and Jeff Stockwell ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys") efficiently lay down that road that leads to Terabithia with the introduction of lead characters Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (Annasophia Robb).
He's a budding artist when he's not doing chores for his struggling farmer parents (Robert Patrick, Kate Butler) or being tormented by his four sisters or the reigning school bullies.
She's the ostracized new girl in class, the only child of a pair of successful writers whose vivid imagination and unique fashion sense set her apart from the other students.
Unsurprisingly they become fast friends, and after some initial resistance on Jess' part, he succumbs to Leslie's keenly developed vision of Terabithia, a fantastical kingdom accessed by swinging on an enchanted rope across a stream and into the woods, where their foes have morphed into hairy vultures and giant ogres.
But there are some unpleasant aspects of life from which even Terabithia cannot offer sanctuary.
Director Csupo, whose animated output has included "Rugrats" and "The Simpsons", maintains a firm but never heavy-handed grip on those darker developments.
It's a pleasing equilibrium that also extends to the film's prudent use of visual effects, provided by New Zealand-based Weta Digital (the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Chronicles of Narnia"), and the thoughtful performances of his predominantly young cast, as well as from the always-welcome Zooey Deschanel as a sensitive music teacher, even if the plot mechanics that make her a key third act player feel unconvincingly forced.
Also contributing to the appealing production is that lush New Zealand footage taken by cinematographer Michael Chapman ("Raging Bull") as well as a score by Aaron Zigman that demonstrates a similar appreciation for the power of understatement.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Buena Vista Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present a Hal Lieberman Co. production A Lauren Levine production
Credits:
Director: Gabor Csupo
Screenwriters: Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson
Based on the book by: Katherine Paterson
Producers: Hal Lieberman, Lauren Levine, David Paterson
Executive producer: Alex Schwartz
Director of photography: Michael Chapman
Production designer: Rob Gillies
Editor: John Gilbert
Costume designer: Barbara Darragh
Music: Aaron Zigman
Cast:
Jess Aarons: Josh Hutcherson
Leslie Burke: Annasophia Robb
Ms. Edmonds: Zooey Deschanel
Jack Aarons: Robert Patrick
May Belle Aarons: Bailey Madison
Nancy Aarons: Kate Butler
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 2/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Author Katherine Paterson's Newbery Award-winning "Bridge to Terabithia", about a pair of outsider school kids who create a vivid fantasy world to deal with the frustrations in their young lives, has made that tricky passage to the big screen faithfully intact.
A gently contained live-action feature debut by Gabor Csupo, co-founder of the busy animation studio Klasy-Csupo, the fantasy-adventure incorporates the novel's magical and emotional elements without overplaying either -- a balance that hasn't always proven easy to maintain in the world of kid-lit adaptation.
While Disney's advertising seems to be aimed at those hankering for another "Chronicles of Narnia" (minus the lion, witch, wardrobe and production budget), this Walden Media co-presentation functions more as something of a tween "Pan's Labyrinth," and, as such, could translate into solid, midrange business.
Of course, being true to the source material helps when one of your screenwriters is Paterson's son David, for whom the novel was written almost 30 years ago. He and Jeff Stockwell ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys") efficiently lay down that road that leads to Terabithia with the introduction of lead characters Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (Annasophia Robb).
He's a budding artist when he's not doing chores for his struggling farmer parents (Robert Patrick, Kate Butler) or being tormented by his four sisters or the reigning school bullies.
She's the ostracized new girl in class, the only child of a pair of successful writers whose vivid imagination and unique fashion sense set her apart from the other students.
Unsurprisingly they become fast friends, and after some initial resistance on Jess' part, he succumbs to Leslie's keenly developed vision of Terabithia, a fantastical kingdom accessed by swinging on an enchanted rope across a stream and into the woods, where their foes have morphed into hairy vultures and giant ogres.
But there are some unpleasant aspects of life from which even Terabithia cannot offer sanctuary.
Director Csupo, whose animated output has included "Rugrats" and "The Simpsons", maintains a firm but never heavy-handed grip on those darker developments.
It's a pleasing equilibrium that also extends to the film's prudent use of visual effects, provided by New Zealand-based Weta Digital (the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Chronicles of Narnia"), and the thoughtful performances of his predominantly young cast, as well as from the always-welcome Zooey Deschanel as a sensitive music teacher, even if the plot mechanics that make her a key third act player feel unconvincingly forced.
Also contributing to the appealing production is that lush New Zealand footage taken by cinematographer Michael Chapman ("Raging Bull") as well as a score by Aaron Zigman that demonstrates a similar appreciation for the power of understatement.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Buena Vista Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present a Hal Lieberman Co. production A Lauren Levine production
Credits:
Director: Gabor Csupo
Screenwriters: Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson
Based on the book by: Katherine Paterson
Producers: Hal Lieberman, Lauren Levine, David Paterson
Executive producer: Alex Schwartz
Director of photography: Michael Chapman
Production designer: Rob Gillies
Editor: John Gilbert
Costume designer: Barbara Darragh
Music: Aaron Zigman
Cast:
Jess Aarons: Josh Hutcherson
Leslie Burke: Annasophia Robb
Ms. Edmonds: Zooey Deschanel
Jack Aarons: Robert Patrick
May Belle Aarons: Bailey Madison
Nancy Aarons: Kate Butler
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
A gently contained live-action feature debut by Gabor Csupo, co-founder of the busy animation studio Klasy-Csupo, the fantasy-adventure incorporates the novel's magical and emotional elements without overplaying either -- a balance that hasn't always proven easy to maintain in the world of kid-lit adaptation.
While Disney's advertising seems to be aimed at those hankering for another "Chronicles of Narnia" (minus the lion, witch, wardrobe and production budget), this Walden Media co-presentation functions more as something of a tween "Pan's Labyrinth," and, as such, could translate into solid, midrange business.
Of course, being true to the source material helps when one of your screenwriters is Paterson's son David, for whom the novel was written almost 30 years ago. He and Jeff Stockwell ("The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys") efficiently lay down that road that leads to Terabithia with the introduction of lead characters Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (Annasophia Robb).
He's a budding artist when he's not doing chores for his struggling farmer parents (Robert Patrick, Kate Butler) or being tormented by his four sisters or the reigning school bullies.
She's the ostracized new girl in class, the only child of a pair of successful writers whose vivid imagination and unique fashion sense set her apart from the other students.
Unsurprisingly they become fast friends, and after some initial resistance on Jess' part, he succumbs to Leslie's keenly developed vision of Terabithia, a fantastical kingdom accessed by swinging on an enchanted rope across a stream and into the woods, where their foes have morphed into hairy vultures and giant ogres.
But there are some unpleasant aspects of life from which even Terabithia cannot offer sanctuary.
Director Csupo, whose animated output has included "Rugrats" and "The Simpsons", maintains a firm but never heavy-handed grip on those darker developments.
It's a pleasing equilibrium that also extends to the film's prudent use of visual effects, provided by New Zealand-based Weta Digital (the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Chronicles of Narnia"), and the thoughtful performances of his predominantly young cast, as well as from the always-welcome Zooey Deschanel as a sensitive music teacher, even if the plot mechanics that make her a key third act player feel unconvincingly forced.
Also contributing to the appealing production is that lush New Zealand footage taken by cinematographer Michael Chapman ("Raging Bull") as well as a score by Aaron Zigman that demonstrates a similar appreciation for the power of understatement.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Buena Vista Pictures
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present a Hal Lieberman Co. production A Lauren Levine production
Credits:
Director: Gabor Csupo
Screenwriters: Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson
Based on the book by: Katherine Paterson
Producers: Hal Lieberman, Lauren Levine, David Paterson
Executive producer: Alex Schwartz
Director of photography: Michael Chapman
Production designer: Rob Gillies
Editor: John Gilbert
Costume designer: Barbara Darragh
Music: Aaron Zigman
Cast:
Jess Aarons: Josh Hutcherson
Leslie Burke: Annasophia Robb
Ms. Edmonds: Zooey Deschanel
Jack Aarons: Robert Patrick
May Belle Aarons: Bailey Madison
Nancy Aarons: Kate Butler
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 2/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gabor Csupo, one half of animation production facility Klasky Csupo, will make his directorial debut on Green Monkeys, a live-action/CGI feature film based on a comic strip that the company is producing for Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. The film is based on the comic book by Mickey and Betty Parskevas. Published by Dan's Papers, the strip follows green monkeys who think they are human. Dave Connaughton and John Tozak will write the screenplay, which aims to be the beginning of a potential franchise and will follow the monkeys on their first adventure.
- 9/25/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kid-savvy producers Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo bring The Wild Thornberrys to the big screen in a big, satisfying way. A magical blend of wit (a hallmark of the Klasky Csupo imprint) and a big-hearted view of the world and all its creatures makes the film more than a good bet to bring in family audiences during the holidays and beyond. Sequels loom large.
Kate Boutilier's screenplay retains the characters' original charm while giving them a large canvas for a big, bouncy adventure. In their first movie, the venerable Thornberrys take on important (sometimes disturbing) issues involving the evils of animal poaching that are nevertheless carefully tempered with humor and optimism to keep them manageable for young audiences. Along the way, directors Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian enliven the story with a sprightly pace that never lags.
For audiences unfamiliar with the family, some explaining is apparently in order: The producers wisely attach the television series' familiar preface instead of sullying the film's enchanting dialogue with awkward explanations of the family business.
Nigel Thornberry (the voice of Tim Curry) and wife Marianne (Jodi Carlisle) produce a television nature show from the wilds of Africa, traveling around that continent with two daughters, the bratty teenager Debbie (Danielle Harris) and the younger, sweet-natured Eliza (Lacey Chabert). The family comes to the aid of endangered animals and generally takes up an array of other good causes. The hook, of course, is that young Eliza has a secret only the audience shares: She can converse with animals.
One day, as Eliza plays with cheetah cubs, one is snatched by two poachers. Eliza believes she is to blame and vows to rescue the cub, no matter what it takes. From here the movie turns into her official rite of passage as she confronts not only the poachers but also a crucial decision involving her magical powers with the animals.
The film has a fundamentally feminist view of the world. Eliza is a tough cookie. Both her humor and deeply felt convictions about animal rights and conservation grow organically from the story's center without so much as a whiff of tacked-on political correctness.
The film's optimism and intelligence are heightened by its buoyant animation, an uplifting score by Drew Neumann and especially by Paul Simon's touching song "Father and Daughter". The voices of Lynn Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn, Alfre Woodard, Brock Peters, Rupert Everett and Marisa Tomei add even more charm.
THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a Klasky Csupo production
Credits:
Directors: Jeff McGrath, Cathy Malkasian
Screenwriter: Kate Boutilier
Producers: Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo
Executive producers: Albie Hecht, Julia Pistor, Eryk Casemiro, Hal Waite
Co-producers: Tracy Kramer, Terry Thoren, Norton Virgien, Sean Lurie
Music: Drew Neumann
Additional music: Randy Kerber
Production designer: Dima Malanitchev
Editor: John Bryant
Voices:
Eliza Thornberry: Lacey Chabert
Darwin: Tom Kane
Nigel Thornberry: Tim Curry
Marianne Thornberry: Jodi Carlisle
Donnie: Michael Balzary (aka Flea)
Debbie: Danielle Harris
Cordelia Thornberry: Lynn Redgrave
Sloan Blackburn: Rupert Everett
Bree Blackburn: Marisa Tomei
Mrs. Fairgood: Brenda Blethyn
Running time -- 88 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Kate Boutilier's screenplay retains the characters' original charm while giving them a large canvas for a big, bouncy adventure. In their first movie, the venerable Thornberrys take on important (sometimes disturbing) issues involving the evils of animal poaching that are nevertheless carefully tempered with humor and optimism to keep them manageable for young audiences. Along the way, directors Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian enliven the story with a sprightly pace that never lags.
For audiences unfamiliar with the family, some explaining is apparently in order: The producers wisely attach the television series' familiar preface instead of sullying the film's enchanting dialogue with awkward explanations of the family business.
Nigel Thornberry (the voice of Tim Curry) and wife Marianne (Jodi Carlisle) produce a television nature show from the wilds of Africa, traveling around that continent with two daughters, the bratty teenager Debbie (Danielle Harris) and the younger, sweet-natured Eliza (Lacey Chabert). The family comes to the aid of endangered animals and generally takes up an array of other good causes. The hook, of course, is that young Eliza has a secret only the audience shares: She can converse with animals.
One day, as Eliza plays with cheetah cubs, one is snatched by two poachers. Eliza believes she is to blame and vows to rescue the cub, no matter what it takes. From here the movie turns into her official rite of passage as she confronts not only the poachers but also a crucial decision involving her magical powers with the animals.
The film has a fundamentally feminist view of the world. Eliza is a tough cookie. Both her humor and deeply felt convictions about animal rights and conservation grow organically from the story's center without so much as a whiff of tacked-on political correctness.
The film's optimism and intelligence are heightened by its buoyant animation, an uplifting score by Drew Neumann and especially by Paul Simon's touching song "Father and Daughter". The voices of Lynn Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn, Alfre Woodard, Brock Peters, Rupert Everett and Marisa Tomei add even more charm.
THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE
Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a Klasky Csupo production
Credits:
Directors: Jeff McGrath, Cathy Malkasian
Screenwriter: Kate Boutilier
Producers: Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo
Executive producers: Albie Hecht, Julia Pistor, Eryk Casemiro, Hal Waite
Co-producers: Tracy Kramer, Terry Thoren, Norton Virgien, Sean Lurie
Music: Drew Neumann
Additional music: Randy Kerber
Production designer: Dima Malanitchev
Editor: John Bryant
Voices:
Eliza Thornberry: Lacey Chabert
Darwin: Tom Kane
Nigel Thornberry: Tim Curry
Marianne Thornberry: Jodi Carlisle
Donnie: Michael Balzary (aka Flea)
Debbie: Danielle Harris
Cordelia Thornberry: Lynn Redgrave
Sloan Blackburn: Rupert Everett
Bree Blackburn: Marisa Tomei
Mrs. Fairgood: Brenda Blethyn
Running time -- 88 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 12/16/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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