In today’s Global Bulletin, BBC Four snags “The Hunt for a Killer”; Curious Films and Picture Zero team on U.K. Climate Assembly doc; Nada Arnot joins Britbox North America; Rainmaker Content boards “Amy Winter” and Global Agency sells Turkish drama “The Phoenix” in several territories.
Acquisition
BBC Four has picked up Swedish crime thriller “The Hunt for a Killer” from Banijay Rights. The series is produced by Yellow Bird and will head to BBC iPlayer later this summer. Set in the south of Sweden in the late ’80s, “The Hunt for a Killer” dramatizes the real-life disappearance and murder of a 10-year-old girl and its subsequent 16-year long investigation. Banijay has also sold the series to Sbs in Australia, Rtl in Germany and NBCUniversal in France. The series is co-produced by Banijay’s Yellow Bird and Swedish broadcaster Svt and Film I Skåne.
Documentary
Curious Films and Picture Zero in the U.
Acquisition
BBC Four has picked up Swedish crime thriller “The Hunt for a Killer” from Banijay Rights. The series is produced by Yellow Bird and will head to BBC iPlayer later this summer. Set in the south of Sweden in the late ’80s, “The Hunt for a Killer” dramatizes the real-life disappearance and murder of a 10-year-old girl and its subsequent 16-year long investigation. Banijay has also sold the series to Sbs in Australia, Rtl in Germany and NBCUniversal in France. The series is co-produced by Banijay’s Yellow Bird and Swedish broadcaster Svt and Film I Skåne.
Documentary
Curious Films and Picture Zero in the U.
- 5/12/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
WarnerMedia Pulls Plug On South Asia Channels
WarnerMedia has announced that it plans to close its linear HBO and WB TV channels in India, Pakistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh from December 15. Siddharth Jain, SVP and managing director of WarnerMedia’s entertainment network in South Asia, said: “After 20 years of successes for the HBO linear movie channel in South Asia and more than a decade with the WB linear movie channel, this was a difficult decision to make. The pay-tv industry landscape and the market dynamics have shifted dramatically, and the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for further change.”
Rainmaker Content Hires Karen Wise As Sales Chief
Rainmaker Content, the sales house set up by former Kew Media Distribution execs Greg Phillips and Graham Begg, has hired former Sky Studios executive Karen Wise as head of sales. Wise spent seven years at Sky Studios, formerly Sky Vision, rising to head of...
WarnerMedia has announced that it plans to close its linear HBO and WB TV channels in India, Pakistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh from December 15. Siddharth Jain, SVP and managing director of WarnerMedia’s entertainment network in South Asia, said: “After 20 years of successes for the HBO linear movie channel in South Asia and more than a decade with the WB linear movie channel, this was a difficult decision to make. The pay-tv industry landscape and the market dynamics have shifted dramatically, and the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for further change.”
Rainmaker Content Hires Karen Wise As Sales Chief
Rainmaker Content, the sales house set up by former Kew Media Distribution execs Greg Phillips and Graham Begg, has hired former Sky Studios executive Karen Wise as head of sales. Wise spent seven years at Sky Studios, formerly Sky Vision, rising to head of...
- 10/15/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Brendan Fraser Actioner ‘Professionals’ Finds Global Distribution With Rainmaker Content (Exclusive)
Rainmaker Content has picked up worldwide distribution rights from German studio Leonine for Brendan Fraser-starring action series “Professionals.” The project, which was completed during the global pandemic, will be shopped to buyers at next month’s virtual Mipcom market.
Commissioned by Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent Group) for streamer Viaplay, the cast includes Fraser (“Trust”), Tom Welling (“Smallville”), Elena Anaya (“Wonder Woman”), Saïd Taghmaoui (“John Wick 3”), Ken Duken (“Inglorious Basterd”), Lisa Loven Kongsli (“Force Majeure”) and August Wittgenstein (“The Crown”).
The 10-part series stars Welling as hardened former counterintelligence officer Captain Vincent Corbo, who is hired by billionaire futurist Peter Swann (Fraser) and his fiancée, medical visionary Dr. Graciela “Grace” Davila (Anaya), to investigate the explosion of an advanced medical satellite. What Corbo and his team discover, however, is that a combination of Swann’s business rivals, corrupt government officials and a shadowy crime syndicate could be behind the attack.
Commissioned by Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent Group) for streamer Viaplay, the cast includes Fraser (“Trust”), Tom Welling (“Smallville”), Elena Anaya (“Wonder Woman”), Saïd Taghmaoui (“John Wick 3”), Ken Duken (“Inglorious Basterd”), Lisa Loven Kongsli (“Force Majeure”) and August Wittgenstein (“The Crown”).
The 10-part series stars Welling as hardened former counterintelligence officer Captain Vincent Corbo, who is hired by billionaire futurist Peter Swann (Fraser) and his fiancée, medical visionary Dr. Graciela “Grace” Davila (Anaya), to investigate the explosion of an advanced medical satellite. What Corbo and his team discover, however, is that a combination of Swann’s business rivals, corrupt government officials and a shadowy crime syndicate could be behind the attack.
- 9/29/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Reed Midem head of television Laurine Garaude joined presenter Justin Crosby on TV industry news review podcast TellyCast where the two discussed the current state of Mipcom, set to be one of the first major global marketplaces to return to an in-person format when it kicks off in Cannes this October.
Predictably, much of the conversation focused on health and safety concerns, and Garaude outlined some ways Mipcom is adapting, while acknowledging that other changes are likely to come in the intervening months.
Traffic flow in the exhibition hall will be regulated and additional entrances and exits added. Conference halls will be limited to 50% capacity and cleaned and sterilized for 45 minutes between presentations. Facemasks will be mandatory and hand sanitizer will be widely available. Face-to-face meetings are being redesigned to allow for one-meter social distancing, as are all areas where queuing may be necessary.
Garaude also said there won’t be any major social events,...
Predictably, much of the conversation focused on health and safety concerns, and Garaude outlined some ways Mipcom is adapting, while acknowledging that other changes are likely to come in the intervening months.
Traffic flow in the exhibition hall will be regulated and additional entrances and exits added. Conference halls will be limited to 50% capacity and cleaned and sterilized for 45 minutes between presentations. Facemasks will be mandatory and hand sanitizer will be widely available. Face-to-face meetings are being redesigned to allow for one-meter social distancing, as are all areas where queuing may be necessary.
Garaude also said there won’t be any major social events,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
New distributor Rainmaker Content has secured global rights excluding the U.K. to BBC One lockdown comedy “Staged,” starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen.
Launching on BBC One today, the Infinity Hill and Gcb Films Production six part series is written by Simon Evans. It features the cast of a play – the cream of acting talent – who are furloughed when their upcoming production is suddenly brought to a halt. The series follows the cast as they try their best to keep the rehearsals on track in lockdown.
“Staged’s” lineup also includes Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg and Lucy Eaton as well as a selection of guest stars.
Rainmaker was set up earlier this year by former Kew Media president of distribution Greg Phillips and ex-Kew Media senior vice president, acquisitions and business development, distribution Graham Begg. Kew Media Distribution (Kmd) was the profitable British sales arm of Canadian TV group Kew Media,...
Launching on BBC One today, the Infinity Hill and Gcb Films Production six part series is written by Simon Evans. It features the cast of a play – the cream of acting talent – who are furloughed when their upcoming production is suddenly brought to a halt. The series follows the cast as they try their best to keep the rehearsals on track in lockdown.
“Staged’s” lineup also includes Georgia Tennant, Anna Lundberg and Lucy Eaton as well as a selection of guest stars.
Rainmaker was set up earlier this year by former Kew Media president of distribution Greg Phillips and ex-Kew Media senior vice president, acquisitions and business development, distribution Graham Begg. Kew Media Distribution (Kmd) was the profitable British sales arm of Canadian TV group Kew Media,...
- 6/10/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
International distribution and sales outfit Kew Media Distribution has upped Graham Begg to the newly-created role of Svp Acquisitions & Business Development. In his position, Begg will oversee a portfolio of acquisitions across scripted, non-scripted, documentary and factual entertainment properties, and will advise on corporate activities and business development. He will also work with the 13 production companies owned by Kew, looking to further exploiting their owned IP globally. Begg joined Kew in 2018 as VP, Business Development and Producer Relations.
The 2019 International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) has added several titles to its program, including Todd Haynes’ Dark Waters starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway, and Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life, which bowed in Cannes and will have its Asian premiere in Macao. Also joining the festival list are Wong Hing-Fan’s Hong Kong drama I’m Living It, Tiago Guedes’ Portuguese feature The Domain (A Herdade), and the newly-restored...
The 2019 International Film Festival & Awards Macao (Iffam) has added several titles to its program, including Todd Haynes’ Dark Waters starring Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway, and Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life, which bowed in Cannes and will have its Asian premiere in Macao. Also joining the festival list are Wong Hing-Fan’s Hong Kong drama I’m Living It, Tiago Guedes’ Portuguese feature The Domain (A Herdade), and the newly-restored...
- 11/18/2019
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Returning for its 18th year this October is Hollywood's Screamfest Horror Film Festival, a celebration of horror cinema's past, present, and future. Back in May, we teamed up with Screamfest for a 10th anniversary screening of Gregg Bishop's Dance of the Dead, and now we're thrilled to share the first wave of programming for this year's festival, as well as the exciting news that Lin Shaye will be the festival's 2018 ambassador!
Taking place October 9th–18th at Tcl Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood, Screamfest's first wave of programming includes Padraig Reynolds' Open 24 Hours, Daniel Robbins' Pledge, Timothy Woodward Jr.'s The Final Wish, a 10th anniversary screening of Toby Wilkins' Splinter, and much more!
You can read the official announcement below, visit Screamfest's website for more information, and stay tuned to Daily Dead for more Screamfest news!
Press Release: Hollywood, Calif. – September 25, 2018 – America’s largest and longest running horror film festival,...
Taking place October 9th–18th at Tcl Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood, Screamfest's first wave of programming includes Padraig Reynolds' Open 24 Hours, Daniel Robbins' Pledge, Timothy Woodward Jr.'s The Final Wish, a 10th anniversary screening of Toby Wilkins' Splinter, and much more!
You can read the official announcement below, visit Screamfest's website for more information, and stay tuned to Daily Dead for more Screamfest news!
Press Release: Hollywood, Calif. – September 25, 2018 – America’s largest and longest running horror film festival,...
- 9/25/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Exclusive: Production is underway in London and Rome on Richard Loncraine’s British comedy ‘Finding Your Feet’.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton in British comedy Finding Your Feet.
The film follows Lady Sandra Abbott (Staunton) who, after discovering that her husband of forty years is having an affair, takes up a community dance class with her sister, where she finds a new lease of both fun and romance.
The cast is rounded out by Celia Imrie (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), David Hayman (The Jackal), John Sessions (Mr Holmes) and Josie Lawrence (EastEnders).
Richard Loncraine (Wimbledon) directs the feature from a script by Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcroft (Urban Hymn). John Sachs and Andrew Berg produce for Eclipse Films with Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard for Powder Keg Pictures, James Spring for Fred Films, and Charlotte Walls for Catalyst Global Media.
Executive producers...
Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton in British comedy Finding Your Feet.
The film follows Lady Sandra Abbott (Staunton) who, after discovering that her husband of forty years is having an affair, takes up a community dance class with her sister, where she finds a new lease of both fun and romance.
The cast is rounded out by Celia Imrie (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), David Hayman (The Jackal), John Sessions (Mr Holmes) and Josie Lawrence (EastEnders).
Richard Loncraine (Wimbledon) directs the feature from a script by Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcroft (Urban Hymn). John Sachs and Andrew Berg produce for Eclipse Films with Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard for Powder Keg Pictures, James Spring for Fred Films, and Charlotte Walls for Catalyst Global Media.
Executive producers...
- 12/12/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Production is underway in London and Rome on Richard Loncraine’s British comedy ‘Finding Your Feet’.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton in British comedy Finding Your Feet.
The film follows Lady Sandra Abbott (Staunton) who, after discovering that her husband if forty years is having an affair, takes up a community dance class with her sister, where she finds a new lease of both fun and romance.
The cast is rounded out by Celia Imrie (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), David Hayman (The Jackal), John Sessions (Mr Holmes) and Josie Lawrence (EastEnders).
Richard Loncraine (Wimbledon) directs the feature from a script by Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcraft (Urban Hymn). John Sachs and Andrea Berg produce for Eclipse Films with Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard for Powder Keg Pictures, James Spring for Fred Films, and Charlotte Walls for Catalyst Global Media.
Executive producers...
Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton in British comedy Finding Your Feet.
The film follows Lady Sandra Abbott (Staunton) who, after discovering that her husband if forty years is having an affair, takes up a community dance class with her sister, where she finds a new lease of both fun and romance.
The cast is rounded out by Celia Imrie (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), David Hayman (The Jackal), John Sessions (Mr Holmes) and Josie Lawrence (EastEnders).
Richard Loncraine (Wimbledon) directs the feature from a script by Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcraft (Urban Hymn). John Sachs and Andrea Berg produce for Eclipse Films with Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard for Powder Keg Pictures, James Spring for Fred Films, and Charlotte Walls for Catalyst Global Media.
Executive producers...
- 12/12/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Production is underway in London and Rome on Richard Loncraine’s British comedy.
Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton in British comedy Finding Your Feet.
The film follows Lady Sandra Abbott (Staunton) who, after discovering that her husband if forty years is having an affair, takes up a community dance class with her sister, where she finds a new lease of both fun and romance.
The cast is rounded out by Celia Imrie (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), David Hayman (The Jackal), John Sessions (Mr Holmes) and Josie Lawrence (EastEnders).
Richard Loncraine (Wimbledon) directs the feature from a script by Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcraft (Urban Hymn). John Sachs and Andrea Berg produce for Eclipse Films with Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard for Powder Keg Pictures, James Spring for Fred Films, and Charlotte Walls for Catalyst Global Media.
Executive producers...
Screen can reveal an exclusive first look at Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton in British comedy Finding Your Feet.
The film follows Lady Sandra Abbott (Staunton) who, after discovering that her husband if forty years is having an affair, takes up a community dance class with her sister, where she finds a new lease of both fun and romance.
The cast is rounded out by Celia Imrie (The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), David Hayman (The Jackal), John Sessions (Mr Holmes) and Josie Lawrence (EastEnders).
Richard Loncraine (Wimbledon) directs the feature from a script by Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcraft (Urban Hymn). John Sachs and Andrea Berg produce for Eclipse Films with Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard for Powder Keg Pictures, James Spring for Fred Films, and Charlotte Walls for Catalyst Global Media.
Executive producers...
- 12/12/2016
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
VENICE, Italy -- Paul Verhoeven's World War II drama Black Book is an ambitious throwback to the days of rousing all-action wartime pictures in which an intrepid loner risks everything to fight a clearly defined enemy. It succeeds on almost all fronts. The epic film is a high-octane adventure rooted in fact with a raft of arresting characters, big action sequences and twists and turns galore as a group of Dutch resistance fighters combat the Nazis not knowing they have a traitor at their core.
Top-flight production values and a ripping yarn should mean major boxoffice returns anywhere there is a taste for old-fashioned big-screen entertainment.
Set in German-occupied Holland in 1944, the film follows a young woman named Rachel (Carice van Houten) as she attempts to flee the Nazis with her own and other Jewish families. Having purchased their river passage with all they own, they find the escape is a trap as they are intercepted by the Gestapo and mercilessly mown down.
All except Rachel, who finds her way to a group of resistance fighters run by man named Kuipers (Derek de Lint), who operates a soup kitchen as cover for his sabotage operations. Quickly recruited into the group's inner circle led by daredevil Hans (Thom Hoffman), Rachel demonstrates her bravery and resourcefulness in an encounter on a train with an SS officer named Muntze (Sebastian Koch).
Soon, Rachel is ensconced at the local Gestapo headquarters, sleeping with Muntze and working with a local floozy, Ronnie (Halina Reijn), in the office of a brutal officer named Franken (Waldemar Kopus).
Even though the end of the war is barely months away, the danger increases for the resistance group. When she discovers that there has been a plot involving both Nazis and Dutch in faking escape plans for Jewish families who are murdered and robbed, she finds herself with enemies on all sides.
Director Verhoeven, back on home turf after the Hollywood excesses of Starship Troopers and Showgirls, has fashioned an exciting tale with co-scripter Gerard Soeteman, who developed the original story. Production designer Wilbert Van Dorp and cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub have done a great job in creating period detail and capturing fast-moving sequences and intimate moments. Editors Job ter Burg and James Herbert contribute fine work, and Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley's score complements it all effectively.
Van Houten makes a memorable heroine, a singer as well as a good actress, in what is a very punishing role. Koch and Hoffman do a lot to give their stereotyped roles some originality.
The filmmakers strive hard to root the picture in genuine drama. There are bookends set in Israel that add considerable emotional resonance. While the revelation of the traitor smacks of melodrama, the high adventure is mixed with moments of authentic wartime pathos.
BLACK BOOK
A Fu Works production in association with Egoli Tossell Film, Clockwork Pictures, Studio Babesberg AG, Motion Investment Group, Motel Films and Hector
A VIP Medienfonds 4 production
Credits:
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Screenwriters: Gerard Soeteman, Paul Verhoeven
Producers: San Fu Maltha, Jos van der Linden, Frans van Geste, Jeroen Baker, Teun Hilte, Jens Meurer
Executive producers: Andreas Grosch, Andrea Schmid, Marcus Schofer, Henning Molfenter, Carl Woebcken, Jamie Carmichael, Graham Begg, Sara Giles
Director of photography: Karl Walter Lindenlaub
Production designer: Wilbert van Dorp
Music: Anne Dudley
Editors: Job ter Burg, James Herbert
Cast:
Rachel/Ellis: Carice van Houten
Ludwig Muntze: Sebastian Koch
Hans Akkermans: Thom Hoffman
Ronnie: Halina Reijn
Gunther Franken: Waldemar Kobus
Gerben Kuipers: Derek de Lint
Gen. Kautner: Christian Berkel
Notary Smaal: Dolf de Vries
Van Gein: Peter Blok
Rob: Michiel Huisman
Tim Kuipers: Ronald Armbrust
Kees: Frank Lammers
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 145 minutes...
Top-flight production values and a ripping yarn should mean major boxoffice returns anywhere there is a taste for old-fashioned big-screen entertainment.
Set in German-occupied Holland in 1944, the film follows a young woman named Rachel (Carice van Houten) as she attempts to flee the Nazis with her own and other Jewish families. Having purchased their river passage with all they own, they find the escape is a trap as they are intercepted by the Gestapo and mercilessly mown down.
All except Rachel, who finds her way to a group of resistance fighters run by man named Kuipers (Derek de Lint), who operates a soup kitchen as cover for his sabotage operations. Quickly recruited into the group's inner circle led by daredevil Hans (Thom Hoffman), Rachel demonstrates her bravery and resourcefulness in an encounter on a train with an SS officer named Muntze (Sebastian Koch).
Soon, Rachel is ensconced at the local Gestapo headquarters, sleeping with Muntze and working with a local floozy, Ronnie (Halina Reijn), in the office of a brutal officer named Franken (Waldemar Kopus).
Even though the end of the war is barely months away, the danger increases for the resistance group. When she discovers that there has been a plot involving both Nazis and Dutch in faking escape plans for Jewish families who are murdered and robbed, she finds herself with enemies on all sides.
Director Verhoeven, back on home turf after the Hollywood excesses of Starship Troopers and Showgirls, has fashioned an exciting tale with co-scripter Gerard Soeteman, who developed the original story. Production designer Wilbert Van Dorp and cinematographer Karl Walter Lindenlaub have done a great job in creating period detail and capturing fast-moving sequences and intimate moments. Editors Job ter Burg and James Herbert contribute fine work, and Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley's score complements it all effectively.
Van Houten makes a memorable heroine, a singer as well as a good actress, in what is a very punishing role. Koch and Hoffman do a lot to give their stereotyped roles some originality.
The filmmakers strive hard to root the picture in genuine drama. There are bookends set in Israel that add considerable emotional resonance. While the revelation of the traitor smacks of melodrama, the high adventure is mixed with moments of authentic wartime pathos.
BLACK BOOK
A Fu Works production in association with Egoli Tossell Film, Clockwork Pictures, Studio Babesberg AG, Motion Investment Group, Motel Films and Hector
A VIP Medienfonds 4 production
Credits:
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Screenwriters: Gerard Soeteman, Paul Verhoeven
Producers: San Fu Maltha, Jos van der Linden, Frans van Geste, Jeroen Baker, Teun Hilte, Jens Meurer
Executive producers: Andreas Grosch, Andrea Schmid, Marcus Schofer, Henning Molfenter, Carl Woebcken, Jamie Carmichael, Graham Begg, Sara Giles
Director of photography: Karl Walter Lindenlaub
Production designer: Wilbert van Dorp
Music: Anne Dudley
Editors: Job ter Burg, James Herbert
Cast:
Rachel/Ellis: Carice van Houten
Ludwig Muntze: Sebastian Koch
Hans Akkermans: Thom Hoffman
Ronnie: Halina Reijn
Gunther Franken: Waldemar Kobus
Gerben Kuipers: Derek de Lint
Gen. Kautner: Christian Berkel
Notary Smaal: Dolf de Vries
Van Gein: Peter Blok
Rob: Michiel Huisman
Tim Kuipers: Ronald Armbrust
Kees: Frank Lammers
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 145 minutes...
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