Warp Films co-chief executive Peter Carlton is stepping back to a senior executive producer position as the Sheffield and London-based production company prioritises expansion into the European market with a raft of series co-productions.
Carlton joined as head of Warp Films Europe in 2009 before moving up to jointly head the company with Mark Herbert from 2015.
In his role as senior executive producer, Carlton will focus on Warp’s slate of projects as it preps a number of European co-productions.
Among the projects he will be overseeing is Costa Armonia, a horror series that he co-created with Greek director Lefteris Charitos.
Carlton joined as head of Warp Films Europe in 2009 before moving up to jointly head the company with Mark Herbert from 2015.
In his role as senior executive producer, Carlton will focus on Warp’s slate of projects as it preps a number of European co-productions.
Among the projects he will be overseeing is Costa Armonia, a horror series that he co-created with Greek director Lefteris Charitos.
- 2/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Emmy Award-winner Johan Renck has signed with WME.
Renck directed the critically acclaimed limited series Chernobyl (HBO/Sky), which earned 10 Emmy wins, including Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series and Outstanding Limited Series. The series also won 9 BAFTA awards, with Renck winning Best Director and the show winning Best Mini-Series.
Renck most recently directed the cosmic sci-fi odyssey Spaceman, starring Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano. The film will be released by Netflix in 2024. Spaceman also marks the first film from Renck’s company Sinestra, which he co-founded with producer Michael Parets. Based in NY, the company is in a first-look television deal with Fremantle Global Drama.
Renck also directed all episodes and co-produced the limited series The Last Panthers (Sky/Canal+), starring John Hurt and Samantha Morton.
In the live space, Renck is the co-creator and EP on the wildly successful and groundbreaking show Abba Voyage, which...
Renck directed the critically acclaimed limited series Chernobyl (HBO/Sky), which earned 10 Emmy wins, including Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series and Outstanding Limited Series. The series also won 9 BAFTA awards, with Renck winning Best Director and the show winning Best Mini-Series.
Renck most recently directed the cosmic sci-fi odyssey Spaceman, starring Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano. The film will be released by Netflix in 2024. Spaceman also marks the first film from Renck’s company Sinestra, which he co-founded with producer Michael Parets. Based in NY, the company is in a first-look television deal with Fremantle Global Drama.
Renck also directed all episodes and co-produced the limited series The Last Panthers (Sky/Canal+), starring John Hurt and Samantha Morton.
In the live space, Renck is the co-creator and EP on the wildly successful and groundbreaking show Abba Voyage, which...
- 11/30/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
From nuclear fallout to the fall of a dictator.
Johan Renck, the Swedish director who won an Emmy for his work on hit miniseries Chernobyl, is to turn his attention to the final days of Saddam Hussein for the feature film The Prisoner in His Palace. Based on Will Bardenwerper’s best-selling book, The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid, the story is an account of the 12 U.S. soldiers who guarded the ousted former Iraqi leader in the months before his execution.
The feature is one of a number of projects under a new partnership between Fremantle and Sinestra, the production banner launched by Renck and producer Michael Parets (Spaceman).
The Prisoner in His Palace will be produced by Parets and Renck for Sinestra in partnership with Fremantle and is being developed for Renck to direct. Bardenwerper, a former Airborne Ranger-qualified infantry officer,...
Johan Renck, the Swedish director who won an Emmy for his work on hit miniseries Chernobyl, is to turn his attention to the final days of Saddam Hussein for the feature film The Prisoner in His Palace. Based on Will Bardenwerper’s best-selling book, The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid, the story is an account of the 12 U.S. soldiers who guarded the ousted former Iraqi leader in the months before his execution.
The feature is one of a number of projects under a new partnership between Fremantle and Sinestra, the production banner launched by Renck and producer Michael Parets (Spaceman).
The Prisoner in His Palace will be produced by Parets and Renck for Sinestra in partnership with Fremantle and is being developed for Renck to direct. Bardenwerper, a former Airborne Ranger-qualified infantry officer,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Editor’s note: Tom Luddy, co-founder of the Telluride Film Festival, died last week at age 79. Here, filmmaker Alan Elliott, who directed the Aretha Franklin documentary Amazing Grace, remembers his kind spirit and moral compass. He also pays tribute to one of Luddy’s signature projects: a collaboration with Agnès Varda on an influential 1968 film about the Black Panthers.
Tom Luddy, the benevolent wizard/curator of the Telluride Film Festival, who, in the post-’60s glow of generational change in the film world, created safe space to get high (at altitude) for his people: film lovers.
Tom was non-denominational about “film lovers.” As eager to talk film with a total stranger in line at one of the smaller theaters at the festival as he was with Werner Herzog or Martin Scorsese, the socialistic mores of Telluride were a reflection of Tom. Pre-Covid, at a completely packed Saturday night screening at the Werner Herzog theater,...
Tom Luddy, the benevolent wizard/curator of the Telluride Film Festival, who, in the post-’60s glow of generational change in the film world, created safe space to get high (at altitude) for his people: film lovers.
Tom was non-denominational about “film lovers.” As eager to talk film with a total stranger in line at one of the smaller theaters at the festival as he was with Werner Herzog or Martin Scorsese, the socialistic mores of Telluride were a reflection of Tom. Pre-Covid, at a completely packed Saturday night screening at the Werner Herzog theater,...
- 2/20/2023
- by Alan Elliott
- Deadline Film + TV
Johan Renck, the Emmy Award-winner behind HBO series Chernobyl, is to direct the first two episodes of Dune: The Sisterhood (w/t).
The series, which serves as a prequel to the films, was originally handed a straight-to-series order in 2019 by HBO Max. At the time, Denis Villenueve, who directed and produced 2021 film Dune: Part One, was set to direct the pilot.
However, Renck, who is currently finishing up sci-fi feature film Spaceman with Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano, will take over that mantle and will also exec produce.
Renck began his career in music videos, including David Bowie’s final two videos for Blackstar and Lazarus. He has directed pilots for series including Vikings and Bloodline as well as episodes of Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. He also directed all episodes of Sky series The Last Panthers featuring John Hurt and Samantha Morton.
Dune: The Sisterhood, which...
The series, which serves as a prequel to the films, was originally handed a straight-to-series order in 2019 by HBO Max. At the time, Denis Villenueve, who directed and produced 2021 film Dune: Part One, was set to direct the pilot.
However, Renck, who is currently finishing up sci-fi feature film Spaceman with Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano, will take over that mantle and will also exec produce.
Renck began his career in music videos, including David Bowie’s final two videos for Blackstar and Lazarus. He has directed pilots for series including Vikings and Bloodline as well as episodes of Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. He also directed all episodes of Sky series The Last Panthers featuring John Hurt and Samantha Morton.
Dune: The Sisterhood, which...
- 4/27/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Samantha Morton is returning to the Walking Dead Universe: She’ll reprise her role as villainous Alpha in an episode of the upcoming six-episode anthology series “Tales of the Walking Dead,” AMC confirmed to TheWrap on Friday.
Alpha, who led a group called The Whisperers that wore zombie skins to avoid being eaten by walkers, appeared in Seasons 9 and 10 of AMC’s hit series “The Walking Dead,” which is now in its 11th and final season.
Details of Morton’s episode have not been released yet. Each episode of “Tales of the Walking Dead” will be a standalone, but are all set in the same zombie apocalypse world. Previously announced cast members include Anthony Edwards, Parker Posey, Jillian Bell, Terry Crews, Daniella Pineda, and Poppy Liu.
“Tales of the Walking Dead” is slated to debut this summer on AMC and AMC +. It’s one of several upcoming spinoffs, including “Isle of the Dead,...
Alpha, who led a group called The Whisperers that wore zombie skins to avoid being eaten by walkers, appeared in Seasons 9 and 10 of AMC’s hit series “The Walking Dead,” which is now in its 11th and final season.
Details of Morton’s episode have not been released yet. Each episode of “Tales of the Walking Dead” will be a standalone, but are all set in the same zombie apocalypse world. Previously announced cast members include Anthony Edwards, Parker Posey, Jillian Bell, Terry Crews, Daniella Pineda, and Poppy Liu.
“Tales of the Walking Dead” is slated to debut this summer on AMC and AMC +. It’s one of several upcoming spinoffs, including “Isle of the Dead,...
- 4/1/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Samantha Morton is headed back to the world of The Walking Dead.
AMC confirmed Friday that the fan favorite would appear on the forthcoming Tales of the Walking Dead anthology.
If you watch The Walking Dead online, you know the character was a big villain throughout The Walking Dead Season 9 and The Walking Dead Season 10.
However, Morton's widely praised run came to a halt when Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) murdered her in a brutal fashion.
Fans already took a trip to the past with Alpha during a flashback episode that witnessed how she became the merciless killer.
Alpha was the leader of the Whisperers, a group that traveled with hordes of zombies by donning zombie skin.
She is up there as one of the best villains on the series, and the after-effects of the group's actions continue to have a ripple effect on The Walking Dead Season 11, which takes place several years later.
AMC confirmed Friday that the fan favorite would appear on the forthcoming Tales of the Walking Dead anthology.
If you watch The Walking Dead online, you know the character was a big villain throughout The Walking Dead Season 9 and The Walking Dead Season 10.
However, Morton's widely praised run came to a halt when Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) murdered her in a brutal fashion.
Fans already took a trip to the past with Alpha during a flashback episode that witnessed how she became the merciless killer.
Alpha was the leader of the Whisperers, a group that traveled with hordes of zombies by donning zombie skin.
She is up there as one of the best villains on the series, and the after-effects of the group's actions continue to have a ripple effect on The Walking Dead Season 11, which takes place several years later.
- 4/1/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Samantha Morton is returning to the world of “The Walking Dead,” with the actress set to appear in the upcoming anthology series “Tales of the Walking Dead” at AMC.
Morton will star in an episode of “Tales of the Walking Dead” as Alpha, the villainous character she played in Seasons 9 and 10 of the hit zombie apocalypse series. Alpha was the leader of The Whisperers, a group that survived by donning zombie skin in order to move freely among the undead and then attacking other living humans for resources. The exact plot details of her episode are being kept under wraps.
In addition to her work on “The Walking Dead,” Morton has also starred in shows like “Harlots,” “Max and Ruby,” and “The Last Panthers.” She is known for starring in films like “Minority Report,” “The Messenger,” and “Cosmopolis.” She is repped by Omni Artists Ltd.
“Tales of the Walking Dead...
Morton will star in an episode of “Tales of the Walking Dead” as Alpha, the villainous character she played in Seasons 9 and 10 of the hit zombie apocalypse series. Alpha was the leader of The Whisperers, a group that survived by donning zombie skin in order to move freely among the undead and then attacking other living humans for resources. The exact plot details of her episode are being kept under wraps.
In addition to her work on “The Walking Dead,” Morton has also starred in shows like “Harlots,” “Max and Ruby,” and “The Last Panthers.” She is known for starring in films like “Minority Report,” “The Messenger,” and “Cosmopolis.” She is repped by Omni Artists Ltd.
“Tales of the Walking Dead...
- 4/1/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: XYZ Films and Tavake, the Auckland-based producer of series The Panthers, have acquired adaptation rights to the unpublished memoirs Madame Mom by Antonia Murphy, author of the Huffington Post article I’m an Ethical Pimp.
Murphy, author of Dirty Chick: Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer published by Penguin Random House, moved from the U.S. to New Zealand, where sex work is decriminalized, and in 2016 founded an escort agency built on a philosophy of protecting women’s legal rights, emotional well-being, and financial independence.
A half-hour dramedy adaptation is underway with Shoshana McCallum, who won an International Emmy for Nz series Inside, and Harry McNaughton (The Pact) writing. It is Tavake and XYZ’s first series collaboration.
Tom Hern, Halaifonua Finau (The Panthers) and Crystal Vaega (The Panthers) are executive-producing for Tavake, with Nick Spicer and Marci Wiseman for XYZ. Eric and...
Murphy, author of Dirty Chick: Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer published by Penguin Random House, moved from the U.S. to New Zealand, where sex work is decriminalized, and in 2016 founded an escort agency built on a philosophy of protecting women’s legal rights, emotional well-being, and financial independence.
A half-hour dramedy adaptation is underway with Shoshana McCallum, who won an International Emmy for Nz series Inside, and Harry McNaughton (The Pact) writing. It is Tavake and XYZ’s first series collaboration.
Tom Hern, Halaifonua Finau (The Panthers) and Crystal Vaega (The Panthers) are executive-producing for Tavake, with Nick Spicer and Marci Wiseman for XYZ. Eric and...
- 3/30/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Hot off the success of “No Man’s Land,” Israel’s Spiro Films and France’s Haut et Court TV are re-teaming on “Armageddon,” a sprawling thriller miniseries looking at Christian extremists operating in the Holy Land.
The show is being created by David Ackerman, who previously worked in national security in Israel and went on to pen the film “Blank Bullet” inspired by the story of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, and “Jerusalem,” a gritty geopolitical thriller drama which competed at last year’s Series Mania.
Ackerman is currently writing the script for “Armageddon,” which weaves several characters, including a Christian American priest who travels with a few disciples to the Kibbutz Megiddo. Appearing friendly and charitable, the group starts forging bonds within the small community, including a mother and a son, while pursuing their secret agenda: find the Antichrist who will provoke a war that will fulfil their biblical prophecy...
The show is being created by David Ackerman, who previously worked in national security in Israel and went on to pen the film “Blank Bullet” inspired by the story of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, and “Jerusalem,” a gritty geopolitical thriller drama which competed at last year’s Series Mania.
Ackerman is currently writing the script for “Armageddon,” which weaves several characters, including a Christian American priest who travels with a few disciples to the Kibbutz Megiddo. Appearing friendly and charitable, the group starts forging bonds within the small community, including a mother and a son, while pursuing their secret agenda: find the Antichrist who will provoke a war that will fulfil their biblical prophecy...
- 3/25/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Audrey Diwan, the BAFTA-nominated filmmaker of the Venice Golden Lion-winning “Happening,” is set to make her television debut with Haut et Court TV in France, Variety has learned.
Haut et Court TV is one of France’s leading production companies with credits ranging from the supernatural drama series “The Returned,” to “Panthers” with Tahar Rahim and more recently “Possession.”
Diwan is currently writing the series, which will be an original story about a mother and daughter running a plastic surgery clinic. The plot is under wraps but the series will be similar to “Happening” in that it will deal with women’s relationships to their bodies. A pay TV company in France is believed to be co-developing the series.
The filmmaker, who is also a book author and a screenwriter, recently collaborated with Valerie Donzelli on the script of her upcoming film and is currently developing her next feature with Edouard Veil at Rectangle Prods.
Haut et Court TV is one of France’s leading production companies with credits ranging from the supernatural drama series “The Returned,” to “Panthers” with Tahar Rahim and more recently “Possession.”
Diwan is currently writing the series, which will be an original story about a mother and daughter running a plastic surgery clinic. The plot is under wraps but the series will be similar to “Happening” in that it will deal with women’s relationships to their bodies. A pay TV company in France is believed to be co-developing the series.
The filmmaker, who is also a book author and a screenwriter, recently collaborated with Valerie Donzelli on the script of her upcoming film and is currently developing her next feature with Edouard Veil at Rectangle Prods.
- 2/14/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Brit production house Warp Films and European financier/producer Anton are teaming up to develop a slate of TV series and feature films.
Anton, which has backed major features including Paddington and Greenland and TV shows such as His Dark Materials, will bankroll a development fund under which both companies will jointly identify, commission and develop scripts, with Anton representing global rights on all projects.
To boost the new joint initiative, Warp — known for shows such as The Last Panthers and The Virtues and such features as the Chris Morris satire Four Lions and Amazon’s upcoming adaptation of the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie — has ...
Anton, which has backed major features including Paddington and Greenland and TV shows such as His Dark Materials, will bankroll a development fund under which both companies will jointly identify, commission and develop scripts, with Anton representing global rights on all projects.
To boost the new joint initiative, Warp — known for shows such as The Last Panthers and The Virtues and such features as the Chris Morris satire Four Lions and Amazon’s upcoming adaptation of the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie — has ...
- 8/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brit production house Warp Films and European financier/producer Anton are teaming up to develop a slate of TV series and feature films.
Anton, which has backed major features including Paddington and Greenland and TV shows such as His Dark Materials, will bankroll a development fund under which both companies will jointly identify, commission and develop scripts, with Anton representing global rights on all projects.
To boost the new joint initiative, Warp — known for shows such as The Last Panthers and The Virtues and such features as the Chris Morris satire Four Lions and Amazon’s upcoming adaptation of the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie — has ...
Anton, which has backed major features including Paddington and Greenland and TV shows such as His Dark Materials, will bankroll a development fund under which both companies will jointly identify, commission and develop scripts, with Anton representing global rights on all projects.
To boost the new joint initiative, Warp — known for shows such as The Last Panthers and The Virtues and such features as the Chris Morris satire Four Lions and Amazon’s upcoming adaptation of the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie — has ...
- 8/27/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Endeavor Content has come on board as the global sales agent for “The Panthers,” a music-influenced social justice drama series from New Zealand.
It was Friday confirmed that the series will make its international premiere as an official selection at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the Primetime program.
The six, hour-long episodes, based-on-a-true-story series covers a devastating and resonant period in New Zealand’s history through the dramatization of the founding of The Polynesian Panthers – a revolutionary social justice movement directly inspired by the Black Panther movement in the U.S.
The 1974-set narrative follows a young man who is the black sheep of his Tongan family who is frustrated by his community being stuck in a broken economic and criminal justice system. In the face of increasingly aggressive racial-profiling from the government and police force, he forms his own revolutionary movement The Polynesian Panthers, while also...
It was Friday confirmed that the series will make its international premiere as an official selection at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the Primetime program.
The six, hour-long episodes, based-on-a-true-story series covers a devastating and resonant period in New Zealand’s history through the dramatization of the founding of The Polynesian Panthers – a revolutionary social justice movement directly inspired by the Black Panther movement in the U.S.
The 1974-set narrative follows a young man who is the black sheep of his Tongan family who is frustrated by his community being stuck in a broken economic and criminal justice system. In the face of increasingly aggressive racial-profiling from the government and police force, he forms his own revolutionary movement The Polynesian Panthers, while also...
- 8/13/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran producer and former Disney Utv MD Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP is teaming with Premnath Rajagopalan of Blue Monkey Films for multi-season espionage thriller series “Panthers.”
The series will be directed and showrun by Rensil D’Silva (“24: India”), whose thriller “Dial 100,” starring Manoj Bajpayee, Neena Gupta and Sakshi Tanwar and produced by Sony Pictures Films India and Alchemy Films, is debuting Aug. 6 on streamer ZEE5.
“Panthers” explores the India-Pakistan spy games of the late 1960s and early 1970s and is set amid Indian intelligence agency Raw. A highlight of the series is the conspiracy surrounding the hijack of a plane flown by pilot Rajiv Gandhi, son of the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1971. Rajiv Gandhi would later become Prime Minister after the assassination of his mother in 1984.
This is the third time RSVP and Blue Monkey are collaborating after thriller “A Thursday” and hockey biopic “Dhyanchand.
The series will be directed and showrun by Rensil D’Silva (“24: India”), whose thriller “Dial 100,” starring Manoj Bajpayee, Neena Gupta and Sakshi Tanwar and produced by Sony Pictures Films India and Alchemy Films, is debuting Aug. 6 on streamer ZEE5.
“Panthers” explores the India-Pakistan spy games of the late 1960s and early 1970s and is set amid Indian intelligence agency Raw. A highlight of the series is the conspiracy surrounding the hijack of a plane flown by pilot Rajiv Gandhi, son of the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in 1971. Rajiv Gandhi would later become Prime Minister after the assassination of his mother in 1984.
This is the third time RSVP and Blue Monkey are collaborating after thriller “A Thursday” and hockey biopic “Dhyanchand.
- 7/30/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Seven years ago, writer, director and producer Shaka King accepted the Film Independent Someone to Watch Award for his quirky comedic debut, Newlyweeds. After years directing shorts and episodes of TV shows Shrill, High Maintenance and People of Earth, the 40-year-old filmmaker returns to the big screen with Judas and the Black Messiah. Collaborating with producers Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King, he tackles the compelling story of how FBI informant William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrated the Black Panther party and befriended Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya), leading to the deputy chairman’s death in a police raid in 1969. If nominated for Best Picture, the film would be the first in the category in Academy history with all credited producers who are Black.
Deadline: It’s been over 50 years since Fred Hampton was killed, and previous attempts to tell his story have stalled in the past. What did it mean for...
Deadline: It’s been over 50 years since Fred Hampton was killed, and previous attempts to tell his story have stalled in the past. What did it mean for...
- 2/12/2021
- by Nadia Neophytou
- Deadline Film + TV
Sons of the Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers review is here. Streaming giant Amazon Prime Video’s first Indian original sports docu-series is streaming on Prime Video. The five-episode series, directed by British director Alex Gale, stars the players from Pro Kabaddi League’s Jaipur Pink Panthers team, alongside Abhishek Bachchan, the team owner.
Produced by BBC Studios India, Sons Of The Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers traces the team's journey through season 7 of the tournament and captures their highs and lows.
Sons of the Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers review
A heart winning change for this cricket crazy nation, the documentary pays a pious tribute to the ancient Indian sport – Kabbadi and explains what difference Pro Kabaddi league has done to the game and its players.
The documentary by British director Alex Gale (BAFTA Award for Best Single Documentary - Scotland 78: A Love Story (2018), Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions (2017) both shared...
Produced by BBC Studios India, Sons Of The Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers traces the team's journey through season 7 of the tournament and captures their highs and lows.
Sons of the Soil: Jaipur Pink Panthers review
A heart winning change for this cricket crazy nation, the documentary pays a pious tribute to the ancient Indian sport – Kabbadi and explains what difference Pro Kabaddi league has done to the game and its players.
The documentary by British director Alex Gale (BAFTA Award for Best Single Documentary - Scotland 78: A Love Story (2018), Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions (2017) both shared...
- 12/4/2020
- by Vishal Verma
- GlamSham
The His Dark Materials TV series is massive in scope—not only in terms of film production, but in the sheer ambition of the story it is trying to tell. Adapted from the trilogy of the same name from Philip Pullman, the children’s fantasy saga brings together different worlds and the very different kinds of people and creatures who live in them. It’s an enormous project for one storyteller to undertake. In Season 1, the ridiculously prolific Jack Thorne wrote all eight episodes of His Dark Materials by himself. In Season 2, he has help.
Up-and-coming British writers Namsi Khan, Francesca Gardiner, Sarah Quintrell, and Lydia Adetunji joined Thorne in writing Season 2 of His Dark Materials, and in the monumental process of adapting The Subtle Knife from book to screen.
“They really did bring scope and challenged us in really interesting ways,” Thorne said during a BBC press junket of...
Up-and-coming British writers Namsi Khan, Francesca Gardiner, Sarah Quintrell, and Lydia Adetunji joined Thorne in writing Season 2 of His Dark Materials, and in the monumental process of adapting The Subtle Knife from book to screen.
“They really did bring scope and challenged us in really interesting ways,” Thorne said during a BBC press junket of...
- 11/3/2020
- by Kayti Burt
- Den of Geek
Three or so years ago, a new generation of directors, many women, were beginning to break out in Catalonia. That was no flash in the pan.
Following on Nely Reguera’s “María (and Everybody Else)” and Carla Simón’s Berlinale Generation Kplus pic “Summer 1993,” first features by Diana Toucedo (“Thirty Souls”), Meritxell Colell (“Facing the Wind”), Neus Ballús (“The Plague”) and Celia Rico (“Journey to a Mother’s Room”) have set the film festival circuit alight, garnering bullish reviews and a slew of prizes. Many of these women are now on to their second or third features: Simón with “Alcarrás,” Ballús (“The Odd-Job Men”), Colell, Rico (“The Little Loves”), Pilar Palomero (“La maternal”) and Reguera (“The Grandson”), among others.
Now, women producers are taking center stage: Belén Sánchez at Un Capricho Producciones (Lucía Alemeny’s “The Innocence”), Patricia Franquesa at Gadea Films (Laura Herrero’s “La Mami”) are succeeding. Many...
Following on Nely Reguera’s “María (and Everybody Else)” and Carla Simón’s Berlinale Generation Kplus pic “Summer 1993,” first features by Diana Toucedo (“Thirty Souls”), Meritxell Colell (“Facing the Wind”), Neus Ballús (“The Plague”) and Celia Rico (“Journey to a Mother’s Room”) have set the film festival circuit alight, garnering bullish reviews and a slew of prizes. Many of these women are now on to their second or third features: Simón with “Alcarrás,” Ballús (“The Odd-Job Men”), Colell, Rico (“The Little Loves”), Pilar Palomero (“La maternal”) and Reguera (“The Grandson”), among others.
Now, women producers are taking center stage: Belén Sánchez at Un Capricho Producciones (Lucía Alemeny’s “The Innocence”), Patricia Franquesa at Gadea Films (Laura Herrero’s “La Mami”) are succeeding. Many...
- 6/22/2020
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV
MGM has hired Studiocanal TV vet Rola Bauer as president of international television productions.
In her new role, the award-winning producer will oversee development, production and co-productions for MGM’s international television scripted content for international markets around the world, reporting directly to MGM Television Group chairman Mark Burnett.
Bauer is based in Munich, she will split her time between MGM’s European and Us offices.
Also Read: New 'Fiddler on the Roof' Movie in the Works at MGM From 'Hamilton' Director Thomas Kail
“Rola is an important member of the scripted creative community with exceptional taste in material and deep long-term relationships with many talented creators, directors and actors across Global television,” Burnett said. “We are thrilled to continue building on our successful line-up of programming with Rola, while tapping into new markets and audiences and further expanding our international growth. Rola will be leading that growth.
In her new role, the award-winning producer will oversee development, production and co-productions for MGM’s international television scripted content for international markets around the world, reporting directly to MGM Television Group chairman Mark Burnett.
Bauer is based in Munich, she will split her time between MGM’s European and Us offices.
Also Read: New 'Fiddler on the Roof' Movie in the Works at MGM From 'Hamilton' Director Thomas Kail
“Rola is an important member of the scripted creative community with exceptional taste in material and deep long-term relationships with many talented creators, directors and actors across Global television,” Burnett said. “We are thrilled to continue building on our successful line-up of programming with Rola, while tapping into new markets and audiences and further expanding our international growth. Rola will be leading that growth.
- 6/8/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Veteran Studiocanal TV executive Rola Bauer is to join MGM as president of international television productions.
Bauer will oversee development, production and co-productions for MGM’s International Television division, reporting in to MGM Television Group chairman Mark Burnett.
Based in Munich, she will split her time between MGM’s European and Us offices.
Bauer announced she was departing earlier this month after Studiocanal acquired a 100% stake in its German subsidiary Tandem Productions. Bauer, a founding partner of Tandem and managing director of Studiocanal, said she was stepping down from both of her roles.
Bauer oversaw premium scripted content for Studiocanal including the series “Years and Years,” and “War of the Worlds,” while also spearheading acquisitions for “Midnight Sun,” “The Last Panthers,” and “Below the Surface.” On the international coproduction and distribution front, she handled the upcoming “ZeroZeroZero,” as well as Harlan Coben’s “Safe,” her third Coben series, for Netflix and Canal+ Group.
Bauer will oversee development, production and co-productions for MGM’s International Television division, reporting in to MGM Television Group chairman Mark Burnett.
Based in Munich, she will split her time between MGM’s European and Us offices.
Bauer announced she was departing earlier this month after Studiocanal acquired a 100% stake in its German subsidiary Tandem Productions. Bauer, a founding partner of Tandem and managing director of Studiocanal, said she was stepping down from both of her roles.
Bauer oversaw premium scripted content for Studiocanal including the series “Years and Years,” and “War of the Worlds,” while also spearheading acquisitions for “Midnight Sun,” “The Last Panthers,” and “Below the Surface.” On the international coproduction and distribution front, she handled the upcoming “ZeroZeroZero,” as well as Harlan Coben’s “Safe,” her third Coben series, for Netflix and Canal+ Group.
- 6/8/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Long-time Studiocanal executive Rola Bauer is joining MGM as President, International Television Productions.
Bauer will oversee development, production and co-productions for MGM’s international scripted TV content, reporting to MGM TV Group Chairman Mark Burnett.
Based in Munich, she will split her time between MGM’s European and U.S. offices.
A highly respected veteran of international TV production, Bauer previously steered Studiocanal’s TV content, including Years And Years and War Of The Worlds, while also spearheading acquisitions for Midnight Sun, The Last Panthers, and Below the Surface. On the international co-production and distribution front, she handled ZeroZeroZero as well as Harlan Coben’s Safe, her third Coben series, for Netflix and the Canal+ Group.
She led the development and orchestrated the funding of detective series Take Two, the U.S./European co-production from Tandem, Milmar Pictures and ABC Studios. She has also been instrumental in shaping numerous international productions,...
Bauer will oversee development, production and co-productions for MGM’s international scripted TV content, reporting to MGM TV Group Chairman Mark Burnett.
Based in Munich, she will split her time between MGM’s European and U.S. offices.
A highly respected veteran of international TV production, Bauer previously steered Studiocanal’s TV content, including Years And Years and War Of The Worlds, while also spearheading acquisitions for Midnight Sun, The Last Panthers, and Below the Surface. On the international co-production and distribution front, she handled ZeroZeroZero as well as Harlan Coben’s Safe, her third Coben series, for Netflix and the Canal+ Group.
She led the development and orchestrated the funding of detective series Take Two, the U.S./European co-production from Tandem, Milmar Pictures and ABC Studios. She has also been instrumental in shaping numerous international productions,...
- 6/8/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Arte France, a bastion of quality European TV, is looking to make its French series ever less French , as it consolidates its position as one of Europe’s most internationally-minded TV operators.
Early fruit of that drive, “No Man’s Land,” – “in microcosm, and in a thriller format, what we’re trying to do in general,” Olivier Wotling, Arte France’s head of drama, told Variety – was selected for main competition at Series Mania. Had the TV festival taken place in Lille, it would surely have been a strong contender for its best series prize.
“No Man’s Land’s” main stars are French: Félix Moati, who plays initially dapper Parisian construction engineer Antoine, and Melanie Thierry. A lead producer is most certainly French, Paris-based Haut et Court, the reputed producer of “Les Revenants,” “The Last Panthers” and “The New Pope.”
But Antoine’s journey is certainly not as, unable to...
Early fruit of that drive, “No Man’s Land,” – “in microcosm, and in a thriller format, what we’re trying to do in general,” Olivier Wotling, Arte France’s head of drama, told Variety – was selected for main competition at Series Mania. Had the TV festival taken place in Lille, it would surely have been a strong contender for its best series prize.
“No Man’s Land’s” main stars are French: Félix Moati, who plays initially dapper Parisian construction engineer Antoine, and Melanie Thierry. A lead producer is most certainly French, Paris-based Haut et Court, the reputed producer of “Les Revenants,” “The Last Panthers” and “The New Pope.”
But Antoine’s journey is certainly not as, unable to...
- 3/31/2020
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
With the world taking a seemingly dystopian turn due to the Cover-19 pandemic, “My First Family,” a high-concept series project set in an alternate world created by Maya Zaydman (“Our Boys”) and Ori Sivan (“In Treatment”), will likely strike a chord with audiences.
“My First Family,” which is being pitched as part of Series Mania’s virtual co-production forum, unfolds in a contemporary but fictional France where the conservative candidate Valery Giscard d’Estaing was elected in 1981, instead of François Mitterrand.
The country has evolved radically differently from the France that we know today. Following several political and social events, as well as various incidents, the country voted to create in 2002 a Certificate of Parental Aptitude that parents need to get in order to reproduce. Kids whose parents have failed the exam and who have become wards of the nation are paired with prospective parents, either couples or singles, during...
“My First Family,” which is being pitched as part of Series Mania’s virtual co-production forum, unfolds in a contemporary but fictional France where the conservative candidate Valery Giscard d’Estaing was elected in 1981, instead of François Mitterrand.
The country has evolved radically differently from the France that we know today. Following several political and social events, as well as various incidents, the country voted to create in 2002 a Certificate of Parental Aptitude that parents need to get in order to reproduce. Kids whose parents have failed the exam and who have become wards of the nation are paired with prospective parents, either couples or singles, during...
- 3/25/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Prolific Paris-based producer-distributer Haut et Court, whose TV credits include The Returned, The Young Pope and The Last Panthers, has hired a UK-based development scout as the company’s search for international TV and film projects gathers pace.
Based in London, former Fremantle editorial assistant Juliette Carlton-Thoquenne will act as Haut et Court’s UK contact and first port of call for writers and agents, and will develop and script-edit on English-language projects.
The French-British dual national will report into producer Caroline Benjo and will travel between the company’s London and Paris office.
Haut et Court has grown its international TV slate in recent years. Latest co-productions emanating from Israel include English-language dramas Fertile Crescent from Hulu/Arte, and Canal + show Possessions. Both series are currently in post-production. The former, starring James Purefoy, is created by Maria Feldman, Eitan Mansuri, Amit Cohen and Ron Leshem and directed by...
Based in London, former Fremantle editorial assistant Juliette Carlton-Thoquenne will act as Haut et Court’s UK contact and first port of call for writers and agents, and will develop and script-edit on English-language projects.
The French-British dual national will report into producer Caroline Benjo and will travel between the company’s London and Paris office.
Haut et Court has grown its international TV slate in recent years. Latest co-productions emanating from Israel include English-language dramas Fertile Crescent from Hulu/Arte, and Canal + show Possessions. Both series are currently in post-production. The former, starring James Purefoy, is created by Maria Feldman, Eitan Mansuri, Amit Cohen and Ron Leshem and directed by...
- 1/28/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
For the first time ever, a record number of 13 talent scouts -including U.S. reps from Wiip, CAA, Gersh- will set foot at Göteborg’s sold-out Nordic TV Drama Vision (Jan.29-30), where around 50 series in progress and in development will play to 420 industry delegates.
“This is the first time ever we have such a large presence of talent agents in Göteborg, but mirrors the worldwide trend of people trying to uncover and snap up the next big talent and stories, of which the Nordics abound,” said head of industry Cia Edström.
Heading the works in progress is HBO’s Swedish original “Beartown,” to be discussed by HBO Nordic’s commissioning editor & VP Original Programming, Hanne Palmquist, director Peter Grönlund, and Filmlance International’s producers Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn. The adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s best-selling novel will bow on HBO later this year.
The dramedy “Dreaming of England,...
“This is the first time ever we have such a large presence of talent agents in Göteborg, but mirrors the worldwide trend of people trying to uncover and snap up the next big talent and stories, of which the Nordics abound,” said head of industry Cia Edström.
Heading the works in progress is HBO’s Swedish original “Beartown,” to be discussed by HBO Nordic’s commissioning editor & VP Original Programming, Hanne Palmquist, director Peter Grönlund, and Filmlance International’s producers Bonnie Skoog Feeney and Mattias Arehn. The adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s best-selling novel will bow on HBO later this year.
The dramedy “Dreaming of England,...
- 1/20/2020
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
San Sebastian — In one of the big deals to go down at this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival, prestigious French production-distribution house Haut et Court has secured French distribution rights to Alejandro Amenábar’s “While at War.”
Buena Vista Intl. (Bvi) releases the film, Amenabar’s first in Spanish since the Oscar-winning “The Sea Inside,” in Spain this Friday Sept. 27.
Negotiations on Amenábar’s historical psychological drama-thriller began at early September’s Toronto Festival and closed at San Sebastian.
The deal has been brokered by Vicente Canales,founder of Film Factory Ent. the film’s sales agent, and Carole Scotta, co-head of Haut et Court Distribution, and Laure Caillol, its head of acquisitions.
The distribution accord will see the French distribution house open “While at War” on 80-100 screens, a location spread reserved for higher-profile foreign language titles in traditionally their biggest territory in Europe.
“Haut et Court is perfect for ‘While at War.
Buena Vista Intl. (Bvi) releases the film, Amenabar’s first in Spanish since the Oscar-winning “The Sea Inside,” in Spain this Friday Sept. 27.
Negotiations on Amenábar’s historical psychological drama-thriller began at early September’s Toronto Festival and closed at San Sebastian.
The deal has been brokered by Vicente Canales,founder of Film Factory Ent. the film’s sales agent, and Carole Scotta, co-head of Haut et Court Distribution, and Laure Caillol, its head of acquisitions.
The distribution accord will see the French distribution house open “While at War” on 80-100 screens, a location spread reserved for higher-profile foreign language titles in traditionally their biggest territory in Europe.
“Haut et Court is perfect for ‘While at War.
- 9/25/2019
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Craig Mazin is a workaholic who has not faced one day since 1995 without some kind of deadline. Pegged early on as a Hollywood comedy screenwriter, he weathered two “Scary Movie” and two “Hangover” sequels. So it was something of a surprise when he created riveting true-life drama “Chernobyl,” which became not only HBO’s most successful limited series since “Band of Brothers,” but scored 19 Emmy nominations, beat only by “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Game of Thrones.”
Apart from his own output, Mazin built a reputation as a writer partly via the popular Script Notes podcast. Back in 2011, fellow writer/blogger John August invited his colleague to join him on a new podcast; they have delivered it every Tuesday ever since, free of commercial interruption. Podcast producer August is “the classic Wasp-y not straight straight guy,” said Mazin in an interview at his Pasadena office. “I’m the goofy guy,...
Apart from his own output, Mazin built a reputation as a writer partly via the popular Script Notes podcast. Back in 2011, fellow writer/blogger John August invited his colleague to join him on a new podcast; they have delivered it every Tuesday ever since, free of commercial interruption. Podcast producer August is “the classic Wasp-y not straight straight guy,” said Mazin in an interview at his Pasadena office. “I’m the goofy guy,...
- 8/21/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Craig Mazin is a workaholic who has not faced one day since 1995 without some kind of deadline. Pegged early on as a Hollywood comedy screenwriter, he weathered two “Scary Movie” and two “Hangover” sequels. So it was something of a surprise when he created riveting true-life drama “Chernobyl,” which became not only HBO’s most successful limited series since “Band of Brothers,” but scored 19 Emmy nominations, beat only by “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Game of Thrones.”
Apart from his own output, Mazin built a reputation as a writer partly via the popular Script Notes podcast. Back in 2011, fellow writer/blogger John August invited his colleague to join him on a new podcast; they have delivered it every Tuesday ever since, free of commercial interruption. Podcast producer August is “the classic Wasp-y not straight straight guy,” said Mazin in an interview at his Pasadena office. “I’m the goofy guy,...
Apart from his own output, Mazin built a reputation as a writer partly via the popular Script Notes podcast. Back in 2011, fellow writer/blogger John August invited his colleague to join him on a new podcast; they have delivered it every Tuesday ever since, free of commercial interruption. Podcast producer August is “the classic Wasp-y not straight straight guy,” said Mazin in an interview at his Pasadena office. “I’m the goofy guy,...
- 8/21/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Actor Campbell Scott will tackle the holiday season’s favorite miser with an eight-week Broadway run of A Christmas Carol, with Matthew Warchus directing the Jack Thorne adaptation of the Dickens classic.
The production heads to Broadway via London, where the show played well-received runs at the Old Vic.
As adapted by Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), A Christmas Carol begins previews Thursday, November 7 at Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre, with an opening night set for Wednesday, November 20. The strictly limited engagement runs through Sunday, January 5, 2020.
With Scott as Scrooge and featuring 12 Christmas songs, A Christmas Carol will be produced on Broadway by Tom Smedes, Heather Shields, ShowTown Productions, and Catherine Schreiber.
Complete casting will be announced later.
A Christmas Carol will feature scenic and costume design by Rob Howell...
The production heads to Broadway via London, where the show played well-received runs at the Old Vic.
As adapted by Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), A Christmas Carol begins previews Thursday, November 7 at Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre, with an opening night set for Wednesday, November 20. The strictly limited engagement runs through Sunday, January 5, 2020.
With Scott as Scrooge and featuring 12 Christmas songs, A Christmas Carol will be produced on Broadway by Tom Smedes, Heather Shields, ShowTown Productions, and Catherine Schreiber.
Complete casting will be announced later.
A Christmas Carol will feature scenic and costume design by Rob Howell...
- 8/13/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tahar Rahim will play French serial killer Charles Sobhraj in the BBC drama “The Serpent,” which Netflix is boarding as a co-producer. The streaming giant will play it in the U.S. and around the world.
Rahim (“The Looming Tower”) will star as conman and mass murderer Sobhraj, who was discovered and trailed by a young diplomat in mid-1970s Southeast Asia and who escaped prison more than once.
The eight-part series is written by Richard Warlow (“Ripper Street”) and based on the true story of how the elusive Sobhraj was caught and brought to trial. The drama follows a junior diplomat from the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok as he unwittingly walks into the web of crime that leads him to chase down the murderer in the twilight years of the Asian Hippie Trail.
The series will be directed by Tom Shankland (“The Missing”) and produced by ITV-owned Mammoth Screen...
Rahim (“The Looming Tower”) will star as conman and mass murderer Sobhraj, who was discovered and trailed by a young diplomat in mid-1970s Southeast Asia and who escaped prison more than once.
The eight-part series is written by Richard Warlow (“Ripper Street”) and based on the true story of how the elusive Sobhraj was caught and brought to trial. The drama follows a junior diplomat from the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok as he unwittingly walks into the web of crime that leads him to chase down the murderer in the twilight years of the Asian Hippie Trail.
The series will be directed by Tom Shankland (“The Missing”) and produced by ITV-owned Mammoth Screen...
- 7/15/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy and Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
As you may have heard, there’s something happening on HBO this coming Sunday night. As the network looks to get as many eyeballs as possible on upcoming projects, the latest tease might just fit in best with fans looking for a post-“Game of Thrones” fix.
“His Dark Materials,” the landmark Philip Pullman trilogy, forms the basis for the new HBO limited series, which follows Lyra (Dafne Keen) as she navigates a treacherous fantasy world where children are in grave danger. The series constructs a reality where humans and other living beings are connected by metaphysical bonds. As logically follows when a mystical, unexplained power is in play, the fight to control it quickly envelops everything in its path.
That includes the warring ideologies of Marisa Coulter (Ruth Wilson) and Lord Asriel (James McAvoy). When that fight starts to lead to mysterious disappearances, things creep closer to armed conflict.
“His Dark Materials,” the landmark Philip Pullman trilogy, forms the basis for the new HBO limited series, which follows Lyra (Dafne Keen) as she navigates a treacherous fantasy world where children are in grave danger. The series constructs a reality where humans and other living beings are connected by metaphysical bonds. As logically follows when a mystical, unexplained power is in play, the fight to control it quickly envelops everything in its path.
That includes the warring ideologies of Marisa Coulter (Ruth Wilson) and Lord Asriel (James McAvoy). When that fight starts to lead to mysterious disappearances, things creep closer to armed conflict.
- 5/17/2019
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Usually, historical stories of unforeseen tragedies have a hero who is ready to come and save the day. Given what we now know about the nuclear meltdown that led to the new HBO series “Chernobyl,” that moment of triumph will certainly be harder to come by.
After the physical and psychological tumult experienced by his character Francis Crozier in last year’s “The Terror,” Jared Harris is back playing another role packed with peril. Here, he’s Valery Legasov, a real-life individual tasked with determining what led to the massive power plant failure.
As evidenced in this trailer, “Chernobyl” is set at the title facility in Pripyat during the final years of the Soviet Union, but the show takes a modified “Death of Stalin” approach to accents. Still, even in carefully selected images from the series, it supports what series writer and creator Craig Mazin has said about “Chernobyl” being a real-life horror story.
After the physical and psychological tumult experienced by his character Francis Crozier in last year’s “The Terror,” Jared Harris is back playing another role packed with peril. Here, he’s Valery Legasov, a real-life individual tasked with determining what led to the massive power plant failure.
As evidenced in this trailer, “Chernobyl” is set at the title facility in Pripyat during the final years of the Soviet Union, but the show takes a modified “Death of Stalin” approach to accents. Still, even in carefully selected images from the series, it supports what series writer and creator Craig Mazin has said about “Chernobyl” being a real-life horror story.
- 3/28/2019
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
We were already counting down to Damien Chazelle‘s Netflix series for a variety of reasons – a return to the musical genre for the director of “La La Land,” a setting in Paris, not having to leave our couch to watch it – but this Variety exclusive ups our anticipation level. Tahar Rahim is now in discussions to join the Oscar-winning filmmaker on “The Eddy.”
Read More: ‘La La Land’ Director Damien Chazelle Heads To Netflix With Musical Series ‘The Eddy’
If you’re unfamiliar with Tahar Rahim, the French actor first attracted attention in 2009 for Jacques Audiard’s “A Prophet,” and he’s been a fixture in international auteurs’ work ever since, most notably in Asghar Farhadi‘s “The Past.” This won’t be Rahim’s first small-screen excursion though; TV viewers may have spotted him in Hulu‘s “The Looming Tower” or SundanceTV‘s “The Last Panthers.” Jack Thorne (“Wonder,...
Read More: ‘La La Land’ Director Damien Chazelle Heads To Netflix With Musical Series ‘The Eddy’
If you’re unfamiliar with Tahar Rahim, the French actor first attracted attention in 2009 for Jacques Audiard’s “A Prophet,” and he’s been a fixture in international auteurs’ work ever since, most notably in Asghar Farhadi‘s “The Past.” This won’t be Rahim’s first small-screen excursion though; TV viewers may have spotted him in Hulu‘s “The Looming Tower” or SundanceTV‘s “The Last Panthers.” Jack Thorne (“Wonder,...
- 2/13/2019
- by Kimber Myers
- The Playlist
Tahar Rahim, the French actor currently appearing in the Berlinale opening film “The Kindness of Strangers,” is in negotiations to star in Damien Chazelle’s highly anticipated Netflix series “The Eddy,” Variety has learned.
A Paris-set musical series written by Jack Thorne (“National Treasure”), “The Eddy” will revolve around a club, its owner, the house band, and the chaotic city that surrounds them. The series is expected to start shooting on location in Paris later this year.
Chazelle, the Oscar-winning director of “La La Land” and “First Man,” will direct several episodes of the series, on top of exec-producing. Glen Ballard, the composer and producer of Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” and Michael Jackson’s “Bad,” is composing the original score for the series and will also exec-produce it, along with Alan Poul.
Some episodes will be directed Houda Benyamina, several sources say. Benyamina helmed “Divines,” which world premiered...
A Paris-set musical series written by Jack Thorne (“National Treasure”), “The Eddy” will revolve around a club, its owner, the house band, and the chaotic city that surrounds them. The series is expected to start shooting on location in Paris later this year.
Chazelle, the Oscar-winning director of “La La Land” and “First Man,” will direct several episodes of the series, on top of exec-producing. Glen Ballard, the composer and producer of Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” and Michael Jackson’s “Bad,” is composing the original score for the series and will also exec-produce it, along with Alan Poul.
Some episodes will be directed Houda Benyamina, several sources say. Benyamina helmed “Divines,” which world premiered...
- 2/12/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Studiocanal has pre-sold Movistar+’s original drama “Instinto” to Amazon Prime Video in Latin America and to Pantaya, the premium Spanish-language streaming service recently launched by Lionsgate and Hemisphere Media Group.
An erotic thriller, “Instinto” is produced by Bambú Producciones, the Studiocanal-owned Spanish company behind Spanish-language hit series such as “Velvet” and “Grand Hotel.” The series will mark the first show from Bambú distributed by Studiocanal and the company’s first partnership with Telefonica.
The eight-part drama, directed by Carlos Sedes, will premiere on Movistar+ in Spain and will also roll out on a first-run basis across the U.S. on Pantaya. Amazon Prime Video will then stream the series in the entire Latin American region, including Brazil.
“Instinto” stars Mario Casas (“The 33”) as Marco, a tormented young businessman who regularly escapes to a private club to fulfill his fantasies. The show was created by executive producers Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández-Valdés.
An erotic thriller, “Instinto” is produced by Bambú Producciones, the Studiocanal-owned Spanish company behind Spanish-language hit series such as “Velvet” and “Grand Hotel.” The series will mark the first show from Bambú distributed by Studiocanal and the company’s first partnership with Telefonica.
The eight-part drama, directed by Carlos Sedes, will premiere on Movistar+ in Spain and will also roll out on a first-run basis across the U.S. on Pantaya. Amazon Prime Video will then stream the series in the entire Latin American region, including Brazil.
“Instinto” stars Mario Casas (“The 33”) as Marco, a tormented young businessman who regularly escapes to a private club to fulfill his fantasies. The show was created by executive producers Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández-Valdés.
- 11/27/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Madrid — Vicente Canales’ Film Factory Entertainment has acquired world sales rights to “The Consequences” (“Las consecuencias”), writer-director Claudia Pinto Emperador’s follow-up to her 2013 feature debut, “The Longest Distance,” which marked out the Spanish-Venezuelan writer-director as a talent to track.
A Spain-Netherlands-Belgium co-production, “The Consequences” won a €330,000 conditionally repayable non-interest loan for co-production from the Council of Europe’s Eurimages Fund in its latest allocation, announced Oct. 22. That followed on a Eurimages Co-production Development Award at last year’s San Sebastian Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum.
Described by Variety as an “accomplished debut,” thanks to its “well-drawn characters, engaging performances and a convincingly rooted storyline,” “The Longest Distance” won the Glauber Rocha Award for best Latin American film at 2013’s Montreal World Film Festival.
“The Longest Distance” used stunning landscape – Venezuela’s Gran Sabana region – and genre – a road movie – to frame a story of bedrock family relations – a young boy...
A Spain-Netherlands-Belgium co-production, “The Consequences” won a €330,000 conditionally repayable non-interest loan for co-production from the Council of Europe’s Eurimages Fund in its latest allocation, announced Oct. 22. That followed on a Eurimages Co-production Development Award at last year’s San Sebastian Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum.
Described by Variety as an “accomplished debut,” thanks to its “well-drawn characters, engaging performances and a convincingly rooted storyline,” “The Longest Distance” won the Glauber Rocha Award for best Latin American film at 2013’s Montreal World Film Festival.
“The Longest Distance” used stunning landscape – Venezuela’s Gran Sabana region – and genre – a road movie – to frame a story of bedrock family relations – a young boy...
- 10/29/2018
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
David Wenham (Photo: Albin Olsson via Wikimedia Commons).
David Wenham, Aaron Pedersen, Chris Haywood and singer-songwriter Julia Stone have joined Garrett Hedlund and Kelly Macdonald in Dirt Music, Gregor Jordan’s adaptation of the Tim Winton novel.
Now shooting in Bardi Jawi country in the Kimberley, Western Australia, it’s described as a gritty, sexy drama overlaid with a haunting love story.
As If reported, Macdonald is playing Georgie, a sometime sailor, diver and nurse who is stranded in a remote fishing town with Jim (Wenham), a man she doesn’t love, and his young sons whose dead mother she can never replace.
A reckless moment leads Georgie to an intense, sexually charged affair with Lu Fox (Hedlund), an enigmatic loner, musician and poacher who is traumatised by a tragic accident from his past.
When Lu retreats into the wilderness, Georgie embarks on a journey to bring him back with the unlikely help of Jim,...
David Wenham, Aaron Pedersen, Chris Haywood and singer-songwriter Julia Stone have joined Garrett Hedlund and Kelly Macdonald in Dirt Music, Gregor Jordan’s adaptation of the Tim Winton novel.
Now shooting in Bardi Jawi country in the Kimberley, Western Australia, it’s described as a gritty, sexy drama overlaid with a haunting love story.
As If reported, Macdonald is playing Georgie, a sometime sailor, diver and nurse who is stranded in a remote fishing town with Jim (Wenham), a man she doesn’t love, and his young sons whose dead mother she can never replace.
A reckless moment leads Georgie to an intense, sexually charged affair with Lu Fox (Hedlund), an enigmatic loner, musician and poacher who is traumatised by a tragic accident from his past.
When Lu retreats into the wilderness, Georgie embarks on a journey to bring him back with the unlikely help of Jim,...
- 10/9/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
London-based FremantleMedia is on board to co-develop, co-produce and handle global distribution on “Fertile Crescent,” an ambitious drama set in the Middle East which is being created by the talent behind “False Flag,” Maria Feldman.
Spiro Films’s Eitan Mansuri, the producer of “When Heroes Fly,” is lead-producing “Fertile Crescent” with Haut et Court TV, the French outfit behind “The Young Pope,” “The Last Panthers” and the original “The Returned.” On top of creating and co-writing the series, Feldman is also co-producing via her banner Masha Productions. Amit Cohen, who co-created “False Flag” with Feldman, is co-writing “Fertile Crescent.”
Christian Vesper, FremantleMedia’s executive vice president and creative director at FremantleMedia’s drama team, will serve as executive producer on “Fertile Crescent.” Vesper said FremantleMedia started tracking “Fertile Crescent” after discovering it last year at Series Mania where it won the best project award.
Vesper had previously collaborated with “Haut...
Spiro Films’s Eitan Mansuri, the producer of “When Heroes Fly,” is lead-producing “Fertile Crescent” with Haut et Court TV, the French outfit behind “The Young Pope,” “The Last Panthers” and the original “The Returned.” On top of creating and co-writing the series, Feldman is also co-producing via her banner Masha Productions. Amit Cohen, who co-created “False Flag” with Feldman, is co-writing “Fertile Crescent.”
Christian Vesper, FremantleMedia’s executive vice president and creative director at FremantleMedia’s drama team, will serve as executive producer on “Fertile Crescent.” Vesper said FremantleMedia started tracking “Fertile Crescent” after discovering it last year at Series Mania where it won the best project award.
Vesper had previously collaborated with “Haut...
- 4/10/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
We are still a ways away until the finale of the current Star Wars trilogy, Episode IX, hits theaters, but there is already news that Disney and Lucasfilm needed to bring in a new writer. Come inside to find out what's going on.
While we wait with bated breath for Rian Johnson's Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi to come out this December, Episode IX Director Colin Trevorrow has already begun working on the finale of this trilogy. Specifically, the script. As it turns out, the script he and his writing partner, Derek Connolly, have put together may have hit a snag, according to a report by THR.
Jack Thorne has been brought in to provide a "fresh set of eyes" and make rewrites to the script Connolly and Trevorrow wrote. Thorne is an English writer responsible for penning and co-creating several TV shows like National Treasure, The Last Panthers,...
While we wait with bated breath for Rian Johnson's Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi to come out this December, Episode IX Director Colin Trevorrow has already begun working on the finale of this trilogy. Specifically, the script. As it turns out, the script he and his writing partner, Derek Connolly, have put together may have hit a snag, according to a report by THR.
Jack Thorne has been brought in to provide a "fresh set of eyes" and make rewrites to the script Connolly and Trevorrow wrote. Thorne is an English writer responsible for penning and co-creating several TV shows like National Treasure, The Last Panthers,...
- 8/2/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Matt Malliaros)
- Cinelinx
Looks like “Star Wars: Episode IX” is getting a fresh pair of eyes. The Hollywood Reporter reports that rising British screenwriter Jack Thorne will be contributing rewrites to the script of the upcoming ninth installment of the beloved franchise. While Thorne is a relatively new name in Hollywood, he’s already having a big year: his “Wonder” will arrive on November 17.
Read MoreColin Trevorrow Explains Why He Should Still Direct ‘Star Wars’ Despite That Whole ‘Book of Henry’ Thing
As THR notes, “Trevorrow and his writing partner, Derek Connolly, have been working on the script, but sources say a fresh set of eyes was needed. It is unclear how extensive the rewrites will be.” THR is also quick to note that, despite previous reports, the script for “Episode IX” is not based on a treatment from filmmaker Rian Johnson, who wrote and directed the upcoming “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Read MoreColin Trevorrow Explains Why He Should Still Direct ‘Star Wars’ Despite That Whole ‘Book of Henry’ Thing
As THR notes, “Trevorrow and his writing partner, Derek Connolly, have been working on the script, but sources say a fresh set of eyes was needed. It is unclear how extensive the rewrites will be.” THR is also quick to note that, despite previous reports, the script for “Episode IX” is not based on a treatment from filmmaker Rian Johnson, who wrote and directed the upcoming “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
- 8/2/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
British screenwriter Jack Thorne has been tapped to finish the screenplay for Star Wars: Episode IX, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Thorne will take over for director Colin Trevorrow and his writing partner Derek Connolly. According to sources, a new set of eyes was needed to finish the final installment of the franchise reboot, though it's unclear how much of the script needs to be rewritten.
Thorne has created several acclaimed British television shows including National Treasure, the crime drama The Last Panthers and the sci-fi series The Fades.
Thorne will take over for director Colin Trevorrow and his writing partner Derek Connolly. According to sources, a new set of eyes was needed to finish the final installment of the franchise reboot, though it's unclear how much of the script needs to be rewritten.
Thorne has created several acclaimed British television shows including National Treasure, the crime drama The Last Panthers and the sci-fi series The Fades.
- 8/2/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Welp, it was bound to happen. “Star Wars: Episode IX” is getting a rewrite. Lucasfilm has tasked English writer Jack Thorne, known for his work in theater, TV and film, to take a new pass at the script.
Read More: R.I.P.: Carrie Fisher Dead At 60
In the U.K. Thorne is primarily known for his work writing for TV— “Skins,” “ This Is England” ’86, ’88 and ’90, “The Last Panthers,” the “National Treasure” mini-series— recently penning the stage play for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which was based off a new original new story by Thorne, J.K.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars Episode IX’ Is Getting A Rewrite From A ‘Harry Potter’ Collaborator at The Playlist.
Read More: R.I.P.: Carrie Fisher Dead At 60
In the U.K. Thorne is primarily known for his work writing for TV— “Skins,” “ This Is England” ’86, ’88 and ’90, “The Last Panthers,” the “National Treasure” mini-series— recently penning the stage play for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which was based off a new original new story by Thorne, J.K.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars Episode IX’ Is Getting A Rewrite From A ‘Harry Potter’ Collaborator at The Playlist.
- 8/2/2017
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Colin Trevorrow has been attached to direct Star Wars: Episode IX for a while now, and while the reviews of Trevorrow’s The Book Of Henry probably made a lot of Star Wars fans worried about how he’d handle the end of this new trilogy, LucasFilm itself didn’t seem to show any concerns. Now, though, it’s hard not to think of The Book Of Henry when The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the studio is bringing in a new writer to revise the previous draft of the script that Trevorrow and his writing partner Derek Connolly wrote. Again, LucasFilm would probably never say that it was worried about Trevorrow’s work, but this does seem to indicate that it’s not taking any chances.
The new writer is Jack Thorne, the creator or co-creator of British TV shows like The Fades, The Cast-Offs, The Last Panthers, and National...
The new writer is Jack Thorne, the creator or co-creator of British TV shows like The Fades, The Cast-Offs, The Last Panthers, and National...
- 8/1/2017
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
Channel orders four-parter from Warp Films.
This Is England team Shane Meadows and Jack Thorne are to create a four-part drama for Channel 4 (writes Broadcast).
Set to air in 2019, The Virtues (w/t) follows a troubled man who returns to Ireland to confront his childhood in the care system.
The 4 x 60-minute series is currently filming in Belfast, Sheffield and Liverpool, and will star This Is England and Taboo actor Stephen Graham alongside newcomer Niamh Algar.
Warp Films’ drama is written by Thorne and Meadows, who will also direct.
The production marks Meadows’ first directing and writing credit since 2015’s This Is England ‘90 - the third instalment of the long-running drama. Thorne has since penned The Last Panthers, National Treasure and an episode of Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams.
Producers include Mark Herbert and Nickie Sault. The series was commissioned by C4 head of drama Beth Willis.
Meadows said: “The Virtues takes the biblical, almost...
This Is England team Shane Meadows and Jack Thorne are to create a four-part drama for Channel 4 (writes Broadcast).
Set to air in 2019, The Virtues (w/t) follows a troubled man who returns to Ireland to confront his childhood in the care system.
The 4 x 60-minute series is currently filming in Belfast, Sheffield and Liverpool, and will star This Is England and Taboo actor Stephen Graham alongside newcomer Niamh Algar.
Warp Films’ drama is written by Thorne and Meadows, who will also direct.
The production marks Meadows’ first directing and writing credit since 2015’s This Is England ‘90 - the third instalment of the long-running drama. Thorne has since penned The Last Panthers, National Treasure and an episode of Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams.
Producers include Mark Herbert and Nickie Sault. The series was commissioned by C4 head of drama Beth Willis.
Meadows said: “The Virtues takes the biblical, almost...
- 7/12/2017
- ScreenDaily
Hulu released an exclusive clip from its upcoming miniseries “National Treasure,” a show revolving around a famed comedic performer, played by Robbie Coltrane (“Harry Potter“), whose life is turned upside down when he is accused of a sexual abuse scandal. Two-time Oscar nominee Julie Walters (“Brooklyn“) also stars in the series as Coltrane’s wife, while Andrea Riseborough (“Birdman“) plays their daughter. Hulu has also unveiled a dramatic new poster for the series.
Read More: TV Imports: The Best Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Acquired Series You’re Not Watching
The clip, titled “The Search,” comes from the show’s first episode and reveals an intense and intimate conversation between Coltrane and Walters. Paul Finchley (Coltrane) has already been swept up in the scandal, while his wife is starting to feel the pressure alongside her husband. The scene promises stellar performance from the two actors, and adds a layer of mystery...
Read More: TV Imports: The Best Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Acquired Series You’re Not Watching
The clip, titled “The Search,” comes from the show’s first episode and reveals an intense and intimate conversation between Coltrane and Walters. Paul Finchley (Coltrane) has already been swept up in the scandal, while his wife is starting to feel the pressure alongside her husband. The scene promises stellar performance from the two actors, and adds a layer of mystery...
- 2/28/2017
- by Michael Gonzalez
- Indiewire
El Questro Station, where 'Wonderful Unknown' will shoot. (Photo: Tourism Western Australia)..
Two features, Wonderful Unknown and Dirt Music, as well as a six-part drama series from Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey, are set to shoot in Western Australia, thanks to the $16 million Wa Regional Film Fund.
The fund, launched by the state government.last year, is designed to attract local and international productions..
".Eight months after its launch, the fund has helped secure its first Hollywood-Australian feature and UK-Australian feature as well as a major Australian television series," said Wa Culture and Arts Minister John Day.
.It is estimated they will contribute more than $14 million to the Wa economy..
Gregor Jordan (Buffalo Soldiers, Ned Kelly, Two Hands) will direct Dirt Music, the long-in-the-works adaptation of Tim Winton.s novel.
The screenplay was penned by Jack Thorne (Wonder, The Last Panthers), and the producers are Brits Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey,...
Two features, Wonderful Unknown and Dirt Music, as well as a six-part drama series from Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey, are set to shoot in Western Australia, thanks to the $16 million Wa Regional Film Fund.
The fund, launched by the state government.last year, is designed to attract local and international productions..
".Eight months after its launch, the fund has helped secure its first Hollywood-Australian feature and UK-Australian feature as well as a major Australian television series," said Wa Culture and Arts Minister John Day.
.It is estimated they will contribute more than $14 million to the Wa economy..
Gregor Jordan (Buffalo Soldiers, Ned Kelly, Two Hands) will direct Dirt Music, the long-in-the-works adaptation of Tim Winton.s novel.
The screenplay was penned by Jack Thorne (Wonder, The Last Panthers), and the producers are Brits Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey,...
- 1/30/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Beloved British actor Sir John Hurt passed away at the age of 77 after battling pancreatic cancer. The two-time Oscar nominee had over 200 acting credits to his name, including “Alien,” “V for Vendetta,” “The Elephant Man,” the “Harry Potter” franchise, and most recently Pablo Larraín’s “Jackie.”
Following the announcement of his death on Friday, his Hollywood peers and friends paid tribute to him on social media, sending their condolences and remembering the great times they’ve had together, as well as his incredible filmography.
Read More: John Hurt, ‘Alien’ and ‘The Elephant Man’ Star, Dies At 77
Mel Brooks, who worked with Hurt on “The Elephant Man” and “Spaceballs,” tweeted that he was “a truly magnificent talent” and that “he will sorely be missed.”
It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt's passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
No one could have played The Elephant Man more memorably.
Following the announcement of his death on Friday, his Hollywood peers and friends paid tribute to him on social media, sending their condolences and remembering the great times they’ve had together, as well as his incredible filmography.
Read More: John Hurt, ‘Alien’ and ‘The Elephant Man’ Star, Dies At 77
Mel Brooks, who worked with Hurt on “The Elephant Man” and “Spaceballs,” tweeted that he was “a truly magnificent talent” and that “he will sorely be missed.”
It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt's passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
No one could have played The Elephant Man more memorably.
- 1/28/2017
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Sir John Hurt, the two-time Academy Award nominee whose TV credits included episodes of Doctor Who and the voice of The Great Dragon on BBC One’s Merlin, died on Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 77.
Hurt’s TV roles also included Caligula in the BBC’s 1976 miniseries I, Claudius, the 2012 mini Labyrinth, the Kiefer Sutherland-created web-turned-Hulu series The Confession and, most recently, the European crime drama The Last Panthers (which aired Stateside on SundanceTV last spring).
The Brit was also originally cast as The Strain‘s Dr. Setrakian, but was replaced after the pilot was shot,...
Hurt’s TV roles also included Caligula in the BBC’s 1976 miniseries I, Claudius, the 2012 mini Labyrinth, the Kiefer Sutherland-created web-turned-Hulu series The Confession and, most recently, the European crime drama The Last Panthers (which aired Stateside on SundanceTV last spring).
The Brit was also originally cast as The Strain‘s Dr. Setrakian, but was replaced after the pilot was shot,...
- 1/28/2017
- TVLine.com
Hulu's Harlots is entirely told from the "whore's eye view," executive producer Alison Owen told TV critics today at TCA. There are "no male gazes" in the show; it is entirely about the women, looking outwards at their world. To that end, the team of producers, directors and writers is nearly entirely female, which, Ep Debra Hayward said, "influenced the show in the way we wanted it to." Samantha Morton (The Last Panthers), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) and Lesley…...
- 1/7/2017
- Deadline TV
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