Paris-based Petit Film has boarded “Hot Spot” by Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska.
The story, set in the near future, follows a disillusioned private eye Djonny, called to investigate a murder at a refugee camp. But he becomes increasingly unstable as he confronts a cyber witch who gradually takes control of his life.
Smoczyńska’s previous film, Cannes premiere “The Silent Twins” – based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons – earned Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance a BIFA [British Independent Film Award] for Best Joint Lead Performance.
“Agnieszka’s work does not derive from, or resemble, any existing films. That’s the first and foremost reason why I would not miss the chance to participate in one of them,” says producer Jean des Forêts, also behind Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s English-language debut “Earwig.”
“Last year the opportunity arose and I seized it immediately. The project brings together a nice band...
The story, set in the near future, follows a disillusioned private eye Djonny, called to investigate a murder at a refugee camp. But he becomes increasingly unstable as he confronts a cyber witch who gradually takes control of his life.
Smoczyńska’s previous film, Cannes premiere “The Silent Twins” – based on the lives of June and Jennifer Gibbons – earned Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance a BIFA [British Independent Film Award] for Best Joint Lead Performance.
“Agnieszka’s work does not derive from, or resemble, any existing films. That’s the first and foremost reason why I would not miss the chance to participate in one of them,” says producer Jean des Forêts, also behind Julia Ducournau’s “Raw” and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s English-language debut “Earwig.”
“Last year the opportunity arose and I seized it immediately. The project brings together a nice band...
- 2/19/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Almost nine months to the day after the surprise Deadline scoop that CAA would acquire ICM Partners, the deal finally got government approval and closed. This creates a mega agency in the biggest linkup in the space since the Wma-Endeavor merger. Sources close to the situation said the Department of Justice finally approved the deal late last night or this morning, and it closed. It is valued around 750 million, and a combined enterprise value around 5 billion. The merged company’s leadership is expected to address staff at a town hall Thursday, with the newly combined departments set to begin their integration process with get-togethers on July 11, we hear.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
First, though, comes the pain.
Around 105 positions will be eliminated, all from ICM, and coming from all areas. There will be 425 ICM agents and staffers from the agency joining CAA, meaning around 80 will be retained by CAA. These conversations will happen quickly.
- 6/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The steady trickle of agents leaving ICM Partners over the past nine months has grown into a stream in the last week, with dozens of reps making inquiries to other agencies and management companies as they mull their future ahead of the pending Department of Justice ruling on ICM’s proposed acquisition by CAA.
With the merger decision expected in the next couple of weeks, the prospect of ICM staff moving to CAA has become real, and so have the invites to join the combined agency after months of hints and winks. While no hiring/layoff decisions can be made while the regulatory approval process is ongoing, by now everyone knows where they stand. Staff reductions are an inevitable byproduct of any merger, and with the proceedings dragging on for so long, a number of ICM agents already left for other jobs ahead of the deal close — either because they...
With the merger decision expected in the next couple of weeks, the prospect of ICM staff moving to CAA has become real, and so have the invites to join the combined agency after months of hints and winks. While no hiring/layoff decisions can be made while the regulatory approval process is ongoing, by now everyone knows where they stand. Staff reductions are an inevitable byproduct of any merger, and with the proceedings dragging on for so long, a number of ICM agents already left for other jobs ahead of the deal close — either because they...
- 6/17/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Christina Bazdekis has joined United Talent Agency as an agent in the motion picture division. Based in New York, she will report to MP co-heads Jason Burns and Julien Thuan.
“Christina is incredibly well-respected and a driving force,” said Thuan in a statement. “She has championed artists throughout her career and is responsible for guiding their ambitions in creative storytelling. We look forward to bringing her passion and commitment to advancing film here at UTA.”
“As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, UTA has proven to be an innovative leader in representation, devoted to fostering the most unique and compelling voices working today,” added Bazdekis in a statement. “I am excited to join the dynamic team at UTA, bringing my experience and expanding upon an incredible roster of clients.”
Prior to joining UTA, Bazdekis served as an agent within ICM’s motion picture department. Throughout her career which also included a stint at CAA,...
“Christina is incredibly well-respected and a driving force,” said Thuan in a statement. “She has championed artists throughout her career and is responsible for guiding their ambitions in creative storytelling. We look forward to bringing her passion and commitment to advancing film here at UTA.”
“As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, UTA has proven to be an innovative leader in representation, devoted to fostering the most unique and compelling voices working today,” added Bazdekis in a statement. “I am excited to join the dynamic team at UTA, bringing my experience and expanding upon an incredible roster of clients.”
Prior to joining UTA, Bazdekis served as an agent within ICM’s motion picture department. Throughout her career which also included a stint at CAA,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
“Saturday Night Live” actor Bowen Yang and stand-up comedian Joel Kim Booster will star in a modern romantic comedy called “Fire Island” set at Searchlight Pictures.
Andrew Ahn, the director behind the acclaimed indie “Driveways,” is directing the “unapologetic” feature that’s inspired by Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
“Fire Island” is set in the iconic Fire Island Pines and centers around two best friends who set out to have a legendary week-long summer vacation at the gay mecca with the help of cheap rosé and a cadre of eclectic friends.
Booster also wrote the original screenplay. Filming will begin this summer in both New York City and Fire Island. Searchlight will release the film as a Hulu Original in the U.S. and on Star through Disney+ internationally.
Jax Media, the team behind “Russian Doll” and “Search Party,” is producing the film, with John Hodges, Brooke Posch and Tony Hernandez serving as producers.
Andrew Ahn, the director behind the acclaimed indie “Driveways,” is directing the “unapologetic” feature that’s inspired by Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
“Fire Island” is set in the iconic Fire Island Pines and centers around two best friends who set out to have a legendary week-long summer vacation at the gay mecca with the help of cheap rosé and a cadre of eclectic friends.
Booster also wrote the original screenplay. Filming will begin this summer in both New York City and Fire Island. Searchlight will release the film as a Hulu Original in the U.S. and on Star through Disney+ internationally.
Jax Media, the team behind “Russian Doll” and “Search Party,” is producing the film, with John Hodges, Brooke Posch and Tony Hernandez serving as producers.
- 6/30/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Bowen Yang and Joel Kim Booster are set to star in “Fire Island,” a romantic comedy from “Spa Night” director Andrew Ahn.
Described as a modern day take on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the film will center on two best friends embarking on a weeklong vacation to Fire Island — the historic gay escape off the southern shore of Long Island — with the help of cheap rosé and a cadre of eclectic friends.
The project is set up at Searchlight, and will release exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. Globally, the film will stream on Disney Plus under the Star brand.
Jax Media (“Russian Doll”) is producing the project. Ahn will direct from an original feature script by Booster. Shooting will commence this August on Fire Island and in New York City. John Hodges, Brooke Posch and Tony Hernandez will serve as producers for Jax, with Chan Phung...
Described as a modern day take on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the film will center on two best friends embarking on a weeklong vacation to Fire Island — the historic gay escape off the southern shore of Long Island — with the help of cheap rosé and a cadre of eclectic friends.
The project is set up at Searchlight, and will release exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. Globally, the film will stream on Disney Plus under the Star brand.
Jax Media (“Russian Doll”) is producing the project. Ahn will direct from an original feature script by Booster. Shooting will commence this August on Fire Island and in New York City. John Hodges, Brooke Posch and Tony Hernandez will serve as producers for Jax, with Chan Phung...
- 6/30/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Cinetic Media principal Bart Walker has joined ICM Partners as a partner, bringing along clients such as Sofia Coppola (below) and Jim Jarmusch, the agency announced on Thursday. Cinetic's Christina Bazdekis, who counts among her clients John Turturro and Boaz Yakin, is also joining the agency in a move that strengthens both its New York office and its film division. Walker, who began his career at ICM and has also worked at CAA, is the first partner brought in since ICM bought out private equity firm Rizvi Traverse and Jeff Berg in...
- 11/2/2012
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Literary representatives Bart Walker and Christina Bazdekis of entertainment advisory company Cinetic Media are joining ICM Partners and will work out of the Century City-based agency's New York office. Walker is joining the agency as a partner, boosting ICM's film group. He and Bazdekis are expected to begin working at ICM in the next week. Both reps previously had stints at the agency. Together they represent Sofia Coppola, John Turturro, Lisa Cholodenko, Jim Jarmusch, Lee Daniels and Julian Schnabel, among others. Walker has been a principal and partner at Cinetic with founder John Sloss; he also co-founded Producers Distribution Agency in
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- 11/1/2012
- by Daniel Miller
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The International Watch List is just like The Black List but instead of unproduced screenplays, over fifty Us film executives and their assistants vote on their favorite foreign-released films released in 2008. Thanks to QuietEarth, we have the full list below. I haven’t seen all of the selections (or the majority for that matter), but the ones I can personally attest for include: Let The Right One In, Jcvd, Kisses, The Good The Bad and the Weird, Sleep Dealer, Treevenge, and I Love Sarah Jane (which you can watch here). I absolutely hated Hunger, but I seem like one of only a few that has had such feelings. Check out the full list below. I’ve already added a bunch of them to my Netflix queue.
Let The Right One In Tomas Alfredson Cinetic Media / Christina Bazdekis Oskar, a fragile 12-year-old boy, is regularly bullied by his stronger classmates but...
Let The Right One In Tomas Alfredson Cinetic Media / Christina Bazdekis Oskar, a fragile 12-year-old boy, is regularly bullied by his stronger classmates but...
- 12/22/2008
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
What is the international watch list you ask? In their own words it's "an unofficial list of the American film industry's favorite foreign feature and short films from the past year." which is compiled from over fifty Us film executives and their assistants who vote for five foreign features and shorts. Why are we sharing this with you? Well first off to show that there are some people in Hollywood who actually have some good taste in film (shocking, I know) and the other is that we've actually covered many of the films and shorts on this list, and in fact were the first news site (at least among the larger English film community) to bring you news of the top short film with 10 votes, Afterville, and two of the features on the list, Before the Fall and The Square. Not surprisingly, Let the right one in is the top...
- 12/22/2008
- QuietEarth.us
UPDATED 11:04 a.m. PT Oct. 31
In yet another recent shift in the New York agency scene, Sloss Law Office partner and film attorney Dan Steinman is jumping to CAA to become a Manhattan-based film finance and sales agent.
The move continues a game of musical chairs between CAA and Sloss' operations. CAA agents Bart Walker and Christina Bazdekis recently jumped to Sloss' Cinetic Media, which established a management division to give a home to their clients.
"We have a lot of connections to CAA now, and this gives us more opportunities for us to work together," Sloss said.
And more competition. The Steinman hire is part of CAA's move to build its film sales area and fill a void left by Walker, who repped many indie film sales at fests over the years. The move also counters criticism in some quarters over CAA's commitment to film in New York, the hub of indie film talent.
"Dan has crafted some of the industry's most innovative and strategic film sales deals," said CAA head of film finance Rick Hess.
In yet another recent shift in the New York agency scene, Sloss Law Office partner and film attorney Dan Steinman is jumping to CAA to become a Manhattan-based film finance and sales agent.
The move continues a game of musical chairs between CAA and Sloss' operations. CAA agents Bart Walker and Christina Bazdekis recently jumped to Sloss' Cinetic Media, which established a management division to give a home to their clients.
"We have a lot of connections to CAA now, and this gives us more opportunities for us to work together," Sloss said.
And more competition. The Steinman hire is part of CAA's move to build its film sales area and fill a void left by Walker, who repped many indie film sales at fests over the years. The move also counters criticism in some quarters over CAA's commitment to film in New York, the hub of indie film talent.
"Dan has crafted some of the industry's most innovative and strategic film sales deals," said CAA head of film finance Rick Hess.
- 10/31/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- New York-based film agent Christina Bazdekis has exited CAA to join former agency colleague Bart Walker at film sales, financing, consulting and management firm Cinetic Media.
Walker left CAA on Sept. 6 to join John Sloss and Robert Nathan as a Cinetic partner. The trio launched a talent management division, Cinetic Management, with a plan to develop clients' projects by raising money from international sources before producing and selling them (along with outside projects) to distributors.
Bazdekis is a longtime colleague of Walker, having launched her agency career as his assistant at ICM before being promoted to become an agent. She joined him at CAA in November 2004.
Some of the directors who will be joining Bazdekis -- who is now serving as their manager -- include Zoe Cassavetes, Steven Shainberg, Thomas Vinterberg, Mitchell Lichtenstein, Ziad Doueiri, Sean Ellis and Gaby Dellal.
Bazdekis and Walker shared several clients at CAA, including actor-director John Turturro.
Walker left CAA on Sept. 6 to join John Sloss and Robert Nathan as a Cinetic partner. The trio launched a talent management division, Cinetic Management, with a plan to develop clients' projects by raising money from international sources before producing and selling them (along with outside projects) to distributors.
Bazdekis is a longtime colleague of Walker, having launched her agency career as his assistant at ICM before being promoted to become an agent. She joined him at CAA in November 2004.
Some of the directors who will be joining Bazdekis -- who is now serving as their manager -- include Zoe Cassavetes, Steven Shainberg, Thomas Vinterberg, Mitchell Lichtenstein, Ziad Doueiri, Sean Ellis and Gaby Dellal.
Bazdekis and Walker shared several clients at CAA, including actor-director John Turturro.
- 10/9/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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