In deciding on our next Wtf celebrity to cover, we passed around several names but in the end we all decided that: There could be only One! Despite being basically blind, Christopher Lambert made a name for himself as the king of Sci-Fi action films. One could say he single-handedly kept Blockbuster Video in business as most of his output in the 90’s debuted on the bottom shelves of the video rental chain. But few performers have made their mark on the international stage like Christopher Lambert, alternating between North American schlock and more prestigious French fare. Despite most of us knowing Lambert mainly for two iconic roles, there is much more to know about this American-born French actor; it’s time we find out just Wtf Happened to Christopher Lambert.
Greystroke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes
But as always, we must begin at the beginning, and...
Greystroke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes
But as always, we must begin at the beginning, and...
- 5/1/2024
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
The 6th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (Gff) has wrapped with a feeling of quiet triumph. The glitz and celebrities were largely absent, although Egyptian star Yousra and legendary French actor Christophe Lambert both appeared at In Conversation events. But in a way, this allowed festival organizers to better focus on the core values which they wish to take forward.
For artistic director Marianne Khoury, the mission was clear, though the challenges were extraordinary, even before the horrific attacks on Israel on Oct. 7. “I joined in June, so it was quite a crazy summer where we’re working almost every day. Then on the 10th October, we decided to postpone. So it was very overwhelming. Since then, we were on hold every day. We wanted this edition to take place before the year end.”
Better late than never; better small than not at all
With the 2022 edition already having been canceled,...
For artistic director Marianne Khoury, the mission was clear, though the challenges were extraordinary, even before the horrific attacks on Israel on Oct. 7. “I joined in June, so it was quite a crazy summer where we’re working almost every day. Then on the 10th October, we decided to postpone. So it was very overwhelming. Since then, we were on hold every day. We wanted this edition to take place before the year end.”
Better late than never; better small than not at all
With the 2022 edition already having been canceled,...
- 12/21/2023
- by John Bleasdale
- Variety Film + TV
Bianca Andreescu has shared her desire to enter the mixed doubles event at Wimbledon alongside her Roland Garros partner Michael Venus.
Andreescu and Venus entered the mixed doubles tournament at Roland Garros as alternate participants after being paired together by coach Christophe Lambert. Surprisingly, the duo reached the final but were eventually eliminated by Miyu Kato and Tim Putz across three sets.
For Andreescu, it was her first appearance in a doubles event at a Grand Slam since 2019 as the Canadian player has largely focused on her singles career. However, when asked by reporters about the possibility of returning at Wimbledon alongside Venus in the mixed doubles event, Andreescu seemed positive about the idea.
"We haven't spoken about that yet, but if the time comes and I'm ready to play mixed doubles or I want to play mixed doubles and I'm healthy and all that, then I would love to.
Andreescu and Venus entered the mixed doubles tournament at Roland Garros as alternate participants after being paired together by coach Christophe Lambert. Surprisingly, the duo reached the final but were eventually eliminated by Miyu Kato and Tim Putz across three sets.
For Andreescu, it was her first appearance in a doubles event at a Grand Slam since 2019 as the Canadian player has largely focused on her singles career. However, when asked by reporters about the possibility of returning at Wimbledon alongside Venus in the mixed doubles event, Andreescu seemed positive about the idea.
"We haven't spoken about that yet, but if the time comes and I'm ready to play mixed doubles or I want to play mixed doubles and I'm healthy and all that, then I would love to.
- 6/8/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
EuropaCorp’s Director of Worldwide Acquisitions John Zois has left his post for a Senior Vice President of Acquisitions title at Stuart Ford‘s Im Global. Zois will report to Ford and work alongside acquisitions director Jr Smith at the major indie film presence. “I am thrilled to join Stuart and the great team at Im Global, which has been a leader in its field since its inception almost a decade ago,” said Zois, who joined EuropaCorp in 2014 where he oversaw acquisitions like the forthcoming Tom Hanks tech thriller “The Circle.” Also Read: Christophe Lambert, Former EuropaCorp CEO, Dies at 51 “John is a.
- 7/12/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Former EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert died Tuesday after a battle with lung cancer, TheWrap has learned. The 51-year-old executive raised eyebrows in February with his swift departure from the company, which has an international distribution pact with Relativity Stuidos. He was diagnosed in March. “We have just learned of the death of Christopher Lambert. The whole EuropaCorp family mourns his departure. The group and all colleagues present offer their condolences to Marie Sara, his children, his family and all his relatives,” the company said in a statement. Also Read: Christophe Lambert Resigns as EuropaCorp CEO, Marc Shmuger to Replace Him...
- 5/13/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Christophe Lambert, the former advertising executive and right hand to Luc Besson, has died. French media is reporting that Lambert passed away in Marseille after a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. He was 51. Lambert left his post as CEO at Besson’s EuropaCorp in February and was replaced by former Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger. The news was a surprise at the time, especially given he and Besson had put together funding and a strong game plan to take EuropaCo…...
- 5/13/2016
- Deadline
EuropaCorp chief exec Marc Schmuger has tapped Edouard de Vésinne as deputy CEO. The move comes after Schmuger replaced previous EuropaCorp chief exec Christophe Lambert in a surprise announcement on the eve of the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. De Vesinne had previously worked at EuropaCorp TV alongside Thomas Anagyros since its launch and has been a well-respected TV exec for the better part of two decades. He will be based in Paris and will be responsible for…...
- 4/21/2016
- Deadline TV
EuropaCorp chief exec Marc Schmuger has tapped Edouard de Vésinne as deputy CEO. The move comes after Schmuger replaced previous EuropaCorp chief exec Christophe Lambert in a surprise announcement on the eve of the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. De Vesinne had previously worked at EuropaCorp TV alongside Thomas Anagyros since its launch and has been a well-respected TV exec for the better part of two decades. He will be based in Paris and will be responsible for…...
- 4/21/2016
- Deadline
The abrupt exit of Christophe Lambert as CEO of Luc Besson’s growing Paris-based major EuropaCorp, and on the eve of the Berlinale, has raised eyebrows in both Europe and the U.S. While EuropaCorp and Besson offered the standard praise for their outgoing leader, who resigned on Feb. 10 following a board meeting and after almost six years at the helm, sources — almost all surprised by the news — have hinted that his exit could be linked to events going on behind the scenes at a studio with grand international ambitions. One major cause is believed to be
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- 2/11/2016
- by Alex Ritman, Rhonda Richford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Outgoing CEO Christophe Lambert has decided to “devote himself to a personal project”.
In an unexpected development, Marc Shmuger has been named as the new CEO of Luc Besson’s Paris-based-major EuropaCorp, following the resignation of Christophe Lambert.
A statement issued by the company board late on Wednesday said that having secured the financing of Luc Besson’s ambitious sci-fi picture Valerian, which is currently shooting in Paris, Lambert had “decided to devote himself to a personal project.”
The same statement announced former Universal Pictures executive and founding chief of production company Global Produce Marc Shmuger as his successor.
Luc Besson paid tribute to Lambert’s work as CEO of the company:
“He knew how to steer the company in an international direction which enabled the company to gain real legitimacy among the cinema majors… He’s leaving the company due to a long-held desire to produce (and I understand him),” he said in the statement.
News...
In an unexpected development, Marc Shmuger has been named as the new CEO of Luc Besson’s Paris-based-major EuropaCorp, following the resignation of Christophe Lambert.
A statement issued by the company board late on Wednesday said that having secured the financing of Luc Besson’s ambitious sci-fi picture Valerian, which is currently shooting in Paris, Lambert had “decided to devote himself to a personal project.”
The same statement announced former Universal Pictures executive and founding chief of production company Global Produce Marc Shmuger as his successor.
Luc Besson paid tribute to Lambert’s work as CEO of the company:
“He knew how to steer the company in an international direction which enabled the company to gain real legitimacy among the cinema majors… He’s leaving the company due to a long-held desire to produce (and I understand him),” he said in the statement.
News...
- 2/11/2016
- ScreenDaily
Update: EuropaCorp has just released this statement: “Having secured the financing for Valerian, the next film by Luc Besson, which is expected to be delivered in 2017, Christophe Lambert has decided to concentrate on personal projects.” Exclusive: Berlin is getting off with a bang. According to sources, EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert is in the process of exiting the company he runs with Luc Besson. Former Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger is going to replace…...
- 2/10/2016
- Deadline
EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert resigned from all his duties on Wednesday and the company’s board has named former Universal Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger as his replacement on an interim basis, an individual familiar with the move told TheWrap. Lambert has decided to focus on producing his own projects after securing funding for EuropaCorp founder Luc Besson‘s upcoming blockbuster “Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” the company said in a statement to international media. Shmuger is a well-respected executive who most recently ran his own production company, Global Produce, which will remain active and is currently developing a remake of “Scarface” at.
- 2/10/2016
- by Jeff Sneider and Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Sources confirmed the North American deal on Tuesday that is understood to have closed for a little under $10m.
Im Global handles international sales on the upcoming thriller starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, Patton Oswalt and Ellar Coltrane.
James Ponsoldt will direct The Circle from the book by Dave Eggers about a young woman who struggles to maintain her own identity as she is encouraged to become the public face of her tech giant employers. The script is well regarded and a number of buyers had been tracking the project.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi fully finances and Image Nation presents the film in association with Parkes MacDonald Productions.
Playtone Productions’ Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks and Anthony Bregman of Likely Story produce with Ponsoldt. EuropaCorp’s Christophe Lambert will executive produce with Steven Shareshian, Evan Hayes, Stefanie Azpiazu, Ron Schmidt and Sally Willcox.
EuropaCorp brokered the deal with UTA Independent Film Group and CAA.
Im Global handles international sales on the upcoming thriller starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, Patton Oswalt and Ellar Coltrane.
James Ponsoldt will direct The Circle from the book by Dave Eggers about a young woman who struggles to maintain her own identity as she is encouraged to become the public face of her tech giant employers. The script is well regarded and a number of buyers had been tracking the project.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi fully finances and Image Nation presents the film in association with Parkes MacDonald Productions.
Playtone Productions’ Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks and Anthony Bregman of Likely Story produce with Ponsoldt. EuropaCorp’s Christophe Lambert will executive produce with Steven Shareshian, Evan Hayes, Stefanie Azpiazu, Ron Schmidt and Sally Willcox.
EuropaCorp brokered the deal with UTA Independent Film Group and CAA.
- 2/9/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
EuropaCorp has landed domestic distribution rights to James Ponsoldt's "The Circle," which is easily one of the most anticipated titles of the year currently in production. The movie's ensemble cast features Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, John Boyega, Patton Oswalt and Ellar Coltrane. Variety first reported the deal. Read More: James Ponsoldt on Why 'The End of the Tour' Is Not a David Foster Wallace Biopic Based on the bestselling novel by Dave Eggers, "The Circle" stars Watson as a new employee at a dominant Internet company whose life begins to fall apart as she rises in the ranks. Filming started on the project back in September, meaning we could see EuropaCorp release the film this fall in an awards-ready release. No release information has been set. "We are thrilled to welcome such an innovative and talented writer and director as James Ponsoldt into the EuropaCorp family," said...
- 2/9/2016
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Luc Besson has long held a comfortable identity as France’s answer to Spielberg, an idea generator who hatches commercial hits. From Paris, he and EuropaCorp partner Christophe Lambert built a powerhouse company on Besson’s imagination that has fueled a long string of moderately budgeted Euro-flavored thrillers that do big global business. Besson directs some himself; others he gifts to up-and-coming filmmakers. At 56, Besson has turned a cozy life on its ear…...
- 8/25/2015
- Deadline
China’s Fundamental Films is extending its output deal with Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp and will invest up to $50m into Besson’s Valerian, starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.
Under the renewed deal, Fundamental will continue to distribute EuropaCorp films in China for another five years, in addition to co-producing several other titles. The Shanghai-based company will handle Chinese distribution of Valerian, while owning a substantial share of the film’s international box office.
“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with EuropaCorp, and the successes achieved to date. With several co-productions in development and a number of first-rate films soon to reach enthusiastic Chinese and worldwide audiences, we can look forward to a hugely exciting next five years,” said Fundamental Films chairman Mark Gao.
EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert added: “Fundamental Film’s vast experience and expertise within the Chinese market has ensured our films continue to land in the territory with a real bang. As...
Under the renewed deal, Fundamental will continue to distribute EuropaCorp films in China for another five years, in addition to co-producing several other titles. The Shanghai-based company will handle Chinese distribution of Valerian, while owning a substantial share of the film’s international box office.
“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with EuropaCorp, and the successes achieved to date. With several co-productions in development and a number of first-rate films soon to reach enthusiastic Chinese and worldwide audiences, we can look forward to a hugely exciting next five years,” said Fundamental Films chairman Mark Gao.
EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert added: “Fundamental Film’s vast experience and expertise within the Chinese market has ensured our films continue to land in the territory with a real bang. As...
- 5/18/2015
- by lizshackleton@gmail.com (Liz Shackleton)
- ScreenDaily
Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz will star in the biopic about the drug lord, which the company has introduced to buyers on the Croisette.
EuropaCorp will finance, distribute and co-produce with Pinguin Films and Dean Nichols Productions.
Fernando León de Aranoa will direct from his adapted screenplay charting the drug lord’s rise to power based on Virginia Vallejo’s 2008 Spanish-language bestselling memoir Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar.
Dean Nichols, Javier Bardem and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert produce, while Jere Hausfater, Dany Boon and Todd Nichols serve as executive producers. The producers anticipate a 2015 start.
Bardem and Cruz have collaborated on several films including Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
On Tuesday EuropaCorp announced the French graphic novel adaptation Valerian to star Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, set to commence production at the end of this year.
EuropaCorp will finance, distribute and co-produce with Pinguin Films and Dean Nichols Productions.
Fernando León de Aranoa will direct from his adapted screenplay charting the drug lord’s rise to power based on Virginia Vallejo’s 2008 Spanish-language bestselling memoir Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar.
Dean Nichols, Javier Bardem and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert produce, while Jere Hausfater, Dany Boon and Todd Nichols serve as executive producers. The producers anticipate a 2015 start.
Bardem and Cruz have collaborated on several films including Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
On Tuesday EuropaCorp announced the French graphic novel adaptation Valerian to star Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, set to commence production at the end of this year.
- 5/13/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz will star in EuropaCorp’s “Escobar,” the studio announced Wednesday from the Cannes Film Festival. EuropaCorp will finance, distribute and produce the drama based on Virginia Vallejo’s 2008 best-selling Spanish language memoir “Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar” with Pinguin Films and Dean Nichols Productions. Written and directed by Fernando León de Aranoa (“A Perfect Day”), the film will follow the rise of Pablo Escobar — one of the most powerful drug lords of all time. Also Read: Cannes Buyers Will Have to Scramble for Market's Few Big Projects Bardem is producing with Dean Nichols and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert,...
- 5/13/2015
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Luc Besson's EuropaCorp announced Wednesday in Cannes that it will finance, distribute and co-produce with Pinguin Films and Dean Nichols Productions the Pablo Escobar biopic Escobar, starring Academy Award winners Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. Based on Virginia Vallejo’s 2008 best-selling Spanish-language memoir Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar, Fernando Leon de Aranoa (A Perfect Day, Mondays in the Sun, Familia) will write and direct the biopic of the Colombian drug lord. Producers are Dean Nichols, Bardem and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert. Jere Hausfater, Dany Boon and Todd Nichols will serve as executive producers. Read More Cannes: Jake Gyllenhaal
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- 5/13/2015
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
EuropaCorp has announced that Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz are set to star in "Escobar," a new biopic about Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar which it will finance and produce with Pinguin Films and Dean Nichols Productions.
Based on Virginia Vallejo's 2008 best-selling Spanish-language memoir "Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar," Fernando Leon de Aranoa will pen and direct the story which will follow the rise of Escobar on his way to become one of the most powerful drug lords of all time.
Dean Nichols, Christophe Lambert and Bardem will produce. Filming aims to begin later this year.
Source: THR...
Based on Virginia Vallejo's 2008 best-selling Spanish-language memoir "Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar," Fernando Leon de Aranoa will pen and direct the story which will follow the rise of Escobar on his way to become one of the most powerful drug lords of all time.
Dean Nichols, Christophe Lambert and Bardem will produce. Filming aims to begin later this year.
Source: THR...
- 5/13/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The distribution and marketing venture launched last year to handle EuropaCorp's U.S. movie releases and Relativity’s slate has a new top film marketer. Tommy Gargotta, the former longtime creative advertising chief at Sony, has joined Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution as President of Theatrical Marketing. He will report to Relativity President Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert. Gargotta exited Sony after 13 years last summer, a week after Jeff Blake lef…...
- 3/26/2015
- Deadline
Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution has appointed Tommy Gargotta as president of theatrical marketing, the studio announced Thursday. Gargotta will oversee marketing for the distribution company which supports EuropaCorp’s film releases in the U.S. and Relativity’s slate. Gargotta will report to Relativity president Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert, who jointly made the announcement. Gargotta joins Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution following 13 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, most recently serving as president of worldwide creative advertising. At Sony, Gargotta oversaw and conceived marketing campaigns for films and franchises such as “S.W.A.T.,” “50 First Dates,” “The Da Vinci Code,...
- 3/26/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution has appointed Tommy Gargotta as president of theatrical marketing.
Gargotta will oversee marketing at the company that supports EuropaCorp’s film releases in the Us and Relativity’s slate.
He will report to Relativity president Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert.
The new hire arrives Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he served 13 years, most recently serving as president of worldwide creative advertising.
He served as vp and creative director at Intralink Film Graphic Design and as head editor/producer at Trailer Park.
Relativity’s slate includes Sundance favourite The Bronze on July 10, Masterminds on August 7, Kidnap on October 9 and Autobahn on October 30.
EuropaCorp’s upcoming films include The Transporter Refueled on June 19, Shut-In on February 19 2016 and The Lake on July 15 2016.
Gargotta will oversee marketing at the company that supports EuropaCorp’s film releases in the Us and Relativity’s slate.
He will report to Relativity president Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert.
The new hire arrives Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he served 13 years, most recently serving as president of worldwide creative advertising.
He served as vp and creative director at Intralink Film Graphic Design and as head editor/producer at Trailer Park.
Relativity’s slate includes Sundance favourite The Bronze on July 10, Masterminds on August 7, Kidnap on October 9 and Autobahn on October 30.
EuropaCorp’s upcoming films include The Transporter Refueled on June 19, Shut-In on February 19 2016 and The Lake on July 15 2016.
- 3/26/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Luc Besson built his EuropaCorp action formula by hatching great plots and then finding a repertory of good actors who can translate to action stars, such as Liam Neeson, Jason Statham and most recently Scarlett Johansson. Now that he and partner Christophe Lambert are moving that formula to fill their own pipeline with their Red distribution label, they need new blood and have found some. They’ve just set Sullivan Stapleton, the Aussie star of 300: Rise Of An E…...
- 3/2/2015
- Deadline
Exclusive: After EuropaCorp generated another hit in Taken 3, Luc Besson and Christophe Lambert’s company has hired Barry Sonnenfeld to direct Nine Lives, a high-concept comedy scripted by Daniel Antoniazzi and Ben Shiffrin. The film is about a workaholic businessman who has to figure his way out of a dilemma: A terrible accident leaves him trapped in the body of the family cat. Pic’s being shepherded by EuropaCorp U.S. film president Lisa Ellzey.
The film will be financed and produced by EuropaCorp and will be one of the early releases through Red, the distribution pipeline that EuropaCorp co-owns with Relativity. The distribution venture gets underway with The Transporter Legacy, with the Steven Quale-directed The Lake and the Naomi Watts starrer Shut In coming right behind.
“I’m very excited to be working with Christophe, Lisa, Luc and the rest of the EuropaCorp team on this funny,...
The film will be financed and produced by EuropaCorp and will be one of the early releases through Red, the distribution pipeline that EuropaCorp co-owns with Relativity. The distribution venture gets underway with The Transporter Legacy, with the Steven Quale-directed The Lake and the Naomi Watts starrer Shut In coming right behind.
“I’m very excited to be working with Christophe, Lisa, Luc and the rest of the EuropaCorp team on this funny,...
- 1/13/2015
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp has signed a multi-year output deal with Canadian distributor Vvs Films. The first project to come through the deal, which will see Vvs acquire and distribute all of EuropaCorp’s films in Canada, will be Transporter: Legacy, the franchise reboot scheduled for release June 19, 2015.
EuropaCorp and Vvs previously partnered on Brick Mansions, starring the late Paul Walker.
The deal is being touted as complementary with Europacorp’s domestic distribution joint venture with Relativity, Red.
“After the creation of our distribution company in the U.S., this is a new step to ensure success of EuropaCorp’s English movies,” EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said in announcing the deal.
EuropaCorp already has a number of international output deals in place including with Fundamental Films in China, Universum in Germany, Scanbox in Scandinavia, and Gulf Films in the Middle East.
EuropaCorp and Vvs previously partnered on Brick Mansions, starring the late Paul Walker.
The deal is being touted as complementary with Europacorp’s domestic distribution joint venture with Relativity, Red.
“After the creation of our distribution company in the U.S., this is a new step to ensure success of EuropaCorp’s English movies,” EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said in announcing the deal.
EuropaCorp already has a number of international output deals in place including with Fundamental Films in China, Universum in Germany, Scanbox in Scandinavia, and Gulf Films in the Middle East.
- 11/7/2014
- by Ali Jaafar
- Deadline
EuropaCorp, the French mini-major co-founded by Luc Besson in 2000, signed a five-year, $450M credit facility during the Cannes Film Festival in May to finance a slate of English-language films. At the time, the studio said it also had a $100M accordion that would be used to finance its existing credit facility of $132.8M. Today, the studio says it has closed on a $400M credit line, plus a $50M second credit facility and a $150M accordion. The existing credit facilities of about $160M have been fully repaid, increasing Europa’s financing ability threefold (fourfold with the accordion), the studio says.
Along with financing its English-language movies, the facility will be used to fund marketing and distribution costs related to the new productions that will be distributed in the U.S. through its joint venture with Relativity, Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (aka Red), which was formed this year. The first film on the...
Along with financing its English-language movies, the facility will be used to fund marketing and distribution costs related to the new productions that will be distributed in the U.S. through its joint venture with Relativity, Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (aka Red), which was formed this year. The first film on the...
- 10/22/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
As the final acquisition deals roll in on Toronto’s 2014 film festival movies, a couple of overriding themes emerged that bode well for the appetite for indie fare and have sellers smacking their lips for Afm, Sundance, Berlin and beyond. In a fest where Harvey Weinstein left his checkbook home and didn’t make a single splashy deal, I have never seen so many new players make statement buys at a festival than happened in Toronto.
The other intriguing development came on the fest’s biggest deal, when Paramount Pictures swooped into the auction of the Chris Rock-directed comedy Top Five, and blew buyers out of the water by paying $12.5 million for worldwide rights. It was the second straight fest where Paramount did this, after the studio made a precedent-setting pre-buy Cannes deal for the Denis Villeneuve-directed Amy Adams sci-fi film Story Of Your Life. Some established indie...
The other intriguing development came on the fest’s biggest deal, when Paramount Pictures swooped into the auction of the Chris Rock-directed comedy Top Five, and blew buyers out of the water by paying $12.5 million for worldwide rights. It was the second straight fest where Paramount did this, after the studio made a precedent-setting pre-buy Cannes deal for the Denis Villeneuve-directed Amy Adams sci-fi film Story Of Your Life. Some established indie...
- 9/21/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Ryan Kavanaugh and Tucker Tooley at Relativity Media have been through different manifestations through the years that involved grand enterprises like slate financing half of the movies in Hollywood at one time, and plotting an Ipo in the near future. The story of this festival has been the number of upstart companies that bought films as they re-brand themselves into indie distribution players. They include the soon-to-be-renamed Millennium buying Madame Bovary, EuropaCorp buying Big Game for its new domestic distribution pipeline Red, and Rlj/Image acquiring the Thomas McCarthy-directed Adam Sandler comedy The Cobbler.
Relativity has also been honing its own identity, and it made the first two deals of the festival, buying the completed picture The Woman in Black 2, and Kidnap, a thriller that Halle Berry will star in. Relativity chased the Chris Rock film Top Five and premiered two films here, Beyond The Lights and Hector And The Search For Happiness.
Relativity has also been honing its own identity, and it made the first two deals of the festival, buying the completed picture The Woman in Black 2, and Kidnap, a thriller that Halle Berry will star in. Relativity chased the Chris Rock film Top Five and premiered two films here, Beyond The Lights and Hector And The Search For Happiness.
- 9/10/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Exclusive: Another long night of deal-making will lead to a big $4 million EuropaCorp deal for Big Game, the Jalmari Helander-directed and -scripted film that stars Samuel L. Jackson as the President of the United States, who finds himself in the most unusual position. When Air Force One is downed by terrorists, the fate of the most powerful man on the planet lies in the hands of a 13-year-old boy. EuropaCorp makes this its first big acquisition since joint-venturing in the distribution pipeline Red, as Luc Besson and Christophe Lambert plan to control the release and marketing of its prolific volume of action films.
The deal is for U.S. rights, and it comes days after the film premiered to high praise in the Midnight Madness section. Multiple suitors have been chasing the film since its premiere, and EuropaCorp was particularly aggressive. The intriguing thing is that unlike most of Jackson’s films,...
The deal is for U.S. rights, and it comes days after the film premiered to high praise in the Midnight Madness section. Multiple suitors have been chasing the film since its premiere, and EuropaCorp was particularly aggressive. The intriguing thing is that unlike most of Jackson’s films,...
- 9/9/2014
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline
Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp has launched an La-based acquisitions arm to be run by Federica Sainte-Rose. As Head of Worldwide Acquisitions she will report to EuropaCorp CEO, Christophe Lambert. Also joining the department is former FilmNation exec John Zois as Director of Worldwide Acquisitions. The move to create a new division is part of Europa’s deeper push into the domestic U.S. market. It follows Europa’s deal with Relativity under which it bought into a joint venture, Red, giving it access and better control of the distribution of its movies. At Cannes, the Euro studio also unveiled a five-year, $450M JPMorgan-led credit […]...
- 7/23/2014
- Deadline
Paris-based EuropaCorp has launched a Us acquisitions team that will be on the ground in Toronto and is headed by French executive Federica Sainte-Rose based in Los Angeles.
Sainte-Rose will be joined by former FilmNation acquisitions executive John Zois in the role of director of worldwide acquisitions.
The new division will acquire films for Us distribution through EuropaCorp’s recently launched joint distribution operation with Relativity – Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (Red) – as well as multi-territory film rights including France.
Sainte-Rose was previously head of acquisitions for StudioCanal in Paris, where she was involved in deals to acquire Silver Linings Playbook, The Place Beyond The Pines and Moonrise Kingdom.
From there, she moved to Los Angeles to join Universal’s worldwide acquisitions team, where she reported to evp Peter Kujawski. In her new position, she will report to EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert (pictured).
“We are excited to welcome this amazing acquisitions team to the studio,” said Lambert...
Sainte-Rose will be joined by former FilmNation acquisitions executive John Zois in the role of director of worldwide acquisitions.
The new division will acquire films for Us distribution through EuropaCorp’s recently launched joint distribution operation with Relativity – Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (Red) – as well as multi-territory film rights including France.
Sainte-Rose was previously head of acquisitions for StudioCanal in Paris, where she was involved in deals to acquire Silver Linings Playbook, The Place Beyond The Pines and Moonrise Kingdom.
From there, she moved to Los Angeles to join Universal’s worldwide acquisitions team, where she reported to evp Peter Kujawski. In her new position, she will report to EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert (pictured).
“We are excited to welcome this amazing acquisitions team to the studio,” said Lambert...
- 7/23/2014
- ScreenDaily
French mini-major EuropaCorp has secured a $450m, five-year credit facility with Us financiers J.P. Morgan, SunTrust Bank and OneWest Bank.
The facility will be used to finance EuropaCorp’s slate of English-language films, as well as fund costs related to the creation of is Us distributor Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (Red) earlier this year.
“This new credit facility illustrates the increased confidence in EuropaCorp’s credit quality and financial solidity. It is a major success as it increases significantly EuropaCorp’s capacities to produce and distribute a wider range of films,” EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said in a statement.
“After the creation of Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution USA LLC earlier this year that allowed us to fully control our distribution in the Us and maximise the visibility for our films, this facility finances our strategy for the next five years.”
J.P. Morgan managing director and head of the entertainment industries group David Shaheen said: “EuropaCorp’s management team has...
The facility will be used to finance EuropaCorp’s slate of English-language films, as well as fund costs related to the creation of is Us distributor Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution (Red) earlier this year.
“This new credit facility illustrates the increased confidence in EuropaCorp’s credit quality and financial solidity. It is a major success as it increases significantly EuropaCorp’s capacities to produce and distribute a wider range of films,” EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said in a statement.
“After the creation of Relativity EuropaCorp Distribution USA LLC earlier this year that allowed us to fully control our distribution in the Us and maximise the visibility for our films, this facility finances our strategy for the next five years.”
J.P. Morgan managing director and head of the entertainment industries group David Shaheen said: “EuropaCorp’s management team has...
- 5/16/2014
- ScreenDaily
Luc Besson's EuropaCorp on Friday announced a $450 million credit facility that it will use for its previously announced push into English-language production. The five-year facility comes from J.P. Morgan, SunTrust Bank and OneWest. Representatives from the three banks will meet in Paris next week. The announcement in Cannes by EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert and David Shaheen, head of the entertainment division at J.P. Morgan, is part of a EuropaCorp's plan to expand their English language production slate in film and television. Lambert called the financing deal the "last act" in their plan to
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- 5/16/2014
- by Rhonda Richford, Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Luc Besson‘s EuropaCorp has signed with J.P. Morgan, SunTrust Bank and OneWest Bank on a five-year, $450M credit facility. The line, along with a $100M accordion, will be used to finance the studio’s existing credit facility of 105M euros. This is part of EuropaCorp’s plan to expand and will be used to finance a slate of English-language films to be released through its joint distribution venture with Relativity which was formed earlier this year. It will also fund Europacorp’s marketing spend on its projects. Plans are to go from releasing three to eight movies per year. The studio will also make four French-language pics per annum. Christophe Lambert, CEO of EuropaCorp, said this morning in Cannes, “This new credit facility illustrates the increased confidence in EuropaCorp’s credit quality and financial solidity. It is a major success, as it increases significantly EuropaCorp’s capacities to produce...
- 5/16/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
EuropaCorp has committed around $130m to form a joint marketing and distribution venture with longtime partner Relativity that uses the latter’s infrastructure and gives it the ability to directly distribute in the Us.
The entity will distribute the respective feature slates of Relativity and EuropaCorp in the Us. EuropaCorp is buying a 50% stake in the venture and is expected to pay the $130m over six years.
The deal enables Relativity to grow its production ambitions, building on the parties’ existing co-production partnership and granting each company the opportunity to co-produce and co-finance each other’s future films.
Relativity president Tucker Tooley and Europacorp CEO Christophe Lambert will oversee the joint venture.
“We are excited to expand our successful relationship with EuropaCorp through the formation of this joint venture,” said Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh
“In partnership with EuropaCorp, we will be able to more fully utilise the strength of our distribution and marketing abilities, even as we continue...
The entity will distribute the respective feature slates of Relativity and EuropaCorp in the Us. EuropaCorp is buying a 50% stake in the venture and is expected to pay the $130m over six years.
The deal enables Relativity to grow its production ambitions, building on the parties’ existing co-production partnership and granting each company the opportunity to co-produce and co-finance each other’s future films.
Relativity president Tucker Tooley and Europacorp CEO Christophe Lambert will oversee the joint venture.
“We are excited to expand our successful relationship with EuropaCorp through the formation of this joint venture,” said Relativity CEO Ryan Kavanaugh
“In partnership with EuropaCorp, we will be able to more fully utilise the strength of our distribution and marketing abilities, even as we continue...
- 2/21/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Breaking: In a deal worth $130 million, EuropaCorp has bought its way into a joint venture with Relativity that will give it access and better control of the domestic distribution of its films. This comes after Luc Besson and Christophe Lambert’s France-based company waged a long courtship for Millennium Entertainment to serve that function. Lambert told Deadline that pursuit ended two months ago, and instead the accord was reached with Relativity, which released EuropaCorp’s black comedy The Family and this week distributes the Kevin Costner action film Three Days To Kill, with Brick Mansions coming later this year. Under terms of the deal, EuropaCorp will pay $130 million over six years for a half share in the distribution venture that Relativity has had since it bought Overture and built it into the Relativity releasing arm. Both companies will use the distribution apparatus for its own films, and EuropaCorp will put...
- 2/21/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Relativity Media and EuropaCorp are partnering on a new U.S. distribution and marketing joint venture, the companies said Friday. EuropaCorp will contribute $130 million to the partnership and the two companies will use the venture to roll out their theatrical film releases stateside. Relativity President Tucker Tooley and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said the deal is a chance for both companies to deepen a relationship that has already seen them pair up on such films as “The Family”, “3 Days To Kill”, and the upcoming “Brick Mansions”. “It’s an outgrowth of our previous partnership,” Tooley said. “It’s about how do we maximize our.
- 2/21/2014
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
(Cbr) Ed Skrein, who appeared on the third season of "Game of Thrones", will replace Jason Statham in EuropaCorp’s rebooted "Transporter" franchise, Variety reports. “We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who has the potential to become an action movie star and we’ve found the right match with Ed Skrein, who’s not only a great actor but also has enough charisma and physical stamina to play Frank Martin with brio,” said EuropaCorp’s Christophe Lambert. As reported last week, the new "Transporter" film is an origin story, telling the tale of Statham’s fast-driving Martin before he, uh, became Jason Statham. Lambert...
- 2/11/2014
- by Josh Wigler, Comic Book Resources
- Hitfix
It was just reported that EuropaCorp is rebooting the "Transporter" franchise, with plans of developing a new trilogy. Jason Statham is not returning to play Frank Martin, and now comes word that he'll be replaced by "Game of Thrones" actor Ed Skrein. "We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and we've found the right match with Ed Skrein, who's not only a great actor but also has enough charisma and physical stamina to play Frank Martin," said EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert. Bill Collage and Adam Cooper (Tower Heist) wrote the script, which will bring Frank Martin back to the French Riviera and explore Martin's relationship with his father. "Brick Mansion" director Camille Delammare is directing. Filming is set to begin in June.
- 2/11/2014
- WorstPreviews.com
Just last week we learned that Jason Statham would return in a sequel to The Mechanic, but when it came to The Transporter series, the British action star would not be back for a fourth round. Instead, The Transporter 4 was going to be a prequel looking at the origins of Frank Martin, and if all went well, that would lead to a fifth and sixth film in the series following the earlier years of the title protagonist. Now we know who will replace Jason Statham in the lead role as Variety reports Ed Skrein, who stars on the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones," has assumed the role after an extensive search was conducted. More below! EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert says, "“We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and we’ve found the right match with Ed Skrein, who...
- 2/10/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Not that Jason Statham could ever be replaced, but plans for a rebooted Transporter series recently were unveiled, and it seems the producers already have gone ahead and cast a younger actor in the lead. Ed Skrein, the British actor who plays Daario Naharis on HBO.s smash hit Game of Thrones, landed the key role of the new Transporter in the reboot, Variety reports. The actor.s previous credits include the TV series The Tunnel, as well as the upcoming epic Northmen: A Viking Saga. On the casting, EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said to the trade: "We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and we.ve found the right match with Ed Skrein, who.s not only a great actor but also has enough charisma and physical stamina to play Frank Martin (the .Transporter.s. leading role) with...
- 2/10/2014
- cinemablend.com
Though Jason Statham is one of the most widely known action stars in the world today, it wasn’t that long ago when he first arrived on the scene. After delivering memorable performances in Guy Ritchie’s crime capers Snatch and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, it was really The Transporter, back in 2002, that elevated him to action stardom. In subsequent Transporter films, the Crank franchise and dozens of stand-alone action flicks since, he’s refined his niche, but that film truly marked his breakout. Though it’s been five years since Transporter 3 made bank with $108 million, the success of the series has led EuropaCorp towards rebooting the franchise with three new films. Now, likely hoping to kick-start another young actor’s career, EuropaCorp has tapped Game of Thrones actor Ed Skrein to take the lead role in Transporter 4.
The British actor has a few credits to his name,...
The British actor has a few credits to his name,...
- 2/10/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Sorry folks, no more greased up Jason Statham getting punchy for you…at least so far a the Transporter franchise is concerned. What you and The Stath do on your own time is your business. As recently reported, Luc Besson announced a deal for three additional Transporter films during last year’s Cannes Film Festival, all sans Statham, being that these new entries will be a franchise reboot. The latest incarnation of stunt driving martial arts tough guy Frank Martin will be thirty-year-old Game of Thrones alumnus Ed Skrein, who played Daenerys Targaryen ally Daario Naharis in HBO’s ratings juggernaut. The Englishman doesn’t have a terribly deep resume, but the full faith of Besson and EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert, who told Variety, “We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star, and we’ve found the right match with Ed Skrein, who...
- 2/10/2014
- by Dustin Hucks
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
British actor Ed Skrein is taking the keys to The Transporter franchise, which is moving forward without original star Jason Statham. The series will continue with Skrein in the lead role as the same character, Frank Martin/aka The Transporter, but will act as a prequel with plans to do three new films. EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert commented on the casting, saying: “We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and...
- 2/10/2014
- by Paul Shirey
- JoBlo.com
"Game of Thrones" star Ed Skrein will be succeeding Jason Statham in EuropaCorp's upcoming reboot of the "Transporter" franchise, reports Variety . "We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and we.ve found the right match with Ed Skrein, who.s not only a great actor but also has enough charisma and physical stamina to play Frank Martin with brio," EuropaCorp CEO Christophe Lambert said. According to the trade, the first new movie will return to the French Riviera, which was the setting of the first Statham movie. The reboot will explore Martin.s relationship with his father. Brick Mansions helmer Camille Delamarre will direct from a script by Bill Collage and Adam Cooper. Luc Besson's...
- 2/10/2014
- Comingsoon.net
Former "Game of Thrones" star Ed Skrein will take over the role of Frank Martin in the $30 million reboot of the "Transporter" franchise at EuropaCorp.
Jason Statham played the role in the previous three films, while Chris Vance took on the role in the TV series version. This proposed new trilogy of films features a younger Frank Martin which 30-year-old Skrein will now take on.
Though he's had roles in films like "Ill Manors," "The Sweeney" and "Piggy," Skrein is probably best known for his work in the role of Tyroshi warrior and Daenerys love interest Daario Naharis in the most recent season of "Game of Thrones".
Skrein played the role in the final three episodes of the third season, but isn't returning to the role for the upcoming fourth season. Michiel Huisman is now taking over that part.
The story returns the action to the French Riviera and is...
Jason Statham played the role in the previous three films, while Chris Vance took on the role in the TV series version. This proposed new trilogy of films features a younger Frank Martin which 30-year-old Skrein will now take on.
Though he's had roles in films like "Ill Manors," "The Sweeney" and "Piggy," Skrein is probably best known for his work in the role of Tyroshi warrior and Daenerys love interest Daario Naharis in the most recent season of "Game of Thrones".
Skrein played the role in the final three episodes of the third season, but isn't returning to the role for the upcoming fourth season. Michiel Huisman is now taking over that part.
The story returns the action to the French Riviera and is...
- 2/9/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
If you've been wondering why Ed Skrein was replaced by Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis, Daenerys Targaryen's love interest on "Game of Thrones," in between Seasons 3 and 4, well, this just may be the answer.
Skrein has been revealed as the successor of Jason Statham in the upcoming reboot of the "Transporter" film franchise, taking over the central role of Frank Martin, Variety reports.
"We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and we've found the right match with Ed Skrein, who's not only a great actor but also has enough charisma and physical stamina to play Frank Martin with brio," EuropaCorp (the production company behind the franchise) CEO Christophe Lambert tells the publication.
Plot details are being kept quiet, but Lambert says the first installment of the reboot will return to the French Riviera, the site of the first film,...
Skrein has been revealed as the successor of Jason Statham in the upcoming reboot of the "Transporter" film franchise, taking over the central role of Frank Martin, Variety reports.
"We searched everywhere to find a fresh face who had the potential to become an action movie star and we've found the right match with Ed Skrein, who's not only a great actor but also has enough charisma and physical stamina to play Frank Martin with brio," EuropaCorp (the production company behind the franchise) CEO Christophe Lambert tells the publication.
Plot details are being kept quiet, but Lambert says the first installment of the reboot will return to the French Riviera, the site of the first film,...
- 2/9/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The late Paul Walker left several film projects in limbo after his sudden death in a car crash late last year. Now, one of those movies has a new release date.
Relativity Media announced Thursday that Walker's film "Brick Mansions" will switch to an April 25 release date, after initially planning a February bow. That plan was put on hold when Walker died on November 30 in Los Angeles after the car he was riding in crashed into a tree and burst into flames, killing him and the vehicle's driver.
Deadline reports that Walker had completed work on "Brick Mansions," a remake of a 2004 French film about an undercover cop trying to take down a crime lord, only three days before his death. A test screening scheduled for the following week had to be cancelled while producers tried to figure out what to do about the project.
"Paul is the big movie...
Relativity Media announced Thursday that Walker's film "Brick Mansions" will switch to an April 25 release date, after initially planning a February bow. That plan was put on hold when Walker died on November 30 in Los Angeles after the car he was riding in crashed into a tree and burst into flames, killing him and the vehicle's driver.
Deadline reports that Walker had completed work on "Brick Mansions," a remake of a 2004 French film about an undercover cop trying to take down a crime lord, only three days before his death. A test screening scheduled for the following week had to be cancelled while producers tried to figure out what to do about the project.
"Paul is the big movie...
- 2/6/2014
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
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