Richard M. Sherman, a nine-time Academy Award nominee and one of the songwriting brothers behind Disney movies like 1964’s Mary Poppins and 1967’s The Jungle Book, has died at 95. Sherman died of age-related illness at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills on Saturday, according to a Walt Disney Company announcement. Robert B. Sherman, the other half of the duo, died in 2012. The Sherman Brothers, who had a big fan in Walt Disney himself, won two Academy Awards for Mary Poppins, taking home the trophies for Best Score – Substantially Original and Best Original Song (for “Chim Chim Cher-ee”). Richard and Robert wrote more than 200 songs for some 27 films and 24 television productions, Disney reports. Their film credits include The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), The Parent Trap (1961), Summer Magic (1963), The Sword in the Stone (1963), That Darn Cat! (1965), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), The Happiest Millionaire (1967), The Aristocats (1970), and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971). The brothers...
- 5/26/2024
- TV Insider
Richard Sherman, the youngest sibling in the iconic songwriting duo the Sherman Brothers, has passed away at the age of 95 from an age-related illness.
Richard and Robert Sherman – who passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 – provided moviegoers with some of the great songs in cinema, boosting every Disney or family-driven production they worked on and helping solidify them as classics.
The Sherman Brothers won the Best Original Song Oscar for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Mary Poppins, earning four other nominations in the category, including the title song for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and “The Age of Believing” from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Mary Poppins would also land Robert and Richard Sherman the Best Original Score Oscar, a category they received four nods in. Retrospectively, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” was featured on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movie songs ever.
In a statement, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said,...
Richard and Robert Sherman – who passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 – provided moviegoers with some of the great songs in cinema, boosting every Disney or family-driven production they worked on and helping solidify them as classics.
The Sherman Brothers won the Best Original Song Oscar for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Mary Poppins, earning four other nominations in the category, including the title song for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and “The Age of Believing” from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Mary Poppins would also land Robert and Richard Sherman the Best Original Score Oscar, a category they received four nods in. Retrospectively, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” was featured on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest movie songs ever.
In a statement, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said,...
- 5/26/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Recently, Giancarlo Esposito made headlines by expressing his desire to portray Professor X in the MCU, suggesting the character should not use a wheelchair, as Esposito does not see himself as that old. This sparked mixed reactions among fans, some of whom still hope that Patrick Stewart will remain the primary Charles Xavier in the MCU despite his character’s death in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’
During a panel on Thunder Stage at Ccxp, Esposito confirmed his involvement in a Marvel project but clarified that it would not be as Professor X.
At the Phoenix Fan Fusion event, Esposito made a significant announcement: his role in the MCU will eventually be featured in a Disney+ series.
The MCU has knocked on my door and it’s a role you won’t predict. It will be teased and there will be a series afterwards.
Giancarlo Esposito reveals that...
During a panel on Thunder Stage at Ccxp, Esposito confirmed his involvement in a Marvel project but clarified that it would not be as Professor X.
At the Phoenix Fan Fusion event, Esposito made a significant announcement: his role in the MCU will eventually be featured in a Disney+ series.
The MCU has knocked on my door and it’s a role you won’t predict. It will be teased and there will be a series afterwards.
Giancarlo Esposito reveals that...
- 5/26/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Recently Giancarlo Esposito made headlines when he claimed that he would like to appear as Professor X in the MCU, but without the wheelchair, as he isn’t that old. Fans were divided on the matter since some still harbor hope that Patrick Stewart will be the MCU’s primary Charles Xavier despite him being killed during the events of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’
Then during a panel on Thunder Stage at Ccxp Esposito confirmed that he will be appearing in the Marvel project, but also made it clear it’s not as Professor X.
Now during the Phoenix Fan Fusion event, Esposito revealed something pretty major. It turns out that his role within the MCU will eventually get a Disney+ series.
The MCU has knocked on my door and it’s a role you won’t predict. It will be teased and there will be a series afterwards.
Then during a panel on Thunder Stage at Ccxp Esposito confirmed that he will be appearing in the Marvel project, but also made it clear it’s not as Professor X.
Now during the Phoenix Fan Fusion event, Esposito revealed something pretty major. It turns out that his role within the MCU will eventually get a Disney+ series.
The MCU has knocked on my door and it’s a role you won’t predict. It will be teased and there will be a series afterwards.
- 5/26/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Richard M. Sherman, the Academy Award-winning songwriter, who along with his late brother Robert, composed music for classic films including Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, has died at the age of 95.
Over the course of their prolific career, the Shermans composed over 1,000 songs for more 50 movies, and were responsible for more movie musical songs than any duo in film history, according to Billboard.
Their brothers’ other notable film scores included The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, and The Tigger Movie.
Additionally, the Shermans composed “It’s a Small World (After All),” for the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, and wrote “You’re Sixteen,” which later became a No. 1 hit for Ringo Starr.
The Shermans’s accolades included a total nine Academy Award nominations with two victories; four Grammy nominations with two wins; and 23 gold- or platinum-certified albums.
Over the course of their prolific career, the Shermans composed over 1,000 songs for more 50 movies, and were responsible for more movie musical songs than any duo in film history, according to Billboard.
Their brothers’ other notable film scores included The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, and The Tigger Movie.
Additionally, the Shermans composed “It’s a Small World (After All),” for the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, and wrote “You’re Sixteen,” which later became a No. 1 hit for Ringo Starr.
The Shermans’s accolades included a total nine Academy Award nominations with two victories; four Grammy nominations with two wins; and 23 gold- or platinum-certified albums.
- 5/26/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Richard M. Sherman, known for songs including “it’s a small world,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “The Parent Trap,” and more passed away at age 95 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Richard Sherman was 1/2 of the famous Sherman Brothers duo that often worked with Walt Disney. Robert B. Sherman, Richard’s brother, passed away in 2012.
The duo started working for Disney after they created a song for Annette Funicello in 1958. From there, they created songs for many popular Disney films and wrote the “Small World” song for the “It’s a Small World” attraction at the New York World’s Fair.
Together, the brothers won nine Oscars, two Grammy Awards, and over 20 gold and platinum albums.
Their music was featured in many films, including “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Jungle Book,” “The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Tigger Movie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,”Victory Canteen,” “Summer Magic,” “The Absent-Minded Professor,...
Richard Sherman was 1/2 of the famous Sherman Brothers duo that often worked with Walt Disney. Robert B. Sherman, Richard’s brother, passed away in 2012.
The duo started working for Disney after they created a song for Annette Funicello in 1958. From there, they created songs for many popular Disney films and wrote the “Small World” song for the “It’s a Small World” attraction at the New York World’s Fair.
Together, the brothers won nine Oscars, two Grammy Awards, and over 20 gold and platinum albums.
Their music was featured in many films, including “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Jungle Book,” “The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Tigger Movie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,”Victory Canteen,” “Summer Magic,” “The Absent-Minded Professor,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award-winning songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers with his late brother, fellow Legend Robert B. Sherman, died today at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills at 95 from age-related illness.
Sherman was a key member of Walt Disney’s inner circle of creative talents. He garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars for his work on the 1964 Mary Poppins), won three Grammy Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career.
Richard and his brother were inducted as Disney Legends in 1990.
The Sherman brothers were perhaps best known for their work on Mary Poppins, for which they won Oscars for Best Score – Substantially Original, and Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.
Another cherished song from the film, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, became a pop hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, while the lullaby Feed the Birds became one of Walt’s favorite songs.
Sherman was a key member of Walt Disney’s inner circle of creative talents. He garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars for his work on the 1964 Mary Poppins), won three Grammy Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career.
Richard and his brother were inducted as Disney Legends in 1990.
The Sherman brothers were perhaps best known for their work on Mary Poppins, for which they won Oscars for Best Score – Substantially Original, and Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.
Another cherished song from the film, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, became a pop hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965, while the lullaby Feed the Birds became one of Walt’s favorite songs.
- 5/25/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar-winning songwriter who partnered with his late brother to craft tunes for such Disney classics as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Jungle Book, died Saturday. He was 95.
Sherman, who also co-wrote “It’s a Small World (After All)” — considered the most performed song ever — as well as “You’re Sixteen,” a chart-topper for Ringo Starr, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of age-related illness, Disney announced.
Members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and recipients of the National Medal of Honor, Richard and his older brother, Robert Sherman, wrote an estimated 1,000 songs and music for 50 movies, and they were responsible for more movie musical songs than anyone in history.
For their work on Mary Poppins (1964), the Sherman brothers made two victorious trips to the Academy Awards stage at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, accepting the trophies for best original score and...
Sherman, who also co-wrote “It’s a Small World (After All)” — considered the most performed song ever — as well as “You’re Sixteen,” a chart-topper for Ringo Starr, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of age-related illness, Disney announced.
Members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and recipients of the National Medal of Honor, Richard and his older brother, Robert Sherman, wrote an estimated 1,000 songs and music for 50 movies, and they were responsible for more movie musical songs than anyone in history.
For their work on Mary Poppins (1964), the Sherman brothers made two victorious trips to the Academy Awards stage at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, accepting the trophies for best original score and...
- 5/25/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard M. Sherman, two-time Oscar winner who collaborated with brother Robert B. Sherman on the songs for “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and the enduring Disneyland tune “It’s a Small World (After All),” died Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills due to age-related illness. He was 95.
The Sherman brothers worked in a job that no longer exists: inhouse songwriters for a studio. In their case, the studio was Disney, and the brothers were hired for that steady gig after their 1958 song “Tall Paul” was a hit for Mouseketeer Annette Funicello.
In the early 1960s, they penned tunes for Hayley Mills in Disney films “The Parent Trap,” “In Search of the Castaways” and “Summer Magic,” as well as songs for “The Absent-Minded Professor” and “Moon Pilot”; Walt Disney, always aware of synergy, made sure his family comedies had a tune with radio-play potential. The Shermans wrote for...
The Sherman brothers worked in a job that no longer exists: inhouse songwriters for a studio. In their case, the studio was Disney, and the brothers were hired for that steady gig after their 1958 song “Tall Paul” was a hit for Mouseketeer Annette Funicello.
In the early 1960s, they penned tunes for Hayley Mills in Disney films “The Parent Trap,” “In Search of the Castaways” and “Summer Magic,” as well as songs for “The Absent-Minded Professor” and “Moon Pilot”; Walt Disney, always aware of synergy, made sure his family comedies had a tune with radio-play potential. The Shermans wrote for...
- 5/25/2024
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Richard M. Sherman, one-half of the prolific Disney songwriting duo The Sherman Brothers, has died. He was 95.
Sherman and his brother Robert were responsible for dozens of the brand’s most memorable cinematic songs. They were most known for their work on “Mary Poppins,” which earned the duo two Oscars, the soundtrack for “The Jungle Book” and “It’s a Small World.”
“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement Saturday.
“From films like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ to attractions like ‘It’s a Small World,’ the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world,...
Sherman and his brother Robert were responsible for dozens of the brand’s most memorable cinematic songs. They were most known for their work on “Mary Poppins,” which earned the duo two Oscars, the soundtrack for “The Jungle Book” and “It’s a Small World.”
“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement Saturday.
“From films like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ to attractions like ‘It’s a Small World,’ the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
With the release of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” on May 10, this year’s Best Visual Effects Oscar race just got a lot more interesting. That’s because we’re almost guaranteed to get three, possibly even four, movies in the race that are follow-ups to previous Visual Effects nominees. “Apes” is likely to be the fourth movie in its franchise nominated for the innovative performance capture used to help create the film’s photo-realistic apes. Three previous films, starring Andy Serkis, were nominated for Oscars in the category in 2011, 2014, and 2017, but none of them won.
The work done by director Wes Ball and his team has made “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” a serious contender in multiple below-the-line categories, not just visual effects. Its production design and sound are equally impressive. But the academy branch that’s most likely to be impressed will be the...
The work done by director Wes Ball and his team has made “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” a serious contender in multiple below-the-line categories, not just visual effects. Its production design and sound are equally impressive. But the academy branch that’s most likely to be impressed will be the...
- 5/22/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Cannes market attendees have been paying tribute to Mark Damon, the veteran sales agent credited with inventing the independent film financing model who died on the eve of Cannes aged 91.
Chicago-born Damon entered the world of independent sales and production in the 1970’s while living and working in Italy where he had pursued a successful career as a leading man in spaghetti westerns.
He returned to the United States in 1977 and founded Producer Sales Organization (Pso) and grew his business licencing international rights on commercial independent films. Damon also established Vision International, Mdp Worldwide, Media 8, and most recently Foresight Unlimited.
Chicago-born Damon entered the world of independent sales and production in the 1970’s while living and working in Italy where he had pursued a successful career as a leading man in spaghetti westerns.
He returned to the United States in 1977 and founded Producer Sales Organization (Pso) and grew his business licencing international rights on commercial independent films. Damon also established Vision International, Mdp Worldwide, Media 8, and most recently Foresight Unlimited.
- 5/22/2024
- ScreenDaily
Over the course of her decades-long career, Scarlett Johansson has consistently showcased her versatility as an actress, captivating audiences in a variety of roles across genres, from action-packed performances like Black Widow in the MCU to compelling portrayals in comedy and drama. And after all this time, the acclaimed actress continues to surprise her fans.
Scarlett Johansson in Hail, Caesar! | Credit: Universal
Along with her on-screen prowess, Johansson has also carved out a niche as a singer, a pursuit she initially explored in the mid-2000s, soon after, she released her first album Anywhere I Lay My Head in 2008. As her debut album completes 16 years, fans can’t help but share their surprise upon learning about the lesser-known aspect of the Marvel star’s illustrious career.
A Brief Look At Scarlett Johansson’s Music Career
Scarlett Johansson has always been passionate about music. The actress has shared that her interest...
Scarlett Johansson in Hail, Caesar! | Credit: Universal
Along with her on-screen prowess, Johansson has also carved out a niche as a singer, a pursuit she initially explored in the mid-2000s, soon after, she released her first album Anywhere I Lay My Head in 2008. As her debut album completes 16 years, fans can’t help but share their surprise upon learning about the lesser-known aspect of the Marvel star’s illustrious career.
A Brief Look At Scarlett Johansson’s Music Career
Scarlett Johansson has always been passionate about music. The actress has shared that her interest...
- 5/16/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Mark Damon, a film producer, sales executive, and spaghetti Western actor, died at 91, representatives for the executive told Deadline on Sunday night.
Damon, born Alan Harris in Chicago, started his career in Hollywood in 1956 after signing a contract with 20th Century Fox. After starring in House of Usher, Damon won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. The film was directed by Roger Corman, who died on Thursday.
Damon would move to Italy and star in films like The Reluctant Saint (1962), The Young Racers (1963), The Shortest Day (1963), Black Sabbath (1963), 100 Horseman (1964), Secret Agent 777 (1965), Dio, Come Ti Amo! (1966) and Johnny Oro (1966).
he first entered the world of independent sales and production in the 1970s while living and working in Italy where he saw a large market of independent international distributors eager for top American movies. He evolved from acting to film production and, in 1977, founded the Producers Sales Organization to sell American films to international distributors.
Damon, born Alan Harris in Chicago, started his career in Hollywood in 1956 after signing a contract with 20th Century Fox. After starring in House of Usher, Damon won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. The film was directed by Roger Corman, who died on Thursday.
Damon would move to Italy and star in films like The Reluctant Saint (1962), The Young Racers (1963), The Shortest Day (1963), Black Sabbath (1963), 100 Horseman (1964), Secret Agent 777 (1965), Dio, Come Ti Amo! (1966) and Johnny Oro (1966).
he first entered the world of independent sales and production in the 1970s while living and working in Italy where he saw a large market of independent international distributors eager for top American movies. He evolved from acting to film production and, in 1977, founded the Producers Sales Organization to sell American films to international distributors.
- 5/13/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Damon, who starred in the Vincent Price horror classic House of Usher and spaghetti Westerns before revolutionizing the foreign sales and distribution film business and producing features including 9 1/2 Weeks, Monster and Lone Survivor, has died. He was 91.
Damon died Sunday of natural causes in Los Angeles, his daughter, Alexis Damon Ribaut, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Damon spent the first 20 years of his career as an actor, including about a dozen as a leading man in Italian action movies, before he transitioned to the business side.
He had early success as an executive producer with two movies written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen: the German-language World War II drama Das Boot (1981), which received six Oscar nominations, and The NeverEnding Story (1984), a big-budget fantasy film that featured a Damon-commissioned score by Giorgio Moroder for non-German audiences.
He shared an Independent Spirit Award with director Patty Jenkins and others...
Damon died Sunday of natural causes in Los Angeles, his daughter, Alexis Damon Ribaut, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Damon spent the first 20 years of his career as an actor, including about a dozen as a leading man in Italian action movies, before he transitioned to the business side.
He had early success as an executive producer with two movies written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen: the German-language World War II drama Das Boot (1981), which received six Oscar nominations, and The NeverEnding Story (1984), a big-budget fantasy film that featured a Damon-commissioned score by Giorgio Moroder for non-German audiences.
He shared an Independent Spirit Award with director Patty Jenkins and others...
- 5/13/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Damon, the former spaghetti western leading man who turned to a pioneering career in independent sales and financing and was a fixture at the film markets, has died on the eve of Cannes. He was 91.
Damon’s representatives confirmed he died in Los Angeles on Sunday (May 12).
Damon produced, packaged and sold numerous films and led Producer Sales Organization (Pso), Vision International, Mdp Worldwide, Media 8, and most recently Foresight Unlimited.
He attended Cannes dozens of times and produced or served as executive producer on more than 70 films.
One of his most illustrious producer credits came at Media 8 with Patty Jenkins’ Monster.
Damon’s representatives confirmed he died in Los Angeles on Sunday (May 12).
Damon produced, packaged and sold numerous films and led Producer Sales Organization (Pso), Vision International, Mdp Worldwide, Media 8, and most recently Foresight Unlimited.
He attended Cannes dozens of times and produced or served as executive producer on more than 70 films.
One of his most illustrious producer credits came at Media 8 with Patty Jenkins’ Monster.
- 5/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"'The Mummy' isn't really trying to scare you – it's trying to entertain you." This is what /Film's Chris Evangelista lovingly wrote of 1999's "The Mummy" in 2021. Directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Brendan Fraser as the swashbuckling Rick O'Connell, the film became a somewhat unexpected hit, so much so that it ended up being one of the highest-grossing films of 1999 overall. Critics were a bit mixed on it in its day. It was an action/adventure film, the likes of which Hollywood had released many times before. Be that as it may, a film designed purely to entertain (rather than to scare) resonated with audiences in a big way. It was pulpy lightning in a bottle.
Universal had, for years,...
"'The Mummy' isn't really trying to scare you – it's trying to entertain you." This is what /Film's Chris Evangelista lovingly wrote of 1999's "The Mummy" in 2021. Directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Brendan Fraser as the swashbuckling Rick O'Connell, the film became a somewhat unexpected hit, so much so that it ended up being one of the highest-grossing films of 1999 overall. Critics were a bit mixed on it in its day. It was an action/adventure film, the likes of which Hollywood had released many times before. Be that as it may, a film designed purely to entertain (rather than to scare) resonated with audiences in a big way. It was pulpy lightning in a bottle.
Universal had, for years,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
1999 was an amazing year for movies. But, among all the classics like The Matrix, Fight Club, Being John Malkovich, Magnolia, Go, Three Kings, and so many more, one that often gets overlooked is The Mummy. Originally, the summer of ’99 was supposed to be all about Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, but a few weeks before that movie opened, The Mummy turned out to be an unexpected smash for Universal Pictures, with it spawning two sequels, a spin-off movie, and (less cool), a reboot.
With the movie turning twenty-five, the film’s director Stephen Sommers, revisited the film during an extended sit-down with THR. For those who may not be aware of his career, Sommers made a whole slew of super-fun adventure movies in the 90s, including a really solid re-imagining of The Jungle Book for Disney and the creature feature Deep Rising. The Mummy propelled him to the A-list,...
With the movie turning twenty-five, the film’s director Stephen Sommers, revisited the film during an extended sit-down with THR. For those who may not be aware of his career, Sommers made a whole slew of super-fun adventure movies in the 90s, including a really solid re-imagining of The Jungle Book for Disney and the creature feature Deep Rising. The Mummy propelled him to the A-list,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Agbo, the Russo Brothers’ media company, has launched an innovation department, expanding its physical and virtual production capabilities under the guidance of a seasoned executive team.
Under the new setup, Agbo’s technology experts will build proprietary creative tools, with the aim of fostering production innovation and cost efficiencies. The idea is for Agbo and its creative partners to be able to access the company’s emerging set of tools at every stage of development, production, and post-production.
Innovation will have three verticals: production technology, immersive technology and creative. It will be led by Jake Aust, who was recently promoted to Agbo’s Chief Innovation Officer. Over a 20-year career, Aust has been a producer on The Office and Russo-affiliated titles like TV’s Community and feature film Cherry. He was also an executive producer on The Gray Man and most recently served as Agbo’s President of Physical Production.
Under the new setup, Agbo’s technology experts will build proprietary creative tools, with the aim of fostering production innovation and cost efficiencies. The idea is for Agbo and its creative partners to be able to access the company’s emerging set of tools at every stage of development, production, and post-production.
Innovation will have three verticals: production technology, immersive technology and creative. It will be led by Jake Aust, who was recently promoted to Agbo’s Chief Innovation Officer. Over a 20-year career, Aust has been a producer on The Office and Russo-affiliated titles like TV’s Community and feature film Cherry. He was also an executive producer on The Gray Man and most recently served as Agbo’s President of Physical Production.
- 5/8/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Agbo is going AI — at least it sounds like it is, at least in part.
The Russo Brothers’ independent studio announced on Wednesday the formation of a new Innovation department, which will blend Agbo’s “physical and virtual production capabilities.” The studio’s technologists will “build proprietary creative tools for storytellers, fostering production innovation and cost efficiency for content across diverse platforms,” the press release reads. The tools will be used in development, production, and post-production.
When reached by IndieWire, a spokesperson for Agbo declined to clarify how much of these tools will be AI or generative-ai. The use of AI in Hollywood is considered sacrilegious by some and an efficient use of technology by others. The truth is it can be both. AI has been the primary — or at least the most public-facing — issue in contract negotiations between the guilds and the studios.
Agbo’s Chief Innovation Officer Jake Aust...
The Russo Brothers’ independent studio announced on Wednesday the formation of a new Innovation department, which will blend Agbo’s “physical and virtual production capabilities.” The studio’s technologists will “build proprietary creative tools for storytellers, fostering production innovation and cost efficiency for content across diverse platforms,” the press release reads. The tools will be used in development, production, and post-production.
When reached by IndieWire, a spokesperson for Agbo declined to clarify how much of these tools will be AI or generative-ai. The use of AI in Hollywood is considered sacrilegious by some and an efficient use of technology by others. The truth is it can be both. AI has been the primary — or at least the most public-facing — issue in contract negotiations between the guilds and the studios.
Agbo’s Chief Innovation Officer Jake Aust...
- 5/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Giancarlo Esposito stirred excitement recently by expressing his interest in joining the MCU as Professor X, albeit without the wheelchair, citing his age. This sparked debate among fans, with some still hoping for Patrick Stewart’s return despite his character’s apparent demise in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’
However, during a panel at Ccxp’s Thunder Stage, Esposito revealed his involvement in a Marvel project but clarified that he won’t be portraying Professor X.
Esposito emphasizes that his upcoming role will arrive sooner rather than later, teasing fans with promises of something “better than you can imagine.” With the current MCU release schedule, only ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is slated for this year, leaving speculation open for Esposito’s potential involvement, perhaps as a variant of an existing character or an original creation. However, it’s more probable that his appearance will be in a 2025 release, considering...
However, during a panel at Ccxp’s Thunder Stage, Esposito revealed his involvement in a Marvel project but clarified that he won’t be portraying Professor X.
Esposito emphasizes that his upcoming role will arrive sooner rather than later, teasing fans with promises of something “better than you can imagine.” With the current MCU release schedule, only ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is slated for this year, leaving speculation open for Esposito’s potential involvement, perhaps as a variant of an existing character or an original creation. However, it’s more probable that his appearance will be in a 2025 release, considering...
- 5/4/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Recently Giancarlo Esposito made headlines when he claimed that he would like to appear as Professor X in the MCU, but without the wheelchair, as he isn’t that old. Fans were divided on the matter since some still harbor hope that Patrick Stewart will be the MCU’s primary Charles Xavier despite him being killed during the events of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’
Now during a panel on Thunder Stage at Ccxp Esposito confirmed that he will be appearing in the Marvel project, but also made it clear it’s not as Professor X.
Esposito claims that this role is different that it will come sooner rather than later, and that fans can expect something “better than you can imagine.” Knowing the MCU release schedule, the only movie being released this year is ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ so we can’t exactly rule out that Esposito might be appearing in that production,...
Now during a panel on Thunder Stage at Ccxp Esposito confirmed that he will be appearing in the Marvel project, but also made it clear it’s not as Professor X.
Esposito claims that this role is different that it will come sooner rather than later, and that fans can expect something “better than you can imagine.” Knowing the MCU release schedule, the only movie being released this year is ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ so we can’t exactly rule out that Esposito might be appearing in that production,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
You can’t always get what you want, unless you are a Rolling Stones fan hungering for documentary deep-dives into the band’s storied history. Indeed, it is spectacularly serendipitous that Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg arrives just a few months after The Stones and Brian Jones. The latter doc, from Nick Broomfield, centered on Jones, the band’s founder and leader until Mick Jagger and Keith Richards snatched that mantle. Catching Fire and The Stones and Brian Jones cover much of the same ground, use some of the same archival footage, and even feature the same anecdotes from delightful Tin Drum director Volker Schlöndorff. The films are even released by the same distributor, Magnolia.
Catching Fire and Brian Jones should, of course, be judged on their own merits, yet it’s impossible not to consider them in-tandem. The perspectives are obviously quite different, as are––to some degree––heroes and villains.
Catching Fire and Brian Jones should, of course, be judged on their own merits, yet it’s impossible not to consider them in-tandem. The perspectives are obviously quite different, as are––to some degree––heroes and villains.
- 5/2/2024
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Film Stage
Disney movies have faced significant criticism lately for altering minor but crucial elements in their live-action adaptations of beloved childhood tales, sparking controversy among fans. Continuing this trend, Disney finds itself embroiled in controversy once more for making a significant change to the upcoming Snow White film starring Rachel Zegler. Insider reports suggest that the movie will take a fresh approach to the iconic poison apple.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Credit: Disney
Fans Upset Over Potential Key Change in Disney’s Snow White
As anticipation builds for Disney’s live-action rendition of Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler, concerns loom regarding potential backlash that could affect the film’s reception. Departing significantly from its animated counterpart, this remake aims not only to revisit the beloved narrative of Snow White but also to redefine it for today’s viewers, integrating themes reflective of modern societal shifts.
SUGGESTEDRachel Zegler’s Hunger Games...
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Credit: Disney
Fans Upset Over Potential Key Change in Disney’s Snow White
As anticipation builds for Disney’s live-action rendition of Snow White, featuring Rachel Zegler, concerns loom regarding potential backlash that could affect the film’s reception. Departing significantly from its animated counterpart, this remake aims not only to revisit the beloved narrative of Snow White but also to redefine it for today’s viewers, integrating themes reflective of modern societal shifts.
SUGGESTEDRachel Zegler’s Hunger Games...
- 4/18/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King is slated for a year-end release. The upcoming prequel to 2019’s adventure musical The Lion King is helmed by filmmaker Barry Jenkins who has made Oscar-winning films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Moonlight.
Jenkins recently appeared at CinemaCon 2024 and discussed his new Disney venture. The Moonlight director also addressed the biggest criticism his prequel film and its 2019 predecessor faced. Many fans doubt if 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King will also walk down the same path as director Jon Favreau’s film.
Image by Jian Maldonado | Wikimedia Commons
Barry Jenkins “Addresses” The Biggest Criticism For Mufasa: The Lion King
2024’s CinemaCon is creating a lot of buzz lately. Fans have been talking about Dwayne Johnson showing his epic dance moves to introduce Moana 2 at the event. Big industry personalities like Kevin Feige attended the event. The Marvel boss also sang praises of the upcoming Deadpool 3.
Jenkins recently appeared at CinemaCon 2024 and discussed his new Disney venture. The Moonlight director also addressed the biggest criticism his prequel film and its 2019 predecessor faced. Many fans doubt if 2024’s Mufasa: The Lion King will also walk down the same path as director Jon Favreau’s film.
Image by Jian Maldonado | Wikimedia Commons
Barry Jenkins “Addresses” The Biggest Criticism For Mufasa: The Lion King
2024’s CinemaCon is creating a lot of buzz lately. Fans have been talking about Dwayne Johnson showing his epic dance moves to introduce Moana 2 at the event. Big industry personalities like Kevin Feige attended the event. The Marvel boss also sang praises of the upcoming Deadpool 3.
- 4/12/2024
- by Disha Kandpal
- FandomWire
Director Barry Jenkins appeared at his first CinemaCon on Thursday to show off a trailer from Mufasa: The Lion King.
How did an arthouse director and Moonlight Oscar winner take on a four-quadrant movie? He wondered about that himself for a minute, he said, but he told the crowd that he’s seen the original 1994 movie 200 times with his nieces and nephews.
“When the script came to me, I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions,” Jenkins told attendees at Caesars Palace Colosseum. “This film explores Mufasa’s rise to become the heroic king that we know.”
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ director Barry Jenkins on his personal ties to ‘The Lion King’ – and seeing the movie around 200 times | #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/Bgdb1qbXPH
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 12, 2024
The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, and we see that Papa isn’t that different from Simba,...
How did an arthouse director and Moonlight Oscar winner take on a four-quadrant movie? He wondered about that himself for a minute, he said, but he told the crowd that he’s seen the original 1994 movie 200 times with his nieces and nephews.
“When the script came to me, I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions,” Jenkins told attendees at Caesars Palace Colosseum. “This film explores Mufasa’s rise to become the heroic king that we know.”
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ director Barry Jenkins on his personal ties to ‘The Lion King’ – and seeing the movie around 200 times | #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/Bgdb1qbXPH
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 12, 2024
The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree, and we see that Papa isn’t that different from Simba,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"Planet of the Apes" has consistently been a science-fiction franchise (and one of the best we have), but the movies come in different sci-fi flavors. The original was a time travel story (even if Charlton Heston's lead George Taylor took the long way around via cryogenesis), culminating in the shocking ending right out of "The Twilight Zone" where Taylor discovers the shattered Statue of Liberty and realizes this ape-ruled world was Earth all along.
The third movie, "Escape from the Planet of the Apes," saw the talking apes travel back to the 1970s when humans reigned. Subsequent films filled in the timeline, depicting the uprising that led to the planet of the apes. The new films (the so-called Caesar trilogy) have done the reverse, starting at the beginning and taking the route of contemporary speculative fiction. Things have only come full circle with the fourth film, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,...
The third movie, "Escape from the Planet of the Apes," saw the talking apes travel back to the 1970s when humans reigned. Subsequent films filled in the timeline, depicting the uprising that led to the planet of the apes. The new films (the so-called Caesar trilogy) have done the reverse, starting at the beginning and taking the route of contemporary speculative fiction. Things have only come full circle with the fourth film, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Actor Timothée Chalamet has accomplished a rare milestone in Hollywood. Known for starring in movies like Call Me By Your Name, Little Women, and the Dune film series, the actor has constantly earned critical acclaim for his on-screen performances, even earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
And with his last two films, including Wonka and Dune: Part Two, he has now surpassed John Travolta’s 45-year-old record by starring in two of the highest-grossing films within an eight-month timeframe.
Timothée Chalamet. Credits: Wikimedia Commons Timothée Chalamet Shatters Hollywood Record With Wonka And Dune 2
The Timothée Chalamet starrer Dune: Part Two has not only outperformed its predecessor at the box office but has also become the highest-grossing film of the year so far, earning $627 million worldwide. This success adds to Chalamet’s recent string of hits.
Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two
Before Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic, Chalamet took...
And with his last two films, including Wonka and Dune: Part Two, he has now surpassed John Travolta’s 45-year-old record by starring in two of the highest-grossing films within an eight-month timeframe.
Timothée Chalamet. Credits: Wikimedia Commons Timothée Chalamet Shatters Hollywood Record With Wonka And Dune 2
The Timothée Chalamet starrer Dune: Part Two has not only outperformed its predecessor at the box office but has also become the highest-grossing film of the year so far, earning $627 million worldwide. This success adds to Chalamet’s recent string of hits.
Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two
Before Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic, Chalamet took...
- 4/2/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Heritage Auction’s The Art of Disneyland event will allow fans of Disney Legends Marc and Alice Davis to bid on rare art and props from the company’s golden age! Items include original production art for Snow White, audio-animatronics, animation cels, and more!
The auction will start on April 5 and run through April 8. The collection includes over 1,800 items and can be bid on in person or via Heritage Auction’s site. If you’d like to see some of the pieces first-hand, a partial preview of the collection will happen from April 1-5 at 9478 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.
Those who collect cels will be excited to know that a few will be offered up in the Davis auction, including ones from Pinocchio, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, and the rare Figment educational shorts!
Considering we’re not sure what will become of the Country...
The auction will start on April 5 and run through April 8. The collection includes over 1,800 items and can be bid on in person or via Heritage Auction’s site. If you’d like to see some of the pieces first-hand, a partial preview of the collection will happen from April 1-5 at 9478 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.
Those who collect cels will be excited to know that a few will be offered up in the Davis auction, including ones from Pinocchio, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, and the rare Figment educational shorts!
Considering we’re not sure what will become of the Country...
- 3/24/2024
- by Mike Phalin
- Pirates & Princesses
With a solid offshore hold, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two is closing in on $500M globally. The overseas weekend brought in $51.2M across 73 markets, a 40% drop versus last session (-37% excluding China). The international box office cume through Sunday is $289.4M, and worldwide the running total is $494.7M. The latter figure means the film has already surpassed Villeneuve’s 2021 Dune worldwide.
Internationally in like-for-like markets and at today’s exchange rates, the Warner Bros/Legendary Entertainment sequel is tracking 67% ahead of 2021’s Dune, 47% bigger than Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, 20% over Godzilla Vs Kong, 7% above Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and 3% ahead of both Ready Player One and The Batman.
Japan was the new bow this session with $1.7M including previews; that’s 22% above the opening weekend of Dune.
Villeneuve recently visited China in support of Dune 2, and the sophomore frame there added $9.8M for a local cume of $36.1M.
Internationally in like-for-like markets and at today’s exchange rates, the Warner Bros/Legendary Entertainment sequel is tracking 67% ahead of 2021’s Dune, 47% bigger than Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, 20% over Godzilla Vs Kong, 7% above Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and 3% ahead of both Ready Player One and The Batman.
Japan was the new bow this session with $1.7M including previews; that’s 22% above the opening weekend of Dune.
Villeneuve recently visited China in support of Dune 2, and the sophomore frame there added $9.8M for a local cume of $36.1M.
- 3/17/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Giancarlo Esposito has been in the entertainment industry for over four decades. He is best known for his role as Gus Fring in the crime drama series- Breaking Bad and its spin-off- Better Call Saul. He won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in the former.
Furthermore, Esposito was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series thrice. He has been in talks about playing the X-Men character Professor X for quite some time. Recently, he said something regarding this, which did not sit well with netizens, who had a furious outburst.
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian
Giancarlo Esposito Wants Marvel to Race Swap Two Major X-Men Characters and Fans Aren’t Too Happy About It
Giancarlo Esposito has appeared in many series such as the Amazon series- The Boys, the Disney+ series- The Mandalorian,...
Furthermore, Esposito was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series thrice. He has been in talks about playing the X-Men character Professor X for quite some time. Recently, he said something regarding this, which did not sit well with netizens, who had a furious outburst.
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian
Giancarlo Esposito Wants Marvel to Race Swap Two Major X-Men Characters and Fans Aren’t Too Happy About It
Giancarlo Esposito has appeared in many series such as the Amazon series- The Boys, the Disney+ series- The Mandalorian,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
Disney can’t seem to catch a break as filmmaker Sarah Polley exits from the upcoming Disney remake – Bambi. Sarah Polley, who is known for her thought-stirring work like Women Talking, has recently decided to step away from the upcoming live-action remake for creative reasons.
Sarah Polley is not the only one to walk off the sets of Bambi; screenwriter Lindsey Anderson Beer also reportedly left the project last year. Disney’s trouble with live-action remakes is not a new issue; the last release, The Little Mermaid, faced backlash from fans, and the upcoming Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remake generated negative reactions before release.
A still from Women Talking | Source: Women Talking
Bambi In The Wild
Disney has been trying desperately to bank on the success of existing projects, and the success of The Lion King and The Jungle Book has played a major role in greenlighting several live-action remakes.
Sarah Polley is not the only one to walk off the sets of Bambi; screenwriter Lindsey Anderson Beer also reportedly left the project last year. Disney’s trouble with live-action remakes is not a new issue; the last release, The Little Mermaid, faced backlash from fans, and the upcoming Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remake generated negative reactions before release.
A still from Women Talking | Source: Women Talking
Bambi In The Wild
Disney has been trying desperately to bank on the success of existing projects, and the success of The Lion King and The Jungle Book has played a major role in greenlighting several live-action remakes.
- 3/8/2024
- by Akhil Bhagwani
- FandomWire
The films in the running for the 2024 Best Visual Effects Oscar are “The Creator,” “Godzilla Minus One,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” and “Napoleon.” Our odds currently indicate that “Godzilla Minus One” (10/3) is the frontrunner, followed in order by “The Creator” (18/5), the new “Guardians” entry (9/2), “Napoleon” (9/2), and the latest “Mission: Impossible” chapter (9/2).
Included among the 17 individuals in this lineup are 13 first-timers who constitute the category’s largest newcomer rate since the minimum annual amount of nominated films was set at five in 2011. This vast majority comprises all four “Godzilla Minus One” team members, dual contender Simone Coco (“Mission: Impossible” and “Napoleon”), three artists from “The Creator”, two from “Guardians of the Galaxy” (Theo Bialek and Alexis Wajsbrot), two more from “Mission: Impossible” (Jeff Sutherland and Alex Wuttke), and one more from “Napoleon” (Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet).
The third “Guardians” volume is the 14th Marvel...
Included among the 17 individuals in this lineup are 13 first-timers who constitute the category’s largest newcomer rate since the minimum annual amount of nominated films was set at five in 2011. This vast majority comprises all four “Godzilla Minus One” team members, dual contender Simone Coco (“Mission: Impossible” and “Napoleon”), three artists from “The Creator”, two from “Guardians of the Galaxy” (Theo Bialek and Alexis Wajsbrot), two more from “Mission: Impossible” (Jeff Sutherland and Alex Wuttke), and one more from “Napoleon” (Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet).
The third “Guardians” volume is the 14th Marvel...
- 3/7/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
If one were to search for "Disney Recycled Animation" on YouTube, one would find several videos showing side-by-side comparisons of 2D animated Disney films recycling the same bits of animation. It's not much of a "gotcha" if you know anything about the painstaking reality of what it takes to complete a traditionally animated feature film, nor is recycling shots something limited to films or television. If anything, animators repeating themselves is as inevitable as writers using their favorite turn of phrase over and over. (That's my cue to wipe away my own flop sweat.)
In the case of Disney's animated "The Jungle Book" and "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", the two pictures have more in common than suspiciously identical scenes of young boys wandering around in the wild. "The Jungle Book" protagonist Mowgli the Man-Cub was voiced by Bruce Reitherman, who was then fresh off lending his vocals...
In the case of Disney's animated "The Jungle Book" and "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", the two pictures have more in common than suspiciously identical scenes of young boys wandering around in the wild. "The Jungle Book" protagonist Mowgli the Man-Cub was voiced by Bruce Reitherman, who was then fresh off lending his vocals...
- 3/3/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Word has it that Sean Bailey had been looking to move on. However the news this week Disney’s president of motion picture studios has stepped down has much to do with CEO Bob Iger’s urgent course correction at a storied studio that just endured a relatively poor year at the box office and is facing pressure from activist shareholders to improve the stock price.
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the company, was the executive who mined Disney’s animation vault and adapted them into live-action tentpoles that often crushed it at the box office.
For a long time...
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the company, was the executive who mined Disney’s animation vault and adapted them into live-action tentpoles that often crushed it at the box office.
For a long time...
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Effective immediately, Walt Disney’s President of Motion Picture Studios Sean Bailey, who turned the company’s animation vault into a multibillion-dollar live-action movie business, is departing after 15 years on the lot. Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum will take on a newly created role. He’ll be president of Disney Live action and president of 20th Century Studios.
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s president of motion picture studios Sean Bailey has departed the company and will be replaced by Searchlight Pictures co-president David Greenbaum.
Bailey had been at the studio for 15 years and is credited as the architect behind the lucrative business of turning animated classics from the vault into live-action hits like The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and The Jungle Book – all of which grossed more than $1bn worldwide.
Greenbaum, who has run Searchlight alongside Matthew Greenfield, becomes president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Greenbaum will lead a combined...
Bailey had been at the studio for 15 years and is credited as the architect behind the lucrative business of turning animated classics from the vault into live-action hits like The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and The Jungle Book – all of which grossed more than $1bn worldwide.
Greenbaum, who has run Searchlight alongside Matthew Greenfield, becomes president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Greenbaum will lead a combined...
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
Director and visual artist Stuart Birchall and producers Leila Mousavi and Seb Brown have unveiled joint UK production outfit Scrapbook Pictures, with a focus on using physically produced special effects for family-focused live action theatrical features.
For its first feature project, Scrapbook Pictures has teamed up with model visual effects supervisor José Granell, who has worked on the Harry Potter franchise, A Haunting In Venice and Napoleon, alongside The Magic Camera Company to co-produce fantasy adventure feature A Paige Odyssey (working title), which will combine physically built miniature environments and creatures with virtual production and CGI. It aims to start...
For its first feature project, Scrapbook Pictures has teamed up with model visual effects supervisor José Granell, who has worked on the Harry Potter franchise, A Haunting In Venice and Napoleon, alongside The Magic Camera Company to co-produce fantasy adventure feature A Paige Odyssey (working title), which will combine physically built miniature environments and creatures with virtual production and CGI. It aims to start...
- 2/23/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Visual Effects Society bowed before The Creator tonight. New Regency’s sci-fi flick scored a leading five trophies including Outstanding VFX in a Photoreal Feature at the 22nd annual Ves Awards. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse — hot off dominating the Annie Awards over the weekend — picked up four awards including Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Movie.
See the full list of winners below.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was the night’s only other multiple winner on the film side, and Nyad swam home with the other marquee film prize — Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature. Best Picture Oscar favorite Oppenheimer won for Special (Practical) Effects.
The Creator and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 also are up for Best Visual Effects at next month’s 96th Academy Awards, vying against Godzilla Minus One, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Napoleon. Across the Spider...
See the full list of winners below.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was the night’s only other multiple winner on the film side, and Nyad swam home with the other marquee film prize — Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature. Best Picture Oscar favorite Oppenheimer won for Special (Practical) Effects.
The Creator and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 also are up for Best Visual Effects at next month’s 96th Academy Awards, vying against Godzilla Minus One, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Napoleon. Across the Spider...
- 2/22/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love brought folks together around the world in its opening frame, singing up a sweet estimated $80M global bow. After coming on strong in early overseas play this week, and as audiences turned a deaf ear to critics, the international box office portion of that is $29M, landing well ahead of expectations.
The Reinaldo Marcus Green-directed biopic is out in 47 overseas markets and on a like-for-like basis including previews is 14% above Elvis and 12% above Rocketman for the same grouping, making it the second biggest music biopic opening behind only Bohemian Rhapsody.
Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, currently attending the BAFTA Film Awards here in London, Bob Marley: One Love opened at No. 1 in 13 markets and set new opening-day records for a music biopic in the UK and France among others.
In Jamaica, it now holds the record for the biggest film opening of all time.
The Reinaldo Marcus Green-directed biopic is out in 47 overseas markets and on a like-for-like basis including previews is 14% above Elvis and 12% above Rocketman for the same grouping, making it the second biggest music biopic opening behind only Bohemian Rhapsody.
Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, currently attending the BAFTA Film Awards here in London, Bob Marley: One Love opened at No. 1 in 13 markets and set new opening-day records for a music biopic in the UK and France among others.
In Jamaica, it now holds the record for the biggest film opening of all time.
- 2/18/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2018, FX Productions sent screenwriter Justin Marks a copy of James Clavell’s historical doorstop “Shōgun.” For FX, it represented a fresh start for a beleaguered project, from which writing teams had come and gone; Marks was a rising talent, coming off two seasons of his buzzy spy drama “Counterpart” and the 2016 remake of “The Jungle Book.”
The book sat glaring up at him from his coffee table for days. “It’s like 1,200 pages,” Marks says. “It was the hardest of passes.” It wasn’t just the length; it was the subject matter, or Marks’ impression of it, from the book’s reputation and from its famed 1980 miniseries adaptation: his notion of a story about a white European arriving in a strange land. “The silhouette of a character who kind of looks like me, wearing clothes that do not belong to people who look like me,” he says, “was troublesome for me as a storyteller.
The book sat glaring up at him from his coffee table for days. “It’s like 1,200 pages,” Marks says. “It was the hardest of passes.” It wasn’t just the length; it was the subject matter, or Marks’ impression of it, from the book’s reputation and from its famed 1980 miniseries adaptation: his notion of a story about a white European arriving in a strange land. “The silhouette of a character who kind of looks like me, wearing clothes that do not belong to people who look like me,” he says, “was troublesome for me as a storyteller.
- 2/8/2024
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
According to Gold Derby’s current combined predictions, “Godzilla Minus One” is the frontrunner to win Best Visual Effects with 17/5 odds at this year’s Oscars. Meanwhile “Napoleon” is in fourth place with 9/2 odds. However there’s a trend with winners in this category that may benefit the latter film.
SEEVanessa Kirby (‘Napoleon’): Empress Joséphine was a ‘shape-shifter’ full of ‘resilience, rage and integrity’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
So far this century, 20 Oscar winners for Best Visual Effects also had a corresponding nom for Best Production Design. They are:
2000 – “Gladiator”
2001 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
2002 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”
2003 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”*
2005 – “King Kong”
2006 – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
2007 – “The Golden Compass”
2008 – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”*
2009 – “Avatar”*
2010 – “Inception”
2011 – “Hugo”*
2012 – “Life of Pi”
2013 – “Gravity”
2014 – “Interstellar”
2017 – “Blade Runner 2049”
2018 – “First Man”
2019 – “1917”
2020 – “Tenet”
2021 – “Dune”*
2022 – “Avatar: The Way of Water...
SEEVanessa Kirby (‘Napoleon’): Empress Joséphine was a ‘shape-shifter’ full of ‘resilience, rage and integrity’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
So far this century, 20 Oscar winners for Best Visual Effects also had a corresponding nom for Best Production Design. They are:
2000 – “Gladiator”
2001 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
2002 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”
2003 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”*
2005 – “King Kong”
2006 – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
2007 – “The Golden Compass”
2008 – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”*
2009 – “Avatar”*
2010 – “Inception”
2011 – “Hugo”*
2012 – “Life of Pi”
2013 – “Gravity”
2014 – “Interstellar”
2017 – “Blade Runner 2049”
2018 – “First Man”
2019 – “1917”
2020 – “Tenet”
2021 – “Dune”*
2022 – “Avatar: The Way of Water...
- 2/7/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The future of "Star Wars" recently came into focus as Disney and Lucasfilm announced the movie that will welcome a galaxy far, far away back to the big screen. Oddly enough, it's going to be centered on the characters that have helped anchor "Star Wars" on the small screen since 2019. "The Mandalorian & Grogu" will be directed by Jon Favreau, with the film set to go into production in 2024. Indeed, it will be Mando and the one they call Baby Yoda who will help bring the franchise back to theaters after years away. One big question now looms very large: Will a TV show turned into a movie translate to meaningful box office dollars?
There are far too many unknowns right now to accurately predict this movie's commercial performance, but there are some key things we do know. For one, "The Mandalorian" has been extremely popular, with Pedra Pascal's Din Djarin...
There are far too many unknowns right now to accurately predict this movie's commercial performance, but there are some key things we do know. For one, "The Mandalorian" has been extremely popular, with Pedra Pascal's Din Djarin...
- 1/10/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Having worked in Pandora, Gotham City and the North Atlantic, Joyce Cox is getting a career honor from the Visual Effects Society. The veteran VFX producer who worked on the billion-dollar pics Avatar, The Dark Knight and Titanic will receive the group’s Lifetime Achievement Award next month.
The three-time Ves Award winner will claim her prize at the group’s 22nd annual ceremony February 21 at the Beverly Hilton.
“Joyce Cox is an outstanding luminary in the world of visual effects producing and is one of the most respected producers in our industry,” Ves Chair Lisa Cooke said. “Joyce is an innovator and driving force, whose work has put VFX squarely at the center of big box office filmed entertainment for decades. As an educator and a mentor, Joyce has paved the way as a changemaker and stellar role model.”
Joyce Cox, a Ves Fellow, also has worked on such...
The three-time Ves Award winner will claim her prize at the group’s 22nd annual ceremony February 21 at the Beverly Hilton.
“Joyce Cox is an outstanding luminary in the world of visual effects producing and is one of the most respected producers in our industry,” Ves Chair Lisa Cooke said. “Joyce is an innovator and driving force, whose work has put VFX squarely at the center of big box office filmed entertainment for decades. As an educator and a mentor, Joyce has paved the way as a changemaker and stellar role model.”
Joyce Cox, a Ves Fellow, also has worked on such...
- 1/9/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Mando and Grogu are making the leap to the big screen. Lucasfilm has announced that the next "Star Wars" movie will feature the dynamic duo from the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian." Jon Favreau is set to direct "The Mandalorian & Grogu," which is due to begin filming sometime this year. Disney and Lucasfilm seem to be confident in the project as it figures to be the next film in the franchise to actually hit theaters.
Director Favreau has ushered "The Mandalorian" along for three seasons. His other credits include huge hits like "Iron Man" and "The Jungle Book." Favreau is also set to produce alongside Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and Dave Filoni, who was recently promoted to the role of Chief Creative Officer at the studio. No word on casting just yet but Pedro Pascal is all but assured to reprise his role as the Mandalorian aka Din Djarin. Beyond that,...
Director Favreau has ushered "The Mandalorian" along for three seasons. His other credits include huge hits like "Iron Man" and "The Jungle Book." Favreau is also set to produce alongside Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and Dave Filoni, who was recently promoted to the role of Chief Creative Officer at the studio. No word on casting just yet but Pedro Pascal is all but assured to reprise his role as the Mandalorian aka Din Djarin. Beyond that,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The episode of The Black Sheep covering Ghoulies Go to College was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Brandon Nally, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Ok, I’ve thought about this long and hard, discussed with my local priest and therapist, and after much internal strife, I’ve decided it’s time. You hear a lot about rip-offs for franchises, particularly the big ones. We have Jaws rip-offs, Exorcist rip-offs, Halloween rip-offs, and more. What you don’t hear a lot about, and good lord do they exist, are the multiple rip-offs of Gremlins. Gremlins got its own incredible sequel and then finally this year its very own animated show that is… fine… it’s fine. But with Gremlins profitability came the clones. We got the fun and good with the Critters franchise, the bad with both Munchies and Hobgoblins,...
Ok, I’ve thought about this long and hard, discussed with my local priest and therapist, and after much internal strife, I’ve decided it’s time. You hear a lot about rip-offs for franchises, particularly the big ones. We have Jaws rip-offs, Exorcist rip-offs, Halloween rip-offs, and more. What you don’t hear a lot about, and good lord do they exist, are the multiple rip-offs of Gremlins. Gremlins got its own incredible sequel and then finally this year its very own animated show that is… fine… it’s fine. But with Gremlins profitability came the clones. We got the fun and good with the Critters franchise, the bad with both Munchies and Hobgoblins,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Lion King Photo: ©2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Hopefully, all our readers are enjoying a bit of a seasonal break right now - and what better time to catch a few good films on the telly? We hope you've enjoyed the last 12 months of recommendations and would like to wish you all a peaceful and happy 2024.
The Lion King, 5.05pm, BBC1, Boxing Day
Jon Favreau had already tackled a live-action remake of The Jungle Book to great acclaim when he took on Disney's version of Hamlet. It might not reach the heights of Mowgli and his crew but this is a faithful adaptation of the original - even if the term "live action" seems somewhat weird given that we're looking at CGI creations. Nevertheless, as with Jungle Book, these animals look the business, as we watch Simba (Jd McCrary then Donald Glover) struggle with guilt over the death...
Hopefully, all our readers are enjoying a bit of a seasonal break right now - and what better time to catch a few good films on the telly? We hope you've enjoyed the last 12 months of recommendations and would like to wish you all a peaceful and happy 2024.
The Lion King, 5.05pm, BBC1, Boxing Day
Jon Favreau had already tackled a live-action remake of The Jungle Book to great acclaim when he took on Disney's version of Hamlet. It might not reach the heights of Mowgli and his crew but this is a faithful adaptation of the original - even if the term "live action" seems somewhat weird given that we're looking at CGI creations. Nevertheless, as with Jungle Book, these animals look the business, as we watch Simba (Jd McCrary then Donald Glover) struggle with guilt over the death...
- 12/26/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Jon Favreau's "Iron Man" and Louis Leterrier's "The Incredible Hulk" (both 2008) in many important ways weren't yet part of the then-nascent Marvel Cinematic Universe when they were first made. Favreau put in a post-credits stinger with Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury more as a wink to fans than as an announcement that larger film projects were afoot. Additionally, Downey's cameo in "Incredible" was treated equally casually, with the actors reportedly improvising their dialogue. It would only be until after Disney purchased the Marvel library in 2009 that plans for an MCU would be put into place in earnest. In many ways, then, it would be Favreau's "Iron Man 2" in 2010 that launched the MCU properly and put plans for an "Avengers" feature film into motion.
Of course, constructing a Marvel Cinematic Universe from the ground up required a new kind of filmmaking. Individual features now had to be...
Of course, constructing a Marvel Cinematic Universe from the ground up required a new kind of filmmaking. Individual features now had to be...
- 12/12/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
More than any other rock ‘n’ roll group, The Beatles are often described as having defined the 1960s. John Lennon didn’t see his band that way. Furthermore, he criticized Beatlemaniacs who wanted to take their cues from him. Regardless of his comments, the media has cited the band as deeply influencing the decade.
John Lennon said The Beatles weren’t the leaders of the 1960s and he hated leadership
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. During the interview, John was asked if felt that he influenced people’s actions too much. “No, because it’s the same bit about saying that The Beatles led the ’60s,” he replied. “It’s not true.”
He wasn’t a big fan of leadership. “The idea of leadership is a false god,” John said. “If you want to use...
John Lennon said The Beatles weren’t the leaders of the 1960s and he hated leadership
The book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono features an interview from 1980. During the interview, John was asked if felt that he influenced people’s actions too much. “No, because it’s the same bit about saying that The Beatles led the ’60s,” he replied. “It’s not true.”
He wasn’t a big fan of leadership. “The idea of leadership is a false god,” John said. “If you want to use...
- 12/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Disney 2D animation legend Andreas Deja left the studio in 2013 after three decades — he’s best known for supervising such iconic ’90s villains as Gaston from “Beauty and the Beast,” Jafar from “Aladdin,” and Scar from “The Lion King” — he wanted to direct. Thus began a seven-year passion project to make his first short, “Mushka” (a Russian term of endearment for “sweetheart”), about a young girl who rescues the titular tiger cub in the forest and raises him.
Deja’s goal was to channel the look of the Disney films from the ’60s that he grew up with in Germany, particularly “The Jungle Book” — the first he experienced and his favorite — which made him want to become an animator.
Deja started thinking about returning to his first love — drawing animals — and the friendly dynamic between the innocent girl and the powerful tiger. It turned out to be a fitting...
Deja’s goal was to channel the look of the Disney films from the ’60s that he grew up with in Germany, particularly “The Jungle Book” — the first he experienced and his favorite — which made him want to become an animator.
Deja started thinking about returning to his first love — drawing animals — and the friendly dynamic between the innocent girl and the powerful tiger. It turned out to be a fitting...
- 12/6/2023
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
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