Christian Petzold’s anticipated Miroirs No.3 and Kaouther Ben Hania’s epic love story Mimesi are among the 19 projects awarded a total funding of almost €3.5m by Germany’s Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg (Mbb) at the second funding session of 2024.
Miroirs No.3 will star Paula Beer in her fourth collaboration with Petzold after Transit, Undine and Afire. She will play a young music student who has to restructure her life when her boyfriend dies in a car crash in the countryside.
The film, which is being produced by Petzold’s production company Schramm Film Koerner Weber Kaiser, received €500,000 in production funding from Mbb.
Miroirs No.3 will star Paula Beer in her fourth collaboration with Petzold after Transit, Undine and Afire. She will play a young music student who has to restructure her life when her boyfriend dies in a car crash in the countryside.
The film, which is being produced by Petzold’s production company Schramm Film Koerner Weber Kaiser, received €500,000 in production funding from Mbb.
- 4/30/2024
- ScreenDaily
Alternate history is one of science fiction’s biggest niches, at least on the bookshelves. There’s some big winners out there, like when historian and author Harry Turtledove took us on a trip through a Civil War where mercenaries funneled modern weapons to the Confederates in The Guns of the South. Meanwhile David Drake has a joyful obsession with introducing Roman centurions to aliens everywhere from Birds of Prey to Ranks of Bronze. It’s a ton of fun to splash through a world of what could have been.
Movies dip their toes into the genre to a far lesser extent, frequently sticking with takes on a post-wwii era where the Axis forces take control. There’s some fantastic movies in that niche, although they’re not often happy rides. But there are some great, zany takes on mixed-up history that a film fan can miss if they’re not looking.
Movies dip their toes into the genre to a far lesser extent, frequently sticking with takes on a post-wwii era where the Axis forces take control. There’s some fantastic movies in that niche, although they’re not often happy rides. But there are some great, zany takes on mixed-up history that a film fan can miss if they’re not looking.
- 7/14/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Unspooling from June 8-15, the Key Buyers Event: Digital Edition will feature a slew of drama projects worth looking out for, from psychological thrillers to biopics and new takes on modern relationships.
“Insomnia” (1-2-3 Production) 2022
Producers: Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov
Synopsis: Yuri is a successful psychiatrist and hypnotist, a committed non-believer, capable of rationalizing anything except for his own nightmares: featuring his late ex-wife, some red-haired beauty and a strange symbol that looks like an infinity sign. When a mother of a boy, also tormented by nightmares, turns to Yuri for help, he tries to untangle this case. In the process of treatment Yuri comes across evidence of reincarnation, while the boy himself gives him clues to the mystery of his own nightmares.
Valeriy Fedorovich: “‘Insomnia’ is a mystical drama with some thriller elements and unconventional Russian A-list duet of Gosha Kutsenko and Irina Starshenbaum, known internationally for their...
“Insomnia” (1-2-3 Production) 2022
Producers: Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov
Synopsis: Yuri is a successful psychiatrist and hypnotist, a committed non-believer, capable of rationalizing anything except for his own nightmares: featuring his late ex-wife, some red-haired beauty and a strange symbol that looks like an infinity sign. When a mother of a boy, also tormented by nightmares, turns to Yuri for help, he tries to untangle this case. In the process of treatment Yuri comes across evidence of reincarnation, while the boy himself gives him clues to the mystery of his own nightmares.
Valeriy Fedorovich: “‘Insomnia’ is a mystical drama with some thriller elements and unconventional Russian A-list duet of Gosha Kutsenko and Irina Starshenbaum, known internationally for their...
- 6/7/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The popularity of subscription video-on-demand services in Russia has been growing rapidly and, as noted by Olga Filipuk, chief content officer of Yandex Mediaservices, the production of original shows has now reached a new level. While there is still a demand for Russian takes on tried-and-tested global genres such as crime thrillers and science-fiction, global success depends on having an original story: Russian in terms of style but relatable to viewers in other countries.
“Platforms explore new, complicated topics; they are not as limited as TV channels,” says Alexandra Modestova, CEO of Expocontent, mentioning the likes of “Happy End,” “Mediator,” “An Ordinary Woman” and “To the Lake,” which has become one of the top-watched shows on Netflix in the U.S. and worldwide.
“Russia has around 100 million potential content consumers and Netflix aims at this audience by launching its first originals here, like ‘Anna K,’ as well as acquiring series,...
“Platforms explore new, complicated topics; they are not as limited as TV channels,” says Alexandra Modestova, CEO of Expocontent, mentioning the likes of “Happy End,” “Mediator,” “An Ordinary Woman” and “To the Lake,” which has become one of the top-watched shows on Netflix in the U.S. and worldwide.
“Russia has around 100 million potential content consumers and Netflix aims at this audience by launching its first originals here, like ‘Anna K,’ as well as acquiring series,...
- 6/7/2021
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
“Penny Dreadful” actor Josh Hartnett will star in Sky original thriller series “The Fear Index,” based on the bestselling novel by Robert Harris (“Fatherland”).
Hartnett will star as Dr Alex Hoffman, a computer scientist and genius who is ready with a new AI product launch that promises big returns, but whose roll-out plans go awry. What follows is a journey through the worst 24 hours of his life — cutting across reality, memory and paranoid fantasy, forcing him to question everything he sees with his own eyes.
Adapted by Paul Andrew Williams and Caroline Bartleet, and directed by David Caffrey (“The Alienist”), the fast-paced four-part limited series also has Leila Farzad (“I Hate Suzie”), Arsher Ali (“The Ritual”) and Grégory Montel (“Call My Agent”) in the cast.
Produced by Left Bank Pictures in association with Sky Studios, “The Fear Index” will begin filming this month in Hungary, with Pioneer Pictures providing local production services.
Hartnett will star as Dr Alex Hoffman, a computer scientist and genius who is ready with a new AI product launch that promises big returns, but whose roll-out plans go awry. What follows is a journey through the worst 24 hours of his life — cutting across reality, memory and paranoid fantasy, forcing him to question everything he sees with his own eyes.
Adapted by Paul Andrew Williams and Caroline Bartleet, and directed by David Caffrey (“The Alienist”), the fast-paced four-part limited series also has Leila Farzad (“I Hate Suzie”), Arsher Ali (“The Ritual”) and Grégory Montel (“Call My Agent”) in the cast.
Produced by Left Bank Pictures in association with Sky Studios, “The Fear Index” will begin filming this month in Hungary, with Pioneer Pictures providing local production services.
- 4/26/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
With international buyers unable to travel to Germany to scout movies at year’s Berlin International Film Festival, the event will instead bring a selection of titles from its program to them through new initiative ‘EFM goes global’.
Four cities will host physical buyers screenings of pics from the festival – Tokyo for the Asian market, Melbourne for Oceania, São Paulo for South America, and Mexico City for Central America. The fest said the cities were selected because they have high density of national distribution companies. It is partnering with established industry partners including festivals, cinemas and film institutions for infrastructure support.
This year’s European Film Market is running in a virtual form March 1-5 and the screenings will run concurrently. The fest has not confirmed as of yet which titles will be screened.
“If distributors aren’t able to travel to Berlin this year, we want to bring the films to the distributors,...
Four cities will host physical buyers screenings of pics from the festival – Tokyo for the Asian market, Melbourne for Oceania, São Paulo for South America, and Mexico City for Central America. The fest said the cities were selected because they have high density of national distribution companies. It is partnering with established industry partners including festivals, cinemas and film institutions for infrastructure support.
This year’s European Film Market is running in a virtual form March 1-5 and the screenings will run concurrently. The fest has not confirmed as of yet which titles will be screened.
“If distributors aren’t able to travel to Berlin this year, we want to bring the films to the distributors,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
“Watchmen” actor Jeremy Irons is headlining Netflix original film “Munich,” an adaptation of the bestselling 2017 novel by Robert Harris (“Fatherland”).
The film is set in the fall of 1938 when Europe stands on the brink of war. Adolf Hitler is preparing to invade Czechoslovakia and Neville Chamberlain’s government desperately seeks a peaceful solution. With the pressure building, British civil servant Hugh Legat and Paul von Hartmann, a German diplomat, travel to Munich for the emergency conference. As negotiations begin, the two old friends find themselves at the centre of a web of political subterfuge and very real danger.
Irons plays Chamberlain, while “1917” actor George McKay portrays Legat. The cast also includes Jannis Niehwöhner (“The Turncoat”), Liv Lisa Fries (“Babylon Berlin”), Erin Doherty (“The Crown”), Sandra Hüller (“Toni Erdmann”), August Diehl (“A Hidden Life”), Robert Bathurst (“Downton Abbey”), and Marc Limpach (“Bad Banks”). Martin Wuttke, who played Hitler in “Inglourious Basterds,...
The film is set in the fall of 1938 when Europe stands on the brink of war. Adolf Hitler is preparing to invade Czechoslovakia and Neville Chamberlain’s government desperately seeks a peaceful solution. With the pressure building, British civil servant Hugh Legat and Paul von Hartmann, a German diplomat, travel to Munich for the emergency conference. As negotiations begin, the two old friends find themselves at the centre of a web of political subterfuge and very real danger.
Irons plays Chamberlain, while “1917” actor George McKay portrays Legat. The cast also includes Jannis Niehwöhner (“The Turncoat”), Liv Lisa Fries (“Babylon Berlin”), Erin Doherty (“The Crown”), Sandra Hüller (“Toni Erdmann”), August Diehl (“A Hidden Life”), Robert Bathurst (“Downton Abbey”), and Marc Limpach (“Bad Banks”). Martin Wuttke, who played Hitler in “Inglourious Basterds,...
- 11/3/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, San Sebastian announces it will screen all eight episodes of Luca Guadagnino’s “We Are Who We Are” and finalizes its competition sections; Venice selects legendary composer Terence Blanchard as its third Campari Passion for Film winner; Big Light Productions gets a new COO; Small World International licenses “Big in Japan” in Russia; and Fugitive signs on as Topic’s international distribution representative.
Festivals
HBO has doubled down at this year’s San Sebastian, with Luca Guadagnino’s “We Are Who We Are” set to world premiere alongside HBO España’s original drama series “Patria.” An HBO-Sky co-production, all seven hours and 50 minutes of “We Are Who We Are” will screen at San Sebastian in the festival’s Special Screenings section.
The series was originally selected for the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs at Cannes but had to be delayed when the festival was cancelled. Two episodes will broadcast before San Sebastian,...
Festivals
HBO has doubled down at this year’s San Sebastian, with Luca Guadagnino’s “We Are Who We Are” set to world premiere alongside HBO España’s original drama series “Patria.” An HBO-Sky co-production, all seven hours and 50 minutes of “We Are Who We Are” will screen at San Sebastian in the festival’s Special Screenings section.
The series was originally selected for the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs at Cannes but had to be delayed when the festival was cancelled. Two episodes will broadcast before San Sebastian,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s ‘Patria’ Heads To France
France’s Canal+ has acquired HBO Europe’s first Spanish original drama, Patria. Set in Spanish Basque Country and taking place over 30 years during, Patria tells a story through the eyes of two families divided by the violent conflict. The show will premiere in HBO Europe’s 21 territories on September 27, while it will be released on the same day in the U.S. on HBO and HBO Max. Patria was created and written by Aitor Gabilondo, based on the bestselling novel by Fernando Aramburu.
UK Cinemas Promo Campaign Launched
UK cinema promoting body Cinema First has unveiled the campaign it hopes will encourage greater numbers of the population to return to cinemas as they continue to get back to business. The majority of UK venues have now re-opened and the release of Tenet on August 26 is seen as a major potential boost to operators...
France’s Canal+ has acquired HBO Europe’s first Spanish original drama, Patria. Set in Spanish Basque Country and taking place over 30 years during, Patria tells a story through the eyes of two families divided by the violent conflict. The show will premiere in HBO Europe’s 21 territories on September 27, while it will be released on the same day in the U.S. on HBO and HBO Max. Patria was created and written by Aitor Gabilondo, based on the bestselling novel by Fernando Aramburu.
UK Cinemas Promo Campaign Launched
UK cinema promoting body Cinema First has unveiled the campaign it hopes will encourage greater numbers of the population to return to cinemas as they continue to get back to business. The majority of UK venues have now re-opened and the release of Tenet on August 26 is seen as a major potential boost to operators...
- 8/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter and Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
French pay-tv group Canal Plus has pre-bought exclusive rights for France to the anticipated series “Patria” from HBO Europe ahead of its September premiere.
“Patria” was created and written by Aitor Gabilondo (“El Príncipe”), based on Fernando Aramburu’s bestselling novel of the same name.
Directed by Felix Viscarret and Óscar Pedraza, “Patria” spans over three decades and tells a story of the Spanish Basque Country through the eyes of two friends and their respective families who are divided by violence and political struggle. “Patria” is set in the aftermath of the ceasefire pronounced by the Eta (the armed Basque nationalist and separatist organization) and follows Bittori, who returns home to her village where her husband was murdered by the terrorist to get closure.
The show is headlined by Elena Irureta, Ane Gabarain, José Ramón Soroiz and Mikel Laskurain.
“We are pleased that HBO Europe’s Patria has found a home on Canal Plus,...
“Patria” was created and written by Aitor Gabilondo (“El Príncipe”), based on Fernando Aramburu’s bestselling novel of the same name.
Directed by Felix Viscarret and Óscar Pedraza, “Patria” spans over three decades and tells a story of the Spanish Basque Country through the eyes of two friends and their respective families who are divided by violence and political struggle. “Patria” is set in the aftermath of the ceasefire pronounced by the Eta (the armed Basque nationalist and separatist organization) and follows Bittori, who returns home to her village where her husband was murdered by the terrorist to get closure.
The show is headlined by Elena Irureta, Ane Gabarain, José Ramón Soroiz and Mikel Laskurain.
“We are pleased that HBO Europe’s Patria has found a home on Canal Plus,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, the BBC picks up Awkwafina’s latest series, Tove Lo preps her acting debut, HBO Nordics and Australia’s ABC make executive hires, Conecta Fiction Reboot and Mip Cancun share details for their updated events, and Banijay closes a first-look deal with U.K. production company Nineteen11.
Acquisition
BBC Three has picked up comedy series “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens” from ViacomCBS International Studios and will make it available to stream exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the U.K. later this year.
The 10-part series stars the popular actor-rapper Awkwafina, a Golden Globe winner for her work in “The Farewell,” and is based on her own real-life story growing up in Queens, New York. It co-stars “SNL” alum Bowen Yang, Bd Wong (“Mr Robot”) and Lori Tann Chinn (“Orange is the New Black”).
Lucia Aniello, Natasha Lyonne and Steven K. Tsuchida direct the series, produced...
Acquisition
BBC Three has picked up comedy series “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens” from ViacomCBS International Studios and will make it available to stream exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the U.K. later this year.
The 10-part series stars the popular actor-rapper Awkwafina, a Golden Globe winner for her work in “The Farewell,” and is based on her own real-life story growing up in Queens, New York. It co-stars “SNL” alum Bowen Yang, Bd Wong (“Mr Robot”) and Lori Tann Chinn (“Orange is the New Black”).
Lucia Aniello, Natasha Lyonne and Steven K. Tsuchida direct the series, produced...
- 8/19/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Akelarre Photo: Courtesy of San Sebastian Film Festival
The Official Selection at San Sebastian Film Festival has been expanded by the announcement of several Spanish titles, including Pablo Agüero’s Akelarre and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s Courtroom 3H.
Akelarre is a period film which sees women accused of witchcraft and marks the second time Agüero has competed for the Golden Shell after Eva Doesn't Sleep in 2015. Esparza, who won the Fipresci prize at the festival with his previous drama Life And Nothing More returns with a documentary observing a Floridian court that deals with family cases.
Two series also join the line-up - Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s six-part Riot Police, playing out of competition, and Aitor Gabilondo’s eight-episode Patria, which will be a special screening.
The festival has previously announced that the Official Selection will open with Woody Allen's Rifkin's Festival, which will also play out of competition.
In...
The Official Selection at San Sebastian Film Festival has been expanded by the announcement of several Spanish titles, including Pablo Agüero’s Akelarre and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s Courtroom 3H.
Akelarre is a period film which sees women accused of witchcraft and marks the second time Agüero has competed for the Golden Shell after Eva Doesn't Sleep in 2015. Esparza, who won the Fipresci prize at the festival with his previous drama Life And Nothing More returns with a documentary observing a Floridian court that deals with family cases.
Two series also join the line-up - Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s six-part Riot Police, playing out of competition, and Aitor Gabilondo’s eight-episode Patria, which will be a special screening.
The festival has previously announced that the Official Selection will open with Woody Allen's Rifkin's Festival, which will also play out of competition.
In...
- 8/5/2020
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
eOne and Australian pay TV company Foxtel have inked an expanded deal on a slate of the former’s recent titles. Included are the Oscar-winning 1917, Green Book, and Judy, as well as Wild Rose, Booksmart, Babyteeth, and more. The agreement sees Foxtel take both pay TV and SVOD rights for the pics in the territory and extends a long-running partnership between the two companies.
The San Sebastian Film Festival has unveiled its line-up of Spanish titles screening this year. They include two series – HBO Europe’s Patria and Movistar+ series Riot Police, both of which take part in the Official Selection. Films added include Pablo Agüero’s Akelarre and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s Courtroom 3H both of which compete for the Golden Shell, as well as David Pérez Sañudo’s Ane, Isabel Lamberti’s Last Days Of Spring, and Imanol Rayo’s Death Knell, which are in the New...
The San Sebastian Film Festival has unveiled its line-up of Spanish titles screening this year. They include two series – HBO Europe’s Patria and Movistar+ series Riot Police, both of which take part in the Official Selection. Films added include Pablo Agüero’s Akelarre and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s Courtroom 3H both of which compete for the Golden Shell, as well as David Pérez Sañudo’s Ane, Isabel Lamberti’s Last Days Of Spring, and Imanol Rayo’s Death Knell, which are in the New...
- 7/30/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Two series selected for out of competition slots.
Pablo Agüero’s Akelarre and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s Courtroom 3H will compete for the Golden Shell at this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival (Ssiff), which runs September 18 to 26.
The latest project from Argentinian director Agüero, previously at San Sebastian with competition title Eva Doesn’t Sleep in 2015, is a historical witchcraft drama shot in Spanish and Basque.
Esparza also returns to competition, following Fipresci Prize winnerLife and Nothing More in 2017, with documentary Courtroom 3H, about a Florida court specialising in judicial cases involving minors. The previously announced competition films include five Cannes label titles.
Pablo Agüero’s Akelarre and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s Courtroom 3H will compete for the Golden Shell at this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival (Ssiff), which runs September 18 to 26.
The latest project from Argentinian director Agüero, previously at San Sebastian with competition title Eva Doesn’t Sleep in 2015, is a historical witchcraft drama shot in Spanish and Basque.
Esparza also returns to competition, following Fipresci Prize winnerLife and Nothing More in 2017, with documentary Courtroom 3H, about a Florida court specialising in judicial cases involving minors. The previously announced competition films include five Cannes label titles.
- 7/30/2020
- by 1101184¦Orlando Parfitt¦38¦
- ScreenDaily
In a sign of the times, Spain’s San Sebastian Festival, the biggest movie event in the Spanish-speaking world, announced Thursday two of its biggest Spanish premieres, both of which are TV series: Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s “Riot Police,” a Movistar Plus original, and Aitor Gabilondo’s “Patria,” a banner title at HBO Europe.
They will be joined in San Sebastian’s official selection by two in-competition movies from directors who underscore other trends now coursing through Spain’s content industries: Pablo Agüero’s “Akelarre” and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s “Courtroom 3H.”
As scripted drama looks to reach far larger audiences, the cream of Spain’s directorial talent has moved into the longer format, few with more lauded results than Sorogoyen, whose “Riot Police” is being talked up by the few who have seen its first episodes as one of the crowning achievements to date of Movistar Plus.
The first full...
They will be joined in San Sebastian’s official selection by two in-competition movies from directors who underscore other trends now coursing through Spain’s content industries: Pablo Agüero’s “Akelarre” and Antonio Méndez Esparza’s “Courtroom 3H.”
As scripted drama looks to reach far larger audiences, the cream of Spain’s directorial talent has moved into the longer format, few with more lauded results than Sorogoyen, whose “Riot Police” is being talked up by the few who have seen its first episodes as one of the crowning achievements to date of Movistar Plus.
The first full...
- 7/30/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The San Sebastian International Film Festival on Thursday unveiled two Spanish-language titles that will compete for this year's Golden Shell for best film: Akelarre, by Pablo Agüero, and Courtroom 3H from director Antonio Méndez Esparza.
Akelarre is a period drama inspired by a real-life witchcraft trial that took place in the Basque Country in the 17th century. Courtroom 3H is a documentary set in a Florida court that specializes in judicial cases involving minors.
San Sebastian also picked two Spanish TV series — Riot Police, a Moviestar+ series created by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Patria, an HBO Europe production created by Aitor ...
Akelarre is a period drama inspired by a real-life witchcraft trial that took place in the Basque Country in the 17th century. Courtroom 3H is a documentary set in a Florida court that specializes in judicial cases involving minors.
San Sebastian also picked two Spanish TV series — Riot Police, a Moviestar+ series created by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Patria, an HBO Europe production created by Aitor ...
- 7/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The San Sebastian International Film Festival on Thursday unveiled two Spanish-language titles that will compete for this year's Golden Shell for best film: Akelarre, by Pablo Agüero, and Courtroom 3H from director Antonio Méndez Esparza.
Akelarre is a period drama inspired by a real-life witchcraft trial that took place in the Basque Country in the 17th century. Courtroom 3H is a documentary set in a Florida court that specializes in judicial cases involving minors.
San Sebastian also picked two Spanish TV series — Riot Police, a Moviestar+ series created by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Patria, an HBO Europe production created by Aitor ...
Akelarre is a period drama inspired by a real-life witchcraft trial that took place in the Basque Country in the 17th century. Courtroom 3H is a documentary set in a Florida court that specializes in judicial cases involving minors.
San Sebastian also picked two Spanish TV series — Riot Police, a Moviestar+ series created by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Patria, an HBO Europe production created by Aitor ...
- 7/30/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Standout Spanish cinema actors Irene Escolar and Bárbara Lennie have teamed on a new anthology series commissioned by HBO España and produced by Calle Cruzada.
Created and executive produced by the pair (pictured), who will also perform in the show, “Escenario 0” features six episodes from prominent writers and filmmakers. A unique project that will mix different disciplines to create an exceptional fusion between the performing and audiovisual arts.
“Escanario 0” is the latest example of HBO Europe looking to tap Spanish talent for its HBO Spain original programming. Previous series include Isabel Coixet’s “Foodie Love” and Álex de la Iglesia’s “30 Coins,” as well as the much-anticipated series adaptation of best-selling novel “Patria,” and recently announced comedy series “Por H o por B.”
Commission
Keshet has closed a deal for a Dutch remake of the popular musical quiz program “The Hit List,” commissioned by public broadcaster Npo to be produced locally by Vincent TV.
Created and executive produced by the pair (pictured), who will also perform in the show, “Escenario 0” features six episodes from prominent writers and filmmakers. A unique project that will mix different disciplines to create an exceptional fusion between the performing and audiovisual arts.
“Escanario 0” is the latest example of HBO Europe looking to tap Spanish talent for its HBO Spain original programming. Previous series include Isabel Coixet’s “Foodie Love” and Álex de la Iglesia’s “30 Coins,” as well as the much-anticipated series adaptation of best-selling novel “Patria,” and recently announced comedy series “Por H o por B.”
Commission
Keshet has closed a deal for a Dutch remake of the popular musical quiz program “The Hit List,” commissioned by public broadcaster Npo to be produced locally by Vincent TV.
- 7/8/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Movie titles produced by top Spanish broadcast network Mediaset España used to spark buzz at the Cannes film market every year, befitting a driving force of the Spanish film industry.
This year, however, like many other top European film production houses, Mediaset España is waiting on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis to take the next steps in its theatrical release plans.
Films such as Jaume Balaguero’s TF1 Studio-sold “Way Down,” one of the company’s most anticipated titles of the year, is scheduled for a theatrical release this fall; and comedy “Operación Camarón,” handled internationally by Filmax, delayed its Spanish release from March 13 to Sept. 11.
“These are films for which we have strong audience expectations, and we want to protect them until we find the best scenario,” Mediaset España CEO Paolo Vasile said.
Although this year at Cannes virtual market there is no Mediaset España spotlight,...
This year, however, like many other top European film production houses, Mediaset España is waiting on the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis to take the next steps in its theatrical release plans.
Films such as Jaume Balaguero’s TF1 Studio-sold “Way Down,” one of the company’s most anticipated titles of the year, is scheduled for a theatrical release this fall; and comedy “Operación Camarón,” handled internationally by Filmax, delayed its Spanish release from March 13 to Sept. 11.
“These are films for which we have strong audience expectations, and we want to protect them until we find the best scenario,” Mediaset España CEO Paolo Vasile said.
Although this year at Cannes virtual market there is no Mediaset España spotlight,...
- 6/26/2020
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
MGM Television’s Unscripted & Alternative and Orion Television have closed a first look deal with Tim Crescenti’s L.A.-based Small World Ift, which grants MGM exclusive first look access at all international formats sourced by the firm. Scot Cru, executive VP of global formats and unscripted content at MGM brokered the deal.
Founded in 2005, Small World Ift has developed one of the industry’s strongest track records for bringing international formats into the U.S. market. Popular series include “Better Late Than Never,” “Silent Library” and Japanese game show “I Survived.”
Under the new deal, Small World will continue to operate independently, only now backed by MGM support and resources. For MGM, the deal serves to bolster an already robust entertainment formats catalog with proven international content.
Streaming Sports
In the largest-ever package deal of European domestic soccer rights award to a streaming platform, Dazn has tripled its...
Founded in 2005, Small World Ift has developed one of the industry’s strongest track records for bringing international formats into the U.S. market. Popular series include “Better Late Than Never,” “Silent Library” and Japanese game show “I Survived.”
Under the new deal, Small World will continue to operate independently, only now backed by MGM support and resources. For MGM, the deal serves to bolster an already robust entertainment formats catalog with proven international content.
Streaming Sports
In the largest-ever package deal of European domestic soccer rights award to a streaming platform, Dazn has tripled its...
- 6/24/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Online platform replaced industry component of French TV festival which was cancelled due to Covid-19.
Series Mania’s hastily assembled Digital Forum, which ran March 25 to April 7, generated strong viewing figures but struggled to replicate the buzz and interaction of the physical event, said founding CEO Laurence Herszberg.
The Digital Forum was set up at high speed after the physical edition of Series Mania, which had been due to take place March 20-28 in the northern French city of Lille, was cancelled on March 11 because of the worsening coronavirus situation in the country.
“We set up the platform in a rush.
Series Mania’s hastily assembled Digital Forum, which ran March 25 to April 7, generated strong viewing figures but struggled to replicate the buzz and interaction of the physical event, said founding CEO Laurence Herszberg.
The Digital Forum was set up at high speed after the physical edition of Series Mania, which had been due to take place March 20-28 in the northern French city of Lille, was cancelled on March 11 because of the worsening coronavirus situation in the country.
“We set up the platform in a rush.
- 4/8/2020
- by 1100388¦Melanie Goodfellow¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
The Spanish TV industry has been shaken by the dramatic impact of the coronavirus crisis, but it is fighting back.
Industry players have reacted fast, pushing forward with development, post-production and other business activities using online tools, and with the expectation of supporting funds from both public and private initiatives that will mitigate the effects of the crisis in production.
As has been the case in the local film sector, TV fiction production has been halted, with some 30 TV drama project shoots suspended.
Despite huge difficulties, the TV networks haven’t stopped broadcasting live, operating as normally as possible. Live programming, held without the presence of audiences, continues. News programs, crucial in crisis times, are breaking ratings records. There is, though, a higher than usual presence of reruns.
The release of original TV dramas, a key content for VOD platforms, is being adapted to the exceptional circumstances.
HBO has postponed the keenly-awaited launch of “Patria,...
Industry players have reacted fast, pushing forward with development, post-production and other business activities using online tools, and with the expectation of supporting funds from both public and private initiatives that will mitigate the effects of the crisis in production.
As has been the case in the local film sector, TV fiction production has been halted, with some 30 TV drama project shoots suspended.
Despite huge difficulties, the TV networks haven’t stopped broadcasting live, operating as normally as possible. Live programming, held without the presence of audiences, continues. News programs, crucial in crisis times, are breaking ratings records. There is, though, a higher than usual presence of reruns.
The release of original TV dramas, a key content for VOD platforms, is being adapted to the exceptional circumstances.
HBO has postponed the keenly-awaited launch of “Patria,...
- 3/30/2020
- by Emiliano De Pablos
- Variety Film + TV
Hauer in his iconic role as Batty in "Blade Runner".
By Lee Pfeiffer
International film star Rutger Hauer has died at age 75 in his native Netherlands after what has been called "a short illness". Hauer had run away from home at age 15 and joined the merchant marines before turning his attention to acting. He gained stardom in the Netherlands in the 1960s through a TV series titled "Floris". He gravitated to feature films where his good looks and assertive personality made him a popular attraction. His first major hit in European cinema was the acclaimed 1973 film "Turkish Delight". Hauer, who frequently collaborated with director Paul Verhoeven, made a mark in Hollywood playing a memorable villain in the 1981 thriller "Nighthawks" starring Sylvester Stallone. In 1982, he landed his most iconic role as the villain Batty in director Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic "Blade Runner". The film was a critical and boxoffice disappointment...
By Lee Pfeiffer
International film star Rutger Hauer has died at age 75 in his native Netherlands after what has been called "a short illness". Hauer had run away from home at age 15 and joined the merchant marines before turning his attention to acting. He gained stardom in the Netherlands in the 1960s through a TV series titled "Floris". He gravitated to feature films where his good looks and assertive personality made him a popular attraction. His first major hit in European cinema was the acclaimed 1973 film "Turkish Delight". Hauer, who frequently collaborated with director Paul Verhoeven, made a mark in Hollywood playing a memorable villain in the 1981 thriller "Nighthawks" starring Sylvester Stallone. In 1982, he landed his most iconic role as the villain Batty in director Ridley Scott's sci-fi classic "Blade Runner". The film was a critical and boxoffice disappointment...
- 7/24/2019
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Rutger Hauer, the Dutch actor best known for his turn as the replicant Roy Batty in Blade Runner, died last Friday at his home in the Netherlands, the actor’s agent, Steve Kenis, confirmed to Rolling Stone. He was 75.
While Kenis did not give a cause of death, Variety reported that Hauer died after a short illness. His funeral was held Wednesday.
While Hauer spent the early part of his career acting in a variety of films and television shows in the Netherlands and Britain, Blade Runner marked just his...
While Kenis did not give a cause of death, Variety reported that Hauer died after a short illness. His funeral was held Wednesday.
While Hauer spent the early part of his career acting in a variety of films and television shows in the Netherlands and Britain, Blade Runner marked just his...
- 7/24/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Rutger Hauer, the versatile Dutch leading man of the ’70s who went on star in the 1982 “Blade Runner” as Roy Batty, died July 19 at his home in the Netherlands after a short illness. He was 75.
Hauer’s agent, Steve Kenis, confirmed the news and said that Hauer’s funeral was held Wednesday.
His most cherished performance came in a film that was a resounding flop on its original release. In 1982, he portrayed the murderous yet soulful Roy Batty, leader of a gang of outlaw replicants, opposite Harrison Ford in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi noir opus “Blade Runner.” The picture became a widely influential cult favorite, and Batty proved to be Hauer’s most indelible role.
More recently, he appeared in a pair of 2005 films: as Cardinal Roark in “Sin City,” and as the corporate villain who Bruce Wayne discovers is running the Wayne Corp. in Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins.
Hauer’s agent, Steve Kenis, confirmed the news and said that Hauer’s funeral was held Wednesday.
His most cherished performance came in a film that was a resounding flop on its original release. In 1982, he portrayed the murderous yet soulful Roy Batty, leader of a gang of outlaw replicants, opposite Harrison Ford in Ridley Scott’s sci-fi noir opus “Blade Runner.” The picture became a widely influential cult favorite, and Batty proved to be Hauer’s most indelible role.
More recently, he appeared in a pair of 2005 films: as Cardinal Roark in “Sin City,” and as the corporate villain who Bruce Wayne discovers is running the Wayne Corp. in Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins.
- 7/24/2019
- by Chris Morris
- Variety Film + TV
Film named best international competition feature at Nyon Visions du Réel this year.
New York-based documentary specialist Icarus Films has acquired North American rights to 2019 Berlin Forum winner of the Caligari Prize Heimat Is A Space In Time.
Thomas Heise directed the chronicle of three generations of the filmmaker’s family, set against the backdrop of dramatic events in German and global history dating back more than a century.
Germany’s Ma.ja.de. Filmproduktion produced Heimat Is A Space In Time in association with Navigator Film from Austria and Germany’s Zdf/3sat.
It was named best feature in...
New York-based documentary specialist Icarus Films has acquired North American rights to 2019 Berlin Forum winner of the Caligari Prize Heimat Is A Space In Time.
Thomas Heise directed the chronicle of three generations of the filmmaker’s family, set against the backdrop of dramatic events in German and global history dating back more than a century.
Germany’s Ma.ja.de. Filmproduktion produced Heimat Is A Space In Time in association with Navigator Film from Austria and Germany’s Zdf/3sat.
It was named best feature in...
- 7/15/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Buenos Aires — Vicente Canales’ Film Factory Entertainment has boarded “Araña,” directed by one of Chile’s foremost filmmakers, Andrés Wood, and distributed in North and Latin America by 20th Century Fox.
Produced by Alejandra García at Santiago de Chile’s Wood Producciones, “Araña” is co-produced by Brazil’s BossaNovaFilms and Argentina’s Magma Cine, two of Southern America’s most ambitious co-production players.
BossaNovaFilms already teamed on Wood’s Sundance winner, “Violeta Went to Heaven.”
Written by Wood and Guillermo Calderón, co-writer of Pablo Larrain’s “The Club” and writer of his “Neruda,” regarded by some as his finest film to date, “Araña,” a political thriller, also joins a lineage of Latin American movies which in their multi-lateral co-production structure, stars – such as Mercedes Morán, who plays Inés, more mainstream tropes, and above norm budget, set out to score audiences outside their country of origin.
Wood’s credits include “Sundance winner “Violeta Went to Heaven,...
Produced by Alejandra García at Santiago de Chile’s Wood Producciones, “Araña” is co-produced by Brazil’s BossaNovaFilms and Argentina’s Magma Cine, two of Southern America’s most ambitious co-production players.
BossaNovaFilms already teamed on Wood’s Sundance winner, “Violeta Went to Heaven.”
Written by Wood and Guillermo Calderón, co-writer of Pablo Larrain’s “The Club” and writer of his “Neruda,” regarded by some as his finest film to date, “Araña,” a political thriller, also joins a lineage of Latin American movies which in their multi-lateral co-production structure, stars – such as Mercedes Morán, who plays Inés, more mainstream tropes, and above norm budget, set out to score audiences outside their country of origin.
Wood’s credits include “Sundance winner “Violeta Went to Heaven,...
- 12/10/2018
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC’s five-part miniseries, adapted from Len Deighton’s novel, holds up handsomely on the big screen, favouring film noir style over pulp content
The alternative history genre is built on “what ifs?”. The 1931 essay collection If It Had Happened Otherwise contains one piece wondering how history might have been different had John Wilkes Booth’s gun had jammed, leaving Abraham Lincoln to enjoy a perfectly pleasant evening at the theatre; another essay, written by Winston Churchill, imagines the world following a Confederate triumph at Gettysburg. There also exists an entire subgenre conditional on an undesirable outcome to the second world war. Robert Harris’s Fatherland and Philip K Dick’s The Man in the High Castle have been filmed for television. Now Len Deighton’s SS-gb, which shows the Metropolitan police adopting a business-as-usual approach in London after Britain’s capitulation to Germany, has been turned into a...
The alternative history genre is built on “what ifs?”. The 1931 essay collection If It Had Happened Otherwise contains one piece wondering how history might have been different had John Wilkes Booth’s gun had jammed, leaving Abraham Lincoln to enjoy a perfectly pleasant evening at the theatre; another essay, written by Winston Churchill, imagines the world following a Confederate triumph at Gettysburg. There also exists an entire subgenre conditional on an undesirable outcome to the second world war. Robert Harris’s Fatherland and Philip K Dick’s The Man in the High Castle have been filmed for television. Now Len Deighton’s SS-gb, which shows the Metropolitan police adopting a business-as-usual approach in London after Britain’s capitulation to Germany, has been turned into a...
- 2/15/2017
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
If you like Cornish vistas, horses or Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens, boy, do we have a treat for you. The new poster for romantic drama Summer In February has fallen into our hands, and it boast all three to giddy up your Monday morning. We can even throw in the boyish charms of Dominic Cooper and Emily 'Sucker Punch' Browning for good measure.This ensemble is overseen by director Christopher Menaul, the man who brought the Rutger Hauer-starring Fatherland to the small screen. In this case, the story is an adaptation of Jonathan Smith's 1995 novel which centres on a resolutely old-fashioned artist community led by Cooper's Alfred Munnings, a gifted painter and figurehead of the anti-Modernist Lamorna Group. The Cornish coastline plays host to a love triangle between Munnings, his young protégé Florence Carter-Wood (Browning) and estate manager Gilbert Evans (Stevens). The location work will, no doubt,...
- 5/13/2013
- EmpireOnline
Carnage director to work with author Robert Harris on film about turn-of-the-century French spy scandal
Roman Polanski is to follow up his success with Carnage with a film about the Dreyfus affair, the notorious turn-of-the-century French spy scandal that became a cause celebre for the fight against anti-semitism.
Fatherland author Robert Harris will work on the film's script, having recently collaborated with Polanski on the adaptation of his novel The Ghost Writer.
Polanski said he had "long wanted" to make a film about the scandal, adding, "one can show its absolute relevance to what is happening in today's world – the age-old spectacle of the witch hunt on a minority group, security paranoia, secret military tribunals, out-of-control intelligence agencies, governmental cover-ups and a rabid press."
The Dreyfus affair rocked fin-de-siecle France after Alfred Dreyfus, a young Jewish artillery captain, was convicted of treason in 1894 and sent to the brutal Devil's Island prison in French Guiana.
Roman Polanski is to follow up his success with Carnage with a film about the Dreyfus affair, the notorious turn-of-the-century French spy scandal that became a cause celebre for the fight against anti-semitism.
Fatherland author Robert Harris will work on the film's script, having recently collaborated with Polanski on the adaptation of his novel The Ghost Writer.
Polanski said he had "long wanted" to make a film about the scandal, adding, "one can show its absolute relevance to what is happening in today's world – the age-old spectacle of the witch hunt on a minority group, security paranoia, secret military tribunals, out-of-control intelligence agencies, governmental cover-ups and a rabid press."
The Dreyfus affair rocked fin-de-siecle France after Alfred Dreyfus, a young Jewish artillery captain, was convicted of treason in 1894 and sent to the brutal Devil's Island prison in French Guiana.
- 5/10/2012
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
What if the Germans had won the war? It's a question that's plagued hacky science-fiction and historical novel writers since...well, the Germans didn't win the war, but that doesn't mean it can't be the source of compelling fiction. Philip K Dick's masterpiece "The Man In The High Castle" is a good example, or Robert Harris' gripping thriller "Fatherland," while the cinematic high watermark is probably the underseen 1966 British film "It Happened Here." It's been a while since the sub-genre made it to screens, but The Guardian yesterday brought us a trailer for a new example from the U.K., the…...
- 9/30/2011
- The Playlist
Emmanuel Roman is intrigued by the hi-tech banking methods imagined in Robert Harris's latest work
Post-financial crisis, it was only a matter of time before Robert Harris introduced a new set of bad guys. We had Nazis in Fatherland, corrupt Roman politicians in Pompeii and, closer to home, a barely disguised Tony Blair-like figure in Ghost. In The Fear Index, Harris's latest thriller – which he is already adapting for film, to be directed by Paul Greengrass – we are cast into the dystopic world of finance where nerdy hedge fund managers and their computers may be the modern embodiment of evil. Perhaps Harris has been reading too much Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker, as he gives the impression of believing that financial markets are one step away from some kind of twisted final stage of evolution.
The hero of The Fear Index is a brilliant physicist called Dr Alex Hoffman.
Post-financial crisis, it was only a matter of time before Robert Harris introduced a new set of bad guys. We had Nazis in Fatherland, corrupt Roman politicians in Pompeii and, closer to home, a barely disguised Tony Blair-like figure in Ghost. In The Fear Index, Harris's latest thriller – which he is already adapting for film, to be directed by Paul Greengrass – we are cast into the dystopic world of finance where nerdy hedge fund managers and their computers may be the modern embodiment of evil. Perhaps Harris has been reading too much Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker, as he gives the impression of believing that financial markets are one step away from some kind of twisted final stage of evolution.
The hero of The Fear Index is a brilliant physicist called Dr Alex Hoffman.
- 9/17/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Robert Harris is set to pen the screenplay for an adaptation of his soon to be published novel, The Fear Index. The Telegraph reports that Harris has already begun writing the screenplay for the book, which arrives on shelves next month. Harris had this to say jokingly about the project, "I just hope that the capitalist system doesn't collapse before publication date."
The screen rights were snapped up by Rupert Murdoch's Fox film corporation after he had only written six of its 19 chapters. Paul Greengrass (United 93 and The Bourne Ultimatum) is already on board to direct.
Harris' book The Ghost was turned into The Ghost Writer from Roman Polanski. Harris co-wrote the screenplay with Polanski , but will write The Fear Index's on his own. He has become a lot more hands on after his bestselling novel, Fatherland, turned out poorly after it was adapted by Stanley Weiser and Ron Hutchinson.
The screen rights were snapped up by Rupert Murdoch's Fox film corporation after he had only written six of its 19 chapters. Paul Greengrass (United 93 and The Bourne Ultimatum) is already on board to direct.
Harris' book The Ghost was turned into The Ghost Writer from Roman Polanski. Harris co-wrote the screenplay with Polanski , but will write The Fear Index's on his own. He has become a lot more hands on after his bestselling novel, Fatherland, turned out poorly after it was adapted by Stanley Weiser and Ron Hutchinson.
- 8/25/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Back in June author Robert Harris, whose books have been turned into films and TV movies like "The Ghost Writer," "Enigma" and "Fatherland", signed a deal with Fox 2000 for the film rights to his upcoming novel "The Fear Index".
Now, Harris confirms to The Telegraph (via Bleeding Cool) that Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Ultimatum") has signed on to direct the project.
The story involves a scientist who figures out how to use a revolutionary system of computer algorithms to trade on the world's financial markets, and his hedge fund reaps huge returns.
Late one night while he's asleep with his wife in their house beside Lake Geneva, an intruder awakens them. Over the course of a day, the scientist needs to figure out who's trying to destroy him as the world's financial markets teeter on collapse.
Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark and Jenno Topping will produce the film, no word yet as to a production schedule.
Now, Harris confirms to The Telegraph (via Bleeding Cool) that Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Ultimatum") has signed on to direct the project.
The story involves a scientist who figures out how to use a revolutionary system of computer algorithms to trade on the world's financial markets, and his hedge fund reaps huge returns.
Late one night while he's asleep with his wife in their house beside Lake Geneva, an intruder awakens them. Over the course of a day, the scientist needs to figure out who's trying to destroy him as the world's financial markets teeter on collapse.
Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark and Jenno Topping will produce the film, no word yet as to a production schedule.
- 8/25/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Fox 2000 and Chernin Entertainment have teamed on a deal for screen rights to the upcoming Robert Harris novel The Fear Index, a thriller Knopf will publish in January in the Us after a September UK release. The pic will be produced by Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark and Jenno Topping. I'd initially heard that director Paul Greengrass might be involved, but his reps say that while he and the author go back to their BBC days, the filmmaker isn't part of this deal. The thriller involves a scientist who figures out how to use a revolutionary system of computer algorithms to trade on the world's financial markets. His hedge fund, which is built around the standard measure of market volatility--called the Fear Index--reaps huge returns. Late one night while he's asleep with his wife in their house beside Lake Geneva, an intruder awakens them. Over the course of a day,...
- 6/14/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Anonymous has been at it again. Following Primary Colors's version of Clinton comes O: A Presidential Novel. Mark Lawson on the tradition of insider political fiction, from Disraeli to The West Wing. A preview from tomorrow's Guardian Review.
Also in tomorrow's Review: Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage on why Anna Nicole Smith is a true operatic heroine, Andrea Levy on why she wrote Small Island, Stefan Collini in praise of Eric Hobsbawm and Sarah Churchwell on the scandalous Lillian Hellman
A successful political career demands a tradeoff between fame and anonymity. A leader needs to be known – an Obama, Blair or Clinton has the global recognisability of a rock star – but high-level politics also frequently depends on the exercise of secrecy. The unattributable briefing ("a party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity", "a source travelling with the prime minister") is a standard tool of political journalism, offering an early first...
Also in tomorrow's Review: Composer Mark-Anthony Turnage on why Anna Nicole Smith is a true operatic heroine, Andrea Levy on why she wrote Small Island, Stefan Collini in praise of Eric Hobsbawm and Sarah Churchwell on the scandalous Lillian Hellman
A successful political career demands a tradeoff between fame and anonymity. A leader needs to be known – an Obama, Blair or Clinton has the global recognisability of a rock star – but high-level politics also frequently depends on the exercise of secrecy. The unattributable briefing ("a party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity", "a source travelling with the prime minister") is a standard tool of political journalism, offering an early first...
- 1/22/2011
- by Mark Lawson
- The Guardian - Film News
Like his characters, Robert Harris has often found himself close to news in the making. As his 'Tony Blair' novel hits the cinema, he reveals why his friendship with Roman Polanski has lasted, but his affair with New Labour has not
Tony Blair is not on record as having read Robert Harris's 2007 novel The Ghost, a rip-snorting thriller about an ostentatiously groovy ex-prime minister accused of war crimes after secretly approving the transfer of British al-Qaida suspects to Guantánamo Bay, and the ghostwriter hired to write his memoirs. Perhaps Blair got the book out on John Prescott's library card, or happened upon a copy in Silvio Berlusconi's downstairs loo. All that really matters is that he knows of the novel's existence. It was in regard to The Ghost, after all, that he described its author as "a cheeky fuck". The 53-year-old Harris chuckles so warmly...
Tony Blair is not on record as having read Robert Harris's 2007 novel The Ghost, a rip-snorting thriller about an ostentatiously groovy ex-prime minister accused of war crimes after secretly approving the transfer of British al-Qaida suspects to Guantánamo Bay, and the ghostwriter hired to write his memoirs. Perhaps Blair got the book out on John Prescott's library card, or happened upon a copy in Silvio Berlusconi's downstairs loo. All that really matters is that he knows of the novel's existence. It was in regard to The Ghost, after all, that he described its author as "a cheeky fuck". The 53-year-old Harris chuckles so warmly...
- 4/4/2010
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Having spent the morning with the former Pm in Sedgefield, I came back to London to watch a screening of Roman Polanski's The Ghost
By way of exhilarating coincidence I experienced a surreal double take yesterday. Having spent the morning following Tony Blair on the campaign trail in County Durham, I came back to London to see Pierce Brosnan playing a thinly-disguised version of the former prime minister on the big screen.
Compare and contrast, eh? The real Blair is sleek and polished, much more so than the Milky Bar Kid – his own description – who first fought Sedgefield in 1983. How much more so was the former James Bond who plays Adam Lang in Roman Polanski's gripping new film of Robert Harris's thriller The Ghost?
At one level the comparison is silly, of course. As Harris routinely tells interviewers – and did again at last night's pre-premiere screening in...
By way of exhilarating coincidence I experienced a surreal double take yesterday. Having spent the morning following Tony Blair on the campaign trail in County Durham, I came back to London to see Pierce Brosnan playing a thinly-disguised version of the former prime minister on the big screen.
Compare and contrast, eh? The real Blair is sleek and polished, much more so than the Milky Bar Kid – his own description – who first fought Sedgefield in 1983. How much more so was the former James Bond who plays Adam Lang in Roman Polanski's gripping new film of Robert Harris's thriller The Ghost?
At one level the comparison is silly, of course. As Harris routinely tells interviewers – and did again at last night's pre-premiere screening in...
- 3/31/2010
- by Michael White
- The Guardian - Film News
Berlin – Focus Features International, Universal Pictures International (Upi) and German production outfit Ufa Cinema have signed a wide-ranging distribution and financing deal that will see Universal take over exclusive distribution of Ufa films for German-speaking Europe.
The three-year agreement will also see Focus take on international sales duties on certain Ufa titles and will see Focus and Ufa cooperate on the financing and production of a select number of English-language films.
Upi will handle theatrical and video distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for Ufa's upcoming slate, starting in 2010 with the release of four films: The Papua New Guinea set coming of age tale "Jungle Child;" German screwball comedy "Tauben auf dem Dach;" kids soccer film "The Devil Kickers" and "Hanni and Nanni," a would-be franchise based on Enid Blyton's "St. Claire's" boarding school series.
The Ufa deal follows on similar international partnerships between Universal and local production labels including ones with Alfonso Cuaron,...
The three-year agreement will also see Focus take on international sales duties on certain Ufa titles and will see Focus and Ufa cooperate on the financing and production of a select number of English-language films.
Upi will handle theatrical and video distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for Ufa's upcoming slate, starting in 2010 with the release of four films: The Papua New Guinea set coming of age tale "Jungle Child;" German screwball comedy "Tauben auf dem Dach;" kids soccer film "The Devil Kickers" and "Hanni and Nanni," a would-be franchise based on Enid Blyton's "St. Claire's" boarding school series.
The Ufa deal follows on similar international partnerships between Universal and local production labels including ones with Alfonso Cuaron,...
- 4/24/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Berlin -- Would-be German major Ufa Cinema is planning a feature film adaptation of Robert Harris' alternative history bestseller "Fatherland" as the flagship of its new slate.
The novel, which imagines what might have happened if the Nazis conquered England, was made into a Golden Globe-winning telefilm in 1994 starring Rutger Hauer. Ufa's version, set to begin production in 2010-11, will be shot in German.
Looking to tap into the success of the German teen franchise "The Wild Soccer Bunch," also Ufa has boarded an adaptation of the similarly themed audio books "Die Teufelskicker" (The Devil Kickers) from Frauke Nahrgang. Comedy specialist Granz Henman, is attached to direct in the first in what is hoped to be a franchise, with Ufa co-producing with Phoenix Film.
Other projects on Ufa's new slate include "Jesus Loves Me," a romantic comedy based on David Safier's bestseller, and "Protoyp," a skewed take on the Garden of Eden story,...
The novel, which imagines what might have happened if the Nazis conquered England, was made into a Golden Globe-winning telefilm in 1994 starring Rutger Hauer. Ufa's version, set to begin production in 2010-11, will be shot in German.
Looking to tap into the success of the German teen franchise "The Wild Soccer Bunch," also Ufa has boarded an adaptation of the similarly themed audio books "Die Teufelskicker" (The Devil Kickers) from Frauke Nahrgang. Comedy specialist Granz Henman, is attached to direct in the first in what is hoped to be a franchise, with Ufa co-producing with Phoenix Film.
Other projects on Ufa's new slate include "Jesus Loves Me," a romantic comedy based on David Safier's bestseller, and "Protoyp," a skewed take on the Garden of Eden story,...
- 1/16/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.